Jacob Myers, one of Canton's old and respected citizens, was found dead in his chair at 1:30 o'clock Friday afternoon by his daughter, Mrs. Alice Dow.

Mr. Myers, who was an aged man, had enjoyed fair health all winter, and never until Friday morning did he complain of heart illness. About 10 o'clock a. m. he told his daughter, Mrs. Dow, with whom he lived at 225 South Fourth Avenue, that he was suffering with pains in the region of his heart. Nothing serious was thought of it and Mr. Myers, shortly afterwards, laid down.

A little before 1:30 o'clock this afternoon he arose from his bed walked out into the sitting room and sat down in the rocker. Mrs. Dow asked him if he felt any better and he replied by saying that he felt no worse.

She then left him and ran to a neighbor's in quest of a mustard plaster. When she returned she found him dying and before she could summon help he had passed away.

Jacob Myers was born in Mercersburg, Penn., on June 25, 1817. He married Miss Mary Heller of that city and 43 years ago they removed to Canton. Six children were born to them. Two died in Mercersburg and three have died since the family came to Canton. Mrs. Myers died four years ago. Mrs. Dow is the only one left of the immediate family.

Mr. Myers was a tailor by occupation, which he followed with industry and honesty while engaged in it. He retired from active work years ago. He was not a member of any lodge, church, or society, but nevertheless, he was a good Christian and guided his life's steps by the teachings of the bible.

Three brothers survive him. They are George and Andrew Myers of Mercersburg, Penn., and David Myers of Nebraska.


The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late residence at 225 South Fourth Avenue.

Canton Weekly Register, No. 12, January 12, 1899, Pg. 1:
A Sudden Death
(From microfilm at the Parlin-Ingersoll Library, 205 West Chestnut St., Canton, Illinois 61520-2499; ph: (309) 647-0328)