Obituaries - P

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Obituaries were submitted by Judy Simpson unless otherwise noted.

John PACKARD 

January 1, 1915
Clinton Register

AGED VETERAN'S VIOLENT PASSING.
JOHN PACKARD'S SUDDEN DEATH.
Was Familiar Figure on the Streets of Clinton—
Veteran of the Civil War.

John PACKARD, for many years a familiar figure on the streets of Clinton, has passed to his reward, but his many friends wish that his death might have been less violent, although from the manner in which he met his end his passing was painless.

Tuesday morning Mr. Packard arose as usual shortly after six o'clock and a little later came down stairs from his rooms in the Cackley building on East Main street, where for some time he had been "batching."  About 7:15, after eating his breakfast, he was returning to his room, and it is thought he had reached the landing on the second floor, when employees of the Whiteman barber shop next door heard a heavy fall and rushing to the door found the old veteran lying at the foot of the stairs unconscious, and probably already past breathing.  A doctor was hastily summoned who found that the spinal cord had been broken at the base of the brain, causing almost instant death.  A coroner’s jury a short time later rendered a verdict in accordance with the above evidence.  Whether the unfortunate man tripped and fell, being rheumatic and his joints stiffened, or whether he fell in an epileptic fit, with which deceased had been afflicted for years will never be known.  On Saturday preceding his death he was in the store of an old acquaintance displaying a pair of new, warm gloves, a Christmas present from Freudenstein & Son, and at the time told the employees of the store that he was feeling better than for some time, but adding that he never knew when he was going to have one of his sudden falls, which might cause serious injury or death, as he invariably fell over backward.  He formerly boarded with some private family, but for a number of years had lived alone.  His chief desire was for a room on the ground floor, but as he insisted on living in the business part of the city, this was impossible on account of his limited means.  Although of late years he had grown somewhat childish in his ways, he retained a large circle of friends who knew that he was never allowed to want for assistance.

Following the inquest the remains were taken to the undertaking parlors of Easterbrook & Kirk to be prepared for burial.

John C. Packard was born in Clermont county, O., January 16, 1845, and would have been 70 years old the 16th of this month.  At the age of 17 he enlisted as a volunteer in the Federal army in his home county with Co. K, 79th O. Vol., under Captain R. C. Williamson, a brother of C. W. Williamson of this city.  He served throughout the memorable conflict and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war, having participated in a number of the big battles.  Although he had lived in Clinton many years, little was known of his past life outside his war record, and a search of his rooms failed to reveal anything which would lead to a clue to relatives.  It is known that he had been married, and that his wife has been dead many years.  Mr. Packard was a member and faithful attendant of the M. E. church and his place at services was seldom vacant.  He was also an interested attendant at the services of the Epworth league, and quick to condemn any sign of growing vice in the young.  He was also a member of Frank Lowry Post G. A. R., and a regular attendant at the meetings of that order.

Funeral services were held from Easterbrook & Kirk’s chapel at three o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. E. K. Towle officiating.  The G. A. R. and W. R. C. attended in a body, the pallbearers being members of the former order.   Interment in Woodlawn.  Since the death of Mr. Packard it was learned that he was an uncle of the late Edward BOGARDUS, and Mrs. BOGARDUS came from Champaign to attend the funeral.  Deceased was also a distant relative of Emerson VANDERVORT.

Alonzo Adam PAGE 

February 14, 1913
Clinton Register

DIED MONDAY.

At 7:25 Monday evening occurred the death of Alonzo Adam PAGE at Waynesville, death being due to a complication of diseases.  Deceased was born in Jefferson county, Illinois, December 26, 1860.  On June 17, 1885, he was married to Miss Annie ADCOCK, at Lincoln.  To this union ten children were born, six of whom, with the wife survive.  They are: Herschel, Jessie, Rosa, Ralph, Lydia and Martha, all at home.  There is one brother, Grant, of Fredonia, Kas., and two half-sisters residing in Colorado.  Rev. J. G. Janssen conducted the funeral at the late home of the deceased, Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock.

Ephraim PAGE 

February 1900
Funeral Card

Died at his home in Farmer City, on Saturday, February 3, 1900, at 1:00 p.m., Ephraim PAGE, aged 69 years, 8 months, 20 days. Funeral: M. E. Church, February 5th. Burial: City Cemetery.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Mrs. Ephraim PAGE 

February 21, 1908
Clinton Register

Mrs. Margaret PAGE died in Farmer City Tuesday evening, aged 70.  She was born January 8, 1838, in Bloomington, Indiana, and had lived in Illinois 54 years.  Her maiden name was Margaret KENNEY and she was married to Ephraim PAGE in November 1855, who died in 1900.

Frederic C. PAGE 

March 30, 1900
Clinton Register

Frederic C. PAGE, son of Mr. and Mrs. William G. PAGE, was born in Harp township, Feb. 8, 1877; died March 23, 1900, being 23 years, 1 month and 15 days old, after a brief illness of typhoid fever. He leaves to mourn his death a father, mother, two brothers and two sisters, Fineas [Phineas], of Washington Territory, Mellie [Millie] NORTH, of Missouri, Charles, of DeWitt, and [Mrs.] Minnie SHUE, of Harp township, and a host of friends. He was kind hearted and honest in all his dealings and his death has cast a gloom over the whole community. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. The funeral was preached in the C. P. church in DeWitt, March 24, to a large concourse of sympathizing friends and relatives, Rev. KING officiating. Interment at DeWitt.

Note: Parents were William and Arcada (Harrold) Page.

George H. PAGE 

May 1898
Funeral Card

Died at his home 22 miles north of Farmer City, on Monday, May 23, 1898, at 1:00 p.m., George H. PAGE, aged 60 years, 25 days. Funeral: M. E. Church, May 25th. Burial: City Cemetery.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

George S. PAGE 

June 20, 1902
Clinton Register

KILLED BY EXCURSION TRAIN.
Well-Known Farmer Fell Under Car at Kenney After Returning from a Day's Visit With Relatives.

An excursion train was run to Terre Haute on the Vandalia road Sunday. About forty went from Kenney, among them George S. PAGE and wife. The train of twelve coaches did not return to Kenney until about 1:45 Sunday night. All who lived at Kenney got off except A. HAWKYARD and wife and Mrs. PAGE. While getting off about thirty feet west of the depot, the train started and Page fell between two cars. He received injury on the head and other parts of the body that caused his death almost instantly. Mr. Hawkyard and wife and Mrs. Page were taken to Midland City, and she did not know of her husband's death at the time.

Coroner JONES held the inquest, completing the work Tuesday. The people generally condemn the railroad men for not stopping longer at Kenney. The stop was so short that the conductor, J. J. FITZPATRICK, was left in Kenney. He said he did not know who, if anyone, signaled the train to start. The witnesses at the inquest differed as to the time the train stopped at Kenney, some putting the time as low as fifteen seconds and some as high as one and a half minutes.

The jury was composed of W. W. JOHNSON, George KIRK, John NEARING, J. C. WILLIAMS, Jas. S. TODD, and L. EASTON. The verdict in regard to the railroad company was as follows: "The jury further finds that said railroad company was negligent in their duty in not giving the proper time and attention for the passengers to get off said train."

George S. Page was born near Argenta, Ill., Jan. 22, 1859. January 21, 1883, he was married to Louisa J. LUKER, who survives him; also their six children, Ira, Ida, William, Goldie, Effie and Raymond, the youngest being 4 and the eldest 18 years old. His father, M. B. PAGE, and mother live at Paris, Ill.; a brother, Josiah, in Terre Haute; a sister, Mary PHILBRICK, in Chicago; a sister, Clara, and a brother, William, are dead, the latter being killed in an accident in the Union stock yards of Chicago, April 16, 1902, just a month before the fatal accident at Kenney. Deceased formerly lived in Texas township, but previous to last spring, when he moved on a farm six miles south of Kenney, had lived several years on the Graham farm east of Kenney.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church in Clinton, Wednesday at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. GILLILAND. Interment in Woodlawn.

Note: His full name was George Simon Page.

John Clayton PAGE 

February 28, 1908
Clinton Register

FORMER DEWITT COUNTY MAN DIES.

John Clayton PAGE was born February 20, 1841 in Johnston county, Indiana. His parents moved to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1843 thence to Mason county, Illinois in 1859, where he resided till death. October 26, 1865 he was married to Louise SNYDER. When only a child he was converted and united with the Methodist church. In 1868 he accepted the Baptist faith and united with the Havana Baptist church, always living a true, devoted Christian. He exhibited the Christ spirit in his daily walk, denouncing sin in all places, and was a strong advocate of the temperance cause, thus "abstaining from all appearance of evil" and abhorring the poisonous drug. He was consistent both in belief and practice as a man of God, taking the New Testament as his daily rule of faith and practice. He was also a veteran member of the I.O.O.F. lodge, and past officer in all the chairs of the subordinate lodge. He departed this life February 20, 1908, at the age of 66 years 11 months and 25 days. He is survived by his wife, one sister Mrs. MARSHALL of Havana; one brother Wm. PAGE, of Dewitt county, Illinois, besides many other relatives and friends. The funeral was held at the Baptist church in Havana, Rev. J. M.. WOOD of Hudson, Illinois, formerly pastor of the Havana Baptist church officiating. He made arrangements for his funeral choosing as a text, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain", Phil. 1:21, after which he was laid to rest in Laurel Hill cemetery.

Submitted by Unknown

John T. PAGE 

February 1899
Funeral Card

Died at Dewitt, IL, on Thursday, February 23, 1899, at 7 p.m., John T. PAGE, in his 63rd year. Funeral: at home of Ephraim PAGE, Farmer City, IL., GAR., February 25th. Burial: City Cemetery.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Phineas A. PAGE 

July 6, 1928
Clinton Journal and Public

Phineas Page, Former Local Resident, Dies.

Mrs. Minnie (PAGE) SHUE of Clinton received a telegram Thursday giving the news of the death of her brother, Phineas A. PAGE, which occurred on July 3, at his home in Spokane, Washington.

Phineas A. Page, son of William and Arcada (HARROLD) PAGE was born two miles west of the village of DeWitt in what is known as the Walnut Grove neighborhood on Aug. 29, 1858. The farm on which he was born was a part of the government land which was entered by his grandfather, Jacob HARROLD, who with his brother Eli came to what was then the far west from Virginia in the early part of the century.

These pioneer men became possessed of a large part of the land lying along the east border of what is now known as Harp township and extending west for about four miles. This land for the most part has remained in the families of these two men and is now farmed by the third and fourth generations and their descendants.

Mr. Page grew to maturity on the farm where he was born. He received his education at the Walnut Grove schoolhouse and when a young man of twenty-four years he went to Deer Lodge, Montana, where he remained for 20 years, later going to Spokane, Wash., where he had since resided.

He was married to Miss Alice BRADBURY of Spokane in June, 1887. No children were born to this union. Mrs. Page passed to her long home in September 1916. Since that time he has occupied their home which was cared for by a housekeeper. Mr. page was a most honorable young man respected by all he knew wherever he lived and leaves a large circle of friends who will mourn his demise.

The following are his immediate relatives: Mrs. Millie (PAGE) NORTH of Norbury, Mo.; Charles D. PAGE of DeWitt and Mrs. Minnie (PAGE) SHUE of Clinton. A younger brother, Fred, died a number of years ago in the family home. Mrs. Isaac LAFFERTY of DeWitt who died the morning of July 4th, was an aunt of Mr. Page.

Spencer PAGE 

February 28, 1862
Central Transcript

THE HONORED DEAD.

The bodies of the DeWitt county volunteers who fell at Fort Donelson were brought home for interment and lay in state, yesterday, and were visited by hundreds of our citizens.  As we write, the mournful music of the muffled drums summons our people to attend their burial and thousands respond.  They will all be buried in one grave, adjoining the residence of G. W. Gideon, Esq.  The names of the fallen heroes are—

Locklin M. ROGERS
Samuel F. DAY
Daniel MALONE
Samuel WALCOTT
Spencer PAGE

Spencer served in Company F, 41st Regiment Illinois Volunteers.  He was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson and was brought home and buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

See news article regarding the funeral.

William A. PAGE 

1975
Paper Unknown

(Obituary Extract)

Name: William A. PAGE
Born: 12/26/1889, Clintonia Township
Died: 1975, Bloomington, IL.
Parents: George and Louisa (LUKER) PAGE
Married: Viola McWHINNEY, 12/27/1911, in Bloomington, IL.
Survivors: Four daughters: Mrs. Oscar COTTON, Mrs. Roy GIVENS, and Mrs. Wilbur WEED, all of Bloomington, and Mrs. Hilbert PHELPS, of Leroy. Two sons: Dean, of Sibley, and Vernon, of Peoria; a sister Mrs. Isam RIDDLE, of Clinton; 24 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. Three sisters and a brother preceded him in death.
Funeral: 1975 Beck Memorial Funeral Home
Burial: East Lawn Cemetery

W. C. PAINE 

January 12, 1900
Clinton Register

DEATH OF W. C. PAINE.
Former Resident of This County, Died in Oklahoma Aged Nearly Sixty Years.

The following is from a Lexington, Ok., paper, dated Jan. 4:

W. C. PAINE was born at Clinton, DeWitt county, Illinois, April 25, 1843. During the civil war he was enrolled in Pike's division of Cooper's brigade. He was married in 1873 to Mary E. LAMB, which union lasted till death. His father and mother, Murriel and Marguerite (DURRICK) PAINE were devoted members of the Church of Christ.

He embraced the Christian religion in 1886, and since that time not once has his zeal seemed to waver. He was ordained to the eldership at Proctor, Texas, Aug., 1891, A. J. Bush, Robt. Knox and others officiating.

In his last illness he uttered no complaint. In speaking of death he said: "What have I to fear?" His last words concerning his wife were: "Heaven bless her." And when suffering intensely he said: "O God! My Father, how much longer must I suffer?"

He was buried in the Wanette cemetery, near his home in Pottawattoma county, Oklahoma.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Mrs. Ella M. PALMER 

September 22, 1893
Clinton Public

Mrs. Ella M. PALMER died at the home of Mr. C. L. ANTISDEL Tuesday morning, after an illness of over two weeks.  She was at first attacked with flux, and when recovering from that disease her brain was affected which terminated in paralysis of the right side a few days ago and death yesterday.  She was an artist and was teaching a number of pupils.  She was a sister of Mrs. MORROW, who lives in the country.  The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon, at five o'clock, from Mr. Antisdel’s residence.

Eugene PALMER 

November 9, 1905
Decatur Review

EUGENE PALMER BURIED AT PANA.

Pana, Ills., Nov. 9.—The funeral of Eugene PALMER, who was killed in Clinton Wednesday, and who was a son of Joseph PALMER of this city, was held from the M. E. church this afternoon, burial being in Linwood cemetery.

(See news article)

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Ezekiel H. PALMER 

March 21, 1879
Clinton Public

Death of Ezekiel H. Palmer.

Another old citizen has passed the boundaries of this world and joined his beloved ones who preceded him to the grave. Ezekiel H. PALMER died at his residence in this city on Thursday morning. Last September, during the term of the circuit court, he was compelled by sickness to leave his clients and retire to his home, and since the first of October he was confined to the house. Mr. Palmer was one of those busy nervous men who could not remain inactive without worrying, and his compulsory absence from business made him restless. He was not suffering from any disease, but the machinery of life was worn out and he had to lay down with the knowledge that death was staring him in the face. Mr. Palmer started in life in comparative poverty. He was born near London, Ohio, August 18, 1825, and till the death of his father, which occurred when Mr. Palmer was but thirteen years old, he lived with his parents. He then became an inmate of his uncle’s family and learned the carriage and wagon making trade. In his boyhood’s days he was very fond of books, and the great ambition of his young life was to secure an education. While working at his trade he spent his evenings in study, and without the aid of teachers acquired a good English education. He then became a school teacher in winter and worked at his trade in summer, and by carefully hoarding every dollar of his earnings saved enough to begin a college life.

He entered as a student in Dennison University, at Granville, Ohio, and continued there till the middle of the junior year, when he went to Springfield, Ohio, and became a student at Wittenberg College. All these years of his early college life he had to work during vacations to provide money for the next term. At Granville he found a good friend in the President, who advanced him money to pay expenses, and thus in 1851 he was enabled to graduate. Mr. Palmer never forgot the kindness of the college president, and the very first money he earned after going out into the world was sacredly devoted to the repayment of his benefactor. After graduating from Wittenberg, Mr. Palmer went to Raymond, Miss., to accept the position of professor of mathematics and languages in an academy in that place. Being a fine classical scholar he filled this position with great acceptance. While at Raymond, Mr. Palmer was converted and became a member of the Methodist Church, and from that time till he came North in 1855 was the superintendent of the Sabbath school. During his stay in Raymond Mr. Palmer devoted his leisure hours to the study of law and was there admitted to the bar. In 1855 he returned to the North, and on hi way to Ohio came to this city to visit his old college classmate, Mr. Lawrence WELDON. Mr. Weldon advised his friend to locate here, telling him that there was as good an opening in Clinton as he could find elsewhere. Court was then in session over at Lincoln, and Mr. Weldon took Mr. Palmer over there to introduce him to the members of the bar. It was there that Mr. Palmer first became acquainted with Abraham LINCOLN, and the welcome given by the large-hearted Lincoln encouraged the young attorney to afterward cast his lot in Illinois. Returning to Springfield, Ohio, Mr. Palmer devoted himself with untiring zeal to the study of his chosen profession. He was married shortly afterward, and in 1857 he came to Clinton and settled down.

His life since then is a part of the history of Clinton. Mr. Palmer was ambitious to acquire fame in his profession and wealth. Suffering in early life the stings of poverty he was anxious to build up a fortune that would make his family independent at his death. His great love for his family was the ruling passion of his life, and no sacrifice that he could make for his children did he deem too great. His two eldest sons he sent to college and kept them there till the graduated. At one time Mr. Palmer was considered wealthy, but reverses in fortune of late years came fast and thick. This will probably account for much of that irritability which became a part of his nature. In his life Mr. Palmer was very abstemious in all his habits. Being of a nervous temperament whatever he engaged in it was with his whole being. In politics he belonged to the extreme Democratic school, which no doubt was due to his early residence in the South. He never sought office although for years he occupied the position of a leader among his party associates. Mr. Palmer was an ardent admirer of Stephen A. DOUGLAS and during the Presidential canvass of 1860 he made a number of speeches in this and other counties for his favorite candidate.

Death is the inevitable fate of the human family, and in the full vigor of his manhood Mr. Palmer was called from life to eternity. He will be buried tomorrow afternoon, from the M. E. Church. Let his faults be buried with him, and let us cherish the memory of his better life.

Mrs. Ezekiel H. PALMER 

October 16, 1903
Clinton Register

DEATH WITHOUT WARNING.
One of Clinton's Good Old Mothers Called Home—
Her Illness Was Only a Few Minutes.

Monday night about 2 o'clock Mrs. Sarah M. PALMER died suddenly at the home of her son, Alderman F. M. PALMER, on East Woodlawn avenue. She became ill and realizing she was very sick, called to her son, who hastened to her bed and found her very bad. She spoke a few words to him, and he went to the phone, a few feet away, to call a doctor, but before he had made the call she fell forward and in a minute was dead.

Sarah Mitchell Palmer was born in New Castle, O., June 3, 1834, and June 11, 1855, was married to Ezekiel H. PALMER. Two years later they moved to Clinton which had since been her home; her husband died Mar. 21, 1878 [should be 1879]. Of the twelve children born to them only four are living. They are Everet B., of Denver, Colo.; Miss Nora, of Chicago; Miss Mabel, of Boonville, Mo., and Frank M., of Clinton. Telegrams were sent at once and all the children attended the funeral, but Everet did not arrive until 2:30 yesterday morning.

E. H. Palmer was one of the leading attorneys of Central Illinois and practiced with such men as Lincoln, Douglas, Swett, Green, and Weldon, the latter inducing him to locate in Clinton. Mrs. Palmer was much interested in her husband's success and assisted him in every way possible. She was of more than ordinary intelligence and had much business ability. She was proud of her children and did all she could to advance them in business and education. For a few years she had spent much of the time in Chicago, and most of the winters in the South. Though she had not been in the best of health for a few months she had not been sick, and on Monday had gone about as usual. She lived almost the allotted three score and ten years and her life was such that her children can remember it with pride. She was a kind mother and faithful Christian, being a member of the Presbyterian [church] over fifty years, always ready to do her part in the work.

Funeral services were held in the M. E. church yesterday conducted by Rev. S. C. BLACK. Many floral offerings covered the casket. The pall bearers were B. F. HULL, Frank McCUDDY, Warren HICKMAN, John KNOTT, John REED, and G. W. HUGHES. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Frank M. PALMER 

February 1, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

FRANK PALMER DIES AT DECATUR.
Former Clinton Resident, Well Known, Passed Away Last Night After Year’s Illness.

Frank M. PALMER, formerly of this city, but now of Decatur, died at his home, 312 East Center street, that city, last night at 6:50 o'clock after an illness of nearly a year. His death was caused by Bright’s disease. For some time his condition had been serious and a brother, Everett B. PALMER, of Denver, Colo., has been with him for a week. A sister, Mrs. Nora VANDERSLICE of Chicago, also was in Decatur when Mr. Palmer died.

Mr. Palmer had lived in Decatur for about two years, coming there from Clinton, where he practiced law for many years. He was prominent in public life during his residence here, being for a number of years a member of the city council. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois law school in the class of 1876. He was a Democrat candidate for congress in 1896. At the time of Mr. Palmer’s death he was 60 years of age.

Mr. Palmer leaves another sister, Miss Mabel PALMER, of Seattle, Wash., and five children, Misses Mildred, Frances and Mamona PALMER, of Decatur, Lambert PALMER, of Poplar, Mont., and Everett, who is in Company I 35th U. S. Infantry, which is now stationed in Douglas, Ariz. His wife preceded him in death a good many years ago.

The funeral services will be held in the family home in Decatur Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Immediately after, the body will be brought to Clinton by special car over the I. T. S., arriving here about 12:30 o'clock. It will be taken direct to Woodlawn cemetery where burial will be made.

Note: The name Mamona should be Ramona.

Mrs. Frank M. PALMER 

January 22, 1909
Clinton Register

A CLINTON WOMAN DOES NOT REVIVE.
Dies a Short Time After Being Operated Upon for Goiter By a Chicago Surgeon.

Tuesday forenoon Mrs. Sarah A. PALMER, wife of F. M. PALMER, submitted to an operation for the removal of a goiter with which she had been troubled about fifteen years. She did not revive, dying soon after 11 o'clock. The operation was performed by Dr. C. C. O'Bryne of Chicago, assisted by Drs. Edmonson, in their office. The operation was completed, but soon afterward it was realized she would live but a short time.

Mrs. Palmer had been in failing health about a year, and recently her condition had been more serious. It was believed she could live but a short time unless the goiter was removed. She was much weakened, and while it was not certain she would live through the operation, the Chicago surgeon thought there was a good chance of her doing so. She realized that it was the only hope of her being restored to health, and she went to the operating room hoping that she would not be taken from her family.

Sarah A. MINOR was born near Danville, Kentucky, February 2, 1864. Her mother died in Kentucky in 1884, and her father came to DeWitt county in 1886, and located at Wapella. Two years later he moved to Clinton, where he lived several years. He returned to Kentucky, where he died about four years ago. His children remained in Clinton.

She was married to F. M. PALMER in November, 1893, and six children were born to them, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Mildred, aged 14; Frances, 12; Lambert, 11; Ebert, 9; Romona, 6. She is also survived by the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. John G. DAVIS, and Mrs. Humphrey A. MOORE, of Clinton; Mrs. J. CABBELL, Lebanon, Kentucky; Mrs. Joseph RAINEY, Ellisburg, Ky.; Mrs. Mattie MILLS, Danville, Ky.; Robert, of Lebanon, Ky.; and John, of Clinton, Iowa.

Deceased was a member of the Christian church, having united with the church at Wapella, and had never transferred her membership. She was of a kindly disposition, and it is sad to know her children are left without the tender care of a good Christian mother.

Funeral services were held at the home, 511 East Webster street, yesterday at 10:30, conducted by Rev. Albert Schwartz. Interment was made in Woodlawn cemetery.

Philip C. PALMER 

November 30, 1865
Clinton Public

After a lingering struggle of eight weeks with typhoid fever, Philip C. PALMER, of Creek township, DeWitt county, Ill., brother of E. H. PALMER, Esq., of Clinton, died on Monday, Nov. 20, at 1 o'clock P.M., aged 42 years.

The deceased was born in Madison Co., Ohio. His father dying when he was but a lad, he never obtained the advantages of an education, save what was acquired at the old log school house, commonly known as the Walnut Run School House. At a suitable age, he engaged to learn the wagon making business with his uncle, Wm. CRILLER, near London, Ohio. He served out his time faithfully, received a new suit of clothes and set of tools for his reward. He then went to Newark, Ohio, engaged with Ball & Ward, with whom he worked as a journeyman eight years, and became a master mechanic, having received several diplomas and premiums for his skill in the building of fine carriages and wagons. At the end of that time, having married the niece of Mr. Ward, he moved back to London and set up business for himself. He received one or two diplomas and premiums for skill as a workman, by the Madison Co. Agricultural Society.

He carried on business in London till about the breaking out of the war; he enlisted in the service. After a short term camp life brought on disease. He was discharged for disability. He returned home, unable to conduct business; he lingered a couple of years, began to perceive that the fruits of his former toils were being wasted away, his three little boys growing up in idleness, in town; property began to rise; it was then he conceived the idea of selling his town property and settling his family in the country in the West—the glorious West! He partially contracted his town property, came to Illinois, and by the aid of his brother, bought a farm in Creek township. All this was done at a time when in a point of health, he was so feeble as to be scarcely able to walk two squares without rest, but he was a man of wonderful will. When he resolved, it was as good as accomplished. He remarked to his wife in Ohio, "if I could only live till I could settle my boys on a farm in the country, I would be willing to die." He moved to Illinois in August 1863, immediately settled on his farm, and thus accomplished his cherished wish.

He then applied to Dr. W. W. ADAMS, of Clinton, for treatment. The writer will remembers the Dr.'s reply, after making a most thorough examination of his system. "I will try you, at any rate." He improved under the Dr.'s treatment. Indeed the writer has heard him say he felt as well as he ever did. But alas! this sickly season came on, diarrhea set in, then the chills, then came the typhoid fever, which proved itself to be beyond the power of medicine and skill of man; and he died Monday, Nov. 20, 1865, at 1 o'clock P.M., in the full possession of his faculties. A few hours before his death, he called his family around him, and whispered audibly, "farewell! farewell!" So, farewell, brother, father and husband. We loved thee when alive, we will mourn thee when dead. Our loss, we hope, is thy gain.

Mrs. Philip C. PALMER 

March 29, 1901
Clinton Register

BROUGHT HERE FOR BURIAL.
A Pioneer Lady of DeWitt county Died at the Home of Her Son in Iowa.

The funeral of the late Mrs. Elizabeth PALMER, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was conducted here Tuesday from the M. E. church, Rev. T. A. Canady preaching a short but impressive sermon on the lessons offered by the life of the deceased.

For the past few years, Mrs. Palmer had lived at Ottumwa, having moved there from Peabody, Kansas, where she moved 20 years since from this county.

Mrs. Palmer, whose maiden name was ROBERTS, was born 72 years ago in Essex county, New Jersey, and with her parents in youth moved to Newark, Ohio, where she was married to Phillip Cryder PALMER. They moved to London, Madison county, where their family of 5 children were born, 4 boys and one girl, the latter dying in infancy. To improve Mr. Palmer's health, the family came West, settling in Creek township, where in 1865 he died, leaving [his] widow the great care of rearing and educating a family of small boys. Mr. Palmer was a brother of the late E. H. PALMER, of Clinton. The family grew up on the old farm one and a half miles south of Lane. The old home, rendered dear by many memories, will doubtless be bought by one of the three surviving sons and be kept in the family name, the property now being owned by the family.

Mrs. Palmer was a most industrious woman. The incessant toil of her earlier years, no doubt shortening her life. She was of nervous temperament but gifted with rare and wonderful patience. No one of her friends will say he ever heard her speak a word in anger; for it seems she never for a moment forgot her self-control. As a devoted Christian woman, certainly she had but few equals; for the work of the Sunday school and church were with her unceasingly. She originally belonged to the M. E. church, but went into other connections only to be constant in this work when the field was not open to her own church. Her home was made pleasant for the students and teachers in old Creek township years ago; and of these meetings there are many pleasant memories. She was quite fond of birds and flowers and the bushes yet remain to show her taste and tenderness in this regard. (poem omitted)

Mrs. Palmer leaves three sons, Squire Wm. PALMER, of Lane; A. W. and P. C. PALMER, both business men of Ottumwa, her son, Harry having been killed in a railroad accident some [time] ago in Kansas. There are four families of grand-children to receive the heritage of her devoted and religious life. The casket as it lay in the church was quite covered with floral wreathes, tokens of friends here and in Iowa.

The remains were deposited in Woodlawn beside those of her husband, who died 35 years ago. Phillip C. Palmer, who came with the remains of his mother, will return tomorrow to his home at Ottumwa.

Mrs. Richard PALMER 

May 26, 1893
Clinton Public

Mrs. Clara PALMER, a half-sister of Mr. Ed. DEBOICE and Mrs. E. SYLVESTER, died in Springfield yesterday.  On last Monday she gave birth to twins.  Mrs. Palmer was a native of Clinton and spent her girlhood days here till her marriage a few years ago.

From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
PALMER, RICHARDS     DEBOICE, CLARA J.      09-05-1889     DE WITT
[Richard S. or just Richard?]

Sarah PALMER 

June 18, 1886
Clinton Public

Death of Sarah Palmer.

In last week's PUBLIC was a paragraph stating that Miss Sarah PALMER and a younger sister were down with diphtheria and that it would be a miracle if Sarah recovered. In her case the disease proved fatal for on last Tuesday she died. Miss Palmer was teaching in the DeWitt public school when she received word that her youngest sister, Berenice, was sick. She came to Clinton on Saturday morning, and on that same afternoon Berenice died. On the following Tuesday, June 8th, Sarah and Mabel, a younger sister, were also stricken with diphtheria. Sarah died on Tuesday last, being sick only one week. Mabel is now convalescing, and hopes are entertained of her recovery. It was a sad blow to the family, two of its members dying within eleven days.

Sarah Palmer was twenty-one years old on the 1st of April. She was born in this city, and was the oldest daughter of the late Ezekiel PALMER. Miss Palmer graduated from the Clinton high school, and then went to Jacksonville and took a collegiate course in the Presbyterian Female Academy, from which institution she graduated in June, 1885, with the highest honors of her class, of which she was the valedictorian. While in Jacksonville she united with the Presbyterian Church, and on her return to Clinton she connected herself with the same denomination here. Miss Palmer spent the summer of 1883 with her brother Everett in Pierre, Dakota, and rendered him valuable assistance in his office work. Last fall and winter she taught the school near the Barngrover church and this spring went to DeWitt to take charge of the public school there.

Miss Palmer was a young lady of fine intellectual ability, and she was blessed with the gift of being able to make herself agreeable to everybody with whom she was associated. She had a pleasant greeting and a kindly smile for all. Her future in this life was bright, and her death made many hearts sad.
--------------------
June 25, 1886
Clinton Public

The following we take from the Review, a magazine published by the Jacksonville Female Academy:

It will be with surprise and pain that the teachers, pupils and alumnae of the Academy will learn of the death of Miss Sarah PALMER. She will be remembered as an earnest, conscientious and brilliant scholar, graduating one year ago with the highest honors of her class. The last year of her school life she accepted Christ as her teacher and Savior, and publicly acknowledged her allegiance to Him by uniting with the State Street Presbyterian Church. She was the picture of womanly health and vigor, and no one could give better promise of a long life of consecrated service. Her afflicted family will have the sympathy of her teachers, schoolmates and a wide circle of friends here in Jacksonville.

Mrs. Hugh Thomas PARIS 

March 3, 2012
The Daily Inter Lake
Kalispell, Montana

Harriet McCord Paris, 91

(Obituary Extract)
Name: Harriet Evaline (McCORD) PARIS
Age: 91
Born: September 26, 1920, near Farmer City, Illinois
Parents: John Merle and Ruby McCORD
Spouse: Hugh Thomas PARIS, m. August 30, 1942
Occupation: Homemaker, mother, and grandmother
Died: February 26, 2012
Cause of Death: Stroke and heart attack
Funeral: Family memorial service held August 18, 2012
Cremation: Conducted by Johnson-Gloschat Mortuary and Crematory
Inurnment: Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Montana
Survivors: Daughter Susanna Eaton and husband Ray of Kalispell, son Thomas and his wife Deborah of Cheney, Wash.; daughter Heather Cleary and her husband Joe of Richland, Wash.; and son Hugh Thomas Paris Jr., and his wife Joyce of Kalispell, as well as nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Full obituary

Submitted by Susanna Eaton

PARKER (male) 

March 23, 1865
Clinton Public

SHOT.—Lieut. PARKER, of DeWitt, was shot while hunting, one day this week, and died before he could be taken home.

Mrs. Abraham PARKER 

January 26, 1912
Clinton Register

AGED WOMAN IS CALLED TO REST.
Was More Than Four Score and Ten Years Old, and Knew Many Noted Men of Illinois.

In the year 1817 several members of the MILLER family emigrated from the vicinity of Harper's Ferry to Loudon county, Va., to Champaign county, Ohio. The emigrants consisted of Valentine MILLER, his wife and some of his family, including several sons-in-law. It was a sort of exodus of the Miller family since the father and mother resolved not to be left behind if the children came West.

Valentine Miller was of German descent and followed the occupation of a miller, continuing in it for years after coming to Ohio. He bought a tract of land in Champaign county and divided it among his children, retaining a farm for himself. He and his wife are buried in a family burying ground on a part of the Miller estate near Millerstown, Ohio, which took its name from this family.

The wife of Valentine Miller was Sarah CONARD. She was of English and Welsh descent, and came of that early Virginia colony which obtained its wives by paying for their passage with tobacco.

One of the sons-in-law of Valentine Miller was George GIDEON, also a Virginian, and a lieutenant in the then recent war of 1812. He and his wife had three children when they came from Virginia. The sixth child was Ann, who afterward married Abraham PARKER and is the subject of this biography.

Ann was born Nov. 6, 1821, and lived till she was seven years old on the farm "over Mad river," given her father by her grandfather. Her father then sold the farm and moved about twenty miles away to what was known as Darby Plains in the same county and within a mile or two of Woodstock, Ohio.

Here amidst beautiful surroundings and in a godly home she grew to womanhood, one of eleven children. Her father and mother were Methodists and the children were christened in the faith and brought up according to its tenets. All the famous preachers of that day and region were known and entertained at her father's house, for he was a man of means and of large hospitality.

One of her anecdotes was of the Rev. James FINDLEY, a minister of the old school and the only man whom she remembers as wearing knee pants and buckled shoes.

In those days the Bible was not only read in the home, but in school it was used as a text book. The first book put into a child's hands was Webster's spelling book. Through it he laboriously spelled his way into reading. When he got so he could spell out the stories in that, he was promoted to what was called the English Reader, which from her description was a sort of American Sandford and Merton. After this the pupil read from the New Testament and later he was allowed to read in the history class. The history did not go beyond Andrew JACKSON's administration.

She remembered John Quincy ADAMS' election. She was a very small child, and in their neighborhood was an old colored man, Louis ADAMS, and her older brothers had teasingly told her that "Daddy" was going to vote for Louis Adams for president, and she climbed up into his lap and asked him if he was. He told her, no, that Mr. Adams was white and was a very fine gentleman.

In those days it was customary for farmers to provide whiskey for the harvest hands. As all the grain was cut by hand, many men would be employed. When she was quite a small girl her father resolved to cut that custom out and after that coffee was served instead.

She grew up strong and beautiful, a fine horseback rider and a sharer in her brothers' sports. She took great care of her three younger brothers. She has said that when she was a little girl she used to think when the little boys were large enough to be out of danger of infantile accidents that all her troubles would be over. Out of the abundance of her physical strength, she gave that strong protection to the weak which all her life distinguished her as a mother and endeared her to her children and those dependent upon her. While her strength lasted she never failed her neighbors in their hours of sickness and need, and down to death's call she retained what friends time had spared. Of those who knew her as a child only one remains, Mrs. Alice JOHNSON of East Main street, who one Christmas day passed her ninety-fifth birthday.

She was essentially a Martha among women, and when her failing strength began to curtail her activities she chafed under the restriction.

She taught her children to read the Bible and to follow his teachings and up to the last twenty years of her life, frequently attended the services of the church and entertained its ministers at her table. No one in all her long life ever knew her to be guilty of a small or mean act. She was outspoken to a marked degree and strong in her prejudices and often harsh in her judgment, but in her personal acts she was essentially good and sound in every respect.

About eight years ago she had two quite serious accidents in one year, and these were followed by a serious sickness. After this, those nearest her noticed a marked difference in her mind, although at times it was seemingly as clear as ever and her memory of the past remained strong.

In her younger days she used to tell many wonderful stories of her times which were full of interest to all who heard them. Tales of the ancestors of herself and her husband. Stories of women and children in frontier forts, old legends of colonial days told her by her grandmothers. Easter and Christmas customs of her family. Jewish superstitions handed down from some far off Hebrew ancestry. Her paternal grandfather was a revolutionary soldier who lived to a great age. He used to tell her little son stories of the hardships of that time and sing to him the old camp songs of the army, and as he talked the old man would weep and say, "But you may be a soldier sometime, boy." And, 20 years later, the same little boy in sixty-one went out to be a soldier, too.

After she was married several years, she and her husband and three children came from Ohio in October 1846 to Clinton, Ill., where some of her brothers and one sister had preceded her. They came in a wagon, bringing as many of their household goods as they could bring. In those days Clinton consisted of a dozen or so houses, and when they came in sight of town, coming in by the way of DeWitt, then known as Marion, she thought the town was a gentleman's farm with its outbuildings, and was surprised to learn it was Clinton, the end of their journey. The first winter they lived in what old residents will remember as the "Bill CATTERLIN" house on East Main street on the site of the John PHARES house. Here one of her children was born.

There was but little fruit to be obtained, except wild, but she had brought what she could with her, among it some dried apples and peaches. The flour had to be hauled from Pekin and was a very poor quality at that. Consequently, pies and cakes were scarce, but she had made some pies out of flour that she says suggested dirt, it was so dark and soggy, but her boy, being fond of pie was eating a piece of it out by the woodpile and the dog jumping around him seemed to be begging for some and he remarked, "You can't have any of my good pie," and was immediately called into the house and admonished not to disgrace the family by having such remarks overheard about the stuff he was eating.

Later they moved three or four miles east of Clinton and lived on land owned by Mr. James SCOTT, an ancestor of many old residents of this county. Uncle Jimmy Scott, as he was known to many, was a wealthy man, owning much land hereabout, and it was owing to his kindness that her husband was advanced enough money to buy what she always spoke of as the SIMPSON farm, because it was afterward sold to the late Henry Simpson in whose family it still remains. The Simpson eighty was purchased by her husband sometime in the late forties or perhaps 1850 for one hundred and twenty dollars. They built a substantial house upon it, which was occupied until a few years ago, planted a fine orchard and otherwise improved it. Five years later he sold it for the sum of thirty-two hundred dollars, and in 1856 purchased the farm in Texas township, a part of which she retained as her dowry until her death.

For one year after coming to Clinton she and her husband kept the hotel. It was the year the old brick court house was built and when it was finished it was dedicated by a ball, and supper was served at the tavern. Leonard SWETT was boarding with them at that time and many old residents of Clinton were at the ball. She danced with the late C. H. MOORE on that occasion. R. J. OGLESBY, afterward governor of the state, was one of the fiddlers at the ball.

Abraham LINCOLN, coming here to court, stopped with them also and was a personal friend of her husband. The late Dr. WARNER was their family physician, and her family and others have heard her tell many stories of their adventures together by primitive sick beds. The doctor was subject to severe nervous headaches and one of her anecdotes was of her difficulty on one occasion in providing him with a midnight lunch and coffee.

During the BUCHANAN campaign she was visiting at Dr. Warner's house when he lived in the brick house which stood on the site of the Dr. TYLER residence. There was a big Democratic rally and the participants were trailing past in wagons, afoot, on horseback, in all the abandon of a pioneer rally, going out to the old fair grounds south of town.

As the procession approached they did a lot of yelling for their candidate, and Mrs. Warner asked her to reply as she did not want to appear and perhaps injure her husband who was running for some office. So, stepping out of the door, she waved a dress skirt upon which she was sewing and cheered for Fremont. Some of the women in the procession answered back, "Hurrah for Fremont, and the censored wenches!" For a moment she was nonplussed, then rising on her tiptoes and whirling her dress skirt she replied in a voice that could easily have been heard a quarter of a mile away, "Hurrah for Buchanan and the scrapings of the face of the earth!" and the opposition was silenced. Retiring to the house, she found Mrs. Warner convulsed with laughter and gasping out that she wondered if they had not queered the Doctor politically after all.

In those days Col. V. WARNER, then a youngster, used to ride out behind her on her horse occasionally and spend a night at the Simpson place. She said he had a disconcerting habit of refusing every dish that was offered him at table and just as his hostess was beginning to be in despair of feeding the child, he would brighten up and politely request a part of the first dish he had refused, and so on through the list until he had made a very satisfactory repast.

After they left the hotel they moved into a house owned by a Mr. BROWN, and his son boarded with them, because he had begged her to take him, though the house was small and she had five children. He and Leonard Swett were great friends, and Mr. Swett came also begging for food and shelter, especially food, as she was a famous cook, but she was obliged to deny him.

She often spoke of the famous WYANT murder trial where Swett won his first laurels as a criminal lawyer. During the course of the trial he was a guest at her table and he was so nervous he could not remain at the table during the entire meal, but would arise and walk the floor. He told her he had read the Bible entirely through, twice, during the progress of this trial in order that he might have every help that scripture could give him in any way. She said to him, "Swett, why do you work this way to save a murderer? For you know he killed the man," and he replied, "This man looks to me to save him, he has given me all he has to do so, and I must serve him." She said the secret of a great career was revealed in his answer— faithfulness to an obligation.

After she and her husband left the hotel, Lincoln and Judge DAVIS used to stop occasionally at her father's house, for her father had followed his children westward, even as his father had followed him. She often told of a little incident illustrative of the characters of Lincoln and Judge Davis. Judge Davis was very fastidious in all his habits, while Lincoln was often forgetful of the smaller observances. One morning at breakfast there were soft boiled eggs and cups for them were placed at the plates. Lincoln was busy talking and began to break his egg into his plate when Judge Davis hastily pushed the cup toward him remaking, "Mr. Lincoln, here is a cup." Lincoln obligingly dragged the egg towards the cup, but was too late and trailed it fearfully over the tablecloth. The judge nearly fainted, but the hostess covered up the damage with a napkin and the meal proceeded.

She heard Lincoln make the speech in which he said this government could not exist half slave, half free. She saw the war of the sixties to its close, giving her one boy to the service of his country and having the joy of seeing him return safe from the war.

In her later years she grew very weary. Her long, long life was drawing to its close in pain and weakness. The old stories were told less often and sometimes details were missing, but to the last her nearest neighbors were want to say, "Aunt Ann is a wonderful woman." Had she been born in this restless to-day, the world would hear more of her. But she lived a conventional life, going from a father's protection at an early age to that of a kind husband who, so far as his circumstances and the time permitted, shielded her from all responsibilities save the purely domestic ones; she passed her life unknown to the great world around her, but in her narrow circle it was a wonderful life nevertheless. Though high spirited and what some would call "difficult" yet for more than thirty years she and her husband lived together in perfect peace, and she was tenderly loved by him until his death. In all those long years he never lost patience with her or his belief in her sweetness and goodness. Forty-two years ago in this month she buried him in Woodlawn cemetery and on one side of the stone at his head she had cut these words, "Ann, wife of Abraham Parker" with a space for the date of her death. Someone suggested to her that she was unwise in putting it thus, as she might marry again, but she said that she had made no mistake. Soon after her husband's death and all through the forty-two years since his death, she has often said that she would die in winter when the snow was on the ground because she had dreamed that she went to her husband in a fair, green country and she told him that there was snow on the ground and it was cold when she came away. For several winters she looked for the call, and it came at last on Jan. 19, 1912, after she had completed ninety years on Nov. 6, 1911. While she yet bid fair to be with her loved ones for a considerable time, a severe shock from a fall a few days before her death so unnerved her that she soon succumbed to its effects.

Deceased was the last of a large family and is survived by the following children: G. W. [PARKER], of Kingsburg, Cal.; Mrs. Elizabeth BYERLY, of Kenney; Mrs. Kate SMITH, Mrs. W. J. BLUE and Mrs. Jessie BOOTH, of Clinton. A daughter, Mrs. E. G. ARGO, of Clinton, died a few years ago. She is also survived by 25 grand-children and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the late home, 120 West Cherry st., Sunday, Jan. 21, Rev. G. W. FLAGGE, officiating. The pall bearers were Grant CARDIFF, J. M. WILLIAMS, Jos. E. JOHNSON, Uriah JAMES, N. R. and W. F. HUGHES, all representatives of families whose parents for many years had known her most intimately.

Alanson U. PARKER 

April 15, 1887
Clinton Public

Death of Alanson U. Parker.

For nearly two years past Alanson U. PARKER was afflicted with consumption, which is slow but sure death. From it there is no escape when once the disease takes possession. Last Saturday the end came, and Mr. Parker joined the silent majority who have passed beyond the river of death. Mr. Parker was born in Union county, Ohio, on the 9th of October, 1838, and while yet a boy he came with his parents to this county, and here he spent the residue of his life. On the 19th of December, 1867, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Maggie MILLS, and they became the parents of four children, two of whom are dead. He leaves a wife, one son and one daughter surviving him. Mr. Parker was an industrious farmer, and by years of hard work and frugal habits he was able to leave his family with a good home. He also had a policy of insurance in the Northwestern of Bloomington for $2000, which will be paid to Mrs. Parker as soon as the legal formalities are complied with. Just in the prime of life, for he was only forty-eight years, five months and twenty-nine days old, Mr. Parker was called to leave his loved ones and journey through the mysterious valley of death. Death had no terrors for him for he had lived an upright and useful life, doing what he could to make the world better.

Mrs. Alanson U. PARKER 

February 7, 1908
Clinton Register

CHRISTIAN MOTHER CALLED.

Mrs. Margaret PARKER died Wednesday morning at the home of her son-in-law, Dick WOOD, seven miles southwest of Clinton of heart trouble from which she had suffered for a number of years.  Margaret (MILLS) Parker was born in 1839, moving to DeWitt county where in 1860 she was married to A. U. PARKER.  Of the four children born to them, Mrs. Dickerson WOOD is the only one surviving.  Mrs. Parker became a member of the Christian church in Kentucky in early life and had always been an active and faithful member until failing health no longer permitted her to labor in her Master’s cause.  "Mother" as she was called by all the family was the sunshine of the household and her presence will long be missed by all her friends.  Besides Mrs. Wood, four sisters, Mrs. Kate BROWN, Mrs. Isaiah SAMUELS, Polly and Lusetta MILLS, and three brothers, John, James and Zachariah, survive her.  The funeral services were held this afternoon at the Christian church.  Interment in Woodlawn.

Mrs. David PARKER 

February 10, 1882
Clinton Register

Died on Friday morning February 3, 1882, at 9 o'clock, at her home at Lane, Illinois, Mrs. Ellen PARKER, wife of David PARKER and daughter of Tillman LANE.  The funeral services were performed by Elder Robinson of the Christian church of Mt. Pulaski, on Sunday at the church, which was attended by a large concourse of people, after which the remains were laid to rest in the old Lisenby grave-yard.  Deceased was an exemplary wife, daughter, mother, and member of the Christian church.  Her husband and five small children remain to mourn a loved companion and mother.  They have the sympathy of the entire community.  May they look for lasting consolation and comfort where it can only be found-above.

Joe PARKER 

October 17, 1890
Clinton Public

A Sad Death.

Joe PARKER was an old bachelor who lived in the village of DeWitt. He was born in Ohio forty-four years ago next Sunday, and came to this county when he was but three years old. His father, Andrew PARKER, during his lifetime was one of the prominent farmers of DeWitt township, and when he died he left his children a respectable patrimony. Joe Parker was a money maker when he was in his right mind, but when whisky was in wit was out and everything went. He was worth about $8000, which could have been trebled with ordinary care. Joe was a hard drinker at times, and then for months and even years he would abstain altogether from liquor, when he would settle down to business and accumulate money. In an evil hour, a few weeks ago, some half dozen men joined together and bought half a barrel of whisky for their own use, and while it lasted it flowed freely and the unfortunate fellows kept filled up all the time. It was too much for poor Joe; he was a constant visitor to the barrel, and the other day it finished him. He was found dead one morning, and the verdict of the coroner’s jury was “died from alcoholism.” What a death, and what a warning it ought to be to his friends who joined with him in buying that half barrel of whisky.

John PARKER 

October 2, 1891
Clinton Register

John PARKER, one of the oldest residents of DeWitt county, died at the home of his son, L. A. PARKER, five miles west of Clinton in Barnett township, last Sunday, aged 87 years, 1 month and 7 days. Funeral services were held at the residence Tuesday at 10:30 o'clock, and the interment was in Barnett cemetery near Hallsville. Deceased was born in Virginia August 20, 1804. He had lived in this county for forty years and was well known in the western part where he made his home for so many years. For several years he had been very poorly, and his son had done all in his power to make his father comfortable during his declining years.

Mrs. John PARKER 

October 23, 1896
Clinton Register

Mrs. E. M. PARKER died on Monday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. T. W. MUSSON, aged 74 years, 4 months and 22 days. She was born in Washington county, Ohio, May 28, 1822. She was married to A.[Augustus] L. SPRAGUE Sept. 29, 1841. To them were born seven children, four of whom survive them—Mrs. Mary J. WOODS, Mrs. Nancy A. O'NEIL, Mrs. Margaret L. MUSSON and C. W. SPRAGUE. She became a member of the Christian church in April 1892.

Funeral services were conducted in the Christian church here Tuesday, at 1:30, by Rev. L. B. Pickerill. He took as his subject, "Lessons From an Advanced Life."

Mrs. Parker was a faithful, earnest woman, loved by her children and all who knew her. Being afflicted for years, she could not be a constant attendant at church, but her spirit was there. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
PARKER, JOHN    SPRAQUE, ELIZABETH     1878-12-15    DE WITT

John Parker was buried next to his first wife in Barnett Cemetery and Elizabeth was buried in the Sprague plot in Woodlawn Cemtery.

Mrs. Richard T. PARKER 

October 18, 1912
Clinton Register

DIED IN HOSPITAL.

At the John Warner hospital at 4:30 Friday evening occurred the death of Mrs. R. T. PARKER, whose home was near Midland City. Mrs. Parker had been in the hospital eleven days, suffering from cancer of the liver.

Eliseph [Alacif] Adeline SHIELDS was born in Breckenridge county, Ky., March 7, 1846 and at the time of her death was 66 years old. She lived with her parents on a farm until after she became a young woman, when they moved to Indiana, where she was married to William NICCUM. After his death she removed to Illinois and settled in DeWitt county, near Midland City and Hallsville. March 7, 1876, she was married to Richard T. PARKER, the wedding being upon the date of her birthday anniversary. One child, Serena NICCUM was born by the first marriage and she lives in Oklahoma. Five children were born of the second marriage, and one, Mrs. Anna FOX, is dead. Besides her husband, Richard T. Parker, she leaves four children. Mrs. Lulu CUMMINGS, of Gardner, Illinois, and who was visiting in Kansas at the time of the death of her mother; Lloyd P. PARKER, of Midland City; Edmund PARKER, of Elk Point, S. D.; and Aileen SHAW, of DeWeese, Neb. She also leaves ten grandchildren.

Note: Alacif Adaline Shields was the daughter of William and Mary Ann (Beckwith) Shields. She was the wife of (1) William Niccum and (2) Richard Parker. She was buried in Evergreen Cemetery with Richard.

Submitted by Edd Marks

William PARKER 

July 14, 1899
Clinton Public

DEATH OF WILLIAM PARKER.
After an Illness of One Year, He Succumbs to Catarrh of the Stomach.

William PARKER died at 7 o'clock Sunday evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Robert JENKINS, five miles west of Clinton, aged 55 years. Deceased had been confined to bed for nearly one year, a sufferer with catarrh of the stomach. William Parker was born on a farm in Union county, Ohio, in 1844, and when seven years old his parents moved to DeWitt county. Deceased had since resided on a farm in this county with the exception of six years spent in Iowa with his brother, L. A. PARKER. Deceased was never married. He leaves surviving him two sisters and two brothers: L. A. Parker, of Clinton; Timothy PARKER, living in California; Mrs. Robert Jenkins, with whom he made his home; and Mrs. John MILLS, living west of Clinton. Funeral services were held on last Monday at 3 p.m., conducted by Dr. W. A. Hunter. Interment in the Barnett cemetery, west of Clinton.

Cora PARLIER 

May 6, 1881, Friday
Clinton Public

Miss Cora PARLIER, daughter of Jacob and Catherine PARLIER, died at her home in Longpoint on Sunday evening, April 24th, in her twentieth year.

Her death was a gradual wasting away by a protracted illness of nearly three months.  The final dissolution was tranquil, and she seemed to fall into a deep sleep.  Her faith was firm, her hope was unclouded, like the sun at its setting which throws abroad its rich and mellow glories more profusely the nearer it approaches the moment of its departure.  On the evening of the 25th her remains were taken to the M. E. Church, where the funeral ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Kelly, of Heyworth, who paid a very fitting tribute to the departed and offered words of consolation to the bereaved.  At the conclusion of the service the body was interred in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, in the presence of a very large concourse of friends.  The attendance was large, fully one– third of those present being unable to obtain admission to the church.

Cora was a pretty and bright young lady of most estimable qualities and greatly beloved by all who knew her.  Her early life was an illustration of all that was good and pure in human nature.  In the early morning of maturity, standing upon the threshold of real life and usefulness, death claimed her, and with sails, how swift has reached the shore where tempests never beat or billows roar.  Amid all the exciting changes of life, she was always the meek and gentle little Cora.  Her afflictions were borne with great fortitude and patient endurance, never once complaining, but quiet and passive to her much lamented fate.  The deceased leaves a large circle of friends to mourn her loss.  A loving daughter, a true friend and a Christian woman has died, and to the bereaved family the world seems dark indeed.  The heartfelt sympathy of the community is extended to the sorrowing ones.

Edward PARLIER 

July 7, 1899
Clinton Public

Death of Edward Parlier.

Edward PARLIER, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob PARLIER, four miles north of Wapella, died of consumption Monday shortly before noon, aged about 21. A month or so ago his mother started with him for Colorado Springs, Col., but he took worse in Kansas and they returned home. During his last hours he suffered terribly and when the end came fought hard for life. He is the fourth child in this family to die of consumption. Mr. and Mrs. Parlier are highly esteemed citizens and have the sympathy of scores of friends. The funeral occurred from the residence at 11 o'clock Wednesday and interment was in Sugar Grove cemetery. Charles PARLIER, of this city, is a brother of deceased.

Jacob PARLIER 

January 22, 1904
Clinton Register

GOOD CITIZEN CALLED.
Striken With Paralysis Monday Evening and Remained Unconscious Most of the Time Afterward.

Monday evening about 5 o'clock Jacob PARLIER went to milk David McCLIMANS’ cow, as he had promised Mr. McClimans he would do while he was away.  When John McClimans went home from the store he was told Mr. Parlier had gone to the barn; he went to the barn and called twice but received no answer.  Going into the barn he found Mr. Parlier lying near the cow unable to speak.  He was taken into his house, and remained unconscious most of the time until death came at 3 o'clock this morning.

Jacob Parlier was born in Kentucky may 11, 1827, and his parents came to Morgan county, Ill., when he was young, later moving to Sangamon county, which was his home until 1869, except from 1851 to 1856 when he was in California.  April 14, 1858, he was married to Miss Catharine CAPRON in Sangamon county.  Dec. 10, 1869, they arrived in Dewitt county, settling on a farm in Wapella township, on which he lived until in February 1900, when he bought and occupied the property on West Main street which had since been his home.   Eight children were born to them, four of whom are living.  They are Charles C. and Miss Maude, of Clinton; Mrs. Frank E. HUBBEL and Mrs. J. T. DOWNING, near Wapella.  He is also survived by his wife, two half brothers and eight grandchildren.

Jacob Parlier was one of the best known and most honorable men in the county.  All knew him as a kind husband and father and one of the best of citizens.  He was a member of Long Point M. E. church and perhaps no one lived a truer Christian life.  Politically he was a Democrat, and was always much interested in the success of his party.  He represented Wapella township seven years on the board of supervisors and was one of the township’s best chief officers.  He performed his duty honestly and faithfully.   He sought the nomination for sheriff about twelve years ago and had a large vote.

Short services will be held at the residence tomorrow at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Canaday.  The sermon will be preached in Long Point M. E. church at 2 o'clock, by Rev. Randall, of Wapella.  Interment in Sugar Grove cemetery near Long Point church.
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January 29, 1904
Clinton Register

FUNERAL OF JACOB PARLIER.

The funeral of Jacob PARLIER was held from the Long Point M. E. church Saturday afternoon at 2:30.  The church was filled with sympathizing friends long before the remains arrived.   The Rev. C. W. Randle delivered the sermon from the text, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall be comforted." The pall bearers were C. D. Downing, Jasper Andrews, J. F. Leggitt, J. R. Little, Geo. Brown, Jno. Tackett.

The floral pieces were many and very beautiful.  Sheath of white roses, Mrs. Parlier and Maud; standing wreath of carnations, Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Downing, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hubbell; sheath of white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. McNutt; sheath of pink roses, Mr. and Mrs. John Tackett, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Walker; sheath of white carnations, Stella Tackett, Jennie Walker, Geo. Thorpe; bouquet of calla lilies, Bertha Herrington; sheath of red carnations, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Willis; sheath of pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Metz; bouquet of yellow roses and white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Mitchell, Mr. and Mrs. E. Brown, Clinton; sheath of pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. A. Lemon; carnations and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. R. Snell; bouquet of carnations, Epworth League; carnations and ferns, Jennie Wilson.

Ada PARR 

July 21, 1893
Clinton Public

Weldon Home Circle.

Ada, daughter of Perry PARR, went out with her grandfather, Oliver PARR, for a few days’ visit last Tuesday.  On Wednesday evening she was taken with spasms, which continued until Thursday noon.  From that time she lay in a semi-unconscious state until four o'clock Friday morning when she died.  She had been ailing for some time, but was not thought to be at all serious.  The bereaved ones have our deepest sympathy.
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July 28, 1893
Clinton Public

Weldon Home Circle.

Last Saturday morning at ten o'clock occurred the funeral of little Ada Parr, from the family residence in town.  She was born August 31, 1893 [1890], aged three years, ten months and twenty-one days.  She was a popular favorite in the community and will be very much missed by all her friends.

Oliver PARR 

August 15, 1913
Clinton Register

ANOTHER DEATH IN WELDON.

At two o'clock Monday morning at the home of his son, Samuel J. PARR, in Weldon, occurred the death of Oliver PARR at the age of 80 years.  Deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis two weeks ago last Thursday, and the following Sunday suffered a second attack, which culminated as stated above.

Deceased was the eldest son of Samuel and Nancy J. PARR and was born in Licking county, Ohio, July 16, 1838.  After his marriage he emigrated with his bride to Iowa, but later came to Illinois and settled near Argenta, afterward going to Weldon where he resided until the time of his death.  He had resided on a farm until too old for active duties, when he went to town and spent his remaining days at the home of his son.

Mr. Parr was married July 27, 1854, to Jemima ELLIOTT of Shelby county, O.  Four children were born to them, two of whom survive, Harry of Cisco, Ill., and S. J., with whom he made his home.  He also leaves two brothers, William, of Argenta, and John, of Long Point, Cal.  In politics Mr. Parr was a life-long Democrat.

The funeral was held at four o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the home of the son, Rev. D. P. Freeman officiating.  Interment in the Weldon cemetery.

Dr. H. E. PATTEN 

February 9, 1900
Clinton Register

Rev. INGRAHAM and wife attended the funeral of Dr. H. E. PATTEN Tuesday at Lytleville. Dr. Patten practiced medicine here for a few months, but being unable to attend to his practice returned to Indianapolis thinking he might be cured. He leaves several brothers and sisters to mourn his departure, Mrs. INGRAHAM being his sister.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Mrs. Martha PATTON 

January 15, 1892
Clinton Public

Mrs. Martha PATTON, mother of Mrs. Wm. EATHERTON, died last Friday, aged sixty-two years, eleven months and five days. She had lived in Clinton for nearly twenty years. Mrs. Patton was an unobtrusive woman, but she spent her daily life in making others happy.
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January 15, 1892
Clinton Register

Mrs. Martha S. PATTON, died at the home of her son-in-law, W. L. EATHERTON, on West Washington street, January 8, aged 62 years, 11 months and 5 days.  She was born in Pennsylvania Feb. 3, 1829.  After her marriage she moved to Tipton, Iowa, in 1863, where she remained until the death of her husband, when she came to Clinton and has lived with her daughter since 1881.  When twelve years old she united with the M. E. church and was a faithful Christian till called home.  Funeral services were held Sunday.

Note: She was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Crosley PAYNE 

January 31, 1890
Clinton Public

Crosley PAYNE, age seven, died January 29, 1890. He was the son of George PAYNE.

(See news article)

Rebecca (CONKLIN) PAYNE 

June 14, 1895
Clinton Public

Died of Paralysis.

Mrs. Rebecca PAYNE, one of the oldest residents of this section, passed from earthly sufferings to heavenly glories on Tuesday of this week. She was a native of Ohio, having been born in Muskingum county in that state on May 22, 1813—82 years ago. Her husband died fifty-two years ago, leaving the young widow with a family of small children to care for. In 1864 she came to Illinois, some of her children having preceded her. Her only living brother, John CONKLIN, resides at Galesburg, Ill., and was present at the funeral. Mrs. Payne had living two sons and two daughters, several grandchildren and one great grandchild, Harry BLOOMQUEST of Decatur. She was an aunt of James H. CONKLIN and grandmother of Wid S. PAYNE, both of this city. Deceased had for some time been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Martha MARTIN, who recently moved to Decatur. Mrs. Payne had a stroke of paralysis and died June 11th. Remains were brought to Clinton and buried in Woodlawn yesterday. Deceased was a member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church. Funeral services were conducted at the grave by Rev. W. A. HUNTER.

William H. Peacock 

December 31, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

William Henry PEACOCK, son of Thomas and Marcy PEACOCK, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., February 7th, 1836, and departed this life December 28th, at Clinton, Ill., at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 22 days.

In 1854 he came with his parents to Illinois, settling near Salem, in Marion county. He was united in holy matrimony with Sarah A. GOODEN, March 13th, 1862. To this union four children were born, Charles PEACOCK, of Clinton; Will PEACOCK, of Harrison, Ark.; Mrs. Madora NEWHASEN, of Chicago; and Mrs. Milly BROWN, of Vernon, Ill. Besides these, he leaves to mourn his departure seventeen grandchildren, several great grandchildren and a host of friends.

Brother Peacock was a good man, a faithful and consistent follower of the Lord for about fifty years. He was converted in the early 30’s [60’s?] and joined the Baptist church at Bear Creek, Fayette county, and remained a member of this church until about two years ago. He then joined the Free Methodist church of this city and remained a faithful member until the last. His testimony was bright and clear and it was evident from his conversation that his whole heart and soul were taken up with the work of God. He expressed unusual anxiety to meet his Savior face to face and dwell with him for evermore.

Funeral services were held at the home of his grandson, 1515 East Washington street, Monday evening at 7:30 o'clock, Rev. O. W. Derry officiating, assisted by Rev. T. H. Eaton. The remains were taken to Vernon this morning where interment will be made.

PEARL (child) 

February 9, 1894
Paper Unknown

Mr. Nick PEARL, of Weldon, buried his four-year-old child at the Catholic Cemetery on Wednesday.

Submitted by Unknown

Mrs. John PEARL) 

November 10, 1893
Clinton Public

Mrs. John PEARL died in Weldon yesterday, and today will be buried in the Catholic c emetery at Wapella.

L. L. PEARSON 

December 10, 1897
Clinton Public

CRUSHED BY THE CARS.
L. L. Pearson's Left Foot Was Caught in a Rail Guard and He Was Fatally Injured.

L. L. PEARSON, switchman in Clinton I. C. yards, was run over about 8 o'clock Thursday evening, December 2d, and so badly crushed that he died at 4:15 the next morning. He was in the act of pulling a pin when his foot caught in a guard rail, and before he could free himself the terrible wheels were upon him. They passed over his leg below the knee, the shoulder at the armpit, and injured him internally. Charles LONG, a brother switchman, was the only one near at the time. He called help at once, and the injured man was carried to the home of his cousin, Theodore DAVENPORT, where he and his wife had been making their home. For a time he suffered intensely, but gradually became easier. He was conscious up to a few minutes before his death and conversed with his wife and others.

Drs. WILCOX, CAMPBELL and CANTRELL were called, but declared that Mr. Pearson could not live, and he was given opiates to relieve pain. He knew he could not live and calmly arranged his affairs. He called Rev. D. Mac ARTHUR, who administered spiritual consolation. Mr. Pearson professed a belief in Christ and a future, having no fear of death.

Mr. Pearson was born in Linn county, Kansas, in 1869. He was married eight years ago, and leaves a wife but no children. He had been a railroad man all his life, working in various parts of the country and at Freeport, Ill., but had only been here about two months.

It is a terrible blow to his wife. She has only been here one month. They were expecting to go to housekeeping in a short time. Mrs. Pearson will start with the remains this evening for Pleasanton, Kansas, where his and her parents reside. The funeral will probably occur Sunday.

Mr. Pearson was not a member of any lodge, but the railroad men of Clinton were true to their reputation for sympathy and generosity. Mrs. Pearson says they did everything they could for her, for which she is sincerely grateful.

Charles PEDDICORD 

February 4, 1887
Clinton Public

Charles PEDDICORD died at his home in this city last Saturday morning. For more than two years he had been an invalid from consumption.
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February 4, 1887
Clinton Register

Death of Chas. Peddicord.

On last Saturday morning, Jan. 29th 1887, the spirit of Charles PEDDICORD took its flight for "the Christian's home in glory." He was the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. William PEDDICORD, and was born in Clinton Dec. 30th, 1861. He was sick of pulmonary consumption about six years and died at his home with his mother, in Clinton, aged 25 years and 29 days. His father preceded him to the other world almost six years, and of the family of five, only three survive, viz.: the mother, Mrs. Jane, Harry and Rittie, all of whom have the sincere sympathies of many friends in their sore affliction. The deceased became a child of God about four years ago, having been baptized by Eld. H. Frank Tandy, and thence lived as he died, a true Christian. The funeral took place from the Christian church, Eld. Hite officiating. The body was interred Sunday afternoon in Woodlawn Cemetery in the presence of many sympathizing friends.

Mrs. Milzor PEDDICORD 

January 30, 1868
Clinton Public & Central Transcript

MEMOIR OF MRS. FRANCES PEDDICORD.

The honored subject of this memoir was born near the city of Lexington, in the State of Kentucky, Dec. 11, 1800. Her maiden name was MITCHELL. She was married to Milzor PEDDICORD May 3, 1821. Shortly after her marriage, her husband, with his young family, moved to the State of Ohio, and settled on a farm in Madison county.

In 1842 Mr. Peddicord died, leaving our subject a widow and the mother of ten children. The true dignity and noble spirit of womanhood were exhibited to a remarkable degree under this severest of trials. With a humble and abiding trust in Him who has promised to uphold the widow and the orphan, she faced the adverse circumstances of life with her large and almost headless family, and in the pure and unselfish devotion of a mother, she carefully and wisely marked out the work of life—which was to train and educate those whom God in His providence had committed to her charge.

This work she pursued with undeviating and inflexible purpose; and though she did not quite reach the period allotted to mankind she lived to a good old age, and enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing most of her children comfortably and respectably settled in life, three of whom died before she did.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Peddicord lived in Ohio till 1854, when she moved to Illinois and settled in the town of Clinton, where she remained till her death, to be loved most by those who knew her best. She died suddenly, on Monday, January 20, 1868. She was feeling unusually well on that day, till near noon, when she was taken with a chill, and died before 5 o'clock in the afternoon. What a solemn lesson of human frailty does this unexpected and mournful event teach to those of us who survive her!

Grandma Peddicord embraced Christianity some 25 years ago, since which time she has been an exemplary, consistent Christian. Without any of that ostentatious and false zeal which exhausts itself in noisy effervescence, she quietly and meekly performed her religious duties in the sphere she had been called to fill. With a hand ever open to charity, and an untiring vigilance at the couch of suffering and distress, she humbly strove to alleviate human sorrow in such a way as to meet the approval of her Divine Master, unmixed with any sordid wish for human applause.

In contemplating the life and character of such a woman as Grandma Peddicord, how much do we find to admire of sterling and reliable traits of female character, which it is impossible to notice in a brief sketch like this. It may be truly said of her that she found life to be a constant warfare; that she had gone through the campaign with unflagging fortitude, and, like a good soldier, fell at her post, and we knew not her worth till after she had passed from our midst. But the promptings of gratitude and love will often lead the steps of her surviving relatives and friends to her secluded resting place, there to shed the hallowed incense of affection over the scene, and water the sacred spot with their tears.

Grandma Peddicord was true to her family and friends, to her country, to humanity, and to God, and has gone to a true woman's reward. Her age was 67 years, 1 month, and 10 days.

Rev. S. S. Maginnis preached her funeral sermon, at the M. E. Church in Clinton, On Wednesday, Jan. 22, to an attentive and deeply feeling audience, from the following text:

“And I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto me, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them” – Rev. chap. xiv, v. 13.     R. M. E.

Mrs. Ninian W. PEDDICORD 

February 10, 1888
Clinton Public

Mrs. N. W. PEDDICORD died February 6th, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Dr. John WILSON, 1216 Michigan Avenue, Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Peddicord was a sister of Mrs. METLIN and Mrs. DAVENPORT.

Mrs. Samuel PEDDICORD 

January 31, 1913
Clinton Register

MRS. PEDDICORD DIES.

Mrs. L. W. Trummell of this city has received word from relatives in Kansas that her aunt, Mrs. Vianna [Fiannah] PEDDICORD, had died at Burr Oak, Kan., on Friday.  Mrs. Peddicord is a sister of Mrs. Chas. SLOAT and was formerly a resident of this city.  Mrs. Peddicord is also a sister of H. C. PHARES, of Weldon.

Berryman H. PENDLETONN 

April 15, 1881
Clinton Public

Mr. B. H. Pendleton died on the night of the 12th inst., at Beason, from injuries received by whirling around a tumbling rod in the elevator at that place.  Mr. Pendleton was a man who was respected by everyone, and had a large circle of friends.   He was postmaster at old Hallsville for several years, which office he resigned when the I B A W was built, and went to Beason where he served as postmaster for several years longer, when he resigned about two years ago to accept a position in the elevator, where he met his death.  The citizens of Oran township, Logan county, had just elected him justice of the peace.  The deceased leaves a wife and four children who have the sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement.

Mrs. Martha PENN 

May 25, 1871
Clinton Public

Fatal Accident at Long Point.

Editor Public.—A sad accident occurred in our neighborhood last Wednesday, the 17th inst. Mrs. PENN who has been subject to spasms caught her clothes on fire and was so badly burned that she died that night. She was alone in the house, her husband and a neighbor being at work on a stable nearby. It is supposed that her clothes caught fire while she was in a spasm. As soon as she became conscious, she started for the stable. Her husband and the neighbor rushed to her rescue, and tore off the burning clothes. But the suffering of the unfortunate woman had crazed her, and she broke away and ran up the road as far as Jacob Swearingen's blacksmith shop. There she was stopped, taken home, and all done that could be to alleviate her sufferings. She had been badly burned in a similar manner on three previous occasions.   E. A.

Note: Her full name was Martha (McKeeman) Penn. She was married to Joseph Penn.

PENNINGTON (child) 

August 4, 1899
Clinton Register

CENTER CHAPEL.

The funeral services for Ed PENNINGTON's child was held at the Christian church at Lane, by Rev. Gilliland of Clinton Friday at nine a.m., and the remains were taken to the Rose cemetery. The child was four months old.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Henry C. PENNINGTON 

November 23, 1915 - Tuesday
Clinton Daily Public

H. C. PENNINGTON DIES IN FLORIDA.
Well Known Citizen Had Just Gone South in an Effort to Prolong His Life.

H. C. PENNINGTON, a well known resident of this city, passed away at the home of his son, J. W. PENNINGTON, in Sanford, Fla., this morning, following an illness of a year’s duration with complication of diseases. Mr. Pennington had been in poor health for sometime and was only discharged from the John Warner hospital about five weeks ago, where he was confined for about three weeks.

He seemed to feel better the last two weeks than he had for some time and one week ago tomorrow, accompanied by his wife, his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest MITCHELL, and their little daughter, left for Florida where they planned to spend the winter, in hopes the southern climate would be of benefit to his health. But the sudden change in climate seemed to affect him and his death was due to complication of diseases.

H. C. Pennington was the son of John and Amy PENNINGTON and was born in Creek township, DeWitt county, on Jan. 17, 1862. He lived on the farm with his parents until he grew to manhood. About twenty-eight years ago he was married to Miss Amanda SULLIVAN. They lived on the home farm for several years after their marriage, moving to Clinton about twenty years ago, locating at 1301 East Washington street, where they have since resided. Mr. Pennington soon after coming to Clinton, secured a position at the local Illinois Central railroad shops, following the boilermakers trade up till one year ago when he was forced to take a leave of absence on account of his health.

To this union three children were born, all of whom with the mother survive. They are: J. W. PENNINGTON, of Sanford, Fla.; Mrs. Reba MITCHELL, of Clinton; and Mrs. John RUDASILL, of Springfield.

He is also survived by 3 brothers and one sister, J. R. PENNINGTON, 420 North Linden street, this city; J. J. PENNINGTON, this city; J. M. PENNINGTON, Midland City; and Mrs. Louisa KELLEY, South Dakota; and several grandchildren.

Mr. Pennington was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Moose lodge and was also a member of the St. Paul’s Universalist church.

No funeral arrangements will be made until the arrival of the body, which will be some time Thursday night or Friday.

James M. PENNINGTON 

February 19, 1916 - Saturday
Clinton Daily Public

J. M. PENNINGTON DIED LAST NIGHT.
Death of Well Known Farmer Near Midland City From Heart Trouble.

The death of James Monroe PENNINGTON occurred last night at 8:30 at his home two miles southeast of Midland City. Although Mr. Pennington had been suffering with heart trouble for the past week, his death was unexpected.

Mr. Pennington was one of the best known farmers in the county, having resided near Midland City nearly all of his life. He prospered and at the time of his death owned the large farm on which he lived.

Thirty-eight years ago, Mr. Pennington was married to Miss Hattie NEAL. The couple has lived on the farm ever since their marriage. To this union was born four children, all of whom survive. They are Elmer, of Midland City; Quay, of Iowa; Eva BURWELL and Amy WATT, both of near Midland City. The widow also survives.

He is also survived by two brothers, John PENNINGTON and J. J. PENNINGTON of Clinton, one sister, Mrs. May L. KELLEY, of Langdon, N. D., and two half-brothers, Grant and Edward PENNINGTON, of Creek township.

No funeral arrangements had been made this morning.

Note: His wife’s name was listed as Hester Jane Pennington in his administration notice.
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February 21, 1916 - Monday
Clinton Daily Public

FUNERAL OF MONROE PENNINGTON TODAY.

The funeral of the late James Monroe Pennington, who died at his home near Midland City on Friday evening, was held at 10:30 o'clock this morning from the Hallsville Christian church with Rev. Mr. Warner, of Mackinaw, a former pastor of Hallsville in charge. Interment was made in the Hallsville cemetery.

Note: His burial was in McClimans Cemetery.

John PENNINGTON 

November 15, 1907
Clinton Register

ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER AT REST.

John PENNINGTON died Monday afternoon at the home of his son H. C. PENNINGTON in the east part of the city, aged 81. He was stricken with paralysis about two months ago and gradually grew worse.

Deceased was born in Kentucky in 1828, and his parents came to this county when he was six years old. They located in Creek township where they died, and deceased continued to make his home until a few years ago, when he began to make his home with his children.

When 23 years old he was married to Miss Anna CARLOCK, who died in 1866. In 1868 he was married to Miss Mary EDWARDS, who died two years ago. He was an old soldier, and was a member of the Christian Church having united with that church when he was a young man. Politically he was a Republican.

He is survived by six sons and one daughter as follows: J. M., of Midland City; J. R., J. J., H. C., and Edward, of Clinton; Grant, of Lane; and Mrs. KELLY, of Holder, Ill.

Funeral services were held at Lane Wednesday forenoon, conducted by Rev. J. W. Reynolds. Burial was in Rose cemetery near Lane.

Note: His second wife died in 1894, not 1905.

Mrs. John R. PENNINGTON 

January 29, 1904
Clinton Register

ANOTHER MOTHER CALLED.
Mrs. Louisa Pennington Died at Her Home in Clinton—
Funeral Services Held Wednesday.

About two months ago Mrs. John PENNINGTON had an operation performed in Decatur for [a] tumor. She returned home about a month ago and seemed to be improving for a time but became worse about two weeks ago, and died Monday evening at 7:15 o'clock, aged 54 years, 8 months and 3 days.

Louisa BENNETT was born May 23, 1849. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell BENNETT, who lived in Texas township many years. Aug. 21, 1883, she was married to John R. PENNINGTON. Since their marriage they had lived in or near Lane, moving to Clinton three years ago.

She is survived by her husband and three sons, Charles and Welby PENNINGTON and L. E. REED, the latter being a son of a former marriage. There is also left to mourn her death, three sisters, Mrs. Angie JONES, of Weldon; Mrs. T. J. HENSON, of Clinton; and Mrs. Henrietta SHEEHY, of Clay Center, Neb.; and two brothers, G. E. and J. C. BENNETT, of Peoria.

At the age of fifteen she united with the Christian church of Clinton and after moving to Lane she placed her membership in the church at that place, and remained a member there until her death.

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

Percy PENNINGTON 

July 22, 1910
Clinton Register

DEATH OF A CHILD.

Percy, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles PENNINGTON, died Monday afternoon at their home in Clinton. The cause of death was summer complaint, from which the child had been suffering for two weeks. Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. G. W. Flagge. Interment in Woodlawn.

Sarah PENNINGTON 

March 11, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MISS PENNINGTON.

Miss Sarah PENNINGTON died Tuesday at the home of her sister, Mrs. John FREY, in Barnett township, aged 59 years. Deceased was born in Indiana, May 1, 1844, and had lived in DeWitt county since 1895. She united with the M. E. church in Indiana when 15 years old and had never transferred her membership. She had been a cripple all her life. Funeral at the home yesterday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Canady. Burial in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Sylvanus PERCY 

September 23, 1898
Clinton Register

Four Score and Four.

Mrs. Ann PERCY died at the home of her son-in-law, Eb LANE, in Texas township, aged nearly 84 years. She had been sick several weeks and suffered much. Ann BELLOWS was born Sept. 24, 1814, near Marietta, O. April 19, 1840, she was married to Sylvanus PERCY. Six children were born to them, three of whom are living, Mrs. Eb LANE, Mrs. Jennie D. GRAHAM, Salt Lake City, and Camaron PERCY in Oklahoma. The two latter were unable to attend the funeral. In 1857 they came to Clinton, and in 1879 Mr. Percy died. In 1878 Mrs. Percy went to live with Mrs. Lane in Texas township, which had since been her home. When 16 years old she united with the Methodist church and afterward with the Christian church, always being a faithful Christian. Her life was only four days short of 84 years. Funeral services were held at the residence at 10 o'clock yesterday, conducted by Rev. D. McArthur. Interment was in the cemetery just south of Clinton.

Note: Other researchers have her maiden name listed as Anna Bellus.

Gertie PERRY 

February 20, 1891
Clinton Public

Gertie, the only daughter of Wm. E. and Sarah PERRY, died February 11th, after ten days suffering from that dreaded diseased spinal meningitis. Little Gertie was 4 years, 6 months and 3 days old. She was a bright attractive child, and loved by all who knew her.

James PERRY 

November 14, 1879
Clinton Public

Didn't Know That It Was Loaded.

It is the same old story. By the careless pointing of a shotgun that was thought to be unloaded and harmless, another human life has been sacrificed. About four weeks ago, James PERRY was patching the plastering in a house at Midland City, and in the room with him was a youth named Theodore SULLIVAN, aged about eighteen years. The conversation turned upon bed-bugs, and Perry told his companion to take one of four shotguns that stood in the corner and shoot the bugs. Young Sullivan took up a double-barreled gun which he supposed was unloaded, and drawing back the trigger, snapped the hammer at an imaginary bug. But the gun happened to be loaded with shot, and Perry, who was crossing the room at the time, received the full charge in the instep of one of his feet, which mangled his foot terribly. He was taken home and medical aid was immediately called. At first no more danger was apprehended than that Perry would be laid up for a few weeks and probably be lamed for life; but the chords of the foot were torn to pieces by the charge of shot and lockjaw set in. Day after day the muscles of his face became more rigidly set, till finally his jaws firmly closed, and the unfortunate Perry had to have his medicine injected through his teeth. He lingered in great pain till Monday afternoon, when death released him from his sufferings. Perry was about twenty-two years old, and a single man. Young Sullivan is almost distracted at the...(last few words unreadable).

Nettie PERSINGER 

April 24, 1908
Clinton Register

DIED IN LINCOLN.

Nettie PERSINGER died at Lincoln this week, aged about 35. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. PERSINGER of Texas township and had been afflicted all her life. When her mother died about five years ago she was taken to the institute for the feeble-minded in Lincoln. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. L. D. SCOTT, of Selma, Cal., and three brothers, Harvey, of Texas township; Newton, of Kenney; and Charles, near Maroa. Funeral was held yesterday, burial being in Maroa cemetery.

William M. PERSINGER 

May 16, 1902
Clinton Register

LIVED ALLOTTED YEARS.
PASSING OF A PROMINENT TEXAS TOWNSHIP FARMER.
His Death Had Been Expected Several Weeks on Account of Strokes of Paralysis.

William PERSINGER, one of the prominent farmers of Texas township, suffered a stroke of paralysis in last February, and when there began to be hope of him recovering, another stroke made his recovery hopeless, his entire right side being effected, having no use of his right hand. For some time it was realized the end was near, but the final summons did not come until a few minutes after 11 o'clock Tuesday, all of his family being present when death took the husband and father from home and loved ones.

William M. Persinger was born in Sidney, Shelby county, O., Dec. 2, 1830, and lived 71 years, 7 months and 11 days, being a son of William R. and Priscilla PERSINGER, early settlers of that county, where they died aged 84 and 69 years. They were parents of eight children, William being the third in age. Only three of them are living: Chas. L. PERSINGER, of Whiting, Ia.; Mrs. Ruth HARBOR, Pemberton, O.; and Mrs. Margaret JOHNSTONE, Plattsville, O.

He followed farming, and in May, 1864, enlisted in Co. K, 134th O. Vol. Inf., serving under command of Gen. Butler in front of Richmond. At the end of his term of enlistment he returned to his old home in September, 1864, where he continued farming until 1868, when he came to Illinois, settling in DeWitt county, which had since been his home.

Aug. 6, 1854, William Persinger and Miss Eliza CHRISMAN were married. Five children were born to them, Harvey H. and Nettie Priscilla resided with their parents; Newton R., lives near Kenney; Charles G., in Macon county, southwest of Maroa; and Mrs. L. D. SCOTT, in Fresno county, Cal. She came to visit her parents a few weeks ago and remained on account of her father's condition.

For six years after coming to this county he rented land. He then bought a farm of 80 acres in Texas township on which he had since lived. Since then he had added to his farm until it comprises 220 acres. He also owned 80 acres in Macon county, and 80 acres of timber land in California. His estate is estimated at about $30,000. This he has accumulated by active business principles and good management. The home farm is well improved, and is one of the best in Texas township.

He carried his activity in business into politics and was one of the Republican Party's most active and enthusiastic workers in his township. If his party ticket did not win, it was not because of any lack of work on his part. Justice of the peace was the only township office he ever held. He was a member of the lodge of Odd Fellows at Kenney and had filled the important offices in the local lodge.

He was a good neighbor, always ready to accommodate those about him, and his friends always found him willing to do all for them not unreasonable.

Funeral services which were delayed awaiting the arrival of L. D. SCOTT, of Fresno, Cal., were held at the residence at 2 o'clock today, conducted by Rev. D. T. MILES, the Methodist minister at Maroa, deceased being a member of the Methodist church in Ohio. The burial was in Maroa cemetery, the Odd Fellows conducting the ___ services at the grave.

Mrs. William M. PERSINGER 

January 20, 1905
Clinton Register

A GOOD MOTHER CALLED.
An Old Resident of Texas Township Died This Morning—
Widow of Late William Persinger.

Mrs. Eliza PERSINGER died at 5 o$#39;clock this morning at her home near Texas school house, aged about 75. She had been in poor health about two years, was confined to her bed most of the time the last year. Wednesday morning she was stricken with paralysis and from that her death was hourly expected.

Eliza CHRISMAN was born in Ohio and was married to Wm. PERSINGER, Aug. 6, 1854, in Ohio. They came to Illinois in 1866, locating in Texas township. Except a few years they lived near Kenney, she had since lived in that township.

Her husband died about four years ago, but their five children are living. They are Harvey H., who lives on the homestead; Mrs. L. D. SCOTT, of Fresno, Cal.; Charles G., near Maroa; Nettie Priscilla, at home; and Newton R., of Kenney. The time of the funeral not learned.
--------------------
January 21, 1905
Decatur Review

Mrs. W. M. Persinger dead.

Mrs. William M. PERSINGER died at her home in Texas township, DeWitt county, Friday morning, after a sickness covering a period of more than two years. During this entire time she was in a critical condition and death was expected at any time.

Her maiden name was Eliza CHRISMAN and she became the wife of Mr. PERSINGER on Aug. 6, 1854, he dying nearly three years ago. Five children survive her as follows: Harvey H., at home; Newton A., Kenney; Mrs. L. D. SCOTT, Selma, Cal.; Charles G., near Maroa; Miss Nettie P., at home.

Mose PETERS 

January 20, 1905
Clinton Register

KENNEY MAN KILLED.
Meets Death While Helping Put Up Ice—
Chute is Said to Have Been Unsafe.

Mose PETERS was killed in Kenney Saturday while assisting to put ice in an ice house.  Several chunks were being sent up a chute that had low sides.  He had been warned not to send up so many at once, but continued to send 7 or 8 at a time.  About 11 o'clock something holding the ice slipped and the pieces went down the chute, one of them striking Mr. Peters on the back of the head, and he died in half an hour, but did not become conscious before dying.  He had lived in the county all his life and several years in Kenney where he ran a dray.  He is a nephew of A. M. PETERS, of Texas township, and was married, his wife and two children surviving him.  Funeral was held Monday and burial was in the cemetery north-east of Kenney.

PHARES (infant) 

August 3, 1877
Clinton Public

Mr. and Mrs. A. R. PHARES mourn the death of their infant son. He died last Monday, after a brief illness.

Abner R. PHARES 

January 16, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

ABNER R. PHARES, 80, DIED TODAY.
One of County’s Most Respected and Oldest Settlers Succumbs to Pneumonia—
Was Splendid Man.

Abner R. PHARES, one of DeWitt county’s oldest settlers, passed away at his home, 219 South Center street, today shortly before 1 o'clock, following an illness of five days with pneumonia.  Mr. Phares had enjoyed the very best of health despite his advanced age, until last Friday when he was taken ill with pneumonia.  His condition was serious from the first and the past two days his relatives and friends had given up hope for his recovery.  Dr. C. S. Bogardus, who has been the family physician for a long period of time, was at his bedside constantly.

Born in Ohio.

Mr. Phares was born in Madison county, O., Oct. 29, 1836, and was one of the seven children of the late Allen W. and Permelia (WILLARD) PHARES, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state.  The father was a farmer and stock raiser in Ohio.  When he came to DeWitt county, Illinois, in 1849, bought the property now known as Weldon Springs for 90 cents per acre.  He also purchased the Weldon farm, which was partially improved, at $5 per acre and lived thereon for a few years.  He died in 1893 at the age of eighty years and his wife died in 1884, at the age of sixty-eight years.

Life as Merchant.

Abner R. Phares was a lad of twelve years when he came to DeWitt county in 1849 and has here resided for sixty-eight years.  The pursuits of farm life early became familiar to him.  He herded cattle and tilled the fields until 1853, since which time he had lived in Clinton.  He completed his education by study in Lombard college at Galesburg.   He then conducted a grain commission business for two years and also bought grain and hay for the army during the Civil war.  During the war he established a grocery store and continued in that business with gratifying success until 1883, when he turned his attention to the banking business, becoming cashier of the DeWitt County National bank, which he represented for two years.  He then put aside business cares and has since lived retired in the enjoyment of a well earned and well merited rest.

On the 14th of March, 1861, Mr. Phares was united in marriage to Miss Nellie C. McGRAW, who was born on the present site of Clinton, May 22, 1843.  Her parents were the late John J. and Jemima (LANE) McGRAW, the father being a pioneer settler and served as a soldier in the Black Hawk war.

Only Two Children Survive.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Phares, four of whom preceded their father in death several years ago.  They are Claude Willard PHARES, who was at one time engaged in the grocery business in Clinton; Cuba Albin, who was the wife of Charles F. BRYANT; Cortland Reece and another dying in infancy.  The two surviving children are Mrs. Henry W. SAWYER, South Monroe street, and Lloyd Abner PHARES, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Texas township.   Besides his children and his wife, Mr. Phares is survived by one sister, Mrs. Hulda ROWAN, of Galesburg, Ill.

Republican in Politics.

Mr. Phares, in politics, was a Republican and when a young man was elected to represent his ward in the city council.  He served as a member of the school board for several years and has been helpfully interested in the cause of public education and of progress along the various lines and conserve the best interests of the community.  In his business affairs he was prosperous and died the owner of a valuable farm of 300 acres in Tunbridge township, upon which he made his home for four years.  He also owned a large tract of land of 320 acres in Texas and Clintonia townships where his son, Lloyd Abner, is now living.  In addition to this property he had a beautiful home located at 219 South Center street.  He was a stockholder in the State Bank.

Mr. Phares was one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the county and all with whom he came in contact entertained for him high regard, his many good qualities having gained for him the kindly consideration of those with whom he had been connected in business or social relations.

No funeral arrangements have been made.

Allen W. PHARES 

January 5, 1894
Clinton Public

Within three months the angel of death has visited the Phares home in Galesburg three times. On the 6th of October, Mrs. Louisa ROGERS, a daughter of Allen W. PHARES, died in Galesburg and left four children surviving her. On the 27th of November the father died, and on last Friday, December 29, Mart. PHARES closed his earthly career. This is a remarkable fatality in one family, the father and two children dying within three months.

The family of Allen W. PHARES will be remembered by the older inhabitants of this county, for Mr. Phares came to this city in 1849 and for many years was the leading business man, owning the largest dry goods and general store and also dealing in lumber and grain. Allen W. Phares was born in Greene County, Ohio, in the year 1812, and when he died last November he was eighty-one years old. His children spent their younger days here and one of his sons (Abner R.) has spent his life as a citizen of Clinton. In 1851 [or 1854], Mr. Phares got acquainted with Henry MAGILL, father of the present mayor of this city, and took quite a fancy to him. Mr. Magill had a contract for building a section of the Illinois Central road, and Mr. Phares induced him to locate in Clinton and sold him his mercantile business. This brought the Magill Bros. to Clinton, and after a successful business career running over twenty years, the four brothers died, leaving handsome fortunes to their children.

After selling out his store, Mr. Phares gave his undivided attention to the lumber and grain business, which he sold in 1857 to John and William BISHOP, and then he moved his family to Galesburg, Ill., where he engaged in the stock business till a short time before his death. Only three of that branch of the Phares family are now living, the aged mother having gone to her rest ten years ago. Abner R. PHARES lives in Clinton; Mrs. J. R. CONKLIN in Lincoln, Nebraska; Mrs. Huldah Rowen in Galesburg.

But few of the early settlers who lived in Clinton when Allen W. Phares was one of the leading men now survive. One might count them on both hands and still have fingers to spare. The road that leads to the tomb is one of the best traveled in every community.

Arthur PHARES 

November 7, 1884
Clinton Public

A Sad Occurrence.

Last week THE PUBLIC had an item about the dangerous condition of Arthur PHARES. It was reported that he had accidentally shot himself while out hunting, but this was an unfounded rumor. Arthur Phares was clerking in a boot and shoe store in Clearwater, Kansas. On Monday of last week, Arthur and a friend named Wylie were wrestling in sport in front of the store when Wylie threw Arthur backward. His neck struck on Wylie's knee with such violence that his spinal cord was very severely injured, which resulted in Arthur's body being completely paralyzed. It was hoped that the injury would only be temporary, but the physician found by the next day that it would probably prove fatal, and a telegram was at once sent to Arthur's parents in this city. Frank PHARES at once left for Kansas, and by the time he reached Clearwater his brother had but a few hours to live. Arthur was perfectly conscious down to within an hour of his death, and was able to talk with Frank. From the neck down to his feet the poor boy was completely paralyzed. He knew that death would be the result, but he calmly awaited the moment which was fast approaching. On Saturday morning Arthur died, and at once his body was prepared for shipment to Clinton. It reached here on Monday morning, but so much decomposed was it that the funeral had to take place that afternoon.

Our citizens generally attended the funeral, and as a mark of respect to the family the business houses were closed during the hour of the services. The family has the sympathy of the community in their sad bereavement. Arthur, we believe, was born in this city. A couple of years ago he went to Kansas and settled in Clearwater. He was highly respected in that town, and everything was done for his comfort. The family feels grateful to the citizens of Clearwater for their kindness and attention.

Calvin Martin PHARES 

January 5, 1894
Clinton Public

Death of Mart. Phares.

The older residents of Clinton will remember Mart PHARES; he belonged to the past generation, for his home was in Galesburg after he came home from the war. C. Martin PHARES was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 24, 1835, and died in Galesburg, Ill., on the 27th of December, 1893, in his fifty-ninth year. His father came from Ohio to Clinton when Mart was but a lad, and till the year 1857, when he moved to Galesburg, he was one of the leading merchants of this city. Mart attended Lombard University in Galesburg for three years and then came back to Clinton and taught country schools till the war broke out, when he enlisted in Co. F, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois, and served with the regiment till February, 1864, when he was transferred to the Veteran Relief Corps, from which he was discharged in 1865. Mart served his country faithfully and well.

But it is as a musician that Mart will be remembered, and in the olden times when it was not sinful to enjoy a country dance, Mart's violin made music that brought joy and pleasure into the social circles in and around Clinton. A friend in Galesburg contributed the following to the Republican of that city:

Mart was a soldier in the Union army during the war, having enlisted at Clinton, and rendered good service. He has been receiving a pension for disability sustained during the war. He went to Lombard University but did not graduate. He had a strong predilection for music, and early began playing for balls. He made music his profession. He played with so much spirit and with such feeling that his execution proved pleasing and acceptable. He was a good caller, having in his palmy days a good, strong voice and was in great demand. For a generation or more he has been associated with an orchestra, either his own or someone else's. He was looked up to with affection by the other players here. No man has rendered more or better service to the social world here than has Mart. He has directed some of the most brilliant parties ever held in Galesburg. He has played not only for the old but for the children. The violin was his favorite instrument, and who can tell how much pleasure it has given to others under his willing hand. Mart is dead. His favorite is stilled, no more forever to be caressed by his touch. No more will he be seen directing the movements of the dance his face beaming with pleasure. He was known to more men, women and children then any other man here. All called him Mart. He ministered to the pleasures of others, caring little for his own. He was a simple soul. He bore no ill wills. He had a kind and affectionate word for other musicians. No one enjoyed more than he did the concourse of sweet music. He could be seen at every concert of any note, drinking it all down. He was looked up to as a sort of big brother by the younger. He may not have been distinguished; he may not have performed any great deed that will cause his name to go ringing down the corridors of time; but he made life sweet, enjoyable and tolerable to others. Many great men fail to do that.

(One short paragraph and a poem unreadable...paper torn.)

The funeral services were in charge of the Grand Army Post in Galesburg, of which he was a member, and all of the hands and musicians in that city united in paying a last musical tribute to the memory of the old musician.

Mrs. Charles L. PHARES 

December 1, 1905
Clinton Register

FORMER CLINTON LADY PASSED AWAY.
Remains Were Brought to Her Old Home For Burial—
Only Child of Geo. Aughenbaugh.

Wednesday morning word came that Mrs. Chas. PHARES had died at her home near Gallitan, Mo. She had been sick less than a month with heart and stomach trouble and had not been thought dangerous until a few days before her death.

Kate A. AUGHINBAUGH was the only child of Geo. AUGHENBAUGH, of Clinton, and was born in this city, July 15, 1860, where she lived until her marriage to Chas. L. PHARES, Feb. 19, 1882. They moved on a farm in Texas township, northeast of Maroa, where they lived about 3 years. They then moved on a farm southwest of Maroa and lived in that part of Macon county until about three years ago when they moved to Missouri which had since been their home. She is survived by her husband, father and six children. She was a member of the Eastern Star, of Maroa, and that order of Maroa and the one of Clinton will have charge of the funeral services.

Mrs. Phares was admired by all her friends and was one of those happy women who always make the home bright and cheerful. It is seldom one is more universally beloved. The family arrived here this morning with the remains and the funeral services were held in the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. Lucas. Burial in Woodlawn.

Note: The name Aughinbaugh is spelled two different ways in this article. It is not a typo.

Claude W. PHARES 

August 2, 1912
Clinton Register

DIED AFTER SHORT ILLNESS.
Claude W. Phares, Well Known Clinton Business Man Died Tuesday Morning.

Tuesday morning the friends of Claude PHARES were made hopeful by the word that the sick man had shown a change for the better, and that there were strong hopes of his recovery.  On the evening of the same day it was announced that he had passed away.  Death occurred at 7:30 Tuesday evening.

Deceased had been ill but about ten days, his illness being a sudden and acute attack of kidney trouble.  While his relatives had hopes of his recovery, his physicians had known since last Friday that the end was only a question of days and probably hours.

Claude Willard Phares was born in Clinton June 24, 1869, being 43 years old at the time of his death.  His parents are Abner R. and Nellie C. PHARES, pioneer residents of DeWitt county and have resided here since 1849.  Deceased attended the public schools of Clinton and in early life, with his father, was engaged in farming.  Later he engaged in various pursuits, for a number of years being in the grocery business, the junior member of the firm of Sawyer & Phares.  After the sale of that store to the Watts Grocery Co., Mr. Phares continued as a salesman with the new firm.  Afterward he was one of the promoters and organizers of the Corn Belt Mercantile Company, being one of the officers and stockholders at the time of his death.

On November 1, 1904, Mr. Phares was united in marriage with Miss Gussie HUTCHINS at Webster City, Iowa.  The couple had an ideal home on East Van Buren street, where the husband died.

Deceased is survived by his wife, parents, one brother and a sister, Lloyd PHARES, residing southwest of the city, and Mrs. Henry SAWYER, living on South Monroe street.

Funeral services were held at the home at 4 o'clock p.m. Thursday.  Rev. A. H. Laing officiating.  Interment in Woodlawn.

Edgar C. PHARES 

August 17, 1906
Clinton Register

TAKEN WHEN IN STRONG MANHOOD.
Former DeWitt County Man Passes Away After a Long Illness—
Brought to Clinton for Burial.

Readers of the REGISTER have known for some time that Edgar C. PHARES was afflicted with a cancer of the bladder and that his recovery was considered hopeless. For two years his health had been failing and several months ago he went to Chicago to have an operation performed which was partly done, but when it was known positively the nature of the disease, the doctors said there could be nothing done for him and that he could not live many months. He returned to his home in Sedalia, Mo., realizing the seriousness of his condition. Death came to him at 8:30 Monday morning, and the remains, accompanied by his family and others, arrived in Clinton Tuesday afternoon and were taken to the home of Samuel CRAIG, brother-in-law of deceased, on W. Main street.

Edgar C. Phares, eldest son of the late Wm. M. PHARES, was born in Clinton Oct. 10, 1858. His parents later moved to Texas township, and his home was there until he was 26 years old. He then went to Kingman, Kan., where he was in the employ of a lumber firm. In 1897 he engaged in the lumber business in Galena, Kan., where he built up a good business. In 1899 he moved to Joplin, Mo., and engaged in the same business. He remained there until 1903, when he sold his lumber business and came near coming to Clinton to start a lumber yard, but in 1904 located in Nevada, Mo., where he bought a lumber yard. He also owned a lumber yard at Marysville, Mo., that was managed by his son, William.

He was married to Miss Mary CRAIG of Maroa in September, 1885, who, with two sons, William and Cyle, survives him. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Howard RAY and Mrs. Clarence SIGLER, of Maroa; [and] Oscar M. and Wm. G., of Texas township. He was a member of the Presbyterian church at Sedalia and was a Mason, his membership having never been transferred from Maroa. He was a member of the Lumbermen's Association, of Missouri, and a Sedalia paper says no man was better known among the lumbermen of his state. It also says he was one of Sedalia's most substantial and progressive citizens.

Funeral services were held at the home of Samuel Craig yesterday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Dudley M. CLAGGETT, pastor of the Presbyterian church in Sedalia. Burial in Woodlawn.

Edna PHARES 

September 2, 1898
Clinton Register

Edna PHARES, daughter of H. C. and Nancy PHARES, died August 25, 1898, aged 17 years, 9 months and 27 days.  She had been ill for five months.  Funeral from M. E. church Saturday last, services conducted by Rev. Augustus.  It was probably the largest funeral ever held in the M. E. church.

Elizabeth (NAGELY) PHARES 

February 19, 1896
Decatur Daily Review

DEATH OF MRS. W. M. PHARES.
Passed Away at 7 a.m. Tuesday at Her Home Near Maroa.

Mrs. W. M. PHARES died on Tuesday at 7 a.m., at her home, three miles northwest of Maroa, after two weeks' illness of pneumonia. Mrs. Phares was a woman of beautiful character and leaves hosts of sorrowing relatives and friends, both here and in Clinton, her girlhood home. She leaves a husband and five children; Edgar, who resides in Carthage, Mo., Mrs. Clarence SIGLER of Maroa, William, Oscar, and Miss Emma, who reside at home. Funeral arrangements will be given later.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
--------------------
February 21, 1896
Clinton Public

Died of Pneumonia.

Mrs. Wm. M. PHARES, who had been confined to bed for about two weeks with pneumonia, died at her home near Ospur Tuesday at the age of about fifty-seven years. She was the daughter of Aaron NAGELY and wife of this city. A husband and five children—Oscar, Edgar, Will, Emma, and Mrs. Lida SIGLER—remain to mourn the death of a fond mother and wife, who had tenderly cared for them in their every want. Scores of relatives and friends unite in their sympathies for the bereaved family. The funeral was held in the Christian church here at 11 o’clock a.m. on Thursday, attended by a large concourse of friends and relatives from this vicinity and Maroa.

Elizabeth NAGELY, daughter of Aaron and Eliza NAGELY, was born in Madison county, Ohio, on September 25, 1839, and died of pneumonia at her home near Ospur, Ill., Feb. 18, 1896, aged 56 years, 4 months and 23 days. She moved with her parents to DeWitt county, Ill., in 1849, and was united in marriage to William M. PHARES on October 7, 1855. There was born to them three sons and two daughters—Oscar M., Edgar C., Emma, Lida and Will G.—all of whom were present at the funeral service, which was held at the Christian church in Clinton at 11 o’clock a.m. Thursday. Rev. L. B. PICKERILL delivered a very able discourse from the text: “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” They are the words of the Savior before His crucifixion. The sermon was a solace to the aching hearts of the father, mother, husband, children, and the many relatives and friends, insomuch that they again may see the one dearly beloved who has been taken from them.

Mrs. Frank M. PHARES 

December 7, 1900
Clinton Register

ANOTHER MOTHER CALLED.
Mrs. Elizabeth Phares Called to Her Heavenly Home After a Short Illness.

Mrs. Elizabeth R. PHARES died this morning at her home in South Clinton, aged 59 years, 11 months and 8 days, of lung trouble. She visited her son, Paul, in Kansas and was taken sick a week ago. She returned home Tuesday evening, not being able to walk alone, and was at once confined to her bed, but was not thought dangerously ill until last night when she became worse.

Elizabeth R. McPHERSON was born in this county June 29, 1841, and had always lived here. She was married to Frank M. PHARES in 1861. Her husband and four children, Mrs. Amy WALTERS, of Maroa; Paul, of Topeka, Kan.; William, of Clinton; and Mrs. Ina KERR, of Mempis, Tenn., survive her. Also three brothers and three sisters, Judge J. B. F. McPHERSON, of Fredonia, Kan.; Mrs. Milan MOORE, Farmer City; Mrs. Barbara ROGERS, Chicago; J. W. McPHERSON, Samuel McPHERSON and Mrs. G. T. HUME, of Clinton. The funeral has not been announced, but will probably be held Sunday.

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Clay PHARES 

September 15, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

OLD COUPLE IS DEAD AT WELDON.
Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Phares, Respected Old Residents of County Pass Away.

Within the past twenty-four hours, death has removed from this community two of the most prominent citizens of DeWitt county, when Mr. and Mrs. H. C. PHARES, parents of Mrs. Nevada TRUMMELL and Wallace PHARES, both of Clinton, passed away at their home in Weldon.

Mrs. Phares death occurred at 7:20 o'clock last night and at 9:30 o'clock this morning the death of her husband occurred. The death of Mrs. Phares was due to an illness of over eleven years caused by cancer of the stomach. Although she had been ill she never took to her bed until six weeks ago Sunday morning and since that time her condition had been serious and for two days her death had been expected momentarily. Mr. Phares’ death was due to stomach and bowel trouble, but he had only been ill for four weeks, the past two weeks of which he had been confined to his bed.

Nancy PEDDICORD was the daughter of Milzer and Frances PEDDICORD and she was born in Madison county, O., Feb. 11, 1840. Henry Clay Phares was born in Butler county, O., March 21, 1834, and was a son of Samuel C. and Sarah PHARES.

H. C. Phares and Nancy F. Peddicord were united in marriage in Clinton, Ill., June 6, 1861, by Justice of the Peace Berel T. Jones, of Clinton. Mr. Phares enlisted in the Civil war and served one month when he returned to his home in Clinton where he was married and two days after returned to his company. After returning home from the army he went to farming just south of Clinton where Ricksville now stands. From there they moved to a farm near Weldon where they continued in that occupation for about thirty years.

Mr. and Mrs. Phares were the parents of ten children, seven girls and three boys— five of whom are living. The children are: Mrs. Nevada Trummell, of Clinton; Alice GRAY, of Weldon; Grant PHARES, of Ligonier, Ind.; Minnie RHOADS, of Cromwell, Ind.; and Wallace Phares, of Clinton. The deceased are Florence WALTERS, of Aurora, Ill.; Maude MAWHINNEY, Myrtle, Edna and Milzer PHARES, of Weldon.

For a good many years Mr. Phares resided on the late Andrew Allan land near Weldon. When he quit farming and retired he gave the farm to his son, Grant Phares, who remained on the place until one year ago when he moved to Ligonier, Ind., where he is located on a farm near that place.

They retired from the farm in 1905 and moved to Weldon, Mr. Phares taking charge of the postoffice soon afterwards. He was postmaster seven years when he was compelled to give up that position on account of poor health. During the seven years he worked for the government he [had] done a $30,000 money order business and when he was checked out, the government owed him 1 cent which before his death he prized very highly. He wore it as a watch charm.

For several years Mr. and Mrs. Phares lived in Clinton when the former helped to do the grading for the Illinois Central tracks. He took the census of Clinton and the eastern part of the county in 1870 when Clinton had a population of only 1,500 people. He had the distinction of starting the first dray line in Clinton.

They retired from the farm a number of years previous to their deaths. On June 6, 1911, Mr. and Mrs. Phares celebrated their Golden wedding anniversary. Many of their relatives and friends from over the county attended the celebration which was one of the biggest events of that community during that year.

Besides the children, Mr. and Mrs. Phares have surviving them many brothers and sisters. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Phares are Frank M. PHARES, of Iowa; Samuel M. PHARES, of Montana; M. Julia WILSON, of Clinton; Margaret MATTIX, of Lane; and Eddie HARRISON, of Leadville, Colo. The following brothers and sisters are dead: Robert, William and John PHARES, Mallissa KEGARICE, Amy McGRAW, Louisa PAYNE and Elizabeth HALL. Mrs. Phares’ brothers and sisters are Samuel, Thomas, Kalb [Caleb], William PEDDICORD, Sarah EVEY, Hester SIMPSON and Kitty PEDDICORD.

Both were members of the Methodist church, Mrs. Phares joining that denomination when she was fourteen years of age.

Double funeral services will be held in the M. E. church Monday morning at eleven o'clock. Burial will be in the Weldon cemetery.

John Allen PHARES, Sr. 

April 1, 1904
Clinton Register

PROMINENT CITIZEN DEAD.
Had Lived in DeWitt County Nearly Sixty Years, Over Half the Time in Clinton.

John A. PHARES, one of the best known citizens of DeWitt county passed away at 6:30 this morning, at his home on East Main street, aged 71 years, 9 months and 29 days, of pneumonia, being sick only a few days.

John A. Phares was a son of Samuel C. PHARES, who died four years ago, aged 93, his mother dying in 1877. He was born in Xenia, Ohio, June 2, 1832. His parents moved to Illinois in 1847, and for five years lived on a farm near Waynesville. They then moved to Clinton to where John had come two years before to learn carpentering. He gave this up and moved on a farm in Texas township, about 1855, and lived there until 1876, when he moved to Clinton and engaged in business from which he retired in 1890, and had since conducted the Phares House, which he owned.

His marriage was to Miss Margaret J. McGRAW, daughter of Judge J. J. McGRAW. She died in 1876. To them were born the following children: Charles L., of Gallatin, Mo.; Mrs. T. W. CACKLEY, of Clinton; Mrs. William STAGG, of Springfield; Mrs. Lorin HILDRETH, of Gallatin, Mo.; Francis M., of Clinton; Mrs. Charles RICHEY, of Chicago; and John A., of Clinton. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters of a family of thirteen: William, of Texas township; Henry C., of Weldon; Francis M., of Clinton; Elizabeth HALL, Netteton, Mo.; Amy E. McGRAW, Clinton; Louisa PAYNE, Decatur, Ill.; Mrs. Margaret MATTIX, Lane; Mrs. Julia WILSON, Clinton; Mrs. W. H. HARRISON, Leadville, Col.; Samuel, Monarch, Ill. Robert died about 15 years ago and Miss Melissa Waldo three years ago.

He was a Royal Arch Mason, member of the Blue Lodge, chapter, council and commandery of Clinton. He never cared for political office, but was school director 21 years, president of the DeWitt county fair association two years and its superintendent thirteen years. Politically he was a Republican. He was always jovial and no one could feel lonesome in his company. All his acquaintances were his friends, and all will miss him.

Funeral services at the residence Sunday, at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. C. E. Varney. DeWitt lodge, No. 84, A. F. and A. M., will have charge of the remains and conduct the burial services of the order. Interment in Woodlawn.

Louis Sheridan PHARES 

January 16, 1900
Clinton Register

DEATH OF L. S. PHARES.
Young Man Dies From the Effect of Paralysis.
Born and Raised in Clinton.

Saturday night F. M. PHARES returned from New Grand Chain, Ill., where he and Mrs. PHARES went to see their son, who was stricken with paralysis Jan. 17. Next morning he received a telegram from his wife announcing the death of his son. He had been unconscious from the time he was stricken. He had been working on bridges for a railroad and sometimes wore diving suits when working on bridges across the Ohio river. It is thought his head was injured while working in one of the suits, resulting in a blood clot on the brain.

Louis Sheridan PHARES was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Phares and was born in Clinton May 26, 1865. His brothers and sisters are Paul, of Topeka, Kan.; William, of Clinton; Mrs. Amy WALTERS, Maroa; and Mrs. Ina KEHR, Memphis, Tenn. His wife and four children also survive him. For many years e had been working on railroads and had been in Clinton but little during that time. He was honorable and upright and had many friends.

Funeral was held in New Grand Chain Monday and was in charge of the Odd Fellows lodge of which he was a member.

Myrtle PHARES 

February 15, 1895
Clinton Public

The angel of death for the third time in the last eighteen months has entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. C. PHARES, and this time taken from the already broken circle, Myrtle, a bright young girl of nineteen summers. She was successfully teaching her third term, when she was compelled to close her school for a rest, and that proved an eternal rest. She was a loving, dutiful daughter and a true Christian, having joined the M. E. Church when quite young. Our loss will be heaven's gain.

Oscar PHARES 

January 5, 1922
Paper Unknown

Former Resident Dies in Decatur.

Oscar PHARES, aged 66, formerly a prominent farmer of Texas township, but for the past two years a resident of Decatur, died in his home in that city at 1:30 o'clock this morning. The cause of death is said to be hardening of the arteries. The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William PHARES, for many years, residents of DeWitt County. He was born in Texas township in 1856 and lived there on the home farm until two years ago, when, with his brother and the latter's family, he moved to Decatur, where he had since resided. He was well known by many residents of Clinton and DeWitt County. Mr. PHARES is survived by his brother, William, and two sisters, Mrs. Howard RHEA and Mrs. Clarence ZEIGLER, both residents of Decatur. He was a cousin of Mrs. T. W. CACKLEY, Mrs. Dick BRYANT, and J. A. PHARES of Clinton. His parents died several years ago. The body will be brought to Clinton Saturday. Funeral Services will be held in the Oakman chapel Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. M. G. LINTON, Pastor, of the Universalist Church; officiating. Interment will be made in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Submitted by Unknown

Robert H. PHARES 

October 8, 1886
Clinton Public

PASSING AWAY.
Death of Robert H. Phares

What changes have taken place during the past ten years. Death and removals have taken from our streets many familiar faces, and the change is apparent. One by one the old residents are falling by the wayside and are laid away in the silent grave to await the grand reunion which all hope for in another and brighter world. Were the roll of old citizens to be called today how often would the response be—Dead. It is a sad thought that the strongest and healthiest, today, a week hence may be tenants of the silent city of the dead. This is one of the inevitable facts that stare all in the face and from which there is no retreating. How necessary, then, that we should be prepared for the final hour in this life, for we know not the moment of its coming.

Last Wednesday Robert H. PHARES was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. For more than thirty-nine years his familiar and pleasant face was seen in the streets of this city. Every man, woman and child knew "Bob" Phares, as he was familiarly called, for he had a kind word for everybody. He had a genial manner and was quick to form friendships that were rarely ever broken. Many a heart was sad in Clinton last Monday morning when his death was announced. For more than a year he had been unfitted for business, and during a greater part of that time he was confined to his home.

Robert H. Phares was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 1st of November, 1828, which made him nearly fifty-eight years old at the time of his death. On the 17th of October, 1847, he came with his father's family to this county, and for about two years he lived in Waynesville. Then he came to Clinton, and here he remained till his death. He was married in this city, on the 25th of September, 1851, to Catharine HULL, who with three of their children survive him.

From his first coming to Clinton, Robert H. Phares was always active in advancing the material interests of this city, and for several years he was honored by the people of the ward in which he lived by being their representative in the board of aldermen. His only ambition was to be an alderman, for in that office he believed he could do something to help build up the city. Once he was elected collector of taxes in this township, and once filled the office of assessor. While he always took an active part in politics, being an uncompromising Republican, he never sought for political preferment. He took life easy and enjoyed with his family the income from his business. For nearly forty years he was a resident of this county, and we doubt if there is a man who ever treasured up an unkind thought against him. He treated everybody in a manly way, and the root of bitterness never took possession of his heart.

Of his family, three of his children are living—E. Frank, a partner with L. Freudenstein, Mrs. Ettie RAZEY, and Miss Hattie, a teacher in our public schools. One child, Willie, died at the age of four years, and Arthur lived to young manhood and died a few years ago.

Robert H. Phares was the oldest of a family of thirteen children, and his is the first death in the family, except the mother, who died in October 1877. He was a twin brother of William M. PHARES, of Maroa, and the two looked so much alike that it was hard for a stranger to tell one from the other.

As a mark of respect to his memory and in recognition of his long connection with city affairs, the city bell tolled a funeral knell while the procession moved toward Woodlawn Cemetery.

For more than a year Robert H. Phares was confined to his home by sickness, during which time the people of Clinton have ministered to his comfort in every way possible. For this his family feel deeply grateful.

Samuel C. PHARES 

March 1, 1901
Clinton Register

NEARLY A CENTURY.
DeWitt County's Oldest Citizen Gone to His Final Rest.
Was Born Before Lincoln and Had Lived in This County Over Fifty-Four Years.

The allotted days of man are three score and ten years, and the number who reach that age is but a small percent of the great human family. So that when a pilgrim passes the 70 years and travels on and on passing new mile-posts until he has added twenty-two to the allotted number, we wonder why one lives so long and so many others die so soon. Each one may answer for himself, but there is a great lesson hidden somewhere, and the wonder is that more do not successfully learn it. The man of twenty, thirty, forty or fifty years does not learn it. Nor the one of sixty or seventy years, unless he is nearing the foot of the shady side of the hill of life. Then it is too late and he continues his course that has marked his life from youth, perhaps, and ends life as he begun it—not knowing how to live it.

The aged pilgrim that added years to his number until the century mark was not far distant, was known personally or by name to everyone in DeWitt county, and to thousands in other counties and other states. Like the tree that grew higher than those about it, he became known as the oldest man in his county. Though of late years he had not been able to mingle with his friends daily, they did not forget him, and hundreds wondered and inquired how "Uncle Sammy" was getting along. Their thoughts went to him in his loneliness and many had prayed that he might live to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of his birth and surrounded by relatives and friends begin his second century joyfully and in health that would encourage a hope for other like celebrations on that day in August made memorable to thousands by the gathering in honor of the old man ripe in years and rich in good deeds. But it was not to be so. Gradually his strength had weakened until it was not strong enough to resist the hand of death but a few days. Almost at the first of the ten days illness it was not in doubt that the wearied and worn body would soon be at rest, and the spirit be with Him who gave it.

Samuel C. PHARES was born in Cincinnati, O., Aug. 15, 1808, and died the afternoon of Feb. 23, being 92 years, 6 months and 8 days old. He was the last of ten children to "quit the shores of time." The family moved to Xenia, O., where he was married to Miss Sarah MARSHALL, Feb. 21, 1828. She was born in Virginia and belonged to the famous Marshall family of that state.

Thirteen children were born to them, one of whom, Robert H., who was a twin of William, died about twelve years ago in this city. Those living, in the order of their ages, are as follows: Wm. M., near Maroa; Elizabeth HALL, of Hamilton, Mo.; John A., of Clinton; Henry C., of Weldon; Frank M., of Clinton; Melissa J. WALDO, of Breckenridge, Mo.; Amy E. McGRAW, Sarah L. PAYNE, Juliet A. WILSON, of Clinton; Margaret MATTIX, of Lane; Mary E. HARRISON, of Leadville, Col.; and Samuel C., of Monarch, Ill. All attended the funeral, except the two living in Missouri and one in Colorado.

It is seldom there is a family so remarkable for numbers and longevity. The eldest child of the deceased is 72 and the youngest 50 years old. There are 65 grandchildren and 86 great grandchildren, making a family of 163 descendants who are yet to follow the aged pilgrim to the tomb.

Many years beyond his allotted days this old man was spared to mingle with those who to him were most dear. For thirty-one years the anniversary of his birth had been celebrated in some park or grove where his descendants, representing three generations, gathered about him to spend a day happily in thankfulness that the father, grandfather and great grandfather was yet permitted to join them in happy reunion. At first these meetings were for the family and intimate friends, but later all friends and acquaintances were invited to attend, and the number present sometimes was near one thousand. At the last few celebrations programmes were rendered, the three generations being represented while the head of the large family smiled as a grandchild or great grandchild recited a poem or sang a song, or some of his children danced almost as spryly as when they were in their teens. All of these family reunions he attended. The picture shown on this page was taken a few days before August 15, 1898.

Mr. Phares followed farming and school teaching in Ohio. He was a member of the state militia and became colonel. He enlisted for the Mexican war but was not called to the front. In 1847 he moved to Illinois, locating at Waynesville, but soon moved near Maroa. This county had since been his home. Many years were spent farming in the south part of the county. He hauled to Maroa the first load of corn that was unloaded on a "dump" in that place. E. P. Bowden who was in charge of the elevator, the Crocker, at that time is still employed at the same place.

Mr. Phares answered his country’s call during the Civil war, serving in the 68th Illinois regiment, and served his country faithfully and well.

In Sept. 1877, his companion was taken from him by death. Since that time he had lived with his children, for several years with William, and for the last few years with Mrs. Lou Payne, in Clinton. He was a member of the Christian church many years. He had "so lived that when the summons came he wrapped the drapery of his couch about him and lay down to pleasant dreams." The end came peacefully and as rest to the weary traveler.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2:00 in the Christian church conducted by Rev. E. A. Gilliland, who preached an impressive sermon on the transition from life to death. The G. A. R. and W. R. C. attended and conducted their usual services at the cemetery. Six old soldiers, H. G. BEATTY, Wm. MONSON, Geo. ELY, Thos. EWING, Geo. AUGHINBAUGH and E. SYLVESTER were pall bearers. Interment was in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Samuel C. PHARES 

October 10, 1877
Clinton Public

Death has entered the homes of several families in this county during the past few weeks, and the young and the aged alike have been called to pass through the dark valley. On Wednesday evening Mrs. Sarah PHARES, the aged consort of Uncle Samuel C. PHARES, breathed her last after a brief illness of four days. This is the first time that Death has invaded that family circle. Mrs. Phares was the mother of thirteen children, all of whom, with the father, are still living, and eleven of them were at her bedside as she passed to the better land. The funeral services will take place this afternoon, at one o’clock, at the M. E. Church.

Wallace PHARES 

June 11, 1948
The Pantagraph
Bloomington, Illinois

CLINTON.—Wallace Ellsworth PHARES, 69, retired Clinton business man, died suddenly at 1:15 p.m. Thursday in John Warner hospital here.  He had been a patient there one day, but had been ill with heart disease for some time.  The body was taken to Pullen and Boos Funeral chapel where services will be held at 2 p.m. (CST) Sunday, with burial in Woodlawn cemetery.  Mr. Phares was born Sept. 11, 1878, in DeWitt county, son of Henry Clay and Nancy PHARES.  He married Miss Belle RISHER on May 21, 1911, in Chicago.  She preceded him in death.  Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Minnie McCONKEY of Clinton, and several nieces and nephews.  Six sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.

Charles H. PHILLIPS 

October 18, 1912
Clinton Register

DEATH OF YOUNG MAN.

At 1:20 Saturday afternoon at the home of his parents, Charles and Kate Phillips, occurred the death of C. H. PHILLIPS, aged 20 years. Deceased was born in Kentucky and came to Clinton with his parents when but six months old.

Besides his parents he leaves three sisters, Mrs. Fred SAVELEY, of Clinton; Mrs. A. F. ULRICH and Mrs. T. R. STOCK, both of Chicago.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning from St. John’s Catholic church of which deceased was a member. Interment in Woodlawn.

Note: Charles was the grandson of William E. and Adelia Phillips.

George W. PHILLIPS 

March 1, 1878
Clinton Public

Death of George W. Phillips.

The quiet of last Sabbath evening was broken by the alarming intelligence that George W. PHILLIPS had committed suicide. The following are the particulars: Mr. Phillips was at home with his family and about half past four o'clock left the sitting room and said that he would go over to the barn and water and feed the stock. He took a water bucket in his hand and went to the barn, but instead of attending to the stock he must have gone up immediately to the hayloft and hung himself, for the short time that intervened between his leaving the house and the finding of his dead body would indicate that no time was lost. It is evident that Mr. Phillips must have matured the plan in his mind which should terminate his life, and that when he went out it was with the settled purpose to execute it, for he took a halter strap from a set of harness that was in his house, slipped it into his pocket, and went to the barn. When he got there he went up into the loft, fixed a short piece of scantling between two of the joists, fastened one end of the strap securely to the scantling and made a running noose at the other end of it. He then placed a barrel underneath and put a box on top of it. Then he put his head in the noose, kicked the box and barrel from under his feet, and he soon was freed from all the cares and anxieties of this world.

While this terrible tragedy was being enacted, his family, unconscious of the cloud of sorrow that was gathering over their heads, sat in the house with Mrs. John BISHOP, who had gone out there that Sabbath afternoon with the good tidings that on the morrow Mr. Phillip's business troubles would end, for his friends had arranged matters for the repurchase of the stock, and in partnership with Dr. HUNT he was to begin life anew. After some little time, Mrs. Bishop asked where Mr. Phillips was, and she was told that he had gone over to the barn to feed his horse and get a bucket of water. Mrs. Bishop and one of the girls went over to the barn but not finding him they went back to the house. This alarmed Mrs. Phillips and she then went to look for her husband. Arriving at the barn door she called his name, and receiving no answer she made search for him. Going up into the hayloft, her terrible shriek of agony told those below that she had found him. Mrs. Phillips and her daughter, Emma, in the hope that life was not yet extinct in Mr. P., raised him in their arms to release his neck from the weight of his body, while another of the daughters ran to the house for a knife to cut the fatal halter. Mr. MAGILL's hired man, hearing the shrieks of the women, ran over to the barn and cut the body down. Every effort was made to restore the inanimate body, but the spark of life had fled. Within one hour from the time he went out, the lifeless body of G. W. Phillips was carried back to his home and to his terribly bereaved family. Had he but seen Mrs. Bishop before going to the barn, all cause for committing the rash act would have been dispelled, and joy would have taken the place of sorrow in his heart.

Now to the cause for this sad act. For twenty years Mr. Phillips had been one of the leading business men of Clinton. He had one of the neatest and best fitted up drug stores in Central Illinois. In his business relations he had always been prompt, and no man had a cleaner commercial record than George W. Phillips. But the drug business, like all other branches of trade, has suffered since 1873, and at last there came a day when Mr. Phillips was not able to meet his paper. This chafed upon his spirit, but notwithstanding all his efforts money could not be raised. Finally, last December, he decided to go into voluntary bankruptcy and placed his stock in the hands of an assignee for the benefit of his creditors. The store was closed and Mr. Phillips walked out, nevermore to return to it as the owner. Since that time he had been waiting for matters to be settled, and his enforced idleness, after a lifetime spent in the bustle and activity of trade, preyed upon his mind and made him sad and melancholy. His family did all in their power to cheer him up, but the proud man felt humiliated at the turn in his affairs at the end of twenty years toil and labor.

Last Sunday morning he tried to prevail on his family to go to church and leave him at home to keep house. Mrs. Phillips in turn persuaded him to go and she would remain at home. At church he discharged his usual official duties. There is no question now but that in the morning he had decided on taking his life, and that he intended to do so while his family would be at church.

It was but the latter part of last week that his friends had settled upon a plan that would give him a new start in life. It was to unfold this plan the Mrs. Bishop went out to his house on Sunday afternoon. Another half hour of life and he would have known it all, and George W. Phillips might have been spared to his wife and children and to his friends.

George W. Phillips was born in Buffalo, New York, May 20, 1832. He came to Illinois in April, 1855, and settled in Elgin. There he married Miss Martha J. BISHOP. In April, 1858, he and his family came to Clinton, and Mr. Phillips engaged in the drug business with A. M. DYE, and for twenty years occupied the same building, having purchased it of Dr. W. W. ADAMS. He was attentive to business and for many years prospered. Mr. Phillips was liberal with his means and never turned a deaf ear to charitable calls. In public affairs he took a warm interest and any measure that was helpful to Clinton always received the support of his voice and pocket-book. To the building of the machine shops he paid liberally. And later, when the project of building the Magill House was started, he not only subscribed liberally, but in company with F. H. BOGAR and the editor of this paper spent day after day in soliciting subscriptions. During the recent effort to raise money for the purpose of having the Central road make some important changes for the benefit of this city, he also gave both time and money to the furtherance of the plan. We merely cite these as samples of the spirit that animated Mr. Phillips in advancing the material interests of Clinton. A community can ill afford to lose such a man, and his tragic death comes….(last paragraph cut off).

Note: He was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery. His wife died in 1881.

William PHILLIPS 

November 4, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF WILLIAM PHILLIPS.

Tuesday afternoon about 4 o'clock William PHILLIPS died at his home in the north part of the city, after two days illness, aged 58. He was born in Ohio and his parents came to Illinois when he was about 8 years old. He lived near Galesburg nearly 40 years, and had been in Clinton over 10 years, and worked for the Central. He is survived by his mother, with whom he lived, one sister and two brothers, the mother and Chas. PHILLIPS living in Clinton, the other brother in Florida, and the sister in Galesburg. Funeral was held at the home of Chas. Phillips yesterday afternoon conducted by Father Dooling. Burial in Woodlawn.

Note: William was the son of Adelia Phillips and her first husband, Phillip Conine, and he was listed as William Conine in the 1850, 1860 and 1870 censuses, but by 1900 he listed himself as William Phillips.

Mrs. William E. PHILLIPS 

September 4, 1908
Clinton Register

KILLED BY DAYLIGHT.

Saturday afternoon Mrs. PHILLIPS, an elderly lady living in the north part of the city, was overtaken at the Madison street crossing by the Daylight Special and almost instantly killed.

While crossing the track Mrs. Phillips’ foot became wedged between a rail and the crossing, and she was unable to immediately extricate herself. While in such predicament the Saint Louis-Chicago train suddenly made its appearance and struck her before she was able to release herself. She was dragged almost one hundred feet by the cars. Her skull was fractured, one of her limbs was dismembered, another badly lacerated and a dangerous gash sustained in the forehead. Besides, she probably received fatal internal injuries. Mrs. Phillips, familiarly known by a great many as “Grandma,” was 96 years of age. Her hearing was much impaired, and her physical condition feeble. These two bodily infirmities were in all probability directly responsible for the accident.

Mrs. Phillips was taken up by a number of railroad men who hastily congregated and removed [her] to the infirmary of Dr. Dowdall, where medical attention was given her by Dr. Rosenberry. Her injuries, however, were fatal, and she survived the accident less than one hour.

A coroner’s jury was summoned. They viewed the remains at the infirmary and then adjourned to await the arrival of the train crew in Clinton. The verdict finally given was in accordance with the above facts.

Two sons survive her, Myron PHILLIPS and Charles PHILLIPS, the latter a locomotive engineer in the employ of the Illinois Central road, and a resident of this city for many years. He was in Chicago at the time of the accident, but left immediately for home on receipt of the news of the accident.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning in the Catholic church, Rev. Fr. Cummings officiating. Interment was in Woodlawn.

Note: Adelia’s first husband was Phillip Conine and her second was William E. Phillips. Her maiden name is unknown.

Mrs. Lovell B. PICKERILL 

June 3, 1904
Paper Unknown

Emma HODGSON was the sixth child in a family of ten children, all of whom are now dead save two brothers and two sisters. Miss HODGSON was born Jan. 1, 1854, in Ottawa, IL., and died Deland, IL., May 26, 1904. Her entire life was spent in Central Illinois, save two years she spent in Lexington, KY. The years of 1872-1875, she spent as a student in Eureka, from which she graduated with honors in 1875. August 31, 1876 she married Elder L. B. PICKERILL and since has known something of the joys, pleasures and responsibilities of a minister's wife. Always efficient she was ever ready to do her part cheerfully, nobly, and well. During the ministry of Elder PICKERILL in Clinton, it became necessary quite frequently to divide her class in the Sunday school. Such was the love the children had for her that Missionary Band and Junior Endeavor societies were always in a flourishing condition. She was a member of the Christian Women's Board of Missions, and has been a regular contributor to this missionary work. She was also a member of the Illinois Christian Educational associations, and remember this benevolence by yearly offerings. Her health had been generally failing for the past four years, which rendered it impossible to return the many kind calls she received from the people of Deland. She greatly loved God's word and could recite several books in the new testament. Funeral services were held in Eureka May 30th, conducted by Rev. A. W. TAYLOR and Professor B. J. RADFORD. Burial in the Eureka Cemetery.

Note: Her husband's full name was Lovell Barton Pickerill.

Submitted by Unknown

Abishia R. PICKERING 

November 16, 1916 - Thursday
Clinton Daily Public

AGED CRIPPLE DIES IN FIRE.
A. R. Pickering Trapped in Hovel Early This Morning—
Firemen Didn't Know He Was In the Burning Shack.

A. R. PICKERING, aged cripple and hopeless drug user, died a horrible death this morning about 4:30 o'clock when his hovel at 521 East Macon street was burned to the ground.

The fire was discovered by switchmen of the Illinois Central near the Pickering home but before the fire department arrived the hovel in which he existed was a mass of flames.

The firemen admit that they did not try to any great extent to extinguish the flames, thinking that it would be better to get rid of the place, which was an eye-sore to that community, than to let it half stand in near ruins.  They hadn’t the slightest idea that the aged man was entrapped in the shack.

Charred Body Found.

The charred body of Mr. Pickering was found near the east door of the house about 6:00 o'clock this morning.

The cause of the fire is unknown but it is thought that Pickering had probably tried to build too big a fire in his stove.  The switchmen who discovered the fire say that they heard him inside the house but were unable to rescue him as the whole shack was a mass of flames by the time they got there.

Once Prosperous Merchant.

The complete obituary of the life of Mr. Pickering could not be learned today, as no near relatives could be found.  When the death of his wife, Mrs. PICKERING, came on the 22nd of May last, some things of his life were learned.  It is thought that his boyhood days were spent in the vicinity of Martinsville, Ill., where he courted and later married the late Mrs. Pickering.  The couple came to Clinton about 1867 and lived here ever since.  Mr. Pickering was once one of the most prosperous and reliable merchants in the city.  He was in the piano and sewing machine business.  While suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism he first became addicted to the habit of using morphine.  His wife soon acquired the habit and during the last few years they were insatiable "dope fiends."

Until death came this morning, Mr. Pickering lived alone in the worst kind of a hovel on 521 East Macon street.  He made what seemed to be a bare existence by buying up old junk.  It was rumored that considerable money was found in the ruins this morning but no reliable foundation could be found for this fact.

No funeral arrangements have been made at noon today.  Word is expected from some of the relatives of Mrs. Pickering in Martinsville, Ill., soon.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
PICKERING, ABISHIA R.    BAKER, PERCILLA     1867-12-22    CLARK

Mrs. Abishia R. PICKERING 

May 22, 1916 - Monday
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. PICKERING PASSES AWAY.
At John Warner Hospital Sunday Morning—
Had Been Ill for Sometime.

The death of Mrs. A. R. PICKERING occurred Sunday morning at 3:20 o'clock at the John Warner hospital, where she had been taken just one week ago today for treatment.  Her death was due to complication of diseases with which she had been a patient sufferer for many years.

Mrs. Pickering’s maiden name was Percilla BAKER and she was the daughter of Thomas L. and Lucy BAKER.  She was born in the state of Ohio on the 29th of August, 1839, being almost seventy-seven years of age.  She lived in Ohio until she was nine years old when she came with her parents to Illinois.  They made the trip overland in wagons, the country then being little more than a prairie.  They settled on a farm near where the town of Martinsville is now located.  She received a good school education and taught school in the vicinity of Martinsville for about twenty years.

Her marriage to Mr. Pickering took place on Dec. 23, 1867.  They continued to make their home near Martinsville for several years after their marriage when they moved to Clinton, where they have since resided, their present home being at 521 East Macon street.

Mrs. Pickering united with the Methodist church when but a small child and has been an earnest worker in the church all her life.

She is survived by her husband, four brothers and three sisters.  They are as follows: George BAKER, Nelson BAKER and William BAKER, of Martinsville; Byron BAKER, of Guero, Okla.; Mrs. Elvira SWOPE, Martinsville; Mrs. Nancy FORTNEY, Annapolis, Ill.; and Mrs. Rebecca SLUSSER, of Casey, Ill.

No funeral arrangements have been made.

See news article.

Mrs. Nelse PIERSON 

December 26, 1890
Clinton Public

Mrs. Nelse PIERSON died last Sunday [Dec. 21]. She was buried in the Weldon Cemetery Monday. Her husband died abut a month ago. They leave behind three children, the oldest of which is about nine or ten years of age.

Louis H. PIPER 

August 13, 1914
Decatur Review

LOUIS H. PIPER DEAD AT CLINTON.

Clinton, Aug. 18.— Louis H. PIPER died at 4:45 yesterday morning in the home of Mrs. Elizabeth KENNEY, 819 East Main street, where he had roomed eleven years. Death was due to locomotor ataxia, from which he had suffered fifteen years. At that time he was an Illinois Central engineer on the Springfield division of the Illinois Central and his disease was due to an accident received while he was in the service twenty years ago.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Horace W. PLANK 

January 22, 1904
Clinton Register

AGED NEARLY EIGHTY.

Horace W. PLANK died early Saturday morning at the home of his son-in-law, M. F. BOVARD, in the north part of the city, aged 77 years, 8 months and 15 days.

Deceased was born in Rhode Island May 1, 1826.  He was married to Miss Louisa CADY in 1851.  They came to Illinois six years later, and lived in the north part of the state until last spring when he and his wife came to this city with Mr. Bovard’s family.  He enlisted in the Rebellion, but was discharged on account of poor health.   He is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Bovard.

Funeral was held at the residence Monday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. C. Black.   Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Either his obituary was mistaken or he was moved, because Horace is buried in Riverview Cemetery in LaSalle County, Illinois.

Gertie & Walter PLANKENHORN 

February 28, 1890
Clinton Public

AT REST.

In remembrance of Miss Gertie and Walter PLANKENHORN, the daughter and son of Mr. and Mrs. H. E. PLANKENHORN, who died Thursday, January 16th, 1890.

Gertie was born in Putnam county, Ind., August 1, 1869, and was aged twenty-one years, five months and nine days [this age doesn’t match the dates]. She had been an invalid for more than a year, and during three months in the latter part of the summer she visited friends in Indiana, hoping that the trip and change of climate would improve her health. Her health not improving, she returned to her home on the 22d of October with her sister Minnie. Soon after her return she was confined to her bed with consumption. On Thursday morning, January 16th, at 9:30 her death occurred. Her little brother, who lay at the point of death, twelve hours later died also. Gertie was a member of the Christian Church, being a member of Unity Church, Putnam county, Indiana. She was loved by all her friends and acquaintances and passed away peacefully and seemed perfectly ready to die.

Walter was born in Putnam county, Ind., Jan. 26, 1879. He was taken down with consumption of the brain about Jan. 1st, and was unconscious until his death, twelve hours later than that of his sister. They were both laid to rest in the same grave in Weldon cemetery, on the 17th of January, 1890, leaving parents, three brothers and two sisters to mourn their deaths.

James N. POLEN, Jr. 

January 17, 1908
Clinton Register

SICK ONLY A FEW DAYS.

James N. POLEN, Jr., died Sunday night at 8 o'clock of blood poison, aged 35. He was sick about ten days. Deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. POLEN, and was born in Marshal county, August 26, 1872. The family moved to Clinton several years ago. He was married to Miss Florence WINEGARDNER of Centralia in 1898, who with four sons survive him. He is also survived by his parents, one sister, Mrs. Henry LANE, of Clinton, and four brothers, Ira, Edward, Bert and Harry. He had lived in Clinton nearly all his life, and for several years had been a painter. Funeral services were held Tuesday at two o'clock at the residence conducted by Rev. T.H. MILLER, of Lane. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Samuel POLEN 

August 7, 1914
Clinton Register

THE HARVEST OF DEATH.
Two Well Known Dewitt County Men Are Called—
Joseph Geer and Samuel Polen.

The death of Samuel POLEN, which had been expected for several days, occurred at the home of his son in Bloomington this morning.

Mr. Polen had been afflicted for some time and several weeks ago blood poison developed and he was taken to a Bloomington hospital for treatment. Physicians there succeeded in forcing the poison to the extremity of one of the lower limbs, which was later amputated in hopes of saving his life. A few days ago all hope was given up, gangrene having set in, and he was taken to the home of his son where he breathed his last. He leaves a widow and several grown sons and daughters as well as a number of grandchildren, Elwin and Samuel Adams of this city being members of the latter generation.

Deceased was one of the best known and highly respected citizens of the North Fork neighborhood, northeast of Birkbeck. He was the owner of a small but highly cultivated fruit farm, also working leased land adjoining. The body will be brought to his home, where arrangements for the funeral will be made.
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August 14, 1914
Cliinton Register

FUNERAL HELD WEDNESDAY.

The remains of Samuel POLEN were taken to the late home near Birkbeck and [the] funeral was conducted from the M. E. church at that place; interment made in Woodlawn. Mr. Polen was a soldier of the Civil War and a loyal member of Frank Lowry post, G. A. R., of this city. He was 65 years old at the time of his death. For many years he had been a faithful member of the M. E. church. Mr. Polen left surviving the following immediate relatives: Mrs. Lola LAREY, of DeWitt; Mrs. Fred MILLER, at home; Joseph, of DeWitt; Ollie, of Clinton; Clarence and Claudia, of Bloomington; Mrs. Edna DAVENPORT, of DeWitt; and Mrs. Fred SHUE, of Prairie Center. Also the following brothers and sisters: Joseph and Jacob POLEN, of Iowa; Frank POLEN, of Weldon; Ellsworth POLEN, of Birkbeck; and James POLEN, of this city.

Mrs. Benjamin POLLARD 

1924
Paper Unknown

(Obituary Extract)

Name: Lavina (Sumners) POLLARD
Born: April 18, 1838 in Gibson County, Indiana
Died: 6:15 p.m., January 21, 1924, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. India SMITH, four miles southeast of Waynesville, Illinois.
Parents: Joseph and Kezia JORDAN SUMNERS
Married: Benjamin W. POLLARD in Logan Co., Illinois, December 18, 1856; Benjamin died December 22, 1876 in Gibson Co., IN.
Survivors: Two daughters; India (Daniel Wylie) SMITH of Waynesville, IL, and Cassie Mae (Walter W.) HOUGH of Aurora, NE, who were with her at the time of her death. Also one brother Samuel SUMNERS of Clarion, IA and ten grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by sons Harvey (Lillian) POLLARD, and Willard (Melvina) POLLARD, and one daughter Lou Ella (John Franklin) BARTLEY.
Funeral: 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Hallsville Christian Church in Hallsville, IL with Rev. T. T. Holton officiating.
Burial: McCliman's Cemetery

Submitted by Lois Fullington

Willard POLLARD 

January 29, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF WILLARD POLLARD.

Willard POLLARD was born in Indiana in 1868 and died Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1904, at his home two miles northwest of DeWitt.  He came to Illinois and in 1897 was married to Miss Melvina HARROLD.  He leaves to mourn his death a wife, mother, three sisters and one brother.  His sisters are: Mrs. Ollie BARTLEY, of Hallsville; Mrs. India SCHMITH, of Midland; and Mrs. CASSIE, of Missouri; and [his brother is] Harvard POLLARD, of Hallsville.  Funeral services were held at the C. P. church in DeWitt, Friday, conducted by Rev. W. M. Murray.  Burial in the DeWitt cemetery.

John POLLOCK 

August 26, 1910
Clinton Register

ANOTHER PIONEER IS CALLED TO REST.
LIVED FOUR SCORE YEARS, AND OVER SEVENTY YEARS HAD BEEN A RESIDENT OF DEWITT COUNTY.

John POLLOCK passed away Wednesday evening about 7 o'clock at his home on West main street, just four weeks after he became sick. After a few days of severe illness he began to improve and was able to sit up, and it was thought he would soon recover. Monday of last week a change for the worse came, and the family realized that recovery was much in doubt. Saturday he became worse and from that time there was little to hope for.

The following is an account of Mr. Pollock’s life which was published in the Register April 9, 1909, the facts being given by himself:

In Logan county, Ohio, June 6, 1831, John Pollock was born, in 1838 the year DeWitt county was organized, he came to this county, and, like DeWitt, he has grown in excellence and influence. He is of sturdy Scotch ancestry, his grandfather, Layton Pollock, coming from "Scotia" to be a pioneer in Ohio and later a soldier in the war of 1812. Young Pollock grew and was developed in this, then, wild country and has done as much, perhaps, as any one man to change the woods and swamps that were here when he came, seventy years ago, to fruitful fields. He now recollects of but about two living men who were here then.

About 1859, he had saved up to buy eighty acres, a part of section thirteen which he occupied till 1865, when he sold and bought the 120-acre place he has now owned forty-four years. This is a fine farm and he lived there and dug wealth out of the soil and raised stock and improved it, leaving it to come to his present home which he bought and occupied in 1893.

April 14, 1853, Miss Huldah JENKINS became his wife. Nine children were born to them, four of which are in the other world with their mother who followed them August 28, 1874; those living are, T. L., Amaziah, S. M. Ira, and Mrs. J. H. SPRAGUE, all residents of DeWitt county. He became the husband of Mrs. Virginia SPRADLING in 1876. They have two children, Mrs. Henry BROCKMAN and Mrs. W. (unreadable), both residents here. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Lucina [Lucinda] JENKINS, of Clinton, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

This noble pair are rounding out long and useful lives. Both are members of the M. E. church of which for nearly half a century they have been members. True to the Scotch character, he has always been a deeply religious man, and for over 30 years was an officer and class leader. A man of marked probity of character, of profound regard for truth and clean living, his life has been singularly pure and useful with out show or noise about it. Of strong common sense and thorough education in the common branches taught in those pioneer days so well, he has always been regarded as a man of excellent judgment. His valuable property holdings acquired by industry and good management are a lesson example to youth who can see that comfort and competence come to him who works and saves and that the love and esteem in which he and his good wife are held is the natural result of a religious and industrious life. Mr. Pollock is very interesting and instructive in his conversation about the growth of this county his twin in the three score and ten years he has lived here.

Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at 2:30 this afternoon conducted by Rev. J. E. Artz, of Paxton, assisted by Rev. G. W. Flagge. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Joseph POLLOCK 

January 2, 1880
Clinton Public

Barnett.

Joseph POLLOCK, one of our old settlers died recently.  He came from Ohio to this county at an early day, and lived here till his death.  He was a good Christian, an upright man, and a thorough-going Republican.  He will be missed in this community.   He was buried at Old Union cemetery.  On the same day an infant was buried in the same graveyard.  The old must die; the young may die.  Let us all prepare for death.

Mr. James POLLOCK, of Iowa, who came here to see his brother Joseph die, is now lying very sick at his son John’s residence.
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January 2, 1880
Clinton Public

Wapella.

Sometime ago we noted that old Mr. POLLOCK had dislocated his shoulder; and now it becomes us to record that that accident has resulted in the demise of the respected old man.  His death is deeply regretted by all the citizens of our township, for he was universally known and well beloved.  Living, as he did, to a grand old age, the old man saw much of the reality in life.  It is a solemn thing to die and a solemn thing to think that in the family circle at the fireside there is a vacant chair —a place at the table unoccupied, and a smiling countenance unseen that we have loved dearly.  It is folly to bid a friend not to grieve over a lost one.  When the heart is full, with what relief it gives vent to its feelings in the silent tear or groan.  None can tell the feeling of a wife at the final separation from the man who loved her dearly, whose life was devoted to her welfare, and whose last thoughts were for her.  Let us hope that in dying our friends may make the more impressive their lives, and by both encourage others to live for the benefit of their fellow men, and doing this they do well.

Note: Joseph died December 19, 1879.

Mrs. Mary E. POND 

May 31, 1895
Clinton Public

Death is always accompanied with grief, but when it comes to a home and takes away half the family at one stroke, the grief is unknown to all who have not experienced it. Our whole city was moved with surprise and sorrow last Wednesday morning when it was announced that Mrs. Mary E. POND had departed this life. Her illness was so brief that many of her friends had not heard that she was sick until the end came.

She was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, the sixth day of April, 1868, and was only 27 years, 1 month and 22 days old when called from us.

About one year ago Mr. and Mrs. Pond came from Amboy to Clinton, he being chief timekeeper for Master Mechanic CHAMBERS. They had fitted up for themselves a comfortable home in the north part of the city. There happiness reigned, for she was devoted to her home, he to his business and each to the other. Mrs. Pond was so much of a lady, so kind of heart and so agreeable in manner, that she very quickly found acquaintances, and all her acquaintances were her friends. The latter part of last week she was not well but it was not thought to be anything serious until Tuesday of this week, the day of her death. At eight o'clock, p. m., to the surprise of all, after a brief struggle, she closed her eyes to earthly scenes and passed to a life beyond. Mr. POND telegraphed to his mother at Independence, Iowa, on Tuesday afternoon. She started at once, reaching Clinton Wednesday morning. At three o'clock, p.m., Wednesday, funeral services were held at the home, conducted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER. Here was an opportunity for Master Mechanic Chambers and his army of men to show their sympathy, and they did it beautifully and grandly. The shops closed and the entire force turned out and led the procession from the home to the I. C. depot, where, at 4:30 p.m., the sad-hearted husband, accompanied by his mother and Mr. Chambers, started with the precious remains for Eldorado, Kan., for burial. The father and mother of deceased live at Eldorado and her only sister lives at Topeka.

In his sore bereavement it is some satisfaction to Mr. Pond to know that he has the sincere sympathy of hundreds of faithful hearts who commend him to the care and grace of our Heavenly Father.

Dr. Edward PORTER 

March 7, 1879
Clinton Public

Death of Dr. Edward Porter.

Dr. Edward PORTER, whose familiar form and face for more than a dozen years was daily to be seen in our streets, has joined the "silent majority," and has left us forever. One day two weeks ago he had a call to visit a patient who lived about four miles from town, and on his return home he complained of being sick. There was an imperative demand for him to go to Waynesville, and his wife tried to dissuade him from going; but the Doctor, true to his professional instincts, obeyed the call of duty and rode the thirteen miles through the storm. By the time he reached Waynesville the exposure was too much for him and he was scarcely able to treat his patient. He was totally unfitted to come back home in his buggy so he left his team in Waynesville and returned on the cars. When he got to Clinton he was completely exhausted and had to be taken from the depot to his home. He then took to his bed from which he never was permitted to arise alive. He contracted a cold on that fatal day which brought on a severe attack of pneumonia. He who had given relief to hundreds by his healing art was unable to stay the hand of death when it grasped his own person. On last Saturday morning, at eleven o'clock, his work was ended and his freed spirit returned to its Maker. The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon in the M. E. Church, and were conducted by Dr. HIBBARD, of Peoria. The public schools were closed during the entire day as a mark of respect to the Doctor's memory. During the funeral services all places of business were also closed. The board of supervisors, which was in session, also suspended business. It was probably one of the largest funerals that have been in Clinton, for so well-beloved was Dr. Porter by all classes that all who could gain admission to the church joined in this last tribute of respect to his memory. The country was largely represented, for the Doctor had both an extensive acquaintance and professional practice throughout the county.

Dr. Porter was but just merging into the prime of manhood, having reached his forty-sixth year on the 6th day of February. He was a native of Sinking Springs, Highland county, Ohio. His early life was spent on a farm. Being a great lover of books he gave all his spare time to the study of solid literature, and this intellectual training fitted him for the sphere of usefulness which he occupied later in life. In 1851 he began the study of medicine, choosing the Eclectic school, and about the time he was ready to enter the medical college he abandoned the idea and decided to come west and engage in farming. His mind had also changed as to the principles of Eclecticism, and he became a convert to the system of homeopathy. In 1852 he came to DeWitt county and rented a farm near Waynesville. Living there but one year he then went over into Austin township, Macon county, and rented a farm in partnership with his uncle. The following year he removed back into this county and in partnership with his father and brother bought a farm in Barnett township. In 1856 he was married to Lucy E. MILLS, daughter of Bentley MILLS, and till the call to arms came in 1862 he carried on the pursuits of farming. During all these years he kept up his reading of medicine and general literature and took rank as one of the intelligent men of Barnett township.

In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry and served his country faithfully for two years, when he was discharged on account of physical disability. Returning to his home from the war in 1864 he was nominated as the Republican candidate for county treasurer and elected by a large majority; and again in 1866 he was re-elected. Dr. Porter was one of the very few treasurers of this county who faithfully fulfilled his trust and retired from office with credit to himself and with the confidence of the people of the county. After the expiration of his second term of office, he devoted his entire attention to the study of medicine, and in the winter of 1868-69 he attended a course of medical lectures in Philadelphia in the Homeopathic College of Pennsylvania, from which institution he graduated with honor. On his return to Clinton, he bought Dr. MITCHELL's practice and almost immediately took first rank among our physicians. The believers in homeopathy had the utmost confidence in Dr. Porter and without hesitation placed their health and lives in his hands. He was a careful and conscientious physician and devoted himself to the study of his profession. His practice was a continuous success, and at the time of his death none stood higher than he in the estimation of the people. The leading members of the allopathic school respected his professional ability and, when occasion demanded, met him in council. This is a rare recognition of the homeopathic school by gentlemen in the other branch of the medical profession.

Dr. Porter was a man of great force of character and strong prejudices, yet the warm impulses of his nature made him a generous enemy while he was the truest of friends. Whatever he believed was right, he believed in with his whole soul and gave his convictions the full strength of his manhood. In politics he was an uncompromising Republican; in his religion he was an ardent believer in the teachings and doctrines of Swedenborg; and in medicine he was the most enthusiastic of homeopaths. In all, he could give substantial reasons for the faith within him, for he fortified his beliefs with extensive reading and careful study. He was a vigorous writer and could ably defend his professional and religious views. This he did on more than one occasion in the papers of this city. His morality was of the highest type, and his voice and influence were always on the side of good government. The Doctor never compromised with wrong doing.

Dr. Porter took an active interest in all matters relating to the prosperity of our city. He was a warm friend of our public schools, and for years occupied a prominent place as a member of the board of education. He was a safe counselor in the temperance work, and in politics his party associates had the utmost confidence in his judgment and suggestions. For several years he was chairman of the Republican county central committee, and by his able management helped to win many a party triumph.

But he is dead, and there is genuine sorrow in the hearts of those who were most connected with him. We shall miss his kindly face in our streets and in the social circle. His life was an incentive to others to right living; the Christian's hope that sustained him on his deathbed will be an inspiration to others to follow his example.

Capt. George W. PORTER 

January 4, 1889
Clinton Public

Killed in a Fight.
Captain George W. Porter Stabbed to Death.

On Christmas night Captain George W. PORTER was fatally stabbed by a man named William SMITH, and from his wounds he died last Friday morning. The first news came through a daily paper in Chicago. From a letter received this morning by Captain NORTH from Mr. William H. PORTER, of Leavenworth, Kansas, a brother of Captain Porter, we gather the particulars of the affray. Some time prior to last July, Captain Porter started a man in business in Waverly, Kansas, who employed as his clerk William Smith. Captain Porter was informed that Smith was dishonest, and his employer discharged him. From that time forward bad blood had been raging between Smith and Porter, and Smith swore to be revenged and threatened to kill him. On Christmas night the two men met by chance in a house in Hamilton, Kansas, and the quarrel was renewed. It was a dark and stormy night. Smith left the house and shortly afterward Porter also started homeward. Smith, it seems, laid in wait for Porter, and when Porter had got about forty feet from the house Smith assaulted him with a knife and stabbed him twice in the region of the abdomen. Porter drew his revolver and fired two shots at Smith, one of which grazed Smith on the top of the head. While Porter lay on the ground, faint from loss of blood, Smith jumped upon him and stabbed him three times more in nearly the same place. Any one of the wounds was considered fatal. Porter remained in a critical condition till Friday morning, when he died. Smith surrendered himself to the officers and is now in jail. Captain Porter’s body was taken to Paola, Kansas, and was buried in the family lot in the cemetery in that town.

Captain Porter was born in Ohio, and when the war broke out he enlisted in the Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, commanded by Colonel LEGGETT. He was promoted to a captaincy, and when Colonel Leggett was promoted to be a Brigadier-General, Captain Porter was assigned to his staff. During the war Captain Porter's parents moved to this county and located on a farm near Clinton, and after the war the Captain came to Clinton. He served as marshal of this city for one or two years, and in 1870, through the influence of General McNULTA and Senator DONAHUE, Porter was appointed postmaster in this city, which position he held till July, 1879, when he was appointed Postoffice Inspector. Shortly after President CLEVELAND came into power, Porter was removed, and he then went to Hamilton, Kansas, where he owned a large stock farm, and gave his attention to the cattle business. Porter was married after the war, but about sixteen years ago his wife left him and returned to her parents in Ohio.

(See news article)

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Isaac Porter 

January 4, 1907
Clinton Register

Isaac PORTER, an old soldier of Farmer City, died Friday, aged 84.  He served in the army about one year, being discharged for disability.  Of his eleven children, nine are living; one of them, Preston, lives in Clinton and three, Chas., Robert and Carl in Farmer City.

James M. Porter 

May 5, 1893
Clinton Public

A Black Hawk War Veteran Mustered Out.

In his eighty-second year, James M. PORTER died yesterday at his home near Parnell, in this county.  He was born in Tennessee November 29, 1811.  When he was but seven years old his parents moved to this State and settled in Hamilton County.  In 1846 he came to this county with his wife and young family and located the land on which he spent his life from that time till his death.  He married nearly sixty years ago, and the union brought to them ten children, nine of whom and the aged widow survive him.   Mr. Porter was a man of positive convictions both on religious and political questions, and he never swerved from what he considered to be the path of duty.  For a man of his years he was active and clear-headed.  In the Black Hawk War in 1812 he belonged to the mounted infantry, and fought bravely in the historic battle of Bad Axe.  “Uncle Jimmy” and “Uncle Phil” Clark were the only survivors of that battle in this county, although a few years ago there were a half dozen or more of them.  A few months ago the government awarded a pension to the survivors of the Black Hawk War, and “Uncle Jimmy” prized this more for the recognition of his patriotic services than for the money in it.  Phil Clark is the last survivor of that war now living in this county.  Mr. Porter was a prudent man and at one time owned not less than five hundred acres of valuable land in the neighborhood of Parnell.  Part of it he gave to his children but reserved the old home and two hundred acres.  He will be buried tomorrow in the graveyard near Parnell.

John A. Porter 

September 20, 1889
Clinton Register

John A. PORTER died at his home in Harp township, Wednesday evening at 5 o'clock, of inflammation of the bowels, aged 55 years, leaving a wife and three children, a daughter and two sons.  He served in the 20th Illinois, Co. E. He owned a large farm three miles east of this city on which he resided for a number of years, and was regarded as one of the best citizens in the neighborhood.  Mr. Porter was well known in Clinton and it was with the deepest regret that his comrades and friends received the sad news of his death.  One by one the old soldiers are passing away.  The burial took place this morning at the cemetery near Parnell.

John G. Porter 

April 27, 1906
Clinton Register

PROMINENT CITIZEN IS DEAD.
One of Clinton's Leading Young Physicians Dies in Chicago.
HAD BEEN IN POOR HEALTH SOMETIME.
Was Son of a Clinton Phnysician Who Died Several Years Ago—
Clinton Had Always Been His Home.

The relentless hand of Death has again passed over Clinton, and another of its prominent citizens has joined the silent throng that has gone before. A man young in years and strong in manhood has been taken from home and loved ones just as he was fully enjoying the pleasures that come with the realization of the joys of hope and the fruits of a commendable ambition. An active and useful life is ended almost at its beginning, and the hearts of hundreds who knew him best are filled with sorrow.

Last September Dr. J. G. PORTER went to Chicago and was operated upon for gall stones. He remained in Chicago several weeks and was not able to resume his practice for several days after his return. He was not cured and two months later returned to Chicago for examination but another operation at that time was not thought to be advisable, as he had not fully regained strength.

He continued his practice, though recently he had suffered much pain. Last Friday he went to Chicago, and Monday morning he was operated upon for the same trouble. He rallied and seemed to be doing well until early Tuesday morning when he became much worse and his wife was telegraphed to come at once. The news came too late for her to go on the 8:30 train and she went via Decatur, arriving in Chicago after the death of her husband, which was at 1:10 p.m. His sister, Mrs. Hattie Wilson, Judge F. C. Hill and E. B. Mitchell were with him when the end came.

John Guernsey Porter, son of Dr. Edward and Mrs. Lucy PORTER, was born in Clinton July 1, 1868, and Clinton has always been his home. After graduating from the Clinton High School he was in the employ of the American Express Company, beginning in Clinton. He then went to Springfield and later to Chicago as that company’s employee. While in Chicago he decided to study medicine and entered the Hahnemann college. He graduated in 1899 and soon afterward opened an office in Clinton. He had been successful and had built up a paying practice, being one of the leading young physicians of the city.

Dec. 28, 1904, he was married to Miss May VANCE, who with one child survives him. He is also survived by his mother, five sisters and three brothers. They are: Geo. B., Deadwood, S. D.; Chauncey H., Lincoln, Ill.; Dr. G. S., Warren, Ark.; Mrs. Hattie P. WILSON, Clinton; Mrs. Edward TURNER, Lincoln; Mrs. Arthur GATCHELL and Mrs. Owen OWEN, of DeSoto, Mo.; Mrs. S. L. ROTENBERRY, Clinton.

He was a member of the Presbyterian church, as is his wife. He was a member of the following orders: Masons, Knights Templar, Odd Fellows, Court of Honor, Forresters and S. of V. and had held office in each. He was a member of the school board and was much interested in the success of the schools. Politically he was a Republican and was active in his party's interests. He was always ready to assist his friends to positions but had never been a candidate for a political office.

The remains were brought to Clinton Tuesday night and taken to the home on West Adams street. Funeral services will be held in the Presbyterian church Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. C. Black. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

John M. PORTER 

July 25, 1913
Clinton Daily Public

ANOTHER VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR DIED SUDDENLY LAST MONDAY.
J. M. Porter Died From Heart Failure,
From Which He Had Suffered Some Time.

The passing of another veteran of the Civil war was recorded last Monday when J. M. PORTER answered the final call at his home on West Webster street.

Mr. Porter was engaged in tearing the roof from a shed in the rear of his lot, while a teamster was unloading coal into the bin of an adjoining neighbor. Suddenly Mr. Porter was heard to exclaim, "Oh! I'm going blind" and immediately fell from the roof on which he was working. He fell between the two buildings and death was evidently instantaneous as there were only slight bruises caused by the fall, one on the head and the other on the shoulder, both being caused by the fall between the buildings.

Coroner Moore summoned a jury, which rendered a verdict of death from heart failure. Dr. Graham, who with Dr. Babcock, was called at once, testifying that the fall was not the cause of death. Mr. Porter suffered an attack of heart failure last May and had to be taken to his home from the court house and having suffered previous attacks, his death was not unexpected at any time, yet coming so suddenly was a shock to his family.

John Max Porter was born at Sinking Springs, Highland County, Ohio, November 9, 1845, and died at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 12 days. He received the common school education at that time. He learned the trade of shoemaker, coming to Clinton with his parents October 19, 1854, settling in Barnett township, where he followed the plow till 1860, when he returned to Clinton and worked at his trade until he joined the volunteers. He enlisted April 19, 1861, and followed the fortunes of General Grant at Forts Henry, Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth, which culminated in the capture of Vicksburg.

July 16, 1867 he was united in marriage with Margaret C. WITHERS, three children being the fruits of the union. One daughter, Mary Lee, died in infancy. Two sons survive, E. H. PORTER, editor of the Clinton Public and Edward S., an engineer on the Illinois Central. The latter is confined in the Warner hospital, following an injury sustained at Vandalia some two weeks ago.

At the close of the war Mr. Porter returned to Clinton and for several years followed his trade of shoemaker, being in the employ of Vogel & Woodward. Later he worked for the Illinois Central at the shops for a period of 15 years, following which he retired from active duties and spent his declining days in rest and visiting among his former comrades of war times.

Mr. Porter belonged to but one organization—the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he held an office at the time of his death. Considering his age Mr. Porter was well preserved, strangers placing his age in the early 60s instead of the 70s. Until the day of his death, he rarely missed a day coming up town to mix with old friends.

Funeral services were held from the M. E. church at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. E. K. Towle, officiating. Interment in Woodlawn.

Agnes Genevieve POTTER 

October 19, 1918
Clinton Daily Public

GENEVIEVE POTTER IS CALLED TO REST.
One of Clinton's Most Lovable and Likeable Young Ladies Succumbs to An Attack of Pneumonia.

Miss Agnes Genevieve POTTER, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George POTTER, a young lady well known and held in high esteem in Clinton, succumbed last evening shortly before midnight to an attack of influenza-pneumonia and passed away at her apartments in the Arlington hotel. Death came at 11:45 o'clock, surrounded by members of her family. She had been ill about a week and for the past few days her condition was reported serious.

Deceased was 27 years of age and was born in Minneapolis, Minn., on March 13, 1891. The family moved to Clinton in 1909, when the young lady was 18 years of age. Since then she has resided in the city and by her pleasant personality and character won hosts of friends who mourn her loss. For the past three years Miss Potter was employed in a responsible capacity at the Boston store. Her services were held in high regard, and according to the proprietor, Miss Potter was a most likeable and efficient employee.

Among her many friends she was a leader. She was a firm believer in the Catholic faith, an active member of the church choir and a member of the Young Ladies’ Sodality society. Active in all religious and society affairs, deceased became quite prominently known and loved and well respected. Her death has caused a vacancy among her circle which is hard to fill.

Summoned by the illness of his daughter, the father, George Potter, arrived from Marshalltown, Ia., last evening too late to see his beloved girl alive. He had left her but a week ago when she had first complained of feeling ill. A brother, George, of Boone, Ia., is also here to attend the funeral services. The Boston store, it was announced by Mr. Henoch, will be closed on Monday morning during the hours of the funeral in honor of Miss Potter.

Since making this city their residence, the Potter family has become well known. The family made their home at 607 North Madison street, but recently disposing of their property secured apartments at the Arlington hotel, where they have made their home for the past two weeks. Here it was that the deceased took sick with influenza and her death occurred.

Besides her parents, deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Katherine KNETZGER of Duquoin, and Miss Anna POTTER, deputy circuit clerk of DeWitt county, and a brother, George, of Boone, Ia. The funeral services will be held on Monday morning, with the Rev. Father S. N. Moore of the St. John’s Catholic church, officiating. No other arrangements have as yet been made.

Alice POWELL 

November 22, 1895
Clinton Public

The funeral services of Alice POWELL were held at the M. E. church Saturday morning. Rev. Mr. DOOLING, of Clinton, preached the sermon. Alice was well-known, having lived here since childhood, and leaves many friends to mourn for her. She had been sick over a year with consumption, and in that time she has endeared herself to all who knew her by her gentle and loving disposition, and the Christian fortitude with which she has borne her suffering. She knew when the Master called, and bade all goodbye. She will be greatly missed by her schoolmates, who had learned to love her so dearly, six of whom acted as pall-bearers. The church was filled with friends and neighbors, who came to pay their last respects to the deceased.

Josie (HALLIHAN) PRESTON 

May 13, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF A YOUNG WIFE.
Died in Missouri and the Remains Brought to Her Old Home for Burial—
Funeral Today.

Mrs. Josie PRESTON died Tuesday night at her home in Chillicothe, Mo., aged 24 years 3 months and 2 days. Josie HALLIHAN was born in Logan County, Feb. 8, 1880, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel HALLIHAN moved to this county about ten years ago, and had since lived in Harp Township. Mar. 18, 1903 she was married to W. H. PRESTON, of Harp Township, April 1st. they moved to Missouri, and had a pleasant home, Mr. PRESTON having bought a farm on which they lived. The 20th of last month she became the mother of a child and death came to her three weeks later. She is survived by her parents and five brothers, all living at home. She was a member of the Christian church and was an estimable woman. The bereaved husband arrived here yesterday morning with the remains of his companion, and funeral services were held in the Christian church at 1:30 today, conducted by Rev. E. A. GULLILAND. Interment at Woodlawn.

Submitted by Unknown

Charles G. PRETTYMAN 

December 5, 1918, Thursday
Clinton Daily Public

CIVIL WAR VET OF HARP TWP. IS DEAD.
Charles G. Prettyman Passes Away at Home Yesterday at the Age of 72—
Well Known Citizen.

Charles G. PRETTYMAN, last of the Civil War veterans of Harp township, father grandfather and great grandfather, and a well-known resident of this community, passed away yesterday at his home east of the city at the age of 72.  Kidney trouble, heart disease and complications, together with old age, hastened his end.   Several weeks ago he was taken to the Soldier’s Home at Danville and later to the Kelso Sanitarium at Bloomington for treatment.  His health failing rapidly, he was returned to his home in Harp township, where the end came yesterday.

Charles G. Prettyman was born in Springfield on October 21, 1846.  When the Civil War broke out he joined Co. A. of the 152nd Illinois Infantry, a volunteer regiment.  He was then but 19 years of age.  He received his honorable discharge on September 11, 1865.  On December 25, 1866, he was united in marriage to Sarah F. JACKSON, of near Clinton, and the couple made their home in the Charter Oak neighborhood.  Deceased had many friends, was highly beloved and respected and was an ideal citizen and neighbor.  By trade he was a painter and pursued his profession for many years.

Deceased was the father of six children, two of them, Orville Ellis and Ada, now deceased.  The survivors are Lillie WRIGHT, Nettie REED and Birdie STRANGE, all of Clinton, and Nada WALDEN, of Solomon.  Twenty-one grandchildren survive as do five great grandchildren.  The funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, the Rev. R. L. Cartwright of the Christian church, of which deceased was a member, officiating.

Orville PRETTYMAN 

October 6, 1899
Clinton Register

DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN.

Orville PRETTYMAN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. PRETTYMAN, living five miles east of Clinton, died Sept. 28, of typhoid fever, aged 14 years, 11 months, and 2 days. He was sick three weeks. Funeral services were held Friday at the residence, conducted by Rev. Gilliland. Interment in Willmore cemetery, near Lane.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
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October 6, 1899
Clinton Register

BIRKBECK.

Orval [Orville] PRETTYMAN, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. PRETTYMAN, was buried at the Willmore cemetery Friday. He died of pneumonia fever. He leaves a father, mother, and four sisters to mourn their loss. They are all married, he being the youngest of the family.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Frederick L. PRICE 

June 1944
Paper Unknown

(Obituary Extract)
Name: Frederick L. Price
Age: 20
Born: October 22, 1923
Died: June 10, 1944
Parents: James L. and Grace (Longworth) Price
Survivors: His parents, three sisters, Frances , Pollyanna, Barbara and two brothers Gene and Jack.
Memberships/Affiliations: U.S. Navy - Gunner's Mate, Third Class, U.S.N.
Burial: Lost at Sea
Note: Gunner's Mate, Third Class, United States Naval Reserve.  World War II died on the USS Gettysburg at sea; awarded the Purple Heart.  Memorial stone at Evergreen Cemetery - Waynesville, Illinois (DeWitt County).

James H. PRICE 

August 1921
Paper Unknown

Jas. H. Price Dies At Home at Waynesville.

Waynesville, Aug.1 (Special.)—James H. PRICE died at his home north of Waynesville Sunday. He had been in poor health for the past year, gradually growing weaker until the end came. He was one of central Illinois earliest settlers and a Civil war veteran. He was born in Page county, Virginia, September 12, 1839, and spent most of his life in the vicinity moving here when a child. His parents, William and Mary PRICE were natives of Virginia and came to Brook’s Grove and settled in 1848, camping where Bloomington now is the last evening of their journey. His parents died soon, his father in '52 and mother in '54. After their death he located in the northwest part of DeWitt county and in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. A, 107th Illinois Volunteers in the Civil war which was assigned to the army of Tennessee. After three years’ service he was honorably discharged at Knoxville, Tenn., and returned home on the fourth day of July, 1865, and went back to his former occupation of farming in Waynesville township, DeWitt county, on the farm which he later bought and on which he and his wife have lived so many years. On September 9, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Barthena WILLIAMS, who died in 1879. To this union he has three living children: William M., of Clinton; Mrs. Myra A. GRIFFIN, of Lake Charles; and Mrs. Mary C. CONNELL, of Waynesville. On March 29, 1881, he was re-married to Mrs. Sarah McKee MILBURN. To this union one son is living, James L. PRICE, of Waynesville. Besides the widow and four children named, he is survived by nine grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters, he being the seventh of a family of eight children. He was a member of Wayne lodge No. 172, fraternal order of A.F. & A.M. and Frank Sampson post No. 298 of the G.A.R.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Elmer Stackhouse and James M. Barnett of Lincoln Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Christian church in Waynesville. Interment will be in Evergreen cemetery.

Note: James’ death date was July 31, 1921.

Mrs. James H. PRICE 

March 1929
Paper Unknown

Mrs. Sarah L. PRICE was born at West Union, Adams County, Ohio, near Columbus, on June 17, 1841, and departed this life after a week’s illness at her home in Waynesville, March 19, 1929, being 87 years, 9 months and 2 days of age. All of her life except the first nine years was spent in this immediate vicinity.

She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Stout McKEE and came from Ohio to Illinois with her parents in 1849. They came by way of steamboat down the Ohio river to Cairo and up the Mississippi to Alton and from there to Logan county. The trip from Alton to Logan county was made on the first train ever run on Chicago & Alton tracks.

The family settled on a small tract of land in Logan county and her father worked at the carpenter’s trade and later moved to Atlanta.

In 1857 she was married to Dr. John A. CRIHFIELD, who later enlisted in Co. E., 106th regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Three children were born to this union, Eva, Cora and Laura CRIHFIELD.

After the war was over her second marriage was to John W. MILBURN in 1870, a Methodist minister of Lawndale, who also served in the Civil war in Co. D. 44th Ohio regiment. To this union two daughters were born, Faunta T. and Rose E. MILBURN.

After his death in 1876, she was united in marriage to James H. PRICE, a farmer of Waynesville, on March 29, 1878, a veteran of the Civil war, who had served in Co. A., 107th Illinois Volunteers and who passed away July 31, 1921. To this union four sons were born, two dying in infancy and Leslie A. at the age of 23 years. The surviving son, James L. PRICE, of Waynesville, with whom Mrs. Price made her home. She is survived by 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Five of the 12 grandsons were in the World War, two of them seeing active service in France.

Her father passed away at the age of 68 and her mother at 83 years. She was the second of a family of five children, Lee and James McKEE, Mrs. Margaret CAMERER and Mrs. Elizabeth POWELL, of whom James of Mulvane, Kansas, alone survives, with the children now living, as follows: Mrs. Laura HAMMITT and Mrs. Rose POWELL, of Atlanta; Mrs. Faunta JEFFRIES, of Regina, Canada; Mrs. Myra GRIFFIN, Lake Charles, La.; Mrs. Cora SHORT, Mrs. Mary CONNELL and J. L. PRICE, of Waynesville; and W.M. PRICE, of Clinton.

At the age nine years Mrs. Price united with the Christian church and has ever since lived a consistent Christian life. She was a charter member of the Waynesville Christian church. She was of a retiring disposition and determined in her views, but her every thought was of her family, her five little grandchildren, Billie, Frances, Frederick, Pollyanna and Barbara Jean, and her friends, by whom she will be greatly missed.

In many respects Mr. and Mrs. Price lived a remarkable life, traveling life’s pathway together for 43 years. This was the privilege accorded them and throughout this long term of years there was a unity of thought and action that made their married life happy and most enjoyable. Together they had watched this community grow from a virgin wilderness to a highly developed agricultural section with all the accompanying wonders of the twentieth century civilization.

"Through pleasant and through cloudy weather, 'Tis hard to part when friends are dear, Perhaps 'twill cost a sigh, a tear; Then steal away, give little warning, Choose your own time; Say not good-bye; but in some brighter clime, You can bid them both good morning."

The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Christian church with Rev. H. S. Mavity in charge and Rev. L. C. Carawan, of Atlanta, assisting. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. Fred Dix, Mrs. Fred Marshall, Arthur Swan and Joe Teal with Mrs. Arthur Swan at the piano. The pall bearers were Joe Hammitt, Tom Kephart, Thomas Snook, R.H. Selby, Ray Johnston and James Buck. She was laid to rest between her dearly loved husband and son in the Evergreen cemetery.

James Leo PRICE 

July 4, 1952
The Atlanta Argus

James Leo Price Died Suddenly From Heart Attack.

(Obituary Extract)
Name: James Leo Price
Age: 63
Born: February 22, 1889 at the farm home north of Waynesville.
Died: June 26, 1952
Parents: James H. and Sarah (McKee) Price
Spouse: Grace Longworth married on February 23, 1916
Survivors: His wife Grace; Children: Mrs. Francis White, Mrs. Polly Bristow, Mrs. Barbara Taylor, Pvt. Jack Price and Gene Price; half-sisters, Mrs. Myra Griffin, Mrs. Faunta Jeffries, Mrs. Mary C. Connell and Mrs. Rose Barnett. Five grandsons, Billy, Bobby and Danny Bristow, Brent White and Gene Taylor. Preceded In Death: Sons Robert died infancy, Billy and Fred who lost their lives at sea in World II, while in service of their country in the U.S. Navy. Parents James H. and Sarah (McKee) Price; Brother Leslie A.; half-brother William M. Price and three half-sisters Mrs. Eva Ball, Mrs. Cora Short and Mrs. Laura Hammitt. Funeral: Sunday afternoon at 2:00 at the Waynesville United Methodist Church, Rev. James Barnett, officiating.
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Waynesville, IL.

Note: Obituary did not list burial location.

John PRICE 

September 23, 1910
Clinton Register

Death at Farmer City.

John PRICE, for forty years a well-known resident of Farmer City, died at his home there Wednesday morning at the age of seventy years, the cause of death being heart failure.  He was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, in 1846, and came to America when a young man, later returning to England, where he was married in 1867 to Miss Maria PREECE, who survives.  Four daughters were born to them, all of whom are now dead.  Shortly after their marriage the couple came to America, locating at Farmer City, residing in the house they built for over forty years.  Deceased was a charter member of the K. of P. and M. W. A. lodges of Farmer City.  Funeral services were held at the home this afternoon.

Leslie PRICE 

March 1907
Paper Unknown

Leslie PRICE died at his home in Waynesville at 4:30 Thursday morning.  About two weeks ago he had hurt his finger in a corn shredder.  Three or four days ago lockjaw set in, causing his death.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Price.  He was well and favorably known there, having resided there all his life.  He leaves a wife and a 13-month-old boy, Rupert.  His wife Miss Nellie TEAL; besides his father, mother and one brother, Leo, at home, he leaves eight half-brothers and sisters.  They are: Mrs. Willis BALL and Mrs. Guy HAMMITT, of Atlanta, Wm. PRICE, of Clinton, deputy county treasurer; Mrs. Wm. SHORT, Mrs. Rupert JEFFERIES, Rose MILBURN and Mrs. Matthew CONNELL of Waynesville, and Mrs. Myra GRIFFITH, of Louisiana.  The funeral was held at the Christian church Friday afternoon.

Note: Date of death was February 28, 1907.  Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Waynesville, Illinois.

William L. PRICE 

August 1942
Paper Unknown

(Obituary Extract)
Name: William L. Price
Age: 23
Born: March 23, 1919
Died: August 24, 1942
Parents: James L. and Grace (Longworth) Price
Survivors: His parents, Frances Price, of Bloomington; Frederick Price, who is in the Navy and when heard of last was in the receiving station at Brooklyn, New York; Pollyanna, Barbara, Gene and Jack, at home.
Memberships/Affiliations: U.S. Navy - Gunner's Mate, third class, U.S.N.
Burial: Lost at Sea
Note: U.S. Navy World War II died on the USS Enterprise at sea; awarded the Purple Heart.  Memorial stone at Evergreen Cemetery - Waynesville, Illinois (DeWitt County).

William M. PRICE 

June 1931
Paper Unknown

DEATH OF WILLIAM PRICE.

William M. PRICE, former Dewitt County treasurer, died 15 minutes after suffering a heart attack at 8 a.m. Tuesday, at the home of his half-brother, Leo PRICE, with whom he lived, two miles east of Waynesville. He had been in failing health more than a year.

Mr. Price was born near Waynesville September 14, 1869, son of Mr. and Mrs. James PRICE, both now deceased. In his early life he was a school teacher and later became deputy county treasurer in which capacity he served for eight years, afterward serving as county treasurer from 1910 to 1914. He was a lifelong Democrat and had taken a very active part in the affairs of that party.

He was a member of the A.F. and A.M., Odd Fellows, Elks and Eagles, and was a graduate of Waynesville academy and of a business college at Lexington, Ky.

Billie, as he was known to his friends, was of a genial disposition and was a man who easily made a friend of everyone with whom he came in contact.

He never married. He is survived by the half-brother, two sisters, Mrs. Myra GRIFFIN, Rose Pine, La., and Mrs. Matthew CONNELL, Waynesville, and three half-sisters, Mrs. Rose POWELL, of Atlanta; Mrs. Taunton JEFFRIES, of Canada, and Mrs. Cora SHORT, of Waynesville.

Funeral services were held at the Waynesville Christian church at 2:30 p.m. Friday in charge of Rev. H.S. Mavity. Burial was in Evergreen cemetery at Waynesville, with Masonic services at the grave.

Note: William’s death date was June 2, 1931.

Mrs. John W. PRIEST 

November 4, 1904
Clinton Register

Mrs. Iva [Eva] PRIEST died at her home in Farmer City Oct. 26, after a long illness with consumption.  She was a cousin of Mrs. Fred Woodward.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
PRIEST, JOHN W.     SWIGART, EVA PEARL      02-08-1901     DE WITT

Joseph M. PRIOR 

August 25, 1882
Clinton Public

Death of Joseph M. Prior.

A telegram was received in this city on Thursday afternoon from East St. Louis, announcing the death of Joseph M. PRIOR, formerly a newspaper publisher in this city. For more than three months past Mr. Prior has been confined to his bed by malarial fever, and his system having been broken down by the excesses of years his physicians could do nothing for him. His family was in very reduced circumstances, and on Wednesday his son Eddie, who was working in Decatur, came to Clinton to try and raise some money among those who knew his father years ago. A sum of money was raised to be forwarded to help him when news came of his death. The money was sent to Mrs. PRIOR.

Joe Prior was a man of brilliant attainments and might have occupied a prominent position as a newspaper writer. Before the war he worked in the Transcript office in this city when Mr. COLTRIN was its editor. Joe then gave evidence of considerable ability as a sketch writer in a humorous vein, and many of his articles were really fine literary productions. He afterwards published the Clinton Union, which had but a brief existence. His reputation having gone abroad, Joe had no difficulty in securing good positions, but his unfortunate appetite for strong drink was his ruin. For several years he was a local writer on the Galesburg papers and then on the Champaign Gazette. So long as the owners of the papers held Joe’s pen in check he made his department a success, but unless the greatest care was exercised he was sure to attack someone in an outrageous manner and bring trouble to himself and the proprietors of the papers.

In 1874 he came to this city with a splendid printing establishment and began the publication of the Gazette. He did not receive the support that he expected, and his columns teemed with abuse and ridicule of those who would have befriended him had his course been different. The poor fellow’s life was one series of mistakes. His ability as a writer would have made him independent, but his unfortunate disposition to dip his pen in gall made him enemies where he might have had friends and admirers. Within a few months he squandered all his wife’s property and the Gazette office passed into other hands. From that time he led a wandering life, and at last died in poverty. Through all his misfortunes his wife stood nobly by him. She is left with several children to provide for.

Charles Homer PROVIN 

February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Death of Homer Provin.

Homer PROVIN, the 6-year-old son of Joseph PROVIN, died Sunday at the home of his parents near Lanes. Remains of deceased were buried this afternoon in Willmore cemetery.

Note: This article spelled the last name Provins but his tombstone has the name Provin, so I corrected it.
--------------------
February 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Homer PROVIN died of membraneous croup. He had been sick one week. Rev. R. THRASHER conducted the funeral services on Monday at the home of the bereaved parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. PROVIN, two miles north of Lanes.
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February 17, 1899
Clinton Public

Charles Homer, youngest son of Joseph and Jane PROVIN, died at his home two miles north of Lanes February 5th, aged 5 years, 5 months and 10 days, having been sick only 10 days. He was a bright, loving child, and was the idol of their home. The remains were enclosed in a white casket, surrounded by flowers, and laid to rest in the Willmore Cemetery February 6th. Funeral services were held at the home, conducted by Rev. THRASHER. The parents are greatly stricken by the loss of their loved one, this being the first broken tie in the family circle. Three brothers and one sister are left.

Daniel PROVIN 

February 25, 1864
Clinton Public

Daniel PROVIN, a member of the 107th regiment, was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, with military honors, yesterday.

Note: The article misspelled his name as Proven, but Woodlawn Cemetery has Dan Provin.

John E. PROVIN 

February 10, 1882
Clinton Public

John E. PROVIN, formerly a resident of Harp township, died in Wilson county, Kansas, on the 1st of February. A few days before his death, the deceased was driving a pair of young ponies, which ran away with him. The excitement and strain caused a rupture of his lungs, from which death ensued. He was in his twenty-fourth year.

William A. H. PROVIN 

July 18, 1879
Clinton Public

Wm. A. H. PROVIN, aged thirty-seven years and nine months, died in Linn county, Kansas, on the 20th of April, of lung fever. He was born in Logan county and served during the war in an Illinois regiment. As a soldier and a citizen he ever maintained his manhood and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He leaves a wife and two children and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his death.

Note: He was the son of William Wesley Provin.

Oscar PRUITT 

June 10, 1892
Clinton Register

Oscar PRUITT died at his home in Kenney June 1, aged 27 years, after a long and painful illness, his disease being bone cancer of the rectum. He was born in Vanderburg County, Ind., March 25, 1865. He had lived in and near Kenney since 1873, and was one of its most enterprising and useful citizens. Six months ago he was compelled to quit business and had sought relief from specialists in Chicago, Cincinnati and Terre Haute, but there was no hope for him. For a week before death ended his suffering he was unconscious. But once during that time was he able to speak and then only the words, "There's my dear wife," as he pointed to his faithful companion. He was married to Miss Emily HAYS March 25, 1889, who with his mother survives him. He was editor of the Kenney Gazette for several years and was engaged in business in Kenney when compelled to quit work. He was a member of the Christian church, and the funeral services were conducted by Elder Mavity. The K. P. lodge of Kenney conducted the ceremonies of the order at the grove.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
PRUITT, OSCAR S.    HAYS, EMMA     03/31/1889    DE WITT

Allen PRYOR 

November 5, 1901
Decatur Review

Allen PRYOR died at the Phares hotel in Clinton as the result of injuries received in a bar room fight on Saturday night.

(See news article)

Bernice PURDY 

October 24, 1913
Clinton Register

BURNED BY GASOLINE.

Bernice, the 14-year-old daughter of T. J. Purdy and wife of Farmer City was probably fatally burned last Saturday.  The young lady was blacking a stove, using gasoline.   A sudden fire developed and in an instant the girl was wrapped in flames.  She ran to a neighbor, and a carpet was thrown around her, but she was already terribly burned.  At last Report she was in a serious condition.
--------------------
November 28, 1913
Clinton Register

DIED SATURDAY MORNING.

The daughter of T. J. PURDY of Farmer City died last Saturday morning as the result of burns received when she was using a liquid stove polish on a stove in which there was fire, about five weeks ago.  The gasoline, with which the polish is mixed, took fire, and the girl was frightfully burned, death resulting as above stated.  The family had resided at Farmer City for the past twelve years, going there from Kentucky.

Note: She was born July 13, 1899, and died November 22, 1913.  She was buried in Old Liberty Cemetery in Bradfordsville, Marion County, Kentucky.
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November 28, 1913
Clinton Register

Farmer City.

Bernice PURDY, the little girl who was so severely burned about five weeks ago, died Saturday morning about 3 o'clock and her body was taken to Kentucky Saturday night on the 10:31 train.

Note: A tree at Ancestry has her name listed as Lulu Bernice Purdy.

Anna (HARROLD) PUTNAM 

March 7, 1884
Clinton Public

Mrs. Anna J. PUTNAM, wife of Mr. B. F. PUTNAM, died at her home in Sandago, Kansas, last Saturday, of heart disease, and her body was brought to Clinton for interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, by the side of her only child. Mrs. Putnam was the daughter of the late Mitchell HARROLD, and she was born in Wapella township thirty-nine years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Putnam lost their only child two years ago, and brought it back to Clinton for burial.

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