OBIT: Erastus J. AKERS, 1933, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Michael S. Caldwell Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ E. J. AKERS DIES IN COUNTY SEAT Erastus J. Akers, one of Blair county's leading business men, but living retired for some years, died at his home at 520 North Montgomery street, Hollidaysburg, last night at 9.30 o'clock. Mr. Akers had been in failing health for some time, death being attributed to the infirmities of age. He was born at Rainsburg, Bedford County, on June 22, 1847. Early in life, his father died and he became a resident of Roaring Spring where he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a miller and was connected with the Bare Milling company for many years. In the early days of the industry Mr. Akers was a salesman, going with the Bare Milling Company's car to various points where the products were sold and delivered. Later, in company with a brother-in-law, the Bare mill was taken over and operated under the firm name of Akers & Galbraith and when this firm dissolved Mr. Akers took over the flour and grist mill at Brookes Mills, which he operated for a number of years. About thirty years ago he disposed of the milling business and moved to Hollidaysburg where he conducted a livery stable until the advent of the automobile made this business unprofitable, when he opened a cigar store in Gaysport, which he conducted until his retirement. Mr. Akers was an ardent horseman in his younger days and took great delight in driving the horses and was a familiar figure at the race tracks at county fairs. Mr. Akers had the happy faculty of making and keeping friends wherever he went and his affable disposition made for him a host of friends. A brother, John T. Akers, was or many years a merchant in Duncansville and served a term as county treasurer. Surviving are a half-brother and two half-sisters, Dr. Frank Longenecker and Amanda Longenecker of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. L.C. Mann of Everett. His wife, Frances Virginia Akers, died two years ago this month. Surviving are three sons and one daughter, Dr. A.F. Akers of Harrisburg, Dr. John W. Akers of Hollidaysburg and Dr. B.E. Akers of Chicago, Ill., and Miss Margaret Akers, at home. Funeral services will be conducted at the home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in charge of Rev. Barnett H. Hart, pastor of the First Methodist church in Hollidaysburg. Interment will be made in the Presbyterian Cemetery. Friends are asked to kindly omit flowers. Altoona Mirror, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, November 21, 1933, p. 20, col. 2