ROBERT CHEESEMAN - At his home a few miles west of Milledgeville, on Monday, Aug. 31, 1896, Robert Cheesman, aged 78 years, 5 months, and 26 days. Robert Cheeseman was born of God-fearing parents on March 5, 1818 at Tonbridge, Kent Co., England. As a son he was always dutiful and obedient having, as a child, the fear of God in his eyes. While as a boy, he was like other boys, yet he ever to the day of his death scorned a lie or a mean act, and it is truthfully said of him by his brothers and others who have known him from boyhood, up, that he never was heard to usea a bad word, nay, not even so much as a byword. His occupation was that of a miller. In 1839 on Dec. 7, he was united in marriage to Susan Ingrams, with whom he lived a little over fifty-seven years, when the dea Lord called her home a few weeks in advance of her beloved companion. In 1858 he came to America, at first settling at Chamber's Grove, Carroll county, but in the spring of 1865, he purchased the present homestead. It was here that their first great trouble came, when they were called upon to part with their youngest daughter Nellie. Truly we can feel in our hearts and know that dear mother and father and sister Nellie are enjoying sweet communion and companionship with the dear Savior they all loved so well. Mr. Cheeseman's parents were members of the Ebenezer Baptist Chapel at Tonbridge, and from a very early age, the subject of this obituary was a constant and regular attendant upon the menas of grace. He was a man of very regular and methodical habits, not given to much talking, and a man who was never known to gossip or interfere in his neighbor's business. Under the guidance of that watchful Providence, in whom he so thoroughly trusted, he raised a large family of eleven children, of which eight are now living; and acquired a comfortable competence. During all his, at times, severe suffering he was never heard to complain but he was buoyed up and stayed by his unfaltering trust in that dear Savior, who had been his daily companion and whom he served in thought and act so faithfully. He never feared death and many times, after a season of sweet communion with his Savior, he has been heard to wish that it might be God's will to call him home that he might be forever with the Lord. He lived a pure and stainless life, actuated always by a desire to do right by all men, and in all things he sought to know and do the dear Lord's will. He trusted Him, communed with Him and sought Him daily. WHile there is but one perfect man, yet in his moral life, we feel to say from our in... acter that he possed all the virtues and none of the vices. No oath or byword, or word that could not be said in the presence of his mother, wife, or daughters was ever heard from his lips. Since the loss of his dear partner he has frequently said his work was done, he had nothing to live for and wished th Lord would now take him home for said he, "I am prepared." This is a blessed consolation, born of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that we, his children, and all who love Christ truly may know that we are saved. In this our double hour of sorrow, it is a sheet anchor to our souls to know that both mother and father knew and could so positively say, "I am prepared, I am ready to go". The end came very quietly and peacefully about five o clock on Monday evening, August 31. It would seem that the dear Savior granted his wish that his end might be like dear mothers for both literally fell asleep without a sigh or a groan or any suffering, but a sweet sleep in the arms of Jesus. Oh, what a glorious meeting of father and mother. Shy should we mourn? That our lives may be like dear father's and that we may meet them is the earnest wish of the writer. The funeral services were held Wednesday, September 2, 1896, at eleven o'clock in the Baptist church. Rev. F.L. Baldwin officiated and, as Mr. Cheesman had requested, he read the fourteenth chapter of St. John's gospel and took his text from the sixth verse. The remains were interred in the Bethel cemetery.

RUSSELL CHEESEMAN ,38, died Thursday, December 13, 1951 at 8:30 a.m. at his farm southeast of Polo. He was born November 27, 1913, the son of Harvey and Ethel (Schryver) Cheeseman. He is survived by his widow, Marian Cross, daughter, Donna, his mother, Mrs. Ethel Cheeseman, all of Polo, and a sister, Veva, of Rockford. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Thelma. Mr. Cheeseman was a member of the Polo IOOF lodge. The body was taken to the Melvin funeral home. Funeral arrangements will be announced.
Contributed by Alice Horner - The Dixon Telegraph

SUSAN (INGRAMS) CHEESEMAN the daughter of John and Ann Ingrams, of Sundridge, Kent County, England. She was born Setp. 11, 1820. On the 7th of December, 1839, she was married to Robert Cheeseman, ___ Tonbridge, Kent County, England where she lived until the summer of 1858, when they set sail for their new home in America. They came directly to Carroll county, Illinois, where they permanently settled, and she and her husband have lived and worked together for each other's happiness and comfort, as well as for that of their family of four sons and seven daughters of whom eight now remain to mourn the loss of their best and dearest friend. Mrs. Cheeseman, after leading a very active life, was obliged to lay aside the more active duties about five years ago, since which time, she has been gradually failing, until about tow years ago, when she suffered from paralysis of the throat, which precluded the possibility of talking and almost entirely prevented her from swallowing food, causing at times very great suffering. During all her life and especially during her severe sufferings, she had looked confidently forward to meeting her Savior and those of her family who have gone before. Hers was the simple trusting faith of a child, - she loved her Savior and it has been her constant theme for years to talk with her family of the Master, and bid them prepare for his coming. Her happy, cheerful and consistent christian life brought her many dear friends, both in her old home and in the new; and now, after fifty-seven years of married life, her husband is called upon to mourn the loss of a dear and tried companion, and the children, the loss of the best of mothers. Her fatal sickness was not of a character to indicate the nearness of the end, or even to require the services of a physician until Sunday afternoon, last, at three o'clock, when it was deemed advisable to call in her family physician, Dr. Gray, which was done. His medicine appeared to relieve her so much so, that she ate her supper as usual with the rest. About eight o'clock Sunday evening, she arose from her chair and walked to her bedroom to retire for the night, but as soon as she reached the bedroom she was taken with a fainting spell from which it was impossible to rally her. At. 8:45 Sunday evening, August 2nd she entered upon her eternal rest. Her death was indeed a sweet sleeping in the arms of that precious Savior whom she loved so well and whom she so consistently served. Funeral services were conducted at the house at one o'clock, Wednesday, August 5, Rev. J. E. Noftsinger, of the Baptist church, officiating. Interment took place at he Bethel Cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated August 2, 1896 Scrapbook Clipping

VEVA CHEESEMAN of Rockford, formerly of Polo, was pronounced dead on arrival at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford, Wednesday, afternoon, January 7, 1970. She died following an extended illness. She was born May 31, 1902 in Eagle Point Township, near Polo, daughter of Harvey and Ethel (Schryver) Cheeseman. There are no immediate survivors. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Brown-Seidel Funeral Home here. The Rev. Robert Holmes, pastor of Polo United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Elkhorn United Methodist Cemetery, near Polo. Friends may call from 7 to 8 tonight at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois January 8, 1970

NORMAN L. COATNEY , age 71, of Mount Carroll, Illinois, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2005 in Mt. Carroll. Funeral Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Reverend Robert Ziebarth of the Mt. Carroll First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, with full Military Rites. Friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2005 at the Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in Norm’s memory. Norm was born June 17, 1934 in Prairie Town, Illinois, the son of Kenneth and Hulda (Knoche) Coatney. He graduated from Bunker Hill High School, Bunker Hill, Illinois Class of 1952. He was a graduate of Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. Norm attained his Masters Degree at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois. Norm served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 48th Field Artillery Battalion. On June 7,1959, Norm married Sharon Halsall in Galva, Illinois. Sharon passed away April 7, 2000. Norm dedicated thirty years to Teaching and Administration in the Carroll County Illinois Schools. He held membership and served as President in the Carroll County Retired Teachers Association; the Savanna Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2223 and the Mt. Carroll American Legion Post #67. Norm was a former President of the Hospice of Northwest Illinois. Norm was an avid outdoorsman and an active member of Ducks Unlimited. Norm will be deeply missed by his daughter, Jennifer (Kenneth) Lucas of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; two sons, Rhett (Keller) Coatney of Thomson, Illinois and Kurt Coatney of Savanna, Illinois. four grandchildren, Chad, Lydia, Brock and Samuel; brother, Maurice (Dee) Coatney of Godfrey, Illinois ; and a sister, Kathleen Dubblede of Bethalto, Illinois. Norm is preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, his parents and a brother.

SHARON (HALSALL) COATNEY , 63, of Mount Carroll died Friday, April 7, 2000 at her home. She was born November 30, 1936 in Galva to Ralph and Hazel (Peterson) Halsall. She graduated from Galva High School with the Class of 1954 where she was active as a cheerleader, band member and student council. She attended Illinois State University and graduated from Western Illinois University in 1959. One June 7, 1959 she married Norman Coatney. She taught elementary school for 35 years, the last 27 years in the Chadwick and Mount Carroll School Districts . She was active in the Mount Carroll community, most recently with the Mount Carroll P.E.O. Chapter and the Carroll County Retired Teachers Association. She enjoyed playing golf and ballroom dancing. In recent years her summers were spent on the Mississippi River , fishing, sunbathing, and spending time with her family and grandson. During winter months, she enjoyed watching Bulls basketball and Bears football. She especially enjoyed runaway weekends with her husband. Her family said she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher. Many of her past students remained in contact with her. Her family said she always remembered each one and could tell something about them, even though they are now in their 30s. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Rhett (Keller) of Thomson and Kurt (Candy) of Mount Carroll ; one daughter, Jennifer (Ken) Lucas of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin; one grandson, Chad ; one sister, Joanne Girven of Port Byron and one brother, Roger (Linda) Halsall of Lafayette. Preceding her in death were her parents, an infant granddaughter, Alexis Marie and a nephew, Jay. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll with the Rev, Nancy Rethford of the Mount Carroll United Methodist Church and Pastor Dar Cunningham of the First Baptist Church of Mount Carroll officiating, Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Mount Carroll. Friend may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ORVILLE COLE , The community was startled and grieved Wednesday evening by the intelligence that Orville Cole, the thirteen year old nephew of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Kelly met sudden death by falling into a well at their home. About 6 o'clock Wednesday evening Orville was missed by his relatives and after a few minutes search, Mr. Kelly found the boy's shoes and stockings lying at the edge of the well near the house. On looking down he saw the body of the boy in the water, and thinking he was only sitting there for amusement, called for him to come up. Not receiving a response, it dawned upon Mr. Kelly that the boy had been drowned,, and he was so overcome with horror that his beloved boy, for he regarded Orville as his own son, was drowned, that he was helpless to proceed. Help was summoned and the body taken out. It was thought that ____ not yet extinct, and every effort was made to revive the boy, but to no _____ . It is supposed that the boy went down into the well in search of crickets that had fallen in to the well, and that in some manner he was overcome by gas or injured himself so that he was unable to climb out of the water. Orville was a very bright boy, and loved by all who knew him. He came to Norman about two years ago from Kansas City, where his mother, Mrs. Kelly's sister, resides, and has since made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Kelly, who are grief stricken at the sad fate of him whom they adored. Mrs. Cole arrived in the city Thursday night. The funeral se was held at the residence at two o'clock Friday and the remains were interred in the Odd Fellows' cemetery. Rev. Ferguson conducted the services. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - The Norman Transcript Sept 3, 1896 Free Press Scrapbook Clipping

ROYAL EDWIN COLE , 67, Market Street, Shannon, died Friday Mar 15, 1974 in his home after suffering an apparent heart attack. Mr. Cole, a school bus driver, had completed his morning run, but did not report to work in the afternoon. He was found dead in his living room at 4 p.m. by a son, Robert. Survivors include his widow, Maude, two daughters, Mrs. Betty PICKING, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Mrs. Jean STURTEVANT, Tempe, Ariz.; two sons, Robert, Shannon and Donald L., Chandler, Ariz.; two sisters, Mrs. Hattie GABRIEL, and Mrs. Mayme (sic) BAKER, both of Freeport, and several grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in Bethel United Methodist Church of Shannon. The Rev. Russell Coats, pastor, officiated. Burial was in Brethren Cemetery at Shannon.
Contributed by Julie Wirgau his grandaughter

PRESTON COLLIN , of Savanna, a former resident of the Mount Carroll area, died at his home Monday morning, February 27, 1961. He was born May 4, 1892 in Bolton, Illinois, the son of George and Mary (Rosenstiel) Collin. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Koeller of Shannon; four sons, Harvey of Mount Carroll, Emerson of Dakota, Benny of Rockton, and Gary of Savanna; nine grandchildren; two brothers and one sister. (Alice Horner’s note: The obituary of Preston Collin’s second wife, Hazel (Polhill) Yeager, gives Benny Collin’s name as Dennis Collin; I don’t know which name is correct.) Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Frank Funeral Home with Rev. Cyrus Pollard, pastor of Mount Carroll Church of God, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. this evening.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois February 28, 1961

LEONARD J. COLLINS , of Mt. Carroll, IL passed away on Friday, November 28, 2008 at Big Meadows Nursing Facility, Savanna, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the First Baptist Church, Mt. Carroll, Pastor Bob Ziebarth will officiate. Visitation will be held 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the First Baptist Church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Leonard was born in Bethalto, IL on December 30, 1935 to Leonard C. and Thursa (Aud) Collins. Leonard married Charlene Babcock on February 20, 1965 in St. Charles, IL. After retiring from General Mills in 1994, Leonard and Charlene spent a couple of years traveling before moving to Mt. Carroll, IL from their home in Maple Park IL. Leonard made the most of his retirement by volunteering at Good Samaritan’s Nursing Home and by making hundreds of wooden angels that he donated to the residents of the nursing home. Leonard loved all animals, especially his dog Blue, and his children, Lorraine (John) and Tony (Katherine Paulson), and grandchildren, Sean and Caitlin Enos. Leonard is remembered by the many happy trips to the zoo and to watch the eagles on the Mississippi river. Leonard was blessed by the many friends he made throughout his life and he treasured these friendships and by his family. He and Charlene treasured the visits and cards made by these friends during his battle with cancer. His deep Christian faith was exemplified by the love and grace by which he lived his life and served as an example to others. Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jerry and Eugene Collins. He is remembered with love by many nieces and nephews and by his sisters-in-law. May God bless all who knew him and thanks to all who shared our lives.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

MEREDITH G. (SCHRUNK) COLLINS , age 87, of Savanna, Illinois passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at FHN Memorial Hospital, Freeport, Illinois. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, Illinois. Pastor Michael Jones will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna, Illinois. A general memorial fund has been established in Meredith's memory. Meredith was born on December 14, 1918, the daughter of Wayne and Odessa (Teasdale) Schrunk in Savanna, Illinois. Meredith graduated from Savanna High School in 1936. She married John H. Collins on July 5, 1945 in Morrison, Illinois. John passed away on June 20, 1990. Meredith worked as a storeroom clerk for the Eaton Corporation in Savanna, Illinois, for over nineteen years, retiring in 1982. She enjoyed crocheting, word search books, crosswords, hunting for morel mushrooms and fishing. Meredith will be deeply missed by two daughters, Vicky (Don) Dixon of Savanna, Illinois, Judy Getz of Savanna, Illinois; two sons, Richard (Barb) Collins of Savanna, Illinois, Michael (Janice) Collins of Muscatine, Iowa; nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Meredith is preceded in death by her husband John; and one sister, Gladys Wilson.

IRENE (SHILEY) COMBS , 85, of Sacramento , California died Tuesday, November 16,1999. A native of Lanark , Illinois she was born December 6, 1913, the daughter of Harry and Lucy Shiley. She and Harold Combs were married 52 years. Survivors include three children, Kim Combs of Stockton, Dean Raish of Denver, Colorado, and Sandra Thompson of Los Angeles, California; two sisters, Mary Boyd of Savanna and Iva Hartman of Clinton, Iowa; one brother, Darwin Shiley of Dixon; seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. A graveside service was held Friday, November 19, 1999 at Sunset Lawn Memorial Park in Sacramento , California
Contributed by Alice Horner

CLARA (SCHRIENER) CONRADY passed away at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Schreiner on Friday [01/04/1929] evening a 10 o’clcok. Mrs. Conrady had been in poor health for the past year, and gradually failed till death relived her of her sufferings on Friday evening. Mrs. Conrady was born here, and spent all her life in this community. She was about 48 years of age, and leaves to mourn her departure, her son, Ivan Conrady; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Schreiner, the following brothers and sisters: Levi Schreiner; Mrs. Christie Geison; Harry Schreiner; Lester Schreiner of this place; Robert Schreiner of Chicago; Raymond Schreiner and Chester Schreiner of Savanna; Mrs. Harry Kirkey of Waterloo, Iwoa, and Mrs. Irvin Edgerton of Hanvoer. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon, and interment was made at the Chadwick cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Gazette, January 7, 1929

ROBERT COPENHAVER of 131 Elms St., Hallsville, Mo; age 66, formerly of Polo, died Friday (08 Sep 1989) at his home. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lanark Cemetery with Dr. James Gillespie officiating. There will be no visitation. Benson-Brown-Seidel Funeral Home of Polo is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established. Mr. Copenhaver was born Dec. 16, 1922 in Polo, the son of Robert and Mary Johnson Copenhaver, Sr. He married Esther Copenhaver in Lanark. She preceded him in death. He is survived by one brother, James of Lake Forest; and one sister, Mrs. Helen Terry of Mt. Ayr, Iowa.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 11, 1989 - Monday, pg A2

CHARLES CRAIG , lifelong resident of Mount Carroll, passed away at 4:40 Monday afternoon, February 28, 1944, following a heart attack. He was born August 15, 1882 in Mount Carroll, to Gilbert M. and Mary A. (Hild) Craig. Surviving are his son, Adam Craig, serving in the U. S. Navy and stationed at Sampson, New York; two daughters, Mrs. Carl Bailey of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Mrs. Clifford Shibley of Chadwick; two sisters, Mrs. John Sack of this city, and Mrs. Frank Diehl of Proving Grounds, Illinois. His wife preceded him in death. Funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30 at the Frank Funeral Chapel and interment will be made at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois February 29, 1944

EFFIE CRAIG , passed away at her home in Mount Carroll Friday afternoon, March 15, 1935, following a prolonged illness. Her death was due to heart trouble. Mrs. Craig is survived by her husband, three daughters, Miss Ruby Craig, at home, Mrs. Clifford Shibley of Chadwick, and Mrs. John Thompson of Lanark, one son, John Craig, at home, and three brothers, George Kramer and Jacob Kramer of Mount Carroll, and Adam Kramer, who resides in Nebraska. Funeral services are to be held at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the hom, Rev. R. H. Seitner officiating/ Burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois March 16, 1935

ISABELLE "BELLE" CRAIG , 57, died suddenly about 8 o'clock Sunday night at the Craig family home, south of Mt. Carroll. She had been playing a phonograph while her mother, Mrs. Mary Craig, was in an adjoining room. Upon her return the mother found Miss Craig on the floor dead. She apparently died from a heart attack. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the John Sack residence in Mt. Carroll, Rev. J.H. Fetterolf of the Baptist church will officiate and burial will be made in Oak Hill cemetery. Miss Craig was born in Mt. Carroll on Dec. 17, 1880, the daughter of Gill and Mary Craig. She leaves besides her mother, one brother, Charles of Mt. Carroll and two sisters, Mrs. John Sack,of Mt. Carroll and Mrs. Frank Diehl, of Lanark.
Freeport Standard Journal 20 June, 1938

MARY ANN CRAIG , 82, died here Sunday at 1:25 p. m. in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Sack, Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the Sack home, with burial in Oak Hill cemetery. Mary Ann Craig was born Sept 20, 1857, in Oakville community south of here, the daughter of Catherine and Conrad Hild. She is survived by two daughters. Mrs. Sack and Mrs. Prank Diehl of Lanark; one son, Charles, of Mt. Carroll. She was preceded in death by her parents, sis brothers, two sisters, three children and her husband. Gilbert M. Craig who died April 26, 1926.
Journal Standard 22 July 1940

NELLIE M. (LaSHELLE) CREIGHTON , 78, died on Friday, September 10, 1993 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Davenport , Iowa . She was born to John R. and Rose Ellen (Warfield) LaShelle on August 19, 1915 in York Township , Carroll County , Illinois . On March 16, 1937 she married George R. Creighton in Savanna. He died on September 5, 1965. Mrs. Creighton worked at Eaton in Savanna until her retirement in 1978. She loved to garden, embroider, sew, and craft work. Also, she was an avid Bingo player. She is survived by three daughters: Pamalee Eninger of Alexandria , VA ; Lana Woodard of Port Byron; and Melodie Creighton of Specer , Iowa ; one son, John J. Creighton of Chesapeake, Maryland; one brother, Floyd LaShelle; one step-daughter, Darlene Clare; one step-son, George Creighton Jr.; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and twelve step-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, and one sister and one step-daughter. Services were held on September 13, 1993 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Thomson. Burial took place at the Lower York Cemetery , Thomson
Contributed by Alice Horner - Sept 15, 1993 Prairie Advocate

GEORGE D. CRONCE - Died in Mt Carroll, Carroll county, Ill. February 10th (1864) of scarlet fever, GEORGE D., son of br. Samuel and sister Leah CRONCE, aged 7 years, 11 months, 10 days. Funeral services by the brethren.
Contributed by Carol Parrish - with thanks to Dennis from "The Monthly Gospel Visitor" (1851-1873)