MACOUPIN COUNTY ENQUIRER - September 25, 1912 - DIES IN HIS MOTHER'S ARMS

SAD CASE AT STAUNTON IS PROBED BY CORONER KARNES

Infant Passed Away While Parents Were Taking Him to Office of Physician Coroner D. H. Karnes went to Staunton Friday morning to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of little Gustave Schultz who died in his mother's arms early Friday morning while his parents were taking the little one to a physician's office for treatment.

The father of the infant testified that Gustave had been ill for several days and that they had given it milk and blackberry brandy as medicine. This mixture did no good however, and Friday morning about 5 o'clock they started to the doctors office with the infant. On the way they noticed that the baby was alive but just before they reached the office the little one died in his mother's arms. The frantic parents rushed into the office but the doctor announced that nothing could be done to restore the child. Gus Schultz the father of the baby is a miner.

After hearing the evidence the coroner's jury brought in a verdict that the baby had died of cholera infant. Donated by src#2

From the Carlinville Free Democrat, November 29, 1859 - CALVIN RUTHERFORD

Mr. Calvin Rutherford, of Girard, died on Sunday evening, after a lingering sickness of six weeks. He was one of the earliest settlers and most esteemed citizens of Girard. He was about thirty-five years of age, and leaves a wife and six children.

From the Carlinville Free Democrat, January 13, 1860 - SUICIDE

We learn that Mr. Jas. R. Crayes, whose attempt at taking his own life by cutting his throat with a razor we gave an account of some weeks since, made a second attempt on Sunday night last. It seems that his continued derangement led to a constant watch upon his actions, but Sunday night he got up and went out; his absence was discovered some time after, and the boys were sent out to search for him, when his body was discovered suspended in some way from the corner of the house. Life was extinct

From the Carlinville Free Democrat, January 23, 1860 - DEA. HASKINS TRABUE

In his residence on Spanish Needle Prairie, in Macoupin county, February 13, 1860 after a lingering illness, Dea. Haskins Trabue, at the age of 69 years, 1 month and 20 days.

We say truly a good man has fallen. Father Trabue is gone. He walked with God, and was not, for God took him. Father Trabue was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, December 24th, 1790. In November 1810, he made a public profession of faith in Christ, and was baptized by Elder Issac Hodgen and was received into the fellowship of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Green county, Kentucky. He and his brother Aaron (who is now living, and a faithful minister of the Gospel) enlisted in the War of 1812, and served for a time in the army. In 1816, he moved to Logan county, Ky., where he married Miss Olympia Wilson. Here he united with others in organizing a church, in which he lived until he felt that as a Christian, he could not conscientiously hold slaves, when he determined from a sense of duty to leave his native state, and as he could not conscientiously hold them, so neither could he sell them to others to be held in bondage, and therefore he manumitted all that he had , amounting in that time in value to about $10,000. In 1835 he settled with his family on Spanish Needle Prairie in this county, where he resided at the time of his death. He was one of the original number who organized the Baptist Church in this place, and also that at Spanish Needle Prairie of which last he was Deacon at the time of his death. As a man he was loved by all. As a Christian, he was a bright example of living, active faith. The cause of Christ lay nearer his heart than anything else. And as his life was one of active effort for the promotion of God's glory, so his end was peaceful and serene. When the summons of death came, he was prepared to go. His peace was made, and no doubts disturbed the departing spirit. His aged companion and eight children still survive to mourn his loss. But they sorrow not as those who have no hope. A few weeks before his death, he made this memorandum: “It has been forty-nine years since I enlisted in the holy war. It is almost over with me now. I am not tired of the service. I have never felt like turning again to the world. I tried the service of the Devil 20 years. His is a hard service. I hope I have never injured the cause of my Blessed Redeemer. I have endeavored to do my duty in the Church and to my neighbors. I feel that the blessed Savior has rewarded me ten-fold in the conversion of my children. He has taken three to Himself, two in infancy , and one in the triumph of a living faith. Eight remain. May the Lord keep them by his grace and make them useful in his service.” And may we not pray that the mantle of the Father may fall on the children! He sleeps the sleep of death, The place that knew him so long, now knows him no more. He rests from his labor, but his works follow him. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

From the Carlinville Free Democrat, April 14, 1864 - OBITUARY:

At a regular meeting of Piasa Council No. 66, U.L.A, April 9th, 1864 on motion a committee of five (to prepare preamble and resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people in regard to the death of George Lowas) were appointed, consisting of E. H. Remick, J. W. Johnson , J. W. Hughs, R. F. Rambo and C. B. Wilson, who reported the following:

Whereas, The Supreme Ruler of the Universe has seen fit in his infinite wisdom and in the exercise of his authority as Lord of Heaven and earth to remove from our midst, by the interposition of death, April 1st, 1864, our respected fellow citizen George Lowas, and

Whereas, We feel it a duty as well as a privilege to express our appreciation of him as a man and a citizen, therefore

Resolved, That in the death of Mr. Lowas, the community sustains a loss which will be severely felt, and that we will, as neighbors and friends, ever cherish in our hearts the remembrance of one whose benevolence, public spirit, kindly disposition, and fidelity to the course of his adopted country, won for him the respect of all who knew him.

Resolved, That tombstones, neatly engraved, with his name, place of birth, date of his death, his age, and some suitable device inscribed thereon, be erected over the remains of the deceased.

Resolved, That we tender to the relations of the deceased, in a distant country, our most sincere and heartfelt sorrow for the loss.

Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the Carlinville Free Democrat and Alton Telegraph, and that copies be sent to the brother and sister of the deceased in England. Donated by src#2

From the Carlinville Free Democrat, April 21, 1863 - EZRA BARRACK

On the 12th inst., at the residence near Carlinville, Ezra Barrack, in the 70th year of his age. He is one of our oldest citizens having lived in this community nearly a quarter of a century. He served his country in the War of 1812, and acquitted himself honorably. He was always honorable in his dealings and strove to be just. His views were generally clear and correct, and he willingly injured no one. He left a companion to mourn her widowhood, and five children, all but one in maturity, to realize that they shall no more enjoy a father's counsels. Thus the fathers are leaving the affairs of life to their sons. Donated by src#2

Macoupin County Argus, February 13, 1902 - DEATH OF JAMES LYNCH

James Lynch, a figure as familiar about the court house as the pillars of the entrance, has passed away. Those who have been won't to come and go through its stately, resounding halls and murky depths in the years past--running back to the earliest period of that mausoleum of architectural genius-- will meet the reassuring figure of its guardian no more,

James Lynch is dead. He passed away soon after midday on Sunday last, not unexpectedly, for relentless disease had since October last had the stamp of death upon his brow. He suffered through the long and weary months, while tender, loving hands ministered unto him, but could only delay the inevitable end. It was not his good fortune to go out into the translated life with the buoyant tread of physical vigor, knowing only the moment's shock of translation, but the dark figure exhausted nature before beckoning him over. Patiently and calmly he suffered through the long and painful ordeal.

James Lynch was born in the county of Cavan, Ireland, in January 1837 and came to this country when 12 years of age, remaining in St. Louis a few years and then coming to Carlinville, where he has lived about 47 years. He was married in 1863 to Jane Dennison, daughter of a well known and much esteemed family, the service being performed by Rev. J. C. Downer, a Presbyterian. The widow survives him, with seven of their eight children. These are Mrs. Lillie B. Olmstead, of Mallon, Texas; Mrs. Dav. W. Pocklington, of this city; Carrie and Nettie who alone remain at home; James of Newark, N. J.; and William and Walter of Chicago. Few families raised in Carlinville have sent out more useful and estimable members of society than that reared under the paternal counsel and guiding hand of James Lynch, and none more deeply mourn the loss of a wise and loving parent.

There was a large concourse of sorrowing friends and neighbors at the funeral services at the residence yesterday afternoon, which were conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of the Episcopal church. The Masonic fraternity, of which Mr. Lynch was an old and valued member, officiated at the grave with their impressive ritual.

Mr. Lynch's occupation at the court house gave him wide acquaintance in the county and all who knew him will have a kind word for his memory. He was genial and kindly in manner, quiet in demeanor, and unbending in integrity. He was a man of value to the community in life and his unobtrusive but exemplary example is a legacy of great worth to his associates and to the town. Donated by src#2

From the Macoupin County Argus, February 20, 1902 - DEATH OF GEO. W. WOODS

We regret to learn of the death this week of our former townsman, Geo. W. Woods in a hospital at St. Louis. His health failed some time since and we understand his mind was impaired. For many years he was a prominent merchant of Carlinville--a man of mercurial temperament, who could take very sudden jumps at conclusions and retire from them with equal velocity. His ideals were among the clouds and his balloons sometimes started out not well ballasted. But he was a good man--exemplary to a fault in all the relations of life. Disappointments were grievous to him. When somewhat past the meridian of life good fortune seemed, as he looked out upon many sunny years to come, with no financial clouds in sight, to have given him an indelible stamp. But there are no compensations for impaired health and a broken mind. At one notable period in his life Mr. Woods thought he was a man to be envied--but the fairest of days are sometimes storm breeders. Donated by src#2

WILLIAM H. WHITE

Another of the familiar figures upon our streets has dropped out. William H. White has gone over to the majority. He went away at 11:30 Sunday as the incense of pulpits was ascending. Mr. White was born at Potsdam, N.Y., in 1834 but had lived in Carlinville ,most of his life. In early life he married Miss Alice Morgan, daughter of a prominent Carlinville family in those days, but no olive branches came to deck the domestic portals. The sorrowing wife is the only resident relative, but many friends were among the sincere mourners at the burial Tuesday.

Mr. White was a painter and decorator and many homes were made brighter by his handiwork. Many kind thoughts of him will linger, not voiced in speech. - Donated by src#2

NICK DUNN

An old soldier and pioneer merchant at Medora, died at St, Louis last week, aged 66 years. Donated by src#2

From the Macoupin County Enquirer, July 17, 1912 - DEATH OF B. S. BARNETT

Old Citizen Passes Away at 5 O'Clock Saturday Morning

Biggus Stuart Barnett, one of the pioneer citizens of Macoupin county dies at his home near Barnett at 5 o'clock Saturday morning. The deceased had been in bad health ever since last winter and a few days ago complications set in that brought on his death.

The deceased was well known throughout the east part of Macoupin and west part of Montgomery counties. He was born 73 years ago on the same place where he resided at the time of his death. He had always been an enterprising farmer and took an interest in his home. He was a devoted member of the Christian Church and did what he could in his humble way to help build up the church. The community has lost a citizen who will be sadly missed.

The ancestors of the Barnett family came form Kentucky. William Barnett the grandfather of the deceased came to Illinois with his son George W. Barnett in 1835 from Christian County Kentucky and settled in Shaw's Point township. The grandfather died soon after coming to Illinois and the father G. W. Barnett died at the age of 71 years.

Mr. Barnett was one of a family of fifteen children only two of whom are still living, George W. Barnett and Mrs. A. M. Wilson of this city. The deceased was married quite late in life to miss Laura Allen and six children were born to this union namely: Floyd, Jesse, Truman, Stella, Myrtle, and Mabel, wife of Elvis Groves. They all reside at home or in the Barnett vicinity.

Mr. Barnett cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and had always been a staunch Republican. He held several township offices and always took a deep interest in the political affairs of the country. He was a man, well read as he kept up with the literature of the day. He matriculated at McKendree College but did not attend very long as he had to return and assist his father on the farm. He then devoted his life to farming and added tracts of land to what he had inherited. He was in all probability the oldest born resident of Shaw's Point and died within fifty feet of the log house where he was born.

A peculiar coincident in this Barnett family is that in a family of fifteen children, the oldest. G. W. Barnett and the youngest, Mrs. M. A. Wilson are the only ones left.

A large concourse of relatives and friends attended the funeral Monday afternoon. The services were conducted by W. H. Groner of Litchfield who was assisted by Rev. W. A. Green and Rev. C. J. Upton, nephews of the deceased.

The pall bearers were Roy and Claude Barnett, Homer B. Richardson and Jonathan Allen, all nephews of the deceased. Donated by src#2

From the Macoupin County Enquirer, September 11, 1912 - ALICE MATILDA EDDINGTON

Alice Matilda Eddington, daughter of John and Jane Eddington, was born September 20, 1872 near Brighton, Ill., and died at her home near Shipman, Ill., August 26, 1912 at 5 a.m., age 40 years, 11 month, and 6 days. In early life she professed religion and joined the Congregation church at Woodburn, Ill., Feb. 14, 1896, she was united in marriage to Adolph Blumsteine. To this union was born five children: Alice, Alghn, Gladys, and Leo, one having proceeded her to the home above. Mrs. Blumsteine jad been sick for almost a year, during which time she was a patient sufferer. She was a loving wife and mother, a kind neighbor and will be greatly missed in her home. During her sickness Alice was housekeeper and mother to the younger children. She leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband and children, four sisters, Mrs. Ana Travis, Mrs. Emma Hoocker, Mrs. Etta Harrington, Mrs. Clara Moxey, four brothers Lewis, John, Dave and Robert Eddington, besides other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the Congregational church at Woodburn, conducted by Rev. E. J. Burgess after which the remains were laid to rest in the Woodburn cemetery. Donated by src#2

Macoupin County Enquirer, September 25, 1912 - Hattie Gerdes

WAS BORN IN CARLINVILLE

The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Hattie Gerdes who died on Saturday morning at the family home on Walnut street were conducted Tuesday afternoon from St. Aloysius' church, Rev. Fr. Telken officiating. Mrs. Gerdes was the daughter of Amil Berger of Litchfield, she was born in Carlinville and grew to womanhood in Litchfield. She was united in marriage to George Gerdes and since that time they have lived in Decatur, Springfield and St. Louis. She leaves besides her husband and father, two sisters, Rose and Anna of Litchfield and one brother, George of St. Louis. Donated by src#2

Macoupin County Enquirer, Sept 18, 1912 - THREE YOUNG MEN ARE KILLED

Are Crushed to Death by Trains near Virden - Mt. Olive Youth Returning from a Dance on a Bicycle Struck by Fast Freight on Wabash

Three young men were killed by railroads in this county within three hours of each other, early Sunday morning. John Czaro, a young foreigner of Mt. Olive was crushed to death by a Wabash train, George Catron of Virden, was killed by the Chicago and Alton, and John Christo of Virden met his death under the wheels of a Chicago, Burlington & Quincy train near his home. County Coroner D. H. Karnes was kept busy making preparations for the inquests. Inquests were held in the Christo and Czaro cases and the Catron inquest will be held at 7:30 o'clock Monday evening. It was necessary to hold the inquests at a time when the train crews could attend.

John Christo was about 35 years old. From testimony given at the inquest it appears That he was on his way home walking on the tracks when the accident happened. His body was cut in two but he lived for about 30 minutes afterward. He told his friends who found his body that he heard the engine coming but it had no lights on and he stepped from one track right on front of the oncoming engine. Engineer McDuffy did not know of the accident until he reached Beardstown and received word by wire. He testified that the lights on the front of his engine were in place and lighted.

George Catron a section hand with the extra crew on the Chicago and Alton at Virden was struck by a north bound passenger train just opposite the old south mine at Virden. He boarded with the crew in cars near this place and had been ill. He was sitting on the track dressed only in his underclothing when he was struck. He was about 22 years old and has relatives residing in Kentucky. He had worked for the railroad only about 10 days.

John Czaro of Mt. Olive had been to Staunton Saturday evening on his bicycle. He started to return about 3 or 4 o'clock Sunday morning.

About 5 o'clock his mangled remains was found demolished on the other side of the track. It is thought the young man tried to pass in front of an approaching train and was struck by the engine. His parents reside in Mt. Olive. Donated by src#2