Elmer Hammer

E. E. HAMMER DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS

E. E. Hammer for many years was identified with business interests in Princeville, passed away at his residence here last Saturday forenoon, death being due to heart and kidney affliction and resultant complications. In his demise the community loses a highly respected and an upright, enterprising business personage.

Elmer Ellsworth, son of John D. and Julia (Metzel) Hammer, was born in York, Pa., July 17, 1861 and died at the family residence in Princeville, August 17, 1940, aged 79 years and 1 month.

Mr. Hammer was the last of a family of four children, one sister Cora and a brother Harry, having died in infancy. The other sister Lillie, wife of the late E. J. Wear. Passed away November 25, 1909.
His parents moved to this community from Pennsylvania after the fathers discharge from army service in the Civil War and became engaged in the butcher and meat market business. As a boy, the subject of this sketch was associated with his father's business activities and received training which fitted him and he competently conduct a market in his own right, which business he followed the greater part of his life.

On August 17, 1887, he was united in marriage to Alice Bane, who survives. To this union were born one son, Russell Theodore, who died in infancy and one daughter, Arta, who departed this life Nov. 20, 1923, she being survived by a husband, Gene Holly and twin daughters, Jean Marilyn and Arta Joyce, who have since made their home with the grandparents.

Other relatives surviving include a number of nieces, nephews and cousins residing in the Princeville community and Peoria.

After marriage Mr. Hammer conducted a meat market here for several years and then moved to Dunlap, where he was engaged in similar business for about two years. Later he moved to Peoria as market manager for the Godel packing company for a number of years.

Almost 18 years ago he returned to Princeville and opened a market in the same location his father occupied many years before, having purchased the property. About two years ago, owing to failing health he was compelled to dispose of his business interests. Earl R. Hibbs taking over the ownership and management.

Mr. Hammers health steadily declined and the ravages of disease brought the final summons as stated previously.

Funeral services, in charge of Rev. J. P. Bliss, were conducted at the Tretheway memorial parlors Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and the body was laid to rest in the Princeville cemetery.

The casket bearers were Charles Sentz, Earl Hibbs, Walter A. Fast, Raymond Oertley, Robert Taylor and W. T. McGinnis.