ELIZABETH (DELONG) MACHAMER - widow of George E. Machamer, died at the home of Mrs. Emma Homan, Orangeville, last night after several weeks' illness. She had been cared for by Mrs. Homan for the past eighteen months. Had she lived until June 21, Mrs. Machamer would have been 101 years old. The daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Keeler DeLong she was born in Mifflinburg, Pa., June 21, 1848. She came to Stephenson county at the age of 16 years. A few years later she was married to George E. Machamer, The husband died in 1921. She resided on a farm in Kent township most of her life, but for the past 20 years had spent the winter seasons with her son, I. G. Machamer, Freeport. Mrs. Machamer was the mother of 10 children, five of whom survive, Ivan G., Freeport; W. O., Lena; Fred C., Los Angeles, Calif.; Irvin W. Merrill, Ia.; Arthur D., Stockton. Two sons died in infancy. Another son, Rev. E. O. Machamer, died at Stockton three weeks ago. Two daughters also preceded her in death, Mrs. Laura A. Rapp and Mrs. Adelaid Johnson. She also leaves 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her chief interests were in her family and church and she had been a lifelong member of United Brethren church at Kent. Mrs. Machamer often related to her children many of the thrilling incidents of the Civil war which she remembered. Services will be held at the Vanderheyden funeral home, Stockton, at 21 p.m. Monday. Rev. Mr. Birdsall, Mt. Carroll, will conduct the services. Interment will be made in Morseville cemetery, four miles south of Stockton.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - March 3, 1949 hand written clipping

IVAN MACHEMER - Last rites will be held Tuesday in Freeport for Ivan Machamer, a former Lanark creamery operator who died Friday night at his Freeport home. Burial will be in Freeport. Mr. Machamer had been a sales manager for the W. T. Rawleigh Co. for 34 years. Surviving are his wife, three children and several brothers
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 20, 1954 - Monday, pg 2

VERNON MACOMBER , 93, of Lena died Thursday, Oct. 19, 2006, at Lena Living Center in Lena. He was born June 7, 1913, in Merriman, Neb. to Homer and Elsie (Coomber) Macomber. Vernon married Winifred Phillips on Aug 17, 1939 at Damascus Baptist Church. He graduated from the University of Illinois with Bachelor's and master's degrees. He was a schoolteacher for more than 27 years. In the early 1940s, he started the Lena School Band. Mr. Macomber started farming in 1961. He was a member of the retired teachers Associations and member of Illinois Holstein Association on the national, state and local levels. He was an original member of the 708 board, which became the mental health board, which then became the Jane Addams Center. He is survived by his wife: three children, David (Karen) of Lena, Barbara Woessner of Shannon and Barton (Pam) of Stockton; nine grandchildren, Jeff Macomber, Lisa (Jim) Pick, Michael (Domoni) Macomber, Stephanie (Jermey) Flynn, Brett (kris) Woessner, Brad (Valerie) Woessner, Mark (Sheila) Macomber, Douglas (Libby)Macomber and Danielle Macomber; three stepgrandchildren. Troy (Eileen) McCabe, Bryn (Ken) Weiland and Quinn (Amy) McCabe; 13 great-grandchildren; and on sister, Theodora (Lloyd) Plowman of California. Preceding him in death were his parents, one sister one brother and one son in law, Karl Woessner. Internment will be at Cedarville Cemetery in Cedarville.
Contributed by John Macomber - Freeport Journal- Standard Fri., Oct 20 2006

LEE MADDEN - 1221 West American Street, former vice president and sales manager of Stover Manufacturing Company and later works manager of the Freeport plant of Fairbanks, Morse and Company, died at 7 a.m. today in his home after an extended illness. (This was in November 1962.) Mr. Madden was born in Damascus November 1, 1880, the son of William J. and Elizabeth (Murdaugh) Madden. He was educated in the Damascus School and Warren Academy. He was married to Laura Killian, who died in 1915. He married Florence Dampman in 1930 in Los Angeles, California. He started with the Stover company as an office boy in 1900 and continued there as sales manager and vice president until the firm was liquidated in 1941. He became works manager of the Fairbanks-Morse plant here, a post he held until his retirement in 1950. He had traveled in every continent as a representative of The Stover Company. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, Rotary Club, and the Stephenson County Historical Society; a former member of the Freeport School Board and a former director of Freeport Community Chest; and until his health failed two years ago, a member of the Freeport Water Commission. He was a 50-year member of Evergreen Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, Commandery, Scottish Rite, Consistory and Shrine, and a member of Tebala Temple in Rockford. Survivors include his wife; three sons, William of Brooklyn, N. Y., Lee Jr., in the Coast Guard in Italy, and Thomas of Sacramento, Calif., eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, and four brothers, James M. and Maurice of Freeport, Irwin of Springfield, Illinois, and J. Warren of San Francisco. Two brothers and a sister preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Walker Mortuary with the Rev. Anthony P. Landgraf officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary.
Contributed by Alice Horner -- The name on his tombstone is Oscar Lee Madden, which must have been his birth name, but I have never heard of him using the name Oscar and there is no mention of it in his obituary or on his wife Florence Dampman Madden Eder's obituary either.

JEREMIAH HARVEY MARSH - On last Thursday, December 14th, Jeremiah Marsh died at his residence, one mile south of Rock City. He had been in feeble health for a number of years, but up to the day of his death was able to walk around, and one week previous he drove to town after his mail. The cause of his death was paralysis, keeping him unconscious until he passed away, which was only a few hours after the stroke. Father Marsh settled in this part of the country in 1847, (Note 1). He emigrated from England, and when he came to this country he was in limited circumstances, but by faithful work and economy he gathered quite a fortune of this world's goods. He was a prominent member of the M.E. church, and it was largely through his influence and help that Rock City has a fine church building clear of all debts and with a large membership. The funeral services were held at the house on last Saturday and conducted by Rev. Mr. Linaweaver. The remains were interred in the Carnefix Cemetery (Note 2). The deceased leaves to mourn his loss a wife, two sons and five daughters. Those present at the funeral were Rev. Andrew Marsh and daughter, of Nebraska; Lewis Marsh and daughter, of Iowa; and Mrs. Becker of Nebraska.
Contributed by Mallory Smith - Obituary copied from the Freeport Weekly Democrat-Dec. 23,1893

WALTER MARSH - Former Freeport Police Chief Walter Marsh died suddenly Monday evening, March 22, 1977, at his home at 968 S. Arcade Avenue. A decorated veteran of World War I, Marsh served 17 years as chief from 1942-1959 and was on the police force for 27 years. On learning this morning of Marsh’s death, a former colleague of Marsh’s, Assistant Police Chief Willard “Curley” Robbins said “He was a policeman’s policeman. I don’t think I ever worked under a man I respected more.” Robbins was a rookie on the force the last six years of Marsh’s regime. “The job was foremost in his (Marsh’s) mind, but at the same time he was behind his men,” Robbins said. “His integrity was unreproachable.” Police Chief Gerald Brookman, who also served under Marsh, said “he was a good officer to work under and a tough officer. He had dedication to the police field.” The Marsh family ties with city law enforcement were carried on by Marsh’s son, Earl, who was on the police department for 26 years, the last six as chief before retiring in 1972. Walter Marsh’s career as a policeman had a hairy start in 1932 when he was wounded while taking a safe cracker at Union Dairy into custody. Marsh surprised the man in the act of the crime and was starting to escort the man back to the police station when the burglar pulled a hidden gun and fired at Marsh at point blank range. Although taking a blast through the left shoulder, Marsh was able to pursue the fleeing gunman, firing several shots and taking a bullet through the chest in return. Marsh served many years as an adult probation officer with the Stephenson County Probation Department after retiring as chief. He was a lifetime member of the Policemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois. In 1961 he was an unsuccessful candidate for mayor, and he once ran for sheriff. During World War I service in France, Marsh served with the 362nd Infantry during some of the fiercest fighting in 1918. He was decorated with a Distinguished Service Cross by Gen. John J. Pershing, received two French Croix de Guerre for extraordinary service in action, and the Purple Heart. Very active in veterans organizations he was a member and past commander of the World War I Barracks and a past commander of the Moseley-Loewe VFW post in Freeport. Walter L. Marsh was born August 28, 1895 in Lanark, a son of Frank and Ida (Horner) Marsh. He married Iva Coon on November 10, 1921 in Freeport. Survivors include his widow, of Freeport; four sons, Earl, Vernon, and John, all of Freeport, and Kenneth of Sterling; four daughters, Mrs. Doris Carpenter and Mrs. Betty Hofmaster, both of Freeport, Mrs. Sam (Joan) Busemi of Rockford, and Mrs. Joyce Jegerlehner of Janesville, Wisconsn; 31 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mrs. Martha Voss of Freeport. His parents, a sister, two grandchildren, and his step-father preceded him in death. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, the Rev. Philip Anstedt, pastor of the St. John United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 4 p.m. Wednesday.

AMANDA (LUTZ) MASTERS one of Lena's pioneer and highly respected residents passed away at her home in Lena at 4:15 Saturday morning. She had been in failing health for some time, having lost her eyesight about a year ago. Amanda Lutz Masters was born Oct. 21, 1854 near Mt. Union Huntington county, PA., and died Jan. 28, 1928 at her home in Lean IL, aged 73yrs. 3 mo., 7 days. She became a member of the church of the Brethren June 18, 1977, in which she has ever faithful and true. She came west with her parents when but an infant and has since been a resident of Stephenson County. On August 15, 1875, she was united in marriage to George Masters, who preceded her 4 years ago. The fol ....... Garver Masters, Waddams Grove, Ill; Mrs. Fannie Brose, Lena Ill; Mrs. Kate Tuell, Freeport, Ill; Mrs. Clara eisenbise, Lena Ill; Mrs. Anna Moore, Lena Ill, Three brothers and one sister also survive, they being; Garver Lutz, Winslow, Ill; Ezra Lutz, Freeport, Ill; Jacob Lutz, Lena, Ill; and Mrs. Clara Myers, Waddams Grove, Ill. Twelve grandchildren and five great grand children also survive. The funeral services were held at the church of the Brethren, Monday, Jan. 31st at 1:30 p,.m. with the pastor, Rev. U.R. Hoofle, officiating; The text used was taken from Job 14:14. Interment was made in the Louisa cemetery. We wish to thank all neighbors and friends for their kind sympathy and assistance during our recent bereavement.
Contributed by Carol Parrish

JOHN McCAULEY - Funeral services for the late John McCauley were held on Saturday afternoon at St. Paul's Lutheran church and burial was made at the Frankeberger cemetery. Those from a distance who attended the funeral were: Mrs. William Korth of Lena; Mrs. Oliver Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Molter, Miss Elsie Wilson, Mrs. Jennie Stees and son, Paul, of Freeport; Miss Mary Wilson, of Rockford; Mrs. Albert Gentz, Mrs. Elsie Myers, Mrs. Annie Wells, of Davis; Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCauley and Edward McCauley of Dakota.
Freeport Journal - 11 March 1939

FRED M. McHENRY , a resident of Freeport for several years, passed away at a local hospital last night after a brief illness. He had been employed as a bookkeeper by the Freeport Machine Works and resided at 108 East Washington street. Before coming to Freeport he acted as secretary for several years to his brother, the late Myron E. McHenry, who was one of the nation's best known racehorse drivers. He was born at Geneseo, Ill., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McHenry. His marriage to Miss Birdie Nieman took place in Freeport, Oct. 1, 1896. He is survived by his wife. Funeral services will be held at the Walker mortuary at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Mrs. L. A. Jayne will conduct Christian Science services and interment will be made at Oakland.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Freeport Journal Standard clipping May 10, 9145

ANNA MEADE , who has resided in Lancaster township for the past twenty years, died at her home this morning. Mrs. Meade was born in York county, Pennsylvania, eighty-five years ago, and moved to Lancaster about twenty years ago where she has since resided. The funeral will take place from her home Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. She had been married 65 years and leaves seven children.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - January 17, 1900 scrapbook clipping

GENEVIEVE (GLASSER) MEADS , 58, died suddenly Wednesday night in her home, 121 South Factory street. The former Genevieve Glasser was born June 22, 1893, in Lancaster township, the daughter of John and Mary Belle Hutchison Glasser. She was married to Charles G. Meads Sept. 24, 1950. Survivors include her husband, one brother and two sisters, E. H. Glasser, Freeport; Mrs. C. T. (Mary) Bluemel, Milwaukee; Mrs. Paul (Marjorie) Ilgen, Cedarville. She had been a lifelong member of Second Presbyterian church. Services will be held in the Walker mortuary at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Rev. Anthony P. Landgraf will officiate. Interment will be made in Oakland.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Clipping

OLIVE MARIE (HANSEN) MEADS , 125 W. Factory St., died in her home Sunday. The former Olive Marie Hansen was born in Rock Run Township June 21, 1896, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hansen. Her marriage to Charles Meads took place in California, Jan. 2, 1958. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, King's Daughters and the Stephenson County Home Bureau. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Daniel (Ruth) Brenning of Los Angeles, Calif., and Mrs. William (Wanda) Richoz of Elgin; and seven grandchildren. Service will be in the Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Anthony P. Landgraf, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Lake Street Memorial Burial Park, Elgin. A memorial fund is being established.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

MARY E. (RIGGLE) MEARS - Monroe Wis.: Services were held this afternoon at a funeral home here for Mrs. Mary E. Mears, 94, who died Saturday morning at the Green county home, Rev. George R. Keepin pastor of the Methodist church officiated. Mrs. Mears was born in Oneco township Stephenson county, Ill. Jan. 4, 1845. Her parents were John and Amy Jenks Riggle. In 1879 she was married in Monroe (Wisc) to John Mears. They lived in Warren Ill. until his death 40 years ago. She then moved to Monroe and lived here since residing at the county home the last seven months. She was a member of the Methodist church She is survived by one daughter Mrs. Amy E. Cary, Monroe, one brother, L.D. Riggle, Janesville; and n ieces and nephews. Mrs. Mears was preceded in death, besides her husband, by one son, Jesse.
Freeport Journal 27 March 1939

MRS. CHARLES MERGEN , 40, of Ridott, passed away at a local hospital Saturday afternoon after a long illness. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Leerhoff, she was born at Ashton, Ia., Dec. 9, 1902. Her marriage to Charles Mergen took place Jan. 24, 1923. Besides her husband she leaves two sons and a daughter, Eugene, in the U. S. air corps; Donald, of Ridott; Mrs. Bernice Schaeffer, of Ridott. Two brothers survive, Clarence Leehoff, Leaf River; William Leerhoff, Ridott. There is also one grandson. Two sisters and a brother preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the home in Ridott township, and at Ridott United Brethren church at 2:14 o'clock. Rev. Mr. Haan, pastor of Christian Reformed church German Valley, will conduct the services and interment will be made to Ridott cemetery.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - December 6, 1943 clipping

MEYSEMBOURG, Harry , of Company B, 132nd Infantry, was killed in action in France on August 3rd, a message announcing his death having been received by his brother, Leo yesterday afrernon. It had been unofficially reported for more than a month that Corporal Meysembourg lost his life fighting in France, but the war department sent no word as to the young man's fate until yesterday. Harry Meysembourg was born in Dubuque, Ia. in 1896 when he was 2 years old his father moved to Freeport and Harry had made his home in this city ever since, receiving his education in the public schools and afterward was employed by his father, N. Meysembourg in the latter's mattress factory. Nine years ago the mattress plant was destroyed by fire. Harry's last place of employment in Freeport was at the Ford garage conducted by Al Stephan. He was working there up to October 5th, 1917, when he was called to the colors. He left for Camp Grant and remained there until the 2nd of April, when he was transferred to Houston, Texas. About a month later he sailed for France. Corp. Meysembourg, who was fine young fellow, is survived by his father, who now is a resident of Savanna, Ill., and one brother, Leo, of this city. A grandmother of the young soldier also lives here. His mother died when he was a child.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

LORENA MIDEKE , 62, a lifelong resident of Stephenson county, died in a local hospital late last night after a lingering illness. She resided at 224 West Empire street. Funeral services will be held at the Schwarz funeral home, South Galena avenue, at 9:45 o'clock Friday morning with a requiem mass at St. Joseph's Catholic church. Freeport, at 10:15 o'clock. Interment will be made in St. Joseph's cemetery at Lena. The rosary will be recited at the funeral home at 7:30 o'clock Thursday night. The daughter of the late August and Elizabeth Mideke she was born in Erin township May 13, 1884. She is survived by a brother and two sisters, Edwin Mideke, residing on a farm near Lena; Mrs. Otilda Jogerst, Mrs. Alma Luedeke, Freeport.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Dec. 3, 1946 pencil date

GEORGE MINGLE - Information has been received of the death of George Mingle who passed away at the home of his son-in-law, Luther Wells, at Belle Plaine, Iowa. The deceased was born at Aaronsburg, Center county, Pa., June 1, 1828, and had, therefore, reached the age of 77 years, 9 months and 22 days. He was united in marriage with Mary Stratton who passed away eleven years ago. The deceased leaves a sister, Mrs. Katherine Fisher, of Rock Grove township, this county, a daughter, Mrs. Luther Wells of Belle Plaine, Iowa and a son, Stratton, of Rock Falls, Ill. A daughter, Mrs. Abraham Schermerhorn, of this city, died about ten years ago. There are also many other relatives and friends residing in this county whom the deceased has visited frequently during the fifty or more years he has resided in Illinois and Iowa, his last visit having occurred a year ago when he spent several months in this county, The funeral will be held at Amboy next Monday where the family resided for many years. The deceased was a man of gentle, Christian spirit who was beloved by all who knew him.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Saturday, March 24, 1906 paper clipping

GRACE E. (KORFF) MINNIER - 211 W. Broadway, died Sunday September 10, 1967 in Freeport Memorial Hospital. She was born October 30, 1889 in Freeport, daughter of Herman and Susan (Kloepping) Korff. On December 14, 1921 she was married to Vade Minnier in Freeport. She was employed for many years in the office of Dr. R. J. Hyslop. Surviving is a niece, Mrs. Virgil (Lois) Brunkow of Monroe, Wisconsin. Her husband, a brother and one sister preceded her in death. Mrs. Minnier was a member of the Faith Evangelical United Brethren Church. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. Eldon Schriver will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois September 11, 1967

VADE L. MINNIER - Vade Minnier Fatally Hurt While Hunting
Freeport Man Accidentally Killed Sunday in Erin Township
Gun Not Working Properly, Two Companions Declare
Supposed That In Adjusting It He Dischaged Weapon – Victim World War Veteran
While hunting on the Emerson Brady farm in Erin Township Vade L. Minnier, aged 25 years and a resident of Freeport, was accidentally shot and killed about 10 o’clock Sunday morning (December 9, 1923). Just how the fatal accident occurred is not certain, although it is thought that Minnier’s gun discharged accidentally, this shot entering his body at the right chest and causing his death only a few minutes afterward. Mr. Minnier together with Mike Ospe and Ira Brady were shooting pigeons at the Brady farm at the time of the fatality. It appears that Minnier’s gun had not been discharging properly and it is thought that he was probably in the act of adjusting this gun when it was discharged. Both Brady and Minnier carried shot guns and both, apparently, were about to shoot at a flock of pigeons the guns being discharged almost simultaneously when Brady, who was near Minnier, heard the latter cry for help and on turning toward his companion discovered he had been shot. A physician was immediately summoned but the young man passed away before aid arrived. A coroner’s jury inquiring into the death yesterday returned a verdict of death resulting from being accidently shot by his own gun, which was a 16-gauge shot gun. The jury was composed of the following: Oscar Mayer, Orrie Down, Paul Dole, August Hasselman, Thomas Roberts. Emerson Brady, Minnier and Ospe had left Freeport about 7 o’clock yesterday morning on a hunting trip and went to the Brady farm where they together with Ira Brady prepared to shoot pigeons at the Brady farm when the accident took place. Mr. Ospe was several rods away from Minnier while Mr. Brady was a short distance away but in front of Minnier and hence neither actually saw the fatal accident. The Brady farm where the accident took place is in Erin Township, a short distance east of the Dublin church. Vade Leroy Minneir was born in Brookville, Illinois on October 31, 1897, a son of Millard and Jessie Minnier. He came to Freeport about 10 years ago, and was united in marriage to Miss Grace Korff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Korff, on December 14, 1921. They had resided at the Korff home since then, and decedent was employed as assistant sales manager of the hardware department of the Stover Manufacturing and Engine Company. Vade Minnier enlisted in Freeport in the United States Army and left here on April 1, 1917, returning from overseas on May 31, 1919. He served during that time as a corporal in Headquarters Company of the 123rd Field Artillery, and participated in many engagements. Later he became a member of Freeport post No. 139, American Legion, in which he was an active worker. He was also a member of Oak Avenue Evangelical Church, and of the Voke-fellows class. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock at the Korff residence, 211 W. Broadway, and at 3 o’clock at Oak Avenue Evangelical Church, Rev. A. J. Byas, pastor, officiating. Freeport post of the American Legion has charge of the arrangements. Interrment will be made in Oakland Cemetery. Rev. P. H. Beuscher, formerly pastor of Oak Avenue church, will also assist in the services. The pallbearers will be: Robert Bast, Willard Smith, Clarence Molter, Roy Bennethum, and Messrs. Anderson and Edwards.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Monday, December 10, 1923

GEORGE RAY MOLL , of Shannon, died Monday evening in a Monroe hospital. He collapsed in a Monroe café Sunday evening. (The date of his death, February 25, 1963, has been handwritten in.) Born Aug. 20, 1901 in Cherry Grove Township, he was the son of David and Catherine Woessner Moll. On February 18, 1925 in Shannon he married Florence Horner. He was a farmer until he retired about 10 years ago. Survivors include his wife; his mother; one son, Kenneth of Shannon; two daughters, Mrs. Raymond (Doris) Heumann of California and Mrs. Jim (Phyllis) Lawson on Lanark; a brother, D. Roy of Shannon and five grandchildren. Two brothers and his father preceded him in death. Moll was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Shannon. Funeral service will be held Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in Shannon Evangelical United Brethren Church with Rev. Robert Hartman, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport.
Contributed by Alice Horner

ARTHUR F. MOSELEY , was killed in action at the battle of Cantigny July 5th, 1918, during the first great American offensive of the war. He was in charge of Company G, 16th Regiment, infantry and had been in the trenches for several weeks prior to his death. He enlisted in the service on August 27th, 1917 and on november 27th of the same year was commissioned a captain. He returned to Freeport to visit his family and on December 12th, 1917, left Freeport for an eastern port from whence he embarked overseas on December 24th, 1917. Besides serving with honor in the world war and offering his life to his country Captain Moseley also served during the Spanish-American war as a sergeant. During the Boer war he served with the British army as a dispatch rider and was rewarded for his gallantry by receiving the Queen's medal. He served as pastor of the United Brethren church in Freeport for three and one half years before enlisting for service in the world war. Captain Moseley was 43 years of age. A strange coincident is the fact that about one month ago Mrs. Moseley received three pieces of shrapnel, which had been sent to her by her late husband. The shrapnel had been picked up on the field of battle and had been sent to this country by Captain Moseley with an American Lieutenant, who was returning home. He also sent a brief note with the shrapnel but they were not delivered until about four weeks ago. The shrapnel pieces were sent home by the late Captain for his children and it is strange that they should be received almost two years after his death on the field of battle. Last Christmas Mrs. Moseley received a splendid letter from members of Captain Moseley's company who were at that time holding their first reunion at Fr. Sheridan. The writers spoke many words of praise to the memory of their fallen comrade and officer.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Partial clipping - June 1, 1920

MARJORIE MAE MUELLER - Freeport Route 4, who operated the Tiny Tot Shop in Freeport for 36 years, died Wednesday night shortly after being admitted to Freeport Memorial Hospital. She reportedly suffered an apparent heart attack. She was a member of the Scottish Rite Women’s Club. Born February 23, 1916 in Stephenson County, she was the daughter of Reuben and Sadie (Cady) Vautsmeier. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ronald (Rita) Martinson of Hampton; two grandchildren; two brothers, Howard and Raymond, and her father, all of Freeport. She was preceded in death by her husband on October 31, 1966. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois September 27, 1973

THEODORE MUELLER - Providence decreed that Theodore Mueller should be called to the Gospel ministry in later life. In 1896, the Mueller family moved to Hohenwald , Tenn. to join a number of Swiss and German families in a colony there, most of them of the Reformed faith. Because of a scarcity of ministers, especially of the German tongue, Mr Mueller gradually assumed various duties in serving these people, also conducting services which found favor with them. After private study under the guidance of pastors of his Church for 2 years, he was examined, licensed and ordained by pastors of Kentucky Classis in June 1908. His first pastorate was at Hohenwald. Other fields in which he served humble and faithfully were as follows: New Middletown , Ind , 3 congregations Ledyard , Iowa and the Loran congregation near Pearl City , Ill , where he served his Master to the best of his ability as long as health and strength permitted. Contrary to his desire Mr Mueller found it necessary to retire from the active ministry in 1932 moving to Pearl City where he spent the remainder of his sojourn on earth. Gradually declining health and strength due to various causes brought his pilgrimage to a close on March 30, 1940 at 8:45 P. M. in a hospital at Lena , Ill when a new Sabbath began to dawn for him. He attained the age of 78 years, 6 mos and 4 days. Interment was made in the Loran cemetery near Pearl City, after funeral services in Salem Church on Tues Apr 2. Besides the local pastor, 6 other ministers took part in the services. The undersigned delivered the English address and Rev Max Schroedel gave a brief German address. A quartet of ministers and a group of singers of the congregation sang appropriate songs. During his ministry Mr Mueller served several times as president and vice president of Classis, North Dakota Class two years, and Ursinus Classis; also several times as a member of committees on examination and licensure and in other capacities. The writer learned to know him about 30 years ago in Nebraska (?ca 1910); friendships were renewed when we met again as members of Ursinus Classis in Iowa , and again at Pearl City . These intimate associations afforded us a deeper knowledge of the life of the brother, and especially of his trials of soul. The dear brother had to go through deep waters in life. Aware of his own shortcomings he nevertheless retained a firm childlike faith in his God and Savior. His desire at all times was to commune with those who go to the house of the Lord to worship. His heart desire was to commune with the congregation this last Easter Sunday, but his physician would not permit him. At eventide we had the privilege of Holy Communion with him and his wife in their own home, and we felt the presence of the Lord in spirit, as did the disciples in that Upper Room when Jesus communed with them in His farewell. Gladly he would have remained with his loved one a little longer, but he also had learned to pray: “Not mine but Thy will be done!” As evidence we bring his own confession which he wrote some years ago, following a severe illness: “He can meet his Lord and Savior face to face, saying that he was not without fault and sins, but he hopes those shortcomings are blotted out by the blood of the Lamb, in whom he believe staunchly, clinging to the Cross as his only means of salvation.” This confession we can substantiate by having heard him make similar confessions to his blessed end. May he rest in peace. ( E. F. Franz)
SECOND OBITUARY: Rev Mueller 78, retired minister passed away March 30th in the Lena hospital following an illness of about 1 week. He was born in Switzerland Sept 26, 1861 and at the age of 19 came to the United States . Rev Mr Mueller was twice married, his first wife formerly Miss Anna Mattes whom he married Massillon , Ohio having died some years ago. In 1928 he was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Schafer at Redwood Falls , Minn. He is survived by his widow, 6 children: William Mueller and Mrs Harry Minniehan of Dixon, Mrs George W. Smith of Savannah, Theodore Mueller Jr of Palo Alto , Calif, Mrs W. S. Resch of Salem, Neb., Mrs William Goeman of Mead, Neb., Rev Mr Mueller was ordained in the ministry at Hohenwald , Tn and served in pastorates in Tennessee , Indiana , Nebraska , N. D., Iowa and Illinois . His last pastorate was at Loran, Jefferson twp. He retired and moved to Pearl City in 1933. Rev Mueller was a kindly man well liked by all who knew him. Funeral services were held at the Offenhiser funeral home in Pearl City at 1:30 o’clock Tues afternoon and 2:30 at Loran Reformed church, Rev E. F. Franz officiated and burial was made in the adjoining cemetery. Pallbearers were 6 pastors, Revs Jacob Elmer, H. W. Haberkamp, Freeport , Paul Reichert, Lena, Wm. Albrecht, Max Schroedel and A. W. Otis, Pearl City . Singers were Mmes Henry Swoker, Lawrence Bosch, Fred Butt, E. F. Franz, Mr Fred Kempel, Wm Althof. A song by the minister’s quartette Haberkemp, Reichert, Elmer and Franz. All the ministers took part in the services. Rev Schroedel spoke briefly in German. The sermon in English was delivered by Rev E. F. Franz. Flowers were cared for by Miss Edna Neebel and Mrs Geo. Neebel and Mrs L. Woker.
Contributed by John J. Kornfeind / Joyce (Woodruff) Terrana