Grandson Christian Hablizel Vail
Son of Cornelius and Rozetta's son John William Vail.
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Chris Vail Known for Cheerful Ways
By Bess Watson.
From an unknown newspaper.
Chris H. Vail, whose tall, distinctive figure was for many years familiar in the neighborhood of the 1000 block of West 34th, had an alertness of mind and a philosophy of good cheer which belied his 85 years. He died yesterday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Hugh M. Glenn, 5730 N. Keystone.
For many years Mr. Vail lived on West 34th, in the home he built himself. He was popular in the neighborhood. No matter how hard the time, he believed in looking on the bright side.
Born at Madison, Mr. Vail was the son of John and Katie Vail. His father was a cracker salesman.
As a young man Mr. Vail worked in a furniture factory at Madison. There, too, for a time, he was stage manager for the opera house, where he came to know many of the early theatrical greats. He also owned a newstand concession. For a time he carried mail by boat from Madison to Jeffersonville.
Mr. Vail came to Indianapolis 45 years ago. For 35 years he was employed as maintenance man for the Fletcher Trust Co.
A sister, the late Miss Frances Vail, was for a number of years head of the Indiana Women's Prison. An uncle, the late George Vail, was an undertaker at Madison.
Mr. Vail's wife, Ella Vail, died [in] June, 1939. In January, 1940, [the] two would have observed [their] golden wedding anniversary. He had lived with his [daughter] 14 years.
Sports were a hobby with Mr. Vail and he enjoyed watching any sort of game. He was particularly fond of baseball and the Indianapolis Indians, attending every game when his health permitted. Three years ago he fell and broke ankle. He never entirely recovered and this kept him from attending games. But he kept up with the Indians' schedule on radio and television. He not only could recognize all the players, but knew their records and life histories.
Mr. Vail was a member of Home Presbyterian Church. After it merged with the Fairview Presbyterian Church, he attended First Presbyterian Church. For more than 50 years, at Madison and here, he was a member of the Knights of Pythias.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Flanner and Buchanan Fall Creek Mortuary, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Survivors, besides Mrs. Glenn, are another daughter, Mrs. Luke H. Bracken; a son, Robert H. Vail; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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Chris H. Vail Obituary.
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