My Genealogy Hound

DR. M. H. EAKER, whose portrait appears elsewhere in this volume, is the seventh of a family of eight children, born to Michael and Polly (Armstrong) Eaker. The father, a native of Georgia, and the mother of Tennessee, both removed to Trigg County, Ky., in early childhood; there they married, and there spent several years of their lives. It was there Dr. M. H. Eaker was born, in 1818, two years subsequent to which date his parents removed to the Purchase, settling on Terrapin Creek, in the south part of Graves County. About 1836, they removed to Mayfield, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Michael Eaker died in 1855, at what age is not absolutely known. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and was killed in that struggle; according to the best information, Michael Eaker was born about 1770; his wife, Polly (Armstrong) Eaker, died in Mayfield, Ky., about 1858. Of their children, Squire John Eaker, of Mayfield, and the subject of this sketch are the only ones living. Practically, Dr. Eaker was reared to the pursuits of the farm, receiving in the meantime the benefits of such education as the infant settlement then afforded. At the age of twenty he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Dallam, of Mayfield. After the usual preliminary reading, he entered the medical department of the Transylvania University, at Lexington, Ky. Having thus qualified himself for his profession, he began the practice of medicine in his adopted county, but in 1844 removed to Murray, Calloway County. Here his efficient service soon commanded an extensive practice. We wish to emphasize the expression “efficient service,” as Dr. Eaker is not one of those, who, by exterior appearance, seek to prepossess the public; choosing rather to “prove himself a workman, who need not be ashamed.” Sympathy and generosity are qualities happily blended in his nature, which, combined with his native ability as a physician, have drawn around him a host of ardent, friends. He does not affiliate with any church or religious denomination, but is a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity. Dr. Eaker was married in Tennessee, in 1848, to Miss Mary Ellison, a daughter of Thomas and Lucy (Grisson) Ellison. Thomas was a son of the Rev. Lewis Ellison, a minister of the Baptist faith, and was born in Kentucky. He died about 1832, in Christian County, Ky., leaving six children, Mrs. Eaker being the third. His widow married Cornelius Atkisson, had a family of six children, and died in Murray, Ky., in 1864. Mrs. Eaker was born in 1828, in Cumberland County, Ky. Dr. Eaker has a family of seven children, viz.: Nancy, wife of George W. Craig; Michael T., Robert W., John V., Franklin P., Harmon D. and Bailey I. Eaker.