Obituaries/Death Notices
U-Z
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)
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)
Funeral Services For Mrs. Wagner Are Held Friday
Funeral services for Mrs. Louise Wagner were held Friday, June 5, at 2 p.m. from the Union church of Brimfield with Rev. K. M. Stuckey officiating. Miss Ruth Blundy played organ selections. Burial was in the Brimfield cemetery. Pallbearers were Joe Blundy, Ralph Kingdon, Willard Clark, Bob Pacey and Don Cramer. Her death occurred Wednesday, June 3, in Elm Haven where she had resided since January, 1963.
Mrs. Louise Wiley Wagner was born in rural Brimfield, a daughter of Henry and Nettie Reed Blundy, July 10, 1893. All of her life was spent in Peoria county and all of it in the Brimfield vicinity.
She married George Wagner and he preceded her in death.
Surviving are four daughters and one son,. Mrs. Amel Nelson of Danville, Mrs. Richard Hanson of Peoria, Mrs. Earl Carter of Yates City, Mrs. Kenneth Shaw of Elmwood, and George of Brimfield. There are 18 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, She has one brother and two sisters, Reed Blundy, Mrs. Henrietta Bragg, and Mrs. Caroline Pacey, all of Brimfield.
(Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
---------------------------------------------------------
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)
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)
George Walliker, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Walliker, of Monica, died after a few hours illness on Monday evening, April 30. He was about 11 months old, a very bright and interesting little fellow, and the pet of the family. The funeral services were held on Wednesday following, the interment being in Princeville cemetery.
(Brimfield News, May 10, 1900, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
Obituary of Mrs. W. T. Walliker
Susan Downing Stansbury, daughter of Daniel and Sarah Stansbury, was born Feb 4, 1860 at Eureka, Ill. Two years later the family moved to Brimfield, Ill. where they lived for three years. Thence she moved with her parents to Agency, Mo. residing there until the death of her father in 1873, A year later she returned to Brimfield with her mother, five sisters and one brother, subsequently: Mrs. Dora Stephens, Miss Jane Stansbury, Mrs Elizabeth Hight, Miss Etta Stansbury, Mrs. Marie King and Daniel D.
Our deceased sister confessed the Christ in baptism under the pastorate of A. Guy of the Brimfield Baptist church in 1875. At the early age of 16 she assisted in the support of the family by teaching school. She continued in this vocation until her marriage to Wm. T. Walliker of Monica in 1883. To this union were born seven children: Frederick Earl, Sadie Vivian, Charles Theodore, Gladys May, Frances Evelyn, William Reginald and George Dewey. Her husband and all her children survive her except the last named, who died at the age of ten months.
This Christian woman transferred her church membership to the White's Grove Baptist church soon after her marriage and remained as such until the Great Head of the church transferred her name into the membership of the church triumphant, on Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 1915, when she fell quietly asleep at the age of 54 years, 11 months and 27 days.
Her faith in the Savior was firm unto the end, her farewell words to the pastor are indicative: "I will never let go of Christ for He is all I have to hold to." Mrs. Walliker was a woman of unusual intellectual endowments, peculiarly gifted in the ability to lead in audible prayer and public devotions. The good Christian wife and mother was blessed with pleasing and attractive manners, ever willing to minister to the wants of the sick and afflicted in a most effective way. Her husband and children were warmly devoted to her and her absence will be felt keenly, not only by relatives but by a large circle of friends.
Our sister was a regular attendant at Sunday school and church services only becoming irregular during the past four months as ill health increased. For a number of years she was teacher of the adult Bible class. Her spiritual insight as a Bible expositor was a constant delight and blessing to her Sunday school class. Her departure becomes an irreparable loss. She was also a faithful member of the Ladies' Aid Society of the M. E. church of Monica, ever a willing and efficient worker, as has been beautifully demonstrated by the many kind remembrances during her late illness. Despite the intense and constant pain, Mrs. Walliker always remained cheerful and buoyant in spirit. Yes the queen of this domestic circle will be missed. We thank God for her noble Christian faith. "She has fought a good fight, she has kept the faith." She was a pillar in our church and because she was all this, modesty forbids further elaboration, Christ in his infinite wisdom has called her to become a pillar in the temple of our God. If she could speak to us now, we are sure she would join us in saying,
Oh! there is never sorrow of heart,
That shall lack a timely end,
If but to God, we turn and ask
Of Him to be our friend.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Princeville, Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 3, at 1:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. W. Watson, pastor of White's Grove Baptist church. Interment in the Princeville cemetery.
A Tribute To My Wife.
Fare thee well, to say it darling
Pains me more than none can know
For to me thou wast a helpmate
Of the kind God loveth so.
With thy hands the rough ways smoothed
With thy counsels the way was cleared,
With thy good and tender heartedness
Many a pain and sting was smoothed.
In the sick room thy hands have ministered,
To the wants of those in pain,
As to them a ministering angel
Thou wast welcomed back again.
To the small and tender children,
Thou wast queen among them all,
For thy loving ways did please them
And they loved thee, large and small.
In thy large associations,
Thou hast won friends good and true,
For they learned to trust you ever,
And that trust was always true,
In the house where God dwelleth,
Thy affections were sincere,
For to Him thy devotions,
Were as pure as morning dew.
And thy labors in His vineyard
Were to thee thy greatest joy,
And thy faith in Him grew brighter,
Such as death cannot destroy.
In the home where thou dwellest,
Pain and sorrow ne'er can come,
And to thee a new Creation,
Brighter than the morning sun.
Fare thee well, 'tis hard to say it,
And it pains me through and through
Yet we'll bow and humbly saying
"Unto Him who reigns on high,
'Tis Thy will, it should be foremost"
So, to thee we say good bye.
W. T. Walliker.
(Unknown newspaper and date, submitted by Donna Shane Carkenord)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
----------------------------------------------------
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)
-------------------------------------------------------
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
for his family in Princeville. He started for Kansas City to visit his sister,
who lives there, and nothing further was learned of him here until the sad
tidings of his sudden death were flashed over the wires. The family received no
intimation as to the manner of his death, but it was currently reported
yesterday that he had been shot. This, as subsequently transpired, was not true,
though the unfortunate man came to a violent end and was murdered for the money
and personal effects in his possession. The press dispatch account of it says:
Daniel M. Yates, aged about 35 years, died in a disorderly house in this city
yesterday at 8 a.m., from the effects of a dose of laudanum. The evidence before
the coroner’s jury showed that Yates had been drugged and robbed. Yates had $160
in his possession the day before visiting the house. Fannie Jackson, a colored
woman who purchased the laudanum, and Kitty Johnson, the girl who entertained
Yates, were bound over to the grand jury. Yates has a wife and child living near
Peoria, Ill, and a sister in Kansas City. He was a man of considerable means and
a stranger in the city.
The deceased was a son of the late Dr. Thomas Yates of Dunlap. His father was
killed on the Rock Island track a year or more ago. He was a man of
unimpeachable character, domestic in his ‘tastes, quiet and industrious. It is a
mystery to his friends how his murderers ever succeeded in luring him into their
den. He was the last man in the world for whom one would anticipate a death of
the kind. It is a great blow to his family.
LATER – The body is reported to have reached Dunlap from Rock Island at noon
today. The Yates family are not yet advised as to the truth of the press report.
Another account of it says:
The sins of D. M. Yates, of Dunlap, Ill., found him out when he died or was
killed in a house of ill-fame at St. Joseph, Mo. He had arrived in the city four
days ago on his way to Iowa to buy a farm. He had $199 with him, and going on a
protracted spree finally reached the place where he died two days ago. There he
remained, and Friday night, so the inmates said, sent out for laudanum, of which
he took a large dose with fatal effect. His brother-in-law, Mr. Cochran, of
Kansas City, went at once and secured the arrest of Frank Jackson, the man who
bought the laudanum, and Kitty Johnson, the keeper of the house where Yates
died, on the charge of murder, as he believed Yates had been drugged and then
murdered for his money, as only a small amount of change was found on his
remains. (Peoria Weekly Journal, Thursday, Jan. 12, 1888,
transcribed by Sandy MacDonald)
Garnet
M. Eilers Walker, 78, of 310? Harrison, Bartonville, died Tuesday in Proctor
Community Hospital.
She was an occupational therapist at Peoria State Hospital 35 years before
retiring. She was a former vice president of the board of the Women's Bowling
Association and was a permanent member of the Women's Illinois Bowling Congress.
Born in Bartonville Nov. 12, 1899, to Edward and Theresa Traeger Stoker, she
married Benjamin Wilers at Lacon March 12, 1917. He died Aug. 18, 1958. She
married Marion Walker at Bartonville Jan. 16, 1965.
Surviving: her husband, one daughter, Mrs. James (Theresa)
Cornwell, Bartonville, one son, Edward "Buzz" EIliers, Hanna City; one sister,
Mrs. George (Edwardine) Stuart, South Rome; five grandchildren, five great
grandchildren.
Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at Endsley & Hines Funeral
Home, Bartonville, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran
Church.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran Church.
Burial: Parkview Cemetery. (Peoria Journal Star, October 19?,
1978, submitted by Carole Martin)
Mimke G. Willms – Yesterday evening at 6:00 pm, Mimke G. Willms,
father of well-known grocer George Willms, died at the advanced age of 80 years
1 month in his home on 718 Lincoln Ave. The deceased who has lived for 43 years
in this country was born in Schirum in the district of Aurich in Ostfriesland,
His wife died about 18 months ago. He was an honest through and through
Friesian of the old type, unfortunately found less and less. He was proud until
his end of his German customs and traditions and especially of those of his
particular home and he has also handed on to his children his love for
everything German. Six of his children surrounded his coffin: George Willms,
Peoria, John C. Willms, Rochelle, Heinrich B. Willms, Peoria, Mrs. Fannie
Wagner, Chicago, Mrs. Siena Gumms, Chicago, Miss. Wilhelmina Willms, Peoria.
The departed enjoyed rare physical and mental stamina until his last illness.
The funeral takes place Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm starting at the house of
mourning and at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Pastor Floch), and then
at the Lutheran Cemetery. May he rest in peace. (Translated from the original
German)(Taglicher Peoria Demokrat, July
26, 1909, submitted by Norm Nesheim)
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Mrs. John Yerby of Monica, wife of John Yerby and a former Peoria county teacher for many years, passed away in Methodist hospital in Peoria Jan. 19 following a long illness.
Born near Alta Nov. 15, 1887 she was a daughter of Frank and Matilda Ernst Williams. She married Mr. Yerby April 21, 1931 and has resided in Monica since then. She was active in the civic affairs of Monica serving for many years on the school board.
She is survived by her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Dunn of Baton Rouge, La., two grandchildren, a brother John Williams of Peoria Heights.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning from St. Mary of Woods Church in Princeville, the Rev. Ralph Gates officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery. Pall bearers were Robert Sturm, James DeBord, Ralph Shane, Ray Belford, Roscoe Allen and Fred Belford. (Brimfield News, Feb. 3, 1955, submitted by Janine Crandell)
George Yerby, who has been ill and despondent for a number of months past, committed suicide Tuesday morning about 11 o'clock by shooting himself in the head with a shot gun. Mr. Yerby has been carefully watched by the family for some time, but Tuesday morning he eluded them for a few moments, and proceeding to the home of Caspar Strieder Sr., secured a shot gun by telling him that his son Will had said that he could have it. Calmly placing the muzzle to his head he discharged the gun in some manner and fell dead, the body falling across the threshold. Mr. Strieder is an old gentleman, over 84 years of age, and so quickly did Mr. Yerby act in asking for the gun and shooting himself that he hardly realized what was being done until it was all over, and even then was dazed at the suddenness of the tragedy. Some time ago Mr. Yerby lost the sight of an eye, the other was not strong, and his plight preyed upon his mind until he became despondent and frequently threatened to end it all. At the time of the tragedy steps were being formulated to take him away to some institution for treatment. He was 52 years of age and had lived in Brimfield all his life. He leaves his wife, two sons and two daughters.
Deputy Coroner Miller came out from Peoria Tuesday evening and held an inquest at Johnson & Son's undertaking rooms, the verdict being in accordance with the above facts. The members of the jury were John Cluskey, foreman; J. A. Church, J. M. Wilkins, Rudolph Savage, J. H. Phares, and Walter Simmons.
The funeral services will be held this afternoon at the residence at 2 o'clock.
The sympathy of the community goes out to the family in their time of sorrow. (Brimfield News, Jan. 22, 1914, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Joseph Yerby, aged 61 years, one day, was born in England and came to this country as a young man and settled in this neighborhood. Eventually he married Susannah Ford, also from England, who became the mother of a family of nine children all of whom are living, and with one exception were present at the funeral service. He enlisted for service during the late War, and though taken prisoner by the rebels, witnessed the successful issue of the campaign, and received subsequently the pension to which his position entitled him. His wife Susannah was instrumental in some degree to his identification with the Episcopal Church. His death though not unexpected, very suddenly took place on Sunday evening June 8th and he was interred at the Cemetery on Tuesday morning June 10th by the members of the G. A. R. of which he was formerly a member. Rev. J. S. Onion officiating at the services. (Brimfield News, Jun. 12, 1890, submitted by Janine Crandell)
The old time friends and acquaintances of Mr. Lewis Yerby were surprised to hear of his death, as but very few knew even of his late illness until his remains arrived on the morning train Saturday. For the last three years he had been suffering from Bright's Disease, but was able to be about and at work. On Sunday, Jan. 23, he was stricken with an acute form of the malady, and it was thought best to have him removed to St. Mary's hospital in Galesburg where he could receive the best medical attention. However, in spite of all that could be done for him he grew rapidly worse and eventually paid the debt of all flesh, passing away from this life Friday morning, Jan. 28.
Mr. Yerby was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Yerby at Oak Hill, July 16, 1878, and died at the age of 37 years, 6 months and 12 days.
His boyhood years were spent in the vicinity of Brimfield, and when he grew to be a young man was employed in working on the farm. For the last twelve years he has lived in Galesburg, being employed at the time of his last illness on a stock farm.
On Nov. 12, 1900, he was united in marriage to Miss Edith Boyer. One daughter, Irene, came to gladden their wedded life, but an inscrutable providence permitted her to sojourn with them for only a few years, for she died at the age of seven.
The deceased is survived by two brothers, Wm. Yerby of Laura, John Yerby of Monica, and four sisters, Mrs. Talbert Belford, Brimfield, Mrs. L. T. Mathers, Monica, Mrs. Henry Blundy, Brimfield, and Mrs. Robert Barrett, of Gilman, Iowa.
Mr. Yerby was a hard working, industrious man, belonging to that great majority of the race whose living comes as the fruits of honest toil. He will be missed by his many friends who, with his sorrowing ones deplore his untimely taking off.
The funeral service was held at the home of Mrs. George Yerby in Brimfield, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. G. W. Scott, and the remains were laid to rest in the Brimfield cemetery. (Brimfield News, Feb. 3, 1916, submitted by Janine Crandell)
Charles William Yerby, son of Susanna Ford and Joseph Yerby, was born in Peoria Feb. 14, 1882 and passed away at his home in Knoxville Tuesday morning Feb. 15.
He is survived by his wife Mabel, two daughters Mrs. DeEtta Tate of Rock Island and Mrs. Frances Turner of Peoria; a brother John Yerby, of Monica; two sisters, Mrs. Lynn Mathers, of Peoria, and Mrs. Rosie Barrett of Grinnell, Iowa; two grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Funeral services were held at Klinck? Chapel, Knoxville, Friday afternoon with burial in Memorial Park, Galesburg. (Brimfield News, Feb. 24, 1949, submitted by Janine Crandell)
CLIMAX - LeRoy Martin Whittaker, 79, of Climax, died Wednesday, Feb. 28, 1996, at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital.
He was born May 19, 1916, in Laura, Ill., to Roy and Cora Whittaker. Mr. Whittaker was retired from Thomasville Furniture and a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Vivian E. Whittaker; two sons, Fred Whittaker of Greensboro, and Jerry of Climax; four grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, March 1, 1996, at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Climax. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, N.C. 27405.
(Greensboro News and Record, Feb. 29, 1996, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
Mrs. Susan Whittaker, wife of John Whittaker, died on Saturday, Jan. 2nd, 1892, at her home in Millbrook township, The deceased was 88 years of age. Lagrippe combined with the feebleness of old age was the cause of death. She was born in Queens county, Ireland, and emigrated to this country about 55 years ago. She came at once to Peoria and this county has since been her home. Many years ago she united with the M. E. church of which she remained a faithful member until death. She was a most estimable woman and held in high esteem by all who knew her. She was the mother of 7 children, 4 of whom are living. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church at this place on Monday, Jan. 4, conducted by Rev. W. J. Minium, after which the remains were laid to rest by the side of those of her husband in the Brimfield cemetery.
(Brimfield News, Jan. 7, 1892, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
ELMWOOD - Vera K. Whittaker, 83, of Elmwood died at 3 a.m. Monday, Sept. 25, 1995, at Farmington Country Manor in Farmington.
She was born Dec. 4, 1911, in Laura to Roy and Cora Martin Whittaker.
Surviving are one brother, LeRoy of Climax, N.C.; six nephews; four great-nephews; and two great-nieces. One brother, Robert, and two sisters, Edith Wagner and Louise Whittaker, preceded her in death.
She was a school teacher and had taught for several years in the Laura and Brimfield areas and later taught at Bartonville Grade School. She was a member of Retired Teachers of Illinois, Western Illinois University Alumni Association, Royal Neighbors of America and Elmwood Presbyterian Church.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Patterson Funeral Home in Elmwood. The Rev. Gary Hutton will officiate, and burial will be in Brimfield Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Memorials may be made to her church or B.Y.E. Ambulance Service.
(Peoria Journal Star, Sep. 26, 1995, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
PEORIA - Betty M. Woliung, 71, of rural Urbana, mother of a Peoria resident, died at 5:30 a. m., Tuesday, May 21, 1996, at Americana Health Care Center in Urbana.
Born Dec. 21, 1924, in Ellsworth, to Emil and Maude Stinde Scott, she married Stanley Woliung on Oct. 20, 1943 in St. Louis. He died May 4, 1991. She also was preceded in death by her father.
Surviving are her mother of Farmer City; three daughters, Norma McQueen of Peoria, Charolette Welchel of St. Joseph and Mary Etta Bersig of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; five brothers, Charles Scott of Hemet, Calif., John E. Scott of Fisher, and Ivan E. Scott, George E. Scott and Larry E. Scott, all of Bloomington; and two sisters, Joyce Beals of Beloit, Wis., and Clarice Miller of Bloomington.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Freese Funeral Home in St. Joseph. Burial will be in Bellflower Cemetery in Bellflower.
Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Covenant Hospice in Urbana.
(Peoria Journal Star, May 22, 1996, submitted by Barb Miroslaw)
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