John ANDERSON

John Louis Anderson was born in 1860 in Arenzville, Cass county, Illinois and died July 3 at 11:00 o'clock in Proctor hospital, Peoria, Ill.

He was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Brittain of Pittsfield, Pike county, Illinois and to them were born six children, namely: George Frederick of Daw City, Oklahoma, Lottie B., near Arenzville, William, Clarence and John David, of Beardstown, Freeman of Hammond, Ind., Cordelia M., of Peoria, Ill. With these he leaves his wife, Mrs. Eliza Anderson of Peoria and a number of grandchildren to mourn his loss.

He had made Virginia his home for many years.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 Friday afternoon in the M.E. church at Virginia, the Rev. Max B. Wiles officiating. Member of the Odd Fellows lodge acted as pallbearers.

The Republican Gazette - Virginia, Cass Co, IL - Friday, July 13, 1923

Submitted by: Pat Hageman

Lorna "Allene" Reiley Becker

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, July 29, 2003, Page: 11

Beardstown - Lorna "Allene" Becker, 86, of Beardstown died Monday, July 28, 2003, at her home.

She was born July 7, 1917, in Browning, the daughter of James Whitcomb and Vera Hollenback Reiley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton O. Becker in 1969 and a daughter, Holly Swanson.

Mrs. Becker graduated from Fairfax High School in Los Angeles in 1934 and earned a degree as a licensed vocational nurse in Los Altos, Calif. She was a charge nurse at a nursing home in California for 10 years. She later co-owned and operated Second Hand Rose in Beardstown.

Survivors: two daughters, Kathleen (husband, Allan) Allar of Beardstown and Barbara Kidder Fox of Rochester, Ind.; a son, Hayes B. Becker of Macomb; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Orrin Reiley of Buellton, Calif.; and two sisters, Metta (husband, Harold "Bud") Landes of Beardstown and Jeanette Haig of Magnolia.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Sager Funeral Home, Beardstown. Burial: Browning Cemetery.

Peoria Journal Star, July 29, 2003, Page: B04

Lorna Becker

Beardstown - Lorna ''Allene'' Becker, 86, of Beardstown died Monday, July 28, 2003, at her residence.

Born July 7, 1917, in Browning to James Whitcomb and Vera Hollenback Reiley, she married Milton O. Becker. He died in 1969.

Surviving are two daughters, Kathleen (and Allan) Allar of Beardstown and Barbara Kidder Fox of Rochester, Ind.; one son, Hayes of Macomb; one brother, Orrin Reiley of Buellton, Calif.; two sisters, Metta (and Harold ''Bud'') Landes of Beardstown and Jeanette Haig of Magnolia; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Holly Swanson; and six brothers.

She was a licensed vocational nurse and worked at a California nursing home for 10 years. In 1979, she returned to Illinois, where she and her sister Metta owned and operated Second Hand Rose antique shop in Beardstown.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sager Funeral Home, where family will receive friends two hours before. Burial will be in Browning Cemetery in Browning.

Memorials may be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Mary Margaret (Aten) Brown

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, August 3, 1999, Page: 10

Beardstown - Mary M. Brown, 76, of Beardstown died Monday, Aug. 2, 1999, at her residence.

She was born Aug. 2, 1923, in Beardstown, the daughter of Walter Wayne "Joe" and Cora Hierman Aten. She married Robert LeRoy Brown in 1942 in Palmyra; he died in 1986.

Mrs. Brown was a 1941 graduate of Beardstown High School. She was a member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown and the Altar Society. She volunteered many hours for Christian Love in Action in Beardstown.

She owned and operated a beauty shop in her home for over 25 years, retiring in 1975. Survivors: three sons, Bob (wife, Ruth Ann) Brown of Beardstown, Joe Brown of Key Largo, Fla., and Patrick Brown of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter, Cindy (husband, Butch) Hobrock of Beardstown; four grandsons; and two great-grandchildren.

Services: Mass, 10 a.m. Thursday, St. Alexius Catholic Church, Beardstown, the Rev. Eugene Weitzel officiating. Burial: Beardstown City Cemetery.

Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Submitted by: Sara Hemp

Name of Deceased: Walter Wayne Aten

County Name: Cass   State: IL
Newspaper: Rushville Times
Submitters Name: Ida Maack Recu

Obit: W.  W. Aten Died at Beardstown
Walter Wayne Aten, C. B. and Q. engineer, and one of Beardstown's highly 
esteemed citizens, died at Schmitt Memorial hospital Saturday evening, Sept 30th 
[1933]. The deceased submitted to a surgical operation on Thursday.  Pneumonia 
developed, and altho everything was done for his relief he succumbed Saturday 
evening at the age of 43 years 2 months and 23 days. The decedent was born at 
Summum, Illinois, on July 7th, 1890, the son of Cornelius and Margaret Aten.  
While not quite a year of age he, with his parents, moved to Browning, where he 
grew to manhood and where he received his education. In 1911 he entered the 
service of the Burlington railroad as a fireman, working his way to the position of 
engineer, which position he held at the time of his death.  His 
service with the Burlington had been continuous with the exception of two years 
when he served as a member of the Engineer Corps of the United States army in 
France, during the World war. Following the signing of the armistice, Mr. Aten 
continued in France with the Engineering Corps until August when he was 
honorably discharged and returned to his home. He was united in marriage to Miss 
Cora Hierman, of Browning, on Oct. 7th, 1919, and she, with one daughter, Mary 
Margaret, survives his {him}.  Other survivors are Ward {Henry Ward} and Chester 
Aten and Mrs. Jennie Lancaster, of Browning; Mrs. Mabel Hollingsworth and Mrs. 
Edith Goebel, of Beardstown; Mrs. Callie {Carrie} Walters, of Newark, O. {Ohio}, 
and Alta Frankford and T. R. Aten, of Grimes, Okla., all brothers and sisters of 
the deceased. Mr. Aten was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and 
Engineers, the American Legion and was a member of the Masonic order.  He had also 
been a member of the Odd Fellows for many years. He was a man held 
in the highest esteem by his fellow workers, and was a good friend and neighbor 
and his death is deeply felt thruout the community in which he lived. Funeral 
services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Methodist church in 
Browning, Rev. ?? Roosa officiating.  Interment was in the Browning cemetery.

Former Browning Man Dies In Beardstown
Walter Wayne Aten, 44, Beardstown, and a former resident of Browning died 
Saturday in the Schmitt Memorial hospital following an operation for 
appendicitis on Thursday. Mr. Aten has been an engineer on the C. B. & Q. 
railroad for the past 25 years and was well known throughout this section.  He 
is survived by his wife, one daughter Mary Margaret, and the following brothers 
and sisters: Ward and Chester Aten of Browning, T. R. Aten, Grimes, Oklahoma; 
Mrs. C. A. Lancaster, Browning; Mrs. G. P. Hollingsworth, Beardstown; Mrs. Edith 
Gobel, Beardstown; Mrs. Alta Frankford, Grimes, Okla.; and Mrs. Callie Walters of Newark, Ohio. 

Note: Both found in a scrapbook in 
Roswell, New Mexico by Nancy Harvey while going though her mother's things after 
her death.  "The scrapbook is one which my great grandmother, Amanda Bryan 
Wetzel, or perhaps my grandmother, Nettie Wetzel Dean, pasted lots of obituaries 
of family and friends.  These families were from around McDonough, Fulton and 
Schuyler Counties.  These obits are probably around a hundred years old or may 
be more."

W. W. Aten Died at Beardstown
Walter Wayne Aten, a C. B. Q. engineer, died at Schmitt Memorial Hospital 
Saturday September 30, at the age of 43 years, 2 months and 23 days. The 
decedent was born at Summum on July 7, 1890, the son of Cornelius and Margaret 
Aten.  While not quite a year of age, he with his parents moved to Browning 
where he grew to manhood. He was with the U. S. Army during World War in France. 
He married Cora Hierman of Browning October 7, 1919, and she with one daughter, 
Mary Margaret, survive him.  Other survivors are: Ward {Henry Ward} and Chester Aten 
and Mrs. Jennie Lancaster of Browning; 
Mrs. Mabel Hollingsworth and Mrs. Edith Gobel of Beardstown; Mrs. Callie 
{Carrie} Walters of Newark, Ohio; Alta Frankford and T. R. Aten of Grimes, 
Oklahoma, all brothers and sisters of the deceased. Funeral services were held 
Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. at the M. E. Church in Browning, Rev. John Rossa 
officiating.  Interment in Browning Cemetery.

Robert Leroy Brown

Obituary of Robert LeRoy Brown

died: May 19, 1986

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, May 21, 1986, Page: 22

Beardstown - Memorial services for Robert L. Brown of Beardstown will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Alexius Catholic Church.

Mr. Brown died at 7:45 a.m. Monday at the residence of his son, Robert W., Beardstown.

Cline Funeral Home, Beardstown, is in charge of arrangements.

Note: Robert, b. April 12, 1923, married July 12, 1942 Mary Margaret Aten, b. August 2, 1923, d. August 92, 1999, both buried Beardstown City Cemetery (New Addition), Beardstown, Cass County, Illinois

Martha L. Workman Sawyer Koepp Burnett

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, September 23, 2001, Page: 45

Princeville - Martha L. Burnett, 62, of Princeville died Friday, Sept. 21, 2001, at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born June 4, 1939, in Beardstown, the daughter of Dewey and Eva Stambaugh Workman. She married Curt Dean Koepp; he preceded her in death in 1972.

Mrs. Burnett attended Browning schools. She was a member of Set Free Church in Washington.

Survivors: four sons, Jim Sawyer of Rockford, Robert Koepp of Oakrun, Kurt Koepp of Farmington and Harlan Koepp of Elmwood; four daughters, Barb Crenshaw of Bader, Darla Moses of Pekin, Rhonda Moore of Williamsville and Sharon Koepp of Princeville; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lyle Workman of Cuba and Max Workman of Princeville; and four sisters, Audrey Rining of Frederick, Linda Eddington of Ipava, Bonnie McPhail of Quincy and Betty Scego of Roodhouse.

Graveside services: 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sheldon's Grove Cemetery near Browning.

Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Peoria Journal Star, September 23, 2001, Page: B06

Martha Burnett

Princeville - Martha L. Burnett, 62, of Princeville died Friday, Sept. 21, 2001, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Born June 4, 1939, in Beardstown to Dewey and Eva Stambaugh Workman, she married Curt Dean Koepp. He died in 1972.

She also was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.

Surviving are four sons, Jim Sawyer of Rockford, Robert Koepp of Oak Run, Kurt Koepp of Farmington and Harlan Koepp of Elmwood; four daughters, Barb Crenshaw of Bader, Darla Moses of Pekin, Rhonda Moore of Williamsville and Sharon Koepp of Princeville; 23 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lyle Workman of Cuba and Max Workman of Princeville; and four sisters, Audrey Rining of Frederick, Linda Eddington of Ipava, Bonnie McPhail of Quincy and Betty Scego of Roodhouse.

She was a member of Set Free Church in Washington.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Sheldon's Grove Cemetery near Browning. Family will meet with friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown.

Chris Bradman

Rushville Times, February 22, 1912

  Chris Bradman, a former resident of this place, but for a number of years a resident of Beardstown, passed away last Thursday evening. His sorrowing relatives have the sympathy of many friends.

John Caldwell (Coldwell)

April 8, 1927

John Caldwell was born in Cass County, Illinois, January 21st, 1864 and died in his home at Cass Siding, not far from the place of his birth, on Sunday morning march 27, 1927.

Between these two dates is written the record of a clean upright life, precious to many 
friends and replete with the qualities that help to purify Earth and enrich Heaven.

John Caldwell was the second son of Charles and Catherine Heaton Caldwell. His father died before John had reached his majority, leaving a widow and seven children, some of them mere babes. The eldest son was an invalid for many years so this second son bravely and manfully tried in every way possible to take his father's place, assisting his mother in rearing and caring for his younger brothers and sisters - kind, considerate, protective, he was ever to them "Guide, philosopher and friend."

In early manhood Mr., Caldwell was converted and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He continued all his life a faithful follower of "The Master." Though quiet and retiring in his nature he was honest and straight forward. His life was an open book and there were no blots to mar its fair pages.

For the last 33 years Mr. Caldwell has had charge of the grain elevator at Cass Siding and was universally honored and respected. Nature had given him many reserves, but they were the reserves of courtesy, good will, fidelity to honor and integrity.

On September 12th, 1895 Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage to Miss Kate M. Nix of Ashland, Ill. Their union measured up to Biblical standards for more than thirty years as they happily traveled life's uneven road sharing equally trials and triumphs, joys and sorrows.

One daughter, Mazo, came to brighten their home and in later years a son-in-law Elmer F. Timian seemed to completely fill the place of a long wished for son. The arrival in due time of a little granddaughter, Eleanor Gayle Timian made the family circle beautifully complete.

A little more than a fortnight ago, on March 11th, 1827, the wife and mother passed away, Her death came as a stunning blow to her dear ones. Thought bearing up bravely, as was his habit in the face of trouble, it was evident that the husband and father found it very hard to "carry on" without his loved companion.

Weakened physically, he seemed unable to rally from the shock. Loved ones hoped that time and occupation, with God's help, might eventually bring success from the sorrow and loss- but a congenital heart weakness suddenly developed and on the morning of March 27th, just as the Sunday School bells were ringing throughout the land his brave spirit calmly passed though the "Valley of the Shadow" and entered that last still harbor of peace where loved ones were waiting to welcome him.

Besides is wife, father and mother, Mr. Caldwell was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters, the latter having passed on in recent years. He is survived by his trio of loved ones, his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer F. Timian and their little 
daughter Eleanor Gayle, of LaGrange, Ill. One brother, Charles Edward Caldwell of Virginia, two sisters, Mrs. Duncan Reid of Pana and Mrs. Homer Coleman of Beardstown, besides a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends, by all of whom he was sincerely loved and respected.

His death is a distinct loss to the county and community in which he spent his entire life.

Katherine Caldwell

Caldwell, Mrs. Kate - Of Virginia died at 7:15 p.m., Friday march 11, 1927, at St. John's hospital, at the age of 53 years, 2 months, 24 days. Survived by by husband, John Caldwell; one daughter, Mrs. Elmer Timian, Virginia; one granddaughter, Eleanor Gayle Timian; father John I. Nix, Ashland; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Epperly, Springfield; Mrs. E.P. young, Houston, Tex.; Miss Grace Nix, New York City; two brothers, Edward Nix, Virginia; Newton Nix Jacksonville. remains to Bisch & Son Funeral Home. Announcement of funeral later.

Dolson, Rev. James H., b. Livingston Co., Ky., 19 Dec. 1817; licensed 1847; 1848, Waverly Circuit, Illinois Conference, replacing Hardin Wallace; 1849, appointed Carlyle Circuit; 1851, ordained Deacon to Williamsbury Circuit; 1852, appointed to Sullivan Circuit, where he d. 19 Dec. 1852.--Virginia, Cass Co., Ill. (Central Christian Advocate, Vol. 1., 5 Mar. 1853, p. 35)

JAMES E. DYER

Daily Illinois Star - March 31, 1933 - JAMES E. DYER DIES AT HOME OF HIS SON JOSEPH IN VIRGINIA - James E. Dyer, resident of Cass county most of his life, died in Virginia at the home of his son Joe Dyer last night at the age of 74 years, 11 months and 2 days of age, following an attack of pneumonia. The body was brought to this city and taken to the Cline Funeral Home to be prepared for burial.

The deceased was born in Tennessee and has resided in or near Beardstown the greater part of his life.

His wife died five years ago and since that time he has made his home with his children.
He is survived by the following children: Joe Dyer, Virginia, Ill.: W.E. Dyer, San Augustine, Texas; Mrs. Vern Walters, Chicago; Geo. Dyer, Mrs. Carl Rodekamp and Mrs. Rudolph James, all of Beardstown.

Daily Illinois Star April 1, 1933 - James E. Dyer - Funeral services for James E. Dyer will be held from the Cline Funeral Home tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, with the Rev. Hendrickson in charge. Interment will be made in the City Cemetery.

Cemetery location - Block 104 - Dyer, James E. - 1858-1933

Mrs. Martha Edwards widow of JE Edwards died 1966. She was a child of James Monroe Hinche and Mary Ellen Clark.She was born in 1878 in Cass Co. Survivors are Mrs. H. Baker, Mrs. E Fortenberry of Miss, three sons, Byron, and Dwight of Virginia and Gene of Peoria, ll grandchildren and many g g grandchildren. Burial in Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

MRS. MARY HEATON
(Died Nov. 30th, 1895.)

Dear wife in death's silence you're sleeping,
While I in my desolate grief,
Above your cold beauty am weeping
For love's sweet communion so brief.

So brief it sees now in my sadness
Since, standing beside me so fair.
You gave yourself to me in gladness,
We dreamed not of sorrow or care.

Yet long years have passed since that day love,
Together we have both grown old;
May we meet in Heaven I pray love,
And walk through the streets paved with gold.

Your hands are so cold dearest mother,
The dear little hands, white as snow,
The hands which have done what no other
Can do for your children we know.

We'll live here so well, that forever
With all we so tenderly love,
Where death our fond hearts cannot sever,
We'll dwell in the City above.
-ALH

Saturday morning there passed from life, one of those good old souls who has been the cherished companion of a fond and loving husband, for over a half century; the much beloved mother of a large family of children whom she had seen grow to maturity, married and themselves surrounded by children of their own. A woman loved by all who knew her intimately and held in highest esteem for her many sterling good qualities of heart and head. by all with whom she came in contact. A good wife, a loving mother and a kind neighbor and faithful friend, such as Mrs. John Heaton, whose 75 years of life closed so suddenly on last Saturday morning. Mrs. Heaton has been for some years subject to "sinking spells," doubtless the result of a faulty action of the heart. She has heretofore recovered from these attacks apparently suffering no serious consequences. But with each recurring attack her aged husband that those of her children here at home realized the danger thereof, especially to one of her advanced age. And so it is that it was one of these attacks, that resulted in her death, whole surrounded by  members of her family, some one of whom had been   --cutoff text--

-- Rev. Father Meskell and an address by Rev. Father Crows of Jacksonville. Interment followed at Walnut Ridge. Notwithstanding the very inclement weather, a large concourse of friends were present with the family to pay this last tribute of respect to the departed. Many beautiful floral offerings were laid upon the casket by family and friends. Mrs.. Heaton was born in the Tower of London, February 29th, 1820, she being the daughter of Major James Fullerton a native of England, who was in command of the tower at that time. She was married to John Heaton at Bolton, Lancashire England, November 2, 1840. Her aged husband and the following named children survive her: Noble, John, James, William and Charley, all now residents of the state of Washington; Mrs. Kate Caldwell, Mrs. R. Lancaster, Mrs. Ed. Savage, Mrs. R.H. Payne all of this county and Thomas of Jacksonville. She has 32 living grand children and five great grand children.

Jesse H. Hughes

From the Elk County Citizen, Kansas, February 25, 1903

OBITUARY

Jesse H. Hughes was born March 19, 1859 in Cass county, Illinois. When 8 years of age he went with his parents to Madison county, Iowa. While there, at the age of 10 he was converted to Christianity. He next moved to Ottawa, Kansas and from there to Elk county. He united with the M. E. church at Moline. On April 10, 1883, he was married to Mary A. Colgrove of Elk county. In 1892 they moved to Douglas county, Oregon, returning to Howard in 1900. Mr. Hughes was an honest industrious man and highly respected by all. His sufferings were terrible and lasted several months, and his death which occurred early Tuesday morning was expected. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Richardson.

Submitted by L. Morgan

Vital Information:
name: John William Jackson [1,2]; John W. Jackson Sr. [3]
father: John Tillman Jackson [2,3]
mother: Effie May Anthony [2,3]
born: June 7, 1924 in Oak Grove, Odessa, Bates City, Missouri [2,3]
spouse: Dorothy Jane Osborn, m. October 24, 1947 [1,2,3] in Beardstown,Illinois [2,3] at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church parsonage [3]
children: John William, Rosa Lee, Janis Lynn and Anita Kay Jackson [2]
died: Tuesday evening [3], May 11, 1999 at his home in Beardstown, Illinois [2,3]

buried: Friday, May 14, 1999 in the Beardstown City Cemetery [2,3]

Other Information:
military: U.S. Army [2,3] Feb. 12, 1943 to Feb. 15, 1946 [3]
education: graduate [3] of Oak Grove High School, Missouri [2,3]
occupation: farmer, railroader [2],
1952 - 1988, bridge gang forman for Burlington-Northern
residence: 112 Edwards Street, Beardstown, Illinois [2]
cause of death: complications following heart surgery [2]

References:
1. Hazel Osborn Looker, Data Sheet for Harry Edmund Osborn, Jessie Fern Croxton and children.
2. Hazel Osborn Looker, Data Sheet for John William Jackson, Dorothy Jane Osborn and children.
3. Hazel Osborn Looker, photocopy of obituaries of John W. Jackson Sr.

Obituary:

John W. Jackson Sr., 74, of Beardstown, died Tuesday evening May 11, 1999 at his residence.

Obituary of Ephraim Benson Kirkham II

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, February 11, 2002, Page: 22

Ephraim B. Kirkham Jr.

BEARDSTOWN - Ephraim Benson Kirkham Jr., 80, of Beardstown died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home South in Beardstown.

He was born Nov. 28, 1921, in Bainbridge Township, the son of Ephraim Benson Sr. and Irene Newingham Kirkham. He married Elizabeth Ann McWhorter in 1947 in Virginia. He was preceded in death by a son, Ephraim Benson Kirkham.

Mr. Kirkham attended Center School in Bainbridge Township. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a welder for Fiatallis for more than 32 years. He was a member of Free Methodist Church in Rushville and Schuyler American Legion Post 4.

Survivors: wife, Elizabeth Ann; two sons, Perry Dennis (wife, Susan) Kirkham of Beardstown and Terry Lynn (wife, Sarah) Kirkham of Meredosia; two daughters, Linda Diane (husband, Kirby) Jockisch and Fern Elizabeth (husband, Ron) Tribble, both of Beardstown; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Henry (wife, Katherine) Kirkham of Mossville, Edgar (wife, Joanne) Kirkham of Fort Myers, Fla., and John (wife, Ruth) Kirkham of Jacksonville; five sisters, Sarah (husband, Dale) Kruse of Beardstown, Glenna (husband, Bob) Little of Fort Myers, Zelda (husband, Harold) Bishop of Lockport, and Letha Dupoy and Vada (husband, Homer) Downs, both of Rushville; a half brother, Roy of Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Black Oak Church, south of Beardstown, the Rev. Robert Kirkham and the Rev. Irene DeSollar officiating. Burial: Black Oak Cemetery.

Hendricker Funeral Home in Mount Sterling is in charge of arrangements.

Captain Reuben Lancaster

Civil War Youngster dies in Virginia
Denver Post

Virginia, Illinois., Jan 10, 1917. - Captain Reuben Lancaster, the youngest commissioned officer in the Union army during the Civil War, fell dead at his home here of heart trouble. He had a brilliant war record as captain of Company B, Kentucky cavalry.

Obituary of Clyde Logsdon

born 1918; died: 1931

unknown paper

Tetanus (lockjaw) which resulted after he had stepped on a rusty nail a week ago Tuesday, proved fatal Monday night to Clyde Logsdon, 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Logsdon, 617 West Main street, ? p.m. in the Passavant hospital in Jacksonville. The lad died following several days of suffering from the ailment. He had stepped on the nail last Tuesday while working on a boat, the rusty point penetrating his light tennis shoes and making only a small hole in the bottom of his right foot. The youth was not taken to a doctor until Thursday, it being thought he was not seriously hurt, when Dr. Charles was called to administer the Tetanus serum. When no relief was obtained the boy was sent to the hospital in Jacksonville, where the continued observance and treatment of several surgeons failed to save his life.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning at 10:30 from the local Christian church with Rev. Schwab of Mt. Sterling in charge. Interment was made in the City Cemetery. The lad is survived by his parents, two brothers, Ray and Elmer and one sister, Faye, all of Beardstown. He was 12 years, 8 months and 8 days of age at the time of his death.

Note: He is buried with parents and other relatives in the Beardstown City Cemetery.

Obituary of Francis "Frank" Logsdon

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, April 6, 1994, Page: 25

Francis Logsdon

BEARDSTOWN - Francis "Frank" Logsdon, 66, of Beardstown died Tuesday morning at his residence.

Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Beardstown City Cemetery.

Cline Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements.

Surviving are his wife, Mary; stepdaughter, Susan Shaw of Beardstown; three brothers, Herschel Logsdon, Tom Logsdon and Dave Logsdon, all of Beardstown; three sisters, Mary Hiles of Galesburg and Patricia Davidsmeyer and Reah Logsdon, both of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews. 

Obituary of James Lee Logsdon

State Journal-Register, May 11, 1991, Page: 37

James Lee Logsdon

BEARDSTOWN - James Lee Logsdon, 31, of Beardstown died Thursday at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rushville.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Beardstown City Cemetery. Cline Funeral Home, Beardstown, is in charge of arrangements.

Surviving are his wife, Ginny; two step-sons, C. J. and Cole; his parents, Francis and Mary Logsdon; and one sister, Susie Shaw, all of Beardstown. 

Obituary of John C. Logsdon

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, February 19, 1990, Page: 24

John C. Logsdon

BEARDSTOWN - John C. Logsdon, 48, of Beardstown died at 11:15 p.m. Saturday at his residence.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cline Funeral Home, Beardstown. Burial will be in Beardstown City Cemetery.

Surviving are his wife, Judy; two sons, Troy and Todd, both of Beardstown; one grandson; and several brothers and sisters including Francis Logsdon of Beardstown. 

Obituary of Mary Evelyn Wishon Logsdon

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, April 19, 2004, Page: 26

Mary E. Logsdon

BEARDSTOWN - Mary Evelyn Logsdon, 80, of Beardstown died Sunday, April 18, 2004, at Heritage Manor South.

She was born Aug. 10, 1923, in Beardstown, the daughter of Leroy Wishon and Eva Mae Eastham Wishon. She married Francis Lee Logsdon in 1951 in Beardstown; he preceded her in death. A son, James Lee Logsdon, also preceded her in death.

Mrs. Logsdon attended Beardstown High School. She was a homemaker and worked at the Wells LaMont Glove Factory. She was a member of United Methodist Church of Beardstown.

Survivors: two daughters, Susan Lee Shaw of Beardstown and Linda (husband, Dale) Zeisler of Rushville; and a nephew.

Graveside services: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Beardstown City Cemetery.

Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. 

Magee, Ann, in her 50th year, d. I May 1853 at her residence at Middle Creek, Cass Co., Ill. She was the wife of George Magee; the daughter of John and Ann McClure, of Chester Co., Pa. ((Central Christian Advocate, Vol. 1., 3 June 1853, p. 87)

died: December 28, 1985

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, December 29, 1985, Page: 52

  BEARDSTOWN - Pauline Meyer, 74, of Beardstown died at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Beardstown Hospital.

  Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Sager-Northcutt Funeral Home, Beardstown, and burial will be in Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Virginia.

  Surviving are three sons, Bob of Beardstown, Dale of Rushville and Ronnie of Browning; three daughters, Gloria Jean Roegge of Beardstown, Royna Stambaugh of Frederick and Marilyn Brown of Chicago; one brother, Russell Sutherd of Tallula; two sisters, Elizabeth Reed of Ashland and Christine Homer of Beardstown; 29 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren

Obituary of Debra K. Horney Minor

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, January 12, 2002, Page: 36

Debra K. Minor

VIRGINIA - Debra K. Minor, 46, of Virginia died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2002, at St. John's Hospital.

She was born Nov. 4, 1955, in White Hall, the daughter of David F. and Myrtle Mercer Horney. She married Jerry Minor in 1976 in White Hall.

Mrs. Minor was employed at Pactiv in Jacksonville for 23 years. She also worked part time at Huck's Convenience Store and was a former waitress at Sambo's, both in Jacksonville.

She was a member of the Virginia Jaycees and attended Harvest Temple United Pentecostal Church in Jacksonville.

Survivors: husband, Jerry; two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel Minor, both of Virginia; a son, J.T. Minor Jr. of Virginia; a stepson, James T. Minor of Glasgow, Ky.; five grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; parents, David and Myrtle Horney of Jacksonville; three sisters, Carol (husband, Steve) McNealy and Janet (husband, Warren) Smith, both of Jacksonville, and Becky Jones of San Jose, Calif.; three brothers, David F. "Fred" (wife, Susie) Horney III of Hollywood, Fla., Dan Horney of Springfield and Mike (wife, Lisa) Horney of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 2 p.m. Sunday, Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville. Burial: Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia.

Beardstown, Ill., July 23 – Funeral services for George W. Newingham, 88, who died here Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ruben Johnson, 310 Wall, will be held today in Roodhouse. Burial will be in Fernwood cemetery, Roodhouse.

Mr. Newingham had lived here the past 40 years. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Charles Colclasure of Beardstown and Mrs. E. J. Scott of Galesburg; two sons, W. L. Newingham of Beardstown and Hiram of Galesburg; two brothers, Elijah and Harry of Roodhouse; one sister, Mrs. Joe Coats of Roodhouse; 11 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

[Source: Quincy Herald Whig, Sunday, July 23, 1950 – transcribed by Debbie Gibson]

Rushville Times, July 12, 2000, page 13, column 4

  Mary L. Niestradt, 92, of Beardstown, died Monday, July 3, 2000, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.

  She was born Feb. 12, 1908, in Beardstown, to William and Elizabeth Tucker Langdon. She married Richard G. Niestradt on Feb. 6, 1932, in the Beardstown parsonage.

  Mrs. Niestradt is survived by two sisters, Ana Louise (husband Pat) McLain of Beardstown and Doris (husband Harold - deceased) Andre of Springfield; two sisters-in-law, Vera Langdon of Galesburg and Rose Mary Langdon of Beardstown; and 22 nieces and nephews.

  She was preceded in death by her husband in 1980, both parents, a daughter, Kay Ann (husband Jim) Dick, three grandchildren, four brothers and two sisters.

  She was a graduate of Beardstown High School and a homemaker in the Arenzville area. She was a member of the St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown, Beardstown Senior Citizens Bread of Love and Home Extension.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, July 5, at St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown, with burial in the Beardstown City Cemetery. Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.

  Memorials may be made to the Cass-Schuyler Hospice or St. Alexius Catholic Church.

The Illinoian-Star, Beardstown, December 3 1936

FUNERAL TO BE SATURDAY FOR CASS MAN

James Henry Norris, 79 of Virginia, Dies Exactly One Year After Death Of Wife

  Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 for James Henry Norris, 79, who died at his home in Virginia yesterday.  For many years he had been a constable in Cass county.  His wife, the former Martha Turner, died December 2, 1935, exactly one year before the death of Mr. Norris.

  Mr. Norris was the son of Robert Henry and Mary Ellen Pike Norris.  He was born August 26, 1857, in Browning {Brown?} county and has resided all his life in this state.  Mr. and Mrs. Norris were married in Ashland, September 14, 1879.

  Surviving children include Mrs. Eleanor Avery, Beardstown; Mrs. Mary Ane Wakeman, Ashland; J. L. Norris, Francesville, Ind.  A granddaughter, Mrs. Hattie E. Henry, has lived at the home and cared for the deceased.  Brothers and sisters who survive are Wil-Mary Jane Wakeman, Ashland; J. Norris, Petersburg; Mrs. Mary Belle Walters and Mrs. Anna Sherrin, Virginia.

  submitted by: Tammie Brown

Rushville Times, August 16, 2000, page 11, column 5

Dorothy O'Hara

  Dorothy Rae Baujan O'Hara, 72, a longtime resident of Beardstown, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000.

  Do Rae was born in Beardstown on Feb. 10, 1928 the daughter of Raymond Baujan and Dorothy Gardner Baujan.  She was married to James Earl O'Hara on Oct. 2, 1948, at St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown.  She was proceeded in death by both of her parents and her husband.

  Do Rae is survived by her three children: Kevin (wife Kate) O'Hara of Portage, Wisc., Molly (husband Ben) Beck of Redlands, Calif., and Patty (husband David) Walker of Jacksonville; one sister, Mrs. Mary Beth Mauterer of Decatur; one brother, Bob Baujan of Beech Mountain, N.C., and six grandchildren.

  She was a graduate of Belleville High School and attended Millikin University.  She was a member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown.

  Memorial services were held Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown with Father Eugene Weitzel celebrating the Mass.  Graveside service followed at the Beardstown City Cemetery.  Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

  Memorials may be sent to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice.

Ward C. Petefish

ASHLAND - Ward C. Petefish, 84, of rural Ashland died Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born June 7, 1923, in Literberry, the son of Jesse L. and Jean Caldwell Petefish. He married Marcella Pauline Hinman on Feb. 2, 1945, in Ashland and she preceded in death on Dec. 25, 1981.

He is survived by a daughter, Doris J. Gregory (husband, Keith) of Ashland; four sons, J. Alan Petefish (wife, Vicky) of Festus, Mo., Donald J. Petefish (wife, Jennifer) of Ashland, Ronald R. Petefish (wife, Debra) of Ashland and Bradley E. Petefish of Ashland; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard L. Petefish Sr. (wife, Sharon) of Champaign; two sisters, Lois Yancy (husband, Albert) of Springfield and Mary Lou Newell (husband, Bob) of St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Sara Allen (surviving husband, Raymond of Springfield); and a niece.

Mr. Petefish was a 1940 graduate of Ashland High School and a grain and livestock farmer in the Ashland area. He was a member of Berea Christian Church where he served as Deacon Emeritus. He formerly served on the Ashland School Board and as a 4-H leader for many years. He enjoyed fishing and watching his family participate in local sporting events, but his greatest joy came from spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2008, at Berea Christian Church, south of Prentice, with burial in Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008, at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland, where the family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday.

Memorial gifts are suggested to Berea Christian Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.buchanancody.com .

Published in The State Journal-Register on 4/4/2008.

Anna "Marie" Marie Demy Ring

died: May 7, 1977

unknown paper, May 1977

Anna Marie Ring, 75 417 1/2 Monroe Street died at 8:20 a.m. Saturday at Beardstown Hospital.

Born in Astoria, she attended Astoria schools. She attended the United Methodist Church. She married George Ring, a former mayor, on April 20, 1920 in Lewistown. He died in 1962.

Survivors include a sister Helen Walters, 1220 Adams Street and two nieces Maxine White of Peoria and Margaret Ann Murray of Macomb.

Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. today at Beardstown City Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Armbrust officiating. Northcutt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

The Courier, Jacksonville, IL, May 8, 1977

Anna Marie Ring, 75, 417 1/2 Monroe, Beardstown died Saturday morning in Beardstown hospital. She was a retired clerk at Walker's IGA in Beardstown.

Mrs. Ring was born in Astoria April 20, 1902, daughter of Henry C. and Mamie Blemler Demy. She married George Ring, and he preceded her in death.

Survivors include a sister, Helen Walters, Beardstown, and two nieces, Maxine White, Peoria and Margaret Ann Murray, Macomb.

Mrs. Ring was a member of First Methodist church at Beardstown.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Beardstown City cemetery, Rev. Wayne Armbrust officiating. Visitation will be at Northcutt Funeral home in Beardstown 6 to 9 tonight.

Her funerary card lists as pallbearers: Bill Cowan, Bud Hackman, Clarence Elliott, Robert Buck, Everett Hale, and Jack Reller.

George E. Ring

died: January 8, 1962

State Journal, Springfield, IL, January 10, 1962

Funeral services will be held at the Northcutt Funeral Home here at 2:30 p.m. today for George E. Ring, 65, former city official, who died Monday morning in his home of a gunshot wound, thought to have been self-inflicted. He had been despondent, members of the family said, over an illness of months duration. Announcement has not been made as to the time of an inquest.

Mr. Ring was mayor here from 1945 to 1953 and previously had been third ward alderman. He was a barber by profession and operated a shop here with Ghlee Walters for many years.

He was born in Vermont June 9, 1896 and was the last of his family. His only survivor is his wife, Marie. 

Beardstown, Illinois, January 8, 1962

George E. Ring, 65, Former May, Dies of Gunshop Wound.

George E. Ring, former mayor of Beardstown, was found dead in his home this morning with a shotgun wound in his head. Time of his death was set at 9:10 a.m.

The body was found by Mrs. Alma Grant of 417 Monroe St., who said she heard a shot from a room of the adjoining Ring residence in the two-family duplex at 417 1/2 Monroe St.

Mrs. Grant said she found the body lying across a bed with a .12 gauge shotgun nearby. One shot had been fired from the gun and one shot was still in the gun. Ring was alone. His wife had left earlier for Walker's IGA store where she is employed.

Cass County Sheriff Howard [missing], Police Chief Dic Har[missing] and Officer Ray Taylor investigated. {missing} Ring had been despondent for some time. Deputy Coroner Paul Harrison was notified. The body was removed to the Northcutt Funeral Home. An inquest would be scheduled.

George Ring served two full terms as mayor of Beardstown 1945-53 after eight years of experience as alderman of the third ward. He was first elected to city office in May 1937, and served as alderman during the administration of Fred I. Cline, later succeeding Cline as mayor.

Ring's administration was marked with considerable street improvements, as he used motor fuel tax funds for initial paving of a number of side streets.

His terms as mayor were plagued with costly repairs of the wagon bridge which was knocked out of commission on numerous occasions by barges and towboats hitting the protective piling of the bridge and even hitting the bridge itself. [missing] that many persons complained pilots had declared a private war on Beardstown's old draw-span bridge.

Ring was the first mayor to acknowledge the bridge's days were numbered and cooperated with state authorities in plans for a new toll-free bridge across the Illinois River at Beardstown.

Twenty-five cent tolls had financed many previous city projects here and enabled Ring to purchase new steel bleachers at the Recreation Park.

Ring worked for more flood protection for Beardstown, having served as alderman through the "dry flood" of 1943. He made many trips to Washington, D. C. to secure authorization of a higher and stronger seawall here.

The new bridge was dedicated in September, 1955, two years after he had retired as mayor. Construction work is now progressing on final phases of the additional flood protection.

Ring was a barber who was in partnership with Ghlee Walters in the barber shop adjoining the Central Hotel for many years. He later established a shop in his home at 417 1/2 Monroe Street.

Funeral to be Wednesday

The body was removed to the Northcutt Funeral home where funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

George Ring was born June 9, 1896 at Vermont.

He married Marie Demy April 20, 1920 at Lewistown. They moved to Beardstown in 1926 and continued to reside here.

He was president of the Barbers' Union here, a member of Beardstown Elks Club and a member of the Rose Chapel Methodist Church at Astoria.

He was the last of his family, and is survived by his widow, Marie.

Roberts, Catherine Elizabeth 

May 31, 1924 - Daily Illinoian-Star
Mrs. Catherine Elizabeth Roberts, died at her home, 1211 E. 9th St, Friday, May 30 at 9:30 p.m. after a stroke of paralysis of Tuesday evening, aged 73 years 8 months and 19 days.
She was the mother of nine children, fine having preceded her in death, those surviving are four sons, C.A. Roberts of Hammond, IN, Tillman T. Roberts of Honolulu, Hawaii, H.D. and Luther L. Roberts of Beardstown. John Roberts, husband preceded her in death16 years ago. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from the Methodist Church, Rev. G.L. Losh officiating. Interment in City Cemetery in the family lot.

Roberts, John

February, 1907 - Illinoian Star
The funeral of John Roberts was held at the First M.E. church Tuesday afternoon under the auspices of M.W.A. Rev. Thorton Clark officiated. Interment was made in the City Cemetery.

Obituary for Mary L Miller Sears

Eagle Publications, December 2, 1999

Mary L. Sears

Mary L. Sears, 67, of Bluffs, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 1999, in Springfield Memorial Hospital at Springfield.

She was born Jan. 4, 1932, at Beardstown to Oscar David and Louise Williams Miller.

She married Carroll D. Sears on Dec. 11, 1952, at Jacksonville. He preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1995.

Survivors include son Kelly (Gwen) Sears of Macomb; daughter Rita (Michael) Williams of Bluffs; mother, Louise Miller Landes of Jacksonville; grandchildren Sam and Megan Williams of Bluffs and Callie and Austin Sears of Macomb; sisters Ruth Shelton and Joann Landes, both of Jacksonville.

She was preceded in death by an infant brother and sister, brother Albert Miller and sister Alma Bergschneider.

She was a member of Oxville United Methodist Church, but attended the Bluffs United Methodist Church since her husband's death. She was a supporter of the Bluffs Athletic Boosters.

Mrs. Sears and her husband owned and operated Sears Lumber Company in Bluffs for 43 years.

Services were Nov. 28 in Mackey Daws Funeral Home at Bluffs with the Rev. John Eisfelder officiating.

Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs.

Memorials can be made to the Meredosia Rescue Squad, Oxville United Methodist Church or Bluffs United Methodist Church.

The Illinoian Star, Beardstown, May 29, 1931

JOHN WILLIAM SELF DIES LAST NIGHT FOLLOWING STROKE

  John William Self, 59, who suffered a paralytic stroke early Thursday morning, died at his home east of this city on the Star Lane at 4:00 o'clock last night.

  The deceased was born in Brown county and has resided near this city for the past eighteen years. He is survived by his wife and five sons and one daughter.

  Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon from Independence Hall in Schuyler county at 2:00 o'clock with the Rev. B. P. Archer officiating.

  Interment will be made in the Gillette cemetery.

Obituary of Lloyd Silsby

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, November 15, 1987, Page: 80

Lloyd Silsby

JACKSONVILLE - Lloyd Silsby, 75, of Jacksonville died at 12:38 p.m. Friday at the Passavant Area Hospital.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Sager Funeral Home, Beardstown. Burial will be in Beardstown Cemetery.

Surviving are two sons, Wayne of Beardstown and Lloyd of Auburn; one daughter, Anna Hollenback of Lancaster, Wis.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Catherine Taylor Siltman

died: October 4, 1994

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, October 5, 1994, Page: 16

VIRGINIA - Catherine Siltman, 75, of rural Virginia died Tuesday at Memorial Medical Center.

Survivors: husband, Wilson "Ped"; son, James Siltman of Springfield; three grandchildren; a great-grandson; three brothers, John Taylor of Mount Ayr, Iowa, Earl Taylor of Virginia and Carroll Taylor of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church. Burial: Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Virginia. Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home, Chandlerville, is in charge of arrangements.

Wilson "Ped" Siltman

died: April 25, 1998

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, April 26, 1998, Page: 19

VIRGINIA - Wilson "Ped" Siltman, 79, of Virginia died Saturday at Memorial Medical Center.

Survivors: a son, Jim Siltman of Springfield; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl Ivan Siltman of Hobart, Tazmania; two sisters, Ernestine Siltman and Illa Lee Helensmith, both of Matanza Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sangamon Valley Presbyterian Church, Virginia. Burial: Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Virginia.

Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements.

Note: He was born June 22, 1918 Chandlerville, Mason County, Illinois, the daughter of John Louis Siltman and Nettie Marie Toland. Brother, Woodrow B. is his twin and died May 12, 1993 Mason District Hospital, Havana, Mason County, Illinois. He married Catherine Taylor, died October 4, 1994.

Obituary of Donald Clem Sours

Peoria Journal Star, September 4, 1997, Page: D7

Donald Sours

Pekin - Donald Clem Sours, 79, of 1406 N. 11th St. died at 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1997, at Pekin Hospital.

Born Nov. 14, 1917, in Beardstown to George Clem and Maude Gorsage Sours, he married A. Eileen Beale on April 15, 1939, in Edina, Mo. She died Sept. 6, 1966, in Pekin. Two brothers also preceded him in death.

Surviving are one son, D. Larry of Pekin; one sister, Dorothy Becker of Mesa, Ariz.; and four grandchildren.

A World War II Navy veteran, he was a member of Pekin Elks Lodge 1271 and Pekin Moose Lodge 916. A member of United Auto Workers Local 974 in East Peoria, he worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 37 years, retiring in 1973 from the East Peoria plant as a truck driver.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Dr. R. David Goodell will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. Private burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Central Illinois Dream Factory, P.O. Box 1431, Pekin, Ill. 61555-1431, or to the American Lung Association of Central Illinois, 922 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, Ill. 61606.

G. S. STEWART DIES AS CAR IS DERAILED

Harvey Brown of Frederick Also Badly Injured When Light Motor Car is Derailed.

  George B. Stewart, veteran roadmaster for the C.B.&Q. railroad and a resident of this city since 1911, was fatally injured, and Harvey Brown, assistant roadmaster of Frederick, painfully hurt yesterday morning at 9:30 when the light "speeder" motor car on which they were making an inspection of the new "Q" line between Frederick and Vermont, was derailed. The two men were thrown outs the ties, Stewart sustaining a fractured skull from which he died an hour later on the way to the Rushville hospital.

  Brown, who sustained serious injuries about the face and skull, walked a quarter of a mile down the track to flag freight train No. (?), which was being handled by Engineer H. (?). Young of this city. Young used a company block ceinphens(?)o notify Supt. A. D. Haist here of the accident and within ten minutes after the occurrence doctors and an ambulance were on the way to the scene.

  As the accident occurred 13 miles north of Frederick on the new Frederick line, and therefore nearer to Vermont than Beardstown, Supt. Haist notified Dr. Baxter of Vermont, who hurried by car to the scene, and Dr. Schweer of this city Cline's ambulance was also called and Dr. Bacon, a Macomb surgeon was notified. Although doctors arrived on the scene before Mr. Stewart died, he passed away before he could be rushed to a hospital.

  Brown was taken to the Culbertson hospital in Rushville where he was reported in a critical condition all day yesterday. Reports from the hospital this morning, however, indicated that he had improved slightly. His injuries included an injured skull, a large gash over the right eye and a badly cut nose and face.

  Mr. Stewart and Mr. Brown were making their regular inspection trip over the Frederick new line, when the accident occurred. According to Mr. Haist, who immediately made an inspection, no reason for the derailment had been determined. The track, he said, is perfectly straight and in good condition.

  George Stewart was in the employ of the C.B.& Q. railroad for 31 years during which time he contracted many friendships all along the line of the Beardstown division from this city to Rio. He has been a resident of this city since 1911 when he came here from St. Joe, Mo. He lived at 400 East Third street and was well known throughout this city.

  The body of Mr. Stewart was first taken to Vermont where it was held by orders of Fulton county coroner, but was brought to this city at 7 o'clock last night to be prepared for burial at the Cline Undertaking Parlors here.

  The coroner's inquest was held in Vermont yesterday afternoon under Deputy Coroner Dr. Cherry. The result was no {not} known here today.

  This afternoon the remains were removed to the late home, 400 East Third, from where funeral services will be held at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Archer, pastor of the local M. E. church in charge. The body will be taken Wednesday morning on train No. 51 to Charlton, Iowa, where interment will be made.

  The decedent is survived by his widow, one son, Atty. Maurice Stewart of St. Louis and one brother, John of Yates City, Kans. He was born Feb. 22, 1879 at Millferd, Mo. and was employed by the "Q" for 42 years.

Jan 12 1896 Daily Inter Ocean
Mrs Lucy A Stribling
Virginia Illinois, Jan 11 Special Telegram
Mrs Lucy A Stribling one of Cass County's early and prominent citizen, died this morning aged 83 years.  She was born in Catherine NY came to this section in 1829 and has lived here since that date.

The Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Cass County, Illinois, September 25, 1940

John Swope Dies at 89; Passed Away After a Short Illness   Only three days after celebrating his 89th birthday anniversary in his home at 809 East Sixth street, John (Jack) Swope, widely known local man and for many years an employee of Schultz, Baujan and Company, died at 5 o'clock this morning after having suffered a paralytic stroke yesterday.

  Mr. Swope, in fairly good health at the time, observed his birthday anniversary Sunday.

  The body was taken to the Cline Funeral Home to be prepared for burial.  Funeral services will be at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon at the funeral home.  The Rev. Bateman will be in charge.

  Born in Pennsylvania

  Born September 22, 1851 in Georgetown, Penn., Mr. Swope came to Illinois in 1883 {1863?}. During his first year {1883?} as a resident here he was employed by the Burlington railroad company, and thereafter he was employed in a store at Sixth and Monroe streets until he took a position with J. Baujan and Company in 1886.  Later he continued as an employee of Schultz, Baujan and company.  He retired three years ago.

  Survive are two sons, Frank and Otto of this city; four grandchildren, Miss Edith Swope of Roddhouse, Mrs. Lorraine Johnson of Brookly, N. Y., Frank, Jr. and Duane Swope of Marshalltown, Iowa.  He is also survived by a brother {James"Riley" Riley (R J) Swope}, who is 87 years of age and who resides in California, and a great-grandson, Jerry Johnson of Brooklyn, New York.

  Mr. Swope was preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1935, his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Fulks {Fulk} who died in 1933, and a son, Fred, who died about 10 years ago. 

The Illinoian Star, Beardstown, Cass County, Illinois, September 1940  Swope Rites Are Conducted; Services Held at Cline Funeral Home   Funeral services were conducted at the Cline Funeral Home at 2:30 yesterday afternoon for John Swope, 89 years old, who died in his home Wednesday morning.   The Rev. Mr. Bateman was in charge of the service.   Pallbears were: William Applegate, Jr., C. C. Cardwell, Turner Antrobus, Randolph Laughary, Jack Howard, Jake Buck.   Flowers were in charge of Mrs. Jack Howard, Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Mosier and Mrs. Verna Cardwell.   Ardella Benson, Stelvetta Benson and Vera Lee Benson sang, "Last Mile of the Way," and "No Tears in Heaven."   Burial was in the Oak Grove cemetery.

Obituary courtesy of Sara Hemp

Obituary of Ada E. Wilker Taylor

Peoria Journal Star, June 10, 1992, Page: D6

Ada Taylor

Sugar Grove - Ada E. Taylor, 98, of Sugar Grove died at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 1992, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.

Born Feb. 9, 1894, in Cass County to Henry and Emma Ivemeyer Wilker, she married Michael H. Taylor on Oct. 13, 1914, in Bainbridge Township. He died April 23, 1953.

One son, Carl Wayne Taylor, one infant daughter, Emma Ellen Taylor, one sister and one grandson also preceded her in death.

Surviving are two sons, Paul of Rushville and Elmer H. of San Francisco; seven grandchildren; one step granddaughter; nine great-grandchildren; and one step great-granddaughter.

She taught school in Woodstock and Bainbridge townships.

She was a member of Fourth Street Lutheran Church in Beardstown, Women's Society of Sugar Grove United Methodist Church and Rushville Women's Federation. She was a charter member of Woodstock Home Extension.

She was bicentennial queen of Schuyler County.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Roby Funeral Chapel in Rushville. The Rev. William Hesseldenz will officiate. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the chapel. Burial will be in Persinger Cemetery in rural Rushville.

Memorials may be made to Sugar Grove United Methodist Church or the John Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Rushville High School.

Theivagt, Joe

Peoria Journal Star, October 27, 2002, Page: B07

Joe Theivagt

  BEARDSTOWN - Joe Theivagt, 51, of Beardstown died Friday, Oct. 25, 2002, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

  Born March 27, 1951, in Beardstown to Sherwood L. and Fay Brockman Theivagt, he married Julie Wedeking on July 29, 1977, in Beardstown. She survives in Beardstown.

  Also surviving are his father of Beardstown; one daughter, Megan Theivagt of Beardstown; one son, Clint of Beardstown; two brothers, Mark (and Linda) and Matthew, both of Beardstown; and two sisters, Cindy (and Mike) Cain of Bluff Springs and Glenna (and Rex) Olson of Perry.

  He was preceded in death by his mother.

  He had been an engineer for Burlington-Northern Railroad since 1970.

  He was a member of Cass Lodge 23 AF&AM.

  Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Beardstown City Cemetery. The Rev. Bill Couchenour will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 today at Sager Funeral Home.

  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Ducks Unlimited.

Thixton, Frank

July 13, 1926 - Illinoian Star
Frank Thixton a former resident of Cass County passed away yesterday morning at 4:45 in the home of his neice, Mrs. Louis Diebolt, of near Rushville, following an illiness of four years duration. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon, July 14 at two o'clock in the home of B. T. Burns at 606 W. 3rd St, this city. The services will beh in charge of Rev. C.S. Boyd and interment will be in the family lot in the City Cemetery.

Obituary of Betty Jane Hollenback Thomas

died: April 13, 1998

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, April 15, 1998, Page: 11

Betty J. Thomas

Beardstown - Betty J. Thomas, 56, died Monday at St. John's Hospital.

Survivors: husband, Richard; a son, Brian Thomas of Beardstown; two daughters, Lisa and Heather Thomas, both of Beardstown; mother, Dorothy Hollenback of Rushville; and a brother, Bob Hollenback of Coal Valley.

Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Sager Funeral Home, Beardstown. Burial: Beardstown City Cemetery.

Note: Betty is the daughter of Russell Floyd Hollenback and Dorothy Hering.

R.B. Thompson Sudden Heart Attack Victim

Funeral Tomorrow for 77 Year-Old Life Long Cass County Man; Prominent

Daily Illinoian Star December 23, 1935 

Robert B. Thompson, life long resident of Cass county and widely known throughout this community died shortly after 7 o'clock Saturday night of a sudden heart attack. The 77 year old former C.B. & Q. railroad worker was stricken while seated in a chair in the Garman and Shupe's Recreational parlor here, and died almost instantly.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 tomorrow afternoon from the residence and at 2 o'clock from the St. John's Lutheran Church of which he was a member. The Rev. Edwin Sommer will be in charge of the services.

Coroner Charles H. Gersmeyer will conduct an inquest into the death tonight.

The decedent was born near Virginia March 1, 1852, but resided for many years in Beardstown. He was employed with the C.B.& Q railroad company during a greater part of this time. He had made his home with his daughter Mrs. Roe Wallace here for the past many months.

Mrs. Thompson passed away 3 years ago. Three children also preceded him in death. Surviving are 9 children: Mrs. Henry Eisberg of Salisbury, Mo. John Thompson of Belleville, Ill. Elmer and Miss Berneice Thompson of Peoria; Mrs. Roe Wallace; Mrs. William Hering, Mrs. George Wessel, Mrs. Albert Schaeffer and Earl Thompson all of this city. (Beardstown) A number of grand children also survive, with a brother, Albert (Thompson) of Springfield.

The body was taken to the Simpson Home for services to be prepared for burial.

Obituary for Frances Lillie M Trone (nee Wilson)

State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, Illinois) May 23, 1988
Beardstown - Frances Lillie M Trone, 81, of Beardstown died Saturday at her residence. Services wil be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Cline Funeral Home, Beardstown. Burial will be in Ridgeville Cemetery. Surviving are her husband, Lloyd; two sons, Guy of Beardstown and Lloyd H. of Meredosia; one daughter, Virginia Lee Weaver of Panama City, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dovie Dennis of Beardstown. (submitted by Ida Maack Recu)

Obituary of  Loren Earl Trone

died: July 30, 1973

Astoria Argus - In ink and crossed out July 30, 1973

Loren E. Trone Died Suddenly

Loren Earl Trone, 70, of Astoria, died at 5 p.m. Monday evening in Culbertson Hospital in Rushville.

He was born March 10, 1903 in Cass County, a son of Corley and Ella Moose Trone. On March 21, 1921, he was married in Lewistown to Mary Etta Leonard, who survives.

Other survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Lorene Sullivan of Galesburg, Mrs. Freida Kettering of Monmouth and Mrs. Marifrances Ralston of Beardstown; one son, Charles W. Trone of Rushville; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Velma Cowart of Rock Island and Mrs. Donna Carter of Silvis.

He was preceded in death by one grandson.

Mr. Trone was a retired farmer. He was a member of the Astoria Church of the Brethren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday afternoon at Shawgo Memorial Home with Collis Trone officiating. Burial will be in the Astoria Cemetery.

Friends may call at Shawgo Memorial Home Wednesday afternoon and evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the Heart Fund in lieu of flowers.

Obituary of Mydonna F. Sheppard Turner

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, May 7, 1997, Page: 18

Mydonna F. Turner

VIRGINIA - Mydonna F. Turner, 51, of Virginia died Monday at her home.

Survivors: husband, Walter H.; two daughters, Mrs. Leo (Anita) Herzberger and Mrs. Mike (Lisa) Horney, both of Virginia; six grandchildren; a brother, Charles Sheppard of Blanchester, Ohio; a sister, Shirley Klingbeil of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home, Virginia. Burial: Walnut Ridge Cemetery, Virginia.

Obituary of Walter H. Turner

State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, January 3, 2002, Page: 7

Walter H. Turner

VIRGINIA - Walter H. Turner, 75, of Virginia, formerly of Waverly, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., from injuries sustained on a fishing trip.

He was born Dec. 15, 1926, in Auburn, the son of Herman and Myrtle Cooney Turner. He married Mydonna F. Sheppard in 1968 in Beardstown; she preceded him in death in 1997. Also preceding him in death was an infant son, Walter H. Turner Jr.

Mr. Turner was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving as a staff sergeant and retiring in 1975 after 30 years. He later worked for Oscar Mayer in Beardstown, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 431 and VFW Post 4866 in Waverly.

Survivors: two daughters, Lisa (husband, Mike) Horney and Anita (husband, Leo) Herzberger, both of Virginia; six grandchildren; three brothers, Clifford Turner of Loami, and Earl "Chesty" and Herman E. Turner, both of Waverly; three sisters, Bernice Lyons, Virginia Dodge and Dorothy Handy, all of Waverly; and several nieces and nephews.

Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia. Burial: Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia.

Virginia Gazette, June 4, 1884

      Funeral services were held at the residence of his daughter, in this city, on Thursday, after which the remains were interred in the Biddlecome grave yard, followed to their resting place by a large concourse of relatives and friends.

The Republican Gazette - Virginia, Cass Co, IL - Friday, July 13, 1923

Ina Weaver

Ina Elizabeth (Lewis) Weaver, 102, of Beardstown, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 1999, at Heritage Manor South.

She was born Aug. 17, 1897, in Jasper County, Ingraham, Illinois. She was the daughter of Enoch and Ella (Stanley) Lewis. She married John A. Weaver of Edgewood on May 4, 1919.

She was received into the Adventist Fellowship on Sept. 16, 1967, at Noble. Mr. and Mr. Weaver moved to Beardstown on April 27, 1979 from Salem.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Mary Ellen Alderson, a son, William Lewis Weaver, two sons-in-law, Roland Alderson and James W. Pigg; a daughter-in-law, Kathryne Weaver; a great-grandson, Cody Alderson; three sisters and one brother.

She is survived by one daughter, Eva Ruth Pigg of Beardstown; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Heritage Manor South Activity Fund.

Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday; Oct. 13, 1999, at the Farina Chapel Cemetery of Farina. Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.

- The Rushville Times, Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999, page 9A, column 5

Whitaker, Walter William

Walter Whitaker, a native of Cass County, who had been living in Milwaukee, Wis., passed away at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Veterans Administration hospital in Milwaukee.

He was born in Virginia, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Whitaker. He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Carl Radtke of St. Louis: one son, James Whitaker, living in California, and three grandchildren.

Also surviving are three brothers, Raymond Whitaker of Pekin, Ralph of Manchester, and Henry of California: and two sisters, Mrs. Bell Hunter and Mrs. Elizabeth McCluskey of Florida.

Graveside rites will be held at Walnut Ridge cemetery at 2 p.m. Saturday, the Reverend Rusby Slinkard officiating. The Massie Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

-The Virginia Gazette, Friday February 2, 1968

White, Berlyn

White,  Elizabeth E.

Lula Wright

Lula Catherine "Mick" Wright, 99, of Beardstown, died the evening of Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at Heritage Manor South.

She was born Dec. 18, 1899, in Beardstown, to the late William J. and Martha Ellen Sheppard Lamb. She married Ernest E. Wright on Nov. 30, 1928. He preceded her in death on May 19, 1975.

She is survived by one niece, Janice (husband John) Burns of Cheyenne, Wy., and three nephews, Carlyle (wife Wilma) Lamb of Frederick, Dale (wife Susan) Lamb of Beardstown, and Gale (wife Sue) Lamb, also of Beardstown. Also preceding Mrs. Wright in death were five brothers and five sisters.

Mrs. Wright worked for several years at Beardstown Laundry and dry cleaners, was an avid sports fan and loved fishing and crocheting. She was of the Methodist faith.

Graveside services were held Monday, Dec. 20, 1999, in the Beardstown City Cemetery with Rev. Sue Bailey officiating. Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of services.

Memorials are suggested to the the donor's choice or Beardstown Jr./Sr. High School Sports Department.

- The Rushville Times, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1999, page 11A, column 1