Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisSiegfried XIV
Page 9Hetty, Joetta: Mrs. Matilda Cratsburg died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kate Shinn of Durham township, Nov. 22, aged 85. She was a resident of Hancock county 68 years. Of her eleven children, but two survived, Mrs. Shinn and Mrs. D. Williams.
Hancock County Historical Society
Carthage, IllinoisBook N
Page 13Matilda Bryant was born March 10, 1819 in Logan county, Kentucky, and died Nov. 22, 1904 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kate Shinn, of Durham township. She came to Illinois at the age of 18 years, making the entire trip on horseback. Her memory was unusually good for one of her age, and was quite interesting to both young and old to listen to her relate the history of her long life. She was married to Hiram Bryant in 1837. To this union 11 children were born, of which only two survives her, Mrs. D. Williams, of Tennessee, and Mrs. Kate Shinn, of Durham. Mr. Bryant died in 1857. Seven years later she was married to Mr. Conrad Cratsburg, who preceded her to the better world Nov. 26, 1871. She has been a resident of Hancock county for 68 years. In that length of time wonderful changes have taken place. At the age of 18 years she professed religion at a meeting held at Friendship church and united with the Methodist church, and has lived true to her early vows. She was of a kind disposition, cheerful and always ready to help others at all times. She was patient during her illness and as she grew weaker she no longer clung to the frail tendriles of existence here, but looked to a heavenly dawn, believing that the great "teacher" whom she had faithfully served would care for her over there. Besides the two daughters, she is survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, also a host of friends. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at Fountain Green, Wednesday, Nov. 23, conducted by Rev. W. D. Cochran, of Colchester, assisted by the pastor of the M. E. church of Fountain Green, after which the remains were conveyed to the Majorville cemetery for Interment.
