Woodford County

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From an untitled newspaper clipping abt June, 1925

Everett Tallyn is Drowned Sunday - Benson Young Man Meets Sad Fate While in Bathing at Bloomington - Overseas World War Veteran - Funeral Services Are Held Yesterday at Tallyn Home at Benson - Masonic Ritual at Cemetery

Everett Tallyn of Benson was drowned Sunday afternoon about 4 o'clock while bathing at Lake Park at Bloomington. He had only been in the water about ten minutes when he sank while swimming across the lake. The body was recovered by divers after it had been in the water about an hour and a half.

Together with his cousin, George Specht, also of Benson, had driven to Bloomington to visit his fiance, who is a student at Normal University. The young men went swimming at Lake Park.

Neither of the men was a good swimmer. Mr. Specht started to swim across the lake, followed by Mr. Tallyn. When about 25 feet from the shore Tallyn sank. Specht caught at him, but was in such an exhausted condition that he could help but little. Other bathers near by assisted, but before the life guard arrived they lost the struggling man and he had sunk to the bottom in about 20 feet of water.

Volunteer divers assisted in the search for the body for half an hour before the grappling hooks arrived. Divers and the hooks were used for three-quarters of an hour, before a diver finally located the body at 5:15 o'clock.

The police had been summoned with their pulmotor, but the body had been in the water so long that it was not used. A physician who had been summoned pronounced life extinct when the body was taken from the water.

Mr. Specht states that when he had reached shallow water, he turned around to see where his companion was, who waved at him and smiled. He went out of the water and then heard Everett's cries for help. Although exhausted, he jumped into the water to give his assistance, but was taken down under the water by the drowning man. Another swimmer came to the assistance, but he, too, was taken under water. No one else was near, so there was no further help.

Mr. and Mrs. R.R. Sutton and son, Julius, and Mrs. Sutton's mother, Mrs. Bartow, of this city, were witnesses to the tragedy. Mrs. Bartow was sitting on the bank at the side of Mr. Tallyn's fiance, who fell into complete collapse. The remains of Mr. Tallyn were brought to the home at Benson that same evening.

Everett Arthur Tallyn, eldest son of Newton and Mary Tallyn, was born at the homestead May 18, 1897, where he had always lived, except for his sojourn in France during the war, until he met his untimely death by drowning, at the age of 28 years, 1 month and three days.

He received his early education at the county school a mile from his home. Taking the three-year high school course with his cousin, Eldon Eckhart, in two years, he graduated at the age of 16 in May 1913. In his early youth and young manhood he was a faithful member of the Methodist Sunday school and held the office of secretary for a number of years, ever faithful in the performance of his duties, his most prominent characteristic throughout his life.

On June 4, 1918, he enlisted in the army, going directly to Camp Meade at Washington, D.C. From there he was sent to Bordeaux, France, where he was in the refrigerator corps. There he contracted pleurisy and on returning to the United States, was confined to the hospital at Fort Sheridan for some time. He was a member of the American Legion and a faithful member of the Rob Morris lodge 247, A.F. and A.M., and the order of the Eastern Star, of Minonk; of the Royal Arch Chapter of Rutland; of the Bloomington Consistory; of the Shrine of Peoria; of the White Shrine of Bloomington, holding office in the first three at the time of his death.

He leaves to mourn his loss his parents and one sister, Lela, at home, and two brothers, Arden, of Payne, Ohio, and Lloyd, of Columbus, Ohio, and his fiance, Miss Lillian Baird, of Normal, and many near relatives and innumerable friends.

Funeral services were held at the Tallyn home west of Benson yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. L.S. Buchanan, pastor of the Benson Baptist church. Although the weather was cold and disagreeable, the funeral was one of the largest ever held in this section and scores of people from Minonk were in attendance. The pallbearers from the home to the cemetery were cousins: Dewitt, Joseph, Frankin, Brainerd, Bruce and Chester Tallyn.

At the Benson cemetery, where burial took place, the Masons were in charge and the beautiful service of this order was given. The Masonic pallbearers were Weldon Smilie, Raymond and Glenn Peterson, Jacob Geiken, Carl Thompson and Raymond White.

Among the relatives attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Baltz, Louis Baltz, Miss Newton Lee and Grace Lee, of Hoopeston; Mrs. T.N. Smith, of Pekin; Mrs. Elsie Rose and Ivan Ridge, of Rockwell City, Iowa; Sheldina and Albert Lee, of Garden City, Mo; Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Eckhart and daughters, Ila and Ora, of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. John Heiken, of Chatsworth; Mr. and Mrs. Will Tallyn and sons, Edwin, Ronald, and George Bernard, of Wenona; Mrs. Chas. Specht, Mrs. Ebbitt, Mrs. Henry Summers and Mrs. Chas. Loveridge, of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. George Eckhart and daughter, Vera, of Almena, Kansas; Mrs. Maggie Ficht, of Peoria; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Rickenburger, of Washington; Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd Tallyn, of Pontiac; Mr. and Mrs. C. Robinson and children, of Minonk; Thomas Tallyn and John Tallyn, of Peoria.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
May 25, 1945

Two Tammen Boys of Flanagan Killed in Action Within 2 Days

Mr. and Mrs. Hanke Tammen of Flanagan, learned Thursday of the death of their second son, within two days.

The death in action of S. Sgt. John G. Tammen April 19, in the Philippines was reported Thursday, they were informed that another son, Pfc. Clarence H. Tammen, died in Germany April 22, three days later.

Pfc. Tammen was born west of Flanagan, March 6, 1924, and he entered service in July, 1943. He was oversea for 10 months and during that time was in England, France and Germany. He attended Flanagan high school and is survived by his parents and two brothers, Corp. Peter Tammen, in Germany; Harry Tammen of Flanagan; two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Knock, Minonk, and Mrs. Emma Matter, Dana.

Date of Death: S. Sgt. John G. Tammen April 19, 1945 - Philippines
Date of Death: Pfc. Clarence H. Tammen April 22, 1945 - Germany

Submitted by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
May 26, 1950

FUNERAL AT BENSON OF MISS JELSTE TAMMEN

Click on the picture for a larger version

Funeral services for Miss Jelste Tammen, 80, who died at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Rest Haven, Minonk, were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran church, two miles west of Benson. The Rev. J. H. Prange officiated. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery.

She was an only child of Henry and Jurke Krull Tammen. She was born on a farm near Benson Aug. 19, 1870. She lived there until her health began to fail at the beginning of this year. She was then taken to Rest Haven, Minonk.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Her only survivors are cousins.

Date of Death: May 21, 1950

Obituary and photo submitted by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald
August 25, 1905

Mrs. George Ioerger, who had been visiting at the home of her brother-in-law, Joseph Ioerger, southwest of town, and at Michael Ioerger’s near Peoria, received a telephone message last Friday night that her father, John Tammen, an aged resident of near Woodford, had met with sudden death by being thrown from a buggy. The accident happened as Mr. Tammen was returning home from George Ioerger’s. It is supposed the horse turned too short, upsetting the buggy. In the fall the old gentleman’s neck was broken and when picked up he was dead. Mrs. Ioerger left at once for her home near Woodford. The funeral took place Tuesday, burial being made in the Minonk cemetery.

Note: The baptismal name for John Tammen, the deceased, was Tamme Ihnen Tammen.

Date of Death: August 19, 1905

Submitted by Kathleen

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Metamora Herald
August 9, 1918

BOY IS KILLED NEAR MINONK

Ten Year Old Peter Tammen Sustains Fractured Skull

Peter Tammen, aged 10 years, was killed in an unusual manner at 8 o’clock Tuesday morning at his home five miles east of Minonk.

His father, Hank Tammen, was putting the harness on a horse when Peter climbed up a pole that was leaning against the manger at the other end of the stall. The pole slipped off its support and threw the boy with considerable force against the side of the barn, fracturing his head at the base of the skull. The father carried him into the house, where he died within an hour.

The deceased was born on a farm east of Minonk and had never lived elsewhere. He is survived by his parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Funeral services were held at the Windtown church Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock and burial was in the cemetery there.

Note: His full name was Peter Johnson Tammen.
(Source: Death Certificate No. 0061090, Minonk, Woodford County, IL)

Date of Death: August 6, 1918

Submitted by Kathleen

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The Metamora Herald

Friday, April 24, 1914

CHAS. TANTON PASSES AWAY IN PEORIA

Former Resident of Cazenovia Stricken Friday and Dies Sunday---Remains Buried in Morsetown Cemetery

Charles H. Tanton, a well known resident of Cazenovia, but for the past 21 years a resident of Peoria, died at his home in that city early Sunday morning of a very brief illness. Mr. Tanton was stricken with a severe pain in the chest last Friday and the ailment grew rapidly worse until the [end] came. Deceased was born in Cazenovia township July 24, 1851, being 63 years old.

On August 31, 1893, he was united in marriage with Esther Ann Mundell of Cazenovia who survives him. A brother Frank, of Washington, and a cousin, T. O. Tanton of Peoria, also survive.

Funeral services were held at the Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian church in Peoria at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. The body was brought to Cazenovia by train on the same afternoon and was followed to its last resting place the Morsetown cemetery, by a large number of the old residents of the neighborhood and friends of the deceased's family.

Charles H. Tanton was the son of Richard and Elizabeth Tanton, both born in England. He had a brother Frank Tanton.

Submitted by Nancy and Jim Mundell

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Peoria Journal Star

September 4th, 1924

Mrs. Esther A. Tanton Passes to Her Reward

Mrs. Esther A. Tanton, 70 years old, member of a prominent Illinois family, died late yesterday afternoon at the Methodist hospital after an illness of several months.

She was the widow of Charles Tanton, retired farmer, who died 10 years ago. She is survived by two brothers, James Mundell of Chicago [and] Joseph Mundell, Sandenito, TX.

Mrs. Tanton was born in Cazenovia December 23, 1853. Her marriage took place in that city thirty years ago, the family moving to Peoria that same year. They have since resided here. Mrs. Tanton was an active member of the First Baptist church of this city.

Memorial services will be held at the Gauss Funeral chapel Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. James Benson officiating, and interment will be in Morristown cemetery, Cazenovia, Ill.

Esther Ann (Mundell) Tanton was the second child and only daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Babb) Mundell. She married Charles H. Tanton in 1893. She was called Essie by family and friends.

Submitted by Nancy and Jim Mundell

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ELMER TAYLOR

EL PASO- (PNS)- Elmer Taylor, 81, Chief of Police at El Paso for 36 years, died at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington, where he had been a patient since Monday.
The body was removed to the Otto-Vincent Memorial Home in El Paso. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Methodist Church, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.

He was born May 30, 1866 at Kappa, a son of Ambrose and Mary Crawford Taylor. He was married to Mrs. Elsie Hartzell May 23, 1911 at Eureka. He was familiarly known as "Wing" since he lost his left arm in a railroad accident years ago.

He is survived by his wife and two stepsons, Frank and Jesse Hartzell Sr.; one grandson and two great grandchildren. A sister , Mrs. Maude Kensing, all of El Paso.
He was a member of the Methodist Church and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Date of Death: 17 Jan 1948

From: "The Pantagraph" Bloomington, IL Sunday, January 18, 1948

Submitted by: Kris Murray, Peoria, IL

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Metamora Herald, Woodford County IL

30 Oct 1931

MRS. JOS. THEOBALD DIES AT EDELSTEIN

Member of Chilly Family and Life-long Resident Here -Burial at Lourdes

Mrs. Joseph Theobald, life long and well known resident of the vicinity of Lourdes, until about four years ago, when the family moved to Edelstein, passed away last Friday night at 11:45 o’clock at her home. Deceased was in poor health for many months and death was caused by crustaceans. Fortified by the last rites of the Catholic church of which she had been a consistent and lifelong member, death came as she was surrounded by her husband and children.

Mrs. Theobald was held in honor and esteem in the community in which she spent her life and her loss is keenly felt among her neighbors and friends, while the family is inconsolable in the loss of a wonderful wife and mother.

The body was brought to the home of her sister, Mrs. Frank L. Dubois, and retained there until Monday morning.

The funeral was held at St. Mary’s church, Lourdes, Monday morning. Burial services were conducted by Rev. Father Gordon of Princeville, who offered requiem high mass and delivered a touching discourse upon the life and example of the deceased. St. Mary’s Ladies’ society of which the deceased had been a faithful member for many years was present in a body and the church was well filled with friends and neighbors. The pall bearers were nephews of the deceased. Internment was made in the cemetery near the church following the impressive services.

Barbara Chilly was born May 8, 1882, a daughter of the late Michael and Victoria Mayer Chilly. At the age of 10 she was called upon to do the duty of a mother for her younger sisters. She was united in marriage to Joseph J. Theobald October 7, 1902. Twelve children were born to the couple, ten of whom survive with their father, the youngest being two years of age. Two children died in infancy. The surviving children are: Josephine, wife of Fred Grebner; Cecelia, wife of Geo. Kiesewetter; Leona, wife of Elmer Grebner, of Metamora; Albert, Hildagarde, Walter, Lawrence, Lucille, Joseph and Clifford of Edelstein. There are five grandchildren. Two sisters also survive, Mrs. Frank L. Dubois and Mrs. John Dubois, of this vicinity.

A brother, John Chilly, preceded her in death a year ago.

“May she rest in peace.”

Born: 08 May 1882
Died: 23 Oct 1931

Transcribed by L. Pfister, Submitted by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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Metamora Herald

Feb. 21, 1908

BURIED AT LOURDES

Funeral of Late Charles Theobald

Largely Attended Monday

The funeral of the late Chas. Theobald who died at his home at Lourdes, last Thursday morning, was held from the Lourdes church on Monday. The remains were taken from the house at 10 o'clock, where requiem high mass was offered by Rev. Father Gensler. The assembly was the largest seen at Lourdes for sometime, attesting the esteem in which the deceased was held. Internment was made in the cemetery at the church after the services had concluded.

Deceased was one of the early residents of the neighborhood of Lourdes as well as being one of the oldest survivors of the early settlers. When he settled in the timber west of town in 1853, after coming here, the place now called Lourdes, then known as Black Partridge, was perhaps the best known settlement in the county, and thither the German immigrants, as they came over, went. The rich prairie, then a succession of swamps, was thought undesirable land, and besides, the foreigners appreciated the value of timber. Mr. Theobald’s first acquisition was a twenty-acre tract, which he purchased from John Wagner. Six years later he purchased a larger farm and moved on it. With his wife he has been living a retired life for some years, and a year or two ago moved near the Lourdes church, where the couple has since resided.

Mr. Theobald was born in Prussia, May 26. 1828. He immigrated to this country in 1852 coming first to Chicago. He remained in Chicago one year then came to Worth township, which has been his home since. In 1856 on June 10, he was married at Peoria to Mary Anna Simeon, who has been his life partner since. Eleven children were born to the couple, eight of whom are living. These are Henry, of South Dakota; Anna, wife of Chas. Studor; Rosa, wife of Peter Kiesewetter; Joseph, Frank and Michael; Dina, wife of Weigand Parr; and Lena, wife of Jacob Alig.

Submitted by Marjorie Grebner Welsch

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From an untitled newspaper clipping.

Clyde W. Thommen

Washington - The funeral for Clyde W. Thommen, 75, of 425 Gillman Ave., Washington, formerly of Roanoke, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Washington, the Rev. David Likeness officiating. Burial will be in Roanoke Township Cemetery with military rites by Roanoke American Legion Post 463. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. tomorrow at Remmert Funeral Home, Roanoke, and one hour before the service at the church.

He died at 3:24 p.m. Saturday (May 8, 1999) at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.

Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1923, at Roanoke, a son of Edward and Victorine Hennebelle Thommen. He married Mary Rae Sloter on Nov. 8, 1944, at Bloomington. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Bob Thommen, Washington; and Bill Thommen, Carmel, Ind.; two brothers, Edward Thommen, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Roy Thommen, Germantown Hills; one sister, Harriet (Bill) Arndt, Rutland; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Thommen retired from the Caterpillar Mossville Plant as general foreman of the tool room.

He served in the US Army during World War II and was a member of the Roanoke American Legion Post 463. He was also a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Washington.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Daily Pantagraph, Bloomington, Illinois March 3, 1955

Truck-Train Crash Kills One at El Paso

Alta Thompson Fatally Injured; Mate in Hospital

El Paso - Mrs. Alta Thompson, 46, was fatally injured about 1 p.m. Wednesday when the truck in which she was riding was struck by an Illinois Central freight train on the Third Street crossing in El Paso.

Mrs. Thompson died while enroute to a Bloomington hospital by ambulance. Her husband, Glenn, was injured in the crash. He was taken to Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington. His condition was described as satisfactory Wednesday night.

Another passenger, Mrs. Thompson's grandson, Ricky Roberts, was not seriously injured. He was taken to the home of an uncle, Ed Stephens. He had been staying with Mrs. Thompson.

Trucked Flipped Over

The empty gravel truck in which the three were riding spun around after the impact and turned over. The truck is owned by Louie Meyer, for whom Mr. Thompson worked.

A large crowd was quick to gather at the scene, coming from the El Paso Community Sale, in progress just three blocks away. The sale was called off for one hour after the wreck until the crowd returned.

Mr and Mrs Thompson had just been married 14 days.

An inquest has been set by Coroner Joe Hallett of McLean County for 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22 at the courthouse in Bloomington.

She was brought to the Vincent Memorial Home. Arrangements are incomplete.

Native of Indiana

Mrs. Thompson was born March 4, 1908, at La Porte, Ind., daughter of Melvin and Lillie Burdon Robbins. She was married to Lester Lee Stephens May 16, 1925 at La Porte. He died Aug. 27, 1947, near El Paso. On Feb 29, 1955, she was married to Glenn Thompson of Secor at Muskogee, Okla.

Survivors include her father of El Paso; her husband; three sons. Francis Edward and Warren Stephens, both of El Paso and James Le Roy Stephens at home; two daughters, Mrs. Betty Jean Roberts at home and Mrs. Donna Mae Floyd of Bloomington; six sisters, Mrs. Raymond Blair and Miss Ruth Robbins, both of El Paso, Mrs Henry Kaiser, Three Oaks, Mich.; Mrs. Donald Whitmer, Louiston, Mo., and Mrs. Albert Huhnke and Mrs. Marvin Baker, both of Walkerton, Ind.; two brothers, Melvin and Robert D. Robbins, both of El Paso and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother and one brother, Charles Leonard, killed in World War II.

She was a member of the El Paso Methodist Church.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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The Metamora Herald
May 22, 1953

HENRY TIMMERMAN OF MINONK DIES, AGED 89

Henry Timmerman, 89, died at 11 p. m. at his home southwest of Minonk. He had been in failing health for a long period.

The body was taken to the Tallyn-Folkers memorial home where services were held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday. The Rev. Paul Buchmueller, pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed church, officiated. Burial was in Minonk cemetery.

Mr. Timmerman was born in Germany Nov. 19, 1863. He accompanied his parents to the U.S. and settled in the vicinity of Minonk at the age of nine. He married Miss Marie Meiroth in Minonk March 31, 1892. She died Nov. 26, 1951.

Surviving are fours sons, Peter, Henry, Jr., Herman and Walter, all of Minonk; four daughters, Mrs. Katie Von Behren and Mrs. Marie Jacobs, both of Minonk, Mrs. Anna Uphoff of El Paso and Mrs. Josephine Koopman of Flanagan, 14 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

He was a member of St. Paul’s church. He farmed most of his life.

Date of Death: May 14, 1953

Source: Microfilm; IL Prairie District Library, Woodford County, IL

Transcribed and donated by Kathleen

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Tazewell Co Reporter, Illinois 11 August 1921

Mrs. Heike Tjaden, one of the best known and one of the oldest residents in Linn Township, passed away on August 2, at the home place west of Benson, where she had resided continuously for fifty-five years. Mrs. Tjaden had been suffering with sickness for a long time.

Funeral services were held August 4, at the Lutheran church west of Benson, with the pastor, Rev. J. W. Hafermann in charge. Burial was at the church cemetery.

Elsena Schlachter was born in Germany June 10, 1848, but when she was three years old the family came to America and located at Peoria. Later they moved to the vicinity of Benson which had since been the home. The husband died fourteen years ago.

Eight children survive the mother's death, they being the following: Mrs. Fred Buettemeier, who resides on the home place; Mrs. H. J. Collmann, Mrs. Jacob Abens and Mrs. Herman Poppinga, of Gilmore City, Iowa; Mrs. Herman Claussen of Palmer, Iowa; Robert Tjaden of Rockwell City, Iowa; Mrs. Fred Heye Folkers of Delevan, Wis. There also survives one brother, Robert Schlachter of Glenvil, Nebr. Fifty-eight grandchildren and forty-eight great-grandchildren also survive.

Mrs. Tjaden was not only highly esteemed but she was dearly beloved by all those who knew her. She was a type of motherly woman who makes of the home the dearest spot in all the world and in this respect she left a heritages (sic) of cherished memories that will cling with her children for many and many a day.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald, Woodford Co, Illinois 11 December 1953

George Tjaden, 72, Passes Away at his Home in Cazenovia

Body at Mason Funeral Home; Services Sat., 1:30 in Metamora Mennonite Church

George Tjaden, 72, native of Linn township, Woodford county and a resident of Cazenovia the last 19 years, died at his home there Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 11:30 a.m. He had been in failing health the last six months.

The body was brought to the Mason funeral home in Metamora, where friends will be received after 7 p.m. today (Friday).

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Metamora Mennonite church. The body will be taken to the church one hour before the services, which will be at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. LeRoy Kennel conducting the services. Interment will be in Glen Dale Cemetery, Washington.

Deceased was a son of Charles [Tjade] and Mary Smith [Heimke Schmidt] Tjaden and was born in Linn township Oct. 8, 1881. He had spent the greater part of his life in farming. He was united in marriage with Addie Schoon in Washington, Ill. April 12, 1904.

Survivors are his wife and the following brothers and sisters: Harm Tjaden of Benson, Ralph Tjaden of Lowpoint, Charles Tjaden of Chenoa, Clarence Tjaden of Peoria, Jack Tjaden of Cazenovia, Katie Brauer of Rockford, Annie Reddy of Peoria and Minnie Moreland of Los Angeles, Calif.

Mr. Tjaden had many friends and his death is mourned generally throughout this part of the county. He was a kindly, neighborly gentleman, with a friendly greeting for all and will be sadly missed in the community.

Metamora Herald 18 December 1953

Many Attend Funeral Rites for Geo. Tjaden

Relatives and many friends of the late George Tjaden, 72, who died at his home in Cazenovia Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 11:30 a.m., paid their respects at the Mason funeral home in Metamora last Friday evening and attended the funeral services Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in the Metamora Mennonite church.

The services were conducted by the Rev. LeRoy Kennel, assistant pastor of the church.

Pall bearers were Merrill Kennedy, Melvin Bachman, Lester Risser, Roy Imhoff, Dane Stivers, Edward Zoss. Interment was in Glen Dale cemetery, Washington, Ill.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Untitled, undated newspaper clipping

George Tjaden, 80, of Benson died at 11 p.m. Sunday (June 4, 1989) at St Mary's Hospital in Streator.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Remmert Funeral Home, Roanoke, and at 11 a.m. at St Peter Lutheran Church near Benson. Burial will be in St Peter Lutheran Cemetery, the Rev Joseph Bleakley officiating.

Mr. Tjaden was born April 10, 1909, near Benson, a son of Louis M. and Ella Wragge Tjaden.

He is survived by one brother, Ernest, Benson; and three sisters, Anna Tjaden, Elsie Schroeder and Edna Von Behren, all of Benson.

One brother and one sister preceded him in death.

He was a member of St Peter Lutheran Church, the Peoria Skeet and Trap Club and an honorary member of the Izaak Walton League.

Mr. Tjaden was a former director of the Benson Farmers Co-op and a former Woodford County Farm Bureau member. He had farmed in the Benson area all his life.

Memorials may be made to St Peter Lutheran Church or Benson ambulance.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping (she died 6 November 1963)

Mrs. Hannah Tjaden, 84, Benson, Died in Sycamore

Click on the picture for a larger version

Mrs. Hannah Tjaden, 84, of Benson, died about noon Wednesday at a Sycamore, Ill., hospital where she had been a patient one month. She had become ill while visiting a daughter, Mrs. Peral Kelsey at Genoa.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St Paul's Lutheran church in Benson, with the Rev. Clarence Gess officiating. Burial will be in Clayton cemetery. Friends may call at the Wilcox-Folkers Memorial Home in Benson after 4 p.m. Friday. The body will be taken to the church at noon Saturday where friends may call up to the time of service.

She was born July 1, 1879 (incorrect - she was born 2 July 1884), two and one half miles north of Roanoke, the daughter of John and Anna Woltzen (incorrect - her parents were Albert and Bernhardina Saathoff Woltzen). She married Harm Tjaden in 1900 and he passed away in August of 1958.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Fanny Hansen, Streator, Mrs. Kelsey of Genoa; three sons, Edward, Minonk; Louis, Hudson; and Lester of Benson; one sister, Mrs. Heimka Moritz of Pontiac, seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Six sisters and five brothers preceded her in death.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

And Amy also furnished the photo

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

Harm Tjaden, 79, Benson Farmer, Died in Hospital Last Night - Funeral Services to be Held on Saturday

Harm Tjaden, 79, a lifelong resident of the Benson-Minonk area, died at 7:45 o'clock last night (Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1958) at St Francis hospital, Peoria. Mr. Tjaden had a stroke last February, but had recovered and was in fairly good health until a week ago, when he became ill and entered the hospital.

The body was taken to the Tallyn-Folkers Memorial Home in this city, where friends may call after 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon (Friday). Funeral services will be held from St Paul's Lutheran church in Benson on Saturday, Aug. 30, with burial in the Benson cemetery.

Mr. Tjaden was born in Linn township, west of Minonk, on June 28, 1878, a son of Tjade and Heimke Smidt Tjaden. He was united in marriage with Hannah Woltzen on Aug. 30, 1900. She survives, and they would have observed their 58th wedding anniversary this coming Saturday, Aug. 30.

Mr. Tjaden farmed in Linn township until 1912, when he moved to a farm a mile north of Benson. In 1914 he moved to a farm east of Benson, where he and Mrs. Tjaden have since resided. Mr. Tjaden served three terms as a trustee of St Paul's Lutheran church of Benson, and also served as a director of the Farmers Co-Op. Elevator, in Benson, for 28 years, resigning in 1957.

Surviving, besides his widow, Mrs. Hannah Tjaden, are their five children: Mrs. Ervain Hansen (Fannie), of Streator; Edward Tjaden of Minonk; Louis Tjaden of Hudson; Lester Tjaden of Benson; and Mrs. Roy Kelsey (Pearl) of Kirkland. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and by four brothers and three sisters; Clarence Tjaden of Peoria; Jack Tjaden of Cazenovia; Ralph Tjaden of Lowpoint; Charles Tjaden of Los Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. Eno Brauer (Kate) of Rockford; Mrs. Al Moreland (Minnie) of California; and Mrs. Clifford Reddy (Ann) of Peoria. Three sisters and a brother preceded him in death.

Transcribed and donated by Amy Robbins-Tjaden

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Metamora Herald 19 February 1970

John Tjaden dies at age of 74

John (Jack) Tjaden, 74, died at Eureka Hospital at 12:03 p.m. Friday. He had been a patient since Feb. 1.

Funeral services were Monday at Mason Funeral Home, Metamora, the Rev. Kenneth Roedder officiated. Burial was in Park View Cemetery, Peoria.

He was born Aug. 13, 1895, in Lowpoint, a son of Charles and Mary Smith (Tjade and Heimke Schmidt) Tjaden. He married Hazel Stivers Aug. 26, 1917.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Dale, Dewitt, Iowa; Byron, Pekin; five grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ann Reddy, Peoria; Mrs. Minnie Moreland, Los Angeles, Calif.; a brother, Clarence, Peoria.

Nine brothers and sisters preceded him in death.

He was a foreman at Altorfer Bros. for 39 years. He retired 11 years ago and had lived in Cazenovia for 24 years.

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping

Lester Ernst Tjaden, 89, of 1012 W. Davidson St., Roanoke, died at 4:40 a.m. Friday (Oct. 12, 2001) at his residence.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Benson, the Rev. Peter Reuss officiating. Burial will be in Clayton Township Cemetery, Benson, with military rites by Benson American Legion Post 454. Visitation will be 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Knapp-Johnson-Harris Funeral Home, Roanoke, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to Methodist Hospice.

He was born July 10, 1912, in rural Benson, a son of Harm and Hannah Woltzen Tjaden. He married Ida Mae Gilbert on Jan. 10, 1942, at Bloomington. She survives.

Other survivors include a daughter, Sharon (Gerry) Trantina, Fort Myers Beach, Fla.; a son, David (Diane) Tjaden, Gurnee; and a sister, Pearl Kelsey, Genoa.

Also surviving are three grandchildren, Aaron (Theresa) Trantina, Michael Tjaden and Sarah Trantina; a great-grandson, Matthew Trantina; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, two brothers and a sister preceded him in death.

Lester was a farmer in the Benson area for all his life. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Benson.

He was an Air Force Veteran of World War II and was a member of Benson American Legion Post 454.

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Bloomington, Illinois Pantagraph

Friday, Aug. 21, 1992

Louis A. Tjaden

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Hudson - The private funeral of Louis A. Tjaden, 86, of 312 S. Broadway St, Hudson, a longtime farmer, will be Saturday at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.

The Rev. Carl H. Miller will officiate. Mr. Tjaden was cremated. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens.

There will be no visitation. East Lawn-Brady Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Tjaden died at 6:53 p.m. Wednesday, (Aug. 19, 1992) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

He was born July 1, 1906, in Lowpoint, a son of Harm and Hannah Woltzen Tjaden. He married Violet M. Kelsey on Dec. 26, 1929 in Benson. She died Feb. 18, 1989.

Surviving are a son, Don, Hudson; a brother, Ted, Roanoke; two sisters, Fanny Hansen, Streator, and Pearl Kelsey, Hudson; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Mr. Tjaden farmed most of his life in the McLean County area and did farm custom work. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bloomington.

Memorials may be made to the El Paso Fire and Rescue Squad.

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Metamora Herald 9 October 1931

Charles M. Tjaden, son of George and Elizabeth Tjaden, was born in Monshuem, Germany March 5, 1851. He was one of a family of five children.

In 1857 he came with his parents to America and located at Peoria, Illinois. Later they came to Linn Twp in Woodford Co. On August 5, 1874 he was united in marriage with Mary J. Schmidt. To this union were born thirteen children, eleven of whom are still living. They are: Mrs. Lizzie Broers of Cazenovia, Mrs. Kate Brauer of Rockford, Mrs. Mary Wells of Detroit, Mich., Mrs. Anna Reddy of Peoria, Mrs. Minnie Moreland of Gary, Ind., Harm of Benson, George of Washington, Ralph of Chicago, Clarence of Peoria, Charles of Chicago and John of Peoria. Two children, Mrs. Ida Hemsath and an infant, preceded in death.

The family resided on a farm in Linn Twp until 1908 when Mr. and Mrs. Tjaden retired and settled in Lowpoint. In 1926 their married life of over 51 years was brought to a close by the passing away of Mrs. Tjaden. Five years later, after a period of intense suffering, death also claimed Mr Tjaden. He died at 1:45 Tuesday morning, 6 October 1931, at his home in Lowpoint. He had attained the age of 80 years, 7 months and 1 day.

There remain to mourn his passing his eleven children, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral was held a 1:00 Thursday afternoon in the Lowpoint church. In charge were Rev W.A. Stauffer and Rv M.W. Lang. Interment was in the Lutheran cemetery near Benson.

[Notes: Names in this obit have been Americanized. His birthname was Tjade Meemen Tjaden. He was born in Engerhafe, Ostfriesland, a son of Gerjet Memminga and Elisabeth Hildebrandts Memminga. He married Heimke J. Schmidt.]

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Minonk News Dispatch, February 22, 1989

Violet M. Tjaden

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The private family committal service of Violet M. Tjaden, 78, Hudson, was held Tuesday at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington, the Rev. Carl H. Miller officiating.

Brady Funeral Home, Bloomington, was in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Tjaden, who was cremated, died at 5:29 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 1989 at Brokaw Hospital, Normal.

She was born April 1, 1910, a daughter of Walter and Elsie Ruvenacht Kelsey. She married Louis Tjaden December 26, 1919, in Benson. He survives.

Other survivors include one son, Don, Hudson; two brothers, Stanley Kelsey, Minonk, and Dr. E. E. Kelsey, DVM, El Paso; one sister, Mildred Platzek, Chugiak, Alaska; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

One brother preceded her in death.

Mrs. Tjaden was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bloomington, to which memorials may be made.

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From the Minonk News 31 January 1901

Gert Cornelius Tjardes

Mr. Gert Cornelius Tjardes, a former citizen of this place, died Jan. 23, 1901, at the home of his son, John Tjardes, at the age of over 87 years. He was born April 6, 1813 at Funix, Hanover, Germany; married in 1847 and emigrated to this country in 1864, settling down first in Peoria. Sometime after he came to Minonk. He joined the German Baptist Church in 1869, at the time when Mr. Melchert the founder of this church was preaching here. Some eight years ago he removed to Saybrook where he lived with his son until death came. Old age was the cause of his death. The funeral was held from the German Baptist Church, in this city Friday, Jan. 18, 1901 at ten o'clock a.m. He leaves a son, a daughter-in-law and five grandchildren.

[Note: He is buried in Minonk Township Cemetery next to his wife. Their names on the tombstone are Gerd C. and Gesche M. TJARDES.]

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Lucile

Bloomington, Illinois Pantagraph

MINONK -- Lucile Johanna Tolan, 84, Minonk, died at 5:45 a.m. Sunday (July 15, 2007) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minonk.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk, with the Rev. Daniel Gansch-Boythe officiating. Burial will follow in Minonk Township Cemetery, Minonk. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. prior to services Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Minonk Ambulance; Heritage Manor Volunteers; or St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Minonk.

Calvert & Froelich Memorial Home, Minonk, is in charge of arrangements.

Lucile was born July 28, 1922, in Minonk, the daughter of John and Gretke Harms Kettwich. She married Lyle E. Tolan on June 22, 1941, in Minonk. He preceded her in death on March 3, 1988.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Norbert) Soltwedel, Shumway, and Lois (John) Freberg, Oneida; two sons, Emerson (Betty) Tolan, Minonk, and James (Barbara) Tolan, Rochelle; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, one brother and one grandson.

She was raised and educated in Minonk. She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family.

She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Minonk. She was a 4-H Leader for many years, and a member of the Woodford County Home Extension.

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From an untitled, undated newspaper clipping:

Benson Child Dies - Julia Trantina, Aged Ten, Passes Away at Peoria Hospital

Julia, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Trantina of Benson, died at the St Francis hospital at Peoria on Sunday, following an operation for appendicitis. She was born at Benson, where she spent all her life, on May 1, 1914; thus at her death her age was 10 years and 24 days.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. church at Benson on Tuesday afternoon, attended by a large number, and the great number of beautiful floral pieces, gave evidence of the sympathy felt by the community. Julia had been a very popular little girl. In her Sunday school she will be sadly missed, as she was always present.

Besides the parents, there survive three brothers, Victor, Carl and Virgil, and two sisters, Pearl and Alberta.

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From an undated, untitled newspaper clipping:

Minonk Girl of 13 Years Passed Away Saturday

Juanita Turner, 13 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Turner, died Saturday night at their home west of Minonk. Besides the parents, there survive three sisters: Mrs. Paul Koehler and Mabel and Velma Turner.

Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church in Minonk city Tuesday afternoon, with Rev. L.C. Taylor in charge. Burial was in Minonk cemetery.

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