daughter of Joseph and Nancy (Fagan) Shelton was born May 31, 1827 in Hamilton Co. Il. Her parents came on a pack-horse from Kentucky about 1818, and settled where John C. Stull now lives; and where the subject of this sketch was born, grew to womanhood and married. In 1842, at age 15, she professed the religion of Jesus Christ and was baptized by Elder Thomas Vance into membership in the Little Prairie (now Dahlgren) Baptist Church, where she remained a consistent working member until the '60's when she removed her membership to the Belle City Baptist Church, remaining a member until her death. October 19, 1844 she was married to James Rawls with whom she lived happily until the latter’s death 22 years ago. She died at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Knapp, April 12, 1909 aged 81 years, 10 months, and 20 days. Mrs. Rawls was the mother of 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls, of whom 3 boys George, Riley and Walter and 4 girls Mrs. Alice Knapp, Mrs. Nancy Richardson, Mrs. Mournig L. Catlin and Mrs. Sarah E. Maulding are still living.

Mrs. Rawls was a very intellectual woman and knew much of the early pioneer history of Hamilton County, and had a rich fund of incidents connected with the early pioneer days. She was also a zealous church woman, and had paid out two life memberships in the Illinois Baptist Association. Her and her husband's home was the open home of ministers and other reform workers who came into the neighborhood. She was the oldest person whose birth and continuous residence had been in Hamilton County. Mrs. Rawls had been in feeble health for some years, and for 10 years had made her home with her children, but her mind was active and she loved to talk of the old days, and of the friends who have all gone before, but she made friends of all who learned to know her. And at the close of a long and useful life she passed peacefully to rest reserved for the people of God.

Funeral services were held at Belle City Friday April 23, 1909 conducted by Rev. J. H. Voliva, assisted by Rev. Charles Atchison and the remains were laid to rest in Rawls Cemetery followed by a large crowd of mourning friends.

Also in Leader April 29, 1909

Born May 31, 1827 Hamilton Co. Il daughter of Joseph & Nancy Chaffin Shelton. Married James Rawls Oct. 16 1844, (Hamilton Co. marriage # 747 gives date as October 16, 1845) he died 1887; 10 children 7 survive George Riley & Walter Rawls ; Mrs. Alice Knapp; Mrs. Nancy Richardson; Mrs. Mourning Catlin & and Sarah Maulding. Interred at Rawls Cemetery.

Dahlgren Echo, October 14, 1915.

MARY NONA BARR RAWLS

Born October 31, 1886, Clay County Mo. died October 5 1915, Wayne Co. Il. daughter of A.D. & Rose Barr. Married Noah Rawls April 13, 1907 2 sons Vern & Ray interred at Olive Branch Cemetery.

LeRoy Journal - 10 Jan 1919
LeRoy, McLean County, Illinois

MRS. HUGH ROBBINS DIES AT HER HOME NEAR LEROY

Mrs. Hugh Robbins died at the home of her brother-in-law, William Robbins, southwest of LeRoy, about 8:15 last Sunday morning, following an illness of nine days caused by influenza, which later developed into double pneumonia. Her maiden name was Pearl Whitson. She was the daughter of James and Clara Whitson, and was born May 4, 1894, at Sims, in this state. In 1912 she was married to Hugh Robbins and to this union two sons were born, Delbert and James, who survive her with the father. She also leaves four brothers, Frank and Fred at home, Harry with the American expeditionary force, and Charles at Kankakee. Two sisters, Mary at home and Mrs. Charles Nevile, of Carlyle, also survive. Her mother died in 1912. Mrs. Robbins was a member of the Missionary Baptist church. The body was taken to Sims on Monday, where the funeral services were held.

[Hugh and William Robbins were sons of Thomas Kenchen Robbins and Lucinda B. Robbins, nee Dickey of Wayne County.]

TIMES, November 24, 1921.

GEORGE RAWLS

Born February 27 1848, Hamilton Co. Il. died November 15, 1921, home near Dahlgren; (Son of James & Linnie Pernecia Shelton Rawls- see 1909-38 & Ham Co. Marriage #747) Married Mary Maulding November 26, 1872 4 children Emma died as infant & Anna died leaves wife 2 sons J. E. J. P. both of McLeansboro 2 brother 2 sisters Interred Blooming Grove. Legacy of kin p.202 1921-85

see 1948-164; 1965-207; 1930-90; 1909-38

obit of Edward Polk Richardson.” February 28th, 1922.

Elder Edward Polk Richardson, a son of James and Catherine (Haley) Richardson, was born December 22, 1844 in Smith Co. Tennessee. He came with his parents to Illinois in 1851, and settled on the place near where he spent the greater part of his lifetime. He was married to Lovice Thomason in 1866. To this union one child was born. Ida Bruner, who preceded him in death. His first wife died in 1869. September 2, 1880 he was married again this time to Nancy Ann Rawls and to them six children were born. George of Tuscola Il., Mrs. Martha Smith, Effie Draper, Roy and Ralph of Wayne City, and Mrs. Linnie Barnhart of Canton, Ohio. The deceased was converted at about age 22 and joined the Olive Branch Baptist Church, Wayne County where he held his membership throughout his life. He was baptized by Eld. J. B. Smith, then was ordained to the gospel ministry 2 years later. He officiated at the marriage of 166 couples. He lived near the Wayne Hamilton County line and would leave his home to go across the road to marry someone from Wayne County. As a farmer he was very industrious. For a number of years he has been afflicted. His last sickness was of 4 weeks duration. He suffered greatly, and prayed to leave this world and be with Jesus. He was conscious till almost the last moment. All was done for him that loving hands could do but he who doeth all things well saw fit to remove him from the earth to his reward at about 1 a. m. February 28th, 1922.

He leaves to mourn their loss his loving companion and 6 children, 23 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren, besides a host of relatives and friends. Our loss is His gain.

Record, unknown.

BACK IN HODGE GERMANY

S/Sgt. Paris C. Richardson is among the boys who have spent six months or more overseas returned home and then went back to help finish the job. He returned to the States January 16th for a 30-day leave, but has returned to the 33rd Armored Regiment, with Gen. Hodges First Army, which made the first break across the Rhine. He entered the service January 10, 1941. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Richardson and husband of the former Erma Draper, all of Wayne City.

PARIS C. RICHARDSON MISSING SINCE APRIL 8

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Richardson of Wayne City received a message from the War Department April 26th that their son, Staff Sergeant Paris C. Richardson was missing in action since April 8th. He is a tank commander with the First Army in Germany. His wife is the former Erma Draper lives with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Chancy Draper in Wayne City.

WAYNE CITY BOY KILLED 5 DAYS AFTER FURLOUGH

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Richardson of Wayne City received a message from the War Department Thursday May 17th saying their son Staff Sergeant Paris C. Richardson was killed in action April 8th just five days after he arrived back with his Company after a thirty day rotation furlough home. He was with the First Army in Germany. His wife is the former Erma Draper.

TIMES, November 20, 1930.

MARY ANN MAULDING RAWLS

Born October 10, 1849 near Delafield; died November 15, 1930, home of son J.E. Rawls McLeansboro; daughter of Presley & Elisabeth (Echols Ham Co. Marriage #714 Jan 9, 1845) Maulding. Married George Rawls 1873; 4 children Emma died as infant Anna died at 20; J. E. & J. P. Rawls both survive. Interred Blooming Grove (See 1921-85 1965-207_ Legacy of Kin p. 298 1930-90

LeRoy Journal - 22 Dec 1939
LeRoy, McLean County, Illinois

Mrs. L. V. Robbins

Mrs. L. V. Robbins, 82, mother of B. W. and Jesse Robbins of here, died at 10:30 Sunday night at the home of her son, Clacy, at Fairfield, with whom she had lived the past year. Her death was due to a complication of diseases due to her age. Mrs. Robbins, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. T. W. Dickey, was born in Wayne county, and lived most of her life in Southern Illinois, but the last ten or twelve years she had lived with her children here. Her father was a well known Baptist minister and she was a member of the Baptist church. Surviving her are a daughter, Mrs. Frank Chapman, of Akron, Ohio, and five sons, Walter, of Hannibal, Mo.; Hugh, of Mode; Clacy, of Fairfield; Jesse and B. W. of LeRoy. Also 40 grand-children and a number of great-grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. Mary Richards of Carbondale, is the only one left of her family. Mrs. Robbins' husband preceded her in death several years ago. Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Robbins and Jesse Robbins left Monday morning for Fairfield and other relatives from here plan to attend the funeral.

[Mrs. L. V. Robbins - Lucinda B. Robbins, nee Dickey was born 17 Jul 1857 in Walker County, Georgia]
[B. W. - Benjamin West Robbins]
[Rev. and Mrs. T. W. Dickey - Thomas West Dickey and Anna Eliza Dickey, nee Vernon]
[Mrs. Frank Chapman - Eliza J. Robbins ]
[Mrs. Mary Richards - Mary Jane Catherine Richards, nee Dickey ]

Peg Jones,

Wayne Co., Press
July 1943

CHARLES E. RAY

Charles E. Ray who was prominent in farming and stock raising, living two miles northwest of Cisne, passed away at the Olney Sanitarium July 2, 1943 at the age of 77 years, two months and twenty-eight days. Funeral services were held at the Christian Church in Cisne July 9, 1942 at 2:30 p.m. by Eld John Walser of Allendale who is pastor of the church. Interment in the Cisne cemetery. Charles E. Ray, son of William and Cynthia Ray was born April 7, 1866 at Blue Point and later with his parents moved to the farm two miles northwest of Cisne, where he grew to manhood and lived the remaining years of his life. He was united in marriage with Lois May Cisne in the month of August 1893. To this union two sons and one daughter was born; Chester and Lura of Flora and Cecil of Cisne. He confessed his faith in Christ and united with the Christian Church at Cisne in 1894, where he remained in full fellowship on through life and has served the Church as Deacon for several years. His parents and companion, also four brothers and two sisters, Major Edward William, Alpheus, Laura A. and Mary O. have preceded him in death. His first companion departed this life September 21, 1904. Later he was united in marriage with Olive Hay Towns November 7, 1906. No children were born to this union. He has been in poor health for some months; he was taken last March to Barnes Hospital at St. Louis, where he was treated for three weeks; he then returned home where he remained until the 17th of June when he was taken to the Olney Sanitarium.

From Wayne County Record
February 1945

LILLY MAY RICHARDS

Lilly May Richards, daughter of Wm. And Mary (Dickey) Richards was born in Wayne County November 18, 1885 and passed away at her home, 704 W. Chatauqua February 13, 1945 at the age of 59. She remained in Wayne County until some twenty-three years ago when she moved to Carbondale with her mother and sister, her father having passed away a number of years ago. On coming to Carbondale, Mss Richards entered college and after three years there she was employed by the Lincoln School, where she remained until the time of her death. Some forty-four years ago Miss Richards made a public profession of faith in Christ and united with the Arrington Prairie Church in Wayne County. After moving to Carbondale she united with the Walnut St. Church where she continued an active and faithful member until her death. Miss Richards s survived by one brother, Thomas Richards of Sims; two sisters, Miss Nancy Richards of Charleston, Ill., and Mrs. J.W. Collins of Huntley, Ill., along with a number of nephews and nieces. Following the service at the Walnut St. Church the body was returned to Wayne County for a short service February 15 at the Arrington Prairie Church with the pastor, Rev. Harold Mayberry in charge. Burial was in the Dickeyville cemetery.

Such a beautiful life has been called from our midst.
A soul full of Christ and Hs love
A leader, counselor, and comforter was she
Ever praying and looking above
But God had His mansion all ready
A crown was awaiting her there
She has answered the call
Come up higher
The presence of Jesus to share
Today she is visiting in glory and
Singing with those gone before
She will watch and wait for our coming
To that bright everlasting shore.

Peg Jones,

April 1945

OLLIE BELLE RAY

Ollie Belle Ray, daughter of G.W. and Lydia Spalding was born in the state of Ohio September 10, 1863. When about 2 years old she with her parents moved to Wayne County, Illinois and settled on a farm 1 ¼ miles west of Cisne, where she grew to young womanhood and her parents remained on this farm until their passing. She was united in marriage with Edward M. Ray December 21, 1884. To this union two sons and one daughter was born; Luther at home, Charles of Rantoul, Ill., and Mrs. Alta Malzohn of Royalton, Ill. In early life he was converted and united with the Methodist church at Cisne, where she retained her membership until her passing. She was a woman of a friendly disposition and loved by all who knew her. She was a faithful companion, a loving mother and kind neighbor. Her husband, three brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death. She has been in fair health until the 9th of this month when she became very ill. All was done for her that loving hands could, but not able to restore her back to health and on Friday, April 13, 1945 she passed peacefully away at the home of her sister, Mrs. Linnie Squires in Cisne. She leaves to mourn her passing, one sister, Mrs. Linnie Squires, the three children, two brothers, D.G. Spalding of Cisne, and Harper Spalding of Kansas City, Kansas; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Funeral service was conducted at the Methodist church at Cisne April 15, 1945, at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Homer R, Herrin. Interment in the Cisne cemetery.

The Record,, Wayne County Illinois, November 20, 1884.

JOHN ROBINSON, died at his home in Wayne City, November 4th 1884, of paralysis. Mr. Robinson was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, August 10, 1819, united with the Presbyterian church when about twenty years of age, in Washington, Ohio... removed from Ohio to Illinois in 1865, arriving in Olney April 14th, the day President Lincoln was assassinated. Then he removed in a couple years since to where Wayne city now stands. He was twice married; first to Mary R. Frame, who died leaving five children; Alfred R., Addah Z., (now Mrs. Schell), Clinton O., and Jennie O., the last two have since died; the others are all living in the vicinity of Wayne City. His present wife still survives him, together with a daughter, Lula L. Robinson......

Information found in Wayne County Death Notices by Betty Beeson 1880 - 1890 she did not copy complete obituary. LS

Daisy Annabelle Rawls, 82, of Wayne City died 7 a.m. June 10, 2004, in Jasper, Ga.
She was a retired cook.
Mrs. Rawls was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Paducah, Ky., to Marion and Cora (Harrawood) Frazier. She married Frank Rawls March 3, 1939; he preceded her in death Feb. 11, 1975.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at Olive Branch Church. The Rev. Richard McCormick will officiate. Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City.
Memorial services will also be held at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Jasper, Ga., on June 19.
Mrs. Rawls is survived by sons George “Bo” Rawls and wife Vera of Wayne City and Rick Rawls and wife Marian of Bloomington, Calif.; daughters Deloris Barns and husband Van of Jasper, Ga., and Barbara Bowers and husband William of McLeansboro; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; brothers Dean Frazier of Mt. Vernon, Donald Frazier of Wayne City and Eldoris Frazier of Hat, Ky.; and a sister, Nora Morlan of Fairfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson, four brothers and a sister.
Mrs. Rawls was a member of Olive Branch Church.

Ella Maxine Reichert

An 86 year old resident of Enfield Rehab and Healthcare Center, Ella Maxine Reichert, died at 5:50 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18^th 2005 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.

Survivors include three sons, Robert Harrington of McLeansboro, William E. Harrington of Washington and Russell E. Harrington of Watseka; a sister, Lela Milington of Magnecit, OH; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services for Ella Maxine Reichert will be 12 noon Wednesday, December 21, at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with burial in Middle Creek Cemetery at Dahlgren.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. til noon on Wednesday at the Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Donated by Vickey Woodard

Wayne County Press

Thursday August 12 1965

ROY RICHARDSON, Wayne City Dies

Retired Minister Passed Away Wednesday Afternoon at the Hospital

Edward Roy Richardson, 77, retired Wayne City Minister, died at 5:40 Wednesday afternoon at Memorial Hospital, where he had been a patient for some time.

FUNERAL FRIDAY

Funeral services will be at Olive Branch Church at 2 p.m. Friday with Rev. H. H. Mayberry officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call the Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City after 6 p.m. Thursday (today).

Edward Roy son of E. P. and Nancy RAWLS Richardson was born in Hamilton County January 23^rd 1887. He was married to Stella GRITTON in 1906, she died in 1920. Later in 1920 he wed Minnie WILLIAMS, who preceded him in death in June of this year.

LIST OF SURVIVORS

Surviving are one son Claudia of Belle Rive; three daughters, Mrs. Vivian Simpson, of Wayne City; Mrs. Imogene Williams, of Paxton, and Mrs. Lorene Shelton, with unknown address; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, George Richardson of Wayne City, and two sisters, Mrs. Effie Draper, of Gurnie and Lerine Barnhart of Wick Cliffe, Ohio

Jimmy L. Robertson

69 year old rural Wayne City resident, Jimmy L. Robertson, died at 11:08 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30th 2005 at Crossroads Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was a retired sawmill worker and truck driver.

Surviving are his wife Clara Lee Robertson; a son, Wayne of Wayne City; 3 daughters, Christy LaRoe of Wayne City, Connie Louise Robinson of Fresno, California and Paulette Shreve of Bethalto, Il.; 3 brothers, Billy of Wayne City, Donnie of Sims and Harold of Geff; 3 sisters, Lela Garrison of Sims, Mary Jane Paul of Geff and Patty Legg of Sims; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Jimmy L. Robertson will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3rd at the Orchardville Community Church. Burial in Dickeyville Cemetery.

Visitation after 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2nd at the Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City.

Donated by Lawrence Wantland

Newspaper and Date unknown

Noah Renfro, son of Amos and Jane Renfro was born near Barnhill, August 29, 1839 and departed this life May 26, 1932 aged 92 years 8 months, 27 days. He spent his entire life in this community. He was united in marriage about 1858 to Emily Woolen. To this union one child was born, Joseph, who still survives. His companion passed away in 1860. He was again united in marriage to Malissa Fowler and to this union 7 children were born, four preceded him in death and the three surviving are Mrs. Jane Wagoner of Bethany, Ill.; Mrs. Flora Chapman of Fairfield, Ill.; and Mrs. Harriett Carter of Barnhill with whom he made his home, his companion having passed away in 1895. He leaves to mourn their loss four children, thirteen grandchildren, 35 great grand-children and a host of relatives and friends.

He professed faith in Christ in early life, and later was united with Barnhill Missionary Baptist church as a charter member of the church. He was of strong Christian character which has built an influence for good which will reach far into the future. He was a deacon of the church for 50 years or more, always performing his duty in a way that was a credit to the church. He was a kind and loving father and a good neighbor and held in high esteem by all who knew him.

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