This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Gorton, Sommers Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/kg.2ADI/1563 Message Board Post: Barry Adage, Barry, Pike Co.IL, Thursday, September 12, 1901, p1: "Thomas A. Gorton was born Feb. 25, 1821, in Hancock, Mass., and came to Illinois in June, 1837, and settled in Barry, since which time he has been identified with the interests of this city and surrounding country. He was united in marriage to Eliza J. Sommers, July 25, 1841, who has been his constant companion for about sixty years and still survives to mourn his departure. Six children were born to them, two girls who died in infancy and four boys, two of whom, John and Thomas, were brave soldiers. John was severely wounded during his service in the army and died soon after the war. Thomas, William and Henry are still living. During the war, Mr. Gorton carried "on" a mercantile business, groceries and dry goods and undertaking. He was patriotic and public spirited and served a number of years as an efficient justice of the peace and was especially kind to old soldiers and their widows and fatherless children, doing many acts of kindness for them. He had been in failing health some time and his death was daily expected and occurred Tuesday night, Sept 3, 1901. Funeral services were held from his late home Thursday, Sept 5 at 2 pm, conducted by W.M. Halley. A large number of his old friends and neighbors were present and followed his remains to Barry cemetery."