Fifty-first Session of the Synod, Philadelphia Church, Gaston County, North Carolina, October 14, 1871
Obituary of Rev. Jacob Killian.-Rev. Jacob Killian was born of a well-known, influential, Christian family, in Lincoln County, North Carolina, June 8, 1818. He was dedicated to God in infancy, and, at a more mature age, he entered into full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
After securing a respectable education, he commenced the study of theology, with a view to the ministry. May 11, 1836, he entered the ministry, in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Tennessee Synod. In the year 1837, be located near Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia, where he took charge of Koiner's Church, and other congregations in that section, and lived and labored there, till he was called from time into eternity. He entered into the estate of holy matrimony with Miss Julia A. Koiner, daughter of George Koiner, Esq., of near Fishersville, Augusta County, Virginia.
He was a large, portly man of commendable bearing and extensive influence, commanding general respect and esteem. He was possessed of fine native talents and excellent oratorical powers. He was an influential speaker, and frequently grew quite eloquent in the delivery of his sermons, His voice was clear, strong, and forcible. He was a faithful and zealous laborer in the vineyard of his Lord and Master, true and faithful to the doctrines and usages of the Church, and strictly conservative. He made a good impression wherever he went. He was well acquainted with the history and doctrines of the Church, and always inculcated them in the best and most impressive manner.
He was a good, reliable citizen, a kind neighbor, and an affectionate husband and a loving father.
After spending a useful, successful, Christian life, in the Church, the Family, and the State, he departed this life, July 5, 1871; aged 53 years and 28 days, and entered his rest in the upper Sanctuary, leaving four children, --three sons and one daughter, with numerous relatives and friends to lament their irreparable loss. He was buried at Bethlehem Church, near his residence, Revs. J. I Miller, D. D., and I. Conder officiating, in the presence of an unusually large and sympathetic concourse of relatives and friends.
"At length released from many woes,
How sweetly dost thou sleep;
How calm and peaceful thy repose,
While Christ thy soul doth keep."
