Obituary for Charles SMITH
The Rushville Times, January 13, 1916
    Charles Smith, aged about forty years, passed away Tuesday at his home in Bainbridge Township, his ailment being leakage of the heart. He is survived by a wife and three children. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) from the Christian church in Pleasantview. Interment in the Messerer cemetery.

   Obituary for John A. QUINN
The Rushville Times, April 26, 2000, page 13, column 3
    John A. Quinn, 88, of Colchester, died Monday, April 24, 2000, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
    He was born April 21, 1912, in Schuyler County, the son of John and Sarah Croxton Quinn. He married Gertrude “Bette” Kirkpatrick on Sept. 26, 1942, at Kahoka, Mo. She survives.
    Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Tom (Lola) Shallenberger of Snellville, Ga., and Mrs. Albert (Roberta) Moore of Colchester; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Clarence Bert Quinn of Beardstown.
    He was preceded in death by four brothers, six sisters, and his parents.
    He worked as a coal miner, auto mechanic, and for the McDonough County Highway Department, retfring in 1974. He was a member of the Victory Baptist Church of Macomb.
    Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday April 26, 2000 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens with the Rev. Wayne Matheson officiating. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home of Macomb is in charge of arrangements.
    Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church.

   Obituary for Charles J. KERR
The Rushville Times, April 26, 2000, page 13, column 2
    Charles J. “Chick” Kerr, 80, Rushville, died Tuesday, April 18, 2000, at the McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
    He was born Jan. 15, 1920, in Rushville, to the late Lewis J. and Geneva Hammond Kerr. He married Irene Chapdelaine Feb. 28, 1946, in the Virginia Community Building at Scripps Park in Rushville. She died July 16, 1999.
    Surviving are three sons, Charles Robert “Bob” Kerr (wife, Sue), of Topeka, James Michael Kerr (wife, Barb), and Thomas William Kerr (wife, Terri), all of Rushville; two daughters, Mary Katherine Danner and Mrs. Todd (Elaine Ann) Boyd, both of Rushville; 13 grandchildren; two step grandchildren: a sister, Virginia A. Corley of Marseilles; and a brother, John H. Kerr of Wilmington, Del.
    He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and William Kerr, and one sister, Betty J. Whalen.
    An Army Air Force veteran of World War II, he was a member of Schuyler American Legion Post 4. He also was a member of Rushvile Moose Lodge 506; Rushville Lodge 9, A.F. & A.M.; Rushville Commandry 56, Knights Templar; and Ansar Shrine of Springfield.
    In his early years, he was associated with Kerr Hardware in Rushville. He was a member of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 137 in Springfield, retiring in 1985.  He was in charge of the Duck Program at Scripps Park.
    He and his wife delivered Meals-On-Wheels in Rushville for many years. He also was a member of the Rushville Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
    Funeral services were Friday at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Father Robert Reynolds officiating. Burial was in the Rushville City Cemetery where military services were conducted by Schuyler American Legion Post 4. Memorials may be given to the Rushville Fire Department Thermal Imagery Fund.

   Obituary for Alice Rose GREENE GROEN
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 3
    Alice Rose Greene Groen, 79, of Pekin, died Thursday; April 27, 2000, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
    She was born Jan. 4, 1921, in Camden, to Glenn A. and Esther R. (Rang) Greene. She married Albert L. Groen on June 20, 1953, in Pekin. He survives of Marietta, Ga.
    Also surviving are two daughters, Karen R. Erlanger of St. Louis, Mo., and Susan K. (and Jay) Gouliard of Marietta, Ga.; three grandchildren; and one brother, Vernon F. Greene of Belleville.
    One daughter, Sally Lynn Groen, preceded her in death.
    She was a 1938 graduate of Rushville High School and had attended Illinois Central College in East Peoria.
    She was the executive administrative assistant for 19 years at Jefferson Bank in Peoria, retiring April 30, 1987.
    She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pekin and past president of the Pekin Woman’s Club.
    Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a memorial service in Marietta, Ga. Burial of the cremated remains will be held at a later date in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Noel-Henderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
    Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 711 Creetwood, Peoria, IL 61614.

   Obituary for Bertah Mabel CALDWELL KIRCHNER
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 4
    Bertha Mabel Kirchner, 83, of Beardstown, died Thursday, April 27, 2000, in Springfield’s Memorial Hospital.
    She was born Jan. 2, 1917, in Cass County, the daughter of Joseph Thomas Caldwell and Mabel Brasel. She married Howard Francis Kirchner on June 20, 1934, at the St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown. He preceded her in death on June 17, 1977. She also was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Carl Caldwell, and a sister, Ollie Herron.
    She is survived by two daughters, Doris A. (husband Claude) Spradlin of Ashland and Mary Beth Gentle of Rushville; three grandsons; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters; numerous nieces and nephews; and one sister, Betty (husband Marshall) Dorsey of Beardstown.
    She attended Beardstown High School. She worked as a retail manager in Beardstown for 20 years. During her life, she loved to sew and was an avid seamstress, making wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses and several dancing costumes. She also loved to fish and play cards. She belonged to numerous card clubs and was a charter member and past president of the Beardstown Emblem Club.
    Funeral services were held Monday, May 1, 2000, at the St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown. Saying of the Rosary was held Sunday. The Emblem Club performed a memorial service. Burial was in the Beardstown City Catholic Cemetery. Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Beardstown Emblem Club or the St. Alexius Catholic Church.

   Obituary for Violet H. MYERS
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 5
    Violet H. Myers, 92, of Astoria, died Thursday, April 27, 2000 at Astoria Healthcare Center.
    She was born Feb. 24, 1908, in Astoria, the daughter of Charles A. and Mamie C. (Curtis) Myers.
    She was preceded in death by one sister, Helen.
    Surviving are two brothers, Charles C. Myers of Astoria and Merlin C. (wife Wanda) Myers of Ipava; two sisters, Martha C. Howell of Oklahoma City, Okla, and Mrs. Joe (Lauralee) Sedmack of Redland, Calif.
    She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Highland Park, Calif. She had been employed as a secretary at Ausburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., and also worked at the Rock Island Arsenal.
    Services were Saturday, April 29, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria with Collis Trone officiating. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery in Astoria.
    Memorials may be made to Woodland Church of The Brethren or Astoria Healthcare Center.

   Obituary for Dorothy May MCDANIEL PETERSON
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 4
    Dorothy May Peterson, 83, of Mt. Sterling, died April 27, 2000, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Mt. Sterling.
    She was born June 11, 1916, in Versailles, the daughter of William Leslie and Mary Angeline Coulter McDaniel. She married Virginius V. Perry. He preceded her in death in 1948. She then married James Wilson Peterson. He preceded her in death in 1987.
    She was a homemaker and was a member of the Mt. Sterling First United Methodist Church.
    She also was preceded in death by two infant sons in 1943, a son, Daniel Lee Perry, in 1970, and a brother, Roy McDaniel.
    Surviving are two sons, Paul Murray Perry (wife Carol) of Rushville and William “Bill” Peterson (wife Pauline) of Mt. Sterling; one daughter, Kay Peterson Taylor (husband Tom) of Gilmer, Texas; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Funeral service was Saturday, April 29, in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Lyle D. Bullard officiating. Burial was in the Hersman cemetery in Hersman. Hufnagel-Graham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
    Memorials may be made to Heritage Manor Nursing Home Activity Fund, 435 Camden Rd., Mt. Sterling, IL 62353.

   Obituary for Donald B. BAXTER
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 1
    Donald B. Baxter, 76, of Kankakee, died Saturday, April 29, 2000, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.
    He was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Rushville, the son of Herman and Mary (Sargent) Baxter. He married Esther Bader on June 28, 1948, in Bader. She survives.
He was preceded in death by one infant child.
    Surviving are four sons, George (wife Pam) Baxter of Cameron Park, Calif., Dr. Bill (wife Jayne) Baxter of Rockford, John (wife Jean) Baxter of Bourbonnais, and Rick of Kankakee; two daughters, Mary Wilson of Herscher and Mrs. Bill (Lisa) Ebert of Plover, Wisc.; 19 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Dwight (wife Eloise) Baxter of Rushville and Ralph (wife Phyllis) Baxter of Mountain Home, Ark,; and one sister, Mrs. Herman (Louise) McClelland of Rushville.
    He was a member of the Farm House Fraternity of the University of Illinois, where he graduated in 1949, Grace Baptist Church of Kankakee, National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, and Kankakee Local Carpenters Union.
    He was a chemistry and science teacher for 24 years, teaching at Bradley-Bourbonnais school from 1968 to 1986. Prior to that, he taught at Red Bud, Wyoming, and Woodstock schools.
    He was an army veteran of W.W. II, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, 504 Regiment.
    Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 3 at Houston Methodist Church, Oakland Township, Schuyler County with the Rev. John Marvin and Rev. Joe Tomich officiating. Burial will be in the Houston Cemetery, Oakland Township, Schuyler County, with military honors by the Rushville American Legion. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria is in charge of the services.
    Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Academy in Kankakee.

   Obituary for James W. HENNINGER
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 2
    James W. Henninger, 72, of Rushville, died Thursday, April 27, 2000, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.
    He was born Dec. 19, 1927, in Rushville, the son of Jesse Alfred “Fred” and Edith (Long) Henninger. He married Lois Tomlinson on Oct. 11, 1952, in Rushville.  She survives.
    Also surviving are his mother of Rushville; one son, Joe Henninger (wife Cindy) of Rushville; one daughter, Mrs. Tim (Amy) Milligan of Alta Loma, Calif.; two grandsons; and two brothers, Andrew (wife Shirley) of Macomb, and Fredric (wife Sherry) of Rushville.
    He was preceded in death by one brother, John, and a sister, Patsy Lynn.
    An Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was a farmer. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Rushville, Schuyler American Legion Post 4, and the VFW.
    Funeral services were Monday at the Wood-Roby Funeral Chapel in Rushville with Rev. Scott Henley officiating. Burial was in Palm Cemetery west of Rushville with military graveside rites by Schuyler American Legion Post 4.
    Memorials may be given to the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or the Rushville Fire Department’s Thermal Imager Fund.

   Obituary for Helen ROSE WARDELL
The Rushville Times, May 3, 2000, page 17, column 3
    Helen Wardell, 87, of Rushville, died Monday, May 1, 2000, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
    She was born Feb. 13, 1913, in Woodstock Township, Schuyler County; the daughter of the late William and Julia Clark Rose.
    A graduate of Rushville High School, she worked several years as a secretary to J. M. Loring, James Long, and Sterling Swearingen.
    At the beginning of WW II, she worked at the first defense plant in Illinois at Illiopolis. She was later transferred to Bakersfield, Calif., Knoxville, Tenn., and various other defense plants.
    She married L. A. McDowell on July 3, 1946. He preceded her in death in 1969.
    She was an animal lover and helped many animals that needed a home.  She was a former member of the Schuyler Home Extension and the Federation of Women. She volunteered for a number of years for the Multiple Sclerosis Organization in New Jersey. She attended the First Southern Baptist Church in Rushville.
She is survived by one son, Dennis Wardell of Macomb; one daughter, Denise Peterman of Rushville; and two granddaughters.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Harvey Rose; and two sisters, Vera Rose and Nettie Malcomson.
    Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Wood-Roby Funeral Chapel in Rushville with Rev. Mike Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Rushville City Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
    Memorials may be given to the Schuyler County Senior Citizens Center.

Death Notice for Mrs. Hite CRAWFORD
The Rushville Times, January 13, 1916
    Rushville relatives received news Wednesday morning announcing the death of Mrs. Hite Crawford, who died in a hospital in Kewanee Tuesday night. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Burton of Ripley and Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Crawford of this city went to Kewanee Wednesday noon to attend the funeral.

Obituary for Jacob D. CRONE
The Rushville Times, January 13, 1916
J. D. Crone Accidentally Shot.
His Life May be Saved by Operation Performed by Dr. Bacon.
    Jacob D. Crone, a well known farmer of Woodstock, was accidentally shot with a 22 calibre rifle on Thursday of last week, and while his condition is yet critical hopes are entertained for his recovery.
    Friday morning he was taken to St. Francis hospital in Macomb where Dr. Bacon performed the operation that may save his life. The operation disclosed the fact that the large intestine was pierced by the bullet, which found lodgement in his hip, and no attempt was made to probe for the missle that passed almost thru his body.
    On Thursday afternoon of last week Mr. Crone and his son Dwight planned to butcher a hog, and while maneuvering to get the animal in position the rifle in the hands of the son was accidentally discharged. Dwight did not know that the gun had been discharged until his father called out that he had been shot, but he managed to maintain an upright position and assisted by his son started to walk to the house, but his ebbing strength was unequal to the task.
    Dr. J. C. Sheiner was called to attend Mr. Crone, and he summoned Dr. Schweer of Beardstown with the idea of operating at once at the home, but on consultation it was decided to remove the patient to a hospital, and he was brought to Rushville Thursday night on a sled and taken to Macomb by train. It was 9 o'clock Friday morning when the operation was performed at St. Francis hospital, and the surgeons were doubtful as to the outcome of the case as the wound was an extremely critical one, and under the most favorable conditions difficult to relieve.

The Rushville Times, January 20, 1916
J. D. Crone Died Monday.
Funeral Services Held at Bethel Church Wednesday Morning.
    Jacob D. Crone, who was accidentally shot at his home in Woodstock township two weeks ago today, died at St. Francis hospital at Macomb on Monday morning from poisoning of the abdomen resulting from the wound. The bullet pierced the large intestine, and when an operation was performed the surgeons were doubtful as to the outcome as such are rarely successful. For a time Mr. Crone rallied from the shock of the wound and operation, and his family and friends had hope of his recovery, but the poison slowly made headway against his robust constitution and several days before his death the loved ones who were at his bedside were told that there was no possible chance for recovery.
    On Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock funeral services were held at Bethel church in Woodstock township, conducted by Rev. James Hardin Smith, and the large attendance of friends and neighbors was a tribute to the high esteem in which Mr. Crone was held by all who knew him, and there is universal sorrow in the community where his life was spent, and his family has the deepest sympathy of all their friends.
    The following obituary was read at the funeral:
    Jacob D. Crone was born in York, Penn., May 24th, 1868. He was the son of George S. and Amanda Crone. When at the age of four years his parents came to Schuyler county, where he has spent his entire life.
    He was the oldest of a family of four children, who with the parents are left surviving: Mrs. Samuel Davis of Rushville; Mrs. Daniel Marcus of Cuba, Ill.; Jesse Crone, of Mathersville, Ill.
    Mr. Crone was twice married. On March 25th, 1891, he was united in marriage to Louisa V. Robeson. To this union were born two sons, Dwight Lesley, who resides on the home farm in Woodstock township, and Louie Delano, who died at the age of five months. The beloved mother of this family departed this life March 3d, 1896, leaving the deceased with the small sons, which he was assisted in rearing by their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Delano Robeson, until he was united in marriage with Maggie O'Neal on Oct. 4th, 1899, who cared for Dwight as an own mother.
    To this union was born one child which died in infancy.
    Again on June 5th, 1915, the angel of death entered his home, claiming the beloved wife. Since bereft of his companion he has resided with his son Dwight and his wife, who have administered lovingly to him until his life ended on Jan. 17th, 1916, at the St. Francis hospital in Macomb.
    Deceased was converted and joined the Christian church of Rushville on Jan. 10th, 1898, and in the later years of his life he has been a strong upbuilder and faithful worker in the Bethel church and vicinity near his late home. And when he realized his Maker had summoned him to his great reward he expressed to his children who were guarding his bedside a willingness to answer the last call, and requested them to live righteous lives and not to grieve or mourn his demise.
    Mr. Crone was of a kindly, sympathetic nature and unselfish spirit. He always had a willing hand to aid in whatever way he could to all who needed his help. Even in his last hours, thinking and planning for the future comfort of others. Not only the sorrowing family but many friends will miss the ever ready counsel and smile of encouragement with which he helped us on our way, and when it became known thruout the community that God had taken his spirit, in every heart there echoed the thought.

Obituary for Mary RUSSELL
The Rushville Times, January 13, 1916
Died In Her Ninety-Fifth Year
Mrs. Mary Russell Died at Home of Daughter, Mrs. Robt. Crooks Jan. 7.
    Mrs. Mary Russell, the oldest resident of Schuyler, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Crooks, on Friday of last week. She would have been ninety-five years of age had she lived until March 17th.
    For the past five years, Mrs. Russell was confined to her bed, owing to a broken hip, and for twenty-five years she had been blind, but in spite of her misfortunes she ever maintained a cheerful disposition and was appreciative of the tender care of her daughter and family.
    On Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock funeral services were held at the Episcopal church in this city, conducted by Rev. J. M. D. Davidson of Macomb, and the service at the cemetery was taken by Rev. D. V. Gowdy, pastor of the M. E. church.
    The following obituary was prepared by Rev. W. M. Hailey, a former pastor of the M. E. church, and was read at the funeral service:
    Mary Russell, daughter of John and Rebecca Russell, was born March 17th, 1822, in Donegal, Ireland. Died in Rushville Jan. 7th, 1916.
    She came to America in 1853 with her husband William Russell, to whom she was married in 1847, and to this union was born three children, Mrs. Rebecca Crooks, Mrs. Elizabeth McGarvy, who were born in Ireland, and Martha, who was born in Brandy Wine, Delaware. The last two named are both deceased.
    She first settled with her husband in Brandywine, Delaware, or near Wilmington. Three months after their arrival in America Mr. Russell died, leaving the young wife and three children.
    Mrs. Russell was a woman possessed of a remarkable spirit of determination and never found any task too hard for her to perform, and was constantly occupied with the care of her home and the rearing of her children. Aside from this she was a student of the bible and committed to memory many choice passages of scripture, especially the Psalms of David. These scriptures she often repeated in the presence of her friends with much pleasure and profit both to them and herself. The hymns of the church of her childhood were very familiar to her and many of them she often repeated.
    She had been blind for a number of years and unable to read, but what she had read and committed to memory during her youth and young womanhood was ever fresh in her memory, and oft repeated for her own edification and the delight of her friends. Until a short time before the end of her life she never would allow any one to wait upon her, always insisting on doing for herself. Like Solomon's virtuous woman of old, "she looked well to the ways of her household." In her mouth was the law of kindness; she would rather hear of the good any person did than the evil.
    She talked of heaven, and the loved ones there, as often as she did those of the home. Heaven was the real place to her and she felt sure of going there and had made thoro preparation for the going. She was possessed of a wonderful degree of patience; never complained during her sickness and could not express her thanks enough for the kindness of her friends. She loved prayer and religious songs and found pleasure in the holy communion administered to her during her last illness. Her room proved to be a place of blessing and real benediction to the many friends who called upon her. While she was pleased to have them come they always received the greater blessing.
    Thru her long widowhood of over fifty years, and the struggle necessary to care for her family, she never complained of her lot, but bravely cheered them on with her wise counsels and a Christian mother's advice and example. She was a member of the old Covenanter (church) of Ireland, and was true and loyal to its teachings to the end of life.
    Mrs. Crooks and her husband ministered to her during her last illness with a daughter and son's loving care. Her every desire was gratified and while they ministered to her as dutiful children, glad to have the opportunity to do something for such a dear mother. She was a patient and kind one to minister to, giving as little trouble as was possible. Thus can her children and grandchildren arise up and call her blesed.

Obituary for Paul COOPER
The Rushville Times, January 20, 1916
Died of Pneumonia.
    Paul Cooper, son of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Cooper of Huntsville, died on Sunday morning at 9 o'clock of pneumonia. He was a student of the Macomb high school and was taken ill during the Christmas vacation. A young man of unusual ability, his life held out bright hope of promise, and his untimely death is a sad blow to his parents and host of friends in the community where his life was spent. Besides his parents he is survived by one sister, Miss Mary.
    Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Huntsville from the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. C. R. Underwood and several members of the senior class of the Macomb high school attended the service as representatives of the class of which the young man was an honored member.

Death Notice for Raymond SNEIDER and infant STEADMAN
The Rushville Times, January 20, 1916
Death Claims Two at Browning.
    The epidemic of whooping cough in Browning has claimed two victims since Saturday.
    Raymond Sneider, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Sneider, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, and was laid to rest in the Bader cemetery Monday afternoon after short services at the home.
    The eight-month-old child of Mr. and Mrs. John Steadman, passed away Monday morning, and services were held Tuesday. Interment was made in Bader cemetery.
    The epidemic is becoming so dangerous that the afflicted homes are under quarantine.

Obituary for Cora LANNING CURRY
The Rushville Times, January 20, 1916
Died in Moline.
    Mrs. Cora Curry, wife of A. F. Curry, of Moline, died Dec. 31, at the Moline city hospital after a week's illness. Her maiden name was Cora Lanning. She was born on a farm in Schuyler county, Illinois, Feb. 7, 1877. On Feb. 5, 1908, she married Mr. Curry. For several years they lived in Beardstown and three years ago went to Moline. The husband, mother, Mrs. E. L. Lanning of Cordova, and a brother, C. H. Lanning of Iowa, survive. Interment in the Cordova cemetery.

Obituary for Eythel RIDINGS
The Rushville Times, January 20, 1916
    Macomb Journal: Miss Eythel Ridings of Littleton, who has been staying at the home of Dr. J. W. Hermetet, died Saturday morning at 3 o'clock of double pneumonia, with which she had suffered but one week. Had she lived, she would have been eighteen years of age on her next birthday, Feb. 14. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Littleton Methodist church; interment in the Littleton cemetery.
    Deceased, daughter of Arthur and Fannie Ridings, was born at Woodstock, eight miles west of Rushville, Feb. 14, 1898. She resided in that community practically all of her life. This fall she entered the State Normal school here and it was while attending school here that she contracted the disease of which she died. The sympathies of the entire community are extended to the bereft family in their time of sorrow. She is survived by her parents, one brother, Everett, and two sisters, Clara and Nellie, who mourn her loss deeply.

Obituary for Mary NELSON GRAGG
The Rushville Times, April 7, 1910
     The funeral of Mrs. Mary Nelson Gragg, wife of John Gragg, of near Pleasantview, was held on Thursday of last week at the M.E. Church in that village, conducted by the pastor, C. W. Haney. The interment was at the Boling cemetery. The following obituary sketch was read at the services:
    Mary Nelson was born in Alleghany County, PA., July 19, 1833; came with her parents to Schuyler county in 1839; was married to John Gragg October 21,
1853, and died at her late home near Pleasantview March 30, 1910. Mrs. Gragg was an affectionate wife and mother, a kind neighbor, ever ready to assist others in sickness.
    In her youth she identified herself with the Methodist Church, and during the many weeks of suffering from sickness she was calm, with a perfect resignation to the will of God. Her husband and children, except one daughter, who lives in the far west, and her only sister were constantly at her bedside, and the patient mother fully appreciated the tenderness and care she received.
    On Wednesday, March 30, at 11 o'clock a.m., her spirit passed quietly away to the better land, where there is no sickness or death. She has left a husband, three sons-Geo. W., Fred and A.V.; two daughters, Mrs. Ada Ward of Bainbridge township and Mrs. Rose Luxenburger of Spokane, Wa., and thirteen grandchildren; also three brothers-Andrew H. of Pleasantview, Teel of Littleton and Augustus Nelson of Santa Barbara, CA., and one sister, Mrs. Eliza Cordell of Industry.
Submitted by [email protected]

   Obituary for Margaret E. BAILEY BRIDGEWATER
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 1
    Margaret E. Bridgewater, 94, of LaPrairie, formerly of Timewell and Versailles, died Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
    She was born Oct. 15, 1905, in Cass County, the daughter of William Edgar and Ida Mae Howell Bailey, and was raised in the home of her great aunt and uncle, George and Dora Clements, in Schuyler County. She married Raymond Orson Bridgewater on May 17, 1926, in Rushville. He preceded her in death on Nov. 16, 1975.
    Mrs. Bridgewater was a homemaker, and she attended Schuyler County schools. Mrs. Bridgewater was baptized a Christian and attended LaGrange Chapel in Brown County and the Missionary Bible Church of LaPrairie. She was a true nature lover and always enjoyed reading and crocheting.
    Survivors include three daughters, Dora Mae Peacock of Abingdon, Eloise Patton (husband, Bob) of Timewell, and Dorothy Hauser of LaPrairie; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Irene Smyers of Versailles and Merrita Bridgewater of Bardolph; and several nieces and nephews.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Charles Bailey, and one great-granddaughter.
    Funeral services were Friday, May 5, 2000, at the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Bill Brown officiating.
    Burial was in the Mounds Cemetery near Timewell.
    Memorials are suggested to the Quincy Humane Society or the LaPrairie Community Church.
    The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling was in charge of arrangements.

   Obituary for Josephine EVERHART
The Rushville Times, May17, 2000, page 4B, column 1
    Josephine “Josie” Everhart, 76, of Astoria, died Tuesday, May 2, 2000, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    She was born June 11, 1923, in Beardstown, the daughter of Joseph and Mamie May (Anderson) Everhart.
    She is survived by one sister, Fern Everhart of Astoria, and one brother, Joseph Everhart, address unknown.
    She was preceded in death by two siblings.
    She was a homemaker.
    Graveside services were Friday, May 5, 2000, at the Astoria Cemetery with Rev. Clifford Parry officiating. Burial was in the Astoria Cemetery.
    Memorials may be made to the Astoria Township Cemetery Association.
    Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria was in charge of service.

   Obituary for Ernest A. KNOUS
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 2
    Ernest A. Knous, 86, of Beardstown, died late Saturday, May 6, 2000, at his residence.
    He was born April 7, 1914, in Schuyler County, the son of Joshua and Fannie Miller Knous. He married Louella Bishop on Jan. 4, 1939, in Palmyra, Mo. She survives in Beardstown.
    Also surviving are two sons, William “Bill” Knous (wife Carol) and Joshua “Jim” Knous (wife Marcia) both of Beardstown; one daughter, Fannie Weishaar (husband Alfred) of Beardstown; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Dollie Briggs and Mary Edna Bishop, both of Beardstown, and Nettie Steele of Camp Point.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
    He attended school in Pleasant View and Frederick. He was a member of the Frederick Christian Church. He faithfully served his country in World War II from 1942 until 1945 in the 29th Naval Construction Battalion. He was in the European Theater of Operations and received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal for his service in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He also was given a naval award, “Golden Dragon,” in May of 1945 for crossing the International Date Line.
    He served in the Liberation of the Philippine Islands and received a Bronze Star and ribbon for his participation in the bombardment and invasion of the French coast between June 6, 1944, and June 25, 1944. He and his family were most delighted when on Nov. 10, 1997, Congressman William O. Lepenske honored Mr. Knous with the Normandy Jubilee Medal for participating in the invasion on the coast of France.
    He was a lifetime member of the Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 in Beardstown. He was formerly employed by the CB&Q Railroad in Beardstown, had worked in the coal mines in Schuyler County and Petersburg, and later was a member of the Carpenter’s Local Union #904.
    Funeral services for Ernest A. Knous were held Tuesday, May 9, at the First Christian Church in Beardstown with Mike Courson officiating. Burial was in the Beardstown City Cemetery.
    Memorials have been suggested to the Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice or the Frederick Christian Church Building Fund.

   Obituary for George Joseph PATE
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 1
    George Joseph Pate, 65, of Falmouth, Ky., died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, at his home.
    He was born in Rushville on Aug. 16, 1935, the son of the late Lawrence E. and Bertha Jane Dale Pate.
    He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera Pauline Pate, on Dec. 28, 1999.
    He is survived by four sons, Tommy Pate of Falmouth, Ky., John Hall of Beardstown, Ky., Richard Hall of Washington., D.C., and Erik Pate of Bradford, Ark; two daughters, Shelia Bright of Rushville and Beth Bright of Keystone, Fla.; one brother, Roy Pate of Beardstown, Ill.; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
    He was a retired commercial fisherman, U.S. Navy veteran and was an avid hunter and trapper. He was a member of the Baptist Church.
    A memorial service was held Saturday, May 6, 2000, at Peoples Funeral Home in Falmouth, Ky.

   Obituary for Louella C. BISHOP KNOUS
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 3
    Louella C. Knous, 78, of Beardstown, died early Saturday morning, May 13, 2000, at her residence.
    She was born Aug. 8, 1921, in Sheldon’s Grove, the daughter of James Ezekiel and Margaret Caroline Irvin Bishop. She married Ernest A. Knous on Jan. 4, 1939, in Palmyra, Mo. He preceded her in death, one week prior to her death, on May 6, 2000.
    Surviving are two sons, William “Bill” Knous (wife Carol) and Joshua “Jim” Knous (wife Marcia) both of Beardstown; one daughter, Fannie Weishaar (husband Alfred) of Beardstown; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one brother, Harold Bishop (wife Zelda) of Lockport; and three sisters, Mary Jane Pate of Beardstown, Edna Kirkham of Rushville, and Joan Kirkham (husband Edgar) of Fort Meyers, Fla.
    She also was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and two sisters.
    Mrs. Knous attended school in Frederick and was a member of the Frederick Christian Church.  For 30 years Mrs. Knous was a cab driver for several cab companies in the Beardstown area as well as owning and operating a cab company in Petersburg from 1951 until 1952. She retired in 1981.
    Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 16, at the First Christian Church in Beardstown with Mike Courson officiating. Burial was in the Beardstown City Cemetery. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of services.
    Memorials have been suggested to the Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice or the Frederick Christian Church Building Fund.

Tammie Orr Brown   Obituary for Twila M. ORR
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 6
    Twila M. Orr, 76, of the Astoria Healthcare Center, formerly of Rushville, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at the St. John’s Medical Center in Springfield.
    She was born Oct. 10, 1923, in Summum, to the late Guy and Estella Berquist Thomas. She married Tommie Orr on Jan. 29, 1948, in Palmyra, Mo. He died Dec. 6, 1999.
    Surviving are three sons, Philip Orr, James Lee Orr and Dennis M. Orr, all of Rushville; three daughters, Mary Ann Wade of Canton, and Norma Sue Atwater and Rita Mae Gray, both of Rushville; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, Betty Phillips of Peoria.
    She was preceded in death by four brothers, Ronnie, Harry, Willard and Wayne Thomas.
    Funeral services were held Saturday at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Jim Shirley officiating. Burial was in the Rushville City Cemetery.
    Memorials may be given to the Astoria Healthcare Center.

   Obituary for Mildred I. FALKINGHAM PATTERSON
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 2
    Mildred I. Patterson, 84, of Washington, died May 15, 2000, at Washington Christian Village.
    She was born Sept. 19, 1915, in Towanda, the daughter of Wilbur Michael and Bertha Falkingham.
    She married Victor Patterson on Dec. 20, 1939, in Crown Point, Ind. He preceded her in death.
    Survivors include one son, Jerry (wife Jeanne) Thurman of Rushville; nine grandchildren. 15 great-grandchildren; and four brothers, Russell Roseman of Eureka, Wilbur Burt Michael of Bloomington, George Michael of Lombard and Paul Michael of Mackinaw.
    She was preceded in death by one step-son, Victor Patterson, Jr., and two sisters.
    She had been a registered nurse at Fort Lee General Hospital in Petersburg, Va., retiring in 1972. She attended Eureka Church of the Nazarene and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
    Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 18 at Maple Lawn Homes in Eureka with Pastor H. Gordon Barrick officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral at the site of the funeral. Burial will be in Pennell Cemetery in Towanda.
    Memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Homes, American Cancer Society or Harbor Light Hospice of Peoria.

   Obituary for Clifford BELVILLE
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 5
    Clifford Belville, 90, of Astoria, died Friday, May 12, 2000, at Astoria Healthcare Center.
    He was born March 29, 1910, in Macomb, the son of George and Emma (Allison) Belville. He married Lela Stroops on March 15, 1938, in Palmyra, Mo. She survives.
    He was preceded in death by a grandson, two sisters, Bonnie and Dolly, several half-brothers and half-sisters.
    Also surviving are two sons, Herschel (wife Sheila) Belville of Lewistown and Harold (wife Joyce) Belville of Astoria; two grandsons; three great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
    He attended the Assembly of God Church. He had been a farm hand for area farmers and a coal miner.
    Funeral services were held Monday; May 15, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, with Rev. Clifford Parry officiating. Burial was in Ridgeville Cemetery.
    Memorials may be made to the Astoria Assembly of God Church.

   Obituary for Robert H. IMMEL
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 4
    Robert H. “Bob” Immel, 81, of Table Grove, died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
    He was born July 15, 1918, in Peoria, the son of Lester Pete and Rita (Kerker) Immel.
    He married Maxine Leonard on Sept. 25, 1939, in Burlington, Iowa. She survives.
    Also surviving are three daughters, Toby Curley of Table Grove, Mrs. Robert (Shirley) Nelson of Table Grove, and Mrs. Leonard (Kathleen) Wass of Oswego; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 12 step great-grandchildren; one brother, John (wife, Marian) Immel of Peoria; and one sister, Jean Jones of LaFayette, La.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Lester Immel, and one granddaughter.
    He was a member of Macomb VFW Post 1921 and Table Grove American Legion Post 413.
    He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 32 years in Oswego and Peoria, retiring in 1973. He then farmed a 40 acre farm near Table Grove. He was an Army veteran of World War II.
    Services were Saturday, May 6, 2000, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Ipava with Rev. Damien Spikereit officiating.
    Burial was in Ipava Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Table Grove American Legion Post 413.
    Memorials may be made to Table Grove American Legion Post 413.

   Obituary for George H. PHILLIPS
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 5
    George H. Phillips, 89, of Rushville, formerly of Ray, died Monday, May 8, 2000, at his residence.
    He was born Aug. 28, 1910, in Oakland Township in Schuyler County to the late George Samuel and Goldie Skiles Phillips.
    He married Violet Goldsborough. She died April 15, 1971. He later married Mardell Otto High on Sept. 26, 1972, in Havana.
    She survives, along with one step-son, Eugene Myers of Rockford; four step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Vern Phillips of Ray; one sister, Genevieve Russell of Camp Point; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lonora Phillips and Frederica Heaton; three brothers, Temple, Bennie Loren and William “Jay” Phillips.
    He was a member of the former Ray Baptist Church.
    A life long farmer, he was Oakland Township road commissioner for 22 years before retiring.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Robert Kirkham officiating. Burial will be in the Rushville City Cemetery.

   Obituary for Dalbert W. SMITH
The Rushville Times, May 17, 2000, page 4B, column 5
    Dalbert W. Smith, 75, of Lewistown, died Wednesday, May 3, 2000, at Prairieview Care Center of Lewistown.
    He was born July 25, 1924, in Vermont, the son of Darel and Goldie (Sours) Smith.  He married Bessie Simpson on Aug. 13, 1944, at Astoria. She survives along with two daughters, Mrs. Herschel (Sheila) Belville of Lewistown and Mrs. Michael (Connie) Beard of Lewistown; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Albert Smith of Havana; and two sisters, Ida Ferne Cluney of Astoria and Marie Roudebush of Rushville.
    He was preceded in death by one grandson, one brother, and two sisters.
    He retired in 1983 from the Canton Works of International Harvester after 23 years, and also farmed in the Lewistown area many years.
    Services were held Friday, May 12 at Henry Memorial Home in Lewistown, with Rev. Layton Malone officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery at
Lewistown.
    Memorial contributions may be made to the Smithfield Church of the Nazarene.

Obituary for Lucinda GRAGG ALLEN
The Rushville Times, March 3, 1910
 Lucinda Gragg Allen died at the home of her son, Henry D. Allen, Saturday morning, Feb 26, at 5:30 o'clock, after an illness of only a few days.
     She was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, March 20, 1826, and was the eldest child of Cornelius and Elizabeth (Miner) Gragg.  She came to Illinois in 1840, and on June 1, 1843, was married to Zephaniah Allen, settling on the farm where she has since resided. To this union seven children were born, two dying in infancy. Sept. 1, 1860, her husband died, leaving her with five small children.
     During the hardships incident to bringing up a family alone she found her greatest comfort in studying her Bible and leaning on the strong arm of her Savior. Since the year 1878 she has been a faithful member of the Christian Church at Pleasantview, attending the services as long as her health permitted.
     One daughter, Eliza Nelson, and two sons, Henry D. and Thos. P. of Pleasantview, were constant companions during her last illness. Two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Loring and Cornelia Tyson were called to their reward in young womanhood.
     Besides her immediate family she is survived by one brother, John Gragg of Pleasantview; one half-brother, Joseph Gragg of Browning; also nine granchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. Her kindness to others was characteristic of her useful life, which is made manifest by a host of sympathizing friends. She left to her own memory a lasting monument, the sweet influence of a Christian life.
    Funeral services were conducted at the residence by Elder D. E. Hughes of Monmouth, and the body was laid to rest in Boling Cemetery.
Submitted by [email protected]

Obituary for Amanda GABBERT GRAGG
    Amanda Gabbart, daughter of John and Mary Gabbart, was born in the state of Kentucky May 1, 1830 and departed this life at her home one-half mile south of Pleasantview, Oct. 6, 1917, aged 87 years, 5 months and 5 days.
     She was united in marriage to Hezekiah Gragg Dec 30, 1864. To this union were born two children; a son, Henry, who preceded his mother to the better world, and since the death of her husband nine years ago she has had the loving companionship of her daughter Alice, and her grandsons, Emmet and Everett Gragg, until
a few years ago when Everett gave up farm life for a position in the Rushville State Bank, and recently offered his services to his country and is now a member of the 21st engineering corps at Camp Grant. Besides these loved ones she is survived by one brother, Sylvester Gabbert, of Pleasantview, and one sister, Mrs. McConnel of Mt. Sterling.
     Mrs. Gragg was a resident of this vicinity sixty years. When a child her parents moved from their Kentucky home to Audrain county, Missouri, from which place they moved in 1868 to Illinois.
     In the adys of her youth her church affiliations were with the Baptist denomination, and since the disbanding of that organization in this vicinity her life work has reflected the firm foundation of youth's early building, the hope and joy of the scriptural teaching, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."
     Funeral services were held on Monday at her late residence conducted by Rev. John W. Kettle. Interment in the Boling Cemetery.
Submitted by [email protected]

Obituary for George Henry GRAGG
June 18, 1914
     George Henry Gragg was born in Bainbridge township March 4, 1867 and died at his late home, one half-mile south of Pleasantview, on June 12, 1914; aged 47 years, 3 months and 8 days.
     During the past year his health has been failing, but he had been able to be about, and on Thursday afternoon wile sitting on the porch talking with his wife, he was stricken with paralysis. Mrs. Gragg was alone with her suffering husband and she immediately called the physician, his mother and sister from Pleasantview, and son Everett of the State Bank of Rushville. All that medical skill and family and neighbors could do was done, but to no avail, as at 2:30 Friday morning he passed away.
     He was united in marriage Sept. 9, 1891, with Ella May Turner. To this union one son, W. Everett, was born.
     During the winter of 1890 he was converted and united with the church, and his life thru all these intervening years has been a benediction to his home, a comfort to his aged mother, and a worthy example to his son.
     The writer of these lines has been his neighbor many years and knows he possessed these sterling qualities that constitute a noble life well spent, which leads to life eternal.
     Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Pleasantview on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. Chas. S. Jupin.
Submitted by [email protected]

Obituary for Delilah Elizabeth LORING AVERY
    Mrs. Delilah E. Avery, 88, died Friday morning, August 10, at the Culbertson Memorial Hospital, where she had been a patient one week, since suffering a fracture of a hip and shoulder in a fall.
     Funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 21 at the First Methodist Church, with the Rev. Lester Banning, officiating. Burial was in the Rushville Cemetery.
     Delilah Elizabeth Loring Avery was born in the old homestead at White Oak, Camden Township, on January 1, 1867. She passed away at Sarah D. Culbertson hospital, in Rushville, August 19, 1955, at the age of 88 years.
     Delilah was the oldest child of William H. and Sarah E. Loring. She was married to John Avery on August 2, 1897, and he passed away December 31, 1898. Surviving her are one sister, Blanche A. Waggoner, of Rushville, one foster sister, Molly Gibson, of Bushnell, and the following nieces and nephew: Myrtle L. Lawler, of Rushville; Leah D. Martin, of Galesburg; Margerite Gieseking, of St. Louis, Mo.; Mary G. Unger, of Washington, D.C.; Iva L. Heinz, of Creve Coeur; Sally B. Unger, of St. Louis, and Vernon W. Unger, of Rushville.
     She is also survived by two foster children she had taken into her home, Erl Lynn and Chester Icenogle, whom she loved and cherished as her own.
     She was preceded in death by her father and mother; one sister, Grace E. Sellers; one-half sister, Mary M. Lickey, and four brothers, Charles, John, Milton and J.M. Loring.
     She lived her life in and around Rushville, and was always ready to lend a helping hand with a winning smile, in sickness or in health endearing herself to those who lived with her.
Submitted by [email protected]

Obituary for Rose GRAGG LUXEMBERG
    A.V. Gragg received a telegram on Thursday conveying the sad news that his sister, Mrs. Rose Luxemberg had passed away at her home in Spokane, Wash.  She had been in declining health, but her condition was not thought serious until a week before, when by letter her relatives here knew that her daughters, Miss Alma and Mrs. Ralph Bennett, had become alarmed over their mother's condition.
     Mrs. Luxenberg went west when a girl to visit her uncle, Edw. J. Brickel a wealthy lumberman of Truckee, Calif., and while visiting at the home of her uncle, she was wooed and won by Michael Luxemberg, an enterprising young man who had left his home in Fort Wayne, Ind. to seek his fortune in the west. After their marriage they established their home in Spokane, Wash., and by increasing their investments in rapidly rising real estate values, they were very prosperous.
     Mr. and Mrs. Luxenberg, with their daughters, made several visits to the homes of their nativity, here and in Indiana. Mr. Luxenberg died about twenty years ago. The passing of this sister, of the family of John and Mary Gragg, is the first since the death of a little brother, Robert, nearly fifty years ago. Twice her parents, who resided on section two in Bainbridge township, made the long journey to visit her and her family, and last fall Mr. and Mrs. A.V. Gragg and nieces, Misses Viola and Gladys Ward spent a month with the family at Spokane. Surviving are the three brothers, Geo. W., Fred and A.V. Gragg, and a sister, Mrs. Ezra Ward. Many other relatives of this vicinity mourn her passing.
Submitted by [email protected]

   Obituary for Wayne DAVIS
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 4
    Wayne Davis, 80, of Rushville, died Thursday, May 18, 2000, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    He was born July 6, 1919, in Schuyler County, the son of the late Rollie and Nona (Yates) Davis.
    Surviving are one brother, James Davis (wife Emma) of Jacksonville; one nephew; two nieces; five great-nephews; one aunt; and numerous cousins.
    A member of the Church of Christ (Christian) in Rushville, he worked at Gain Brothers Nursery and was a custodian at the Snyder’s Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home and Culbertson Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1981.
    Funeral services were Monday at the Wood-Roby Funeral Chapel in Rushville with Pastor Rick Colbert officiating. Burial was in Palm Cemetery west of Rushville.
    Memorials may be given to the Church of Christ (Christian) in Rushville.

   Obituary for Evelyn Maxine GILLETTE FARRAR
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 2
    Evelyn Maxine Farrar, 89, of Beardstown, died Friday, May 19, 2000, at her residence.
    She was born Jan. 26, 1911, in Beardstown, the daughter of John and Nellie Gillette. She was the youngest of eight children. She married Glenn “Rasty” Farrar
in Cass County during June of 1947. He preceded her in death, along with her parents and a son, Keith Jolly.
    She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn “Rasty” Jolly of Beardstown and Rosanne (husband George) Buck of Beardstown; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren.
    Mrs. Farrar graduated from Beardstown High School in 1929. She was a member of the Beardstown VFW Auxiliary. She loved her work as a waitress for the Arrow Restaurant and the County Club for 40 years, before retiring in 1989.
    Graveside services were Saturday, May 20, 2000, at the Beardstown City Cemetery with the Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
    The family has requested memorials be made to the Cass-Schuyler County Hospice.

   Obituary for Anna Marie BRANNAN HOBROCK
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 4
    Anna Marie Hobrock, 85, of rural Beardstown, died Saturday, May 20, 2000, at her residence.
    She was born Feb. 25, 1915, in Cass County, the daughter of Harry C. and Ethel Johnson Brannan. She married Cleo Eugene Hobrock on May 21, 1947, at
the St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown. He preceded her in death on Feb. 14, 1997. She also was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John, Edwin, and Harry; a granddaughter, Ericka Nicole McMurl, and a grandson, Bradley Michael Hobrock,
    She is survived by two daughters, Regina (husband Carroll) Sinclair of Elkton, Va., and Judith Ann (husband Paul) McMurl of Beardstown; two sons, Joe (wife Chris) Hobrock and Edwin “Butch” (wife Cindy) Hobrock, all of Beardstown; three sisters, Imogene Drawve of Beardstown, Rosemary Langdon of Beardstown, and Elizabeth Kupfer of Camdenton, Mo.; and eight grandsons.
    She was a 1934 graduate of Beardstown High School. She worked for the Cass County Courthouse in the treasurer’s office for 12 years, and the Kline Department Store in Beardstown. She was a member of the St. Alexius Catholic Church of Beardstown.
    Rosary was held Monday, May 22, by Father Weitzel at the Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home. Funeral service was held Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at the St. Alexius Catholic Church with burial in the Beardstown Catholic Cemetery
    The family has requested memorials be made to the Cass-Schuyler County Hospice or the St. Alexius Catholic Church.

   Obituary for Marvin Ray HUNGERFORD
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 4
    Marvin Ray Hungerford, 94 of Beardstown, died Tuesday, May 16, 2000, at Heritage Manor South Nursing Home in Beardstown.
    He was born on June 24, 1905, in Nortonville, the son of Frank and Maggie Brown-Hungerford. He married Kathryn Schweer Lauderback on Aug. 11, 1928, in Springfield. She preceded him in death on March 8, 1974.
    He is survived by one daughter, Betty (husband Max) Lippert of Beardstown; two sons, Marvin “Pete” (wife Lynette) Hungerford of Redlands, Calif., and Donald (wife Janice) Hungerford of Kent, Wash.; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Opal Frietag, Mabel Bolton and Gladys Chappee; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by one son, Glen Lauderback; two brothers, Chester and Clifford; and three sisters, Blanche, Mildred and Juanita.
    He attended school in Nortonville. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for several years then retired from the Beardstown Sanitary District. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Beardstown.
    Graveside services were held Thursday, May 18 at the Beardstown City Cemetery. Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown was in charge of services.
    The family has requested memorials be made to the Heritage Manor South Nursing Home or the Cass-Schuyler Hospice.

   Obituary for Dorothy M. DONALDSON SCHNAKE
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 3
    Dorothy M. Schnake, 85, of Beardstown, died Wednesday, May 17, 2000, at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown.
    She was born May 14, 1915, in Warren County near Galesburg, the daughter of Timothy W. and Iva Mae Tharp Donaldson. She married Harold Schnake on Sept. 2, 1951, in Rushville. He survives in Beardstown.
    Surviving also are one son, Steve Schnake (wife Nancy) of Virginia; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert W. Donaldson (wife Annis) of Beardstown; and one sister, Juanita Corrie of Littleton.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Leslie Donaldson, and one sister, Wilma Higgins.
    Mrs. Schnake graduated from Rushville High School. She was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Before her marriage, Mrs. Schnake owned and operated the Chanticleer Restaurant in Rushville from 1939 until 1946 and she also owned and operated a dress shop in Rushville from 1946 until 1951. She enjoyed working in her flower garden at her home.
    Funeral services were Friday, May 19, at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Burial was in the Oetgen Cemetery near Beardstown.
    Memorials have been suggested to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice.

   Obituary for Velma Lois LAMASTER THOMPSON
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 3
    Velma Lois Thompson, 85, of Rushville, died Sunday, May 21, 2000, at St. John’s Medical Center in Springfield.
    She was born April 5, 1915, in Schuyler County, to the late Wilson and Eva Downs LaMaster. She married Joseph “Ike” Thompson on May 31, 1952, in Pleasant View. He died Dec. 5, 1971. She also was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.
    Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
    She graduated from Rushville High School in 1933 and worked as a nurse’s aid at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville for many years until retiring.
    Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, at the Good Hope Cemetery northeast of Rushville with Mr. Pat Clements officiating. Burial will follow. Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville is in charge of services.
    Memorials may be given to the Culbertson Memorial Hospital.

   Obituary for Steven W. ROBERTSON
The Rushville Times, May 24, 2000, page 15, column 1
    Steven W. Robertson, 45, of rural Rushville, died Wednesday, May 17, 2000, at St. John’s North in Springfield.
    He was born Oct. 25, 1954, in Rushville to Marvin Wayne “Jim” and Helen Elizabeth Hopkins Robertson.
    He married Connie Workman Dec. 2, 1983, in Rushville.
    She survives, along with his parents, Jim and Helen Robertson of rural Rushville; a daughter, Olivia Robertson at home; two sisters, Joyce Foutch of Marion, and Lisa Robertson of Macomb.
    He was preceded in death by one infant sister, Tabatha Jane Robertson; and one brother, James Marvin “Joe” Robertson.
    He graduated from Industry High School in 1973 and farmed in Fulton and Schuyler counties.
    Funeral services were held Saturday at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville with Rev. Rick Colbert officiating. Burial was in the Christian Neck Cemetery, northeast of Rushville.
    Memorials may be given to the Olivia Robertson Education Fund, in care of the Rushville State Bank.

Cindy Foster   Obituary for Alrick Mann FOSTER
    A. M. Foster, 71, lifelong resident of Schuyler county, died at his home Sunday evening after a long illness. Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
at the First Christian church, with the Rev. M. P. Pierson officiating. Burial was in the Rushville Cemetery. Alrick M. Foster, son of Alrick Mann Foster and Susan Brown Foster, was born on a farm near Rushville, Jan 15, 1881. He died Oct. 5, 1952 at his home in Rushville, at the age of 71 years, eight months and 20 days., and left to survive him, his widow, Anna B. Foster, three children, Anita Bollinger of Rushville, Lucille Murray of Colorado Springs, CO and Jeanne Strauch of
Rock Island and four grandchildren, Cynthia Milner, Ronald McIlhenny, William Ward and Gene Ward. He was a lifelong resident of Schuyler and received his early eductaon in the rural schools. At an early age he united with and was baptized into the Church of Christ by his grandfather, Rev. Alpheus Guy Brown. He
was graduated from Kennedy's Normal in Rushville with the class of 1898, after which he taught several years in the rural schools of Schuyler county. He then enrolled in the Indianapolis Bible Institute, where he studied for the ministry. On Nov 29, 1900, he was married to Anna B. Lee and to this union were born the
three children who survive him. Early in life Mr. Foster became interested in politics and good government. He began making political speeches at the age of 15
and participated in public debates gaining the title of "Boy Orator" of Illinois. For five consecutive terms he was elected to the House of Representatives in the
State Legislature at Springfield. At the time of his first election in 1906 he was the youngest member ever to hold office in that body. During his long years in the legislature, he served as chairman of many importatnt committees, and thruout one session of that body was chairman of the Democratic steering committee and
was floor leader during the long deadlock, which ended in the election of James Hamilton Lewis as United States senator for the state of Illinois. For many years he was president of the National O.I.C. Swine Breeders association. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Elks, Modern Woodmen, B.P.O.E., and Masons. He memorized and quoted fluently the Scriptures, beautiful poetry and gems of literature. Because of his love of knowledge, he accumulated an outstanding library during his lifetime. He also wrote a large number of poems, many of which were published. "Allie" Foster, as he was known to his many friends and neighbors, was endowed with a pleasing personality, genteel manner, and a genuine love for people. Many called him "Friendly Foster."  He was a good neighbor, a prominent legislator, and a sincere friend. With his passing, Schuyler county has lost an individual who devoted the best years of his life, faithfully and well, to the betterment
of his fellowman.

Richard Graham   Obituary for Eliza Ann NOEL GRAHAM THOMPSON
Payson Times, Adams Co., Illinois
    Mrs. Eliza Ann Noel was born in Wrightsville, Pa. Oct.12, 1816 and died at her home in Payson Ill, Jan 14, 1898 age 81 years , 3 months and 2 days,  she
came to Illinois in 1834. married Wm. H. Graham Sept. 14, 1837 and lived in Birmingham Ill. until 1850 when she moved to Payson, Adams county. Mr. Graham departed this life in 1846 in Birmingham. By her first marriage she had four children, one dying in infancy and three reaching manhood, two are still living H.C. Graham of Hannibal Mo, and W. H.Graham of Middletown , Mo.
    On Jan.31, 1853, she was married to Wm.Thompson, and was again left a widow Aug, 24,1880. by this union were born four children two dying in infancy and two daughters still living, Mrs. Dora Tipple and Miss Esther Thompson. She was converted in early womanhood and united with the M.E. church, remaining a faithful and consistent Christian throughout life. she was a noble, unselfish and loveable woman, at all times forgetting herself for others, and to know her was to dearly love  her, to those to whom she was so dear, a loss has come that shall ever be felt and she will be held in fond and sweet remembrance, her funeral services were conducted Sunday at Fall Creek M.E. church by Rev. C.R. Morrison. a very large number of relatives and sympathizing friends attending the services, her remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery, where other loved ones of the family sleep the peaceful sleep.
      She is not dead , she's only sleeping, that sweet sleep of peace and rest, and while we sorrow and are weeping, she is happy with God's blest. To the friends
The Times extends the heartfelt sympathy of the community, in their sad hour.

Glen Ayers   Obituary for Melissa PENNINGTON SELLERS
Macomb Journal
        Melissa Sellers died Sept. 2, 1901 at about 2:30 a.m. at the home of her son, M. A, Sellers (note-his full name was Miles Albert Sellers who married
Elizabeth A. Strickland 10/25/1874) of Emmet township with whom she lived for a number of years. Her ailment was general disability. Her age was 87 years,
7 months and 25 days.  Melissa Pennington was born June 6, 1814 in Barren county, Kentucky. When about 4 years old she moved with her parents to Crawford county, Indiana. About four years later they moved to Franklin county, Illinois and when 11 years of age moved to Schuyler county and in 1870 came to McDonough county. She was united in marriage to Thomas Sellers Dec. 23, 1833 (error-they married 12/23/1832). To this union 12 children were born, of whom only three survive: Leroy Sellers of near Rushville, Schuyler county; M. A. Sellers of Emmit township, this county, Melissa Belle Schroeder of Huntley, Neb. Her husband died 46 years ago. She had three sons in the Civil war--John A., Co. B, 84th Reg., Ill. Vol., who was killed at the battle of Stone River; Andrew T. and Leroy were members of Co. A, 10th Mo.  Andrew T., after serving three years with his regiment, was mustered out and started home on a vessel called the General Lyon. The vessel and all onboard were lost. Leroy being the only person who lived to return home.
        She was one of the earliest settlers in Schuyler County. When she crossed the Illinois river there were only about 14 families then in that county. She was a sister to Joel Pennington, the first sheriff of Schuyler county (error-Joel was the second sheriff).
        Mrs. Sellers joined the Methodist church in Schuyler county about 50 years ago, in which faith she had lived ever since.
        Funeral services were held at the Guy church Monday afternoon by Rev. T. Brown; internment in the Walker cemetery.
Note: Melissa's mother was Ann Osborn(e) and her father was Moses Pennington.

   Obituary for Charles AMBROSIUS
The Rushville Times, July 26, 2000, page 13, column 4
    Charles Don Ambrosius, 82, died July 5, 2000. He was born in Woodstock Township in Schuyler County, Ill., on April 27, 1918, and died in his Gardena, Calif., home where he had lived for the last 45 years.
    He was born into a farming family, one of eight children. Moving to Arizona as a teenager, he worked to help support his family in a copper mine, and later served in World War II in Greenland, building the first military base, then on to England and Germany.
    He met and married Erica Lene Kupper in Germany, and brought her and her daughter (Kirsten) home to America. They had two more children, Don and Mary, and settled in Gardena where Charles went to work for Von’s Grocery Go. as a meat cutter and later as a manager, where he worked for 32 years.
    Preceding him in death was his wife, Erica.
    He is survived by Kirsten Richter, Don and Connie Ambrosius, Mary and Dave Nakamura; one brother, Harold Ambrosius of Rushville; two sisters, Vergie Wilson of Rushville and Imogene Daniels of Beardstown; six grandchildren, Vernon, Eric, Tessa, Bonnie, Jennifer, Mark and their loving families.
    A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 22, 2000, in Gardena, Calif. Charles and Erica’s ashes will be spread at sea, together.

   Obituary for David ANDERSON
The Rushville Times, July 26, 2000, page 13, column
    David “Andy” Anderson, 56, of Porter, Okla., died Monday morning, July 17, at the Muskogee Veterans Medical Center.
    He was born Aug. 25, 1943, in Tower Hill, to Bessie (Ethridge) and David Anderson, Sr. He married Margaret L. Seals on June 29, 1966, in Alexander, Va.  She survives.
    He is also survived by his parents, Bessie and David Anderson, Sr., of Browning; one son, Dennis Lee (wife Jody) Anderson of Broken Arrow, Okla.; one daughter Deborah K. (husband Johnny) James of Porter, Okla.; four grandchildren; two brothers, Donald and Larry Anderson, both of Ohio; one sister, Ruth Simpson of Astoria; and his father-in-law, Oscar Seals of Porter, Okla.
    He served in the United States Army from October of 1964 to May of 1967. He was a 1961 graduate of Beardstown High School and in his later years, graduated with an associate degree in furniture and auto upholstery from Okmulgee Tech. He served as class president for two years, and was so gifted that they approached him to become an instructor, but he chose to work out of his home.
    Graveside services were Thursday, July 20, at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Gibson, Okla., with the Rev. Elmer Moss officiating. Shipman Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner, Okla. was in charge of services.

   Obituary for Kathy McDONALD-BARTON
The Rushville Times, June 7, 2000, page 13, column 3
    Kathy J. McDonald-Barton, 36, of rural Smithshire, formerly of Rushville, died Friday, June 2, 2000, at Ottawa.
    She was born May 3, 1964, in Schuyler County, the daughter of Richard and Sharon Stansbery McDonald.
    She spent her early life in Rushville before moving to Little York where she received her early schooling. She then graduated from Rushville High School in 1982.
She married Randy Barton Oct. 24, 1987, in the Fall Creek Church in Warren County. He survives.
    Also surviving are two sons, William McDonald of Kirkwood and James McDonald of Smithshire; her parents of Kirkwood; her grandmother, Willadene McDonald of Rushville; four brothers, Cliff (wife, Sherry), Mike (wife, Candie), Randy and Rod (wife, Pam) all of Kirkwood her special brother, Larry Erbman of Burlington, Iowa, and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by three grandparents.
    She had various employments, including work at Community Memorial Hospital dietary department in Monmouth. Recently she was a homemaker and had been partners with her husband in their trucking business. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for her family and friends, loved the outdoors, horses and flowers and liked to square dance. She also collected toy bunnies.
    Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2000, at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth with the Rev. James Epperson officiating.  Cremation will be accorded following the service.
    A memorial fund is being established and will be announced at a later date.

   Obituary for John William BEATTY
The Rushville Times, June 14, 2000, page 13, column 3
    John William Beatty died Sunday, June 11, 2000, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville. He was born Oct. 28, 1921, in Beardstown, to William
Pickering Beatty and Emma Mae Warnke Beatty
    He graduated from Beardstown High School with the class of 1939 and Carnegie Mellon University with the class of 1943. He served in the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946.
    He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ for more than 50 years. Mr. Beatty was a member of the Order of the Free Masonry, the Beardstown B.P.O.E., the VFW and a former member of the American Legion.
    He had been an aldermen for 16 years in Beardstown and a past president of the Beardstown Credit Union. He was a member of the board of directors of the First State Bank of Beardstown. He closed the oldest business of Beardstown, Beatty Hardware Company located at 120 West Main Street, in December of 1998. The establishment has been owned by his family since 1874.
    He was married to Miss Mary Ann Dixon on Aug. 27, 1950, in Red Oak, Iowa. She survives, along with a daughter, Ann L. (husband, Henry) Park of Beardstown, a son, William Ross (wife, Connie) Beatty of Beardstown; three grandsons including Michael Sean (wife, Jamie) Park of Rushville; and a granddaughter.
    He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter.
    There will be no formal visitation, however a memorial service will be held at the Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown on Thursday, June 15, 2000, at 2:30 p.m. Cremation will be accorded.
    The family has suggested memorials be made to the Beardstown Alumni Scholarship Fund or to the Houston Memorial Library Fund.
    Cline-Goodwin Funeral Home of Beardstown is in charge of the arrangements.

   Obituary for Josie BRECKENRIDGE
The Rushville Times, August 9, 2000, page 11, column 3
    Josie Breckenridge, 102, of Morton died Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at her home. She was born Feb. 5, 1898, in Ipava, the daughter of John and Carrie (Wheeler) France. She married James F. Breckenridge Sept. 13, 1917, in Lewistown. He died Feb. 20, 1978.
    She was also preceded in death by four brothers, one sister and two sons.
    She is survived by four daughters, Faye Corbin of Farmington Hills, Mich., Ruth (husband Franklin) Sprecher of Canton, Ann Simons of Statesville, N.C., and Alice (husband William) Seward of Naples, Fla.; three sons, Fred Breckenridge of Westland, Mich., Ned (wife Sarah) Breckenridge of Morton and Bernard Breckenridge of Peoria; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
    She was a homemaker.
    Services were held Monday, Aug. 7 at the Shawgo Memorial Home in Ipava.  The Rev. Damien Spikereit officiated.  Burial was in the Ipava Cernetery.

   Death Notice and Obituary for Marcella  S. SCHWEINEFUS BREHM
The Rushville Times, August 2, 2000, page 11, column 2
    Marcella Brehm, 79, of Rushville, died Monday, July 31, 2000, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
    Arrangements will be announced later by Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville.
The Rushville Times, August 9, 2000, page 11, column 1
    Marcella S. Brehm, 79, of R.R. 2, Rushville, died Monday, July 31, 2000, at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb.
    She was born Oct. 25, 1920, near Castalia, Iowa, in Fayette County to the late Henry and Myrtle Oakland Schweinefus.
    She married William Phillip Brehm June 21, 1945, in Woebly, England. He died April 24, 1996.
    Surviving are one daughter, Pauline Klamerus of Bensenville; one son, John P. Brehm of Woodbridge, Va.; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and one sister, Lois Jellings of Clinton, Iowa.
    She was preceded in death by three children, Anna Marie Brehm, Kenneth William Brehm, and Mary Denson.
    She was a lieutenant in the Army Nursing Corps during W.W. II, serving overseas.  A graduate of Lutheran Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1943, she was a member of the Lutheran General and Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association. She also was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rushville, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and the Schuyler American Legion Auxiliary Unit #4.
    She was a registered nurse, working in the Chicago area, Postville, Iowa, Mt Vernon, Nashville, Tenn., Dayton, Ohio and retired from Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    Graveside services were held Friday at St. Paul’s Cemetary Nashville, with Pastor Joseph Eckman officiating.  Burial followed. Visitation was Thursday at the Worthington Funeral Home in Rushville. Military services were conducted at the funeral home by Schuyler American Legion Post #4. A memorial service was held Sunday, Aug. 6 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rushville.
    Memorials may be given to the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rushville.