Wayne County Press
p1  c6
May 13, 1875
 

JOHN GASTON, was born in the western District of South Carolina, January 14th, 1796; emigrated with his parents to Gallatin county, Illinois, in the spring of 1811, and served three months in the war of 1812 as a private in Capt. Boltinghouse's company of Illinois mounted Rangers; was married in 1817 and settled in what was known as the Pond settlement.

He resided there until April 1821 at which time he removed with his family to Big Mound township, Wayne county, where he made his home until the time of his death, May 5th, 1875.

He was the seventh child of his parents, having four brothers and three sisters. He survived them all and died aged 79 years, 3 months and 21 days. He was the father of fourteen children, only four of whom survive him.

During the last three years of his life he seemed to be in a decline, but not seriously ill until about three weeks prior to his death. He was attacted [sic] with a complication of diseases, viz, dropsy and erysipelas. During this time his sufferings were intense --almost intolerable --until about fifteen minutes previous to his last, when he became calm and composed and peacefully and hapily [sic] passed from time to eternity without even one struggle or groan. Yos sweetly fell asleep in Jesus to await the final coming of the great I am.

The funeral ceremonies were conducted by the Rev. C.A. Young of the M.E. church, assisted by Rev. John Chambers. An affecting discourse was delivered from the words "for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say unto you, by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep." RODINA GASTON [daughter]