Coles County, Illinois Obituaries
presented by the
Illinois Genealogy Trails History Group
Martha Shrader
Grandmother Shrader -- A Mother in Israel Has Gone to Her Rest After 80 Years of Activity
December 31, 1901
Nearly eighty years at the time of her death on the evening of new year, Grand-mother Martha Shrader died east
of Charleston. She was a sister of Joseph Peyton, Esq. She was born in Jessamine Co., Kentucky March 3, 1823 and
she died Dec. 31, 1901.
She came to Illinois about 1844, before her brother Joseph came here. She was married to James D. Jones who first
settled at the present location of the town of Rardin.
They built a home which was the last house from the Oakland race to Charleston.
Mr. & Mrs. James D. Jones were among the pioneers in Morgan township and regarded as the best citizens among
the people.
There were parents of four children, when Mr. Jones died about the first of October, 1847.
The four children are, Moses, now living in Seven Hickory, Phoebe (Mrs. Strope) in Missouri, Martha (Graves) of
Shelbyville, and James D. of Parsons, Ks.
Afterwards the widow married Daniel Shrader of Charleston and their children are:
Jonas of Matoon, Joseph of Ashmore, Annie Fuhr of Shelbyville, Ella (Mrs. James Case) of Charles. There were all
present at the funeral at Huckaba graveyard when the grandmother was buried Thursday evening, except that Mrs.
Shrope of Missouri was unable to come.
James D. Jones, Jr. reached here from Parsons, Kansas, arrived here in time to see the burial.
Probably in Charleston Newspaper, Submitted by Source #123
Dr. H.B. Vanatta
Newspaper: Mattoon Daily Journal Gazette Monday Feb. 1, 1915:
Obit: Lerna, Ill., Feb. 1--Dr. H. B. Vanatta, who had practiced his profession in Lerna for the last seventeen
years and who was one of the most widely-known medical men in Coles County, was found dead on the floor of the
reception room of his residence here about 7:30 o'clock this morning. Dr. Vanatta had ended his own life with a
winchester rifle, which he kept in his home for hunting purposes. The body was still slightly warm, indicating
that the act had been committed some time after midnight.
Before shooting himself, Dr. Vanatta had removed his clothing with the exception of his trousers, shirt and socks.
His bed had not been disturbed.
Discovery of the body, was made by Dr. Vanatta's sister, Miss Lizzie Vanatta, about 7:30 o'clock. Mrs. Vanatta
was at the time absent from home, being in Sullivan for a few days' visit with relatives. Miss Vanatta had gone
to call him to breakfast.
Body in Reception Hall
Dr. Vanatta's body was found lying near the stairway of the reception hall, in the northwest corner of the room,
the bullet, a .44 caliber, coming from a high-powered weapon, having plowed its way clear through the head. A considerable
portion of the brain was found. Other portions of the brain were found scattered about the room, indicating the
power of the weapon which the physician had used in committing the rash act.
It was evident that Dr. Vanatta had placed the weapon on the floor, himself standing near his writing desk. He
had fallen backward The ball entered the head through the right temple. The right eye was destroyed no trace of
it being found. About all that remains of the head is the face, the skull having been shattered and converted into
a mass of flesh, bone and blood from the eyebrows up.
"Thank You, Mother," Last Words.
Dr. Vanatta had been called to Hidalgo, the home of his birth, on Sunday morning on a professional trip. He returned
to Lerna on train No. 222, which reaches here about 9:50 o'clock at night. He went to the home of his parents and
there took part in family prayers, which were being held at the time. Miss Lizzie Vanatta, his sister asked for
permission to go with her brother and stay the night with him. He answered that he wished to stay alone, and as
he started to go, his mother said, "Pleasant dreams to you 'Bud' which was her pet name for him, and he answered,
"Thank you mother," and walked out.
It would seem that Dr. Vanatta had planned the deed, inasmuch as he had sent his wife and their little child, Harold,
out of town for a visit. However, intimate friends of the physician stated this morning that he had been in his
usual good spirits during the last few days, with the exception that at times he seemed to be somewhat depressed
over his physical condition. To the fact that he had been suffering for several weeks from an ailment of the stomach
is attributed the rash act.
Letter to Wife.
Another thing which shows that the physician had made elaborate and careful plans for his death was a letter which
he had written and left on a table. The letter, one so large as to bulge the envelope, was addressed to Mrs. Vanatta.
On the letter in its proper place were two 2-cent stamps. This letter will not be opened until the arrival home
of Mrs. Vanatta, who reached Lerna from Sullivan at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon, coming by way of Mattoon over
the Illinois Central.
On the discovery of the body neighbors called in and arrangements were made for the holding of the inquest. Coroner
G. M. Cook was notified at his home in Charleston, and he started overland at once for this village. He reached
here about ten o'clock. Prior to his arrival members of the jury had been selected and the taking of testimony
was at once begun.
The members of the jury selected were J. A. Walker, W. H. Williams, J. D. Huber, G. W. Funkhouser, and E. L. Champion.
Coroner Cook and the members of the jury, after going to the Vanatta Residence and viewing the body, postponed
the inquiry until after the arrival of Mrs. Vanatta from Sullivan at 2:30 o'clock.
The body was then placed in the care of Undertaker Haddock, who immediately began preparing it for burial. No date
for the funeral services will be made until after the holding of the inquest.
Due to Ill Health.
There seems to be little doubt that Dr. Vanatta ended his life because of failing health. His financial condition
is said to have been sound, and his domestic relations, according to intimate friends, could not have been more
pleasant and cordial.
Dr. Vanatta had attended services at the Methodist Church on Sunday morning, and at this time he appeared to be
in more congenial spirits that usual. He apparently made it a point to go from one of his friends to the other
and shake them by the hand.
A few weeks ago Dr. Vanatta went to Chicago to consult a specialist regarding the condition of his stomach, which
had been bothering him. It is said that the specialist informed the physician that the condition was due to ulcers,
a condition, while painful and annoying, not dangerous unless permitted to continue without treatment, and that
his present condition was not at all serious. Dr. Vantta returned to Lerna and had practiced his profession as
usual. While depressed at times he did not sem to be in that state of mind which would warrant him to end his own
life.
However, dispite the fact that Dr. Vanatta and the members of his family were of the impression, given them by
the specialist, that his physical condition was due to ulcers of the stomac, it seems that his intimate friends
here , as well as fellow physicians, that in reality the doctor was suffering from cancer of the stomach. It is
believed that Dr. Vanatta was fully aware of this fact, and that the specialist had misinformed him intentionally
so that he would not worry. It is believed that he deemed his stay here on earth would be comparatively short,
and that this fact had driven him into that mental state which compelled him to take his own life.
About November 1 last, Dr. Vanatta disposed of his practice in Lerna to Dr. Hale of Edgar County and removed with
his family to Mattoon. In that city the physician established himself in a handsom home at 2821 Western Avenue.
He had been there no more that three or four weeks when he suddenly announced that he had decided to return to
Lerna and continue his practive here.
Dr. Hale, who had succeeded him, went to Alton. Dr. Vanatta was asked at the time why he was making the change
so soon and his reply was, "Oh, we are just homesick. We are going back home again."
Born in Jasper County.
Dr. Vanatta was born in Hidalgo, Jasper County, about thirty-nine years ago. When he had finished in the public
schools of that village, he entered a medical school in Indianapolis, from which he was graduated. Soon after he
came to Lerna and established himself, and since that time, about seventeen years ago, he had been practicing his
profession here continously, with the exception of the few weeks he was in Mattoon.
About seven or eight years ago Dr. Vanatta married Miss Margaret Odell, a Lerna young woman. About three years
ago a child, Harold, was born. Besides the widow and child, there survive the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Vanatta,
who came from Hidalgo to Lerna to make their home soon after Dr. Vanatta came here. Their home immediately ajoined
that of the physician. Mrs. Laura Odell and Miss Lizzie Vanatta are sisters of Dr. Vanatta, they living with their
parents.
Dr. Vanatta was several times president of the Lerna village board, his last term expiring about three years ago.
He was one of the most popular men of the town and enjoyed a large practice. Several years ago he built a commodious,
one of the finest in this section of the county.
Dr. Vanatta was almost as well known in Mattoon as he was in Lerna and this part of the county. Scarcely a week
passed by without seeing him in that city. He generally made the trips to and from the Coles metropolis in his
automobile. Since his marriage he was often accompanied by his wife and child.
Dr. Vanatta was a Mason, being a member of the chapter lodge of Mattoon and a member of the blue lodge of Lerna.
He also was a member of the Odd Bellow and Modern Woodmen lodges of this village. He was a trustee of the Methodist
Episcopal church and had always been one of the leading members of that house of worship.
[Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]
Harold Vannatta
Newspaper: Mattoon Journal Gazette
Date: Thurs. Aug. 18, 1926(?)
VANATTA BOY HANGS HIMSELF IN BASEMENT
Undetermined Whether It Was by Design or Accident
Harold, eleven year-old-son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Vannatta of 1101 Broadway, hanged himself with a washing machine
belt to an overhead steampipe in the basement of the family home Wednesday afternoon. He was found about 5:15 o'clock,
when his brother, LaVerle, thirteen, ran around the west side of the house looking for him. The boy had been dead
about twenty minutes when discovered.
LaVerle unfastened the loop around his brother's neck and took him down. He then ran upstairs to his mother, who
had just come home from down town, and told her what had happened. Mrs. Vannatta's screams attracted neighbors,
who came to the house and one telephoned for a physician, who, on arrival, found that life was extinct. A pulmotor
was used in an effort to restore life, but to no avail.
Version of LaVerle
LaVerle told a reporter for The Journal Gazette that when their mother left them at home, the two brothers began
playing hide and seek, running about the premises and hiding until one found the other, when the hunt was reversed.
"I saw Harold about ten or fifteen minutes before I found him hanging," said LaVerle. "I ran around
the front of the house and the west side. As I was about to pass the basement door, which was open, I saw Harold
hanging. I went in and took him down and went up and told mother. We had been having fun, just playing together."
Questioned as to what the boys had done Tuesday, LaVerle said they had gone to the park Tuesday evening and saw
a free motion pictures, comdies, Harold was an omniverous magazine reader but always of good stories. He and his
brother were pointed out as obedient lads and were most affectionate toward each other.
Probably Intended Surprise.
In the absence of any other evidence, it is believed Harold, in order to give his older brother a surprise, went
into the laundry section of the basement, picked up the piece of discarded leather washing machine belt, put one
end over the steam pipe and tied it tightly then upturning a galvanized iron bucket which had some soapy water
in it, stood on top and formed a simple slip noose with the rope and pulled it over his head and around his throat.
He probably intended to be standing on the pail when his brother would enter the basement and find him. It is thought
likely the bucket slipped on the wet and soapy concrete and the boy's weight pulled the freasy rope tight around
his throat, and he strangled to death before he was found.
Mr. Vannatta, father of the lad, arrived home from his mail run on the Big Four and was almost overcome with grief.
No new details of the tragedy were discovered today, it being generally believed Harold's death was the result
of an accident at play. Coroner Schilling said he would hold an inquest this evening.
Funeral services have been tentatively arranged for Friday afternoon at ten o'clock from the Baptist Church, with
burial in Dodge Grove Cemetery.
Harold was born on September 8, 1915. His brother LaVerle, who was thirteen years old last July, is the only other
child of the parents. Harold was a seventh grade pupil in the Longfellow school and was a member to the Sunday
school of the Baptist church.
[Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]
Mrs. Laura Vanatta O'Dell
Obit: Decatur, Ill. -- Mrs. Laura Vanatta O'Dell, 88, of Decatur, formerly of Mattoon, died at 5:10 a.m. Wednesday
in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. O'Dell was the owner and operator of the Dinner Bell restaurant in Mattoon from 1938 until her retirement
in 1968.
She was born in Jasper County on Jan. 18, 1886, the daughter of John and Jane Coad Vanatta. She was married to
John O'Dell, who preceded her in death.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Harold F. (Margaret) Nichols, Decatur; two grandsons, Dr. Douglas Nichols,
Decatur and Stephen Nichols, Springfield; and five great-grandchildren.
Mrs. O'Dell was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Schillings Funeral Home.
Burial will be in the Upper Mudddy Cemetery, southeast of Mattoon. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11
a.m. Saturday until service time.
[Submitted by a Friend of Free Genealogy]
Margaret Jeanette Lawyer
Respected Woman of Hutton Dies
Charleston Daily Courier, Feb 1, 1943, page 1, column 1
Mrs. Margaret Jeanette Lawyer, a resident of Hutton township all of her life, died at the family residence in Hutton
township, six miles south of Charleston, at 10:50 o’clock, Saturday night (Jan 30, 1943), following an illness
of some years. The funeral services were held at the Charleston United Brethren Church at 2 o’clock this (Monday)
afternoon with the pastor the Reverend C. T. Todd and the Reverend Stanton Lawyer presiding. The burial was made
in the McKenzie Cemetery in Hutton township. Harper-Swickard funeral directors were in charge.
Mrs. Lawyer, born as Margaret Jeanette Anderson 75 years, 10 months and 25 days ago in Hutton township, was married
to Jacob T. Lawyer 56 years ago, who died 42 years ago. She leaves seven children, four sons and three daughters,
namely: Arthur Lawyer, Harry Lawyer, and Roy Lawyer of Charleston, and Guy Lawyer of Sandwich, Ill., Mrs. Luther
Shaw, Mrs. Harlan Hall and Mrs. Oakle Carman of Charleston. She also leaves 30 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
She was the last member of her family, a sister, Mrs. Mel Bennett, of Charleston, dying several years ago. She
was a member of the First United Brethren church of Charleston.
Mrs. Lawyer for the last ten years made her home with a daughter, Mrs. Oakle Carmen and with a son, Leroy Lawyer.
She was well and favorably known in her community, and carried the respect and esteem of all who knew her.
The Lawyer Funeral Was Held Monday
Charleston Daily Courier, Feb 2, 1943, page 4, column 1
Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Jeanette Lawyer, life-long resident of Hutton township, where she was born 75
years ago, who died late Saturday night at her home six miles south of Charleston, were held at the First United
Brethren church of which she was a member, at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon. The pastor, the Reverend C. T. Todd,
and the Reverend Stanton Lawyer, presided. The services were attended by a large number of the friends of the deceased.
“Shall We Gather At the River” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” favorite songs of the deceased, were sang
by Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Harper, accompanied by Mrs. John Swickard.
The flowers were cared for by granddaughters and friends who were Mrs. Reba Stull, Mrs. Jeanne Janes, Mrs. Lucille
Cooper, Misses Margaret Lawyer, Junie Lawyer, Bernadine Lawyer, Marian Lawyer, Anna Jean Lawyer and Mrs. Ida May
Cottingham, Mrs. Kester Lawyer.
The casket bearers were Lowell Lawyer, Max Lawyer, Eugene Lawyer, Hester (Kester) Lawyer, George Janes and Zarley
Cooper, grandsons.
The burial followed in McKenzie cemetery in Hutton township with the Harper-Swickard funeral directors in charge.
[Submitted by Source #13]
James W. Vaughan
Date: June, 1890 -
Death of Rev. J. W. Vaughan of North Okaw Township
At noon Saturday, June 21, 1890, Rev. James W. Vaughan, aged 85 [sic] years and 7 months breathed his last at his
home in Fuller's Point, surrounded by a number of his relatives and friends. He is numbered among the oldest settlers
of the country and is widely known and righly [sic] respected. His death was the result of a complication of ailments
superinduced by old age. His funeral was preached at the Mount Zion church at 11 o'clock a.m., in the presence
of a large concourse of relatives and friends. Rev. F.S. Randolph, of Mattoon, officiating. The remains were taken
to Bethany, Ill., and interred by the side of his first wife.
James W. Vaughan was born in Virginia, December 8th, 1805 and lived in Virginia and North Carolina until 1813 in
which year his father died. After the death of his father he and his mother moved to Tennessee. He was left an
orphan at the age of twelve [sic] years and during his lifetime he received but three months schooling. He was
married in 1825 to Jemima McNuly [sic] and moved to Shelby county in 1829. In 1832 he built a blacksmith shop and
bought the first outfit of smithing tools ever used in the town of Shelbyville. While in the blacksmith business
he improved an eighty acre farm four miles east of Shelbyville. In 1833 [sic] he was a witness to the first will
ever made in Shelby county. In 1832 during the uprising of the Sacks [sic] and Fox Indians in the northern part
of Illinois, headed by Black Hawk in the Black Hawk war he was elected colonel [sic] of a regiment of soldiers,
organized to assist in forcing the redman across the Mississippi river, receiving eighty-five votes over three
other contestants who also belonged to Gov. Reynold's staff. After the close of this war he resumed his blacksmith
trade at Shelbyville where he continued to labor until 1843 at which time he moved to a beautiful farm on Whitley
Creek, Moultrie Co. After a few years he purchased a block in Sullivan, Ill., also 100 acres of land adjacent where
he moved his family for the purpose of educating his children which consisted of five sons and four daughters.
In 1858 he again sought a change. This time he moved to a farm near Bethany, Ill., where he lived during the war
of the Rebellion and where he suffered the loss of his noble wife. He also lost his youngest son, Calvin, who was
killed while in the Union service. Near the close of the war he moved to Fuller's Point where he married Malinda
A. Ellis by whom he raised one son, T. M. Vaughan. With the exception of two years that he lived in Mattoon he
continued to live at Fuller's Point until his death. Besides a wife he leaves eight children, viz: Alex Vaughan
of Bethany. Ill.; Rev. S. B. N. Vaughan of Decatur, Ill.; Wm. Vaughan. Bethany, Ill.; G. W. Vaughan, Sullivan,
Ill.; Msr. [sic] Malica [sic] Armantrout, Gays, Ill.; Mrs. Adaline Sharp, Bethany, Ill; Mrs. Emeline Weaver, Clinton,
Ill; and T. M. Vaughan by his second wife, Peora [sic] Ill.
About the year 1844 or 1845 he was ordained as a minister of the gospel in the Baptist church and assisted in the
organization of the Ambraw and Shelby Association of Baptists. He organized several churches in Central Illinois,
one of which was Mt. Zion church near his home, his surviving widow being the only living member of the original
organization. Rev. Jas.W. Vaughan was tall and of a commanding appearance and his voice was strong and full of
harmony. He was a peace maker among men and highly prized by his widespread acquaintances. He was always faithful
to the cause of Christianity and prompt to fulfil [sic] his appointments but never charged for his services. He
was of a quick and impulsive temperament but never fostered a hatred. He lived the life of the righteous and notwithstanding
his advanced age and feebleness of health his loss will be severely felt and deeply mourned. It is with much pleasure
that we reflect on the acquaintance of a man possessing such noble traits of character and christian principles.
[Submitted by Source #202]
Alonzo Thompson
Alonzo Thompson was born October 13, 1846 in Coles County, Illinois. His age was 72 years, 6 months and 5 days,
at the time of his death, April 18, 1919. In early childhood he united with the Baptist church and continued in
this Faith. During the closing days of the Civil War he enlisted in the 143rd Illinois Volunteers infantry. He
was married October 13, 1866 to Rebecca Perry of Morgan County, Indiana. When death separated them in this life
on earth they had been married 52 years, 6 months and 15 days. Two years ago they celebrated their Golden Wedding
Anniversary. Two daughters and five sons were born to them. The daughters died in early childhood. One son, Joseph
Thompson, is believed to have perished in the San Francisco disaster in 1906. The other four sons are living: M.D.
Thompson, Butte Montana, E.D. Thompson, Rochester, Ohio; A.R. Thompson, Haviland, Kansas; E.L. Thompson, Joliet,
Illinois. Only one sister is living, Mrs. Mary E. Kite, Casey Illinois. Alonzo Thompson and his family lived in
Illinois, Cole (sic) county until 1887, since then they lived at Colony Kansas until 1907, after that at Pratt,
Kansas. -- A Friend.
[Their daughters are buried in Parker Cemetery]
[Iola (KS) Daily Register, 8 May 1919 - Submitted by Source #25
Robert M. McMullen
Robert McMullen died at 10:30 pm Thursday at his home, a mile and a half east of the city, after a brief illness.
With his wife, Mr. McMullen was in the city Wednesday and not feeling well, he called on a physician and got some
medicine. Thursday he was up and down, but in the middle of the afternoon had a fainting spell. A physician was
summoned and on his arrival Mr. McMullen was still unconscious. But he was revived and when the doctor left apparently
feeling much better.
That night he sat up and talked with his family till after ten o'clock at which time he again complained of not
being so well and said he believed he would retire. His children left him and spoke of it being time to administer
his medicine but concluded to wait a few minutes. Not more than twenty minutes after they left him they returned
and found him in his chair, dead. Death had come swiftly, but peacefully. The news of Bob McMullen's death was
heard with much sorrow here for he was a man well and favorably known. At eleven o'clock Saturday morning Mr. McMullen's
remains were taken to the Craig church where the funeral services were held
The funeral serivices of Robt. McMullen who died suddenly Thursday night were held Saturday at 11:30 at the Craig
church, conducted by Rev. F.W. Burnham of the First Christian church of this city. A large number of relatives
and friends were in attendance and many beautiful floral designs were in evidence, showing the deceased to have
been a man who was held in high regard by a wide circle of his friends.
Robt. McMullen was born in Marion County, Ind., Aug 1, 1832. While yet a young man, forty or more years ago he
came to Edgar County Illinois. On Dec 21, 1864 he was married to Mrs. Catherine Beatty, nee Craig. As a result
of this union, three sons. Issac N., Allie and Edward D. with their mother are left to grieve the loss of a good,
kind husband and father.
In 1866 Mr. and Mrs. McMullen came to this county and took up their residence on the McMullen farm, northeast of
the city. They resided there till the fall of 97 when Mr. McMullen purchased the Sam Mitchell farm east of the
city a mile and a half, and it has since been there home.
In any way you might consider him, Robt. McMullen was a good man and a splendid citizen. He was a man of undoubted
worth, honor and integrity, a man whom everybody respected and whose death is deeply regretted. He was as well,
thrifty and industrious and was rated as one of our county's substantial and progressive farmers. His death removes
a valued citizen and there are none but sympathize with his family in their bereavement.
His remains were laid to rest in the Craig Cemetery
[Charleston Courier, Jan 25,1900 - Sub. by Source #204]
William Gilman
MATTOON, Feb., 6.—The most shocking suicide ever known in this section occured [sic] here early this morning. Wm.
Gilman, the self-murderer, was eighty years old, the father of several grown children, and has resided in the county
fifty years. He has been suffering great distress of mind owing to the recent death of his wife [December 1879]
and other domestic troubles. Last night when one of his sons came from church, he said, "Al, [Allison or Albert
probably Albert because he was the youngest son], I wish you were out of this and then I would not care to go myself."
This morning while the family were at breakfast the aged father entered, with his coat and boots, as was his custom.
Flourishing a razor, he said: "Boys, don't you want to see some fun." [sic] Before he could be disarmed,
he cut a long, deep gash across the left side of his neck, severing the jugular vein. He said, "It will soon
be over, boys; you need not go after the doctor," and died in a few [min]utes. The affair has caused gresat
sorrow here. He was formerly Deputy Sheriff of Coles County. ["The Daily
Republication, Decatur, Illinois, - Feb 6, 1880; Appears in the Tuesday Evening, Febuary 17, 1880 edition of "The
Daily Republican" - Submitted By Source #205]
Note from Contributor Tamra Phelps: "William's wife was Sarah Woods Gilman. They married 23 Apr 1843 in Coles
County. The children are scattered in the 1880 census, so it is unclear if all the children resided in the home.
Ellen is married to Augustus P Whalen by 1860 and has five children. Robert is married to Ella Aldridge by 1880
and has three children. Allison still resides in the Coles County area; Albert has not been located. If Sarah,
Patsie, or Eliza have married, their married names have not been discovered and they have not been located in the
Coles County area under their maiden names."
James Vaughan
Murdered Himself.
Mattoon, III , May 17.—Jas. Vaughan a young man at Oakland, committed suicide by hanging. He had been dead several
days when found. Temporary insanity
[Date: 18 May 1886; Paper: "Wheeling Register" - Submitted by Src 182]
JAMES M. LOGAN
1835 - 1895
James M. Logan was born in Coles county, Illinois, Sept. 17th, 1835; died in Barry, Illinois, June 8th, 1895. Age
59 years, 9 months and 8 days. He was the father of eleven children. His wife and six children have preceded him
to the better world. He was formerly a member of the Christian church. He enlisted in the 108th Regt. Ill., Vol.
Inft., in 1861, was severely wounded at Bolivar, Tenn. He has suffered severely with his wound ever since, and
all that his loving children could do to alleviate his suffering was done. So has passed away one of our country's
noble defenders. Peace to his ashes. Good friend, true hero, hail and farewell.
["Barry Adage", 13 Jun 1895 - Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne]
ERNEST S. HOOD
Hold Rites Wednesday For Arcola Farmer
ARCOLA, III.—Services will be at 2 p. m. Wednesday, for Ernest S. Hood, 82, a farmer from near here
who died Sunday morning at the Jarman Hospital, Tuscola, where he had been four-day patient.
He was born March 14, 1873, near Arthur, the son of William and Harriett Hood. They farmed their entire lives in
the Arcola community. His wife, the former Eva R. Scott, whom he married April 9, 1895, survives in addition to
two sons, J. H. Hood of Champaign and Lawrence Hood of Downey, Cal., a daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Akens of LaPorte,
Ind., and two brothers, L, R. Hood of Aurora and Emmett Hood of Moberly, Mo., two grandchildren and two great
grand-children.
Services will be at the Shrader funeral home, Arcola, and burial at the Arcola cemetery. Friends may call at the
funeral home Tuesday. [Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
ETHEL I. JENKINS
Ethel Ida Jenkins Of Charleston Dies
CHARLESTON, III. — Mrs. Ethel Ida Jenkins, 60, died Sunday in the Charleston Hospital where she had been a patient several weeks.
The body is at the Clark funeral home. Services will be Wednesday at 2 p. m. in the Charleston Christian Church, Rev. Edwin Repess officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn cemetery.
Mrs. Jenkins was born April 9 1806, east of Charleston, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Noah Hackett. Her husband, John L. Jenkins, preceded her in death several years ago.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Wylie Cooper, Charleston, a grandson, two sisters, a half-sister and one brother. [Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
Nelle B. Mitchell
Miss Nelle Mitchell Funeral Rites Today
CHARLESTON, Ill., — Miss Nelle Blye Mitchell, 72, died at the Oakwood Convalescent Home Saturday after a prolonged illness.
Funeral services were held at 9:30 a.m. today in the St. Charles Catholic Church with burial in Mound cemetery. The Harper-Swickard funeral home was in charge.
Miss Mitchell was born March 11, 1883 in Charleston, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Greenville Mitchell. Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Guy Waters, Charleston, five nieces and one nephew. [Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
Lillie G. Henderson
Lillie G. Henderson Dies in Charleston
CHARLESTON, Ill.— Mrs. Lillie Grace Henderson, 90, died Sunday at the home of a daughter, Mrs. J. C. Mathes here. She had been ill for some time.
Funeral services were scheduled to be held this afternoon in the Bishop funeral home, Greenup, Rev Vern Denham officiating. Burial was in Greenup cemetery.
Mrs. Henderson was born near Greenup Jan. 27, 1865, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Matteson. She was a life-long resident of Coles and Cumberland counties
Surviving besides Mrs. Mathes are three grandsons, six great-grand-children, a brother, Elmer Matteson, Casey, and several nieces and nephews, including W. E. Rue, Mattoon.
[Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
Roy Kirkendoll
Roy Kirkendoll Rites Wednesday
Roy Kirkendoll. 66. 2505 Marshall Ave. died at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Rennels Nursing Home, Charleston. Mr. Kirkendoll was a retired brick mason.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday from the Schilling funeral home chapel, the Rev. Chester Groves and the Rev. Harold Paddock officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven cemetery.
Mr. Kirkendoll was born in Sullivan in 1888. a son of Dave and Nan Simmons Kirkendoll.
He is survived by his wife, Lola; three daughters, Mrs. Omar Oakley. Gays; Mrs. Robert Whitlach and Mrs. K. R. Waggoner, Mattoon: two brothers, Charles, Charleston; and Bert. Gays; and eight sisters, Mrs. Ernest Benke, Mrs. Virgil Benskin, Mrs. Ada Black, Mrs. Pearl Conelon, Mrs. Irene Chapman, Mrs. Henry Sablotny all of Decatur. Mrs. Earl Cochran, Paris; and Mrs. Sarah Smith, Sullivan.
[Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
J.O. Whitley
Funeral Saturday For H. O. Whitley
Services were held Saturday afternoon for H. O. Whitley, 57, at the Schilling funeral home, who died June 29, at Decatur-Macon County Hospital, Decatur.
The Rev. Dr. Horace Batender officiated and Mrs. Gladys Paris sang, "In the Garden" and "Don't Turn the Savior Away."
The following were pall bearers: Jerry Burwell, Wayne Hayes. Donald Whitley, Jim Akens, and Malcolm Whitley. Mrs. Florence Myers was organist
Burial was at Pleasant Grove cemetery.
[Daily Journal Gazette 05 Jul 1955 - BZ - Sub by a FoFG]
