Thomas Jefferson Hounshell

Thomas Jefferson Hounshell, died at his home on Frozen creek, Breathitt county, Kentucky, on Sept. 4, 1917 at 5 o’clock p.m. T.J. Hounshell, of that much dreaded disease cancer, he being a sufferer for many years. The end had been expected for about a year. 

He was 77 years and one month old. He bore his suffering well, rarely ever heard him murmur except the last three months of his life. 

In his early life he learned to be a blacksmith and was among the first in this county to shoe oxen so that they could get along on the frozen ground. He was of Virginia birth, being born in Smythe county, VA., and when a mere boy his father, Franklin Hounshell, together with his family came to Kentucky and located near Jackson, while the town was in its infancy.

In the year of 1876 he was married to Miss Elizabeh Sheffield, a daughter of James Sheffield, of Wolfe county, to this union were born six children, two sons and four daughters. His wife and five children still survive him. Soon after his marriage he united with the Methodist church and died in its communion and the full hope of a blessed immorality.

His children are: James T. Hounshell, of Wayland, S.T. Hounshell, of Keck, Mrs. Sarah E. Hays, of Frenchburg, Mrs. Eva Hatton of Keck, and Mrs. Elsie Flinchum, of Quicksand.

The funeral was preached by Rev. Jerry S. Taulbee. His remains were then placed in its last resting place on the brow of the beautiful hill used these many years as a burial ground by the Cope family and the surrounding neighborhood.

I Shed not for him a bitter tear
Nor give the heart to vain regret;
‘Tis but the casket that lies here,
The gem that filled it sparkles yet.
Weep not for him who meekly led 
A life of piety and love,
Whose unassuming virtue shed
A hallowed influence from above
His faith kept close the narrow way
Till life’s last hour in peace had fled;
Then from above a heavenly ray
Lit up with joy his dying bed

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