Henry Eilers (1862-1943)

EILERS, LEWIS, MOONEY

Posted By: John Davis (email)
Date: 1/28/2020 at 22:33:34

Obit posted in Ottumwa Courier December 29, 1943
Photo posted in obit
Henry Eilers Dies; Veteran Riverman
Henry Eilers, 81, who spent nearly a quarter of a century as official river observer in Ottumwa and who was a familiar figure for years when he was a flagman on the busy Market street railroad crossing, died at his home 302 North Moore street at 1:58 p.m. Wednesday. The son of John and Margaret Eilers, he was born in Oldenburg, Germany, July 9, 1862. He came to the United States when 9 years old, living first at Burlington and later of farms near new London and Martinsburg. He moved to Ottumwa in 1894 and lived here since. Mr. Eilers worked for the Burlington railroad for 34 years; was injured in an accident at one time after which he was transferred to the flag job. He was retired from railroad services in 1929 but continued as daily river observer for the government until 1938 when he quit because of ill health. During time of high water. Riverman Eilers was the principal source of information on the rise and fall of the stream, at a time when accurate, detailed statistics meant many dollars to Ottumwa and others in this area. Mr. Eilers was married December 31, 1891, to Nellie J. Lewis of Westville, Missouri. She preceded him in death January 31, 1943. He also was preceded in death by three sons and one daughter, his parents and one brother. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mary Dolores Mooney of Ottumwa; one son John F. Eilers of Ottumwa and one granddaughter Ruth Eilers. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, and pallbearers at the funeral will be fellow members. Services will be held Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Johnson funeral chapel, conducted by the Rev. A.D. McClure. The casket will be closed at the beginning of the service. Burial will be in Shaul cemetery.