Updates

• Ginger Engler submitted obituaries regarding Trivoli residents and many lovely photos of Trivoli....as well as an interesting biography about John Greenhalgh. http://www.peoriacountyillinois.info/photos/photoalbum_engler.html

• Peggy Carey sent in great photos and info about the old Taylor Drug Store in Peoria.

• Carole Martin submitted an obituary for Susanna Hill. Carole also contributed beautiful photos of past residents of Bartonville....in the "Photographs: Bartonville" section.

• Steve Slaughter contributed lovely photos of World War I posters seen around Peoria during 1917-1919...in the "Military" section. Steve also submitted interesting steamboat photos...in the "Photos" section.

• 1880 biographies for Kickapoo Township have been transcribed by Danni Hopkins and 1880 biographies for Logan Township have been transcribed by Janine.

• Carole Martin submitted tombstone photos for Hardscrabble Cemetery.

• Steve Slaughter submitted great tombstone photos for Miars, Landes-Mennonite and Winzeler cemeteries.

• Cemetery listings for Vawter and Wyckoff cemeteries have also been added.

August 24 & 31, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your wonderful contributions! Your generosity is heart-warming....

Here is what has been put online the past few weeks:

Fulton County:

Betty Jo Ehn transcribed a name/death index for burials in the Cuba Cemetery...surnames A-G have been completed. Claire Crandell has transcribed surnames T-Z. She is currently working on "S".

Danni Hopkins and Roy Girard provided additional information about people buried at the Bybee-Hipple cemetery.

Judy Churchill transcribed a list of miscellaneous deaths that occurred in Farmers Township...in the "Cemeteries" section. Judy also submitted estate papers for James M. Churchill and Fannie Churchill.

Tere Dare has transcribed an informative name/death index for Kerton Township...in the "Cemeteries" Section.

Max contributed a great photo of the Ingersoll School, Avon Primary School and Marietta Grade School and photos of the schools in Astoria. Max also took pictures of the current churches in Astoria...more to come...

Max also graciously submitted four wonderful poems about his memories of Fulton County...in the "Backward Glance" section!

Bill Wilson contributed two of his own remembrances of Fulton County...for your reading pleasure in the "Backward Glance" section. Bill also submitted an obituary and picture of Maxine Hartley.

Connie Cook Smith submitted another insightful "Backward Glance" article.

Richard Powell submitted detailed research on Thomas Brink and his descendants...in the "Family History" section.

Don Parkinson sent in additional tombstone photos regarding the Harwick and Fluke families...buried in the Oak Hill cemetery. Don also submitted two great photos: one of a Berger-VanDoren picnic in 1927 and a church group standing in front of the Canton's Wesley United Methodist Church.

Judith Hilton and Gladys Hyde submitted tombstone photos for the Hilton family, Louise & Steve Morgan and Ella Reed...in the Cuba cemetery. Judith and Gladys also submitted tombstones photos for the Miller and William families... in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Dorene Fox-Sprague submitted three obituaries on the Babcock family and an obituary of Abram Swartz. Dorene has also begun an interesting project. She is transcribing a wonderful book by Harvey Lee Ross, written in 1899. It's called The Early Pioneers and Pioneer Events of the State of Illinois. The first 7 chapters are now online...for your reading pleasure... http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/1899_pioneers/pioneers.html

Lovely photos of Bishop/DeWitt/Winkler/Read families was contributed by Carol Carmichael....in the photo album area of the "Photographs" section.

Delbert Spencer submitted great photos of the Haffner-Lutz-Tolar clans.

Marna Scott submitted great research for the Darland and Spence families. Marna also contributed many photos which can be seen at http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/photographs/photoalbum/photoalbum_scott.html.

Please be sure to check the "Brickwall" and "Surnames" sections for updates. 

Central Illinois counties and beyond:

• Danni Hopkins has transcribed 1880 biographies for Hollis and Jubilee townships.
  

• Over 250 photographs have been added to the Peoria County website, courtesy of E. McKenna, Steve Slaughter and I. Most of the photos are in the "Photographs" section but there are additions to the "Churches" and "Schools" sections as well. There are quite a few photos for the smaller towns, ie. Glasford, Elmwood, etc....
  

• Delbert Spencer submitted beautiful postcards for McDonough County...under the state-wide section of Resources: under Photographs.
  

• Gladys Hyde submitted beautiful photos of Mason County schools...Forest City Grade School, the Union No. 1 School and an unknown school we need    help identifying. Gladys also contributed interesting facts about the beautiful Gatton mansion in Bath, Illinois. I had accidentally found it one day while doing some sight-seeing in Illinois and Gladys identified it for us.
  

• Judith Hilton and Gladys Hyde submitted tombstone photos for Arenzville Cemetery in Cass County and Oakland Cemetery in Morgan County.
  

Have a great Labor Day Week-end!

many humble thanks...Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

 

---

July 27, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Hard to believe August is almost here!

Thank you so much for your continued dedication! Your contributions are deeply appreciated!

Here is what has been put online the past few weeks:

Fulton County:

1. Gaile Thomas has created a name index for the cemeteries in Buckheart Township which we are in the processing of putting online. Aringdale, Carper, County Farm, Downing, Fouts, O'Bryant, Peters, Science Hill, Shield's Chapel, Shryock, and Nelson cemeteries are now available.

2. Max Latimer submitted a beautiful photo of the East Waterford School and a restored photo of the Fairview Community school (1863-1900).

3. Judy Churchill created a name index for the Barker and Miner cemeteries in Farmers Township.

4. Dorene Fox-Sprague transcribed a wonderful book written by Mary Law, titled History and Reminiscences of School Work in Canton. Great glimpse into the past...in the Schools section!

5. Dorene also submitted many wonderful photos of the Babcock family at... http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/photographs/photoalbum/photoalbum_babcock.html

6. Richard Powell submitted extensive research on the family tree of Doctor Franklin Powell.

7. Sue Laimans contributed 3 obituaries, and an interesting London Mills fire photo... http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/photographs/retail.html

    Sue also needs help identifying the women in this photo... http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/photographs/photographs.html

8. Bill Wilson submitted more tombstone photos for Oak Ridge cemetery.

9. Tombstone photos for the Bybee-Hipple cemetery are now online, courtesy of Janine.

10. We've started a new section called Backward Glance...where we can submit articles about our wonderful memories of growing up in Fulton County or... anything historical in nature pertaining to Fulton County. The first two articles, submitted by Connie Cook Smith, are highly entertaining, especially for the baby-boomers among us.

Central Illinois counties:

Richard Powell also submitted extensive research on Agur Booth and his descendants who lived in Knox County.

Tombstone photos for Bushnell City and Good Hope Cemeteries in McDonough County have been contributed by Marsha Pruitt....more to come...

Carole Martin submitted tombstone photos for the Briggs cemetery in Tazewell County. Steve Slaughter contributed tombstone photos for Broyhill and Tennessee Point cemeteries... also in Tazewell county.

many, many thanks,
Janine

-------------------------------------------------------

July 3, 2007


Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for your wonderful contributions! It's been an exciting summer!

I apologize for not getting all of your submissions online this week as I had hoped...my main computer crashed and right now, the Geek Squad at Best Buy is trying to save all of my data on the hard drive. They mentioned they might not be able to save all of my data (sigh!), but we'll see. I'm keeping my hopes up!

Here is what has been put online this past week...

• Max Latimer graciously submitted 7 lovely church photos! I also added a bit of church history for a few other churches.

• Ann Curry contributed great tombstone photos for Dunkard, Oak Hill, and Wiley cemeteries.

• Dorene Fox-Sprague sent in excellent tombstone photos for Bethel Chapel/Turner Cemetery.

• Judy Churchill transcribed many wills and other documents pertaining to the Churchill family.

• Richard Powell contributed extensive research and beautiful photos regarding Thomas Mummey and his descendants.

• Margaret Parsons submitted an obituary for David Preston.

Please check the "Surnames" section for new additions!

For Mason County: there are many new tombstone photos...

If I have accidently forgotten to mention your contribution, please forgive me. I'm relying on my memory since I no longer have my main computer...just using my sidekick right now...the laptop.

have a safe and happy Fourth of July,
Janine

 

---

June 22, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are having a great summer!

Thank you for all your wonderful contributions! It's always an enriching experience!

Here are the new contributions...

* Judy Churchill transcribed more newspaper articles from the 1885 Fulton County Ledger (in the Newspaper section). Judy also transcribed 7 obituaries, 2 marriage announcements and lists of numerous marriage licenses that were issued.

* Max Latimer contributed lovely photos of the Coal Creek Bible Church and the Locust Lane Evangelical Lutheran Church...more to come...

* Dorene Fox-Sprague submitted obituaries for William H. and Mary Babcock. Dorene also sent in tombstone photos for the Swartz family buried in the  Orendorff cemetery. Other tombstone photos (taken by your host) have been added to this cemetery as well.

* Deanna Paul contributed 4 obituaries: Emily LaRue, Abbarila Mayall, Cintilda Carithers, and James J. Berry.

* Ann Curry sent in great tombstone photos for Cuba cemetery and Greenwood cemetery...more to come...

* Jeanie Lowe and I added tombstone photos for Temple cemetery.

* Tombstone photos have been added for the Henderson cemetery.

heartfelt thanks to you all,
Janine

http://illinoisancestors.org/fulton

--------------------------------------------------

June 2, 2007

 

 Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for your continuing efforts in sharing data and pictures with fellow researchers and transcribing data!

Being only a small, home-grown organization, we truly appreciate every nugget of information!

Here are some recent additions that have been graciously submitted:

* Richard Powell contributed extensive research on the Goldsmith and Powell families...in the "Family History" section.

* Judy Churchill transcribed an interesting book (biography portion only) about Leonard Churchill's descendants written by Boyd Churchill and provided by Nicki Fox. Great stories about life years ago....in the "Family Histories" section.

* Judy Churchill also transcribed 11 obituaries concerning the Churchills, Schmidt and Stuckey families.

* Donald Parkinson sent in tombstone photos he took of the Harwick family buried in the Oak Hill cemetery....at the request of Jean Bowers. Jacob Harwick lived to be 108 years old!

* Two new additions in the "Letters" section: Danni Hopkins submitted a letter written by William Williams to his parents. And Lewis Wetzel submitted a very detailed letter written by John Wetzel to Mary Toland, his daughter. Great pictures too!

* Ann Curry submitted great tombstone photos for Rigdon Cemetery. Your host also added 25 additional photos.

* Ann also sent in wonderful tombstone photos for Ellisville cemetery.

* Deanna Paul contributed a beautiful old photo of Hawthorne school and a Hawthorne school class photo...with names! Deanna also submitted great class photos for Table Grove School.

* Max Latimer donated a lovely photo of Table Grove School to compliment Deanna's class photos!

* Regina Adam submitted an obituary of Sophia Davis and a marriage certificate for Joseph Davis and Mary Wyckoff.

* A delightful photo of people attending the Grange Fair in 1908 was contributed by Deanna Paul. Names also included!

* The T's through the Z's of the Prairie Farmers' Directory are online...the directory is now complete! Special thanks to Danni Hopkins for her tireless efforts in this transcription project! If you see a typo in the "T-Z" sections that I typed, please let me know.

* Tombstone photos (taken by your host) for Barkley/Barclay cemetery have been added to the "Cemetery" section. Don Parkinson helped locate this cemetery and provide data on burials.

* More surnames have been added to the "Surnames" section and more brickwalls/queries have been added to the "Brickwall" section. Also, researchers have kindly added more look-ups in the "Look-up" section.


McDonough County: Lewis Wetzel contributed great school photos (and names) for Foster's Point, Summit and Wetsel Schools. http://www.illinoisancestors.org/resources/schools_mcdonough.html

More contributions and special projects coming soon...stay tuned...don't touch that dial! <g>

many, many thanks,
Janine
http://illinoisancestors.org/fulton

 

---

May 19, 2007

 

Hi Everyone,

You all have been so wonderful! Thank you for the great transcriptions and contributions!

• Danni Hopkins transcribed the "R's" and "S's" for the Prairie Farmers' Directory!

• Judy Churchill transcribed 17 obituaries and 3 marriage announcements...much more to come!

• Angie Sneeringer contributed wonderful documents relating to the Romine family: Marion Stewart Romine's Civil War discharge papers and Mary Romine's "Widow with Minors" Civil War Pension documents. Beautifully preserved documents!

• Richard Powell submitted great research on the Dustman family. Lovely photos too! Richard also submitted 4 obituaries.

• Kay Easley contributed an interesting newspaper article about the murder of Charles Boswell...very detailed....located in the "Black Sheep" section.

• Ann Curry has generously contributed many tombstone photos...the first group concerns Fairview cemetery...Dodson, Negley, Taylor, and Zittel families...much more to come...

• Kay Easley graciously submitted tombstone photos for Lamb cemetery.

• Tombstone pictures for Lacey cemetery have been added.

• Surnames being researched have been added to the Surnames section.

• There's a new feature where you can add your own brickwall/query and it will automatically be posted online...it's like having your own blog!

Lewis Wetzel has submitted great tombstone photos for McDonough County. http://www.illinoisancestors.org/cemeteries/mcdonough/mcdonoughcounty.html

New information about an endangered cemetery in Peoria County is now online
http://www.peoriacountyillinois.info/cems/robinson/robinson.html

Note: If you happen to go by the Parlin-Ingersoll Library in Canton and need to find out exactly where your ancestors are buried in Greenwood cemetery, please stop by the front desk and ask for the maps. They have a white binder that is kept behind the desk that is filled with detailed maps of each section within Greenwood. Using these maps, along with the FCGHS Greenwood cemetery books in the genealogy section, will help you locate your ancestors. The maps sure helped me!

Please email me any time with suggestions on how to make the website better for your research!

John Keats once said:

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever: Its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness"

Your generosity and kindness have been truly beautiful!

take care...and God bless,
Janine
http://illinoisancestors.org/fulton

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

May 4, 2007

 

 Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for your contributions and transcriptions...this wonderful new data will definitely help fellow researchers!

In recognition of your hard work over the years, you have been given the Heritage award! Congratulations...you deserve it! It's been a true community effort! Your award can be viewed on the homepage of the Fulton County site.

Here are the recent updates:

Judy Churchill has been graciously transcribing lots of newspaper articles which include obituaries, marriage announcements, personal items, probate/estate cases, etc.

Danni Hopkins and I are continuing with the 1917 Prairie Farmer's Directory transcription project...surnames M-Q are now complete. Danni has also included data from her own personal research!

Donald Parkinson contributed a lovely Lewistown High School 1912 program. The program is in perfect shape!

Janet Bradford Van Doren kindly submitted tombstone pictures for Astoria, Hickory, Ipava and Summum cemeteries.

Karen Swegle Holt shared great data about her Swegle ancestors! Swegle tombstone pictures taken at Lyons Cemetery are now online, along with other tombstone photos.

Richard Powell contributed 10 obituaries concerning the Mummeys, Powells, and Drakes...more to come...

40 tombstone photos of Hickory Cemetery (that I took in 2005) have been added.

While traveling around on the scenic roads of Fulton County last week-end, I came across Howard cemetery and the old Ipava cemetery (also called "Old Town"). Tombstone photos for these two cemeteries are now online.

More cemetery photos to come...

Surnames/Brickwalls have been added to the Fulton, Knox and Peoria sites.

Menard County, hosted by Jeanie Lowe, is now online. http://illinoisancestors.org/menard

many heartfelt thanks,
Janine
http://illinoisancestors.org/fulton

---

April 6 & 19, 2007

 

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your kindness and generosity! It's been wonderful working with you! More contributions to come...

It's that time of the year again...getting ready to visit cemeteries in Fulton County. I'd be glad to take a tombstone picture for you. If you're interested, please email me privately.

Here are the recent updates:

• Danni Hopkins and I are continuing to transcribe the Prairie Farmer's directory... Surnames G-L are now complete.

• Judy Churchill contributed a lengthy transcription of Willis Churchill's Civil War pension file.

• Judy has also been transcribing interesting articles from the Fulton County Ledger! New birth, marriage and death announcements have been added along with news clippings...located in the "News Articles" Section: http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/Newspapers/Newspapers.html

• There's also a new section called "Wills/Probate", courtesy of Judy Churchill.

• Lewis Wetzel submitted an obituary of Dr. Simmons, a prominent physician in Canton. Lewis also sent in obituaries for George and Sarah Wetzel.

• Tombstone photos for Summum Cemetery were sent in by Lewis too!

• Carol Carmichael graciously sent in 4 obituaries...for John, Anton and Caroline Winkler and Elizabeth DeWitt.

• Steve Slaughter contributed photos of Curtis Brown (and wife) and Abraham Marchant and his wife...a welcome addition to their published biographies. Steve also submitted wonderful photos pertaining to Farmington...in the "Photographs" section.

• Richard Powell submitted beautiful photos of the Avon Milling and Manufacturing calendar advertisements! They're in the "Photographs" section under "Businesses". In addition, Richard contributed a family history of David Louk!

• George Parker shared "Family Tree" research for the families of: Robert Combs, Zur Combs, Benjamin Foster, James Parker, William Parker, and Jacob Weyer...in the "Family Histories" section!

• Robert Webb submitted a great "Rambler's Notes" article about George Bandle and a lovely memoir written by Winnie Webb: http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/memories/winnies_memories.html

• Tony Kaney submitted a link to his family website concerning the Stouts...in the "Family Websites" section.

• A new section called "Maps" is now online. http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/maps/map.html

• Please check the "Brick Walls" and "Surnames" section for more additions.

• If you'd like to join our Fulton County mailing list, please email me privately. We'd love to have you on board!


Additional Updates to Illinois Ancestors:

• More tombstone photos have been added for cemeteries in McDonough and Hancock counties, courtesy of Lewis Wetzel. http://www.illinoisancestors.org/cemeteries/index.html
   

• A new county is now online at Illinois Ancestors...Stark County. http://illinoisancestors.org/stark/
   

• Coming soon: Menard County, hosted by Jeanie Lowe.

Many heartfelt thanks!!

take care and God bless,
Janine
http://illinoisancestors.org

 

---

March 22, 2007

 

Hi Everyone,
 

The "1879 Biographies" project we've been working for several years is now complete!

 

Special thanks goes out to Danni Hopkins for her tireless efforts in getting the rest of the biographies transcribed...which was considerable!

 

I would also like to thank many others who helped in the transcription process: Carla Finley, Gaile Thomas, Jane Kingery, Louie Griffey, Nan Krull and other kind enthusiasts.

 

There were also researchers who contributed additional data to go along with these biographies. Everyone has been very kind and generous! http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/Biographies/Index_1879.html

 

many, many thanks,

Janine

http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 15, 2007

 

Hi Everyone,

Humble thanks for the contributions you've sent in! More to come!

Here are the recent updates:

• Lewis Wetzel contributed 13 obituaries.

• 6 death notices from the year 1885 were added by your host.

• Jane Kingery submitted 2 marriage announcements for the year 1858.

• Lewis Wetzel contributed tombstone photos for Oak Hill and Woodland cemeteries.

• Todd Walter sent in a wonderful postcard of the Barlow residence.

• Danni Hopkins and I are in the process of transcribing the 1917 Prairie Farmers' Directory. It's like a mini-census...full of information. Danni has also added extra data as a result of her years of research(many thanks!) So far surnames A-F have been completed. http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/farmersdcty/farmers.html

Please be sure to check the "Surnames" section...more names have been added!

We're pleased to announce three new counties at Illinois Ancestors: Mercer County (host-Wini Caudell), Woodford County (host-Bill Adams), and Mason County (host-Jeanie Lowe).

thank you so much,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton
http://www.illinoisancestors.org
email:janine@illinoisancestors.org

February 5, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Heartfelt thanks for your hard work and dedication!! Your contributions have truly helped Fulton County researchers!

Here are the recent updates...more contributions coming soon...

• Danni Hopkins transcribed 126 biographies for Vermont Township from the 1879 History of Fulton County book.

• Bill Wilson contributed 58 photos that are now included in his online photo album. Wonderful pictures!

• Donald Parkinson submitted lovely old school photos for Clark, Cuba Elementary, East Waterford, Lewistown Elementary/High and Painter Schools. Many names mentioned!

• Deanna Paul contributed great letters from a Camp Ellis POW once he returned to Germany after World War II was over..these letters are in the Camp Ellis section.

• Tombstone pictures have been added for Sinnett Chapel cemetery.

• Photo of the Sinnett Chapel church is now online...
  
  take care and God bless,
  Janine
  http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

February 26, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Let's hope spring will be here soon! :~)

Thank you so much for the contributions you've sent in! More to come!

Here are the recent updates:

• Don Parkinson contributed great newspaper photos of street scenes in Lewistown...in the "Photographs" section.

• Todd Walter submitted street scenes for London Mills and a picture of the London Mills Christian Church.

• Betty Wages sent in more updates for White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

• Bill Wilson submitted a wonderful photo (circa 1910) of young people in the Fairview area and an unknown man that he needs help in identifying. Many thanks for your help! Bill also sent in an obituary for Dean Wilson.

• Bill Adams contributed an obituary for Fern Combes and family work sheets for John Mohr's family, James Strode and Edd Strode's families...in the "Family Histories" section.

• Fred Rucker submitted 3 obituaries...concerning the Randall family.

• Deanna Paul sent in land transaction documents (Abernathy family) now located in a new section called: Miscellaneous Documents.
   

Please be sure to check the "Surnames" and "Brick Walls" sections...more updates have been added!

thank you kindly,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

January 21, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Here are the updates so far this month...

• Robert Webb contributed 2 obituaries for Henry and Mary Husted and great photos of his ancestors.

• Todd Walter submitted 2 postcards of the town of Fairview.

• Charlie McDaniel sent in another photo which was added to his photo album of the Brown family.

• 28 tombstone photos have been added for Morning Star cemetery.

• 28 tombstone photos have been added for Randall cemetery.

• I'm currently working on transcribing data about the Poor Farm in Fulton County... a new category off the main homepage.

Please stay tuned...more to come...

Many heartfelt thanks for your contributions!

take care,
Janine
 

November 9, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for your kindness and willingness to share with fellow Fulton County researchers! It's been wonderful!

We recently finished the transcription project of the 1890 Biographical Album and put 88 portraits from this book online too. Danni Hopkins and many other fine people have lent their expertise to this project! Many humble thanks!

We also have almost finished the transcription project of the 1912 History of Knox County (1147 pages). 300 new biographies are now online which makes the project close to 90% complete! The remaining biographies and portraits will be added soon. Many Fulton County folks who were born (and/or raised there) are mentioned in this Knox County history book.
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/knox

Max Latimer contributed a lovely photo of Fairview cemetery!

Betty Wages sent in more updates for the White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Bill Wilson submitted wonderful class photos of the Ward (Harris) School's first graders in 1947 and Chapman School's second graders in 1948.

The Quaker cemetery is now online...along with 96 tombstone pictures.

take care and God bless,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

P.S. - My new email address is janine@illinoisancestors.org

October 20, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Humble thanks to everyone who has shared their data with fellow researchers!

I just found out that my email address (manderly "at" bitwiser.com) has been experiencing problems and bouncing back emails that have been sent to me over the last week or so. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. I would be grateful if you could please use my other email address until this problem is fixed.... janine "at" peoriacountyillinois.info

Thank you for understanding!

Here are the recent updates: 

• Danni Hopkins transcribed 55 biographies from the 1890 Biographical Album!

• Kenneth Stufflebeam contributed lovely old photos of the Bryant and Mount Pleasant schools.

• Judy Landauer submitted beautiful photos of Carl Landauer and his family. Carl had a photo studio in Canton and Peoria.

• Kay Easley sent in a great photo of the Freeman School.

• Gary Green submitted a tombstone photo of the Ryans buried in the Engle cemetery and a picture of Jacob Green's tombstone in the Zoll cemetery.

• Bill Wilson submitted a tombstone picture (the Clines) in the West Midway cemetery. Bill also contributed an interesting group photo of Fulton County residents vacationing in New Mexico in 1901.

• Jane Kingery transcribed a newspaper article about the town of Bryant in 1902. Jane also contributed 6 marriage announcements.

• Paul LeCombe submitted his extensive research on the McFarland family.

• Betty Wages sent in updates to the burial listing of the White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

• Mike Dayton submitted 25 tombstone photos for the Shields Chapel cemetery.

• 15 tombstone pictures have been contributed by Bill Wilson for Oak Ridge cemetery.

• I'm currently working on tombstone pictures for the Quaker cemetery....should be online sometime next week.

take care and God bless,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

September 30, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to take a moment to say how much I've enjoyed working with you over the years! It's been a joy and a blessing for me...more than you'll ever know...

I'd also like to thank all the contributors who have submitted data and sent in suggestions and corrections. And a special thank you to Danni Hopkins! Her nimble fingers (along with other kind researchers) have finished transcribing the 1890 Biographical Album. I will be putting the finishing touches on this project and adding the final biographies/portraits within this next week.

• Danni Hopkins transcribed 55 biographies from the 1890 Biographical Album.

• Fiatt Cemetery: Betty Jo Ehn and Judy Churchill have submitted a tombstone picture of Leonard Churchill. Many new pictures have been added as well.

• S. Maurice McAllister sent in a descendants' list for Lawrence Riley and Henry Tandy.

• Mary Ann Hagan contributed an obituary of Harlan Jordan.

• Ardith Deters submitted 3 great photos of her family, 2 of which she needs help identifying.

• Verne Whitehead sent in a wonderful old photo of the Wilcoxen school.

• Carolyn Donithan contributed a death certificate for Reason Harn.

• An 1895 map of the town of Fairview was submitted by Roy Girard.

take care and God bless,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

P. S. - There are now tombstone pictures from counties all over state at Illinois Ancestors...many of which were donated by Steve Slaughter! Thank you Steve! http://www.illinoisancestors.org/cemeteries/index.html

September 12, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Heartfelt thanks for all of your help and contributions! It's been fun!

Here are the recent updates:

• Danni Hopkins transcribed 25 biographies from the 1890 biographical album!

• Max Latimer submitted lovely "street scenes" photos and a new "transportation" photo.

• Donald Parkinson identified the men in the 1923 photo of the Lewistown/Bryant band. Donald also contributed a great photo of the New Hope School.

• Betty Wages sent in more updates for the White Chapel Cemetery webpages.

• Karen Morlan submitted family history information on Peter Bauman and his immediate family.

• Jane Kingery contributed 2 great "personal news" articles from the Fulton County Ledger.

• The "White" family tree was graciously sent in by Marna Jeanne Scott.

• Bonnie Dagan contributed a death notice for Lucretia Miner and a detailed obituary of Horace Miner.

• Lewis Wetzel submitted tombstone photos for Oak Grove Cemetery in Astoria Township.
   

I recently visited Shield's Chapel cemetery and took tombstone photos... which are now online... :~)

Also additions have been made to the "Surnames" webpage.

Thank you so much for everything!

hope you have a colorful autumn,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

August 21, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Fulton County researchers are so kind! Thank you very much for your generosity!

Danni Hopkins submitted tombstone photos for Foster cemetery and White Chapel Memory Gardens. Danni also transcribed more 1890 biographies and 1879 biographies (the 1879 Deerfield Township's bios are now complete!)

Louie Griffey submitted an affidavit about the murder of George Morris by James Ogden. Louie has also been busy transcribing 1879 biographies for Joshua Township.

Max Latimer submitted two great photos of the Presbyterian Church in Lewistown and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Canton and also additional mining pictures.

A photo of the first driving car (1948) for Lewistown High School was sent in by Donald Parkinson.

Betty Wages contributed updates to the cemetery listing for White Chapel Memory Gardens.

Bill Wilson submitted an obituary for Ethel Cline.

Jan Foster (via Beryldean Hubbard) sent in an article about the London Mills band.

Jane Kingery contributed a 1903 Fulton County Ledger article.

Tombstone pictures for Greenwood and Summum cemeteries were sent by Pat.

Danni Hopkins also submitted a descendants' list for John Guilliams.

Please be sure to check the "Brickwalls" and "Surnames" section for additions!

A transcription project that we (Ron Manroe and I) have been working on is now complete! This past week, I transcribed chapters 17-25 of the History of the 85th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry which finishes the whole book. All the portraits are online as well. Thank you so much for your patience...it sure did seem to take me awhile...<grin>.

take care always,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

July 3, 2006

Hi,

Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your generosity and kindness! :-)

Here are the updates completed during this past week:

* Danni Hopkins transcribed 33 biographies from the 1890 biographical album...more to come!
     For a list of all 1890 biographies, please visit http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/Biographies/Index_1890.html.
     For a complete list of the 1879 biographies, please visit http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/Biographies/Index_1879.html.
* Lewis Wetzel submitted great tombstone photos for Astoria cemetery.
* Max Latimer contributed a picture of the Kolbe Wheel Excavator used in open pit mining.
* Bill Adams submitted a lovely picture depicting Serene Barnes in front of an eatery in Cuba, Ill.
* Don Parkinson contributed postcard photos concerning the Dickson Mounds Museum.
* Karen Goggin transcribed biographies of Cornelius Butler and Frederick Butler.
* Alice Herren submitted an explanation detailing the establishment of the Foutch cemetery. Alice also submitted a death certificate
    for John Foutch and added more photos to her photo album.
* Byron and Kathryn Palmer performed an outstanding community service by restoring the Guernsey cemetery! Photos and
    additional names were provided and are now online on the Guernsey cemetery webpage.
* Steve Slaughter sent in tombstone pictures for Woodland cemetery.
* Bill Wilson submitted wonderful pictures of the Sunnyside school and its souvenir booklets. Bill also sent in an obituary for
    Robert Wilson...more to come...

Please be sure to check the Brickwalls, Migrations and Surnames sections for more additions!

Veteran's burials for a neighboring county, Mason county, are now online at http://www.illinoisancestors.org.

have a happy and safe Fourth of July,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

P.S. - We'd love to hear from you on ways to make the site better!

---------------------------------------------------------------

July 23, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Many heartfelt thanks to everyone for all your contributions and suggestions.  :~)

These are the recent updates:

    * Danni Hopkins transcribed 20 biographies from the 1890 biographical album...more to come!
        For a list of all 1890 biographical sketches, please visit http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton/Biographies/Index_1890.html.
    * Bill Wilson sent in tombstone pictures for East Midway cemetery and Fairview cemetery.
        Additional pictures were added by your host.
    * Lewis Wetzel contributed tombstone pictures for Barker cemetery.
    * Tombstone pictures for the Zoll cemetery have been put online by your host.
    * Judy Churchill submitted a very interesting Civil War pension file for Jasper Churchill.
    * A lovely wedding photo of Mary Churchill and William Hoar was sent in by Betty Jo Ehn.
    * Bill Wilson also contributed many wonderful old photos for his online family album in the "Photographs" section.
    * Jan Foster submitted an obit of Beryldean Hubbard, a wonderful lady who is fondly remembered by many in Fulton County.

I am currently working on more contributions that researchers have graciously contributed to the site. Thank you so much for your patience!

take care always,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

June 6, 2006

May 2, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to extend a special thanks to everyone who contributed this month. It has been a pleasure putting your submissions online!

I'm working on putting more contributions online...thank you for your patience!

• Glenene Brown transcribed three 1879 biographies: Samuel Ickes, Samuel Lutz and Joseph Mackey.

• Deanna Paul contributed 2 marriage announcements and 4 obituaries.

• Bill Higgins submitted an obituary of John Owens.

• An obituary of Estella Tyrer was sent in by Janet Howard.

• Donald Parkinson sent in great pictures of the Buckheart Mine and its employees during 1942, a 1945 picture of Fulton County's Soft Ball Champions and a 1922 picture of St. Mary's Church in Lewistown.

• Marion Ogden submitted wonderful photos of the Waterford and West Waterford Schools as well as a 1940-1941 West Waterford class picture, complete with names.

• Rich Moberly sent in a correction for the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery and sent in a lovely picture of the Mt. Pleasant Church.

• Lewis Wetzel submitted over 50 tombstone pictures for the Vermont Cemetery and over 50 tombstone pictures for the Point Pleasant Cemetery...more to come...

1895 maps for Astoria, Kerton, Liverpool, Pleasant, Vermont and Woodland Townships have been added recently.

Also, I'm in the middle of putting all of my tombstone photos online...so far over 100 pictures have been put online...stay tuned for more!

hope you're having wonderful weather,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

---------------------------------------------

May 18, 2006

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all your contributions and suggestions! You all are the best!

Here are the updates so far this month:

• Danni Hopkins transcribed 10 biographies from the 1890 Portrait & Biographical Album. Danni also submitted a beautiful photo of the Williams/Ruey/Monn/Williamson family....more to come...

• Donald Parkinson sent in a wonderful picture of the 1919 Lewistown band.

• Rich Bolender submitted a death certificate for Daniel Bolender.

• Judy Churchill contributed lovely photos concerning the Churchill family (biography section) and data about the Randolph family (Family History section).

• Karen Morlan submitted a descendant list for Thomas Bybee.

• Roy Wages sent in an 1895 layout of the town...Monterey.

• Donna Walker Wefenstette sent in a link to her family website.

• Judith McGregor also sent in a link to her family website. 

• Patsy Gore contributed a biography of Robert Mitchell.

• Cris Nagla submitted articles about the Totten cemetery and an interesting interview with John Totten.

• A 1940 Harmison reunion picture along with an obituary of Mrs. May Brown was sent in by Charlie McDaniel. He also sent in a couple of Harmison tombstone pictures for the Cuba cemetery. 

• I added 62 tombstone pictures for Cuba cemetery.

• Lewis Wetzel contributed 53 tombstone pictures for Harris cemetery and several pictures for Salem cemetery.

There is now a new section on the website called "Vets' Honor Roll"...as a Memorial Day tribute to all the veterans who have served our country! This database was compiled by the Illinois Veterans' Commission and was published in 1956.

This project is a work-in-progress and is two-thirds completed. Gaile Thomas and I should have it finished in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for your patience! :-)

Stay tuned...much more to come...

heartfelt thanks,
Janine

---------------------------------------------

May 28, 2006

Hi Everyone,

My humble thanks to everyone who sent in wonderful data and pictures! Your generosity is heart-warming!

Here are the updates completed over the last 2 weeks: 

• Donald Parkinson contributed a great Lewistown High School class picture of 1932...complete with names. Donald also sent in a group photo at Depler Springs.

• Alice Herren shared a Hickory School photo with us and many photos of the Foutches, Martins and Salisburys. These are in a photo album in the "Photographs" section. Alice also sent in copies of marriage licenses. 

• Letters written by Elizabeth Churchill to her cousin Henry Churchill were submitted by Judy Churchill.

• Lisa Jump transcribed 2 wonderful "Rambler" interviews with Jacob Emery and Mrs. Ellen Thompson.

• Betty Wages sent in more updates to White Chapel Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

• Cris Nagla contributed an interesting article about the Totten Cemetery.

• Judy McGregor submitted a lovely photo of John Bandle and information about him...in the Civil War section.

• Bill Wilson shared an interesting picture of the London Mills Homecoming (about 1937) and a family picture of the Clines/Voorhees/Brokaw.

• Karen Holt contributed a beautiful Civil War photo of John Swegle and information about him.

• Danni Hopkins submitted 7 obituaries of the Monn/Williams family.

• Gary Green contributed several marriage licenses: Robert Green, Jesse Green and Theodore Ryan.

• Mary from Tulsa donated two Fulton County memorabilia...these are listed in a new section called "Treasures". We're hoping to find someone who is related to the Freeman family.

Please be sure to check the "Brickwall" and "Surname" sections... updates are added weekly!

The 1956 Veterans' Honor Roll is now complete for Fulton County. Thank you Gaile Thomas and Donna Wefenstette!

We also have the 1956 Veterans' Honor roll for surrounding counties...thousands of names listed. If interested, please visit http://www.illinoisancestors.org and click on the "Veterans" section.

Have a Happy Memorial Day!

Thank you for your kindness,
Janine
http://www.illinoisancestors.org/fulton

April 3, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I would like to thank all contributors who have donated so much of their time and resources! It has been a real pleasure!


Births: 

• Eric Lamprell (from England) submitted a birth certificate of Charles Lamprell who emigrated from England and settled in Astoria.
   

Cemeteries:  

• I have reworked the cemetery list, adding a few more cemeteries, locations and conditions of the cemeteries. If you know of cemeteries that are not on the list or would like to add a description of a cemetery, please email me anytime...thank you so much!

• Judy Wickert submitted a cemetery listing for Kearney Cemetery. Tombstone pictures have been added to go along with Judy's data. 

• Danni Hopkins submitted additional data on the people buried at the Bybee Cemetery.

• Betty Wages sent in more updates to the White Chapel Cemetery listing.

Letters: 

• This is a NEW section in which interesting letters written by the Breed family and submitted by Todd Walter have been added.

Family Histories: 

• Phyllis Minner submitted Ellison Norcott's family tree.

• Janet Howard contributed family history about Thomas Howard and Able Crabtree.

• James Bybee sent in a family tree for Charles Bybee.
   

Marriages: 

• Deanna Paul submitted 2 marriage announcements...many more to come...

Military: 

• Ron Manroe graciously transcribed Chapter 16 of the 85th Illinois Infantry book.

Photographs:

• There is a NEW section within "Photographs" called People...in this section I'd like to put both identified and unidentified pictures. Roy Girard and James Newton contributed lovely photos for this section...

Obituaries: 

• James Newton submitted 7 obituaries....mostly Bybees. 

• Pat Thomas contributed an obit of Samuel Carithers.

• Deanna Paul sent in many obituaries which I am in the process of transcribing...4 new obits are now online.

Schools:

• Judy Wickert submitted great class photos (with names!) from Otto School. Judy also wrote an article about her memories of Otto school...great reading!

Surnames:

• More surnames added...

April 15, 2006

Hi Everyone,

I'd like to thank all the contributors this month...it's been wonderful working with you all!

Here are the updates completed so far...more to come...

* More pictures (along with names) have been added to the "Photographs" section...compliments of Max Latimer and Roy Girard!
* Don Parkinson submitted a great picture for the "Camp Ellis" section...of the Lewistown Cafe and the so