PITHOUD, Francis Elisha
Source:
Iva Lewis Scrapbook
Elisha Pithoud was born in Sugar Creek
Township, Parke County, Indiana July 4, 1833 and died Nov 27, 1914 in Mill
Creek Township, Fountain Count y, Indiana aged 81 years 4 months and 23 days.
His parents were Frances and Catharine Moore Pithoud, who were born in Scioto County,
Ohio. He was the 7th child of 12 - six boys and six girls, all of whom have
crossed the line that divides the eternities, except the following sisters:
Charlotte Harvey, age 88; Anna Barker age 87 and Betty Nichols, age 80. On J an
3, 1858 he was married to Margaret Ratcliff, who was born in the same township
and county as himself, and was the 7th children in a family of 8, whose parents
were William and Margaret Wilson Ratcliff. Rev. John P. Ephlin, of dear memory
and father of Uncle William Ephlin of Harveysburg was the officiating minister.
To this union 8 children were given: Juliet, Marilda Ann; Hannah R; Margaret C;
Delfina; Amy Jane; Delsie O and Lemuel E. Marilda died March 19, 1883 and
Hannah R. Oct 6,1 892. There were 8 grandchildren and 8 greats give him, all
surviving except one grandchild, Marion O Baccus, who died Aug 11, 1898. By
hard work and scrupulous economy he had purchased and paid for the 80 acres on
which the commodious ho me now stands and on which in an humble, primeval cottage,
he and his faithful wife first began housekeeping and one which they lived
continuously until his death. Not by the risky schemes of "frenzied
finance," but by close and continuous appliance of his chosen occupation
as a tiller of the s oil and by wise and economical use of the means that was
the result, his holdings increased until at the time of his death, he possessed
in untrammeled fee simple 685 acres of valuable land besides town property and
banking interest. He made profession and joined the New Light Christian Church
in the year of 1868 or 9 and remained a loyal member until death. A nd while he
never felt free to take part in the personal vocal public worship, he was a
faithful attendant and enjoyed public worship of God's name. he was a careful
and faithful reader and believer in the doctrines of the Bible, and frequently
quoted to his family special passages that gave to him comfort and an increased
faith. His home and family always was open for the enjoyment of the ministers
of the Gospel, as well as his friends. He never courted the service of his
countrymen but preferred and enjoyed the quiet peace that belongs to the
country life. Yet, under the pressing call and voice of his fellow citizens, he
served them in a very honorable and satisfactory manner as County Commissioner
for one term. It can truly be said of Uncle Elisha that his home was his
castle, his farm h is dominion and while he was in "league with the stones
of the field the b easts of the field were at peace with him." Yet the
center of interest and love was his family, which he and his faithful companion
for almost 57 years enjoyed, counseled, provided for and realized in a dutiful,
obedient and loyal family of children, the truth of the scripture declaration,
"his children arise up to show him honor." He lived to see all of h
is children, except the youngest, settled in homes of their own and saw a nd
bestowed his love on his children's children. He quietly slipped aw ay in his
own home, surrounded by his faithful wife, his children, some of his
grandchildren and one sister, leaving a heritage in his life counsel and
attentive care and love, worthy of their best love and emulation. An influence
that extended beyond the home and was felt and appreciated in the community and
town, which always expected and received a hearty expression and warm hand
clasp from him and who shared with the bereaved family in this their great
loss. Funeral sermon was preached at the home on Sunday, November 29 at 12:30
p.m. by Rev. WP Kibby of Advance, Indiana assisted by Rev. Levi Woody. Burial
in Kingman Fraternal Cemetery. - transcribed by kbz