The subject of this sketch, John W. Estes, was born in Jefferson County Illinois, January 4, 1837 and departed this life June 7, 1916 being 79 years 5 months and 3 days old at the time of his death. He married Susan B. Lynch January 14 1858. To this union were born eight children, five boys and three girls two of whom died in infancy and one Rosalie Jones was called to her reward July 20, 1913. Those surviving are Mrs. Anna Norris of Bonnie; Wilson Estes living in Dobbs township; Edward Estes and Charles Estes both living east of Mt. Vernon; and George Estes who lives near Bonnie. Mr. Estes professed faith in Christ three years ago and lived a consistent Christian life until his death. He never united with any church but he believed in the teachings of the Christian church. He enlisted in the Union Army in November 1864 in Co. F 50th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served his country until the close of the war. Besides his immediate family he leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. The greater part of his life was spent on the farm where he was content to rear his family and enjoy the confidence and respect of his neighbors and friends. He was of a quite, and unassuming disposition affectionate husband and father courteous and obligation as neighbor. His was a long life and a useful one, and while we grieve to see him go out from among us yet we feel like congratulating him in that he leaves the world in peace with all mankind and goes with clean hands to meet his maker.

Mt. Vernon Register-News, April 10, 1926.

AGED WOMAN DIED LAST NIGHT AT SON'S HOME

Mrs. Susan B. Estes died at the home of her son, George,1209 Shawnee Street, last night at 9 o'clock. Mrs. Estes age was 87 years. She is survived by four sons, Wilson, Ed, Charley, and George. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 11a.m. at Pleasant View, and burial will follow at Arnold Cemetery.

Additional information:

MAIDEN NAME Susan Belveretta Lynch

BORN November 17, 1838 Jackson Co. Tn. Daughter of Marmaduke and Susan (Wolsey) Lynch

MARRIED July 14, 1858 Jefferson Co. IL. John W. Estes

DIED APRIL 8, 1926 Jefferson Co. Illinois

Breeze-Courier Newspaper, Thursday March 12, 1981 page 11 Col. 4.

FUNERAL FRIDAY, PRESLEY EVERLEN

Funeral services for Presley Everlen of 310 South Locust Street, Stonnington will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Sutton Memorial Home, this city, with Rev. Barry Bisel, Pastor of Landmark Baptist Church, officiating and burial will be in the Old Stonington Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home from 7 until 9 p.m. tonight. Mr. Everlen, 74, custodian for Old Stonington Cemetery, died at 6:45 a.m. Wednesday in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, where he had been hospitalized for the last three weeks.

BREEZE-COURIER NEWSPAPER

Saturday March 14, 1981 page 9

HOLD RITES FOR PRESLEY EVERLEN

Funeral services for Presley Everlen, 74, of Stonington, were held Friday in Sutton Memorial Home of this city with Rev. Barry Bisel pastor of the Landmark Baptist Church officiating. Pallbearers were Bobby Fecho, Monty Schride, Rocky Durbin, Charles Barns, James Smith and Scott Montgomery. Mr. Everlen died Wednesday in St. John's Hospital where he had been a patient for three weeks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Born July 25, 1906

Died March 11, 1981

Married Helen Blanch Smith

Son Of john & Pennie HARFE Everlen

Ralph F. Elliott

89 year old Fairfield resident, Ralph F. Elliott, died Sunday morning, Dec. 18th 2005 at Meadowood Nursing Home in Grayville. He had been employed at French Elevator in Golden Gate, and worked with the State of IL Highway Dept., and had been an oilfield worker.

Surviving are 3 sons, Ralph Ed Elliott and Dallas Lewis both of Fairfield and Charles Elliott of Fairdealing, Missouri; 2 daughters, Sheila Goodwin and Brenda Anders both of Fairfield; 3 sisters, Mable Headley and Ann Merritt both of Albion and Kathryn Quindry of Knoxville, Tennessee; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.

Graveside services for Ralph F. Elliott will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 at Maple Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6 til 8 Tuesday evening, December 20 at Nale's Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Barbara DAVIS Ellzey

Newspaper: Wayne County Press

Submitters Name: Marylea Gazette

Obit: Barbara Davis was born March 14, 1836 in Monroe County, Ohio. She came to Wayne County, Illinois and was married to Wm D. Ellzey November 9th, 1854. Eight children were born to this union, four boys and four girls. Six of these children, three boys and three girls preceded her in death. Her husband died January 11th, 1886, since which time she has lived with and raised her children. Two of her sons died after they had reached manhood after which she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Emma Simpson. She was converted and together with her husband united with the Christian Church of Pleasant Grove, later placing her membership with the Free Will Baptist organization at the Ward school house and later with the other members she united with the Oak Valley Church where she has ever since held her membership. She was always faithful in her attendance at the church services and Sunday school until advanced age and feeble health caused her to stop her attendance. She was a good Christian woman and well beloved by all who knew her. She has gone to her reward and we who knew her believe she is now with Jesus. She died January 16, 1918 at the age of 81 years 10 months and 2 days. She leaves to mourn their loss one son John Ellzey of Kansas, one daughter, Mrs. Emma Simpson, one brother David Davis of Western Wayne County, also 14 grandchildren and 10 great grand children besides other relatives and a host of friends. The funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Oak Valley Church at which Rev. Samuel Hoekstra the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fairfield, officiated. Interment was at Oak Valley Cemetery near the Church.

In Loving Memory of MINNIE ETHEL EDWARDS

Donated by Bob Jones rjones1mtz@insightbb.com

August 7, 1880 - September 26, 1980

Richardson Funeral Home; Wayne City Illinois; September 30, 1980

Minnie Ethel Edwards, daughter of Malon Smith and Elizabeth (Whitson) Smith,

was born in Sims, Illinois on August 27, 1880. She was one of eleven children and the last one remaining of their family. In March 1906 she was married to Elijah D. Edwards, who died in 1916. They were bless with seven children and Elijah brought two young daughters into the family whom she raised as her own. The death of her husband left Ethel with a family to raise alone at the age of 36.

They moved from Sims to Centralia, Illinois, so that she might better provide for them and also give them broader opportunities. After the children were grown she moved to Chicago to be near them and her grandchildren. Since 1977 she had lived in California and in August of 1980 had celebrated her 100th Birthday with 37 members of the family at the home of her daughter Mrs. Basil M. Gaynor, where she remained until the time of her death on September 26. “Mom” truly exemplified the description of a “Virtuous Woman” as outlined in Proverbs 31:10-31. Her life was poured out in full measure for her family to whom she

was always a tower of strength and wisdom. Today, we, her children and grandchildren “..rise up and call her blessed.” She was truly a Great Lady we would be proud to emulate.

“Mom” leaves a deep void in the lives of those she touched. She leaves 4

daughters and 1 step-daughter: Mrs. Gladys Baurer, Mrs. Eloise Cunningham, Mrs.

Wilena Gaynor, Mrs. Lorelei Eberhart and Mrs. Blanche Tabor; her son Glen preceded her in death just 6 months ago and leaves daughter-in-law Mrs. Eula (Simmons) Edwards; 12 grandchildren: Fred Baurer, Gretchen (Baurer) Cochran, Edwin A. Cunningham, Allan S. Cunningham, Basil Gaynor, Lee Gaynor, Wm. B. Phillips, Marcella (Tabor) Felton, Juanita (Tabor) Punchard, Harry Joe, Charles and Everett Tabor; 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 3 children (Carl, Ruth and Glen) and a step-daughter (Daisy) preceded her in death.

NORA BELLE EDWARDS (No Picture)

Donated by Bob Jones rjones1mtz@insightbb.com

Nora Belle Edwards of Sims died at her home about 12:10 p.m. Sunday, November 7. She had been in failing health for the past two years, but yet her death was unexpected and a shock to loved ones and many friends.

She was the daughter of William and Mary Smith and was born near Sims Feb. 15, 1886. She departed this life at the age of 62 years, 8 months and 20 days.She was united in marriage to S.L. Edwards April 19, 1903, and to this union two children were born.

She leaves to mourn her departure her devoted husband; the two children, Leo Edwards of Mill Shoals and Louise at home; one loving daughter-in-law, Gussie and one grand-son, Kenneth. She also leaves four sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Laura Walker of Cureall, Mrs. Ellen Burkett of Benton, Mrs. Guss Jones and Mrs. Grace Gregg, of Sims, J. D. Smith of Davenport, Iowa, and Fred Smith of Pleasant Plains, and a host of other relatives and friends. She accepted Christ as her Savior in early life and united with the Sims General Baptist church some forty years ago. Belle always had a good word and handshake for everyone and always enjoyed life wherever she was. She will be sadly missed in her home, church and Sunday school, where she was a faithful teacher of the Young Ladies S. S. class for many years. But to the bereaved ones we can say, weep not as those who have no hope. She has gone to that home that Jesus said He had gone to prepare for those who love and serve Him and she left this world shouting His praises with her last breath.

Gone, dear mother, gone forever,

How we miss your smiling face,

But you left us to remember

None on earth can take your place.

A happy home we once enjoyed,

How sweet the memory still,

But death has left a loneliness

The world can never fill.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. from the Sims General Baptist church with the Rev. Ora McRill in charge, assisted by the Rev. Arthur McRill. Interment was in Pin Oak cemetery.

Card of Thanks

To the friends and neighbors for the many kind expression of sympathy during our recent bereavement we extend our heartfelt thanks. The Edwards Family

BELLE EDWARDS OF SIMS DIES SUNDAY

(No Picture)

Mrs. Belle Edwards, 62, a well known resident of Sims, died at her home in that community at noon on Sunday soon after being stricken while returning home from church. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. from the Sims General Baptist church, with the Rev. Ora McRill officiating. Interment was in the Ten (sic) Oak cemetery. Mrs. Edwards was a member of the Sims General Baptist church. She was born in Sims February 13, 1886, the daughter of William and Mary (Marshall) Smith. She was married April 19, 1903, to S. L. Edwards. Surviving are her husband; one son, Leo Edwards of Mill Shoals; a daughter, Louise, at home; one grandchild; two brothers, Jake Smith of Davenport, Iowa, and Fred Smith of Pleasant Plains, and four sisters, Mrs. B. A. Jones and Mrs. John Gregg of Sims, Mrs. Ellen Burkett of Benton and Mrs. Laura Walker of West Plains, Mo.

MRS. EDWARDS DIES (No Picture)

Mrs. Belle Edwards, 62, died at noon Sunday soon at her home in Sims from a heart attack. She had just returned home from church and was entering the house as she collapsed. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Sims General Baptist church by Rev. Ora McRill. Burial was in the Ten (sic) Oak cemetery. Mrs. Edwards was born in Sims February 13, 1886, the daughter of William and Mary (Marshall) Smith. She was married April 19, 1903, to S. L. Edwards. Mrs. Edwards was a member of the Sims General Baptist church.

Surviving are her husband; one son, Leo Edwards of Mill Shoals; a daughter, Louise, at home; one grandchild; two brothers, Jake Smith of Davenport, Iowa, and Fred Smith of Pleasant Plains, and four sisters, Mrs. B. A. Jones and Mrs. John Gregg of Sims, Mrs. Ellen Burkett of Benton and Mrs. Laura Walker of West Plains, Mo.

Wayne County Press Fairfield, Illinois- 18 June 1956

Mrs. Charles Ellis of Johnsonville dies.

Life long Indian Prairie Township resident had been Ill for some time. Mrs. Charles Ellis, 81, a life long resident of Indian Prairie township near Johnsonville, died Friday evening at the home of a son, Oakley Ellis, near that community following a lengthy illness.

Funeral Held Sunday

Funeral services were held from the Oak Grove Church Sunday afternoon by Rev. William Clifton. Interment was at the Hale cemetery. Rosa, daughter of Anthony and Phoebe Vaughn Pennington, was born near Johnsonville on 16 October 1874. In her youth she was converted and united with the Oak Grove General Baptist church where she retained her membership throughout her life. She was married to Charles R. Ellis 10 January 1893. Five sons were born to this union, two of whom dies in infancy, another son. Earl died at age of 23. Mr. Ellis passed away 26 May 1943.

Last Member of Family

Mrs. Ellis was the last Member of a large family of the Pioneer People of the Johnsonville Community. Surviving are two sons; Oakley of near Johnsonville; and Virgil of Mendota; 11 grandchildren; two of whom Ray and Raymond, were reared in her home; and seven great-grandchildren.

OAKLEY ELLIS, 95, CISNE, DIES FRIDAY AT FAIRFIELD MEMORIAL

Oakley Ellis, 95, Cisne, passed away Friday, Nov. 24, 2006 at 6:12 a.m. at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. He was a retired farmer.

SERVICES HELD

Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Hosselton Funeral Home with burial in Cisne Cemetery. Visitation was from 1 p.m. Sunday until service time.

Oakley was born June 28, 1911 at Johnsonville to Charles Richard and Rose PENNINGTON Ellis. He married Alberta JONES on July 1, 1929 in Fairfield. She survives. He was a member of the Providence General Baptist Church at Johnsonville where he served as a deacon for many years.

SURVIVORS

Survivors include his wife of Cisne; a daughter, Nadine Miller of Cisne; a brother, Virgil Ellis of Cisne; three grandsons; six great grandsons; six great great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were a son-in-law, three nephews and his parents.

Virgil Ellis, 93, Cisne, Dies; Worked In Rochelle

Wayne County Press

May 2007

Virgil Ellis, 93 of Cisne, died Monday, May 7, 2007 at 5:40 a.m. at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. Virgil was retired from Caron Yarn in Rochelle after 35 years.

Services Set

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday (tonight) at Hosselton Funeral Home with Bro.

Harold Hughes officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Restland Memorial Gardens at Mendota. Virgil was born Nov. 30, 1913 at Johnsonville to Charles Richard and Rose Pennington Ellis. He married Leona Brown Mar. 26, 1935 at Johnsonville. She preceded him in death Jan. 10, 1994. He was a member of the Providence General Baptist Church at Johnsonville.

Survivors

Survivors include three daughters, Mona (Gailen) Hoel, Rockford, Brenda Kay Smith of Burbank, and Judi (Jim) Smith of Rockford; three sons, Charles Ellis, Rockford, Bill Ellis, Mt. Vernon and Rick (Nancy) Ellis of Cisne; 22 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Shelby, a great-grandchild, two grandsons, two granddaughters, two brothers and his parents. Memorials may be given Providence General Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Wm Ellis died (Wayne Co., Press May 13, 1915). "Wayne City

Uncle Wm. Ellis age 85 died. his home near Johnsonville. He was the father of Mrs. J. F. Beck of Here.".

Sarah GOLDMAN Ellis (Wayne Co. Press Jan 8, 1920). "Sarah Goldman, daughter of Moses and Sarah Goldman, born Feb 16, 1833 Orange Co., Indiana Married Wm Ellis in 1853. 9 children Husband and 4 children died she died Dec 26, 1919. Besides the 5 children she leaves 26 grandchildren and 24 great grand children.".

Donated by Marylea Gazette

DAISY VIOLA GREEN ECKLEBERRY

Daisy Viola Green, daughter of John and Emma Green, was born Jan 1, 1884, near Fairfield, Wayne County, IL. She was married to Chas. Eckleberry on Oct 14, 1906; departed this life on Apr 16, 1920 at the age of 36 years, 3 months & 16 days. She leaves to mourn their loss a loving husband, Charles Eckleberry, 6 children, one dying in infancy. Those living are Bernard, Kelly, Carroll, Mildred and little Ross: a mother Mrs. Emmer Schell, 2 sisters, Mrs. David Smith of St Louis, MO., Mrs. Roy Ellis of Forrest, IL, 5 brothers, Thomas R, Hygiene, CO, Olof, of St Louis, Frank and Elbie, both of Almyra, AR, and Ira of Fairfield, IL, also a host of other relatives and friends. She was taken to St Louis on Feb 12^th and placed in the city hospital. Funeral was held at the L.D.S. Church on Tues morning at 11 a.m. services were in charge of Rev. Danniels. Interment in the Lappin Cemetery, Wayne County, IL

Donated by Marylea Gazette

BERNARD HERCHEL ECKLEBERRY

YOUNG MAN MEETS TERRIBLE DEATH

Kick of Mule Proves Fatal After Several Days of Suffering

On December 19^th, Bernard Herchel Eckleberry, 13 year old boy, was kicked by a mule, which caused his death on December 25, 1922 . Lockjaw resulted from the injuries received. The deceased was a son of Charles Eckleberry, and was born January 18, 1909, making him at the time of death 13 years, 11 months and 7 days old.

His mother and one baby brother have proceeded him in death. A father, two brothers and one sister remain to mourn his regretted departure. They have the sympathy of their many relatives and friends in this sad loss, but are borne up by the knowledge that their loss is Heaven’s gain, and that Bernard is at home in his mother’s arms, for he was a good boy, obedient and considerate at home and in school. The funeral services were held at Geff Tuesday, December 26^th, followed by burial in the Lappin cemetery near that place.

Donated by Marylea Gazette

FRANK ELLZEY DIES AT JOHNSONVILLE

Frank L. Ellzey, 64 a Johnsonville farmer, died Wed morning, January 8, 1958, at his home in that community after an extended illness. A native of the Johnsonville vicinity, Mr. Ellzey had returned to that community 16 years ago after residing in the northern part of the state for a number of years.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday from DeSelms Funeral Home in Cisne, with Bro. George McClaskey officiating. Interment will be in Johnsonville cemetery. The body will be at the funeral home until the funeral hour.

Mr. Ellzey was born April 27, 1893, at Johnsonville, the son of Milford Ellzey & Julia Etta Alvis Ellzey. Surviving are his wife, the former Pearl Stine who he married Jan 5, 1915, and one daughter, Mrs. Roy (Vivian) Anderson of Cambridge; one grand child and one brother, Earl of Glencoe, MO

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Wayne County History & Genealogy

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lselpien@msn.com

JOHN W. ESTES

Richardson Funeral Home; Wayne City Illinois; September 30, 1980

Wayne County
History & Genealogy