James M. Sherwood was born in Bernadotte township, Oct. 10, 1830, and at the time of his death, on Thursday, March 5, 1908, he was one of the oldest native-born residents of Fulton county. He was a son of Elmer and Margaret Sherwood, pioneer settlers of the county.
Mr. Sherwood began to make his own way in the world when he was about 15 years of age and though a cripple and obliged to use crutches, by persistent effort and indomitable energy he succeeded where many men might have failed.
Between the hours of labor, when he was learning the trade of a shoemaker, he succeeded in acquiring a fair education and later taught school in Putman township.
About 1849 or 1850 he went to Springfield, where he continued to reside for about 15 years, employed most of the time in a wholesale boot and shoe store.
Mr. Sherwood was twice married. His first wife was Miss Martha J. McKinney, to whom he was married in Springfield, Oct. 17, 1852. There were born to them three children; two of whom survive: Mrs. A. J. Heller of Little Rock, Ark., and John E. Sherwood, whose home is in Oklahoma. A daughter, Sarah Sherwood, is dead. His first wife died Oct. 25, 1859.
In September, 1862, Mr. Sherwood married Miss Rhoda Gard of Springfield. The two children born to them are dead.
While in Springfield Mr. Sherwood was intimately associated with many of the great men of his day. He assisted in the organization of the Republican party in the state in 1856, and knew personally Lincoln, Douglas, War Governor "Dick Yates", and many other prominent men of that time.
About the close of the civil war Mr. Sherwood and his family returned to Cuba, where his remaining years were spent among old friends and the scenes of boyhood days.
Mr. Sherwood was for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his active years was a faithful worker in the Sunday school. By all who knew him he was held on high regard and general sorrow at his demise is mingled sympathy for the bereaved relatives.
Unless Mr. Sherwood's son, John, is unable to arrive in time, the funeral services will be held at the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and conducted by the Rev. H. F. [last name is unreadable] (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Carla Finley)
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OLD SETTLER
GONE
Death of John S. Shane, Who Came to Illinois in 1835
Another pioneer has passed away. John S. Shane died at 11:20 o’clock Monday
night at his home in Canton – 116 East Olive Street
Mr. Shane was in his 73rd year and had been for 64 years a resident of Illinois
and for nearly as long a time a resident of Fulton county.
He was born in Virginia, June 12, 1826. At nine years of age he came to Illinois
with the family of his father James Shane, who settled in Peoria county near
Princeville. From a date but a few years later the subject of this sketch
resided in Fulton county. He was married at Lewistown, Feb. 20, 1850, to Hannah
F. Hazen, who died Aug. 3, 1890. From their marriage until her death they lived
on a farm near Canton. Mr. Shane removed to the city the next spring. There were
three children. A son died at the age of five years. The two daughters, Mrs. C.
W. Robinson of Allensville, Moultrie county, Ill., and Miss Susan R. Shane of
Canton were both at their father’s bedside in his last illness.
Of his father’s family of 12 children, Mr. Shane had been the only survivor
since the death of his sister, Mr. H. V. Andrews, three years ago. He had been
in broken health for the past year, suffering much from heart trouble, but death
resulted from paralysis, by which he was stricken 20 days ago.
John Shane was a man whose integrity and uprightness of character made him
respected by all who knew him. His memory will long be honored.
He had been for nearly 50 years a constant member of the Methodist Episcopal
church.
Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the Methodist
Episcopal church. The rev. Thomas Doney officiated. Burial was in Greenwood.
(Canton Weekly
Register, Feb. 16, 1899, submitted by Sandy MacDonald)
ASTORIA - Neal A. Schisler, 62, of 1224 W. Maple Ave. South, Springfield,
formerly of Astoria, died at 12:10 p.m. Friday, May 8, 1998, at St. John's
Hospital in Springfield. Born May 28, 1935, in Prairie City to Paul and Vera
Hickle Schisler, he married Nelda Hunter on Dec. 23, 1956, in Astoria. She
survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Stephen (Debra)
Dickman of Meredosia and Mrs. David (Cindy) Casebeer of North Point, Ala.; one
sister, Barbara Morey of Anna; his stepfather, Louis Ebbert of Rushville; two
stepsisters, Shirley Crumley of Canton and Judy Jones of Rushville; and three
grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. He was a technical sergeant in
the Air Force, serving from June 6, 1954, to July 1, 1974. He was a financial
analyst for the state of Illinois Department of Insurance. He was a member of
the National Rifle Association and the American Trap Association.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Shawgo Memorial
Home in Astoria. Marianna Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8
p.m. Monday at the memorial home. Burial will be in South Fulton Cemetery in
Astoria. Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Morgan and
Scott Counties, 1600 W. Walnut, P.O. Box 219, Jacksonville, IL 62651.
(Unknown
paper and date, submitted by
Scottie McCoy)
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SPRINGFIELD - Wilma Delores Siebert, 67, of Springfield died Friday, Jan. 19,
2001, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Springfield, the
daughter of Frank and Helen Ralph Metzger. She married William Joseph Siebert in
1955.
Mrs. Siebert, a lifelong resident of Springfield, was a
pharmacy technician for Medical Arts Pharmacy, retiring after 30 years. She also
was a member of St. James Church in Riverton.
Survivors: husband, William; two sons, Phillip F.
(wife, Karen) Siebert of Palatine and Michael J. (wife, Stacey) Siebert of
Riverton; two daughters, Lori P. (husband, Chuck) Landgrebe and Denise "Boo"
(husband, Mike) Miller, both of Springfield; 12 grandchildren; two sisters,
Helen M. Wilkins and Lauretta (husband, Hal) Hildebrand, both of Springfield;
several uncles and aunts; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Tuesday, St. James Church in
Riverton, the Rev. Robert Becker, the Very Rev. John A. Renken, VG and the Very
Rev. Kenneth C. Steffen officiating. Burial: Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Staab Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (Unknown
paper and date, submitted by
Scottie McCoy)
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Allen Simeral aged 69 years, 2 months, and 22 days, passed away Thursday morning
at his farm home five miles west of Astoria. The cause of his death was heart
failure attendant upon old age.
Mr. Simeral came to Illinois from Ohio, at the age of
18 years. He taught school several years, and on Jan. 24th, 1860 was united in
marriage with Elizabeth Gains. To them were born nine children, of whom seven,
with the aged mother, survive to mourn the death of a kind father and true
husband.
In the year 1861 Mr. Simeral enlisted in the 2nd
Illinois Cavalry and served his country in this relation for three years. He was
a member of the Vermont G. A. R., and also a member of the Vermont Order,
Knights of Pythias, of which lodge he was the first Chancellor Commander at that
place. In 1867 he returned to Ohio, where he resided until 1890, when he came
back to Illinois and located on the farm, where he resided at the time of his
death.
He was not a member of any church, but the whole object
of his life was to encourage and make possible the happiness of others.
The funeral services were held Friday at Oak Grove church, Rev. D. E. Baer
officiating. Interment was made in the Oak Grove cemetery. (Astoria
Argus, Mar. 30, 1905, submitted by
Scottie McCoy)
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One of Astoria’s Oldest Residents at End of Life
Mrs. Elizabeth (Gains) Simeral, an aged and highly esteemed resident, died at
her home in Astoria, Monday, aged 90 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Death was
due to pneumonia from which she had been ill only twelve days.
Mrs. Simeral was born in Rushville, Illinois. On
January 24, 1860 she was united in marriage to Allen Simeral. In 1867 Mr. and
Mrs. Simeral moved to Ohio where they resided until 1890 when they returned to
Illinois, locating on a farm west of Astoria where they continued to reside
until the death of Mr. Simeral in March, 1805. Following her husband’s death,
Mrs. Simeral moved to Astoria where she has since resided.
To this union nine children were born, namely: George
Simeral, of Ukiah, California; Mrs. N. W. Ashcraft, Ray; Allen Simeral, Adair;
Mrs. E. P. Davis, Astoria; William Simeral, Turlock, California; Mrs. Clara
Sharpe, at home. Deceased, Charles, Fred and Mary.
Mrs. Simeral was a fine Christian woman. For many years
she was a member of the United Brethren church.
Funeral Services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:00
o’clock at the U. B. church, conducted by Rev. W. R. Seitzinger and assisted by
Rev. Fred Thompson. Interment in the Oak Grove cemetery. (Argus-Searchlight,
Wed. Nov. 18, 1931, submitted by
Scottie McCoy)
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L. P. [Lauren Post] Sprague, a resident of Fulton County for nearly 70 years, died at 5:30
o'clock Saturday afternoon [Oct. 14, 1905] at his home, in Banner Township.
Death was due principally to old age, but came quite suddenly. Mr. Sprague
having been about the house and able to eat his dinner as usual, on Saturday.
Loren P. Sprague was born June 13, 1817, near Buffalo, N. Y., and came to Fulton
County in 1837, settling in Canton, where he was first employed as a teamster by
Deacon Jones.
He was married in Lewistown, about 1840, to Miss Mary Jane Reid of Canton.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sprague lived for some time in Canton,
removing from this city to a farm near Bryant. A few years later they returned
to Canton. After a short residence in town they moved on a farm east of Canton
and from there to another farm, near Monterey.
In April, 1853, the family settled on the farm in Banner Township where Mr.
Sprague continued to live until the time of his death.
Mrs. Spragues's death occurred in 1895, and of a family of 10 children, six
survive. They are E. C. Sprague, who lives west of Breeds; Nelson Sprague,
residing on the homestead in Banner Township; L. S. Sprague whose home is
southeast of Breeds; Mrs. Martha Wilcoxen, living six miles east of Lewistown;
Mrs. Ellen Gibbons, whose home is at the county seat, and Mrs. Adaline Woods,
who resides near LeGrand, Oregon. Two sons and two daughters are dead.
Mr. Sprague was one of the men who first voted the Republican ticket in Banner
Township, and he continued to the end of life a staunch supporter of the
principles of that party.
The funeral was held at the home at 10 o'clock Monday morning, the Rev. J. W.
Johnson officiating, and internment was in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton.
(Unknown newspaper, Oct. 1905, submitted by
Shirley Slover)
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At Ripe Old Age; Death of Charles S. Stout-in his Ninety-first Year-an Honored Citizen.
Canton has lost another old and honored citizen. Charles Steward Stout has been
gathered to his fathers and grief is expressed on every side. Old in years, for
the snows of 90 winters rested upon his head, but young in heart, kindly,
enterprising, compassionate, few men will leave behind more or sincerer mourners
than he.
New Jersey was the state of Mr. Stout's nativity. He was born March 26, 1812.
His birthplace was Clover Hill, in the northeastern part of the state. It was in
New Jersey that he married. His bride was Miss Mary Fisher of New Brunswick,
whose death occurred in this city December 1898.
In 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Stout and their family turned their faces to the west,
bade farewell to the familiar scenes of their childhood and early lives, and
journeyed to Illinois. They first settled at Fairview, but soon after removed to
the rich bottomlands of Spring Lake township in Tazewell county and engaged in
farming there. They made their home there until 1873, when they removed to
Canton. Mr. Stout engaged in the milling business with the late Samuel Brearley,
Sr.
Mr. Stout was the father of 9 children, eight of whom survive him. They are Mrs.
John (Anna) Polhemus and Isaac Stout of Fairview, Josiah Stout of Centralia,
William H. H. Stout of DeWitt, Neb, Mrs. Garrett (Susan) Hageman of Seward,
Neb., Joseph Stout of Shenandoah, Iowa, Mrs. Campbell (Mollie) Armstrong, and
Miss Sophia Stout of Canton.
Mr. Stout's last days were peaceful and without pain. He was ill but a sort
time. His death came at 5 pm Saturday evening. The weight of years had robbed
him of vitality; life held little that he cared for, and his thoughts turned to
the life hereafter. He sank away and launched out upon the uncharted sea,
fearlessly, with confidence and in the strong faith which has been his
throughout life. The funeral was Monday afternoon. (The
Canton Ledger?, Dec. 22, 1910, submitted by
Tony Kaney)
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Douglas Evan Stewart, son of Frank and Carrie M. Stewart, was born in Harris
township May 11, 1902, fell asleep at his home two and one half miles southeast
of New Philadelphia at 12:25 o'clock Friday afternoon, Dec. 24, 1909 at the age
of 7 years 7 months and 13 days. His death resulted from diphtheria after an
illness of about three weeks. He leaves to mourn his departure a father, mother,
three brothers and one sister, viz: Leo V., Keith E. Paul and Floy., besides a
number of near relative and schoolmates. The remains were laid to rest by the
side of his brother in the Barker cemetery Saturday afternoon. In their deep
affliction the bereaved family have the sympathy of their many friends. (unknown
newspaper, Dec. 1909, submitted by
Diane Herd)
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Death of Mrs. Mary Stout of
This City
Mary Stout, the aged wife of the venerable Charles
S. Stout, was relieved by death, at 11:30 Monday morning, of her intense
suffering caused by heart disease, with which she had suffered for many years.
The deceased had been confined to her bed for the past ten months, and of late
her condition grew rapidly worse, death being expected at any hour.
Mary Fisher was born in New Brunswick, N.J., Dec. 20,
1813 to James and Susan (Cloyd) Fisher. On the 14th day of August, while
residing near Clover Hill, N.J., she was married to Charles S. Stout. In 1853
the Stouts came west and settled in Fairview, where they resided for about one
year. Then the family removed to Springlake, Tazewell county, and resided there
until 1873, when they removed to this city and have made Canton their home since
that date.
Beside the sorrowing husband, the deceased is survived by
eight children; Mrs. John (Anna) Polhemus and Isaac Stout of Fairview, Josiah
Stout of Centralia, Ill., William H. Stout of DeWitt, Neb., Joseph Stout of
Valisca, Iowa, and Mesdames Susan Hageman, Mollie Armstrong and Miss Sophia
Stout, all of Canton. Mrs. Stout, who had been a member of the Presbyterian
Church since girlhood, always led a devout Christian life, and was loved by all
for her excellent, womanly qualities.
The funeral was held from her residence, 252 north
Avenue A, at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, the Reverend Mathes officiating.
Burial was at the Greenwood cemetery. (The
Fulton County Ledger, Dec. 20, 1898, submitted by
Tony Kaney)
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Mr. Isaac Stout
Mr. Isaac Stout of Fairview passed away from Bright's
Disease last Thursday in Fairview.
Mr. Stout was born to Mr. & Mrs. Charles and Mary Stout
in New Brunswick, N. J. on Sep 1, 1846. He was one of a family of 9 children, of
whom only 2 are still living; Mrs. Anna Polhemus of Fairview and Joseph Stout of
Randolph, Iowa. Mr. Stout came to Illinois with his parents in 1853 and settled
in Spring Lake, Tazewell county Ill. In 1871, he moved to Fairview and on Jan.
11, 1872, he married Miss Mary Berger of Fairview. To them were born 4 children,
all of whom are still living; Fred F. Stout and Albert A. Stout of Fairview,
Mrs. Nettie Willard of Canton, and Mrs. Josephine Clemings of Los Angeles, CA.
Funeral services will be held at the family residence
in Fairview tomorrow, with burial following at the Fairview Cemetery. (The
Canton Daily Ledger, March 23, 1919, submitted by
Tony Kaney)
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Emma Jane Cushman was born to Nellie and William W. Cushman near Marietta, Illinois, June 16, 1862, and departed this life March 4th, 1915, after five weeks illness. At the age of nine years she moved with her parents to a farm near Bernadotte, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood.
On Oct. 21, 1883, she was united in marriage with Jesse J. Strode who survives her.
To this union were born six children, five of whom are living: Bertha Effland, Vada Brawn and Ida Barker of Table Grove, Curtis G. and Elva at home. Edmond departed this life April 6th 1898.
She is also survived by three brothers and one sister: Charles and Peter Chusman of St. Augustine, John of Alma, Nebr. and Mrs. Sarah Copelan of Bushnell. One brother, Geo. Cushman, three sisters, Clara Mendenhall, Ana Pertwood and Mrs. Robert, preceded her some years ago.
She was a loving wife and mother and devoted to her home and family. A kind and true friend whom all could turn to in times of need. For years she has been a member of the Rebecca Lodge of Table Grove. She had never united with any church, yet she was a firm believe in her Creator. She will be great missed by the people of the community.
A precious one from us is gone.
A voice we loved is stilled.
A place is vacant in our home.
Which never can be filled.
(unknown newspaper, March 1915, submitted by Diane Herd)
Death takes Myron Seward at Ipava Home Last Night.
July 27, Ipava, IL. Myron Seward, 75 died last night at his home on North Street, after having been ill for several months from complications and old age. (Mr. Seward was the son of William Exodus Seward and Elizabeth Anderson)
Surviving are his widow, Martha Barnes, and the following children: Perry, Elmer and Mrs. Carrie Mullen, Ipava, and Mrs. Nellie Berry, Lewistown.
Mr. Seward was a member of the Free Methodist Church.
He was a farmer most of his life, moving to Ipava several years ago.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete. (The
Canton Daily Ledger, ?, 1934, submitted by
Georgia Ferry)
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DIED.
In Canton, May 11, 1885, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Snyder, aged 4
days. (The
Fulton County Ledger, May 14, 1885, submitted by
Janine Crandell)
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Obituary.
In Canton, October 26, 1885, infant of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Shepley.
(The
Fulton County Ledger, Oct. 29, 1885, submitted by
Janine Crandell)
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Dr. Simmons, 65, Dies of Heart Attack
Fountain Green Native Enjoyed Long Career as Canton Physician
Dr. Claude J. Simmons, one of
Canton's ranking civic leaders for many years and a native of Fountain Green,
died suddenly of a heart attack in his home last Wednesday (22 Dec 1943) while
apparently recovering from an attack of the flu. The prominent practicing
physician, whose death is deeply mourned by a sister here, Mrs. C. I. Campbell,
and by many life-long LaHarpe friends, was 65 years old.
Dr. Simmons was at home with his wife and was walking to the bathroom when
stricken. Mrs. Simmons immediately called his medical associates Dr. Mark Nelson
and Dr. Maguire, who found him dead upon their arrival.
Funeral services were held on Friday afternoon in the
First Methodist church of Canton, Rev. V. W. Elson officiating.
Though he had been practicing in Canton the past 22
years and been away from this community much longer, Dr. Simmons maintained a
sincere interest in LaHarpe, its people and its progress, and in his passing
this community has suffered an irreparable loss.
Dr. Simmons was born at Fountain Green on November 5,
1878, a son of Sidney and Nancy Bond Simmons, and received his rudimentary
education in the public schools there. He taught school for a time in this
vicinity, deciding then to prepare for a career in medicine, a field he pursued
vigorously, serving a large practice and remaining open minded to the benefit of
the advancement of science. He had done post-graduate study
on one or more occasions after completing his professional preparation and was
constantly flexible to change in his conception of service as he believed it
could best be rendered.
He studied at the Illinois State Normal University and
then entered Keokuk, Iowa Medical College, later graduating from the University
of Illinois Medical School in Chicago. For a short time he practiced medicine
at Norris and then moved to Canton, where he had been a leading physician for 22
years.
In addition, Dr. Simmons was an unusual citizen. He
gave freely of valuable time [sic] to the Masons, Shrine, Elks and Modern
Woodmen lodges, was a member of the Fulton County Medical Association and was
secretary of the Republican Central Committee in Fulton County. He was also a
past president of the Rotary Club of Canton, the Board of Education and was a
director of the Home and Loan Association in Canton. Dr. Simmons married Miss
Martha Smith on November 27,1902, and she passed away in 1914. He then was
married to Miss Rachael Cattron in 1916, who with a son and daughter survives.
The son is Dr. Gordon Simmons, a dentist in Canton and
the daughter, Miss Margaret Ann Simmons, a teacher in the Canton public schools.
Also left to mourn his passing are two grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Irving
Campbell of LaHarpe and Mrs. Frank Wilson, and a brother, D. C. Simmons, of
Peoria.
Mrs. Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hodges and Hugh
Newell from this vicinity attended, helping to compose one of the largest
throngs of persons ever to accord final homage to a citizen of Canton. The
church was filled to capacity with friends, many dignitaries, and the mourning
family members received words of condolence from various governmental figures
and prominent medical men. Interment was made in Greenwood cemetery.
Pallbearers were William Duffield, Congressman Robert
B. Chipperfield, Dr. H. B. Shepard, Superintendent of Schools, Ben Kietzman,
Wright Mosher, and George Churchill. (Unknown
newspaper and date, submitted by
Lewis Wetzel)
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Benjamin Franklin Smith son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Smith was born near Mt. Sterling, Ky. January 15, 1833 and died at his home southeast of New Philadelphia Monday December 23, at about 1 O'clock of dropsy and kidney trouble. Aged 79 years, 11 months and 8 days. Mr. Smith was left fatherless when only six months old, his father dying with cholera during the great epidemic of 1833. The mother with two small children moved to Clay County, Indiana where she was later married to William A. Stewart and then moving to Clark Co., Ill. living there a few years they returned to Indiana. The mother as again bereft of her companion and was left with five children. When 16 years of age, his mother came to Illinois and settled in McDonough County, where he has spent the most of his life with the exception of the past few years which has been spent in Fulton County, December 15, 1853 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Jane Rutledge and to this union one child was born, a daughter Armatelas who died when 9 years of age. The mother dying Mar 11, 1893.
(unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Diane Herd)
Fairview, Ill., May 19, 1885
Died, Friday night, Charles S. Suydam, aged 63 years. Mr. Suydam has been a
resident of Fairview many years. He was formerly a blacksmith; of late years he
was elected Constable and was a very efficient officer.
(Fulton County Ledger, May 21, 1885, submitted by Judy
Churchill)
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In Canton, May 19, 1885, of pneumonia, Milton
Singleton, aged 60 years.
(Fulton County Ledger, May 21, 1885, submitted by Judy
Churchill)
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MRS. ALMIRA SWEDELL
Almira Carrison, daughter of John and Lewzanna Holmes Carrison was born one mile
east of Adair, Ill. August 6, 1856 and died at her home in Adair, Jan. 2, 1940
at the age of 83 years, 4 months and 27 days. She lived her entire life within 3
1/2 miles of Adair moving to town in 1913.
October 14, 1857 she was married to Frank L. Swedell who passed away March 22, 1935. To this union was born three children: Charles L. of Table Grove, William I. who died Oct. 30, 1930 and Prudence E. who died in infancy.
She leaves her son Charles, six grand children, Bernard Swedell of Ames, Iowa; Mrs. Helen Murphy and Margaret Swedell of Table Grove, Mrs. Wilma Hammond and Burdette Swedell of Adair and Cecil Swedell of Charleston.
(unknown newspaper, August 1956, submitted by Diane Herd)
MRS. SARAH SPENCER, 85, DIES AT HER HOME HERE
Mrs. Sarah Spencer, 85, died yesterday afternoon at her residence at 704 East Washington Street. She had been in ill health several years. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Dodworth - Piper chapel, the Rev. Leslie Whitcomb officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
Mrs. Spencer was the daughter of John and Louisianna Holmes Carrison and was born Nov. 4, 1865 near Adair. She had lived in Macomb 30 years, and she was a member of the Presbyterian church here, having transfered from the United Brethren church at Pilot Grove. On Nov. 19, 1889 she married Leonard Spencer deceased. A son and two daughters, Ernest J. Spencer and Mrs. John DeMoss of Adiar, rural route and Miss Ethel Spencer at home, survive. A brother, Ezra Carrison, two sisters, Elmyra and Emma Carson, and an infant son, Walter C. are deceased.
Friends may call at the residence until time of services.
(unknown newspaper, around 1950, submitted by Diane Herd)
Team Runaway
A Small Boy Killed [Earnest Stephens]
A little before 5 o’clock Friday afternoon last Clinton Lane drove a span of
horses hitched to a heavy wagon to Fred Wright’s planing mill and went into the
mill, leaving the team standing on White Street, facing south. In a short time
the team started off, going south one block to Walnut street, thence went one
block to Main and north on Main, passing through the square on the west side on
a run. At Wright’s corner a portion of Wright’s old store building was standing
in the street, the men moving the building were at work and a number of men and
children were standing near looking on. Several persons here tried to stop the
team, but the horses turned to one side and got on the walk, running on the walk
75 or 100 feet and then turned short into the road again and kept on north under
full run.
John Stephens and his son Alfred were helping to remove the old building.
Earnest, little son of John Stephens, between 7 and 8 years old, was on the walk
on the west side of the street, in front of Mr. N. S. Wright’s residence. When
his brother Alfred saw the team running on the walk he picked Earnest up and
tried to carry him out of the way of harm. But when the team left the walk
Alfred was run into, and was struck by the front wheel of the wagon or the
double-tree, as he thinks, and Earnest was knocked from his arms. The little boy
fell in the way of the wheels, and the life crushed from his little body. His
father picked him up and laid him on a counter which had been taken from the
building and placed against the fence on the walk. The child breathed but a few
times and died.
Esq. Stearns summoned a coroner’s jury at once, consisting of Hon. G. Barere
foreman, John Baily, John W. Farnsworth, David W. Snyder, Charles Matthews and
I. T. Atwater.
L. C. Coykendall, Alfred Stephens, and William Maxon testified substantially as
related above about the accident. Maxon said the child uttered “Oh my!” as he
was picked up, and that was all he said.
Dr. Sutton was there immediately after the accident and examined the body. Death
was caused, he thinks, by internal injuries. Only lived a moment after he saw
him. Thought the spine was injured. Dr. Downs also thought the spine was
injured.
The inquest was adjourned to Saturday morning. At that time Cline Lane was
examined as to whether or not his team was hitched. He said both horses were
tied to the post at the mill by the lines; one horse was a colt, the other had
runaway; thinks the lines slipped form the post, there was no ring or hole in
post. He says he tied the two horses together with one line and threw the line
over the post and thinks the line slipped off and the horses walked off and soon
ran.
Inquest adjourned to afternoon. Before convening again, some of the jury went to
the mill to see the position for themselves.
Sam’l Ray and Charles W. Smith testified when the team passed north on south
Main street they thought the lines were on the dashboard, but were not certain.
J. A. Hill and B. F. Chambers were coming towards town and met the runaway team
between Sam’l Wilson’s and Wm. Lawrences’s. Mr. Chambers got out and stopped the
team. Mr. Hill said the lines were dragging under the wagon. They were not
broken. Do not think the lines were tied to the hitch.
The jury made up a verdict the child came to its death in accordance with facts
as stated above; that the “weight of evidence is that said team was not hitched
or fastened to the hitching post or otherwise secured; and that if the said lane
left his team unhitched, he was guilty of carelessness.”
The remains of the child, Earnest, were buried Saturday afternoon, a large
number of sympathizing friends attending the funeral from the residence of the
parents, near the old woolen mill.
The general opinion was that the team was left standing at the planing mill
unhitched, and one object of the investigation was to learn whether any
responsibility rested upon Mr. Lane on account of his team running away. Mr.
Lane testified he hitched the team in the manner he states. The jury was of the
opinion the team was not hitched.
(Fulton County Ledger, June 18, 1885, submitted by Judy
Churchill)
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DIED
Died, June 19, 1885, of paralysis caused by a gunshot wound, B. F. Stafford,
aged nearly 44 years. He was a member of Company F, 94th Illinois Infantry,
serving therein for his country 3 years, 4 months and 7 days. On account of his
disease he died in indigent circumstances, and was about to be buried as a
pauper in the potters' field, the grave having already been dug; but a few of
the boys in blue, with a patriotic mind and the love of God in their heart, said
No, he shall receive proper burial in the soldiers' lot; that he shall be buried
not as a pauper, but as a defender of the union. This is right. Let us not
forget each other, though the rising generations may. The funeral exercises were
conducted at the residence , in the northwest part of the city, by Rev. Van
Pelt, under the direction of Joe Hooker Post No. 69, G. A. R. Was buried
Saturday morning last. Comrades, soon one and all will have to answer to the
call of Him that knoweth and doeth all things. Then let us not be narrow-minded
and with prejudice be blinded, but hold fast to that which hope brings. None of
us are so large but that six feet of earth makes us all of one size.
(Fulton County Ledger, June 25, 1885, submitted by Judy
Churchill)
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OBITUARY
BEULAH SCHMIDT
Anthony, Kansas
Buelah Schmidt, 91, of Anthony, Kan., died at 10:30 a. m. October 23, in St.
Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kansas.
She was born November 16, 1894, in Fiatt, the daughter of Robert and Fannie (Dilts)
Churchill. She married Edward C. Schmidt, March 10, 1921, in Illinois. He
preceded her in death Jan. 29, 1957.
Survivors include a son, Dean of San Antonio, Texas; three grandchildren; five
great grandsons; two brothers, George Churchill of Colchester and Boyd Churchill
of East Lansing; and one sister, Blanch McConnell of Robinson.
After retiring from farming in 1951, she moved to Wellington, Kansas. She moved
back to Illinois to be near her brothers and sister and families after her
husband's death. In 1977 she moved to San Antonio, Texas. In June of 1983 she
moved to Cedar Crest Nursing Home to be near family and friends.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m./ Monday at Parsons-Williams Funeral home, M.
Russell Jolly officiating.
Burial was in Freeport Cemetery, Kans.
Memorials may be made to Freeport (Kans.), Presbyterian Church.
(unknown newspaper and date, provided by Nicki Fox and transcribed by Judy
Churchill)
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Lifetime Resident Of Smithfield Dies in His Home Thursday
CUBA (Special) – Alva Ghlee Strode, 53, died in his home northeast of Smithfield, at 4 p.m. Thursday, following a six months illness. A lifetime resident of this community and engaged in farming, he was a member of the Smithfield Methodist church and the Fulton County Farm Bureau.
Born July 30, 1905 at Smithfield, a son of James N. and Linnia Leann (Dorothy) Strode, he was married to Maida Newburn on Jan. 7, 1931 in Havana.
Survivors include the widow, two children, Mrs. Patsy Keime of Peoria and Robert Strode of Smithfield, two grandchildren, a brother, Glenn and a sister, Mrs. Frank Wilson, both of Smithfield. A daughter and a brother preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the Smithfield Methodist church by the Rev. Dennis Landis, assisted by the Rev. Harriette Gitterman.
Friends may call after 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hukill Memorial chapel. Burial will be in Howard cemetery at Smithfield. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Bill Adams)
OBITUARY
Mrs. Grace Stuckey, 81, dies Wednesday in Graham Hospital.
Mrs. Grace B. Stuckey, 81, of Canton, Route 2, died at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday
[Feb. 24, 1960] in the Graham Hospital, where she had been admitted the day
before.
A Fulton County resident all of her life, she was born in Fiatt, Joshua
Township, on Feb. 2, 1879, a daughter of Leonard and Harriet (McBroom)
Churchill. On Dec. 18, 1900, she was married to Fred Stuckey, who preceded her
in death on Nov. 6, 1948.
Surviving are two sons, Andrew and Warren Stuckey, both of Canton Route 2; 21
grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren.
Two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Putman and Mrs. Mary Schrodt preceded her in death,
along with 11 brothers and two sisters.
Mrs. Stuckey was a member of the Fiatt Christian Church.
The Rev. Orville Wright, pastor of the Christian Church, will conduct funeral
rites at 2 p. m. Saturday in the Murphy memorial home where friends may call
after 3 p. m. Friday. Burial will be in Fiatt Cemetery.
(unknown newspaper and date, provided by Nicki Fox and transcribed by Judy
Churchill)
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Death of Abram S. Swartz, Aged Ninety-six Years.
Abram S. Swartz, an old and respected citizen, formerly of Banner township
but more recently residing with his son-in-law, William H. Babcock, just east of
the old fair ground, died of old age at 12:40 o'clock Wednesday morning.
Mr. Swartz was born in April, 1804, and thus had nearly completed his ninety
sixth year.
He was an active and useful citizen in his day, and all who knew him will
hold him in kindly remembrance.
Funeral services are held at the Babcock residence at 11 o'clock Friday
forenoon, the Rev. J. W. Johnson officiating.
(Canton Register, March 8, 1900, submitted by Dorene Fox-Sprague)
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W. I. Swedell
W. I. Swedell, well known and highly respected farmer of Adair, passed away at
his home here Thursday morning, October 30th at nine o'clock, after an extended
illness.
Two years ago at this time it was found he had a cancer of the lower bowel and
went to the Presbyterian hospital in Chicago where he remained for several weeks
and underwent several operations for its removal and for some times it was
thought it had been successful and without a doubt did prolong his life but for
the past few months he has been gradually failing and the past six weeks or more
has failed more rapidly. Almost four weeks ago he wanted to return to this
surgeon in Chicago with a hope that something could be done and he remained two
weeks but as soon as he was able, was brought to his home. He was able to be up
and about the house some almost every day until the past week, and just a week
before his death he wanted to visit the farms and son Burdette took him to all
of the places he was farming and he looked around and came home and has been
failing since. He was taken much worse during the night and passed away this
morning as stated. All that medical skill, professional nurses and kind
relatives and friends could do, has been done for his comfort, but to no avail
and he has answered the call.
William Ira, youngest son of Frank L. and Myra (Carrison) Swedell, was born on the Carrison homestead one mile east of Adair, March 23rd, 1880 and has lived most of his life in this county. Twelve years of young manhood days were spend on the farm now occupied by his brother, C.I. Swedell, southeast of Adair, in Fulton County and the remainder has been in and near Adair.
On August 1st, 1907 he was united in marriage to Stella B. Herdon who with a daughter, Mrs. K.R. Hammond, and two sons, Burdette and Cecil, survive and reside in the home. He is also survived by one grand-daughter, Patricia Hammond, of who he was very fond, and his aged parents and one brother, Chas. L. Swedell of southeast of Adair. One sister, Prudence, passed away in infancy. One infant, daughter also went before she knew the light of day, a few years ago. He also leaves to mourn his departure many other relatives and friends.
After their marriage they resided on his parents farm east of Adair until February 1911 when they removed to Adair which has since been their home.
In February 1896 he was converted and united with the Methodist church to which he has been a member since and has worked for its betterment, working diligently a few years ago when the old church was rebuilt into the nice new building which he enjoyed seeing completed.
"Will" as he was known to all in the vicinity, was a public spirited citizen
and will be missed in many organizations of which he took an active part, always
willing to give of his time and money to promote a movement for the betterment
of the town and country near. He was especially active and interested in the
annual Horse Show and enjoyed the last one perhaps more than any other.
NOTE: Balance of article was cut off.
(unknown newspaper, 1930, submitted by Diane Herd)
Died: At the residence of his son Charles in Spring Lake, Tazewell county, on the 10th inst., Mr. Josiah Stout, aged 83 years. Burial was in the Canton City Cemetery with his late wife. New Brunswick, New Jersey papers, please copy. (Fulton County Ledger, Oct. 21, 1862, submitted by Tony Kaney)
James Hull Shawgo, son of George and Julia Sharona Shawgo, was born June 18,
1850, in the State of Ohio. When a babe he came with his parents to Fulton
County, Illinois. His father, who was a Baptist preacher, died when he was only
a boy. On April 1, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Adams in Mason
County, Illinois, where they made their home. Mr. Shawgo was fond of singing and
taught a singing school in his younger days. To this home were born eleven
children, eight boys and three girls. Two boys and one girl died in infancy. On
July 25, 1914, Mr. Shawgo suffered a great loss in the death of his wife. For
the past several years he made his home with his oldest son, George. The past
winter he had been in failing health and for the past ten days it was evident
that the end was near.
About noon of May 26th he quietly passed away, lacking but twenty-two days of
being 82 years of age. He was an honest, upright man, a good neighbor and a kind
father. He is survived by six sons and two daughters. The children are: Geo. W;
Bert; Claude of Mason City; Thomas of San Jose; Arthur of Peoria; Edward of
Chandlerville; Mrs. Hazel Roof of Topeka, Illinois; Mrs. Bessie Osborn of Garden
City, Missouri. He is also survived by three brothers: Isaac Shawgo of Peoria,
Illinois; William of Summum, Fulton county, Illinois; and Andrew of Missouri. He
also leaves 43 grandchildren. At the celebration of his 81st birthday last June
there were 135 family relatives present. Thus the head of a great generation has
passed to his reward in the death of Mr. Shawgo.
Funeral services were held from the residence of his son, George W.; six miles north of Mason City, Illlinois, on Sunday, May 29th at 2 p.m., in charge of Rev. L. P. Bear. Burial was made in Allen's Grove cemetery in charge of Edward Niederer Funeral Service.
(unknown newspaper, May 1932, submitted by Diane Herd)
Funeral services for James Elsworth Shawgo, 91, Eugene, Ore, were held June
27, at Eugene. Mr. Shawgo was a Canton area resident until 1929.
Born on Nov. 9, 1877, he was the son of David and Jane (Curless) Shawgo. He
married Grace Banner on Dec. 1, 1929. She survives.
Other survivors are: Two daughters, Mrs. Mamie Meely, Eugene, Oregon and Mrs.
Erma Lagerblade, Springfield, Oreg; two sons, James Shawgo, Manteca, CA, and the
Rev. Donald Shawgo, Biggs, CA; 12 grandchildren; and several great
grandchildren. [Note: death: June 24, 1968, Eugene OR.]
(unknown newspaper, Oct. 1958, submitted by Diane Herd)