ARCHIBALD KNOX
At his home in Mt. Pleasant township, Whiteside county, Illinois, Wednesday, May 4, 1898, ARCHIBALD KNOX, aged 70 years, 7 months and 23 days. The deceased was born in Aurora, Erie Co., New York, Sept. 11, 1827, and at the age of eight years came with his parents to Whiteside County, Illinois, and settled in the "Ox Bow Bend," across Rock river from Prophetstown. They resided there two years and then removed to Mt. Pleasant township, settling on the land where the city of Morrison now stands. He grew up in this vicinity, and from the time of his majority was associated with the interests and development of Whiteside county. In 1852, in company with four of his brothers, he crossed the plains to California in search of gold. After a two years sojourn in that State he returned home and engaged in farming. On Sept. 1,1856, he was united in holy wedlock to Miss Minerva R. Garrison. They settled on his farm near Round Grove station, where they resided for over forty-one years, with the exception of three years and nine months, during which time they lived in Morrison. Four children were born to bless their union, all of whom with their mother, survive the deceased. His life was a success, and the hand of Providence dealt benevolently and gently with him. He always enjoyed the possession of his own home and lived in comfort from the fruit of his industry. His family relations were such that to him home was truly "the place where the heart comes to anchor and the soul finds rest." Through all the years of his married life the "black-winged messenger" never hung the crape upon his door. After living three-score years and ten he finished his labors and turned over the management of the affairs of his farm to his sons. He was a sober, industrious and moral man in the highest sense of these terms; he was a good citizen, an obliging and hospitable neighbor and friend. His house was always open and his table always spread, and to all who might come there was a cordial welcome. He was an indulgent, loving and tender parent, and the welfare and happiness of his children was his chief concern. The attention and devotion manifested toward his wife in their early companionship increased as the years rolled by and the "silver threads appeared among the gold." The boy, the ambitious youth, the active man, the patient, contented and resigned man, has closed his earthly career, but his influence has not ceased. Although a good man rests from his labors his works do follow him. The funeral services were held at his late home at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, May 6, being conducted by Rev. B. A. Morley of Chicago. The large concourse of friends and neighbors who gathered to follow his remains to their last resting place showed the respect and honor in which he was held in the community where he resided for more than half a century, and was a fitting tribute to his life.
Contributed by Linda Criswell

CYNTHIA P (LEWIS) KNOX , daughter of Rosseel and Lucinda B. Lewis, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Whiteside county, Ill., February 26, 1866, and died In the City of Monrovia, California, August 17, 1897. She was united in marriage with J. B. Knox, January 15, 1881. Three children, Amy, Una, and Oscar, blessed their union, all of whom survive her. Most of her married life was passed in Plymouth county, Iowa. The failing health of her husband caused them to go to California eleven years ago, where under the influence of the genial climate, his health was fully restored, so that within a year they returned to their home. There they remained until the failure of her health caused them to go again to California, in October last, in hope of its restoration. But climate, medical skill and the loving ministrations of her husband and mother, were unavailing. Gradually she wasted away, but while "the Outward man was perishing the Inward man was renewed day by day." Calmly she went down into the valley, sustained by an unfaltering trust in the Divine Redeemer. Six years ago she gave her heart to God. A year thereafter her husband was converted and together they joined the United Brethren church, in whose membership she continued until going to Monrovia, and finding no church of that name there, she with her husband, united with the Methodist Episcopal church. She died in "full assurance of the faith." For her "to live was Christ,' to die was gain." Funeral services were held at the family home in Monrovia, at ten O'clock a. m. Aug. 19th, conducted by her pastor, Rev. F.D. Mather, The burial was in Live Oak Cemetery. She sleeps in Jesus. No more ill pain, but well, Healed, made whole and clean.
Contributed by Linda Criswell

KENNETH L. KNOX , Route 1, Prophetstown Road, Rock Falls, passed away at noon Saturday in Community General Hospital. He was born Sept. 21, 1914 in Tampico, Ill., the son of Ralph and Gertrude Yarde Knox. He has lived in this area his entire life and attended the Rock Falls Public Schools and graduated from Tampico High School. Kenneth L. Knox was united in marriage to Zilma Sears Dec. 25, 1938 in Clinton, Ia. He is a past patron of Rock Falls O.E.S. Chapter 706, member of Rock Falls Masonic Lodge 936 A.F. and A.M. and a member of the Rock Falls Christian Church. Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Ronald Knox of Rock Falls, and A 2c Kenneth G. Knox of Dover Air Force Base, Delaware; one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence (Peggy) Scanlan of Rock Falls; his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Knox of Rock Falls, four brothers, Frank, Aaron and George Knox of Rock Falls and Ralph Knox Jr. of Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. Robert Bitzner of LaGrange and Mrs. Wayne Wagenknecht of Moline; five grandchildren and his father-in-lawp, Gilbert Sears of Rock Falls. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call any time today or evening. Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Melvin Funeral Home, Rev. Ronald C. Ward pastor of the Rock Falls Christian Church, officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois May 13, 1963 - Monday - pg 2 col 2

LEWIS KNOX , one of the oldest citizens of Morrison, passed away Friday at his home, aged about sixty-four years. He was the youngest child of James and Ann Knox and was born in what is now Morrison, Nov. 8, 1842. He lived here all his life except a year and a half when he was serving his country in the 8th Ill. cavalry during the civil war. He was married Oct. 17, 1877, to Miss Emma Hulett and to their union one son, Lewis, was born, who with his mother still survives. Mr. Knox was an estimable citizen and always performed his duties faithfully and conscientiously. He was a kind husband and father and will be sadly missed by family and friends. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. M.G. Wenz Sunday at two o'clock at the home and interment was made in Round Grove cemetery.
Contributed by Linda Criswell

MARJORIE (DEEM) KNOX , 81 of Sterling died Tuesday April 9 2002 at CGH Medical Center. Mrs. Knox was born Aug 25 1920 in Sterling the daughter of William and Sarah Adeline (CONNER) DEEM. She married Ralph KNOX Jr. on Aug 16 1941 in Sterling. He died NOv 16 1989. She was a lifetime member and very active in church activities at Wesley United Methodist Church, Sterling. Survivors include two sons, Gerald A (Cindy) KNOX of Sterling and James K (Paula) KNOX of Galesburg; a sister Lucille FOULDS of Omaha NE; three grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren and a step great grandson. She was preceded in death by two brothers Blenn DEEM and George DEEM and three sisters, Bernice VAN DREW, Dorothy ROLF and Winifred HARTMAN. The funeral is at 1:30 pm Friday at Wesley United Methodist Church Sterling, with the Rev. Joseph Snider officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation from noon to 1:30 pm Friday at the church . Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established to Wesley United Methodist Church.
Daily Gazette April 10, 2002

MARY JANE (EMERY) KNOX , daughter of John & Lucinda (Tarbell) Emery, who were natives of Vermont, was born in the town of Moriah, Essex county, NY, Feb. 7, 1827 and died at her home three miles east of Morrison, March 13, 1905. October 8, 1839, the Emery family consisting of father, mother, Cyrus, Samuel, Josiah, Mary Jane, Lucinda and Jonathan, with the wife and child of a brother names Zarah, started westward in search of the latter, who had gone ahead to look out a location, their objective point being Maquoketa Iowa. Like so many pioneer settlers they made the journey with horses and wagons from Essex to Buffalo, thence across the lake by boat to Toledo, then overa a portion of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan into Illinois, through Chicago, Naperville, Aurora and Milledgeville to Savanna on the Mississippi river, where they expected to find the brother who had preceded them. Not succeeding in this they followed teh river down to Fulton where Zarah joined them, and eventually crossed to Lyons Iowa, where a cabin was built and the family resided there for some time. All were taken ill with the ague, the parents and the youngest son Jonathan dying within three months. The subject of this sketsh soon after went to the home of N.G. Reynolds in Prophetstown where she remained until her marriage with William Knox, August 21, 1842. The couple first lived on the Allison Knox farm, then took up government land, what is now known as the Dillenbeck place, making for themselves a home wherein six of their children were born. Later they purchased 160 acres in section 14, Mt. Pleasant township, where Mrs. Knox lived, toiled and labored in the activity of a dutiful farmer's wife until 1899, since which time she has resided with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Simon Whistler. Mr. Knox died Dec. 20, 1884. Mrs. Knox was the mother of eight children, six of whom, together with a sister Lucinda, widow of James M. Pratt of Erie and a sister-in-law MRs. C.P. Emery of Rock Island, survive her as follows; Harriet E. Scribner, Geddes SD; Walter E., Martin W., LaPlata MO; WIlliam H., Morrison; Clarence D., Sterling, and Clara M., Mt. Pleasant, the last two being twins. Sarah Jane died in childhood at the age of five and is buried in the Round Grove cemetery; Andrew J. died in 1902 at the age of 44 and was interred in the Morrison cemetery. There also remain 28 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. For a number of years prior to her death, Mrs. Knox had been afflicted with heart trouble which with complications of asthma and rheumatism, caused her great pain. Rev. M.g. Wenz of the M.E. church Morrison officiated the service - burial was in Round Grove Cemetery.

ROY C. KNOX - Funeral services for Roy C. Knox were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Melvin Funeral Home by the Rev. William D. Willoughby, rector of Grace Episcopal Church. Organ music was played by Mrs. J. H. Linn. The burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park Cemetery. Casketbearers were Fred Weber, Renato Adami, Paul Coppetelli, Sam Licocci, Lee Kerr and Peter VanLoo. Swartley Florists took care of flowers
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Dec 31 1969 Sterling Gazette

ANNA (SMELSER) KOCHERSPERGER , of East St. Louis, Ill died suddenly Saturday afternoon at 4:50 o'clock at the home of M. S. Llewellyn on Fifth Avenue, death being due to heart disease. Mr. and Mrs. Kochersperger arrived here Friday morning, called on account of the serious illness of Mr. Kochersperger's father, George Kochersperger. On Saturday, Mrs. Kochersperger was in most excellent health, and she with her husband was on the way to his father's home, after enjoying a pleasant walk.

On Fifth Avenue she was siezed with fainting and was taken to the Llewllyn home, and Dr. Frank and Jane Reid Keefer hurriedly summoned. Although every possible effort was made to relieve her and prolong her life, she passed away about thirty minutes after the arrival of the physicians. The sudden death of Mrs. Kochersperger, was indeed very sad. Friends of the family here rendered the grief stricken husband every possible aid, did everything possible to alliviate his grief.

On Saturday evening an inquest was held, the report of the finding being that the deceased came to her death as above stated. The remains were taken to the home fo Mr. and Mrs. John Gould, 311 East Ninth Street, where bridf funeral services occured Sunday afternoon. This morning, the remains were shipped to St. Louis, accompanied by the grief stricken husband. Mrs. Kochersperger was about forty-five years of age. She was the mother of four children. She accompained her husband here to visit with his father, who is very sick and gradually failing. While apparently in the best of health, she was suddenly summoned. Just before she passed away turning to her husband she said, "It is all over, I am going, call the children."

Contributed by Sheila Smith

GEORGE JACOB KOCHERSPERGER , an old and highly respected resident of Sterling, passed away this morning at 12:20 o'clock. Hardening of the liver from which he has been a sufferer for over a year was the cause of his demise. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the residence 907 Avenue, and at 2:30 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran church, Rev. E C Harris officiating. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery. The services will be in charge of the Odd Fellows of which Mr. Kochersperger had been a member for nearly fifty years. The members of Will Robinson Post, G A R Red Men and Modern Woodmen of America will also atend. The pall bearers will be selected from the members of the Odd Fellows, Grand Army and Red Men. George Kochersperger was born Feb. 6, 1841 in Philadelphia, Pa. He spent his earlyh life in that city and at the breaking out of the Civil war, enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving for four years. He participated in the battles at Gettysburg, Lookout Mountain, and a number of the smaller engagements and also was with Sherman on his celebrated march from Atlanta, Georgia to the sea. In the Battle of Lookout Mountain, Mr. Kochersperger was severely wounded in the leg.

Mr. Kochersperger was married in 1864 to Miss Mary Phile in Philadelphia. Mrs. Kochersperger, together with five children, survive him. They are Geroge Kochersperger, Jr. of Alton, Ill., William Kochersperger of St. Louis, Mrs. Nellie Gould, wife of John Gould of Sterling, John of Aurora and Marion, who resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kochersperger came to Sterling in 1882 and have made their home here since that time. Mr. Kochersperger for many years was employed in the factory of the Keystone Manufacturing Company, later resigning to officiate as janitor of the Odd Fellows temple.

Nine years ago he was given the position of custodian of the post office, remaining in this position until Dec. 23, 1913 when he was taken ill. Since that time he has steadily grown worse despite the best medical treatment. George Kochersperger was a man who made friends rapidly and who had the ability to hold his friends throught the long years. Familiarly known as "Scoop", he was beloved by old and young for his unfailing nature and his many kind acts. During his long service at the post office he made aquanincence of hundreds of poeple by whom he was held in the highest esteem. He was a geniel, kindly friend and acquaintance, sincere and accommodating, a loving husband and father. As a soldier, he was brave and patriotic, his military record being without a blemish. The sorrowing family have the sincere sympathy of their many friends in Sterling and vicinity.

Contributed by Sheila Smith

MARY (PHILE) KOCHERSPERGER , aged 86 years, passed away at 11:15 o'clock Friday evening in her home, 907 Johnson avenue. She had been ill since December 29 of last year when she fell and fractured her hip. Her health has failed since that time. The body has been removed to the Melvin funeral home. Mrs. Kochersperger is survived by four sons and one daughter, George Jr., of Alton, William H. of East St. Louis, Mrs. John Gould of Sterling, John of Aurora and Marion at home. She also leaves 12 grandchildren adn 22 great-grandchildren. Her husband George Kochersperger, preceded her in death December 12, 1914 The deceased was a member of St. John's Lutheran church, Holtslandeer Rebekah Lodge No. 70 and the Will Robinson Relief Corps No. 45. The funeral service will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Melvin funeral home on Sixth avenue, Rev. F.C. Harris will officiate. he W.R.C. ladies will have charge of the service. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery.
Sterling Gazette May 9, 1931

MARION HERSH KOCHERSPERGER , former resident of Sterling, passed away early Monday morning at Whiteside Coiunty Nursing Home after an extended illness. Born May 16, 1886, in Sterling, he was the son of George and Mary Simpson Kochersperger Sr. For 24 years he was employed by the C B and Q Railroad. Surviving are two nephews in this area, George and Leon Gould both of Sterling, two nieces in California, and one niece at Alton, Ill. His parents, three brothers and one sister preceded. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 pm Tuesday. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday in the mlvin Funeral Home, The Rev. Romaine W Tenney pastor of the Trinity EUB Chruch of Sterling will officiate and burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Sheila Smith

TERRY D. KOLB , 40 of 1501 W. 4th St., Sterling, died at Community General Hospital shortly after being admitted as a result of an auto accident Saturday morning. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls with the Rev. O. H. Kreiter, visitation pastor of Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial will be Oak Knoll. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Monday. Terry Kolb was born on Dec. 18, 1935 in Rock Falls, the son of Ernest and Josephine Baker Kolb. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Josephine Kolb of Rock Falls; two sons, Terry 11, and Timmy, both of Walnut Ridge, Ark.; four sisters, Mrs. Ray (Marlys) Peugh and Mrs. Charles (Paula) Deyo of Sterling; Mrs. Earl (Judy) Aldridge of Rock Falls and Mrs. Donald (Jill) Hayes of Winterspring, Florida; four brothers, Gary of Charleston, W. Va.; Jack, Jeff and Marc all of Rock Falls. He was preceded by his father, Ernest on May 18, 1964.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 5, 1976 - Monday, pg 6

FRANK E. KREIDER , 74, died Sunday at his home at 503 4th Ave. The body was removed to the Trouth Funeral Home, where friends may call. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afernoon at 2:30 o'clock. Dr. Alfred L. Grewe will officiate. Burial will be in Riveside Cemetery. Frank E. Kreider was born June 18, 1879, east of Sterling, a son of John H and Magdeline Ebersole Kreider. He was educated in the rural schools. On Feb. 24, 1915 he was united in marriage with Miss Ida Shuler. They farmed north of Sterling until they retired in 1922 and moved to the late home 503 4th avenue. Mrs. Kreider passed away Feb. 6, 1952 and since that time Mr. Kreider had been very depressed. He had also been ailing for some times. He had remarked several times that there as nothing left for him to live for.

Contributed by Mike Hosler

LORNA (LANDHEER) KREIDER , 81, of Sterling died Monday, March 14, 2005, at Coventry Village, Sterling. She was employed by the for­mer First National Bank as a teller for many years. Mrs. Kreider was born May 2, 1923, in Morrison, the daughter of Edward and Martha (Oltmanns) Laridheer. She married Harold Kreider on May 12, 1943, in Sterling. He died Aug. 8, 2004. Survivors include two daughters. Pat (Dave) BrackeIl of Sun Gity.,Ariz. and Lynn (Jim) Sutton of Freeport; a son, Curt (Carolyn) Kreider, of Sterling; two sisters, Avis. (Doug) Chamberlain of Lyndon. and JoAnn F. (Paul) Vock of Morrison; two brothers, Edward Landheer of Sterling and Paul (Loraine) Landheer of Dixon; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sterling. Burial is at Oak Knoll Memorial: Park. Sterling

FERN E. (KROPF) KROPF , age 69, 25302 Starr Road, Tampico, Illinois died Friday, March 3, 2006 at her home after a lingering illness of strokes. She was born on August 10, 1936, near Shelbyville, IL, the daughter of Raymond and Esther (Shrock) Kropf. When she was two years they moved to Henry County. In 1943 they moved to the Tampico area where she resided except for four years. After he marriage to Wayne Kropf, they lived in Buffalo, MO. She survived by her husband Wayne of Tampico, IL; four brothers, Laurence (Ada Marie) Kropf of Tampico, IL, Leonard (Fannie) Kropf of Bolivia, Illinois, Harold (Rosanna Kropf of Tampico, Illinois, Oran (Miriam) Kropf of Middletown, Missouri; and one sister Lovina Kropf of Wheatland, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Ivan. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Fairfield Amish Mennonite Church in Tampico, IL. Burial will be in the Fairfield Amish Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday at the Fairfield Amish School in Tampico. Arrangements completed by the garland Funeral Home in Tampico.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from the Prophetstown Echo

KATE (METER) KUEHL , died Wednesday, January 21, 1914 at her home in Morrison, after an illness of several months of Bright’s disease. Mrs. Kuehl was born in Holland in June 1871 and when twenty years old she came to America and located in Fulton, where soon afterwards she was married to Ren Shipman, who died in 1903. Two years later she was married to William Kuehl of Morrison. She leaves her husband, three children by her first marriage, three by her second, two sisters, Mrs. Henry Ten Boer of Fulton and Mrs. Harry Kopenga of Morrison, and two brothers, Louis and Nicholas Meter in Portland, Ore. Mrs. Kuehl was a good woman, a kind mother and loving wife. May friends of this family join in extending sympathy to the members in their sorrowful bereavement. The funeral services were held at 1 o’clock this afternoon in the Reformed church in Morrison, with burial in the Grove Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, January 24, 1914

JOHN E. KUSTES , 65, of Fulton, died Tuesday at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton. The Rev. James R. Keenan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, will be officiating. The service will be preceded by a 10 a.m. family prayer service at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Calvary Hill Cemetery in Fulton.

He was born July 26, 1939, in Clinton to John E. Kustes Sr. and Bernadette Forman Kustes. He married Leah M. McKinstry on Nov. 4, 1978, in Fulton. He attended rural Whiteside County, Ill., schools. He graduated from Fulton High School. He was engaged in farming on the family farm. He was then employed with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. He returned to farming and then was employed with the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. in Sterling, Ill., before retiring in 1999. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Knights of Columbus, the Whiteside County Farm Bureau and Future Farmers of America. He also was a 4-H leader and had served as a Cub Scout and Webelo leader.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Laura (Chad) Hultman of Atkinson, Ill., Mrs. Lana (Joseph) Otten of Rock Island, Ill., and Mrs. Kimilie (Robert) Saiter of Clinton; six sons, Barry (Linda) Kustes of Clinton, Tom Kustes of Des Moines, Christopher (Amy) Kustes of DeKalb, Ill., Andrew (Kitka) Kustes of Cordova, Ill., and Keith (Tracy) Horton and Michael (Marlyce) Horton, both of Clinton; 25 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Mrs. Dorothy (Robert) Pannell of Thomson, Ill., Francis Powers of Sycamore, Ill., and Mary Biggs of Moline, Ill. Memorials may be made to Mass offerings. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Clinton Herald 20 January 2005

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