News Clipping, Apr 5, 1918

Death of Frank H. McKinnon

Large Attendance at Funeral -- Buried with Masonic Honors

The sudden death of a prominent and esteemed resident always drives into the hearts of friends a shaft of sorrow and a burden of grief to the afflicted family of utmost severity. The sudden death of Frank H. McKinnon, Friday morning 5th inst., brings us again to a realization, too oft repeated, of the extreme uncertainty of life, and the news of his sad death caused a deep and most painful surprise, not only in this community, but also throughout Delaware county, especially in his home town of Masonville.

Briefly stated, on Friday morning, 5th inst., Mr. McKinnon, apparently in his usual health, went from his home on Main street to the D. & H. side tracks in the Sidney yard, to attend to a shipment of mine ties. Shortly after 11 o'clock, William Cole, who was drawing the ties, went into the car and found Mr. McKinnon had suddenly died. It was at first thought he might have been injured but Dr. Day, who was summoned, decided that death was due to natural causes, failure of the heart action, a weakness from which Mr. McKinnon had suffered for a long period, although able to attend to the daily routine of of life. The sad news was gently conveyed to his widow, who bears her deep affliction with Christian fortitude and resignation.

Frank H. McKinnon was 63 years pf age, born in Masonville, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Archibald McKinnon; he was the last survivor of the family, his two brothers Dr. John McKinnon and Archie McKinnon, dying several years ago in the Middle West. In the early 90's he represented Masonville on the Board of Supervisors. In 1884 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Baumes, daughter of the late Judge J.R. Baumes and Mrs. Baumes, a union that was blessed with mutual devotion and happiness, with every element conducive to a happy and contented home No matter what were the turmoils and contentions of the outside world, the battles of life which we all must encounter, Frank H. McKinnon was blessed with an ideal home, a haven of rest, where he was sure of wise counsel, words of cheer and encouragement from a truly devoted wife.

He took a keen, intelligent interest in all public affairs and became an earnest worker in the cause of equal suffrage, greatly assisting Mrs. McKinnon, who has always been one of the foremost leaders of that movement in the county. Together with Mr. Hickock, he built the Hotel Sidney, recently destroyed by fire, and was the first proprietor
when the hotel was opened in 1885. He was instrumental in locating the glass works here, an industry that meant much to the prosperity of Sidney at the time and which was destroyed by fire in May, 1900. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce he gave evidence of his desire to aid the village in any way beneficial to its welfare.

In Masonic circles Mr. McKinnon will long be remembered as one of the organizers and charter members of Sidney Lodge, F. & A.M., No. 801. His unwavering devotion to the Order was fitly recognized when he was appointed District Deputy Grand Master a position which he filled with zeal and ability, and still held at the time of his death. He was also a member of the Unadilla Chapter, No. 178, Royal Arch Masons, of Unadilla, and of Norwhich Commandery. He was worthy and well qualified and truly prepared for admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where presides the Supreme Grand Master, and his brothers in Masonry bow in humble submission to the inevitable edict from the Supreme Grand East.

The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, 9th inst., at the family home on Main Street, Rev. O. T. Fletcher officiating. The floral remembrances, from relatives friends, and the several societies were numerous and beautiful, over forty pieces in number. Sidney Lodge, F. & A.M., with full staff of officers, was well represented. On account of the storm, the committal services by Norwhich Commandery, No. 46, K.T., were observed at the house, the Prelate, Rev. H.R. McMellan officiating. The bearers were selected from the Knights Templar, Sir Knights E.O. Allen, L. B. Palmiter, James L. Clark, C.W. Reams, John H. Curtis, H.J. Godfrey. The Commandery was well represented, under the leadership of Commander George H. Bacon. The final rites were observed in Prospect Hill cemetery.

Thos who attended from abroad were: Mrs. Archie McKinnon and Mrs. John McKinnon, of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Chicago, Ill.; Mr. J.B. Buckley, of Irvington, N.Y.; Miss Genevieve Martin, Mrs. C.E. Gorton, of Oneanta; Mrs. William Bolt, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Axtell, of Deposit; Mrs. Alfred Corbin of Binghamtoon; Misses Marion and Frances Bowman of Sidney Center; Mr. and Mrs. Lawson of Syracuse, N.Y.

Mr. McKinnon was the last survivor of his immediate family. The community parts with him with a sense of deep regret and as a mark of respect the stores were closed during the ceremonies. To his widow and members of the family is directed the deep sympathy of the entire community.

Notes: Norwich Commandery No. 46 is a still functioning branch of the Nights Templar.

The abbreviation "inst." means "instantly, or this month.