CAPT. THOS. W. KENDALL Obituary

Submitted by Donna Sneeringer
 

Capt. Thos. W. Kendall, a prominent and influential citizen of this county, was found dead at his home, Centreville Landing, about 11 o’clock last Sunday morning, by his wife’s sister, Mrs. William A. G. Hobbs, of Baltimore, with his head crushed in and nearly every bone in his body broken. About half an hour before he was found he had been pleasantly talking with the family. His death was caused by a fall from the third-story window. It is not known what he was doing in that part of his house, as it was not his custom, nor has it been for some time past for him to go to that portion of the house. It is supposed he opened the window through which he fell for the purpose of spitting out and that he lost his balance. Finger marks were plainly seen near the window, indicating that he had made a heroic effort to save himself. After he was found Dr. James Bordley was summoned, but upon examination he found life extinct. States Attorney, Thos. J. Keating, was then notified and after an examination of the surroundings did not deem it necessary to hold an autopsy. Captain Kendall was born in Kent county March 24, 1824, and was a son of Horace Kendall. By occupation the father of our subject was a farmer and fisherman by trade. Capt. Kendall obtained his education in the schools of Kent county, where he attended until he was sixteen years of age, and then went to sea, enlisting in the United States Navy. For two years he was in the service during the Mexican war, and was on the schooner Flirt. On his return home he became connected with the bay trade, which he followed until a short time before his death. He met with a well-deserved success and was the owner of a comfortable home, where he was surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who appreciated his sterling worth and many excellencies of character. He was married three times, his first union being with Miss Louise Vicker, who died in 1852, leaving one son, Thomas. He was again married May 16, 1853, the lady of his choice being Miss Josephine Talor, and to them were born six children, four still living, Amos T. Kendall, of Centreville; Omer C. Kendall, of Pittsburg, Pa.; Mrs. John Graham and Mrs. Charles Graham of Wilmington, Del. In 1890 he married Miss Lulu Booker who survives him without children. In 1869 Capt. Kendall removed form Fairlee, Kent county, to this county, and for many years was engaged in the freighting business with the late John H. Ozman, under the firm name of Ozman & Kendall. Funeral services were held from Grace Methodist Protestant Church, of which he was a member, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. E. D. Stone officiating. Interment in Chesterfield cemetery. The following named gentlemen acted as pall-bearers: Capt. C. H. Clash, Capt. Medford M. Larrimore, Capt. George Harris, Mr. W. F. Bailey, Mr. William F. Watson and Mr. Joseph W. Ozmon.