O B I T U A R I E S
Whiteside County Illinois

B

CHARLOTTE (REMREY) BARSEMA , 77, of 18910 13th St., Fulton, died Thursday at her home. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, Fulton, with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of First Reformed Church, Fulton, officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fulton Township Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Terry Smith, Rusty Littlejohn, Matt Huizenga, Chuck Spencer, Bob Kuehl, Frank Heinitz and Curt Stuhlman. She was born April 28, 1927, in Savanna, Ill., to Charles and Blanch Worden Remrey. She was educated in the Fulton grade schools. She married Zepe Barsema, April 21, 1947, in Clinton. He died June 11, 1997. She was a homemaker and stay at home mom. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Barbara (Eddie) Hager, Mrs. Mary (Vernon) Van Kampen and Lela (Bob Housby) Barsema, all of Fulton, and Mrs. Sonja (William) Schatti of East Moline, Ill.; seven sons, Gerald (Phyllis) Barsema, Robert (Kathleen) Barsema, Rickie (Laurie) Barsema, Jimmie (Nancy) Barsema, and David (Tina) Barsema, all of Fulton, Donald (Jenella) Barsema of Lyndon, Ill., and Michael (Kathleen) Barsema of Clinton; 26 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Helen (Louis) Buikema of Fulton, and Anna Mae Boyert of Camanche; and four brothers, Ralph Remrey, and Raymond (Marilyn) Remrey, both of Thomson, Ill., Harry Remrey of Fulton, and Daniel (Sally) Remrey of Lena, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband; two sons, one grandson, three sisters and two brothers.
Clinton Herald 21 May 2004

DANIEL R. BARSEMA , 42, of Fulton, died Wednesday at Mercy North Hospital, Clinton. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fulton Chapel, Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Sneller, pastor of the First Reformed Church in Fulton, officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the funeral service time at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Fulton Township Cemetery. He was born July 28, 1961, in Clinton to Zepe and Charlotte B. Remrey Barsema. He was educated in the Fulton grade schools. He worked along with his father as a self-employed painter. Survivors include his mother, Charlotte Barsema of Fulton; four sisters, Mrs. Barbara (Eddie) Hager of Fulton, Mrs. Mary (Vernon) Van Kampen of Fulton, Lela (Bob Housby) Barsema of Fulton and Mrs. Sonja (William) Schatti of East Moline, Ill.; seven brothers, Gerald (Phyllis) Barsema of Fulton, Robert (Kathleen) Barsema of Fulton, Rickie (Laurie) Barsema of Fulton, Jimmie (Nancy) Barsema of Fulton, David (Tina) Barsema of Fulton, Donald (Jenella) Barsema of Lyndon, Ill., and Michael (Kathleen) Barsema of Clinton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother. Memorials may be made to the family.
Source: Clinton Herald November 4, 2003

EDGAR W. BEELER , 57, passed away at 6:45 o'clock this morning in the home of his sister, Mrs. John Kurns, 605 Fourth Avenue. He had been in poor health for some time. A week ago last Saturday he and Mrs. Beeler and Mr. and Mrs. Kurns returned from a winter sojourn in FL. The body was removed to the Trouth funeral home where an inquest will be held at 4:30 this afternoon. Friday morning the body will be returned to the Kurns home, where funeral rites are to be held at 3 p.m. Friday, with Rev. A.H. Keck of St. John's Lutheran church officiating. Interment will be the Riverside Mausoleum. Edgar W. Beeler, son of John and Anna Beeler was born June 27, 1882 in Palmyra twp. Lee County. He had lived in this vicinity all his life. He was married to Nellie Stanley on Feb. 20, 1918, by Rev. Robbins of the Sterling Christian church. After their marriage they moved to a farm north of Sterling. Recently he and Mrs. Beeler left the farm and moved to Sterling. Besides his widow he leaves one sister. His parents preceded him. Mr.Beeler was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church (Member since 3 April 1904 by baptism).

JOHN G. BEELER , 89 year old retired farmer, passed away at 9:45 a.m. Friday (24 Dec 1937) at the home at 605 Fourth avenue, Sterling, following an illness of more than a year. A heart attack induced by infirmities of age was the cause of death. Funeral services will be from the home Monday at 1:30 with Rev. A.H. Keck officiating. The body will be placed in the Mausoleum at Riverside cemetery. The body will remain at teh Trouth funeral home where friends may call until Sunday afternoon. Mr. Beeler was born at Schiltach Baden, Germany, Nov. 30, 1848. He is the last of a family of six children. He came to the US to the home of an aunt at the age of 19 and worked on farms for a time and then farmed for himself in Genesee adn Jordan Townships. He was married to Anna Bristley on March 21, 1875. They went to housekeeping on a farm north of Prairieville, leaving there in 1886 for a farm northwest of Sterling, which their son now operates. Mr. and Mrs. Beeler moved to Sterling 15 years ago.
Surviving are the widow and two children; Margaret Kurns in the home and Edgar W. Beeler on the home farm. Mr. Beeler was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

ANDREW BENNETT , father of Mrs. Myron (Lucille) Lamm of Canton, formerly of Sterling, passed away Monday evening at his home in Bryant, Ill. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Murphy Funeral Home in Bryant, followed by burial in that city. A memorial has been established by the family to the Christian Church in Bryant. Mrs. Bennett preceded her husband in death six weeks ago.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Tuesday, 19 January 1965

CHARLES T. BENNETT , was found dead in his home at 508 12th Ave., Rock Falls, shortly after 7 o'clock this morning by his housekeeper, Mrs. Leona Downs. Mr. Bennett was dressed and apparently starting to work when he collapsed. A coroner's inquest will be held at the Wheelock Funeral Home Wednesday. The jury is to be sworn in tonight. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Everett Giltner, Batavia, Ia.; and Mrs. Orville Redenbaugh, Storm Lake, Ia.; and one son, Charles T. Bennett Jr., Manning, Ia. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Rock Falls Odd Fellows. He worked at Sterling High School. Funeral arrangements will be in charge of the Wheelock Funeral Home.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 16, 1954 - Tuesday, pg 2

EMILY (GURBER) BENNETT , 91, of 1008 Dillon Avenue in Sterling, died Saturday (24 January 1987) in Morrison Skilled Care Center. Funeral servicses will be Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Blair Funeral Home in Sterling with Rev. Randolph Collinson, pastor of the First Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation will be today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Bennett was born on July 31, 1895 in Grandridge, the daughter of Oscar and Louisa Scheerer Gurber. On Jan. 18, 1916 she was united in marriage to Leonard P. Bennett in Clinton, Ia. The deceased was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling. Survivors include two sons, Floyd Bennett of Sterling and Raymond Bennett of Milan; four daughters, Mrs. Jacob (Louise) Hardi of Moline, Mrs. Ray (Iola) Hammelman of Sterling, Mrs. Wendall (Helen) Coats of Lincoln and Alice Bennett of Rock Island; 16 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 26, 1987 - Monday, pg A2

GEORGE A. BENNETT , 73, Fulton, a retired pressman of the Clinton Lock Co., passed away Sunday (2 March 1969) in the Mercy Hospital, Clinton, Iowa. Funeral mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church of Fulton; Father Bernard Guenther of the Redemptorist Center, Clinton, Iowa, officiating, with burial in Calvary Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Bosma Funeral Home after 7 p.m. Monday (tonight). The office of the dead will be recited at the funeral home at 8 p.m. Tuesday. George Bennett was born Dec. 10, 1895 in Fulton, the son of Thomas H and Mary Egan Bennett. He was educated in the Fulton schools. He is survived by six sisters, Elizabeth E. Bennett and Mrs. A. H. (Jane) Pierson of Fulton; Miss Catheerine Bennett, Mrs. Harry (Eleanor) Cavanaugh, Mrs. Ralph (Helen) VenHuizen, all of Clinton, Iowa; Mrs. W. M. (Hazel) Cochrane of Bettendorf, Iowa; four brothers, Robert, Marvin and James of Fulton, and Thomas of Rockford. He was preceded by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 3, 1969 - Monday, pg 2

JOHN BENNETT , Funeral services for John Bennett, Erie resident who passed away with a heart attack Friday morning at the Whiteside county convalescent home at Round Grove, will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the Slaymaker funeral home. Pastor Paul Burdick of the Christian church will officiate. Interment will be in the family lot in the Erie cemetery.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois February 5, 1949 - Saturday, pog. 2 col. 4

EDWARD F. BENTERS , 600 Twelfth Avenue, died this morning at the Sterling public hospital where he has been a patient since Tuesday. The body was removed to the Trouth Funeral home and it will remain until 4 p.m. Sunday when it will be removed to the family residence where friends may call until 10 o'clock Tuesday when it will be returned ot the Trouth funeral home, where prayer service will be held Tuesday at 4:30. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. at Our Saviour Lutheran church in Hopkins twp. Rev. A.W. Cetting officiating. Buril will be in the cemetery adjoining the church. Edward F. Benters was born July 27, 1839, in Hopkins Twp, the son of Henry and Marie (Behrens) Benters. He grew to manhood in Hopkins and lived there all of his life until about one year ago when he moved to Sterling on accounty of his health. He married Frieda Doden, January 15, 1913, the Rev. Arthur Luskey, then pastor of Our Saviour Lutheran church of Hopkins twp. officiating. She survives him as do two children, Warren of Rock Falls and Ronald at home. A third child, Ina Marie, died in infancy. He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Lena Sonneman, Mrs. Matie Doden and MRs. Emma Doden, all of Sterling; also by three brothers, John of Lyndon; Henry and carl of Sterling. His paretns and two brothers, Fred and herman preceded him.

ELEANOR (ROSENOW) BENTERS , 82, of 602 N. Jackson St., Morrison, died Monday, July 28, 2003, at her home. She was employed by Morrison Telephone Co. for three years as an operator, then was a homemaker and baby-sitter. Mrs. Benters was born Aug. 25, 1920, in Morrison, the daughter of John and Roseline Sophia (Pilgrim) Rosenow Jr. She was a graduate of Morrison Community High School. She married Fred E. Benters on Oct. 16, 1947, in Morrison. He died Nov. 25, 1978. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Morrison. Survivors include a daughter, Gloria (Phillip) Garrison of Morrison; four sons, Eugene (Brenda) Benters of Sterling, James (Evelena) Benters and David (Dorothy) Benters, both of Morrison, and Dennis (Sheri) Benters of Mount Carroll; 12 grandchildren; eight step- grandchildren; a great-grandson; and 12 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Edwin Rosenow. Graveside service is at 11 am. Wednesday at Hopkins Cemetery, rural Sterling, with the Rev. Mike Winkelman, pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Morrison, officiating. There is no visitation. Arrangements were completed by the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Memorials have been established to the American Cancer Society and St. Peter's Lutheran Church Morrison
Daily Gazette July 29, 2003

JOHN BENTON , who had been suffering from heart trouble for two weeks and had been confined to his bed for the last few days, passed away suddenly about 6 p.m. Saturday at the home on Sixteenth ave. Mr. Benton’s condition became serious about a week ago. Mr. and Mrs. Benton had moved to the Long Poultry farm on Sixteenth avenue about two months ago, where they had been employed in taking care of the poultry. Besides the widow, Mr. Benton is survived by two sons, William and Lawrence, both of Rock Falls, and a granddaughter. Mr. Benton was born on a farm near Shelbyville, Ill., Aug. 10, 1875. About 45 or 50 years ago he came to this vicinity with several families including the McGinn clan, and settled on farms sourthwest of Rock Falls. Mr. Benton worked on several farms in that vicinity until 1912 when he was married to Josephine Fisher of Rock Falls and they took up their residence south of Rock Falls for a time, later moved to a farm north of Sterling for several years. About 25 years ago they returned to the Rock Falls vicinity. The body was removed to the Wheelock funeral home, from where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Benton was a member of St. John’s Lutheran church and his pastor, Rev. A. H. Keck, jr., will conduct the rites. Interment will be in the Odd Fellows’ cemetery, Rock Falls. Obit Dated Oct. 2, 1943 Newspaper unknown.

Contributed by Margaret Mangers

JOSEPHINE T (FISHER) BENTON Mrs. Josephine T. Benton, 79, formerly of 723 Coloma court, Rock Falls, died early Monday morning at Colonial Acres Nursing Home. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. E. A. Henrichs, pastor of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating with burial in the IOOF Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Mrs. Benton was born Sept. 27, 1890, in Emerson, the daughter of Elias and Phoebe Bryson Fisher. She was united in marriage to John Benton, and was a member of the Rock Fall Immanuel Lutheran Church. Survivors include two sons, William E., Rock Falls and Lawrence H, San Clente, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Elva Crabb, Rock Falls, and Mrs. Minnie Hubbard, Sterling; six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her husband and her parents preceded her in death
Date written on the obit is 10 Nov 1969.
2nd Obit: Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for Mrs. Josephine T. Benton who died Monday. The Rev. E.A. Henrichs, pastor of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiated at the services with burial taking place in IOOF Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was at the organ during the service. Pallbearers were Jerry Albert, Louis Bohms, Carl Cox, Kenneth Hubbard, Earl Lutyens. Flowers were cared for by Mrs. William Schultz, Mrs. Malcolm Pollock, and Swartleys. Date written on obit Nov 10, 1969

3rd Obit: Rock Falls- Mrs. Josephine T. Benton, 79, a former Rock Falls resident, died early Monday in Colonial Acres Nursing Home. Survivors include two sons, William E., rock Falls, and Lawrence H., San Clemente, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Elva Crabb, Rock Falls, and Mrs. Minnie Hubbard, Sterling; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, where friend may call from 2-4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery. No date on this obit.

Contributed by Margaret Mangers

VELMA (MONTGOMERY) BENTON Rock Falls - Velma M Benton, 73, of 1516 Sixth Ave., Rock Falls, died unexpectedly Friday in her home. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. There will be not visitation. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Benton was born Jan. 20, 1918, in Tampico, the daughter of William H and Amanda (Castle) Montgomery. She was married William Elias Benton on May 28, 1940, in Davenport, Iowa. He died Sept. 1, 1987. She was a member of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Arlyn (Judith) Cain, rock Falls; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two sisters Janet Palmer, Rock Falls, Mrs. Ethel Sklenar, Moline; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one grandchild, two brothers, and two sisters.

Obit Dated Jun 14, 1991 Newspaper unknown.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

WILLIAM E BENTON, 73, of 1516 6th Ave. in rock Falls died Tuesday evening in Rockford Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev. Dennis L. Heaney, pastor of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls. There will be not visitation. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Benton was born on Oct. 28, 1913 in Sterling, the son of John and Josephine Fisher Benton. On May 28, 1940 he was united in marriage to Velma Montgomery in Davenport, Iowa. He had worked for 19 years at Grief Brothers Cooperage and was then employed at Parris-Alford in Rock Falls as a reeler for 27 years prior to his retirement in 1978. The deceased was a member of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife, Velma; one daughter, Mrs. Arlyn (Judith) Cain of Rock Falls; four grandchildren; one brother, Lawrence Benton of Bolingbrook; and several nieces and nephews. His parents and one grandson preceded him in death.
Obit Dated Sept 1, 1987 Newspaper unknown
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

WEILAND H BLOOM
- The remains of Weiland H. Bloom of Sutherland, Iowa, who died Apr. 3Oth, were brought to this city Wednesday of last week, and funeral services were conducted by Rev. George Patterson at the Universalist church that afternoon. Interment occurred in Grove Hill cemetery. Mr. Bloom was born in Rockville, Ill., June 3, 1857, and was married to Miss Alice R. Lathe, daughter of B. F. Lathe of Morrison, Aug. 16, 1882. The deceased had been engaged in the newspaper business at Sutherland for several years and was a highly respected citizen of that place.

Contributed by Linda Criswell

BEATRICE (HOUSENGA)BLOOME
, 52, of 628 Westerfield Road, Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Erie. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial was in St. Anthony's Cemetery, Atkinson. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Church. Beatrice Housenga was born in Erie. She married Wilbur Bloome in 1947 in Atkinson. She was employed as a registered nurse in labor and delivery at St. Luke's Hospital for 10 years and for the past year was employed as a nurse at the Mississippi Valley Blood Bank. She was a graduate of the Michael Reese School of Nursing, Chicago. Survivors include her husband, daughters, Mrs. Steve (Joan) Jost, Davenport, and Janis Bloome at home; sons John, Bettendorf; and James, Davenport; five grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Grace Melton, Erie, and brothers, Jake Housenga, Lyndon and Roy Housenga, Erie.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 6, 1978 - Thursday, page 4

EDNA J (LEAF) BOHMS , 79 , of 1009 Dillon Ave., Sterling died Nov. 11, 1992, at St Anthony Medical Center in Rockford following a short illness. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Allen Funeral Hole, Sterling with the Rev. Thomas Howard, pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Mrs. Bohms’ body was cremated. The cremains will be interred in IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established in her memory. Mrs. Bohms was born on May 15, 1922 in Janesville, Wis., the daughter of John and Garnett (McConnell) Leaf. She married Raymond F Bohms on Jan. 8, 1938 in Clinton, Iowa.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

FRED BOHMS - Funeral arrangements are complete at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls for Fred Bohms of 190 ½ W. 2nd St., Rock Falls, who died in his sleep early Friday morning (11 March 1966) at the age of 73. Bohms was born in Minonk, May 11, 1892 the some of Haram and Mattie Gerdes Bohms. He moved to Rock Falls as a young man and lived here ever since working many years at the Northwestern Steel and Wire Company until his retirement. He is survived by three sons, Raymond of East Moline; Harold and Louis, both of Rock Falls; one daughter Mrs. Gene (Jennie) Sutton of Memphis, Tenn.; one brother, John Bohms, of Rock Falls; 13 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. E. A. Henrichs, pastor of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rock Falls officiating with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home after 7 p.m. Saturday. Whiteside County Coroner John Ardapple conducted an inquiry into the death.

Funerial Notice:
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home for Fred Bohms of 109 ½ W. 2nd St., Rock Falls, who died Friday. Rev. E. A. Hinrichs, pastor of the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church, officiated at the services with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Mrs. Wayne E. Larson was at the organ during the services with Lyle Dirks singing In The Garden and The Lord’s Prayer. Pallbearers were Donald Bohms, Harry Bohms, Clarence Bohms, James Bohms, Kenneth Hubbard and William Lutyens. Flowers were cared for by Lundstroms. Sterling Daily Gazette March 15, 1966
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Sterling Daily Gazette March 12, 1966

HARRY J. BOHMS , 76, of 602 Third Ave., died Saturday at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, following a short illness. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Rev. Gary Crowe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in I.O.O.F Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls. A memorial has been established. Mr. Bohms was born on Oct. 28, 1914 in Sterling, the son of John J. and Anna (Boseneiler) Bohms. He married Lois E. Dace Nov. 14, 1942 in Rock Falls. He worked at International Harvestor and was a punch press operator at Sterling Multi Products for many years prior to his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the Rock Falls American Legion Post #902 and the Sterling Moose Lodge. He was an avid sports fan. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Lois; one daughter, Mrs. Roger (Vicki) Newell, Barrington; three brothers, Clarence, Lester, and John Bohms, all of Rock Falls; three sisters, Mrs. Mattie Hoffman, Dixon, Mrs. Earl (Elizabeth) Crouse, Sterling; and Mrs. Marvin (Carmen) Wallace, Rock Falls, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Edward.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 5, 1990 - Monday, pg A2

JOHN JANSSEN BOHMS - Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Rock Falls Immanuel Lutheran Church for John J. Bohms of 606 Ave. A., Rock Falls, who died Friday. The Rev. E. A. Henrichs, pastor, officiated at the services, with burial taking place in IOOF Cemetery. Mrs. Herman Oltman was at the organ during the services, with Herman Oltman and Wayne E. Larson singing "My God and I" and "In the Garden." Pallbearers were William Lutyens, James Bohms, Harold Bohms, Donald Bohms, Leroy Boseneiler and Bert Boseneiler. The usher at the church was Lawrence Janssen.Flowrs were cared for by Mrs. Arnold Pederson, Mrs. Clyde Thurston and Lundstroms. The remains were taken from the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home at 9 a.m. to the church to lie in state until the hour of services.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 1, 1970 - Tuesday, pg 2

RAYMOND F BOHMS , 78, of 1600 Riverdale Road, Rock Falls, died Saturday, Oct 15, 1994. Memorial services will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Whellock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with the Rev. Don George, pastor of Rock River Christian Center, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial had been established. Mr. Bohms was born Jan. 15, 1916, in Van Paten, son of Fred and Elva (Fisher) Bohms. He married Edna Leaf Jan. 8, 1938, in Clinton, Iowa. He was a punch press operator of International Harvester until his retirement in 1976. Survivors include one daughter Audrey Cien of Riverview, Mich.; two brothers, Louis Bohms and Harold Bohms, both of Rock Falls; one sister Mrs. Eugene *Jennie) Sutton of Rock Falls; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and one son. Raymond F Bohms, 78, of 1600 Riverdale Road, Rock Falls, died Saturday Oct 15, 1994. -- Memorial services will be at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home. Rock Falls, with the Rev. Don George, pastor of Rock River Christian Center, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be at IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Mrs. Bohms was born Jan 15, 1916, in van Paten, the son of Fred and Elva (Fisher) Bohms. He married Edna Leaf Jan 8, 1938, in Clinton, Iowa. He was a punch press operator for International Harvester until his retirement in 1976. Survivors include one daughter, Audrey Cien of Riverview, Mich.; two brothers, Louis Bohms and Harold Bohms, both of Rock Falls; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife and one son.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Oct 18, 1994 Daily Gazette

RONALD RAY BOHMS , 39, RR 3, Prophetstown, was killed in a truck accident Tuesday evening and pronounced dead on arrival at the Marion Memorial Hospital, Marion. Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Meltzer, pastor of the Rock Falls Congregational Church, officiating. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery, Rock Falls. Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Ray Bohms was born Aug 20, 1938 at Rock Falls, son of Raymond f and Edna J Leaf Bohms. He attended local schools and served in the U.S. Army for a tour in Italy. He owned and operated a fleet of trucks for Ringles Express, Inc., out of Moline. He is survived by his widow, Jewel; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond F. Bohms, RR 3, Prophetstown; one son, Douglas Ray, Dallas, Texas; four stepchildren. Mrs. Mickey (Cathy) Thompson, Naples, Fla.; Joe and David Oswald, both of Greenville, Miss.; and Kimberley Oswald, RR 3 Prophetstown; one sister Mrs. Michael (Audrey) Cain, Westland, Mich.; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Garnet Stevens, Madison, Wis.; and paternal grandmother, Mrs. Elva Crabb, Rock Falls.
2nd Obituary:
Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls for Ronald Ray Bohms, age 39, of RR 3, Prophetstown, who was killed in a truck accident Tuesday at Marion. The Rev. Paul R. Meltzer, pastor of the Rock Falls Congregational Church, officiated with burial in IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls. Mrs. Wayne Larson played the organ for the service. Pallbearers were Steve Bohms, David Folsom, Jack Leaf, Terry Leaf, Warren Owens, and John Skoworn. Flowers were cared for by Lundstroms.
Obituary Dated June 28, 1978 newspaper unknown - Contributed by Margaret Mangers (Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home in Rock Falls for Ronald Ray Bohms, age 39, of RR 3, Prophetstown, who was killed in a truck accident Tuesday at Marion. The Rev. Paul R. Meltzer, pastor of the Rock Falls Congregational Church, officiated, with burial in IOOF Cemetery in Rock Falls. Mrs. Wayne Larson played the organ for the service. Pallbearers were Steve Bohms, David Folsom, Jack Leaf, Terry Leaf, Warren Owens and John Skoworn)

RALPH J. BOWEN passed away Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the Sterling Public Hospital, following a stroke he suffered the week before. he was born Sept. 1, 1862, at Salisbury, Conn., the son of Joel F. and Rebekah E. Bowen. He moved to Prophetstown, Ill, with his parents in July, 1875. On Sept 21 1893, he was married to Mary Southard of Prophetstown who preceded him in death April 21, 1912. He moved his family to Polo in 1911 where he was manager of a poultry business for a number of years. He joined the Methodist church in his youth. He married Mrs. Sarah F. Chase of Barry Ill., on Jan. 18, 1916, who died Feb. 12, 1940. Surviving are six children: Bert W. Bowen and Mrs. Florence Stackpole of Polo; Emeroy R. Bowen Anamosa, Ia., Mrs. Almira Baarr of Pearl City; Mrs. Alma Jenkins and Mrs. Rosa Sowell of El Monte, Calif.; also 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 2 nieces, 2 nephews and 2 stepdaughters. His parents, one son, three sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral services were conducted at the Melvin Funeral home in Polo, Friday, Feb. 13, with Dr. K.E. Irvin officiating. Mrs. Olive Hedrick and Robert Hedrick sang at the service with Mrs. Lois Cruikshank accompanying. Interment was made in Riverside cemetery at Prophetstown.
Contributed by Sandi Smith

JOHN W. BOWSER - At his home in this city, on Monday, February 16, 1891, John W. Bowser, aged 50 years. John W. Bowser enlisted in Co. C. 2nd Missouri Inf. in March 1862 and served to the close of the war. He had suffered from consumption which he contracted in the army. The direct cause of death was pneumonia with which he was sick but a few days. The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, Rev. A.M. White officiating. The remains were interred in the Grove Hill cemetery by Alpheus Clark Post No. 118. G.A.R.
Odell Library Collection

MAUDE (FRY) BOYD , a resident of this area her entire life, died Sunday morning in Prophets Riverview Nursing Home at Prophetstown after an extended illness. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Home where friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Funeral services will be 1:30 Tuesday in the FuneralHome. The Rev. Richard J. Hanson of St.John's Lutheran Church of Sterling will officiate and burial will be at Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Boyd was born Jan. 7, 1890 in Ogle County, Ill., the daughter of John R. and Amanda E. Sigler Fry. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Virginia Whitver of Indianapolis, Ind. and one sister Mrs. Bessie Scott of Sterling. One brother and one sister preceded.
Contributed by Jean Portner

AARON ERNEST BRADLEY - Last Friday morning death came to the relief of Mr. A. E. Bradley who has been ailing for the past eighteen months and who has been bedfast for the past six or seven months, and suffered severly at times. He was ready to go to his heavenly home at the call of the Master, although he hated to leave his loved ones here on earth and go from them to the place prepared for him. He was one of these quiet persons who never crossed anybody and who always looked upon the good side of all persons and gave them their share of praise and a friendly salutation. He often remarked about the kindness of Albany and said that there were many more good persons in Albany than he ever had any idea of and wished that it were possible for him to repay them for the many kindnesses which they had granted to him from time to time. This was denied him, and it was one of his regrets that he could not have the privilege to repay them. In all his dealings he ws strictly honest and honorable, and though a sufferer for many years he did all that he could do while in the employment of anybody. He often remarked about the many favors which the Knights of Pythians bestowed upon him and how he wished for the privilege to sit once more with them in their Castle(?)all to personally thank them for their favors, but this was not to be. (?) yet he never (?) good grace. He is not with us, he has answered his final call from this life unto the one where there are no sorrows or suffering and where peace reigneth, and so we accept the following obituary.

Obituary
Aaron Earnest Bradley, oldest son of Charles V. and Anna Frey Bradley, was born in Union Grove Township, Whiteside County, Illinois, October 14th, 1868, and departed this life at 4:45 o'clock, Friday morning, March 5, 1926, at the family home in Albany, Illinois, being 57 years, 5 months, 1 day old at that time. When a small lad he came with his parents and younger brother, Harvey, to Garden Plain township, where the greater part of his life was spent and 8 years ago moved to Albany where he has since resided. On October 3rd, 1900 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Spangler in Albany, Ill. Two daughters were born to this union; Anna Mary, who passed in infancy and Ruth Josephine at home with her mother Mr. Bradley gave his heart to Christ in early manhood and united with the Albany M. E. church nearly 30 years ago, bring a devout advocate for the right, taking part until ill health prevented. Being of a mot kind and friendly nature, he won for himself friends whom he held dear. During his 18 long months of illness, he thoroughly appreciated the acts of kindness from friends proving their true friendship and he often expressed himself with much feeling. All though this ordeal his thoughts reverted constantly to that wonderful Home above, which he knew was very near him. He was failing and ready to meet his Saviour face to face for he knew he should be welcomed and find blessed rest awaiting him on that golden shore. He leaves to mourn, his wife, Mrs. Bradley, and daughter, Ruth, at home; an aged father residing at Arlington, Kansas, the only brother, Harvey E., of Phillipsburg, Kansas, and one cousin, Henry Frey, of Garden Plain township, besides a wide circle of acquaintances.
Albany Review March 11, 1926 Contributed by Liz Eads

ANNA E. (TEACH) BRADLEY
of 1605 7th Ave., Sterling, died Oct. 24, 1991 at CGH Medical Center. Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling, with Rev. Francis McDonnell, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements were completed by the Melvin-Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Bradley was born Nov. 18, in Morrison, the daughter of Roy and Margaret Teach. She married Wilford Bradley Aug. 12, 1933, at St. Mary's Rectory, Sterling, by the late Msr. A. J. Burns. He died June 15, 1963. Mrs. Bradley had been employed at Chesters and Bergners in Sterling for 15 years prior to retiring. Surviving is her daughter, Mrs. Robert (Linda) Buhler, Rock Falls; one grandson, Doug Buhler, Sterling; two sisters, Mrs. Leo (Althea) Capper, DeWitt, Iowa, and Mrs. Earl (Pauline) Rhyne, Morrison. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford and Lloyd Teach.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 25, 1991 - page A2

ANNA (FREY) BRADLEY was born in Erie Co. Pa, July 12, 1841, where she resided until she was 14 years old, when she moved to Albany, Whiteside county, Ill. She was converted and united with the M. E. Church when she was 19 years old and she was a constant Christian and member of the same until 1887, when she accepted the faith of the Saints of the Living God. She was married to Chas. V. Bradley at Albany, IL, when she was 20 years old. To this union was given two boys, who are still living. She was a great sufferer from rheumatism for more than 24 years. She passed away and has gone to her Eternal home, where sorrow nor pain never come. The funeral services were conducted at the home Wednesday afternoon by Rev. G. M. Glick, who had known the deceased for 11 years. Text- 1st Sam. 15:32, The bitterness of Death is past. Interment took place in the Kirwin Cemetery.
Kirwin Independent 27 July 1899 Contributed by Liz Eads

ANNA DORIS (MURRAY) BRADLEY , 69, died early Saturday at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Lyndon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dick Mayer officiating. Burial was in Tampico Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gardner Chapel Prophetstown. Mrs. Bradley was born May 28, 1906 in Tampico, the daughter of Rolla and Anna Quantance Murray. She was educated in Tampico schools. She married George C. Bradley in Hawkeye, Iowa on Feb. 22, 1924. She resided in the Tampico - Lyndon area all of her married life and was a member of the Lyndon United Methodist Church. Survivors include three sons, Gene Bradley of Prophetstown, Ronald George Bradley of Sheffield and Mervin Jim Bradley of Bay Town, Tex.; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and two brothers, LaVerne Murray of Rock Falls and Harold Murray of Tampico. She was preceded by her parents, her husband one daughter, one sister and one brother. A memorial has been established for the Lyndon United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 8, 1975 - Monday, pg 6

MARGARET A. (WEAVER) BRADLEY , 75, of Sterling, died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, at Rockford memorial Hospital. She was born March 10, 1935, in Sterling, the daughter of Glen and Winifred (Bartel) Weaver. She married Robert Bradley on July 10, 1954, in Sterling. She was a teacher's aide at Franklin School, Sterling Unit 5, for several years. She was a dedicated and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, where she served as a past Eucharistic minister to the shut-ins. She also was a volunteer at the adoration chapel of the church, and helped with the Feed the Children Summer Lunch Program. Surviving are her husband, Robert; their five children, Patricia (Robert) Hinshaw and Robert (Amy) Bradley Jr., both of Birmingham, Ala., Mike (Kim) Bradley of Dixon, Craig (Lori) Bradley of Frankfort, and Sheri (Bill) Klocke of Onalaska, Wis.; one brother, John (Marilyn) Weaver of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one brother-in-law, Pat Farley of Sterling; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Susan Farley. Prayer service will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Sterling, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Juan Ayala, celebrant, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling.
The Dixon Telegraph

MERVIN G. BRADLEY , 35, of Route One, Tampico, died Friday (July11, 1986) in Illini Hospital in Silvis from injuries received in an auto accident on June 28, on Route 5 near the Joslin exit. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 11 a.m. in the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico with Rev. Leo Ambre, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tampico officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tampico where the Eshelman Tally Doye American Legion Post 1191 of Hooppole conducted graveside military rites. A memorial has been established in his memory. Mr. Bradley was born on Nov. 19, 1950 in Sterling, the son of Mervin and Helen Forward Bradley. He was united in marriage to Julie Violet Hunter on April 26, 1980 in Rock Island. The deceased was employed as an electrician at IBP in Joslin at the time of his death. Mr. Bradley was a graduate of Tampico High School and attended college in Ft. Collins, Colo. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Viet Nam War and was a member of the Eshelman Tally Doye American Legion Post 1191 in Hooppole. Survivors include his wife, Julie of Tampico, two stepdaughters, Tonia and Dawn Hunter, both at home, one stepson, Jamie Hunter at home, his mother and stepfather Mr. and Mrs. John (Helen) Buckley of Tampico, his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Mervin (Jan) Bradley of Baytown, Tex., one brother, Jerry Bradley of San Antonio, Tex., one sister, Julie Franks of Tampico, his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Kathryn Forward of Morrison, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and his paternal grandparents.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July, 14, 1986 - Monday, pg A4

ROBERT S BRAINERD, SR , 806 W Second St., Rock Falls, died Wednesday morning in Community General Hospital at the age of 63. Mr. Brainerd was born on Sept. 27, 1905, son of Benjamin and Lula McKenzie Brainerd. He attended Rock Falls Schools and the University of Illinois and was a member of the Rock Falls IOOF Lodge 590, and the Rock Falls Masonic Lodge 936 AF & AM. On Nov. 27, 1925, he was united in marriage to the former Vera Janvrin. He was in the building contacting business for many years and after he retired from this, he was building inspector for the City of rock Falls until ill health caused his retirement. Mr. Brainerd is survived by his wife, Vera, twin daughters, Mrs. Lauren (Barbara) Oncken of Milledgeville, and Mrs. William (Joanne) Welp of Richfield, Conn., six grandchildren, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Robert on April 25, 1947 Funeral services for Mr. Brainerd will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Fred Anderson, the pastor of the Rock falls Methodist Church, officiating, assisted by the Rev. Harry E. Shiffer, with burial in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. There will be a Masonic Service at 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, where friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday.
This obit was on record at Oak Knoll Memorial Park and was sent to Margaret Mangers by them.

DORA (DAVIS) BREECH , 78, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Harms nursing home where she had been a patient several months. Death was due to a general breakdown in health. The body rests at the Trouth funeral home. Funeral rites will be held there at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. R. Norris Wilson of the First Congregational church officiating. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery. Dora Davis, daughter of Dr. Reuben Davis and Mrs. Elizabeth Davis, was born near Sterling April 11, 1866. She taught in the Sterling schools several years and later was instructor in penmanship and art at Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1895, she was married to Dr. J.O. Breech, a physician of St. Louis, Mo, who passed away in 1910. Since then she had resided in Sterling. Mrs. Breech was the sister of Jessie L. Davis of Glen Ellyn, the late T.M. Davis of Sterling and Dr. J.D. Davis of this city.

Daily Gazette 1 Dec 1944

CLIFFORD LEE BRIGHTMAN 71, 408 4th Ave., Rock Falls, was dead on arrival at Community General Hospital, Monday (15 January 1968) . Mr. Brightman was born April 2, 1897, in Garden Plain, the son of William and Myrtle Crider Brightman. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. James R. (Bernice) Thirtyacre, Minneapolis, Minn.; one brother, Lloyd Brightman, Erie; three half-sisters, Mrs. Perry (Lulu) Dew, Rock Falls; Mrs. Eunice Loftus, Dixon, and Mrs. Ella Kennedy of Albany, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, one brother, Francis and one sister, Mrs. Emma Dew. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Sterling. Funeral services will be on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral home, with the Rev. Kenneth Mortonson, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Sterling, officiating. .Friends may call at the Allen Fuenral home after 3 p.m. on Wednesday The burial will be in Garden Plain Central Cemetery.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 16, 1968 - Tuesday, pg. 2

DORA J. (HUMPHREY) BRETT was the daughter of Silas and Aria A. Winget Humphrey and was born in Mt. Pleasant township, WHiteside county, Ill., Jan. 27, 1883. Her death occurred in Vista county Iowa Sunday, November, 3, 1889, aged 25 years, 9 months and 6 days. Her early life was spent about Morrison. On Nov. 27, 1884, she was united in marriage with Alexander Brett, who survives today and mourns her loss. In 1886 they moved to Iowa and located in Grundy county, where they remained until last spring when they moved to Clay county, so soon to move again from the scenese of earth. During the time of her sojourn in Grundy county, she, with her husband were converted and joined the M.E. church, and in its fellowship she has lived to adorn her life with the grace of the christian. She died in the faith that had supported her in her home on earth to the house not made with hands. Loved in life, lamented in death and respected by all that knew her, she leaves two children to mourn a mother's loss. The remains were brought to this city (Morrison) on Monday night and the funeral services were held on Tuesday at the M.E. church, Rev. W.J. Libberton officiating, after which she was laid to rest in the Heaton cemetery northeast of Morrison.
The Odell Library obituary collection

GLADYS (GRIEDE) BRIGHTMAN , 85, Erie, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 1997, at Morrison Community Hospital, Morrison . Services are 10:30 a.m. today at Erie Methodist Church. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Visitation was 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. A memorial fund has been established. The former Gladys Greide was born June 27, 1911, in rural Erie, the daughter of Albert and Winnie VanDyke Greide. She married Lloyd Brightman Nov. 5, 1933, in Erie. He died Feb. 11, 1988. She was a registered nurse, having been the office nurse for Dr. Nash and Dr. LaRue, both in Erie. She graduated from the former Jane Lamb School of Nursing, Clinton, Iowa, in 1933. She was a member of the church. Survivors include two daughters and son-in-law, Janice and David Stone, Garden Plain, ILL., and Judy and Arlyn Avery, Erie; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Contributed Bonnie Pillers

LLOYD BRIGHTMAN ,78, Erie, died today at home.Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at his church, Erie United Church. Burial is in Erie Cemetery.Visitation is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. A memorial fund has been established. Mr. Brightman was born Nov. 23, 1909, in Garden Plain Township, Whiteside County. He married Gladys Greide Nov. 5, 1933, in Princeton ILL. He retired in 1971 from the assembly Division of John Deere East Moline Works after 34 years. Survivors include the widow; daughters Judy Avery, Erie, Janice Stone, Garden Plain; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a sister Bernice Thirtyacre, Sterling.
Contributed by Bonnie Pillers

WILBUR H. BRINKMAN , , 83, of 1001 S. Bluff St., Albany,: formerly of Garden Plain, died Monday July 21, 2003, at Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton. He was presidentdent of Brinkman and Pessir Lumber Co., Garden Plain and Port Byron, retiring in 1986. Mr. Brinkman was born Nov. 1919, in Albany, the son of Joseph a Charlotte (Frahm) Brinkman. attended Erie High School. He married Doris A. Nissen on May 1946, in Clinton, Iowa. He was member Garden Plain Presbyterian Church, rural Fulton, Loyal Order Moose, Hoo Hoo Lumberman, where he served as past president and was a charter member of Alba Lions Club. He enjoyed fishing and spending winters in Arizona. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Ruthann Brinkman of Long Island, N.Y; two sons, Bill (Gail) Brinkman of Albany and Kenneth (Mary Ann) Brinkman of Darien; sister, O'Delia Johnson of Monroe Wis.; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a two brothers and sister, Gerald and Irma Brinkman in infancy; and a sister, Myrtle Christiansen. Memorial service is at 11 a.m.Friday at Garden Plain Presbyterian Church, rural Fulton, with Dan Wiebenga, interim pastor, offlciating. Burial is at Garden Plain Cemetery, rural Fulton. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Sterling Daily Gazette July 23, 2003

GEORGE EARL BRISTLE , 71, 410 W. Wall ST., died suddently in his home Saturday. (02 Sep 1961) He was a retired farmer. The body was removed to Reynolds Funeral Home where services are pending. Mr. Bristle was born on Dec. 4, 1889 in Morrison, the son of John and Addie Bodie Bristle. He was reared and educated in the Morrison vicinity and had lived the pass 25 years in town. He married Lucille A. Johnson on Nov. 26, 1913 at Morrison. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the Moline Consistory, the Shrine Temple, Tebals, in Rockford, and the Presbyterian Church of Morrison. Survivirs are his wife and two sons, Jay of Morrison and Charles of Denver. He was preceded in death by his parents, a seven-year-old daughter, Dorothy, one sister, Mae Wilson, and a sister in infancy.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois September 2, 1961 - Saturday, pg 2

JAY J. BRISTLE , 88, of Morrison, died Monday October 6, 2003, at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at the Morrison United Methodist Church preceded by a 12:45 p.m. family prayer service at the church. The Rev. Daniel Swinson and the Rev. Julie Bunt will be officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home with a masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. He was born Dec. 17, 1914, in Morrison to George E. and Lucille J. Johnson Bristle. He married Evelyn A. Hannis on April 1, 1937, in Morrison. She died in 1993. He then married Ruth Schroeder-Stralow on May 7, 1997, in Morrison. He graduated from Morrison High School. He farmed west of Morrison until 1964. He later was employed with Lawrence and Sons Construction for seven years before retiring. He was a member of the Morrison United Methodist Church, the Morrison Dunlap Lodge 321 AF & AM, the Moline Consistory-Tabala Shrine-Rockford, Ill., and was a 4-H Union Grove Sod Busters leader. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; two daughters, Mrs. Linda (Tom) Engle of Rock Falls, Ill., and Mrs. Jane (Gene) Apple of Sterling, Ill.; one son, Gerald Bristle of Rock Falls; two stepsons, Alvin (Shirley) Stralow of Morrison and Stanley Stralow of Morrison; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 13 stepgrandchildren; 25 stepgreat-grandchildren; six stepgreat-great-grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, Gertrude Puels. He was preceded in death by his first wife, one granddaughter, one stepdaughter, one stepgreat-grandson, one sister and one brother. Memorials may be made to the Morrison United Methodist Church and the Morrison Dunlap Lodge 321 AF & AM.
Clinton Herald October 8, 2003

MARGARET BRITT , 91, died at 3:20 a.m. Wednesday in St Joseph ’s Home for the aged at Freeport , where she had been a resident several years. The body rests at the Parent Funeral Home where friends may call after 7p.m. today. The rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Funeral rites will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tampico , by Rev. A.M. Weitekamp. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tampico . Mrs. Britt was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Britt in 1956. She is survived by several nephews.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the March 13, 1958 Sterling Gazette

ROSE (CHARNESKI) BRITT , 92, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, formerly of Fulton, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 1995, at the nursing home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes, Fulton, with Father Kenneth Anderson, pastor Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fulton, officiating and with a Liturgy outside of Mass. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. A memorial has been established for Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison. Mrs. Britt was born Aug. 2, 1903 in Ivanhoe, Minn., the daughter of Stanley and Victoria (Owczarzak) Charneski. She married Alfred "Fred" Britt on Jan. 16, 1920, in Rock Island. He died April 23, 1970. She was educated in the Savanna Grade School. She was employed by many area restaurants as a cook and later owned and operated Britt's Cafe, Thomson, and the Ruffle Inn, Savanna. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Fulton, and a former member of the Altar and Rosary Society. She lived most of her life in the Savanna, Thomson and Fulton areas, moving into Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison, in 1984. Survivors include two grandchildren, Jerry (Marlee) Parker of Albany and Sherry Heusinkveld of Fulton; five great grandchildren, Jeff, Todd and Michael Parker, Lori Michaelsen and Beth Heusinkveld; six great great-grandchildren; Derik and Deanna Parker, Tiffany and Anthony Parker, Alica Huizenga and Breanna Michaelsen; and one brother, William Charneski of Clearwater, Fla. She was preced in death by one daughter, Dorothy Rupert; two sons, Alfred and Jack Britt; two sisters, Betty Jaschub and Elaine Teeter; and three brothers, Frank, Edward and Harry Charneski.
Contributed by Amy Anderson - Sterling Gazette Friday, August 11, 1995

BLANCHE BRITTELL - One more unfortunate has passed to that undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns. Last Saturday morning the news was brought to this city that a young woman, named Blanche Brittell, had committed suicide sometime during Friday night at Round Grove. On Friday she purchased a quantity of dry goods, furniture, etc., and hed it conveyed to Round Grove where she intended keeping house. Havind endeavored to rent a house from Mrs. Simonson, but failing to do so, she attempted to take possession of the same without permission, but was met at the place by a man who refused to let her in. SHe then went to a house owned by W.H. Maxfield of this city and put in her goods. Mr. Maxfield learned that she had taken possession and went and ordered her out. She went to the county house and complained of her utter helplessness, when Mr. Ely gave her a supper and informed her that she could remain there till morning. After getting her supper, she returned to the Maxfield house, and it is supposed that here she took poison which caused her death. Mr. Maxfield went there on Saturday morning to move her out of the house but found that she was dead. The coroner was notified and in the afternoon went out, impannelled a jury and held an inquest. Blanche Brittel was a foundling of unknown parentage, and about twenty-two years of age. Friendless, homeless and an outcast, receiving no kindly words to lead her to hope for a better and purer life, she lies in her grave in the potter's field of Grove Hill cemetery. The remains were interred last Sunday afternoon, when quite a number where present to listen to the words o Rev. A.M. White who officiated at the cemetery. His remarks were such that if heeded by those who profess to be christians fewer young women would be led astray and helping hands would be more frequently stretched forth to save the fallen, and lead them to the path of rectitude.
Odell Library Collection - Death date written on the Obituary of Nov. 21, 1890.

CLARA LASIRA (LATHE) BROYLES
At her home in Union, Ia., Saturday, March 30, 1901, Mrs. DAVID L. BROYLES, aged 30 Years, 8 months and 16 days. Clara Lasira Lathe, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Benj. F. Lathe of this city was born near Lyndon, Ill., July 14, 1870. She lived with her parents except while attending the college at Fulton in 1887-88. She was married Feb.20, 1889, to David L. Broyles. They moved at once to their farm near Union, Iowa, where they lived until about a month ago. Then, having sold their farm, they moved into the town of Union. They had planned to visit California soon and expected to travel considerably. About three weeks ago she was taken ill, but was getting better, when last Thursday morning a blood clot formed which lodged in her heart. She was relieved with difficulty, but the clot was carried to the lungs, causing congestion from which she died at 2 o'clock Saturday morning. Her parents and her sister, Mrs. W. H. Bloom of Sutherland, Iowa, were with her during the last day she lived. Mrs. Broyles was a woman of loving nature and religious character, and was prominent in the social life and charitable work of the town and vicinity of Union. Besides her parents and sister, she is also survived by two brothers. Short funeral services were held at Union on Saturday and the remains were brought to Morrison, Sunday morning. The funeral was held here Tuesday afternoon from the Universalist church, Rev. Evans, assisted by Rev. J. F. Boeye of the Methodist church, officiating. Interment took place in Grove Hill cemetery.

Contributed by Linda Criswell

DAVID S. BRUMAGIM at his home in Morrison on Saturday, September 3, 1892, aged 70 years 10 months and 24 days. David S. Brumagin was born in Montgomery County, in the State of New York, Oct. 9, 1821. He was united in marriage with Miss Aurelia Brown on Dec. 18, 1851. Twenty-Six years ago last April they moved to this township, about one mile from Morrison, where they resided until about eight years ago, from which time their home has been in this city. For several weeks previous to his death, Mr.Brumagim's health had been very poor, but at length he seemed to improve and the dear ones who had watched at his bedside hoped that he would be spared to them for many days to come. But on last Thursday there was a change from which he rapidly declined until last Saturday evening, when, at eight o'clock his spirit passed away from earth. He had reached the age of over threescore and ten, the time allotted to man's earthly existence. The wife and mother who shared his joys and sorrows for forty-one years, and a daughter, Mrs. Melvin Fisk of Curlew, Iowa survive him. Four brothers are also living, tow of whom reside in the State of New York and two in Iowa; and two sisters, Mrs. I.V. Walker of this city, and mrs. Nellie Carr of Ames, Iowa. Mr. Brumagim has been known and highly respected as an honest, upright citizen and a kind neighbor and friend. That which he strictly and conscientiously adhered to in hi own life and hwich he admired in others was truthfulness. He led a quiet, peaceable life. He will be missed by all. The funeral was held at his late residence on Tuesday, Rev. D. Rogers officiating, assisted by Rev. J.W. Skinner. The remains were interred in Grove Hill Cemetery.
Odell Library Collection

ELIZABETH BRUMAGIM died at her home in Ames, Iowa on Monday, Feb. 1, 1892 aged 97y 2m 24d. Born in New York State, Nov. 7, 1794. For many years she was a resident of this township, but moved to Ames Iowa in 1867 where since resided. She was the mother of the late Dr. Brumagim, Mr. D.S. Brumagin and Mrs. I.V. Walker of this city. The Whiteside Sentinel 4 Feb. 1892 Pg. 1 2nd Notice - Feb 11, 1892 gives a different birthplace - Providence, Rhode Island. When about 10 years old she, with her parents, went to Montgomery Co NY, grew to womanhood, married John Brumagim of sameplace. Ten Children - six sons and four daughters one of whom died in childhood, and two in full vigor of mature life. The father and husband died Oct. 1849 on his farm where the children were raised. Subject of this sketch removed to Madison Wisc., May 1862 and in 1863 came to Morrison IL. In sept. 1867 she moved to Ames IA where she resided until her death. She was for many years a member of Evang. Lutheran Church of Argusville, NY. Funeral took place at her home on Feb. 3 1892 Rev. R.W. Smith. Laid to rest at Ames Iowa.
(8 September 1892 - Whiteside Sentinel. Mr David B. Brumagim Age 70y 10m 24d died at his home on Sept. 3, 1892).

DOROTHY (CONLON) BRYAN , 75, of 514 Anthony St. in Morrison, died Thursday Aug. 27, 1987 at Morrison Community Hospital. Funeral prayer services were Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Grennan Funeral Home in Sterling, followed by Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic CHurch in Sterling. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery. Mrs. Bryan was born on May 26, 1912 in Chicago, the daughter of W.J. and Margaret Holmes Conlon. On Sept. 20, 1940 she was united in marriage to Chester Bryan in Chicago. The couple farmed for many years in the Milledgeville area. They also owned and operated the Round Grove Grocery Store. Survivors include one son, James of Morrison; three daughters, Mray Cheryl Matthews of Rock Falls, Margaret Wilkins and Sue Renkes, both of Morrison; four sisters, Jean Quinn of Park Ridge, Joan Edelman of Arlingotn Hts., Rosemary Zalewski of Racine Wis. and Joy Gales of Glenview; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preced by her husband and one son David.
The Whiteside Sentinel 1 Sep. 1987

MILO F. BRYANT , 61, of 531 W. 7th St., Rock Falls, foreman of the Rock Falls City Electrical Plant, died Friday morning of an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home with Rev. David L. Beebe, pastor of the First Christian Church of Rock Falls, officiating. Burial will be in IOOF Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 7-9 p.m and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the First Christian Church. He was born Dec. 25, 1916 in Mystic, Iowa, the son of Charles and Malinda Bryant. He married June Van Dusen on Jan. 15, 1945. The couple resided their entire married life in Rock Falls. He was a member of the First Christian Church of which he was elder. He also served as chairman of the Church Board. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, Sterling 726; WW II veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre for nine years. Survivors include his widow; one son, Danny at home; his mother, Mrs. Malinda Bryant of Rock Falls; two sisters, Mrs. Lawrence (Lucille) Morris and Mrs. Eugene (Geneva) Willman, both of Rock Falls; five brothers, Rev. Thomas Bryant of Oxford, Penn., Robert of Rock Falls, Clifford of Washington, Charles of Colorado and William of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his father, one daughter and one sister.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 25, 1978 - Friday, page 4

BETTY JEAN (WALKER) BUCHANAN , 73 of Erie died Saturday, June 28. 2003 at Pleasant View Home, Morrison. Mrs. Buchanan was born Aug. 28 1930, in East Peoria, the daughter of Lyle and Thelma (Noel) Walker. She married Vernon Buchanan on Sept 19, 1954, in Moline. He died May 14 1993. She enjoyed spending time with her family and sewing. Survivors include three daughters Cindy (Lee) Litchfield of Port Byror and Verna (Jim) Ballard and Thelma (Ricky) Ballard, both of Erie; four sisters, Ida Schroeder of Davenport, Iowa, Doris Wilkins of Preemption, L Ahrens of Omaha, Neb., and Gloria Cunningham of East Moline; four brothers, Melvin Walker of Sherrard, Robert Walker of Rock Island, Howard Walker of Clinton, Iowa, and Larry Walker of Middleburg, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two granddaughters. The funeral is at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Gibson Funeral Home, Erie. Burial is Rock Island National Cemetery, Moline
Sterling Daily Gazette June 30, 2003

AUGUST BUCHWALD , whowould have been 80 years old next Feb. 18, passed away at the home southwest of Tampico at 11 p.m. Wednesday, following an illness of a week with pneumonia. Funeral services will be held from the home at 1:30 p.m. Sunday and from the Yorktown Lutheran church at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Wilhelm Streng, pastor, will officiate. Mr. Buckwald was born in Germany and came to the United States as a young man. He was married to Bertha Frank at Princeton 50 years ago last December 4. He was a member of the Yorktown Lutheran church. SUrviving are four sons and four daughters.
Sterling Gazette January 27, 1938

PRUDENCE (VICKERY) BUCKABEE - At her home in Fenton, Whiteside county, Ill., Saturday, Feb. 16, 1901, Mrs. Samuel Buckbee, aged 73 years, 6 months and 15 days. Prudence Vickery was born at Sand Lake, New York, July 1, 1827. She was married in 1843 to Samuel Buckbee, who died in 1870. Four children were born to this union, – two of whom are still living, Mrs. Althana Blaisdell, who resides near Clark, S. D., and Mrs. Harriet Birdsley of Fenton. One child, a son, died in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. H. H. Snyder, died about twenty-one years ago, leaving two small children to the care of their grandmother and their father, who has always made his home with Mrs. Buckbee since the death of his wife. She gave the children all the care of a loving mother until they were settled in homes of their own. Harry was married to Miss Minnie Burns in 1898 and Emma was married to George Meighan in 1899. They both reside in Fenton. Besides these relatives she leaves one brother, Caleb Vickery of Clark, S. D., and one sister, Mrs. Thamer Mattoon of Durand, this state. She was an affectionate loving mother and grandmother, a kind good neighbor and friend to everyone, a noble christian woman who never shirked a duty or thought anything that lay in her power to do was of too much trouble to serve a friend or neighbor. Her only thought was for others. She left the comforting assurance that she trusted in Jesus and was ready and willing to go. The funeral was held in the U. B. church in Fenton, Rev. Mary Merrell officiating. All that was mortal of “Aunt Prudy” was tenderly laid to rest by the side of her husband in the New Lebanon cemetery, one mile west of Fenton.
Contributed by Jeff Birdsley - Whiteside Sentinel (Morrison Illinois), Thursday, February 21, 1901

AGATHA (PFITZNER) BUEHLER , 98, of rural Rock Falls died Friday, July 4, 2003, after an extended illness. Mrs. Buehler was born March 5, 1905, in Aurora, Mo., the daughter of Val and Anna (Korba) Pfitzner. She married Joseph Buehler on Aug. 3, 1920, in Aurora, Mo. He died July 3, 1976. She was a member of St. Andrev Catholic Church, Rock Falls. Survivors include three grand sons, Larry (Christie) Poci, Terry (Shirley) Poci and Jerry (Cindy) Poci, all of Rock Falls: six great grandchildren: and a great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by daughter, Pauline Poci: and a son in infancy. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial is at 10 a.m Monday at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rock Falls, with Monsignor Thomas Dzielak, celebrant officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling Visitation is from 9-10 a.m Monday at the church Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls
Sterling Daily Gazette July 5, 2003

CORA AMELIA (WEAVER) BURCH - 89, of this city died in the Linton Home at Sterling [IL] Friday afternoon, where she had been living the past year. She had been in poor health a number of years. Funeral services were held at the Reynolds Funeral Home at 2:00 o'clock Sunday afternoon [Dec. 11, 1949] and burial was made in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison [IL], the Rev Harold E. Olson, pastor of the First Methodist Church, officiating. Cora Amelia Weaver, daughter of Benjamin and Wealthea Weaver, was born in Union Grove township, Whiteside County, July 14, 1860, and was reared and educated in that township. She married L.W. Burch at Prairie Center [IL], Jan. 3, 1883, and they moved to a farm in Iowa. Later they located at Galt [IL], then spent four years on the farm in Prairie Center. They settled in Morrison in 1902 and Mr. Burch passed away here July 16, 1924, Mrs. Burch is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clarence Hawk (Fern) of Fulton [IL] and Mrs. Thomas (Ina) Mathew of Morrison [IL]; two sons, Arthur H. Burch of Morrison and Roy A. Burch of Sterling [IL]; seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; also 6 sisters, Mrs. Nellie Voight and Mrs. Mae Thomas of Canon City, MO., Mrs. Ellery Shepard and Mrs. Charles Harrington of Lyndon [IL], Mrs. Arch Bowers of Otho, Iowa and Mrs. Elmer Beswick of Spring Coulee, Canada. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, a son in infancy, two grandsons, James Hawk and Robert Burch, who were killed in service in World War II; two brothers, Henry and Ray Weaver, two sisters, Mrs. Lottie Green and Mrs. Ruby Springer. Pallbearers were Grove Burch of Sterling, Elvin Burch of Dixon [IL], Burdette Burch, Lavern Burch and Willard Nelson, all of Morrison. Ladies in charge of flowers were Mrs. Vernon Rawlins, Mrs. Abe Howe and Mrs. Joe Wilson. Two numbers were sung by Mrs. Grace Hoover and Glenn Craddock, accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Abe Renkes.
Contributed by Reta Kleve Whiteside Sentinel, Dec, 10, 1949:

ELIZABETH (WOOKEY) BURCH , one of the early and highly esteemed residents of the county, passed away about 11:45 Sunday at her home on East Morris Street, Morrison IL, after an illness of several months duration. By her death this vicinity loses one of its most highly respected citizens; a woman who had a friendly smile and a kindly word for all with whom she came in contact, and one whose residence here had taken her through the period of pioneer days. Mrs. Burch was born in Somersetshire, England, at Therborne Farm, in East Harptree on May 29, 1835, and consequently at the time of her death was almost 87 years of age. Her parents were George and Maria Wookey, who, when Mrs. Burch was about fourteen years of age, came to the United States and took up their residence at Kenosha WI. A family of thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Burch, seven of that number having already passed beyond. These are William, Frank, Marion, Nellie, Ella, Thomas and Mary. Those surviving are four sons, L. W. and H. H. Burch of Ustick IL, George of Dixon IL. and Fred of Sterling IL, and two daughters, Mrs. H. W. Dysart of Franklin Grove IL and Mrs. James Spears of Baldwin City, KS, all of whom were at her bedside when the end came. Mrs. Burch is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 8 great grand children besides a large number of friends who will cherish her memory. Mrs. Burch was a member of the Eastern Star, but her health has not permitted her to attend the meetings of the order for some time. She was also a member of the Methodist Church, the pastor of which Rev. P. R. McMahan will have charge of the services. Funeral services are to be held at the home at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon, interment following in Grove Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

ELMER BURCH - Knowing the danger of carelessly handling gasoline near a blaze but not aware that any of the fluid had been placed in a three gallon kerosene can; Elmer Burch was so severely burned Saturday morning by an explosion that he died thirteen hours later at Mercy Hospital in Clinton Iowa. Mr. Burch was the owner of a gasoline engine which was mounted on trucks and he used it in operating a wood saw and a corn sheller. Saturday morning he intended to go to the country to saw wood. About 6:45 he went out to where his engine stood to start it up. The cylinders were cold so he secured a torch and lighting it placed it under the cylinder to warm it up. He then took up a three gallon can that he supposed contained kerosene, but instead the day before his brother, Alvin, had partly filled it with gasoline. Elmer poured some of the fluid on the torch. An explosion immediately followed and instantly Mr. Burch was wrapped in flames. F.A. Plumley, who resides close by, heard cries and when he went out he saw Mr. Burch all ablaze and running towards Mr. Plumley's house and crying out for help. Mr. Plumley reached him just as he fell on his back door steps. W.A. Field and John Dean got there at the same time and with the aid of some carpet and an overcoat, smothered out the flames. Nearly all of Burch's clothing was burned off, and his mustache, eyebrows and hair, all but what was covered by his cap, were burned off, and his limbs and body were burned horribly. He had on a pair of gloves and when these were removed the nails and portions of the flesh of his hands came off. He was able to talk and told how it happened although his suffering was intense. Doctors Durkee and Harrison were called and after a brief examination they said recovery was impossible. An automobile was procured and the injured man was conveyed to Mercy Hospital in Clinton where every attention was given. Nearly twenty yards of gauze were used in dressing the burned portions of his limbs and body. Mr. Burch remained conscious most of the time until death, came to relieve him of his sufferings, which was at eight o'clock pm. Elmer Burch was familiar with the running of engines, both steam and gasoline. He used care in the handling of gasoline, and the fact that he relied on the can used to determine its contents was natural. The cold engine would not permit the fluid to vaporize, and he intended to resort to the use of kerosene for that purpose. The explosion of the partly filled can was instantaneous and the bottom of the can was blown out and the blazing liquid saturated his clothing. In a delirium of pain he ran for help to the nearest house and just reached it as assistance arrived, but all to late. It is one of the most terrible accidents that ever occurred in Fulton and every citizen when he heard of it expressed genuine sorrow for the unfortunate sufferer and the deepest sympathy for the relatives who are called to bear this great affliction which will sadden them all the rest of their lives. Elmer Burch was the youngest son of T.J. Burch and was born in Garden Plain twp [IL], January 13, 1874, and for over twenty years had been a resident of Fulton and always made his home with his father. He leaves his aged father and three brothers, Harry of Morrison IL, W.H. of Jerseyville [IL], and Alvin of Fulton. The funeral services, which were in the charge of Abon Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F. were held this forenoon at 10:30 in the Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. G.W. Welch.
Contributed by Reta Kleve - Combination of several Unknown newspaper articles.

HARRISON DECATUR BURCH - "The death messenger visited Morrison Thursday morning, December 21, 1911, and summoned to the great Beyond one of the early pioneers of Whiteside County IL and well known resident of Morrison IL. Harrison D. Burch died at his home on East Morris Street shortly before six o'clock Thursday morning after a three weeks illness of heart trouble and other complications. The funeral services will be held at the home at 1:30 Sunday afternoon. Rev. W. J. Abel will officiate. The remains will be laid to rest at Grove Hill Cemetery. "Harrison D. Burch was born in Chautauqua County, NY on July 22, 1833. He was a son of Ira and Joanna M. [Bacon] Burch. The family moved to Indiana shortly after the birth of their son, Harrison. In the year of 1837, the family moved to Illinois and settled in Garden Plain township (Whiteside County). The records show that they were one of four families who settled there that year. Harrison was four years of age when the family located in this county. His life practically covers the history of the development of Northwestern Illinois. He has seen the wild prairies and woodlands which were over run with Indians and wild game, transformed into a prosperous community. He attended the district schools and after he grew to manhood engaged in farming to success both in Garden Plain and Union Grove IL. In the year 1899 he retired from his farm in Union Grove and moved to Morrison. In connection with farming he was engaged in the buying and shipping of livestock. After his removal to Morrison, he formed a partnership in the livestock business with his son, the late Thomas Jefferson Burch. Mr. Burch has continued the livestock business under the firm name of Burch and Son since the death of the junior member several months ago. The firm was widely known and did a large business annually. "The marriage of Mr. Burch covered a period of over fifty-five years. He was united in marriage to Miss. Elizabeth Wookey at Kenosha, WI on January 1, 1856. His wife still survives him. To this union were born thirteen children. The following are living; Mrs. James Spears of Goffs, KS; Mrs. Harry Dysart of Franklin Grove, IL; L. W. Burch of Morrison; Herbert H. Burch of Union Grove; George W. Burch of Galt, IL, and Frederick Burch of Sterling. He is survived by two brothers and a sister, Thomas J. Burch of Fulton, IL, Ira S. Burch of Union Grove and Mrs. Eliza Clauff of Beaconsfield, IA. "Mr. Burch was always a Republican in politics and during his residence in Union Grove served two years as supervisor and filled other offices of trust. He was always held in high esteem by his fellow men for his fair and honorable business dealings. He leaves hundreds of friends who are grieved to hear of his death."
Rootsweb World Connect from Carolyn Hackett Dowd

HERBERT HARRISON BURCH - 81, Rockford IL. filling station operator and a native of Morrison IL, was fatally injured Tuesday evening when struck by a car on Route 2, six miles north of Rockford. He was standing in the west lane of the highway pouring gasoline into a tank of a stalled car when he was struck by a car driven by R.R. Kamholz, 45, of Rockford. He was taken to the Rockford Memorial Hospital by ambulance where he died at 9:40 pm. The accident happened at 6:30 pm. Both of his legs were fractured, he had a possible skull fracture and internal injuries. The body was returned to Morrison [IL] and is at the Reynolds Funeral Home where friends may call until noon Friday. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm. Friday at the First Methodist Church with the Rev. Harold E. Olson, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery. Masonic services will be conducted at the grave side. Mr. Burch had lived in the Morrison area all his life until sixteen years ago when he moved to Rockford to operate a filling station. Before moving to Rockford, he had been a farmer. Herbert H. Burch was born July 2, 1871 in Union Grove [IL], the son of Harrison D. and Elizabeth Burch. He was reared and educated in the Morrison vicinity and was married March 24, 1898 to Sarah Beswick, who proceeded him in death in 1932. Mr. Burch was a 32nd degree Mason and held a 50 year membership pin from the Morrison Lodge. He also was a member of the Shrine, Tebala Temple of Rockford, and was highly active in this work. Mr. Burch is survived by one son, Harold of Fort Dodge IA; four daughters, Mrs. Harry (Bernice) Linder and Mrs. William (Luella) Kuehl Jr. of Morrison; Mrs. Gus (Geraldine) Hasselman of Dixon [IL], and Mrs. Jack (Marian) Baker of Rockford; twelve grand children and seventeen great grand children; one brother, Frederick, of Santa Monica CA. In addition to his wife, Mr. Burch was preceded by a daughter, Shirley Neary; three brothers, Jefferson, Lafayette and George Burch; three sisters, Mrs. James Spears, Mrs. Harry Dysart, and Mrs. Mary Hindes.
Rita Kleve
Note: A sister was omitted from the obituary. It is unknown if she was deceased at the time. Ella [Burch] King. Mr. Burch died February 24, 1953.

JOHANNA (VANDYKE) BURCH - I have looked in vain for the burial site of Johanna Burch b abt 1867. The daughter of Thomas Jefferson Burch b November 9, 1835 and Mary Ann Cooley. Johanna is listed in the 1870 census of Garden Plain twp, Whiteside Co. IL She is not listed in the 1880 census. She is probably buried in the Spring Valley Presbyterian Cemetery, the Fulton Protestant Cemetery or in a lost grave on the homestead by her grandfather Ira Burch.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

LAFAYETTE W. BURCH - of Ustick [IL] passed away at about 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Mitchell of South Cherry Street, Morrison [IL], after an illness of about two weeks duration, his passing being due to a hemorrhage of the liver. Many of his friends were not even familiar with the fact that he was ill. About two weeks ago Mr. Burch came to Morrison to attend the funeral of Mrs. Margaret Hiddleson, and at noon that day was taken ill. He removed to the home of his brother H.H. Burch, and after remaining there for a day or so was taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mitchell. He was in quite serious condition for a time, but more recently his condition had apparently improved. Wednesday evening he even felt well enough so that he shaved himself, but around three o'clock yesterday morning his condition became such that a consultation of physicians was held. No hope was given by then and he passed away about eleven o'clock. Mr. Burch was for many years engaged in the buying of stock and in handling coal, ice, and grain in the city, and has more recently been on his farm in Ustick township, where he was also serving in the capacity of assessor, as the result of being elected by his fellow men. He was born in Garden Plain township, Whiteside County, IL., February 12, 1861, the most of his sixty-three years of life have been spent in Whiteside county. For a few years he was a resident of Iowa, which was shortly after his marriage to Cora Weaver of Union Grove [IL], which occurred January 3, 1883. Four of the five children born to this union unite with their mother in deeply mourning the passing of a kind parent. They are Mrs. John Michell, Mrs. Clarence Hawk and Arthur Burch, either of Morrison or its immediate vicinity, and Roy of Sterling. The latter was on a vacation trip when his father passed away, information reaching him either by radio or as the result of a telephone message sent to Kilbourne, Wis., and relayed to the various tourist camps and resorts in that vicinity. He is expected to arrive in this city today. In addition to the immediate members of the family, Mr. Burch is survived by three brothers, George of Dixon [IL], Herbert H. of Morrison and Fred of Culver City, Cal., two sisters, Mrs. H. Dysart of Franklin Grove [IL] and Mrs. James Spears of Baldwin City, Kan, and five grandchildren. Fraternally Mr. Burch was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, having been a charter member of the order when it was organized in Galt [IL], and later transferring his membership to Henderson Camp No. 13, Morrison. He was by nature a quiet man, yet one who heartily enjoyed and possessed the friendship of a large number of acquaintances. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Presbyterian Church in Morrison, Rev. J.R. Williams of the Ustick Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery
Contributed by Reta Kleve Whiteside Sentinel - July 18, 1924 - pg 1:

MARGARET ANN (THOMPSON) BURCH - who died last Monday night, April 16, at her home in Union Grove [IL], after a lingering sickness of several years, was laid at rest Thursday afternoon. Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock at the home, with Elder W.E. McCulloh in charge, and burial was make in the Garden Plain Cemetery. Margaret Ann, oldest daughter of James and Martha Kyle Thompson was born May 31, 1846, near Williamsport, Lycoming County Pennsylvania. She moved with her parents to Logansport Wisconsin when 6 years old, later coming to Fulton. She was united in marriage to Ira Burch March 12, 1866, and had lived in Garden Plain and Union Grove since that time. In 1916, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr. Burch preceded her in death four years ago last November. She was the mother of four children, Mrs. Joe Van Dyke of Chicago, Mrs. Etta Terry of Sterling, James Irvin, of Choteay Montana, and Ray, who preceded her in death. She was a good mother and a kind neighbor, ever ready to help the needy.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

NETTIE (LOGAN) WILCOX BURCH - was born in Henderson, Kentucky, September 13, 1865, the daughter of William and Saphronia Logan. When a small child she came with the family to make a home in Christian County IL. In 1881 she was united in marriage with Joseph Franklin Wilcox, the ceremony taking place in Blue Mound. ... On February 2, 1896, they came to Fulton and with the exception of three years this city was her home during the rest of her life. Mr. Wilcox having passed away in Melrose Park IL., April 1909. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, James William of Oak Park IL., Nellie (Mrs. E.V. Shatwell) of West Chicago IL., Edward C. of Clinton IA, John F. of Fulton, Joseph A. of Melrose Park, Charles L of Fulton, and Leslie O. of Chicago, all surviving and revering the memory of a devoted mother. In 1913, Mrs. Wilcox was married to T.J. Burch of Fulton. He died in Fulton in 1916.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

RAY SYLVESTER BURCH - A telegram received Tuesday afternoon by Ira S. Burch of Union Grove [IL] from South Shore, SD, informed him of the unexpected death of his son, Ray S. Burch, which occurred Sunday, May 11, at his home at South Shore. Ray, with his wife and family left Fulton [IL] about six weeks ago for South Shore, where he had shipped his large traction engine, and taken a contract to plow a tract of about 800 acres of land. On Sunday, May 4, while cranking the small engine to put the tractor in motion, his coat sleeve caught in the gearing and before the engine could be stopped his right arm was badly mangled nearly to the elbow and the ligaments injured. A drive of over thirty miles was made to the nearest physician, and after his injuries were dressed he appeared to be improving, until last Sunday afternoon, when he began failing and soon expired, owing, it is stated, to a weak heart action. Mr. Burch was born in Union Grove [IL] and was about thirty-five years old. He was a reliable operator of heavy power machines and was well known throughout this section, as he had ran threshing machines and a portable sawmill. A good contract was awarded him for breaking up a section of land near South Shore and he invested in a big oil burning tractor and a gang of plows. Up to the time of his injury he had plowed 100 acres and was making good progress with the contract. His death brings intense sorrow to his family and relatives, and the sympathy of neighbors and friends is gendered to the ones on whom the bereavement falls so heavily. The surviving relatives are his wife, four children, Vivian, Clyde, Harold and Ira; also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ira S. Burch; one brother, J.I. Burch of Fulton, and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph VanDyke of Chicago and Mrs. Claude Terry of Union Grove. The body arrived in Fulton Wednesday morning, accompanied by his wife and children, and was taken to the old home in Union Grove, where the funeral services, conducted by Rev. G.W. Welch, were held Thursday at 2:30 pm with burial in the Garden Plain Cemetery.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

REBECCA (STINTON) BURCH - Honored Citizen of Morrison Over 40 years, And Prominent Member Of The First Baptist Church Mrs. Rebecca Burch, wife of the late T.J. Burch of Morrison [IL], died at her home at 109 East Morrison, [Morrison, IL.], at 1 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, June 20, 1939, after a serious illness of three weeks, aged 78 years, 11 months and 26 days. She had been in failing health the past year, and death was due to a general break down in her health. Her going was very peaceful, and she apparently passed away while in her sleep. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon and interment will be made in Grove Hill Cemetery, her pastor, Rev. J.S. Chapman officiating. Rebecca Stinton, daughter of Elijah and Esther Stinton, pioneer residents of Union Grove township, Whiteside County IL., was born in that township June 24, 1860, and grew to young woman hood there. She attended the nearby country school and was active in community affairs. She was married to Thomas Jefferson Burch, also a native of Union Grove [IL], March 18, 1880, and they went farming in the Prairie Center neighborhood immediately afterward. They were successful in that undertaking and retired from active farm life in 1897, when they moved to Morrison. They erected the home at 109 East Morris Street in 1899, and she had resided there continuously for the past 40 years. Mr. Burch passed away in 1911, since which time she had maintained the home much of the later years alone. Her son, Wm. H. Burch of Chicago [IL], was the only child born to this union, and of her 10 brothers and sisters, only Charles Stinton of Geneva, Neb. survives, nine of them having proceeded her in death. She also leaves one grandchild. Mrs. Burch was one of the oldest members of the First Baptist Church of Morrison, having united with that church in June, 1877, when she was 17 years of age. She was a very active worker in the organizations, a faithful and loyal member of all its societies, and lived her life for the church. If ever there was a Christian woman Mrs. Burch indeed was one, and had implicit faith and confidence in her Master, as exemplified by her every day life. She was a kind and true wife and a loving and generous mother, a loyal and upright citizen, and one whom all cherished as a friend and neighbor.
Contributed by Reta Kleve Whiteside Sentinel - June 21, 1939, pg 1:

ROBERT BURCH - Mr. & Mrs. Elvin Burch and daughter Donna, attended memorial services for his brother PFC Robert M. Burch who died in Belgium Jan. 26, 1945 while a member of a US Army Field Artillery Unit Thursday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Elbridge Holland assistant pastor of the Dixon Methodist Church officiated at the service. Burial was in Riverside cemetery in Sterling Wednesday evening Jan. 7, from Henri Chapelle cemetery near Leige, Belgium. A Scoville Business school student at the time of his induction May 29, 1942, he trained at Ft. Sill Ok.and went overseas in Feb. 1944 serving England, France, Germany and Belgium. He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Burch; two brothers, Grove, Sterling and Elvin, his grandmother Mrs. Cora Burch, Morrison and a neice Donna Anaine, Dixon.
Dixon Evening Telegraph 14 January 1948

SARAH A. (BESWICK) BURCH - 52 years, died Monday morning, May 30, 1932 at 10:45 following a six day illness of double pneumonia. Mrs. Burch was born August 26, 1879 in Clyde Township, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Beswick, where she resided until her marriage. She was married March 24, 1898 to Herbert H. Burch. Together they farmed in Union Grove and Ustick townships (Whiteside Co IL) until 1932. They moved to Morrison [IL] upon retiring from farm life. Besides her husband she is survived by the following relatives - five brothers, Harold, Fred, Lorenzo, all of Morrison; Alvaro of Nampa Idaho and Elmer of Spring Coulee Canada; one sister, Mrs. Hannah Bull of Morrison; six children, Harold of Clinton IA, Mrs. Bernice Linder of near Morrison, Mrs. Luella Kuehl of Ustick township, Mrs. Geraldine Hasselman of Dixon IL and Marian and Shirley at home, and six grand children. Funeral services for Mrs. Burch were held this afternoon, June 1, 1932 at the Methodist Church with Rev. H.T. Chenoweth officiating. Burial was made in Grove Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Reta Kleve

THOMAS JEFFERSON BURCH - The life of one of Morrison's [IL] most honorable and well known citizens and business men came to a peaceful end Saturday evening, March 11, 1911. Thomas Jefferson Burch died at his home at Cherry and Morris Streets at 10:30 o'clock after a three year illness from complication of diseases. During the period of illness Mr. Burch made a gallant fight. He consulted with the experienced and eminent physicians, and has made a couple of trips to the sanitarium at Colfax, Iowa but gradually the dreaded malady sapped his vitality and about eight weeks ago he went to Chicago and entered one of the hospitals. Shortly after his arrival he contacted pneumonia. He gradually grew weaker and was brought home on Friday evening. He was conscious until but a short time before the final end. The deceased was born in Garden Plain township on May 12, 1858, being the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison D. Burch of Morrison. In the spring of 1886, the family moved to Union Grove [IL]. On the 18th day of March, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Stinton, the daughter of Elijah Stinton, formerly of Union Grove, who still survives. To this union was born one son, William H. Burch, who is a resident of Morrison. For five or six years after his marriage Mr. Burch resided upon one of the farms owned by his father. He later rented another farm and subsequently purchased a tract of land adjoining that property. He then sold out in the year 1890 and moved to Morrison where he purchased a feed mill of Joseph Kidd, now operated by Renkes Brothers. At the expiration of two years he disposed of the mill and embarked with his father in the livestock business under the firm name of Burch & Son. About eight years ago he and his brother, L.W. Burch, purchased the elevator from J.M. Burch, which is now operated under the firm name of Burch Bros. Mr. Burch as been an active, energetic and enterprising business man. His entire life has been passed in Whiteside county, and during his various business dealings he has sustained a high reputation for honesty. He always worked earnestly to achieve success, and what ever prosperity has come to him was the direct reward of his own labors. He leaves to mourn his death besides his widow, his son Will, his parents, four brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Harry Dysart of Franklin Grove, [IL], Mrs. James Spears, Goffs, Kan., George Burch of Galt, [IL], Fred of Sterling, [IL], Herbert H. Burch of Union Grove and L.W. Burch of Morrison. The last sad rites over the remains of the deceased will be held at the home at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Marlin officiating. Grove Lodge No. 257, I.O.O.F., of which he was a member, will meet at the lodge rooms at one o'clock and will attend the funeral in a body, and will have charge of the services at the grave. The remains will be laid to rest at Grove Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Reta Kleve Whiteside Sentinel - March 13, 1911, pg 1:

THOMAS JEFFERSON BURCH - This man is not listed on line but I seen his grave in 1992. I drove through the Catholic Cemetery looking for his grave. I followed the road right into the Protestant Cemetery and on up the hill. The road was paved, narrow and curved; the tombstones crowding the road. His stone was gray and large. Next to him was his (1) wife Mary Ann Cooley - see above. Thomas J. Burch was b November 9, 1835 in Laporte Co, IN and came to Whiteside Co. as a small child with his parents - Ira Burch and Johanna Bacon. He died February 2, 1916 in Whiteside Co, IL. The online IL Statewide death index confirmed his death date which was the same as family history. I have a lot of information on Thomas J. Burch but do not have his obituary. Thomas J. Burch also (2) married Nettie [Logan] Wilcox on March 22, 1913 in Whiteside Co, IL. I do not know where she was buried - probably by her first husband. The following is her obituary.
Contributed by Reta Cleve

VEVA M (HUBBARD) BUSKOHL , 55, Polo passed away Nov. 22, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling She was born Dec. 10 in Rock Falls, the daughter of John and Hazel (Moore) Hubbard. On July 29, 1954, she married Robert Buskohl in Polo. A homemaker, Mrs. Buskohl was a member of Women of the Moose No. 485, Mt Morris. Survivors include her husband Robert, Polo, two sons, Thomas E. Buskohl, Polo, and Steven A Buskohl, Ft Lewis, Wash.: a daughter, Mrs. Edward (Pamela) Stauffer, Polo: her mother, Hazel Hubbard, Polo: a brother Earl Hubbard, Eden Prairie, Minn. Prairie: and seven great grand children. She was predeceased by her father. Funeral services were held last Monday in the Benson - Brown - Seidel Funeral Home, Polo. The Rev. Art Hunn, pastor of the Polo Church of Brethren, performed the ceremony. Burial was in Fairmont Cemetery.

Contributed by Margaret (Wilson) Mangers

ELSIE (DELP) WELKER, COATES, BUZARD , 84, of 1403 Harvey Drive died Friday at Rock Falls Colonial Acres. There will be no services and no visitation. The body was creamated. Mrs. Coates was born July 25, 1905 in Dixon, the daughter of Theodore and Cora Moates Delp. She married Merle Welker on July 25, 1922. He died in 1936. SHe married Ralph Coates in 1970 in Camanche Iowa. He died in 1985. She was employed at Frantz Mfg. for 10 years. She was a Gold Star Mother and a member of the Rock Falls American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by a daughter, MRs. Doris Slater, Sterling; a stepson, Gene Coates, Fla;
Contributed by Jean Portner. (Burial beside 3rd husband Robert Buzard)

ROBERT S. BUZARD , 70 of Sterling passed away sunday evening at CGH where he had been confined only a few days following a severe heart attack. Rev. Emory C. Smith of the Church of the Brethren will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside. He was the son of the late Mr. and mrs. John H. Buzard and was born in Whiteside County on July 25, 1894. He resided in sterling for more than 66 years and attended the local public schools. For the past 26 years he was employed by the Sterling multi-Products Inc., as a tool and die maker.
Contributed by Jean Portner

ALBERT E. BYAM : The funeral of Albert E. Byam, 71, who passed away Saturday afternoon, was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. L.E. Jones, pastor of the Erie Methodist church, officiating. Burial will be in the Erie cemetery. Among friends who attended were Mr.a nd Mrs. Hanford Bushman, Roy Olson and Mrs. Mrs. Walter Holland of Dixon. Mr. and Mrs. Byam had just returned to their home in Erie Sunday, Jan. 25, from the Dixon State hospital where they had been employed. Mr. Byam had been ill for about a year with a heart ailment and had returned to the hospital in the early fall to resume his work but became ill again. Albert E. Byam, son of George and Mary Barnes Byam was born Aug. 24, 1876, in Albany. He had since resided in Erie with the exception of a few years in Morrison and Sterling. He attended the Erie schools and Feb. 19, 1902 was married to Miss Eva Imel of Erie, who survives. Their daughter, Helen, passed away Feb. 19, 1938. Mr. Byam served as deputy sheriff of the county for 12 years and for the past few years was employed at the Dixon State hospital. He was a member of the methodist church. Surviving besides the wife are a brother, Charles Byam, a nephew, Wayne Byam, and a grand-nephew, Jimmie Byam all of Erie.
Dixon Evening Telegraph February 5, 1948

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