ANDERSON WACASER - I am a son of George and Rebecca Rudisil Wacaser. I am the last survivor of 14 childen. I was born Dec 11th 1836, near Lincolnton, Lincoln County N.C.. I moved with parents to Georgia in 1837, to Springplace, Murry County and lived there until father died Jan. 11th 1846. Then in Feb. 1850 at the age of 13 years, I moved with mother to IL and settled near Pittsfield, Pike County. I there grew up to manhood, and on Oct. 11, 1860 was married to Emma A. Ross and to that union was born 10 children. Then in 1864 I moved with my wife and three children to Logan County near Lincoln, and lived there until Dec. 1874, then moved to Moultrie County and settled in Lowe Twp. All this time I was engaged in farming. Then in 1884 I moved to Hammond,Piatt Co. IL and lived there until my wife died Jan. 14, 1900. She left her husband and five children to mourn her loss - five children deceased. Since my wife died I have been dividing the time with my children and living with them. I am now 91 years old, and survived by five children and some grandchildren - Anna R. Fulton, Culver city CA - Emmett A. Wacaser, Tampa FL - Frank W. and George Wacaser and Emma E. Tracy all of Lovington IL. Also 24 grandchildren living and five deceased - 27 Great Grandchildren living and one deceased... Written by myself this 25th day of Feb. 1928 - signed by Anderson Wacaser.
Comment by Helen Wacaser - he died 11 Feb. 1932

EDNA E. WADE , 90, a longtime Jacksonville resident currently living in Waverly, died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She was born April 9, 1921, in Perry, the daughter of Earcil and Ethel Campbell Little. She married Richard M. Wade on Feb. 16, 1941, in Perry and he preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 2009. She is survived by two daughters and one son, Janice Kay (Francis) Sneeden of Griggsville, Joyce Kathleen (Robert) Grant of Monmouth and Charles Richard (Betty) Wade of Waverly; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and eleven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Filbert and Donald Little; and one sister, Margaret Drage. Mrs. Wade was a 1939 graduate of Perry High School. She had been a Food Supervisor for Jacksonville School District 117, retiring after more than 30 years of service. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was active in the Jane Miller Circle of the United Methodist Women, and a member of the Jacksonville Woman’s Club. Edna loved her family, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home of Jacksonville, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery

ELLEN M. (BROWN) WADE , 88, died Nov. 4, 2008, at the Eastside Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield. She was born April 5, 1920 in Milton to Reuben H. and Sadie E. Ruble Brown. Ellen married Raymond A. Wade in Bowling Green, Mo. April 24, 1940, and he survives. She worked at the Brown Shoe Factory in Pittsfield for 25 years. Ellen was secretary to the principal at Milton High School till she married and hung wallpaper for many years. Ellen was a member of the United Methodist Church in Florence and served as church secretary and taught Sunday School. She graduated from Milton High School in 1939. Ellen served as the Florence Village Clerk for 35 years. She enjoyed square and round dancing. She wrote the "Florence News" column for the Pike Press for many years. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Wade; two sons, Leonard (Beth) Wade of Pittsfield and Lindle "Chub" (Margie) Wade of Detroit; one daughter, Mrs. Linda Sue (Gene) Farmer of Arenzville; two brothers, Earl Dean Brown of Whittier, Calif., and Lewis R. (Lois) Brown of Pittsfield; and two sisters, Eva Mae Roentz of Granite City and Margaret Pearl Ehlert of Barry; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Lora in infancy and Dorothy Guthrie; and two brothers, Keith Bradley and Howard Ray Brown. Funeral services were held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with Peggy Ratliff officiating. Burial was at the Blue River Cemetery in Detroit. Visitation was held Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. A dinner was held at the Detroit Town Hall following the services. Memorials are to the Blue River Cemetery or the Florence United
Contribured by Billie Browning

JIMMIE DUANE WADE , 73, of Winchester, died Wednesday morning, Aug. 3, 2011, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, with his daughter at his side. He was born March 31, 1938, in Florence, the son of the late Roy and Margaret Evans Wade. He was a 1956 graduate of Winchester High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic and then attended MacMurray College and Beauty College. He then worked as beautician until his retirement. He worked at Regis in Springfield and had his own shop in Winchester. Jim was also an instructor for Flamingo Beauty College in Jacksonville and Springfield. Surviving is his daughter, Deborah (Robert) Meredith of Springfield; son, Richard Jason Wade of Jacksonville; and five grandsons. Preceding him in death was a brother, Billie Wade; an infant sister; and a grandson. A reception to honor Jimmie will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Ed & Woodie’s in Florence. A private committal will be held at a later date
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

LINDA WADE - A five year old girl was killed and her three year old brother was critically injured when both fell 35 feet from a bluff into a shallow creek Friday. Linda Wade, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wade of Griggsville, suffered a broken neck and was dead on arrival at the hospital. Her brother Courtney was in serious condition Saturday Morning. The children fell from a narrow "Indian Trail" which led along the bluff's edge from a larger path. They had gone to the park with two older children Charlotte Dittmer and Gene Vahlkamp. The Wade children were visiting at the home of their grandmother Mrs. Everett Smith, Quincy. Richard Carson and Don Harvey and officer Wm. McCarthy tried to revive the girl.
From the Edwardsville Intelligencer 7 Jun 1952

MERLE WADE ,91, of Jacksonville, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011, at his residence. He was born June 5, 1920, in Pike County, the son of Charles M. and Berniece F. Baker Wade. He married Ruth Laurel Kilton Feb. 12, 1943, in Christian County, and she preceded him in death Nov. 19, 2008. He is survived by a brother, Donald L. Wade (wife, Lorine) of Sun City, Ariz.; a sister, Dorothy McKinney of Coalgate, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard M. Wade. A 1938 graduate of Perry High School, Mr. Wade received a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. He embarked upon a distinguished 22-year career in education with Jacksonville School 117 serving as a teacher, coach, principal and assistant superintendent. He then, along with his friend Harry Dowland, established Wade & Dowland Office Supplies in Jacksonville, which he operated for 22 years prior to his retirement. A devoted community volunteer, Merle was a life member of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club where he served as president in 1958 and was named a Hixson Fellow in 2005. He was a member of Jacksonville Elks Lodge and served as Exalted Ruler in 1967-68. A longtime member of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, he served as president in 1975-76 and was presented the Circle of Excellence Award in 2008. He was a member of the Jacksonville Country Club and had formerly served as president in 1968 and 1981. He served on the Jacksonville Board of Police & Fire Commission from 1974 to 1979 and was recognized for his community service to Jacksonville by being named Citizen of the Year in 1980. Mr. Wade was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Retired Teachers Association, Sherwood Eddy Memorial YMCA, Memorial Lawn Cemetery Board of Directors, Harmony Lodge 3 AF & AM, and Farmers State
COntributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

MILDRED WADE - 97 of Eastside Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and formerly of Florence, IL passed away Monday, October 31, 2011 at the Eastside Healthcare Center. Mildred was born in Michael, IL in Calhoun County on April 9, 1914, a daughter to Sam and Nancy Pressey Fox. She married Walter O. Wade in Winchester, IL in 1932 and he preceded her in death in 1998. Mildred was a member of the Pittsfield Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed crocheting, mushrooming, ginsenging, flowers and taking care of her home. She especially enjoyed her grandkids. She is survived by her sons, Rex (Wanda) Wade of Pittsfield and Jack (Linda) Wade of Versailles, IL, nine grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and two great -great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Earnest Fox of Havana, IL; Kenneth Lynch of Havana, a sister, Irma Chaney of Havana and daughter-in-law, Bessie Wade of Pittsfield. Mildred was preceded in death by two sons, Hugh Dean and Robert Wade, a granddaughter, Julie and grandsons, Roger and Mark Wade. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Blue River Cemetery near Detroit, IL. Lunch will be served at the Church of the Nazarene after interment.
Contributed by Billie Browning

RAYMOND WADE , 91, of Pittsfield formerly of Florence, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. Raymond was born Nov. 25, 1917 near Florence a son of Owen and Cynthia Neff Wade. He married Ellen M. Brown April 24, 1940 in Bowling Green, Mo. and she preceded him in death Nov. 4, 2008. He was a Navy veteran, worked for 23 years at the Brown Shoe Factory in Pittsfield, worked for thirteen years for Oscar Meyer plant in Beardstown, four years for the State of Illinois as a bridge tender at the Florence Bridge on the Illinois River at Florence. He was also a commercial fisherman and served for 35 years as Mayor of Florence. He was a member of the Florence United Methodist Church, an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, loved to round and square dance, fish and duck hunt. Surviving is Leonard (Beth) Wade of Pittsfield, Lindle "Chub" (Margie) Wade of Detroit and Mrs Linda Sue (Gene) Farmer of Arenzville; six grandchildren, Scot (Terri) Wade, Brian (Holly) Wade, Steven (Lisa) Wade, Tammy (Larry) Lind, Vicki (Jim) Lynn and Lynn (Rachel) Farmer; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews survive. His wife, Ellen; one brother, Walter "Bud" Wade; and four sisters, Thelma Swartz, Helen Davis, Pearl Priest and Edna Knapp, preceded Raymond in death. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Peg Ratliff and Rev. David Kelly officiating. Burial will be in the Blue River Cemetery near Detroit. A meal will be served for family and friends at the Detroit Town Hall after the internment. Visitation for family and friends was held Tuesday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Family suggests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Blue River Cemetery in Detroit or the Florence United Methodist Church. 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

RICHARD M. WADE , 91, a longtime Jacksonville resident currently living in Waverly, died Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born May 22, 1918, in Perry, the son of Charles and Berniece Baker Wade. He married Edna E. Little on Feb. 16, 1941, in Perry and she survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Janice Kay (Francis) Sneeden of Griggsville and Joyce Kathleen (Robert) Grant of Monmouth; one son, Charles Richard (Betty) Wade of Waverly; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, J. Merle Wade of Jacksonville and Donald (Lorine) Wade of Sun City, AZ; and one sister, Dorothy McKinney of Coalgate, OK. Mr. Wade was a 1937 graduate of Perry High School. He had worked for Anderson-Clayton and for Jacksonville School District #117. Following his retirement he was a driver for the Sr. Citizen’s Bus. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #1040 in Perry, Harmony Lodge #3 AF & AM, and was a member and Past President of Golden K Kiwanis Club in Jacksonville. Mr. Wade was also a WW II veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Pacific Theatre. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery
Contributed by Billie Browning from Buchanan and Cody Funeral

LELAND S. WAGGONER , 66, former resident of Martinsburg township died suddenly in his home in Joliet Saturday. Mr. Waggoner was born in Martinsburg township, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Waggoner. He attended Martinsburg school. Surviving are his widow, the former Della Williams; a brother, Lyndle of Chicago, and a sister, Mrs. Elliott Pearson of Nebo. Funeral services were held in Plattner funeral chapel in Pittsfield , Tuesday afternoon at 2, with the Rev. Joe Maynard officiating. Burial was in West cemetery at Pittsfield .

ROBERT L. WAGGONER - Born, grew up, went to school in Pleasant Hill IL: Born Robert L. Waggoner, 60, of Granite City, died at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 2001, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis. He was born March 1, 1941, in Pleasant Hill. Mr., Waggoner was employed by Bank of America as a security guard; a member of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal; and a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. He married the former Dorothy Connor on Nov. 16, 1968. She survives in Granite City. Other survivors include two sons, Robert Waggoner of Louisianna, Mo. and Kevin Thebeau of Granite City; two daughters, Lisa Storey of Granite City and Sheri Felchlin of Edwardsville; and five grandchildren, Kevin Thebeau Jr., Jessica Thebeau, Nickolas Thebeau, Chandler Felchlin and Tomi Storey. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. Burial will be Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Contributed by Billie Browning

THOMAS M. WAGGONER died at the home of his son, Clarence Waggoner in Pleasant Hill , Tuesday, May 17, at the age of 94 years, 6 months and 11 days. He was born in Martinsburg township November 6, 1854, a son of Green C., and Mary Foster Waggoner. He was the oldest and last of a family of 13, children. He also had two half brothers and one half sister. On June 21, 1874, he was married to Julie Ann Roberts. They shared life's trials and joys for 63 years. He spent his entire life in Pike county except 4 years spent in California . To this union six children were born, George C., who recently passed away, Clarence E., of Pleasant Hill, May (Mrs. Charles Shonhart) deceased, Alta (Mrs. Elliott Pearson) Nebo, Leland S., of Baylis, and Lyndle K., of Chicago. They also took into their home and raised from infancy, a granddaughter, Mrs. Marie Winans of Summer Hill, who shared her home with him the past four years. He made frequent visits to the homes of Alta, Clarence and Leland. Mr. Waggoner was baptised into the Church of Christ at Martinsburg at the age of 16, and remained a faithful member and worker in the Lord's vineyard throughout the years. He was kind and loving to every one, and as one member of the family expressed it, "a grand old man." Funeral services were conducted in the Church of Christ in Pleasant Hill , Friday afternoon, May 20, at 2 o'clock with Eld. A.J. McLaughlin of Champaign , Ill. , in charge. Burial was in Burbridge Cemetery .

FLOYD WAINMAN , 77, of Pittsfield, died Friday, Jan. 13, 2012 at Pittsfield Manor. He was born May 31, 1934 in Schuyler County, the son of George and Minnie Catherine Whited Wainman. He married Bessie Robison in 1964 in Pittsfield and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Kimberly (Bill) Hunter of Paynesville, Mo.; three stepchildren, Janice (Robert) Foster of Arizona, Randy Foster of Cameron, Mo. and Gary (Jean) Foster of Pittsfield; three grandchildren, Shelby, Allison and Cole Hunter, all of Paynesville, Mo.; seven step-grandchildren; eight step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Erma Miller of Griggsville; one brother, Lee (Ruby) Wainman of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Beulah Turnage and Dorothy Williams; and a nephew, Tony Wainman. He was employed by Stewart Bros. in Jacksonville, and Gerard Bros. before working for Equipment Trucking in Bluffs, retiring in 1988. Mr. Wainman was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 and New Salem Masonic Lodge. Sonny enjoyed square dancing, reading western novels and watching western shows. He loved the outdoors, caring for his yard and attending his grandchildren's athletic events. Funeral services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial was at Griggsville Cemetery with Pittsfield American Legion Post 152 conducting military honors
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

CONNIE L. (SHOEMAKER) WAITE , age 61, of Mendon, Ill. and formerly of Perry, Ill. died Saturday morning (February 28, 2004) at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Mo. She was born August 1, 1942 in Augusta, Il. daughter of the late Elza and Reba Shoemaker. She married Don Waite on August 27, 1963 in Perry, Ill. and he preceded her in death. Surviving is one sister, Thelma Butler of Griggsville, Ill.; three brothers, Harold Shoemaker and wife Mary and David Shoemaker and wife Betty all of Perry, Ill., and Garold Shoemaker of Mendon, Ill.; nine nieces; ten nephews; ten great-nieces; seventeen great-nephews; seven great-great nieces; and eight great-great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Leslie Shoemaker; and a great-great niece, Danielle Taylor. Mrs. Waite worked as a nurses aide at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield from 1961-1965 before working for Motorola in Quincy, Ill. In 1983 she became a LPN and worked at North Adams nursing home in Mendon, Ill. for 18 years. She later went to work at Area Agency for Aging in Quincy, Ill. and part-time for Walmart in Quincy, Ill. She was a lay minister and a member of the Loraine United Methodist Church in Loraine, Ill. She loved country music shows, children, and the elderly and her family. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday (March 3, 2004) at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville, Ill. with Rev. Oliver Taube officiating. Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery in Perry, Ill. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel with family meeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Perry Cemetery Association

PAUL J. WAITE , 89, of Pittsfield, died early Monday, April 28, 2008, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born June 21, 1918, in New Salem, the son of Wesley P. and Edna Bartlett Waite. He married Margaret E. Cresson on June 13, 1943, in Griggsville, and she preceded him in death Feb. 15, 1989. He later married Mildred Cresson Russell on June 2, 1990, in North Carolina, and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Carolyn Waite-Bojarra of Caledon, Ontario; one son, Lawrence W. (wife, Courtnay) Waite of Onalaska, Wis.; one stepson, Robert Cresson of North Carolina; five grandchildren, Megan Bojarra of London, Ontario and Kirsten Bojarra of Hamilton, Ontario, Colleen (husband, Ryan) Danner of Herndon, Va., Rebecca (husband, Arturo) Cacayuran of Chicago and Alexander Waite of Champaign; one stepgrandson, Eric Cresson of North Carolina; two sisters, Viola Benson of Pittsfield and Louise (husband, James) Opoien of Marinette, Wis.; one brother, Ralph of Pittsfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Lucile Waite; one sister, Helen Waite; and one brother, Kyle Waite. Mr. Waite was a 1936 graduate of New Salem High School in New Salem, where he was valedictorian of his class and later attended Western Illinois University in Macomb, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Education in Science and Mathematics. He was a classroom teacher at Pleasant Grove Rural School in Pittsfield, and later became a science teacher and athletic coach in Illinois as well as teaching locally in Baylis. He later attended the University of Chicago where he entered the Air Force Meteorology Cadet Program (1942-1943) serving his country in the U.S. Air Force as Weather Officer from 1943 to 1946. He then was a briefer-observer for the National Weather Service in Chicago, from 1948 to 1951. In 1951-1952 he served as a meteorologist for U.S. Air Force in Seoul, Korea. Following Korea, he became a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, Mo. Mr. Waite was the state climatologist in Madison, Wis., from 1956-1959 and became the state climatologist in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1959-1973. In 1966 he graduated with a Master of Science in Metrology from the University of Michigan. Concurrently, he was assistant director from 1959 to 1970 for the Iowa Weather Service and was director of the Iowa Weather Service from 1970 to 1973. He was USDC collaborator at the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, from 1959 to 1973. He became the lead forecaster in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1973-1974. Also, he was a lecturer at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1959 to 1970 when he became adjunct professor at Drake University. From 1974-1976, Mr. Waite was a Deputy Project Manager at Johnson Space Center in Houston, where he was involved with crop forecasting utilizing satellite surveillance. Returning to Iowa in 1976, he became state climatologist for the Iowa Department of Agriculture. He retired in 1988. He belonged to several professional societies including the Society for Applied Climatology, the American Meteorological Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Weather Association. He was a fellow of the Iowa Academy of Science. He belonged to the American Association of State Climatologists, serving as secretary from 1976-1977 and president from 1977-1978. Mr. Waite's publications included approximately 100 professional and popular articles, book reviews, forewords, chapters in books and co-authored books. He was recognized with the Meritorious Service Commendation, U.S. Air Force in 1952. He was listed in American Men and Women of Science in 1979. He received the NASA Group Achievement Award for Large Area Crop Inventory Experiment in 1979. In 1980 he was listed in Who's Who in Technology. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1983 from Iowa Academy of Science. He was also listed in the Who's Who in The World 1984/1985, as well as Who's Who in The Midwest 1986/1987. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville, with burial at Griggsville Cemetery. Visitation will be held an hour prior to services Friday at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Paul J. Waite Atmospheric Studies Award at Drake University or to Griggsville Cemetery or Hinman Chapel Cemetery, all c/o Airsman-Hires Chapel, Box 341, Griggsville, IL 62340.

EMMA (HARPOLE) WALL , daughter of Sarah Martin and Lycurgus C. Harpole, was born in Belleview , Ill. , Nov. 8th, 1860. She passed away Nov. 21st, 1939 at her home in Nebo , Illinois . She leaves to mourn her departure, her husband Arch Wall, one brother Ex County Clerk J. D. Harpole of Pittsfield, Ill., and five children, Arthur Collard of Louisiana, Mo., Clyde Collard of Nebo, Ill, Mrs. Frank Caldwell of Nebo, Harold Wall of Pleasant Hill, and Carl Wall of Nebo. She leaves four grandchildren Mrs. Francis Collard Robinson of Winchester, Norman Collard of Boston , Mass. , Maurice Wall of Pleasant Hill , and Mrs. Shirley Caldwell Hamilton of Barry and two great grandchildren, Billy and David Robinson the children of Francis Collard Robinson. Mrs. Wall spent her entire life in the vicinity of Nebo. She has been a member of the Christian Church for fifty years. She was a faithful and loyal member and always interested in church work even when unable to take an active part. She taught the Sunday School class of girls for several generations. She had a pleasing personality; quiet in her demeanor; candid in her remarks; was loved and respected by all in this community. The funeral was held at the Christian Church, Thursday, Nov. 23rd, at 2 o'clock. Services were conducted by Rev. B. G. Reavis. He spoke of the departed in a manner that touched the hearts of all. Burial was in the Hunter Cemetery Nebo, Ill.

MARJORIE JEAN (BOOTH) WARNER , born Feb. 22, 1938 in Pearl, died May 23, 2008. She was preceded in death by a son, Leslie Lansdon; and her parents, Helen and Harold Booth of Pearl. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Reynolds of Colinsville; a sister, Charlotte Harrison of Houston, Texas; and two brothers, Dale Booth of Littleton, Colo. and Dean Booth of Seneca. She is also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she was so very proud. She lived the last many years in Houston, Texas and was a manager for the Denny's Restaurant chain and loved her job. She moved to Collinsville a year ago to be near her daughter and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

JOHN WARTON , DIED.—Of dyspepsia, on the 11th day of November, 1881 Mr. John Warton at his residence near this city, in the 66th year. Mr. Warton was born in Yorkshire England, in 1815, and emigrated with his parents to Illinois, in 1833. In 1841 he was married to his now sorrowing widow, leaving six children, three sons and three daughters. In 1852 he united with the M. E. Church in this place, and for many years he continued in active service, sometimes as steward and trustee, until failing health compelled him to resign his office. Yet he continued his counsel and support as though he were there, manifesting a deep interest in all the affairs and respon­sibilities of the church. Mr. Warton was a Christian gentleman of high moral prin­ciples, and honorable in all his intercourse and dealings with his fellowmen. Fall of tenderness and kindness to the afflicted and suffering; he abhorred harshness and severity, yet was firm and steadfast in his principles and belief. A short time before his death he expressed to the writer his perfect trust in Christ as his Redeemer, and should he not recover, he knew that he would go to his blessed Savior. He literally fell asleep in Jesus on the morning of Nov. 11th, 1880. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." -- JAMES SHAW.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson

JOANNA (CLARK) WEAS - 67, of Griggsville, died at 3:50 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 24, 1993) in her home. Born July 16, 1926, in Griggsville, Mrs. Weas was a daughter of Frank J. and Eleanor Daigh Clark. She married Berthal McGuire Weas Nov. 9, 1947, in Griggsville. He died Feb. 17, 1982. Mrs. Weas raised cattle and showed the Ayrshire breed in fairs and competitions throughout the state and earned several state championships. She also was a teacher's aide in the Griggsville School District. Mrs. Weas was a 1944 graduate of Griggsville High School and attended Western Illinois University at Macomb. She was a mem­ber of Western Illinois Land­owners, Ayrshire Breeders Asso­ciation, Pike County Farm Bu­reau, Griggsville Home Extension Day Unit and Griggsville United Methodist Church, where she was children's music director and a member of the Madonna Choir. She also had served as a 4-H leader in Pike County. Survivors include five daughters, Helen Weas of St. Louis, Mrs. Ron (Cathy) Jones of Salem, Mrs. Mike (Maggie) Barton of Riverton, Mrs Mike (Barb) Watters of Brandon, Vt., and Elizabeth Weas of Waterloo; two sons, Clark J. Weas of Littleton, Colo., and Donald Weas of Minnetonka, Minn.; two sisters, Dorothy Cadwell of Griggsville, and Carolyn Daniels of Buckley; 10 grand­children; and one great- grandchild. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in Griggsville United Methodist Church by the Rev. David J. Hutton. Burial will be in Griggsville Cemetery. Visitation will be held today with family meeting friends 6-8 tonight in the Skinner-Airsman-­Hires Funeral Home in Griggsville. Memorials may be made to Griggsville United Methodist Church or the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
Transcribed by Rosemary Reeves - Contributed by Ella Tittsworth

MRS. RICHARD N. WILLS - Died in Pittsfield of Consumption on the 13 of November, Mrs. Richard N. WILLS, age 44 years old. Mrs. W. was the widow of Mr. Vine Wills, who died near this place nearly 12 years ago. She was united with the Christian Church of Pittsfield for some nine years.
Contributed by Mindy Doellman from the Pike County Journal 22 November 1860

POLLY MATILDA (PETTIS) WING - Nearly 70 years of married life was the unusual span granted to Mr. and Mrs. Giles Nelson Wing of this township. The tie was broken when Mrs. Wing died last Thursday, November 19, 1914, and her husband, now in his ninety-third years, was left to pass his remaining days in waiting for the time when the couple will be reunited in the life beyond. Mrs. Wing's maiden name was Polly Matilda Pettis. She was born near Fort Covington, New York, April 28, 1827, and came to Pike County, IL with her parents when she was only 9 years of age. On November 28, 1844, in Pike Co, Illinois, she was married to Mr. Wing and they were looking forward to the celebration of the seventieth wedding anniversary, the plans for which are now halted by the death of Mrs. Wing. Nine children were born to this worthy pioneer couple. Five of them preceded their mother in death. The four surviving are Homer, who lives south of Camp Point on a farm, and with whom the aged couple have made their home for years; Ernest of Alton; Stephen of Kirksville, Missouri, and Mrs. A. C. Haughey of Gentry, Arkansas. The deceased was a member of the Adventist Church and firm and faithful in her religious convictions. When pneumonia came upon her and death drew near, her faith sustained her soul, though old age had weakened her body so that the disease found her and easy victim. She was sick only four days. Rev. W. A. Hutcherson officiated at the funeral services, which were held Sunday, and the remains were laid to final rest in the East Clayton Cemetery.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson