CLAY COUNTY

OBITUARIES

S

ELLA E. SHOUP
Ella E. eldest child of Michael and Sallie Wilkin was born in Wyandotte Co., Ohio, October 19th, 1856—Departed this life on Wednesday April, 16, 1930. She having reached the age of 73 years, 5 months and 27 days. When but a girl of twelve years of age, she emigrated with her parents to Clay City, Ill., and settled on a farm south east of Clay City and for 61 years she has not lived very far away from Clay City. The last 32 years of her life was spent at the homestead where she passed away.  She was united in marriage to E. W. Shoup May 10th, 1874 and to this union one daughter and son were born. In early life she accepted her lord and became a member of the M. E. church south, but later transferred her membership to the U. B. church at Harmony, she has been a loyal supporter of the church. Her husband was taken from her by death over five years ago. She has been blessed with good health except the last eight years. Her health declined very rapidly in the last three months.  It was only a very few days that she was compelled to lie in bed, she leaves to mourn her departure, two children, Mrs. Elmer Staley of Clay City, Ill., and W. E. Shoup of Illiopolis, Ill.  Seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two brothers, Chesney and Jay Wilkin, both near Clay City, besides a host of relatives and friends.  Farewell then, mother, sister, grandmother and sister in Christ. We hope to meet in the judgement day.
Source:  "Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City 1930 Obituaries" by the Clay County Advocate Press

CLARA LEE SPILMAN

Clara Lee Spilman, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Edwards Spilman, D. U., and Eliza Taylor Spilman, was born in 
Covington,Kentucky, July17,1857.Her early life was spent in Kentucky. She finished her education at Sayre College,
 Lexington, specializing in music.  Her father moved his family to Salem, Illinois, in 1877, where she met Geo. Wm. Andrews, whom she married July 29, 1879. She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband; three children, Georgia Pritchett, of Springfield, Illinois; Edward S. Andrews, of Flora, Illinois, Jeanore Anderson, of Clay City, Illinois; four grandchildren, one brother, Lewis Spilman. of Knoxville, Tennessee ; two sisters, Miss Anna Louise Spilman, of Flora, Illinois, and Mrs. Byrd Spilman Dewey, of Palm Beach, Florida. Mrs. Andrews spent the greater part of her married life in Flora, Illinois. where she was an earnest and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.  Later she with her husband. moved to Misssissippi,  where she resided until failing health necessitated her being brought to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anderson, at Clay  City. In spite of all that loving care could do she passed away at 3:10 on the afternoon of July 5, 1930, aged 72 years, 11 months and 18 days.  She possessed a remarkable personality, meeting the duties of life squarely, sincerely and efficiently.  Her thoughtfulness of others, her unselfishness and her willingness to serve was recognized by all. Her southern hospitality, her easy, charming and gracious manner won her a host of friends. In over fifty years of wedded life she proved herself a devoted wife and a loving mother.  Asleep in Jesus!  Peaceful rest!   Whose waking is supremely blest. No fear, no woe, shall dim the hour,   That manifests the Savior's power.  Source:  "Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City 1930 Obituaries" by the Clay County Advocate Press


Grace Price Stahl

    Grace Price Stahl was born in Flora, Ill. August 22, 1877 and passed away at the home of her sister, Mrs. S. B. Moore at Louisville, Ill., August 11, 1915, lacking but eleven days of being 38 years old.  On Feb. 28, 1903 she was married to Frank S. Stahl.  At the age of 16 she graduated from the Flora High School, and at the time was said to be the youngest pupil that had graduated from the school.
    In 1894 she united with the Baptist Church of which her mother was a member.  Later she became a member of Radiant Chapter O.E.S. and recognized Jesus as fairest among thousands, altogether lovely indeed.  She was also a member of the Fort-nightly and Woman’s Club.  For six years she served as Assistant Postmaster at Flora, Ill., many patrons of which remember with pleasure, her accommodating and pleasant services.  Her mother preceded her to the Great Beyond about eight years ago, for whose companionship she ever longed.
    She leaves to long for the clasp of the vanished hand, a father, Geo. J. Price of Flora, Ill.,; a devoted husband, Frank S. Stahl of Quincy, Ill.; two sisters, Mrs. A.L. Carney of Clarksburg, W.Va., Mrs. S.B. Moore, of Louisville, Ill.; and one brother, C.V. Price of Chicago, Ill.  In addition to these nearest her she leaves an aged grandmother, Mrs.  Martha Valbert, of Flora, Ill., who with other relatives and a host of friends and companions of her youth were present to attest in the strongest way their deathless love and loyalty to her memory.
    The funeral services were held at the home of her father, Geo. J. Price at Flora, Ill., conducted by Rev. J.S. Rose of Mt. Vernon, Ill., August 13 at 2:00 p.m., after which the remains were conveyed to Elmwood Cemetery, and there deposited to await their disposition by the Supreme Being.  Until then dear wife, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend, until then, farewell.  Southern Illinois Record  Thursday, August 19, 1915
       

PRESTON W. STANFORD

Preston W. Stanford was born in Clay county. Ill., Dec. 6, 1861, departed this life in his home near Clay City, Sunday, Aug. 17, 1930, aged 68 years, 8 months and 11 days. He was the son of Rev. and Mrs. David Stanford, his father
 being  a minister of the M. E. church. In early life Mr. Stanford was a member of the M. E. Church South, at Olive. On
Dec. 6, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie M.Boyd, and to this union three children were born, Leslie,
Tony and Lulu. The latter died in May, 1899, at the age of nine.  Mr. Stanford was a good neighbor and friend, always willing to  lend a helping hand to any in need. He will be greatly missed in the home and in the neighborhood.
He was a kind  father and loving husband.  He leaves to mourn his departure, a loving wife, two sons, Leslie and Tony
 and their good wives; four Grandchildren ; three brothers, Ross, of Lawrenceville,Ill ; Norman of the State of Washington, and David, of California. Six brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He also leaves many other relatives and a host of friends who will sadly miss him.  
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

Funeral se'''rvices conducted at the home by Rev. O. H. Free. Interment in Clay City cemetery.
Source:  ''Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City 1930 Obituaries" by the Clay County Advocate Press''