Kessler - Catherine Himes
Source: Unknonwn newspaper
Catherine Himes was born April 29, 1834, in Botetourt County, Virginia, and died September 21, 1916, age eighty-two years, four months and twenty-one days. She was the oldest child of Benjamin and Elizabeth Graybill Kessler. Three brothers, Solomon, Nathan and Jacob Kessler and three sisters, Mrs. Susan Thompson, Mary Neff and Nancy Mangus survive her. Two brothers John and Samuel Kessler and one sister Mrs. Elizabeth Kenney have preceded her. Aunt Katherine as she was called by all her younger friends spent her childhood in Virginia. In 1847 at the age of thirteen she came with her parents in a covered wagon which was the method of travel in those days. They settled two and a half miles west of Ladoga on the farm now owned by James Ferguson. They lived there about six months the moved to the old Kessler homestead northwest of Ladoga. At this place she was married to Jacob B. Himes, January 11, 1855. To this union were born seven children, Emma Elizabeth and Samuel W., having died in infancy and five sons John F., Benjamin, Meade C., George M. and Perry Himes are left to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother. She also leaves thirteen grandchildren and one great grandchild. She was a member of the Brethren church for over sixty years, and served the Lord faithfully until she was called peacefully home. She had experienced the hardships of pioneer life and has aided in changing the forrest into cultivated fields. Aunt Catherine was left a widow May 22, 1879, and had the care of her home alone until the time of her death. The funeral service was held at Bethel church of the Brethren and was conducted by Rev. D. C. Campbell, of Colfax. The remains are buried in Bethel cemetery. - typed by kbz