BURT D. GREENMAN , one of the oldest businessmen of Tampico, passed away at 1 o'clock Monday morning in his apartments above the drug store which he operated. Death was due to the swallowing of about two thirds of an ounce of carbolic acid about 10 o'clock Sunday night, with suicidal intent. Delos Craddock, Ernest McKenzie, W. J. McCreedy and Charles Smith were in the Greenman store when the rash act was committed. They were at his side immediately, and medical aid was summoned. In spite of everything that could be done to save his life, death came three hours later. Mr. Greenman had been an invalid for many years. His physical condition and grief over the death of his wife, which occurred April 20, 1927, caused despondency, to which the rash act is attributed. A sketch of his life was left in an envelope addressed to Charles Smith. The closing paragraphs spoke of his 12 years of suffering from rheumatism. "I am sore to move and able to get but little out of life," Mr. Greenman wrote. "Had the fear the end of life would confine me to the bed for years and that I would be a burden to my friends and in the way. Most of all I cannot live without that dear little wife of mine. I want to thank my many friends for what they have done for me. They sure made life easier for me." Mr. Greenman had been in business in the same location for more than 45 years, the building now on the site having been erected by him in 1891. When he acquired the business it was operated solely as a drug store. Later jewelry was added to the stock, and afterwards harness. A visit to the store will reveal articles from the primitive to the modern, evidencing the continuity of the business. Although Mr. Greenman had been partically paralyzed for 12 years or more, he continued to give his business personal attention. He was compelled to get around by the use of a wheel chair. A cot was kept in the rear of the store, where he rested at intervals during the day. An electric elevator was also installed in the store to carry him to his upstairs apartment. In spite of his physical condition he never complained, appearing bright and cheerful, except at periods when he became despondent. In recent years, since the death of his wife, Henry B. Cleaveland had been attendant, being faithful in his care. Mr. Greenman had intimated several times that he would "end it all," and about a week ago an attempt to take his own life by swallowing cyanide was frustrated. Burt D. Greenman was born three miles west of Yorktown, Henry county, August 12, 1863, the son of Job and Albina Greenman. The parents and son moved to Whiteside county, two miles north and one half mile east of Yorktown, when the latter was five years of age. They resided at that place until the fall of 1877, when they moved to Tampico. In 1883 they moved to South Dakota, returning a year later to the farm north of Yorktown on which they had previously lived. In 1885, they again became residents of Tampico. In the spring of that year, March 14, 1885, Burt D. Greenman bought a small drug store from E. A. LaDue, which he continued to operate until his death. He was married to Emma C. Smith, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A. C. Smith, Thanksgiving day, Nov. 25, 1886. She passed away April 20, 1927. In the prepared obituary which was left by Mr. Greenman a high tribute was paid to the memory of his wife, referring to her as "loving, kind, faithful and affectionate." No immediate relatives survive Mr. Greenman. Funeral arrangements will be announced following inquest which will be held in Tampico Monday evening.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois October 20, 1930 - Monday, pg. 10, col. 1

OPAL MABEL (SCOTT) GRIMES , 70, of Tampico died early (3 Dec 1971) Friday morning in Community General Hospital, Sterling. Funeral rites will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the Tampico First United Methodist Church by the Rev. Raymond Good. The burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 2 p.m. Saturday in the Schmitt Chapel. Mrs. Grimes was born in Hodgenville, Ky., March 26, 1901, the daughter of Melvin and Emma Gaddie Scott. She received her education in the Kentucky schools and was married to Roy Grimes Feb. 10, 1920 in Larue County, Kentucky. They moved to Illinois in 1920 and to the Tampico area in 1931. Mrs. Grimes was a member of the Tampico First United Methodist Church, Elizabth Circle of the church and Royal Neighbors of America. Surviving are her husband at the home in Tampico and five daughters and four sons, Mrs. Frank (Marie) Calsyn of Tampico, Mrs. Fred (Kathryn) Johannsen of Rock Falls, Mrs. John (Doris) McKenzie of Aurora, Mrs. William (Bonnie) Haley of Amboy, Mrs. Wayne (Viva) Dirks of Sterling, Marvin of Dixon and Kenneth, Merle and Harold Grimes of Tampico. She also leaves 29 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; one brother, Earl Scott of Hodgenville, Ky. Mrs. Henry Grimes of Hodgenville, Ky., and Mrs. Thomas Briggs of Bardstown, Ky. Preceding Mrs. Grimes in death were her parents, two brothers, one sister and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 3, 1971 - Friday, pg 2

ROY OTIS GRIMES - Funeral services for Roy Otis Grimes, 74, of Tampico who died Tuesday (6 November 1973) at his home will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Schmitt Chapel. The Rev. Thomas Harmon of the Tampico First United Methodist Church will officiate and burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. There is visitation at the Schmitt Chapel from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.. Thursday. Roy Otis Grimes was born May 6, 1889 in LaRue County, Kentucky, the son of J.W. and Emma Howell Grimes. He attended schools in Kentucky and was united in marriage with Opal Mable Scott, Feb.10, 1920 in Kentucky. He had lived in Illinois since 1920 and in the Tampico vicinity 41 years. He was a member of the Tampico First United Methodist church. Mrs. Grimes preceded in death in 1971. Surviving are five daughters and four sons, Mrs. Frank (Marie) Calysn of Tampico, Mrs. Fred (Kathryn) Johannsen of Rock Falls, Mrs. John (Doris) McKenzie of Aurora, Mrs. William (Bonnie) Haley of Amboy, Mrs. Wayne (Viva) Dirks of Rock Falls, Marvin Grimes of Dixon, Kenneth, Merle and Harold Grimes of Tampico. There are 29 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren, four brothers and one sister also surviving. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 7, 1973 - Wednesday, pg 2

ZENO GRIMES - Friends and relatives of Zeno Grimes, formerly of this city, received word this morning that he passed away at 9 o'clock Wednesday evening at the home of his mother in Whitehall, Ill., death being caused by tuberculosis from which he had suffered for a number of months. The announcement of the death of the young man brings back memories of sad days in his life. Early last winter he left this city and went to Dixon and, being despondent because of ill health, which was rendering him too weak to work, he went to the Northwestern passenger depot in that city with the intent to throw himself underneath the wheels of the train. His actions aroused the suspicion of a policeman and he was taken to the city hall and questioned. The Dixon Red Cross gave him $10 and placed him on an interurban car for this city, with directions to go to Supervisor Jonas Baer for further assistance. He came to Sterling and only one person remembered seeing him. He then disappeared and it was only after a long search, covering a period of several months, that his mother located him in the Cook county hospital under an assumed name. He was taken home by his mother, who has been caring for him since that time. He was formerly a member of Co. H.I.R.M. He has a great many friends here who will be sorry to learn of his death. The funeral will be held at Whitehall.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 3, 1920 - Thursday, pg. 2, col. 3

GLENN GROHARING , 54, a mason by trade, 322 North Jackson, Morrison, passed away at 8:30 this morning at the Morrison Community Hospital of an apparent heart attack following an illness of two weeks. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, preceded by prayer services in the chapel at 1:45 p.m. The Rev. Nordquist will officiate, with burial in Grove Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the Reynolds Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Sunday. Glen Groharing was born July 14, 1914, the son of Charles and Myrta Groharing. He was educated in the Thomson schools and graduated from York Community High School. He married Leona Nelson on Oct. 22, 1938 in Morrison. They lived in Morrison the past 34 years. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Chukrch, was a member of the Morrison Fire Department for 13 years and chief of the department for three years. He is survived by his widow, two sons, Jon of Morrison and Kim of Rock Falls; seven sisters, Mrs. Arthur Hoffman, Mrs. Leroy Foltz, Mrs. Elwood Daehler, Mrs. Donald Adolph, all of Chadwick; Mrs. Virgil Wilt of Thomson; Mrs. Elmer Mosher of Morrison; Mrs. Wesley Luckstead of Mission hills, Calif.; four brothers, Clyde, Fay and Fred of Morrison and Paul of Savanna. He was preceded by his parents, two sisters, Mrs. Vernis Scudder and Mrs. Floy Tobey.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 13, 1969 - Friday, pg 6 col 1

RICHARD GROHARING , 74, of 15950 Timberlane Rd. Morrison, IL, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007 at the University of Chicago Hospitals in Chicago, IL. Dick was born April 26, 1933, in Morrison, IL, to Clyde E. and Hallie B. (Kenyon) Groharing. He was educated in the Morrison schools, graduating in 1951. In 1955 he received his BS in Building Construction from Bradley University. He married Rachel J. Ottens on August 6, 1954 in Morrison. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in Heilbronn, West Germany. Dick was president of Groharing Mason Contractors, Inc. in Morrison from 1958 to 1997, and also president of Groharing Construction Services, Inc. from 1984 until 1997. He was a member of Morrison Christian Reformed Church and served as deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher. He had an active role in many community and civic organizations, including the Morrison Chamber of Commerce as president and secretary; as vice president and secretary of the Morrison Rotary Club; as a founding board member and president of the Morrison United Way; on the Steering Committee of the Community Unit School District and also the district boards of both Morrison High School and Morrison Grade School. Dick was active in the community college movement on the local, state and national level and was secretary and president of the Sauk Valley Community College Foundation Board and Board of Trustees where he was their representative to the Illinois Community Collage Trustees Association. He was also a member of the ICCTA, and had served as vice president, president and chair for many committees, and was an ICCTA Mentor. In 1997 he was appointed to the first City of Morrison Historic Preservation Commission serving as chair. The Commission was responsible for several community projects, including new lampposts for Main Street and a veteran’s memorial for the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. He received the ICCTA Trustee Award in 1993, the ICCTA Ray Hartstein Achievement Award in 1994, the M. Dale Ensign Award for lifelong community service in 1995, and the ICCTA’s highest accolade, an Honorary Lifetime Membership. In his historical research, Dick discovered that his family is descendants of Pilgrim George Soule, originally brought to this county on the Mayflower. Survivors include his wife, Rachel; two sons, Tom (Wendy) Groharing of Fulton, IL and Andrew “Drew” (Lisa) Groharing of Mt. Prospect, IL; six grandchildren, Tyler, Seth, Brenton, Ethan, Dylan and Brittany Groharing. He was preceded in death by his parents. (Burial at Grove Hill Cemetery)

ELAM R. GRUBB , son of Samuel and Mary Grubb, was born April 1, 1842, in Lancaster county, Penn., died March 29, 1914. Age 72 years, lacking two days. When fourteen of age he with his parents and only brother removed to Sterling, Ill., making the trip as far as Chicago by rail. From Chicago to Sterling by stage. They resided in Sterling one year, then settled on a tract of prairie land in Genesee where the father and mother spent the remainder of their lives. Feb. 27, 1870, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Eliza A. Peugh. Mrs. Grubb was born Oct. 11, 1848 in Washington county, Ind. She was a child of four years when her parents came to Illinois and settled in Genesee township in its days of first things. Mr. and Mrs. Grubb settled on a farm in Genesee township where they have spent their entire married life. Coming to this community in an early day they have lived to see the country from a wild prairie develop in to a beautiful and rich community and feel and know that they have had a part in making it what it is. Coming as they did, in an early day, they have passed through the privations and hardships of pioneer life, but by industry and frugality they have acquired a goodly portion of this world’s goods. He was a man respected and honored by all who knew him. A kind husband and loving father. He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife, one son, one daughter and four grand children, one brother and a host of relatives and friends.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, March 16, 1921, page 8, column 3

JOSEPH B. GSELL son of William and Maria Gsell, was born Dec. 27, 1844; died Jan. 6, 1923. When he was twenty-one years of age he came to Whiteside Co., Ill., with his parents. He spent fifty-seven years in this locality. In March, 1865, he was married to Margaret Etter, who passed from this earthly life Dec. 30, 1912. To this union seven children were born: Amanda Snavely of Shannon, Ill., Margaret Steiner of Comins, Mich., Joseph E. and Ida Annan, of Morrsion, Ill, survive him. Mary, William, and Emma preceded their father to their eternal home. He also leaves 26 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Barbara Nice and Maria Longenecker, of Morrison, Ill., Sarah Leidig of Lake Charles, La., one brother, Henry Gsell of Shannon, Ill. He suffered with diabetes for many years. Recently a complication set in. He was cheerful through all his suffering and said he would submit to God's will. He united with the Mennonite Church in his youth and remained in this faith until Jesus took him home. On Saturday morning the frail body was left behind and the spirit went to God who gave it, at the age of 78 y. 10 d. He was a sincere Christian, a thoughtful father, and a kind friend to all who knew him. Funeral was conducted at the home of his son, and at the Mennonite Church, P. R. McMahan officiating. Burial in Grove Hill cemetery.
World Connect Website of Malinda German - Gospel Herald, February 1, 1923, pages 862, 863

MARGARET (ETTER) GSELL - The remains of Mrs. Joseph B. Gsell of Morrison, who died last Monday [12/30/1912] evening, were interred in Ustick. A service was held at her late home in Morrison and the funeral services were conducted at the Mennonite church. Rev. A. H. Leamon of Chicago officiated, and interment was made in the cemetery adjoining the church. The following people from Sterling and vicinity were in attendance: Messrs. and Mesdames Mart Book, John Kreider, Daniel Ebersole, Daniel Good, Sol Good, John Rutt and daughter, Bert Hort, Messrs. Eber and Joe Longanecker, and Misses Hattie Hartman and Esther Rietz, Orville Brown, Emery Sollenberger of Elgin, David Sollenberger of Naperville, John Etter and daughter Grace of LaFayette, Ind., Mr. and Mrs. M. Snavely, Henry and Amos Snavely and Henry Gsell of Shannon, and Mrs. Meno Steiner of Fairview, Mich.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, January 4, 1913, page 1, column 4

Margaret Etter was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Mar. 11, 1843; died after an illness which she bore patiently, Dec. 30, 1912; aged 69y. 9m. 19d. She moved to Whiteside Co., Ill., with the Gsell family in March, 1865, and was united in marriage to Joseph B. Gsell, Mar. 18, 1860 (IL Marriage Index states its was 1866). To this union were born 7 children, 2 of whom, (Mary E., wife of John McCulloh; and Wm. E.) preceded her to the spirit world. Those who survive her are Mrs. Maros Snavely, Mrs. A.S. McCulloh, Mrs. Menno Steiner, Jos. E. Gsell and Mrs. Floyd Annan. She also was the foster mother of Mrs. John Nice of Ustick, Ill. Besides her children she leaves to mourn her loss a sorrowing husband (who walked hand in hand and heart in heart with her for almost 47 years), and an aged brother, John Etter of Lafayette, Ind., one sister Elizabeth Gsell, who lives in Morrison for many years the widow of John B. Gsell, 23 grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. When about 15 years of age she united with the Dunkard Church which she served faithfully for many years but afterwards became a member of the Mennonite Church and remained a faithful member until death. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother and lived for her husband, children and grandchildren and all those who knew her. But those who knew her best loved her most. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite Church near Morrison by Bro. A.H. Leaman of the Home Mission in Chicago. Text, Jas. 4:14.
From the World Connect Website of Malinda German - Gospel Herald Obituaries - February 1913

MARIA (BURKHART) GSELL was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1819; died of infirmities of old age at the home of her son, Joseph, in Ustick, Ill., March 16, 1899, aged 79 years, 6 months and 4 days. In her young years, she with her parents moved to Franklin Co., Pa. In 1840 she was married to William Gsell who died in 1881. To this union were born six sons and nine daughters; five sons and four daughters survive. Four daughters are buried in Pennsylvania. The other descendants are, seventy-five grandchildren, fifty-eight survive; twenty-six great-grandchildren, twenty-three survive. In the early part of their matrimonial life, they lived in Pennsylvania; in the spring of 1865 they moved with their family to Illinois and settled in the township of Clyde, Whiteside Co., later moved to the township of Ustick. She had lived with her son, Joseph, some time before her death. Grandma Gsell (her familiar name) confessed and accepted Christ as her Savior at the early age of twelve or thirteen years, and was a consistent member of the Mennonite Church up to her death. Her place at church services was seldom vacant when health would permit. She often longed to go to her eternal home where all sorrow, care and distress are unknown. She was a loving companion and kind mother, had willing hands and mind to help in every hour of need. Funeral services were held at the Mennonite M. H. In Ustick, Sunday, March 19th, where a large concourse of relatives and friends had met to show their last respects to the deceased sister. Funeral services were conducted by Philip Nice of Sterling and John Nice of Morrison. Text, 2 Cor. 2:9.
From the World Connect Website of Malinda German - Herald of Truth Obituaries - May, 1899

WILLIAM GSELL - Sept. 7th, in Whiteside Co., Ill., of dropsy, William Gsell, aged 61 years, 11 months and 26 days. He suffered severely for about five months, but bore his sufferings with patience. He was buried on the 9th at the Mennonite Meeting-house, near Morrison. Funeral services by Henry Nice and S. Wencher, from the 39th Psalm, and by John Kornhaus from Isa. 38, last part of first verse.
From the World Connect Website of Malinda German - Herald of Truth Obituaries - October, 1881

WILLIAM E. GSELL At his home near Morrison, Ill., Jan. 26th, 1893, of typhoid fever, William, son of Joseph and Margaret (Etter) Gsell, aged 22 years, 3 months and 6 days. He leaves a wife and one child, father and mother, 5 sisters and 1 brother; also an aged grandmother to mourn their loss, but we need not weep as those who have no hope. He was a member of the Mennonite church. He expressed himself as having peace with God. Shortly before his departure he requested that a chapter be read to him and prayer be offered. The remains were buried at the Mennonite meeting-house in Ustick, Sunday the 29th, where a large number of relatives and friends gathered to show their last respect to the departed one. Funeral services were conducted by Philip Nice and J.S. Shoemaker.
From the World Connect Website of Malinda German - Gospel Herald Obituaries - February, 1893 / Herald of Truth - February 1, 1893 - Page 53, 54, 55

WILLIAM B. GSELL , 67, for many years a resident of Highland Park, died Friday afternoon at the home of his son, Earl W. Gsell, Sheridan Place. Death was due to heart trouble. A short service was held Saturday afternoon, and the body was shipped to Morrison, Ill., for burial. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock in Morrison, where Mr. Gsell was in business for many years. Earl W. Gsell, Highland Park druggist, is the only son. He will return tomorrow from Morrison.
From the World Connect Website of Malinda German

LENA GUINTHER , 70, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Friday (01 October 1948) in the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John J. Decker, 912 Fifth avenue, after an illness of the past several years. The body rests at the Melvin funeral home where services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Dr. Alfred L. Grewe of St. John's Lutheran church will officiate and interment will be in the Mennonite cemetery. Mrs. Guinther was born July 6, 1868, in Gaard, Norway, and came to Sterling in 1885. She was married to John A Guinther, February 27, 1889. He preceded her in death March 18, 1913. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. John J. Decker; two granddaughters, Mrs. Kendall Scott and Mrs. John Overholser of Sterling; three great granddaughters; a niece, Mrs. Mabel Nelms of Maywood and a nephew, Raymond J. Blank of Davenport Ia.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from the Sterling Gazette October 2, 1948 - Saturday, pg. 2, col. 3

WILLIAM H. GUINTHER , 80, well known and esteemed resident of Sterling, formerly residing in Jordan township, passed away at 9:45 this morning in his home at 302 A Fourth avenue as the result of a sudden heart attack. Mr. Guinther had just finished eating his breakfast and called for a glass of water. When his widow, Mrs. Edithy Guinther returned with the glass, she found him dead in his chair. Mr. Guinther had been suffering from heart trouble for several years. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Trouth's funeral chapel with the Rev. Albert H. Keck, pastor of the St. John's Lutheran church officiating. Internment will be in Riverside Cemetery. The deceased was born in Bucks County, PA., October 23, 1853 and moved to Illinois with his parents when 14 years of age, settling on a farm north of Sterling. As a boy, he attended school at Jordan, and continuing his education he was given a teacher's certificate after graduating from the teachers' college at Mt. Morris. After receiving his certificate Mr. Guinther started teaching in Jordan and Genesee townships, and as a teacher he served 37 years. While teaching he also farmed at Jordan. He retired from teaching in June, 1913.
From Mike Hosler

Surnames A	Surnames B	Surnames C	Surnames D	Surnames E	Surnames F	Surnames G
Surnames H	Surnames I	Surnames J	Surnames K	Surnames L	Surnames M	Surnames N
Surnames O	Surnames P	Surnames Q	Surnames R	Surnames S	Surnames T	Surnames U
Surnames V	Surnames W	Surnames X	Surnames Y	Surnames Z