Jeff Horton, one of Astoria’s most highly respected citizens, died Saturday evening at his home in the southeast part of town following a long illness from bladder trouble; aged 75 years, 2 months and 14 days.
Mr. Horton was born in Ohio on Nov. 3, 1844 and when a lad of 9 years he came to Illinois with his parents, settled in Woodland township, where he resided up until 17 years ago, when he located in Astoria.
Mr. Horton was one of the early pioneers of this community and endured all the hardships and trials of the early settler and helped in no small degree to open the way for the comforts and conveniences, which we of the present generation enjoy. He was a man of jovial nature, always looking on the bright side of life, always ready to lend a helping hand and his cheery words have brightened and helped many a discouraged friend. He was a farmer and followed the threshing business in this vicinity for 54 years, a loyal neighbor and his passing marks the loss of another of the honored pioneers of this section.
T. J. Horton, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Horton, was one of a family of twelve children, two of whom died in infancy, William and Florence. The other children grew to manhood and womanhood, but five are now deceased: Mrs. Jane Hammel, Silvina Robertson, Almilda Roach, Wash Horton and J. T. Horton. The five surviving are Jack and Abe of Astoria, Mrs. Louisa Shawgo, of St. Johns, Wash., Mrs. Sarah Severns of Macomb, and Mrs. Polly Angelo, of Jacksonville.
Mr. Horton was united in marriage to Miss Louisa McDermott in 1868 and to them were born two children, both of whom are deceased, Mary Spangler, who died Oct. 29, 1895 and Franklin Horton who passed away Jan. 4, 1881. The mother also passed away and Mr. Horton was again married in 1875 to Miss Susan Stoops. Seven children were born to them, two being deceased. The widow and five children survive: Dallas, Don and Cline and Mrs. Josie Curless of Astoria and Mrs. Frank Heath of Beardstown, also eight grandchildren.
The funeral services were held at his late residence Tuesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock conducted by Rev. S. C. Williams and assisted by Rev. S. S. Blough and J. E. Fry. Burial in the Astoria cemetery.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus