SARAH JANE (LIGHTLE) ELLIOTT , second daughter of James and Mariah Lightle was born Sept. 28th, 1831, in Ross county, Ohio. She came to Griggsville with her parents in the year 1839. She was left motherless at an early age. She with an elder sister assumed the care of her father's familly, which office she filled so well that her younger brothers and sisters hardly felt the loss of their mother. In the year 1851 on Sept. 18th, she was married to George Elliott, also of Griggsville. To this union were born eight children, seven of whom survive their mother, the husband having preceded her thirteen years ago. Three children, two sons and one daughter reside in California and were not able to be with their mother in her last illness. Three daughters and one son were at her bedside for the last two months of her life and tenderly and faithfully cared for her.

She is also survived by two brothers, William and Isaac Lightle, and four half-sisters, Mrs. Ann Rhodes, Mrs. Frank Turnbull, Mrs. James Vaughan and Mrs. Daniel Smart. Two sisters and two brothers preceded her to the grave, Mrs. Rebecca Morton, Mrs. Margaret Miller, James and Samuel Lightle; also one half-brother, Charles Lightle. She united with the M. E. church at Bethel more than forty years ago. Over 40 years spent in faithful service of the Master. She removed with her husband to Berry in 1893. Her husband dying in 1898 in February, she came back to Griggsville, living here one year, then again removed to Barry, where she lived until her death. Her health had been failing for nearly a year, but she kept able to get around until within the last two months, which time she been almost a constant sufferer. With all her suffering her faith never wavered and she gently fell asleep on the evening of Feb. 18, 1911 at 3 o'clock. With her passing away her children lost a tender, faithful mother; her neighbors a noble counselor and friend. She will be sadly missed in her home by her son and family, who havelived with her for the last eleven years. Always kind and gentle, she was greatly beloved by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, of whom she had 15. Her grandchildren numbered 24. Surely a faithful wife and mother has gone to her reward. The remains were brought to Griggsville Monday night and taken to the residence of John Morton, a nephew. The funeral services were held at Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, Rev. T. L. Hancock officiating, and the interment was in the family lot in the cemetery near the church.

GEORGE EMERY has gone home, in his 17th year. On Tuesday morning, Nov. 14, 1882, a few minutes before 5 o'clock, he called his father and family to his bedside, and told them that he was going to leave them, but that he did not have a fear in regard to the future; that he would love to stay longer with them, "but God is wise and good, and he has a wise purpose in view in calling me home now, and I fully trust Him." He then kissed each member of the family good­bye, except his sister Lizzie, who was sick in another room. "Now, father," he said, "stoop down and let me put a kiss on your lips for Lizzie, and you place your lips to hers and kiss her, and then tell her that I sent her that kiss." And just as the clock struck five his youthful spirit went home to his loving Redeemer. On account of Lizzie's sick­ness, the funeral services were conducted at the residence of the father, Mr. J. L. Emery, on Thursday morning, at 11 o'clock. The sermon was preached by the writer, assisted by Rev. R. L. Olds. The gloomy weather did not keep the multitude away. Many came from all directions, with loving hearts and willing hands to help the dear, afflicted family “bury their dead out of their sight." The singing on the occasion was all that could be desired to comfort broken hearts, and remind us of that land of song, where God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes.
J. W. Thompson, Griggsville, Ills. Nov. 20, ’82.

LIZZIE EMERY Again has death's heavy stroke fallen up­on our community, (December 22, 1882) and for a second time upon the same family within a few short weeks. In the early morning of Nov. 14th, 1882, George Emery, after a sickness of seven weeks, quietly gave back his spirit into the hand of Him who gave it, his life fading under the ravages of pulmonary consumption, which at the early age of 16 years, 9 months and 27 days closed his earthly career and started him, as we fully believe, on the tire­less course of a blissful eternity. The family with the exception of his oldest sister, Lizzie, were standing about his bedside, and he bade them all a last farewell, sending a kiss by his father to the sister who was too ill to be in attendance, and who was so soon to follow him to the long home. George's funeral was held at the house, on account of Lizzie's sickness, being conducted by the Rev. J. W. Thompson, the evangelist, who was here holding meetings at the time, and from the words, “All thy garments smell of myrrh and aloes, and cassia." On Friday morning, Dec. 22d, at 6 o'clock, Miss Lizzie Emery breathed her last, having survived her brother a little less than seven weeks. Lizzie was born Aug, 5, 1860, at the farm house near Griggsville, where she resided , until death removed her from our midst. She leaves a father, mother and three sisters to mourn her loss, who have the sincere sympathy of the entire community. The funeral was held at the Baptist church, and was largely attended, the pastor of the church, Rev. R. L. Olds, preaching the sermon from I Cor. 13:13, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity." Consumption, the same disease that was her brother's execu­tioner, fastened upon her quite early in life, and after a long and trying struggle she yielded to its power. During her illness she welcomed her many friends with a smile so glad and cheerful as to convince them that death had lost its terrors to her. Her suffer­ings were long and severe, but she bore them patiently and without complaint, so that her watchers felt it a pleasure to be with her. She was a member of Dove Lodge, No. 12, Daughters of Rebecca. Although her connection with the Order was short her seat was never vacant when it was possible for her to attend. Yes! Dove Lodge has a sis­ter that has gone before, a representative in that grand Lodge across the River. Our sister's short life has had an influence upon our Lodge that still continues, though she has departed from our midst. At the fun­eral the Order was in attendance well represented, in token of respect. They met the procession at the south end of Stanford St., and marched to the church, forming within the yard in double column, allowing the cor­tege to pass through, after which the Order occupied seats immediately succeeding the family and friends. After the services they again formed in line and marched to the beautiful city of our dead, where she was quietly laid to rest beside her mother and the brother who had so recently preceded her. Lizzie died believing in Jesus, and trusting Him for salvation. and gave evidence to her Christian friends that she had made choice of that good part which shall never be taken away. She was especially thankful to her friends for their kindness and many tokens of remembrance, and would have been glad, if she might, to have put her arms bout them all and thanked them. This twice stricken family has a double solace in the memory which they cherish of the departed. A double treasure on the other shore, where the loved ones have gone to join their own loved mother long dead. Peace be to their ashes till eternity’s morn shall call them to re-inhabit their tenements of clay and come forth with fresh glory and beauty in the likeness of their Lord. J. B. B.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson from a newspaper clipping from a Pike county scrapbook

NORMA JEAN (GROTE) EMMERT 78, of Yucaipa, Calif. died April 15, 2008 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, Calif.; following a long illness. Mrs. Emmert was a daughter of the late Frederick Adam and Ethel Jewel McDannald Grote born June 22, 1929, in Perry townships, Pike County. She attended Griggsville schools. Norma is survived by her husband, Lawrence W. Emmert of Yucaipa; a son, Terry G. Phillips of San Diego, Calif.; a son, William L. Stevenson (Cindy) of Tulare Calif.; a daughter, Mary Jackson of Miraloma, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Dale L. Grote (Theresa) Duarte, Calif.; and a sister, Bernadine Ziegler (Frank) of Scottsdale, Ariz. Mrs. Emmert was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gerald G. Grote. Services will be today, Wednesday, May 14 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 34215 Avenue E., Yucaipa, CA 92399. Memorials may be made to the church in her memory.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

CLYDE EDWIN STOUT ENGLEMAN , 68 of Largo, Fla., and formerly of Baylis died suddenly Friday, Nov. 21 while playing shuffleboard with friends. He died at Largo Medical Center emergency room in Largo, Fla. Born in Pittsfield Nov. 3, 1940 he was the son of Woodrow and Esther Fitch Engelmann. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired recreational director and had worked at the Continental Plaza in Chicago and the Crowne Centre in Kansas City, Mo. He was a 1958 graduate of Pittsfield High School and was back recently for the 50 year class reunion. Survivors are two brothers, Fred (wife Joan) Engelmann and David Engelmann both of Baylis, two sisters Carole Whillett of Pittsfield and Peggy Jennings of Wood River and several nieces and nephews. Preceded by his parents, a brother Joe and a sister Kay Nation. Cremation rites are being accorded as per his wishes. A memorial service will be held at a later date on the Engelmann family farm near Baylis.
Contributed by Billie Browning

ANETTE MARIE (CONSTABLE) EPPERSON - Memorial services for Mrs. Annette Marie Epperson, 42, of Hannibal, Mo. formerly of Pittsfield, was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3 at Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana. Wes Davis officiated. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until time of services at 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Annette's desire was to be cremated. She died at her home in Hannibal Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008. She was born April 11, 1967 in Pittsfield to Harold and Merrilyn Brown Constable. She is survived by one daughter, Samantha Sidwell of Springfield; four sons, Cody Sidwell of Hannibal, Cameron Sidwell of Ft. Bragg, N.C., Cole Sidwell and Clay Sidwell both of Carrollton; her father, Harold Constable of Pittsfield, her mother, Linda Davis of Milton an adopted mother, Merrilyn Davis of Keokuk, Iowa; four grandchildren, Kayden Daniels of Alton, Anthony Bova of Springfield, Destiny Sidwell of Hannibal and Payton Sidwell of Carrollton; two brothers, Eric Constable and Gredee Constable; three sisters, Tonya Walston, Trinket Davis and Trixie Davis. Annette graduated from the Griggsville, Illinois High School in 1984. She had been employed as a Correctional Officer at the Missouri Northeast Correctional Center in Bowling Green, Missouri for a short time.
Contribured by Billie Browning

CAROL JEAN (GORDON) ERVIN , 71, of Barry, IL., died Sunday, May 8, 2005 at the Barry Community Care Center in Barry. She was born March 5, 1934 in Barry and is the daughter of J. T. Elliston and Frances E. Gordon. Mrs. Ervin was raised by her mother and step-father Leonard "Frog" Miller. She married Marion Ervin December 20, 1948 in Palmyra, MO. He preceded her in death May 9, 1990. Carol enjoyed squirrel hunting in her younger days with her husband her uncle Delbert. She was a collector of porcelain dolls, and a great cook who enjoyed cooking for her family. Later in life, her favorite past time was spending time with her grandson and great granddaughters, who loved her very much and will sadly miss her. She will always be kept close to their hearts by all that loved her. Carol was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Barry. Survivors include a son, Marion (wife Staci) of Memphis, TN, two daughters, Sally Shakespeare of Holbrook, MA and Debra (husband Wayne) Hazelrigg of Barry,. a brother Larry (wife Rosalie) Miller of St. Peters, MO., three sisters, Brenda (husband Dennis) Crowder of Argenta, IL., Francic (husband Joe) McPike of FL and Kay (husband Max) Foster of AZ. Four grandchildren, Robert Ervin of Barry, Tracey Reid of SC., Keoton Ervin of TN. and Emilee Shakespeare of MA. Four great grandchildren Mariah and Brianna Ervin of Barry, Blake and LeAnne Reid of SC and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her mother, stepfather and one brother in infancy. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2005 at 2:00 PM at Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry, IL with Pastor Greg Maize officiating. There will be no formal visitation. Memorials are suggested to the family

MARY I. (CARRELL) ERVIN eldest daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Carrel, was born on a farm two miles south of Pittsfield August 18, 1852, died June 1, 1934, her home in Maysville, Ill., aged 81 years, 9 months and 15 days. At an early age she with her parents moved to the Maysville vicinity, where she spent the rest of her life She was united in marriage to Albert W. Ervin May 9, 1875, they having been school and playmates. To this union were born nine children eight of whom are living, five boys and three girls: Alma, Clarence Marsh, Roy and Robert of this community, and Laura, Leah and Abner of Springfield. For the last five years she has been an invalid and confined to her chair and bed most of the time. She bore her sufferings with patience an won her way into the hearts of all those who knew her. She will be greatly missed in the community. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the United Brethren church in Maysville, Rev. Amos Crawford officiating. Interment followed in the Maysville cemetery.
Submitted by Delaine Donaldson from the Independent Press Griggsville IL 6 June 1934
For more informaton see the Ervin Family page.

ANGELINE (TIPIT) EVANS - Again a home in the community has been filled with sorrow, when the Death Angel came and claimed as his victim Mrs. Charles Evans. Angeline Tipit, daughter of William and Betty Logsdon Tipit, was born near Chapin, Ill. April 11, 1855, and died at her home near Baylis, Ill. on Sept. 11,1929 at age 74 years, 5 months and 26 days. On Aug. 14, 1879 she was united in marriage with Charles Evans and to this union three children were born; Rosa Lee, who died Jan. 13, 1916; Effie and Will who survive. Mr. Evans preceded her in death on Dec. 12, 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Evans spent most of their early married life in the vicinity of Chapin, moving to the farm southwest of Baylis on Nov. 1, 1905, where Mrs. Evans and her daughter and son lived at the time of her death. Mrs. Evans was the last of of a family of seven children, four brothers and two sisters have passed away before her. Many years ago she united with the Chapin Christian Church and was still a faithful member at the time of her death. She was a charter member of the Royal Neighbors Lodge of Baylis, and was much esteemed. She was a good wife, mother, and neighbor, ever ready to do her part at any time. She was a quiet, home-loving woman and will be greatly missed by her many friends and neighbors. She leaves a son and daughter, many nephews and nieces to mourn their loss. Funeral service were held Friday afternoon, Sept. 13, at the Baylis M.E. Church, conducted by Rev. George McCumber. Interment was in the family lot in Baylis Cemetery.
Contributed by Mindy Doellman from the Pike County Republican 02 October 1929

HUDSON PAUL HAREN EVANS - 23, of Bloomington passed away at 7:30 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 14, 2009) in Indiana. His funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, 1115 E. Washington St., Bloomington. Lonnie Landess will be officiating. After the service all are invited to join the family for a meal at Eastview Christian Church. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the memorial home. A graveside service will be noon Thursday at Pittsfield West Cemetery, Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorials be made to Valparaiso University Office of Institutional Advancement, 1100 Campus Drive South, Valparaiso, IN 46383-6493. Hudson was born May 21, 1986, in Calcutta, India, and came home as a part of the Evans family on Sept. 2, 1986. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Floyd and Sibyl Evans of Pittsfield. He is survived by his mother, Mary Esther Evans, of Bloomington, formerly of Pittsfield. He is also survived by Donna Triplett, a special nanny, and two special uncles, Terry Syrcle and Lonnie Landess. Hudson loved performing from a young age. He was involved with the Community Players Theater, where at the age of 4 he was in “The King and I.” He also participated in performances of “Wizard of Oz,” “James and the Giant Peach” and “Oliver.” He also danced for the “Living Christmas Tree” at the Eastview Christian Church Christmas production. Hudson attended Chiddix Junior High School, where he was involved with school drama presentations. His attention turned more to music as he began playing the trumpet in fifth grade and continued with music through high school. He was involved in the jazz band at Chiddix and Normal Community High School. He was also a member of the NCHS Marching Band from eighth grade through his senior year, participating in the band trips to Europe, Arizona and Florida. He was also involved with the Bands of America summer camp. He performed at state competitions from seventh to 11th grade, earning high marks every time. He also excelled at the Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony under Mrs. Bryant from seventh grade through high school. Hudson also enjoyed showing off his warm smile while being the class clown at NCHS, especially in class with Mr. Starkey, Mr. Scott and Mrs. Harrington. He was also involved with The Ink Spot, the NCHS school paper, his junior and senior years. Hudson graduated from NCHS in 2005 and went to Valparaiso University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 2009. During his time at Valpo, Hudson was vice-president of the Student-Alumni Association his sophomore year and served as president his junior and senior years. He was involved with “performing” in a different way at Valpo. He was often presenting to an audience and was selected to participate in a special ceremony that “passed the torch” to University President Dr. Heckler. In 2008, Hudson was selected to be an intern at Orange Lake Resorts where he was able to learn directly from well-known time-share marketing guru Keith Hill. Hudson’s sense of humor, outgoing personality and charm allowed him to relate to people of all ages. He never knew a stranger. He is loved always and will be missed by family and friends.
Contributed by Billie Browning

SIBYL (WALK) EVANS , 94, of Normal, IL formerly of Pittsfield, IL died on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 4:45 A.M. at the Manor Care Nursing Home in Normal, IL. Sibyl was born on May 28, 1911 in Pike County, IL to Lincoln Teter and Nettie Cornelia Martin Walk. She married Floyd Evans on May 7, 1933. He preceded her in death on February 22, 1980. Sibyl was a public school teacher in Milton, Newburg, El Dara, and Perry, IL. She was a member of the Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington and she was a former member of the Detroit Christian Church. She was very steadfast in her faith in Christ. She taught Bible School and Sunday School classes and was a substitute pianist. She was a member of Sorosis Club, Founder of Interested Mothers Club, Woman’s Club, Council Member of Two Rivers Council of Girl Scouts, Cookie Chairman, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for twelve years, Junior Parentals, Founding member of Pittsfield Star Quilters. Education and helping children was her passion. This was her life long pursuit. Her hobby was sewing. She never saw a piece of fabric for which she couldn’t find a use. In her later years she was devoted to quilting. Her grandson Hudson was a constant source of joy, as she was always very loving, supportive and loyal to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all. Survivors: one daughter, Mary Esther Evans, Bloomington, IL, one grandson, Hudson Paul Evans, Bloomington, IL. a sister Esther Liehr, Wooster, OH, sister-in-law, Retha Thompson, Chesterton, IN, brother-in-law, Earl Peek, Pittsfield, IL., and several nieces and nephews. Preceded by her husband, Floyd Evans, two brothers Harold Walk and Earl Walk, and three sisters Thelma Tompkins Brown, Rowena Norton, and Joyce Peek. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 11:00 A.M., at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL. with Rev. Lonnie Landess officiating. Burial will be at the West Cemetery, Pittsfield, IL. Lunch will be served following the services at the Senior Citizen’s Center, Pittsfield, IL. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 4-7 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are to the Detroit Christian Church or the Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, IL. Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2006 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the residence of Mary Esther Evans in Bloomington, IL.