Since we seem to have several Muncie Kiger researchers, in our group I thought they may enjoy this obit of John Kiger in case they don't already have it. IN MEMORY OF JOHN KIGER, Corvan, Ind. John Kiger, oldest son of William and Sarah Gibson Kiger (deceased) was born in Delaware County, Indiana March 5, 1838 and departed this life on the morn of April 17, 1912. Age 74 years, 1 month, 12 days. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and in cleaning of the wild waste of forests which covered his native county at that time. He endured the trialed and hardships of the early pioneers, and in common with other boys at that time, he had only the benefits of the common schools for about three months each winter. Yet this ;enabled him to become a reader and during all of his life he enjoyed the communion of books and was ever alert to the current topics of the day, keeping abreast with the progress and destiny of our nation. He was united in marriage to Matilda Jane Heaton daughter of William and Peare Experience Heaton (deceased) Feb.2, 1860 by squire Joseph Swain of Muncie. To this union was born nine children viz; all of whom are still living - six boys and three girls. viz Mrs Arsula Reed of Farmland; Orville of Newark, Ohio; William of Muncie, Kelsie and Elza of Corvan; Mrs Nora Repolgle of Everett, Washington Mrs Anna Williams of Muncie; Ira and Oren P. of Columbus, Ohio. "It seems as that one, we cherished should be taken from our home But the joys that do not perish Live in our memory alone. All the years we've spent together all the happy golden hours Shall be cherished in remembrance By your lived ones and your own." He was just reaching the prime of manhood when he heard his country's call for loyal men to protect the Union and the Starry flag, which he loved and always honored. All honor to the stars and stripes and to the heroes who proudly defended them. Patriotic and loyal to the principles of the Union, he promptly offered his services to his county and went forth in the face of shot and shell as one of the nations noble defenders. He enlisted in August 1862 in Company B. of the gallant 69th Regiment for the term of three years and participated in many of the great battle of the south and west. He was with Gen. Grant in his siege of Vicksburg and engaged in some 17 active battles. On every field of battle he proved himself loyal, courageous and a heroic patriot and soldier. Farewell Comrade: Tis only a few that are left to relate the experiences of your soldier life- Through storms and clouds, down in the valley, So none could tell where the long march might end. You've seen the darkness dawn, repulse, rally - you are reunited - not foe but friend. Your arms are grounded and your ranks are broken - The brazen bugle sounds the charge no more you're waiting orders, till the word is spoken To join your brother comrades, gone before. Then let us remember that close to your heart this brother stood one of your soldier brotherhood Fresh to your mind he still appears, still honored as is by gone years; Warm hearted, thoughtful, constant friend a loyal comrade to the end. As man may, he fought his fight proved his truth by his endeavor Let him sleep in solemn night Sleep forever and forever In the spring of 1865 after hearing the guns firing a salute in glorification over the endings of the long and bloody struggle for the preservation of the Union he turned his face homeward to greet the anxious loved one there and to again renew his struggles in the pursuit of an honest living. He leaves to mourn his departure a kind and truthful wife, six sons and three daughters; 17 grand children and one great grandchild two brothers Charles and Andrew Kiger and four sisters Mrs Katie Parsons; Mrs Rebecca Harter; Mrs Maria Heath; Mrs Elizabeth Felton and many relatives and friends. He being a resident of Corvan for 22 years is well known by the community and his passing away will be felt by all - Knowing that he was coming to the place wherein his physical body had become worn out and that he must meet death soon he express himself as being ready and fully satisfied to meet the grim reaper and cease from his aches and pains. Not now but in the coming years, it may be in the better land we'll read the meaning of our tears, and there, sometime, we'll understand. Not now, tho' twill not be long this wearying commontion that marks its passage in our breast - and like the billows on the heaving ocean that ever rocks the cradle of unrest, will soon subside; tis then we'll understand. The world to us seems dark for a while the lamps go out; the stars five up their shining Our hearts give way to sad repining and we feel as though we never could smile But murmur not; some day we'll understand. Till then, we give our father unto him, who doeth all things well. by Dora Driscoll West Related to the Gibsons.