Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 241, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1912 — JOHN C. MARTINDALE ANSWERS SUMMONS [ARTICLE]

JOHN C. MARTINDALE ANSWERS SUMMONS

Prominent Farmer-Citizen and Former Commissioner Died After Long Sickness of Fistula. John C. Martindale, for many years a prominent resident of this city and county, died at 12:30 o’clock this Tuesday morning at his home on North Forest street, the old Spitler home. He had been almost totally helpless for the past year or more and for several weeks had been unable to leave the home. To his friends and members of the family it had seemed for a long time that his sickness could have nothing but a fatal termination but he seemed to feel certain that he was going td recover and made a brave fight to do so. His first trouble dates from thirteen years ago, when he had fistula growths. These were removed by operation and for four or five years he enjoyed excellent health. The trouble again asserted itself, however, and three years ago assumed a serious turn and had gradually destroyed his health. Naturally a strong man, Mb vitality was sapped by the disease and for many months he had been An invalid and almost entirely helpl&ss. His wife and daughter were constantly with him and did all in their power to restore him to health but this was impossible. Last Friday Mrs. Martindale gave the first expression of discouragement and told his wife that he was certain he could not recover and made some suggestions about his funeral and burial. Mr. Martindale was born\in Warren county, Ind., near Pine Village, on December 25th, 1845. He moved to Jasper county about 33 years ago and lived' for five years on the John Makeever farm. He then bought the farm on which he lived for so many years, in Newton township, northwest of Rensselaer. He moved from there to Rensselaer about five years ago, moving into the former M. L. Spitler property, which he purchased. For two years he served as a commissioner of Jasper county. His public and private life were above reproach and he was one of the most esteemed men of our community. Especially had he endeared himself to the old soldiers, wihom he used to entertain annually at his farm home and whom he alwhys treated on special occasions. Each Memorial Day he would buy a box or two of good cigars and pass them around among the “boys.” He was not in the army himself, having been only 15 years of age when the war broke out, but .he was always with the veterans in sympathy and one of his greatest pleasures was to try to make them happy. It is probable that no other man In the county who was not a soldier was nearer or dearer to them than John C. Martindale. He leaves a widow and two children, Jared B. and Nina D., both living in Rensselaer. Also two brothers and three sisters, all living in Indiana except one brother who is in California. The funeral will be held Thursday at the late residence at 2 o’clock p. m. It will, be conducted by Rev. Williams, of the Church of God, of Forest, Ind. Interment will be made in Weston cemetery.