OBIT: Sidney C. EASTON, 1931, Salisbury, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/
_________________________________________

SIDNEY C. EASTON

  The people of Salisbury were greatly shocked and grieved when it became known 
that Sidney C. Easton, one of the town's most highly esteemed and exemplary 
citizens, had expired suddenly on South Grant Street, at about 8:30 o'clock, 
Monday evening while returning home from a walk out in the country.  He was born 
in Salisbury May 9, 1881, and died at the age of 49 years, 8 months and 23 days.  
He was a son of the late Robert and Mary Calhoun Easton, who came here from Du 
Bois, Clearfield County, Pa., in 1879, and resided here for many years.  His 
father was a mine superintendent most of the years he resided here, and his 
mother became a helpless invalid soon after Sidney, the youngest of her twelve 
children, was born, but was spared to her children for many years thereafter, 
and performed a large part in shaping the splendid character of her son whose 
death is here recorded.
  Though largely dependent upon his own resources from the days of his youth, 
Sidney C. Easton always gave a good account of himself, and made the best of his 
environments, and soon became known in the community as a thrifty, useful and 
exemplary citizen.  While still a very young man he learned the painting trade, 
and in that line developed into a master workman, a real artist, and it is 
doubtful whether there was a better house painter, exterior or interior, in 
Somerset County than he was.  It is certain that a more honest painter never 
drew a brush in Somerset County.  He was also a good decorator and paper-hanger, 
as well as a good watch and clock repairer, which occupation he followed at such 
time as he was not busy at painting, paper-hanging and decorating.
  His disposition was kind, quiet and unassuming, and no one ever knew him to be 
seriously ill, or to complain much of not feeling well.  Owing to the fact that 
he always looked well, and that few persons had any knowledge of a stomach 
trouble he had been suffering from to some extent during the last few years, as 
has been learned since his death, his sudden demise came as a great shock to all 
who knew him.
  The circumstances connected with his death, as near as can be determined are 
as follows: Some time between the hours of 8 and 9 p.m. he walked out into the 
country to a distance of about one half-mile south of town, apparently for mere 
exercise, as he was in the habit of doing.  He met Charles Butler, who was on 
his way to town, as Mr. Butler neared the town limits.  The two men stopped and 
chatted pleasantly for a few minutes, it being a beautiful moonlight night, and 
then each went his way.  Mr. Easton is known to have turned about near the foot 
of Thomas Hill, and then turned back to town and preceeded along the westside of 
Grant Street in the direction of his home.  He had walked only a little more 
than two blocks when he fell to the stone sidewalk in front of the summer 
residence of Hon. James H. McClure.  He was found lying there soon after he had 
fallen, by Leroy Reckner, who chanced to be the first person passing that way.  
Reckner did not know who the prostrate man was nor whether he was dead or alive, 
until after he had summoned other persons to the scene.  Dr. B. H. Hoke, Jr., 
was among those summoned and upon examination of the body found life to be 
extinct.
  The unfortunate man had apparently fallen on his face, which was bruised 
somewhat about the nose and cheeks, and after falling turned over on his back.  
The body was carried to Kidner's Service Station, from which place it was taken 
to Meyersdale by Undertaker W. C. Price, who prepared it for burial.
  In the meantime Dr. James F. Easton, of Romney, W.Va., a brother of the 
deceased, was informed by telephone of his brother's death, as were also 
relatives in Johnstown and Huntingdon, Pa.  Dr. Easton and one of his sons 
arrived a few hours later in the doctor's car, and the next day another brother, 
Walter S. Easton, of Huntingdon, Mrs. Samuel Gipe, sister of the deceased, and 
other relatives, arrived here to help make arrangements for the funeral, which 
was held this (Thursday) forenoon at 10 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Margaret 
Glotfelty, mother of the decedent's late wife, who before her marriage was Miss 
Zephia Glotfelty less than a dozen years ago, and she died about four years ago.
  The loss of Mr. Easton's good and noble wife was a heavy blow to him and his 
grief for several years weighed heavily upon him, and the love of another very 
worthy woman, Mrs. Bertha Gnagey, to whom he was betrothed at the time of his 
death, brightened his life immeasurably during the last year.  Much sympathy is 
felt for the estimable young woman who was to become his bride in the near 
future, and who is almost prostrated by her lover's untimely and unexpected 
death.
  Mr. Easton was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and lived in 
accordance with its noble principles.  The obsequies were in charge of the 
lodge, directed by its chaplain, Rev. S. D. Sigler, pastor of St. John's 
Lutheran Church.  The funeral services were impressive, and the floral tributes 
beautiful.  Interment was made in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, where his body was laid 
to rest by the side of that of his late wife.
  Mr. Easton will be missed in Salisbury, as good citizens and good mechanics 
always are.  His death is a decided loss to the community. He is survived by the 
following named brothers and sisters:  Hugh Easton and Mrs. Samuel Gipe, of 
Johnstown; George Easton, of Kentucky; Walter S. and Miss Zella Easton, of 
Huntingdon; Mrs. George Fogle, of Detroit, Mich.; Dr. James F. Easton, of 
Romney, W.Va.  Two brothers, Robert and William, and two sisters, Margaret and 
Mrs. Mary Letchworth, preceded him in death, the brothers and one sister while 
still very young.  Most of the surviving brothers and sisters were at the 
funeral.

Meyersdale Republican, February 5, 1931