It becomes the sad duty to chronicle the death of another pioneer of Flatrock twp.,in the person of John Knipp, who was born in Germany, December 16th, 1818, died April 17th, 1891, aged 72 years, 4 months and 1 day He came over from Germany in an early day, landed in Crawford county, Ohio, and remained there a short time and then came to Henry county, Ohio, and into Flatrock township. Was a resident of this township for 40 years and until he departed this lifeOn November 18th, 1843, he was united in marriage to Susanna Brick, and unto this marriage were born eleven children: four of them had already preceded? him in death, while 3 sons and 4 daughters are still living, also one brother, his wife and 7 children and 27 grandchildren to mourn the loss of a kind father and husband.

As the friends stood around the casket and beheld his face for the last time, they thought of that kind father and husband, the constant friend is gone, how sweetly he sleeps the last sleep, he has closed the eyes that have shed the last tears, laid the hands on be bosom that has heaved the last sigh as a father, how gentle, tender and patient, how anxious he was for the welfare of his children, but calmly and quietly the sun of his life went down and with him the battle of life was over. His funeral took place at the Wait Creek church, of which he was a member, the Rev. Fisher from Napoleon, officiating. The roads were almost impassable, yet a large concourse of people and friends gathered at the church to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased. After the services were over at the church his body was born away and laid in the cemetery adjoining the church. May the Lord help them all to so heed the pious counsel and imitate the good examples of the one passed away, that when one by one drop from the ranks of life they may go to join him in the sweet by and by.

You have laid down the cross dear father,
The crown appears in view,
No more will tempest gather
Or sorrow thee pursue ;
Safe, safe, within the harbor
In yon bright land so fair:
We'll meet you in the morning.
Yea, we will meet you there. J. W.