Bureau County, IL Obituaries and Death Notices
B
Child of George Bacon
Taken From the Henry Republican
July 28, 1881 - Milo
Mr. and Mrs. George Bacon buried their youngest child in Mt. Bloom Wednesday last.
DORIS IRENE (BAIRD) FISCHER
Donated by Pat Esterday
Mrs. Howard Fischer Passed Away Sunday
Mrs. Howard Fischer passed away at her home in Clarion Township Sunday morning, August 31, at the age of thirty-seven years, two months and twenty-six days. Doris Irene Baird was born on a farm at the north edge of the village of Van Orin on June 5, 1910. She was the eldest of three children born to Oscar and Alta Anderson Baird. One brother, Glen Eugene, passed away in infancy and one sister, Rachel Iva, in 1919, at the age of seven years, leaving Doris as the only child in the home. She, with her parents, moved to the Village of Van Orin where she attended school, later going to LaMoille Community high school from which school she graduated with the class of 1929. Doris was bereft of her mother on November 6, 1930, whose passing at the early age of thirty-seven years was another dark period in her own life. November 20, 1930, she was married to Howard Fischer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fischer of Van Orin. After their marriage, they started farming in the immediate vicinity of Van Orin, later moving to the Erwin Stuepfert farm in Clarion Township in the spring of 1939, where they continued to live until her passing. She leaves to mourn her loss, two sons, Dale Baird, born September 10, 1931, and Glen Edward, born September 26, 1935. These boys remain to cherish the fond remembrance of a good and loving mother to whom they are indebted for the fundamental teachings of a Christian home. Also remains her loving and sorrowing husband who made her life pleasant and who did everything humanly possible to alleviate pain and bring comfort to her last hours. Her father, Oscar Baird, and stepmother, Irene, also myriads of friends and relatives survive.
She was plain and pure and full of love, just like it had filtered from above.
Her actions spoke, we need not tell, she lived her life and lived it well.
We wonder why, at thirty-seven, the angels called her up to heaven?
But, as we pause and breathe a prayer, we hear the answer back from there.
We know she’s safe in “Masters” care with joy and peace and life o’er there.
Funeral services were held at two o’clock Tuesday, September 2, at the Van Orin Gospel Church, with the Rev. Fred Meyers of Polo, Illinois, assisted by the Rev. Foster of the Gospel Church, officiating. Mrs. Millie Beatty, accompanied by Mrs. Frank Rambo, sang “Only Glory Some Day.” Burial was in the Van Orin Cemetery, close to her loved ones. Pallbearers were Russell Jontz, Eddie Watson, Clarence Fetzer, Albert Miller, Elman Pohl and Ralph Welch. The ladies caring for the many floral tributes were Mrs. Eddie Watson, Mrs. Elman Pohl and Mrs. Ralph Welch.
Taken from: The Mendota Reporter, August, 1947
Mrs. Minnie Baker (nee McDonald)
Taken From the Henry Republican
February 9, 1882
In Grafton, Neb., Feb. 1, of consumption, Minnie, 25, wife of J. W. Baker (Amidon) of Tiskilwa, and daughter of J. B. McDonald, a former resident of Henry.
(2/16/82) Died of consumption, at Grafton, Neb., on the night of Feb. 1st, Mrs. J. W. Baker of Tiskilwa, nee Minnie D. McDonald, aged about 26 years. Mrs. B. was born in Henry, in 1855, and was married at Bradford Dec. 26, 1877. … For about a year she has been an invalid, and suffered until death came to her relief. … From early youth until she was 18 she was a constant atttendant at school, and taught several terms very successfully, and at the time of her marriage was engaged to teach the winter and spring terms of school. … On the 23d of June, 1881, she started for Grafton, Neb., with the hope of improvement in the splendid climate of the west. … Two days after Mrs. B.'s arrival in Grafton, on June 27th, death claimed for his own her lovely little babe and only child, Anna Bell, aged 19 months. …. Two short weeks before, Anna's sister, Nellie Lenore, died June 10, at her father's residence in Tiskilwa, aged 19 years of consumption. Nellie was smart, active, naturally apt and gifted, and could learn as if by intuition. Refusing to think anything serious ailed her, she was only confined to the bed and house when tired and helpless nature demanded obedience to her laws. For a few months only did she linger in torture and pain, and then her spirit very quietly and peacefully took its fight to the God who gave it.
Nellie L. Baker
Taken From the Henry Republican
June 16, 1881
Died at Tiskilwa, June 11, of consumption, Nellie L. , 19, daughter of John W. Baker (Amidown)
Mrs. Erminia Ballerini
September 1975
Newspaper Unknown - Donated by Jo Anne Myers
Mrs. Erminia Ballerini, 87, of Ladd died Thursday afternoon in People's hospital where she was a patient six weeks. Services will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the Hurst Funeral home and 10 a.m. in St. Benedict's church, the Rev. William Kirk, OSB officiating. Burial will be in Ladd cemetery. Visitation will be 2-9 today in the funeral home, with a Rosary at 8 p.m.
Mrs. Ballerini was born in Rocca Corneta, Italy, Oct. 14, 1887, to Joseph and Theresa Tonelli Castelli. She married Joseph Ballerini Dec. 5, 1907, in St. Benedict's church, Ladd. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Frank (Jennie) Ferrari and Mrs. John (Theresa) Talioli of Ladd, Mrs. Bruno (lena) Vescogni of La Salle and Mrs. Gale (Edith) Koehler of Peru; two sons, Joseph of Brookfield and Leo of Peoria Heights; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband April 27, 1947; a daughter, two sons and eight brothers and sisters. She had lived in Ladd since August, 1907. She was a member of St. Benedict's church and the Altar and Rosary society.
Mrs. William Barton
Taken From the Henry Republican
November 16, 1876
In Wheatland, Bureau county, Nov. 8, Mrs. William Barton, after many years of suffering.
MARY (Marek) KOPRIUA BARTOSEK
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois
February 2, 1987 - Monday, pg A2
Walnut: - Mary Kopriua Bartosek, 98, of 114 Yerk Street in Walnut died Sunday evening in Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton.
Funeral Prayer Services will be Wednesday at 9 p.m. in the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut followed by Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. John's Catholic Church in Walnut, with Rev. William Harbert officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 8 p.m. A memorial has been established to St. John's Catholic Church and the Walnut Fire Department.
Mrs. Bartosek was born on June 24, 1888 in Czechoslovakia, the daughter of Joseph and Barbara Snupek Marek. She came to the United States in 1907 and moved to Walnut 24 years ago. She was united in marriage to Frank Kopriua in 1908 and he preceded her in death in November of 1921. She then married Henry Bartosek on July 8, 1949 and he preceded her in death on June 25, 1960. Mrs. Bartosek was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Walnut and the Altar and Rosary Society of the Church.
Survivors include one son, Frank Kopriua of Lakeland, Fla.; three daughters, Barbara Quinn of Walnut, Mrs. George (Josephine) Scala of Plymouth, Ind., and Mrs. John (Victoria) Barry of Chicago; 14 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren, and also many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, two sons, one daughter, two sisters and three brothers.
Mrs. Ann Jane Beach
Taken From the Henry Republican
March 7, 1878
Died at Princeton, Feb. 13, Ann Jane, aged 63 years, wife of Dr. J. M. Beach, and sister-in-law of Mrs. F. A. Raymond of this city.
Mrs. Hannah Bell
State News, January 15, 1880
Taken From the Henry Republican
The remains of Mrs. Hannah Bell, wife of George W. Bell, of Walnut, Bureau county, have been disinterred for the purpose of holding an autopsy. It is suspected she may have been poisoned by her husband. She died in November last.
Mrs. Margaret Benks
Taken From the Marshall County Republican
March 28, 1867
Died in Whitefield, March 16, Miss Margaret Benks, age about 83 years.
April 4, 1867
Died in Whitefield, March 16, 1867, Mrs. Margaret Benks, age about 83 years. The subject of this notice was born in Ireland and came to America at the age of 12 and first settled in Pennsylvania. In early life she connected herself with the Presbyterian church of West Alexandria, PA, of which she remained a member, until, with friends, she removed to Whitefield, Illinois, 13 years since, where she united with the Mansfield church, and remained a member until death. Mrs. Benks was called, in the providence of God, to pass through the deep waters of affliction. For 17 years before her death, she was afflicted with that painful and distressing disease, erysipelas and at times the pain arising from the disease was excruciating. She, however, bore the suffering with Christian patience, and found consulation in the thought that Jesus suffered for her and could sympathize with her. Her wonder was that God should prolong her life and her sufferings, when, as she thought, she could not be of no use to anyone. But her life of suffering was not spent in vain, she, being dead, yet speaketh to her friends in the example she hath given of patient endurance of affliction.
Mrs. Drucilla J. Bennett
Taken From the Henry Republican
June 7, 1877
In Milo, Bureau county, May 19, after a short illness, Mrs. Drucilla J. aged 47 years, wife of Mr. George W. Bennett
TAKEN FROM THE HENRY REPUBLICAN
November 4, 1875
In Milo, Nov. 4, of pseudo-membranous croup, Lizzie, aged 8 years, daughter of George W. Bennett.
Alinson Benson Jr.
Taken From the Henry Republican
March 30, 1876
At Tiskilwa, March 9, Alinson Benson Jr., aged 16 years, 11 months 9 days
Eli Bently
Taken From the Henry Republican
September 2, 1880
In Milo, August 27, of paralysis, Eli Bentley, 60.
Whitefield Corners - Eli Bently departed this life on Sunday. He has been a patiently sufferer for seven or eight years until entirely paralyzed on one side almost entirely helpless. Buried on Monday. Funeral service by Rev. Hitchcock. May the living emulate his virtues.
Milo - Eli Bentley of Milo died Sunday evening. Mr. Bently was stricken down by palsy some eight years ago. Since that time he has been confined to bed. He was born in Kentucky over 60 years ago.
George Bidwell
Taken From the Henry Republican
June 26, 1879
Whitefield Corners
Another home is saddened, another fireside companion born to that realm from whence to traveler returns. Mr. George Bidwell was carried to his final resting place ast Sabbath a week buried at Sugar Grove cemetery. He was an earnest friend of youth and education and many have been the times we have enjoyed unearthing the gems of bible and literature with him. He has moved among us for years and his well stored mind and unusually good memory made it a feast to converse with him until disease and age began to weaken him as it does all in time.
Mrs. Hanna L. Bidwell (nee Taber)
July 8, 1915
Taken from the Henry Republican
In Memoriam
Hannah L. Taber, daughter of Captain and Mrs. James Taber, was born in New Bedford, Mss., March 27, 1846. In 1852 her father though a seafaring man and unaccustomed in inland scenes and work emigrated to Illinois and settled on a farm one mile south and one mile west of Milo Boyd Grove school house. There the family lived until 1877. In the meantime the aged husband and father and the only son and brother had died.
With the widowed aged mother, the subject of our sketch moved to Henry in the spring of that year. As a school girl, a young lady, in more mature years, and lastly as a wife, no better, grander, purer character have we ever known. On Sept. 29, 1895, she was united in marriage with Chester Bidwell, to whom she has been all and in all that a dutiful loving helpful wife could be. To the neighborhood her life has been beneficent, to the church of which she was a member her example a fragrant memory, to us all a model which we can safely emulate. She for long years had been a member of the New Church whose work and teachings she greatly enjoyed and it was there the final services were held on Tuesday afternoon, July 6, conducted by Rev. Rea W. Martin of the Presbyterian church by request. The casket bearers were her nephews H. S. Allen, E. T. Allen, Leonard Hunter, Lucius Huntington and two cousins, Charles and William Austin.
Joshua Bishop
The Hennepin Herald and Bureau Advertisement
March 20, 1847
At Princeton on Monday, the 15th inst., John, son of Joshua Bishop, aged 6 years.
Zena Bliss
Taken From the Henry Republican
December 18, 1879
From Neighboring Exchanges
Zenas Bliss of Providence, Bureau county, shot himself with a pistol last week, and but little hopes are entertained of his recovery.
Gregory R. Bowman
Contributed by Pat Esterday
Princeton – Gregory R. Bowman, 53, of Princeton, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, in Stockton. He was a solo practitioner for 14 years at the Boman Law Firm, Princeton. Mr. Bowman was born July 27, 1954, in Dixon, the son of Wilbur and Evelyn (Wales) Bowman. Greg Bowman was born and raised on the family farm in rural Polo. He graduated from Polo schools in 1972 and proceeded on to college. In 1979, he met his future wife, Joann Makransky, at Western Illinois University, Macomb. They married in 1980, and started their beautiful family shortly after. At that time, Greg and Mike took over operating the family farm in Polo. In 1987, Greg was recruited into law school by the firm that handled the farm financial matters, so later that year the family pulled up roots and moved to Fayetteville, Ark., where his new career would begin. After five years in Arkansas, the family returned to Illinois and settled in Joann’s hometown of Princeton, where he began his private law practice. Greg was elected for a term as president of the Illinois State Bar Association. He was licensed to practice in five states and federal court and has ongoing farm law cases all over the area. In Princeton, the family became involved in the Civil War re-enactments where Greg served as president for four years. At that time the family started tracing the families’ genealogy. Greg became involved with the Patriot Guard Riders which ultimately became a driving force in his life. In under a year, he was named as a ride captain and shortly after promoted to senior ride captain for Northern Illinois. This was a passion that he shared with his family, his brothers and his parents, as they all would attend missions together on many occasions in several states. Greg also was involved in coaching girls softball and many family activities. He loved his family, the outdoors, his motorcycle and anything to do with the Teton Mountains. He will be missed by many. Greg was the AgLaw liaison for the Illinois State Bar Association since 1995 and served as chairman from 1999-2000. He was the senior ride captain for the Northern Illinois Patriot Guard Riders since March of 2006 (BSS). He also was an active member of the Shadows of the Blue and Gray Civil War Committee since 1996, serving as chairman from 2001-2006, and was a summer softball coach. Greg is survived by his wife, Joann of Princeton; his daywife, Belinda Klien of Cherry; his children, Stacy (Darrin) Hill of Lacon, Lauren and Megan of Princeton, Dylan (Danielle) of Baileyville and Joseph, Michael, Frances and Jackson of the Home; his parents, Wilbur and Evelyn of Polo; his grandmother, H. Lucile Wales of Polo; his siblings, Jeff (Annette) of Greenwood, Ind., Rod (Cathy) of Lexington, Ky., Mike (Kim) of Forreston, Stephanie (Fred) Schmidt of Madisonville, Texas, and Paul (Julie Ann) Coggins, of Mauston, Wis.; and numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Mary Alice Makransky; and his nephew, Timothy N. Bowman. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at St Louis Church, Princeton, with Father Ed Harkrader officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at Norberg Memorial Home, Princeton. Private burial will be at a later date. A memorial fund for Greg’s children has been established at Citizen’s First National Bank, Princeton. Taken from: The Dixon Telegraph, Thursday, September 13, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1 - 2
CLARENCE F. BRANDAU
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 27, 1997 - Thursday, pg A2
Tampico: - Clarence F. Brandau, 81, of Rural Route 1, Tampico, died Tuesday, March 25, 1997, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling.
Funeral srevices will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown, with the Rev. Jeffrey Clements, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Yorktown Cemetery, Yorktown. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Arrangements were completed by Garland Funeral Home, Tampico. A memorial has been established for St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown, or the Tampico Rescue Unit.
Mr. Brandau was born May 19, 1915, in Tampico, the son of Henry and Emma (Berge) Brandau. He married Eleanore Carlsen on Dec. 15, 1943, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Yorktown. He was a graduate of Tampico High School. He farmed in the Tampico area prior to retiring in 1982. He was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Brotherhood, former trustee of the church, and former drainage commissionr.
Survivors include his wife, Eleanore of Tampico; one daughter, Kathy (Ronald) Kelly of Tampico; three grandchildren, Steve (Nora) Kelly, Karla Kelly and Mark Kelly; one great-grandson; and one brother, Leo (Ruth) Brandau of Sterling.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
EMMA M. BRANDAU
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois
March 14, 1977 - Monday, pg 4 col 3
Funerl services were conducted by the Allen-Schmitt Garland Funeral Chapel in Tampico for Mrs. Emma M. Brandau, on Friday at 2 p.m. at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Yorktown, with the Rev. Dr. Joel O. Rustad, pastor, officiating. Burial was in Yorktown Cemetery.
Wilma Koenig played the organ for the service, while Mrs. Elaine Hilger sang.
Pallbearers were: Richard Brandau, Robert Brandau, Robert Brophy, Donald Brophy, Larry Sandrock, and Loren Sandrock.
Church ushers were: Gerry Frank and Kenneth Frank, Caring for flowrs wre: Mrs. Bea Hanson and Mrs. Margaret Kelly and Hillcrest Florists.
John Whitebread Brown
Taken From the Henry Republican
March 16, 1882
Died in Milo, Bureau county, March 4, John Whitebread Brown, 80 years, 10 monts, 3 days, father of Stephen C. Brown of this city (Henry).
Mr. Stephen C. Brown buried his father in Milo on March 5, who passed away at the venerable age of almost 81. He was a native of Lancashire, Eng., but had lived in this country about 50 years. He moved into Milo in 1840, and was one of its best and most substantial farmers. Five children survive him. He was naturally a robust man, coming of long lived stock, his grandfather living to be 108, and then was killed by an accident. The funeral was conducted from the house by Rev. M. Chamberlain, the Episcopal rector of Tiskilwa.
Mrs. John Brown
Taken From the Henry Republican
September 22, 1881 - Milo
Mrs. John Brown of Milo, parted this life September 14. Funeral the 15th, conducted by Rev. Bardon of Bradford. Mrs. Brown was born in Akrington, Lancanshire, England, June 20, 1807, being upward of 74 years when she died. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were married at Frankport, Pa., December 17, 1836 and moved to this state in 1841. Mrs. Brown has been a member of the Baptist church for almost half a century.
SANFORD L. BROWN
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 28, 1967 - Tuesday, pg 2
Rites Conducted For Sanford L. Brown
Hooppole: - Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the Wilson Funeral Home in Annawan for Sanford L. Brown, 83, of Hooppole. The Rev. Earl Thompson, pastor of the Annaway Community Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in the Yorktown Cemetery.
Sanford L. Brown was born July 7, 1883 in Yorktown Township and lived in the Hooppole area. He had been a patient in the Kewanee Public Hospital the past several weeks, where he died Feb. 22.
He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Jim Nelson and a son, Gilbert, both of Rt. 2, Prophetstown; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter.
Browning
TAKEN FROM THE HENRY REPUBLICAN
March 4, 1875
Neighborhood News - Mineral
The night express of the C. R. I. N. P. R. R. jumped the track two miles west of Sheffield, killing a man by the name of Browning, lightly injuring 15 or 16 more. The night of the 23rd, two freight trains collided killing a man employed on the train, name unknown.
MARY LOUISE BRYAN
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 1, 1977 -
Monday, pg 4
Mary Louise Bryan, 51, of Lincoln Hotel Apt., Sterling, died Saturday at her home Funeral services will be held Wednesday at the Sellers Funeral Home in Chambersburg, Pa. Burial will be in the Norland Cemetery in Franklin County, Pa. Visitation will be held today from 1-3 p,.m at the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home. She was born Nov. 25, 1925 in Pa., the daughter of Arthur and Nora Rhodes Brigss. She was an employee of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Survivors include her mother, two sons, Jim and Alby of Pa.; one daughter, Mrs. James (Shirley) Garner of Pa.; six brothers, Charles Briggs of Rock Falls, Kenneth Briggs of Aurora, James and Paul Briggs of Pa., Roy Briggs of Ohio and Jack Briggs of Ga.; and a sister, Mildred Keefer of Pa. She was preceded in death by her father, and husband, Jenner Bryan.
Mrs. Bryant
American Freeman (Prairieville, Wisconsin)
July 28, 1847
The mother of William Cullen Bryant, the poet, died recently at Princeton, Illinois. She was a native of Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Annabelle Presnell (nee Burdsall)
Apr 14, 1972 Sterling Gazette - Donated by Margaret Mangers
Services Set for Annabelle Presnell
Manlius – Annabelle Presnell, 45, Manlius, died Thursday at her home.
Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Howard Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Ralph Faber officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Prophetstown. Friends may visit the funeral home fro 7-9 p.m. Saturday. Mrs. Presnell was born March 14, 1927, at Prophetstown , the daughter of Elwood and Tillie Frankenfield Burdsall. She married Clifford Presnell April 13, 1946, in San Antonio, TX. Survivors include her husband, one son, David, Sterling; one daughter, Mrs. Roy (Carolyn) Wagstaff, Patoka, and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Children of Samuel Burnside
Taken From the Henry Republican
May 20, 1880 - Milo
Died, May 9th and 10th, two of Samuel Burnside's children, of diphtheria. Mr. Burnsides is very sick with the same disease.
Mrs. Rachel C. Byers
Taken From the Marshall County Republican
February 28, 1867
Died in Whitefield, on Wednesday morning, February 13th of consumption, Mrs. Rachel C. Byers, in the 37th year of her age. The subject of this notice was born in Ohio county, West Virginia. Was baptised in infancy by Dr. James Hervey and united in early life with the Wheeling church under his pastorial care. Of which church, she continued a member till she with the rest of the family removed to Whitefield, Illinois. She there connected herself with the Mansfield church and remained a member until death. Her last end was peace. She expressed herself as willing to die, but was somewhat concerned for the temperal welfare of the children committed to her care. Her last words to her children were “Be good and meet me in heaven.”