RANDEL, John W. - Putnam

John W. Randel was the son of William and Nancy Randel, born a mile south of Bainbridge on the 23rd day of February 1830 and died in the town of Bainbridge November the 12th, 1907 aged 77 years 8 months and 20 days. He was first married to Mary Ann Stephens of Fountain County, Indiana. To them six children were born towit: Susan Lucas McVey, Nancy Ellen Herod, Malinda Jane Jackson, Cass Ann Jacobs, Wm. Harrison Randel, Razella Randel.  Nancy Herod, Rozella Randel and his faithful companion died long years ago. The other four survive him. He leaves 26 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. His second marriage was to Katharine Leatherman Wood, who has cared for him so faithfully and well during his long and serious sickness till the end came May God bless her kindly hand.  He was raised on a farm and was a tiller of the soil in deed and in truth. His life was a life of toil from the cradle to the grave. He was an untiring worker and an early rider and never better satisfied than when he had so many things to do that he did not know which to do first. He received but a meager education which was supplemented by a goodly store of common sense and an untiring energy enabled him to prosper in the world. He was a good provider for his family.  His wood house, his barn and his smoke house were never empty. He was absolutely honest in dealing with his fellow men. His word was as good as any man’s bond. Well may it be written over his tomb “Here lies an honest man.”  He was a Predestinarian Baptist in faith and loved his church as he loved his life.  Well may these faithful preachers drop a tear o’er the grave of one who loved them so well.  On the 23rd day of Dec two years ago he was stricken by an apoplectic stroke which made him a helpless invalid for nearly two years paralyzing his whole system destroying his mind, speech and life.  Like all mankind he had his faults. Born with an appetite for strong drink the struggle was life long.  Many regrets and many bitter tears came to his life. The wonder is that he did not go down in its wreckage few men could have done as well as he.  Shall we not spread the mantel of charity over his faults and remember but his good deeds as we bid him adieu.  “A comman father made thee my brother, Loved and guided by the same good mother, No more we take thy friendly hand Till we meet gain in that better land.”

- kbz