The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday, October 1, 1889
Page 1, column 4

Death of Abner Connor

In loving rememberance of Abner Connor, who died at his home in Jackson township, Wednesday, September 25th, 1889. The funeral services were held at Blue River Separate Baptist Church, at eleven o'clock Friday, September 27th, 1889, Rev. B. Whittington officiating. The funeral was largely attended and the floral offerings by friends were appropriate and beautiful. The minister read the following obituary of his life:

Abner Connor was born January 27th, 1804, and departed this life September 25th, 1889. He was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, and emigrated with his parents to Shelby county when about seventeen years old. Here he enlisted in clearing the forests and developing a home from the wilderness, which place marked his residence to the day of his death. Growing up as he did in a day of few educational advantages, his education was limited.

He remained at home until his parents died, being then cast out into the world to fight its battles alone. He made farming his life profession, and was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Doughman February 28, 1837, who still survives him. This union was blessed with ten children, six boys and four girls, and nine of them survive him.

Father Connor made a profession of religion over twenty one years ago, and was one of the chartered members of Blue River Church, thereby assisting to erect the church he was a member of the day of his death. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a loving and indulgent father. His life was exuberant with Christian graces, ever ready to give testimony to the religion that sustained him in death. For almost five weeks he suffered untold agony, yet through all his suffering his tongue was employed in talking of that heavenly country where the saints die no more and of his trust in Him who spake as never man spake. He died with a heavenly smile on his face and a finger pointed upwards to the skies, and as that smile was wafted heavenward it was met with the smile of Jesus, who conducted him through the "everlasting gates" into the city where the "inhabitants shall not say, I am sick." Oh, father, dear, a short farewell,

Till we shall meet again above,
Where angels rove and love to dwell
And trees of life bear fruits of love

[Buried Conover Cemetery]
Submitted by Barb Huff