Hugh Alton, a native of Fountain Green township and a popular musician and school teacher in the county for many years, passed away suddenly in his home in Galesburg at 3:30 p. m. on Saturday, April 23, 1955 at the age of 63.  Death came as the result of a coronary attack with no previous illness of consequence.

A son of Mancel and Amelia (Wiser) Alton, Hugh Alton was born at Fountain Green on November 10, 1891.  He was graduated from Fountain Green high school and prepared for his teaching career at Western State College in Macomb.

Hugh began his career as a teacher in the Elvaston schools and had served at Hamilton, Plymouth, Burnside and a number of rural schools throughout a period of about 25 years, doing an important work which never ceased to interest and inspire him as well as the many youngsters upon whom he exerted such a vital and lasting influence.

But teaching was only part of the life of Mr. Alton, whose singing voice was given generously to every facet of service and entertainment of his day.  He sang for the old silent movies, for community gatherings, church events and school functions, lending the glory of his voice certainly to the enrichment of life about him.

Discontinuing his teaching about 15 years ago, Mr. Alton moved to Galesburg and became chef at the American Beauty restaurant, a position he had held until the day of his death.

His love of music continued throughout his life, offering him refreshment from the routine of day to day living, and he had traveled quite extensively over a period of many years.  This hobby, followed in vacation times, had sent him to virtually every part of the United States.

The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian church of Fountain Green and of the Eagles lodge of Galesburg.

His passing is sincerely mourned by one brother, Charles L. Alton of Elmwood, Illinois, and one sister, Mrs. Myrtle Barbe of LaHarpe.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Clinton Alton, and two sisters, Mrs. Maud Kelly and Mrs. Ella Simmons.

Funeral and burial were held yesterday at Fountain Green.

From the files of the LaHarpe Historical and Genealogical Society, publication date April 27, 1955, unknown original news source.

See also:

Mancel Alton & Amelia Weiser (parents) The News of Fountain Green October 21, 1925