ZOLLARS, John and Mary (Cayton) - A Valentine Obituary

[Buddyboy]

In honor of Valentine's day, I submit the following. These are my gggrandparents and their story has come down through the generations. It has always been the best example of married love that I have had.

THE LONGTON LEADER
Thursday, March 31, 1887

John Zollars: Died Friday morning at about 8 1/2 o'clock at his residence in the city, aged 79 years. His death was the result of paralysis.

The deceased was a native of Pennsylvania and was born in 1808. He moved to Ohio and married Miss Mary Cayton (actually spelled Caton), who preceded him to the grave only a few hours. He was a member of the first Grand Jury in DeWitt County, Illinois. In the fall of '72 he removed with his family to Wilson County, Kansas and finally to this place. He was a member of the Masonic Order and attended until he became so feeble that he could do so no longer. In 1875, the dread disease paralysis laid hold of him. In 1880 a second stroke prostrated him and finally came the third stroke past Thursday which caused the old gentleman's death. He was councious until almost the last, inquiring, "who would dig the grave for mother?"

Mary Zollars: Died Thursday evening, having been ill for sometime, aged about 70 years.
Mrs. Zollars was a native of Ohio was born in 1818. She was a loving faithful helpmate to her husband whose death followed hers in a very few hours. They were the parents of 13 children, four of whom are dead and six are living here. The remainder are scattered throughout the United States. Mrs. Zollars was a faithful member of the Methodist Church for over 20 years.
...

The Longton Times
Friday, April 1, 1887

Died at their home in this city on Thursday night, Mrs. Mary Zollars, of pneumonia and Friday, Mr. John Zollars, of paralysis. Mr. Zollars was 79 years old and Mrs. Zollars was 69 years old at the time of their death. They were married in June, 1834, and had a wedded life of 52 years and 9 months, and died just ten hours apart, and were buried in the same grave in Longton Cemetery. The remains were followed to their last resting place by a large procession.

In addition to the quote above, the family story goes that Grandpa John asked the boys , "Who will dig the grave for Mother?" They assured him that they would. Then he told them, "Well dig it deep enough for two because I am going to join Mother." I have one of his canes made from a hickory stick and a brass hame. It used to have a gunshell on the end, but it is gone now.

[genealogynut]

C'mon, Scotty!  I am in the hopes that you will share more of your "cache" with us.    Since you've been researching your family in Elk County, I'm sure you have quite a number of articles in which to share with others, so let's have it.