To The
Carroll County Obituaries
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MAGGIE WALTERS died of puerporal convulsions on Wednesday at 10 o'clock a. m. January 16 at Milledgeville after a short illness of about thirty even hours. She ate supper as well as usual and was attacked between eight and nine o'clock p.m. on Monday night with convulsions, having fifty in number. Mrs. Maggie Walters was born Nov. 3rd, 1859 in Green co., Ohio, was married to J. Howard Walters Oct. 4th, 1882, and they have lived in this place since their marriage. She leaves a husband, mother and two sisters to mourn her loss. This bereaved family may rest fully assured they have the deepest heartfelt sympathy of this entire community in this their sad and sudden bereavement. The funeral service took place on the following day at 1 o'clock p.m. at the M. E. church Eld. Brown, assisted by Rev. Satterfield conducted the services which were very impressive and largely attended. The bereaved family return their heartfelt thanks for the close attention and kindness bestowed for which they will ever feel grateful to their many friends.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - 1883 hand written date

DR. THOMAS HENRY WALTERS was born in Loudon Co., Virginia, on March 7, 1823 an died at his home in Milledgeville on April 11, 1898 at the age of 75 years 1 month and 4 days. He was a son of Mahlon and Elizabeth Wlters and was of a family of eight children, four brothers and four sisters. Two brothers and a sister are now living. In March 1834, the family moved to Ohio and settled at Frederickstown in Knox Co., where the mother died. It was here that the doctor was educated and spent his early years. He graduated in medicine in Cincinnati and began the practice of his chose profession in 1842. On March 21, 1850, he was married to Miss Annie Marie Ely, with whom he was permitted to live only five years when she died. Two children, Howard and Veta were born of this union. Howard is still living, the daughter is dead. He was again married to Mary Wilson, now also deceased. One son, Willie, still living, was born of this second marriage. He moved to Illinois in 1863 and in 1870 he was married to Jane Haws. Two children, a son and a daughter were born to them, both of who are dead. In 1869 he was married to Marie Thorp who survives him. There remains therefore to mourn his departure a wife, two sons, two brothers and a sister. Religiously he was reared in the faith of the Friends, or Quakers. He was of deep religious convictions and lived a faithful and consistent life and gathered around him many warm friends who will miss the quiet, sincere greetings they were wont to receive in meeting one whom they had learned to love. He practiced medicine about 48 years, living in Milledgeville since 1871, where he was also interested in the drug business until the time of his demise. He was in poor health the last several years and often suffered much from the afflictions, but scarcely ever complained. He was very patient, courteous and kind to all. He was a firm believer in the goodness of God and immortality of man, of which he oft conversed with me. - Rev. Talley. The funeral took place at the M.E. Church at 2 p.m. April 13 under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity and was conducted by Rev. J.O. talley, assisted by Rev. Annable and Shadford, after which the remains wer taken to the South Elkhorn Cemetery and there laid to rest.

WILLIAM PENN WALTERS was born in Virginia April 6, 1818, and died at home of his daughter, Mrs. Charley Spencer in Milledgeville September 7, 1906. His age was 88 years, 5 months, and 1 day. Mr. Walters spent his early life in Ohio. His first marriage was to Miss Lydia Lucans. To this union five children were born of whom but one is living, Mrs. J. J. Ports of Dolliver, Iowa. On December 1, 1863, he was married the second time to Miss Lydia Ann Wallace who lives and was present at the funeral. This union was blessed with six children one of whom William N., died when but a child three years old, the other five are living and are George M. Walters, of Erie, Mrs. B. F. Manning of Beloit, Wisconsin, T. F. Walters of Oregon, Mrs. Virda Ryan of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Mrs. Fannie Spencer of Milledgeville. About forty-two years ago Mr. Walters came to this country from Ohio and settled near the present site of the brick church. He lived there about five years and then moved to Missouri where he lived about fifteen years returning to Illinois and settling in Elkhorn Grove about twenty-two years ago. For a number of years Mr. Walters has been making his home with his children, the last eight months of his life being spent with his daughter, Mrs. Spencer where he died and where the funeral services were conducted Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Death came to him in a quiet peaceful manner Friday morning after having eaten his breakfast and talked with the family as brightly as usual. He had been in poor health for some time. His death can be attributed only to his old age. Besides his wife and the children named he also has one brother, John Walters, living in Ohio and a large number of grandchildren. In his religious belief Mr. Walters was a Quaker in which faith he was raised and to which his parents, sister and brothers held during their lives. The funeral was conducted by Rev. M. A. Witter. Interment at Brick church cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

ALBERT WARFEL , a retired utility company official, died Friday at home of an apparent heart attack. Mr. Warfel was local superintendent for Commonwealth Edison Co. when he retired in 1955. His father once ran the locally owned electric light plant before the utility became part of the Commonwealth Edison system. He was born Aug. 10, 1890 in Ipava, son of Aaron and Louisa (Morehouse) Warfel. He married Hattie Lamoreux in Rock Island June 22, 1914. She died in 1967. He was a member of Lanark United Methodist Church and the Lanark senior citizens group. Surviving are two sons, Randall of Dixon and Stanley of Fort Wayne, Ind., and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, three grandsons and a brother. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Frank Funeral Home, with the Rev. Orville Cole, pastor of Lanark UM Church, officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Contributed by Alice Horner

HATTIE (LAMOREUX) WARFEL : Funeral service for Mrs. Albert (Hattie) Warfel was held today (September 11, 1967) in Lanark Methodist Church with the Rev. John Vanscoy officiating. Mrs. Warfel, a lifelong Lanark area resident, died in her home here Saturday afternoon (September 9, 1967) from an apparent stroke. She was born in Lanark Feb. 11, 1891, daughter of Edwin E. And Alvina Lamoreux. She was married to Albert M. Warfel at Rock Island on June 22, 1914. Surviving are her husband; two sons, Randall E. of Dixon and Stanley L. of Fort Wayne, Ind.; five grandsons; and two brothers, Walter and Russell Lamoreux, both of Lanark. A son, Robert, who was killed in action during World War Ii, preceded her in death. Burial was in Lanark Cemetery. The funeral arrangements were handled by Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. A memorial has been established for Lanark First Methodist Church.
Contributed by Alice Horner

DANIEL WEBSTER The funeral of Daniel Webster aged resident of Clyde Township who died at 5 o'clock Thursday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ray Hines, four and one half miles northwest of Coleta were held at the Christian Church in Thomson at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Burial was in the cemetery at that place (sic Thomson Cemetery?). Mr. Webster was seventy five years old and had been gradually failing for more than a year. His wife preceded him in death six years ago. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Ray Hines where he had made his home for several years.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 25, 1927 - Monday, pg 6

EDITH (COLCORD) DEETS WEBSTER died yesterday afternoon 25 October 1950, at the Linton Home, Sterling where she had been a patient for five weeks. The former Edith Colcord she was the daughter of William and Fianna Colcord and was born Sept. 10, 1866. She lived her entire life in and around Milledgeville and Polo. She was a practical nurse for 35 years. She was married March 10, 1886 to William Deets who died in 1930. She married George Webster Feb. 6, 1934 and he died in 1940. She is survived by two sons, Ward Deets, Rock Falls; two daughters, Mrs. Fern Hardesty, Milledgeville; and Mrs. Doris Good, Danville; three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Becker, Bismarck ND; Mrs. Anita Over, Sterling; and Mrs. Nelle Walzer, San Marino CA. A son Russell Deets preceded her in death as did 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Burial in Bethel cemetery.

JOSEPH WEBSTER was born near North Liberty, Indiana, October 8th 1821, (Headstone says 1822) and died at the home of Mr. Wm. l. Johnston near Milledgeville, Ill., on Friday, October 28th 1898, at the age of 77 years and 20 days. The deceased was a son of James and Mary Webster, he being the third son of a family of 13 children, nine sons and four daughters ow which three brothes and two sisters survive him; six brother and two sisters having preceeded him. Mr. Webster was a pioneer, having come to this country with his parents in the year 1840, where he has since resided until the time of his death. he was a genial man of kind heart and good character, strong in this friendships and honest in all his dealings. he never married. His health has been failing for some time, but the end came suddenly. The immediate cause of death was congestion of the lungs. The funeral services were held at the South Elkhorn Church Sunday Oct. 30th, conducted by Rev. J.O. Talley, after which the remains were laid to rest in the South Elkhorn Cemetery.

JUNE B. (SCHILDWACHER) WEBSTER age 79, of Savanna, Illinois, died Monday, January 23, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in Clinton, Iowa. Interment will take place on Friday, January 27, 2006 at the Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois. A Family Service will take place in the Chapel at the Cemetery prior to interment. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, January 27, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. June was born June 30, 1926, the daughter of Harry and Blanche (Gearhart) Schildwacther in Lanark, Illinois. June enjoyed and loved her family very much. She enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles and playing cards. She worked as an Assembly Technician for General Electric in Morrison, Illinois from 1953 to 1966. June will be dearly missed by her daughter, Crystal (Karl) Getz of Savanna; two grandchildren; Lisa (James) Anderson of Freeport, Illinois and James (Missy) Burkitt of Lanark; eight great grandchildren Sean, Ashley, Kelsey, Alexis, Jessie, Sadie, James and Damon; and three great-great grandchildren, Jakyiah, Samara and Tre; and one sister, Helen Lower of Savanna. June was preceded in death by her son, Robert, three brothers Lloyd, James and Larry; and two sisters, Anna Mae and Thelma.

L.W. WEBSTER an old and highly respected citizen of this township, died on Thursday, July 18 aged 69 years and 9 months. The funeral occurred Friday last. Mr. Webster had lived for many years in this community, and held the well earned esteem of all who knew him.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated 1889 Scrapbook Clipping

ROBERT E. WEBSTER , 54, of Destin and formerly of Lanark, Ill., died Feb. 2 at his home. Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Davis (Ill.) Calvary United Methodist Church with the Rev. Debbie Percell officiating. Private family graveside services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Chapel of Peace at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport, Ill. Visitation will be from noon until the time of the service Friday at the church. The Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Dakota, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

He was born Sept. 6, 1949, in Lanark to Richard K. and June G. Schildwachter Webster. He was a 1967 graduate of Lanark High School. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northern Illinois University in 1972. He was a personal fitness trainer in Destin and was an accountant employed with various businesses in the Rockford, Ill., area. He served as a caddy for many professional golfers, including Lee Trevino, in the Rockford Pro-Am Tournaments. He was a member of Faith Assembly Christian Church, Destin, where he was active in assisting with youth activities. He also served on the Chamber of Commerce in Destin and Fort Walton, Fla. Survivors include his mother, June Webster of Savanna, Ill.; his father and stepmother, Richard (Marlene) Webster of Davis; one sister, Mrs. Crystal (Karl) Getz of Savanna; his paternal grandmother, Florence Webster of the Stephenson (Ill.) Nursing Center; four stepbrothers, Mark (Denise) Jensen of Freeport, Joel (Deb) Jansen of Monroe, Wis., Tim (Kris) Jansen of Rock City, Ill., and Kyle (JoAnn) Jansen of Davis; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Clinton Herald 18 February 2004

SALLY ANN WEBSTER died at the residence of her son George Webster south east of Milledgeville, on Sunday last, of consumption. She was past sixty nine years of age. The funeral took place Tuesday at the Brick church near Eagle Point.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated April 14, 1889 Scrapbook Clipping

ARTHUR WEIDMAN , 80, of Savanna, died Thursday, September 16, 1986 at Savanna City Hospital. He was the owner and operator of Savanna Dry Cleaners. A 58-year member of the Savanna Rotary Club, he was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow. Also he was a member and past president of the Savanna Chamber of Commerce. Weidman was a member of the United Methodist Church of Savanna, past president of the United Methodist Men and a volunteer fireman. Born in Savanna On November 3, 1905 he was the son of Elmer and Elizabeth (Fulrath) Weidman. He married Mildred Doty on May 5, 1926. She died in 1973. On May 15, 1976 he married Yuvonne Schumaker Messmer in Savanna. Surviving are his widow; a daughter, Judith Weidman of New York, N. Y.; a son, Thomas of Augusta, Ga.; three stepdaughters, Sandra Noble and Mrs. Sherri (Jerry) Miller, both of Savanna, and Mrs. Vicki (Don) Mosser of Glendale Heights; two brothers, Francis of Mount Carroll and Allen of Corona Del Mar, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Luvia (Glen) Zugschwerdt of Mount Carroll; and 10 grandchildren. In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by a son. Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church of Savanna. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna.
Contributed by Alice Horner

BLANCHE (MERCHANT) WEIDMAN , 85, of Mount Carroll, died this morning (18 August 1980) at Savanna City Hospital following a short illness. She was a member of Mount Carroll United Methodist Church, Preston Prairie Club, Northwest Illinois Rock Club, and the Carroll County Home Economics Extension. Born Oct. 19, 1894 in Carroll County, she was the daughter of Mr. Mark Albert Merchant and Mrs. Elsie (Petty) Merchant. She married Ward Weidman Jan. 1, 1918. Surviving are one son, Donald, of Morrison; two daughters, Mrs. Lois (Carlos) Toepfer of Mount Carroll and Mrs. Thelma (Charles) Stein of Hales Corners, Wis.; two sisters, Esther Bishop of Chicago and Madge Eden of DeLand, Fla.; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, a daughter, and a brother.
Contributed by Alice Horner

CARL WEIDMAN - Funeral services for Clay Weidman, 86, a resident of this city for 48 years who died Saturday, January 25, 1941 at 1 p.m. were held this afternoon from the home. Rev. E. C. Dolbeer officiated and burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery . (Note: His full name was Henry Clay Weidman.) Clay Weidman was born May 10, 1854 in Rossville , Indiana , the son of Daniel and Maria Weidman. Mr. and Mrs. Weidman were married February 17, 1886, and would have celebrated their 55th anniversary next month. He is survived by his widow; one son, Ward, of Mt. Carroll , two daughters, Mrs. Charles Engles, Lanark, and Mrs. Charles Kessler, Mt. Carroll; a sister, Mrs. William Dresbach of Lanark and a brother, Charles, of New York City.
Contributed by Alice Horner Monday, January 27, 1941 Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport

DELLA MAE WEIDMAN , 56, native of Savanna, died Sunday morning in the home of her father, George H. Weidman, near Clinton, Iowa. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in Clinton with burial in the Savanna Cemetery. She was born May 7, 1896 in Savanna, daughter of George H. and Elizabeth M. (Brown) Weidman, and spent her early life in Savanna. Surviving are her father, a sister, and other relatives.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Chadwick Review, Chadwick, Illinois Thursday, February 7, 1952

FRANCIS WEIDMAN , 83, of Mount Carroll, former executive vice president of Mount Carroll National bank, died Monday, January 18, 1988 at Good Samaritan Nursing Center, Mount Carroll. For 44 years he was in the banking business in Mount Carroll. He was executive vice president of the Mount Carroll National Bank from 1940 to 1969. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Mount Carroll, the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce, the Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star. Born in Carroll County on July 19, 1904, he was the son of Elmer and Elizabeth (Fulrath) Weidman. He married Marjorie Phillips in Mount Carroll on Oct. 8, 1932. Surviving are his widow; two sons, John of Peoria and James of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Alan of Corona Del Mar, Calif.; a sister, Luvia Zugschwerdt of Mount Carroll; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A brother preceded him in death. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Frank Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Len Huff will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. There will be no visitation.
Contributed by Alice Horner

HARRIETTE (SCHUYLER) WEIDMAN - The funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday in First United Methodist Church for Harriette Weidman, 86, of Savanna, who died Tuesday, February 19, 1991 in her home. The Rev. Bill Landis will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service hour Thursday in the church. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery. Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Weidman was born May 17, 1904, in Oconomowoc, Wis., to Floyd and Rose Brent Schuyler. She married Loyal B. Weidman, June 23, 1923, in Savanna. He died in 1987. She was a 1923 graduate of Savanna Township High School, and had been employed as a nurse's aide at the Savanna City Hospital. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Savanna Golden Age Club. Survivors include a daughter, Jeanne Weidman of Savanna; and a son, William of Savanna; a niece and foster daughter, Jill Taplin of Belvidere, Ill.; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Phyllis Welch of Oconomowoc, Wis. She was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.
Contributed by Alice Horner who received it from Erma Krum

LILLIAN MAE (FULRATH) WEIDMAN , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Fulrath, was born on the family homestead about three miles east of Savanna on January 19, 1875 and passed to her reward Wednesday, March 15, 1922 at the age of 47 years, 1 month, and 24 days. Her entire life was spent at the old home until her marriage, on January 19, 1898 to John E. Weidman. To this union was born a son who died in infancy. At the age of 16 she was converted and joined the Center Hill United Brethren church, of which she remained a faithful member until about two years ago, when she transferred her membership to the Methodist church in Savanna. She has been held in highest esteem by all who knew her. She was always ready to assist in any good work, either inside the church or outside. She leaves to mourn her departure a broken-hearted companion, her mother, Mrs. Rachel Fulrath, two brothers and three sisters, one of whom, Mrs. Laura Mae Bolton, was a twin, and with whom there existed the closest bond of affection. The brothers are Lewis H. of Savanna, and Charles E. who resides on the family homestead, together with one sister, Miss Anna Fulrath. Another sister, Mrs. Ida R. Davis, is also a resident of this city. Besides these immediate relatives a number of nieces and nephews to hom in the absence of children of her own, she was especially attached and other relatives, and a host of friends, mourn her death. Surely one of God’s children has been taken from our midst.

MARJORIE (PHILLIPS) WEIDMAN , 84, of Mount Carroll, schoolteacher, died Sunday July 31, 1994 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. Daughter of John and Dorothy (Wilson) Phillips, she was born Monday, Nov. 15, 1909 in Mount Carroll. She and Francis E. Weidman were married Oct. 8, 1932 in Mount Carroll. He died January 18, 1988 in Mount Carroll. She was educated in Mount Carroll public schools and graduated from Frances Shimer College. A schoolteacher, she taught two years in rural Carroll County, including Woodland School. She also taught fifth grade in Prophetstown prior to her marriage and was later a substitute teacher for many years in the Mount Carroll area. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mount Carroll, where she served as president of the administration board and the Women’s Society of the church, and was a Sunday School teacher. She was a member of Mount Carroll’s Community Club. Surviving are two sons, John E. (Marilynn) Weidman of Peoria and James F. (Phyllis) Weidman of Columbus, Ohio; one sister, Betty (William) Doty of Mount Carroll; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One brother preceded her in death. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home in Mount Carroll with the Rev. Bill Blomberg of First United Methodist Church and the Rev. Len Huff, retired, officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for First United Methodist Church, Mount Carroll.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MYRTLE WEIDMAN - Funeral services for Miss Myrtle Weidman, 67, who was killed in an automobile accident at Kingman, Arizona last Thursday, May 18, 1939 will be held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at the Methodist Church in Mount Carroll. Rev. James A. Foard, pastor, will officiate and burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery. Miss Weidman’s survivors include one brother, Clay Weidman, of Mount Carroll and one sister, Mrs. William Dresbach, of Lanark. Bodies of the other three people killed in the same accident were taken to California for burial. They were: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Teeter and their son, John Harlan Teeter, of LaGrange, Illinois. All were on their way to California to see a grandchild born recently to a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Teeter and were killed when their car collided with a truck which failed to stop before entering a highway.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois May 24, 1939
Fatal Accident

RALPH D. WEIDMAN , 84, of Ottawa died November 23, 1999 at OSF Medical Center in Rockford . He was born October 16, 1915 in Savanna. He married Barbara Oak in 1939 in Clinton . She died in 1992. He was employed for 35 years by Burlington Northern Railroad. Surviving are one brother-in-law, Alvin Siedenburg of Mount Carroll ; two nieces, Joyce McKee of Roscoe and Carol Bentley of Mendota and two nephews, Jerry Siedenburg of Freeport and Jim Siedenburg of Potosi , Wisconsin . Services were held Saturday at Pape Funeral Home in Clinton , Iowa . Burial was in Oakland Cemetery , Clinton .
Contributed by Alice Horner

ROBERT F. WEIDMAN - Mt. Carroll relatives have received word of the death of Robert F. Weidman in the Huntsville, Alabama Medical Center on March 10, 1974 after a lingering illness. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Weidman and was born near Mt. Carroll, Oct. 4, 1911. He married the former LaVon Ritenour of Savanna and they were the parents of two children, Robert Mack and Janice Lynn. He was a retired Civil Service employee and had worked at the Savanna Army Depot, Savanna, Sierra Army Depot, Herlong, Calif.; at Parsons, Kan.; and Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Ala. Survivors are his widow, son and daughter and four grandchildren, all of Huntsville; sisters, Mrs. Allen (Nellie) Smith and Mrs. Haven (Margaret) Noser and brother, Raymond Weidman of Mt. Carroll. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 16, 1974 - Saturday, pg 2

CHARLES WELCH , was born in Warren county, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1828, and died at Mt. Carroll, Ill., Nov. 23, 1902, aged 74 years, 10 months and 9 days. He was married to Miss Lydia S. DeGraff, in New York, in 1848. To this union ten children were born, two of whom are dead, those living being John Welch of Salida, Colo., Mrs. Willaim Groharing, York, Ill., Mrs. Erastus Stakemiller, Fullerton, Neb., Mrs. Charles Bricker, Amarillo, Texas, Charles G. and Edward Welch, Mt. Carroll, Mrs. Henry Johnson, Salem, Lewis Welch, Mt. Carroll. He, with his wife and family came to Carroll county, in 1866, and settled at Lanark. He lived there several years, and moved to York township, where he engaged in farming 15 years, moving to Mt. Carroll about 16 years ago, where he has since made his home. Up to about a year ago he was in the best of health, but was at that time attacked with kidney trouble, and has been in failing health ever since, but up to about six weeks ago he had never been in bed from sickness a day in his life. He was a member of the Methodist church for many years and was one of the founders of the M. E. church at Argo. His wife preceded him to the spirit land, having died about three years ago. Mr. Welch was a man of sterling character and without a known enemy. He was honest, earnest, industrious and a man of many admirable qualities, a kind and loving husband, an affectionate father and a first class citizen in every respect, a man who always had a pleasant word and a smile for everbody. Mr. Welch has been making his home with his son Ed. and wife since the death of Mrs. Welch, and he died there Sunday forenoon at 11 o'clock. The funeral will be held from the residence in East Carroll this forenoon, at 10:30 o'clock, the services to be conducted by Rev. C. W. Thornton, pastor of the M. E. church. All of Mr. Welch's children, except Mrs. Bricker, of Texas, were here when he died, and his only living brother, Merritt Welch, of Lincoln, Neb., will arrive this morning to attend the funeral

FERN C. (ELLIOTT) WELCH , 80, Lanark, died Friday, Nov. 4, 1994 in Big Meadows Care Center in Savanna. She was born Dec. 9,. 1913 in Freeport, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Elliott. A graduate of Lanark High School, she attended Mount Morris College. She married Stanley Welch, who preceded her in death in 1959. She was retired from Eaton Corp. She was a member of Lanark Church of the Brethren. Survivors include one son, Jack (Karen) Welch of Lanark; two grandchildren, Kevin (Rena) Welch of Lanark and Kerry Welch of Mount Carroll; and two great grandchildren, Perry and Jordan Welch, both of Lanark. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark, with Pastor Dan Rusmisel of Lanark Church of the Brethren officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for Lanark Church of the Brethren.
Contributed by Alice Horner

GRACE M. (CORBETT) WELSH ,age 83, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, October 31, 2008 at Big Meadows Nursing Facility in Savanna, Illinois. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Private family inurnment will be in Savanna Township Cemetery, Savanna at a later date. Grace was born on August 10, 1925, the daughter of Samuel and Mae (Davis) Corbett in Washington Township, rural Savanna. She attended Savanna area schools. She worked at the Garment Factory for over twenty years as a seamstress on the factory line, and as waitress at Grimms Café in Savanna. Grace married Guy Welsh on August 25, 1985 in Visalia, California. Guy died on December 3, 1999 in Visalia, California. Grace was a volunteer worker with senior citizens. She was a faithful member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Savanna. Grace enjoyed gardening and visiting with shut-ins. But most of all she loved spending time with her friends and family. Grace will be dearly missed by her two step-sons, Lee (Dana) Welsh of Selma, California, Jack (Marsha) Welsh of Canada; one sister, Beulah Pratt of Savanna, one brother, Russell (Joyce) Corbett of Savanna and numerous nieces and nephews. Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Guy; two brothers, Fritz and Wilbur; and three sisters, Helen, Clara, and Emma.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

LEONARD IRVING WIERSON , youngest son of Wier T. and Maria Sheldahl Wierson, was born March 9, 1901 on a farm near Roland, Iowa. He departed this life Oct. 20, at the age of 46 years, 7 months, and 11 days. Mr. Wierson was educated in the Roland schools and attended Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1923. He took his graduate work at the University of Iowa, receiving his masters degree in education in 1932. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Wierson began his chosen profession of teaching. He taught one year in the high school at Kanawka, Iowa, and then went to Lanark, Ill., where he spent the next twenty-two years. Twenty of those were in the capacity of superintendent. A little over a year ago Mr. Wierson moved from Lanark to Lockport, Ill., where he was serving as superintendent of Taft School at the time of his death. Mr. Wierson assumed a very professional attitude towards his work, was progressive and efficient, serving always to the full limit of his ability and strength. He was affiliated with several educational organizations and had served on both state and national committees. He was also affiliated with the Masonic Order of Lanark. On June 26, 1930 Mr. Wierson was united in marriage with Miss Leta May Schafer of Meredosia, Ill. She and a nine year old daughter Sara Jo, survive. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Joseph Online of Ames, Iowa; three brothers, John and Martin, of Ames, Iowa and Andrew of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Wierson was confirmed in the Bergen Lutheran church at Roland at an early age. He later transferred his membership to Trinity Lutheran church at Lanark, Ill. His religion was vital to him and he was active in the affairs of the church serving in whatever capacity his health would permit. He was possessed of a genial disposition and cherished deeply his family, his home, his friends. He was ever considerate of the elderly and the infirm, often going out of his way to perform thoughtful acts of kindness in their behalf. He was loyal to his friends and deeply appreciative of any favor shown him. He was most patient during the long and progressive illness that caused his death, accepting the pain and almost constant suffering with Christian fortitude. He was indeed a true bearer of the Cross, who served his master to his fullest capacity. Funeral services were held at St. John’s Lutheran church at Meredosia, Ill., Thursday afternoon at 2:30 for Leonard I. Wierson of Lockport, Ill. The Rev. Herman Wennermach, assisted by the Rev. Wm. West of Lanark, officiated. Mr. Wierson passed away Monday evening, October 20 at a Joliet hospital. He had spent the day at school and was happily entertaining guests in his home when stricken. Mrs. Leah Wegehoft, with Mrs. Howard Edlen at the organ, sang two favorite selections of the deceased. “The Old Rugged Cross” and “O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go”. The casket bearers, all nephews, were Stanley and Eugene Wierson of Ames, Iowa; Ward Wierson of Roland, Iowa; Clifford Wierson of Marshalltown, Iowa; Huburt Unland of Beardstown, Ill.; and Alvin Unland of Meredosia. The many floral tributes were cared for by Mrs. Lawrence Osheim of Story City, Iowa; Mrs. Genevieve Buck and Mrs. Winnie Shumacher of Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Huburt Unland of Beardstown; Mrs. Burton Chamberlain of Mt. Sterling; Mrs. Charles Wills of Bluffs, Mrs. Howard Rhodes, Mrs. Gilbert Steinberg, Mrs. Alvin Unland and Mrs. Ed Schaefer of Meredosia. Internment was made in Oakland cemetery. Many friends from Lanark and Lockport attended the services.
Contributed by Alice Horner
Note: The way this obituary is written it implies Leonard Wierson began teaching in Lanark after he received his masters degree in 1932. That isn’t so; he must have started the year after he graduated from Luther College, in 1925. The 1930 US Federal Census for Carroll County shows Leonard Wierson as a lodger at the family home of Forest S. Eisenbise on High Street in Lanark, Illinois, near School Street, and shows his date of birth to be “about 1901” and his occupation to be School Administrator.

LIDA (CHAFFEE) WILEY , was born in Waverly NY, June 25, 1849 and died in Lanark IL June 27, 1896 at the of 47 years and two days. Her family moved from New York to Milledgeville, IL when she was about six months old. About two and one half years afterward her mother passed away. She was married to S.C. Wiley, May 1, 1867 and to them was born five children - Grace, Eva, Ella, Roy and George. All fo these are with us today realizing as only husband and children can, the loss of their best friend. Of her family there was one brother, one half brother, and four sisters. Of these the half brother, Mr. V.G. Chaffee, of Milledgeville, and one sister, Mrs. J.B. Hiserodt, of Natchez, Miss, still survive. Also in Milledgeville, two step sisers and her aged steop mother, 80 years old, are left with us on these shores of time. Sister Wiley has lived all her married life right amongst us in our beautiful town excepting one year and a half which she spent in Fairview Iowa. She became a member of the Christian church in this city, in the month of March, 1869 under the ministrations of Bro. Smith and she has remained a faithful member of the same until the day of her death.

WESLEY J. WILKERSON , age 64, of Savanna, Illinois died Saturday, June 21, 2003 at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God, Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Cremation will follow. Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 p.m. Monday, June 23 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. A memorial fund has been established. Wes was born January 9, 1939 in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Wesley and Amanda (Bean) Wilkerson. He attended school in Mason City, Iowa and was a Clinton, Iowa High School graduate with the class of 1957. He served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1961. On October 14, 1972, Wes married Donna Armstrong at the Little Brown Church of Nashua, Iowa. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. For over 43 years, Wes was involved in the restaurant business. For the past 16 years, he and his wife have owned and operated the Kountry Kettle Restaurant in Savanna. Wes was a former member of the First Baptist Church of Clinton, Iowa, where he served as Sunday school teacher, youth leader, and church treasurer. In more recent years he was actively involved at Northside Church of God, Clinton, Iowa. Through the years he has enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a special touch when it came to cooking, entertaining, landscaping, gardening and remodeling. He loved to travel, dance and play cards or just visit with friends. His friendship and generosity were his obvious "gifts". Survivors include his wife, Donna of Savanna; two daughters, Tara (Blaine) Huston of Fort Benning, Georgia and Amanda Wilkerson of Savanna; four sons, Steven (Renee) Wilkerson of Clinton, Iowa, Keith (June) Wilkerson of Washington, Pennsylvania, Randy Wilkerson of Ames, Iowa, and Kerry (Rose) Wilkerson of Ames, Iowa; and a step-son, Alan Goldensoph of Camanche, Iowa. He was an awesome "Pappa" to 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; four sisters, Freda Hedrick of Mason City, Iowa, Marjorie (Sam) Booth of Ventura, Iowa, LaDonna Wilkerson of Clinton, Iowa and Alberta Wilkerson of Mason City, Iowa; four brothers, Loren (Mary) Wilkerson of Low Moor, Iowa, John (Carol) Wilkerson of Calona, Illinois, David (Jan) Wilkerson of Coralville, Iowa and Charles (Mary) Wilkerson of Clinton, Iowa. Wes was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Comella.
Prairie Advocate June 25, 2003

CHARLES WILLIAMS , was born July 13, 1813, near the town of Milford, in Huntington Co., N. J., and died at his home in Elkhorn Grove, near Milledgeville, Ill., on April 18, 1897, at the age of eighty-three years, nine months and five days. He was married to Miss Frances Robinson, June 14, 1834. There were born to this union three daughters and three sons, of whom there are now living two daughters, Rosanna and Mary, in Plymouth, Pa., and two sons, William, who lives near Milledgeville, Ill., and George, who lives in Iowa. His first wife died in June 1872 and on May 20, 1881, he was again married to Miss Rhoda M. Sites, who still survives him. There was born of this last union one son, Luther. There remains, therefore to mourn his departure, a wife, two daughters, three sons and a very wide circle of friends. The deceased served in the late civil war, having enlisted August 6, 1862, in Company D., one hundred forty-third regiment, third brigade, second division, first army corps, of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was in the following battles; to wit, Gettysburg, Boones borough, Wilderness, Lookout Mountain, Skunk Creek and Chancellorsville. After a faithful service to his country of almost two years, in which he endured with heroic fortitude the hard ships and privations incident to that struggle, he was on account of failing health, honorably discharged on Feb. 27, 1864. In the year 1880, he came to Illinois and settled in Elkhorn Grove, where he resided at the time of his death, in his long and eventful life, he made many friends and it is not known that he ever had an enemy. Industrious steadfast and of the strictest integrity, a man who delighted to do a neighborly kindness, a man whom we might in truth call good. Having passed through troublous times times and vicissitudes of our nation's history, he seemed to feel for the unfortunate and ever entertain for them a sympathy that was wont to speak in act of kindness. His life spanned a period covering more than half the life of our nation. Doubtless he could call to mind the first railway in this country for he ......
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

ELIZABETH V. (SHOEMAKER) WILLIAMS , was born, February 17, 1852, in Eagle Point township and was the daughter of Pearson and Elizabeth Shoemaker. When about fifteen years of age she came with her parents to Polo, Illinois. October 9, 1879, she was married to Eugene Williams. With the exception of a few years spent in Freeport all her life was spent in Polo and vicinity until about five years ago, when on account of failing health, she, in company with her husband went to California. For several years her health seemed to improve but about a year ago her relatives became worried over her condition. All that could be done by a loving husband and a devoted sister was done, but all was of no avail, and she peacefully passed away, Friday, March 4, 1904, at her home in Pasadena, California. The deceased was a true Christian woman and will be sadly missed by her relatives who were near and dear to her. She leaves beside her husband, two brothers and two sisters. The brothers are Harvey Shoemaker of Hazelhurst and Jasper Shoemaker who spends much of his time in California. THe sisters are Mrs. J. B. Buswell of Polo and Miss Sarah Shoemaker who is now in California, but who expects to soon come to Polo to make her home. Elmer, Joseph and Lemuel Shoemaker and Mrs. Mary McPherson have proceeded their sister in death. The funeral services were conduted from the home of her sister, Mrs. J. B. Buswell in Polo, THursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. J. H. More officiating, assisted by Rev. C. K. Carpenter. Very appropriate singing was rendered by the Amphion Quartet. Many and beautiful floral designs. The casket was almost entirely covered by a bank of flowers which were sent from chicago by Dr. Pearson McPherson, a nephew of the deceased. The remains were conveyed to the family burying ground at Eagle Point where they were laid beside those of the family who had gone before. The pall bearers were August Dorman, A. A. O'Kane, James and John Nichols, G. D. Myers and Chas. Shoop. Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Williams of Tama, Iowa; Mrs. Bensenkamp and Henry Antrim of Freeport, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Straka of Milledgeville, Mr. and Mrs. Fred O'Kane of Chadwick and Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Rister of near Lanark.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

EMMA C. (TRIPP) WILLIAMS , 93, of Lanark passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011, at Good Samaritan Nursing Center in Mount Carroll. She was born on Aug. 24, 1918, to Floyd and Ida (Michael) Tripp in Salem Township, Carroll County. Erma married Robert Williams on Aug. 24, 1936, in Freeport. She was employed in the cafeteria at Lanark High School until she retired. She was a member of the Church of the Brethren and the Women’s Fellowship. She enjoyed camping, fishing, and puzzle books. She is survived by: Mina (Wayne) Linker of Chadwick, Linda (Francis) Snider of Milledgeville, and Albert (Bonnie) Williams of Lanark; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandsons; one sister, Mildred Tripp of Sterling; one brother, Allen (Georgia) Tripp of Sterling; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Hazel of Savanna and Florence Tripp of Chadwick. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2003; parents; one granddaughter, Angela Williams; three brothers; and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Church of the Brethren in Lanark, with Pastor John Sgro officiating. Burial will be at the Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established in her memory. Arrangements are by the Russell-Frank Funeral Home.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois August 31, 2011

GRACE (LANNING) WILLIAMS , wife of Rev. W. Clark Williams, pastor of the Mt. Morris Methodist Church from 1930 - 1932 died Jan. 2 at Finlay hospital at Dubuque Ia., after a long period of failing health. The mother of Clark Williams Jr. of Mt. Morris, she was born April 10, 1891 in Savanna, and lived in Thomson, Cherry Valley, Mt. Morris and various other Illinois towns and several in Iowa where her husband served Methodist and Congregational churches. She had been a resident of Dubuque since Nov. 1946. In addition to her husband and son she is survived by two daughters Mrs. J.G. Williams, Story City IA., and Miss Ruth at home and four other sons, Ernest L., Leroy Minn., Paul E., Long Beach, Calif., George A., Iowa City Ia., and David E., Dubuque as well as a brother George E. Lanning, Perry, Ia. Funeral services were held Monday at Summit Congregational church in Dubuque with burial being made in Humboldt Iowa, where the family formerly resided.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 13 January 1948

JAMES B. WILLIAMS , 83, a native of Jo Daviess County and for the past twenty-six years a resident of Mount Carroll, passed away about 5 o’clock Thursday afternoon (January 23, 1941) at his home in Mount Carroll. James Williams was born at Elizabeth December 10, 1858, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Williams. On March 9, 1880 he was united in marriage at Hanover to Miss Matilda Frazier. Mr. Williams spent his entire lifetime in Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. He is survived by his widow, one daughter, Mrs. J. L. (May) Keefer of Davenport, Iowa; one brother, B. F. Williams of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and one sister, Mrs. Lewis Goldthorpe, residing in California. He also leaves eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon from the home in Mount Carroll. Rev. R. H. Seitner will officiate and burial will be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner

JANETT (NEIKIRK) WILLIAMS , wife of Wm. Williams, was born on Jan. 30, 1835, in Washington Co., Maryland, and died at her home near Milledgeville, Ill., Dec. 16th, 1897, at the age of sixty- two years, ten months, and sixteen days. She was the daughter of Manases and Mary Ann Neikirk, who moved from Maryland, arriving in Carroll Co., Ill., in Sept. 1837, when she was only two years old, where she has since resided. She was married to William Williams on August 30th,1859, and the family have lived on the present farm home for 32 years and inthe present residence for 24 years. There was born unto them five children, Emma A., who died when two years old; the living ate Alice M. Wiley, who lives in Leaf River; Amy J.Ports, of Eagle Point. and Walter and Lillie, who live at home. She leaves three brothers, Henry Neikirk, of Colorado; Levi Neikirk and Benjamin Neikirk, and three sisters, Mrs. H. Meyers, Mrs. Samuel Scott and Mrs. James Olin. There remains therefore of the family to mourn their Loss, a husband, three daughters, one son, and three sisters and three brothers. The deceased was fond of home, which she always tried to make pleasant by living a good life in it. She was, a good wife and a kind mother; was esteemed by her neighbors, by all of whom she tried to do as she would that others should do to her. She was of a quiet and diligent disposition, slow in the forming of new acquaintances, but tenaciously fond of the old ones. She often expressed a desire to attend devine services, if she only lived in town, but did not enjoy riding out, as it seemed to tire her very much. She was unselfish and inclined to be thoughtful for the comfort of others. She couiplained but little in her sickness. seemingly fearful of distressing others. In her last illness she was very patient. She had been ill about three months, but was taken to her bed only two days before her death, which came as a shock to all. The funeral services were held in the South Elkhorn church, Saturday, Dec. 18, 1897, and were conducted by Rev. J. 0. Talley, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Cemetery.

LAURA (PRESTON) WILLIAMS , 73, wife of former County Judge O. M. Williams, died at 7 a.m. today at her home, 703 North Church street. Mrs. Williams became ill Friday night and is believed to have suffered a stroke which resulted in her death. (Note: The date of her death was March 2, 1940.) The former Laura Preston was born September 8, 1866 on a farm near Mount Carroll, Ill. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Preston, early settlers in Carroll county, where her father was a prominent farmer and a former supervisor. (Note: Her mother was Sarah Ann Garrett.) Preston Prairie in Carroll county was named after the family. Mrs. Williams was graduated from Mount Carroll seminary and the Boston Conservatory of Music. A vocalist, she taught in schools and colleges at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Bonham, Tex., and elsewhere in the South before her marriage to Mr. Williams at Mount Carroll in 1893. (Note: Their wedding date was September 27, 1893.) Following her marriage, she came to Rockford, where she was a member of the Second Congregational Church and formerly was a member of Mendelssohn and Rockford Women’s clubs. Her husband, a prominent Rockford attorney, served as county judge from 1934 through 1938. Besides her husband, she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Ellen Downing and Mrs. Rilla Myers, both of Mount Carroll; three nieces, Mrs. Howard Lang and Mrs. Cappie Arnold, both of Columbia, Missouri, where the latter is secretary of Stephens College, and a niece and nephew in California. A brother, Arthur, preceded her in death. Mrs. Williams, whose father came from South Hadley, Massachusetts, was a member of the Governor Dudley Association of Massachusetts. She was a descendant of Joseph Dudley, colonial governor of Massachusetts. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Burpee-Wood funeral home, 420 North Main Street. Rev. John Gordon, pastor of Second Congregational church, will officiate and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LYLE E. WILLIAMS , 81, of Thomson died Saturday August 7, in Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton following a lingering illness. A funeral was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Law Jones Funeral Home, Thomson with the Rev. Antony Thangaraj of the Thomson United Methodist Church officiating assisted by Richard Kline. Burial will be in Lower York Cemetery. He was born December 5, 1900 in Thomson to Edwin and Mabel (Atherton) Williams. He married Vera Smith June 10, 1936 in Savanna. Besides farming in the Thomson area, he also was employed by Milwaukee Railroad at the Ebner plant and retired from Savanna Army Depot after 26 years of service. He was a member of the Thomson United Methodist Church, and a former member of the school board and the village council. Survivors are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. David (Carol) Pease of Geneseo and Mrs. Gerald (Beth) Bower of Argo Fay; six grandchildren; a brother, Maurice Williams of Holland, Michigan; and a sister, Mrs. Otto (Nelda) Knutsen of the state of Oregon. He was preceded in death by a son, eight brothers and four sisters.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Carroll County Review, Thomson, Illinois August 11, 1982

MARGARET MAE (WILLIAMSON) WILLIAMS - Funeral services were held here Thursday afternoon for Mrs. Margaret Maw Williams, wife of Charles R. Williams, who died at a Freeport hospital Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock, April 18, 1933, following a major operation the previous day. The last rites were held from the late home, west of this city, at 1:30 o’clock to the Methodist Episcopal church at 2 o’clock. Rev. John E. Robeson conducted the service. Burial was made in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Mrs. Williams was born on a farm near Mount Carroll, in Carroll County on November 17, 1881 and had reached the age of 51 years, 5 months, and one day at the time of her death. (Alice Horner’s note: Her parents were Robert and Mary Jemina [Patton] Williamson.) She was united in marriage to Charles R. Williams of Elizabeth 30 years ago and since that time has resided on the west side of this city, being well known in this section of the country. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and other local organizations. She is survived by her husband, three children, Ross L. Williams, Mrs. Elwood L. Mitchell, and Anna Mae Williams, and one grandson, Curtiss Mitchell, all of Elizabeth. She also leaves her mother, Mrs. Robert Williamson of Mount Carroll, one sister, Mrs. Sherman Gillespie, and two brothers, Robert and Roy Williamson, all of Carroll County, besides other relatives and friends.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Thursday April 20, 1933

ORREN MONROE WILLIAMS , 84, Winnebago County judge from 1934 to 1938 and a Rockford lawyer for more than 50 years, died at 2:20 p.m. Monday at Rockford Hospital. (Note: The date of death December 28, 1942.) Death was caused by complications resulting from injuries suffered in a fall Dec. 17 in the 600 block North Church street while he was walking to his home at 703 North Church street from his office. Former Judge Williams was a direct descendant of Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island. His father, James M. Williams, was a pioneer settler in Winnebago county, purchasing land from the government in 1843 in Harrison Township and operating a saw mill there. He was born Feb. 26, 1859 at Harrison. His early boyhood and schooling was at Durand, where he graduated from high school. He took a course at Becker’s Business college and then enrolled in the Chicago Union College of Law, which later became part of Northwestern University. Here he received his bachelor of law degree. William Jennings Bryan and the Rockford lawyer were classmates at the law school and were close friends until the “great commoner” died. Upon his graduation, Williams migrated to the territory of South Dakota and set himself up in the practice of law there. After a stay of only a few years, he returned to Rockford in 1890 to establish a law practice. He married Laura Preston Sept. 27, 1893. She died in March 1940. Williams was elected county judge in 1934, being the only Democrat to hold that office in Winnebago County since the Civil War. Upon the expiration of his term in December 1938, Williams returned to private practice as an associate of Attorney B. J. Knight. He was returning home from his office late in the afternoon of Dec. 17 when he fell just a block from home. He was not immediately discovered and the exposure was partly responsible for the complications which caused his death yesterday. Before being elected county judge, Williams had served for 19 years as a Rockford township justice of the peace. In his justice court work, he handled more than 20,000 civil and criminal cases. In 1940, the Illinois Bar Association conferred on Williams the title of senior counsellor in recognition of 50 years of continuous practice as a member of the bar association of Illinois. He was honored by the Commercial League of America by having conferred upon him an honorary life membership in that organization. He was also a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Woodmen of the World, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Big Brothers Association. He is survived by the following nephews: Jay Williams, Harry Williams, and Robert Gross, all of Rockford; Roger Gross of Corsicana, Tex., and a niece Teresa Maloy of Albuqurque, N. M. He also leaves the following grand nephews, Charles Williams of Cleveland, Ohio, and Robert Williams of Rockford, grand-nieces Barbara Williams and Mrs. Warren Johnson of Rockford, and great grand-nieces Sharon Williams and Suzanne Williams of Cleveland, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the McAllister-Julian funeral home, 304 North 5th Street. Dr. John Gordon, pastor of Second Congregational church, will officiate and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mount Carroll, Illinois.
Contributed by Alice Horner

PEARL (KAUFFMAN) WILLIAMS , 91, of Thomson, died Friday at the Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton, Ill. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. The Rev. Darrin DeVries of the Community Reformed Church, Clinton, will officiate. Burial will be in the Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Brad Sikkema, Michael VanBuer, David, Brian and Chad Williams, Dan Gooch and Steve Hermann. She was born June 7, 1912, in Columbus Junction to Joseph Asher and Anna Lucille Edwards Kauffman. She married Richard Burton Williams on March 30, 1935, in Morrison, Ill. He died in 1964. She graduated from York High School, Thomson, in 1929. After her husband's death, she worked with the Eaton Corp., in Savanna, Ill., for several years. She was a member of the Thomson United Methodist Church and a past member of the Thomson American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Roberta (Arnold) Sikkema of Thomson; two sons, Robert B. (Jeannie) Williams of Thomson and Lawrence (Judy) Williams of Melbourne, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelyne Beck of Omaha, Neb., and formerly of Savanna; and one brother, Harold "Pete" (Carmen) Kauffman of Mount Carroll, Ill. Memorials may be made in her name to Alzheimer's Association
Clinton Herald December 15, 2003

ROBERT R. WILLIAMS , 89, of Lanark died Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He farmed near Lanark until 1969, and then was employed by Savanna City Hospital. Mr. Williams was born June l8, 1913, in Chadwick, the son Ellwood and Susan (Spaulding) Williams. He married Erma Tripp on Aug. 24, 1936. He was a membem of Church of the Brethren, Lanark. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mina (Wayne) Linker of Chadwick and Linda (Francis) Snider of Milledgeville; a son Albert (Bonnie) Williams of Lanark; a sister, Mary Hazel of Savanna; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter and three brothers. The funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Church of the Brethren, Lanark, with the Rev. Dan Rusmisel, pastor, officiating. Burial is at Lanark Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Russell-Frank Funeral Home, Lanark. Memorials have been established to Church of the Brethren Lanark, and Lanark Fire Department.
Daily Gazette 16 Jun 2003

RONALD LEE WILLIAMS , age 57, of Savanna, Illinois, died February 18, 2006 at home with his family by his side. A Memorial Service will be held 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2006 at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois. Pastor Richard Raspberry of Piggott, Arkansas will officiate. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Friends may call from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Friday prior to the Memorial Service at the Funeral Home. Ron was born March 10, 1948 in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Richard and Marion (Bowman) Williams. He attended Savanna High School, graduating Class of 1967. Ron served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. On November 1, 1991, Ron married Norma Coyle in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Ron worked as a press-operator for Metform Company of Savanna; he previously worked for DURA Automotive, Inc. in Mt. Carroll for about five years. He enjoyed fishing, clock restoration and working around the yard. Most of all Ron loved and enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a dedicated, loving grandfather to a special grandson, David who lived with Ron and Norma. Ron will be dearly missed by his wife, Norma; his mother, Marion Dewey of Savanna; one son, David (Angela) McGinty of Davenport, Iowa; four daughters, Kim Williams, Missy Williams both living in Arizona, Naomi (Wesley) Coverdill of Chadwick, Illinois and Annabelle (Adrian Nellish) McGinty of Spring, Texas; one sister, Jenny Dewey of Savanna; and seventeen grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his father, Richard Williams; step-father, Charles Dewey and infant twin brother, Donald.

SARAH ELLEN (RUSSELL) WILLIAMS , daughter of Wm. and Nancy Russel was born in Belmont county, Ohio, March 31, 1841, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ferd Spaulding, May 10, 1907, at the age of 67 yrs., 1 mo., and 10 days. On October 3, 1872 she was married to Frank Williams at Altmont, Ill. In the same year they moved to Jay county, Indiana, where they resided until March 1877, when they came to Illinois which has been their home ever since. Milledgeville has been their home for eighteen years. To this union were born three children, Mrs. Grace Spaulding of Chadwick, Mrs. Edith Spencer of Milledgeville, and Ellwood who is at home. Besides her husband and children she is survived by one little grand daughter, Ellen V. Spencer, and three brothers, John Russel of Denver, Colorado, Thomas Russel of McCracken, Kansas, and Joseph Russel of Altamont, Ill.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

ALBERT WIRTJES , 83, a retired farmer, died here at his home Sunday morning. He was born, April 20, 1868, in Ostfriesland, Germany, the son of John and Gertrude Wirtjes. He married the former Elizabeth Wagens of Forreston November 1, 1898. Survivrs include his wife and six sons, John, Christ, Ralph, Ben, Bert and Clarence, all of Shannon. There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was a member of Modern Woodmen of America for 60 years. Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 1:30 p.m. Thursday and at 2 o'clock in the Shannon E.U.B. church. Rev. T. R. Moritz will officiating. Interment will be in Shannon cemetery.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes - The Journal-Standard / Freeport, Illinois / Monday, 14 May 1951

DONALD LEE WIRTJES , 69, of Freeport died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2001, at his home. Born May 31, 1931, in Carroll County, he was the son of Christ and Fannie (DeWall) Wirtjes. He married Marilyn J. Legwold Jan. 3, 2001, in Freeport. He farmed in Forreston, had a tree trimming business, moved to California in 1959 and worked at General Motors in Fremont, Calif. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, carpentry and visiting with friends and family. Surviving are his wife; one son, Gary (Judy) Wirtjes of Grandview, Texas; one daughter, Constance (Michael) McMahon of Byron, Calif.; one grandson, Russell (Stacey) Wirtjes of Bedford, Texas; a cousin, Daryl Moring; and a nephew, Jason Sword. His parents and two sisters died previously. The funeral will be 11 A.M. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. John Hollis of First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be at Brethren Cemetery in Shannon. Friends may call from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Friday at Walker Mortuary. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes / The Journal Standard

ELIZABETH (WAGENS) WIRTJES , 78, died early Monday morning in her home. She was born in Forreston township and lived in the Shannon area all her life. Surviving are six sons, John, Christ, Ralph, Ben, Bert and Clarence, all of the Shannon area. Services will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Rev. Robert Hartman, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Brethren cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Wirtjes farmed in the Florence Station and Shannon area until 1937 when they moved to Shannon. Her husband preceded her in death in 1951. Services were held Wednesday at 2 P.M. in the Bethel Evangelical United Brethren Church, Rev. Robert Hartman officiating, and burial was in the Brethren cemetery.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes

ESTHER (TIMMER) WIRTJES : Funeral services for only the relatives of Mrs. George Wirtjes will be held from the Scharman funeral home in Shannon at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. S. G. Eberle will officiate and burial will made in Oakland cemetery near Freeport. Mrs. Wirtjes was found dead in a chicken coop Saturday noon by her husband and son when they returned to the house for dinner after picking corn. She appeared to be in normal health when her husband left for the field in the morning. She had been a patient at the state hospital at Moline for more than a year but had been dismissed from the hospital on Sept. 8 after treatment for mental disorder. It believed she took her own life by hanging because of despondency. Mrs. Wirtjes appeared to be normal in the morning when her husband and son went into the field. She started preparations for the noon meal, baking a cake and preparing other articles for the table at noon. She obtained the daily paper from the mail box and read several articles before her husband left. Mr. Wirtjes stated he believed she suddenly lost her mind again. Mrs. Wirtjes, formerly Mis Esther Timmer, was born July 30, 1901, at Forreston, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Timmer. Her marriage to Mr. Wirtjes took place February 23, 1922. She is survived by her husband and son, Gerald, 12, and three sisters, Misses Sylvia and Floretta Timmer, of Forreston, and Mrs. Frank Pettigrove, of Latham, Ill.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes - The Journal-Standard / Freeport, Illinois / Monday, 31 Oct 1938

GARY LEE WIRTJES , 52, former resident of Freeport and Stockton, died July 23, 2004, at The Emery J. Lilge Hospice House in Burleson, TX after loosing a battle to cancer. Gary was born July 20, 1952, in Freeport, Illinois the son of Donald L. Wirtjes and Marlys (Duitsman) Wirtjes. In 1970 Gary graduated from Stockton High School. He went on to electronics school and worked part time in a hardware store. In 1973 Gary move to California and began work at the General Motors assembly plant in Fremont. He continued work there until the plant closure in 1983. Gary married Judith (Sterner) Nielsen December 13, 1975. They had an instant family with Judi's daughter Andrea and son Eric. In 1977 a son Russell was born to them. With the closing of the General Motors plant Gary was offered training in drafting. He took to it instantly. He went from a basic draftsman to a mechanical designer. He worked primarily in the computer disc drive industry, but also on space shuttle parts and municipal water treatment systems. Gary's dream was to buy a piece of land big enough to need a tractor. The family made several moves before settling on 15 acres outside Grandview, Texas. Gary got his tractor and it was his pride and joy. He was never happier than when he was out mowing. Being a farm boy at heart he could make that tractor do just about anything. Those left to mourn his passing are his wife Judi, son Russell (Stacey Hermges) Wirtjes, Fort Worth, TX; daughter Andrea (Kevin) Parrish and their son Creed, Abilene, TX; son Eric (Sarah Engeln) Nielsen, Hayden, ID; sister Connie (Mike) McMahon, Byron, CA; sister-in-law Patricia (Robert) Davidson, Estancia, NM; aunts Lola Mae (Harlan) Diehl, Forreston, IL; Shirley (Kenneth) Williams, Elroy, IL; Faye (Glenn) Schneiderman, Baileyville, IL; and many other extended family members and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, Don Wirtjes and Marlys Pruitt, Grandparents, Christ and Fannie Wirtjes, Walter Duitsman, Gladys Ruter, and George Ruter. Also, a sister-in-law, Annie Horrocks. An informal memorial gathering will be held at the family home in Grandview, TX ,Sunday, August 1, 2004 at 2 P.M. Funeral service will be held at the Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, IL ,Saturday, August 7, at 11 A.M. Pastor George Woosnam presiding. He will be laid to rest near his father and other Wirtjes family members in Brethren Cemetery, Shannon, Illinois Contributed by his wife Judi Wirtjes - Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois and the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Fort Worth, TX

GEORGE WIRTJES : Funeral service for George Wirtjes, 202 1/2 W, Main St., who died Monday afternoon, will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in the Church of Christ with Mr. Lester Fisher officiating. Burial willhe in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial fund has been established. Mr. Wrtjes farmed in Florence Township until 1930, when moved to Shannon. He later moved to Freeport. He was born Sept. 21, 1898, in Ogle County, son of George and Hilda (Fry) Wirtjes. He married Esther Timmer on Feb. 23, 1922. She died Oct. 29, 1938. Surviving are a son, Geral K. of Collinsville; a grandchild; a brother, Walter of Pearl City; two sisters, Mrs. Arjin (Hilda) Wessels of Orangeville and Mrs. Harry (Florence) Brockmeier of Freeport. He was also preceded in death by a brother.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes - The Journal-Standard, Freeport, Illinois, Wednesday, 6 Jan 1971

LAURA (BYERS) WIRTJES , 88, of Shannon died Sunday, Sept. 12, 1999, at Villas of Shannon Nursing Home. She was born Feb. 14, 1911, in Freeport to George D. and Fannie (Temple) Byers. On March 2, 1940; she and Albert W. Wirtjes were married in Iowa. He died Feb. 12, 1957. After graduating from Shannon High School in 1929, she attended the University of Illinois and Frances Shimer College in Mount Carroll. In addition to her responsibilities as a homemaker, she was a school teacher in the Shannon area for several years, and she gave piano lessons. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon and the Naomi Circle of the church, and was a former member of Carroll County Historical Society. In support of Shannon's activities, she served on many community committees and helped establish Memorial Park. Surviving are one son, Albert B. (Laura) Wirtjes of Shannon and one sister, Harriet Byers, also of Shannon. The funeral will be at 11 A.M. Thursday at Bethel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Thomson officiating. Burial will be at Brethren Cemetery in Shannon. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Judi Wirtjes

LEROY "DICK" WITT , 69, of Lanark, died Sunday evening at his home following a long illness. He and his wife farmed the past 32 years near Lanark prior to retirement and moving to Lanark about seven years ago. He was a member of the Lanark First Brethren Church and Loyal Order of Moose in Savanna. Born Feb. 5, 1912 in Iowa, he was the son of George and Dora (Dohse) Witt. He married Ruth Traum Nov. 4, 1939. Surviving are his widow; three sons, Teddy of Lanark, the Rev. Jerry Witt of Wadsworth, Ohio, Ronald of Chillicothe; two brothers, Glenn of Belleview, Fla., and Lester of Crystal Lake; four sisters, Mrs. Mabel Nicholls of McHenry, Mrs. Doris Miller of Edgerton, Wis., Mrs. June Sieloff of Chapin, S.C., and Mrs. Virginia Friend of Wauconda; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Brethren Church in Lanark, with the Rev. David E. Cooksey, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Friends may call form 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. A memorial fund has been established. Contributed by Alice Horner

KEITH D. WOLBER , Chadwick, husband of the former Mary Louise Dysart, Franklin Grove, died Sunday morning at Sterling Home Hospital. Besides his widow he is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gardie H. Wolber, Milledgeville. Services will be Wednesday at 2:30 in the Milledgeville Methodist Church.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 29 January 1951

DENNIS WELLINGTON WOODIN , was born in Burlington, Hartford Co. Connecticut August 16, 1834, and died on Thursday April 26, 1903 (DC says 29 Apr 1903) at his home in Elkhorn Grove, Carroll County, Illinois, aged 68 years, 8 months and 13 days. In 1849 he accompanied his parents, brothers and sisters to Illinois arriving at Elkhorn Grove in Carroll County October 26 of that year. On October 24, 1861, he was married to Lydia Cea. A son and a daughter survive him, John Woodin of Clarion, Iowa and Mrs. Wesley Schriner of Elkhorn Grove, Illinois. His brothers and sisters now living are Mrs. Hannah Dimon and Mrs. Mary Dimon of Lanark, Illinois; Mrs. Chloe Kinner, Elberon, Iowa; Mrs. Julia Landon, Villisca, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Reynolds, Grundy Center, Iowa, Chauncy S. Woodin, Essex, Iowa; Hiram Woodin, Eagle Point, Illinois; and Naaman and Stephen Woodin of Sunnyside, Washington. Funeral services were held in the Union Church Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev R. R. Teeter officiating. Interment was made in the West Elkhorn Cemetery. (1 May 1903) (Contributed by Steve Schack)
Second Obituary: Dennis Woodin was born in Burlington, Hartford Co., Connecticut, August 16th., 1834 and died April 29th., 1903 at the age of 41 years (as written in obit), 6 mos., and 5 days. In 1849 he accompanied his parents, brothers and sisters to Illinois, arriving at Elkhorn Grove, in Carroll County, Oct., 26 of that year. He was married to Lydia Cea Oct., 24, 1861. One son and one daughter survive him; John Woodin of Clarion, Iowa, and Mrs. Wesley Shriner of Elkhorn Grove, Illinois. His brothers and sisters now living are: Mrs. Hannah Dimon and Mrs. Mary Dimon of Lanark, Illinois; Mrs. Chloe Kinner of Elberon, Iowa; Mrs. Charles Reynolds of Grundy Center, Iowa, Mrs. Julia Landon of Valisca, Ia., Chauncy T. Woodin of Essex, Ia., Hiram Woodin of Eagle Point, Ill,; and Naaman and Stephen Woodin of Sunnyside, Washington. Dennis W. Woodin will be held in kind and loving remembrance by his children, his brothers and sisters as long as memory lasts; and there are many others who have known him from boyhood, who will long entertain pleasant recollections of him as a true friend, a kind neighbor, an honest business man and a good citizen. The funeral services were held Friday afternoon, May 1st at 2:30 o'clock at the Union church in Wysox township and were conducted by Rev. R. R. Teeter of the Brethren church, in the presence of a large congregation of sorrowing relatives and sympathize friends, after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near by, there to await.....
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

EMMA IRENE (BEGGS) WOODIN , 79, of 606 Meyers Ave., Milledgeville, died Sunday at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Lanark Cemetery, Lanark, with Rev. Kenneth Sullivan, pastor of Milledgeville Brethren Church, officiating. Cremation rites were accorded. There will be no visitation. Local arrangements were handled by the Allen-Woodin Funeral Home, Milledgeville. Mrs. Woodin was born Aug. 21 1911 in Dongola, the daughter of Charles and Elva (White) Beggs. She married Reynolds Woodin on May 5, 1928 in Morrison. He died July 7, 1983. She worked at Kraft Co. in Milledgeville. She was a member of the Milledgeville Brethren Church, a former member of the Freeport Air King CB Club, a member of the Sterling Moose Lodge, and a member of the Sterling/Rock Falls REACT Club. Surviving are three sons, Ranson C. of Milledgeville, Leon H. of Rock Falls, and Wesley W. of Kewanee; one daughter, Mrs. Richard (Nora) Queckborner of Sterling; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Earl Beggs of Rockford and Lewis Beggs of Rock Falls; two sisters, Mrs. Ollie Lowrie of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Myrta Clutts of Cobden, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 17, 1990 - Monday, page A2

FANNIE AMANDA (SPENCER) WOODIN , was born in Burlington, Hartford Co., Connecticut, July 10, 1814 and departed this life at the old homestead, the home of her son Naaman Woodin, six miles northeast of Milledgeville, Ill., Sunday, March 29, 1896, at half past two o'clock a.m. having attained the ripe age of eighty-one years, eight months and nineteen days. She was reared and educated in Connecticut, where in 1832 she was united in marriage to Elias M. Woodin. To this happy union, while residing in the east, were born ten children. It was in 1849 this happy family set out to seek a home in the new west, when they came to Elkhorn Grove, where she has since lived and reared a family of twelve children, six daughters and six sons, who reside six in Illinois, three in Iowa and one in Nebraska. The oldest, a son,died in 1881 and the youngest, a daughter, died in '74. Thus husband and wife, son and daughter have gone before. She was for a few weeks a great sufferer from nervous prostration, which ended her life. Truly kind and loving hands ministered to her last comforts. It was a joy for all the sons and daughters, except two, to be present at the funeral and with their own hands laid her body in its last resting place. On account of ill health, Mrs. Landon, of Nebraska, could not be here, and Mrs. Kinner, of Iowa, having recently lost her husband and son; who died a few days after his father. She felt the strain to be more than she could undergo. It was a comfort to her as well as the children to have Mrs. Reynolds, of Iowa, with her in sickness and death. She united with the Methodist church of Lanark, Ill., about five years ago. Her life was consistent and devoted to the teaching of God's word. Waiting, only waiting for her Lord to come. Happy always to own Jesus as her Savior. As a wife, she was affectionate, loving and gentle, and as a mother, living in the greatest of maternal love, patient, gentle and wise. She leaves not only a large family to sorrow for her departure, but a host of friends who feel that a friend has gone. The funeral services were held at the home at half past ten, Sunday, March 31, 1896, conducted by Rev. J. E. Noftsinger, after which the interment took place at the Union cemetery.
Contributed by Steve Schack

LYDIA A. (CEA) WOODIN , was born March 2, 1845, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, and died at her home in Fremont, Illinois, Tuesday, November 14, 1899, at 11:45 o'clock, aged 54 years, 8 months and 12 days. She moved with her parents from Pennsylvania in 1857 to Ogle county, Illinois, and in the year 1859 moved to Carroll county, Illinois, where she resided until death claimed her as a victim. on the 24th of October, 1881, she was united in marriage to Dennis W. Woodin at Fremont, and to this happy union were born three children. The husband, two children, Mrs. Lillie Schriner, of Fremont, and Johnnie Woodin, of Clarion, Iowa, survive her, Charles Mark having departed this life April 13, 1878. Besides her immediate family she leaves one brother, a sister, and four grandchildren to mourn her demise. She had been ill for the past two years with a complication of diseases and was a great sufferer but during all the time bore it patiently and was cheerful even when she suffered most and was never heard to complain. She often expressed herself as being ready and willing to go to her Savior where sickness and death are unknown As a wife she was affectionate, loving and gentle, and as a mother living in the greatest of maternal love, patient, gentle, and wise. She leaves a host of friends to mourn her departure who feel that a true friend is gone. During her life she was always mindful of others, and ready to go and care for the sick, generous and helpful to the needy and unfortunate. The funeral services were held at the Union church, Thursday, November 16, at one o'clock conducted by Rev. R. R. Teeter. He discoursed on the blessedness of the resurrection in the Lord, and to the remaining members of the family he gave words of comfort and consolation and commended them to the care and keeping of a just and righteous ruler who knows the depth of their bereavement and could heal the broken heart of all its sorrow. The remains were laid to rest in the Union cemetery followed by a concourse of sympathizing friends. The following relatives from a distance were present at the funeral: Johnnie Wooding of Clarion, Iowa, John Cea and daughter, Miss Lydia and Mrs. C. W. Reynolds, of Grundy Center, Iowa.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

NAAMAN WOODIN , was born near Hartford, Connecticut, of Elias and Fannie Woodin, August 17, 1839; died at his home of paralysis, Friday morning, December 9, 1910, aged 71 years, 3 months and 22 days. On Sunday, December 4th, with his wife and others, he was entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Miller of Sunnyside. He was looking and feeling unusually well. That evening about six o'clock while sitting in his chair reading the Tri-County Press, a local paper from his former home in Illinois, in the presence of his wife and daughter, the mysterious palsy began its sad work. Only a few words were spoken and Mr. Woodin was unconscious. The sons and doctors and others were summoned, and every effort to ward off a fatal result was made. On Monday and Tuesday mornings, there was evidence for a short time of consciousness, but all hope and effort failed. Naaman Woodin was the fifth child in a family of twelve. Of his brothers and sisters eight survive him: Chauncy at Red Oak, Iowa; Hiram, Polo, Illinois; Mrs. Hannah Dimon, Pasadena, California; Mrs. Sallie Reynolds, Grundy Center, Iowa; Mrs. Chloe Kinner, Sunnyside, Washington; Mrs. Mary Dimon, Lanark, Illinois; Stephen T., and Mrs. Julia Landon, Sunnyside, Washington. Those residing here and Mrs. Reynolds were present at the funeral. Three uncles and one aunt are yet living: Allen, Naaman and Isaac Spencer and Mrs. Clarinda Case. Elias and Fannie Woodin moved with their family from Connecticut to the vicinity of Elkhorn Grove, Illinois, in 1847, when Naaman was 8 years old. The country was new, with no public improvements or - necessary conveniences such as roads, bridges, flour and saw mills, markets for exchanging surplus produce for other necessities. At this period prairies were not supposed to be habitable. Settlements were made along the creeks and rivers in the timber. Northern Illinois has a severe winter climate, and those who carved out the first homes developed great energy and perseverance. The conditions were just right for developing the strongest as well as the best type of men. The conditions then required all of a man's time and strength for the real things of life, and left little for the false and artificial. Naaman Woodin, strongest and best of men, got his education in that most famous of all schools -- the "school of hard knocks." Later he attended the Mount Carroll seminary for one year. March 11, 1880, Naaman Woodin and Miss Lottie Louisa Watters of Lanark, Illinois were joined in marriage. To them were born Ella Lucena, Dennis Earl and Jason Emmett. The daughter still lives with her parents. The sons are married and living in residences of their own close to the parental roof. August 17th, this year on Naaman Woodin's 71st anniversary his first grandchild, Helen, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jason Woodin. The writer made his first acquaintance with the deceased in the Exchange Bank of Lanark, Illinois, in 1881. He well remembers the opinion of the officers and owners of the Bank that Naaman Woodin was one of the best and most reliable of its patrons. About the year 1890 he was invited and accepted a partnership with the writer in the operation of a creamery in the village near his home. From this time on whenever I had the opportunity I shared the comfort of his hospitable home. No better news was ever broken to my ears in the settlement and development of the Sunnyside country than that Naaman Woodin had sold out his large and splendid farm in Illinois and would probably locate at Sunnyside. When he came and purchased the land then is sagebrush, where he built and has since lived; we were organizing the Sunnyside Bank. He was asked to take some of the stock and to act as vice president, which he consented to do. This stock and office he held continuously until death. The sagebrush land he cleared and graded and seeded or planted to orchard. The splendid house in which he has lived was built during his first year's residence. The family camped on the premises during the period. The annoyance of the sandstorms of those times was extremely trying to all of the family. But Naaman Woodin, who had splendid training in pioneer life, never faltered, murmured or complained. Quietly, but perseveringly he applied all his resources to the developing of his farm and home. When the Sunnyside railroad scheme was taken up, Mr. Woodin was taken into every conference, and rendered assistance that was most valuable. Finally when the Northern Pacific was ready to build the Sunnyside branch and operate it if the right of way, which had not yet all been secured was provided Mr. Woodin and three others joined in a bond guaranteeing the right of way so that construction could be started at once. Otherwise the branch would have been delayed one to two years, the same as the extension of the main line has been. Although Mr. Woodin was a capable man of affairs and leaves a splendid record of achievement, he was a home man. Here he found his real joy and inspiration. Although he had reached the ripeness of three score and ten-.years he had kept up with the march of life, and was always an interested participant in the discussion of current topics. Morally, he was exceptionally clean. In all of my extensive acquaintance I never heard him use a single word that could be offensive to the tenderest conscience or the purest mind. He believed churches stood for the best in life, but did not and could not subscribe to some orthodox conditions of membership. He believed and so id:"' it is more important to be and do right, than to profess right." He said: "do right because it is right." The family has lost a wise and most companionable father; the community a generous, aggressive and most useful citizen. - S. J. Harrison Note--A rather sad coincidence with the above was the death of Mrs. Naaman Woodin's only sister, Mrs. Ella Moffet, at Wyndmere, N. D. just one month previously.
Contributed by Steve Schack - Sunnyside Washington Sun - 15 Dec 1910

JOYCE MARIE (BLASBAUGH) WRECZA , age 60, of Savanna, IL, died Monday, June 16, 2003 at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, IA. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church, Savanna. Burial was in the Springlake Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation were from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 19th at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in Joyce's name. Joyce was born on Wednesday, January 13, 1943 in Perry, Iowa to George Christopher and Alice Marjorie Albena (Miller) Balsbaugh. She graduated from Perry High School, Perry, Iowa with the class of 1961. She married James Wrecza on December 12, 1973. A Teacher's Aid for many years at the Lincoln and Chestnut Park Schools in Savanna, Joyce was known for her loving personality and motherly manner with children. She was a generous, supportive, loving mother and friend. She was dedicated to helping other people and always showed extreme devotion to her family. Joyce had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed playing in the ladies golf league at the Palisades Golf Course and playing cards with the St. John's 500, U and I, and Community Church 500 Card Clubs. Generously giving of her time, Joyce had been a past Cub Scout Leader, Baseball Coach, and helped start the Junior Bowling League at the Palisades Bowling Alley. Even in death Joyce continued to help other people by offering the gift of life and being a Tissue Donor. Joyce lived her faith to the great benefit of those with whom she came in contact. She served as a second mother to numerous friends of her sons. Her motherly instincts were evident in the wisdom and compassion she showered upon the guests of her home. The love and lessons she delivered will be missed, but not forgotten. Survivors include her husband, James Wrecza of Savanna; two sons, Christopher and Joseph Wrecza both of St. Paul, Minnesota; one sister, Bonnie (Richard) Tomlin of Kingman, AZ; and one brother, Stephen (Cindy) Balsbaugh of Milpitas, California. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents.

LAWRENCE O. WURSTER , 43, well-known resident of Elizabeth, died at 6:15 this morning in Mercy Hospital, Dubuque, Ia., following a week’s illness with sinus trouble and complications. Mr. Wurster had been a patient in the hospital for three days. Funeral services will be conducted Monday afternoon in Elizabeth. Burial will be made in the Elizabeth cemetery. Mr. Wurster farmed for several years in Savanna township. He moved with his family three years ago to Elizabeth where he had since been head of the insurance department of the Jo Daviess County Farm Bureau. He took an active interest in civic affairs in Elizabeth. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Mildred Wurster, three daughters, Marilyn, Austie, and Jean, all of Elizabeth, his mother, Mrs. Catherine Wurster of Savanna, and many relatives and friends.
Contributed by Jim Klingler

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