FRANCES E. MELUGIN
DR. F. E. MELUGIN, CIVIL WAR VETERAN, ANSWERS LAST GRAND ROLL CALL BELOVED THOMSON PHYSICIAN IS TAKEN BY DEATH MONDAY EVENING - FUNERAL HELD WEDNESDAY
By Rev. Clark Williams
Dr. F.E. Melugin, one of York township's best known and most beloved citizens, passed away at his home in Thomson last Monday evening, following an illness of several months. He began to fail in health early last summer, and about three months ago, when he became worse, his illness was diagnosed as cancer of the stomach, and it was realized then that he had not long to live. He continued to grow worse, and during the past few weeks has failed rapidly, and at times suffered a great deal. For ten days prior to the end, his death was momentarily expected. Dr. Melugin was one of the oldest practicing physicians in Carroll county, and was widely known and esteemed. He was engaged in the practice of his profession in Thomson continuously for over 46 years, spending a life time of service for the relief of suffering of humanity. During these years he won the love and respect of all, and his death will be keenly felt in this community. He was a member of the Masonic, Easter Star and Odd Fellow orders, and the G.A.R., and while in good health, was active in all these various organizations. He loved Thomson as it is given to but few men to love their home town and sought its civic welfare at all times. He was a booster of all community enterprises, a supporter of all good and righteous causes, and yet found time to remember the individual. Many young men were helped on to success unknown to the world through the encouragement and help given them by Dr. Melugin. One of the most touching incidents of his last few weeks was the publication of a letter of appreciation to all those who had offered their sympathy and help in his illness. While it voiced his thanks, it was mutely expressive of his thoughtfulness for others, and his gratitude for the return in a small measure of the help that he had for years given so unstintedly to others. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, with a brief prayer service at the home at 1:30, and religious services at the Methodist church at two o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Clark Williams, assisted by the Rev. A. G. Prestage. Music was furnished by the Masonic male quartette of Fulton. The Masonic burial ritual was exemplified by the local lodge, assisted by Past Master W. A. Bristol of Savanna, part of the ceremonial being conducted at the church because of the extreme cold, and the remainder at the grave. The pall bearers were B. R. Lewis, Norman French, Blaine Peck, Ed. Porter, George Hicks and R. L. Fuller.
OBITUARY
Francis E. Melugin was born in Lee County, Illinois, on February 15, 1846, and died at his home in Thomson, Illinois, about 6:40 o'clock on Monday evening, December 21, 1925, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 6 days. The years of his early life were spent on the farm where he was born, and here he received all the education possible in the country schools of the then new West. His further education was gained only by the dint of his own efforts and application, and it was thus, in his youth, that he acquired the studious efforts that marked his life. When the Civil war broke out the lad, although only a boy in years, but a man in stature, sought to enlist. Because of his extreme youth he was rejected, but fired by patriotism and love of country, he again offered his services to his country a year later, and was again denied. Undaunted, he tried again in 1863, and on August 11th that year, enlisted in Co. I, 89th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Amboy, Illinois. His enlistment came in the darkest days of the war, and he soon saw active service, spending in all 72 days under fire. Then, during Sherman's March to the Sea, he was badly wounded, and for many months hovered between life and death. His youthful vitality finally conquered, however, and he won his way back to health, although throughout his lifetime he carried the scars and suffered the handicaps of five wounds. When he had recovered, he refused the discharge that was offered him, and because of his intense desire to serve his country, he was transferred, in February, 1865, to Co. D, 4th V.R.C. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illinois, on July 21, 1865, after serving his country well and faithfully for one year, eleven months and ten days. In 1868, as a young man of 22 years, he came to Carroll county, where he settled on a farm. Because of the results of his wounds, however, he was forced to give up farming, and in 1873, he came to Thomson, where he has since resided. After conducting a drug store for a few years, he went to New York to study medicine, and in 1879, he was graduated from the Long Island Hospital College. Since that time, for over 46 years, he has devoted his life to the practice of medicine in this village, submerging himself, - giving up many tempting offers elsewhere, in order to serve the people whom he loved. During the past 25 years he has been aided in this practice by Dr. Mary Sagner one of his first wards. On October 15, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Florence E. Phillips. Denied the boon of fatherhood, his love for children found an outlet in caring for homeless boys and girls that he took into his home and raised as his own. Four of them survive with the sorrowing wife to mourn his departure, Eva Sweitzer Naylor, wife of Charles Naylor of Milledgeville, Ill., Bennett Watkins of Fenton, Illinois, Carl Watkins at home, and Anita, an adopted daughter, at home. He is also survived by a brother, Luther, of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Frank and outspoken in manner, he was kind and charitable at heart, and the full extent of his philanthropies will never be known. He was a typical family physician of the old school, loyal to the highest ethics of his profession, and faithful and unswerving in his devotion to his patients. In his daily life he sought, so far as is humanly possible, to emulate the example of the Great Physician, and like Him, suffered the pangs of the flesh from he tried to save others. His love for God and his fellowmen and his devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ marked him as the real Christian, known by his works more than by the words of his mouth. When confronted about three months ago with the knowledge of a lingering death, he fought bravely on like the man he was, uncomplaining, prepared to die, and yet loving life for the sake of his loved ones. He will be sadly missed in the home, from which his form has been taken, but their loss is the loss of the entire community, and all, man and woman, boy and girl, rich and poor, alike mourn his death. He gave his death for others.
Contributed by Alice Horner received by Kathy Campbell
Source: Newspaper Clipping and Obituary, 24 Dec. 1925, Thomson Review, Thomson, IL, p. 1. l

JOANN (WETZEL) MENZ age 71 of Hinckley, IL passed away on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at her home with her family around her. She was born on July 17, 1932 in Oregon, IL the daughter of Joe and Edna (Thomas) Wetzel. She was united in marriage on April 2, 1954 in Ashton, IL to Mr. Francis D. Menz and they spent the next 33 happy years together until his passing on May 26, 1987. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who will be deeply missed by her family and many friends. Mrs. Menz was a member of the St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Hinckley, IL. JoAnn cooked for many years at the Holiday Inn in North Aurora and continued cooking there when it became Asbury Gardens. She enjoyed quilting and crocheting, but most of all she loved to play bingo. She is survived by her daughter, Debra Osland of Lincoln, Nebraska, her sons, Steven (Joan) Menz of Sandwich, IL, Larry Menz of Hinckley, IL and Tom Menz of Hinckley, IL; her grandchildren, Jason and Jarrod Osland and Joe and Jenny Menz; her brothers, Bob (Mary) Wetzel of Ashton, IL, Wayne (Carolyn) Wetzel of Ashton, IL and Don Wetzel of Stillman Valley, IL; and her sister, Betty Davis of Rockford, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Edna Wetzel; her husband, Francis Menz; her grandson, Jeffrey Osland; and her brother, Ray Wetzel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 3, 2004 at the Nash-Nelson Memorial Chapel in Hinckley, IL. with Rev. Dr. Fay Quanstrom officiating. Interment will follow in the Ashton Cemetery in Ashton, IL

GOLDIE (GROTH) McLINDSAY 100, of Amboy, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, at the home of her daughter. She was employed by Conco Engineering Inc., Mendota, from 21 years before retiring; and by Orchard Glen Nursing Home, Dixon , and Mapleside Manor Nursing Home, Amboy. She provided home care for the elderly and was a baby sitter. Goldie was born Nov. 11, 1906, in Amboy, the daughter of Ervin and Olive Rebecca (Tyrell) Groth. She married James McLindsay Sr. on July 16, 1927. He preceded her in death on July 19, 1985. She was a member of United First Church , Amboy. Survivors include a daughter, Doris Ketchum of Amboy; a son, Richard McLindsay of Amboy; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a special family, Jim, Jean and Matt Travi of Amboy. She was preceded in death by a son, James McLindsay; two brothers, Ervin and James in infancy; a sister, Mary Cook; a great-grandson, Joseph Ketchum; two great-great-grandchildren in infancy; son-in-law, Perry Ketchum; and daughter-in-law, Mary McLindsay. The funeral is at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mihm-Jones Funeral Home, Amboy, with the Rev. Frank Brozenec, pastor of East Grove Union Church, officiating. Burial is at Prairie Repose Cemetery , Amboy. Visitation is from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley .
The Dixon Telegraph, Tuesday, August 21, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1-2

ALICE (BRIERTON) MISSMAN , daughter of Sylvester & Jane Elizabet Brierton was born in Palestine Grove April 11, 1859, and passed away Dec, 10, 1947 at 802 First St. Although she was advanced in years, her death came suddenly and unexpectedly. She was united in marriage to Herman Missman August 19, 1875. Too this union was born two sons Arthur of Nelson and Oscar of South Dixon and five grandchildren; Mrs. Bessie Withers of Mt. Morris; Nellie Hoyle of Nelson; Floyd Missman of Nashusa; Clifford Missman of Rock Island; Lester Missman passing away in young manhood and 7 great grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death 11 years ago. She was a faithful and active member of the Methodist Church until the last few years. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

MILTON WILLIAM MISSMAN was born on a farm in Nelson Twp. Jan. 3, 1863 the youngest son of Gearhardt H. and Mary Leydig Missman. He was proud of the fact that when a young man he operated the first steam driven threshing machine in this vicinity. Later he managed a creamery on his father's farm in Walton. In 1891 he engaged in business in Pipestone Minn. where he established his home after his marriage to Leva A. Goodyear on Oct. 16, 1893. Two daughters, Leva Elizabeth and Mary Lorraine were born in Minnesota. The family moved to Dixon in 1913 and has lived for 30 years in the house he built at 818 Brinton Avenue. Although he had been in failing health for the past five years he was confined to his bed but a week. His death occurred on the morning of May 15, 1945.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 18 May 1945

MICHAEL E. MOOREHEAD , 55, of Tom Bean, Texas , formerly of Paw-Paw, died Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, in Texoma Medical Center , Dennison , Texas . Mr. Moorehead was born Sept. 23, 1951, in Sandwich , Ill. To Roger and Dorothy (Jones) Moorehead. He was a graduate of Paw-Paw High School , Class of 1969, and he was employed as a truck driver. Survived by his parents of Paw-Paw; sons, Troy Moorehead, Michael Byrant, both of Tom Bean, Texas, and Dennis Bryant of Peoria; brothers, Kevin of San Francisco, Dan of Compton, and Doug (April) of Rochelle; sister, Becky (Dick) Provi of Loves Park; and six grandchildren. Preceded in death by grandparents and brother, David. Service at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, in Paw-Paw United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Foster officiating. Burial in Wyoming Township Cemetery . Visitation from 1 p.m. until time of service in the church. Arrangements by Torman Funeral Home. Taken from: Rockford Register Star, Saturday, September 1, 2007, Page 5B – Col. 5

JOSHUA CARMEN MORGAN - July 12 at his residence in Gap Grove, Lee county, Ill, Joshua C. Morgan aged forty-six years. Brother Morgan was born July 14, 1803 in Greene Co. Ohio. In October 1823 he emigrated to Sangamon county, IL; thence he afterward removed to Pekin, Tazewell county, and subsuently to Gap Grove, Lee county where he resided till his death. In 1843 after his removal to Lee county he embraced religion and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. A few weeks before his death his eldest son (Isaac) was called away by typhus fever. He attended our last quarterly conference, returned home sick and died in about 20 days of typhus fever.
Contributed by James L. Fisher (World Connect) - Western Chistian Advocate

CHRISTOPHER MOSSHOLDER , 22, of Scottsdale , Ariz. , formerly of Dixon , died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007, at Banner Desert Medical Center , Mesa , Ariz. Christopher was born Aug. 14, 1984, in Sterling , the son of Douglas and Diane (Heck) Mossholder. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and recently attended Sauk Valley Community College . He was a member of Pathways, an avid reader and an Extreme Sport enthusiast. Survivors include his parents, Douglas Mossholder and Diane Mossholder, both of Dixon; two brothers, David Mossholder and Joshua Mossholder, a sister, Theresa Mossholder, maternal grandparents, Dan and Mary Heck, and paternal grandparents, Aaron and Anne Mossholder, all of Dixon; a very special little girl; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon . Burial is at Emmanual Cemetery , Dixon . Visitation Wednesday at Jones Funeral Home, Dixon .
Contributed by Pat Esterday - Taken from: The Dixon Telegraph, Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 3-4

CARRIE (LOWERY) MOSSHOLDER , 74, of 815 Jefferson died at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday in KSB Hospital after a lingering illness. Survivors include 5 daughters all of Dixon; Mr. Wynn (Edna) Seybert, Mrs. Earl (Nada) Guise, Mrs. Robert (Irene) O'Bryant, Hattie Mossholder, and Mrs. Oliver (Gertrude) Mumford; three sons, Lester of Dixon; Leroy, Miller SD; and Henry, Denver; two sister, Mrs. Emma Hickman of Dixon and Mrs. Jennie Hickman of Davis Junction; 21 grandchildren and 9 Great grandchildren. She was preceded by 3 brothers, five sisters and her parents. Services will be Saturday at Chapel Hill funeral home, the Rev. Samuel Batt will officiate. Burial in Chapel Hill.
Dixon Evening Telegraph

MARY FRANCIS MOSSHOLDER , better known as Fannie, died suddenly at 4 p.m. Monday (27 August 1951) at the home of Miss Hazel Barnes, Amboy. Miss Mossholder was born in South Dixon Twp. Apr. 13, 1872 the daughter of Nicholas and Mary Isabella Evans Mossholder. She was a lifelong resident of Lee County. She was preceded by her parents, three sisters and two brothers. Services were conducted by Samuel Batt, burial in Emmanuel Cemetery.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 28 August 1951

ROWENA MOTT - Funeral services were held at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday for Mrs. Rowena Mott of Chicago who died Saturday in Chicago. Rev. Mason Hopkins of the New Bedford Christian Church officiated at the services with burial in Fairfield-Greenville Cemetery in New Bedford. Mrs. Wayne Larson was at the organ with Mrs. Raymond Stroup singing "In The Garden" and "Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown?" Pallbearers were Gilbert Easter, Frank Swanson, Allan Henne, Arthur Schaad, Robert Forton and Jeffrey Henne. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. Cora Bates and E. C. Stickel
The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 8, 1962 - Wednesday, pg 6, col 3

MARTIN MUELLER , 78, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 10, 2008. He was born on Jan. 27, 1930, in Grooschgoen, Rom-ania, the son of Michael and Rosina (Buchner) Mueller. He came to the United States in 1949 with his parents of German decent and became a U.S. citizen in 1956. He married Helen Kroeger on Aug. 17, 1957, in Elgin. They lived four years in Elgin and worked for a dairy farmer. In 1965, Martin and Helen moved to Lena to farm. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Stephenson County Farm Bureau and a member of the Family Dairies Coop. He is survived by his wife, Helen; Dale Robert (Christy) of Warren, Jeff (Dianne) of Lena, Brian (Laurie) of Lena and Bruce of Lena; grandchildren, Devon (Kelley) Mueller, Jamie (Natasha) Mueller, Jeremy, Matt, Katie and Kaylee Mueller; great-grand-children, Ethan, Landin and Mackinze Mueller; sisters, Maria (Eric) Schneider of Libertyville and Rosina Wolfork of Harvard; brothers, John (Minnie) Mueller of Lake Zurich and Michael (Ginger) Mueller of Arlington Heights; brother-in-law, Wally Kroeger; friend, Rosie of Freeport; many nieces, nephews and stepgrandchildren; and his canine friend, Addy. Preceded in death by parents; infant sister, Rosina; and brother, Michael. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 14, in St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena, with the Rev. Rick Bader officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 13, in Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens

EVERETT JAMES MULLINS , 91, of Ashton, died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at Franklin Grove Nursing Center . He served as a justice of the peace in the 1950s; was a farmer; and a truck driver for Burch and Carmichael before retiring. Everett was born May 7, 1916, in Compton, the son of Evert Joseph and Johana (Sieberns) Mullins. He was in the first four-year high school graduating class in Steward. He married Doris Clark on Aug. 4, 1941, in Missouri . She preceded him in death on Dec. 28, 1968. He married Vivian Pettenger on Jan. 17, 1970, in West Brooklyn . Everett was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Brooklyn, Teamsters Local Union 330, Elgin , and was a 32 degree Mason for more than 60 years. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Melanie Mullins of Rockford ; two sons, Lawrence (Jorja) Mullins of Machesney Park and David (Barbara) Mullins of Winnebago; a stepson, Douglas (Sandra) Pettenger of West Brooklyn; a sister, Evelyn Fitch of Castro Valley , Calif. ; five grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Margaret Browder. Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Brooklyn , with the Rev. Edward Hughes officiating. Burial is at Twin Grove Cemetery , Stewart. Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Arrangements were completed by Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Alzheimer’s Association, Ogle County Hospice and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, West Brooklyn .
Contributed by Pat Esterday - Taken from: The Dixon Telegraph, Thursday, August 23, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1-2

ELIZABETH (URMY) MYER residing with her daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Myer in Ottawa, died at 11:30 o’clock Monday morning. The passing away was peaceful and painless. She was 78 years of age and had been invalid and confined to the house with paralysis for nearly nine years.

She was born June 3, 1821, in New York and was married to George W. Myer September 17, 1844. They came to Lee County about forty-five years ago and settled on a farm three miles east of the city of Grand Detour road. Mr. Myer died December 14, 1888, and she has made her home with her daughter at Ottawa a greater portion of the time since. Besides her daughter four sons survive her. They are John H. of Goldfield, Colorado; George W. of Chicago and Charles A., of Boise City, Idaho. She was a member of the Second Methodist church of Ottawa and of the denomination for nearly sixty years. She had been perfectly helpless for about ten weeks.

She was well known to the older residents of this vicinity among whom she was held in the highest esteem. She was a true Christian woman and an affectionate and thoughtful wife and mother. The remains will be brought to this city over the Illinois Central and will arrive here at 4:18 Friday afternoon. They will be taken direct from the depot to the Frye cemetery at Mt. Union church east of Dixon, where they will be interred by the side of her husband and child. Preceding her in death. Re. J. T. Ladd of Ottawa will accompany the remains to this city. Three children will be present at the funeral, Mrs. Hills, George W. and Charles A. Myer.
Contributed By Charles Caughlan (Died 9 October 1899)

GEORGE W. MYER who died Tuesday night, was buried this afternoon (14 December 1886) at the Fry burial ground (Mt. Union Church Cemetery). The funeral service took place at the late residence, about three and half miles from Dixon, on the Grand Detour Road. Mr. Myer was a man much respected by all who know him. He was aged about eighty years.
Contributed by Charles Caughlan

ROBERT EDWIN MYER - From accidental drowning in Rock river on Aug. 11th, Rover Edwin Myer, aged 15 years and 55 months. Most loved by those who knew him best. “ O, my son Absalom! My son, my son, Absalom! Would God I had died for thee. O Absalom, my son, my son.” II Samuel 18.33. I take this method of returning my sincere thanks to the many kind neighbors at the “Bend” and those from Dixon; also to those persons for Palmyra and elsewhere, who were in the vicinity of the accident, for their patients, persevering, and successful efforts to recover the body of my son “Bob” last Thursday, after drowning in the River.
Contributed by Charles Caughlan (Born 25 February 1866 - died 11 August 1881)

Lee County Obituaries

Surnames A	Surnames B	Surnames C	Surnames D	Surnames E	Surnames F	Surnames G
Surnames H	Surnames I	Surnames J	Surnames K	Surnames L	Surnames M	Surnames N
Surnames O	Surnames P	Surnames Q	Surnames R	Surnames S	Surnames T	Surnames U
Surnames V	Surnames W	Surnames X	Surnames Y	Surnames Z