Drowned in Sangamon River north of Springfield, presumably in Dec. 1921. His body was found Feb. 24, 1922. He was survived by his wife, sons Charles D. and Robert Gates; daughters Mrs. Katie Schneider, Mrs. Blanch Burgman and Mrs. Edith Burise, five grandchildren. A coroner's jury ruled his death a suicide.
A notice in the IL State Jouranl of 12-27-1921 stated friends and relatives of Mr. Gates were searching for him. He had left his home on Dec. 22nd, saying he was going to work. He was described as about 60 years old with slightly graying hair and a mustache.
A reward for information leading to the return of John Gates was posted in the IL State Journal by his wife on 1-1-1922. It stated he had been employed by Consolidated Railway Co. and had disappeared Dec. 22, 1921. He was 65 years old.
He is buried in the same plot as wife Eleanor and son Waldo but no stone was found for John. Waldo's stone is the larger red stone in front left of photo. Eleanor's is row behind, the smaller red stone. Presumably John is buried to the right of Waldo where there is an area of grass. The plot marker shown is "E.G. 198", for Eleanor Gates.
John Gates
Birth Date:abt 1858
Birth Place:Penn
Death Date:24 Feb 1922
Death Place:Sangamon Co, Illinois
Burial Date:25 Feb 1922
Cemetery Name:Oak Ridge Cemetery
Death Age:64
Occupation:Day Labor
Race:White
Marital Status:M
Gender:Male
Street address:2028 East Edwards St.
Father Name:John Gates
Father Birth Place:Penn.
Mother Birth Place:Penn.
Spouse Name:Ellenora Gates
Comments:for 42y in city where death occurred
Illinois Deaths Index 1916-1947
Family Members
Spouse
Eleanor Gates
1858–1947
Children
Waldo J. Gates
1886–1904
Charles Daniel Gates
1889–1970
Robert D Gates
1896–1974
