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July 8, 1851
CHARLES H. LAKE, died on July 8, 1851 aged 38 years, 4 months, and 5 days, he is buried in Sheets Cemetery.
Feb. 26, 1856
MRS. REBECCA GAFFNEY FINLEY -- Died, in Stark Co., Illinois, on the 26th day of February 1856. Rebecca, wife of John Finley, Esquire, daughter of John and Priscilla Gaffney, in the 48th year of her age. The deceased was born in West Newton, Westmoreland Co., Pa. Having been blessed in early life with praying parents, she was led to the Saviour in her 15th year at a camp meeting on Fairchild's Campground, Connersville Circuit. Then and there she joined the M. E. Church and ever after was a consistent member of the same. She was a warm friend of the church of her choice. The week before our last quarterly meeting her leader, Bro. Witter, and his wife called upon her. While there, the quarterly meting was spoken of; she then requested Sister Witter to bring her purse to her, and taking a dollar from it, she handed it to Bro. Witter saying at the same time, "Give this to Bro. Haney and tell him it will be the last quartering I shall ever pay, for before the next quarterly meeting I shall be in Heaven." She bore her sickness with great patience and resignation. On the day she died she called her husband and children around her bed and exhorted them to meet her in heaven. Just as she was stepping in the cold waters of death, her husband asked her if she was happy, she answered "Yes...nearer my journey's end, the brighter my prospects." by W. Haney, Lafayette [Stark Co.] April 3, 1856
May 20, 1856
George Ralph Eckley, was born on October 14, 1784 in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania. He was married on June 27, 1805 to Margaret Van Gilder. Mr. Eckley died on May 20, 1856 and was laid to rest in the Starwano Cemetery, West Jersey township, Stark County Illinois.
April 5, 1858
Luther Driscoll, whose name is identified with the early history of Stark county IL, was born in Connecticut, on May 14, 1791, and died April 5, 1858.
May 4, 1858
MARY JANE DAVIS, was born in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on October 24, 1822, and died at Stark County, IL on May 4, 1858. She is buried in Sheets Cemetery. Mary Jane married Thomas Timmons on Dec. 16, 1838. Thomas was the son of Ananias and Eleanor Timmons.
Oct. 27, 1861
Private James T. Marshall, resident of Bradford, Stark County, Illinois (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Jefferson City Missouri on Oct. 27, 1861 just 26 days after his enlistment.
Nov. 28, 1861
Private George W. Ellis, of Wyoming, Stark COunty, Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Jefferson City Missouri on November 28, 1861.
January 6, 1862
Private Carson W Drummond, resident of Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Jefferson City Missouri on January 6, 1862.
February 26, 1862
Private Jesse West, resident of Toulon, Stark County Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Jefferson City Missouri on February 26, 1862.
March 27, 1862
Private Jacob Hutchinson, resident of Wyoming, Stark County, Illinois,(mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at St. Louis on March 27, 1862.
March 29, 1862
Corporal Joseph W Jamison, resident of Toulon, Stark COunty, Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Toulon IL on March 29, 1862.
July 12, 1862
Private Daniel Fast resident of Slackwater, Stark County, Illinois (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at St. Louis Missouri on July 12, 1862.
Aug. 8, 1862
Corporal Charles D. Paul, resident of Toulon, Stark County, Illinois (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Rienzi Mississippi on August 8, 1862.
Aug. 8, 1862
STEPHEN DAVIS, born in Posey Township, Switzerland County, IN on October 12, 1830, died at Stark County, IL Aug. 8, 1862, and was buried with the Davis Family at Sheets Cemetery, his stone reads "husband of L. M. Davis". He married at Wyoming, Stark County, IL Mar. 30, 1859, MARIA LOUISA A. SPURCK.
Sept. 19, 1862
Private Hiram Boardman of Essex Township, Stark County Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) was killed at Iuka Mississippi on Sept. 19, 1862.
Oct. 3, 1862
Captain David DeWolf, resident of Essex township, Stark County, Illinois was killed in the battle of Corinth on Oct. 3, 1862.
Jan. 23, 1863
William Dunn, a soldier of the war of 1812, died January 23, 1863, aged eighty-seven years, at the house of his son-in-law, Seth Johnson, at Toulon. He was a native of York state.
May 22, 1863
Corporal Adam Torrence, resident of Toulon, Stark County, Illinois (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) was killed at Vicksburg on Mya 22, 1863.
Sept. 11, 1863
Private Samuel Eby, of Wyoming, Stark COunty, Illinois, (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died in Stark County IL on Sept. 11, 1863.
May 3, 1864
Private James W. Jarnagin, resident of Toulon, Stark County, Illinois (mustered on Oct. 1, 1861) died at Alexandria Louisianna on May 3, 1864.
Sept. 12, 1864
CHARLES B. DAVIS, was born on May 3, 1841, and died Sept. 12, 1864 aged 24 years, 4 months and 9 days, during the Civil War. He was a Pvt. Co. E. 112 Illinois Infantry, wounded at the Tennessee River, taken Prisoner near Concord on the Tennessee River. He died in Andersonville Prison. There is a stone for him in Sheets Cemetery.
March 15, 1866
Thomas A. Oakes, born in Orange county, Va., in 1811, married Mary Carter, of Mt. Vernon, O., in 1888, settled in Warren county, Ill., in 1839, died at Toulon, at his daughter's, Mrs. C. L. Packer, March 15. 1866.
TAKEN FROM THE MARSHALL COUNTY REPUBLICAN, HENRY, IL
January 24, 1867
At Wyoming, Stark Co., January 13, at her daughter's residence, of asthmatic consumption, HANNAH E. ROBINSON, ages 73 years, and 9 months. She was the mother of W. D. ROBINSON, of this city.
Sept. 8, 1869
Myrtle Rodella Finley, was born on Sept. 18, 1867 and died in infancy on Sept. 8, 1869 just shy of being two years of age. The child was laid to rest in the Starwano Cemetery, West Jersey township, Stark County Illinois.
TAKEN FROM THE HENRY REPUBLICAN, HENRY, IL
January 12, 1870
At Castleton, Stark county, Jan. 6, of lung fever, Earle, aged 1 year, son of Henry and Ellen Griffin and nephew to Mrs. John Kline of this city.
Feb. 11, 1870
Amos P. Gill, born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., came, with his father, Elder Elisha Gill, to Illinois in 1843. In 1849, he and family settled at Toulon. Up to 1851, he was the only Odd Fellow in Toulon, and organized Stark lodge, October 17, 1851. He died February 11, 1870.
February 18, 1870 - Stark County News
Died at his residence near Toulon, Illinois on Friday morning, February 11th, 1870 after an illness of about four weeks, Mr. Amos P. Gill, aged 46 years.
Mr. Gill was born in Chatauqua county, New York. He came to Illinois with his father Elder Elisha Gill in 1843, remained here until 1846, when he returned to New York and remained there about three years, during which time he bacame a member of the order of Odd Fellows. On returning to Illinois, he brought with him his wife and located at Toulon, where he had resided ever since. Up to 1851, he was the only Odd Fellow in Toulon and to his zeal, influence and perseverance, principally, belongs the honor of organizing Stark Lodge No. 96, which was effected on the 17th day of that year, and of which he has been a faithful and efficient member and for two years previous to his death, was the chosen representative of this Lodge to the Grand Lodge; acting at the same time as District Deputy of the Grand Master. As an Odd Fellow, Mr. Gill was a true representative of what the grand principles of the Order are calculated to make of its members- benevolent, charitable, humane, honest, sincere, unassuming and always ready with heart and hand to help the unfortunate and to give wise counsel to the erring. In his death Stark Lodge has lost one of its best members and the county one of its best citizens. As man and nieghbor, he was genial, kind and considerate - one, who when gone leaves a void in the community that will be felt as long as his memory lasts. More from the lodge in the paper.
June 1870
Mrs. Franklin Pratt, died near Wyoming, in June, 1870.
Sept. 27, 1870
Mrs. Mary Ann Lowman, wife of Branson Lowman, died September 27, 1870
Jan. 9, 1872
Polina A. Davis, who born in Stark County, IL on December 3, 1838, died there Jan. 9, 1872, and was buried in Sheets Cemetery, she was married on May 22, 1856 by Isaac Thomas(JP) to EZEKIEL ENNIS.
April 17, 1872
DANIEL DAVIS, Born February 15, 1794(1) possibly in Orange County, NY(2), died Wyoming, Essex Township, Stark County, IL April 17, 1872 Ć 78 years, 2 months, and 2 days, buried Sheets Cemetery, married Switzerland County, IN by Cornelius S. Harris, Justice of the Peace in and for the Township of Posey(3), May 25, 1820 RACHEL ENNIS. The License was issued May 15, 1820, "James Trusdell having first made an affidavit as required by law". Rachel was daughter of Ezekiel and Winneford [Woodard] Ennis(4) born in VA April 15, 1800, died Stark County, IL July 4, 1877 Ć 77 years, 2 months and 19 days, buried next to her husband(5). Daniel and Rachel [Ennis] Davis buried Sheets Cemetery, located on Section 16, Essex Township, Stark County, IL. Perry Stancliff, Daniel's son-in-law, was named in his will as Executor on the estate of Daniel Davis. His own sons may have lived some distance away at this date. Daniel Davis is one of the pioneers listed in the Stark County, IL "Old Settler's Association". He was said to have arrived in Stark County in 1832.
Taken From - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~rstancliff/Davis2.htm
June 20, 1872
John Strawn was drowned in Spoon river, June 15. He was the son of George Strawn, living near Wyoming. He went in to bathe with others, and got beyond his depth, and his comrades too frightened to assist him ran for help. His age was 21.
August 8, 1872
In Wyoming, Stark county, Edmund Wrigley, aged 82, an old settler and much respected.
August 22, 1872
At Bradford, Stark county, Aug. 8, Thomas, aged 5 months, son of Mordecai and Adelaide Bevier.
February 13, 1873
Died Near Bradford, Feb. 1, of old age, Mrs. Martha Hall, aged 90 years.
March 13, 1873 - Putnam County News
Joseph McCord died at a brother’s residence in Toulon, on the 5th inst. The body was taken to Granville for burial.
August 7, 1873
Died At Wyoming, Stark county, Aug. 3, of old age, John Ellsworth, aged 82 years, grandfather of Eugene Ellsworth of this city.
March 19, 1874
Died at Bradford, March 4, Hattie, wife of W. B. Foster, and daughter of
E. S. and Emily Jones of La Prairie.
June 11, 1874
Died at Bradford, Stark county, June 1, Miss Anna L., aged 22, daughter of James and Catherine McNulta.
July 16, 1874
Died in Whitefield, July 9th, Anna W., wife of Thomas E. Eagelston, aged
38 years. The deceased was a daughter of Levi W. Ellis, formerly of Stark
county, now of Kansas.
In Butler, Missouri, of consumption, Wilson Boggs, aged 31, son of E. Boggs of Penn township, Stark county, member of the 47th reg. Ill. Volunteers
January 21, 1875
In Knightstown, Ind., Dec. 21, of old age, Mrs. Margaret Woods, aged 92,
mother of James Woods of Castleton. Mrs. Woods father was 101 when he died,
and was the first Methodist preacher this side of the Alleghany mountains.
February 18, 1875
Died at Killingworth, Conn., Jan. 31, of cancer in the head, Alvin P. Phelps, aged 76 years, father of E. H. Phelps, editor of the Wyoming Post.
May 1875
William F. Thomas, who came from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania with his father, General Samuel Thomas, in 1834 died in May 1875. In 1850, he was sheriff and ex officio collector, he was also one of the aiders of the American Central Railroad, and in every sense one of the most useful citizens of the county.
May 13, 1875
Died At Bradford, April 27, Mary A., aged 6 years, daughter of H. B. and
Susan M. Young
Oct. 31, 1875
Elizabeth Freeman Graves- DIED Oct. 31, 1875, in the eighty first year of her age, Elizabeth Graves, in Essex township, Stark county, Illinois, after a lingering and painful illness of six weeks. She was stricken with palsy during the summer from the effect of which she never fully recovered.
It would seem necessary that one who had experienced so much of this life should have something more than a brief newspaper paragraph announcing her departure from this land.
The deceased was born Sept. 25, A.D. 1795, in Mecklenburg county, Virginia, near the Roanoke River. Her maiden name being Elizabeth Freeman. At the age of fourteen years she removed to Chatham county, North Carolina. She was married to John Graves in 1813. In the year 1821 she removed to Ross county, Ohio near Richmondale. She lived at this place some twenty three years. In the year 1844 it was decided that the family should remove to Illinois, one of the sons having visited Illinois four years previous and brought back glowing accounts of the new far west.
Before they departed for their new western home, after they had packed their goods, she must suffer the terrible shock of losing her husband. What must have been the feelings of this wife and mother as she turned her steps from the graves of her husband and three children never to look on them more. To traverse a distance of over 550 miles through forests, swamps and wild prairies to form a home in a new country. They arrived in Stark county, Illinois, in the fall of 1844, they journey having occupied two weeks.
The country was then very sparsely settled. She purchased a small farm and began housekeeping; the four youngest children that were living remaining with her some years after. Finally on the marriage of the last one she broke up housekeeping and went to live with her son James with whom she lived nearly twenty years. A perfect type of a pioneer woman, the writer will ever remember with the deepest pleasure the many interesting stories that his grandmother used to relate as he sat by her side while she was weaving on the loom.
She was the mother of twelve children; three daughters and nine sons, two daughters and six sons are still living and were present as the last sad rites were performed--forty eight grandchildren and twenty four great grandchildren all alive at this writing. She bore her suffering patiently and calmly, retaining her faculties most of the time to the last. She passed away after having placed her trust in Him who doeth all things well. A very brief though touching discourse was delivered at the house by the Rev. D. G. Stouffer, of West Jersey, Ill., who took for his text Psalms xc,10 verse. The remains were then followed to their last resting place at Sheet's cemetery by a large concourse of people. This article would be incomplete without adding a word of praise to Mrs. James Graves for her untiring efforts to render the last moments on earth pleasant to the departed relative. She gave her personal and sole attention both night and day, only quitting as her own strength failed! The sincere thanks of the family and relatives are tendered to the neighbors who so kindly assisted in the hour of need.
November 4, 1875
Died Near Bradford, Oct. 21, suddenly, Robert Boardman, aged 32.
January 13, 1876
Died At Bradford, Dec. 28, Katie, aged 32, wife of Francis J. Leggett, of
Co. B, 112th reg. Ill., Vols., and suffered at Belle Isle and Andersonville.
January 20, 1876
Near Bradford, January 11, of heart disease, Eliza L., aged 42 years, wife of Isaac B. Jordan.
June 18, 1876
Cady Lee Stillman, was born on April 21, 1835 in New York. He married Harriet Melissa Lake on Nov. 5, 1857 in Cambridge, Henry County IL. He died on June 18, 1876 and was buried in the Lafayette Cemetery in Lafayette, Stark County, Illinois.
July 13, 1876
Died Near Castleton, Stark county, July 9, of dropsy of the heart, George Hall, aged 38 years, brother of Abijah B. and Gilbert Hall of this city (Henry).
August 1876
Dr. Azra Lee, a surgeon in the war of 1812, connected with the village of Duncan, died in August, 1876.
January 18, 1877
Local Correspondence - Bradford
Elder Lombard died on the 10th inst.
March 1, 1877
Died at Bradford, Feb. 20th, of dropsy, Robert Robinson, aged 39 years, interment at Wyoming.
May 17, 1877
At Wyoming, May 12 of lung fever, Lula C. M. , aged 5 years, 4 months, 15 days, youngest daughter of Mr. E. H. Phelps, editor of the Wyoming Post. Internment at French Grove, Peoria County.
May 24, 1877
Died near Bradford, May 17 of consumption, Horatio Scribner, aged 55 years.
August 30, 1877
Died at Bradford, Aug. 13, of quick consumption, T. S. Foster, an old and respected citizen.
September 20, 1877
At Castleton, Stark county, Sept. 17, of paralysis, Mrs. Nancy Griffin, aged 68 years, sister of Mrs. N. M. Rollins and Mrs. M. Snider of this city.
Local Items - Mrs. Nancy Griffin sustained a very severe attack of paralysis on Sunday, which resulted fatally on Monday. Her sisters, Mrs. N. M. Rollins and Mrs. Manuel Snider, were summoned by telegraph, who attended the funeral on Tuesday. Mrs. Griffin was highly respected, as also her family of several sons and daughters. Her death will be deeply mourned by all who knew her.
Feb. 14, 1878
Mrs. Caroline Lyon, widow of Laton Lyon, born in Saratoga county, N. Y., in 1818, married in 1839, came to Toulon township in 1854, died here February 14, 1878.
April 25, 1878
At Bradford, Stark county, April 13, Bradford S. Foster, aged 69 years.
Local Items - In the death of Bradford S. Foster, at Bradford on Saturday week, one of the pioneers of that section has passed away. He was eccentric in his way, but widely respected. He was buried with Masonic honors.
Dr. Thomas W. Hall, died at Toulon IL in 1878, being the Pioneer Physician in Stark County. He was born in England in 1786 and was a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in London. He came with his family to the United States when his son, H. M. Hall, was an infant and settled at Toulon, in Stark County, Illinois, as the first physician, and he spent his subsequent life there.
May 16, 1878
Rev. Father Moore, a Catholic priest, died suddenly at Bradford on May 4th. An inquest was held, and the verdict was that heart disease was the probable cause. He was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland, and was about 40 years of age. He had been ordained a priest about 15 years and came to America shortly after his ordination. He was appointed in charge of the churches at Princeville, Bradford and Toulon, by Bishop Spaulding, about the middle of August last. Father Moore was an exemplary man and his death will be sadly felt by the Catholic church.
From: "Darrow K Little" <darrowklittle@earthlink.net>
1878
Jonas Ballentine, born in North Carolina, April 3, 1815, married Miss M. R. Edwards in 1841, settled in Stark county in September of that year, died near Monica, Peoria county, in his 63d year.
August 9, 1878 - Stark County News
Mary J. Bell, oldest daughter of Mathew Bell, of West Jersey, died last Sunday night. When nearly well from an attack of tyhpoid fever, paralysis set in, and disabled on one side. For several days she was unable to swallow anything. She seemed much better last Sunday, but died at about one o'clock at night. The remains were taken last Tuesday, to Elmira for burial, near the family's former place of residence.
1879 - Obituary of John Adams
(Father of Daniel Sewell Adams)
John Adams, one of the oldest men in the county, died in Elmira, Monday, January 20, 1879, in his 85th year. He was born in Falmouth, Cumberland County, Maine, in 1794. Was a soldier in the War of 1812 in Captain Knight's Company - drafted for the defense of Portland against the British. Moved to Illinois in November 1853. His father's name was Israel Adams, died in Freeport; was a soldier in the French War and was with Arnold in his expedition against Quebec. His grandfather, Moses Adams, was a son of one of the two Adamses who came over in the Mayflower.
Submitted by Rob Nicholas.....
Obituary of John Nicholas From the Maryville paper:
OBITUARY- Died, at the residence near Burlington Junction, Nodaway county Mo. on Saturday August 16, 1879, JOHN NICHOLAS aged 79 years, 5 months, and 27 days. Deceased was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia on the second day of February, 1800. He moved to Ohio in 1820 and from there to Illinois in 1851, and from thence to Nodaway County, Missouri in 1870. He united with the Christian church in the twenty-first year of his age and has been a faithful and consistent member ever since. His last words to his children were “the he was prepared to go, and he was happy.” He exhorted them to meet him in that haven of rest that remaineth to the children of God. A funeral discourse was pronounced by the writer, after which his remains were followed to their last resting place until the voice of the arch angel shall awake the sleeping dead to meet the coming Lord. To the sorrowing children we can offer this consulation. He had an interest in the cross of Christ.
---Note : While in Illinois John Nicholas resided in Essex township, Stark County, where he was a farmer according to the 1870 census.
August 21, 1879 - The Henry Republican
Dr. J. G. Greene of Wyoming, died recently of paralysis, with which he was stricken three years ago. He had lived in W., 23 years, and was 55 years old at the time of his death. He was a very superior physician, and universally respected.
Oct. 4, 1879
Capt. Artemus Ewers, who served in the war and was wounded, died from the result of bullet wounds inflicted by himself, on October 4, 1879. He wrote a letter to William Holgate on September 25, and also left some instructions with his wife, but the coroner's jury returned a verdict of accidental shooting.
October 9, 1879
Capt. Artimus Ewers, living near Wyoming, accidently shot himself Saturday with his own hands, producing almost instant death. He was 40 years old and was buried with Masonic honors.
December 18, 1879
At Wyoming, Dec. 5, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Hannah Poll, Thomas Brittain Whiffen, 73, father of William B. Whiffen, editor of the Lacon-Democrat.
We sympathize with our contemporary of the Lacon Democrat, in the death of his father, Thomas B. Whiffen, which took place at Wyoming December 5. A fitting tribute to his memory is givne in the Wyoming Post.
"Mr. Wiffen was born in Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire, England, Sept. 6th, 1805. From there he removed to the town of Bedford, in the adjoining county, where he married Hannah Malden, daughter of William Malden, a highly respectable
citizen of the town, and for some years after carried on the business of
coach building.”
After the death of his wife he removed to Utica, N.Y., where his father's family resided in 1848, and thence to Wyoming in 1850, where he has since resided. He was on the formation of Wyoming Lodge, 244, I. O. O. F., initiated as one of its members, and remained with the lodge until its decline during the war, after which he was not again indentified with the order.
Without belonging to any church communion, he was a religious man of the strictest integrity of character and morals, and was widely known as an honest man. His family consisted of six children, five of whom survive him,
John having died in Wyoming, soon after his arrival here. Of the five remaining, Mrs. Eliza A. Thurlow lives in Peoria, Mrs. Sarah B. Thurlow in Puget Sound, Hannah M. Poil in Wyoming, Uridge M. in Rock Island, and William B. in Lacon. The last is editor of the Marshall County Democrat."
Mrs. Eliza Edwards wife of E.J. Edwards, born in Pennsylvania in 1837 died in Essex township on June 18, 1880.
January 1, 1880
Died at Bradford, Dec. 27, of old age, Anne Bevier, 91.
Aunt Anna Beveir, aged 91 was found dead in her cottage on main street, where
she was living alone. She has resided here 26 years.
Bradford, January 1, 1880
Barnhard Meeham, aged 54 died on the 15th of dropsy. He was highly esteemed.
He leaves a widow and seven children.
January 8, 1880
Died At Shebboleth, Kan., Dec. 20, of lung fever, Ephraim Holton, a resident
of Wyoming and Stark county for 25 years.
February 19, 1880
Milo - Also in Bradford of spinal disease, a little daughter of W. F. Patt. The remains were taken to Tiskilwa for burial on Sunday.
Feb. 1880
Joseph D. Rhodes, one of the pioneers of Stark county, died at Toulon, in February, 1880, aged sixty-one years. (Vide Goshen township.)
May 21, 1880 - Stark County News
Died, at her residence in Goshen, in this county, Tuesday night, 18 May, Mrs. Sally McClenahan, aged 77 years.
Mrs. McClenahan has been many years a widow. She was the mother of Elijah and George H. McClenahan, well known citizens of this county, and of Mrs. Carson Burfield, of this place. She and her husband settled upon the farm where he died in 1834, - forty six years ago, when she was a young woman, and their names frequently appear in the history of those early times. Mrs. McClenahan will be remembered as the lady from whom Conant S. Manchester stole about $7000 in money, two years ago, for which he is now serving a term in the penitentiary.
She was a quiet, industrious, conscientious woman - attending strictly to her own affairs - doing no harm to anyone - speaking evil of none - and honored and respected by her family and neighbors. One by one the early pioneers of Stark county are passing away. There are but few left and soon one will remain to relate the story of those olden times and many interesting effects connected with their settlement of this county.
April 29, 1880
Died at Castleton, April 4, Jennie C., 4 years 6 days, daughter of Robert A. and Mary E. Adams
Castleton - Robert Adams buried their little girl last week, aged 4 years; she had been afflicted with the measles for some time, and before she had fully recovered she took the whooping cough which caused death in a short time. Their two little boys are very sick with the same disease.
August 19, 1880
Colonel W. H. Greenwood, born in Dublin, N. H., 1832, came to Stark county in about 1854, and was the engineer in charge of the Toulon division of the American Central R. R., and well known here, was murdered in Mexico, August 19, 1880.
August 19, 1880
Near Castleton, August 13, of heart disease, Viola May, 23 years, 3 months, 3 days, wife of Frank Kissinger and only daughter of Manuel Snider of this city.
Mrs. Frank Kissinger nee Viola Snider, daughter of Mr. Manuel Snider, died very suddenly at her residence about 1 1/2 miles from Castleton, on Friday night. She had been unusually well all day, and had remarked it to her friends. In company with Mrs. N. M. Rollins of this city, she had been visiting at Castleton and had assisted in picking blackberries in a patch at her friend's house. She had taken care of the milk after she reached home, and unrobing had retired for the night. Hardly had her head touched the pillow, ere the sense of suffocation come over her, and springing up, spit blood and, in less time than it takes to write it, she was a corpse. She had been afflicted with enlargement of the heart for some years, and while it was feared her death might come at any time, and though it came as feared, it comes home to the husband, parents, brother and friends, with a crushing blow. She was a beautiful young woman, adorning home and life with the true essence of genial culture and womanly excellencies. Her married life embraced but 19 months.
She was a native of Henry, reared and married here. She was an only daughter, tenderly loved and revered by doting parents, and affectionately esteemed by a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Snider and her only brother, Dr. Snider, were all visiting in Pennsylvania, but the wire that carried the sad intelligence to them, brought instructions to retain the body until their arrival home. The remains were brought here Saturday, and on Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock funeral services were held from the family residence (the Camp homestead) Rev. J. J. Bennell, pastor of the Presbyterian church, officiating. A number of friends from a distance were present at the obsequies. Much sympathy is expressed by the community in this sad bereavement; and a large circle of those who knew her well in life, were present to weep at so untimely a death.
September 9, 1880
Died at Toulon, Aug. 31, of fever incident to childbirth, Mary Reed, 42,
wife of E. H. Phelps, Esq., editor of the Toulon Herald.
November 4, 1880
Died in Penn township, Stark county, October 18, of softening of the brain, Alexander Kissinger, 59. A tailor of Henry from 1849 to 1855.
November 18, 1880
Mrs. Emma Sophia (Tremain) Stevens, wife of Ira Stevens of near Bradford, was buried on Tuesday In Sugar Grove cemetery. She has been lying ill for some time at the residence of her father, Mr. Richard Tremain, where slowly, surely, inevitably the processes of dissolution have been going on, reducing the round favored beautiful woman to the emaciation of a skeleton. A long sufferer has gently gone to sleep - that sleep that knows no waking. She wanted to live, for life claimed much of her; but as the wasting processes warned her of the inevitable, she had to finally give up fond hopes and aims, resign her little ones to her husband and others, and quietly acquiese
in the inscrutiable discipline of Providence.
Knowing her from a babe, the writer can cheerfully attest to her modest worth, and many excellencies of womanly character. Her life consisted in usefulness and kindly acts, and every responsibility, whereever the station, was discharged in modest fealty and fidelity.
The sermon at the funeral, preached by Rev. M. Minium of this city, was well
calculated to soothe the aching and bleeding hearts. The selections by the Whitefield Corners singers was also appropriate and comforting. A large concourse of people were present to attest their sympathy for the bereft, and their esteem of the deceased, and this sad event will lay as a pall upon the hearts of a wide circle of friends. Her virtues may be emulated; her memory long be cherished by all who knew her.
January 6, 1881
Died near Castleton, Dec. 30, of dropsy, David Williams.
May 10, 1881
Mrs. Mary Etta Dugan, one of the very old settlers, died May 10, 1881, aged sixty-five years.
May 12, 1881
At Bradford, May 2, of malignant scarlet fever, Ella, 14 and Mary 8, daughters of James E. and Elizabeth Noyes.
We record elsewhere the death, within two hours, of the two beautiful daughters of Mr. James E. Noyes. A terrible affliction and sorrow has thus fallen upon this family. They have the sympathy of the entire community in their dire extremity.
June 29, 1881
Mrs. Phoebe H. Smith, died at Modena, June 29, 1881, where she settled with her husband in 1832.
July 26, 1881
Ernest C. Fuller, while en route to Peoria, July 24, 1881, fell from the freight train under the wheels and was so mangled that death ended his sufferings on the 26th. He was the son of Miles A. Fuller, born at Toulon, June 9, 1859. No event in the history of the town cast a deeper shadow of sorrow, than did the death of this young merchant.
July 28, 1881
Died near Bradford, July 25, of dropsy, Adolph Klein, aged about 60. Interment in German Catholic cemetery near this city.
The remains of Adolph Kline, from near Bradford, were brought to this city on Monday, for interment in the Catholic cemetery. The funeral services were held at the German Catholic church. He was an old resident of this county. He has been an invalid for several years and his death was not unexpected.
Dec. 4, 1881
Mrs. Minerva Lyon, wife of Elias Lyon, of Toulon. died December 4, 1881. She was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in 1832, married Lyon there in 1852, and came with him to Toulon in 1857.
December 15, 1881
Mrs. Anna Leet, the mother of William Leet of Bradford, died at Elmwood,
Nov. 30, at the good old age of 83. Her husband, now 87 survives her. Mr. and Mrs. Leet were married in New York state 64 years ago.
Jan. 1882
George Rockwell, of Toulon, while jumping off the cars at Plattsmouth, Neb., in January, 1882, fell under the wheels and was killed.
July 14, 1882
Robert Mitchell, died at Toulon, July 14, 1882, aged seventy-one years. He settled in Goshen Township in 1838, and resided there until 1881. He was born in Donegall County, Ireland. Mrs. Stowe, now of Kansas, is his sister.
October 1882
William L. Mooney, born in Athens County, Ohio, in 1845, settled in Henry County, Ill., in 1852, came to Wyoming in 1870, died in October, 1882, from the result of wounds received from a saw.
Feb. 8, 1883
Sylvester Sweet died at Toulon. February 8 1883. He was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., in 1795; served through the War of 1812; married Mary Adkins in 1818 (this lady died in 1825). In 1828 he married Cynthia Strong, and with his family settled near Saxon in 1841. In 1848 he was living three miles northwest of Toulon, where his second wife died in 1875. In 1877 he married Catherine Rounds, who survives him.
Feb. 28, 1883
John Finley died February 28, 1883, aged eighty-one years. He was born in Fayette county, Pa., in 1802; removed to Richland, O., in 1811; married Rebecca Gaffney in 1828; settled in Illinois in 1834, and in Stark county in 1838. In 1856 his first wife died. In 1861 he married Mrs. Sarah Adams.
Stark County News, 8 March 1883
Hon. John Finley died a quiet and peaceful death at his residence in Toulon, on the 28th day of February, in the eighty-first year of his age. Judge Finley was born on the 25th day of November 1802 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; at the age of nine years he removed with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married in 1828 to Miss Rebecca Gaffny; six years afterward he came to Illinois and in 1838 settled in Stark, then Putman County; so that he was here the year before the county was organized and took a prominent part in that important event. He was one of the clerks of the first election of county officers at the home of Maj. Elijah McClennahan, April 1st, 1839. August 3rd, 1840, he was elected to succeed August Dunn as Sheriff of the County. He was re-elected in 1842 and held the office until 1844 when he retired for four years. in 1848 he was again elected and served two years. In 1857, he was elected to the office of County Judge, which he held for four years. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace in the township where he lived for many years, and was actively and prominently connected with all public affairs in the county and his township from 1838 down to within a few years of his death. In 1856, death deprived him of the companionship of his beloved wife who shared with him the toils and hardships of pioneer life; had helped him to rear a large family and contributed so essentially to the joy and comfort of his home and in dispensing that generous, open hearted hospitality for which the family was widely known. In 1861, he was married to Mrs. Sarah Adams, a most estimable lady, who survives him. He was the father of eleven children, nine of whom are still living and are honored and respected for their sterling worth and integrity where they reside.
Judge Finley was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability. He was a leading influential citizen of the county for forty-five years; was, of course, widely and well known and universally esteemed. He was quiet and unobtrusive in his demeanor, strictly honorable in all his dealings and prompt and faithful in the discharge of every duty. He formed his opinions cautiously, after careful and intelligent investigation, but when he reached a conclusion he maintained it with dignity and firmness. He was a tender and affectionate husband, a kind and indulgent father, a generous, warm hearted neighbor and friend and upright, patriotic citizen. He lived a long and useful life and died as he had lived in the full assurance of a peaceful rest in the home above. On Friday, mourning kindred and friends laid his earthly remains besides his dead wife in the cemetery at Starwano near the home where he first settled and so long lived.
April 21, 1883
Mrs. Barbara (Emery) Smith, born in Richland county, O., in 1830, died April 21, 1883. She moved to Wyoming from Galva with her husband, Perry H. Smith, in 1866.
May 11, 1883
William R. Legg, who erected a blacksmith's shop where the post-office now stands, and also built for himself the house in which Dr. Bacmeister resides, moved to Clarks. Neb., and there died May 11, 1883.
June 21, 1883
Dr. Curtiss, who had practiced medicine at Toulon many years ago, died at Cleveland, Ohio, June 21, 1883, aged sixty-seven years.
Feb. 19, 1884
David McCance, whose name occurs so frequently in the marriage record, and indeed finds mention in almost every chapter, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1815,. died here February 19, 1884, after a residence in the county since 1847.
March 9, 1884
Charles W. Wright, a medical student, died at Toulon, March 9. 1884.
March 14, 1884
Mrs. Elizabeth Long, born in 1822, died at Indiana, Penn., March 14, 1884. She was the mother of Dr. L. L. Long, of Toulon.
April 20, 1884
Mrs. Elizabeth Nixon, who died April 20, 1884, in Iowa, was a native of Virginia, where she was born in 1807. In 1831 she moved to Peoria, and subsequently resided at Toulon with her son-in-law, J. W. Hewett.
April 22, 1884
Andrew Swartz, who settled near Toulon in 1837, died April 22, 1884.
April 24, 1884
Mrs. Ruby (French) Greenfield, born in 1821, married Elisha Greenfield in 1846 near Princeville, Peoria county ; later moved north of Wyoming, thence to Henry county, and finally to Toulon. This lady was drowned in a cistern here April 24, 1884. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of suicide.
Sept. 1884
Major Bohanon, of Trivoli, Ill., father of Mrs. J. D. Pierson, of Toulon died in September, 1884, in his 85th year. He came from Syracuse, N. Y., to Peoria county in 1835.
Dec. 25, 1884
Herbert Blakely, born in Tennessee in 1807, moved to Knox county, Ill., in 1853, to Toulon in 1883, died here December 25, 1884.
January 6, 1885
Dr. Thomas Motter, was found dead in his office at Wyoming on January 6, 1885. He had practiced in the town of Wyoming for twelve years.
Stark County News of Thursday, 5 February 1885
John R. Atherton was born in Falmouth, Kentucky in 1802/03. HIs parents moved to Hamilton county, Ohio when he was but an infant. There he grew to manhood and in 1825 married Jane Armstrong, with whom he lived in loving companionship sixty years.
To them were born six children, five daughters and a son. Four of the daughters are still living: Mrs. Rose of Kansas City, Mrs. Albert Butler of New York City and Mrs. Fast and Mrs. McClennahan who were with him at the time of his death.
In 1831, Mr. Atherton moved with his family to Hancock county, near Nauvoo, Illinois. The stirring events of the next few years but developed more fully his naturally fearless and radical disposition. The Black Hawk war came on and in it he served as Captain. His commission for that office is now in the possession of his children. After this, during the remainder of his residence near Nauvoo, there wwas constant trouble between the citizens and the Mormons. Camptain Atherton was their open and avowed enemy and although his neighbors were shot down around him, among them a much loved cousin of Mrs. Atherton, _ and their property destroyed. Captain Atherton’s own property and family were never injured, because, he used to say, some Mormon would surely lose his life in one thing belonging to him was molested he would have no scruples about the matter, for he would not only be avenging his own wrongs but those of his neighbors and friends.
He was often classed with those who disposed of Joseph Smith. This he always disclaimed, not that his will was not good enought, but simply because he was away at the time.
In 1845, he succeeded in trading his farm in Hancock county for a farm south of Toulon, owned by a Mormon, an exchange agreeable to both parties.
Ever since that time he has been well known in this community; a staunch patriot, unwavering in his friendship and most positive and pronounced in all his sentiments; neither friend or foe ever doubted where he stood.
Two weeks since a company of friends celebrated Mr. and Mrs. Atherton’s sixtieth wedding anniversary, and two weeks hoped to have seen him spend happily his eighty third birthday; but one week ago he was taken seriously sic and on last Saturday morning, at half past two o’clock, he was called to that Master whom he had served more than forty years. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.”
Stark County News - Thursday Feb 12,1885
The funeral service of Daniel Woodward was held at the Grove school house Friday Jan 23, Rev. Ingram officiating.
Stark County News - Thursday March 26,1885
Died of heart disease, March 14, Mary A. Woodward, wife of Daniel Woodward, deceased. It has been but about 6 weeks since her husband died of the disease. Mrs W. was sitting in a chair apparently well and told her son to bring her a drink and before her request could be granted was a lifeless corpse.
March 29, 1885
Dr. Joseph S. Kohn died at Dorrance, Stark Co., March 29, 1885. He was born in Union Co., Pa, in 1809, but for years practiced in Stark and Bureau Counties.
Stark County News of Thursday, 14 May 1885
Died at the home of her sister, Mrs. M. VanSickle, Louisa Jane Wiley, aged 29 years, 2 months and 18 days.
Across the bright sunlight of our beautiful world clouds are ever flighting. At times but a transient shadow thwarts our pathway and again so silently and imperceptly does the darkness steal upon us, until we find ourselves wrapt in the deepest gloom.
Even so does the death of this beloved friend come upon us.
For several years her friends have noticed the approach of the dreaded disease, but she borne up by an indomitable will, always answered their inquiries with “I am well.”
But near the beginning of the year she was compelled to yield and since that time she has patiently and resignedly borne her affliction. Kind and loving friends have constantly cared for her, ministering to her every want, and watching for the last ray of home, but all in vain.
On the quiet and beautiful sabbath morning, when the earth was unfolding the freshness of its new life, a new life was also opened to her and her spirit took tis flight to bloom in the brighter paradise of Heaven.
As we look upon the past years of her life, we see them full of noble self-denying deeds for others. While just in the freshness of youth, when the world seemed brightest, she was called to part with a devoted and gentle mother, and realize that the care of her father’s household was then entrusted to her. Most faithfully did she perform her duties, caring for her younger sisters, until she saw them all in good positions. But it was not so designed that she would then turn her thoughts to herfelf but that he life work had been spent in her devotion to others. The summons came “it is enough, come up higher: She was a member of the church here, having united with it in 1879 and ever lived a faithful Christian. Several times during her illness she was called upon to testify her readiness to depart and when the end drew near, she called all to her assuring them that she knew she was going and was ready and asked them all to meet her in Heaven. Can any better comfort be given to her friends than such words as these. The beautiful testimony of such a life and the assurance that she is once more at home with the dear mother and free from all the pain and suffering that she endured here.
“Never here, forever there;
Where all parting, pain and care,
And death and time shall disappear,
Forever there, but never here!
The horologue of eternity
Sayeth this incessantly-
Forever - never!
Never - forever!
July 31, 1885
William Miner, son of one of the pioneer Baptist preachers of this section, settled on what is known as the Stewart Moore Farm. moved to Toulon, thence to Wyoming, thence to Chicago, where he invented a mineral detector. Died in Southern Missouri, July 31, 1885.
Aug. 10, 1885
Mrs. Eunice (Ferguson) Bass, born in Northampton, N. Y., in 1820, married E. B. Bass there in 1840, came with her husband to Illinois in 1854, settled five miles northeast of Toulon, and resided there until 1878, when she moved into the village, where she died August 10, 1885.
Oct. 30, 1885
Mrs. Elva M. (Wright) Black, born near Toulon in 1858, married Samuel G. Black in 1876, died October 30, 1885.
Dec. 12, 1885
Thomas Graves, Died, at his residence in Essex township, Stark county, Illinois, Dec. 12th, 1885, Thomas Graves, aged 68 years, 11 months and 24 days.
Deceased was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, Dec. 18, 1816. With his parents he moved to Ross county, Ohio, in the year 1821. On attaining his manhood, he emigrated to Stark county, Illinois, in 1840. Oct. 28, 1841, he was married to Nancy Ann Cox, settling on a farm on Indian Creek, where he lived until the year 1850, when he moved to the farm occupied by him at the time of his death. Having witnessed the growth to maturity of his ten children, who survive him (a period of almost 36 years,) he might truly be classed as one of the Stark county's early pioneers and of whom the death roll has been so frequently called during the year 1885.
He had been a great sufferer for years, especially so for the past nine weeks. Being naturally of a very genial disposition, he bore his affliction remarkably well. Few who have met "Uncle Tom," as he was familiarly called, will ever forget the pleasant greeting with which he was wont to welcome his many friends to share his hospitality. No person ever turned from his door unfed or unsheltered. A very able discourse by Rev. Crane, of Galesburg, who took for his text Heb. 11:1, was pronounced at the house, after which the remains were silently and sorrowfully followed by a long procession of friends and relatives to their last resting place in Sheets cemetery.
January 1886
William Boggs, who settled at Wyoming many years prior, died in January, 1886.
Feb. 3, 1886
Mrs. Kezia Dexter Young, was born in the state of Maine, in 1799; she married Stephen Young in 1823; moved to Iowa in 1854, and to Toulon in 1858. She died on February 3, 1886.
May 2, 1886
Anthony Robinson, an old settler of Wyoming, died May 2, 1886, aged sixty-one years.
May 13, 1886 - Stark County News
The funeral services of Ambrose Aten were held here last Saturday, he having passed away last Friday monring, after many months suffering with consumption. A large number of friends were present and the I.O.O.F. of LaFayette, of which he was a member were in attendence, the lodge of this place uniting with them, and performing the final burial service. He was highly esteemed as a citizen and leaves a large circle of friends.
May 22, 1886
Spencer Falconer, born at Culpepper, Va., seventy-seven years ago, died at Thomas Falconer's house, north of Wyoming, May 22, 1886.
Stark County News Thursday, April, 15 1886
Died, at her home southwest of town, 11 April 1886, Mrs. Lucy M. Dougherty, aged twenty years. The friends of Mrs. Daugherty were startled to know that she had passed away. Although the encroachments of disease were fastened firmly, making sure their hold, the time had seems very short since the hectic flush and parched lips told to her friends the presence of that dread disease consumption and they began to realize she must leave them. Thro’ her sickness many friends have kindly and tenderly ministered to her wants and did all that was within their power to make her last days those of peace. They always found her cheerful and uncomplaining, showing her firm faith and readiness for that better home. She and her husband had walked and worked together not yet two years; an infant daughter had come to cheer and bless their home, who now remains bereft of all the loving kindness of a mother’s care. The blow falls heavily on him who hoped she might share his joys and cares throughout this life. While our hearts are town and bleeding and the absence of this dear one blights all the light and sunshine that there may be here, our only hope and comfort is to look beyond. The sorrow and the tears for us all will soon be over. The years so rapidly passing will soon bring us to the happy meeting beyond. Just eleven months before a well-beloved sister of the one just gone, on Sunday morning at about the same hour, bade farewell to these same friends and said “meet me in heaven”. Our hope brightens us again with eyes of faith; we see the glad meeting of these two on the shores of the eternal world, now free from that dread disease for which no mortal mind hath found a cure. God grant that we may all so live that when our summons comes we may be as well prepared and leave a record of such simple, trusting faith as did these two.
June 16, 1886
Mrs. Wm. Sweet, who died in Toulon June 16, 1886, added another name to the long list of Stark county pioneers who have crossed over the river. Mrs. Sweet's maiden name was Jane Pearson; she was born in Oswego county, New York, in 1826, and came with her parents to Peoria county in 1836. She was brought up in the Universalist faith, her father and grandfather both being ministers in that denomination. After the death of her father, she came to Stark county in 1844, and made her home with a family by the name of Bowen. In 1848 she was married to William Sweet. She was the mother of three children, two of whom, a son and a daughter survive her and are living in this vicinity.
July 13, 1886
Mrs. Harriet Taylor, sister of H. Shivvers, and mother of Mrs. Henry Harrington, died in Hooper county, Kan., July 13, 1886, aged about 65 years.
Sept. 22, 1886
Rev. Thomas J. Nesmith, a resident of Putnam county for twenty-one years, died September 22, 1886, aged ninety-one years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and afterwards a minister of the M. P. church.
Dec. 21, 1886
Francis Rennick, was born near Enniskillen, Fermanagh county, Ireland, April 16, 1819. He lived in his native country till his twenty-second year, when he came to Canada, where on the 16th of April, 1844, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cousens. of Montreal, and during the time of his residence in Canada, his family of ten children were born, the eldest of whom died there. In the year of 1867, he moved with his family to Stark county, where he continued to reside until the time of his death, December 21, 1886.
Stark county News, Thursday 1 September 1887
Mr. George Sheets died at his home in West Jersey township, 21 August 1887, aged 62 years. He was born in Switzerland county, Indiana 19 August 1825 and came with his father, Peter Sheets to Stark county in 1836 where he had since resided. He was married in 1841 to Charlotte Zimmerman and to them were born five children; his wife and three daughters survive. His funeral was held Wednesday, August 23 and his remains were held in the old Sheets burying ground.
Stark County News, Thursday 1 September 1887
Died at her home in Toulon, Thursday, August 26th of heart disease, Mrs. Sophia Parrish aged 72 years.
Sophia Aulthouse was born in Leeds County, Canada in 1815, she was married to Squire Parrish in 1831 and removed to Stark county, Illinois in 1836; for thirty one years she had lived in Toulon in the house where she died. She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive her. Her husband died ten years since; one son in early manhood and a daughter Mrs. Lucy Cooley was the mother of three children at the time of her death.
For more than fifty years she had been a faithful member of the Methodist church. Her children, except one being settled some distance from her, the latter years of her life would have been desolate indeed but for the Comforter who abided with her.
When her last sickness came, like the wise woman she was, she set her house in order and not one anxious thought came except for the one who had been her constant care for many years.
For herself, she knew in whom she had believed and chose for the text of her funeral, Cor. 5-1, "For we know that if our early tabernacle were disolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." She selected also the hymns she would have sung.
Although feeble for several years her last sickness was short and very painful.
The funeral was held in the M.E. church and she was buried in the Toulon cemetery.
July 26, 1888
Mrs. Elizabeth Cowperthwaite Died--At the home of her sister Mrs. Joseph Cowperthwaite, in Iowa City, Iowa, July 26, Mrs. Elizabeth Cowperthwaite, aged 71 years. Elizabeth Godfrey was born in Cape May Co., New Jersey, June 3rd 1817. She came with her family to Toulon in 1848, where she had since made her home until one year ago. She was married to Stacy Cowperthwaite in 1882 and eighteen months after was left a widow. She was seized with heart trouble during the holidays last winter and suffered a great deal until released by death; she had been a consistent member of the Baptist church for more than fifty years, and during her long sickness felt the truth of the promise "underneath are the everlasting arms." Mrs. Joseph Cowperthwaite, her son, Dr. Allen Cowperthwaite and Mr. and Mrs. H. Y. Godfrey accompanied the remains to Toulon to be buried in our cemetery.
Aug. 16, 1888 - Stark County News
Mrs. Charles Eckley of Rising Sun died Saturday morning of consumption. She was buried in the Stringtown cemetery last Sunday. Charlie has the sympathy of the entire neighborhood.
Aug. 30, 1888 - Stark County News
Mrs. Jane Cinnamon Died, at Rutland, Ill., Aug. 7, 1888 after a painful illness of five months, Mrs. Jane Cinnamon aged 55 years. Mrs. Cinnamon's maiden name was McLean, and she was for some years a resident of Kewanee. She was married to Robert Cinnamon of Saxon in 1864. In every relation of life she was diligent, kind and true, ever faithful as wife, mother, friend or neighbor.
Stark County News, Thursday, 18 October 1888
Washington Trickle, an old and respected citizen of West Jersey, while on his way home from Kansas last week, was taken very sick at Kansas City, Missouri and died. His remains will be sent home and laid to rest in the Rochester cemetery.
From the Stark County News, Thursday, 8 November 1888
Died at the residence of Erastus Foster, in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 10th, 1888, of inflammation of the bowels, Washington Trickle, aged 83 years, 8 months and 9 days.
His death was unexpected. Some five weeks ago, he went to visit his only surviving child, Mrs. L.F. Mathews of Cowley County, Kansas and was on his way home, when he was suddenly taken ill and was only able to reach the residence of E.N. Foster in Kansas City. Mr. and Mrs. Foster, with Dr. Barber, all old aquaintances (formerly of Elmwood), kindly cared for him, giving him every attention possible, but after an illness of only twenty hours, God took him.
Washington Trickle was born twenty miles west of Baltimore, Maryland 1 February 1805. His father Christopher Trickle, moved west to Ohio with his family in the year 1811. During the war of 1812, he moved into the fort at Jeromeville, Ohio, with his family and died at that place in 1813, leaving a family of five sons and four daughters to the care of the widowed mother. Only two of this family are now living, Mr. Edward Trickle of West Jersey and Mrs. Julia Anne Sherburne of Toulon.
On May 15th, 1828, Washington Trickle was united in marriage to MIss Elinor Smith at Ashland, Ohio, the ceremony being performed by Reverend James Haney, father of all the Haney preachers. They had eleven children, ten daughters and one son, all of whome, except Mrs. Lucretia S. Mathews, have with their mother, passed over the River.
In 1835 he moved to Fulton county, Illinois and in 1836 removed to Stark county near Rochester, and from there to Elmwood, Illinois where he remained until a short time after the death of his wife, which occurred in 1883, when he removed to West Jersey and lived with his granddaughters and their father Mr. John Wiley, from whose house he was buried, October 17th, 1888. The funeral services were conducted by Reverend Miller, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at West Jersey,in the church at Rochester, and the remains were laid to rest beside his wife and children in the cemetery at that place. A goodly number of neighbors and friends were in attendance.
In 1828 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of which he was a faithful member for more than sixty years, being an official member most of the time. He was an earnest Christian worker and while loving his own church, he felt that other demonimations were Christian people and his brethren. In earlier years his house was always a home for ministers and educational workers. He was an attentive and thoughtful husband, a kind father, and a good neighbor, always ready to aid those in need. He was resigned in all his afflictions; his last testimoney in class meeting, a week before his death, was “Christ has been with me and is still with me. I feel my work is done and am only waiting patiently the call to come up higher.” So passed away a good man. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, yea, and their works do follow them.”
November 21, 1888
Oren Maxfield, son of Eliphalet and Jane (McCrillis) Maxfield, was born at Durham, New Hampshire, 1 January 1804; he died at Toulon, Illinois, 21 November 1888.
He was a gentleman in all respects, very strict in his integrity and Sabbath observance; a Free-will Baptist in religious belief, a chapter member of the Toulon, Illinois, Masonic Lodge, Whig or Republican in politics and a farmer by occupation. The Maxfields were pioneers in Stark County.
He married Chloe Washburn Dexter on March 9, 1826 who was born in Maine, on May 9, 1808 and died at Toulon, Illinois on November 21, 1872.
Dec. 26, 1888
Thomas Lyle, died at his home in Kewanee December 26th at an advanced age. He settled in Elmira Township in 1837 and resided there until 1876 when he removed to Kewanee.
June 7, 1891
CARPENTER--Cynthia C., at Galva, Sunday, June 7, 1891, of Bronchial consumption, aged 47 years, 6 months and 19 days.
Cynthia C. Stone was born November 18, 1843, in the town of Kent, Litchfield county, Conn., and came to Illinois with her parents, Daniel D. and Sarah L. Stone, October 21, 1855, and settled in Stark county, where the greater part of her life was spent. She was married to Orren Maxfield January 25, 1865. In a few short years his health failed and she was left with three small children to care for. She was married to John Carpenter January 12, 1888. Mr. Carpenter, with her son Edwin Maxfield, and her daughters, Katie Maxfield of Bloomington, and Mrs. Harry Alter, of Chicago, an aged mother and her sister, Mrs. Mason Stouffer, of Toulon, survive her. The funeral services were held in the M. E. church at Galva Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, the Rev. R. D. Russell, of Toulon, officiating. After the services in the church the body was brought to Toulon and laid in the cemetery here. Mrs. Carpenter united with the Baptist church about twenty years ago, during a revival held by Elder Welcher.
June 11, 1891 - Stark County News
ANNA BOARDMAN--On Friday, June 5, 1891, at her home in Elmira, Ill., Miss Anna Lorena Boardman, daughter of Dr. E. R. Boardman, from cerebro spinal meningitis, after an illness of twenty days, aged 17 years, 1 month and 13 days. Anna was a member of the Osceola Baptist church, and her life had been that of an earnest, active Christian. She met death with a calm resignation and said she did not fear to die. Her funeral on Monday, the 8th, was attended by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. The services were conducted by her pastor, the Rev. J. Wood Saunders, who took his text from Isaiah 64-6, " And We All do Fade as the Leaf." The kind and unremitting assistance so freely rendered by the friends and neighbors will ever be gratefully remembered by the afflicted family.
July 23, 1891 - Wyoming Post Herald
CHARLES WESTON, aged 74 years, 7 months and 10 days at his home in Penn Township, Stark County, Illinois. Friday afternoon, July 17, 1891.
Charles Weston was born in England. He came to America when 16 years of age. Being a bridge builder and carpenter, he worked several years for the New York Central railway company, residing at Niagara Falls. In 1864 he came to Illinois and with his family located on the farm in Penn township, which has ever since been the homestead. His death is the result of an accident which befel him on Monday evening, the 13th inst., the particulars of which have been given in the previous issue of this paper.
Mr Weston, although an active man for one of his age, was becoming infirm, and it is the opinion of his family that he must have suffered a paralytic stroke when he fell backward from his vehicle and received his death injury. He never recovered consciousness after the shock, quietly passing away.
Funeral services, conducted by Rev. M. De L. Bowen, were held at the home on Sunday afternoon. A large number of neighbors of the vicinity, including a number from Wyoming and Castleton, attested their esteem and sympathy by their attendance. There were many floral tributes.
On Monday the remains were taken to the former home at Niagara, for interment beside the wife, who died of cancer about eight years ago.
Four sons and two step daughters survive the parents, William H., who is a locomotive engineer for the C.R.I. & P., lives at Peoria. John lives on the homestead. Charles is a farmer in Phillips County, Kansas, and George is a resident of St. Louis. The sons were present before the death and at the funeral. George accompanied the remains to the last resting place.
Stark County News, Thursday, 26 May 1892
Mrs. John Kinney, mother of James Kinney, died Wednesday morning at 10 o’clock at her home in LaFayette in her 76th year. The funeral will occur this afternoon at 4 o’clock. Mrs. Kinney had been sick nearly all winter. She had been a resident of LaFayette about four years.
From the Stark County News, Thursday, 2 June 1892 Obituary
Mrs. Eleanor Kinney was born in Ohio in 1816 and died 17 May 1892. She was married to John Kinney in 1836 and was the mother of eleven children, seven of whom are living. James, our Circuit Clerk, is the only one living in this state. She joined the church in 1834 and has lived a consistent Christian live ever since. She was familiarly known to all as Grandma Kinney. The funeral services were held in the Methodist church, conducted by Reverend Warner. The husband and children, she leaves to mourn her death have the sympathy of the entire neighborhood.
Stark County News, Thursday, 29 December 1892
Mrs. J.W. Morrison, Died at her home in Toulon, Friday morning, December 24th, 1892, Mary A., beloved wife of John W. Morrison, aged 58 years, 1 month and 23 days.
Mrs. Morrison was born in Montreal, Canada, November 1st, 1834.
Her parents moved to Ohio in 1842 and there her girlhood was spent. She was married to J.W. Morrison in Fayette County, Ohio, December 4th, 1851. They came to Stark County in September 1853 and settled near Toulon and have ever since resided in this vicinity.
To them were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, all of whom are living and grown to manhood and womanhood. Mrs. Morrison was a most tender and devoted mother and a most sympathizing and helpful neighbor and friend. After her own children had made homes for themselves she took into her great warm heart a poor little waif and no more blessed thing came to a forlorn child, than the love and care bestowed on little Flora, and the husband will now try to carry out the wife’s wishes in regard to this little one.
Mrs. Morrison united with the M.E. Church in 1872, and has lived a consistent Christian life and died the death of the righteous. This is the first time the grim messenger has entered this household and the family is sorely bereaved. Life will never again be the saame to them. But “over the river, the crystal rive: a loved hand will beckon from the further shore.
Reverend W.R. Wiley conducted the funeral services at the home on Monday where many friends gathered to show their respect and sympathy for the living.
April 7, 1893
THOMAS TIMMONS, son of Ananias and Eleanor Timmons was born in Ross County, OH on Jan. 4, 1816, and died at Stark County, IL April 7, 1893.
April 10, 1893 - Stark County News
Luther Denney died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Denney, Monday evening, April 17, aged 14. He was in his place in Sunday school the day before, and was not thought to be dangerously sick until a very short time before his death. The only complaint he made was of a severe headache. It was a terrible shock to the family, and they have the sympathy of the entire community in their affliction.
The funeral services were held at the house, Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev. Francis and Rev. Wiley uniting in the service.
Dec. 20, 1894
LEVEN EDWARD TIMMONS, son of Annanias and Eleanor Timmons born Ross County, OH, Mar. 13, 1830, died Dec. 20,1894. Leven Timmons came to Stark County in 1847 and in time purchased 135 Acres of land later known as the "Timmons Homestead". The family lived Toulon Township, Stark County, IL.
Wyoming Post-Herald, June 13, 1895
Sarah McGuire, the aged woman who has made her home for a number of years with her son Jacob Maguire, the blacksmith, died at his home on the North Side at 4:45 Tuesday afternoon of this week, June 11th. Probably she was the oldest woman living in this county. She was born Jan. 17, 1796, at Jersey, Pa. Yesterday morning the remains were conveyed to Kewanee, where her son George resides. The burial will occur at that place today.
Stark County News, 19 December 1895
At Rest
Died at her home four and one half miles southwest of Wyoming, December 12th, 1895, Mrs. Aurelia Cox Stevenson. This lady was born August 30th, 1856, at the old homestead about a quarter of a mile from her new home which she moved into August 29th, 1895. She was untied in marriage May 4th, 1893 to Mr. Leroy Stevenson of Knox county, by Reverend Hicks of Toulon.
Mrs. Stevenson’s health began to fail about eight months ago and just eleven weeks ago the day she died she was taken down, her disease being consumption, resulting from asthman, with which she had been afflicted for a number of years. She was a patient sufferer, never murmuring nor complaining, saying all the time she would be better off. Yet, it seems hard for us to think so, surrounded by every comfort that heart could wish. We bow our heads in submission and say “Thy will, not mine be done. She was a very quiet unassuming person, caring more for home than any place else, always speaking kindly of all. She leaves a husband, an aged father, to whom she was very devoted, one sister and three brothers to mourn her early death.
The funeral was held at the house Saturday, December 4th, conducted by Reverend Hicks of Toulon. She was buried in the Sheets’ cemetery.
We look beyond this vale of tears, Beyond the grave of gloom,
To the bright celestial spheres beyond Where flowers eternal bloom.
No chilling winds, or poisonous breath Can reach that healthful shore.
Sickness and sorrow, pain and death Are felt and feared no more.
Card of Thanks
The family wish to thank all the neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted druing the sickness and death of their loved one.
Mr. Leroy Stevenson
Mr. Joseph Cox and Family.
Stark County News, Thursday, 25 June 1896
Jane Nicholson was born in St. Lawrence, New York, May 20th 1823. She came to the state of Illinois in 1840. She was united in marriage to Mr. James Johnson December 3, 1841. To them were born seven children, four sons and three daughters. She united with the church of God some time between 1840 and 1850 and sought to live a devoted life.
She has been failing in health for about two years, and on June 21st, 1899 at 5:15 a.m., she departed this life, leaving to mourn her death a husband, four sons and three daughters.
Stark County News, Tuesday 8 November 1896
Benjamin F. Fuller, of Washington D.C., better known in this county as "Frank" Fuller, died very suddenly at his home in Washington, on October 25, 1896.
Mr. Fuller was an old settler of this county, where he resided from about 1836 to 1866, when he was appointed to a position in the Interior Department of the government and removed to Washington.
He served as sheriff of this county and held other official positions and was respected as an honorable and upright citizen by all who knew him.
He was a brother of Judge Miles A. Fuller, of toulon, and A.Y. Fuller of Wyoming, the only member of the family left.
We clip the following from the Post-Dispatch, Washington D.C.
"Benjamin Fuller, formerly disbursing officer of the Department of the Agriculture, died suddenly at his residence, 1821 Rhode Island avenue, yesterday afternoon. Apoplexy was the cause. Mr. Fuller was born in Pennsylvania in 1825. When he was twelve years old his parents moved to Stark county, Illinois. While residing there he held several postitions of trust and honor and at the close of the war of the rebellion, he was appointed to a position in the Interior Department and assigned to duties in the Agricultural Bureau, from which developed the present Department of Agriculture. Isaac newton, then in charge of the bureau, recognized his ability, appointing him disbursing officer, an office he held for twenty-eight years, conducting the financial affairs of his office to the entire satisfaction of all the Secretaries of Agriculture under which he served.
Mr. Fuller was one of the charter members of the Belt Line RAilroad Company, the Lincoln Bank and the Equitable Building Association. he served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Equitable Bilding Association to the time of his death. Since he retired from official life he entered into real estate business with his son under the firm name of Fuller & Fuller. He was one of the oldest members of the Centennial Lodge of Masons, always faithful in the perfomrance of his duties and attentive to the welfare of the lodge.
Mr Fuller;s position in the Department of Agriculture brought him in connection with most of the business men of this city, by whom he was held in the hhighest esteem for his honesty, integrity and considerate treatment of his fellow men. A son and daughter survive him.
1897 - Edward Trickle
One by one the pioneers of Stark County are dropping out of the ranks of the great procession of human life. On the 20th day of the presnet month died our well kknown fellow citizen, Edward Trickle, ninety years. He was born in 1807 and came to Illinois in 1836 with his wife and two children. His destination was Rochester, in Peoria county, whre his brother-in-law, Therigood Smith then lived. Mr. Smith was the father of John E. and Ephraim Smith, well known to the people in this county. He afterwards purchased land in Essex township in this county, upon which he resided until the time of his death.
In the spring of 1837 he built a cabin and moved his family upon the land he had purchased. There are few men who have lived so many years upon the same farm. He endured the inconveniences and hardship of a pioneer life and as well enjoyed its pleasures. Time and industry brought their fruits of competence and ease, which were reasonably enjoyed. Mr. Trickle was an intelligent, upright and honest man; well esteemed by all who knew him and was liberal and helpful, not only to his own family but to many others who will hold his memory in kindly remembrance.
Stark County News, Friday,2 July 1897
Died-- At her home near Elmira, on Monday morning at 8 o'clock, Mrs. John W. Tuttle.
Maria Jane Fleming, was the oldest of the ten children of Samuel and Rebecca Bonsall Fleming.
She was born at Luthersburg, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1840 and came with the family to Stark county in 1854, and the family always lived near Elmira.
On October 8, 1857, she was married to John W. Tuttle and to them fourteen children were born, eleven of whom still remain.
Charles E., Marion F., Edwin B., Harry L., Lottie M., Samuel, William, Maud E., and Mrs. Annie A. Jackson, Mrs.Abbie C. Ham, Mrs. Rebecca L. Duff.
She was taken sick on Febraury 6, 1896, when she was compelled to go to bed from which she seldom rose again.
She was converted under the ministry of Reverend J.W. Russell and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.
In all the weakness and pain of her illness, she was a most uncomplaining sufferer.
The patience and sweetness of her disposition was marked by all who came in contact with her.
The funeral took place on Tuesday, July 29, the body being laid away in the Elmira cemetery, and the service held in the Presbyterian church, conducted by Reverend Clarke, assisted by Reverend Drew.
Stark County News, Friday, 10 September 1897
Joseph Cox, Died at his residence in Essex township, Stark county, Illinois, on Thursday, September 2, 1897, Joseph Cox, aged 82 years, 9 montsh and 9 days. Joseph Cox was born in Ross county, Ohio on the 23rd of December, 1814, where he grew to young manhood. In 1836 with relatives and friends, he moved to this state and located on the farm in Essex township, about three miles west of Wyoming, which was his home for fifty-eight years. On the 24th of November 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Edwards by whom he had seven children. Two of his children died in infanty. His daughter Mrs. Aurelia Stevenson died in 1895. Three sons and one daughter survive him, to-wit: Nathan Monroe, Charles Henry, Thoms Walter and Mrs. Carey Summer. They are comfortably located on the farms not far from their father’s old home. Mr. Cox’s wife died in 1888. He kept up his home until his daughter Aurelia was married. He then for a while divided his time among his children, but for the last three years has made his home with his oldest son, Nathan Monroe, where on the 2d inst., he quietly passed away. Mr. Cox was of Quaker descent, which was plainly evident from his quiet manner, and his never failing desire to deal justly with all mankind. He was an honorable, upright gentleman, conscientious, industrious, strictly temperate, his wood as good as his bond and he was universally beloved by all who knew him. His death would be a loss to any community, as his example constantly pointed to higher and better conditions. He was a bulwark of strength, firm and imovable in behalf of right. He was a good neighbor, a kind and indulgent father, an earnest friend of education and religion, and gave freely of his means to the support of christian influence. He was one of the largest subscribers to the Methodist Protestant Church in his neighborhood and just recently purchased quite a large number of chairs for seating it. He was not a member of any church, but nevertheless made the “Golden Rule” his guide all through life, and by act and deed gave evidence of his belief in a higher and better life. By industry and economy he accumulated property until at one time he owned several hundred acres of land in Stark county, upon which there was not one dollar incumbrance. He was one of the first to introduce the Durham cattle into this county. For years his fine stock took many premiums at our county’s fairs. His farms were always well cared for, looked neat and in order; everything about him bore evidence of thrift and tidiness. There was method and system in all of his undertakings. All of his transcations pointed to the fact that his uccess in life was not the result of luck and accident but of well matured and skillfully directed plans. He was a bright and shining landmark that gave hope and inspiraation to every one who came within his range. There was nothing of plotting or intrigue in his nature. He never tried to beat anybody, to get the best of anyone, to thrive at another’s expense. His motto was “to live and let live”, whith an equal chance to every!
one who tried to do right. He was not voluble in words, but what he did say was to the point, and always meant something. He would not aruge to any extent with those who differed in him in belief, but no argument would change him from waht he believed to be right. His reputation for truth and veracity was equal to the best and when his name was mentioned as authority for a fact, it was not apt to be questioned. He was very fond of music. In early life he learned to play the fife, and for many years he and one of his sons, with fife and drum, gratuitously furnished martial music on public occasions, frewquenly going miles away from home for that purpose. In 1860 he was fifer for the Wyoming Linclon Wide Awake Company, and was in their lead all through the entire campaign. As his antecedants indicate he was strongly anti-slavery in sentiment and always identified himself with that party that liberated the slaves. Thus this good man lived a quiet, inoffensive, unobtrusive, but successful life. We look back over his long and eventful career with naught but pleasing recollections, as we sadly realize that another good friend and citizen has left us. It may always be said of him, that he obeyed the mandates of an honest conscience and at last “with malice toward none, with charity for all,” wrapt around him the mantle of eternal rest and bade adieu to earthly senses.
The funeral service was held at the residence on Saturday, September 4, at 2 p.m. Reverend Stauffer preached a very affective and consoling serman and was very ably assisted in the serices by the Reverend Walters. Appropriate music was furnished by Mrs. A.G. andH.A. Hammong, Will DeMunt, H.A. McClyment, with J.W. Walters on the piano. A large concourse of people followed the remains to the Sheet’s cemetery, where our deceased brother was buried by the side of his wife.
The relatives desire to return sincere thanks to the many friends who so kindly assisted them during the last sickness, and at the burial.
Stark County News, Friday, 11 March 1898
Aunt Hannah Leason, an old and much respected resident, died after a long and very painful illness, on March 7, 1898. Hannah Celestia Leason was born in Sebec, Penobscot county, Maine, August 16, 1833. With her parents she came to Stark county, Illinois in 1845. In 1848 she experienced a change of heart and was buried with Christ in baptism, uniing with the Free Will Baptist church whose principles she maintained through the remainder of her life. She has always been a faithful Christian and through all of her suffering, which was for months of the severest, she was patient and resigned, trusting to the will of her Makeer. She leaves a brother, James W. Leason, of Bradford and two sisters, Mrs. Henrietta Gerard and Mrs. Nancy Gerard, both of Osceola Grove. The funeral, conducted by Reverend Clarke, was from the house, on Wednesday, March 9, and she was lade to rest in the Grove cemetery. Thus, one by one, the old settlers are passingon, but who shal rise to take their places here.
May 27, 1898
ELIZA ANN DAVIS, was born in Posey Township, Switzerland County, Indiana on November 15, 1824, and died at Stark County, IL May 27, 1898. She was married first on Oct. 18, 1843, to CHARLES H. LAKE who preceded her in death on July 8, 1851. Eliza was again married on Feb. 26, 1854 to Leven Edward Timmons.
Stark County News, Friday, 5 August 1898
Miller - Died of Dropsy, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.S. LePort, in LaFayette, Illinois, Saturday, July 30, 1898, Steward Alexander Miller, aged 65 years and three months.
Steward Alexander Miller was a native of West Virginis, being born in Union, Monroe county, April 30, 1833. He came to Illinois in the early fifties and settled at Abingdon. He was united in marriage to Miss Frances Callison, who departed this life in 1858. Of this union, two children were born - Thomas and Clara- both dying at an early age. In 1861 he was again united in marriage to Mrs. J.C. Newton, who departed this life May 10, 1886. Of this union three children were born, all of whom survive him - Calvin H. of Hamburg, Iowa; Mrs. Fannie Grant of Omaha, Nebraska and Mrs. E.S. LePort of LaFayette.
He moved to LaFayette in October 1867 where he has since resided. He was identified with T.W. Ross in the blacksmith trade until three years ago when failing health compelled him to relinquish his work. Mr. Miller was a loving husband, a kind father, a warm friend and a good neighbor - what more can be said? Realizing that his pilgramage on earth was drawing to a close, he was resigned to the will of God. He was buried with Masonic honors, Sunday, July 31, 1898, in the LaFayette cemetery. The beautiful Masonic burial rites being used, the services being in charge of U.J. Overman, W.M., of Toulon Lodge No. 93, A.F. & A.M. Masonic brethren from Toulon, Galva and Stark Lodge No. 510, of which latter he was a member, were present.
Dec. 31, 1898
JOHN BLACK--Died, at his home in Toulon, Illinois, Saturday, December 31, 1898, John Black, aged 72 years, 7 months and 11 days.
John Black, the subject of this sketch, was born in Gartbratten Place, Cavan, County Cavan, Ireland, May 14, 1826. He was brought up and educated, in the Christian sense, in the Episcopal church, that being the religious establishment of his native land. Early in life he was attracted to the Primitive Methodists, a sect which when starting resembled the Salvation Army of today. He was converted to God through the instrumentality of those devoted people, and it was not strange that he should identify himself with them and love their association. Indeed this indicates the religious side of his nature, not satisfied with the cold formalism of a faith purely ritualistic, he could easily open his heart to the simple Gospel of Christ, and find among these unordained teachers that for which his soul cried out. He left his home in Ireland at the age of 25 years, having lived with his parents up to that time. He came alone to America, and directly to Toulon, arriving here about the year 1851, and this has been his home almost all of the interval that lies between. His mother dying when he was but a small child, he was brought up by a step-mother, for whom he possessed a very decided affection. Of the old family circle, all that are left, one brother and five sisters, still live in the mother land. His early life in this country, like that of many others who were similarly circumstanced, was that of hardship and adventure. A hard-working toiler, he learned to husband resources, and care for the material means which a faithful Providence permitted to come into his hands. He joined the Methodist Episcopal church under the ministery of Rev. Ransom, in 1856, and has ever been a faithful, earnest Christian man. He was a man who obeyed the scripture injunction, and did not 'think of himself more highly than he ought"; he was more apt than otherwise to discount himself, and wish he possessed a more complete experience. And yet those who knew the man best, realized the most that his Christian character was builded on the Rock. Mr. Black was joined in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Mason, on October 7, 1863. To this real union of hearts there was born two children, Mattie and Randall, both of whom, with the mother survive the decease of husband and father, and sincerely mourn the loss that can never be repaired. The funeral services were conducted from the house last Monday, at 1:30 p.m., being in charge of Rev. L. F. Cullom. The Masonic and I.O.O.F. lodges of Toulon, of which the deceased was a member, also took part in the ceremony. A good and indulgent parent and husband, he has left the earth, but may be found in the home of the blest. He died on the morning of December 31, 1898, and rests from his labors.
Jan. 6, 1899 - Stark County News
Attie May Brown born to James and Mary Martin, May 9, 1862 in LaFayette, Illinois. She spent several years of her life as a teacher in the public schools. Attie was eldest of a family of five children. Her only sister, Effie, died about twelve years ago. Her mother also passed on to the better inheritance some ten years ago. She was received into the M.E. church February 1, 1891. Since that time she has been faithful to her Christ and to her church. She was married to John B. Brown February 10, 1892. She was an amiable woman, of universal favor and especially beloved by her intimate friends. Her presence will be greatly missed in all circles of society in which she was accustomed to move. It is true of brother Brown that "his house is left unto him desolate" since his loving companion so hastily answered the summons from the lover of her soul to come up higher. In the haste with which she spirit went, she could not even say, "good bye." Her death, sudden as it was, doubtless was just as she would have had it, for she had spoken to her friends of how she dreaded a long approach of lingering illness as the way to the grave. Her death occurred very suddenly Wednesday night, December 28. One hour before her death, while preparing to retire and in conversation with her husband, she instantly threw up her arms and gave a moan. Her husband seeing that something was wrong, sprang and caught her as she was falling. From this time she never regained consciousness. With but one brief hour of serious sickness, she passed from this to the better world, leaving three brothers, father, husband and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her departure.
Published immediately below her obituary was the following remembrance:
In Memory -- Merry Rebekah Lodge, No. 130
Whereas, it has pleased our heavenly father to remove from our midst our sister, Attie M. Brown, be it Resolved, that we submit to the great affliction that has so suddenly befallen us, yet, we in meekness say, "Thy will be done." and be it further Resolved, that in this bereavement our lodge has lost a noble member, the afflicted husband, a loving wife, and that our hearts go out in sorrow to this brother in this hour of trial, and that we, as a lodge, extend to him our heartfelt sympathy, and that we will ever revere the memory of this sister, be it furthermore Resolved, these those testimonials of our sorrow and respect be presented to our brother, and that a copy be spread upon our lodge record, also a copy be sent to each of our county papers for publication.
Ella Atherton,
Edna McClenahan,
Ella F. Redfield
Stark County News, Friday, 13 January 1899
Nathan Cox- Died at his residence in Essex Township, Stark county, Illinois on January 6, 1899, Nathan Monroe Cox, aged nearly fifty-seven years.
Monroe Cox, (as we always called him) was born near the farm where he died, on the 17th day of January, 1842, and would have reached his fifty-seventh year on the 17th of this month. He was the oldest son of Joseph and Catherine Edwards Cox, who came to this state at an early date and were among the first settlers in Stark County. On the 10th day of July, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Madeline Graves, daughter of William and Ann Gravees. Six children were born to them, five daughters and one son, all of whom, with the widowed mother, survive him. Mr. Cox had suffered more or less for a number of years with hernial troubles, but nothing serious ever resulted therefrom, until a short time ago, when he met with an accident by slipping on an icy place, which caused serious distrubance that finally developed into a severe case of peritonitis and hastened him on to a premature death. He was perfectly conscious during his entire sickness, and at last, when it was evident that he must die, he called his family around him, explained the status of his business affairs to his wife, gave words of parting counsel and advice to them all, and bade each one a final farewell. So conscious, was he of the rectitude of his life, he went down to his death like a hero; and with a resignation, born o fgood deeds, yielded to nature’s demand without a murmer. He was a man universally beloved by all who knew him. He was a gentleman by nature, strictly honest, and upright in his dealings, and always looked to the comfort of others as much or more than to himself. There was nothing irritating, disagreeable or unkind in his makeup; on the contrary, he always had a kind word and cordial greeting for everyone, and many a man has gone quite a distance out of his way to exchange social courtesies with him. When we took him by the hand, we knew it to be the hand of true friendship, honest, sincere, prompted by all its movements by a kindly purpose; with him, ! It was not a mere cold formality that was fair to the face but false to the heart - it represented perfect sincerity. We can safely write him down as one who loved his fellow man, and as one who observed the golden rule to the best of his knowledge and understanding. In business matters, he measured each transaction by the standard of justice, and was as firm as adamant in the support of that which he believed to be right. His christianity was widened by the uprightness of his daily life, by acts and deeds. He was endowed with strong parental affection and the success of his children was the earnest desire of his heart; it was his great ambition to have them become honorable and useful members of society, and to do well their part toward higher and better conditions. He was public spirited, generous, enterprising, and thrifty in the accumulation of property. His home and farm bore evidence of his care and industry. He was one whom our community could ill afford to spare. We needed his example as an encouragement to others. But as “one by one the leaves of autumn fall,” so one by one do those whom we most love and esteem fall by the wayside and bid adieu to all we know of earthly life.
The funeral was held at the residence of the deceased on Monday forenoon, January 9, Reverend D.G. Stauffer, assisted by Reverend Haverfied, conducting the services. Reverend Stauffer preached a very consoling serman. H.A. Hammond and wife; R.J. Teeter, Mamie Gray, and Nellie Klock furnished very sweet and appropriate music. The friends from miles around turned out in large numbers to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of the departed. A procession of a mile in length in carriages followed the remains to the Sheets cemetery, where all that is mortal of our friend and brother was laid away to rest. A.G.H.
Jan. 17, 1899
After lingering only one short week in severe sickness caused from LaGrippe and hastened by old age, Mrs. Jane Armstrong (nee Williams) died at her home in Wyoming, Illinois, January 17, 1899, aged 87 years, 11 months, 2 days. She was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, February 15, 1811. She moved with her parents to Gallia county, Ohio, September 29, 1831. Capt. Armstrong preceded his wife to the better world just five months and twelve days. To this aged couple was born ten children, six of whom are now living; fifteen grand children and three great grand children being left to mourn her loss. She united with the M. E. church when but fourteen years of age and lived and died a consistent member of that church. They moved to Wyoming, Illinois, in 1854, and have lived the most of the remaining years in this place. She was always a loving mother, always ready to advise her children to do what was right at all times and always shun that which was wrong. She was always ready to sacrifice anything she could for their welfare, and if they all follow her advice they will all be reunited again an unbroken family. After her husband left her she was always restless, wanting to go home. If it had not been for her little granddaughter, Altha Cox, whom she almost worshipped, time would have almost been a burden to her, but little Altha helped her pass many a lonely hour away. But now we know she is at rest at home. She was buried from the M. E. church. The services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. G. Blair. Her remains were taken to the Wyoming cemetery and placed beside her husband. A large company of the older citizens attended her funeral. The choir consisted of R. J. Teeter, Mrs. W. Hartz, Miss S. E. Hartz and Mrs. E. Gray.
April 7, 1899 - Stark County News
Mary Jane Eckley
Word has come to us of the death of Mrs. Mary Jane Eckley, wife of J. C. Eckley, who used to keep a store at Starwano. She died very suddenly of heart disease at her home in Grafton, Nebraska. She was a very kind woman, and leaves a husband and several children to mourn for her; they have the sympathy of all their old neighbors in this vicinity.
Stark County news, Friday, 14 April 1899
William J. Abell- Died, at him home in Toulon, Illinoia, at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 8, 1899, William J. Abell, aged 59 years.
The news of the death of William Abell came as a surprise to many of our citizens. On Monday, April 8, he was taken sick with grip, which later developed into congestion of the lungs, terminating his life on Saturday afternoon, less than a week from the time he took sick. He suffered much during his brief illness, but administering friends made his last days as comfortable as possible. Sunday, April 9, the remains were taken to Kewaunee, and at 2 p.m. on that day, the funeral services were held from the home of his sister, Mrs. P.E. Davis, being conducted by Reverend Moore, of the Congregational church. Mr. Abell was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, spending his early life in that state. In 1857, he first came to Illinois, and was a druggist at Macomb. He later went to Brookfield, Missouri and was editor of the Brookfield Democrat. After leaving Missouri he was employed in printing offices in a number of Illinois towns. While still a young man he suffered a severe illness at Kewanee where his relatives had settled and upon his recovery it was found necessary for him to take up outdoor work. He therefore became a painter and has pursued that calling most of the time since.
He came to Toulon five or six years ago. His friends found him to be a generous, obliging and liberal man, but a very singular character and democratic in his tendencies. His sympathies were always with the toiling millions. He formed opinions quick and many upon current events in village, state and nation and was free to express them.
Our friend was poor, in the common acceptance of that term, but he had a heart that beat as true for humanity, whom man's inhumanity makes morn, as ever thrilled in a bosom wrapped round with an old black coat.
1899 - Stark County News
A shock of surprise passed through the community with the intelligence of the sudden death of Elijah Stephens. In Steuben county, New York, March 18th, 1823, Mr. Stephens was born. At twenty-two years of age he started to seek a better fortune in the west with varying success he passed the succeeding eight years at Milwaukee, Burlington, and Peoria, successively. At the latter place, Nov. 1 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Sanford, he remained in that vicinity until March, 1853, when with his wife and two little ones he came to this township and commenced here a home, which industry, economy and perseverance has developed into a competeney. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephens, eleven of whom reached man and womanhood and nine of whom are yet living. The deceased had for a few days been feeling unwell, yet there was no thought of great danger until Monday he was taken worse and suddenly breathed his last. The deceased was a type of the pioneer class, who subjugate the wilds, lay the foundation of provinces and help to organize statehood. Honest in his dealing with his fellow men, accommodating as a neighbor, and kind to family and friends. May his “manes” rest in peace.
Stark County News, Friday, 16 June 1899
John Kinney was born September 15, 1814, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died June 12, 1899, lacking but three months and twelve days of being eighty-five years old. When but ten years old, he with his parents and brothers and sisters, moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, where for many years he helped to clear away the foreests and make farms of the then wilderness. He was married March 3, 1836, to Eleanor Nixon, with whom he lived for more than fifty-six years. To them were born eleven children, seven boys and four girls. Three children died in infancy and two in recent years.
When a young man he learned the trade of stone-mason, and for many years he was engaged in the marble business. In 1868, he moved to Green county, Indiana, where he was engaged in farming until 1888, when on account of advanced age, he sold out and spent one year visiting his children, who were then living in Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico. In 1889, he came to LaFayette, Illinois, where his wife died May 25, 1892.
In early manhood, he becmae a member of the Weslyan Methodist church, preferring this sect on account of its opposition to slavery and secret societies. he was a “Radical Abolitionist: until he saw slavery abolished. On more than one occasion his team, with himself as driver, might have been seen in the small hours of the night, driving northward by some unfrequented road, carrying some fugitive- not from justice but from slavery.
He was a remarkably well preserved man for his age until last December, when his first and final sickness commenced with the grip and resulted in dropsy, which caused his death at the home of his son James in Toulon, Illinois.
The funeral services were conducted by Reverend Wood from the Methodist church in LaFayettte on Wednesday, June 14, the burial taking place in the LaFayette cemetery.
1899 - Obituary of Mrs. Charlotte Adams
(Mother of Daniel Sewell Adams)
Died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hattie Earley, in Wethersfield, Illinois, Tuesday evening, November 28, Mrs. Charlotte Adams, aged 89 years, 3 months and 3 days.
The deceased, the daughter of Joseph and Eunice Blanchard, was born on Long Island, near Portland, Maine, August 25, 1810. She was united in marriage to Asa Pratt, October 29, 1829. One year later she was left a widow. On May 6, 1837, she was married to John Adams, with whom she lived until his death January 20, 1879.
She came with her family to Illinois, settling in Stark County in 1853 where she lived up until a few weeks before her death. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom are dead - Adelaide, Elizabeth and Mary (Mrs. Fuller), and four survive her - Mrs. Hannah Adams of Portland, Maine; Daniel of Corvallis, Oregon; Asa P. of Elmira, and Mrs. Hattie Earley of Wethersfield.
By the death of Mr. Pratt she became a widow of the War of 1812. She was converted at the age of 16 and united with the Congregational Church. For many years, however, she had been a most worthy member of the Elmira Presbyterian church. Mrs. Adams was a deeply religious woman. Her religion was a matter of daily enjoyment. The Bible was the one book she read, and with it and hymns of faith and hope her mind was stored. Indeed she had a phenomenal memory for scripture.
She was possessed of a vigorous constitution and enjoyed good health until about a year or so ago. Her physical powers had gradually been failing, and death was but the slip that tired out Nature demanded. She slept peacefully away at last at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Earley.
The funeral services were conducted in the Presbyterian church at Elmira by her pastor, Mr. Clarke, and the remains laid away in the cemetery close by on Friday, December 1 (1899).
Stark County news, Friday, 6 April 1900
Benjamin Brooks was born in Tioga county, New York, March 27, 1822. When fifteen years of age he came west with Mr. and Mrs. H.T. Ives, who settled between Toulon and LaFayette. He continued to live with them until he was married. March 30, 1847, he was married to Amanda Rounds, who walked by his side for thirty-seven years. They settled on the farm on which he was residing when he died, five miles east of Galva. In 1869 the family removed to Story county, Iowa, remaining there about three years, when they returned to Toulon, and have resided there and in Galva and LaFayette ever since. In their early married life Mr. and Mrs. Brooks united with the Christian Church in LaFAyette of which they were members until their death. Six children were born to them of whom two daughters are dead. The four surviving are Mrs. L. Hurd of Chicago, Alanson Brooks, of Iowa and Charles and Robert Brooks who live south of Toulon. In 1884 the wife and mother died, and two years afterwards Mr. Brooks was married to Anna donagan. their married life, however, was brief as she died in 1891. August 24, 1892, he was married to Anna Hamilton, who survives him. Mr. Brooks was always an active man, until an attack of the grip, from which he suffered about seven years ago. for several months past he was a great sufferer, but ws confined to his bed only about three weeks. He died Sunday afternoon, March 25, 1900. His age was 77 years, 7 months and 28 days. The funeral was held at the Himes school house and the remains interred in the cemetery there. The services were conducted by Reverend E.W. Hicks.
Stark County news, Friday, 7 June 1901
Mary Pauli - Died at her home near Toulon, Illinois, June 3, 1901, Mrs. Mary Louise Elizabeth Pauli, aged 36 years, 2 months and 7 days.
Another time in life's brief pilgrimage we are called upon to mourn the death of a loved one. Mary Caverly was born in Toulon, March 26, 1865 and near that place her life has been spent, a life developed into good and noble traits, spreading abroad an influence felt and admired by all.
Her presence seemed to banish wrong from the heart, her words to edify and her smile to cheer. How truly it has been aid, "Death loves a shining mark". Scarcely can we realize that she who was with us but yesterday is gone from us forever. But he who is too wise to err or merciful to unjustly afflict, otherwise ordered, and humanity can but bow in humble submission and say, "Thy will be done." February 24, 1897, she was united in marriage to John D. Pauli. In sweet companionship they established themselves in a cozy home on a beautiful farm, near the home of her childhood, and a few brief years of happiness only too quickly flew by. All was done that by loving hands could do. Her grief-stricken husband anxiously watching by her bedside. He devoted parents never failing in their kindly ministrations, their only hoope that she might be spared a little longer. But such was not to be. She passed peacefully away, as in her early life she chose virtue's path with the Divine word for the light thereof and was ever a most faithful adherent to the truth. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband, an infant daughter, a father and mother and three brothers, Edward C., George A., and Frank J. The funeral services were conducted from St. Dominic's church at Wyoming. The services were very beautiful and impressive. Solemn high mass was offered by Reverend Father Parker, assisted by Father McCarron, of Bradford, and Father Hauser of Princeville. The singing by the choir was touching and beautiful.
A large concourse of friends accompanied the remains to the cemetery whre her last resting place were made beautiful and soft as downy pillows and the remains were placed in a snowy white line tomb, mid fragrant blossoms and evergreens and her covering was garlands of flowers, strewed by tender hands. No sweeter, purer spirit ever found its way to the fields of Eden. The strong hand who has guided her thorugh earth's journey will conduct her safely "over the river" and comfort the lonely ones in the home she has left for the "mansions prepared beyond." E.J.M.
Stark County News, Friday, 6 September 1901
Fannie (Eltzroth) Fitch, the eldest daughter of Elijah and Betsey Eltzroth, was born near LaFayetter, Illinois, July 7, 1849 and died at the home of her mother, on Tuesday, August 27, 1901, aged 52 years, 1 month and 20 days. She was married to Luther Fitch December 25, 1867. Two boys and four girls were born to them, all of whom except Miss Ida, are gone on before her. In early life she united with the Christian church and had held a continuous membership up to the time of her death. She was also a member of the Christian Endeavor society, and when in health was a faithful attendant at all of the services. She had been in poor health for several months, and a few days before her death began to fail rapidly and on Tuesday afternoon, death came and released her. The sorrowing daughter, aged mother and sister and brothers have the sympathy of all. The funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon at 1 o’clock in the Methodist Episcopal Church and were conducted by Reverend C.F. Crane, after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest by the side of the other members of her family in the LaFayette cemetery.
Stark County News, Friday, 25 July 1902
Irene, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Sheets, was born December 2, 1821, near Vevay, Switzerland county, Indiana; died at her late home in Toulon, ILlinois, July 20, 1902, aged 80 years, 7 months and 18 days.
She came with her parents to Illinois in 1836. They settled in Essex township, Stark county, and lived for a number of years in a log cabin; but as years went by and a measure of prosperity came to them, they built a new house of stone in 1842, which is standing today and in good repair. On June 5, 1848, she was joined in wedlock with Alexander Christy, who preceded her some five years to the better world. The first years of their married life were spent on a farm three miles south of Toulon. Some forty-two years ago, they moved into Toulon, where they lived until God called them home. This union was blessed with seven children - Evarilla Amelia, who died in infancy; Emmarilla Acelia (Mrs. John Hamilton), her twin sister who was called home twenty-two years ago; Mrs. Jennie Freer of Galesburg; Miss Mary Christy who has been living at home and caring for her father and mother; Charles of Peoria; Mrs Alda Rist of Gilson, Illinois and Mrs. Ella Bocock of Burlington, Iowa. These five children, with eight grandchildren, one sister, two brothers and many friends mourn her loss. She was a good wife and mother, in the earlier part of her life sharing the toils and hardships common to all pioneers; but in the later years caring only for the quiet and privacy of her home. Her last sickness and death was the result of an accident, falling from a chair Sunday evening, July 13, causing paralysis and a deep sleep, from which she never awoke until she opened her eyes in that land where sorrow never comes and partings shall be no more. The funeral services were held at the house Tuesday morning at 10:30 o’clock, Reverend D.S. McCown officiating. The singers were N.J. Smith, Will Cooley, Mrs. Ida Sweet and Mrs. R.W. Patty.
Oct. 16, 1902
Michael L. Alderman was born in Erie, PA January 27, 1836. His first work was to ride a horse on the towpath of the canal for the boat of which his elder brother was captain. In 1846, when he was ten years old, the family removed to Illinois, coming thru by wagon. They made their first western home in Knoxville, and there the brothers and sisters went to school, and there Michael remained until he was of age. In 1857 he came to Stark county and found employment with Sewell Smith in Essex township, west of the present village of Stark. Afterwards, for two or three years, he engaged with other farmers in the township. July 4, 1861, he was married in Toulon, by Rev. James Bates, to Miss Joicey E. Graves, of Essex. They made their home in the same neighborhood, near Cox’s mill, and in that vicinity they continued to reside for 27 years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E., 112th Illinois Infantry, and served until his health gave way and he was discharged for physical disability. He had also five brothers in the war. One of them, Lafayette Alderman, was killed at the battle of Stone River. In 1889 Mr. Alderman removed to Toulon, where his home has been ever since. About seven years ago he believed he experienced a change of heart, and had a hope in Christ, and he continued to hold fast to the same hope to the day of his death, but from various circumstances he never made a public profession of his faith. This summer his health became so poor that he ceased active work, yet most of the time he was around as usual. His last sickness continued but four days. He died at half past two in the morning, October 16, 1902, aged 66 years, 8 months and 19 days. Besides one son, Ralph E., who died in childhood, he leaves a wife and a family of four children, vis., Mrs. Ella B. Jones of Mankato, Minn., and Charles J. Alderman, Mrs. Nora D. Finley, and Mrs. Emma May Cree, of Toulon. Of his father’s family of nine there are not five survivors, Mrs. Phosey Thompson, of Sterling, Kansas; Mrs. Calista Case, of Oklahoma; O. J. Alderman and James K. Alderman, both of Galva, Illinois, and Gilderoy Alderman, of Kansas. Another precious human life has closed its earthly record. How good it is to know for what we are here and how to make the most of this life for the long future that is before us. Farewell father, friends, neighbor! Farewell, “until the daybreak, and the shadows flee away.” The funeral services were conducted from the house by Rev. E. W. Hicks. The G.A.R. Post took part in the services and followed their comrade to his last resting place in the Toulon cemetery.
Stark County news, Friday, 20 March 1903
Mrs. Betsy Eltzroth, who has been poorly for some time, departed this live at her home in LaFayette March 17, 1903. Betsy M. Reed was born April 10, 1828 in Columbus county, New York. She came to Illinois with her parents in 1839, where she resided until her death, March 17, 1903. She was married in Knox county, Illinois, on the 16th of November, 1843, to Elijah M. Eltzroth, by Reverend M. Miner. To them were born nine children, five of whom are now living. In 1848, she became a member of the Congregational church at LaFayette. In 1892, she joined the Methodist Episcopal church in which she held her membership at the time of her death. The funeral services were held from the Methodist Episcopal church, Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Reverend C.F. Crane. The pallbearers were her three sons, Elwood, Forrest and Arthur and her grandson, Frank.
Stark County news, Friday, 20 March 1903
The home of J.E. Mahaffey was entered by death Wednesday evening, taking the loving wife and mother.
Anna E. Broughton was born in Stark county, Illinois, October 5, 1846 and departed this life at her home in LaFayette March 12, 1903, aged 56 yeard, 5 months, and 6 days. The deceased was united in marriage to J.E. Mahaffey September 18, 1865. Unto this marriage four children were born, three sons and one daughter, James W. of Viola; Arthur W. and Forrest W. of LaFayette and Mrs. Margaret Pittard of Monmouth, all of whom with the husband mourn her death. Several years ago Mrs. Mahaffey united with the Christian church and held her membership until death. The funeral services were held from the residence Friday at 2:30 p.m., being conducted by Reverend E.A. Cary, pastor of the Christian church. The pallbearers were Nelson Grant, W.J. Hamilton, E.S. Buffum, Henry Lake, Frank Jones and Andrew Jackson, all comrades of Mr. Mahaffey.
Stark County news, Friday, 3 April 1903
Mrs. Orlando Brace received word this week of the death of her brother, Daniel W. Hudson, who died suddenly at his home near Pearland, Texas. The particulars in regard to his death have not yet been recieved. He leaves a large family and considerable property. Mr. Hudson will be remembered by the older residents of the county, having lived near Elmira. He left here about 25 years ago, settling near Afton, Iowa. He left that place six or seven years ago and went to Texas.
Stark County news, Friday, 17 April 1903
Margaret E. Bentley, wife of Reverend E. N. Bentley, very suddenly departed from our midst on Friday morning, April 10. Although the sickness that preceded her death extended over two weeks, it was not until the last three days grave apprehensions were entertained as to what would be the result. Then very suddenly and painlessly and peacefully she passed away and we see her now more. She will be greatly missed by many and they will cherish her memory. The funeral services were held from the residence Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and were conducted by Reverend C.F. W. Smith, her pastor at Victoria. The services were exceedingly appropriate and touching. The interment was in our cemetery. Misses Grace Whitten, Jennie Emmmons and Bertha Leigh and Bert Leigh assisted Reverend Smith in rendering the singing. Notwithstanding the unfavorable indications of the weather and the nearly impassable roads a large company attended the services.
The most sincere thanks of the bereaved husband, sisters and other relatives of the deceased were given expression by Reverend Smith at the close of the service to all who had in any way aided them during her sickness or had sympathiezed with them in their bereavement.
Stark County News, 5 June 1903
News was recieved here a few days ago of the death of Harry J. McClenahan, by accidental shooting at his home at Hitchcock, Oklahoma. The particulars of the accident have not reached here yet. He was buried last Saturday at Hitchcock. Mr. McClenahan was the son of Mrs. Margaret McClenahan of Toulon and was quite well known here. He was a straight-forward and honorable young man and his untimely death is to be deplored. He was a member of the Toulon camp of Modern Woodmen and held an insurance policy in that order.
Stark County News, 12 June 1903
Grace E. Peve was born September 21, 1879 in West Jersey township, Stark County, Illinois, and died June 7, 1903. She was married to John Francis Catton November 30, 1901.
Her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Peve, brothers, sisters, husband and a wide circle of relatives and friends mourn her loss. The funeral services were conducted by Reverend Gimson from the Methodist Episcopal church Wednesday at 2 p.m.
STARK COUNTY NEWS Wednesday March 23, 1904
Mrs. Jane Hughes - Jane McNaught, the eldest child of a family of nine children, was born November 20, 1816, in Burgetstown, Pennsylvania, from whence they moved to Ohio in her tenth year. In the springtime of her life she gave her heart to her Savior and trusted fully in the promises of the Lord and remained during her long life a true and steadfast member of the Presbyterian faith, the church of her choice.
Three years after her marriage to Gideon Hughes in 1839, she moved to Stark county, Illinois. To this union were born ten children, five daughters and five sons, of whom Thomas, Wallace, Eleanor and Elizabeth have been called home by the Master. She leaves to mourn her loss John Hughes of Elmore; Mrs. Mary Pierson, of Toulon; James in Missouri; Ezekiel in Iowa; Mrs. Hannah Anderson, Wisconsin; Mrs. Eliza Kissel, Kansas. Also twenty eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
April 1, 1885, they moved to Kansas with their son and two daughters. Before the end of the same year they were called upon to sustain the loss of the husband and father. In 1892, the deceased returned to Elmore, making her home with her son John and family, who made her journey toward the setting sun as pleasant as possible.
Last December she received a severe fall which caused her much suffering. During all the afflictions of her life she looked to God for help and was as patient as a child. The deceased, for many years when her sun was at its zenith, lived and associated with us, and many and pleasant are her memories. Her sun having set, she was brought back to be laid to rest here in the family lot March 18, in the 88th year of her age. Another mother of Isreal has been laid to rest. But her spirit is in the land of the Blest.
April 27, 1904
L.Z. Woodward, died at the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs.Chester Woodward about 8A.M. on Wednesday April 27th, after a lingering illness of over a year. L.Z. Woodward was born in Stark Co. near Bradford, July 23,1881 and was about 23 yrs. of age. Several years ago while the boys of the school were practicing at football, young Woodward was thrown down and received an injury in his side that at one time it was feared would result in death but by skilful treatment and good nursing he after lying several weeks recovered though he was a long time getting well, if he ever fully recovered. Upon his restoration to health he went west and secured work in a railroad station in Iowa. But his health failed him about a year ago, he came home to "rest up, all summer he was making plans for the future but was gradually failing all the time though not confined to his bed till the last few days. Funeral services were held at the house, Thursday. He leaves father, mother, 3 half brothers and 2 sisters to morn his death.
The Bradford Republican
Wyoming Post-Herald, June 26, 1905
The remains of Mrs. Jacob McGuire, who died Saturday, July 22 at Greenleaf, Kas., were brought to Wyoming yesterday on the 10:18 train and taken to the Congregational church, where funeral services were conducted by Rev. Wm. Moore. Interment in Wyoming cemetery.
Jane Thompson was born in Alleghany county, Penn., March 7, 1828. In 1846 she was married to Jacob Maguire and with him came to Illinois in 1860. For twenty-two years they made their home in this city, leaving last fall on account of Mrs. Maguire's health which for some years had been steadily failing. Her death occurred at 10:30 Saturday morning, July 22 at the home of her daughter in Greenleaf, Kansas, aged 76 years, 4 months and 15 days.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. Maguire eight children, of which three survive their mother and were present at the funeral, Mrs. (Charles) Staff of Galesburg, Ill., Mrs. George Zinn of Greenleaf, Kansas, and Mrs. (George) Daniels of Kewanee.
Mrs. Maguire was a member of the Congregational church of Wyoming, uniting with her husband twenty-one years ago. She lived a faithful christian life, but the condition of her health prevented her from regularily attending church and from engaging in its activities. A good mother and wife and a true friend, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Those here to attend the funeral were Mrs. Geo. Zinn and daughter, Gertrude, Greenleaf, Kans., Mrs. Geo. Daniels and her daughter, Mrs. (William) Zang, Kewanee and Mrs. Staff, Galesburg.
Aug. 22, 1906
Charles Henry Cox
From the Stark County News, Aug. 22nd, 1906
"The death of Charles Henry Cox at his home in Essex township last week removes another long resident of Stark county from the scene of his earthly triumphs to his heavenly reward. He was a successful farmer and had gained a competence of this world's goods. The funeral was held from his late residence Monday.".
Stark County News, 7 June 1907
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Himes of Toulon and Miss Emma HInes, of Galva, who was visiting them, attended the funeral services of their little niece, Helen Janes, Saturday.
Helen Lois, the little child and only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Janes, departed this life Thursday morning, June 1, 1905. She had been sick but was thought to be in her usual health again, when she was suddenly taken with acute Bright's disease and no remedy was of avail.
This dear little bud of promise'
That had unfolded a little way,
And scattered its gentle fragrance
Peacefully passed away.
Our sympathies, with those of the whole community, go out to the bereaved ones. The little blossom they loved, on which they bestowed their sweetest smile, the tenderest caress, the fondest care, has closed to open in a clime where blossoms never fade, droop or die. The funeral services were held from the residence Saturday at 10 a.m. and were conducted by Reverend Aten and were largely attended. The little form was tenderly laid to rest in the LaFayette cemetery.
Stark County News, Feb. 26, 1908
Lucinda (Porter) Gingrich, daughter of Daniel and Catherine Porter, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., January 5, 1823. When she was only a few months old, her parents moved to the state of Ohio, where they resided until 1833, when the family again moved. This time they located at Decatur, Ill., where her father engaged in milling and mercantile businesses, at which he was very successful until his death.
In 1841, when she was 18 years of age, the family sold the Decatur property and moved to Stark county, locating in West Jersey township.
She was united in marriage to Daniel Gingrich August 18, 1850; to his union five children were born, two sons and three daughters: Alvorado A., Daniel P., Estella D., Ophelia C., and Viletta A. The sons survive her, but the daughters preceded her on the journey from whence none ever return.
On the morning of February 12, 1908, at the age of 85 years, 1 month and 7 days, she quiety passed away at the old homestead where she lived for nearly three score years, and was laid to rest in the family lot in the Stringtown cemetery, near the loved ones that had gone before.
Stark County News, Feb. 26, 1908
A telegram came Monday announcing the sudden death of Maude Foglesong at Wahoo, Neb., where with her mother, Mrs. Edna Foglesong, she had been visiting for the last three weeks. They left Nebraska with the body yesterday morning for Toulon, and it is expeted to arrive here on the passenger from the west this morning. The body will be taken to the home of Michael Flynn, where it will rest until Thursday, when the funeral services will be held from the Congregational church. The hour for the services had not been set at the time of going to press.
Miss Foglesong was born in Toulon about 19 years ago, and spent nearly her entire life in our city. She was a graduate of the Toulon high school.
For the last six months, she has had employemnt as saleslady in Bondl Bros. store at Kewanee, but visited in Toulon for a short time before her departure for Nebraska.
For several years past she had been in declining health, but few thot the end to be so near, and the news of her death came as a shock to her many friends here. Her elder sister died about two years ago.
Her father, George Foglesong, and her grandfather, Henry Foglesong, left last night for Rock Island to meet the mother on her sad journey home to bury her child.
June 16, 1908
William Graves- Another worthy old settler has departed this life. On Tuesday, June 16, 1908, at the home of his son Austin, at Stringtown, Illinois, William Graves died, having attained the age of 87 years, 6 months and 27 days.
Mr. Graves was born in North Carolina, November 20, 1820. While in infancy he removed with his parents to Ohio. He was united in marriage to Miss Ann Ratcliffe, November 20, 1842. This union was blessed with four children, one of whom died in infancy. The three surviving are S. S. Graves, of Beatrice, Nebraska; Mrs. N.M. Cox and Mrs. C. H. Cox, of Wyoming, Illinois. The mother of these children died in January, 1856.
Mr. Graves was married in 1856 to Rebecca Stretch. This union was blessed with four children, three sons and one daughter: Mrs. D. G. Evans, of Princeville; Thomas L., of Esmond, South Dakota; Oscar, of Princeville, and Austin, of Stringtown, Illinois.
All of the sons and daughters were present during the last illness and at the funeral of their father, except S. S. Graves, of Beatrice, Nebraska, who was detained by physical infirmity.
The deceased was one of a family of twelve children, nine brothers and three sisters, all of whom have preceded him except two sisters, Mrs. Perry Winn and Mrs. Michael Alderman, both of Toulon.
He came to Illinois in 1864 and located on a farm near Duncan, Stark county, where he lived until three years ago. His companion for forty-nine years died in 1905, since which time he has been content to sojourn with his children, whom he greatly loved, and who were pleased to comfort him in his old age.
Mr. Graves was a man of strong constitution, which was never abused by evil habits. He labored diligently and was a very successful farmer. By the combination of industry, wisdom and economy he was able to give to each of his seven children a farm of eighty acres. He never became a member of any church organization, but was friendly to it. He believe in the teachings of the Bible, read it, and advised his children to attend church service and Sunday school. He was an affectionate brother, a kind and gracious father, a desirable neighbor and a worthy citizen. He will be greatly missed by his two aged sisters, seven children and their companions, a number of grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
The funeral services were conducted at Essex chapel, Thursday afternoon, by Rev. Joseph Jenkins, pastor of the Toulon Baptist church, who spoke comforting words and drew appropriate lessons from Jesus' words, "Our Father." The body was laid to rest in the cemetery where lies his wife, Rebecca, five of his brothers and their wives. The large congregation gathered at this busy season demonstrates the high esteem in which he was held.
Nov. 4, 1908
George H. Butler was born near West Jersey, Illinois, August 4, 1854, and died in the Galesburg Hospital October 24, 1908. When he was six months old his parents moved to Galva, where his boyhood was spent. In early youth he entered a dry goods store as clerk. His efficiency gained the confidence of his employers and he was transferred to a branch store in LaFayette, where he became a favorite with both young and old. On June 16, 1880, he was united in marriage to Luella M., only daughter of Dr. Nichols, so many years "family physician" to all LaFayette and surrounding country. The wedding took place in the little old parsonage, Rev. Main officiating. The bride and groom were
attended by Wilbert R. Kelsey, of Galva, and Miss Amy I.E. Reed, of LaFayette. George took his bride to a pretty home in Galva, and life looked bright to both. In a short time he bought the business of D.J. Hurd, a pioneer merchant of LaFayette, and came here to live. His invalid father and a sister came with them, but within a few weeks the father left them for his heavenly home. In 1881 a little daughter came, to linger just a week, when she was laid away to await her father's coming. In the fall of 1882 the opportunities of the great West appealed to the young merchant, and the family moved to Stromburg, Nebraska, where the son, William, was born. Here they had a thriving business, but in a few years, the "West" still lured him on and he went to Colorado, where he bought a farm but still continued in a store. Here sleeps a third child. Later on they removed to Salt Lake City, which was their home for many years. About five years ago Mr. Butler's health began to fail and physicians advised a change of climate. He wandered through the mountains along the Pacific Coast from Washington to Menella, near the borders of old Mexico. Here at Menella, they spent two years, living in a charming old mansion that was in Buchanan's administration the home of the U.S. officials. But health was not to be regained there, and over a year ago he returned to Illinois to consult physicians here. An operation at the Kewanee Hospital so far restored his health that the family located in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he was connected with a successful real estate firm. With a return of his old trouble, he came again to Illinois the past summer, and underwent one successful operation in the Galesburg Hospital, but being only partial in character, another was known soon to be necessary. His unfailing cheerfulness, patience and dauntless courage was a marvel alike to friends, physicians and attendants. The end came suddenly but peacefully and the worn body was at rest. When a young man, he united with the Baptist Church in Galva, and in his various wanderings he always gave to the support of the church work and was, whenever possible, a regular attendant upon church services. His wife and son have lost a stay and counselor, his two sisters their one remaining brother. he funeral service was held in the M.E. Church, Thursday, October 29, Rev. F. J. Giddings preaching a filling discourse. The Masonic fraternity, of which he became a member in 1877, gave their burial service at the grave. It seemed a heartfelt tribute to a departed friend and brother.
Dec. 21, 1909
Mrs. W. L. Hanchett's, mother, Mrs. George Blauvelt, died at her home in Wyoming, after a three week illness and the funeral was held from the Congregational church Thuresday, December 23. Her many friends deeply sympathize with her in the loss of this dear one.
Mrs. Gary Blauvelt
After a severe illness of several weeks of typhoid fever which was followed by a stroke of paralysis on Sunday morning. December 19, Mrs. Gary A. Blauvelt passed to the better land on December 21, 1909. She was a most estimable woman, and a devoted mother, and a kind friend and will be missed in the community as well as in her own home, where the vacancy can never be filled. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Congrgational church, conducted by the Rev. William Moore, and was largely attended by friends of the deceased and family. Besides her husband, she is survivied by four children; two sons, Hollis, of Elmira, and Bradner, of Wyoming, two daughters, Mrs. Hanchett, from near Camp Grove, and Mrs William Bishop of this city, who have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.
Feb. 21, 1911
Nathan Vernooy Bevier was born on February 11, 1798 in New York. He married Sarah Anne Brannan in December 1841 and moved to LaFayette, Stark County, Illinois in 1856. His children were: John, Jane, Elizabeth, Abraham (Abram), and Nathan. Mr. Bevier passed away on February 21, 1911 and was laid to rest at Lafayette IL, Stark County.
April 28, 1914
Alfred DeHaven Wolfe, son of Wm. and Melinda Wolfe, was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 18, 1841 and died at his home in Wyoming, Ill., on April 28 1914.
On April 27, 1861, at the age of nineteen, he enlisted as a private in Company I of the 5th Regiment of West Virginia Cavalry Volunteers. He was honarably discharged at Wheeling, West Va., on July 28, 1864.
He was married to Sarah E. Hoover, Oct. 18, 1866. To this union were born three sons and three daughters, all of whom are living with the exception of the youngest son, who died in infancy.
Mr. Wolfe early learned the carpenter trade and followed it up until a year and a half ago.
He moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1867, locating on a farm southeast of Stark. He came to Wyoming in 1868 and since then has resided in his present home.
He leaves to morn his loss, besides a wife and children, seven grandchildren, two brother and two sisters.
Funeral Services Friday.......
The funeral was held at 1:30 Friday afternoon, May 1, the service being held at the house and conducted by the Rev. William Moore. The music was very effectively rendered by a male quartet consisting of R. J. Teeter, G. F. Garden, G. C. Strattan and A. J. Walters, with Miss Edith Walters at the piano. The selections consisted of G. A. R. song, "O, Wrap the Flag Around Me, Boys," and the solo "Crossing the Bar," sung by Arthur Walters. The pall bears consisted of the sons and grandsons of the deceased.
A very large number of sympathizing friends were present. One of the most pathetic and suggestive features of the funeral was the presence of the remnant, locally, of old soldiers who had fought in the Civil War. The floral tributes, which embraced one from the G. A. R., were many and beautiful. Interment was in the Wyoming cemetery.
A Man Who Bore the Esteem of All.
Mr. Wolfe was a mamber of the DeWolfe G. A. R. post of this city. During the was he was engaged in many battles and recieved a metal for bravery in action.
The following relatives and firends from a distance attended the funeral: Mrs. Geo. Wolfe, Braddyville, Iowa; Dr. W. L. Shallenberger, Canton, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Fell, Toulon, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Grey, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Even, Speer, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. King, Camp Grove, Ill.; Mrs. Wm. Jones, Bradford, Ill.: Mrs. Peter Phillips, Speer, Ill. Amoung members of the Bradford G. A. R. present were A. M. Ringland, T. A. Foster, A. Eckman, John Fuller. Veteran O. G. McCraw of Dunlap was also present.
Card of Thanks.......
The members of the family extend their sincere thanks to the many friends and neightbors for the kind deeds and tender sympathy shown them in their recent sad loss.
Taken From the Henry News Republican - May 13, 1915
Miss Florence Large, whose parents live on a farm near Toulon, where the
daughter was a pupil in the sophomore class of the high school, was assisting her mother last Friday afternoon in the work about the poultry yard, when the daughter saw a turkey going down the road away from home. She started on the run to chase the fowl back to the yard, her mother calling her not to run and she looking back over her shoulder laughing. Suddenly she fell to the ground and her mother going to her found that the daughter in falling had dislocated her neck and died instantly.
Sept. 22, 1915 - Wyoming Post-Herald
Another Soldier Gone -- G.A. Blauvelt Dies At His Home In Wyoming After Long Illness, In Eightieth Year
How rapidly the ranks of the veterans of the Civil War are thinning is realized everytime one answers the supreme roll call. Locally the last to dothis was Garrett A. Blauvelt, who passed away at his home in this city on Monday September 20, 1915 in the Eightieth year of his age. Mr. Blauvelt was born at Blauvelt, New York on July 24, 1836. And had therefore reached the allotted span of a man's life. In early years he came to this State and engaged in the blacksmithing business at Camp Grove and Lawnridge. Soon after the out break of the Civil War the deceased answered the call of his country, and on the 18th of November 1861, he enlisted in Company H 11th Regular Illinois Calvary and was discharged December 21, 1863 at Camp Clear Creek. But realized the great need of his country, Mr Blauvelt was not content to return to civil life and consequently after a brief rest of a single month, reenlisted and served until he was honorably discharged on September 30th, 1865. His military career thus practically covering four years of the war. On January 14, 1869, Mr Blauvelt was married at Lawnridge to Miss Emma Peters, who entered into the heavenly rest six years ago come next December. To this union were born four children, all that who remain to mourn his loss. There names are Cora ( Mrs.Willes Hanchett of Osceola), H. O. Blauvelt also of Osceola, B. H. Blauvelt and Flora(Mrs W. H. Bishop) Both of this city. Mr. Blauvelt was a kind and loving Husband and Father and a quiet and self respecting citizen. Well respected by all who knew him. The funeral service was held this afternoon at the congregational Church. The service being conducted by th Rev. William Moore, Pastor of the Church.
April 9, 1916
Joicey Graves, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Freeman) Graves, was born February 22, 1834, in Ross county, Ohio. When seven years old she came to Stark county, Illinois. This journey was made overland in wagons. Here she lived until a few years ago when she moved with her son Charles and family to Albion, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Thomas Colwell, July 4, 1851. To this union were born three children: Adolphus, of Kewanee, Ill.; Malissa, of Toulon, Ill.; and Pressly, of Westboro, MO. Her husband enlisted in the army, where he passed away in Lexington, Ky. On July 4, 1861, she was united in marriage to Michael L. Alderman. To them were born three daughters and two sons: Mrs. Ella B. Jones, of Ontarios, Cal.; Charles J. of Albion, Ia.; Mrs. Nora Finley, of Toulon, Illinois; Mrs. Emma M. Bell, of Brimfield, Ill.; and Ralph E. who died in childhood. Mr. Alderman passed away in 1902. She was the youngest of a family of twelve, nine sons and three daughters, all of whom have preceded her to the land beyond. She had been in comparative good health until the past few days when she had at attack of grippe. She passed away Sunday, April 9, 1916. The body was brought to Toulon to the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Atherton last Monday. The funeral service was held Tuesday at 10:30 A.M. from the Methodist church, conducted by the pastor, assisted by Rev. Colby of the Baptist church. Interment was made in Toulon cemetery. The pall bearers were all nephews, as follows: Noah Winn, Ben Graves, James Graves, Romeo Graves, Oscar Graves, Quincy Graves. Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alderman, of Albion, Iowa; Mrs. O.J. Alderman, Mrs. M.B. Alderman, of Galva; Adolphus Colwell and daughter Lucy, of Kewanee; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Saunders, of Rock Island; Mrs. D. G. Evans, of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. William Bell, of Brimfield; and many relatives from Wyoming, Duncan, and other nearby points.
May 23, 1916
William Allen Sturm was born at Oceola Grove, December 13, 1853 and died at that place May 23, 1916 aged 62yrs,5 months and 10 days. He was the youngest of a family of ten children of Henry and Elizabeth Sturm,all of whom have preceded him to the great beyond except two aged sister, Mrs. Elizabeth French and Mrs H.S.Montooth. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Woodward Dec.1871. To this union were born 4 children, Henry, Fred, and Clarence, who with their mother survive him and Benny, who died in infancy. Burial was on Friday May 26 at eleven O'Clock at Osceola Grove Cemetery. Rev.B.F.Allen officiated.
October 24, 1917 - Wyoming Post-Herald
WILLIAM BISHOP DEAD
Word has reached Wyoming that William Bishop, who at one time conducted the Confectionery Store, now owned by James McDonna, died in Chicago some time during the month of September. No particulars concerning his death are to be had. His Mother in England was first notified and it was not until she wrote here that news of his Death was recieved.
Dec. 29, 1920 - Stark County News
Polly Margaret (STURM) DUNN
A number of our people were saddened to hear on Christmas day that Mrs. Wallace DUNN, who lived for many years in Osceola, had passed away on Christmas eve at her home in Kewanee. She had been in failing health since last summer as she had been afflicted with heart trouble together with other complications and about three weeks ago underwent an operation from which she was unable to recover. Polly Margaret STURM was born in Peoria county December 28, 1842, and would have been 78 years old yesterday had she lived that long but the end came on the night of the 24th. When she was but three weeks old her parents moved to Stark County and lived on a farm up near Bradford. This was her home until her marriage to Wallace DUNN after which they moved to a farm in Osceola. They made this their home until a short time ago when she and her husband moved to Kewanee. To them were born five children, a son, Wallace, passing away in early childhood. The surviving children are Frank DUNN of Osceola; Haney DUNN of Bradford; Mrs. Eugene GERARD and David DUNN of Kewanee. There are also nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. DUNN is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Kate SHANNON of Kewanee; and Mrs. Melisse MESCALL of Cambridge. Mrs. DUNN was a kind and loving wife and mother and her nature was such that she leaves many warm friends to mourn her death. Altho her home duties were many, she always found time to help those in need and those who were in trouble of any kind. These kind acts won her many friends who will mourn her death. Short funeral service was held on Monday at the late residence in Kewanee and was conducted by Rev. I.C. TRENT, pastor of the Baptist church in Kewanee, after which the body was taken to Osceola where another service was held in charge of Rev. B.E. ALLEN, after which the interment was in the Osceola Grove cemetery.
Nov. 1, 1922 - Bradford Republican
Orlando DUNN, one of the most widely known men of this community, died suddenly at his home here Monday morning between one and two o’clock. Mr. DUNN had been as well as usual all day Sunday. In fact, his health has always been the best, never complaining in the least at any time. Sunday evening when he retired he complained of a numbness in his arms, but thought nothing of it. About one o’clock, Mrs. DUNN was awakened by his heavy breathing and at once noticed that something was wrong. She tried to rouse him, and failing in this, she immediately phoned for a physician. However, when the doctor arrived, Mr. DUNN was practically beyond help, and although everything was done to bring back life, their efforts proved to no avail and Mr. DUNN passed away without gaining consciousness. His death was a terrible shock to his wife, as it was to the entire community when the news became known next morning. Orlando DUNN was born September 15, 1859, about five mile west of Bradford, being at the time of his death 63 years, one month and 15 days old. On June 26, 1883, he was married to Miss Martha J. SEELY of Bradford and for twenty-two years they made their home on the farm west of this place. About three years ago Mr. and Mrs. DUNN moved to Bradford, building themselves a fine home to spend their remaining days, little dreaming that the husband and father would be called to a higher home in such a short time. Mr. DUNN was a member of the Osceola Baptist church and was ever an active and earnest worker for the cause. He was ever ready to give a helping hand to those in need, a good neighbor, a kind husband, loving father, an upright and honorable citizen, and a man that loved his home and never happier than when his children and grandchildren were around him. In his death, the community has lost a man whose (page torn) is not easily filled. To Mr. and Mrs. DUNN there were born six children, three of whom passed to that home beyond. They were Mrs. Thos. BLAKE of Buda, Garnette B. DUNN and Kenneth L. DUNN. Those still living to mourn a kind and generous father are Mrs. Walter DePRY of Rittman, Ohio; Floyd DUNN and Mrs. J.H. SCOTT, both of this community. Besides these, he leaves his bereaved wife, three brothers, Riley DUNN of Corning, Iowa, Wallace DUNN of Kewanee and James DUNN of Ladd, Ill. Also one sister, Mrs. Wm. ROBERTS of Wyoming, Ill. The funeral was held this afternoon at two o’clock at the Community House, Osceola Grove, in charge of Rev. R.E. ALLEN, of Osceola, assisted by Rev. Frank METCALF of this place. Burial was in the cemetery close by.
April 24, 1923 - Bradford Republican
Louisa HARMON was born near Bradford, Illinois, December 11, 1842, and passed away at her home in Chillicothe March 21, 1923, at the age of 81 years. She was the daughter of John and Margaret HARMON, who passed on some years ago.
She was married to Daniel DALRYMPLE in 1862, but he died in 1871. She was the mother of 8 children, 3 preceding her in death. She was married to Daniel DEAN March 18, 1919, who with the children, two brothers and one sister mourn her departure. There are 32 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and her sister, Mrs. E. WATSON of Chicago. The brothers are Horea HARMON, Fairmont, Nebr., and John HARMON, Bradford, Illinois. The children are Oscar DALRYMPLE of Peoria, Mrs. B.E. SANNER of Oak Park, Illinois, Mrs. May HAPPER of Los Angeles, Calif., Wesley DALRYMPLE and Mrs. Lucy WOODWORTH of Chillicothe. She united with the Methodist church at Pleasant Grove in early childhood. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon by Rev. L.L. PEARCE. Burial was in the city cemetery.
December 5, 1923, Stark County News
DEATH OF MRS. BEVIER
Mrs. Elizabeth Bevier, a well known resident, of Kewanee and formerly of LaFayette, died at her home 417 North Tremont street in Kewanee at 3 o'clock Saturday morning, after an illness which extended over a period of many months. Elizabeth Mary Frail was born in Toulon, Illinois, November 22, 1851, and at the time of her death was 72 years, nine days of age. She married Abram N. Bevier, November 22, 1876, at her country home near Toulon. A son, William B. Bevier was born to this union, who resides in Kewanee. Mr. Bevier preceded her January 6, 1907. The family moved to Kewanee from Lafayette 32 years ago. Two sisters, Mrs. Susan Jackson, of Wyoming, and Mrs. David Carstairs, of LaFayette, and a brother, Thomas Frail, of Toulon, survive. Funeral services were held from the residence in Kewanee Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the body being brought to LaFayette for burial in the family lot in LaFayette Cemetery.
May 19, 1926
Mrs. George Butler
The body of Mrs. Luella Butler was brought to LaFayette Sunday afternoon, and laid to rest in the family lot in LaFayette Cemetery. Luella Nichols, daughter of Dr. J. H. and Louisa Nichols, was born near Connersville, Indiana, November 14, 1856, and died at her home in Twin Falls, Idaho, May 5, 1926, aged 69 years, 5 months, and 21 days. She was united in marriage to George Butler, of LaFayette, Illinois. To this union three children were born, one son, Will, surviving. Her husband and two infant children preceded her in death. The body was accompanied by the son Will, and services were held from the M.E. Church at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Menze. A mixed quartet composed of Mrs. Della Wade, Mrs. W. N. Nelson, Frank L. White, and W. N. Nelson, Sand "Jesus lover of my soul," and "There's a land that is fairer than day." The casket bearers were A.H. White, John Fields, S.E. White, A.M. Janes, Lloyd White, and E.C. Janes. Those from out of town who attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Cochran, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Larson, Mr. and Mrs. Jack McMasters, Galva; Mr. and Mrs. W.Z. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Verne McConnell, Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Redfield, Toulon; Wallace Redfield, Kewanee, A.M. Janes, Evanston.
Nov. 24, 1926
John M. BARTON, for many years a resident of the Toulon vicinity, died Thursday, November 18, 1926, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, following a long sickness. His brother, George BARTON of Toulon, who had been at his bedside for the past fortnight, remained for the funeral service, returning to Toulon on Monday morning. The body was taken to the deceased’s former home at Creston, Iowa, where services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and interment was in that city. John M. BARTON was born August 27, 1850, at Toulon, Illinois, and died November 18, 1926, at Kansas City, Missouri, aged 76 years, 2 months and 21 days. His parents were Barnard and Sarah BARTON, who were residents of Toulon Township for many years.
On February 14, 1882, Mr. BARTON was united in marriage to Elizabeth DUNN. To this union three children were born: William, of Superior, Wisconsin; Harry L. of Los Angeles; and Henry, who passed away September 5, 1905, at the age of 21 years. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. BARTON lived in Stark County for several years, moving to Creston, Iowa, in 1895. They resided at Creston until 1916, when they moved to Kansas City, which has since been their home. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth BARTON; the two sons above mentioned; three brothers – Silas H. of Wyoming, Illinois, and George W. and Albert L., both of Toulon, Illinois; one sister, Miss Cordelia BARTON, of Toulon, Illinois, besides a host of friends. Albert L. BARTON spent several weeks at the home of his brother some time before his death.
1927
Claris Jackson Dunn, "Despondent because of ill health, Mrs. David E. DUNN, aged 26 years, committed suicide Thursday morning by hanging herself with a clothes line in a corn crib on the DUNN farm southwest of the village of Osceola. Mr. DUNN was working at the upper farm that morning and he discovered the lifeless body of his wife after his return home about noon. Dr. ROBERTS of Kewanee was summoned and after examining the body gave it as his opinion that the unfortunate woman had been dead for nearly two hours. Mrs. DUNN was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. JACKSON of Creston, Iowa, and was said to have been in poor health for some time. She and Mr. DUNN were married in January 1927. With James E. ARMSTRONG acting as foreman, a coroner's jury was impaneled at the DUNN home Thursday evening, the other jurors being Roy YONCE, Lewis W. BEAM, Elmer FORD, John PIGG and George W. TURNBULL. In the absence of R. J. TEETER, Stark County coroner, Justice William A. LAMBERT of Toulon was summoned. David E. DUNN, aged 36 years, husband of the deceased, was the first witness called. He testified that he was at the upper farm Thursday morning and that he discovered his wife hanging in the corn crib about noon after he returned home. He stated that he lowered his wife's body and then went to the home of his brother who called Dr. ROBERTS, of Kewanee. His brothers, Frank and Haney, returned with him. He said that he and his wife had had no quarrel and that she had never hinted suicide. He stated, however, that she had been in poor health and was of an extremely nervous temperament. Dr. ROBERTS of Kewanee said that he was called to the DUNN home about 12:20 p.m. by Frank DUNN, brother-in-law of the deceased. When he arrived the body was on a couch with the feet resting on a chair. An examination showed marks of the rope under her ears and around her neck but no marks of violence were found elsewhere on her body. Her clothing was undisturbed. The physician said that the body had probably been dead for two hours. Frank DUNN, brother-in-law of the deceased, testified to practically the same facts as did the husband. He said that he and his brother, Haney DUNN, who was visiting him, returned to the home of their brother. He could give no reason for the act. Haney DUNN, the other brother, said that Mrs. DUNN had been a patient at the Kewanee Public hospital during the summer and that she was very nervous. He said that he and his wife had seen Mrs. DUNN about 10 o'clock that morning. He had been helping his brother for a few days and he and his wife decided to go home, telling Mrs. DUNN not to prepare dinner for them. They left for the upper farm about 10 o'clock, David DUNN accompanying them. Mrs. Lottie D. DUNN, wife of Haney DUNN, said that Mrs. DUNN had been in apparently good health that morning but was extremely nervous. She said that she had never heard her hint at suicide but had heard her complain that she became very lonesome. The jury's verdict was to the effect that Mrs. DUNN came to her death by hanging herself with a rope, the act being caused by despondency through poor health and being committed between the hours of 10 and 11 o'clock a.m. Thursday, October 20.
Funeral services for Mrs. David DUNN were held at the Community house at Osceola Grove Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with Rev. C.H. BECKER of Elmira in charge, assisted by the Rev. H.L. ALLEY of the Osceola Baptist church and the Rev. C.L. SHULT of the Neponset M.E. church. Interment was in the Osceola Grove cemetery.
Feb. 8, 1928 - Bradford Republican
Roy DUNN, well known farmer living near Osceola, was fatally injured last Wednesday when he fell in such a manner as to break his neck. Mr. DUNN was in the act of removing an endgate in a truck. He had lifted it out of the truck, when in some manner he slipped, the heavy gate striking him on the back of the neck as he fell. He was rushed to the hospital in Kewanee, but in spite of everything that was done, all proved of no avail. He passed away Saturday morning. Mr. DUNN leaves his wife and three children to mourn his death, in addition to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank DUNN, and other close relatives. He was 29 years old and had lived near Osceola all his life, where he was highly esteemed. The funeral service was held at the M.E. church in Osceola yesterday. Burial was in the Osceola Grove cemetery.
Bradford Republican Wed July 11,1928
The many old friends of Mrs. James Deisher, for years a resident of Bradford, will be pained to learn of her death, which occurred at Aurora, where she has been the past several years living with her children.
Elizabeth Woodward Deisher was born near Bradford, Nov 13,1849 and passed away June 28,1928, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Whitley in Aurora. Mrs Deisher had been sick only a short time. She suffered a stroke of paraysis. She was married about 56 years ago in Bradford to James Deisher who preceded her in death 18 years ago. To this union 8 children were born. One who passed away in infancy, and Claude who died in Bradford several years ago. Those surviving are Mrs. Willis Forbes, Mrs. Frank Whitley, Mrs. Fred Schenk and Clyde of Aurora, Howard of Peoria, and Richard of Bradford.
The funeral was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Whitley, Sat July 1, and burial was made in Spring Lake Cemetery, at Aurora. Mrs and Mrs Howard Deisher and son Robert of Peoria, Mr and Mrs R.R. Deisher and son Edwin, of Bradford, Mrs Carl Friday and Mrs George Heinniger of Henry, and Mr and Mrs Clem Deisher of Lombarville, drove to Aurora and attened the funeral.
Taken From The Stark County News - Wed. January 16, 1929
Lifelong Resident of the County Dies in Toulon
Mrs. Rosetta L. Mcginnis a resident of Stark county during her entire lifetime of more than 81 years died at 9 o'clock thursday morning January 10 at her home on South Washington street in this city.....
Taken From The Stark County News - Wed. January 16, 1929
Mrs. Luther Baldwin Stark pioneer Dies
Another of Stark county's well known pioneers reached life's close Friday morning, when Mrs. Luther H. Baldwin passed away at her home on North Miller Street in this city. Interment was in Toulon Cemetery.....
Taken From The Stark County News - Wed. January 16, 1929
Death Claims Mrs. W.E. Nixon this Morning
Mrs. Lottie R. Brace Nixon was born in Elmira IL January 15, 1862 and just the day preceeding her death she had celebrated her 67th birthday. She was united in marriage Nov. 30, 1882 to William E. Nixon in Toulon. To this union were born 3 children, Edward B. of Peoria; Mrs. Grace F. Chase of Chicago; and Paul O. Nixon of Chicago. Mrs. Nixon was a member of the local Congregational church.....
Taken From The Stark County News - Wed. January 23, 1929
Mrs. Celia Emerson Passes
Mrs. Celia Emerson was born at Osceola on January 23, 1844 and died January 11, 1929 lacking twelve days of being 85 years of age......
July 17, 1929 - Bradford Republican
Lemuel DUNN, a resident of Bradford and community for a number of years, was found dead in his room in the Mrs. Horace BLAISDELL home Saturday morning about 9:30 o’clock. Ben AMIEL, who rooms in the same home, went to Mr. DUNN’s room at the time mentioned and found Mr. DUNN lying on the floor near his bed. A physician was summoned at once, but upon arrival found that death had set in several hours previous. It was thought a stroke was the cause of death, and this was the verdict of inquiry made later by Coroner TEETER of Wyoming. Lemuel DUNN was born near Modena, this county, on September 15, 1856, and passed away in Bradford on Saturday morning, July 13, 1929. His younger days were spent in the vicinity of Modena. After reaching young manhood he was married to Miss Cornelia WEAVER, who preceded him in death a number of years. Much of his life was spent in and near Bradford, where he followed the trade as painter, and was a skilled and honest workman, kind and friendly, attending to his own business, and lived his life as he best knew it. He had many old friends here who regret to learn of his passing. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth BARTON, residing in California, besides other relatives in this vicinity. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the M.E. church, Rev. CRAPP in charge. Burial was made in the Snareville cemetery, where other relatives are interred.
Oct. 27, 1929
Funeral services for William Henry Bell, who passed away Sunday morning at his home at French Grove, were held Tuesday afternoon at the home at French Grove. Rev. Herbert N. Blakeway, pastor of the Union church at Brimfield, was in charge. The service of song was given by Mrs. Luella McClellan and Mrs. S. A. Kellogg. William Henry Bell was born March 22, 1858, at Elmira, Illinois, and passed away at his home at French Grove Sunday, October 27, at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 5 days. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Bell, early settlers of Elmira. Matthew Bell caem to Elmira from Canada and shortly after his arrival settled on a farm, taking an active part in the social and religious life of the town. William Bell lived on the farm in Elmira township with his parents until he was 18 years of age, when the family moved to West Jersey township, located 2 miles west of the present village of West Jersey. He was engaged in agriculture on the farm known as "the Bell farm" on Walnut Creek until after the death of his father. He was married February 21, 1905, to Mrs. Emma Cree, of Toulon, moving in 1910 to French Grove, Peoria county, where he resided continuously since. Three children were born to this union as follows: Mrs. Riggen, of Elmore, and Madge and Hazel at home. Besides his wife and the children named above, he is survived by a daughter by a former marriage, Mrs. Clyde Fleming of Fredonia, Kansas; one brother, Ed Bell, of San Francisco; two sisters, Mrs. Anna Blakewell of Galesburg, and Miss Belle Bell, of Toulon and four grandchildren. Mr. Bell was a member of the I.O.O.F. organization for many years and the Odd Fellow symbolism was used by the minister at the funeral services.
Dec. 24, 1930 - Stark County News
In failing health for a period of several weeks, Mrs. Frank Dunn, of Osceola, passed away early Friday morning at the Public Hospital in Kewanee, where she had been a patient for two weeks. Funeral services were held at the Osceola community house Sunday afternoon with Rev. C.E. Shult, of Neponset, in charge. Mrs.Dunn was aged 51 years and had been a resident of this county and the Osceola community for the past 23 years. She was a member of the Osceola Methodist church. The deceased is survived by her husband and six children, Mrs. Hazel Shelton, of Chicago; Mrs. Jennie Tonn, who resides in Wisconsin; Mrs. Ruth Bishop, of Osceola; Elmer and Norene, both at home, and a daughter, Frankie, who lives with an Aunt, Mrs. Jennie Moore. She was preceded in death by six children.
Dec. 9, 1931
Dec. 9, 1931 - Living only a few hours after he had suffered a stroke of paralysis, James H. Graves, a life-long resident of the community southeast of Toulon, passed away Friday evening at his home on Route 30. Had he lived until December 22, Mr. Graves would have been 81 years of age.
Two years ago, he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis but recovered sufficiently to carry on his business as usual. Early Friday morning he suffered a second stroke which in a few short hours proved fatal.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 at the Wyoming Congregational church. Rev. Vernon W. Cooke, the pastor, being in charge. Appropriate organ music was played by Mrs. Frank J. Graves, of Abingdon, a niece of the deceased.
Body bearers were Sol Cox, Jesse Cox, Binnie McMillen, Fred McMillen, William Hagerty, and Jesse Adleman. Interment was in Sheets cemetery.
Jan. 27, 1932 - Stark County News
Following a brief but severe illness, Miss Dorothy DUNN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Haney DUNN, living two miles southwest of Osceola, passed away at 4:30 Monday morning at the Public hospital in Kewanee. Her death followed an operation for appendicitis. Miss DUNN was taken ill at her home several days previous to her removal to the hospital and for a time it appeared that she was suffering from intestinal flu. When her condition became worse, she was taken to the hospital, where she submitted to the operation. Peritonitis developed and her death came early Monday morning. Funeral services were held at 1 o'clock this afternoon at the Osceola M.E. church, Rev. R.A. GORDON, of Geneseo, a former pastor of the church, was in charge, being assisted by Rev. DICKERSON of Neponset. Interment was in Osceola Grove cemetery. Dorothy DUNN, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Haney DUNN, was born in Buda July 5, 1911, and passed away in Kewanee Public hospital January 25, 1932, being aged 20 years, 6 months and 20 days. Most of her life was spent in Stark County in the Osceola community although the family lived for a time in Kewanee where the deceased attended school. She was a member of the Osceola M.E. church. Beside her parents, Miss DUNN is survived by one sister, Miss Norene DUNN, of Chicago, who is a private secretary to the state Y.M.C.A. secretary.
March 10, 1932 - Princeville Telephone
Thomas Darby, aged Princeville resident, passed away at his home on Cottage Grove avenue Sunday night following a slow decline in health for several years. Funeral services were held from the Princeville Methodist Episcopal church on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Rev. J. F. Bliss officiating. Interment was in the Princeville cemetery.
Thomas, son of Britton and Nancy Darby, was born in Vinton county, Ohio, November 17, 1845, and passed away at his home in Princeville, Illinois, March 6, 1932, at the age of 86 years, 3 months and 24 days. He was united in marriage to Margaret Jane McGregor on August 26, 1868. To this union were born nine children.
He leaves to mourn his passing, four daughters: Mrs. Lucy Gelvin of Toulon, Ill., Mrs. Ida Springer of Duncan, Ill., Mrs. Jennie White of Newton, Iowa, and Clara Alford of Lowell, Arkansas; and two sons, Britton Darby of Newton, Iowa, and Pearl Darby of Duncan, Ill. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. His wife, and two daughters, Mrs. Della Burgess of Perry, Iowa, and Mrs. Nadene Fox of Duncan, Ill, and one son, Jessie Darby of Princeville, Ill., preceded him in death.
Mr. Darby came to this state when a young man and lived in this and the surrounding communities ever since. For many years he followed the occupation of farming, and upon retiring from active work about 20 years ago, moved to Princeville, where he had since resided. Mr. Darby was a highly respected citizen of this village and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. His death is deeply regretted by the entire populace.
Taken From the Bradford Republican - 1932 (Month unknown)
Prominent Bradford Woman Died of Heart Attack
Mrs. Ed. Clark, prominent Bradford woman, died suddenly at her country home last Wednesday, a sudden attack of heart trouble being responsible for her death. She was 55 years of age. Funeral services were held at Bradford in the Methodist church on Frday of last week, with the Rev. T. W. Thompson officiating. Interment was made in the Bradford cemetery with the Order of Eastern Star officiating at the burial rites. Following is an obitary sketch.
Mrs. Clark was born in the same house where she died, October 1, 1877. She was the daughter of the late B. F. and Elizabeth (Reid) Corbin, and was one of six children. Her parents and three of these children preceded her in death many years ago. Her grief-stricken husband, a sister, Mrs. S. E. Reid,
of Bradford, and a brother, Mark A. Corbin of Artesia, New Mexico, realize keenly how great is their loss. One neice, Mrs. Caryl Hay, of Bradford, who first called her "Aunty Dot," and one nephew, Mark Corbin, Jr. will find it hard to go on without her.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Clark took place in Bradford, Decemer 30, 1903. After a few years they moved to this farm home, the house which
"Dot" loved. Here they spent happy years and here she shared her happiness with others. While no children were bonr to Mr. and Mrs. Clark, their home was a place where many children spent happy hours, some now grown to men and women who recall these happy memories. Mrs. Clark's first church home was in Bradford. Later she transfered her membership to the Milo M. E. church.
Taken From the Bradford Republican - March 1933
Lem Bowyer's Sudden Death A Shock to This Community - Well Known
Funeral services were conducted Friday afternoon March 3, at 2:00 o'clock in the M. E. church at Bradford for John Lemuel Bowyer, who died suddenly from a heart attack at his home near hear Wednesday afternoon. An inquest was held Thursday morning at the Marsh Undertaking parlors by Coroner R. J. Teeter of Wyoming. It was found that death was caused by Coronary Thrombosis.
John Lemuel Bowyer was born January 8, 1882 near Logan, Kentucky. He was a son of William and Jane Bowyer, being the fifth child of a family of nine children. When as a child, his parents moved to Solon, Indiana, where he spent his youth. At the age of nineteen he came to Bloomington, Illinois at which place two years of his early life was spent. He then came to the vicinity of Bradford where he became engaged in farming.
On February 13, 1909 he was united in marriage to Emma Jane Bonset. To this union was born three children. On April 13, 1925 he united with the Methodist church at Camp Grove later transferring his membership to the M. E. church at Bradford, where he attended until the time of his death.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, two sons, Gilbert and Chester who reside at home, one daughter, Mrs. Elting Pettegrew of near Bradford, one grandson, Benny Pettegrew and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves four brothers, Joseph, William, Arthur and Robert and three sisters, Mrs. Mattie Richey, Mrs. Lula Brentlinger and Mrs. Tillie King, all who reside in and around Solon, Indiana. His parents, one brother and one sister have preceded him in death.
Taken From the Bradford Republican - March 13, 1933
John Kistler, Died Suddenly At His Home Monday Morning
John Kistler of Camp Grove, but formerly of Milo township, and well known in this community passed away at his home Monday afternoon. Although not in the best of health for the past two years, Mr. Kistler had been able to be about his home and town, consequently his death Monday was a great shock to his family. Mr. Kistler was found dead in his chair by his wife.
Andrew Jackson Kistler was born in Clark county, Indiana, on Sept. 18, 1862, being at the time of his death 70 years, five months and 13 days. He was the son of the late William and Elizabeth Kistler. He spent his boyhood and young manhood days in Indiana, coming to Milo in 1901, where for ten years he and his wife conducted a general store. He was married on August 25, 1888, to Miss Annette Jamison, one son being born to this union, who with the wife
and mother, are left to mourn the husband and father's death. The son, John, has been at home with his parents.
Several years ago the family moved to Camp Graove, whre Mr. Kistler followed the merchandise business for ten years, retiring some years ago. They have continued to make Camp Grove their home. In addition to his wife and son there are left several nieces and nephews to mourn his death.
The funeral is being held at the Boyd's Grove M. E. church this afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. Burial will be in the Mound cemetery close by.
TAKEN FROM THE BRADFORD REPUBLICAN - 1933
Harry Pettegrew, who lives across the road from the Boyd's Grove church,
and well and favorably known in this community where he lived for forty years, passed away at St. Francis hospital in Kewanee Monday morning. Mr. Pettegrew had been in poor health for a number of months, death being attributed to uremia and complications.
Harry Pettegrew was the son of the late J. W. and Hattie Seeley Pettegrew, and was born in this community on August 22, 1892. He received his education from the schools of this vicinity, and on Jan. 18, 1915, was united in marriage
to Miss Iva Liggett. To this union five children were born, all of whom survive, with the wife and mother. In addition to the immediate family there is left one sister, Mrs. Bert Gilfillan, who resides southeast of Bradford.
The subject of this sketch was held in high esteem in this community. He had followed the occupation of farming all his life, and was an industrious and honest young man. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. and also a faithful member of the Baptist church.
The funeral service will be held at the Baptist church this afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Allen in charge. Burial will in the the Bradford cemetery,
in charge of the Odd Fellows.
Wyoming Post Herald - Jan. 3, 1934
Jesse Schiebel, former resident of the Stark community passed away Monday at his home in Olivia Minnesota, according to word received in Wyoming the same day by Mrs. Minnie Ogburn and Mrs. J.A. Ingram, sisters of the decedent. Funeral services and burial will be held at Olivia, Mrs. Schiebel survives.
Jesse Schiebel was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Schiebel who resided in the Stark community for many years. About thirty years ago Mr. Schiebel moved to Olivia where he had been engaged in the seed sweet corn business.
Wyoming Post Herald - Jan. 10, 1934
David Shane, Valley farmer, Dies Aged 70.
Mr. Shane passed away at his home near Lawn Ridge, Saturday January 6, 1934 at the age of 70 years, 9 months, and 1 day. He had lived within a radius of ten miles of the place where death took place his entire lifetime, with the exception of eight years spent in the city of Peoria.
Wyoming Post Herald - Jan. 10, 1934
Elbert Newton, 66, prominent farmer of the Modena community, passed away at about 12 o'clock Saturday night at his home following an illness of several months duration.
Wyoming Post Herald - Jan. 10, 1934
Johnson Harris, passed away at his home in Bradford Saturday afternoon after an illness which dated back about 11 months. Mr. Harris was confined to his bed the past three weeks.
He was the son of Daniel and Mary webb Harris and was born at Elmira New York on January 7, 1857. At the time of his death he was almost 77 years old. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Newton on August 8, 1885 at Toulon IL.
Wyoming Post Herald - Jan. 10, 1934
Seldom has a death in the Toulon community evoked more widespread sympathy than that occasioned by the sudden passing of Rose Marie, 5 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Standard which occured Friday January 5. The little child had been apparently in good health until acute appendicitis developed Thursday. Rose Marie was born April 21, 1928.
TAKEN FROM THE BRADFORD REPUBLICAN - May, 1934
Harry Reid, Invalid For Years, Summoned Early Friday Morning
Harry Lewis Reid, son of Charles L. and Jennie Reid was born in Milo township, July 14, 1897 and died on Friday morning, April 27, 1934, aged 36 years, 9 months and 12 days. When a child of four years of age he received an injury to his hip which greatly handicapped him during the remainder of his life, leaving him a cripple. He received his schooling in the township in which he was born, and has since lived in this community.
Always of an industrious nature he was ever looking for something to keep himself busy. At one time he conducted a fruit store and restaurant in Bradford. Later he went back to his father's place in Milo, and a number of years ago moved into Bradford, where he and his sister, Mrs. Ethel Roese have since lived.
He was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge of Whitefield and the Emerald Rebekah lodge of the same place. These lodges had charge of the funeral Sunday. He
is survived by his father, Chas. L. Reid, his sister, Mrs. Ethel M. Roese and two brothers, Harold L. Reid and Howard L. Reid, all of this place.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon by Rev. Stanley Ward at the Boyd's Grove Methodist church at 2:30 o'clcok. Interment was in the Moundcemetery.
TAKEN FROM THE BRADFORD REPUBLICAN - June 30, 1937
SISTER OF BRADFORD CITIZEN PASSES AWAY
Miss Pauline Ellen Schwab, 57, a native of Bureau county, died at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday at her home, one and one-half mile east of Princeton, following an illness of several weeks. She was born October 21, 1879 and had resided in Bureau county practically her entire life.
Surving are her mother, Mrs. Andrew Schwab, Princeton; two sisters, Mrs.
Anne Denton, and Miss Minnie Schwab of Princeton; three brothers, Andrew
of Princeton, Peter, Bradford and Joseph of North Dakota.
Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the home with Rev. M. S. Tope, pastor of the Methodist church in charge, Burial in Oakland cemtery.
Dec. 7, 1937
FRANK DUNN, 67, DIES NORTHEAST OF ELMIRA
Frank Dunn, 67 years old, a farmer living about three miles northeast of Elmira, was stricken with apoplexy Tuesday morning and passed away at 11:30 o'clock at his home. He had not been ill previous to the stroke and his death came as a great shock to his family.
Funeral services had not been completed at a late hour this morning.
An obituary in the Kewanee Star-Courier reads as follows:
OSCEOLA Funeral service for Frank DUNN, who died about 11:30 Tuesday morning, will be held at 2 o'clock from the Community House at Osceola Grove in charge of the Rev. Mr. Guy DEWHIRST, pastor of the Methodist Church at Neponset. Friends may call at the home tonight. Mr. DUNN was victim of a paralytic stroke in the yard at his home. He died within two hours without regaining consciousness. The decedent, a lifelong resident of the community, was born June 14, 1872. He was a retired farmer. He married Fannie ROUNDS in 1894 in Cambridge. She died Dec. 19, 1930. On July 23, 1934, he was married to Miss Katherine DeGROOT of Peoria. Surviving are the widow and six living children: Mrs. Hazel SHELTON, Chicago; Mrs. Jennie TONN, Menasha, Wis.; Mrs. Norene McMILLEN, Neponset; Mrs. Frankie MARTIN, Wyoming; Mrs. Ruth BISHOP, Elmira; Elmer, Osceola. A son, Roy, preceded his father in death. Also surviving are six stepchildren, 26 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and the following brothers and a sister: Haney, Bradford; Dave, Osceola; Mrs. Jennie MOORE, Kewanee.
Dec. 25, 1937
Benjamin F. Graves, lifelong resident of the Essex township community, passed away at 8 o'clock Saturday morning, December 25, at his home four miles southwest of Wyoming.
At the time of his death he was aged 90 years, 2 months and 19 days. During his long span of years he maintained his residence one-half mile from his birthplace. The Graves homestead is situated within a mile of the site of the first log cabin and the first school house erected in the county.
Mr. Graves was of a quiet and reticent character, but with a little persuasion he could be induced to spin tale after tale of the pioneer days in the county, especially in Essex township. He had a wonderful memory, especially for dates, and he was considered an authority on time and events of the pioneer days in this section.
He had a love for the "old days" and his farm contains many relics of historical nature, including a wagon over 100 years old that was used as a transport by the early settlers. Through all the years he maintained a rail fence about his farm yard and was quite proud of a barn that was erected without the used of nails. All the timebers are jointed and held in place by linchpins. A year ago a Post-Herald reporter paid Mr. Graves a visit and was shown a 15-year-old horse, a descendant of a mare that made four trips between Ross county, Ohio, and the Essex community, during the first days of its settlement.
Benj. F. Graves was a son of James and Maria Francis Graves and was born October 4, 1847, on the old homestead one-half mile west of the present farm. His father was a native of North Carolina, but was taken by his parents as a boy to Ross County, Ohio. The elder Mr. Graves came to Stark county in 1847.
Benj. F. Graves was reared on the old farm and attended the same school that many of his grandchildren attended. For many years he farmed in partnership with his father. For many years following the death of his father, Mr. Graves continued to farm, but in recent years retired from actual work. In politics, Mr. Graves was a staunch supporter of the democratic party, although he never sought office. His wife preceded him in death Nov. 23, 1920. He is survived by two sons and two daughters, as follows: S. Arthur Graves and Quincy I. Graves, and Mrs. Lena Cornall and Mrs. Addie Dawson, all of Wyoming. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the Congregational church and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. R.W. Newell. Interment was in Sheets cemetery southwest of Wyoming.
The song service was rendered by a quartet composed of C.A. Morrow, Shafter Meyers, W. S. Perrin, and R. E. Johnson. Selections were "We Are Going Down the Valley One by One" and "Remember Me O Mighty One." Pallbearers were Glenn Neil, Alvin Mortimer, William Poppen, Sol Cox, Thomas Timmons and Leo Tanning.
Friday Aug. 12, 1938
Mary Helen Woodward was one of a family of 6 children, born to John M. and Sarah Wilson Seely, all of whom preceded her in death. She was born in Osceola township in the year 1862 at a place southwest of Bradford, known as the OLD SEELY POINT. She was married to William Smith Woodward in the year of 1880 at Toulon Ill. To this union were born 3 children. Most of Marys life, as she loved to be called by her friends was apent in Galesburg,Ill. For several months her health has been failing and three weeks ago she was brought from her home at 7 West Main St, Galesburg, to the home of her niece, Mrs. Burt Gilfillan east of Bradford where, she died very suddenly Friday Aug 12, 1938. Death to her was a "Welcome" because of increasing suffering. A large number of nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbor are left to morn her death. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Geo. J. Bennett in the March Chapel. Monday at 2:00 O'Clock internment took place at Smiths Grove Cemetery.
April 26, 1939 - Stark County News
KEWANEE MAN LAID TO REST IN WYOMING
Funeral services for H. O. Blauvelt, 69, of Kewanee, for many years a resident of Stark County, were conducted last Wednesday afternoon at the Cavanaugh & Schueneman mortuary in Kewanee, Rev. S.C. Blumhagen, pastor of Osceola Baptist church, was in charge. Song service was given by Mrs. James Briggs and Mrs. Marvin Cinnamon, with Mrs. Ray Turnbull accompanying. Body-bearers were Don Tracy, Eli Failon, Robert Creasey, Herbert Ford, James Ford and James Briggs. Following the services, the body was taken to Wyoming for interment.
DIES IN MOLINE HOSPITAL
Mr. Blauvelt passed away in Moline hospital April 14 following a period of failing health. He was born near Lawn Ridge and his younger days were spent in that community and near Camp Grove, almost his entire life was spent in Stark County where he followed the occupation of farming. His marriage to Miss Nettie Wiley, of Elmwood, took place in 1891 and to this union was born one child who died in infancy. Mrs. Blauvelt preceded her husband in death January 7, 1927. Mr. Blauvelt had been making his home for some time with his brother-in-law, Willis Hanchett, of Kewanee. He leaves one brother, B.H. Blauvelt, of Wyoming, and one sister, Mrs. Flora Bishop, Of Phoenix, Arizona.
June 20, 1940
After several weeks severe illness, Mrs. Emma May Bell, 68 years old, passed away at 1:40 o'clock Thursday afternoon at her late home in the village of Elmira. She had been confined to her home since the last week in March. Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon at Kidd Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Taylor, pastor of Toulon Baptist church officiating. Song service was given by a mixed quartet composed of Mrs. Lillian Buchanan, Mrs. Mabel Price, Charles Welch and Robert Fleming, with Mrs. Jessie Hyer accompanying at the organ. Selections were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Rock of Ages." Body-bearers were Marion Linker, William M. Duncan, Herbert Murray, Earl Cpbb, J. L. W. Fuller, and Ray Jackson. Interment was in French Grove. Emma May Bell was born August 5, 1872 in Stark county, and passed away June 20, 1940 at her late home in Elmira at the age of 68 years, 10 months adn 15 days. She was a daugter of Michael and Joyce E. (Graves) Alderman. Her marriage to William Henry Bell took place February 21, 1905, in Toulon, Rev. Joseph Jenkins, who was then pastor of Toulon Baptist church, performing the ceremony. Surviving are five children, as follows: Mrs. Blanche McCall, of Peoria; Harry V. Cree, of LaFayette; Veffie Riggen, of Elmore; Madge Bown, of Brimfield, and Hazel Grace, or Elmira. Mr. Bell passed away Oct. 27, 1929. She is survived by the following sisters and brother: Mrs. E.W. Jones, of Ontario, California; Charles Alderman, of Albion, Iowa; Mrs. Walter Finley, of Toulon; also a half0brother, Pressley Colwell, who lives in Missouri. She also leaves nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceding her were one brother, who died in infancy, also two grandchildren.
March 5, 1941 - Bradford Republican
“Walter N. CHAMPION, a well and widely known farmer of this community, passed away at night, Wednesday, at his home ...thwest of town, his death being ..lm and unexpected, being attributed to a heart attack. Although Mr. CHAMPION’s health had not been the best for the past two years he was able to be about the farm as usual until only a short time before his death.
“Walter Nolan CHAMPION was born May 15, 1876, and died Feb. 26, 1941, aged 64 years. He was married to Clara IMES on March 9, 1900, and to this union were born six children, two of whom passed away in infancy and one daughter, Verna GERARD, died about two years ago. Those left to mourn his death are his wife, two sons, Nolan and Forest, and one daughter, Eleanor STEPHENS, in addition to other relatives and a host of friends. Mr. CHAMPION had made this community his home his entire life and consequently was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was a kind and considerate husband and father, a good neighbor and always honest in his dealings.
“Funeral services were held in the Marsh chapel Saturday afternoon, Rev. Alfred E. COLE, pastor of the Methodist church in charge. Burial was in the Bradford cemetery. Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. John MIELKEY and son, Earl, of Ottumwa, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Chas. IMES, Mr. Thos. IMES, Mrs. Arthur STEIN of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. Walter IMES, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford IMES, Mr. and Mrs. Arlie McKEEVER and family, Kewanee; Mr. and Mrs. Harry CRATER, Mrs. .... ADAMS, Mrs. Lawrence HOFFMAN of Chicago.
March 12, 1941
Funeral services for Haney Dunn, 67, were held at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon at Osceola Community House. Mr. Dunn died about 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home near Bradford following a several months serious illness with heart trouble. He had been in failing health for a number of years. Services at the community House were preceded by a short service at the Marsh Funeral Chapel in Bradford. Haney Dunn was born near Whitfield, the son of Wallace W. and Polly Sturm Dunn, altho he had spent the greater part of his life in Stark County, having come here with his parents at an early age. He also had lived for a few years in Buda and Kewanee where he was engaged in the contracting and building business. He married in September, 1902, to Lottie King. who survives. Two daughters were born to their union one of whom, Norene, also survives. The other daughter Dorothy died in January, 1932. Other survivors include a brother, David Dunn, of Osceola community, and a sister, Mrs. Harry Moore, of Kewanee.
April 15, 1943
Woman Who Heard Lincoln-Douglas Debate Dies at 97
Toulon-Mrs. Margaret Thomas McClenahan, 97, believed to be the last surviving person that attended the historic debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas at Galesburg in October 1858 died at her home in Toulon after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. McClenahan was born in Ohio 10 January 1846 and when her parents moved west in a covered wagon she came with them to establish their home on the farmstead near Victoria. She had made her home in Toulon for the past 33 years and was well known to the residents of Stark county. Her picture was used on the badges of the Stark County Old Settlers’ reunion in 1939 when she joined with the rest of the country to celebrate the 62nd annual event. Mrs. McClenahan was a guest of honor at the 80th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debate and she was given a seat on the platform to hear other candidates for the United States Senate discuss the issue of the day. That was October 1938 and the candidates were Scott W. Lucas, Democrat and Richard J. Lyons, Republican. She was survived by one daughter, Miss Edna McClenahan at home, four sons, Daniel, referee of bankruptcy in Lincoln, Nebraska, Daniel H. of LaFayette, Carl, a prominent druggist and Dr. Frank, well known dentist of Toulon. Funeral arrangements were not complete.
May 30, 1945 - Stark County News
Mrs. Margaret Carstairs
Funeral services for Mrs Margaret Frail Carstairs, 88, for 76 years a resident of the Toulon and Lafayette communities, were held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Kidd Funeral Home in this City. Mrs Carstairs passed away at 5 o'clock Friday morning at the Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington where she had been a patient the past three weeks. Rev. Ludwig Emigholz, pastor of Kewanee First Congregational Church, was in charge of the services and pallbearers were H.W. Rice, Rollin Rice, John Montgomery and Burt W. Eltzroth, of Toulon, and Elmer Damaske and Ellis Lindstrom, of Kewanee. Interment was in the Lafayette cemetery. Margaret, daughter of Barnabas and Jane Fairchild Frail, was born July 2, 1856, in Toulon, and was aged 88 years 10 months, and 23 days at the time of death. She was married April 17, 1894, to David Carstairs and to this union were born two children, Katherin, now Mrs C.H. Adolph, of Normal and a son David. Both her husband and son preceded her in death. With the exception of three years in Arizona and five years in Tacoma, Washington, Mrs Carstairs was a resident of Toulon and Lafayette communities for 76 years. In 1932 she went to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Adolph, at Normal.
August 16, 1945
Mrs. Louise Stevens who made her home with her daughter Mrs. Walter(Lola) Woodward at Lombardville passed away thursday at the St. Francis hospital in Kewanee, where she had been a patient 3 weeks. Mrs Stevens, was the daughter of Joseph and Emelie(DeHamila) Curtis and was born in chicago on Aug 26, 1875. She was married to Rollin Stevens who preceded her in death. One daughter also preceded her in death. She leaves her daughter Mrs. Woodward and 3 grandsons. A short funeral services were held at the Osceola Grove Cemetery at 10:00 o'clock Saturday Morning in charge is Rev. Alfred E. Cole pastor of the Methodist church, and burial was made in the cemetery there. Died Aug 16, 1945.
October 11, 1945 - Stark County News
MRS. CORA BLAUVELT
Wyoming-- Mrs. Cora Blauvelt, 74, died Monday at 4 a.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Girven, near Elmira. She has been in ill health two years. The daughter of William and Elizabeth Jarman, and born April 10, 1871 on a farm seven miles east of Wyoming. She attended the Baughn School and the Wyoming High School, and moved to Wyoming with her Mother and brother, Fred, in 1888, after her father died. On October 6, 1896, she was united in marriage to Bradner H. Blauvelt. To this Union were born four children, one of whom died in infancy, Rosco A. resides in Kewanee and Elenor Jean Girven of Neponset and Howard E. of Elmira. She also leaves her husband, Bradner Blauvelt, and two grandchildren. One sister also survives, Mrs. R.G. Phillip of Red Oak, Iowa. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the Gillespie Memorial Home in Wyoming. Rev. William Anderson will be in charge and burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Stark County News April 1946 Reads:
Funeral Rites For Mrs. Susan Jackson Held Here Friday.
Mrs. Susan Jackson, for many years a resident of Stark County, departed this life at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, March 30, 1926, at the home of her daughter, Mrs Everette Wilkinson, southeast of Toulon. Her death came after an illness of several days with pneumonia.
Funeral services were conducted Friday morning at 10 o'clock at the Congregation church in Toulon. Rev. Frank M. Inman, pastor of the Methodist church, being in charge.
The song service was given by a mixed quartet composed of Mrs. E.H. Llyod, Mrs George W. Ham, L.M. Ham, H.J. Ham, John Allen, Binnie McMillen and Minott Silliman.
Interment was in the cemetery at Lafayette.
Henry S. Sturm 82 a resident of Osceola Grove, passed away Thursday morning at 1:45 a.m. at the St. Francis hospital, Kewanee. He was born in Stark County Oct 1,1867 and lived in this community all his life. He last worked as a coal operator and miner.
On Dec 7, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva May Bassett, in Peoria.
He was proceded in death by his parents, Allen and Mary Woodward Sturm. Surviving are his wife and 4 sons. Jesse, Dewey, Glen, and Francis all of Osceola Grove, and a brother Clarence.
Funeral services were held at the Osceola Grove Community house at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Rev.D.J.Unruh officiated. Funeral arangement were in charge of the Boucher Funeral Home, Wyoming. Pallbearersm were John Mercer, Orville Shaw, Lloyd Sable, Joseph Williams, William Williams, and George Beaman.
Taken From the Bradford Republican - December 3, 1952
Mrs. Melvin Stotler Dies Suddenly Thursday Night
1951 - Edna Viola Pool, daughter of Marion Edward and Lilly L. Mc-Neff Pool, was born at Monica, Illinois, on December 30, 1917, and passed away quite suddenly last Thursday night, only three days before her 34th birthday.
When she was only two years old, her mother died and she was mothered by her sister who was a mere girl at the time of their mother's going. While she was still small, the family moved to Peoria, where Edna. attended school and where her father pass-ed away, when she was but 15 years old. In 1937 she came to the Bradford community, and has lived here' ever since.
On October 3, 1939, at Daven-port, Iowa, she was united in marriage to Melvin Stotler, also of Bradford. There came to bless their home two daughters, Kay Frances. and Judith Ann, who are now eleven and seven years of age, respectively.
For the past two years the family has lived in the Boyd's neighborhood. They have attend-ed the Boyd's Grove church, Mr. and Mrs. Stotler uniting in mem-bership and having the two girls baptized.
Mrs. Stotler was always a quiet and retiring person, who was well-liked by all who came to know her. Her interest centered in her home and family, and the welfare of her children and hus-band were ever uppermost in her thought and concern. She has en-joyed greatly her relationship to the church and the friendships that she has formed there, and has taken part in its activities as much as health and strength would permit.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by one brother, Raymond, who passed away in 1928. She is survived by her husband; their two small daughters; a brother Andrew, in Pheonix, Arizona;. a sister, Mrs. Nellie Kopp, of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at the Boyd's Grove church, Mon-day afternoon, December 31, with Rev. Austin A. Rodgers officiating. Interment was in the Mound cemetery.
May 22, 1954
Toulon-Graveside services for Daniel H. McClenahan, 82, of Lincoln, Nebraska would be held Friday at the McClenahan cemetery, southwest of LaFayette. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Lincoln. Mr. McClenahan, a retired lawyer, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. E.J. McClenahan. He was born 30 October 1876 near LaFayette and was found dead in bed Monday morning as death had occurred in his sleep. He was survived by a sister, Miss Ednah McClenahan of Toulon, two brothers, Carl D. McClenahan and Dr. F.C, McClenahan, both of Toulon and a number of nieces and nephews. His parents and a brother preceded him in death.
Daniel McClenahan.
1956 - Toulon-Mrs. Lulu B. Eltzroth, 88, died at 3:25 Sunday morning at St. Francis hospital, Kewanee, where she was taken by ambulance after receiving burns in her home Friday night. The body was removed to Seifert and Smith funeral home and released to Kidd Funeral home in Toulon after an inquest was conducted by Coroner Ralph N. Cole of Annawan. It was found that Mrs. Eltzroth died of first, second, and third degree burns after the accidental burning of the body in a kitchen fire due to burningg paraffin while canning. Mrs. Eltzroth was born 22 October 1868 the daughter of James and Helen Gavin Kinney near Victoria. She was married to Elwood Gordon Eltzroth in Toulon 28 May 1889. The couple resided on the Eltzroth farm west of Toulon unti the husband’s death in 1944. Mrs. Eltzroth moved to Toulon in 1945. The deceased was a member of the Lafayette Methodist church. Preceding Mrs. Eltzroth in death were her husband, parents, one brother and one sister. She was survived by three nephews, Raymond E. Tltzroth of Chicago, Fred Snyder of Valparaiso, Indiana and B.W. Eltzroth of Toulon and four nieces, Mrs. Mytle Stahl of Valparaiso, Indiana, Mrs. Clara Price of Toulon, Miss Helen Kinney of New York and Mrs. Frances Agard of Chicago. Funeral services would be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 afternoon from the Kidd Funeral home in Toulon. Burial would be in the mausoleum in the Toulon cemetery.
Stark County News October 30, 1957
Sets Rites Thursday, Louis Beam, Aged 69; Interment at Toulon
Funeral Services for Louis Beam, 69, of Toulon, will be held at 1:30 Thursday afternoon at Kidd Funeral Home in this City.
Mr. Beam suffered a stroke Thursday noon at his home and was taken to Kewanee Public hospital that day where he died at 11:15 Monday Morning. Visitation will be at funeral home tonight. Burial will be in Toulon Cemetery.
William Lewis Beam was Born February 20, 1888, in Kewanee and was a son of James Albert and Almyera Rhodes Beam. He had lived most of his lifetime in Stark County and Past several years had resided in Toulon.
He was married to Miss Clara Dixon, of Toulon, the ceremony taking place September 5, 1935, at Galesburg. She survives with son, William Lewis. Also surviving is a brother Joseph Beam, of Toulon, and several nephews and neices.
Mr. Beam was a Member of First Methodist church in Kewanee and also was in service during World War I. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
STARK COUNTY DEATHS (1960-2006)!!!