Levi Goddard Kendall (1827-1906)/documents

The Evening News (Baraboo, WI)
DEATHS

Levi G. Kendall, born in Boston Oct 2d. 1827, died in his home on Fourth avenue in this city yesterday afternoon at 4:35 o’clock. He had been ill for two years with paralysis, but an abscess in the stomach was the immediate cause of death.

Mr. Kendall was a remarkable man in many respects. He began railroading when he was 21 years of age and continued in the service through a long life until five years ago when he was pensioned by the C. & N. W. Co., being the first pensioner on the entire system. He came West in 1858 and in 1859 began construction work for the C. & N. W. between Harvard and Rockford on the Kenosha division. When war broke out in the 60s, he enlisted with a Wisconsin regiment and served for nearly a year. During his service he was wounded in one of his hands. After leaving the army he was employed for a time on the Ohio & Mississippi road, and came west again in 1869, to Sharon, Wis., and resumed work for the C. & N. W.

Most of his railroad service was in the construction work and he threw the first spadeful of earth on the Madison division. He was the first railroad man to settle in Baraboo, Merrimack and Wonewoc, and the village of Kendalls was named in his honor. He came to Baraboo in 1871 and was assistant superintendent of construction here.

Deceased was twice married. His first wife was Miss Abbie Barrell, and one child, Conductor W. B. Kendall, of Janesville, survives them. His second wife was a sister of the first and she survives him. Mrs. Abbie Layden, of this city, is their daughter.

During the construction of the new First M. E. Church in this city, Mr. Kendall was a trustee and rendered most valuable service. He was a devoted Mason and was a Royal Arch Mason, and at one time was treasurer of the Blue Lodge for several years.

The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at the house, conducted by Rev. J. H. Whitney of North Freedom, assisted by Rev. Melear. The Masons will have charge at the grave.

Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Kendall and two children of Janesville are here, and their son, Raymond, of Omaha, they expect will arrive tonight.


 * Wednesday, March 21, 1906, p. 7
 * Transcribed by Bruce Kendall, September 2005