Charles Fillmore Troutman Obituary

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The following obituary was published in The Pioneer News on September 10, 1920.

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Mr. Charles Fillmore Troutman, one of our best and best know men, died at his home here last Saturday morning at 1:30 after an illness of more than one year. The cause of his death was cerebral hemorrhages.

After brief but touching service at the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Carter Luton, the remains were taken to Louisville and buried in Cave Hill Cemetery by the Masonic Lodge of this place, of which the deceased was a Past Master and was for many years secretary.

Surviving Mr. Troutman are his widow, Mrs. Ada B. Troutman, two sons, Woodford B. Troutman and C. F. Troutman Jr, one brother, R. L. Troutman, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Meredith, Mrs Emma Combs and Mrs. Ida Carroll, all of this place.

Charles Fillmore Troutman was born in Bullitt County, Kentucky, on the 6th day of June, 1856, the son of Michael and Sophia Troutman. He was for many years the junior member of the well known firm of Troutman Brothers, of this place, and for many years was the Cashier of the Bullitt County Bank. On October 6th, 1892, he was married to Miss Ada Bates, daughter of the late Dr. D. M. Bates, whose good name for years a household word in Bullitt County. To this union were born three sons, two of whom survive him. The other and eldest son, Millard Troutman, sleeps "over there" in France, having lost his life in the great World War. There was not more loyal man than "Phil" Troutman, nor one with more patriotism, and from the very moment our country entered that struggle, his heart and sympathies were with the entente allies. With a self abnegation which may have been equaled but never surpassed, he advised his eldest son, the idol of the home, to enlist in the cause of Liberty for all mankind and with breaking heart, blessed his boy and sent him away to become a solder in his country's cause. When the sad news was flashed back that Millard Troutman had been killed in battle, Phil Troutman was a heart-broken man. His heart was set upon welcoming back his boy - his boy who had fought so bravely and gloriously, and this was denied him, there was nothing ahead but heart broken sorrow and death. A few months after the news of his son's death, he received a paralytic stroke and was a helpless man until his death. There is much to be said in praise of Phil Troutman. He was one of the most generous men in Bullitt County. He was a public spirited man and above all, a home loving man. He was at all times solicitous for his friends and ready to lend a helping hand.

When the writer's father died, and he was preparing to go back to the old home and comfort his mother, Phil Troutman came to him and said, " I do not know condition your finances are in, but when you go home, just draw your check for what you need and you haven't the funds in bank sufficient to meet the check, I'll see that it is honored." That was characteristic of the man; he was a friend under all conditions. His whole life was spent here in Bullitt County where he first saw the light of day. He was closely identified with everything which sought to better his town and county and gave liberally of his time and money to all worthy causes. The crowd which filled the Methodist Church to over flowing and the many beautiful floral tributes of loving friends, fully attested the high esteem in which he was held. Several years ago, he became a member of the Methodist Church and died with a Christian's faith. Somewhere in that better land, beyond the chilly tides of death's cold stream - somewhere beyond the ken of mortal ones, father and son have been reunited - somewhere in that land not made of hands, spirits of the heroic son and heart-broken father await in the eternal sunshine of Paradise the coming of the loved ones left behind them.

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Of the three Troutman brothers, the oldest Henry Franklin Troutman was born 29 Mar 1844, and died 19 Aug 1910. Robert Levi Troutman was born 6 May 1846 and died 13 Jun 1923. The youngest was Charles Fillmore Troutman who was born 6 Jun 1856 and died 4 Sep 1920.

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