Newspaper Items
for
Livingston County, IL
presented by Illinois Genealogy Trails
Newspaper Items
for
Livingston County, IL
presented by Illinois Genealogy Trails
Pontiac - The Illinois hotel at Fairbury burned. Guests escaped without injury. Insurance of $24,000 will cover
all losses. (Friday, December 12, 1913 - Ste. Marie Tribune, Jasper
County, IL - Transcribed by K. Torp)
Pontiac - The 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. William Fairfield of Pontiac was celebrated. Their ages are 86 and 78 respectively. (Friday, December 12, 1913 Ste. Marie Tribune, Jasper County, IL - Transcribed by K. Torp)
Pontiac - Charles Page, 55, a painter, after attempting to kill his wife and son here, committed suicide by shooting.
[The Sainte Marie Tribune, Jasper County, IL - Friday, Jan. 23, 1914
- Transcribed by K. Torp]
SQUIRE [WILLIAM] BURRELL,
FOR HALF A CENTURY WELL KNOWN HERE, IS DEAD
Venerable Resident of Reading Township Passes Away Following Stroke of Paralysis--Was Veteran of the Civil War.
Squire Burrell is dead.
That was the message that was spread about the streets this morning and shocked the entire community. But few people,
other than the immediate relatives of the family, knew Mr. Burrell was ill. Death came this morning at 12:30 as
the result of a blood clot on the brain, bringing about paralysis. He was stricken Friday morning, and the end
came peacefully.
For the last few days Mr. Burrell refused to acknowledge he was seriously ill, and was anxious to get about and
attend to his usual duties. It was only the orders of the attending physician and the watchfulness of his daughters
that kept him to his bed. Later on he became unconscious and passed away quietly shortly after midnight. In the
passing of Mr. Burrell the community has lost a familiar figure. For over half a century he has been a resident
of Livingston county, and has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community. That he was upright and honest
in all his dealings is attested by the fact that he was repeatedly honored by his fellow men in election positions
of trust.
Was Friend in Need
No weather was too stormy, the roads were never too bad, for Mr. Burrell to go to the assistance of a friend in
need. His character was of the affectionate order, and he was always ready to render a service to the more unfortunate,
even when it cost him an unusual effort or exposed him to danger. One morning, twenty-two years ago, he nearly
lost his life in a effort to save a companion. The group of men had started to walk to Reading to vote. While crossing
a railroad bridge, one of the men slipped and fell between the ties. Mr. Burrell heard the man's cries, and seeing
the man's danger, and also seeing a train bearing down, without hesitation hurried back to assist the man. He got
the man from the ties, but the engine struck Mr. Burrell, throwing him off the right of way. In the fall the man
rescued was instantly killed, and Mr. Burrell received injuries that kept him in the hospital for many weeks, and
from which he has since been a cripple.
Wile more than 80 years of age, Mr. Burrell has been remarkably healthy. The only time he was ever incapacitated
from attending to this usual occupation was at the time he was struck by the train, and when he was severely burned
when his home burned down. Last week he was working about his home, planning on various improvements, and it is
barely possible his fatal illness was brought about by exertion. Few men were better known in Streator, or in Livingston
county than the decedent.
Born in Ohio
William Burrell was born near Xenia, Putnam County, Ohio, July 24, 1842. When a young man he ran away from home
and enlisted in the army. His enlistment was dated August 20, 1861, and was for a period of three years, or until
the war was ended. He saw service in many engagements. On December 31, 1863, he received an honorable discharge.
This discharge was issued at Indianola, Texas, and was granted that hold re-enlist. His new company, which he was
assigned to on January 1, 1864, was Company G, 33rd Illinois Veterans Infantry. He continued a member of this company
until given his honorable discharge at Vicksburg, Miss., on November 24, 1865. It is interesting to know that the
descendent was a part of the forces that besieged Vicksburg during the last days of the war, and was one of the
first to enter the city.
Located in Illinois
It was not surprising that after associating with Illinoisans for so many years Mr. Burrell should select this
state as his residence at the close of the hostilities. He settled in Livingston county in Indian Grove, midway
between Chenoa and Fairbury. Here he was united in marriage with Amelia A. Cooper, the ceremony being performed
at Chenoa, on May 9, 1867.
About 48 years ago Mr. Burrell moved to Reading township, and engaged in teaming and contracting. This occupation
he followed for a number of years, but finally went into the coal mining business, taking coal from his farm land,
just south of the present city limits. For the past thirty years he has lived a semi retired life, but during that
time he has been justice of the peace for Reading township, and in that office found much to occupy his time. Thus
it was he gained the title "Squire" by which he was so well known.
For forty years the family has occupied the same house on Hawthorne Road.
Was Deputy Coroner
In addition to being justice of the peace, Mr. Burrell has served for many years as deputy coroner. He was also
prominent in republican politics, and was central committeeman for years. Few men are given this privilege of living
to such an age, and enjoy such good health, and few have the pleasure of such a broad acquaintance as did the decedent.
Mrs. Burrell died thirteen years ago. Surviving the loving father are the following children: Daniel, of Kankakee,
Arlie D., of Pontiac; Mrs. Lulu G. Reed, and Miss Myrtle Burrell, of Streator. Also one grandson, William Reed.
All the relatives were at the bedside when the end came. The funeral will be held from the late residence on Thursday
afternoon, with services at 2:00 o'clock. Interment will be in Riverview cemetery. Mr. Burrell was a member of
the M.E. church. (The Daily Independent Times-Streator Livingston
County, IL 16 Oct 1922 Page 1, col. 7 & 8 - Submitted by Teri Parr, ILMasterGardener@insightbb.com)
William B. Swift
Henry Republican, Henry, IL
February 18 1915
Last week we spoke of Harry Mattison and wife having gone to Pontiac to see her parents, both of whom were ill.
Below we give an obituary taken from the Pontiac Leader of her father, who was a brother of Clark Swift of this
city (Henry), and of the late James P. Swift of Wheatland township, Bureau county:
William B. Swift was born Dec. 9, 1827, in Madison county, N. Y., the son of Philander and Arzilla Swift, he being
the fourth son of a family of 11 children, which grew to manhood and womanhood, all having preceded him in death
except his younger brother, Clark Swift of Henry. He came to Illinois with his parentis when a boy 15 years of
age, settling near Whitefield, Marshall county, where he grew to manhood. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Taylor, March 10, 1859. To this union were born three children: Mrs. Ida J. Mattison of Henry, Ill., Royal F. Swift
of Rook’s Creek, Ill., and a son, who died in infancy. He moved with his family to Livingston county, settling
on a farm near what is now the town of Fraymont, in the spring of 1869, where he lived until on account of the
infirmities of age he went to make his home with his son Royal F. swift, in Rooks Creek township, Oct. 21, 1913,
at whose home he passed away at 7:15 o’clock Wednesday evening, Feb. 10, 1915, aged 87 years, 2 months and 1 day,
death being due to the infirmities of age. He leaves to mourn his loss his aged companion, one brother, the above
named children and five grandchildren. The funeral was held from the Rooks Creek church at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb.
13, Rev. M. D. Obenshain, pastor of the M. E. church at Flanagan, officiating. Interment was in the Rooks Creek
cemetery. [Submitted by Nancy Piper]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
November, 25, 1946
Mrs. Amy Teresa Myer
Mrs. Amy Teresa Myer, 65, died at her home in Eppards Point Township at 4:15 p.m. yesterday. She had been ill more
than 10 years.
Funeral services will be at the Raleigh J. Harris funeral home, Pontiac, at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Leslie R.
Stewart, pastor of the Cornell Methodist Church, will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home after tomorrow
noon.
She was born Nov. 19, 1881, in Woodford County, daughter of Lewis and Georgeann (Huxtable) Reed. She has lived
in Eppards Point Township about 55 years.
She and Nelson DeBird Myer were married in Pontiac, Feb. 24, 1904. She was a member of Center Methodist Church
and was active in church affairs in her community.
Survivors are her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Alberta E. Asper and Mrs. LaVerne Studebaker, both of Pontiac; a
sister, Mrs. Nora Sandiford, Kankakee; two brothers, G. E. Reed and Harry M. Reed, both of Pontiac, and five grandchildren.
A brother Elmer Reed preceded her in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
August 17, 1954
N.D. Myer
Dies Here;
Funeral Thursday
Nelson DeBird Myer, 73, an Eppards Point Township retired farmer, died at 6 a.m. today at the Redlich Nursing Home
here. He had been ill two years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Raleigh J. Harris Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul McCleary
of the Center Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Payne Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Mr. Myer was born in Eppards Point Township on July 9, 1881, a son of Nelson Jay and Elizabeth (McElhiney) Myer.
He attended Eppards Point schools and lived in that township until he retired from farming.
He was married to Amy Theresa Reed at Pontiac on Feb. 24, 1904. She died in 1946. After that, Mr. Myer made his
home with his daughter, Mrs. Alberta Asper, Gibson City.
Mr. Myer was a member of the Center Methodist Church and of the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Laverne Studebaker, Pontiac, and Mrs. Asper. Eppards
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Pantagraph, Bloomington, IL
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Ada L. Brock
PONTIAC - Ada L. Brock, 103, a resident of Evenglow Lodge the past 10 years, died at 2:10 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 11,
2005) at Tjardes Health Care Center, Pontiac.
Her funeral will be at noon Friday at the First Baptist Church, Pontiac, the Rev. James O. Wolfe III officiating.
Burial will be in South Side Cemetery, Pontiac. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. Harris-Martin-Burke
Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. The family suggests memorials be made to her church or a charity
of the donor's choice. A memorial service will also be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Evenglow Lodge.
Ada was born Sept. 12, 1901, at Eppard's Point Township, Livingston County, a daughter of J. Elmer and Lena Osborn
Reed. She married Leslie M. Brock on May 1, 1924, at her country home, where she resided all her life until moving
to Evenglow. He preceded her in death on Nov. 14, 1967.
Survivors include one daughter, Jeanette Benedict, Morton; one grandson Brock Benedict; two great-grandchildren,
Jeff Benedict and Nickie Roth; and five great-great-grandchildren, Jaykob and Jessie Kiefer, Zack Moulton, Tanner
Benedict and Addison Benedict. She also is survived by her Evenglow family; her first Baptist Church family, where
she was the oldest living member; and her community and farm families, where she was deeply admired and loved.
Ada was educated in rural Reed school and attended Pontiac High School. She was employed at Pontiac Elks Club for
several years. She was an 85-year member of the First Baptist Church, Pontiac; the Dorcas Circle of the church;
AARP; and she and her husband belonged to the Chief City Saddle Club.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, IL
Nov. 14, 1967
Leslie Brock
Rites Thursday
Leslie Brock, 72, Pontiac route 1, died at 5:15 a.m. today at St. James Hospital. He had been in failing health
two years.
His funeral will be Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Raleigh J. Harris Funeral Home. The Rev. Peter Borzeka of the First
Baptist Church and the Rev. C. F. Kerr of Woodstock will officiate. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Brock was born Aug. 11, 1895 at Cisne, a son of William and Maude (Pyle) Brock. He was married to Ada Reed
on May 1, 1924. He farmed from 1930 until 1965 when he retired because of ill health. He was road commissioner
in Eppards Point Township from 1955 until 1967.
He served in the Army during World War I. He was a member of the Baptist Church and the American Legion.
Surviving are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. David (Jeanette) Benedict, Morton; a grandson, Brock Benedict, Morton;
his mother, Mrs. Maude Brock; four sisters, Mrs. Eva Quinn, Anderson, Ind.; Mrs. Helen Snyder, Flora; Mrs. Kathryn
McNely, Champaign, and Mrs. Pearl Tibbs, Evansville, Ind.; three brothers, Hubert, Muncie, Ind.; Raymond, Chicago,
and Robert, Chenoa.
His father preceded him in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Mrs. Agnes Conger
Mrs. Agnes Conger, 82, died at 6:10 p.m. Sunday at the home of her son, Clifford,
two miles west of Strawn, of heart ailment. The funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the home and at 2 p.m.
at the Sibley Methodist Episcopal church. Burial was in Mt. Hope cemetery, Sibley.
She was born at Wyandotte, O., June 29, 1853, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hunt and as a small girl came with
her parents to Illinois, settling near Saybrook.
They were the parents of seven sons, of whom four survive. They are Elzie of Brighton, Colo.,; Jay and Clifford
of Strawn; Chester of Waterloo, Iowa. There are eleven grandchildren and the following sisters and brother: Mrs.
Emma Flint, Mrs. Ida Garrett and Mrs. Louise Thrasher, all of Bloomington; Mrs. Mary Thrasher of Towanda and James
of Saybrook.
[Unknown Newspaper, Feb 27, 1936, transcribed by K. Torp]
Fern Almeda Jane Webber Reed
wife of Frank Harold Reed
Pontiac Daily Leader
Fern A. J. Reed, 97, a resident of Fairview Haven, Fairbury, and formerly of Pontiac, died at 6:29 p.m. Wednesday
March 9, 2005, at the nursing home. Her funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Harris-Martin-Burke Funeral
Home, Pontiac, the Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh officiating. Burial will be in Rooks Creek Cemetery, rural Pontiac.
Friends may call one hour prior to the service Saturday at the funeral home. She was born Jan. 3, 1908, in Pontiac
Township, the daughter of Albert J. and Emma J. (Niergarth) Webber. She married Frank H. Reed on Sept. 29, 1929,
at Bloomington. He died March 19, 1994. Surviving are two daughters, Janet Metz, Fairbury, and Joan (Jim) Brown,
Chillicothe; seven grandchildren, Roxann (Mike) Reilly, Renee (Ron) Soper, Rick (Chris) Metz, Robin (Leroy) McPherson,
Melanie (Randy) Reed, Stephanie (Carl) Reavley and Valerie (Matthew) Reny; several great-grandchildren; and numerous
great-great-grandchildren.
Frank Reed and Fern (Webber) Reed Celebrate 55 Wedding Anniversary (Frank Reed is a son of George Edward Reed and
Mary Sophia (Vilven) Reed). October 1, 1984 - Pontiac Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Frank and Fern Reed, 28 Oakland Drive, observed their 55th wedding anniversary on Saturday, September 29, with
a family dinner at The Elms in El Paso. Seventeen members of their family were present from Fairbury, Chillicothe,
Washington, and Pontiac. Mr. and Mrs. Reed are parents of two daughters: Mrs. James (Joan) Brown of Chillicothe,
and Mrs. Harold (Janet) Metz of Fairbury. They also have seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Monday, December 16, 1968
Mrs. Maude Reed
Funeral Tuesday
Mrs. Harry (Maude) Reed, 84, 117 Humiston St., died Saturday at 8:15 p.m. at Humiston Haven.
Her funeral will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Raleigh J. Harris funeral home. The Rev. John Hansen, interim pastor
at the First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Mrs. Reed was born July 10, 1884, in Eppards Point Township, a daughter of Warren and Eva (Sweet) Osborn. She was
married to Harry Reed on Nov. 27, 1902 in Eppards Point Township. He died in 1956.
Surviving are a son, Russell; five sisters, Mrs. Lena Reed and Mrs. Eunice Cutter, both of Pontiac; Mrs. Jennie
Green, Forrest; Mrs. Mary Christie, Kokomo, Ind., and Mrs. Dora Fisk, Payette, Idaho; a brother, Murray Osborn,
Chenoa; three grandchildren, Homer, Anita and Roger Reed, Pontiac, and four great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Monday, May 14, 1956
Harry Reed
Dies at Hospital
Funeral Tuesday
Harry M. Reed, 75, 117 Humiston Street, died at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at St. James Hospital. He had been in failing
health for several years.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Raleigh J. Harris funeral home, with Dr. C. C. Brown officiating.
Burial will be in South Side cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Mr. Reed was born June 21, 1880, near Eureka, a son of Lewis and Georgann (Huxtable) Reed. He moved to Eppards
Point in 1891 and farmed there until 1936, when he moved to Pontiac.
He was married to the former Nellie Maude Osborn, of near Chenoa, in 1902.
He was a member of the First Baptist church.
Survivors are his wife; a son, Russell, Eppards Point; three grandchildren; a great-grandson, and a sister, Mrs.
Nona Sandiford, Kankakee.
A sister, Mrs. Amy Myer, and two brothers, Elmer and Edward, preceded him in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, IL
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002
Helen M. Taylor
The funeral for Helen May Taylor, 96, a resident of Tjardes Health Care Center at Evenglow Lodge, will be at 11
a.m. Thursday at Harris-Martin-Burke Funeral Home. Pastor Grail Storm will officiate. Burial will be in South Side
Cemetery.
Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Thursday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Taylor died at 9:45 Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, at Tjardes Health Care Center, Evenglow Lodge, Pontiac.
She was born May 5, 1905, in rural Pontiac, the daughter of George Edward and Mary (Vilven) Reed. She married Otis
L. Weber in 1924. She later married George A. Schott. She then married Charles E. Taylor.
Survivors include three sons, Gerald Weber and Wayne Weber, both of Pontiac and Ronald Schott of Carlock; one daughter,
Mary Hamilton of Pontiac, 13 grandchildren, Gloria Johnson, Shirley McCrady, Jamie Weber, Greg Weber, Gary Weber,
Steve Weber, Vicki Doughan, Diane Welshans, Mark Weber, Sue Storm, Mike Weber, Joyce Eggenberger and David Hamilton;
24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Two daughters, one in infancy, one son, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
Mrs. Taylor attended Reed School and graduated from Pontiac Township High School.
She was a homemaker.
Mrs. Taylor was a member of Pontiac First United Methodist Church. She had taught Sunday school and was a member
of a church circle.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Otis Weber
(Note: Otis' 1st wife was Helen May Reed. Helen was a daughter of George Edward Reed and Mary Sophia (Vilven) Reed).
January 6, 1971 - Pontiac Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois Otis Weber, 68, Dies; Rites Friday
Otis Lee Weber, 68, 9117 East Livingston Street, died Tuesday about 2:30 after suffering an apparent heart attack
in downtown Pontiac. He was dead on arrival at St. James Hospital.
His funeral will be Friday at 1 P.M. at the Raleigh J. Harris Funer al Home with the Rev. GlennIoder of the Methodist
Church officiating. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 to 9 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Weber was born May 15, 1902, in Pontiac, a
son of George and Lucinda (Irons) Weber. He married Sadie Howell September 23, 1955, at Streator.
He was a trucker in Pontiac for many years.
Surviving are his wife; three sons by a previous marriage: Gerald, Wilbur, and Wayne, Pontiac; a stepdaughter:
Mrs. Virgil Dixon, Pontiac; a sister: Mrs. Lon Campbell, Odell; two brothers: Elmer, Martinton; and George, Graymont;
and 15 grandchildren.
Five brothers, three sisters and a daughter preceded him in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, IL
Mon., February 5, 1979
Lena Reed
Mrs. Lena E. Reed, 97, Pontiac, Route 1, died at 7:15 p.m. Sunday at her home, where she had lived since 1900.
Her funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Raleigh J. Harris Funeral Home, with the Rev. Stanley Murdoch officiating.
Burial will be in South Side Cemetery.
Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Mrs. Reed was born Dec. 26, 1881, at Cloud County, Kansas, a daughter of Warren and Eva (Sweet) Osborn. She attended
rural schools near Ocoya and she was married to J. E. Reed Sept. 6, 1900 near Ocoya. He died Aug. 21, 1929.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ada Brock, rural Pontiac; a sister, Mrs. Eunice Cutter, Pontiac; a brother, Murray
Osborn, Chenoa; a granddaughter, Mrs. Jeanette Benedict, Morton; a great-grandson, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Four sisters preceded her in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Thursday, August 22, 1929
John Elmer Reed
J. Elmer Reed, a well known farmer of Eppards Point Township, died at his farm home Wednesday afternoon, August
21, at 3:15 o'clock following an illness of eight months.
Mr. Reed was born in Woodford County, Illinois, October 7, 1876, son of Lewis and Georgeann (Huxtable) Reed. His
early life was spent in the vicinity of his birth, attending the Deer Creek schools. In 1891 his parents removed
to Eppards Point Township, where he completed his education. He then engaged in farming, which he had followed
all during his active life. He was united in marriage to Lena E. Osborn, of near Chenoa, on September 6, 1900,
and they at once took up their residence on the farm where Mr. Reed's death occurred.
Mr. Reed is survived by his wife, a daughter, Mrs. Ada Brock, and a granddaughter, Jenette Brock. He is also survived
by his mother, Mrs. Lewis Jacob Reed, of this city; two brothers, G. E. and H. M. Reed, of this city, and two sisters,
Mrs. N. D. Myers, of this city, and Mrs. Mona Sandiford, of Kankakee.
Mr. Reed was a member of the Baptist Church at Ocoya and was also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Friday afternoon, August 23, from the Reed family home, conducted
by Rev. C. F. Kerr, pastor of the First Baptist Church of this city. Burial will be in the South Side Cemetery,
Pontiac, with the Modern Woodmen in charge.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Lewis Jacob Reed
Obituary - January 8, 1927 - Pontiac Daily Leader
L.J. Reed's Obit
(provided by C. Pickard)
L. J. Reed passed away at the family residence, 319 West Lincoln Street, Friday afternoon at three o'clock. His
death was due to pneumonia, he having been ill but five days.
Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at one o'clock from the First Baptist Church, conducted by Rev.
William Cowan Boyd, formerly past or of that church. Burial will occur in the South Side Cemetery.
The deceased was a native of the state of Ohio, having been born at Shelbyville in that state February 8, 1851.
His parents were Joseph and Polly (Freese) Reed. At the age of five years he came westward, locating with h is
parents in Tazewell County. He was united in marriage to Georgie Ann Huxtable, of Tazewell County, October 26,
1873, and together they took up residence on a farm. In 1891 they moved to Eppards Point Township, Livingston County,
where they resided until 1902, when they removed to this city and have since lived a retired life.
Mr. Reed is survived by his wife and the following children, G. E. Reed, J. E. Reed, H. M. Reed, Mrs. Amy Myer,
all of Pontiac and Mrs. Nana Askew, of Kankakee.
Two brothers died in infancy and William Reed four years ago.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Mabel Ann (Reed) DeGroodt
October 27, 1975 - Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Mrs. DeGroodt
Mabel Ann DeGroodt, 77, 1201 North Chicago Street, Apartment 6B, died at 3 P.M. Sunday at Loyola Hospital, Maywood.
She had been ill for months. Her funeral will be at 2 P.M. Wednesday at the First United Methodist
Church with the Rev. Glenn Loder and Rev. David Bultemeier officiating. Burial will be in South Side Cemetery.
She was born June 11, 1898, in Eppards Point Township, a daughter of G. E. and Mary (Vilven) Reed. She attended
Reed School and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. She married George T. DeGroodt March 18, 1919, at
Pontiac. He died in 1958. A member of the First United Methodist Church, Mrs. DeGroodt taught the Gleaners Sunday
school class and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She also was a charter member of the Livingston County
Home Extension and member of the North Side Club and the Jolly 24 Saunemin.
The DeGroodts farmed in the Pontiac and Saunemin area for many years. Surviving are six daughters: Mrs. Ralph (Gladys)
Outman, Mrs. Bruce (Myrtle) Nicola, Mrs. Millard (Norma) Ferguson, Jr. Mrs. Raymond (Thelma) Scott, and Mrs. Russell
(Sandra) Fearman, all of Pontiac, and Mrs. Donald (Marjorie) Shubert, Saunemin, two brothers: Vernon and Frank
Reed, both of Pontiac; one sister: Mrs. Charles Taylor, Pontiac, 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, and two grand daughters.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Tuesday, May 6, 1958
George DeGroodt
Dies Unexpectedly;
Rites Wednesday
George Tomson DeGroodt, 65, Saunemin, route four, died at his home at 12:30 p.m. Monday, of a heart attack.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Raleigh J. Harris funeral home with the Rev. Walter Krech of
the Saunemin Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in South Side cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today.
Mr. DeGroodt was born July 7, 1892, near Graymont, the son of Rudolph and Gertie (Gerdsen) DeGroodt. He attended
rural schools and lived near Pontiac most of his life. He moved to his home near Saunemin 13 years ago where he
farmed.
He was married to Mabel Reed March 18, 1919. Mr. DeGroodt was a member of the Eylar Methodist Church.
He is survived by is wife; six daughters, Mrs. Gladys Oltman, Pontiac route four; Mrs. Myrtle Nicol, Pontiac route
five; Mrs. Norma Obert, Pontiac; Mrs. Thelma Scott, Pontiac; Mrs. Marjorie Shubert, Saunemin; Sandra, at home;
and 14 grandchildren.
Also surviving are a brother, Ralph DeGroodt, Bloomington; three sisters, Mrs. Anna Wiggins, Mrs. Thelma Zimmerman
and Mrs. Mary Westermeyer, all of Pontiac.
He was preceded in death by two daughters, two grandsons, three brothers and a sister.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Mary Sophia Vilven Reed
(wife of George Edward Reed)
Copy of Obituary dated 7/16/1952 newspaper not known.
(provided by C Pickard)
Mrs. Mary Sophie Vilven age 79 of Pontiac rt 4, died at 8:30pm on 7/15/19 52 at the Ferguson nursing home. She
had been in failing health the past 16 months and seriously ill for three weeks.
Funeral services will be held at 2pm Wednesday at the Raleigh J. Harris Funeral home. Rev Clifford C. Brown, pastor
of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be at the Memorial Park cemetery.
Mrs. Reed was born March 28, 1873 near Flanagan, the daughter of John and Ann (Pickard) Vilven. She attended country
schools and moved to Pontiac when a Young girl. She has lived on the same farm south of Pontiac since she was married
to G. E. Reed more than 55 years ago. They were married on June 10, 1897 south of Pontiac.
Survivors include her husband; two sons, Vernon and Frank of Pontiac; two daughters, Mrs. George DeGroodt of Saunemin
and Mrs. George Schott, of Rowe; two brothers Charles and Lee Vilven of Pontiac and two sisters Mrs. Victor Kelly
and Mrs. Jessie Kipfer of Pontiac; 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
She was proceeded in death by two brothers Tom and Ernest and one sister, Mrs. Daisy Brown. Mrs. Reed was a member
of the Pontiac Methodist Church. (taken from article in Unknown paper dated 7/16/1952).
George Edward Reed
Obituary Notice (name of paper not known) dated 2/12/1953
G. E. Reed, 78 of Eppards Point, dies; funeral Saturday
G.E. Reed of Eppards Point township died at 3:15am today in St James Hospital. He had been ill two weeks. Funeral
services will be held at 2pm on S Saturday at the Raleigh J Harris Funeral Home. The Rev. Clifford C. Brown of
the First Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral
home after 1pm Friday.
George Edward Reed was born Sept 27, 1874 near Eureka IL, the son of Lew is Jacob and Georgann (Huxtable) Reed.
He was educated in the country schools of Woodford and Livingston Counties. He came to Eppards Point in 1891 and
was a farmer there until his death. He was a director of Farmers Elevator since Sept 9, 1916, and president of
the company since Oct 2, 1937. He was a member of the Pontiac Methodist Church. Ed also served as the Justice of
the Peace for many years in Eppards Point Township. He was married to Mary S. Vilven south of Pontiac on June 10,
1897. She died on July 6, 1952.
Survivors are: Vernon and Frank, both of Pontiac; two daughters, Mrs. George DeGroodt of Saunemin and Mrs. George
Schott of Rowe; one brother Harry of Pontiac, and one sister, Mrs. Nona SandiFord, of Kankakee; 15 grandchildren
and 12 great grandchildren. A brother Elmer and a sister Mrs. Amy Myer proceeded him in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Richard Arlen Reed
(Note: Richard was the son of Vernon Reed, who was the son of Mary Vilven Reed who was the daughter of Ann Pickard
Vilven.)
(provided by Susan Storm)
The Daily Leader, Pontiac, IL
Richard Arlen Reed, 72, of Nashua, NH, and a native of Pontiac, died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 5, 2005, at his
residence. His funeral will be at Davis Funeral Home, Nashua, at 10 a.m. Friday. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery,
Nashua. Friends may call today, Thursday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. He was born October
30, 1933, at Pontiac, the son of Vernon and Jean (Hobart) Reed. He married Elizabeth Taylor Nov. 8, 1958. He had
resided in Nashua since 1961, and previously lived in Chicago. In addition to his wife, Liz, of 47 years, he is
survived by one son, Roy T. Reed, Medford, MA; one daughter, Cathy (Evan) Chicklis, Nashua; four grandchildren,
Bryon R. Chicklis, Camille M. Chicklis, Miranda B. Chicklis, and Ian B. (Meredith) Chicklis, all of Nashua; and
one brother, Roy R. Reed, Pontiac.
Text Omitted
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Vernon V. Reed
October 1985 - Pontiac Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Vernon V. Reed
Vernon V. Reed, 84, Pontiac, Route 1, died at 2:30 A.M. today, Tuesday, October 29, 1985, at St. James Hospital.
He had been in failing health several months.
The funeral will be held Thursday at 11 A.M. at Raleigh J. Harris Funeral Home with the Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh
of the Pontiac First Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Mr. Reed was born April 17, 1901 in Eppards Point Township, a son of George and Mary (Vilven) Reed. He was educated
in Pontiac area schools. He married Jean Hobart at Pontiac on January 10, 1925.
He was a lifetime farmer in Eppards Point Township, retiring in 1968. He also was auditor for that township for
many years.
Mr. Reed was a Methodist. He was a charter member of the Central States Threshermen's Reunion and was a member
of the Pontiac Moose Lodge.
Survivors included his wife, two sons: Roy of rural Pontiac, and Richard of Nashua, N.H.; one brother: Frank of
Pontiac; one sister: Helen Taylor of Pontiac, and two grandchildren. One sister preceded him in death.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
Jean Reed (Hobart)
wife of Vernon V. Reed
December 1992 - Pontiac Daily Leader, Pontiac, Illinois
Jean Reed
The funeral of Jean Reed, 88, of R.R.#1, Pontiac, will be at 11 A.M. Saturday at Harris-Martin-Burke Funeral Home,
Pontiac.
The Rev. George Russell will officiate. Burial will be a Memorial Park Cemetery, Pontiac. Visitation will be from
5 to 8 P.M. today at the funeral home.
Mrs. Reed died at 2:45 P.M. Wednesday (December 16, 1992) at Good Samaritan Home, Flanagan.
She was born October 7, 1904, near Fairbury, a daughter of Joseph G. and Edna Mack Hobart. She married Vernon V.
Reed January 10, 1925, in Pontiac. He died October 29, 1985.
Surviving are two sons: Roy, R.R.#1, Pontiac; and Richard, Nashua, N.H .; three sisters: Josephine Carlock, Pontiac;
and Zemma Rayburn and Ferne Hobart, both of Bloomington; one brother: Gilbert Hobart, Fairbury; two grandchildren;
and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers.
Mrs. Reed, a farm wife, was educated in rural schools. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Pontiac,
Women of Moose, Wimodausis Club, and Women's Home Extension. She was a charter member of Ladies Auxiliary of the
Central States Threshermen's Reunion, of which she was treasurer for many years.
[Submitted by Michelle Abrajano]
©2007 K. Torp
Illinois Genealogy Trails