Obituary page 4
Obituary of Henry Schisler
Demise of Henry Schisler
  Henry Schisler was born near Loganville, York Co, Pennsylvania May 30th, 1835, died at his residence in Astoria, August 12, 1910. aged 75 years, two months and 22 days.
  He Ieft his native home and came to this country in the year 1854 and on October 14, 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Magdalena Wise, also a native of York County, Pennsylvania and to this union nine, children were born, five daughters and four sons all of whom are living excepting two sons, one dying in infancy and Charles, who died in February 1904.
  The living children are:  Mrs. Sarah Stremmel, Mary Rowland, Mrs. Lydia A, Sears, Samuel and Edward Schisler all of Astoria, Ill, Mrs. Amanda Fitz, of Red Cloud, Nebr., and Mrs. Rosella Sullivan, of Adair, Ill.
  He leaves to mourn their loss besides his own family, two brothers, George Schisler, of Vermont, IL and John Schisler, of Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania, 20 grandchildren, one great grand child and a host of relatives and friends.
  He was converted to Christ and became a member of the Brethren Church at about the age of 25 years which faith he still lived at the time of his death and several months before his death he called for the Elders of the Church and was anointed, according to James 5:14-15.
  His sickness was a complication of diseases which caused him great suffering, but he put his trust in God and would pray often for the Lord to remember him and have mercy, saying, "He knows best" and realizing that he was soon to leave this world, he called his family around his bedside and gave them good council, which will always linger in their memories and when the end came he passed peacefully away.
  Funeral service were held at the South Brethren Church, Sunday, August 14th at 11 o'clock a.m., conducted by Elder Michael Flory; of Girard, ILL, assisted by Elders J. C. Demy, and C. Bucher, from Job. 14:10 to a large concourse of sympathizing relatives, and friends, who came to pay their last "tribute of respect:"
  The body was laid to rest in the cemetery near by, to await the resurrection morn.
  We miss thee from our home, dear father,
We take thee from thy place,
A darkness o'er our life is cast;
We miss the shadow of thy face.
  We miss thy kind and willing hand,
Thy fond and earnest care;
Our home is lonely without thee,
We miss thee everywhere.
  Oh dear father, can it be
No more thy smiling face we see?
Thine eyes that now are closed in death,
We'll think of till our latest breath.
  We saw thee suffer, heard thy sighs,
With aching heart and tearful eyes;
But now you calmly sleep at last,
All pain, all grief, all suffering past.
  God can all our sorrows heal,
If we will to Him appeal;
He'll lead us until life is past,
And unite is in Heaven at last.
  Rest in peace, dear father,
For thy work on earth is done;
Thou has fought the fight, the victory won
And entered into rest.
  We desire through the columns of the Argus-Search Light to express our heartfelt and sincerest thanks to the neighbors and friends for their kindly assistance during the sickness and death of our husband and father.  Mrs. Henry Schisler. and children.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for James "Jim" Henry Schisler
The Fulton Democrat, Lewistown, IL, February 26, 1997
James Schisler
  James H. "Jim" Schisler, 79, of Ipava, died at 10:55 a.m. February 20, 1997, at his home.
  Born November 26, 1917, in Astoria to Don and Edna (Chaddock) Schisler, he married Nellie E. Chenoweth on May 25, 1940, in Keokuk, Iowa. She survives.
  Also surviving are one son, Curt Schisler of Ipava; three daughters, Beatrice Meeker of St. Louis, Barbara Dohner of Ipava and Susan Blickhan of Quincy; 12 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by one brother.
  He was a driver for K & K Truck Line in Havana.  He was owner/operator of Jim's Truck Service for 27 years, retiring in 1977.
  He also played the saxophone and guitar in area dance bands.
  He was a charter life member of the American Motorcyclist Association.
  Services were held February 24 at Ipava Christian Church, the Rev. Dennis Knotts officiated. Shawgo Memorial Home; in Ipava was in charge, of arrangements. Burial was in Ipava Cemetery.
  Memorials may be made to McDonough District Hospice or Ipava Rescue Squad.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for John Benjamin Schisler I
Old Resident Gone
  John Schisler, Sr., was born near Loganville, York County, Penn., Dec. 4, 1833.  He departed this life April 10, 1912, aged 78 years, 4 months and 6 days.  He was confined to his bed 10 days having died of paralysis.
  In 1853 he with his parents drove from Pennsylvania to Illinois.  In 1855 he was married to Matilda Fitz.  To this union were born eight children, six of whom survive:  Benjamin of California; John, Lewis Henry, Ellen and Mary of Astoria.  William the youngest son died in infancy and Jacob the eldest at the age of 42 years.  His wife, Matilda, passed away almost 21 years ago.  Soon after his marriage he united with the Church of the Brethren to which he remained a faithful member, having at one time attended church for 20 years without missing a Sunday.  He is also survived by three brothers and three sisters: Benj. and Hettie of Kansas and Martin, Lewis, Anna and Catherine of Illinois.
  Mr. Schisler was one of the pioneers of Fulton county, having lived on his farm southeast of Astoria for about 30 years.  Here he won and held the respect of neighbors and friends because of his honesty and upright living, being always ready to lend a helping hand.  For the past 23 years he has resided in Astoria.
  Out of town friends present at funeral were:  Mr. and Mrs. Martin Schisler, Ellisville; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Schisler, Bader; Mr. and Mrs. D. McDonald of Adair; Mr. and Mrs. Annias Schisler, Browning; Mr. George Schisler, Vermont and Mrs. Samuel Fitz, Des Moines, Iowa.  Funeral sermon by the Rev. Solomon Bucklew of Canton.  Text, Rev. 14:13.
  Note: Buried at South Fulton Cemetery, Astoria Township, Fulton County, Illinois
  Stone Inscription: John Schisler 1833-1912 Matilda Schisler 1838-1891 Schisler
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Josephine Branchfield Schisler
died: November 23, 1945
Mrs. Schisler passes away
  Mrs. Edward Schisler passed away at her home two miles west of Astoria Friday at 4:30 P.M.  Death was due to a stroke.
  Josephine, the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Merril Branchfield was born August 30, 1868 in Pleasant Township east of Vermont.  She was aged 77 years 2 months and 24 days.
  She was united in marriage to Edward Schisler of Astoria, June 9, 1896. Her husband preceded her in death July 19, 1935.
  Surviving are the following children - Albert, Carl and Everett, all of Astoria and a daughter, Mrs. Lucy Hayes of Vermont and a sister, Mrs. Emma Hopping of Abingdon; also several nieces, nephews and other relatives and a host of friends are left to mourn her passing.
  Mrs. Schisler was a devoted mother, always happiest when her family were all present.
  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Astoria Church of the Brethren, conducted by Rev. Fred Thompson, assisted by Rev. G. G. Canfield.  Burial was in the South Fulton Cemetery.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Magdalena Wise Schisler
Aged Lady Dead
  Magdalena Wise-Schisler, daughter of Peter and Sarah Wise, was born in Hanover, York County, Pa., September 23, 1840.  Died at her home in Astoria, Ill., Feb. 25, 1917.
  She came to Illinois in about 1854 and was united in marriage to Henry Schisler, October 14, 1954, also a native of York County, Pa., and to this union were born nine children, five daughters and four sons, all of whom are living, except two, one dying in infancy and Charles, who died in Feb. 1904.  The living children are:  Mrs. Sarah Stremmel, Samuel Schisler, Amanda Fitz, Lydia Sears, Mary Rowland, Edward Schisler, all of Astoria, and Rosella Sullivan of Marietta, Ill.
  She leaves to mourn her loss her children, two nephews, 21 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives of friends.
  She was converted to Christ and became a member of the Brethren church while young and lived a consistent Christian [sic] life until death.  She was anointed by the Elders of the church according to James 5, 14-15.
  Her suffering was of long duration but she remained faithful until the end.  She loved to hear singing and praying and at one time remarked that she could listen to them singing and praying all the time.  Many, many times we read to her the scriptures which she so much loved to hear.  A few days ago she said she was going home.  Sunday night as the clock was striking the midnight hour she peacefully passed away.
  Funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock [sic] at the Astoria church of the Brethren, conducted by elders Chris. Gruber and Cyrus Bucher, and the remains laid to rest in South Fulton cemetery. Pall bearers, George Wherley, John Ruth, Neal Mummert, Jake Powell, Samuel Falkenstein and William Gibble.
The weary pilgrim's work is done
She's laid her armour down
No more shall sorrow dim the eye
She's resting now at home.
Her suffering here has been for years
With patience all was borne
At last the Master called for her
In Father's house there's room.
She followed Jesus here below
A hand-maid of the Lord
At last he says come unto me
And reap your blessed reward.
Me thinks I see the landing
She made on Canaan's shore
As she embraced her loved ones
Who have passed on, years before.
Clothed with righteousness and glory
She will dwell forever more,
In the house of many mansions
 All her trials now are o'er.
Her children mourn a mother's love
And loathe to say good bye,
God help them so pure to live
To meet Mother safe on High.
  A Friend, Mrs. D. Switzer
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Matilda Fitz Schisler
Thursday, June 18, 1891
  Matilda, wife of John Schisler of this city {Astoria}, died June 12th.  She was born Matilda Fitz in York Co., PA in 1838 and came to Illinois in 1853.  She was married in 1855 and was the mother of six boys and two girls, all now living, except one son.  She was a member of the German Baptist Church. The funeral was June 14th with burial in the cemetery south of town.
  Mrs. Matilda (Fitz) Schisler, wife of John Schisler, of this city {Astoria}, died Friday, June 12th, 1891.  The deceased was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1838, and came to Illinois in 1853.  In 1855 she was united in marriage with Mr. Schisler.  Six boys and two girls were born to them, and all are living except one son.  At an early age she joined the German Baptist church and lived a consistent Christian life.  She was sick five weeks before death relieved her sufferings.  The funeral services were conducted by Rev. John Baker at the house, Sunday, June 14th.  The remains were interred in the cemetery south of town.
  Note: Buried in South Fulton Cemetery, Astoria Township, Fulton County, Illinois
  Stone Inscription:  John Schisler 1833-1912 Matilda Schisler 1838-1891
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary of Neal Arthur Schisler
Neal Schisler
  Astoria - Neal A. Schisler, 62, of 1224 W. Maple Ave. South, Springfield, formerly of Astoria, died at 12:10 p.m. Friday, May 8, 1998, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
  Born May 28, 1935, in Prairie City to Paul and Vera Hickle Schisler, he married Nelda Hunter on Dec. 23, 1956, in Astoria. She survives.
  Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Stephen (Debra) Dickman of Meredosia and Mrs. David (Cindy) Casebeer of North Point, Ala.; one sister, Barbara Morey of Anna; his stepfather, Louis Ebbert of Rushville; two stepsisters, Shirley Crumley of Canton and Judy Jones of Rushville; and three grandchildren.
  His parents preceded him in death.
  He was a technical sergeant in the Air Force, serving from June 6, 1954, to July 1, 1974. He was a financial analyst for the state of Illinois Department of Insurance. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the American Trap Association.
  Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Marianna Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the memorial home. Burial will be in South Fulton Cemetery in Astoria.
  Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Morgan and Scott Counties, 1600 W. Walnut, P.O. Box 219, Jacksonville, IL 62651
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary of Samuel Schisler
died: June 26, 1931
Samuel Schisler
  Samuel Schisler, a retired farmer, passed away at the home of his son John, about three miles northwest of Astoria on Friday, at the age of 69 years, 8 months and 16 days.  He was born October 12, 1861 in Astoria, the son of Henry and Magdalena Schisler.
  He was united in marriage in September, 1885, to Margaret Lyddia Ebbert, who passed away in 1918.  Ten children were born, eight of whom survive, John, Ray, Clarence, Jake and Della of Astoria, Mrs. Samuel Wickert of Polo, Ill., Mrs. Keith Long of Bader and Orpha of Lincoln, Ill., Pearl having died in infancy and Mrs. Joe Geiman in 1918.
  He is survived by thirteen grandchildren and the following brothers and sisters, Edward, Mrs. Amanda Fitz, Mrs. Lydia Geiman and Mrs. Rosella Sullivan of Astoria.  Charles, Mrs. Sarah Stremmel and Mrs. Mary Rowland are deceased brother and sisters.  In addition he is survived by a host of other relatives and friends who mourn his departure.
  For the past number of years Mr. Schisler has been a sufferer from shaking palsy and the suffering which he was called upon to bear was intense.  He was a member of the Church of the Brethren.
  Funeral services were held at the Church of the Brethren in this city at 2:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. E. O. Norris.  Burial was in the South Fulton cemetery.
  Note: Stone Inscription: Samuel Schisler 1861-1931 Lydia Ebbert his wife 1866-1918
Obituary of William "Bill" Emig Schisler
unknown paper, Wednesday, December 5, 1990
William Schisler
  Roseville - William "Bill" E. Schisler, 66, of Roseville, died at 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, December 5,
1990, at Community Memorial Hospital, Monmouth.
  He was born June 10, 1924, in Vermont, the son of Pearl and Catheryn Emig Schisler.
  He married Irene Sowers on March 16, 1946, in Macomb.
  He was raised in the Roseville and Swan Creek communities and lived most of his adult life in Roseville.
  He served as the Roseville water superintendent for many years and was a U.S. Army veteran of World
War II, serving in the Pacific Theater.
  He was a member of Lawson Babbitt Post No. 634, the Warren County Conservation Club, the Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Roseville Fire Department and Roseville United Methodist Church.
  Surviving  are  his  wife  of Roseville; one son, William Lee Schisler of Greenfield, Ind.; one daughter, Sharon Bycroft of Oklahoma City, Okla.; one grandson; one granddaughter, six brothers, Lewis Schisler, Robert Schisler and Gerald Schisler, all of Monmouth, Wilbert  Schisler of Roseville, Donald Schisler of Avon, and Charles Schisler of Galesburg; and three sisters, Mrs.  William  (Dorothy) Griffin of Rock Island, Mrs. Robert (Betty) Clark of Phoenix, AZ., and Mrs. Wilbur (Marilyn Jo) Johnson of
Monmouth.
  Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Corman Memorial Home, Roseville, with Rev. Larry Morcau officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the memorial home.
  Burial will be in the Roseville Cemetery, and military rites will be conducted at graveside by Roseville
American Legion Post 614.
  Memorials may be made for the Roseville United Methodist Church Building Fund, or the Roseville
American Legion Nursing Scholarship Fund.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary of John S. Shane
Canton Weekly Register, Feb. 16, 1899
OLD SETTLER GONE
Death of John S. Shane, Who Came to Illinois in 1835
  Another pioneer has passed away. John S. Shane died at 11:20 o clock Monday night at his home in Canton 116 East Olive Street
  Mr. Shane was in his 73rd year and had been for 64 years a resident of Illinois and for nearly as long a time a resident of Fulton county.
  He was born in Virginia, June 12, 1826. At nine years of age he came to Illinois with the family of his father James Shane, who settled in Peoria county near Princeville. From a date but a few years later the subject of this sketch resided in Fulton county. He was married at Lewistown, Feb. 20, 1850, to Hannah F. Hazen, who died Aug. 3, 1890. From their marriage until her death they lived on a farm near Canton. Mr. Shane removed to the city the next spring. There were three children. A son died at the age of five years. The two daughters, Mrs. C. W. Robinson of Allensville, Moultrie county, Ill., and Miss Susan R. Shane of Canton were both at their father s bedside in his last illness.
  Of his father s family of 12 children, Mr. Shane had been the only survivor since the death of his sister, Mr. H. V. Andrews, three years ago. He had been in broken health for the past year, suffering much from heart trouble, but death resulted from paralysis, by which he was stricken 20 days ago.
  John Shane was a man whose integrity and uprightness of character made him respected by all who knew him. His memory will long be honored.
  He had been for nearly 50 years a constant member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
  Funeral services were held at 2 o clock Wednesday afternoon in the Methodist Episcopal church. The rev. Thomas Doney officiated. Burial was in Greenwood.
  Submitted by Sandy MacDonald
Death Notice of Mrs. E. M. (nee Wheeler) Shaw
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Mar. 26, 1909
Fairview
  R. A. Wheeler was called to Washington, Iowa, this week on account of the death of a sister, Mrs. E. M. Shaw. She will be remembered here by many of the older settlers, although it is forty years since they moved from here.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of James M. Sherwood
Biographical Sketch of Old Citizen Whose Death Cuba Mourn
  James M. Sherwood was born in Bernadotte township, Oct. 10, 1830, and at the time of his death, on Thursday, March 5, 1908, he was one of the oldest native-born residents of Fulton county. He was a son of Elmer and Margaret Sherwood, pioneer settlers of the county.
  Mr. Sherwood began to make his own way in the world when he was about 15 years of age and though a cripple and obliged to use crutches, by persistent effort and indomitable energy he succeeded where many men might have failed.
  Between the hours of labor, when he was learning the trade of a shoemaker, he succeeded in acquiring a fair education and later taught school in Putman township.
  About 1849 or 1850 he went to Springfield, where he continued to reside for about 15 years, employed most of the time in a wholesale boot and shoe store.
  Mr. Sherwood was twice married. His first wife was Miss Martha J. McKinney, to whom he was married in Springfield, Oct. 17, 1852. There were born to them three children; two of whom survive: Mrs. A. J. Heller of Little Rock, Ark., and John E. Sherwood, whose home is in Oklahoma. A daughter, Sarah Sherwood, is dead. His first wife died Oct. 25, 1859.
  In September, 1862, Mr. Sherwood married Miss Rhoda Gard of Springfield. The two children born to them are dead.
  While in Springfield Mr. Sherwood was intimately associated with many of the great men of his day. He assisted in the organization of the Republican party in the state in 1856, and knew personally Lincoln, Douglas, War Governor "Dick Yates", and many other prominent men of that time.
  About the close of the civil war Mr. Sherwood and his family returned to Cuba, where his remaining years were spent among old friends and the scenes of boyhood days.
  Mr. Sherwood was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his active years was a faithful worker in the Sunday school. By all who knew him he was held on high regard and general sorrow at his demise is mingled sympathy for the bereaved relatives.
  Unless Mr. Sherwood's son, John, is unable to arrive in time, the funeral services will be held at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and conducted by the Rev. H. F. (last name is unreadable)
  Submitted by Carla Finley
Obituary of Wilma Delores Metzger Siebert
Wilma D. Siebert
  SPRINGFIELD - Wilma Delores Siebert, 67, of Springfield died Friday, Jan. 19, 2001, at her residence.
  She was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Springfield, the daughter of Frank and Helen Ralph Metzger. She married William Joseph Siebert in 1955.
  Mrs. Siebert, a lifelong resident of Springfield, was a pharmacy technician for Medical Arts Pharmacy, retiring after 30 years. She also was a member of St. James Church in Riverton.
  Survivors: husband, William; two sons, Phillip F. (wife, Karen) Siebert of Palatine and Michael J. (wife, Stacey) Siebert of Riverton; two daughters, Lori P. (husband, Chuck) Landgrebe and Denise "Boo" (husband, Mike) Miller, both of Springfield; 12 grandchildren; two sisters, Helen M. Wilkins and Lauretta (husband, Hal) Hildebrand, both of Springfield; several uncles and aunts; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
  Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, St. James Church in Riverton, the Rev. Robert Becker, the Very Rev. John A. Renken, VG and the Very Rev. Kenneth C. Steffen officiating. Burial: Camp Butler National Cemetery. Staab Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
  Submitted by Scottie McCoy
Obituary for Allen Simeral I
Astoria Argus, Mar. 30, 1905
  Allen Simeral aged 69 years, 2 months, and 22 days, passed away Thursday morning at his farm home five miles west of Astoria. The cause of his death was heart failure attendant upon old age.
  Mr. Simeral came to Illinois from Ohio, at the age of 18 years. He taught school several years, and on Jan. 24th, 1860 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gains. To them were born nine children, of whom seven, with the aged mother, survive to mourn the death of a kind father and true husband.
  In the year 1861 Mr. Simeral enlisted in the 2nd Illinois Cavalry and served his country in this relation for three years. He was a member of the Vermont G. A. R., and also a member of the Vermont Order, Knights of Pythias, of which lodge he was the first Chancellor Commander at that place. In 1867 he returned to Ohio, where he resided until 1890, when he came back to Illinois and located on the farm, where he resided at the time of his death.
  He was not a member of any church, but the whole object of his life was to encourage and make possible the happiness of others.
The funeral services were held Friday at Oak Grove church, Rev. D. E. Baer officiating. Interment was made in the Oak Grove cemetery.

Another obit
  Died at his residence 5 miles west of Astoria on March 23, 1905, Allen Simeral age 69 years 2 months and 22 days.  He was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 1st, 1836.  In 1855 he came to Ray, Schuyler county, Ill.  For a number of years he taught school.  On January 24, 1860 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gain.  To them were born nine children, seven of whom with their mother remain to mourn the loss of a kind father and a faithful husband.  In 1861 he enlisted in the second Illinois cavalry and served his county for three years and was honorably discharged and returned to his home.  In 1867 he moved back to Ohio and remained there till 1890 when he returned to Illinois locating on the farm which proved to be his last earthly home.  The deceased was a brave soldier, an honest man, loved and respected by all who knew him.  For a number of years he had been an honored member of the K. of P. lodge and of the Vermont G. A. R. post.  The funeral services were held at Oak Grove church on March 2?, 1905, conducted by Rev. D. E. Baer and the ??? {remains} were laid to rest in the Oak Grove ????? {cemetery ???} the honors of the G. A. R.
  Note: found in a scrapbook in Roswell, New Mexico by Nancy Harvey while going though her mother's things after her death.  "The scrapbook is one which my great grandmother, Amanda Bryan Wetzel, or perhaps my grandmother, Nettie Wetzel Dean, pasted lots of obituaries of family and friends.  These families were from around McDonough, Fulton and Schuyler Counties.  These obits are probably around a hundred years old or may be more."
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Elizabeth Gain Simeral
Argus-Searchlight, Astoria, Illinois
Wednesday, November 18, 1931
One Of Astoria's Oldest Residents at End of Life
  Mrs. Elizabeth Simeral, an aged and highly esteemed resident, died at her home in Astoria, Monday, aged 90 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Death was due to pneumonia from which she had been ill only twelve days.
  Mrs. Simeral was born in Rushville, Illinois November 27, 1840. On January 24, 1860 she was united in marriage to Allen Simeral. In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Simeral moved to Ohio where they resided until 1890 when they returned to Illinois, locating on a farm west of Astoria where they continued to reside until the death of Mr. Simeral in March, 1905. Following her husband's death, Mrs. Simeral moved to Astoria where she has since resided.
  To this union nine children were born, namely: George Simeral, of Ukiah, California; Mrs. N. W. Ashcraft of Ray, Illinois; Allen Simeral, Adair; Mrs. E. P. Davis, Astoria; William Simeral, Turlock, California; Mrs. Clara Sharpe, at home. Deceased Charles, Fred, and Mary.
  Mrs. Simeral was a fine Christian woman. For many years she was a member of the United Brethern church.
  Funeral Services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock at the U.B. church, conducted by Rev. W. R. Seitzinger and assisted by Rev. Fred Thompson. Interment in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary of Jeremiah "Jerry" B. Smith
died: February 29, 1944
Death Record of the Past Week
  J. B. Smith, a Cuba druggist for more than fifty years, died suddenly at his home Tuesday night about eleven o'clock. He closed his store at 8 and soon after arriving home said to his wife that his arms were hurting him. He grew worse and Mrs. Smith called Dr. J. W. Welch, but he died before the doctor arrived. He had been in poor health for some time in the last few weeks had been under treatment at a Beardstown clinic.
  Jerry, as he was commonly known, was born April 3, 1873, in Canton, a son of Capt. A. B. and Tennessee (Hague) Smith. Captain Smith was elected sheriff when Jerry was about fourteen and the family moved to Lewistown, where he attended high school and worked in Hasson's drug store.
  His older brother being in the drug business in Cuba, he came here in 1891 to work for him and two years later he took over the business. He sold out about twenty years ago and for a short time was in business in Kansas City, but soon sold his store there and return to Cuba and bought his old place back.
  Forty-eight years ago on February 11, he married Miss Margaret Smith, at Lewistown, who with one son, Frank, of Atlanta Georgia, survives him. He was the last of his family.
  He was a member of the Cuba Masonic Lodge No. 534 and a charter member of Cuba Lodge No. 550, Knights of Pythias.
  No funeral arrangements will be made until Frank arrives. He was in Florida when called, but would take a plane for Atlanta and would fly from there to Chicago, getting here in a few hours.
  Submitted by Kristen Dansby
  Obituary of Joseph Smith
died: July 15, 1893
 Canton Daily Register, July 17, 1893
  Joseph Smith died at his residence in Joshua township on Saturday afternoon, at the age of sixty-one years, one month and nine days.
  Last summer while harvesting he received a sun stroke and fell from a reaper. He never fully recovered from the shock.
  The funeral took place this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at Moore's Chapel, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining the chapel.
  Mr. Smith was born in Washington county, Ind., June 16, 1832. He came to this county in 1845 in company with his parents and family. They purchased lands in Joshua township and Mr. Smith has lived on that farm all his life. In 1869 he was married to Sarah E. Baughman, a native of this county. They were blessed with three boys and one girl who live in Fulton county.
  Note: They had 6 children: Miles Wellington, Clifford, George W., James H., Cleveland (lived in Montana), and Elva Jones (lived in Portland, Oregon).
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Mary Mitchell Smith
died: June 14, 1917
Canton Daily Ledger, June 16, 1917
  The funeral services of Mrs. Miles W. Smith, northwest of here, who died at the Galesburg hospital Thursday evening, will be held at the Baptist Church, two miles west of Fiatt at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Interment will be in the cemetery nearby.
  Mrs. Smith's maiden name was Mary Mitchell and she was about 40 years of age. For several months she has been suffering with tuberculosis of the spine and was at the Galesburg hospital the past six weeks taking treatment.
  Besides her husband, she leaves eight children, all at home - Nellie, Eugene, Neva, Royal, Margaret, Maurice, Joe and Dwayne. The brothers and sisters are Frank Mitchell of Chicago, John Mitchell of Oklahoma, Mrs. Lloyd Plotner of Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. J. S. Bilkin of Galesburg, Mrs. A. C. Pomroy of Herald, S. D.
  Note:  She is the daughter of Mathew Mitchell II and Deborah "Debby" Caroline Glass.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary for Miles Wellington Smith
died: August 9, 1917
Canton Daily Ledger, August 10, 1917
  Stricken with typhoid fever less than a week ago, Miles W. Smith, northwest of town, died at 9 o'clock Thursday evening, from the effects of a hemorrhage due to disease.
  While Mr. Smith had not been well for a week, he did not have a physician until Tuesday evening. The death of his wife less than two months ago had caused Mr. Smith to worry a great deal, and during his illness he expressed no hope of getting well.
  There are eight children living the youngest about two years of age the oldest nearly 20. They are Nellie, Eugene, Neva, Royal, Margaret, Maurine, Joe and Dwayne, all at home.
  Mr. Smith was born Dec. 27, 1869 and is survived by his mother, Mrs. Huff of Prairie City, four brothers and one sister, Clifford Smith at Fiatt, George W. and James H. at Cuba, Cleveland in Montana, and Mrs. Elva Jones of Portland, Ore.
  Mr. Smith was a member of the Modern Woodsmen and the I. O. O. F. lodges of Cuba.
  No arrangement for the funeral have been made but it is expected the services will be held at the Fiatt Baptist church, Sunday.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituaryof Charles Theodore Soper
died 1927
Charles T. Soper, 73, Succumbs at Banner
  Charles Theodore Soper, 73, life-time resident of Fulton county, died at his home in Banner Saturday night at 8:45 o clock following an illness of two weeks of heart trouble.
  He was born Sept. 6, 1853, in Fulton county, a son of Samuel and Rebecca (Gass) Soper. He married Anna Elizabeth Shirck, who survives, on Jan. 27, 1876, in Peoria county. Five children were born to them, all living. They are: D. W. of Canton, Howard of Banner, Bertha Shultz of Murray, Ia., Ruth Dodson of Aurora and Milton Soper of Coshocton, Ohio, Lincoln Soper of this city, R. Jackson Soper of California, Mrs. Hattie Lightbody of Glasford and Mrs. Anna Lightbody of Detroit, Mich.; brothers and sisters surviving.
  He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Glasford.
  The funeral services will be held at the Methodist Episcopal church in Glasford on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o clock and burial will be in Lancaster cemetery.
  Friends may call at the home any time until 1 o clock Wednesday afternoon.
  They are asked to omit flowers.
  Submitted by Harold E. Lightbody - Note: typed as printed in 1927 the year of his death..
Obituary of Jesse Sprague
Canton Register, Canton, Il., Thursday, August 3, 1899
ANOTHER TRAGEDY - Jesse Sprague, of Dumfermline commits suicide; Shot himself Friday evening
DOMESTIC UNHAPPINESS
He Was a Brother-in-Law of Mayhew Hackett, of Canton, Who Took Strychnine Thursday Morning at Middle Grove-Had Threatened to End His Life-Verdict of Suicide While Suffering from Aberration of Mind
  Jesse Sprague of Dumfermline, a brother-in-law of Mayhew Hackett of Canton, who committed suicide Thursday morning at Middle Grove, died at 10:20 o'clock Friday night from a wound inflicted by himself with a revolver at 7:10 that evening.
  The cause of suicide was not unrequited love, as in the former suicide, but seems to have been domestic infelicity.
  Sprague's wife was a sister of Hackett. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague, with their daughter, Viola, attended the funeral held at Bryant Friday afternoon. When friends and family left the cemetery, Jesse remained for an hour or more at the grave, and when he returned to the house of his father-in-law, B. F. Hackett, later in the afternoon, he suffered from a severe nervous fit. Before and after the funeral of his brother-in-law, he had remarked to several friends that "It was an easy way to go" - meaning that Mayhew had died as he wished to die.
  When Sprague and his wife returned to St. David Friday evening, he purchased some fish of a peddler and had his wife cook them for their supper. While at the table he had another nervous spell and complained of his head which seemed to pain him considerably.
  Dr. R. W. Bovee, of St. David, was summoned to attend him and he called at the Sprague residence at Dunfermline shortly afterwards, while en route to make a call in the country. When Dr. Bovee stepped into the room where Jesse was lying on a couch, the latter exclaimed; "Doctor, what are you here for?" Dr. Bovee, seeing the nervous condition of the man, prescribed some quieting medicine and left his patient crying and sobbing and exclaiming that he wanted "to go like `Pony' did," and being apparently in the deepest agony and grief.
  Shortly after Dr. Bovee left the house and about 7:10 o'clock, Mrs. Sprague gave her husband one of the powders left by the physician. Soon after this he arose from the couch and walked into the bedroom. His wife asked him what he was looking for and he replied by asking her for the key to the bureau drawer, stating he wanted to get a handkerchief. The next sound that Mrs. Sprague was the shot fired by her husband. She rushed into the bedroom and found him in a reclining position in one corner of the room across their daughter's toy piano, and bleeding profusely from a bullet wound under his right eye. He was apparently unconscious and his right hand clasped a Harrington & Richardson 38-caliber revolver. The finger was working on the trigger convulsively, and the hammer, forced into a halfcocked position, would fall harmlessly on the exploded cartridge.
  The neighbors, alarmed by the shot, rushed in and carried the dying man in to the sitting room. He recovered conscience soon afterward and said to those around him: "Let me die here."
  Then he closed his eyes and apparently fell into a deep sleep, and did not recover consciousness again. When his wife saw that he would die, she escaped from the friends and ran out into the yard and would have attempted to kill herself, but William Bennett followed her out and by force took a razor from her hand and gave it to her sister, Mrs. Charles Harter, of this city, who had arrived there but a few minutes before after hearing of the attempted suicide while driving through St. David on en route from Bryant.
  Dr. Bovee was summoned again, but before he could arrive from the country, Sprague was dead.
  A coroners jury was at once impanelled. It consisted of John W. Graham, Joseph Daily, W. H. Webb, George Hindson, William Baxter and H. T. Raiplinger. The jury viewed the remains, and at 8 o'clock Saturday morning convened at the Whitebreast Fuel Company's office at Dunfermline to hear the evidence.
Miss Nellie Fulton was the first witness heard. She stated that she had been employed at Sprague's home about one month. Had heard him threaten to kill himself upon several occasions. He was nearly always in a despondent, morose condition. He quarreled with his wife. The revolver had been hidden by the wife under the bedroom carpet. News of the suicide of his brother-in-law Mayhew Hackett did not seems to worry him. After hearing of Mayhew's death he sat on the front porch and sang and hummed tunes.
  Mrs. William Baxter testified that she was in the front room at the Sprague house when Jesse shot himself. Saw him get up and go into the bedroom and a few seconds later heard the report of shot and saw the flash. Was so badly frightened that she imagined she had been shot and ran from the house before she knew what had happened.
  James Steel stated that he worked with the deceased, who was employed as a tracklayer in the Whitebreast Fuel company's mine. Had noticed that for the past three weeks Jesse was despondent and suffering from some trouble. Had asked him what caused his despondency, but go no satisfactory reply. Never had heard him threaten to commit suicide.
  Will Bennett in his testimony stated that he was in the house when Jesse shot himself. Did not see him do it. Heard him ask for key to bureau drawers. Saw his wife run out into the yard, and heard her say she was going to kill herself. Followed her out and took the razor from her and gave it to her sister, Mrs. Harter.
John Sprague, the father of the deceased, was next heard. He said he saw his son last alive on last Sunday. Had noticed he appeared to be despondent, but did not hear him threaten to kill himself.
  Mrs. Sprague was in a hysterical condition and was not asked any questions by Coroner Bovee or the jury.
The jury returned a verdict the deceased came to his death from a self inflicted revolver shot wound, while temporarily insane.
  The deceased was an honest hard working man. He had no bad habits of any consequence, and seemed devoted to his young wife and their 6 year-old daughter, Viola. Frequent quarrels marred the happiness of the family and two weeks ago the husband, in a fit of jealous rage, left the house with the avowed purpose of never returning. The next morning he came home, and was seemingly satisfied to let matters rest as they were.
  Jesse Sprague was born in September 1866, in Lafayette County, Ind. He came west to Banner township with his father, John Sprague, in 1881. On Christmas Day, 1892 he was married to Miss Laura Hackett, at Bryant. One child and a widow survive. Besides these, the father John Sprague, and the following brothers and sisters survive; Andrew Sprague and Mrs. Jacob Pettet, of St. David; Mrs. Ella Wilson of Liverpool township; Mrs. Z .A. Warfield, of Canton, and Albert DeMoss, of St. David, a half brother. The deceased had been a member of Olive Branch Lodge of Odd Fellows at Canton, but recently dropped his membership.
  The funeral was held 10 o'clock Sunday morning from the residence. Interment was in Bryant Cemetery.
  Submitted by Debi Hoffman
Obituary of Loren (Lauren) Post Sprague
Unknown newspaper, Oct. 1905
  L. P. [Lauren Post] Sprague, a resident of Fulton County for nearly 70 years, died at 5:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon [Oct. 14, 1905] at his home, in Banner Township.
  Death was due principally to old age, but came quite suddenly. Mr. Sprague having been about the house and able to eat his dinner as usual, on Saturday.
  Loren P. Sprague was born June 13, 1817, near Buffalo, N. Y., and came to Fulton County in 1837, settling in Canton, where he was first employed as a teamster by Deacon Jones.
  He was married in Lewistown, about 1840, to Miss Mary Jane Reid of Canton.
  After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sprague lived for some time in Canton, removing from this city to a farm near Bryant. A few years later they returned to Canton. After a short residence in town they moved on a farm east of Canton and from there to another farm, near Monterey.
  In April, 1853, the family settled on the farm in Banner Township where Mr. Sprague continued to live until the time of his death.
  Mrs. Spragues's death occurred in 1895, and of a family of 10 children, six survive. They are E. C. Sprague, who lives west of Breeds; Nelson Sprague, residing on the homestead in Banner Township; L. S. Sprague whose home is southeast of Breeds; Mrs. Martha Wilcoxen, living six miles east of Lewistown; Mrs. Ellen Gibbons, whose home is at the county seat, and Mrs. Adaline Woods, who resides near LeGrand, Oregon. Two sons and two daughters are dead.
  Mr. Sprague was one of the men who first voted the Republican ticket in Banner Township, and he continued to the end of life a staunch supporter of the principles of that party.
  The funeral was held at the home at 10 o'clock Monday morning, the Rev. J. W. Johnson officiating, and internment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton.
  Submitted by Shirley Slover
Obituary of Mrs. Belle Ballard Storey
Galesburg Evening Mail, December 11, 1926
     Mrs. Belle Storey, of 58 South Kellogg Street, who has been in the restaurant business here 17 years died suddenly at her home this morning at 3:15 o'clock from angina pectoris.
     Mrs. Storey was apparently in excellent health recently. Friday evening she seemed to be feeling well but shortly after midnight she was taken violently ill and death followed two hours later.
     She was born February 14, 1847, near Canton, residing in that community until 1900 when she came to this city to make her home. She was married to James Ballard in 1868 at Lewistown. Mr. Ballard died a number of years ago. She married again, this time to Roy L. Storey, the marriage taking place in August 1908. Mr. Storey died five years ago.
     Surviving are two sons, Martin Ballard and P. W. Ballard, both of Galesburg. There are four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Mrs. Storey has owned and operated restaurants in Galesburg for 17 years. She was located on South Seminary St. for many years and recently at South Kellogg St.
     Funeral Services are to be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Horton, Hinchliff and Wilson Parlor with the Rev. Charles J. Brandy of the First Methodist Church in charge. Funeral will be made in Linwood Cemetery.
  Submitted by Karen Morlan
Obituary of Charles Steward Stout
The Canton Ledger?, Dec. 22, 1910
At Ripe Old Age; Death of Charles S. Stout-in his Ninety-first Year-an Honored Citizen.
  Canton has lost another old and honored citizen. Charles Steward Stout has been gathered to his fathers and grief is expressed on every side. Old in years, for the snows of 90 winters rested upon his head, but young in heart, kindly, enterprising, compassionate, few men will leave behind more or sincerer mourners than he.
 New Jersey was the state of Mr. Stout's nativity. He was born March 26, 1812. His birthplace was Clover Hill, in the northeastern part of the state. It was in New Jersey that he married. His bride was Miss Mary Fisher of New Brunswick, whose death occurred in this city December 1898.
  In 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Stout and their family turned their faces to the west, bade farewell to the familiar scenes of their childhood and early lives, and journeyed to Illinois. They first settled at Fairview, but soon after removed to the rich bottomlands of Spring Lake township in Tazewell county and engaged in farming there. They made their home there until 1873, when they removed to Canton. Mr. Stout engaged in the milling business with the late Samuel Brearley, Sr.
  Mr. Stout was the father of 9 children, eight of whom survive him. They are Mrs. John (Anna) Polhemus and Isaac Stout of Fairview, Josiah Stout of Centralia, William H. H. Stout of DeWitt, Neb, Mrs. Garrett (Susan) Hageman of Seward, Neb., Joseph Stout of Shenandoah, Iowa, Mrs. Campbell (Mollie) Armstrong, and Miss Sophia Stout of Canton.
  Mr. Stout's last days were peaceful and without pain. He was ill but a sort time. His death came at 5 pm Saturday evening. The weight of years had robbed him of vitality; life held little that he cared for, and his thoughts turned to the life hereafter. He sank away and launched out upon the uncharted sea, fearlessly, with confidence and in the strong faith which has been his throughout life. The funeral was Monday afternoon.
  Submitted by Anthony Kaney arkaney@excite.com.  Note: father, Josiah Stout and sister,  Cornelia L Stout Huff's obits are on this site.
Death of Frances E. Brown Swope
Argus, Astoria, Fulton County, Illinois, Thursday December 24, 1891
Sad Death of a Former Citizen
  The following letter from Edward Swope, of Stella, Nebraska, to his mother in this city, gives an account of the death of his wife, who was a sister of Abram Brown, of this township.  Mr. and Mrs. Swope, at one time lived here, but went to Nebraska about fourteen years ago.  Mr. Swope and children have the sympathy of a large circle of relatives and friends in South Fulton in their sad bereavement.

Stella, Nebraska, December 18, 1891
  Dear Mother; With a sad heart I send you sad news.  My dear Frances is dead.  Yea, last Sunday at 11:30 a. m., she was taken away from me.  On Tuesday following, at 3 o'clock she was laid to rest in Prairie Union Cemetery.  She was not feeling well for a few weeks, before she was taken down, had the grippe or a cold.  On Friday morning she got up, and went about her work, had breakfast nearly ready, when her right foot became partially paralyzed.  I then got her to lie down on the couch, and in less than one hour her right hand bacame paralyzed.  She lay still and talked till about 12:30 when she fell into a deep sleep or stupor, from which she could not be aroused.  She remained so for 47 hours when she breathed her last.
Obituary of Jacob Swope
died April 8, 1887
Astoria Argus Searchlight, Wednesday, April 13, 1887
Died
  Jacob Swope died at his home in Astoria last Friday morning, at the advanced age of 76 years.  He has long resided in this section, and all of his acquaintances remember him as an industrious faithful Christian.  He leaves an aged wife ....... four to mourn his death.  There are also six sons and four daughters of this couple scattered in different states.
  Mr. Swope has long been a member of the Presbyterian church, and his funeral was held at the church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Robt. Carson officiating.  The church was filled with relatives and friends of the deceased.
  Note: He and his father, Jonathan are buried at Woodland Cemetery, Woodland Township, Fulton County, Illinois.

Astoria Argus Searchlight, May 4, 1887
Estate of Jacob Swope, Deceased
Public Notice
   Is Hereby Given, That on the 22nd day of June, A. D. 1887, I shall attend before the County Court of Fulton County, State of Illinois, sitting for Probate business at the Court House, In Lewistown, County and State aforesaid, for the purpose of settling and adjusting all claims against the Estate of Jacob Swope, late of said County, deceased, when and where all Claimants against said Estate are requested to present their demands for settlement and adjustment.
  All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment to the undersigned without delay.
  Elizabeth Swope, Admx.
  Dated this 4th day of May A. D. 1887
  Submitted by Sara Hemp - Note: Jacob's aged wife was Elizabeth Musser Swope.  They were married January 19, 1833 in Adams County, Pennsylvania.
Obituary of Grant Elmer Taylor
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Feb. 23, 1900
  Grant Elmer Taylor died of consumption at his residence in London Mills, at about 3 a. m., Thursday, Feb. 22, 1900. The funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:30 a. m., in the Christian church, Elder Ennefer officiating, and burial will take place in the Foster cemetery east of Fairview.
  Grant Elmer Taylor was born to George and Elizabeth Taylor at their farm near Farmington, Oct. 4, 1866. He was married to Alice Palmerton, who, with their three small children, survive him. Beside his own immediate family he leaves: a father, Geo. W. Taylor of this place; two sisters, Mrs. Florence Sherman of near here, and Mrs. Ellen Cowley of St. Joseph, Mo.; and one brother, J. C. Taylor of Middlegrove; he also leaves two half brothers Geo. L. and Frank, and a half sister, Pearl W.
  Deceased had been in poor health for several years, but his present illness only dated back to last fall. He moved here from Canton early in the winter and took to his bed soon after.
  The bereaved family has the sympathy of the community.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Charles "Charley" Tasker
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Feb. 2, 1916
While we have no material at hand for an obituary of Charles Tasker who departed this life at his home two and a half miles north of Rapatee on last Sunday morning. Yet we would like to say a word of tribute to this worthy man who was an esteemed friend of your scribe for more than thirty years.
  While his early manhood was spent in England, the best half of his life was spent right here, where he had accumulated over a hundred acres of Illinois land. We would like to credit him with three things: He was strictly honest, always faithful and we never heard him relate a lewd story in the 32 years we knew him. When his father died in England, he brought his mother over and made a home for her for years, and when old age weakened both her body and mind, Charley gave her his time and care. A few years since Charley married Mrs. Mary E. Holloway, whom survives him. Of his immediate family there lives in this country two brothers, Rev. William Tasker of Uniontown, and George J. Tasker of Rapatee and two sisters, Mrs. Anne McClain of Farmington and Mrs. Agnes Parkinson of Maquon and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral was held in Maquon church, burial beside his mother in the Maquon cemetery, on last Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 1.
  Submitted by Todd Walte
Obituary of Ellen Nellie Yeomans Tasker
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Mar. 26, 1909
Fairview
  Very sad indeed is the death of Mrs. Geo. Tasker on the Burson farm over toward the Knox county line. She leaves a husband and five small children. her death occurred Tuesday morning, and we will look for an obituary with our next Rapatee letter.

London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Apr. 2, 1909
  Perhaps not in years, if ever, have our people been face to face with such a sad death as that of Mrs. Tasker, which occurred just south of Rapatee on March 23, 1909. She was sick less than three weeks, and was a great sufferer most of that time. She leaves five little children, the youngest less than three weeks old.
  Ellen Nellie Yeomans was born at Limpsfield, Surry county, England, November 29, 1872, hence at her time of death was aged 36 years, 3 months and 24 days. Jan 17, 1899 she was married to James George Tasker at Peter's church, Limpsfield, England and came to Rapatee two months afterwards, and has lived here ever since. Five children were born to this couple all of whom are living. They are named Emma May, Florence Alice, Nellie Mildred, James George and Grace Ellen. Besides the husband two brothers, George and James Yeomans live at Rapatee, one sister, Mrs. John Stewart, lives at Babylon, Ill. Her parents and three brothers and one sister live in England, on all of whom the loss falls heavily.
  She was confirmed in the Episcopal church when she was 16 years old, to which she has been a faithful member. Mrs. Tasker was a loved member of Round Top Rebekah Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Rapatee, who had charge of the funeral. About 50 members of Fairview, London Mills, Maquon and Rapatee Odd Fellow lodges attended the funeral, which was held in Rapatee church at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 25. Interment was in Uniontown cemetery.
  List of Singers and Pallbearers
  Mrs. Tasker was a kind, gentle woman, who loved her home, and it was there she was at her best, and it is sad indeed to think of such a mother being taken from her children. Her neighbors all loved her, and much sympathy is felt for the husband and children.
  Both submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of "Grandma" Tasker
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Sep. 28, 1906
Rapatee
  The death of Grandma Tasker north of town last week ended the life of a very useful woman who had almost reached her 84th year. Her husband died in England in 1892. At one time she had seven children in this locality. One returned to England and Mrs. D.C. McHenry of Maquon died about a year ago. There still reside in America five children, Rev. Wm. Tasker of Uniontown, Charles and George of Rapatee and two sisters (sic, daughters), Mrs. Annie McClain of Farmington and Mrs. Agnes Parkinson of Maquon. The funeral was held in the Maquon M. E. church on Thursday, Sept. 20, 1906, conducted by Rev. J. T. Killip of Cisna Park, Ill. Interment in Simkins cemetery.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Estella A. Bergquist Thomas
Astoria Argus, Astoria, Illinois, Dec. 10, 1980
  Mrs. Estella A. Thomas of Astoria died Tuesday December 9, 1980 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Born August 24, 1894 Woodland twp the daughter of Samuel and Vernelia (Trotter) Bergquist. She was married to Guy Thomas at Lewistown October 13, 1919. He died February 14, 1933. Burial in the Summum cemetery. Funeral services were held Friday morning with Rev. Ray Artrip officiating.
 Submitted by Tammie Orr Brown
Obituary of James Thurman
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Apr. 16, 1914
  James Thurman, son of Edward and Mariah Thurman, was born in Fulton Co., Ill, Aug. 15, 1846, and died at his home in Abingdon, April 5th, 1914, age, 67 years, 8 months.
  He was one of a family of thirteen children. He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Jane Cowman of Fulton County, Sept. 29, 1865. To this happy union thirteen children were born; Mrs. Alice Thurman and John L. of Hermon; Carry A. of Galesburg; Lafayette of Cameron; Mrs. Kate Alters of Abingdon; Maude M. Cole of Kirkwood; Mrs. Jennie E. Palmer of Galesburg; Mrs. Bessie E. Morse of Abingdon; Mrs. Daisy Mitchel of Avon.
  Four daughters; Lillie May, Blanche D., Lovey M., and Mrs. Olive Bell chance preceded him to the better world.
  He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife and nine children, and a little orphan granddaughter, Sylvia Chance, who has since the death of her mother lived with them; also 51 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Also two brothers, Stephen Thurman of Kansas, and Will Thurman of Oregon, and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Rmoine(?) of Oklahoma, beside a host of friends and relatives.
  The first twenty-five years of his married life was spent in Fulton County near London Mills where he was engaged in farming and there it was he was united with the M. E. church about 20 years ago. He and his family moved to Knox county where he bought and lived on a farm 5 miles west of London Mills, and where he made many friends who will miss his cheery smile and jovial words. Five years ago he bought his residence in Abingdon and retired from active labor. But poor health has been his portion since residing in his home in Abingdon. Through all his sickness he has been thoughtful of others and bore his suffering with a brave spirit and a cheerful way that has marked his entire life. The end came peacefully and he passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children.
   The funeral services were in the Abingdon M. E. church Tuesday at 2 o'clock. The burial was in Abingdon cemetery.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Harry Lee Tuthill
died:
Father of Canton Woman Dies Tuesday in Bushnell Home
  Bushnell, March 16 - Harry Lee Tuthill, who died here at his home at 8:30 o'clock last evening, was a former resident of Ipava where he was born March 18, 1872, a son of Earl and Mary (McCaughey) Tuthill, deceased.
  Funeral services will be held in the Kugler and Combs Funeral home here at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon and burial will be in Ipava cemetery.
   Besides the widow two daughters are living. They are Mrs. Russell Klinedinst, Industry, and Mrs. Buena McCoy, Canton.
  Submitted by Scottie McCoy
Obituary for Laurance L. Ulm
Galesburg's Register-Mail, Galesburg, Il., June 21, 2004
  MIDDLEGROVE - Laurance L. Ulm, 83, Middlegrove, died at 3:18 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 20, 2004), in Heartland Health Care Center, Canton.
  He was born Jan. 31, 1921, in London Mills, the son of William A. and Aura Vorhees Ulm. He married Ruth M. Anderson on Oct. 24, 1940, in Burlington, Iowa. She died Oct. 19, 2002.
  Surviving are four sons, Larry L. (and Mary) Ulm and Jim R. (and Amy) Ulm, both of Middlegrove, and Robert K. (and Reta) Ulm and Tim J. (and Mickie) Ulm, both of Farmington; three brothers, Duane (and Ruth) Ulm, London Mills, Bernard (and Lela) Ulm, Fort Madison, Iowa, and Paul (and Phyllis) Ulm,
Galesburg; three sisters, Dorothy (and Ivan) Zook and Marilyn (and Chuck) Swegle, both of Galesburg, and Ellamae (and Tseuno) Miyashiro, Columbus, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
  He was raised and educated in London Mills.
  He owned and operated the gas station and restaurant in Middlegrove for 25 years. He was employed at Keystone Steel and Wire, retiring from there.
  He was a member of the Farmington United Methodist Church; a member and past master of Farmington Masonic Lodge A. F. & A. M. 192; a member of the Farmington Township Board for 30 years and a past treasurer of the Middlegrove Homecoming Association.
  Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Farmington United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Joe Richard officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with a Masonic service at 8 p.m. Burial will be in White Chapel Memory Gardens, Canton. Corman Memorial Home, London Mills, is in charge of arrangements.
  Memorials may be made to the Farmington United Methodist Church or Middlegrove Homecoming Association.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituray of Grover Cleveland Umphryes
died: July 9, 1961
Funeral Held Tuesday for Grover C. Umphryes, 72, Who Takes own Life
  Grover Cleveland Umphryes, 72, lifelong resident of Schuyler county, died at 5:15 a.m. Sunday of a self-inflicted 22 caliber rifle bullet at his home on South Sherman St. in Rushville. His body was found by his wife. He was a farm laborer but had been in ill health and hospitalized several times during the past months.
  An inquest was held at 1 p.m. Sunday by Schuyler county coroner, Dr. V. M. Corman at the Roby funeral chapel. The verdict was suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound due to despondency over continued poor health. The jurors were: Wayne Quillen, Jack Moore, Franklyn Young, Wayne Young, Lloyd Schisler and LaVerne Estes.
  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Roby funeral chapel, the Rev. Maurice Carner officiating. Burial was in the Good Hope cemetery.
  Mr. Umphryes was born in Browning Township August 24, 1888 the son of George and Margaret Kalebaugh Umphryes. He was married to Minnie Thompson in Rushville, December 24, 1910.
  Survivors besides the wife are seven sons, Orval, Everett and Dawson of Rushville, Lee of Bluff City, Grover Junior and Maurice of Griffith, Ind., and Burton of Ripley; four daughters, Mrs. Helen Davis of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Mrs. Ellen Irwin of Chicago Heights, Mrs. Irene Brubeck of Pekin and Mrs. Patricia Laviolette of Griffith, Ind.; 34 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one brother, Ephriam Umphryes of Macomb and one sister, Mrs. Nora Cummings of Artesia, Calif. A son, Arthur, two brothers and a sister preceded him in death.
  Submitted by Scottie McCoy
Obituary of Henry Wages
died July 18, 1923
H. Wages In Answer to Maker's Call; Pioneer Banner Region Man Dies in 91st Year of Life
  Henry Wages, pioneer of Fulton County and only survivor of the storm of 1835 which almost destroyed Canton, has passed into the great beyond. The end came at 10 o'clock last night at the family home in Banner township, where he had been a resident for 82 years. The venerable old man would have passed the ninety-second milestone August 30th.
  The passing of Henry Wages to "that mysterious realm, where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death" is just another closing of a chapter in Fulton county history. Truly, he had been sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust and had approached the grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him, and lies down to pleasant dreams. He had so lived in service to his countryman, his flag and his God, that when the summons came to join that innumerable caravan, he could respond without hesitancy.
  Knew The Indians.
  When this pioneer came to Fulton county, Indians still roamed the wooded sections and hundreds inhabited the vicinity around Liverpool and the Illinois river. Wild turkeys, ducks and prairie chickens were to be found in abundance. With the coming of the white man, however, the aborigines disappeared in a few years, leaving the white man's newly found paradise all to himself.
  Born in Ohio.
  Wages was born near Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, August, 30, 1831. He came to Illinois in 1835, with his parents, traveling with a three-horse team and was six weeks on the road. He crossed the Illinois river at Peoria or Pekin. From there he came to Utica and later to Canton, settling one mile north of Canton on a place known as the Coleman settlement in a log cabin. This was a few months before the great storm of 1835, which took the roof off the house occupied by the Wages family. This veteran resident lived there six years.
  Lived at Monterey.
  His next pilgrimage was to Monterey in Banner township, where he has lived alone. Wages was the first to cast a vote in Banner. He has always voted the democratic ticket. He also claimed the distinction of being the oldest voter.
  He was the son of Ephraim and Nancy Buckingham Wages. He married in [Jun. 30] 1857, his first wife, Nancy [should be Mary Jane Courtney], dying in 1858. His second marriage was to Mary Breese [should be Hinze]. He married a third time to Mary J. Bybee [nee Brinegar] in 1865 [should be Feb. 23, 1864]. She died in 1881. Still a fourth marriage was solemnized in [Jan. 30] 1882, to Nancy Hughes, who survives.
  Surviving him are: one son, John Wages, at home, by his first wife; [James Estie] Esta, also at home, by his fourth wife. He also leaves a brother, Jacob Wages, Banner township, who is the last of the family of 12 children. Besides these, the following grandchildren survive: John, of Canton, Lewis, Frank, and Roy Leo, at home in Banner. Two daughters are dead.
  The deceased was a member of the Methodist Protestant church of Monterey.
  Funeral Tomorrow.
  Obsequies will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 from the residence in Banner township. Rev. Nicholson officiating. Interment will be in the Bybee cemetery.
  Submitted by Roy Wages
Obituary of Jacob Wages
Canton Daily Register, unknown date
Jacob Wages, 90, War Veteran, Dies
  Canton, Ill., May 5 - Jacob Wages, aged Civil War veteran, passed away yesterday at his home in Banner after an illness of several weeks due to the infirmities of old age.
  Mr. Wages was a lifelong resident of the Banner vicinity. He was born there are March 19th, 1840, one of a family of 12 children born to Ephraim and Nancy Buckenham Wages, who came by covered wagon from Maryland in 1835.
  On August 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 183rd infantry, and was honorably discharged February 7, 1865, after he had been wounded in the left ankle in the battle at Missionary Ridge. He was of a company of 32 men that went into that battle and all but 16 were wounded and killed.
On the day he was 25 years of age he was married to Victoria Courtney of Banner. She died several years ago. There survive the following children: Mrs. Hattie Bybee, Glasford; Mrs. Daniel Williams, Banner; Mrs. John Brown, Banner; Mrs. Snowden Hughes, Canton; Fred Wages, Peoria; Marshall Wages, Canton; and George Wages, at home. There are also 32 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
  Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock at Monterey with burial in the Orendorff cemetery.

another
  Funeral of Jacob Wages
  The Monterey church was filled yesterday afternoon with relatives and friends who gathered to attend funeral services for Jacob Wages, aged Civil War veteran, who died Sunday afternoon at his home in Banner. The Rev. Paul A Shenk officiated and Mesdames P. A. Shenk and John Orendorff sang. Burial was in the Orendorff cemetery.
 
Veteran of Civil War Died Sunday
Jacob Wages, 90, Passed Away at Home in Banner Township
  Jacob Wages, one of the county's few surviving veterans of the Civil War, died at 1:50 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home on Route 7, Banner township. He observed his 90th birthday March 29th, his advanced age causing him to weaken rapidly since he became ill last year.
  The direct cause of his death was endocarditis and myocarditis, heart trouble, but he enjoyed remarkably good health until he suffered the first of several bad sick spells last October. He has been bedfast for the past eleven weeks, during which time he was often at the point of death.
  Last of Family
  Mr. Wages was last of a pioneer family of 12, and was himself the father of 12 children, 4 of whom preceded him in death. In addition to the 8 surviving children there are 32 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren living, a total of 75 living descendants.
  He has been cared for during his illness by Mr. and Mrs. James Wages, his son and daughter-in-law. George, another son, also made his home with his father.
  During the Civil War, Mr. Wages enlisted and was sworn into the state army on August 4th, 1862. He was a member of the company S, 103rd infantry, and trained in Peoria until November of the year of his enlistment. He was been sworn into the U.S. Army and went to Memphis, Tennessee.
  From Memphis, the branch of the army with which he was connected started on a 600-mile march to Chattanooga, Tenn., crossing the Tennessee River, November 24, 1863. In a company of 32 men, he entered the disastrous Battle of Missionary Ridge, only half of the men escaped unscathed. Mr. Wages was wounded in the left ankle. He received his honorable discharge on February 7, 1865, following which he engaged in farming.
  Frequent Visitor Here
  Active in recent years despite his advanced age, Mr. Wages was a frequent visitor and a familiar figure in Canton. He delighted in recalling the days when he used to go out in the territory surrounding his home to kill deer and turkey and other wild game.
  Because of the system of tuition schools existing at that time, his parents were unable to provide him with a thorough education and his schooling ended at an early age.
  Mr. Wages took great interest in following the scientific progress made since the Civil War and was particularly fond of listening to a radio installed for him in recent years.
  Born 1840
  He was born March 29th, 1840, a son of Ephraim and Nancy (Buckingham) Wages. On his 25th birthday anniversary, he was married to Victoria Courtney in Banner township. She died March 8, 1923.
  Two of their 12 children died in infancy and 2 other daughters, Rosie Ball and Nancy Van Middlesworth, died 11 years ago. Children living are: George at home; Marshall, Canton; Mrs. Minnie Williams, Banner; Mrs. Maggie Brown, Banner; Mrs. Hattie Bybee, Peoria county; Mrs. Daisy Hughes, Canton; James, at home, and Fred, Peoria.
  He was a member of the G. A. R.
  Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the moderate Church with the Rev. Paul A. Shenk officiating. Friends may see the body at his home at any time.
  Submitted by Roy Girard
Obituary of Martha E. Walter Walker
Canton Daily Register, Mar. 23, 1925
Mrs. Martha Walker
  Mrs. Martha E. Walker, one of Canton s oldest residence, died at her home, 419 North First avenue, at 11:15 o clock this forenoon, following a weeks illness from pneumonia.
  Mrs. Walker was a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James W. (sic, James R.) Walter, pioneer settlers in Canton, and was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, March 7, 1834. Dr. Walter came to Canton in 1836, the year following the great storm here, and spent the remainder of his life in this city.
  Martha Walter was united in marriage to D. W. Walker, May 18, 1858. Mr. Walker died Feb. 13, 1900. She is survived by the following children: Miss Lillian Walker, Miss Helen F. Walker and Mrs. Frank H. Dewey of Canton, and Fred D. Walker, well known band director, of Arkansas City, Kan. There are five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
  Mrs. Walker had been a resident of Canton since 1836, more than 89 years. When a child she united with the Congregational church and lived a devoted member the remainder of her life.
  Arrangements for the funeral lave not yet been completed.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Mary J. Grim Cook Walling
Canton Register, August 27, 1900
     Mrs. Mary J. Walling died Tuesday night at the residence of her sister, Mrs. William Murphy, 412 S. First Ave., Canton, Illinois. Age 88 years. Born in Virginia of German parentage, she first located in Highland County, Ohio, with her parents, then a few years later to Fulton County, Illinois. She carried a recollection of the cyclone of 1835 in which a number of people were killed and the roof blown from the house in which she lived. Her brother, David Grim, still a resident of Canton, was sleeping in an upstairs room at the time of the storm. He was lifted in his feather bed, carried a short distance in the air and finally deposited in a big box on the porch, feather bed and all, without a scratch.
     She was twice married, the first time to Bryant L. Cook. They were the parents of one child, Mrs. James Kemper, of Canton. She was next married to Lewis Walling, whom she also survived. They had one son Peter Walling, who now resides in Massachusetts. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Susanna Murphy, Canton, Illinois, and Mrs. Lavina Marshall, Cherryvale, Kansas, and a brother, David Grim of Canton. There are also two half-brothers C. G. and J. J. Grim and a half-sister, Mrs. David Beeson.
  Submitted by Roy Girard
Obituary of Mrs. Sarah R. Walter
Fulton County Ledger, Jan. 21, 1886
Mrs. Sarah Walter
  Mrs. Sarah R. Walter, widow of Dr. James R. Walter, died at the residence of her son-in-law (the old family residence on south Main street), D. W. Walker, Saturday morning. Mrs. Walter was attacked with paralysis and died almost instantly. This was the third attack within three years.
  Mrs. Walter was aged 81 years and 11 months. She was born in Winchester, Va., was married in Ohio to Dr. James R. Walter, and came with her family to Canton, Illinois, in about 1842. The Doctor died early in 1854, leaving the widow, three sons, and one daughter. One of these sons has since died. Two sons, James and Richardson, live in Kansas, and the daughter is the wife of D. W. Walker, of this city.
  Mrs. Walter had for many years been a member of the congregational church and died in the full faith of the gospel. Funeral services Sunday afternoon, Rev. H. Mills officiating.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Harley Welker
died: December 22, 1971
Peoria Journal Star, circa December 23, 1971
Harley Welker, Former Shop Operator, Dies
  Astoria - Harley Welker, 87, of Astoria, a former machine shop operator, died at 3:25 a.m. yesterday at Mason District Hospital in Havana.
  Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Shawgo Memorial Home here. Mr. Collis Trone officiate, and burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
  Friends may call at the memorial home this afternoon and evening.
  He was born in Woodland Township June 2, 1884, a son of George and Alice Farwell Welker. He married Pearl Punneo Nov. 30, 1905.
Surviving are his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Opal Wolfe of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Mrs. Evelyn Rahmeyer of Toulon, Mrs. Doris Derry and Mrs. Loralee Head, both of Astoria; three sons, Willard of Mossville, Max and Gale, both of Astoria: 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by two infant sons, a grandchild, two brothers and two sisters.
  Submitted by Marilee Griffin
Obituary of Pearle Punneo Welker
Peoria Journal Star, circa November 24, 1973
Pearl Welker
  Astoria - Mrs. Pearl Welker, 86, a lifelong Astoria resident, died at 7:35 a.m. yesterday in Astoria Care Center.
  She was born on Nov. 14, 1887, in Woodland Township, Fulton County, a daughter of Charles and Effie Stever Punneo. She married Harley Welker on Nov. 30, 1905. He died on Dec 22, 1971.
  Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Opal Wolfe of Peoria, Mrs. Evelyn Rahmeyer of Toulon, and Mrs. Doris Derry and Mrs. Loralee Head, both of Astoria; two sons, Max and Gale, both of Astoria: 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
  Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Shawgo Memorial Home, with Collis Trone officiating.
  Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
  She was a member of the United Methodist Church.
  Submitted by Marilee Griffin
Obituary of Jeannie Marie Crumley Wilkinson
Canton Daily Ledger, Aug. 9, 1976
Leukemia claims life of Cantonite
  Funeral services for Mrs. Jeannie Crumley Wilkinson, 20, of 259 West Tamarack St., will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home.
  The Rev. S. Jay Curry will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the memorial home.
  Mrs. Wilkinson died at 1:25 p.m. Saturday at Graham Hospital.
  She had been ill since last summer, when she was hospitalized for five weeks in Peoria after doctors discovered that she was suffering from leukemia.
  Upon her arrival home, she was greeted last August with a "welcome home" party of friends and relatives.
  Last fall, doctors told her that the disease was in remission, which meant that the cancer cells were no longer growing.
  Mrs. Wilkinson was born Feb. 3, 1956, in Rushville, a daughter of Wayne and Shirley Ebbert Crumley. She married Dana Wilkinson May 10, 1975, in Canton. He survives.
  Also surviving are her parents of Canton; a son, Jason Wayne, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Sherry McCoy, Miss Karen and Miss Tammy, all of Canton; and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Crumley of Canton, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ebbert of rural Astoria, and Mrs. Helen Davis of Canton.
  Mrs. Wilkinson was a member of the Canton First Baptist Church. She was a 1973 graduate of Canton Senior High School. She attended Mid-State College in Peoria and had been employed in data processing.
  Memorials may be made in her name at the church.
  Submitted by Scottie McCoy

Rushville Times, August 12,1976
Former Resident
  Mrs. Jeannie Crumley Wilkinson, 20, of Canton, former Rushville resident, died Saturday.
  Services were held Wedneday at 11 a.m. at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home in Canton.  The Rev. S. J. Curry officiated, and burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
  She was born in Rushville February 3,1956, a daughter of Wayne and Shirley Ebbert Crumley.  She was married to Dana Wilkinson on May 10, 1975, at Canton.  He survives.
  Also surviving are her partents of Canton; and one son, Jason Wayne Crumley at home; and three sisters: Mrs. Sherry McCoy, Miss Karen and Miss Tammy, all of Canton.
  She also leaves her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Crumley of Canton, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ebbert of rural Astoria, and Mrs Helen Davis of Canton.
  Mrs. Wilkinson was a member of the First Baptist church in Canton.  She was a 1973 graduate of Canton Senior High School and attended Mid-State College in Peoria.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Death of Ben Wilson
London Times, London Mills, Illinois, May 7, 1897
  Another cold-blooded murder has been added to the annals of Fulton county. This time it occurred at St. David, and was the result of a quarrel over a woman. On Tuesday evening "Ap" Forgay (colored) shot and killed Ben Wilson (also colored). It was a brutal deed. The murderer escaped.
  Submitted by Todd Walter
Obituary of Harry Witmer
Funeral of Harry Witmer
  In addition to what was said in last week's issue concerning the sad death of Harry Witmer, there are these additional facts.
  Harry Witmer was born in Lancaster, Pa., Oct. 30, 1886, died Feb. 23, 1920, making him at the time of his death, aged 33 years, 3 months, 23 days.  He came to Illinois in 1905 and lived in the vicinity of Astoria most of the time until his death.  He worked for the farmers of this vicinity and lived on their farms as a tenant, and was recognized as a hard-working, efficient young farmer.
  In 1908 he was married to Miss Alice Suratt of Astoria.  To this union were born three sons and one daughter, Lloyd, Keith, Wayne and Naomi.  These have lost a loving father and the wife a kind and appreciative husband.  There are also to mourn their loss, a stepmother, Mrs. Adaline Witmer, half sister Miss Clara Witmer, both of Pennsylvania, and a number of other relatives, as well as the members of his church and many friends.
  Mr. Witmer united with the Church of the Brethren in 1909 and has been a member ever since.  Nothing that he could do to help others was too much trouble for him.  He was always ready to do what he could. Funeral services were conducted at the Church of the Brethren on Wednesday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Elder S. S. Blough, and Elder Charles Walters of the Woodland Church of the Brethren.  The funeral text was 1 Cor. 15: 55-57.  A large and sorrowful audience showed in what regard he was held in the genuine sympathy for the bereaved family.  Interment in South Fulton cemetery.
  Submitted by Sara Hemp
Obituary of Emma May Swearingen Wooddell
Canton Daily Ledger, Wednesday, Dec. 26, 1927
Mrs. Emma Wooddell Here 18 years, dies
  Mrs. Emma May Wooddell, prominent resident of Canton for the past 18 years, died at 3:45 o'clock this morning at the Graham hospital. She had been ill for several weeks and on Monday underwent an operaton.
     Mrs. Wooddell was born Jan 23, 1869, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Milburn Swearingen, both of whom are now dead. She was married in 1888 to Stuart Wooddell, who died Nov. 21, 1926. After marriage she and Mr. Wooddell lived several years at Staunton, VA, later moving to near Cuba, and for the past 18 years the family home had been in Canton.
     The following children survive: Elgin of Cuba, Marvin of St. Louis, Mrs. Phillip Burgert of Canton, Byron, Paul, Hugh, and Frances at home. A daughter Letha is dead,
     One brother Wilson Swearingen lives in Waterford township and five sisters also survive: Mrs. Silas Garber of Glendale, Ariz., Mrs. Howard Hunt of Denver, Mrs. William Phillips of Joshua township, and Mrs. Atta Wilson of Canton.
     Mrs. Wooddell was prominent in social and religious circles, being a member of the United Brethren church, the Rebbeka Lodge and the Orendorff circle.
  Submitted by Judi Gilker
  Note: Her mother's maiden name was Mila Ann Bishop.  Mrs. William Phillips is sister, Sarah Ellen.  Mrs. Silas Garber is sister, Ruth. Missing is Mrs. Cecil Shryock. via Sara Hemp
Obituary of Stuart I. Wooddell
Canton Daily Ledger, Monday, Nov. 22, 1926
Stuart I. Wooddell, 71, Died of Heart Trouble
  Stuart I. Wooddell, 71 years of age died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Phillip Burgert, this morning at 1:20 o'clock following an illness of two weeks of heart trouble.
  He has been in Canton only a few months with his daughter, having lived previous to that time with other children.
  Stuart I. Wooddell was born in Staunton, VA, on Dec. 28, 1855, a son of William Wooddell.
  He was married to Emma Swearingen and to this union ten children were born eight of whom survive. They are Elgin Bruce Wooddell of Putman township, Marvin and Paul of St. Louis, Mo., and Mrs. Phillip Burgert, Mrs. Cecil Shryock, Byron, Hugh and Frances of Canton. One daughter, Mrs. Letha Mills died in 1925 and another daughter, Lois died in childhood,
  John Wooddell of Pekin and Clark Wooddell of Milwaukee are brothers and Mrs. Sam Jones of Adair, Mrs. R. G. Harris of Cuba and Mrs. W. D. Clark of Putman township are sisters.
  Funeral arrangements have not been made. The casket will be opened at the home at 303 North Seventh avenue, until the funeral hour.
  Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
  Submitted by Judi Gilker

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