Obituaries - B

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U-V | W | X-Z

Obituaries were submitted by Judy Simpson unless otherwise noted.

Cuma (FISHER) BAILEY

May 11, 1900
Clinton Register

Cuma Telitha FISHER, daughter of James and Cynthia FISHER, was born in Shelbyville Sept. 16, 1880. In 1881 her mother died and in 1885 her father was called, leaving her in care of her grandmother, Mrs. Nancy FISHER, where she made her home until Feb. 14, 1899, when she was united in marriage to Ezra BAILEY, with whom she happily lived in Clinton until April 22, 1900, when she was called to go at the young age of 19 years, 7 months and 6 days. She leaves besides her husband and 3-month-old babe, two sisters, Mrs. J. J. BOWMAN, of Lowry, La., and Mrs. Cyrus BARR, of Shelbyville, Ill.; her grandmother and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. Services were held at the residence by Rev. GILLILAND after which the remains were taken to her old home in Shelbyville where her funeral was preached by her pastor of childhood, Rev. CROW, and laid to rest in the Cutler cemetery.

Note: Strangely, she was listed as Cuma Page instead of Cuma Fisher in the marriage index.

From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BAILEY, EYRA    PAGE, CUMA     02/14/1899     SHELBY
[Eyra should be Ezra]

John Enis BAILEY

February 20, 1914
Clinton Register

JOHN E. BAILEY CALLED HOME.
An Aged and Respected Citizen Dies at Advanced Age—
Ill Since Last December.

John E. BAILEY, a well known resident of Clinton, died at his home on West Johnson street at 6:30 Sunday morning, his death coming from a complication of diseases, the result of his advanced years.

Mr. Bailey was first confined to his home on December 17, after being at his work as a carpenter in the yard of E. Kent & Co., and gradually grew worse until the end came as above stated in spite of his advanced years. Mr. Bailey has continued at his work, and none but his relatives knew that he had passed so many milestones.

On account of the feeble condition of Mrs. Bailey, the funeral services were held from the late home at 3:30 Monday afternoon, Rev. Arthur McDavitt of St. Paul’s Universalist church officiating. Interment was in Woodlawn.

John Enis Bailey was born in Harveryburg [Harveysburg], Ohio, June 30, 1830, and was the son of William and Sidney Bailey. He was united in marriage in the town of his birth to Mary Fox in 1857. They came to Illinois in 1860 and settled in DeWitt county southwest of Clinton. He also farmed in Harp and Tunbridge townships, and with the exception of three years in Logan county, he had been a continuous resident of this county since 1860. In 1890, he came from Tunbridge township to Clinton, where, until his illness prevented, he followed carpentering.

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were the parents of ten children, four of whom, with the wife, survive: W. J. BAILEY, of Kittson county, Minn., who has been here since December 18; Thomas E., of Alden, Iowa; Mrs. Frank PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Robert ARMSTRONG, west of Clinton. Others surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Amy CARR and Nancy VALENTINE, both of Ohio; twenty-seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The son, Warren Bailey, and wife, will look after the aged mother, who is in a precarious condition. They will live at the home and see that Mrs. Bailey wants for nothing during her lifetime.

Mrs. John Enis BAILEY

April 17, 1914
Clinton Register

A GOOD MOTHER IS CALLED.
Four Deaths in the Bailey Family Within the Past Year—
Another Member Sick.

Mary A. BAILEY, widow of the late John E. BAILEY, died yesterday morning at her home on West Johnson St., from tuberculosis. Mrs. Bailey had been ill all winter. Her husband died in February. The deceased was a woman of well known Christian principles and was beloved by all. She was the daughter of the late William and Mary FIX* and was born Oct. 23, 1837, near Harveysburg, Ohio. She was united in marriage to J. Enis Bailey in 1857, and they came to Illinois in 1860, and settled in DeWitt county, southwest of Clinton. For a time they resided in Harp and Tunbridge townships, where her husband followed farming. In 1890 they came to Clinton.

The deceased was the mother of ten children, three of whom survive. They are W. J. BAILEY, of Kittson county, Minnesota, who has been here since December 18; Mrs. Frank PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Robert ARMSTRONG, west of Clinton. The funeral service was held at the late home, 621 West Johnson street, this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Arthur W. McDavitt, pastor of the Universalist church, officiating. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

This is the fourth death in the Bailey family within a year. Thomas Alden, a son, who died in Iowa, was the first, followed last March by another son, William, who died in the Warner hospital; the death of the father followed, and now the mother has been called. A granddaughter, Mrs. Geo. SPENCER, is critically ill at her home near Ospur.

Note: Her husband’s obituary says that her maiden name was FOX.

Lewis BAILEY

July 7, 1905
Clinton Register

KILLED BY A TRAIN.
Farmer City Man is Run Over by Diamond Special Near Kenney and Dies of Injuries.

About 4 o'clock this morning Chas. Peters found Lewis BAILEY, of Farmer City, on the railroad track east of Kenney, near Salt Creek.  His right arm was broken, right leg crushed, left leg broken and he was injured internally.  He was taken to Kenney and then brought to the Clinton infirmary about 7:30 and died at 9:20.

When found he was able to talk and said he was going from Springfield to Farmer City but could not tell how he got under the train, which was the Diamond Special.

As this train was vestibuled it would seem he could not fall under it.  It is thought he might have got off the train at Kenney and tried to get back on after the door was closed and clung to the bars as long as he could.  He was unmarried and about 25 years old.  The body will be taken to Farmer City.

William B. BAILEY

April 18, 1913
Clinton Register

BAILEY DIES FROM INJURIES.
Taken to Warner Hospital After Being Struck by a Train March 20.

William BAILEY, who lost his right arm and was otherwise badly injured by being struck by a train about three weeks ago, died at the hospital at 2:30 last Friday afternoon. Until two or three days before his death it was thought by his friends that he would recover, but the physicians and nurses had no such hopes. In fact he lived longer than they expected.

The body was moved to Oakman’s undertaking rooms, where, after being prepared for burial, it was taken to the home of the parents, J. E. BAILEY and wife, on West Johnson street.

Wm. B. Bailey was born in Harp township September 4, 1863. He came with his parents to Clinton about 16 years ago, and had since followed the trade of carpentering, being a good workman. Deceased had many friends and no enemies that he knew of. Besides his parents he leaves the following brothers and sisters: Warren BAILEY, residing near Hallock, Minn.; Thomas, of Melbourne, Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Rosa ARMSTRONG, residing six miles west of Clinton.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. H. Laing of the Universalist church. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

BAKER (child)

October 20, 1893
Clinton Public

The little child of Geo. BAKER died Wednesday evening of last week and was buried Thursday afternoon.

Charles H. BAKER

September 1931
Paper Unknown

Clinton—Charley Herman BAKER, 68, died at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in John Warner Hospital. He had been ill for several months, but had been in the hospital only a week.

The body was taken to the Pullen and Boos Funeral Chapel where services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. Caper ALLEN, Baptist minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mr. Baker was born Jan. 5, 1863, in DeWitt County, a son of James S. and Ruth Jane BAKER. He is survived by one son, Lloyd G., Riley, Kans.; one sister, Mrs. Nellie MURPHY, Clinton, with whom he made his home; and two brothers, William, Peoria; and Albert, Las Vegas, N. M.

Submitted by Trish Couture

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950:
BAKER, CHARLES HENRY    1931-09-06      DE WITT     CLINTON
(Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery)

Daniel H. BAKER

May 14, 1915
Clinton Register

LONG AND BUSY LIFE IS ENDED.
DANIEL BAKER, 83 YEARS OLD.
Had Lived in DeWitt County For Past Fifty-Five Years—
Died in Weldon.

Another old resident of DeWitt county joined the silent majority when Daniel H. BAKER, one of the oldest and best known residents of Nixon township passed to his reward at his home in Weldon at five o'clock Tuesday evening at the age of 83 years. Mr. Baker was sick but three days, being in good health until last Saturday when he was suddenly taken sick and gradually grew worse until the end. All the family was at the bedside.

Deceased was born in Loudoun Co., Virginia, January 18, 1832, and went to Muskingum county, O., in 1853, later moving to Perry county. After six years residence there he came to this state, first settling in Dewitt township and three years later moving to Nixon township, where he had since resided. In 1853 he was married to Miss Eliza COWAN in Perry county, Ohio, who with four children survive, as follows: George BAKER, Weldon; William H., near Weldon; Mrs. Loretta DICKEY, Farmersville, Ill.; Mrs. Florence J. HUNT, on the home farm.

In 1863 Mr. Baker and family located on land one and one-half miles south of Weldon where they lived until twelve years ago when the aged couple moved to Weldon. Mr. Baker was one of the prominent land owners of the east part of the county, and was a typical pioneer farmer, following his chosen vocation until he was 71 years old. He loved home, caring little for secret orders or public life. He was a member of the M. P. church of Weldon, the minister of that church, Rev. J. P. Collier, conducting the funeral services from the home at 2:30 Thursday afternoon. Burial in Weldon cemetery.

Mrs. Delbert BAKER

December 24, 1880
Clinton Public

Laura, wife of Delbert BAKER, died last Monday night after a short illness.

George Murl BAKER

March 24, 1899
Paper Unknown

George Murl, son of Mr. and Mrs. William BAKER, born February 26, 1899, died March 24, 1899. Funeral: home of parents, 7 miles southwest of Farmer City, March 26.

Submitted by Unknown

Mrs. George W. BAKER

September 12, 1913
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BAKER.

Weldon records another death, the primary cause being the epidemic of dysentery which has been prevalent there for some time.

Mrs. Maggie BAKER, wife of the undertaker of the above village, died at 1:10 Tuesday morning.  Mrs. Baker was one of the first to be stricken with dysentery, and this affliction was followed by liver trouble, which culminated in death.

Maggie ANDERSON was born on a farm one mile east of Weldon and was a daughter of the late Timothy ANDERSON.  April 19, 1882, she was united in marriage to Geo. W. BAKER, of Weldon, and that village has since been her home.  Besides the husband she is survived by four children, Myrtle, Hazel, Chester and Mildred, all at home; two sisters, Mrs. Belle M. SHAVER, of near Weldon, and Mrs. Olive L. GRAY, of Champaign, Ill.

Deceased was a member of the M. P. church of Weldon and also a prominent member of the W. C. T. U., being an officer of the latter association for some time.  She was an earnest worker in the church and Sunday school.

Funeral services were held from the late home in Weldon at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. D. P. Freeman officiating.  Interment was in Weldon cemetery.

Jacob BAKER

March 25, 1910
Clinton Register

Jacob BAKER, well known retired farmer of Waynesville died Tuesday morning at 3 o'clock, after a short illness at his home. Deceased was a son of Isaac and Mary BAKER, both deceased. He was born Feb. 15, 1851 at Scotcourt, Ohio where he grew to young manhood. He with his parents came and settled near Waynesville on the farm. In June, 1873, he was married to Miss Harriett M. BUCK of Clinton, who survives him. He was baptized and united with the Christian church April, 1882, but later became a follower of the Church of God. He was one of a family of thirteen children eight of whom proceeded him in death, those remaining are Isaac of Missouri, Andrew of Iowa, Mrs. Mary HAWKINS of Bloomington, Mrs. Lettie BOLIN of Maroa, Mrs. Lucy BROOMHALL of Waynesville, Ohio, there are no children surviving him. The funeral was held Wednesday from the late residence in Waynesville at 3 o'clock. Rev. George HENDERSON of Decatur conducted the services. Interment in the Evergreen cemetery at Waynesville.

Submitted by Trish Couture

John BAKER

January 2, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

JOHN BAKER HAS PASSED AWAY.
Old and Respected Resident of DeWitt County—
Was Born at Waynesville in 1843.

John BAKER, one of the most highly respected residents of DeWitt county, passed away last night at 11 o'clock. The many friends of Mr. Baker will be shocked to learn of his death.

The deceased was born two miles west of Waynesville, Jan. 16, 1843, and was the son of Samuel and Mary BAKER. His boyhood days were spent in and near Waynesville. In the year of 1847, he was united in marriage to Frances LELAND, who survives him. The couple lived in Waynesville until 1904 when they removed to Clinton. Five children were born to this union. Three sons have died, but the two daughters, Mrs. Lester TEAL, of Waynesville, and Miss Mary BAKER, at home, survive. A brother Isaac C. BAKER, of Pasadena, Cal., is living.

Since leaving his farm, Mr. Baker devoted his time to church work. He was a deep student of the bible, and perhaps no other in Clinton has memorized as many passages of scripture as Mr. Baker.

Funeral services will be held from the Methodist church Thursday moring with Rev. A. M. Wells and Dr. B. F. Shipp in charge. Burial will be made in the Union cemetery at Waynesville. It is requested that flowers be omitted.

Lucinda (JOHNSON) BAKER

March 14, 1890
Clinton Public

Died, Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 P.M., at her home near Fair View, Mrs. Lucinda F. BAKER, wife of James BAKER, aged 35 years, 11 months and 12 days. Lucinda F. JOHNSON was born in McLean county March 20, 1854, and was the youngest child, except one, of a large family. She was united in marriage at Heyworth on March 6, 1873, to Isaac BAKER, and on the morning of her 17th wedding anniversary we performed the last sad rites for the dead. She leaves a family consisting of a husband and five children, two daughters and two sons, to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and mother. The fourth child of this family died in infancy, and now rests at Shiloh, but the remains will be brought here and laid beside its mother. The funeral ceremony was conducted at Fair View on Thursday, the 6th inst., by Rev. J. O. KIRKPATRICK, pastor of the M. E. Church at Heyworth. Rev. Kirkpatrick delivered an able and interesting sermon to a large and attentive audience, after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at this place. She united with the M. E. Church on February 18, last, and died in the full enjoyment of the Christian's hope. In this dark hour, as they stand by the grave of the departed, and hear the cold clods of earth falling upon the coffin lid of her so dear to us in life, in this hour of trial may the bereaved family be brought to realize that she who has “gone before,” is at last free from the cares and conflicts, the disappointment and griefs that fall to the lot of all. Wife and mother, farewell, thy years were few, but thy virtues were many; they are recorded, not in these fading lines, but in the “book of life” and in the hearts of thy afflicted friends. —C. A. S.

Margaret (JONES) BAKER

March 26, 1920
Farmer City Journal

Mrs. Henry BAKER died at her home in Weldon Thursday morning. Death came as the result of an illness that had lasted more than two years, decline having been rapid for the past few weeks. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 9:30 a.m., from the M. P. church, Rev. O W. LOUGH, officiating. Burial took place at Greenleaf Cemetery, Farmer City.

Margaret JONES was born at Knoxville, Tenn, April 22, 1842. She was married to her first husband, James J. JONES, July 2, 1866. To this union nine children were born, all living: Mrs. Sarah HALL and Mrs. Millie NEWBERRY of Farmer City; Mrs. Polly WOLF and Robert JONES of Weldon. Mrs. Minnie POLLARD and George JONES of Holder; Mrs. Rosa NEWBERRY of Benton City, Mo., and Mrs. George JACKSON of Castleton Kansas.

She was married to Henry BAKER September 25, 1907. He died August 7,1912. She resided in Weldon for the past fourteen years, being a member of the M. P. Church.

Submitted by Trish Couture

BALES (infant)

July 16, 1880
Clinton Public

Weldon.

The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. BALES died July 12th.

James BALF

May 25, 1888
Clinton Public

Another Suicide.

James BALF was an Irishman who lived near Weedman. He was fifty-two years old and was the father of eleven children, some of whom had arrived at their majority. Balf was an industrious man and provided well for his family. Of late he had been despondent at times, when he would devote much of his time to reading. Mrs. WEEDMAN had built a new tenant house for Balf’s family to occupy, and this week they moved into it. Last Wednesday night, after eleven o'clock, Balf returned to his home, he having been over to Weedman station all evening on business. When he went into the house he told his wife that he had taken a dose of rat poison, and Mrs. Balf at once administered to him milk and strong coffee as an antidote. One of the boys went to Farmer City for a doctor, and when he arrived he found that the poison had done its work and there was no hope of saving his life. Before daylight yesterday morning Balf died. Coroner MORROW went up and held an inquest. None of the family could account for the suicide, as Balf had been a sober and industrious man and was fond of his home and family.

William N. BALL

September 28, 1906
Clinton Register

ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER AT REST.
Had Been Sick Several Weeks at His Home in Clinton—
In Clinton Quarter of a Century.

William BALL one of Clinton's well known citizens died about 10 o'clock Sunday night at his home on North Monroe street, aged nearly 60. He had been confined to his bed about a month and his disease was given as cancer of the liver.

William N. Ball was born near Thornton, Ind., April 26, 1847. He remained with his parents until 1863 when he enlisted and went to the front. In January, 1864, he was taken prisoner in Tennessee. He was kept in prison several months until his health was broken when he was exchanged and returned home. He came to Illinois about 35 years ago, and for 25 years Clinton had been his home. For many years he was employed in the Wheeler livery stable, part of the time as manager, and few men had a wider acquaintance. Almost every farmer within twenty miles of Clinton knew Billy Ball, and were always glad to meet him.

Deceased is survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret SMITH, and five of the six children born to them, all living in Clinton. They are Mrs. J. A. PHARES, Mrs. J. J. MILAN, Harry, E. B. and J. A. BALL. His brothers are John, of Heyworth; David, of Colfax, Ind.; Robt., of Foosland; and Joseph, of Hutchinson, Kans.; and his sister, Mrs. Charles CAYTON, of LeRoy. A few months ago they visited him and a reunion was held.

Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at 3:30, conducted by Rev. Gilliland, the old soldiers attending in a body.  Burial in Woodlawn.

A. H. C. BARBER

March 11, 1904
Clinton Register

AT THREE SCORE AND TEN.
Resident of Clinton Nearly Half a Century is Called to His Final Rest—
Funeral Monday.

Death has again taken one of Clinton's oldest and best known citizens. Feb. 25, A. H. C. BARBER fell and injured himself, but it was thought a broken rib was the most serious injury. It was thought he was doing well until one week ago today when his condition was considered serious, and he told some of his friends he would not recover. About 7:30 o'clock Saturday morning he passed away, aged 71 years, 5 months and 15 days.

Deceased was born in Portsmouth, O., 1832, where he lived until about 20 years old when he went to Iowa, where he remained about three years, engaging in business at Muscatine. In 1856 he came to Clinton and it had since been his home, and he almost continuously followed his trade—that of brickmason, being one of the most successful men in his work in the county. In recent years his age had prevented taking larger contracts, but he had continued to contract work.

Five years after coming to Clinton he was married to Miss Darthula LEEDS. Nine children were born to them and two preceded him in death. His wife and the following children, and a brother in Ohio, survive him: John, Decatur; Mrs. Fannie WALLER, Chicago; Mrs. Maud ROSS; Fred; Archie; Ada; and Gilbert, of Clinton.

Mr. Barber was active and earnest in whatever work he engaged in or cause he espoused. He was outspoken in his convictions and was honored for his uprightness and unswerving honesty of purpose. After becoming a Prohibitionist he was one of the most untiring supporters of that party in the county, always being ready to give time and money to the cause. In this he was no more prominent than as a member of the Masonic order, of which he had been a member since a young man. He transferred his membership from Muscatine, Ia., to Clinton in 1858, becoming a member of DeWitt lodge, No. 84, in October of that year and remained a member the rest of his life. His Masonic record after coming to Clinton is given as follows: "Senior Warden in 1863 and Worshipful Master in 1863; received the degrees of Capitluar Masonry at the institution of Goodbrake chapter, No. 59, in May, 1860; was high priest in 1864, and served eight terms in that office; admitted to the rights and honors of a Royal Master, passed, the Circle and was greeted as a Select Master, Aug. 29, 1878; was the first Thrice Illustrious Master of Clinton Council, No. 74, R & S Masters, and served the council four terms in that office; was the first W. P. of Grace chapter, No. 13, O. E. S., Macoy chapter, and was also the first W. P. Of Myrtle chapter, No. 131, under charter from Grand Chapter of Illinois; was anointed into the order of High Priesthood while attending the Grad R. A. Chapter at Springfield, Ill., in 1868, and was made a member of the Masonic Veteran association of Illinois at the Grand R. A. chapter in Chicago in 1889; was the author of the Order Alabama which degree has been conferred all over the country and was its Supreme Chancellor."

Funeral services were held Monday, at 2 o'clock, at the home on West Washington street, conducted by Rev. C. E. VARNEY. Interment in Woodlawn.

Clara Anna BARBER 

August 12, 1881
Clinton Register

Died, in this city of cholera infantum, on the morning of the 8th inst., Clara Anna, youngest daughter of A. H. C. and D. J. BARBER, aged one year and nine months. The child was taken ill on Sunday evening and died Monday morning about two o'clock. Cincinnati and Portsmith, O., papers please copy.

Fanny (HALDEMAN) BARBER 

September 24, 1863
DeWitt County Public & Central Transcript

DIED.—At the residence of her father, Mr. J. S. HALDEMAN, near Winchester, Scott County, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 17th, Fanny, wife of A. H. C. BARBER, of this town.

David BARCLAY, Jr. 

March 4, 1892
Clinton Public

In this city, on last Saturday morning, after being confined to his home for weeks, David BARCLAY departed this life in his thirty-eighth year. He was a descendant from a long line of Scotch ancestry but was born in Ireland on the 9th of December, 1854, where his parents were temporarily sojourning. At an early age David lost his mother. When he was but seven years old his parents came to this country, and his father bought land in Texas township, where David grew to manhood. For four years he taught in country schools, and for two years he was the deputy in the county clerk's office under Gus LISENBY. For three years he represented Texas township in the board of supervisors of this county and for two years he was chairman of that body. David was a great reader and was well accomplished not only in political history but also in general history. The work of the farm was too hard for him, so he concluded to read law, and to that end he put in a couple of years with Messrs. MOORE & WARNER. On the 16th of June, 1888, he was admitted to the bar, and a few months later he formed a partnership with William GAMBREL which continued till Mr. Barclay's death. On the 31st of December, 1889, he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of the late Benjamin MILLER, and two daughters blessed their home. David's father died June 28, 1891.

When the present fire department of Clinton was organized David Barclay became an active member serving first as treasurer and later as captain of the hook and ladder truck. Last April he was elected as an alderman for the Third Ward, and on account of his careful business habits was at once selected as chairman of the finance committee.

The funeral services in the Presbyterian Church last Monday afternoon were attended by the Masonic fraternity of Maroa, of which Mr. Barclay was a member. The fire department also turned out partly uniformed. The services in the church were conducted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER. The floral offerings were very fine and attested the esteem in which the deceased was held. One of the floral pieces represented a bell, the offering of the fire department. This was suspended in front of the altar in the church and directly over the casket.

The members of the bar, of which Mr. Barclay was an honored member, attended in a body. The bar also passed suitable resolutions.

Within a few months death has taken two prominent young men who were raised in Texas township. Filbert C. KELLEY and David Barclay were warm friends from their boyhood and in their death only a few months intervened.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

David BARCLAY, Sr. 

July 3, 1891
Clinton Public

Death of David Barclay, Sen.

Having passed beyond the allotted threescore years and ten, David BARCLAY, Sen., passed from this earth last Sunday [June 28]. He was born in Scotland on the 13th of May, 1820, so that at his death he was seventy-one years, one month and fifteen days old. Mr. Barclay came from an illustrious line of Scotchmen, dating back to the year 1110. He was first married in his native country to the mother of the younger David, who is a member of the law firm of BARCLAY & GAMBEL. Young David's mother died, and the elder Barclay again married, and the fruit of this union was a daughter, Margaret, who is now the wife of Travis REDMOND, a farmer in Texas township. The elder David Barclay began life on a farm in Scotland, and when he was twenty-six years old he went to Ireland and became the land steward of Lord Clermont. Along about the year 1860 a prominent Scotchman came to this country on a visit and on his return to his native country he wrote a book in the interest of the Illinois Central railroad company, with the title of the “Prairie Farmer,” setting forth the great inducements offered in this country to young men. Mr. Barclay bought this book and read it and this lead him to emigrate from the old country in the year 1861. He came direct to Springfield, and from there to Decatur in search of the rich fortune offered to the purchasers of Illinois Central land. He bought eighty acres in Texas township and began farming, and from time to time he increased his purchases till at his death he was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres. He was a thorough farmer and had practical ideas of the value of land and money, hence he prospered. Three years ago he retired from the farm and came to Clinton and built a pleasant home for himself and his aged wife.

The old gentleman never became a citizen of the United States, although he was a great admirer of the system of government. He loved his native Scotland and thought it sacrilege to forswear allegiance to the land of his birth. When the Illinois legislature passed the alien land law the old gentleman, on account of his holdings of real estate, took out his first papers for citizenship.

He was a pleasant old gentleman, a great reader of books and of current history, and was a spirited conversationalist. He was a very stout man, and three months ago he was taken down with fatty degeneration of the heart, which ended in his death last Sunday. When he was a young man he joined the Masonic order in Scotland and was master of his lodge. He never united with the order in this country. Yet the Masonic order turned out last Tuesday and escorted to the grave their ancient brother. His remains were laid in the Texas Cemetery.

Mrs. David BARCLAY, Sr. 

January 8, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF AN AGED LADY.
Found Dead in Bed at Her Home in Clinton—
Would not Allow Anyone to Stay With Her.

Mrs. Mary BARCLAY was found dead in bed at her home on West Main street about 6 o'clock Monday evening. She had lived alone several years. Last week she complained of not feeling well, but refused to allow some of the family of Daniel LEO, who live near, to stay with her. Saturday her son-in-law, Trav REDMAN, of Maroa, visited her and insisted on someone staying with her, but she would not consent. He told Mr. Leo to insist on his daughter being with her at nights, but she still refused Sunday night. Early next morning, when Mrs. Leo went to the house, she was found to be dead. As the body was not cold, it was thought she had been dead about two hours.

Deceased was born in Ireland and was 72 years old. She was married to David BARCLAY in 1860, being his second wife, and they arrived in America in February, 1861, locating in Texas township, about nine miles south of Clinton. Mr. Barclay had one son, David, by his first marriage, and three children were born after his second marriage. Two of them died young and Margaret became the wife of Trav REDMAN and they lived on a part of her father's land until about five years ago when she died. Her father and brother, the latter an attorney in Clinton, are also dead, so that Mrs. Barclay was left without relatives in this country, except the five children of Mr. Redman and the two daughters of David Barclay, Jr. By her husband's will she was given the use of the residence in Clinton and one dollar an acre yearly from the 440 acres in Texas township during her life, the land all going to the grandchildren, so that she had nothing at her death except the contents of the home and some money, said to be from $300 to $500. Her will, made a few years ago, left money to the Catholic church of Clinton, of which she was a faithful member, and the household goods to the family of Daniel Leo, who had been very kind to her. The family moved to Clinton about fifteen years ago, before the death of her husband, and occupied the residence which had since been her home.

Funeral services were held in St. John's church conducted by Father M. A. DOOLING. Interment was in Texas cemetery, where the husband and two children are buried.

Note: From the biography of David Barclay, Jr.: In 1860 Mr. Barclay became the husband of Miss Mary Grogan, a native of Scotland and a daughter of Patrick Grogan.

J. S. BARGER 

January 12, 1877
Clinton Public

Elder J. S. BARGER, who died in Bloomington last week, was at one time the owner of Col. Snell's home farm and lived here for many years.

Charles Edward BARNES 

April 22, 1887
Clinton Public

Death of a Prominent Young Farmer.

Charles Edward BARNES, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. S. BARNES, was born January 14, 1854, at the old homestead, seven miles southwest of Farmer City. Her he grew to manhood, and was known as an upright young man of good business ability and more than ordinary public spirit. On March 17, 1880, he married Susie F. ELLIS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John ELLIS. Of this union two children were born, one of whom still survives. The mother died in the spring of 1884; the father, C. E. Barnes, died last Monday, leaving the little boy, Ralph, an orphan. The grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, will take him. Ed Barnes was the fourth of the family to die of consumption. He has not been strong for several years. He spent the summer of 1885 with his brother-in-law in western Kansas, hoping there to improve his health. He came home in the fall as was thought to die, but he went to Florida soon after and spent the winter. He returned home a year ago apparently in good health. Last fall he talked of going south, but his health becoming worse, he decided to remain at home. He knew that his days were numbered and that the remainder of his time on earth must be passed as an invalid. He gradually grew worse and for a month past the end has been daily expected both by himself and his friends. His suffering was intense, being aggravated by a disease of the throat. He was hopeful of the future and anxious to die. He was kind and generous as a friend and a good neighbor. Peace to his ashes.

--------------------

April 22, 1887
Clinton Public

Ed BARNES, son of William BARNES of DeWitt, died on Monday last of consumption. Mr. Barnes lost his wife with the same disease some two years since. He was aged something over thirty years. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and the remains were buried in the Barnes Cemetery.

Cora Belle BARNES 

February 11, 1881
Clinton Public

Belle, daughter of Wm. BARNES, died Friday, Feb. 4, of consumption.  The stricken parents have the sympathy of their many friends.

William S. BARNES 

December 2, 1910
Clinton Register

Old Resident Gone.

Wednesday morning, just after he had arisen and was dressing, the sudden summons came to William Seaton BARNES, aged resident of northeastern DeWitt township, and he passed out with hardly a struggle while sitting in his chair and engaged in drawing on his boots.  Mrs. N. Fittro, who was his housekeeper for over thirty years, reached his side just after he was stricken, but he was beyond all help.  He had been treated for neuralgia of the heart the previous Sunday night by J. A. Nowlin, and it is the latter’s opinion that the machinery of life simply failed because of old age.

The first news of his death received here was by his son, Ben, who was on the jury and was called to his father’s home by a telephone message.

William Barnes was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, September 23, 1831.  He was the son of George BARNES, a pioneer of that county.

The subject of this sketch was reared in Marion county, O., where his parents located in 1825.  In 1833 he came with his parents to Illinois and his father bought a tract of government land in Piatt county, where the family resided four years, when they again moved, locating in DeWitt county.  Here George Barnes purchased another tract of government land.  Later the son also purchased a government tract, the farm on which he died being a part of that purchase.  He settled on this land the year the county was organized.  He had made his home on that farm since 1846.  His farm has always been a model one, well stocked and watered, with substantial buildings.  His wife was Miss Caroline DAY, a sister of John W. DAY, of this city.

Twelve children were the fruits of this union, seven of whom preceded their parents to the other shore.  Those surviving are George D. and Ben. S. BARNES and Mrs. Cory MILLER, of Farmer City; Clarence BARNES, of Colorado Springs, Col.; and Drew BARNES, living near Weldon.  The wife and mother died 20 years ago.  At the time of his death Mr. Barnes [owned ___] acres of the choicest land in DeWitt county.

The funeral will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the late home and burial will be in the Barnes cemetery, on the old homestead.

Mrs. William S. BARNES 

March 29, 1889
Clinton Register

Mrs. W. S. BARNES died at her home near Parnell, Wednesday, at 10:30 o'clock, aged about 60 years.  The burial was at the Barnes cemetery, near DeWitt, this morning at 10 o'clock.  Deceased was a sister of John W. DAY, Sr., of this city.

--------------------

March 29, 1889
Clinton Register

DEWITT.

Mrs. Wm. BARNES died Tuesday of consumption.  She was among the pioneer settlers and leaves a large circle of friends and relatives.

Alexander L. BARNETT 

April 30, 1886
Clinton Public

Death of One of the Early Pioneers.
ALEXANDER L. BARNETT Joins the Silent Majority.

The history of the BARNETT family is an important part of the early history of DeWitt county. They came from Kentucky, and made their first home in what is now called Barnett township—being named in honor of the family. The Barnetts were of Scotch-Irish stock, and settled in Virginia in the beginning of the eighteenth century. The grandfather of Alexander L. BARNETT was born in Virginia in 1754, and during the revolutionary war served as regimental surgeon in the Virginia continentals. Dr. BARNETT was an ardent admirer of the teachings of Thomas Jefferson, and he resolved that his children should not dwell on a soil tainted with slavery. He did not get to this land of freedom himself, but in his will he provided that his sons and their families should carry out his wishes. Two of Dr. Barnett's sons died without issue, and his surviving son, John, was entrusted the carrying out of the Doctor's wishes. The Barnett family had removed from Virginia to Bourbon county, Ky., at the close of the revolutionary war, where they bought seven hundred and ten acres of land. In the Doctor's will it was provided that three hundred and twenty acres of the land should be sold and invested in free soil for the benefit of his descendants, and the remainder of the land was willed to John BARNETT, the father of Alexander L., and his sister's descendants in fee simple. John Barnett was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1830 he came to Illinois and bought land in this county. Robert F. BARNETT, the oldest son of John, came to this county in 1832 and settled on lands previously entered by his father. Alexander L., the third son, came from Kentucky in 1831, and located in Clintonia township, on the farm which he owned till the time of his death. John Barnett, the father of the DeWitt county Barnetts, removed to this county years after his sons came here, and spent the remaining days of his life on free soil, carrying out the wishes of the old revolutionary hero, Dr. Alexander Barnett. So intensely opposed were the elder Barnetts to the institution of slavery that they made no effort to bring slaves to this State, although under the existing laws at that time they could have done so.

Alexander L. BARNETT, who died at the home of his son in this city this morning, at half-past three o'clock, was born in Bourbon county, Ky., on the 15th of October, 1810, so that at the time of his death he was seventy-five years, six months and fifteen days old. His death thins out the number of the early settlers of DeWitt county. There is probably not more than two or three now living in the county who were here when Alexander L. Barnett came. The only name of the early settlers we can now recall is that of Judge John J. McGRAW, who for two or three months past has been confined to his home by sickness.

In early life Alexander L. Barnett acquired a fair education, and in his younger days studied the art of surveying. In 1839, seven years after he came to this county, he was elected the first surveyor of the county, which office he held continually for nearly twenty-one years. Although he was the owner of nearly four hundred acres of land, within four miles of this city, he did not give much attention to farming, his professional duties requiring almost his entire time. Even after he went out of office he did the greater part of the surveying in all parts of the county, as the old settlers thought no one as capable as Mr. Barnett. In 1879 he was again elected county surveyor, and held the office till the time of his death. Indeed it might be said that he died in the harness, for when he was taken sick one week ago yesterday he was engaged in surveying near Kenney.

Politically, Alexander L. Barnett was a Democrat till the time of the organization of the Greenback party a few years ago. His first Presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren, and he kept faithfully in the ranks till Peter Cooper's candidacy. He never belonged to any church or secret society.

Alexander L. Barnett was a man of vigorous mind and marked characteristics of character. He was positive in his views and would not swerve from what he considered right. He was not dogmatic, and conceded to others the same rights he demanded for himself—the right to exercise his own judgment in religion, politics, and on all public questions. In his dealings with the world he was fair and honorable, but unfortunately for his own pocket he was not exacting in his demands when it came to his own private business. His friendship could always be relied upon, and he was just as tenacious in his dislikes. An open opponent he respected, but he had the utmost contempt for that class of people who go through the world with a "knife up their sleeves." His home was always open for the entertainment of friend or stranger. In his younger days Mr. Barnett was a great hunter, like all of the early settlers, and the habit clung to him through his life. With his dog and gun he enjoyed the hours he could spare from his business. He said that where Clinton now stands he often enjoyed the chase for deer and other game.

A week ago yesterday he was taken sick while engaged in surveying near Kenney. He was brought to Clinton Saturday and taken to his son's (W. B.'s) house. His disease developed into typhoid-pneumonia, and during the greater portion of his sickness he was delirious. His death was not unexpected. The funeral services will take place from the old homestead, three and one-half miles west of Clinton, on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock.

For fifty years he had lived in the old homestead. There all of his children were born. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom with his aged wife survive him. The four sons living are William B., James R., John A., and Alexander. Mrs. Casandra McDONALD and Mrs. Juliet MORROW are his daughters. He had twenty-one grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mrs. Alexander L. BARNETT 

December 15, 1893
Clinton Public

Old Pioneer of DeWitt County Gone.

Elizabeth BARNETT, wife of the late A. L. BARNETT, was the daughter of Mahlon HALL and Cassander Hall (nee PARKER) and was born in Bourbon County, Ky., on the 28th day of February, 1813, was the member of a family of fourteen children, ten brothers and three sisters, the wife of McCarty HILDRETH being her twin sister.  She became a member of the Christian Church at Cambridge, Bourbon County, Ky., November 20, 1827, being baptized by her uncle, Aquilla PARKER, a Christian preacher.  She came to this country with her father and family and located on section 33, Barnett township, then Macon County.  She was married to Alexander L. Barnett, November 20th, 1834, and on the 20th of March, 1836, they located on their own home, section 30, Clintonia township, three miles west of Clinton, where they continually lived until March 20, 1885, just forty-nine years, where was born to them twelve children, five dying in infancy, one daughter dying at the age twenty-two years, six children surviving her, viz., W. B. BARNETT, J. R. BARNETT, Cassander McDONALD, Juliet MORROW, John A. BARNETT and Alexander BARNETT.

She was one of the charter members of seventeen persons that organized Old Union Church in August, 1833.  But two of those persons are now living, Rebecca Bowles and Margaret Bowles.  Her husband preceded her to the future world on the 30th of April, 1886.  She has surviving her nineteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  She was a consistent Christian, a kind mother, a good neighbor, always lending a helping hand to the sick and distressed, suffering privation herself for the comfort of others.  She fought a good fight.  She has kept the faith in which she died at the home of her son, Alexander, on the 7th of December, 1893, at the ripe old age of eighty years, nine months and nine days, and her remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground near the old homestead to await the resurrection morn.

Our dear mother has gone to her reward,
To ever be in the presence of the Lord.
We, therefore, have no cause to sigh,
If prepared to meet her in the bye and bye.   Children.

Alvin BARNETT 

April 28, 1864
Clinton Public & Central Transcript

DIED.—In this town, on Sunday last, April 24th, Alvin BARNETT, proprietor of the widely known “Barnett House,” aged 60 years.  He was buried in Oaklawn Cemetery Tuesday morning.

Note: He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, not Oaklawn.

Mrs. Alvin BARNETT 

January 20, 1882
Clinton Public

Mrs. Rebecca BARNETT, wife of Alvin BARNETT, died at Taylorville last Sunday, aged seventy-five years. Mrs. Barnett will be remembered by all of the old residents as the landlady of the old Barnett House, which place she filled for over twenty-four years. In the olden time the Barnett House was one of the most popular hotels in Central Illinois, and a quarter of a century ago all the noted men of the State who had occasion to visit Clinton made this hotel their home.

Benjamin Franklin BARNETT 

August 17, 1883
Clinton Register

Mr. B. F. BARNETT, an old settler of this county, died at his residence near Hallsville, on Saturday last at the age of 51 years.  The funeral services were held at Old Union church on Sunday, Elder Holton, of Lincoln, preaching a feeling sermon to a large audience of mourning relatives and friends.  Deceased leaves a widow and two sons to mourn his loss and cherish his memory.  The remains were laid to rest in Old Union cemetery.

--------------------

August 17, 1883
Clinton Public

Verily, verily, Death is no respecter of persons, and often are we poor, blind, mortals called upon to question the dealings of providence. Again has the grim monster been in our midst and has taken our dear friend, Frank BARNETT, on August 11, after an illness of a few days. He calmly fell asleep, trusting in Jesus. Many will miss him. His heart and hand were ever open to the call of distress. No man possessed a kinder heart, more social disposition, or greater hospitality. Never failed a friend. Frank was born in Bourbon Co., Kentucky, and came to this state in his infancy, and during his life since then he has lived in this county. The funeral services took place at Old Union, Bro. T. T. HOLTON, of Lincoln, officiating, on Sunday, August 12, at 11 o'clock. A large number of relatives and friends were present.

--------------------

August 17, 1883
Clinton Public

Last Sunday [August 12] the remains of Benjamin Franklin BARNETT, one of the oldest citizens of this county was laid to rest in the Old Union Cemetery, near Hallsville.  The deceased had only a short sickness, having been attacked with inflammation of the bowels and stomach only the Sunday before his death.  He was a man of rugged constitution, but the attack was so severe that from the first his physicians had no hopes of his recovery.  Mr. Barnett was born in Kentucky in 1831, and when but a year old his father, Mr. Robert BARNETT, moved to this county and settled in Barnett township.  For over half a century, Mr. Barnett had lived in this county, and although only in the prime of life when he was stricken down by disease yet he took rank among the old settlers.  He was a man who was held in high esteem by his neighbors, as was evidenced by the large number that united in paying the last tribute to his memory.  When he was married he settled upon a farm within two miles of the old homestead and here lived and died.  He leaves a wife and two grown-up children to mourn the death of an affectionate husband and father.

Mrs. Frank M. BARNETT 

April 18, 1913
Clinton Register

FUNERAL OF MRS. FRANK M. BARNETT.
LAST TRIBUTE OF RESPECT PAID.
Rev. T. T. Holton of Bloomington Delivered an Impressive and Beautiful Memorial Sermon.

The funeral of Mrs. Frank M. BARNETT was held at her late home, 205 W. Webster street, at 10 o'clock, Saturday, April 12.  A quartette composed of J. W. Perryman, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Flemming and Mrs. Herman Querfeld sang the sweet songs loved by Mrs. Barnett in her life time, rendering the “Beautiful River,” at the close.  The pallbearers were Uriah James, John T. Blue, J. W. Huff, B. F. Spicer, W. H. Randall and U. G. Davis, life-long friends of deceased.

Mary E. FRUIT was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund W. FRUIT and was born March 20, 1853.  When she went home to God last Tuesday, April 8, she had reached the age of three score years and 18 days, every moment of which was valuable to her and precious to others.  It is worth while to know that we live by moments, by heart beats, and not by weeks and years.  We are living right now, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Note: The rest of her obituary is a long, flowery sermon, written by Rev. Holton.   It takes up two columns of the newspaper, so it is too long to print here.

Mrs. George A. BARNETT 

March 9, 1906
Clinton Register

GOOD WOMAN CALLED TO REST.
Barnett Township Mourns the Death of One of its Best Women—
Sick Only Five Days.

Death is sad at any time but doubly so when it enters the happy home and takes away a companion who is in the prime of life and the strength of womanhood. Only a few days before her sudden death Mrs. Geo. A. BARNETT was strong in health and happy in the thought that she had many years due her in accordance with the recorded days for each pilgrim on the way from life to death. But alas! how uncertain are the years to be counted to each one. Having a cold she continued about her work until Sunday Feb. 24th when she became much worse and a doctor called. Pneumonia had developed and she rapidly grew worse until Friday afternoon about 3 o’clock when her voice was stilled forever. With little warning a kind husband and loving daughter had taken from them a devoted wife and mother.

Sarah Josephine KIRBY was born near Green Valley Church in Barnett Township, DeWitt County, July 24th, 1859, being 46 years, 7 months and 9 days of age at the time of her death which occurred March 2 at her home on the old Barnett homestead near Hallsville.

She was the daughter of Benjamin S. and Lucinda (WILLIAMS) KIRBY. When she was three years old her mother died leaving her and a baby brother John W., who died in Kansas three years ago. Her father is still living in McPherson County, Kan., but on account of his advanced age and feeble health he was unable to be at her funeral.

After the death of her mother she was cared for by her grandmother, Mrs. Phoebe KIRBY in whose home she lived until her marriage to Geo. A. BARNETT Feb. 20th 1878, whose home she was spared to bless as wife and companion for twenty-eight years. Of this union three children were born, Lulu, wife of Arthur C. HALL, principal of the Heyworth public schools; Edna, who died at the age of seven and an infant daughter who died at birth. Mrs. Barnett was a member of the Church of Christ at Old Union and after the church was organized at Hallsville she placed her membership there. Her home was always open to her friends, who will long hold in loving remembrance her cheerful words and happy smile of greeting. Her every word and act was expressive of the happiness she felt in trying to make them enjoy themselves in her pleasant home.

Funeral services were held in the Christian Church in Hallsville Sunday at 1 o’clock conducted by Rev. T. E. Holton, pastor of the Hallsville church. There was a very large attendance, about two hundred going from Clinton on a special train. She was a member of the Rathbone Sisters and Royal neighbors; her husband is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows, and there were a large number present from these lodges. Many beautiful floral offerings attested the high esteem in which she was held.

The pall-bearers were Lacy L. KIRBY, Henry I. BARNETT, Fred BARNETT, Jno. W. BARNETT, Joseph WINEGARDNER and Jno. WINEGARDNER. The first four were her nephews by whom she was dearly loved and the last two, good and kind friends whom she had known from childhood. The remains were brought to Clinton by train and laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

James BARNETT 

March 22, 1889
Clinton Public

Death of James Barnett.

Nearly sixty years ago the advance guard of the Barnett family came from Kentucky and located in this county. They settled in what is now Barnett township, and in honor of the family that name was given to the township. There was [sic] four brothers of them and with their father they all finally settled in this county. In 1831 one of the brothers made his first entry of land. James BARNETT was the last member of the family, and he died last Tuesday, in his seventieth year. James Barnett was born in Kentucky on the 8th of November, 1819, and with his wife and one daughter, Sarah, came to this county early in the forties. His life was spent on the section of land which he first entered when he came to Barnett township. He was the father of five children, three of whom survive him. Mr. Barnett was a conscientious and honorable man, and was one of the best citizens in the county. In the later years of his life he united with the Christian Church and became an active and zealous member. At his death he was the owner of 340 acres of valuable land, a large amount of personal property, and in addition he left his family an insurance policy of $3000 on his life.

James Richard BARNETT 

January 27, 1905
Clinton Register

KILLED AT STREET CROSSING.
Well Known Citizen of Clinton Caught On a Dangerous Crossing and Dies From Injuries.

Monday afternoon, about 2:30, Richard BARNETT was crossing the tracks on the Macon street crossing and received injuries that resulted in his death that evening about 6 o'clock at the Clinton infirmary to where he was taken soon after being hurt. The crossing is a dangerous one, as there are about a dozen tracks, most of them used for switching. Mr. Barnett was going east carrying a sack of coal and was caught by a train when nearly across the tracks. He was a little deaf and he doubt did not hear the train.

James R. Barnett was a son of Alexander BARNETT, one of the county's pioneers, and was born west of Clinton Nov. 17, 1836, and lived 68 years, 2 months and 6 days. He was married to Miss Barbara EWING Dec. 7, 1862, who died Nov. 11, 1865. He lived on a farm until about fifteen years ago; since then he had lived in Clinton, and had clerked in several stores.

He is survived by two daughters and one son. They are Mrs. Ellis HARVEY, of Boody, Ill.; Mrs. BRANNON, Weldon; and Edwin, of Clinton; also by one brother, Alexander BARNETT, Clinton; and two sisters, Mrs. Cassander McDONALD, west of Clinton; and Mrs. Julia MORROW, of Clinton.

Funeral was held at the house of Edwin Barnett, East Main street, Wednesday at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. GILLILAND. Burial in Woodlawn.

John BARNETT 

January 15, 1901
Clinton Register

DIED FROM WOUNDS.
John Barnett's Death Resulted From Being Accidentally Shot by His Nephew, Clive McDonald.

John BARNETT, who died at the home of his sister, Mrs. McDONALD, three miles west of Clinton the night of Jan. 17 as a result of being accidentally shot in the leg by Clive McDONALD, was well known, having lived in the county all his life. While out hunting he was walking ahead of his nephew when his shot gun was accidentally discharged, the load hitting Barnett in the leg below the knee, and blood poison caused his death. Deceased was born Nov. 10, 1845, and was 55 years old. Alex and Dick BARNETT of Clinton, are brothers of deceased. Funeral services were held Saturday.

Mrs. John A. BARNETT 

July 20, 1906
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BARNETT.

Mrs. Barnett, widow of John A. BARNETT, who died about four years ago, died Wednesday night at her home near Hallsville, aged 61 years. She had been sick several weeks. She was a daughter of E. W. FRUIT, of Kenney, and is survived by four children. She was a member of the Hallsville Christian church. Funeral services will be held at the Hallsville church this afternoon. She was married to John A. BARNETT Sept. 24, 1868, and of the ten children born to them the following are living: Otho; Mrs. Nannie BARTLEY; Mrs. Etha BOWLES, of Lincoln; Miss Alberta; John; Charley; Fred and Arthur.

Mrs. Julia BARNETT 

January 24, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH AT DE LAND.

Mrs. Julia BARNETT, mother of W. D. BARNETT, of Clinton, died Monday evening at her home in Deland, aged 92 years. She was born in Kentucky. She came to Illinois when about 30 years old and for awhile lived in this city. She is survived by two children, Mrs. KESTER, with whom she had lived several years, and W. D. Barnett. Funeral services were held Wednesday, and burial was in the Deland cemetery.

Note: Her daughter's married name might have been KESLER.

Mrs. Nathan M. BARNETT 

January 15, 1915
Clinton Register

BARNETT PIONEER HAS PASSED AWAY.
THIRTY-SIX YEARS ON THE FARM.
Mrs. Nathan M. Barnett Died Last Friday Evening—
Forty-Eight Years in County.

Another of the early residents of DeWitt county passed away within the past week.  Mrs. N. M. BARNETT, for the past twelve years a resident of this city, and for thirty-six years previous a resident of Barnett township, died at her home on West Clay street last Friday evening at seven o'clock at the age of 72 years.  Although Mrs. Barnett had been failing in health for the past year, her last serious illness was of short duration.  Last fall she was quite sick for a time, but rallied from the attack several weeks ago.  Not many days preceding her death she was again taken suddenly and seriously ill and grew rapidly worse until the end came.  All of the immediate members of the family residing in the vicinity of the home were present when the end came.

Besides being a member of one of the oldest families in DeWitt county, Mrs. Barnett’s husband is the oldest living member of the Barnett family.

Margaret Evelyn BREWSTER was born on a farm near Belford, Ind., May 28, 1848, and at an early age came with her parents to Illinois, the family settling on a farm near Bloomington.  When the daughter became of age, 18, after obtaining her schooling at the country schools of that day, she was united in marriage to Nathan M. BARNETT in the city of Clinton on May 26, 1866.  The young couple at once settled on the farm eight miles west of Clinton, where they reared a large family and where they continued to reside until 1902, when they came to this city.  Seven children were the fruits of the union, all of whom, with the husband, survive.  They are Harry M. BARNETT, of Kansas City; J. B. BARNETT, of Farmer City; Nora B. WATSON, of Farmer City; Mrs. C. I. KIRBY, of Clinton; N. Roy BARNETT, of Hallsville; Anna BARNETT and Margaret EMMETT, at home.  She is also survived by one brother, Wm. Brewster, of Quincy, Ill., a half brother, Samuel Brewster, of Sibley, and a half sister, Mrs. Alice Thompson, of Colfar [Colfax?].

Mrs. Barnett was for a long time a faithful member of the Christian church at Hallsville, transferring her membership to the local church after the family came to Clinton.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, in charge of Rev. T. T. Holton of Bloomington, who for many years was pastor of the church at Hallsville.  He was assisted by Rev. R. V. Callaway.  The pall-bearers were nephews of the deceased.  Burial in Woodlawn.

Following were the pall-bearers: Isaiah Samuel, William Morris, Austin Morris, E. B. Mitchell, John H. McKinney and James Mills.

Mrs. Robert F. BARNETT 

June 30, 1899
Clinton Public

AN OLD SNOWBIRD CALLED.
Mrs. Margaret Barnett, for Sixty-Seven Years a Resident of This County.

Mrs. Margaret BARNETT, who died Wednesday at the home of her son, Nathan M. BARNETT, was one of the earliest settlers of DeWitt county, settling here when the country was a broad and almost uninhabitable prairie, when quite a young woman. Her maiden name was Margaret MILLS, and she was born in Virginia in 1810, being the daughter of Nathan and Catharine MILLS. When deceased had reached the age of 11 years her parents moved to Kentucky and settled in Bourbon county. It was here that deceased was united in marriage to Robert F. BARNETT. Her father, Nathan Mills, came to Illinois and entered 160 acres of land in DeWitt county, but on returning to Kentucky was taken ill and died. His wife and a large family of children, however, came here in August of that year. Previous to this time, and before the winter of the deep snow, deceased, with her husband and one child, came to Illinois and settled on a farm about one mile southeast of Hallsville, where she had since resided and reared a large family of children, seven of whom are still living [only six are listed], four being dead. Those surviving are Nathan M. BARNETT, L. T. BARNETT, of near Hallsville, R. F. BARNETT, living in Oklahoma, A. M. BARNETT, at Lewiston, Ill., C. B. BARNETT, living in DeWitt county, and Mrs. C. M. BATES, of Chautauqua, Kansas. Her husband, Hon. R. F. BARNETT, was one of the best known men in Central Illinois, and was twice elected to the legislature on the Democratic ticket. His death occurred in Clinton during the war. Two of her sons have been prominent before the public, one, Nathan M. Barnett, was at one time candidate for governor on the Populist ticket, and L. T. Barnett served the county one term as sheriff.

Deceased was a devout member of the Christian church, and at an early day joined Old Union church, and afterwards continued her membership with that denomination at Waynesville. The last illness of deceased was caused by an accident which occurred about one month ago at the home of her son, N. M. Barnett, where she was visiting. On arising one morning she suffered a stroke of paralysis, and falling, struck her head against a dresser, cutting a frightful gash in the back of her head. As the result of her fall, deceased took to her bed, from which she never arose. She lay in a comatose condition for one week, at the end of which time consciousness left her, and for the next three weeks, and until her death, none of the family were able to obtain the slightest recognition.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church in Hallsville at 2 o'clock on Thursday, conducted by Rev. T. T. HOLTON, of Lincoln. Remains were laid to rest in Old Union cemetery.

Scott BARNETT 

January 2, 1903
Clinton Register

Scott BARNETT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex BARNETT, of this city, died in the Feeble Minded institute in Lincoln Monday evening, aged 20 years. The remains were brought to Clinton and taken to the home on West Main street, where short Christian Science services were held at 2:30 Wednesday. Interment in Woodlawn.

Submitted by Unknown

William BARNETT 

April 30, 1909
Clinton Register

DIED IN TAYLORVILLE.

Wm. BARNETT was born in Clinton March 26, 1826, and died in Taylorville [Christian County], Illinois, April 22, aged 83. He moved from Clinton to that place in 1876. He was the son of Alvin BARNETT, who conducted a hotel, the Barnett House, in Clinton about fifteen years, dating from 1850. Before he took charge of the Clinton hotel, he conducted the only hotel in Bloomington about ten years. These years were when Lincoln practiced law in Bloomington and deceased, when a young man, had a personal acquaintance with Lincoln, and after he became president often told of being his bedfellow at his father’s hotels. He was never married and during the time he lived in Taylorville was engaged in no business, and the only office he held was chief of police two years. No relatives survive so far as known.

William A. BARNETT 

October 14, 1904
Clinton Register

GOOD CITIZEN IS CALLED.
Another of Clinton's Best Known and Most Useful Men Taken in Strong Manhood.

Death saddens the heart, but the sorrow is deepened when it claims a strong and useful citizen, one whose daily life and business activity is an honor to his family and his friends, an incentive to others to do and be something in the world.  It is with deep sorrow that the friends of such a man learn of his death.  Such a man was W. A. BARNETT, and his hundreds of friends throughout the state (for he was known in almost every county in Illinois) will be pained to know he has passed from life to death.

William A. Barnett, son of William B. and S. E. BARNETT, was born about three miles northeast of Clinton, Oct. 19, 1858, and DeWitt county had always been his home.  He became a school teacher and for several years was one of the leading educators of the county.  He was sometimes urged to accept a nomination for a county office, especially for superintendent of schools, but never consented, though always much interested in the success of his party.  He was serving his second term as chairman of the county central committee.  He was a wise counselor in political or other matters.

His marriage to Miss Lucy J. MOORE, daughter of Wm. and Hannah MOORE, occurred Oct. 17, 1883.  To them two children were born, who with their mother suffer the loss of a kind husband and father.  He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. A. R. Hall, his father dying Sept. 14, 1898.

For about fifteen years, Mr. Barnett had been connected with bridge building companies and in the business himself.  Several years he was agent for other companies, and three or four years ago began contracting for the constructing of bridges, and a great deal of the work was done in Clinton, where he owned and managed a machine shop.  The plant is a large brick building, built by the Citizens' Electric Light Co., and sold to Mr. Barnett, and is well equipped with modern machinery.  Though he had not been in good health for some time, he had continued work often against the doctor’s advice, because his business demanded his attention.  Three weeks ago last Wednesday, he was confined to his bed, and gradually grew worse, though seeming better at times.  He was too weak in the struggle against death, and he passed away at 8:15 this morning, surrounded by those who were nearest and dearest to him.

Funeral services will be held from the residence, 307 South Center street, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Revs. C. E. Varney and S. C. Black officiating.  Interment in Woodlawn.

Note: There is a picture that accompanies the obituary.

William B. BARNETT 

September 16, 1898
Clinton Register

CAMLY MEETS DEATH.
William B. Barnett, One of This County’s Most Honored Citizens Passes Away.

When the sad news was reported about the streets Wednesday forenoon, that W. B. BARNETT could live but a short time, it brought forth one general regret. At 3:15 in the afternoon the final summons came, and the spirit of William B. Barnett took its flight to He who gave it.

Probably no person had a larger acquaintance in the county than Mr. Barnett, he having been born and spent his entire life in this county. He was born about three miles west of this city on what is known as the old Barnett homestead. He entered into the sewing machine business in this city in 1872 and continued in the same up to the time of his death. His long experience in this business made him an expert and he was perfectly familiar with every sewing machine upon the market.

The world is better off that such a man as W. B. Barnett had spent 63 years here. He was conscientious and honest in all his dealings, and was not a man possessed of so much greed as is daily seen in many of our people, he believing in “live and let live” idea. He owned a fine farm west of this city, part of which was the old homestead. He took great delight in driving out to this old home once or twice each week. He was well educated, and few men were better posted upon the leading topics of the day than was Mr. Barnett. Politically he was a staunch Democrat, and could defend his party in an able and intelligent manner.

About a year ago he fell from a scaffold in the northwest part of the city while he was superintending some repair work and received severe internal injuries from which he never thoroughly recovered, he having been under the doctor’s care much of the time since. About two months ago he had a severe spell of sickness from which he had been able to be about for some days. On the third of September he, in company with his wife, went to Chicago and remained until Monday. Last Friday he was taken suddenly with vomiting and continued to grow worse very rapidly until death came. The cause of his death is given as pneumonia.

W. B. Barnett was born 3½ miles west of this city, August 21, 1835, being at the time of his death less than one month over 63 years old. He and Mrs. Sarah E. DUNCAN were joined in marriage August 26, 1855. By this union one child was born, Wm. A. Barnett, who resides in this city and is 40 years of age. He has three brothers living, Alexander, Richard, and John, and two sisters, Mrs. Thomas MORROW, and Mrs. Cassie McDONALD, all living in this city. Father of the deceased, A. L. BARNETT, moved to this county in 1832, and located on a farm three and a half miles west of Clinton, where the entire Barnett family was born and raised.

Mr. Barnett was an active member of the Christian church, he having professed religion during a revival in the old Union church which stood near Hallville, over 25 years ago, during which time he had lived an exemplary life. He was elected clerk of the Christian church of this city one year ago, and still held the office at the time of his death. For a number of years after his marriage he lived on the old homestead, and managed the affairs for his father. In 1872 he moved to this city and engaged in the sewing machine business. At this time he had the exclusive agency for the Wheeler & Wilson machine. After they had lived here 8 years Mrs. Barnett became dissatisfied and moved back to the farm, yet Mr. Barnett continued in the machine business. In 1882 the family again came to Clinton where they continued to reside.

The funeral will take place this afternoon from the Christian church at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. E. A. Gilliland the pastor, after which the remains will be laid to rest in Woodlawn to await the dawn of the resurrection morning.

Mrs. F. M. BARR & son 

August 3, 1888
Clinton Register

The death last Monday of Mrs. F. M. BARR ended the earthly career of a good Christian woman, a true and tender wife, a fond and kind mother. As she and her son, about 14 years old, were going to Atlanta in the afternoon to get some things to furnish their new house, which is almost ready to move into, they were struck and instantly killed by a train while they were crossing the railroad about one mile and a half this side of Atlanta. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Crook at Mt. Zion church on Wednesday and the remains were taken to Waynesville for burial followed by the longest procession of the kind ever known in this part of the county.

Note: Cemetery records list her as Josephine Barr and her son as Arthur Barr.

Hamilton BARR 

October 16, 1903
Clinton Register

Hamilton BARR was born Dec. 13, 1826, two miles west of Waynesville, on what was then section 36, Atlanta township, Logan county, and he had the distinction of being the first white child born in that township. His death occurred about a mile away from the place of his birth. He was aged 76 years, 9 months and 20 days. His parents were John and Comfort (MARVEL) BARR, natives of South Carolina and Delaware, respectively. By a coincidence they were both born the same day—April 4, 1799. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hoosier state, which they left in the spring of 1825, traveling with an ox cart to Sangamon county, Illinois. After residing fifteen miles north of Springfield for about twelve months, the parents of our subject took possession of the farm upon which Hamilton was born. It was a tract of 160 acres which Mr. Barr entered and improved and to which he subsequently added 320 acres in Barnett township, DeWitt county. The parental family consisted of eight children: Lavina, who died in childhood; Nancy, now Mrs. BOTKIN, of Texas; Hamilton; Prettyman, who died in California; John, in Oklahoma; Hiram, who died while young; Mrs. Elizabeth MICHAELS and Comfort, wife of Joeseph GARRETT, of Waynesville.

Hamilton Barr studied in the primitive school house, whose homemade furniture and few text books afforded a decided contrast to the modern equipment of school and scholars. He was an inmate of his father's house until his marriage to Miss Sidonia MICHAELS Feb. 28, 1850. She was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Feb. 8, 1831, and was a daughter of Adam and Jane (OCHART) MICHAELS, natives of the Kingdom of Saxony. She emigrated with her parents to America in 1837. They landed at New York City and went inland to Ohio, where they resided until 1847, when they came to the locality of Waynesville, Illinois.

After his marriage, Mr. Barr continued farming and stock raising, and being a good financier he became owner of about 1,800 acres of our richest soil west and southwest of Waynesville. Unfortunately, he lost the bulk of his fortune a few years back in the grain business. However, he continued to farm with undaunted energy. Mr. Barr was a most industrious man, moral, upright and honest. While not a church member, he was never known to utter an oath and was a firm believer in Christianity. He was a life-long Democrat and commanded the highest respect of all who knew him. He and his estimable wife, who survives him, were the parents of eleven children. John A., Thomas and Sidonia died in childhood. The eight surviving are Sarah, the wife of James ADAIR, of Waynesville; Albert, in Kansas; Amelia, wife of Michael SCHUH, of Greenfield, Ia.; Emma, wife of J. C. WILSON; Mary, wife of David ORGAN; William, Edward and Nancy, all of Waynesville. —Waynesville Correspondent.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Hamilton BARR 

January 3, 1913
Clinton Register

DIED ON FIRST DAY OF YEAR.
Hamilton Barr, of Harp Township, Committed Suicide Wednesday Morning.

Coroner MOORE was called to Harp township Wednesday to investigate the cause of death of Hamilton BARR, who was found dead in his chair in his little house adjoining that of his daughter, Mrs. Stan MILLER [MILTON]. Mr. Barr had preferred to live alone ever since the death of his wife, which occurred in 1908. He refused to be a burden to his relatives, and insisted on doing chores for his board.

Last Saturday Mr. Barr went to Farmer City with his son-in-law, and while there he purchased strychnine, taking enough to end his life Wednesday morning. A granddaughter went to the cottage Wednesday morning to call him to breakfast and found him in his chair—lifeless. Dr. DAVIS of Farmer City was summoned but found that life had been extinct for some time. A bottle containing strychnine, also a spoon from which the dead man had taken the deadly poison, was found in his room. Coroner Moore found on the dead man's person the following articles: one pipe, one tin box containing tobacco, one two-bladed knife, one leather pocketbook containing $15 in currency and 55 cents in change. His passbook showed that he had deposited $40 in the John Warner bank in this city April 3, 1912, and that he had drawn it out September 28 of the same year.

Deceased left seven children, six daughters and one son. He was born in McLean county, near LeRoy, and was united in marriage to Mary TONEA*, December 28, 1871. He had lived in DeWitt and McLean counties all his life with the exception of two years spent in Texas, one year in Nebraska and one year in Alabama. His wife died in Harp township about four years ago and was buried in the Willmore cemetery there, in which cemetery deceased was interred Thursday.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BARR, HAMILTON    TOVARA, MARY     12/28/1871    MC LEAN

--------------------

January 10, 1913
Clinton Register

FUNERAL OF HAMILTON BARR.

The funeral of Hamilton BARR, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edith MILTON at Farmer City, Jan. 1st, was held Saturday, conducted by Rev. Mr. Devore, of Fullerton, and interment was in Willmore cemetery near Birkbeck.  Mr. Barr was born September 17, 1846, near LeRoy.  He was married December 28, 1871, to Miss Mary E. TORREA, who died March 14, 1908.  Nine children were born to them.  Richard died in infancy and Jennie Carlisle died September 23, 1906.  The surviving children are Mrs. Edith Milton, of Farmer City; Mrs. Clara Smith, of Bloomington; Mrs. Belle Blecker, of Bristow, Okla.; Mrs. Hattie Taylor, of Clinton; Mrs. Grace Evans, of Boswell, Ind.; Mrs. Helen Wilson and Harry Barr, of LeRoy.  He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Jennie Silvy, of Clinton; 4 half brothers and two half sisters.  John, Charles and George Barr, all of Brookfield, Mo.; Albert Barr, Mrs. Cora Wood and Mrs. Daisy ANDREW, of Bloomington.   Mr. Barr was a man of kind disposition and highly respected by all.

Mrs. Hamilton BARR 

March 20, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BARR.

Mrs. Elizabeth BARR died Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. E. BLACKER in the east part of the city, aged 54. She was taken sick at her home in Harp township and was brought to Clinton about a month ago. Deceased was born in McLean county March 7, 1854, and was married in 1872 to Hamilton BARR, who survives her. Eight of the nine children born to them are living. Three of them, Mrs. Blacker, Mrs. TAYLOR, and Miss Helen, live in Clinton; Mrs. MILTON, at Parnell, and Mrs. SMITH, at Farmer City; Mrs. J. DANELS, of Clinton is a sister. Funeral was held Monday forenoon at the residence, conducted by Rev. T. H. Miller. Burial was in Willmore cemetery.

Thomas BARR 

January 21, 1887
Clinton Register

AT REST.
Thomas Barr, of Waynesville, Is Fallen Asleep.

Thomas BARR was born in Gibson County, Ind., March 4th 1813. He emigrated to Illinois in the Autumn of 1832. He was joined in marriage to Aley WATT Jan. 10th, 1833, who is left to mourn his loss. He has been a resident of DeWitt County for about 54 years, has lived on the farm he first improved 2½ miles south west of Waynesville. He was the father of eleven children, nine of whom are living, five boys and four girls. Three of the children reside near the old home place, some of them are living in the West, four in Iowa, one in Kansas and one in Nebraska; but all came in answer to a telegram which stated the alarming condition of their father. All were present to render any assistance of love and kindness they possibly could and to stand around his bed in mutual sorrow and witness his expiring breath. A few days before his decease it pleased the Lord to bestow upon him saving grace and victory over sin. In the presence of the family and some friends he spoke for near an hour, in which time he uttered some gracious words. The Lord enabled him to look upon his approaching death with great composure. It is not prudent at this paper to make mention of the many expressions that fell from his lips that were so gladly listened to by his grateful family. Let it suffice only to say that he said: “I am not afraid to die,” and that he was ready to go. That he was trusting in the Saviour. That if he could live his life over again, he would do differently from what he had done. That he wanted his children to do right and be faithful to the end. He leaves a large circle of relatives, fifty-six grand children and sixteen great grand children.

Of the large family of whom the deceased was a member many of them so familiarly known in this part of the country, now only two remain, Rebecca GAMBREL, of Waynesville and Louis BARR, of Logan county. He departed this life Jan. 14th 1887 aged 73 years 10 months and 10 days. The Family.

Evan BARRICKMAN 

December 3, 1880
Clinton Public

Old Father Evan BARRICKMAN died at his home near Weldon on Monday evening, November 29th, in the eighty-first year of his age.  He was buried in the Lisenby graveyard on Wednesday, his funeral being largely attended.

Catherine BARRY 

December 14, 1900
Paper Unknown

Catherine BARRY died at home south of Farmer City, on Thursday, December 13, 1900, at 2:00 a.m., aged 72 years, 2 months, Funeral: Scared Heart Church, December 15th. Burial: Champaign.

Submitted by Unknown

John Y. BARTLEY 

April 7, 1893
Clinton Public

Mr. John BARTLEY, of Barnett township, died on last Saturday morning of pneumonia.  Mr. Bartley was a native of Madison County, Ohio, and had lived in DeWitt County over forty years.  He was an upright, noble man and esteemed by a wide circle of neighbors who followed his remains to their final rest last Sunday.  The funeral was preached by Rev. T. T. Holton, of Lincoln.

Note: His full name was John Young Bartley and he was buried in McClimans Cemetery.

Mrs. John Y. BARTLEY 

March 4, 1918 - Monday
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. NANCY BARTLEY DIED THIS MORNING.
Was Past 81 Years of Age—
Had Lived in DeWitt County for Years—
No Funeral Arrangement.

Mrs. Nancy BARTLEY, living near Hallville, died this morning at 11:30 o'clock.  Death was caused by complications due [to] the advanced age of the deceased, she being past 81 years old.

Nancy McCLIMANS was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 9, 1826, the daughter of Samuel and Rachael McCLIMANS.  In 1845 she was united in marriage to John BARTLEY and to this union seven children were born, Mary A. ROBERS, of Clinton; Mrs. Rachael BOWLES, of Hallville; Samuel BARTLEY, at home; Frank B., of Midland City; Mrs. Sadie DUFF, at home; David BARTLEY, of near Hallville; and Mrs. Maggie CONKLIN, of Humbolt, Kan.

The deceased had been an invalid for several years and while her death was not unexpected it came as a distinct shock to the many friends and to the community at large, as Mrs. Bartley was one of the best known women in DeWitt county.  She had been an active church worker, taking a great interest in the affairs of the community.  No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.

--------------------

March 5, 1918, Tuesday
Clinton Daily Public

FUNERAL OF MRS. BARTLEY TO BE HELD THURSDAY P.M. at the Hallville Christian Church at 2:30 o'Clock.

The funeral service for the late Mrs. Nancy BARTLEY will be held from the Christian church in Hallville, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  The services will be in charge of Rev. T. T. Holton, of Bloomington.

Note: She was buried in McClimans Cemetery next to her husband.

John BARTON 

December 3, 1886
Clinton Public

John BARTON, the oldest son of the celebrated BARTON family who made things lively among the farmers around Wapella township a few years ago, died in the penitentiary at Joliet on last Monday, and on Wednesday morning his body was brought to Wapella for burial. It will be remembered that John was sent to Joliet from Quincy for a term of fourteen years for horse stealing. His father was sent up for a year at the same time for being connected with the same robbery. John Barton was about thirty years old when he died, and nearly one-half of his life was spent in prison. He was the leader of a desperate gang of thieves, one of the sharpest of the lot being his sister Lizzie, who is now married and living a reputable life in Missouri.

Submitted by Unknown

Francis M. BATES 

May 11, 1900
Clinton Register

HEARD LAST ROLL CALL.
Suffering of Frank M. Bates Ended in a St. Louis Hospital—
Brought to Clinton for Burial.

About two months ago F. M. BATES, who had been sick nearly two years, was taken to a St. Louis hospital, where he died Sunday from the effects of paralysis.

Francis M. Bates was born in Madison county, O., over 58 years ago. He came to Clinton when a young man, and was married to Eliza MORSE in 1868. Milt BATES, of Clinton, and Mrs. Jessie WARNOCK, now living in the South, are the surviving children of this union. Several years ago Mrs. Bates died, and he was married about four years ago to Mrs. SHARP, of Lincoln, who survives him. His sisters, Mrs. Cyrus JONES, Mrs. Lydia WALDREN and Mrs. Ansel HULL, live in this city.

Deceased was an old soldier, serving from the early part of the war until the battle of Shiloh when he received a wound that made his discharge necessary. He was a member of the Clinton Post and his comrades paid the last honor by attending his funeral in Clinton Tuesday afternoon in a body. Rev. MacArthur conducted the services. Interment was in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Francis M. BATES 

November 5, 1874
Clinton Public

In this city, on Tuesday, November 3, 1874, after a lingering illness of nearly ten weeks, Mrs. Adeliza BATES, wife of F. M. BATES.

Zenas BATES 

August 14, 1885
Clinton Public

Zenas BATES died at Alton, Ill., on Sunday, August 9, 1885, after a long and wasting illness. Mr. Bates was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 8, 1832. He was married to Phoebe BATES October 8, 1857. Seven children were the fruit of this marriage. Three of his children died before him. He leaves a widow and four children to mourn for him. Funeral services were held at Mrs. CUPPY's dwelling on Tuesday, conducted by Elder D. MacARTHUR. A large and supportive audience were in attendance. After the services the G. A. R. took charge of the remains, Mr. Bates having served for six months during the late war, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery with the impressive ritual of the G. A. R.

Virgie Louise BAUMAN 

January 3, 1916, Monday
Clinton Daily Public

Baby Dies at Farmer City.

Virgie Louise, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert BAUMAN, died at the family home in Farmer City Saturday evening at the age of three years and two months, as the result of a brief illness with pneumonia. The funeral was held from the residence this afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Rev. Mr. Want, pastor of the M. E. church in charge. The little girl is survived by her parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Mrs. Daniel BAYLESS 

April 1, 1887
Clinton Public

Died, Sunday, March 27, at 5 a.m., at her home near Rock Creek, Aunt Melinda BAYLESS, aged 72 years. She had been in very poor health for some time, but was suddenly taken worse, and at dawn the following day she quietly passed away. Aunt Melinda was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and in 1831 was married to Daniel BAYLESS. Of a large family of fifteen children three have already passed away. At the funeral services on Tuesday appropriate remarks were made by Isaac C. BAKER, after which the remains were laid to rest in Rock Creek cemetery. The funeral sermon will be preached at the Rock Creek Christian Church on the second Sunday in April, at 11 a.m., by Rev. DAVIS, of Latham. For more than forty years Aunt Melinda was a member of the Baptist Church, and was loved and respected by all. A word of consolation to the bereaved ones may be expressed in the three words, "Meet her there."

George B. BAYLESS 

January 3, 1902
Clinton Register

Geo. B. BAYLESS, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. P. BAYLESS, died at their home near Waynesville, aged 26 years, of typhoid fever. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers and three sisters. They are Warren BAYLESS, of Kansas; Henry BAYLESS, Mrs. Nate HUFF, Mrs. Ed WIGGS and Miss Emma BAYLESS, who live near Waynesville.

Margaret (RILEY) BAYLESS 

July 20, 1906
Clinton Register

DIED IN CHICAGO.
Remains of Former Waynesville Woman Brought to Her Old Home For Burial a Week Ago.

The remains of Mrs. F. M. BAYLESS were brought here from Chicago Thursday morning, July 5. On Wednesday, July 4, in company with her son and daughter, [she] went to White City to spend the day. While there she was stricken with paralysis and died the following morning. Mrs. Bayless was a woman highly respected by all our people, to whom she was so well known.

Mrs. Margaret Ann Bayless, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin RILEY, was born at Atlanta, Ill., on July 31, 1851, being 54 years, 11 months and 4 days old at the time of her death. When she was quite young the family moved into the Rock Creek neighborhood, where she spent the greater part of her life. There at the early age of fourteen she became a member of the Christian church, and has lived a beautiful Christian life until its close.

On February 9, 1870, she was married to Francis Marion BAYLESS. To this union four children were born— Mrs. Anna B. HANUS and Walter S. BAYLESS, both of Chicago; Benjamin F. and James A. BAYLESS. The two latter preceded her to the grave. With the exception of the last fourteen years, which have been spent in Chicago, the deceased has lived near Waynesville. She leaves a devoted husband, the above named children, two sisters, Mrs. Mary SHAFFER, of near Waynesville, and Mrs. Ruth HOWARD, of Atlanta, and many friends to mourn her sudden death.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church Saturday afternoon, in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. F. SMITH, assisted by Rev. JOHNSON, of the Presbyterian church. —Waynesville Record

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BAYLESS, FRANCIS M.   RILEY, MARGARETT A.    (NOT RETURNED)   02/04/1871   DE WITT

Lillia BEABOUT 

July 6, 1894
Clinton Public

Died, on Wednesday morning, Miss Lillia BEABOUT, of consumption. Her remains were interred in the Heyworth cemetery on Thursday.

Note: aka Bebout

Henry Harrison BEAL 

December 10, 1909
Clinton Register

Another of the county's most respected citizens has passed to his reward. After weeks of suffering he has joined loved ones on the other shore. Henry BEAL had been confined to his bed over four months, and perhaps no one was ever more ready and willing to meet his Master. Early in his sickness he realized that he would not recover, and was anxious that his suffering end ere the coming of another day, but the call did not come until about two o'clock Tuesday morning. He had suffered over two years with tuberculosis and for several weeks before he was confined to his bed there had been a rapid failure of his strength.

Henry Harrison Beal was born on October 7, 1841, near Hamburg, Germany. Early in 1853 his parents came to America. As the family was in close financial circumstances he soon had to begin making his way for himself, and prospered. In 1858 he was converted under the preaching of "Watte" Bowles and united with the Christian church in Clinton and for over fifty years was faithful in the cause of his Master. He was an elder in the church several years. He was a Modern Woodman and a member of the G. A. R. camp of Clinton.

October 15, 1859 he was married to Mrs. Brown BACK, who died in Clinton, in 1905. Two sons were born to them, Lewis H. and Frank E., both of whom live in the state of Washington, the latter in Tacoma and the former about sixty miles from that city.

In 1863 he enlisted in Co. F of the 107th Ill. Inf., and served about fourteen months, being discharged on account of poor health. After his return home he lived on a farm in Texas township until about twenty years ago when he sold the land to Henry QUERFELD.

He then bought a small farm half a mile south of Clinton where he lived until a few years ago when he sold the land to Edwin WELD and bought property in Clinton, where he lived until the death of his wife. A few months later he went to Tacoma and lived with his son, Frank, until July, 1907, when he returned to Clinton, and has since lived with his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Emma BEAL, and was at her home during his last illness.

Funeral services were held yesterday at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Albert Schwartz, pastor of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. Laing. The G. A. R. and the W. R. C. conducted the services of the orders after Rev. Schwartz paid a tribute to the Christian character of deceased, who he believed had surely lived in God and died in God. He thought him one of the noblest Christian men he had ever known.

The pall bearers were Edward ALLYN, Jacob MAY, E. SYLVESTER, John PORTER, T. D. BRYANT and Thos. MILLIGAN. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: From The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAL, HENRY   BACK, MARGRET MRS.    10/16/1859   DE WITT

Mrs. Henry Harrison BEAL 

May 26, 1905
Clinton Register

GOOD MOTHER IS CALLED.
Clinton Lady Passed Away After an Illness of Several Weeks—
Funeral Held Wednesday Forenoon.

Mrs. Margaret BEAL died Monday afternoon at 3:30 at her home in the south part of the city, aged 75, of cancer of the liver, being sick several weeks.

Margaret Brown was born in Bourbon county, Ky., Jan. 14, 1830. When she was about a year old her parents, Henry and Jane Brown, moved to Illinois. Dec. 30, 1845, she was married to A. J. BLACK. Two of the five children born to them are living, being Mrs. Jas. SCOTT, of Boulder, Co., and Mrs. Wm. JENKINS, of Clinton. The former arrived a few days before her death. Her sister, Mrs. WARFIELD, of Lincoln, was also present when death came to her. Mr. Black died Dec. 24, 1855, and Oct. 16, 1859, she was married to Henry H. BEAL. Two sons, Louis H. and Frank E., were born to them, both being in Tacoma, Wash. For many years they lived in Texas township, moving half a mile south of Clinton several years ago, and moved to Clinton about two years ago. She had been a member of the Christian church sixty years, and was always faithful in church work when in good health.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church, Wednesday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gilliland. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BACK, ANDREW J.    BROWN, MARGARET    12/31/1845     DE WITT
BEAL, HENRY    BACK, MARGRET MRS.    10/16/1859     DE WITT
(Was her first married name Back or Black? Her name is listed as Back in the marriage index and her two daughters are listed as Black.)

John BEAL 

August 31, 1877
Clinton Public

John Beal Took a Dose and He is Not.

The news spread rapidly on Tuesday morning that John BEAL, an old German farmer who lived about three miles southwest of this city, had committed suicide the evening before. Monday morning the deceased was in town attending to some business, and while here was the subject of several “duns,” which made him feel despondent. Before leaving for home he went into Sackett’s drug store and drank a glass of soda water and bought five cents worth of arsenic, telling the clerk he wanted the poison to kill rats. On his way home he stopped in at Mr. Joe MILLER’s house and had some conversation about a mattock and log-chain which some member of his family had taken from Miller. He also told Mr. Miller where he would find the articles, and urged him to go then and get them as by the next day he (Beal) would not be living to show him where they were. The old man than went toward his home and meeting Berry SPENCER asked him to go to his house and feed his hogs, as he was feeling unwell. This was about four o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Beal, according to his own account, took the poison just after he reached home. Before doing so he tore to pieces a will he had made some months ago, in which he had devised his land and all his personal effects to his son John. The will had been in the hands of FULLER & GRAHAM till that morning, when Mr. Beal got it, saying that he intended to make some changes in it.

Mr. Miller came to town after Mr. Beal was at his house, and meeting Henry BEAL told him that some one ought to look after his father as he believed he intended to kill himself. Henry was on his way to camp meeting, but after some conversation with his cousin, J. W. GERMER, who drove up while Miller was telling the story, Henry concluded to turn around and go to his father's house. When he arrived there he found the old man alone and very sick. Henry immediately called Berry Spencer and dispatched him to town for a doctor. While Berry was gone, Mr. Beal told his son that he had taken arsenic and that he wanted to kill himself. He complained bitterly of the ill treatment he had received at the hands of some of his ungrateful children, and said that he could not stand it any longer. He had sacrificed everything and had worked hard for them all his life, and now at his age to be abused and knocked about was more than he could stand. The old man had been alone since Saturday night and he felt depressed in spirits. The sight of his eldest son, Henry, made the old man regret that he had taken the poison, and he seemed anxious to recover. When the doctor came all was done that could be under the circumstances. Mr. Beal lived about eleven hours after taking the fatal dose, when about three o'clock he breathed his last.

John Beal came to this county about twenty-four years ago. Twenty years ago he bought fifty acres in Texas township, and there he lived and died. Some five months ago his wife was burned to death by the explosion of a coal-oil lamp in her bedroom just as she was retiring for the night. Since that time the old man has been very despondent at times, and when he had difficulty with some of the younger members of his family, which unfortunately was very often, he several times threatened to end his life and his misery. Sometime last January, before the death of Mrs. Beal, he made a will bequeathing all his property to his son John, the second youngest of his family. John had not proven himself worthy of the old man's kindness, and on last Monday he destroyed the will. The torn paper was found in a corner of the room after his death. Mr. Beal was sixty-four years of age, and was worth somewhere about $2500. He was heavily in debt because of sickness in the last four or five years of his life. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon in the Hill graveyard.

Coroner HALL held an inquest on the remains on Tuesday morning, and after a careful examination of all the facts in the case the jury returned a verdict that [the] deceased came to his death by poison administered by himself.

Mrs. John BEAL 

March 23, 1877
Clinton Public

DEATH IN THE LAMP.

It is but four or five weeks ago that THE PUBLIC contained an account of the burning to death of a girl near Danville, Ill., by the explosion of a coal-oil lamp. The explosion was caused by the girl blowing down the lamp chimney to put out the light. And here let us say that this dangerous manner of putting out coal-oil lamps is practiced by nineteen out of every twenty persons. We have a terrible accident to record that happened near this city, last Saturday night. Mrs. BEAL, who lived about three miles south of Clinton in Texas township, sat reading with her son till between nine and ten o'clock, when she prepared to retire. Standing on the bureau in her bedroom was a large glass lamp, and as she was ready to retire, Mrs. Beal blew down the chimney to put out the light. The sudden puff blew the flame down the burner into the oil, and the result was the lamp exploded. The oil scattered over Mrs. Beal’s night clothing and in a second she was one sheet of flame. Her son, who was in an adjoining room, heard the shrieks of his mother and went to her assistance. He threw a blanket over her head and body to smother the flames, but before he succeeded in putting the fire out, the unfortunate woman was so badly burned that death followed. Mrs. Beal ran outside the house, where the air only fanned the flames to intenser [sic] heat. The presumption is that the deceased must have inhaled the flames while she was enveloped in the blanket, for her face and mouth were badly burned. The unfortunate woman lived till about noon on Sunday, when death relieved her of her pain and suffering. Her body was taken to Marion on Monday evening for interment. The deceased was forty-eight years of age, and was Mr. Beal’s second wife.

At the time of the accident Mr. BEAL was lying in bed almost helpless on account of sickness. In his feeble efforts to save his wife, he had his hands and arms burned. At one time there seemed to be a danger that the house would catch fire, but this calamity was averted by the promptness of Mrs. Beal’s son.

In one corner of a drawer in the bureau on which the lamp stood there was a goose egg. Some of the burning oil ran into the drawer and covered the egg, and when the flames were extinguished the egg was found to be thoroughly cooked.

We hope that this unfortunate accident will be a warning to those who are in the habit of blowing down lamp chimneys to put out the light.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAL, JOHN    PARKER, JANE MRS.     12/05/1871    DE WITT

Frederick G. BEAMER 

October 15, 1880
Clinton Public

George BEEMER [BEAMER], who formerly lived at Long Point, went to Missouri three or four years ago with his family.  Last week he started back to this county and got as far as Decatur Wednesday, where he died.  He took sick on his route.  His body was brought to this city yesterday, and this morning he was buried.  He leaves a wife and two children.  Mrs. BEEMAN [BEAMER] is the daughter of Mrs. Sarah ROBINSON.

--------------------

October 14, 1880, Thursday
Decatur Daily Republican
Decatur, Illinois

Died at the Depot.

Last night at a late hour, a sudden death occurred in the ladies’ waiting room at the Union depot, this city, which occasioned no little alarm for a short time.  However, when the true state of affairs was ascertained, the little ripple of excitement abated, and arrangements were immediately made to place the body in a casket.  The name of the deceased is Frederick BEAMER, aged 36 years, who arrived in Decatur last night at 10:10 o'clock from Kansas, accompanied by his wife and two children.  He had been in failing health for three weeks, and was on his way to Clinton where his wife’s mother and other relatives reside.   The body was expressed to Clinton at 7 o'clock this morning.  The grief-stricken wife bore up under her sad affliction with Christian fortitude, and was given every necessary assistance by Col. White and others.

Mrs. Frederick G. BEAMER 

November 26, 1886
Clinton Public

Mrs. Hattie BEAMER died in this city last Wednesday, and on Thursday afternoon she was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAMER, FREDERICK     ROBINSON, HARRIET      04-29-1874     DE WITT

Jacob BEAN 

July 3, 1891
Clinton Register

Jacob BEAN died Thursday the 25th, after several months illness of dropsy.  The interment was in Weldon cemetery.  Mr. Bean was a brother-in-law to J. E. HUNT, and had made his home at Mr. Hunt’s for several years.

James Henry BEAN 

September 3, 1880
Clinton Register

James H. BEAN, formerly a member of Co. E. Twentieth Illinois Infantry, died very suddenly last Sunday. He was a resident of Harp.

Mrs. James Henry BEAN 

January 10, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH IN HARP TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. Cellia L. BEAN for many years a resident of Harp township, died after an illness of two weeks. Cellia L. MUTTER was born in Russell county, Virginia, April 22, 1845; moved to Missouri in 1858; thence to Illinois in 1862; married to James H. BEAN, October 3, 1865, who preceded her in death, August 29, 1880. To this union were born ten children, five of whom died in infancy. One son, McHenry, died July 26, 1902. Those left to mourn their loss are Mrs. C. A. NALLY, of North Carolina; J. L. BEAN, of Dewitt; and Mrs. C. W. REICHELDERFER, near Kenney; also ten grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church in DeWitt by Rev. Murray of Lincoln. Songs by the M. E. choir. The pallbearers were L. F. Bowker, Robert Godden, L. R. Agee, W. M. Gale, Fred Henson, and S. R. Turnipseed. Interment in Dewitt cemetery.

John Allison BEAN 

February 9, 1865
Clinton Public

J. Allison BEAN, Co. I, 39th Ill. Vet. Vol. Infantry, killed in action Oct. 27th, 1864, near Richmond Va., aged 23 years, 2 months and 18 days. In the death of this gallant soldier we [have lost] a companion, the Regiment a brave and daring soldier, our country a staunch and unflinching Patriot and his parents a noble son, of whom they may well feel proud. In 1861 he was one among the first to rally to the call of our country; he enlisted in the 39th Ill., and with it went to the field, participated in the many engagements, and shared the dangers of that Regiment, up to the time of his death. He was always at his post in the hour of danger; when the battle raged the hottest, in the thickest of the fight, there was he; he knew no fear, but was brave, sometimes almost to rashness.

He had passed through the many bloody scenes of this summer's campaign without a scar, but while on the skirmish line on the 27th of October, a rebel bullet pierced his breast; he fell mortally wounded, and lived but a short time. Another hero fallen, another home made desolate. In the pride of his manhood, and the vigor of his youth, he has fallen; but it is in good cause, and on the gory field of battle, covered with glory, who would wish to die a nobler death?

He has left us; still he is with us; his memory will ever be most fondly cherished by his bereaved companions in arms as a very dear friend and a brave and heroic soldier, among the noble, the noblest, among the brave, the bravest, and among heroes, the most heroic. Our grief at his untimely end is tempered by the recollections that he met his fate where the true soldier wishes to die, if die he must, on the battle field.

To his bereaved parents and relatives we tender our most heartfelt sympathy. God has seen proper to take him from us; we can only bow to his Supreme Power, and say Thy Will be done. —W. R. M., 39th Reg't Ill. Vol.

Mrs. James H. BEAN 

January 10, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH IN HARP TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. Cellia L. BEAN for many years a resident of Harp township, died after an illness of two weeks. Cellia L. MUTTER was born in Russell county, Virginia, April 22, 1845; moved to Missouri in 1858; thence to Illinois in 1862; married to James H. BEAN, October 3, 1865, who preceded her in death, August 29, 1880. To this union were born ten children, five of whom died in infancy. One son, McHenry, died July 26, 1902. Those left to mourn their loss are Mrs. C. A. NALLY, of North Carolina; J. L. BEAN, of Dewitt; and Mrs. C. W. REICHELDERFER, near Kenney; also ten grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church in DeWitt by Rev. Murray of Lincoln. Songs by the M. E. choir. The pallbearers were L. F. Bowker, Robert Godden, L. R. Agee, W. M. Gale, Fred Henson, and S. R. Turnipseed. Interment in Dewitt cemetery.

McHenry BEAN 

August 1, 1902
Clinton Register

YOUNG MAN SUICIDES.

Saturday evening about 6:30 McHenry BEAN, son of Celia BEAN, shot himself with a 22-caliber rifle at his home about two miles east of Birkbeck. He was working for John TUGGLE on the farm and had been there on Saturday. He went to his mother's before noon and nothing unusual was noticed in his actions. His brother, James BEAN, asked him to go to DeWitt with him, but he refused, saying he was going hunting. During the afternoon he took the rifle and left the house three times, the last time soon after 6 o'clock. Soon after he left, a shot was heard. The family heard the shot and found him unconscious about 100 yards from the house. The bullet entered his head. Coroner JONES was notified about 7 o'clock and went to the Bean home, arriving there about two hours before the young man died, as he lived until about 11 o'clock. The following jury was selected and the inquest held: Chas. CARDIFF, L. R. AGEE, A. J. DAVIS, G. W. DAVENPORT, Robert SAMUELS, and T. F. BERRY.

The evidence showed that the young man was found lying in a pasture with the rifle at his side. Also that the fact that he had the smallpox last spring which left his face badly pitted seemed to discourage him, and he, at times, was melancholy and seemed to think his friends did not like him as much as they did. He left a note which expressed this feeling and that there was nothing in life for him. He requested that his relatives should not grieve over his death and stated where he desired to be buried.

Deceased was born near DeWitt, a son of James and Celia BEAN, and was 23 years, 8 months and 12 days old. His father died when he was one year old. He was regarded as one of the best young men in his neighborhood and his untimely death brought sorrow to all who knew him. He was unmarried and lived with his mother when not working for others. While Sheriff SHUE lived on the farm, he worked three years for him, and Mr. Shue speaks highly of him, as do all others who knew him. His mother, two sisters, Mrs. NALLY, of Harp township, and Mrs. D. REICHELDERFER, near Kenney, and two brothers, James and Newton, both near DeWitt, survive him.

Funeral services were held at the residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. R. THRASHER. Burial in the Griffith cemetery.

William BEAN 

July 7, 1899
Clinton Public

FARMER CITY CITIZEN DEAD.
William Bean, Aged 61 Years, Passed Away Suddenly.

William BEAN, a respected citizen of Farmer City, died Wednesday after an illness of but three weeks, aged 61 years. For 27 years he conducted a drug business, but for the past ten had been retired. Deceased was born in Lawrence, Kansas, March 24, 1830, and came to Illinois in 1860. He was a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen and Knights of Pythias, and the latter lodge will have charge of the funeral, which will be held Friday at 2 p.m.

Charles BEATTY 

January 18, 1866
Clinton Public

Soldier's Funeral.—The funeral of Charles BEATTY, formerly a member of the 107th Ill. Regiment, took place in this town on Friday last. A squad of the "boys in blue" attended him to his last resting place.

Mrs. Henry G. BEATTY

November 3, 1899
Clinton Register

BURNED TO DEATH.
Wife of One of Clinton's Merchants Meets an Awful Death.
Found Dead by the Young Lady Who Was in Her Employ—
Inquest being Held.

Soon after dinner today the young lady in the employ of Mrs. H. G. BEATTY went to make a short call, being gone about an hour. When she returned about 2 o'clock she found Mrs. Beatty burned to death. When found, she was in a chair, the clothing burned from her body. No one knows how her clothing caught fire, and perhaps it will never be known. The young lady knows nothing more than stated above. She is the wife of one of Clinton's business men and had lived in Clinton about ten years, the family moving here from Kenney. She was about 60 years old.

As we go to press an inquest is being held, but it is not probable that it will develop more than is given above. The husband is prostrated and a feeling of profound sorrow is felt by all.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

--------------------

November 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Horribly Burned to Death.
In a Moment of Melancholy, Mrs. H. G. Beatty Dies a Terrible Death.

Mrs. H. G. BEATTY was frightfully burned to death between 3 and 4 o'clock Friday afternoon. The exact manner in which she met death will probably never be learned, as the entire family was away from home at the time. Miss Cora ARNOLD, the young lady employed there, left the house about three o'clock on a short errand to a neighbor. Mrs. Beatty was there in the house and said she was going to lie down and sleep. Miss Arnold was absent about twenty minutes and on returning found the front door locked. According to the statement of Miss Arnold, all the doors were locked and she gained entrance to the house by a rear door, which appeared to have a chair against it. Upon entering she found the house almost filled with smoke, and went immediately to the kitchen, thinking something was on fire. A further investigation by Miss Arnold disclosed the charred body of Mrs. Beatty lying near a chair in the sitting room.

The young lady was terribly frightened and immediately ran to Mr. Beatty's store, which is but a short distance from the residence, and notified the unfortunate husband and two sons who were working there. When they reached the house they found Mrs. Beatty dead, the fire having burned every stitch of clothing from the body, and a few flickering flames were yet blazing in the hair. The coroner was notified and a jury was impaneled to inquire into the cause of her death.

For several years Mrs. Beatty has been afflicted with melancholy and it is supposed that during a temporary abstraction, caused her own death. She was afflicted with temporary derangements for a short period each year for some time, but it was thought by the family and physician that she was improving. She seemed in better health lately than for some time.

A chair in which she was supposed to have been sitting before she fell to the floor was badly burned, and as there was no fire in the room in which she was found, it is thought she set fire to her clothing while sitting in the chair.

Before leaving the house, Miss Arnold said she had fixed the fire, and there was no occasion for her to go near the stove, which was in the room adjoining. An empty coal oil lamp was afterwards found on the floor in front of the stove, and two burned matches were laying on the hearth.

Deceased was a helpful wife, an indulgent mother, and kind neighbor. She was a devout Christian and leaves many friends to mourn her death. The family has the sympathy of this community in their deep affliction.

The coroner's jury on investigating the cause of her death returned the following verdict: "We, the jury, sworn to inquire into the death of Mrs. H. G. Beatty, do find that she came to her death by burning by her own hand. Signed, Philip WOLF, W. H. OGLEVEE, Grant CARDIFF, H. S. MAGILL, J. H. MORSE, J. S. DAVIS."

The funeral of the late Mrs. H. G. Beatty was held Sunday at the Methodist church, which was crowded to the doors by sympathizing friends. The Woman's Relief Corps, I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. formed in a body at the residence and escorted the remains to the church. The relatives and orders filled the entire center section of seats. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful. Rev. J. B. HORNEY preached a touching and eloquent funeral sermon, taking for his text Ecclesiastes 4:2, "Wherefore, I praised the dead which are already dead, more than the living which are yet alive." After the sermon the W. R. G. performed its beautiful and impressive ceremony over the casket. The remains were escorted to Woodlawn cemetery, where, after a short prayer, they were confined to the last resting place. The pall-bearers were: W. H. McFARLAND, A. L. WARNER, Philip WOLF, John POLLOCK, John FULLER, and George GEER.

During the course of his sermon, Rev. Mr. Horney read the following memoir:

Salemna Susanah STOCKING was born in Tripola, Wis., Jan. 10, 1848; died in her home at Clinton, Ill., Nov. 3, 1899. She was united in marriage to Henry G. Beatty on March 27, 1867. To them were born one daughter and four sons, all living and all present at the funeral but Roy, who is in the state of Mississippi. For some time past Mrs. Beatty had been afflicted with spells of melancholy, which in recent weeks had been more frequent and of a more serious nature. It was during one of these spells that the sad and tragic end of life came.

Sister Beatty was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1871. During the years that have since passed she has been a conscientious worker for the Maser. Her life was a living testimony in behalf of the Christian religion, and when health would permit was ready always to help in the work of building up the Redeemer's kingdom.

She was a painstaking, conscientious wife and a mother whose life was wrapped up in her children. Their desires were hers, the least wish being gratified if it were in her power to do so. An obliging neighbor, a beautiful Christian, a devoted mother, a faithful wife. She will be missed, for her place will be vacant.

Beside the members of her immediate family, which consists of her husband, Henry G. Beatty, and daughter, Mrs. Nellie ARMSTRONG of Decatur, and four sons, Ernest, Turner, Roy and Hobart, she leaves a brother, Hon. H. M. STOCKING of St. Paul, and a sister, Mrs. George HUNTINGTON of Eau Claire, Wis., a stepmother, Mrs. James T. STOCKING, and a half-sister, Mrs. Belle DEITRICH, both of Navasota, Tex. The friends have the deep sympathy of the entire community in this sad hour of bereavement.

Isaac B. BEATTY 

April 9, 1886
Clinton Register

Another Soldier Gone.

Isaac B. BEATTY died at his home in this city last Saturday, aged 39 years. The funeral services were held at the residence Sunday at 3 o’clock P.M., conducted by Rev. Dimmitt. During the war he served four months in the 145th infantry of Illinois. About twelve years ago he moved to Joplin, Mo., where he lived eight years. From there he moved to Leadville, Colorado, engaging in mining. He returned to Clinton in poor health and gradually became worse. He was a member of the G. A. R.; and his second marriage occurred last Feb.

Isaac B. BEATTY 

June 3, 1887
Clinton Public

ISAAC B. BEATTY.

Died on Wednesday morning, of cancer of the stomach. For more than a year past he had been in failing health, and finally he was compelled to give up business. He was born near Xenia, Ohio, on the 10th of December, 1817, and at his death was in the seventieth year of life. When but ten years old he was converted at a camp meeting, and during his life he was a consistent and devout Christian. On August 29, 1838, he was married in Ohio to Elizabeth CROWL, and to them five sons and one daughter were born. Three of the sons are dead. His wife died in 1849. In February, 1852, he came to Clinton, and with the exception of about five years that he lived in Normal for the purpose of educating his children, he has made this city his home for more than thirty-five years. In 1853, he was again married to Mrs. Phebe L. MAHAN, a daughter of Mr. George HILL, and to them two sons and one daughter were born, who still survive him. Father Beatty had five sons who served their country in the army during the war of the rebellion. During the greater part of his life in Clinton he was engaged in the saddlery business, and ranked as one of the oldest business men in the town, and as a mark of respect to his memory all of the stores in town were closed on Thursday afternoon during the hour of the funeral ceremony. He was a man of generous impulses and gave liberally of his means to his children and to the church. Such men do not leave large fortunes behind them, but it is gratifying to know that he leaves his wife in comfortable circumstances with enough to provide for her during life.

Phebe L. (HILL) BEATTY 

December 22, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. PHEBE BEATTY HAS PASSED AWAY.
Died This Morning in Home on South Center Street—
Was 93 Years of Age.

Mrs. Phebe L. BEATTY, 93 years of age, passed away at the family home, on South Center street at 6 o’clock this morning. Mrs. Beatty was born in Fayette county, Oct. 16, 1824. She was the daughter of Geo. L. and Louisa V. HILL. In 1847 she was united in marriage to John D. MAHON. To this union three children were born, all dying in infancy.

In 1853, she was married to Isaac B. Beatty. There were three children born: Geo. H. BEATTY, Taylorville; Mary F. COULTAS and T. O. BEATTY, of Clinton, and the following step children: J. C. BEATTY, Decatur; H. G. BEATTY, Clinton; and Julia A. ADAMS, Watseka; and one brother, R. P. HILL, Clinton. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mrs. Beatty was united with the Baptist church when a young girl. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m., from the late residence. Rev. Wells will officiate.

Mrs. Thomas BEATTY 

January 26, 1920
Clinton Daily Public

Mrs. Thos. Beatty passed Away Today.

After more than a year's illness of complication of diseases the death of Mrs. Thomas O. BEATTY occurred at 7:10 o'clock this morning the family home, 715 North Monroe Street. Mrs. Beatty had been in very good health up until about a year and a half ago when she began to fail. In August last year she was taken to Bloomington where an operation was performed in the hope that she would be better. She never gained any strength after the operation and from then on her condition gradually failed. She was a most patient sufferer through all her sickness and was never once heard to complain. Frances Arabella CONKLIN was the daughter of James and Sarah CONKLIN and was born in Wellington, Kansas, May 21, 1860. In infancy her parents moved to Illinois settling in DeWitt county. Her father died shortly after moving here and her mother was remarried to Louis B. WILLIAMS, who was well known in Clinton. Her marriage to Thomas O. BEATTY occurred in Clinton, May 18, 1881, and with the exception of two years spent in Arkansas they made their home in Clinton. To Mr. and Mrs. Beatty were born three children, as follows: Mrs. Walter B. SCHMITH, of this city; Mrs. Walter D. CREWS, of Portsmouth, Va., and a son who died in infancy. Besides the husband and two children there are surviving one sister, Mrs. Vina FULLER of Clinton, a step-sister, Mrs. S. E. BURKHART, of Chicago. One sister, Mrs. M. E. CUNNINGHAM, died about 30 years ago. Three grandchildren survive: Uba Frances and Louise Winifred SCHMITH, children of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. SCHMITH, and Paul Beatty CREWS, son of Mrs. W.D. CREWS. Deceased was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Clinton and always attended the services when her health permitted. She was not a member of any social circles of the city but always took an active part in church affairs.

Submitted by Laura Denton

Frederick BECKEL 

December 24, 1880
Clinton Public

THE RUMSELLER'S VICTIM.

Fred Beckel Commits Suicide Because of Remorse Brought on by Intemperate Habits.

Fred BECKEL was of German birth and a barber by trade.  He lived in Farmer City for anumber of years and prospered in his business.  He had a nice home of his own, a fond wife and an interesting child.  But he had one vice that rested like a sable pall upon his life—a love for intoxicating liquor.  When sober, he cursed the appetite which brought disgrace upon himself and sorrow into his home.  His oft made vows of repentance and reformation were only to be followed by a more disgusting debauch.   Of what force were his pledges when the licensed saloon confronted him between his home and his workshop and the tempting glass was ever present to his eyes.  The man or woman who has no appetite for liquor knows nothing of the temptation to drink.  The poor victim, alone, feels its power, and, try as he will to fight against his besetting sin, so long as temptation surrounds him he is liable to fall.  Poor Fred Beckel found to his cost that licensing the sale of liquor in Farmer City did not regulate his appetite.   Last week he took one of his periodical sprees and remained drunk till Sunday.  That day he tried to sober off, and in his melancholy he told his wife that if he only had a revolver he would put an end to his life.  When sober he keenly felt the disgrace that his habits brought upon himself and family.  On Monday evening he went to Garver’s drug store and bought ten cents worth of strychnine, which he told the druggist he wanted to kill rats with.  He returned to his home and took about half the powder, and in less than twenty minutes the poor victim of appetite was a corpse.  Early Tuesday morning Coroner Ely received a dispatch from Farmer City, and he took the first train and went up and held an inquest.  The jury returned a verdict that Fred Beckel had come to his death from the taking of strychnine administered by his own hands.  Beckel was a young man, only about thirty years of age.  When sober he was very industrious.  He was kind to his family under all circumstances, and even when under the influence of liquor he was peaceable with his neighbors.  When on the spree he would even drink the bay rum which he kept in his barber shop to appease the dreadful appetite which had gained the mastery over his better judgment.  He knew his failing, but could not resist the licensed temptation that beset him on every hand.  Let the friends of license in Farmer City think of the sad fate of poor Fred Beckel and other well known citizens of that town who fill drunkard’s graves before they cast their ballots next spring in favor of licensed temptation.

Timothy BEEBE 

August 28, 1903
Clinton Register

Dead Near Hallsville.

Tim BEEBE, who had been an inmate at the DeWitt county poor farm about 25 years, escaped early Monday morning. Search was at once made for him, but he was not found until next morning when his body was found in a field about two miles east of Hallsville where he had died. He had been at the farm so long that he was known to hundreds in the county. His mind was affected and when first taken to the farm a ball was chained to his leg to prevent him from leaving, but of late years this was not necessary as he seldom left. Supt. Foster is not to blame for his death. He was about 75 years old, and recently his health had been failing. The coroner’s inquest verdict was that his death was due to general debility and prostration. He was buried in the poor farm burying ground.

Edward BEHRING 

October 10, 1917
Clinton Register

Edward BEHRING, for many years a resident of this city and who has been employed at the Clinton Gas and Electric company’s plant a long time, died in the John Warner hospital last night, following an illness of several weeks.  He was found paralyzed in the electric light plant on the morning of Sept. 20, and since that time he had been in the hospital for treatment.

Edward or “Neighbor” Behring, as he was familiarly known, was born in Clinton March 14, 1857, and was the son of Lewis [Louis] and Mary BEHRING.  The father was for forty years baggage man for the Illinois Central in the local station.  At the age of 19 the deceased entered the employ of the Illinois Central and until eighteen years ago was employed in the capacity of conductor.   After leaving the service of the railroad company, he took employment with the light company as engineer.

Mr. Behring was married to Miss Lizzie MITCHELL in April 1902, but she lived only one year after their marriage.  There were no children.  He is survived by two sisters and two brothers.  They are Mrs. Jacob BOWMAN and Miss Mary BEHRING, of Decatur; Joseph BEHRING, of Champaign; and John BEHRING, of Freeport.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock at the Oakman Chapel in charge of the O. R. C., Rev. Wells of the Methodist church will officiate.

Mrs. Edward BEHRING 

August 12, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BEHRING.

Mrs. Elizabeth BEHRING, wife of Edward BEHRING, died at her home on North Madison street Friday of cancer.  She was born in Cincinnati, July 3, 1862.   She had lived in Illinois since 1884, the first two years in Lincoln and since then in Clinton.  In 1902 she was married to Edward Behring, who survives her.  Funeral services were held Sunday at the home, conducted by Rev. Canady.  Burial in Woodlawn.

James BEHRING 

October 7, 1910
Clinton Register

JAMES BEHRING DEAD.

James BEHRING, formerly a resident of this city, died at the hospital in Jacksonville Thursday morning.  He had twice been an inmate of that institution, the last time since last winter.  Deceased was born and raised in this city and for a period of eighteen years was employed at the Illinois Central freight house, which position he was compelled to give up several years ago on account of his health.  He is survived by the following brothers and sisters: Ed BEHRING, of Clinton; Joseph BEHRING, of Decatur; Mary, of Decatur; William, of Colorado; and Mrs. Lea BOWMAN, of Clinton.  Remains were brought to Clinton Thursday night for burial.

Mrs. Louis BEHRING 

December 11, 1891
Clinton Register

The home of Louis BEHRING has been saddened by the death of his wife, Mary E. BEHRING, which occurred Monday afternoon.  Mrs. Behring had not been healthy for years, but was usually able to be about her home.  Thursday of last week she was taken sick and remained in bed until Sunday when she seemed as well as usual, being about the house.  That night she complained of being cold, but her family did not anticipate that death was near.  Monday morning when her daughter went to see what her mother desired for her breakfast, she found her speechless, and she remained in this condition until death ended her earthly pilgrimage.  Funeral services were held at the M. E. church Wednesday at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. S. H. Whitlock.  The burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: Her husband’s name was misspelled as Lewis Berring in the article, but it was corrected.
From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BERRING, LOUIS     GOLD, MARY ELIZABETHnbsp;     08-28-1854nbsp;    DE WITT

William BEHRING 

October 24, 1913
Clinton Register

DEATH OF WILLIAM BEHRING.

A message was received Monday by Edward BEHRING from Ogden, Utah, announcing the death of his brother, Wm. BEHRING, in the latter city, the death occurring last Friday.

Remains were brought to Clinton and funeral services were held from the Oakman Chapel.  Interment was in Woodlawn.

William Behring was born in Clinton August 23, 1858, and at the time of his demise was 55 years of age.  For several years he was employed on the railroad in this city.  He left here sixteen years ago and had since been a resident of Utah.  At the time of his death he was passenger brakeman on the B. & R. T. out of Ogden.  He was a member of the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Elks, and B. of R. T. lodges.

Deceased was the son of the late Lewis [Louis] and Mary BEHRING and was unmarried.  Three brothers and two sisters survive: Edward, of Clinton; Joseph, of Decatur; John, of Freeport; Miss Mary BEHRING, of Decatur; and Mrs. Jacob BOWMAN, of Clinton.

Andrew Jackson BELL 

December 11, 1891
Clinton Public

Andrew Jackson BELL died at his home in Peoria and was buried last Wednesday. He was stricken down with apoplexy while talking to a meeting of a few friends. He was the nephew of Mrs. W. H. McFARLAND, of this city, and the family went to Peoria and attended the funeral. In 1866 Mr. Bell lived in Clinton and in partnership with T. J. SHARP published the Clinton Union. The partnership only lasted for a year, when Mr. Bell retired from the business and left Clinton. He served in the war in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry. In the year 1888 he was the Democratic candidate in Illinois for the office of Lieutenant-Governor, after which he started a daily paper in Peoria.

David BELL 

October 11, 1912
Clinton Register

AGED PILGRIM IS CALLED.
One of the Well Known Men of Creek Township Dies at His Home Saturday.

Early in August David BELL, who lived south of Lane, fell and broke his shoulder. Since then he had been confined to his bed, and as he was nearly 83 years old, there was little hope for his recovery, and he gradually grew weaker and passed away about 4 o'clock October 5.

Deceased was born in Wayne County, Ohio, November 30, 1829, and his age was 82 years, two months and 5 days. He was the son of William and Hannah BELL. He was married to Rebecca MESSER June 14, 1853. To this union seven children were born; two dying in infancy and the following survive: Monroe BELL, of Lane; Elza BELL, at home; Anna SELLERS, of Clarion, Ia.; William BELL, of Decatur; Hattie STONE, of Shelbyville. Mrs. Bell died on August 31, 1904. There are 30 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He came to Illinois in 1858 and had since lived near Maroa. He united with the U. B. church and had been a member of it nearly 50 years, about 35 years of that time being a member of the U. B. near his home. Before that church was organized he was a member of the Maroa Presbyterian church.

Funeral services were held in the Center Chapel church Monday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Predmore of Cisco, assisted by Rev. Watt of Maroa. Music was furnished by the Presbyterian choir of Maroa and interment was in the Maroa cemetery.

Mrs. David BELL 

September 2, 1904
Clinton Register

MRS. DAVID BELL DEAD.

Mrs. David BELL, an aged resident of Center Chapel, died at her home Wednesday, aged 73 years. She had been ill for some time. The family moved to Illinois from Ohio about 40 years ago. She leaves surviving her husband and five children: Mrs. Robert SELLERS of Ia., Mrs. R. STONE of Moultrie Co., Monroe BELL of Creek township, Ely BELL residing at home and Wilber BELL of St. Louis. All the children were at the bedside except the first named. Funeral services Friday at 10 a.m., at Center Chapel church conducted by Rev. Giffon, of Argenta. Interment at Maroa cemetery.

David E. BELL 

November 18, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

DAVID E. BELL OF LANE DIES THIS MORNING.
Well Known Pioneer Dies of Complications at Age of 59 Years.

David E. BELL, a prominent and respected farmer residing near Lane and a pioneer resident of this community, passed away at 6:30 o'clock [after] a few weeks’ illness of influenza, pneumonia and heart trouble. He was 59 years of age at the time of his death. Deceased was born on February 15, 1859, in Creek township and had resided in that community practically all of his life.

On November 27, 1879, he was wedded to Miss Mary E. REED and to this union were born seven children as follows: Frank, Ellis, David in the army and Arlinda BELL and Rebecca R. MILLER, Myrtle M. BENNETT and Etta M. ARMSTRONG. Deceased was a member of the Woodman lodge. No arrangements for the funeral services have as yet been made.

--------------------

November 19, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

SERVICES FOR DAVID E. BELL.

Funeral services for the late David E. BELL will be held from the home, tomorrow morning, with Rev. A. M. Wells, pastor of the Methodist church, in charge. Interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Eli BELL 

August 10, 1877
Clinton Public

Death of Eli Bell.

In last week's PUBLIC we gave full particulars of an unfortunate affray in Creek township, in which Eli BELL was fatally wounded by W. W. DAVENPORT. Mr. Bell lived till Wednesday of this week when death finally came to his relief. The murdered man was unconscious from within fifteen minutes after receiving the fatal wound till the moment of his death. The only witness of the unfortunate affray was Grant BELL, aged eleven years, the oldest child of Mr. Bell. Davenport claims in justification of his act that Bell had assaulted him with a club and that in self-defense he struck Bell with the Scythe. Grant Bell testified at the examination yesterday before Justice RICHEY that he did not see his father strike Davenport, though he had a club raised to strike at the time Davenport cut him with the scythe. Davenport's evidence yesterday is not quite in keeping with the story he told immediately after the cutting. Drs. GARDINER and WRIGHT, the attending physicians, both testified yesterday that Bell’s death was caused by the wound. Beyond these points there was no direct evidence bearing on the case beyond hearsay. The examination occupied several hours, and at a late hour last night, Justice Richey felt that the facts in the case warranted him in holding Davenport in $5,000 bonds for his appearance at the circuit court. The bond was immediately furnished. The examination drew a large audience from Creek township.

Eli Bell had lived but a few months in Creek, having moved to there from Maroa. He lived on a forty-acre farm, rented from Mr. H. DAVENPORT. During the summer he cultivated his land, and when not so engaged filled in his time by doing jobs of carpenter work. It was on account of a balance of $2 owed to him by Davenport for work done on a barn which caused the fatal quarrel. Bell was a peaceably disposed man and was held in high esteem by his neighbors. He served during the last war as a member of the 120th Ohio Infantry, and with his regiment was on the fated gunboat in 1863 which blew up while steaming up Red River. Bell was one of the few survivors of that noted event. After the war he came to this State from Ashtabula, Ohio. At the time of his death, he was nearly thirty-nine years of age. He leaves a wife and five children in straightened circumstances.

George W. BELL

October 29, 1863
DeWitt County Public & Central Transcript

DIED.—In this town, on Tuesday Oct. 27th, after an illness of three weeks, Henry BELL, aged 44 years.  He was escorted to the grave on Wednesday by the Masonic Fraternity and a large number of friends and acquaintances, where the solemn funeral ceremonies of the corpse were held.   Rev. P. WOOD, of the M. E. Church, preached the funeral sermon.

--------------------

November 5, 1863
DeWitt County Public & Central Transcript

CORRECTION.—In announcing the death of Mr. BELL, last week, our type made us give the name of Henry BELL.  It should have been George W. BELL.

Henry BELL

April 14, 1893
Clinton Public

Henry BELL, eighty years old, died in this city last Saturday night, and he was buried on Monday afternoon in Woodlawn Cemetery.

--------------------

April 21, 1893
Clinton Public

Fourscore years seem to be the extraordinary life of man and but few reach it.   Henry BELL was born in Piqua County, Ohio, on the 25th of August, 1812, and had he lived till next August he would have been eighty-one years old.  He was married to Rebecca EWING, near Lancaster, Ohio, on the 4th day of December, 1834, and of this union four daughters are living.  Mrs. Bell died two years ago last January, and after her death the venerable husband’s health began to fail.  For nearly fifty-seven years they had traveled the journey of life hand in hand.  Mr. Bell was raised on a farm, but in 1848 he formed a partnership with the late Henry TAYLOR in the mercantile business in Blanchard, Ohio.  Six years later, the firm concluded to come west, where the prospects were brighter for business, and they located in Clinton in 1854, and at that time were among the largest merchants in town.  The store was located on the lot where the Magill House now stands.  Mr. Bell entered 320 acres of railroad land in Wilson township, which he owned individually, and carried on farming on a liberal scale by hiring farm hands and renting a portion of the land.  One night the store of Bell & Taylor was destroyed by fire, and the firm was financially ruined, fire insurance in those days not being of much value.  To satisfy the creditors of the firm, Mr. Bell turned over his land in Wilson Township and also two thousand bushels of wheat which he had in store in Chicago.

In 1859 he invented the first practical corn-planter that was ever in use, and it is known to-day as the Brown planter, the patent of which is now in the possession of his family.  Having no money to put his invention on the market the principle was stolen by other parties, and as Mr. Bell had not the means to litigate for his rights the great invention was lost to him.  Millions of dollars have been made out of corn-planters, on all of which Mr. Bell’s original plan and design are the main features, yet he never realized a dollar out of it; and later when he began farming he had to pay a high price for a Brown planter, which was the child of his own inventive brain.

In 1862 Mr. Bell again bought land in Wilson township and began life anew, going into debt for his land and the implements to work.  He knew no such word as fail, and with a determination to win success he worked and toiled till he saw his debts disappearing and his farm increasing in size and value.  His home farm is one of the finest in Wilson township.  At his death he owned about half a section of land that would sell readily at $70 an acre, besides a large amount of personal property.

Henry Bell began life by uniting with the M. E. Church when he was only twenty-one years old, and all through life he was faithful to his vows as a Christian.  In 1851 he united with the Masonic fraternity in Finley, Ohio.  As a neighbor and friend he was beloved by those who knew him for the forty years he lived in Clinton and in Wilson township.

Mrs. Henry BELL 

January 30, 1891
Clinton Public

Death of Mrs. Henry Bell.

At the advanced age of eighty years Mrs. Henry BELL departed this life last Wednesday morning.  Her maiden name was Rebecca EWING, and she was born in Piqua, Ohio, on the 12th of December, 1810.  Fifty-six years ago she was married in Piqua, Ohio, to Mr. Henry BELL.  Four daughters were born to them, Mrs. Philip WOLF, Mrs. Sallie DICKEY, Mrs. G. W. GERE, and Miss Mattie BELL.  Mrs. Bell united with the Methodist Church when she was twenty years old, and during her long life she was a devoted Christian.  Her husband moved from Ohio to Clinton in 1853, and was engaged in business till 1861, when he sold out and his family moved out to the farm in Wilson township which they have occupied till now.  Mrs. Bell was sick for two weeks with lung fever.  Her age prevented her from rallying from the effect of the disease.  The funeral sermon will be preached at the home farm in Wilson township this morning by Rev. J. C. RUCKER, and the remains will be brought to Woodlawn Cemetery for interment.  This is the first death in the Bell family.

Mrs. Jacob R. BELL 

June 3, 1887
Clinton Public

MRS. NETTIE BELL.

Died at her home in this city, May 29th, after a lingering illness, which was borne with Christian resignation. She was the daughter of the late Sylvanus PERCY. She was born in Clinton, August 20th, 1859, graduated in the high school of this city in 1879, and in 1879 she joined the Christian church. She leaves one little girl, a husband and an aged widowed mother to mourn for one who was respected by all who knew her. Funeral services on May 30, Rev. D. MacARTHUR, officiating.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BELL, JACOB R.     PERCY, NETTIE      09/12/1882     DE WITT

James W. BELL 

November 1, 1907
Clinton Register

DEATH CLAIMED GOOD CITIZEN.
One of Clinton's Oldest and Best Known Men Dies After a Brief Illness at His Home.

Perhaps no death in recent years was more unexpected than was that of James BELL. Few knew of his illness until Monday when it became known he could not get well. He had been troubled with a severe cold, and pneumonia resulted, causing death at two o'clock Monday night.

Deceased was born in Emmettsburg, Md., Sept. 5, 1833, and when 20 years old was married to Miss Susan PEDDICORD in that city. In 1856 they came to Clinton, which had since been their home. Except a few of the fifty years he had lived in Clinton he had been engaged in the manufacture of brick, and most of the bricks used in and near Clinton were made at his kiln. For several years O. L. KIRK was his partner in the business, but of recent years he had conducted the business alone.

The life of James Bell had been a busy one. He was not content doing nothing. His brick manufactory had been the center of his efforts, and he was always interested in giving to his patrons the best grade of brick. He always superintended the work and no one knew better how to make them best. His death is a loss to Clinton.

He is survived by his wife and 4 of the children born to them. They are Mrs. M. B. MARCH and Grant BELL of Clinton, Mrs. S. H. STEWART of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Opal SCOTT of Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the home yesterday at two o'clock, conducted by Fr. J. W. Cummings, pastor of the Catholic church. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Mrs. James W. BELL 

December 31, 1909
Clinton Register

Mrs. Susanna Bell.

Early yesterday morning Mrs. Susanna BELL died at her home on South East street, where she had lived about forty years, aged 74. She had been sick over a year, and her death was not unexpected. Her maiden name was Susanna Regina PEDDICORD and she was born near Emmittsburg, Md., Feb. 2, 1835 and was married in that state to James W. BELL. Two years later they came to Illinois. They lived in Bloomington till 1858 which had since been her home. Her husband died October 29, 1907. Of the seven children four are living. They are Grant BELL and Mrs. Morris MARCH, of Clinton; Mrs. S. H. STEWART, of Chicago; and Mrs. H. V. SCOTT, of Davenport, Ia. She had been a consistent member of the Catholic church most of her life. Funeral services will be held in St. John's church at 10 o'clock Sunday morning conducted by Father Dollard. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Jay W. BELL

July 1942
Paper Unknown

J. W. Bell, 80, Dies at Jacksonville.

J. W. BELL died at 5:30 Friday evening at Jacksonville.  He was born at Clinton January 18, 1862, the son of George W. and Phoebe BELL.  In November 1893 he was married to Ollie BLUE at Clinton.  Survivors include his son, Arthur, Clinton, and a sister, Mrs. Caroline GIDEON, Clinton.  Funeral services will be held at Reeser’s Funeral Home at 4 p.m., Sunday, in charge of Rev. H. B. Wheaton.  Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery.

--------------------

July 1942
Paper Unknown

Central Illinois Deaths.

BELL, Jay W., 80, Clinton, who died in the state hospital Jacksonville Friday, will be buried from Reeser funeral home at 4 p.m. Sunday, Rev. H. B. Wheaton in charge; interment Woodlawn cemetery.  He leaves a son, Arthur, and a sister, Mrs. Caroline Gideon, Clinton.

Submitted by Susan Bell

Joseph BELL

February 11, 1887
Clinton Public

Mr. Joseph BELL died at his home, four miles southwest of Waynesville, Sunday, February 6th, at 9 a.m., aged 80 years. An aged wife and a number of children are left to mourn his death. In Mr. Bell's death we lose one of our oldest citizens, he having lived in this vicinity for over forty years. He was highly respected by all who knew him. The funeral took place at Mt. Zion on Wednesday, and the remains were deposited in the Atlanta cemetery.

Rowland H. BELL

July 1, 1904
Clinton Register

AN OLD SETTLER'S DEATH.
Had Lived in DeWitt County Nearly Fifty Years and Was an Honored Citizen.

Sunday morning about 6 o'clock R. H. BELL died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John McINTYRE, in Clinton, aged nearly 55 years, after an illness of several months.

Rowland H. Bell was born in Ohio, Oct. 6, 1849. His parents, Geo. BELL and wife, moved to Illinois when he was six years old, and he had since lived in DeWitt county. His father died almost forty years ago. He was married to Miss Mary WALTERS in 1878 [1874], who died, and he was married to Mrs. Alice RULE in 1863 [1892]. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. John McIntyre, and a son, Henry, 7 years old, who lives with Mrs. Geo. Aughinbaugh. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. G. W. AUGHINBAUGH and Mrs. C. R. GIDEON, and [a brother?] Jay BELL, of Clinton. He was a member of the M. E. church. Funeral services Tuesday at 4 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. A. SMITH, of Champaign, assisted by Rev. CANADY. Burial in Woodlawn.

Note: There is obviously a problem with dates in this obituary.
From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BELL, R. H.     WALTERS, MARY       04-12-1874     DE WITT
BELL, ROWLAND H.     RULE, MARTHA A. (MRS)      12-24-1892     RICHLAND

Henry BENNETT 

February 28, 1902
Clinton Register

ANOTHER OLD RESIDENT TAKEN.
One of Creek Townships Oldest Citizens Dies After an Illness of Three Years—
Funeral Yesterday.

Henry BENNETT died Tuesday night about 10 o’clock at his home in Creek township, aged 68 years, 4 months and 5 days. He had been in poor health three years, but had been confined to his bed only a few weeks.

Henry Bennett was born in Ashland county, O.[see correction below], Sept. 21, 1833. When he was 17 years old his parents, John and Barbara BENNETT, moved to this county, settling in Creek township. In 1855 he was married to Miss Elizabeth CROSS, who was the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth CROSS, and was born in Harp township. Ten children were born to them of whom the following and their mother survive: Solomon, of Creek township; Mrs. A. M. HUGHES, of Clinton; Tillman, of Creek township; Mrs. Perry BRAKE; Lucinda A., Henry H., Lydia Ann, Alverda M. and George W.

Mr. Bennett was an active and useful citizen, and by his industry, economy and good management was the owner of about 600 acres of fine land, besides much other property. He was a member of the United Brethren church and faithful in the cause of his Master. Politically he was a Democrat and had held township offices, being supervisor, collector and trustee. He was a good citizen, a loving husband and a kind father. He was one of the true, noble men who made the world better for having lived in it. Funeral services were held at the home yesterday conducted by Rev. R. Thrasher. Burial in Rose Cemetery.
--------------------
March 7, 1902
Clinton Register

As there were two or three errors in names and dates in the account of the death of Henry S. BENNETT as published last week, the following furnished by relatives is given:

Henry Bennett was born in Richland county, O., Sept. 21, 1833, where he resided until the age of 17 years, when he came with his parents to DeWitt county, Ill. April 5, 1855, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth CROSS, daughter of Solomon CROSS of Creek township. Mr. Bennett united with the United Brethren church when near the age of 44 years and has since been a devoted Christian. He was aged 68 years, 5 months and 4 days. He was one of the leading farmers in Creek township, and by unceasing work, economy and good management had accumulated property valued at $60,000 to $70,000. His life was worthy of example, as he was honest and upright, kind to his family, true to his friends and faithful to his Master.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were parents of thirteen children of whom nine are living. They are John Solomon, of Creek township; Mrs. A. M. HUGHES, of Clinton; Tillman M., of Creek township; Mrs. Bently CONN, of Macon county; Mrs. Perry BRAKE, Henry II, Mrs. Lewis GRADY, Mrs. Herbert McCAMMON and George W., all of Creek township. Those deceased are Amanda E., wife of Wm. FARRAN; William A.; Gideon P.; and Lucinda.

Isaac C. BENNETT

March 15, 1889
Clinton Public

I. C. BENNETT died at the home of his son-in-law, Thomas C. HENSON, on Monday last, in his sixty-ninth year. His home for the past few years was in Lincoln, Ill., where he was engaged in manufacturing patent bed springs. Eleven weeks ago he came to Clinton to visit his daughter and her family and almost from the day of his arrival he was confined to his bed by sickness. Mr. Bennett was born in Kentucky on the 4th of June, 1821, and in the year 1840 he came to this county and followed farming during the greater portion of the time till about ten years ago when he went into the business of making a patent bed spring, at which he was reasonably successful. He was a member of the Christian Church of this city and took an active part in the erection of the building in the early days. His wife died eight years ago, but six children survive him.

Note: His full name was Isaac Campbell Bennett. His son-in-law's name was Thomas J. Henson.

Mrs. Isaac C. BENNETT

July 9, 1880
Clinton Public

ANOTHER SUDDEN DEATH.

On last Friday night Mrs. I. C. BENNETT, who lived in Creek township, was complaining of not feeling well when she went to bed and during the early part of the night she seemed to suffer great pain. Her husband called in some of the neighbors and his children who were living near by and then went to Lane Station for the doctor. The doctor arrived about twelve o'clock, and within a few minutes afterward Mrs. Bennett died. She had occasional attacks of heart disease during the past few years, and it was while laboring under one of those attacks that her life went out.

Minnie BENNETT 

February 15, 1895
Clinton Public

A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES.
A Maroa Girl is Ruined in Waynesville.
And Death from Abortion is the Result.

Minnie BENNETT, aged about twenty years, ended her young life last Sunday evening, at her home in Maroa, in a sad manner. While visiting in Waynesville occasionally last year she made the acquaintance of a young man living in that town which finally led to her ruin. Her condition began to alarm her and means were used to hide her shame. She was in Waynesville the first part of last week, where violent means were used, after which she was taken across the country to her home on a bitter cold day. The result was that when she got to her home in Maroa she was dangerously ill and a physician was called to attend her. She grew worse from hour to hour when the doctor told her that he had no possible hopes of her recovery. The girl's grandmother, with whom she was living, tried to learn the true history, and besought her grandchild to tell her the whole truth. The girl resisted all appeals and said that the secret would die with her. She was conscious that death would end her sufferings in a few hours more.

A relative of the deceased girl went to Decatur on Monday in order to institute criminal proceedings against the young man who was the author of her ruin, but as the crime was committed in DeWitt County, also the supposed abortion, the matter was referred to State's Attorney FULLER of this county. Mr. Fuller took Dr. WILCOX with him to Maroa on Tuesday morning, when a post-mortem examination was held, conducted by Dr. Wilcox. Sufficient indications were present to show that violent means had been used, but Dr. Wilcox was satisfied from his examination that no doctor had any part in it for the work was done in a very bungling manner. An effort was made to create the impression that the abortion had been performed by a Waynesville doctor, but Dr. Wilcox's examination sets this story aside.

The girl claimed before her death that her ruin was accomplished under promise of marriage. Her father lives on a small farm in Tunbridge township, and she is connected with several families in this county. She was said to be a very attractive girl, and her beauty proved to be her ruin. The young man has got himself into close quarters.

(See news article)

Mrs. Parmenius BENNETT (1)

February 11, 1887
Clinton Public

Mrs. Emma BENNETT, wife of P. A. BENNETT, died at her home in the village of Lane last Tuesday.  She was in her thirty-second year.  Mrs. Bennett had lived in Creek township from girlhood.  She was a very amiable woman, and was beloved by a large circle of friends.
--------------------
February 11, 1887
Clinton Register

Mrs. Emma BENNETT, wife of P. A. BENNETT, died at her residence near Lane, Feb. 8th, after a very brief illness, the result of rheumatism complicated with other troubles.  She was not regarded seriously unwell until a few days before her death, when the disease assumed a threatening phase and rapidly succumbed to the destroyer.  To state that she was loved by everybody who knew her would too mildly express the esteem in which she was held by the immense throng who attended her remains to their rest in the old Lisenby graveyard yesterday.  The husband has the heartfelt sympathy of the hundreds who knew her kind and amiable heart.  She leaves no children.

Note: There is a tombstone in Lisenby Cemetery for Cora Bennett, who died August 17, 1886.  She was the daughter of P. A. & E. Bennett.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENETT, PARMENIS A.     SAVAGE, NANCY E.[Emma]      11-18-1869     DE WITT
[should be Bennett, Parmenius]

Mrs. Parmenius BENNETT (2) 

May 24, 1912
Clinton Register

MRS. BENNETT DIED MONDAY.

After an illness of seven months of cirrhosis of the liver, Mrs. Catherine BENNETT died at her home on North Monroe street at 3:20 Monday morning.  For the past two months she had been confined to her bed.

Deceased [Mary Catherine Wright] was born in Madison Co., Ohio, August 6, 1845, being the daughter of Benjamin and Martha WRIGHT.  She was married three times, her last husband, Perminius [Parmenius] BENNETT, surviving.  Following her first marriage she came with her husband to DeWitt, in 1878, and for a time they resided near Weldon, but soon returned to Ohio.  Later they again came to Illinois, and the family had since made their home near Lane, until last fall when they came to Clinton where it was thought with better opportunities for medical treatment and proper care Mrs. Bennett might regain her health.  She was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church.

Besides the husband, she leaves two children, Mrs. C. A. SIMPSON, of Clinton, and Mrs. Winnie SHIELDS, who lived with her mother.  There are also surviving two sisters and a brother: Mrs. Jemima DECKER, of Pueblo, Colo.; Mrs. Sarah LOSEE, of Peoria; and Abram WRIGHT, at the soldiers' home at Quincy, Ill.  Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday from the home, Rev. J. F. Rosborough officiating.  Interment in the Lane Cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENNETT, PERMMIONS     WRIGHT, MARY C. EDWARDS      04-28-1897     DE WITT
[should be Bennett, Parmenius]

Mrs. Robert H. BENNETT 

July 12, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. R. H. BENNETT DIED LAST NIGHT.
Was Seventy-Six Years Old and a Pioneer Resident of Dewitt County—
Funeral Friday.

Mrs. R. H. BENNETT died last night at 7:30 o'clock at her home, 313 South Jackson avenue. She had been ill for many months. All the members of her family, but one, were at her bedside when death came.

Mrs. Bennett was seventy-six years old and was a life-long resident of DeWitt county. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John SCOTT, pioneer residents of this county. She is survived by her husband and three children. Mrs. Elizabeth GOBER, Nannie BENNETT and Greenville BENNETT. The following brothers and sisters also survive: Mrs. Elizabeth MAHONEY, of California; Mrs. Mary KIRBY, Mrs. H. C. STRANGE and Mrs. H. C. GRIFFING, of west of Clinton; and M. R. SCOTT, 515 West Washington street.

Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 4 o'clock in the Christian church, Rev. R. V. Callaway, officiating. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.  Friends may view the body at the home from __ to 3 o'clock.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950:
BENNETT, SARAH ANN   F/W   UNK   1917-07-11    DEWITT   CLINTON   17-07-13 BENNETT, ROBERT HENRY   M/W   UNK   1919-07-19    DEWITT   CLINTON   19-07-20

Mrs. William J. BENNETT 

August 24, 1906
Clinton Register

CHRISTIAN MOTHER IS CALLED.
One of Creek Township Pioneer Women Died at a Ripe Age—
Was Schoolmate of Gov. Oglesby.

Another of the good old mothers has been called to a home where there are no sorrows. Ripe in years, rich in good deeds, and loved by all who knew her, she fell asleep on the day of the month she was born.

Amanda A. SMALLWOOD was born in Champaign county, O., Feb. 17, 1818, and died Aug. 17, 1906, at the home of her son-in-law, Jas. R. HESKETT, near Lane, aged 88 years and six months. When she was seven years old her parents came to Illinois, settling on the land that is now covered by the city of Decatur. They then moved to this county and located in Creek township, near the site of the old Coulter mill, and later on the farm where sixty-five years of her life was passed and where she died.

In 1843 she was married to W. J. Bennett, who died many years ago. A few years ago she went to Kansas to live with Mr. Heskett, but she longed for the old homestead, and at her request he moved back to DeWitt county, his former home, having bought the old home that was so dear to her. She desired to pass her last days there and Mr. Heskett made it possible for her to do so. He has been all that her own son could have been to her, doing all in his power to make pleasant her closing years.

She was a schoolmate of Gov. Oglesby and knew Lincoln well, as he often stayed at her father's home. She was a faithful Christian, always doing all she could for His cause. Her life was filled with noble purposes and good deeds, and Heaven is made richer by her death.

She was the last of her father's family to pass away, her brothers and sisters having been Asberry, Gideon, Samuel and Joseph SMALLWOOD, Mrs. Susan DAVIS and Mrs. Walter ROBEN. She is survived by the following children: Geo. S. [BENNETT], of Oklahoma; Mrs. Ida GARDNER, Wichita, Kan.; W. L. BENNETT, Bell Plaine, Kan.; Mrs. Clara REDMAN, Decatur; P. A. BENNETT and Mrs. Mary HESKETT, Lane. Mrs. Jane TWIST died at Mead, Kan., in 1890, and two died in infancy. Funeral services were held Sunday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Patterson, of Danville. Burial was in the Lisenby cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENNETT, WILLIAM J.     SMALLWOOD, AMANDA      12-27-1842     DE WITT

Mrs. Samuel BENSON 

September 12, 1913
Clinton Register

ANOTHER WELDON DEATH.

At her home in Weldon last Friday occurred the death of Mrs. Samuel BENSON, after an illness of about 18 months of consumption.  Deceased moved with her husband to Weldon from Indiana about four years ago.  She leaves besides her husband, a brother, S. THEPONOT, and a half-sister, Hattie THEPONOT, the latter having cared for her during her last and fatal illness.  Deceased was aged 29 years.  Funeral services were held from the M. E. church at Weldon at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Rev. J. E. Evans, the pastor officiating, assisted by Rev. D. P. Freeman, pastor of the M. P. church.  Interment was in the Weldon cemetery.

Note: According to her marriage record, her maiden name was spelled THERENOT.

From Indiana Marriages, 1811-1959:
Samuel A. Benson     Josephine Therenot      06-16-1910     FLOYD

Amy Aloe BERKLEY 

October 7, 1887
Clinton Public

Amy Aloe, infant daughter of Amos and Sallie BERKLEY, died October 3, 1887, aged two weeks. A short service was held at the grave in the Weldon Cemetery, by Pastor Widney, after which it was laid away to rest. Another flower transplanted to the garden of God. May it entice parents and friends heavenward.

Mrs. Louis BERRING 

December 11, 1891
Clinton Public

Mary E. BERRING was born in Hesson, Germany, on the 19th of June, 1832, and died in Clinton on the 7th of December, 1891, aged fifty-nine years, ten months and eighteen days. She emigrated to America in April 1852, landing in New York in the following June. She came west in 1854, and on the 28th day of August of the same year she was united in marriage to Louis BERRING in this city. Their first home was in a log house on the lot where Mr. A. M. SACKETT now lives, and here three of her children were born. Thirty years ago she moved to the house where she died, having occupied but two houses during her thirty-seven years of married life. She was the mother of seven sons and two daughters. Two of her sons preceded her to the better land. When but a girl of fourteen years, in her native Germany, she united with the church, and for over forty-five years she lived the life of an earnest Christian woman.

Mr. Louis Berring, her husband, came to Clinton with the opening of the Illinois Central road through here, and his life has been spent in the service of that company. All of their boys have grown up in the railway service, three of them being connected with the Illinois Central and the others holding prominent and responsible positions with other companies. Mrs. Berring raised a family of boys of which any mother might feel proud, and their lives are an evidence of their home training.

Note: aka BEHRING.

BERRY (infant) 

June 16, 1893
Clinton Public

Wapella.

Mr. Joseph BERRY’s eight-month-old baby died on Monday morning of heart failure.  It was taken to Bloomington on the evening train for interment.

Mrs. Roy H. BERRY 

August 21, 1917, Tuesday
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. EDNA BERRY DIES.
Was Born in Clinton and Daughter of J. R. Craven.

Mrs. Edna BERRY, daughter of James R. CRAVEN, of this city, died at St. Luke’s hospital in Chicago this morning at 5 o'clock, according to a message received in Clinton this morning.  Mrs. Berry’s death was the result of an operation performed for appendicitis last Wednesday.  Previous to that Mrs. Berry had been in ill health and it was thought her health would be improved following the operation.

Mrs. Berry was born in Clinton about twenty-seven years ago and always made her home here with the exceptions of a few years in Decatur and the last few years in Chicago.  She is survived by her husband, Roy H. BERRY; her father, J. R. CRAVEN, of Clinton; one brother, J. Robert CRAVEN; and the following sisters: Mrs. Minnie LONG, Mrs. Al JELLISON, Misses Cecil and Constance CRAVEN, of Clinton; Mrs. Robert HUGHES, of Chicago; and Mrs. W. R. CRAVEN, of Great Falls, Mont.  No funeral arrangements have been made.

Mrs. S. A. BERRY 

July 1898
Paper Unknown

Elizabeth BERRY died at her home near Parnell, June 28, 1898, 8:30 a.m., wife of S. A. BERRY, in the 46th year of her age. Funeral: Parnell M. E. Church, June 29. Burial Camp Ground Cemetery.

Submitted by Unknown

Andrew J. BETHEL 

February 4, 1887
Clinton Public

Mr. A. J. BETHEL died on Sunday morning and was buried at Heyworth Monday. Mr. Bethel was a member of the Grand Army Post here, and also of the Masonic society of Heyworth. Mr. Bethel requested that the Masons should bury him, which was done.

Mrs. Andrew J. BETHEL 

July 11, 1913
Clinton Register

FIFTH SUICIDE IN TWO MONTHS.
MRS. WHERRY [aka BETHEL] DROWNS HERSELF.
Loneliness and Despondency Said to Have Been Cause of the Deed.

The fifth suicide in DeWitt county within a space of two months occurred on Thursday of last week when Mrs. Julia WHERRY [BETHEL] ended her life by throwing herself into a cistern at the home of her son, Wm. E. BETHEL, about three miles north of Wapella.  All of the family were absent at the time and the body was not discovered until nearly 6 o'clock in the evening.  She had gone to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie BISHOP, to remain over Sunday, but on Thursday morning decided she would attend to some business matters in Bloomington, and was taken to the station at Bucks.  Being busy with farm work, the men did not wait for her to board the car, but returned to their duties.  While waiting at the station, she changed her mind, and instead of going to the city, went to the home of her son.  After dinner, Mrs. Bethel and a relative, Mrs. C. E. Swearingen, went away for the afternoon, leaving Mrs. Wherry alone.  Returning about 5:30, they noticed the cistern cover off, but supposed the aged lady had been drawing water and forgotten the cover, when they observed her slippers lying beside the opening.  They became alarmed and, going into the house, found the following note, which explained all:

“My dear boy: I am going to leave you, for my troubles are too much to stand.  You go to the bank and get that hundred dollars and collect them two notes when it comes time.  My insurance papers are in my grip all tied up together.  You will find me in the cistern.  God be with you till we meet again.   Your Mother, Julia Bethel.”

B. E. Herrington was at once called by telephone, and he with Robert Summers and Fred Slayback drew the body from the water.  There was about six feet of water in the cistern but the body was floating near the surface.  There were no marks with the exception of a few drops of blood which probably came from a slight wound caused by striking her head against the cistern wall.  Coroner Moore went to the home on the 6:32 car and held an inquest, the jury returning a verdict of suicide in accordance with the above sworn facts.

Mrs. Wherry broke up housekeeping at Heyworth early in June, sold most of her belongings and went to the home of her son, Wm. BETHEL, to spend the remainder of her days, as she was growing old and feeble and her children did not think it best for her to live alone.  For some time previous, her little grandson, Lloyd GARA, had lived with her, but a few days before she broke up housekeeping the boy went to live with his mother, Mrs. Maude PISER, at Juneau, Alaska.  This had a tendency to make her despondent, and she also said she would be a burden to her children.

Julia SWEARINGEN was born one and one-half miles east of Heyworth, July 11th, 1848.   While a young woman she was married to Andrew BETHEL, and to this union eight children were born, four of whom survive, as follows: Wm. Bethel, the son at whose home the tragedy occurred; Mrs. Maude Piser and Mrs. Biedleman, of Juneau, Alaska; and Mrs. Minnie Bishop, of near Heyworth.  Four children are dead, Charles, Bert, Reuben and Tony.  Some time after the death of her husband she was married to Thomas WHERRY, of Bloomington, but this union proved an unhappy one and she shortly separated from him and assumed her former name of Bethel, by which she was generally known at the time of her death.  Several years ago she united with the Long Point M. E. church and had lived a faithful Christian life.  With the exception of about two years spent at Parksville, Mo., almost her entire life was passed in this county.

Funeral services were held from the home of her son Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. J. C. Robertson of Heyworth conducting the services.  Interment in the Heyworth cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BETHEL, ANDREW     SWEARINGEN, JULIA B.      11-27-1866     MC LEAN

BIRCHNOUGH (infant) 

August 21, 1891
Clinton Public

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles BIRCHNOUGH, died on last Monday evening of cholera infantum. He was eighteen months old, and a bright baby. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.

Elvira (ROBY) BIRD 

August 24, 1906
Clinton Register

ANOTHER MOTHER IS CALLED.
Mrs. Elvira Bird Died at Her Home in Clinton After an Illness of Several Weeks—
Funeral Yesterday.

Mrs. Elvira BIRD, wife of Alexander BIRD, died Tuesday evening about 5 o'clock at her home on West Van Buren street, aged 65 years, 8 months and 8 days, the cause of her death being dropsy of the heart.

Elvira ROBY was born near Circleville, O., Dec. 13, 1840. She was united in marriage to Alexander Bird June 4, 1856, and the family came to Illinois in 1863. Deceased became a Christian at the age of 13 years and united with the M. E. church and lived a consistent Christian life, ever being ready to do an act of kindness or speak a word of cheer.

She leaves a husband, nine children, four sisters, two brothers and a host of friends to mourn her death. She was the mother of 11 children, one of whom died in infancy and Mrs. G. H. EDWARDS, who died six years ago. The children are: G. W. and Frank BIRD, of Greely, Col.; J. M. BIRD, of Albany, Mo.; John, of Birkbeck; A. J., of Weldon; Mrs. E. J. BENNETT, Mrs. J. G. MYERS and R. D. and Taylor BIRD, of Creek township.

Short services were held at the home yesterday at 9 o'clock, after which the remains were taken to Weldon by special train where the funeral was held at 10 o'clock in the M. E. church.

Mrs. Richard BIRD 

May 24, 1889
Clinton Public

Forty-two years ago, on the 19th of next August, Richard BIRD was one among the first to be buried in the old cemetery south of town on the Maroa road.  He was killed while hauling saw-logs from the farm now owned by Thomas SHEEHE to Tunbridge mill.  Last Week his widow died over in Logan county, eight miles from the city of Lincoln, and on Saturday her body was brought to this city and buried beside her husband in the old cemetery.  Mrs. BIRD was the mother of Mrs. J. B. ROLOFSON, of Wilson township.

Elizabeth BISHOP

March 22, 1866
Clinton Public

DIED.—In this town on the 31st inst., Elizabeth, infant daughter of John and Minerva BISHOP.  Funeral at the residence of John BISHOP this Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  All are invited to attend.

John BISHOP

August 19, 1881
Clinton Register

Death of an Old Citizen.

We made no mention, last week, of the death of Mr. John BISHOP because we were requested not to do so by his relatives, that they fearing that the news of his death might reach his brother, William, who is in a feeble state of health at Hot Springs, before letters from home would reach him; and that the news, unaccompanied by word from his folks would give such a shock as would prove injurious to him. We give below a sketch of Mr. Bishop's life written by one of his nearest friends:

Mr. John Bishop died at the residence of his brother, in Clinton, on the 10th instant. He had been complaining for a few days of not feeling well, but did not take to his bed until about twenty-four hours before his death, when his disease developed many of the symptoms of Asiatic cholera, and while it was but a sporadic case, its features were as malignant as if the disease was epidemic.

Mr. Bishop came to Clinton about the year 1855 and engaged in the grain trade, and was one of the number of successful men who came to Clinton about that time, who by their honesty, industry and economy have done so much for the city and for themselves. Clinton has not always been fortunate in the class of business men who have been attracted to it, many of them, perhaps using too much of their wealth in buying land and not enough in building up their town. This was not the case with Mr. Bishop; he had no desire to buy real estate, and only took it when compelled to do so by his debtors. After he had been here about a year he and his brother William commenced dealing in lumber and grain, and from that time no firm stood higher at home or abroad than that of J. & W. Bishop, for honesty and liberality in business.

The first building they put up is now the building occupied by Wm. BISHOP as a grain elevator. In August, 1863, he was married to Miss Minerva MOORE, and put up the first house on his residence lot in the north part of the city, to which they immediately removed; and after some years with their flowers and their friends, they decided that their old house was too small, and a few years since he erected a new and more imposing building upon that same ground, where, until his wife died, he and she spent their time and money in taking care of their flowers and entertaining their friends.  It was a pleasure to drive past his grounds in the season of "flowers."  "Carnation, purple, azure, or specked with gold, who now shall rear thee to the sun, or rank your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount?"

Mrs. John BISHOP

September 10, 1880
Clinton Public

The Ravages of Death.

The epidemic makes sad havoc. In taking from us Mrs. Minerva BISHOP it has robbed the community of one whom it could ill spare. Mrs. Bishop lay sick nearly four weeks. Two weeks ago she was thought to be in a fair way to recover, but after the dysentery was conquered, typhoid fever set in, and her system was too much reduced to resist it successfully. After prolonged suffering she died last Saturday morning. Burial services were held at the family residence on Sunday, at 2 P.M., conducted by the Rev. W. W. Faris with the assistance of Rev. A. Semple. The very large assemblage attested the wide-spread sense of loss. Beisdes the general attendance of the community, and of relatives from abroad, Judge David DAVIS, Hon. Lawrence WELDON, and Mrs. Rev. John McLEAN, of Bloomington, were present as sorrowing friends.

Mrs. Bishop was the only surviving sister of Hon. C. H. MOORE. She was favorably and widely known, not only because of her prominent family connection and social position, but also because of her personal worth. She was not given to display, and she was considerate of those who lacked her own superior advantages in life. She was a woman of thought and culture, but she was best known by acts of unostentatious kindness. A devout reader and admirer of Channing, she imbibed much of the spirit that made him justly famous and beloved with the Christian public. Living to do good was with her something of a hobby, if, indeed, we might not say it was a passion. The idea repeatedly rose to the surface among the incoherent utterances of her last hours, showing that it was taking a stronger hold upon her in that subtle growth of the spirit which goes on even under cover of disease. Life affords to few of us opportunity to show the full strength of our best purposes and feelings; but Mrs. Bishop’s life, although modest of its merit, gave to observant eyes ample and pleasing exhibition of this trait. The thirteenth of First Corinthians, and the latter part of Matthew twenty-fifth, take high rank among Christian utterances. Lives in any degree fed upon and molded by this spirit, are greatly needed, and their loss is deeply and widely felt.

William BISHOP

January 11, 1889
Clinton Public

William Bishop is Dead.

What sadness the heading of this article will bring to scores of homes far distant from Clinton whose inmates knew William BISHOP in the earlier days of the history of this city.

Thirty-three years ago last fall William Bishop came to this city from Freeport, Illinois, with his brother John and started in the business of dealing in grain and lumber. He was born in Otterey, Devonshire, England, on the 9th day of June, 1826, and died at his home in this city on Monday, January 7th, 1889, aged sixty-two years, six months and twenty-eight days, and on Wednesday his remains were interred in the family lot in Woodlawn cemetery. He leaves a wife, one son and three daughters to mourn the death of a kind and indulgent husband and father.

William Bishop was a man prominent in the affairs of Clinton for the past quarter of a century or more. For several years he filled the office of mayor and was also a member of the board of education. In every position which he was called to fill by his fellow-citizens he proved true to the trust confided in him. He was a man of most positive convictions and never swerved once he had determined that his course was right. The same sturdy integrity guided him in all his business transactions. No man who had dealings with William Bishop could ever say ought against him. He was the soul of honor in all his business relations. During his several administrations as mayor of this city his great will power was exerted to raise Clinton beyond the mere village ideas that prevailed; he was proud of the town which he called home, and his every effort was in the direction of so advancing its interests that it might become what it is today, one of the most prosperous little cities in Central Illinois. Any and every project to this end enlisted his warmest sympathy, which was always backed up by his pocket-book. Had he been less liberal his bank account might have been much larger, but Clinton can illy afford to lose such a citizen. It is not necessary for THE PUBLIC to recite what William Bishop has done for Clinton's advancement during the past fifteen or twenty years, for all those who have taken active interest in public affairs can readily recall his work. While mayor of the city, to which office he was elected term after term, he always insisted that when money was expended in public improvements the work should be of a permanent character. One of his pet ideas was substantial sidewalks and streets, and the stone walks on Washington and North Center streets will remain as permanent monuments of his administration.

The poor of Clinton will miss him, for no one ever asked him for help in vain. Many a poor family would often have suffered from the cold had it not been for the scores of wagon loads of coal he gave away winter after winter. His name could be found upon every subscription list whether it was to build a church or to save some widow's home from being sacrificed.

In the social circle William Bishop will be missed, for his home was the center of hospitality, and as a genial entertainer he had no superiors. He was a man who despised shams, but his heart was always warm to his friends.

When he left his warehouse the last day of October he seemed to have a premonition that he was leaving his office for the last time, for he so expressed himself to his foreman, Mr. R. B. DAY. He went through the warehouse carefully noting every thing, giving orders of what disposition should be made of certain articles. Feebly he returned to his home that bright October afternoon never more to see the warehouse that had been his place of business for thirty-three years. On the day of the Presidential election he insisted upon coming down town to cast his vote for the Republican candidates. He told his family that it would probably be the last time he would ever vote, and his interest was so great in the result of the election that he would not listen to the objections of Mrs. BISHOP his health might suffer. No one who saw him get out of the carriage that November day at the polling place thought that today his immortal spirit would be with the silent majority who have passed from earth to the world beyond. That was the last time he ever left his home till his remains were borne by sorrowing friends last Wednesday to Woodlawn Cemetery.

Twenty-nine years ago last Wednesday Mr. Bishop took his young bride into the home from whence he was carried on the anniversary of that memorable day. They had been married on the Christmas Eve preceding.

When the sad news of his death was told down town on last Monday evening the bell of the Presbyterian Church was tolled, and tears of sorrow filled many eyes. As a mark of respect to his memory all of the business houses closed during the hour of the funeral ceremonies on Wednesday, and all the bells in the city were tolled. The mayor and city council and the officers of the city government attended the funeral in a body.

Charles BIVANS

May 5, 1899
Clinton Public

Charles Bivans’ Suicide.

Charles BIVANS, a farmer seven miles southwest of Maroa, committed suicide about 3 o'clock Wednesday morning with a revolver. He went out on the porch of his house and fired two shots, the last one taking effect. The cause of the act was probably due to the fact that he had been brooding over his intemperate ways. He was a tenant on a large farm, but so far as is known was not in financial difficulties. A wife and three children are left.

Hilda BJORKQUEST

June 29, 1883
Clinton Public

Hilda BJORKQUEST, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. BJORKQUEST, died last Tuesday morning. She was first attacked with measles some three or four weeks ago, and later on this disease developed into pneumonia, which caused her death.

BLACK (infant)

October 27, 1899
Clinton Register

A child of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis BLACK at Midland, aged 6 months, died Friday. Funeral services were held Sunday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gilliland.

Henry BLACK

August 17, 1906
Clinton Register

AGED THREE SCORE AND TWO.
One of Barnett Township's Well-Known Citizens Died Suddenly at the Home of a Nephew.

Sunday evening Henry BLACK was found dead in the barn at the home of his nephew, Geo. EDWARDS, near Midland City. A short time before he was found, he was seen sitting in the shade near the barn. He was subject to heart trouble and it is thought he suddenly became sick and went into the barn to lie down. His age was 72 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Henry Black, son of James and Nancy BLACK, was born in Logan county, O., near Bellefontaine, Dec. 1, 1833. He went to Iowa in 1856 and there married Miss Mary ALLEN. They were blessed with three children, Elizabeth, of Emporia, Kansas; Sarah Agnes, of Glenwood, Ia.; and Nora, wife of A. J. HOWE. During the war of the Rebellion he went into the service of his country and for three years bore the brunt of battle and soldier toil. He was one who helped to bring about the surrender of Vicksburg and among the first to enter her walls. He was not a man to boast of what he did as a soldier, but his record was of the best. He was at one time a member of the Methodist church. He was an agreeable and companionable man. Of late years he has made his home with his brother, Robert, in Illinois, and sometimes with his brother, Oliver F. BLACK, and sister, Letitia SHORT, of O. He leaves the three daughters, above mentioned, three brothers, Robt., of Clinton; William, of Washington; and Oliver, of Ohio; two sisters, Nancy E. HUBER, of Indiana; and Letitia SHORT, of Ohio.

Brief funeral services were held at the home of Geo. Edwards and also at the grave. The interment was in McCliman's cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev. T. T. HOLTON, of Bloomington.

The pall bearers were four nephews and two nephews-in-law of deceased. They are Curtis Black, David Black, Jas. Black, Wm. Wallace, Geo. E. Edwards, of Barnett township, and Charles Black, of Ohio.

Joseph A. BLACK

February 25, 1881
Clinton Public

Died, on the 18th inst., at 9 o'clock p.m., of typhoid pneumonia, Mr. Joseph BLACK.  The deceased died very suddenly.  On last Tuesday he came to town and took the train for Lincoln and got some medicine and returned home.  The next day at 9 o'clock a.m. he was taken violently ill.  Dr. Leeds, of Lincoln, was called to see him, but it was of no avail.  He was unconscious most of the time, till Friday evening, when death relieved him.  The funeral discourse was delivered by Elder Holston, after reading the 25th Psalm.  The remains were interred in the McClimans Cemetery.  Mr. Black leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss.

Marshall BLACK

October 15, 1925
Paper Unknown

County Farmer Died At His Home Tuesday.

Marshall BLACK, aged 72 years, passed away at his home one mile east of Lane, Tuesday night at 8 o'clock. He had been in failing health for about a year and his death was caused by complications common of old age. Deceased was born in Patoka, Illinois, and had always followed the occupation of a farmer. He moved to Dewitt county from Patoka eight years ago and the family had resided on the MAGILL farm near Lane since coming here. His wife preceded him in death several years ago. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Harry ALLEN, of Detroit, Mich., and Rominy BLACK, of Iowa, and a brother in Patoka and a sister in Chicago. The body will be taken to Patoka this morning for burial.

Submitted by Debbie Champion

Robert BLACK

February 21, 1920, Saturday
Decatur Herald
Decatur, Illinois

ROBERT BLACK OF CLINTON DIES.
Was Well Known in DeWitt County Where He Resided Since 1856.

The death of Robert BLACK, pioneer resident of this county, occurred at 9:30 o'clock this morning in the John Warner hospital where he was removed for treatment just one week ago today.  He had been ill for many weeks with complications and this super induced by old age was the cause of his death.

Deceased was the son of James and Nancy (POWERS) BLACK and was born in Bellfontaine, O., March 20, 1835.  He lived in the place of his birth until 1856 when he came to Illinois where he worked on a farm.  On June 10, 1858, he was married to Mrs. Margaret HUMPHREY.   After their marriage they settled upon a tract of land of 160 acres which was owned by his wife.  This he improved and to it added three 80-acre tracts and a 60-acre tract situated in Barnett and Tunbridge townships.  He retired from the farm in 1902 and moved to Clinton where he has since resided.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Black, only four surviving.  They are David, of Kenney; Joseph and Curtis, of Clinton; and Mrs. William WALLACE, of Midland City.  The wife and mother died in 1916 and since that time Mr. Black had lived with his son, David.   There are also surviving three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mr. Black was road commissioner in DeWitt county for several years and served as a school director for over 20 years.  He was a member of the Christian church, being at the time of his death a trustee of that church.

No arrangements have been made for the funeral.

--------------------

February 23, 1920, Monday
The Pantagraph
Bloomington, Illinois

Funeral of Robert Black.

Funeral services for the late Robert BLACK, well known pioneer resident of DeWitt county, were held this afternoon in the Christian church in this city.  The services were well attended by citizens from different parts of the county.  Interment took place in McClimans cemetery in Barnett township.

Mrs. Robert BLACK

April 4, 1916, Tuesday
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. ROBERT BLACK DIED EARLY TODAY.
One of Clinton’s Best Known and Most Highly Respected Aged Women.

Mrs. Robert BLACK, one of the best known residents of this city, passed away at her home, 717 West Clay street this morning at 4:30 o'clock, her death being due to a complication of diseases and old age.  In August, 1915, Mrs. Black fell, sustaining severe injuries.  She received similar injuries in a second fall which occurred on the 29th of January this year, and since that time she has been in very poor health, the past several weeks being confined to her bed.

Obituary.

Margaret McCLIMANS was the daughter of Samuel and Rachel (PEARSON) McCLIMANS and was born in Madison county, O., on the 4th day of June, 1837.  If she had lived until the 4th of this coming June, she would have been seventy-nine years of age.  She remained in that county with her parents until the year 1851 when they moved to Illinois, coming over in a covered wagon.  They settled in Barnett township in DeWitt county.

Deceased was married twice, her first husband, who was Thomas HUMPHREY, dying one year after they were married.

Her second marriage was to Robert BLACK on the 10th of June, 1858, in Barnett township.   To this union five children were born, one daughter dying at the age of two years.   The four surviving children besides the husband are, C. L. BLACK, southeast of Clinton; Joseph BLACK, of Denver, Colo.; David BLACK, of Kenney; and Mrs. W. C. WALLACE, who formerly lived at Midland City, but has been at home caring for her mother since last August.  Three grandchildren also survive they are, Lloyd BLACK, of Gibson City; Mrs. Edna NELSON, Miami, Fla.; and Denova WILLIAMS, of Chicago.

Mrs. Black was a member of the First Christian church, of Clinton, her husband being a trustee of the church at the present time.  Both are highly respected citizens and the loss of Mrs. Black will be mourned by her large circle of friends.

Funeral Thursday.

Short funeral services will be held at the late residence, 717 West Clay street Thursday noon at 12 o'clock, after which the body will be taken to the church at Hallville where services will be held at 2 o'clock in charge of Rev. T. T. Holton, of Bloomington.  Interment will be made in the Hallville cemetery.  The son, Joseph Black, of Denver, Colo., will be unable to attend the funeral.  He was here and spent a week a short time ago.

--------------------

April 6, 1916, Thursday
Decatur Herald
Decatur, Illinois

Funeral of Mrs. Black.

The funeral of Mrs. Robert BLACK, who passed away at her home, 717 West Clay street, Tuesday morning, at 4:30 o'clock will be held from the late residence at 12 o'clock Thursday noon after which the body will be taken to the Christian church at Hallville, where services will be held in charge of Rev. T. T. Holton of Bloomington.

Jason BLACKFORD

January 27, 1905
Clinton Register

JASON BLACKFORD DIES.
MAN WHO ESTABLISHED THE REGISTER ENDS LIFE'S JOURNEY.
Was One of the Leading Lawyers of Northwestern Ohio—
Known to Many in DeWitt County.

F. C. Taylor received from Toledo, O., a paper containing an account of the death of Jason BLACKFORD, the founder of the REGISTER, his death being a little over a month later than that of his partner and brother, Judge “Dick” (Aaron) BLACKFORD, in Findlay, O., where their father, Price BLACKFORD, settled in 1828; Judge Blackford died Dec. 7, being sick only two days.

Jason Blackford came to Clinton in 1868, and on May 29, 1868, published the first issue of the DeWitt Register.  Nov. 27, of the same year he sold the paper to W. L. GLESSNER and C. C. STONE.  At the beginning of the third year, the name was changed to the Clinton Register.

Mr. Blackford returned to Ohio to continue the practice of law.  His death occurred at the home of his brother-in-law, Jas. T. McKEE, in Clinton, Mo.  The following is from a Toledo, O., paper:

“Excelling in athletic sports, inspired by inherited ideals, with heart attuned to high ambitions and with that fine sense of justice which characterized the pioneer men and women who made Ohio great in the Federal union, Mr. Jason Blackford grew to manhood a man of sturdy and robust mien with an intellectual endowment that made him a marked man among his fellow citizens both in public and private life.

He took to the law by natural selection, having equipped himself through studies in the best institutions Ohio afforded.  Following his attendance at Delaware college he completed a law course at the Cincinnati Law school and entered upon the practice of law at Findlay, where he married Miss Mildred RICKETTS, daughter of Andrew RICKETTS, a notable pioneer of Hancock county.

A deep student of law and literature with a keen insight into the character and motives of men, Mr. Blackford from the first held a commanding position at the Ohio bar.  But an attack of asthma led to his removal to Clinton, Mo., where he resided with his family for a number of years, returning to Findlay in 1881 and resuming the practice of law.

Among the younger members of the bar, Mr. Blackford was a powerful exemplar, insisting upon equity and justice as the primal motives in legal success, as well as in the varied affairs of business life.  Hon. Ralph D. Cole, the young member of congress from the Findlay district, studied law in Mr. Blackford’s office and bears testimony to his fine influence in shaping the lives of those associated with him.

Some five or six years ago Mr. Blackford felt his health failing, and among his memoranda, found after his late illness, was a paper kept secret from his family, giving the diagnosis of his physician, saying his death might be sudden, owing to a combination of troubles involving his heart.  Three years ago last summer, he made a trip to Europe with his daughter, Miss Florence BLACKFORD, of Toledo, spending much time in Germany, of whose language and literature he was very fond.

He never fully recovered, and November 8, 1904, while in Virginia, where he had important cases pending in the federal courts at Richmond, Winchester and Huntington, he had a severe attack of asthma, returning home in a very critical condition two weeks later.  From that time on he was a great sufferer, but rallying somewhat he started in company with his son, Horace A. BLACKFORD, and daughter, Miss Edith, for Texas.  Arriving at Kansas City, it was found he was unable to proceed farther south, and after a few days he was taken to Clinton, Mo.  Later he was joined by his wife, who was with him at the time of his death, together with her sister, Miss Clara RICKETTS, of Findlay, and his brother, Albert B. BLACKFORD.  The remains will be brought to Findlay for burial.

Mr. Blackford leaves a son, Horace A. BLACKFORD, and three daughters, Mrs. O. E. SWARTZBAUGH, of Toledo, Miss Florence BLACKFORD and Miss Edith BLACKFORD.  He was a member of the Twentieth Century club and was affiliated with the Episcopal church, as was his family.  In politics he was a Democrat up to the time he went to Missouri; after that a Republican.

Mr. Blackford had hosts of friends and admirers in Toledo, as well as his own home and throughout the state.  His majestic bearing, sterling integrity, benign character and rare social qualities endeared him to all who honor manly virtue; and his progressive open-minded, incisive characteristics placed him in the front ranks of jurists, scholars and humanitarians.”

William H. BLAINE 

September 4, 1885
Clinton Public

Death of William H. Blaine.

Lincoln, Neb., Aug. 24, 1885

Died at his home in Geneva, Fillmore county, Nebraska, August 19th, 1885, Hon. William H. BLAINE, in the sixty-ninth year of his age.

Judge Blaine was a native of Ohio, born March 31st, 1829, in Madison county, emigrated to Illinois in 1851, lived in DeWitt township, in your county, until 1865. He then moved to Iowa, remaining there until 1870. Coming to Nebraska in that year, he settled in that portion of Nebraska which afterward became Fillmore county; at that time Mr. Blaine was a pioneer in that part of the state, in fact he was one of the very first settlers; the homestead he then selected continued to be his home to the time of his death. Mr. Blaine assisted in the organization of Fillmore county, and at the first election he was unanimously chosen county Judge of the new county, to which office he was re-elected two succeeding terms, during which time he served with marked ability and satisfaction. At the close of his term he returned to private life upon his farm, where he remained until 1884, at which time the people of his county, with great unanimity, elected him a member of the House of Representatives, he receiving the greatest number of votes cast for any candidate upon the ticket. Mr. Blaine was the oldest member in either branch of the Legislature and very soon gained the sobriquet, “Father of the House.” During the session he was at all times in his seat, taking an active part in all business which came before the House, and was by all esteemed as a conscientious, consistent public servant. Many of the readers of your paper will remember Mr. Blaine, who for many years lived at DeWitt, and was intimately acquainted in that part of the county and closely identified with all its interests during these years. The writer first knew Mr. Blaine in April 1858, at DeWitt, with whom intimate friendly relations were maintained until his death. Mr. Blaine was a self-made man, strong in his intellectual powers, his voice and influence was ever for the right; he was not a “policy” man unless “policy” was right; he was a strong yet reasonable temperance advocate, and all measures and principles, whose tendencies were for the bettering of the race, found in him an active worker. For fifty years he was a member, and for sixteen years a minister, in the M. E. Church and a member of the Nebraska conference.

Mr. Blaine left surviving him, his widow and four children: Mrs. Wm. E. KIRKER, formerly of Clinton, now of this city, and Mrs. W. W. ALDER, of Farmer City, both of whom are well known to many of your readers; John F., a respected, honored citizen of Fillmore county, Neb., and Mrs. Henry HARDY, of Madison county, Iowa.

Mr. Blaine was buried at Geneva, and his funeral was the largest ever witnessed in Fillmore county, his remains being followed to their resting place by a vast concourse of citizens, who knew him only to love and respect him, and by whom his many virtues and his memory will long be cherished and revered. Truly may it be said, “A good man has passed away.” —J. J. K.

Note: His death date and his age at death (in his 69th year) do not fit with the birth date that was given. In the 1860 DeWitt County census, he was 43 years old. That would make his birth year around 1817, not 1829.

John BLAKIE

January 22, 1892
Clinton Public

Away back early in the fifties John BLAKIE came from the east with Ed WELD and R. W. SWEENEY to work a steam shovel in the construction of the Illinois Central road. He worked on some of the contracts of the Magill Bros. From that time his life was spent in the service of railroad companies. His first wife was a sister of Benjamin and Rodney HILL, and his second wife was a sister of the ADAMS brothers, who live south-west of Clinton. Shortly after the war John Blakie moved away from here, but came back about the time the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield road was being built, and after the machine shops were opened he ran the stationary engine for a time. Since then he has lived in Missouri and in the southern part of Illinois, always a railroad man. For several years he had poor health. John Blakie was one of the early members of the lodge of Knights of Pythias in Clinton, and during all his years of absence he kept his membership here. Yesterday a dispatch came that he had died in Southern Illinois and that his body would be brought to Clinton for burial. A committee of the Knights will meet the remains at the depot and take charge of them till tomorrow, when the lodge will escort them to Woodlawn Cemetery.

May BLAKIE 

December 7, 1883
Clinton Public

Strangled by a Bean in Her Windpipe.

Nearly three weeks ago, May, the little four-year-old daughter of Mr. M. BLAKIE, was playing with a lot of beans at the house of Mr. George ADAMS, when she swallowed a number. In trying to swallow one of the beans, it took the wrong direction and went into her windpipe instead of down her throat. Every breath the child drew caused her pain, but her relatives hoped that the bean might come out without the necessity of a surgical operation. Mr. Blakie, who lives in Missouri, was sent for. The attending physician insisted that an operation would be necessary, but Mr. Blakie and the child's other relatives feared the result, and hoped for relief from nature. The child died this morning. The funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon, at two o'clock, at the Baptist Church.

Henry BLOME 

June 1939
Clinton Public

Henry Blome, 82, Died Friday.

Henry BLOME, 82, retired cigar manufacturer of Clinton, died in his home, 216 E. Main St. at 5:15 Friday [June 2, 1939]. Mr. Blome had been ill since 1930 and was bedfast ten months prior to his death, which was due to complications.

The funeral will be Sunday at 2:30 pm in Pullen’s Funeral chapel in charge of Rev. R. E. Karban of the Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mr. Blome was the son of Frederick and Margaret BLOME and was born in Hanover, Germany. He came to this country with his parents when he was 14 years old, the family settling at Downer’s Grove, Illinois. Later he removed to Dwight where he was married to Miss Louise KERN, April 5, 1879. In 1886 they moved to Clinton where they have since lived. Mr. Blome learned the trade of a cigar maker when a young man and after moving to Clinton opened a factory in the building at 216 E. Main St. He retired because of ill health in 1935.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Dr. F. M. BLOME of Kenney, who is now in the Mayo Bros.’ clinic in Rochester, MN, and Dr. Albert H. BLOME of Peoria; also four grandchildren. A son, George R, died in infancy.

Mr. Blome was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Eagles and Modern Woodman lodges, serving as clerk of the MWA camp for more than 25 years. He also served on the city council many years ago.

Submitted by Barbara Arthur LeRoy

Alonzo D. BLUE

June 8, 1906
Clinton Register

DIED IN STATE OF OREGON.
Former Resident of DeWitt County Passed Away at His Home in the West.

Tuesday night about 8 o'clock Samuel Wade, of Clinton, received a telegram from Pendleton, Ore., announcing the death of his son-in-law, Alonzo D. BLUE. Deceased was born in Texas township about fifty years ago. He was married to Miss Anna WADE nearly thirty years ago, and a few years later they moved to Oregon, which had since been their home, having lived in or near Pendleton most of the time.

He is survived by his wife and four children, two sons and two daughters, the youngest being aged about 16. One daughter is married and one son lives in Alaska. He is also survived by two brothers, John T. BLUE, of Texas township, and Garrett L. BLUE, of Enid, Ok. He had never visited DeWitt county since going West with his brother-in-law, Geo. BENNISON, who now lives in the state of Washington.

Mrs. Garrett I. BLUE 

July 13, 1900
Clinton Register

Mrs. Sarah A. BLUE, who died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. FOX, at Moundsville, Mo., Sunday morning, was brought back, arriving Monday evening on the Daylight Special, and was laid to rest Tuesday at the Baptist cemetery east of town. She was formerly a resident of this place, living on E. W. Fruit's farm, now occupied by Mrs. Blangy.

Note: She was the wife of Garrett I. Blue.

Isaac BLUE 

January 24, 1879
Clinton Public

Isaac BLUE, of Tunbridge, who was wounded in the head at a shooting match near Kenney a couple of weeks ago, by the explosion of his gun, died on Thursday night of last week.

Mrs. Isaac BLUE 

May 8, 1908
Clinton Register

AGED ALMOST EIGHTY.

Mrs. Penelope BLUE, who died in Maroa, aged 78 years and 6 months, was buried in the Baptist cemetery near Pastime Park Friday. Deceased was born in England and came to America when 25 years old. After two years in Green county, Illinois, she came to this county which was her home till two years ago when she moved to Maroa. She was married September 30, 1858, to Isaac BLUE, who died January 30, 1863. Two sons were born to them, one dying when 18 years old; the other W. H. BLUE, lives near Kenney where his mother lived many years.

Note: From Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BLUE, ISAAC    STAFFORD, PENELOPE     1859-06-30    DE WITT

Jemima (WELTON) BLUE 

January 20, 1872
Signs of the Times
Volume 40, No. 3, Page 23

Obituary of Jemima (Welton) Blue.

At the request of surviving friends I send a short sketch of the pilgrimage of sister Jemima Blue, which ended Nov. 3, 1871. She was born Nov. 15, 1813, in Virginia. She, with her husband, was baptized by Eld. A. C. Booten, in 1851 in Hampshire Co., Va., and moved to Illinois about fifteen years ago and settled in DeWitt County, and, if I mistake not, they were in the constitution of New Providence Church and continued faithful members and pillars in the church until he was called away by death about ten years ago. Sister Blue was spared to be a mother indeed to a dutiful family, which is left to mourn their loss.

She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She leaves seven sons and two daughters. She was sick only ten days and bore her sufferings with great fortitude, retaining her mind to the last.

Brother Beebe, when we see these faithful ones called from our midst, especially those of us who have shared in their kindness and hospitality, we feel sad. Her house was a home for the brethren and sisters. I have had the pastoral care of New Providence Church about four years; her seat is now vacant; but our loss, we doubt not, is her exceeding great gain.

May the Lord bless the surviving family and friends, and the church of which she was a member.

Yours in bonds of the gospel,
John H. Myers, Decatur, Ill.

Note: Jemima Blue was the wife of Uriah Blue, and lived in Texas Township, DeWitt County, Illinois. Signs of the Times is a publication of The Primitive Baptist Church Association, and was in existence between 1832 and 1920. Copies of all editions are housed in The Primitive Baptist Library in Carthage, Illinois.

Jennie (ECKERT) BLUE 

January 29, 1918
Clinton Journal

DEATH OF MRS. JENNIE BLUE.
Illness Extended Over Long Period of Time—
Survived by Children in Immediate Vicinity.

At midnight last night occurred the death of Mrs. Jennie BLUE, 521 South Quincy street, an aged resident of Clinton and Texas township, who had a great number of relatives and friends in Dewitt county. Mrs. Blue had been ill for many weeks, so that her death was not unexpected.

For the past several years Mrs. Blue had made her home in Clinton, coming from Texas township where all of her children were born and raised and where she had spent the most of her more active years. In Clinton she had been the friend of many and, although preferring the quiet of her home, had drawn the friendships of her new neighbors in Clinton.

Jennie ECKERT was born April 7, 1852, in Butler county, Ohio, and was the daughter of Henry K. and Sarah M. (SQUIRE) ECKERT, who were natives of Ohio, whence they moved to Dewitt county in January, 1867, settling in Texas township, where her father engaged in farming.

On March 16, 1871, she was married to Uriah BLUE. To this union were born seven children of whom the following survive: Edmund W. BLUE, of Texas township; Carl BLUE, of Texas township; William O. BLUE, of Clinton; and Alice. M. BLUE died December 23, 1891, at the age of forty-one years after a short illness. All of the children of the family were raised in Texas township where Mrs. Blue continued her home until a few years ago when she moved to Clinton.

No arrangements had been made for the funeral this morning.

--------------------

January 1918
Clinton Journal

Is the Third Death in the Blue Family in the Past Two Months.
Mrs. Jennie Blue Passed Away at Her Home on South Quincy Street Monday Night.

Mrs. Jennie BLUE, formerly one of the old residents of Texas township, but for several years past a resident of this city, died at midnight Monday at her home on South Quincy street after an illness of several weeks. All hopes of her recovery were given up some time ago so that her death was not unexpected. This is the third death of former Texas township residents of this family in the past two months. The other two being brothers of the husband of the deceased: G. L. BLUE of Oklahoma, and W. J. BLUE of Clinton.

Jennie ECKERT, daughter of Henry K. and Sarah M. ECKERT, was born in Butler county, O., April 7, 1852. The family came to Dewitt county in 1867 and settled in Texas township, where Mr. Eckert engaged in farming. March 16, 1871, Miss Eckert was married to Uriah BLUE, seven children being born to the couple, four of whom survive. They are Edmund W. and Carl of Texas township, William O. of Clinton and Mrs. Alice JENKINS of Risco, Mo. The latter with her two children had been with her mother for three weeks, returning home Sunday, but did not return to attend the funeral. Mr. Blue died December 23, 1891, after a short illness at the early age of forty-one years. All of the children were born in Texas township where they with the mother continued to make their home until a few years ago when Mrs. Blue purchased a city residence and moved to Clinton.

Deceased was devoted to her home and family, was a practical Christian and a kind and obliging neighbor. Her vacant chair will long be a source of grief to her children.

Funeral services were held at the late home Wednesday at 1 p. m., Rev. A. W. McDavitt officiating and reading as a lesson Psalm 23, a favorite of Mrs. Blue. Rev McDavitt spoke from Hebrews 11:27, paying a touching tribute to the life and the Christian character of one who for over a quarter of a century had followed closely in the footsteps of her Master. Mrs. Blue was a member of the Baptist church in this city. A devoted wife and mother, a kind and ministering neighbor, her influence for good will linger long as sweet incense to those who had known her so long and so well.

A quartette composed of H. C. Griffin, K. S. Brown, Mrs. Overleese and Mrs. Tuggle sang “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” “It Is Well With My Soul, and “Step by Step.” Numerous floral tokens told of the love and esteem of the friends of old as well as newer made ties.

The bearers were J. H. WHITEHEAD, W. H. RANDALL, Uriah JAMES, Frank CRANG, Dick WOOD and Edward WADE. Burial was made beside her husband in the old Baptist cemetery in Tunbridge township. The funeral cortege was composed entirely of sleds, something unusual in this part of the country. Chas. ECKERT, a cousin, came from Indiana to attend the funeral.

Job W. BLUE 

January 19, 1906
Clinton Register

TEXAS TOWNSHIP FARMER DIED.
Was found Dead in Bed by His Brother—
Lived in DeWitt County Over Half a Century.

Job W. BLUE died suddenly Saturday evening at the home of Mrs. Jennie BLUE in Texas township. He had been sick several days, but was not thought to be dangerous. That morning Mr. Blue was in his room and he was awake. Soon after, his brother John spoke to him and received no answer but thought him to be asleep. Half an hour afterward he went to the bed and found his brother dead.

Job W. Blue was born in Hampshire county, W. Va., Dec. 28, 1834, and was a few days over 71 years of age. His parents came to Dewitt county in 1853 and settled on a farm in the northwest part of Texas township, now owned by Silas Schenck. He was never married and after the death of his parents he lived with some of his brothers. He lived with his brother Uriah for many years, and after his death made his home with his widow. He was a member of no church but was inclined to the Baptist belief and contributed to the church near Pastime Park. He was always a Democrat and had held several township offices, being supervisor several terms. He was a careful official and the township never had a better officer.

He is survived by the following brothers: David, near Rowell; John, of Texas township; Garrett L., of McDonough county; Alonzo, of Pendleton, Ore. None of his four sisters are living.

No funeral services were held, burial being in the Baptist cemetery, near Pastime Park, Monday forenoon.

Mrs. John M. BLUE 

March 11, 1904
Clinton Register

AGED MOTHER CALLED.

Mrs. Sarah BLUE died last night at her home on West White street, being sick sixteen days with pneumonia. Sarah Jane LUTHER was born in Clay county, Ind., Aug. 31, 1844, and was married to John M. BLUE, Jan. 1, 1859. After two years they moved to Champaign, Ill., and to Clinton in 1874, where she had since lived, her husband dying August 31, 1892. Five daughters and five sons were born to them. Two died in infancy; those living are Mrs. Joseph BELL, Hallsville; Mrs. Ollie BELL, Clinton; Mrs. George BLUE, Edwardsville; James, of St. Louis; Charley, Henry, Nora and Lena, at home. Funeral services will be held at the home at 10 o'clock Sunday, conducted by Rev. C. E. Varney. Interment in Woodlawn.

Note: The Woodlawn Cemetery book gives her husband’s death date as August 31, 1901.

John Thomas BLUE 

December 1922
Clinton Journal

Death Claims Aged Resident—
John Blue, Aged 77 Years, Died at Home of Nephew, Carl Blue Today—
Funeral Monday Afternoon.

John BLUE, a resident of DeWitt county for many years, died at 8:45 o’clock this morning at the home of his nephew, Carl W. BLUE, in Texas township. Deceased had been ill for many months with a complication of diseases which were the cause of his demise.

Deceased was a son of Uriah and Jermiah BLUE, and was born in Romney, W. Virginia, May 26, 1845, being 77 years, 6 months and 20 days old at the time of his death. When a small child his parents came to Illinois, settling on a farm near Rowell in DeWitt county. Mr. Blue was a farmer and followed that occupation for many years. Following the death of his parents he moved to Clinton and until her death he made his home with his sister, the late Mrs. Jennie Blue. Since May 19, 1922, he has resided with his nephew Carl Blue and family in Texas township.

Deceased was never married and was the last of a family of eleven children. He was not affiliated with any church but was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Clinton.

Funeral cervices will be held from the home of Carl Blue Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. F. B. Maden, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Clinton will be in charge. Interment will be made in the Old Baptist cemetery in Tunbridge township.

Note: The person in this article was John Thomas Blue. The article contains several factual errors. First, his nephew was named Carl D. Blue, not Carl W. Blue. His mother’s name was Jemima (Welton) Blue, not Jermiah. He was born in Romney, Virginia, not West Virginia. Finally, he resided with his sister-in-law, Jennie (Eckert) Blue, the widow of Uriah Blue. She was not his sister.

Louise BLUE 

June 10, 1922
Clinton Journal

MISS LOUISE BLUE, AGED 15, IS DEAD.
Young Daughter of Carl Blue Died Saturday—
Funeral Tuesday.

Miss Louise BLUE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl D. BLUE, residing in Texas township, seven miles southwest of Clinton, died in the family home at 8:30 o’clock Saturday evening after a prolonged illness with complication of diseases.

Though it had been known for several days that her condition was precarious, her death, nevertheless, was a severe shock to her relatives and friends. Louise’s health had not been good for several years, but she was not taken seriously ill until just a few months ago. Her death will be mourned by many.

Deceased was born in Texas township April 7, 1907, being 15 years of age at the time of her death. She attended the Clinton Community high school and was a member of the sophomore class. Surviving, besides her parents, is a brother, Harold, at home.

The funeral services will be held from the home in Texas township Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Lyla Mae BLUE 

July 15, 1915
Clinton Journal

Infant Daughter Dies.
Six Week Old Child of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Blue Victim of Indigestion.

The six-week-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl BLUE, of Texas township, died last night as a result of a short illness with indigestion. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock.

Note: Her name was found in the Woodlawn Cemetery book.

--------------------

July 17, 1915
Clinton Journal

Funeral of Blue Baby.

The funeral of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl BLUE was held yesterday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the family home, south of Clinton, with Rev. P. H. Aldrich in charge of the services and interment was made in Woodlawn cemetery. A number of relatives and friends followed the funeral car to the cemetery in automobiles.

Mabel (RANDALL) BLUE 

November 14, 1911
Clinton Journal

MRS. CARL BLUE DEAD.
End Comes At Home of Parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Randall on South Jackson Avenue.

Mrs. Carl BLUE died at the home of her parents, Mr. And Mrs. W. H. RANDALL, on South Jackson avenue this afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock, the direct cause of her demise being Brights' disease.

Mrs. Blue had been in poor health the past four years, but only within the last month was her condition considered serious. About two weeks ago she removed from her home in Texas township to that of her parents, that she could have better care, but her physicians could give no hope.

Mabel RANDALL was born in Texas township twenty-six years ago last March. Eight years ago she was united in marriage to Carl BLUE, of Texas township, where they had since resided. Two children were born to this union, Harrold, aged six years, and Louise, aged four years. Besides the mother and father, she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lou (Randall) OWENS, of Chicago; Frank RANDALL, of Madison, South Dakota; Fred RANDALL, of Brownstown, Ill., and Rolla RANDALL, of Texas township.

No funeral arrangements have yet been made, but the service will probably be held Thursday.

Note: Mabel Randall was married to Carl David Blue; her son's name should have been spelled Harold; and Bright's disease was a general name used for kidney failure.

Submitted by Darrell Blue

--------------------

November 17, 1911
Clinton Register

Mrs. Carl Blue Dies.

Tuesday afternoon at 2:20 occurred the death of Mrs. Carl BLUE, at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. RANDALL, at 515 South Jackson Ave.

Mrs. Blue had been in poor health for the past four years, but only during the past few weeks had her condition become serious. Bright’s disease was the fatal ailment. When her condition became worse, she was brought from her home near Rowell to that of her parents, that she might receive the best of care, although physicians held no hope of her complete recovery.

Mabel RANDALL was born and reared in Texas township and was 26 years of age last March. Eight years ago she was united in marriage to Carl BLUE of Texas township, where they had resided since their marriage. To this union two children were born: Harrold, aged 6 years, and Louise, aged 4 years.

Besides the husband, father and mother, deceased is survived by one sister, Mrs. Lou (RANDALL) OWEN, of Chicago, and three brothers, Frank RANDALL, of Madison, S. D.; Fred RANDALL, Brownstown, Ill.; and Rolla RANDALL, of Texas township.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at 3 o’clock from the Christian church, Rev. J. F. Rosborough, officiating, assisted by Rev. J. E. Hart. Interment in Woodlawn.

Marcellus BLUE 

March 17, 1911
Clinton Register

DIED IN KANSAS.

Notice of the death of Marcellus BLUE, which occurred at his home at Orange Falls, Kan., was received here this week.  Deceased was formerly a farmer south of Kenney.   Mr. Blue and family moved to Kansas 23 years ago.  John BLUE, who lives in the south part of Clinton was a cousin of Marcellus Blue and visited him at his home at Orange Falls last November.  Deceased leaves a wife and three daughters; Mrs. Wm. FOX, of Kenney, sister of Mr. Blue, was at his bedside when death came.

Uriah BLUE 

December 25, 1891
Clinton Register

THEIR LIFE WORK ENDED.
H. S. Gatchel, Elias Griffin, Uriah Blue, Ephraim Sriver and Mrs. Louise Wilson Called From Earth.

The last week has marked the close of several busy lives, and the suddenness with which death has claimed the fathers and mothers caused deeper sorrow in the homes of the deceased.

One week ago last Saturday Uriah BLUE of Texas township was in Clinton. Though he had not been feeling well for two or three days, he had been around as usual. On his way home he was taken with a chill which developed into pneumonia and he gradually grew worse. About twelve o'clock Tuesday night the end came—the spirit of an honest and useful man had taken its flight. A good citizen, a kind husband, one esteemed by all had been taken from his family and friends in the prime of manhood—the summer of life. All recognized his worth as a friend, a neighbor and an officer. He had been assessor, commissioner of highways and was an acting justice of the peace. In all these offices he had shown his worth and honesty.

He was 41 years old, born in Virginia in 1850. While he was young his parents moved to Illinois settling on a farm in Texas township which is now owned by F. M. Moore. He was married to Miss Jennie ECKERT, who with four children survives him. He was a man of industry, owning over four hundred acres of land and was one of the most extensive sheep raisers in the county.

Funeral services were held at the residence Thursday at 11 o'clock. The burial was at the Tunbridge cemetery near Kenney.

Note: Uriah was buried in the Baptist Cemetery near Kenney, not Tunbridge Cemetery.

William Jasper BLUE 

December 20, 1917, Wednesday
Clinton Daily Public

JASPER BLUE, AGED 70, DIED OF HEART TROUBLE.
Passed Away in Home Last Night—
Moved to DeWitt County in 1853.

Jasper BLUE, of East Washington street, died last night of heart trouble, passing away at 11 o'clock in his home.  His death had not been unexpected, as he had been a sufferer with heart trouble for some time.  The body was moved to the Oakman chapel.

Mr. Blue was about 70 years of age.  He was born in West Virginia and came to DeWitt county in 1853, where he engaged in farming in Texas township, continuing at that occupation until about two years ago when he moved to Clinton.

He is survived by five sons and one daughter: Ed, George, James, David and True, of Clinton, and Mrs. Annie MOSE, of Decatur.  He is also survived by two brothers, John T., of Clinton, and David, of Kenney.

The wife is ill in the family home on East Washington street.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow morning at the Texas church with burial in the Texas cemetery.  Friends will meet at the home on East Washington street at 10 o'clock.

Note: He is listed in the death index under the name William Jasper Blue.

Mrs. Fenton H. BOGAR 

September 20, 1907
Clinton Register

DIED IN TEXAS.

Mrs. Mary BOGAR, wife of Fenton H. BOGAR, who was a Clinton merchant many years ago, died last week at the home of her son, Fred, in Denison, Texas. The family moved from Clinton about forty years ago. Of her nine children, only one is living, but she is survived by three sisters and a brother. Mrs. Mary DONAHUE, Salt Lake City; Mrs. C. VANDERCOOK, of Springfield, Ill.; Mrs. S. COPE, of Centerville, Ill.; and Wm. CLAGG, of Le Mars, Iowa.

Note: According to information found online, Mary died September 11, 1907, in Denison, Texas, and her husband, Fenton H. Bogar, died March 27, 1901, also in Denison, Texas.

BOGARDUS (infant) 

August 28, 1914
Clinton Register

DEATH OF A BABE.

The baby child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry BOGARDUS died at their home Sunday morning at the age of three weeks.  The mother and babe had left the hospital but three days previous.  The little one weighed but three pounds at birth, but as it was apparently normal in age, it was hoped that it might live.  The parents, a brother and sister survive.  Burial was in Woodlawn Monday.

Mrs. Charles S. BOGARDUS 

January 18, 1901
Clinton Register

DEATH OF A YOUNG WIFE.
Mrs. C. S. Bogardus Dies Suddenly Wednesday Afternoon—
Had Been Sick Only a Few Days.

The many friends of Mrs. Nellie BOGARDUS, wife of Dr. C. S. BOGARDUS, were grieved to learn of her sudden and unexpected death about 3 o'clock Wednesday. Few knew of her illness until her death was announced. Thursday of last week she submitted to an operation and she was thought to be doing well until Tuesday when she became much worse and a Springfield physician was called, but she gradually grew worse.

Nellie A. TAYLOR was born in Clinton July 26, 1875, and her age was 25 years, 5 months and 20 days, and her home had always been with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. TAYLOR. She graduated from the Clinton high school, and from the Wesleyan college of music in Bloomington. Nov. 16, 1899, she was married to Dr. Chas. Bogardus, and they had lived at the home of the parents of Mrs. Bogardus. Besides the husband and parents, three brothers, Walter, William and Edward survive her. They were all at her bedside when death came, except William, who is in the Philippines.

Among her lady friends she was a favorite and was a leader in church and other societies of which she was a member. So closely were many of her friends attached to her that her death came to them as that of a relative. Funeral services in the M. E. church today at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. T. A. Canady. Interment in Woodlawn.

Edward S. BOGARDUS 

November 15, 1912
Clinton Register

CONTRACTOR BOGARDUS IS DEAD.
A Tumor on the Brain was Cause of Death—
Ill But Three Weeks.

E. S. BOGARDUS, a well-known carpenter-contractor, and son of Henry BOGARDUS, died Tuesday at this home on North Mulberry street at 12 o'clock noon.

Deceased had been in failing health for the past year, but had been confined to his bed for only three weeks.  Preparations had been made to take him to the Warner hospital the day of his demise.

Ed Bogardus was born and raised in this city and was aged 45 [or 46] years.  He had followed the carpenter trade for the past thirteen years.  With the exception of three years in Piper City, ford County, Illinois, he had resided in Clinton.

He was married in 1891 to Miss Hattie EARL, of Campus, Ill.  Two children were born to them: Ethel, aged 13, and Orville, aged 20.  Besides the widow, his children and father, there survives one brother, Frank, of Fairfield, Iowa; a half sister, Mrs. Laura Fennell, of California; four half brothers: Harry, of Decatur; Russell, Philip and Arthur Bogardus, Clinton.

Deceased was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles of this city and of the Loyal Americans.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 2:30, from the home, conducted by Rev. J. F. Rosborough.  Interment was in Woodlawn.

Henry BOGARDUS 

April 11, 1913
Clinton Register

WELL KNOWN MAN DEAD.
Contractor and Former Member of the City Council Passed Away at His Home Yesterday.

Henry BOGARDUS, for many years a contracting carpenter and for two terms an alderman, died Wednesday night soon after three o'clock, aged 76.  About three years ago he was stricken with paralysis and since then had done little at his trade, spending part of the time at Selma, Cal. with his daughter, but for a year or more had been in Clinton, and for some time was seldom seen on the streets.  Monday night he had another stroke of paralysis and from that time there was hope for only a few days of life for him.

Henry Bogardus was born near Niagara Falls, Canada, January 23, 1837.  When a young man, he learned the trade of a cabinet maker in Cincinnati, which was twenty miles from his home.  He was married to Miss Rachel PACKARD Nov. 29, 1862, and they came to DeWitt county three years later.  Three children were born, only one of whom, Frank of Fairfield, Ia., is living.  His wife died in Colorado Springs, Col., Dec. 15, 1872, to where they went two years before for her health.  He returned to Clinton soon afterward.

Mr. Bogardus was married to Miss Margaret McCullough Jan. 10, 1875.  To them six children were born, five of them are living: Mrs. Fennell, of Selma, Cal., Henry O., Arthur D., Philip L., and Russell H., of Clinton.  He is also survived by his wife and the following brothers and sisters: Philip, Peter, Frank, Benjamin and Cornelia, of Canada, and one sister at Miami, Fla.  A son, Edward, died last fall.

He was a member of the Universalist church and of the K. of P.’s, and was active in church and lodge work.

As Mrs. Fennell is on her way to Clinton, the funeral will not be held until Sunday at 3 o'clock.  Services at the residence on North Monroe St., conducted by Rev. A. H. Laing.  Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Stephen BOGARDUS 

September 9, 1904
Clinton Register

AGED THREE SCORE YEARS.
Father of Dr. Bogardus Died at Noon today at His Home on South Monroe Street.

Stephen BOGARDUS, who had been confined to his bed two months, died at 12 o'clock today at his home on South Monroe street, aged 60.  This week he became worse and his sons were telegraphed.  They arrived before his death, except one who is in Montana.

Stephen Bogardus was born in the state of New York in March 1844, in the same county that Judge PARKER was born in, and his parents came to Illinois when he was young.  He graduated from Normal University and conducted a business college in Springfield, Ill., from 1870 to 1893.  He was then principal of a ward school in the city several years.  In June 1903, he bought property in Clinton and this had since been his home.  He had been afflicted with an incurable nervous trouble about two years.  He is survived by his wife and five sons.  They are Dr. Charles S., of Clinton; William I., of Davenport, Ia.; Frank, of Terra Haute, Ind.; Fred, of Somer, Mont., and George of Springfield.

Funeral will be held at the home Sunday forenoon, unless it is necessary to change time.  Burial in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Stephen BOGARDUS 

January 29, 1917, Monday
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. M. J. BOGARDUS DIED EARLY SUNDAY.
One of City's Most Respected Women—
Graduated from State Normal in 1868 and Taught Term.

Mrs. Mary Jane BOGARDUS, 219 South Monroe street, one of Clinton’s oldest and most respected citizens, died suddenly about 5 o'clock Sunday morning after being ill less than 12 hours.  She took ill at the supper table Saturday night with heart trouble, and though she rallied and passed a good night sleeping quietly, she died suddenly in the morning.

Graduated in 1868.

Mary Jane SMITH was the daughter of W. B. and Dephina SMITH and was born in Mechanicsburg, Ill., on April 1, 1842.  The mother died a great many years ago, but the father died in 1912 at the age of 93 years.  She lived with her parents in Mechanicsburg and when quite a small child the family moved to Clinton, where the father was for many years a teacher in the Clinton public schools.  When Mrs. Bogardus was about 19 or 20 years of age, the family moved to Normal in order that their children, three in number, might receive a good school education.  Mrs. Bogardus entered the Normal university from which school she graduated in 1868.

Married Classmate.

Immediately after her graduation she was married to Stephen BOGARDUS, who was also a member of that graduating class.  After their marriage they moved to Marengo, Ill., where they both engaged in teaching for a period of two or three years.  From Marengo they moved to Springfield, where Mr. Bogardus followed the course of school teaching, but it was while he was located at Springfield that he was forced to give up his work because of ill health.  The family then moved to Clinton where they since resided.  Mr. Bogardus died in September 1903 [1904].

Five Sons Survive.

Mrs. Bogardus leaves five sons.  They are Dr. C. S. Bogardus, of Clinton; W. I. Bogardus, of Dallas, Tex.; F. S. Bogardus, of Terre Haute, Ind.; Dr. F. B. Bogardus, of Eureka, Mont.; and George W. Bogardus, of Des Moines, Ia.  All of the sons, with the exception of Dr. F. B. Bogardus, of Eureka, Mont., will be here to attend the funeral.  There are also nine grandchildren and two sisters surviving.  The sisters are Mrs. Reba Imboden, of Wichita, Kas., and Mrs. M. M. Granger, of Geuda Springs, Kas.

Mrs. Bogardus was an active member of the local Methodist church.  Her father was also a staunch Methodist, having served as deacon in the church in Wichita, Kas., and in this city.  She was also a member of the McCorkle Club and of the Fin de Siecle Club.

The funeral services will be held in the late home, 219 South Monroe street, Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. A. M. Wells of the M. E. church will officiate and interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Mrs. Anna BOGGS 

February 9, 1900
Clinton Register

The remains of Mrs. Anna BOGGS were interred in Old Union cemetery Tuesday. She was an octogenarian and had lived many years in the vicinity of old Hallsville, until two years ago when she broke up housekeeping and went to make her home with a daughter near Springfield, at whose home the summons came suddenly and without the pangs of illness; the aged timepiece simply stopped. She was the mother of the late Samuel DAVIS and Calvin DAVIS of Kenney. She had lived a quiet, peaceful and unassuming life and will be greatly missed by her children and friends.

James P. BOHAN 

November 21, 1913
Clinton Register

WELL-KNOWN MAN DIED SUNDAY.
PASSING OF JAMES P. BOHAN.
Complication of Diseases, Followed by Apoplexy, Culminates in Death&38212;
Had Many Friends.

At the Warner hospital, shortly after 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon, James P. BOHAN passed quietly to his eternal rest after a short illness, a stoke of apoplexy, which he suffered on an interurban car one week previous, while returning from Decatur, being the prime cause of his demise, although his health had been poor for some time and he had been taking treatment in the above city.

“Jim” Bohan was one of the best known men in this section, having lived here for the past 23 years.  Until 14 years ago he worked on a salary at various callings, when he became associated in business with W. L. JOHNSON, this partnership continuing until a few months ago.  The two men were not related by blood, although deceased was a cousin of Mrs. JOHNSON, but the men were like brothers, and when Mr. Bohan was stricken, his former partner was the first to look after him, and when the former passed away, the latter closed his place of business and it so remained until after the funeral.  This was a mark of respect not always shown.

J. P. Bohan was born on a farm west of Wapella in July, 1865.  His father died when he was a small boy, and for years he made his home with his aunt, Mrs. Margaret Greene, at Wapella, where the former treated him as a son.  Later, his mother having again married and moved to Clinton, he came to this city, which had since been his home.  Four months ago last Wednesday he buried his mother, and had since made his home with his step-father, John REYNOLDS, and a half sister, Miss Mary A. REYNOLDS.

Deceased was a friend of everybody and although a man of few words, they were always spoken, and it is said that he had no enemies, whicle his friends were legion.  It is understood that Mr. Bohan left considerable insurance, which, on account of the death of his mother, goes to his half-sister, Miss Reynolds.

He was a member of St. John’s Catholic church, from which the funeral was held at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, Father Monahan of Wapella conducting the services.   Interment was in Woodlawn.

Anna Marie (ZIEGLER) BOHRER 

December 30, 1910
Clinton Register

Mrs. Anna M. BOHRER, one of the eldest residents of Bloomington, died in her home in that city Sunday afternoon [Dec. 25] at 3:45. Deceased was a sister of Jacob ZIEGLER, living southeast of Clinton.

Mrs. James BOLDRICK 

January 24, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH OF AGED WOMAN.

Wednesday night Mrs. Nellie BOLDRICK, sister of Mrs. VOSBURG, died at the latter’s home, aged 76, being sick over a month.  Deceased’s maiden name was CUNDIFF, and she was born in Champaign county, Ohio, in 1832.  Three years later her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry CUNDIFF, moved to McLean Co., Ill., and a year later to Clinton.  She was married to Henry BEATTY, who died, and she married Rev. Jas. BOLDRICK and they went to Denison, Texas, to live.  After his death, she returned to Clinton.

Isaac N. BOLIN 

March 14, 1913
Clinton Register

FORMER CLINTON MAN DEAD.
Was a Merchant in Decatur Where He Had Lived About Fifteen Years.

The following is from the Decatur Herald of March 13:

I. N. BOLIN, 64 years old, died at 2:45 Tuesday afternoon at his home of ptomaine poisoning, after an illness since Sunday evening. He has been in the meat and grocery business in Decatur since 1898 and before that was in business in Clinton, being well known throughout DeWitt county.

He was born near Wapella in DeWitt county, April 29, 1849, being the youngest son of Morris and Rebecca BOLIN. He was married to Miss Ella CRAVEN, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John CRAVEN, on December 25, 1870. She died March 7, 1901. To them were born five children, four of whom are living: Mrs. J. B. RINEHART, Mrs. W. L. HULL, Mrs. L. B. BURNS, all of Decatur and John O. BOLIN of Bloomington.

He was married in 1909 to Miss Grace WALTERS and to them one daughter was born. He leaves besides the other children named, a widow and daughter, Mary, at home; also a sister, Mrs. M. E. TURNER, in Wapella, and two brothers, C. E. BOLIN, of Milton, Ill., and W. H. BOLIN, of Wapella. He united with the Wapella Christian church forty years ago and never changed his membership.

Funeral from the Christian church at Clinton at 2:00 p.m., on Friday March 14. Services in charge of Rev. J. F. Rosborough.

Note: Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BOLIN, ISAAC N.   CRAVEN, HARRIETT E.    12/25/1870   DE WITT

William H. BOLIN 

December 10, 1915
Clinton Daily Public

WILLIAM BOLIN, 81, DROPS DEAD;
WAS LIFELONG RESIDENT.
Was Born in DeWitt County in 1834—
Dies While Getting Load of Cobs.
KNOWN ALL OVER COUNTRY.

William BOLIN, eighty-one, a life-long resident of DeWitt county, fell dead this morning at the home of John Armstrong, where he had gone after a load of cobs.  He died about 10:30 o'clock.

While he was busy loading the cobs, Mrs. Bert Alwood, who with her husband lives on the Armstrong farm, spoke to her husband about Mr. Bolin being out in the bitter weather.

Mr. Alwood stepped out to see how he was getting along and just as he left the house, he saw the aged man fall to the ground.  He expired a few moments later.

Coroner Moore was summoned and the inquest was held this afternoon.

Lived Here All His Life.

W. H. Bolin was born in DeWitt county on Sept. 1, 1834.  He had always lived in this county, spending the greater part of his life in Wilson township.  The last sixteen years have been spent on a farm in Harp township.

Mr. Bolin was known from one end of the county to the other as "Dad" Bolin.  He had a very cheery disposition and made friends wherever he went.

Married Thrice.

He was married three times.  His first wife was Minerva WILLIAMS, of Lake Fork, deceased; his second wife was Mary MITCHELL, of Clinton, also deceased.  His third wife was Marilla PORTER.  They were married in Clinton sixteen years ago last month and have lived on the home farm in Harp township since their marriage.

Besides his wife he is survived by the following children: George and John BOLIN, of Clarksville, IA.; Newton BOLIN, of Burt, Ia.; Charles BOLIN, of Mason City; Mrs. Edith LOWMILLER and Mrs. Belle LOWMILLER, of Eaglegrove, Ia.; Dolph MITCHELL, Teopa, Minn.; Elmer PORTER, of Louisiana; Chauncy PORTER, of Kankakee; these latter three being step-children; Mrs. Minnie ALWOOD, Cambrick, La.  Two children died in infancy and another, Rebecca SHORT, died several years ago.  He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Mercer TURNER, of Wapella, and one brother, Charles BOLIN, of Milton, Ill.

He was a lifelong member of the Christian church.  No funeral arrangements will be made until the children are heard from.

Note: He was buried in Sugar Grove Cemetery, Wapella, Illinois.

Mrs. William H. BOLIN 

May 12, 1893
Clinton Public

Mrs. Mary A. BOLIN, wife of W. H. BOLIN, died on Sunday night, of consumption, age 55 years, 7 months and 13 days.  Her remains were interred at the Sugar Grove cemetery on Monday afternoon.  A large number of friends and relatives were present.  She leaves a husband and five children surviving her.  Eld. Shanklin officiated at the funeral.

John BOLTON 

July 16, 1886
Clinton Public

Many of the old survivors of Company E, and others with whom he was acquainted, will sincerely regret to learn of the death of John BOLTON, which occurred at his home in Lemont, Ill., on Sunday morning of this week. Mr. Bolton was one of the original members of the company, which was organized in Clinton in 1861, and for a number of years he made this city his home. Throughout the entire war he was a brave and daring soldier, and perhaps in his whole company no member was more of a favorite or better liked than he. A number of years ago he moved to Lemont, where he had since resided. He served the people of that city in the capacity of justice of the peace for a long time, and his administration of that office was certainly very eccentric. If he personally came in contact with violators of the law he would arrest them himself, take them to his office, assess their fine and let them go. Did they resist he would take them by force. Mr. Bolton's official career was filled with honor and credit to himself and the people, and his death is the loss of a man that was upright, honest and intelligent.

Laura BONE 

December 8, 1893
Clinton Public

In the spring of 1892 Laura BONE went to live with Mrs. H. A. STUBBLEFIELD, in Harp township.  She was young and pretty, and made many friends in her new home.   Last spring while working for Mrs. Argo near Clinton, she took a severe cold, and went to stay with her grandfather, Mr. HOWARD, of Creek.  She got no better, and in August returned to Mrs. Stubblefield’s for a short time, hoping the change would be a benefit, but she rapidly got worse.  The service of an able physician was procured, but in vain, for the poor girl was in the last stages of consumption and was doomed.  Laura was an orphan and had never known the love of a mother, but in those last months Mrs. Stubblefield was mother, friend and nurse, and tried to gratify every expressed wish, and with all a mother’s love comforted the dying girl.  To the soldier who performs a heroic deed on the field of battle is awarded a medal of honor.  To her who week after week, when tired and sick, patiently watched over a stranger’s child, may there be awarded a crown of eternal love.  On the 24th of November, her seventeenth birthday, Laura Bone passed quietly away, leaving many friends to mourn her early death.

William BONE 

April 6, 1877
Clinton Public

William BONE, a young farmer of Creek township, committed suicide on Saturday, March 31.

(See news article)

Dr. J. C. BOOK 

April 20, 1883
Clinton Public

HE DIED AT THE END OF A TOWEL.

Those who lived in Clinton before the days of the war will remember Dr. J. C. BOOK, who kept a saloon on the corner where Freudenstein's clothing store now stands. In his younger days the Doctor had studied medicine, but probably thinking that wealth would come to him easier as a dispenser of "budge" than of drugs, he opened a saloon in Clinton. About the time of the breaking out of the war he quit the business and went to Keokuk, Iowa, where he spent one winter in the medical college in that city. After graduating he entered the army as surgeon of a regiment, and at the close of the war he re-entered the service as a contract surgeon, and made for himself quite a reputation. After leaving the army he located in Stewartsville, Mo., where he married a lady of some wealth, and at once became the leading physician in his section of the country. On last Tuesday he committed suicide by hanging himself to a bed-post with a towel. No cause is known why he should have killed himself, as he was in good circumstances.

Mrs. William H. BOOTH 

January 20, 1905
Clinton Register

CALLED TO HER FINAL REST.
One of Clinton’s Best-Known Women Dies Suddenly Before Her Husband Reaches Home.

Again has death entered a Clinton home and taken from it a kind and loving wife. So sudden and unexpected was the visit that she was not permitted to say farewell to her husband, who had left her only a short time before. And soon after arriving at his office he was notified by phone to return home at once, and was hastening to the bedside of his companion when her spirit took its flight, and Wm. H. BOOTH’s home had lost its precious jewel. The woman who had been a part of his life nearly fifteen years had been taken from him in the twinkling of an eye. Such is life; such is death. They are as day and night; where life ends death begins. Joy is changed to sadness, and the heart overflows with grief for the dear ones who have gone before.

Mrs. BOOTH had been confined to her bed two days and few knew of her sickness. Saturday morning she seemed no worse and Mr. Booth went to his office about 8 o’clock. Within half an hour he was informed there was a sudden change. He hastened home, but death had hushed the voice of his loved one before he arrived. She had been afflicted with heart trouble several years.

Theresa CRANG was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. CRANG, deceased, and was born in Clinton Mar. 16, 1860. She had always lived in Clinton, therefore, was one of its best-known women. She grew up among those who loved her best. They were her friends, her schoolmates and well wishers. With heavy hearts they tenderly placed many floral tributes upon her casket. Those who had known her as a school girl, as a young lady, as a wife knew her as the same today and tomorrow, kind and friendly at all times.

Since June 18, 1890, she has been the companion of the man to whom has come his greatest sorrow. Their married life had been as a gently flowing stream. Happily they passed along life’s pathway, plucking the flowers of contentment by the wayside. But alas! How soon is happiness changed to sadness. How does sorrow drive away laughter and mock at those who weep. But for all that, the living can remember the dead kindly.

Mrs. Booth had grown up with Clinton society and as a member of the Fortnightly club, Clinton’s oldest social association of women, she had served as president and recently was made vice-president. She was also a leading member of the Relief Corps and was active in providing for those in need. She was always willing to do what she could to assist the unfortunate.

Three sisters and three brothers survive her. They are Mrs. Nellie OLIVER, Miss Nora CRANG, of Clinton; and Mrs. Alice CALDWELL, of Birmingham, Ala.; Frank, Fred and Richard, of Clinton. Miss Nora was visiting in Birmingham when news of Mrs. Booth’s death reached her. With her sister she arrived home Sunday afternoon.

Funeral services were held at the home on North Monroe street Tuesday at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. BLACK. The singing was by Mrs. A. E. CAMPBELL, Mrs. C. M. WARNER, J. D. ROGERS and W. F. GORMAN. The pall bearers were Wm. MONSON, M. STURM, Frank ADKISON, J. H. SCHMITH, G. K. INGHAM and F. C. DAVIDSON. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Rebecca (CHENOWETH) BORDERS 

May 5, 1899
Clinton Public

MRS. REBECCA BORDERS DEAD.
One of the Oldest Residents of DeWitt County Passes Away.
SUMMONS CAME SUDDENLY.
Funeral Services Will be Held on Friday, May 5th.

Mrs. Rebecca BORDERS, aged 81 years, one of the oldest residents of DeWitt county, died Wednesday at 10 a.m., after an illness of but a few hours. Deceased was in apparent good health Tuesday afternoon, but was taken suddenly ill in the evening, being unconscious most of the time until her death. She leaves to mourn her, five daughters and one son, Mrs. T. B. GRAVES, of Burlington Junction, Mo.; Mrs. Anna HUMPHREY, near Kenney; Mrs. John STEWART, of Wellington, Kan.; Finley M. BORDERS, of near the village of DeWitt; and Miss Lyda, living at home. She also leaves to mourn her demise two brothers and two sisters. Funeral will be held Friday.

--------------------

May 12, 1899
Clinton Public

IN MEMORIAM.

“The departed, the departed, they visit us in dreams,
They glide about our memory, like shadow over streams.”

And who would have it otherwise? The visions that hover around us are to our waking hours as angel visitants, bringing tender memories of long- forgotten childhood days before the home circle had been broken. Blessed remembrance of the holy influence of the saintly fathers and mothers who have left their impress upon heart and life of their loved ones. While they have heard the joyful summons, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the rest that has been prepared for all Christ's chosen ones,” we are left to mourn their departure and profit by their example; and as these lovely spring days come and go, never to return, so they bear our loved ones away to the silent tomb, leaving our hearts sad and our homes desolate—as Mother BORDERS’ children realize the truth of the saying, “What is home without a mother?”

Rebecca CHENOWETH was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 13, 1817. Was married to William B. BORDERS on January 15, 1837, and moved to DeWitt county in 1852, settling on a farm two miles northwest of Clinton. Her husband, a well-known local Methodist preacher, preceded her to the better land thirty-five years ago, and on May 3, 1899, after two days’ illness, she departed this life to be with God. Mother Borders was a woman of sterling character. Early in life she became a Christian, uniting with the M. E. church and continuing a faithful member all these years, rearing her family in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. She was the mother of seven children, five of whom are left to mourn her departure, her daughter Lydia being the only one present when death came so unexpectedly. The others were present at her funeral: Mrs. Angie GROVES, of Burlington Junction, Mo.; Mrs. Anna HUMPHREY, of Kenney, Ill.; Mrs. Lewella STEWART of Wellington, Kan.; and Finley M. BORDERS, of Swisher, Ill. The funeral was held at her late home in Clinton on Friday afternoon, May 5th, conducted by her pastor, Rev. J. B. HORNEY. Text, Rev. 14:13. Her remains were followed to Woodlawn cemetery by a host of sorrowing friends and neighbors, where she was laid to rest by the side of her loved companion and a son, who died in young manhood.

William B. BORDERS 

February 4, 1864
DeWitt County Public & Central Transcript

FATAL DISEASE.—A strange disease has appeared in this neighborhood called the ‘cold plague,’ which has proved fatal in almost every instance.  The Rev. Mr. BORDERS died of it a few days since, and others are now suffering from it.

Note: Rev. William B. Borders died January 20, 1864, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

(See news article regarding the Cold Plague.)

Daniel BORDNER 

October 7, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

DANIEL BORDNER, 86, DIED THIS MORNING.
After Illness Lasting More Than Year—
Funeral Will Be Held Wednesday It Is Thought.

Daniel BORDNER, aged 86 years, one of the best known citizens of DeWitt county, died this morning at his home at 414 North Mulberry street, after an illness lasting for more than a year, although the deceased had only been bedfast for the past week.   Death was due to advanced age complicated with a slight stroke of paralysis.   The deceased is survived by his wife and nine children, two of whom, Milo and Amos, reside in Clinton.

Mr. Bordner, who was for many years a farmer in this county, had for many years lived a retired life.  He was a leading member of the Odd Fellows lodge and that order will be in charge of the funeral which will be held from the Presbyterian church Wednesday afternoon at 2:30, the services being conducted by Dr. Johnson, assisted by Rev. Cartwright, according to the present arrangements.  Burial will be made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Thompson BOSLER 

January 30, 1880
Clinton Public

SUDDEN DEATH—

Thompson BOSLER, as fine a specimen of rugged health as there was in Clinton, died very suddenly on Wednesday night between ten and eleven o'clock. For two or three days previous he was complaining of slight sickness, but was still able to attend to his work. On Wednesday he worked all day at his forge and in the evening he ate a hearty supper. Toward nine o'clock at night he complained of a heaviness about his stomach, and requested his daughter not to go to bed for awhile as he might need her assistance. A little later he was seized with violent pains and chills and his daughter sent for Dr. T. K. EDMISTON to prescribe for him. The Doctor administered a potion and recommended that Mr. Bosler’s feet be put in hot water to counteract the chill. His situation becoming alarming, Dr. GOODBRAKE was also summoned, and by the time he arrived at the house, Mr. Bosler, who was sitting in a chair with his feet in water, gave one or two gasps and expired. It is the opinion of the doctors that the immediate cause of Mr. Bosler’s death was heart disease. Mr. Bosler was born in Carlisle, Penn., on the 18th of May, 1816, and came to Clinton on the 26th of June, 1867. He was a hard working and industrious man and a good citizen. The suddenness of his death was a great shock to his family and friends.

Daniel BOSSERMAN 

April 26, 1889
Clinton Public

Plowed in the Field Till Noon—
Dead at Three O'clock in the Afternoon.

The sudden death, on last Wednesday, of Daniel BOSSERMAN, one of the leading farmers of DeWitt township, has cast a gloom over that community. Daniel Bosserman was the picture of health and gave promise to long life. Till the noon hour on Wednesday he was at work plowing in one of his fields, and then he unhitched his horses from the plow and started homeward. His youngest son, Charley, was also at work in the field and started home about the same time that his father did. Charley had put his team in the stable and when he came out of the barn he saw his father's team grazing by the roadside and his father laying down. He ran toward him and found his father unconscious. He called for help and Uncle Daniel was carried to the house and a man was dispatched to town for a physician. Uncle Daniel was beyond all human aid. At three o'clock he died. His death was caused by apoplexy. From the time his son found him by the roadside till he died he remained unconscious.

Daniel Bosserman was born in Perry county, Ohio, on the 23d of January, 1824, and was married to Rachel YOUNG, in Franklin county, Ohio, on the 12th of November, 1846. The result of their union was ten children, seven of whom survive him. He came to Illinois in 1860 and located on a farm in DeWitt township, where he lived for nearly twenty-nine years. Daniel Bosserman was one of the representative farmers of this county, and by attending closely to his business he had accumulated enough of this world's goods to secure comfort for his old age. He never dabbled in public affairs beyond exercising the franchise of a citizen, but was always interested in the selection of good men to manage county and township affairs. No kinder neighbor than Daniel Bosserman could be found, and his death brought general sorrow not only in his own immediate neighborhood but beyond the limits of the township in which he lived. Death has made sad inroads in DeWitt township during the past few years.

Jane (HURSEY) BOSSERMAN 

April 3, 1891
Clinton Public

Died, at her home in Weldon, April 1st, Mrs. Jane BOSSERMAN, beloved wife of John BOSSERMAN. Mrs. Bosserman’s maiden name was Jane HURSEY. She was born in Licking county, Ohio, May 20, 1820, and was at the time of her death 70 years, 10 months and 12 days old. She was married to John Bosserman November 5, 1840. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary the 5th day of last November. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bosserman. Three died in infancy; four survive her, as follows: Edward, living in Nebraska; Mrs. William HODGE, living near Weldon; Elijah, living in Kansas; and Mrs. Dr. DREW, living in Weldon, with whom they have been making their home. The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church, Weldon, on Thursday morning, April 2d, and were conducted by Rev. Thomas KELLEY, pastor of the M. P. Church, assisted by Rev. T. CLARK, of the M. E. Church.

John BOSSERMAN 

September 9, 1892
Clinton Public

One by one the old settlers of this county are crossing the River of Death, swelling the silent majority beyond. Of four brothers of the BOSSERMAN family who came from Ohio in the fifties to make a home in this county but one survives. John BOSSERMAN had passed the allotted years of threescore and ten, when on the first day of September, at the ripe age of seventy-two years, six months and eight days, he departed this life at the home of his son-in-law, Dr. A. M. DREW, in the village of Weldon. John Bosserman was born in Perry County, Ohio, on the 23d of February, 1820, and was married on the 5th of November, 1840, to Jane HURSEY. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are living—Edward, in Superior, Neb.; Elijah, in Wallace Co., Kansas; Sarah, wife of Wm. HODGES; and Nancy, wife of Dr. A. M. DREW, at Weldon. On the 5th day of November, 1890, John Bosserman and his good wife celebrated their golden wedding [anniversary], and at that time, surrounded by their children and friends, they gave promise of many years of useful life. Five months later his home was desolated by the hand of Death, and the wife to whom he plighted his affections when both were young was taken from him. The shock was too great for the old man, and he never recovered from it.

John Bosserman came to DeWitt County in 1857 and bought a farm near what is now known as the village of Weldon. When Weldon was located in 1872, when the railroad was built through that town, he moved to the village site and built the first house. He left the boys to run the farm while he followed his trade of carpenter and builder. He did much toward the building up of the town, and his skill as a workman can be seen in many fine houses that he built through that part of the country. In 1887, having acquired all of this world's goods necessary to make his remaining years independent, he retired from active work and enjoyed the fruits of his long years of labor. He was an ardent believer in the Republican party, and during his last sickness, which he felt would end in death, he expressed anxiety to live till next November so that he could cast one more vote for President Harrison.

The Masonic lodge of Weldon, of which Mr. Bosserman was a charter member and always an earnest supporter of its principles, had charge of the funeral ceremonies; prominent Masons from all over the county joining in paying the last tribute to the memory of their worthy brother. His remains were laid to rest in the cemetery beside his wife. United for more than half a century, death did not long divide them.

Samuel BOSSERMAN 

May 20, 1892
Clinton Public

Death of Samuel Bosserman.

One by one the old citizens of this county are passing away. This week we have to record the death of Samuel BOSSERMAN, who died at his home in Holder, McLean county, on last Friday, May 13, in the sixty- ninth year of his age. For the past three years Mr. Bosserman had been an invalid, but for only three months was he confined to his home. Two of his sons, one from Grafton, Nebraska, and the other from Council Bluffs, Iowa, came home to visit him, and the evening before his death they left for their homes, thinking that his recovery was certain and in a few days he would be able to attend to the light duties of his place. The next morning, while sitting on a chair, he died suddenly from an attack of heart disease.

Samuel Bosserman was born in Pennsylvania on the 28th of June, 1816, and when he was but nine months old his parents moved to Perry county, Ohio. In 1836 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary EWING, a sister of Mr. John EWING, and to them nine children were born, eight of whom are still living. One of his sons, Mr. Joseph R. BOSSERMAN, is engaged in the drug business in this city. In the year 1854 Samuel Bosserman brought his family to this county and located on a farm in DeWitt township, and with the exception of his temporary residence in McLean county, DeWitt has been his home for over thirty-three years. His wife died in January, 1863, and the care of the family then devolved on the oldest daughter. Mr. Bosserman took an active interest in the prosperity and development of this county, and for a number of years he held the position of postmaster, which he finally resigned. The Bosserman brothers were an important factor in the history of DeWitt township, and all of them were prosperous. The high esteem in which Samuel Bosserman was held was evidenced by the large number who attended his funeral at DeWitt on last Sunday.

Susan BOSSERMAN 

March 6, 1885
Clinton Public

Miss Susan BOSSERMAN, an aged lady, died at the residence of her brother, Daniel BOSSERMAN, north of town, on Friday night, and was buried at DeWitt on Sunday.

Henry BOURNE 

March 2, 1906
Clinton Register

ANOTHER DEATH AT DEWITT.

Henry BOWRNE [BOURNE] died yesterday about 1 o'clock at his home in DeWitt of cancer, having been in a serious condition several months. Deceased had lived near DeWitt on a farm over thirty years, and was about 58 years old. He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. RIDLE and Rufus, both of DeWitt. He owned a farm of 120 acres near DeWitt and was a good citizen. Funeral services will be held today at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Forbis. Burial in DeWitt cemetery.

Note: Henry’s last name was BOURNE, not BOWRNE; his daughter’s last name was RIEDLE, not RIDLE; and Rev. FORBIS was Rev. FORBES.

Mrs. Henry BOURNE 

September 1929
Paper Unknown

Mrs. Anna Bourne, Formerly of DeWitt, Dies in Springfield.

Mrs. Anna BOURNE, until 10 years ago a resident of DeWitt, died at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in St. John’s hospital, Springfield, after an illness since last March with a stroke of paralysis. Anna BOYLE, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus BOYLE, was born in Garrett county, Kentucky 72 years ago. She was married to Henry BOURNE and to them were born two children, Mrs. E. R. REDDLE of Virden, with whom she had lived the past few years, and Rufus BOURNE, at Texas. Mr. Bourne, her husband, preceded her in death. Besides her children she leaves a number of nieces and nephews, one nephew, Taylor RUSSELL, living at Farmer City. She was a member of the Presbyterian church at DeWitt from which church the funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will be in the DeWitt cemetery.

Note: Her daughter's last name was RIEDLE.
From the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950:
BOURNE, ANNIE BOYLE   F/W   UNK   1929-09-03   SANGAMON    SPRINGFIELD

William BOURNE 

September 25, 1914
Clinton Register

DEATH AT DEWITT.

At eight o’clock Tuesday evening at his home in DeWitt occurred the death of William BOURNE, a retired farmer and one of the best known men in that vicinity. Deceased was born in Kentucky about sixty years ago and forty years ago came to this county where he located on a farm near DeWitt, residing there until a few years ago when he gave up active duties. His widow before her marriage was Miss Dora WILLIAMS. No children were born to them. He also leaves a brother, John BOURNE, at DeWitt. Funeral services were held at two o’clock yesterday afternoon from the M. E. church in DeWitt. Rev. Honn officiating. Burial in DeWitt cemetery.

Note: Was his wife Dora Williams or Idora Williamson?
From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BOURNE, WILLIAM   WILLIAMSON, IDORA W.    03/25/1886   DE WITT

Sarah M. (SELBY) BOWER 

September 30, 1910
Clinton Register

SARAH M. BOWER.
Long a Well Known and Respected Resident of the County and City Rests—
Funeral Tuesday Afternoon.

Again has the grim reaper come into our midst and with its unmerciful hand taken from among us one of our most respected and honored Christian women and early settlers, Sarah M. BOWER, who died at her home, 817 West North street, Sunday morning at 7:30 from a general breakdown produced by age. She had been ill since last July, but not until the last month was she compelled to take to her bed. Her four children were at the bedside when death came.

Sarah M. SELBY was born April 9, 1824, in Cumberland county, Ky., near Berksville. She was the daughter of Nicholas SELBY and Margaret YOUNG, both natives of Kentucky; her father was a soldier in the war of 1812 and of the Blackhawk war. They came to Illinois in 1825; the mother rode the entire distance on horseback, carrying her 17 months old daughter, Sarah M., and settled near Winchester, Scott county. During their residence in that county, deceased was united in marriage to Abram MARTIN February 21, 1844. Two children were born of this union; Mrs. P. N. Williams, of Daunt [Tulare County], California, and one daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Martin died Nov. 1, 1847.

Her second marriage was to Alexander WITHERS, to which union four children were born: Mrs. J. M. PORTER and Mrs. Dr. J. N. MORIN, of Clinton; William A. WITHERS, of Gowrie, Iowa; one son, James, who died at the age of 11 years. Her second husband met death during the siege at Vicksburg and is one among the many who are resting in unmarked graves. Her mother died in Winchester, Ill., in 1851. Then with her family she came to this county in 1865 and located on a small farm southwest of Clinton, and with the help of her son, William, and what money she could make in selling clay and boarding employees of the brickyard, she purchased the little farm. It was from her farm that brick was made which was used in the construction of the Methodist church of this city.

Her third marriage was to John R. BOWER, at Clinton, in October 1869. They went immediately after to a farm near Oreana in Macon County, returning shortly and residing on a small tract near the north limits of the city until 1881, when they moved to town and purchased the residence on West North street, where she was again bereft of her help-mate in June 1887. Since that time Mrs. Bower has lived alone, making her own way entirely, and until last month was able to do her chores and look after her affairs about the home. Last July was the first time she had really been ill since 1865.

Deceased united with the Baptist church at the age of 16 years, and continued a member of that organization 54 years; then she placed her letter with the Methodist church of this city.

Besides those mentioned above, Mrs. Bower is survived by 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

(Tuesday’s Daily)

A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral service of Sarah M. Bower this afternoon at the home, 817 West North street. The funeral sermon was by Rev. G. W. FLAGGE, pastor of the Methodist church. Many beautiful floral offerings were tendered by friends of the deceased. The pall was borne by Robert BLACK, C. F. LONGBRAKE, T. A. HULL, P. F. CORKINS, C. R. GIDEON, Henry MUSSON. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mrs. Anson BOWERS 

June 9, 1899
Clinton Public

MRS. A. BOWERS DEAD.
A Young Mother Succumbs to Typhoid Pneumonia.

Mrs. Anson BOWERS, who has been very ill for the past four weeks with typhoid pneumonia, died last Tuesday at 5 a.m., aged 28 years. Deceased was born and reared in Lincoln, and was united in marriage to Mr. BOWERS about five years ago, and to them have been born three children, all of whom survive her. She was a sister of Mrs. James CORRIGAN, of this city, and Mrs. Lawrence MURPHY, living north of Clinton. A large concourse of mourning friends and relatives attended the funeral of the late Mrs. Josie Bowers at St. John's church on Wednesday. Rev. Fr. DOOLING delivered an impressive sermon, touching on immortality and the reward of the faithful. The floral offerings were grand, attesting the high esteem in which the deceased was held in this community. Burial in Woodlawn.

Joseph BOWERS 

April 14, 1899
Clinton Public

An Aged Resident Dead.
Joseph Bowers Passes Away at One O'clock Tuesday Afternoon.

Joseph BOWERS died last Tuesday, at 1 p.m., at his home in this city, of cancer, with which he had been a sufferer for several years. He was aged about 62 years and had been a resident of DeWitt county since 1857, coming to Illinois from Pennsylvania. He resided on a farm until about 14 years ago, when he moved to Clinton. Shortly after emigrating to Illinois he was united in marriage to Sarah J. KOONS, who survives him, together with a large family of children, John, Ansen, Arthur, residing in Clinton, and James, who lives in Iowa, Mrs. Ella MUSSON, Mrs. Florence HITE, and Mrs. May SAVELEY, all of this city, and Miss Frankie, who lives at home. Deceased also leaves surviving him one sister, Mrs. Smith FULLER, of Fullerton, and three brothers, Samuel, Jacob, and John, living in Iowa.

Laura BOWERS 

October 8, 1886
Clinton Public

Laura BOWERS, daughter of Mr. Joseph BOWERS, died at her father's home near Clinton, on last Friday, aged twenty-seven years, three months and twenty-two days. She was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery on Sunday afternoon.

Ada BOWLES

January 27, 1899
Clinton Public

Miss Ada BOWLES, who was confined in the hospital at Springfield for two weeks, died on Monday evening, aged about 28 years. It was an especially sad death, the deceased having a large circle of acquaintances, being always hopeful and kindly. Her demise is a shock to this community, where she lived a lifetime, no one daring to utter a word against her good name. Remains were brought to this city at 4:20 p.m. on last Tuesday and taken to the family residence on the corner of North Mulberry and Webster streets.

--------------------

January 27, 1899
Clinton Public

Laid to Rest in Woodlawn.

Funeral Services over the remains of the late Miss Ada BOWLES were attended by many sympathizing friends. Dr. HUNTER preached a strong sermon to the living and Rev. Mr. GILLILAND assisted in the services. The exercises were in charge of the W. R. C.

(See news article)

Anderson BOWLES 

October 3, 1890
Clinton Public

But few of the early settlers of DeWitt county are left to tell the stories of the hardships of early pioneer life. One by one they are dropping out of the ranks. Anderson BOWLES was one of the early settlers of this county indeed before it was known as DeWitt county. He was born on the 19th of January, 1808, in the State of Kentucky, and when he was twenty-one years old he was united in marriage to Margaret Ann CARTER, in November, 1829, and two years later the young couple left the State of their birth and came to the wild west. On the 20th of April, 1831, they landed in Springfield, that year being memorable in history as the winter of the deep snow, and from Springfield came direct to their future home in this county. And here for nearly sixty years had Anderson Bowles and his wife lived. They have seen the wild prairies brought up to the highest state of cultivation. His aged partner is left to mourn as only a wife can sorrow for a husband. They had fourteen children born to them, nine boys and five girls. Four of the boys died early in life and two of the girls who lived to be married had passed to the other shore. Three of their boys served in the Union army, and all of the sons followed the example of their patriotic father and voted the Republican ticket. Anderson Bowles was a consistent Christian during his lifetime, and the godly example he set in the family circle was not lost upon his children. What a history could a man write who has lived for sixty years in this garden spot of Illinois. What changes has he seen from the rude methods of cultivation to the great perfection in all kinds of agricultural machinery. When Anderson Bowles first began life as a farmer in this county it cost nearly as much time and labor to market a year's crop as it did to raise it. Now how different. One never hears the old pioneer complain of the present, for he sees in it a grand contrast from the past.

Mrs. Anderson BOWLES 

September 5, 1902
Clinton Register

TWO MOTHERS CALLED.
ONE DIED IN CHICAGO AT HER SON’S HOME.
Both Members of the Christian Church, and One of Them Over Ninety Years of Age.

Two of the good old mothers have been called to a home where all is as a summer’s day. Rich in lives that have been full of good and kind deeds they quit the shore of Time happy in the thought they “had so lived that when the summons came they could wrap the drapery of the couch about them and lie down to pleasant dreams.” There is no more beautiful life than that of a Christian mother. There is no life that is worth more to the world than that of a good, old mother. When she is called home, there is rejoicing in Heaven and deepest sorrow among those who must say farewell.

One of the ripest and richest lives in kindly and good acts had its earthly close in Chicago Monday night at 2 o’clock when the spirit of Mrs. Margaret BOWLES took its flight. She had been ill less than three weeks, and less than three hours before death came, sat up fifteen minutes and talked with her son Robert.

Margaret CARTER was born in Bourbon county, Ky., Oct. 20, 1811. In November, 1829, she was married to Anderson BOWLES. Two years later they came to Illinois, locating near Springfield, where they lived two years before moving to this county, settling west of Clinton. The husband died Sept. 24, 1890. In 1893 she went to Chicago to make her home with her son, Robert, and had spent all the time there except when she visited in Clinton. She had been blind twenty-nine years, but had been patient through all the years of her affliction. She retained her physical strength to a remarkable degree, being able to ascend and descend stairs unaided until the beginning of her fatal illness. She was 90 years, 11 months and 10 days old and had been a member of the Christian church since she was 17 years old, a service of nearly 74 years in the cause of her Master, more than the years of an average life. She was the mother of fourteen children, seven of whom are living. They are William, of Caney, Kan.; Robert H., of Chicago; Mrs. Obadiah SCHENCK, of Cherryvale, Kan.; Mrs. Thos. UPSHAW, of St. Louis; The remains were brought to Clinton Tuesday, accompanied by Robert BOWLES and wife, and taken direct to Woodlawn cemetery, where short services were conducted by Rev. GILLILAND. Her husband was buried in Old Union cemetery near Hallsville, but the remains will be removed to Woodlawn in a short time.

Note: For the second obituary, see Rebecca (HAMMOND) ELY.

Bertie Luther BOWLES 

August 14, 1885
Clinton Public

Mr. and Mrs. R. B. BOWLES mourn the loss of their infant son, Bertie Luther, who died last Wednesday afternoon of cholera infantum. Bertie was a little over nine months old. Mr. and Mrs. Bowles feel grateful to their friends who so kindly helped them in their hour of sorrow.

John A. BOWLES 

January 7, 1921
Ames Review

John A. BOWLES.

The hearts of the people of Ames [Oklahoma] and community were saddened Thursday, last, when the news of the death of one of our oldest and most respected citizens reached us.

Only a few weeks had passed since he, with his daughter, Mrs. SUIT, went to make their home in Harper, Kansas, for school advantages, but what we thought would be only a short time of absence proved to be the beginning of that long separation which only the ushering in of eternity to us will break.

John Anderson* BOWLES was born in DeWitt County, Ill., July 26, 1841, and died at Harper, Kansas December 29, 1920. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth HALL, October 20, 1864. To this union six sons and two daughters were born. He was preceded to the grave by his companion, a son Charles H. BOWLES and a daughter, Ida (Mrs. Arche JOHNSON).

Remains were brought here and a very appropriate and impressive funeral service was held at Antioch church of Christ, where he had long been an active and ardent member, conducted by Eld. Jeff D. MORGAN of Dodge City, Kansas, but for 20 years a citizen of Ames and a friend and co-worker of deceased. The crowd in attendance was indicative of the number of warm friends he made while here. The pallbearers were his five sons and son-in-law Arch JOHNSON.

A life that needs no eulogy. A death which scandal could hardly mar. His life was an open book, known and read of all. They say, we say, all say: "A great loss is sustained in the departure of this man." But "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment," and we "weep not as those who have no hope."

Note: His middle name was Andrew, not Anderson.

Submitted by Donnie Fowler

Mrs. John A. BOWLES 

February 23, 1917
Ames Review

Mrs. John A. BOWLES.

Mary Elizabeth HALL was born in DeWitt county, Illinois, January 17, 1846, and died in Ames, Oklahoma, February 18, 1917.

Here she grew to womanhood and was married to John A. BOWLES October 20, 1864. To this union were born eight children, six sons and two daughters, one son and one daughter preceding her across the river.The family moved from Illinois to Kansas and lived several years near Mulvane. In 1890 they moved to Oklahoma, settling on a farm in Kingfisher county, west of Lacy, where the children grew to manhood and womanhood. In 1903 they built a house in Ames, and moved into their home where they resided until February 18, 1917, when death claimed her for its victim. In early life she became a Christian and lived as a devoted and consecrated member of the Church of Christ of which her aged husband is an Elder.

All the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present at the funeral which took place at the Ames Baptist church the following day conducted by Elder Jeff D. MORGAN, and the body laid to rest in the Lacy [cemetery] in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing relatives. She lived 71 years, 1 month and 1 day, and celebrated her 52d wedding anniversary in October.

She left an aged husband, five sons, one daughter, twenty grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a host of friends, for her circle was large, to mourn her death.

The writer joins the entire community in loving sympathy to the bereaved family, and says repeat the life of the venerable deceased. —J. D. M.

Submitted by Donnie Fowler

Kittie A. BOWLES 

February 17, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF AN INVALID.
Aged Sister of P. H. Bowles Died on Friday at Jacksonville.

Kittie A. BOWLES died on Friday in the asylum at Jacksonville, where she had been an inmate for several years, aged 63. When two years of age deceased suffered an attack of brain fever, from which she never recovered, and during her long life remained an invalid. Remains were brought to Clinton that evening and taken to the residence of P. H. BOWLES, where funeral services were held on Sunday. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Monte B. BOWLES 

April 13, 1944, Thursday
The Pantagraph
Bloomington, Illinois

Monte B. Bowles Dies in Hospital.

Monte B. BOWLES, 204 East Beecher street, died at 10 a.m. at Brokaw hospital Thursday.  He was born Nov. 13, 1875, in Farmer City, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Hughes BOWLES.  He married Lulu MEADOWS in 1889 and she preceded him in death in 1924.  He was a member of the Hallsville Christian church.  He is survived by two daughters, Veda Whiteman and Nerlene Kennedy; four sisters, Mrs. S. C. Hunter, Texico, N. M.; Mrs. B. J. Mavity, Bonne Terre, Mo.; Mrs. C. L. Jones, Hallsville; and Mrs. Mertie Hildreth, Kenney; one grandson and one great granddaughter.   The body was taken to the Goodfellow funeral home.  From there it will be taken to the home.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

--------------------

April 14, 1944, Friday
The Pantagraph
Bloomington, Illinois

FUNERAL NOTICE.

Services for Mr. Monte B. Bowles will be held in the Christian church at Hallsville, Ill., Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Friends invited.  Interment, Hallsville cemetery.  Friends may call at the home of his daughter, 204 East Beecher street, through Friday evening.

Note: he was buried in McCliman’s Cemetery.

Mrs. Monte B. BOWLES 

May 16, 1924, Friday
The Pantagraph
Bloomington, Illinois

Hallsville Woman Dies.

Mrs. Lulu BOWLES, wife of M. B. BOWLES, Hallville, passed away this morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. E. HILDRETH at Hallville.  She had been in poor health for some time but recently had appeared to be improving.  Yesterday she attended a picnic at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Loren Hoffman, and enroute home stopped at the home of her sister, Mrs. Hildreth, to spend the evening.  She was taken suddenly ill and died before regaining consciousness.

She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joel MEADOWS and was born near Olney, April 11, 1880, moving to DeWitt county at the age of 7 years.  She was united in marriage with M. B. BOWLES Sept. 21, 1898.  To this union were born six children, three of whom survive with the husband.  The three surviving children are Mrs. Loren Hoffman of near Maroa; Mrs. Earl Whiteman near Chestnut, and Merline, aged 8 years, at home.

Funeral services will be held from the first Christian church at Hallville Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  Rev. T. T. Holton, of Bloomington, pastor of the Hallville church, will officiate.  Interment will be in the McCliman’s cemetery.

Mrs. Peter H. BOWLES 

December 10, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

RESPECTED WOMAN NEARED 70 YEARS.
Mrs. Virginia Bowles Was Adopted by Aunt Nancy Bartley When a Little Girl.

Mrs. Virginia BOWLES died Saturday night at 11 o'clock in her home, 521 North Mulberry street, following an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Bowles was one of the best known and most highly respected ladies of the county, having been adopted when a little girl by "Aunt Nancy Bartley" of Hallsville, where she lived until she was married.

Virginia KNADLER was born in Ohio, February 26, 1847, being at the time of her death almost 70 years of age. She came to Illinois when she was nine years old with her family, who settled in DeWitt county. In her early life she was adopted by John and Nancy BARTLEY, of Hallville, and was married to P. H. BOWLES, March 12, 1868.

Three children were born to the union and two are living, David BOWLES and Mrs. Harley TAYLOR, both of Clinton. There are also living two grandchildren, C. A. BOWLES and Virginia TAYLOR.

Mrs. Bowles was a member of the Christian church and had friends throughout the county. Funeral services will be held at 11 o'clock Tuesday morning in the home, in charge of Rev. Ralph V. Callaway, pastor of the First Christian church. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery.

Mrs. Catherine BOWMAN 

April 18, 1902
Clinton Register

Mrs. Catherine BOWMAN died Tuesday at her home on North Madison Street, aged 79 years, 6 months and 22 days.  Funeral services were held at the home at 2 o'clock today, conducted by Rev. Canady.  Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Cora BOWMAN 

October 18, 1889
Clinton Public

Little Cora BOWMAN, the first and oldest of the plague afflicted family, died late yesterday evening of the dread diphtheria. It is feared the next child, which is worse today, will follow. Some new cases of suspicious sore throat appeared yesterday, but the cases are better today.

Mrs. Richard BOWMAN 

October 21, 1887
Clinton Public

On Sunday morning Mrs. Richard BOWMAN died, after a brief sickness.

Samuel W. BOWMAN 

March 19, 1923, Monday
Decatur Review

Samuel W. BOWMAN 864 North Warren street, locomotive painter at the Wabash shops, died at 5:20 o'clock Sunday morning at the Wabash Employees’ hospital.  He would have been sixty-two years old in July.  His death was due to a complication of diseases after an illness of two weeks.

Mr. Bowman was born in Waynesville, July 14, 1861.  He had been a resident of Decatur for the last seven years, coming here from Clinton to take a position in the Wabash shops.  He was a member of the Christian church at Clinton and also of the Odd Fellows lodge in that city.  He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. W. R. SMITH, of Chicago, and Raymond BOWMAN, of Decatur.  He also leaves two brothers, Edward BOWMAN, of Clinton, and William BOWMAN, of Bloomington.  There are three grandchildren.

The body was removed to the Monson undertaking establishment and prepared for burial.   The funeral will be held at the Monson chapel Tuesday afternoon at 1:30, Rev. R. E. Henry will officiate.  The body will be taken by Interurban to Clinton, where ritualistic services will be conducted by the I. O. O. F. lodge at Woodlawn cemetery.

Mrs. Alfred BOWREN 

August 25, 1876
Clinton Public

Died in Clinton, August 8, 1876, Mrs. Elizabeth BOWREN, aged 64 years.

Miss Elizabeth DUNCAN was born in Clark county, Ky., February 27, 1812.  On February 20, 1827, when less than 15 years old, she was married to Mr. Alfred BOWREN, whose five children became at once her charge.  On November 8, 1848, she was left a widow, in charge of five children of her own, and with all the added care of a large estate.  This charge she kept faithfully through troubles of many kinds, until the year 1867, when she removed to Clinton, the home of her children.  Even after this, however, and until her death, she retained active control of her property interests, and continued burdened with many family cares, which weighed upon her to the very end of her days.

While yet very young, and unmarried, she became a servant of Christ, uniting with the Baptist church.  Her membership among God’s people was maintained unbroken through life, and her devotion to the service of her King was as unwavering as her profession was constant.  During her residence in Clinton her membership was with the Presbyterian church.

Her life early exhibited the fruits and grace.  Gifted by nature with an ardent temperament, a firm will, power to command, and a spirit of industry, these strong characteristics were notably subordinated and molded together and sustained, while yet chastened, by Divine power.  She was “in labors abundant;” her patience was subjected to severe and ceaseless tests; her responsibilities were great; her disappointments and vexations many; but she never failed in fidelity.  Her devotion to her children, and even her children’s children, as well as to her step-children, was eager and unwavering.  She left the record of a useful life, full of good fruit and tender memories.  This record is indelibly engraved on the heart of her brother, and on the hearts of her four living children, her grandchildren, and her many friends, who unite in saying as a sincere tribute to her faithfulness: “The good that men do lives after them;” and, “The memory of the just is blessed.”
W. W. F.

Henry BOWREN 

October 19, 1916, Thursday
Clinton Daily Public

HENRY BOWREN DIES AT THE COUNTY FARM.
Was Longtime Resident of Tunbridge Township and 76 Years Old.

Henry BOWREN passed away Wednesday at 7:30 o'clock at the DeWitt County farm at Hallville, where he has been for the past five years.  His death was the result of an illness of two years with locomotor ataxia.  Mr. Bowren was the son of Alfred and Elizabeth BOWREN and was born in the state of Kentucky.  He was a long time resident of Tunbridge township.  On Nov. 20, 1911, he went to the farm, where he has since made his home.  He was seventy-six years old.  No funeral arrangements have been made.

Note: Henry was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, next to his mother, under the name William Henry Bowren.

John W. BOWREN 

February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF JOHN W. BOWREN.
After a Short Illness of Pneumonia a Well-Known Citizen Succumbs.
RESIDED IN CLINTON 35 YEARS.
Possessed Superior Clerical Ability and Was Prominent in Official Circles.

John W. BOWREN died shortly after 7 o'clock Tuesday morning after a short and severe attack of pneumonia, resulting from the grippe. He was convalescing from the grippe and last week was at his usual haunts about the court house, but complained of having a feeling of weakness. During this period the dreaded disease which caused his death was fastening its deadly fangs upon his debilitated constitution and on Friday evening while on the square he became exhausted and fell. Dr. MYERS, the family physician, was summoned and Mr. Bowren was taken to his home. He continued to grow worse and on Sunday his condition grew so critical that Dr. J. M. WILCOX was called in consultation, but the combined skill of the medical men was unable to save his life. At 6 o'clock Monday night he grew unconscious and remained in that condition until his death.

John W. Bowren was born in Winchester, Ky., on the 2nd of October, 1835. In his boyhood days he received a good common school education, displaying considerable ability as an accountant and during the Civil war was engaged as clerk in the quartermaster's department of General BUELL’s forces. He was at the battle of Shiloh. About the close of the war he, with his brother, Henry, and mother, came to Clinton where two of his sisters were then living, Mrs. C. P. FORD and Mrs. Henry MAGILL. Among the first positions held by Mr. Bowren after taking up his residence here was that of general bookkeeper and assistant paymaster during the construction of the Gilman and Springfield railroad. His first business venture was with the late James DeLAND in the grocery trade. Afterwards he was associated in the shoe business with his brother-in-law, C. P. FORD. This venture lasted but a few years and he afterwards gave his entire attention to accounting, serving in various public offices. He served several terms as deputy county clerk under the administrations of W. W. GRAHAM and Gus LISENBY, and was repeatedly elected to the offices of township collector and assessor. Under the administration of Mayor HARRIS he served as city clerk.

In early days Mr. Bowren was a Republican but after the Greeley movement joined the Democratic party and was counted among the leaders in local politics for a number of years, being once a candidate for the office of circuit clerk, but was defeated by William HARRISON. He had a large following of Republican friends and was exceedingly popular among all classes. As a citizen, deceased was honored and respected. Being genial and entertaining, he was always a welcome visitor and a familiar figure in official circles. With his death passes away the last of the three best known characters around the court house, men who were familiar with records and always on call to assist officials in times of need, three men who had been in clerical offices for the past forty years John BOWREN, J. M. NORTH and W. Z. DEWEY.

In 1872, he was united in marriage to Jennie W. GRAHAM, daughter of Judge Samuel GRAHAM. The wife and mother preceded her husband into the great beyond but a few months, and four children, two boys and two girls, are left to mourn the loss of all that life holds most dear and sacred, a kind and indulgent father and loving mother. Deceased also leaves surviving his two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Fannie MAGILL, of Clinton, Mrs. C. P. FORD, of Wichita, Kans., and Henry BOWREN, of Kenney.

The funeral of John W. Bowren was held from the family residence at 2 o'clock p.m. Thursday. Scores of sympathizing friends called during the day to view the remains which lay in a casket surrounded by a profusion of floral offerings, among which were a bouquet of carnations from the Junior league of the Presbyterian church; a bouquet of cream colored roses, from the eighth grade of the Washington school; a bouquet or roses from the family; a bouquet of roses from the Magill family, and a large wreath from E. J. SWEENEY and Hon. H. C. SUTTLE.

The services opened with a song followed by a scriptural reading and prayer by Rev. J. B. HORNEY. Rev. E. A GILLILAND preached an eloquent and touching funeral sermon and a large concourse of intimate friends followed the remains to their last resting place in Woodlawn cemetery. The pall bearers were: D. T. GAY, E. J. SWEENEY, O. E. HARRIS, J. H. SCHMITH, R. B. YOUNG and W. H. OGLEVEE.

Marshall BOYD 

February 19, 1899
Clinton Public

Mustered Out.

The older citizens of this county will remember Marshal W. BOYD, who was one of the early citizens of Creek township. About forty years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Minerva, the oldest daughter of Dudley RICHARDS. When the war broke out Marshal Boyd was among the first to enlist in Co. K, Forty-first Illinois Infantry, under Captain Alexander KELLY, who was his neighbor. At the battle of Shiloh, Marshal caught a rebel bullet through both knees, and on the 20th of August, 1864, he was mustered out, just three days before his term of enlistment expired. Marshal Boyd was as brave a man as ever carried a musket, and when the piping days of peace came he was one of the most earnest Republicans in DeWitt County.

About fifteen years ago he got the western fever and moved to Ravenna, Garfield County, Kansas. He was hardly ever free from pain from the wounds received at Shiloh, but the immediate cause of his death was the grippe, from which he was sick only eighteen hours. In his sixty-sixth year he departed this life at Ravenna, Kansas, on the fifth of February. Twenty-two years ago the grand old solider enlisted in the army of Christ and united with the U. B. Church in this county. He served his Master as faithfully as he did the flag of his country.

Mrs. Hannah BRACKEN 

April 29, 1902
Paper Unknown

Mrs. Hannah BRACKEN died at her home in Farmer City, on Tuesday, April 29, 1902, at 4:30 a.m., aged 69 years, 19 days. Funeral: May 1. Burial City Cemetery.

Submitted by Unknown

BRADEN (infant) 

January 3, 1916, Monday
Clinton Daily Public

Funeral of Braden Baby.

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel BRADEN, of Maroa, who died at the home at 4 o'clock this morning, was buried in the Maroa cemetery this afternoon.  The baby was but five days old.  Mrs. Braden was formerly Miss Stella POLAND, of this city.

Mrs. Sarah L. BRADEN 

October 25, 1901
Clinton Register

Mrs. Sarah L. BRADEN died October 17, at her home east of Ospur, aged 46.  She was born in McLean county March 2, 1855.  Sept. 5, 1881, she was married to Aquilla BRADEN, who with three children survive her; two children are dead.  She became a member of the Christian church when 13 years old.  Funeral at the home Saturday at 1:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gilliland.  Interment in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Zella Ann BRADY 

January 17, 1913
Clinton Register

A SUDDEN DEATH.

Whle sitting in her chair at her home near Swisher at 12:30 Tuesday, Mrs. Zella Ann BRADY suddenly expired. she had been ill with grip several days, but her condition was not thought serious. Coroner Moore was called, and the jury gave a verdict of death from senility, superinduced by grip. She is survived by two sons, W. E. and J. L. WALKER, both being upwards of 60 years of age and single. She was married in Ohio to James WALKER in 1842, coming to Illinois and settling near Solomon about forty years ago. Her first husband died in 1878. In 1881 she was united in marriage to John BRADY in Bloomington. He preceded her in death about eighteen years ago. The funeral was held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at the late home. Burial in the cemetery near Swisher.

--------------------

January 1913
Paper Unknown

Mrs. Zella Ann Brady Dies Suddenly Near Solomon.

Mrs. Zella Ann BRADY, aged 87 years, died suddenly while sitting in a chair at her home near Swisher yesterday afternoon at 12:30. For several days she had been ill of the grippe, although her condition was not thought to be serious. Coroner H. A. MOORE was notified of the death and went to the home yesterday afternoon and held an inquest. The jury was composed of W. E. LAFFERTY, foreman; J. E. ADAMS, Guy ADAMS, L. W. TAYLOR, Thomas QUINN, [and] J. L. JOHNSON. The verdict of the jury was that death was due to old age, superinduced by the grippe. She is survived by two sons, W. E. and J. L. WALKER, both being upwards of 60 years of age and single. She was married in Ohio to James WALKER in 1842, coming to Illinois and settling near Solomon about forty years ago. Her first husband died in 1878. In 1881 she was united in marriage to John BRADY in Bloomington. He preceded her in death about eighteen years ago. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at the late home. Burial will be made in the cemetery near Swisher.

Submitted by John Laughlin

Harriet BRAINARD 

February 5, 1892
Clinton Register

Miss Harriet L. BRAINARD, died at her home in Elkhart, Ia., Sunday, aged 50 years.   She had about recovered from an attack of grip when she stayed in a room where there had been no fire until she became chilled, and was suddenly taken worse, dying in a few days.  The remains were brought to Clinton for burial, arriving here Tuesday.  She was a daughter of Mrs. Mary A. BRAINARD, and they had always lived together.  Jan. 15, her mother died, and was brought to Clinton for burial, she having formerly lived in this county, and her daughter now sleeps the last sleep by her side.

Hiram BRAINARD 

July 12, 1889
Clinton Register

Death of Hiram Brainard.

Hiram BRAINARD died at his residence at Elkhart, Iowa, July 4, of consumption, age 41 years and 7 months, after a decline of more than two years.  His remains were brought here for burial, Saturday, July 6, accompanied by his mother and one sister.  Services were held at the Baptist church at 3 o'clock, Rev. P. Reynolds officiating.  The deceased formerly resided for many years on the old Brainard homestead, two miles and a half northeast of this city and is well known.   He emigrated to the place of death in 1885.  He leaves an aged widowed mother, one brother and two sisters and many friends to mourn his death, yet to rejoice in his prospects for his heavenly reward, having lived an honest life, a dutiful son, and a good neighbor and true friend, dying a Christian, and with the knowledge of knowing that “all’s well.”

William J. BRAINARD 

August 10, 1877
Clinton Public

Hiram [William J.] BRAINARD died at his residence, north-east of Clinton, on last Monday.  He had been an invalid for a number of years.  Mr. Brainard came to this county about twenty-five years ago and settled on the farm on which he died.

Note: In the Woodlawn Cemetery records he is listed under the name William J. Brainard.  He had a son named Hiram who died in 1889.

Mrs. William J. BRAINARD 

February 5, 1892
Clinton Public

Three weeks ago the body of Mrs. Harriet [Mary A.] BRAINARD was brought from Iowa for burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.  The first of this week a daughter [Harriet] was brought from the same place and buried in the family lot. The Brainard family were among the early settlers in this county.

Note: Mary A. Brainard died January 15, 1892, and her daughter, Harriet died January 31, 1892.  The writer got their names mixed up in this article. Mrs. Brainard's maiden name was Mary Ann Barngraves.

Mrs. Peter BRALLIER 

March 3, 1905
Clinton Register

DEATH AT WAPELLA.
One of Its Good Mothers Called to Her Heavenly Home—
Funeral Held Yesterday Morning.

Sarah E. BRALLIER died at her home in Wapella Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. of gall stones, and other chronic troubles with which she had been afflicted for a number of years.

She was born Feb. 21, 1853, being 52 years, 7 days old.  Miss SCARBROUGH was married to Peter BRALLIER, May 2, 1872.  To them seven children were born, as follows: Mrs. Anna SCOGGIN, of Wapella; Mrs. Grace HARTER, of Waynesville; Joshua, of Missouri; Little Hazel, aged 8, at home, three dying in infancy.  She also leaves three brothers and five sisters and an aged father, and her husband and children.

Mrs. Brallier united with the Christian church when 12 years old, and died as she had professed.  She was an active member of the Ladies’ Aid Society and a kind neighbor.  She had been sick only from Sunday afternoon when she was taken with severe pains from which she never seemed to rally.  Her death is mourned by a host of neighbors and relatives.

The funeral took place from the Christian church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Givens of Heyworth.  Interment at Long Point cemetery.  Old comrades of Mr. Brallier acted as pall bearers.  The floral offerings were beautiful from the G. A. R. post, C. E. society and Ladies’ Aid society.

Alice BRANSOM 

August 1, 1884
Clinton Public

Miss Alice BRANSOM died July 26th of typhoid fever. The remains were buried in the Weldon cemetery Sunday.

Mrs. Frank BREIGHNER 

May 16, 1902
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BREIGHNER.

Mrs. Mary BREIGHNER, who had been sick several months, died Tuesday night about 2 o'clock at her home, six miles northwest of Clinton, aged 46 years, 7 months and 21 days.

Mary ROBINSON was born Sept. 23, 1855, in Adams county, Ill. She came to DeWitt county over thirty years ago and was married to Frank Breighner, who died about three years ago. She had continued to live on the farm with her sons, W. B. and H. D. She is also survived by two sisters and four brothers. They are Mrs. Geo. STONINGER, of Adams county; and Mrs. Lizzie POLLOCK, of Clinton; A. W. ROBINSON, near Clinton, the others live in Sangamon and Adams counties, and one in Missouri. She was a member of the Catholic church. She held a $2,000 policy in the Court of Honor.

Funeral services were held at 1 o'clock today in St. John's church, conducted by Father DOOLING. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Frederick BREIGHNER 

February 7, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH OF AN INFANT.

Frederick, the three-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry BREIGHNER, died Saturday morning at the home of Mrs. Breighner’s mother, Mrs. D. J. BARBER, on West Washington street.  A day or two before its death, Mr. Breighner had left with his household goods for Missouri, and he could not be located until Monday.  He returned Monday and the funeral was held on Tuesday.

John BRENNAN 

June 8, 1900
Clinton Register

YOUNG MAN KILLED INSTANTLY.

One of the most horrible accidents in Clinton for years happened at the Illinois Central shops Monday morning.  John BRENNAN was assisting in raising the tank of an engine with jacks.  John McIlrath and Frank Ducy were helping.  The latter was away for a few minutes, so that McIlrath and Brennan were the only ones at work raising the tank.  Suddenly one of the jacks slipped and a steel rail that was being used struck Brennan on the back of the head, killing him instantly.   McIlrath was knocked down and when he got up saw that Brennan was lifeless.   Those at work say the work was being done in the usual manner and that no one is to blame.  The inquest placed no blame on anyone.

The home of deceased was in Bloomington, where the remains were taken Tuesday morning for burial.  The following is from the Bloomington Bulletin:

The father of the victim is John BRENNAN, who is flagman at the West Washington street crossing of the Alton and residing at 1007 West Monroe street.  He and a son left on the noon train for Clinton to bring back the body.  The family was prostrated by the intelligence.  The victim was born and raised in this city and was about 25 years of age.  He was employed for several years by the Alton at the sand house and was also engaged in the round house.  He had never married.  He leaves besides his father and mother two brothers, Peter and Michael, both of Bloomington, and two sisters, Kate, of Dixon, and Nellie, of this city.  The deceased was a member of Holy Trinity church and belonged to the Modern Woodmen.   He was greatly esteemed by numerous friends in this city and his tragic death will be a sad surprise to all who knew him.  He was in Bloomington a week ago visiting his family and friends.

Freddie BRICKEY 

July 24, 1885
Clinton Public

Freddie, the only son of W. C. BRICKEY, of Farmer City, died on Sunday last of diphtheria. Freddie was a bright little boy, eight years old, and the idol of his father, who was doomed in the early years of a happy marriage to part with his companion, Freddie and a little sister becoming motherless by the sad dispensation. We learn that the father took the remains of Freddie to Ohio for interment in the cemetery where sleeps the young mother. The fond but bereaved husband has the heartfelt sympathy of this community in the loss of his promising little son on whom his affections and hopes for the coming years were centered.

Peter BRICKEY 

October 10, 1877
Clinton Public

Peter BRICKEY, one of the old settlers of Rutledge township, died last Tuesday night of typhoid fever.

Mrs. W. C. BRICKEY 

February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Mrs. W. C. BRICKEY died at her home in Farmer City on Sunday, aged 34 years. Deceased was the mother of two children. Funeral services will be held in Farmer City.

--------------------

February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

The funeral services of Mrs. W. C. BRICKEY were held in Farmer City on Monday. She leaves a husband and two children-a boy and a girl. She was a Christian woman and her demise will be a loss to that community.

John BRIDEN 

August 30, 1895
Clinton Public

Supposed Suicide.
A Young Man Found Dead Thursday Near Ospur.

Coroner JONES was called to Ospur Thursday morning to hold an inquest over the body of John BRIDEN. The remains were found that morning about ten feet from the track one-half mile from Ospur. The following jury was impanelled: W. N. Ball, foreman, B. F. Williams, T. Davis, I. C. Thurber, Frank Wade, and A. T. McKinney. There were no marks of violence, nothing to indicate the cause of death. F. W. Savis and A. B. Rowland, two laborers, testified that on Wednesday night at eight o'clock they passed the spot where the body was found; heard a noise which sounded as though a man was trying to vomit; it was dark and they did not have the courage to investigate; returned to Ospur and reported what they had heard. Thursday morning an exploring party discovered the remains of young Briden at the spot indicated by the witnesses.

It is reported that deceased had told his parents, Rev. Mr. BRIDEN and wife, of Maroa, that they would never again see him alive. This was Wednesday afternoon. He had become despondent on account of being unable to find employment, probably preferring a suicide's death rather than be considered an idler, as he was anxious to assist his parents. He had worked as a printer and also clerked for a time. The verdict of the jury was as follows:

We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the cause of death of John Briden, on oath do find that he came to his death from causes unknown to this jury.”

Patrick BRIERTON 

May 1, 1891
Clinton Public

Patrick BRIERTON, a resident of this county for the past twenty years or more, died at Mr. EMMETT's boarding-house in this city, on Thursday morning, between one and two o'clock. He was a native of Ireland, was a single man, had no relatives about here, and was seventy years old. For fifteen or eighteen years he was a tenant on one of Mr. C. H. MOORE's farms and was an industrious man. Some five or six years ago he was badly ruptured, so that he was compelled to give up work, and since that time he has been boarding in this city. He has a brother in Wisconsin who is said to be rich and two or three times the old man left here to make his home near his relatives, but always to return. He had been sick for three weeks or more, and his relatives were notified but none of them came to his relief. The old man had less than $50 left when he was taken sick, so that his life and money both went out together. He will be buried today in the Catholic Cemetery near Wapella.

George BRIGGS 

November 19, 1909
Clinton Register

George BRIGGS, one of the oldest settlers of DeWitt county, died at the home of his son-in-law, Anderson LUKER, in Texas township, Saturday morning. He had been ill about five weeks, suffering from a carbuncle on his neck. Deceased was a native of Devonshire, England, and was born March 9, 1833. He came to America in 1862 and settled in Clinton. The first work he did was on the roadbed of the Illinois Central from Bloomington to Decatur. Later he settled in Texas township, where he farmed and which was his home for forty-two years. He was twice married, the first time to Miss Emma CRAWFORD, to this union there having been born two sons and two daughters. The sons are dead but the daughters are living, Mrs. Mary LUKER of Texas township, and Mrs. Belle MOXNES of Inwood, Iowa. His first wife died in 1872 and in 1874 he was married to Miss Louisa WASHBURN, who survives him.

Submitted by Unknown

Uriah BRIGGS 

November 17, 1893
Clinton Public

There came to the funeral of the late Uriah BRIGGS, two brothers and two sisters, all from Kansas.  They were Mr. Elihu BRIGGS, Lawrence; Mr. Seth BRIGGS, Carbondale; Mrs. M. SILVERS, Burlingame; Mrs. Jas. BRIGGS, Scranton.  They were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Killough during their stay in Clinton.

Michael BRINAN 

June 28, 1860
Central Transcript

SAD ACCIDENT.

Michael BRINAN, a young Irishman, about twenty-three years old, was accidentally killed on the farm of John WEEDMAN, Jr., near Mt. Pleasant, last Friday. He, whilst standing on a wagon on which there was no bed, driving a two-horse team, was thrown on the fore part of it by the horses taking fright and running off, and there became so entangled that he could not extricate himself until he became so mortally wounded that he died about three hours afterwards. Medical aid was immediately called, but all in vain. On Sunday, his mortal remains were interred in the grave-yard near that place.

Clark C. BRITTEN 

March 10, 1893
Clinton Public

At the residence of his father, Henry BRITTEN, Clark Curtis BRITTEN passed away from this life to meet his God, and to there await the general resurrection, when all the nations of the earth shall be gathered before God to be judged of their acts here in this world.  Clark was aged twenty-one years, eleven months and seventeen days.  He was the second son, and the youngest of three children, of Henry and Cal Britten, who have lived in Wilson township ever since they were married.  This is the first time that death has entered their family, and though heart-strings are snapped asunder yet they mourn not as those who have no hope.  About one year ago Clark took sick with what proved to be his death sickness.  In April, last, the writer, who for years has been a respected friend of the family, visited Clark and talked to him about his sins and God’s mercy, and urged upon him that he repent of his sins and give his heart to God.  After praying with him, Clark promised that he would read his bible and give this subject his serious consideration.  His mother tells us that he did so through the year, and would frequently ask her opinion on different portions of the scriptures.   A few weeks before his death, which took place on March 4, he was baptized in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The day before his death, when the family and some friends were assembled at his bedside, he asked Bro. Milt Vandeventer to pray with him, and Clark responded as heartily as his weakened condition would allow.  A few hours later he asked the friends to sing, “Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it,” and in a few hours he quietly went to be with Jesus, as those who were present have every reason to believe.  His father and mother, his brother Newt and his sister Bertha, have a blessed hope of meeting Clark and “greeting with a heavenly greeting,” if having accepted of the salvation Jesus has purchased, they prove faithful unto the end, for, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” The funeral services took place at Rucker Chapel, on Monday, March 6th, at 11:00 A.M., amidst an immense gathering of weeping friends and relatives.  “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” If we could only realize that our sorrows and bereavements here only bind us the closer to God, we could see the hand of God in all that comes to us.  In the language of the fugitive poem, “The Angel in the Block:”

“How blest if all these seeming ills,
Which bind my heart to Thee;
Shouldst only prove that Thou wouldst make
An Angel out of me.”    C. N. Cain

William H. BRITTEN 

May 8, 1891
Clinton Public

Thirty-four years ago William H. BRITTEN came from Madison County, Ohio, where he was born on the 15th of September, 1822, and settled in this county. Part of the time he worked on a farm but for the greater number of years he made his home in Clinton. When a young man in his Ohio home he was severely injured, and he never recovered so that he was equal to manual labor. For twenty years or more he served as a constable, which at one time was a money-making office in this city; but of late years a constable has been merely an ornamental appendage to a justice of the peace's office. For forty years or more he was a member of the order of Odd Fellows, but he allowed his membership to lapse about five years ago on account of non-payment of dues. On the third of October, 1876, Mr. Britten married a very estimable woman. Down to that time in his journey through life he was a bachelor. For the past three or four years he was an invalid, being afflicted with Bright’s disease. He died last Sunday evening, and was buried on Tuesday forenoon. He leaves to his widow their home, but nothing more. William Britten’s life was that of thousands; he was a good citizen and tried to do his duty.

Note: aka BRITTIN
From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BRITTIN, WILLIAM H.   DAVIS, ELIZA    10/03/1876   MC LEAN

James BRITTIN 

July 1, 1904
Paper Unknown

Former Clintonian Dead.

James BRITTIN, who formerly lived here, died at his home in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, aged 79. He was born in Madison County, Ohio January 15, 1825. He was married at Mechanicsburg when about 23 years old, and his wife survives him. Of eight children born to them, three daughters are dead. He had been a member of the M. E. Church thirty years. He was a brother of John E. BRITTIN, northeast Clinton, and J. M. BRITTIN of Lane.

Submitted by Unknown

John BRITTIN 

October 7, 1881
Clinton Register

Death of an Honored Old Man.

John BRITTIN, aged 87 years, for years one of Clinton's most honored citizens, and well known throughout DeWitt county, died on last Wednesday morning at 7:10, a.m., after an illness of some two weeks. He was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., in the year 1794, and at an early age moved to Ohio, where he lived until he was 24 years of age, and from there came to DeWitt county where he has lived ever since. He was an honored member of the Baptist church for a great many years and a consistent Christian, beloved by all. Several children and a brother about 90 years of age are left to mourn. The funeral took place on yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Baptist church, Rev. D. McARTHUR officiating. His remains now rest in Woodlawn cemetery by the side of his aged wife who had gone before.

J. William BRITTIN 

May 12, 1911
Clinton Register

Death of a Farmer.

J. W. BRITTIN, who had been sick several weeks died at 2:30 last night at his home six miles northwest of Clinton. Deceased was a son of John E. BRITTIN and was born in DeWitt about 40 years ago. He was married to Miss GRINER, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. GRINER, near Midland City, and they had lived northwest of Clinton. He is survived by his wife, his parents and two children, both girls. Time for the funeral was not learned, but it will probably be held tomorrow afternoon, the Odd Fellows having charge of the services.

--------------------

May 19, 1911
Clinton Register

Wm. BRITTIN, whose death was announced in last week’s Register, was born June 23, 1870, on the farm where he died. Almost his entire life was spent in DeWitt county. His wife was Miss Myrtle GRINER of Midland City. Three children were born to this couple, two of whom, Mary, aged 11, and Ida, aged 6, with the mother are living. His father, aged 82, and mother, aged 81 years, also survive him. He also leaves a brother, Chas. of Waynesville, and two sisters, Mrs. Wm. ELLIS, of Ida Grove, Iowa, and Mrs. Henry SAMUELS, of Pierre, South Dakota.

Mr. Brittin was a member of the Presbyterian church of Clinton, also of the I.O.O.F. and Modern Woodmen. Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in Clinton Sunday at 2:30 in charge of the Odd Fellows, Rev. W. H. Fulton preaching the sermon. Interment in Woodlawn.

Morris E. BRITTIN 

March 23, 1916
Heyworth Natural Gas

The death of M. E. BRITTIN occurred at his home here on last Thursday morning, March 16, after a long illness of cancer of the stomach. Morris E. was the son of Perry and Martha (WALDEN) BRITTON. He was born near Leroy, March 11, 1844, where he was reared to manhood when he enlisted in the 94th Illinois Infantry, Co. G. and served three years.

He was married to Miss Margaret BROCK November 26, 1865. To this union were born 10 children: Mrs. Jennie SEGER, of Atwater, Minn; Mrs. Mattie YOUNG, of Heyworth; Mrs. Minnie FLINT and Roy V., of Bloomington; Mrs. Belle REYNOLDS, of McLean, and Mrs. Carrie COULTER, of Danvers; Mrs. Grace DuBOIS and George BRITTIN, both of whom died a few years ago, and Hiram and Jasper died in infancy.  He also leaves the following brothers and sisters; William, of Iowa; Charles, of Leroy; Emma MYERS, of Missouri.

Funeral services held at the Methodist church Friday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Harry of Bloomington conducted the service assisted by Rev. G. W. Cockney. The K. of P. Lodge of which he was a member had charge of the funeral.

Note: aka BRITTON

Submitted by Vauna Stahl

William BROCK 

April 17, 1916, Monday
Clinton Daily Public

PIONEER “SNOW BIRD” DIES AT WAYNESVILLE.
William Brock Had Been Resident of County Amost 75 Years—
Came Before Great Snow.

Waynesville, April 17—William BROCK, one of the “Snow Birds” who came to Illinois before the great snow, died Sunday night at the home of his son, Stephen BROCK, four miles northwest of Waynesville.  He was eighty-six years old.  He was born in Indiana, but it could not be learned this morning just how old he was when his parents moved to Illinois and settled in DeWitt county.   It is thought, however, that he had been a resident of the vicinity of Waynesville for about three-quarters of a century.

Funeral services will be held at the home of his son, Stephen, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Burial will be in the Roach Chapel cemetery.

Mr. Brock had been ill all winter and death was due to infirmities of old age.   He is survived by several children.

Charles BROCKLEHURST 

February 23, 1912
Clinton Register

Died in Hospital.

Tuesday morning Chas. Brocklehurst died at the state hospital at Kankakee, where he was sent for treatment several years ago. Undertaker Fred Cline went to Kankakee and prepared the remains for burial here. Mr. Brocklehurst had reached the age of 65 years. The funeral was held today in the Presbyterian church, conducted by the pastor. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Almond D. BROOKS 

February 13, 1891
Clinton Public

News has arrived of the death of Mr. A. D. BROOKS, on the 4th of the present month, at Hastings, Nebraska. He was a native of Vermont, and came to Creek township in the year 1851 and has lived in both Creek and Clintonia. Mr. Brooks left DeWitt county in 1872, since when he has resided with a daughter until his recent death, at the age of eighty years.

Note from Diane French: His name was Almond D. Brooks.

Bartholomew BROOKS 

October 1, 1886
Clinton Public

Death of Bartholomew Brooks.

On Tuesday afternoon, at the advanced age of eighty years, Bartholomew BROOKS died at his home in this city. For the past year or two Mr. Brooks was very feeble, but he had a deal of energy and attended to his work at times when men of less nerve would have succumbed. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, on the 23d of November, 1806, was married in the same town, and was the father of seven children. He came to America in 1853, and till he came to Clinton in 1869 had lived in New York, Chicago, and Griggsville, in the south part of this state. He was a gardener, at which he made a good living for himself and family. Many years ago he joined the Baptist Church in this city, and remained a consistent member through life. Mr. Brooks was the soul of honor in all of his business affairs. He was the father of Gilbert E. BROOKS, formerly of this city.

Mrs. Bartholomew BROOKS 

December 9, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

AUNT LOTTIE BROOKS PASSES AWAY TODAY.
Well Known Resident of This Community Who Has Resided Here half Century Is Dead.

Mrs. Lottie Phillips BROOKS, better known in this community as “Aunt” Lottie and one of the most respected and cherished residents in DeWitt county where she has made her home for the past fifty-nine years passed away at the John Warner hospital at 10 o’clock this morning. Aunt Lottie was past 88 years of age. Her death was caused by an attack of pneumonia combined with general debility. She had been removed to the hospital on Thanksgiving day and her end gradually drew near. Her death is mourned by hundreds who knew her intimately. There are no surviving children.

For years Aunt Lottie Brooks, as long as most folks can remember, spent some hours of each day among her gardens which boasted of pretty flowers and fine vegetables. She had resided in her present home on the corner of South Quincy and West Van Buren streets for the past half century. She had lived to see this city grow from a small break in the prairie to a thriving metropolitan town. She always had been a staunch member of the Baptist church and connected with all civic movements.

Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. PHILLIPS of Jennings county, Indiana, and came to this community with Mr. and Mrs. John CLEMONS from Ohio where she spent her early years. In 1873 she was married to Bartholomew BROOKS, who preceded her in death 20 years ago. The passing of Aunt Lottie takes from this community one of its best known and cheery residents who has had at all times a pleasant word for all. Her friends are numbered by the hundreds. Arrangements for the funeral have not been made.

Deceased has one step-grandson, Earl E. BROOKS of Clinton, and a grandson living whose whereabouts is not known.

Edna BROOKS 

December 18, 1896
Clinton Public

Sad Death.

As reported in the columns of the Daily Wednesday, Edna BROOKS, aged four years, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard BROOKS, accidentally fell into a tub of boiling water, at their home on North Monroe street, from the effects of which she did not recover. Funeral services were held at the residence Thursday at 10 a.m., conducted by Dr. J. B. WEBER.

Mrs. Gilbert E. BROOKS 

March 25, 1904
Clinton Register

GONE TO HER FINAL REST.
Another Christian Mother Fell Asleep—
Clinton Had Been Her Home For Nearly Forty Years.

Mrs. G. E. BROOKS, Sr., was taken sick about three months ago, while visiting at the home of her daughter in Farmer City, and died there about 4 o'clock Monday morning, aged 58 years 11 months and 22 years [days]. She had been in failing health about three years.

Sarah Henrietta ALLEN was born at Grigsville, Ill., March 29, 1845, where she grew to womanhood. Oct. 3, 1865, she was married to Prof. G. E. BROOKS. They moved to Clinton at once and this had since been her home. Five children were born to them and all survive her: Mrs. Maud L. KAUFFMAN, Chicago; Mrs. E. May TAYLOR and E. E. BROOKS, both of Clinton; G. E. BROOKS, Jr., until recently a resident of this city, now living in Pasadena, Cal.; and Mrs. Jennie W. BATES, of Farmer City, Ill. She is also survived by two brothers and three sisters: John ALLEN, Tacoma, Wash.; Edward ALLEN, Ardmore, Indian Territory; Mrs. James VANNANTA, Chicago; Mrs. J. W. STOKER, New York City; Miss Ruth ALLEN, New York City.

Mrs. Brooks was a woman of unusual intellect, was well educated and was a great reader, and possessed a Christian character that was admired by all her friends. Her life had been such that her best friends were those who had known her the most years.

Mrs. Brooks was a member of the New Church, embracing the doctrine of Swedenborg, and Rev. L. H. Landenberger, a minister of that denomination, conducted the services at the Universalist church, Wednesday afternoon at 3:30. Interment at Woodlawn.

Leonard B. BROOKS 

June 8, 1918, Saturday
Clinton Daily Public

VETERAN CIVIL WAR SOLDIER DROPS DEAD.
Leonard Brooks, Aged 74, Succumbs Friday Noon of Heart Disease.

Veteran of the Civil war, prominent citizen and well known pioneer resident, Leonard BROOKS, of Clinton, dropped dead at 12:30 o'clock yesterday noon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. R. DAY, at Lane.  He was 74 years of age and death was due to heart trouble.  He went to Lane Thursday to visit his daughter.  The death of Leonard Brooks was rather unexpected as he participated in the parade on Decoration Day, marching to the cemetery, and seemed in perfect health.  The G. A. R. and W. R. C. will have charge of the funeral arrangements.

The late Leonard Brooks was a member of Company F, 2nd Illinois Light infantry during the civil war and served his country with credit.  His death leaves another vacancy in the last thinning ranks of the veteran old soldiers.  After his death, Undertaker Oakman and Coroner Baker and a coroner’s jury hastened to the scene.  The verdict was “death caused by heart trouble.” He is survived by his aged widow, two sons, William and Charles, and three daughters, Mrs. W. R. DAY, of Lane; Mrs. Frank NORTON, East Main street; and a daughter residing in the West.

Besides the above, there are two grandchildren who had made their home with Mr. Brooks since their infancy, Leonard Brooks SMITH, now serving with the colors in France, and Miss Blanch SMITH, bookkeeper for L. E. Forbes.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the home of Mrs. Sylvia Norton, 803 East Main at 3 o'clock.  Interment will be made in Woodlawn.  The funeral services will be in charge of Rev. Cartwright of the Christian church and Rev. McDavitt of St. Paul’s Universalist church.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BROOKS, LEONARD B.     SPRAGUE, MARGARETT A.      1870-11-28     DEWITT
(Leonard's second wife)

William Sylvester BROOKS 

August 25, 1882
Clinton Public

W. S. BROOKS, formerly a resident of this county, died in Nuckolls county, Nebraska, on the 12th of August, very suddenly. He had been out at work in the hay field, and on his way home stopped at a house and asked for a drink of water. Suddenly he became blind, and the lady hastened to the well to get the water. When she returned to the house she found that Mr. Brooks had fallen, from the chair on which he was sitting, to the floor. She raised his head and gave him a sip of the water. He gasped once or twice and died. He leaves a wife. She is the daughter of Mr. L. D. ANDERSON, of this county.

Note from Diane French: His full name was William Sylvester Brooks.

Birdie BROWN 

January 23, 1885
Clinton Public

Birdie, the nine-year-old daughter of J. B. F. BROWN, died on Monday morning of dropsy of the heart. Birdie first had an attack of scarlet fever and this was followed by dropsy of the heart. She was a sufferer for a long time. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon.

--------------------

January 23, 1885
Clinton Public

Departed this life January 19th, Birdie BROWN, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. F. BROWN, of this city, aged nine years, three months and seventeen days. This little girl possessed an amiable and gentle disposition and will be greatly missed by her fond, loving parents and numerous friends. She loved dearly the Sabbath-school and early manifested a love for Jesus, expressing that if she got well she would unite with the church and be a follower of the Lord Jesus. But the Master called, and she fell asleep in His arms.

Mrs. C. A. BROWN 

January 13, 1899
Clinton Public

Mrs. C. A. BROWN died on Wednesday evening at 6:40 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. C. CAMPBELL, of general debility, having been sick for several years. She was born at Wellsburg, West Va., on November 15, 1834. She leaves to mourn her loss two sisters, one at Wellsburg, W. Va., and the other at Washington, Pa., a daughter, Mrs. Will CAMPBELL, of this city, and a son, Mr. Robert BROWN, of Indian Territory. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 p.m. from the home of W. C. Campbell. Rev. J. E. HORNEY officiated. Friends viewed the remains from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today.

Mrs. George BROWN 

November 13, 1903
Clinton Register

AGED FOUR SCORE AND SIX.
One of Clinton’s Aged Mothers Called to Her Reward—
Lived in This County Forty Years.

Mrs. Lucy A. BROWN died Saturday morning at the home of her son, Geo. H. BROWN, on East Adams street, aged 86 years and 9 months. Lucy A. WELD was born in Massachusetts Feb. 7, 1817, where she was married to George Brown Nov. 18, 1837, who died Nov. 3, 1860. To them five children were born, one of whom died when young. Geo. H., Hepsie E., Cora W. live in Clinton and Mrs. J. T. Hand in Denver, Colo. Two sisters living in Boston, Mass., and one brother, Edwin WELD, south of Clinton, survive her. She was a member of the Unitarian church, which not having a congregation in Clinton, she attended the Universalist church. She was a regular attendant of church when able to go, and her life was that of a noble Christian woman, who made brighter the lives of many. Funeral services were held Monday at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. C. E. Varney. Interment in Woodlawn.

Henry BROWN 

March 28, 1879
Clinton Public

Death of an Old Citizen.

In this busy workaday life men who have lived for years among us drop out of sight, and then comes the news of their death. This was the case with Henry BROWN. The infirmity of years was upon him and his venerable face was missed from our streets. For many years he was confined to his home, and on Friday, March 14, he passed into eternity. Henry Brown was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, September 21, 1796, and in 1832 came to this county and located within one-half mile of what is now the southern limits of this city. Forty-seven years ago, when Mr. Brown came here to live the county had but few inhabitants and the future Clinton was undreamt of. His aged partner, Jane BROWN, died many years ago, leaving five children of the eight that were born to them. Mr. Brown had been a consistent member of the Christian Church for forty years, and the influence of his life was felt among his neighbors. The funeral services were conducted by Elder McARTHUR, and the remains of the aged dead were followed to the cemetery by a number of the older citizens. Mr. Brown was in his eighty-third year at the time of his death.

John BROWN 

March 31, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER.
John Brown Dies in Wapella at the Age of Eighty-Two Years.

John BROWN died at his home in Wapella on Thursday [March 30] at 8:30 a.m., of old age, being 82 years old. He was born in Louis county, Kentucky, in 1817, and moved to Illinois in 1852, locating on his farm, three miles northeast of Wapella. Here he had lived continuously until October last, when he bought a property in Wapella and moved to that village. The partner of his sorrows and joys survives him as do also six children — Mrs. G. W. WOY, of Clinton; Geo. H. BROWN, Ely BROWN and Mrs. WILSON, of Wapella; M. D. BROWN, of Farmer City; and Mrs. Belle DAVIS, of Seymour, Texas; two brothers also survive him, James F. and Geo. F. BROWN, of Heyworth. Mr. Brown was of the hardy stock that brought Central Illinois to the present profitable fruition, enduring privations that the future might have time for the culture that comes to the generations that live as God intends they should. He leaves 320 acres of land near Wapella, and it is in a high state of cultivation. No man was more generous, and there are many living witnesses to attest his good works. Of such are the cream of the earth; blessed be their names.

John S. BROWN 

May 15, 1914
Clinton Register

PROMINENT CITIZEN PASSES AWAY.
JOHN S. BROWN’S LIFE WORK ENDED.
Knew Every Corner-Stone in DeWitt County—
Belonged to Family of Pioneer Settlers.

John S. BROWN, for many years county surveyor and a prominent member of the old citizenship of the county, died in his home, 617 South Grant avenue, yesterday afternoon from the effects of kidney trouble and the incline of old age. He had been in poor health for the past year, but his last illness has only been of three weeks’ duration. Last week he was taken to the hospital for treatment but after being confined in that institution for five days, he was removed to his home Monday.

John Samuel Brown was 74 years of age at the time of his death, having been born in Spencer county, Kentucky, April 20, 1830. He was married November 21, 1854, to Amanda BROWN and they removed to Illinois in 1856 and settled in Creek township. For several years he taught school and farmed in the vicinity of where Lane now stands but which at that time was unbroken prairie. In 1862 he was first elected county surveyor by the Democrats and at that time the family removed to Clinton. In 1877 the family left Clinton and removed to Wapella township where he farmed until 1882 when he removed to Waynesville township, returning to Clinton in 1898. Mrs. Brown died June 24, 1888, and his second marriage was March 24, 1894, in Kentucky to Miss Robert Lee HARPER, who survives. Six children were born to the first marriage: Mrs. Lulu FOSTER, of Waynesville; Mrs. Elizabeth MAYALL, of Edmund, Oklahoma; William H. BROWN, who died last July in Los Angeles; May BROWN, who died in 1866; and Mrs. Minnie HILL, of Clinton. He also leaves eleven grandchildren.

Deceased was a faithful member of the Baptist church of Clinton and had been active in the early history of the church. He was also a member of DeWitt lodge No. 84, A. F. and A. M. He was first elected to the office of county surveyor in 1862 and though he did not hold office continually, he had served the greater part of the time in that capacity and was still encumbent in office at his death. He had surveyed throughout the county and probably knew the lay of the land and its official markings better than any other person in the county. He was so well acquainted with the description of the land, owing to his having surveyed throughout the county during his entire life, that he was able to locate every cornerstone from memory. Besides the office of surveyor, he had held various township offices in Creek township, as well as having served a term as deputy county clerk under James LISENBY and as deputy sheriff under Lyman BARNETT.

Friends and neighbors may view the remains in the late home from 10 to 12 o’clock Friday morning.

The funeral services will be held at the Baptist church Friday afternoon at 3 o’clock, and will be in charge of the Masonic order. Rev. C. W. BALLANGER, of Tremont, Illinois, will come to officiate.

Mrs. John S. BROWN 

June 29, 1888
Clinton Public

Mrs. BROWN, wife of Mr. John S. BROWN, formerly surveyor of this county, died at her home near Waynesville on last Monday. She had been an invalid for a long time. We have been unable to get any particulars of her history and will therefore have to wait for a more extended notice, which will probably be furnished by some one of her friends.

--------------------

June 29, 1888
Clinton Register

Mrs. Amanda BROWN, wife of ex-county supervisor, John S. BROWN, of Waynesville, died Monday night. She had suffered from dropsy and rheumatism for over two years. The funeral services were held Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Reynolds.

Leverett BROWN 

May 1, 1873, Thursday
Clinton Public

On Monday morning the sad intelligence was received in this city that Leverett BROWN, son-in-law of Colonel J. J. KELLY, had died in Indianapolis on the night previous of lung fever, after an illness of eight days.  On the Wednesday before, the Colonel learned of his son-in-law’s illness and started immediately to Indianapolis.  His symptoms growing worse, Mrs. Kelly was also summoned.  On Monday evening the body was brought to this city by special train, and yesterday the funeral services were held.   Mr. Brown was a man of vigorous health and his death was as sudden as it was sad.

Mr. Brown was one of the principal contractors in the construction of the east end of the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield Railroad, and it was then that he first became a resident of Clinton.  During the past three years he was extensively engaged in the construction of railroads, having large contracts both in this State and in Indiana, and at the time of his death he was connected with the building of several lines in Indiana.

Mr. Brown was a native of Ipswich, Mass., and at the time of his death was only thirty-two years of age.  Less than two years ago he was married to the eldest daughter of Colonel J. J. Kelly.  During his short life he was identified with more extensive business operations than usually fall to the lot of young men.  In all his undertakings he gave the best energies of his strong, manly nature, and thus had the confidence of his business associates and the esteem of those in his employ.  He was a man of strong religious convictions, and he carried his religion into his daily life.  Kind and courteous to all, he made friends wherever he went.  In this city he was highly regarded for his moral worth.  Mr. Brown leaves a young wife to mourn her loss.  Scarcely yet two years since she was a happy bride, and now she is stricken down with the heaviest calamity of her young life.  In her affliction she has the sympathy of loving parents and kind friends.  The funeral services were attended by a large number of our citizens.

Mae BROWN 

March 1892
Clinton Public

Mae BROWN a niece of Mr. Phil WOLFE, died this evening at five o'clock.

Submitted by Debbie Champion

May Etta BROWN 

January 11, 1884
Clinton Public

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. BROWN mourn the loss of their first-born. Little May Etta was a bright child of four summers and was the idol of her parents.

Theodore BROWN 

October 15, 1909
Clinton Register

FORMER CLINTON MAN DEAD.

Theodore BROWN, brother of Mrs. J. C. STOKER, of Clinton, died at Los Annias [Las Animas], Colorado, October 11, aged 80. Deceased was a son of Dr. Jas. BROWN, a former resident of Clinton, and lived in Clinton several years about fifty years ago. He was a brother-in-law of A. J. RICHEY and his son married a sister of Postmaster DAVIDSON.

James BRUCE 

November 16, 1883
Clinton Register

An Englishman named James BRUCE, aged about 62 years, died very suddenly, three miles south of Lane, this county, on the 16th of last month, at Messrs. Watson & Bennett’s residence.  He was buried at the graveyard one mile west of Lane.   He said he had a wife and two children living somewhere in or about Waynesville.   Persons seeing this item will probably confer a favor on the family by inquiry which will convey this intelligence to them.

Mrs. Rebecca BRUMFIELD 

December 28, 1906

AGED MOTHER IS CALLED.

Mrs. Rebecca BRUMFIELD, who died at her home in Barnett township, was buried in the Waynesville cemetery. She was born in Tennessee. Her parents lived in Kentucky and Ohio before coming to Illinois in 1863. She was married three times and all her husbands are deceased. Their names are James WI[N]GATE, Wm. GRANT and Andrew BRUMFIELD. Only three of her children are living, [Mrs.?] Jas. WINEBRINNER, of Waynesville, Wm. GRANT and Jas. WINGATE in Barnett township.

Cuba (PHARES) BRYANT 

November 3, 1899
Clinton Register

CALLED HOME.
Mrs. Charles Bryant's Suffering Ended in Death—
A Patient Sufferer for Two Years.

About two years ago the health of Mrs. Cuba A. BRYANT, wife of Charles F. BRYANT, began to fail. The skill of home physicians was baffled, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. PHARES, took her to the mountains of Carolina in the hope that she might be permanently benefited. But all in vain. The result was contrary to anticipations and they returned home. From that time she had been almost continuously confined to her bed. For several weeks it was realized death would soon come. She bore her suffering without complaint, knowing she must soon be called to her home above. Monday night at 9 o'clock her spirit was borne to the better world.

Cuba A. Phares was born in Clinton Feb. 21, 1867, and this has always been her home. She was married to Chas. F. Bryant Apr. 5, 1892.

She was loved by all her friends and they were grieved to learn of her death. The husband and one child, Helen, aged three years, are left without the love and tender care of a kind wife and loving mother. She had been a member of the Methodist church a number of years and faithfully followed her Master.

Funeral services were held in the M. E. church Wednesday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Revs. Horney and Whitlock, present and former pastors of the Methodist church. A profusion of flowers attested the love of friends. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery, the Eastern Star, of which deceased was an honored member, conducting ceremonies at the grave.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Josephine BRYANT 

October 5, 1883
Clinton Public

Fannie BRYANT, whose parents live at Parnell in this county, committed suicide in Pittsburg, Penn., on last Saturday. She was a young lady of fine educational accomplishments and was a teacher in the public schools at Bloomington. A few years ago she went to Cincinnati and became an amanuensis to Dr. O. E. NEWTON, and finally was the cause of the Doctor separating from his wife and family. They fled to Pittsburgh, where Fannie Bryant lived with Newton as his mistress, and the result of their sin was a boy. Three weeks ago Dr. Newton committed suicide, but before his death got the woman to promise that she too would end her life. This she did last Saturday. Fannie Bryant was a niece of Alexander CAMPBELL, the founder of the Christian Church, and also a niece of William Cullen BRYANT, the great poet. Her life was no credit to her distinguished relatives. Suicide seems to be the inheritance of the Bryant family. One brother committed suicide in Bloomington and another killed himself in Farmer City about two years ago. One of her sisters, we believe, is married to William RATHBURN and now lives with her husband in Kansas.

Note: She went by the nickname Fannie but she signed her suicide notes as Josephine and she was listed in the census as Josephine.

John B. BRYANT 

February 14, 1916 - Monday
Clinton Daily Public

JOHN B. BRYANT, HONORED PIONEER CITIZEN, IS DEAD.
Passed Away Sunday at Age of 85 Years—
Was Road Commissioner for Forty-Nine Years.
Long Gatekeeper at Fair.

The death of John B. BRYANT occurred at the home of his son, J. E. BRYANT, 617 North Center street Sunday at 12:25 o'clock, following an illness of just fifteen days.  Mr. Bryant’s death was due to uremic poisoning and hardening of the arteries.  He has been feeble practically all fall, but never took to his bed until fifteen days ago.

Among the prominent farmers and old settlers of DeWitt county, Ill., J. B. Bryant is recognized as one of the most eminent, both on account of his long residence and from the fact that his efficient service as road commissioner for forty-nine years entitled him to the high regard of his neighbors.

Born in 1831.

The birth of Mr. Bryant occurred in Sangamon county, Feb. 20, 1831, this year being noted as one of the greatest severity ever experienced in that part of the state.  He was the son of Reuben and Agnes (SIMMS) BRYANT, the former being born in Virginia and the latter in Kentucky.  He was one of a family of nine children.  He and his brother, Thomas D. BRYANT, were the only residents of DeWitt county.

Mr. Bryant had limited educational advantages and was obliged to be contented with a few weeks of school during winter months; at that time this flourishing part of the country was but a pioneer settlement.  At the age of twenty-one years he rented land in Sangamon county and engaged in farming for himself.

Forty-Nine Years Road Overseer.

On the 24 of April 1853, occurred his marriage to Miss Matilda V. DUFF, and to the union six children were born.  After their marriage they resided in Sangamon county until 1866 and then came to Dewitt county, where they located on fifty-four acres in section 25, Clintonia township.  Here Mr. Bryant became identified with community interests and for forty-nine consecutive years he was road commissioner and general overseer of roads.  All of the excellent and secure bridges have been erected under his supervision.  The township has a reputation for its excellent roads and Mr. Bryant received much praise from the residents for the good judgment he showed giving the farmers excellent highways without causing unnecessary taxes.

Twenty Years Gate Keepr.

Mr. Bryant was for over twenty years gate keeper at the old fair grounds, and the young men of today have never forgotten his kindness toward them in their early days.  He was known to all as "Uncle John" and he always had a smile and kind word.

Mrs. Bryant preceded her husband in death twelve years ago and since the death of his wife, Mr. Bryant has made his home with his children.  The past seven years has been spent with his son, J. E. Bryant, 617 North Center street.  He is survived by two sons, J. E. and C. F. BRYANT, and one daughter, Mrs. P. S. JONES, all of this city.  Two died in infancy and one son, Jacques, died several years ago.  Thomas D. BRYANT, 200 East Jefferson street, is the only surviving brother.  Several grandchildren survive.

He was a long time member of the Methodist church and was a staunch Republican.  It was his pride that he always voted his ticket straight.

Honored by County Fair.

The DeWitt County Agricultural Society at its fair in 1900, wishing to do honor to these most estimable residents presented Mr. and Mrs. Bryant with a solid silver spoon in remembrance of their being the oldest couple of the county born previous to the deep snow of 1831, this being the most notable event of its kind in the history of the state.

Funeral Tuesday.

The funeral will be held from the home of J. E. Bryant, 617 North Center street, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock with Rev. W. D. Fairchild of the M. E. church, officiating.  Interment will be made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Mrs. John B. BRYANT 

December 4, 1903
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BRYANT.

Mrs. John BRYANT died early yesterday morning at her home two miles northeast of Clinton, of pneumonia, being sick about two weeks.  She was 73 years old, except one month and 16 days.

Deceased’s maiden name was Matilda DUFF and she was born Jan. 19, 1831, near Springfield, Ill.  After she was married to Mr. Bryant they moved to this county which had since been their home.  Of the five children born to them four are living; they are Jacques, of California; John, Charles, and Mrs. P. S. JONES, of Clinton.  Three brothers, a sister and her husband also are living, John and Ben DUFF, of Creek township, James of Kansas and Mrs. PROCTER, of Bloomington.  She was a member of the Methodist church.  Funeral at the residence tomorrow at 1:30 conducted by Rev. Canady.  Burial in Woodlawn.

Thomas D. BRYANT 

February 28, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

THOMAS D. BRYANT DIED THIS MORNING.
After Suffering Stroke of Paralysis— Was Seventy-seven Years of Age and Veteran of Civil War.

After suffering two strokes of paralysis Sunday morning, Thomas D. BRYANT quietly passed away this morning at 9:30 o'clock at the family home, corner of Monroe and Jefferson streets.  Mr. Bryant was one of the well known citizens of Clinton and DeWitt county, having lived in the country for sixty-five years.  He was a quiet unassuming gentleman and a great number of friends and acquaintances will mourn over the news of his death.

Thomas D. Bryant was born in Morgan county, Illinois, June 23, 1841, and at the time of his death was almost seventy-seven years of age.  In the year of 1853, he came with his parents to DeWitt county and located on what was known as the old Lewis Campbell farm just west of the fairgrounds.  August 6, 1862, he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet J. PIERCE, granddaughter of Rev. John M. BERRY, one of the first Presbyterian ministers in Clinton, and to this union four children were born, Delmar, at present deputy sheriff of this county; Mrs. W. F. CLARK, and Miss Carrie BRYANT, of Clinton; and William Clark, of Gibson City.  Shortly after his marriage the deceased enlisted with Co. D, 107th Ill., and continued in the service of his country until the end of the Civil war, during which time he was permitted to return to Clinton for a short visit on but one occasion.  During his service in the army he was in many important battles.  The deceased was a member of the local G. A. R. post and had for years belonged to the K. of P. lodge.  He held the office of county coroner for one term; acted as deputy sheriff for eight years and was tax collector and city marshal of Clinton during the time of the building of the Gilman and Springfield railroad was in progress.  On August 6, 1912, Mr. & Mrs. Bryant celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary when a large gathering of relatives and friends were in Clinton to aid in the ceremony.

The funeral will be held from the home at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon in charge of the K. of P. lodge with Rev. A. M. Wells officiating.  Burial will be made in the family lot in Woodlawn cemetery.  It is the request of the family that no flowers be sent.

Mrs. Benjamin F. BUCK 

September 14, 1883
Clinton Register

Death of Mrs. Buck.

On Wednesday morning, August 29th, 1883, at a quarter past four o'clock, occurred the death of Mrs. Jessie A. BUCK, of consumption, at her residence, three miles northeast of Clinton.  Mrs. Buck was the daughter of William I. and Mary A. BRAINARD.  She was the mother of one child, a little girl, two years old, who survives her.  She also leaves an aged mother, three brothers and three sisters to mourn her loss.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BUCK, BENJAMIN T.     BRAINARD, JESSIE E.      12-18-1879     DE WITT
[Should be Benjamin F. and Jessie A.]

Della BUCK 

June 8, 1900
Clinton Register

Young Lady Died of Consumption.

Della BUCK was born July 14, 1881, on her father’s farm three miles northeast of this city, where she died Sunday morning, June 3, in the same room in which she was born and in which, two years later her mother had died.  She was an intelligent, good and gentle girl, and was beloved by a large circle of life-long friends, who sincerely mourn her departure.  For years she had been in delicate health and a great sufferer, but gentle and patient in her affliction.  She was a lover of God and righteousness, earnestly seeking to live obedient to his will; an original thinker and quick to perceive the truth.  Her mind was bent on the future, and she thought deeply on the problems of mortality and immortality.  By her own reasoning she arrived at the conclusions of the Universalist faith, in which she found joy and peace in life, and strength and fortitude in death.  She professed her belief in the doctrine of Universalism and joined the church only a few hours before her death, fully conscious to the end, cheerfully submissive and joyfully looking forward to meeting her mother and little brother.  She leaves a large circle of friends and relatives who mourn their loss, but rejoice at her release from affliction, and entrance upon the experience of that beautiful world beyond.  All will cherish the memory of her gentle, patient and loving spirit.  Funeral services were held at the residence Monday at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gossow.  Interment in Woodlawn.

Note: Della was the daughter of Benjamin F. and Jessie A. (Brainard) Buck.

Harris BUCK 

July 23, 1880
Clinton Public

Long Point.

The week opened with two funerals in our community.  On Monday, at 11 o'clock, the body of Mr. Judson BUCK, an old citizen of this township, was laid away in its last resting place.  At 3 o'clock p.m. a large number of friends assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to Harry [Harris] BUCK, nephew of Judson.  He was one who moved among us and was respected by all who knew him.  He was the main dependence of a grief-stricken mother and a heart-broken family.  They have the sympathy of the entire community.

Jay J. BUCK 

April 20, 1900
The Atlanta Argus

DIED—J. J. BUCK, son of A. D. and Margaret BUCK was born Aug. 11, 1899, and departed this life April 14, 1900, aged 8 months and 3 days.  He leaves besides his parents, two sisters and one brother, with other friends and relatives to mourn his early death.  Funeral services were held from the home of the parents Sunday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Mary L. Moreland.

Note: Jay J. Buck is buried in the Union Cemetery, Waynesville, De Witt County, Illinois.  His parents names are Austin Dayton and Margaret (Hammitt) Buck.

Judson BUCK 

July 30, 1880
Clinton Public

At the residence of his sons, two and one-half miles south of McLean, July 18, 1880, Judson BUCK, aged 71 years, 11 months, and 10 days.

Deceased was born in the State of New York, August 8, 1808. He moved with his father, when quite young, to Ohio, and from thence to Indiana, where he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah JOHNSTON, who preceded him to the grave nearly two years. He removed from Indiana to Illinois and settled on the homestead known as the Bash farm, in DeWitt county, in the fall of 1850, where he resided until his death. He lived to see seven of his family of ten children—five sons and two daughters— settle in McLean and DeWitt counties. One son and two daughters preceded him to the grave. He rode in his buggy from his home on the 17th to visit the family of his son, and was stricken with paralysis about noon. Dr. Noble, of McLean, was summoned, but could render no assistance. He lingered until two o'clock Sunday morning, when he passed peacefully away, with scarcely a struggle. His funeral took place from the residence of his son. He was followed to his last resting place by a large concourse of friends and relatives. The funeral sermon will be preached by the Rev. D. P. Bunn, of Decatur, the 29th of August, at 11 A.M., two miles west of the residence of deceased, at the Christian Church.

Lewis M. BUCK 

April 21, 1893
Clinton Public

L. M. BUCK, in the eighty-first year of his age, died at his home in this city yesterday morning, at two o'clock.  He was the father of Mr. Ben BUCK.  The old gentleman had lived in this county for nearly a quarter of a century, coming here from Indiana.  He sent one son to the war, in the Thirty-seventh Indiana regiment, who never returned home alive.  For the death of this son, Mr. Buck was granted a pension a few months ago.  The funeral services will be held at the home, near Sylvester’s Mill, tomorrow afternoon, at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. A. Hunter.

--------------------

April 28, 1893
Clinton Public

At Rest.

L. M. BUCK, born near Trumansburg, Tompkins County, N. Y., May 14th, 1810; departed this life April 20, 1893, at his home in Clinton, aged eighty-two years, eleven months and six days.

Few men can trace their antecedents farther back than he could.  He had a record back to 621, to the first person bearing the Buck surname.  To save space we will give a short genealogy of his direct family, beginning with their emigration to the United States.  Enoch Buck, born in Norfolk County, England, in 1624; settled at Weathersfield, Conn., in 1647; married Sarah Kirby; to them were born ten children, Ezekiel Buck, born January 15, 1657; he married Rachel Andrews; to them were born eleven children.  Enoch Buck, born April 5th, 1683; married Mary Bobee; to them were born eleven children.  James Buck, born March 24, 1726; married February 25, 1740, Elizabeth, sister of Robert Sherman, the signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Both are buried at the old cemetery at New Milford, Conn.  To hem were born ten children.  William Sherman Buck, father of L. M. Buck, born at new Milford, Conn., Feb. 17, 1764; married Parentha York, April 27, 1787.  She was born at Stonington, Conn., September 27, 1770.  To them were born thirteen children, whose names are Amos York, James, Sherman Aholiab, William Miner, Harmon Camp, Lucretia York, Homer, Hiram, Elizabeth, Orton, Judson, Louis Morgan and Aseph.

Louis Morgan Buck was married to Harriet L. SMITH March 29, 1932.  To them were born twelve children, four of whom died in infancy.  The remaining are Morgan L., Aseph; Peter, who was killed at the battle of Dallas, Georgia, May 10, 1864, while serving as a corporal in Co. C., Thirty-seventh Indiana Vol., Alzemo, Cornelia, Eliz, Jane and Harriet.  After the death of his first wife he married Eliza EDEN, March 20, 1852.  To them were born five children, Benjamin, Lucretia, Mary, Carter and Sarah.  All of his children were born in the State of Indiana. L. M. Buck began life as a cabin-boy on the Ohio river, at the age of seventeen years and soon ranked as a first-class pilot from Cincinnati to New Orleans, spending fifteen winters in the South in the cotton trade.  After leaving the river he followed the pursuit of farming in Dearborn County, Indiana, up to the year 1871.  He then sold his farm and moved to a farm near Wapella, Ill.  About six years ago he moved into Clinton, where he resided till the time of his death.  He furnished three boys, whose combined service was nine years, in the last war.  On account of his son Peter he was drawing twelve dollars per month as dependent pensioner at the time of his death.  He leaves fifty-five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  His direct family numbers ninety members.  In politics he was a Republican.  In religion he believed in universal salvation.  His funeral was conducted by Rev. W. A. Hunter on Saturday, April 22.  His remains are at rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

“Farewell, dearest father, thy trials are o'er,
Thy labors are ended, thy sorrows no more.
Farewell, till we meet in the region above
To praise our Redeemer, and talk of his love.”

Note: This obituary spells his name Louis, but his tombstone has Lewis.

Mrs. Lewis M. BUCK 

July 29, 1910
Clinton Register

Death of Mrs. Eliza Buck.

Mrs. Eliza BUCK, aged _2 years, died at the home of her son-in-law, Ely RICKS, 221 North George street, Friday, July 22.  Deceased had been in poor health for several years, but a fall in which she sustained a broken leg is said to have hastened her death.  She is survived by five children, two sons and three daughters, Benjamin BUCK, residing in the Prairie Center neighborhood; Mrs. Lucretia MALONE, of near Hallville; Mrs. Mary RICKS, of this city; C. BUCK, of Assumption; and Mrs. Sarah GROVES, of this city.  Besides these five children she was the step-mother of twelve other children.  Deceased had been a resident of this county for more than thirty years.  She was born in Hamilton county, Ohio.  Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. H. Howard.   Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: Eliza was two months short of being age 92.

Martha C. BUCK 

June 7, 1901
Clinton Register

Wapella.

The remains of Martha BUCK arrived here from Wichita, Kan., Wednesday.  She was formerly an old resident of Long Point, but had lived of late years in Kansas.  She had been indisposed sometime but it was thought nothing serious.  After eating her lunch Sunday eve, she said she was sorry she ate any, and was taken violently ill, and died in a short time.  Two sons and two daughters came with the remains.  Rev. Ingraham delivered a short discourse at the Long Point Christian church of which the deceased was a member.  Kind friends laid her away beside a son whom she had requested of her family to be laid by.  Geo. Adams and son of Clinton and Mrs. Anna Houch and family of DeWitt attended the funeral of Martha C. Buck.

Emma BULLOCK 

January 24, 1862
Central Transcript

DEATH.—Died, in this place last Sunday, Emma, infant daughter of Lieut. J. W. and Olivia BULLOCK.

John Wesley BULLOCK 

February 9, 1900
Clinton Register

John BULLOCK, uncle of James BATES, of this city, died at his home in Kansas, where he had lived about thirty years. He left Clinton many years ago.

Note: John Wesley Bullock died January 29, 1900, and was buried in Clinton Cemetery in Douglas County, Kansas.  His wife, Olivia, died August 11, 1920.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Daniel BURK 

April 18, 1913
Clinton Register

WELL KNOWN RAILROAD MAN.

Daniel BURK died last Saturday morning at his home on South Isabella street after an illness of two weeks of valvular heart trouble.  Deceased was born January 6, 1860, at Otterville, Mo.

He began railroading when a young man, first as a fireman in Missouri.  He went to Bloomington in 1892.  In 1898 he came to Clinton and took a position as night foreman, which position he held at the time he was taken sick.

He leaves a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Augusta GANO, West Main street, and Edna, at home.  Deceased expressed the desire a number of times during his illness that he might live to see the latter graduate, Miss Edna being a member of the class of ‘13.

He also leaves a brother, John, of McAlester, Oklahoma, and a sister, Mrs. F. R. Paxton, of Kansas City, Mo.  He was a member of the order of Ben Hur and of the Roman Catholic church.

Funeral services were held from St. John’s church at 10 a.m. Monday in charge of Father Hearn.  Interment in Woodlawn.

The senior class of the Clinton High School attended the funeral in a body, out of sympathy and respect for their sorrowing classmate.

Note: aka BURKE

John BURK 

December 9, 1887
Clinton Register

John BURK, of Waynesville, who two weeks ago cut his foot with an ax while chopping for Wm. OAKES, of Barnett township, died last Monday from blood poison, and was buried Tuesday at the Catholic cemetery near Wapella. The deceased was about twenty-one years old and was regarded as a fine young man by all of his acquaintances.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Nicholas Burkerd 

June 20, 1877
Clinton Register

AN UNUSUALLY SAD DEATH.
Nicholas Burkard Died While Visiting Relatives in Clinton—
Taken to Nebraska for Burial.

About a month ago Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas BURKARD [aka BURKERD], of Wood River, Neb., came to Clinton to visit the families of M. R. and O. T. COLWELL, brothers of the latter, and old friends. They had left home on the advice of the family doctor, who said Mr. Burkard must take rest for his health. When they came to Clinton they intended to remain two weeks and then visit their two daughters in Ohio, but they found it impossible to see all their old friends in so short a time and had remained about three weeks. They were almost ready to leave for Ohio when Mr. Burkard was taken seriously sick Monday night of last week at the home of O. T Colwell. From the first, recovery seemed in doubt, but he fought hard to battle off death, and on Thursday morning dressed himself and went for a short walk in the yard, saying he would be able to leave for Ohio that night. He soon became very sick and was taken into the house. He rapidly grew worse and died Saturday morning at four o'clock. One daughter arrived from Ohio about two hours before his death, but he was unconscious and did not recognize her.

Deceased was born in Germany 66 years ago, and his parents came to America when he was five years old, locating in Wisconsin. When a young man he was in the employ of Wm. MAGILL in Iowa and came with him to Clinton in 1861, where he soon enlisted in the 41st Ill. Inf. and served till the war closed. After his return he was married to Miss Melissa COLWELL, and they moved onto the farm now occupied by A. T. McKINNEY in Texas township, where they lived until 1871, when they moved to near Wood River, which had since been their home. They owned about 200 acres of well-improved land, which is occupied by a son-in-law. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. J. A. BENCE, of Wood River; Mrs. Lewis BROCKLEHURST, of Kingsville, O.; and Mrs. E. BROCKLEHURST, of Austinburg, O. Also by three brothers and a sister, Theodore, Jesse and Julius, of Nebraska, and Mrs. Tracy WISE, of Milwaukee. He was a member of the Presbyterian church; also of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R.

Sunday at 12:30, the G. A. R. and W. R. C. met at the home and followed the remains to the depot. M. R. Colwell accompanied his sister to Wood River, Neb., where funeral services were held Tuesday.

John M. BURKHOLDER 

July 7, 1899
Clinton Public

A RESPECTED CITIZEN GONE.
John M. Burkholder Succumbs to an Attack of Bright’s Disease.
WAS AN HONORED MASON.
Impressive Funeral Services Held Under the Directions of the Masonic Fraternity.

John M. BURKHOLDER, an honored and respected citizen of Clinton, died on Tuesday at his home on West Jefferson street, aged 69 years. Death was due to Bright’s disease, from which he had suffered for the past six years. For the last six months he had been almost constantly confined to the house and was compelled to take to his bed four weeks ago. During the last days of his illness his suffering was intense and could be relieved only by administering opiates, which left him in a comatose condition until his death.

J. M. Burkholder was born on a farm in Rockingham county, Va., on May 5, 1830, and was a son of Anthony and Betsy Gaines BURKHOLDER. The mother of deceased was a member of the F.F.V’s and was a relative of General GAINES, and during his lifetime Mr. Burkholder could well be proud of the honesty and integrity of his ancestors. In his boyhood days Mr. Burkholder received a liberal common school education and on reaching his majority came West to seek his fortune. He spent two years teaching school in Knox county, Ohio. He was an exemplary and industrious young man, and in 1854 came to Illinois with the fruit of his earnings and purchased a farm in the southern part of McLean county. Here he farmed during the summer and taught school during the winter until the spring of 1863, when he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca BEAN at Bloomington. After his marriage he gave up school teaching and gave his attention exclusively to farming. In 1881 he purchased another farm in DeWitt county, two miles north of Waynesville, onto which he moved his family. In 1895 his health began to fail and they moved to Clinton, where he had purchased a handsome home, leaving his son, Ira E. BURKHOLDER to run the farm.

Mr. Burkholder’s family was noted for its longevity, his father and four uncles living to the advanced age of nearly 90 years. At the outbreak of the civil war deceased enlisted at the first call for troops and served three months, which service probably hastened his death.

In private life Mr. Burkholder was an indulgent father and loving husband, always looking first to the happiness and comfort of his family. As a citizen, deceased held the respect and confidence of all classes and died honored and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of the G.A.R. and Wayne lodge, A.F. and A. M., of Waynesville. Deceased cast his first vote for John C. Freemont and during his long and useful life remained a staunch Republican, taking a just pride in his political record. He never aspired to office, but was repeatedly honored by places of trust in the township where he lived. While not a member of any religious denomination, he was of Universalist belief and frequently attended that church.

Besides his wife, deceased leaves surviving him two children, Ira E. BURKHOLDER and Bessie M. BURKHOLDER, and one sister, Mrs. John W. BOWERS, living in Virginia.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday at the residence, where a large number of sympathizing friends viewed the remains from 12 to 1:30 o'clock. Rev. C. W. E. GOSSOW delivered a short funeral sermon, and the remains were taken in charge by Wayne lodge, A.F. and A.M., of Waynesville, assisted by DeWitt lodge, of Clinton. The remains were followed to Woodlawn cemetery by friends from Clinton and Waynesville and were laid to rest with the imposing and solemn rites of the Masonic fraternity.

Mrs. John M. BURKHOLDER 

August 22, 1913
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BURKHOLDER.
Aged Resident of Clinton Died Sunday Morning—
Had Been Ill Several Years.

Sunday morning at 4:30 at her home on South Jackson Avenue occurred the death of Mrs. Rebecca BURKHOLDER after an illness of several years. Since June she had been confined to her bed with creeping paralysis.

Rebecca Waterman BEAN was born near Killingly, Conn., April 2, 1841, and was the daughter of Ann and William Bean. With her parents she moved to this state in 1856, settling in DeWitt county which has been her home since. April 9, 1863, she was united in marriage to John M. BURKHOLDER at Bloomington, Ill., and to this union two children were born, both surviving, the husband being deceased. The two children are Miss Bessie BURKHOLDER, who lives at home, and Ira E. BURKHOLDER, of McLean. There are also seven grandchildren surviving. She was the great aunt of Mr. Roy SAMPSON, of Waynesville, who was bereaved of his wife last Saturday morning.

Although a member of no church, deceased had always lived the life of a Christian, her preference being the Universalist church. As long as her health permitted she was a regular attendant.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the home, Dr. A. H. Laing officiating. Interment in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Martha BURNETT 

May 30, 1913
Clinton Register

KILLED IN CALIFORNIA.

Among those killed at Long Beach, Cal., Saturday, was Martha J. BURNETT, formerly Mrs. Martha J. COLLYER, of Clinton.  Her second marriage was to Mr. BURNETT at Quincy, Ill., where she was living with her son, Edward.  They soon went to Seattle, Wash., where her husband died about a year ago.  She then went to Long Beach to live with her daughter, Mrs. Samuel LANGDALE.  During the celebration of “British Empire Day,” the municipal pier, on which were thousands, gave way, and thirty-six were killed.  Her son still lives in Quincy.  Burial was at Long Beach, but it is said the body will be brought to Clinton during the year.
--------------------
June 6, 1913
Clinton Register

FUNERAL HELD WEDNESDAY.

The funeral services for the late Mrs. Martha J. BURNETT, who was killed when the pier gave way at Long Beach, Cal., last week, were held from Oakman Chapel Wednesday afternoon.  The religious services were in charge of Rev. W. H. Fulton.  Many floral tributes from old friends and former neighbors were in evidence.  Interment was in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Elizabeth BURNHAM 

October 23, 1896
Clinton Public

Mrs. Elizabeth BURNHAM died at the home of her son, A. W. BURNHAM, in Farmer City, on Saturday evening, in her 85th year. Funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. Deceased was injured by a fall some time ago, and this was probably the indirect cause of her death. She was an estimable old lady and well known to all in the vicinity of Farmer City.

Mrs. Ann BURNS 

March 21, 1890
Clinton Public

Death of Mrs. Ann Burns.

After nearly sixty-two years of the joys and sorrows of this life, Mrs. Ann BURNS peacefully passed from earth to heaven. Mrs. Burns was born in Lawrenceburg, Ind., on the 15th of August, 1828, and at the age of sixteen years she was united in marriage to R. W. BURNS, who was then a prosperous merchant tailor. Desiring to better their condition the family moved to Iowa in 1852, where Mr. Burns engaged in general merchandising. Later they came to Illinois and for years lived in Mt. Carroll. Toward the end of the fifties they moved to Missouri where Mr. Burns was doing a prosperous business. Mr. Burns was a pronounced Union man in his sentiments, and when the war broke out his secession neighbors made Missouri too warm for him, and in 1862 the family came to Clinton, where Mr. Burns engaged in business. In 1866 he died, leaving his wife and two sons. They were the parents of three children. The second-born, a daughter, died when she was but five years old. The two sons, William and Robert, now survive their mother. William has been an employee of THE PUBLIC office for the past fifteen years. Mrs. Burns was one of those quiet, kindly souls who went about doing good among her neighbors. In the homes of the sick she was an unassuming ministering angel. She had her share of the joys and sorrows of life. She died on Tuesday afternoon, and on Thursday afternoon her body was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. A large number of old friends and neighbors attended the funeral, and Dr. REED conducted the ceremonies.

Mrs. Dennis BURNS 

August 25, 1876
Clinton Public

Sallie BURNS, wife of Dennis BURNS, deceased, died August 18, 1876, after an illness of several years, with that disease most dreaded of all diseases, cancer in the breast, at the advanced age of seventy-five.  She endured her affliction with great fortitude of mind, trusting in her Father in heaven to give strength in her declining years.

Henry Hogel BURNS 

November 18, 1901
The Journal

Mr. Burns died at 8:45 p.m. Saturday evening, Nov. 16, 1901, of paralysis, at the family residence in Barclay. Henry Hogel BURNS, aged 81 years, 4 months, and 4 days. Mr. Burns came from New York to Will county in 1855. He went to Crawford county, Kan. in 1879. After three years he returned and resided in Clinton for a year and a half. He then went to the home of his son at Barclay. Surviving Mr. Burns are eight children: Albert H. of Barclay, William E. of Clinton, John A. M. of Kenny, Arthur A. of Chicago, and Thomas C. BURNS of Kinney: Mrs. R. M. Dugan and Mrs. Mary E. Scott of Clinton, and Mrs. Fannie Dixon of Arlington, S.D. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am. Monday morning at the home of the son in Barclay. The remains will then be conveyed to Kenney where services will be held in the Christian church. Rev. Mr. FURMAN officiating. Interment will be made in the Texas Cemetery.

Submitted by Unknown

--------------------

November 18, 1901
Clinton Register

Henry Burns died at his home in Barclay, Nov. 15, aged nearly ninety years. He formerly live in Kenney. Eight children survive him, four of whom, Mrs. ROSE, Mrs. DUGAN, Thomas and Edward, live in Clinton; John, near Kenney; Albert, at Barclay; Arthur, at Chicago; and Mrs. DIXON, in South Dakota. Burial was in the Texas cemetery.

Milton BURNS 

March 13, 1885
Clinton Public

Revolvered Himself Into Eternity.
Milton Burns, Formerly a DeWitt Merchant, Killed Himself.

Milton BURNS kept a store in DeWitt till some four or five years ago, when he went to Colorado in the hope of acquiring wealth faster than he could in the little village of DeWitt. He was a young bachelor and the beau of the village and was a welcome guest in every household. When doing business in DeWitt he occupied the Richter building and had a large list of customers. About five years ago he moved to Colorado, taking with him several thousand dollars, and invested his money and devoted his time to mining. His speculation was a failure, and after his money was all gone, and there was nothing to show for it but an interest in a hole in a mine, he came back to Illinois and lived in Leroy with his mother. It is said that while he was out in Colorado he made the acquaintance of an accomplished lady, and from his own statements he was engaged to be married to her. The change in his fortunes put marriage out of the question, for he was too proud to ask the woman he loved to share his poverty. This combination of circumstances had a depressing influence upon him, and the culmination was a determination to take his life. Last Monday he left his mother's house in Leroy and went out and sat on a box. He placed a revolver over his heart and fired the fatal shot that sent his soul into eternity. He left a written message for his mother, in which he said that he had a policy of insurance for $2500 on his life, but he feared she would never get it because he had committed suicide. Milton Burns was thirty-eight years old, and was a man of exemplary habits. He has a married sister living in DeWitt, the wife of Dr. TAYLOR.

Mrs. John BURNS 

February 21, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH OF AN AGED LADY.

Mrs. Thos. BURNS (aka John BURNS) died about 3:30 Tuesday night at her home in the northeast part of the city, aged 75, being confined to her bed over two weeks.   Deceased’s maiden name was Anna HART and she was born in Ireland and had been in this county over 40 years, about 30 years of the time in Clinton.  Besides her husband, she is survived [by] Mrs. McGoey and John, of Springfield, Illinois; Patrick, of Perry, Iowa; and Thomas, of Iowa.

Note: Her husband, John Burns, sometimes went by the name Thomas Burns or Jary Burns.  Her maiden name was Hart and her first husband was Thomas McGoey.

Orton W. BURNS 

May 26, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF O. W. BURNS.
An Aged and Respected Farmer Passes Away.

O. W. BURNS died at his late home 3½ miles southwest of Clinton on Wednesday night, of a complicated disease.  He was 76 years old and leaves a wife and seven children— L. M. BURNS, M. D. BURNS, Mrs. Emerson VANDERVORT, Miss Nellie BURNS, of Clinton; Mrs. Jno. SCOTT, of Morgansville, Ill.; Mrs. Lottie GAMBRELL, of Waynesville; and J. A. BURNS, of Monticello.  Deceased came to this country in 1846 and has resided here ever since.  He was an active politician, always championing the cause of Democracy.  He held several local offices and never abused the trust placed in him.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2 o'clock at his late residence, his homestead of over 200 acres.  Remains will be interred at Hill cemetery, one mile south of Clinton.

Note: Orton Warfield Burns was the son of Dennis and Sallie (Brockett) Burns and the husband of Louisa Jane Skiff.

Mrs. Orton W. BURNS 

May 29, 1914
Clinton Register

ANOTHER PIONEER ENDS LIFE'S JOURNEY.
AT SEVENTY AND SIX YEARS.
DeWitt County Had Been Her Home Over the Number of Years Allotted to Pilgrims to Live.

Another Christian mother has been called home.  One more life rich with good acts has been closed and is rejoicing of the angels as another ripened sheaf is gathered from the golden fields of hope that extend to the broad expense of eternal life.

Mrs. Louisa J. BURNS died at 1 o'clock this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William JOHNSON, 702 West Adams street, aged 76 yrs., 6 mos., and 28 days.  She had been in poor health about three years and for the last year had been confined to her bed.

She was born Oct. 31, 1837, in Christian county, Ill., being the first white child born in Periton township, being the daughter of Thomas C. and Melvina J. SKIFF.  She was married to O. W. BURNS June 17, 1854, and they moved to DeWitt county in the spring of 1857, locating in Texas township where he died May 24, 1898 [1899].  She continued to live on the farm until June, 1911, when she came to Clinton and had since been with her daughter, Mrs. Emerson VANDERVORT, most of the time.

She is survived by several children, three sons and four daughters, as follows: L. M. and J. A. of Texas township; Mrs. Emerson Vandervort, Mrs. Wm. Gambrel, Mrs. Wm. Johnson and M. D., of Clinton; and Mrs. Isabella Powers, of Harrisburg, Ark; also by the following brothers and sisters: Nathan T. and John T. Skiff, of Moweaqua, Ill.; Mrs. Mary Johnson and Mrs. Eliza Odell, of Tower Hill; Mrs. Sarah Curren, of Hastings, Neb., also by 17 grand children and one great grand child.  She united with the Baptist church when a girl and had since been a devoted Christian.

Mr. and Mrs. Burns shared the hardships of pioneer life.  They saw DeWitt county change from a wilderness to the fine agricultural district of today.  She was always true to her duty as a loving wife, fond mother and good neighbor.

Funeral services will be held at the Baptist church at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. J. E. Hart, of Hudson, formerly of Clinton.  Burial in Hill cemetery one mile south of Clinton.

Mrs. Thomas BURNS 

December 22, 1893
Clinton Public

Kenney.

Saturday occurred the death of Mrs. Thomas Burns.  She had been ill some time.  The remains were interred Sunday in Texas cemetery.

Winslow BURNS 

November 14, 1902
Clinton Register

DIED AT POOR FARM.

“Winnie” BURNS died at the poor farm Wednesday, aged 72 years.  He fell from a load of hay at the farm in September which was the cause of his death.  His mind had always been deranged.  The interment took place in the Texas cemetery yesterday.

Note: Winnie was the son of Dennis and Sallie (Brockett) Burns.

Benjamin BURROUGHS 

October 10, 1890
Clinton Public

Death of Benjamin Burroughs.

At his home in this city, on last Sunday morning, at five o'clock, Benjamin BURROUGHS departed this life. He had been sick during the greater part of the summer, but nearly every day was able to be up town. Two weeks ago last Friday his disease had taken such firm hold on him that he was compelled to take to his bed. The nature of his disease was such that his physician had no hopes of his recovery, and as some of the members of Mr. Burroughs family were absent from home it was deemed advisable to summon them by telegraph. Mr. Burroughs was a man of strong and rugged constitution, but when he began to fail he went down rapidly. It was imperative that the funeral take place on Sunday afternoon, and at four o'clock the services were held at the house and he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery by the side of his wife. The funeral services were in charge of the Odd Fellows lodge of this city, of which Mr. Burroughs was an active member. As a mark of respect to Mr. Frank BURROUGHS (the only son of the deceased), who is a Past Grand Chancellor of the Order of Knights of Pythias of Illinois, the members of Plantagenet Lodge, K. of P., attended the funeral in a body. There was a large attendance of citizens, which certainly must have been gratifying to the family of the deceased.

Benjamin Burroughs was a native of the State of New York, being born in Conesus, Wyoming county, on the 26th of August, 1827, his age at the time of death being sixty-three years, one month and nine days. When he was but twenty-three years old Mr. Burroughs and Miss Meranda L. ROSE were united in marriage, on the 19th of May, 1850. Six children blessed their union, one of whom died in early childhood, the other five, one son and four daughters surviving their parents. A few months after their marriage Mr. Burroughs began life as a hotel keeper in Wayland, New York, and for thirty-one years was engaged in that business. When the Magill House was finished, in 1873, Mr. Burroughs became the landlord, and till 1881 he managed that hotel, when he retired from the business. Mrs. Burroughs died on the 7th of June, 1880, which had the effect of changing his plans in life. No hotel man had a wider acquaintance among the traveling public, and as a landlord he was popular.

Mr. Burroughs probably ranked in membership one among the oldest Odd Fellows in the State. He was admitted to the order in Perry, Wyoming county, New York, on the 17th of September, 1848, in silver Lake Lodge, and for forty-two years he was faithful to the principles of Odd Fellowship.

He was a man of warm friendships and kindly impulses. He was an intense partisan and was a firm believer in the principles of Democracy. He had the born elements of a leader, and if he had given his ability and talents in the line of politics he would have made a success. During his life in Clinton he was one of the regular delegates to all Democratic State and judicial conventions, and in county politics he was an important factor. The greatest trait in his character was his intense love for his family, and their comfort and happiness was his first care and thought.

Mrs. Benjamin BURROUGHS 

June 11, 1880
Clinton Public

Mrs. M. L. BURROUGHS, wife of Benj. BURROUGHS, departed this life Monday evening at 8:30 o’clock.  She was born March 26th, 1828, at Castile, Wyoming county, N. Y., a beautiful little village in the geneses Valley.  She was the daughter of Hon. A. B. ROSE, who was quite a prominent politician of Western New York, being a member of the State Legislature two terms, and County Judge for a number of years, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty-one years.  Mrs. Burroughs was the last but one of a family of six children, composed of three sons and three daughters.  Her eldest brother, Dolphin ROSE, died in California, an officer in the revenue department.   Col. A. M. ROSE, who at the breaking out of our late war was superintendent of the Ann Arbor (Mich.) school, was the first one to enroll his name as a private in the first company organized there.  He was killed at the fourth day’s fight of the battle of Malvern Hill.  Henry ROSE, the youngest brother, died at Wabashaw, Minn., and was editor of the Wabashaw Herald.  Her father has been, for the past two years, compiling a history of Western New York, which is now in the hands of the publishers, he being one of the early pioneers of that part of the State.  Mrs. Burroughs had been an invalid for the past four years.  Just previous to her death she expressed herself to her friends as being perfectly reconciled to die, having no fear for the future, and feeling contented to place herself in the hands of her Maker.

BURT (infant) 

August 11, 1893
Clinton Public

The infant child of Mrs. and Mrs. Silas BURT died last Sunday of cholera infantum and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.  Mr. Burt is an engineer on the Central, and there was a large turnout of his fellow railroad men and their wives at the funeral.   Father Dooling conducted the funeral services.

Mrs. Silas F. BURT 

April 7, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF MRS. S. F. BURT.
Funeral Services on Sunday in St. John's Church.

Mrs. S. F. BURT, wife of Engineer Burt, died at her home on East Macon street, on Friday, March 31, 1899, aged 28 years, 11 months and 6 days, of erysipelas. Deceased was born in Wapella and came to Clinton when quite young. She was reared here, attending the public schools in this city. All her life she was a devoted member of the Catholic church. On August 30, 1891, she was married to S. F. Burt, in Wapella, by Father DOOLING. This union was blessed with four bright children—Joseph, Edward, Walter and Grace—Joseph preceding his mother to the great beyond on August 4, 1894 [1893]. Her mother survives her, also three brothers and one sister—P. D. McGOEY, of Perry, Ia.; Thos. McGOEY, of Iowa; John McGOEY and Lizzie McGOEY, of Springfield. Her father died when she was an infant. Deceased was an exemplary wife and a loving mother, her highest ambition being to serve her family well. She is mourned by many devoted friends outside of her immediate circle, and her bereaved family have the sympathy of this community. Mrs. Silas BURT, of Buffalo Hart, Ill., Joseph BURT, of Cornland, Ill., P. D. McGOEY, of Perry, Ill., and other relatives from abroad attended the funeral. Funeral services were conducted by Father Dooling at St. John's church on Sunday at 3 p.m., and remains were interred in Woodlawn cemetery.

Polly (RANDOLPH) BURTON 

December 4, 1885
Clinton Public

Death of Mrs. Polly Burton.

This esteemable Christian lady died at her home, four miles west of Kenney, on Saturday, November 28th, 1885, at the age of 67 years, one month and 12 days. She was born in Lee county, Va., moved to Illinois with her parents, the late Wm. RANDOLPH and wife, in 1830. She was converted when quite young and joined the Baptist Church, of which she was a faithful member till the time of her death. Six children are left to mourn for a devoted and loving mother. Four children died before her, also three husbands, Geo. DAUGHERTY, Peter COPPENBARGER and Henry BURTON. Her funeral was largely attended, the writer officiating. She was well cared for by her devoted children.

James E. BUTLER 

January 11, 1895
Clinton Public

In the bloom of young manhood, James E. BUTLER, the eldest son of Mr. Levi BUTLER, died at his father's home in this city after a sickness of one week with pneumonia. James was twenty-six years old, and was an industrious young man and of excellent habits. James' wedding day was close at hand, so that his death leaves sad hearts outside of his immediate family circle. He was buried last Sunday afternoon, the funeral services being held in the Christian Church, conducted by Rev. L. B. PICKERILL. There was a large audience present and a long line of friends followed the remains to Woodlawn. Mr. Levi Butler and family feel grateful to the kind friends who ministered to the wants of their beloved son during his brief sickness.

John BUTTERWORTH 

January 20, 1917
Clinton Register

JOHN BUTTERWORTH DIES AT AGE OF 90.
Veteran Citizen, Born in England in 1826, Passed Away Thursday Night.

John BUTTERWORTH, one of the oldest residents of DeWitt county, died Thursday night in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Lincoln WALDEN, six miles northeast of Wapella. His death followed an illness of several months with complication of diseases. He was born in England in 1826, settling in Massachusetts, where he worked in a cotton mill. After a few years he came to Illinois, walking almost all of the way with $900 in gold strapped to his body. He was once leader of the Wapella band. He was married in the spring of 1858 to Hannah D. MARTIN, who died in 1899. He is survived by four daughters and one son. They are: Mrs. J. M. MITCHELL, of Taopi, Minn.; Mrs. A. R. BLACK, Lindsay, Calif.; Mrs. Lincoln W. WALDEN, Wapella; and Charles BUTTERWORTH, of Bagda, Iowa. James BUTTERWORTH, of Bloomington, is a brother. The funeral services will be held from the Bell Chapel church at 11 o’clock Sunday morning.

Mrs. John BUTTERWORTH 

February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Mrs. Hannah D. BUTTERWORTH, nee MARTIN, wife of Mr. John BUTTERWORTH, departed this life on February 23rd at 4 p.m., of asthma and pneumonia. She had been sick only a little over a week. At the time of her death she was 68 years, 9 months and 2 days old. She leaves to mourn her loss, one son and four daughters; Charles, residing at Manson, Ia.; Mrs. Mary MITCHEL, Mrs. Laura BLACK, Mrs. Anna WALDEN and Mrs. Clara WALDEN, living near the village; one sister living at Greenfield, Mo.; Mr. Thos. F. MARTIN, living at Clinton, Ill.

On February 5th, 1858, she was married to Mr. Butterworth, they taking up their abode on a farm in Wilson township. Mrs. Butterworth was born in Ohio in May, 1830. Coming with her parents from that state, they settled northwest of the village on a farm where she lived until about 1856 or ’57, then moving into the village. She united with the M. E. church when quite a young woman and was one of the charter members of this place at that time just organized and can be classed as one among the old settlers of our county. She was a good advisor and counselor with her children, a kind neighbor, an affectionate wife, and lived a worthy Christian life. She was a regular attendant to her church whenever her health permitted. At her father's home the ministers were always welcome. Rev. A. J. ROBERTSON, her pastor, assisted by Rev. INGRAHAM, preached the funeral at the M. E. church on Monday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment was at Sugar Grove cemetery. A good woman is taken. Blessed are they that die in the Lord.

Alexander C. BYERLY 

March 26, 1909
Clinton Register

REV. A. C. BYERLY CALLED TO REST.
DeWitt County Was His Boyhood Home;
Been a Minister Over Forty Years.

Rev. A. C. BYERLY died Saturday evening at the home of his daughter in Springfield, aged 63. He had been sick several weeks, and was compelled to resign his pastorate of the M. E. church in Delavan. There had been little hope for his recovery for sometime, but it was thought death would not come so soon, until the first of last week when he became much worse.

Alexander Clay Byerly was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. BYERLY and was born in Johnson county, Ind., August 21, 1845. His parents moved to Illinois when he was young, and settled in Texas township, one mile west of the Texas schoolhouse where the family lived about thirty years, moving to Kenney about twenty-five years ago.

It was in Texas township that deceased grew to manhood and when 19 years old enlisted in the marine service and was honorably discharged Feb. 22, 1865, and returned home. He then attended Wesleyan university at Bloomington, and taught school several terms to secure money to complete his course in college, graduating in 1867. One year before, he was converted at a Methodist meeting in Wilson township, conducted by Rev. J. C. Rucker. After graduating he joined the Central Illinois conference and had since been active in ministerial work until a few weeks before his death. He soon was recognized as one of the strong men in the conference and held charges at Quincy, Springfield, Lincoln, besides several smaller cities earlier in his ministry. For twelve years he was presiding elder, one term of the Champaign district and one of the Springfield district, and performed the trying and delicate duties of this sacred trust with more than ordinary tact and judgment. He was truly a self-made man, and there is much in his life to which his relatives and friends can refer to with pride.

He was thrice married, the first time to Miss Julia MOORE, daughter of Rev. W. H. H. MOORE, of the Illinois Conference, at Normal, Illinois, April 2, 1873. Three children were born to this union, and all survive him: Mrs. Gertrude JOHNSON and Miss Julia BYERLY, of Springfield, and Lawrence BYERLY, of Clinton. His other marriages were as follows: To Miss Alice SUDDUTH, May 15, 1900, and to Mrs. Hannah M. GIBERSON, of Carlinville, Ill., Dec. 6, 1906. His first wife died at Urbana, Ill., on March 13, 1898; his second at Citronelle, Alabama, Feb. 19, 1904. His third wife still lives, and was most devoted to him during his severe illness.

He was a faithful conscientious minister of the gospel, and did his duty to the utmost of his ability in all relationships. He was a gospel preacher, and many successful revivals attended his ministry. He had for many years been a member of the board of Conference Trustees, a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Anti-Saloon League, elected by his conference, and his brethren also honored him by his election as a delegate to represent them in the General Conference of 1894 which held its centennial session that year in Los Angeles, Cal.

He was the third of his father’s family to die during the last six months, the others being Thos N. BYERLY, of Clinton, and Miss Serilda BYERLY, of Kenney. He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Geo. PARKER, of San Jose, Cal.; and Mrs. Margaret PHIPPS and Mrs. Hattie COPPENBARGER, of Kenney.

Funeral services were held in the First M. E. church, Springfield, Tuesday morning, at ten o'clock and he was laid to rest beside his first wife in the cemetery at Urbana, Illinois. He dictated his funeral arrangements some weeks ago to Rev. W. A. Smith, of Lincoln, Illinois, who has been his close ministerial friend during his career as a preacher and pastor, and who at Dr. Byerly’s request prepared the memoir which was read at the funeral services.

Mrs. Alexander C. BYERLY 

February 26, 1904
Clinton Register

DIED IN ALABAMA.

Mrs. Alice BYERLY, wife of Rev. A. C. BYERLY, presiding elder of the Springfield district, died Feb. 19 at Citronelle, Ala., where she went for her health. Her husband arrived there a few hours before her death. The remains were brought to Springfield, where the family has lived two years, for burial.

Deceased’s maiden name was Alice SUDDUTH, and they were married about four years ago while Mr. Byerly was pastor of the M. E. church in Lincoln.

Rev. Byerly’s boyhood home was in Texas township, and he is a brother of T. N. Byerly, of Clinton. His first marriage was to Miss MOORE, of Normal, and his children by that marriage are Misses Gertrude and Julia, at home, and Lawrence, of Clinton.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BYERLY, ALEXANDER C.   SUDDUTH, ALICE L.    05/15/1900   SANGAMON

--------------------

March 4, 1904
Clinton Register

BODY CREMATED.

The remains of Mrs. Alice A. BYERLY, wife of Dr. A. C. BYERLY, will be removed at 10 a.m. today from the vault at Oak Ridge cemetery to the establishment of Metcalf & Branson, where the casket will be sealed for shipment to St. Louis at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning, for cremation, after which the ashes will be sent to Mrs. Byerly’s sister in California and will be interred in the family lot. This was a request of Mrs. Byerly in her will and developed after the will was read. —Springfield Register, Feb. 26.

Henry Farley BYERLY 

March 16, 1888
Clinton Public

Another Old Citizen Called to His Eternal Rest.

Henry Farley BYERLY was born in North Carolina, February 26, 1809. When about twelve years of age he removed with his father's family to Shelby county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Polly A. CAMPBELL, December 20, 1831. Six children were born to them, four of whom, three sons and a daughter, survive him. Bereft of the wife of his youth by death, he afterward, in 1841, married Polly A. CLARK, with whom he lived happily twelve years, when she departed this life, April 13, 1853. Of this marriage seven children were born, five of whom, one son and four daughters, survive. In October, 1851, he emigrated to DeWitt county, where he has ever since resided, respected and beloved by all who knew him.

Brought up in the back woods before the days of public schools, he received almost nothing in the way of an education, yet in the midst of the hardships of pioneer life, while toiling night and day for the support of his family, he managed to acquire the rudiments of an education and became unusually well informed upon all matters of public importance. Whatever his scarcity of means might deny him, the newspaper was never absent from his fireside. He was always on the right side of every great moral question, many times when it subjected him to odium and scorn. But, like Paul, he could say, “None of these things move me.” Seldom did he complain, and never was he known to quarrel with those who opposed him, always affirming that if he was right, time would vindicate his course. Never formally connected with any church, he believed implicitly in the Christian religion, and was all his life a constant reader of the Bible. To his son Alexander he wrote in a letter, now preserved by him as a precious memento, “I have no other hope, but in the merits of Christ. I believe that Christ and him crucified is the essence of the gospel.” He regarded the golden rule as the true standard of life, and conscientiously sought to “do unto others as he would have them do unto him.” And he succeeded so well that he was never accused of wronging any one.

He met death with great composure, conversing freely about his approaching dissolution. He expressed himself as entirely resigned and willing to go. A good man has gone to his rest. One who did no harm in the world, but in his humble sphere very much good.

--------------------

March 23, 1888
Clinton Public

Henry F. Byerly died at his home in Kenney the 13th inst., aged 78 years, 8 months and 4 days. The burial took place at the Texas Cemetery the 14th.

Lide BYERLY 

February 2, 1900
Clinton Register

Kenney.

Miss Lide BYERLY died Thursday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. WALL, living near Pastime Park.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Serilda BYERLY 

February 26, 1909
Clinton Register

KENNEY WOMAN DIES.

Miss Serilda BYERLY died Monday night at her home in Kenney aged about 70 years. She had been sick several months, and it was realized for several weeks she would not get well.

Deceased was born in Indiana and her father, Henry F. BYERLY, moved to DeWitt county in 1855 when she was 16 years old. He lived in Texas township, half a mile south of Texas church many years, moving to Kenney about thirty years ago where he died a few years later. Deceased had since lived there.

She is survived by one brother, Rev. A. C. BYERLY, of Springfield; also by the following sisters: Mrs. G. W. PARKER, of California; Mrs. COPPENBARGER and Mrs. Margaret PHIPPS, of Kenney. The late T. N. BYERLY, of Clinton, was her brother.

Funeral was held in Kenney on Wednesday forenoon, and the burial was in the Texas cemetery, where her father was buried.

Thomas Dugan BYERLY 

January 13, 1888
Clinton Register

The Reaper, Death.

Three deaths occurred in and near Kenney last Sunday and Monday. On Sunday Thomas BYERLY died of typhoid fever, aged 74 years, 8 months and 7 days, and was buried at the cemetery in Texas township on Tuesday. He was born in Randolph county, N. C., and moved to Shelby county, Ind., in 1324 [sic], from there to Cumberland county, Ill., in 1860, and from there to this county in 1884. He leaves an aged companion and two daughters. He was an uncle of T. N. BYERLY of this city.

Note: From Janet Morgan Ross, 2001, from the Byerly family Bible: Thomas Dugan Byerly was born May 3, 1813; Thomas Dugan Byerly married Polly Snyder (no date given); Thomas Dugan Byerly died January 8, 1888.

Mrs. Thomas Dugan BYERLY 

July 27, 1888
Clinton Register

Mrs. T. D. BYERLY died Tuesday evening. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church Wednesday, and the burial was at the Texas cemetery.

Note: Mrs. T. D. Byerly is listed as Mary Byerly in the Death Records Index, 1878-1917, and listed as Polly Snyder in the family Bible. She was always listed as Mary in the census records.

Thomas N. BYERLY 

October 30, 1908
Clinton Register

ANOTHER SOLDIER HEARS LAST CALL.
Was one of the Best Known Men in DeWitt County Where He Lived Nearly All His Life.

Another old soldier has joined the comrades who have gone before, and many of those who fought with him on fields of battle more fully realize that "their hearts, like muffled drums, are beating funeral marches to the grave."

For two weeks or more T. N. BYERLY had been confined to his home with bladder trouble that was thought to be gall stones. It was thought an operation was the only hope for recovery. Saturday the operation was performed by Drs. Wilcox and Dowdall when the trouble was found to be more serious than gall stones, and it was said he could live only a few days. He grew worse and the end came Tuesday about 10 o'clock.

Thomas N. Byerly was born near Franklin, Ind., March 31, 1838. His parents moved to DeWitt county, and for awhile lived east of Clinton; later they moved to Texas township, one mile west of the Texas school house, where they lived until all their children were grown. When the Civil War began, he enlisted in Co. E of the 20th Ill. Inf. He was wounded in the leg at Shiloh in April 1863, and about a month later was discharged on account of the wound. His regiment was in several battles while he was with it and he never wavered when the times came that tried men’s souls.

He returned home and, after recovering from his wound, farmed in Wilson township, where he bought land.

March 28, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary E. SMITH of that township. He sold his farm and moved to Clinton, and continued in stock buying, which he had been engaged in while on the farm. Several years later he held township offices. He was tax collector twice and for many years was constable, always performing his duties well. Twice he sought the nomination for county treasurer.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, Harry, at home; also by four sisters, Mrs. Hattie COPPENBARGER, Mrs. G. W. PARKER, Campbell, Cal.; Miss Serilda BYERLY, of Kenney; and Mrs. Margaret PHILIPPS, of Kenney; and Rev. A. C. BYERLY, of Delavan.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2:30 o'clock at the residence on North Jackson avenue, the G. A. R., of which he was a member, having charge of the service. The pall bearers were Col. Warner, J. M. Porter, Wm. King, J. C. Hull, Matt Klein and J. Morrison. Burial in Woodlawn.

BACK TO OBITUARY INDEX