GARNETT L. (JEFFREY) NETTLES , 83, of 1402 W. Lincoln Blvd. , a retired schoolteacher, died Wednesday, May 5, 1993 at home after an extended illness. For many years, she taught special education in the Freeport School District . A graduate of Freeport High School , she received her degree from the University of Illinois . She was awarded the Bronze Tablet for being in the upper 2 percent of her graduating class at the university. She was a member of Embury United Methodist Church , Ladies of the Elks, the Freeport YWCA, Stephenson County Home Extension, and Retired Teachers Association. Born July 3, 1909 at Letts , Iowa , she was a daughter of John Phillip and Annaline Hazel (Bloomer) Jeffrey. On August 18, 1932 she married Harold Nettles in Freeport . He died October 9, 1966. Surviving are three sons, Tom (Judy) Nettles of Freeport, Alan (Anne) Nettles of Wayzata, Minnesota , and Steve (Barbara) Nettles of Lenexa, Kansas; one daughter, Sharon (Darrell) Lohmeier of Sandwich; seven grandchildren. Also, two brothers, Harlan (Jeanne) Jeffrey of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Calvin (Judy) Jeffrey of Sanford, North Carolina; one sister, Jean (Russell) Logue of Springfield; special friend, Bill Hughes of Warren; and a sister-in-law, Kathleen (William) Jeffrey of Freeport. Her brother William died previously. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Stephen Aram of Embury United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributed by Alice Horner

JEANETTE L. (COOK) NEUMAN , 79, of Freeport died Sunday, February 28, 2010 a Rockford memorial Hospital. Born June 15, 1930 in Savanna, IL she was the daughter of Stinson K. and Fern (Schible) Cook. On February 2, 1961 she married Marvin A. Neumann in Freeport and he preceded her in death in January of 2001. Jan worked at the ordinance depot in savanna and then was a waitress in various restaurants in Freeport for many years. Jan is survived by 2 daughters, Debi Yenney of Beloit, WI and Nancy Tibbets of Fort Fairfield, ME; 2 sisters, Beverly (Jerome) Molitor of Stockton and Shirley (Marvin) Speer of Dixon; 3 grandchildren, Afton Brinkmeier, Ibrahim Yenney and Caleb Tibbets; Adopted daughter, Brenda Niesman, and best friend Freda. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. Graveside service and burial will be held 10:00 a.m.Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Chapel of Peace in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport with the Reverend John Hollis officiating
Contributed by Christine Walters

JOHN NEY , 72, of 508 Marion Ave., died Wednesday afternoon at Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. (Social Security Death Index gives his year of death as 1980.) A self-employed Freeport decorator, he was an Army veteran of World War II and a member of the VFW and Germania Club. Born Jan. 16, 1908 in Dubuque, Iowa, he was the son of Herman and Katherine (Olinger) Ney. He married Irene Wohlford Jan. 28, 1953 in Nashua, Iowa. Surviving are his widow; two stepsons, Willard Wohlford of Janesville, Wis., and Walter Wohlford of Dyersville, Iowa; three brothers, Roy and Ray, both of Dubuque, and Clarence of Woodstock; one sister, Mrs. Lucille (Joseph) McIntyre of Freeport; 10 step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Albert F. Rennell officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home where the rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.
Contributed by Alice Horner

LOUISA NEYHART , 93, of Freeport, a resident of Parkview Home, author, died Wednesday, March 18, 1998 at the home. Daughter of Frederick and Lillian (Fitchner) Albright, she was born Jan. 30, 1905 at Amboy. She and Carl H. Neyhart were married Sept. 26, 1927 in Rockford. He died Aug. 19, 1995. After graduating from Freeport High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in education from National - Louis University and was a teacher in Freeport School District 145. She also was a Cub Scout den mother and president of Freeport Parent-Teacher Association. She was chairman of the first committee that promoted interest in creating a local junior college under the auspices of the Freeport Adult Education Council; was a charter member of the Community College Foundation; and a member of the feasibility study for Class I colleges under the Illinois Junior College Act. Appointed by Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie to the Illinois Community College Board, she also served on the Illinois Community College Guidance and Counseling Task Force. In 1958, she was a board member of the Lincoln-Douglas Society during the centennial of the debate. She was a member and past president of the Freeport Public Library Board; president of Shakespeare Society; member of Amity Society; past president of PEO Sisterhood, Chapter BE; and charter member and past president of Freeport Auxiliary of Children’s Home and Aid Society. For many years she was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She was also currently being served by Grace Episcopal Church. She authored three books, “Henry’s Lincoln,” in 1945; “Henry Ford Engineer,” 1950; and “Giant of the Yards” in 1952.

Surviving her are one son, Frederick “Fritz” (Alice) Neyhart of Punta Gorda, Fla.; two granddaughters, Carlynn (Douglas) Higbie of Wauwatosa, Wis., and Sarah (Jonathan) McCoy of Tacoma, Wash.; four great-grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Parkview Home with a formal service at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. Robert North of Grace Episcopal Church and Rev. Carol Shaffer of First Presbyterian Church officiating. A formal service and interment of the cremains in the City Cemetery will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial funds have been established for Grace Episcopal Church and Highland Community College.
From the collection of Gloria Moeller, transcribed and contributed by Alice Horner.

JOYCE C. (WEEGENS) NICHOL , 78, of Freeport died Sunday, May 11, 2008, in FHN Memorial Hospital. She was born Joyce Catherine Weegens on Jan. 25, 1930, in Freeport, the devoted daughter of William and Beulah (Vietmeier) Weegens. She married Richard C. Nichol Sr. on Jan. 5, 1952, in Freeport. Joyce was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. She was a former member and past president of the American Business Women's Association and a longtime member of the former Germania. She and her late husband owned and operated the Pretzel Inn Lounge in Freeport. She was also part owner of Freeport Collections Unlimited until her retirement in 1995. Survi- ving are son, Richard (Rhonda) Nichol Jr. of Davis; daughter-in-law, Mary J. Meier of Waterloo, Iowa; grandchildren, Thomas (Amy) Nichol of Pecatonica, Jesse (Esther) Nichol of Mount Morris, Teresa Makosh of Davis, Trista (Matt) Manternach of Dubuque, Iowa and Elizabeth (Gary) Wendel of Dekalb, great-grand-children, Quinn and Collin Nichol, Jacob, Zachary and Tyler Nichol, Brice, Anthony and Cole Makosh, Madison Manternach, Conor Wendel, Angela, Travis, and Megan Zabran. Predeceased by parents; husband on June 22, 1996; son, William J. Meier; granddaughter, Kimberly M. Meier; and very special companions, Barney and DJ. Services at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 16, in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, with Pastor Willis Schwichtenberg and Vicar Phillip Robarge officiating. Interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, in Schwarz Funeral Home, 816 S. Galena Ave., in Freeport.

WILLIAM NICHOLS , 44, of 816 S. benton Ave., was killed early Sunday in a one-car accident West of Rockford in Winnebago County. Nichols' car, northbound on Centerville Road, reportedly failed to make the turn at a "T" intersection with Cunningham Road. The auto apparently left the road at what Winnebago County deputies described as a high rate of speed and slammed into an embankement. A resident of a near-by house called the sheriff's office and a Rockford city ambulance took Nichls to Rockford Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Nichols was alone in the car at the time of the accident and reportedly may have fallen asleep. William R. Nichols was born Nov. 23, 1923 at Petersburg (Lincoln County) Tenn., son of Stanley and Willie (David Wright) Nichols. On September 4, 1954, he married Kathryn Rumelhagen at Corinth, Mississippi.

Mr. Nichols was night superintendent of the Goss Printing Co. at Rockford IL. He was a veteran of Wold War II. Surviving are his widow; a daughter Marla Rae at home; his mother of Fayetteville Tenn.; three brothers, Stanley of Wilmingon Del., Thomas of Shelbyville, Tenn., and Gerald of Tennessee; two sisters, Mrs. Martha Wells of Detroit, Mich., and Mrs. Docia Parks of Peoria. Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. The Rev. Gustav Bloom, pasator of Bethany United Church of Christ, will officiate. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at teh funeral home after 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributed by Jessy Moyer
Pioneer Family

A.J. NILES father of Homer Niles, of Ridott township, Republican candidate for county treasurer, died Tuesday afternoon at his home in Pecatonica from the effects of a cancer. Mr. Niles was one of the earliest settlers of Stephenson county, but removed to Pecatonica some years ago. He was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1815; came to Illinois in 1835, and settled in Ridott township, this county. He entered land in the timber near the Pecatonica river, and afterwards sold this and moved out onto the prairie and bought 120 acres of land, which he improved, and afterwards purchased a number of acres of timber land, and was known as a successful farmer. The winter of 1835-36 he was in the mines at Galena, but returned to his farm the following spring. During his residence in Ridott township, Mr. Niles held the offices of justice of the peace, assessor, collector, and was three times elected to the office of supervisor, and was also elected to several offices while a resident of Pecatonica, to which city he removed some twelve years ago. He was a man of the strictest integrity, and leaves an honored name. He was married in Ridott township in 1839 to Miss Nancy A. Farwell, who died several years ago. Mr. Niles was the father of eight children but only five of them survive him, three sons and two daughters. The funeral will be held from the family residence in Pecatonica at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning, and the body will be interred in the Farwell cemetery in Ridott township.
Contributed by Carol Page Tilson from the Freeport Journal Standard 8 Aug. 1894 (Note: Andrew Jackson Niles was the son of Leonard H. Niles and his first wife, Polly DeMaranville. Those buried in the family plot in Farwell Bridge Cemetery were Thomas J. Niles [d. 13 Apr 1854]; Nancy A. Niles [7 Nov 1817 - 13 Jan 1891]; Andrew Jackson Niles [8 Sep 1815 - 7 Aug 1894]; Marvin Niles [d. 15 Sep 1840, 9m 8d]; Viola Niles [d. 27 May 1855, 2y 1m 6d].)

CELESTA AUGUSTA NILES died in Harlem Township, on the 23d inst. after a progressing illness of two weeks, Celesta Augusta, daughter of David and Betsey Niles, aged eighteen years and four months.
Freeport Journal 29 Apr 1853

THOMAS JEFFERSON NILES died in Ridott on the 7th inst. of lingering consumption, Thomas Jefferson Niles, aged fifty-one years and one month. The deceased was born in Canfield, Prumble [sic, Trumbull] Co, Ohio in the year 1803, and shortly after, his parents moved to Ashtabula Co., where he resided until 1834, when he emigrated to Illinois, and sought a home amid its Prairie and forest wilds. Here, like every pioneer, he suffered many privations and endured many hardships. No friendly head or familiar countenance greeted him upon his arrival; for none but the gaunt form of the swarthy Indian were here to visit him in his lonely retreat. Often as he retired at night, surrounded by a conclave of red men, he feared, lest his waking would be in eternity. But he lived to see the red man of the forest recede from the approach of the white man, and the lowly wigwam give place to the heaven directed spire, and the dreary prairie teeming with the industry and enterprise of his countrymen. After an association of twenty years with him, his neighbors can attest, as a man, a citizen, and a Christian, he had but few equals; though his virtues were not exhibited in a great outward show, or multiplicity of words. His aim was to do good unseen and alone, and his delight was in the law of the Lord. He gave his heart to God in the morning of life, and his confidence in the Redeemer remained unshaken until the day of his death. He bore his last illness with Christian fortitude, and evidently longed to depart and be with his Savior, and his God. His end was peaceful and serene, and now he sleeps in the bosom of his adopted country, to await the call of Gabriel, to arouse his sleeping clay, and clothe it with immortality. He has left numerous relatives and friends to mourn his loss but they sorrow not as those without hope, for we know that those who sleep in Jesus, shall God bring with him.
Contributed by Carol Page Tilson from The Freeport Journal 20 April 1854 (Note: Thomas Jefferson Niles was the son of David Niles, Sr., and Lydia [poss. Barrett] who moved from Rutland Co., VT, to Ohio, about 1802. Stephenson County histories recognize "Jefferson" and his cousin, Andrew Jackson Niles, as the first settlers of Ridott Township)

DOROTHEA LUTTICH NITZEL was 81 years old a native of Germany, having come to the United States more than half a century ago. She has lived in the same house in Freeport for the last 49 years. Soon after coming to this country, Mrs. Nitzel affiliated herself with the German Reformed Church and until a few years ago when her health did not permit her to leave her home, always took a great and active interest in her church work.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Freeport Journal Standard April 30, 1917

HENRY NITZEL residing at 41 Winneshiek St. died this morning at 6 o'clock after a 5 month illness. During this time Mr. Nitzel has been gradually wasting away, the immediate cause of death being atributed to exhaustion of the vital forces. The deceased was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Lippen Germany and came to America in 1867. He was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Luettig and they came dirct to Freeport 38 years ago. The deceased was a laborer and was a member of the German Reformed Church and German Benevolent Society. Mr. Nitzel is survived by his wife and 5 children who are as follows: Mrs. Charles Freudenberger, Max, Henry, Emma of Freeport and Mrs. F. Thomas of Chicago. He also leaves 5 grandchildren. The funeral will be held Monday after nooon at 1:30 from the family residence and at 2 o'clock from the German Reformed Church. Rev. Earnest Traeger will officiate. August Kracht has charge of the arrangements.
Contributed by Karen Fyock

THOMAS NOBLE , an old and highly respected citizen of this community departed this life at his home just north of town on Tuesday of last week aged about 68 years. He was born in Ireland in the year 1829 and when a boy of but 16 years came to this country. He at once engaged in the toils of life and was always a hard working man which brought him from a low financial condition to his last enjoyments of a fine farm of 160 acres which he had recently disposed of, and purchased a residence in Lena preparatory to locating there in the spring. Mr. Noble came to this section at the time the railroad was built and held the position as the first section boss which position he held for several years. He was married to Catharine Hughes, unto whom were born three sons and four daughters. The funeral was held on Thursday. Rev. McNamer of Lena, preached an able sermon to a large gathering of relatives and friends. The pallbearers were D. C. Miller, A. A. Stramm, Joseph Hunt, G. J. Toogood, B. A. Turner, and James Smith. The remains were interred in the cemetery at this place. Mrs. Thomas Noble who has been confined to her home by illness is slowly improving.

Those who attended the funeral of the late Thomas Noble, from a distance were: Richard Noble of Baileyville, Kan., Mrs. Thomas Weber, of Summer, Ia, Mr. Mealy and family of Dixon, Mrs. Grant and brother Patrick Hughes of Freeport (The Lena Star.)

GEORGE NORMAN - Battle-Scarred Negro Warrior Back From France
George Norman Loses Eye and Three Ribs Fighting for U. S.
His Limbs Town By Bursting Shrapnel
Bullet Fired by Hun Still Lodged in His Head - Glad He Could Do His 'Bit" For U. S. Private George Norman, a Freeport colored boy, one of the real heroes of the great war, arrived in this city last night. Today he left for Camp Grant with papers from the government which will give him his honorable discharge from the army. When it is said that Norman is a real hero that is not saying it all, for he went through several of the biggest battles of the war. He is modest in his recital of the fights in which he participated while in the service Norman has lost one eye on account of being gassed, there is a large German bullet in his head which can easily be felt, three of his ribs are missing as a result of shrapnel wounds followed by an operation to relieve him and his legs are scarred by shrapnel shell wounds, none of which are serious but which left their mark. When the war broke out Norman with two comrades by the name of Stevenson and Haynes went to Chicago where they enlisted in the service and after a short training course in the States they went overseas and were among the first colored troops to get into the fray. Norman wears two chevrons denoting that he was twice injured and also wears chevrons showing that he was in active service in the trenches nine months of the eighteen months he has been in service. In speaking of his work as a soldier he told of the many hardships endured and how battles were fought by the Americans. He has gone over the top many times in the face of all kinds of fire and gas attacks, and he wonders at his luck of being able to return home to tell the tale. Norman was reported on the official casualty list as being missing in action and his friends here had given him up as dead, when he walked into the home of one of his friends last evening there was great rejoicing and some superstition in the minds of his friends as they were not altogether sure it was really George Norman. Norman tells of the desperate fight the Germans put up during the final days of the war, saying that they fought hard and bitterly to stave off defeat. He told of running into a machine gun nest of Germans and driving them away from their post. One German remained and Normand had all the chance in the world to dispose of him but he stated that the bravery and coolness of the fellow won his admiration and rather than kill him he took him prisoner. Norman received the highest praise from his commanding officer for bravery in action and his faithful service letters which he is justly proud of. When Norman answered the call to arms he made arrangements with a local bank to receive money earned by him in other words he made his allotment out to himself and payable to the bank. To show his manhood he made arrangement with the bank that in event he did not return to this city the money should be converted into a fund for the assistance of the poor children of the city. Today he made claim for his money at the bank. He is anxious to get his discharge and go back to work at the Stover Manufacturing and Engine Company. In speaking of Stevenson and Haynes, he said that the former had one leg shot away and the other had both legs shot off. He saw both while they were in the hospital but since that time he has lost all trace of them and he cannot tell what has happened. Norman is a bright and intelligent fellow and tells his experiences in a most interesting manner. He has brought many souvenirs which will be on display in some down town store in a few days.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - dated December 20, 1918

BERTHA ESTELLE NORTH , 54, passed away at a local hospital late yesterday afternoon (October 18, 1939) following several months of illness. Her husband and son, Philip Gordon North, Jr., were at the bedside at the time of her taking off. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Embury Methodist Church. Dr. C. A. Bloomquist will conduct the services and interment will be made at Oakland Cemetery. Bertha Estelle Rawleigh was born at Waldwick, Wisconsin July 7, 1885. As a child she moved to Freeport with her parents. She spent her early life here and attended Freeport public schools. She had resided here all her life with the exception f five years spent at West Palm Beach, Florida. She was united in marriage to Philip Gordon North, of Little Rock, Arkansas February 10, 1921. To this union the one son was born. Besides her husband and sixteen-year-old son, she leaves two brothers, and two sisters, W. T. Rawleigh, D. C. Rawleigh, Mrs. J. R. Jackson, and Mrs. Ezra Chappel, all of Freeport. She united with Embury Methodist Church as a young girl.
Contributed by Alice Horton October 19, 1939 Freeport Journal Standard

JOHN HENRY NORTRIDGE , 62, founder and hear of the North Ridge Brush company of Freeport, passed away at a local hospital early this morning. He had been ill several weeks and underwent major surgery last Tuesday. Funeral services will be conducted at First Presbyterian church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. Dr. D. L. McNary will conduct the services and interment will be made at Oakland. Friends may call at the Eichmeier and Becker funeral home until 11 o'clock Monday morning and at the church from 11 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. John Henry Nortridge was born in Oshkosh, Wis., July 6, 1876, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Nortridge. He spent his early life there and came to Freeport about 30 years ago. About 25 years ago he founded the North Ridge Brush company, manufacturers of twisted-in-wire brushes of all kinds, the company doing business in all sections of the United States. THe factory has been located for the past several years in the Henney building, South Chicago avenue. His marriage to Miss Nellie Wagner took place in 1921. The wife survives as does one son, Vale Nortridge. There are also four other children of earlier marriage, Harold Nortridge, Freeport; Mrs. William Beatty and Miss Jean Nortridge, Chicago; Jack Nortridge, Santa Monica, Cal. THere is one grandson, Donald Lee Nortridge, son of Harold Nortridge. A half-brother, Ward Minors, resides at Zion, Ill. Mr. Nortridge was a member of First Presbyterian church and had also been a member of Freeport Country club for many years. He resides at 516 South Stewart avenue.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - March 3, 1939 pencil date

MARGARET (BEST) NUESSE , 100, a resident of Villas of Shannon nursing home, and a former Freeport resident, died early this morning at the home. (Note: The Social Security Death Index gives the date of death as November 1980.) For over 40 years, she was employed by Brown & Dollmeyer Bookstore, later known as Merck Bookstore. She was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church of Freeport.

Born Feb. 29, 1880, in Freeport, she was the daughter of James and Mary (Van Dyke) Best. She married Albert Nuesse July 22, 1933 in Freeport. He died Feb 29, 1948. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Mary (Albert) Smith of Freeport, Mrs. Florence (Roland) Breyman of Fairfield, Iowa, and Mrs. Mildred McCool of Lena. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one sister and seven brothers. Graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at City Cemetery with the Rev. William H. Blomberg, pastor of Embury United Methodist Church, officiating. There will be no visitation. A memorial fund has been established for First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements were completed by Walker Mortuary.
Contributed by Alice Horner

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