obits003

Obituary page 3

Obituary of Mayhew "Pony" Hackett
Canton Ledger, Canton, Il., Aug. 15, 1924
He Ends His Life
Mayhew Hackett disappointed in Love destroys Himself
Swallows Dose Of Poison
Taken in front of his sister - Was Madly Infatuated - Finally Concluded That Life Was Not Worth Living - Owing To Previous Threats Friends Were Not Surprised - Coroner's Inquest
Unrequited love was the cause of Mayhew Hackett of this city, committing suicide Thursday morning swallowing a quantity of strychnine while in the presence of his sister, Mrs. Grace Hancock, of near Middle Grove. Mayhew or "Pony" as he is better known to his friends, was madly infatuated with Miss Dora Champlin, who for the past four years has resided at Des Moines, IA., but who came to Canton June 2, for a visit with her sister, Mrs. John Sedgewick of South Third avenue. The love affair is not recent as it dates back six or seven years, during Miss Dora's former residence in Canton and vicinity. It seems she did not return her impetuous lover's regards and finally she refused to have anything to do with him and left Canton, going to Des Moines to reside. Friends and relatives comforted Mayhew as much as was possible and finally the love affair was forgotten by all but the discarded lover, who brooded deeply over his troubles. He, however, never talked of them and his friends and relatives supposed the heart wounds and aches had departed.
When Dora returned to Canton last June she paid no attention to her former lover for some time, but one day about three weeks ago, she met him on the street and spoke to him. That one word was all that was needed to start the old love fires anew in Mayhew's breast. About two weeks ago he was seized by a spirit of unrest and acted so queerly that his folks were forced to believe that his mind was affected. He would or could not sleep and was continuously moving about. He was not content to remain quiet and would mumble to himself. Tuesday he visited his father, B. F. Hackett, at Bryant. His parents were well aware of his mental condition and knew of the threats he made to commit suicide. He reiterated these threats while at Bryant, both to friends and relatives. He was a member of the Bryant camp of Woodmen, and while at Bryant talked with the camp clerk about his insurance papers.
Before he left his father's house, Mr. Hackett talked with Mayhew, and tried to get his consent to be adjudged insane, so that he could be sent to the asylum at Jacksonville, and thus be removed from home sights and influences. But Mayhew would not agree to such proceedings and returned to Canton on the afternoon train. Wednesday his sister, Mrs. Charles Harter, and her husband discussed the advisability of having Chief of Police Blain take him into custody and order an inquisition held, they feeling sure that he would commit suicide, as Mrs. Harter had removed a razor from his coat a day or two before, and later learned that he had a bottle containing strychnine about his person. But as he was missing Wednesday, nothing could be done. After passing a night of unrest Mrs. Harter was not at all surprised Thursday morning to receive a telephone message from her brother-in-law, N.E. Hancock, informing her that Mayhew had killed himself, and requesting her to come at once.
The deceased walked from Canton to Middle Grove Wednesday and stopped at his sister's house on the Dikeman farm. His strange actions and condition were noticed. At 6 o'clock Thursday morning, when he poured a quantity of the strychnine from the bottle to a piece of paper and made a powder of it, his sister asked him what he was doing. He replied by stating that he was going to take a dose of poison as he was tired of life, and take it he did, and in less than 30 minutes he was dead. As soon as Mrs. Hancock read the label on the bottle she knew what he had taken. Dr. Deahm, of Middle Grove, was summoned at once, but arrived to late to save the young man's life.
Coroner Bovee was notified at once, and as he could not hold the inquest until afternoon, he requested Squire C. T. Newcomb, of Middle Grove, to summon a jury and to hear what evidence was available. The jury was composed of Albert Anderson, Noah Utter, J.C. Taylor, D. O. Smisor, Walter Moore, and William Carroll. The jury heard the evidence of those who witnessed the self-poisoning and then adjourned until Thursday afternoon, when Coroner Bovee, with one or two witnesses from Bryant present, continued the inquest.
Mayhew Hackett would have been 30 years old had he lived until Oct 1. He was born in Buckheart township and was the son of B.F. Hackett and wife, of Bryant. He has made his home more or less in this city, and was employed during the last "run" at the P. & O. Shops. Besides his parents he is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Elihue Hackett of Glasford; Mrs. Grace Hancock, of Middle Grove; Mrs. Fannie Watson, of Selkirk, Kan; Mrs. Laura Sprague, of Dunfermline; Mrs. Charles Harter, of this city, and the Misses Pearl and Jessie and Hiland and Ross Hackett, who reside in Bryant.
Miss Champlin had been visiting with her brother, Fred Champlin and wife on the W. B. Hews farm south of Canton last week and she knew nothing whatever of the death of Mayhew Hackett until Thursday afternoon, when her brother-in-law, John Sedgwick, accompanied by a register reporter, drove to the Hews farm to deliver a letter that had been written by Mayhew to her Wednesday. She first refused to believe the information imparted and the only emotion she exhibited afterward was that of nervousness. The letter was a short one and gave no indications of his contemplated suicide. He stated that he had been forced to sue the note, and that the suit would be heard Saturday. He asked her to come to Middle Grove to visit his sister, and said that he expected to remain there for several weeks, as he had secured employment. When questioned as to their relations Miss Dora stated that she had never encouraged his attentions to her and had always rebuffed him, and had invariably refused his proposals tending to their marriage, which proposals he had made several times. She further stated that when he visited her Monday evening at the Hews farm he informed her that he had changed his $2,000 policy in the Woodmen from his mother's name to her favor, and that the papers had been sent away for approval.
Miss Champlin never heard him threaten to take his life, but he often talked of trouble he had with his relatives, both in a personal and financial way, and they alone seemed to cause him to be in a moody, downhearted condition.
Mayhew has on several occasions talked to intimate friends of his love affair and informed the friends that he and Miss Dora were engaged to be married and that he did not see why she wanted to continue her studies in the college at Des Moines.
It seems that the acting coroner at the inquest held this morning was in receipt of a letter later than the one Miss Dora received, in which the deceased bade his friends farewell and asked them to meet him in Heaven.
Miss Champlin is a pretty young lady who is in her 21st year. She first became acquainted with Mayhew Hackett while she was employed at Charles Harter's residence, and while refusing his attentions as a sweetheart, would accompany him on pleasure trips as a friend. She is an orphan. Her family came to this vicinity a number of years ago, from Joplin, MO. Her father worked for several years for J. F. Randolph, who resides northwest of Canton.
submitted by Debi Hoffman

Obituary of Martha Suydam Hagaman
The Somerset Messenger Gazette, Somerville, Somerset County, NJ, Wednesday, May 1, 1929
Mrs. N. L. Hagaman
Word has been received here of the death in Fairview, Ill. Wednesday of Mrs. Nicholas L. Hagaman, who before her marriage was Miss Martha Suydam of Washington Valley, near Pluckamin. Miss Suydam once attended the old Washington School. She united with the Pluckamin Presbyterian Church under the pastorate of the Rev. F. F. Cornell, November 8, 1862. Miss Suydam was married to Nicholas L. Hagaman December 12, 1867 by the Rev. Thomas Carter, then pastor of the Pluckamin church. Soon after their marriage Mr. Hagaman sold his farm near Lamington, adjoining the old church and moved to Fairview.
submitted by Pam Bush

Obituary of Elizabeth Miller Hage
Canton Daily Ledger, October 3, 1917
Mrs. Elizabeth Hage, widow of Daniel Hage, died at the county home at 1 o'clock this afternoon after a long illness of tuberculosis. She had been in the home about a year. She resided for many years in Canton and her maiden name was Elizabeth Miller. When still in her teens she was married to Daniel Hage, who died 25 years ago. There were two daughters and a son born to their union. The children are deceased, the son dying in infancy. There survive of the immediate family, two granddaughters, a grandson and two great-grandchildren. There are no sisters or brothers surviving.
Mrs. Hage was a member of the U. B. church. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. The body was removed this afternoon to the Messler undertaking parlors.
submitted by Danni Hopkins

Obituary of Judith Mary Hamblin
unknown paper and date
Judith Hamblin
Judith Mary Hamblin, 52, of Burlington, died at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 25, 2000, at her home.
Born June 18, 1948, in Beardstown, Ill., she was the daughter of Edward Eugene and Mary Crumley Hamblin.
Miss Hamblin was director of Des Moines County Community Services. She attended Burlington College, Western Illinois University and Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Okla. She was an active member of Wings of Praise Church, predominately in the children's program.
Survivors include her mother of Lancaster, Mo.; one sister, Vickie (Russell) Morton of Lancaster; one niece; and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her father.
The body has been cremated. Friends may sign the register book after noon today in Prugh's Chapel. The memorial service for Miss Hamblin will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Wings of Praise Church, with the Rev. Brenda Distelhorst officiating. Burial will be in Lancaster. A memorial has been established.

Obituary of Mary A. Cowman Harlan
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, July 28, 1893
Mary A. Harlan died at the home of her son, Milo Harlan, one-half mile south of London Mills, Monday morning July 24th, 1893, aged, 83 years, 11 months and 15 days. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Crain, of Abingdon, at 10:30 o'clock, Tuesday, at the Mt. Pleasant church, where burial took place.
Mary A. Cowman was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, August 9th, 1809. From there with her parents she removed to Ohio where she was married June 27th 1832 to David S. Harlan. To this union were born nine children-five boys and four girls. Two of the sons, Cyrus and Napolean, and the husband had crossed the river of Death before the mother and wife. The others are all living and are: J. A. Harlan and Milo Harlan, both living near London Mills, Plato Harlan, living in Kansas; Mrs. Louisa Swartz and Mrs. Adelia Surlock, living in and near London; Mrs. Saxon, living in Nebraska; and Mrs. Minerva Daily, living in Los Angeles, California. The living children were all present at her death with the exception of Plato, who was here a few days ago, but had been called home, and Mrs. Daily who was unable to come. Besides the family, Mrs. Harlan leaves two brothers, David Cowman of this place and Pressly Cowman of Iowa. She had twenty-nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
"Grandma Harlan" as she was familiarly called, was an old settler in this state, having resided in this vicinity for thirty-eight years. She was a faithful, loving wife, a kind, true mother, a good neighbor, and a useful member of society, respected and beloved by all. Her death has cast a shadow over the entire community.
submitted by Todd Walter

Obituary of Joseph G. Harmison
unknown newspaper and date
Hold Services March 16 for J. G. Harmison

Veteran Teacher Called March 13 at City Hospital; Burial at Canton, Illinois.
Funeral services for Joseph G. Harmison, a member of the Geneseo High School faculty, who died at the J. C. Hammond City Hospital late Thursday afternoon, March 13, were held on Saturday morning at 9:30 at the high school auditorium.
More than 200 students, former students, teachers and friends attended the last rites, which were conducted by Rev. Waldo S. Richards, pastor of the First Congregational church.
The service included a reading by Miss Josephine Reschke, a musical number by Robert Lash, Jack Little, James Hutchinson, John Hartman, Arlo Kemmis, James Berg, Glenn Lodge, Albert Taube and Willard Nelson, accompanied by Miss Mary Fragd on the piano.
Student ushers were Irwin Borkgren, Robert Cherry, Donald Cherry, Eugene Ague, Carl Blumenstein, Morris Vickroy, Elmer Schweninger, Robert Schweninger, Walter Bolte, Jerald Keag, Tom Carter, Robert Young, Clyde Snodgrass and Lauren Weineke.
Pall bearers were Glenn Robinson, Clifford Soukup, E. O. Reiser, S. Fred Calhoun, C. R. Lash and Charles Rivenburg, all members of the high school facility. The remains were taken to Canton, Illinois, for interment in Locust Lane cemetery. Rev. David G. Davies, pastor of the Canton Congregational Church officiated at the short service at the grave.

Was Native of Canton
Mr. Harmison was born in Canton, Illinois on January 16, 1860, and received his early education there. He attended Canton Commercial College, Spencerian Business College in Cleveland, Ohio, Bryant-Stratton Business College and took special work at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Colorado.
He began teaching in 1884 and taught in Canton, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Savannah, Rome, Ga., Rushville and Lexington before joining the Geneseo high school facility in 1915. He is been an instructor here for twenty-six years and was known to everyone as " Harmy. " He produced many lines of commercial ? in the high school and for several winters conducted a night school for the benefit of those who were unable to attend day classes.
Mr. Harmison was known for his beautiful penmanship and was also a handwriting expert, having served as a witness in a Georgia forgery trial many years ago. He loved outdoor Life and traveling and with his wife enjoyed vacation trips in the north and west. He was a member of the Congregational Church and of Stewart Lodge and Royal Arch Masons.
He was married December 24, 1885, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Florence Crane, who preceded him in death. On September 30, 1899, he was married to Aline Gartner in McMinnville, Tennessee.
Surviving are his wife; two sons, J. S. Harmison, of Frederick, Colorado, and C. R. Harmison of Great Falls, Montana; two daughters, Mrs. W. E. Toncray, of Canton, Illinois, and Miss Lali Harmison of Chicago; also 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A daughter, Miss Ruth Parmesan, died in 1928.

Tribute to Mr. Harmison
We, the students of Geneseo High School, which express our deep gratitude and appreciation of "Harmy", a friend to as all.
"Harmy" first came to Geneseo in February, 1915, as an instructor in commercial subjects. He had been a member of the high-school teaching staff for 26 years. For 21 years he taught in the commercial department, introducing many new subjects. In 1919-1920 school years he conducted a commercial night school. For the last 5 years he checked attendance (and discipline) and the study hall.
Mr. Harmison and was born in Canton, Ill., on January 16, 1860. He obtained his early education in Canton schools. He received his training in the Canton Commercial College, the Spencerian Business College at Cleveland and the Bryant-Stratton Business College at Providence, Rhode Island. He attended summer school at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Colorado.
"Harmy" was well known to us all for his penmanship, and many of us would cherish our high school annuals with our names inscribed by his handwriting.
both submitted by Charlie McDaniel

Obituary of Bernadine Cooper Heffren
Peoria Journal Star, Peoria, Illinois, February 1982
Memorial Obituary
Entered into Eternal Rest, Wednesday, February 03, 1982
Bernadine Cooper/Heffren, 61 years of age, died at Graham Hospital, Canton, Illinois.
She was born to Spencer Wiley Cooper and Grace Scalf on August 19, 1920. She married Raymond A. Heffren on April 16th, 1939 at St. Patrick's Church in Havana, Illinois.
Surviving are her husband, Raymond, one son, Robert, and one daughter, Judy Heffren/Harris of Canton; two sisters, Imogene Shaw and Ethel Mae Illman, both of Canton, Illinois.
Visitation will be at 6-8 P.M. tomorrow, the Reverend Thomas Krider will officiate, and burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Fulton County, Liverpool township, Lewistown, Illinois, R.R.#.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Johanna Heffron Heffren
Canton Daily Ledger, Canton, Illinois, December 2, 1940
Death Takes Mrs. Johanna Heffren
Lewistown, Illinois, December 02, 1940 - Special
Funeral services for Mrs. Johanna Heffren who died yesterday at her home in Lewistown, Illinois, at 804, South Adams Street, will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the St. Mary's Church in Lewistown. The Reverend Keith Roche of Havana will officiate, and burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Lewistown, Illinois.
Mrs. Heffren had been ill for about four years. A daughter of Timothy and Margaret (Foley) Heffron, she was born May 01, 1855 in Petersburg, Pennsylvania. She was married in 1873 to John Heffren, who died May 22, 1924. She came to Lewistown three years ago from Waterford township and had since made her home here.
Ten children were born, five of whom are living. They are Edward Heffren, Fred Heffren, and Mrs. Maggie Clark of Lewistown; Hannah Huff of Ipava, and Mrs. Stella Mann of Los Angeles, California. Theodore Heffron and Mike Heffron of Lewistown are brothers. (Note the spelling). Thirteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren survive. She was a member of the St. Mary's Church of Lewistown.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Michael A. Heffren II
unknown newspaper and date
Michael Heffren, Jr., 100 years of age, of 434 Dean Court, died April 24, 1989 at 7:45 p.m., Monday at the Heartland Health Center of Canton, Illinois. Born October 01, 1888, in Isabel Township, the son of Michael and Mary (Kearney) Heffren, Sr., he married Ruth Wrestler on December 23, 1918, in Havana, township. She died in 1927. He also was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include three sons, Raymond and Milford both of Canton, Illinois and Richard of Oklawaha, Florida; five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
He had farmed his entire life in Fulton County. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Havana, Illinois. Services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday at Oaks Memorial Chapel in Canton, Illinois, the Reverend Robert Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial will be at Kearney Cemetery, Enion, Illinois.
Note: Later Mr. Heffren and his wife, Ruth were moved to Laurel Hill cemetery. submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Michael A. Heffren I
unknown newspaper, Saturday, April 23, 1949
Michael A. Heffren Services Monday
Lewistown, April 23, 1949 - Special
Michael A. Heffren of Havana, Illinois, died at 3:15 o'clock this morning in the Graham Hospital, Canton, Illinois, following a two year illness.
Born November 01, 1857 in Canada, a son of Timothy and Margaret Foley, Heffren, he was married to Mary Kearney, who died August 11, 1943.
Surviving are six children, Frank Heffren, Mrs. Anna Duff, Mrs. Mayme Dunn, Michael Heffren, Jr., Thomas Heffren, all of Havana and Mrs. Julia Bainter, Lewistown; twelve grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Two children preceded him in death.
He was a member of the St. Patrick's Church in Havana. The Rosary will be held at the Zimmerman and Henry Funeral Chapel, Sunday evening at 8 o'clock. Funeral services will be conducted Monday morning at 10 o'clock in the St. Patrick's Church in Havana. Friends may call at the Zimmerman and Henry Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Lewistown, Illinois.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Raymond A. Heffren
Canton Daily Ledger, Canton, Illinois, unknown date
Raymond A. Heffren, 74, of 743 South First, Canton, Illinois, died at 2: 07 P.M., June 20, 1991, Thursday at his residence.
Born October 15, 1916, to Michael Heffren, Jr. and Ruth Estelle Wrestler/Heffren. He married Bernadine Cooper/Heffren, April 16, 1939, in Havana, Illinois. She died February 03, 1982.
He also was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Stephanie Rene Heffren, and his parents, Michael and Ruth Heffren.
Surviving are one son, Robert of Bryant, Illinois, two daughters, Mrs. James (Judy) Wickert of Lewistown, Illinois, and Kathy Lynn Smart of Canton, Illinois, two brothers, Milford of Canton, and Richard of Oklawaha, Florida, eight grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.
He was a welder at International Harvester for 32 years, retiring in 1976. A W.W. II Marine veteran, he was a member of Veteran for Foreign wars 1884 and United Auto Workers, Local 1357.
Services will be, Monday, at Oaks Chapel, Canton, Illinois, the Reverend Barbara Short officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 P.M. Sunday, at the Chapel. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (Apple Cemetery), Fulton County, Liverpool township, Lewistown, Illinois, R.R.#.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Alva W. Hill
Peoria Journal Star, Thursday, Dec. 22, 1949
Hill, Alva W., 78, of Canton. Died Wednesday at Graham hospital, Canton. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday. Gerard funeral home, Canton. Burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington.
submitted by Candi Horton

Obituary of Mrs. Emma A. Hopping
Astoria newspaper circa March 31, 1911
Leeseburg
Mrs. Emma A. Hopping, wife of John Hopping, was born March 5, 1878. Died May 24, 1911, aged 33 years, 2 months and 19 days. They were married June 5, 1895. To this union was born five children, one girl and four boys. She united in the christian work in her early life and last fall, or about nine months ago, with her husband, joined the Brethren church at Woodland, living in this faith till the death summons came. Deceased leaves a husband, five children, mother, three brothers and two sisters, two half sisters, and a host of other relatives to mourn her departure. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Charles Walters, assisted by Rev. S. G. Bucher. Remains were laid to rest at Union chapel. The mourning ones have the sympathy of the entire community in this sad bereavement.
submitted by Marilee Griffin

Obituary of Cornelia Louise Stout Huff
Fulton County Ledger, Feb. 6, 1874
A Difficult Surgical Operation
For the past 5 years, Mrs. C. L. Huff of this city has been troubled by an ovarian tumor in the abdomen. It has caused her a great deal of pain and anxiety, and on 2 occasions, Dr. G. W. Wright of this city has operated on her, but with only temporary relief afforded. After due consideration and reflection, and upon the advice of relatives and friends, she consented to have an operation performed for the removal of the tumor. Accordingly, her physician sent invitations to a number of medical gentlemen residing in adjoining cities and towns, and those of this city, to be present when the operation was to be performed.
Tuesday last was the appointed day, and after all the necessary preliminary measures were taken, the tumor was carefully removed. It weighed nearly fifteen pounds. The patient was placed under the influence of chloroform during this terrible operation, as it was of a most serious and dangerous character.
The following physicians and surgeons were in attendance: Dr. Skinner of Peoria, Dr. John Gregory of Farmington, Dr. Hull of Lewistown, Prof. W. T. Wright of Keokuk, Iowa, Dr. Fisher of Lewistown, Drs. Durran and Clark of Blandensville, and Dr. Sutton of this city.
Mrs. Huff is very low as of this writing (Thursday noon). Telegrams have been sent to relatives at a distance to come to her bedside.

Fulton County Ledger, Feb. 13, 1874
Death of Mrs. C. L. Huff
We mentioned in last week's Ledger the particulars of Mrs. Huff's illness and the operation performed upon her by Dr. G. W. Wright of this city. The operation was performed on Tuesday February 3rd, and she died on the Friday following. Her sons, Samuel M. and Charles A. Baudouine of Chicago, and other relatives who were advised of her recent illness by telegraph, arrived in season to be at her bedside prior to her demise.
The funeral services were held in the Baptist Church on Sabbath afternoon last, Rev. D. H. Cooley officiating, assisted by Rev. Johnsey of the E. M. Church. The attendance was very large; the audience room of the church densely crowded with friends and acquaintances of the deceased. Rev. Cooley took as his text II Kings 20: 1, 2, 3. In accordance with the wishes of Mrs. Huff, expressed by her some days before her demise, the services were brief.
Cornelia Louise Stout was born in New Brunswick, N. J. June 5, 1818. She united with the Baptist Church there in 1837 and was a member of that denomination until the day of her death. She moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn, NY, residing there for 15 years, where her first husband, Abraham Baudouine, died. Shortly afterwards she came to Illinois, arriving in Canton in January, 1855. In that year she was married to Mr. Reuben Huff of this city. Mrs. Huff was engaged in the millinery business here for many years, and her circle of friends and acquaintances was very extensive. She was the mother of the wife of Honorable Stephen Y. Thornton, editor of the Ledger, and a lady of generous impulses and warm affections. Her loss will be keenly felt in her family circle and in the community.
We are requested by the family of the deceased to correct certain rumors that are current in regard to the operation performed on her, etc. The history of her case is briefly thus: some 3 years ago Dr. G. W. Wright was called to see Mrs. Huff and counsel her with regard to her disease, which was then assuming alarming symptoms. The doctor informed her of the state of her disease, and attended to her professionally for several months, when it became necessary to perform an operation for the removal of a dropsical fluid which had accumulated in her abdomen. At this operation he withdrew 3 gallons of the fluid from her. These operations were repeated 6 times within the space of a 3-year interval, and a total of about 18 gallons of a watery substance was taken from her system. It was apparent to her physician and herself that death was inevitable unless an operation could be performed for the removal of the tumor. The doctor did not counsel her to submit to the removal of the tumor but told her of the imminent dangerous results that would probably attend such an operation. He read to her the best medical authority on the subject, and requested her to consult eminent physicians and surgeons whenever she visited Chicago. This she did, but never stated the results of the interviews except to members of her family. Some 3 months ago, she concluded in her own mind to have the operation performed, and sent for Dr. Wright and told him of her determination, and said that she had confidence in him and in his skill as a surgeon, and desired him to perform it. The doctor then consulted with members of her family and found that it was Mrs. Huff's personal desire, not influenced by any other family members or parties. Preparations were made accordingly, and the operation was performed on the third of February.
Before she placed herself on the operating table, she called her daughter, Mrs. Adelaide Thornton, to her side and remarked that if she should die from the operation, that no blame should be attached to anyone as it was her own decision and no one else's that she go forward with it.
both submitted by Anthony Kaney arkaney@excite.com. Note: father, Josiah Stout and brother, Charles Steward Stout's obits are on this site.

Obituary of Lucinda Freeman Huff
The Ledger, Dec. 1, 1854
Died
In Canton, on Tuesday, November 28, Lucinda, wife of Reuben Huff, aged 42 years, 10 months, 28 days. She was a consistent member of the First Baptist Church of this place, and a few hours before her death was apparently as well as usual, but now with her little infant has entered into that sleep which knoweth no awakening until the Resurrection morn. She has left a tender husband and three children, with many sympathetic hearts to mourn at this unexpected bereavement; Yet we mourn her not as do those who have no hope. Her end was peace, our loss her eternal gain. Remarkable alike for dignity, purity and truth, as also a well-ordered life in following her Savior in all things, will long commend her to those who had an acquaintance with her. Uniform kindness and an urbanity of manner secured her many warm friends who readily unite in saying that to know her was only to love her.
Her maiden name was Freeman. She was baptised by Phineas Fletcher and united with the Baptist Church at Saratoga Springs, New York, at the age of 15. She was married on the first of May, 1832 to Reuben Huff, by Elder Gillette, then pastor of the church at Schenectady. In the fall of 1837 they removed to Evansville, Indiana; thence the spring following, while it was yet comparatively a wilderness, to Canton, Illinois, where they found about a score of brethren and sisters of the same faith and order, with whom they went in turn from house to house, praising him who, in showing them the way to life and salvation, had done so much for them. She was permitted to see the wilderness blossom as the rose, and the little one become a thousand and the small one a great people."
submitted by Tony Kaney

Obituary of May Mary Kepple Hukill
Canton Daily Ledger, May 1, 1947
Canton Woman Dies in Peoria Hospital
Mrs. May Mary (Kepple) Hukill died early this morning in a Peoria hospital following six years illness.
She was born in McDonough county Nov. 29, 1874, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kepple. She was married to Otto Hukill in 1893 and he preceded her in death April 15, 1926.
Surviving are five children, William Hukill, Mrs. Twila Polich and Leo Hukill, all of Canton; Verne Hukill, Bremen, Ind., and Verle Hukill, South Bend, Ind.; five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three brothers, Walter Kepple, St. Augusta; Oren Kepple, Canton route 2, and O. A. Kepple (Oren and O. A. are the same person), Canton route 1, and Arthur Kepple, Bushnell; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Westlake, Bushnell and Mrs. Edith Westlake, Quincy.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mrs. Nellie Fidler, two sisters and three brothers.
Mrs. Hukill had resided in Canton since 1926.
Funeral services will be held at two o clock Saturday afternoon at the Murphy Memorial home and burial will be in the Greenwood cemetery. Friends may call at the Murphy Memorial home.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Otto Nathan Hukill
Canton Daily Ledger, April 16, 1926
Otto Nathan Hukill Funeral Services to Be Here Tomorrow
Word was received yesterday of death of Otto Nathan Hukill, formerly of Canton, which occurred at the home in Jerseyville yesterday morning at 8:20 o clock.
Otto Hukill was born on March 29, 1867, near Bushnell to Nathan and Hannah (Whiting) Hukill.
He grew to young manhood in Bushnell and in 1894 was married to May Kepple of that place. His wife survives him.
Besides his wife he leaves the following children: Mrs. Ernie Fidler, William E. Hukill, and Mrs. Edward Slater of Canton; Vern L. of South Bend; Verl G. who has just arrived from west to make his home here and Leo N. at home.
Mrs. Edward Osborn of Cuba and Dr. Hannah L. Hukill of Glendale, Calif., are surviving sisters.
Mr. Hukill has spent all of his life in Illinois, ten years of which have been on a farm near Canton. For the past six years the family has been residing on a farm near Jerseyville.
The funeral services will be held at the Murphy Memorial home at 2:30 o clock Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in Greenwood.
Friends may see Mr. Hukill at the Murphy memorial home any time after 4 o clock this afternoon.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Ethel Mae Illman
Peoria Journal Star, Peoria, Illinois, unknown date,
Age 76, of 414 North First, Canton, Illinois died at 3:43 am. Thursday (October 19, 2000) at Graham Hospital Extended Care in Canton.
Born December 01, 1923 in Lewistown, the daughter of Spencer and Grace (Scalf) Cooper, she married Raymond D. Illman on June 07, 1947 in Canton. He survives.
Survivors include Max (Nancy) Illman of Hanna City, one daughter, Mrs. Greg Buhs (Mary Jo) of Heartland, Wisconsin and 2 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one half brother and two sisters.
She attended the Lewistown Church of the Nazarene.
Services will be held at 11 am., Monday at Murphy Sedgwick Memorial Home in Canton, with the Reverend Steve Cecil officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm., Sunday at the memorial home. Burial will be at Apple Cemetery in Lewistown. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of Raymond Dwayne Illman
Canton Daily Ledger, Canton, Illinois, unknown date
Raymond Dwayne Illman, 77 of 414 North First, Apartment 807, died at 8:24 a. m., Wednesday, November 03, 2004, in the Methodist Medical Center emergency room in Peoria.
Born May 26, 1927 in Ipava to William and Mary Gladys Fey, VanFleet, Illman. He married Ethel Mae Cooper on June 07, 1947 in Canton. She died October 19, 2000. He also was preceded in death by one brother and five sisters.
He married Jean Bishop on June 28, 2003, in Canton. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Max (and Nancy) of Hanna City; one daughter, Mary Jo (and Gregory) Buhs of Hartland, Wisconsin; two stepdaughters, Carol (and Dennis) Huff of East Peoria and Peggy Bishop of Lowden, Iowa; two grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren, and one twin brother; Richard of Lewistown.
He was a navy veteran. He worked in shipping and crating at Caterpillar Inc. for 34 years, retiring in June 1992. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Canton.
Services will be at 10 am, Saturday at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home. Burial will be in Apple Cemetery in rural Lewistown. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert

Obituary of James "Buzz" Sylvester Jennings
News Times, Forest Grove, Jan. 30, 1936
J. S. Jennings dies in Hospital; Buried Sunday
Funeral Services were conducted for J. S. Jennings at the Forest Grove Undertaking chapel Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Rev. C. P. Sabin of the Church of Christ officiating. Mrs. Edith Collais Evans was soloist. Interment took place in the Forest View Cemetery.
James Sylvester Jennings familiarly known as "Buzz" died at Hillsboro Hospital after an illness that extended over nine months. He was born in Liverpool, Illinois, August 5, 1851, and married April 5, 1885, at Lewistown Illinois, Sadie E. Havens who survives him. Mr. Jennings lived in California with his family several years, coming to Forest Grove 31 years ago.
Beside his wife there are two children living, Leonard Jennings of Buena Park, Calif., and Mrs. Lilly Lamont of Forest Grove. There are four grandchildren also living.
submitted by Karen Morlan

Obituary of John F. Jones
Canton Daily Ledger, April 30, 1927
John F. Jones Dies; Was Engineer Here
John F. Jones of 113 West Myrtle, for 40 years a resident of Canton and vicinity died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert Reed of 54 West Myrtle Street, yesterday afternoon following an illness of a week of bronchial asthma and heart trouble.
Mr. Jones has been an engineer, both in mines in this vicinity and at the high School and city pumping station for many years, and has many friends in and around Canton.
He was born in Southern Wales on July 16, 1853, and came to this country when he was 21 years of age. He was married to Martha L. Bennett, who died Nov. 5, 1922. Following are the children surviving: Mrs. McClellen Diebert and Mrs. Robert G. Reed of Canton, Mrs. Anna J. Holms of Joy, William of San Francisco, and Mrs. Harry Thompson of Pontiac, Ill. One son died in infancy.
He was a member of the church of Latter Day Saints.
The funeral services will be held at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Robert Reed on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o clock. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Martha L. Bennett Jones
Canton Register, Nov. 6, 1922
Mrs. Martha L. Jones Died Sunday Morning At Graham Hospital
Mrs. Martha L. Jones, 85 West Vine Street, died at the Graham hospital yesterday morning at 8:40 o clock.
She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bennett and was born in South Wales, July 16, 1851. She came to America 70 years ago and has resided in Canton for the past 35 years.
She is survived by her husband, John F. Jones to whom she was married in Bryant. She is also survived by the following children: Mrs. M. C. Dibert, Canton; Mrs. Robert Reed, Canton; Mrs. Annie J. Holmes, Joy; Mrs. H. L. Thompson, Pontiac; Edward Jones, Kewanee; William M. Jones, San Francisco, Calif. There is one surviving sister, Mrs. J. C. Jacobs of Green Lake, Wis.
Mrs. Jones was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints and was a woman held in high esteem by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at the residence Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o clock, internment will be in Greenwood cemetery.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Mayme Maxine Tuthill Klinedinst
Rushville Times, Wed., Jan. 9, 2002
Mayme Klinedinst
Mayme Maxine (Tuthill) Klinedinst, 96, of Vermont, died Saturday, Jan. 5, 2002, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
She was born Dec. 7, 1905, in Bernadotte, the daughter of Harry L. and Eva Ann Thompson Tuthill. She married Russell Walter Klinedinst on March 31, 1924, in Havana. He died Feb. 6, 1994. Survivors include two sons, Luther (wife Nina) Klinedinst of Bushnell and William Klinedinst of Vermont; two daughters, Dorothy Jane (husband Richard) Parry of Macomb and Virginia (husband Harry) Thomas of Littleton; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and one step great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by one sister.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Kost Memorial Home in Vermont with Rev. Tim Gilliland officiating. Burial was in the Ipava Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Vermont Fire Department.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Findley Kruzan
Fulton County Ledger, Mar. 8, 1888, pg. 6
Findley Kruzan died of apoplexy at his farm three miles south of Lewistown, Tuesday morning February 28, 1888, aged about 71 years. He was also a pioneer, having resided in Lewistown and vicinity nearly half a century. In his temper and methods he was wonderfully like Uncle Perry Kelly, and like him in rugged integrity was never brought in question. Mr. K. was a soldier in the Civil War, and a good one. He will be remembered kindly by many friends.
The burial took place yesterday noon, at Freeman Cemetery, Isabel township, under auspices of Fulton Lodge No. 51, I. O. O. F., of which order Mr. K. was a member thirty-two years.
submitted by Debbie Hill

A History of Fulton County, Spoon River Country, 1818-1879
Finley Kruzan, orphaned at 11, fought in the engagements of his company, and was wounded in Atlanta. Kruzan came to Fulton County in 1840 and owned 260 acres of land in Sec. 4.. He married Maria Johnson in 1842, and their children included triplets and two sets of twins.
Note: I have yet to confirm any info about triplets. submitted by Debbie Hill

Obituary of Maria Lucretia Johnson Kruzan
Cuba Journal, Jan. 11, 1900, pg. 3
Died at her residence in Duncan Mills, Thursday, at 12:20 a.m. Mrs. Maria Kruzan, widow of the late Finley Kruzan deceased. Her age was 79 years and 9 months.
For 73 years she lived within two miles of the place she died. Funeral Friday at 1 o'clock at the residence.
submitted by Debbie Hill

Fulton County Democrat, Jan. 10, 1900
KRUZAN
Mrs. Maria L. [Lucretia] Kruzan, widow of Findley Kruzan, died at her home in Duncan City 4 Jan., 1900, aged 79 years 8 months and 6 days. She was born in Vandalia, then capital of Illinois, 29 Apr., 1821. Her father, Major Johnson, was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1824 the family came to Waterford tp and settled on the farm now occupied by E. Athy. She was married to Findley Kruzan in April, 1841. [Note: They were actually married Nov. 11, 1841.] For many years they resided on the farm half-way between Lewistown and Duncan's Mills, a half-way house where the town boys of hot and dusty days could always get a kind welcome and delicious drink, going to or coming from their sports at Spoon river. How good the cool water tasted from the Gourd and out of the deep, rock-walled well at Mr. Kruzan's! It was like Mother Davidson's well on the hill en route to Spud-a-way creek. In both cases it was "giving a cup of water to little ones in my name"- giving a cool drink to Christ!
To Mr. and Mrs. Kruzan were born 12 children, seven whom are living, viz: Hiram, George, Henry, and Logan Kruzan, Mrs. Mary Jane Evans, Mrs. Laura Conner, and Mrs. Ella Allen. Albert was in Co. G, 11th Ill. Cav., and died in Rome, Ga., in 1864. Her husband Findley Kruzan, was a soldier in Co. A, 103d regiment three years.
During one of Rev. J. Q. Knight's famous revivals at the Felkel schoolhouse, some 38 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Kruzan united with the M. E. church. She was a faithful Christian to the hour of her death. She had no sign of sickness. She was simply worn out. She bade her children good bye, saying that she was tired, and ready, and willing to go. Like her husband she was an honored pioneer who will long be remembered with reverence and affection. Rev. Wm. McFarland conducted funeral services at the home in Duncan City, Friday, in presence of a great company of friends. The burial was at the Hackelton graveyard, on the bank of beautiful Spoon river, beside the dust of her husband and children and her honored parents.
submitted by Debbie Hill

Obituary of Mrs. Ruth Lindbloom
unknown paper or date
Ruth Lindbloom, wife of E. A. Lindbloom, died Friday night at her home at Norris, at eight o'clock. Her age was 23 years. The funeral will take place at Norris Sunday at three o'clock the Rev. A. R. Mathis officiating.
submitted by Kristen Dansby

Obituary of Aaron Lingenfelter
unknown newspaper, Dec. 1918
Veteran Color Bearer is Dead
Aaron Lingenfelter, veteran of the Civil War and Color Bearer of the Joe Hooker Post, G. A. R from its organization until two years ago, when failing health prevented further activity, died at 4:35 o'clock Sunday afternoon [died Dec. 8, 1918], at his home in Banner Township, following prolonged ill health. He was born in Bedford county Pa., and was a son of Jacob and Sarah Lingenfelter, pioneer settlers in Fulton county, where they came in the spring of 1848. He was married to Miss Charity Hedge at Liverpool, 17 March ,1870, and a few days layer moved onto the farm where he lived until his death. Mrs. Lingenfelter died 8 July, 1894.
Relatives Living
One son and two daughters. They are Ernest Lingenfelter at home; Mrs. Nernie Pollitt, Buckheart Township, and Mrs. Lizzie Pollitt , Banner Township. There are twelve grand-children living and one dead. Other near relatives are three brothers, Josiah Lingenfelter, Banner Township; Jacob Lingenfelter, Buckheart Township, and Alexander Lingenfelter, Margo Okla. Five brothers and three sisters are dead.
Wounded Seven Times
Aaron Lingenfelter enlisted early in the Civil War and served with distinction from 1861 to 1865. He was wounded seven times and was the last man to be wounded in the 15th Army corps in the last battle of the war at Bentonville, N. C. He was a Charter member of Joe Hooker Post from its Organization until 1916, when failing health forced him to abandon this duty. He carried the Flag at every Memorial Day observance in Canton, except for one. He was one of Fulton County s best known veterans of the Civil War with an active service record unequaled anywhere. By all who knew him he was highly esteemed, and there is general regret that his long useful life has reached its close.
Funeral Tuesday
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at Bethel Chapel and burial will be in the adjacent Cemetery.
Submitted by Roy Girard

Obituary of Samuel Lord
Peoria Star, November 18, 1920
Farmington - Samuel Lord
Samuel Lord, for years a highly respected citizen of this city, died Sunday morning at the home of his son, James Lord, president of the miners' division of the American Federation of Labor, 502 Tulip avenue, Takoma Park, Washington, D.C., and the remains were to be brought here, where funeral services and interment will be made in Oak Ridge cemetery either today or tomorrow. Services will be conducted by Rev. Thos. J. M. Crapp, pastor of the M. E. church.
Deceased was of a family of eleven children born to James and Betty Leach Lord, and was born January 12, 1849, in Littleboro, Lancashire, England. He was married to Miss Martha Jane Woods at Leeds, Yorkshire, England, on April 11, 1872, and to them nine children were born. They were as follows: Mrs. Eunice Plumer, who died November 5, 1905; Robert Lord, who died September 21, 1889; Mrs. Louise Boyd, wife of William Boyd, of Percy, Ill.; James Lord of Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Eleanor Holliday of this city; Mrs. Minnie Spears, wife of Locke Spears, of Peoria; Sam Lord of Peoria; Lewis Lord, enroute; and Joe Lord of Phoenix, Ariz.
Mr. Lord came to America in January, 1886, and his wife and children followed him to America, arriving on November 6, 1889. Mr. Lord has always been interested in the mining business and was one of the promoters of the Nickle Plate mine, now the Alden No. 5 mine. He was a member of the K. of P. lodge as well as Local Union No. 946.
Besides the wife and children he is survived by one brother, who lives in England, and fifteen grandchildren as well as friends that numbered with his acquaintances.
Six weeks ago Mr. and Mrs. Lord sold their home on E. Vernon street to John Watson and sold their household goods, expecting to visit in Washington, D.C., and later go to England for a visit at their old home. In two weeks after he left here he was taken ill, and word from his bedside the better part of the week was that he was improving nicely.
submitted by Andrew Peplow

Obituary of William McCoy
Canton Ledger, Canton, Il., Aug. 15, 1924
William McCoy Called To Rest Last Evening
William McCoy, for several years an honored citizen of Canton, died at his home, 211 West Walnut street, at 7:30 o'clock yesterday evening following several days of illness from complications incident to advanced years.
Mr. McCoy was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in April 1844. He came to America 69 years ago, to Illinois 50 years ago and had been a resident of Canton for the past 14 years.
He is survived by his wife, former Miss Florence Young and by the following children: Mrs. George Stone, Mrs. W. P. Rainey and Mrs. L. A. Dailey, all of Aurora; Mrs. Leslie Elliott, Granby, Colo., Herman McCoy, Chicago, Mrs. Roy Parkin, Canton, Mrs. Roy Roddis, Kansas City, Mo., Dennis McCoy, Farmington. There are five surviving grandchildren.
Mr. McCoy was a member of the Canton Christian Church and so long as his health would permit, was an active member in the affairs of the church. He was a man of lofty ideals and kindly demeanor and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed but interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
submitted by Debi Hoffman

Obituary of Julia E. Sears McFetridge
Astoria Argus, Dec. 10, 1975, pg. 1, col. 2
Julia McFetridge Dies in Beardstown
Mrs. Julia E. (Sears) McFetridge 80, a lifelong Astoria resident, died at 10:20 p.m. Thursday December 4, 1975, at Myers Nursing Home in Beardstown.
She was born August 9, 1895, near Astoria, a daughter of William and Lydia Lamprell Sears. She married Curry H. McFetridge on March 26, 1920 in Virginia. He preceded her in death November 29, 1974.
Surviving are two sons, Harry of Prairie City and Bernard of St. Augustine; 5 daughters, Mrs. Eleanor Enders of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Ruth Allman of Astoria, Mrs. Charlotte Jessup of Morango, and Mrs. Vernice Sloan of Roy, Michigan; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mr. Mabel Gibson of Dallas Texas.
Preceding her in death were one son and one daughter, three brothers and two grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday afternoon at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria with Rev. Mike Hargrow officiating. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery west of Astoria.
submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of George W. Marshall
died 1959
George W. Marshall
Canton - George W. Marshall, 47 of 1035 W. Pine St., an operator at a local service station, died at 8:55 a.m. Thursday at Graham Hospital, where he had been a patient since New Years Day.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Murphy Memorial Home where visitation will be after 1 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in White Chapel Memory Gardens.
He was born Feb. 22, 1911, in Griffin, Fla., the son of Harry E. and Ella Bishop Marshall. On Feb. 3, 1945, he was married in Peoria to Irene Meyer, who survives. He is also survived by two sons: Bernard 12; and Gilbert 11; a daughter, Cora 9; a brother, Eugene, Rt. 5, Canton; and three sisters, Mrs. Abbie Miller, Rt. 5, Canton; Mrs. Ruth Brunner, Metamora and Mrs. Helen Osterman, Peoria. His parents and a sister, Mrs. Edith Weiss, preceded him in death.
He was a member of Meat Packers Amalgamated Union.
Submitted by Sandy MacDonald

Obituary for Estella M. Schisler Masterson
Estella M. Masterson
Estella M. Masterson, 91, formerly of London Mills, died at 4:45 A.M. Wednesday (July 1, 1998) in The Marigold Health Care Center, Galesburg.
She was born July 22, 1906, in Abingdon, the daughter of Martin V. and Lucinda Deny Schisler. She married Michael Hugh Masterson of Sept. 11, 1926, in Macomb. He died April 12, 1970.
Surviving are two sons, Thomas Elden Masterson, London Mills, and Duane Masterson, Preston, MN; four daughters, Dorothy Johnson, Nancy Riney and Mary Katherine Butler, all of London Mills, and Donna Kidwell, Knoxville; one brother, Charles Schisler, Portland, OR; three sisters, Ethel Thurman and Naoma Thurman, both of Abingdon, and Ruby Ralson, St. Augustine, 13 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and three brothers.
She lived in Hermon before moving to London Mills, where she lived most of her life.
She was a member of Hermon United Methodist Church, London Mills American Legion Post 470 Auxiliary, and Mothers of World War II.
Funeral services were held Friday in London Mills United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Rick Kerr officiating. Corman Memorial Home, London Mills, was in charge of arrangements.
Burial was in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to London Mills Ambulance Service and to London Mills United Methodist Church.
Submitted by Sara Hemp

Obituary of Hannah Catharine Custer Miller
Canton Daily Register, unknown date
Mrs. Miller Dead; Well-known Lady Suddenly Expires at Her Home in the Country.
Mrs. Hannah C. Miller, wife of James P. Miller, died quite suddenly at 7:30 o'clock Saturday evening, at her home, five and a half miles northwest of Canton.
Death was due to heart trouble. About a week previous she suffered an attack of grip but seem to have recovered her usual health. Saturday evening she was sitting in her chair reading, when she passed away without a struggle.
Hannah Catharine Custer was born November 7, 1855, in Royerford, Pa. In 1857 she accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Y. Custer, to Illinois and they settled on a farm about a mile distant from the place of her death. She was married February 7, 1875, to James P. Miller, who survives.
Mrs. Miller was the mother of four children, three of whom are living. They are Edward P. Miller, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Howard and Miss Emma Miller of Canton. One daughter, Mrs. Clara Belle Tuttle, died October 3, 1909, of typhoid fever.
Mrs. Miller was a woman highly regarded by all who knew were. Her sudden death was a great shock to all her friends, and the relatives have the deepest sympathy of all in their bereavement.
Submitted by Julie Riise

Obituary of Leatha Wooddell Mills
Canton Daily Register, Monday, Aug. 31, 1925
Young Mother Died in Hospital From operation.
Mrs. Leatha Wooddell Mills, died at the Graham hospital about 11 o'clock Saturday night, following a Caesarian operation.
Mrs. Mills was visiting at the home of her mother, Mrs. Elmer Y. Hill, 602 East Walnut street, and had been in her usual health up to Saturday afternoon, when she seized with convulsions. She was to the hospital where surgeons decided that an operation was necessary. As a result of the operation Mrs. Mills became the mother of a fine baby boy, who is doing well.
Leatha Wooddell was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart I. Wooddell and was born near Cuba, Dec. 15, 1902. She was united in marriage in April 1921 to Otis Mills, who with three small children, Betty Lee, Billy and the baby born Saturday survives.
She is also survived by her mother, Mrs. E. Y. HILL, and by the following brothers and sisters: Elgin Wooddell, Cuba; Marvin Wooddell, St. Louis: Byron, Paul and Hugh Wooddell, Cuba, Mrs. Phillip Burgert, Mrs. Cecil Shryock and Miss Frances Wooddell, all of Canton.
Mrs. Mills was a young woman of fine attainments and was held in high esteem by all who knew her. She was a member of the class of 1921 in the Canton high school and active in the social and literary work of the school. Since her marriage she had resided part of the time in Iowa, but for the last few months her home had been in LaHarpe.
Funeral services will be held at the United Brethren church Tuesday at 2:30 P. M. Rev. Curtis Williams of the United Brethren church officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
Submitted by Judi Gilker

Obituary for Deborah "Debby" Caroline Glass Mitchell
Canton Weekly Register, February 6, 1890
Fiatt - Mrs. Debby Mitchell's funeral took place last Sunday at the Free Baptist Church, the Rev. Mr. Turner preaching the sermon. She was forty-six years of age, and leaves a husband and seven children - four girls and three boys. She was a kind, true mother and had a wide circle of friends. She died as she lived, a consistent Christian.
Submitted by Sara Hemp - Note: She was Deborah Caroline Glass, daughter of Samuel Glass and Mary Myers, and wife of Mathew Mitchell

Obituary of Ella M. Morgan Brewer
Cuba Journal, Thursday, April 2, 1925
Mrs. Ella M. Morgan
Mrs. Ella M. Morgan, died Monday morning, about 6 o'clock after a short illness from pneumonia. She had been ill with a cold for several days which developed into pneumonia.
Deceased came of the old pioneer Morgan family, her grandfather being the first settler in this part of Fulton County, coming here first in 1818. Returning to Ohio for his family and coming back in 1820. She was a sister to William O. Morgan, who died just a week before she did.
She was married to William Brewer, who has been dead for many years. Two children survive her: Jonas Brewer, with whom she lived. and one daughter, Mrs. Larson of Canton. She is also survived by one brother, Harvey Morgan, of near Canton, and one sister, Mrs. Robert LeMasters of Missouri.
The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, one and one-half miles southeast of Cuba, conducted by Rev. A. L. Powell, pastor of the M. E. church, and burial was in Cuba cemetery.
Submitted by Judi Gilker

Death Notice of Mrs. Almira Norcott
Canton Weekly Register, June 12, 1860
Almira Norcott died June 4, 1860, Canton, Ill. in her 38th year. Wife of Ellison Norcott.
Submitted by Phyllis Minner - Note: Almira Norcott was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. Reference: Cemetery Inscriptions of Fulton County, Illinois Volume 15 published by Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Death
Ellison Norcott, husband of Elmira Norcott (deceased). Born Oct. 31, 1819 in Penn Yan, N. Y. Died July 2, 1910 at 855 King Place, Chicago, Ill. at 90 years 8 months 3 days. Buried July 4, 1910 in Greenwood Cemetery. Resided here 20 years.
Not an actual obituary - Reference: Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home Canton, Illinois Volume 1, published by Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society, submitted by Phyllis Minner - Note: Correction - Ellison was born in New Brunswick, N. J

Obituary of Minnie Mae Thompson Umphryes Osborn
died: 1965
Mrs. Minnie Osborn
Rushville - Mrs. Minnie Mae Osborn, 71, of Beardstown formerly of Rushville, died at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday in Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rushville, where she was admitted one hour previously.
She was born May 8, 1894, in Schuyler County, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Skiles Thompson. She was married to Grover Umphryes Dec. 24, 1910, and he died July 9, 1961. On Sept. 19, 1964, she was married to Harry Osborn in Beardstown.
He survives along with six: sons, Orval, Everett, Lee and Dawson, all of Rushville, Junior of Griffith, Ind., and Burton Osborn of Ripley; four daughters, Mrs. Helen Davis of Canton, Mrs. Ellen Irwin of Cedar Lake, Ind., Mrs. Irene Brubeck of Pekin, and Mrs. Patricia Laviolette of Griffith, Ind.; one step son, Harley Osborn of Rock Falls; four stepdaughters, Mrs. Mary Leminkul and Mrs. Dorothy Jackson, both of Beardstown. Mrs. Hazel Looker of Jacksonville, and Mrs. Joan Mallicoat of Peoria; 34 grandchildren: 13 step-grandchildren; several great grandchildren: two brothers, George Thompson of Rushville, and Frank Thompson of Astoria; one sister, Mrs. Annie Wilson of San Bernardino, California; two half-brothers, Ivan Thompson of Rushville and John Thompson of Macomb.
Services will beat 2 p.m. tomorrow in Roby Funeral Chapel, Rushville, with burial in Good Hope Cemetery, northeast of Rushville. Visitation will be after 7 p.m. today at the funeral chapel. She was a member of Union Baptist Church of Rushville.
Submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Della Derry Parks
died: January 30, 1959
Springfield Journal Register, January 31, 1959
Mrs. Della Parks
Mrs. Della Parks of 706 E. Miller St., an employee of Springfield School Board more than 30 years died at 1:35 p.m. Friday in Memorial Hospital where she was a patient the last two weeks.
She was born Feb. 19, 1879, at Vermont, Ill, the daughter of Edmon and Almeada Rogers Derry. She was a resident of Springfield since 1918, and a member of the Third Presbyterian Church.
Surviving is her daughter, Mrs. Almeada Burnett, Springfield, two sons, Henry and Victor Parks both of Springfield, three grandchildren; brother, Newton Derry, Astoria.
The body is at the Ellinger & Kunz Funeral Home where services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday with the Rev. H. M. Hildebrandt.
Submitted by Marilee Griffin

Death Notice of Estella Rodermer Parks
Peoria Journal Star, Thursday, Dec. 22, 1949, p.25
Parks, Mrs. Estella Rodermer, 65, of Canton. Widow of Carl Ray Parks. Died Wednesday at Graham hospital, Canton. Funeral 3 p.m. Friday. Murphy memorial home, Canton. Burial at Fairview.
Submitted by Candi Horton

Obituary of A. D. Pollitt
Unknown newspaper, August 1927
A. D. Pollitt Dies Suddenly While On Chicago Visit; Former Banner Township Supervisor's Death From Blood Pressure; Was At Conference Of M. P. Church
A. D. Pollitt, well known resident of Banner township and for 12 years Republican member of the county board of Supervisors from there, died suddenly early this morning at Chicago, according to word received by relatives here.
Mr. Pollitt, in company with his wife and the Rev. S. E. Nicholson, was in Chicago to attend conference of the Methodist Protestant Church., having left here yesterday morning. About 3 o'clock this morning he suddenly collapsed and died. High blood pressure was given as the cause.
Death Unexpected
Since Mr. Pollitt, who was about 60 years old, had appeared in good health and was not under the care of a physician, his unexpected death was a severe shock to his relatives and friends. Mr. Pollitt's daughter, Goldie Black, at whose home in Chicago he died, telephoned the sad news to relatives here. Few particulars were learned however.
The body will arrive here tonight at 11:58 o'clock and funeral arrangements will be announced tomorrow.
Mr. Pollitt was born and reared in Liverpool township, three-quarters of a mile south of his present home in Banner township, about 8 miles southeast of Canton.
His Survivors
He was a son of James B. and Orilla Beckstead Pollitt. He was married to Martha M. Kendall, who survives. The following children survive: Mrs. Orilla Snider and Mrs. Polly Estes of Liverpool township; Dorothy Pollitt, employed as attendant at Bartonville Hospital; Mrs. Goldie Black, Chicago; Hobart and Lornie, at home; and James T. and Jesse B, stepsons.
A brother, B. E. Pollitt and a sister, Mrs. J. D. Raker, reside in Liverpool township, one brother, A. Pollitt and a sister, Mrs. Harriett E. Black being deceased.
Long a Supervisor
Mr. Pollitt was a staunch Republican and represented Banner township as supervisor for six terms, taking an interest in all activities of his party. He was well known over the county and his public spiritedness and friendliness will be greatly missed.
He was a member of the Modern Woodmen and Eagles lodges. He became very active in the Methodist Protestant Church.
Submitted by Shirley Slover

Obituary of Floyd "Francis" Francis Prather
died: May 04, 1966
Francis Prather
Rushville - Francis Prather, 40, of Rushville, died at 8 a.m. yesterday at Culbertson Memorial Hospital where he was admitted Tuesday evening.
He was born in McDonough County Oct. 9, 1925, a son of Floyd and Josephine Lashbrook Prather. He married Doris Ebbert Nov. 10, 1948, in Macomb, and she survives.
Also surviving are four daughters, Patty, Pamela, Kathy, and Mary, all at home; his father of Ray; two brothers, Robert of Beardstown and Dale Prather of Kaneville; and two sisters, Miss Isabelle Prather of Lincoln and Mrs. Betty Shinall of Texas. His mother died earlier.
Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Roby Funeral Chapel, with Wayne Douglas of Sciota Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in Rushville Cemetery. Visitation will be after 7p.m. today at the funeral chapel. Military rites will be by Schuyler Post No.4 American Legion.
He lived in Rushville the last two years and earlier resided in Sciota eight years. He was a farmer before his illness.
Submitted by Scotty McCoy

Obituary of George B. Reed
Canton Ledger, Oct. 7, 1933
Former Canton Resident Dies in Oregon
George B. Reed, a resident of Canton and Breeds for many years, died Saturday afternoon in Grants Pass, Ore., where he has made his home for the past five years. He had been suffering for a month from heart trouble. Mr. Reed was a coal miner while living in this vicinity.
He was born Dec. 23, 1852, in Cornwall, England, a son of Robert and Caroline (Jones) Reed. His first wife was Mary Jane Hutching. Fifty four years ago, Mr. Reed was married to Julia Mussey. Surviving children are Mrs. Myrtle Burrell, of Pennsylvania; Mrs. Ella Christy, of Washington; Mrs. Clara Straley, of Grants Pass, Ore.; and Robert of Canton.
Stephen Reed, Peoria, is a brother, and Mrs. Ella Brown, Breeds, a sister.
Mr. Reed was a member of the Odd fellows.
The body will arrive here at 11 o'clock Thursday morning. Friends may call at the Murphy Memorial home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
Submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Julia Muzzy Reed
Canton Daily Ledger, Feb. 17, 1951
Mrs. Julia Reed Dies Wednesday in Grants Pass, Ore.
Mrs. Julia Reed died at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday morning, Feb. 14, in Grants Pass, Ore.
She was born Feb. 11, 1865 in Coal Valley, Ill., a daughter of James and Jane Muzzy and was married June 29, 1880 to George B. Reed, who died in 1933.
Surviving are three children, Mrs. Clara Straley of Grants Pass, Ore., with whom she had made her home; Mrs. Ella Krische, Tacoma, Wash., and Mrs. Myrtle Burrell of Newark, Del.; twelve grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren and a brother, Jake Muzzy, Bryant.
Robert G. Reed, a son died Feb. 1, 1951; a brother and a sister also preceded her in death.
Mrs. Reed was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, Camp No. 90 and the Rebekah Lodge of Canton.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Murphy Memorial home by the Rev. J. Dewey Muir, pastor of the First Methodist church. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. Friends may call at the Memorial home after 5 p.m. Monday.
Submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Robert George Reed
died: February 01, 1951
Canton Daily Ledger, Feb. 2, 1951
Robert George Reed Dies Thursday; Funeral Saturday
Robert George Reed, 54 West Myrtle Street, who had been in failing health the past two years died at 6:40 Thursday evening at his home.
Born Jan. 19, 1875 in Fairview, Ohio, a son of George B. and Mary Jane (Hutchins) Reed, he was married Jan. 1, 1902, in Canton to Mary Jones, who preceded him in death Feb. 20, 1945.
He is survived by five children, Mrs. Helen L. Dodds, Miss Alice B. Reed, Mrs. Mary Hukill, Raymond L. and George B. Reed, all of Canton; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Clara Straley, Grants Pass, Ore., Mrs. Ella Krische, Tacoma, Wash., and Mrs. Myrtle Burrell, Newark, Del. His stepmother, Mrs. Julia Reed, Grants Pass, Ore., also survives.
Mr. Reed was engaged many years in coal mining and was a charter member of the United Mine Workers of America.
The Rev. J. Dewey Muir, pastor of First Methodist church, will conduct funeral services at 3 o'clock Saturday in the Murphy Memorial home where friends may call. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
Submitted by Scottie McCoy

Obituary of Noah Romine
Unknown newspaper, 1894
An Old Citizen Gone.
Noah Romine died at 2:30 o'clock Saturday of heart and kidney trouble at the home of his son, Thomas, 49 Fourth Avenue (Canton, Illinois).
Mr. Romine would have completed his eighty-second year the fifth of next month. Mr. Romine was born in Ohio in 1812. While a young man, he located at Lawrence county, this state. There he met and married Mary A. England. They then moved to Green County, Ind. where two children were born to them. Marion and Thomas. The oldest died February 20, 1883. His wife died 1844. After her death he with his two sons moved to Fulton county, Illinois in 1848. There he met and married Jane Thompkins. Seven children were born to them, five boys and two girls, Calvin, John, William, Emily, Clarissa, Millard and Samuel. Jane, his second wife, died April 17, 1888. He had always lived in Banner Township since he came to Illinois until 1892 when he came to live with his son Thomas.
He had been a half century (can't read this line) nearly all of that period in Banner Township. He taught the first public school in that township or one of the first. He enjoyed always in the high degree of esteem and confidence of his neighbors. He was many times elected to local offices, among which were supervisor, assessor and town clerk. He has a brother living at Roseville this state.
The funeral took place Tuesday at Utica (now Banner) at 1 o'clock p.m. Internment at Walnut Cemetery.
Submitted by Shirley Slover

Obituary for John Henry Rowland
died: January 22, 1950
John H. Rowland, 82 dies in Rockford
John H. Rowland, 82, died Jan. 22 in a hospital in Rockford, where he had been a patient for about ten weeks. Years ago he resided in Astoria.
Mr. Rowland was twice married. He was first married to Mary Schisler on May 14, 1896, who passed away on February 15, 1925. Two children were born to them, Mrs. Ethel Dohner of Vermont and Earl Rowland of Pekin. His second wife survives; also nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
In early manhood he joined the Church of the Brethren. At one time he served in the Standing Army. A military funeral was held.
Attending the funeral were: Mrs. David Dohner, Clarice and Norma, Vermont, Robert Dohner, Astoria, Mrs. Beula Garabrauth, Mrs. Audrey Nicot, Peoria, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Rowland, Pekin.
Submitted by Sara Hemp

Obituary for Mary Schisler Rowland
Mrs. Mary Rowland called by death Sunday Evening.
Mary Schisler was born November 13, 1872, near Astoria, Illinois, and passed away at her home three miles southwest of Astoria, Sunday evening, Feb. 15, 1925, at 5:00 o'clock after four weeks of illness, at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 2 days.
She was united in marriage to John H. Rowland May 15, 1896, and to this union two children were born, namely: Mrs. David Dohner of near Astoria and Earl C. Rowland of Bardolph, Ill.
She leaves to morn their loss, her husband, two children and six grandchildren, also three sisters and two brothers, namely: Mrs. Amanda Fitz, Mrs. Lydia A. Sears and Mrs. Rosella Sullivan, Samuel and Edward Schisler, all of Astoria, besides nephews and nieces and a host of relatives and friends.
She was a faithful companion and a good mother, also a good Neighbor always ready and willing to do what she could for others and will be greatly missed in the community in which she lived.
She united with the Church of the Brethren 30 years ago and lived a faithful Christian life until called away and when the end came she fell asleep in Jesus.
Feb. 9, she was anointed with oil in the name of the Lord, according to James 5:14 and just a few days before passing away she spoke of going home and said she was only waiting.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Brethren in Astoria, Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gruber and Rev. Lind. Burial in South Fulton cemetery.
Beautiful toiler, thy work is done,
Beautiful soul into glory gone,
Beautiful life with its crown now won,
God giveth thee rest.
Rest from all sorrow and sighing and tears,
Rest through God's endless, wonderful years,
At home with the blest.
Submitted by Sara Hemp

Obituary of Nancy Seybert Roy
Canton Weekly Register, Feb. 16, 1899
Mrs. Ralph N. Roy
Mrs. Nancy Roy, the wife of Ralph N. Roy, of 41 North Eighth avenue, died at 10:50 o clock Tuesday morning. Mrs. Roy was just 54 years of age. Her death was caused by a complication of diseases.
Nancy Seybert was born in Virginia Feb. 14, 1845. In 1850 she removed with her parents from the Old Dominion to Farmington township, where the family settled on a farm. In 1867, in company with Ralph N. Roy, she went to Lewistown, and was married there. Mr. and Mrs. Roy settled near Breeds and lived in Orion township until 11 years ago, when they lived in the country.
For the past three months Mr. and Mrs. Roy have made their home with their son, William Roy, at whose residence Mrs. Roy died.
Besides Officer Roy, the deceased is survived by her husband and one daughter, Mrs. Olive Shumaker, of Olive street and Avenue C.
Mrs. Roy was the first death among the 11 children born to her parents. Those surviving are: Mrs. Alice Pierce of Canton; Mrs. Emma Rossiter, north of Canton; Mrs. Ella Soper, east of Canton; Miss Sarah Seybert, of Norris; Mrs. Sue McKeever, of Farmington; Mrs. Mary Stookey and Charles Seybert of Trivoli; Mrs. Carrie Diven and John Seybert, of near Atlantic, Iowa and Henry Seybert of western Iowa.
Mrs. Roy had been a member of the Presbyterian church since girlhood, and was a good, kind and loving wife and mother.
The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 oclock, eight miles northeast of Canton.
Submitted by Sandy MacDonald - Note: The original may give details on where she was buried, but copy made for me does not.

Obituary for Edward Schisler
died: July 19, 1935
Edward Schisler dies following long illness.
Edward Schisler, a farmer residing about two miles and a half west of Astoria, died Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, following an illness of nine months duration, practically all of which he spent in bed. His death was due to a paralytic stroke. He was aged 60 years, 3 months and 22 days.
Edward Schisler, youngest son of Henry and Magdalena Wise Schisler was born March 26, 1875 at the Schisler homestead near Astoria.
On June 9, 1896, he was united in marriage to Josephine Branchfield. To this union were born four children, Albert, Carl, Everett and Lucy, all of Astoria, who with his wife and the following grandchildren; Myrna, Melba, Bessie, Nelda, Clair and Philip Schisler and Charles and Carl Hayes survive to mourn his departure; also the following sisters, Mrs. Amanda Fitz, Mrs. Lydia Geiman, Mrs. Ella Sullivan, all of Astoria. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Rowland and Mrs. Sarah Stremmel and two brothers, Samuel Schisler and Charles Schisler preceded him in death, also a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends are left to mourn his passing.
His young manhood was spent on a farm near Astoria and he has lived at his present home for thirty-one years. He was a kind and loving husband and a father and a good neighbor and will be greatly missed in the home and community.
Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 at the Astoria Church of the Brethren, conducted by Rev. C. A. Gruber. Burial in South Fulton cemetery.
Submitted by Sara Hemp

Obituary for Grover "Bidie" Byron Schisler
Grover B. Schisler
Fairview - Grover B. "Byron" Schisler, 83, 620 N. Church St., died at 5:13 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 17, 2001) in Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.
He was born May 10, 1917, near Avon, the son of Arthur B. and Blanche Butler Schisler.
He married Lucille Efnor on Aug. 31, 1940, in Palmyra, Mo. He (She) died Dec. 3,1987.
Surviving are four sons, David Schisler, Mascoutah, Danny Schisler, Wheatland, Ind., Jerry Schisler, Monmouth, and Rod Schisler, Fairview; 10 grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Bradley Schisler, and by two brothers and four sisters.
He worked for several years for Fairview Farmers Elevator, retiring in 1984. He worked previously for Alexander Lumber Co., Farmington, and farmed near Ellisville.
He attended the Cuba Senior Citizens Center.
Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Henry-Lange Memorial Home, Cuba, with the Rev. Clarence Liang officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Midwest Kidney Dialysis Center at Graham Hospital, Canton.
Submitted by Sara Hemp