MR. AKERS had left his home in this city at about 9:30 o'clock Saturday morning to haul a load of straw from a stack about four miles from here. The day passed and when at 5 o'clock he had not returned, MRS. AKERS dispatched their son, HARRY, to ascertain the cause of his father's delay. HARRY was horrified on reaching the stack to find the lifeless form of his father lying against it. He hastened to town and several parties returned to the sad scene to care for the remains. It is supposed that death was due to heart trouble, though when MR. AKERS left on his errand he was in perfect health. His position in lying against the straw was such as to indicate that he had gone without a struggle and judging from the work he had done, it is supposed that he had died about l o'clock.

The funeral services were held from the church on Monday at l o'clock, and were attended by a very large crowd though the day was the stormiest that has visited this vicinity for some time. All day long Sunday the home was crowded with anxious friends who could scarcely believe that one who had laughed and joked with them yesterday was gone today. The funeral sermon was preached by Elder Swift of the Church of Christ, of which MR. AKERS became a member 33 years ago. MR. AKERS was also a member of the order of Odd Fellows in Iowa and that lodge of this place took charge of the ceremonies. Surrounded by the friends, neighbors, relatives and business associates of the dead, Mr. Swift pronounced a brilliant and eloquent eulogy upon the life and years of paternal duties of MR. AKERS -- a eulogy by many regarded as the most beautiful and heartiest tribute ever heard to the memory of one who has seen life in its phases.

After the ceremony at the church the remains were conveyed to the Ione Cemetery for final interment by the I.O.O.F. lodge.

As a mark of esteem in which MR. AKERS was held as a citizen, all the stores and business houses joined in a general movement and kept closed from one until four o'clock.

ABRAHAM HARVEY AKERS was born in Chariton County, Mo., from there he moved with his parents to Iowa. He crossed the plains with ox team in l86l but returned to Iowa in '63. He was married to ARMETTA SHELTON, the mother of his surviving children, April 24, l867. She died January 29, l883, and in '86 he was married to TILDA ANN SHELTON. In '87 he came to Oregon again with his family, and made his home in Morrow County. He was the father of eight children, 6 boys and 2 girls, all of whom, except l boy who died at the age of two years, are living. He also leaves one brother, T.J. AKERS, in St. Joe., Mo., one sister MRS. LYDIA ANN HENDRICKS, in Iowa, and his wife, who is prostrated with grief. He died February 7, l903.

He leaves many relatives in Missouri, Iowa and this place and a countless number of friends who are deeply grieved at his sudden and untimely death.

--IONE WEEKLY POST.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
March 4, 2003