Obituary from The Slater News Rustler, Thursday, July 5,1945

Postmaster John C. Hains passed away at the family home in this city early Tuesday morning of this week, his death following an illness of some years durantion and from which for several weeks he had been in a critical condition. His ailment was of a chronic nature and although his health had been seriously impaired he had for the greater part of the time been able to be up and around and attend to his duties until about three months ago.

The deceased was a son of the late George C. and Elizabeth J. Hains and was born December 20, 1867, in Temperanceville, Ohio, and at the time of his death was aged 77 years, 6 months and 13 days. The greater part of his life had been spent in Saline county, having come here with his parents from Virginia in 1883 and settled on a farm five miles north-east of Slater.

He was united in marriage December 24, 1890, to Miss Roxie Jones, who preceded him in death June 14, 1938. Surviving are two sons, Lamar Hains and Vilas Hains of Slater. A daughter, Mrs. Leola Carnes, preceded him in death March 9, 1921.

He also leaves four grand-children, --[private information]--, four brothers, R. L. and George Hains of Slater and R. N. and W.W. Hains of Marshall; five sisters, Mrs. R. C. Potter of Superior, Neb., Mrs. V. E. Grimes, Miss Minnie Hains, Mrs. H. E. Page, and Mrs. P. M. Jeter of Slater. Two sister preceded him in death, Mrs. Nettie Hill and Mrs. Hattie Grimes.

Mr. Hains was married to Mrs Mattie Sheer July 26, 1941, who also survives, in addition to a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hains entered the mercantile business in Arrow Rock in the spring of 1899, later moving to Slater where he purchased Mr. Robinson's interest in the Barksdale-Robinson Mercantile Co. Later the firm changed hands, the Barksdale interest being purchased by the late T. J. Gauldin, who became a business partner until Mr. Hains' appointment as postmaster in May of 1934, and in which position he was serving at the time of his death.

At an early age Mr. Hains united with the Good Hope Baptist church, later transferring his membership to the Slater church where he was one of the most faithful members. He was a member of the Masonic Order, Cambridge Lodge No. 63 A.F. & A.M., and had served as Master of his Lodge. He was a man of unusual energy and industry, and his integrity of character was in evidence in all that he did. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his family and his home.

The funeral services, which will be conducted by Dr. F. O. Criminger, assisted by Rev. W. B. McKee, are to be held at the Slater Baptist Church, this, Thursday, afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and interment will be made in the Slater City Cemetery.