From: The McLeansboro Times; October 9, 1924

          Absalom A. Lasater, son of James Madison and Barbara Jane Garner Lasater, was born in McLeansboro, Illinois, July 25, 1842, on September 28, 1924, at his home near where he was born, on a beautiful Sabbath afternoon, a short time after the bells in the neighboring churches ere calling their worshipers, the summons came to him to worship in the Heavenly Temple, to enter the Sabbath of Eternal Rest.

         On February 16, 1871, he was united in marriage to Alice Allen, at McLeansboro, Illinois by Elder Pierce.  To this union were born two children, William Rickord, who passed away at the age of eighteen months, and Addie, now Mrs. W. E. Barter, of Fall River, Kansas.  On August 20, 1891, he was again married to Aurelia Maulding, at Centralia, Illinois, by Elder J. E. Waller.  He leaves his widow and one child, Mrs. W. E. Barter.  He was the eldest of a family of nine children, and leaves Mrs. Augusta Dapler of St. Louis, Mo., Jennie Lavin, Poplar Bluff, Mo., his sisters, and Charles Lasater of McLeansboro, Illinois and Harry Lasater of Corning, Ark., his brothers, the other brothers and sisters having preceded him in death.  He also leaves three grandchildren, Leland, Harry and Dorothy Barter.

          In his young manhood Mr. Lasater entered into the merchandise business in the City of McLeansboro, and later into the manufacturing of stoves in this and other States.  He was a careful, shrewd, successful business man, and by his careful business methods was very successful and a few years ago retired with the savings and profits of a long and successful business.

          Mr. Lasater responded voluntarily and cheerfully to the call of his country and served three years in the Civil War.

          In his domestic relations he was most happily situated.  His faithful wife and affectionate daughter made his home attractive and inspired him with a laudable ambition to earn a reputation and leave behind him a name which they would delight to honor.  He was attentive to their every want, and naught ever occurred to mar the happiness or disturb the sweet simplicity of wedded love.  They were all in love with each other and exemplified that fact in every word, thought and act.  In their great grief at his untimely death, there must be some consolation in the reflection that in his lifetime there was no unpleasant memories to disturb their minds or unkind words to add new pangs.  On the contrary, his very name is dear to them; his memory will bring back the happiness of the past and will strew with flowers the desolate paths of the future.

          Mr. Lasater, ever since his early boyhood, has been devoted, faithful and valuable member of the Methodist Episcopal church of the city where he has spent his entire life.  Every Sabbath morning unless prevented by sickness he could be seen wending his way to the church he so loved, and always responded cheerfully and liberally and lovingly to the needs and wants of the church.  He was a member of the board of trustees and an usher in the church for forty years, and he always met the members of the church, old and young, and any stranger who might be within our gates and come to worship at that church, with his hearty handshake and gentle, Christian smile of welcome.

          Everyone that knew Mr. Lasater was his friend.  He loved his friends and was always glad to have them in his home, and no person ever entered the threshold of his home that did not find a gracious host to welcome them and make them feel his genial hospitality.  He was a perfectly natural man.  Children came to him at sight and nestled in his arms as if he were an old and familiar friend.  To the poor, the oppressed, the unfortunate, he was tender and patient.  If all those to whom he spoke kindly words and for whom he did kindly acts were gathered together, it would be a vast multitude , and if each of those who were happier by ___ of his life could cast one leaf upon his grave, he would sleep beneath a wilderness of foliage.

           Funeral services were held at the First M. E. Church of this city Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. W. D. Richardson, and was largely attended by sorrowing and sympathizing friends.  Interment took place in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.

From: McLeansboro Times, October 2, 1924

A. A. LASATER DIED SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Eighty-two Year Old Veteran of Civil War Succumbs After Short Illness

          A. A. Lasater, eighty-two year of veteran of the Civil War, and for many year a prominent citizen and business man of this city, died at his home here Sunday afternoon at three o'clock after a short illness.  Mr. Lasater retired from business and active part in the civic life of the community several years ago, and since that time he and his wife divided their time between their homes here and in Florida.

          He enlisted in the Union Army Feb. 28, 1865 and served with distinction as first lieutenant of Company H, 155th Illinois Volunteer Infantry until September 4, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service.

          The deceased is survived by a widow, one daughter, Mrs. W. E. Barter of Fall River, Kans., two brothers, Harry Lasater of Corning, Ark., and Chas. Lasater of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. Gus Dukler of St. Louis and Mrs. Jennie Lavan of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

           Funeral services were held at the First M. E. Church of this city Tuesday and was largely attended by sorrowing and sympathizing friends.  Interment too place in the Odd Fellows Cemetery.