By Stephen D. Bowling

Abraham Hunter Short, 81 years old, died at his home in South Jackson Sunday night, March 17, at 9:20, after an illness of several months. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday morning, and the body was taken to Berea for burial.

Mr. Short was born in Knox County on July 23, 1854, and was the son of Andrew and Mary Terry Short, pioneer residents of Eastern Kentucky.

He moved to Breathitt County at the age of 7 and lived on Turkey Creek until 22, when he moved to Jackson and married Annie Eliza Cardwell, daughter of the late T. P. Cardwell, Sr., on April 6, 1876. To this union, twelve children were born, five of whom survive.  Early in his life, he was converted and united with the Methodist church, keeping his membership in the Methodist Church of Jackson since that time.

During his early life, Mr. Short served in various public offices in Breathitt County.  He was elected magistrate and served as a deputy sheriff and deputy county court clerk for a number of years. He taught in the public schools for several years, later going into the mercantile business. In 1903, Mr. Short moved his family to Berea, where he lived until 1917, and conducted a merchandise business.

Returning to Jackson, Mr. Short engaged in the grocery business until six years ago, when his health began to fail. He had been ill for the past two or three years but suffered a serious attack three months ago and had been confined to his bed since that time. He had many friends in every section of the state and was held in high esteem by all.

His wife, who survives, together with other members of his family, were constantly with him during his illness, giving him every attention and care possible.

Funeral services were conducted at the residence Tuesday morning by P. C. Eversole, pastor of the Methodist church, and Albert Hales, pastor of the Christian church of this city.

The body was taken to Berea on the 8:40 train, and further services were held at the grave by Rev. Denlinger.  Interment in the family lot in the Berea Cemetery Tuesday afternoon. W. E. Blake, funeral director of this city, had charge of arrangements.

Surviving besides the widow are five children, Dan C. Short, Mrs. Allen Williams, and Mrs. G. C. Barnes, all of Berea; B. C. Short and Mrs. Roy, Fugitte of this city; twenty-eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Nancy McIntosh of Jackson, Mrs. Margaret Brock, Oklahoma, and Mrs. Martha Lewis, Perry County.

Among those from Jackson who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Roy Fugitte, B. C. Short, Mrs. R. C. Francis, Mrs. R. M. Bottoms, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hatton and son, Jimmie Delaney Roberts and son, Samuel, of Covington, also attended.

Obituary from The Jackson Times, March 21, 1935, page 1.

© 2023 Stephen D. Bowling