Sylvester Hatton (1827-1915)

Sylvester Hatton, son of Leslie R. and Elizabeth (Stingley) Hatton, was born in Fountain county, Ind., May 27, 1827, and died at his home in Rensselaer July 14, 1915, at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 17 days. He came with his parents to Yellowhead, Kankakee county, Ill., in 1840. His father died when he was ten years of age, and he remained on the homestead assisting his mother in carrying on the farm work until she was called from this life in 1842. Then coming to Indiana he lived with his uncle until he reached manhood.

October 7, 1858, he was united in marriage to Martha C.* Allhands. To this union were born ten children, two dying in infancy. The mother died in April, 1903. One brother, W.L. Hatton, of Whittier, Calif,. and 8 children are left to mourn his departure, Mrs. John Dowsey, of Monticello; Mrs. Albert Wisham, of Rensselaer; Merrit, of Lowell; Frank, of Rose Lawn; George, of Momence, Ill.; Mrs. George Chappell, of Grant Park; and Laura, who has always remained at home with the parents, and after the death of the mother, stood faithfully by her father's side, always ready to administer to his wants, and to comfort him in his declining years. For two and one-half years Mr. Hatton has been in feeble health, but has borne his sufferings patiently.

Although not identified with any church, his great heart of love and noble self-sacrifice for the good and comfort of others have lead him to be one of the most faithful of men. His life was so pure, good and noble and his deed of love so widely distributed, that all who knew him felt the blessings of his kindness and the uplift of association with him. A good word and good will toward everyone were conspicuous among his many virtues.

* NOTE -- In this article, Mrs. Hatton's middle initial is "C," but in her obiturary, it is "A."