Lauren T. Anderson, 63, for many years a well known and highly esteemed citizen of this community, passed away Monday afternoon (April 3, 1939) at 1:00 o'clock. Death was due to coronary thrombosis. He was about his work as usual Monday morning and was stricken about 9 o'clock. The end came four hours later. Mr. Anderson had not been in robust health for a number of years and this winter had had an attack of the flu. It was not known that he had a heart ailment until he was stricken Monday morning. News of his death came as a shock to his many friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Methodist church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. L.E. Kettelkamp. Joseph Munch sang, along with a quartet composed of Mr. Munch, Emery Gregory, K.V. Henninger and Ernest Cheever. Mrs. C.A. Gregory played the accompaniments. Burial is in the Hewitt Cemetery. The pallbearers were Herman Rakers, O.O. Dawson, S.H. Curry, H.P. Bicknell, A.L. Wilt and Charles Wood.

Lauren Theodore Anderson, son of James T. and Hattie B. ( McClelland) Anderson, was born June 1, 1875, and departed this life at Lovington, Ill., aged 63 years, 10 months and 2 days. The deceased was united in marriage with Miss Emma Luttrell in 1898, who passed away in 1901. He was married to Miss Nora Foster of Lovington, Dec. 20, 1905. To this union were two children, Maxine, wife of Rev. H.R. Halfyard of Hamilton, Ill. and a son, born in December 1916, who died in infancy.

Mr. Anderson was engaged in farming for a number of years, specializing in pure bread livestock. After leaving the farm, he was on the staff of the Drovers Journal, nationally known livestock publication, but ill health forced him to give up the work. He later engaged in the poultry business in Lovington and also in the trucking business, in which the latter line of work he was engaged at the time of his death. He did contract work for the Standard Oil Company and also was manager of the Lovington Shipping Association, making weekly trips to the Indianapolis and Chicago markets for his clients. As a young man, Mr. Anderson took a business course at Stansburg (Mo) Normal School.

The deceased was also active in church, fraternal and community affairs. He served several terms as a member of the Dist. 37 Board of Education, had served on the board of the Lovington Building & Loan Association, was a director in the Lovington Grain Co. and was a member of the board of stewards of the Lovington Methodist Church, of which he had been an active member for many years.

Mr. Anderson was a member of Lovington Lodge No. 228, A.F.&A.M. and for 14 years served as its secretary. He was Master of the Lovington lodge during 1937-38, during which period the organization enjoyed the greatest wave of interest and prosperity it has shown in many years. He was well-known in Masonic circles throughout central Illinois and was regarded by his fellow Masons as one of the most enthusiastic members of the craft. He also was a member of Lovington Eastern Star Chapter.

Not only did Mr. Anderson show a friendly spirit to his fraternity, but he numbered his friends in every walk of life and in every station. He was kind-hearted and benevolent and, in his quiet and unassuming manner, had many times reached out a helping hand to a less fortunate brother. He will be greatly missing in the community.

The deceased leaves, besides his wife and daughter, two sisters, Mrs. Anna Cranor of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mrs. George Williams of Ridgeway, Mo., one brother who lives in Canada and one grand-daughter, Elizabeth Ann Halfyard.

Fred G. Athey Sr., 72, of Decatur, died at 12:55 a.m. Saturday in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be in Brintlingers Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Mr. Athey was born in Bruce, IL. He formerly owned and operated Inyarts Shoe Store in Shelbyville, then was a route man for Normans and Model Paris Landry in Decatur. He married Helen Kline in Decatur Dec. 31, 1923.

Surviving are his wife, one son, Fred G. Athey Jr., of Moweaqua, and two daughters, Mrs. Gene (Audrey), Pirle of Cicso, and Mrs. Hiram (Charlotte Crum of East Peoria.

Carl A. Baker, 50 Dies Tuesday, April 1, After Long Illness

Carl A. "Red" Baker of Springfield, died Tuesday, April 1, at St. John's hospital in that city. He had been in falling health for several years and critically ill about three months.

The deceased was born in Lovingto, April 19, 1901, the son of Thomas I. and Clara Baker. He was united in marriage with Miss Anne Fagan on December 23, 1928. He is survived by his parents, wife, two sons Carl I. and George T., one daughter, Mrs. Patricia Felber, and four brothers, Hal, Glenn, Harold and George all of Springfield, and two sisters, Mrs. Katherine Jourdain of Continental Ohio, and Mrs. Mae Greenwood also of Springfield. On February 21, of this year, a 17 year old daughter, Margaret, precede her father in death.

Fieral services were held on Friday afternoon at the Ellinger & Kunz funeral home in Springfield. Rev. W. L. Jacobs was in charge of the services. Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery.

Mr. Baker had been a Barber for 30 years. He was a member of the Barbers Union, Local No.96, and the Odd Fellows lodge.

Mrs. Fanny Ward and Pearl Pepperdine, aunts of the deceased, have returned home after being called to Springfield on account of their nephew's death and funeral.

Eight children were born to this union, four of whom survive. They are Mrs. Laura William and Mrs. Florence Million of Decatur, H. C. Baker, of Clinton, and T. I. Baker, of Lovington. One son Crayton A. Baker died in Decatur several years ago. Mrs. Baker also leaves besides her children, 14 grandchildren, and five greatgrandchildren.

The Baker family came to Lovington in 1871 and since that time this has been the family home.

The deceased had been member of the Christian church for many years, but earlier in life had been a member of Seventh Day Adventist church. Mrs. Baker had been a sufferer for many years and greeted death as a glad relief, and passing to her reward.

She died 4-2-1920

MRS. CAROLINE BAKER SUCCUMS TO LONG ILLNESS

Mrs. Caroline Baker, an aged resident of Lovington, died at her home Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. She was aged 85 years, 1 months, and 2 days. Mrs. Baker had been in ill health for many months the infirnities of age being largely responsible for her demise. During the past winter she had spent a time at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, but several weeks ago came back to her home here. Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock, at the Christian church, conducted by Mrs. W. H. Strom : Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Mrs. Storm, Mrs. C. S. Wright, W. E. Dawson and A.J. Hirt. Interment was in the Keller cemetery.

2-23-1962

C. A. Baker, a former resident of Lovington, died at his home, 905 West Main street, Decatur, at 5 o'clock Friday afternoon, July 19th, aged 42 years, 3 months and 25 days. Mr. Baker had been in poor health for several years but had only been seriously ill since Tuesday of last week. Death was the result of uremic poisoning.

Crayton A. Baker was born near Lovington, April 24, 1870. He passed his early years in this city, attended school and graduated from high school in the class of 1890. He entered the employ of A. R. Pifer, as an apprentice, and after the required time became a full-fledged pharmacist. He was also a graduate optician. For eleven years he remained with Mr. Pifer and afterward was in business for himself, but sold out in a few months to his former employer. Deceased was united in marrage September 1893, to Miss Lillie Taylor.

He leaves besides his wife, one son, Russell, aged 12 years, a mother, Mrs. C. H. Baker of this city, two brothers, Thos. I. Baker of Lovington, and Chas. Baker, of Clinton, and two sisters, Mrs. C. Million of Decatur, and Mrs. J. H. Williams of Williamsburg. His sister-in-law, Miss Mary Taylor, and a neice Mrs. Dora Fowler of Waverly, Tenn., were at his bedside during his last illness.

Mr. Baker located in Decatur in 1901 and had been connected with the West drug store since that time, although frequently compelled to leave his work for extended periods on account of ill health. He had not worked since May 1st of the present year. A short service was held at the residence in Decatur at 6:15 Monday morning conducted by Rev. J. C. Willits of the First Methodist Episcopal church. The body was brought to Lovington, arriving on the 8 o'clock Vandalia train, and was borne to the Methodist church, where the funeral was held at 10 o'clock, the pastor, Rev. R. B. Hubbart, in charge. The services were largely attended. Interment was made at the Kellar cemetery.

Deceased was a man of exceptionally high character and had a host of friends here and at Decatur. The Reporter joins with all in extending sympathy to the sorrowing family and relatives."

Submitted by: Robert Etter

RITES FOR HAL BAKER - July 3, 1966

Hal G. Baker, 72 of Springfield died Monday in Memorial Hospital. He was born in Lovington, Surviving are his wife, Rebecca, daughter Mrs. Marie O'Dell of Ottawa, two brother, two sisters, two grandchildren. Burial was in Springfield.

His brother, William G. Baker died May 29.

Thomas I. Baker Buried Here In Rites Last Week

Thomas I. Baker, a resident of Springfield for the past 30 years but a resident of Lovington previous to this, died in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, on Tuesday, November 30, 1952 at the age of 82.

Thomas Baker attended grade school in Lovington and for a time was a junk dealer here. He was a member of the First Christian Church here. Six children survive. They are Glen, Harold, and George all of Springfield: and Mrs. Katherine Jourdain of Lima, Ohio and Mrs. Mae Greenwood of Springfield.

Mrs. Clara Baker , wife of the deceased, survives and lives in Springfield.

A son Carl, prececed his father in death. There are several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Rev. Paul Zeman, pastor of Wesley Methodist Church Springfield, afficiated with services in Brish Memorial Home in Springfield. Burial was in Keller Cemetery, here. McMullin Funeral Home was in charge.

Graveside services for Desio Barbetti were held Tuesday, September 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Kellar Cemetary, near Lovington. Rev. Jerry Elmore conducted the services.

Mr. Barbetti, 88, died at 9 p.m. Friday, September 11, in St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur. He was born in Italy, August 29, 1882. He first marriage was to Belva Smith. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Flossie Spencer Barbetti.

Mr. Barbetti was a retired Lovington merchant, having owned and operated a butcher shop and grocery store in the community for many years.

He leaves a daughter, Mrs. Austin (Louise) Manley of Chicago Ridge, a sister, Mrs. Marcellina Peprillo of Vero Beach, Florida, and two grand-children.

Rites held Tuesday for Flossie Barbetti

Funeral Services for Mrs. Flossie Barbetti, 65, of Lovington, were held at 1:30 p.m. in the McMullin Funeral Home at Lovington with burial in Keller Cemetary. The Rev. L. G. Beebe of Effingham officated. Mrs. Barbetti died at 1:45 p.m. Saturday in St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur.

She is survived by her husband, Desio; mother, Mrs. Evie Cornwell of Pierson, two sons, Everett Spencer of Milmine and Ray Spencer of Santa Ana, Calif., five brothers, Bethel and Carl Cornwell of Hammond, Ancil Cornwell of Arthur, Leonard Cornwell of Carmel, Ind., and Bob of Tompkinsville, Ky.

"Mrs. John Bell died at one o'clock Thursday morning at her home near Sullivan. She had been ill two weeks with peritonitis which caused her death. Mrs. Bell was the daughter of W. R. Lutrell, of this place, and a highly esteemed lady. Mr. and Mrs. Bell had resided in this immediate vicinity until about three years ago, when they moved to near Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held at the M.E. Church in Sullivan Friday morning at 10 o'clock after which the body will be brought to Lovingtion cemetery for interment. The funeral party will reach the cemetery about 1 o'clock. The stricken husband and other relatives will have the sympathy of the community in their great bereavement."

Neal Brackney, 82, of Gifford, formerly of Sullivan died at 1:20 a.m. Saturday at Coultry Health Nursing Home in Gifford. Born in Illinois, and a member of Union Church, he married Fern Waggoner of Bruce in 1910. She died in 1962.

Mr. Brackney leaves three sons, Jack of Springfield, Dean of Kokomo IN, Gene of Tipton IN, three daughters, Mrs Clury (Marie) Hale of Detriot, MI, Mrs. James (Louise) Young of Kokomo, IN, Mrs. Richard (Ruth) Brooks of Ludlow, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Arthur Cemetery, in Arthur. Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at McMullin Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Dale Bragg of near Sullivan died at 7:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur. He was born in Moultrie Co. May 25, 1904, a son of John and Rebecca Sharp Bragg. Funeral services were at McMullin Funeral Home, with Rev. Ray Bulla of Mt. Zion officiating. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pall bearers were Virgil Shipman, Raymond Bragg, Kenneth Wood, Charles Rule, Russell Butts and Lester Baker.

He leaves his mother, Mrs. Rebecca Bragg, brothers Acel and Deca of Sullivan, John E. of East St. Louis, Stanley of Malvern PA, sisters Mrs. Vada Kirkwood of Winsdor and Mrs. Veva Bass of Findlay.

Ernest J. Bragg, 67, of near Sullivan, formerly of Mattoon, died at 3:00 p.m. in Mattoon Memorial Hospital. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the McMullin Funeral Home, with burial in Dodge Grove Cemetery at Mattoon.

He leaves sons, William E. of Johnston City, Gerald, of Bruce, stepsons, Ralph Strater of Allenville, Harvey Strater of Toledo, Pete Strater of Jewett, a stepdaughter, Leora Bowman, of Toledo, and a sister, Mrs. Walter Sampson of Sullivan.

E. N. BRAGG ANSWERS FINAL CALL SUNDAY

Friends of E. N. Bragg were shocked Sunday evening to hear that the old Grand Army veteran had passed away that afternoon at the home of his son, Leonard Bragg in Chelan. Mr. Bragg, accompanied by his brother who had been visiting him here from Montana for several weeks, came to Chelan Friday from Okanogan.

Shortly after reaching the home of his son he became ill and gradually weakened until the end came peacefully at 5:30 Sunday. The body was taken to Okanogan Sunday night by Undertaker Ed Yarwood. The funeral was held Tuesday at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church, of which organization he was a member. Rev. B. C. Gallaher had charge of the services and interment was in the Okanogan cemetery. Pall bearers were chosen from the Okanogan Legion post.

Mr. Bragg was 86 years old January 2 last. He had lived in Okanogan 22 years, coming from Nebraska, where he had been engaged many years in the flour mill business. He was born in Moultry [sic] county, Illinois, and moved to Kerney [sic], Nebraska, in 1879. He is survived by his son, Leonard of Chelan.

Mr. Bragg was the sole survivor of the Civil War in the Okanogan district and was probably the last in Okanogan county.

He was also survived by his wife (2nd wife), Martha A. Bragg, 1851-1935, buried next to him in Okanogan, "wife of E. N."

More about Elihu Nathan Bragg:

ELIHU NATHAN BRAGG, b. Jan. 2, 1847, Pickaway Co., IL d. Dec. 10, 1933, aged 86 yrs,11 mos,8 dys, Chelan, Washington. mar. Hannah Elizabeth BROOKE (b.4/21/1851,OH - d.3/17/1911, Kearney, Neb. aged 59y,10m,26d, on January 19, 1869. 5 known children, 1 attained adulthood:

1. CHARLEY W. BRAGG, b. Jan. 16, 1869, Moultrie Co., IL d. January 16, 1873, age 4, Moultrie Co., IL. Burial Kellar Cem. Moultrie Co., IL.

2. WILLIE J. BRAGG, b. Dec. 19, 1869, Moultrie Co., IL. d. Sept. 4, 1870, age 9mo., 16dys, Moultrie Co., IL. Burial Kellar Cem. Moultrie Co., IL.

3. SARAH M. BRAGG, b. Oct. 5, 1871, Moultrie Co., IL. d. Nov. 16, 1871, age 1 month and 11 days. Burial was in Kellar Cemetry, Moultrie Co., IL.

4. LEONARD NATHAN BRAGG, b. Jan. 20, 1882, Kearney(?), Nebraska. d. Oct. 21, 1959, Chelan, WA, aged 77y,9m,1d. mar. Hattie LONG (6/4/1881, Thayer Co., Neb.-8/16/1948, Chelan, WA. aged 66y,2m,12d), Mar. 15, 1903. 1 child: Charley, Willie and Sarah are buried in Kellar Cem., Moultrie Co., IL

Submitted by: Bob Sollars

The Oldest Man in Moultrie County Died Friday Morning.

Daniel Brown, the oldest man in Moultrie county and one of the oldest residents of the county died last Friday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Algood in this city aged 93 years 4 months and 10 days.

The deceased was born in Bourbon county, Ky., January 25, 1810 and came to what is now Moultrie county in November 1832 and has lived in this vicinity ever since. He was married four times and was the father of nine children five of whom are dead, those living are William Brown of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mrs. Euphenia Leeds of Windsor, Daniel W. Brown and Mrs. Laura Algood of Sullivan.

Mr. Brown united with the Whitfield Baptist church in Whitley township in the spring of 1861. He was one of the pioneer settlers of this country and always commanded the respect of all who knew him.

The funeral services were conducted by Rev. T.M. Griffith of Windsor at the Whitfield church Saturday morning after which the interment was in the nearby cemetery.

Veloras Burks died Saturday, July 1 at his home in Findlay. He was 78 years old and a retired farmer. He leaves his wife, Carrie, a son, Clarence of Decatur, two daughters, Mrs. Daisy Armstrong of Decatur, Mrs. Lucille Jeffers of Sullivan, two brothers, Furdie of Decatur, Glen of California, and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Niles of Decatur. Funeral services were held at Findlay Church of Christ. Interment was in Findlay Cemetery.

Alvin (Mac) Burress, 72 of Dalton City died at 5:30 pm on August 19 in Shelby Co. Memorial Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 pm Wednesday, August 22 at McMullin Funeral Home in Bethany, conducted by his son, the Rev. Gary Burress, assisted by the Rev. Dick Keim. Visitation will be 6 to 9 pm Tuesday. Burial will be in Windsor Cemetery.

Born September 4, 1906 in Dalton City, he was a son of George and Mary Sharp Burress. He married Helen Irene Herron in 1929 and she died in 1955. Then he married Elnora (Cookie) Cook Melz in 1964. He was a fuel oil retailer at the Phillips 66 Station in Dalton City for 20 years and owned the Bethany Bulk Plant. A member of the Dalton City Christian Church, he also attended the Dalton City Methodist Church.

He leaves his wife, sons Gary of Wilmington NC, Dennis of Decatur, and Curtis of Bartonville, daughters Mrs. Arthur (Betty) McConnell of Memphis TN, Mrs. Don (Lynette) Stiner of Assumption, step daughters Mrs. Donald (Dianna) Ferguson, Ringold GA and Mrs. Jerry (Vickie) Channel of Louisville TX, sisters, Belva Underwood of Dalton City and Mrs. Marvin (Pat) Steele of Alexandria VA, and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, one son and two sisters.

1885 - Died at her husband's residence southeast of Bethany on last Friday morning after a long illness, Mrs. Archey Butt aged fifty-nine years the day she died. She was born in Tennessee in the year 1826. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Vaughan moved with her to Shelby County when she was a child. She grew up in Shelby County. In the year 1845 she was married to Mr. Butt, and nearly ever since she has lived in Moultrie county. She was the mother of thirteen children, seven of them are now living named as follows: William, who resides at Forest; A.A. who resides at Sutton, Nebraska; and the rest of them, George, James, Mrs. S.W. McReynold, Mrs. John E. Bone and Mrs. John Flora, lives in Moultrie county. She embraced religion when young and continued firm in the faith until death. She was always an humble, faithful follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Her religious experience was manifested by her sweetness of spirit and her gentle and loving words and devotion to duty. Her children were all present at the time of her death and she called them around her bed, and with her faithful husband, she bade them all farewell. Without a struggle she calmly and sweetly passed over the river to meet friends who preceded her. On Saturday at ten o'clock she was borne from her home to the church she loved so well where the funeral service was conducted by Rev. G.N. Hogg.

Provided by Dorothy D. Butt, Bethany, IL

Submitted by: Tom Butt

An Octogenarian - Old Age and Consumption Takes Him Away

Archie Butt died of old age Tuesday evening about nine o'clock at his home in the west part of town. He was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Feb. 29, 1820 and twenty years later he moved to this state and settled in Shelby County. It was while living there that he was married to Mary A. Vaughan, and to this union were given ten children, six of whom are still living. He moved to this vicinity in 1865 where he had lived ever since. He was married the second time to Mrs. S.A. Poindexter in 1887. He was converted at a camp meeting held at Bethany and united with the C.P. Church. He was a member of the first petit jury ever empaneled in this county. He has lived to see this county grow from a raw prairie to the beautiful country that it is. He has twenty-five grandchildren and twenty-one great grandchildren.

The funeral was held at the C.P. Church yesterday morning at ten o'clock and the sermon was preached by Rev. Silvius.

June 3, 1904 - provided by Dorothy D. Butt, Bethany, IL

Submitted by: Tom Butt

This community was greatly shocked Saturday morning when the word came to town that George Carlyle was dead at his home west of town. He had spent Friday in Decatur and came home on the 9:20 passenger and his 2 sons met him at the train. The next morning he ate his breakfast as usual, went out and watered the hogs, came to the house and remarked that he was not feeling well and laid down on the couch. His daughter heard a noise and went to his side and saw the condition he was in. She notified her brothers and the doctor but when the doctor arrived, he found Mr. Carlyle lifeless. Heart trouble was the cause of death. He was the son of Mr. & Mrs. John Carlyle and was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents moved to England, where they lived for a short while before returning to Scotland. His father was a potter and the family moved to Virginia where he worked at his trade a short time. They then moved to a farm near Mattoon, where the deceased grew to young manhood. It was while living there that he married Miss Sarah Bailey and to the union were born 10 children, all of whom survived him: John, Charles, Prent, Julius, Thomas, Homer, Clyde, Walter, Rose and Anna.

He came to the farm where he died 28 years ago last March and had been quite a successful farmer. He was a man who was well liked by everyone and was a good neighbor. His wife died suddenly 4 years ago the 23rd of this month. The funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Mesdames C.O. Tohill and Sherman Wheeler sang while Miss Mildred Wheeler presided at the piano. The pallbearers were R.W. Noble, E.A. Walker, John Ekiss, J.L. McGuire, James Hale and M.E. Sconce. Rev. Wright of the Christian Church preached the sermon. The body was brought to the local cemetery and laid to rest by the side of his wife.

Source: Bethany Echo, Fri. Aug 4, 1916.

Our community was greatly shocked Friday when it became known that Mrs. George Carlyle was dead. For two or three days she had complained that her head felt light, but Friday morning she arose with the rest of the family and said she was feeling all right. All of the boys and girls went to Prent Carlyle's to help with the threshing, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle alone.

About the middle of the forenoon, J.F. McKinney and Rev. W.L. Selby called at the home and the four were in the parlor talking. About 10:00 o'clock, Mrs. Carlyle asked her husband to assist her to the sofa. A physician was at once called and the children notified, but all that kind hands could do was of no avail. Death had done its work and she quietly passed away about 3:00 o'clock.

Mrs. Carlyle had lived in the community for several years and was a woman well liked. She was a faithful wife and a devoted mother to her boys and girls. She gave her heart to God in early life and united with the Methodist Church. She always did her part in carrying on the work of the church. A few weeks before her death, she finished paying her apportionment for the pastor's salary, and remarked that if any more was needed, she would help. That was her spirit in church work.

Sarah E. Bailey was born in Washington county, Tenn., near Jonesboro, May 4, 1849. She was married to George Carlyle March 13, 1870, and to the union were born ten children, eight sons and two daughters, as follows: John W., Charles R., Clyde E., Prent G., Julius R., Thomas G., Walter B., Homer., Anna, and Rose. Besides her children and aged husband, she leaves three sisters, Mrs. L.D. Smith, and Mrs. Joseph Graham of Wray, Colorado, and Mrs. Price of Shelborn, Ind., two brothers, W.H. Bailey of Decatur and James Bailey of Danville, and one grandson, Raymond Carlyle.

The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30, and there was a very large attendance, showing the high esteem in which the deceased and the family are held. The sermon was by her pastor, Rev. W.L. Selby. The body was laid to rest in the local cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful.

Source: Bethany Echo newspaper, Friday, Aug 30, 1912.

John Carlyle died Sunday afternoon after being sick for several months. He was born near Mattoon Mar. 18, 1871, and was the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Goerge Carlyle. He was married to Martha Mitchell Feb. 10, 1892 and to the union was born one son, Raymond Carlyle. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He leaves six brothers, Charlie, Julius, Clyde, Prent, Thomas of this place and Homer of Missouri. He leaves two sisters, Rose and Anna. He had one brother, Walter, who was killed in France. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon in the Methodist Church, Rev. E.L. Carson, his pastor, officiating. Rev. J.A. McLane offered the prayer. The music was furnished by Mesdames C.O. Tohill nad Sherman Wheeler. Mrs. Carl Mathias at the piano. Flower girls were Mesdames O.C. Hoskins, B.W. Hoskins, Robert Warren and T.G. Scheer. The pallbearers were W.C. Kennedy, A.C. Queen, W.F. Davisson, Harley Smith, Jmaes Hale and O.C. Hoskins. The Knights of Pythias attended in a body and had charge of the services at the grave. Burial is in the Bethany Cemetery.

BETHANY ECHO, Friday April 30, 1920

Funeral services were conducted at 2 pm Sunday in the Tohill Memorial Home for Julius Carlyle, who passed away at 7:30 am Friday of a heart attack at his home. Mr. Carlyle had been in failing health for some time. Rev. M.L. Sullins officiated at the service, with organ music being furnished by Mrs. Lloyd Younger, Jr. Pall bearers were Walter Travis, Ray Crowder, Homer Freeland, Earl Shelton, Lloyd younger, Jr., and Irvin Wicker. Mr. Carlyle was born Nov. 9, 1880, at Gays, the son of George and Sarah Bailey Carlyle. Mr. and Mrs. Carlyle had been married 48 years, living the entire time in the Bethany community. Surviving are his wife Maude; one son, Morris, Decatur; a daughter, Mrs. Nadine Phillippo, Bethany; a sister, Miss Anna Carlyle, Bethany; and and two brothers, Tom, Bethany and Homer, Fulton, Mo. Interment was in the Bethany Cemetery.

Funeral services for Thomas Gilbert Carlyle, 84, of Bethany, were conducted April 16, at the Tohill Memorial Home in Bethany with burial in the Bethany Cemetery. The Rev. Geo. Garris officiated. Mr. Carlyle died in Decatur and Macon County hospital April 13. He was born at Gays, Sept. 15, 1882, the son of George and Sarah Bailey Carlyle. He was a retired farmer and had never married. He is survived by a sister, Anna Carlyle.

MILITARY FUNERAL. The Funeral Largest Ever Held in Bethany.

The body of Walter B. Carlyle arrived here {Bethany} Friday morning on the 8:03 passenger and was at once taken to the home of his brothers and sisters west of town. The funeral service was held from the Methodist church Sunday morning at 11:00 o'clock and was the largest ever held in town. The Bethany Concert Band led the procession and was followed by the Knights of Pythias, American Legion, and Woman's Auxiliary. All the seats in the center of the church were reserved for the relatives and the orders, yet there was not seating room for all. About as many people were out of doors as there were in the house. Rev. E.L. Carson delivered a spindled sermon and Rev. Hedrick and Rev. Benjamin C. Kelly assisted in the services.

Walter B. Carlyle, youngest son of George and Sarah Carlyle, was born February 28, 1894, near Bethany where he grew to manhood. On June 19, 1918, he entered the service of army for his country and went to Camp Taylor, near Louisville, Kentucky. From there, he went to Camp Beauregard, Louisiana, and from there to Newport News, Virginia, from which place he embarked for France, August 7, 1918, just one month and nine days from the time he left home. He landed on the other side August 18 and was soon sent to the front. On October 20, 1918, he was seriously wounded in the battle of the Argonne Forest and four days after, October 24, 1918, he made that other crossing to a land from which none ever return. A little less than four months from the time he left home, he made supreme sacrifice and answered the call to come up higher. His mother died nine years ago and his father five years ago. He was one of ten children, eight boys and two girls, all of whom are living except, John, who died last year. His brothers are Charlie, Thomas, Julius, Prent, Clyde, and Homer Carlyle, and the two sisters are Rose and Anna Carlyle. He was a member of the Epworth League and took an active part in its services. In a letter to a member of the family from the war council, department of the Pocket Testament League, it was stated that Walter had sent them a card on which was written, "I accept Jesus as my Savior." These words leave behind great comfort for the blessed hope that though he gave his life here for a great cause, he lives now and shall ever live beyond this world of tears. The body was taken to the local cemetery where the Knights of Pythias and American Legion had charge of the burial.

Found Dead -- J.H. Carpenter of Sullivan was found dead Sunday morning at the home of his son. Heart disease was the cause. He was over sixty years old and leaves nine children. A few years ago he ran a restaurant here in the Vadakin basement. He was here only a few weeks.

Bethany Echo; 14 Jan 1910

Old Citizen Gone -- James H. Carpenter died suddenly Saturday night at his home on North Pierce street in Sullivan. He was making his home with his son Mert and wife and had not been in good health for a long time, although he was not regarded as a sick man at any time. He had heart trouble but was able to do light work. When members of his family arose early Sunday morning he was found dead. Deputy Coroner C. Enterline held an inquest and the jury decided that his death was from heart disease and that he had been dead for at least four hours when found.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Sand Creek Christian church in Shelby county, conducted by Rev. J.W. Mather. Burial at the Sand Creek cemetery.

James H. Carpenter was born July 19, 1849. Before moving to Sullivan he lived on a farm on the county line southwest of Sullivan. While living there he united with the Sand Creek Christian church. He was a man of quiet disposition and was a good citizen and had many friends among those who knew him best.

Submitted by: Mike Malerich

Mrs. Blanche Carroll, 78, of Normal, formerly of Sullivan died in Bloomington. Funeral services will be held at McMullin Funeral Home with visitation for one hour before services. Burial will be in Windsor Cemetery.

She was born Mar 15, 1901 in Moultrie Co., the daughter of Walter and May Pifer Delana. She was a retired teacher from Sullivan and Pekin schools. She was a member of the Normal methodist Church, the Sullivan Rebekkah Lodge, the Normal Home Extension unit of the Womans Club and the Phi Delta legal fraternity.

She married W.S. Carroll and he preceded her in death. She then married Lawrence Carroll and he also preceded her in death. She is survived by stepsons Dawson Carroll and Archie Carroll, both of Ridgely, MD, stepdaughters Mary Embert, Churchill, MD and Dorothy Hollingsworth of Denton MD, 9 grandchildren, 8 greatgrandchildren, 1 nephew, and 1 niece. One sister, Reta Martin preceded her in death.

Mrs. Ethel A. Clay, wife of William S. Clay died Sunday night at St. Marys Hospital in Decatur after a long illness of several months. Ethel Ann Walker, daughter of James and Esther Reynolds Walker was born near Windsor March 21, 1872. She lived most of her life in Shelby and Moultrie Counties. She was married to William Clay in Sullivan on Sept. 28, 1888.

Besides her husband, she leaves four sons, Alvin C. of Lovington, Ernest P. of McDonohugh GA, Emmanuel of Shelbyville and James E. of Converse GA, a daughter, Mrs. Laveda Dawdy of Findlay. Her children were all here for their mother's funeral except James.

Mrs. Clay was a member of the Bruce M.E. Church of Bruce. Funeral services were held Tuesday in the Middlesworth Church, with Rev. D Shuck officiating, assisted by Harry Cochran of Taylorville. The burial was in Jordan Chapel.

Miss Ida M. Colins 85, of Decatur died. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan. She was born on April 26, 1880 in Maysville, KY, a daughter of Charles and Sarah Grimsley Collins. She leaves two brothers, Walter and Ben of Decatur, and a sister, Mrs. Frank (Berth) Drew.

Rosa Graven Combs, 67 of Sullivan died at the Hawthorne Loge in Sullivan. Funeral Services were held at McMullin Funeral Home in Sullivan and burial was in Union Cemetery at Hindsboro.

Mrs. Combs was born August 6, 1908 in Moultrie Co., the daughter of William Wall and Susan Ella Graven. She married Leo M. Combs and he died in 1968. She leaves a daughter, Wanita Walsh of Gautis, MS, a stepson, Merle Combs of Corona CA, brothers William Elmer Gravens of Sullivan, Wallace Graven of Mattoon, sisters, Mrs. Gladys Martz of Windsor, Mrs. Ella Blair of Sullivan, 4 grandchildren, Jerry Allen, Cary Ryan and Curtis Morgan Welsh, all of Gautier, MS, and Susan Gale Combs of Corona, CA. She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles L. Graven and a sister, Mrs. Millie Gravens Elzy.

Ralph Cox, 75, of Shelbyville died Friday, December 7, 1970 at his home. Funeral Services will be at Prowe and Vockey in Shelbyville, burial in Glemweed Cemetery. He was born in Strasburg, the son of Walter and Arabella Cox. He was a teacher in the Shelby Co. school for 3 years, principal of Shelbyville Main and the junior high school. and Shelby Co. Superintent. He worked with vocational rehabilitation and the Illinois Public Aid Commission.

He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Windsor Masonic Lodge, Okaw Valley Muzzle Loaders and the Ohio Gun Club. He was a Master Mason for 50 years.

He married Opal Walker and she died n 1954. He then married Virginia Westervelt Price in 1956. He is survived by his wife, stepson, Richard Price of Bartlett, TN, stepdaughter, Julie Rimonsky of Elgin, and 5 grandchildren. One brother preceded him in death.

Miss Lucina A. Daugherty, one of the community's oldest residents died Sunday morning at the home of her nephews, George and Laban Daugherty, east of Sullivan, after a lingering illness.

Miss Daugherty came to Illinois with her parents from Virginia when she was a small child and they settled in East Nelson township where the family resided until 1886, when she and her brother, Reuben Daugherty, moved to South Dakota where they lived until his death in 1907. She then returned to Sullivan and made her home in this city until her health failed about ten months ago. She had since been cared for by her niece, Miss Mary Daugherty. She was past 88 years of age.

Funeral services were held in the Daugherty home Monday afternoon conducted by Rev. S.R. Ridgeway of Allenville. Interment was in Zoar Cemetery. Casket bearers were Matt Dedman, Dave Cummins, John Pifer, T.J. McIntire, W.I. Martin and D.M. Pifer.

Newspaper and date is unknown - it appears to be from a Sullivan newspaper. Lucina died on 17 October, 1926.

Submitted by: Jennifer Wathen

Margaret Daugherty was born September 12, 1902, and died June 20, 1914, at the age of 11 years, 9 months and 8 days.

She was the only child of John and Ada Daugherty, both deceased, and a half sister of Miss Anna Daugherty.

She has lived in Sullivan all her life except about nine months, that she spent in Boulder, Colorado.

She was sick but three days. Her ailment was tuberculosis of the glands of the throat and hermorrage of the bladder.

A short funeral service was conducted in the home Monday morning at 8 o'clock by Mrs. Kuhl of Champaign. The remains were then taken to Strasburg over the Wabash. The funeral proper was conducted in the Richland church, near Strasburg by Mrs. Kuhl and the remains laid to rest by the side of her mother, in the family burial ground of her mother. From the Saturday Herald newspaper, 27 June, 1914.

Submitted by: Jennifer Wathen

Reuben Daugherty, past 71 years of age, died at his home northwest of this city Monday morning, a victim of cancer. The body was taken to the McMullin funeral parlors in Lovington where it was prepared for burial.

Funeral services were held at the chapel in the Kellar cemetery at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon. The pallbearers were F.M. Harbaugh, James Smith, Thomas Griffin, Reuben Bilbrey, Charles Phillips and Rollo Thomas.

He was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, Oct. 4, 1852. Shortly after the Civil War he came to Illinois with his parents and settled in Moultrie county where he has lived ever since.

He is survived by three children, Mrs. C.E. Davis of Long Beach, Calif.; Mrs. J.C. McNally of Decatur and Lewis Daugherty of near this city. Mrs. Davis, having been apprised of the serious illness of her father, started from California several days before his death and was here in time for the funeral.

(Paper unknown, though it appears to have come from a Sullivan newspaper. Date - 21 March, 1924.)

Submitted by: Jennifer Wathen

Matt Dedman, retired harness maker and shoe repairman, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 1956. He was Sullivan's last active harness maker, as horses were replaced by more modern farm equipment and the need for harnesses became less and less. Mr. Dedman then changed his activities to shoe repair work.

Sullivan-Roger C. DeFour, 75, of Sullivan died 4:50 p.m. Friday (April 23.1982) in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday in McMullin Funeral Home, Sullivan. with visitation after 10 a.m. Monday. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan.

Mr. DeFour was born in Ghent, Belgium, son of Henry and Emma DeFour. He was a retired employee of Union Pacific Fruit Express Railroad. World War II veteran and member of Railway Clerk Union 0987 of Chicago. He married Irene Mattox in 1937. Surviving are his wife, sister Mary Senour of Elk Grove Village.

Elmer G. Dehart, who formerly made his home in Sullivan, passed away Thursday of last week at Plainfield. He was a retired farmer. He was born Aug. 1, 1881 and was 82 years of age at the time of his death. He was the son of Thomas and Ellen Kirby Dehart.

He leaves two sons, Lawrence of Plainfield and Harold of Bruce, four daughters, Mrs. Esther O'Halloran of Pierre SD, Mrs. Ruth Hall of Aurora, Mrs. Mildred Chapman of Sullivan and Mrs. Helen Cochran of Bruce. He also leaves a brother, Ora of St. Lawrence, SD and a sister, Mrs. Cora Ledbetter of Phoenix AZ, 18 grandchildren, and 58 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sat. at 1:00 p.m., with Interment in the Arthur Cemetery. Pall bearers were James Cole, Joe Phillips, Billy Cochran, Harold Dehart Jr., Robert Dehart, and Thomas Dehart.

Glen Dolan died on Aug. 17 in Windsor. He was born March 29, 1903, a son of William K. and Inez Dolan. He lived in Windsor for 45 years, retiring from the Railroad. He leaves his wife, Mamie, and his father, William of Mattoon.

b: 25 Aug 1929 in Decatur
d: 4 Sept 1999 in Decatur
bur: Marrowbone Twp Cem.
par: Jess Granville and Alice Gladden Dowers
mar: Dora Lee Travis 15 Jan 1948 in Bethany
children: Gary R. Dowers, Tanya Kenworth, Sheree Poulos and Michele Jackson

b:
d: 21 Jun 1977 in Decatur, IL
bur: Greenhill cem.
par: Delbert and Flora Duncan

b: 24 Sep 1875 in Dow City, IA
d: 27 Oct 1960
bur: Greenhill cem.
par: W A and Lydia Duncan
mar: Flora E. Poland
children: Charlotte and Martha

b: 28 Jun 1887
d: 15 Feb 1973
bur: Greenhill Cem.
par:
mar: Raymond Duncan 26 Sep 1916 in Garrett
children: William

b: 31 Jul 1870 in Fulton County
d: 27 Jul
bur: Greenhill Cem.
par: John and Martha Chaney Poland
mar: Delbert W. Duncan
children: Charlotte and Martha

Funeral services for Lorena B. Duncan, 100, of Sullivan were held at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Hamilton Street Church of Jesus Christ in Sullivan with the Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan in charge of arrangements. Burial was in Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan.

She died at 3:10 a.m. Friday, July 18, 1986 in the Sullivan Living Center. Born April 15, 1886 in Dow City, Iowa, she was a daughter of William A. and Lydia Yarnell Duncan. She was a retired credit manager and a member of the Hamilton Street Church of Jesus Christ.

A nephew, William Duncan of Sullivan, survives. Two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.

Source: Moultrie County News, July 18, 1986.

b: 2 Oct 1911 in Sullivan
d: 30 May 1975
bur: Greenhill Cem.
par: Delbert and Flora Duncan

b: 23 Feb 1889 in Chester Oak, Iowa
d: Jan 1972
bur: Greenhill Cem.
par: William and Lydia Yarnell Duncan
mar: 28 Sep 1916 to Ethel Wyeth, at Garrett
children: William

b: 26 Oct 1917
d: 20 Oct 1962
bur: Greenhill Cem.
par: J R and Ethel Wyeth Duncan

b:
d: 7 Jan 1973 in Taylorville
bur: Oak Hill Cem, Taylorville
par:
Mar: David H. Duncan
children: 1 son and 1 daughter

W. A. Duncan. the broom corn buyer of Sullivan, Died November 12th, at the age of 62 years.

Moultrie County News ?.
Obituary dated 1913

Decatur Review: Thurs., March 1, 1928, p. 2

Dalton City Farmer Dies. John J. Dunn, lifelong Resident of Macon County. (NOTE: son of Peter & Mary Dempsey Dunn)

John Joseph Dunn of near Dalton City, on of the best known farmers in Macon county, died at 4:10 o’clock Thursday morning at St. Mary’s hospital. He would have been sixty-seven years old in July. His death was caused by a complications of diseases. He had been in the hospital just one week.

Mr. Dunn was an unusually strong and rugged man and until a week ago, he had never known what it was to be ill. On Feb 22, he over-exerted himself and was taken to the hospital that day.

Life Long Resident.

Mr. Dunn was born in Macon county near Warrensburg, July 14, 1861 and has lived in the county all his life. He and Miss Kate Hughes were married at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dalton City in 1897. For the last forty-nine years, he resided on the farm three miles west of Dalton City. He was a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dalton City, the National Society for the Propagation of Faith and of Marquette council, Knights of Columbus in Decatur. He was known to almost all the old residents of the county and was held in high regard by all.

He is survived by his wife and three sisters, Mrs. Patrick Nolan of Las Vegas, N.M., Mrs. Nellie McCarthy of Tampa, Fla. and Mrs. John Henneberry of Dalton City. The body was taken to Moran & Sons Funeral Directors and prepared for burial. The funeral will probably be held Saturday at the Church of the Sacred Heart.

The Daily Review, Decatur, IL: Thursday, January 7, 1897, p. 8

MRS. MARY DUNN DIES

She Came Here From Dalton City for a Visit

Mrs. Mary Dunn (DEMPSEY) died at 2:25 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 6 of pneumonia at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas McGowan, 942 East Eldorado Street. She was 60 years of age and leaves seven children, Mrs. Patrick Nolan, Las Vegas, N.M.; Mrs. Thomas McGowan, Decatur, Mrs. John Hennebery and John, William Louis and Nellie Dunn of Dalton City.

Mrs. Dunn was a native of Queen's county, Ireland. She came with her parents to America in 1816 and settled in Massachusetts. After a short residence there the family moved to Macon county and made their home near Dalton City. Mrs. Dunn's husband, Peter Dunn, died in 1882.

The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon from St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Rev. Father Brady will charge of the services and the internment will be at Calvary cemetery.

Decatur Morning Herald: Mon. July 17, 1882

Dunn-At his residence, three miles north of Dalton City, at 4 am Saturday, July 15, 1882 of brain disease, Mr. Peter Dunn, aged 49 years.

The deceased was one of the most prominent farmers in Milam township, and enjoyed in an unusual degree the respect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances. He was a thorough farmer and foremost in every work of progress and improvement in his neighborhood. He was a loving husband, indulgent father and kind neighbor. His last sickness was of about three weeks duration , and from the first his recovery was deemed doubtful. The remains were brought to this city yesterday, accompanied by over two hundred of his former friends and neighbors of Milam township. Here the funeral cortege was joined by numerous friends from Mt. Zion, Warrensburg and Decatur. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Father Mackin in St. Patrick's church which was filled to overflowing by the immense throng of people who had congregated to participate in the last sad rites over the body of the deceased. After the sermon, the remains were taken to the Catholic cemetery for internment, followed by people on foot and in carriages, the line being three quarters of a mile in length.

The deceased was a brother of Mr. William Dunn and Mrs. Michael Dempsey of Mt. Zion and a brother in law of Mrs. Nicholas Laux of this city, and Mrs. James Cochran of Warrensburg. he was a man of considerable means, owning at the time of his death a fine farm of over two hundred acres, fully improved and well stocked. He leaves a wife and several children.

Decatur Daily Herald: Fri., Nov. 28, 1913

Decatur Daily Herald, April 6, 1915:

W. P. Dunn dies in St. Mary's Hospital. Wealthy Land Owner of Dalton City Suffered Asthma for the Last 10 Years. W. P. Dunn of Dalton City died in St. Mary's hospital at 6 o'clock Monday after a long illness. His death was caused by a complication of diseases that developed from asthma which he had suffered for the last 10 years. He had been seriously ill and confined to the hospital for the last seven weeks.

Mr. Dunn was one of the wealthiest land owners of Macon county and was active in the management of a large farm adjoining the city where he made his home. He was 50 years old March 2 and was born and reared in Macon County. He married 12 years ago and his wife died two years later. He leaves the following brothers and sisters: J. J. Dunn of Dalton City, Mrs. P. F. Nolan of Las Vegas, New Mexico, Mrs. Thomas McGowan, 525 North Franklin Street, Decatur, Mrs. John Henneberry of Dalton City and Mrs. Nellie McCarthy of Haskell, Okla. Mrs. Nolan was with him during his last illness. Mr. Dunn was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church of Dalton City, the Knights of Columbus and M. W. A. The body was taken to the Moran undertaking establishment and prepared for burial and will be removed to the home of Mrs. Thomas McGowan this morning. It will be taken to Dalton City at 10:30 Wednesday morning and funeral services will be conducted the the Sacred Heart church. Burial will be in St. Isidore's cemetery north of Dalton City. Decatur Council No. 577, Knights of Columbus will meet at 7:30 this evening and make arrangements to attend the funeral services.

Decatur Daily Herald: April 8, 1915.

Large Funeral Party Goes to Dalton City. Funeral services conducted in Sacred Heart Catholic Church there for William P. Dunn. Funeral services for William P. Dunn were conducted at 11:30 Wednesday morning in the Sacred Heart Catholic church of Dalton City. The funeral party left Decatur in a special attached to the Illinois Central train that leaves Decatur at 10:40. The Knights of Columbus accompanied the body to the train and many of them attended the services in Dalton City. It was one of the largest funerals ever held in that city.

The services were conducted by Rev. Father Curran. The music was furnished by the regular church choir with Miss Anna Doran of Decatur as soloist. The bearers were Frank J. Mooney, J. R. Fitzgerald, Thomas Ryan, George Goodman, Louis R. Ryan and Thomas Townsend. Burial was in St. Isadore's cemetery.

Blanche E. Eden, 84 died Sept. 16 at her home in Lynn Creek, MO. She was born in Moultrie Co. April 14, 1884, the daughter of Martin Luther Kramer and Elizabeth Higgenbotham Lowe. She was married to William Eden, who died Dec. 11, 1850.

She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Jean E. Beger of Columbia, MO, Mrs. Charles (Josephine) Peterson of Eureka Springs, AR., and 3 grandchildren. Burial was at Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan.

Albert Mark Edwards, 74, of Windsor died Saturday December 2, 1978 at Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral Services will be held at Lockhart Lovins Funeral Home at Windsor. Burial will be in Windsor Cemetery.

Mr. Edwards was born in Windsor, the son of Frank and Lizzie Reed Edwards. He leaves a brother, Horace Edwards of Windsor, sisters, Mrs. Harland (Lucille) Younker of Sycamore, and Mrs. Earl (Ferne) Richard of Blue Mound.

Death late Wednesday afternoon May 19 claimed Mrs. Clarinda Edwards, who was one of the early settlers of this county (Sherman Co. KS), coming with the large group of those who effected the general settlement of the county in 1887. Clarinda Reed, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Reed was born Dec. 13, 1853. She was united in marriage to George W. Edwards at Windsor IL on Apr. 11, 1875. She united with the Christian Church in IL at an early age, afterward changing her membership to the Christian Church in Goodland. She was stricken with paralysis July 27, 1934, and departed this life at the family home in Voltaire Township Wed. May 19.

The husband, George W. Edwards passed away Aug. 28, 1922. Living children are Oscar A., Sarah A. and Elmer E. Edwards, all of the home address, Albert G. and Ruth A. preceded their mother in death. There are eight grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, John and William Reed of Goodland, and Thomas Reed of Bethany, IL.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Christian Church here and burial was in the Goodland Cemetery.

Horace Reed Edwards, 81, of rural Windsor died at 1:50 a.m. Feb. 6, 1981 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in the Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home, Windsor, where friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Windsor Cemetery.

He was born nov. 25, 1899, in Moultrie Co., a son of Frank and Lizzy Reed Edwards. He married Mabel Boyd on June 23, 1923. She died in 1967.

Surviving are five sons, Jimmie of Fancher, Don of Neoga and Frank, Bill and Roger, all of Mattoon, one daughter, Mrs. Betty Alewine of Tucson, AZ. two sisters, Mrs. Fern Richards of Blue Island and Mrs. Lucille Yunker of Sycamore, 28 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Two brothers and five sisters preceded him in death. Mr. Edwards was a retired farmer.

Funeral services were held for Paul J. Edwards, a former resident of Windsor, who lived at 2303 Grant Ave., Rockford IL. Death was attributed to a heart ailment. He had been in poor health for several years. Rev. Askew, Christian Minister of Pontiac Il officiated at the services held in the Fred C. Olson Funeral Home in Rockford. Burial was in the Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford IL. Pall bearers were Ivan Garrett, Clark Hilligoss, Halse Edwards, Louis Schultz, Jack Martin and a friend from the Faust Hotel of Rockford.

Relatives from away attending the services were, Mrs. and Mrs. James H. Gaddis and son of Pontiac IL, Mr. and Mrs. Alva Edwards of Mattoon, Mr. and Mrs. F.M. Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Garrett, ivan Garrett, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Hilligoss, Morris Hilligoss, all of Windsor, Mrs. Ferne Brackney of Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. Rex Waggoner, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Waggoner, Mr. and Mrs. Halse Edwards, all of Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schultz and daughter of Calumet City IN, Mr and Mrs. Harlan Younker of Seymour Il, Martin Edwards of Chicago, and Mrs. Ferne Richards of Blue Island IL. Relatives living in Rockford were Mrs. Mable Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Youngberg and sons, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Martin.

Mr. Edwards was born on March 15, 1902 in Whitley Twp, Moultrie Co, the son of T.M. and Clara Edwards. He had lived in Rockford for 11 years. He had been assistant Auditor at the Faust Hotel for several years.

Surviving are his widow, the former Mable Waggoner, two daughters, Mrs. Rosemary Gaddis of Pontiac, Mrs. Pauline Youngberg of Rockford, 3 grandsons, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.M. Edwards of Windsor, two brothers, Alva Edwards of Mattoon and Ralph L. Edwards of Windsor.

Death has again entered our community and this time has called an aged and highly respected woman. Mrs. Ekiss had been sick for several months and she passed away Monday, March 7, about 10 a.m.

Mary Bell was born in Washington county, Tennessee, Aug. 11, 1831. She was united in marriage to W. B. Ekiss at Brosomboro, Tennessee, Sept. 15, 1849. To this union were born ten children, all of whom, with the aged husband survive her.

The children are as follows: Mesdames Jack Carlyle and J. R. Stark and J. A. Ekiss of Bethany, Samuel and Will D. Ekiss and Mrs. George Waite of Dalton City, Mrs. T. H. Smith of Lamar, MO., Mrs. W. M. Barber of Pana, Illinois, Mrs. M. T. Mayes of Springfield, Mass., and Mrs. W. L. Huss of Arispo, Iowa. She leaves 36 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and one brother, Isaac Bell of Mattoon.

At the age of fifteen she united with the Missionary Baptist Church and six years later she and her husband united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and lived a devoted member of that Church the remainder of her life. One of her children said some time ago, of her, "Mother always got us children ready and took us to Sunday school and church."

In 1855 she and her family came from Tennessee and settled near Mattoon and 19 years later moved to a farm north west of here where they spent many years. In 1899 she and her husband moved to town as they were to old to work.

The funeral was held Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the home and the sermon was preached by her pastor, Rev. J. M. Wychoff.

The floral offerings were many and beautiful. There was a large attendance. The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. This is the first death in the large family.

All of the children were present at the funeral except the three daughters who live out of the state. BETHANY ECHO - Friday March 11, 1910 Submitted by: Barbara Ekiss

DALTON CITY: Mrs. Ekiss, whose maiden name was Susan Holtzsinger, was born June 5, 1829 near Jonesboro, Tenn. She died at her home Feb. 12, 1920

She was married to Michael Ekiss in March, 1857. To this union were born six children, Five of whom survive, William Ekiss, Edward L. Ekiss and Mrs. W. G. Kennedy of this place, John P. Ekiss of near Macon and Mrs. John L. Rogers of near Findlay. George died in infancy.

There are 18 grandchildren adn 12 great grandchildren. She is the last of a family of nine children. John Holtzsinger, a brother, was a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and served most acceptably as a chaplain in the Civil War.

She joined the Presbyterian Church in Tennessee early in life, afterwards transferring her membership to the C. P. congregation at New Hope Church near here. She was a charter member of Miles Hart Eastern Star Lodge in Coles county fifty years ago.

The funeral was held at 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the residence. Ther services were conducted by Rev. M. C. Cockrum, assisted by Rev. T. B. McAmis of Bethany.

The music was furnished by Miss Mable Roney, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kennedy and James Freeland. Mrs. William Reeter was the accompanist.

The flowers were in charge of Misses Luella, Beryl and Beatrice Kennedy, Frances, Gertie and Donna Rogers and Grace Ekiss, all grand daughters.

The pallbearers were Lester Ekiss, Clive Ekiss, Ervil Ekiss, Lloyd Ekiss, Lawrence Ekiss, Ross Ekiss, Bert Ekiss and Harry Stewardson, all grandsons of Mrs. Ekiss.

The interment was in the Macon Cemetery.

Bethany Echo - Fri. Feb. 20, 1920

Edward H. Elzy, 69 years of age, died at his home six miles north of Doniphan on June 1 and was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery last Thursday following services conducted by the Rev. Wilburn Skipper at the Oak Grove Church of God. Mr. Elzy was born in Allenville, Ill., Sept. 8, 1873, and lived there during his boyhood. He was married at the age of 23 to Miss Sarah J. Steele. To this union seven children were born. All of them survive and all were present at their father's furneral services. The sons are Charles, Delmar, and Donald Elzy of Illinois and Joseph and Eddie Elzy of Doniphan. The daughters are Mrs. Daisy Runion of Bethalto, Ill., and Mrs. Violet Engelken of Doniphan. Two sisters also survive: Mrs. Joe Steele and Mrs. Susan Leeds of Sullivan, Ill. He leaves 27 grandchildren. He has been a resident of this county about forty years.

Source: The Prospect News, Doniphan, MO. paper, Thursday, June 10, 1943:

Ward V. Fleshner, 97, of Bethany died at East View Manor Nursing Home in Sullivan. He was a native of Moultrie Co. and was married to Ava Cain. She died in 1960. Mr. Fleshner leaves one son, Troy of Bethany, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held at the McMullin Funeral Home in Sullivan. Burial was in Equgley Cemetery near Findlay.

Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. W.A. Florey on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 in the Christian Church with Rev. Roby Orahood officiating with interment in the Bethany Cemetery. The music was furnished by Mrs. Coy Brown and Mrs. M.V. Weaver with Miss Opal Younger at the piano.

The floral offerings were many and very beautiful. The flower bearers were Misses Vera and Buelah Perry, Hazel Walker, Fannie Younger and Mrs. Sara Tipsword.

Pallbearers were: Grover Hudson, Virgil Cook, Ernest Hustis, Charley Clark, Ollis Davis and Hank Rice.

She is survived by her husband and three children and one brother, W.T. Roney, of Bethany; one sister, Mrs. Laura E. Cark of Clarkston, Washington.

Those attending the funeral from a distance were: Mrs. C.W. Sloan of Johnstown, Colorado; Miss Laura E. Roney of Oil City, Penn.; Mrs. Lydia Florey of Pana; Mrs Ollie Dagen of Westervelt; Mrs. Susie Perry and daughter of Shelbyville; Mr. and Mrs. Alva Doner and Miss Nina Doner, Mrs. Nellie Rogers, Miss Helen Clark, William Florey, Edgar Human, Mrs. Bertha Hale of Decatur, Chester Mathias and family of Obed and Miss Mildred Wilkinson of Sullivan.

Mrs. Vernie (Gladys) Florey, 74, of Bethany died at 2:30 pm Monday in her home.

Funeral services will be at 1:40 pm Thursday in McMullin Funeral Home, Bethany, where friends may call from 7 to 9 pm Wednesday. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery.

Mrs. Florey was born in Bethany, a daughter of William and Anna Florey Stradley. She was a member of the Bethany Christian Church and Bethany Rebecca Lodge. She married Vernie A. Florey June 26, 1918. He died in 1962.

Surviving are sons, William of Clinton; Tom of Bethany; daughters, Mrs. Jean Hanson of Decatur; Mrs. Joan Berry of Macon; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

Death has again entered our city and this time claimed for his victim, Mrs. L.B. Florey.

Harriet Herman was born in Adam county, Pennsylvania, Sept. 21, 1837 and died Nov. 15, 1903, aged 66 years, 1 month, and 24 days. When 16 years old she came with her parents, by wagon, to Macon county and settled near Decatur. She was one of twelve children.

She was married in Sept. 1855, to L.B. Florey and to this union were born ten children, eight boys and two girls all living except one son. Six of the sons were at her bedside when she died. The two daughters and one son live in Nebraska.

She became a Christian in 1886 and united with the Christian Church under the preaching of her brother, Elder W.S. Herman.

Mrs. Florey had been confined to her room, and most of the time to her bed, since last Christmas. She had suffered a great deal during that time and death was a release to her. Her last words were: "Oh, I wish I could go!"

The funeral was held Tuesday at one o'clock in the Christian Church and was in charge of Rev. Easterling. The interment took place at Oak Grove Cemetery.

The husband and children have the sympathy of the community.

The following from a distance attended the funeral: Geoge Thomas and wife of Decatur, George Florey and wife, Mrs. Chapman and two daughters of Casner, Mrs. Anna Goodpasture, Nettie Hill, Sarah Prindle and Louise Herman of Decatur.

Bethany Echo - Friday, Nov 20, 1903

John H. Florey was born in Macon County, IL, Dec. 31, 1856, and died at Lovington, IL, Dec. 24, 1918. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Florey.

He married Miss Flora Butt on July 10, 1881. To this union were born four children, two having preceded their father in death. Mrs. Florey passed on Feb. 28, 1901.

Mr. Florey was married a second time to Cora Danielson on Sept. 20, 1906. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Made Kimbrell of Cairo, Ill. and Mrs. Gertrude Emerick of Centerville, New Mexico. Also the following brothers and sisters: William of Bethany, Sherman of Wiggins, Colo., James of Shelbyville, Charles and Albert of Findlay, George of Beecher City, Mrs. Anna Stradley of Wiggins, Colo., and Mrs. Louisa Mitchell of Aurora, Nebraska. Also four grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the residence Thursday afternoon at 1:30 conducted by Reb. D.D. Dick, pastor of the Christian Church. Pallbearers were Henry Murphy, S.A. Booker, A.W. Hostetler, H. Hipsher, W.E. Duvall and J.P. Cox. Keller Cemetery.

Bethany Echo - Fri., Jan., 3, 1919

Mrs. Letta A. Florey, Rt 1, Buchanan, died Friday in Mercy Hospital, Benton Harbor, where she had been a patient for a week, following a fall in her home.

Born Aug 22, 1872 in Moultrie County, IL to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Welton, she was married to John Florey, who died in 1935.

Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Ora Edwards, Buchanan, three sons, Bonnie, Ted, Buchanan, and Andrew J., Springfield, IL; two brothers, James Welton, Mt. Zion, IL; one sister, Mrs. Lillian Ringo, Peoria, IL; 18 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon in the Swem Funeral home with Rev. Lawrence E. Lee officiating. Burial was in Galien cemetery. Pall bearers were John and Dale Florey, Harry and Kenneth Kelly, Lester Hampton, and Clarence Edwards.

Lucius B. Florey was born in Clermont Co., OH, Feb 23, 1834. He died at Bethany, Sept. 12, 1905, aged 71 years, 6 months, and 19 days. He came to this state in 1852 and located near Decatur.

He was married to Harriett Herman in Sept. 1856. To them were born ten children; eight sons and two daughters. One son, Harry, died in infancy. The mother died Nov. 15, 1903. The children living are Mrs. Lou Mitchell, Mrs. Anna Stradley and Sherman of Nebraska, James of Shelbyville, John of Lovington, Charles of Kenney, George of Cisco and William and Alvin of this place.

The funeral was held yesterday morning at 11 o'clock in the grove of the Christian church and Elder S.E. Sines had charge of it. The burial took place in the Dunn Cemetery.

For many years he had been a member of the Christian Church and was a faithful attendant at the services.

Bethany Echo - Friday, Sept 15, 1905

W.A. Florey, 79, passed away on Saturday afternoon at his home south of town after an illness of several months.

Mr. Florey was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia E. Roney in 1886 and to this union five children were born, two having died in infancy. His wife passed away last June.

He leaves to mourn, two daughters, Mrs. Iva Sloan of Johnstown, Colo., and Dorothy Florey of Bethany and one son, V.A. Florey of Bethany; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Sherman Florey of Colorado and James Florey of Pana.

Mr. Florey united with the Christian Church thirty-three years ago and was a very faithful member until ill health prevented him from attending.

The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the Christian Church with Rev. Derry officiating.

Music was furnished by Mrs. Vern Weaver and Mrs. Francis Hogg with Opal Younger at the piano.

The pallbearers were: Charley Cark, William Brown, Ernest Heustis, W.W. Daum, Virgil Cook, and J.P. Cordray.

Burial was in the Bethany Cemetery.

Death of Grandma Forte

Mrs. Margaret Forte, familiarly known as Grandma Forte, an aged and respected resident of Gays for many years, died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. James Alexander, where she had been cared for during her last illness.

Death came peacefully at 2:00 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, July 20, after a long and useful life. Mrs. Forte was 88 years, 6 months, 3 days old. She had been ailing with the infirmities of age for some time, but had been bedfast only since last Sunday. She had been cared for in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. James Alexander, Jr. since last November.

Mrs. Forte's maiden name was Margaret Melissa Keith. She was born Jan. 17, 1844, to Mr. and Mrs. James Keith in Shelby county, Indiana, coming to Illinois in 1869, since which time she made her home in and near Gays, enjoying the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends.

On April 21, 1870, she married John Forte, who preceded her in death on Oct. 16, 1899. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Forte, but only four survive the mother. They are Oscar Forte of State Center, Iowa. Mrs. Julia Forte of Maroa, Mrs. Maude Tucker of Mount Arry, Georgia, and Mrs. Jessie Alexander of Gays. Grandma Forte also leaves 13 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, as well as other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Forte united with the Methodist church at Sparefield, Ind., when she was a girl of 16, and on coming to this community, transferred her membership to Gays Methodist church, remaining a faithful member thereof, and a regular attendant at services as long as health permitted.

Funeral services will be held at Gays Methodist church this (Friday) afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, with interment in Branch Side cemetery. Her pastor, Rev. Robert E. Evans, will be in charge, and Rev. Glen Armstrong will assist in the services.

Neither Oscar nor Mrs. Tucker was able to come to the funeral.

From the Windsor Gazette, July 22, 1932

NOTE: From what I've been able to discover, our family name was originally "Fort" but somewhere in the 30's one of my Uncle's added the "e" to the end so the younger generations have always used "Forte" rather than the original name. I think my Great Grandmother, Margaret, always used the name Fort, but the newspaper had it as above.

Submitted by: Judy Forte Brown

An Aged Pioneer Passed to the Great Beyond

Uncle Andy Foster, one of the pioneers of this country and one of the oldest citizens of this township, died last Friday evening (November 30, 1906) after a long illness. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S.W. Beggs. Interment at the Hewitt cemetery. The following interesting sketch was written by the Honorable W.G. Cochran of Sullivan, a lifelong friend of the deceased:

Andy Foster was born in Ross County, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1816. He was the third son of eleven children of John Foster and Eleanor Morrow Foster. His parents were natives of Ireland and came from the county Cork to the United States about the close of the Revolutionary War. When they made the voyage they were unmarried and formed an acquaintance which resulted in their marriage in the state of Pennsylvania about 1801. They crossed crossed the ocean in the same vessel and were about the same age.

John Foster was an Irish school master, and taught school in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Moultrie County, Ill. He was the kind of a teacher who enforced his ideas with the hickory switch and the hazel rod, and most of them that attended his school had good reason for never forgetting his manners and enforcements.

He moved from the state of Ohio to the state of Illinois in 1848 and settled northwest of Lovington about two and one-half miles where he lived with his family until the time of his death the 16th of Aug. 1852. His wife survived him ten years and died at Lovington on the 12th of Sept. 1862.

They reared a family of eleven children and this sketch is intended to perpetuate the history of the family. I will here set out the names and some of the facts about each of them.

Charles Foster married and died in Ohio leaving two children, W.B and C.E. Foster.

Rosanna Foster, the oldest daughter, married a man by the name of James Hamilton and died in Ohio, leaving two children, C.M. and Ellen Hamilton.

Margaret Foster married Jeremiah Thomas and died soon after and leaving no children.

James Foster came to Illinois about 1845 and lived in what is called the Crackerneck neighborhood. He died in Lovington on the 23rd day of Dec. 1877, leaving a large family of children.

John Foster was born July 25th 1814, and is now past 92 years old and is the only member of the family living. He married Margaret Lamb who died Nov. 14, 1905. They had a large family and live on a farm west of Lovington where they settled in 1848.

Susan, the wife of John Cochran, died in Lovington on Apr 10th 1884 leaving no children.

Eleanor, wife of Cyrus Welton, died in Moultrie County Nov. 23rd 1876 and left several children.

Isabelle, commonly called Aunt Ibby, and Jane, commonly called Jennie, were twin sisters and were so much alike even in their old age that their relatives were often mistaken when they met them as to which one they were addressing. Isabelle married Captain Andrew Gregory (grandfather of James Gregory), a soldier of the war of 1812 in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he died several years after their marriage. She then moved to Lovington and lived there until the time of her death Feb 14th 1894. She left no children.

Jane married Andrew Cochran and moved to Illinois in 1849 and died upon the farm which they settled Nov. 20th 1879. She left five children.

Sarah Foster was never married. She died in Lovington June 22nd 1883.

Andrew Foster, the subject of this sketch, first married Lucinda Cochran in Ross County, Ohio in 1840.

She was one of the best Christian women I ever knew. They, with their two children, moved to Moultrie County, Illinois and arrive here the 13th of Nov. 1844. He has often told me he had just 75 cents in money and two teams of horses and wagons besides his household goods which he brought with him.

He settled on a tract of land two and one-half miles northwest of Lovington, where his first wife died Oct. 12, 1854 leaving four children, three of whom are still living. They are Elizabeth Dawson, mother of Grace Hostetler, Sarah and Alta, Mrs. Sarah A. Gregory, wife of James A. Gregory and mother of Charley, Lillian and Ginerva and Milton C. Foster of Chicago, Ill. The eldest son, John A. Foster, died of spinal meningitis Apr. 21, 1873.

A few years after the death of his first wife, Andrew again married. This time to Mrs. Sarah J. Lewis, widow of a Dr. Lewis of Ohio. There were born of this marriage five sons, all of whom are still living and have families of their own. One of them, Alva E. (Did) Foster, has served a term as sheriff of Moultrie County and his brother Frank as deputy sheriff. They are all in business for themselves in this county.

Andrew Foster was an honest, hard-working man and by his industry and economy he acquired a fortune. At one time, he owned eight hundred acres of land near the village of Lovington, now worth over a hundred thousand dollars. About 1892, he retired from active business and deeded his land to his children, reserving a homestead and an annual income sufficient to keep him and his wife during their lives. Since then, he has lived in the homestead in Lovington, enjoying the blessings of his friends and family. Having spent an honest, active life of many years, he has waited patiently the time of his departure. I want to record here that from a close acquaintance of more than fifty years with him, I believe him to be one of the most honest men I have ever known and besides always being charitable to the poor. In the early day people moving thru this country and would meet with misfortune or have sickness, and they would be compelled to stop and camp in the woods he was one of the early settlers who was always found ready to help them. I never heard him say a harmful word of anyone. If this large and respectable generation who bear his name would emulate his example I honesty and charity, there would be a great deal of good done in this world for which many people would be thankful. In this numerous family of 11 children and their descendants, I have never known but two lawsuits between members of different families. I have never known of one of the members of the family to be accused of a serious crime, and I believe none of them have been confined to the county jail charged with any crime. While there are many families, perhaps as good by nature and equally as good by practice as this Foster family, yet if the ancestors of John Foster Sr. could return and take a retrospect of all those who bear his name and relationship, he would have no regret that he left the Emerald Isle and crossed the briny deep in the same vessel with the one who he had never known before, but afterward became his life partner and the mother of this large and intelligent family.

These names and dates, if preserved by this generation, will enable them to trace their ancestry back, at least to the time when the first one by the name and relationship emigrated to the United States.

Andrew Foster died Nov. 30, 1906, at about 4 p.m. after a long lingering illness. Funeral services were held on Sunday Dec. 2, 1906. His body was laid to rest with his many relatives and friends in the Hewitt grave yard there to wait the resurrection and as the years go by, some friend will place flowers in memory of good deeds and we will forget his failures, if he had any, and who has not?

The above was written by the Honorable W.G. Cochran and read by him at the funeral of Andrew Foster.

Transcribed from a book on the Foster family, the information of which was gathered and published by Amos L. "Cane" Munch in April 1947, by Joe Harris.

Mrs. Joseph H. Foster passed away Saturday afternoon (August 28, 1926), following a prolonged illness. Death was due to heart trouble and complications which had confined her to her home for a year or more and to her bed for the past few weeks. She lapsed into a state of coma several hours before the end came and passed away without regaining consciousness.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Lovington Methodist Church, of which the deceased had long been a member. The services were in charge or the pastor, Rev. O.B. Hess. The pallbearers were Joseph Dunscomb of Windsor, Elmer Dunscomb of Sullivan, Denzil Dunscomb of Decatur, A.G. Wood of Villa Grove, F.B. Wood of Lovington and F.W. Wacaser of Lovington. All were nephews of Mrs. Foster, with the exception of Mr. Wacaser. Interment was in the Hewitt Cemetery. The committal service at the grave was spoken by Judge W.G. Cochran of Sullivan, a lifelong friend of the deceased and the bereft family.

Emma Sophia Dunscomb, daughter of Orren and Sohia Dunscomb, was born at Niles, Trumbell County, Ohio, on December 29, 1851. She was one of a family of seven children, all of whom have preceded her in death.

The mother passed away, leaving Emma and Emery, twins, only three weeks old. The mother of ex-President McKinley attended as nurse at the birth of Mrs. Foster and her twin brother. The father passed away in March, 1855, leaving the following children, who came to Illinois in the autumn of the same year: Elihu James, Mary S., Lucy Helen, John Harmon, Emery Orren and Emma Sophia.

On November 2, 1871, the deceased was united in marriage to Joseph Hays Foster, and to this union were born two daughters: Nora, wife of L.T. Anderson, and Lela, wife of George W. Harris. Three grandchildren are also left to mourn her departure: Joseph Foster Harris, Harold Dean Harris and Maxine Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Foster had always resided in the community, retiring from the farm about fifteen years ago, at which time they took up their residence in Lovington and it had since been here.

Transcribed from The Lovington Reporter by Joe Harris

Grace Foster, 61, died Monday, Dec. 19 in the Gaddis Rest Home in Lovington after being a patient there for one year. She had been a resident of Sullivan for the past 45 years. Mrs. Foster was born in Bruce on Dec. 21, 1898, the daughter of Albert and Anna Bundy Myers. She was married to Fred Foster, who preceded her in death approximately one year ago. Mrs. Foster was a member of the Sullivan Christian Church.

Surviving her are one son, Orville of Citrus Heights CA, one sister, Mrs. Hortense Sheeks of Mattoon and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Thurs. at 1:30 p.m. in the McMullin Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. L.G. Beebe of Lovington. Casket bearers will be Andrew Maxedon, John Durbin, Max Steele, Acel Bragg, Fred Codgal, and Nelson Swinford.

Mrs. G.H. Foster Died Tuesday

Funeral services for Mrs. Isabelle Foster, aged 66 years, who passed away at the Witham Hospital Tuesday were held today at two o'clock with the rev. Mr. hite (sic) officiating. Burial was at Oak Hill cemetery. The body was removed from the Lawler funeral home to the residence Wednesday.

Mrs. Foster was born in Sullivan, Illinois, a daughter of William H. and Martha (Cochran) Fread. She was married at Terre Haute, 3 November 1895, to George H. Foster, who survives. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Advance and the Order of Eastern Star at Arcola, Illinois.

Survivors are the husband, four children, Thelma Tull of Champain, Ill., Harold Foster of Decatur, Ill., Flavia Finten of Canton, Ohio, and George H, Foster Jr. a student at Purdue University; two brothers, M.H. Fread of Mamban N.D., and W.R. Fread of Los Angeles, California; two sisters, Mrs. P.E. Whitney of St. Louis , Missouri, and Mrs. L.A. Tally of Chicago and four grand-children.

The Jamestown Press, Jamestown, Indiana, Thursday, 25 May 1939

OLDEST CITIZEN PASSES AWAY

John Foster, Lovington township's oldest resident, departed this life Tuesday morning, aged 94 years 4 months and 10 days. Death was due to old age and the end came peacefully at the family home near this city.

Mr. Foster was born in Ross county, Ohio, July 25, 1814, and was of Irish descent, both his parents having come from the old country. He was reared to manhood in Ohio and in 1841 was united in marriage with Margaret Lamb, whose death occurred about three years ago. To them were born thirteen children of whom the following are living: Robert M. of Correctionville, Ia, Mrs. Belle Bell, Anthon, IA, Mrs. Sarah Gibeson, Rocky Ford, Colol, Emery Fletcher, Joseph H., Mrs. W. S. Howell and Mrs. J. O. Timmons of Lovington.

Mr. Foster came to Lovington township in 1848 and located upon a farm which has been his home for more than 60 years

Funeral services were held at the family home Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Sermon by Rev. C. S. Lyles, pastor of the Methodist church. Interment at the Hewitt Cemetery.

Submitted by: Coleen Florke

Taps Sound for Last Vet at Age of 87

Joseph H. Foster, a resident of this township for over eighty years, and the last of the Civil War veterans of this community, passed away at his home Wednesday evening, October 18 (1933). He had been in failing health for several weeks but, although never a man of great physique, he had never been ill to speak of before in his life.

Mr. Foster was one of twelve children, a son of the late John and Margaret Foster. He was born February 25, 1846, in Ross County, Ohio, near Circleville. He cam with his parents to the Foster farm, northwest of Lovington, when he was two years old and had since lived in this community. He enlisted for service in the Civil War at Camp Butler, near Springfield, just after his eighteenth birthday and served until the close of the war.

The deceased was united in marriage to Emma Dunscomb, also a native of Ohio, in November, 1871. Two daughters, Mrs. L.T. Anderson and Mrs. G.W. Harris were born to this union. There are three grandchildren, Joe F. Harris of Detroit, Mich., Harold Harris of Lovington and Mrs. Maxine Halfyard of Danville and one great grand child. Also three brothers and three sisters as follows: Mrs. Sarah Gibeson of Rocky Ford, Colo., Robert of Lawton, Ia., Fletcher of Atwood and Mrs. N.E. Timmons, Mrs. Emma Howell and M.E. Foster of this place.

Mr. Foster was a farmer and had lived on several places in this community. He and Mrs. Foster moved to their late home 21 years ago. After the latter's death, August 28, 1926, his daughter, Mrs. Harris and family, moved in his home and had since cared for him. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the Methodist church of which he was a member. Rev. McKendree M. Blair, the pastor, assisted by Rev. H.R. Halfyard will be in charge. Interment will be at the Hewitt Cemetery. The pallbearers chosen are: Chas. W. Dixon, S.H. Curry, S.W. Jones, T.E. Pargeon, H.H. Clore and Ira McBride. There will be a military funeral at the grave.

Transcribed from The Lovington Reporter by Joe Harris

Services will be held on April 16, 1976 at the McMullin Funeral Home in Sullivan for High Franklin. He was born on September 24, 1890 in Monroe Co. KY, the son of Justin and Alice Franklin. He married Pearl Wheat in 1913 and she died in 1971. Mr. Franklin was an employee of the State of Illinois, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Sullivan.

Survivors are two sons, Clovis of Sullivan and Vanous of Effingham, three brothers, Dewey of Olney, Jim of Decatur, and Jack of Encinitias CA, a sister, Estelle Claudill of Bowling Green KY, 2 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren.

b: 18 Jul 1934 in Spokane, Wash
d: 24 Jul 1999 in Springfield
bur:
par: George W. Sr. & Gladys Olsen Frazier
mar: Donna Myers 4 Sept 1954 in LaJolla, Cal.
children: Bill Frazier; Sue Morrow, and Gloria Armer

Mrs. Gus Freeland of Gueydan LA, a former resident of Windsor died Sunday, January 17. The former Martha Field lived with her grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Hilligoss as a young girl and attended the Windsor High School. She leaves her husband, a son Jean and a daughter Ermalee, and a sister in law, Mrs. H.E. Myers of Windsor. Funeral and burial services were held in Gueydan LA. (Feb. 25, 1965)