Howard County Indiana USGenWeb Project Obituary:
Lora Corydon HOSS

Lora C. Hoss Dies Suddenly at Sanitorium
Prominent Citizen Expires Early Today in Battle Creek MI
A Man of Finest Type - Recognized by All Who Knew Him as
Worthy Citizen and Christian Gentleman

Lora C. HOSS, age 66 years, a resident of Howard county from early boyhood, a former newspaper owner and editor here, a man long splendidly active in church, cultural and civic work in Kokomo and one admired and esteemed by all who knew him for his nobility of character, his fine intellectuality, his modesty of bearing and his unobtrusive goodness died suddenly at 8:30 this morning of angina pectoria at a sanitorium in Battle Creek, Mich. at which he had been a patient the past month.

News of Mr. HOSS's death was received here at 9:30 in a telegram from Mrs. HOSS, who was with her husband, to her son-in-law, Donald F. ELLIOTT. The message was brief, simply stating that Mr. HOSS had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly and suggesting that Mr. ELLIOTT come to Battle Creek immediately. This step, necessary because of the fact that Mrs. HOSS herself is far from well, was promptly taken, Mr. ELLIOTT leaving by automobile about 10 o'clock.

Definite arrangements for the final rites for Mr. HOSS will not be made until after the arrival of the funeral party here. The body will be prepared for burial at Battle Creek and then brought here by a motor car which the Kenneth H. RICH undertaking concern has sent to Battle Creek for the purpose. The expectation is that the funeral party will get here sometime Sunday afternoon. All arrangements, said Mr. ELLIOTT just before leaving, will be in accordance with the wishes of Mrs. HOSS. He added, however, that the funeral will be a wholly unostentatious service, such as would be in accordance with Mr. HOSS's wishes and in keeping with his always quite and modest bearing in life.

Lora Corydon HOSS was born in Marion county, Ind. January 16, 1859, the son of Peter E. and Sarah R. HOSS. His mother died when he was under two years of age, and he was reared by his father's parents. They removed from Marion county to Howard county in 1865, locating on a farm near Fairfield and there the grandson spent his youth, attending country school during the winter and assisting his grandfather on the farm in summer. In 1875, he entered Butler College, Irvington, studying there three years, after which he spent a year in Kansas, where in summer, he assisted his cousin with whom he resided in breaking prairie sod and in winter taught a country school. Returning to his home in this county in 1876, he re-entered Butler College, from which institution he was graduated with honors in 1881.

Upon completing his college work Mr. HOSS came to Kokomo and on July 23, 1881, acquired a half-interest in the Kokomo Gazette, of which, within a year or two, he became the sole owner. Under his capable handling, the Gazette prospered, its success being sufficient to induce him to start a daily, the paper having been a weekly up to that time.

In 1884 the Gazette was consolidated with the Tribune, under the name Gazette-Tribune, Mr. HOSS and and A.F. PHILLIPS becoming equal owners in the property. In 1886 they sold the paper to B.B. JOHNSON and Mr. HOSS retired permanently from the field of journalis, much to its loss for he was a clear thinker, an interesting writer and a man who had sound notions regarding editorial policy and correct ideals regarding all that pertains to newspaper making. After leaving the newspaper field, Mr. HOSS engaged in the shoe business for a few years. Disposing of that interest, he engaged in farming for seven years, having a pleasant country place a mile northwest of the city. Twenty-three years ago he formed a connection with the Kokomo Opalescent Glass company, which he retained the remainder of his life, assisting in the management of the concern.

On October 2, 1883, Mr. HOSS was united in marriage with Miss Stella BERNHARD of this city, who, with one daghter, Mrs. Pauline ELLIOT, 1095 West Mulberry street, survives him. Mr. HOSS's home for the last several years has been at 802 East Sycamore street. The property was the homestead of of the late Judge H.A. BROUSE. Mr. HOSS bought it from the heirs, and with the excellent taste characteristic of him, retained all its old fashioned charm in the work of restoring and modernizing it. All who knew Mr. HOSS had a feeling that the serene old house, with its spacious grounds and its fine old trees was a singularly fitting place for such a man as he was to live. Something of the composure and nobility of his character found expression in his abode.

Next to his family and his home, the interestes nearest Mr. HOSS's heart were his college and his church. To both of these he gave constant service and devoted support. He had for several years been a member of the board of directors of Butler College and his official connection with the Main Street Christian church, of which he had been a member from youth, covered several decades. His fraternal connections were with the Masonic order - he was a past Worshipful Master of Howard lodge - and with the Phi Delta Theta college fraternity.

Lora Corydon HOSS led a splendidly dutiful life all his days. There was in him something unusually fine - a gentleness of bearing, a softness of speech, a calmness of outlook, an insight into the real meaning of life and a spiritual attitude that are far to seek.

-- Kokomo Tribune, Sat. 17 Oct 1925, p1 & 2

Funeral Services

Funeral services for the late Lora C. HOSS will be held at the residence, 802 East Sycamore street, Tuesday morning at half past ten o'clock, conducted by Rev. M.H. GARRARD, pastor of the Main Street Christian church. Friends of the family are invited. They may take leave of the deceased any time up to the hour of the funeral. Interment will follow in Crown Point Cemetery.

-- Kokomo Tribune, Mon. 19 Oct 1925, p1

NOTE: Lora C. HOSS (1859-1925) and Estella Emily BERNHARD HOSS (1862-1946) are buried in Lot Z, section 25 of Crown Point Cemetery.