ROBERT McNEIL - Friends of all ages from this and other communities paid tribute to the memory f a revered pioneer of the Twin Cities by their attendance at the funeral of Robert Mcneil in the Presbyterian Church Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Rev. Chester M. irwin spoke of Mr. McNeil's exemplary life in results accomplished and in example set for the generations that follow. Grant Landis and Mrs. W.H. Kelsey of Rock Falls, lifelong friends of Mr. McNeil, sang "When Night is Near," and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," at the church. At the service in Riverside Cemetery they sand "Abide With Me," a favorite hymn of the deceased. The casket was tenderly borne by the four sons who survive their father. The life of Mr. NcNeil as farmer, citizen and public official through the seventy-five years of his residence here, has been as an open book for the people of this community, a continuous revelation of manliness and integrity of character. His canny Scotch humor, his sympathetic understanding of the limitations and strength of himself and of his fellows, his ever ready helpfulness and his fearless espousal of righteousness made him a leader in the community. He was director of "The Little Brick School" in Coloma for twenty years, Supervisor of Coloma for 12 years and Chairman of the Whiteside County Board of Supervisors in his 85th year. He served as Postmastr of Rock Falls from 1887 to 1890 and wa a member of the Knights of Pythias.

OWE DEBT TO PIONEERS: In speaking of Mr. McNeil's career, Rev. C.M. Irwin said it was well for the people to realize the debt owed to the pioneers who, under the guidance of God, established the cities of Sterling and Rock Falls upon the prairie that bordered Rock River. Rev. Irwin spoke of him as the little boy of 13 years who came with his parents and their family from Scotland in 1849 to make their home across the river from the little town of Sterling before there was any town on the south side. For long weeks they voyaged westward in the sailing vessel that typified the most approved method of ocean travel in those days. Then came the landing in America, and the long joyrney down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi. Sickness came almost in the form of a plague, an epidemic of cholera breaking out on board the river steamer. The mother of the family was taken before they reached their destination, and they left the boat at Albany to bury her on the bank of the Mississippi. Then the journey was continued, and the cabin home was established without the mothers care. McNeils father, Alexander, hauled lumber with an ox team from Chicago to build their home. On July 4, 1859, Mr. McNeil was united in marriage to Miss Jean Lyle, who preceded him to the eternal home in 1920. Their Dixon Avenue home was a bright and hospitable spotin the early days of the little town. The family organ was the first musical instrument used in a home on the south side of the river. Not only were they active in the affairs of church and school, but their home itself was both a church and school for the family.

7 of 9 CHILDREN SURVIVE: Of the nine children that blessed this union, all but two survive. Their names and residences are as follows: Alexander J. McNeil of DesMoines, long a prominent merchant of Rock Falls; Mrs. Agnes J. Donaldson of Polo; William E. McNeil and John M. McNeil, prominent farmers south of Rock Falls; George who died in infancy; Miss Jean McNeil who died in 1923; Mrs. Margaret Hoover, wife of August Hoover of Rock Falls; Robert B. McNeil of Spokane, Wash., long a newspaperman of the Twin Cities; and Mrs. Mary Kadel of Scranton, PA. All of the surviving children except R.B. McNeil were with their father when he died. R.B. McNeil arrived Monday afternoon from Spokane.
Taken from the Sterling Gazette, Tuesday Sept. 16, 1924; Pg. 6; C 5/6 excerpts edited by Suanne Nesland.

WALTER W. McNEIL - Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in the Mullins-Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel from Walter W. McNeil, 73, of 1406 Hawaii Ave. who died today at his residence. The Rev. E.E. Hamilton will conduct the funeral. Burial will be in Monte Vista Cemetery. A resident of Alamogordo for 17 years, McNeil was born Dec. 26, 1890 at Rock Falls, IL. He had farmed in his native state for many years. After coming here in 1947, he worked for the M.R. Prestridge Lumber Co. He retired in 1960. Since retiring, he had spent much of his time cultivating roses before ill health forced him to give up his hobby. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Isabel M. McNeil of Alamogordo; a son, James McNeil of Huntsville, AL; three daughters, Mrs. H.P. Thompson of Rock Falls, Ill., Mrs. Marjorie Duncan of Sterling, IL; and Miss Maxine McNeil of Alamogordo; one brother, W. Lester McNeil of Havre, Mont.; one sister, Mrs. Harold Palmer of Sterling, IL; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 10 until 5 and from 7 until 9 and on Thursday from 8 until time of the service.
Submitted by Suanne Nesland - Alamogoro NM - Daily News, Tuesday Dec. 22, 1964 pg. 1

WILLIAM E. McNEIL - Died on June 1, 1944. An inquest was held and it was determined he died from the shock of an injured left leg. He was hit by a car while crossing a street on May 25, 1944. He incurred a fracture of the left leg below the knee from the accident. Born Nov. 12, 1860, he was 83 yrs. 6m and 19 days old. He was widowed at the time of his passing. He was a retired farmer, lived at 611 Ave. C in Sterling. Parents were R.B. & Jean (Lyle) McNeil, both from Scotland. Burial was June 3, 1944 in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Rock Falls. The Wheelock Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Sue Nesland -- Illinois Vital Statistics Whiteside County Cert. 1099

WILLIAM LESTER McNEIL - Died at the age of 82 years in Havre, Hill, Montana. Death was due to a cerebral infarction. An autopsy was performed. He was born September 28, 1888 in Rock Falls, ILL. He married Ina McFadden, their home was at 1024 5th Ave. William was a retired District Div. Mechanic for teh Montana State Hwy. Dept. Parents are William McNeil and Minnie Clemmans (Clemons). Informant was Mrs. Ina McNeil. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in Havre.
Submitted by Sue Nesland from the Montana Certificate of Death.

R. LEROY MECHLING , Ft. Myers Beach, Fla., died Friday morning of an apparent heart attack. Funeral services will be held Monday (today) at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel By The Sea, Ft. Myers Beach. Cremation will follow. A memorial has been established to the Heart Fund of which he was director of the Ft. Myers Association. He was born Nov 19, 1895 in Howells, Neb., the son of Jonas J. and Arvilla Shirley Mechling. His family moved to Rock Falls when he was four years of age. He was educated in the Rock Falls schools. In 1920 he founded a Transportation Company which became the R. L. Mechling Barge Line. He served in the WW II as a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired several years ago and the business is being carried on by his two sons. Survivors include his wife, Carmen; two sons, Floyd of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Harold of Lake Geneva, Wis., a sister, Mrs. Earl (Mabel) Lutyens of Rock Falls, seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and a nephew, Marvin Lutyens of Rock Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illiinois January 19, 1976 - Monday, pg 6

MARGARET (LORAN) MEINS , 81, of 309 w. 5th St. , died Thursday evening in Community general Hospital after a short illness. There is visitation Friday (today) from 2 to 9 p.m. at Grennan and Son Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 7:30 o’clock this evening. There will be a prayer service at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home followed by a requiem mass at 11:30 a.m. in St Mary’s Church with the Rev. Robert J. Willhite officiating. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery . Mrs. Meins was born Sept. 27, 1888 in Sterling , the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Loran. She was united in marriage to Ernest Meins Jan. 3, 1912 in St. Mary’s Church. She had lived her entire lifetime in this area. Surviving are her husband, a sister, Mrs. Emmitt Reed of Sterling and nieces and nephews.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Dec 26, 1969 Sterling Gazette

HOWARD K. MELLANG , 62, 1904 Ave. E, Sterling, was pronounced dead on arrival at Community General Hospital on Wednesday (July 4, 1984) morning. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Rev. James Kragness, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. He will be assisted by Russell Meldorf, Reader, of the First Church of Christ Scientist of Sterling. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial has been established in memory to the YMCA and the church. Howard Mellang was born on Dec. 8, 1921, in Albert Lea, Minn., the son of Alvin and Judith Munson Mellang. On Sept. 18, 1943, he was united in marriage to Jean K. Kisner in Chicago. He was a sales representative for many years for Jostens, Inc. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He was a former board member of the YMCA and was very active in community and school affairs. Surviving are his wife, Jean; one son, Robert Mellang, Whitefish Bay, Wis.; three daughters, Mrs. Douglas (Susan) Sisler, Houston, Texas, Mrs. Dan (Judith) Abraham, Irving, Calif., and Lori K. Mellang, Lafayette, La., eight grandchildren; and his mother Mrs. Judith Friske, Sun City, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his father and stepfather.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois July 5, 1984 - Thursday

JESSE MISHLER - When death claimed Jesse Mishler on Wednesday, January 24, at 3:30 o’clock, it removed from the community one of its pioneers and a citizen of honor. The life history of this worthy man reads almost like a romance. Born of Swiss ancestry in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1838, he removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, with his parents at the age of two, where he lived upon a farm till eighteen years of age. In 1859 with a brother he went to Ft. DeMoines, Iowa, from where he travelled by oxen to California. Enroute his party was attacked by Indians in the vicinity of Salt Lake, the savages taking seven head of Mr. Mishler’s oxen. After many other exciting experiences the party arrived at Carson river, where his brother remained, while he with four companions made their packs and started on foot across the mountains to Hangtown. Later he went to Folson, where he worked on the western end of the Union Pacific railroad from September till December. He next went to Sacramento where he worked on a ranch for six months. Then was employed in a dairy for three years. During all this time he had no word from his home people. In 1862 he started for Alaska, went as far as Caribo, B. C., became disgusted and took passage on a return steamer to New york City via the Panama route. He came west to Goshen, Ind., and thence to Whiteside county, Ill., arriving in July, 1863. In 1864 he enlisted in the Union army and after six months service was honorably discharged in Chicago in October, 1864.

Mr. Mishler was married in Sterling on September 25, 1866, to Miss Lizzie Snavely. They began their married life on a farm and Mr. Mishler continued to engage in agricultural pursuits for the next twenty-three years, when he retired and has since lived in Sterling. To this union four children were born. His wife died in November, 1888. In 1889 Mr. Mishler married Mrs. August Sherrer, who passed away in August, 1905, and in the following year he wed Miss Clara Beffel of Racine, Wis., who with his four children, Sylvester S. and Mrs. Rachael Keller of South Dakota, Melvin S. and Calvin S., both of Miami, Fla., mourn his loss. Mr. Mishler embraced the Catholic faith in December, 1921, and died with the final blessing of the church. Requiem high mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul on Saturday at 9:00 a.m., Jan. 27th, at St. Mary’s church by Rev. Father Murphy, assistant pastor. Rev. Father A. J. Burn, pastor, and Rev. Father John Schulte of Sacred Heart church assisted in the sacrifice as sub-deacon and deacon. Interment was made in Riverside cemetery in the family lot. Although Mr. Mishler began life empty handed his life proves that success may be gained by persistent effort. Dependent upon his own resources he had attained a position among the men of affluence in the county. He was an honest, upright man, a kind father and husband and a good neighbor. He was a man of wonderful physique and only until just the last few years had be been forced to stay at home because of difficulty in walking. He spent the winter in Florida four years ago to escape the rigors of the Illinois winter, but since has been unable to travel. During his final illness and in the declining years of his life his devoted wife ministered to his wants and gave him every comfort possible. The mutual affection of this couple could not escape the notice of their friends, who were always so welcome to their home. May his soul rest in peace.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, January 30, 1923

VIRGIL LEROY MONTGOMERY 61, rural Prophetstown, passed away suddenly Wednesday evening at the Wilhelmi Motel, Rock Falls. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church Saturday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Paul Olson and the Rev. A. Dean of the First Congregational Church officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Virgil Montgomery was born May 18, 1908, in Mt. Auburn, the son of Roy and Nellie Margret Montgomery. He attended the Mt. Auburn schools and Illinois Normal University. He came to Prophetstown in 1961 from Alameda, Calif., after retiring from the Chlorox Co. where he was vice-president in charge of plant operations for 20 years. He was presently a farmer and farm manager. He married Margaret McGrady of Prophetstown in Chicago on March 31, 1945. He was third vice president of Illinois Dads Association at the University of Illinois. Survivors include the widow; one son, William L. of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; one daughter, Ann Schoup, Oak Park; two sisters, Mrs. Lowell Hines, Lincoln; Mrs. Ray Batemen, San Jose, Calif.; four grandchildren. He was preceded by one sister. Friends may call at the Gardner Funeral Home Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Melva Taylor

DONALD T. MORTHLAND , 91, of Four Seasons Living Center, Morrison, IL, died Friday, June 29, 2007 at Four Seasons Living Center. Doc was born January 26, 1916, in Albany, IL, to Charles and Leona Ruby (Hamm) Morthland. He was educated in the rural Whiteside County grade schools. He married Gertrude "Babe" Geerts on July 23, 1938 in Clinton, IA. She died October 8, 1997. He was employed by the former Northwestern Steel & Wire Company in Sterling, IL, retiring in 1978. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Morrison. He had served on the board of the Unionville School. Doc enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Survivors include three sons, Donald E. (Ruth) Morthland of Morrison, IL, Allan B. Morthland of Tampico, IL and Douglas Morthland of Morrison, IL; eight grandchildren, Julie (Mrs. Dick) Damhoff, JoAnn (Mrs. Mike) Ottens, Kimberley (Mrs. Dean) Perino, Tim (Krista) Morthland, Jason (Jean) Morthland, Scott Morthland, Tammi Morthland, Todd Morthland; eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Babe; one sister, Margaret; one brother, Blair Morthland.

JOSEPH HENRY MORTHLAND - The neighbors, and former neighbors and friends in Albany of Joseph Morthland were both shocked and grieved Monday morning, Aug. 6, 1912, when the news reached them of the sudden death at 7 o’clock of Mr. Morthland. The particulars as the Review has been able to gather them are, briefly, as follows. Mr. Morthland and sons, who were extensively engaged in the dairying industry, had just completed the milking and had returned to the house for breakfast when Mr. Morthland fell on the kitchen floor, the only words he uttered were, upon being questioned as to what the trouble was, “oh, I don’t know”. Death came in a few moments and before help reached them. Dr. Dimoud was summoned but life was extinct when he reached the home which is about nine miles from the town of Albany, Morrison road in Garden Plain. The physician pronounced cause of death apoplexy. Death is always terrible but how much more so is a death without warning, only those who have gone through the agony of it know. Mrs. Morthland, who is a wife of only a few months, and the sons are almost prostrated with grief and have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Joseph Henry Morthland was born Aug. 24, 1856 in Whitley county, Ind. And was of a family of five children only two of whom survive. He came to Illinois when a young man of 25 and two years later was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Laura Craig, daughter of Mrs. Amanada Booth, who living until May 11, 1905, having borne five sons four of whom survive both parents, namely: Charles, who is married and lives near his father’s farm, Kemuel, Raymond and Vernon, who was but three months old when he was deprived of his mother and has since been cared for by his grandmother Booth. His second marriage occurred Nov. 16, 1911, Miss Annie Richards being the lady of his choice. Other relatives are two brothers, C.E. Morthland of Moline, Mo. Arrived for the funeral and two cousins Mrs. Sis and Amos Pietcher of Albany. The funeral was held at 11 o”clock Thursday morning at the Methodist church in Albany conducted by the Pastor Rev. R. L. Griffin, and was largely attended by relatives and friends and members of the Masonic and Woodman orders of which the deceased was a member in good standing, all of whom greatly deplore the passing of a man who was a good husband and father, an obliging neighbor and friend. Interment was made in the family lot in beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Morthland (Great Grandfather of Clarence Morthland)

FAY MOTT - Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the Allen Funeral Home for Fay Mott of 604 1st Ave. , Sterling , who died Monday (24 Feb. 1969). The Rev. Brace Johnson, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling , officiated at the services with burial taking place in Riverside Cemetery . Members of Illinois State Police District 1 attended the services in a body. Mrs. Roscoe Eades was at the organ during the services. Pallbearers were Robert Thoman, Russell Arthur. George P. Miller, Fay Dancey, Wernon Schnitzmeyer and Norman Schumenman. Flowers were card for by Swartleys.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sterling Gazetee Feb 27, 1969

FLOXIE L. (BRYSON) MOTT , 77, of 604 First Avenue , Sterling , former Sterling Township Clerk, died Monday (26 Jul 1976) evening in the sterling Care Center Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home with the Rev. Leroy Horsier, pastor of the First Christian Church of Sterling . Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mrs. Mott was born April 14, 1899 in Clyde Township , Whiteside County , the daughter of Jesse and Anna Kimbely Bryson. She was united in marriage to Fay Mott on Oct 20, 1921. The couple spent their entire married life in Sterling . He preceded her in death on Feb. 24, 1969. Mrs. Mott worked as secretary and bookkeeper for Sterling Township and then as Sterling Township clerk for past four years prior to her retirement. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Hazel Manning of Sterling and one brother, Pearle Bryson of Moorhead , Minn. She is preceded by her parents, her husband Fay, six sisters and two brothers.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the 28 Jul 1976 Sterling Daily Gazette

HERBERT W. MOTT - Funeral services for Herbert W. Mott, 72, who died Thursday morning, were held Saturday afternnon at 1:30 in the Helm and Helm Funeral Home. The Rev. C. F. Chasteen, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiated. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were Earl Hanson, Fred and Ed Dessing, S. G. Wildman, Joe Reichard Sr. and Elmer Anderson. In charge of the floral tributes were Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Brooks.

JOSEPH MULL , a prominent citizen of Deer Grove died very suddenly at 9:30 Monday [05/29/1911] night of heart failure. The funeral will be held from the church in Tampico at 10 a. m. Thursday [06/01/1911]. Mr. Mull was fifty-two years of age and had been a resident of Deer Grove for ten years. He had been operating a pool and billiard hall in the village for some time. He had been in ill health for a few days but was not thought to be serious and when he came home that evening was apparently as well as ever. He had just asked his wife for the evening paper when he was stricken. The paper dropped from his hand and when his wife looked to see what was the matter she discovered that he was dying. Neighbors were summoned and came in to do what they couldbut he had passed beyond the aid of human hands.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

THELMA (SHELEY) MUSGROVE , 98, of Sterling died Friday, November 3, 2006 at Franklin Grove Nursing Home. Mrs. Musgrove was born December 5, 1907 in Barnes City, IA, the daughter of John and Viola (Stephens) Sheley. She married Homer Barrett Musgrove on December 2, 1932 in Iowa City, IA. He preceded her in death on April 10, 1978.

Survivors are two daughters, Sherral (James) Eshleman of Sterling, Margo (James) Tann of Monterey, CA; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two children, Barry Musgrove and Sheila Musgrove Hahn. Private graveside services will be held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park with Reverend Christine Gilbert, Pastor of Sterling First United Methodist Church of Sterling, officiating. Visitation will be 1-3 PM, Sunday, November 5th at the Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, IL. A memorial has been established to Sterling Schools Foundation or Sterling First United Methodist Church.

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