Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 101, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 August 1908 — HIGHLY RESPECTED CITIZEN IS DEAD [ARTICLE]

HIGHLY RESPECTED CITIZEN IS DEAD

Austin Hopkins Passes Away at His Home Without Having Been Previously 111.

Heart failure caused the death of Austin Hopkins, an aged and highly esteemed resident of Rensselaer! this Wednesday morning at about 4 o’clock at the family residence on River street. j Mrs. Hopkins was aroused at about 4 o’clock by the labored breathing of her husband and thinking that he was dreaming and that he might be more comfortable if his position in bed was changed she undertook to turn him over, and was in the act of doing so when he gasped slightly and died, having never aroused from his slumber. The family physician was hastily summoned but life was extinct and nothing could be done. Mr. Hopkins has been living a retired life for several years, save for doing some canvassing for the sale of fruit trees. He was well known in and about Rensselaer, and his pleasant manner had made him one of the most highly respected of our many aged citizens. He spent considerable time fishing along the

banks of the Iroquois and this wag his occupation Tuesday afternoon Hg returned home In the latter part of the afternoon and spent the evening with his wife and daughter Gertruda, and remained up rather later thag usual to read. He was apparently in his usual health. The news of his death caused much wonderment and great sorrow among his many acquaintances in Rensselaer. Deceased was 78 years of age on May 2d. He leaves behind, his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Zoe Thompson, of Sullivan, Ind., and Miss Gertrude Hopkins, who resides at home and is employed in the TTrnrnnlssr State Bank. He was a resident of Rensselaer for many years and went from here to Goodland, where he wag engaged in the livery business for some years. From Goodland he ie* moved to Kansas, but returned here about twelve years ago. He was s prominent member of the local Masonic order, and the funeral which will take place Friday afternoon win be largely conducted by members of that lodge. The exact hour of the funeral has not yet been arranged.