Obituaries of Fulton County (A)

Harriet Abernathy	Laura Ashwood
William Abernathy	Sarah Ashwood
Mary M. Armstrong	Thomas Ashwood
Horace Ashwood	William Ashwood
Joseph Ashwood	Philip Aylsworth
Julia Ashwood	more to come...

MRS. WILLIAM ABERNATHY

Harriet Nellora Ross, daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. John Ross was born April 23, 1866, several miles northwest of Table Grove on the farm known as Landmark, named after the old Ross home in the state of Virginia. On this farm the early years of her life was spent and in the neighborhood her first school days were passed. Some years latter she attended the Sacred Heart school in Peoria and the Mrs. Shimer's Academy at Mt. Carrol, Ill.
On March 24, 1892 she was married to Wm. Abernathy.

Mrs. Abernathy died at her home Feb. 29, 1916, of nephitis. Her sickness really extended back through a period of several years. She leaves besides her husband, the three children; Harriett Ross, James Carrol Ross, and Dorothy Ross.

Of the brothers and sisters there are Mrs. Catherine Pauline Ralston, of Los Angeles, Calif., David Ross, of Kalispell, Mont., John C. Ross, of Berkeley, Calif., and Charles P. Ross of Table Grove.

Mrs. Abernathy's was a life that found much joy in the beautiful things of the naive ? world., "Gods' Out of Doors" as we fondly term it". Her constant interest in the growing life of her children was a quality noted and admired by all. Her conviction on the things that help destroy life, were very pronounced. Early in life she identified herself with the temperance cause and through all the years she has been a faithful and strong friend of temperance. For sometime she has been a very interested member of a Christian Sunday School class...balance of article was cut off.

(Unknown newspaper, 1916, submitted by Diane Herd)

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DIES FROM INJURIES

The death of Wm. Abernathy, who some days ago shot himself, occurred Sunday night about 7 o'clock. Coroner Smith of Canton came Monday and impanelled a jury composed of Jas. Heflin as foreman, C. H. Haist, H. W. Hughes, Mrs. Jas. Heflin and L. S. Bellomy, who after evidence furnished, gave in the following verdict: "Death was found to be due to a brain abscess caused by a bullet wound, self-inflicted with suicidal intent. The bullet wound was inflicted several days ago. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Deana Paul)

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     Raymond Ashwood Died In Muskogee, Okla., July 2
     Mrs. Gertrude M. Peck of Ray, and sister Mrs. John Crumley of Morgan county, departed Monday night for Muskogee, Okla., in response to a message announcing the death of their brother, Raymond Ashwood, a former resident of this locality.
     Mr. Ashwood, second son of John and Rose Ashwood, was born on a farm near Ray about forty-eight years ago.
     In early manhood he was joined in marriage to Miss Effie Montooth, who preceded him in death.
     Besides several grown children, Mr. Ashwood is survived by his father, two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Peck and Mrs. Elizabeth Crumley, and three brothers, Harry Ashwood of Muskogee, Okla., Ned Ashwood of Oakland township, and John Ashwood, Jr., whose place of residence is unknown. (Unknown newspaper, July 4, 1934, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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Joseph Ashwood died this morning {Wednesday} after a long illness. Funeral will be held on Thursday. (Rushville Times, August 26, 1897, pg. 3, col. 4, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

Samuel Harding received a telegram Wednesday telling of the death of Mr. Joseph Ashwood, His uncle, near Ray, Schuyler County, Illinois. Mr. A. once lived this vicinity, leaves wife and 6 children.

     Joseph Ashwood was born in the town of Ridgemont, England, Jan. 7, 1823; died Aug. 24, 1897, in his 75th year.
     He was converted and united with the Baptist Church at the age of 16. When 21 years old he came to the United States and settled in Adams county, Ill, where he was married to Miss Julia Harding, Dec. 9, 1848. About 1870 they moved to the farm in Oakland township, Schuyler county, where they have since resided. His devoted wife, five sons, one daughter and twenty grand-children sadly mourn their irreparable loss, yet rejoice that for the loved, revered husband and father to die was gain.
     Shortly after they moved to this county Mr. Ashwood united with the M. E. Church, of which his wife had long been a worthy member. During his entire membership he was an active, earnest Christian; was prominent in Sabbath school, and for many years he acted as superintendent of several schools in his neighborhood. His services were acceptable always, and his pleasant manner and gift of song endeared him to all. His last illness was protracted and often painful, but borne with utmost fortitude and patient, cheerful resignation. His end was perfect peace, conscious to the last, and passing away calm as an infant sinks to rest. ("Obituaries and Death Related Items from the Clayton Enterprise 1879-1900", submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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      Julia Ann Harding was born in New York City, June 7, 1826, and died at Ray {Schuyler County}, Illinois, April 14, 1913, aged 88 years, 10 months, 7 days.
     The deceased came with her parents to the state of Illinois when she was about 13 years of age. They came as far as Ohio, and overland the remained of the trip, and because of the heavily loaded wagons, she walked most of the way.
     They settled on a large tract of land near Clayton, Adams County, and the deceased remained with the parents until she was married to Joseph Ashwood, December 9, 1848.
     They purchased apart of the original tract of land and lived there until 1867 or 1868 and moved in Browning Township where they resided until the death of the husband and father which occurred August 24, 1897.
     There were seven children, seven sons and two daughters, Sarah died who's about two years old, and Thomas died March 21, 1910, being the oldest of the children. The remaining children four sons and one daughter were all in attendance at the funeral. There are 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
     Deceased was converted in early life. The joy of the Lord came to her heart as she was entering the ground of a camp meeting. She with her husband, united with the Methodist Church a great many years ago.
     Their home was the home of all truly evangelical ministers. It could be said of them that they were given to hospitality. Their Christian influence and deeds of kindness ws felt far and wide in the community, the poor and needy always found in them a source of help and sympathy. And their Christian imprint was made upon their own family, all of whom are Christians and living in hope of meeting the beloved parents who so devotedly gave their lives to this end. Doubtless many will rise in the resurrection and call them blessed.
     The last illness of Mother Ashwood was at the home of her son John, in Ray. She came on a visit to see her brother, John R. Harding, who was ill at that time and died the following October. She took sick while on the visit and hagered for nearly a year when the messenger called her from her sufferings to her reward. She was unable to speak after last Thursday, but on Sunday evening the children gathered about her bed and sang some of the old hymns. She opened her eyes and her son, John asked her if all was well to raise her hand, and with the rallying strength she had left she lifted her hand, thus signifying her full preparation to meet the Lord. May peace be to her slumbering ashes till the morning of the resurrection shall came forth the sleeping dust and the power of Christ shall change the earthly to the immortal.
     Funeral services were held Tuesday at 11 o'clock at the home of her son, John Ashwood, in Ray, conducted by Rev. F. L. Hall, of Greenville, Illinois, assisted by Rev. T. A. Daly, of Vermont {Illinois}. Interment in the Rushville Cemetery. (Rushville Times April 17, 1913, pg. 11, col. 2-3, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

Grandma Ashwood died at the home of her son, John Monday morning at 5 o'clock. Funeral services were held at the resience Tuesday at 11 a. m., conducted by Rev. Hall of Greenville {Illinois}.

Mrs. {Thomas} Sarah Ashwood and granddaughter, Freda {Freeda} Montooth, Jon, Young and family and Rev. Cox spent Sunday with Thomas Tracy and family. (Rushville Times, April 17, 1913, pg. 5, col. 3, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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    Laura Langner, daughter of Frederick Christian and Cassin Dane Langner, was born near Pleasant View, Ill., February 24, 1865. In her early childhood her parents moved to Rushville, when 13 years of age her parents moved to a farm in Browning Township.
    On June 17, 1885 she was married to Charles L. Ashwood. To them were born two children, Ralph, who lived only 7 months and Lula Emma, wife of Paul Demaree remaining at home.
    In the fall of 1887 she became a member of the M. E. church. She passed away December 28.
    Those who remain to mourn her departure are: the husband, and daughter, a half sister Mrs. Eva Angle and sisters Mrs. Lettie Ashwood, Mrs. Agnes Parks, Miss Minnie Langner, Mrs. Nora Fulks, Mrs. Emma Strong and brother John.
    Funeral services were held at the home Saturday morning at 10 o'clock conducted by Rev. J. W. Watts. Interment was in the Rushville cemetery. (Rushville Times, Jan. 4, 1923, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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     Sarah Ashwood, the daughter of Robert and Mary Jane Allison Aten, was born in Oakland Township, Schuyler County, Illinois September 9, 1858 and departed this life in the Culbertson Hospital in Rushville, November 20, 1956 at the age of 98 years, two months and 11 days. She was a member of a large family, being one of nine children born to her parents. Her six brothers and two sisters have all preceded her in death.
     As was the custom of her time, she obtained her schooling in the local rural school.
     On April 19, 1876 she was married to Thomas W. Ashwood. To this union were born three daughters and one son. Minnie (deceased), wife of Joseph Young; Hattie (deceased), wife of Walter {John Walter} Montooth; Nora, wife of Fred Ritchey and Herschel Ashwood. Upon the death of their daughter, Hattie, they took into their home, Hattie's two small children, Roland and Frieda {Freeda}(Roudebush), whom they reared as their own, giving them the loving care denied them by the untimely death of their mother. Mr. Ashwood passed away May 21, 1910.
     In her early life, Mrs. Ashwood joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ray, where she maintains her membership until the time of her death.
     Mrs. Ashwood lived a long and useful life, maintaining a home where her children early learned lessons in thrift and orderliness which they in turn have passed on to their children and their children's children. She was the mother of four, the grandmother of nine, the great-grandmother of 18 and the great-great-grandmother of 23 children, all of whom can revere her memory.
     Funeral services were held on Thursday, November 22, at the Voorheers, Memorial home, the Rev. Lewis Dee Hopper, officiating. Burial was in Rushville Cemetery. (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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     Thomas Ashwood, one of the prominent and influential citizens of Oakland Township {Schuyler County}, died at his home near Ray on Saturday morning. He had been ill for several months with heart trouble, and his death was not unexpected to those who knew of his condition.
     On Monday afternoon funeral services were held at the family residence conducted by Rev. W. M. Mailey of this city {Rushville, Illinois} and Rev. Webster of Astoria {Fulton County, Illinois}, and the remains were brought to this city for interment. The following obituary has furnished the Times:
     Thomas Ashwood, the eldest son of Joseph and Julia Ann Ashwood, was born in Clayton, {Adams County}, Illinois, March 31st, 1852, and fall asleep in Jesus the morning of May 21st, 1910, at his home near Ray, Illinois, being 58 years, 1 month and 20 days old.
     He was married to Sarah Jane Aten, April 19th, 1876. To this union were born four children: Mrs. Minnie Young, Mrs. Nora Ritchey, and Herschel Ashwood. Mrs. Hattie Montooth and her infant son preceded her father to the giery {glory} world six years ago.
     He was converted and joined the M. E. Church in 1876, and lived an extent and active Christian like his father, who was known far and wide for his labors in the master's vineyard {God}.
     Brother Ashwood was deeply interested in the welfare of those about him; never was he too busy to lend a helping hand when he could benefit the church or community, or give assistance to any one in need. He bore the responsibility and burden of the church faithfully and gladly as long as his health could permit. He was a man of ____{good} judgment, having held a number of public offices; his neighbors came to him for council and advice.
     His last and fatal illness was of long endurance, but was bore patiently. Frequently he spoke of his trust in God; that everything works together for the good to those who love him.
     He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, his aged mother, four brothers and one sister, all of whom reside in Schuyler County, and a host of other relatives and friends.
     *Note: Real estate at time of death: Southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section thirty-five, except on & one half acres in the northwest corner thereof. The southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of said section 35, The west half of the south half of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 35, All of said land situated in Township 3 north, range 1 west {Oakland Township} , Schuyler County, Illinois. (Rushville Times, May 26, 1910, pg. 1, col. 1, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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     William H. "Bill" Ashwood, 68, died Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1999.
     Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Henson-Novak Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Elmer Conley of Booker, Texas, officiating.      Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Fort Gibson National Cemetery at Muskogee, Okla.
     Mr. Ashwood was born in Muskogee. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. He married Frances Mae Schickling in 1958 in
Philadelphia. They moved to Guymon in 1978 from Fairview.
     Mr. Ashwood was a speech and hearing teacher in the Fairview and Guymon schools for many years before retiring. He was a member of the United Church of God.
     Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Janice Ashwood of Guymon and Deidre Danece Ashwood of Weatherford, Texas; a sister, Mary Wozniak of Muskogee; four brothers, Tommy Ashwood, Dick Ashwood, Johnny Ashwood and Jack Ashwood, all of Muskogee; and a granddaughter.
     A Bill Ashwood Memorial has been established for the March of Dimes Foundation c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Home, Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942.
     Friends may call at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday; from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday; and until service time on Monday. (Unknown paper and date, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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Long Illness Ends - One Highly Esteemed

     Mrs. Mary Armstrong died at 8:15 o'clock Monday morning at her home at 252 North Avenue A. Death was due to cancer and followed nine months of illness, in the last four weeks of which she was confined to her bed.
     Mary "Mollie" Stout was born in New Brunswick, N.J. on Jan 23, 1844 and came to Illinois with her parents Charles and Mary Stout in 1853. The family settled at Spring Lake, Tazewell county, where they resided for 16 years, coming to Canton 38 years ago. Her parents have been dead for several years.
     The marriage of A. Campbell Armstrong and Miss Mary M. Stout took place at Albia, Iowa on June 25, 1882. Following their marriage, they resided in Creston, Iowa for 6 years, after which they returned to Canton, where they have lived ever since.
     Mrs. Armstrong is survived by her husband and their only child, Mrs. Noah (Maude) Kingery of Canton. She is also survived by six siblings; Josiah Stout of Centralia, Ill., Joseph Stout of Randolph, Iowa, Isaac Stout of Fairview, Ill., Mrs. G. V. (Susan) Hageman of Seward, Neb., Mrs. John (Anna) Polhemus of Fairview and Mrs. G. W. (Sophie) Lane of Canton. Two brothers are deceased.
     Mrs. Armstrong was for many years a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, deeply interested in its prosperity and an active participant in all departments of church work. In her long residence in Canton she gained a host of friends by whom she was held in the highest regard for her many estimable qualities, and everywhere throughout the community there is regret that her useful life has reached its close, and sincere sympathy is extended for the bereaved relatives. The funeral will be held at the Kingery home tomorrow, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. (Canton Daily Register, Oct. 8, 1907, submitted by Tony Kaney)

Long Illness Ends

Mrs. A. Campbell Armstrong Enters Into Rest
One Highly Esteemed
Active Member Presbyterian Church and Had Host of Friends in Community

Mrs. Mary M. "Mollie" Armstrong, wife of A. Campbell Armstrong, died at 8:15 o'clock Monday morning at her home, 252 N. Avenue A. Death was due to cancer, and followed 9 months of illness, the last 4 weeks of which had confined Mrs. Armstrong to her bed.

Mary Mettler Stout was born in New Brunswick, NJ on January 23, 1844, and came to Illinois with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Stout, in October of 1853. The family settled at Spring Lake in Tazewell county, where they lived for 16 years, coming from there to Canton 33 years ago. Her father died 5 years ago, and her mother 3 years previously.

The marriage of A. Campbell Armstrong and Mary M. Stout took place at Albia, Iowa on June 25, 1882. Following their marriage they resided for 6 years in Creston, Iowa after which they returned to Canton, where they have since lived. Mrs. Armstrong is survived by her husband and her only child, Mrs. Maude Kingery of Canton. Other near relatives are three brothers and three sisters; Josiah Stout of Centralia, Joseph Stout of Randolph, Iowa, Isaac Stout of Fairview, Mrs. Garret V. Hageman of Seward, Nebraska, Mrs. John Polhemus of Fairview and Mrs. George W. Lane of Canton. Two brothers are deceased.

Mrs. Armstrong was for many years a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, deeply interested in its prosperity and an active participation in all departments of church work. In her long residence in Canton she gained a host of friends by whom she was held in the highest regard for her many estimable qualities, and everywhere throughout the community there is regret that her useful life has reached its close, and sincere sympathy for the bereaved relatives. (Canton Daily Ledger, Oct. 8, 1907, submitted by Tony Kaney)

A NOTABLE PIONEER

PHILIP AYLSWORTH, of Fulton County, Illinois, died at the residence of his nephew, Nathaniel Aylsworth near Ellisville, December 22, 1883, in the 87^th year of his age. He was compelled to stop with his nephew on his return from a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Chloe Helen Ensley, of Menard County, being quite ill at the time, which illness after ten days terminated in his death. Philip Aylsworth was born in the town of Foster, R. I., April 20, 1797, and was the eleventh of a family of twelve, the children of Peleg and Anna (Cole) Aylsworth, who, leaving Rhode Island in the autumn of 1797, dwelt thereafter in Otsego and Chenawgo Counties, N. Y. He was probably the last representative of the fourth generation from Arthur Aylworth (the family surname properly contains no s), who for conscience sake left England after the death of Cromwell and made a home on Quidnesset, in the Narragansett County, Philip Aylsworth early acquired an education and taught common schools in Luzerne County, Pa., Seneca County, N. Y., and in his own county, where he was chosen to the office of school superintendent of those days. Coming to Illinois in the spring of 1822 he on the 11^th day of May of that year established a ferry at the present side of Beardstown. In 1827 he platted that town and gave it its name for his honored friend, Thomas Beard. In July, 1828, he established a ferry at Meredosia, and afterward became a part proprietor of that town, to which he gave the name, anglicizing the term applied by the French traders to the lake near there, Mere d’Osier. The grave of Osier, a trader who died there, was marked by a cross with the name inscribed thereon and located on the eminence where he and his wife Chloe (Goodale) Aylsworth first constructed a shelter under a covering of dried barks. To promote the interest of his ferry he spent eight days trailing through the grass on horseback and blazing trees with a hatchet from Meredosia to the present site of Quincy, and the railroad now connecting these two points follows this old trail with but eight variations throughout its extent. While at Meredosia he spent much time surveying for the government. In 1837 he transferred his interest to Fulton County, and located at the present site of Babylon Mills, which mills he built at that time or very soon after and where he afterward resided. He was a Major in the Blackhawk War. Another item worthy of mention: To avoid hardship settlers were then frequently subjected to by having their land bought from under them by speculators, Mr. Aylesworth drafted a bill for congress to act upon giving settlers the prior right of purchase. This he gave into the hand of Joseph Duncan, afterwards governor of the state, then the representative in congress from Illinois. No action was got on this the first years, 1829, but in 1830, owing largely, no doubt, to Mr. Aylesworth’s earnest correspondence in the meantime with representatives in eastern states, congress passed the bill, with but a slight alteration of the original draft—the first pre-emption law ever passed by Congress. To the latest year of his life he continued in the employment of his faculties to a remarkable degree, never having used glasses, reading with ease very fine print, and writing the smooth and delicate hand of his earlier year. He was buried on the bluffs near Babylon Mills, where several members of his family rest. His first wife died in 1839, his second, Elizabeth (Beers) in 1859 and his third, Cynthia (Aylsworth) in 1863. Six of his twelve children survive him, each one a head of a family—H. E. A.—Bushnell Record, 28^th ult. (Fulton County Ledger of Jan. 3, 1884 submitted by Judy Churchill)

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