CHARLES HENRY REYNOLDS
- After an illness of four months’ duration Charles H. Reynolds, residing at 25 Harrison street, died at 9:00 p. m. Saturday, death being due to a complication of diseases in which dropsy and heart trouble were prominent. The funeral has been arranged for 10:00 a. m. Tuesday and will be held from the home. Rev. W. C. Millikan, of the first Methodist Episcopal church, of which the deceased was a member, will officiate, assisted by Rev. Mr. Gilbert, a retired Baptist minister and a neighbor. Members of the choir of the First Methodist Episcopal church will sing during the service. The pallbearers will be Harvey Mogle, G. W. Wright, C. C. Cannon, L. A. Bingham, O. R. Zipf and Fred Wessel. Interment will not be made until the spring, the body being placed temporarily in a vault at the city cemetery immediately after the service.
Charles H. Reynolds was born in Roxton, province of Quebec, Canada, September 29, 1846, where the early years of his life were spent. From Roxton he moved to Hartland, Vermont, where he resided until 1878. In 1877 he was married to Ruth E. Kingsbury, the following year coming to Illinois. In 1893, together with his wife and family, Mr. Reynolds moved to Freeport, where he has since made his home.
He is survived by a wife and six children, as follows: Burton Reynolds, Della Reynolds and Mrs. Roy [Henrietta] Wessel of Freeport, Howard Reynolds, [Della Reynolds] and Mrs. [Roy Leven (Pearl)] Mertz of Washington, D. C., and Leslie Reynolds, of Detroit, Mich. In addition eight grandchildren survive. The deceased was seventy-one years of age.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds
RUTH ELECTA (KINGSBURY) REYNOLDS
widow of the late Charles Reynolds, passed away at 9:45 o’clock Sunday morning at her home at 1236 West Harrison Street. She had been ill for several months and was improving, when she suffered the shock of paralysis which caused her demise. She leaves to morn her passing six children: Burton F. and Miss Della Reynolds, at home; Mrs. Roy Wessel, 1212 West Harrison street; Mrs. L. G. Mertz, Washington, D. C.; H. L. Reynolds, Detroit, Mich., and H. W. Reynolds, of Sterling, Ill. She is also survived by one brother, Sidney Kingsbury, of Canada. Ruth Electa Kingsbury was born in Canada on December 18, 1858. She was married to Charles Reynolds in Vermont, in May, 1876, and eight children were born to them, two of them passing away in infancy. They removed to Freeport in 1879, and Mr. Reynolds became employed as a teamster. Mrs. Reynolds was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church, and her death is mourned by many friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at Tempel’s Funeral Chapel, Rev. M. D. Obenshain, pastor of the First M. E. church, officiating. Interment will be made in Oakland. Mrs. Mertz, of Washington, D. C., has arrived to attend the funeral.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds
FINNIS D. RICE
, 61, of Freeport died Thursday, May 14, 1998 at Freeport Memorial Hospital . Born September 7, 1936 in Eldorado, he was a son of Louis and Nellie (Weatherly) Rice. He married Carolyn A. Ontjes January 26, 1957 in Freeport . He worked at the Kelly-Springfield Tire Company for 20 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the Excelsior Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies, Kelly-Springfield Tire Co. Retirement Club, and H. U. G.S. cancer support group. He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Roxane Rice of Freeport ; two sons, Merle Rice of Rockford and David (Amy) Rice of Bloomington; two brothers, James (Mary) Rice of Marion, Indiana, and Paul Rice of Marion ; and one grandchild, Connor Rice of Freeport. He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Walker Mortuary, with the Rev. E. Eugene deJongh of Cedarville Emmanuel Evangelical Congregational Church officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Walker Mortuary. A Masonic service will begin at 4 p.m. A memorial fund has been established.
Contributed by Alice Horner
EDITH EDNA (GILMAN) RICHARD
, of 26 W. Garfield St. died in a local hospital early today after a long illness.
The former Edith Gilman was born in Carroll County April 7, 1881, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gilman. Her marriage to George Richard took place in 1901. He died Feb. 22, 1948.
She was a member of Trinity Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Survivors include three sons, Raymond of Bancroft, Mich.; Grant and Charles of Freeport; three daughters, Mrs. Edna Capp of Kalamazoo, Mich.; Mrs. Edith Plowman of Chicago and Miss Thelma of Freeport; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters.
Service will be in the Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home at 3 p.m. Saturday. The Rev. L.R. Huntley, pastor of Trinity EUB Church, will conduct the service. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Contributed by Dean McMakin at Find-A-Grave
ELIZABETH (KLANTZ) RICHARD
, 65, the foster-mother of Mrs. W.I. Matter residing at 246 Empire street, died at her home in Afolkey at noon today, at the age of sixty-five. Death resulted from a general breakdown and was the result of extended ill health. Mrs. Richards has been a resident of Stephenson county all her life and is well known, both in the city and throughout the northern part of the county. She has been for many years active in church circles and was a member of the Evangelical church of Afolkey. Several brothers and sisters survive here in addition to her adopted daughter. Mrs. Matter, Mrs. Richards survived her husband, who died a year ago last May, less than two years. The funeral arrangements have not been completed but it will probably be held from the Afolkey church Sunday afternoon
Dean McMakin / Find-A-Grave/ Freeport Daily Journal, Friday, 16 February 1917
GEORGE WILLIAMRICHARD
, 79, a resident of Freeport since 1895 and for many years engaged in the manufacture and sale of horseradish in this area, passed away at his home, 26 West Garfield street, late yesterday.
Funeral services will be held at the Eichmeier & Becker funeral home, West Stephenson street, at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Rev. Grant V. Grayer, pastor of Trinity Evangelical United Brethren church, will officiate, and interment will be made at Oakland. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Mr. Richard was born in Butler county, Iowa, Aug. 30, 1868. When he was about one year old his parents moved to Morrison, Ill., and in 1895 came to Freeport. He was married Feb. 13, 1901, to Miss Edith Gilman, who survives. He also leaves the following children, Raymond, Bancroft, Mich; Charles, Grant and Thelma, Freeport; Mrs. Frank Plowman, Chicago; Mrs. Earl Capp, Kalamazoo, Mich. There are four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, a brother, John Richard, resides in Harlem township.
,font size=2>Contributed by Dean McMakin - Find-A-Grave
JOHN HENRY RICHARD
, 81, of 730 West Pleasant street, died early this morning at his home. He was born Dec. 17, 1869, in Iowa, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Richard. Mr. Richard married Mary Metz Jan. 17, 1900. Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Stout, Freeport, and one grandchild. Funeral services wil be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Main Street Evangelical United Brethren church. Rev. J. Dale Doolen, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland cemetery. Friends may call at Walker mortuary until 10:30 a.m. Friday.
From the World Connect Website of Bill Kniering - Freeport Journal-Standard, Wednesday, 15 August 1951
LEVI RICHARD
, living a mile south west of the village of Afolkey, whose sudden death was noted yesterday, was 69 years old and a resident of Stephenson county since his twelth year. The death of Mr. Richard was sudden, coming when he was assisting in the building of a cellar wall for a new dwelling house on his farm. The work was being done by William I. Matter of Freeport and C.W. Cochran, Mr. Matter and Mr. Richard were conversing at 2 o'clock regarding the work, Mr. Matter then turning in another direction. Several minutes afterwards he glanced toward where Mr. Matter was, observing he was leaning over the cellar wall, his position being such that indicated that he might be taking a sight of the line to observe if it was level. When Mr. Richard did not move for several seconds he was approached by Mr. Matter, who observed that Mr. Richard was unconscious. He called Mr. Cochran and by the time they had lifted him from his position he was dead. The sudden death of Mr. Richard is believed to have been due to heart trouble, of which there had been symptoms for several years, although his condition was not regared as being serious. An inquest was conducted by dr. N.C. Phillips of Freeport, deputy coroner. The jurors were William H. Griffin, foreman; Samuel Bordner, Samuel Beals, J.C. Neuschwander, Thomas Boals and Lincoln Pifer. The verdict was that death was due to natural causes. Mr. Richard was born in Pennsylvania, May 21, 1846. His death was on the anniversary of his birth. Coming to Illinois in his twelth year he located in Stephenson county and his residence here has been since been continuous. He was married May 24, 1870, to Miss Mary Klontz, who survives him. There are no children, although Mrs. W.I. Matter of Freeport is an adopted daughter. He is survived by two brothers and a sister, Joseph H. of Lena, Jeriah of Ardale, Ill., and Mrs. Sophia Orth of Humboldt, Kan. Funeral services will be conducted at the house Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock and at 2 o'clock at the Bethel church in Afolkey. The Rev. E.C. Gasser of Freeport, presiding elder of the Evangelical association, will officiate
Dean McMakin / Find A Grave / Freeport Daily Bulletin, Saturday, 22 May 1915
MARY (METZ) RICHARD
, 730 W. Pleasant St., a lifelong resident of Stephenson County, died Friday evening at the summer home of her daughter after a short illness. The former Mary Metz was born July 27, 1877, in Harlem Twp., the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Metz. She married John Richard Jan. 17, 1900 in Freeport. He died Aug. 15, 1951. Survivors include her daughter, Mrs. Mifred (Helen) Stout, two brothers, Edmund Metz, and Ruben Metz, one granddaughter, all of Freeport. Mrs. Richard was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and one sister. She was a lifelong member of Main Street Evangelical United Brethren Church. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at the church with Rev. E. A. Lieske officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at Birke-Tubbs Funeral Home after 1 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Monday, then at the church.
From the World Connect Website of Bill Kniering - Freeport Journal-Standard, Saturday 25 July 1964
THELMA IRENE RICHARD
, 75, of 26 W. Garfield St., died Saturday evening at Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness.
She portrayed women of the Bible over 100 times in area churches and social functions. She was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she was also a Sunday school teacer for many years.
A graduate of Freeport High School, she received her B.S. degree at Northern Illinois University and did postgraduate work at the University of Missouri and the University of Illiois. She taugh school for 44 years until retirement in 1969. An article appeared on her retirement June 10, 1969, in the Freeport Journal-Standard.
For 32 years, she taught at Flansburg School in rural Freeport. Also, she taught at Hayes and Centennial schools, and then Taylor Park School. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association.
Born Sept. 2, 1906, in Freeport, she was the daughter of George W. and Edith (Gilman) Richard.
Surviving are two brothers, Ray of Prescott, Mich. and Grant of Freeport; and two sisters, Mrs. Edna (Earl) Capp of Augusta, Mich., and Mrs. Ethel (Frank) Plowman of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
She was preceded in death by one brother.
Service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity United Methodist Church with the Rev. James L. Crone, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home.
A memorial fund has been established for Trinity United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Dean McMakin at Fidn-A-Grave
MARY ROSETTA (DIESTELMEIER) RICHARDS
, 85, widow of William T. Richards, died late last night at her home, 743 West Pleasant street, after a two weeks illness.
Mary Rosetta Diestelmeier was born at Lena Jan. 22, 1864, the daughter of Fred and Minnie Diestelmeier. At the age of 14 she was confirmed in Emmanuel Lutheran church at Lena, later transferring to the Lena Methodist church.
She was united in marriage to William T. Richards Oct. 28, 1888. The husband died Oct. 19, 1942.
Four daughters and two sons survive; Mrs. Walter Grinyer of Eleroy, Mrs. Daisy Kerchner and Mrs. Jennie Helsinger of Freeport, Miss Ida Richards of Milwaukee, Ralph of Orangeville and Roy of Little Rock, Ark.
A sister and four brothers also survive; Mrs. Amelia Derr, Henry, John and Arthur Diestelmeier of Lena, Dr. E.A. Diestelemier of Freeport.
There are nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral arranegmnets are being made at the Leamon funeral home in Lena.
Freeport Journal-Standard, Friday, 11 November 1949
Lena, Ill. – Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Richards, 85, who died Thursday night in her Freeport home, will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Leamon funeral chapel here. Rev. E. C. Carder, pastor of the Lena Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will be in the Lena Burial Park.
RALPH B. RICHARDS
, an Orangeville farmer, died Sunday morning, October 23, 1960, at a Madison, Wisconsin veterans hospital after a short illness. He was born August 17, 1894 in Lena, the son of William and Mary (Diestelmeier) Richards. He married Lola Lloyd March 18, 1926 in Eleroy. The couple farmed in the Lena area until 1944, when they moved to a farm east of Orangeville. Richards was a member of the local American Legion Post.
Surviving are his wife; one son, Jerry, in the Armed Forces stationed in Germany; a brother, Roy of Carlsbad, New Mexico; four sisters, Mrs. Walter Grinyer of Eleroy, Mrs. Daisy Kerchner and Mrs. Jennie Helsinger, both of Freeport, and Miss Ida Richards of Milwaukee; and one grandchild. Funeral arrangements are being completed at the Cramer Funeral Home.
Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois October 24, 1960.
Orangeville – Service for Ralph B. Richards, an Orangeville farmer who died Sunday in a Madison, Wisconsin hospital will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Methodist Church here. Rev. Charles Wheeler, pastor of Zion Evangelical United Brethren Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Rock Lily Cemetery, Winslow. Friends may call at the Cramer Funeral Home until noon Thursday.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois October 25, 1960
WALTER H. RICHTEMEYER
, 86, of 410 W. Douglas Street , Freeport , died this morning at Lena Continental Manor Nursing Home following a long illness. (His date of death was August 30, 1980.) A retired Kent area farmer, he was a member of Embury United Methodist Church . Born July 17, 1894 in Kent , he was the son of Henry and Augusta (Royer) Richtemeyer. He married Genora Aurand in Kent .
Surviving are his widow; two sons, Elden R. of Kent and Richard L. of California ; two daughters, Miss Eileen Richtemeyer of Freeport and Mrs. Ruth (Ralph) Sexton of Kentucky; two sisters, Miss Vera Richtemeyer of Baltimore, Maryland and Mrs. Irene (James) Breed of Stockton; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. William H. Blomberg, pastor of Embury United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery . Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary
Contributed by Alice Horner
EVA MARIE (BLEM) RICHTER
- Funeral services for the late Eva Richter, widow of Charles Richter will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 9:30 Tuesday morning. Rev. N.J. Berg will celebrate a Requiem mass and internment will be made in Irish Grove cemetery. Mrs. Richter was 85 years old and a native of Stephenson County. She was a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Blem and was twice married. Surviving is one son Daniel M. Hall. (Freeport Journal 18 March 1940).
SARAH (KAISER) RICHTER
, 80, a former Freeport resident died Monday afternoon at Thousand Palms, California. (This was October 2, 1978.) Born June 6, 1898, in Freeport, she was the daughter of Henry and Lizzie (Wade) Kaiser. She married August S. Richter April 8, 1919 in Freeport. He preceded her in death June 12, 1967. Surviving are nieces and nephews in the Freeport area.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Philip J. Anstedt, pastor of St. John United Church of Christ, officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the Cancer Fund.
Contributed by Alice Horner
SIMON CHRISTIAN RICHTER SR
, for many years a citizen of Freeport, passed away about 1 o’clock this afternoon, January 27, 1917, at his home, 187 American Street, his death resulting from pleura-pneumonia. Mr. Richter had been ill for the past thirteen weeks.
The deceased was born in Wobble, Lippe Detmold, Germany February 13, 1857, and on May 5, 1881 was married to Miss Maria Brey, coming to the United States and directly to Freeport in May of 1883. Mr. Richter was a cement and stone contractor and was well known for his integrity. He was a man who easily won friends and was a member of the Germania society and the Saengerbund and religiously was affiliated with St. John’s Evangelical church. He is survived by Mrs. Richter and the following children: Fred of Argyle, Wisconsin; William, Henry, Otto, Simon Jr., Edward, August, Helen, and Elizabeth, all of Freeport. He also leaves ten grandchildren, besides two brothers and a sister who are in Germany.
Funeral services will be held at the home, 187 American Street, Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock and interment will be at Oakland Cemetery. Rev. Daniel Ilerbaum will officiate.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois Saturday, January 27, 1917
RUTH ROBERTSON
, 66, of 2046 N. Blumendahl Road, Freeport will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Schwarz Funeral Home. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery . Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. She died Friday morning, November 27, 1987 at her home after a brief illness. A 1949 graduate of Mount Carroll High School , she was head cashier at Lee’s Market for many years. She was a member of Embury United Methodist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Alice Horner's note: She was born January 21, 1931 in Carroll County, Illinois, the daughter of Francis and Helen (Fulrath) Gillespie. Surviving are her husband; a daughter, Cheryl (Mrs. Wayne) Scofield; and three sons, William Jeff Robertson, Donald E. Robertson, Jr., and Terry Lynn Robertson, all of Freeport; two brothers, Lyle Gillespie of Freeport, and Richard A. Gillespie of Gainsville, Florida; and 11 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter.
Contributed by Alice Horner
DOROTHY (SHIPMAN) ROBINSON
, age 69, of Lanark, died Sunday, December 28, 2003 at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Funeral services were held Friday, January 2, 2004 at 11:30 AM at the Milledgeville Brethren Church with Reverend Russell Gordon officiating. Visitations were from 10:30 AM until 11:30 AM Friday at the church. Burial concluded the services at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport. A memorial has been established to the Milledgeville Brethren Church. Ms. Robinson was born February 11, 1934 in Milledgeville, IL the daughter of Alonzo and Esther (Senneff) Shipman. She was a homemaker, a member of the Milledgeville Brethren Church, enjoyed cooking and helping other people. Survivors include one son, Bradley Robinson of Rockford; one daughter, Carmen (Clyde) Pitts of Ladson, South Carolina; one sister, Audrey Wirtz of Galena; a special friend, Richard Huggins; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Ruth Flynn. Arrangements were completed by the Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Milledgeville.
Contributed by Lori Gilbert
ALMIRA (WAIT) ROBEY
, died on Monday afternoon of old age at the family homestead in this township. She was one of the best known women in Stephenson County and its oldest settler. She has lived in the county from almost its first settlement. She was the widow of another pioneer, the late Levi Robey. Her maiden name was Almira Waite, and she was born in Courtland County, New York, July 18, 1813, making her age nearly eighty-seven years.
She was married to Levi Robey in Washington Township, Scioto County, Ohio, December 26, 1833. The following year, in April, accompanied by his wife and his mother's family, Levi Robey set out for the praries of Illinois. He made the trip via the Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois rivers, and the balance of the trip via hired teams. While passing through Dixon on their way to this county they were set upon by a band of Indians, but escaped with their lives. Soon after his arrival in this county Mr. Robey entered a claim in what is now Waddams Township, and on St. Valentine's day , 1835, proclaimed himself the first settler in that township, and there the family has resided ever since, both Mr. and Mrs. Robey dying at the old homestead, he passing away a few years ago. They first lived in a log cabin and their first market place was Galena, forty-five miles distant, and Chicago was as yet unheard of.
The family grew to importance with the growth of the county, and always maintained a prominent place in the community, where they spent so many years of their lives. Both were honest and consistent members of the Methodist Church in Stephenson County. She was a very worthy woman and universally esteemed.
The surviving children are: William Robey, Warren; Mrs. Robert Young, Freeport; Mrs. J.L. Hartsough, Nora; and L.W. Robey, who resides on the old homestead in Waddams Township. The funeral was held at ten o'clock this morning.
Source: Find-a-Grave from Randy Campbell
AMANDA ROBEY
- The truth of the assertion that the old must die and the young may die has been demonstrated in the neighborhood during the past week by the death of Mr. George Lutts, a man of 60, and Miss Amy Robey, a lovely young girl of 19.
For over half a year poor Amy fought against that grim destroyer, consumption, with all the power and vigor of her young life, but it was of no avail; the final summons had come and must be obeyed in spite of the heroic struggle of her youthful constitution and the ceaseless prayers of a vast host of friends.
During her long illness no murmur of complaint escaped her lips. Life was very sweet to one of her gentle disposition and pleasant surroundings, but if it were god's will she was ready to go, for if there ever was a Christian, Amy was one. She set her house in order and gave up the unequal struggle during forenoon of Wednesday and sank in to the dreamless, eternal sleep of death on earth to awaken in a more perfect and beautiful life in the realms above.
The funeral was one of the largest, most impressive and saddest that ever occurred here, as she was a great favorite among both young and old, the little ones of her Sunday School Class weeping as if their little hearts were broken. Her aged grandparents, Uncle Levi Robey and wife, who raised her from infancy, her mother dying when she was but a few days old, can scarcely become reconciled to their terrible loss
Source: Find-a-Grave from Randy Campbell
LEVI ROBEY
- "Uncle Levi Robey, of McConnell, died last evening at 9:15 o'clock, after a
long and severe illness in the 87th year of his age. This news comes not
unexpected, because for the last few weeks he has been hovering between life and
death. Kind friends and able physicians combined love and skill to save him, but
were unable to do so. No man in the county was so well known, nor more highly
respected than he. His force of character was remarkable, his excellent
disposition and kindness of heart were well known, his generosity and industry
were frequently commented on. He was one of that race of pioneers who are fast
sinking away. He came with others to a mighty wilderness and a great plain and
helped build for posterity. Their work was well done. Great cities rose on the
banks of the old Pecatnica, homes were established where the Sacs and Foxes
once roamed and the forest fell under the woodmen's blows to make a place for
smiling harvest fields. "Uncle" Levi Robey has marveled at these strange
transformations and the rising generations have been glad of the opportunity to
honor him. At the old settlers' meeting his face was a familiar one and many are
there who have listened to his golden words of reminiscence. Stephenson county
parts with Levi Robey regretfully. His name will ever be linked with her
glorious history and all the coming generations will recall his memory and call
it blessed. He lived the simple life of an American nobleman. The city had no
charm for him. The quiet of his country home was music to his soul. All who
called were entertained hospitably, as in the olden time when the settlements
were few and far between. He was perhaps the oldest living settler in
Stephenson county. He did more than any other man in the organization of the
county and was ever active in promoting its progress. Mr. Robey was born in
Washington township, Scioto Co., Ohio, October 22, 1807. His father, William
Robey, was a native of Maryland, and his grandfather, also named William, served
under Gen. Clark during the Revolutionary war, and assisted in driving the
British from the soil of his native state. After this trouble had ended in the
victory of the colonists, William Robey, Sr., in company with five or six
others, repaired to Kentucky and made a claim, put up a log cabin and
contemplated returning home for the winter, but before completing their
preparations the entire party, with one exception, was murdered by the Indians,
including William Robey. He had been married, but his wife had not accompanied
him to Kentucky. She was afterward married to Philip Moore, of
Maryland. After peace had been declared between England and the colonies the
Moore family removed to the Northwestern Territory and located in that portion
now included in the state of Ohio. The journey over the mountains was made with
pack-horses, and the father of our subject located at the mouth of the Scioto
river, which was then designated as the "Nile of America." The Robey family were
among the earliest settlers of that region. Mr. Moore also cleared a farm and
there spent the last years of his life. Grandmother Moore survived her husband
several years, and also died in what is now Jo Daviess county in Illinois.
William Robey, Jr., the father of our subject, was but four years old when
his parents removed to the Northwestern territory, and in common with the others
was conveyed on a pack horse across the Alleghany mountains. As soon as old
enough he engaged in boating on the Scioto and Ohio rivers, and upon reaching
manhood became the owner of several boats, by which means he transported produce
from Portsmouth to other points. During one of his expeditions he purchased a
pony, and riding across the country, visited his old friend, Daniel Boone, in
Kentucky. He remained a resident of Scioto county, Ohio, until 1834, then
disposing of his interests in that region, he started in the month of June for
the praries of Illinois, whither his family had preceded him a few weeks. They
joined him in Hennepin, where they spent the summer, and in the fall came to
that part of Jo Daviess county which is now included in Stephenson. They first
stopped at Brewster Ferry, which now lies in Winslow Township, and renting the
Brewster farm, carried on agriculture and operated the ferry across the
Pecatonica river until 1836. Afterward Mr. Robey made a claim in Buckeye
Township, on the present site of the village of Cedarville. He secured his title
as soon as the land came into market and lived there several years, then
crossing the Mississippi, went down into Texas and located twelve or fourteen
miles north of Austin and not far from Round Rock. There he improved the farm
which he occupied until his death in 1877, after he had reached the advanced age
of ninety-eight years. His wife, the mother of our subject, was Mary, the
daughter of Judge John Collins, one of the earliest pioneers of Scioto county,
Ohio. She also died in Texas. The parental family included twelve children,
eight of whom grew to mature years. Levi Robey was educated in the
subscription schools of his native county, which were conducted in a log cabin
with puncheon floor, slabs for seats and desks, and greased paper for window
panes. His studies were conducted mostly in the winter season, and as soon as
large enough his services were utilized on the farm. In due time he developed
into a pedagogue, following teaching, however, but a short time, and afterward
traveled over the country selling clocks. He was married when twenty-six years
of age, to Miss Almira Waite, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride
in Washington Township, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1833. The following April, accompanied by
his wife and his mother's family, he started for Illinois, proceeding via the
Ohio, Illinois, and Mississippi rivers, and then by hired teams traveled sixteen
miles further, where Mr. Robey rented a tract of land and remained until fall.
He then started for Jo Daviess County, equipped with teams of oxen and horses.
At Dixon they met a party of Indians who frightened one of the oxen so that he
broke loose from the yoke, but was caught after much chasing. Soon after his
arrival Mr. Robey entered a claim on section 1, of what is now Waddams Township,
and on St. Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 1835, signalized himself as the first
settler of the township. It had not yet been subdivided but afterward became a
part of Stephenson county. Mr. Robey made it his first business to put up a
log cabin, which was located on the northwest quarter of section 1, and which he
occupied with his family twelve years. In 1847 he sold out and purchased his
present homestead. The nearest market during these pioneer days was at Galena,
forty-five miles away, and Chicago for several years was relatively unheard of.
The postage on a letter was twenty-five cents which often proved a larger sum
that a settler could raise. Had it not been for the people required to operate
the lead mines the settlers would probably have been compelled to transport
their produce even farther than Galena. Mr. Robey watched with intense
satisfaction the gradual development of the rich resources of his state, and was
no unimportant factor in the building up of Waddams township. He was uniformly
successful in his labors, meeting with ample reward for his toil and sacrifices.
He became identified with local matters at the beginning, and was one of the
commissioners appointed to lay off the townships in this county. He represented
the people of Waddams on the county board of supervisors seven years, and served
as justice of the peace, receiving his appointment from Gov. Duncan. There were
few enterprises connected with the public welfare in which he was not consulted
and no man took a warmer interest in the prosperity of the country around him.
He cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and since that time has
been a staunch supporter of democratic principles. The wife of our subject,
who has been the cheerful and patient sharer of his fortunes for a period of
more than sixty years is the daughter of Asa and Lydia (Kendal) Waite. Of her
marriage with our subject there were born five children, of whom the record is
as follows: William A. operates a farm in Nora, Ill., Louisa E. is the wife of
Robert Young, a farmer of Rock City; Cyrus A. is a resident of California; Mary
A. married James L. Hartsough and lives at Nora; Levi Woodbury occupies the
homestead. Our subject and his wife are connected with the Methodist Episcopal
Church, Mrs. Robey being the oldest member of that church in this county. There
are thirteen grandchildren left as follows: William W. Young of Freeport; Elmira
V., McConnell; Della E., Margaret J., and Sadie Young, Rock City; Mrs. Jennie
Marshall, Frank, Lulu, Anna and James Hartsough, Nora; Roy, Nellie and Eunice
Robey, McConnell. There is but one great-grandchild, Willard Marshall. Although
81 years old, Mrs. Robey is in good health. Mr. and Mrs. Robey celebrated their
sixtieth marriage anniversary December 26, 1893. The funeral will be held
tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock. [1] THE BURIAL OF A PIONEER
1895. FUNERAL OF LEVI ROBEY HELD AT MCCONNEL TODAY, MOCONNELL, ILL. MARCH
29. The funeral of the late Levi Robey was held at 11 o'clock this
morning from the home. There was an immense concourse of people present. The
funeral director4s were Robert Leamon of Lena and Cart Solace of McConnell. The
pall bearers were S. Fair, S. Stiles, P. Klechner, E. Lephard, A. Stoll, and J.
Stocet. Elder Moore of Polo officiated and paid a glowing tribute to the life
and works of the deceased. [2].[1] Freeport, Illinois newspaper 27 March,
1895 [2] ibid, 29 March, 1895.Levi Robey was the oldest son of William
and Mary Collins Robey and husband of Almira Wait Robey.
Source: Find-a-Grave from Randy Campbell
Biography
LESLIE ROGERS
, 74, died in the Savanna Hospital late Tuesday evening. Services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in the Frank Funeral Home in Mount Carroll with the Rev. Donald Thomas of the Mount Carroll Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport. There will be no visitation. Leslie Rogers was born Dec. 5, 1892 in Polo, the son of John and Anna Conrad Rogers. He was married April 27, 1925 to Helen Edmonds of Mount Carroll. Surviving are his widow, Helen, and five sisters, Mrs. Dolly Rahn, Lanark; Mrs. John Sollenberger, Chadwick; Mrs. Sylvia Miller, Mount Carroll; ............. (more not copied)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 25, 1967 - Wednesday, pg 2
DOLORES A. (HIGLEY) ROTTA
, 56, of Wauwatosa , Wisconsin , niece of Alice Rutledge McCulloch of Freeport , who raised her after the death of her mother, died Friday, July 22, 1994 at her home. She was employed by Micro Switch and Economy Insurance Company in Freeport , prior to her work at the Milwaukee Journal in Milwaukee , Wisconsin . A graduate of Freeport High School , she attended Lincoln College in Lincoln . She was a member of the Mother of good Council Congregation in Wauwatosa . Born February 19, 1938, in Freeport , she was the daughter of Albert and Cora (Kampmeier) Higley. She married Richard M. Rotta April 25, 1959 in Freeport . Surviving are her husband of Wauwatosa ; two aunts, Alice (Mac) McCulloch and Edna Crockett, both of Freeport . She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Walker Mortuary with the Rev. Richard Barbour of St. John United Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens . There will be no visitation.
Contributed by Alice Horner
RICHARD M. ROTTA
, of Wauwatosa , Wisconsin died Wednesday July 27, 1994 while in Freeport for his wife’s funeral. Born October 24, 1925 in Milwaukee , Wisconsin , he was the son of Michael and Theresa (Dambeck) Rotta. On April 25, 1959 he married Dolores Ann Higley. She preceded him in death July 22, 1994. Cremation rites were accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Milwaukee .
Contributed by Alice Horner
GLENN EVERETT RUNKLE
, 16, son of Mr. & Mrs. Guy Runkle of 316 W. Spring Street passed away late Saturday afternoon (May 11, 1940) following an illness of scarlet fever. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Grand View Cemetery and will be private. Rev. John Bruce will conduct the service. Glenn was born at Orangeville July 14, 1923. He attended Freeport schools. Besides his parents he leaves five brothers and a sister - William, Charles, Robert, Raymond, Merle and Alice May. His maternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Will Klein reside at Pine River Minn.
ALBERT RODEMEYER
, Death came suddenly last evening to Albert Rodemeyer, 49, who passed away at his home, 1014 South Oak Avenue about 6:30 o’clock. He suffered a stroke late yesterday afternoon, having had two previous strokes during the past several months. Earlier in the afternoon he had attended novena services at St. Thomas Church with his wife and son. He was taken ill shortly after returning home. Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 9 o’clock Monday morning, with a requiem mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 9:30 o’clock. Interment will be made in St. Joseph’s cemetery. Knights of Columbus will meet at the home at 7:30 o’clock Sunday night to recite the rosary.
Albert Rodemeyer was born in Freeport August 14, 1889, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rodemeyer. He was educated at St. Joseph’s parochial school and following his graduation learned the trade of a printer. He was employed for several years by the Wagner Printing company and later in the printing department of the Furst-McNess company. He also worked for a time at the Kable Bros. plant, Mt. Morris. His marriage to Miss Mary Sauer took place June 26, 1913. Surviving are his wife and one son, Florian Rodemeyer, Freeport. Four sisters and two brothers also survive, Sister Mary Ivon, O. S. F., Sister Mary Amadeus, O. S. F., both of St. Francis convent, Milwaukee; Mrs. George Gastel, Freeport; Mrs. Dorothy Schneider, Chicago; Rev. Fr. Charles Rodemeyer, O. S. B., Peoria; Fred Rodemeyer, Freeport.
Mr. Rodemeyer was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeport council Knights of Columbus, St. Pius society, Loyal Order of Moose, Western Catholic Union. A man of gracious disposition he was held in esteem by all who knew him. His chief interests were in his family and his church, he having been active in affairs of St. Joseph’s parish for many years. He was also interested in athletics, having acted as official timer for Aquin high school contests for the past several years.
Contributed by Alice Horner from the Saturday July 9, 1938 Edition of the Freeport Journal Standard
ETHEL (KEIM) RODEMEYER
, 88, of Freeport died Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2004, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. She was born July 3, 1916, in Mount Carroll, the daughter of Earl and Grace (Garman) Keim. In 1938, Ethel and Florian F. Rodemeyer were married in Freeport. Ethel was a graduate of Mount Carroll High School and attended Brown's Business College. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Surviving are her children, Stephen (Risa) Rodemeyer of Fresno, Calif., Peggy Hughes of New Berlin, Wis., and Jane (Jim) Bicksler of Dakota; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob Keim of Lena; and two sisters, Doris Rinehart of Rockford and Betty Birely of Morrison. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband on March 4, 1996; one sister, Lucille Lovett; and a son-in-law, Ed Hughes. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father John Cahill officiating. Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Schwarz Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Contributd by Alice Horner
MARIE (WELSH) RUNKLE
, 57, wife of Oscar J. Runkle and for a number of years proprietor of the Clifton Hotel in Freeport, died suddenly at her home in Stoughton Wisc. yesterday. Her death resulted from a heart affliction. Funeral services will be conducted at the Schwarz Funeral home at 2 p.m, Rev. John F. Reagor assistant pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church will conduct the services and interment will be made at Oakland. Marie Welsh was born April 9, 1883 at South Wayne Wisc. the daughter of Edward and Bea Welsh. She was educated there and united in marriage to Oscar J. Runkle who survices. There is also one son, Glen H. Runkle, Freeport. Two brothers and a sister also survive, Edward Welsh of Pettibone N.D.; Stephen Welsh of Hingham Mont; Mrs. Merrill Rubendall of Orangeville; a brother Morris Welsh preceded her in death. Mrs. Runkle conducted the Clifton Hotel for a period of 17 years moving to Stoughton with her husband two years ago. (Freeport Journal 31 Jan. 1941)
G. LaVERNE RUNKLE
, who has relatives living in Freeport, was pronounced dead on arrival at a Lima hospital Sunday following an apparent heart attack. (Transcriber’s Note: I could find no death date for him in the Social Security Death Index. This obituary came from an undated newspaper clipping which was pasted onto a scrapbook page with other obituaries from the late 1960s. I don’t know if Mr. Runkle died then too.) He was executive vice president of Superior Coach Corp, Lima. (Transcriber’s Note: Prior to working at Superior Coach, he worked for the Henney Motor Company in Freeport, Illinois.)
Born May 12, 1911, in Rockford, he was the son of George and Iva (Wheeland) Runkle. Surviving are his widow, Catherine, and two sons, Joseph and John, both at home. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Silferd Funeral Home, Westwood Chapel, Lima.
Contributed by Alice Horner
SAMUEL RUNKLE
, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania August 20, 1811 and died in Oneco, Stephenson county, Illinois, February 21, 1904, aged 92 years and 6 months. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Keen, of Berks county, Pennsylvania, in A. D. 1834. To this union were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, one son dying in infancy. In the year 1845 he, with his family, emigrated to Illinois and located on a farm in Rock Grove township, Stephenson county, Illinois. Here they resided for fifteen years, then moved to what is known at present as Laborde Mill. Later on he resided in the village of Oneco and finally moved onto a farm near Oneco, where the rest of his life was spent. In this home his companion died May the 31st., 1884. He married a second time, in the year 1885 to Mrs. Cornelia Davis, who proceded him to the sprit world four years ago.
Mr. Runkle spent about two years with his son Cyrus, and on the 20th of last August came to live with his daughter, Mary J. Keister, of Oneco. He leaves to morn his departure the following children: Wm. Runkle, of Lakefield, Minnesota; John H., James P. and Amelia Hartman, of Spencer, Iowa; Cyrus J. and Mrs. Mary Kiester, of Oneco, Illinois, and Mrs. Sarah Faust, of Meeteesee, Wyoming, also forty grand children, fifty-two grandchildren, great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters- Hugh Runkle, of Orangeville, Illinois; James Runkle and two sisters, of Pennsylvania, and a host of other relatives. Mr. Runkle was converted at Rock Grove in the year 1858, and united with the Reformed church. For the past eight or ten years he spent much of his time reading God's word. His daughter Mary J. Kiester procured for him a German bible nearly 100 years old. This he used of late years. His body rests in the Oneco cemetery. J. Groff --- newspaper clipping
contributed by Dave Runkle
LOIS R. (BICKSLER) RUSSELL
,91, - Lois R. Russell, 91, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, in FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport. Born Dec. 5, 1918, in Shannon, to Archie and Orelda J. (Brandt) Bicksler. Married Leo B. Russell on Oct. 5, 1935, in Dixon. Lois attended Lena Evangelical Free Church. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. She hosted "Sisters in the Lord" bible study at the Lena Retreat for a number of years and was an active participant of the Friendship Center in Lena. Survived by son, Roger (Kay) Russell of Lena; grandchildren, Brandon (Jessica) of Plainview, Minn., Jacey (Justin) London of Roscoe and Brock "B.J." (Jennifer) of Lafayette, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Eleanor, Ireland and Ashlen Russell and Trey and Maya London; brothers, Russell Bicksler of Freeport, Don (Betty) Bicksler of Mount Morris and Wayne (Donna) Bicksler of Freeport; sisters, Ethyl Svanda and Dorothy (Tom) Mahon, both of Byron; sisters-in-laws, Leatrice Bicksler of Leaf River and Alta Wehmeyer of Brookville. Predeceased by husband, Leo on Jan. 6, 1995, and brother, Kenny Bicksler. Funeral at noon Saturday, Aug. 14, in Lena Evangelical Free Church, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. to time of service; Dennis Bicksler will officiate. Burial in Grandview Cemetery.
MARY FRANCES (SCHAUER) RUSSELL
, 67,of 1304 Grandview blvd., died last night at Waukesha Memorial hospital after a short illness.
Survivors include her husband, Elmer; one daughter, Mrs. Richard Boyes of Waukesha; two sons, Charles and Albert Jr. of La Mesa, Calif.; one brother, Albert Schauer of Freeport, Ill.; and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Kerch of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Mrs. Alice Jackson of Freeport. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at Erling Larsen Funeral home. The Rev Howard Kusler will officiate. Burial will be in a family lot at Prairie Homes cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today.
Contributed by Vineta Lynch Shaw - Waukesha Daily Freeman July 30, 1963
CARLTON PARK RUTH
- Funeral services for the late Carlton Park Ruth, who passed away at Hines Hospital on Sunday morning, July 16, 1944, were held this afternoon at 2:30 at First Methodist Church, Freeport, with Rev. Gene Van Kranenburg, pastor of the Dakota Methodist Church, officiating, assisted by Rev. John H, Nightingale, of First Methodist Church. Brief services for the family members were held at the Walker Mortuary at 2:00. The American Legion conducted the services at the grave. Eric Carlson, Albert Swanson, Clifford Scheider, William Frank, Donald Fink, and Stanley Smith served as pallbearers, and burial was in Oakland Cemetery. (Alice Horner’s note: Hines Hospital was apparently in Proviso Township Cook County, Illinois, which is the place of death given by the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950.)
Mr. Ruth was born in Lancaster Township on October 18, 1894, the son of Edward M. and Edna M. Ruth. He was married on September 19, 1925 to Marie E. Kortemeier, who survives him, as do two daughters, Roselyn and Betty Louise. He resided on a farm in Rock Run Township. He had been a devoted member of the Methodist church for 35 years and at the time of his death was a member of the Dakota Methodist Church. He is also survived by two brothers, William Ruth of Eagle River, Wisconsin and Edward Ruth of Wilmette, Illinois, and a sister, Esther (Ruth) Smith of Crescent City, California. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He served as a first musician in the U. S. Navy during the first world war, having enlisted July 19, 1917. He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station during 1917-1918 and later served overseas. He was a member of the Lena post of the American Legion.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois July 18, 1944
EDWARD M. RUTH
- Orangeville, Ill. April 11, 1940 - Edward M. Ruth, 70, well-known resident of this community, was found dead at his home on a farm near here about 9 o'clock this morning. A heart attack was believed to have been the cause of his passing. Mr. Ruth was born in Lake county, Ill. May 23, 1869, and for a number of years resided in the vicinity of Cedarville. He moved to a farm near Orangeville about eight years ago. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. Elmer Smith, residing on West Lincoln boulevard, Freeport; Carlton P. Ruth of Rock Run twp.; William Ruth of Eagle River Wis. Services will be held at the Eichmeier and Becker funeral home in Freeport, probably Monday afternoon.
(Freeport Journal 11 April 1940)
Funeral services for Edward M. Ruth, who passed away Thursday morning at his home near Orangeville, will be held at 2 o'clock Monday from the Eichmeier & Becker funeral home. Dr. C.A. Bloomquist, pastor of Embury Methodist church, and Rev. I.A. Woodruff, pastor of the Winslow and Basswood Methodist churches, will conduct services and burial will be made in the Cedarville cemetery.
The following nephews will act as pallbearers, Earl Glasser, Clark Brubaker, John Briggs, Thomas Bell, Lloyd Bell and Joseph Hutchinson. Friends may call at the funeral home after 8 o'clock this evening.
Mr. Ruth apparently had been in good health and had not complained of illness. On Wednesday he sowed some clover and grass seed over part of his farm, necessitating considerable walking and strenuous exercise for a man his age. It was believed the over-exertion resulted in a heart attack which caused his death Thursday morning. He was found dead by Mr. Barker, who called at the Ruth home between 7 and 8 o'clock.
Edward M. Ruth was born May 23, 1869 at Long Grove, Lake County, Ill. the son of William and Sarah Jane (Morse), pioneers from Northumberland county, PA, who came to IL in 1836 and took up a homestead. The family lived for a number of years at North Grove, coming to Stephenson county in 1873. The ruth family purchased a farm in Lancasater township where Mr. Ruth grew to manhood. When the rest of the family moved to Minnesota in 1889 he remained here and on June 22, 1892 was united in marriage with Miss Edna M. Hutchinson, the daughter of Samuel and Martha Hutchinson of Lancaster township.
The Ruth farm in Lancaster twp. then became the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ruth until Mrs. Ruth passed away in 1930. Since that time Mr. Ruth has resided on a farm in Oneco township. Mr. ruth was a member of the Dakota Methodist church for many years and of recent years was a member of the Basswood Methodist church near Orangeville.
Mr. Ruth is survived by four children - Mrs. Elmer Smith, West Lincoln Blvd. Freeport, Carlton P. Ruth, Rock Run Twp., WilliamRuth, Eagle River Wis., and Edward L. Ruth of Evanston, tow brothers and one sister Dr. William Ruth and Mrs. Mary Hilton of Los Angeles CA and Wallace Ruth Ruth of Minneapolis MN and a number of nephews and nieces. Besides his wife he was preceded by four brothers and two sisters.
Freeport Journal 12 Apr 1940
MARIE E. (KORTMEIER) RUTH
- Funeral service for Mrs. Carlton P. (Marie E.) Ruth, 215 N. Powell Avenue, who died Monday, July 13, 1970 in Freeport Memorial Hospital following an extended illness, will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in Walker Mortuary. The Rev. David W. Tracy, pastor of First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call in the mortuary after 10 a.m. Wednesday. A memorial fund has been established for First UM Church, of which she was a member.
Mrs. Ruth was born March 7, 1905 in Lancaster Township, Stephenson County, daughter of Frederick and Louisa (Thiel) Kortemeier. She was married to Carlton Ruth on September 9, 1925 in Freeport. (Alice Horner’s note: The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900 shows they married September 19, 1925 in Stephenson County.) He died July 16, 1944. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Roselyn Beyer and Betty, both of Freeport; two sisters, Mrs. James (Louella) Holbert and Mrs. Emmert (Florence) Martin; three brothers, Martin, Daniel, and Albert, and a foster brother Walter Thiel, all of Freeport, She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.
Contributed by Alice Horner - Freeport Journal Standard, Freeport, Illinois July 14, 1970
AUGUST RUTHE
, 73, died suddenly about 9 o'clock this morning (30 April 1938) at his home, 657 West Avon St. following a heart attack. He had suffered from heart trouble for several years but his condition had not been considered serious. Shortly before he passed away he had been out out of doors for a walk and appeared to be in his usual condition.
Mr. Ruthe was born in Germany August 30, 1864 and came to the U.S. when a young man. He was united in marriage in Freeport to Martha Birkner who survives together with 10 children; August Jr. Edward and Roswell of Freeport; William and Mrs. George Buckley of Monmouth; Miss Helen Ruthe of Youngstown OH; Mrs. Alfred Washburn, Mrs. Arthur Klosa and Mrs. William Richter of Freeport; two brothers Frederick of Freeport and Henry of Baileyville and one sister in Germany.
For many years Mr. Ruthe had been employed at the Woodmanse Mfg. Co. here. Services will be 2:30 Monday at the Walker Mortuary, burial will be in the City Cemetery. Friends may view the body at home. (Freeport Journal 30 April 1938)
