ALFRED BARNES , was born in Fabius township, Onondago county, New York, Nov. 28, 1824. His father was Truman Barnes and his mother Azuba Barnes. When Alfred was eleven years old, he hired out as an apprentice in a woolen factory. In 1848, he married Adeline Olin, with whom he enjoyed a long and happy married life. They had six children, five of whom still live,while one, Sarah A., died in infancy. The names of those living are Mrs. Mary Sowles, Mrs. Eveline Hall, Mrs. Henrietta Connor, Eugene E. Barnes and Miss Emma E. Barnes who still lives at home. IN 1854, Mr. Barnes moved to Illinois, where he has since lived. In March, 1898, he and his wife with many of their family, celebrated their golden wedding, having enjoyed fifty years of married life. At the age of seventeen years, he was baptized and joined the Congregational church, In 1865, he united with the M. E. Church, which has been his religious home ever since. Last Wednesday afternoon, J. E. Milroy and his pastor, S. C. Bennett, being present, he gave his last testimony as a Christian in these words: "It is all right if I stay, or if I go to the other side." Under his influence, all of his children have joined the M. E. church and today are lively members of the same. His life as a whole was a testimony to the peaceful form of Christianity. On Sunday, Dec. 4, 1898, at 2:30 p.m., in the presence of his wife and many of his children, he passed away to the life to come, having lived seventy-four years and one week. The funeral services were held in the Methodist church in Coleta, Tuesday forenoon at 11 o'clock, Rev. S. C. Bennett officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery near Milledgeville. In the death of Mr. Barnes, Genesee has lost one of her most influential citizens.
Contributed by Karen Fyock

CHARLES BARNES , one of the respected old soldiers of this city passed away at his home in the Brookfield building on Second street Monday at about 11 o'clock. He had been ill for about two years, the cause being a disability resulting from his service in the civil war. The funeral services will be held at his late home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev, J.N. Dingle preaching the funeral sermon. Music will be furnished by members of the Methodist church choir. Commander George O Deyoe of the Will Enderton post requests that all members of the post as well al all old soldiers of the city and vicinity attend the funeral services. The pall bearers will be the following members of the post; R.L. Atkins, William Parker, F.F. Clemmons, J. E. Mosier, H. L. Shiffer, and Abe Miller. The burial will be in the Rock Falls cemetery. Charles Barnes was born in Horsham township, Montgomery county, Pa, Jan 1, 1829. He was married to Miss Hester Towman, August 17, 1850, in Buck's Co. Pa. The couple moved west in 1852 and located at Cleveland, Ohio; in 1854 they located in Hopkins Township, and two years later moved to Sterling. In 1858 they moved to this city, where they have since resided. In 1862 Mr. Barnes enlisted in company D, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteers and in the following year he was honorably discharged for disability. later he re-enlisted in the 147th Illinois Volunteers and was corporal in Company B from 1865 to 1866, and his regiment was dismissed from service at Atlanta, Ga, June 15, 1866. The deceased was a hard working and industrious man, a carpenter by trade, for over thirty-two years, and during that length of time he worked in the Keystone. In addition to his wife, Mr. Barnes leaves the following sons and daughters to mourn his loss; Joseph of this city; Samuel of Kansas City, Mo; Mrs Sarah Burke of Sioux City, IA. Mrs. Elizabeth Russel of South Dakota; Charles of Sioux City, IA. Mrs Anna Culver of Chicago; Stafford of Manlius; Mrs. Belle Hulett of Morrison and Katie, residing at home. He also leaves one brother, Nathan Barnes of Pennsylvania. The relatives have all been notified of the death and the following are expected here to attend the funeral; Joseph Barnes, a cousin of the deceased from Bloomington Ill; George Hulett of Morrison and Mrs. Culver of Chicago. Mr. Barnes lived a quiet peaceful life, and the many friends and relatives sincerely mourn his death. He was a kind husband, a good father, and respected by all who knew him. The family have the sincere sympathy of the community in their hours of sorrow
Contributed by Stacey Wessling
Sterling Daily Standard, Monday 9-23-1902

MARY L. BARNES - Funeral services for Miss Mary L. Barnes of Morrison who passed away Monday (18 Mar 1957) at the Bethany Methodist Home, Chicago, where she had resided for the last 13 years were held in Morrison Wednesday. The Rev. James H. Hagerty, pastor of the Methodist Church officiated at 1:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Funeral Home. Burial was in the family lot in Grove Hill Cemetery. Rev. Hagerty read a tribute to Miss Barnes from the Rev. Herbert Chenoweth of Chicago, former Morrison pastor, in which he spoke of her devotion to the church and its young people; also her great interest in civic organizations, especially the library and the Red Cross. Pallbearers were Clare Chapin, Wilbur Conrady, W. E. Gould, B. L.Kleinschrodt, Andrew Witt and C. E. Sandrock. Miss Clara Ackerman and Mrs. Abbie McCulloh arranged the floral tributes. Lois and Wayne Conrady sang Face to Face accompanied by the organist, Mrs. Abe Renkes.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette March 21, 1957 - Thursday, pg 2

RUBY M. BARNES , 75, ofTampico died Friday, Nov. 19, 2O04 at CGH Medical Center. She was employed as a nurses aide and by Chastines, Mountain Home, Ark., for 17 years retiring in 1988 Mrs. Barnes was born March 19, 1929 in Grinnell, Iowa. She married E.K. "Buck" Barnes on April 9, 1965, in Grinnell Iowa. She enjoyed, c:rafts and,cooking. Survivors include her husband, wo sons, Lester Phipps of Springfield, Mo., and Merlin (Kitty) Phipps of West Plains M four grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. The funeral is at 11 am Wednesday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls adn the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial is at Odd Fellows Cemetery Rock Falls.

FRANK ISAAC BARRUS was born Oct. 28, 1888 in Volo, Ill., and was married Sept. 17, 1910 to the former Lorena Grove. She survives with three children, Mrs. Paul V. (Helen) Williams of Rock Falls, Mrs. Lloyd R. (Lois) Myers and Frank Barrus, Jr., of Sterling.
Masonic services will be conducted for the late Frank I. Barrus by the Rock Falls Lodge, AF and AM, at 8:30 this evening in the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 3, 1969 - Friday, pg 6 FRANK I. BARRUS - Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home for Frank I Barrus Sr., 505 7th Ave., Rock Falls, who died Monday. The Rev. Fred Anderson, the pastor of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiated at the services with burial taking place in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Mrs. Wyane E. Larson was at the organ during the services. Pallbearers were David Little, Amel Ferrari, Lee Wilkins, Daniel Sisson, A.A. Sisson and Lawrence Wadelton. Flowers were cared for by Merritt Clark and the R. B. and W. Station Wagon.

ERMENEGILDA (FLOSI) BARSI , 81, of 902 West 5th ST., Sterling, died Friday (30 Jan 1974) in Lansing, Mich. Prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Grennan Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church with the Rev. Leo McKenna officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The family will be present from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 and the rosary will be recited at 8 p.m Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Tosca Hagen of Sterling; two sons, Leo of Jacksonville, Fla., and Morino of Tulsa, Okla.; one brother, Amerigo Flosi of Italy; one sister, Ida Flosi of Chicago, 15 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband and one daughter. Mrs. Barsi was born Sept. 30 1894 in Parianna, Italy and was married to Domenico Barsi.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiniois December 1, 1975 - Monday, pg 6

WILLIAM BELOWSKI , 68, died at 2:15 Sunday afternoon (24 March 1957) at the Community General Hospital in Sterling where he had been a patient for one week. The body was removed to the Rivenburg Funeral Home in Geneseo where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Belowski was born in Edford Township near Geneseo, the son of Carl and Anna Belowski. He had made his home with his daughter and son-in-law in Tampico since the death of his wife in 1955. Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Henry (Inez) Nielsen, Tampico; two grandsons; and one sister, Mrs. Gus Schultz, Geneseo. (He was buried at Yorktown)
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 25, 1957 - Monday, pg 2

FRED EUGENE BIXBY , 85, 1308 2nd Avenue., Sterling, died Friday evening ( 22 Jul 1983) at the Sterling Care Center, after a long illness. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, at St Paul's Lutheran Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Elder Windhorn, pastor of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, officiating. Burial was in Oak Knoll Memorial Park. There was no visitation. Fred Bixby was born Aug. 20, 1897 in Milledgeville, the son of Theron and Lillian (Jackson) Bixby. He was educated in the Prophetstown area and employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire for 55 years. He married Christina Ludwig on July 5, 1930 in Springfield. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling. Survivors include his wife, one son, Marvin, Elkin, Ark.; one daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Joann) Stage, Sterling; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandson and several brothers and sisters. Arrangements were made by the Behrens-Blair Funeral Home, Sterling.
Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls Illinois July 25, 1983 - Monday, pg A4

ALMA (MYERS) BONELL , 64, formerly of Rock Falls, died Wednesday morning (3 Apr 1957) at Denver, Colo., according to word received by members of her immediate family residing in this area. The body will be brought to Illinois sometime this week. Funeral arrangements are now pending at the Wheelock Funeral Home. Mrs. Alma Bonnell was born Sept. 30, 1892 in Rock Falls, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert Myers. Surviving are her husband, Gilbert; two daughters, Mrs. Carthel (Helen) Alexander and Mrs. Sherman (Theda0 Insley, both of Rock Falls, two sons, Lester Schultz of Tampico and Robert Schultz of Rochelle; two sisters, Mrs. Etta Myers of McHenry, Ill., and Miss Helen Myers of Lincoln, Ill., 15 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one son.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - Sterling Gazette April 3, 1957 - Wednesday, pg 2

ANDREW BORGMAN - Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Fulton Cemetery. The Rev. Robert VanderSchaaf will officaite. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.on Wednesday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the Trinity Reformed Church of Fulton. Andrew Borgman was born in Fulton on Jan. 26, 1906, the son of Andrew and Anna Brands Borgman Sr. On July 28, 1928 he married Jennie DeYoung in Chicago. He owned a partnership in Borgman Brothers, which is now known as Borgman and Huizenga Feed and Fuel, until 1960. Moving to Walker, Minn., he owned the Pinestead Resort, retiring around 1972 and moving to Texas. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Loran (Elaine) Leeper, Clinton; two sons, Robert P., Stormlake, Iowa and Andrew Y., Downers Grove; nine grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Joe (Mary) Decker, Fulton and Mrs. John (Ethel) DeWerdt, Fulton. Preceding him in death were his parents and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 29, 1983 - Monday, pg A6

FREDA (HANSEN) BOUGH - 86 of Dixon, died Friday night (5 December 1975) at Dixon Public Hospital. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Renkes -Reynolds Funeral Home in Morrison. Burial will be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. She was born in Clinton, Iowa, Feb. 2, 1889, the daughter of Henry and Velbert Hansen. She was reared and educated in Morrison and married Chris Bough Oct. 5, 1916 in Sycamore. They resided in the Morrison area until 1938 and moved to Freeport in 1953. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors and St. Peter's Lutheran Church. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Charles Grace Curran (with whom she made her home) of Dixon and one brother, PO. W. Hansen of Morrison. She was preceded in death by her husband, one granddaughter and two sisters
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 6, 1975 - Saturday, pg 6

BURDETTE J. BROWN , 41, for the last 11 years a druggist in Manlius, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday at his home in that city. He had been in failing health for the past two years but his death came as a shock to his family and friends. Relatives in Sterling received word today. Funeral arrangements have not been made. Mr. Brown was born in Tampico, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis L. Brown of Tampico. He was educated in the Tampico schools and later attended Northwestern university. Leaving school he worked in the Fenn drug store in Prophetstown, and later in that of H.E. Cain in Tampico. he married Miss Mary Van DeMark of Sterling, shortly after the World war, and moved to Manlius where he purchased the drug store he had operated up to time of his death. Besides his widow and parents he leaves a sister, Mrs. Amy Trump of Waverly, N.Y., Mrs. John Woods of Tampico and Miss Dorothy Trump of Waverly, N.Y. are nieces. Mrs. Ed Ryan of Rock Falls is a cousin. Mr. Brown was well known in Sterling and throughout the south side of the county.
Second Obit: J. Burdette Brown was born in Tampico, June 1, 1893, and passed away at his home in Manlius early Friday morning, May 17, 1935. He was educated in the public schools at Tampico and later was graduated from the Illinois university school of pharmacy. On October 25, 1923 he married Mary Ellen Van DeMark of Sterling, Illinois, and they have made their home in Manlius since their marriage. Besides his widow, he leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Brown of Tampico, and a sister, Mrs. Amy Trump of Waverly, New York.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois Friday, 17 & 20 May 1935

CATHERINE (GRAY) BROWN , died at her home in this village at 5 a.m. Thursday 12th, 1898 of paralysis, aged 61 years, 9 months, 17 days. Catherine Gray was born in Athens County, Ohio, July 25th, 1836 and she came with her father's family to Tazwell County, Illinois, in 1850. She was married to Elleary C. Brown at Erie, Ill., Dec 6th 1857, they settling on a farm two miles south-west of this place the following spring, forty years ago, where they resided until one year ago this month when they moved to Tampico and occupied their new house on South Main St. She was the mother of four children, two daughters and two sons, the girls dying in infancy. She leaves her husband, two sons, Herbert E. of Morrison and Willis L. who resides on the farm, one sister, Mrs. H.H. [Tip] Dow, of Lincoln, Illinois; three brothers, Isaac V. Gray, Atlanta, Ill. and Branson H. Gray, Rock Falls, Ill. She had been confined to her bed for the past eleven weeks during which time her sister, Mrs. Dow, ably and faithfully assisted her husband in nursing her. In youth she early assumed the cares of her father's household, which was deprived of the mother when she was twelve years of age; she has always been a loving and indulgent mother and sister and affectionate and true wife. Besides the motherly care of her brothers and sister, she had her own children, she took into her home and became the foster mother of a two year old orphan who is now Mrs. Galon Rogers, residing one mile east of this place. She has been a member of the Methodist Church for more than forty years. May her rest be peaceful and her reward in heaven no less than she deserves and claimed by faith. Funeral services are to be conducted by O.E. Reade at the M.E. [Methodist] Church, this [Saturday] afternoon at 2 o'clock. The remains will be laid to rest in the Tampico Cemetery. Those from abroad, who attended the funeral of the late Mrs. E.C. Brown last week Saturday, were W.Z. Gray and wife, Thomas Truedson's wife and son of Sheffeld, Ill., B.H. Gray, wife and daughter of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Minnie Weaver and son of Walnut, Ill., Henry Gray.

Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo - Tampico Tornado, Tampico, Illinois, May 21, 1898

REV. E. BROWN , for a number of years engaged in the butcher business at Milledgeville, and at one time an active minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, died at his farm near Lyndon, of diabetes, on Monday night, Dec. 15. He was highly respected, and will be sincerely mourned by a host of friends.
Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated scrapbook clipping

ELLERY CORY BROWN , was born April 19, 1829, in New York. He came west when a young man and married at Tampico to Miss Katherine Gray. She died several years ago. He leaves to mourn his death two sons, Herbert E. Brown of Sterling and Willis Brown of Tampico. Also one adopted daughter, Mrs. Galon Rogers of Tampico. Two brothers also survive --Charles Brown of Rock Falls and William Brown of Dallas, Texas. Mr. Brown was a member of the Tampico Methodist Church and a man greatly respected by all who knew him.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo

EMILY A. BROWN - Morrison Ill-Nov 22 (Special) -- Mrs. Emily A. Brown, passed away this morning at 7:45 o'clock at the home of Sheriff and Mrs. J. W. Kelly, the latter being her daughter. Her illness was of two weeks duration, although she had not been strong for a number of years. Mrs. Brown was 71 years of age on April 8. 1927. She had spent practically all her life in Bureau and Whiteside counties, and for many years had been a highly esteemed resident of Tampico, where she still retained a residence. When Sheriff and Mrs. Kelly moved here, Mrs. Brown accompanied them and for the past year has spent most of her time in Morrison. Mrs. Brown was a woman of admirable character and her loss will be greatly mourned. The funeral service will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home of Sheriff and Mrs. Kelly. The remains will be taken to Tampico for interment.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 26, 1927 - Saturday, pg 10, col.4

EMILY (WATSON) BROWN , 97, of Sterling died Saturday Jan. 22, 2005 at Sterling Pavilion. She taught first grade at East Coloma School, Rock Falls for 20 years, retiring in 1972 and then was employed by McGlaughlin Dress Shop, Sterling. Mrs. Brown was born Feb. 25, 1907 in Sterling the daughter of Martin and Harriet (Lawler) Watson. She married Howard Brown, who died in Dec. 1981. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic church, Sterling and enjoyed cooking and gardening. Survivors include a cousin Lorraine (Jack) Dauen of Sterling. she was preceded by a brother, Harold Watson. Memorial services at 10 am Thursday at Schilling Funeral home with Rev. Paul White officiating. Burial at calvary Cemetery.

FRANK E. BROWN , 50, Apt. 17, 1821 Locust St., Starling, died this morning in Community General Hospital . The body was take to the Allen Funeral Home were funeral arrangements are being completed.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the Feb. 13, 1967 Sterling Gazette

HERBERT E. BROWN , who passed away in Chicago Wednesday, was buried in the family lot in Riverside cemetery Friday afternoon at 2:30. Services at the grave were conducted by Dr. F. Rhodes, pastor of the church in Chicago of which the deceased was a member. T.L. Lewis, pastor of Community church in Oak Park, which Mr. Brown also attended, conducted the services in Chicago at 10:30. There was a large gathering of local friends and relatives at the committal services here. Local pallbearers were Charles W. Senneff, J.D. Gulliford, Robert W. Besse, I.B. Snavely, August Pearson and Mark Reitzel. Mr. Brown was born in Tampico in 1859. In 1887 he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine McNaughton, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Mrs. N. G. Reitzel and Mrs. James McCaugherty, both of Chicago. One grandson, William Stanley, passed away several years ago. A brother, W.L. Brown of Tampico, also survives. Mr. Brown was editor of the Morrison Record for a number of years and for many years owned and edited a rural life farm paper. He was inventor of a successful typeline casting machine which he sold. The deceased was a lifelong member of the Methodist church, and was also a member of the Masonic lodge. The family moved from this city to Chicago in 1923.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo - Sterling-Rock Falls Daily Gazette, Saturday, 4 May 1940

JON W. BROWN , 87, of Christopher St., Morrison, died Friday, June 27, 1997 at his home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral home with the Rev. James A. Camp, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Morrison, officiating. Burial will be at Lyndon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley. Mr. Brown was born June 11, 1910 in Rockford, the son of Walter F. and Anna (Brady) Brown. He married Ruth A. Teach on Oct. 31, 1919 at Clinton, Iowa. She died June 2, 1997. He was educated in Rockford schools. He was employed as a bus driver for Greyhound Bus Lines, Augustana College Choir Tours, and RC Smith Transportation, Morrison. He was a member of the Amalgamated Association of Street Electric Railway and Motorcoach Employees of American AFL-CIO. He was an avid Cubs fans. Survivors include on sister, Margaret (Mack) Girardi of Rockford.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 29, 1997 - Sunday, pg A5

JOSEPHINE (McNAUGHTON) BROWN , formerly of this city and Morrison, passed away this morning at 8 at the West Suburban hospital, Oak Park, where she had been confined during the past week. She fell in her room, fracturing her hip, and gradually weakened from the shock. For a number of years she had made her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Norman G. Reitzel, 817 Washington Boulevard, Oak Park. Funeral services and burial will take place in Riverside cemetery here on Monday 12 o'clock noon. Rev. A.J. Tavenner, pastor of the Fourth Street Methodist church, of which she was a member for many years, will officiate. The pallbearers will be Frank and Mark Reitzel, Nevin Loux, Clark and Donald Stanley, Charles Frazer. Mrs. Brown was a very active worker in Fourth Street church and Sterling chapter, O.E.S. She had a large number of local friends who will regret to learn of her passing. her husband preceded her in death. She is survived by two daughters, Isca, wife of Norman G. Reitzel and Marjorie, wife of James McCaugherty, 3320 N. Seventeenth street, Philadelphia, Pa.
Burial: Committal services for Mrs. Herbert E. Brown were held Monday noon with short services at the grave in Riverside Cemetery. Rev. A. J. Tavenner, pastor of Fourth Street Methodist Church, of which she was a member for many years, officiated. The pallbearers were Frank and Mark Reitzel, Nevin Loux, Clark and Donald Stanley and Charles Frazer. Mrs. Brown made her home with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Norman G. Reitzel, in Oak Park. She fell in her room and suffered a fractured hip and passed away a week later at the West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. The body was brought overland by Melvins, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Reitzel, and daughter, Mrs. James McCaugherty of Philadelphia. A number of local friends and relatives assembled at the grave to pay their final tribute to her memory.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartelo -Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Tuesday, 25 January, 1944

MARY (HOLBROOK) BROWN - Funeral services for the late Mrs. William E. Brown were held Monday [02/20/1933] afternoon in Coleta at 1 o’clock at the home of her son, Harry Brown, and at 1:30 at the Grove Street U. B. church. The services were conducted by Rev. S. Foltz. C. L. Hurless and Mrs. E. R. Frankfother sang appropriate selections, assisted by Mrs. B. H. Kline at the piano. The following old friends and neighbors of the deceased acted as pallbearers: M. Flynn, I. V. Reecher, F. W. Anthony, S. M. Gipe, Joe Shank [?] and Charles Mock. The floral tributes were beautiful Mrs. Brown was a lifelong resident of Genesee township and it was very interesting to hear her tell of the many happenings of interest during the early days when this vicinity was first settled. Her memory was very good and very few could give dates of early happenings as well as she. She will not only be missed in her home, but by a large number of old acquaintances. Interment was in the Lutheran cemetery two miles west of Coleta. On account of illness her daughter, Mrs. Schmitt of Aurora, and a stepson, Wm. E. Brown of Waukesha, Wis., were unable to attend the funeral.
Obituary --- Mary Evelyn Holbrook Brown, daughter of Henry H. and Caroline Holbrook, was born Aug. 28, 1853, in Genesee township at the Holbrook corners, where they had made their home for the last 40 years. She spent the greater part of her life in Genesee township excepting a few years she lived in Vernon county, Wis. On June 11, 1874, she was united in marriage to Wm. E. Brown in Vernon county, Wis. To this union were born three children, Mrs. Kasper Schmitt of Aurora, W. Jess Brown of Chattanooga, Tenn. and Warren H. Brown of Coleta. Mrs. Brown died Feb. 18, 1933, at the age of 79 years, five months and 20 days. She leaves to mourn her death her husband, now 97 years of age, her three children, two step-children, Wm. E. Brown of Waukesha, Wis. And Mrs. Lyman Woods of Garwin, Ia. Also one sister, Elisa Erwin of Kelso, Wash., and two grandchildren. Mrs. Brown will be missed very much by her aged husband, relatives and many friends.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 21, 1933, page 7, column 6

MARY PAT (MILCAREK) BROWNE , 51, of Rock Falls died Friday, Nov. 26, 2004 at Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home. She was employed by Dixon State School, KSB Hospital, Sterling Pavilion, Whiteside County Health Dept. and was director of the Y.W.C.A. Sexual Assault Program. Mrs. Browne was born May 5, 1953, in Sterling, the daughter of Dr. L.J. and Caroline (McGraw) Milcarek. She was a graduate of Sauk Valley Comm. College with an associate degree in nursing. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Sterling, and the Red Hat Society. Survivors include two sons, James Milcarek Browne of San Francisco and Peter Browne of Sterling; a daughter, Caroline M. Browne of Rock Falls; her mother of Woodinville, WA; four brothers, William F. of Jersey City NJ, Michael of Palatine IL, Peter (Anne) of Vancouver WA and Timothy (Irene) of Woodinville WA. She was preceded by her father and a nephew. Burial at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Rev. Paul White, celebrant officiating.

MINNIE (BADGLEY) BROWN , 77, of Tampico passed away at 6 a.m. Monday at the home following an illness of several days. She had been in poor health for several years. Arrangements for the funeral are awaiting word from a daughter, Mrs. Amie Trump of Waverly, N.Y. Mrs. Brown was born at Tampico, March 25, 1863, a daughter of John P. and Sarah Jane Glassburn Badgley. She was married to Mr. Brown Oct. 16, 1884. She had lived in Tampico all of her life and was an active member of the Methodist church, Royal Neighbors lodge, Legion auxiliary and Morning Start chapter of the Eastern Star, as long as her health permitted. Surviving besides her husband and daughter are three grandchildren, Mrs. Irene Wood, Tampico, and Mrs. Dorothy Boyle and William Trump, Waverly: four great grandchildren, Shirley, Dorothy and Marilyn Wood, Tampico and Richard Boyle, Waverly: a sister, Mrs. Ida Jacobs, De Kalb: two brothers, Dr. John Badgley, De Kalb, and Hal Badgley in the Dakotas. She was preceded in death by the following brothers and sisters, Dr. Jed Badgley, Mrs. Mary Denison, Hettie and Perry Badgley, the later two passed away in early youth.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo -Sterling-Rock Falls Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Monday, 8 July 1942

MINNIE BELL (FRANCE) BROWN -Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Brown, 86, were conducted Sunday afternoon at the Gardner Funeral Chapel the Rev. Nelson Chasteen, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery. Mrs. Brown died Friday at the Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo. Flowers were cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Parker and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Sandrock. Pallbearers were grandsons, Monroe Law, John Conboy, Leo Froeliger, Terry Brown, Donald Brown and William E. McKenna. Mrs. V. R. Olmstead and Mrs. Harry Eshelman sang, accompanied by V. R. Olmstead at the organ. Minnie Bell Brown was born March 13, 1873 in Tampico township, the daughter of Solomon and Margaret France, and attended the Highland school. She was married to John Brown of Hume township in Morrison in 1891. She spent her entire lifetime in the Prophetstown community. Survivors are two sons, Sherman J. Brown, Sterling; and Monroe Brown, Prophetstown; four daughters, Mrs. Flossie McKenna, Lyndon; Mrs. Gladys Froeliger, Prophetstown; Mrs. Beatrice Redshaw, Prophetstown and Mrs. Lenora Meek, Rock Falls; 32 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, who died in 1941, one son Ernest and one daughter, Mrs. Delores Conboy, two brothers and four sisters.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 1, 1959 - Monday, pg 2 col. 2

MINNIE (McBRIDE) BROWN

Born 14 March 1887

Died 08 April 1965

RICHARD D. BROWN - Word reached Albany, Ill friends the latter part of last week of the passing of Richard Brown on Thursday after several weeks, illness due to a complication of ailments. He was making his home with his son, Wm. Brown, in Clinton, Iowa. Mr. Brown was born in Naidstone, England, nearly 85 years ago; came to America in 1852, locating on a farm in Garden Plain, Ill. and making Albany, Ill. his trading point for a number of years. During the past 20 years he had retired from active business making his home with his son in Clinton, Iowa and daughter Mrs. J. C. Hansen of Canby, Minn. He is survived by one son and a daughter both of whom were with him during his last illness. Four grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon 12 March 1916 by Rev. Rendall pastor of the Presbyterian Church (in Garden Plain, Ill.) officiating and burial made in the family lot in the Garden Plain Cemetery.
Source: JoAnne M. Short at Find-A-Grave

THELMA "MARY" (RAGSDALE) BROWN , 92, of Fulton, IL, died Tuesday, December 25, 2007, at Mercy Medical Center North in Clinton, IA. Thelma was born August 21, 1915, in Santa Paula, CA, to John L. and Ada "Muzdale" (Woodford) Ragsdale. She was educated in the California grade and high schools. In 1948 she received her Master's degree from Wheaton Bible College in Wheaton, IL. She married Wallace O. Brown on June 18, 1950 in Cornettsville, KY. He died February 22, 2004. Thelma was employed as the principal at the Open Door Children's Home in Cornettsville, KY for many years, until moving to Fulton. She was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Clinton, IA, where she taught Sunday school. She enjoyed restoring old toys for children at Christmas time. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Cheryl Van Zuiden of Albert Lea, MN; five sons, Lewis Brown of Bluffton, IN, David Brown of Davenport, IA, Dwight Brown of Camanche, IA, Maurice (Debra) Brown of Fulton, IL and Rayford Caudill of Bluffton, IN; ten grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace.
Source: Paula Koehler Find-A-Grave

TIM BROWN , 88, of Sterling died Friday, Nov. 19, 2004, at KSB Hospital. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 22, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, First Avenue Chapel, Sterling, with the Rev. Les Funderberg of First Open Bible Church officiateing. Burial will conclude the services at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Sterling. Mr. Brown was born March 26, 1916, in Xenia, the son of John and Minnie (McBride) Brown. He married Mary Slagel on Sept. 12, 1952, in Sterling. She died Dec. 26, 2000. He worked at Northwestern Steel and Wire as a motor winder for 45 years. He was also a member of Rock River Christian Center in Rock Falls. Survivors include one son, Claude E. Brown of Arlington, Texas; two daughters, Charlene Brown of Germantown and Kymme Jacqua of West Des Moines, Iowa; two stepsons, Leland (Nancy) Siperly of Georgia and Larry (Jan) Patton of Ransom; . one brother, John Wesley (Dorothy) Brown of Roscoe; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great­great-grandchildren; a niece, Darlane Davis; numerous other nieces and nephews; and special friends, Sue and Dick Acree of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers, four sisters and a stepson.

WALLACE O. BROWN , 89, of Fulton, died Sunday at his home. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednes-day at the Evangel-ical Free Church in Clinton with the Rev. Brian Pope officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Garden Plain (Ill.) Cemetery. He was born March 24, 1914, in Hartford, Mich., to James and Mabel Brooks Brown. He married Thelma Ragsdale on June 18, 1950, in Cornettsville, Ky. He was educated at the Warren, Ohio, grade school and graduated from Warren High School. He completed three years of post high school education at various colleges and universities. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army. He was a member of the Clinton Evangelical Free Church and assisted with Iwana's. He was employed with the Open Door Children's Home in Cornettsville for 14 years in various capacities including teaching for the home's school and lastly serving as the home's director. He most recently was employed with the J.T. Cullen Co., Fulton, from 1964 until his retirement. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Cheryl (Mike) Van Zuiden of Albert Lea, Minn.; five sons, Lewis Brown of Bluffton, Ind., David (Beverly) Brown of Bettendorf, Dwight Brown of Camanche, Maurice (Debbie) Brown of Fulton and Rayford (Kelly) Caudill of Silver Lake, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Clinton Herald February 24, 2004

WILLIS L. BROWN , 84, formerly of Tampico passed away Tuesday, Dec. 18 in the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.E. Trump of Waverly, N.Y., where he had gone a year ago to reside. The body is being forwarded from Waverly to Tampico, leaving there this evening. Tentative funeral plans are for 2 p.m. Saturday in the Parent funeral home, with the Rev. Hollis Wharton of the Tampico Methodist church in charge. Burial will take place in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Mr. Brown was born February 5, 1861, on a farm southwest of Tampico. He and Minnie Badgley were married Oct. 16, 1884, making their home on a farm first and later moving into Tampico. She passed away in July, 1940. A son, Burdette J. Brown, died in May, 1935. Mrs. Trump and three grandchildren, Mrs. John H. Woods of Sterling, Mrs. Dorothy Boyle and William Trump of Waverly, N.Y. survive.
Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Thursday, December 20, 1945