Obituaries (B)

Prominent Physician Dies Following Paralytic Stroke
(KNOX COUNTY REPUBLICAN, Knoxville, Illinois, Thursday, January 9, 1919, pg 1, submitted by J. Crandell)

Dr. Louis Becker, aged 54 years, well known throughout the medical circles in the county, and one time mayor of Knoxville, died at his home here at six o’clock Friday evening, from the effects of a paralytic stroke dating back to July 3rd of last year.

Dr. Becker came to Knoxville in 1887 and was married the following year to Miss Addie Rearick of this city. The deceased was born in Clarksburg, Kentucky, in 1864.

In public life, Dr. Becker took an active part. In 1911, as a Republican he was elected mayor of this city and served the city efficiently in that capacity. Dr. Becker has served as member of the local Board of Education for many years and through his efforts many of the features of the present high standard of the Knoxville public schools are attributable.

Those acquainted with his thirty years of practice, recall how heroically he gave his life for the welfare of his constituents and many stories have been woven about the long. cold drives the doctor made to visit his patients. His early practice touches that period when Illinois’ roads were known for their mud during the winter season and during the prevailing epidemic of 1891, la grippe, the deceased was for many days compelled to spend most of his time in the buggy, riding from one home to another in the country.

Dr. Becker’s early education was confined to Galesburg public schools and later to Knox College. He studied at Michigan University for one year and later at North Western University. On beginning his practice at Knoxville, he was physician for the St. Mary’s and Martha’s home in this city for a number of years. He was a member of the Knox County Medical Society as well as the state organization.

The deceased was a member of the Pacific Lodge No. 66, A. F. & A. M., Rabom Chapter R. A. M., and of the Illinois Council of R. & S. M. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his wife, Harry of Ann Arbor, Miss Marjorie, Dunster, and Edwin, residing at home; sister, Mrs. Pauline Weber, Detroit, Michigan, and a brother in Galveston, Texas.

Rev. Mathes with prophetic vision delineated with vividness the character of the late Dr. Becker in his funeral discourse Monday afternoon. Rev. Mathes who had been acquainted with the late Dr. Becker enumerated then, any charming qualities that he possessed both as a man and as a practitioner of his profession.

Rev. Mathes paid tribute to the honesty of the deceased in his professional life and further laid emphasis upon his kindness and generosity and genial personality that added much to his personality in the sick room.

As an elder in the local church, Rev. Mathes emphasized how the deceased had labored under the burdens that the office occasioned and that at times expressed his desire to be released from the heavy burden. Rev. Mathes concluded by saying that Dr. Becker was eminently fitted to hold any position of trust and that his years of honorable practice will win for him an honor and glory in this section that the coming years will not efface from the memory of his associates.

Rev. Ilsley paid marked tribute to the fallen physician of Knoxville who had gone about healing and cheering the sick and disconsolate everywhere he was called to assist. The pastor briefly explained the reward that would occasion the possessor of such a life and concluded by supporting his remarks by the statements of the Biblical records of the ages past.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church Monday at 2 p.m. conducted by the Rev. A. R. Mathes assisted by Rev. Ilsley, the pastor.

Business houses in the city were closed from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. during the hour of the funeral service.

The pallbearers were H. Huggins, Dr. F. C. Lander, H. J. Charles, Ira J. Lewis, James Rogers, and Geo. Sherman. Interment is in Knoxville cemetery.

Harry Milton, son of H. W. and Etta Bellamy, was born in Galesburg, June 21, 1888, and died May 16, 1890, age 1 year, 10 months and 25 days. The funeral was held in the U. B. Church of Gilson, funeral sermon being preached by the pastor, Reverend J. P. Kester, and the remains were buried in the Gilson cemetery.

Death
(Knox County Republican, Wednesday, September 25, 1889, submitted by Janine Crandell)

Eli Bricker was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, May 21st, 1823, and died at the residence of his sister, Maggie temple, in Orange township, September 15th, 1889. Aged 66 years, 3 months, 24 days.

Mr. Bricker moved from Ohio to this state and county when he was twenty-eight years of age, where he continued to reside until the day of his death. He was a hard-working man, and possessed of generous impulses, the needy and destitute always found in him a true friend. He gave assurance to his friends that he had made his peace with God and was willing to go.

The funeral services were held at Liberty Chapel Church; the sermon being preached by Rev. J. P. Kester, from Job 16-22.

He leaves three brothers and two sisters to mourn his loss, his parents having preceded him to the future world a few years ago.

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Obituary of Mrs. Baily
(Knox County Republican, August 17, 1887, contributed by Todd Walter)

Mrs. Dr. Baily was stricken with paralysis on last Wednesday, she revived somewhat from the shock during the week, but again grew worse and continued sinking until death relieved her suffering Wednesday morning at 4 o'clock. A more extended notice of her death will be given next week.

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WELL-KNOWN YATES CITY LADY PASSES AWAY
(Yates City Banner, Nov. 23, 1922, submitted by Rose Marie Bantz)

Mrs. Agnes Bantz, Widow of the Late W. M. Bantz Died at the Family Home After Years of Affliction. Funeral Monday Afternoon

The death of Mrs. W. M. Bantz last Friday morning brought sorrow to her large family of children and the scores of loving friends who have so cheerfully cared for her during the many years she has been an invalid in her home.

At time of death Mrs. Bantz was 56 years and 26 days old. While confined to her chair Mrs. Bantz herself penned the following words which forms her obituary, and which has been furnished to the Banner by her children.

Agnes E. Ramsdale was born October 22, 1867 at Keokuk Iowa. She was the youngest child of Joseph C. Agnes M. Ramsdale, and from them she inherited that strength and truthfulness of character which never left her even during her recent years of trial and suffering.

Her father died when she was not quite two years old, but the brave Christian mother went steadily on, tenderly rearing and educating her three sons and one daughter until the young men married, and in their new homes are still making enviable records in social and financial worlds. The daughter, although graduated and receiving a teacher’s certificate, was companion to her mother until August 8, 1887 when she was united in marriage to W. Maurice Bantz, of C(?)orrisville, Virginia, then a traveling salesman.

They moved to Moberly, Missouri where they engaged in the hotel business and it was there just a year later, they experienced their first –perhaps greatest sorrow- the loss of an infant son who was taken back to it’s Father before it’s little eyes had opened in answer to the loving call of their eager, yearning parents.

Sickness and fire followed and they sold out taking up their abode in St. Louis, Where Mr. Bantz accepted the position of city salesman. Ten happy years were spent there which their five oldest children were born. What seemed a better financial proposition called them to Chicago, where their next two children were born. But the longing for the pure country air, for the enjoyment and development of their family was upon them and they finally came to Yates City, where they lived as a happy, loving family of ten when the baby boy was here added to their number.

Mrs. Bantz was devoted to her home and family and tried to include into their teachings that gentle, personal love of the heavenly Father that makes men and women of us all. A Presbyterian from birth, she and her husband united with the church in 1904, and has been consistent member until her death, enjoying the friendship of it’s members, as well as that of the Eastern Stars, of which lodge she was also a member. Her deepest regret during her illness has been the thought of her burden upon those who have so lovingly cared for her.

The death of her husband, June 14, 1916, taking from her companion, protector and lover, had left a void in her heart, which even the children’s devotion could not altogether fill.

Mrs. Bantz has been a long patient sufferer, being paralyzed for the past twelve years, having passed away at her home in Yates City, Illinois November 17, 1922 at the hour of 8:45 a.m. leaving eight children to mourn her loss, Walter W. Bantz, C. Sidney Bantz, Myrltle A. McKinley, Hazel M. White, Florence Bantz, Helen M. Bantz, Joseph Bantz, and Edward Bantz. Three brothers Joseph E. Ramsdale of Riverdale, Cal., Samuel Ramsdale of Cheney Kansas, and William N. Ramsdale of Witchita, Kansas and nine greandchildren whose presence and kind deeds afforded her much comfort.

Her patience throughout her many trials and sufferings these many years and her last illness which lasted twenty-nine days being confined to her bed, October 19, 1922 three days before her 55th birthday, at which time all children but one were with her. This patience has been an evidence of her living in touch with her Divine Master, at all time.

Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian Church on Monday afternoon at 2:30 in charge of Rev. W. D. Smith of Augusta, a former pastor with his good wife had tendered many comforting words to Mrs. Bantz in her dark hour. Rev. Williamson also assisted, and the local Eastern Star lodge held their service for the departed sister. Interment was in Yates City Cemetery.

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Obituary of Thomas A. Buck
(Galesburg Weekly Mail, October 25, 1900, contributed by Todd Walter)

Maquon - Thomas A. Buck was born in Sparks county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1832, and died at the home of his son, Edward, October 15, 1900, aged 68 years, 6 months, and 25 days. He was married to Mary Lowman, August 4, 1853, in Greenfield, Ohio, where they lived for twenty one years, coming to this state September 9, 1873, where he has since resided in Hawcreek township. His wife died December 11, 1895. To this union were born six children, all of whom survive him and were present during his illness and death. Although his suffering was great, he was patient to the end, and on Saturday before he died he bade his children goodbye and bid they meet him in heaven. Mr. Buck was loved and honored by all who knew him, and was held in very high esteem in this community. He united with the First Presbyterian church of Greenfield, Ohio, December, 1853. He was a member of the Maquon I.O.O.F. lodge No. 256, which officiated in the last sad rites.

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Obituary of Melvin F. H. Brock
Galesburg Daily Republican Register, March 1, 1905, contributed by Todd Walter)

DOUGLAS - Melvin F. H. Brock passed away at the home of S. E. Harwood in Douglas at 7 p.m. February 27, after a brief illness of a few days. He was seized with la grippe the latter part of last week, and the constitution being so frail the disease accomplished the work very quick. The funeral was held from the church here today, and the interment was in the Uniontown cemetery.

Mr. Brock lived to be a ripe old age, having been born September 5, 1820, in Farquier county, Virginia. He was just 17 when he came to where Middle Grove is. During a camp meeting held near Canton, Ill., during the summer of 1839, he became a soldier of the cross and soon afterward became a member of the M. E. church at Canton. August 16, 1846, he married Miss Elizabeth Shreeves at Lewiston, Ill. To this union six children were born, two of whom survive their father, Mrs Ufema Jane Taylor of near London Mills, and Mrs. Frances Lawrence of Chanute, Kansas. Mr. Brock was married eleven years when his wife died, August 29, 1867, and was laid away in the Uniontown cemetery.

On November 13, 1859, he was united by marriage to Miss Diantha Timmons, at her mother's, Mrs. Banaba Timmons in Warren county, Ill. Mr. Brock was kind to his children and grandchildren, and honest in his dealings with his fellow man. In his early life he suffered many privations.

Actual article
submitted by Harriet Stairs

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Obituary
(Galesburg's Republican Register, Saturday, March 26, 1881, contributed by J. Crandell)

The wife of Mr. P. Bisbee, fireman on the C. B. & Q. died Wednesday morning at 3 o'clock.

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Obituary
(Galesburg's Republican Register, Saturday, April 2, 1881, contributed by J. Crandell)

Mrs. Abigail T. Byram died at the residence of her son, D. M. Byram, on East South street, at 5 o'clock Monday morning, aged 87 years and six months.  The remains were interred at Knoxville.

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Willie Best, son of Engineer Best, died Sunday morning from the effects of a paralytic stroke.    

Rio: Mr. John Brace died at the residence of his parents in Rio, May 2, 1881, of typhoid fever.  He had located in Barrow, as station agent, an had come home for the purpose of resting and recuperating from a hard winter's work, when he was stricken with his death sickness.  He was taken ill Tuesday, and died Sunday eve.  Death came to him just when life was holding out its most brilliant promises, just as he was in the act of realizing the beauties and benefits of earthly happiness.  Death, favorer of none, strikes down all, taking from our midst those whom we consider the dearest, and most promising; those whom we think can least be spared, leaving us to mourn, and wonder who next will be bereft of a loved one.

The funeral took place Tuesday, from the Congregational Church, Rev. Mr. Fowler officiating.

Oneida: Mrs. Ann E. Bliss was born in Argyle, Washington county, N. Y., December 13, 1814.  She was married to Mr. Wm. P. Bliss, September 20, 1838.  Became a member of the M. E. Church in 1851.  Deceased, May 14, 1881.  Funeral from > E. church, on Sunday at 3 p.m. Services by Rev. T. L. Faulkner.  She was truly a Christian woman.    

Mrs. Elizabeth Baker, an aged resident [70 years 9 months and 10 days], died in this city on Monday [May 23], and was buried at the Henderson Cemetery Tuesday afternoon.    

? Black, five years old, daughter of Mr. Black who lives on Knox Street, the third house east of Churchill Avenue, died Sunday night of scarlet fever.

Jimmie, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Bartlett, died Monday morning at one o'clock, of diptheria, after a short illness. Little Jimmie was only three years of age. The burial occurred the same afternoon.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Clay J. Bolder, 294 South Henderson street, who passed away Saturday morning, were held from the Second Baptist church this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. There was a very large attendance at the funeral regardless of the inclement weather, as Mrs. Bolder was well known in the organization, having served as choir director for several years. Burial was made in the Linwood cemetery.

     Mrs. Eleanor Botruff died at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning at her home four miles northwest of this city, after a two week's illness of consumption, aged 56 years. She leaves two sons, Floyd and George Botruff. The former is in the employ of A. R. Greene. Her sister, Mrs. R. N. Sage, of Macon, Mich., arrives here Thursday afternoon. The funeral services were held Friday morning and were conducted by Rev. A. R. Thain.
    
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This weather seems to swell the death roll. Yesterday the deaths were Mr. Swanson, an aged Swedish bachelor of 75 years, and Mrs. C. F. Brisco. The day before there were three deaths.

The report was current yesterday that Mrs. Bowen had frozen to death in her home. We are glad to correct this report; the cause of her death was apoplexy.

Died
(Williamsfield Times, Thursday, Dec. 3, 1908, contributed by J. Crandell)

     Cecil Leroy, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bohannan, was born July 11th, 1908, and died November 24th, 1908. He was a delicate child, only weighing two pounds at birth, but was growing nicely when an attack of whooping cough ended the young life. Burial was in the Williamsfield cemetery Wednesday.

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"Newspaper Article"
(unknown newspaper and date, contributed by DeLories Vaughn)

     Stewart was found murdered in a cornfield near Dry Run Hollow on the Peoria Rd, on Saturday evening. Mr. Johnson, who owns the cornfield, noticed a team of horses standing near the fence. Supposing that some one was stealing his corn, he got into the wagon with the intention of driving it to his house. He then discovered blood on the wagon and went back to where the wagon stood. There found a quantity of blood which he traced into the field, until he came to the body. The deed had been done by stabbing with a knife in the neck. Stewart had been to Peoria with wheat and was returning home. Money appears to have been the object of the murderer. Quite a few years later a man on his death bed confessed to the murder. [Stewart McLung Butt was murdered 5 Oct 1850, Peoria. ]

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Rapatee

Peter Brown is quite bad off at this writing, with the chances against him. He is 88(sic) years old, and a veteran of Civil War. (Galesburg's Republican Register, Thurs., Apr. 2, 1914 submitted by Todd Walter)

Peter Brown

Rapatee, Ill., April 8. - The telephone informed us on Saturday morning that Uncle Peter Brown had died on Friday night at his home northeast of Rapatee. This removes one who has lived in Maquon township for over four score years, he was brought here an infant and was in his 84th year. He married Martha Thurman who died nine years since. There remains living four children, Elias of Nebraska, Gilvey of Peoria, Mrs. Sylva Bridgewater, of Rapatee, and Irven of Middlegrove, grandchildren and great grand-children.
     Peter was a veteran of the civil war. The funeral was held at the home on Monday morning and the interment in the Walter Cemetary west of Maquon. (Galesburg's Republican Register, Wed., Apr. 8, 1914 submitted by Todd Walter)

Actual article
submitted by Harriet Stairs

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A Double Bereavement

Two Deaths in Bennett Family at Williamsfield Within Four Days

Within four days past, the family of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Bennett has been robbed of two of it's members by death. On Thursday, Clare, the youngest child, aged 2 years and 7 months, died of congestion of the lungs. The funeral was set for yesterday, but about four hours before the hour appointed for the services a second child, Geneva, aged 7 years, passed away, death coming from systemic poison produced by an extremely severe attack of tonsillitis. A double funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock and the two little ones will be interred in the same grave in the Glendale cemetery at Elmore. They were both bright lovable children, loved by the whole community, and Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have the sympathy of the entire community. (Galesburg's Weekly Mail, Jan. 14, 1904, submitted by Todd Walter)

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Fairview

A terrible accident happened last week Wednesday a few miles north of Providence Chapel between here and Farmington. They were making hay and J. P. Buckman, a young man 19 years of age, was on the load. Either by accident or purposely he slid down the load to the ground, and in doing so was impaled on a handle of a fork which was sticking in the ground, the handle entering the rectum a distance of eighteen inches. The young man withdrew the fork without assistance and walked a distance of a quarter of a mile to the house. He suffered no pain at first, inflammation soon set in and he died Friday in terrible agony. The funeral was held Saturday at the Providence Chapel. Rev. J. F. James of this place preaching the discourse. (London Times, London Mills, Illinois, July 21, 1893, submitted by Todd Walter)

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