Eigsti, Jacob (1876-1949)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1949 Aug 11 p. 3

Birth date: 1876 Feb 15

text of obituary:

JACOB EIGSTI

Jacob, son of Christian and Elizabeth Orendorff Eigsti, was born February 15, 1876, at the Eigsti Homestead south of Morton, Ill. He passed away in his home at 521 South Main, Morton, Illinois on July 23, 1949, at the age of 73 years, five months, and eight days.

During the past year he experienced failing health and was confined to bed during the last three weeks of life, but during the entire period of illness he was able to enjoy the company of his family, relatives and friends.

On December 25, 1898, he was married to Lydia Gerig, daughter of the late Bishop Sebastian Gerig at Wayland, Iowa. Their entire married life was spent in the Morton community, and last Christmas 1948 they enjoyed their golden wedding anniversary with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and many friends of the community.

Surviving are his wife, six children, (Emery of Wayland, Iowa, Mahlon of Deer Creek, Illinois, Mrs. Martin Swedberg (Minnie) of Morton, Orie of Evanston, Willis and Clayton of Morton), thirteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters. Three brothers and three sisters and one grandchild preceded him in death.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior in youth and became a member of the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until his death. He was interested in the welfare of his family and friends in the community. He was active in the work of the church. He served as a director of the Morton State Bank for 18 years. He also served as a director of the Morton Schools for a number of years.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 10 a. m. at the home and at 10:30 at the Morton Mennonite church. Rev. N. N. Roeschley and A. H. Leamon of Chicago were in charge of the services.