DUNCAN MACKAY :
Duncan MacKay was of Highland Scotch parentage, and was born in Sutherland Shire, Scotland, in January 1812. His parents were James MacKay and Anna (MacDonald) MacKay, and were both descended from families famous in the annals of Scotland. His father was, however, a man of peace, and famous only for his fine cattle, horses and sheep, of which he was a very successful breeder. Duncan was reared to the same gentle occupation, and assisted his father on the Highland farm until he was fifteen years of age. His education was only such as boys in his station usually got in Scotland at that time, except a term or two at a high school. In 1833 when twenty one years of age, he came to Nova Scotia, with an elder brother and sister, but not meeting with the proper encouragement in that country, in 1835 they moved just across the line and established themselves in Milton, Maine in the business of carriage making, a business they had successfully until the panic of 1837. This was the first financial revulsion of which they had ever heard, and it was a new experience when their debtors refused to pay or return their goods. The crisis prostrated their business and they were compelled to close it up. His brother William came West at once, while Duncan remained to settle up the affairs of the firm, and collect what he could. It took over two years to do this, but he had the satisfaction in 1840 of bringing with him West the greater part of the amount due them, aggregating about $4000.00. The elder brother originally started for the Pacific coast, intending to embark on business once more, at Vancouver's Island, or somewhere in the vicinity of Puget Sound, but passing over the matchless prairies of the West, he received a new revelation, and could get no further than Carroll County, Illinois. Thither Duncan followed, and they invested every dollar they could raise in the fine prairie soil of what is now Salem township, and stock of various kinds to grow upon it. The visions of possible soil wealth to be realized in stock raising upon Illinois prairies where the soil was inexhaustable, and hay and pasturage free, must have been dazzling in extreme to the young Scotch herdsmen; yet as the events proved fully capable of realization. The land had not yet been surveyed or come into market, and the brothers bought out the claims of seven squatters, amounting to about 1,120 acres. Of this amount Mr. MacKay owned about 600 in a body. Mr. MacKay married his cousin, Miss Jessie MacKay, while still in Nova Scotia. His parents and the rest of his father's family had come over, and to the new home in the Far West they all came. A small three-story log house at first gave shelter for a time to the entire company, numbering twenty-four grown persons, besides children, until houses could be built, and homes provided for all. In this original home, sanctified by religion, guarded by integrity,and supported by industry, such peace, happiness and contentment reigned, as rarely falls to the lot of man. For several years the family carried on the business of farming and stock raising , and grew rich, yet no member of the prosperous and happy community being able at any time to say "this is mine and that is thine". Mr MacKay was from youth an anti-slavery man, and took a keen interest in the growing contest between the two gigantic forces of freedom and slavery. He was opposed to the doctrine of aquatter sovereignty advocated by Douglas, while a great admirer of that great man and the abilities of. Then the war cloud burst upon the country. He was an enthusiastic and very efficient supporter of the government. He was at all times ready, with his counsel passed, was among the first to aid the government. Uniting with others the First National Bank of Mt. Carroll was established with a capital of $50,000. Confederate bonds and currency at that time were bearing a higher price than those of the government, and the outlook for the National cause was very grave, yet from purely patriotic motives these gentlemen came to the assistance of the government in her darkest hour, as fortunately did thousands of others, and with a rescued nation they have their reward. James Mark was the first president of the bank. He was succeeded the year following by Mr. MacKay who remained the Cheif Officer to the time of his death. March 23, 1882 Mr. MacKay had the misfortune to lose by fire his fine residence with the greatest part of its contents, at Oakville, where he had resided since first coming to Illinois. He then removed to Morrison, Dr. L. Smith having solicited Mr. MacKay to join him in a private bank in that city. He consented to do so, and the bank was formed, he remaining a partner therein until his withdrawal therefrom in 1887. June 6th, 1882, he joined his brother, John MacKay, and several others, in establishing a bank at Savanna, in Carroll County, with which he maintained his connection until his death. He was thus interested in three financial institutions, but with all his banking business, he never relinquished his interests in farming, and at one time owned twelve farms, all of which he either worked or rented. Without solicitation on his part in 1873 he received from Governor Beveridge appointment as one of the United States commissioners to the Vienna Expostion. With out any expense to the government he attended to his duties there, and afterward made the tour of Europe. Subsequently, he made two successive trips to Colorado for his health which with his excessive labors and advancing years was at times somewhat precarious. Mr. MacKay, as might be supposed, was a staunch temperance man. The death of one of his workmen while in Maine from exposure while under the influence of liquor, opened his eyes while yet a young man, to the awful character of the Liquor traffic, and he solemnly took a pledge, and put it into writing, thereafter neither to use it himself nor furnish it to his men. To that pledge he has sacredly adhered through a long life, and to it ascribed much of his prosperity. The danger of freely signing his name to other mens paper, early caused him to make it a rule never to do so except in cases of necessity or charity, and although ready at all times with a helping hand for the needy or deserving, he has found other means to aid them without violating a very wise and useful pledge. In religion Mr. MacKay was Presbyterian, in politics a republican, and everywhere a gentleman. He has never sought office, but always discouraged any effort to force it upon him, yet when elected has faithfully discharged his duties. Mr. MacKay's health had not been good for a number of years, but he attended assiduously to his various business interest unti his death of greatly loved daughter about a year ago, the loss of whom brought him great sorrow and he never fully recovered from the shock produced by her death. From that time his failing health has been noticable. He recovered from several severe attacks of the disease with which he was afflicted, and previous to the attack of heart trouble which terminated his life was more free from pain than for years, and hopes were entertained by his family and friends that his life might be prolonged for several years at least. On the day preceding his death he had been unusually cheerful, had walked about his home, and entertained visiting friends. Shortly after retiring he was noticed to be breathing heavily, and although everything possible was done to prolong life, about midnight the heart failed to perform its functions, and he peacefully sank to his final sleep. Mr. MacKay was an upright and honorable citizen, and through his long career of usefulness won the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. He was a great philanthropist and during his life gave away unostentatiously large sums of money to aid the freed men, the cause of home and foreign missions; church educational institutions, as well as dispensing with a family of nine children, all married, and with the widow with numerous relatives are left to mourn the loss of a loving father, husband and friend. The funeral services were held last Sunday afternoon, Rev. J. Frothingham of Waukegan, Illinois, holding short services at the residence, after which they repaired to the Presbyterian church where impressive ceremonies were conducted by Rev. J. W. Skinner, assisted by Rev. Frothingham. Besides prominent citizens of Mt. Carroll, Savanna and Lanark, and numerous old friends and neighbors from the vicinity of Mr. MacKay's old home in Carroll county were also present to pay the last sad tribute of respect to the departed. At the conclusion of the services of the church the body was taken to Grove Hill Cemetery, where it was interred beside his daughter. The pall bearers were composed of nephews and grandsons of the deceased. The honorary pall bearers were Hons. James Shaw, James Hunter, Samuel Preston of Mt. Carroll, D. W. Dame of Lanark, Wm. Finlison of Oakville, Hon H. C. Burchard and Judge E. P. Barton of Freeport, Chas Bent, Robt.Wallace and Wm. Frazer of Morrison

Contributed by Rose Correa-Young

Anna (GRONIS) McCUE , 75 Como died Monday at 11:30 p.m. in Home Hospital. The body rests at the Meyer Funeral Home where friends may visit after 7 o’clock this evening. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9 a.m. in the funeral home and 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. The Altar and Rosary Society which Mrs. McCue was a member will recite the rosary at 8 p.m.Wednesday in the Meyer Funeral Home. Mrs. McCue was born July 11, 1880 in Sterling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gronis and spent her entire life in this community. She was married to John McCue Oct. 12, 1898 in St. Mary Church by the Rev. Fr. Bennett. Theirs was the first marriage in St. Mary’s Church. Mr. McCue passed away in 1943. Surviving Mrs. McCue are three daughters and two sons. Mrs. Paul (Mary) Thomas of Erie, Mrs. Frank (Jennie) Tritz and John and Leo McCue of Sterling and Mrs. S.J. (Margaret) Ehman of Columbus, Nebraska. She also leaves two grandsons and two granddaughters, five great grandchildren and three sisters and one brother. They are Mrs. Thomas (Mae) Regan, Mrs. George (Jennie) Blair, and Mrs. Harry (Helen) Eberhardt of Sterling and George Gronis of Rock Falls. Preceding Mrs. McCue in death were her parents, husband, a son in infancy and five brothers and one sister, John, Charles, Paul, Frank and Albert Gronis and Mrs. Ralph (Maude) Eckel.
Sterling Gazette, March 13, 1956. Submitted by Colleen Ehman Butler

FLORENCE A. (GREEN) HULSE McCUE , widow of the late Lloyd McCue, 804 W. 15th St. Sterling, passed away in Community General Hospital Saturday evening. Mrs. McCue was born June 15, 1898, in Sterling the daughter of M.H. & and Ida Jane (Wilkenson) Green. She resided in this area her entire life and attended the local public schools. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling. Florence A. Green Hulse was united in marriage to Lloyd McCue, Nov. 5, 1929. Her husband preceded March 8, 1964. A son , Richard B. Hulse preceded Jan. 21, 1938. Mrs. McCue was the last member of her immediate family. Surviving are two cousins, Joseph C. Green and William J. Green both of Davenport IA. The body was moved to the Melvin Funeral Hoome where friends may call after 7 pm Monday. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Rev. Kenneth A. Mortonson, pastor of the First Presb. Church will officiate and burial will be in Riverside cemetery. (Date of Obit 13 July 1964)

JOHN JOSEPH McCUE , 75, of Como, prominent Hopkins township farmer and life long resident of Whiteside County, was fatally injured Sunday evening shortly before 7 o’clock when butted and trampled by a bull in the barn on his farm in Como. He passed away a few minutes after being rescued from the bull by Paul Thomas, his son-in-law. Mr. McCue had been doing the chores and his daughter, Mary, wife of Mr. Thomas, brought out some food for an American bald eagle which has been kept in a large cage in the barn for several years. Mr. McCue took the pan and entered the barn with it. He crossed the pen in which the bull was kept and was about to feed the eagle when the bull charged him. It is believed that the charge of the bull struck him in the back and forced him against the side of the pen with force enough to crush his ribs. Mrs. Thomas heard her father groaning and called to her husband who beat the bull away with an iron rod. Mr. McCue had been able to grab the ring in the bull’s nose and held on tightly until help arrived. The injured man was removed to the lawn. It first appeared he was not seriously injured as he talked with members of his family and others who were en route to a cabin along the river. He complained of pain in his back but said nothing of his chest injuries. A Physician was called but before his arrival Mr. McCue passed away. The body was removed to the Meyer Funeral Home and will be returned to the late home by 7 o’clock this evening where friends may call. The rosary will be recited Tuesday night at 8. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday morning at 9 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Msgr. A.J. Burns will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Coroner C.M. Frye will conduct the inquest this afternoon at 4:30 at the Meyer Funeral Homer. John Joseph McCue was born July 5, 1868 in Hopkins Township, the son of James and Margaret Doyle McCue, pioneers of this county. He was educated in the rural schools. Oct. 12, 1898 he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Gronis of Sterling. They were the first couple to be married in the present St. Mary Church. He and his bride took up their residence on the present farm which had been his home since 1887, the year of the big flood. They resided there since. Mr. McCue was a man held in high esteem and was popular with a host of warm friends. He was ever ready to assist those in need of help. His counsel and judgment were of the best. He was always ready with a quick answer in any repartee and had a fund of wit. He was the last member of his family and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Mrs. Paul Thomas, Mrs. Genevieve M. Forster, and Mrs. Margaret Friesen, wife of Lieut. Roy Friesen, of the air corps, who expects to be sent overseas shortly, and two sons, John McCue, Jr. of Leaf River and Leo McCue of Como. Mrs. Friesen just arrived home on Friday from Florida where she has been staying with her husband. Two grandchildren also survive. He was preceded in death by a son Charles, who passed away in infancy, four brothers, William, James, Edward and Thomas McCue and one sister Mrs. Mary Quinn.

Funeral Notice --- Funeral services for John J. McCue were held Wednesday morning at 9 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Rev. Leo Ambre celebrated requiem high mass. Msgr. A.J. Burns delivered the sermon. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery. The pallbearers were James Regan, Beverly Ogden, Carl Long, Frank Tritz, William Doyle and Thomas McCue. The many beautiful floral offerings were taken charge of by Mr. and Mrs. Willis Burr, Geraldine Grusendorf, Gladys Shuman, Russell Kelly and John Bowman. Relatives and friends from out of town attending the services were: Edward Quinn and family, Misses Margaret and Helen Quinn, John Quinn. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Quinn, Mrs. John O’Brien, Miss Geraldine Grusendorf, Mrs. Hugo Druckhammer, Paul Hermes, Mrs. E.P. Barry, and daughter Alice, Mrs. Sadie Zewiske and daughter Margaret and Miss Margaret Delaney, all of Chicago; James McCue and daughter Marjorie of Kansas City, MO.; Mrs. Emma Gronis of Fort Leavenworth, Kans.; Sister Frances Paula and Sister Carmelita of Our Lady of Angels Academy of Clinton, Ia.; Mrs. Hattie Heath and daughter Laura and Mrs. J.G. Gridley and daughter Lois of Morrison.
Sterling Gazette 22 July 1943 Contributed by Colleen Butler

PAUL W. McCUE , the late Sterling township road commissioner, were conducted Monday morning. there was a nine o’clock prayer service in the Grennan and Son Funeral Home and 9:30 requiem mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The Rev. Everett Hiller Officiated. The burial took place in Calvary Cemetery . Pallbearers were Stan Stockton, Doug and Robert Dawson, Alex Haglund, Andy Anderson and Tom Buckingham. Flowers were cared for by Jack Ryan, Robert Puckett and Lunidstroms. The Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus formed as honor guard at the funeral home and church, Full military rites were conducted at the graveside by the Sterling American Legion Post and the Burt E brown Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - June 24, 1969 Sterling Gazette

THOMAS JOSEPH McCUE , 74, of Freeport , died Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at his home. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison/Exelon until retiring. Mr. McCue was born Oct, 13, 1929, in Sterling , the son of Thomas R and Dorothy (Harmon) McCue. He served in the Army during the Korean War. He married e. Miriam Holdren on Oct 18, 1952, in Morrison. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Moseley-Loewe Post 998, eagles Club 679 and the Moose Lodge of Freeport. Survivors include his wife; a son Roark E McCue of Louisville , KY. ; and a sister, Doris Ann (Frank) Dressler of Sterling. He was preceded in death by two sons, William James McCue; and Thomas Joseph McCue; a daughter, Carol Ann McCue; and a brother Paul McCue. There are no services planned. Cremation rites were accorded. Arrangements were completed by Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, Freeport .
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the May 1, 2004 Daily Gazette

ROBERT MCCUNE , 100, of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Morrison died June 2, 2005 at the home. He was employed by Wallace School, Sterling, as a custodian for 15 years, retiring in 1970. Mr.McCune was born Oct. 9, 1904 in Rock Island, the osn of Adin and Cora (Thomas) McCune. He married Agnes Schaver on July 2, 1937 in Fulton. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Agnes (Robert) Bonnell of Oregon and linda Joann (Melvin) Bauer of Sterling; two sons, Lauren (Carolyn) McCune of Rock Falls and Edward McCune of Sterling; a sister, Geraldine Peterson of Morrison; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandaughter. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Monday at Bethel Reformed Church in Sterling, with the Rev. Ken Zuithoff officiating. Burial is at Oak Knoll Cemetery.

TODD D. McELHINEY , age 57, of 16611 N. McCauley Lane, Mount Vernon, Illinois and formerly of Tampico died Monday, June 9, 2008 at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. Todd was born on August 22, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Lloyd and Alma (Caldwell) McElhiney. He was a laborer for Union Local #727 for over 30 years and was a member of the Mount Vernon Gun & Sportsman Club, the Sons of American Legion, The VFW Post #1376, and the Mount Vernon Elks. Todd will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandkids, family and his many friends. He is survived by three daughters Jennifer (Eric) Staples of Sterling, Illinois, Amanda (Nathan) Boettner of Forreston, Illinois, Jaleigh McElhiney of Mount Vernon, Illinois; his mother Alma McElhiney of Tampico, Illinois; 5 grandchildren Drew Pace, MacKenzie and Lexy Staples of Sterling, Illinois, Brooke and Evan Boettner of Forreston, Illinois; one brother Steven McElhiney of Tampico, Illinois; one sister Beth Brondas of Virginia; and one aunt Frances McElhiney of Marion, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father. Cremation rites were accorded. Memorial services were conducted on Saturday at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico, with the Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of the Tampico United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial of cremains will be at a later date at Hopewell Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois.
From Debbie Thormahlen - The Prophetstown Echo June 17, 2008

ELZINA MEAKINS died at 12:30 at her home in Coleta after an illness of several weeks illness of a general breaking down. Besides her husband she leaves three sons, Henry T. of near Coleta, William J. of Morrison, and Jerry L. of Milledgeville besides hundreds of friends and relatives. No arrangements have been made at this time for the funeral. A full obituary will appear later. The funeral of Mrs. Meakins was held this afternoon at 1:30 at the Liberal Brethren church, Rev. Barton officiated. Morrison, Feb. 22—Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Meakins attended the funeral of Mr. Meakin’s mother, Mrs. J. T. Meakins of Coleta Friday [02/21/1913] afternoon. Mrs. Meakins leaves a husband and three sons to mourn her departure. One daughter, Mrs. Liza Logue, wife of Nate Logue of this city preceded her mother in death a number of years ago. The relatives have the sympathy of their many friends in this time of sadness.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds

FLORENCE MARY / MAY (OVERHOLSER) MEAKINS was born June 19, 1871, one mile north of Coleta in Whiteside Co., Ill. Here she resided with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Overholser, until August 14, 1889, when she was married to Mr. Henry Meakins of Coleta. She departed this life at her home in Mt. Pleasant March 21, 1915. Age 43 years, 9 months, and 2 days. She confessed her Christ and was baptised when a young girl and for several years was a member of the U. B. church at Coleta, of which church she was a member at the time of her death, and she was a faithful attendant at church whenever she was able. She leaves to mourn her loss, besides her husband, five children, three daughters, Mrs. Vernon Smith of Morrison, Mrs. Arthur Maxwell and Mrs. Arthur Milroy of Genesee, two sons, Cloyd and Clair, one brother, Henry H. Overholser of Sterling, two sisters, Mrs. Delilah Chaffee of Milledgeville, and Mrs. Chas. Lunn of Forest City, Iowa. Four brothers and one sister have passed on before. A host of friends mourn her departure. She was very patient during her afflictions and was ready to go when her summons came. Florence, as she was known by all her friends here, was always cheerful and greeted her friends with a smile. She was a kind mother and wife, and will be missed in the family circle. The funeral services were held at the home at 9:30 and at the Liberal U. B. church at Coleta at 1 o’clock. Rev. Barton officiating, taking for his subject, I Samuel 20:3 “But a step, then death.” Miss Emma Bossoh of Sterling very sweetly sang “Face to Face”, “Rock of Ages”, and “Good-Night”. She was accompanied on the piano by Miss Anna Mundt. The floral offerings were beautiful and numerous. The pall bearers were James, Fred and Ralph Overholser. Will, Frank and Arthur Deets. Interment in the Bethel cemetery Carroll Co IL.

(Obituary)Florence May Overholser was born June 19, 1871 one mile north of Coleta. Here she resided with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Overholser until August 14, 1889 when she was united in marriage to Henry T. Meakins. She departed this life on March 21, 1915 aged 43 years. She confessed her Christ and was baptised when a young girl and for several years was a member of the U. B. church at Coleta of which church she was a member when she died. On account of failing health she did not attend services as regular as she desired although she never lost her faith in her Master and was found ready to go with her lamp trimmed and burning. She leaves to mourn her death five children, Mrs. Vernon Smith of near Morrison, Mrs. Arthur Maxwell and Mrs. Arthur Milroy of Coleta, Cloyd of near Morrison and Clare living at home, besides a loving husband, one brother, H. H. Overholser of Sterling and two sisters Mrs. Dehlah Chaffee of Milledgeville and Mrs. Charles Lund of Forest City, Iowa and scores of friends who have known her from childhood. Four brothers and one sister preceded her to the great beyond. During her illness she was patient and cheerful and greeted her friends with a smile and was a kind mother and wife and will be greatly missed in the family circle.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, March 25, 1915

HENRY MEAKINS , a well known Morrison resident, passed away at 7 o’clock Tuesday [02/25/1930] evening in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vernon H. Smith, 213 East Winfield street. He had been confined to his bed since last November and prior to that time was in failing health for a number of months. Tentative funeral arrangements are for services Friday afternoon at 12:30 o’clock in the Vernon H. Smith home and at 2:30 o’clock in the Liberal U. B. church, Coleta, Rev. A. L. Smith, pastor o the Bethesda Lutheran church of Morrison, who is a friend of the family, will officiate. Mr. Meakins will be buried in the Bethel cemetery near Milledgeville, where his wife is buried. The deceased was born Oct. 4, 1867, in Wysox township, Carroll county, where he spent his early life. He was married Aug. 19, 1889, to Florence Overholser, who preceded him in death March 21, 1915. The couple resided in Coleta 16 years and later lived four years in Sterling. After wards they became residents of Morrison and vicinity. Mr. Meakins was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Surviving members of the family are the following children: Mrs. Vernon H. Smith, Mrs. Arthur Milroy and Cloyd Meakins, of Morrison; Mrs. Arthur Maxwell, of Coleta, and Claire Meakins, of near Chicago. He also leaves two brothers, Jerry Meakins of Milledgeville and William Meakins of Bloomington, Ind., besides a large circle of friends.

Funeral Notice - The funeral services of Henry Meakins, who passed away Tuesday evening were held Friday [02/28/1930] afternoon, a short service at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vernon H. Smith, 213 East Winfield street being followed by rites at 2:30 o’clock at the Liberal U. B. church at Coleta, conducted by Rev. A. L. Smith of the Bethesda Lutheran church of Morrison, who was assisted by Rev. LeRoy Laumann of the Coleta church. The male quartette of the Morrison Methodist church, consisting of Glenn Craddock, John Mohrman, C. F. Sandrock and A. C. Nelson, contributed beautiful selection to the services, which were attended by a large number of friends. Interment was made in Bethel cemetery near Milledgeville.

Another Funeral Notice -- Services Held At Coleta U. B. Church On Friday - Funeral services for the late Henry T. Meakins was held at 2:30 o’clock Friday [02/25/1930] afternoon at the Liberal U. B. church in Coleta conducted by Rev. A. L. Smith pastor of the Lutheran church of Morrison, assisted by Rev. LeRoy Laumann, pastor of the Coleta U. B. church. Rev. Smith spoke comforting words to the sorrowing friends, using as his text, Isaiah 25th chapter and 9th verse. A male quartet from Morrison comosed [sic] of Glenn Craddock, John Morhman, Nelson Alfred and C. E. Sandrock sang appropriate selections, assisted on the piano by Mrs. Harold Beswick. The floral tributes were many and very beautiful. The following friends of the deceased acted as pall bearers R. E. Overholser, Miles Wallace, W. J. Hurless, F. R. Overholser, W. G. Heide, L. V. Reecher. Burial was in the Bethel cemetery near Milledgeville. Henry T. Meakins, oldest son of John and Eliza Meakins was born in Wysox township, Carroll county, Oct. 4, 1867, where he spent his early life and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vernon Smith in Morrison Tuesday evening, Feb. 25, 1930, following several month, illness of a complication of diseases. . He was united in marriage to Florence Overholser August 19, 1889, who preceded him in death March 21, 1915. The couple resided in Coleta 16 years, after which they moved to Sterling and later occupied a farm near Morrison. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen. The following children survive, Mrs. Vernon Smith, Mrs. Arthur Milroy and Cloyd Meakins of Morrison; Mrs. A. H. Maxwell of Coleta, and Claire Meakins of near Chicago. He also leaves two brothers, William Meakins of Bloomington, Ind., and Jerry Meakins of Milledgeville, besides friends and relatives.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds / The Sterling Daily Gazette, February 26, 1930, page 4, column 2.

GRACE (DORATHY) MIDDLETON , 80, died Monday afternoon at the home of her niece Mrs. Jacob Housenga in Lyndon. The body was removed to the Gardner Funeral Chapel in Prophetstown where friends may call. Funeral services will conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the chapel the Rev. Nelson Chasteen, pastor of the Lyndon Congregational Church officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside cemetery in Prophetstown. Mrs. Middleton was born Aug. 3, 1880, the daughter of William and Clementine Toms Dorathy. She attended the Pleasant Ridge School. She married to Leonard Middleton on March 9, 1909. He preceded her in death in 1936. Survivors are two sisters, Mrs. Kate Burdsall, Prophetstown; Mrs. Leslie Sathoff, Sterling; one brother, Bruce Dorathy, Prophetstown.

Lyndon- Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon in the Gardner Chapel at Prophetstown for Mrs. Grace Middleton, who died at the home of her niece. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Housenga. Rev. Nelson Chasteen of Lyndon Congregational Church officiated. Durial was in the Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. Pallbearers were Art Egert, Ernest Johnson, Ronald Knishern Sr., Kenneth Rubright, Wayne Evans and Wallace Lawrence. In charge of flowers were Mrs. Alvin Fritz, Mrs. art egret and Mrs. Wayne Sawyer. Organ music was by Mrs. Ellen Dingman.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the August 16 & 22, 1960 Sterling Daily Gazette

LEO MIDDLETON , died this morning at the Himes Veteran Hospital where he had been a patient for the past two years. The body was brought to the Gardner Funeral Chapel where friends may call. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the chapel, the Rev. William Nicoll, pastor of the Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Mr. Middleton was born Nov. 8 1881 at Morrison the son of Leonard and Minnie Mericle Middleton. He was reared in the Prophetstown community and attended the Prophetstown schools. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of the Prophetstown American Legion Post. He worked as a molder at the Eclipse Lawn Mower Company for a number of years. Survivors are two brothers, Walter, Prophetstown and Verne, Highmore, S.D. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gerald. Prophetstown- Funeral services were conducted for Leo Middleton Sunday at the Gardner Chapel in Prophetstown. Mrs. Ellen Dingman was at the organ during the services.Pallbearers were Russell Brooks, Eldon Blair, John Kennedy, Perry Upton, Elmer Johnson and Harry Newlon. The rev. William A Nicoll, pastor of the Methodist Church, Prophetstown, officiated at the services. Assisting with the flowers were Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Olson and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lancaster. Burial was at the Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers from the January 27 & 27 , 1959 Sterling Daily Gazette

NELLIE MAE (MECK) MIDDLETON , 64, wife of Walter Middleton of Prophetstown passed away at 9:30 p.m. Monday at the family home. The body was removed to the Gardner funeral home where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. O. A. McKinley of the Congreational church will officiate. Committal will be in Odd Fellows cemetery. Mrs. Middleton was born in Pine Creek township, Ogle county, Nov. 31, 1886 the daughter of Ernest Hiram and Eliza Ann Meck. She was educated in the Dixon and Rock Falls schools. She was married to Walter Middleton of Prophetstown July 28, 1915 at Lyons, Iowa. She was a member of the Congregational church and of the Martha class. Besides her husband she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Delores Lynch, Sterling, and Mrs. Florence Dutcher, San Bernardino, Calif, and a niece, Norma Jean Krebbs, who made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Middleton. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois July 3, 1951 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

WALTER LEIGHTON MIDDLETON , 79, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Monday (08 Dec 1969) at Morrison Community Hospital where he had been a patient for three days. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m., at the Gardner Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Paul Olson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. He was born Jan. 16, 1890, in Morrison, the son of Leonard and Minnie Merrickle Middleton. He attended schools in Prophetstown and had spent his lifetime in Prophetstown. He married Nellie Meek, July 28, 1915. She passed away in 1951. He married Alice Copeland Middleton on Dec. 1, 1952. He is survived by his wife and one half brother, Lyle Colabaugh, Marshalltown, Ia., and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents and his first wife. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 pm. Tuesday at the Gardner Funeral Chapel.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois December 9, 1969 - Tuesday, pg 2

FRANK MORGARIDGE - Final tribute was paid to the memory of Frank Morgaridge, of Glenn Ridge, New Jersey, former resident of Sterling, at the funeral services held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, in the home of his brother, John Morgaridge, in Galt. Officiating at the services was the Reverend J. F. Corpe, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Rock Falls. There were many beautiful floral offerings of friendship and esteem. Committment was made in Riverside cemetery. The pall-bearers were Dr. H.G. Hoover, George Greenough, E.L. Stevens, R.W.E. Mitchell, Ed Haberle and Fred Sundberg. Members of the family left bereaved are his wife, Mary Sowles Morgaridge, daughter Betty, son Robert, and a brother, John Morgaridge, besides many other relatives and friends. Friends and business associates from out of town attending the services were E. F. Griggs, Harry Moss, Mr. Penneston, Mrs. Richardson, Kenneth Morgaridge, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Sowles of Chicago, Mr. Gillecs, New York City, Charles Miller, Columbus, Ohio, and R. E. Truman of Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Hunter Wood and Mrs. Fred Geyer had charge of the flowers.
Contributed by Linda Simmons from the Sterling Daily Gazette, Monday, May 16, 1932, P. 10, Col. 2

JOHN MORGARIDGE , 76, former well known resident of this community, died in Chicago Monday night following an extended illness. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Morgaridge and was born in Como. He resided in Como and Galt all of his life with the exception of his last few years when he went to Chicago to make his home with a son, Kenneth. For more than 20 years he was employed as a salesman by the Eureka Company, retiring in 1942. He was always interested in civic and community affairs during his residence in this area. He was secretary of the Sterling Elks Lodge for some years. Surviving are the son, Kenneth, in Chicago, and a granddaughter, Roxanna. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a niece, Miss Betty Morgaridge. The body will be brought to the Trouth funeral home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home at 2 p.m. Thursday, with burial in Riverside Cemetery. The Rev. Paul Bloomquist, pastor of Fourth Street Methodist Church, will conduct the services.
Contributed by Linda Simmons from the Sterling Daily Gazette, Tuesday, May 27, 1952, P. 1; Col. 8

TRUMAN MORGARIDGE - The funeral of Truman C. Morgaridge, who passed away at his home, 611 West Third Street, Sterling, Ill., on Saturday morning last, will be held at the residence Tuesday at 2:30. The ceremony will be in charge of the Sterling Lodge B.P.O. Elks of which he was a member. Rev. E.C. Harris will conduct the services. Interment at Riverside. Truman C. Morgaridge was born Dec. 3, 1856 at Como, Ill. For the past ten years he has resided in Sterling. He was married Feb. 24, 1892, at Alma, Neb., to Miss Lula Severn, who he leaves to mourn him. He is also survived by one brother, W.D. Morgaridge of Galt, Ill. Mr. Morgaridge came of real pioneer stock, the kind that settled in this community at an early date. "True", as he was commonly known among his friends, was, up to within the last few years, when his health failed him, a very successful salesman. His perpetual smile and happy disposition won him hosts of friends from coast to coast who will mourn his death. He was an ardent lover of nature and in his spare moments one could find him on the banks of Rock river which he loved so well, or hunting in the fields and woods around Como, where he spent his boyhood.

Contributed by Linda Simmons from the Sterling Gazette, Page 2, Col. 4 - November 14, 1921

WILLIAM D. MORGARIDGE was born on a farm in Morgan County, Ohio May 8, 1836, and passed away at his home in Galt, Ill., June 3, 1924 at the age of 88 years and 26 days. He was united in marriage at Como, Ill., to Miss Roxanna E. Olds Dec. 13, 1866, and his wife preceded him in death, having passed away in the year 1917. Three children were born to this union, Frank of New York City, John, living at home, and Freddie, who died Feb. 28, 1874. The deceased was one of the respected citizens of Galt and had lived at the family residence in that city for more than forty-five years. He belonged to Company B, 13th Illinois Regiment, and served in the Civil War for three years. He was a remarkable man without a single vice, or unkind thought of anyone. The funeral was held from his late home in Galt on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. rev. J. G. Little, pastor of the First Baptist church officiating. Burial took place beside his wife in Riverside Cemetery.
Contributed by Linda Simmons from the Sterling Daily Gazette, Saturday, June 7, 1924, p. 10, col. 1 & 2

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