HACKETT-L Archives

From: "Lori & Major Graff" <>
Subject: [HACKETT-L] Hackett Obituary
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 21:35:43 -0500

I have no great genealogy research success story to share with the mailing
list, but I would like to share an newspaper obituary of my G-G-G
Grandfather, Ziba Hackett which I find unusual.
Ziba was born 17 Feb. 1813 in NJ. He moved to Bureau Co., IL around 1855
where he died 7 Jan 1879.
His obit. reads:
"On the 7th last, Mr. Ziba Hacket an old and respected citizen of our town
was found dead near the Centenary Chapel. He had been visiting some of his
neighbors, and had been seen going towards home only a short time before he
was found dead; and when found was on his knees and head, and only a few
feet from the Chapel. Mr. Geo. Beadleman found him, and supposed he was
down in the snow in that position, trying to see something under the church.
Some of the citizens that soon gathered there thought best to hold an
inquest. Squire Sweet was soon on the ground, summoned a jury and proceeded
to the inquisition. Nothing could be gained from the witnesses as to the
cause of his death, so the jury rendered their verdict accordingly. The
friends then proceeded to arrange for the funeral ceremonies which took
place at the chapel on Thursday the 9th last, Elder Callahan officiating."
Even though at the time this was a sad occation, I can not help but smile
now. What was Ziba doing on his knees and head when he died? Had he over
indulge in alcohol consumption (I don't know if he was a drinking man) or
perhaps it was a simple matter of a heart attack. I guess I will never
know.
Lori

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• [HACKETT-L] Hackett Obituary by "Lori & Major Graff" <>