John Strader (1849-1920)
Obituary, undated
"JOHN STRADER CALLED BY HAND OF DEATH
Life Long Citizen of the Community
Large Land Owner and Sqccussful (sic) Business Man.
Funeral Sunday Afternoon
John Strader, seventy years of age, and a life-long and prominent citizen of Westfield and vicinity, died at an early houe Saturday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mike Everhart, two miles north of town, following an illness of about three weeks.
Mr. Strader was born in Hutton township, west of Westfield in 1849 and had spent his entire life in Coles and Clark counties, having made Westfield his home for quite a number of years past. He was always very suffdssful (sic) in a business way and in his younger days farmed on a large scale, but had retired froma ctive farming a number of years ago. He was quite a large land holder and had dealt considerably in real estate. For a number of years past besides looking after his farm interests, he had been an extensive buyer and shipper of live stock and was actively engaged in business up to the time he was taken ill a few weeks ago, and always had the confidence and respect of a large circle of friends and business associates.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the United Brethren church, conducted by the Rev. E. G. Sandmeyer, paster of the First M. E. church of Charleston, assisted by rev. T. F. Lowry, paster of the Westfield Baptist church, and the services were very largely attended. Interment was in the Maple Hill Cemetery.
OBITUARY
John Strader, son of Vincent and Patience Strader, was born, near Westfield, Dec. 16, 1849 and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mike Everhart, on June 12, 1920, at the age of 70 years, 5 months, and 27 days. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Connelly on Nov. 4, 1869, and to this union was born nine children, three of whom died in infancy. He united with the Wiley Brick church in 1869 but afterwards moved his membership to the Christian Church in Kemp, Illinois, where it remains.
Mr. Strader was a man of sterling character, going quietly about his work and business and living the life of an every day christian, ever ready to lend a helping hand to his fellow man and was loved by all who knew him. His was a busy and useful life until he was stricken in his last illness about three weeks ago and received his Father's call, "Come up Higher." Since the death of his wife about 11 years ago he has made his home with his children. He was a loving and devoted father, being ever ready to help his children and having their good and their happiness at heart.
He leaves to mourn his departure six children, three sons, Will and Harry of Westfield and Alve of Hindsboro, and three daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Hofsas of Atwood, and Mrs. Myrtle Everhart and Mrs. Mae Drake of Westfield. Also 18 grandchildren, one neice, Merle Strader, whom he cared for from childhood, three sisters, Mrs. Suzanne Beavers, of Westfield and Mrs. Emmaline Virden and Mrs. Angeline Goodman of Schell City, Mo., one brotherm Andrew Strader of Pawhuska, Okla, and many other relatives and friends.
CARD OF THANKS
We desire to express our sincere thanks to all the friends and neighbors for their assistance, knidness and sympathy suring the sickness and death of our father, John Strader, and to all who so kindly assisted in the funeral services and those who contributed floral offerings.
The Children"

White funeral card edged in black
"JOHN STRADER
Born December 16, 1849,
Died June 12, 1920.
Funeral services will be held
from the United Bretheran
church on Sunday afternoon,
June 13, at 2:30 o'clock,
conducted by Rev. E. G.
Sandmeyer, pastor of the First
Methodist Episcopal church of
Charleston, Illinois, assisted
by Rev. T. F. Lowry, pastor of
the Westfield Baptist church.
The public is cordially invited
to attend this service.
Interment in Maple Hill Cemetery"

Obituary clipping from an unknown, un-dated newspaper
"JOHN STRADER CALLED BY DEATH
John Strader, age 70 years, resident of Coles county all of his life, well known farmer and stock shipper, died at 3:15 o'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mike Everhart, north of Westfield, after a sickness of nearly three weeks. The funeral services will be held at the United Brethren church in Westfield at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, with the Rev. E. G. Sandmeyer, paster of the First Methodist church of Charleston, officiating. The burial will be made in Maple Hill cemetery.
Mr. Strader was born in Hutton township, December 16, 1849, and spent all of his life in this county. He followed farming and stock shipping with marked success, and was active in the work up to the time that he was taken ill. He was a well known man, one that was respected and well liked by every one. In 1869 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Conley and to this union nine children were born, three preceding their father to the grave. The surviving children are Mrs. Sylvester Hofsas, of Atwood, Ill.; W. H. Strader of Westfield; A. C. Strader of Hindsboro; Mrs. Mike Everhart, Mrs. W. W. Drake and H. C. Strader of Westfield. He is survived by three sisters, one being Mrs. Susan Beavers, and one brother who resides in Oklahoma."