WILLIAM McCOMBS , 80, father of Mrs. H. R. Carpenter of this city and formerly a well known resident in and around Coleta, passed away at 6:30 Saturday [07/25/1936] night from the infirmities of old age. Death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Grant Byers in Vayland, South Dakota, where he had resided for the past ten years. The body was shipped to Lanark and from there was taken to Milledgeville. Funeral rites were held at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon in the Brethren church in Milledgeville, conducted by the Rev. C. W. Marlow of the Coleta Christian church and with Dr. W. S. Bell of the Brethren church assisting. Interment was made in the Hazel Green cemetery south of Milledgeville. During the service Noel Hawkins of Milledgeville sang two hymns, “Out of the Ivory Palaces” and “Nearer My God to Thee.” The pall bearers were George Fleming, W. L. Miller, Sam Livengood, W. W. Fike, E. V. McGrath and H. H. Nicholas. Mr. McCombs was well known in both Whiteside and Carroll counties. He was born March 11, 1856 in Genesee Grove, the son of David and Rebecca McCombs. He received his early education in the Hazel Green school north of Coleta. At the age of 16 years he went to the home of his uncle, Alec McCombs in Toledo, Ohio, where he was an apprentice in the painting trade. After following his vocation for three years he returned to Illinois. The deceased was united in marriage August 12, 1880 with Emma D. Hawkins and to this union five children were born. She preceded him in death about 30 years ago. Three children are living: Mrs. Estella Carpenter, wife of H. R. Carpenter of Sterling; Mrs. Alice Byers, wife of Grant Byers of Vayland, South Dakota, and Virgil McCombs of Roubaix, South Dakota. Two children, Bertie and Olive, died in infancy. Mr. McCombs leaves ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mr. McCombs spent the greater part of his life in or near Coleta where he was a member of the United Brethren church. He had many friends in the community.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 27, 1936, page 3, column 5 PUT ON WHITESIDE BURIAL IN HAZEL GREEN

LILLIAN (DWYER) McCOY ,of 212 W. 4th St., Sterling passed away at Community General Hospital Tuesday evening at the age of 67. Mrs. McCoy was born Jan. 7, 1893 in Polo, the daughter of James and Anna Dwyer. Lillian Dwyer was united in marriage to David McCoy July 29, 1918, at Hattiesburg, Miss.; the couple resided in Shippensburg, Pa., for several years after which they moved to Polo, where they were engaged in farming until 1927 when they moved to Sterling to make their home. She was a member of the Fourth Street Methodist church. She is survived by her husband, David McCoy; one brother, James Dwyer of Sterling; four sisters Mrs. Vincent (Daisy) May of Prophetstown; Mrs. Reynolds (Ida) Rebuck of Dixon; Mrs. Samuel (Mammie) Wells of Dixon, and Mrs. Elmer (Sadie) Welker of Sterling; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents and three sisters. Funeral services will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Lawrence Axelson, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating with burial in Fairmount cemetery, Polo.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 22, 1960 - Wednesday, pg 2 col 2

O'CELIA (TABER) McGRADY , 89, lifelong resident of Whiteside county, passed away at the home in Tampico, Friday, at 5 p.m. as the result of a two weeks' illness from pneumonia and the infirmities of age. Mrs. McGrady, the daughter of W. P. Taber and Esther Hurd Taber, early settles in Portland township, was born in Portland Sept. 12, 1848. Funeral services will be held from the late home Sunday at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. L. B. Beals, pastor of the Methodist church, officiating. Interment will be in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. She was married on her birthday in 1867 to Barney McGrady at Prophetstown. Mr. McGrady was also a lifelong resident of this county. He passed away April 7, 1920, at Tampico. Mrs. McGrady was a member of the Tampico Methodist church, the W.R.C. and Morning Star chapter of the Eastern Star. Surviving are two sons, Ralph and Bert McGrady of Prophetstown, and one daughter, Mrs. Frank A. (Pearl) Landwair of Rock Falls; five grandchildren, Macie Houch, Monrovia, Calif.; Evangeline Bound, Prophetstown; Barney Fallers, Sterling; Arlyn Landwair, Rock Falls; and Margaret McGrady, Chicago. There are three great grandchildren. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by a son Will and a daughter Florence Fallers. A great grandson, Donald Fallers, was killed in an automobile accident in California last February. Mrs. McGrady is the last of a family of four children. Her sisters and brother preceding her were: Mrs. John Hill, Mrs. Reuben Kelly and H. L. Taber.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois April 30, 1938 - Saturday, pg. 5, col. 4

R. LEROY MECHLING , Ft. Myers Beach, Fla., died Friday morning of an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held Monday (today) at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel By The Sea, Ft. Myers Beach. Cremation will follow. A memorial has been established to the Heart Fund of which he was director of the Ft. Myers Association. He was born Nov 19, 1895 in Howells, Neb., the son of Jonas J. and Arvilla Shirley Mechling. His family moved to Rock Falls when he was four years of age. He was educated in the Rock Falls schools. In 1920 he founded a Transportation Company which became the R. L. Mechling Barge Line. He served in the WW II as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired several years ago and the business is being carried on by his two sons. Survivors include his wife, Carmen; two sons, Floyd of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Harold of Lake Geneva, Wis., a sister, Mrs. Earl (Mabel) Lutyens of Rock Falls, seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and a nephew, Marvin Lutyens of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiinois January 19, 1976 - Monday, pg 6

INFANT McCONOHY - The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cleo McConohy, Sterling, passed away shortly after birth on Wednesday aftenoon at the Home hospital. The infant was removed to the Trouth funeral home with services held Thursday at 10 a.m. Innterment was in Calvary cemetery. The maternal grandparentds are Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Devine of Sterling and the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank McConohy of Clinton, Iowa.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 24, 1949 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 3

KATHRYN (WOODBURN) CALHOUN McNEIL , 82, formerly of Riverview Road, Rock Falls, died Tuesday (23 July 1985) in Oakland, Calif. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Wesley United Methodist Church with Rev. Wayne Wachholz officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6-9 p.m. in the Blair Funeral home with an Eastern Star Service at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Kathryn was born on Nov. 12, 1902 in Sterling, the daughter of Charles and Mary Woodburn. She was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and taught in Sterling and Rock Falls public schools for many years. She also taught piano. The deceased was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Wesley United Methodist Church. Kathryn married H. B. Calhoun in Sterling. On April 18, 1946, she married Emery McNeil of Sterling. Surviving are one son, Charles Calhoun of Oakland, Calif.; four stepdaughters, Mrs. Fred (Donna) Willman of Rock Falls, Mrs. Ruth Duden of Rock Falls, Mrs. Robert (Lois) Thoman Jr. of Coal Valley and Mrs. John (Joan) Shrader of Mercy, W.Va.; several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial has been established in her memory.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 24, 1985 - Wednesday, pg A4

ALICE (WINTERS) McNEILL , formerly a resident of Rock Falls and well known in this community, passed away very suddently Monday night, November 21, 1927 at her home in Spokane, Washington. She had been critically ill with pneumonia. The funeral was held in Spokane and interment made there. Relatives here have not received details concerning her death. Before her marriage, Mrs. McNeil was Miss Alice Winters of this city. Her husband, R. B. McNeil, was a newspaperman in Sterling and Rock Falls for a number of years. (The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls Illinois November 26, 1927 - Saturday, pg 10, col. 1)

funeral of Mrs. W. E. McNeil will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home south of Rock Falls, and 2:30 o'clock at the R. F. Congregational Church. Rev. F. F. Fitch will officiate. Interment will be made in Rock Falls cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 26, 1927 - Saturday, pg 10, col. 1

MARGARET (LORAN) MEINS , 81, of 309 w. 5th St. , died Thursday evening in Community general Hospital after a short illness. There is visitation Friday (today) from 2 to 9 p.m. at Grennan and Son Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 7:30 o’clock this evening. There will be a prayer service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home followed by a requiem mass at 11:30 a.m. in St Mary’s Church with the Rev. Robert J. Willhite officiating. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery . Mrs. Meins was born Sept. 27, 1888 in Sterling , the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Loran. She was united in marriage to Ernest Meins Jan. 3, 1912 in St. Mary’s Church. She had lived her entire lifetime in this area. Surviving are her husband, a sister, Mrs. Emmitt Reed of Sterling and nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Dec 26, 1969 Sterling Gazette

HOWARD K. MELLANG , 62, 1904 Ave. E, Sterling, was pronounced dead on arrival at Community General Hospital on Wednesday (July 4, 1984) morning. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. James Kragness, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. He will be assisted by Russell Meldorf, Reader, of the First Church of Christ Scientist of Sterling. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial has been established in memory to the YMCA and the church. Howard Mellang was born on Dec. 8, 1921, in Albert Lea, Minn., the son of Alvin and Judith Munson Mellang. On Sept. 18, 1943, he was united in marriage to Jean K. Kisner in Chicago. He was a sales representative for many years for Jostens, Inc. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a former board member of the YMCA and was very active in community and school affairs. Surviving are his wife, Jean; one son, Robert Mellang, Whitefish Bay, Wis.; three daughters, Mrs. Douglas (Susan) Sisler, Houston, Texas, Mrs. Dan (Judith) Abraham, Irving, Calif., and Lori K. Mellang, Lafayette, La., eight grandchildren; and his mother Mrs. Judith Friske, Sun City, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his father and stepfather.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 5, 1984 - Thursday

JESSE MISHLER - When death claimed Jesse Mishler on Wednesday, January 24, at 3:30 o’clock, it removed from the community one of its pioneers and a citizen of honor. The life history of this worthy man reads almost like a romance. Born of Swiss ancestry in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1838, he removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, with his parents at the age of two, where he lived upon a farm till eighteen years of age. In 1859 with a brother he went to Ft. DeMoines, Iowa, from where he travelled by oxen to California. Enroute his party was attacked by Indians in the vicinity of Salt Lake, the savages taking seven head of Mr. Mishler’s oxen. After many other exciting experiences the party arrived at Carson river, where his brother remained, while he with four companions made their packs and started on foot across the mountains to Hangtown. Later he went to Folson, where he worked on the western end of the Union Pacific railroad from September till December. He next went to Sacramento where he worked on a ranch for six months. Then was employed in a dairy for three years. During all this time he had no word from his home people. In 1862 he started for Alaska, went as far as Caribo, B. C., became disgusted and took passage on a return steamer to New york City via the Panama route. He came west to Goshen, Ind., and thence to Whiteside county, Ill., arriving in July, 1863. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union army and after six months service was honorably discharged in Chicago in October, 1864.

Mr. Mishler was married in Sterling on September 25, 1866, to Miss Lizzie Snavely. They began their married life on a farm and Mr. Mishler continued to engage in agricultural pursuits for the next twenty-three years, when he retired and has since lived in Sterling. To this union four children were born. His wife died in November, 1888. In 1889 Mr. Mishler married Mrs. August Sherrer, who passed away in August, 1905, and in the following year he wed Miss Clara Beffel of Racine, Wis., who with his four children, Sylvester S. and Mrs. Rachael Keller of South Dakota, Melvin S. and Calvin S., both of Miami, Fla., mourn his loss. Mr. Mishler embraced the Catholic faith in December, 1921, and died with the final blessing of the church. Requiem high mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., Jan. 27th, at St. Mary’s church by Rev. Father Murphy, assistant pastor. Rev. Father A. J. Burn, pastor, and Rev. Father John Schulte of Sacred Heart church assisted in the sacrifice as sub-deacon and deacon. Interment was made in Riverside cemetery in the family lot. Although Mr. Mishler began life empty handed his life proves that success may be gained by persistent effort. Dependent upon his own resources he had attained a position among the men of affluence in the county. He was an honest, upright man, a kind father and husband and a good neighbor. He was a man of wonderful physique and only until just the last few years had be been forced to stay at home because of difficulty in walking. He spent the winter in Florida four years ago to escape the rigors of the Illinois winter, but since has been unable to travel. During his final illness and in the declining years of his life his devoted wife ministered to his wants and gave him every comfort possible. The mutual affection of this couple could not escape the notice of their friends, who were always so welcome to their home. May his soul rest in peace.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, January 30, 1923

VIRGIL LEROY MONTGOMERY 61, rural Prophetstown, passed away suddenly Wednesday evening at the Wilhelmi Motel, Rock Falls. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church Saturday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Olson and the Rev. A. Dean of the First Congregational Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Virgil Montgomery was born May 18, 1908, in Mt. Auburn, the son of Roy and Nellie Margret Montgomery. He attended the Mt. Auburn schools and Illinois Normal University. He came to Prophetstown in 1961 from Alameda, Calif., after retiring from the Chlorox Co. where he was vice-president in charge of plant operations for 20 years. He was presently a farmer and farm manager. He married Margaret McGrady of Prophetstown in Chicago on March 31, 1945. He was third vice president of Illinois Dads Association at the University of Illinois. Survivors include the widow; one son, William L. of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; one daughter, Ann Schoup, Oak Park; two sisters, Mrs. Lowell Hines, Lincoln; Mrs. Ray Batemen, San Jose, Calif.; four grandchildren. He was preceded by one sister. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Home Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

JOSEPH HENRY MORTHLAND - The neighbors, and former neighbors and friends in Albany of Joseph Morthland were both shocked and grieved Monday morning, Aug. 6, 1912, when the news reached them of the sudden death at 7 o’clock of Mr. Morthland. The particulars as the Review has been able to gather them are, briefly, as follows. Mr. Morthland and sons, who were extensively engaged in the dairying industry, had just completed the milking and had returned to the house for breakfast when Mr. Morthland fell on the kitchen floor, the only words he uttered were, upon being questioned as to what the trouble was, “oh, I don’t know”. Death came in a few moments and before help reached them. Dr. Dimoud was summoned but life was extinct when he reached the home which is about nine miles from the town of Albany, Morrison road in Garden Plain. The physician pronounced cause of death apoplexy. Death is always terrible but how much more so is a death without warning, only those who have gone through the agony of it know. Mrs. Morthland, who is a wife of only a few months, and the sons are almost prostrated with grief and have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Joseph Henry Morthland was born Aug. 24, 1856 in Whitley county, Ind. And was of a family of five children only two of whom survive. He came to Illinois when a young man of 25 and two years later was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Laura Craig, daughter of Mrs. Amanada Booth, who living until May 11, 1905, having borne five sons four of whom survive both parents, namely: Charles, who is married and lives near his father’s farm, Kemuel, Raymond and Vernon, who was but three months old when he was deprived of his mother and has since been cared for by his grandmother Booth. His second marriage occurred Nov. 16, 1911, Miss Annie Richards being the lady of his choice. Other relatives are two brothers, C.E. Morthland of Moline, Mo. Arrived for the funeral and two cousins Mrs. Sis and Amos Pietcher of Albany. The funeral was held at 11 o”clock Thursday morning at the Methodist church in Albany conducted by the Pastor Rev. R. L. Griffin, and was largely attended by relatives and friends and members of the Masonic and Woodman orders of which the deceased was a member in good standing, all of whom greatly deplore the passing of a man who was a good husband and father, an obliging neighbor and friend. Interment was made in the family lot in beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Morthland (Great Grandfather of Clarence Morthland)

FAY MOTT - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the Allen Funeral Home for Fay Mott of 604 1st Ave. , Sterling , who died Monday (24 Feb. 1969). The Rev. Brace Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling , officiated at the services with burial taking place in Riverside Cemetery . Members of Illinois State Police District 1 attended the services in a body. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services. Pallbearers were Robert Thoman, Russell Arthur. George P. Miller, Fay Dancey, Wernon Schnitzmeyer and Norman Schumenman. Flowers were card for by Swartleys.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sterling Gazetee Feb 27, 1969

FLOXIE L. (BRYSON) MOTT , 77, of 604 First Avenue , Sterling , former Sterling Township Clerk, died Monday (26 Jul 1976) evening in the sterling Care Center Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Leroy Horsier, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling . Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Mott was born April 14, 1899 in Clyde Township , Whiteside County , the daughter of Jesse and Anna Kimbely Bryson. She was united in marriage to Fay Mott on Oct 20, 1921. The couple spent their entire married life in Sterling . He preceded her in death on Feb. 24, 1969. Mrs. Mott worked as secretary and bookkeeper for Sterling Township and then as Sterling Township clerk for past four years prior to her retirement. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Hazel Manning of Sterling and one brother, Pearle Bryson of Moorhead , Minn. She is preceded by her parents, her husband Fay, six sisters and two brothers.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the 28 Jul 1976 Sterling Daily Gazette

HERBERT W. MOTT - Funeral services for Herbert W. Mott, 72, who died Thursday morning, were held Saturday afternnon at 1:30 in the Helm and Helm Funeral Home. The Rev. C. F. Chasteen, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Earl Hanson, Fred and Ed Dessing, S. G. Wildman, Joe Reichard Sr. and Elmer Anderson. In charge of the floral tributes were Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brooks.

JOSEPH MULL , a prominent citizen of Deer Grove died very suddenly at 9:30 Monday [05/29/1911] night of heart failure. The funeral will be held from the church in Tampico at 10 a. m. Thursday [06/01/1911]. Mr. Mull was fifty-two years of age and had been a resident of Deer Grove for ten years. He had been operating a pool and billiard hall in the village for some time. He had been in ill health for a few days but was not thought to be serious and when he came home that evening was apparently as well as ever. He had just asked his wife for the evening paper when he was stricken. The paper dropped from his hand and when his wife looked to see what was the matter she discovered that he was dying. Neighbors were summoned and came in to do what they couldbut he had passed beyond the aid of human hands.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

THELMA (SHELEY) MUSGROVE , 98, of Sterling died Friday, November 3, 2006 at Franklin Grove Nursing Home. Mrs. Musgrove was born December 5, 1907 in Barnes City, IA, the daughter of John and Viola (Stephens) Sheley. She married Homer Barrett Musgrove on December 2, 1932 in Iowa City, IA. He preceded her in death on April 10, 1978.

Survivors are two daughters, Sherral (James) Eshleman of Sterling, Margo (James) Tann of Monterey, CA; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two children, Barry Musgrove and Sheila Musgrove Hahn. Private graveside services will be held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park with Reverend Christine Gilbert, Pastor of Sterling First United Methodist Church of Sterling, officiating. Visitation will be 1-3 PM, Sunday, November 5th at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, IL. A memorial has been established to Sterling Schools Foundation or Sterling First United Methodist Church.

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