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31 July 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Caroline HILLS nee SCHULER (1850-1917)

Joliet Evening Herald News, Joliet, Illinois, 15 November 1917 Vol. XIII, No. 336
MRS. HILLS DIES IN PONTIAC
  Lockport, Nov. 15.-Ms. Carrie Hills of Pontiac, 66 years old, died this morning in her home after several days’ illness, according to word received by her sister, Mrs. Mary Keeler, Eighth street. Mrs. Hills, who was Miss Carrie Schuler, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Schuler, was born in Lockport and resided here many years.
  She is survived by two sons, Alfred and Harry Hills; a daughter, Mrs. Carrie Hendershot, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Keeler of this city.
  Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Joliet Evening Herald News, Joliet, Illinois, 16 November 1917 Vol. XIII, No. 337, p 4
Funeral of Mrs. Hills.
 The funeral of Mrs. Carrie Hills of Pontiac, formerly of Lockport, will be held tomorrow afternoon. The body will arrive over the Chicago and Alton railroad at 12:38 o'clock and the funeral party will go direct to the Lockport cemetery where burial will be made.

Sunday's Obituary - Mary Ann KEELER, nee SCHULER (1848-1933)


Joliet Sunday Herald-News, 24 February 1933, XXIX, #98, 24 February 1933.
Aged Resident Dies.
  Mrs. Mary A. Keeler, 84 years old, one of the oldest residents of Lockport, died at her home, 802 Jefferson street this morning after a brief illness.
  Mrs. Keeler was born in Lockport on March 3, 1838 [1848] and has resided here ever since.
  She is survived by her two daughters, Miss Julia, of Joliet, and Miss Alice A. of Lockport.
  Funeral services will be held from the home Sunday afternoon with the Rev. William Royston, pastor of the First United Methodist church officiating. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Joliet Evening Herald-News, 24 February 1933, XXIX, #96, 24 February 1933.
KEELER - Mrs. Mary A., age 84, died Feb. 24, 1933, at her home, 802 Jefferson St., Lockport. Survived by two daughters, Miss Julia of Chicago, and Miss Alice of Lockport. Funeral from her home Sunday at 2 p.m. Rev. William A. Royston officiating. Burial in Lockport cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary - Elizabeth Hamilton, nee Baumgarten (1867-1943)


Joliet Herald-News, 2 December 1943, vol XXXX, no. 12
Today In Lockport
By
Lorraine Mackin
Telephone Lockport 346 

  Lockport, Dec. 2-Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, 76 years old, a life long resident of Lockport, died at her home, 202 Jefferson street, this morning after a short illness.
  She was born in Lockport Aug. 31, 1867; and had been an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and Aid society.
  Surviving are ten children, Mrs. Florence Morey of Marseilles, Ill., Albert C. Hamilton of New Lenox, Mrs. Katherine Kreiger of Huntley, Ill., Seaman First Class Harry Hamilton, stationed with the navy at Glenview; Mrs. Elsie Kirchner, Mrs. Gertrude Devine, Robert Hamilton, Mrs. Mildred Bankroff, Martin and
Mable, all of Lockport, a sister, Mrs. Anna Hill of Downers Grove, 36 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
  The body is at the Goodale funeral home, where friends may call after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. The funeral will be held from the funeral home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and to St. Paul's Lutheran church at 2:30. The Rev. Walter R?hold will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.


Joliet Herald-News, 2 December 1943, vol XXXX, no. 12, pg 23.

DEATHS
HAMILTON-Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, 76 years old, died at her home, 202 Jefferson street, Lockport, this morning. Survived are ten children. They are: Mrs. Florence Morey of Marseilles, Ill., Albert C. Hamilton of New Lenox, Mrs. Katherine Kreiger of Huntley, Ill. Seaman First Class Harry Hamilton stationed with the United States Navy at Glenview, Mrs. Elsie Kirchner, Mrs. Gertrude Devine, Robert Hamilton, Mrs. Mildred Bankroff, Martin and Mable, all of Lockport; one sister, Mrs. Anna Hill, of Downers Grove, Ill.; also 30 grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. The body has been removed to the Goodale Funeral Home, where friends may call after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and in St. Paul's Lutheran church at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev. Walter Rehold, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary - Harry BAUMGARTEN ( 1869-1937)


Joliet Evening Herald-News, 7 May 1937, pg 42.
BAUMGARTEN - Harry, 67 years old, of Homer township, died in St. Joseph's hospital, last night after a brief illness. Survived by two sisters, Mrs. Anna Hill of Chicago, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton of Lockport: one brother, Herman, of Ada, Minn. Body removed to the Goodale Funeral Home, Hamilton street, Lockport from where funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock. The Rev. Walter Bezold, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Sunday's Obituary - Agnes Denick (1910-1989)


"DENICK, AGNES E.," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 10 October 1989, section 2.
Funeral notices
DENICK, AGNES E.
Age 79 of Lockport, IL. October 8, 1989 at Lakewood Living Center. Born April 23, 1910 in Lockport, a lifelong resident. 1928 graduate from Northwestern Nursing College. Retired from Union Oil in 1975 as an industrial nurse, after 23 years of service. Member of First United Methodist Church of Lockport, Sarah D. Moon Chapter Order of Eastern Star, Founder and Past President of Lockport Business and Professional Women's Club and Past President Northwestern Alumni Association.
Preceded in death by her parents Fred and Sarah E. McCudden Denick, one sister Cora M. Nolan and one brother Milo F. Denick. Survived by one niece, Betty Kesner of Front Royal, VA, three nephews William I. Nolan of Allegan, MI, Fred Nolan of Waldport, OR, and George M. Denick of Sanford, CT. Funeral services will be held at the First United Church on Thursday, October 12, where she will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. until services at 10 a.m., Rev. Martha Lewis officiating. Interment Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Goodale Funeral Home, 912 S. Hamilton St. Lockport. Order of Eastern Star Services at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Sunday's Obituary - Mrs. Lydia DODGE (1796-1874)

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Mrs. Lydia Dodge (1796-1874)

Will County Currier [Illinois], 2 September 1874, page 8
 On the 29th of August, 1878, of paralysis; Mrs. Lydia Dodge of Homer. Aged 78 years, 1 month, 11 days.
 Mrs. Dodge is the mother of Anson Dodge Esq. She was taken with paralysis last Thursday when all the family were home except two children, who ran for help to the neighbors. Her husband died a year ago the same month.

Sunday's Obituary - Charles Henry Schuler or Shuler (1845-1904)


Joliet Daily Republican, Joliet, Illinois, Saturday, December 24, 1904
Lockport.
Lockport, Dec. 24
Died, last evening at 10:40 o'clock, Charles Schuler, one of Lockport's old residents. For over a year Mr. Schuler was a sufferer from dropsy. Funeral Monday afternoon at 2:30 from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Pemberton. The latter is a brother of the deceased.

Shuler, Charles Henry (1845-1904)
Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, Vol. 29. Thursday December 29, 1904, Mo. 52, page 1
Death of Charles H. Shuler.
  Charles Henry Shuler died last Friday, Dec. 23, 1904, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. George Pemberton, on Ninth street, Lockport, Ill., aged 59 years, 3 months, 7 days. Death resulted from dropsy, after a long period of suffering.
  Mr. Schuler was born Sep. 16, 1845, within a block of the place where his life ended. He was a veteran of the civil war, serving in Co. I, 19th [9] Ill. Cavalry under Captain H.M. Jenner. Following the war he became a boatman on the I. & M. canal and followed the fortunes of life on the old waterway until his final illness prevented further activity.
  The decedent was never married. He leaves one brother, John Shuler, and four sisters, Mrs. Eliza Pemberton, Mrs. Mary Keeler, Mrs. Agnes Donaldson and Mrs. Carrie Hill, all of Lockport, except the latter, who resides at Pontiac.
  Funeral services were held at the Pemberton residence Sunday, conducted by Rev. R.H. Dolliver, of the M.E. church and interment was in Lockport cemetery.

24 July 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Nathan N. Armstrong (1831-1895)

Tonica News, 8 March 1895

Died Feb.27, 1895, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Kilmer, near Marseilles, N. N. Armstrong, at an advanced age in life. Mrs. Kilmer sends us this notice with additional information that the deceased was for many years a resident of this vicinity. He leaves 2 brothers, 1 sister, 3 sons, and 4 daughters to mourn his loss. The remains were buried on the 28th at the Lowell Cem., beside those of his wife.

Daughters of the American Revolution, Illinois Chapter, compiler. Cemeteries in LaSalle County, Illinois, vol. 2, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1956, p 44.

SW corner of the W 1/2 of SW 1/4 Section 9 Twp 32N (Vermillion) Range 2 East of 3rd PM
public burying ground 1835 Messrs SEELEY & ELLIOTT
lot 36 Silas ARMSTRONG no record of a burial prior to 1900
lot 71 O.M. ARMSTRONG
Nathan N. ARMSTRONG Feb 1, 1831-Feb 27, 1894
Jane BAKER, his wife, Feb 13, 1841 - Nov 16, 1875
1860 Courtney T Son of N & J ARMSTRONG age 6 mos
Feb 4, 1870 Mathew A Aged 68 yrs

Sunday’s Obituary - Oscar Armstrong (1886-1920) part I


Streator Daily Free Press.
Friday, February 20, 1920, pg 3
READING MAN BREAKS NECK IN ACCIDENT
Oscar Armstrong Dies From Injuries in Mine Accident
  Oscar Armstrong, a well known resident of Reading township died at St. Mary’s hospital at noon today as result of an accident yesterday when he sustained a fracture of the spinal column when he was knocked into a ravine by a runaway coal car.
  Mr. Armstrong was at work on the top of his mine yesterday which is located on the south side of the Vermillion river, just a short distance from the Santa Fe railroad bridge, southwest of town. The shaft is a strip mine and when the coal is cut out of the earth it is put in small flat cars and hauled over to the railroad where it is taken into the city. Yesterday morning a car had been loaded and was being taken away from the shaft. The car was traveling at a slow rate of speed and Mr. Armstrong was walking in front of it. In some manner the cluth [cluch] on the car slipped causing the brakes to be released. Mr. Armstrong did not notice this until the car was almost upon him and before he could gain a place of safety he had been hit and hurled down into a ravine which has a depth of about twelve feet. Mr. Armstrong was struck on the back of his neck and shoulders and when picked up be fellow workmen was unconscious. He was given first aid treatment at the mine and then hurried to the hospital. A doctor was called and after an examination stated that the man had fractured his spinal column in several places and was in a very serious condition. The injured man continued to grow worse during the day and late last night Dr. Beesley, a specialist from Chicago was called. After examining the man the specialist gave the relatives little hopes for his recovery.
      Married Local Girl.
  Mr. Armstrong was very well known in Streator having married Miss Genie Patterson, a local girl. The couple have one little girl. He has been employed by the road commissioner of Reading township for a number of years and has just lately finished grading a road on Stump street and one from Bloomington street to the Streator Clay Works. During the recent coal shortage he leased the mine from Herbert Miller and supplied coal to the Western Glass factory until the coal trouble was settled. Mr. Armstrong had not been in the habit of working at the shaft and was there yesterday overseeing some new work that had been started. The injured man was the son of John Armstrong, one of the bet well known farmers in Reading township and resided in the village of Reading.
  At noon today came the sad news that Mr. Armstrong had passed away. The community of Reading is grief stricken over the terrible catastrophe which has robbed the township of one of its most valuable men. The decedent is survived by his parents, three brothers, James, Clyde and Ray, and one sister, Mrs. Lulu Defenbugh. His wife and one little daughter, Phyllis, aged three, also survive.

Sunday’s obituary – Mrs. William Kampe, [Selma Elsner] (1887-1928)


Joliet Evening Herald-News, Monday, February 13 1928
pg 2
Mrs. William Kampe Dies in Frankfort
  Mrs. William Kampe, 42 years old, a life long resident of Frankfort, died at her home in Frankfort at 4 o'clock this morning following in illness of one week.
  Mrs. Kampe is survived by her husband; a son, Henry Kampe; and one daughter, Miss Wilma Kampe.
  Funeral services will be held from the home at 1:30 o'clock to St. Peter's Evangelical church and burial will be in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Announcements - Death
pg 14
KAMPE - Mrs. Wm. Kampe, nee Elsner died in her home in Frankfort, at 4 a.m. February 13, aged 42 years. She is survived by her husband, one son, Henry, one daughter, Wilma. Funeral will be at her home Wednesday afternoon at 1:30, to St. Peter's Evangelical church. Burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

William & Selma Elsner Kampe

Sunday’s obituary – Edward Schuler (1876-1940)


Joliet Sunday Herald-News, May 12, 1940
pg 22
Edward SCHULER 67, Life Resident of Lockport, Dies
  Edward SCHULER, 67 lifetime resident of Lockport, died late yesterday at St. Joseph's hospital. He had been ill only a short time prior to his death.
  He is survived by a brother, William, and a sister, Mrs. William THIEBEN, both of Lockport. The body is at the Goodale Funeral home in Lockport and funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Joliet Evening Herald-News, Monday May 13, 1940
pg 14
Announcements - Death
SCHULER - Funeral services for Edward SCHULER, 63 years old, will be held from Goodale Funeral home, Lockport, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Royal J. SYNWOLT, pastor of First Methodist church will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.


Sunday’s Obituary - Roseann Armstrong nee Julien (1828-1902)


Streator Daily Free Press.
VOL. XXI. – NO. 6643 Thursday, July 31, 1902 Pg 5
DEATH OF MRS. ARMSTRONG.
She Had Lived Near Reading Almost Forty Years.
  The death of Mrs. Roseann Armstrong, which was briefly mentioned in yesterday’s Free Press, occurred at 1:20 o’clock yesterday afternoon at her home, one mile west of Reading, she having been ill with catarrhal fever and complication of disease since July 4.
  Mrs. Armstrong was 74 years of age at the time of her death. She was born July 3, 1828, in Hocking county, Ohio, and lived there until she had grown to womanhood, when she moved with her parents to Pickaway county, in the same state, where, two years later, June 7, 1863, she was united in marriage to George Armstrong.
  Immediately after their marriage Mr. Armstrong and his wife moved to Illinois and settled on a farm now owned by their son, George, and located across the road from what is now his mother’s place. Mr. Armstrong died there July 10, 1864, but Mrs. Armstrong continued to reside in that locality until her death.
  Mrs. Armstrong is survived by one son, George, of Reading Township, who was only a few months old when his father passed away; by two brothers, Rene Julien, of Reading township, and George W. Julien, of Hocking county, Ohio, and two sisters, Miss Zelda Julien, of Pickaway county, Ohio, and Mrs. Montgomery Hedges, of Fairfield County, O. Mrs. Armstrong was the third oldest of a family of fourteen children, ten of whom are now dead.
  The funeral will be held Saturday morning, with services, conducted by Rev. Spencer, of Ancona, at the house at 9 o’clock. The interment will be made in Moon’s cemetery.

23 July 2011

Surname Saturday – Cemetery relocation surnames


The following surnames are from the thirty-one cemeteries relocated by the Army Corps of Engineers during the Grayson Dam Project in eastern KY in 1964.l

The article “RG 21 case #718 land condemnation records at NARA at Atlanta” posted on metro Atlanta Genealogy on www.examiner.com provides more information regarding cases. The textual records are available for research at the National Archives at Atlanta, 5780 Jonesboro Rd, Morrow, GA 30260, 770-968-2100.

Abbott, Adams, Arnett, Ballard, Barker, Barry, Birchum, Blankenbeckler, Bledsoe, Blevins, Boggs, Bowling, Branham, Brickey, Browning, Bryant, Carpenter, Carroll, Church, Clay, Clayton, Cole, Conley, Craig, Creech, Crockett, Davidson, Duncan, Edmiston, Ely, Evans, Fraley, Gause, Gibson, Gilbert, Grave, Gray, Greer, Hale, Hall, Harper, Harris, Hearberlin, Hollingsworth, Horton, Hylton, Johnson, Justice, King, Kitchen, Knipp, Lander, Leadingham, Lewis, Maggard, Mainus, McDavid, McMeans, Miller, Mobley, Newland, Oney, Palmer,
Parsons, Pennington, Pope, Qualls, Rayburn, Rice, Salmons, Salyers, Sexton, Simpson, Smith, Sparks, Stirgill, Tackett, Templeton, Toliver, Trivett, Vicars, Walker, Wallace, Wilcox, Williams, Wilson, Workman, Wright

21 July 2011

Treasure Chest Thursday – book used by Capt. W.J. Schuler, I & M Canal


Wow, what a treasure chest find yesterday, 20 July 2011, I found a book used by my grandfather William J. Schuler (1872-1965) for navigating the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

The book is a government printing of Document No. 263, House of Representatives report with survey and maps of the Illinois and Michigan Canal. The report was published in 1905. From 1898 to 1914, Captain Schuler piloted boats down the canal. In 1914, he piloted the last boat the entire viable length of the canal from Peru to Lockport. The boat “Niagara” was owned by the Morton Salt Company.

The book is in the collection of The Will County Historical Society, 803 S. State St, Lockport, IL 60441, 815-838-5080 and www.willcountyhistoricalsociety.org
info@willcountyhistory.org.

 Who stitched the cover? Every treasure adds more questions.

17 July 2011

Sunday’s obituary – Harry Dralle (1902-1918)


The Monee Review Volume XIII Number 30 Monee, Illinois Thursday, July 25, 1918
 front page
Harry DRALLE Killed in Field
  Harry DRALLE, the third son of Mrs. F.H. DRALLE living near Andres, died Thursday afternoon from injuries received in an accident, the particulars of which will never be known as there were no witnesses.
  Harry had gone to the field about 11 o'clock with a spreader filled with manure. Sometime later the team returned to the barn without the driver. A search was made for the boy and he was found in the field in an unconscious condition. A physician was summoned from Manhattan and restoratives being applied he regained consciousness but could give no explanation of what had happened.
  An examination showed that he had suffered a severe concussion of the chest and it was thought that he had fallen from the spreader and one of the heavy wheels had gazed against his chest with force enough to cause the injury.
  The boy lingered until 3 p.m. when he died from a hemorrhage of the lungs.
  An inquest was held by Coroner WUNDERLICH. The verdict of the jury was that the boy came to his death through accident.
  Harry was almost 16 years old. He was born on the homestead where the family now lives August 16, 1902. Last year he entered Peotone high school as a freshman and made a good record during the year. He was a bright, likeable young fellow and was respected by his schoolmates and friends.
  He leaves to mourn his untimely death a mother and four brothers.
  The funeral was held at the Green Garden Methodist church Sunday afternoon. The service was conducted by the pastor, The Rev. Mr. STANNER. The church was filled to overflowing with friends and neighbors who wished to express their sympathy with the bereaved family.

Sunday's Obituary - James Pemberton (1837-1911)



Obituary for James Pemberton
Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, Vol 36, No 45, Thursday November 9, 1911, Homer News

Information gleaned:
Civil War veteran
Died in Old Soldiers’ Home in Danville
Interment was Brooks’ cemetery
Born in Yorkshire, England, October 1837
Immigrated in 1847
Married Lucinda Bump in 1860
Five children with four living, Mrs. Alfaretta Kopelman, Mrs. Butcher, Mrs. Corwin, and Thomas Pemberton

Sunday's Obituary - Frederick Kampe (1826-1908)


The Joliet Daily News
Friday, January 24, 1908
Green Garden
Green Garden, Jan. 20- Frederick KAMPE, an aged settler of the community, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles KARCH Thursday Morning, Jan. 9 at the age of 81 years, 8 months and 25 days. The deceased leaves two daughters, Mrs. Charles KARCH and Mrs. Fred RAHM, and one son, John KAMPE, all residents of this vicinity, besides a large number of other relatives and friends to morn his death. The funeral occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Green Garden German E.L. church Rev. BERGER of the Green Garden church and Rev. LAMBRECK of Frankfort officiating. Burial at Green Garden cemetery.

The Joliet Daily Republican
Frankfort - Jan 16 -
pg 2
  Mr. Fred KAMPE Sr. died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. KARCH Thursday after an illness of several months.
  Funeral services were conducted at the house by Rev. C. BERGER. Internment in the Green Garden cemetery.

Kampe homestead

Sunday's Obituary - Caroline ELSNER (1861-1931)


Joliet Evening Herald-News, Friday, January 2, 1931
Frankfort
pg 28
Frankfort Jan 2 - Mrs. Charles ELSNER died at her home in Frankfort, yesterday. She is survived by her husband, one daughter Mrs. Mabel SCHROEDER, two sons, George and Henry of Frankfort and one sister, Mrs. Louise ALLEN of Joliet. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Evangelical church. Burial will be made in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Announcements - Deaths
pg 30
ELSNER - Mrs. Charles, nee Caroline KOPPELMANN, aged 69, died at her home in Frankfort, Jan. 1, 1931. Survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Mabel SCHROEDER, two sons George and Henry of Frankfort, and one sister Mrs. Louise ALLEN of Joliet. Funeral from the Evangelical church, Sunday, Jan. 4, 1931 at 2 p.m. Burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

newspaper unknown

Mrs. Charles Elsner, 69 years old, died at her home in Frankfort New Year's day. She was born in Hadley, Ill. April 8, 1861, and on March 24, 1881, she was united in marriage to Charles Elsner, of Frankfort. She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Mrs. Mable Schroeder; two sons, George and Henry, all of Frankfort, and one sister, Mrs. Louis Allen, of Joliet. The funeral was held Sunday from the St. Peter's Evangelical church. Burial was made in Pleasant Hill cemetery. The Rev. G.B. Gerhold officiated.

Elsner family, Frankfort, Illinois

Sunday’s Obituary - Oscar Armstrong (1886-1920) part II


Streator Daily Free Press.
Saturday, February 21, 1920, pg 1
READING LOSES FINE CHARACTER
[UNABLE TO READ SEVERAL WORDS] OSCAR ARMSTRONG IS A  ????ABLE LOSS TO HIS COMMUNITY.
  Oscar Armstrong, well known Reading contractor, whose death occurred yesterday at 11:45 as the result of an accident in a strip mine Thursday, is mourned by countless friends all over this section of the state. The tragic death of the young man proved such a great shock to his friends that they were unable to realize that the robust and virile young man had been summoned so suddenly. The fatal accident which occurred on the Miller property at Reading Thursday was most unfortunate. Mr. Armstrong’s death is an irreparable loss to his community which could ill afford to spare such a resident. He was of a very quiet disposition and had an enviable reputation, that he had never been known to utter an oath. During the recent coal shortage he went into the coal business and had leased the Herbert miller strip mine where the fatal accident occurred in which Mr. Armstrong’s neck was broken by a runaway coal car.
  The members of his family were all around the bedside of the injured man when death came to him at St. Mary’s hospital yesterday.
  Oscar Armstrong, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Armstrong, was born in Streator, April, 1886. He was married in September, 1910 in Ottawa to Jane Patterson, daughter of Mrs. John Anderson and niece of W.B. Patterson.
  Armstrong survives with one daughter, Phyllis, aged three. He is also survived by his parents and three brothers and one sister, James, Chicago; Clyde, Reading; Ray of Streator, and Mrs. Lulu Defenbaugh, Streator.
       Mr. Armstrong was a member of the Christian Church at Ancona.
One of the most consistent Christian characters in the church. He was upright in all his dealings, reliable and aggressive and had a promising future before him. He was contractor for many hard roads in his township.
  Funeral services will be help Sunday at 2 p.m. from the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson, at 202 E. Broadway to the Central Christian church at 2:30. Interment in Riverview.

Wednesday, February 25, 1920, p2
READING BRIEFS
Large Number of Residents of Township at Armstrong Funeral.
READING-One of the largest crowds ever assembled at a funeral gathered at the Church of Christ in Streator on Sunday afternoon to pay their last tribute of respect to Oscar Armstrong, a highly respected resident of Reading township. Rev. J.W. Camp, pastor of the Ancona Christian church officiated and he dwelt long on the character of the deceased; a male quartet rendered several touching songs. The church was banked with flowers of every color. Interment was made in Riverview cemetery.
  The following relatives from out of town attended the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. James Armstrong, Chicago, Mrs. Clara Burt, Charles Armstrong, Geo. Burt, Paul North, Muncie, Indiana; Carl Holcomb, Virden; Sheriff and Mrs. Ayres and family; Dume Armstrong; Mr. And Mrs. Elmer Armstrong; and Mrs. And Mrs. Fraser, all of Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Will Overton, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Overton, Kankakee, Mr. and Mrs. Will Eveley, George and Andrew Scholer, Chicago.

Sunday's Obituary - J.M. Kilmer (1863-1921)


Daily Republican-Times, Ottawa, Illinois

Wednesday, October 19, 1921
J.M. Kilmer Succumbs at Iowa City, Iowa
pg 6
   J.M. Kilmer, aged 58, a former resident of Marseilles and Seneca, died at the Iowa City hospital, Iowa City, Iowa at 11 o'clock Monday night after a lingering illness. His death was caused by complication of diseases.
   The deceased was born March 13, 1863, in Manlius Township and resided in that vicinity most of his life. For a time he resided in Marseilles and thence went to Seneca, which town he left 11 years ago for Iowa. He was in the draying business in Marseilles and Seneca.
   He was married three times. In 1885 he married Mary Armstrong, who died in 1906. His second marriage took place in Ottawa in 1907, when he took Mae Bennett, of this city as his bride. She died three weeks after the wedding. His third marriage took place in this city when he married Mrs. Walter Sheldon, of Marseilles, in 1909. Three children were born of this union. The couple separated about a year ago, and since that time Mr. Kilmer had been living with a sister in Iowa.
   Surviving he leaves his wife, three children - James, Lucille and Georgia - two brothers - Peter Kilmer, of Lincoln, Neb. and W.J. Kilmer, of Waverly, Iowa - and three sisters - Mrs. Edward Bowers, of Ottawa, Mrs. Olive Trumper, Mason City, Iowa, and Mrs. Morellia Lane, Green Mountain, Iowa.
  The body will be shipped to Seneca for burial.

Seneca - Agency at Beffel's Store
p 8
Former Local Resident Will be Buried Here
   James Monroe Kilmer, better know to his friends in Seneca and vicinity as Roy Kilmer, died at the Iowa City hospital at Iowa City, Iowa, on October 17th. The cause of his death was high blood pressure and Bright's disease. The body will be brought to Seneca, arriving here sometime tomorrow morning. It will be taken to the home of his nephew, William Kilmer, in Seneca, and the funeral service will be held at the Kilmer home at 1 o'clock tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery.
   Mr. Kilmer was well known in Seneca. He was in the draying business here for several years, and previous to that he farmed east of Seneca. He was born near Marseilles and spent most of his life in LaSalle county. He made Seneca his home for years, and left the last time ten years ago. He was first united in marriage with Miss Mary Armstrong, who died from injuries received in a fall while the family was living in the "brick house" on the Morris road, east of Seneca. He was again married, and his second wife died in 1908. He was married again, and his third wife survives him.
   Mr. Kilmer was 56 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, three children -James Edward Kilmer, Lucille Catherine Kilmer and George Kilmer, all at home - and by three sisters - Mrs. Edward Bowers, of Ottawa, Mrs. Marilla Lane, of Green Mountain, Iowa, and Mrs. E.H. Trumper, of Mason City, Iowa - and two brothers- W.J. Kilmer, of Waverly, Iowa, and Peter Kilmer of Lincoln, Neb.

Friday, October 21, 1921
Seneca - Agency at Beffel's Store
p 12
Many Attend Funeral Service for Roy Kilmer
   The funeral service of Roy Kilmer was held at the home of his nephew, W.A. Kilmer, at two o'clock yesterday afternoon. A large number of Seneca relatives and friends as will as friends and relatives from other towns, attended the service. Rev. J. F. Lawler, of Ottawa, had charge of the service. Mrs. Nina Goldie and Miss Isabelle Marshall of the Seneca Methodist church choir sang. The pall-bearers were William Underhill, Thomas Wright, Pat Judge, Thomas Wright [2x's], Frank Kelecher, and G.A. Gerber.
   Among those from out of town who attended were W.J. Kilmer, Waverly, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Tremper, Estherville, Iowa; James Kilmer, Estherville, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. John Sigler and Mr. and Mrs. William Sigler, Mrs. Dave Roe, Mrs. Lillie Holcomb, Mrs. John Edwards, Mr. and Mrs. James McIntyre and daughter, Margaret, Robert Sigler, all of Marseilles; Mr. and Mrs. Martin Williams of Grand Ridge; Walter and Arthur Kilmer, of Verona, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Bowers, Mrs. Katherine Stadden and daughter Myrtle and Mrs. Esther Shelton, all of Seneca.

Sunday's Obituary - Charles Elsner (1853-1941)


Joliet Evening Herald-News, Tuesday, November 11, 1941
pg 3
Charles ELSNER, 89, Dies at Frankfort; Rites Tomorrow
  Frankfort's oldest resident, Charles Elsner, 89 years old, died yesterday in the home of his son, George ELSNER, Frankfort, after a long illness.
  Charles ELSNER, born in Germany, came to the United States with his parents when he was five years old, and most of his life was spent in Frankfort.
  Surviving are two sons, George and Henry, both of Frankfort, and eight grandchildren.
  The funeral will be held from the home of George ELSNER at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, with burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery.

Announcements - Death
pg 16
ELSNER - Charles, Nov. 10. 1941 age 89 years, at the home of his son, George ELSNER, Frankfort Township. Survived by 2 sons, George and Henry of Frankfort; 8 grand children. Funeral Wednesday 2:30 p.m. from the home of his son, George. Burial in Pleasant Hill cemetery.
Charles Elsner

Sunday's Obituary - Charlotte Kampe (1826-1896)

The Daily Republican, Joliet, Illinois

Monday, November 16, 1896
Green Garden
Pg 4
Charlotte Kempe [Kampe], wife of Fred Kempe [Kampe], died at the age of 70 years after a short sickness. Although a resident of Frankfort, she was a member of one of our churches and well acquainted here. She was buried at the Evangelical Lutheran cemetery, a large number of friends attending her funeral. Mrs. Kempe [Kampe] leaves her husband and three children, one being the wife of Fred Rahm.



15 July 2011

Sunday's Obituary - Herman Sieling (1828-1900)


Peotone Vedette   Volume VII
Peotone, Illinois, Friday Evening, March 30, 1900     Number 9
Around Home [front page]
A Pioneer Goes Home
  Herman Sieling, one of the pioneers of eastern Will county, died at his home in this city Tuesday evening, March 27, of heart disease.
  He was born in Hoie, Hanover province, Germany, Dec. 17, 1828. In 1860 he came to Will county and settled on a farm in Green Garden. The following year he married Dorethea Niese, who with four daughters, survive him.
  In 1870, he moved into Peotone township where he lived on a farm until 1895 when he retired from the activities of life and removed to this city.
  Mr. Sieling was a well known citizen and he had a wide circle of friends. He was a member of the North Peotone church. The funeral was held at church today at noon, Rev. C.H. Wittbracht conducting the service.
  The surviving children of the deceased are Mrs. Louise Schmidt, Peotone; Mrs. Bernard Bruns, Worthington, Minn; Mrs. Theo. Bruns, Grandville, Iowa, and Mrs. Henry Ritzman, Frankfort Station, Il.

12 July 2011

books with a genealogy theme


One of the goals for my genealogical road trip from Georgia to Lockport, Illinois is research time at the Lockport Branch of the DesPlaines Valley Public Library District. In the past, many hours have been spent reading newspapers on microfilm and looking for area history. This year I have been sidetracked. Walking into the library, the room is decorated in medieval castle décor. “A Midsummer Knight’s Read” is the theme of the summer reading program with adult prizes for adult readers. As I already wanted to read the book Call Me, Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber made into a Hallmark movie, joining the program was an easy decision.

In my searches, I found:
Legacy by Danielle Steel is a well written genealogical fiction book. The author explores the question of how in 1784 does a daughter of the Sioux Indian chief marry a French nobleman?
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron offers relaxation and historical information about Spencer, Iowa in the 1980’s. Dewey Readmore Books brought the town people together during difficult times.
Pit Pony is a book, movie and DVD centered on life in Nova Scotia cir. 1900.
Fly Boys is a DVD on the life of the first volunteer pilots from the U.S. during World War I in the Escadrille.

In the Lockport Public Library, located at 121 E. 8th St, Lockport, IL 60411, newspaper microfilm rolls and the original cir. 1890’s city directories are waiting patiently to be explored.

For more information on the World War I research American Eagles and Lafayette Escadrille by Narayan Sengupta and check out the World War I aviation website at www.usaww1.com.