CLAY COUNTY
OBITUARIES
P
The family moved to Oklahoma in 1906, where it remained for two years. Then the home was transferred to Hutchinson, Kansas. In 1912, the family came on west to Montezuma, where the residence has continued until this day. The wife and mother, Leah C. Parks, was called to her reward in February, 1927. Mahlon H. Parks was one of the business pioneers in this country. His congenial and appreciative manner tended to cultivate not only the integrity of the business establishment but a multitude of loyal friends. As a citizen, he was of a progressive mind, deeply interested in the development of this western empire along lines that would insure its future. He was a friend of charities a considerable help in starting the project of the new church building this year. He held membership in the Methodist church in Illinois.
The expansion of the Montezuma school system found him an enthusiastic supporter of education. He was a tireless worker, giving himself completely to the task, as long as strength remained. The past few years of steadily declining health were spent with an optimism, were spent cheerfully as he watched his children building their homes 'round about him. It is doubtful whether any of us will ever really know the depth of his family interest and affection. It was exceedingly great. His slipping away at this time brings mourning to many; but our memory of him will be kindly, even as he spread kindliness about him. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Edward Wood, Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother, Clarence Parks, Lacon, Illinois; the ten children; nineteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and an unusual number of friends. Funeral services were held August 25, 1930, at the M. E. church, L. C. Gale in charge. Interment was made in the Fairview cemetery. Source: '' Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City 1930 Obituaries" by the Clay County Advocate Press
Thos. Porter
Thos.
Porter, son of Simeon and Nancy Porter, was born in Orange
county, Feb. 17, 1841, passed to his reward in the better world at his
home in Chicago, Feb. 24, 1915, age 74 years and 7 days. He
was a member of a family of six brothers and one sister.
In the year 1865, the deceased was
united in marriage to Rebecca Martin of Clay County, to this union five
children were born one boy and four girls, only two of whom are living;
Mrs. Laura Macy of Chicago and Everett of Louisiana. The
family resided in Clay county till about 22 years ago, when they moved
to Chicago, where the family has lived up to the present.
Bro. Porter united with the Christian
church when a boy and lived an earnest consecrated Christian life to
its close. In Chicago he has been identified with the
Englewood Christian church, and has had the same pastor for 16 years,
C.G. Kindred, a man who is loved by all that know him. The
deceased attended the services of the church regularly till unable to
do so by reason of ill health. It was indeed fitting that the
pastor, Bro. Kindred should conduct a service in honor of such a
faithful member. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. whose local
lodge was known as Kenwood. The brethren of this fraternity
as always, were attentive in the last sad hours of watching and
waiting. Bro. Porter has been rather poor in health for about
three years, but kept going till last Thanksgiving. He took
to his bed last Saturday and passed peacefully away on Wednesday.
Of the immediate members of the family
to mourn his going are his companion, two children, one granddaughter,
one sister, and three brothers, besides the wider circle of relatives
and a great host of friends. He will be greatly missed by the
loved ones and his many friends in all the relationship of
life. A very apt scripture for such a life is :”Blessed are
the dead who died in the Lord. Yea saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labors and their works do follow
them.” Bro. Marlow of Flora officiating. Funeral at
the Christian church. Interment at the I.O.O.F. cemetery.
The services at the church were very
touching owing to the fact that Mr. Porter had a host of friends in
Xenia and the impressive sermon delivered by Rev. Marlow. At
the grave the services were conducted by the world wide fraternity
known as Independent order of Odd Fellows, and as this brother was laid
to rest no doubt many were made to realize that one by one each must
pass away as this beloved brother has done. We are here for
so short a while and when the summons comes we like Brother Porter must
obey it. Again we realize “Blessed are the dead who die in
the Lord”. Southern Illinois Record
Thursday, March 11, 1915
Mrs. Nancy Preston
Nancy Ann Lee was born March 17,
1858 in Tipton County Ind. She was a daughter of John and
Permelia Lee and came to Illinois with her parents in Sept. 1865.
She was married to Oscar Reeder March 21, 1878 at
Flora, Ill., by Wm. D. Mabry, pastor of the M.E. Church. She with
her family moved to Lexington, Neb., in 1884. She was bereft of
her husband in 1890. In 1895 she moved to Cozad, Neb., living
there until the time of her death, July 28, 1915.
She leaves to mourn her loss, five sons and one
daughter; Mrs. H.W. Chapin, of Cozad; Clyde Reeder, of Celtral City,
Neb.; James Reeder, of York, Neb.; Earl Reeder and Frank Preston both
of Cozad. She had one brother, Rev. Nathan H. Lee of Monte Vista,
Colo., and five sisters; Mrs. W.C. Nixon, of Calloway, Neb.; Mrs. Robt.
Gray, of Pensacola, Fla.; Mrs. J.M. Russell, of Flora, Ill.,; Mrs. H.J.
Parks, of East St. Louis, Ill.; and (Mrs. Florence Canon deceased).
Mrs. Preston’s death was very sudden, being sick
only a few hours. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E.C.
Wright in the M.E. Church at Cozad July 31, 1915, she having been a
faithful member from early childhood. The remains were laid to
rest beside her husband in the Evergreen Cemetery at Lexington, Neb.
Mrs. Preston was an excellent lady, possessed a happy disposition,
always looking on the bright side. In the loss of parents,
husband and children she remained a faithful Christian and leaves a
host of friends and relatives to mourn her death.
Mrs. Preston had a large circle of friends in Flora
who learned of her death with feelings of deep sorrow. The
sympathy of our entire community is extended to her relatives. Southern Illinois Record Thursday, Aug. 19, 1915