Obituaries from Coles County, IL
Contribute your family member's obituary by emailing Kim.
I prefer to post old obituaries rather than new ones to protect
the names of the living. If you do not see a contributor's name, assume it was an obituary I found during my research
(however, don't assume I'm related to that person named in the obit - very few of my folks who died in Coles actually
had obituaries :-(
Unknown newspaper, unknown date
Contributed by source #8
FUNERAL NOTICE- Frank Swinford
Born near Oakland, Illinois, January 24, 1884, died at Danville, Illinois, December 28, 1926; aged 42 years, 11 months and 4 days. Funeral Services will be conducted from the Fairview Church, Thursday, December 30, 1926, at 2:00 o'clock P.M. Dr. A.A. Luce officiating. Friends and family invited.
Contributor's note: Frank Swinford
was my father's half brother. My father was Howard Earle "Bill" Swinford. Frank was the son of George
Riley Swinford and second wife Louisa (Bishop) Swinford. The printed notice says he died Dec. 28th 1926. My Grandmother,
Grandfather's third wife had handwritten that he died Dec. 27, 1926. I don't know which is correct.
The Oakland Messenger, January 6, 1944
Contributed by source #8
Mrs. Rebecca Ashmore Dies At Age Of 94
Funeral Services At Methodist Church Tuesday Afternoon
Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca Jane Ashmore were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Oakland Methodist church,
Reverend J. L. Goleman officiating. A quartet composed of Mrs. Pauline McIntyre, Mrs. Eva Crawford, Mrs. Minnie
Lancaster and Mrs. Grace Kurtz sang three selections, "Going Down the Valley," "Abide With Me"
and Beautiful Isles." Pallbearers were John D. Winship, Everett King, James King, Owen Tennill, Charley Palmer
and Cpl. Robert Bennett. Flowers were in charge of Mrs. Louella Tennill, Mrs. Lola Maud Cecil, Mrs. Leta Vaught,
Miss Beluah King, Miss Evelyn Belle Ashmore, Mrs. Vera Swinford.
Mrs. Rebecca Gough Ashmore was born in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, near Warfordsburg, June 23,1849. She came to
Illinois with her parents at the age of sixteen. She was united in marriage to James A. Ashmore, Nov. 4, 1868,
and to this union twelve children were born, eleven of whom are still living, one dying in infancy. The surviving
children are: Mrs. Nettie King of Albion, Ill.; Mrs. Minnie Markle of Jasonville, Ind.; Mrs. Olive Weaver of Wessington
Springs, South Dakota; Mrs. Dollie Foltz of Upton, Wyoming; Mrs. Ida Liston of Fairfiled Ill.; Mrs. Winona Bennett
of Kansas, Ill.; Frank Ashmore of Springfield , South Dakota; Scott Ashmore of Los Angeles, Calif.; Earl Ashmore
of Alton, Ill.; John Ashmore and Mrs. Loretta Winship of Oakland. Mrs. Ashmore had 57 grandchildren, 78 great grandchildren
and 17 great great grandchildren -- a total of 163 living descendants.
There are 13 grandsons and 5 great grandsons in the service of their country.
Two granddaughters and two great granddaughters' husbands are also in the service. While the writer does not know
it to be a fact, we doubt if any lady in the country has a record for more relatives in service.
Mrs. Ashmore, who was 94 years of age at the time of her death, passed away at her home in this city Friday morning
at 11 o'clock. She had been ill for some time following a stroke of paralysis, but was confined to her bed only
a few days. Mrs. Ashmore kept all her mental faculties almost until the time of her death; she loved to talk of
current events and kept well posted on what was going on all over the world. She had a kindly disposition and was
loved by all who knew her, and this included most everybody in this community.
Oakland has lost a splendid citizen, and the sons and daughters have lost a mother
in the true sense of the word.
The Mattoon Journal ~ Gazette
May 29, 1933
Contributed by source #3
MRS. VONO DIES AT HOME OF MOTHER
Mrs. Louise G. Vono of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., died at 4:30 o'clock on Saturday afternoon at the home of her mother,
Mrs. Mary Cavanaugh 808 North Twenty-second Street, where she had been cared for for about two months. She suffered
from a number of ailments for more than a year.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon at the home of Mrs. Cavanaugh. Rev. S.B. Owings officiated. Burial was
in Zion Hill Cemetery, in Paradise.
Mrs. Vono was born July 10, 1893, at Garden City, Kansas, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Templeton. She was
brought to the Ash Grove community when a small child, where she was reared by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Reynolds.
Fourteen years ago, she was married to James Vono and at that time went with her husband to Wilkes-Barre to make
her home, residing there continuously since then.
She leaves her husband, and two children from a former marriage, Miss Hazel and Maurice McNeely of Wilkes-Barre;
her mother, a sister, Mrs. Florence Pugh of Mattoon; two brothers B.F. Templeton of Decatur and L.G. Templeton
of Toronto, Kansas; two half-sisters, Mrs. Leonard Acree of Jacksonville, Mrs. Adolph Huber of Mattoon, and three
half-brothers, Theodore and Edward Britton of New York City and John Cavanaugh of Quantico, VA.
The Mattoon Journal~Gazette
January 13, 1933
Contributed by source #3
MR. AND MRS. WALKER LOSE THEIR INFANT SON
George Alfred, 20 months old, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Walker, died at 11:30 o'clock Thursday night at the home
of the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Crum, 1613 Moultrie Avenue. Death was due to pneumonia, following an
illness of about two weeks.
The funeral will be conducted at 1:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Crum, with Rev. James
M. Lively officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove church cemetery at Cooks Mills.
The child was born May 14, 1933 in Butte, Montana. The parents returned to Mattoon two months ago to make this
city their home. Mrs. Walker before her marriage, was Miss Pauline Crum.
contributed by Carol Kessner (source #8)
From a hand-written copy by Carol's grandma
Oakland Illinois, Coles Co.
Obituary of John William Swinford, son of Solomon Clark & Mary Ann (Rush)Swinford.
Copied from handwritten obituary written by Martha E. (McKnight) Swinford, sister-in-law of John William. John
William was a brother of George Riley Swinford, #2 husband of Martha E. Swinford. Sent by Carol (Swinford) Kessner,
Granddaughter of George Riley and Martha E. Swinford.
John William, son of Solomon Clark and Mary Ann Rush Swinford, was born April 14th 1853 at
the old homestead six miles south of Oakland. Died at his home in Oakland March 23rd, 1924 aged 70 years 11 months
and 9 days. His entire life was spent in and around Oakland.
Mr. Swinford was married Feb. 24th.,1874 to Miss Annie Smith of Kansas Illinois and to this union was born 4 children.
Wm. H. of Terre Haute, Indiana, Albert, Clyde and Mrs. Alma R. Pierson of Oakland, who with wife, 11 grandchildren
and one great grandchild are left to mourn the loss of one whose place in the home and community can not be filled.
Mr. Swinford has been a member of the Christian Church for years, and as long as his health would permit was a
faithful attendant, teaching the Bible class for some time. His life has been one open book, and the people of
this community knew him as an honest & upright citizen. His family knew him as a kind and indulgent husband
and ----(father?) (he who thought no sacrifice to great if he had the means he could be of help to them).
We are going down the valley one by one as we are going toward the setting sun.
May we all live so as to be ready to go as we believe our brother was.
Funeral services were held in the Oakland M.E. Church. Rev. J.P. Cummins Officiating.
Mrs. Cynthia P. Bostwick, wife of one of the proprietors of the Mattoon Gazette,
died at Denver, Col., Dec. 23. Mrs. Bostwick was a daughter of Thomas C. Patrick and when quite young lived with
her parents in Newton on the Leach property near the public school building. January
9, 1889. She was a lady of high literary attainments and for a number of years preceding her death and up to 1885
wrote much for the Gazette, and at all times took a deep interest in temperance, religion, etc. Printed in the
Newton Press, Jasper County, IL on January 9, 1889
(abstract of obit)
Judge A.M. Peterson died at Mattoon Tuesday afternoon after a long illness. Remains
were taken back to Charleston for interment. He was born in Westmoreland Co., PA on Jan 15., 1825, leaving there
in 1845 for Canton, Ohio were he studied medicine. He came to Illinois in 1849, practicing as a physician in Edgar
County, then moving to Newton in 1850. On April 18, 1850, he married Nancy Whalen of Edgar County, a native of
Nelson Co, KY. He studied law and became a lawyer in 1853. He served as Captain of Co. K, 21st I.V.I. in 1861 until
Nov. 1862, resigning due to ill health. In 1863, he moved to Charleston.... Printed in the Newton Press on Sept.
17, 1890
Carter, Joseph - a civil war veteran and former resident of Crooked Creek, [Jasper County], died Tuesday at Mattoon from Bright's disease and was buried Wednesday at the Ward cemetery [in Jasper County], three miles northwest of town, after funeral services at the Coad school house, conducted by Rev. Noah Bunton of Toledo. Newton Press, Nov. 8, 1918
Johnie Watson, a little 4 year old boy, was burned to death in Mattoon from a
fire lighted by him in a pile of shavings. Newton Press, Jasper County, Nov. 4, 1891
Joseph Ashby, of Casey, Coles County, IL, age 77. Death reported 12 Sep 1944,
Newton Press
March 4, 1949, Unknown Newspaper
Contributed by source #4
Oscar Ingram, aged 68 years, formerly of Charleston and Hutton township died in
his home in Mattoon, 1104 N. Tenth St this Friday morning about 5.30 o'clock. His death was due to a cerebral hemorrhage...interment
will be at the Hurricane cemetery.
Mr. Ingram was born in Hutton township on June 4 1880, a son of James and Carrier (Cartwright) Ingram. He married
Myrtle Reed in 1897 and to this union 10 children were born, 4 of whom survive including Earl Ingram of Greenup,
Mrs Opal Hall, Mrs Ida Blevins and Mrs Ollie Osborn, all of Charleston. Mrs. Ingram died in 1918. In 1923 he married
Mrs Delilia Calhoun who survives. He also leaves another daughter Mrs. Esther Webb of Mattoon by his second marriage....
11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; two sisters Mrs Ida Ralston of Hutton township and Mrs Will Cox of
Charleston. Mr Ingram lived in Charleston and Hutton townships until about 4 years ago when he moved to Mattoon
where he was employed with the Brown Shoe Factory, until his health began to fail."
Unknown newspaper, unknown date
Contributed by source #4
Charleston:
Brice Alonzo Anderson aged 77 years, retired farmer of 1611 Eleventh St. died in the Blagg Rest Home following
about 2 months of illness.... the internment will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Mr Anderson leaves a widow, two sons Harry Anderson of Tuscola, George Anderson of Harvey; four daughters Mrs Marie
McCord and Mrs Minnie Perry, both of Harvey, Mrs Mabel Suley and Mrs. Ethel Carrell of Charleston and a half brother
Curtis Anderson of Paris.
GLADYS DAVIS and Mrs. RALPH SHIELDS
Unknown newspaper, 1950
Contributed by source #4
Mrs Gladys Davis, wife of A.T.Davis who is employed at Madison IL as a Nickel
Plate locomotive engineer, passed away at an East St Louis hospital... following surgery. Mrs Davis, aged 51 had
resided in Charleston until moving to Madison in 1935 with her husband.
Mrs Davis' sister, Mrs Ralph Shields of near Charleston, died suddenly at Charleston Hospital. The body of Mrs
Sheilds is also at the Lewis Funeral Home.... a double funeral service will be held. Mrs Davis will be buried in
Mound Cemetery and Mrs Shields in Grant Cemetery, east of Charleston.
Mrs Davis born as Gladys Gordon in Janesville, Ill. on February 8, 1899 as daughter of Walter and Ora Gordon....
she leaves her husband and daughter Mrs Larry (Betty) Kiser of Durand, Ill.
Mrs Shields, wife of Ralph Shields of southeast Charleston was also born in Janesville on June 18, 1905 as Hazel
Gordon. She was married in 1932. She leaves her husband and three sons Ralph Eugene, Dean and Max and a daughter,
Patricia, all at home.
The sisters leave their father Walter Gordon of Mattoon and Lester and Glenn Gordon of Charleston, Francis Gordon
of Mattoon, Mrs Roy (Dorothy) Lineberry of Missouri, Austin Gordon of New Jersey and Mrs Clarence (Anna) Duckworth
of California, brothers and sisters.
Unknown newspaper, unknown date
Contributed by source #4
Miss Louise Poulter, 45 died.... in Charleston.... the burial will be in Mound
Cemetery. Surviviors include her mother and her brother Virgil Poulter, both of Paris; a half brother Harley Poulter,
Sterling, Col. and three half sisters Miss Helen Poulter, Charleston, Mrs Hollis Cline, Neoga and Mrs. Mary J Decker,
Greenup. Her father, Rowe Poulter died several weeks ago.
Unknown newspaper, unknown date
Contributed by source #4
Mattoon: Harland U. Hayes, 61, of near Lerna, collapsed and died of a heart attack
at 9.45 p.m. Friday in the baggage room of the New York Central Railroad station. He had been a baggageman for
the railroad for 10 years.
Unknown newspaper, unknown date
Contributed by source #4
Dr. J.P. Dillard age 78 well-known Charleston resident died in the Charleston hospital.... burial was made in Mound Cemetery. Mr Dillard who had been a resident of this city for a number of years, practiced dentistry here before retiring from the profession. He later entered the grocery business at 1409 Fourth St from which he retired some years ago. He leaves a son Dr. Harry K. Dillard of Warsaw, Ky., two grandsons and several nephews. His wife, the former Miss Mamie Knight, died in June of 1943.
Unknown newspaper, c. 1945
Contributed by source #4
"Mrs. Coleman dies of heart ailment. Dovie Jane Tower, b. 1871 in Crawford
IN, parents Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Tower, surviving brothers Edward and James both of IN. Married George Coleman
Aug 28, 1898. Died aged 74 at her home near Trilla, IL"
Unknown newspaper, Sept. 1916
Contributed by source #4
"Death of Mrs Simon Howard"
Mrs. Margaret Ellen Howard passed away Friday, Sept. 15, 1916 at her home near Janesville, aged 58 years 10 months
and 8 days. Mrs Howard had suffered four months of eczema before death came to her relief. Margaret Ellen Robbins
was born in Indiana November 7, 1857, the daughter of William and Nancy Robbins. She came to Illinois and in 1875
was married to Jackson Landrus. To this union was born one son, who died in infancy. Mr Landrus died in 1877.
She was united in marriage with Simon Howard March 24 1878, to which union ten children were born - three sons
and seven daughters. One daughter, Cora A., preceded her to the grave. The surviving children are Minnie, Thomas,
Lerna; Amanda DeWitte, Trilla; Anna Landrus, Trilla; Mollie Drum, Lerna; Maggie Drum, Lerna; Zora Shores Decatur;
James R. Janesville; Abednago, Janesville. Beside the children, the husband, two sisters and one brother are left
to mourn her loss and a host of friends and neighbors who will miss her, as she always had a good word for everyone.
Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Janesville at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, September 16, conducted
by Rev. F.M.Tate. Interment followed in the Janesville Cemetery
(nee Abigail Robbins)
Unknown newspaper, possible date: Wednesday, 7 Feb 1912
Contributed by source #4
"Aged resident called by death"
Janesville, Ill. Feb 6: Mrs Marion Carter died at her home after a prolonged illness. The family formerly resided
in Lafayette township but moved to this neighborhood several years ago. Mrs Carter was about 67 years old and is
survived by her husband, three daughters, Mrs John Hanrahan of North Okaw township, Mrs Lola Hamilton of Lafayette
Township and Mrs Richard Doyle of Janesville and two sons, Charles Carter of Texas and Will Carter of Missouri,
all of whom were with her when the end came...
Unknown newspaper, possible date: Wednesday, 30 Dec 1914
Contributed by source #4
"Aged Veteran called by death"
Marion Carter, 77 years old, a veteran of the Civil War and an almost lifelong resident of Coles County died this
morning at 5.30 o'clock at the home of his daughter Mrs Lizzie Doyle, east of Janesville. A complication of diseases
is blamed for the death... burial will be made in Mt Tabor Cemetery.
Surviving Mr Carter are three daughters: Mrs John Hanrahan of Coles, Mrs Lulu Hamilton of near Mattoon, Mrs Lizzie
Doyle of near Janesville; two sons, Charles Carter of Texas and William Carter who was heard from when he was in
the state of Kansas.
Special to the Journal - Gazette, c. 1940
Contributed by source #4
Mrs Elizabeth Landrus, 88 died at the home of her son, Hubert Landrus. She had
been ill only a short time. Death was caused by complications due to old age.
Mrs. Landrus as Elizabeth Landrus was born Aug 3 1852, near Leavenworth, Ind, a daughter of Mr and Mrs Isaac Landrus.
She moved to this vicinity when a child and spent the remainder of her life in this section. About 65 years ago,
she was married to Reuben Landrus. He died two and a half years ago. Surviving besides her son are 10 grandchildren,
17 great-grandchildren and a brother Zeke Landrus of Anderson, Mo. Mrs Landrus was a member of the Trilla Methodist
church and a charter member of the local Eastern Star Lodge."
Unknown newspaper, c.1955
Contributed by source #4
Mrs Ada Duckworth, 97 year old Coles County resident died.. in the Wilson-Kaley
Nursing Home after a 10 month illness.... Burial will be made in Mound Cemetery.
Born in Ohio on September 26 1858, Mrs Duckworth came to Illinois when she was a child. Her parents were Amos and
Celia (Mac Clandish) Miner.
Surviving are one son, Archie Duckworth, Charleston; a daughter Mrs Pearl Clark, Oakland, California; a sister
Mrs Jack (Hazel) Palmer, Milwaukee, Wis, a brother Charles Miner, Charleston; 16 grandchildren and several great
and great great grandchildren. Her husband, H. F. Duckworth and three children preceded her in death. Mrs Duckworth
was a member of the Unity Chapel Church."
Unknown newspaper, c.1958
Contributed by source #4
Ross Bickel, 61 year old resident of Lerna, died suddenly this morning at his
home..... due to a heart condition. Mr Bickel was employed as station agent for the Nickel Plate Railroad at Lerna
for the past 43 years. He was born at Jewett on March 17, 1897, a son of Mr and Mrs John Bickel.
Surviving are his wife, Madge; two sons by a former marriage: Rex of Connersville, Ind and Don V. of Cambridge
City, Ind; two brothers Melvin Bickel of Charleston and Ralph Bickel of Marion, Ind, two grandsons and two grandaughters...
Mr Bickel was a member of the Lerna Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Railroad Telegraphers...
the burial will be made in Upper Muddy Cemetery, near Lerna.
Unknown newspaper, c. 1948
Contributed by source #4
"Mrs Oswald Breiling, 46, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Harlan of Charleston,
died in Vallejo Cal .... after an operation. Mrs Beirling was born in Effingham County, April 2 1902. She married
Mr Beirling in St Joseph, Mich about ten years ago. They made their home there until eight years ago when they
moved to California........"
Unknown newspaper, c.1951
Contributed by source #4
Mrs Bessie Poulter, 50, wife of Rowe Poulter, residing at 1420 Olive St died ..
in the Charleston Hospital where she had undergone surgery a few days prior.... The burial will be made in the
Janesville cemetery.
Mrs Poulter was born November 16, 1901 south of Charleston, a daughter of Oscar and Margaret Millage. She married
Rowe Poulter September 6, 1920. Besides her husband, she leaves her mother; three daughters, Helen at home; Mrs
Mary Decker of Greenup and Mrs Jean Cline of near Toledo; a son, Harley of Sterling, Colo; a sister, Mrs Ruth Kimberlin,
Charleston; four brothers, Virgil, Orville and Everett Millage of Champaign and Donald Millage of Albuquerque,
NM and five grandchildren; two stepchildren Louise of charleston and Virgil of Paris. A son, Harold, was killed
during World War II and another son, James Jay died in infancy. Her father also preceded her in death. Mrs Poulter
was a member of the Gold Star Mothers and the Seven Day Adventist Church.
Unknown newspaper, Dec 13 1959
Contributed by source #4
Mrs Stella Goodman, 85, widow of Elmer Goodman, died.. at the Adkins Nursing Home.... She had been ill for the
past year. Burial will be in Mound cemetery. Mrs Goodman was born June 2 1874 near Charleston, a daughter of Frederick
and Emza Cox Cottingham. She was married in February 1893 to Elmer Goodman who died in September 1945.
She is survived by sons, Clyde Goodman, Charleston; Harold Goodman, St Louis; Frederick Goodman, Round Lake; daughters,
Mrs A.K. (Ozita) Cowan; Joliet, Mrs George (Thelma) Beltz, Washington D.C.; sister, Mrs J.E. Milholland, Lawrenceburg,
Ind, and several grandchildren. She was a member of the First Christian Church.
Unknown newspaper, c. 1951
Contributed by source #4
William Owen Drumm, 67, died... in the family home at 820 West Polk St. He had
been ill for four months. Burial will be in the Janesville Cemetery. Mr Drumm was born August 2 1884 in Cumberland
county, a son of William and Roxany Drumm. Surviving are his mother, Mrs Roxany Matheny of Greenup, his wife, Mollie
Drumm; a son, Floyd Drumm, Charleston; three daughters Mrs Margaret Parker, Mrs Opal Parker and Mrs Dorothy Hildebrand,
Charleston; two sisters Mrs Stella Glasener, Jewett and Mrs Zeta Williams Effingham; three brothers Guy Drumm,
Toledo, Ross Drumm, Altamont and Tom Drumm, Greenup; nine grandchildren and one great grandchild."
Mrs Gertie Jane Anderson, 84, widow of w.C. Anderson died... in the home of a
daughter , Mrs Hester Carrell 619 Eighth St. She had been ill for the past year... burial will be at Mt Tabor Cemetery.
Mrs. Anderson was born Sept 11 1874 in Charleston township. Her parents were Elliott and Margaret (Curry) Corbin.
She married W.C. Anderson. He preceded her in death. She had resided in this area all of her life.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs Hester Carrell and Mrs Dorothy Miller, Charleston; a son, Victor Anderson, Charleston;
two sisters Mrs Etta Lee, Charleston and Mrs Susan Birch, Ashmore; five brothers C.C. Corbin, Hamburg; Elliott
Corbin, Olney; Adlai Corbin, Centralia; Urban Corbin, Effingham; and Arthur Corbin of Charleston; six grandchildren,
Robert Carrell, Mrs Lucille Pierce, Jane Ann Anderson and Ronald Anderson of Charleston, Elwood Carrell of San
Jose, Calif and Raymond Carrell of Skokie, and ten great grandchildren. Two brothers preceded her in death. Mrs
Anderson was a member of Mt. Tabor Church.
The Toledo Democrat, June 24, 1948
William Bradford "Brad" Kibler, 27, former Toledo resident, was killed instantly Monday night in an automobile accident a mile north of Hidalgo on Route 130 while on his way home from work. A Jasper county coroner's jury at an inquest on the accident scene ruled accidental death due to a broken neck. Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon in Mattoon.
The victim was alone in the accident and there were no witnesses. Observers theorized that the brand new automobile skidded in a layer of mud deposited on the pavement by a heavy rain. The car went out of control on a curve and struck a tree at a crossroad. The body was thrown clear and was found about 75 feet distant in a ditch on the north side of the intersecting road.
Mr. Kibler was born at Mattoon May 12, 1921, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Van V. Kibler. He was with the Army medical department in this country from Aug. 12, 1942, to Feb. 17, 1946. Before and after the war he was a machinist's helper at the Mattoon Illinois Central Railroad shops. At intervals during the last two years he worked at various jobs in and near Toledo. Last November he assumed ownership and operation of the East End Standard filling station at Greenup. He made his home with his mother, Mrs. Mary G. Kibler and his sister, Miss Pauline Kibler, at Rose Hill.
Surviving are his mother and the two sisters; four brothers, John, E.B. and George
of Mattoon and Max of Gays, and his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Martha Songer of Mattoon.
Richard Cadle, 80 years old, died at Shawneetown, August 7 [1926]. He was a well known hotelkeeper at Charleston and served a term as a member of the State Board of Equalization in the Nineteenth Illinois congressional district, of which Jasper county was a part, nearly 30 years ago. The Newton Press, Friday, August 20, 1926
Contributed by source #9
Sleeps in Peace - April 17, 1902
Funeral Rites Over Remains of Mrs. Martha Jeffries Held Today.
The funeral service over the remains of Mrs. Martha Jeffries, who died
Tuesday night, was held at 2 O'clock this afternoon at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Boyer. Dr. H. H. O'Neal, pastor
of the First M.E. church conducted the service and preached a sermon in keeping with the life and character of
the deceased. The rites were attended by a large number of relatives and friends and many followed the remains
to their final resting place in Mound Cemetery. A further evidence of the general high esteem in which she was
held was shown in the number and beauty of the floral designs.
Martha Chambers was born near Lexington, Ky., on January 8, 1815, the day of the battle of New Orleans. She was
left an orphan at a tender age and when only ten years old was sent to Crawford County, Illinois where she was
reared by her grandfather [Capt. Thomas Gill, Rev. War Soldier]. In June, 1835, she became the wife of John R.
Jeffries, the wedding taking place at Palestine, Crawford County. Mr. Jeffries at the time of his
marriage was a Charlestonian having located here a year or two previous when he established a harness shop on the
west side of the square. He brought his bride here and, for a year, they lived in a house located on the site where
the store of Parker and Co. now stands. The next year in 1836, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffries took up their residence in
the house at what is now the southeast corner of Ninth and Jackson streets and her Mrs. Jeffries lived for sixty-six
years - till the end. It was in this house that all her eight children born; it was here that her husband died
in 1859, the year after the expiration of his term as sheriff; it was here in this house too, that four of her
boys breathed their last. To her, the humble home was a hallowed place, made dear by the events and associations,
the joys and sorrows of a lifetime. For sixty-seven years Mrs. Jeffries had resided in Charleston; she was our
oldest pioneer and one of the city's oldest residents.
When she came here Charleston was a hamlet set down in the wilderness with but a handful of people. An instance
of just how sparse the settlement was may be gathered from the fact that often Mrs. Jeffries stood on her back
porch an watched the deer play in the woods which studded the hill now the site of the Miles home.
Mrs. Jeffries had a splendid memory and her reminiscenses of the people, the scenes and incidents of long ago were
pleasing in the extreme, as she was an interesting talker.
Mrs. Jeffries was practically a life long member of the Methodist church and though she led a quiet and unassuming
life it was marked by usefulness and filled with good deeds and acts of kindness and charity; she was, in very
truth, a mother of Israel and woman beloved and honored by all who knew her. When on her deathbed she expressed
herself as being ready and willing to go whenever her Master called; she realized that it could not be long before
the final summons and was prepared for it. She was conscious to the last and as her children and other members
of the family gathered round at her request, she bade them a sweet, motherly farewell and then sank into eternal
sleep. She is survived by four children. Mrs. E. A. Jenkins, Wm. A. Jeffries, Mrs. W. F. Boyer, and G. H. Jeffries,
all of our city, besides a number of grandchildren and great grand children.
To all of the bereaved ones the sympathy of many friends is extended and especially to William, her older son,
their lives having been linked inseparably for so many years that her loss to him is irreparable. In the death
of "Aunt" Martha Jeffries, Charleston loses not only its oldest pioneer but one of its best women. She
will be missed and mourned by many.
Charleston, Illinois newspaper July 31, 1922
Contributed by source #10
-----------------
Woman Drowns in Well- Mrs. V. Thomas Beavers of Hutton Dies Before Aid Can Reach Her
A sad accident occurred near Salisbury, Hutton Township. Monday forenoon, when
Mrs. Thomas Beavers accidently fell in the well at their home and was drowned. Mrs. Beavers, who was a fleshy woman,
appeared to have gone to the well after water and somehow fell in.
Mr. Beavers, who was ill in the house, missed his wife shortly after and, getting no response to his calls, started
to investigate. He looked in the well and saw her there but being to feeble to aid, called neighbors, who rushed
to help. However, it was too late, as the woman had been dead for perhaps 30 minutes.
A pullmotor was obtained, but it failed to produce any results. The coroner's force was called and an inquest held,
which resulted in a verdict of death from accidental drowning.
The funeral and burial will be held at Wiley Brick this afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Besides her husband, five children survive, as follows: Malcolm Beavers, Ben H. Beavers, Mrs. Grover Blagg, Orie
Beavers and Zepin Beavers. The woman's father, Malcolm Seymour, is a citizen of Ohio. Mrs. Beavers was highly praised
as a mighty good woman, and the accident is a severe shock to her relatives and many friends.
From Unknown Newspaper, Oakland, IL
January 27, 1932
Contributed by source #11
Wm. Bowman Dies Monday
William M. Bowman, aged and respected resident of this city died at the family home on North Pike street, Monday
night about nine o'clock after an illness of not more than thirty minutes. Death was due to heart failure.
Mr. Bowman was in apparent good health earlier in the evening and after reading his paper walked across the living
room, sitting down near a stove. Within a few minutes the first attack seized him. Medical assistance was secured
and after using artificial respiration his heart action became normal. For a short space of time it was thought
his condition had grown better until another sinking spell from which he failed to rally proved fatal.
Mr. Bowman followed a varied career coming to this city in the early days. His business endeavors were many followed
by success in each until some twenty years ago when he retired from active business pursuit and since that time
lived quietly at his home.
Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church, Wednesday afternoon, 2:30 with Rev. R. N. Starn officiating.
Interment was in Oakland cemetery.
OBITUARY
William M. Bowman was born in Somerset, Perry Co., Ohio, August 27, 1849, died at Oakland, Ill., Jan. 25, 1932. Age 82 years, 4 months and 28 days. His father with four children came to Marshall, Ill., where he operated a water power mill and managed an Inn on the Old National Trail. Mr. Bowman, upon leaving home, went to work on the railroad being built between Terre Haute and Peoria. He lived in Oakland with a pioneer family by the name of Wash McConkey, who resided in the Dr. Garvey house, the site now occupied by Dr. Griest.
While living in Jewett, Ill., he met Miss Cordelia Sutliffe from Terre Haute,
in the home of her brother. They were married Dec. 31, 1874. They purchased the house now occupied by Mr. Chas.
Curtis. Their entire married life of 58 years has been spent in Oakland. Mr. Bowman has engaged in various business
activities. He operated a furniture store with Tom McClellan; clothing and millinery store with the late James
Lippincott; real estate and insurance with Tip Gilbert; also a hardware store by himself. He retired from business
about 20 years ago. He built the Bowman addition to Oakland.
He was a trustee of the old Cumberland Presbyterian church; had the honor of being a charter member of the local
Eastern Star and was also a member of the Masonic lodge being treasurer of the local order for a good many years.
He also laid out the new part of the Oakland cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters; Mrs. Lottie Campbell of Oakland and Mrs. Blanche Humphries, of Sandusky,
Ohio; two grandchildren, Mercedes McCarty and Ernest Campbell; six great grandchildren: Jean, Jim, ---- (Living),
and Katherine Campbell and Joe and ---(living) McCarty.
His favorite song was "Lead Kindly Light". His favorite poem was Bryant's "To A Waterfowl".
Upon the wall in his home hangs a picture of a lone waterfowl in its solitary flight to another country, painted
by his daughter. On this picture is printed the verses of the poem. He never tired of reading it.
He had read his Bible through five times. The Sacred Book was a source of great comfort to him. Through its reassuring
message he was ready to give up this life any time. Only a few days before he died he remarked: "I can die
just as easy as I can to into my bedroom and go to sleep". This confidence is an inspiration to us all.
In Mr. Bowman Oakland has lost one of her respected and pioneer citizens. He has bidden adieu to the land of his
long abode.
From Unknown Newspaper Oakland, IL.,
December 12, 1938
Contributed by source
#11
-------------------------
MRS. CORDELIA BOWMAN CALLED TO HER REWARD
Mrs. Cordelia Bowman passed away at her home in this city Monday night at 9 o'clock, following an illness of several
weeks, only a short time of which she was confined to her bed. Mrs. Bowman at the time of her death was aged 86
years. She has been a resident of this city many years and was loved and esteemed by all.
Cordelia Bowman was born on a farm four miles south of Terre Haute, Ind., April 21, 1852, the daughter of pioneer
settlers of Vigo county, Emily St. Clair and Theron Sutliff. She was educated in the Hull country school in Rose
Hill and later studied music in the Sisters Convent in Terre Haute. Mrs. Bowman leaves five brothers: Albert, Nelson,
Riley and Park, of Terre Haute, and Warren Sutliff of Peoria, Ill. A sister, Miriam, wife of Dr. Larkins, of Terre
Haure, preceded her in death six years ago.
She was married to W. M. Bowman, of New Lexington, Ohio, 65 years ago. Mr. Bowman passed on seven years ago next
January. Mrs. Bowman was a great church worker and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. She spent
hours among her flowers and was a lady who thought no evil thoughts and the faults of friends she refused to see.
She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Lottie Campbell and Mrs. Blanche Humphries, both of Oakland, two grandchildren,
Ernest Campbell of Olney, and Mercedes McCarty of Princeton, Ind., and several great grand children. Mrs. Bowman
spent her entire married life in Oakland.
Funeral services were conducted from the J. E. Taber Funeral Home in this city Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 2:00 o'clock,
Rev. S. P. Taylor officiating, assisted by Rev. C. G. Hall. Mrs.Earl Shives and Rev. Hall sang "The End of
the Road" and "Sometime We'll Understand". Pallbearers were Martin Zimmerman, C. W. Hudson, Leonard
Childress, W. A. Reeds, Paul Wright and Ote Campbell. Flowers were in charge of Dr. Lawrence Butcher of Arcola,
Mrs. Ote Campbell, Mrs. C. J. Taber and Mrs. J. E. Taber.
ATTENDED FUNERAL
The following were among the people from out-of-town attending the funeral of Mrs. Cordelia Bowman, Wednesday afternoon:
Walter Childress, Miss Maud Sutliff, Mrs. Lois Shoot, Mrs. Bee Reel Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cutler, of Ashmore;
Charley Newman of Paris; Riley Sutliff, Nelson Sutliff, Albert Sutliff, Park Sutliff, Mrs. Deborah Williams, of
Terre Haute; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Childress and daughters, Jean, Betty Lou, Rosalee and Bonnie, of Newman; Dr.
Maud Gomel, Dr.Lawrence Butcher, of Arcola; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Campbell, of Olney; Mrs. Mercedes McCarty, of Princeton,
Ind.
Monday, March 4, 1907
The Mattoon Journal-Gazette
Contributed by source #12
James Edward Hopper, the eight days old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hopper, 1408
Marshall Avenue, died at the residence Sunday morning, and was buried in Dodge Grove cemetery at 4:30 o'clock Sunday
afternoon.
Monday, March 4, 1907
The Mattoon Journal-Gazette
Contributed by source #12
The funeral of Mrs. Conrad Jann, died Saturday morning, was held this morning
at the church of the -- Conception. The service was conducted by Rev. Father Hig--. The body was interred in Cal---
cemetery in the midst of a driving snow. The relatives who came from other cities to attend the funeral have returned
home.
Thursday, April 19, 1883
Charleston Courier
We were surprised and pained on Tuesday evening to learn of the death of little
Anna, the five year old daughter of Eugene Bradley. About two weeks ago Anna was taken with the mumps, terminating
in a serious effection (sic) of the throat. Nothing serious however was feared until a few moments before her death
when she was seized with a convultion (sic) and passed away before a physician could be summoned. The funeral took
place at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Thursday, April 19, 1883
Charleston Courier
Hall of Hickory Debating Society, Coles County, ILL., April 10, 1883
Whereas, Alfred Ellis was once an honored member of our society, who by his generous, noble and many amiable qualities, won the admiration and love of all his fellow members, and of this entire community, therefore
RESOLVED, That it is with feelings of profound sorrow that we learn of his recent
decease; that we extend our sympathies to his wife, parents and .... (cut off) :-(
Thursday, April 19, 1883
Charleston Courier
Riley Jones of Mattoon, a member of the Royal Templars of Temperance, died on
Monday night, with consumption, and was buried at two o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Thursday April 26, 1877
Charleston Courier
After several months sickness, Ed. Goodrich died last Monday. He was taken down
with consumption almost a year since and from a robust man gradually dwindled away, before he died, to a mere skeleton.
He was about 35 years of age and was a brave soldier in the late war. A man of good impulses, a firm friend his
death will be regretted by his old comrades and acquaintances. May he rest in peace.
Thursday, April 26, 1877
The Charleston Courier
Our fellow townsman, Edward Shaun, is no more. Some time last fall he went to
Florida for the purpose of recuperating his health, but the fell destroyer, consumption, had taken such a firm
hold that he died on the 20th inst. on his way home. He was at Jacksonville and was kindly cared for by the Masonic
fraternity, and the Grand Master of Florida superintended the shipping of his body to this city. Mr. Shaun was
yet a young man, being only 32 years of age. He was an excellent citizen and had many friends here who feel deeply
his loss. It is expected the body will arrive here today and will be buried under the auspices of the masons.
June 2, 1858
Charleston Courier
SAD CASUALTY - The only daughter of Rev. G.W. Riley of Paris, a child some 2 or 3 years old, some ten days since, fell backwards into a pot of hot paste which was being used in papering a room and was so severely scalded as to cause her death last Saturday evening. The affected parents have the warmest sympathies of this community.
May 5, 1858
Charleston Courier
SAD AFFAIR .....Mr. Abraham RHODES, an old and much esteemed citizen of Salisbury,
some eight miles southeast of here, in a temporary fit of insanity, destroyed himself last week by cutting his
throat. Rising just before light he repaired to an old vacant house, and with a case-knife inflicted a horrible
gash across his throat close up to the chin, entirely severing the trachia, and laying bare the arteries and veins,
but not cutting them. Dr. V.R. Bridges was promptly called to his assistance, but with every exertion, was unable
save him, only through a few days of suffering. He would assign no cause for the deed.
Feb. 17, 1858
Charleston Courier
Died in this county on the 18th inst. Mr. Joseph C. Henry, aged 23 years.
Wednesday, December 21, 1853
The Courier
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE - A young man by the name of MUNDEL was killed by being
thrown from his horse, on his way home from this place, on Tuesday last. He came to town for the purpose of paying
what he owed to merchants and others; and after doing so, he visited some place in our town where liquors are vended,
and become intoxicated, and started for home; he had proceeded but a little way out of town, when it is supposed,
his horse took fright at a man who was lying by the road, dead drunk, and the result was, he was thrown and killed.
May 7, 1856
Charleston Courier
DIED - In Terre Haute, on Friday night, 26th ult., after a short illness, Louisa
Y., wife of Dr. Ezra Read, and daughter of Jonathan Young of Paris, Ill
May 7, 1856
Charleston Courier
DIED - in Terre Haute, on the 26th ult. Mary Ann, wife of Isaac Brown, of the
Wabash express
May 7, 1856
Charleston Courier
DIED - In Paris, Ill., Mr. Sam'l Vance, Sr. aged 87. Mr. Vance was one of the
first settlers of Edgar county and original proprietor of the town of Paris.
August 2, 1851
Charleston Courier
DIED - On the 27th inst. after an illness of 10 days, Walter C., youngest son
of Hon. O.B. Ficklin, aged 15 mos.
August 2, 1851
Charleston Courier
DIED - In Edgar Co., on the 29th inst., Mr. John Cline, proprietor of the Charleston
Hotel, of this place, aged about 35.
April 10, 1844
Charleston Courier
DIED - In this place on Saturday the 30th ult., Mr. Goodie Hensley, a resident
of this place.
April 10, 1844
Charleston Courier
DIED - On Sunday the 31st, after a long illness, Mr. John Young, long a resident
of this place.
April 23, 1885
Charleston Courier
We regret to learn that Mr. John Sperry, a brother of Mrs. E.W. Hersey, of this
city, died at Big Station, California, on the 23rd of March last. John left Charleston, when quite a young man
for the El-Dorado, with a number of others of our citizens many years ago, for the purpose of seeking a fortune.
He leaves a wife and an adopted daughter to mourn his loss.
Mrs. P. J. Hostetler, of Bushton, returned on the 15th from Wellington, Kansas, where she had been called by the death of her brother, E.L. Kirkpatrick, who died on the 7th. His death was caused by an abcess on his lungs. He would have been twenty-two years old on the 11th.
---------------
Edward Kirkpatrick, a brother of Mrs. P.J. Hostetler of this place, died at Wellington,
Kansas, a few days ago, delirious fever being the cause of his death. Ed was a noble young man, and left a large
circle of friends at this place
Joseph Winkler, son of Young E. Winkler, died on Friday of last week with lung
fever, and was buried on Sunday. He leaves a wife and four children.
April 22, 1886
Charleston Courier
James Dennis, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Laughlin, died Sunday afternoon
and was buried Monday -- aged two months and eleven days.
April 22, 1886
Charleston Courier
Old man Fred died on Sunday of this week at the residence of his son, S.D. Fred
near Loxa, after a long and painful illness. Mr. Fred was born in Indiana, and was in his sixty-third year.
April 22, 1886
Charleston Courier
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young had the misfortune to lose their only child, a bright
and prepossessing little boy four years of age, on Sunday after noon. The remains were taken to Springfield, Mrs.
Young's former home, for interment.
April 22, 1886
Charleston Courier
Infant daughter of Samuel and Ellen died April 16th [1886] at 4 p.m.
April 6, 1893
Charleston Courier
Mrs. CATHERINE BRADDOCK died Thursday March 30, 1893. Mother of Mrs. Sherman Popham,
Mrs. J.C. Babbs and Mrs. Irene B. Trimble. She was born March 6, 1817 in Maryland and was 76 years old. Two brothers
survive - one Col. Headington. Also, one son, John T. Branddock (sic) of Arkansas.
April 6, 1893
Charleston Courier
Albert, three year old son of the late Dr. R.E. Compton, died on March 26, 1893
at the home of his adopted parents, Mr. and Mrs Silas Shepard in Indianapolis.
April 6, 1893
Charleston Courier
Died Friday, March 31, 1893 at 9:00 p.m., of consumption, Mary A. Maffett, wife
of Frank Maffett. She was the daughter of Sam Shoemaker, deceased. Brothers are William and James Shoemaker. She
was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include her husband and six children. Interred in
Mound Cemetery.
Friday, January 14, 1944
Charleston Daily Courier
Funeral Services for Miss Ruby Bernadine Oakley, 19 years old, daughter of Frank
of Hutto township, were held at Weaver Chapel.
Friday, January 14, 1944
Charleston Daily Courier
Funeral Services for Carl H. Uhler, 87 years old, former Charleston newspaper
publisher, were held at Decatur Thursday with burial there. He was the last of the Uhler family, and lived in Charleston
40 years ago. His mother, Mrs. M.C. Uhler, his daughter, Miss Blanch, a former Charleston school teacher, and son
C.E. (Tad) Uhler, all preceded him in death. He left for Decatur in 1898. He leaves a daughter and three grandchildren
as survivors. [This was recently received from Norman Uhler:
I have a copy of a extensive genealogy written and illustrated
in water colors by him covering over seven generations of his family. I am the youngest of the three grandchildren
listed as survivors. There are minor details in the obituary that are not correct. Blanche & C.E. (Tad) Uhler
were his sister and brother. Carl died January 11, 1944 and is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery in Decatur, Illinois
along with his daughter Mary C. Uhler and son Clarke Murdock Uhler. I would be happy to share information with
anyone interested. I can be contacted by e-mail nsuhler@alltel.net]
Friday, January 14, 1944
Charleston Daily Courier
22 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon E. of Mattoon, was killed in an aircraft
accident in the Hawaiian Islands on January 8. He was a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He was born in
Cooks Mill 1921. Survivors: his parents, three sisters Lavonne, Mary Ellen and Betty, and a brother John Richard.
Friday, January 14, 1944
Charleston Daily Courier
Mrs. Lula Cox, 65, of Jewett, died Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville,
following an illness of two weeks. She was born on Dec. 8, 1878 in Coles, the daughter of Solomon and Mary Miller
Easter. Her husband Solomon Cox died in 1941. She is survived by Mrs. Oscar Sowers, son Harold of Jewett, 4 grandchildren
and a great-great-grandchild. Burial is at Jewett.
April 6, 1893
Charleston Courier
Mrs. Tenbrook, of Paris, the widow of Dr. Tenbrook, died last week. Rev. J. A.
Piper was sent for to conduct the funeral services on Sunday afternoon.
Charleston Daily Courier
Monday, April 4, 1949
Dies at Daughter's Home
Mattoon, April 4 - John Lewis Henley, 81, retired farmer, died at 6 p.m. Saturday
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Rexroat. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday afternoon ....The Reverend
Leland L. Lawrence will officiate with burial in Dodge Grove cemetery. Mr. Henley was born in paradise township
September 22, 1867, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Latsley Henley. He married Almira Ferguson April 19, 1893. She survives.
Other survivors: two sons, Tom E., Marshall Ind., and W.B., Centralia; two daughters, Mrs. Claude Owings and Mrs.
Rexroat, both of Mattoon.
Charleston Daily Courier
Monday, April 4, 1949
Mattoon, April 4 - Mrs. Lillie Riddle, 93, died at her home in Mattoon Saturday after a short illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock at Schilling's funeral home...with burial in Dodge Grove cemetery. Mrs. Riddle was born December 1, 1855 at Troy, Ohio, and moved to Mattoon at the age of 5. She married Harvey Riddle in 1878 in Mattoon. He was a truck gardener and farmer. He died about 16 (?) years ago.
Mrs. Riddle's step-father, T.P.C. Lane, was a Harvard law school graduate and was the first college man in this area. He was also the founder of the Unitarian church here.
Two sons preceded Mrs. Riddle in death - Rollo in 1941 in Mattoon and Lawrence,
who was killed in action in France during the first World war. The Lawrence Riddle unit number 88 of the American
Legion Auxiliary is named for him. Surviving are a daughter Lillian, three grandchildren and a nephew and niece
in Mattoon.
JAMES M. RIDDLE
["Our Best Words", Shelby County, IL - January 1912, p 2 c 3]
James M. Riddle passed from his home, Mattoon, Ill., to his Father’s house of
many mansions, Nov. 17th, 1911. Age, over 91 years. The funeral was at the home on Sunday, Nov. 19. Rev. Jasper
L. Douthit a friend of the deceased for nearly 40 years, officiated, assisted by Rev. Arthur M. Smith, of the Presbyterian
church, Mattoon. Rev. Smith gave the prayer. Mrs. Elizabeth McNair, for many years teacher of music in the public
schools of Mattoon, sang: “Lead Kindly Light” and other songs. Dr. Chas. Boaz of the Baptist church read the
obituary notice as follows:
James M. Riddle was the son of Matthew and Sallie Dole Riddle, both of New Bedford, NH. They came West after
their marriage (in) Hamilton county, Indiana, where James, the oldest son was born, Oct. 31, 1820. This son was
married Nov. 17th, 1843 to Harriet Ogen. In 1856, he brought his family to Mattoon. Of the seven children born
to this marriage, two, Sarah and Jennie have passed away. Mrs. Helen Schzenche who lives near Charleston, Illinois,
was unable to be present on account of illness. The others are Mr. Harvey S. Riddle, and the three daughters,
Carrie, Anna and Hattie, with whom he lived. For many years he had been interested in fruit farming, until obliged
to abandon active employment, because of failing eyesight. Naturally of a sweet, generous disposition, his memory,
in most things good, refused to retain any thing unpleasant. There was nothing for him ever to forgive, for every
thing unpleasant was forgotten. He passed away on the 65th anniversary of his marriage. Altho never entirely free
from pain, he was able to be dressed and be about the home every day until the very morning he dressed himself
and suddenly and peacefully breathed his last.”
“Father Riddle” was truly a noble old man, free from habits that defile the body and dwarf mind and soul. He
had implicit faith in an absolutely good God. He was among the first faithful worshippers at Unity Church, Mattoon.
His life was a benediction to all who knew him. His children rose up to call him blessed and cared for him most
tenderly in his last years. He lived his lifetime on the Sunny Side of Thanksgiving Street, so to speak.
Monday, April 4, 1949
Charleston Daily Courier
Miss Maudie Ellen Miller died Sunday at the County home in Ashmore with burial
in Huckaba cemetery. She was born in Washington County, Indiana on Dec. 14, 1893, the daughter of Henry and Carolyn
[Baumgartle] Miller. She is survived by one brother, Edward of Charleston.
Charleston Daily Courier
PFC. Warren Dale Stitt, son of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Stitt was killed on Okinawa on
June 21, 1945. Burial was in Mound Cemetery.
Monday, April 4, 1949
Charleston Daily Courier
April 4, Mattoon - Cyrus Newton Hopper of Gays, died suddenly at home due to a
heart ailment. Burial in Branchside cemetery. He was born Oct. 25, 1872 in North Okaw twp to Mr. and Mrs. Riley
Hopper. He married Suzan Price in Charleston in 1895. Survivors: his widow, five sons: Donald, Horace, Jess, Russell
all of Gays and Zale of Mattoon; two daughters, Mrs. Cassell Paris and Mrs. Edgar Mitchel of Gays.