Obituaries - O
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.
Charles L. Oakford
November 17, 1899
Clinton Register
CHAS. L. OAKFORD DEAD.
A Former Clinton Merchant Passes Away in This
City, at the Home of His Son-in-law, K. S. Brown.
Last Wednesday afternoon the spirit of Chas. L. OAKFORD passed away, at the home of his son-in-law, K. S. BROWN, on South Monroe street. Charles L. Oakford was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1843. At the age of 12 he moved with his parents to Bureau county, Ill. He was married to Miss Martha LeFeber of Princeton, Ill., Sept. 21, 1865. He and his wife united with the Baptist church in 1866 and he stood firm in that belief until his death. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." He departed this life Nov. 15, aged 56 years, 7 months and 13 days, leaving three children, namely; Harry S., Mrs. K. S. BROWN, and Myrtle E., to mourn his death. The funeral was held at the residence of K. S. Brown at 10 a.m. today, conducted by Rev. M. L. Goff. The interment was in Woodlawn.
Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
David O'BRIEN
May 31, 1901
Clinton Register
DEATH IN WILSON TOWNSHIP.
David O'Brien Died Yesterday in Wilson Township After
Less Than One Day's Illness.
David O'BRIEN, a prominent Irish farmer of Wilson township died yesterday at his residence very suddenly. During Wednesday night, he suffered with severe pain in the stomach which grew rapidly worse, baffling all medical aid, and death relieved him from his awful agony during the forenoon.
David O'Brien came to this country from Ireland when quite young and was very successful in accumulating property. He was about 59 years old and has lived in this county nearly 40 years. He leaves a wife and four grown children to mourn his death. He owned a farm in Wilson township of 300 acres, well improved, which was the result of his industry and economy. The funeral will take place from St. Patrick’s church in Wapella, Saturday, June 1, at 10:30, conducted by Rev. M. A. Dooling, of this city. The interment will be in the Catholic cemetery near Wapella.
Mrs. David O'BRIEN
March 21, 1913
Clinton Register
DEATH OF MRS. O'BRIEN.
Mrs. Catherine O'BRIEN died Monday at the home of her son, John O'BRIEN, supervisor of Wilson townshilp, seven miles northeast of Wapella. She was afflicted with rheumatism and dropsy and had been sick several weeks. Deceased was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and when quite young, with her parents came to America. In 1866 she was united in marriage to David O'BRIEN, who died May 29, 1891. There are surviving sons, Michael, John, James and Thomas. The funeral was held Wednesday morning from the Catholic church in Wapella, conducted by Father Monahan. Burial in the Catholic cemetery near Wapella.
Note: The O'Briens married in 1868, not 1866, and David died in 1901, not 1891.
James O'CONNER
March 4, 1892
Paper Unknown
Like a Flash Went Out the Life of James O'Connor.
James O'CONNOR, better known by the name of "Jerry," left his home and wife and baby Thursday morning to take his regular run as conductor on the south freight that left the depot at 5:15. The night before, after getting home from a hard day's work on his run, he laid down on the lounge and complained of severe pains in the region of his heart, but when he got up yesterday morning he told his wife that he never felt better in his life. After kissing his wife and baby Jerry went to the depot and started out with his train for Centralia. When nearing Elwin station, six miles south of Decatur, about nine o'clock in the morning, Jerry was sitting in the cupola of the caboose with his brakeman, when he said, "They are heading us in, Charley." This remark was suggested because the engineer was running in on the side track. Hardly had he uttered the words when he threw out his arms and would have fallen from his seat had not the brakeman caught him. He never uttered another word. In less than five minutes James O'Connor was dead. As soon as the train pulled in on, the sidetrack a doctor was called, but it was too late. Death was caused by the clogging of the flow of blood through the heart.
James O'Connor was born in Sandoval on the 23d of September, 1866. In 1882 he began braking on the Illinois Central road, and five years ago he was promoted to a freight conductorship. Two years ago last Thanksgiving he was united in marriage to Miss Jo. TRACEY. One child was born to them, a girl, now about eight months old. His mother is a widow and lives at Sandoval. He was a member of Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, Knights of Pythias, and will be buried by the order on Sunday afternoon, at two o'clock.
Submitted by Bob Halsey
Abram O'DAFFER
November 5, 1897
Clinton Public
Abram O'DAFFER died at his home southwest of Weldon on Saturday, October 30th, aged 28 years. Mr. O'Daffer was unmarried and made his home with his widowed mother, besides whom he leaves two brothers and one sister to mourn his departure. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday in M. E. church by Pastor STEVENSON. Mr. O'Daffer's disease was consumption. Just before his death he professed faith in Christ and received baptism.
Note: His last name was misspelled O'doffer in the obituary but should be O'Daffer. He was the son of David and Amanda O'Daffer.
James O'DEA
May 30, 1890
Clinton Public
There was buried in the Catholic Cemetery near Wapella, last Sunday, James O'DEA, an Irishman born who came to America forty years ago. He was born seventy-four years ago near the city of Limerick and through all his long life he was a humble tiller of the soil. Forty years ago he left Ireland and poverty and came to this country to better his condition. Twenty years of the time he spent in New York and Ohio, and then he came to DeWitt county. His wife died nine years ago, and he now leaves as his survivors two sons and two daughters. James O'Dea was an honest, hard-working man. Unfortunately he never saw the necessity of owning a bit of land of his own, so he lived and died a renter.
James O'DEA
October 7, 1918
Clinton Daily Public
O'DEA FUNERAL SERVICES.
The funeral of the late Private James O'DEA, who died of influenza at Camp Taylor, Ky., was held here from the St. John’s church Saturday morning, the Rev. Father E. M. Haywood of the Wapella church officiating. High mass was observed. Besides a profusion of floral offerings, the crowd attending was unusually large and the funeral was one of the largest held from St. John’s church. Interment was made in Woodlawn.
Note: He was the son of Dennis and Catherine O'Dea.
John O'DEA
July 7, 1905
Clinton Register
ANOTHER SOLDIER AT REST.
Died at the Soldiers’ Home in Quincy—
DeWitt County Had Been His Home Many Years.
John O'DEA died at Quincy early Sunday morning, July 2, aged 68. News of his death was reported in Clinton yesterday by H. R. Meves, of Des Moines, Iowa, at the request of Thos. O'DEA, brother of the deceased, who lives at Des Moines. Remains were interred at the Soldiers’ Home cemetery at Quincy. Thos. O'Dea requested the REGISTER to say that one of Johnny’s last requests was that he be kindly remembered to his dear friends in Clinton. He died peacefully in the presence of his brother, who arranged for his burial. Thomas Martin, whose death we chronicle in another column, was a great friend of Mr. O'Dea, and it was a message to him that Thomas O'Dea came to deliver when he was told that his dear friend Tom had also passed to the “bourne from whence no traveler returns.”
John O'Dea was born in Ireland, and came to America when a young man. He located in Missouri and there enlisted June 14, 1861, in a regiment known as the “ Irish Brigade,” serving three and a half years. At the siege of Vicksburg he distinguished himself for bravery, and about ten years ago received from the government a medal for bravery, which he prized highly. When a call was made for men to charge a fort that seemed impregnable, he was one of the few who responded, and most of those who were in the charge lost their lives.
At the close of the war he came to this county and for several years had a blacksmith shop in Hallsville. Since 1893, Clinton had been his home. He was a member of the G. A. R. and the Christian church.
Lawrence O'DEA
January 6, 1944
The Pantagraph
Bloominton, Illinois
Lawrence O'DEA, 49, Wapella, died at St. Joseph’s hospital Wednesday night. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. The body was taken to the Pullen funeral home in Clinton.
He was born April 12, 1894, the son of Dennis and Catherine O'DEA. He is survived by eight sisters and brothers, Mrs. Mary Dougherty, Decatur; Mrs. Margaret Reid, Mrs. Agnes Payne, Mrs. Anna Hull, Wapella; Mrs. Nellie Ryan, Clinton; Mrs. Catherine Tierney, Ft. Dodge, Ia.; Dennis, Wapella; Leo, at home. A brother, James, preceded him in death. He was a member of the Wapella Catholic church and the American Legion post at Clinton.
Henry Clay O'DONALD
May 1, 1885
Clinton Public
Henry Clay O'DONALD was born in Waynesville, Ill., Nov. 2, 1853, died in Clinton, April 29, 1885, aged 31 years, 5 months, 28 days. When eleven years of age his parents left their home in Bloomington and moved to Clinton. His father died April 19, 1875. Mr. H. C. O'Donald attended the public school at Clinton for a short time and began the study of telegraphy, completing such study at Peoria when eighteen years of age. He commenced work for the Illinois Central railroad company as telegraph operator, April 1st, 1874, and worked until time of his death. When ten months old, his nurse let him fall, from which his spine was so injured that he was unable to walk without resting his hands on his knees to support the body. At the age of twelve he was called to suffer from a broken ankle. This made it necessary for him to use crutches for several years, and it is believed that the use of crutches straightened and strengthened his spine until finally he walked erect. He has always been a sufferer. In November 1883, began his most severe sickness, which lasted for six months. He has been complaining much for the past month of pain in the breast, heart and lungs. Last Tuesday he complained of severe pains, but ate a hearty supper and retired, having taken some chloroform to deaden the pain. Wednesday, at 7 a.m., his own mother went to his bedside to call him to breakfast, but life had gone and she found her only son a lifeless corpse. Don was of genial disposition and kind-hearted; if a friend, he was a warm friend. He was faithful to his employers and they appreciated his services. For the past year he has taken an active interest in Sabbath schools, in both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. In the latter he held the office of treasurer. It was much to the delight of his mother that he began to turn his attention to such things. The funeral services were held at the house, Thursday evening at 7:30, conducted by W. A. Hunter. The remains were taken to Bloomington this morning for interment. W. A. Hunter
Mrs. William OLIVER
April 2, 1917
Clinton Daily Public
MRS. BELLE OLIVER DIES IN CLINTON.
Decatur Woman, Who Had Held Many Offices in R. N. of A. Lodge, Dies Visiting
Niece.
Mrs. Belle OLIVER, of Decatur, died at 1:50 o'clock Sunday morning in the home of her niece, Mrs. Effie Strongen, on East Jefferson street, this city, of uremic poisoning, developing from bronchial pneumonia. She was 52 years old. She had held almost every office in Olive Branch camp, Royal Neighbors of America.
Mrs. Oliver came to Clinton two weeks ago to visit her niece before leaving for Ohio to join her husband, who went there to establish their home. She had suffered with asthma for many years. A severe attack of asthma was the cause of her becoming ill with pneumonia, from which she appeared to be recovering until Friday afternoon.
Isabelle Mary WADE was born near Kingston, Can., July 10, 1864. She came with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis WADE, to Illinois in 1882. She and William OLIVER were married on March 5, 1883. She leaves, besides the husband, four children. They are William A. OLIVER, Decatur; Ellsworth W. OLIVER, of Pawnee, Ill.; Frederick B. OLIVER, of Model, Col.; and Elmer F. OLIVER, of Decatur, who enlisted last week in L Co., 5th I. N. G.
She also leaves three sisters and two brothers. They are Mrs. Mattie POTTER, of Clinton; Mrs. Lizzie SURDAM, of Bloomington; Mrs. Tillie DOTY, of Danvers; Robert WADE, of Clinton; and J. Henry WADE, of Carlton, Ia. Thelma and Frances OLIVER, of Decatur, are grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Christian church here and burial will be in Texas cemetery.
James H. OLSON
November 4, 1904
Clinton Register
DEATH AT WELDON.
James H. OLSON, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson OLSON, died Tuesday night, aged 21. He was born east of Weldon a few miles and had always lived in that vicinity. Disease made necessary the amputation of an arm three years ago, but that did not prevent the disease from further afflicting him. He graduated from the Quincy business college and was a worthy young man. Funeral services were held Nov. 3 in Weldon, conducted by Rev. Ringland.
Nelson OLSON
February 8, 1916, Tuesday
Clinton Daily Public
STORY OF HIS LIFE IS LIKE FICTION.
Nels Olson Came to America Penniless and Died Rich—
Funeral at Weldon Wednesday.
Nels OLSON, seventy-two, one of the oldest residents of Nixon township, died at his home in Weldon last night about 5 o'clock, following a long illness of Bright’s disease and complications. The funeral will be held at the Methodist Protestant church in Weldon, Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock with Rev. J. P. Collier, officiating. Interment will be made in the Weldon cemetery.
Strong Character.
Nels Olson was a typical Swede, strong and virile in his younger days and possessing a rugged and honest character. He was born in Sweden, April 21, 1844. He emigrated to America in 1870, landing on May 18. He came to Illinois practically penniless and settled in Menard county, where he farmed for four years. In 1874 he settled in Piatt county and two years later came to DeWitt county and farmed here six years. Then he returned to Piatt county where he farmed for seven years. Since then he has made his home in DeWitt county.
Owned 560 Acres.
In 1905, he moved to Weldon and bought a home in the southwest part of town. At his death he owned 560 acres of fine land, 400 acres of which is in DeWitt county and the balance near Argenta in Macon county.
He was married March 17, 1874, to Miss Sophia HALLBERG, also a native of Sweden. She was born in 1856. With this good woman as his partner, they lived frugally and wisely with the result that in the new world to which he came as a poor young man he lived a successful life and died leaving wealth and an honorable name to his family.
Mr. Olson is survived by his wife, four sons and one daughter. They are Frank, Walter, Harry, William and Mrs. Effie DAVIS, of Decatur. The first three boys live near Weldon and William lives near Argenta.
Mrs. Nelson OLSON
May 1, 1914
Clinton Register
WELDON WOMAN DIES.
Sunday morning about 9:30 at her home 2 1/2 miles southwest of Weldon occurred the death of Mrs. Nelson OLSON, heart failure being the cause of her demise, death being quite sudden. Deceased had not been well for the past ten years, but recently had been enjoying fairly good health until the fatal attack last Sunday. She was born in Sweden, April 25, 1856, coming to America with her parents in 1873. The family first located in Menard county, Ill., later locating in DeWitt county. Deceased was married to Nelson OLSON March 17, 1874, and was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive, as follows: Frank OLSON, of Nixon township; Wm., of Macon county; Mrs. Oscar DAVIS, of Decatur; Harry and Walter, of Nixon township. The following are deceased: Mrs. John GALLAWAY died in Nixon township in 1907. Jas. Died in 1904, Lawrence in 1908 and one child died in infancy.
For many years the Olson family has been among the prominent ones of that part of the county. Mrs. Olson was a member of the M. P. church of Weldon and leader of the Ladies’ Aid Society. Funeral was held from the M. P. church and interment was in Weldon cemetery.
Mrs. Martha M. O'NEAL
March 20, 1885
Clinton Public
Passed from the midst of her loved and loving ones on earth, to join the company of the redeemed and glorified in Heaven on the morning of Monday, March 9th, 1885, Mrs. Martha M. O'NEAL, wife of G. W. O'NEAL, of DeWitt.
The departure of our sister was sudden, startling the community and almost overwhelming the family with the painful realization. The sad intelligence carried sorrow, and a keen sense of loss, out into a wide circle of friends and into the church with which she had been so closely identified for many years. And the happy home in which there was so much of the light of love, joy and hope, was suddenly changed into a place of tears and tender memories. . . .Peacefully and quietly, with only a few hours suffering, she was translated to the heavenly home, leaving a husband, two children, an aged mother, two brothers, one sister and many friends to mourn her loss. The deceased was born in DeWitt, Ill., Feb. 21, 1852. Was married to G. W. O'Neal Sept. 25, 1877. She was converted when only fourteen years of age and united with the M. E. Church, in which she was a bright and shining light. . . .The funeral service was held in the M. E. Church, Tuesday evening, at 7 p. m., where the writer performed the last sad rites of love and respect to the memory and remains of the dear departed, surrounded by many friends of the community and members of the church, after which the remains were taken to the depot, and from there to Leroy, where they were laid away in the quiet city of the dead to await the resurrection of the just. L. S. Hitchens, Pastor M. P. Church
Note: The complete obituary is available upon request.
O'NIEL (child)
January 27, 1899
Clinton Public
The one-year-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh O'NIEL died last Tuesday at lanes. Funeral was held at that place Wednesday.
Lucy K. ONSTINE
October 23, 1891
Clinton Public
Death of Mrs. C. H. Moore's Sister.
Died, at the residence of Mrs. H. Furness, San Francisco, California, October 1st, 1891, Miss Lucy K. ONSTINE, of peritonitis. She was a daughter of Mr. George ONSTINE, long since deceased, and who was an early settler in Amherst. His brothers and father, with himself, came here about 1819. Many of the early settlers of Lorain County will remember him, with his large family of daughters, of whom the deceased was the youngest. In her early years she spent some time in Europe, most of the time in France and Germany. She was a fine French and German scholar; read and translated readily in both languages. After returning from Europe she spent a year or two in Amherst. After her mother's death she left for San Francisco, which was her continued home. She was a sister of A. C. MOORE, M.D., Mrs. CORNWELL, Mrs. M. C. SEELEY, Mrs. B. O. BRADLEY, Mrs. C. H. MOORE, Miss Fannie ONSTINE and Mr. John B. ONSTINE, all of whom are living in North Amherst, except Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. C. H. Moore who reside in Illinois. While death has been very busy with the six brothers of George Onstine and their families, none of whom are now living, this is the first death that has occurred in the family of George Onstine. A few of the oldest of the old settlers will remember Frederic ONSTINE and his seven stalwart sons who contributed their full share toward the development of Amherst. The remains of Miss Onstine were embalmed in San Francisco and, accompanied by Dr. N. CORNWELL, were brought to this place and buried in the North Amherst cemetery on Friday, the 9th instant.
We copy the above from the Elyria (Ohio) Republican of October the 15th and will add that most of the Clinton people will remember the deceased as a very pleasant and intelligent lady who spent about a year with her sister in Clinton, only leaving here in April 1890.
Abraham ONSTOTT
November 27, 1885
Clinton Public
Death of One of the Early Pioneers of DeWitt County.
At the advanced age of eight-six years Abraham ONSTOTT, one among the first settlers of this county, died at his home in Waynesville township on last Tuesday. Mr. Onstott was born in Kentucky. In 1828 he came from Sangamon county to what is now DeWitt county and located a farm in Waynesville township. The following year he moved his family to his new home, and for fifty-six years, except for the few months he made his home in Clinton with his daughter, he lived on the same farm. The mother of Mr. William GAMBREL is the only one of the first settlers of Waynesville township who still survives, she and her husband being the first white settlers who located there. Mr. Onstott was a plain, unassuming man, and during his long life made friends of all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He leaves a widow (his second wife), and three children by his first marriage are still living. Mrs. Jennie O'DONALD, of this city, is one of his daughters.
Mrs. Abraham ONSTOTT
June 10, 1875
Clinton Public
Mrs. A. H. ONSTOTT died in this city, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. O'Donald, on last Thursday, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. A more extended notice will be published next week.
--------------------June 17, 1875
Clinton Public
Departed this life, June 3, 1875, Mrs. A. H. ONSTOTT, in the seventy-fifth year of her age, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. O'Donald, Clinton, Ill.
It is rarely the privilege of anyone to witness such a complete triumph of divine grace over the sufferings of the flesh, as has been witnessed in the case of sister Onstott. She had been afflicted for more than a quarter of a century. During this time she filled her place as a wife and mother, a friend and neighbor, with such fidelity as to call forth the love and respect of all who knew her. For almost two years past she had been confined to her bed, and was the subject of almost constant suffering, day and night, suffering too of the most intense character. During all this time not an impatient word, not a murmur, escaped her lips. On the contrary, she would often say to her friends: “All this suffering is for some wise and good purpose. We do not know now why it is sent, but we shall know and see the wisdom of it by and by.”
She seemed to console herself all the time with the thought that these fiery trials were sent in wisdom and love, and that God would show her in due time the lesson they were sent to teach. Rarely does suffering, under grace, have such power to soften the temperament and sweeten the entire atmosphere of the soul. The very expression of her face and the tone of her voice seemed to have been refined and sanctified by these fierce tempests in the flesh. Her whole air was that of a child that expressed in every look, act and tone the spirit of perfect submission to one who knows all and does all wisely and well. God through all these years had been setting the music of her soul to the harmonies of the skies. Not only was this spirit manifest in her actions, but she often expressed in words a clearness of spiritual vision and a steadfastness of faith that was truly refreshing to those privileged to hear. Indeed the life of such a mother in Israel is a great blessing to earth, even though they remain here in helpless affliction. To care for such a one is a boon above the common walks of life. Subdued by suffering and refined by grace, what a jewel such a soul must be for the royal crown of him who said: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, yea, saith the Spirit, they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”
Note: Her maiden name was Mary Branson.
Robert ONSTOTT
May 22, 1908
Clinton Register
The funeral of Robert ONSTOTT was held from the C. P. church Monday, conducted by Rev. Wm. M. Murray of Lincoln.
Note: He was buried in DeWitt Cemetery.
Mrs. Robert ONSTOTT
August 1, 1913
Clinton Register
DEATH OF MRS. ONSTOTT.
Elizabeth BOURNE was born October 20, 1847, in Garrett county, Kentucky, near Lancaster, and was married to Robert ONSTOTT on March 17, 1874, coming to DeWitt, which had since been her home, immediately following the wedding. She passed away at her home on July 25, 1913, her husband having preceded her to the better land four years ago last May. Deceased was the mother of three daughters all living, as follows: Mrs. Lula SUTTON, Mrs. Hattie BOLING and Mrs. Lottie REYNOLDS, all of DeWitt. She is also survived by four grandchildren.
Mrs. Onstott was of a family of seven children, all of whom are deceased except two brothers, John and William, both of this village. At the age of 15 years she was converted and united with the Baptist church, remaining a faithful member until her death. "Aunt Bettie," as she was familiarly known to all of her acquaintances, was of a lovable disposition and always greeted them with a smile. She will be greatly missed by her friends and neighbors. All of her children were with her during her last illness, which was a great comfort to her.
The funeral services, which were largely attended, at 11 a.m. Sunday, Rev. A L. Honn of Bloomington officiating. The pall was borne by G. W. STAKE, John FISHER, William CALLISON, James LARRY, W. O. WILLIAMS and James SUTTON. The choir was composed of Mrs. J. T. McCord, Mrs. W. O. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Day, D. T. Marberry and Ervin Callison. Interment was in the Dewitt cemetery.
Albert ORAHOOD
February 28, 1865
Clinton Public
DIED-On the 6th inst., Albert, infant son of Milton A. and Adeline ORAHOOD, aged 18 months.
Mrs. Albert P. ORAHOOD
March 17, 1882
Clinton Public
Mrs. Jane A. ORAHOOD, wife of Mr. A. P. ORAHOOD, died in this city on the 15th inst., at the age of thirty-three years. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn for her. Her funeral took place on the 16th inst., and was largely attended. She was a member of the Baptist church of this city.
--------------------March 17, 1882
Clinton Register
Mrs. ORAHOOD, after several days of painful illness, died in this city on Wednesday morning and was buried yesterday. She leaves a family of small children and a husband all dependent on the charity of our citizens for the actual necessaries of life. A sum of money was raised in a few hours by subscription, sufficient to relieve present wants and assist in the funeral expenses. Such cases are the saddest of all, and always reach the sympathies of the people.
Newell A. ORAHOOD
July 14, 1882
Clinton Public
Died, in Clinton, July 9th, 1882, Newell A. ORAHOOD, youngest son of A. P. and Jane ORAHOOD, of cholera infantum. Aged four months and nine days.
Harriet OWENS
February 7, 1913
Clinton Register
Harriet, the little daughter of Clyde OWENS and wife, west of town, died Friday morning at 5 o'clock. The babe was aged three months. Remains were interred in Woodlawn cemetery Saturday.
Mrs. James H. OWENS
April 22, 1904
Clinton Register
ELIZABETH OWENS.
Elizabeth H. OWENS, who died at her home near Rowell April 16, was 82 years old, being born in Kentucky March 6, 1822. Her maiden name was Elizabeth WILKINS, and she came to Illinois when about 15 years old. She was married to James H. OWENS, and thirteen children were born to them, only three of whom are living. Her husband died about 25 years ago. The children living are Silas M., of Kenney; Charles L., of Decatur; and William C., of Adams, Oregon. After her marriage she had always lived on the same farm in Texas township.
Jesse OWENS
December 1, 1893
Clinton Public
Tuesday occurred the funeral of Jesse OWENS, who died suddenly of neuralgia of the heart on Friday near Rowell. Silas OWENS, of this place, is a brother of the deceased, also two brothers from the west were here to attend the funeral.
--------------------December 8, 1893
Clinton Public
One of DeWitt County's Old Citizens Gone.
Jessie OWENS departed this life at his home, in Texas township, November 24, aged sixty-one years, two months and twelve days. He was a son of James H. and Sarah OWENS. He leaves two brothers, one sister and an aged stepmother to mourn his death. He was born in Posey County, Indiana, August 12, 1832, and was married to Maria STUART, October 12, 1854. To them were born seven children. Four have preceded him to the better land, the remaining three are Richard R. OWENS and Mary E JOHNSON of Holdrege, Neb., and Laura I. WRIGHT, of Maroa, all of whom were present at the funeral held at his late residence, conducted by Rev. Ring. He was a member of the Presdestinarian Baptist Church, and was an earnest Christian man, and a good citizen and neighbor, a kind husband and father, and a man that will be missed in the neighborhood in which he lived. A Friend.
Silas M. OWENS
March 4, 1910
Clinton Register
Death in Kenney.
Silas OWENS was stricken with apoplexy Monday afternoon about 1 o'clock and died Tuesday morning about noon at his home in Kenney. He and Mrs. OWENS had been spending the winter in Chicago with their daughter, Mrs. W. E. MONROE, and returned home Sunday afternoon. Mr. Owens seemed to be in good health.
Deceased was born October 14, 1837, and his age was 72 years, 4 months and 17 days. He lived in Texas township many years, moving to Kenney about twenty-five years ago. Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Monroe and Mrs. TURNER; also two brothers, Chas. of Decatur and Wm. of Oregon.
Funeral service was held today at ten o*#39;clock from the Christian church in Kenney, Rev. O. P. Wright of Decatur officiating. Interment in the Old Baptist cemetery east of Kenney.
Samuel OWSLEY
February 7, 1908
Clinton Register
SAMUEL OWSLEY KILLED.
Word has been received here by Mrs. N. R. Persinger of the death of Samuel Owsley at his home in Sal Surias, Texas, on Monday, January 20. It seems that Mr. Owsley had asked his wife to attend to the store for a short time while he went to the toilet room. Upon his failure to return, Mrs. Owsley went to hunt and found him dead, with a bullet hole in the right temple. No explanation is given for the deed some thinking it was an accident while others believe it was done with suicidal intent. The body was taken to Lexington, Oklahoma, for burial. Mr. Owsley was formerly a Kenney business man, having conducted a jewelry store here and at one time was postmaster. — Kenney Gazette.
Mr. Owsley was a son of Dr. W. H. Owsley, who lived in Kenney many years, and moved to Lexington, Oklahoma, several years ago where he died a few years ago. Mrs. W. Owsley is a sister of Mrs. N. R. Persinger and Mrs. L. C. Watts.