The Hustler, Madisonville, Hopkins County, Kentucky

1893-1898

Elisha W. Sisk, Deputy Sheriff of Hopkins County, a citizen of the Morton’s Gap country, a farmer in good circumstances, and one of the best men in the country, appropriately celebrated his sixtieth birthday last Saturday.  He and his good wife celebrated the occasion by having a family reunion.

There were present in all forty-nine people.  All these were the children and grandchildren of the couple, with sons-in-law and daughters-in-law.

Mr. and Mrs. Sisk are the parents of thirteen children of whom eleven still live, and nine are married and have families.  The good man was presented a fine cane and a gold chain and seal.

The Hustler congratulates Mr. Sisk and his wife on their happy reunion, and hopes many more such pleasant occasions are in store for them.  January 5, 1894.

Mrs. Nisbet’s Will.  It is admitted to Probate in the Evansville Circuit Court.  The will and testament of the late Mrs. Sarah F. Nisbet, of Evansville, sets forth the property, to be evenly divided among her seven sons and three daughters.  The Cumberland University, of Lebanon, Tennessee, is to receive $2,000.  Jennie McGary, a sister of the deceased, in Earlington, Kentucky, is to be paid $100 annually; for the education of Annie Nisbet Hail, $1,000 is to be expended and Fannie Nisbet is to receive the piano.  The household furniture and kitchen utensils are to be evenly divided.  January 12, 1894.

Mr. Ned Whitfield, of the Morton’s Gap country, and one of the good respectable citizens of that community died last Friday (January 5, 1894) and was buried the following day.  His wife had died just two weeks previous.  Mr. Whitfield was perhaps 70 years of age at the time of his death, and had been a successful farmer who had raised a family of children all of whom are good people.  January 12, 1894.

Mrs. Eliza Berry, an aged lady of the Curtail area, died last week.  She was  82 years old, and if we mistake not was the widow of the late Rev. Berry, who died a few years ago.  January 19, 1894.

Mr. Sim Putman, an old and respected citizen of White Plains, died last Sunday and was buried Monday.  He was perhaps 70 years of age and was generally respected by all who knew him.  January 19, 1894.

Mrs. Polly Kirkwood was born in 1800 and was called to her reward in 1893 in the 93^rd year of her age.  She passed through the dark and shadowy valley, up the starry steps of soul land.  Thou art gone dear grandma, this all seems sad but we must remember that her spirit has made its transit from earth to heaven.  And she has a home in that mansion in the skies where peace flows like a river.  As a wife she was tender and true, and a mother patient and devoted, as a neighbor kind and loving.  I wish I could speak some word of comfort to her bereaved family but that must come from divine power.  Though her death grieves us, surely it relieves her from pain.  Separation shall but heighten our joy, when in a few brief years we shall cross the dark river, and in the eternal city meet with our loved ones once again over there.  January 19, 1894  (Note:  According to the 1850 annoted Hopkins County Census, she died on December 16, 1893, and was a daughter of Bartlett and Ann Henson.  She married Hugh Kirkwood, Jr., son of Hugh Kirkwood, Sr., and Catherine Cole, on April 6, 1820, in Hopkins County.  Hugh Kirkwood, Jr., born March 11, 1800, died September 22, 1868, and is buried in Old Richland Cemetery.  Hugh, Jr., and Polly were the parents of at least 2 children:  Mary Harpending Kirkwood, born c. 1837, who married James F. Curtright on August 24, 1853, in Hopkins County, and Fredonia Larantine Kirkwood, born c. 1839, who married Redmond Royal Utley, son of George W. Utley and Ann Henson, on March 19, 1862, in Hopkins County.)