ABNER J. GUFFEY
A. J. Guffey who had been ill for some months at his home southwest of town, died last Monday. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at the United Brethern church of that locality, Rev. G. A. Hudson officiating. Interment was made in the cemetery on the Guffey farm. The Woodmen of the World of which the deceased was an honored member, took charge at the grave using the beautiful ritualistic ceremony of the order.
Despite the ceaseless fall rain the funeral was largely attended for Mr. Guffey was a man honored and respected by all who knew him and the whole community mourned him as a personal loss. He was a man of sterling worth, honest, warm hearted, liberal and generous. No one had anything but words of praise and commendation for him whose whole life had been an open book. He was a good citizen, a successful farmer, a consistent Christian, gentleman, a loving husband and father and a friend to every one. He will be sadly missed in the community where he spent his entire life. His place cannot be filled.
The following sketch of his life was read in connection with the funeral service:
Abner Johnson Guffey was born on the Guffey homestead south of Breckenridge, December 2nd, 1849, died at the same home January 24th, 1916. Age 67 years, 1 month, 22 days. During his early boyhood this brother suffered the loss of his father and was obliged to live his long life without this much needed council and guidance. It is a rare case but true in this instance that Mr. Guffey never changed his location and passed away on the place that gave him birth. In 1873, on the 10th day of August he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Coats and to this union were born four children, Mesdames Edith Williams, Nellie Bowers, and Della Arms and one son Sidney B. Guffey, all of whom with a devoted wife survive his death. Mr. Guffey was converted to the Christian faith in the fall of 1883, during a meeting conducted by Rev. L. Fisher and united with the United Brethern church in August 1884. In all that time this brother has been an active worker, a credit to the church and gave full profit of his conversion. He leaves the enviable record behind him of having served as Sunday School Superintendent for thirty consecutive years.
About one year ago Mr. Guffey was afflicted with an acute attack of stomach and digestive trouble which grew more and more serious in spite of the best medical aid and it became know to him that this was his final call to give up his life. In all his suffering he was buoyant, and firm in his trust in the Saviour, and was ready when the end came.