Obituaries (A)

Died, early on Thursday morning, September 19th, 1889, at the home of her mother in Knoxville, Illinois, Miss Banta Anderson, in her 49th year. The deceased was born in Sweden in 1841. She united with the Methodist Church in 1866. She lived a quiet Christian life, always doing her part in the temporal interests of the church. She leaves a mother, brother and sister with other relatives and friends to mourn her departure. The funeral services were held in the Methodist Church on Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. P. James and Rev. A. Norrbom. The body was interred in the Swedish cemetery.

Obituary
(Galesburg Republican-Register, Saturday, August 27, 1887, submitted by Janine Crandell)

Ludwig Almberg, a former resident of Galesburg, died on Saturday in Kearney, Neb., aged 82 years. For thirty years he was a resident of Galesburg. He was a painter by trade. He left the city in 1888. He was well known here and old acquaintances will be pained to hear of his death.

Mrs. Cephas Arms, whose sickness we noticed last week, died at her home in Knoxville Sunday and was buried Monday.

Obituary of Albert Abernathy
(Galesburg Weekly Mail, February 15, 1900, contributed by Todd Walter)

Altona - The funeral of Albert Abernathy, who died Monday night at 11 o'clock, will be held in the Congregational church on Thursday afternoon. The death of Mr. Abernathy was especially sad, as it was about a month ago that his sister, Mrs. A. F. Ward was laid to rest in the Altona cemetery. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

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Obituary
(Galesburg's Republican Register, Saturday, April 9, 1881, page 8, contributed by J. Crandell)

Rio: Died April 3rd, at the residence of David Morse, one and a quarter miles north of Rio, Mr. John Ashley.  Mr. Ashley had been suffering for about a year with consumption.  The funeral services took place at the Congregational church, Rev. Mr. Fowler, of North Henderson, officiating.

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Eunice Arnold, wife of Alden Arnold, died at Rio, the 18th, in her 66th year and two hours later Clarissa, wife of Philip Arnold, aged 80 years, followed her.  Thus were two aged brothers doubly afflicted at one stroke, and the two families were called to share at once the burden of a double loss.  The remains of both were taken to the church at the same time, the caskets being placed side by side in front of the altar.  Rev. E. L. Conger conducted the services and preached the sermon.  One procession followed them to the cemetery, where they were laid to rest within a few rods of each other.  It was a rare and peculiarly sad occasion.
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(Galesburg's Weekly Republican Register, Saturday, April 30, 1881, contributed by J. Crandell)

Mrs. Eunice A. Arnold, wife of Alden Arnold, died April 17, 1881, at the residence of her son, one and one-fourth miles northwest of Rio, of inflammation of the throat and lungs.  She had been afflicted for some time with the goiter of the neck.  Her final illness was of about three weeks duration.  She was born in Lysander, Onandagua County, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1815.  She was the mother of eight children, six of whom grew to man and womanhood, and five of whom survive her.  She leaves a large circle of friends, by whom she will be sadly missed.  Mrs. Clarissa Arnold, wife of Mr. Phillip Arnold, of Woodhull, died April 17, 1881, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. M. Underwood in Henry County, after an illness of several months duration.  The death of these ladies is a remarkable coincidence, they being the wives of brothers, and died at the same hour of the same day.  Both knew of the other's illness, but neither knew of the other's death.  The funeral of both took place from the Congregational Church Tuesday afternoon, an eloquent discourse being pronounced over their remains by the Rev. Mr. Conger, of Galesburg.

     Died at his residence in this city, of rheumatism, on the 15th day of April, 1881, Thomas J. Armstrong, in the 34th year of his age.
    Deceased recently moved to this city to reside, from Ontario township.  A wife and three little ones survive him.  The remains were taken to Wataga for burial.

Obituary
(Galesburg's Daily Register Mail Thursday, May 20, 1937, contributed by J. Crandell)

Delmar S. Armstrong

WILLIAMSFIELD- Funeral services for Delmar S. Armstrong will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Williamsfield Methodist church by the pastor, the Rev. A. J. Copeland. Interment will be in the Elmore cemetery.

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Obituary Of Delmar Armstrong
(Williamsfield Times, Wednesday, May 26, 1937, contributed by J. Crandell)

Buried in Elmore Cemetery Friday afternoon

Delmar Stewart Armstrong, son of Thomas and Pearl Mosher Armstrong, was born July 5, 1916 in Victoria township and died at St. Mary's hospital, in Galesburg on May 19, 1937 at the age of 20 years, 10 months and 14 days. He spent his life in this community, attending the Salem school and later working on the farm. His father died in April, 1933. For the past few months he has been employed by the Midland Coal Co. near his home community.
     He is survived by his mother, one brother, Walter, at home; two sisters, Mrs. Stella Malone of Monica and Miss Jennie Armstrong of Peoria.
     He made friends readily and will be missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.
     Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, May 21 at 2 o'clock at the Williamsfield Methodist church in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. J. Copeland. Service of song was by Mrs. Helen McClellan and Mrs. Ruth Sargeant, with Edward Coe at the piano.
     Casket bearers were: Ed Secrist, Sherman King, Robert Everett and John Peterson and Max Gale.
     Interment was in the Elmore cemetery.

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Mr. William H. Allen, a well-known colored citizen, died at 7 p.m. Monday at his home, 667 South street, aged 73 years. He was around the day before he died, and took a walk to his son's house, on Mulberry street. He has been a resident of Galesburg since 1866, and came here from Missouri. He leaves a wife, his son, Mr. John Allen, and his daughter Miss Belle Allen, who is now in Missouri teaching school. Mr. Allen was among the first to go to California during the gold fever.

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Susan married John R. Allen in Galesburg over 56 years ago. He died in 1933. They had 20 children. Seven survive - Mrs. Ethel Dawson of Rock Island; Alfonso L. Allen of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. Eva Solomon; Mrs. Mary Houta Fleming, Mrs. Susan Rogers and Miss Bertha Green Allen, both of Galesburg. She had five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her grandmother was the main organizer of the Allen chapel A. M. E. in which she contributed and was christened at an early age.

She served as the trustee, steward and president of the Women's Progressive League as well as the Autumn Leaf Missionary Society.

For the past four years, Mrs. Allen was the chairman of the colored people for the Lake Storey Illinois Association. She was also a member of the Colored Women's Club, ie. the central district of colored women. She was a staunch Republican and a fluent speaker for her race as a whole. She took pride in assisting professor J. H. Atwood at Knox College in gathering data for the colored history of the county which was for the anniversary of the college.

Funeral services is on Wednesday afternoon at the A. M. E. church. Order of the Eastern Star is in charge.

     Charles August Anderson, oldest son of Martin and Johanna Anderson, was born in Sweden June 23, 1861 and died at his home, 1406 Spruce Place, Minneapolis, March 6, 1922.
     He was united in marriage to Harrietta Ray in Roseville, Ill., Nov. 4, 1883 and to this union two sons were born, Howard F. and Harold B. Anderson.
     He later moved his family to Galesburg where they resided until 15 years ago. In all of his business and social enterprises he formed a wide acquaintance and with his kind and lovable nature, he won for himself a host of friends. He leaves to mourn his loss besides his wife and two sons, his aged father, two sisters, Selma Warble and Nellie Anderson and two brothers, Elmer E. and William M. Anderson and one grandson. His mother and sister passed away before him.

Passing of Aged Elmore Resident

Scott Armstrong's Funeral Held Monday

     Again the Angel of Death visited our community and summoned home to rest, an aged citizen, friend and father.
It is not for us to try to fathom or interpret the doings of the Omnipotent be rather to rest assured that "He doeth all things well" and that we, who are left should be ready and prepared to answer the summons, "Child Come home," at any time.
     Scott Armstrong was born in Menard County, Illinois, on February 3, 1848 and passed away at his home in Elmore, Peoria County Illinois, December 12, 1930, being at the time of his death, 82 years, 10 months and 9 days of age.
     The father of the deceased, William Armstrong, whom many in this vicinity can remember, was born in 1799, and resided in Bowling Green, Kentucky until he was 18 years of age. He then moved to Illinois Territory one year before it became a State, settling in Menard County where [he] was associated with Abraham Lincoln of which, in after years, he felt quite proud.
     In 1857 he moved to Knox County Illinois when the deceased was 9 years of age. In later years he became a resident of Elmore and lived with the deceased for many years.
     As a result of his father's former marriages, the deceased had twelve half brothers and sisters only one of whom, Mrs. Lulu Hollis of Petersburg, Menard County, Illinois, is still living.
     While just a young man the deceased manifested a great interest in music and in time became an expert violinist. No social gathering was complete unless Scott was present to furnish the music. This pleasure he enjoyed as long as he was able to enjoy it.
     He was married to Levina Lorance, February 25, 1869, and since which time has lived in the Elmore community. To this union were born nine children, namely, Sylva, Cora, William, Jessie, Laura, Daniel, Loren, Bunn, Ada, and Bessie, all of whom have passed excepting Bunn, Ada, and Jessie, now residing in the Elmore community.
     Shortly after marriage he began farming which remained his favorite occupation while his physical powers permitted.
     He was a vigorous man up to 1915, when he was compelled to ease up. In 1918 he suffered an attack of the Flu and from that time he showed a gradual decline which became very marked and noticeable six years ago when he took his chair and let loose of earthly activities.
     For the last 16 months he has been bed-fast, under the constant care of his aged wife and companion who was ever at his bed-side to minister to his slightest wishes to the last.
     During this long suffering he showed a patience and fortitude that was remarkable.
     In the latter part of his life he held a membership in the M. E. Church. Though not an active member, his life showed the influence of Christian contact in his dealings with mankind.
     Besides an aged, loving wife and mother, he leaves to mourn, one sister, three children, nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
     His funeral was held from his late residence in Elmore, at 1:00 p. m. Monday, December 15. Rev. Spencer of West Jersey officiating.
Mr. Regan and daughter Ruth sang "It is Well With My Soul," and "God Will Take Care of You."
     The pall bearers were E. J. Winchester, Wm. Stargel, Wm. Yelm, Earl Stargel, Herman Yelm, and Elmer White.
     Interment was in the Glendale Cemetery.
     Relatives and friends from a distance, who attended the funeral were Mrs. B. T. Deatrict and daughter of Chicago, Earl Armstrong of Princeton, Mrs. Lowell Jones of LaFayette, Mr and Mrs. George Walkins of Havana, Mr. and Mrs. William Hollis of Greenview, Mr. and Mrs. Clement Hollis of Springfield, Mrs. Harry Johnson of Kewanee, Mrs. Dessie Stewart of Trivoli and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Gardner and daughter of Appleton. (Williamsfield Times, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1930, page 1, col. 1, transcribed by Claire Crandell)

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