Truitt - Francis
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 12 July 1895
The funeral of the late Francis Augustus Truitt occurred this afternoon at the residence on South Green Street. The services throughout were in charge of Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar of which the deceased was Eminent Commander at the time of his death. The large number of people present filling the house, the neighboring yards and street for half a block in either direction was evidence if any was needed that Mr. Truitt was truly beloved by a very wide circle (picture here in original article). Each of the local Maosnic orders appeared in a body and with them were a large number of visiting Masons. The services began with a Scriptural reading and prayer by Dr. HA Tucker, followed by a hymn by the choir composed of Miss Mary Campbell, Miss Fannie Binford, AA McCain and Geo. F. Hughes. The address was made by Rev. George W. Switzer of Brazil, formerly prelate of the Crawfordsville Commandery. After the closing hymn the remains were taken to their final resting place followed by the Masonic bodies and hundreds of sorrowing friends. The services at the grave were conducted by the masons, The pall bearers were Sir Knights Goerge W. Markley, F.C. Bandel; F.L. Snyder; Chas. Goltra; AS Miller and JR Bonnell. The flower bearers were the following members of the Eastern Star: Misses Maud Cowan; Della Dennis; Anna Watson; MInnie Richmond; Mary Goltra; Valeria Wicker; Laura Grubb and Helen Watson. There were beautiful floral offerings from the different Masonic lodges of which Mr. Truitt was a member from the Lotos Club from a company of campers and many others.
Note: Buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Crawfordsville Indiana -- born 25 Octo 1859 died 7 July 1895 married Florence Beal 14 August 1884
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 12 July 1895
Sunday evening just before the hour of six occurred the death of Francis A. Truitt, at his home on South Green Street. He can scarcely be said to have rallied from the decided turn for the worse his illness took Friday night, although he rested much easier at times, and his friends were quite hopeful until shortly before the end came. The lamentable news quickly spread over the city, and on all sides could be heard words of the profoundest regret and sorrow.
Gus Truitt, as he was popularly known, was born in this county at his father’s farm near Wingate, October 23, 1859. When quite a young man he came to Crawfordsville and began to educate himself for a business life by clerking. His honesty, good fellowship and liberality quickly won him a place in the hearts of all with whom he came in contact, and it can be safely said that the excellent impression he made on all was never destroyed.
In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Beal, who in her sad bereavement has the sympathy of the entire community.
Mr. Truitt several years ago engaged in the grocery business with his brother-in-law, Jeff Scott, on the corner of Washington and Market Streets. He subsequently purchased the interest of his partner and continued the business alone until the time of his death. He stood high in the business, social and religious circles of the town and everywhere commanded honor and esteem. He was one of the most prominent Masons in this section and was earnestly devoted to the order. He was a member of Montgomery Lodge No. 50, F. and A. Masons, and Steward of the lodge; a member of Crawfordsville Chapter No. 40, Royal Arch Masons and a Past High Priest; was a member of the Council of High Priest of the State of Indiana. He was also a member of Montgomery Council No. 34, Royal and Select Masters, and was serving his second term as Illustrious Master. He belonged to Crawfordsville Commandery No. 25, Knights Templar, and was the Eminent Commander at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur.
Perhaps no man in Crawfordsville was ever more thoroughly respected and liked by all classes than Gus Truitt. He was so full of kindness, sincerity, and humanity that to know him was to honor him. “His heart was open as the day for melting charity,” and those acquainted with the home missionary work in Crawfordsville know not only how earnestly Mr. Truitt labored in this cause, but also how liberally he contributed. Only the poor who sought his place of business in their distress, however, can fully appreciate that side of this good man’s character, which alone was sufficient to nominate him as of the salt of the earth. His heart was kindly and his feelings all were true. He spoke no word of harm or ill and owed no man anything. He was one of those rare characters which tend to make a bad world better.
Mr. Truitt carried $6,000 life insurance. There was $2,500 in Ben Hur, $2,500 in the Northwester and $1,000 in the New York Life.
The funeral occurred from the family residence on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The services were held under the auspices of the Knights Templar, Rev. G. W. Switzer, of Brazil, officiating.
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 12 July 1895
The funeral of the late Francis Augustus Truitt occurred Wednesday at the residence on South Green Street. The services throughout were in charge of Crawfordsville Commandery, Knights Templar, of which the deceased was Eminent Commander at the time of his death. The large number of people present, filling the house, the neighboring yards and the street for half a block in either direction, was evidence, if any was needed, that Mr. Truitt was truly beloved by a very wide circle.
Each of the local Masonic orders appeared in a body and with them were a large number of visiting Masons. The services began with a Scriptural reading and prayer by Dr. H. A. Tucker, followed by a hymn by the choir composed of Miss Mary Campbell, Miss Fannie Binford, A. A. McClain and George F. Hughes. The address was made by Rev. George W. Switzer, of Brazil
There were beautiful floral offerings from the different Masonic lodges of which Mr. Truitt was a member, from the Lotos Club, from a company of campers and many others.