Contributed by Rosemary Reeves from St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 30 1887
WILLIAM TOLLMAN BENN
- Will Benn, 61, died this mornig at 4:30 o'clock at the home in the south part of town where he lived with his brothers, Art and Bert. Six weeks ago he sufferd a paralytic stroke which caused his death. In recent years, Mr. Benn had been employed as caretaker at the West Cemetery. Funeral services will be held at the Eddy chapel at 2:30 o'clock tomarrow (Thursday) afternoon. Besides the two brothers living here, Mr. Benn also has a brother, Fred, and a sister, Miss Anna Benn, living in the state of Washington. He was twice married and divorced. He has two daughters by the first marriage, one living in California and one in Alton. The latter is here to attend the funeral.
Contributed by Ken Hamilton - The Pike Co. Republican Oct 31, 1934
OBITUARY: Will Benn died at his home in this city at 4:30 Wedensday morning. He had been ill for over a month suffering a light stroke about the middle of September. The funeral service was held at the Eddy Chapel Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. I. B. Hazzard. Burial was in the West cemetery.
The deceased was a son of Samuel T. and Susan Gilman Benn and was born in this city July 14, 1867. For the past twenty five years he has been a grave digger and dug most of the graves in the smaller cemeteries here about as well as in the city. He also took contract for digging wells and foundations and for several years worked in the cement plant at Hannibal, Missouri. Mr Benn was a quiet unassuming man and was kind and charitable in his dealings with others.
He was married twice, first marriage being to Miss Harriett Kesterson. To this union were born five daughters all of whom survive and are as follows: Mrs.Mabel Ruckman, of Alton, Illinois; Mrs Ida Harman of Colordo; Mrs Mercy Kesterson of Yuba, California and Minnie who lives in the west. His second marrige was to Mrs. Fannie Mullinez. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Anna Klam of Olympia, Washington. Mrs. Ruckman was here to attend the funeral.
Contributed by Ken Hamilton Pike County Times 7 November 1934
GLENNA KAY (BALLINGER) BISHOP
, 61, of New Salem died Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008, at her residence.
She was born June 7, 1947 in Pittsfield to Harold and Lelia Ballinger (Neumann). She was preceded in death by her parents and two extraordinary aunts, Mrs. Ceila (Sally) Reel and Mrs. Gladys (Ducky) Reel.
Surviving are her husband, Jack of New Salem; sons, Mark Ballinger, wife Barb of Milton; Mike Ballinger, wife Donna of Griggsville; Jack Bishop of Springfield; and daughter, Marsha DeJaynes, husband Tim of Pittsfield; five grandchildren, Megan and Nathan of Pittsfield; Michael and Kerri of Milton and Alan of Griggsville; her beloved cat, Ned and many tremendous friends and neighbors.
She was always active in the lives of her children and grandchildren, serving as room mother, Girl Scout and Cub Scout leaders and was at all times there offering a helping hand or a bit of advice.
She was an enthusiastic and very talented crafter, working in the medias of ceramics and wooden folk art. She and her husband traveled the Midwest selling one of a kind creations, crafted by them. Many relationships were developed through the years with customers that would acquire their unique items, often sending pictures and letters about their obtained hand crafted treasures. She thoroughly enjoyed hearing from the customers she considered her friends. Prior to her death, she received much pleasure from working in her garden and tending to her flower beds.
Funeral services were held at 2 pm. Monday, Aug. 11, at Neibur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with the Reverend Jim Jacques officiating. Burial was at the West Cemetery in Pittsfield. Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield. Memorials are suggested to the family.
Contributed by Billie Browning
HAROLD EUGENE BISSELL
, 83, of Pittsfield, died Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011, at his residence in Pittsfield. Harold was born in Milton, July 12, 1928, to Archie and Hazel French Bissell.
He married Marjorie Johnston July 3, 1948 at the Milton Christian Church, Milton. Harold was the Assistant Factory Supervisor at Brown Shoe Company in Pittsfield. He had also operated Pittsfield Sears Store, and worked at Pittsfield Wal-Mart and Pittsfield Farm and Home Supply. He was a member of the Greenpond Christian Church. He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan who enjoyed working in his yard and garden.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie Bissell of Pittsfield, a son, Mike Bissell of Lake Ozark, Mo., and a brother, Ron Bissell of Lake Forest, Calif.
He was preceded in death by a son Larry Bissell, and two brothers Evert and Robert Bissell.
Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 13, at the Greenpond Cemetery with Rev. Mike Musgrave officiating. Cremation will be accorded per his wishes. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Blessing Hospice of Pike County or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press
REBECCA J. (FARTHING) BLAIR
passed away Friday evening after a lingering illness. She was one of the earliest settlers of this place. Her husband T.B. Blair, ran a store at one
time. Since the death of her husband, she has lived at her home at the south side of town, but when she was stricken with paralysis, she was removed to the home of her son, Albert Allen, where she died.
Elder Bolman of Roodhouse, preached the funeral sermon at the Christian Church, and her remains laid to rest in the Green Pond cemetery. She leaves three sons and a host of friends.
MRS. A. BONNELL
, whose obituary appears elsewhere in this issue, was on her annual visit with her son, Dr. W. W. Bonnell, and her daughter, Mrs. H. F. Farwell, of Astoria, Ill., and their families, when her sudden and brief sickness took her from labor to reward. For many years she has made and enjoyed these annual autumnal visits. This time her daughter, Mrs. W. W. Watson, accompanied her on her way as far as Chapin, when they separated, all unaware that it was to be their final parting, the daughter going on to visit friends elsewhere. The week before her sickness her son, Joseph G., a former pastor of the M. E. church of this place, and who had not met her for near eight years, having resided in Florida for that length of time, went from the late session of his conference, at Jerseyville, Ill., to make her a visit. He found her in remarkable vigor for one of her age, and after a brief, but mutually delightful visit, he bade her adieu the evening of September 23d and returned to his home Harrisburg, Ill. On Thursday, Oct. 1, about 11:30 a. m., she was taken violently ill with congestion of the stomach, to which she had be subject at different periods in late years. For some hours she suffered intense pain, but afterward became comparatively easy, and then passed into a state of unconsciousness from which she never rallied, and died at 11:15 p.m. Friday. A telegram Friday afternoon conveyed word to her relatives at Barry and Mrs. Watson made her way as quickly as possible thitherward. But, alas, ere she reached her bedside, about 1:30 a. m., October 3d, the “silver cord was loosed, and the golden bowl was broken.” The last conflict had come and death had asserted her sway. But her beautiful life faded out as gently and peacefully “As sinks the summer’s sun to rest.”
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson
Obituary:
Miss Amelia Mattox was born in Clermont county, Ohio, July 22, 1814, and died in Astoria, Ill. Oct. 2, 1896.
She was married to Henry Bonnell, October, 1834, and shared with him for almost 36 years life’s sorrows and joys. They moved from Ohio to Griggsville, Ill., in 1850, and Mr. Bonnell died in that city in 1870.
Mr. and Mrs. Bonnell were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are now living – Dr. William of Astoria, Ill.; Rev. Thomas, of Taylorville, Ill.; Rev. Joseph G., of Harrisburg, Ill.; Albert, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Helen Smith, Mrs. Margaret Watson and Miss Kate Bonnell, of Barry, Ill., and Mrs. Belle Farwell, of Astoria, Ill.
Mrs. Bonnell was converted when quite young in Ohio, and for more than sixty years was a member of the Methodist church and a devoted Christian. She could say, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord,” for she delighted to attend the Sunday School, the class meeting and the preaching services.
After spending more than sixty years very pleasantly in the service of Christ here, Sister Bonnell has been taken to her reward, and in her heavenly home with loved ones she will have the privilege of spending eternity in His service. Christ said to her, “Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.”
“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
Mrs. Bonnell was buried at Griggsville, Ill., and her funeral services were held in the Methodist church at that place, Sunday afternoon, Oct. 4, 1896. All of her children and a large company of relatives and friends attended the services. As Sister Bonnell’s home was in Barry, and she was a member of the Methodist church in that place at the time of her death, her pastor, Rev. W.N. Rutledge, had charge of the funeral services, and preached from Psalm 116:15 – “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Dr. Horace Reed, her presiding elder, and Rev. A. C. Armentrout and Rev. R. L. Steed assisted in the services.
W.N. Rutledge - Resolutions of Respect
Wheras, The oldest member of our Sunday School, Mrs. Amelia Bonnell, has been called to her heavenly home, we, the officers, teachers and members of Barry Methodist Episcopal Sunday School wish to place on record our appreciation of this one who was for more than sixty years a loving disciple of our Lord, and who gave to all who knew her a bright example of Christian living; therefore,
Resolved, That we cherish her memory with tender affection and will endeavor to follow her as she followed Jesus.
Resolved, That her wisdom in choosing the Savior while young in life, and adhering to him in maturer and advanced years impresses us with the fact that Jesus Christ is the “better portion” for all persons of all ages.
Resolved, That our heartfelt sympathy goes out and is extended to her children and grandchildren, and especially to her who is one of our corps of teachers.
In behalf of the school, The Com, Henry Digby, Emma Rutledge and C.W. Hogg
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge
KATE BONNELL
, daughter of Henry and Amelia Bonnell, was born near Griggsville, Pike county, Ill. , Jan. 13, 1859, and departed this life at the home of her sister, Mrs. Margaret Watson, in Barry, Ill., February 28, 1902.
Her early life was spent with her parents, brothers and sisters at Griggsville, Ill., where her father was engaged in business for many years.
She graduated from the Griggsville high school in the summer of 1879, and in the same year began teaching school as a profession; filling with honor and credit to herself positions as primary teacher at Chambersburg, Meredosia and Barry, ill.; also at Wichita, Kansas, and Salt Lake City, Utah. While teaching at Salt Lake the work being very heavy and the strain too much for her strength, because of failing health, she resigned her position and returned to Illinois, spending some time with her sister at Astoria, Ill., and about 1894 came to Barry, Ill., to make her home with her sister, Mrs. Margaret Watson.
Her experience and eminent fitness as a teacher in primary department work was fully known to the Barry public school board and four years ago she accepted at a good salary a position as primary teacher in our schools, which positions she ably filled to the entire satisfaction of every school board since as also the patrons of the school.
This sketch would be incomplete without saying that she was eminently qualified for the special work among the children; she loved the children and the children loved her; the government of the children was by the sternness of love; she was easily approached by the pupils, but her demeanor was such that familiarity with the children did not breed contempt, and they had the greatest respect for her. Her idea of a teacher’s work was broader than some; she was not satisfied with merely having the children learn so many lessens from the text books, but always opened her school with song, reading from God’s word and prayer and taught them that an all seeing eye was watching over their work and actions; thus morality and obedience to God were enjoined by her teachings and example. Herein was the secret of success that attended her work where ever she went. Her work will not end with her death but the influences which she set at work in the young minds and hearts will be felt for more than a generation. Hers was a noble work and who would not covet such qualities of head and heart if they desired to teach successfully?
Sister Bonnell united with the Methodist church when quite young at Griggsville. She placed her membership in Barry, M.E. Church Jan. 20, 1896. In 1897 she was elected superintendent of the primary department and remained as such until her death.
She leaves to mourn her death three brothers, Dr. W.W. Bonnell, Astoria, Ill., Rev. J.G. Bonnell, Epworth, Ill., and Albert Bonnell, of Chicago, Ill, and three sisters, Mrs. Helen Smith, Barry, Ill., Mrs. Belle Farwell, who was her twin sister, Astoria, Ill., and Mrs. Margaret Watson, Barry, Ill., and many other relatives and friends.
The funeral services were conducted in the M.E. Church Sunday, March 2, 1902, at 2:30 p.m. by her pastor, W.M. Hailey. The Barry school board, corps of teachers in the primary department attended in a body and occupied seats near the casket that contained the remains of their beloved co-worker and teacher. The floral tributes composed of designs and cut flowers, the gifts of the teachers, school board, children and the primary department of the Sunday school literally covered the casket and all the space around it. As the sun was sinking to the western horizon at the close of day her body was laid to rest in beautiful Park Lawn cemetery. --
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge - Barry Breeze
CHARLES EDWARD BOWER
, was born in Dayton, Ohio Jan. 8, 1833 and died at his home in Barry June 5, 1905, aged 72 years, 3 months, and 27 days. He came to Illinois with his parents at the age of seven years and was reared half a mile from El Dara. He was married Sept. 19, 1858 to Barbara Ann Wright and settled on a farm close to Barry. To this union six children were born- three boys and three girls.
Four were present at his bedside when he passed away; two- Reuben and Charles the former in Alberta Canada, and the latter in Wenatchee Washington were unable to be present. Mr. Bower was a great suffer during the last two years, but he bore his sufferings with the utmost patience and fortitude. His wife and children were untireing in their efforts to make him comfortable and no one could have been more appreciative of everything that was done for him. For several weeks before the end came he suffered but little. The funeral was conducted at the home by Rev. H.H. Hurley assisted by Rev. Scheer and Rev. J.W. Burner after which he was burried according to the impressive ritual of the Odd Fellows in Park Lawn Cemetery. (From the Barry Breeze 5 Jan 1905)
REBECCA ANN (COSHOW) BOWER
, was born June 6, 1839, in Indiana, and came to Pike county at the age of 7 years. She was married to Wm. Bowler in 1857, and united with the Methodist church in 1865. Mrs. Bower died June 10, 1895. She was a firm believer in the church...She leaves a kind husband, two daughters and one son to mourn her loss. The funeral was conducted by Rev. McKendree McElfresh at the Philadelphia school house June 11, 1895.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage, 13 Jun 1895]
WILLIAM BOWER
Desperate Suicide of William Bower on Tuesday.
William Bower committed suicide Tuesday evening by shooting off a part of his head with a shotgun. The story is told that he and his wife were in the city doing some trading. They learned of the basket social of the Pike County Mutual and Bower asked his wife to attend it. She refused, and the two started for home. It is probable that they had a quarrel on the way, for when they reached their home west of the old woolen mills he threw the groceries out of the wagon on to the ground, then ran to the house, and, taking his shotgun, ran a short distance and committed the awful deed before anyone could interfere. Dr. Main was at once summoned, but when he arrived Bower was dead. He was a son-in-law of J. O. Martin and leaves a wife and several children. Deceased was a member of the M.P.L. and Pike County Mutual Life association.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage, 27 Mar 1902]
LOUISA (BRADSHAW) BOWERS
- The funeral of Mrs. Louisa Bowers, 80, who died Thursday, March 26, at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Ressie Dunham of Lodi, MO., were held Sunday
afternoon, March 29, at 2:30 o'clock in the Keller funeral home in Barry. In
charge of Rev. Union Wood, pastor of the Nazarene Church. Burial was in Barry
cemetery.
Mrs. Bowers was born January 28, 1856 at Barry, Illinois, a daughter of
Phillip and Susan Bradshaw. She was twice married. her first marriage was to
Perry Hinch. He died many years ago. She was later married to Ed Bowers. Mr.
Bowers died about ten years ago. Mrs. Bowers had been in rather frail health all
winter and just a few weeks ago went to the home of her daughter in Missouri, thinking the change would be of benefit to her. She leaves
seven children, four sons: John Hinch of Barry, Sam Hinch of Lodi, MO., Lent
Hinch of Hannibal,
MO., Dode Hinch, Bloomington; a step-daughter, Mrs. Pearl Lenton of Chicago,
and three daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Lister of Peoria, Mrs. Myrtle Bradshaw,
LaSalle, IL., and Mrs. Ressie Dunham of Lodi, MO.
Among the out of town relatives here for the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Asa
Bradshaw and children of LaSalle; Mrs. Gertrude Lister and children of Peoria;
Mr. and Mrs. Lent Hinch and children of Hannibal, MO.; Mr. and Mrs. Ressie
Dunham of Lodi, MO.; Sam Hinch and daughter of Lodi, MO.; Rev. and Mrs. Lorell
Dunham and two daughters of St. Louis, MO.; Mrs. John Icing of Hannibal, MO.;
Mr. and Mrs. Dode Hinch of Bloomington.
{submitters note: Lent is George Lentless Hinch, Dode is Albert Lorell Hinch,
Sam is William Samuel Hinch and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest (Ressie) Dunham.}
Contributed by Kim Torp from The Barry Adage 1 April 1936
ARTHUR L. BRAWDY
, 81, of Griggsville, IL. died Thursday morning, June 29, 2006, at Illini Community Hospital, Pittsfield, IL. He was born near Pittsfield, IL (Hardin Township) on October 31, 1924 to Hazel Esta Brawdy. He married Beulah M. Harris on May 23, 1942, in Pittsfield, IL. and she survives.
Mr. Brawdy served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943 – 1945 during WWII. He worked in Maintenance at Illini Community Hospital, Pittsfield, IL for 32 years before retiring in 1992. He was an avid sports fan of his sons (Basketball and Baseball). He coached Korey League Baseball in Griggsville, IL. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and was an avid Los Angeles Dodger Fan.
He is survived by his wife Beulah of Griggsville; and 7 sons: Arthur L. (Linda) Brawdy Jr. of Versailles, Il; Ron D. (Linda K.) Brawdy of Lincoln, IL; Roger W. Brawdy of Canton, IL; Gary William “Bill” Brawdy of Naples, Florida; David A. (Linda) Brawdy of Griggsville, IL; Joseph D. (Breba) Brawdy of Pittsfield, IL; and Bruce (Susanne) Brawdy of Jacksonville, IL. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 3, 2006, at 2:00 P.M. with Mike Evans officiating at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Burial will be at the Griggsville City Cemetery, Griggsville, IL. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 2, 2006, from 4 – 8 P.M. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to the Griggsville High School Athletic Fund.
Neibur Funeral Home
MARIAN BREED
, 97, of Pittsfield, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008, at Pittsfield Manor in Pittsfield. •
She was born July 13, 1911 in Pittsfield to the late Daniel and Mary Anna Clostermery Bodine.
She married Robert Lashmett in Winchester and to this union three daughters were born, Mary Lucille Modglin and Joan Huntley, both of Springfield and Bonnie Petty and -
husband John of Pittsfield. She later married Edmond Breed and he preceded her in death in the early 1960s.
Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a nephew, Forrest Heavener of Petersburg.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Anona Griggs and Louise Heavener; two son-in-laws, Harold J. Modglin and Charles Huntley; and a great-granddaughter, Anna Marable.
Mrs. Breed was a housemother at Blessing School ofNursing in Quincy for many years before retiring in the late 1970s. She was a member of the Pittsfield Womens Club and was an avid historian of Pike County. She also enjoyed politics.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial was in Pittsfield West Cemetery. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Billie Browning
