Pekin Daily Times,  Oct. 26, 1985


J. Norman Shade, former legislator, Pekin Mayor, dies
Former Pekin Mayor and state legislator J. Norman Shade died at noon Saturday at the Pekin Convalescent Center.
The 83 year old Shade, of 415 Halmes Ave., Pekin, served as Republican state Representative for eight years.
He served 24years on the Tazewell County Board.
Shad who belonged to numerous Pekin Clubs and organizations, started the Shade Memorial Youth Camp in Pekin.

The Shade - Lohmann Bridge on Interstate 474 was named after him and Democrat Martin Lohmann, another former state Representative from Pekin who died in 1980.
When Gov. James R. Thompson helped dedicate the bridge in 1978, he wondered aloud how two former legislators had decided whose name would go first.
He then joked that maybe someone should throw Shade and Lohmann of the bridge. "They said that would make a lot of people happy," Thompson joked.


He was featured in an April 1952, issue of Life magazine, which made a point of his unorthodox method of filling the city coffers. But the magazine missed on one prediction.
"Utterly unconcerned with state or national affairs, he has no interest beyond being mayor of Pekin and no ambition beyond being re-elected", the magazine stated.

But he twice resigned as mayor to run successfully for the General Assembly.
Shade first elected mayor in 1939, was elected to the Illinois House in 1954 and 1956 and then as mayor again in 1959 and 1963.
He resigned as mayor in 1966 and went to Springfield. He was reelected in 1968, retiring from politics at the end of the 1970 term.

Shade born April 6, 1902, in Pekin to John H. and Catherine Corey Shade, married Helen Becker in Pekin on April 9, 1923.
He made a living as a real estate agent and belonged to the Congregational United Church of Christ.

Surviving are his wife of Pekin; one daughter, Mrs. Robert H. (Joan) Caldwell of Jacksonville;
two granddaughters, Shelley Jo Caldwell of  Raleigh, N. C. and Patty Caldwell of Dallas, TX; one grandson, Robert Norman Caldwell of Seattle, Wash.
He was preceded in death by a brother and sister.


He donated his body to science. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Abts Mortuary will be in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Shade Memorial Youth Camp, Box 162, Pekin or to Norm's Birthday Cake Fund in care of Pekin Convalescent Center, 2220 State St., Pekin


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Obituary submitted by: Carole Martin and transcribed by Candi Horton- 2007
Picture from obituary.


 

 

Saturday, March 6, 1999, B4
Peoria Journal Star

Name: Grace Marjean LUICK NOTZKE SUMTER
City: Pekin
Age: 78
Death: 8:48 a.m., Thursday, March 4, 1999, Pekin Hospital
Birth: Feb. 2, 1921, in Green Valley
Father: Louis A. Luick
Mother: Jessie Champion
Marriage: Kenneth Notzke, 1941 in Palmyra, Mo.. (He died in April 1945)
Morris E. Sumter, June 4, 1949, Pekin
Preceded in Death:
Survives: Husband, 2 Sons(one from first marriage and one from second) 1 Sister,
2 granddaughters, 1 great-grandson
Funeral Home: Noel- Henderson
Burial: No Services, Cremation

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Florence F. Stauffer

The Delavan Times July 14, 1999
Thanks Debbie Campion!

    Florence F. Stauffer, 85, of 2220 State Street, Pekin died at 12:25 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 1999, at Pekin Living and Rehabilitation Center.

Born Apil 9, 1914, in Hartsburg to Franz "Frank" and Gertrude Klockenga Langenbahn, she married George M. Stauffer on August 30, 1931, in New Holland. 
He died April 6, 1987. One sister and three brothers also preceded her in death. Surviving are one son, James of St. Petersburg, Florida;
one daughter, Mrs. Charles (Marjorie) Vaughn of Pekin; one sister, Anna Palmer of San Jose; on brother, Kenneth "Bud" Langenbahn of Pekin; eight grandchildren;
12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She worked at McClellan's Dime Store in Pekin for 20 years.  She also worked at Unclaimed Freight Store. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Monday at Abts Mortuary. The Revs. Eric Stefanski and Darwood Kesselmayer officiated. Burial was in Glendale Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to: Harbor Light Hospice, 6919 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614.

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From The Delavan Times-July 7, 1999
Submitted by, Debbie Champion, Thanks Debbie!

Myrtle L. Schmidgall

    Myrtle L. Schmidgall, 77, of 210 N. Monroe Street, Armington died at 2:32 a.m Monday, July 5, 1999, at Hopedale Hospital in Hopedale.
Born March 17, 1922, in Stanford to Harold and Letha Greathouse Sosamon, she married Raymond K. Schmidgall on March 23, 1940, in St. Louis. 
He died January 3, 1973. Two brothers, one sister and one granddaughter also preceded her in death.

    Surviving are her mother, Letha Fillenwarth of Farmer City; six sons, Dwayne of Delavan, Raymond of Mason, Michigan, Melvin and Leslie, both of Armington,
Warren of Topeka, Kansas, and Keith of Mackinaw; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Barbara) Phillips of Minier and Joanne Schmidgall of Armington; t
hree brothers, Loren Sosamon of Farmer City, Dean Sosamon of Hopedale, and Harold Sosamon of Edgewood, N.M.; one sister, Irene Dawson of Mansfield;
26 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

    She and her husband farmed in the Armington area until his death.  She and her sons then continued farming on the family farm for many years. 
She also cared for sick or elderly people in the Armington area. She was a member of Minier Assembly of God and served in the Missionettes Ministry.

    Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 8 at her church.  The Rev.Robert Eby will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the church. 
Burial will be in Oak View Cemetery in rural Armington.  Davis Mortuary in Hopedale is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to her church or to Armington Rescue Squad.

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INELL SMITH
Friday, August 14, 1998, Peoria Journal Star, Page: B4 [ch]

EAST PEORIA- Inell SMITH, 84, died at 11:48 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.12,1998, at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.

Born July 8,1914, in Havana to Chesley and Annie PARSLEY MALLARD, she married Harry W. SMITH on June 6,1947, in Peoria.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Remmert Funeral Home. The Rev. Ralph Park officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home.
 Burial will be in Roberts Cemetery, Morton. For further information see original obit.

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Washington News January 24, 1882

PARTIAL OBITUARY OF CHARLOTTE GIBSON SHEPPARD

When almost ten years of age, her father removed to Dearborn County, Indiana. She united with the Presbyterian church at the age of 15, and was a humble consistent follower of Christ throughout her life. When she was about 21 years of age she was united in marriage to Mr.Joel Sheppard. She was call to bear heavy afflictions, having lost her husband by death almost 19 years ago, and also all of the eight children born to her, except the eldest, Mr. Dennis S. Sheppard, of this city,with whom she was living at the time of her death. The last but one of her children, Dr. Robert Sheppard, a noble young man and promising physician, met his death by an accident which made the affliction peculiarly distressing to the mother. Yet through all her sorrows she was unswerving, and was sustained by an unwavering trust in the love and wisdom of the Lord who rules over all.

After her death two slips of paper were found pinned together, lying in a bureau drawer in the clothes that had been arranged by her own hands for her burial, and dated October 1877, contained a brief sketch of her life, and closes with these words: "I received the sweet invitation and the blessed promise to all who love the Savior, and God helped me to give my heart to Jesus. The next year here was a church organized at Harrison, Ohio, and I had the privilege of being one of its members. I have never wished to go back; and now, I, a poor sinner, saved by grace and am waiting to be called home." On the other slip, evidently of a letter date, was written in her own hand, this request: "Mr. C. please talk to the people from Matthew XXXIV-14: ‘Be ye also ready, for in such an honor as you know not the Son of Man cometh.’ Please do this last kindness for me. Charlotte Sheppard" An expression of kindness to her pastor was added to this in a postscript which is not furnished for publication. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church, a number of the ministers of the city, Rev. Arthur Rose of Eureka taking part therein.The pastor of the church observed her dying request, taking from the text of his discourse, the passage of Scripture she had selected. Charlotte is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Washington, Illinois.

Submitted by, John Strombergern src#S

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MAJOR D.S. SHEPPARD, GALLANT OLD SOLDIER, ANSWERS THE SUMMONS
Submitted by, John Stromberger src#S

Please Contact John for futher information. Thanks John!

"I will live for those that love me, For those that know me true;
For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too.
For the wrongs that need resistance.
For the right that needs assistance.
For the future in the distance.
And the good that I can do."

The above verse was quoted by Rev. William G. Trower at the memorial service in honor of Major D.S. Sheppard. It is a fitting tribute to his memory, as it was the inspiration of his life.

The funeral of Major Sheppard was held Sunday afternoon from Wilton’s chapel in Peoria. The relatives and quite a number of the friends from Washington, Pekin, Peoria, and elsewhere were in attendance. From there the remains were brought by automobile funeral train to Washington and the burial was in the family lot in Glendale cemetery. Short services were held at the grave and a large number of Washington people had gathered at the graveside to pay their last respects to the old soldier’s memory.

Rev. Trower, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Washington, officiated at the memorial service and at the grave, He offered a prayer, followed by an address of some twenty minutes. He spoke informally, but it was a splendid tribute to the memory of the old major. He told especially of his loyalty and patriotism. He was loyal to his country, loyal to his family, and loyal to his friends. A number of beautiful passages of verse and scripture were quoted which rounded out the tribute most beautifully and effectually.

Following the address by Rev. Trower Wilson Circle of the Woman’s Relief Corps of Peoria held a brief service. They placed a flag across the breast of the old soldier and Mrs. Wilson gave a short address which was indeed most suitable to the occasion.

Major Dennis Scovel Sheppard died at the home of his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester in Peoria last Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. The gallant old soldier was prepared and ready to go. A week previous to his death he was stricken with another attack of paralysis which rendered him helpless and unconscious most of the time. His remarkable vitality, however, held out to the end and for one week he lay in a comatose state without taking any nourishment. His going was painless and he gently slept his life away surrounded, as was his last wish, by his devoted children.

Capt. D.S. Sheppard was born June 23, 1829, near the post office of Bright, Ind., Miller Township, Dearborn County. He was a son of Joel and Charlotte (Gibson) Sheppard. In 1836 Mr. Sheppard came to Washington with his parents. He, however, returned with his parents to Indiana and lived there until October 8, 1848, when they came to Washington and he had lived here and in this vicinity ever since that time. His father, a cooper by trade, purchased a two-story house where L.J. Kern now lives. Mr. Sheppard lived there until he was married. His folks moved to Canton.

On December 26, 1850, Mr. Sheppard was married to Mary Jane Young. To this marriage eight children were born. Those who are now living are Mrs. Anna Lester, Mrs H.L. Zinser and D.S. Sheppard Jr. He leaves twenty-one grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Capt. Sheppard, as he was familiarly called by all his old friends during his life, when a young man started at work farming around Washington. In 1849 Charles Anthony started a tin factory in Washington and Mr. Sheppard was one of his traveling salesmen, and as was the style in those days ran a peddler’s wagon. While on one of his trips down in Menard County he became aquainted with a farmer named Nesbit Young who had formerly been a ship carpenter by trade and incidentally met his daughter who on December 26, 1850, became his wife. The old captain stated that he never regretted his traveling experience for he got a helpmate with whom he lived happily for 57 years.

The spring following his marriage Capt. Sheppard started to farming for himself on land owned by John Marsh, which is now the Joseph Strubhar farm. He farmed around here until 1856. He had purchased 80 acres of land of the Illinois Central railroad and this he traded for 160 acres of land near Roanoke and gave his note for $2,000 to boot. He farmed this from 1856 until the war broke out and he enlisted. He abondoned the farm and moved his family to Washington. After the war he sold the farm for just about enough to clear up the indebtedness against him.

After the war he returned to Washington and was engaged as a traveling salesman for a number of years. He sold implements for the Tom Birkett implement factory in Washington which at that time employed 100 people.He afterwards traveled for a Peoria firm.

In 1884 he was appointed U.S. guager at Pekin and was here for four years. At the expiration of that time he was appointed postmaster at Washington by President Cleveland and held the position until the end of Mr. Cleveland’s term, nearly four years, when he promptly resigned upon the selection of a Republican president. He was afterwards elected supervisor of Washington township, defeating J.H. Anthony who had held the office for twenty years.

The captain was formerly a Republican, but on account of the stand taken by some old soldiers he became a Democrat and was most prominent in the councils of his party up until nearly the end of his life.

Captain Sheppard lived a retired life in this city for quite a number of years following his active retirement from business. About two years ago he went to Peoria to live with his daughter Mrs. Anna Lester.Captain Sheppard was a man of remarkable personality and ability. If he had followed the pursuits of his early calling he would no doubt have been a rich man. Called to the defense of his country in his early manhood he gave some of the best years of his life to this work. He,however, reared a large family and gave liberally of his time and talents to the benefits of the community and his friends. He was a man of splendid integrity and was most loyal to his friends.

The old captain was not afraid to stand out for his convictions and what he thought to be the right, no matter who might be offended. He was most honorable in all his business transactions and we believe it can truthfully be said that he never intentionally did another person a wrong.The editor of the Post and News will ever remember and cherish the memory of the gallant captain. When we first came to Washington a stranger and alone it was he who was the first to give us a cordial welcome and who extended to us in every way his sympathy and aid in getting our business established. He was a loyal friend throughout his whole life and would go out of his way any day to do us a favor. Would that there were more of such unselfish men in the world.

The memory of the old captain’s life in our community will always linger and will aid coming humanity in pointing to his life and patriotism to his country and loyalty to his friends as an inspiration for others to follow. Major Sheppard had a most remarkable war record. The following brief narrative of the events during his enlistment in the civil war were given to the editor of the Post & News a few years before his death.

He enlisted in the war October 8, 1861 in Company F Illinois Cavalry.He was in what was known as the Bob Ingersoll regiment. He enlisted as a private in the ranks December 20, 1861, the day the company was mustered in he was made first sergeant. His first war experience was in the battle of Shilo, where two were killed in his company. The cavalry was kept in the rear during the battle as reserves. Plenty of bullets went over their heads. The lieutenant of their company was killed, and it made them feel pretty bad. The captain gave him command the first day and the second day he did not show up. The colonel the third day called him over and gave him a paper made him out as captain, and sent to the government for his commission. Captain Sheppard was in the fight at Lexington, Tenn. He was taken prisoner December 18, 1862, by General Forrest. He was sent on parole to Camp Butler, Illinois. He was exchanged May 6, 1863. From Camp Butler he went to St. Louis where he was given charge of a company of paroled prisoners. He reported to his regiment May 6, 1863 at La Grange, Miss. He was on scouting duty until General Sherman started on his march from Vicksburg to Meriden. He went with him on that famous campaign. They saw a good deal of fighting.

Two brass pieces of cannon their regiment captured at Jackson are now at Springfield. Col. Bob Ingersoll resigned from his regiment on June 1, 1863. He was disgusted with the way he was being treated. Thought they did not give him a chance to show them what he could do. Under the command of Colonel Winslow from Memphis to Vicksburg Captain Sheppard said it tried his metal. From Vicksburg to Meriden he was under Colonel Grierson and had a good deal of fighting and skirmishing,also from Meriden to Vicksburg.

The captain related a peculiar experience in his life. When he would have a dream about his wife he always received a letter. Going into Vicksburg he had had a dream the night before about his wife and he made a bet that next day when he got there he would receive a letter from her and he did. Some time before the captain’s last illness he also had a dream which told him that about the time of his next birthday, his 86th, he would meet his wife in a lovely garden and it has come true. He spoke of this vision often and longed for its fulfillment.

Captain Sheppard was promoted as a major on April 2, 1865. He had been senior officer in his regiment and in command for nearly a year. During that time he was in a good deal of skirmish fighting and chasing rebels from one point to another.

Major Sheppard was mustered out of the army at Memphis, Tennessee, last of May 1865, and cam home to Washington. He telegraphed his wife to meet him in Memphis. She came down and was there for two weeks. The government wanted the major to go to Texas after the close of the war and fight guerillas, but he resigned as the war was over and came home with his wife.

Mr and Mrs. W.J. Lester and little daughter of Portland, Ore. arrived in time for the funeral. Mr. Lester was not only a grandson, but a son of the old captain as he was brought up in his home.

The funeral arrangements of Major Sheppard were carried out in conformity with his wishes. He wished no unostentatious display and wanted no flowers. He desired that he be not embalmed, which required the early funeral. The funeral was to have been held in the home of Mrs. Lester, but the undertaker was unable to get the casket in and out of the flat building so it was necessary to hold it in the chapel.

(The final paragraph is unreadable but from what I can tell talks of his headstone)

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Sat. Oct. 13, 1951, Journal Star (Peoria) [C. Horton -2008]
Mrs. Dolly Sherman
Mrs. Dolly M. Sherman, 60, of 1225 W. Washington St., East Peoria, died at 5:55 this morning.
She was a  daughter of Jero?? and Ella Kay Smith. Surviving a son, Lloyd Sherman of Manitio and one daughter, Mrs. Niles Ba-singer of Peoria.
Funeral Arrangements will be announced at by the Schmidt funeral parlors of East Peoria.

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