John Henry EATER, who resided with his son Homer, at 625 S. 19th, died at 4:00 am today. He was 89 years, two months and 19 days of age.

Funeral services, conducted by the Rev. Everett Apgar, will be held at the Pulley Funeral Home at 2 pm Wednesday. Burial will be in West Salem cemetery. The body will lie in state after 6 pm today.

Mr. Eater was born near Tamaroa, Ill. to Jonas and Judith (McLaughlin) Eater on September 28, 1856.

On November 21, 1878, he was married ot Eliza Piper, who died February 8, 1917. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom died in infancy, and two, Mrs. Minnie Bertch and Mrs. Belle Hoit, in later years.

He is survived by two sons, Homer and James; eight grandchildren; a brother, Alva and a sister, Mrs. Ella Marshall, both of Tamaroa.

Mr. Eater had been a farmer all his life. He came from his home in Perry county when he was just a boy and lived with his grandfather, Capt. John McLaughlin, until his marriage. Mr. Eater was of pioneer stock and knew what hard work and honesty were to the fullest extent. He saw the U.S. finish four wars. He was united with the Olive Branch Baptist church at Drivers soon after the church was built. The Rev. Cal Richardson and the Rev. Joe Payne were his favorite ministers.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: December 17, 1945
Submitted by Sharlet Bigham LaBarbera