Obituaries (T-Z)

    Mrs. John Talbott, Summum, Aged 52 Died Wednesday

    Mrs. Ollie M. Clark, daughter of Wesley and Edith Clark was born March 1st, 1879 and departed this life at her home in Summum, Wednesday at 5:10 P.M.
    She was united in Marriage to Henry Beam, February 21, 1894. To this union was born five children, namely: Alma, who preceded her mother in death, Clarence, of Baltimore, Maryland, Mrs. Ralph Parr, Mrs. Lyle Davis and Ralph, all of Summum.
    After the death of her first husband she was united in marriage to John Talbott, February 26, 1910. To them were born two daughters, Florine and Pauline at home. She also leaves the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Wm. Plate of Astoria, Mrs. Harvey Beam of Seneca, South Dakota, Emmor Clark of Yale, Iowa, William Clark of Wisconsin, also nine grandchildren.
    Mrs. Talbott's illness was but of short duration, but the dreadful disease pneumonia, developed and death relieved her of her days of suffering. Miss Cozart, a trained nurse, cared for her. All that loving hands could do was done to restore her to her health, but God doeth all things well.
    Funeral services were held Friday at 11: o'clock at Union Chapel, conducted by Rev. Howard Hamilton. Burial in Union Chapel Cemetery.
[note:her father's name is usually given as George W. or G. W. Clark. Sisters were Sarah Jenette "Nettie" Plate and Elizabeth "Belle" Beam. Married daughters were Edith Matilda Parr and Corda Davis.]

(The Argus Searchlight, March 16, 1927, submitted by Anne Marie Willis)

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Mrs. Lovina Talbott Pneumonia Victim
Funeral Sunday

Mrs. Lovina Talbott died Friday at her home in this city, aged 82 years, 5 months and 3 days. Death was due to pneumonia. The aged lady was ill less than a week.

Mrs. Talbott was born in York county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 24, 1848, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Moose. In 1857 the Moose family came with the wave of westward immigrants down the Ohio and Illinois rivers to Sharps Landing.

In 1866 (sic) she was united in marriage to Nicholas Beam, who preceded her in death. To this union three children were born, Henry, deceased, Mike of Astoria and Carrie Derry of Vermont.

On June 14, 1878 she married William T. Talbott of Browning, Ill. Six children, Mrs. Flora Stafford of Vermont, Mrs. Ira Vance, Mrs. Cordia Bollinger, Carl and George of Astoria and John of Summum, survive. Estelle and Inas dying in infancy. She is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Lease, ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren and a host of friends. Mrs. Upton Beck, Mrs. Mike Stambaugh, sisters, Jacob Moose, Samuel O. Moose, brothers, are deceased.

Mrs. Talbott was an industrious, kind and loving mother. She was never too busy to lend a helping hand to friends and a soothing one to children.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the U. B. Church, conducted by Rev. W. H. Day, Interment in Astoria cemetery.

(Note: She was also called Melvina. She married Nicholas Beam on 26 Feb 1871 in Fulton Co.)

(The Argus Searchlight, March 4, 1931, submitted by Anne Marie Willis)

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Died.

Died in Bernadotte, of consumption, after an illness of several months, Mrs. Julia Taylor aged about 52 years. Deceased was the daughter of Enoch Wilmarth and came to Bernadotte I 1865. She was a hard working woman, loved and respected by all who knew her. Rev. Fasker conducted the funeral ceremonies. (Fulton County Ledger, May 21, 1885, transcribed by Judy Churchill)

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Died.

DIED. In Bernadotte township, in the 65th year of his age, Barak Thompson, of derangement of the stomach and liver. (p. 2 col. 5) (Canton Weekly Register, December 5, 1873, submitted by Bonnie Dagen)

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Died.

     Dr. W. T. Toler died at Astoria, Friday morning last. He had been sick a long time, and his death was not unexpected. He was a prominent citizen and a noted physician of that portion of the county.
     Thursday morning, 6th inst., on our way to Springfield, we met M. K. Sweeney, of Lee township, this county, who was on his way to Macon, Ill., to see his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Dunkel, who was reported very low from quick consumption. He informed us that during the month of August three of his relatives had died, and he feared his daughter would not be alive when he arrived at Macon.
     August 6, 1882, Mrs. Mary M. Sweeney, widow of Montgomery Sweeney, and mother of M. K. Sweeney, died at Red Wing, Minn., of old age, aged 87 years. Mrs. Sweeny formerly lived, with her husband, in Lee township, this county.
     Also, Aug. 31, 1882, at Macon, Ill, infant child of Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Dunkel, aged 4 months, grand-daughter of M. R. Sweeney.
In Buckheart township, Sept. 8. 1882, infant child of Henry and Sarah Knight.
     At Bryant, Sept. 6, ’82, Mrs. Hannah Raud, of dysentery, aged 72 years, 8 months, and 6 days.
     B. F. Eyerly has just returned from Chicago, and is now opening the finest stock of dress goods, notions, trimmings, gloves, hosiery, laces, cloaks, dolmans, &c., that has even been brought to the city. Full advertisement next week. (Fulton County Ledger, Sep. 14, 1882, submitted by Bonnie Dagen)

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OBITUARY

After a period of ill health covering two years, the last ten months of which were of a serious nature, C. H. Trumpy passed quietly away at his home in Avon, at 8:00 o'clock Sunday evening, June 23, 1929, at the age of 60 years and 7 months. The end came suddenly and quite unexpectedly. Mr. Trumpy had been able to walk up town every day and on Sunday morning was out in the yard for a time. On returning to the house he fell in a faint. He was assisted to his bed upstairs and twelve hours later death came as a welcome release from intense suffering. His ailment was cancer of the stomach.

Charles Henry Trumpy, youngest son of Henry and Mahala (Cunningham) Trumpy, was born in Prairie City, on November 23, 1868, where he lived and grew to manhood. For twelve years he was associated with his father in the bakery and restaurant business there.

On May 11, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Buena Bellville of Prairie City. Two sons were born to this union, Carter and Robert, both of whom reside in Avon. Twenty-five years ago the family came to Avon where for sixteen years, with the help of his efficient wife he conducted a restaurant and won for themselves an enviable reputation in the culinary art. Nine years ago Mr. Trumpy retired from business and since that time he has assisted his sons in their dry goods and clothing store.

Besides his devoted wife and sons, Mr. Trumpy is survived by for grandchildren, Virginia, Shirley, Dorothy and Bobbie Trumpy, two sisters, Mrs. Sophia Seeley and Mrs. Martha Burden of Macomb, two brothers, Fred Trumpy of Havana and George Trumpy of Galesburg.

In Mr. Trumpy's younger days he was an ardent baseball fan and for four years pitched league ball for Omaha, Nebraska, and continued his interest in professional baseball up to the end.

Mr. Trumpy was devoted to his home and family. The grandchildren always appealed to Grandpa Trumpy. He ever loved and humored them. He spread sunshine to the child heart and now that he is gone sweet memories will linger in their hearts. As a neighbor he was kind and accommodating and will be greatly missed in this community.
Funeral services were held from the home Tuesday, June 25, at 2:30 o'clock p.m., conducted by Rev. Wm. J. Arms, pastor of the Federated church. The subject of his sermon was, "Man goeth forth to his work and to his labor until the evening. And then what?"

At the close of the services the remains were laid to rest in the Avon cemetery. The pallbearers were J. L. Carroll, Dr. J. S. Gordon, A. W. Ray, M. R. Hunter, Jess Lemon and C. S. Crissey.

As a mark of respect and in recognition of his long business career in Avon, the business houses closed during the funeral hour.

The following relatives and friends from out of town were in attendance at the funeral: Fred Trumpy, Havana; George F. Trumpy, Galesburg; Mr. and Mrs. V. W. Barnes and Beverly, Mrs. Martha Burden and Mrs. Sophia Seeley, of Macomb; Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Breeding, of Jacksonville; Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Glendening of Des Moines, Iowa; Misses Margaret and Jessie Glendening and Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Heston, of Monmouth; Mr. and Mrs. Don McClelland and son, Donald of Macomb; Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Belleville, Gyles and Jeanette, Mr. and Mrs. Hulbert Wilson of Prairie City; Mrs. Clara Larkin of Sedalia, Mo.; Albert Raymond and Bertha Gould, of Galesburg; Mrs. Ed Steffen and Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Trumpy of Havana; J. D. Haworth, of Springfield; Mrs. C. A. Swords and Mrs. Mary Dingle of Peoria. (Avon Sentinel, June 27, 1929, submitted by Jenepher Homer)

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OBITUARY

John Whitney was born in Stowe , Mass. , September 13, 1810 , and died this morning (July 16), at 7:30 o’clock . His early years were spent in his native state and the state of Maine, up to 1839, when he came west, settling first at Peoria for about a year, from whence he moved to Lewistown. In the latter place he was engaged in merchandising and staging for a number of years. He was married October 31, 1844 , to Eliza Jane, the third daughter of the late Cannah Jones of Fulton County . He removed from Lewistown to his farm in Joshua township, Fulton County , in the spring of 1848, where he resided until his removal to Henry in the year 1858. Mr. Whitney experienced religion, as he recently informed the writer, in a grove on his farm soon after removing to the same, and was received into the Christian church and baptized by Elder peter Stipp, the father of Judge Stipp, of Princeton , Ill. About two years since he joined the Presbyterian church, and heard every sermon preached by his faithful pastor, the lamented Thompson, during his pastorate of about a year and a half. Mr. Whitney’s life has been one of a quiet, unassuming manner, and he has ever been known and appreciated as a man of high moral principle and strict integrity. He leaves a wife and five children, having buried a son and daughter. The funeral service will take place at the family residence tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 3 o’clock , and will be conducted by the pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Rev. George B. Black. (Fulton County Ledger, July 23, 1885, transcribed by Judy Churchill)

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Rev. Cecil will preach the funeral of Mrs. Martha WILSON, at Stephenson Chapel, next Sunday morning at 11 o'clock. It will be remembered that Mrs. Wilson died May 1(9?), 1891. (The Astoria Argus, Thursday, September 10, 1891, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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John Hughbanks received a telegram from Charlton, Iowa, stating that his uncle, David WILSON, died there last Saturday.  Mr. Wilson was an early settler in Fulton County. (Canton Register, Thursday, March 20, 1890, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Obituary

     In this city, on the 4th inst., of old age and consumption, S. S. Wyckoff, aged 70 years and nine months. Mr. Wyckoff was a well known citizen of Canton. He came to this county from New Jersey in 1837, first settling in Fairview. In 1846 he removed to Canton, and in 1847 married Mrs. Ann Clingenpeel, a widowed daughter of Judge Hipple. Mr. Wyckoff was deputy postmaster in Canton from 1847 to 1852-while Judge Hipple and Joel Wright were postmasters. He was also justice of the peace two terms. From 1862 to 1870 he was proprietor of the post office news depot. He was in quite feeble health for two years before his death. (Canton Register, December 11, 1874, submitted by Danni Hopkins)

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Obituary

MRS. ESTELLA A. THOMAS of Astoria died Tuesday December 9, 1980 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital. Born August 24, 1894 Woodland twp the daughter of Samuel and Vernelia (TROTTER) BERGQUIST. She was married to Guy THOMAS at Lewistown October 13, 1919. He died February 14, 1933. Burial in the Summum cemetery. Funeral services were held Friday morning with Rev. Ray ARTRIP officiating. (Astoria Argus , Dec. 10, 1980, Astoria, Illinois, submitted by Tammie Orr Brown)

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Obituary     

     Victor Hazlett and wife of Cordova, Neb. and William Tharp of Exeter, Neb. who attended the funeral of Mrs. Amy Tharp at Fairview, Il. last week returned home on Saturday. (Canton Weekly Register, Canton, Il., Aug 23, 1900, pg. 11, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. William Ulm Taken By Death

Mrs. William Ulm, who resided south of London Mills, died Thursday night at the Methodist hospital in Peoria. Death was attributed to spinal meningitis with which she was taken ill Monday.
     Mrs. Ulm was born March 20, 1893 near Fairview, a daughter of Aaron R. and Mary (Brokaw) Voorhees. She was married Sept. 23, 1914, at her parent’s home south of Fairview to William Ulm, who survives, together with the following children: Lawrence Middle Grove, and Dorothy, Marshall Dwayne, Frances, Bernard, Paul, Ella May and Marilyn, all at home. Brothers and sisters are: C. S. Voorhees, Fairview; R. R. Voorhees of near Fairview, Mrs. Ethel Cline of Farmington, and Mrs. Dorothy Negley, rural route, Canton. One brother, Harold B., died in an army camp during the World War.
     Miss Dorothy Ulm is teacher of the second grade in the Harris school.
     She was a member of the London Mills Methodist Church. Funeral services were held Sunday at the Methodist Church in London Mills. Rev. R. W. Van Alstyne officiating. (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Bill Wilson)

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WIFE FINDS HIS BODY HANGING TO BARN PEG

ILL HEALTH BLAMED FOR VAN MIDDLESWORTH SUICIDE

Canton, Ill., Sept. 6 (Special)—James K. Van Middlesworth, 83, years old, a pioneer of Fulton county, committed suicide shortly after 8 o’clock this morning at his home near the West Walnut street limits.

The body of the aged resident was found by his wife, suspended by a rope from a peg on the interior of the barn. His feet were only a short distance from the ground, indicating that death was due to strangulation.

SUFFERED PARALYSIS

It is believed that ill health prompted him to commit the act. He suffered a paralytic stroke some time ago and had been in poor health since that time.

According to his wife, Mr. Van Middlesworth arose shortly before 8 o’clock and went to the barn to do some work. When he did not return in a few minutes she started a search for him and found his lifeless body hanging on the side of the barn.

It is believed that the aged man stood on a small stool and fastened the rope on the peg, after which he kicked the stool away, leaving him suspended with his feet a few inches from the ground.

WAS BORN IN CANTON

He was born in Canton, April 6, 1845, the son of Cornelius and Jane Addis Van Middlesworth. On July 2, 1871, he was united in marriage with Miss Edna Williams in Banner. He had always been a resident of Canton and was well known throughout the county.

Surviving are the widow and the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Rossie Ritchie, Peoria; Mrs. Charles Woodcock, Canton; Mrs. Amos Fidler, Orion township; Mrs. Esta Fast, Orion township; Charles and Edward VanMiddlesworth, Canton, and Joe VanMiddlesworth, Orion township. One sister, Mrs. Mary Newmars, of Hastings, Neb. Also survives.

An inquest will be conducted by Coroner L. R. Chapin.

Funeral services will be held Su7nday afternoon at a place and time to be announced later. Burial will be in Greenwood. (Unknown paper, Sep. 6, 1928, submitted by Danni Hopkins)

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WOODROW L. VANMIDDLESWORTH

Woodrow L. (Woody) VanMiddlesworth, 71, of 458 S. Fifth Ave., died at 12:45 a.m. today at Graham Hospital Emergency Room.

Born Sept. 25, 1917, the son of James Edward and Nancy Ann (Wages) Van-Middlesworth, he married Nellie Zigmont on April 6, 1940, in Canton. She survives.

Other survivors include one son, Dennis of Canton; one daughter, Sally Romine of Canton; four grandchildren; one broth4er, Esta VanMiddlesworth of Canton; and one daughter [this should be sister] Carrie Ruey of Canton. Two brothers and two sist4ers preceded him in death.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton. He was owner/operator of Ed’s Liquors in Canton from 1955 to 1974.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home, with the rosary to be recited at 7 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Rev. Rick Pilger officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. (Unknown paper and date, submitted by Danni Hopkins)

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MISSING IN ACTION

Staff Sgt. Donald L. Voorhees, 28, son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Voorhees of Fairview, has been missing in action since May 8 on a mission over Germany. A radio operator and gunner on a Flying Fortress, he had been in service Feb. 11, 1942, when he was inducted at Camp Grant in the air corps. He attended radio school at Scott Field, gunnery school at Harlingen, Texas, after which he entered aviation cadet training and took preflight work at San Antonio, primary training at Pine Bluff, Ark., and basic flying at Coffeyville, Kan.
     After that he was returned to radio work and completed his combat training at Walla Walla, Wash., and Avon Park, Fla., and was sent overseas late in January, 1944, being stationed in England. A few weeks ago he was awarded the air medal for meritorious courage and gallantry in action.
     He was employed in the I. H. C. office here before his induction. (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Bill Wilson)

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C. S. VOORHEES DIES

     Clarence S. Voorhees, prominent Fairview business man who had a wide acquaintance in Fulton county, died at the Graham hospital early last evening following an illness of several weeks.
     A native of Fairview where he was born May 22, 1864, a son of Aaron R. and Mary A. (Brokaw) Voorhees, he had spent his entire lifetime in that vicinity. For many years he had operated a furniture and undertaking business in Fairview and had been actively engaged in the business up to the time of his last illness.
     He was married to Miss Lelia Van Arsdale, who survives. In addition he is survived by four sons, Lieut. D. Voorhees, stationed in an army camp at Ft. Lewis, Wash., Fredric Voorhees, Rushville; Gordon Voorhees, Springfield, and Eugene Voorhees, at home; two brothers, Raymond and Everett Voorhees, Fairview; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Cline, Farmington, and Mrs. Dorothy Negley, Canton.
     Mr. Voorhees was a member of the Fairview Reformed church and held membership in the Fairview Masonic Lodge.
     Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Friends may call at eh family residence in Fairview. (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Bill Wilson)

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HAROLD B VOORHEES DIES

     The sad word was received in Fairview, Friday night of the death of Private Harold B. Voorhees at Camp Hancock, Ga., Friday afternoon, of pneumonia, following Spanish influenza.
     His mother, upon receipt of word of his serious condition, had left Friday for his bedside, but did not get there in time.
     Harold, a young farmer lad, 23 years of age, was well and favorably known. He was a son of the late Aaron Voorhees and a grandson of   Mrs. Brokaw, now residing in Canton. He was sent to Camp Grant from Canton on Sept. 5, and was there but a short time when transferred to the Georgia camp.
     He was the first Fairview boy to be a victim of the Spanish influenza.
     The body arrived in Fairview Wednesday morning and he funeral is being held this afternoon at the Reformed church, at 3 o’clock, the Rev. J. C. Winter, officiating. (unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Bill Wilson)

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Obituary     

     The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Woollett which was born on Friday died on Saturday and was buried in the Ellisville Cemetery on Sunday. (Canton Weekly Register, Canton, Il., Aug 23, 1900, pg. 11, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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OBITUARY

HENRY L. WRESTLER, KERTON TOWNSHIP, BURNS TO DEATH.

Sons and other nearby in futile effort to save life of aged man. FLAMES SWEEP 80 ACRE FIELD----Henry Lafayette Wrestler, 74 year old Kerton township farmer, was burned to death, yesterday when sparks from the exhaust pipe of a baler set fire to a straw stack while he and his son, Grover C. Wrestler, two grandsons, and a neighbor, Lafayette Mahan were baling straw on the Charles Welch farm in Isabel township. The right side of the son's face was badly burned as he attempted to rescue his father. Efforts to rescue the aged man, a cripple since childhood, were futile, because of the rapid spread of the flames. Grover Wrestler told a Ledger reporter, the body burned to a crisp, portions of the arms and legs burned away, lay in the charred field for several hours before being removed to a Havana mortuary---It was some time after the start of the fire before Dr. R. H. Maguire, deputy coroner, was notified. In describing the scene, Grover Wrestler said: "We started to bale about 30 bales of straw and had finished 22 of them when I looked up to see flames shooting along the stubble under the baler. He never had a chance, for almost instantly, it was enveloped in a mass of flames---an---although---Mr. Mahan and myself made every possible effort to reach him, rescue was impossible. He was penned in and before we could move the baler, was covered with the flaming straw. The flames spread rapidly, destroying the baler and sweeping over the 80-acre field, tinder dry as a result of the recent hot weather and lack of rain, almost before the men and boys were able to flee to safety. BOY IS HERO---The hero of the farm tragedy was 11 year old Robert Wrestler, grandson of the fire victim; who, in testifying at an inquest conducted at the Poetizing Mortuary in Havana last evening, told how he grabbed a can containing gasoline and carried it from the blazing machine. Rushing back, he called to his grandfather, telling him to climb over the machine. The lad then made an effort to start the engine of a tractor attached to the baler so that it could be moved, but was forced to abandon the plan as the flames spread toward him. The coroner's jury, after hearing the details of the starting of the fire, efforts to rescue, the aged man, and viewing the body: returned a verdict, declaring death due to third degree burns, accidentally sustained. Mr. Wrestler was born in Kerton Township, July 09, 1862, and had spent his entire life in the community, where he was known as an industrious and efficient farm operator. Funeral Services were held this morning at the Pfetzing Mortuary. (Unknown newspaper, August 1, 1936, submitted by Judy Heffren/Wickert)

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Fairview

R. A. Wheeler was called to Washington, Iowa, this week on account of the death of a sister, Mrs. E. M. Shaw. She will be remembered here by many of the older settlers, although it is forty years since they moved from here. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Mar. 26, 1909, submitted by Todd Walter)

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While we have no material at hand for an obituary of Charles Tasker who departed this life at his home two and a half miles north of Rapatee on last Sunday morning. Yet we would like to say a word of tribute to this worthy man who was an esteemed friend of your scribe for more than thirty years.

While his early manhood was spent in England, the best half of his life was spent right here, where he had accumulated over a hundred acres of Illinois land. We would like to credit him with three things: He was strictly honest, always faithful and we never heard him relate a lewd story in the 32 years we knew him. When his father died in England, he brought his mother over and made a home for her for years, and when old age weakened both her body and mind, Charley gave her his time and care. A few years since Charley married Mrs. Mary E. Holloway, whom survives him. Of his immediate family there lives in this country two brothers, Rev. William Tasker of Uniontown, and George J. Tasker of Rapatee and two sisters, Mrs. Anne McClain of Farmington and Mrs. Agnes Parkinson of Maquon and a number of nephews and nieces. The funeral was held in Maquon church, burial beside his mother in the Maquon cemetery, on last Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 1. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Feb. 2, 1916, submitted by Todd Walter)

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Rapatee

The death of Grandma Tasker north of town last week ended the life of a very useful woman who had almost reached her 84th year. Her husband died in England in 1892. At one time she had seven children in this locality. One returned to England and Mrs. D.C. McHenry of Maquon died about a year ago. There still reside in America five children, Rev. Wm. Tasker of Uniontown, Charles and George of Rapatee and two sisters (sic, daughters), Mrs. Annie McClain of Farmington and Mrs. Agnes Parkinson of Maquon. The funeral was held in the Maquon M. E. church on Thursday, Sept. 20, 1906, conducted by Rev. J. T. Killip of Cisna Park, Ill. Interment in Simkins cemetery. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Sep. 28, 1906, submitted by Todd Walter)

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Fairview

Very sad indeed is the death of Mrs. Geo. Tasker on the Burson farm over toward the Knox county line. She leaves a husband and five small children. her death occurred Tuesday morning, and we will look for an obituary with our next Rapatee letter. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Mar. 26, 1909, submitted by Todd Walter)
 

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Perhaps not in years, if ever, have our people been face to face with such a sad death as that of Mrs. Tasker, which occurred just south of Rapatee on March 23, 1909. She was sick less than three weeks, and was a great sufferer most of that time. She leaves five little children, the youngest less than three weeks old.

Ellen Nellie Yeomans was born at Limpsfield, Surry county, England, November 29, 1872, hence at her time of death was aged 36 years, 3 months and 24 days. Jan 17, 1899 she was married to James George Tasker at Peter's church, Limpsfield, England and came to Rapatee two months afterwards, and has lived here ever since. Five children were born to this couple all of whom are living. They are named Emma May, Florence Alice, Nellie Mildred, James George and Grace Ellen. Besides the husband two brothers, George and James Yeomans live at Rapatee, one sister, Mrs. John Stewart, lives at Babylon, Ill. Her parents and three brothers and one sister live in England, on all of whom the loss falls heavily.

She was confirmed in the Episcopal church when she was 16 years old, to which she has been a faithful member. Mrs. Tasker was a loved member of Round Top Rebekah Lodge, I. O. O. F. of Rapatee, who had charge of the funeral. About 50 members of Fairview, London Mills, Maquon and Rapatee Odd Fellow lodges attended the funeral, which was held in Rapatee church at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 25. Interment was in Uniontown cemetery.

(List of Singers and Pallbearers)

Mrs. Tasker was a kind, gentle woman, who loved her home, and it was there she was at her best, and it is sad indeed to think of such a mother being taken from her children. Her neighbors all loved her, and much sympathy is felt for the husband and children. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Apr. 2, 1909, submitted by Todd Walter)

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Grant Elmer Taylor died of consumption at his residence in London Mills, at about 3 a. m., Thursday, Feb. 22, 1900. The funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:30 a. m., in the Christian church, Elder Ennefer officiating, and burial will take place in the Foster cemetery east of Fairview.

Grant Elmer Taylor was born to George and Elizabeth Taylor at their farm near Farmington, Oct. 4, 1866. He was married to Alice Palmerton, who, with their three small children, survive him. Beside his own immediate family he leaves: a father, Geo. W. Taylor of this place; two sisters, Mrs. Florence Sherman of near here, and Mrs. Ellen Cowley of St. Joseph, Mo.; and one brother, J. C. Taylor of Middlegrove; he also leaves two half brothers Geo. L. and Frank, and a half sister, Pearl W.

Deceased had been in poor health for several years, but his present illness only dated back to last fall. He moved here from Canton early in the winter and took to his bed soon after.

The bereaved family has the sympathy of the community. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Feb. 23, 1900, submitted by Todd Walter)

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James Thurman, son of Edward and Mariah Thurman, was born in Fulton Co., Ill, Aug. 15, 1846, and died at his home in Abingdon, April 5th, 1914, age, 67 years, 8 months.

He was one of a family of thirteen children. He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Jane Cowman of Fulton County, Sept. 29, 1865. To this happy union thirteen children were born; Mrs. Alice Thurman and John L. of Hermon; Carry A. of Galesburg; Lafayette of Cameron; Mrs. Kate Alters of Abingdon; Maude M. Cole of Kirkwood; Mrs. Jennie E. Palmer of Galesburg; Mrs. Bessie E. Morse of Abingdon; Mrs. Daisy Mitchel of Avon.

Four daughters; Lillie May, Blanche D., Lovey M., and Mrs. Olive Bell chance preceded him to the better world.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife and nine children, and a little orphan granddaughter, Sylvia Chance, who has since the death of her mother lived with them; also 51 grand children and 16 great grand children. Also two brothers, Stephen Thurman of Kansas, and Will Thurman of Oregon, and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Rmoine(?) of Oklahoma, beside a host of friends and relatives.

The first twenty-five years of his married life was spent in Fulton County near London Mills where he was engaged in farming and there it was he was united with the M. E. church about 20 years ago. He and his family moved to Knox county where he bought and lived on a farm 5 miles west of London Mills, and where he made many friends who will miss his cheery smile and jovial words. Five years ago he bought his residence in Abingdon and retired from active labor. But poor health has been his portion since residing in his home in Abingdon. Through all his sickness he has been thoughtful of others and bore his suffering with a brave spirit and a cheerful way that has marked his entire life. The end came peacefully and he passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children. The funeral services were in the Abingdon M. E. church Tuesday at 2 o'clock. The burial was in Abingdon cemetery. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, Apr. 16, 1914, submitted by Todd Walter)

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Another cold-blooded murder has been added to the annals of Fulton county. This time it occurred at St. David, and was the result of a quarrel over a woman. On Tuesday evening "Ap" Forgay (colored) shot and killed Ben Wilson (also colored). It was a brutal deed. The murderer escaped. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, May 7, 1897, submitted by Todd Walter)

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     Mrs. Mary J. Walling died Tuesday night at the residence of her sister, Mrs. William Murphy, 412 S. First Ave., Canton, Illinois. Age 88 years. Born in Virginia of German parentage, she first located in Highland County, Ohio, with her parents, then a few years later to Fulton County, Illinois. She carried a recollection of the cyclone of 1835 in which a number of people were killed and the roof blown from the house in which she lived. Her brother, David Grim, still a resident of Canton, was sleeping in an upstairs room at the time of the storm. He was lifted in his feather bed, carried a short distance in the air and finally deposited in a big box on the porch, feather bed and all, without a scratch.
     She was twice married, the first time to Bryant L. Cook. They were the parents of one child, Mrs. James Kemper, of Canton. She was next married to Lewis Walling, whom she also survived. They had one son Peter Walling, who now resides in Massachusetts. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Susanna Murphy, Canton, Illinois, and Mrs. Lavina Marshall, Cherryvale, Kansas, and a brother, David Grim of Canton. There are also two half-brothers C. G. and J. J. Grim and a half-sister, Mrs. David Beeson. (Canton Register, August 27, 1900, submitted by Roy Girard)

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Jacob Wages, 90, War Veteran, Dies

Canton, Ill., May 5 -- Jacob Wages, aged Civil War veteran, passed away yesterday at his home in Banner after an illness of several weeks due to the infirmities of old age.

Mr. Wages was a lifelong resident of the Banner vicinity. He was born there are March 19th, 1840, one of a family of 12 children born to Ephraim and Nancy Buckenham Wages, who came by covered wagon from Maryland in 1835.

On August 4, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 183rd infantry, and was honorably discharged February 7, 1865, after he had been wounded in the left ankle in the battle at Missionary Ridge. He was of a company of 32 men that went into that battle and all but 16 were wounded and killed.

On the day he was 25 years of age he was married to Victoria Courtney of Banner. She died several years ago. There survive the following children: Mrs. Hattie Bybee, Glasford; Mrs. Daniel Williams, Banner; Mrs. John Brown, Banner; Mrs. Snowden Hughes, Canton; Fred Wages, Peoria; Marshall Wages, Canton; and George Wages, at home. There are also 32 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock at Monterey with burial in the Orendorff cemetery.
 

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Funeral of Jacob Wages

The Monterey church was filled yesterday afternoon with relatives and friends who gathered to attend funeral services for Jacob Wages, aged Civil War veteran, who died Sunday afternoon at his home in Banner. The Rev. Paul A Shenk officiated and Mesdames P. A. Shenk and John Orendorff sang. Burial was in the Orendorff cemetery.
 

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Veteran of Civil War Died Sunday

Jacob Wages, 90, Passed Away at Home in Banner Township

     Jacob Wages, one of the county's few surviving veterans of the Civil War, died at 1:50 o'clock Sunday afternoon at his home on Route 7, Banner township. He observed his 90th birthday March 29th, his advanced age causing him to weaken rapidly since he became ill last year.
     The direct cause of his death was endocarditis and myocarditis, heart trouble, but he enjoyed remarkably good health until he suffered the first of several bad sick spells last October. He has been bedfast for the past eleven weeks, during which time he was often at the point of death.

Last of Family

     Mr. Wages was last of a pioneer family of 12, and was himself the father of 12 children, 4 of whom preceded him in death. In addition to the 8 surviving children there are 32 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren living, a total of 75 living descendants.
     He has been cared for during his illness by Mr. and Mrs. James Wages, his son and daughter-in-law. George, another son, also made his home with his father.
     During the Civil War, Mr. Wages enlisted and was sworn into the state army on August 4th, 1862. He was a member of the company S, 103rd infantry, and trained in Peoria until November of the year of his enlistment. He was been sworn into the U.S. Army and went to Memphis, Tennessee.
     From Memphis, the branch of the army with which he was connected started on a 600-mile march to Chattanooga, Tenn., crossing the Tennessee River, November 24, 1863. In a company of 32 men, he entered the disastrous Battle of Missionary Ridge, only half of the men escaped unscathed. Mr. Wages was wounded in the left ankle. He received his honorable discharge on February 7, 1865, following which he engaged in farming.

Frequent Visitor Here

     Active in recent years despite his advanced age, Mr. Wages was a frequent visitor and a familiar figure in Canton. He delighted in recalling the days when he used to go out in the territory surrounding his home to kill deer and turkey and other wild game.
     Because of the system of tuition schools existing at that time, his parents were unable to provide him with a thorough education and his schooling ended at an early age.
     Mr. Wages took great interest in following the scientific progress made since the Civil War and was particularly fond of listening to a radio installed for him in recent years.

Born 1840

     He was born March 29th, 1840, a son of Ephraim and Nancy (Buckingham) Wages. On his 25th birthday anniversary, he was married to Victoria Courtney in Banner township. She died March 8, 1923.
     Two of their 12 children died in infancy and 2 other daughters, Rosie Ball and Nancy Van Middlesworth, died 11 years ago. Children living are: George at home; Marshall, Canton; Mrs. Minnie Williams, Banner; Mrs. Maggie Brown, Banner; Mrs. Hattie Bybee, Peoria county; Mrs. Daisy Hughes, Canton; James, at home, and Fred, Peoria.
     He was a member of the G. A. R.
     Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the moderate Church with the Rev. Paul A. Shenk officiating. Friends may see the body at his home at any time.  (Canton Daily Register, unknown date, submitted by Roy Girard)

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Frederick Wright, Retired Woodwork Shop Owner, Dies

     Frederick Fremont Wright, 89, 551 Peoria Avenue, died at 11:45 a.m. Friday at Proctor Hospital.
     Born November 5, 1856, at Canton, he was a son of John Martin and Catharine Hart Wright and married Ola Torrence in Green County, Indiana, February 25, 1895. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary March 4.
     Mr. Wright had been a resident of Peoria for 28 years, retiring 12 years ago from the operation of his West Bluff wood shop for auto body work, which he had taken up as successor to his earlier craft of wagon and carriage making. He was a member of the Union Congregational Church.
     Surviving are his wife; one son, William Chester Wright of Washington D.C.; one niece, Mrs. William H. Brown of Canton, and one nephew, Orville Wright of Astoria.
     Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday from the residence with the Rev. A. R. McLaughlin of Union Congregational Church officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery at Canton. Friends may call at the residence after 4:00 p.m. Sunday. Clugsten funeral home is in charge of arrangements. (unknown newspaper & unknown date, submitted by Charlie McDaniel)

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Harley Welker, Former Shop Operator, Dies

Astoria--Harley Welker, 87, of Astoria, a former machine shop operator, died at 3:25 a.m. yesterday at Mason District Hospital in Havana.
     Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Shawgo Memorial Home here. Mr. Collis Trone officiate, and burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
     Friends may call at the memorial home this afternoon and evening.
     He was born in Woodland Township June 2, 1884, a son of George and Alice Farwell Welker. He married Pearl Punneo Nov. 30, 1905.
Surviving are his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Opal Wolfe of Sherman Oaks, Calif., Mrs. Evelyn Rahmeyer of Toulon, Mrs. Doris Derry and Mrs. Loralee Head, both of Astoria; three sons, Willard of Mossville, Max and Gale, both of Astoria: 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by two infant sons, a grandchild, two brothers and two sisters. (From the Peoria Journal Star, circa December 23, 1971, submitted by Marilee Griffin)

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Pearl Welker

Astoria--Mrs. Pearl Welker, 86, a lifelong Astoria resident, died at 7:35 a.m. yesterday in Astoria Care Center.
     She was born on Nov. 14, 1887, in Woodland Township, Fulton County, a daughter of Charles and Effie Stever Punneo. She married Harley Welker on Nov. 30, 1905. He died on Dec 22, 1971.
     Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Opal Wolfe of Peoria, Mrs. Evelyn Rahmeyer of Toulon, and Mrs. Doris Derry and Mrs. Loralee Head, both of Astoria; two sons, Max and Gale, both of Astoria: 14 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
     Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Shawgo Memorial Home, with Collis Trone officiating.
     Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery.
     She was a member of the United Methodist Church. (Peoria Journal Star, circa November 24,1973, submitted by Marilee Griffin)

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Obituary

Harriett Carrison Westlake, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Berry Carrison was born in Farmers township near Table Grove January 17, 1861 and passed away at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Foster in Bardolph May 19, 1944. She was united in marriage to Carl M. Westlake, December 25, 1882, who preceded her in death March 9, 1943. Deceased was one of seven children, there being two sons and five daughters, all of whom preceded her in death.

Mr. and Mrs. Westlake resided on a farm in the Shinn school district for a number of years, until their health became so impaired that Mr. and Mrs. Foster moved them into their home July 1, 1942 where they received tender care from the Fosters.

There were no children born to this marriage but they opened their home to Frank Foster when he was six years of age which was a welcome home for him for a number of years.

Deceased is survived by a number of nephews and nieces and other relatives.

Funeral services were conducted from the Clemens Funeral Home Sunday at 2:30, Rev. H. A. Bahr officiating. Burial in Miner cemetery.

(unknown newspaper, May 1944, submitted by Diane Herd)

Father of Canton Woman Dies Tuesday in Bushnell Home

     Bushnell, March 16-Harry Lee Tuthill, who died here at his home at 8:30 o’clock last evening, was a former resident of Ipava where he was born March 18, 1872, a son of Earl and Mary (McCaughey) Tuthill, deceased.
     Funeral services will be held in the Kugler and Combs Funeral home here at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon and burial will be in Ipava cemetery.
      Besides the widow two daughters are living. They are Mrs. Russell Klinedinst, Industry, and Mrs. Buena McCoy, Canton. (Unknown paper and date, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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Funeral Held Tuesday for Grover C. Umphryes, 72, Who Takes own Life (July 9, 1961)

     Grover Cleveland Umphryes, 72, lifelong resident of Schuyler county, died at 5:15 a.m. Sunday of a self-inflicted 22 caliber rifle bullet at his home on South Sherman St. in Rushville. His body was found by his wife. He was a farm laborer but had been in ill health and hospitalized several times during the past months.
     An inquest was held at 1 p.m. Sunday by Schuyler county coroner, Dr. V. M. Corman at the Roby funeral chapel. The verdict was suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound due to despondency over continued poor health. The jurors were: Wayne Quillen, Jack Moore, Franklyn Young, Wayne Young, Lloyd Schisler and LaVerne Estes.
     Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Roby funeral chapel, the Rev. Maurice Carner officiating. Burial was in the Good Hope cemetery.
     Mr. Umphryes was born in Browning Township August 24, 1888 the son of George and Margaret Kalebaugh Umphryes. He was married to Minnie Thompson in Rushville, December 24, 1910.
     Survivors besides the wife are seven sons, Orval, Everett and Dawson of Rushville, Lee of Bluff City, Grover Junior and Maurice of Griffith, Ind., and Burton of Ripley; four daughters, Mrs. Helen Davis of San Luis Obispo, Calif., Mrs. Ellen Irwin of Chicago Heights, Mrs. Irene Brubeck of Pekin and Mrs. Patricia Laviolette of Griffith, Ind.; 34 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, one brother, Ephriam Umphryes of Macomb and one sister, Mrs. Nora Cummings of Artesia, Calif. A son, Arthur, two brothers and a sister preceded him in death. (Unknown paper and date, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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Obituary for Minnie May ASHWOOD YOUNG

    Minnie May Ashwood, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Ashwood, was born April 4th 1877, and died September 3, 1923, aged forty-six years and five months. She was the eldest in a family of four children. Her father and one sister, Hattie Montooth, have precede her in death. Her school days were spent in the public schools of Ray, ILL., near which place she lived until two years ago, when, when with her family moved to Rushville.
    On the 8th of February 1898 she was united in marriage to Joseph Young. To this union was born one daughter, Leona.
    When a young girl Minnie was converted and united with the Methodist church at Ray where she was a member at the time of her death. During her life she manifested the desires of an earnest Christian. She loved the Methodist church and it's deepest spiritual and practical principles. She has long been a defender in a vigorous manner of the thorough going principles of righteousness long taught and held sacred by that church.
    She was much concerned with religious subjects and very diligent in her Master's service. For years she was a teacher in the Sunday School  and was a very regular attendant at the services of the church.
    Mrs. Young has been in poor health for some time. About a year ago it became apparent that her trouble might be serious. From then on she became worse and it was found that she was suffering disease the cause and cure of which has not been discovered. At times her suffering was intense and in our loss we can be comforted in knowing she is at least in rest. She was tenderly cared for by her husband and daughter and by her mother who left her home to be a tower of strength and comfort in the home of her daughter.
    There remains to mourn the untimely death of this estimable woman, her loving husband, their only child, Leona, her mother, her brother Herschel Glenn Ashwood of near Adair, Ill., and her sister Mrs. Nora Ritchey of near Rushville, besides many other sorrowing friends and relatives. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon Sept 5th , at the First M. E. Church, Rev. J. C. Brown officiating. Interment in the Rushville cemetery. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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Leukemia claims life of Cantonite

     Funeral services for Mrs. Jeannie Crumley Wilkinson, 20, of 259 West Tamarack St., will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home.
     The Rev. S. Jay Curry will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the memorial home.
     Mrs. Wilkinson died at 1:25 p.m. Saturday at Graham Hospital.
     She had been ill since last summer, when she was hospitalized for five weeks in Peoria after doctors discovered that she was suffering from leukemia.
     Upon her arrival home, she was greeted last August with a "welcome home" party of friends and relatives.
      Last fall, doctors told her that the disease was in remission, which meant that the cancer cells were no longer growing.
     Mrs. Wilkinson was born Feb. 3, 1956, in Rushville, a daughter of Wayne and Shirley Ebbert Crumley. She married Dana Wilkinson May 10, 1975, in Canton. He survives.
     Also surviving are her parents of Canton; a son, Jason Wayne, at home; three sisters, Mrs. Sherry McCoy, Miss Karen and Miss Tammy, all of Canton; and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Crumley of Canton, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ebbert of rural Astoria, and Mrs. Helen Davis of Canton.
     Mrs. Wilkinson was a member of the Canton First Baptist Church. She was a 1973 graduate of Canton Senior High School. She attended Mid-State College in Peoria and had been employed in data processing.
     Memorials may be made in her name at the church. (Canton Daily Ledger, Aug. 9, 1976, submitted by Scottie McCoy)

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There survive those brother and sisters: Mrs. Frank Harter, Canton; Mrs. Sarah Standard, Canton; James Jones, Canton; Arthur Jones, Wichita; Charles Jones, Butler, Mo. Two brothers and one sister are dead. There also survive 29 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. (Canton Ledger, November 11, 1918, p. 4, submitted by Sandy Broda)

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John L. Wright Dies Early Today From Lung Tuberculosis

John McLellan Wright of the Fiatt neighborhood died at 1 o’clock this morning at the home of his sister, Mrs. Gertrude Harter, 23 West Walnut street, after about a month of illness of pulmonary tuberculosis, during which time he had been at his sister’s home.

He was born near Fiatt April 13, 1863, and was a son of Reson and Phoebe Wright. The father is dead; the mother’s home is near Fiatt. He was unmarried, and besides his mother there survive seven sisters and brothers. They are Elizabeth Martin, northwest of Canton, Wiley Wright and Mrs. Gertrude Harter of Canton; Mrs. Mille May of Hume, Mo.; Mrs. Effie Shiflett of Afton, Ia., Chas. Wright, northwest of Canton, Mrs. Alta Rohrer, northwest of Canton.

Funeral arrangements await word from the relatives at a distance. (Canton Daily Ledger, Jan. 21, 1915, p. 1, submitted by Sandy Broda)

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Reason Wright

"Died at Fiatt Station, Monday, February 5, 1883, of measles, Reason Wright. Funeral Services at his late residence, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. M. F. Havermale."  (Fulton County Ledger, Thursday, Feb. 8, 1883, submitted by Sandy Broda)

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Bertha M. Wages

     Bertha M. Wages, 82, of 15 N. First Ave., died at her home.
     She was born Feb. 23, 1901, in Fulton County, the daughter of James and Lola (Clark) Skinner. She married John Wages in 1918. He preceded her in death as did one son, one brother and three sisters.
     Surviving are her son John W. of Riverside, Calif.; her daughter Verna Champ of Curryville, Mo.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. (Submitted by James Newton, unknown newspaper and publication date)

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Mary Brown Walters

Mrs. Mary Walters died at the home of her niece Mrs. Henry Burchett two and one half miles northeast of Adair at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning Oct. 24 with cancer of the stomach, after an illness of several weeks. Although apparently in good health until a few weeks ago, this dreaded disease was doing its work quietly, but for some time her suffering has been very severe, until death came as above stated.
Mary, daughter of Ahijah and Matilda Brown was born in Fulton county, Oct. 11, 1853 died Oct. 24, 1916 aged 63 years and 13 days. She was married to A. J. Walters July 1, 1876 who died Nov. 11, 1898.

Deceases has lived most of her life in and near Table Gove where she has a large circle of friends, who with her aged father, and the following brothers and sisters are today mourning the loss of one they loved. Elija, Abingdon, IL., Frank, Bushnedd, W. T. Elk River, MN. Isaac, Table Grove, IL. R. T. Peoria, Miss Ella, Table Grove and Mrs. Rhoda Smith, Collins, Iowa.

Many years ago Mrs. Walters converted and was a firm believer of the Baptist faith and that the one who scatters flowers in the pathway of their fellow men, who lights the dark places of life with sunshine of human sympathy and human happiness is following in the footsteps of their master. He hand was never weary, her step never failed in ministering unto, caring for, or waiting upon those who were in any way dependent upon her. Her cheerful, beautiful, helpful life will long linger as a fragrant memory to her many friends.
Funeral services were held at the Temple church near her old home at 11o'clock Thursday conducted by Rev. J. ? Kerr of Adair. Interment in the Temple cemetery. (Submitted by Georgia Ferry, unknown newspaper and publication date)

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Miss Tyrer Passes Away At Nursing Home.

Miss Estella Tyrer of Astoria, who was being cared for at the Augusta Nursing Home, passed away Friday afternoon, Aug. 29, at 2:45 o'clock. Funeral services were held at Astoria, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Howard of Stillwell were with Miss Tyrer when she passed away. Mrs. Howard was a niece of Miss Tyrer. (Augusta Eagle newspaper, Sep 4, 1947, submitted by Janet Howard)

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