RENICK, Gaspar - Putnam

Source: Greencastle Daily Banner Times 10 July 1897 p1

The first death traceable directly to the intense heat of these days was that of Gasper Kenick (sic) the veteran carriage manufacturer of East Washington Street.  Mr. Kenick (sic) had been feeling bad on Thursday and was first prostrated that day. He felt better yesterday but remained at home part of the time. He visited his shop and after dinner lay down on a lounge in the office. That was his last voluntary act for he soon lapsed into unconsciousness and died shortly after 4 o’clock. His sudden death was a shock to his friends and to the community.  Mr. Renick (sic) was one of the oldest and best known citizens of the community and had been in the carriage manufacturing business the large part of his life.  After the dissolution of the firm of Renick & Curtiss, he carried on the business alone in the present rooms. The work of Mr. Renick drew him trade and attention from all parts of the surround country.  It was his aim always to put into his buggies and wagons the best of material and this brought him a steady custom that competition could not change.   In his every day life Mr. Renick was a man strong in his likes and opinions.  He was generous and kind especially to his family and close friends, though many a stronger received assistance at his hands.  He was jiluian ? spoken in his belief and when disagreeing with any one did not hesitate to state his opinion.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and for years had been treasurer of the local lodge.  Mr. Renick was born Dec 8, 1825 and moved to Greencastle about 1850 and immediately went into the carriage business.  He was a member of the Royal Arcanum Association carrying $2000 insurance in that order.  The funeral will occur this afternoon at 5 o’clock, services at the family home on east Washington street.  An interesting item in connection with the life of Mr. Renick is taken from the Putnam County Sentinel dated Jan 16, 1851.  The paper was published by CW Brown and under the head of Improvements said: “Greencastle continues steady to improve in the number of her inhabitants as well as building of various kinds.  Strangers from a distance are constantly coming amongst us for the purpose of “seeking a habitation and a home.”  They are wise in this, for it will not be long ere a situation in our pleasant and thriving town will “cost money” owing to the rare advantages it possesses over other towns and villages of the state. The other day we noticed a large building going up on Indianapolis Street intended for a wagon and carriage shop.   A young man from Salem, Ind is having this building erect. The young man referred to was Mr. Renick and he was in the carriage business constantly from that time until his death.