EVELYN L. SMITH) GAUL , age 89, if Freeport died Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Liberty Village in Freeport. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2005 at the Lanark Church of the Brethren, with Pastor John Sgro officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. Visitations will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. A memorial has been established in her memory. Evelyn was born May 6, 1916 at Florence Station, daughter of Fred and Nettie (Burma) Smith. She attended Prairie Dell School near Shannon. Evelyn married Marlin "Butch" Gaul on September 4, 1940. She was employed at the A&P Stores in Lanark, Polo, and Mt. Carroll, and she retired from the Lanark Super-Valu. She was a member of the Lanark Church of The Brethren. She loved antiquing. Evelyn is survived by one brother, Harold (Collette) Smith of Byron; one sister, Lois (Verle) Fogle of Leaf River; nine much-loved nieces and nephews; twenty great nieces and nephews; and fourteen great great nieces and nephews. Her parents; her husband in 1995; one sister, Margaret Vietmeier; three brothers, Orville, Emerson, and Lester Smith; one nephew, Dennis Linker, precede Evelyn in death.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Prairie Advocate

HENRY A. GEORGALAS , of Freeport Route 4, a former Freeport restaurant owner, died Sunday morning, June 27, 1976 in Freeport Memorial Hospital. He operated the Uptown Restaurant on Stephenson Street, the first fish market in Freeport, and also the first Coney Island restaurant in Freeport, and was the former owner of Eastwood Inn. He was also a barber. Born May 26, 1894 in Asmos Island, Greece, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Athenas Georgalas. He married Frances Ross in 1916 in Freeport. Surviving are his widow; a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth E. (Marie) Churchill of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a son, Emmanuel Harry of Ocala, Florida; and four grandchildren. A son, four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church, of which he was a member. The Rev. Theoharis Theoharis will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Monday, June 28, 1976

FERD H. GIBLER , 79, who served 13 years as Freeport postmaster, died in his home in Stephenson Court Apartments, West Exchange Street, Wednesday noon, October 12, 1955, after an extended illness. He was also a former Freeport alderman and township supervisor. He retired from the postmastership August 1, 1947 because of ill health. Mr. Gibler was born in Freeport December 6, 1875, the son of Joseph H. and Emma M. Gibler and always lived here. He was educated in Freeport schools and from 1894 to 1918 was associated with his brother William Gibler in the horseshoeing and blacksmithing business here. His marriage to the former Alethea Goodrode took place September 17, 1902. His wife survives. His parents, and three brothers died previously. In 1905 he was elected a Freeport slderman to fill the unexpired term of his father and was then re-elected for three successive terms. On may 1, 1926 he was elected township supervisor and served eight years, then being named postmaster. On one occasion he was elected supervisor without opposition. He was a member of the Freeport Consistory and a past exalted ruler of the Freeport Elks Lodge. On February 13, 1953, he was presented with a 50-year membership pin by Excelsior lodge of Masons. He had served as chairman of the Stephenson County Emergency Relief Commission and was also chairman of the road and bridge committee of the County Board of Supervisors. He had been active in civic and political affairs of the community for more than 50 years. His parents were among the pioneer settlers of the Freeport area. Christian Science service will be conducted in the Walker Mortuary at 1:30 p.m. Saturday by Clifford C. Werle. Masonic service will also be held. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Thursday, October 13, 1955

ALETHA H. (GOODRODE) GIBLER - who formerly resided in Freeport, died this morning, October 8, 1973 in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mount Morris, following an extended illness. She was born March 31, 1880 in Aurora, daughter of George W. and Josephine (Poling) Goodrode. One September 17, 1902 she was married to Ferd H. Gibler in Freeport. He was a former postmaster here. There are no immediate survivors. Funeral arrangements are pending at Walker Mortuary. The body will be cremated and there will be no visitation. (Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Tuesday, October 9, 1973)
A memorial graveside service for Mrs. Ferd (Aletha H.) Gibler, who died Monday morning in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mount Morris, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Oakland Cemetery. The Rev. Clarence Langdon, pastor of Grace Episcopal Church, will officiate. Mrs. Gibler formerly lived in Freeport. Arrangements were completed by Walker Mortuary.
Contributed by Alice Horner

EMMA M. (SNEESBY) GIBLER - widow of Joseph H. Gibler, for many years one of Freeport’s foremost citizens, passed peacefully from earth this morning, July 25, 1923 at 4 o’clock at the residence of her son, Jerome h. Gibler, 202 ½ W. Main Street. Mrs. Gibler since the death of her husband some fifteen years ago, has traveled a good deal but of late she had been making her home with her son Jerome. Some two weeks ago the lady was taken ill with pleura-pneumonia, and although every effort possible was put forth to save her life, it was of no avail and the end came peacefully this morning and the patient sufferer was freed from all earthly pain. She had been more or less an invalid for a number of years, yet she never lost her cheerful smile and bore her afflictions with true Christian fortitude. The subject of this sketch was born in Huntingshire, England July 31, 1846, her maiden name being Miss Emma M. Sneesby. Her father was a noted landscape gardener and was induced to come to America when his daughter was but four years old. (Alice Horner’s note: Her parents were Robert and Elizabeth [Knight] Sneesby.) Arriving in this country the family located at Waukegan, where Mr. Sneesby had a wide scope for his talent along the North Shore of Chicago, and some of the best landscape gardening along that famous drive was done under his direction. He laid out the grounds for the famous P. D. Armour home and other show places. Miss Sneesby was united in marriage with Joseph H. Gibler at the Sneesby home in Waukegan in 1863 and 55 years ago they removed to Freeport where the remaining years of their lives were spent. Mr. Gibler preceding his wife to the better land some fifteen years ago. He was a man of note in this community and filled many positions of honor and trust. They were always a popular couple and their home was an ideal place to visit. They were both fond of younger people and the house was usually filled with guests, both being fond of entertainment and it was always a pleasure for their friends to visit there. Mrs. Gibler was the ideal wife and mother. She was a lady of culture and in her younger days she was foremost in every good work for the community. She was brought up in the Episcopal faith and was effective in church and charitable work of every kind. She was a woman whose life was spent in doing good deeds and in caring for her home and her loved ones and her passing will be mourned by many true friends, and especially by the friends who have known her here since she came to Freeport a happy bride. Mrs. Gibler is survived by four sons, all residents of Freeport. They are Supervisor William Gibler, Robert A., Ferd H., and Jerome H. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Sarah Heink, residing in Washington, D. C. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the residence of her son, Ferd H. Gibler, 18 N. Grove Avenue, and Rev. John R. Pickells, rector of Grace Episcopal Church, will conduct the services. The funeral arrangements will be in charge of Charles C. Lines and the pallbearers will be Dr. Walter AT. Best, Robert J. Stewart, Anton Billerbeck, Charles Billerbeck, L. R. Jungkunz, and J. R. Cowley. The mortal remains of the deceased will be laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery besides those of her late husband.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois July 25, 1923

JEROME GIBLER - After an illness extending over the past several weeks, Jerome H. Gibler, a native of Freeport and a brother to Supervisor Ferd H. Gibler, passed away at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. Billerbeck, 103 North Grove Avenue, at 5:15 o’clock this morning. Mr. Gibler, who had been a well known resident of Freeport during his life time, returned to Freeport with Mrs. Gibler about two months ago, they have resided in California for the last two years. Last fall he suffered an attack of pneumonia, from which he never fully recovered. After coming back to Freeport his condition gradually became worse until the end came this morning. Although he made a valiant fight to survive he was forced to succumb. “Romie,” as he was known to his multitude of friends, was a jovial, pleasant and generous person of splendid disposition and the bereaved family have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends. Mr. Gibler had been for many years well known in musical circles. He was an accomplished pianist, having played the piano since he was a small boy. He was also known as a musical director and writer, having staged scores of home talent plays in Freeport and vicinity while he was a member of various orchestras at different times. He and his brother, the late Robert A. Gibler, had also staged many notable performances, one of the most successful of which ws the “Writers’ Revue” staged in the auditorium at Los Angeles, Cal., about two years ago. Not only was this spectacle staged by Jerome and Robert, but all of the music and lyrics were also written by them, as had been the case in many of their productions. They received much favorable comment for their efforts in that direction. Jerome and Mrs. Gibler went to California two years ago where Mr. Gibler continued his musical efforts and also became a motion picture broker, selecting and furnishing characters to that industry. It was through his efforts that Faye Wray, who has just completed a feature picture known as “The Wedding March,” was placed in the movies. Mr. Gibler had recently signed a contract to manage and look after the affairs of Miss Wray. He had also placed Maude Fulton as a scenario writer with the Cecil DeMille company, as well as many other well known movie actresses. Jerome H. Gibler was born in Freeport on March 18, 1880, having been a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gibler. His father had served as a member of the city council for a number of years and had also been supervisor of the town of Freeport, which office Ferd H. Gibler now holds, while Will Gibler, another son of Joseph Gibler, and a brother to Jerome, also held that office. Jerome received his education in the Freeport public schools and had taken a keen interest in music throughout his lifetime. He was united in marriage to Josephine Billerbeck five years ago. His widow and one brother, Ferd H. Gibler, survive. Robert A. Gibler, a brother, passed away in California on January 27, 1925 while another brother, Will Gibler, died in Freeport on May 12, 1925. Mr. Gibler was a member of the Writers’ Club of Hollywood, the Casso Del Mar Club of Santa Monica, Cal., and the Musicians’ Union of Freeport. Funeral services will be conducted from the home of Ferd H. Gibler, 1176 West Stephenson Street, at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Rev. John R. Pickells, pastor of Grace Episcopal Church, will conduct the services, and interment will be made at Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois December 13, 1926

JOSEPH H. GIBLER , alderman from the First Ward, and a former member of the board of education, state board of health and board of supervisors, died this morning, December 20, 1905 at 5 o’clock at the family residence 210 Stephenson Street. The end came after a year’s illness of Bright’s disease and heart trouble, but apoplexy was the direct cause, Mr. Gibler having suffered a stroke at the hour mentioned. Widespread regret was expressed this morning when the announcement was made that Mr. Gibler had passed away. Although his condition for the past twelve months was such as alarmed the members of the household, at intervals he appeared to recover some of his old-time vigor and the hopes of all were centered in the wish that he would be spared for many years to come. Strong of constitution and possessing an indomitable will, he struggled bravely against the insidious foe with that power which was characteristic of his struggles all his life, but slowly and surely the ravages of the disease made themselves felt and at last he was vanquished in the unequal struggle. Previous to his fatal illness Mr. Gibler never experienced a day’s sickness in his life. He was a giant in strength, having followed the trade of horseshoer and blacksmith from early life and worked at the forge up to two years ago. When the disease took hold of him there was a rapid decline noticed and he appeared but a shadow of his former self, but never once did he give up hopes and he fought bravely on to the end. A member of the city council, he attended to the duties of this position as long as his health would permit, but even when he accepted the place he was far from being a well man. However, he entered the campaign and was elected, the numerous details attendant upon the election no doubt having a bad effect upon his constitution, for soon after taking his seat in the council last spring he was able to attend but few of the sessions, and for the past two months he was unable to come downtown. News from the bedside of the sick man was watched for with anxiety by the public, the deceased having been prominent in the affairs of the city and county for many years. An improvement in his condition was noticeable in the summer months and there were strong hopes that he would rally and again be able to assume his place in the transactions that required his attention. But the hope was futile, the grim messenger had already made its presence felt and he was called when life seemed to hold forth its fairest promise for a prosperous future.

The passing of Mr. Gibler removes one of the oldest and best known musicians in the northwest. He organized Gibler’s orchestra in 1865 and which has never been disbanded, although he relinquished active control six years ago. The organization is now managed by his eldest son, William M. Gibler. Gibler’s orchestra at once assumed a lead among the musical organizations of the northwest and its fame was known for many miles. The founder accompanied the orchestra on all its engagements and frequently he was the prompter at the dances, his melodious voice reaching to the fartherest corners of the ballroom. In this relation his orchestra became known as the organization of unusual merit and its prestige has continued to the present day. For a long time he was identified with the interests of Professor Martine, of Chicago, who conducted dancing classes in many of the cities in this vicinity. Mr. Gibler was the eldest of a family of nine children. He was born sixty years ago, the parents being Morgan and Eliza Gibler, pioneer settlers, who came from Ohio and settled on a farm in Oneco township, this county. Here the deceased was born and he was engaged actively in the duties attendant upon farm life up to his seventeenth year, when he enlisted as a drummer boy in the Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer regiment, which made up largely of recruits from Freeport and Stephenson county. He became disabled in the army and was sent to a hospital and for a long time he was only able to get around with the aid of crutches. Retiring from the army, Mr. Gibler learned the trade of blacksmith under the direction of his uncle, Van Gibler, who conducted a shop in Freeport at an early day. He became proficient at the trade and later was in charge of shops at Winslow, Chicago, Waukegan, and Freeport. His shop here became one of the best known in this section and commanded a large patronage. Mr. Gibler was also an expert on iron work and for a long time he did all the work of this kind on the buggies that were manufactured by John W. Henney, who at that time conducted a factory at Cedarville, where the building is one of the landmarks of the village. Becoming interested in politics, Mr. Gibler was honored in many ways by his constituents. He was a Democrat, but he cast partisanship aside when the welfare of the people was concerned, and he had the confidence of all the people. Every position he occupied was given the strict attention it demanded and no one was more faithful to a public or private trust than he. Elected to the office of supervisor of the town of Freeport at a time when the position was held but for one year, the legislature passed an act that had for its purpose the holding of elections for supervisors every two years, and he was able to hold the office the first term for two years owning to this provision which came into effect. He cared for the interests of the town in an able manner and was re-elected. During his service as supervisor he looked after the cases of poor people and not a worthy applicant ever came to him who was not provided with the necessities of life. He had a heart as tender as that of a child’s and the misery which he saw among the poor touched him deeply. It was this characteristic, prominent among others, that brought him in touch with the people and they had confidence in him s a man of judgment and ability.

Mr. Gibler was affectionately known among his friends as “Uncle Joe,” and they loved to address him as such. He was a friend of the young people and found the keenest enjoyment in their company, participating in all the affairs that pertained to their happiness and was their true friend and advisor. His death will be sincerely mourned by a wide acquaintance and his memory will be revered for years to come. In the home circle he was the kind husband and indulgent father, ever seeking for the comforts and pleasures that were due to his family. He delighted in entertaining friends at his home and all who came were impressed with his genial disposition and thoughtfulness of the welfare of others. Mr. Gibler’s grandfather was the first postmaster in his county and had charge of the office at Oneco. The building is still standing. The mother of the deceased died three years ago, and the father twenty years ago. Mr. Gibler was married at Waukegan, Illinois to Miss Emma Sneesby thirty-nine years ago, and they returned to Freeport about a year later. He leaves his widow and four sons, as follows: William M., Ferd H., and Jerome, of Freeport, and Robert of Indianapolis. He also leaves the following sisters: Mrs. Sylvia Delameter of Richhill, Missouri, Mrs. Georgia Campbell of Germania, Iowa, and Mrs. John Sacker of Freeport. Mr. Gibler was a member of Evergreen Lodge, No. 170, A. F. & A. M., and all of the higher Masonic bodies which includes the chapter, commandery, shrine and consistory. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock and will be in the charge of the Freeport commandery, Knights Templar. Interment will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner - The Daily Journal, Freeport, Illinois December 20, 1905

JOSEPHINE GIBLER , 81, widow of Jerome Gibler and for many years operator of the Billerbeck Bakery, 24 S. Galena Avenue, died early today in a local hospital after an extended illness. For the past 14 years she lived with her niece, Lillian Harris, at 26 S. Galena Avenue. The former Josephine Billerbeck was born in Freeport December 27, 1871, the daughter of John and Mina Billerbeck, pioneer settlers of Freeport. She was educated in local schools and had always lived here. The Billerbeck Bakery was established by her parents and later Mrs. Gibler operated the business with her brother, Charles Billerbeck. She was married in 1923 to Jerome Gibler, who died in 1927. Surviving is one brother, Charles Billerbeck of Freeport. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Ladies Society of that parish. Funeral service will be held at the Schwarz Funeral Home at 9 a.m. Tuesday, with a requiem mass in St. Joseph’s Church at 9:30. Rev. N. J. Berg will officiate. Interment will be made in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The rosary will be recited in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Saturday, January 31, 1953

OLIVE (GRANSDEN) GIBLER , 76, widow of William Gibler and lifelong resident of Stephenson County, passed away at her home 1410 W. Stephenson Street, last night, April 13, 1943. Funeral services will be held at the Walker Mortuary, West Main Street, at 1:30 o’clock Friday afternoon. H. E. Dedrick will read the Christian Science service and interment will be made at Oakland. Olive Gransden was born near Freeport in 1867. She was educated here and was united in marriage to William Gibler 54 years ago. Her husband, who was supervisor for the town of Freeport, passed away in 1925. She is survived by three children, Miss Reigh Gibler, at home; Robert Gibler of Ridott; and Mrs. H. G. Snook of Corpus Christi, Texas
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois April 14, 1943

REIGH I. GIBLER , 92, a resident of Freeport Manor Nursing Home, died today, December 28, 1984 at Freeport Memorial Hospital. She was formerly a secretary for Henney Hearse Company and a member of First Church of Christ Scientist. Born January 11, 1892 in Freeport, she was the daughter of William M. and Olive (Granseen) Gibler. Surviving is one sister, Mrs. Lucile (Harry) Snook of Freeport. She was preceded in death by one brother. Her body was cremated. Arrangements were completed by Walker Mortuary.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois December 28, 1984

ROBERT A. GIBLER - Hollywood, Calif., January 28 – Robert Gibler, former Freeporter, dropped dead last night at the home of Miss Mildred Green, in Graham Street. He had assisted the Writers club in numerous reviews and productions and was well known among motion picture people. Calling at the Green home early last evening Mr. Gibler complained of feeling ill. He fell to the floor, but before medical aid could be summoned he died, apparently from heart trouble.--– Norman R. Haefer
Friends of Robert A Gibler will be shocked to learn of the news of his sudden death, which occurred in Hollywood, Calif., last night at 9 o’clock, as conveyed in a message received by his brothers W. M. and Ferd Gibler, of this city, early this morning. While no further particulars are available, it is believed that death was due to heart disease as he had been in excellent health and as late as Sunday evening many in this city had the pleasure of listening in on a concert in Los Angeles at which “Bob,” as he was known in this city, was playing. Whenever, for years past, music has been mentioned in Freeport, the name of “Bob” Gibler was almost automatically brought to mind, as he was one of the best known musicians in the state and his travels along the paths which lead to the goal of fame in the various branches of music had given him an opportunity which seldom comes to the average individual. Born in this city April 13, 1870, Mr. Gibler would have been 55 years of age in April and had been a resident of Freeport for the greater part of his life, always calling this city home, even though his travels took him to all corners of the world. After receiving his education in the public schools of this city, he early in life made music his profession and after playing locally spent many of his seasons of work in the theatrical and circus profession, many excellent musical organizations being at different times under his baton. Among the engagements which took him abroad was a trip made as bandmaster of the Sells Bros. circus on the trip to Australia which lasted a year and he was later bandmaster for the La Pearl shows during seven seasons on tour. For three seasons he was musical director for George M. Cohan and during his association with this world famous composer and author he had occasion to take down in manuscript form many of the compositions which later reached into the million copies in their sales. Cohan often complimented “Bob” as possessing the rare gift of being able to transcribe his melodies when sung or whistled to him at the piano. Many other road engagements followed his connection with the Cohan forces. During the World War he entered the service as a bandmaster. He was stationed for six months at Great Lakes Naval Station and was also in charge of the band at the Chicago Municipal Pier, during that time. Later he made five trips across the Atlantic as bandmaster, bringing soldiers home from the war and furnishing music for their entertainment in crossing. Returning to Freeport after the war he organized the Freeport Concert Band which was known far and near for its excellent concerts in the city’s parks, and later he accepted a position in theatre orchestra work in New York City returning to accept the position of leader of the Palace theatre orchestra in Rockford. In August of the past year he left for Hollywood in company with his brother, Jerome H. Gibler, intending to make that his future home, and since residing in that city he orchestrated and helped to promote the recent successful “Writers Revue,” which was one of the social events in the movie and theatrical world of that city and played to an audience approximating 8,000. So pleased were the members of that organization that they made him an honorary member of the club – an honor shared only with the late Victor Herbert, famous composer. As an outcome of this success, three of the well known stage and movie artists Tom Mix, Percy Heath, and Al Cohen, together with Jerome Gibler and the deceased had just taken a lease on the Majestic Theatre in Los Angeles and were preparing a stage musical stock with Mr. Gibler as musical director. In a letter received yesterday by his brother Ferd, he spoke in enthusiastic terms of the prospects for the new venture and how he looked forward to his new work. Following the war, Mr. Gibler was made a member of the American Legion and was active in aiding the organization whenever opportunity offered. The deceased was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Gibler, longtime and highly esteemed residents of Freeport, his father having preceded him in death some 19 years ago, and his mother dying in 1923. Among musicians of Freeport, “Bob” Gibler was always a popular man and he was identified for many years with various bands and orchestras, including the Gibler orchestra, founded by his father, Joseph Gibler. His versatility in music was remarkable, for he was equally skilled in the playing of piano, stringed instruments, or brass, and as a composer he won fame while yet a very young man. Three brothers survive, William M. and Ferd Gibler of Freeport, and Jerome H. Gibler of Los Angeles. No plans have been made for the funeral, which will be held in Freeport, arrangements to be announced as soon as world is received from the western city.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois January 28, 1925
Alice Horner’s note: An office secretary at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport informed me that Robert A. Gibler was buried there February 20, 1925.

ROBERT S. GIBLER , a retired post office employee, died Wednesday evening, February 22, 1967 in his home at 960 Jefferson Drive. Mr. Gibler was a World War I veteran, and a member of the Last Man’s Club and American Legion. He was born October 7, 1893 in Freeport, the son of William and Olive (Gransden) Gibler. On October 1, 1921 he married the former Lucille M. Fox in Algona, Iowa. Surviving are his widow; a son, Robert J. of Pecatonica; two daughters, Mrs. Nathan (Jean) Hartzell of Benton, Wisconsin, and Mrs. L. Earl (Marilyn) Walton of Pecatonica; 12 grandchildren; and two sisters, Miss Reigh Gibler and Mrs. Harry Snook of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral service will be Saturday afternoon at 1:30 in Walker Mortuary. Rev. Gustave Bloom, pastor of Bethany United Church of Christ, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at he mortuary after 4 p.m. Friday.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois February 23, 1967

WILLIAM M. GIBLER - The community was distinctly shocked this morning to learn of the passing of William M. Gibler, supervisor of the town on Freeport and a well known and estimable citizen. Mr. Gibler’s demise came suddenly at his home, 216 North Grove Avenue about 1 o’clock this morning after an illness extending over the past week. He had apparently been feeling a trifle better than usual early yesterday evening but was seized with a sudden heart attack shortly before 1 o’clock and passed away. Shortly after midnight Mr. Gibler complained of a smothering sensation about his chest and asked to be seated in a chair near his bed. The request was complied with and he appeared to be reviving when he suddenly collapsed. He had been confined to his bed for the past week but his condition had not been regarded as serious by members of his family, all of whom were prostrated over his sudden taking off. About the first of the month Mr. Gibler was slightly indisposed with a cold but appeared to have recovered and was about town and looking after his duties of his office until one week ago when he was again taken ill. The news of Supervisor Gibler’s sudden death spread rapidly throughout the city, everyone expressing sincere regret and extending sympathy to the stricken family. Mr. Gibler was born at Durand, Illinois on February 1, 1867. He was a son of Joseph H. and Emma M. (Sneesby) Gibler. The family moved to Freeport when William was about three years of age and he had since made his home in this city. His father a pioneer orchestra leader, served as township supervisor for a number of years, holding the same office s his son, William M. Gibler, later held. The latter was affiliated with the Democratic party for many years and an active worker for that organization. He affiliated with the People’s party when the latter party name was adopted several years ago and he had been elected three successive terms on that ticket to the office of supervisor of the town of Freeport. He was serving his third term at the time of his sudden taking off. Mr. Gibler was a capable and efficient public servant at all times, conducting the affairs of his office in a businesslike manner. He was a kind hearted and generous citizen, being especially well fitted for the office to which he had been three times chosen by the citizens of Freeport. He was always ready to aid the poor and unfortunate many times giving of his own personal funds to help those in distress. Mr. Gibler had been engaged in the horseshoeing and blacksmithing business in Freeport for many years, having conducted a shop on East Exchange Street. He later engaged in the livery business on West Exchange Street, operating that business for a period of about seven years. He had been interested in music throughout his entire lifetime and served as director of the old Henney Band of Freeport for two seasons, and had been a member of that organization for many years. He also conducted the Gibler orchestra for a number of years being a recognized orchestra leader. Mr. Gibler played a cornet in the band and a violin while a member of the orchestra. He had also been a member of the Freeport Concert Band since its inception and had been associated with various orchestras during later years. Mr. Gibler united in marriage thirty-six years ago to Miss Olive Gransden, who survives. (Alice Horner’s note: They married May 28, 1890 in Stephenson County.) Three children also are surviving, they being Robert, who resides about ten miles east of Freeport on a farm; Misses Reigh and Lucille Gibler, both of Minneapolis. Two brothers are also left to mourn his loss, they being Ferd H. Gibler of Freeport, and Jerome H. Gibler of Hollywood, California. Another brother, Robert Gibler, passed away in California on January 27, 1925. His mother died on July 25, 1923 and his father passed away about twenty years ago. Mr. Gibler was a 32nd degree Mason having been affiliated with the Masonic fraternity for a number of years. He was also a member of the Freeport lodge of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. Funeral services will be conducted from the late home, 216 North Grove Avenue, at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will be made at Oakland Cemetery. “Wid” as he was familiarly known to his many friends, was a big hearted, jovial and pleasant fellow who had the happy faculty of making and retaining friends wherever he went and he numbered his friends by the hundreds. Always pleasant he had a kind word for everyone and in his passing Freeport suffers a distinct loss.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois May 12, 1925

MRS. JOSEPH GOETZ , died at the hospital at noon today of paralyses and a tumor. She was taken to the hospital about four months ago and was a very patient sufferer. Mrs. Goetz' maiden name was Miss Rutter and she was born in Cedarville about 47 years ago and had lived there all her life with the exception of one year, when she lived in Iowa. She leaves to mourn her loss five children, Albert, Levi, John, Archie, and one daughter, Mary; also five brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Durling, of Freeport, Mrs. J. J. North, Ben, John, Scott, Isaac and Dave Rutter. Mrs. Goetz was well known in Freeport and vicinity and it will be a great surprise to her friends to learn of her death. The funeral will take place thursday morning at 9 o'clock from the house. The interment will be made at Cedarville. Revs. Schultz and Loody will officiate. Funeral services will be held in the Evangelical church at Cedarville previous to interment.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - January 24, 1900 scrapbook clipping

PHILLIP GOETZ , a well known citizen of Freeport, passed away on Saturday at the County Home, the cause of his death being a complication of diseases. He leaves to mourn his loss, one sister, Mrs. Barbara Martin, of Freeport, and two brothers, Andrew Goetz, of Freeport, and Henry Goetz, of Watseka, Ill. Besides a number of nieces and nephews, he also leaves 3 great-great-nephews. Phillip Goetz was born in Baden, Germany, in October 1848, and came to America with his parents at the age of 5 years. The family settled in Freeport, and he had been a resident of this city almost all of the remaining years of his life. He enlisted in the regular army of the United States on August 15, 1867, and at the time of his honorable discharge on August 15, 1870, he was a Corporal in Company "H" of the 18th U. S. Infantry. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Tempel's Funeral Home. Rev. Frank D. SHeets officiating. Burial will be made in the city cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - March 6, 1922 clipping