CARROLL COUNTY ILLINOIS OBITUARIES

To The Carroll County Obituaries O

DANIEL O'CONNELL - On Thursday, May 7, 1925 death entered the home of one of our oldest citizens and called him away to his eternal rest. While Mr. O'Connell has been frail for severalyears, his passing was unexpected to his family. Without suffering or pain he quietly fell asleep, and his long and useful life was over.
He was born in Valencia, County Kerry, Ireland, January 17, 1845, being 80 years of age at the time of death. On May 29, 1869 at Mazomaine, Wisconsin he was married to Johanna Reagan, who passed away January 29, 1917. Since that time he has been tenderly cared for by his daughter Mary, who lived with him in the old home, and by all the other children, who visited him frequently and spared no effort to make the sunset a pleasant and peaceful one.
For 45 years Mr. O'Connell was in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul RR; for 40 years serving as section foreman at Thomson. He was a faithful and honored employee.
He is survived by five children; Mary, at home; John R., an attorney at Mt. Carroll; Catherine, wife of George Weatherwax of Milledgeville, Jennie, wife of Andrew Sheridan at Thomson; Daniel P., an attorney at Chicago, five grandchildren, Lorraine, Lawrence, Harriet and Norbert Weatherwax, and Mary Sheridan. One child Johanna dying in infancy.
The funeral was Monday at 10 o'clock with Requiem High Mass at St. Peter's church Thomson. Burial was in the family lot in the Savanna cemetery. Out of town who attended were; Mr. and Mrs. J. Maher of Preston, Iowa; Mrs. Dan Prior and daughter Marcella of Miles IA, Miss Abbie Reagon of Milles IA; Mrs. W.J. Hughes and Miss McMahon of Welton IA and Mr. John Reagon of Savanna/

CHESTER E. OLMSTED - Near Wolcott, Wayne county, New York, on December 1, 1827, was born Chester E. Olmsted, whose death occurred at his home in Milledgeville, Thursdav, July 14, 1898, his age being at the time of his death seventy years, seven months and thirteen days. He was the son of Elijah and Jerusha 0lmsted whose ancestors settled in the Eastern states at an early date. He had nine brothers and two sisters, all of whom are dead but Ira M., of Wolcott, New York, and Elijah of this place. On July 15, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Emeline Hallett, of Wolcott, New York. To them three children were born, - Emma J. (Mrs. T.O. Wolfe), Homer H. and Hattie E., all being residents of Milledgeville. Mrs, 01mstead died November 29, 1897, her funeral being held December 1, the very day her husband was seventy years of age, and Mr. Olmstnd's funeral occurred on the date that would have been the fiftieth anniversary of their their married life.
When the deceased was six years of age his father died, making it necessary for the son at an early ago to earn his own living. At the age of twelve he went from home and after that time was not dependent upon parental support. When sixteen years of age in Clyde, New York, he began learning the wagonmaker's and painters trade. After serving five years as an apprentice, at the age of twenty-one he returned to Wolcott, where he followed the trade until June, 1852. when he decided to move west with his wife and babe (Mrs. T. 0. Wolfe). From Clyde to Buffalo they came by way of the Erie Canal, and then by steamboat to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Chicago and Aurora by rail. Leaving his family in Aurora, he walked to Genesee Grove, Whiteside county, where he procured a team and wagon and returned to Aurora for his wife and child, During that summer he followed the occupation of painting, most of the time being engaged at work in Como, which was then a thriving little village about five miles southwest of Sterling.
Early in the fall of that year he came to Milledgeville and engaged in the mercantile business. In the spring of 1855, he traded his goods for the James MeCready farm, northwest of Milledgeville, and was the owner of it at the time of his death. He remained on the farm until 1882, when he returned to Milledgeville and engaged in the hardware and furniture business in what is now known as the Old Town. In `87, the year following the building of the C B & N railroad through Milledgeville, be built a substautial store building in the New Town and moved his goods into it. In 1894, he sold his stock of hardware, but retained the building, and in the summer of 1895 he erected a two story brick building and engaged more oxtensively in the furniture business, his son Homer being in company with him.
Mr. Olmsted, being one of the early settlers of this country, endured many hardships known only to those who lived in the West in the early fifties, He often hauled grain to Rockford and was the first farmer to sell a load of wheat in Lanark. By his determined perseverence he built up a good home and comfortable surroundings for himself and family. Since the death of his companion last November, he gradually failed in health until June 20, he was stricken with paralysis of the left side. on July 6, he had another stroke and was confined to his bed until death came to his relief at 1:30 o'clock.
His presence in the Community will be missed by many. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, and could not do enough for these who found favor in his sight. Probably on account of his abrupt manner of speech he was judged harshly by those who were not intimately acquainted with him, but it was very evident that the hidden motives of his heart were pure.
Mr. Olmnsted had always been interested in the church and at one time was an active worker in the Sunday School, being the teacher of a class. He was one of the promoters of the first M. E. church in Milledgeville and went to Chicago to arrange for the building of the same. Although of later years he had not taken the same interest in the church, he has been a regular supporter of the cause of Christ and loved to mingle among the people of God. A marked change seemed to be wrought in his spiritual life during the four months preceding the death, and the Bible which his companion had read and marked so much, was read daily by him, During the last week of his illness he impressed to his daughter, Hattie, a strong hope in Christ, saying that "Christ was his Savior." These words were truly comforting to the members of his family and to his friends. The funeral services were held Friday afternoon, July 15, 1899, at 2:30 o'clock at the M.E. church, Rev, J.G. B. Shadford officiating, assisted by Rev. F, L. Baldwin of Oregon and Rev. E.W. Annable of this city. The remains were laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery.

ELIJAH M. OLMSTEAD was born in Wolcott, New York, May 9, 1834, and passed away February 4, 1929, at Maitland Florida, aged 94 years, eight months and 25 days. He was the son of Elijah and Jerusha Olmstead and the youngest of a family of six boys and two girls. At the age of 19 years, he left his old home in New York and took passage on the Erie Canal at Clyde, New York, for Buffalo, thence on to Toledo, Ohio, and to Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, the western terminus. From this point he carried his personal effects to Milledgeville, Illinois, a distance of 50 miles. He was one of the great throngs who trailed across the country in a “covered wagon” with an ox team in search of gold in Colorado and New Mexico. When the Civil war broke out Mr. Olmstead was in Denver, Colorado, where he tried to enlist but was refused on account of physical inability, which took the form of rheumatism from which he suffered from early childhood until the time of his death. Returning from the west in 1863, he became a farmer, which vocation he followed for many years. In May, 1871, he was united in marriage to Matilda Winters who preceeded him in death in November, 1919. To this union six children were born, Grover H., of Waitland, Fla., Lemuel of Orlando, Florida, Elhanon W., (deceased) Milton Wright (deceased) Susan, Russell and Emeline Olmstead of Chicago. He was one of the pioneeer builders of the town of Milledgeville, building the first residence north of the railroad tracks on Main street, now owned by Mr. Wilse Miller. Leaving Milledgeville in 1908, he moved to Sterling, where he resided until 1923 when he drove by auto to Florida, with hos son, Grover with whom he lived until his death. When asked a few years ago where he would rather live, he answered, I would rather like to be back in Milledgeville with my old friends,” not realizing that most of his friends had passed away. Several years ago he united with the Fourth Street Methodist church of Sterling. Of his immediate family there are the four children mentioned, one grand daughter Mildred E. Olmstead of Orlando, Florida and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at the Milton Olmstead home on Friday [02/08/1929] afternoon at two o’clock, burial in Bethel cemetery. The pallbearers were, Milton, Forest, and William Olmstead, Joe Hewitt, Judson Bowd, and Eson Taylor. (Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 12, 1929, page 11, column 7
The following obituary of Elijah M. Olmstead, a former Sterling and Rock Falls resident, appeared in the Orlando, Fla., Morning Sentinel of Feb. 5 == One of Orange county’s oldest residents; Elijah Merritt Olmstead, died yesterday (4 February 1929) at the home of his son, Grover H. Olmstead, in Maitland, at the age of 94 years, 8 months. Mr. Olmstead was born at Wolcott, Wayne County, New York, May 9, 1834. He came to Florida in 1923, and had lived in Maitland with his son ever since. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 o’clock this afternoon at Eiselstein Brothers funeral parlors, Orlando, with Rev. Milton M. Bales, a friend of Mr. Olmstead since 1882, officiating. The body will be shipped to Milledgeville, Ill., for burial in the Bethel cemetery there. Mr. Olmstead was the father of six children, four of whom are living. His wife, whom he married May 16, 1871, at Mt. Carroll, Ill., was Miss Matilda C. Winters, and died at Sterling, Ill., November 6, 1919. Mr. Olmstead was a member of the Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal church at Sterling, Ill. At the age of 19 he left New York and took up residence in Milledgeville, Ill., where he spent the greater part of his life. For the last nine years he had lived with his son, Grover H. Olmstead. The elder Olmstead maintained remarkable control of his faculties to the end of his life, despite his extreme age.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from the Sterling Daily Gazette, February 13, 1929

EMELINE (HALLETT) OLMSTEAD - On Monday afternoon in this city at about 4:30 o'clock, occurred the death of Mrs. Emeline Olmeted, wife of C. E. Olmsted, aged seventy years, three months and six days. Emeline Hallett was born August 23, 1827, in Wolcott, Wayne county, New York. On July 15 1848, she was united in marriage to C. E. Olmsted, and in the year 1852 in company with him moved to Milledgeville, where she resided up to the time of her death. To mourn her departure the deceased leaves a husband, whose name is mentioned above, one son, Homer H. Olmsted, and two daughters, Mrs. Emma J. Wolfe and Miss Hattie Olmsted, all of Milledgeville. For nearly forty years, this truly Christian lady was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was ever ready to assist in leading others to a higher plane of Christian experience. For more than a year prior to her death she had not been in good health, and during the last eight weeks of her life she was a constant sufferer, but those who were caring for her bear witness that she was never heard to murmur during all her sickness. One notable characteristic of her life was that she always had a kind word for everybody. The services were conducted by Rev. J.G. B. Shadford and her former pastor Rev. F.L. Baldwin of oregon and Rev. E.W. Annable of this place. Interment in Bethel cemetery.

GERTRUDE (BARTHEL) OLMSTED , beloved daughter of William and Catherine Plock Barthel, was born on the old homestead farm near Milledgeville, IL., May 17, 1884, and passed away July 21, 1917, after a lingering illness, aged 33 yrs 2months and four days. During her sickness she was patient, cheerful and hopeful, always expressing with a glad smile her appreciation for any service rendered. She was taken sick May 25th and the 31st of May was taken to the Sterling Public Hospital, where she wsa operated upon, and remained as a patient for six weeks, during her sickness her sunny disposition won for her many friends and she wsa loved by all the nurses. In her childhood she attended the Milledgeville school, graduating from the High School in the class of 1901. Later she attended and graduated from the Mt. Carroll Academy, and the following year taught the Wood school near Milledgeville giving excellent satisfaction. Dec. 28, 1905 she was married to F.F. Olmsted, by the Rev. C.A. Gage, pastor of the M.E. Church. To this union three sons were born. Gertrude was an acceptable and honored member of the Eastern Star and the Woman's Club. She was a devout member of the Methodist church joining Feb. 19, 1905 under the pastorate of Rev. J.W. McKitrick. A faithful member of the Philathea class in the Sunday School, her chief desire was to bring her sons up as christian men. John Wesley says "Our people die well," this was evidenced in her life, as one-half hour before her death she called her loved ones to her, and having them kneel by her bed-side, she lead in prayer, asking God for grace, help and strength as she consecrated her life to His loving care. Almost her last word was a tender appreciation for the love, care and sympathy given her by her husband. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, three sons, William age 10; Robert Scoville age 8 and Charles Dana age 4; her mother, and three sisters, Mrs. Cassie Geldmacher, Mrs. Clara Bills of Milledgeville and Mrs. Dorothy Buswell of Grand View WA. Her father died in Feb. 1900, one sister Mrs. (Annie) Frank F. Healey in 1894 besides one brother and sister (Caroline 1873-1874) who passed in infancy. Services were held at the home Monday at 2 p.m. in charge of Rev. Geo. W. Welch. The singers were Mr. and Mrs. Ray Freas. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Milledgeville. About five hundred relatives and friends were in attendance. Pallbearers were, Messrs. Fred and Oliver Rahn, Harry Deets, George Sears and Chris Chaffee.. Burial at Bethel cemetery.

HATTIE OLMSTEAD was born Sept. 4th, 1857, and passed away in Milledgeville, Nov. 6, 1913, at the age of 56 years, 2 months and 2 days. Miss Olmstead was a faithful member of the Methodist church and surely was an active worker in everything. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church Saturday at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. J. W. Oldt, local pastor officiating. Interment in Bethel cemetery. Mrs. Ray Frease, Mrs. C. A. Strakee, Mr. C. E. Johnson and Mr. Ray Frease furnished the music.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Evening Gazette, November 15, 1913, page 3, column 5

HOMER HALLET OLMSTEAD - Death claimed Homer H. Olmstead, of Milledgeville, Monday [07/30/1917] night at ten o’clock after an illness of several weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Olmstead was born and raised in Milledgeville and spent his entire life, excpet two years that he lived in Sterling, in his native village. He had been associated with the interests of the town for years. He was engaged in the furniture business for several years and afterwards was associated with his nephew, T. O. Wolf, in the dry goods business. He was a member of the Methodist church and belonged to the church board for years. Mr. Olmstead was a member of the local Masonic order, of the Sterling Commandery No. 57 Knights Templars, and the Consistery of Freeport. Mr. Olmstead was sixty-two years old at the time of his death. He leaves his widow, Nettie Easterbrook Olmstead, and a sister, Mrs. Emma wolf, and a nephew, T. O. Wolf. The funeral occurred this afernoon at two-thirty from the Methodist church, Rev. George Welch officiating. The Masonic body acted as an escort. Several members of the Sterling Commandery attended the funeral. Burial was made in the Bethel cemetery. The entire community join in extending sympathy to the bereaved family. (contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, August 1, 1917, page 3, column 3)
Obituary - Homer Olmstead son of Chester E. and Emeline Hallet Olmsted, was born on the old homestead farm north of Milledgeville, July 30, 1855 and died at his home in Milledgeville July 30, 1917 on his 61st birthday. He spent his boyhood days in Milledgeville receiving his education in the Milledgeville school. In 1879 (Sept. 23) he was married Sarah Janette Eastabrooks, they spending their young married life on the farm. He entered into partnership with J.H. Shirk in the furniture and undertaking business, selling his interest, he later entered the dry-goods business with his nephew F.O. Wolfe, severing his connection from that store about three years ago. He was a faithful and acceptable member of the Methodist Mason, a member of the Eastern Star, and a Modern Woodman of America. He was a faithful member, an honored and trusted brother, always standing loyally for the principles of these great institutions. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, Janette, one sister, Emma J. Wolfe; one foster brother, Benjamin F. Shirk, a nephew F.O. Wolfe, besides other relatives, friends and neighbors. One sister Hattie E. Olmsted had preceded him to the other side. Homer was liked by all, the very simplicity of his life won for him scores of friends, kind, patient, and loving in his home, a good citizen, and a christian who died in the faith of Jesus Christ. Services wer eheld Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the home adn 2:30 at the M.E. church in carge of Rev. Geo. W. Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Ray Freas sang with Mrs. Merriam at the organ. Pallbearers were C.E. Geldmacher, C.E. Mortenson, H.D. Bills, W.P. Hacker, H.C. Knox and Geo. J. Ehni. Buria in Bethel Cemetery.

MARGARET ANN (KNAPP) OLMSTEAD was born at Glenyville, N. Y., May 4, 1820, and died at Milledgeville, Ill., October 25, 1899, aged 79 years, 5 months and 21 days. She lived, with her husband, Alanson Olmstead, now deceased, for many years near Milledgeville. For the last twelve years she has lived with her daughter, Mrs. T, P. Ruth. She leaves seven children, - Mrs. C. S. Woodin, of Red Oak, Iowa; Mis. C. C. Bigbee, of Marengo, Iowa; Charles H., Ira T., George L. and Mrs. T. P. Ruth, of Milledgeville, Illinois, and Mrs. E. B. Fahrney, of Marshahitown, Iowa. She also leaves one brother and three sisters. For twelve years she had been a constant sufferer, yet she bore it uncomplainingly. Each year found her weaker than the last, until the wished for end came, which found her ready to meet her Savior, He whom she had followed so long and well. The life just closed has been an examplary one, and those who knew her longest were the ones who loved her most. The funeral service was held in the M. E. church in Milledgeville, Saturday forenoon, Rev. Davis preaching the sermon from Revalation 21: 4,- "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be a~y more Pain; for the former things are passed away." Immediately after the services the remains were laid to rest in the South Elkhorn cemetery,

MILTON WRIGHT OLMSTEAD was born in Coleta IL, March 4, 1879 and died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Olmstead in Milledgeville, Friday November 4, 1904. The funeral was held at the house Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Burial being made in Bethel cemetery. There was no ostentation, no elaborate sermon. Rev. Louis F. Mitchell of the Holiness Bible School of Chicago gave a simple gospel talk and a ladies quartette consisting of Susie and Emeline Olmstead, Katie Dieterlie and Florence Voltmer sang several appropriate songs. The pall bearers were a few of Wrights friends, Henry and Chrissie Chaffee, Lloyd Miller, Robert Puterbaugh, Wallace Fike and Arthur Mender. Few young men were better known in this vicinity. Wright was never wholly well and was a sufferer nearly all his life. He began school in the Primary department and complted the entire course notwithstanding the fact that for four years he suffered intensely from inflammatory rheumatism being confined to his bed for nearly two years then he was hweeled in a chair for about two years and after that during his entire life was obliged to use crutches. For several years Wright was neither absent nor tardy. He was very anxious to learn and was at school often when he had better been in bed. He graduated with the class of 1901. In 1903 he decided to study watch making and entered the bradley Horological and Polytechnic Institute at Peoria, where he completed the course and graduated in optics. Last spring his father started him in business in Milledgeville when he put in a nice line of jewelry and optical goods. He was doing well, having a fairly good trade but he was physically unable to confine himself continuously to his work. He began to fail in health early in the fall but did not give up until about three weeks ago when he ws confined to the house and afterwards to his bed. His trouble was TB and diabetes. Wright had certainly an afflicted body. At one time he had fifteen abcesses on his body. In September 1894 he was taken to Freeport where an operaton was performed but without bringing relief. Again in November of the same year he underwent another operation this time on his ankle, the bone being scraped. This gave temporary relief, although he never was free from tubercular abcesses. Although Wright never made a loud profession of religion, yet he had a reverance for holy things and about a week before he died was gloriously converted, leaving a ringing testimony of his peace with God. He urged his friends to accept Jesus as their Savior and not put it off as he did for fear it might be too late. He leaves to mourn his parents, two brothers, Grove of Glen Ellyn IL and Lemon of Los Angeles CA and two sister, Susie and Emeline as well as a host of friends. All the family were present at the funeral except Lemon who was too far away and unable to get here.

SARAH JEANETTE (EASTABROOKS) OLMSTEAD , aged 75 years, a resident of Milledgeville and vicinity all her lifetime, passed away at 7 o’clock Thursday [08/14/1930] evening in her home in Milledgeville. The lady had been ill for a long period of time. Arrangements for the funeral services have not been completed by the relatives. Throughout her life Mrs. Olmstead was a member of the Milledgeville church and an active worker until her health failed. She was preceded in death a number of years ago by her husband, Homer Olmstead, a former dry goods merchant in Milledgeville.
The surviving relatives are two sisters; Mrs. Mae Cahill of Iowa who has been caring for her sister the past several months, and Mrs. Ida Olmstead of Wolcott, N. Y. The later arrived a week ago. She also leaves one brother, Delbert Olmstead [Eastabrooks] of Wyoming.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds from The Sterling Daily Gazette, July 28, 1930, page 2, column 6. (Sarah was born 25 December 1854 - died 14 August 1930, information from N. Kimpel).

MARTHA (LAW) HOWELL O'MALLEY age 68 formerly of Savanna, died Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at her home in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the Hyde Park Community Methodist Church 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45209. Memorial donations will be given to "Mimi's" favorite library the Hamilton County Public Library.
Mimi was born in Savanna on January 9, 1936 the beloved daughter of Rhene and Natalie (Brown) Law. She was a graduate of Savanna High School, a graduate of University of Iowa and attained her Masters Degree at Eastern Kentucky University. Mimi owned and operated "The Blue Pig Catering Service" in Cincinnati, Ohio. She very much enjoyed the Arts and Theater she was always on the go with activities. Her church was a very important part of her life.
Mimi will be deeply missed by her loving mother, Natalie "Nan" Law of Cincinnati, Ohio; her two daughters, Lisa Howell and Anne (Mark) Walls; her son, Drew (Paris) Howell; and her three grandchildren, Hunter Howell, Natalie and Brent Walls; her sister in-law Gretchen (John) Powell; niece, Heather Law, two nephews, Doug (Gerda) Law of Avon, Indiana and Russ (Vivian) Law of Anna, Illinois and of course all the family and staff at Law-Jones Funeral Homes. Her husband John O'Malley, her father, Rhene Law and her brother, Rhene "Si" Law, precede Mimi in death.

DANIEL J. O'NEAL , age 48, of Savanna, Illinois, died Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center-North in Clinton, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2006 at Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Father Moises Apostol will officiate. Friends may call from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2006 prior to the Funeral Service. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the family in honor of Daniel. Daniel was born June 10, 1958 the son of Laurence and Arlene (Belander) OÂ’Neal, Jr. in Savanna. He attended school in Toledo, Ohio graduating in 1977. Daniel was a man of many talents; he was certified as a Bartender and in Janitorial Services. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Daniel had a great sense of humor, he loved to joke around, and he enjoyed playing cards, camping, fishing, watching sports on television, playing pool and a collector of interesting things. Daniel will be deeply missed by his mother, Arlene of Savanna; three brothers, his twin brother, Dennis OÂ’Neal, Chuck O’Neal and Michael (Helen) OÂ’Neal all of Savanna; two sisters; Kathleen (Ed) Majszak of Perrysburg, Ohio and Christina (Bryan) Lewandowski of Toledo, Ohio; many nieces and nephews. His father, Laurence, precedes him in death.

ETHEL O'NEAL , 86, of Mount Carroll died Thursday June 13, 1991 at Freeport Memorial Hospital.
She and her sister, Doris Garland Zink, formed the Garland & O’Neal turkey farm in 1940 at Mount Carroll. She was also a bookkeeper for the former Martin’s Drygoods Store in Mount Carroll. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Frank Law Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. The Rev. Robert Schubert of Woodland United Brethren Church will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 1 p.m. until time of the services.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARY ANN (McGEE) O'NEAL , On Preston Prairie, Carroll Co., Ill., August 20, 1876, after a long illness, Mary Ann, wife of John O’Neal, aged sixty eight years, ten months, and thirteen days. She was born in the City of New York, Oct. 7, 1807, where she lived until the death of her father, when she moved to Green County, New York to reside with her grandfather. (Alice Horner’s note: This can't be true since her father, Hugh McGee, died in 1851 in Carroll County, Illinois and appears with his wife Bridgett McCann McGee on the 1851 US Federal Census for Carroll Township, Carroll County, Illinois as living with Mary Ann McGee O'Neal and the rest of the O'Neal family.)
She was married at that place to J. O’Neal, and lived there until 1839, when, with her family, she moved out to the then far west prairies of Illinois. Mrs. O’Neal’s daily life has been a practical illustration of Christian life. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church while an organization of that body existed in Mt. Carroll. As a wife, mother, and friend her life was a beautiful example of her faith in Christ, and her determination to obey his commands. The funeral services were held at the house of her son Felix O’Neal, Esq., where her last days were spent. The Rev. George Youngs preached the funeral sermon. The funeral was largely attended by the friends and neighbors of the deceased, who came to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased. To our old friend, Mr. O’Neal, we tender our sympathy for this great loss of her who has been a faithful companion to him for over a half century. The rest of his journey will be lonely without the cheering voice and presence of her who had traveled and …. (the page ends and the rest of the obituary is missing.)
(Alice Horner’s note: A note above the obituary states that she was buried in the family graveyard. This would have been the graveyard in Section 10 Mt. Carroll Township, behind the O'Neal house. I was unaware they buried anyone in it as late as 1876. However, all the graves were moved later and her grave, that of her mother, Bridgett McGee, her husband's grave, and her son Louis' grave and what is probably the original tombstone were all moved to Hickory Grove Cemetery, Wacker.)
Refer to “The Downing, Bickelhaupt, And Preston Families of Carroll County, Illinois” for more information on her and her family.

NELLIE O'NEAL - The community was shocked to hear at an early hour yesterday morning that Miss Nellie O’Neal was dead. She fell to the floor and expired in an instant soon after rising from her bed. She was conversing with those who occupied the room with her a moment before her fall, and they discovered nothing in her actions to give warning of the approach of the fatal blow which was so near at hand. It came with a swiftness of a lightning flash and the cheerful voice of one moment was in the next forever hushed in death.
About six years ago Miss O’Neal was stricken down with a hemorrhage of the brain. Her life was almost despaired of at the time, but after lying for days at the very door of death, she came slowly back to consciousness. Since then she has had several light attacks of the same kind and her physician made the fact known to the family that sooner or later, in the repetition of these attacks, there would be one of such severity as would necessarily lead to her death. But for a number of months past there was such a marked improvement in her general health as to allay the apprehensions of her relatives, and give ground for the hope that professional opinion was mistaken. It seemed that there was a reasonable prospect ahead of her for the years of useful work to which she was so anxious to devote herself. The vainness of this hope gives added bitterness to the tears which are now falling over the lifeless form.
Miss O’Neal came to Aurelia from Illinois with her parents in her young girlhood. She fitted herself for a teacher, and for a number of years was employed in the school in this place, a portion of the time as assistant principal. She later went to a hospital with a view to preparing herself for a trained nurse, but she was unable to stand the strain of this kind of work, and came back to Aurelia very much broken in health. Since her return here, her parents both being dead, she has made her home with her sister, Mrs. A. L. Belew, where she was always the considerate and self-sacrificing “Aunt Nell”-- a family treasure, who will be sorely missed in that household. Nature endowed her with the talents to do splendid things in the world, and the desire of her life was to throw herself into the world’s work which is suffering for the touch of tender and true womanhood. But ill health built a barrier between her and all the ambitions of her life. She mourned and chafed under this in secret, always struggling, however, to hide her disappointment so deeply in her own heart that it could cast no shadow over the lives of those about her. Outwardly she was singularly good tempered and cheerful, the very life and spirit of a happy and joyful fireside. Surely the reward which is laid up for the faithful and true in heart is helf in store for such as she.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 Sunday morning at the Methodist Church.
Transcriber’s Note: In typical Victorian/Edwardian fashion, this obituary uses a lot of flowery and dramatic language to describe her but gives no important facts about her whatever, including her date of birth, parents names, or date of death. It's maddening because her brother-in-law, Albert L. Bellew, with whose family she lived, was the publisher of the paper, the Aurelia Sentinel, in which the obituary appeared. (The obituary was cut out and no date was written on it.) Please email Alice Horner if you have her date of birth or date of death. The reference to Aurelia is to Aurelia, Cherokee County, Iowa.

THOMAS O'NEAL , 72, Mount Carroll, a retired railroad machinist, died Monday night in Savanna City Hospital after an extended illness. (The Social Security Death Index gives the date as October 1972.)
He was born Jan. 1, 1900 in Savanna, son of John and Mary Doran O’Neal. On July 17, 1931 he married Ethel Petty of Mount Carroll. Surviving are his widow; two sisters, Mrs. Harvey (Ellen) Brennan of Savanna and Mrs. Charles (Anna) Hartford of Detroit, Michigan, and two brothers, Frank of Greenfield, MO, and Henry of Palatine. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and three brothers.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today in the Frank Funeral Home here, with the Rev. Henry Weckerle, pastor of St. John’s Catholic Church, officiating. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Alice Horner

MARGARET (ROSENOW) ONKEN , age 79, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, October 20, 2006, at the Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2006 in the Savanna Township Cemetery in Savanna, Illinois. Reverend Philip Bigelow of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Savanna will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas 75231 or the American Cancer Society, Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123 in Marjorie's memory. Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com. Marjorie was born on August 27, 1927 in Lyndon, Illinois the daughter of Clark and Alma (Wagenecht) Rosenow. She graduated from the Lyndon High School with the class of 1945. Marjorie married Donald J. Onken on November 27, 1947 at Hopkins Lutheran Church, rural Sterling, Illinois. Donald Passed away on January 1, 1996 in Clinton, Iowa. Marjorie was a longtime member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Savanna, Illinois. She enjoyed reading, bowling, and spending time with her friends and family. She is survived by one sister, Mildred Van Oosten of Morrison, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; a sister, Hazel Loftus; and one brother, Raymond Rosenow.

ALFRED G. ORTH , 86, of Shannon, lifetime farmer, died Saturday evening, November 23, 1996 at the Villas of Shannon Nursing Home. Son of John and Dora (Cheeseman) Orth, he was born October 30, 1910 at Mount Carroll . He and Helen Eacker were married May 2, 1937 at Pearl City . He farmed in Carroll County until his retirement, then moving to Shannon . He was a member of Berreman Church of God. Surviving family members include his wife; one daughter, Sheryl (Alfred) Ruter of Shannon; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Lori) Ruter and James (Kayla) Ruter of Shannon, Jennifer (Dale) DeClercq of Kewanee, and Joanne (Jeffrey) Becker of Baileyville; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Eacker of Fairhaven and Mae Martin of Freeport . Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark with the Rev. Robert Phelps of Berreman Church of God officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery .
Contributed by Alice Horner

HARRISON E. OSBORN , age 86, of Capac, Michigan, and formerly of Savanna, Illinois, died Saturday, October 11, 2003 at the home of his daughter, Sharon Bearce, in Capac. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 16, 2003 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Reverend Gene Meyers from Colona, Illinois will officiate. Burial will be in the Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2003 and on Thursday, October 16 from Noon until the time of service at the Funeral Home.
Harrison was born on Friday, December 8, 1916 in Castleton, Illinois to Harrison E. and Retta (Ryan) Osborn, Sr. He attended High School in Wyoming, Illinois. He married Charlotte Helle on June 10, 1938 in Donnellson, Iowa. Charlotte died June 2, 1988 in Clinton, Iowa. Harrison married Mabel Hartman on July 11, 1992. Mabel also preceded Harrison in death. He lived in Savanna most of his life and worked in the Helle Family Sawmill business until he retired. He was a member of the Baptist Church and had been a Deacon in the church.
Harrison is survived by four children, Carol (Ray) Anderson of Winnebago, Illinois, Sharon Bearce of Capac, Michigan, George (Alice) Osborn of Savanna, Illinois, and Crystal (Roger) Lovejoy of Denver, Colorado; 13 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 3 great great-grandchildren; and one sister, Rose Reynolds of Chillicothe, Illinois. Harrison was preceded in death his parents, two wives, one grandson, Daryl Anderson, two brothers, Richard and Melvin Osborn, and two sisters, Stella Bernard and Vesta Swanson.
Prairie Advocate 15 October 2003

HELEN (KRAMER) OSBORN , 77 of 3205 Ave. B. in Rock Falls, died Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1998, after an extended illness. Funeral service were held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Rich Koch, pastor of Dutchtown Church of the Brethren, Milledgeville officiating. Burial was at West Genesee Cemetery, Colet. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley.
Mrs. Osborn was born May 1921, in Lanark, the daughter of William and Nettie (Spinka) Kramer. She married Homer Osborn on Nov. 29, 1949, in Morrison. He survives. She was a member of Sterling Moose Lodge and an avid bingo player. She loved to play cards and spend time with her family.
Survivors include four daughters, Donna (Ernie) Albus of Coleta, Deborah (Robert) Daughtee of Sterling, Rhonda (Kevin) Geiger of Cambridge and Nancy (Albert) Johnson of Colorado: two sons, Charles (Deb) Osborn of Sterling and Jerry (Sharon) Orth of Hanover; three brothers, Robert (Iva) Kramer of Walnut, Lee (Louise) Kramer of Sterling and Herbert (Iona) Kramer of Chadwick., three sisters, Ruth Kimpel of Mendota, Wilma Prowant of Savanna and Shirley (John) Schneider of Lanark, two sisters-in-law, Gertude Kramer and Helen Kramer and a brother-in-law, George Rippy. She was preceded in death by four brother and two sisters.
Contributed by Donna Rife

EDWIN WINTERS OVERHOLSER , aged 32 years, five months and twenty days, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. V.G. Chafee, of Milledgeville, IL, Sunday, January 2, 1898, after al illness of two years.
Edwin W. Overholser, the son of the late Christian Overholser, was born in Coleta July 12, 1865, and resided in the place of his birth until about 10 years ago, when he went to Nebraska with the expectation of building up a home of his own.
On August 2, 1888, he was united in marriage to Lida May Grimm, daughter of Rev. Grimm, now pastor of the U.B. church at Forreston. As a result of this union, one child was born, Jennie Ethel, who is now seven years of age and resides with her grandparents at Forreston, her mother having died May 12, 1892.
After the death of his wife Edwin continued to live in Nebraska until about two years ago his health began to fail him and he went to the home of hister, Mrs. Frances Lunn, of Ganner, Iowa, where he remained until last summer, when on account of his gradually failing health it was thought best to bring him to his old home in Illinois. For several months he was cared for at the home of his sister, Mrs. Florence Meakins, of Coleta, and later he was brought to Milledgeville to the home of his sister, Mrs. Lila Chaffee, and it here he spent his last days.
The disease which had fastened upon hiim was tuberculosis and all that physicians and kind friends could do for him gave only temporary relief. In his gradually failing condition, he realized that the Savior of the world was the only source to which he could look for comfort, so about three weeks before his death he was baptized by Rev. Grimm, and from that time lived and died trusting in the Lord.
To mourn his departure, he leaves a daughter, Jennie Ethel, three sisters, - Mrs. Frances A. Lunn of Garner IA: Mrs. Lila Chaffee of this city; Mrs. Florence Meakins of Coleta IL and one brother, Henry Overholser of Coleta, IL and many friends.
Funeral services were held in the Methodist church in Milledgeville, Rev. Bender of Coleta preaching the sermon. The body was interred in Bethel Cemetery.

JOHN D. OVERHOLSER , son of D. C. & Elizabeth A. Overholser was born at Coleta Nov. 4, 1875 and died at his home in Milledgeville,Nov. 16, 1911 at the age of 36 years and 12 days.
Dr. John as he was familiary called spent his whole life in this community except for the time he was away at school. He received his early education in the Public Schools of Coleta, from there he went to the Leandor Clark college at Toledo Iowa. Two years were spent in the Iowa University in the study of Medicine. He complete his medical course at the rush Medical College, Chicago from which institution he graduated in 1901. After his graduation he located at Bradgate, Iowa. The next year he moved to Milledgeville, where for the last nine years he served the community faithfully as a physician, a loyal citizen and an ardent church worker. Dr. Overholser was converted at the age of 15 and joined the United Brethren church. When he came to Milledgeville he united with the Methodist church. As a christian he stood for the very highest type of Christian manhood.
On Aug. 28, 1902 he married Elizabeth A. Garwick. To this union two children were born. There are left to mourn him, his wife Elizabeth, his children, J. Dwitht and Elizabeth Gretchen,his father D.C. Overholser and mother Elizabeth A of Coleta, two sisters, Mrs. McCray of Rolfe Iowa and Mrs. Julia Drury of Porto Rico and three brothers Waldo A of Sterling and Ralph and Fred of Coleta. One brother Elery died in 1890. His death is a personal loss to every one in the community and especially those to whom he administered as a physician.
The services were at the M.E. church. The Masonic and Eastern Start orders of which he was a member were there in a body. Rev. Klackner, local Lutheran pator read the 90th Psalm, Rev. Welch M.E. pastor of Coleta read the 15th, chapter 1st Cor. Rev. Kosht U.B. pastor, Colete pronounced the invocation. Music by male quarted, Dr. Clyde Goldthorpe, C.E. Johnstn, Walter Bell, Ray Freas. Chant "Passing Away" " The Guiding Star' No Night in Heaven". Mrs. Merriam presided at the organ. Rev. Hewitt local M.E. pastor preached a very fitting sermon form Matthew 20-25 to 28. Burial in Bethel Cemetery. Pall Bearers were H.D. Bills, C.A. Straka, Arethur Muender, Howard Hendricks, M.F. Eastabrooks and Sam Livengood.

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