HENRY W. ELA GRAVESTONE PHOTO
Buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Burlington, Coffey Co., KS.
Died: July 24, 1917
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Henry W. Ela one of the pioneers of Coffey county, died at his home at the corner of Fifth and LaMoille street at 11:30 this morning after a lingering illness. He was 81 years old. No arrangements have been made for the funeral. Mr. Ela came to Coffey county in 1885 with the Hampden colony, and has lived here ever since. He served in the Union army during the civil war.
IS LAID TO REST.
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The funeral of Henry W. Ela was held at the Methodist church yesterday morning and the interment in Mt. Hope cemetery. The services were in charge of Rev. J. L. Thompson of the Christian church, and a large number of friends and neighbors attended. The male quartet furnished the music. Rev. Mr. Odom preached a comforting sermon and paid a high tribute to the memory of Mr. Ela. Mr. Ela was the last survivor of the second company of emigrants to Hampden.
Henry W. Ela was born in Windser county Vermont January 25, 1836, died July 24, 1917. He came to Kansas with his parents in 1855 and was here during the border warfare, and during the civil war service in Company E 5th Kansas Cavalry. On January 1868 he was married to Lucinda Jones and there were born four children: Twin sons, died in infancy, Cora Emma, now Mrs. Marsh of Waynoka Okla., and Frank W. Ela of Fenton, Mich. His first wife died March 22, 1878. He was married to Laura J. Vail February 29, 1880. To the were born two children: Grace, who died in infancy and Geo. W. Ela of Valley Falls Kans. Mr. Ela’s parents dedicated him to the Lord in a special way in his childhood with the hope of preparing him for the ministry but before completing his education he decided to come west and help make Kansas a free state. About nine years ago he united with the M. E. church and remained faithful in attendance and interest as long as he was able. All who knew him can say as the Master said of a man of old; “This was one in whom there was no quit.”
Mr. Ela had a large circle of friends and was always pleasant and jovial and was especially highly esteemed by those who knew him best. He had been in poor health for a long time and died at his home in Burlington Tuesday July 24, 1917. During all his long illness his wife was in constant attendance, ministering to his needs.