AKERS, Thomas J. - Putnam

Thomas J. Akers died at the home of his son, Charles A. Akers in Denver, Colorado June 10, 1920 age 84 years 4 months 29 days.  The deceased was born in Putnam County, Indiana Jan 12, 1836 and is the last but one of a large family, Mrs. Lidy Hendricks, wife of John Hendricks of Minnesota being the only surviving member of this family. He left Indiana when but three years old and moved with his parents to Sheridan County, Missouri in 1839. After the death of his father he moved with his mother to Decatur County, Iowa, 1854.  In 1856 he went to California where he was employed in the gold mines for five years.  When the Civil War began he enlisted in Co B 5th Reg California Volunteers served three years and two months and was honorably discharged at El Paso, Texas in 1864. He then returned to his old Iowa home. He was married in 1868 to Mary Ellen Dobson and to this union were born three sons and two daughters, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild surviving him. One son, Lawson J was killed in Co G 18th Inf at Ft Sam Huston, Texas in 1897, William M and Charles A reside at Denver, Colorado, Lucy E, wife of Robert Jackson died at St. Joe, Mo in 1918 and Ruth died in infancy. His wife passed to her reward in 1876. He was again married in 1887 at St. Joe, Mo to Susan Tharp who died in 1909 and after the death of his companion Mr. Akers made his home with his son, Charles at Denver until his death.  In 1871 he united with the Christian Church of Leon, Iowa, living a true Christian life and expressed a desire to be taken home to rest for said he, “I have no fear of death.”  Three weeks before he was taken sick he heard the voice of his faithful wife calling him and could see the faces of thousands of beautiful angels beckoning him home. Thus one by one the old land marks and pioneers like the hands in the hour glass are passing away. Peace to their ashes. The world is all the better for their having lived in it. The remains were brought to Leon on Sunday and laid to rest in the Palestine cemetery, short funeral services being conducted by Rev. Henry Esch of Cainsville, Mo. - kz