(Submitted by Sandi Donaldson from a newspaper clipping from a Pike county scrapbook)
ANN (MAUD) STEAD
- Departed this life at Griggsville, Ill., on the morning of Feb. 25, 1895, Ann Maud, daughter of Samuel Maud, and wife of Matthias Stead. Mrs. Stead was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, Feb. 25, 1821, and married Matthias Stead, March 22, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Stead came to America in 1849 and settled in St. Louis, Mo. In 1855 they came to Griggsville where they have since made their home. They have had nine children, six of whom survive, and were able, with the husband, to accompany the remains to their last resting place. Mrs. E. H. Gillingham, formerly Elinda Maud, now of Newberry, N. H., reached Griggsville Feb. 20, just in time to assist in performing the last acts of love for her aged aunt. The funeral services took place from her home Feb. 27, Rev. Z. T. Savage officiating, and was largely attended by relatives and friends who will mourn her loss.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson
CHARLES ELLISON STEAD
was born in Griggsville. Ill., June 15, 1860, and died at his home in Griggsville, Ill., February 14, 1934. aged 72 years, 7 months and 29 days. Deceased was one of nine children born to Mathias and Ann (Maud) Stead, and of this family there now remain three brothers: George F. Stead of Bothell, Wash.; M. M. Stead of Hutchinson, Kan.; and Samuel Stead of Covina, Calif. The subject of this sketch was married in 1883 to Harriet Anna Elledge. To this union were born two children, M. Boone Stead and Miss Katherine Stead, who survive him, with two grandchildren, Wesley and Wendell Stead. He had lived in Griggsville practically all his life, with the exception of a few years spent in Perry and Pittsfield. By trade he was a butcher, and for a number of years was employed in the meat market conducted by his brothers, John W. and George F. Stead. For the past twelve years he has been janitor of the South school building in this city. He has discharged his duties faithfully and he was a great favorite with the children with whom he was associated on the school grounds out of school hours. His illness which was of long duration was endured with patience and with little complaint, and the end came peacefully. Mr. Stead was a member of St. James' church and of the Pike County Mutual Life Association. Funeral services were conducted at the Skinner Funeral Home Friday morning, February 16, the Rev. J. K. Putt officiating: Interment was in Griggsville cemetery.
Submitted by Sandi (Stead) Donaldson from a collection of obituaries from Pike County newspapers
CHARLES BALDWIN STEAD
, 67, passed away at his home in Sonoma, Calif., on March 23, 1962. He was the son of Samuel M. and Ellen B. Stead, who were natives of Pike county and resided in Griggsville until 1924, when they retired and moved to Covina, Calif. Two of his cousins, Mrs. Anne Cadwell and M. Boone Stead, reside in Griggsville. Funeral services were held at the Bates, Evans and Feherensen funeral chapel on Wednesday, March 28, at 11 a.m. with interment at the Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, Calif. Cause of his death was myocardial infarction. Mr. Stead had been under he care of the Letterman Army General hospital in San Francisco for the past three years.
He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Anne Stead of Seattle, Wash.; a sister, Miriam(Mrs. C. W. Hendrickson) also of Seattle; a sister, Mrs. Gwendolyn Eldred of Atherton, Calif.; a brother, George of Oakland, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Stead, a retired air force colonel, was a pilot in both wars with a rating of "Commnand Pilot" in WWII and had logged more than 10,000 hours of flying time. Between the two wars he was a main line plot for 10 years with United Air Lines. Griggsville people remember that when he was a student at Griggsville high School he designed and built a glider plane shortly after the Wright Brothers' historic flight. Mr. Stead had resided in Sonoma, Calif., for the past seven years and in Seattle from 1925 to 1950. From 1950 to 1959 he was employed as a civil engineer by the Western Air Defense Command Hamilton Air Force Base. A commendation certificate presented to him upon retirement from this civilian employment noted he was "responsible for all actions relative to acquisition of real estate. . .rights-of-way, permits, licenses and agreements. . . .By his
outstanding knowledge, skill and perseverance he was able to perform above actions in an outstanding manner. His untiring efforts brought credit to himself and to the United States Air Force."
Prior to WWI Mr. Stead had attended Beloit College in Wiconsin and the University of Illinois where he distinguished himself as a "letter man" in track athletics. In 1916-17 he held "Big Ten" records in the mile and two-mile events.
Enlisting in the regular Army May 11, 1917, while a student at Illinois, he received officer training at Fort Sheridan, Ill. and pilot training in France and Italy. In 1918 he flew a Farman aircraft at Foggia, Italy, which was the "hottest" aircraft in the business. Also in 1918 he was forced down in the English Channel and rescued by an Australian warship.
Called up to active duty with the Air Force in 1940, Col. Stead was Base Commander at Grand Island AAF, Neb., Herrington AAF, Kan., and Bruning AAF, Neb. before being assigned as an Air Inspector.. In 1945 he was a member of a special Air Inspector's team in the Philippines and Australia, where he received a disabling injury.
Subsequently Col. Stead was on board ship with the 2nd Fighter Command enroute to Shaw Field, P. I. when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. The ship returned to San Francisco, and subsequently Col. Stead was assigned to the AAF Plans and Training Command in Orlando, Fla. and later to the 2nd Air Force where he was a Base Commander and Air Inspector before going to the Philippines.
Just after WWI Mr. Stead did "barn storming" with Albert McClay of Griggsville. At. one time be was in command of a reserve AAF squadron of which Charles A. Lindberg was a member at summer camp near Kansas City in the early 1920's. Mr. Stead had been a member of the Masonic Order, A.F. & A.M., the American Legion, and the Air Force Association.
Submitted by Sandi(Stead) Donaldson from a collection of obituaries from Pike County newspapers
MARY (LASBURY) STEAD
- the oldest child of John and Sarah (Simpkin) Lasbury was born January 29, 1859 near Griggsville, Illinois and passed away Tuesday morning, October 1, 1940, at the Stead home, where she lived with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. George A. Cadwell.
She received her education in Walnut Grove and Griggsville Schools. On January 9th, 1884 she was united in marriage to John W. Stead who passed away on December 20, 1925. To this union were born four children. John Walter Stead of Chicago, Anne Elizabeth, wife of George A. Cadwell, William who passed away on 8th of August 1908 and Winifred Louise.
Mrs. Stead has been a faithful communicant of the St. James' Episcopal Church ever since its establishment in this community and has always been active in its organization.
Her interests were centered around her home and her church.
Besides her children she leaves to mourn her loss two sisters, Mrs. C.P. Hatch and Mrs. L.W. Parker, two brothers John and Vincent Lasbury, all of Griggsville, four grand children, an number of nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Stead will be greatly missed in her church, her home and her community. She was a woman of the highest Christian character, patient and unassuming.
The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 in St. James Church, the Rev. J.K. Putt, D.D., officiating. Burial will be held in the Griggsville, Cemetery.
"Grant her rest eternal, o Lord, and my light perpetual shine upon her."
Contributed by Colin Murphy
MATTHIAS STEAD
- From Mr. Robert Anderson, of GriggsviIle we learn that Mr. Matthias Stead was found dead in his bed yesterday morning (June 2, 1896) at his son John's residence with whom he resided in that city. The deceased was born in England in 1819 came to this country in 1848 and has been a long time resident at Griggsville. His wife died about a year ago, and he leaves surviving four sons two of whom John and George reside in Griggsville, Matthias in Pratt Co., Kan. and Charles in this city. Also one daughter Mrs. Ludlow, of Griggsville. He was a good citizen, and had been for two or three years an invalid with gradually failing health.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson
GRACE (TITTSWORTH) STEPHAN
, died June 18, 2005 at the Barry Community Care Center. She was born near New Canton on December 26, 1920 to Fred and Bertha Davis Tittsworth. She had previous marriages with James Winner and Norman Certo. She married Charles Stephan in July 1982. Charles preceded Grace in death in March 2000. Grace enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and spending time with family. She was a lovely person with a beautiful smile.
Survivors are two brothers, Jesse Tittsworth of Barry and Alfred (wife Katherine) Tittsworth of New Canton; two sisters, Edna Constable of Pittsfield and Ruth Heissinger of Normal. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A sister Edith Bowler preceded her in death on June 2, 2005. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Chapel, Barry, IL with Bert Sapp officiating. Burial at the Parklawn Cemetery, Barry. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2005 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of services at the the Funeral Chapel. .
RICHARD ST. JOHN
, was born in Albany county, New York, December 27, 1822, and departed this life in Barry, Ill., October 2, 1901, aged 79 years, 10 months and 8 days. His father moved from New York state to Looking
Glass Prairie, St. Clare county, Ill., in 1833, and in 1837 removed to
Pittsfield, Ill. Mr. St. John came to Barry, Ill., in 1842 and has resided here
ever since, with the exception that from 1849 to 1851 he crossed the
plains to California and return. He was a blacksmith by trade and
followed the same as an occupation for thirty-five years in and near Barry.
He was married twice, and of the first union five sons and one daughter
were born - William, Edward, Alva, Rollie and George; the daughter is
now Mrs. Frances Devol, of Grand Bay, Alabama, and all the children are
living to mourn his loss. Death removed this partner of his joys, and
he was married a second time to Mary L. Lippincott December 20, 1862,
who still survives. Mr. St. John served as city marshal of Barry for fourteen consecutive
years with honor to himself and profit to the city. He was supposed to
be at the time of his death the oldest Mason in Pike county. He took
great interest in Masonry and its teachings and tried to exemplify its
precepts in his life. He was a kind and loving husband and father and will be sadly missed in
his home and community. The funeral services were conducted from the
M.E. church Sunday, October 6, at 2 pm, by Wm. M. Halley, after which
his Masonic brethren took charge and buried him with Masonic honors in
Barry cemetery.
Barry Adage October 10 1901
LYNN STROHEKER
- 61, died on Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at the All Care Nursing Home in San Marcos, TX. Lynn was born in Pittsfield, IL on June 22, 1942 to Stewart and Vivian M. Windmiller Stroheker. She lived in Jacksonville, IL prior to moving to San Marcos, TX. She was employed in sales for Suchulte Supply Company. She was interested in animals, swimming and playing cards.
Survivors: one son, John S. Hartz, Franklin, IL., two daughters, Lori (John) Whalen, Franklin, IL., Leslie (Richard) San Jose, Kyle, TX., one brother S. D. Stroheker, Pittsfield, IL, two grandsons, Andrew and Kurt Whalen and one granddaughter, Rachel Whalen, Franklin, IL. Preceded in death by one sister, Marjorie “Ann” Lyman.
Visitation with prayer service Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Franklin, IL. Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 12:00 Noon at West Cemetery, Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are to the American Cancer Society, Central Hospice in TX or Dog Pen.
BONA (DONOHOO) SUTTER
, 97 of Pittsfield, died Friday, August 19, 2005 at the home of her daughter in San Diego, CA. Born July 8, 1908 at Pearl, Il., she was a daughter of Walter Roy and Anna Pettit Donohoo. She married John B. Sutter Oct. 18, 1929 at Monticello, IL and he preceded her on March 17, 1980. She was a graduate of Pearl High School, attended McMurray College in Jacksonville and the University of Illinois. She taught elementary education in Springfield, IL., was postmistress at Pearl Post Office and for the Illinois Dept. of Public Aid in the ADC Department as a caseworker for ten years. Bona was member of the Pittsfield First Christian Church, a charter member of the Old Orchard Country Club and the Pittsfield Art League.
Survivors: a daughter Mrs. Barbara Huisman of San Diego, CA., a granddaughter Kathryn Guincy of Poway, CA. and a grandson Dr. Thomas Huisman of Davidsonville, MD and six great grandchildren. a brother Roy Donohoo at Lakewood. CO. and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Friday, August 26, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Pittsfield with Michael Ten Eyck officiating. Burial will be at Greenpond Cemetery at Pearl. Friends may call at the church on Friday, August 26th one hour prior to services
Contributed by Colleen Bettenhausen - 24 Aug 2005, Pike Press, Pittsfield
FRANCES (SCHNEPF) SUTTER
, 74, of rural Barry passed away Sunday morning, January 30, 2005 at the Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, MO. Mrs. Sutton was born May 10, 1930, daughter of Walter L. and Esther Bocking Schnepf. She attended the Pleasant Valley Grade School in Derry Township and graduated from Barry High School in 1948. She also attended the Gem City College in Quincy. Frances married Ira Sutton in 1950 at Pittsfield IL., and they were together for 54 years. Mrs. Sutton was of the Christian faith and attended the Barry United Methodist Church. Frances worked at home, helping her husband on the farm taking care of the animals. She loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener, canning and preserving the bounty of her garden. She enjoyed sewing, handicrafts and crocheting, collecting salt and pepper shakers and taking care of her family. Frances loved the peaceful and quiet life style of country living. She will be well remembered for being at the Farmers Market in Pittsfield, where she had regular customers for her garden produce and her baked goods, especially her pies. Survivors include her husband Ira, two sons, Walter (wife Carrie) of Barry and their children Adam, Mathew and Kayla, David Sutton of Barry and his daughter Mrs. Nathan (Misty) Blackorby and her daughter Gabi, one daughter Mrs. James (Marilyn) Behrensmeyer of Rockford and their two sons Christopher and Timothy, three sisters Mrs. Dale (Virginia) Woods of Barry, Mrs. Eleanor Whitlock of Baylis and Mrs. Herb (Doris) Rennecker of Kinderhook. Preceded by her parents, a son Gary in 2004 and three brothers, Carl, Kenneth, and Gerald Schnepf, a sister Adaline Harrison and two nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Barry United Methodist Church, with Pastor Nancy Monahan and Rev. John Furniss officiating. Burial will be at the Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, February 2, 2005 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry.
EILEEN (GRESHAM) SWARTZ
, 81, of rural Pittsfield, IL died Monday May 16, 2005 at Illini Community Hospital. She was born August 6, 1923 near Florence, Illinois. She was the daughter of Orbin and Lottie Wade Gresham. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Charles and Lottie Wade Cook. She married John E. Swartz on April 18, 1949 in Springfield, Illinois. He preceded her in death January 5, 2000. She was a homemaker and farmwife. She loved picking raspberries, gardening, visiting with friends and relatives and canning her own garden vegetables. She especially enjoyed playing bingo with the residents of the Pittsfield Health Care Center. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at Florence.
Survivors include three sons: David (wife Sandra), Jim (wife Brenda), and Rex (wife Janice) all of Pittsfield, six grandchildren-John (wife Cindy), Katie( Jim) Shields, Abby, Beth, Janette and Greg and two great grandchildren, Layne Jo and Gretchen. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Matthew Swartz. Funeral services will be conducted May 19, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Niebur Home in Pittsfield with Rev. John Ruzich officiating. Burial will be at the Blue River Cemetery in Detroit. Friends may call Wednesday, May 18, 2005 from 4:30 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
KEVIN PHILLIP SYRCLE
- Son of Donald D. and Phyllis A. Lovell Syrcle. He married Shelley Renee Gates February 2, 2002 in Hull, Pike Co. IL
Kevin died as the result of a tragic accident at Cincinnati Landing, near New Canton, Pike Co. IL. They have 1 daughter
Information contributed by "C.J." at Find-A-Grave