Wayne County
History & Genealogy
Although we have tried to be as accurate as possible in our research, mistakes happen, if you know of any corrections or additions to this family please contact me, thanks Laurie lselpien@msn.com
Robert T. Forth
The founding father of this family is best described in his obituary…….
Wayne County Press, August 19 1886, Wayne County IL.
HON. R. T. FORTH
The death of Hon. R. T. Forth (Robert T. ) was briefly announced in last week's Press and we are now enabled to give a more extended obituary.
Mr. Forth was a native of Bowling Green, Ky. and would have been 73 years old had he lived to September 15th 1886.
He came to Wayne county fifty some years ago and settled in what is now Elm River township. After residing there about six years he removed to Hickory Hills, where he lived until the day of his death with the following exceptions; a few months spent in Flora, merchandising and he was three years a resident of Fairfield in the banking business, associated with Judge Boggs, Hon. W. H. Robinson and Col. G. W. Johns under the style of Forth, Robinson & Co. Mr. Forth began life as a farmer, which he continued on an extensive scale, together with stock raising, until the day of his death. He merchandised about twenty-five years. A number of years ago he was for a time a preacher in the General Baptist church. He was twice a member of the Lower House of the Illinois Legislature. Mr. Forth was three times married and was the father of twenty-five children, fourteen of whom survive him. All are of age except four, the youngest being seven years old. Mr. Forth's death was caused by paralysis and occurred on Wednesday morning August 11th. The body was buried in the family cemetery on Mr. Forth's farm, the funeral services being conducted by Elder H. H. Brown, an old time co-worker with Mr. Forth in the Baptist Church. At the suggestion of the eldest son the six sons acted as pallbearers. By industry, good management and economy Mr. Forth accumulated quite a fortune for this country. His wealth has been variously estimated from $75,000 to 100,000. A few years ago he divided up much of his real estate among his children. He left an estate of about $30,000, the larger proportion in good securities, to be divided between his widow and surviving children as provided by law, he having left no will. Mr. Forth was somewhat eccentric in the management of his money. Before going into banking he did a very extensive loaning business on farm property in his neighborhood. He frequently had large sums of money in his house and it is a great marvel that the fact was not known to thieves and robbery committed. On one occasion when W. H. Robinson visited him on business matters Mr. Forth took out of a bureau a large tin box in which was ten thousand dollars in each. Mr. Robinson remonstrated with him in regard to having this amount of money in the house, impressing on him the danger he was in of not only being robbed but murdered. A few days thereafter Mr. Forth came to town and invested $5,000 in government bonds. At one time when a son-in-law was getting seed oats out of the oats bin he came across a tin in which was deposited $2,800. Mr. Forth evidently believed that it was safest to have his wealth in various shapes so that if disaster overtook one investment another would be secure.
“Xenia's History 1834-1934,”
page 42: R. T. Forth is now living with third wife and has twenty six children the mothers being his first two wives, ob one of whom had eight and by another eighteen children. The first who was Mary Warren, and the second Amanda Flynn and a year ago he married Annie Hill, a buxom lass of twenty-three years. His youngest son is a lad 7 years old. R. T. Forth is now 73 years old…. It is said that when R. T. Forth married his young wife a year ago he settled $10,000.00 on her.
First Generation
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- Robert T. FORTH.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Born on 3 Sep 1814 in Bowling Green, Ky.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 11 Aug 1886, he was 71.
Buried in Forth Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
Occupation: Farmer, Banking, Merchandising & Legislator.
On 6 Nov 1829 when Robert T. was 15, he first married Mary WARREN1,9, in Vanderburg Co. Indiana.1
Born on 10 Oct 1814 in Vanderburgh Co., Indiana.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 6 Feb 1851, she was 36.
Buried in Forth Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
They had the following children:
i. infant1. Born on 9 Nov 1832. Died on 9 Nov 1832. Buried in Forth Cemetery.
2 ii. John (1833-1868)
3 iii. William A. (Oscar) (1836-1896)
iv. Nancy Jane1.
Born on 10 Aug 1838 in Wayne County IL,.
Died on 10 Nov 1838 in Wayne County IL,.
Buried in Forth Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
4 v. James (1840-1908)
5 vi. Levi (1841-1912)
vii. Steven1. Born on 22 Oct 1843 in Wayne County IL,.
viii. Robert T.1. Born on 1 May 1846 in Wayne County IL,.
Married Martha J.1.
Born on 18 Sep 1848.
Died on 5 Jan 1897, she was 48.10
Buried in Thomason Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
ix. Josiah1.
Born on 8 Jun 1848 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 12 Feb 1851, he was 2.
Buried in Forth Cemetery, Wayne Co., Il.
On 11 Jun 1851 when Robert T. was 36, he second married Amanda FLINN5,1, daughter of Edward Perkin "Perry" FLINN & Cynthia COLVIN, in Wayne County IL,.
Born on 15 Jan 1836 in Gibson Co., Indiana.
Died in Hickory Hills Twp., Wayne County IL, on 12 Jan 1884, she was 47.
Buried in Forth Cemetery, Wayne Co., Il.
They had the following children:
ii. Infant daughter1 Born on 20 Nov 1853. Died on 20 Nov 1853. Buried in Forth Cemetery.
iii. Lewis Jefferson1. Born on 27 Mar 1855 in Wayne County IL,.
On 1 Jan 1878 when Lewis Jefferson was 22, he married Amanda Louisa SHORT.
iv. infant son1
Born on 10 Aug 1856 in Wayne County IL,.
Died on 12 Aug 1856 in Wayne County IL,.
Buried in Forth Cemetery.
v. Martha A.5,8,1. Born on 16 Sep 1857 in Hickory Hill, Wayne County IL,.
On 20 Oct 1880 when Martha A. was 23, she married George FUNDERBURK8,1, in Wayne County IL,.1
v. Larkin1.
Born on 28 Mar 1859 in Wayne County IL,.
Died on 4 Mar 1860 in Wayne County IL,.
Buried in Forth Cemetery.
vi. George Washington5,1.
Born on 22 Apr 1861 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Los Angeles, Ca. on 2 Apr 1934, he was 72.
On 13 Nov 1879 when George Washington was 18, he married Elnora "ELLA" DAZEY1, in Wayne Co. Il.
Born in 1859 in Illinois.11
vii. Infant son1
Born on 2 Jan 1863.
Died on 2 Jan 1863.
Buried in Forth Cemetery.
7 ix. Nancy Ann (1864-1905)
8 xi. Louisa Celia (1866-1888)
xii. Thomas Jackson1.
Born on 9 Nov 1867 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 17 Dec 1868, he was 1.
Buried in Forth Cemetery.
xiii. Laura M.5,1.
Born on 5 Sep 1869 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Johnsonville, Morgan Co. IL on 1 Nov 1941, she was 72.
Death cert. #: 0000511 Johnsonville Morgan Co. Il.
On 29 Jun 1887 when Laura M. was 17, she married Miles FUNDERBURK1, in Sangamon Co. IL.13
xiv. Charles Edward1.
Born on 5 Nov 1872 in Wayne County IL,.
Died on 10 Sep 1873.
xv. Josephine1.
Born on 18 Apr 1873.
Died in Sangamon Co. IL on 18 Mar 1923, she was 49.
Married Edward L. FUNDERBURK1.
xvi. infant1
Born in 1876.
Died in 1876.
Buried in Forth Cemetery.
xvii. Frederick1. Born on 1 May 1878 in Wayne County IL,. Died on 1 Jul 1933, he was 55.
On 1 Jul 1898 when Frederick was 20, he married Bessie STEWART1.
On 22 Sep 1884 when Robert T. was 70, he third married Fanny E. HILL8,1, in Wayne County IL,.8 Born abt 1820.
Second Generation
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- John FORTH.1,14
Born on 1 Aug 1833 in Indiana.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 21 Jun 1868, he was 34.15,16
Buried in Jacobs Chapel Wayne County Illinois.15
Married Francis CHAPMAN17,18,5. Census 1870, 1880
Born in 1833 in Indiana.
They had the following children:
i. Mary Ann18,5,15. Born abt 1852 in Illinois.
On 17 Apr 1887 when Mary Ann was 35, she married William A. DUNNING, son of Isaac DUNNING & Margareth VANZANT, in Wayne County, Illinois.19 Born in Ohio.
ii. Nancy Jane5,15. Born in 1860 in Wayne County, Illinois.
iii. Amanda18,5,20. Born in 1862 in Illinois.
9 iv. Lee (Levi) (1866-1888)
Born on 22 Sep 1836 in Illinois.
Died in St. Louis Mo. on 28 Aug 1896, he was 59.11
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
In 1855 when William A. (Oscar) was 18, he married Mary Ann WARREN11,21,1, in Wayne County IL,.1
Born on 29 Mar 1837 in Illinois.
Died in Berry Twp. Wayne Co. Il. on 26 Nov 1922, she was 85.
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
Death cert. #: 0960207 Berry Twp., Wayne County, Il.
They had one child:
i. Diburn Arda. Born in Orchardville Twp., Wayne Co., Il.
Born on 12 Feb 1840 in Wayne Co., Illinois.
Died in Denver Co. on 26 Apr 1908, he was 68.
On 22 Dec 1860 when James was 20, he married Martha FLINN11.
Born on 16 Sep 1838 in Indiana.
Died in Wayne City, Wayne County, Illinois on 12 Feb 1890, she was 51.22 OBIT
Cause of death: la grippe + heart trouble.
They had the following children:
i. Ollie22.
ii. Addie23.
Born abt 1869 in Wayne County, Illinois.
On 22 Dec 1889 when Addie was 20, she married Charles E. CASTLE23, son of Henry CASTLE & Ellen SMITH, in Wayne Co. Il.23
Born abt 1865 in Crawford Co., Il.
10 iii. Martha Olive
- Levi FORTH.5,1
Born on 1 Dec 1841 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 15 Jan 1912, he was 70.
In 1862 when Levi was 20, he first married Missouri J. Born in 1842 in Indiana.
They had the following children:
i. Amanda. Born in 1863 in Wayne Co. Il.
ii. Martha J. Born in 1865 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne Co. Il.
iii. Theodore. Born in 1868 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne Co. Il.
11 iv. Emma C. (1870-)
v. James W. Born in 1871 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne Co. Il.
On 9 Aug 1910 when Levi was 68, he first married Mary E. Berry ELLIS1, in Wayne County IL,.
Born on 28 May 1852 in Orchardville, Wayne County IL,.
Died in Decatur, IL on 10 Jan 1936, she was 83.
Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, Wayne County Illinois.
Death cert. #: Death Cert# 0002685 Macon, Decatur Co. Il.
Married George Washington WOLF11, son of Nathan WOLF (1811-1886) & Nancy Agnes WOMACK (1818-1900).
NOTE: Nathan & Nancy WOMACK Wolf are buried in the Bailey Cemetery
Born on 24 Apr 1845 in Mt. Erie, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Fairfield, Wayne Co. IL. on 12 Dec 1923, he was 78.
Buried in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, Wayne County Illinois.
Death cert. #: 0960226 Fairfield Wayne co. Il.
They had the following children:
i. Robert A.11. Born in May 1870 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
ii. Lewis Jefferson24,11.
Born on 12 Nov 1871 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Mt. Erie, Wayne Co. IL. on 19 Nov 1919, he was 48.
Death cert. #: 0043903 Mount Erie Twp. Wayne co. Il.
On 6 May 1894 when Lewis Jefferson was 22, he married Rose Etta McDOWELL24,11, daughter of Samuel McDOWELL & ROBY, in Wayne County, Illinois.11,24
Born in 1871 in Edwards Co., Il.
12 iii. Grace (1876-1908)
iii. Bert Oliver11.
Born on 26 Oct 1879 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Wayne County, Illinois on 12 Dec 1931, he was 52.
Death cert. #: 0960183 Fairfield Wayne Co. Il.
On 19 Apr 1903 when Bert Oliver was 23, he married Elizabeth M. POWELL11, in Wayne Co. Il.
Born in 1855 in Wayne co. Il.
iv. Amanda Louvella11.
Born on 17 Sep 1884 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Orchardville, Wayne Co. IL. on 4 Sep 1918, she was 33.
Death cert. #: 0055224 Jasper Twp. Wayne County.
On 16 Oct 1901 when Amanda Louvella was 17, she first married Robert PEER11.
Born on 16 Mar 1883 in Big Mound, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Wayne County, Illinois bef 1910, he was 26.
On 1 Oct 1913 when Amanda Louvella was 29, she second married Robert C. SCOTT11, in Wayne County, Illinois. Born on 4 Oct 1885 in Wayne County, Illinois.
vi. Joe11. Born in 1885 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
Joe married Mary MEEKS11. Born in 1885.
vii. Elmer11. Born in 1886 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
viii. Annie May11. Born on 16 Feb 1891 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL. Annie May died on 24 Nov 1891.
13 ix. Laura Marie (1892-1962)
x. Eddie Ernest11. Born on 21 Jan 1895 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL. Died on 8 Mar 1895.
- Nancy Ann FORTH.21,8,1
Born on 5 May 1864 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 20 Sep 1905, she was 41.
On 23 Feb 1881 when Nancy Ann was 16, she married James Oliver COLIVER21,8, in Hickory Hills, Wayne Co., Il.8
Born in Crawford Co., Il.
They had the following children:
i. Robert Edward. Born on 25 Mar 1884 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne co., Il.25
ii. Mary Geneva21. Born on 4 Dec 1893 in Fairfield, Wayne County, Il.
Born on 24 Jan 1866 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne County IL,.
Died on 8 Nov 1888, she was 22.
Buried in Hale Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
In Jan 1885 when Louisa Celia was 18, she married George H. WEAVER, in Wayne Co. Il.8
They had the following children:
i. Robert E.
Died on 12 Oct 1901 in Wayne County IL,.
Buried in Hale Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
ii. Lucy A.11.
Born on 4 Nov 1885.
Died on 27 Jul 1886.
Buried in Hale Cemetery, Wayne Co. IL.
Third Generation
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- Lee (Levi) FORTH.15,27,18,5,21,8
Born in 1866 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, in Feb 1888, he was 22.28 OBIT
In Dec 1885 when Lee (Levi) was 19, he married Clara A. ELLIS27,28,29,21,8, daughter of William ELLIS (1830-<1916) & Sara (1834-<1916), in Wayne co., Il.30
Born in 1870. census
Died in Wayne County IL, in Feb 1888, she was 18. OBIT / MURDER
Cause of Death; murdered by husband
Buried in Johnsonville Cemetery.28
They had one child:
14 i. John William (1886-1968)
10. Martha Olive FORTH.31,32
On 16 Aug 1892 Martha Olive married Harry Davis THING31,32, son of George THING & A. RUSHER, in Wayne County, Illinois.31 Born in Xenia, Wayne Co., Il.
They had the following children:
i. Henry Donald33. Born on 24 Dec 1908 in Wayne City, Wayne County, Illinois.
ii. Archie Lowell34. Born on 19 Sep 1895 in Wayne City, Wayne County, Illinois.
Born in 1870 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne Co. Il.
On 10 Jan 1886 when Emma C. was 16, she married Johannes KRAFT8, in Wayne Co. Il.35,36
Born in Hassan, Germany.37
They had the following children:
i. Ora Pauline. Born on 26 Aug 1890 in Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne co., Il.38
ii. Freda Cloe39. Born on 6 Sep 1893 in Wayne County, Illinois.
- Grace WOLF.40,11
Born in 1876 in Mt. Erie, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in 1908, she was 32.
On 8 Jun 1896 when Grace was 20, she married Henry "James" BARNHART40,11, son of John M. BARNHART & Mary McCITTERICK, in Wayne County, Illinois.40
Born on 11 Oct 1875 in Bone Gap, Edwards Co, IL.
Died in Missouri in Nov 1962, he was 87.
They had the following children:
15 i. Mary (1899-1984)
16 ii. Cloe Marie (1900-1971)
iii. Ada Allene11.
Born on 23 Dec 1902 in Fairfield, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Peoria, Illinois on 4 Jul 1995, she was 92.
First married Ron Howard AILES11.
Born in 1896 in Bellfountain, Ohio.
Died in Carthage, Illinois on 31 Aug 1941, he was 45.
Second married Jack HEINSMAN11 In 1967 . Born in 1905.
Born on 6 May 1892 in Hickory Hill Twp. Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Mattoon, Coles Co. IL. on 20 Feb 1962, she was 69.
On 4 Jun 1910 when Laura Marie was 18, she married William Roy BOND11, in Wayne Co. Il.9
Born on 16 Jun 1887 in Shelby Precinct, Edwards Co. IL.
Died in Springfield, Sangamon Co. IL. on 9 Feb 1937, he was 49.
They had the following children:
i. Alene Myree11.
Born on 16 Jun 1913 in Wayne County, Illinois.
Died on 24 Jun 1913 in Wayne County, Illinois.
ii. George William11.
Born on 1 May 1921 in Decatur, Macon Co. IL.
Died in Decatur, Macon Co. IL. on 22 Jan 1968, he was 46.
Fourth Generation
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- John William FORTH41,42,43,44,.
Born on 31 Aug 1886 in Indian Prairie, Wayne county, Il.21
Died in Carlyle, Clinton Co. IL on 17 Jul 1968, he was 81. OBIT
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co., IL.
On 11 Apr 1909 when John William was 22, he married Delila May JONES45,46, daughter of Silas Davis JONES (1841-1923) & Sara M. BOYD (1840-1905).
Born on 28 Apr 1892 in Wayne County.
Census 1900
Died in Joseph Hospital, Breeze, Clinton Co. Il on 2 Apr 1985, she was 92. OBIT
Buried on 4 Apr 1985 in Bailey Cemetery.
Religion: Aden General Baptist Church.
Soc. Sec. #: 358-18-3522.
They had the following children:
17 i. Opal Pearl (1910-2003)
18 ii. John Edmond (1912-1978)
iii. Corrine, Born on 3 Jun 1914. married Crawford HARRIS.
19 iv. Kelley Woodrow (1916-2001)
iv. Reedie Dale,
Born on 26 Sep 1918.
Died in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, IL. on 5 Nov 1939, he was 21.
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co., IL.
Death cert. #: 0000171 Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois.
20 vi. Perry Morton (1920-)
viii. Gladys Marie,
Born on 17 Jan 1923.
Died in McLeansboro, Hamilton Co. IL. on 9 Feb 1943, she was 20.
Death cert. #: 00000029 Hamilton County Illinois.
Married Auburn WOLF.
21 viii. Wanda Aline (Judy) (1925-)
ix. Robert Marshall,
Born on 29 Dec 1932.
Died in Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, IL. on 14 Dec 1935, he was 2.
Buried in Bailey Cemetery, Wayne Co., IL.
Death cert. #: 0047200 Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, IL.
22 x. Clarence Curtis (Bub) (1934-)
Born on 5 Oct 1899 in Fairfield, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Glendale, Los AngelesCo. Cal. in Nov 1984, she was 85.
Married Blair TAIT11. Born in 1900.
They had one child:
i. Joan Blair11.
Born on 23 Aug 1924.
Died in Glendale, Los Angeles Co. Cal. on 6 Apr 1993, she was 68.
Born on 5 Jul 1900 in Fairfield, Wayne Co. IL.
Died in Madison, Dane Co. Wisc. on 24 Jun 1971, she was 70.
On 8 Nov 1919 when Cloe Marie was 19, she married Bodo Henry KARLL11, son of Paul Georg Wilhelm KARLL & Lebaretha FREIBURG, in Chicago, Cook Co. Il.
Born on 11 May 1896 in Reedsburg, Sauk Co. Wisc.
Died in Baraboo, Sauk Co. Wisc. on 18 Dec 1983, he was 87.
They had one child:
i. Paul Richard11.
Born on 16 Jun 1922 in La Crosse, La Crosse Co. Wisc.
Died in Baraboo, Sauk Co. Wisc. on 20 Feb 1963, he was 40.
Married Mary Louise FELGEN11.
Born on 6 Sep 1921 in Lagansport, Indiana.
Died in Poway, California on 30 Aug 1990, she was 68.
Fifth Generation
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Born on 9 Feb 1910 in Wayne County, Illinois.
Census 1920
Died in Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Fairfield, Wayne Co., IL. on 12 Feb 2003, she was 93. OBIT
Buried on 16 Feb 2003 in Garrison Cemetery, Hamilton Co., Il.
Occupation: Homemaker. Religion: Baptist.
First married Barney Ewel (Doc) WILSON48,47.
Born 1906
Died on 8 Sep 1939 in Wayne Co., Il.
Death cert. #: 0000154 Wayne County Il.
Buried Thomason Cemetery, Wayne co. Il.
They had the following children:
i. Leota M.48
ii. Vernon47
Second married Howard (Charles) WITTERS47.
Born on 21 Jun 1904.
Died in Cisne, Wayne Co., Il. on 28 May 1984, he was 79.
Buried in Garrison Cemetery, Hamilton Co., Il. \
Soc. Sec. #: 327-18-0747 IL.
Military Service: WWII tec 5 US Army.
They had the following children:
i. Lillian47
ii. Charles47
- John Edmond FORTH,
Born on 28 Jul 1912.
Died in Sheridan, La Salle Co. IL in Jul 1978, he was 65.
Soc. Sec. #: 333-18-4243.
Married Ethel Mae NELSON, daughter of Lewis NELSON & Alice OLSON.
They had the following children:
i. Edmond Leroy
ii. Roger Wayne
iii. Jerry Dale49
iv. Jackie Lee
v. Carrine
vi. Rich
vii. Harris
Born on 20 Sep 1916 in Wayne County IL,.
Died in Wayne County IL, on 1 Feb 2001, he was 84. OBIT
Buried on 4 Feb 2001 in Olive Branch Cemetery.
Occupation: Oil fields worker, Lumber Mill, Farmer, Wayne City Grade school Janitor.
Religion: Member Bell Prairie Missionary Baptist Church.
Soc. Sec. #: 357-09-5029.
On 18 Mar 1937 when Kelley Woodrow was 20, he married Wanda Lee PERRY51,50,52, (Census 1930 )daughter of Lafayette (Lafe) PERRY (1880-1958) & Eliza McFARLAND (1885-1968).50
They had the following children:
i. Audrey Jean53,50
Born Oct. 27, 1937
Died June 7, 1997 OBIT
Buried Olive Branch Cemetery, Wayne County Il.
Married Clarence Eugene Lane son of Clarence & Hazel SMITH Lane
Born Dec. 19, 1930
Died Jan. 25, 1980
Buried Olive Branch Cemetery, Wayne County Il.
ii. Barbara50
Married Charles Ile
Born Feb. 2, 1942
Died Oct. 14, 2000
Buried Olive Branch Cemetery, Wayne County Il.
20. Perry Morton FORTH47, married Lovinia Kaythern GAMMON.
They had the following children:
i. Carolyn Arlene
ii. Garrel Perry
iii. Theron Warner
iv. Vineta May
21. Wanda Aline (Judy) FORTH47, married Bernard JENSEN.
They had the following children:
i. Beth
ii. Chris
22. Clarence Curtis (Bub) FORTH47, married Barbara WHITE, daughter of Lehman WHITE (1912-1990) OBIT & Josephine LESEZYKOWSKI.
They had one child:
i. Jimmy
3. Doris Bland, Wayne County Cemetery inscriptions book III, Bland Books, Page 20.
FORTH CEMETERY
Forth Cemetery, located in Hickory Hill Township, section 1, is in the middle of a field and has one tombstone. From the road it looks like where trees have been cut and piled. This is just what it is. On November 21, 1971 when the inscription were copied by Doria Ellen Bland, there had recently been a fire so there was no undergrowth but it was still hard to get to the one stone due to all the brush that had been piled there.
The one stone is about eight feet tall as it now stands, but there is a top part missing which would make it even taller.
The inscription; (front of stone)
Family of Robt. T. Forth: Robt. T. Forth, born Sept. 3, 1814, died Aug. ii, 1886; Mary Warren, wife of Robt. T. Forth, died Feb. 6, 1851 age 36 years 3 months, 26 days; Amanda Flinn, wife of Robert T. Forth, born Jan. 15, 1836, died Jan. 12, 1884
Although he sleeps his memory doth live,
And cheering......................................give,
He followed............................as his guide,
Lived a ...............................................died.
Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep.
(The center of the poem had weathered too much to read)
(Side of stone)
Children of R. T. and Mary Forth;
Nancy Jane, died November 10, 1838 age 3 months
Josiah, died Feb. 12, 1851, age 2 years 8 months 4 days
Children of R. T. and Amanda Forth;
Infant daughter born and died November 20, 1853
Infant son born and died August 12, 1856
Infant son born and died January 2, 1863
Larkin, died March 4 1860 age 11 months 6 days
Thomas J. died December 17 1868, age 1 year 29 days
Charles E., died September 10, 1873 age 19 months 5 days.
5. 1870 US Census Hickory Hill Wayne Co. Il., Series M593 Roll 288 page 159 22 0f 22 Images.
Line 8 151/ 155 FORTH
Robert (Head) 56 farmer Kentucky
Amanda wife 36 Indiana
Levi 14
Martha 12
George w. 8
Nancy E 6
Louisea 4
Laurie 9 mths
6. 1840 Census Wayne, M704-72 page 244 Image 80.
ROBERT FORTH
2 males under 5
1 male 5 to 10
1 male 10 to 15
1 male 20 to 40
1 female 40 to 50
7. Wayne County Press, October 7, 1886, Johnsonville Column.
October 2,
Miss Ella, youngest daughter of the late Robert T. Forth, died Sunday night.
8. Wayne Co. Il., Betty Beeson, Marriage Notices 1880 - 1885.
9. “DUGAN, HORNUNG AND MARKHAM CLANNAD Dec 30, 2002, Barbara Markham barbara@barbaramarkham.com.
10. Doris Witter, Wayne Co. Cemetery Inscriptions.
11. “KRUSE, VERCRUYSSE, AND KARLL FAMILIES,” MARCH 20, 2002, ANCESTRY.COM.
12. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co. Il .Marriages I, p.15.
13. “Illinois Statewide Marriage index.”
14. 1860 IL Wayne Co. Range 6E, 83 of 313.
15. Abstrcts of Will and Probate records Clay Co., III (FGH).
Forth, John died June 21, 1868, Wayne Co. Il. X his mark
Brown, A. S., Witness
Forth, Amanda, Daughter
Forth, Francis, Widow
Forth, Levi, Son
Forth, Mary Ann, Daughter
Forth, Mary Jane, Daughter
Forth, Robert T. Sr., Executor, Gardian, Wayne Co. IL
Forth, William A., Surety, Witness
Date of Will June 15, 1868, Book A, Page 4
16. “John Forth's Will,” June 15, 1868, Wayne Co. Book A, Page 4. (PRINTED AS WRITEN)
I John Forth of Xenia in the County of Clay and state of Illinois do heareby make and declare this my last will and tesament in manner and forever following to witt.
First it is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts be fully paid.
Second after the payment of such funeral expenses and debts I give devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife Francis Forth lot number four in block number twenty one and lot number ten in block number sixteen all laying and being situated in Sugar Camp and Cos Songer and preites addition to the town of Xenia in the county of Clay afore said together with the fraimed Hotell and other buildings there on standing, also all the house hold furniture.
Third, I give and devise with my bodilly Hiers Mary Ann Forth, Nancy Jane Forth, Amanda Forth and Levi Forth all the remainder of my estate not memerated in the above will and lastly I hereby constitute and appoint Robert T. Forth Sr. executorized of this my last will and testament.
17. 1870 Wayne Co. IL Census, Series M593 Roll 288 Page 159.
153 157 FORTH Frances 37 H. K. 1200 600 Ind.
Mary A. b. 1852 age 18 Female blind ILL
Nancy J. b. 1861 age 9 Female ILL
Amanda b. 1864 age 6 Female ILL
Levi b. 1866 age 4 Male ILL
18. 1880 US Census Hickory Hills, Wayne Co. Il., T9-0257 page 19b
FORTH
Frances widowed f w 49 Indiana S C SC Farming
Mary A daughter FW 28 IL
Amanda daughter FW 17 Il
Levi son MW 14 IL
John Burkett other MW 8 Il
19. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co. Il. Marriages I, p.68.
20. “Marriage License W. Thomas m. Sarah Lane,” July 29, 1890 Hamilton Co. IL.
married July 29,1890
21. Betty Beeson, Wayne co. Il. Delayed Births, 1873- 1915, III.
22. Wayne County Record, February 27, 1890.
MRS. MARTHA FORTH
Martha, the wife of James Forth, departed this life Wednesday February 12, 1890. She was born September 16, 1838. Her parents moved from Indiana and settled in Illinois when Martha was two years old. Martha Flinn and James Forth married December 22, 1860. She was the mother of eight children, four sons and four daughters; three sons and one daughter died in infancy. She leaves behind, brothers, sisters, husband and one little daughter Ollie, and two daughters and one son which are married and are at present living in Wayne City...cause of death was la grippe and heart trouble....
NOTE taken from WAYNE COUNTY ILLINOIS DEATH NOTICES AND OBITUARIES 1880-1890 by Betty Beeson she did not copy full obituary
23. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co. Il. Marriages I, p.55.
24. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co., Il., Marriages II, p.75.
25. Betty Beeson, Wayne co. Il. Delayed Births, 1873- 1915, III, p.12.
26. October 7, 1886, Nsonville Column Oct. 2.
Miss Ella, youngest daughter of the late Robt. T. Forth, died Sunday ht.
27. Wayne County Press, February 16, 1888 p.3 c.2.
UXDRICIDE AND SUICIDE
LEE FORTH OF ARRINGTON, KILLS HIS WIFE AND THEN SUICIDES
Monday morning of this week Mrs. Lee Forth left the home of her father, Wm. Ellis, for Johnsonville. Mr. Ellis lives three miles southeast of the above named place. Mrs. Forth was accompanied by her sister who is 13 years of age. When within about two miles of Johnsonville, in what is known as the Pennington Lane, Forth stealthily approached his wife from behind and knocked her down with a club, after which he struck her a number of blows, mashing her scull, and then finished the horrible deed by cutting her throat from ear to ear with a razor. The cries of Mrs. Forth's sister soon brought to the scene a number of persons. The murderer then escaped to the barn on the place of the late widow Millner, about half a mile distant. Warrants were issued and search was soon instituted for Forth and loud threats of lynching were made. But upon entering the barn above mentioned Forth was found to have ended his despicable existence by cutting his throat with the same razor used in committing the horrible deed only a few moments before. Both jugular veins were severed, but the windpipe was not cut, the victim of his own murderous hands having bled to death from two gashes on either side of his neck. The crime is the most blood thirsty and atrocious ever committed within the borders of our county. Forth and his wife have been married about two years, but having lived together only a part of the time, and previous to the tragedy had been parted for some time. Mrs. Forth refusal to live with him is supposed to have been the cause of his murderous assault, but we have not learned that he had ever made such threats to the woman who was so unfortunate as to become his wife. Their marriage resulted in one child, which is now about one year old. Forth has been making his home with his mother, Mrs. Frank Brown, who lives 6 miles southwest of Johnsonville, and has often threatened his mother's life. His age was about 22 years. He was a terror to the whole neighborhood, always carrying a revolver and a dirk. He often threatened to burn the barn of his grandfather, the late R. T. Forth. Almost four years ago he stole a horse and buggy in Montgomery county and was in the jail of that county for some time. His relatives interested themselves and secured his release after considerable expense. About three years he robbed his uncle, John Warren of $330, and since then stole a horse belonging to his sister and a mule belonging to his mother. His character has been notoriously bad. All who knew him feared him, as his blood-thirsty disposition was generally understood. Ashort time since he went to Springfield to work for a street car company. His wife went to him, but in short time he turned her away penniless, and she was compelled to get home as best she could, walking carrying her child from Flora to her father's home. The double tragedy proves Forth to be the desperado that his neighbors had supposed him to be. General sympathy is expressed for the bereaved relatives and friends of Mrs. Forth. Her funeral was preached on Tuesday, by Rev. Richardson, and she was buried in the Johnsonville cemetery. Forth's body was taken to his mother's with but little concern on the part of the people as to his burial.
Wayne County Press
February 23, 1888
page 2, C. 3
THE FORTH MURDER AND SUICIDE
FURTHER PARTICULARS BY OUR JOHNSONVILLE REPORTER
On Sunday before the murder, Forth come to his father-in-law's Wm. Ellis seemingly in good humour as ever, laughing and talking as though he did not contemplate the terrible crime which he was so soon to commit. His brother-in-law, Charlie Ellis, shaved him with the same razor he used the next day. Forth stayed all night Sunday night and tried to get his wife to go back and live with him, but she told him no; she had tried it several times and she could not stand his brutality and neglect. He went away angry, but as far as we can learn made no threats to her, although we understand he had told his mother if his wife refused to live with him he would kill her and her father, and then kill himself. About half pasted eight or nine o'clock Mrs. Forth and her sister, Miss Josie Ellis, started for Johnsonville with some butter and eggs with which Mrs. Forth intended to get her child some clothes. They had proceeded half way to town and were met by Forth, who carried a piece of fence stake which he used as a walking cane. The club was about 2 1/2 inches through, and was heavy enough to make a deadly weapon. He did not slip up and strike her down, as has been reported, but stood talking to her some ten or fifteen minutes, asking her again if she would not live with him. On her starting off he told her to wait and he would give her some money. She approached him, when he stuck her with a club. The wounds on her head alone were enough to have killed her, but he drew the razor and cut her throat from ear to ear. The cries of Miss Josie brought Andy McRunnals to the scene. He immediately started for town and issued warrants, which were put in the hands of Constable Holmes, who selected as deputies Jasper Russell and two Chapman boys, (Forth's cousins) who started west on the road Forth had taken. A crowd gathered while the inquest was being held over the body of Mrs. Forth by Esguire Alvis; the body of Forth had been found by Ves Powlees and John O'Mare in Mr. Milner's barn, about a quarter of a mile distant. An inquest was held over his body which found he had come to his death by his own hands. After cutting his throat Forth walked to the other end of the barn, about 40 feet, and laid the razor on a log, then walking back he fell with his head over the scuttle hole. On his person were found $417 in money, a lock of his wife's hair, and a well worn pack of cards. The club used in the murderous assault was brought to town and is now on exhibition at Wm. Tenney's.
29. 1870 Census Indian Prairie, Wayne Co. Il., Aug 5, 1870 p34 Johnsonville.
Line 30 240/ 246 ELLIS
William 40 Male White farmer $900 $65 IN
Sarah 35 F W keeping house IN
Isaac M 22 M W farm hand IN
Mary C 15 F W IN
Nancy E 11 F W (says b Indiana should be MO)
Sarah E 6 F W IL
Charles R 4 M W IL
Clara A 1 F W IL
30. Wayne Co. Il., Betty Beeson, Marriage Notices 1880 - 1885, p.40.
31. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co., Il., Marriages II, p. 56.
32. Betty Beeson, Wayne co. Il. Delayed Births, 1873- 1915, III, p.102.
34. Wayne Co. Il., Betty Beeson, Marriage Notices 1880 - 1885, p.106.
35. Wayne Co. Il., Betty Beeson, Marriage Notices 1880 - 1885, p. 40.
36. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co. Il. Marriages I, p.8.
37. Betty Beeson, birth 1889 - 1905 A-L, p. 120.
38. Betty Beeson, birth 1889 - 1905 A-L, p.120.
39. Betty Beeson, birth 1889 - 1905 A-L, p. 121.
40. Betty Beeson, Wayne Co. Il. Marriages I, p.47.
41. 1930 Hickory Hill Twp., Wayne County Il., Roll T626-567 page 1b
Family 7 / 7 Forth
John (Head) Male White 43 Married 23 no yes Il Il Il yes Farmer
Mae (Wife) F W 37 M 16 no yes Il Il Ind
Kelly son M W 13 S Il
Retee son M W 11 S
Perry son M W 9 S
Marie daughter F W 7 S
Wanda daughter F W 4 S
42. Wayne County Press, July 22, 1968 p.2 c 3.
JOHN W. FORTH, 82, SUCCUMBS; RITES HELD
FORMER JOHNSONVILLE-WAYNE CITY RESIDENT DIED AT ALTON LAST WEDNESDAY
John William Forth, 82, of Carlyle, former Wayne City resident died at Alton Wednesday morning. Funeral services were conducted from Richardson Chapel in Wayne City, with Rev. Billy Gra_____? and Rev Garrell Forth officiating. Interment was in Bailey Cemetery.
BORN NEAR JOHNSONVILLE
He was born near Johnsonville August 31st 1886, the son of Lee and Clara Ellis Forth. On April 11th 1909 he married to May Jones, who survives. Mr. Forth was a member of the Wayne City Baptist church.
THE SURVIVORS
In addition to his wife he is survived by four sons, Kelly, of Wayne City; Edmund of Sheridan; Perry of Carlyle; and Clarence of Marselles; three sisters? Mrs. Opal Witter, of Wayne City; Mrs. Loreen? Harris of Englewood, California; and Mrs. Wanda Jensen, of Detroit, Michigan; 18 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren.
Note: sisters should be daughters and Loreen should be Corrine
43. 1910 Indiana Prairie Twp. Wayne Co. Il., series T624 Roll 332 Page 191.
240/ 240 FORTH
John W. (head) M W 23
May D wife F W 17
Pearl daughter F W 2/12
44. 1900 Wayne Co. Indian Prairie Twp. Roll 351 Book 1 page 164.
line 37 and continuing
ELLIS William Head W M Jan 1830 70 Married 47 IN KY KY
Sarah Wife W F Feb 1836 64 m 47 8/5 IN IN IN
FORTH John grandson W M Aug 1886 13 s IL IL IL
ELLIS Charles Head W M Dec 1865 34 married 7 IL IN IN
Rosa wife W F Oct 1874 25 m 7 1/1 IL IL IL
Earl son W M Aug 1894 5 s IL IL IL
45. Wayne County Press, Thursday April 4, 1985.
FORMER WAYNE CITY WOMAN DIES; WAS 92
A Breese housewife, Mrs.. May Forth, 92 former Wayne City resident died at 6:10 a. m. Tuesday, April 2, 1985 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. Mrs. Forth was the widow of John Forth. The couple moved from Wayne City in the mid 60's to Breese.
WAYNE CITY RITES
Funeral services were held at 1 p. m. Thursday (today) at the Richardson Funeral Home, Wayne City, with Rev. Garrol Forth officiating. Burial was in Bailey Cemetery. Mrs. Forth was born in Wayne County April 28, 1892, the daughter of Silas and Sarah Boyd Jones. She married John Forth, who died July 17, 1968. Mrs. Forth was a member of Aden General Baptist Church.
THE SURVIVORS
Survivors include three sons, Kelley and Curtis Forth both of Wayne City; and Perry Forth of Carlyle; three daughters, Mrs. Opal Witter, of Cisne; Mrs. Crawford (Corrine) Harris, of Englewood, Colo., and Mrs. Bernie (Judy) Jensen of Corneila, Ga. and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons and a daughter.
46. 1900 IL Wayne Co. Orchard Twp., ED 107 Sheet A 1 of 47.
line 14 3 / 3 Jones
Silas head WM Aug 1841 58 M 26 Indiana KY KY
Sarah wife WF Sept 1857 26 9 child 6 live Il Vir Vir
Elijah son WM Sept 1878 21 S Il IN IL
Ephrain son WM Apr 1883 17 S
Robert S. son WM Mar 1890 10 S
Dilila M. dau WF Apr 1893 8 S
47. Register News on-line, February 12, 2003.
Opal Witter, 93 of Fairfield formerly of Wayne City died 6:15 p.m. Feb. 12, 2003 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Witter was born Feb. 9, 1910, in Wayne County to John and Mae (Jones) Forth. She first married Barney (Doc) Wilson and later married Howard Witter; who preceded her in death May 28, 1984. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Saturday at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City. Mrs. Witter is survived by three sons, Vernon Wilson of Malta, Charles Witter of Lombard, and step-son, Jack Witter of Fairbanks, Alaska; a daughter, Lillian Halfacre of Griffin, Indiana; 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Perry Forth of Carlyle, and Curtis Forth of Wayne City; a sister Judy Jensen of Holly, Michigan. She was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Witter was preceded in death by her husbands; one daughter; four brothers; and two sisters.
48. 1920 Arrington, Wayne Co., Illinois, Roll T626-567 P. 3b image 0018.
line 67 / 68 Wilson
Barney E. Head Male White 23 Married 23 no yes Il Il IL farmer
Opal P. Wife F W 20 M 18 no yes Il IL IL
Leota M. Dau F W 5/ 12 S
49. “Mark Buttrum,” December 30, 2002, mark@indianvalley.com.
50. Wayne County Press, Monday February 5, 2001, Wayne City, Wayne Co. IL.
KELLEY FORTH DIES AT HOME IN WAYNE CITY; WAS AGE 84
Kelley W. Forth, 84, of Wayne City, died at his home at 6:35 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2001. He was a retired sawmill worker and Wayne City Grade school custodian.
RITES CONDUCTED
Funeral rites were conducted Sunday afternoon at Olive Branch Church near Wayne City, with Rev. Richard McCormick officiating. Interment was in the Olive Branch Cemetery. A visitation was held Saturday evening at the Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City.
He was born in Wayne County September 20, 1910, the son of John and Mae Jones Forth. He was married to Wanda Perry March 18, 1937. He was a member of the Bell Prairie Missionary Baptist Church. Preceding him in death were his parents, one daughter, two son-in-laws, one grandchild, three brothers and two sisters.
THE SURVIVORS
Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Barbara Ile of Wayne City; four grandchildren; 11great-grandchildren; two brothers, Perry Forth of Carlyle; and Curtis Forth of Dahlgren; and two sisters, Opal Witter of Cisne; and Judy Jenson of Michigan.
REGISTER-NEWS on line OBITUARIES FEB. 2, 2001
KELLEY W. FORTH
Kelley W. (WOOD) Forth, 84, of Wayne City died 6:35 p.m. February 1, 2001, at his home. He was a retired saw mill worker and janitor for Wayne City School. Mr. Forth was born September 20 1916, in Wayne County to John and Mae (Jones) Forth. He married Wanda Perry March 18, 1937; she survives. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at Olive Branch Church with Rev. Richard McCormick officiating. Burial will be in the Olive Branch Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Saturday at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City and from 1 p.m. until time of services Sunday in the church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Barbara Ile of Wayne City; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Perry Forth of Carlyle and Curtis Forth of Dahlgren; and two sisters, Opal Witter of Cisne and Judy Jenson of Michigan. Mr. Forth was a member of Belle Prairie Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter Audrey Lane; and two son-in-laws, Gene Lane and Chuck Ile; a grandchild; three brothers; and two sisters.
For information you may contact the Richardson Funeral Home 895-2121.
51. 1910 Crouch Twp., Hamilton Co. Il., Series T624 Roll 291 page 34 District 15/36.
Line 76 family 56/57 PERRY
L.F. (head) 30 M1 7 years farmer
Eliza wife 25 M1 7 3 children 3 living
Inez daughter 5
Cecil son 3
Gladys daughter 1
52. 1930 Census Chester Twp., Randolph Co. Il., Roll T626-551 Page 8A
Cole Hill
Family 161/ 183 Perry
Late (Head) 49 Guard state Asylum
Eliza wife 45
Cecil son 23 Laborer General
Paul son 6
53. ELGIN COURIER NEWS, SUNDAY JUNE 8,1997, CARPENTERSVILLE.
Audrey J. Lane 59, of Carpentersville, died Saturday at home. She was born October 27, 1937 in Illinois, the daughter of Kelly and Wanda Forth. She was a longtime Carpentersville resident and was employed at Motorola for 32 1/2 years. She was a member of the Backyard Garden Club of Dundee. Survivors include two sons, Randy (Tammy) Lane of Hampshire and Jerry Lane of Wayne City; a daughter Laurie (Kinney) Selpien of Carpentersville; six grandchildren; a sister Barb (Chuck) Ile and her parents also of Wayne City. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence (Gene) Lane in 1980. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at York Funeral Home, Wayne City, the Rev. Richard McCormick presiding. Burial will be in the Olive Branch Cemetery
TIMES-LEADER, September 20, 1990.
LEHMAN WHITE
Born December 20, 1912, Hamilton County IL. Died September 15 1990, resident of Wayne City; son of Lalah Folliott-died Raised by grandparents; Albert & Emily White. Married Josephine Lesezykowski. Leaves wife; 3 sons; Danny White of Opdyke, Everett White of Batavia & David Denton of Marysville, Wa. 4 daughters Sandra Howell of Tipton Indiana, Shirley Gray & Ermal Wellerman of Fredricksburg Va. Barbara Forth of Dahlgren; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren 1 daughter died Lela Mae Thomason. Crouch Cemetery, Belle Prairie.
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