Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Ann Wooldridge, one of the oldest native-born residents of this vivinity, were held Thursday afternoon at the Huntman Funeral Home. Rev. J.A. Oesch, pastor of the Presbyterian Church officiated; and Mrs. Margaret Allen and Mrs. C.C. Giberson with Mrs. Hugh E. Menk accompanist, rendered the hymns. The following grand-sons served as escorts: Kermit, Milton, Truman and Earl Wooldridge, Tony Messerli and Victor Schnaare of St. Louis.

Death of Mrs. McGinnis. Mrs. Angeline McGinnis, relict of the late Martin McGinnis, who formerly resided in Bird township, died at the home of the daughter, Mrs. Henry Slaght, in Nilwood, Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock, aged 78 years. Funeral Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock from Charity church. (Carlinville Democrat Sep. 30, 1903). - Contributed by Matthew

Died on Tuesday afternoon, in this city. Mrs. Basil Wright, aged sixty four years. She was born in Tennessee, but has lived for many years in this section, and was beloved by all who knew her. Her remains were taken to Carlinville this morning for burial. The bereaved husband and children have the sympathy of this entire community in this hour of sorrow. (Girard Gazette June 1, 1882). - Contributed by Matthew

Died at the Age of Ninety-Three. Basil L. Wright, of Girard, Passed Away Friday Afternoon. Funeral Services Sunday. On Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, at his home in Girard, an old citizen and pioneer of Macoupin county was called to the great beyond, in the person of Basil L. Wright, 93 years, 1 month and 6 days. His health had been gradually failing for the past year and the vital powers had slowly weakened until he was claimed by death. Mr. Wright was one of the early settlers of this county and was a well known figure both in Carlinville and Girard, for many years. Deceased formerly resided in the vicinity, but for the past twenty eight years had lived in Girard. Basil Wright was born in Kentucky on Nov. 3, 1817. He was one of a family of eight children, consisting of four brothers and five sisters. When a very young man he came to Illinois and had ever since been a resident of the state. Mr. Wright was married three times. He is survived by his widow and the following children namely: Mrs. James Sells, of Smith Center, Kansas; Mrs. Wm. Beasley, of Virden; Rev. Wm. Wright of Ocean Park, Cal., Mrs. E.H. Stebbin, of Jacksonville; and Mrs. Wm. Retherford, of Pawnee. Also surviving him are a number of grandchildren. He had always been an active, energetic citizen and was that type of man who by upright and conscious conduct had made a name as an honored and respected neighbor and friend. Coming to Illinois as he had at an early day he took part in and experienced the trials and also the joys incident to the growth of this country from a wilderness to what it is today. Mr. Wright was a man who believed in and practiced in his daily life those sterling qualities which make for better manhood and womanhood. He lived a long active and useful life and left as a heritage, an honored and respected name, more to be prized than great wealth. The funeral services were held in Girard at the Baptist church on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. A.H. Rhodes, of Carlinville, officiating assisted by the local pastor. The funeral was very largely attended. Interment was made in the Girard cemetery. Those from this city who were in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth Chiles; Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Denby; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boring; Judge J.B. Vaughn; P.C. Davenport and daughter; Miss Marguerite, and Rev. and Mrs. A.H. Rhodes. (Carlinville Democrat Dec. 14, 1910). - Contributed by Matthew

Died. of scarlet fever, on Bear Creek, Feb. 10th, 1858, Thomas Wright, son of Basil Wright, aged 19 years and 4 months. He was a young man highly esteemed, a member of the Baptist church and died in full prospect of a happy immortality. He leaves a large family of relatives and numberous friends to mourn his loss. Hes is not lost, but gone before, For he has found the heavenly shore. (Carlinville Free Democrat, Feb. 11, 1858). - Contributed by Matthew

Died. At Mound City, Illinois, on the 7th last, Noah Wright, aged 20 years, 1 month and 8 days. The subject of the above enlisted in Capt. Rowett's Company July 19th, 1861, for three years' service. When urged by some of his friends to remain at home, his reply was "I would rather go than see my father go," thus showing not only a love of country, but a final regard for his parent scarecely equaled by one so young. He was born in Morgan co., Ill., and removed with his father to this co. eight years since. At an early age he wisely sought his God, and set for his young companions an example of piety by uniting with the church at this place, and ever after sustaining a character in unison with his profession. During his last illness, which lasted but a few days, he expressed to his companions a hope in Christ and a willingness to die, requesting that his brother might be permitted to return his body to his friends at home for interment. And although his brother was not informed of the death until 3 days after the burial, he sought and obtained permission, through the kindness of his Captain, Geo. Hunter, to disinter the body and bring it home, where it was a second time committed to the earth, followed by his numerous friends and acquaintances. P. C. W. Charity Church, Nov. 25, 1861 (Carlinville Free Democrat, Nov. 28, 1861) note: Noah was the son of Basil and Rachel Wright and served in the 7th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Co. K. - Contributed by Matthew

Death of Mrs. Davenport. Mrs. Milford E. Davenport, one of Macoupin county's oldest and most esteemed residents, died at the home of her son, Charles Davenport, Dec. 9, 1908, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 8 days. Mrs. Davenport has been in poor health for several months. Her death was not unexpected. Ellen Perilla Roach was born in Carroll Co., Tenn., March 1, 1827. In 1847 she removed with her parents to Illinois and became a resident of Macoupin county. In 1850 she was united in marriage to Milford E. Davenport and in 1852 they removed to Macoupin county and here they resided. To this union eleven children were born but three died in infancy and another, George, died at the age of 24 years. Surviving her are the seven sons, as follows: John Davenport, of Amyra, Ark.; Wm. Davenport, of Hettick; Martin A. Davenport, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Henry, Basil E., P.C. and Charles, all of Carlinville. Mrs. Davenport was converted at the age of sixteen and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church to which denomination her parents belonged. In 1853 she became a member of the Charity Baptist church where her membership remained until her death. Her husband, Milford E. Davenport, well known throughout the county, died in March, 1895. Mrs. Davenport was famed for her many noble qualities as a mother and Christian woman. She was one of Illinois' patriotic women who endured privations at home while her husband was in the front in the great civil war. Here was a severe trial. There were seven little boys demanding her care. Her husband sent her such money as he could but it was difficult for her at times to secure the necessaries of life. She endured many hardships and disappointments throughout those four long years. If what little stock she possessed died, she managed in some way to buy more. She was brave, heroic and patriotic throughout it all. The neighbors were kind and generous. Many times has she recalled those thrilling days and always with grateful appreciation of her neighbors' kindness, particularly Charles Morris and Mr. and Mrs. John Kessinger. She often stated that these good people never failed to inquire once a week during those long years to see if they could do anything for her. Mrs. Davenport was a sister of John Roach, of Girard. He was one of the leading business men of the county and died five years ago. They belonged to a stalwart family, inured to the privations of pioneer life. They were forceful people, exercising much influence in their communities. Mrs. Davenport was a woman of strong personality. She endured hardships unknown in this day, but through it all she was inspired by her Christian faith. Her transformation from this life to the one beyond was brightened by the presence and marked devotion of her sons and their families. They did everything possible to alleviate her suffering. She passed away surrounded by her loved ones, serene and confident in the faith that has been her hope and her inspiration. The funeral was held Thursday. A brief service was conducted at the house by Revs. Rhoads and Marsh, and at 1 o'clock the funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. Marsh at Charity. A large concourse of relatives, neighbors and friends were present, attesting the admiration and esteem in which the deceased was held. The remains were tenderly laid to rest in the family burying lot in the Charity cemetery. (Carlinville Democrat December 16, 1908). - Contributed by Matthew

Died - At his residence in the city, Monday, March 5th, Milford E. Davenport, aged 69 years. Funeral services at the residence, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment at Charity cemetery, seven miles northwest of this city. Again the angel of death has visited in our midst, this time taking one of our old settlers and citizens Milford Davenport. Last spring a cancer on his face, which grew with increasing rapidity, finishing its awful work, March 5, 1894. Mr. Davenport came from Kentucky to Morgan County, Ill. in 1849; a few years later came to Macoupin, living in this county ever since. He was married to Ellen Roach in 1856. Eleven children are the fruits of this union. Three children died in infancy (2 girls and a boy), and one grown son some 14 years ago, thus leaving seven grown sons with the widowed mother to mourn the loss of this husband and father. He was a soldier in both the Mexican and Civil wars; a follower of Christ for some 45 years. (Carlinville Democrat March 8, 1894). - Contributed by Matthew

John F. Roach Dead. Dies Suddenly While Seated in Chair. Our citizens were sadly shocked Tuesday afternoon, June 16th 1903, when the report was phoned over the city that one of our oldest and most highly respected citizens John F. Roach, a director in the Peoples bank had died suddenly from heart failure while seated in a chair in the bank. His death occurred at 4 o'clock. He a few moments before death spoke to Mr. Edward Littlepage, who was at the tellers window settling the days business with the two banks. Mr. Roach asked the question: where did you do business at today? The old bank had moved their safe to their new building was the reason for the question. Mr. Littlepage ruined his head to make reply to the question when he saw Mr. Roach's head fall back on the chair in which he was seated. Littlepage called Mr. Wells, they laid him down on the floor, holding his head in their arms. He made a feeble attempt to throw up, falling, laid back and died in the arms of the two gentlemen. Death came easy to him. Lifes light went out with the setting sun. He died as he had lived, gentle, peaceful, without a murmer his spirit took its flight to its haven of rest. The sad news of his death was carried to his bereft wife by Mr. S. Owen Smith, president of the bank. It was truly a sad mission and heart rendering to inform her of the sudden death of her companion in life. It seemed untrue for it had not been but a short time since he had left his home. His body was tenderly born to his home by kind friends and neighbors. He had been complaining of his heart and during the day had called on Dr. R.S. Cowan, who made an examination and found his heart to be in bad condition. His death was no surprise to the doctor as he had informed Mr. Roach of his ailment. John F. Roach was born in Carroll county, Tennessee, August 16th, 1829. At the time of his death he was 73 years and 10 months old. His boyhood days were spent in his native state, Tennessee, where he received a common school education obtaining the same in winter months, as he was busy in the summer months helping to cultivate tobacco. In 1849, at the age of twentyone years he bought a team of oxen and commenced to brake prairies of Illinois. He broke the ground which the city of Girard is situated upon. The summer he followed plowing, in the winter teamed. He was united in marriage to Miss Martha H. Cherry, November 12, 1852. To this union there were born four children, two of which preceded the father to the spirit land. Those living to mourn his death are Mary Etna, wife of Henry Lemon, and James Coy Roach, both living near Girard. March 1854 he moved from near Carlinville to Girard, where he followed farming and stock raising. He was a successful breeder of short horn and other noted breeds of cattle. He was one of the largest stock dealers of southern Illinois. During the war he filled large governmental contracts, and was a noted shipper to St. Louis and Chicago markets. He had accumulated much land and was prominently connected with the banking interests of Girard. He had been at one time president of the Girard bank. At the organization of the Peoples bank he was made president, which position he kept until he asked to be relieved on account of old age. At the time of his death he was director of the Peoples bank, and made the bank his headquarters when in town. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and loved its teachings. He was a loyal member active in his church, ever ready to advance its cause. In his death Girard loses one of its oldest citizens, his wife a true, faithful husband, and the family a loving father. His funeral occurred today at 2 p.m. from the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Rev. R.D. Miller of Petersburg, Ill., and Rev. B. Berryhill, pastor, conducted the funeral services. The church failed to hold even his friends from abroad, many stood in the church yard. The remains was followed to Girard cemetery by a large procession of friends. The pall bearers were John Beeby, W.S. Garretson, Joseph Liston, G.W. Thompson, and C. Armstrong. (Girard Gazette June 18, 1903). - Contributed by Matthew

Martha H. Roach. Martha H. Roach was born December 11th, 1836 near Scottsville, Illinois and died at her home in Girard, Illinois August 12th 1917. She was the daughter of Harvy and Delilah Cherry who were among the early settlers of this county. She was united in marriage to John F. Roach November 14, 1852 of this union four children came to bless their home, two dying in infancy and the two surviving are Mrs. Mary Etta Lemons and J. Coy Roach, besides these there are 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Roach were received in the Girard Presbyterian Church in 1855 and were Charter members of this church. Mrs. Roach being the last of the original charter members to respond to her masters call. Being loyal to Christ and the church, she was a most devoted, active member always manifesting the keenest interest in its welfare, attending the services regularly, giving liberally to the support of the church in every way. Many personal gifts have found their way into the church by her love and thoughtfulness. A faithful member of the Missionary Society giving a generous free will offering each year always designating that a part of some be sent to foreign fields. About two months ago she had a light stroke of paralysis and has slowly failed since. During her illness she manifested the most cheerful disposition, being always glad to see her friends and felt the warmest interest in their welfare. The prominent trait of her character was kindness and a desire to make others happy. In her home relations, always contributing to the comfort and pleasure of those around, self sacrificing even to fault. Her last moments were of peace and quiet, the rich perfume of her name and life can never be absent from the lives of those who knew her in her home. Her biography is told briefly and best by saying "She was a Christian". And to her noble Christian life and Character may be truly say "It was the end of a perfect day". The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. F.W. McClusky and interment made in the Girard cemetery. (Girard Gazette August 16, 1917). - Contributed by Matthew

Death of Mrs. Susan Waters. Saturday morning at 11 o'clock Mrs. Susan Waters, widow of the late Peyton Waters, died in a hospital in Jacksonville, after a three years' illness of nervous prostration. The deceased was a former resident of Bird township and a well known citizen, having removed to Jacksonville some ten years ago. She was the mother of Samuel, George and William Waters and Mrs. (Lula) Kenney Baines, of Davenport, Iowa. She was about 65 years of age, and had been in a private hospital in Jacksonville for some time. The funeral occurred Monday morning at 11 o'clock from Charity church, Rev. Hart, of Franklin, officiating. Interment in Charity cemetery. (October 13, 1902 Carlinville Democrat). - Contributed by Matthew