LELIA CELANDER - Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Renner-Wikoff Chapel,Urbana, for Mrs. Philip (Lelia B.) Celander of Peru, Indiana, formerly of Freeport, who died Wednesday morning, October 16, 1968 in an Urbana hospital following a brief illness. Graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. in Ash Grove Cemetery, Strasburg. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Celander was a member of Peru United Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star. She was born January 15, 1898 in Shelby County, daughter of James and Minnie (Rankin) Bridges. Surviving is a daughter, Mrs. James (Phyllis) Fink of Champaign.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois October 17, 1968

CORA MAY (KOENIG) CHAFFEE - Service for Mrs. Frank E. Chaffee of 1568 W. Harrison St., who died in a local hospital Friday morning after an extended illness, will be Monday at 3 p.m., in Walker Mortuary. The former Cora May Koenig was born in Freeport July 6, 1887, the daughter of William and Carrie (Metz) Koenig. She was educated in Freeport schools and studied voice with Frank E. Chaffee, conductor of several church choirs in Freeport. Her marriage to Mr. Chaffee took place in 1912. In 1913 they moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she assisted her husband in conducting church choirs for several years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and White Shrine and in Kansas City became a member of the Woman's Reading Club, serving as president of the club two years. She always retained her membership in the Methodist Church and was a soloist in various church choirs. They returned to Freeport in 1947 and for five years she assisted her husband in conducting the First Lutheran Church choir here. She was a member of Freeport Woman's Club and active in that organization after her return to Freeport. Survivors include her husband; one daughter, Mrs. H. W. Robertson of Loves Park; one brother, Robert F. Koenig of Freeport; and two grandchildren. the Rev. Milton Merrill, pastor of First Methodist Church, and the Rev. Charles F. Landwere, pastor of First Lutheran Church, will officiate at the funeral. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Sept. 21, 1957 clipping

CHARLES M. CHAMPION , formerly of 705 S. Beaver Avenue, died this morning, December 22, 1970, in St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged, where he resided. Mr. Champion, who was employed by the former Henney Motor Company for many years, was later custodian at Lincoln School before retiring in 1956. He was born in Newhall, Iowa, March 22, 1886, son of Herbert and Minnie Champion. He married Julia Gille in 1925 in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; a stepdaughter, Mrs. L. J. (Lucille) Sauer of Freeport; and two grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Schwarz Funeral Home. The Rev. James Weber of St. Joseph’s Home will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Wednesday
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois December 22, 1970

JAMES S. COCHRAN , At ten minutes to six o'clock last evening the grim messenger of death laid its hand heavily upon one of Freeport's foremost citizens and summoned him to join that silent band whose march is steadily onward. The call came to Senator James S. Cochran, whose life was despaired of for several days, and universal sorrow has resulted from the removal from among us of one who, during his entire residence here, enjoyed the fullest confidence and respect of his fellowmen. Mr. Cochran's fatal illness resulted from a cold contracted a week ago. Symptoms of pneumonia developed on Saturday and his condition assumed a serious aspect. to solicitous friends who called at his apartments in the Clifton house information was imparted that all efforts to help him were discouraging and that death might result at any time. At times he was conscious and would converse to those about him, but these intervals were brief, and for the most time he remained in a comatose condition. His only son, Dr. James A. Cochran, of Denver, Colo., was summoned in haste, but arrived at the bedside a half hour after his father had breathed his last. The remains have been taken to the home of Mr. Cochran's sister, Mrs. Joseph Emmert, in upper Stephenson street, where the funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery. Rev. W. A. Service will preach the sermon and the pallbearers will be Judge H. C. Hyde, Gen, S. D. Atkins, Wm. J. Hall, Dr. G. P. Kingsley, H. M. Barnum and Michael Stoskopf. William Trembor will act as funeral director. No man in the community held a higher place in the affections of the people than Mr. Cochran. His courteous treatment and kindly bearing towards everyone were characteristics that stand out prominently, and in turn the people honored him in many ways. Coming to Freeport forty-six years ago, he at once took high rank among the lawyers of the Stephenson county bar and enjoyed a practice that was second to none. He was faithful to every trust committed to his care whether it came to him as a lawyer or public officer, and as city attorney of Freeport, state's attorney of Stephenson county, or a member of the Illinois senate, his voice was always found on the side of justice and right. There are many of the older citizens who recall his services to the state and the measures which he introduced and which were incorporated among the laws of the state and were of a most beneficial order. By legitimate means Mr. Cochran accumulated considerable wealth and was regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the community. his investments were made judiciously and with that foresight so rarely found in the settlers of a new section, and soon after his arrival in Freeport he invested in town and farm property which resulted in large returns. A large farm which Mr. Cochran owned in this county was disposed of a number of years ago for $15,000, which he invested in real estate in Denver which has since trebled in value. Among other holdings he was interested in a large tract of coal land near Pittsburg, and is also the owner of Clifton cottage in Freeport. James S. Cochran was born in Pittsburg, Pa., on the 22d of February, 1833. His father, James B. Cochran, M. D., was a man of broad education and liberal views, being a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he received his degree in 1824. His mother, Susan Cochran, a graduate of the Emmittsburgh Female Seminary Emmittsburgh, Maryland, where she completed her college course in 1824, was a daughter of Zadoe Cramer, an early settler of Pittsburg, and the founder of the first book publication house west of the Allegheny mountains, Zadoe Cramer was also the author of several works among them one written in 1811, and entitled "The Navigator," a treatise on how to navigate the Alleghany, Monongahela, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. copies of his works are now deposited in the Carnegie library at Alleghany, Pa. James S. Cochran was the second of three children, Zadoe C., James S., and Mary E., now the wife of Joseph Emmert, a leading druggist of Freeport. Attended by his older brother, he entered Bethany college, Va, where he spent two years under that eminent scholar and divine, Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Campbellite church. After that the two brothers became students of Jefferson college, Pa. Mr. Cochran later began the study of law in the office of Messrs. Shaler, Stanton, & Umbstetter, at Pittsburg, Pa., and afterwards attended the law school of Judge J. W. Brockenbaugh, at Lexington, Va. In 1858 he was admitted to the bar at Pittsburg, and on the 3d of July of the same year came to Freeport and entered upon the practice of his chosen profession. Mr. Cochran at once met with success in Freeport. He began practice here during the golden times for the bar, for at the April term of court. In 1858, he was elected city attorney for the city of Freeport and in 1872 was elected state's attorney for Stephenson county, In the latter capacity Mr. Cochran served most acceptable for a period of twelve years until 1884, when he was elected state senator for the Twelfth Senatorial district, comprising the counties of Jo Daviess, Carroll and Stephenson. Of his work in the Thirty-fifth general assembly it is said that the Journal of the legislature will exhibit the fact that more of his public measures pertaining to general subjects became law than those of any other member of either branch of the legislature. During the session of the Thirty-fifth general assembly, commencing January 5th, 1887, he introduced nineteen bills, eight of which became law. Among other public measures, he was the author of "An Act to encourage the planting of trees," by which the governor is required by law to designate annually in the spring an "Arbor Day." Other measures which became laws are:"An Act to authorize the inmates of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in the state of Illinois to vote at elections," and "An Act to prevent telegraph, telephone, elective light and other companies from acquiring a proscriptive tight to the use of buildings or lands." Also a law to regulate the attendance of teachers' institutes, which provided that teachers of the county may attend county institutes for a stated time during the term without a deduction in wages being made. Of this legislature it was said "The Illinois legislature which recently adjourned is generally conceded to be the most industrious and useful legislature that has assembled in Illinois for many years. This senatorial district is honored by being represented by Hon. James S. Cochran, one of the most sensible , practical and industrious members of either branch of the legislature. No abler man has ever been sent to Springfield from Stephenson county, and we do not forge the many able ones who have represented us there. Mr. Cochran made a splendid reputation, and his constituents welcome him home with the plaudit of "well done, good and faithful servant." Mr Cochran was chairman of the committee on insurance, and a member of the committees on judiciary, judicial department, revenue, corporations, state charitable institutions and rules. He took an active interest in the reform of the revenue laws of the state, and examined with care the nature of all bills for which he voted. He was never found voting for the passage of a bill of doubtful import. In 1887 Mr Cochran was appointed chairman of the committee on joint memorial services held in the house of representatives on the 22d day of February of that year. In memory of of Hon. David Davis and Hon. John A. Logan. These services were largely attended by representatives from every state in the union and were unusually impressive. In all he measures Mr. Cochran kept constantly before him the best interests of the greatest number, and discarding all selfish motives labored zealously for the welfare of his constituents and the ultimate benefit of the state. He looked back upon his record with pride and satisfaction in a work conscientiously advocated and faithfully performed. Mr Cochran was always a Republican in politics and has labored zealously for the formulation of that party's interest. He took part in the memorable struggle for the election of a United States senator before the Thirty -fourth General Assembly of Illinois in 1885. No election for United States senator has ever occurred where the result gave such universal satisfaction or attracted such widespread attention. It has been said that no Spartan band ever followed a gallant leader with more courage and loyalty than did the Republican members of the Thirty-fourth General Assembly adhere to the fortunes of General Logan. In 1863 Mr. Cochran married Miss Eva Tarbox, daughter of Horace Tarbox, one of the early settlers of Stephenson county, Mrs. Cochran died in 1877, leaving two children, Dr. James A. Cochran, now a resident of Denver, Colo. and Mrs. Mary Linn, who died in 1892. Mr. Cochran was a member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with Evergreen lodge of Freeport. He has also taken a conspicuous part in the interest of education in the public schools of Freeport, and served twelve years as a member of the board of education.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - 19 Oct 1904 clipping

ERWIN A. CLOCK , 90, of 1720 Sylvan Court, died today, May 29, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. Until retiring in 1959, he was a mail carrier for 37 years. Clock was a 50-year member of both Embury United Methodist Church and Evergreen masonic Lodge, and a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Freeport. He was a World War 1 veteran, and also a past commander of the AMerican Legion. Born on Jan. 6, 1896, in Warren, he was the son of Frank and Elizabeth (Scace) Clock. He married Dessa M. Leverington on Dec. 25, 1919, in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; two sons Jack D. of Larned, Kan., and Gerald E. of Midland, Mich., one brother, Harold of Freeport; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday at Walker Mortuary. THe Rev. Ernest R. Francis, pastor of Embury United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p. m. Friday at the mortuary. A memorial fund has been established for Embury United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - May 29, 1986 clipping

JOHN COLE , 80, Veteran of Civil War Passes Away at McConnell
John Cole aged 80, civil war veteran, died MOnday at his home here, giving been a resident of this town over 30 years. Born October 17, 1844 in Delaware County, Ohio, he came west and settled in northern Illinois. Twenty one years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Emaline Williams. No children survive, but the deceased has two brothers and two sister living. William Cole, 116 west Douglas Street Freeport, and Joseph Cole, of Osage, Iowa. The sisters are Mrs. Chas. Shippy of McConnell, and Mrs. Solace, of Red Oak. Deceased was member of Company G. 46th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and the GAR was the only organization in which held membership. The funeral will be held from the home Wednesday at 1 o'clock, Rev. Mr. Moore of the M. E. Church Winslow officiating and burial will be in the McConnell Cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - November 11, 1924 clipping

ROSE COLLIN , a former Pearl City area resident, died Monday in Good Samaritan Nursing Home, East Peoria. She had taught school in Carroll and Jo Daviess Counties. Born April 26, 1895 in Jo Daviess County, she was the daughter of Theodore and Mary (Brunner) Link. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Alvin (Gladys) Koeller of Pearl City; a son, Emerson of Stockton; a brother, Herbert of Pearl City; four sisters, Mrs. Jasper (Hattie) Flickinger of Pearl City, Mrs. Peter (Carrie) Hansen of Clarendon Hills, Mrs. Arthur (Louise) Hendra of San Diego, California, and Mrs. William (Anna) Lane of West Allis, Wisconsin; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, six brothers, and a grandchild. Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Highland Cemetery, Pearl City. The Rev. Milton Whitney, pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois June 17, 1975

NELSON HAROLD CORNELL , one of the most splendid men who ever made Pearl City his home, and who is excelled by very few points of honesty and integrity, passed away... Sunday July 31, at...Globe Hospital in Freeport where a week before he had...a major surgical operation. Nelson Harold Cornell was born May 27, 1881 in Beverly, Ontario Canada. He died July 31, 1921 at the age of 40 years, 2 months and 4 days. Twelve years ago he came to Pearl City on the eighteenth of March. For four years...he was the night operator at the local depot, and since that time, a period of eight years, he was engaged successfully in business until his death. On May 10th, 1920 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Meyers [Meyer], who with the son Robert survive, as do also Mr. Cornell’s aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Anger, his stepfather, Mr. Anger; one sister, Mrs. Fred Scott of Heghgate, Ontario, Canada; and four brothers who are Robert, of Ridgetown, Canada, James of Michigan, John of Florida and Thomas of Portland, Oregon. His father, also a sister, Mrs. Ida Staly of Stevensville, Canada preceded him in death. Deceased was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Pearl City. He was also affiliated with the Mystic Workers Lodge and...Modern Woodmen. Funeral services were held...Wed. August 3rd at the Lutheran Church, conducted by the local pastor, Rev. Henry Voegitly and the former minister, Rev. P. H. Stahl of Nachusa, Illinois...Interment was made in the new City Cemetery [buried in Highland Cem, Pearl City].
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - (Pearl City News, 4 Aug 1921)

ROBERT HAROLD CORNELL ,72, of Pearl City, was dead on arrival Wednesday afternoon at Freeport Memorial Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack. He operated the Royal Blue Store in Pearl City and then was employed by Micro Switch until retiring. Cornell was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Pearl City, the Pearl Masonic Lodge, Orpha Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Scottish Rite, High Twelve Club and the American Legion. He was a veteran of WW II. Born July 31, 1911, in Pearl City, he was the son of Nelson Cornell and Nellie (Meyer) Cornell Garnhart. On June 6, 1936, he married Marjorie Finkenbinder in Kent. Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Mrs. Mary Kay (Dan) Munda of Freeport; one stepsister, Florence Garnhart Woodall of Hanover Park, and two grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather and one stepbrother. Service will be held...Sat. at St. John's Lutheran Church with the Rev. Milton L. Whitney, pastor, officiating. Burial... in Highland Cemetery, Pearl City. Friends may call Friday at Offenheiser-Schwarz Funeral Home, Pearl City, where the OES will hold a service at 8 p.m....
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - (Freeport Journal-Standard Thurs. 17 May 1984, p2)