Obituaries (Q-S)

A little five-year old boy of Mr. and Mrs. John Shain died on Wednesday.

Mrs. Stickney, of Wataga, died Tuesday morning at the age of 71 years. The funeral took place Wednesday two miles north of the town.  The husband of Mrs. Stickney, a well-to-do farmer, died two years ago.

Minnie L. Smith: Funeral services for Miss Minnie L. Smith will be held at 10:30 o'clock Saturday morning at the Methodist Church.  The Rev. Charles Bready will be in charge.  Burial will be in the Hope cemetery.

Alexander R. Reed, died of typhoid pneumonia, at the residence of his uncle, Wm G. Reed, in Independence township, Nodaway county, Mo., March 27th, 1881.
     His birthplace was Henderson Township. He was a grandson of Daniel Robertson, the first settler of Knox County, and the son of Isaac D. Reed, who died in 1871.  Deceased went from here to Missouri in February, 1881.  He stopped at R. M. Simmons and while there was taken sick, but through the kindness of the family, he was able in a few days to resume his journey to his aunt Adcock's, where he was taken sick again and died after a short illness.  His mother was summoned to his bedside, and was with him but a few hours before his death.  He leaves many friends who mourn his untimely end.  We trust he is now dwelling with the good and the blest.

Henderson. Tuesday, April 19th, the funeral of Alice Slutz [Shultz?], aged 13 years, was preached by Rev. Mr. Miller in this place.  The deceased had been a great sufferer for several months.

Mary E. Russell, eleven years old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Russell, died of dropsy Thursday evening.

Wataga: John C. Shaw, a prominent farmer of Sparta township, was killed by a stroke of lightning during the shower of May 7th.  He and his son, a lad of about fifteen years, had been raking stalks and were just returning from the field when the fatal stroke came. The boy was partially stunned, but seeing his father was hurt, was soon by his side; also other members of his family, and Mr. and Mrs. John Adams and Mrs. Henry Robbins who had drove out from Oneida that morning.  The stricken family and friends did all that loving hearts could suggest, but he so lately moved among them in life, in a moment's time passed beyond the power of human aid. Mr. Shaw was born in Copenhagen, New York, and was 51 years old.  He moved to Illinois in 1858.  He, early in life, manifested a desire to learn and to know and cultivate the graces of a Christian spirit, and was baptized at the age of nine years.  From that time he has continued  to make known to his family and friends and the world about him the same worthy aspirations, striving to do as well as he knew.  He has been a prominent and helpful supporter of all that is good in society.  He worked with the Christian Church, of which organization he was a trustee and clerk.  Mr. Shaw's home was a pleasant one, and the trees that surround it, furnishing ornament, shelter and fruit, are monuments of his care and his love of God's works.  He leaves a wife and three children - two boys and one girl - to take up the duties of life without the helping hand of a considerate husband and father.  The deceased has a brother and sister living in Oregon.  The former Elizer Shaw, near Forest, and the latter, Abigail, now Mrs. Barton, at Portland, of that State.  The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, at 3 p.m., a large number of sympathising friends being present. The services were led by Rev. Adair, from Woodhull, Henry Co. Ill.  The remains were buried in the neighborhood cemetery, near the mother and brother Luther.  The father died in New York State.

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Obituary
(Galesburg's Daily, August 16, 1906, contributed by Wini Hartley) 

Obituary
(Milan Independant, December, 1917, submitted by Wini Hartley) 

     At the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Ranbarger, on Friday morning at 2:30 occurred the death of her father, Charles Swanson, a former resident of Galesburg, who made his home here during the past eight years. [Charles Swanson died Dec. 21, 1917.]
     Mr. Swanson was born July 21,1837, he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Johnson 59 years ago. In 1868 he took up his residence in Galesburg where he resided until several year after the death of his wife who passed away 11 years ago.
     Surviving are six children: Mrs. Anna Ranbarger, Milan; Mrs. Charlotte Dumbauld, Rock Island; Mrs. Augusta Smith, Pasadena, Ca; John C. Swanson, New Orleans; Frank A. Swanson, Vinton, Iowa; William A. Swanson, Des Moines, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren also survive.
    The remains were taken over the Rock Island Southern to Galesburg, Saturday morning where funeral services were held in the First Lutheran Church 1:00 Sunday. The pallbearers were Frank A. Swanson; James Christy, G. W. Ranbarger, William D. Brandenburg, Albert Swanson and George Ranbarger. Interment took place in the family plot in the Linwood Cemetery in Galesburg.

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Obituary
(Galesburg Daily, August 14, 1906, submitted by Wini Hartley) 

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At Galesburg, May 12, Flonilla Soper, age 25 years. Buried at Hope Cemetery.

     Funeral services for Charlotte Searles who died at Moline April 8, will be held at the Horton and Foley undertaking parlor at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. E. H. Gaston of the Second Baptist church officiating.

     Mary Ann Searles Richardson, colored, died Saturday afternoon, March 11, at 5:36 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. J. Skinner, 710 West Knox street, of old age and a complication of diseases.
      She was the daughter of Frances and Polly Searles and was born in Middleville, Ga., Nov. 18, 1831. She came to Galesburg in 1846, making her residence at Galesburg for 76 years. When she came here, Galesburg was just a small hamlet and she often recalled the time when the first steam cars passed through the city.
     She was married to Samuel Richardson in 1850. At that time there were only three colored families in Galesburg. Nine children were born to this union. Her husband and five children have preceded her in death. She had been a widow for 46 years.
     The surviving children are: Mrs. E. J. Skinner, Mrs. Josephine Mason, B. E. Richardson and Frank Richardson. Eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and one sister, Miss Charlotte Searles also survive. She was converted many years ago in the state of Alabama. She united with the Second Baptist church under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Murff.
     Funeral services will be held at the Second Baptist church, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and burial will be in the Linwood cemetery.

     Mrs. Mariah Emily Richardson, colored, over 99 years old and said to be the oldest resident of Galesburg, died at 7:50 this morning in St. Mary's hospital of complications due to old age. Her home was at 1217 Mulberry, where she and her husband settled when they came to Galesburg around 1875.
     Mariah Emily Murray was born in slavery in Ralls county, Missouri, on December 17, 1835, almost a century ago, She was married here in 1859 to Ralph Richardson, and two children were born to them in slavery before the Civil War. Mr. Richardson served in the Union army, and the family was freed from slavery issued by the Emancipation proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
     After the war the family moved to an Illinois farm, and later came to Galesburg, Mr. Richardson working as a teamster. He died in 1895, and since then her daughter, Mrs. Ellen Waters, and grand-daughter, G. Juanita Brown, have kept house. Mrs. Richardson has belonged to Allen chapel, A. M. E. church, for years. In former years she wa a member of other organizations and of the D. A. R.
     Three children were born to the couple, Mrs. Mary Ellen Waters, who died in 1933, Elijah P. Richardson of Peoria and A. L. Richardson, named after President Lincoln. There were six grandchildren, Thomas R. Waters, Ray Richardson, Edward Richardson, deceased, Jefferson Richardson, and G. Juanita Brown, all of Galesburg, and Fuller Richardson of Peoria. The grandson deceased was killed in an auto accident last summer, but the news of his death was never conveyed to his grandmother, as it was felt the shock would impair her health. None of the grandchildren has children. Mrs. Richardson also leaves two nephews, Charles and Herman Murray of Omaha, Nebraska, several grandnieces and grandnephews, and a great-grandniece.
     The funeral will probably be held at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon from Allen chapel, A. M. E. church with the pastor, the Rev. P. S. Dick, officiating. Burial will be in the Linwood cemetery. Definite announcement will be made tomorrow.

Pioneer Scout Passes Away
(The Boise Pioneer, August 25, 1908, contributed by Jeani Mills)

James H. Russell, one of the early pioneer settlers of the northwest and a member of the Rube Robbins scouts during the Idaho Indian wars passed away at 5 o’clock last evening at his home in this city at the age of 51 years.

In the state of Illinois, near the town of Knoxville, James Harrison Russell was born September 9, 1857. When 6 years of age, he in company with his parents, crossed the plains, going to Salem, Oregon, where they made their home until 1864, when they removed to Boise. Mr. Russell was married to Jennie (sic) Adams on August 12, 1877. He removed with his family to Julesburg, Colo., in that year 1885.While a resident of that state, Mr. Russell organized the first Odd Fellows Lodge in Julesburg. After a residence of two months in Colorado, he was appointed deputy sheriff of Weild County, holding that position until the county was divided, when he was appointed sheriff of the new county of Sedgewich (sic) by governor Cooper. He held this office during the remainder of his residence in that state.

In 1892 the family returned to Boise, where they have since resided. During the years 1877-8 Mr. Russell was with Colonel Orlando Robins as one of a body of scouts during the Indian wars.

A widow and seven children survive the deceased. The children are Mrs. Jessie Gamble of Boise, Mrs. Lulu Roberts of Portland, Mrs. Mary Williams of Goldendale, Wash., George E. Russell of Boise, Harry and Jennie Russell, of Boise.

Death of Mary Rine
(Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Brenda Patterson)

     Mary Ann Rine was born in Pennsylvania, and died Nov. 19 [1903] at 9 a.m. at the home of Eli Baer [Eli is the son of Susannah and Rev. David F. Baer and brother to Dr. P. W. O. Baer], three miles north of Henderson. She had been in poor health for several weeks, but not bedfast. The end came quickly while sitting in her chair.
     She came to this State with her parents in the early twenties, settling near Henderson on what is now known as the "Blue farm" [The house and land are on the road just north of the cemetery. The house is a little west on that road. The original house is gone. New house built, but foundation looks old.] Here, she resided until the death of her parents, when she went to live with her  sister, Mrs. D. F. Baer, where she has resided over 40 years until her death. Next to father and mother, Aunt Mary was revered in this home, and no home gathering was ever complete without her.
     She was a devoted friend to the family, sharing their sorrow as well as their joys. As it has often been said no task was too hard, or she too weary to do for those she loved so well.
     Aunt Mary was a passionate lover of flowers, devoting many hours to their care. It was always a pleasure for her to share her flowers with her friends and many a sick room has been brightened by her flowers.
     She was converted when but a young girl and joined the U. B. church, and has lived a consistent Christian life all these humble way for the cause she loved so well.
     Two sisters, Mrs. Nancy Hammond of Viola, Mrs. Ellen Brown of Knoxville, and a host of nephews and nieces are left to mourn her loss.
     The funeral services were held from the home Saturday at 1:00 p. m., conducted by Revs. Mr. Essex and Shinn of Cuba, Ill., taking for a text Psalm ___90, "So teach us to number [article crumbled here]
 

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MARTIN SIMPKINS IS DECEASED
(Galesburg's Republican-Register, Oct. ??, 1908, submitted by Sandy)

Well Known Resident Of County Has Passed Away

(Special to the Republican-Register.)

Douglas, Ill., Oct. 17 -- Martin Luther Simpkins died at the hospital in Watertown, Ill., Monday, Oct. 15, about 12 o'clock noon. A short time ago he was seized with paralysis of the throat which prevented him from receiving nourishment and which hastened the end. The remains were brought to Douglas Tuesday morning. The funeral was held from the church this afternoon. Rev. H. F. (there was a whole line missing here) officiated and the interment was in the Douglas cemetery. The deceased was born in Montgomery County, Indiana Aug. 8, 1851. He came with his parents to Illinois in 1856. When a young boy he was adopted into the family of Horatio Gilmore Simpkins. On March 8, 1876, he was married to Miss Nance Bell Wheeler. Nine daughters were born to them, who are all alive; also his wife. He has been a member of the M. W. A. since 1895. He carried upon his life one thousand dollars in that society. He worked at several trades during his life time, and was always busy. The oldest daughter, Mrs. Addie Ellen Shaw, who lives at Freeport, Harper county, Kansas was prevented from attending the funeral.

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Died
(Brimfield News, Thursday, June 26, 1924, pg. 1, col. 4, submitted by Sandy)

Mrs. Nance Bell Simkins [Simpkins] was a daughter of Theodore Lyman Wheeler and Elizabeth Ann Ingram, and was born July 16, 1861, in Summit, now Douglas, and died near Brimfield, Ill., June 19, aged 63 years.

She grew to womanhood here, and received her education in the Summit public school.

March 8, 1876, she was united in marriage with Morton L. Simkins (NOTE: Martin Simpkins). Nine daughters were born to them, seven of whom survive their mother. They are Mrs. Addie E. Shaw, Mrs. Cora J. Plack, Mrs. Jessie B. Plack, Mrs. Edith Blanch Plack, Mrs. Susan F. Claypool, Miss Myrtle M. Simkins, Mrs. Juanita P. Collins; one brother, James T. Wheeler, ex-sheriff, who lives in Galesburg and one half brother Thomas K. Polk Trader, and a number of grandchildren.

The funeral services were held in the M. E. church at Douglas at 2:00 p.m. Saturday. Rev. C. W. Leonard, Methodist pastor, had charge.

The quartet was composed of Mrs. Mattie Upp, Miss Grace Lawrence, A. K. Taylor and James G. Ralston and Miss Elizabeth Ralston, pianist.

The funeral directors were H. M. Kilpatrick and son of Elmwood. Burial was by the side of her husband in the Douglas cemetery. The floral tributes were beautiful. Mrs. Simkins’ life was one of industry, leaving a fine example for her children to follow.

E. H. Ware, H. C. Simkins, Thomas E. Beck, Melvin P. Goodwin, Michael Murphy and W. H. Faulda were the pall bearers.

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We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for the kindness and sympathy shown us during our late bereavement, the death of our mother, Mrs. Simkins.

-- The Children
 

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Passes Away at His Home on the Avenue.

SKETCH OF HIS LONG CAREER

Was a Pioneers of the Pioneers, Having Come to the Far West in 1852---Fine Qualities That Won for Him the Esteem of a Large Circle of Friends

     Died at his residence on Warm Springs Avenue, at 12:35 p.m. yesterday after a long and painful illness, George Whitfield Russell, aged 71 years, 10 months and 5 days. Deceased was one of Idaho's oldest and best beloved pioneers. He was born January 21, 1830, at Galiopolis, Galia County, Ohio. In 1837 he removed with his parents to the state to the state of Illinois, Where he remained until 1852, when he crossed the plains to western Oregon. He was in Oregon and California four years, and returned to Illinois in 1856, where he was married to Miss Mary S. Baird on the 2nd of December of that year. In 1862 he again crossed the plains with his wife and three children and settled near Salem Or., where he resided with his family until 1864, when he removed with his family to Boise.
     For a short time he kept the Idaho Hotel in Boise, when he purchased a place known as the halfway house, midway between Boise and Idaho City, where he was well and widely known and highly esteemed as a genial and accommodating host and one of the truest and best of pioneers. From the halfway house he returned to Boise and settled in his present home on the avenue, where he has resided continuously since 1869.
     Mr. Russell was a man of mose (sic) active temperament, and throughout his long life was always industriously engaged in one or another of the many occupations and enterprises that fill up the busy life of the pioneer. He was everywhere known as a man of the strictest integrity, one whose simple pledged word was stronger than any bond that could be drawn. He was esteemed and beloved by all who knew him as one of the most loyal of friends and kindest of neighbors. In every relation of life he was a bright and edifying example and in all good deeds left a record of which the greatest of earth might be proud.
     For more than a year he had been in failing health, and during the four months preceding his demise had been a close prisoner to his house most of that time being confined to his bed, his last illness being neuralgia or muscular rheumatism. But slight hopes were entertained of his recovery from the start and day by day that hope grew fainter. Throughout his long illness which he bore with Christian resignation and great patience, no word of complaint or murmering escaped him. He was patient and ever cheerful till the last, always glad to receive the visits of his long time friends and neighbors and talked interestingly of the past.
     He was a faithful, useful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the consolations of which communion he passed to his final reward.
     Mr. Russell's Christianity and piety were of the practical humanity-saving kind, while his life and his last moments showed that he was in no way lacking in the highest spiritual requirements of the religion he professed.
     Deceased leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. His children, all of whom are living and married, are Henry (Harry-J. M.) Russell, William Russell, Mrs. R. A. Sidebotham, Mrs. G. W. Lewis, Mrs. H. S. Dorman.
     Thus has passed away another of the bright golden links that bound the present with the past. The brave pioneer, the affectionate husband and father, the honest and useful citizen, the kind neighbor and the faithful and earnest Christian has left the scenes of earth. Our sorrow is great, but we sorrow not as those who have no hope.
     The chamber where the good man meets his fate is previleged beyond the walk of virtuous life, quite on the verge of Heaven?
     The funeral will be held Saturday at 1 o'clock, from the family residence on Warm Springs avenue. Interment being at Morris hill.

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Death of C. N. Russell
(Galesburg's Register-Mail, Saturday, Sep. 21, 1901, contributed by Mike Osler)

C. N. [Charles Neptune] Russell, for forty years a resident in or near Knoxville, died this morning early at his home on East Main street in Knoxville. Mr. Russell was an old settler highly respected in Knoxville and vicinity, Having a wide circle of friends. Two months ago he fell in the postoffice and almost expired there. A physician chanced to be on hand and by heroic measures, saved his life. Mr. Russell has been an invalid for many years, though he was able to be up and around. He is a retired farmer. He leaves a wife and four children.

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Russell-Nepton [Neptune] funeral was held in Knoxville Sunday morning from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Phillips on East Main, Rev. Mason, pastor of the Presbyterian church in the city officiated. Burial in the Russell cemetery 4 miles east of Knoxville. (Galesburg's Republican, Sep. 23, 1901, contributed by Mike Osler)

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E. J. STEFFEN, 81, DIES AT APPLETON
(Galesburg's Register-Mail, November 23, 1940, contributed by Mike Osler)


Ernest J. Steffin, 81, died at his home at Appleton at 8 a.m. today. Funeral arrangements will be announced later. For further information, call the Klinck mortuary at Knoxville. [Note: Born in Bobsdorf Per Prob Stej Hagen Hatskin, Germany]

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Funeral services for Ernest J. Steffin, who died in his home at Appleton Saturday morning, will be held in the Klinck Funeral chapel here at 2 O’clock Tuesday afternoon and friends may call at the chapel this evening and Tuesday morning. Interment will be in the Westfall cemetery. (Galesburg's Daily Register-Mail, Monday, November 25, 1940, contributed by Mike Osler)

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Obituary
(London Times, London Mills, Illinois, March 23, 1900, submitted by Todd Walter)

Grandmother Stidd, who has been sick all winter, died on Sunday afternoon, March 18. we have no means of getting particulars concerning her early life. Her maiden name was Martha Rockinhamer. She was born in Indiana, February 14, 1809. Was married to John Stidd, who departed this life in September 1898. They were the parents of Mrs. Phoebe Morse, Mrs. Millie Ann Morse and Mrs. Catherine Thurman, living and of the late Mrs. Samantha Dewitt. There is living in this vicinity four generations of the old couple. Grandmother Stidd was laid to rest in the Uniontown cemetery, Tuesday.

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GONE HOME
(Knox County Republican, Knoxville, Illinois, Feb. 7, 1883, submitted by Todd Walter)

     Mrs. Althea Owen Sanburn, widow of the late John G. Sanburn, died at her residence in this place, on Tuesday, January 30th. The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church on Friday, the 3rd last, the Rev. Mr. Waddle officiating. More than a passing notice is due to the memory of Mrs. Sanburn. She was born in Ontario County, in the State of New York, on the 8th day of November, 1805, about ten miles from where her late husband was born. They both emigrated to the State of Ohio, at an early day, and then to Knox County Illinois, in 1829. Mrs. Sanburn came to this county with her widowed mother and her brother, the late Parnach Owen, who was widely know throughout the county, at that early day, as "Deacon Owen", a pillar of the Presbyterian Church, and a prominent Christian gentleman. They first settled on a farm near where the town of Gilson now stands, afterwards known as the "Gunsall place", where they remained until 1831. Their nearest neighbor was a Mr. Palmer, who lived on Spoon River, and the next nearest neighbors were at Henderson Grove, where her late husband was then residing, and engaged in merchandising. (strange as it may appear, though they were born in the same vicinity, in New York, and both moved to Ohio, then to Knox County, Illinois, near the same time, they never met each other until after they were of age and settled in Knox County.) In 1831 she and Mr. Sanburn became aquainted, were married and made their home at his store in Henderson Grove. When they moved to Knoxville, Mr. Sanburn still engaged in selling goods, until the county was organized, when he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court, and appointed postmaster. Mrs. Sanburn had a large experience in pioneer life, and many of the reminiscences were of deep interest to those who have heard them. She was the mother of seven children, all of whom were present at the "old homestead" on the day of the funeral, but two of them who came from Ohio, did not arrive until after the funeral services. Mrs. Sanburn united with the Presbyterian church early in life, and remained a highly respected member, until called to her Home above, her name standing first on the roll of members of the church in this place. She was a Christian lady in every sense of the term, and was so considered by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. If she ever had an enemy, it was unknown to the writer of this article, who has been her friend and neighbor for about forty-seven years. She filled all the relations of life with honor to herself, and satisfaction to the church, her family, her neighbors and acquaintances, and when the summons came to call her Home above, she was ready, her duties performed, she had done what she could. She was only sick about one week, did not appear to suffer much pain, just a calm separation of the mortal from the immortal, when she calmly passed away, to be forever with her dear friends, who had gone before, and Him whom she had served so long and faithfully. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." R. L. H.

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