ANNA (ERTMER) WAND , 85, widow of Joseph Wand Sr. died at the home of her daughter, Mr. & Mrs. August Berlage, on South Main about 5 A.M. Monday morning (April 18, 1938) following a prolonged illness of several years. She had been a resident of Elizabeth and vicinity for 80 years. The former Miss Anna Ertmer, daughter of Joseph & Ann Ertmer was born in Germany on Nov. 10, 1852. When a child of about 4 she came to America with her parents who settled in the vicinity of Woodbine Twp. On April 4, 1883 she was united in marriage to Joseph Wand and they made their home on a farm in Woodbine Twp. for about 44 years married life. Her husband preceded her in 1927 and two years later she left the farm to make her home with her daughter in this city (Elizabeth). For the greater part of nine years spent in Elizabeth she has been a semi invalid and had been near death much of the past year. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church here throughout her life. She leaves two daughters, Elizabeth Berlage and Mrs. Elmer (Agnes) Plosch and two sons, Alfred and William, plus seven grandchildren all of this community; one brother Joseph of Elizabeth and two sisters Mrs. Louisa Ertmer of Galena and Mrs. Frank Baumgartner of Elizabeth. One sister Mrs. Peter Malkmus died at her home in Livermore Iowa on April 2, preceding her sister by two weeks. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Freeport Journal 19 April 1938

FREDRICKIE (MAVIS) WEITHERS , passed away suddenly at her home at 248 Division street Tuesday night at 10 o'clock at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 4 days. The former Fredrickie Mavis was born in Germany, October 26, 1871, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mavis. Her family came to this country when she was two years old, and settled in Galena. Mrs. Weiters has lived here ever since. She was married to John H. Weiters of Galena. This union was blessed with nine children, seven of whom survive. Mrs. Weiters was a kind and devoted wife and mother. She was also a very helpful friend and neighbor. Her kindness and willingness to do for others endeared her to her family and friends, by whom she will be greatly misses. Mrs. Weiters was a member of St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran church.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, five daughters and two sons, namely: Mrs. Mrs. John (Dora) Anger, Mrs. Amanda Geiger, John W. Weiters, Mrs. Albert (Mable) Gammelein, Mrs. Kirby (Hilda) Cook, all of Galena. Also Mrs.Joe (Ethel) Michel, of Washburn, Iowa, and P.F.C. Earl Weiters who is serving with the United States Army. She is also survived by one brother, Fred Mavis of Milwaukee, Wis., and one sister, Mrs. Frank Weiters of Galena: 22 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Weiters was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, three brothers and one sister. Mrs. Weiters will be removed from Nash Funeral Chapel to her home on Division street may call to pay their respects. Funeral services for Mrs. Weiters will be held Friday afternoon at two from the home to St. Matthews Evangelical Lutheran church at 2:30 with Rev. T.J.T. Pagels officiating. Burial will be made in the family plot in Greenwood cemetery.
Submitted By Alayne Hammer Galena Daily March 31, 1943

JOHN WEITHERS , age 83, passed away very unexpectedly Wednesday forenoon at 10:45 o  clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hilda Cook, Washington Street. Mr. Weiters stopped to call on his was down town. Death was attributed to an embollism. John Herman Weiters was born in New Diggings, Wisconsin on March 7, 1865, the son of Henry and Dorette (Seiman) Weiters. He lived most of his life in Galena and vicinity. Mr. Weiters was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. He was made an honorary member of the Galena Fire Department after many years of service with this organization. On April 2, 1891 he was united in marriage to Frederickie Mavis. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom survive, namely Mrs. John (Dora) Anger, Mrs. Arthur (Amanda) Geiger, John W. Weiters, Mrs. Albert (Mable) Gammallen, Galena, Illinois. Mrs. Joe (Ethel) Michel Washburn, Iowa; Mrs. Hilda Cook, Galena, Ill. and Earl L. Weiters, Waterloo, Iowa. Surviving also are two brothers and one sister. William Weiters, Olivet, South Dakota, Edward Weiters and Mrs. John (Ernestina) Simon, Galena, Illinois: twenty-three grandchildren and ninteen great grandchildren. Those who preceded him in death were: his parents, his wife (who passed away March 30, 1943); two daughters, Minnie and Florence: three sisters and three brothers, Mrs. Eugene (Anna) Hickie, Mrs. John (Mary) Tressel, Elizabeth Weiters, Frank Theodore, and Henry Weiters.

Funeral services were held Saturday p.m. at 2:30 at St. Matthew  s Lutheran Church with the pastor Rev. T.J.F. Pagels officiating. The Ladies quartette, Mrs. Loras Schulte, Mrs. Delbert Symons, Mrs. Charles Lehnhardt and Mrs. Lester Fry, sang two hymns, "Face to Face" and "Nearer to the Heart of God." Mrs. T.J. Pagels was their accompanist. The floral offerings were carried by Mrs. Ernest Weiters Mrs. Harry Eustice, Mrs. Clarence Childs, Mrs. Charles Weiters, Mrs. Arthur Simon, Mrs. William Simon, and Mrs. Walter Knott. Burial was made in the family lot in Greenwood Cemetery with Alfred Anger, Edmund Anger, Raymond Anger, LaVerne Fowler, Lyle Temperly and Charles Michel serving as casket bearers. Relatives and friends from out of the city attending the services included: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Michel, Charles and Joan Michel, Jane Boring, Washburn, Iowa: Earl Weiters, Waterloo, Iowa: William Weiters, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Eggelston, Olivet, South Dakota: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kott, Dubuque, Iowa Henry Hickie, Olwien, Iowa Henry Hickie and Mary, Menominee, Illinois Mrs. Lavina Miller, Mrs. Beckie Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller, Woodbine, Ill.: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Miller, Stockton, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. George Steele, Hanover, Illinois and Mrs. Frank Hudson.
Weekly Gazette November 18, 1948

RUTH YAVONNE (CORBETT) WELLS , 97, formerly of Hanover, Illinois, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at the Mercy North Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 24, 2008, at the Nadig – Law – Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 10 – 11:00 am Thursday prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. Memorials may be directed to the Caroline Mark Home, Mount Carroll, or to the Mount Carroll Ambulance Service. Yavonne was born May 31, 1911, in Washington Twp., rural Carroll County, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Myrtle (Johns) Corbett. She married Elmer Wells May 17, 1932, in Savanna. He preceded her in death July 8, 1978. Yavonne worked for Atwoods in Stockton, Illinois, the Savanna Army Depot, Hanover Woolen Mill, and Eaton Manufacturing in Hanover. She was a member of the Hanover United Presbyterian Church, the Hanover V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary, and was a former member of the Savanna Women of the Moose. Yavonne is survived and lovingly remembered by one son, Tommy J. “T.J.” (Sandy) Wells of Monroe, Wisconsin; one daughter, Ruth (Larry) Kueter of Bettendorf, Iowa; one sister, Josephine Messmer of Mount Carroll, Illinois; eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great – great – grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews. Yavonne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, and a sister.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert

ANN (WILSON) WESTABY , died at the home of her son, Tom, on Willow street, Dubuque, Iowa, March 10, at 8:30 o’clock p. m. She was a daughter of William and Maria Wilson of Altoon LeMoor, Lincolnshire, England, and was born Oct. 22, 1822, was united in marriage to George Westaby, April 12, 1850, and emigrated to this country the same year. Four sons survive: Stephen of Thompson, Tom of Dubuque, Iowa, Wilson and George Rice of Forsythe, Mont. The deceased had suffered greatly from a cancer of the stomach for many years, which at last caused her death. She was carefully nursed by her son Tom on Willow street, and also by Mrs. Stephen Westaby until death relieved her. Before her death her voice was as clear as when well and she could sing most beautifully and when passing away she sang Rock of Ages.

Services were held on Tuesday, the 11th, at 2:30 p. m., conducted by the M. E. pastor of that place assisted by Rev. Mr. Cottingham, a friend of the deceased. Music was furnished by a lady quartet. The room was beautifully decorated with a black lace drapery trimmed with purple ribbon, which was attached to the ceiling and enclosed the casket. On the casket lay wax flowers sent by friends. Wednesday morning the remains, accompanied by relatives, came to Apple River. Many old friends met them at that place, after which they proceeded to the Salem M. E. church where services were conducted by Rev. E. Mackemer. She was laid to rest in Thompson cemetery beside her husband who passed away eight years before. She made her home in Thompson township until two years ago, when she thought she could receive better medical aid at Dubuque, and she remained there until her death, giving her relatives occasional visits during the time. Being an active woman in her life, she has lent many a helping hand to the sick and distressed. Mr. and Mrs. Westaby aided greatly in the construction of the Salem M. E. church of which she was a member. Mrs. M. R.

CHARLES WESTABY , The subject of this sketch was born at Barrow on Humber, England, April 27, 1825, and died at his home in Thompson township, April 16, 1897. He followed farming in the mother country up to the time of his departure for the new world in 1850. Coming directly to Illinois, he settled near Thompson’s mill, where for nearly half a century he was a highly respected neighbor and friend. He was converted in early life joining the Methodist church at Barton on Humber. He was one of the founders of Salem M. E. church in Thompson, and remained a steadfast, loyal member, laboring untiringly for the spiritual and material prosperity of that organization in the relations of trustee, class-leader, Sunday school teacher and superintendent.

In 1852 he was married to Miss Mary Gantby. Nine children blessed their union, five of whom survive. Three sons, Spencer, Spalding and Thomas reside in South Dakota; a daughter, Mrs. H. C. Hess, at Sleepy Eve, Minnesota; and James, the youngest, on the home farm in Thompson, where the father breathed his last. An attack of the flammatory rheumatism of several years ago left him with valvular heart trouble; this with liver trouble, brought on dropsy which ended his life. He suffered intensely at the last; but his faith triumphed and his joy in the risen Lord made his sickbed a throne of spiritual power. Funeral services were conducted at Salem church by his life-long friend, Rev. Thomas Mundy Roberts, interment being made in Thompson cemetery

GEORGE RICE WESTABY , was born in Barrow, Lincolnshire, Eng., Nov. 19, 1822, was married April 12, 1850, to Miss Ann Wilson, and immigrated to this county, where he lived continuously until his death on the 9th inst. He leaves a widow and four sons, three children having died while young. His funeral was held at Salem M. E. church (the site of which he donated to the church) on the 12th inst., the pastor of the church, the rev. T. D. Monroe officiating. A large concourse of people gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory, many coming from Galena, Apple River and Lena. His remains were interred in the Thompson cemetery.

Mr. Westaby was almost the last of the pioneers who settled in Thompson a generation ago, where instead of the comfortable farm horses, orchards and productive fields now to be seen on every hand only wild, unbroken land was to be seen as far as the eye could reach. Few of this band now survive. C. C. Thompson, James Barningham, Phillip Parkin, William Whitham and others, have preceded him to their last resting place. The heads of the few who remain are whitened by the frost of many winters, and soon there will be none of them left.

Trained to the habits of industry and frugality, from his early boyhood, Mr. Westaby prospered financially, and leaves his family in comfortable circumstances. The generous hospitality, the cheerful willingness to assist a neighbor in time of need always to be found in new countries, marked his life to the last. Every one in need of neighborly aid went to him with confidence that he would lend a willing hand. A cheerful disposition and a gentle humor pervaded his life. He was no cynic. He did not croak and groan. He made life happier and more cheerful for those who came in contact with him. He was the children’s friend. He did not grow sour and crabbed with years. He mellowed with age and grew old gracefully. A worthy citizen, a good neighbor, a kind indulgent husband and father is gone. H. W. M.
Website of Diane Midkiff / Rootsweb

SPALDING WESTABY Apple River - Relatives here have received word of the death of Spalding Westaby,83 years old, a native of Jo Daviess County which occurred recently at Madison Wisc. Death resulted from injuries suffered in a fall. Mr. Westaby was born on Jan. 10, 1857 and was united in marriage to Nellie Foley in Thompson Twp. on March 27, 1878. In 1881 they moved to the west. Mrs. Westaby passed away at Regent ND in July 1926.

Surviving are seven children - Mrs. Will Casey of Madison WI; Arthur & Charles of Oakland CA; Raymond of Monterey CA; Mrs. Hannah C. Bowers & Mrs. Herman Shienvogt of Regent N.D.; Mrs. August Wessell of Charter Oak IA; five great grandchildren, a brother James R. of Alexander IA; a sister Mrs.H.C. Hess of Minneapolis. Two brothers preceded him in death, Spencer G. in 1936 & Thomas C. in 1938.
Freeport Journal Standard 16 January 1941

THOMAS WESTABY - Mrs. Cora Roberts has received word of the death of her cousin Thomas Westaby of Yakima Wash. He death occurred suddenly on Good Friday (28 April 1939). Mr. Westaby was the son of the late Charles and Mary Westaby. He was born and raised in Thompson Twp. and will be remembered by many.
Freeport Journal Standard 03 May 1939

WILLIAM J. WHITE , 86, a native of Hanover died Saturday Jan. 26, 1947 at his home in Oelweir Iowa. The remains were brought to the Therrien funeral home where friends called. Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the United Presbyterian church, Hanover, with the Rev. Hubert L. Sturgill, pastor of the Methodist church, Hanover, officiating. During the services Mrs. Olive Speer played softly. Casket attendants were Glenn Carson, J. Wallace Moore, J.J. Rogers, J. Leslie Speer, Allen Woolcott, and John Speer. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery. He was the son of James Whitney and Harriet Fowler White and was born at Hanover, Jo Daviess County IL August 1, 1860. He married Elizabeth Harper on Sept. 11, 1884 at Honover, where he resided until 1900 when they moved to Iowa. Mrs. White died Feb. 10, 1938. Surviving are a son James W. White, at home, two daughters, Mrs. R.E. Boyd, of Mt. Carroll and Mrs. John Kanestrom of Troudale OR, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Contributed by Michael Skoworn
Biography of James White s/o William J. White

GLENN THOMAS WHITINGTON , age 89, of Hanover, Illinois, died on Saturday, October 8, 2005 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2005 at the United Presbyterian Church, Hanover. Pastors Ken Matthews and Lynn Matthews will officiate. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday, October 10, 2005 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover. Memorials may be given to the United Presbyterian Church of Hanover in Glenn’s memory. Glenn was born November 5, 1915, the son of Clifford and Laurel (Sullivan) Whitington, in Wanlock, Illinois. Glenn attended school in Gilchrist, Illinois, Viola, Illinois, and Leeville, Kansas. He graduated from Viola High School in 1935. Glenn married Frances M. Needham on November 18, 1936, in Viola, IL. Frances died on November 25, 2004. Glenn worked as a hydraulic press operator for John Deere Company for thirty years, retiring on December 24, 1971. He also worked in a coal mine in Mercer County and at Hy-Tex Brick Company in Shale City, IL. Glenn was an elder at the United Presbyterian Church of Hanover, IL. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping, making family home videos, and playing cards. Glenn also loved to travel, and especially enjoyed tournament bass fishing. Glenn will be deeply missed by four sons, Richard (Mary Lou) Whittington of Aledo, IL; Robert (Mary Jane) Whitington of Sherrard, IL; Roger (Sandy) Whitington of Viola, IL; and Jerry (Abbie) Whittington of Aledo, IL; two daughters, Rose Ann Wilson and her friend Larry of Macomb, IL; and Janice Johnson of New Windsor, IL; three sisters, Vivian Edgerton of Savanna, IL; Hazel Speer of Hanover, IL; and Betty Slaymaker of Albany, IL; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-granchildren. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Frances.

BRUCE M. WILLIAMS , age 77, of Elizabeth, Illinois, died Saturday, April 1, 2006 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 6, 2006 at the United Methodist Church in Elizabeth, Illinois. Pastor Jennifer A. Wilson of the Grace United Methodist Church of LaSalle, Illinois will officiate, assisted by Reverend David Poust, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Elizabeth. Burial will be in Elizabeth Cemetery, Elizabeth, Illinois. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Elizabeth, Illinois. A memorial fund is being established in Bruce’s name. Bruce was born July 13, 1928, the son of Roy and Blanche (Rife) Williams in Stockton, Illinois. He was a 1946 graduate of Stockton High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1947-1949, later serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Donna M. Schmidt December 22, 1953 and had three children. Bruce was a Salesman for the JoDaviess Service Company for 30 years, retiring in 1983. Upon retirement, he kept busy driving school bus for River Ridge School and helping out at his son’s business. He earned the status of Honorary Fireman after serving 26 years with the Elizabeth Fire Department, seven of which were as Fire Chief. Bruce enjoyed all sports, but especially the Cubs and local teams. Often he attended games to umpire, coach or support family members. He was inducted into the Shoot the Bull Hall of Fame in 2000. He enjoyed bowling and golfing in local leagues, as well as playing cards with friends on Saturday mornings. He found pleasure using his lawn tractor to mow or give grandchildren a ride. He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Eliza Bruce will be dearly missed by his daughters Debbie (Jim) Arnold of Stockton, Il., Cheryl (James) Knauer of Elizabeth, Il., and his son Jeff (Crystal) Williams of Elizabeth, Illinois; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna; two sisters, Luella Elliott and Dorothy Dittmar; four brothers, two in infancy and Donald and Wayne

ERNEST R. WILLIAMS , 81, Winslow, died Thurs 10 Aug 1989...Freeport ...Born 16 Mar 1908 in Jo Daviess Co...was the son of James & Wilhelmina (Reusch) Williams...married Edith Atz 2 Nov 1932 at Elgin IL. She preceded him in death 2 June 1963. He then married Evelyn Fox 10 Dec 1963 in Freeport...farmed...in Stephenson Co IL. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs Raymond (Irma) Eder, Orangeville & Gloria Loyal Heid, Rockford; two sons, Harold, Eagle River & Dale, Winslow; two sisters, Myrtle Appel, Milan IL & Thelma Bonjour, Warren; 10 grandchildren & 18 greatgrandchildren...preceded in death by his first wife, three sisters & a brother. Funeral...Mon (14 August 1989) at Lena United Methodist Church, with the Rev James Engel officiating. Burial...Ladies Union Cemetery, Stockton IL...

KENNETH RAY WILLIAMS age 64, of Elizabeth, Illinois died Friday, March 31, 2006 at home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2006 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Elizabeth, with Pastor Harvey Nicholson officiating. Burial will be in the Elizabeth Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Elizabeth. A memorial fund has been established in Kenny’s name. Kenny was born July 19, 1941 in Freeport, Illinois, the son of R. Earl and Loretta (Bohnhoff) Williams. He attended the Allen Country School near Elizabeth and was a 1959 graduate of the Elizabeth High School. Kenny married Judy Eadie June 17, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elizabeth. Kenny farmed from 1975 until present near Elizabeth. He previously worked for Fischer Plumbing & Htg., and owned and operated Ken’s Mobile Milling from 1963 until 1974. He was a member of the Elizabeth Town Board for many years, he served on the Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 25 years, and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Kenny loved his family and friends. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandchildren in Minnesota. He also liked hunting, boating, snowmobiling, playing euchre and bowling. Kenny will be dearly missed by his wife, Judy of Elizabeth; two daughters, Tracy (Raymie) Diestelmeier of Elizabeth and Trudy (Jeff) Reiter of Dubuque, Iowa; one son, Todd Williams of Elizabeth; eight grandchildren, Kurt, Troy, Bryce and Jenna Diestelmeier, Andy and Alex Reiter and Chris and Carissa Williams; and one sister, Jeanie Wiley of East Dubuque, Illinois. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Adam Diestelmeier and several aunts and uncles.

JOSEPH WISE an old and well known citizen of this County, died at his home in Sand Prairie, on Wednesday, May 16th, at the age of 64 years. Deceased was an experienced miner, and for many years had actively engaged in mining enterprises. He struck several paying loads on his own lands in New California, and expended large sums in proving and developing new ground. The celebrated Wise diggings was owned by him, and was visited by hundreds of people who had heard of its richness. He was an honest, industrious man, and was universally respected by all who knew him. A wife and two boys survive him. ( 4 sons and a daughter) The funeral will take place from the family residence on Sand Prairie, on Friday, May 18th, at 9 o'clock am The remains will be brought to Galena for interment. The friends of the family are invited to attend.
Contributed by Peggy Walrath - Thur June 17, 1877 Galena Daily

JOSEPH WISE son of Mrs. Rosanna Wise, at Sand Prairie Diggings, died this morning of Erysepelas, aged 33 years. The funeral will take place from the residence next Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Exercises at the grave, at Greenwood Cemetery at 12 o'clock.
Contributed by Peggy Walrath - March 23, 1885 Galena Daily.
Card of Thanks - We are much obliged for the services rendered by friends and to the following named gentlemen who acted as pallbearers: Wm Callie, George Knoebel, Herman Helstein, Phil Friesenecker, Frank Burrichter and Wm Kirschbaum.--Mrs. R. Wise and Family

ROSANNA (SMITH) WISE relict of the late Joseph Wise, died at her home in Rice township Wednesday, April 3, aged 70 years. Her death was due to a fracture of a limb sustained by a fall at her home four months ago. She had to appearances almost recovered when mortification set in and twenty-four hours before her death she received the fatal stroke. The deceased was well known in Galena and vicinity and was esteemed by her neighbors as a woman of practical charity and benevolence, who was ever ready to give help to the needy and solace to the afflicted. She had lived here since 1837. She was born in Chester County, PA, March 6, 1825 and came to Galena with her parents when twelve years old. Her father was John Smith, well known as a steamboat man here in early days. He went to California in 1849, and lost his life on the steamer "America", which was burned between San Francisco and the Cape.

The marriage of the deceased to Joseph Wise took place in Galena May 10 (Jan 30), 1845. His death occurred May 16, 1877. Of eight children born to them four (5) survive. They are John, of Smithland IA, (Joseph), Anthony, of Freeport, Abraham of Minnewaukan ND and Virginia, the wife of Paul Gerlich, who occupies the homestead and with whom her mother has lived for some years. The funeral will take place from the residence at 10 o'clock, Rev Geo. D. Lindsay officiating. Interment in Greenwood.
Contributed by Peggy Walrath - Galena Daily 4 April 1895

BENJAMIN BABB WOODWORTH , son of Luther Porter and Marcia M. Woodworth was born in Painesville, Ohio, March 13, 1841 and passed away at his home, six miles south of Goodrich, N.D. Sunday Oct.24. Aged 74 years 7 months 11 days. He was one of a family of six, one brother William and four sisters Almria Sherk, Martha Wing, Alida Brininger and Inez Elston, none whom are living except Mrs. Elston of Arnold  s Park, Iowa the youngest of the family. The deceased came to Warren with his parents in 1851 and lived with them on the old Woodworth homestead southwest of Warren. He was married to Marian Batters, Sept & 2 1862, he had previously enlisted in Co. K of the 96th Ill. Inf. The day following his marriage he went with his regiment to the front. He was mustered out at the close of the war, after which he lived in and around Warren until fourteen years ago when he moved to Goodrich, N.D. where he took up a homestead.

The illness of Mr. Woodworth has been of long duration, for the last year he has been confined to his home. Previous to this time he made several visits to his old home at Warren. He never once forgot his earliest friends and his happiest hours were spent with them. He has been a faithful member of the Free Will Baptist church of Warren for a number of years. He leaves to mourn his loss a most faithful wife, three daughters, Mrs. Alice Prichard of Warren, Ill., Mrs. Nellie Bennett of Colville, Wash. Mrs. Inez Grape, of Goodrich, N.D. One son, L.P. Woodworth, Cathese, N.D. twenty-three grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

One son and one daughter having preceded their father to the Great Beyond. Services were held Sunday, Oct.31, 2 pm at the Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. L.A. Miller, of Griggsville, Ill., assisted by Rev. Miller of the M.E. Church, the G.A.R. and Ladies of the G.A.R. In his deal and personal contact he was always deserving in his disposition and yet firm in his convictions of what he thought was right and honorable. Not only his immediate family but all those who knew him as a friend will remember his as one deserving their highest confidence and esteem. He was a familiar figure in our own town for the past fifty years and more he will be missed by old and young.
Submitted By Alayne Hammer - From The Warren Sentinel Leader November 3, 1915 Vol.59 No.39

WILLIAM H. WOODWORTH , died at his home in this place Friday noon, June 2, 1911, after a long lingering sickness, aged about 76 years. The funeral occurred the following Monday, under the service of the G.A.R. Interment being made in Elmwood Cemetery. Comrade Woodworth was a veteran of Company E, 15th Ill. Vol. Inf., and was among the first men from Warren to enlist in the service of his country. He contracted rheumatism from exposure in the service and was a constant but patient sufferer from that disease to the day of his death. A suitable obituary will be prepared for publication next week.
Warren Sentinel-Leader June 7, 1911 Vol.55 No.17

OBITUARY
William H. Woodworth was born in Plainsville, Ohio, April 18, 1837, and died at Warren, Illinois, June 2, 1911, aged 74 years, 1 month and 14 days. He was the oldest son of Luther P. and Marcia Woodworth and came to Warren in 1851. His early life was spent on the home farm, southwest of town. He worked at the masonry trade until he enlisted April 12, 1861, on the 15 Illinois Infantry. On account of disability he was discharged May 12, 1863. He was married to Samantha E. Coverly of Warren October 30, 1873. Not being blessed with children they raised from infancy Charles S. of Winslow and Hattie M. of Warren. They also made a home for six years for two nieces Martha and Milre Coverly of Spokane, Wash.

He leaves to mourn his death, besides his wife and two foster children, one brother and three sisters, Benjamin B. Goodrich, North Dakota, Mrs. Martha Brininger, Warren, and Mrs. Elston, Arnold Park, Iowa. He also leaves a number of other relatives. Mrs. Thos. Sherk deceased, was a sister. The funeral services were held at his late home Monday June 5. Rev. Holt and Rev. Reed officiated. The G.A.R. conducted the services at the cemetery. Comrades Robert Renwick, Robert Drake, H.S. Van Dewort, G.W. Pepoon, James Hicks and John Foster were the honorary pallbearers. Frank Boone, George Wilson, Frank Clock, Edwin Clock, Louis Pepoon and George Pepoon.

Comrade William H. Woodworth was probably the first man in Warren to enlist in the service of the United States, in 1861, when the news was received that Fort Sumpter had been fired upon and that President Lincoln had issued a call for 75,000 volunteers. The call for volunteers was filled before the company in Warren was organized, so it first went into the State service about two weeks later became Company E. of the 15th Ill. Vol. Inf. He participated in all the experienced of the regiment until after the fall of Vicksburg, s narrated in out recent diary from Comrade A.L. Spencer, Marshfield, Mo. Because of rheumatism which affected him all the balance of his life, he was discharged from the service May 12,1863, but remained with his regiment until July 6. He was greatly reduced in flesh that he weighed but 86 pounds when he reached home. With his life in Warren, and on his farm those our readers who knew him are familiar. He was a man always interested in town and public affairs and believed it was a duty a citizen owed his country to attend public gatherings, caucuses, conventions, and meetings and give voice to one’s sentiments. In public affairs he was always an uncompromising republican, and he gave freely of his time and money in support of what he believed to be right in political affairs. In matters of business he was always prompt and reliable, and in personal friendships he was warm and true. He was a charter member of the Thos. E. Champion Post 315 G.A.R., Dept. of Illinois, and a member of Jo Daviess Lodge 278 A.F. and A.M. During the years since his discharge from the U.S. Army he was incapable of manual labor on account of disability aquired in the service. He was a great reader and kept himself well informed as to public affairs.
Warren Sentinel Leader June 14, 1911 Vol.55 No. 18

ELINORE (McBRIDE) WUEBBEN , 69, of Warren, died Tuesday at Freeport Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Bartell Funeral Home, Warren with the Rev. Walt Lundsford of Lena United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Warren. Visitation will be 4-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Wuebben was born Aug. 31, 1921 in Rock Falls, the daughter of Frank and Margaret (Ewert) McBride. She married Robert Wuebben Oct 21, 1943 in Rochelle. She had been employed at Swiss Colony, Monroe, Wis., Savanna Ordinance Chapel, Savanna, and most recently at Heritage Seed Co., Warren. She was an active volunteer. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Richard of Monroe, Wis. and Bruce of Elroy; two daughters, Linda Katzenberger of Gratiot, Wis. and Diane Embry of Warren; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Francis and William, both of Sterling, and Roger of Florida; one sister, Mrs. Anne Hay of Rock Falls.
Contributed by Barbara Nugent

LORRAINE ANN (RAAB) WURSTER , 38, of Stockton , died Tuesday July 21, 1998 as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident. (Transcriber’s note: she was pronounced dead in Rockford , Winnebago County , Illinois .) A daughter of Wayne and Hazel (Bonnell) Raab, she was born December 31, 1959 in Freeport . She graduated from Stockton High School in 1978. On May 11, 1991 she and Thomas Wurster were married in Mount Carroll . She worked for Kelly-Springfield Tire Company. She had a love for animals, especially her dogs and horses, and she enjoyed spending time with her family. She also liked antiques and garage sales. Surviving are her husband; her parents of Stockton; one son, Aaron Wurster of Stockton; one daughter, Abbie Wurster of Stockton; one stepdaughter, Katie Wurster of Hollandale, Wisconsin; one brother, Brian (Teresa) Raab of Mount Carroll; four sisters, Bonnie (Jim) Kuhse of Gratiot, Wisconsin, Rhonda (Tony) Holland of DeWitt, Michigan, Darla (John) Korth of Stockton, and Tina (Randall) Adolph of Mount Carroll. Preceding her in death were her grandparents and several aunts and uncles. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton , with the Rev. Arthur Stees of Derinda Trinity Lutheran Church in Elizabeth officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . A memorial trust fund has been established for her children.
Contributed by Alice Horner