Shelby County Obituaries Rebecca Cable Mrs. Rebecca Morgan Cable passed to our “Father’s house of many mansions,” Feb. 11, 1912, at the home of her daughter and only child, Rev. Ollie Cable Green, Winchester, Ill. Deceased was born near Circleville, Ohio, October 7, 1832. Married to WIlliam Cable, March 1, 1860, and came to Shelby County in 1865 where the husband died in 1898. Since then the mother has lived with the daughter, who was teacher in the public schools for several years, and is now librarian of WInchester, where her daughter, Miss Vivian, has succeeded her mother in the public schools. Mrs. Cable was the eldest of eleven children of Abel and Marla Morgan. Mrs. Frances M. Douthit of this city is now the only child left of that family. Mrs. Green and her three children, namely: Miss Vivian, and James Freeman Clarke and Paul Cable, and also Mrs. William Prosser of Clarksburg, this county, the orphan child of Katy Morgan Reed to whom Mrs. Cable was foster mother after the death of the mother -- these and other relatives, nephews and nieces are left bereaved of a beloved sister, aunt, mother and grandma. The funeral services were conducted by Jasper L. Douthit in Jordan Unitarian Chapel, near Lithia Springs, and the body laid in the grave beside the husband Wednesday forenoon, Feb. 15th, 1912. Mrs. Cable was a member of the United Brethren Church, and lived the religion she professed. “Aunt Becky Cable was the most unselfish woman I ever knew.” So spoke one on the day of the funeral who had known the deceased long and well. She was always thinking of others. She was friend to the friendless and mother to the motherless. She was always more ready to help than to ask for help. An invalid and intense sufferer most of the time for the last twelve years, yet she would insist, until she became bedfast, on keeping house for her daughter, who must teach school to support the family. THe daughter said: “Mother was the mainstay at home and for six years she took care of my son, Clarke, for me when I was little able to do so. The children would have died for their grandma, and she smiled upon them with her last breath. While I and the children, all alone, knelt around her bed and the bright sunshine came through the window, she said: “I’m glad you are all here with me at the last. No I must go.” “O, no granma, stay here with us,” cried Paul, her grandson. But she smiled, shook her head, and said: “You’ll come soon, and then we will all be together forever.” And she lay upon the lap of God Like a babe upon the breast Where the wicked cease from troubling And the weary are at rest. [Our Best Words, February 1912, p 3 c 1] George P. Cook. Burn in Funkstown, Md., Jan. 18, 1830. Died at the home with his son, Mr. Ellsworth E., manager of the Neal House, Shelbyville, on Jan. 8, 1913. The deceased moved with his family from Maryland to Shelbyville in 1865, where he resided till death. The funeral was held in the Presbyterian Church, Rev. John R. Tracy, the pastor, officiating, assisted by Rev. J. L. Douthit. Mr. Cook was esteemed as a sober, honest, patriotic fellow-citizen, always engaged in useful pursuits. ["Our Best Words", January 1913, XXXII, 13-2-3] Charles Crockett ROCKFORD - This community was shocked at the death of Charles Crockett Friday morning. He had been a resident here. [Shelbyville Democrat, April 7, 1932 vol LVIII No. 41 p 7 col 3] Balis Morton Davis Balis Morton Davis was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Davis. He was born on a farm a short distance east of Shelbyville on December 14, 1883. Died of Apoplexy at his home in Shelbyville, Ill., March 1912. Married to Mrs. Elmira Herod in 1864. To them five children were born, one of whom preceded the father many years ago to the Great Beyond. Jefferson M. Davis, Charles S. Davis, Mrs. Frances M. Davis of this city, and Miss Ione Davis, a teacher of music at Lexington, Mo., and the wife and mother are left in sorrow. Funeral services were held at the home, directed by Rev. John W. Tracy, assisted by Rev. J. L. Douthit. This Douthit and the deceased were born within a quarter of a mile of each other, were playmates in childhood, lifetime friends and near neighbors. The parents of this son were of excellent families from Kentucky and came to this section at an early day. This youngest son (over 74 years of age), is the last to go of five children, namely: One daughter, Mrs. Frances Ann Barrett (mother of Mrs. Walter C. Headen, of this city), and three sons: Thomas Davis, James Davis and Balis M. Davis, all tenderly remembered by this editor as lifelong faithful friends with noble qualities of mind and heart. ["Our Best Words", April 1912, p 3 c 1] Jennie Dole Mrs. Jennie Dazey Dole daughter of James and Caroline Dazey, was born in Okaw Township, Feb. 2, 1862, one miles south of the village of FIndlay. Here she spent her childhood attending the district schools. On reaching young womanhood she chose teaching as her work, and taught for ten years in the district schools of Shelby County. During these years spent in the schoolroom she formed many true and lasting friendships. At an early age she united with the Methodist church at the Old Turney school house under the preaching of Reverend George RIchardson, now deceased. Jennie remained a member of this church all her life, and it can truly be said she lived a model christian life. November 29, 1893, she was united in marriage with Mr. S. D. Dole of Mattoon, by Rev. Gillmore. It has been her pleasure to spent the last 18 years of her life with the man of her choice and one who always proved himself true to his marriage vows--who never failed her in all her suffering. But now our heats are sad as we say farewell to this beautiful life, this loving wife, daughter and sister, good teacher and friend. She leaves in sorrow but not without hope an aged mother and other dearly beloved kindred. She passed to the home in heaven on Sunday, February 11, 1912, at San Antonio, Texas, age about 50 years. She was accompanied in Texas by her husband, S. D. Dole, her mother, Mrs. Caroline Dazey, and sister, Miss Lizzie Dazey and Miss Lizzie Helton. The funeral was at the family home in Findlay, Wednesday, P.M. Feb. 15th. Jasper L. Douthit officiated. He and the Doles and Dazey families were life long friends. A crowd of relatives and deeply sympathizing friends were present from far and near. By the way James Dazey was one of the commissioners to set apart Lithia Springs ground as the legal inheritance of this editor of O.B.W. And about the first couple we served at the marriage altar, nearly 45 years ago, was at the home of Mrs. S. D. Dole’s father, the late Joseph Dole of Mattoon. [Our Best Words, February 1912, p 3 c 2] Link Erisman Link Erisman, a young man of Rural Township, was mortally injured in a quarrel by a young man named Nichols from Cold Spring Township. The parties were working at road grading in Christian County near Assumption. He died Jan. 2 from the result of his injuries. [OBW January 17, 1891 - IV - 43 - 5 - 2] Gowdy Infant Died, the infant child of Willis Gowdy, east of town. [OBW March 7, 1891 - IV - 50 - 5 - 2 ] Ione Gregory Miss Ione Gregory, Beloved By All, Passes Away Ione, daughter of Michael D. and Abigail Jane Gregory, born in Shelbyville, Ill, April 7, 1842, died at her home in this city (which was also the home of Dr. and Mrs. J. L. Hoover), June 28, 1912. Of the seven children of her parents, her brother, Dudley B. Gregory of this city, is the sole survivor, of that one among the earlier families of Shelbyville. Services of sorrow and hope were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. J. A. Tracy, of the Presbyterian church, pastor of the deceased, and Rev. J. L. Douthit, her friend since they were first schoolmates in Shelby academy, over 50 years ago. A choir consisting of Mesdames Geo. D. Chafee, Edward Tackett, and Messers. E. M. Hopkins and Irvin Douthit, rendered several beautiful hymns at the home. Misses Estie Graybille, Effa Steward, and Messers. Hopkins and and Douthit sang a beautiful hymn at the grave as the body was being lowered to its final resting place. In Rev. Mr. Douthit’s remarks at the funeral, among other things, he spoke in part as follows: In the year 1854, where the beautiful building of the Carnegie Library now stands, a happy group of more than 200 young students with four teachers were together in the rooms and on the playgrounds of Shelby academy, then the only institution of the kind in this part of Illinois. The flood of years have swept away full three-fourths of that group, so far as I can learn. I don’t know of but two or three of these teachers now left on earth. The first principal of that school is living yet in Washington, D. C., now 85 years of age. With feeble hand he sent through me the other day love greetings to his few old pupils still living here. Of the 20 young people whose names were on the program in the first closing exhibition, August 3, 1854, only five are left on earth, three of us are here today and the body of the last to go, rests in this casket -- but she is not dead. “She has but passed Beyond the mists that blind us here Into the new and larger life Of that serener sphere.” Those of us who have known, esteemed and loved Ione Gregory so many years cannot think of her as dead. She was one of the pure, tender, true and helpful women whose quiet, simple, home-like Christian lives do so much to make this world more like heaven. Without any family of her own she has been a devoted mother to a niece left motherless when a babe, the dear “auntie” to others and a sister of mercy in a sense. O, what a flood of grateful memories are revived as we recall the 50 and more years of loyal friendship of this good woman! The one happy valley of earth where many of us have seen her oftenest for the past 20 years will ever be more sacred to memory, because Miss Ione Gregory was always there during the annual chautauqua assembly to give good cheer to all and encourage everything good. Rev. Mr. Douthit spoke of the frailties of human beings, and paid a high tribute to her virtues in the long years in which he had known her. He said his first thought was, upon learning of her passing to the great beyond, of Whittier’s verses, written on the death of his sister, entitled “Gone to Heaven.” [Our Best Words, July 1912, p 4 c 1, reprinted from Shelby County Leader July 4] Maud Hall Died in Grand Crossing, Maud, the youngest child of Willis and Frona Hall. Their many friends in Shelbyville have much sympathy with them in their affliction. [OBW March 7, 1891 - IV - 50- 5 - 2 ] BENJAMIN HARRIS Died at His Hotel in This City Friday Afternoon Benjamin Harris, the hotel keeper, died Friday afternoon after a long lingering illness from kidney trouble. Mr. Harris came here from Sullivan, Indiana, in 1888 and took charge of the Ohio House on South Morgan street which he ran for several years when he traded that building for the Tallman hotel building. He conducted that hotel a few years and then sold out and rented the Baldwin House on the south side of the public square. He continued in business at this place up to the time of his death. Mr. Harris was born in Sullivan County, Ind., January 27, 1844, living there as a farmer till 1880. He was married in 1864 to Miss Sarah A. Fordice, six children being born to their union, Bessie dying in infancy. The remaining children are: Laura, Ora, Herman, Mrs. Clauda Monahan of Springfield, and Everett, who is in the Philippines. The deceased is also survived by a wife, two sisters and one brother. The funeral was conducted at the late home of the deceased Sunday at 10:30 a.m. by the Rev. Levi Corley of Yantisville. The family have the sympathy of the community in their hour of bereavement. [Shelbyville Democrat, 14 Jan 1904; page 6, col. 3 - Contributed by Tari Parr] Martha Helton Martha E. Patterson Helton was born in Shelby County, Ill., Feb. 6, 1856; departed this life Jan. 1, 1912, aged 55 years, 10 months, 24 days. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Patterson, both of whom preceded their daughter to the spirit world several years ago. She was united in marriage to Henry Helton, Dec. 12, 1878, and became the mother of two children -- Emma Frances, who passed to her heavenly home Nov. 26, 1897, at the age of 17 years, and Ida Belle, who remains at home with her father. She leaves a husband, one daughter, five sisters and many friends to mourn her departure. This funeral was held at the residence near Lithia Springs, where the Patterson and Helton families had lived for two or more generations. Rev. Jasper L. Douthit, a lifetime neighbor and Rev. J. F. Sapp (Methodist) officiated. Deceased was a member of the Methodist church and was blessed in life and the hour of death by bright Christian faith and hope. [Our Best Words, February 1912, p 3 c 1] George W. Hornbeck A few weeks ago the editor [Jasper L. Douthit] received from George W. Hornbeck of New York City an old-time hearty note of greetings. And now comes the news of his death at the age of 54 years. His father, Curtis Hornbeck, Esq., was a near neighbor and coworker with the editor in the trying days of the Civil War. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Hornbeck learned their early lessons in the first school taught by the editor, nearly 60 years ago. Rev. Marquis D. Hornbeck, an elder brother of George, took his first lesson preparatory to college from this editor’s wife [Emily Lovell Douthit]. After graduation Marquis entered the Methodist ministry. He served as the first president of Chaddock College, Quincy, Ill. Now he is pastor of the Methodist Church at Pueblo, Colo. The brother, George, leaves a wife and daughter, three sisters and three brothers namely: Mrs. Mary Fraker of near Shelbyville; Mrs. Lydia Tressler of Kutch, Cal.; Rev. Marquis D. Hornbeck of Pueblo, Colo.; John Hornbeck of Glenco, Okla., and Jasper Hornbeck of Kutch, Colo. The body of Mr. Hornbeck was taken to Marysville, Ohio, for burial. This was his home; but he was connected with a prominent commission firm in New York City. He was a man of noble qualities. [Our Best Words, April 1914 p 4 c 3] Josie Hubbard Miss Josie Hubbard of Windsor died Wednesday. The funeral was held Thursday. [OBW, March 7, 1891 IV - 50- 6 - 3 ] Andrew Huffer Andrew Jackson Huffer was born in Allen County, Ohio, March 20th, 1828. Came to this locality about 40 years ago, where he resided till about 27 years ago. He went to Chicago, where he made his home till his death, Nov. 6th, 1911. He lived happily with the one wife for nearly 60 years, she survives him. They had six children. Two daughters, Miss Carrie and Mrs. Lyde Hurbert passed away many years ago. Mrs. J. B. Webber, Joseph C., Wm. S. and Lewis M., remain. The body was brought to Shelbyville and funeral services held in the Unitarian church. The choir of the Christian church, this city, sang sweetly, old familiar hymns. The editor of this paper, a friend of the family for over forty years, conducted the services. The deceased was a carpenter by trade, and an honest man, a kind neighbor and lived an humble, quiet life. He was a Hardshell Baptist in faith. His brother, the late Rev. Simeon Huffer, was a preacher of that faith, and pastor of the Unitarian minister’s mother. [Our Best Words, January 1912, p 2 c 3] Emily Johnson A Christian Mother at Rest Emily, daughter of Samuel and Nancy Jan Baxter and widow of the late Kingsbury B. Johnson, died at the home of her son-in-law, George Holland, this city, Friday, Jan. 9, 1891. She was born April 23, 1881, in Lexington, Ky., and has lived in Shelby and Moultrie counties, Illinois, for many years. Was the mother of fifteen children, four sons and five daughters survive her, and the other six have gone on before. She came from her son’s in Sullivan to nurse her daughter, Mrs. George Holland, and took sick and lay suffering for six weeks with rare patience and Christian resignation. For she was a sincere and hopeful Christian until death relieved her. Rev. J. L. Douthit conducted the funeral service at the house on Sunday, Jan. 11, and, the worn out body was laid in the city cemetery. ["Our Best Words" January 24, 1891 - IV, 44, 5, 3] Theodore Jonte Theodore Jonte, born April 4, 1839, in Nashville, Tenn., was a resident of Mattoon since 1864, till his death at his home Nov. 18, 1911. Age, 72 years, and past. Was married to Miss Emily Ann Stoneburner of Edgar Co., Ill., April 20, 1865. To them was born one daughter, Miss Alberta. Mother and daughter are left in sorrow. The deceased was an active business man and enterprising citizen. He was elected Mayor of Mattoon in 1876; and was a member of the Board of Education for many years. For several years he attended the Unitarian Church and was a liberal contributor to Unity Church, Mattoon, and was one of the last trustees of that church. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and quite faithful at the Lodge meetings so long as he was able. Rev. J. L. Douthit (the friend of the family) conducted the funeral service at the home, Mrs. Elizabeth McNair sang the hymn. The Masonic brethren conducted the ceremonies at the grave. [Our Best Words, January 1912, p 2 c 3] Bessie Kelly The funeral of Miss Bessie, the thirteen year old daughter of Hon. Wm. C. and Mrs. Althea Kelly, will be held next (illegible) at 2:30 p.m. at the Christian Church. [OBW, February 13, 1892, p5, c1] KNIGHT Infant Died, Tuesday, the infant son of Charles Knight. ["Our Best Words", May 16, 1891 p 5 1] Mrs. Dan Krile Mrs. Ben Volkman is saddened at the passing of her mother, Mrs. Dan Krile, Wednesday morning. We extend our sympathy. [Shelbyville Democrat, March 3, 1932 vol LVIII No. 36 p 8 col 3] Mr. Alburta Lantz Born in Shelbyville, March 22, 1870, and spent his life here. Died Dec. 31, 1912. Mr. Lantz was married to Miss Camilla Seymour, of Hillsboro, Ill., Oct. 14, 1896. The decased early in life enetered the undertaking and hardware firm of Lantz Bros., of which his father, the late William Lantz, was a senior member. In that firm he took up the work of funeral director and embalmer in which he became very proficient and widely known in this part of Illinois. He held various offices in the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Besides his wife, Mr. Lantz is survived by his aged mother, Mrs. Rachel Lantz, and four sisters. The sisters are: Mrs. O. J. McGurty and Mrs. Bert Cramer of Paris, Mrs. O. L. Lewis and Miss Oather Lantz of this city. “Burt” Lantz, as he was familiarly known, was a lovable man, with popular qualities, though modest and unassuming. The auditorium of the First Methodist Church, the largest in this city of twelve houses of worship, was crowded to overflow at the funeral. The service was in charge of the pastor, Rev. A. S. Chapman assisted by Rev. John R. Tracy (Presbyterian); Rev. J. S. McColley (Church of the Disciples), and J. L. Douth (Unitarian). [OBW, January 1913 - XXXII , 13, 2 , 3] MRS. W. T. LAYMAN Passes Away After a Years Suffering From a Paralytic Stroke About a year ago Mrs. W. T. Layman was stricken with paralysis and until death came shortly before noon Friday last, she had suffered untold agonies therefrom. She was about fifty-five years of age at the time of her death. Her maiden name was Parmelia J. Edgar and was united in marriage with William T. Layman in Shelbyville on Feb. 11, 1872. To this union one child was born, which preceded his mother to the grave at the age of eleven years. Mrs. Layman was a kind and devoted wife and her taking off is a sad blow to her companion who is heart broken and bowed down by the sad affliction. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and up to the time of her illness she was a regular attendant at the First M. E. church. The funeral services were conducted at the church Sunday afternoon at two o'clock by Rev. J. R. Van Pelt, the pastor of that church, after which the remains were tenderly borne to Glenwood where interment was made. Mr. Layman was the heartfelt sympathy of all in his sad bereavement. [Shelbyville Democrat, 14 Jan 1904; page 6, col. 3 - Contributed by Tari Parr] Henry Lee Henry Lee was born a slave in Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky, in 1837. Was married to Phillis Ann Bromfield in 1857. To this marriage were born seven children, namely: Mary Lincoln Lee, who departed to the heavenly country years ago. Those who remain on earth are James H. Lee, of this city; Miss Louisa Lee, of this city: Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, of Paris, Ill.; Mr. Abraham Lincoln Lee, of this city; Miss Anna Telitha Lee, and Mrs. Meda Clay, of Chicago. There are 11 grand children. Mr. Lee’s first wife passed on in 1875. He was married to Irene Russell of Terre Haute, Ind., on February 3, 1883. She survives him. The deceased came with his family to Shelbyville about 1869, and was in the employ of Mr. Thomas M. Thornton for 25 years. In 1901 Mr. Lee moved to Chicago where he served faithfully until his death, which occurred March 25, 1912. The deceased was in the Civil War in Company D., Fifth Illinois infantry. He was a valiant Union soldier and was honored with several medals for feats of bravery in battles. Best of all, he early in life enlisted as a soldier of the cross and was faithful until death. Mr. Wesley McCann, Mr. A. S. Williams and Henry Lee were the first three officers of African M.E. Church, organized in Shelbyville about 27 years ago. Rev. J. L. Douthit, an old friend of the deceased, preached the funeral in this church. The members of the local (Cyrus Hall) post of the G. A. R. took part in the service. The preacher paid a tender tribute to such veterans of the rank and file of the army as Henry Lee. Without such loyal “Common people,” Lincoln, Grant, Sheridan and other great generals could never have won victories for freedom and Union. [Our Best Words, May 1912, p 3 c 3] Samuel R. Mather Died, May 11, of consumption, Samuel R. Mather. He was a man of many good traits, loved and respected by those who knew him. His funeral took place from the Baptist church. His relatives and friends and especially his most estimable wife have the sympathy of all. ["Our Best Words", May 16, 1891 p 5 1] Ed. McCormick After a short illness Ed. McCormick, living one mile east of here, died and the funeral will take place at his home today at ten o’clock conducted by his pastor Rev. Campbell. [OBW, February 13, 1892 - 5 - 3 ] Lillie McKittrick The funeral services of Lillie, little daughter of Thomas McKittrick, took place at the Presbyterian Church, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1891. Rev. L. Keller officiated. The following is recorded as a remarkable experience. Lillie Estella McKittrick, born Sept. 30, 1878, died Feb. 17, 1891, aged 12 years 4 months and 17 days. She was confined to her bed more than 9 months. During all this time she bore her sufferings most patiently. For more than three months she could not speak above a whisper until last Thursday she began to sing in her natural voice; and such a prayer was never heard before by her friends from one so young. After she had earnestly prayed herself, she called on each one present to kneel by her bedside and pray with her. She sent for all her relatives to bid them good bye. She wanted to see them and admonish them before she left for her Heavenly Home. She conversed more or less about Jesus until Saturday, when she began to grow very weak, though she was conscious until the every last. When asked about her suffering so much, she said that Jesus was helping her or should not have borne it. She asked Jesus to give her strength to bear her afflictions. Her prayer was, “Lord, they will, not mine, be done.” She asked the Lord if it was His will that she should be spared to do some good, she would gladly do His bidding; but if the Lord wanted her in Heaven, she was willing to go. She was entirely resigned to do the Master’s will. Some of her words were, “Our sufferings and sorrows here would only make it the brighter there.” “Our sufferings here would only make us think and be for our good.” She wanted each one to meet her in Heaven. She told Jesus that she loved everybody and said what a blessed thing it would be if every one could be good. She said, “If every body loved Jesus, there would be robes and crowns for all.” She told her friends that she was going where there was no night, no darkness but always light; no sickness, no suffering nor parting. She charged her little sister to get down on her knees every night and make it right before God. She had others to promise to live for Jesus. Her chief desire was that all her friends and relatives should meet her in that beautiful, Heavenly home above where parting is no more. [OBW, February 28, 1891 - IV - 49 - 5 - 3] Tom Moore Section Breeze - This community was saddened by the news of the death of Tom Moore, Saturday evening. Not many of his friends knew he was sick until they heard of his death. He had been a lifelong resident of this vicinity. [The Shelbyville Democrat, Sept. 29, 1932, vol LIX no 44 p5 c5] William Oliver William, son of William and Ann Oliver, born in Shelbyville, June 8, 1867. Died at his home in Shelbyville, Jan. 9, 1913. He was married to Miss Dora Lenover Oct. 2, 1894. He is survived by his mother, wife and son, Lee. The deceased spent his early life as a printer, working in the various offices of Shelbyville. He was a member of the Unitarian Church. He was a very pleasant, sociable, kind-hearted man with many popular qualities. He was remarkably patient during a long, distressing sickness. He left the body of flesh with bright hopes of meeting loved ones where there is no sickness and death. The service of sorrow was conducted by Mr. Oliver’s pastor, Rev. J. L. Douthit, assisted by Rev. J. S. McColley, of the “Christian” church. The Modern Woodmen, of which the deceased was a member, had charge of the casket at the grave, President H. D. Sparks, of the Shelbyville Business College, leading in the closing service of that fraternity. [OBW, January 1913, XXXII, 13, 2, 3] MRS. GEORGE PATTERSON DIES AT CLARKSBURG Mrs. George Patterson passed away at 8:00 Thursday evening at her home near Clarksburg. She has been in ill health for the past year. Death was due to a complication of diseases. Besides her husband, Mrs. Patterson leaves one son, Fred; a sister, Mrs. Hannah Gruenwald of San Diego, Cal., and three brothers, William and Ted Werth of Strasburg and Harmon Werth of Sigel. Funeral services were conducted from the Lower Ash Grove church at 2:00 Saturday afternoon. [Shelbyville Democrat, October 3, 1935 vol LXII No. 15 p 4 col 5] PATTISON Infant Mr. and Mrs. Levi Pattison lost their babe last week, Wednesday. It was buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery Thursday. ["Our Best Words", May 16, 1891 p 7 3] Chas. L. Pearman Died, at White Oaks, New Mexico, Mr. Chas. L. Pearman, the husband of her who was once Miss Tillie Rice, a loved and respected lady of this city. The sympathy of friends here is with her in her great affliction. ["Our Best Words", May 16, 1891 p 5 1] Goldie M. Pearson Mrs. Goldie May Pearson, wife of William Pearson and only living daughter of the late George N. Roberson, died on April 1, 1912. She leaves a sorrowful mother and husband with a frail babe 3 months old Good neighbors minister to this sorely bereaved home. The deceased was a kind hearted woman with a frail little body. Rev. J. L. Douthit served at the funeral. [Our Best Words, May 1912, p 3 c 4] Marguerite Peifer Another home in Ridge township has been invaded by the grim monster of death, and the most precious jewel of that once happy home has been taken away. She was the youngest daughter, the light and comfort of a loving father, mother and kind grandmother. Marguerite Peifer, the youngest daughter of Chas. and Jennie Peifer, died Sunday evening about five o'clock, age five years, eleven months, twenty-six days, after a few days' illness with congestion of the bowels. Her sufferings during the last hours were very severe, but she bore it bravely, being conscious until death. Although at the hands of an untiring mother, father and grandmother, and also the skill of the physician, nothing could be done to keep death's hand from seizing her. It seemed that the angels of heaven had call for this one. The funeral services were held at their sad home Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. Reeder speaking words of consolation to the friends and relatives. The remains were interred in the Washington cemetery. Only a few days before little Marguerite viewed the remains of her loving playmate, little Olive Weakly. She, too, was called so suddenly, was the pride of another home. These two precious jewels will be long remembered by playmates and friends. Little Marguerite leaves a father, mother, grandmother and two older sisters to mourn her departure. The smiles of two will now be missed By us who know their seat. The prattling tongues were always kind Of Olive and Marguerite. Two vacant seats in school are found, Two vacant seats at home, Two little playmates are at rest, And with the angels roam. [Shelbyville Democrat, 14 Jan 1904; page 6, col. 3, Contributed by Tari Parr ] Hiram Pogue Hiram Pogue Passes Away at His Late Residence at Sullivan Hiram Pogue died at his home on West Harrison street in Sullivan, Ill., at eight o'clock Tuesday morning. He had been afflicted with heart trouble for several years and this had resulted in other complications which had confined him to the house for nearly a month preceding his death. He was born in Sullivan County, Ind., March 21, 1830, and was consequently in his seventy-fourth year. He was married 1855 to Miss Rachel Hunt and three years later they came to Illinois and located in Shelby county where they continued to reside until four years ago, when they moved to Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and four sons, two of the ten children having died some time ago. Those now living are Rose, wife of J. E. Gregory of Moweaqua, Dr. G. A. Pogue of Ontario, Arizona, C. J. Pogue of Shelbyville, Anna, wife of C. M. Powell, J. R. Pogue of Sullivan, Carrie, wife of W. G. Long of Chicago, U. G. Pogue of Wenatehee, Wash., Allie, wife of O. A. Potter of Duvall. All were present at the funeral except the son who resides in Washington. Practically all of Mr. Pogue's active life was spent in Shelby county and he had resided on the home farm there for a continuous period of thirty-five years, numbering among his friends and associates many of the best citizens of that vicinity. Though he had passed the three score and ten period, yet he had kept in close touch with the trend of events both local and general, and always seemed to derive genuine pleasure from his associations with people of the younger generation. He had a good word for everybody and his cordial greetings will be missed by all. The funeral services were held at the family residence Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock, Rev. H. A. Davis officiating, the interment following in Greenhill Cemetery. [Shelbyville Democrat, 14 Jan 1904; page 6, col. 3 - Contributed by Tari Parr] Mary Quigley Mrs. Mary Quigley, who has been very ill at her home on North Second street for several weeks, died last Sunday aged 70 years. She was buried at the Herron Cemetery twelve miles north of this city. [OBW, February 13, 1892, 5, 1] Miss Emma Rawlings Yantisville Miss Emma Rawlings, daughter of John and Martha Rawlings, died at the family residence near Yantisville on Sunday morning and was buried at Antioch on Monday the 12th at 1 o’clock. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Keeler of Tower Hill, assisted by Rev. L. Corley. A large audience fo sympathizing friends and heart broken relatives were present. The deceased was in the prime of life — a little past twenty one — with promise of amny years of usefulness and pleasuer. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, a good worker in the cause of religion, was a favorite with the young folks and was loved by all who knew her. [OBW, January 17 1891, IV, 43, 5, 4] Mrs. Francis Richard Mrs. Francis Richard (Holland Township) was interred at Zion cemetery Jan. 19. She leaves a husband and nine children, two girls (twins) a few weeks old. She chose her own text — John 14:2. [OBW, January 24, 1891 - IV 44, 6, 2] George N. Robertson George N. Robertson, born April 14, 1843. He was killed March 8 by one of the fast trains on the Big Four railroad near his home in Shelbyville. His faithful wife and their one daughter, Mrs. May Pearson, were left in sorrow and poverty. Four children preceded the father to the other world. The deceased was a member of the Christian church and was a sober, industrious man, but partly deaf and blind. He had a hard scrabble for fuel and daily bread. In the cold weather, with a basket on his arm, he was picking up bits of coal along the railroad track within the limits of the city, when the New York and St. Louis express, running mile a minute, struck him to death instantly. Rev. J. L. Douthit officiated at the funeral. During his remarks the preacher could be ask why trains were allowed to run through the city of over 4,000 population at such dangerous speed? Echo answers, why? [Our Best Words, May 1912, p 3 c 4] Thomas N. Robinson Mr. Robinson was born near Windsor, Ill., Nov. 30, 1846; died at the family home in Stewardson at 3 o’clock on the morning of January 12, 1913, age 66 years, 1 month, 12 days. He was united in marriage with Isabelle Stewardson on October 17, 1883. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Lora M. Peters, and three sisters, Mrs. T.J. Bandy of Dudley, Ill.; Mrs. Hattie Harstell, of Windsor, and Sarah Bule, of Detroit, Mich. At an early age he was converted and became a member of the M. E. Church and has ever since lived a consecreated, consistent Christian life. He was a student of Westfield College and later a graduate of the University at Normal, Ill. For several yeras he was a successful teacher in the schools of Shelby County. He came to Stewardson 36 years ago and since then has been in the drug business until three weeks before his death. He has held various offices of trust. Throughout all the years he lived in Stewardson he was actively engaged in the work of the church and for nearly 30 years was a teacher in the Sunday School. He was a most faithful and affectionate husband and father. The funeral service was held in Jordan Unitarian Chapel, Rev. J. L. Douthit (Unitarian), and Rev. H. C. Much (Methodist), officiating. [OBW, January 1913 - XXXII - 13- 2 - 4] Emil Ruwe This community was saddened Friday morning when we heard of the death of Emil Ruwe, infant baby. We extend our sympathy. [Shelbyville Democrat, March 12 1931 vol LVII No. 37 p 7 col 2] Shaw Infant The infant child of Emmet and Mrs. Shaw died last week. [OBW, February 13 1892, 5 1 ] Abraham Stretch Died, in West Shelbyville, May 12, Abraham Stretch aged about eighty years. One of our earliest settlers and a good old man has gone to his rest. ["Our Best Words", May 16, 1891 p 5 1] Toedenbrecker The Widow Toedenbrecker for years living in South Strasburg was buried the third of March at the cemetery of the Lutherans west of Strasburg, Rev. Brum officiating. The deceased lived to be 84 years old. Mr. Button’s funeral at Stewardson took place on same day. [OBW, March 7 1891, IV - 50- 5 - 2] Dora Wade ROCKFORD - This community was saddened last Wednesday morning when news spread of the passing on of one of its residents, Miss Dora Wade. Rev. Stine of Stewardson preached a very touching sermon at Rockford church Friday afternoon, with burial in the cemetery nearby. [Shelbyville Democrat, July 15, 1937, p. 7 c. 1] Miss Dora Wade Passed Away Wednesday Miss Dora Etta Wade daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. T. Wade passed away at the home on Wednesday morn July 7, At the age of 35 years 6 mo. 23 days. She leaves to morn her loss her parents and one brother Ray. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the Rockford Church with burial in the Rockford Cemetery. [STEWARDSON CLIPPER, July 8, 1937 vol 44 No. 46 p 1 col 5] Nancy J. Walker Pana - Mrs. Nancy J. Walker, wife of former County Treasurer Wallace E. Walker, a stockman of central Illinois, died at her home in Shelbyville of illness following the fracture of her hip 2 years ago. She was 64 and leaves her husband and two sons, O.W. Walker, cashier of the Shelby State bank, and C.E. Walker, stockman. [Ste. Marie Tribune, Jasper County, Ill. Friday, December 19, 1913 - submitted by Kim Torp] Mrs. Alva Walls We were sorry to hear of the death of Mrs. Alva Walls. We all extend our sympathy to the family. [Shelbyville Democrat, February 12 1931 vol LVII No. 33 p 4 col 5] Mrs. Absolom Ware Died, Sept. 26, 1889, Mrs. Absolom Ware. She was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Nov. 17, 1845, her maiden name was Courtwright. Came to Illinois in 1867 and was married to the husband that now mourns her, August 17th, 1868. Mrs. Ware was a kind neighbor. The funeral service was at the house and conducted by Rev. J. L. Douthit. The remains were taken to Mt. Carmel for burial. [OBW, October 19, 1889, III - 27 - 5 - 3 ] Robert Wheat Robert Wheat died Friday night and was buried Sunday afternoon at Old Mode. [Shelbyville Democrat, April 30 1931 vol LVII No. 44 p 8 col 5] Frank Williams Mr. and Mrs. Asa Williams buried their little son Frank last Tuesday, Rev. Lloyd officiating at the funeral . They also buried an infant child the week previous. They have the sympathy of the community in their great affliction [OBW, February 13, 1892 - 5, 1 ] George Williams ROCKFORD - This community was sorry to hear for the death of Mr. George Williams. He was well known here and a good loving neighbor. We all extend our sympathy to the family. [Shelbyville Democrat, June 9, 1932 vol LVIII No. 50 p 8 col 3] R.L. Williams Dies in Decatur Roy Lloyd Williams, 71, of 1512 West Grand, Decatur, died at 6:25 a.m. Wednesday at the Decatur and Macon County Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Glenwood cemetery [sic], Shelbyville. Mr. Williams moved to Decatur from Shelbyville 15 years ago. He was a retired employe [sic] of the Signal Depot in Decatur and was affiliated with the Grand Baptist Church. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was born Aug. 15, 1894, in Shelby county, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Williams. Mr. Williams married Retha McCollum, who died January, 1947. He married Bessie Newcum Sept. 15, 1957, in Taylorville. He leaves his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Ray (Leota) Yantis, Findlay; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Carl (Juanita) Jackson and Mrs. Dave (Joyce) Taylor, both of Litchfield; one sister, Mrs. Clyde (Amanda) Goodwin, Decatur; three brothers, Louis of Jackson, Mich., Howard of Decatur and Warren of Chicago; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. [The Shelbyville Daily Union, May 5, 1966.] NOTE from Submitter: Roy Williams is probably related to the Williams family who attended the Stewardson School around the turn of the century. Sarah E. Woods Died, Sept. 25, Mrs. Sarah E. Woods, wife of W. H. Woods, of Rose township. She was born in Ashland County, Ohio, her maiden name was Black. She was married Aug. 19, 1852, and was the mother of eight children six of whom with the husband and father are living to be sad and sorrowful at the loss of a patient and tender wife and mother. She was buried at the Walden Cemetery, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Martin, of the M. E. Church at Windsor. She has been a member of church since her fifteenth year, and had lived a consistent Christian life in the hope of a brighter, better world on high. Wherever she lived she was much beloved by friends and neighbors. [OBW, October 19 1889, III, 27, 5, 3 ] B.J. Young Elder B. J. Young one of the oldest residents in Shelbyville. He lived here about 60 years and passed to the Home Beyond Dec. 22, 1911. He was over 91 years old, a native of Monmouth County, New Jersey. He taught the first public school in (Shelbyville, Illinois). In earlier years he served as deputy circuit clerk in this county, and as assessor and police magistrate. He served one year in the Civil War in the 59th Ill. infantry. Was a member of the Christian Church for 50 years. He was married in 1850 to Miss Elizabeth Baldock, who passed on about seven years ago. They had four childen; two preceded them to the other world and two remain, namely: Mrs. Florence Green of Effingham, Ill. and Mrs. George Roberts of this city. The funeral service was held in the Christian church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. R. H. Robertson who was assisted by Rev. J. L. Douthit, a friend of the deceased for nearly 50 years. [Our Best Words, January 1912, p 2 c 4] Submitted by Judy Edwards - except where noted ©2008 Genealogy Trails