BLACK, Andrew - Sr. - Putnam

SUDDEN DEATH OF ANDREW BLACK, SR.

01 Jul 1807 - 10 Oct 1885

The city was startled Friday evening to hear that Andrew Black, Sr., so well known by everybody, had just suffered a stroke of apoplexy. He had spent the afternoon at the furniture store of his sons, Andrew and Edwin, and about five o'clock started home. At the American Express office he stopped and conceded to get weighed. It was found that his weight was 180 pounds, as much as he had weighed at any time for years. He then walked on homeward in company with G. H. Williamson, being unusually vivacious. Passing Mr. Burk's he spoke of the improvements going on in the town, and then, soon reaching his gate. Mr. Williamson left him, and he entered his yard. He ascended the steps of his residence, and just as he reached the doorway felt that something was wrong. Passing through to the back porch he asked the hired girl for his daughter Jennie. She heard him and came at once. He said that his throat was hurting him and asked for the medicine he was in the habit of using as a gargle, he having suffered from this trouble for a year or two. On attempting to take the bottle from her hand he found that he could not do so. He made a second effort, with the same result. The third, he took it, but it dropped from his hand to the floor. She then got the camphor bottle and he asked her to rub his throat with its contents, which she proceeded to do. In a moment his head fell back, and she then discovered that he was speechless. He tried to talk, but it was in vain. His daughter, greatly alarmed, sent messengers after Mrs. Fenwick and the other children living in town, and also Dr. Smythe, who all quickly arrived, and he was then placed upon his bed. He continued restless during the night, being unable to sleep, but at no time lost consciousness. His speech returning, he was able to answer such questions as were addressed to him, but manifested no interest in anything. The paralysis extended only to his left side, which for a time, at least, was completely disabled. The next morning he obtained a short nap, and after that was more quiet. His family remained by his side constantly, ministering to his comfort in every possible way. At 11:30 o'clock his son Andrew took him in his arms to turn him in the bed, when, looking in his face, he saw that he was dying, and at 1:35 his spirit passed away without a struggle, his age being 75 years, 3 months and 9 days.

At first it was arranged to have the funeral from Mr. Black's home, the family much preferring this, but they were induced to change it to the Presbyterian church, in deference to the desire of the public to attend, and it accordingly took place there Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Dr. E.W. Fisk preaching the sermon, and being assisted in the services of Dr. G.W. Bainum. Only a part of those who came were able to gain admittance, owing to the number, and it was evident on every hand to the casual observer that an honored citizen had passed away. Mr. Black's vacant seat and the window near it were draped in mourning - a sympathetic testimonial by the ladies of the church. It was the first time the seat had been vacant since Mr. Black removed to town, three years ago last June, and it had not often been so previous to that time, for he was always punctual in his attendance at divine worship, even while living in the country. The interment took place late in the afternoon in Forest Hill, 112 vehicles following the remains to the grave and 200 persons going out afoot. It was much the largest funeral that has ever occurred here. Mr. Black was known far and wide, and none knew but to respect him, as was manifest in this last sad ride.

Mr. Black was born near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, being the youngest of seven children, all of them preceded him in death, so that he was the last survivor of his father's family. His father, Major George Black, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and died at the advanced age of 91 years. An uncle, Captain Aleck Black, removed from Kentucky to Ohio at an early day and was noted as an Indian fighter. Two of his brothers, Alexander and Miller, and a sister, Mrs. William M. Young, were for many years citizens of this county, previous to their deaths, and well-known to most of our readers. Of the other branches of the family, only one cousin, Asa Black, of Terre Haute, is living.

Mr. Black's ancestors were of Scotch descent, and on his wife's side there was a mixture of Scotch and German blood, making a sturdy race. He was married to Miss Margaret Lockridge, a sister of A.M. Lockridge, now citizens of this county. October 18, 1838. They continued to reside in Kentucky until the fall of 1851, when they removed to this county, settling on the farm one mile west of Greencastle, beyond Walnut Creek, which he bought from the late John Anderson, and where Mr. Black continued to reside until his removal to the city, the farm now being owned by his sons, George W. and Robert M. His wife died there July 5, 1863, and as soon thereafter as his daughter Jennie reached sufficient age she became his housekeeper, and continued such during the remainder of his life. Shortly after Mrs. Black's death he joined the Presbyterian church, and was ever afterward recognized as one of its most substantial members - not in the sense of what is popularly known as a "worker," but as one who could always be relied on to do his duty, and whose purse was ever open to the church or to charity.

All of Mr. Black's brothers were Democrats, but although evincing great affection for them he acted separately in politics. From his earliest days he looked upon slavery as a great wrong, which should be abolished. First, he was a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party he allied himself with it, and has since been a staunch supporter of its principles, as have his sons, also. During the Rebellion there was no more ardent Union man than he. He was always for the Union soldier. No one who wore the uniform of his country ever appealed to him in vain. His house was regarded as headquarters for the soldiers, and when they reached there it seemed like getting home.

His devotion to his children was something beautiful to see. After his wife's death his common remark was - "I am living now only for my family." He had no favorites among them, but was always impartial and kind. Another admirable trait of character was his kindness to his employees. Patiently he bore with their short-comings and was ever considerate of their welfare. Equally praiseworthy was his conduct as a citizen, so much so that if all men had been like Andrew Black, laws and courts would have been unnecessary. Like all men of force he was firm in his ways, and of positive character. With him a thing was either right or wrong. He carefully considered all the facts, chose his position, and was then immovable. Manipulators, who unfortunately had so many men subject to their control, could not influence his judgment - he decided for himself. His deportment toward men, and his judgment of them did not depend upon their prominence or wealth, but of their conduct. The poorest and humblest received from him the same kindly consideration as the highest and the wealthiest, if worthy.

There were born to himself and wife thirteen children, eleven of whom are living. The eldest, Ardena, married William Whitsett in Kentucky, and came here in 1850. Eight years subsequently they removed to Pleasant Hill, Mo., where she died in 1878, leaving a family. The other deceased child was Mrs. Jennie Smythe, wife of Dr. G.C. Smythe, who died in 1873. The living children are all residents of Greencastle or its immediate vicinity. Mr. Black had wisely distributed the most of his property among his children before his death, rendering a will unnecessary, and he therefore left none.

Family genealogy: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=brendablack