Obituary from The Bowling Green Times, 
Bowling Green, MO
August 30, 1883
Page 3, Column 5:

James Linville Kilby

JAMES LINVILLE KILBY was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina January 9, 1804 and died at his home in Indian Creek Township, Pike County, Mo., August 19, 1883. At the age of 19 he married Miss Frances Vannoy and three years later he came to Pike County in 1826 where he lived until his death. By his first wife, who died in 1862 he had 11 children, four of whom are still living. He afterwards married Mrs. Louisa Smith, nee Wright, who proved to be a most faithful companion to his last years in which he suffered much from bodily afflictions.

Mr. Kilby was one of the first settlers of Indian Creek Township and was one of the first Justices. He was always an honorable citizen and was rightfully regarded as a leading man in his community. But he was also a Christian, not only in his mind but in deed. He was a member of the Methodist Church, which he honored greatly by a long, useful and exemplary life and membership of 51 years. When the end came he was ready and anxious to be gone. To his many friends he gave abundant evidence that all with him was well. The Savior that he loved and served so long was with him still and lit up the deep dark valley with his presence. Without the least sign of aberration or delirium, his mind was as clear as sunbeam to the very last, and as long as he had the power, he spoke intelligently. Just a little while before he breathed his last, he said to his son John, who was by his side, “My son, it will soon be over now”, and not long after that his happy spirit was born away to the bosom of God, leaving a most peaceful expression upon his lifeless features, that seemed to tell plainly to all of his victory over his last enemy.

His funeral was one of the largest that ever took place in the county, a good number of relatives and friends following the procession to witness his interment in his own Cemetery, close by the old and well known Church, which he had built on his own land, and still stands as a memorial of his Christian zeal. Then under a beautiful cedar, planted many years ago by himself, surrounded by the graves of his many loved ones, he sleeps.

That blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep.

He is gone, but he leaves behind him a good name, as influence for good that cannot die, and therefore no eulogy is needed.

It is sufficient to mark the perfect man behold the upright for the end of that man in peace.

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell