IRENE MARIE (MAAS) CALSYN , 52, Walnut, passed away at 4 a.m. this morning in the Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, after an illness of a year. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Tampico St. Mary's Church, the Rev. Robert Donovan officiating, with burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tampico. Friends may call at the Schmitt Chapel after 2 p.m. Sunday. The Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. at the chapel, the Rev. Malloy of St. John's Catholic Church, Walnut, officiating. A memorial has been established for the Cancer Fund.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette April 16, 1969 - Saturday, pg 2

CARMEN CASTANEDA , 56, 1208 Griswold Ave., died at 11:30 p.m. at his home. Services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. in the Trouth Funeral Home and 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary Catholic. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. tonight in the funeral home . He was born July 16, 1900 in Mexico and came to this area from Weslaco, Tex., six months ago. Surviving are his widow; four daughters, Dominga, Carnation, Mary Ellen and Diana; two sons, Carmen Jr., and Alberto; and four brothers and a sister. His parents preceded him in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 20, 1957 - Wednesday, pg 2

BETTY (PIERSON) CHERRY , 41, RR 4, Sterling, died Saturday afternoon at Community General Hospital Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Leon United Methodist Church, rural Prophetstown, with the Rev. Richard L. Mayer, the pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday. The body will be moved to the church at noon on Tuesday. A memorial has been established to the Whiteside County Cancer Fund. Betty Cherry was born on Sept. 10, 1933 in Prophetstown, the daughter of Sivard and Myrtle Lindquist Pierson. She was united in marriage on July 20 1957 to Kenneth Cherry. She had attended the Prophetstown High School and had worked the past 1-1/2 years at FrantzMfg. until her illness. She was a member of the Leon United Methodist Church. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; two sons, Randy and Wayne both at home; her mother, Mrs. Myrtle Pierson of Prophetstown; four brothers, Raymond Pierson of Sterling, Clarence of Colorado Spring, Colo., Richard of Radondo Beach, Calif., and Dean of Rockford. She was preceded by her father.
Feb 26: Funeral services were held at 2 p.m.Tuesday at the Leon United Methodist Church, rural Prophetstown, for Mrs. Kenneth (Betty) Cherry, 41, of RR 4 Sterling. The Rev. Richard L. Mayer, officiated and burial was in the Leon Cemetery. Ann Swanson was organist and James Duling soloist. Pallbeaarers were Floyd Baker, John Baker, Robert Kunde, Clarence Matznick, Marvin Younger and Marvin Harms.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette February 24, 1975 - Monday, pg 6

KENNETH CHERRY , 54, of RR 4, Sterling, was found dead in his home Monday evening. (27 Jan 1981) Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wheelock Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls with the Rev. Charles Terpening, pastor of the Leon Methodist Church of Prophetstown, officiating. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery in Prophetstown. Friends may call at the Wheelock Allen Funeral home on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Cherry was born on May 21, 1926, in Clay County, Tennessee, the son of Grady and Para (Johnson) Cherry. He was united in marriage to Betty Pierson on July 20, 1957. She preceded him in death on February 22, 1975. He was a retired farmer at the time of his death. He is survived by two sons, Randy of Dixon, and Wayne at home; his father, Grady of Tennessee; two brothers, Carl and Sid, both of Tennessee, and two sisters, Mrs. Oleta Hine and Mrs. Joanne Helton, both of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was preceded by his mother, his wife, one sister and one nephew.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 28, 1981 - Wednesday, pg A4

LEROY J. COGGINS , 71, 1208 E. 15th St., Sterling, died Saturday evening (4 May 1968) in Rockford Memorial Hospital following a short illness. Funeral rites will be held Tuesday morning at nine o'clock in the Melvin Funeral Home and 9:30 in St. Mary's Catholic Church. The burial will take place in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. There is visitation at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. A rosary will be recited at eight o'clock this evening. LeRoy J. Coggins was born Nov. 5, 1896 in Sheffield, the son of James and Kathrine Condon Coggins. He was educated in the Sheffield schools and was united in marriage with Fern Stewart Sept. 12, 1921 in Sheffield. The couple moved to Lombard where he was employed by Electromotive Division of General Motors at LaGrange for 25 years, retiring in 1963 when they moved to Sterling. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Surviving with the widow are two brotheers and two sisters, Eugene G. Coggins of Sheffield, William E. Coggins of Buffalo, Okla., Mrs. Chris (Evelyn) Rasmussen of Tampico and Mrs. M. R. (Anna) Kane of Tampa, Fla. He also leaves several nieces and nephews. His parents, one brother and one sister preceded in death.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 6, 1968 - Monday, pg 2

WILLIAM HENRY COLCORD was born in Genesee Township, July 29, 1839, and died at his home in Coleta, Ill., at 7 o'clock Sunday morning, Aug. 7th, 1892. He was married to Fianna V. Linerode, Feb. 16th, 1860. She and 10 children survive to mourn his loss - three sons and seven daughters. Alice C., wife of Jas. L. Peugh, Eustatia V. wife of J. Fred Fahrenson, Annetta A., wife of G. A. Over, Edith B., wife of Wm. Deets, Earnest S., who married Miss Maud Pittman, Clayton, E., Nellie L., Alberta S., Glenn D. and Elzina G. Mr. Colcord was, without doubt the most widely known man in Genesee Township. He was the third white child born within its boundaries, where he grew to manhood and resided till his death. He was interested in local and general Political issues, and was an influential and consistent Republican, he has served the town as Supervisor 8 years, from 1884 0 1892, the last year acting as Chairman of the board, one term as Justice of the Peace, Town Clerk 3 years, Assessor 2 years. In 1884 he succeeded Henry Wickey as Post master, which office he held 4 years. At the time he was a youth, the schools of Genesee Township were not so well equipped or organized as now, but such was his ability and ambition that he succeeded in acquiring a good education. He taught school from 1878 to 1886, and again from 1891 to 1892. He was editor of the Coleta Journal until the first of this month. He was taken since about Oct. 1st, 1891, but though his looks showed him to be seriously ill, he continued his school till near its close; in April 1892 he went to Chicago and was examined at Rush Medical College by Dr. Senn, but was pronounced too weak for an operation. After his return he failed until the time of his death. At 10:30 Sunday morning an autopsy was held by Doctors Fraser, of Coleta, Gray of Milledgeville, and Hill, of Sterling, showing the cause of death to be cancer of the stomach. Through all of his long weeks of sickness he maintained a cheerful frame of mind and till nearly the last, looked forward to recovery. On the 4th of July, 1892, he professed his belief in Jesus as his savior, and his brother, G. W. Colcord, administered the ordinance of Baptism in the Christina church of this place. The funeral was held at the M. E. church at 2:30 p. m., Tuesday. It was one of the largest ever held in Coleta. Rev. Baxter conducted the services, assisted by other ministers of this town, The church was appropriately decorated and filled with beautiful flowers, contributed by friends. During the funeral service, all business in town aw suspended. The remains were interred in the Bethel cemetery, near Milledgeville.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated Scrapbook Clipping

EDITH M. (ELLMAKER) CONLON
, age 96,308 8th Ave., Sterling, died Saturday at the Sterling Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home with the Rev. J. Randall Brown, officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Edith Conlon was born on Dec. 10,1886 in Sterling, the daughter of William and Anna Heide Ellmaker. In 1921 she married Thomas Conlon in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sterling. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Sterling. Surviving are one son, John Gagin, Northbrook; and four grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, two brothers and one sister.
Sterling Daily Gazette Mon 23 May 1983; Pg A4; C 3 Submitted by Suanne Gagin Nesland

THOMAS F. CONLON , 85, former of Sterling resident and city commissioner under Mayor Frank Birch, died Saturday afternoon at St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac, WI, after a lengthy illness. The body will be returned to the Grennan and Son Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday with a 9 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home and with a 9:30 a.m. mass at St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Mr. Conlon was born May 4,1881 at Deer Grove, the son of M/M John J. Conlon. He worked for the Chicago and NW rail company as an inspector in charge of work equipment. Mr. Conlon worked out of Sterling for many years until transfered to Wisconsin. He was a veteran of WW I, serving two years in France with the 13th Engineers. He was a member of the American Legion and was commander of that organization. He was commissioner of streets under Mayor Birch. He is survived by his widow, the former Edith M. Ellmaker whom he married in 1921, and one sister, Julia Grady, Chicago, and several nieces and nephews. The deceased was preceded in death by two sisters, Lucy and Mame, and four brothers, James, Frank, William and Charles.
Sterling Daily Gazette Mon 7 Nov 1966; Pg 2; C 1 Submitted by Suanne Nesland

CONYNE - Mr. Conyne was born in Lyndon on Sept. 8, 1897, the son of Martin and Mary Thompson Conyne. He had worked for Frantz for many years until his retirement. He was united in marriage to Rose Dickerman who preceded him in death. Mr. Conyne is survived by one brother, Earl Sharp, Sterling; one sister, Mrs. LeRoy (Mabel E.) Gaffey, Sterling; several nices and nephews. He was also preceded by three sisters and four brothers. Funeral services for Mr. Conyne will be Monday at 2:30 p.m.at the Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Edwin Stalter, pastor of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church, officiating with burial in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 24, 1968 - Saturday, pg. 2, col. 3

IDA CONYNE passed away last night at the age of sixty years at the home of her mother, Mrs. Charles Conyne in Lyndon after an illness of several months. Miss Conyne was born and raised in Lyndon, her parents being early pioneers here and has won many warm friends who will mourn her death. She is survived by her aged mother, Mrs. Charles Conyne, two brothers, Stewart, of Rock Falls, and John of Canton, Ill., one sister, Mrs. Charles Shalt of Lyndon. No arrangements have been made yet for the funeral services.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 17, 1918 - Thursday

JOHN CONYNE , 75, who had been employed at the Northwestern Steel and Wire Mill in Sterling, was found dead at his home at the Rose Gaffey resident about 5 oc'clock Saturday afternoon. Mr. Conyne had worked at the mill Friday and upon arrival home went to his room, and it is believed his death may have occurred some time Friday night. Mr. Conyne was born in Lyndon, Aug. 2, 1870, the son of Charles and Lenora Sutin Conyne, and received his education in the Lyndon school. Previous to taking up his resident in Morrison, he had been employed in Rock Island and for a period in Iowa. He was united in marriage to Nellie M. Whitemore, sister of T. m. Whitemore of Morrison. He was married a second time in 1922, to Martha Masters. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Henry Rick of Morrison and Mrs. Mary Nickerson of Canton; two sons, Fay of Hinsdale, who arrived Satruday evening, and Master Sgt. John H. Conyne Jr., stationed at Camp Campbell, Ky. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Martin; sister Ida; and three sons, Charles, Melvin and William. The body is at the Reynolds funeral home, where funeral arrangements are pending word from the son at Camp Campbell, Ky.
May 23 - Thursday, pg 10 col 2 - Funeral:
Funeral services for John Conyne of Morrison, who died Saturday were held Wednesday afternoon in the Reynolds Funeral home at 2 p.m. with Dr. Humphrey J. Rendall officiating. Burial was made in the Lyndon Cemetery. Casketbearers were Norman Nickerson of Canton, Richard Rick, Arthur Minnsen, Arthur Janssen and Robert Houseman, grandsons, and Francis Allen of Lyndon, a nephew. The floral tributes were taken care of by Mrs. Bessie Gridley, Mrs. Daisy Palmer, Miss Rose Gaffey and Gladys Decker. Out of town relatives included Mr. and Mrs. Beryl Nickerson and son Norman of Canton, Mr. and Mrs. Fay Conyne of Hinsdale, Master Sgt. John Conyne of Camp Campbell, Ky., and Mrs. John Conyne of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Mabel McGlashan of De Kalb, Mr. and Mrs. Harold McGlashan of Rock Falls, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Gaffey and DeWitt Conyne of Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sharp and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Allen of Lyndon and Stuart Conyne of Round Grove.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois May 20, 1946 - Monday, pg 8 col 1

LENORA CONYNE , of Lyndon, aged 89 years, a pioneer resident of Whiteside County, passed away at her home Saturday afternoon at three o'clock, following an illness of three weeks with paralysis. She is survived by three living children, Stewart Conyne of Rock Falls, Mrs. Lola Sharp of Lyndon and John Conyne of Arlington, Ia., and a daughter-in-law Mrs. Harry Nutt of Rock Falls. Her husband and two children, Ida and Martin Conyne preceded her in death. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at one-thirty o'clock from the home. Interment will be made in the Lyndon Cemetery. Relatives who expect to attend the funeral are, Stewart Conyne, Mrs. Mary Nutt, Dewitt Conyne and Mrs. Mabel Gaffey.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 17, 1924 - Monday, pg 2 col 3

ROSE (DICKLEMAN) CONYNE , 41, passed away at the home at 1712 First Street at 9 a.m. Friday, (22 July 1938) following a few days illness from heart trouble. Funeral services will be conducted from the Melvin Funeral Home Monday at 1:30 p.m., and from the Science Ridge Mennonite church at 2 p.m. Bishop A. C. Good will officiate. Burial will be in the cemetery adjoining the church. Mrs. Conyne was born Oct. 11, 1896, at Thornton, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dickleman. She was married July 21, 1925, at LaGrange. Surviving are the husband, her mother, two brothers, Edward Dickleman of Oakglen and Wilbert Dickleman of Dalton, and three half sisters, Mrs. Dell Latlip of Lansing, Ill., Mrs. Fred Radka of Riverdale and Mrs. Walter Smith of Chicago. (July 27, 1938 - Wednesday, pg 3)
FINAL TRIBUTE PAID MONDAY TO STERLING WOMAN
Funeral At Science Ridge Mennonite Church For Mrs. Dewitt Conyne Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon for Mrs. Dewitt Conyne at 1:30 p.m. from the Melvin Funeral Home and at 2 o'clock at the Science Ridge Mennonite Church. A. C. Good was in charge of the services. A male quartet, composed of Eldon and James Shank, Harold Frey and Harvey Conrad, sang two numbers, "Now I Lay Me Down In Peace" and "Home." The pallbearers were J. D. Conrad, Dan Good, William Shore, John Nunemaker, Lewis Shank and Earl Henderson. The following obituary was prepared by her pastor:
Sketch of Life
Rose Conye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Dickleman, was born at Thornton, Ill., Oct. 11, 1896. She passed away at her home, 1712 First Street, Sterling, July 22, 1938, at the age of 41 years, nine months and 11 days. She lived the greater part of her life in Sterling. On July 21, 1925, she was united in marriage to Dewitt Conyne at LaGrange, Ill., by Rev. Goddard of the Grace Episcopal Church. On July 22, 1934, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior, and had a glorious experience of the forgiveness of her sins. Sept. 9, 1934, she was received into the fellowship of the Mennonite church by water baptism to which faith she remained true until the time of her passing. Mrs. Conyne came to us through the avenue of the West End mission. At our first acquaintance she was working at whatever she could find to do, besides nursing back to health her husband who had fallen victim of a lingering illness. After her conversion she gave generously of her meager earnings for the work of the Lord, the love of Christ constraining her to make sacrifice for the cause she loved. Her chief joy she found in the service of her Master and Lord, through the avenue of the West End mission. Her present and help will be greatly missed there. There were times when she was greatly discouraged because of ill health and a lack of finances, but then she found the Lord a very present help in time of trouble. We could mention some whom the Lord used many times to life the load that seemed too heavy to bear. May the Lord reward all such. She knew the worth and power of prayer, and found joy and strength in the worship service of the church. The summer Bible school proved a great blessing to her soul. Her passing came as a shock to her many friends who had no knowledge of her recent illness. The relatives from away listed below attended the services. She is survived by her husband, Dewitt Conyne, her grandmother, Mrs. Charles Blank of Thornton, who is in her 84th year, and is with us today, her mother, Mrs. Anna Dickleman, a stepfather, William Dickleman, two brothers, Edward of Oak Glenn, and Wilbert of Harvey; four half-sisters, Mrs. Dell Latlip of Lansing, Mrs. Fred Radka of Riverdale, Mrs. Walter Smith of and Mrs. George Melot of Chicago, besides a host of friends to whom she had endeared herself by her many contacts. Today we gather to pay a last tribute of respect in the hope of the resurrection, when the dead in Christ shall rise first.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 22, 1938 - Friday, pg 5

STUARD CONYNE , was born on a farm 1 1/2 miles north of Lyndon on Nov. 4, 1865. He passed away at the Whiteside nursing home on Dec. 2, 1952. His parents were Charles L. and Lenora Austen Conyne, pioneer settlers. He attended the Lyndon school while his parents lived on the farm. When they retired he lived in Lyndon. He attended the Lyndon Methodist church, of which his parents were charter members. After his marriage to Mrs. Nellie Anderson, they lived in Rock Falls. An only child, Robert, was killed in a tractor accident a number of years ago. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Lola Sharp, of Lyndon. Preceding him were his parents, a sister, Ida May and two brothers, Martin D. and John H. He leaves the following nieces and nephews: Mrs. Mabel Gaffey and Dewitt Conyne, Sterling; Mrs. Ruth Allen, Lyndon; Fay H. Conyne, Hinsdale; John H. Conyne, St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Mary Nickerson, Canton, Ill. Funeral services were held at the Gardner chapel, Prophetstown, Friday afternoon, Dec. 5 at 2 o'clock. Rev. C. F Chasteen conducted the funeral sermon. Burial was in the Lyndon Cemetery. Pallbearers were nephews: Roy Gaffey, Fay Conyne, Henry rick, Frank Allen, Dewitt Conyne, and Francis Allen, a great-nephew. Duriong his long illness, Mr. Conyne was a patient sufferer. For months before his passing, he became totally blind. He was studious and quiet. Many friends and relatives will miss him.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette December 10, 1952 - Wednesday, pg 6 col 5

REED E. COONRAD , of 406 14th Ave., Sterling passed away Wednesday evening (27 March 1957) in Community General Hospital, shortly after being admitted. The body was removed to the Melvin Funeral Home, where friends may call after 7 o'clock tonight. The body will be removed to the Church of the Brethren at noon on Saturday, where it will lie in state until the hour of services at 2 p.m. Rev. Theodore Whitacre, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. He was born Aug 22 1880 at Postonkill, N.Y., a son of John and Anna Dingman Coonrad. He was united in marriage to Gertrude Grater in sterling on Oct. 16, 1900. Mr. Coonrad was a foreman at Lawrence bros., Mfg., company in this city where he was employed for over 50 years. He retired last year. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren, and lived his entire life in this community. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Lawrence Coats of Sterling, Mrs. Jame Cullen of Glenn Ellyn, three sons, Gerald of Oak Park, Virgil of Villa Park, and Robert J. of Sterling; also five grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette March 28, 1957 - Thursday, pg 2

DAN MICHAEL CUMMINGS , 70, of 409 Cloverdale Dr., Dublin, Ga., died Aug. 15, 1994, at his home in Georgia. Mass of the Resurrection was held Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dublin, Ga. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Tampico Memorial Cemetery, with the Rev. Vincent J. Shindelar, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tampico, officiating. The Garland Funeral Home, Tampico, is in charge of arrangements. A memorial has been established to Oblates of Providence, 701 Gun Road, Baltimore, Md., 21227-3988. Mr. Cummings was born Nov. 20, 1923 in Kings County, N.Y., the son of Joseph and Marie (Caggiano) Cafisco. He married Ruth Ellen Jacobs. He spent 26 years in the U.S. Army and was a retired lieutenant colonel. He was also retired from Carl Vinsons Veterans Medical Center where he was associated with the Micro-Biology lab until his retirement. He was a professor of micro-biology for two years at the University of Maryland. Survivors include his wife of Dublin, Ga.; three daughters, Linda C. Griffith of Marietta, Ga., Janice C. Tarter Smith of Salisbury, Md., and Alice C. Carson of Damascus, Md., one son, Glenn Cummings of Tampa, Fla.; four grandchildren; two brothers, Vincent J. Cafisco of Sayville, N.Y., and Matthew Cafisco of Douglasville, Ga..
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 19, 1994 - pg A2

ELIJAH CUMMINGS - The funeral services of the late Elijah Cummings were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home in Rock Falls. Rev. Simester of the Rock Falls M. E. Church had charges of the service and gave a good talk on the heroism of the old soldiers and the honor of their work. A number of old soldiers were in attendance and Mrs. Fanny Kelsey and Mr. Grant Landis sang two beautiful Interment was in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Mr. Cummings will be remembered by many of the older residents of Tampico and Yorktown, having lived in both communities for years. He was a brother of the late Hiram Cummings and the last of a family of thirteen children, passing away at the age of nearly 74. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served four years in the 4th Michigan Vol. Calvary, and often expressed a wish that he was younger and in good health that he might again offer his life for his country's honor. He carried a bullet near the lungs until his death, a memento of his services in the war and which no doubt shortened his life, as his death was due to tubercular trouble. He was married in 1875 to Samantha Winchell, and lived the greater part of his life in Rock Falls. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife, one daughter, Mrs. John Castle and five grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Tampico Tornado, Tampico, Illinois May 10, 1917

EMMITT B. CUMMINGS , aged 67 years, a well known and highly esteemed resident of this city, passed away suddenly from a heart attack at 5 o'clock Tuesday afternoon (19 Jul 1932). He had gone to the farm to do some work and while on his way home driving his car with a neighbor, Gus Johnson, Mr. Cummings was stricken and died. A doctor and nurse were called, but death occurred before they arrived. The funeral service will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon in the home, Rev. F. T. Palm of the Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be made in the Tampico Cemetery. Emmitt B. Cummings was born November 14, 1864 in Yorktown and lived in this vicinity all his life. After retiring from the farm he moved to the village of Tampico and had since resided here. He was united in marriage to Luna C. Cummings, December 25, 1887. She is the only survivor. The deceased was a member of the Modern Woodman of America and the Masonic Order.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 20, 1932 - Wednesday, pg 7

SAMANTHA LOUISE (WINCHELL) CUMMINGS - Funeral services for Mrs. Samantha Louise Winchell Cummings of Rock Falls, who passed away on Sunday morning were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of her son-in-law, John Castle, at 504 Second Avenue, Rock Falls. Rev. Ralph Kendall Schwab of the First Congregational Church officiated, supplying for Rev. A. E. Simester, the family's pastor, who is out of the city. "Some Time We'll Understand" and "Asleep in Jesus" were sung by Mrs. Fannie Kelsey and Grant Landis. At the close of the service, Rev. Schwab read the poem by Longfellow, "How They So Softly Rest." The pallbearers were Lewis and Foster Winchell, Charles Pfulb, John Castle, Leonard Hopkins and Andrew Krebs. Samantha Louise Winchell Cummings was born Oct. 18, 1852, near New York City and passed away March 13, 1921, at Rock Falls, Ill., at the age of 63 years, four months and 25 days. At the age of four years she came with her parents, Joseph Winchell and Laney Elmendorf Winchell to Yorktown, Ill., where she lived with them for twenty years. She was the eighth of their eleven children. She attended the Lane school and continued her education at the Lyndon school, where she received her teacher's certificate. December 25th, 1876, she was united in marriage with Elijah Cummings. Ten years later they moved to Rock Falls which had since been her home. To them was born one child, Katie, October 2, 1883. Katie married John Castle March 16, 19904, and passed away July 10, 1919. Mr. Cummings preceded his wife in death in May 1917. Mother Cummings leaves to mourn her loss, six grandchildren, one sister and two brothers, Mrs. O. Bunker and Levi Winchell of Wichita, Kas., and Edson Winchell, member of the Methodist church of Tampico. She was a faithful and active in Rock Falls for about thirty-five years, a member of the Sunday school, Epworth League and Ladies Aid Society, and also of the W.C.T.D. She was a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her many friends and neighbors, who always found her ready to aid and help them.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois March 16, 1921

CATHERINE (COLFORD) CURTIN , died at her home, 318 Wallace Street, Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock. Death resulted from a complication of diseases and old age. Mrs. Curtin was 80 years of age and was born in County Wexford, Ireland, where she resided until a young lady. She emigrated to New York and was united in marriage to Cornelius Curtin, who survives, in 1852, coming to Sterling to make her home in 1862. She is survived by two sons, Lawrence of Sterling and James of Chicago and a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Joseph Curtin of Dixon. The requiem high mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Cornelius Curtin will be celebrated tomorrow, Tuesday, morning, at 8 o’clock, at St. Mary’s Church. The Rev. Father H.M. Fegers will be the celebrant. The funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s church, Tuesday, at 2 o’clock p.m. with Rev. Father Fegers officiating. Mrs. Curtin was well known in the city and her sons have all of them at one time or other held high positions in the employ of the C. & N.W. railroad. One son, Joseph, met his death while at the throttle of his engine in the yards at Peoria some two years ago. Another son, who preceded the mother to the grave a short time ago, was Neal, who was known by a large circle of friends. The sympathy of a large circle of friends is extended to the family.
Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Standard 25 Jul 1910

CORNELIUS "NEIL" CURTIN , after a long and trying illness, died Saturday night at 10:45 o’clock at the home of his parents on Wallace Street, death being due to stomach trouble. Mr. Curtin had been ill for several years and some of the most eminent physicians in the country were consulted, but could give no relief. He gradually grew weaker until relieved by death. The funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 o’clock at the family home on Wallace Street and at 11 o’clock at St. Mary’s church. The body will be laid away in Calvary cemetery. Cornelius Curtin, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Curtin, Sr., was born in New York state May 14, 1860. When at the age of five years, his parents moved to this city where they have resided ever since. Mr. Curtin followed the occupation of railroading for a time, and later succeeded M.P. Mass in the liquor business in this city. Mr. Curtin was well-to-do and highly respected. He had a host of friends. He was true to his friends and relatives, and in consequence was respected by all who knew him. In addition to his aged parents he leaves three brothers, Joseph, Lawrence and James to mourn his death. The family has the sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.
Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Gazette 09 September 1908
The funeral of Mrs. Cornelius Curtin was held this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from St. Mary’s Church, Rev. Father H.M. Fegers officiating. The remains were accompanied to the church from the late home on Wallace Street by a large number of friends of the family and many of these went to Calvary Cemetery where burial took place. The morning at 8 o’clock Father Fegers conducted a requiem high mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Curtin at St. Mary’s Church. Many beautiful floral offerings adorned the coffin and were placed on the grave, a number of them coming from Chicago. At the church services Father Fegers paid a beautiful tribute to the memory of Mrs. Curtin, dwelling upon her life since her residence in this city.

CORNELIUS CURTIN , who for the past half century has been a citizen of Sterling and who during that time was connected with the North Western road for years, died at his home on Wallace Street Saturday night at 11:30 o’clock after an illness of a few days duration. Mr. Curtin was, during the greater part of the last half century a resident of Wallace Street and he will be greatly missed by those with whom he associated and was known. Mr. Curtin would have been 81 years of age had he lived until next November. He was born in Ireland and came to this country about 60 years ago. His wife passed away about two years ago and he leaves to mourn his loss two sons, Lawrence and James F., and one sister (in-law) who resides in Lima, Ohio. Funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow morning at 9:30 o’clock and from St. Mary’s Church at 10:00 o’clock. Father Burns will officiate.
Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Daily Standard 12 August 1912
The funeral of Cornelius Curtin was held from St. Mary’s Church this morning. A large number of the friends of the dead man were present. Father A.J. Burns officiated. Interment was made in Calvary Cemetery.

JAMES CURTIN - Word was received here Thursday morning of the death of James Curtin, which occurred at mid-night July 4th at an Aurora hospital, where he had been confined following an operation. The funeral services will be held in Aurora on Saturday morning at 9 o’clock with burial at that place. Mr. Curtin was a resident of this city for a great many years, spending most of his life here. For a number of years he was an engineer for the North Western railroad. He piloted the Sterling passenger until that train was discontinued several years ago, at which time he transferred to Aurora and Chicago. About six weeks ago an abscess formed on the back of his neck and although he gave it attention, infection set in. He was taken to an Aurora hospital a week ago and underwent an operation. However, the poison from the abscess and gone through his system and death resulted. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, James Curtin, Jr. to mourn his death. The family has a very large circle of friends in this city, many of whom expect to attend the funeral service. He was a man well liked by all his associates and he will be greatly missed.
Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Daily Gazette 5 Jul 1923 Thursday
Among those who were in Aurora Friday for the funeral of James Curtin were Joseph Ryan, Albert Frank, James Killian, Mrs. Slark Holmes, Mrs. Warren Holmes, Sterling Holmes, Mrs. John Conlon and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McCue.

JULIA A. CURTIN , died at the home of her parents, (318 Wallace St.) Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Curtin, at about 11:30 o’clock Sunday night, death resulting after an extended illness. The funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock at the St. Mary’s Church of which she was a member. The services will be conducted by the Rev. Father J.J. Bennett, pastor of that church. Interment will be in Calvary. Julia A. Curtin was born in Niagara County, New York, December 10, 1856, where she resided with her parents until 1862; when the family came to Sterling, where they have resided since. In addition to her bereaved parents, she leaves three brothers, Neal, James, Joseph and Lawrence. During her entire life the decedent was a devout member of the Catholic Church. She has always been actively engaged in the work of her home church and her efforts along these lines have been particularly helpful, both to herself, the church at large and the pastor. She was of the highest degree of character, was a trust-worthy person and could number her intimate and grateful friends by the score. By her death the church looses a faithful and earnest worker, and her many friends loose one whose interest in their welfare was a source of pleasure. The condolences of all the deceased’s acquaintances and friends will go out to the bereaved family at this time.
Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Standard 20 Feb 1905
(Funeral notice) - The sad funeral over the remains of Miss Julia A. Curtin was held this forenoon. The long cortege of relatives and friends left the home at 10:30 o’clock and the services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11 o’clock. The church was filled to the doors with sorrowing relatives and sympathizing friends. The services were in charges of the Rev. Father J.J. Bennett and they were of an appropriate and impressive nature. There was an unusual amount of floral tributes and they were all of rare beauty, expressing as they did, the love and respect in which the deceased had been held by her numerous friends. The singing in the service was by the choir of the church assisted by Horace Diller. Mrs. M.C. Ward was in charge of the music. The death and funeral were of particular significance to the Sodality society, as Miss Curtin was the first prefect of the Sodality and was always deeply interest(ed) in the work of the society. After the services at the church the procession went to Calvary cemetery where the burial took place. The pall bearers were William Allen (cousin), John Allen (cousin), Albert Frank, Alvin Clavin, Martin Knowles (cousin) and Raymond Allen (son of cousin, John Allen). A large number of relatives and friends of the decedent were here from away to attend the funeral. Among them were the following: Mrs. M. Knowles (cousin) of Chicago, Mrs. Jennie McCarthy (cousin) of Chicago, the two Misses Flannigan of Aurora, two Messrs. Curtin of Chicago, Julia and Thomas Hanarhan of Chicago, Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Lorihy and Mr. Cummings of Aurora.

LAWRENCE CURTIN , he dead body of Lawrence Curtin was found this morning in the shanty on Third Street just east of Hey’s Milk depot, where Curtin has been making his home for several months. Coroner Frye was notified of the discovery after which the remains were removed to O’Malley’s undertaking rooms where an inquest will be held tomorrow. Mr. Curtin is survived by one brother who was notified of the finding of the body. Larry has been ill for a few weeks and death evidently came for him during the night. The news of the death of Larry Curtin cast a pall of gloom over certain quarters of the city today and the announcement that his body had been found lifeless in the deserted shack in which he spent his last days came as quite a shock. During his life time Larry made friends by his kindness and pleasant ways which were always manifest even though his failing(s) dragged him down to the brink of death. He was for years considered one of the best engineers in the employ of the North Western road and during his life time pulled some of the best trains on the road. Larry came from a family of railroad men, some of whom died at their post of duty and during the early years of his life he made good the record made by his family. To the residents of Wallace Street who will always remember Larry as he was in the prime of his life, tears came today when it was announced that his life’s race and been run. During the life of his mother, Larry was cared for and looked after like a child, and the greatest blow in his life came when the poor mother’s arms were crossed and her eyes closed by death. His father endeavored to take the place of the loved mother, but illness and old age could not vie with Larry’s unquenchable thirst and it was soon necessary for him to leave the home that had always sheltered him and seek new quarters. He was place in charge of the city steam roller and made good from the start, working faithfully when his services were needed. Contributed by Joan Curtin - Sterling Daily Standard 05 Nov 1912 Second Obit: Lawrence Curtin, engineer of the City Steam roller and formerly an engineer on the North Western, was found dead in bed today in his room on East Third Street. Every indication points to his having passed away Sunday night, this opinion being founded on the fact that he was last seen alive Sunday evening, while the appearance of the body was indicative of death at least twenty-four hours previous to the finding of the body. The body was found by John Sullivan, who, having missed Mr. Curtin, called at his room in the old feed sheds east of the Hey milk depot, to see if he was sick. Bert Johnson, who is working next door, was notified and Coroner C. M. Frye summoned. James Curtin, a brother, was also notified and ordered the body taken to the O’Malley undertaking rooms, where the inquest will be held Wednesday. Curtin has been living in the small room, formerly used as an office for the fee shed, for several weeks, doing his own cooking by means of a small stove. When found he was partly covered by one coverlet and was fully dressed, evidently having laid down on the bed when taken ill and passed peacefully away. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been made.
Contributed by Joan Curtin
The funeral of Lawrence Curtin who was found dead yesterday will be held from the home of his brother, James Curtin, 404 West Eighth Street, tomorrow afternoon, interment will be made in Calvary Cemetery. Lawrence Curtin had an income of $25 left by his mother and his brother states that he always was ready to provide a home for Larry, but that it was his choice to reside in the room where his lifeless form was found.