VESSELS, William G (Rev) - Putnam

Source: Kingman Star February 22, 1907

Rev. Vessells died at the home of Mr. And Mrs. John Maris yesterday morning at 8:20 of pneumonia.   He leaves a wife, one son and one daughter and a host of friends.

Source: Kingman Star Friday,  March 8, 1907

Wm. G. Vessels was born in Canton, Ky., Nov 27 1847 and died in the faith of the Gospel Feb. 21, 1907. He was descended from Catholic parents on the paternal side, was converted early in life, removed to Indiana and entered the Northwest Indiana conference as a probationer in the fall of 1868 at Valporaiso,  Bp. Thompson presiding.    He was previously, on Jan, 27 1867, married to Malissa A. Long at Bellmore.  Two children blessed this union—a son, Orie, now living at Indianapolis and Lillian, Mrs. Clyde Jenks now residing at Zionsville.Bro. Vessell’s appointments in the ministry were as follows:  1868 Bridgeton, 69-70 Crawfordsville Ct:   71-72 Perrsyville;  73 State Line;  74-75 Rockville;  76 Crown Point;  77 Monticello;  78 Rensselaer;  79-80 Kentland;  80-81 Rolling Prairie.  He then went to Nebraska and participated in the organization of the west Nebraska, his old Conference home in 1891.  He then went to Shadeland 91-92;  Royal Center 93-94; Waveland 95;  Newtown 96-97.   In 1898 because of the failing health of his wife he superannuated though he continued as a supply—one year at Roachdale, one year on Traders Point Circuit, one year on Lebanon Ct. and at his request was appointed to the vacancy at Kingman in March 1905, where he labored faithfully and successfully until the attack of pneumonia which terminated in his death. He was a preacher of unusual ability especially in his earlier years.   He had a clear strong penetrating voice and his matter was prepared after careful reading, and usually written.  His answers to infidelity, and his sermons, biographical in character on the Old Testament worthies were peculiarly strong and helpful.   Many notable conversions to Christ and addition to the church were the fruits of his labors.   His preaching was calculated to win men of earnest and thoughtful character and who he suited little to rouse the emotions he had the power to penetrate the will and win the intellectual assent of his hearer.   I visited him for two days within two weeks of his death.   He was restless on account of the absence of his wife in the Mt. Jackson Sanatarium but otherwise was in his usual health.   He was planning for a revival at Kingman, and the prospects for a religious awakening were excellent when he was called Home.   His last words to a fellow laborer in the Gospel were,  Preach Christ and tell the brethren that I loved them to the end - S