Born December 25, 1825, Coffee Co. Tennessee, died January 12, 1916 in home of daughter Mt. Vernon, married Nancy Ann Bert; 2 children Charley Collins near Dahlgren; Mary Taylor Paducah Kentucky. Married Nancy Ward 2 children John Collins Zearing Iowa; Martha Jane Kennedy Mt. Vernon, Married Elizabeth Collins (should be smith); 3 children Eliza Jane, near Delafield, Alva Collins, Minnunk Illinois, Ida Reinert, Dudley Mo. interred Preston Cemetery (see 1949-25 1956-14)

Legacy of Kin p. 153 1916-154A

Correction: William married Mary Elizabeth "Betsy" Smith daughter of John R. Smith and Polly Myers

May 1945

ELIZA LEORA CARSON

Eliza Leora Carson, daughter of W.S. and Lydia Wood was born in Ohio August 6, 1861. When about two years old she with her parents moved to Wayne County, Illinois, near Sims. When seven years old her parents moved to Bedford Township where she grew to young womanhood and lived the remaining part of her life in and near Cisne. At the age of 13 she was converted and united with the Christian Church at Cisne during a meeting conducted by Bro. J.S. Rose and has remained a member in good standing until her passing. She was united in marriage with Wilson Carson Sept. 28, 1879. To this union four daughters were born: Mrs. E.M. Barrett, Mrs. O.M. Pyle, and Mrs. L.L. Pittman, all of Cisne. One daughter, Mrs. Alma Rutger preceded her in death May 13, 1913. She had enjoyed good health until the last few years. All was done for her that loving hands could, but she gradually grew weaker until she passed peacefully away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L.L. Pittman in Cisne. She leaves to mourn her passing, her three daughters, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild and many other relatives and friends. She was the oldest of a family of seven children and the last one to go. She was a faithful companion, a loving mother, and friend to all and loved by all who knew her. Funeral service was conducted at the Christian Church at Cisne May 19, 1945, at 2:00 p.m. by Eld. E.L.Crooks. Interment in Cisne cemetery.

Card of Thanks
We wish to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to our many kind neighbors and friends for their words of sympathy, acts of kindness and beautiful floral offerings during the illness and death of our beloved mother and grandmother.

THE FAMILY

January 1946

LOUISA CISNE
DIES IN CISNE SUNDAY

Mrs. Louisa Cisne, one of the best known residents in and around Cisne, died here Sunday morning early at the home of her daughter, Mrs. V.C. Sweeney, where she had made her home the past few months. Mrs. Cisne, widow of the late John E. Cisne, had not enjoyed good health for several years. She died at the age of 71 years, 11 months and five days, following an acute heart attack. Louisa, youngest daughter of John F. and Malinda Flick, was born near Cisne, February 28, 1875. She grew to womanhood and spent the greater part of her life on the old homestead. In her youth she confessed her faith in Christ and united with the Cisne Christian Church, where she remained a faithful member throughout her life. She was united in marriage with John E. Cisne, June 20, 1892. Five children were born to this union. The companion passed away November 3, 1930 and the eldest daughter, Mrs. Erna Howell, died September 16, 1939 Her life interest has been that of her home and family. She was a faithful companion and an affectionate mother, a good neighbor and a true friend. She loved young people and many young folks besides her children and grandchildren have enjoyed the hospitality and comforts of her home. She is survived by two sons, Eldon of Bridgeport and Marion of Cisne; two daughters, Mrs. Mildred Rusk of Pontiac and Mrs. Corrine Sweeney of Cisne; one brother, Frank, of Pontiac; eight grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; many other relatives and a host of friends who will mourn her passing. Funeral services were conducted from the Cisne Christian Church Tuesday afternoon by Elder W.D. Crippen………(remaining missing)

Robert Close, 67, Wayne City, Dies (Wayne County Record sent to me by Sharon Pilkington).

"Funeral service for Robert Close who died last Friday at 6:10 p.m. where held at two Sunday from the Combs Chapel in Wayne City, by Rev L. E. Louisignont. Burial was in the Thomason Cemetery. Mr. Close 67, a retired farmer died at his home in Wayne city after a long illness. His retirement last fall was caused by poor health. He was born in Orchardville the son of john & Martha Jane ELLIS Close. He was married to Carrie Allen December 12, 1902. Mr. Close was a member of the Richland Christian Church. Surviving are his wife, Carrie, three daughters, Mrs. Alberta Whitlock, St. Joseph, Il. and Fern and Vada at home; one brother Charles R. of Loda; two sisters, Mrs. Rosa Herbert and Mrs. Ida Morgan, both of Mt. Vernon and two granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and five children.".

January 18, 2004

PAULINE COLLINS

88, of Wayne city died 8:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 2004 at Mt. Vernon Care Center. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Collins was born Oct. 28, 1915, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Paul and Katie (LAIRD) Cline. She married John Collins Sept. 16, 1935; he died June 13, 2001. Funeral services will be held at Wayne City Methodist Church. The Rev. Jim Peak will officiate. Burial will follow at the Thomason Cemetery. Mrs. Collins is survived by a son Paul Collins and wife Carline of Wayne City; a daughter Sandra Roesch and husband Larry of Wayne City; four grandchildren, Pam Aydt and husband Kenny of Dalgren, Doug Collins and wife Missy of Wayne City, Robert Roesch of Advance, N. C. and Kevin Roesch and wife Julie of Fallon; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers and a sister. Mrs. Collins was a member of the Wayne City Methodist Church.

Unknown paper, March 26, 1926.

JOHN CLOSE

John Close son of John and Mary Close, was born February 28, 1855 in Philadelphia, Pa. of Irish parentage. Died March 22, 1926 age 71 years and 24 days. He came to Illinois with his parents at the age of ten years where he grew to manhood, where he was united in marriage to Martha Jane Ellis, Feb. 25th 1875. He taught school a number of years in the north part of this county. He and his wife located at Wayne City, Ill. 1883, where he pursued the occupation of farming for several years. He was appointed a rural mail carrier on route no. 1 from Wayne City, July 1st 1903, and served in that capacity for 15 years, resigning on account of ill health. Later he accepted a position as an assistant to the Post Master at Wayne City office, retaining that place till death, having served under three different Post Masters. He was affiliated with the Masonic fraternity having been a Master Mason about 46 years. There were eight children born to this union, namely; Mary Hale who died October 14, 1906, Robert of Fairfield, Ill. Charles of Wayne City, James, who died in his infancy, Kate, who died Jan. 16th 1901, Ida Morgan of Mt. Vernon, Ill. Meada who died Jan. 28th 1910 and Rosa Herbert of Mt. Vernon, IL., who was unable to be present on account of illness. He leaves his wife, four children, fifteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a grand daughter Mrs. O. P. Green of Wayne City whom he raised. He had one brother and six sisters. Only one sister survives, Mrs. Martha Huddleson of Hiawatha, Kans. His brother Robert was killed in the siege of Vicksburg, Miss. in the Civil War, at the age of nineteen years. Besides his relatives, he leaves a host of friends to mourn their loss. He never affiliated with any denominational church but has been heard to express his vies and his faith to reach that Spiritual Building, that house not made with hand, eternal in the heavens. Funeral services were held in the Wayne City M. E. church Tuesday afternoon March 23. The Masons Lodge had charge of the services, and Chas. L. Wood assisted Rev. Earl C. Phillips. Burial at Thomason Cemetery.

Unknown ,paper abt. Aug 14, 1946.

MRS. JOHN CLOSE, DIES AT AGE 89

Mrs. Martha Jane Close, widow of John Close, died at 5:15 a. m. today in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ida Morgan, 701 South 18th Street. Her age was 89 years 10 months 13 days. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the Combs Chapel in Wayne City. Mrs. Close was born October 1 1856 in Missouri, the daughter of Charles R. and Nancy (Carlyle) Ellis. On February 25, 1875 she was married to John Close, who preceded her in death on March 22, 1926. She was Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star of Wayne City. Mrs. Close was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Robert of Fairfield and Charley of Loda, Ill.; two daughters Mrs. Ida Morgan and Mrs. Owen Herbert of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, J. T. Ellis of Bentonville, Arkansas and F. M. Ellis of Weatherford, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Anna Chandler, Van Nuys, California; 15 grandchildren, 33great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Times-Leader, July 7, 1949.

ALVA M. COLLINS

Born March 4, 1875, Hamilton County; died June 30, 1949 Hospital in McLeansboro; son of William & Mary Elizabeth (Collins -(should be SMITH) Leaves 2 sisters Mrs. Eliza Barr near Delafield with whom he made his home & Mrs. Ida Rhinert of Michigan; half sister Mrs. Matt Kennedy of Mt. Vernon. Interred Middle Creek

Charles R. Close, Dies at Paxton (Champaign Urban Courier sent to me by Sharon Pilkington ). Jan 2, 1953

"Charles R. Close, 72, of Paxton, Wall township, Northwest of here, died 4:30 a.m. Tuesday in Paxton Community Hospital, where he was admitted a short time earlier. He had been suffering from a heart ailment for several months. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in olive Branch Baptist church, Wayne city, with the Rev. Harold Mayberry officiating. Burial will be in the olive Branch Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday night and until 5 p.m. Wednesday at Brown Funeral home, Paxton. Mr. Close had been born April 23, 1881, in Wayne County, son of John and Martha ELLIS Close. He lived in Wayne County 25 years before moving to Melvin. Later he moved to the Paxton community where he had lived the last 17 years. Mr. Close was married to Miss Erlie SMITH in February 1904, in Wayne County. He was a member of the Olive branch Church. He leaves his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Jack Linder, Paxton; Mrs. Alfred Cork Rankin; and Mrs. Robert Cork. Elgin;15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Rosie Herbert and Mrs. Ida Morgan, both of Mt. Vernon.".

unknown.

MRS. ERLIE CLOSE DIES IN ELGIN; WAYNE CITY RITES (1962)

Mrs. Erlie Close, 79, of Elgin, died at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Hospital in that city. She is a former resident of Wayne City. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Richardson Chapel in Wayne City. Burial will be in Olive Branch Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the Richardson Chapel where friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Friday. Mrs. Close was born April 16, 1883, in Wayne County, the daughter of William H. and Annie (Harshbarger) Smith. She was married to Charles Close, who preceded her in death in 1953. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Robert Cork of Elgin, Mrs. Alfred Cork of St. Charles and Mrs. Jack Linder of Paxton; a sister, Mrs. Esty Myers of Humbolt, Il. 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Mrs. Close was a member of the Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Charles Close (Elgin) (Elgin Daily Courier sent to me by Sharon Pilkington).

"Mrs. Charles (Effie L.) Close 79, of 53 Second St. died Wednesday afternoon in St. Joseph Hospital following a short illness. She was born April 16, 1883 in Four Mile township, Wayne County, Illinois and had lived in Elgin for eight years. She was a member of the olive branch Baptist Church in Four mile Township. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1953. Surviving are three daughters Mrs. Robert (Edna) Cork of Elgin, Mrs. Jack (Dessie) Linder of Paxton and Mrs. Alfred (Blanche) Cork of St. Charles; a sister Mrs. Esty Myers of Humbolt; 15 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Friends may call at Bergan Memorial Chapel from 6 to 10 p. m. today. The body will be taken to the Richardson funeral Home in Wayne City for visitation Friday night.. Services will be at 2 Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at the olive Branch cemetery.".

Peg Jones,

From Wayne Co Record
1946

MRS. E.H. CRIPPEN (Rachel Rogers Crippen) DIES IN HOSPITAL

Wife of Fairfield Oil Man Was Production Chairman of Red Cross During War

Mrs. E.H. Crippen, 56, wife of a well-known Fairfield oil man, passed away at 10 o’clock Monday morning in St. John’s hospital in St. Louis. Mrs. Crippen had been in declining health since Christmas and on March 15th she entered the hospital. She was suffering with a respiratory complication that later developed in to cancer of the lungs. The remains were returned to the Dixie-Crippen funeral home here, where funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon by Dr. C.L. Peterson. Burial will be in Maple Hill cemetery by the side of her son, Roger Young, who passed away in September, 1944, while in the marine corps. Mrs. Crippen was born in Portland Mills, Pa., on November 7th, 1890, as Rachel Beulah Rogers. Her parents were George and Ann Moore Rogers. She attended elementary and high school in Ridgeway, Pa., later graduating in piano and voice from the Coombs Conservatory of Music in Philadelphia. During her early life she gained a wide reputation as a soloist, having appeared in many of the leading churches of the East and on one occasion having sung a concert with the famous Sousa band. She was married to E.H. Crippen in 1920 at Cleveland, Ohio, and during their married life they have made their home in Fort Worth, Texas, Casper, Wyo., Oil City, Pa. The family came to Fairfield nine years ago when Mr. Crippen took charge of the operations of the New Penn Development Co. in this county. Since their coming to Fairfield they have both been active in community affairs here and have gained many warm friends. During the war Mrs. Crippen served untiringly as production chairman of the Wayne county chapter of the Red Cross, making an enviable record for the manner in which she discharged the duties of this important post. She was also a member of the Fairfield Woman’s club and the Garden club. She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Maxine, wife of James Norris here, and one sister, Mrs.Stilley, of Erie, Pa.

Blanche A. Cork, 72, dies at Gibson City. (unknown paper sent to me by Sharon Pilkington). "Blanche A. Cork, 72, rural Paxton, died 3:15 p. m. Thursday, June 9, 1983, at Gibson Community Hospital, Gibson City. She had been in failing health for several years. funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Ford Baier Funeral Home, the Rev. Harold Bodeen officiating. Burial will be in Glen Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Mrs. Cork was born Oct. 30, 1911 in Wayne City Ill. a daughter of Charles and Early SMITH Close. She married Alfred E. Cork Oct 27, 1930, in Covington, Indiana. Surviving are her husband, three sons, Fay Cork, Belvidere, Il. Alfred Cork Jr., rural Loda, and Darwin Cork, rural Thawville, 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs. Edna Cork, Elgin, Il. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers in infancy and one sister. Mrs. cork moved to Melvin from Wayne City as a teenager and attended Melvin schools. She also lived several years in Elgin area and lived in the Paxton Melvin communities 25 years. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Blanche A. Cork Rites

Funeral services for Blanche A. Cork who died June 9, 1983, were conducted Sunday afternoon at Ford Baier Funeral Home Paxton, the Rev. Harold Q. Bodeen officiating. Burial was in the Glen Cemetery, Paxton. Pallbearers were Randy Cork, Darian Cork, Larry Schwing, Verisal Cork, Ronnie Cork and Roy Linder. Organist was Linda Kellerhals.".

Thelma Griffith Carter

77 year old Fairfield resident, Thelma Griffith Carter, died at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11th 2004 as the result of a car accident south of Fairfield.

Surviving are her husband Dennis; 2 sons, Van Griffith of Fairfield and Terry Griffith of Mill Shoals; a daughter, Barbara Knight of Springfield, Il.; 4 sisters, Avis Eubanks and Shirley Rankin both of Fairfield, Enid Richardson of Lawrenceville and Kay Pottorff of Dixon, Il.; 5 brothers, Dellous Sons and David Sons both of Fairfield, Harry Sons and Harold Sons both of Barnhill and Ralph Sons of Union City, Tennessee; 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 7 step-grandchildren and 7 step-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Thelma Griffith Carter will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14th at the Johnson Chapel. Burial in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13th at the Johnson Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Donated by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson

kiowana@mvn.net

Mount Vernon Register News June 1929

Prominent Wayne County Man Died Here Early Today

Annuel Harlan Coil, who lived north of Keenes on Route 2, died this morning at three o'clock at Mt. Vernon Hospital to which institution he was brought for treatment ten days ago.

Mr. Coil was born in Ohio, November 16, 1856 and his parents were Abraham H. Coil and wife, and his age was 73 years, six months and 27 days.

In his active life he was prominent in the farm and business life of Wayne County, and engaged in the mercantile business for 15 years. He was a member of the Masonic lodge of Wayne City, and a highly respected citizen in every way.

Funeral services will be held at Garrison Temple. Hickory Hill, Wayne County, Saturday at 11 o'clock.

Mr. Coil is survived by five daughters as follows:

Mrs. Lizzie Burgess, Keenes
Mrs. R. A. Greenwalt, Bluford
Mrs. John Harvey, Keenes
Mrs. Ortho Henson, Orchardville
Mrs. Otto Stephens, Mt. Vernon

Three brothers survive:
Logan Coil, Pueblo, Colorado
Walter Coil, Flora
Leon Coil, Flora

One sister, Mrs. Alice Hosley lives at Flora.

Donated by Mike Clemmons

Wayne County Press

Monday, February 24, 1985

Rev. Alva G. Clifton, a well-known Fairfield resident, died unexpectedly at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1, 1985, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Rev. Clifton entered the hospital Jan.31 with a bleeding condition. Death was due to heart failure, the family said. He was a retired Airtex employee and was well-known for making woodworking items, which he sold locally.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at New Hope General Baptist Church with Rev. Hobert Burdin officiating. Interment was in Koontz Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home handled the funeral arrangements.

Rev. Clifton was born near Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, May 27, 1912, the son of W. H. and Maryetta Monroney Clifton.

He was married to the former Frankie Mclntosh at Fairfield Oct. 15, 1953. Mrs. Clifton is owner-operator of Desseree's Beauty Shop.

Rev. Clifton was a U.S. Army veteran, who served as a technical sergeant in Philippines during World War Il.

He was a licensed General Baptist minister. He served as a fill in pastor for

several congregations in the Wayne County area over the years.

Rev. Clifton was employed for 26 years in the parts department at Airtex Products before retiring in 1977.

He was a member of the New Hope General Baptist Church and Union Grove Presbytery.

Survivors include his wife, Frankie Clifton, of Fairfield; one brother James A. Clifton of Fairfield; and two sisters, Mrs. Evelyn Large of Fairfield; and Mrs. Amanda J. Johnson, of Mt. Vernon.

Preceding him in death were four brothers and a sister.

Donated by Mike Clemmons

Mrs. Emma Clifton, 77

Wayne County Press - 10/20/1986

A longtime Fairfield resident. Mrs. Emma Clifton, 77. of the Fair-Way Apartments. died at 10:40 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 19, 1986, of cancer at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Clifton was the widow of Rev. William Clifton, a General Baptist minister. She was employed in her younger years at various limes with Sex¬ton, Atntree, and Johnnye Manufacturing companies. Mrs. Clifton had resided at the Fair-Way Apartments for the past 15 months.

Riles Wednesday

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at First General Baptist Church, with Rev. Gary Gelsinger officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation is planned from 6-S p.m. Tuesday at Nale's Funeral Home.

Mrs. Clifton was born in Ponca County, Mo. April 26, 1909, the daughter of Lewis and Armintha Propes Sutherland.

She wed Rev, William Hardy Clifton many years ago. Rev. Clifton died Jan. 3, 1978. The couple had no children.

Mrs. Clifton was a member of First General Baptist Church.

The Survivors

Survivors include four sisters, Mrs. Ilene Scott and Mrs. Edith Gregory, both of Fairfield; Mrs. Ruby Meador, of Mt.

Carmel; and Mrs. Wilma Taylor, of Anderson, Ind.; one brother, Lewis Sutherland. of Fairfield; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Sutherland,

Donated by Mike Clemmons

Mrs. Frances Clifton, 73

Wayne County Press - 1-1-1990

Mrs. Frances Clifton, 73, a longtime resident of Fairfield, died at the home of a son, Donald Clifton, in Fayetteville, N. Ca., Thursday night.

In poor health, Mrs. Clifton had suffered a broken hip since going to her son's home. Her husband, James Clifton, a well-known man here, died Nov. 16 ..

She was a housewife.

Funeral services were held from the New Hope General Baptist Church Tuesday morning (today), with Rev. Wendell Allen officiating. Nale's Funeral Home was in charge. She was born in Fairfield Sept. 21, 1916, the daughter of W.A. (Happy) Corder and Carrie Eaton Corder.

On May 3, 1938, in Morganfield, Ky., she was married to James Clifton.

Mrs. Clifton was a member of the New Hope General Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents and two sisters.

Surviving are one son, Donald of Fayetteville, N. Ca.; one daughter, Shirley Witter of Mattoon; one brother, Wildon Corder of Fairfield; one sister, Leitha O'Dell of Erin, Tenn.; and two grandchildren.

Donated by Mike Clemmons

Wayne County Press - 3-22-1999

Mrs. Frankie D. Clifton Dies At 73; Was Retired Beautician

Mrs. Frankie D. Clifton, 73, of this city, died at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 18, 1999, at Rest Haven Manor in Albion. A retired beautician, Mrs. Clifton was the widow of Alva Clifton.

Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon from the New Hope General Baptist Church, with Terry Williams officiating. Interment was in Koontz Cemetery. A visitation was held at the church for one hour prior to the service. She was born at Springerton Apr. 12, 1925, the daughter of James Herbert and Alma Gill McIntosh. Her husband, Alva Clifton, died in February, 1985. The couple had no children. Mrs. Clifton had been a member of the New Hope General Baptist Church since 1953. Surviving are a sister, Rosella Otzwirt of Springfield; and one nephew.

Donated by Mike Clemmons

Wayne County Press - 11-20-1989

James Clifton, 82, of Fairfield, a 30-year Airtex employee, died at 11:35 p.m. Thursday. Nov. 16, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Clifton had heart trouble and had a heart attack two weeks ago that left him hospitalized. He suffered another heart attack on Thursday that caused his death. Services were at 2 p.m, Sunday at New Hope Baptist Church. Rev. Wendell Allen officiated. Burial was in Maple Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Clifton was born Nov. 8, 1907. in Mt. Vernon. His parents were William and Etta (Monroney) Clifton.

He married Frances Corder May 3, 1938, in Morganfield, Ky. She survives.

Mr. Clifton was a retired Airtex: employee. He worked for 30 years in the production department.

He was a 33 year member of Ute New Hope General Baptist Church.

Mr. Clifton is survived by his wife; one son, Donald Clifton of Fayetteville, N.C.; one daughter, Shirley Witter of Mattoon; one sister, Amanda Johnson of Mt. Ver-non, and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

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Wayne County History & Genealogy

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JOHN CLOSE

ALVA M. COLLINS

Wayne County
History & Genealogy