John Gerkin was born in Chris, Leumberg, Germany, September 14, 1845 and departed this life August 19, 1923, age 77 years, 11 months and 6 days. He joined the German Army March 8th 1867, and was honorably discharged March 15, 1872. He immigrated to the United States in 1875 and was made a citizen in 1882 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. At the opening of the Cheyenne and Arapaho country he came to Oklahoma and homesteaded the farm on which he lived until the time of his death. On June 13th, 1879 he was married to Lizzie Falstead and to his union was born 9 children, 5 of whom preceded the father in death. He leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted wife and four children: Mrs. J. M. Stiles, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Edward and August Gerkin of Colorado; and Herman Gerkin of Homestead, Oklahoma. As printed in the "OKEENE RECORD", Friday, August 24th, 1923, Okeene, Blaine County, Oklahoma. At the age of 14 years he united with the Lutheran Church and lived as such until May 11, 1916, when he united with the Followers Church and lived true to his belief until the time of his death when God saw fit to call him home. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. His wife and children will miss him as a kind and loving husband and father and his friends will miss him as a true and accommodating neighbor, and his country will miss him as a loyal citizen.