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David Welker |
David Welker was born on May 30 or 31, 1810 in Union Township, Knox County, the son of of John and Elizabeth (Gaumer) Welker Sr., and the first of the family to
be born in Ohio.
Courtesy Bradley Welker
David was twice married. His first bride was Margaret Darling (or "Durbin") (1811-1856), daughter of Abraham and Rhoda (Shrimplin) Darling. They were wed on March 29, 1832 in Knox County.
The couple produced 10 children over the span of two decades, from 1833 to 1853. They include Rhoda Workman, Dickson "Lemuel" Welker, Dora Price, Lilburn Welker, Mary Markley Stephens, Sophia Jane Butler, Sarah Welker, Marilla Shaw, Catherine Welker and William Morgan Welker.
The 1850 federal census enumeration shows the family residing on a farm in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH. Within a few years, they pulled up stakes and relocated to a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County in Central Illinois.
Sadly, Margaret died there on March 26, 1856, just three days before what would have been her 45th birthday. Her remains were laid to rest in the sacred soil of Morning Star Cemetery in Enion, Fulton County. A stone was erected to mark her final resting place.
After eight years as a widower, David married again, to Rachel M. (Riley) Morningstar (Dec. 23, 1820-1891). She was the daughter of Nathaniel and Hannah Riley, originally of Washington
County, PA who had migrated to Ohio in about 1805. Their nuptials were officiated by justice of the peace Doty Farmer in Knox County on Jan. 6, 1857.
Courtesy Bradley Welker
Rachel brought four stepchildren into the combined family from an earlier marriage -- Abraham Morningstar, James Morningstar, Carrie Morningstar and Philander Morningstar.
The couple produced four more children of their own -- George Riley Welker, Eda L. Welker, Emma Welker and Charles D. Welker. Sadly, the youngest three of these offspring died in childhood, Emma on April 19, 1862 -- Eda on Sept. 17, 1864 -- and Charles on Nov. 1, 1864. The little ones all sleep for eternity in Morning Star Cemetery. The girls' grave markers feature a carving of a dove at the top, representing innocence and purity, while the boy's shows a lamb, symbolizing youth and fragility.
Their marriage lasted for six years, until David's death on May 22, 1863 in Kerton Township, Fulton County, at the age of 52. The remains were lowered under the sod of Morning Star Cemetery in Enion, Fulton County.
Rachel survived her spouse as a widow for another 28 years. She suffered the untimely death of her 21-year-old son Philander Morningstar on Nov. 5, 1870.
She passed into eternity on Nov. 15, 1891, at the age of 70 years, 10 months and 23 days. Her remains also were placed into repose in the Morning Star Cemetery.
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| Welker children's graves, L-R: Emma (1862), Eda (1864), Charles (1864) Courtesy Bradley Welker (left and right) and Marilee (center) |
~ Daughter Rhoda (Welker) Dixon Workman ~
Daughter Rhoda Welker (1833-1924) was born in 1833 in Jackson Township, Knox County.
Courtesy Marcia Stephens
She first entered into marriage on Feb. 1, 1852 or 1853 with James Dixon (1826-1906), an immigrant from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. They exchanged their vows in Fulton County.
Four known offspring of the pair were Robert Bruce Dixon, Margaret J. Dixon, John Dixon and Frank Dixon.
Circa 1860, they dwelled on a farm in Hickory Township, Schuyler County, IL, receiving their mail through the Butlersville post office.
Their marriage appears to have dissolved in divorce.
Then on Jan. 28, 1881 or 1882, in Cass County, IL, she wed 37-year-old Joseph Workman (Oct. 9, 1844-1920). He was the son of Upton and Jane (Emory) Workman. He stood 5 feet, 7½ inches tall and had brown hair and blue eyes.
Joseph was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Union Army with the 11th Illinois Cavalry, Company G. He initially enlisted on Oct. 19, 1861, at the age of 17, and his regiment was engaged in the Battles of Shiloh, Corinth (MS), Lexington (TN) and Egypt Station (MS). He rejoined the regiment on Feb. 18, 1864, at Camp Butler, IL. He received his honorable discharge in Louisville, KY on July 14, 1865.
Joseph was granted a military pension on Aug. 24, 1890 as compensation for wartime injuries/ailments. [Invalid App. No. 842.316 - Cert. No. 585.703] He received monthly payments from the government for the rest of his life.
Sadly, Joseph surrendered to the angel of death in Hickory, Schuyler County at the age of 76 on Nov. 5, 1920. Interment was in Bluff City Cemetery.
As a widow, Rhoda was entitled to her late husband's pension. It was approved in 1921. [Widow App. No. 1.171.447 - Cert. No. 899.059]
Rhoda died at the age of 91, in Peoria, IL, on Sept. 26, 1924. Interment was in Bluff City (IL) Cemetery.
Former husband James Dixon passed away in Schuyler County, IL on Sept. 18, 1906. He sleeps for the ages in Bluff City (IL) Cemetery.
Son Robert Bruce Dixon (1854-1926) was born on Nov. 5, 1853 in Fulton County, IL. He was thrice-wed. On New Year's Day 1875, in Schuyler County, IL, he married his first wife, Mary Parker (1854-1882). One son of the couple was Leroy Dixon. They were together for seven years until her untimely passing on June 12, 1882. Her remains were interred in Bluff City Cemetery in Schuyler County. Later that same year, on Dec. 4, 1882, he entered into marriage with his second bride, widow Elizabeth C. (Louderbach/Lauterback) Briney (1959-1892). She brought a stepson into the union, Dr. Harry Welby Briney. Robert and Elizabeth went on to bear a pair of children -- Grover Cleveland Dixon and Earl Bruce Dixon. Robert and Elizabeth spent a decade of married life together until she died on Dec. 16, 1892. Burial also was in Bluff City Cemetery. Robert waited for three years and then married a third time, in 1895, to Henrietta "Etta" Taylor (1870-1962). She is believed to have brought a stepson into the union, Lyle Taylor, who eventually took on the Dixon surname. Robert passed away at the age of 72, in Schuyler County, IL, on Jan. 31, 1926. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery in Fulton County.
- Grandson Leroy Dixon (1880-1947) was born on May 24, 1880 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. In 1903, he wed Corda May Sackman (Aug. 30, 1884-1974). Two sons borne of this union were Russell Owens Dixon and Kenneth Lyle Dixon. At the age of 67, Leroy passed away on July 29, 1947. Interment was in Bluff City Cemetery. Corda lived for another 27 years. She died in Browning, IL in Aug. 1947.
Great-grandson Russell Owens Dixon (1904-1979)
Great-grandson Kenneth Lyle Dixon (1907-1983)
- Step-grandson Dr. Harry Welby Briney Sr. (1881-1923) was born on Oct. 18, 1881 in Peoria, IL. He may have been raised by his uncle and aunt, Dr. and Mrs. Briney in Castor, MO. He was an alumnus of Bloomfield (MO) High School. He went on in 1907 to graduate from the Louisville (KY) Medical College and became a physician. In 1909, Harry was married to Dorothy Mabrie Proctor (1888- ? ). Two children of this couple were Dorothy Elizabeth Shiver and Harry Welby Briney Jr. Harry set up his medical practice in Antlers, OK (1907), Kosoma, OK (1909), Bristow, OK (1911) and Petty, TX (1913-1918). But he was stricken with tuberculosis and in August 1922 began to receive medical care from Dr. J.L. Hammond of Paris. The following September, after a hemorrhage set in, death ensued in Paris at the age of 41 on Sept. 26, 1923. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Paris.
Step-great-granddaughter Dorothy Elizabeth Briney (1910-1970) was born on New Year's Eve 1910 in Bristow, OK. She spent her life in Paris, Lamar County, TX. Dorothy tied the knot with John Shiver ( ? - ? ). She was a longtime school teacher. Their final residence was at 100 Southeast 20th Street. Dorothy contracted kidney disease and cancer of the right ovary and suffered for six months. She died in St. Joseph Hospital at the age of 59 on April 8, 1970. The remains were interred in Evergreen Cemetery in Paris.
Step-great-grandson Harry Welby Briney Jr. (1915- ? ) was born in 1915 in Texas. He is believed to have wed Jean Lois Francill McFarland (1918-1994).
- Grandson Grover Cleveland Dixon (1885-1969) was born on Feb. 17, 1885 in Schuyler County. He entered into marriage in 1908 with Violet Lee Whitehead (1886-1962). Sadly, Violet surrendered to the angel of death in 1962. Grover survived her by seven years. He died at the age of 84 in April 1969. The remains were laid to rest in Sheldons Grove Cemetery.
- Grandson Earl Bruce Dixon (1887-1987) was born on Jan. 22, 1887 in or near Bluff City in Hickory Township, Schuyler County. Either five days before or four days after Christmas 1917 (records differ), at the age of 30, he exchanged vows of marriage with Blanche Osborne (Jan. 15, 1891-1984), also originally from Bluff City and the daughter of Orange and Della (Butler) Osborne. The wedding was held in Havana, IL. Four offspring were born into this family -- Dolores Jenkins, Priscilla Bucher, Elizabeth Acker and Phillip Dixon. Earl is known to have joined the U.S. Army during World War I. The Dixons were longtime farmers in Sheldons Grove and Rushville. They held a membership in the Rushville United Methodist Church, and he belonged to the local post of the American Legion. Their home at the end was considered rural route Browning, IL. At the age of 93, Blanche passed away in Culbertson Memorial Hospital on March 3, 1984. Rev. Evan D. Williams officiated her obsequies. Earl outlived her by nearly three years. Sadly, just 10 days before what would have been his 100th birthday, Earl died in Culbertson Hospital on Jan. 12, 1987. Rev. Bruce W. Bolin Ghitalla presided over the funeral rites, and the remains were laid into eternal repose in Astoria Cemetery. An obituary in the Peoria Journal Star noted that he was survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Great-granddaughter Dolores Violet Dixon (1920-1999) wed (?) Jenkins. She lived in the Fulton County seat of Lewistown in 1987.
Great-granddaughter Priscilla Dixon (1921-2002) married (?) Bucher. She put down roots in Macomb, IL.
Great-granddaughter Elizabeth Dixon tied the knot with (?) Acker. She settled in Rushville, Schuyler County.
Great-grandson Phillip Virgil Dixon (1918-1996) resided in Browning, IL in 1987.
- Step-grandson Lyle Taylor Dixon (1893-1970) was born on March 28, 1893 in Bluff City, IL. He was two years old when his mother married Robert Bruce Dixon, and Lyle eventually took on the "Dixon" surname. In 1916, he married Almina "Mina" Whited (1900-1973). An only daughter was Freda Melissa Hodges. They dwelled in Michigan early in the marriage. Then for some years they lived in Peoria, IL and in about 1952 relocated to St. Louis, MO. Their address there was 5757 66th Street North. A final move was to Madeira Beach, FL. Death spirited him away at the age of 77 on Dec. 3, 1970. A requiem mass was sung in Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Bernard F. Dittman. His remains are at rest in Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL. An obituary in the Tampa Bay Times named two brothers, Clifford of San Diego and Carl of Browning, IL.
Step-great-granddaughter Freda Melissa Dixon (1918-1956) was born in 1918 in Michigan. She was joined in matrimony in 1937 with Kenneth W. Hodges (1911-1974). They settled in Peoria, IL before their marriage crumbled in divorce. In about 1954 Freda migrated to Madeira Beach, FL. She was the mother of Dennis Michael Hodges and Mary Bernadette Hodges. Freda earned a living as a laboratory technician at St. Anthony's Hospital, and she held a membership in St. John's Catholic Church. The family was enveloped in mourning when Freda died at the age of 38 on May 19, 1956. Burial was in St. Petersburg's Memorial Park Cemetery.
Daughter Margaret Jane Dixon (1855-1944) was born on Sept. 17, 1855 in Illinois. Circa 1872, she married William M. Price (1851-1934), son of Lewis and Sarah (Butler) Price. Two known sons were Albert Nelson Price and Franklin Nesbond Price. They were longtime farmers in Astoria, Fulton County, IL. William died in Astoria on June 3, 1934. Margaret Jane survived him by nine-and-a-half years. The angel of death cleaved her away on New Year's Day 1944 in Fulton County, at the age of 88. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Albert Nelson Price (1874-1959) was born on Aug. 6, 1874 in Hickory Township, Schuyler County, IL. He grew up attending grade school in Bluff City and then in 1897 graduated from Valparaiso (IN) Normal School. In young manhood he was a merchant in Bluff City. But restless, he pursued a career as a lawyer, studying under the tutelage of U.G. Butcher and J.D. Wooley in Astoria, IL. He moved to Kansas and was admitted to practice law in the state in 1893. He was twice-wed. Circa 1897, he was joined in wedlock with Cassie T. Danner (Nov. 25, 1877-1929), daughter of Henry S. and Catherine (Trone) Danner of near Astoria. One known child of this union was Harold Malcolm Price. Albert apparently was not satisfied with the legal profession and in 1903 he acquired the Astoria Argus newspaper, taking a Republican viewpoint. He was said to be a "forceful and expressive" journalist. In 1910, he merged operations with the Astoria Searchlight, a competing newspaper owned by A.E. Scott. The combined Argus-Searchlight publication was said to have a "fine literary style and good typographical appearance" and for 36-plus years was "one of the newsiest and most influential weeklies in this section, and its guiding spirit..." He is known to have served for a term as an Astoria Township supervisor and a term as the town clerk. Sadness blanketed the family when, after a lengthy illness, Cassie died at home at the age of 51 on Oct. 30, 1929. An obituary in the local newspaper eulogized that she
...was a loyal, untiring worker for every cause that was uplifting; she was a kind, faithful friend, whose home was daily devoted to those whom she loved; she was a true Christian -- the kind that, always forgetful to self, lived for others. Everywhere she will be missed -- in her home; in the Christian church, where she was a most earnest worker; in the Astoria Chapter of the Order of the Easter Star, where during the year 1927-28, she was Worthy Matron; among a host of friends, who so dearly loved her. Two years ago she was stricken with cancer. Since that time, because of her intense suffering, she could not enjoy the many pleasures of life, which were once hers. But she fought a good fight; she kept the faith. Though Cassie Danner Price is removed visibly from the outward eye, the lessons that she taught, the kind words that she uttered, the remarkable deeds of generosity by which she was characterized, will ever survive.
Obituary, 1929 - courtesy John Farr
Funeral rites were conducted in the local Christian Church, jointly led by Rev. W.T. Nichols, Rev. Seitzinger, Rev. Day and Rev. Norris. The remains were placed into rest in the Astoria Memorial Mausoleum. A year later, grieving family friend Lilace K. Burr of Moorhead, MN penned a poem, "We Remember," she said, "because she was my mother's friend and my friend; because of the friendship that has always existed between you and your family and the Kidd family."
We Remember
In the hush of October eve,
When star-fires burned in the dusk,
An angel came
Who called your name--
You answered.So, from earth you journeyed out
To lands that lie just beyond,
Where loving hands
Of angel bands
Caressed you.'Twas in the Garden of To-morrow,
Where blossoms never fade,
You found repose
From earthly woes--
Blessed rest.In mem'ry's lavender and myrrh,
Where rare earth-treasures remain,
Your cheerful smile
And life worth while,
With us stay.
--By Lilace K. Burr, Moorhead, MN
Courtesy John Farr, Find-a-Grave
After two years of mourning, Albert in 1931 married a second time to widow Bessie M. (Sackman) Hamm (1891-1973). She brought two stepchildren into the family, Clifton Farrell "Jack" Hamm and Joan O. Stanley. They were together for 28 years until the separation of death. Albert died at the age of 84 on July 13, 1959. His remains sleep for the ages in Astoria Cemetery. Bessie endured for 23-plus years and passed away on Feb. 9, 1973.
- Grandson Franklin Nesbond Price (1877-1953) was born on Nov. 30, 1877 in Schuyler County, IL. In 1894, at the age of about 17, he entered into marriage with Daisy Horton (Dec. 1, 1877-1960), daughter of John and Elizabeth (Darling) Horton. Two known offspring were Helen Katherine Burgard and Homer Lewis Price. They belonged to the Sheldons Grove Methodist Church. Death swept Franklin away into the hereafter at the age of 75 on either May 5, 1953 or July 20, 1953. Burial was in Sheldons Grove Cemetery. Daisy died in Culbertson Memorial Hospital on Nov. 1, 1960. An obituary in the Rushville Times said she had been "a lifelong resident of Hickory township."
Great-granddaughter Helen Katherine Price (1897-1973) married (?) Burgard. Her home in 1960 was in Browning, IL.
Great-grandson Homer Lewis Price (1908-2003) settled in Mount Sterling, IL, where in 1960 he served as principal of the Brown County High School.
Great-grandson Harold Malcolm Price (1909-1980) was born on Jan. 23, 1909 in Astoria, IL. He was married twice. His first spouse, whom he wed on Sept. 28, 1933, was Irene Louder ( ? -1979). Irene died on April 27, 1979. Four months later, he tied the marital cord in Aug. 1979 with Zelda (Billingsley) Goode ( ? - ? ). Harold died in Mason County, IL on Nov. 11, 1980.
Step-great-grandson Clifton Farrell "Jack" Hamm (1913-1989)
Step-great-granddaughter Joan O. Hamm (1926-2008) wed (?) Stanley.
Son John J. Dixon (1862-1950) was born on Dec. 9, 1862 in Schuyler County, IL. On June 12, 1887, in Schuyler County, he tied the knot with Alice Jane Curless (1864-1924). They resided in Peoria and were the parents of at least three sons -- Ross J. Dixon, Frank S. Dixon and Ernest Dixon. Sadness cascaded over the family when son Ernest died in 1898 at the age of three years. John made his living on the water and in 1900, he and his brother Frank together worked in Peoria as commercial fishermen. He "opened a packet steamboat line in 1905, operating from Peoria to Henry and later to St. Louis," said the Chicago Tribune. "In 1926, he founded the Eagle Bus company which operated from Peoria to Kansas City. The line was purchased by Santa Fe Trailways in 1934." The family was plunged into grief when Alice passed away in Peoria on Sept. 9, 1924. John lived for another 26 years. At the age of 87, on June 29, 1950, he died in Peoria. The remains were laid to rest in Peoria's Springdale Cemetery.
- Grandson Ross J. Dixon (1888-1968) was born on Oct. 22, 1888 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. He wed Stella Crumrine ( ? - ? ), daughter of David W. Crumrine. The pair settled in Peoria, IL and produced four sons -- Robert B. Dixon Sr., Donald Ross Dixon, John David Dixon Sr. and an unnamed son who died in infancy. Ross made a living as owner of Dixon Fisheries of Peoria and was vice president of the Eagle Motor Coach Lines, Fort Clark Distilleries and the Dixon-Fredman Liquor Company. At the age of 79, he slipped away into the realm of death in Peoria's St. Francis Hospital on Oct. 9, 1968. Burial was in Peoria's Springdale Cemetery. An obituary in the Bloomington Pantagraph misspelled his first name as "Russ" and said he was "brother-in-law of Ernest Crumrine of Rutland."
Great-grandson Robert B. Dixon Sr. (1915-1999)
Great-grandson Donald Ross Dixon (1922-2002)
Great-grandson John David Dixon Sr. (1928-2016)
- Grandson Frank S. Dixon (1890-1938) was born on Aug. 29, 1890 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. At the age of about six, he moved with his family to Peoria, IL. Frank married Eleanor Kirk (Jan. 28, 1894-1988), daughter of Carl and Elizabeth (Weiland) Kirk. The couple planted themselves in Peoria, where he managed a fishery business. Their only known child was Betty Jane Nyberg. Sadly, the 47-year-old Frank died on Valentine's Day 1938 in Peoria. Burial was in Springdale Cemetery. Eleanor survived him by five decades and appears to have relocated to Orange County, CA. Death took her away on Feb. 18, 1988. The body was brought back to Peoria for interment.
Great-granddaughter Betty Jane Dixon (1918-2018) wed (?) Nyberg.
Son Frank Dixon (1865- ? ) was born in May 1865. A bachelor at the age of 35, in 1900, he lived under the roof of his married brother John in Peoria, IL, and worked with the brother as a commercial fisherman. Then on Oct. 21, 1902, in Pekin, IL, he tied the marital cord with Belle Moore McClelland ( ? - ? ). His life details are a misty haze. There is some evidence to suggest that he may have been institutionalized in Hastings State Hospital in Denver, NE and died in Ingleside, Adams County, NE on March 19, 1936, but this is not confirmed.
~ Son Dickson "Lemuel" Welker ~
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| Lemuel and Caroline (Potter) Welker - courtesy Marilee, Find-a-Grave |
Son Dickson "Lemuel" Welker (1835-1899) was born on Aug. 20, 1835 in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH.
He migrated with his family in 1848 to Illinois and settled on a farm in Summum, Fulton County, IL.
Lemuel joined the Union Army during the Civil War and was assigned to the 85th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to sergeant. He is known to have taken part in the battles of Stones River, Resaca, Buzzard Roost, Kenesaw Mountain, and Jonesboro, among others.
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| Civil War battlefield at Chickamauga |
Lemuel is known to have been wounded in action at the Battle of Chickamauga. Details will be added here once learned. At the end of the war, he received an honorable discharge in Springfield, IL and returned home.
On April 6, 1868, in Fulton County, IL, he was united in holy matrimony with
Caroline E. Potter (Sept. 3, 1844-1915), daughter of William and Lois S. (Hafford) Potter of Luzerne County, PA.
Courtesy Marilee, Find-a-Grave
The pair put down roots in Fulton County and did not reproduce. They owned a 160-acre farm in Section 9 and received their mail through the Marbletown post office. They are profiled in the 1879 volume, History of Fulton County, Illinois, by C.C. Chapman. Politically, said the History of Fulton County, he was independent, "voting for the man and not the party."
Lemuel died near Astoria, in Woodland Township, Fulton County on April 2 or 22, 1899. The widowed Caroline immediately filed to receive a Civil War widow's pension, and it was granted on May 1. [Widow App. No. 697.478 - Cert. No. 650.922]
He is named in Henry J. Aten's 1901 book, History of the 85th Illinois Volunteers, Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Caroline outlived him by 14 years. She is said to have fractured the base of the skull after a fall down a flight of stairs and passed away in Astoria at the age of 70 on June 22, 1915. Burial was in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Astoria.
~ Son Lilburn Welker ~
Son Lilburn Welker (1838-1864) was born on Feb. 2, 1838 in Jackson Township, Knox County.
In about 1848, he relocated with his parents to a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County in Central Illinois.
The federal census enumeration of 1860 shows him in his parents' farming household in Kerton Township, drawing his mail at the Summum post office.
Sadly, Lilburn died at the age of 26 in Kenton Township on Nov. 29, 1864. The cause of his untimely death is not yet known. His remains were placed into repose in Morning Star Cemetery in Fulton County.
~ Daughter Mary "Polly" (Welker) Markley Stephens ~
Daughter Mary "Polly" Welker (1840-1925) was born on Aug. 17, 1840 in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH.
Courtesy Marcia Stephens
When she was age eight, in about 1848, she migrated with her parents Illinois and when she was age 13, they settled on a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County in Central Illinois.
She was twice married. Her first wedding was on Oct. 1, 1857 to Adam Markley (1833-1860).
Two offspring of this coupling were Mary Louisa Combs and Adam H. Markley.
The union lasted for three years until Adam's untimely death on Aug. 31, 1860. Burial was in Morning Star Cemetery in Enion, IL.
Compounding the heartache, Mary appears to have been expecting when her husband died. Some months later, she gave birth to their son Adam. Her grief deepened when the baby died in 1862 at the age of about one.
On Feb. 21, 1864, she married for a second time to William Stephens (May 17, 1828-1917). He is known to have migrated to Illinois from Kentucky.
Together they became the parents of six more children of their own -- Margaret Ophelia Cooper, Etta Prichard, James Welker Stephens, Helena Black, Olney Stephens and Joseph Stephens.
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| William and Mary and family. Back row, L-R: Olney, Mary, James. Bottom center: Joseph. Daughters Etta, Helena and Margaret also are pictured - courtesy Marcia Stephens |
William's life is profiled in detail in the 1906 book, Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois, issued by Munsell Publishing Co.
Mr. Stephens' twentieth century status is represented by the ownership of 840 acres of land, upon a part of which he worked as a lad at twenty-five cents a day in payment of an outstanding debt of seventy-five dollars. Between his labor-enslaving and poverty-clouded days and those of the prosperous present have occurred many varied and developing experiences, the very existence of which stamps him as a man of courage, initiative and purpose.
William, then ten years old, came to Illinois in 1836, in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen preceded by a leading horse. [His father] was poor, and all that he had in the world accompanied him to the wilderness of Fulton County. Selecting a 100-acre tract in Woodland Township, he was obliged to pay three dollars an acre for it, his resources necessitating an outstanding indebtedness of seventy-five dollars. The owner of the land suggested, in this emergency, that William, the son, after sufficient land had been cleared to plant some corn, should assist him with the clearing of his own place, receiving for his services twenty-five cents a day. This proposition was taken up by the lad who, swinging an axe from early morn until late at night, little dreamed that he would someday be the owner of the ground under his feet. At that time game abounded in great variety, and hunting constituted one of the chief diversions and necessities of the settlers. When news by letter came from the country of their birth in the old Bourbon State, the postage thereon was twenty-five cents. These people of the wilds, parents and children, treasured their memories of Kentucky.
L-R: Sydney Combs, Verle Combs,
Mary Stephens - courtesy Marcia StephensThe family lived three years in the rude log-cabin which had been erected while they were camping in the open air, sleeping at night in the wagon, and its accompaniment was a log stable in which to house the horse and oxen during the winter. Later they built a hewed log house, which still is a feature of the homestead, a weather-beaten, richly associated structure, between the walls of which existed such hope and courage as lifted its occupants above the dire discouragements of life. During the first year five acres were planted to corn, and a few years later grain was raised in large quantities and hauled in wagons to Sharp's Landing on the Illinois, to be loaded on some craft headed for St. Louis. Corn brought twenty-five cents a bushel for several years. The family owned one of three wagons in Woodland Township, and there were but three school-houses within its borders. Mr. Evans, the first teacher of William Stephens, is buried on the Stephens farm, and his erstwhile pupil now cuts away the waving corn above his resting place. The Father bought more land as prosperity rewarded his efforts, and at the time of his death, on March 27, 1876, he owned 300 acres.
As he attained his majority ambition and adventure knocked loudly at the door of William Stephens, and at the age of twenty-three, on April 3, 1853, he set out with a family from Ipava for the Territory of Oregon, crossing the plains with ox-teams in seven months and seven days. During his stay in Oregon, in 1854, he was engaged in farming a few months in the Willamette Valley; and with a party of about twenty miners, assisted in organizing the county of Coos and the town of Randolph on the Pacific coast. During the latter part of the same year, he went south to California, where he was engaged in mining for several years, but in the fall of 1858 returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York City to his former home in Woodland Township, Fulton County.
Mr. Stephens' life story reads much like a page of fiction as it relates his varied experiences as he crossed the plains, and later traveled from coast to coast. Still unsettled after his return to Fulton County, in the spring of the following year he went to Kansas, where he bought 440 acres of land, upon which he staid for a short time only, and which he finally sold in 1867. In 1860 he went to Colorado, again returning to Woodland Township in the following year and remaining there until 1872. He then bought 160 acres near the old home, upon which he carried on farming until 1873, when he moved to McDonough County and there purchased a farm of similar proportions. This continued to be his home until 1890, when he sold his land there and, returning to Astoria Township, there purchased his father's old homestead of 300 acres in Woodland Township and added thereto until he now owns 840 acres. Of this large property, much is under cultivation, consisting one of the most valuable and productive holdings in Fulton County.
...Politically Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and local party undertakings have profited by his judgment and executive ability. He has been a member of the County Central Committee of his party and has served several terms as Supervisor of Mound and Woodland Townships. He is one of the best informed and most widely read, and one of the most intellectual and studious of the promoters of agricultural science in Fulton County, and for many years his opinion upon important phases of farm development has stood as final among those who sought larger views and riper counsel than they themselves possessed. He is recognized as a man of ability and integrity, is respected by all who know him, and much beloved by such as enjoy his intimate acquaintance.
The United States Census record for 1910 shows the couple in Astoria, living in retirement, having been married for 46 years up to that time.
With William's health in decline as he was dying, Dr. E.M. Price made housecalls daily for a week, from Jan. 3 to death. The fee for each visit was $1.50.
At the age of 88, William surrendered to the angel of death in Astoria on Jan. 9, 1917.
Under the terms of his last will and testament, William appointed his son James and son-in-law W.S. Cooper as co-executors. The entire estate was bequeathed to Mary, including 615 acres of land valued at $56,500, $2,800 in cash and $4,000 in certificates of deposit in the bank. He directed that on the first day of September each year after his death, the children were to pay to the widow "rent from the several different tracts of land I leave to them, the different amounts as set forth in each case." To daughter Margaret Cooper, he gave most of the northeast quarter of Section 22, Township 3 North, Range 2 East. Margaret also was directed to pay her brother Joseph the amount of $1,000 cash and $100 annually in rent to her mother. To daughter Ettie Prichard, he gave the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 20, Township 3 North, Range 3 East, to go to her heirs after her death. Ettie also received the north half of the northwest quarter and southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 32, Township 3 North, Range 3 East, in addition to two lots in Astoria, on the condition that she pay her widowed mother $20 annually. To his son James, he bequeathed the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 22, Township 3 North, Range 2 East as long as he paid his mother $80 in annual rent. James also was given the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 22, Township 3 North, Range 2 East. To son Olney, he was given the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 23, the west half of southwest Section 23 in Township 3 North, Range 2 East, as long as he paid his mother $80 in annual rent. For daughter Helena Black, she received portions of Section 27, Township 3 North, Range 2 East and Section 29, Township 3 North, Range 3 East, provided she pay her mother an annual rent of $40.
But before he died, William had sold one of the inheritance tracts he had otherwise willed to daughter Helena, so she settled the matter by accepting a cash payout of $1,080. The estate sold quantities of corn, oats, rye and wheat from its inventory, and a debt was paid to George Waggoner for labor performed the previous September.
Mary outlived her spouse by eight-and-a-half years.
She died near Astoria in Woodland Township, Fulton County on July 29, 1925, at the age of 84. The remains were laid to rest in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery, in a burying ground for which they had donated the land.
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Mary Louisa Combs Courtesy Marcia Stephens |
- Grandson Sidney Clyde Combs (1885- ? ) was born in April 1885. He grew up on his parents' farms in Fulton County. A bachelor at the age of 23, he dwelled under their roof in Astoria and provided farm laborer.
- Granddaughter Mabel Combs (1892- ? ) was born in Feb. 1892. She was unmarried in 1920, at the age of 26, and resided with her parents in Astoria but had no occupation. She remained single and without employment as of 1930.
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Obituary, 1945 - courtesy John Farr |
...in his dealings with his fellowmen he was strickly [sic] honest, courteous and fair. He was generous, public spirited and hospitable and will be greatly missed, especially by those who have known him intimately for many years. The community has lost a valuable citizen. The loss came at a time when he seemed to be the most needed, but the ways of Providence are past understanding, and we must accept the decree...
Said a newspaper, Margaret:
...was an honorary member of the Sorosis Club. The members of this club will always remember Mrs. Cooper as exceptionally good at telling a story. She joined the Methodist church in 1924. Other members of the Cooper family also came into the church at the same service. She was an honorary member of the official board of the Methodist church and for many years she served faithfully in the capacity of an official of the church. She was also a member of the Fidelity class of the church and of the Woman's Society of Christian Service. She was an active member of the Pythian Sisters until the organization disbanded, and of the Eastern Star. Mrs. Cooper was deeply interested in her church.
She was a member of a family which had produced several ministers, and she seemed to carry on in the work of God in a very faithful way. As long as she was able she took part in all the functions of the church by faithful attendance at all of its services; by acting on the official board; by helping at church dinners; by faithful calling upon the sick and shut-ins; by helping in the local and worldwide activities of the church through her giving.
Courtesy John Farr
Sadness gripped the family when, after several months of suffering, Sylvester died in Proctor Hospital in Peoria on April 27, 1925. His funeral was conducted in the Methodist Episcopal Church. An obituary said that "despite the inclement weather, the large edifice was filled by sorrowing relatives and friends who gathered to pay their last respects to one whom they had learned to respect and admire. Hed the weather been clear, we are confident that half the mourners could not have found room in the building. Many were kept away on account of the rain and bad roads. The floral offerings were many and most beautiful. Many were heard to remark that they never saw such a large collection of flowers on an occasion of that kind." With her health in decline toward the end, Margaret was admitted to the Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. There, after a stay of several weeks, she surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 80 years and eight months on July 20, 1945. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson David William Cooper (1894-1975) was born on June 26, 1894 in Illinois. He wed Helen Anna Merrill (Aug. 30, 1896-1956). They became the parents of Vivian Langille and Robert William Cooper. Sadly, at the age of 60, Helen passed into the arms of the heavenly host on Sept. 11, 1956. David outlived his bride by nearly two decades. The family was plunged into mourning at his death at age 80, in Astoria, on April 17, 1975. His remains were lowered under the sod of Astoria Cemetery.
Granddaughter Vivian Cooper (1919-2011) was born on Feb. 2, 1919 in Astoria, IL. She was a 1941 graduate of MacMurray College and went on to teach business classes in high schools in Illinois. In 1951, she entered into marriage with Vernon Langille ( ? -2000). The only offspring they bore together was David Langille. Said the Akron (OH) Beacon Journal, "With Vernon and David, Vivian moved to Rome, Italy, and traveled extensively in Europe before returning to the states to settle in Hudson, Ohio, where she lived for more than 35 years. Over the years, Vivian made and kept many friends whose love and companionship brought her much happiness. She kept in touch with her friends around the world through extensive letter writing. Vivian also loved to read and to watch sports on TV." She also was a survivor of two episodes of cancer. Sadness cascaded over the family at Vernon's passing in November 2000. His widow endured for another nearly 11 years. At the age of 92, Vivian died from the effects of a stroke, in Beaumont Nursing Home in Northbridge, MA on July 14, 2011. Son David married Lorrie and they have a daughter Emily Langille. They have dwelled in Northbridge and Worcester, MA.
Grandson Robert William Cooper (1927-2016) was born on Aug. 6, 1926 in Peoria, IL. When he was 23 years of age, in March 1951, he tied the marital cord with JoAnn Ray ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were conducted in Sciota, IL. One known daughter of the pair was Roberta Tomlinson. The family made a longtime residence in Astoria. Robert at one time was employed by AMAX Coal Company. He went on to own and operate Cooper Motor Company in town. Sadly, at the age of 88, Robert died in Mason District Hospital in Havana, IL on Feb. 27, 2016. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery. Daughter Roberta has made her dwelling-place in Cuba, IL.
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| Ettie's novel and signed inscription, 1934 |
Daughter Etta "Ettie" Stephens (1867-1953) was born on July 1, 1867 on a farm in Astoria, Fulton County, IL. In her childhood, said the Peoria Journal Star, she "watched families travel across prairies in covered wagons." In 1899, at the age of about 31, she married James R. Prichard (Jan. 22, 1866-1931), misspelled over the years as "Pritchard" and "Pritchett." The marriage held firm over the ups and downs of 42 years. He was a native of Canton, IL and had been married before. He thus brought two stepdaughters into the second union -- Margaret Carlson and Hennetta "Irma" Hopper. In the early years they dwelled in Rock Island, IL, at the corner of 7th Avenue and 24th Street. From there they moved to Rushville, IL and thence to Buda, IL, where he practiced law. In 1912, he was elected as a Judge of the County of Bureau, IL and served until the end of 1930, a span of 18 years. He returned to his law practice in Princeton and in 1931, friends arranged for him to be appointed master-in-chancery of the county court. But sadly, James suffered from depression and rheumatism and had pursued remedies in hospitals and sanitariums for years. Not finding relief, he fretted over his future. When he could not secure a surety bond, his thoughts turned darker and more desperate. He told friends in the bar association that he might take his own life. Ettie asked a friend, attorney J.L. Pritchard, to have a heart-to-heart talk, which in her mind prolonged her husband's life. But on the fateful Saturday noon hour of Oct. 24, 1931, after a sleepless night, and while at his desk between meetings, he pulled out a .32 revolver and shot himself in the head, above the right ear. The bullet lodged in his brain. Headline stories in the Bureau County Tribune said that he "was loved by a large circle of friends... Judge Prichard's tragic death... cast a pall of sadness over the community, which held him in the highest regard. Despondency over his physical infirmities and his business outlook is believe to have been responsible for his action in taking his own life..." Funeral services were conducted by Rev. H.W. Stiles in the First Congregational Church. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery.
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| Bureau County Courthouse, Princeton, IL, where Judge Prichard held court |
"Her earliest childhood memory is of following her pioneer farmer father (one of the original Forty-Niners" as he drove the horses hitched to his two-handled plow," said her publisher, D. Appleton-Century Company. "Thus, early in life, she began to appreciate the scent of new turned earth, as well as the breezes blowing fresh across the fields, the expansive sky, and all of the sights, sounds, and smells..." Ettie in younger womanhood enjoyed setting her memories of childhood into writing, providing feature articles and short stories to newspapers in Princeton and Peoria, IL. As a widow, Ettie pushed on for another two-plus decades. She continued to pursue an interest in writing and in time developed a short series of stories about "Dood," a young farmgirl living alongside an Illinois road with pioneer wagon trains rumbling by and extending a helping hand to families in need. These were published in Delineator Magazine and Woman's World and later packaged into a novel, entitled Old Farm (New York: D. Appleton-Century Company). The dust jacket for Old Farm reads, in part:
Set in the colorful pioneering days of the late 1870's, this is the story of an Illinois farm situated on the lane of the covered wagon trek to the "promised lands" of Kansas and Nebraska. On "Old Farm," as the place is called, live the Schofield family, who, coming originally from the South, preserve its traditions of hospitality and always are willing to give a welcome to the strangers who move on steadily westward just beyond their gates.... The story of what happens on "Old Farm" and of the spell that it casts on those who live there, moulding the characters of each and all, bringing the grandfather back to his home, and finally uniting Uncle Guy and his wife -- this story, with its contrasting elements of peace and excitement, has all of the romance, charm and appeal of sentiment inherent in its subject. It is a novel of basic human qualities -- life, death, love, and friendship.
The Oregon Daily Journal reported in 1934 that she "has the perspective that only 66 years of intensive living can give a woman. She has learned to gauge time not by years but by progress. She has had the experience and contants [sic] that enable her to discriminate between good and bad in life and literature. 'Old Farm' is such an exceptionally well written book about worthy people that without being sermonistic it is inspirational to everyone." By 1945, she had relocated to New York to dwell with her widowed daughter Irma Hopper. She also lived in Pittsburgh for a time with her daughter Mrs. James Carlson. Death enveloped her at the age of 85 in Hewitt, NJ on Jan. 20, 1953. The remains were transported back to Illinois for interment of the cremains in Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, Bureau County, IL.
Granddaughter Margaret Helena Prichard (1906-1995) was born on Jan. 13, 1906 in Buda, Bureau County, IL. She grew up in Princeton, IL and was an alumna of Princeton High School. She went on to attend Frances Shimer French Home School and Inter Theater Arts. Margaret appears to have been married to (?) Cooper circa 1925. But by 1935, she was single again and resided in New York City, and was engaged as a short story writer. That summer, in Chicago's St. Chrysostom's Church, she married James Alfred Carlson (May 29, 1907-1966), a childhood friend in Princeton and the son of A.C. Carlson. James also was a Princeton High graduate who received degrees from Knox College in Galesburg, IL and the Northwestern University School of Law. At the time of marriage, he practiced law with the firm of W.A. Rogen in Chicago. One daughter produced by the pair was Holly Campbell. The newlyweds' first place of residence was in Marshall Field Garden Apartments. Margaret made news in the Bureau County (IL) Tribune in 1936 when chosen to host the Chicago Home-Keeping House, sponsored by J.W. McCormack Real Estate Company. James in 1937 was hired as a professor at the Baylor University College of Law, and the pair moved to Waco, TX. He remained at Baylor until 1940 and was dean of the law school in 1939-1940. He then joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC, serving from 1940 to 1951 as a special agent and investigator.
Margaret Carlson
Courtesy "BJW" - Find-a-Grave
He was hired away in 1951 as assistant to the president of Westinghouse Air Brake in Pittsburgh, with subsequent promotions to assistant secretary in 1955 and secretary in 1959. James' memberships included the presidency of the Society of Former Agents of the FBI and Pittsburgh chapter of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, board directorship of the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Longue Vue Country Club, Duquesne Club and Pittsburgh Press Club. He also belonged to the Masons and Syria Temple Shrine and the Third Presbyterian Church. He retired in about 1966. The pair made their final residence together in DeBary near Daytona in Volusia County, FL. There, at age 59, James died on Nov. 14, 1966. His funeral was held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Enterprise, FL. During that time he taught management at the University of Florida and was invited to join the faculty of the Stetson University school of business administration. Margaret outlived him by almost three decades and moved to Allison Park in Pittsburgh's northern suburbs. She passed away at the age of 89 on Sept. 20, 1995. Her remains were transported to Florida for repose in Enterprise Evergreen Cemetery in Volusia County.Great-granddaughter Holly Carlson (1938- ? ) was born in 1938 in Waco, TX. She wed Cary Campbell ( ? - ? ), son of Edmund Mudge and Alice (Arnd) Campbell. They became the parents of Susan Campbell and Jed Campbell. Cary spent his childhood in Schenley Farms in Oakland near Pittsburgh. He was an alumnus of Shady Side Academy and Pennsylvania State University. He was employed for many years in management positions by Mellon Bank. Circa 1966, the Campbells lived at 1535 Sylvan Terrace in Wilkinsburg, near Pittsburgh. Later, they relocated to the leafy suburb of Bradfordwoods. Said the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "In his retirement he developed a deep affection for the natural surroundings of his village in Bradfordwoods and for his neighbors. He was a kind of conservator of its ponds and woods and wildlife, as well as treasurer of the Homeowners Association. Every Friday, he answered phones for Christ Church at Grove Farm, and was one of its founding members." Sadly, Cary was diagnosed with cancer and died on his 70th birthday on Oct. 11, 2007. He was pictured in his obituary in the Post-Gazette. Rev. John Guest presided over the funeral service, with interment in Sewickley Cemetery. Their son Jed wed Kristen, bore children Connor Campbell and Dylan Campbell, and moved to Philadelphia.
Granddaughter Hennetta "Irma" Prichard (1890-1963) was born on July 14, 1890 in Galesburg, IL. She grew up in Rock Island and Rushville, IL before a move to Buda, IL. She graduated from high school at the age of 14 and thence from St. Mary's College in Knoxville, IL at age 17. In young womanhood, Irma trained to sing and perform on stage and was an accomplished pianist. As such, she attracted the eye of Dr. Zeigfeld of the Chicago Musical College, who gave her "a free scholarship and instruction under his own supervision," reported the Rock Island Argus, "believing that she had a promising future. At that time Mort H. Singer, manager and director of musical comedies given at the La Salle and Princess theatres, feeling the need of fresh voices for his choruses, engaged Miss Prichard to sing in 'The Flirting Princess' that was then running at the La Salle theatre, Chicago. So successful was she that scarcely a press notice appeared that did not praise the quality of Miss Prichard's singing, despite the fact the leading role was assumed by Miss Vera Michalena, one of the prominent singers of today."
Charles H. Hopper
Courtesy Marcia Stephens
Then in 1911, having met him at the La Salle, she tied the marital cord with actor Charles H. Hopper ( ? -1916). He was the son of George Henry and Harriet (Ganson) Hopper, of Logansport, IN, the father a well-known Standard Oil executive and stockholder. Said the New York Times, Charles "for several years [was] a popular stage favorite, reaching the zenith of his career in 'Chimmie Fadden.' He abandoned the footlights several years ago, and had been living in retirement at Driftwood, his Summer home at Unionville. He was a member of the Hermit Club, Cleveland, and the Lambs Club, New York." Theirs was considered "one of the most costly residences in Ohio," said the Times. "Connected with it were private golf links and a private race track." Their lives together spanned only five years until his untimely death from cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 53 on June 17, 1916. His funeral was conducted in Cleveland. The widowed Irma received a diploma in 1917 from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. During World War I, she joined the Women's Motor Corps, commanded by Major Helen Bastedo, and was considered one of its' "crack marksmen." Irma is known to have been a first responder after a horrific munitions plant explosion in 1918 in Morgan, NJ. In 1919, after the death of her wealthy mother-in-law, and expecting to receive a one-third share of the estate, she was infuriated when a payout was withheld. She sued the estate in a matter heard before Ohio Supreme Court Justice Gavegan, claiming that under Ohio law, as a widow without children, she was her husband's legal heir. The outcome of the litigation is not yet known.
Posters advertising Charles H. Hopper as "Chimmie Fadden"
Courtesy Library of Congress
Irma had begun writing songs as a young girl. Over the years, her work was performed by such stars as Nora Bayes, Yvette Guilbert and Fannie Brice (whose life story was played by Barbra Streisand in the 1968 film Funny Girl). During the 1920s, Irma wrote music and lyrics for a number of popular songs. In 1922, she penned "I'm in Love with a Maid," "The Days of Long Ago," "Just Try and Weather the Storm," "A Warning," "Just Like a Violin," "Just Around the Corner," "We're in Love," "The Gold Fish," "When I'm Near You, "Aladdin's Lamp," "When Love Will Not Die," "Wild Rose" and "Will o the Wisp." Her songs in 1923 were "Rose of the Cabaret" and "Under a Thousand Eyes." In 1924, she wrote "When the Time to Say Goodnight Comes" followed by "Old Fashioned Days" in 1926 and "Somebody You'll Pass This Way Again" in 1928. In New York, where her home faced Central Park, she counted as friends such socialites as Mrs. Oliver Harriman, Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish and Elizabeth Marbury. After the death of famed opera star Enrico Caruso in 1921, Irma accompanied the widow to Italy to help settle the estate, with accounts of the trip published in a weekly periodical circa 1928. Said the Bureau County Tribune, "Mme Caruso, widow of the great tenor, was so struck with her voice that she introduced her to Madame Tetrazzini in Naples and the diva in turn was stirred to such enthusiasm that she offered to supervise Mrs. Hopper's training and to ensure her debut in Rome, but events compelled the young artist to return to America."
Irma took up fencing in about 1921 and quickly mastered the sport. She became the winner of the 1924 National Woman's Fencing Championship fencing champion. As such, she competed in foil contests in the Summer Olympics of 1924 (Paris) and 1928 (Amsterdam, beaten by 17-year-old Helene Mayer of Germany. Irma did not qualify in 1932. Her fortunes turned in 1939-1940 when arrested and convicted of conspiracy connected with the fraudulent sale of Illinois lottery tickets, for which she was sentenced to a year and one day behind bars. Irma made a residence in 1945 in New York. She was spirited away in death in New York City on Jan. 29, 1963.
Press photo of Irma on the eve of sailing to the 1924 Olympic games
Courtesy Kadel & Herbert News Photos
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| Irma Hopper wearing her U.S. Olympian uniform - courtesy Marcia Stephens |
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James and Lena - courtesy Marcia Stephens |
Granddaughter Muriel Leverne Stephens (1902-1998) was born on April 21, 1902 in Woodland Township. Single at the age of 37 in 1940, she resided with her parents on a farm in Woodland and performed housework. In 1944, at about 42 years of age, she entered into marriage with Willis J. "Bill" Heath (Feb. 14, 1902-1975). (He had no middle name and just used the "J.") The pair does not appear to have reproduced. William stood 5 feet, 8½ inches tall and weighed 198 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair. Just a few years prior to marriage, William dwelled in Astoria, Fulton County. He was required to register for the military draft during World War II, and disclosed that he was an unemployed carpenter and that Mrs. Ruby Brehm of Astoria would always know his whereabouts. When the United States Census count was made in 1950, the couple made their residence in Astoria, Fulton County. At that time, Willis earned a living as a carpenter and foreman for a road construction company. Sadly, Willis succumbed to the spectre of death in Aug. 1975. Muriel outlived her husband by 23 years. The angel of death gathered her away on April 12, 1998, just nine days shy of what would have been her 96th birthday. Her remains sleep for the ages in Astoria Cemetery.
Willis and Muriel Heath
Courtesy Marcia Stephens
- Granddaughter Helen R. Stephens (1904-1980) was born on May 26, 1904 in Astoria, Fulton County, IL. On Sept. 15, 1928, in Canton, IL, he wed George Porter Sanders (Sept. 18, 1896-1988), a native of Kansas and the son of Wilson and Druscilla Sanders. The three known children they produced together were Lois A. Stabler, Nancy Helen Suhanek and James Wilson Sanders. George grew up in Pawnee, KS and during World War I served in the U.S. Army. They moved to Kewanee in 1931. There, for four decades, he was employed at the Kewanee Station of Commonwealth Edison and retired in 1957 as a foreman. He was active with the Voiture 433 40&8 and was commander of the local posts of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Otherwise known as the Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses, the 40&8 is an independent society, by invitation-only, of American veterans. For 50 years each, he also belonged to the Harmony chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and local lodge of the Masons. Sadly, Helen he succumbed to the spectre of death in Kewanee, IL at the age of 76 in Nov. 1980. Burial was in the local Evergreen Memorial Gardens. George soldiered on for another eight years and lived at 117 West Division Street. He died at the age of 91, in Kewanee Public Hospital, on May 28, 1988. He was survived by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rev. David Eadie performed the funeral rites at the First United Methodist Church.
Great-granddaughter Lois A. Sanders (1930-2024) married Stabler.
Great-granddaughter Nancy Helen Saunders (1934-2008) married Suhanek.
Great-grandson James Wilson Sanders (1937-1994)
- Granddaughter Marianna Stephens (1907-1925) was born two days before Christmas 1907 in Astoria, Fulton County. Tragically, at the age of 17, she died in Astoria on March 20, 1925. The cause of her early death is not known.
- Granddaughter Nellie Irene Stephens (1917-2014) was born on Sept. 21, 1917 in Astoria, Fulton County. She was a 1935 graduate of Astoria High School. Nellie appears not to have married over her long lifetime. Said the Peoria Journal Star, "She enjoyed antique collecting, reading and volunteering at the South Fulton Senior Citizens Center in Astoria. Nellie attended the Woodland Church of the Brethren." Nellie passed into the arms of the heavenly host at age 96 on March 31, 2014. The remains were interred in Astoria Cemetery, with Pastor Doug Krukewitt leading the obsequies. A brief obituary was published in the Journal Star.
- Grandson James "William" Stephens (1924-2011) was born on Aug. 27, 1924 in Woodland Township, Fulton County. On Nov. 26, 1946, he tied the knot with Ethel Mae "Stevie" Waggoner (July 5, 1925-2006), originally from Astoria and the daughter of Dean and Estella (Elgin) Waggoner. Their nuptials were conducted in Canton, IL. Two children were born to the couple. Said an obituary, "During his lifetime, Bill was a member of several organizations and served on the governing boards of the Astoria Fire Protection District, Astoria School District, MidCentury Telephone Cooperative, Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Illinois Shorthorn Association. Bill was a lifetime farmer in Woodland Township and enjoyed raising purebred Shorthorn cattle, winning many awards at both state and county cattle shows. The Stephens Family Farm (MarBil Farm) that Bill owned and operated was designated as an Illinois Sesquicentennial Farm by the Illinois Department of Agriculture having achieved continued family ownership for over 150 years." Active in her own right, Ethel spent her career as a registered nurse. The South Fulton Astoria Argus said that "She was a member of Graham Hospital Alumni Association, Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, National Society of Magna Charta Dames Illinois Division and a member of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church in Astoria." The family grieved at Ethel's death in Havana two days before Christmas 2006. At the age of 87, William died on Oct. 11, 2011. Their remains lie in eternal repose in Astoria Cemetery.
Daughter Helena Stephens (1871-1941) was born on May 8, 1871. In her youth she lived in Mound Township, McDonough County, IL. Circa 1898, she was joined in wedlock with Walter Black (1873- ? ). They did not reproduce. The pair established a home in Rushville, Schuyler County, IL where in 1900 he earned a living selling books, before a move to Henry, IL, where he generated income as a merchant. By 1910, they relocated again to Peoria, with him engaged as a traveling shoe salesman. At the death of Helena's father in 1917, she inherited a tract of land in the western half northeast and eastern three-quarters southwest and northeast and west one-half southeast northeast in Section 27, township 3 North Range 2 East. The pair eventually divorced. Using the shorter name "Lena," she moved to Bushnell, McDonough County, IL as of 1920, employed as a private servant in the household of 78-year-old widow Sarah Stephens. Helena finally pulled up stakes and relocated by 1935 to Southern California, settling in Los Angeles. She is enumerated in the 1940 census at age 68, sharing a residence with 71-year-old widow Esther Pletcher. Helena passed away on Christmas Day 1941. A brief death notice in the Los Angeles Times said that her services were to be held in the Tassell-Maynes Company chapel at 1623 South Figueroa.
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| Sketch for Olney Stephens' steam engine valve gear invention Courtesy Google Books |
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Olney Stephens Courtesy Marica Stephens |
- Grandson Beverly William Stephens (1897-1971) was born on Nov. 22, 1897 in Astoria, Fulton County. Evidence suggests that he was a veteran of World War I. In 1926, when he was about age 28, he tied the knot with Mary E. Bailey (1898-1985). They resided in Quincy, Adams County, IL in 1930, earning a living as a sign painter. The couple made their home circa 1942 at 815 Broadway in Quincy but had no telephone in their residence. At the time, he was the proprietor of Gem City Sign Company. He died in Adams County, IL on Jan. 22, 1971. His remains were laid to rest in Lewistown's Oak Hill Cemetery.
Son Joseph William Stephens (1879-1960) was born on Oct. 5, 1879 in Astoria, Fulton County. He was joined in wedlock with Rose Lee Horton (1877-1955). One known son of the pair, Joe Horton Stephens, sadly died at the tender age of five years on Jan. 14, 1909. A stone was erected at his grave in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery. No other offspring in this family is known. Circa 1920, the Stephenses operated a farm in Woodland Township, Fulton County, IL. In time he moved to Peoria, IL and were there as of 1930-1945, with Rose operating a large rooming house and Joseph continuing to farm. Rose passed away two days after Christmas in 1955. At the age of 80, he died in Kewanee, Henry County, IL on May 12, 1960. The remains sleep for the ages in Astoria Cemetery.
~ Daughter Sophia "Jane" (Welker) Butler ~
Daughter Sophia "Jane" Welker (1842-1934) was born in three days before Christmas 1842 in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH.
On April 1, 1858, in a ceremony in Fulton County, IL, the 15-year-old Jane married Joseph Butler (Aug. 17, 1838-1923), the son of Thomas Jefferson and Nancy (Cox) Butler, a native of Hancock County, OH. A record for the marriage is on file today in the Fulton County Courthouse in Lewistown.
Their brood of nine offspring included Florence Shores, Flora Augusta France, Felista A. Butler, Dora May Garrett, Thomas David Butler, Edith Butler Fisher, Musetta J. Brown, Charles Irvin Butler and James W. Butler.
Sadly, daughter Felista (age 5 months, June 2, 1865) and son James (age 2 years, Aug. 30, 1884) died in childhood. Their remains sleep in Morning Star Cemetery in Enion, Fulton County, and the graves are marked.
The newlyweds made their first home with Joseph's widowed mother.
In 1870, the federal census enumeration shows the family on a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County, receiving their mail at the Summum post office. Joseph's mother lived under their roof that year and continued off and on for decades. They remained in Kerton during the 1870s and into the 1900s.
Joseph passed away at home in Astoria on Jan. 20, 1923. He was aged 84 years, five months and three days. Funeral rites, led by Rev. Ella Niswonger, were conducted in the family residence. Burial was in Mount Zion Cemetery.
The widowed Sophia survived her husband by 11 years. She died in Astoria on Jan. 30, 1934.
Daughter Florence Butler (1859-1944) was born on Feb. 20, 1859. On March 6, 1879, when she was 20 years of age, she married Isaiah Shores (Sept. 30, 1858-1910). They became the parents of six, two of whom died young prior to 1900. The known daughters were Rosa Wright, Della Wright, Corda Shores, Margaret "Maggie" Edlen and Jennie Ray. Their daughter Corda died in 1890 at the age of seven. They also helped to bring up a nephew, Gerald Brown. Daughter Della appears to have been raised by her Butler grandparents and was in their residence in 1900. The Shores were farmers and dwelled on a rented property in Kerton, Fulton County in 1910. Sadly, Isaiah passed away on June 6, 1910. Florence died at the age of 85, in Summum, on Feb. 23, 1944. Burial was in Summum Sixteen Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Rosetta "Rosa" Shores (1879-1913) was born on Dec. 18, 1879. In about 1907, she tied the marital cord with Nelson Wright (Nov. 12, 1874-1944), a native of Marbletown/Lewistown, IL and the son of Phillip and Martha (Warner) Wright. The Shores and Wright families were close, and Rosa's younger sister Della wed Nelson's younger brother Irving. They did not reproduce but circa 1910 helped raise a young nephew, Shelby M. Wright. Grief cascaded over the family when, at age 33, Rosa died on April 30, 1913. Her body was interred in Hickory Cemetery in Fulton County. Nelson outlived his bride by more than three decades and in 1917 lived in Table Grove, Fulton County, working as a farmer. He held a membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge in Canton. Nelson in 1924 established a homeplace in Springville, Utah County, UT, where he was employed for 17 years by Columbia Steel Company of Ironton. A year after the relocation, on Oct. 16, 1925, he wed again to Elizabeth Pearl (Bartlett) Sumsion (1891-1977). She had been married previously and brought four stepchildren into the union -- Fred Sumsion, Ray Sumsion, Lucille Watts and Marie Peters. On the tragic day of Aug. 20, 1944, at age 69 he was struck and killed and she badly injured by a moving automobile at a local railroad depot at 90 South Main Street. In reporting the accident, the Salt Lake Tribune said "the couple were crossing the street to get on an approaching southbound Salt Lake & Utah railroad train when an automobile driven north ... struck them. Mr. Wright suffered fractured legs and ribs, a skull fracture and fractured collar bone, and died about 10 minutes after the accident. Mrs. Wright suffered a fractured leg, knee injury and severe body cuts and bruises. She was removed to the Payson hospital." Nelson was pictured in the Tribune obituary, sporting a chin beard. His broken remains were shipped to Illinois for burial.
- Granddaughter Della Shores (1882-1938) was born on Sept. 8, 1882. Circa 1900, she resided in the farmhouse of her grandparents Jane and Joseph Butler. She exchanged vows of marriage with Irving Wright (Feb. 2, 1879-1948). The two families were close, and Della's older sister Rosa wed Irving's older brother Nelson. Death swept her away at age 55 on Feb. 25, 1938. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Irving soldiered on for another 10 years. He died on April 9, 1948.
- Granddaughter Margaret "Maggie" Shores (1887-1978) was born on Sept. 3, 1887. In 1906, she was united in matrimony with Charles A. Edlen (1880-1932), sometimes spelled as "Edlin." He was the son of Thomas and Mary (Leonard) Edlen. The couple settled circa 1922 in Havana, Mason County, IL. There, Charles earned a living as a "local agent." The pair were cleaved apart by Charles' death at age 51 on June 22, 1932. Margaret outlived him by 46 years. She died in Mason County, IL at the age of 90 in March 1978. Burial took place in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana, IL.
- Granddaughter Jennie Shores (1890-1978) was born in Dec. 1890 or Aug. 3, 1891 in Fulton County, IL. In young womanhood she lived in Enion, IL. On Oct. 6, 1909, at the age of 19, she entered into marriage with 23-year-old farmer William R. Ray ( ? - ? ), son of William and Elizabeth (Morrison) Ray of Lewistown, Fulton County. Their nuptials were conducted in Peoria, IL, by the hand of George Sturch. Jennie died in Havana on Nov. 5, 1978.
Daughter Flora Augusta Butler (1861-1942) was born on Feb. 19, 1861 or 1862 in Kerton Township, Fulton County. (Records differ.) On Sept. 16, 1885, in Mason County, IL, she wed William Wright France (Feb. 15, 1858-1924). The couple's five known children were Guy Everett France, Ora Mae Sackman Thompson, Charles A. France, Bonnie Belle Camp and Glenn Dale France, plus one who died young prior to 1900. When the federal census enumerations were made in 1900 and 1910, the Frances lived on a farm in Woodland Township, Fulton County. By 1920, they moved into the town of Astoria and dwelled on Church Street, with William having no occupation that year. Sadness spread across the family when William passed away at the age of 66 on July 14, 1924. Flora lived for another 18 years. She shared a residence with her married son Glenn and family in Astoria in 1940. At the age of 81, she died in Astoria on Oct. 21, 1942. The remains were lowered into eternal repose in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Guy Everett France (1886-1973) was born on July 23, 1886. He entered into marriage with Daisy Lee Richardson (March 16, 1889-1952). Together they produced a brood of four -- Neville Willis France, Lora Fern Frech, Laverne Belville and Everett W. France. Daisy died at the age of 63 on Oct 8, 1952. Guy endured for another 20-plus years. At the age of 86, Guy died on Feb. 2, 1973. His burial took place in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson Neville Willis France (1909-1959)
Great-granddaughter Lora Fern France (1910-1985) wed (?) Frech.
Great-granddaughter Laverne France (1912-2003) married (?) Belville
Great-grandson Everett W. France (1922-2007)
- Granddaughter Ora Mae France (1889-1968) was first joined in wedlock with (?) Sackman ( ? - ? ). Their only known child was Isla Sackman, born in 1908. The United States Census of 1910 shows mother and daughter living under the roof of Ora's parents in Woodland Township, Fulton County. In time, Ora married again to (?) Thompson.
Great-granddaughter Isla Sackman (1908- ? ) was born in about 1908.
- Grandson Charles A. France (1893-1970) was born on Nov. 14. 1893. In 1919, he entered into matrimony with Alice Edna Gain (1893-1997). Their two known sons were Charles France and Ralph Louis France. Charles died on June 29, 1970 at the age of 76. Burial was in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Alice outlived him by 27 years. She passed away in 1997.
Great-grandson Charles France (1922-2014)
Great-grandson Ralph Louis France (1925-2017)
- Granddaughter Bonnie Belle France (1899-1984) was born on Jan. 15, 1899 in Astoria, Fulton County. She was united in matrimony with Maurice Earl Camp (April 28, 1897-1971). One known son of the pair was William Rodney Camp, born in 1927 in Beardstown, Cass County, IL. Maurice died on Oct. 7, 1971. At the age of 85, Bonnie Belle passed away on April 18, 1984. Interment was in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson William Rodney Camp (1927-1984) was born on Aug. 15, 1927 in Beardstown, Cass County, IL. On Aug. 12, 1951, he tied the knot with Chicago native Mary Wickham Hopkins (March 30, 1927-1987). They planted themselves in Astoria, Fulton County. Together, they bore four known children -- Michael Camp, Stephen "Andrew" Camp (1960-2024), Laurie L. Martin (1962-2022) and Dee Egleton. Over the years, William "operated a gas station in Astoria and worked as an agent for Kemper Insurance Co.," said the Astoria South Fulton Argus. "He was a member of the Fulton County Board, was a former mayor of Astoria, secretary of the Fulton County Fair Board, Young Democrats of Fulton County, and the Astoria Christian Church." William was cleaved away by the grim reaper of death in Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL at the age of 56 on June 24, 1984. Mary followed him to the grave on Sept. 26, 1987, when she was 60 years of age.
- Grandson Glenn Dale France (1902-1977) was born in 1902. At the age of about 23, in 1925, he tied the knot with Verna Mae Brillhart (1904-1984). Their three known offspring were Willis D. France, Willard Galen France and Dorothy E. Danner. In the 1935-1940 timeframe, census records show the family in Astoria, with Glenn working as a telegraph operator and 14-year-old son Willie as a newspaper delivery boy. Glenn died at the age of 75 on Sept. 14, 1977.
Great-grandson Willis D. France (1925-2013)
Great-grandson Willard Galen France (1927-2019)
Great-granddaughter Dorothy E. France (1934-2024) married (?) Danner.
Daughter Dora May Butler (1866-1957) was born on May 20, 1866. She entered into marriage with William Isaac Garrett (1863-1945). A foursome of known children were Alletha Camp, Estella Pollock, Marie Rhoades and Paul Garrett. The Garretts' dwelling-place in 1910 was in Woodland Township, Fulton County, with William generating income as a farmer. Dora May passed away at the age of 91 on Sept. 26, 1957. Burial was in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Granddaughter Alletha Garrett (1891-1917) was born on May 6, 1891 in Fulton County. Circa 1910, she first wed George Camp ( ? - ? ). The couple's only son was Lester Dean Camp, born in 1910. Alletha was marked as married in the 1910 census, but was in her parents' home with the husband's whereabouts unknown. Then on March 24, 1917, at age 25, she was joined in wedlock with Robert McClellan Skiles ( ? - ? ), a resident of Schuyler County. They exchanged their marital vows in Warren County, IL. The second marriage only lasted for two months. Alletha appears to have contracted some sort of illness and went to stay with her parents in Woodland Township. There, the angel of death spirited her away on May 12, 1917, just six days after her 26th birthday. Funeral rites were held in the Mount Zion Church, by the hand of Rev. G.W. Murry. The remains were interred in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Robert's story after that is not yet known.
Obituary, 1917 - courtesy John FarrGreat-grandson Lester Dean Camp (1910-1936) was born on April 20, 1910 in Fulton County. He was only seven years of age at his mother's untimely death. Who would have raised him after that is a mystery. Lester died at the age of 25 on Feb. 19, 1936. He sleeps next to his mother for all time in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Estella Garrett (1896-1986) was born on June 5, 1896 in Sheldon, Vernon County, MO. In 1917, she married Charles Hudson Pollock (1895-1983). The only child born to the couple was Louise Marjorie Danner. Estella marked her 90th birthday in June 1986. She died five months later, on Nov. 23, 1986, in Canton, IL. Interment was in Astoria's Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Louise Marjorie Pollock (1918-2002) was born on March 22, 1918. She grew to adulthood in Astoria. On Sept. 9, 1939, she was united in matrimony with 24-year-old Alva Carl "Al" Danner Sr. (Jan. 14, 1916-1978), son of Charles A. and Belva A. (Mowry) Danner of Decatur, IL. Their wedding was held in Keokuk, Lee County, IA, officiated by Rev. George H. Ramsey. Alva stood 6 feet tall and weighed 205 lbs. Alva's son from an earlier marriage, Alva Carl Danner Jr., had sadly died at age four days on June 16, 1935. The baby's remains were interred in a grave with his father's parents. Two daughters born to Louise and Alva were Judith Albers (1941- ? ) and Janet Palombo (1944- ? ). Circa 1940, in Peoria, IL, Alva was employed as a window man/tool crib for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria. In time he joined the workforce of International Harvester Company in Chicago, supervising tool grinding operations. He held a membership in the Ionic Lodge 312 in Chicago. The federal census of 1950 shows the couple at North Lake, IL, with her employed in sales with a retail cosmetics business. Grief shrouded the family when Alva Sr. died in Elmhurst Memorial Hospital at the age of 62 on Nov. 8, 1978. His obituary was published in the Decatur Daily Review. Louise survived him by nearly 24 years and remained at North Lake. She died at the age of 84 on July 23, 2002. An obituary in the Chicago Tribune said she was the grandmother of four and great-grandmother of four. She lies in eternal repose in Mount Emblem Cemetery in Elmhurst, DuPage County, IL.
- Granddaughter Marie Garrett (1901-1988) was born on July 23, 1901 in Woodland Township, Fulton County. On Oct. 26, 1920,, she entered into marriage with Chester A. Rhoades (Dec. 18, 1901-1961). An only daughter in this family was Mary Deloris Jones. Sadly, Chester passed away on Sept. 8, 1961. Marie endured for two-plus decades and died in Rushville, IL at the age of 86 on Jan. 7, 1988. They sleep at each other's side in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Mary Deloris Rhoades (1922-2025) wed (?) Jones.
- Grandson Paul Garrett (1907-1958) was born on the second day of the new year in 1907. He exchanged vows of marriage with Mildred (1910-1977). Together, the pair bore a family of four -- Billie R. Garrett, Peggy Eiland, Betty Oettle and Richard Garrett. Sadly, at the age of 51, Paul died on Aug. 10, 1958. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Mildred outlived him by 19 years. She passed away in 1977.
Great-grandson Billie R. Garrett (1928-1994) was born on June 23, 1928 in Astoria, Fulton County. He is known to have served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He returned home after his term of service ended. Then on Dec. 3, 1955, in Galesburg, IL, he tied the marital cord with Betty L. Hainline (1929-2017). Their foursome of children included Marjorie Askey Choate (1947-2001), Howard Garrett, Daniel R. Garrett (1956-2021) and Jeffrey L. Garrett (1958-2016). For three decades, he was employed as a welder by Butler Manufacturing Company of Galesburg and belonged to the United Steelworkers of America. He retired at the start of 1992. They held a membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in town. At the age of 65, he died in their residence on Jan. 29, 1994. The family requested in an obituary that any memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association. The body was interred in Rock Island National Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Peggy Garrett wed (?) Eiland. She was in Peoria, IL in 1994.
Great-granddaughter Betty Garrett married (?) Oettle. Circa 1994, she lived in West Plains, MO.
Great-grandson Richard Garrett migrated to Texas and settled in Forney, TX.
Son Thomas David Butler (1868-1945) was born on Dec. 6, 1868 in Kerton Township, Fulton County. When he was about 22 years old, in 1890, he entered into the rite of marriage with Mary Elizabeth Doyle (1870-1949), a native of Havana, IL. Five children born into this family were Rev. Joseph Dennis Butler, Amy Frances Skiles, Otis Herbert Butler, Lyle Dearman Butler and Clifton Butler. The Butlers were members of the Astoria Methodist Church. Sadly, on Nov. 1, 1945, at the age of 76, Thomas passed away in Canton, IL. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery. Mary Elizabeth survived him by three-plus years and remained in Astoria. Then in November 1948, she moved to be with her son Joseph in Long Beach, CA, where he was pastoring a church. She became seriously ill in January 1948 and died in Moore Memorial Methodist Church at the age of 77 on Jan. 15, 1948. An obituary was published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram. Rev. Dr. Ralph W. Lee, of the Atlantic Avenue Methodist Church, led the obsequies in Long Beach, after which the remains were transported to her native Illinois for interment.
- Grandson Rev. Joseph Dennis Butler (1891-1976) was born on May 17, 1891 in Havana Township, Mason County, IL. Joseph married Myrtle Gladys (1894-1968). Two known offspring were Marian Elizabeth Erickson and Robert Bryce Butler. Circa 1945-1948, Joseph served as pastor of Moore Memorial Methodist Church of Long Beach, CA. Myrtle passed away at the age of 74 on April 7, 1968. Death spirited him away at the age of 85 on Aug. 5, 1976. His remains sleep for the ages in Rose Hills Memorial Park.
Great-granddaughter Marian Elizabeth Butler (1916-2016) wed (?) Erickson.
Great-grandson Robert Bryce Butler (1923-1998)
- Granddaughter Amy Frances Butler (1893-1964) was born on April 19, 1893 in Illinois. In 1917, she married Benjamin Jacob Skiles (1890-1973). Two known offspring of the pair were Benjamin Butler Skiles and Mary Alice DeFord. They planted themselves in Browning, IL. The angel of death plucked her away at the age of 70 on St. Patrick's Day 1964. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery. Benjamin lived for another nearly nine years. He died on Jan. 21, 1973.
Great-grandson Benjamin Butler Skiles (1919-1977)
Great-granddaughter Mary Alice Skiles (1921-2001) wed (?) DeFord.
- Grandson Otis Herbert Butler (1896-1968) was born on Aug. 1, 1896 in Astoria, Fulton County. On June 14, 1915, he exchanged vows of marriage with Beulah Elizabeth Bricker (1896-1988). Together they bore two daughters -- Luella Anderson Fletcher and Mariana Butler. The family put down roots in Summum, IL. He surrendered to the angel of death at age 75 on Nov. 30, 1971. The remains lie in eternal repose in Summum Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Luella L. Butler (1917-2005) was born on March 30, 1917 in Astoria. She was twice-wed. Her first husband was William Harold Anderson (1916-1957). William was a U.S. Navy Reserves veteran of World War II. The couple bore one known son, Jack Wayne Anderson (1939-1994). Sadly, William died on Sept. 19, 1957, with burial in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Then on Aug. 16, 1959, Luella went on to marry Roy Daniel Minyard (June 20, 1907-1960), originally from Newtown, IN and the son of Daniel and Josephine (Renick) Minyard. He brought a stepdaughter into the union, Beverly Crawford. The Minyards dwelled in Lincoln, IL. The second marriage only lasted for 10 months. Sadness blanketed the family when he died in a hospital in Peoria at the age of 52 on June 4, 1960. An obituary in the Bloomington Pantagraph said that Rev. R.H. Appel led the funeral rites followed by burial in Spring Hill Cemetery near Danville. Then in 1961, at the age of 44, she tied the marital cord with 66-year-old Jacob Bryan Fletcher (1895-1981), son of William and Nancy Fletcher of Freemont County, IL. Their nuptials were conducted in the First Christian Church of Clinton, presided by Rev. B.E. Junkins. Jacob had been married before and was the father of William Fletcher, Jack Dewayne Fletcher (1925-2005) and LaMoyne "Lou" Melton. He was a veteran of World War I, a longtime carpenter and belonged to the Middletown post of the American Legion. The pair made their dwelling-place in Lincoln at the address of 913 13th Street. Death claimed him in Lincoln's Abraham Lincoln Hospital at the age of 86 on Oct. 29, 1981. Interment was in Lincoln's Zion Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Decatur Herald and Review and the Pantagraph.
Great-granddaughter Mariana Butler ( ? - ? )
- Grandson Lyle Dearman Butler (1899-1968) was born on July 13, 1899 in Illinois. On July 14, 1920, he married Greeta Horner (March 9, 1903-2001), a native of Astoria, IL and the daughter of Martin L. and Mary I. (Brinton) Horner. The Butlers were farmers for years in Astoria and became the parents of Thomas Martin Butler, Virginia B. McCausland, Beverly "Jack" Butler, Lyle D. Butler, Rodney Butler and Amy Lou Hollingsworth. Said the Rushville Times, Greeta "was a member of Astoria Christian Church and a former member of the Summum Christian Church where she taught an adult Sunday School class for more than 20 years... She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilt making, painting pictures, and crossword puzzles." Sadly, Lyle was spirited away in death at the age of 68 on April 17, 1968. Greeta lived on for another 33 years. She passed into the realm of the heavenly host at age 98 on June 6, 2001 as a resident of Astoria Manor. Her obituary appeared in the Rushville Times. She was survived by 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral rites were led by Gary Sheets in the family church. Their remains are at rest for all time in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson Thomas Martin Butler (1922-2012) tied the marital cord with Mildred and settled in Astoria.
Great-granddaughter Virginia Butler (1924-2025) wed Carl McCausland. As of 2001, they were in Lewistown, Fulton County.
Great-grandson Beverly "Jack" Butler (1927-1999)
Great-grandson Lyle D. Butler (1932-2020) was joined in wedlock with Karen. The pair migrated to Santee, CA and were there in 2001.
Great-grandson Rodney Butler ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Joan. They relocated to Fenton, near St. Louis, MO.
Great-granddaughter Amy Lou Butler (1937-2012) married Grant Hollingsworth. The pair moved to Austin, TX.
- Grandson Clifton Butler (1908-1998) resided in Burlington, IA in 1948.
Daughter Edith Butler (1873-1970) was born on July 16, 1873 in Kerton Township, Fulton County. When she was 19 years of age, on Feb. 15, 1893, she tied the marital cord with William "Bruce" Fisher (July 27, 1873-1930). Four daughters borne of this coupling were Musette Biggerstaff, Gayle Danner, Zenita Le'Marr and Cleo A. Pugh. Their eldest daughter, Musette, was named after Edith's sister. The marriage appears to have dissolved and in 1927 Edith dwelled in Astoria and Bruce in Sheldons Grove. Grief swept over the family when, at the age of 56, Bruce died in Rushville, IL on July 17, 1930. Burial was in Price-Sackman Cemetery in Schuyler County, IL. Edith outlived him by a remarkable four decades. She marked her 97th birthday in July 1970. Sadly, she passed away a little more than three weeks later on Aug. 11, 1970. The remains were laid to rest in Astoria Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Musette Fisher (1894-1927) was born on Jan. 12, 1894 in Astoria, Fulton County and was named for a favorite aunt. On May 9, 1917, when she was 23 years of age, Musette entered into marriage with Harold Biggerstaff ( ? - ? ). The couple first lived in Astoria before a migration to Huron, Beadle County, SD. They became the parents of three -- Gordon "Dale" Biggerstaff, Geraldine Biggerstaff, Maxine Edith Biggerstaff and Shirley June Biggerstaff. The young family grieved at the death of their three-year-old daughter Shirley on March 15, 1927. Then just five months later, Musette contracted a serious case of tuberculosis in the late summer of 1927. She suffered for four months. Then after she contracted pneumonia, she died in Huron at the age of 33, just two days before Christmas 1927. A Fulton County newspaper reported that the "body was brought here today on the noon train and taken to the home of her mother, Mrs. Edith Fisher, where a private funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W.R. Seitzinger... Mr. and Mrs. Biggerstaff lived in the vicinity of Astoria about five years ago, at which time they moved to Huron. Her mother, Mrs. Fisher has been with her for the past seven months and accompanied the body home." Interment was in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson Gordon "Dale" Biggerstaff (1916-2010) was born in about 1916.
Great-granddaughter Geraldine Biggerstaff (1919- ? ) was born in about 1919.
Great-granddaughter Maxine Edith Biggerstaff (1921-2005) was born in about 1921. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Rose.
- Granddaughter Gayle Fisher (1895-1969) was born in 1895. She was united in matrimony with Lyle Danner (1894-1978). Together they produced a brood of four -- Bernadine Danner, John Stanton Danner, Sara Jane Danner and Barbara Jean Bradbury. In 1927, they were in Ipava, IL. Gayle died in 1969 at about age 73. Lyle outlived her by nine years. He succumbed to the spectre of death in 1978. The couple sleeps at each other's side in Ipava Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Bernadine Danner (1921-1942)
Great-grandson John Stanton Danner (1925-2014)
Great-granddaughter Sara Jane Danner (1929-1931)
Great-granddaughter Barbara Jean Danner (1933-2011) tied the marital cord with (?) Bradbury.
- Granddaughter Zenita Fisher (1898-1994) was born in 1898. She was twice-wed. Zenita on Oct. 2, 1920 first married Bert Elisha Mower (1878-1937), originally from Nora Springs, IA and the son of Bert P. Mower. He grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and brought a stepdaughter into the union, Margaret Mower. Bert was a veteran of the Spanish American War, having served with Company I of the 39th Regular U.S. Volunteers, deployed to the Philippine Islands during the Philippine Insurrection. Their known offspring were Robert Alan Mower, Roger Edward Mower and Audrey Ann Mower. They lived in Huron, SD in the 1920s and 1930s. They mourned at the death of son Roger at age one year, five months and 28 days on March 31, 1928, with an obituary appearing in the Daily Plainsman. Said the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader, "After receiving his discharge from the army [Bert] again returned to Sioux Falls, later entering the U.S. mail service, being assigned the Mitchell-Worthington run over the North Wester, which run he held for a number of years before being transferred to the Pierre-Tracy, Minn., run. He later resigned to enter the auto-electric business for himself at Huron." Bert ran his automobile electric shop for many years in Huron. He is known to have taken training in Kansas City in 1937 for automotive starting and lighting systems and magneto work. He also was a dealer in Conoco Oil products for Beadle County Oil Company. In his free time, Bert was active with the Sidney E. Morrison Camp of the Spanish American War Veterans and circa 1936 held the post of commander. Their sadness was compounded when Bert was stricken with a serious illness and was admitted in a critical condition to the Veterans Hospital in St. Paul, MN. There, he died on Dec. 15, 1937. His obituary was printed in the Huron Daily Plainsman. Traveling to Huron to attend the funeral were George W. Goeble Sr. and George W. Goeble Jr. of Sioux Falls. Zenita's address in the mid-1940s was 118 Third Street Southeast in Huron. She served as chairman of the Spanish War Veterans auxiliary, extending her late husband's legacy. After 21 years as a widow, she tied the knot in 1958 with widowed realtor H. Don Le'Marr (1901-1991). Zenita passed away in 1994 and sleeps for eternity in Hillcrest Cemetery in Hackensack, Cass County, MN.
Step-great-granddaughter Margaret D. Mower ( ? - ? ) lived in Redfield in 1937.
Great-grandson Robert Alan Mower (1923-2018) grew up in Huron, SD. He was a Huron High School graduate and then studied at the School of Mines in Rapid City. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and trained on a P-47 fighter aircraft at Bruning Army Air Field in Nebraska. By 1945, he was assigned to the 9th Air Force fighter-bomber group with the 362nd Fighter Group, and was deployed to Germany, where he flew 84 combat missions. For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters and two Presidential Citations. On Aug. 3, 1945, after his return home, Robert wed Shirley Crump (1925-1995), daughter of George Crump of Pierre, SD. The Sioux Falls (SD) Argus-Leader announced the happy event and said that a "white satin wedding gown, which was self-trimmed with puffing, was chosen by the bride. It was fashioned with a fitted bodice and a full skirt with flowing train. Her net veil was train length with a jeweled crown, and she carried a bouquet of white gardenias and asters." Shirley was an alumna of Perry High School and had attended a business school in Rapid City, SD, followed by employment with the state merit system council at Pierre.
Great-granddaughter Audrey Ann Mower ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Cleo A. Fisher (1900-1987) was born on April 17, 1900 in Illinois. On Dec. 14, 1918, in St. Louis, she tied the knot with Henry Gilbert Pugh (1897-1966). Two known children in this brood were Henry Gilbert Pugh Jr. and Winifred Williams. The Pughs made their homeplace in Vermont in 1927. Sadly, Henry died on St. Patrick's Day 1966. The remains were lowered under the sod of Pennington Point Cemetery in McDonough County, IL. Cleo spent her final years in San Antonio, TX. There, at the age of 87, she passed away on Oct. 21, 1987.
Great-grandson Henry Gilbert Pugh Jr. (1922-2003)
Great-granddaughter Winifred Pugh (1924-2011) wed (?) Williams.
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| Ipava's Main Street, looking west |
Daughter Musetta J. "Mucie" Butler (1876-1902) was born on July 22, 1876. She was joined in wedlock with William Brown (1875-1958), son of Charles and Lottie (Severns) Brown. During their all-too-brief marriage, they produced two children -- Gay Erma Spring and Don Brown. Grief swept over the young family when, at the age of 25 years, mine months and 16 days, Musetta passed away on June 8, 1902. The remains were lowered under the sod of Morning Star Cemetery in Enion, Fulton County. The cause of her untimely death may be lost to history. The widowed William married a second time, on July 12, 1930, to Lettie/Lottie "Ethel" (Brown) Tobin (Sept. 9, 1884-1971), daughter of William H. and Mary (Tivis) Brown. The nuptials were held in Montreal, Canada. She was divorced from her first husband. The Browns did not reproduce. At the age of 83, William died on June 8, 1958, with burial in Havana's Laurel Hill Cemetery. Ethel outlived her husband by a baker's dozen years, living at the end in the Havana Nursing Home. She died at the age of 87, in Mason District Hospital, on Aug. 11, 1971. Her obituary was printed in the Mason County Democrat.
- Granddaughter Gay Erma Brown (1896-1966) was born on Aug. 4, 1896 in Astoria, Fulton County. She was about six years of age when her mother died. Gay was united in holy matrimony with Daniel Spring (Aug. 8, 1900-1966). The three offspring they bore together were Nina May Brown, Ruth I. Masten and Howard Daniel "Highpockets" Spring. Circa 1958, they were in Astoria. Sadly, both wife and husband died three months apart in 1966 -- her on Feb. 21 and him on May 29. They sleep for the ages in Astoria's Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Nina May Spring (1915-1954) wed (?) Brown.
Great-granddaughter Ruth I. Spring (1918-2005) married (?) Masten.
Great-grandson Howard Daniel "Highpockets" Spring (1921-1985)
- Grandson Don Brown (1898-1971) was born on April 6, 1898 in Fulton County. He was a boy of just four when his mother died. In 1930, Don married Frances Luebeck (1899-1971). He was a member of the local post of the American Legion. The Browns dwelled in Havana, IL in 1958-1971. Sadly, they died just a month apart from each other in 1971 -- him at age 72 on Jan. 11, and her on Feb. 15. Burial was in the sacred soil of Laurel Hill Cemetery, Havana.
Son Charles Irvin Butler (1879-1969) was born on April 19, 1879. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 150 lbs. At the age of 21, Charles married 18-year-old Della Sackman (1883-1979). The pair did not reproduce. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the Butlers dwelled on a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County. Living under their roof that year were Della's siblings Benjamin Sackman and Ethel Sackman and 48-year-old servant Marion F. Markley. By 1920, they had moved to Astoria, Fulton County, with him engaged as a manager of a corn shipping operation. Remaining in Astoria circa 1930, he earned a living as a farm laborer. Charles was required to register for the military draft in 1942 during World War II. At that time he disclosed his employer as the Astoria Public Schools. Charles died in Oct. 1969 and was buried in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Della outlived him by a decade. She passed away in 1979.
~ Daughter Sarah Welker ~
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| Sarah's grave, Morning Star Cemetery Courtesy Bradley Welker |
Daughter Sarah Welker (1845-1857) was born on Oct. 6, 1845 in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH.
When she was age three, in about 1848, she migrated with her parents to Illinois, settling on a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County.
Sadly, she did not live to adulthood. On Jan. 15, 1857, she passed away at the age of 11 years, three months and nine days.
Burial of her youthful remains was in Morning Star Cemetery in Fulton County. Her grave marker still stands and is legible, while efforts are underway to determine the text on the epitaph on the face.
~ Daughter Marilla (Welker) Shaw ~
Daughter Marilla Welker (1848- ? ) was born on May 24, 1848 in Jackson Township, Knox County, OH.
Courtesy Marcia Stephens
As a newborn, she traveled with her parents and older siblings to Central Illinois, making their home on a farm in Kerton Township, Fulton County.
On March 22, 1868, in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL, she was married to Daniel "Tuck" Shaw (1843-1921).
Eight children born to this union were Harry Shaw, Nellie Crable, Melissa Shaw, Jesse Shaw, Anna Himmel, Charlotte Briney, Frank R. Shaw and James Shaw. They grieved when daughter Melissa died at the age of about four in 1878.
When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the Shaws dwelled on a farm in Hickory Township, Schuyler County.
With his health in decline, Daniel wrote his last will and testament on April 2, 1920. In doing so, he bequeathed everything to his wife, but reserved several tracts of land for his adult children. To married daughter Nellie Crable, he gave a farm of 188 acres in the southwest quarter of Section 31 of Township 3, Range 3 East. To married daughter Charlotte Brinley, he bestowed a farm in the northwest quarter of Section 6, Township 2, Range 3, except for a 9-acre portion on the south side, along with the stipulation that she pay her sister Nellie the sum of $2,000 upon their mother's death. Son Harry was to receive the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 12; 78 acres from the south end of the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 1; and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 1; and a tract on the south side of the highway east of the east line of the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 1. Son James was to have the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 1, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 1, as well as 10 acres from the east side of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter and two acres from the west side of the southwest quarter of the northwest corner of section 35, plus a one-acre tract that had been acquired from Mittie Horton. Son Frank was to receive the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 2; the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 2; and the southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 11, with the condition that Harry pay his sister Anna Himmel the sum of $3,000 upon their mother's death. Married daughter Anna Himmel was to be given 20 acres within the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 35 in Township 3, Range 2 East, on the west side of a ravine traversing through the property.
He died 17 months later, at the age of 77, on Sept. 9, 1921.
Sadly, Marilla died at the age of 83, in Fulton County, on Sept. 27, 1931. Her remains sleep for all time in Bluff City Cemetery in Schuyler County, IL.
Son Harry Shaw (1869-1943) was born on Aug. 5, 1869. On Oct. 27, 1890, at the age of 21, he entered into marriage with Louisa Ray (Oct. 1, 1867-1947). The pair's only son was Don Hugh Shaw. At the age of 74, Harry died on Aug. 19, 1943. Louise lived for another four years. She surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 79 on March 27, 1947. They lie in eternal repose in Bluff City Cemetery, with an inscribed granite bench marking the site.
- Grandson Don Hugh Shaw (1891-1973) was born on Sept. 26, 1891. On Dec. 16, 1916, he tied the knot with Clara B. Trone (Sept. 23, 1893-1966). Sadly, Clara died on Feb. 27, 1966, just two months after celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary. Don soldiered on for nearly eight more years. The grim reaper of death cleaved him away on Dec. 2, 1973.
Daughter Nellie Shaw (1871-1953) was born on Dec. 17, 1871 near Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. She was joined in wedlock with Phillip "Norman" Crable (1866-1936). They resided over the years in Nellie's hometown. They produced seven known children together -- Gladys Thompson, Wayne Wherley, Violet Thompson, Gerald LeRoy Crable, Mary Clayton, Constance Painter and Roy Crable. The family held a membership in the Bluff City Church. She passed away at age 81 on Oct. 10, 1953, at her daughter Gladys' residence in Havana, Mason County, IL. The headcount of her survivors was 32 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted in the family church, presided by Rev. Fred Thompson. The remains were laid to rest in Astoria Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Argus Searchlight.
- Granddaughter Gladys Crable (1895-1977) was born on April 23, 1895 in Schuyler County, IL. At the age of 20, on Aug. 26, 1915, she exchanged marital vows with Chester O. Thompson ( ? -1975). The wedding was held in Pope County, IL. They were in Havana, IL in 1953, making a home at 314 South Broadway Boulevard. Five offspring in their brood were Nellie Larson, Merritt Thompson, John M. Thompson, Ben Thompson, Francis Thompson and David Thompson. Sadly, Chester died on Jan. 19, 1975. Gladys only survived for two years at 314 South Broadway in Havana, IL. She passed away in Peoria's St. Francis Hospital on Jan. 24, 1977. She was survived by 24 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A newspaper in Jacksonville, IL printed an obituary.
Great-granddaughter Nellie Larson ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Merritt Thompson ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson John M. Thompson ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Ben Thompson ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Francis Thompson ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson David Thompson ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Wayne Crable (1897-1987) was born on Aug. 28, 1897. She wed Clarence S. Wherley ( ? - ? ). They settled in Lewistown, Fulton County. Wayne died at the age of 89 on March 28, 1987. Burial was in White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, IL.
- Granddaughter Violet Crable (1899-1929) was born on Sept. 29, 1899 in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. Said the Argus Search Light, "When a girl, [she] was converted and united with the United Brethren church." On Sept. 21, 1919, just eight days shy of her 20th birthday, she wed Hardy Everett Thompson (Feb. 28, 1899-1934). He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 150 lbs. They were together for a decade until death intervened. Their brood of six children included Eva P. Curless, Evelyn Rhoades Coil, James "Norman" Thompson, Fairy "Alice" Herzog, Kenneth Eugene Thompson and Rose Mary Thompson, the youngest two dying in infancy in 1929. Grief cascaded over the family when, at the age of 30, Violet died in Canton, IL on Nov. 27, 1929. The Search Light said that "She was a kind mother, a loving wife, a good neighbor and her death is mourned by a large circle of friends who extend their sincere sympathy to the bereaved family." Funeral rites were held in her parents' residence, by the hand of Rev. John Davis, followed by burial in Astoria Cemetery. Hardy outlived her by an astonishing 55 years. A year after Violet's death, he resided in Kerton Township and earned a living as a farmer. By 1940, he and the younger children relocated to a farm in nearby Woodland Township. The federal census enumeration for 1950 shows him living in East Peoria, Tazewell County, generating income as a special equipment operator in a tractor factory. At that time, his 28-year-old divorced daughter Evelyn Rhoades and 21-year-old nephew Delbert Clayton were under his roof. He died on Sept. 12, 1984.
Great-granddaughter Eva P. Thompson ( ? - ? ) married (?) Curless
Great-granddaughter Evelyn Thompson ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Rhoades and (?) Coil.
Great-grandson James "Norman" Thompson ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Fairy "Alice" Thompson ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with (?) Herzog.
- Grandson Gerald LeRoy "Roy" Crable (1902-1970) was born on Sept. 12, 1902 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. Gerald migrated to Nebraska in young manhood. On July 3, 1945, at the age of 42, he entered into marriage with Theresa "Lucille" Becker (1910-1991). The couple exchanged their vows at Kimball, Kimball County, NE. She brought a stepson into the family, Harold Becker. Seven known offspring were borne of this union -- Robert A. Crable, Gerald Lee Crable, Roy J. Crable, Larry Leroy Crable, Yvonne Worley, Patsy Heidemann and Betty Bollhorst. They first settled on a farm in the community of Haig in Scotts Bluff County. Then in 1953, they moved to the town of Scottsbluff, NE when he was hired by Carl Norton's Dairy as a herdsman. Said a newspaper, "They moved to Gering in 1958 where he farmed. The family also lived around Scottsbluff until moving to Bayard in 1962." At the age of 67, Gerald died in Bridgeport Hospital on June 5, 1970. His remains were interred in West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. He was survived by 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Great-grandson Robert A. Crable ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Gerald Lee Crable ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Roy J. Crable ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Larry Leroy Crable ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Yvonne Crable ( ? - ? ) married (?) Worley
Great-granddaughter Patsy Crable ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with (?) Heidemann
Great-granddaughter Betty Crable ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with (?) Bollhorst
- Granddaughter Mary Crable (1905-1997) was born on April Fool's Day 1905 in Fulton County. When she was 20 years of age, on Nov. 21, 1925, she married LeRoy Philip "Roy" Clayton (1899-1996). Together, they bore a brood of four sons -- Gerald Leroy Clayton, Delbert O. Clayton, Cecil L. Clayton and Allen O. Clayton. The family was blanketed in mourning at the death of son Allen at age two on Jan. 5, 1941. Circa 1953, they dwelled in Bluff City, and they belonged to the Astoria Church of Christ. Sadly, Leroy died on Sept. 28, 1996. She only survived him by five months. Her final address was at 211 North Locust in Astoria. Death enveloped her at the age of 91, in Rushville's Culbertson Memorial Hospital, on March 3, 1997. The remains sleep for eternity in Astoria Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Peoria Journal Star.
Great-grandson Gerald Leroy Clayton ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Delbert O. Clayton ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Cecil L. Clayton ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Constance Crable (1907-1992) was born on Oct. 5, 1907 in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. In 1927, she entered into marriage with Russell Painter (Aug. 5, 1905-1974). They put down roots in Sheldons Grove, IL. Together they became the parents of Larry R. Painter, Ramona Gorsage, Sharon Lindsey, Norma Merano and Jack Joyce Painter. At the age of 68, Russell died on Feb. 22, 1974. Constance passed away at the age of 84 on Aug. 20, 1992, in Delavan, Tazewell County, IL. Burial was in Sheldons Grove Cemetery. Her obituary appeared in a newspaper in Jacksonville, IL.
Great-grandson Larry R. Painter ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Ramona Painter ( ? - ? ) exchanged vows of marriage with (?) Gorsage.
Great-granddaughter Sharon Painter ( ? - ? ) married (?) Lindsey.
Great-granddaughter Norma Painter ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Merano.
Great-grandson Jack Joyce Painter ( ? - ? )
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| Cattle herds at Scottsbluff, NE - courtesy Library of Congress |
Son Jesse Shaw (1875-1899) was born in 1875. He died in 1899 at the age of about 23. The remains were placed into eternal repose under the sod of Bluff City Cemetery in Schuyler County, IL. Nothing more of substance is known.
Daughter Anna Shaw (1880-1974) was born in 1880. She remained at home into her 30s. In 1915, she married Isaac M. Himmel (1881-1960). It's not known whether they reproduced. He died in 1960. She succumbed to the spectre of death in 1974. Burial was in Browning Cemetery in Schuyler County, IL.
Daughter Charlotte Shaw (1882-1963) was born on Sept. 23, 1882 in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. She wed John Briney (1884-1934). Seven children were born into this family -- Harold Briney, Helen Snyder, Herschel Briney, Esther Chu, Ralph Briney, Evelyn Thurston and Wilburn R. Briney. They resided in Bluff City over the years. Sadly, Charlotte passed away at the age of 80 on Feb. 23, 1963. They sleep at each other's side in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Harold Briney (1905-1951) was born on June 18, 1905 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. When he was about 19 years of age, in 1924, he wed Lois Margaret Shelley (1902-1951). There were four known offspring in their brood -- Rosalie Ione Emmons, Robert Eugene Briney, Eleanor Briney and Roger Briney. Sadness gripped the family at the death of baby son Robert in 1927. Harold was a longtime farm operator in Havana, IL and ran the "Brineyville" farm settlement along Route 100 between Browning and Havana, including an implement shop, grocery, gasoline filling station and garage. He sold the business circa 1950 at a substantial profit. But tragedy intervened on the third day of the new year in 1951. Harold was riding with his 21-year-old daughter Eleanor on an icy road and was killed in a collision with a state highway department truck. Their daughter was badly injured, with internal injuries and a broken left arm, and was rushed to Graham Hospital, where she died six days later on Jan. 9, 1951, while her young friend Beverly Coons also was hurt. Associated Press coverage of the accident was published in newspapers across the state, saying "the truck skidded and Briney's car crashed into the read of the truck, which was spreading cinders on Route 10, four miles east of Havana. Briney was taking his daughter and Miss Coons to the University of Illinois, where they are students." The grief was compounded again five-plus months later when Lois, distraught over her loss, took her own life at the age of 48 on May 26, 1951. She was found by her son Roger in her automobile parked at their summer home at Anderson Lake near Bluff City, with a vacuum cleaner hose connecting the exhaust pipe to the inside. A note was found in her purse, saying that death was the "quickest way to rejoin my husband."
Great-granddaughter Rosalie Ione Briney (1925-1993) was united in matrimony with (?) Emmons.
Great-grandson Roger Briney (1929-2006)
- Granddaughter Helen Briney (1908-2007) was born on Feb. 25, 1908 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. She wed Merle Owen Snyder (Nov. 9, 1903-1974), a native of Littleton, IL. Together they produced four children -- Dr. Dayle Snyder, Bette J. Rutherford Marr, Carole Lupinek and Mary Jane Robbins. They made their dwelling-place in Bushnell, IL. Said a newspaper, Merle "owned and operated Snyder Implement Co. ... and was a member of Bushnell Baptist Church. Mr. Snyder was also a member of the Littleton Masonic Lodge, Mohammed Temple at Peoria and the Quincy Scottish Rite. Sadly, while in Florida in March 1974, he was hospitalized at Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers. There, at the age of 70, he died on March 23, 1974. Burial was in Littleton Cemetery in Schuyler County. His obituary was published in the Galesburg Register-Mail. Helen outlived her husband by more than three decades and married again to (?) Criser. In her later years she lived alternately in Mesa, AZ and Bloomfield, CT. There, at the age of 99, she was spirited away into the hereafter on June 25, 2007. The body was brought back to her native county for interment next to Merle's.
Great-grandson Dr. Dayle O. Snyder relocated to Cambridge, OH. There, for more than 35 years, he served the public as a family physician and general surgeon at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center. He held a seat on the board of directors of the Area Agency on Aging and Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for more than four decades and gave of his time at Boy Scout camps. He held a membership in the Kiwanis International, performed in a barbershop quartet and was active in his church. In May 2004, he was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
Great-granddaughter Bette Snyder (1927-2013) was born on July 24, 1927 in Astoria, IL. She was an alumna of Stephen Decatur High School. Bette appears to have been married twice, first on June 11, 1945 to Ralph Rutherford (1927-2010). They became the parents of three -- Bruce Rutherford, Gay Rutherford and Robin Fones. The Rutherfords' marriage dissolved in divorce in 1972. Then on Feb. 8, 1975, she was joined in wedlock with Robert E. Marr ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in the St. Louis suburb of Camdenton. She was employed by Dr. Rathke for years and in her free time liked to fish and golf. Her final residence was in Carlinville, MO. At the age of 85, as a patient in Memorial Medical Center of Springfield, she passed away on New Year's Day 2013.
Great-granddaughter Carole Snyder wed (?) Lupinek ( ? - ? ) and James Christopher ( ? - ? ). She resided in Elgin, IL in the mid-1970s and in Norfolk, VA in 2003.
Great-granddaughter Mary Jane Snyder (1948-2003) was born on April 9, 1948 in Beardstown, IL. She received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois and a master's degree from the University of Texas. On June 15, 1969, Mary Jane tied the knot with James Leonard Robbins Jr. (1947-2024). Their four children were Marci Curtin, Jennifer Holl, Benjamin Robbins and Suzi Robbins. Their home in 1974 was in Austin, TX. then in about 1983, they moved to Mesa, AZ. Said the Arizona Republic, Mary Jane "was involved in many youth church organizations through the years. Her unconditional love, spiritual strength, patience, kindness, integrity, selflessness, charismatic nature, and desire to always listen with an empathetic ear, were gifts to all who knew her. Her friends would always comment about her optimistic attitude and warm smile. She loved reading, shopping, singing, playing piano, and acting. She felt most at home in nature, especially camping in Arizona's northern woods." Stricken with breast cancer, the angel of death cut her away in Mesa at age 55 on May 11, 2003, Mother's Day. Interment was in the City of Mesa Cemetery.
- Grandson Herschel Briney (1909-1980) was born on July 15, 1909 in Illinois. His first spouse, in 1929, was Clyde Anna Phillips (1905-1989). Two known daughters were Shirley Ann McCammon Harbin and Arlene Patricia Hollis. The Brineys eventually divorced. On Sept. 8, 1956, he exchanged marital vows in Havana, IL with widow Beulah Stambaugh (March 13, 1913-1999), originally from Bader, Schuyler County, IL, and the daughter of Henry Wilson and Mary Ellen (Stoops) Stambaugh. Beulah was a 1942 graduate of Haas Beauty School of Beardstown and, for 13 years, owned and managed Beulah's Beauty Shop in Astoria. Sadly, Herschel died in Astoria at the age of 71 on July 31, 1980. The remains were lowered under the sod of Astoria Cemetery. Beulah endured for 19 more years. She passed away in Macomb, IL at the age of 86 on June 26, 1999.
Great-granddaughter Shirley Ann Briney (1931-2022) was married to (?) McCammon and (?) Harbin.
Great-granddaughter Arlene Patricia Briney (1922-2022) wed (?) Hollis.
- Granddaughter Esther Briney (1911-2002) was born on Jan. 27, 1911. In 1935, she received her bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois followed by a master's degree in history in 1936. Her master's thesis was "The Policy of Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson Toward China." Esther married Hung-Ti Chu (1907-1983), an immigrant from China who had settled in Albany, NY. They bore two sons and a daughter -- George S.T. Chu, Edna S.C. Chu and David Chu. Circa 1956, they resided in Mount Vernon, NY where she taught history at Sarah Lawrence College. He was employed as a specialist on the Pacific region with the secretariat of the United Nations. In her own right, Esther served circa 1959 as president of the board of directors of the TWCA in Mount Vernon. Hunt-Ti spoke widely about the UN and peace across the country. One of his topics of interest was the UN's role in promoting self-rule for dependent peoples. In a speech given at a Church of the Ascension communion service in 1963, he declared that "If civilization is to survive, we must cultivate the science of human relationships, the ability of all peoples of all kinds, to live together and work together in the same world at peace." Their address in 1968 was 66 Magnolia Avenue. After leaving the UN, he was tapped to be a professor of government at Texas Tech University. They eventually moved to LaVerne, CA, making a homeplace at 2734 Mountain View Drive. Interested in genealogy, she published the book Briney Families Coast to Coast. She and Maurice E. Briney and Walter L. Briney also co-authored several books, including the 1979 Briney Patriots, Pioneers and Families and a 1986 family history, Briney Families 1713-1976. Esther was gathered in by the angel of death at age 91, in LaVerne on Nov. 25, 2002. She sleeps for the ages in Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont.
Great-grandson David Chu was a graduate of Davis High School.
Great-grandson George S.T. Chu was an alumnus of Holmes School and Traphagen Junior High School and a 1965 graduate of Mount Vernon (NY) High School. He went on to attend Yale University, where he earned his bachelor of arts, magna cum laude. Circa 1968, he was a cadet at the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. He went on to receive his doctorate of music, with high distinction, from Indiana University. For many years he has been employed as professor of music at Hamline University in Saint Paul, MN, where he has directed the Oratorio Singers. He and Edna B. Chun are co-authors of Transformational Music Teaching.
Great-granddaughter Edna S.C. Chu received her bachelor's degree in 1968, cum laude, from Oberlin College in Ohio, studying music education in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- Grandson Ralph Briney (1913-2001) was born on May 25, 1913 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. On Feb. 18, 1933, he married Frances E. Stremmel (1913-2008) in nuptials held in Ruhville. Their trio of children included Charles "Bud" Briney, Ronald Briney and Kay Ripp. The Brineys dwelled in the rural outskirts of Astoria, where he toiled as a farmer for 47 years. He also belonged to the Sheldons Grove United Methodist Church, Vermont lodge of the Masons, Ansar Shrine Temple Valley, Astoria Lions Club and Hickory-Kerton Fire Department, where he was a trustee. Sadly, Ralph succumbed to the spectre of death at age 87 on March 12, 2001, in Heritage Manor South in Beardstown, IL. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Peoria Journal Star.
Great-grandson Charles "Bud" Briney (1937-2022) wed Betty and put down roots in Astoria.
Great-grandson Ronald Briney tied the knot with Barbara and relocated to New Braunfels, TX.
Great-granddaughter Kay Briney entered into marriage with Greg Ripp. Circa 2001, they lived in Hubertus, WI.
- Granddaughter Evelyn Briney (1915-1985) was born on Feb. 2, 1915 in Bluff City, Schuyler County. She entered into marriage with Jack Theo Thurston (Nov. 4, 1908-1984), son of John J. and Dora Bell (Hunter) Thurston of Montello, NV. Two children of their union were John Thurston and Gerda Hemenway. Jack stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 145 lbs. He was an alumnus of Reno High School and the University of Nevada at Reno and then obtained his graduate degree from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in 1935. When required to register for the military draft during World War II, the pair lived in Cos Cob near Greenwich, CT, where he was employed by American Cyanamid Company. Among his accomplishments were patents for organic compounds such as "alpha, beta-unsaturated guanamines" and "halogen substituted guanamines" for use in the manufacture of resins and coatings. Then in the mid-1980s, the couple made their residence at Shore Acres in Weems, VA, with him working as director of research for American Cyanomid and as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon. He was a member of the American Chemical Society for 50 years and the Reno lodge of the Masons, and was listed in American Men of Service. Stricken with acute leukemia, Jack passed away in Richmond's St. Luke's Hospital on Aug. 28, 1984. Her final years were spent in Reno, NV. There, at the age of 70, she died on Oct. 4, 1985. Their cremains sleep for the ages in Masonic Memorial Gardens in Reno.
Great-grandson John A. Thurston lived in Mundelein, IL in 1984.
Great-granddaughter Gerda Thurston wed (?) Hemenway. In 1984, she made her dwelling-place in Reno, NV.
- Grandson Wilburn R. Briney (1916-1994) was born three days after Christmas 1916 in Hickory Township, Schuyler County. At the age of 18, on Feb. 26, 1935, he tied the marital knot with Betty May Hoole (May 16, 1919-2000), daughter of Floyd and Lucy (Mercer) Hoole of Astoria. Two sons were borne of their coupling -- Paul Briney and Homer Briney. The family dwelled in Rushville, IL. For many years, they farmed in Schuyler County, with him serving as founding president of the Farmers Terminal Grain Company in Frederick and as a member of the board of directors of the Crane Creek Drainage District. Very active in the community, he was president of the Rotary Club of Beardstown, a school board director for Schuyler County, and a member of the Beardstown Elks Lodge, Rushville lodge of the Masons, Rushville Commandery, Quincy Consistory, Illinois Valley Shrine, Ansar Shrine of Springfield, Schuyler Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and Rushville Masonic Lodge 9, AF&AM; Rushville Commandery 56; Quincy Consistory, Lusk Chapter 20; Illinois Valley Shrine; Ansar Shrine of Springfield; the Order of Eastern Star, Schuyler Chapter and the First United Methodist Church in Rushville. In her own right, said the Peoria Journal Star, Betty May "was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rushville, Schuyler Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and Beardstown Business and Professional Women. She was a member of a bowling team in Beardstown for several years." Toward the end, with his health in decline, Wilburn was admitted to reside in the Snyder's Vaughn-Haven Nursing Home. He died there at the age of 77 on Nov. 7, 1994. He was survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Betty May endured for six years. Death swept her away at age 81 on Dec. 14, 2000 in Heritage Manor South Nursing Home in Beardstown. Their remains sleep aside each other in Rushville City Cemetery.
Great-grandson Paul Briney married Sally and planted themselves in Chatham, IL.
Great-grandson Homer Briney wed Fran. They lived in Rushville in 2000.
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| Esther's husband Hung-Ti Chu, head of a Chinese delegation, speaks at an international student assembly in Washington, DC in Sept. 1942 and greets Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson of the U.S. Supreme Court - Library of Congress |
Son Frank R. Shaw (1884-1960) was born on the next-to-last-day of 1884 in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. He sported red hair and blue eyes, and stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. Frank tied the marital knot with Mildred Bloomfield (Feb. 14, 1884-1978). They produced a family of five together -- Lester Daniel Shaw, Myron Willis Shaw, Marshall Dayle Shaw and Betty June Warner. When the United States Census enumeration was made in 1910, the young family resided on a farm next-door to his parents in Sheldons Grove in Hickory Township, Schuyler County, with 46-year-old William Vaughn in the household, providing farm labor. The family residence circa 1913-1920 remained in Sheldons Grove, in a rented house along Bluff City and Sheldons Grove Road, with him toiling raising grain. The pair continued to farm for the rest of their lives until they could no longer do so. As of 1940, their post office was in Browning, Schuyler County. Frank was spirited away into the great hereafter in Bluff City at the age of 75 on Oct. 1, 1960. Interment was in the sacred soil of Astoria Cemetery where many generations in this family sleep for all time. The widowed Mildred survived her husband by 18 years. At the age of 94, she died on Nov. 28, 1978.
- Grandson Lester "Daniel" Shaw (1907-1967) was born on April 18, 1907 in Astoria, Fulton County. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 160 lbs. At the age of 33, in 1940, Daniel was employed by his father in Browning, Schuyler County, IL. Daniel was thrice married and thrice divorced. In 1927, he wed his first bride, Helen Lau (1908-1997). Together they bore a brood of four children -- Willis E. Shaw, Evelyn A. Hopping, Buddy L. Shaw and Harriett A. Schomer. The marriage dissolved in divorce. Then in 1950, he tied the knot with Nellie Rhoades (1902-1996). The second union also ended in divorce. Daniel's final spouse was Ruth (Clark) Freeman (April 10, 1903-1967), daughter of William and Cordelia (Brown) Clark. Ruth brought two stepdaughters into the combined family, Donna J. Bucy Moore (1923-2009) and Shirley Ann Osborne (1927-2015). Daniel and Ruth divorced. Sadly, she died in Springfield, IL at the age of 63 on Jan. 8, 1967. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.
Great-grandson Willis E. Shaw (1927-2012)
Great-granddaughter Evelyn A. Shaw (1928-2012) married (?) Hopping.
Great-grandson Buddy L. Shaw (1929-2018)
Great-granddaughter Harriett A. Shaw (1931-2000) wed (?) Schomer.
- Grandson Myron Willis Shaw (1909-1971) was born on July 12, 1909. He is known to have served in the U.S. Army during World War I and to have attained the rank of sergeant. On Sept. 26, 1937, Myron was joined in wedlock with Ruth Bartlett (Aug. 19, 1917-2015), a native of Schuyler County, IL and the daughter of Asa and Lelia (Hale) Bartlett. Three children born to the couple were Stanley Shaw, Judy Shaw and Steve Shaw. Sadly, at the age of 62, he died on Sept. 13, 1971. His remains sleep in eternal rest in Astoria Cemetery. Ruth outlived him by 44 years and in 1984 wed again to Robert G. Riebling (1915-1986) in Lewistown, Fulton County. Said an obituary, "She was a homemaker, seamstress and owner/operator of Shaw Feed and Farm Supply after the death of her husband, Myron. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards and bragging about her grandchildren. Ruth was a member of the Astoria United Methodist Church and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star 227 of Ipava, Ill., and the Astoria American Legion Auxiliary." She passed away in Pekin, IL at the age of 97 on Jan. 31, 2015.
Great-grandson Stanley Shaw tied the marital cord with Lillie. They have dwelled in Pekin, IL.
Great-granddaughter Judy Shaw was joined in wedlock with (?) Gain. In 2015, her residence was in Chesterfield, MO.
Great-grandson Steve Shaw entered into marriage with Kelly. Their home has been in Morton, IL.
- Grandson Marshall Dayle Shaw (1913-1920) was born on May 28, 1913 in Sheldons Grove, Schuyler County. Sadness swept over the family when he died at the age of six, on March 31, 1920, in Hickory Township, Schuyler County. The cause of this untimely death is not yet known. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Betty June Shaw (1921-2015) was born on July 5, 1921. In 1940, she wed Charles Robert Warner (Nov. 7, 1916-1989), with their nuptials held in Mexico, MO. They became the parents of two -- Charles Marion Warner and Cynthia Warner. Charles served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Their union was cleaved apart at Charles' death on Jan. 3, 1989. Death swept her away into eternity at the age of 93 on April 28, 2015. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery.
Son James Shaw (1887-1923) was born on Oct. 21, 1887 in Bluff City, Schuyler County, IL. He sported blue eyes and red hair and had a medium build and height. A bachelor at age 22, in 1910, he lived under his parents' roof and labored on the home farm near Bluff City. When required to register for the military draft during World War I, he disclosed that he was employed by his father as a farmer. Again in 1920, U.S. Census records show him in his parents' household, working as a grain farmer. James inherited tracts of land after his father's death in 1921. The acreage included the west half of the southwest quarter of Section 1, and the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 1, as well as 10 acres from the east side of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter and two acres from the west side of the southwest quarter of the northwest corner of section 35, plus a one-acre tract that had been acquired from Mittie Horton. At the age of about 35, he died on July 12, 1923. The remains were lowered under the sod of Bluff City Cemetery. The cause of his untimely death is not known.
~ Daughter Catherine "Dora" (Welker) Price ~
Daughter Catherine "Dora" Welker (1852-1896) was born in about 1852 in Knox County, OH.
As a very young girl she accompanied her parents on a relocation to Fulton County, IL.
In 1868, she married George Butler Price (1846-1919).
A pair of children born to the couple were Estella Kernal and Walter S. Price, and perhaps others.
Sadly, Cora passed away at about age 43 on Jan. 9, 1896. Her remains were laid to eternal rest in Price-Sackman Cemetery in Schuyler County, IL.
Daughter Estella Price (1872-1954) was born on Sept. 6, 1872. She lived most of her life in Bushnell, IL. In 1900, Estella married Walker Sample Kernal (1872-1931). They did not reproduce and were together for 31 years until his death in 1931. Circa 1920, he was elected as an incorporator of the McDonough County Agricultural Association's first exposition, at the Bushnell fair grounds, billed in the Macomb Daily By-stander as "one of the biggest stock and farm products shows in the history of the county." Walker raised racing horses and in October 1909 was an exhibitor at a horse show in town. In May 1923, he is known to have sold a sorrell pacer to the partnership of Chandler and Conelly. With her health failing, she was admitted to dwell in the Westfall Nursing Home in Prairie City, IL. There, at the age of 81, she died on Aug. 24, 1954. Her remains were placed into repose in Bushnell Mausoleum, with Rev. Harold Lane presiding. An obituary appearing in the Galesburg (IL) Register-Mail named her only two survivors as cousins A.N. Price of Astoria and Joe Stevens of Peoria.
Son Walter S. Price (1875-1938) was born on July 18, 1875. Over the years, he suffered from "extreme nervousness" which led to a "nervous breakdown," said the Macomb (IL) Daily By-stander. In September 1922, when he was 47 years of age, his brother-in-law Walker Kernal took him to the Norbury Institute at Jacksonville to be treated. Said the Daily By-stander, "his many friends hope he will soon recover now tht he is in the hands of specialists of this disease." He underwent X-ray tests and appeared to be improving but by February 1923 had relapsed. Upon improvement, he returned hom in April 1923. Death spirited him away in Bartonville, IL at the age of 63 on Sept. 17, 1938. Burial was in Bushnell Cemetery.
~ Son William "Morgan" Welker ~
Son William "Morgan" Welker (1853-1916) was born on Sept. 27, 1853 in Kerton Township, Fulton County.
In 1879, when he was about 25 years of age, he married Emma Jane Smith (1860-1939).
Their brood of children included Lilburn Welker, George Loa Welker, Clyde Leroy Welker, Barton William Welker, Addie M. Welker and Gaye W. Conn. The family was plunged into mourning at the deaths of son Lilburn at age eight in 1888 and daughter Addie at age one year, three months on Feb. 28, 1897.
He died in Fulton County on Aug. 16, 1916. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Astoria.
Son George "Loa" Welker (1882-1969) was born on Jan. 31, 1882 in Fulton County, IL. He was united in matrimony with Mary Elizabeth Lynch (1883-1971). A foursome of children born to the pair were Orley J. Welker, Clela G. Phalen, Geneda M. Beadles and Marguerite E. Smith. The grim reaper of death cleaved him away at age 87, in Quincy, IL, on Sept. 27, 1969. Burial was in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Astoria.
- Grandson Orley J. Welker Sr. (1902-1984) was born on Oct. 15, 1902 in Fulton County, IL. At the age of 22, on June 20, 1925, he entered into marriage with M.K. Frieda Meyer (1897-1955). Their nuptials were conducted in Pekin, IL. One son born to the couple was Orley J. Welker Jr. The family resided in rural Havana, Fulton County. Orley earned a living as a farmer and was employed by the Illinois Division of Waterways. Sadly, Frieda passed away on Feb. 12, 1955, bringing to a close their union of nearly three decades' duration. Then on June 1, 1956, in Havana, he was joined in wedlock with Bessie (Smith) Basett (1903-1980). Bessie brought two stepchildren into the family, Betty Hodges and Ron Basett. The second marriage endured for 24 years until the separation of death. They belonged to the Central Christian Church, where he gave of his time as an elder. Bessie was gathered away into the heavenly host on July 31, 1980. With his health in decline, Orley was admitted to Mason District Hospital. He died there at the age of 81 on Jan. 24, 1984. Funeral rites were conducted by Rev. Arvil Bass. The remains were lowered under the sod of Laurel Hills Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Mason County Democrat.
- Granddaughter Clela G. Welker (1904-2000) was born on April 14, 1904. On Dec. 17, 1923, in Havana, IL, she wed Melvin Leo Phalen (Dec. 24, 1903-1983), son of John and Effie J. (Beaty) Phalen. Together, they became the parents of four -- Maxine Lindsey, Jeanette M. Phalen, Eugene Phalen and Elaine L. Scott. They grieved at the death of daughter Jeanette at age four on Aug. 19, 1934 and the following year with the passing at birth of son Eugene on July 29, 1934. The family's longtime residence was in rural Havana. For 33 years, Melvin was employed by International Harvester Company. He held memberships in St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the local lodges of the Eagles and Moose. Sadness cascaded over the family when, as a patient in Canton's Graham Hospital, Melvin died at age 79 on March 9, 1983. His funeral mass was conducted in the family church, led by Rev. Thomas Coughlin. Circa 1984, she continued to make her home in Havana. She was spirited away by the angel of death at the age of 96 on Dec. 16, 2000. Burial was in White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.
- Granddaughter Geneda M. Welker (1907-1984) was born on Oct. 18, 1907 in Marbletown, Fulton County, IL. She was twice-wed. Geneda's first husband in 1927 was John Herman Meyer (1888-1970). Six daughters borne of this union were Virginia Lee Loveland, Marilyn L. Waller, Harriet Jane Baldwin, Joyce Gibson, Donna M. Chapman and Bonnie Jones. The marriage eventually dissolved in divorce. Circa 1957, Geneda married her second spouse, Fred Eugene Beadles (1924-2009), sometimes misspelled as "Beathles." A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, Fred spent his working career as an inspector with the Mossville plant of Caterpillar. Their home in the early 1980s was in Lewistown, IL. Geneda died at the age of 76, in Canton, on June 26, 1984. Fred lived for another quarter of a century. He passed away on May 12, 2009. Their remains sleep for the ages in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.
- Granddaughter Marguerite E. Welker (1918-1990) was born on March 23, 1918 in Fulton County. At the age of about 28, on Nov. 18, 1946, she tied the knot with Clarence Odell Smith (Sept. 4, 1915-1968). Sadly, at the age of 53, Clarence died two days after Christmas 1968. Marguerite endured as a widow for another 22 years and dwelled in Lewistown, IL in 1984. She succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 72 on Nov. 3, 1990. Burial was in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
Son Clyde Leroy Welker (1887-1954) was born on Sept. 14, 1887 in Astoria, Fulton County, IL. He stood 6 feet tall and weighed 140 lbs. and had a stiff finger on his left hand. Clyde earned a living as a farmer near Astoria in young manhood. Then in 1930, he was employed as a section hand for a railroad, and shared a home with his widowed mother. On Aug. 7, 1935, when he was about 47 years of age, he tied the marital cord with Sadie Alice Orick ( ? - ? ). It's not known whether the couple reproduced. They made a home in the early 1940s at 704 South Madison Street in Lewisburg, Fulton County. When he was required to register for the military draft during World War II, in 1942, Clyde disclosed that he was employed by the Works Progress Administration in Cuba, IL and that his supervisor was Arthur Hedge. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. Clyde and Sadie also kept boarders in their residence to generate additional income. Sadly, at the age of 66, he passed away in Peoria on May 28, 1954. His remains were lowered into eternal sleep in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery. Sadie's fate is unknown.
Son Barton William Welker (1889-1939) was born on Dec. 2, 1889 in Summum, Fulton County, IL. On Christmas Eve 1908, in Fulton County, he entered into marriage with Chlora "Chloe" Edna Davis ( ? -1975). The couple's six children were Don B. Welker, twins Twila Mae Johnson and Isla Faye Welker, twins Leslie Thurl Welker and Effie "Beryl" Evans, Zoe Aldalee Gunzenheiser and Dean Davis Welker. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the young family made its dwelling place on a rented farm near Astoria in Woodland Township, Fulton County. Sadly, their newborns Leslie died in 1914 and Dean in 1921. By 1920, they had purchased their own farm and remained in the Astoria community. In time the family relocated to Peoria, IL, where Barton was employed in the late 1930s as a truck driver even as the nation was still in the grip of the Great Depression. Their address in the city was 2117 South Jefferson Avenue. Death carried Barton away at the age of 29, on May 4, 1939, in Pekin, Tazewell County, IL. Burial took place in the Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Astoria. Chlora outlived her spouse by decades and married again to Archie Huff (March 28, 1884-1954). Sadly, Archie died in Fulton County on Oct. 1, 1954, rendering Chlora again as a widow. She made a home in Peoria in 1974. Chlora passed away in Canton at the age of 84 in March 1975. She and Archie share a grave in Ipava Cemetery.
Grandson Don B. Welker (1910-1999) was born on April 4, 1910 in Woodland Township, Fulton County, IL. At the age of 27, on Feb. 5, 1938, he married 24-year-old Jeanette Elizabeth Angelo (March 30, 1913-1977), a native of Morgan County, IL. Their wedding was held in Bowling Green, MO. Three children born into this family were Norman Thomas Welker, Don "Eugene" Welker and Emma "Jane" Nappin. The Welkers lived at one time in Lewistown, Fulton County. They were farmers and circa 1968, he worked at Tingley Products. He eventually opened and ran Welker Produce. Don also served for 23 years as a sexton for the Pleasant Township Cemetery Association. At their 30th wedding anniversary, in 1968, their son Eugene hosted a dinner in their honor at his home in town. Sadly, Jeanette died in Peoria on Dec. 14, 1977. At the age of 89, Don was spirited away into the heavenly host in Astoria Health Center, IL on April 23, 1999. His obituary appeared in the Peoria Journal Star. Burial was in Ipava Cemetery.
Ipava Cemetery - courtesy Bradley WelkerGreat-grandson Norman Thomas Welker (1938-2021) was born on Oct. 15, 1938 in Canton, Fulton County, IL. He was a 1956 graduate of Vermont-Ipava-Table Grove High School. He joined the U.S. Army and spend two years in Japan, training on telephone technology, maintaining dial offices and receiving three letters of commendation. On July 18, 1959, in Ipava, IL, he exchanged marital vows with Virginia Kingery. The couple bore two sons -- Brian Welker and Bradley Welker. Said the Auburn Citizen, "Following separation from the Army, he placed applications with several phone companies and a cooperative. He received a call from McDonough Telephone Cooperative’s (MTC) general manager requesting he come in for an interview. Norman was there June 15 and at the conclusion of the interview, the manager asked how soon he could start. He had to wait until the following day, June 16, 1959, before he could start. He went on to spend his entire telephone career of 47 years working for MTC, the last 21 years as general manager and president. The crown jewel for Norman was to serve as President of the [National Telephone Cooperative Association] Board of Directors and receive the NTCA Life Achievement Award." In the community, Norman held memberships in the Macomb lodge of the Elks, where in 1983 he was exalted ruler and in 1988 district deputy GER. He also was active with the local lodge of the Masons, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, ANSAR Shrine, Macomb post of the American Legion, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce (including a term as president in 2002) and the NTCA (serving as president in 2004-2005). With his health in decline, Norman was admitted to St. John's Hospital in Springfield. He died there at the age of 82 on March, 12, 2021. Pastor Kelly Ingersoll led the funeral rites at the First Christian Church in town, with interment in Summum Cemetery. Their son Bradley graciously has provided valuable content and images for this biography.
Great-grandson Don "Eugene" Welker (1940-2015) was born on Jan. 3, 1940 in Bernadotte Township, Fulton County. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1958 and served until 1962, attaining the rank of corporal. At the age of 22, on Sept. 16, 1962, he married Sandra Easley ( ? - ? ). They resided in Lewistown and produced two sons, Barton Welker and Scott Welker. Reported the Peoria Star Journal, "He was employed at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 30 years, retiring in 1996 as a Dispatcher. He then was an over-the-road truck driver for several years. Gene was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church and the Lewistown American Legion Post 1. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren's activities and visiting with the local farmers." Sadly, he was gathered away by the angel of death at age 75 on June 16, 2015, as a patient in Canton's Graham Hospital. Pastor Deryck Sonaram presided over the obsequies, with burial under the sod of Oak Hill Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Emma Jane Welker (1941-2016) was born on April 19, 1941 in Canton, IL. When she was 21 years of age, four days before Christmas 1962, she entered into marriage with James E. Nappin. Their nuptials were conducted in the county seat of Lewistown. They became the parents of three -- Jon Nappin, Beth Ann Jennings and Crystal Ulm. The family put down roots in Lewistown. Overe the years, Jane was employed by State Farm Insurance in Florida and Illinois. They belonged to the Lewistown United Methodist Church. In her free time she liked to garden. Sadly, Emma Jane passed away at the age of 75 on Sept. 12, 2016.
- Granddaughter Twila Welker (1911-1929) was born on May 4, 1911, in Woodland Township near Astoria, Fulton County, a twin with her sister Isla. At the age of about 16, circa 1927, she married Charles Johnson ( ? - ? ). They migrated to Wisconsin and settled in Racine, at the address of 3116 17th Street. Tragically, their union only spanned two years. She died at the age of 18 in St. Luke's Hospital on April 9, 1929. What caused such an untimely passing is not known. The remains were brought back to her hometown to be lowered into eternal peacefulness in Lewistown's Oak Hill Cemetery. An obituary was published in the Racine Journal Times, saying she was survived by her parents, three sisters and one brother in Peoria.
- Granddaughter Isla Welker (1911-1968) was born on May 4, 1911 in Woodland Township near Astoria, Fulton County, a twin with her sister Twila. She never married. In about 1932, burdened with a serious illness in her early 20s, she relocated to Peoria, IL, where she spent the balance of her life. She held a membership in the Illinois Street Christian Church. She died in a Peoria hospital at the age of 57 on Sept. 1, 1968. Rev. Scott Huson, pastor of the Howett Street Christian Church, led the funeral rites.
- Granddaughter Effie "Beryl" Welker (1914-1970) was born on July 20, 1914, a twin with her sister Leslie. She wed Robert Evans (1917-1985). Together, they bore a trio of offspring -- Donald Evans, Sharon Grandy and Timothy J. Evans. Circa 1940, U.S. Census records show the Evanses on Garden Street in Peoria, with Robert working as a laborer and Beryl as a checker in a laundry. Death spirited her away in 1970. Her remains were interred in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Robert endured for 15 more years and died in 1985.
Great-grandson Donald E. Evans (1935- ? ) was born in 1935. He lived in Peoria in 1974-2025.
Great-granddaughter Sharon Evans (1938-1974) was born on July 30, 1938 in Peoria, IL. She wed Donald Grandy ( ? - ? ) of Rutland, VT. Their two sons were Donald R. Grandy (1957-2018) and Mark Grandy. They made their dwelling-place in Mapleton, IL. Sharon and Donald worked together in managing the Young Men's Christian Association outdoor center. They were members of the Howlett Street Christian Church, where Sharon sang in the chancel choir. The family was plunged into grief when, at age 35, stricken with cancer, Sharon died in a Peoria hospital on April 3, 1974. Her obituary was published in the Rutland Daily Herald. Interment was in Peoria's Lutheran Cemetery.
Great-grandson Timothy J. Evans (1947-1969) was born on Aug. 20, 1947 in Peoria, IL. He died in Lincoln, IL in 1969. Details are not yet known. Inscribed on his grave marker in the Lutheran Cemetery is the phrase "Angel Unaware."
- Granddaughter Zoe A. Welker (1919-2016) was born on June 23, 1919 in Ipava, IL. She first was joined in wedlock with Charles Franklin "Chud" Harrold (1912-1979). Together, they bore two children, Skip Harrold and (?). Their marriage fell apart in divorce. Then on Dec. 2, 1949, in Lewistown, Fulton County, she tied the marital cord with widower Raymond Edward Gunzenheiser (Feb. 14, 1918-2003), originally from Peoria, IL and the son of Charles and Verena Mae (Clark) Gunzenheiser. He brought six stepchildren into the second union from his first marriage to Elizabeth Ann Callear (1917-1948) -- Harold Edward Gunzenheiser, Raymond Charles "Toton" Gunzenheiser, Verna Mae Gunzenheiser, Betty Joyce Lovins Kaufmann, Julie Ann Gunzenheiser and Gail Marie Baer. Other offspring in their combined family were Shirley McCready, Richard Clemons and Roberta Fredericks. Raymond was employed as a pipefitter for 45 years for the Barrett Company, later merged with Celotex, a manufacturer of built-up roofing products. He retired in 1980. He held a membership in the United Steel Workers of America. Said a newspaper, Zoe "worked as a retail clerk and at various grocery stores, last working at the Federal Warehouse. She was a member of Ann Street Bible Church in Peoria and the Retail Clerk's Union. Zoe was active in her church women's group and was an avid reader and crossword puzzler. In her younger years, she was a great roller skater and volleyball player. She loved to camp and fish and play pinochle and board games and also sending and receiving birthday cards. Zoe loved to talk with family and friends, especially telling jokes." Sadly, Raymond died at the age of 85 on Nov. 10, 2003. Jointly leading the funeral rites were Rev. Don Burleston and Rev. Harold Baer. Zoe outlived him by a baker's dozen years. Her final residence was in Sterling, IL. The spirit of death gathered her away on Jan. 18, 2016. Rev. Don Burleston officiated the funeral in the Ann Street Bible Church in Peoria, with burial taking place at the Lutheran Cemetery.
Great-grandson Skip Harrold wed Jane. They moved to Walla Walla, WA.
Step-great-grandson Harold Edward Gunzenheiser (1937-2005)
Step-great-grandson Raymond Charles "Toton" Gunzenheiser (1939-2019) wed Janie. In the mid-2010s, they dwelled at Lake Wales, FL.
Step-great-granddaughter Verna Mae Gunzenheiser (1942-2022) was united in matrimony with Richard Hart. Three sons in this family were Charles Hart, Raymond Hart and Richard Hart. After a divorce, Verna was a longtime companion of Mike Miller and lived in Bartonville, IL.
Step-great-granddaughter Betty Joyce Gunzenheiser (1943-1996) was twice-wed, first to (?) Lovins and then to (?) Kaufmann.
Step-great-granddaughter Julie Ann Gunzenheiser (-1945-) died in infancy in 1945.
Step-great-granddaughter Gail Marie Gunzenheiser (1946-2005) entered into marriage with (?) Baer.
Step-great-granddaughter (?) Shirley McCready was in Peoria, IL in 2016.
Step-great-grandson ( ? ) Richard Clemons was joined in wedlock with Sue. They also have made a home at Lake Wales, FL.
Step-great-granddaughter (?) Roberta tied the marital knot with David Fredericks. The pair put down roots in Sterling, IL.
Daughter Gaye W. Welker (1898-1960) was born on March 31, 1898. She wed Perry Conn (May 17, 1895-1969), son of James and Amanda (Thomas) Conn. The only known child born to the pair was Max Welker Conn. During World War II, their son joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and was deployed to Europe in the liberation of Paris campaign. Sadly, he went missing in action on Aug. 27, 1944. They were kept in the dark over his final fate for over a year. Then in 1945, out of the blue, they received a mysterious envelope containing a piece of nylon fabric, with no explanation other than writing on the envelope, reading "Personal Effects, 1st Lt. Max W. Conn." Said a newspaper, "It is a piece about the size of a man's handkerchief. A knife had been used to start the cut, then the piece of nylon had been torn out. On it are many words and letters and numbers, as: 'Canopy ASSY, DWG. 43G14990. Made Sept. 1943'," The Conns believed the fragment to have been from his parachute. Gaye died at the age of 62, on Christmas Eve 1960. Burial was in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, Tazewell County, IL. Perry soldiered on for another nine years. The angel of death harvested him away at age 74 on Nov. 5, 1969.
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| Max's grave in Pekin, IL and 1945 news clipping - courtesy "Linda T." |
- Grandson Max Welker Conn (1920-1944) was born on May 20, 1920 in Pekin, Tazewell County, IL. He was a 1938 graduate of Pekin High School and for several years was employed as assistant manager of the Empire Theatre in town. With the dark clouds of World War II looming ever closer on the horizon, Max enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force on Aug. 27, 1941. He then trained as a pilot. After receiving his commission as a second lieutenant, and while in Baton Rouge, LA, he entered into marriage on March 31, 1943 with Dalpha Mae McDonald ( ? - ? ). Max soonafter was deployed to the Europe Theatre, assigned to the 5006th Fighter Squadron of the 404th Fighter Bomber Group of the 9th Air Force. As pilot of P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, based in Chapelle, France, he made 175 bombing missions over enemy territory. But on the tragic day of Aug. 27, 1944, his streak of good fate ended. His aircraft was shot down in a fight with four enemy planes. Evidence suggests that Max may have bailed out, but he died in the incident. A fragment of his nylon parachute later was sent back home to his parents. He initially was buried in Europe, but in November 1948 his remains were repatriated to the United States. He was laid to rest in Pekin's Lakeside Cemetery.
~ Son George Riley Welker ~
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| Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Astoria, IL - courtesy Bradley Welker |
Son George Riley Welker (1858-1898) was born on Jan. 10, 1858 in Kerton Township, Fulton County.
At age 25, on May 13, 1883, he married Alice M. Farwell (March 18, 1857-1940).
The brood of five offspring in this family included Harley Welker, John Riley Welker, Jesse Adelbert Welker, Leona Marnie Welker and Maude Cornelia Welker.
Sadly, George died in Woodland Township, Fulton County on Oct. 11, 1898.
Alice endured as a widow for more than four decades.
She succumbed to the spectre of death on Sept. 29, 1940. She sleeps at her husband's side for eternity in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Astoria, IL.
Son Harley Welker (1884-1971) was born on June 2, 1884 in Summum near Astoria, Fulton County, IL. On Nov. 30, 1905, he tied the marital cord with Pearl Punneo (1887-1973) in Astoria, IL. She was the daughter of Charles and Effie (Stever) Punneo of Woodland Township, Fulton County. The couple put down permanent roots in the town. Together, they became the parents of nine -- Opal Agatha Wolfe, Evelyn Myra Rahmeyer, Willard Dean Welker, Doris Alleyne Derry, Rennold Charles Welker, Loralee Maude Head, Harley Max Welker, Eugene Welker and Gale Devere Welker. They grieved at the loss of their infant son Rennold in 1915 and Eugene in 1926. He was trained as an automobile mechanic and at one time operated a garage behind their residence. The business evolved into a machine shop. They belonged to the local United Methodist Church. Just three days before Christmas 1971, at the age of 87, Harley slipped away into the arms of the angelic host as a patient in Mason District Hospital in Havana, IL. Collis Trone presided at the funeral. Pearl outlived him by two years. She died in Astoria Care Center in 1973. Her obituary was printed in the Peoria Journal Star. Her survivors included 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. They sleep in eternal repose in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Astoria, IL.
- Granddaughter Opal Agatha Welker (1906-1994) was born on July 21, 1906 in Astoria, Fulton County. She married Charles Gardner "Johnny" Wolfe (1894-1972). Two daughters of this couple were Betty Jeanene Wolfe and Beverly Ann Myers. Their home in 1930 was in Peoria, IL, where Charles earned a living as manager of a fountain. Then in 1940, still in Peoria, he was proprietor of a restaurant and she a cashier in the establishment. During the 1940s, they moved to Southern California and were longtime residents of Los Angeles/Sherman Oaks. Federal census records for 1950 show Charles and Opal continuing in the restaurant business. Sadly, Charles died in 1972. Opal survived him by 22 years and returned to Peoria. There, she passed into the arms of the angels on Aug. 7, 1994. The Los Angeles Times carried an obituary.
Great-granddaughter Betty "Jeanene" Wolfe (1931-2012) was twice-wed. In 1950, in Hollywood, CA, she first tied the marital cord with Max Thurman Foster Jr. Later, by 1980, she wed Walter Kingsley. They lived in Los Angeles in 1994.
Great-granddaughter Beverly Ann Wolfe (1934-1980) was born in 1934. She moved to Los Angeles in her youth with her parents. Beverly married Thomas Myers. Their four offspring were Carrie Myers, Sherrie Myers, Tommie Myers and Tracie Myers. Beverly Ann died on Aug. 17, 1980. Her obituary was carried in the Los Angeles Times, in which the family requested that any memorial donations be made to Visually Handicapped Adults. The remains were transported to Astoria, IL for burial.
- Granddaughter Evelyn Myrna/Myra Welker (1909-1994) was born on Jan. 12, 1909 in Astoria, Fulton County. Single at the age of 31, in 1940, she lived under the roof of her married sister Opal Wolfe in Peoria, and earned a living as a comptometer operator (mechanical calculator) with a manufacturer of women's clothing. Evelyn eventually wed Leland Jackson (1908- ? ). The pair did not reproduce. Then on June 15, 1947, she married Friedrich Heinrich "Fred/Bud" Rahmeyer (1906-1970). They exchanged their marital vows in Chicago's South Shore Presbyterian Church. They also did not bear children. Sadly, Fred died in 1970. Evelyn continued on for 24 more years with a home in 1971 in Toulon. She died at the age of 84 on July 3, 1994. They are buried in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Willard Dean Welker (1911-1972) was born on Jan. 6, 1911 in Astoria, Fulton County. He was married twice. In 1930, at the age of 19, he tied the marital cord with Teresa Amrine (1908-2001). Their two known offspring were Nancy Sue Welker and Monte Welker. Grief wracked the young family when daughter Nancy died at age one on March 5, 1933. The baby's tender remains were lowered under the sod of Vermont Cemetery in Fulton County. Their marriage unraveled in divorce. Then in 1947, Willard was joined in matrimony with widow Leona "Peg" (Carnahan) Gaddis Seaburg (July 16, 1902-1990), originally from Macomb, IL and the daughter of Sid and Josephine (Champ) Carnahan. Said a newspaper, she "was the owner and bookkeeper of a beauty shop in Mossville, retiring in 1972. She was a member of Mossville United Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star in Alta. The angel of death cleaved away Willard in Chillicothe, IL at the age of 61 on the Fourth of July 1972. Burial was in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria. Leona survived for another 18 years. Her home during that time was at 1028 Hillcrest Drive. She died at the age of 87, on March 30, 1990, in Peoria's Methodist Medical Center. Rev. Charles Sensel led the funeral rites in the chapel of Swan Lake Mausoleum.
Great-grandson Monte Welker ( ? - ? ) was in St. Louis in 1990.
- Granddaughter Doris Alleyne Welker (1912-1997) was born on Nov. 22, 1912 in Astoria, Fulton County. In a ceremony in Mount Sterling, IL on April 9, 1931, she was united in wedlock with Willis Jay "Buck" Derry (1909-1985), son of Newton Bernard and Ethel Pearle (Gould) Derry. Five daughters were borne of this union -- Shirley "Joan" Little, Barbara J. Derry, Carolyn Pearl Anderson, Marilee Derry and Donna Derry. Doris died in Astoria at the age of 84 on Oct. 6, 1997. Burial was in Summum Cemetery. The headcount of her survivors was 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Great-granddaughter Shirley "Joan" Derry (1931-2021) married Phillip Leroy Little.
Great-granddaughter Barbara J. Derry ( ? - ? ) tied the knot with Ray Hamm.
Great-granddaughter Carolyn Pearl Derry (1935-2016) wed (?) Anderson.
Great-granddaughter Marilee Derry ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Gary Griffin. She is believed to have an interest in genealogy as she has extensively photographed family graves for the FindAGrave.com website and posted family obituaries on the GenealogyTrails.com website.
Great-granddaughter Donna Derry ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Wayne Layne.
- Granddaughter Loralee Maude Welker (1916-2009) was born on Nov. 20, 1916 in Astoria, Fulton County. On Aug. 24, 1946, she was united in matrimony with LeRoy Edward Head (1905-1985). Their wedding was held in Lewistown, Fulton County, and they stayed together for 38 years until cleaved apart by death. The couple made their home in Astoria. It's not known whether they reproduced. Sadly, LeRoy died on Feb. 12, 1985. Loralee passed away at the age of 92 on March 27, 2009 as a patient in Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery. Her obituary was published in the Peoria Journal Star.
Grandson Harley "Max" Welker (1919-1986) was born on May 12, 1919. On April 2, 1939, at the age of 19, Max entered into marriage with Frances Virginia Jones. They went on to produce a family of four -- Phyllis Welker, Bonnie Welker, Kathy Welker and Kerry Welker. Max joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and served on the USS Lowndes. Their home in 1971 was in Astoria. Max died on July 3, 1985. Interment was in Astoria Cemetery. Frances survived for another nearly four years. She passed away on June 16, 1989.
Harley "Max" Welker
Courtesy MarileeGreat-granddaughter Phyllis Welker ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Bonnie Welker ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Kathy Welker ( ? - ? )
Great-grandson Kerry Welker ( ? - ? )
- Grandson Gale Devere Welker (1928-1986) was born on June 17, 1928 in Astoria, Fulton County. In 1949, he married Eunice LaVerle Shields (1927-2009). They became the parents of Rhonda Welker and Brenda Sue Fisk. Gale went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attaining the rank of corporal. Upon his return to Illinois, he put down roots in his hometown. Sadly, at the age of 57, he died on Jan. 13, 1986. Burial was in the sacred soil of Astoria Cemetery. Eunice endured for another 23 years. Death swept her away in 2009.
Great-granddaughter Rhonda Welker ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Brenda Sue Welker (1957-1998) married (?) Fisk.
Son John Riley Welker (1887-1954) was born on Jan. 13, 1887 in Fulton County, IL. He grew up learning the occupation of farming. During World War I, he served as a private with the 5th Field Signal Battalion. John was joined in wedlock with Hazel Katherine Long (1895-1979). The couple is not known to have reproduced. In the early 1940s, he was employed by the highway commissioners of Woodland Township in the county. Death carried him away at the age of 67 on June 22, 1954. The remains were lowered under the sod of Astoria Cemetery. Hazel lived for another quarter of a century. She passed away on Jan. 7, 1979.
Son Jesse Adelbert Welker (1889-1970) was born on Sept. 26, 1889 near Astoria in Woodland Township, Fulton County. In adulthood he stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 137 lbs., with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Jesse was united in matrimony with Iva A. Ogden (1892-1938). Together, they produced a family of at least three -- Bruce G. Welker, Robert Ethelbert Welker, Norma Welker and Naomi Welker. The Welkers made a living as farmers, and resided on a farm they owned in Woodland Township, Fulton County in 1920 and 1930 as shown in the federal census enumerations. Sadly, Iva died in 1938, at the age of about 46. Jesse outlived her by decades and remained on the farm in Woodland. Circa 1940, he was assisted in the never-ending labor by son Robert. When required to register for the military draft during World War II, he disclosed that his daughter Naomi would always know his whereabouts. Jesse in 1950 dwelled by himself but with his married son and family residing just a few houses away in Woodland. Sadly, he surrendered to the angel of death just three days after Christmas 1970, at the age of 81. He and his bride were reunited in the grave in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Bruce George Welker (1912-1986) was born on June 11, 1912 in Summum, Woodland Township, Fulton County. He stood 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighed 140 lbs. At the age of 21, on June 17, 1933, he tied the marital cord with Eva Marie Easley/Lybarger (1915-1998). The known offspring they bore together were John Eugene Welker, Raymond L. Welker, Franklin J. Welker, Allen Faye Welker, Anna Maye Fouts, Judith Marie Welker, Norma Joyce Welker, Brenda Sue Welker and one other. He was self-employed during the World War II years. When required to register for the military draft during the war, he disclosed that he bore a scar on his right forearm and that the third finger on the left hand was stiff. In 1950, at the time of the United States Census, the family made its homeplace on a farm near Astoria in Woodland Township, with Bruce's widowed father just a few houses away. Bruce surrendered to the angel of death on March 9, 1986. The remains were lowered under the sod of Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson John Eugene Welker (1934-1997) was born in 1934. He died in 1997.
Great-grandson Raymond L. Welker migrated to Vero Beach, FL.
Great-grandson Franklin J. Welker put down roots in Astoria, IL.
Great-grandson Allen Faye Welker was joined in wedlock with Crystal. Their residence in 2019 was in Vermont, IL.
Great-granddaughter Anna Maye Welker (1940-2019) was born on April 18, 1940 in Astoria, Fulton County. On Jan. 28, 1957, she wed Rex Fouts Sr. ( ? -2003) in nuptials conducted in Palmyra, MO. Seven children were born into this family -- Ella Harper, Anita Duckwiler, Cindy Craig Porter, Joyce Fouts, Rex Fouts, Jr., Jackie Fouts and David Fouts. Said an obituary, Anna Maye "worked as a cook at Table Grove Grade School [and] later was supervisor at Webster Industries in Macomb, IL. After her retirement, her passion was being owner and operator of Anna's House of Loom where she made rugs. She delighted in this. Anna enjoyed crafts and quilting and loved spending time with her family." Sadly, Rex Sr. died on June 13, 2003. Anna Maye's final home was in Ipava, IL. She endured the untimely deaths of her daughter Ella, granddaughter Joni Duckwiler-Johnson and great-granddaughter Jerzee Fouts. She died at the age of 79 on Nov. 1, 2019. Pastor Kevin Kessler presided over the funeral rites. The remains were laid to rest in Maryville Cemetery in Bryant, IL. She was survived by a baker's dozen grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
Great-granddaughter Judith Marie Welker married Dean Hopkins. They have lived in Astoria.
Great-granddaughter Norma Joyce Welker wed (?) Holmes. She settled in Knoxville, IL.
Great-granddaughter Brenda Sue Welker entered into marriage with (?) Heath. Circa 2019, she was in Astoria.
- Grandson Robert Ethelbert Welker (1916-2004) was born on Jan. 5, 1916 in Summum, Woodland Township, Fulton County. At the age of 24, when registering for the military draft during World War II, he disclosed that he was employed by his father. Robert eventually married Doris Wilda Harris (Sept. 28, 1924-2002). They are the parents of Cheryl Treadway. The couple resided for many years on the family farm in Summum. In time they relocated to Canton, Fulton County. She died two days after Christmas 2002 in Peoria, IL. Death spirited him away in Canton on Jan. 18, 2004. Their daughter is believed to reside on the family farm which today is designated as a Centennial Family Farm.
- Granddaughter Norma Lee Welker (1918-1936) was born on Aug. 2 or 4, 1918 in Summum, Fulton County. Tragically, at the age of 17, she died in Astoria on Jan. 26, 1936. The cause of her untimely passing is not known.
- Granddaughter Naomi May Welker (1923-1999) was born on April 16, 1923 in Astoria, Fulton County. She tied the knot with Forrest Eugene Phillips (1924-1996). One known daughter was Linda Jane Phillips. The family dwelled for years in Astoria. Sadly, in Macomb, IL, she died on Jan. 25, 1999.
Great-granddaughter Linda Jane Phillips (1951-2024) was born on April 22, 1951 in Peoria, IL. She grew up in Astoria. Linda was an alumna of Astoria High School. She is known to have studied at Spoon River College and Lincoln Land. Said the McDonough County Voice, "After school, she went to work for several years at the State of Illinois Comptrollers Office in Springfield, IL where she ran the posting machine. Linda was a member of the D.A.R. Office in Lewistown, IL. Linda and her family attended the Astoria Christian Church for 18 years. She enjoyed watching TV, especially situational comedies, listening to music, collecting glass and had several glass pieces, and coloring in adult coloring books." passed away in The Elms of Macomb, IL on May 5, 2024, at the age of 73. Burial was under the sod of Astoria Cemetery, with funeral services officiated by Pastor Gary Sheets.
Daughter Marnie Leona Welker (1892-1928) was born on June 26, 1892 in Fulton County, IL. On Dec. 4, 1912, at about age 20, she entered into marriage with Elzie Carter "Jake" Maxwell (1893-1974). Their wedding vows were exchanged in Astoria. Six children produced in this family were Wilfred Welker M. Maxwell, Wandaleigh Maxwell Beck, John S. "Johnnie" Maxwell, Charles R. Maxwell, Wayne Devere Maxwell and Sarah Alice Maxwell. Sadly, they bore the losses of son Wayne at age 43 days on Jan. 25, 1923 and daughter Sarah at age 51 days on Sept. 14, 1925. Overwhelming grief again gripped the family when Marnie died on June 16, 1928 at the age of just 35. Her remains were interred in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson Wilfred Welker M. Maxwell (1913-2001) was born on June 20, 1913 in Astoria, Fulton County, IL. On Jan. 3, 1937, in Macomb, IL, he entered into marriage with Vadalou Brinton ( ? -1993). Their only child was Margaret Steinwald. Said an obituary in the Rushville Times, "He was employed 32 years with the U.S. Army and the Defense Logistic Supply Agency, was a recipient of the Army’s Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his 15 year performance as deputy director of the Civilian Personal of the 5th U.S. Army. He was vice president for the Bank of Buffalo Grove and the Wheeling Trust and Savings Bank until 1978." Wilfred belonged to the Masons lodge in Arlington Heights, the Valley of Chicago Consistory and the Medinah Shrine Temple of Chicago. Sadly, Vadalou passed away on Sept. 18, 1993. Wilfred spent his remaining years in Buffalo Grove, IL. As a patient in Condell Medical Center of Libertyville, IL, he died two days after Christmas 2001 at the age of 88. Rev. Marian Stone presided over the funeral rites, followed by burial in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-granddaughter Margaret Maxwell married (?) Steinwald. Her children are Dr. Paul Steinwald, George Steinwald and Susan Mena. She was in Libertyville, IL in 2001.
- Granddaughter Wandaleigh Maxwell (1915-2011) wed (?) Beck. Evidence suggests that she was an alumna of Western Illinois University. Circa 2001, she made a home in Astoria, IL. The angel of death cleaved her away in Astoria Gardens at the age of 96 on May 9, 2011. An obituary was printed in the Peoria Journal Star. The remains were lowered into rest in Astoria Cemetery.
- Grandson John S. "Johnnie" Maxwell (1916-1968) was born on Dec. 13, 1916 in Astoria, Fulton County. On March 18, 1938, he was joined in wedlock with Verna G. Sackman (March 22, 1920-2008). Their nuptials were conducted in Keokuk, IA. A brood of eight children was born to the pair -- Linda Runkle, Robert Maxwell, Terry Maxwell, Buddy Maxwell, Steve Maxwell, Laverne Maxwell, Fritz Maxwell and Monte Maxwell. Grief blanketed the family when, at age 51, John died on March 1, 1968. He sleeps for the ages in Astoria Cemetery. Verna survived him by four decades and resided during that time in Rushville, IL. She was employed by Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, IL. Death swept her away at the age of 87, in Culbertson Memorial Hospital of Rushville, on Feb. 5, 2008. An obituary appeared in the State Journal-Register.
Great-granddaughter Linda Maxwell wed Larry Runkle. They migrated to Coeur d'Alene, ID.
Great-grandson Robert Maxwell married Marna. They have made a home in Browning, IL.
Great-grandson Terry Maxwell tied the marital cord with Oma. The pair settled in Littleton, NC.
Great-grandson Charles "Buddy" Maxwell (1942-2024) was born in 1942. He made his dwelling-place in Murphysboro, IL.
Great-grandson Steve Maxwell was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth. They put down roots in Rushville, IL.
Great-grandson Laverne Maxwell was united in matrimony with Janet. They too have resided in Rushville, IL.
Great-grandson Fritz O. Maxwell (1950-2009) was born in 1950. He exchanged marital vows with Stefanee. Their home has been in Athens, IL.
Great-grandson Monte Maxwell ( ? - ? ) wed Dorothy. In 2008, they were in Beardstown, IL.
- Grandson Charles R. Maxwell (1918-1984) was born on Oct. 23, 1918. He married Ina L. (Dickenson) Moore (Jan. 30, 1930-1984). Their three known offspring were David Lee "Max" Maxwell, James South and Sue Maxwell. At the birth of their son David, they were in Paducah, KY. Death cleaved Charles away at age 65 on Jan. 17, 1984. They sleep for the ages in Astoria Cemetery.
Great-grandson David Lee "Max" Maxwell (1954-2013) was born on April 5, 1954 in Paducah, KY. He was a graduate of Springfield High School and in urban forestry Western Illinois University. He went on to a career as a maintenance supervisor with City Water, Light & Power in Springfield. Said an obituary, "He enjoyed fishing and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers fan. He was of the Methodist faith." In the opinion of some, he was not only an avid fisherman but also a "fair weather fan" of the Cardinals, a semi-secret fan of the Chicago Cubs and a true fan of the San Francisco Giants. At the age of 58, he died at home on Feb. 16, 2013. In his obituary, the American Cancer Society was suggested by the family for memorial contributions.
Great-grandson James South wed Christina and lived in Colorado.
Great-granddaughter Sue Maxwell was deceased by 2013.
Daughter Maude Cornelia Welker (1896-1947) was born on Jan. 20, 1896. She tied the matrimonial cord with Verne D. Wilson (1895-1978). Two known children of the pair were Ketra M. Decker and Larry Welker Wilson. At the age of 51, in Peoria, IL, she was gathered away by the angel of death on Nov. 23, 1947. Burial was in Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Cemetery, Astoria. Verne married again to Hollie Mummert (Oct. 1, 1910-1990), daughter of Emmanuel C. and Della D. (Markley) Markley of Astoria. At one time Hollie is known to have lived in Long Beach, CA. Verne passed away on May 22, 1978. Hollie spent her final years in Jacksonville, IL. She died in Passavant Hospital on March 3, 1990. Burial was in Summum Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Ketra Maureen Wilson (1920-2007) was born on Aug. 19, 1920 in Astoria. She married John Will Decker Sr. (1919-1977). Two children of their union were John Will Decker Jr. and Rebecca Decker. In 1990, Ketra made her home in Joliet, IL. She died in Heritage Pointe in Warren, IN at the age of 86 on May 16, 2007. Burial was in Mount Zion Cemetery in her hometown. An obituary was published in the Marion (IN) Chronicle Tribune in which the family asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Silver Cross Hospital Advisory Board.
Great-grandson John Will Decker Jr. ( ? - ? )
Great-granddaughter Rebecca Decker wed Sherman J. Myford ( ? -2004), son of Sherman and Claire Myford. They settled in the Cleveland, OH area and were together for 34 years until the separation of death. The four sons of this coupling were Kerry Myford, Erik Myford, Jason Myford and Ryan Myford. Sherman was a U.S. Army veteran. Sadly, Sherman died at the age of 57 on Jan. 27, 2004. His obituary was published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
- Grandson Larry Welker Wilson (1928-1991) was born on Jan. 13, 1928 in Astoria. On Dec. 16, 1946, in Peoria, IL, he wed Marjorie Ann Workman (1927-2006), daughter of Samuel Burkholder and Ruby (Hulvey) Workman. They are said to have been the parents of Larry Wilson and David Wilson. Larry was in Browning, Schuyler County, IL in 1990-1991. Death spirited him into the hereafter at the age of 63 on April 27, 1991. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery. As a widow, Marjorie lived for another 15 years. She succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 78 on Sept. 21, 2006.
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Copyright © 2000, 2015-2018, 2025 Mark A. Miner |
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Minerd.com extends its gratitude to Kenneth Moffitt, Marcia Stephens and Bradley Welker for generously sharing content for this biography. |