Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2024 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Battle Creek Enquirer Wednesday, 28 February 1917 CAPTAIN KIAH, NOTED LIFESAVER, IS DEAD RECEIVED HERO MEDAL FROM CONGRESS FOR HIS WORK Only Survivor of Ill-Fated Point Aux Barques Station Crew Drowned April 24, 1880. Harbor Beach, Mich., Feb. 27. - - CAPTAIN JEROME G. KIAH, and old resident of this place, wintering at Los Angeles, Cal., died there suddenly Sunday from heart disease, according to word received Monday. He will be buried in Los Angeles Wednesday under Masonic Auspices. He leaves a widow and one daughter, Mrs. ARTHUR LUDINGTON of Detroit. CAPTAIN KIAH was born at Ogdensburg, N.Y., May 4, 1843, and went schooner sailing at 17 on the Great Lakes. He entered the life saving service as captain of the Pointe Aux Barques station in 1878 and remained in charge until 1880. After the death by drowning of Captain JOSEPH SAWYER, superintendent of the Detroit district, October, 1880, during an inspection trip, Captain KIAH, in recognition of efficient and heroic work at the Pointe Aux Barques station, was presented by congress with the national gold medal and promoted to superintendent of the Lakes Huron and Superior district, with headquarters at Harbor Beach. Captain KIAH was the only survivor of the ill-fated Pointe Aux Barques station crew drowned April 24, 1880. The old surf boat capsized in the heavy reef breakers so that several times, when rowing to the rescue of the scow J. P. McGinder, stranded on the off shore reef during a southeast storm, the captain clung to the bottom of the upturned surf boat until driven on the beach, where he was found unconscious. In 1892 Superintendent KIAH was appointed member of the national board on life saving appliances by the treasury department, and held that position un- till his age limit retirement, March, 1915, under the new coast guard organization, after an active service of more than 37 years. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Harbor Beach Times March 2, 1917 (Friday) CAPT. KIAH DIED SUNDAY EVENING -------------- Well Known and Revered Resident Passed Away at Los Angeles. ------------------------------- A telegram received in this city early Monday morning brought deep sorrow to this community. It announced the death of CAPTAIN JEROME G. KIAH who passed away Sunday evening of heart disease, in Los Angeles, California where he and Mrs. Kiah had gone late last fall to spend the winter months. The news of the captain's sudden death quickly spread about town, leaving much sadness in its wake. Person who but recently had received letters from him, could not believe that he had died, so firmly in- trenched was their desire to have him return from the west improved in health. Funeral services were conducted in Los Angeles, Wednesday under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity. JEROME G. KIAH was born at Ogdensburg, New York, May 4, 1843, and at the early age of seventeen com- menced schooner sailing on the Great Lakes. Later he entered the Life-Saving Service as captain of the Pte. aux Barques station in 1878 where he remained in charge until 1880. He was the only survivor of the ill-fated Point aux Barques station crew drowned April 20, 1880. The old surf boat capsized in the heavy reef breakers so that several times, when row- ing to the rescue of the scow J. H. Magruder, strand- ed on the off-shore reef during a south-southeast storm the captain clung to the bottom of the upturned surf boat until driven on the beach, where he was found unconscious. After the death by drowning of CAPTAIN SAWYER, district superintendent, in October, 1880, during an inspection trip, CAPTAIN KIAH in recognition of effi- cient and heroic service at Point aux Barques station, was presented by congress with the national gold medal and promoted to fill the district superintendent's vacancy of Lakes Huron and Superior, with head quarters at Harbor Beach. In 1892, SUPT. KIAH was appointed by the Treasury Department as a member of the National Board on Life-Saving Ap- pliances, which position he held until his age limit retirement, March 19, 1915, under the new coast guard regulations, after an active faith- ful service of over thirty years. During the time CAPTAIN KIAH resided in Harbor Beach he had always taken a keen interest in all civic improvements. He was interested in many other of the community's activities, and at all times was attracted to the children of the city who knew him to be their loyal friend. Recognizing the necessity of organized play, at his own expense, he installed during the summer of 1915 equipment for a children's play ground which was maintained that summer and last at the rear of the Baptist church, and here he often could be found helping our young folks in their play. Many young men who have lived in this community have CAPTAIN KIAH to thank for his confidential talks, given at the time they were sowing their "wild oats." It would be almost impossible to tell of his influence for good with the city's youth, so far reaching and of such value has it been. Among the keepers of various stations under his jurisdiction he was indeed their superior. To them could be seen the conscientiousness that underlaid the captain's efforts. Many of the keepers were of the opinion that he was rather too careful of the government's money, yet his expenditures of these funds were always made with a conscientious and proper purpose. CAPTAIN KIAH was an active member of our local Methodist church and during his years of residence here was probably the most influential member of this organization and for twenty five years was superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school. He was a Past Master of Huron Lodge F. & A. M., member of Stafford chapter, R. A. M., and of Bad Axe Commandry Knight's Templar and of Moslem Temple Shrine of Detroit. CAPTAIN KIAH was very highly respected and revered by all of this community who do deeply mourn his loss. He is survived by MRS. KIAH and one daughter, MRS. ARTHUR LUDINGTON of Detroit, and the community joins in expressing sincere sympathy with these friends in their bereavement. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== ===============================================================================