Clark County, IL obituaries

The following is the obituary of Thomas L. Orndorff, States Attorney 1876-1884 and 1888-1896 from Clark County, IL from the scrapbook of his brother George W. Orndorff.

The death of T. L. Orndorff, of Marshall (small part of obituary missing) one of the county’s best known residents. His death followed a decline in health that began several months ago and which was slow at first but rapid in his last weeks, the final dissolution occurring on the morning of September 27, 1901.

Thomas L., son of Phineas and Catherine (Jennings) Orndorff, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio on March 24, 1839 and was thus aged 65 years, 6 months, and 3 days. When Thomas was fifteen years of age his father moved his family from Ohio to Illinois and settled on a farm in Wabash Township in this county. Our subject attended the public schools and then took a higher course of instruction in the schools at Zanesville, Ohio. He prepared himself for the profession of teaching and this he followed successfully for a number of years, devoting his vacations to farming interests. Thus was he occupied until 1874 when he moved to Marshall and began the study of law in the office of James C. Robinson. He was admitted to the bar in 1877.

At the December election 1876 Mr. Orndorff was elected state’s attorney. He was re-elected in 1880, in 1888 and in 1892, filling the office with signal ability for sixteen years. The office is one that is difficult to fill and retain the friendship of the public and the fact that he was elected four times is an index to the great confidence the general public had in his integrity and ability.

Mr. Orndorff volunteered in the Union army in the time of the Civil War and was mustered into service as First Lieutenant of Company G, 152^nd Illinois Infantry, which commission he held until mustered out of the service at Memphis, Tenn., in September of 1865.

He was twice married. His first marriage was to Miss Sarah A. Pitman in January of 1858. She died in 1864. Three daughters were the fruits of this marriage and all preceded the father in death.

On October 1, 1868, Mr. Orndorff wedded Miss Elizabeth Fishback who survives him. Of this union three children were born of whom Thomas A. and Miss Pearl are living. Mr. Orndorff was much devoted to his family and his home, and he passed much of his time with them when not engaged in his profession and official duties.

Mr. Orndorff was a man of large heart and liberal purse, and the many good deeds he did in life will long live after him. In him the afflicted always found a sympathizer and the needy a friend, indeed.

The funeral services were conducted at the residence Thursday afternoon by Rev. A. W. Mills of Casey. The Masonic order, of which he had long been an honored member, had charge of the burial. The funeral was attended by a large number of people, persons from all parts of the county being present.

David A. Manson, who with his family resided in Casey, about six years ago and removed from this city to Tulsa, Okla., died there Mar. 25, aged about 61 years. Death was due to paralysis, the second stroke proving the fatal one. He was in Casey along in the winter, called here by the death of his daughter, Mrs. Earl B. Charlton. The Casey friends of the family sympathize with them in their bereavement.

Unknown what paper the article is from.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Charles Wayne Phillips, infant son of Otto H. and Elva Phillips was born September 19,1916 and died September 15,1917, age 11 months and 27 days. He leaves a father, mother and 4 brothers Virgil, Harry, Raymond and Buras; two sisters and brother wait for him in the great beyond. Little Wayne had been sick only a week and at 7:00 o’clock Saturday morning God called his flower band. Altho the home is dark and lonely in this sad hour the loved ones have a hope of meeting Wayne in that bright home above. The funeral services were held at the Southern M.E. church Sunday afternoon. Rev. Mathias officiating.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Berdena Phillips, infant daughter of Otto H. and Elva Phillips, born Jan. 18,1908, died Aug. 2,1908 aged 6 months and 5 days. She leaves a father, mother and two little brothers, Virgil and Harry. Everything that the loving hearts of father and mother could do was done for the relief of their loved child. The little one had been quite a delicate child all her life until the past month when she began to improve so rapidly that her parents had great hopes of her little life being spared to them until Saturday noon she was taken sick quite suddenly and at 7 o’clock Sunday morning God called his flower home. The treasure of that home passed beyond to meet him without a struggle of resistance. Although the home is dark and lonely in this sad hour the loved ones have a hope of meeting little Berdena in that bright home above.

The funeral services were held at the family residence Monday morning, Aug. 3, at 9:30 a.m., Rev. W. L. ??rkins officiating. Interment in Casey cemetery. Text, 1^st Chron., 29:15.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Eliza A., daughter of John and Elizabeth McDaniel, was born in Clark county, ILL, April 15, 1838, and passed to her home beyond on Oct. 20, 1918, aged 80 years, 6 months and 5 days. She was married to Joseph W. Gordon, July 8, 1855, who preceded her forty three years ago. To this union were born nine children, six of whom have passed on before. Those remaining are: John F. Gordon, of Urbana, Ill., Mrs. Mary E. Harmeson of Winchester, Ind., and Elmer Gordon of Casey, Ill.

On Oct. 30, 1877, she was married to Geo. W. Haughn, who survives her. To this union three children were born, two of whom are living, Lessie L. Haughn, of Cayuga, Ind., and Otis O. Haughn, of Fowler, Ind. Se is also survived by one brother, C. W. McDaniel, of Memphis, Tenn., and a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Haughn spent a great part of her life in the state of Illinois. She has been an invalid for the past six years and during this time has been at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harmeson, where she died, and during this time she has left a great lesson to those with whom she lived by the beautiful Christian spirit she has shown in enduring her sickness. She became a member of a church very early in life and continued in the Christian faith until death.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Mrs. Alice Bumgarner Quinn, daughter of Edward and Naomi Bumgarner, was born in Shelbyville, Ind., June 22, 1849, and died Feb. 17, 1920, aged 70 years, 7 months, and 17 days.

At an early age she expressed her preference for a Christian life with its attendant joys and duties. It was shortly after her marriage to Winfield Worth Quinn, in 1869, that she joined the Church of God, and later united with the Baptist church, to which she ??? at the time of her death. Throughout her long life she led a long life of self-sacrifice which was a keynote of her character. To her husband, who survives her, she was a loving and affectionate helpmate, and her children a devoted chum and loving mother.

Two of her children, Bertha Quinn and Mrs. Goldie Button, preceded her into the great beyond. Her husband, four children, a sister and three half-sisters survive her. Those who survive her are: Winfield Worth Quinn, Mrs. Della Gard, of Athens, Texas, Mrs. Mary Foster and Winnie Quinn of Terre Haute; Edward Quinn, of Bloomington; Mrs. Martha Hosier of Greenup; Mrs. Jess Pippin , of Hidalgo; Mrs. Linne York, of Casey, and Mrs. Sarah Meeker, of Jamestown, North Dakota, besides a host of relatives and friends.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Mrs. Eliza Ellen Orndorff, wife of Newt Orndorff, died Monday morning of childbirth, aged about 43 years. She leaves six living children. The funeral services were held at Long Point chapel, Tuesday afternoon, Rev Gilbert conducting, with interment in nearby cemetery.

Footnote: According to the 1920 census, they lived on Delaware Ave. in Casey. Her birth date was about 1878 also. It must have been taken just before her death.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Thomas Ellis, 75 years old, died Tuesday at his home, eight miles east of Carlisle, Ind., following an attack of paralysis. He is survived by the widow, eight children, Mrs. Sam Page, Linton, Ind.; Mrs. Moratio Bedwell, Terre Haute; Mrs. Thomas Ellis, Sullivan; Mrs. John Forrester, Casey, Ill.; Frank Ellis, Duggar, Ind.; Charles Carlisle, Ind., and Darr, Newcastle. There are twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The burial was in the Odd Fellows cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Thomas C. Doughty was born in Casey, Ill., Oct. 10,1885, and at the time of his death was 31 years, 8 months and 23 days old. He was united in marriage with Erma Cartwright Jan 1, 1907. To this union two children were born, one having died in infancy, and Carl M., aged 6 years.

He accepted Christ as his loving Savior and was baptized Feb. 4, 1908. The deceased leaves a wife and son, mother, father, two sisters, one brother and many loving relatives and friends to mourn their loss.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.

Mrs. Robert Finney received word of her husband’s death, while he was crossing the water for France. The body reached home last Sunday and the funeral was held at her father’s residence Monday at two o’clock. Rev. A. J. McCash preached the funeral assisted by Rev. Kruzon. His body was laid to rest in Hazel Dell cemetery, with military honors. He leaves a loving wife to mourn her loss. She has the sympathy of the entire community in her sad bereavement. Robert was a member of the young men’s Friendly Bible class, in the Sunday school where he will be greatly missed by his friends.

Dear Mrs. Finney:-Before we reach our port I want to write a few lines expressing my deepest sympathy to you in the death of Robt. Finney, one of the men under my command.

The news of his death was a great shock to me. He had complained of feeling ill shortly after leaving port, but had kept up with the activities of the other men on board, and it was not until the day before his death that he showed any cause for alarm. He was then taken immediately to the ship’s hospital, where in spite of every effort-I know-by the army and naval medical officers, pneumonia gained the upper hand, resulting so unfortunately and sadly.

I have had command of this company only a short time-not quite a month-but I had come to know your husband well, for he was on of those always willing to take on additional work if it was to benefit the other men in the company. Among other things his volunteering for cooking duty at a time when we were short handed in our kitchen pleased me immensely. The men, too, who were in the company with him, invariably spoke most highly of him, and his loss has made itself strongly felt among them.

This I know is but scant consolation to you, whose is the great loss, but I do want you to know that his personality had made strong friends for him among his company, and that he was respected by his officers. His body, I am told by the ship’s authorities will be returned to the states, and I presume to you. The few personal effects that he had with him-for most of our things were sent home before embarking-will in time is forwarded to you. But whether they can be sent direct or must go through the Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D.C., I cannot yet learn. A list of these, however, I am enclosing. He carried, I know, insurance of $10,000 which will be paid you in monthly installments by the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, Washington, D. C.

In closing, I wish once again to express deeply and sincerely the sympathy of myself and the men for you in your loss, and yet with that is the realization that he gave his life for his country-the noblest death of all.

Robert Finney was born in Clark County, Illinois, on February 15, 1888. Was married to Audrey Sartor, of Hazel Dell, Ill on Oct 29, 1910. To this union were born two sons, both preceding the father in the eternal sleep. He enlisted in the U. S. army on June 13,1918. After a brief training at Kansas City, he was sent to Baltimore, Md., to continue his training. He was not well when he embarked upon the transportation ship. Death came on Oct. 4, 1918, on board the U.S.S. Leviathan at sea, while attached to Co. D, 302^nd Water Tank Train, U.S.A. aged 30 years, 7 month and 19 days.

In life “Bob” was a kind husband, son and brother. In death he is remembered as a man of truth and valor.

He leaves to mourn, his wife, Mrs. Audrey Finney; mother, Mrs. Alice Finney; two sisters, Mrs. Edith Mills and Mrs. Edna Weaver; six brothers, Vess, William, Bert, Harley, Guy and Oral. The father, Benj. Finney, died May 8, 1910. Many other relatives and friends remain to mourn his departure and to cherish a fond memory of the man that did all that he could for home and country.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Mrs. Sarah C. Davis, the daughter of David and Lucy Baughman, was born at Oak Point, Clark County, Illinois, March 27, 1848, and embarked to the shores of the life beyond the grave on the morning of February 20, 1920. The duration of her earthly career being 71 years, 10 months, and 23 days.

On the 22^nd of August 1867, she was married to James Davis. Unto them were born eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Five, only of her children survive her. They are as follows: Rolla F. Davis, Mrs. Mary O. Shadley, wife of B. F. Shadley, J. Arthur Davis, Mrs. Lucy Detro, wife of Ferb Detro, and Mrs. Ella Roberts, wife of Amos Roberts.

When she was converted, she became a member of the Southern Methodist church on March 1, 1885; and 17 years ago this spring she became a member of the church of the United Brethren in Christ at Olive chapel, six miles south of Casey, where she retained her church membership until the time of her death.

She was stricken with paralysis just two years to the day prior to the day of her demise. While she made some improvement after paraletic stroke, she never fully recovered; but the immediate cause of her death was heart trouble.

For some time previous to her death, she has had premonitions of her going away, and lived in a way, some of her earlier years over again. She showed signs of distress by wondering what her little children would do without her.

She has gone to the House of Many Mansion, where there is no more pain, sorrow, nor distress, but where she may enjoy the blessings of eternity with her Redeemer.

Among many friends left behind her are an only brother, Jesse Baughman, her five children and a number of grandchildren to mourn.

Funeral services were conducted at the Olive chapel, U. B. church, on the afternoon of Feb. 21, 1920, by Rev. Myers and Sitzinger. Interment in the Baughman cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Laura Short wife of Richard Fears, was born in Decatur, county, Ind Feb 15, 1852 and died at her home in Johnson township, Clark County Oct. 30, 1917 aged 65 years, 8 months and 15 days.

She was united in marriage to Richard Fears, Jan. 1,1882, to this union were born two children, Myrtle Dehl of this vicinity and Lawrence Fears of Hardinsville, Ill.

She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized by Elder W. L. Crow in 1901. She has lived a true Christian life. She was willing to go any time and expressed her willingness a few minutes before her death. She leaves to mourn her death her husband, two children, three grandchildren, three sisters and four brothers and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were at Mounts church, conducted by Rev. D. I. Lingafelter. The body was laid to rest in the nearby cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Miss Aliel Mumford, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Mumford, was born Oct. 8, 1843, in Muskingum County, Ohio, and died April 13, 1919, aged 75 years, 6 month and 5 days. She was nine years of age when she came with her parents to Illinois, and located near Casey, Ill., where she lived all her life excepting eleven months.

She was united in marriage to Wm. Ray in 1865. To this union were born four children, two boys and two girls. The oldest boy, and Walter, and one girl, Roxie, preceded her in death. One girl, Millie Kenetze, of Taylorville, Ill., survives.

She lived a widow about ten years when she was again united in marriage in November 1881, to Christopher Alier. To this union were born three children, one boy and two girls, James Alier, Elizabeth Robinson, and Mary Robinson, all of Casey. Mr. Alier, her husband, died May 14, 1891.

Mrs. Alier has twelve grandchildren, eight great grand children, and many other relatives to mourn their loss.

Funeral at her home by the writer, April 15^th, at 10 o’clock. Interment in Casey cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.

Levina E. Coon, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth Coon, was born March 11, 1856, died Feb 3, 1920, aged 63 years, 10 months, and 23 days.

She was married to Jacob L. Livingston, Oct. 21, 1885. To this union were born two sons and two daughters, the two daughters having preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn their loss, a husband, two sons, and seven grandchildren, one stepdaughter, nine step-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was converted and became a member of the Cumberland Baptist church early in life, and has lived a faithful life. Our loss was her eternal gain.

Services were conducted by Eld. M. V. Gilbert, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Casey cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.

It becomes our sad duty to chronicle the decease of Mr. Levi E. Staley, which occurred at his home in Johnson Township, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1920. The deceased was a native of Clark County, Illinois. He was born in the township in which he died, Feb. 28, 1857, and was consequently at the time of his demise aged 62 years, 11 months and 13 days. On Sept. 30, 1883, he was united in marriage to Ella Albright, of Moriah, ILL. To this union were born two sons, Grover born November 8, 1884, who now resides in Noble, Okla., and George born September 26, 1900, who resides at home.

Or subject, several years ago, under the ministry of Elder A. J. McCash, united with the Christian church, at Moriah, to which faith he held the remainder of his life.

He leaves to mourn their loss a kind and devoted wife, his two sons, a brother, sister, three half brothers, two half sisters, step-mother, and many other relatives and friends.

The deceased spent all of his life on the farm and has always been a hard working man, and by close attention to the farm had gained a competency sufficient to allow him to take life a little easy. He had bought property in Casey; had advertised his personal property for sale, and in a few weeks had he lived would have moved to town. It was sad indeed, that he should be taken away from his devoted wife, when they were so well prepared to take life easier.

The writer has been personally acquainted with Levi Staley for forty-seven years, and we feel how sadly he will be missed at the family home, and by a host of neighbors and friends. He was an honorable citizen, and accommodating neighbor, a kind and indulgent husband and father, and a generous friend. With the bereft wife and sons, we will have to say, hail, and goodbye, Levi, till we meet again.

It was arranged that the funeral services be in charge of Elder McCash, but on account of the advanced age of the minister, and a the bad condition of the roads, he could not officiate at the funeral. There was a prayer service at the house by John Ross, one of his neighbors, after which the remains were followed to the Willow Creek church, where a short service was conducted by Henry Green, on of the deceased’s neighbors, after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery near by. G. W. O.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.

Levi E. Staley, son of Wm and Mary Ellen Staley was born Feb. 28, 1857, and died at his farm residence in Johnson Township, February 11, 1920, aged 62 years 11 mo. and 23 days.

In September, 1883 he was united in marriage to Ella Albright of Mt. Moriah. To this union were born two sons, Grover of Noble, Okla., and George who resides at home.

During the progress of a great revival at Mt. Moriah conducted by Eld. A. J. McCash in 1887 he confessed his Savior and was baptized into Christ, thus uniting with the church of Christ, to which faith he held during the remainder of his life.

He leaves to mourn their loss, a devoted wife, two sons, a step mother, one brother, one sister, three half brothers and two half sisters.

In early life he resided in California, where he laid the foundation of an ample fortune which enabled him to give the nation and the government substantial aid during the World War. At the time of his death he was contemplating arrangements to retire from the farm and resided in Casey where he was senior partner of the mercantile firm of Staley & Forrester. His death removes from the community on of its most prominent and useful members. The bereaved family have the deepest sympathy of all. He was a devoted husband, an indulgent father an accommodating neighbor and a generous friend.

The remains were laid to rest in beautiful Butternut cemetery, there to await the last great call, the Call of the Ressurrection.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Jas. Orsborn, an old and respected citizen of this community, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wes Dawson, in Cumberland, Sunday morning, aged about 81 years. Death was due to old age. The funeral services were held at Restitution church and interment was in the nearby cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Fannie Dinsmore born in Kentucky sometime in 1839 or 1840, in slavery was reared in the family of Isaac Middleton, and came to Illinois with them after the close of the war. After their death she made her home with their son, Ignatious, and wife, until their death; then kept house for Henry Middleton until she was stricken with paralysis the 5^th of September, 1918, and the 6^th day of March, 1919, she was removed to the residence of Mrs. J. W. Robinson, 310 S. 7^th, where she died the evening of March 31^st, at 6:15.

The funeral services were conducted from their residence by Rev. Mathis, and was laid to rest in Casey cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Funeral services for Lester Leamon, former resident of this community, who passed away Monday afternoon at the family residence near Ashmore, after an illness of four weeks, were held Wednesday morning at the Walnut Chapel Church of Christ, eight miles south of Casey, with Rev. J. C. Irving, Pastor of the Loxa Presbyterian church, officiating. Interment was made in the church cemetery.

Name:	Lester Leamon
Birth:	27 May 1865 - Jasper, IL (Illinois), USA
Death:	9 Mar 1931 - Ashmore, IL (Illinois), USA
Parents:	James Leamon, Catherine Wheeler
Spouse:	Carrie Reichard
	Information thanks to R. Green.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Mrs. Annie Laurie Gerrard, widow of the late S. S. Gerrard, died at her home on E. Main Street, Friday night of last week of stomach trouble, aged 57 years. She had been in failing health for some time past, but did not appear so serious until within the past few months.

The funeral services were held at the First M. E. church, Sunday afternoon, Rev. A. H. Flagge conducting the services, and interment in Casey cemetery. Obituary notice elsewhere in this paper.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Victoria Carlton, daughter of Henry E. Carlton, was born in Macon County, Ky., Oct. 12, 1838. In 1854 she was married to Andrew Lauderbeck, who died nine years later leaving her with two small children. She was afterward married to Ignatius Middleton, who died in August, 1914. By her second marriage there were three children, one of whom died in infancy. She is survived by one brother, John Carlton, of Edna, Kan., and four children as follows: Mrs. Mary Orr, Vancouver, B. C.; Alonzo Lauderbeck, Cincinnati, Ohio; Henry Middleton and Mrs. B. F. Miller, Casey.

On coming to Illinois the family first resided in Edgar county. After a time they removed to Cumberland county, and for twenty-five years have been residents of Casey.

Mrs. Middleton was a devout Christian, having embraced Christ in childhood and having been baptized when four years old. She was a charter member of the Casey U. B. church, of which she was always a loyal supporter. She organized the first Sunday school at the Fairview appointment, and to this remote beginning United Brethrenism in that community may date its origin. Her Christian experience was remarkably positive, characterized by abiding assurance of acceptance with Christ. “For forty years I have not had a doubt.” What a monument to child conversion. She was one of the few who could not remember having spent one year in rejection of Jesus Christ. She vindicated her position by seventy years of faithful service. W. L. Perkins

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp, Clark County.

Whose maiden name was Walker was born April 20^th, 1831 and died December 25^th, 1906, aged 75 years 8 months and 5 days. She was the daughter of Lewis and Martha Walker and was a native of Kentucky and resident of Clark County, Illinois the greater part of her life.

She was united in marriage with Richmond Robinson, Oct. 10^th, 1850, at Westfield, with whom she lived until the time of his death, Aug. 16^th, 1877. To this union was born two children, one of whom, Mrs. Sallie D. McCann, survived her. She was united with the Presbyterian Church soon after the death of her husband and was to the time of her death a consistent and devoted member of that church here in Casey. She was a citizen of the city of Casey since the holidays in 1876.

She has been an invalid for many years, and her long years of suffering was borne with the most commendable Christian patience. For ten years past her condition of health was such that her daughter did not deem it safe to leave her at any time.

She was a noble character, as any who know her will testify. On the morning of the 17^th inst, the writer had a long talk with her on spiritual matters and after Bible quotations and prayer, she expressed great joy in the sacred word and her unwavering faith in the Christ, sating that all was well with her. During the last few days of her life she seemed almost in constant prayer, that she be called from her suffering into the sacred rest with the Savior in whom she so implicitly believed.

With her death passes another of Clark County’s pioneers, a noble character and true woman, the friend of humanity, whose broad charity for the mistakes and short comings of others rendered her more liable to apologize for, than to censure them. A friend to the young who looked on the bright hopeful side of life, and courted the sunshine rather than the shadow. The arden friend of young women, who was ever interested in their good nature and being. Beloved by all who kept her, she will not soon be forgotten.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.

Dr. Wm. Henry Stoltz was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 7, 1861. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel E. Stoltz, both of whom have passed from the scene of earthly activities. While a mere infant William came with his parents from Ohio and settled on a farm near Lawrenceville, Illinois, where they reared their family and where William grew to manhood.

Having reached young manhood, he began his life career by teaching school; altogether he taught seven terms. Realizing the need of a more elaborate preparation, he attended Westfield College for about three years.

At the age of twenty years Dr. Stoltz was united in marriage to Miss Perna M. Emerick. Six children were born to grace their home, four sons and two daughters, as follows: Frank Foster, (deceased) Warner E., Charles B., Roscoe R., Mrs. Matilda Spelbring, wife of Ed Spelbring, of Westfield, and Mrs. Mabel Paulene Mooney, wife of Bernard Mooney, of Washington D. C.

Dr. Stoltz believed his calling in life was that of the medical profession; accordingly, although late in life, he entered the medical college, at St. Louis, MO., and after three years completed his course. He entered upon the practice of medicine at Sumner, ILL., in 1890. Since then he has practiced at Janesville, Westfield, and Casey.

Dr. Stoltz was a man with ideas decidedly his own. He was an independent thinker regardless of creed or sect and held out strongly for his views as he saw them.

Those who knew him best, knew him to be a generous man. He was liberal with his friends and during all of his career as a practitioner, he sought to be just in his treatment of the poor. They made few appeals, if any, for medical aid that he did not answer.

His intimate acquaintances knew him to be a kind-hearted man. He loved his children as loved his own life and ever sought to administer for their comfort and physical welfare. It is well know unto his friends concerning his two sons, Warner and Roscoe, and his son-in-law, Mr. Mooney being connected with the military service. His genuine devotion to them is seen from one of his letters to one of them, saying “Son, you can never go so far away that your father’s love will not follow you.”

Drs. Stoltz made no pretence whatever toward being a Christian, (however, in early life he professed faith in Christ and became a member of the church,) but he believed in the reward of merit and that all demerit of man was put away by universal grace. He avowed unto his friends that with the close of each day he would confess his sins unto the Alwise and claimed the atoning merit of his Son.

The Bible declares that by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.

Of his father’s family, there is only one surviving brother, S. O. Stoltz, of Lawrenceville, ILL. Among his other friends and acquaintances living are his three sons, Warner, Charles, and Roscoe, the first and last of whom are in France; his two daughters Mrs. Spelbring and Mrs. Mooney, and his wife , Mrs. Perna M. Stoltz and his three grandchildren , Inez Louis Spelbring, Eva Jeanette Spelbring, and Marjorie Irene Stoltz. By these, as well as by friends, the very kindest devotions have been given but affliction claimed its own and the victim, as ultimately is must, bowed beneath death’s despotic hand.

The end came quietly at ten o’clock on Wednesday evening, June 25, 1919. His earthly career was fifty-eight years, one month and eighteen days.

Funeral at residence Friday, June 27, 2:30 p. m., Rev. Geo. M. Myers officiating minister. Interment in Casey cemetery.

From the scrapbook of George W. Orndorff (1854-1934) of Casey & Johnson Twp., Clark County, IL.