Clark Co., IN Death Record Book H-21, page 145
Son of Jarius and Judith (McKinley) Fordyce

News Article: Evening News, Jeffersonville, IN, 25 May 1889, page 2, columns 2 & 3, reads: The high esteem in which the late Snead Fordyce was held in this community warrants a few remarks in addition to those which have already appeared in The News and Democrat. It was stated that he was twenty-four years of age. He was in his twenty-eight year, having been born at New Providence, December 20, 1860. He was ill only two weeks of inflammation of the stomach and bowels. He was always hopeful of recovery and frequently expressed a desire to live for his mother’s sake. For her he had a boundless love. His death occurred on Monday morning, May 13th at the residence of Frank Cook, in this village. The remains were taken to the residence of his mother one mile from New Providence, the hearse accompanied by a number of sorrowing friends; leaving here Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The funeral took place from the Union church in that town on Tuesday the 14th inst. The ceremonies being conducted by New Providence Lodge I.O.O.F. of which order the deceased was a member. The services were largely attended. Mr. Fordyce had been unfortunate in losing his father, who preceded him to the land unknown only two months. A young lady to whom he was engaged also died recently, and by some it was thought that grief over these events may have hastened his death, but there is no probability of this, he simply died from natural causes. He came here only a few months since and in connection with Mr. Kelly purchased the stock of merchandise owned by W.W. Vail. Until his last illness Mr. Fordyce was the perfect picture of health. Handsome, gifted, gentle and liberal in all business transactions, a model of moral and upright conduct, he was rapidly making his way to the hearts of this people, hence the grief over his death, in the first flush of early manhood is universal and widespread. Had his life been spared it would have been but a question of time for his being one among the most popular merchants in Clark County.

Compiler’s Note: The death date is of some concern. The official record gives the year of death as 1887; however, the stone and an obituary are dated in 1889. It appears that in this case the official record is in error.