Obituaries/Death Notices
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Frank Sanger Frances Sommer Jonn E. Walliker
Keith Savage Ronald Sommer Austin Ward
Catherina Scherer Gertrude Staples Kate Waskowski
Ellen Schindler William Stewart Anna Washansen
Andrew Schmidt Edward Stoker Hedley Waycott
Dena Schmidt Herbert Stoker John Weir
Frank W. Schmidt Thomas Stoker Carrie Welsh
Harold John Schmidt William Stoker Johann Wilken
John Schmidt Winfred Stoker Mimke Willms
Jule Schmitt John Sturm Victor G. Wise
Robert Schmitt Mary Jane Switzer R. F. Whiting
Jules Schwabacher Isaac Taylor Ada Whittaker
Mrs. Lucy Schweitzer George Thompson Andrew Whittaker
Leo Shadrick, Sr. Hannah Thompson Arthur G. Whittaker
Daniel Shane Albert Traeger Arthur P. Whittaker
Earl Shane Arthur Traeger Cora Whittaker
Mary Shane John Traeger Harry Whittaker
Susan Shane Henry Truitt Luella Whittaker
Donald G. Sherwin Dena Updyke William Whittaker
Joseph D. Sholl Kenneth Updyke William Wilbur
Ingoldsby Silloway Freida Wahfeld Alta Wiley
Lloyd Silloway Charles Walker Elsie Williams
Mrs. I. W. Silloway Edward Walker Dr. Asahel Wilmot
Jacob Singley Garnet Walker Michael Wolstenholm
Mrs. A. W. Smith Josephine Walker Mrs. Rebecca Wooton
Lena Smith Andrew Walliker Fred Wyman
Rudolph Smith Delwin Walliker Pauline Wyman
Mrs. Samuel Snyder Dorothy Walliker Daniel Yates
Samuel Snyder John E. Walliker more to come...

 


Keith Savage

Brimfield - Keith E. Savage, 90, of 809 Welty Lane, Beloit, Wis., formerly of Brimfield, died Friday, June 9, 2000, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Wis. Born Sept. 17, 1919, in Brimfield to Rudolph and Blanche Catton Savage, he married Betsy C. Wolff on Nov. 28, 1946, in Brimfield. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Vicki (and Bob) Pezoldt and Jayne (and Tom) Freitag, both of Beloit, and Gina (and Dave) Stack of Janesville; nine grandchildren; one sister, Eloise (and Jack) Welsh of Peoria; one brother, Richard (and Pat) of Florham Park, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

One daughter, Nancy Barrows, preceded him in death. He attended Bradley University in Peoria. He worked for R. G. LeTournou in Peoria, Omar Bakery in Beloit, Lever Brothers in Sycamore and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Beloit, retiring in 1981. He also worked behind the counter at Krueger Municipal Golf Course in Beloit. He was a World War II veteran of the 104th Infantry Division, serving in the Battle of the Bulge. Past president of the Optimist Club in Beloit, he also was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters, and Life Underwriting Training Course. He was also a member of ABC Bowling Congress, Senior Bowling League, Krueger Golf Course Men's Club, and Hole in One Club, all in Beloit. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Redeemer Evangelical Covenant Church in Beloit. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church.

Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery in Beloit. Daley-Murphy-Wisch & Associates Funeral Home in Beloit is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. (Peoria Journal Star, Monday, June 12, 2000, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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At Peoria, April 15, 1888, of bronco pneumonia, Catherina Scherer, aged 25 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, May 17, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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SCHMIDT - Andrew, 8 p.m. Tuesday at his late residence, 1518 Second Avenue, of catarrh of the stomach. Funeral Friday at 2 p.m. Friends of the family invited. (Peoria Star, May 6, 1903, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

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Death of Andrew Schmidt

Andrew Schmidt, an old resident of this city, died at his late residence, No. 1518 Second Avenue, Tuesday evening at the age of 66 years. The deceased was a stone mason by trade and came to Peoria about 25 years ago from Germany. He leaves a widow, one son and three daughters - John Schmidt, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Welsh and Mary Schmidt, all of this city. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

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SCHMIDT - Mrs. Dena, Wednesday, April 8, 1914 at 4:15 a.m. died at her home 1518 Second Avenue, aged 65 years, 1 month, 3 days.

Funeral Sunday, at 1:30, at residence at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, corner First and Goodwin. Friends invited. Interment at Springdale Cemetery [North Bluff section, along with her son, William, who died of lockjaw]. Note: Dena was born March 5, 1849. (Peoria Star, April 8, 1914, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

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Frank William Schmidt died Monday from lockjaw, produced by a wound in his foot made by stepping on a rusty nail.  Yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock the funeral service was conducted at the home on Second Avenue and was attended by many of the young friends of the deceased. Note: "Will" was born Sep. 21, 1878 and died Dec. 23, 1894. He was 16 and was buried on Christmas Day, 1894. (Peoria Evening Times, December 26, 1894, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

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Harold John Schmidt

The funeral of Harold John Schmidt, who died at St. Francis Hospital early Sunday morning, age 16 years, will be held at his late home, 904 Smith Street, tomorrow morning at 8:30 o'clock and at St. Patrick's Church at 9 o'clock. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Harold J. Schmidt was a student of Manual High School and ranked high in his classes. His death was caused by heart failure. He is survived by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. John Schmidt, two brothers, Ervin and Bernard Schmidt, three sisters, Bernice, Eleanor, and Katherine Schmidt. (Unknown Peoria newspaper and date, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)
 

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SCHMIDT, Harold John, died January 14, 1923, at 6:20 a.m. at St. Francis Hospital, aged 16 years. Funeral Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. from the residence, 904 Smith Street to St. Patrick's Church at 9:00. Friends invited. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery. (Unknown Peoria newspaper and date, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

picture to the left: Katherine (Barden) Schmidt and Harold John Schmidt, her son

 

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Obituary

     John Schmidt, 87, of 1302 W. Smith St., died at 5:30 p.m. yesterday [March 24, 1969] at St. Francis Hospital, where he was admitted March 19 after suffering from a fractured hip.
     Born in Peoria Sept. 1, 1881, he was a son of Andrew and Dena George Schmidt, and married Kathryn Barden in Peoria in 1902. She died here in 1939. He formerly was employed at Caterpillar Tractor Co. prior to retiring about 20 years ago. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
     Surviving are three daughters, Miss Cathryn M. Schmidt of the home address, Mrs. Bernice Perkins of Mossville and Mrs. Eleanor Urban of Creve Coeur; two sons, John Schmidt Jr. of Berwyn and Donald Schmidt of Peoria; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Five children, three sisters and one brother preceded him in death.

(Unknown Peoria newspaper, March 25, 1969, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

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Sports Figure, Robert Schmitt, Dies at Age 62


Funeral services for Robert E. Schmitt, Sr., 62, of 2001-West Wiswall St., widely known worker with boys' groups here and former baseball scout, who died at 11:45 p. m. Tuesday at Methodist Hospital, will be at 1 p. m. Friday at the Wilton Mortuary.

The Rev. M. I. Bischoff of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends may call at the mortuary from 4 to 9 p. m. today, with the Knights of Pythias to conduct services there at 8 p. m. today.

Mr. Schmitt, a lifelong Peorian was the father of Robert Schmitt, Jr., baseball coach at Limestone High School. The elder Mr. Schmitt formerly served as a scout for the old St. Louis Browns baseball team, and until two years ago was sponsor of a baseball team in the Journal Star League here. A commercial photographer for many years at the Hollywood Studios of Peoria, recently had been a sergeant in the Pinkerton Detective Agency here for three years, being stationed at the Armour & Co plant.

A son of Emil and Lena Borchers Schmitt; he was born here June 7, 1898, and married Mary Jewel Cook in Peoria in November, 1920. He was a member and past councellor of Calanthe Lodge 17, Knights of Pythias and a past president and secretary-treasurer of the DOKKs.

Surviving are his wife; his son, Robert Schmitt, Jr.; two daughters, Mrs. Betty Hauck of Peoria and Mrs. Joanne Carey of Grand Rapids, Mich, and 4 grandchildren. (Peoria Journal Star, Thursday, June 23, 1960, transcribed by Anna Petrick)

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Jule Schmitt

Mrs. Jule M. Schmitt, 84, of 5624 Custer Court, Bartonville, died at 12:35 p. m. Tuesday at Methodist Center, where she had been a patient since June 28.

Born July 11, 1896, in Macomb, a daughter of Alfred and Margaret Cooke, she married Robert Schmitt, Sr., November 8, 1923, in Peoria. He died June 21, 1960, in Peoria.

Surviving are one son, Robert E. Schmitt, Jr. of Bartonville; two daughters, Mrs. Harvey (Betty) Hauck and Mrs. Arthur (Joanne) Carey, both of Bartonville, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was a member of the Pythian Sisters of Peoria.

Services will be 11: a. m. Saturday at Wilton Mortuary, the Rev. Ben Ling officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p. m. tomorrow at the mortuary.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association.

(Peoria Journal Star, Tuesday, July 15, 1980, transcribed by Anna Petrick)

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Mary Margaret Shane, one of Brimfield's highly respected citizens and widow of the late Frank Shane passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Bale on Tuesday, May 9 [1922] at 8:45 aged 67 years, 7 months and 11 days.

Mrs. Shane was born near Brimfield, Illinois being one of eight children born to Ezekiel and Eliza Caldwell of Virginia, of whom three survive; namely, John and Emma Caldwell of Brimfield and Mrs. Tillie Richards of Iowa. The deceased are her father and mother, her sisters Mrs. George Weatherwax, Mrs. Nancy Forney, Mrs. Amanda Martin and one brother Jackson Caldwell

On December 21, 1876, she was untied in marriage to Frank Shane of Brimfield, Illinois. To this union nine children were born, three of whom passed away in infancy; Mary, Ethel and Vera. Those living are Lester Shane of Galesburg, Roy Shane of Peoria, Mrs. Cecil Bale of Princeville, Elmer Shane, Mrs. Minnie Hasselbacher and Mrs. Jennie Savage of Brimfield, Illinois.

Mrs. Shane had been in poor health for nearly a year and was preceeded in death by her husband only three and one half months before. Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church, Brimfield in the presence of many relatives and friends on Thursday afternoon, May 11, 1922 at 2:30 conducted by Rev. E. E. Diffenbaugh who spoke from the text Ecc. 12.7.

There were many beautiful floral tributes resting upon the casket. Mrs. A. Pacey and Mrs. S. H. Neikirk and Mrs. Diffenbaugh, organist, sang the following hymns: "Rock of Ages", "My Faith Looks up to Thee" and "Nearer My God to Thee".

The casket bearers were George Smith, Richard Miller, Lemuel Barrett, George Wilson, Robert Bale and Ferris Rowcliff. Interment was in Brimfield Cemetery. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Donna Carkenord)

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Donald G. Sherwin

    Funeral rites will be held in California for Donald G. Sherwin, vice president and director of Caterpillar Tractor Co., who died late Wednesday night at his home in San Leandro, Calif.
     Mr. Sherwin died following several years illness which necessitated his return to California in 1940. He had resided in Peoria for six years up to that time. (Peoria Journal-Transcript, Friday, Feb. 13, 1942, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Joseph D. Sholl

     Joseph De Vere Sholl, 75 years old, a lifelong resident of this vicinity, died at 1:12 a. m. today at his home, R. R. No. 3, Peoria, following an illness of several weeks.
     Mr. Sholl, who had lived in the same house for 47 years, had been a stationary engineer all his life, retiring in 1927. He had been for many years associated with the Sholl Brothers mines and for 5 years was engineer at the Peoria State Hospital.
     He was born in Peoria, April 2, 1866, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sholl. He married Miss Ella Howell? in this city, July 4, 1890.
     He leaves his wife, six daughters, Mrs. Myrtle Hides and Mrs. Mary Whalton, both of Peoria; Mrs. Jewell Brock, Mrs. Beatrice Orr and Miss Dorothy Sholl of Chicago; Mrs. Harriet Zell, Pontiac, Mich.; two sons, Bryan J. and James of this city; a brother James Newton Sholl, also of Peoria, and 12 grandchildren. A son and daughter precede him in death.
     The body was removed to the Davison funeral home pending funeral arrangements. (Peoria Journal-Transcript, Friday, Feb. 13, 1942, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Jacob Singley

     Funeral services will be held at 9 a. m. tomorrow at St. Joseph's home for Jacob Singley, 70 years old, who died yesterday morning at the home where he had lived for the past nine years.
     The body was removed today from Ziegler-Conners funeral home to St. Joseph's home and friends may call after 4 p. m. Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery. (Peoria Journal-Transcript, Friday, Feb. 13, 1942, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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At Chillicothe, May 7, 1888, of cerebro spinal meningitis, Frank W. Sanger, aged 6 years, 7 months and 28 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, June 7, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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At Chillicothe, April 25, 1888, Lena Smith, aged 1 year, 3 months and 21 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, June 7, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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At Peoria, February 17, 1888, of paralysis, John Sturm, aged 72 years and 21 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, June 7, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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The Obituary Record.

     Yesterday morning occurred the death of Mrs. Lucy Schweitzer at her residence, No. 122 Barker avenue. Mrs. Schweitzer was 33 years of age and the wife of Henry G. Schweitzer. She was sick about a week, and her death was very sudden. (Peoria Daily Transcript, February 27, 1896, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Leo Shadrick Sr.

CREVE COEUR - Leo T. Shadrick Sr., 84, of 297 W. Morton St. died 2:30 a.m. Saturday at his home.

Born Nov. 5, 1903, in Peoria to James W. and Stella Fitton Shadrick, he married Marjorie I. Sprinkle on Aug. 23, 1957, in Normal.

Surviving are his wife; one son, Leo T. Shadrick Jr., one daughter, Stella A. Mercer, and two stepsons, Michael W. and John R. Wolstenholm, all of Creve Coeur; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Laurie J. Roby of Peoria; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother.

He was a World War II Army veteran and a painter for George Young and Co., retiring in 1968. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paper ?angers Local 157 of Peoria since 1946.

Private entombment of ashes will be Monday at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. The Rev. Lawrence P. Morrissey will officiate. There will be no visitation.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. (Peoria Journal Star, Jun. 18, 1988, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Daniel Franklin Shane was born on the old Shane homestead two and one half miles northeast of Brimfield on October 30, 1853 and passed away at the home of his daughter Mrs. Joseph Hasselbacher at Brimfield January 24, 1922 after a brief illness with pneumonia, aged 68 years 2 months and 25 days.

He was one of ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Shane who were among the early pioneer settlers of this vicinity, coming here from the east.

On December 21, 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Caldwell of Brimfield. To this union nine children were born, three of whom have passed away, namely; Mary, Ethel and Vera. The surviving children are Mrs. Cecil Bale, Mrs. Minnie Hasselbacher, Mrs. Jennie Savage and Elmer Shane all of Brimfield and Lester Shane of Galesburg and Roy Shane of Peoria. He is also survived by four sisters, Mrs. John Flagler of Howard, Kansas, Mrs. Henry Webber of Yates City, Mrs. Emma Farnum and Miss Lulu Shane of Brimfield and two brothers W. C. Shane of Peoria and J. F. Shane of Brimfield. Two sisters and one brother have passed away, Mrs. Ida Caldwell, Mrs. Ella Forney and Charles Shane. There are twenty-eight grandchildren living and three grandchildren who have passed away.

Mr. Shane spent his entire life in this vicinity being engaged in farming and for a number of years being in the harness business at Kickapoo and Wada Petra and in the farm implement business in Monica and Brimfield. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father, devoted to his family and ever ready to do a kind act for friend or neighbor.

The heartfelt sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved wife and children in their time of deepest sorrow.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Brimfield on Thursday afternoon, January 26 at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. E. E. Diffenbaugh. Mrs. H. O. Cady and Miss Mildred Pacey with Mrs. A. Pacey organist sang the following pieces: "Abide with Me", "How Gentle God's Commands" and "Jesus Savior, Pilot Me". On the casket were a number of floral offerings given as a tribute of esteem.

The casket bearers were Henry Moon, Robert Bale, Charles Savage, L. Hasselbacher, John Travis and George Fussner. Interment was in Brimfield Cemetery. (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)

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Earl Shane

Elmwood, Ill. (Special) Funeral services for Earl Shane, 61 who died at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at his home in Laura following a stroke, were held Thursday afternoon at the Laura Methodist church with the Rev. Fred Reed officiating. Burial was in the Brimfield cemetery.

A son of James F. and Clara (Church) Shane he was born in Brimfield township Aug. 4, 1884, and married Mabel Hardy in December, 1935. He had been in the state highway maintainance department for the past 13 years. He was a lifelong resident of Brimfield township and Laura and a member of the Laura Grange.

Surviving are his wife; one brother, Glenn Shane, Toulon; three sisters, Mrs. Maude Hasselbacher and Mrs. Ida Reinhart, both of Brimfield, and Bertha Shane of Peoria; and several nieces and nephews. (unknown paper and date, submitted by Sandy MacDonald)

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Death of a Pioneer.  Mrs. Susan L. Shane passes away
Thursday, October 29, 1896  

     Susan L. Stansbury was born in the City of Baltimore, Maryland on February 12, 1821 and passed peacefully away after a life full of usefulness and good deeds at her home in Brimfield, Illinois on October 29, 1896 at the ripe old age of 76 years, 8 months and 17 days.  For a number of years she had been in failing health and had anxiously looked forward to the end in happy anticipation of the summons that was to call her to that home above, there to be united in happy reunion with loved ones who had gone before.  Calmly and peacefully she fell asleep.  She had lived her allotted time and was prepared to go and for her death brought no fear.  
     Susan L. Stansbury was a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Lyon) Stansbury.  The first nine years of her life were spent in Baltimore after which the family moved to New York City where they lived four years.  They then returned to Baltimore where they lived a short time and then becoming imbued with a desire to come West where they thought better opportunities awaited them, they started with a small colony for the land of promise.  They made the long and difficult journey overland and proceeded that year as far as Zanesville, Ohio where they remained one year.  From Zanesville they resumed the overland journey to Peoria (then Fort Clark) where they arrived in 1835.  At that time Peoria boasted eighteen houses, including log cabins and all and the population was correspondingly meager.  They remained in Peoria a few months and then came direct to Brimfield and settled on a piece of land in Jubilee Township about two miles east of town.
     Brimfield then had but three or four houses.  On the long trip from the East, the girls of the party walked a great part of the distance, the wagons being heavily laden and the weather fine and the writer has often heard the deceased tell the story of the trip with its hardships and its pleasures, its joys and sorrows, the difficulties encountered and obstacles surmounted while on the way.  
     On the 30th day of May, 1839 she was united in marriage at Brimfield, Illinois to Hiram Shane, a native of West Virginia who had immigrated to this state a few years before.  Shortly after their marriage they entered a piece of land in Jubilee Township which during all these years has remained in the family and never changed hands, the Government title being in the possession of Mrs. Shane at the time of her death. To them were born ten children, four boys and six girls, all now living and all married but one, and all the sons-in-law and daughters-in-law still living together for forty living grandchildren and thirteen living great grandchildren.  
     Mr. Shane died December 3, 1862 leaving the sorrowing wife to care for the large family and to fight the battle of life alone.  Right well did she perform the duty, keeping the family together, providing, counseling and guiding and making for them a home filled with a fond mother's love to which all could turn in times of adversity and the good influence of which has followed the occupants thereof down through life. No sacrifice was too great or task too hard for her if by so doing she thought her children could be benefited thereby.  
     Her christian experience dates from 1837 in which year she was converted and joined the Brimfield M. E. Church of which she has remained a faithful and consistent member, having at the time of her death been a continuous member of this one church for a period of 59 years, a longer time than any other living member.  The lots on which the M. E. Church stands were donated by her husband who was present and took part in the ceremony of laying the corner stone of the present structure.  
     She was a member of the Old Settler's Association and the oldest settler in that organization and a prime mover in the organization of this society and in the annual meeting of which she took a deep interest.  The easy chair presented to her by the Association a few years ago is now in the possession of Miss Cora Caldwell, a granddaughter who was with her and helped care for her during her last illness.  
     For fifty-one years and six months, the farm northeast of town was her home but about seven years ago she moved to Brimfield where, with her youngest daughter Miss Lula Shane she has since resided.  During the years she has been an invalid, she has been tenderly and devotedly cared for by this daughter who has been constantly by her side anticipating her every wish.
     Out of a family of nine children but two brothers survive her.  They are Thomas Stansbury of Canton and William Stansbury of Brimfield.  
     From a vast prairie wilderness, she lived to see this land subdued, brought to the height of cultivation and made to blossom as the rose.  During her long life she noted these changes that were being wrought and many a happy hour has been spent by the younger generation in listening to the tales of early pioneer days as told by Grandma Shane.  
     The funeral services were held on Saturday afternoon at the M. E. Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. I. W. Denning assisted by Revs. Jordan and Cox.  The floral tributes were very beautiful and appropriate in design.  The church was filled to the doors, all the children and many grandchildren being in attendance together with a large number of other relatives and old friends.  The remains were tenderly laid away in the Brimfield cemetery by the side of those of her beloved companion who had preceded her to the other shore. (Brimfield News?, unknown date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)  

Other notes: From the files of the Brimfield News September, 1895 (A Correction)  

     Mrs. Susan L. Shane received the handsome rocking chair given to the oldest settler at the August 13th, 1895 picnic, instead of L. L. Guyer.  The committee, after consulting the history of Peoria County and other old data, concluding that she was the oldest settler present at the picnic who has continuous residence here.  Mr. Guyer was so close a contestant that at first the chair was awarded to him, the committee afterwards changing their decision.   Mrs. Shane was the originator of the "First Old Settler's picnic" held in Brimfield in 1889.  She, with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. John Church and the late Samuel Snyder, made all the necessary arrangements, attended to the advertising, etc.  Each succeeding picnic has grown more and more interesting and the old settlers for miles around now look forward to the date with feelings of pleasure and happy anticipation.    The sixth annual meeting surpassed all others and was pronounced by all a magnificent success.  As Mrs. Shane has an old arm chair that is quite comfortable, when she is able to occupy it, she would no doubt be glad to have all the old settlers call on her and occupy the new one, that she may derive many hours of pleasure from it in reviewing old times and associations. (Brimfield News?, unknown date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)

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Ingoldsby W. Silloway

Died at his home in Peoria, Illinois, Monday, Feb. 18, 1907, aged 74 years. Brief funeral services will be held at the residence, 907 Peoria Avenue, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Public services will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 1907 at the Congregational church in Brimfield at 10 o’clock, a.m., conducted by Rev. R. Pacey and Rev. A. J. Blair.

Interment in Brimfield cemetery. (funeral card, submitted by Sandy MacDonald)

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Obituary

     Mr. I. W. Silloway, formerly of Brimfield, but for a number of years a resident of Peoria, died at his home in that city Monday evening, Feb. 18, 1907, at eleven o'clock. His death was sudden, although his health has not been good for many years. He was apparently in his usual health when he retired, but about eleven o'clock his wife was awakened by his heavy breathing. She tried to arouse him but could not. A physician was hastily summoned but Mr. Silloway had passed away before he arrived.
     Brief funeral services were held at the home in Peoria yesterday afternoon at 2:30 and the remains will be brought to Brimfield this morning, where funeral services will be held at the Congregational church at 10 o'clock, the interment being in the family lot in the Brimfield cemetery.
     Mr. Silloway was a veteran of the civil war. The news of his death was learned with regret by his many old friends and comrades, by whom he was most highly esteemed. (Brimfield News, Feb. 21, 1907, submitted by Laurie Huey)

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Obituary

     I. W. Silloway was born Nov. 5, 1832, and died Feb. 18, 1907, aged 74 years, 3 months, and 13 days.
     Mr. Silloway was born in Berlin, Washington county, Vermont. He was one of a family of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters, only five of the family survive him. They all reside in the eastern states. Mr. Silloway came to Peoria county, Ill., in the year 1855. After a short time in the city of Peoria he moved to Brimfield.
     He was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Huey of Brimfield, April 22, 1857. To this union were born four children, one son and three daughters, Mrs. Clara Chamberlain of Peoria, Mrs. Ella Radley of Fairfield, Iowa, Mr. Arden Silloway of Brimfield, and Mrs. Faye Schleicher of Peoria. All of whom were present at the funeral.
     Mr. Silloway moved to Indianola, Iowa, in the year 1861. He enlisted in 1864 and was assigned to Co. A, 16th Reg. Iowa Vol. Infantry. This regiment was in General Sherman's command, and Mr. Silloway took part in all the engagements in that grand campaign from Atlanta to the sea, in fact was identified with the regiment until after the great parade in Washington after which he received an honorable discharge. After his discharge from the service he settled in Yates City, Ill. After four years residence there he moved to Brimfield and was a citizen of this village for about thirty one years. From Brimfield he moved to Peoria where he died about 11 p. m. Monday Feb. 18, 1907.
As a citizen Mr. Silloway was highly esteemed. Whenever called upon to render public service he responded to the situation promptly and vigorously. Dishonesty and graft were foreign to his nature. His life and character always stood for that which was best in the home, in society and in the government.
     Mr. Silloway united with the Congregational church in Brimfield in the year 1856. When he resided in Yates City he transferred his membership to the Presbyterian church in that place. When he removed from Yates City to Brimfield he transfered his membership to the First Presbyterian church in Brimfield. In this church he was recognized as one of its leading members, elected by his brethern as an elder of the church and holding other official positions, continued identified with it until the church was disbanded in the year 1900. Mr. Silloway then united with the Congregational church in Brimfield and continued identified with it until he removed to Peoria, when he again transferred his membership to the Presbyterian church.
     Mr. Silloway's last illness was of short duration. He retired in the evening, fell asleep, and in a few hours passed away. In his death the family, the church and the community suffer loss. The bereaved have the sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Brief funeral services were held at the home on Wednesday at 2:30 p. m. In the absence of the pastor, Rev. Benson, the services were conducted by Rev. Weston. Thursday morning the remains were brought to Brimfield, funeral services being held in the Congregational church at 10 a. m., conducted by Rev. Richard Pacey, assisted by Revs. Blair and Lackland. The interment being in the Brimfield cemetery.
The veterans of G. L. Fort Post attended in a body, the following being pall bearers: Peter Swimm, F. R. Bennett, Eph Herriott, James King, Peter Bower, John Foulk. The music was furnished by Mrs. E. Yoakem, Mrs. Addison Pacey, Dr. A. J. Hawkes and Harold Cady. (Brimfield News, Feb. 28, 1907, submitted by Laurie Huey)

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Obituary

    One of the old settlers of Peoria county passed away at 12:15 o'clock yesterday morning when Mrs. Lydia Silloway died at her home, 907 Peoria avenue.
    Her maiden name was Miss Lydia Huey and she was born near Wheeling, W. Va, seventy-one years ago and came to Peoria county when a young woman. Her marriage to I. W. Silloway, a prosperous farmer took place in this city nearly fifty-one years ago and for many years the family resided in Brimfield. Mrs. Silloway was a typical old settler possessing all the sturdy qualities of the early residents and was a woman highly esteemed by all who knew her and her family has the deepest sympathy of a wide circle of friends. She is survived by three daughters and one son, who sincerely mourn the loss of a most affectionate mother. Brief funeral services will be held at the home tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock and the remains will be taken to Brimfield Wednesday morning for interment.--Peoria Star, Aug. 31
    The body, accompanied by a number of relatives and friends, was brought to Brimfield on the morning passenger train yesterday and funeral services were held at the Congregational church at 9:30 a.m., conducted by Rev. Richard Pacey, assisted by Rev. C. D. Shoemaker. The remains were laid to rest in Brimfield cemetery. (Brimfield News, Sep. 3, 1908, submitted by Laurie Huey)

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Obituary

    Mrs. I. W. Silloway was born December 13, 1836, and died August 30, 1908, aged 71 years, 8 months, and 17 days.
    The maiden name of the deceased was Lydia Huey; she was born in Ohio County, West Virginia. Her parents with their family moved to Brimfield, Peoria County, Ill., in the year 1849. Mrs. Silloway was one of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Four of the family have now passed away, James and Edward died in the army in November, 1863, Mrs. McQuown died January 1, 1901, and Mrs. Silloway died as stated, August 30, 1908. The other children are: William, residing at Gibson City, Ill., John D. at Monmouth, Ill., Mrs. Jones at Seguin, Texas, and Webster, of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. William and John D. were present at the funeral, the others were not able to come.
    Miss Lydia Huey was united in marriage to I. W. Silloway April 22, 1857. To this union were born four children: Mrs. Clara Chamberlain and Mrs. Faye Schleicher, of Peoria; Mrs. Ella Radley of Fairfield, Iowa; Arden Silloway, of Cando, North Dakota. They were all present at the funeral of their mother. Mr. Silloway died February 18, 1907.
    In 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Silloway moved to Indianaola, Iowa. Mr. Silloway enlisted in the year 1864 and was assigned to Co. A, 16th Reg., Iowa Vol. Infantry. After his discharge from the service they settled in Yates City, Ill. After residing in Yates City four years they moved to Brimfield and were residents of this place for over thirty-one years. A few years ago they moved to Peoria. When their daughter Faye was married, they made their home with her. It was at this home that both father and mother died.
    Mrs. Silloway was identified in membership with the Presbyterian church the greater part of her life. She was a modest, unassuming, conscientious, christian woman, and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She not only lived a devoted, christian life but died in the blessed assurance of a peaceful immortality. "I have asked not to stay; after the storm comes peace." Thus she passed to her reward.
In her death the children sincerely mourn the loss of a tender and loving mother. They have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. The greatest consolation that can come to the bereaved children in this hour of darkness and sorrow, not only to Mrs. Schleicher but to all of them, is the loving, tender care they have given to the deceased.
    The body, accompanied by a number of relatives and friends, was brought to Brimfield on the morning of Sept. 2, and funeral services were held at the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Richard Pacey, assisted by Rev. C. D. Shoemaker. The remains were laid to rest in Brimfield cemetery. (Brimfield News, Sep. 10, 1908, submitted by Laurie Huey)

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Obituary: Rudolph Anthony Smith

Rudolph A. Smith, 82, of 2423 Walden Road, Iowa City, Iowa, formerly of 4715 Egdebrook, died at 1:56 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 2, 1999, at Mercy HOspital in Iowa City.
   Born April 11, 1916 in Coffman, Mo., to Alfred J. and Genevieve (Wolk) Smith, he married Inez Holland on May 8, 1937, in River Aux Vases, Mo. She died in 1972. He married Bertha R. Kalmbrunn Liesman on June 18, 1972, in Peoria. She survives.
   Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Jack (Marilyn)Pribble of Coralville, Iowa, and Mrs. Lonnie (Beverly) Owens of Washington; one stepson Burton Liesman of Chillicothe, and one stepdaughter, Sandra Herbst of Oklahoma City; one bother Walter of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.; one sister, Dorothy Doza of Festus, Mo.; four grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
   Two grandsons and great-granddaughter preceded him in death.
   He was a postal carrier for the u.S. Postal Service in Peoria, retiring in 1978. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Letter Carriers.
   A World War II Army veteran, he was a member of American Legion Post 2 in
Peoria.
   He was a former member of Moose Lodge and the AM-VETS.
   Services will be at 8 p.m. Friday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chaple, where visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Friday. Cremation will be accorded after the service.  Burial will be in Parkview cemetery in Peoria.
   Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. (Peoria Journal Star, Feb. 3, 1999, submitted by Tracy Kyle)

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Obituary

     Mrs. Thomas Pacey received word Saturday at the sudden death of her nephew Lloyd A. Silloway Of Miles City, Montana. He passed away in his sleep early Saturday morning.
     Lloyd was born here at Brimfield Sept. 16, 1893, son of Arden and Janette Farnum Silloway. He moved to Cando, N. Dakota, with his parents when he was thirteen years old, then on to Montana in 1909. He worked on the Great Northern Railroad from the time he was 16 years old until he retired a year ago.
     He is survived by three aunts, Mrs. Faye Schleicher of Peoria; Mrs. Lois Marshall of Bozeman, Montana; and Mrs. Thos. Pacey of Brimfield; and several cousins.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday at the Gra[t]es Funeral Home in Miles City, Montana and burial was beside his parents at Forsythe, Montana. (Brimfield News, Dec. 2, 1954, submitted by Laurie Huey)

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Mrs. A. W. Smith Funeral Thursday

Funeral services will be held for Mrs. Anna Wright Smith at the Wilton Mortuary chapel Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. E. T. Mur?? officiating.

Mrs. Smith, who was the wife of Aura? Smith, 636? Fishgate street, died at St. Francis hospital Tuesday, aged 64? years. Born in this city on March 10, 1882?, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Fitton, she was married here September 5, 1913, to Aura? Smith, who survives her. Other survivors are two brothers, William and George Fitton, and two sisters, Mrs. Clara Neidhardt and Mrs. Stella Julian?, all of Peoria.

(unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Samuel Snyder was born in Shellsburg, Bedford county, Penn. the 27th day of May 1813 and died at his late home in Brimfield, Peoria Co. IL on the 15th day of May 1889, aged 75 yrs 11 mos and 18 das. He came with his father's family to Peoria Co. IL in 1836 and settled near Brimfield in Jubilee township, where he lived until he married Mary Jane Stansbury, March 14,(12) 1839. He moved the same year with his wife to Booneville, Cooper County Missouri where he lived until he moved to Peoria, IL in 1850, going the same year across the plains to the gold fields of California, remaining here until 1853 when he returned to his family and settled at Brimfield where he has lived until his death. There were born to them eleven children, 7 boys and 4 girls, 4 of whom with his beloved wife (who died in great peace, September 13, 1885) preceded him to their home in heaven. There remain of the children four daughters, viz: Susan A. Fisher, Josephine Walker, Kate O. Walker and Marietta Aten and 3 sons Samuel H., William D. and Frederick H. all of whom but one are present today. Fredrick H. being distant in western Iowa and not able to reach here. There remain of his father's family of ten children only two: William who lives in Boonville, Mo and his youngest sister, Eliza Heryer, she being present to-day. The rest having gone before to that "bourn from which no traveler returns" He was converted and gave his heart to God and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when a boy in Pennsylvania bringing his membership with him when he came to Illinois and helped to organize and was a member of the first M. E. Church class in Brimfield, he notifying the Settlers of the meeting to organize in his father's cabin and has ever since lived within the fold of the church, being personally identified with the church of his choice in her trials and struggles as well as her triumphs and victories, being class leader , steward and trustee, thereby bearing the burdens and hardships of the frontier church in which faith he lived, devoted to it's doctrines and policy and triumphantly died in the hope of a glorious resurrection. March 25, 1888 he was married in Brimfield, IL to Mrs. Lucy Ellis whom he leaves with the children, grandchildren, brother, sister and friends to mourn. He was a devoted and loving husband a kind and indulgent father, a true and faithful friend. "We shall meet but we shall miss him". Before he died he called his wife, children and grandchildren about his bed and one by one, taking them by the hand, bade them "Good bye" saying, "Meet me in Heaven". (another obit (Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)

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Mrs. Samuel Snyder

     Mary Jane Stansbury was born April 23, 1818 in the city of Baltimore, Maryland and emigrated to Peoria County, IL in 1836; was married to Samuel Snyder Mar 12, 1839. They soon afterwards removed to Missouri where she joined the Franklin (Howard county) M. E. Church in 1845, of which she was an exemplary member until the day of her death which occurred at her home in Brimfield, Sunday evening, September 13, inst.
    Her sufferings were great but she bore them all patiently and heroically. Her husband, four daughters and three sisters were with her in her last hours almost every instant and all that loving hearts and
hands could do to alleviate her suffering was done. The record she leaves behind her is that all who knew her loved her most. She lived in deeds not words. (Brimfield News?, unknown date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)

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Frances Sommer

PEORIA -- Frances M. Sommer, 85, of Peoria died at 6:35 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at her residence.

Born June 19, 1919, in Peoria to Frank and Kazimiera Chernewski Lazisky, she married Ronald Sommer on Aug. 5, 1950, in Peoria. He died Sept. 12, 1986.

She was also preceded in death by five sisters, three brothers and one grandson.

Surviving are two daughters, Holly Henderson and Vali Shoff, both of Peoria; one son, Joseph (and Susan) of Bartonville; five grandchildren; and one sister, Camile Lindquist of California.

She was of the Catholic faith.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Cemetery. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Compassionate Friends Group at Pekin Hospital.

(unknown newspaper, Sep. ??, 2004, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Ronald Sommer

Ronald V. Sommer, 65, of 1515 S. Western, died at 10:45 p.m. Friday at Proctor Community Hospital, where he had been a patient for two days.

Born May 1, 1921, in Washington, to Joseph and Mabel Miller Sommer, he married Frances Laziski on Aug. 5, 1950, in Peoria.

She survives, along with one son, Joseph of Peoria; two daughters, Mrs. Clifford (Holly) Henderson and Mrs. Randy (Vali) Shoff, both of Peoria; and five grandchildren.

He was a truck driver, working out of Teamsters Local 627, retiring in 1983. He was a World War II navy veteran.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Davison-Fulton Western Chapel, Franciscan Friars officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery and visitation will be one hour before services at the chapel.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital. (Died Sept. 12, 1986)

(unknown newspaper, Sep. ??, 1986, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Gertrude Staples

Gertrude M. Staples, 85, of Rosewood Care Center, formerly of 2126 W. Marquette died at noon Sunday, Oct. 27, 1991, at Methodist Medical Center.

Born Nov. 30, 1905, in Peoria to John A. and Josephine Bherens Ridlbauer, she married John E. Staples on June 14, 1927, in Peoria. He died on Aug. 25, 1991, in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

She is survived by one daughter, Clara J. Reeser, and one brother, John A. Ridlbauer, both of Peoria.

She worked for 20 years at the former G&W Co. and later was employed by the former Hiram Walker Distillery until retiring in 1968.

She was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Davison-Fulton Western Chapel, the Rev. Bruce Melton officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the chapel. Burial will be in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to her church.

(Peoria Journal Star, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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William Stewart, a former resident here, and a relative by marriage, of the Roots, died at his home in Princeville last Saturday. (Chillicothe Bulletin, Sep. 12, 1884, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mary Jane Gaddis Switzer

     Mary Jane Gaddis was born on February 9, 1819 in the town of Enniskillen?, county of Fermanagh, Ireland, and died August 24, 1895 at 11:55 p.m. making her age 76 years, 6 months, 15 days.
     She immigrated to America with her parents, the Rev. Wm. Gaddis and wife, also two brothers and one sister in the spring of 1821, settled in Albany, NY where she was converted at the age of 18 and joined the M. E. church, of which she has ever since been a member.  In 1837 came to Illinois with her father who was at that time transferred from Troy, NY Conference. Was married to John W. Switzer on January 6th, 1841, at Waukegan, Ill. They went to their new home on a farm near Elgin, Ill. Immediately after their marriage, where nine children blessed their union, 6 of whom are still living. From then moved to Dowagiac, Michigan, in 1864, remaining there 8 years, then returned to Illinois, and settled in the present home, five miles from Brimfield, in Rosefield township, Peoria county where she, with her husband and a portion of her family spent the remaining years of her life. Her death was caused by dropsy, superinduced by a weak rheumatic heart, and she has been in poor health for several years. Scarcely a year ago her husband preceded her to the better land, both her brothers and two sisters have gone before leaving but two members of a family of seven, one a younger widowed sister living in Portland, Oregon, and the other an unmarried sister, and youngest member of the family, who was in constant attendance upon her during the last five weeks of her illness. She was a faithful wife, a good mother, an industrious housekeeper and a kind and charitable neighbor. She was a great sufferer, but bore all patiently for Christ’s sake. She died trusting in the Saviour that her father preached for so many years and was frequently heard to exclaim that she was prepared to go, and that it would be a happy release; was resigned to the will of the Lord, and was “only waiting here, to hear the summons, child, enter home”. The last words she was to utter were “Glory to God,” while her sister sung to her,
     “My Jesus I love thee, I know thou art mine, etc.”
     Her parents died in 1850-51 and their remains rest in the cemetery at Toulon, Stark county, Illinois. Her funeral services were conducted at her late residence at 2 p.m. by the Rev. W. H. Clark, of Brimfield. The interment took place on Aug. 26, at the Oak Hill cemetery. (Brimfield News, Thursday, Sep. 5, 1895, transcribed by Sandy MacDonald)

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Mrs. John W. Switzer

Mrs. John W. Switzer, widow of the late John W. Switzer, died at the home of her son. Geo. Switzer, in Rosefield, on Saturday, August 24, 1895. The funeral services were held at the residence on Monday. Mrs. Switzer was one of the pioneers of that vicinity. (Brimfield News, Thursday, Aug. 20, 1895, transcribed by Sandy MacDonald)

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Drowned

An Elmwood farmer drowned in the Kickapoo-Accidental death

Coroner Bennett returned this forenoon from Elmwood, where he went in response to an official summons last night. On arriving there he learned that Isaac D. Taylor, a highly esteemed farmer near that city, had been drowned. He summoned a jury and held a very searching inquest, which was not completed until after midnight. It resulted in the following verdict, which tells the brief story:

State of Illinois, Peoria county: In the matter of the acquisition of the body of Isaac D. Taylor, deceased, held at his residence in Elmwood township on the 21st day of September, A. D. 1887, we, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Isaac D. Taylor, on oath do find he came to his death by being drowned, by accidentally falling from a bridge across the Kickapoo Creek on his own farm while repairing the same, on the 21st day of September, 1887.

Andrew J. Graham
James H. Kershow
James H. Graham
A. G. Mills
James Briggs
Hamilton Moore.

The coroner says that from appearances it would seem that the deceased was engaged in setting a row of posts or pilings in the water, and in reaching over to place one of these he lost his balance and fell into deep water. He leaves a wife and four children, one son and three daughters, was in well-to-do circumstances, and his domestic relations were apparently of a pleasantest kind. There is not a circumstance pointing to anything else but accidental drowning. The deceased carried extensive life insurance, reported as high as $29,000. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, September 29, 1887, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Thompson, George Donald

Patriarch of the Thompson family of Minneapolis, MN and Peoria, Illinois succumbed at age 93 on Friday, April 27th, 2007. Born July 10th, 1913 in Peoria, George was one of two children to Adrian Leonardo Thompson and Estella Marie (Murphy) Thompson. George's younger sister, Evelyn K. (Thompson) Davidson Sparks preceded him in death on April 1, 1999. George was a 10th generation American descended from one of the oldest families in America. His ancestry. dates back to the original 1614 Dutch Colonists of New York City, 6 years before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock and includes grandparents who fought in the American Revolution, War of 1812, The Civil War and WWI.

George attended Franklin and Webster elementary schools in Peoria, IL where he sang at a city wide concert to the accompaniment of John Phillip Sousa's Band. A graduate of Manuel High School in Peoria, George lettered in football, participated in the Glee Club and became leader of the cheerleading squad.

Even while in elementary school George found himself working at assorted jobs including the Peoria Star Journal where he cut and stacked the newspapers he needed and then sold them for 3 cents per paper, 5 cents for an Extra Edition. He later served at the Star as a proof reader. Additionally, he worked at Moskins Clothing, drove trucks, dug graves and trimmed grass at Memorial Cemetery, delivered Desotos for Isch Brother and Hackshaw as well as setting the picking record at Schoff's apple orchard of 146 bushels in day.

In the early 1930's George moved to Minneapolis, MN where he met and married Frances Mary Rzeszutek on July 10, 1939 who later died on June 16th, 1996. In Minneapolis, George worked for Direct Service Gas, Northern Pump, Lansing Button Company and finished his career selling cars at Wynn Stephens Buick. He had an interim fling running his own business "Southwest Hardware Store".

George is survived by his 3 children, Arthene "Cookie" Rae (Thompson) Brecht and her husband Dwayne Elwood Brecht of Richfield, MN, Thomas Norton Thompson and his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Ann (Heard) Thompson of McHenry, IL and Terry Gene Thompson and his wife Jill Ann (Cronemiller) Thompson of Denver, Colorado; "Cookie's" children, Tracey (Brecht) Bishop, Melissa (Brecht) Nivala and Edwin Brecht; Tommy's children, Thomas, Michelle, Erik and Nicole Thompson; Terry and Jill's children, John and David Thompson; his niece and nephew, Marge Pacyna, Wayne Davidson and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for George Thompson on Saturday, May 5th, 5:00 PM at:

Washburn-McReavy
Edina Chapel
952-920-3996
West 50th St. & Hwy 100.

(Twin Cities Star Tribune, Monday, April 30, 2007, submitted by Sandy)

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Obituary

Hannah Fletcher, third daughter of John and Caroline Fletcher was born March 27, 1850 at Somercotes England.  In 1856 she came with her parents to Illinois, first living in Knox county, and then in Peoria and finally settling in Trivoli where she spent the greater part of her life.  When a young girl she became a member of the Methodist Church.  During early womanhood she was a teacher in the rural schools.  April 6, 1871 she was married to Sidney D. Thompson who died in 1879, leaving her with one daughter.  Engaging in the millinery work she also was in 1888 appointed postmistress at Trivoli which office she resigned after 30 years service.  In 1920 she came to Elmwood to make her home with Mr and Mrs Owen Cottingham.  Mrs Thompson has been a member of the S.C.T.U. for 45 years, also a member of the Elmwood Womans club since its organization, always being interested in civic affairs.  She passed from this life Wednesday evening.  May 28, 1930 leaving her only daughter, Jessie Cottingham and the oldest sister, Mrs. Sarah Greenhalgh, Chico, California.

Memorial services were conducted by Rev. J W Turner Sunday, June 1st at 3 PM at the Elmwood Methodist Church.  Meadames McMullen and Troth and Messrs. Troth and Holmberg sang "Abide with Me", O love that will not let me go" and Crossing the Bar".  The casket bearers were A S McDonald, Eugene Cottingham, W A Cottingham of Trivoli, C E Beck of Eden and E Y Wrigley and F. E. Wrigley of Peoria.  Interment was at Trivoli Cemetery.  Among the out of town friends who attended the memorial services were Robert Francis and wife and J L Bourne and wife, Hanna City, Misses Elizabeth and Ella Hitchcock of Normal; Mrs. Joseph Wrigley, Mrs. F E Wrigley and daughter Mildred, Mrs. R T Graham, Mrs. Millo Prochaska, Lester Graham and wife, Chas Havenden St. and wife and Mrs. Lloyd Turl of Peoria. [NOTE: Hannah's only daughter Jessie J. Thompson was born in 1875.  Jessie married Owen Cottingham Nov 27, 1913.  Hannah's husband Sidney died June 29, 1879 when Jessie was only 4 years old.  I do not know why Sidney died, or have any information about that....unknown newspaper and date for the obit, submitted by Ginger Engler]

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Arthur Traeger Funeral To Be Held Friday

Funeral services for Arthur J Traeger, 63, 3108 Western Avenue, former owner of the Peoria Machine Parts Company, 605 Franklin Street, prominent Mason and church worker, who died at 5:45 a.m. at Proctor hospital, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at First Methodist church.  Dr. W.T. Smith will officiate and internment will be at Springdale Cemetery.  Friends may calls at the Gauss mortuary after 4 o’clock this afternoon.

For Many years Mr. Traeger has been active in First Methodist church, serving as a trustee, member of the official board on the pastoral committee.  His Masonic affiliations included Peoria Lodge No. 15; Peoria Consistory, Scottish Rite and Mohammad Temple Shrine.  For many years he was director of the Shrine Trumpeters.

Mr. Traeger founded the Peoria Machine Parts Company in 1920 retiring in 1942 due to failing health.  More recently he has been associated with Blue Cross hospitalization plan, and his last position was as appraiser for the Farmers Savings and Loan association.  Mr. Traeger was a member of the University Club.

A son of Frank and Mary Krider Traeger, he was born in Norwalk, Ohio, March 22, 1883, and married Miss Alma Margaret, sister of Dr. C. W. Margaret, in Peoria October 25, 1905. 

Surviving are his wife, and a sister, Mrs. Helena Batchelder of Glendale, California.  A son, Cedric Traeger, died in 1930.

It was announced by John M. Elliot, president of the Farmers Savings and Loan association, that the organizations offices will be closed from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Friday in respect to Mr. Traeger. 

(Peoria Journal Jan. 2, 1947, submitted by Harry Lundell)

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After Short Illness Death Claims Albert J. Traeger...

Assistant Superintendent of Sewers under Mayor Woodruff Succumbs to Pneumonia

After an illness lasting less than a week, Albert J Traeger, assistant superintendent of sewers for the City of Peoria, passed away at his home, 529 Indiana Avenue.

The dread pneumonia was the direct cause of the tragedy which took away one of the most capable young men in the service of the city government.  Death came when Albert was but twenty nine years of age and leaves to mourn a loving wife and two small children, one but two months of age.

Albert Traeger came from one of the best known families to the city and had always enjoyed a wide circle of friends.  He was popular among his associates in the city administration where he had been for over two years.  He was born on June 11, 1883, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C W Traeger.  He graduated from the public schools of the city and then entered his father’s architectural office and studied for several years.  In 1910 he entered the office of the superintendent as the first assistant and had held the post up to the time of his sudden death.  He was a member of the Modern Woodman and of the K.P.

On June 30, 1909, he was married to Miss Nina Anderson of this city, and from the union two children have been born, both boys, Sydney, who is now two years of age, and James who is but two months.  There is also one brother William, three sisters, Misses Minnie, Pearl, and Lillie Traeger, all of this city, who survive him.

The funeral is to be held on Monday afternoon at 1 o’clock, at the residence, 529 Indiana Avenue.  At 2 o’clock a service will be held at the Calvary Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member.  Rev. Alexander Lewis will preach the funeral sermon. Internment is to be in Springdale Cemetery.

(Peoria Journal, Oct. 26, 1912, submitted by Harry Lundell)

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John G Traeger

John Traeger, the well-known bailiff and constable, died at his residence last Thursday at 518 Fourth Street. He was born in Freiberg, Prussia, in 1823 on the 2nd of September; consequently he was a little over 65 years old. He came to this country in 1847 and settled in New York State, where he married. He came to this city in 1857, where he was a deputy marshal. In 1860 he was elected constable and has served continuously ever since. At the time of his death he was deputy United States marshal. He leaves a wife and four children, the latter all grown up and married. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at half-past one from the house and at two o’clock from the church. His malady was general failure of the vital powers. Thus passes away one who was long prominent in public life. His great size, his wonderful activity, his unfailing humor, his readiness on all occasions to do his duty made him one of the characters of this city. Several years ago he lost much of his flesh – so that his best friends hardly knew him. He rallied from this and recovered his health, but latterly he has been failing away. And so this is the last of John Traeger. We record his demise with sorrow. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Jan. 10, 1889, submitted by Harry Lundell)

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Obituary

The funeral of Henry Truitt, last Friday, was the largest ever held in this city. A great many of those present came from distant parts of the county and State. The church building, although crowded to its utmost capacity, failed to accomodate half of those who had come to pay their last respects to their friend and neighbor. The services were ably conducted by the Rev. Mr. Hewitt, of the First Baptist Church of Peoria. (Chillicothe Bulletin, Sep. 26, 1884, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Dena Updyke

Peoria - Dena Updyke, 78, of Peoria, died at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Wyoming Cemetery. The Rev. Pamela Smith will officiate. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to the Hult Center Cancer Center for Healthy Living - for counseling. Wyoming Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Born July 11, 1926, in Stark County, the daughter of Leslie and Ila (Catton) King, she married Kenneth Updyke on Dec. 27, 1949, in Wyoming. He died Sept. 23, 2001, in Peoria.

Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Allen (Virginia) Ford of Wyoming; a brother, Gerald (Zaz) King of Wyoming; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ralph and Dorrance King.

She was a secretary for the USDA Northern Utilization Research Lab in Peoria, retiring in 1979.

(Kewanee Star Courier, Jan. 8, 2005, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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Kenneth Updyke

Peoria - Kenneth W. Updyke, 77, of Peoria, formerly of Wyoming, died at 11:07 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2001, at Methodist Medical Center.

Born Jan. 2, 1924, in Wyoming, Ill., he married Dena King on Dec. 27, 1949, in Wyoming. She survives. A World War II Army veteran, he served in the European Theater and was a member of Wyoming American Legion Post 91.

He worked for Caterpillar Inc. for 36 years, retiring in 1986.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Wyoming Funeral Home in Wyoming, where visitation will be one hour before services. The Rev. Pamela Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Wyoming Cemetery, with military rites accorded by his American Legion post. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post 91.

(Peoria Journal Star, Sep. 25, 2001, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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MRS. J. WASKOSKI DIES AT DAVIS HOSPITAL HERE.
NATIVE OF PEORIA, IL, HAD MADE HOME IN PINE BLUFF (Arkansas) SINCE 1889

Mrs. Kate Waskoski, widow of the late Joe Waskoski and resident of this city for the past 52 years, passed away shortly after noon Saturday at the Davis hospital, where she had been a patient for several weeks.

Mrs. Waskoski was born on June 30, 1857, in Peoria, Illinois. She came to Pine Bluff with her family in 1889.

(This is only partial listing of obit, I only included the info pertaining to Peoria, IL. Catherine Hamer-Waskoski is the daughter of Henry Hamer of Wales and Martha Sill-Hamer-Homan of Illinois)

(Pine Bluff Ark. Daily Graphic, Sunday, Apr. 6, 1941, submitted by Karen Hamer-Pasquale)

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Andrew Whittaker

Andrew T. Whittaker, 48, well known musician and farmer of north of Brimfield, died suddenly at 7:10 p.m. Friday at his residence in Millbrook township near Laura.

Born October 7, 1909, at the farm where he died, he was a son of Andrew and Ada Catton Whittaker. He married Clarice Barr at Galesburg April 1, 1933.

Mr. Whittaker had long been interested in the schools of the community and had served as a member of the school board of Brimfield Unit District 309 for the last nine years. He also was known for his work as a drummer, playing regularly with an orchestra and playing an active part in music events. He was a member of the Peoria Musicians Union Local 76. He also was a member of Union Church at Brimfield.

Surviving are his wife, one son, Andrew Whittaker Jr.; one daughter, Mrs. Donald (Carol) Stables, both of Brimfield, and two grandchildren, [ ] Ray and Craig Thomas Stables. One brother and one sister preceded him in death.

Funeral services were Monday afternoon at the Brimfield High school gymnasium. Burial was in Brimfield cemetery.

The Reverend Noel Meyers, a former pastor of the Edwards Bethel Bible church conducted the service and Rolland Cady sang "The Lord's Prayer" with Russell Remmeis at the organ.

Casket bearers were Charles Hayes, John Bragg, George Moore, Robert [ ], [ ] and Harold [ ]. 

(Brimfield News, July 24, 1958, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Obituary of Josephine Snyder Walker

Josephine Snyder Walker was born October 28, 1842,* at Booneville, Mo., and died at her late residence near Elmwood, Ill., May 11, 1914.

Her father, Samuel Snyder, was one of the pioneer settlers of the middle west, and was a veteran of the Mexican War. Casting his lot with the Forty Niners, he left his family for a period of two years, hoping as did many others, to enrich himself in the far west. This desire was never fulfilled and he and his family experienced all the hardships of pioneer life.

At the age of eighteen Josephine Snyder made the acquaintance of Charles Roswell Walker, son of Roswell Walker and a descendant of Abel Walker, who was active in the Revolutionary war. After a brief courtship they planned to marry at once, but the breaking out of the Civil war deferred this marriage for four years, as Mr. Walker was in active service throughout this entire period. On March 9, 1864, this marriage took place at Brimfield, Ill. Six children were born to them, Grace, now deceased, Mary, Jessie, Hortense, Charles Edward, deceased, and Carl Randolph.

First the daughter, then the wife of a pioneer. Mrs. Walker was a most devoted christian all her life.

In accordance with her wishes, the funeral service took place under the pine trees at her late residence, and here, under the open sky, friends and relatives took their last leave of her. She was then carried to her last resting place in the Walker cemetery near Brimfield, Illinois.

*[the birthdate on her tombstone is October 25, 1842].

(Brimfield News, Thursday 21 May 1914, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe and submitted by Jacqueline Gerber) (note: punctuation and capitalization are as published)

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Obituary of Charles R. Walker

Charles R. Walker, who has been very ill at his home near Elmwood for some time past, died Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 11, 1896. The funeral services were held ---day.* Mr. Walker was born in this county sixty years ago and ever since ahs resided within its borders. He served in the 11th Cavalry service during the late war. The remains were interred in the Walker cemetery, in Jubilee township, just a few rods from the house in which he was born. He had an extensive acquaintance all over the country [sic]. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dwinnell, pastor of the Elmwood M. E. church. He leaves a widow, four daughters and one son.

*[the first letters of the day of the week are illegible]

(Brimfield News, 19 November 1896, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe and submitted by Jacqueline Gerber) (note: punctuation and capitalization are as published)

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Obituary of Edward I. Walker

Edward Irving Walker, though failing in health for several months, passed away from this mortal life, as we trust for a better, quite suddenly last Monday morning at 3:30 o’clock. He was born in Tioga county, Pa., Aug. 30, 1833. His father’s family moved to Illinois and settled on a farm in Jubilee township in 1834. He was married to Sarah A. Gibbs Dec. 25, 1856, and his wife died May 21, 1897. They had three children born to them, Helen H., Ethel J., and Gertrude B. In 1903 he married Lucia A. Horsley. His wife and step-children, one brother, Austin E. Walker, and granddaughter, Miss Ethel M. Norton, survive him.

He was an honest, upright, God-fearing man and highly respected in the community for all who knew him. He was a prominent and enthusiastic member of the Masonic Order and for some years has been honored with the office of treasurer of Horeb Lodge 363, which he worthily held.

Last summer he spent considerable time in fixing up the old family burying ground at Jubilee. In fact he over taxed his strength. It was his expressed desire to be buried in the sepulchre with his father.

The funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at his late resident, Rev. J. S. Bayne, pastor of the First Congregational church officiating. The Masonic Order appropriately officiated at the grave. The bereaved members of the family have our heartfelt sympathy. – Elmwood Gazette

(Brimfield News, Thursday 26 July 1906, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe and submitted by Jacqueline Gerber) (note: punctuation and capitalization are as published)

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Delwin E. Walliker

Princeville - Delwin E. Walliker, 78, or rural Princeville died at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2002, in the emergency room at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Born Oct. 26, 1923, in Monica to Reginald and Myrtle Catton Walliker, he married Dorothy A. Libby on Dec. 14, 1950, in Brimfield. She survives. also surviving are two sons, Bill (and Marlene) of Sevierville, Tenn., and Jim (and Sue) of Howell, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; and one great granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by one son, John E. Walliker.

He farmed in Princeville and Millbrook townships, retiring in 1986. He was a former member of Laborers Local 165, where he worked in road construction helping build Interstate 74.

He attended Faith Baptist Church in Toulon and was a former member of Laura United Methodist Church, where he served on the board of trustees for several years.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home. The Rev. Fred Reiner will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. Burial will be in Brimfield Cemetery in Brimfield.

Memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church in Toulon or Oral Roberts Ministries.

(Peoria Journal Star, January 17, 2002, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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Dorothy Walliker

Princeville - Dorothy A. Walliker, 71, of rural Princeville died at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2002, at Manor Care in Peoria.

Born July 13, 1931, in Toulon to John and Helen Plack Libby, she married Delwin E. Walliker on Dec. 14, 1950, in Brimfield. He died Jan. 15, 2002, in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by one son, John.

Surviving are two sons, Bill (and Marlene) of Sevierville, Tenn., and Jim (and Sue) of Howell, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

She attended Faith Baptist Church in Toulon and was a former member of Laura United Methodist Church.

Services will be at noon Tuesday at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home in Princeville. The Rev. Fred Reiner will officiate. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home. Burial will be in Brimfield Cemetery in Brimfield. Memorials may be made to Laura United Methodist Church.

(Peoria Journal Star, July 22, 2002, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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Princeville Man Dies in 1-Car Crash

Father was Killed 14 Years Ago in Collision Edwards - The Princeville man killed early Thursday in an accident that left his car sheared in half had lost his father 14 years earlier in a collision in northern Peoria County.

Jonn E. Walliker, 22, of 318 E. Evans St. was pronounced dead at the scene of the single car crash that ended about 12:30 a.m. in front of 5925 N. Kickapoo-Edwards Road, between Grimm Road and Countryside Lane, south of Interstate 74. Walliker was found in a heap on the front passenger-side floor, according to Peoria County Sheriff's reports.

"He lost control on the curve, left the roadway, sheered a (utility) pole, went through a fence and came to rest in the field," Peoria County Coroner

Johnna Ingersoll said. When Walliker's Chevrolet Cavalier slammed into the pole, the impact broke the pole in two and split the car horizontally in half. He was not wearing a seat belt.

He was last employed at McDonald's in Farmington. Attempts to contact his family early Thursday were unsuccessful. On May 8, 1992, John E. Walliker, 34, of Princeville died in a cornfield near Maher Road and Peoria Route 90, several miles west of Princeville, according to Journal Star archives.

John Walliker ran a stop sign and broadsided a van, injuring four people. An accident reconstructionist pegged John Walliker's pickup truck traveling between 70 and 80 mph. Approximately 20 miles separate the two accident sites.  (Peoria Journal Star, November 17, 2006, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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Jonn E. Walliker

Princeville - Jonn E. Walliker, 22, of Farmington, formerly of Princeville, died at 1:24 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2006, as a result of a single car accident on Kickapoo-Edwards Rd. in Peoria County.

Born August 23, 1984, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of John E. and Sue Henson Walliker. His father and grandparents, Delwin & Dorothy Walliker, and Edward Henson preceded him in death.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, Sue and Raul Galindo of Princeville, IL; brother, Nicholas Galindo at home; Grandparents, Jerry Milner of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mario & Delores Galindo of Princeville, IL; and aunts and uncles, Bill (and Marlene) Walliker of Tennessee, James Walliker of New Jersey, Tammy (and Ty) Hankinson of Williamsfield, IL, Larry Henson and and Dave Henson, both of Iowa, and Mark Henson of Illinois.

He attended Princeville schools and he worked at McDonald's Restaurant in Farmington. He was a member of Set Free Christian Fellowship, Washington.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 20, 2006, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville. Dan Capperune will officiate. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 19, 2006, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home. Burial will be in Brimfield Cemetery, Brimfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to Set Free Christian Fellowship or Akron/Princeville Ambulance Service.

(Obituary from Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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John Walliker

Princeville - Services for John E. Walliker, 24, of rural Princeville, who was pronounced dead at 9:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 1992, at the scene of a two- car accident in Peoria County, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hammitt Funeral Home in Princeville. The Rev. Fred Reiner will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Brimfield Cemetery in Brimfield. Police said he apparently ran the stop sign and collided with a van at Illinois Route 90 and Maher Road. Born April 19, 1958, in Galesburg to Delwin E. and Dorothy A. Libby Walliker, he married Sue Henson on June 27, 1981, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She survives along with his parents of rural Princeville; one son, John E. at home; two brothers, William L. of Nashville, Tenn., and James H, of

Colorado Springs, Colo.; and five nieces abd nephews. He was a 1976 graduate of Princeville High School. He was a foreman at Archer Daniels Midland Co., GroMark Division, in Peoria for 12 years, last working Friday. Memorials may be made to a trust fund for his son at Dunlap State Bank. 

(Peoria Journal Star, May 10, 1992, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)

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Fred Wyman

News has come of the death of Fred Wyman at San Antonio Texas, Sunday. Funeral services were held Tuesday and burial was in Texas [my notes-actually buried in Brimfield Cemetery]. My Wyman has resided in San Antonio since last summer.

(Brimfield News, March 18, 1954, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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The Obituary Record.

     The funeral of Austin Ward will take place at Co. L. armory, corner of Madison avenue and Fulton street at 2:30 p. m. today, the Rev. A. C. Brown, pastor of the Plymouth Presbyterian church, officiating. The services will consist of a sermon and full military funeral.
     The remains of the deceased were yesterday afternoon removed to the armory, where they will lie in state until after the funeral services when they will be escorted to Springdale cemetery by Company L., which will fire a salute of three volleys over the grave. (Peoria Daily Transcript, February 27, 1896, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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At Peoria, March 28, 1888, of asthma, Anna Washansen, aged 60 years and 22 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, May 17, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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At Chillicothe, March 26, 1888, John M. Weir, aged 26 years, 9 months and 13 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, June 7, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Carrie Welsh, 70, a widow of William Welsh and a resident here for 68 years, died at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at her home, 216 Kettelle Street.

     She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, March 12, 1876, a daughter of Andrew and Dena George Schmidt. Mrs. Welsh was a member of Fern Leaf Camp No. 18, Royal Neighbors of America.

     Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Umeda Hammer and Evalyn Houser, both of Peoria, three sons, Norval W. Welsh and John McWilliams, both of Peoria, and William Welsh, Stockton, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Smith and Mrs. Kate Evans both of this city; a brother, John Schmidt, also of Peoria; 11 grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. A son, Oral, died in infancy.

     Services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday at the Wilton Mortuary, with the Rev. M. L. Bischoff of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be in Springdale Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary Sunday afternoon and evening. (Unknown Peoria newspaper, August 8, 1946, submitted by Debbie Schmidt-Martin)

 

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At Peoria, April 13, 1888, of bronco pneumonia, Johann Dittrich Wilken, aged 9 months and 8 days. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, May 17, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Obituary Communicated.

Chillicothe, Ill., Feb. 22.--The silent reaper has again entered our city and taken one of our oldest citizens. Like a full-cared sheaf Dr. Asahel Wilmot has passed from a long life of active labor to the realm of rewards. The summons to "come up higher" came to Dr. Wilmot at the ripe age of nearly 84 years, he having been born on the 24th of March, 1804. His childhood and youth were passed on a farm in his native county--Broom county, New York. After attending the common school, he graduated from the Binghampton high school and taught a number of terms. At the age of 22 years he was attacked with hip disease, which permanently disqualified him for active manual labor, and no doubt had an influence in shaping his subsequent career. Possessing great fondness for books and study he chose the medical profession as his life work. Having completed his course of study under the preceptorship of Dr. Nathan Boynton, of Bettsburg, Chenango county, New York, he graduated from the medical department of the state university, Jan. 3, 1832. After practicing with Dr. Boynton seven months, Dr. Wilmot settled in Coventry, Chenango county, N. Y., remaining there ten years. Deciding to cast his lot in the new west, with his wife and five children to Illinois, landing in Peoria county in June, 1843. He first located at Blue Ridge, Hallock township, and commenced practicing, removing four years later at Northampton. In 1854 Dr. Wilmot and family settled in Chillicothe, in the homestead from which his body was borne by loving hands on last Sunday afternoon to its final resting place at Blue Ridge. Both by nature and acquirement he was eminently adapted to his chosen profession, in which he achieved marked success, and a large practice during the half century of his active life in that field of labor. Dr. Wilmot's bright, cultured intellect and unswerving integrity of character, together with his fine sense of humor in all his relations with his fellow-men, and his large-hearted benevolence combined to command the respect and esteem of all who knew him; so that it can be truthfully said, that of friends he had many, and enemies few or none. On March 6th, 1833, Dr. Wilmot was united in marriage with Miss Olive A. Smith, with whom he lived in happy wedlock nearly fifty-four years. Their home has ever been noted for its generous hospitality and sunshine, where both friend and stranger always received a cordial welcome. The widow and seven of their eight children (three sons and four daughters) remain to mourn their sore bereavement. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, March 1, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Victor G. Wise

     Funeral services for Victor G. Wise, 56 years old, assistant county auditor, who died Tuesday in St. Francis hospital following a stroke on a downtown st., will be held at 8:45 a. m. Saturday at the Boland mortuary and at 9:30 a. m. in St. Thomas church. The Rev. Bernard Rank will officiate. Interment will be in the St. Mary's cemetery.
     The rosary will be recited at 8 o'clock tonight at the mortuary. Friends are to call at Boland's this afternoon and evening.
     The Peoria Heights Water Works office will be closed from 8 to 12 o'clock Saturday morning out of respect to the memory of Mr. Wise, who was treasurer of the village. (Peoria Journal-Transcript, Friday, Feb. 13, 1942, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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The Late Major Whiting

     All that is mortal of the late R. F. Whiting, was carried forth and laid to rest in the peaceful shades of Springdale Cemetery yesterday. The funeral took place from the home of Howard Knowles, son-in-law of the respected dead, at 206 Moss avenue, and the remains crossed the same portals through which Mr. Whiting's daughter were taken to their last home but a few months ago. The funeral services were conducted by the venerable A. A. Stevens, former pastor of the Congregational church, and an old friend of the family. The pall bearers were Allen Proctor, Z. N. Hotchkiss, H. R. Sanderson, and J. C. Garwood of Galesburg, A. Stone and Col. Isaac Taylor. The floral tributes were beautiful and numerous and a broken wheel of blossoms symbolized the life snapped and sundered. Solemn requimes were chanted by a quartette choir and the following brief but impressive oration was delivered by the sorrowing pastor:
     "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth yet there is no scourging but that is followed by peace, sweet alike to the body and soul....(Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, June 7, 1888, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Mrs. Ada A. Whittaker

Funeral services for Mrs. Ada A. Whittaker, were held Tuesday afternoon from the residence, conducted by a former pastor, Rev. W. H. Young of Galesburg. Hymns "Sometime We'll Understand" and "Beautiful Tale" were sung by Rudolph Savage.

Burial was in the Brimfield cemetery. Casket bearers were Everett Bitner, John Whittaker, Wilfred Beamer, Clarence Catton, Lawrence Catton, Arthur Meehan.

Ada Ann Catton, the eldest daughter of Thomas and Jane Catton, was born October 7, 1887 on a farm north of Brimfield and died at her home here March 8, 1941 at the age of 73 years, 6 months and 1 day.

She was united in marriage on February 19, 1890 to Andrew Whittaker. To this union were born three children Harvy Everett, Luella Jane and Andrew Thomas.

In her early girlhood she united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and later became a member of the Union church, which she attended regularly until illness prevented her doing so.

She was a loving wife and a kind and affectionate mother and grandmother, always ready to lend a helping hand to others in need,

All of her life was spent on the farm until in the spring of 1914, they moved to Brimfield where she spent the rest of her life.

She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, two children, Mrs. Luella Huey and Andrew Whittaker, Harvy having passed away October 18, 1918. Three grandchildren, Dale Whittaker of Silesia, Mo.; Carol Lee and Andrew [ ] Whittaker of Brimfield; a sister, Mrs. Lena Meehan of Princeville; two brothers LaRado Catton of Chicago; Thomas Franklin Catton of Brimfield and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Two brothers, William Arthur, who died August 18, 1899 and Herbert E., who passed away December 31, 1931 preceded her in death. (Brimfield News, Thursday, Mar. 13, 1941, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Andrew Whittaker

     Funeral services for Andrew Whittaker, a lifelong resident of this community, were held at the Taylor Funeral home Wednesday afternoon. The Rev. Noel Edwards of Edwards officiated and hymns were sung by Mrs. Margaret McCoy and Mrs. Betty Miller.
     Burial was in the Brimfield cemetery. Casket bearers were Merle Beamer, Arthur Meehan, Dale Meehan, John Whittaker, Delmar Grossaint and Harold Mehan.
     Mr. Whittaker died Sunday evening at Proctor hospital where he had been a patient for about two weeks.
     He was born August 24, 1866 in Millbrook township a son of Richard and Hannah McGovern Whittaker. On Feb. 19, 1890 he married Ada Ann Catton who died March 8, 1941.
     He spent most of his life on the farm near Laura until the spring of 1914 when they moved into Brimfield. After the death of his wife he moved back to the farm with his son Andrew and family.
     He leaves to mourn his death one son, Andrew T. Whittaker, a sister Mrs. Hannah Beamer of Laura, three grandchildren, Dale Whittaker of [ ] Montana, Andrew Burl Whittaker and Mrs. Carol Stables of Brimfield, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
     A son, Harry, a daughter, Mrs. Louella Huey, four brothers; Samuel, Richard, John and Arthur, two sisters; Mrs. Jane Wasson and Mrs. Susie Bitner preceded him in death.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Sep. 2, 1954, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Obituary

     Arthur Whittaker, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Whittaker, was born in Millbrook township, December 21, 1864, and died at his home in Laura, Dec. 30, 1910, being 36 years and nine days old.
     Arthur was general favorite among his associates for genial ways. He has always lived in or near Laura and his sad fate has cast a gloom over the entire community.
     When he was fourteen years of age he was baptized at the Laura church by Rev. D. S. McCown.
     In April 1909 he joined the Laura Camp of Modern Woodmen as a beneficiary member and was an honorable member until his death.
     Dec. 28, 1897, he was married to Miss Glen Thurman, of Laura, and to them were born 2 children, Russell and Clyde, who with their mother, his aged parents, 4 brothers, 3 sisters and a wide circle of friends are left to mourn his untimely death.
     The funeral services were held on Monday morning in the Laura M. E. church, conducted by Rev. J. T. Bliss of Monica.
     The services were largely attended, the church being filled with relatives, friends and neighbors of the deceased. The remains were laid to rest in the Brimfield cemetery.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Jan. 15, 1911, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Arthur P. Whittaker Funeral Thursday

Arthur P. Whittaker passed away at his home north of town Tuesday July 24. Mr. Whittaker had been ailing for several weeks but his condition was considered serious until about a week ago. He was in his sixty-ninth year.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 26, at the Union church at 2 o'clock with Rev. C. T. Doolittle of the Elmwood Presbyterian church iin charge. Interment will be in Brimfield cemetery. 
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Jul. 26, 1934, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Arthur P. Whittaker

Funeral services for the late Arthur P. Whittaker were held in the Union church, Thursday, at 2 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. C. T. Doolittle of the Elmwood Presbyterian Church. Two solos, "One Sweetly Solemn Thought" and "Beautiful Isle" were sung by Rudolph Savage. Pall bearers were Henry Reinhart, John Schelkopf, Albert Sloan, Ed Schulthes, John Plack and William Harding. Interment was in the Brimfield cemetery. (Brimfield News, Thursday, Aug. 2, 1934, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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OBITUARY

     Arthur Parnell Whittaker was born October 17, 1865 in Millbrook township and passed away July 24, 1934 at the age of 68 years, 9 months and 7 days.
He was the eldest of the five children of Robert and Frances Whittaker of whom three survive; Mrs. Kate Catton of Brimfield, William Whittaker of Toulon and Roy Whittaker of Laura. Mrs. Martha Catton of Brimfield passed away March 10, 1926.
     Mr. Whittaker was married three times. His first wife, Miss Louella Keighan, whom he married in March, 1891, passed away in August of the same year.
     On September 21, 1892 he was married to Cora Belle Hamilton and to this union three children were born. The one son William, died before he had reached the age of two. The two daughters, Mrs. Mabel Catton and Mrs. Gwendolyn Blundy of Brimfield and seven grandchildren survive. The second wife passed away November 29, 1927.
     On February 4, 1930 he was married to Mrs. Matilda Church.
     Mr. Whittaker was a successful farmer and spent his entire life in this community where he was well known and will be missed by a host of friends.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Aug. 2, 1934, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

CARD OF THANKS

     We sincerely appreciate the kind sympathy and help given us during the illness and death of Arthur P. Whittaker.
Mrs. Matilda Whittaker Mr. and Mrs. Chalmer Catton Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Blundy.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Aug. 2, 1934, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Mrs. Arthur P. Whittaker

     Cora Belle Hamilton was born near Brimfield, Illinois, on the 16th of January, 1868, and died at the hospital in Peoria on November 29th, 1927. She was the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Wiand Hamilton, and was one of a family of five sisters. Two died in infancy, her sister Ida lived only to her eighteenth year, and one sister, Mrs. Fannie Porter, of Hume, Illinois, still lives.
     On September 21st, 1892 she was married to Arthur Whittaker. Into their home were born three children. The one son William died before he had reached the age of two. The daughters, Mrs. Mabel Catton and Mrs. Gwendolyn Blundy of Brimfield, and her husband, survive. There are five grandchildren.
     Mrs. Whittaker was a member of the Laura Camp, Royal Neighbors of America, with which she united a number of years ago. She became a member of the Congregational church in Brimfield at Easter time in the year before her marriage and continued in that connection until the Union church was formed four years ago when she joined with her friends in that fellowship.
     Mrs. Whittaker's entire life has been spent in the near vicinity of Brimfield. She has a large number of friends among those who have known her for so long and so well. Her industry, her many kindnesses to others, her skill in dealing with living things, her love of flowers, the joy she took in fine pieces of hand work, her cheerfulness and friendliness, and her faithfulness to those of her home have made her life worthy of emulation, and have been an inspiration to those about her. They are deeply grieved that she has been called upon to lay down her activities when the normal course of life has not yet been fully run.
The funeral service was held at the Union Church on Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, the sermon being given by her pastor, Rev. W. Harvey Young. The church was crowded to standing room by the large attendance of relatives and friends.
Music was furnished by Mrs. H. 0. Cady, Mrs. Marie Wurmnest, Jud Harding and H. O. Cady, with Mrs. H. O. Cady, accompanist.
The body was laid to rest in the Brimfield cemetery.
The pallbearers were John Schelkopf, Albert Sloan, John Cluskey, Will Carter, H. O. Cady and Milt Hill.
Card of Thanks
We desire to sincerely thank the friends and neighbors for their kindness and assistance in our time of bereavement. The Family

(Brimfield News, Thursday, Dec. 8, 1927, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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OBITUARY

     Harry Everett Whittaker, oldest son of Andrew and Ada Whittaker, was born near Laura July 13, 1891, and died at their home in Brimfield Oct. 24, 1918, aged 27 years 3 months and 11 days.
     Sept. 10, 1913 he was married to Miss Mae Carman and to them was born one child, Gertrude, who died in infancy.
     Harry grew to manhood on his father's farm where practically all his life was spent. He loved the farm and its surroundings and was always happy and contented when performing his duties. Ever honest and upright, he made friends with all whom he met. In June 1918, he was called to a military camp at Macon, Ga., and like many others of our brave boys, he gave up home and all that life held dear for him and willingly dedicated his life to the service of his country, but on account of physical disability, he was granted an honorable discharge.
     Harry was possessed of an unusually kind and genial disposition, always happy and cheerful, and it seemed a pleasure to him to minister to the wants of others. He will be greatly missed by his friends and loved ones for his presence always brought with it the cheer of young life. He was very fond of music and would sit for hours playing and enjoying his favorite records on his phonograph.
     He was apparently enjoying his usual health when he was striken with influenza, which developed into pneumonia, and after a brief but very serious illness during which everything that medical aid, kind friends and anxious hearts could do, he rapidly became worse and nothing could avail. He realized that the end was near and at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, with a smile on his lips, his spirit passed to the maker, leaving to mourn his untimely death his parents, brother and sister, his aged grandfather and numerous relatives and friends.
     "No time for a last farewell, No time for the shock of fear, Scarcely a moment's halt on the shore, When the Guide and the boatman are near, Dear, how surprised you were to go, With little to suffer, little to know."
     The funeral service was held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Varney Jacobs, pastor of the M. E. church.
The body was laid to rest in Brimfield cemetery.
     The pallbearers were Russell Whittaker, Leonard Whittaker, Lawrence Catton, Everett Catton and Clarence Catton, all cousins of the deceased.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Oct. 31, 1918, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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DIED

     Mrs. Luella Whittaker, wife of Mr. Arthur P. Whittaker, of Laura, died on Monday, July 27th, 1891. The deceased was a daughter of Mr. John Kaighin of this place, and was united in marriage to Arthur Whittaker, March 4th 1891. She was about 20 years of age and was of cheerful, sunny disposition, possessing the happy faculty of making friends wherever she went. Consumption, superinduced by lagrippe, was the cause of her death. The funeral services were held in the M. E. church at this place on Wednesday, conducted by Rev. W. J. Minium, and were largely attended. The remains were laid to rest in Brimfield cemetery. (Brimfield News, Thursday, Jul. 30, 1891, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Died

     William Claeborne Whittaker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur P. Whittaker, was born Sept. 11, 1899, and died Jan. 9, 1901, aged 1 year, 3 months and 25 days.
    Little Claiborne was a child of unusual promise. He was strong and vigorous in body and mind. With all his rapidly developing childish traits he had become the object of the home's tenderest affections. But under the mysterious providence of God these home ties must be broken. Blessed to know that in the realm above we shall know such sorrow.
     The funeral services were held at the home on Friday, Jan. 11, by Rev. Charles McCluer. The deep sympathy of many friends was manifest in the large gathering at the funeral services. The remains were laid to rest in the Brimfield cemetery.
(Brimfield News, Thursday, Jan. 17, 1901, submitted by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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DROPPED DEAD

William Wilbur Dies Suddenly and Body is Found by Wife.

William Wilbur, a highly respected farmer, dropped dead last Thursday morning at his home on the Arthur Whittaker farm, about three miles south of Laura, where he had resided for sometime.

Mr. Wilbur's death was very sudden and came apparently without previous warning, as he was not known to be ill at the time. He arose Thursday morning and went into the kitchen to build a fire and it appears dropped dead while thus engaged. His body was found by his wife a short time later but there were no signs of life remaining at that time.

The funeral services were held on Saturday and the interment was in the Elmwood cemetery. (Williamsfield Times, Thursday, Jan. 28, 1909, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Death

Wiley: Alta, Wednesday, Sep. 24, at her residence. 503? Jackson street, aged 63 yrs., 6 mos. and 1 day. Funeral Friday, Sept. 26, at 2 p.m. from Cumerford's Funeral home. Friends invited. Interment at Springdale. (Peoria Journal, Sep. 26, 1913, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Elsie Williams

Memorial rites for Mrs. Elsie Williams, 30 years old, wife of Charles R. Williams of Chicago and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lazisky, 503 Garfield avenue, Bartonville, will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Wilton mortuary chapel, with interment in St. Joseph's cemetery.

Mrs. Williams died at 7:30 o'clock Sunday evening in St. Francis hospital, after an illness of two years. She had recently lived in Chicago, but spent her girlhood in Bartonville.

Born at Petersburg, Il., July 29, 1906, she was married June 4, 1933 to Charles R. Williams. Surviving are her husband and parents; two brothers, Joseph and Marion Lazisky, Bartonville; and six sisters, Mrs. Ellen Shadwick of Peoria, and the Misses Cassie, Adela, Frances, Evelyn and Camille Lazisky.

(unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Creve Coeur man dies after accident

A Creve Coeur man died Saturday from injuries suffered in a one-vehicle accident on U.S. route 51 near Wenona.

Michael Wolstenholm, 44, of 297 Creve Coeur Court, was pronounced dead around 5 p.m. at Saint Mary's Hospital in Streator, LaSalle County Coroner Marion Osborne said. Wolstenholm died of chest injuries, the coroner said.

Wolstenholm was driving a van north on Route 51 about about a half-mile north of Illinois Route 17 when the accident occurred. Osborne said police suspect that Wolstenholm fell asleep. Wolstenholm was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. (unknown newspaper, August ?, 1992, submitted by Pat Schneider)

Michael Wolstenholm

CREVE COEUR -- Michael W. Wolstenholm, 44, of 297 Creve Coeur Court, died at 5:16 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Saint Mary's Hospital emergency room in Streator.

He was born April 4, 1948, in Peoria to Leslie and Marjorie Sprinkle-Price Wolstenholm.

Surviving are his mother, Marjorie Shadrick of Creve Coeur, with whom he made his home; one son, Bradley M. of Tampa, Fla.; two brothers, John R. and Leo "Tom" Shadrick Jr., both of Creve Coeur; two sisters, Laurie J. Roby of Creve Coeur and Stella A. Mercer of East Peoria.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepfather.

He was an independent truck driver for 15 years and later managed Air-Land Transport Co. in Morton. He was president of Team Transport Co. in East Peoria.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. The Rev. James M. Sandy will officiate. There will be no visitation. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum. (Peoria Journal Star, Aug. 3, 1992, submitted by Pat Schneider)

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Obituary

The remains of Mrs. Rebecca Wooton were brought to Elmwood from Peoria last Thursday evening. She having died at the home of Mr. William Harper in that city Wednesday evening.

Funeral services were held from the residence of her only son, Mr. W. T. Wooton, on Friday morning at 10 o'clock; Rev. Mr. Metcalf officiating and remains buried in the Elmwood cemetery. The deceased was one of the earliest settlers in this part of the state; she having been a resident of Illinois for 45 years--25 years of which was spent in Peoria County. She was the mother of four children, of which one survive her. Mrs. Wooton was born in North Carolina in 1809. (Elmwood Gazette, June 12, 1890, submitted by Janine Crandell)

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Pauline Lois Wyman

A short service was held at the grave in the Brimfield Cemetery Tuesday afternoon for baby Pauline Lois, one of twins born to Fred and Mabel Catton Wyman Monday, May 7, 1934 at the Proctor hospital.

Rev, Thomas Spencer was in charge of the services. (Brimfield News, Thursday, May 10, 1934, transcribed by Barb Miroslaw, courtesy of Janet Bledsoe)

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Daniel M. Yates

Drugged – A Peoria County Resident Meets With Foul Play – His Alleged Murderess Held For Trial

     The remains of Daniel M. Yates, a resident of Dunlap, Peoria County, were shipped to this city yesterday for final disposition and interment at the hands of his relatives. Yates was a full brother of the ex-officer and former janitor of the court house, and well connected. A few days after Christmas he decided to make a trip out west, and to that end left Dunlap, preparing a temporary home