Andrew Jackson IMEL

                   "A.J. Imel is dead after long illness.  Came to Spearville in 1878 and Settled on Homestead six miles south of town.  Andrew Jackson Imel, a resident of this community since 1878, died at his home here Sunday after an illness of more than four years.  He had been suffering from paralysis and other ailments.  He was 73 years, 5 months and 3 days old.  "Uncle Jack", as he came to be known in this territory, was born in the city of Madison, Jefferson county, Indiana, November 1, 1851. He was married at that place on December 1, 1870 to Miss Catherine L. Haskell.  To this union were born eleven children - seven sons and four daughters.  In 1878, when this territory was being settled by the earliest homeseekers, he and his wife came to this country and settled on a claim six miles south of town.  There they made their home and reared their children until about seven years ago when they moved into their present home.  In his youth Mr. Imel became a member of the Baptist Church.  In 1908 he joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Dodge City, transferring his membership to the local body in 1911.  He served as representative in the state legislature for two years, some ten or twelve years ago.  He was a man of sterling qualities, of good business ability and a successful farmer.  In the death of a friend and neighbor people in this community feel that they have lost a good brother and citizen; one who was always ready to extend the helping hand to all mankind without distinction as to social or financial standing.  In the last hours of his illness he prayed that God would soon call him Home that he might be with his mother and other loved ones who had gone on before.  Nine of his children survive him as follows:  Mrs. Marguerite Moody, Haskell county; Mrs. Viola Steele, Gray county; Mrs. Lilly Beever, Spearville; Andrew J. Imel Jr., Harper county; John T. Imel, Colorado; Abraham Imel, Colorado; Mrs. Lulu Perkins, Spearville; Freeman Imel, Harper county; and Elmer D. Imel, La Junta, Colo.  Two sons, P.M. Imel and Carl Imel preceded their father to the Great Beyond.  He also leaves sixty-nine grand-children and eighteen great grand-children.  Funeral services were conducted at the Federated Church Tuesday afternoon by the Rev. J.E. Henshaw, pastor of the First Christian Church at Dodge City.  Burial was in Spearville cemetery where services were conducted by local members of the Odd Fellows lodge."