Obituaries - Surname A
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
ABBOTT,
LEVI A. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
26, 1919
Orphan; Legislature; Sea Captain; Baptist Preacher
Rev. Levi A. Abbott, in his ninety-sixth year, entered into his
eternal rest this morning at his home, 1608 Henry Street, after
an illness of one week. The end came peacefully and members of
his family say that while conscious to the last, he did not
speak of the approaching change, but that he went out
peacefully, quietly, just as he wished it could be. His death
was no surprise to his close friends. They had feared that the
sickness would prove fatal to the aged gentleman. He had been
strong in body and mind for one of so great an age, but it was
apparent for some time that he could not survive any serious
sickness. His malady was similar to malaria, with fever on
alternate days, but his friends thought it was just a wearing
out of the old machine that had shown such lasting qualities as
to cause all who knew Dr. Abbott to marvel. The funeral will be
Sunday afternoon from his late home.
Dr. Abbott was a
man who had rendered distinguished and lasting service to his
fellow man. For a man who, in boyhood, had very little chance to
live because of a predisposition to tuberculosis, Dr. Abbott
demonstrated the value of leading an outdoors life. Born at
Beverly, Massachusetts, April 19, 1824, he was left an orphan
when a baby, and at the age of 14 left school. He became a
member of the Baptist Church at the age of 15, and then he went
to sea as cabin boy, and in twelve years he served on the sea,
he became Captain of his vessel. He educated himself, studying
chiefly the Bible. He had been desirous of taking up the
ministry from boyhood and he finally managed to get one year in
the Worcester Academy. During the times he would be home from
voyages, he would take up the work of teaching and he was
prevailed upon to take up the work of teacher in the school he
had left at the age of 14. He was elected to the Massachusetts
Legislature after entering the ministry, and he was a member of
the celebrated War Legislature in Massachusetts. There he was
associated with such men as George R. Hoar, Henry Dawes, N. P.
Banks, Henry Wilson, and other men who became great in the
country's history.
Dr. Abbott was ordained at Milford,
Massachusetts, in 1855, and was later pastor at Weymouth,
Massachusetts, and at Middleboro, Massachusetts. After six- and
one-half years at Middleboro, a trouble in his lungs forced him
to leave that climate and he became pastor of the church at
Rochester, Minnesota. With horse, gun, fishing tackle, and
general open-air work, in four years he got himself into better
health. Later he served as pastor at Lacrosse, Wisconsin, for
seven years and then was called to the First Baptist Church at
Alton, where he served for seventeen and one-half years. Then he
served as a trustee, treasurer and comptroller of Shurtleff
College for eighteen years. For many years he was a member of
the Baptist State Board, and it was he who was entrusted with
keeping the records of deaths of other Baptist pastors in the
state.
One of the most remarkable facts about Dr. Abbott
was the perfect preservation of his mental powers and his body.
He was a frequent contributor to the Telegraph. He would write
poems on patriotic occasions, and his poems at each of his last
four or five birthday anniversaries were something for a man of
his years to be proud of. He was a deeply religious man,
possessed of a temper that made him beloved by all who knew him.
It is a fact related by his friends and was admitted by Dr.
Abbott, that he probably never uttered a prayer nor preached a
sermon omitting some imagery of the sea. He used for his
illustrations something about the sea, and he seemed at a loss
to find anything that would so well fit into a discourse or a
prayer as a figure of speech. He was one of the most ardent
supporters of the Telegraph, and held this paper in the highest
regard. As an illustration of his feeling for the paper, he
presented to the Telegraph one day a verse which, he said, he
had read eighty years before when a boy in a newspaper office in
the East. It was given a place of honor in the Telegraph, as he
said that he believed it fitted this paper. It runs as follows:
"Here shall the press, the people's rights maintain,
Unawed by influence, unbribed by gain,
And from the Truth
our glorious precepts draw,
Pledged to Religion, Liberty and
Law."
Dr. Abbott was one of the most regular visitors at
the public library. He read much and he would come down town,
even up to a few weeks ago, to get his regular allotment of the
latest books. He kept up with every great movement, was
conversant on all great questions. Few men are found
entertaining, showed so much sprightliness, and such vigor of
mind and body as he. Dr. Abbott leaves his wife, Mrs. Mary
Abbott, and three children - Augustus L. Abbott, Grace A. Abbott
Blair, and Mary L. Abbott Epps.
NOTES:
Rev. Abbott is
buried in the Alton City Cemetery. According to the Telegraph,
burial services were conducted in the pouring rain, which was
befitting of his love for the sea. His wife, Mary A. Preston
Abbott, died in February 1927 at the age of 90. She is also
buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
ABBOTT, MARY E. (nee WAGGONER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 22, 1903
Upper Alton News - Mrs. Mary E.
Abbott passed into the great beyond last evening at 7 o'clock
after suffering many months. Her death was sudden and rather
unexpected, although her condition was known to be critical for
the past week. She has suffered for eighteen months with a
disease that physicians have been unable to name or understand.
Mrs. Abbott was in St. John's hospital, St. Louis, in the care
of several specialists for several months, but her condition
became no better, and she was brought back to Upper Alton to the
home of her father. Mary E. Abbott was the youngest daughter of
Rev. G. W. Waggoner, the venerable Methodist minister, who
survives her. She was born in Upper Alton in 1847, and was thus
56 years old. When a child, her father was preaching in the
vicinity of Upper Alton, but afterwards the family left here and
remained elsewhere for a number of years. When they returned to
Upper Alton, she was married to Isaac Abbott, and after the
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Abbott went to Missouri where they resided
until three years ago, when Mr. Abbott died. Since the death of
her husband, Mrs. Abbott has made her home with her father, Rev.
G. W. Waggoner. Mrs. Abbott was a patient sufferer and bore the
many months of pain bravely. She was a woman of the highest
character and was loved and esteemed by her many friends. She
was a member of the Methodist church and was an earnest worker
in church affairs until the past year when she has been almost
helpless. The funeral will take place Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock and the remains will lie in state on that day from 8
until 12 o'clock, and after that hour the casket will not be
opened. Services will be held at the Waggoner home.
ABBOTT, WILLIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 26, 1865
Died
on May 23, 1865, Willie, son of Major(?) G. and S. E. Abbott,
aged ten years, four months and sixteen days.
ABEL, ADDIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1903
Addie, the 14 year old daughter of John Abel, died this morning
at the home, 541 East Second street. Some time ago she and other
girls were playing in the basement of her home when she fell and
her hip was bruised. Nothing was thought of the matter, however,
as no pain was felt, but latter an abscess formed and became
very painful. The abscess was treated by surgeons Saturday
evening, but to no avail. A father, two sisters and three
brothers survive.
ABLE, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 15, 1917
Mrs. Nancy Able died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank
Chappee, on Kohler street in the North Side at 8:30 o'clock this
morning. Mrs. Able was taken ill four days ago with pneumonia
and she continued to grow worse, death coming this morning. Mrs.
Able was 71 years of age, and has resided almost all of her life
in Alton, and all of her life in this vicinity. She was born in
Jersey county and came to Alton when she was a child. She has
resided most of this time in the North Side. Besides her
daughter, Mrs. Frank Chappee, at whose home she died, she leaves
two sons, Percy Able, who resides in this city, and Fred Able in
California. The members of the family are now awaiting word from
the son in California before making the funeral arrangements.
Mrs. Able is one of the old time residents in the North Side,
having formerly resided on Myrtle street. She had gone to her
daughter's home on Kohler street because she was not well.
ABRAMS, ALEXANDER H./Source: Troy Star, April 4, 1895
Alexander H. Abrams died suddenly April 1, 1895, at the
residence of his sister, Mrs. N. M. Jarvis, of this city, of
aneurism of the heart. The funeral took place from the family
residence to the Troy depot, when the remains were shipped to
the home of Mr. Abram's father at Savannah, Ga., accompanied by
Mrs. Jarvis and little son, Roy. The pall bearers were Hill
Padon, Fred Riebold, Herbert Donoho, Charles Stahl, John Hall
and William Reese. Mr. Abram leaves to mourn his sudden demise,
a father, two brothers and five sisters, besides a host of
friends.
ACKER, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9,
1901
The third death in four days occurred in the family of
Mr. and Mrs. John Acker on Washington street, Saturday night.
Two little children were buried yesterday afternoon from the
home at the same time, and the occasion was a doubly sad one.
Eugene Acker died Saturday morning and Albert Acker, aged 13
months, died Saturday night. All three deaths have been from
scarlet fever. Seven members of the family were down with the
disease, but the remainder are convalescent. Services were
conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Meckel of St. Mary's church.
ACKER, EUGENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7,
1901
Eugene, the three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John
Acker of Washington street, died last evening after an illness
with scarlet fever. Another child of Mr. and Mrs. Acker was
buried Friday, death resulting from the same disease. Seven
members of the family were ill with scarlet fever, but all the
living children are now convalescent except one, which is in a
dangerous condition. The funeral of Eugene Acker will take place
Sunday night at 10 o'clock, and services will be conducted at
the home.
ACKER, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6, 1901
The funeral of Rose, the 14 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Acker, took place this morning from the family home on 513
Washington street. Because of the nature of the disease that
caused her death, the funeral was private. Services were
conducted by Rev. Father Meckel, and interment was in Greenwood.
Two other members of this afflicted family are very ill.
ACKERMANN, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5,
1878
This morning, as the lightning express train was
approaching Godfrey, running at full speed, the engine struck
and instantly killed a man who was walking on, or attempting to
cross the track. As soon as the engineer saw the man, he gave
the alarm, but had not time to shop the train before the
accident took place. The train was stopped, the body taken on
board, and left at the freight depot in Alton, where an inquest
was held by Coroner Youree. A number of witnesses, including the
engineer and fireman, were examined, from whose evidence it
appeared that either the man was deaf, or else thought he had
time to get out of the train’s way. He was first seen by the
fireman on the west side of the track, and was struck just as he
was stepping off on the east side. Upon the deceased was found
$250 in money and a number of deeds, mortgages, and other
papers, including naturalization papers issued to Frederick
Ackermann, a native of Prussia, at Lockport, New York, in 1818.
The man appeared to be a peddler, and it is known came up from
St. Louis. The jury rendered the verdict:
“In the matter
of the inquisition on the body of Frederick Ackermann, deceased,
held at Alton on September 4, 1878, we do find that he came to
his death by being struck by the engine of the passenger train
No. 4, of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, on Wednesday morning,
two miles north of Godfrey, and we further find, from the
evidence, that no blame attaches to the employees on said
train.” [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
ACKERMAN, SARAH ANNIE/Source: Troy Star, September 20, 1894
Sarah Annie Ackerman, aged 20 years, 11 months and 4 days,
daughter of Mrs. Mary Baumer, nee Ackerman, died at her home in
this city last Friday [September 14], at 9 o'clock a.m. She had
been sick five weeks, and her death was a severe blow to her
many relatives and friends, who attested their love and respect
for her by attending the last sad services at the M. E. church,
Sunday afternoon, at 1 o'clock, the sermon being delivered by
Rev. N. Sweeney. The church choir rendered several appropriate
selections. The pall bearers were Messrs. Charles Mantel, Will
Beutel, Gus Dahliege, Joe Hess, Daniel Jones and George Hughes.
Sarah Annie Ackerman was born near this city on October 10,
1873, and lived the great portion of her life in this vicinity.
She was the youngest daughter in a family of five children, and
of late years has been the only help of her mother who is
suffering with a facial disease. Miss Ackerman's many loving and
generous qualities gained her a host of friends who sincerely
mourn her death. Among them is a respected gentleman of this
city to whom she was to have been wedded on her 21st birthday -
the 10th of next month. She was perfectly conscious up to the
hour of her death, and she predicted her death to the very hour
several days before her life-light flickered out. The relatives
left to mourn her death are her mother, three sisters and one
brother, the last four named being married. The Star extends its
heart-felt sympathy to the bereaved relatives and friends.
ACKERMAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF FRED (nee BRANDT)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1919
Word came to Alton
yesterday afternoon from Alberta, Canada, announcing the death
of Mrs. Fred Ackerman on March 4th, and the daughter on February
22nd. The cause of the deaths in the Ackerman family is
influenza. They left here six years ago last November when the
state of Illinois bought the land east of town on which the
family resided. The Ackerman family lived for many years on the
Col. A. F. Rogers farm. Mrs. Ackerman was a daughter of Henry
Brandt, and besides her parents, who live in Upper Alton, she
leaves three brothers: Charles and Gotlieb Brandt of Upper
Alton; Henry of Bethalto; and two sisters, Mrs. Minnie Boch of
Godfrey; and Mrs. Alcide Nicolet of Upper Alton. She also leaves
her husband, Fred Ackerman, and two sons, Ernest and George of
Canada; four daughters, Mrs. Adam Lohr of Upper Alton; Mrs. Ed
Bruenridge of Corey, Mo.; Mrs. Esther Pittman; and Miss Fanny
Ackerman of Ranfurly, Alberta, where the Ackerman family lived.
The letter bringing the news also told of the death of the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman, Mrs. Emma Lumsden of
Ranfurly, on February 22. She was 20 years old and leaves her
husband and a six months old child. The letter states the flu is
raging in all that country. The letter was written to Fred
Kohlmiller, who now lives at Canal, down in the bottom. Mr.
Kohlmiller hitched up a team and drove to Upper Alton and
Bethalto, and informed all the relatives. On account of all the
other members of the family being down with the flu, they were
unable to inform their relatives there of their condition, and
the letter to Fred Kohlmiller was the only word that came.
ADAMS, ANNA SLATER/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 9, 1843
Died, on the 25th ultimo, Anna Slater, daughter of G. M. & E. A.
Adams, aged about 8 months.
ADAMS, CHARLES F. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
31, 1862
Captain Adams Dies in Battle (Civil War)
Captain
Charles F. Adams, of the 56th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, who
is well known to most of our citizens, fell mortally wounded in
the late battle at Perryville, Kentucky. He survived for a few
days, when death came and relieved him from his sufferings. His
corpse was brought to Bunkerhill, where it was interred
yesterday.
How many more noble lives are to be sacrificed
by this infernal rebellion, no one can tell. Yet we bear men
right in our streets, talking about conciliating these fiends;
who for the sake of extending the diabolical system of human
slavery, and to gratify their Satanic lust for power, have
involved our country in all this ruin. We believe with Dr.
Breckinridge, that there is no effective way of conciliating the
rebels except by crushing the life out of them. They are
desperately in earnest, and the North will have to become
equally so before we have peace. War means destruction,
confiscation, and dust, and if we have any Generals at the head
of our army who are unwilling to make war on the enemy involving
all these consequences, the sooner the government dismisses them
the better.
ADAMS, D. HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1902
D. Harry Adams, aged 11 years, died at the home of his
grandfather, Rev. Mr. Jones, Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock,
after a short illness. Harry was a bright little fellow, and his
family have the sympathy of all their friends in their
bereavement. Funeral services will be held at the family home
tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. L. M. Waterman will conduct
service.
ADAMS, DEWITT CLINTON (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July
9, 1874
The death of this well-known and estimable citizen,
although not entirely unexpected, greatly shocked our citizens
on Saturday evening last [July 4], when the fact became known.
He had been suffering with severe illness for several weeks, but
still our people hoped that he might recover and be spared to
the community for many years to come, but these expectations are
now blasted, and his friends and acquaintances can only mourn
over and regret an event which they were powerless to avert.
Captain Adams was born in Edwardsville on February 9, 1826,
and was in his 49th year when he died. His life has been one of
great activity and eminent usefulness. When the writer first
became personally acquainted with him, he was engaged in the
commercial business. At a somewhat later date, he became a
successful and popular steamboat commander, which business he
pursued for several years. But a strong domestic feeling finally
induced him to give up that lucrative business, that he might be
able to spend more of his time with his family. He then engaged
in the manufacturing of castor oil on an extensive scale, which
business he was still prosecuting when stricken down with the
disease which baffled the skill of the best of physicians and
every appliance of cure which skill or affection could devise,
and finally caused his death in the very midst of his
usefulness.
Captain Adams always had the confidence and
esteem of his fellow citizens, and frequently, through their
earnest solicitations, consented to serve them as a member of
the Common Council, and to his wise and judicious advice and
eminent ability, our city is greatly indebted for its enviable
financial condition. As a man, he was universally esteemed. As a
citizen, he was public-spirited and disinterested, and always
disposed to do his utmost to advance the morals, educational
advantages, and material interests of the city. His heart and
hand were always open to sympathize with and relieve the wants
of the poor and unfortunate. His loss is keenly felt by all our
citizens, while on his family and relatives, the affliction
falls with crushing force.
NOTES:
Captain Adams
married Sarah Fay, and they had the following children: Phebe
Fay Adams Bayle (1854-1927); Dewitt Clinton Adams Jr.
(1856-1923); Jessie Florence Adams Eaton (1863-1913); Jessie
Fairchild Adams (1866-1955); and Julia Jane Adams (1869-1952).
He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
ADAMS, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1914
Over application on the part of Earl Adams, East Alton
decorator and contractor, in the building and embellishment of a
home in Blinn Addition to East Alton, is believed to have been
partly responsible for his death from a heart attack this
morning at 7 o'clock. Adams was a good father and a kind
husband, and had spent the past year working during his spare
hours on a large house he was building in Blinn Addition to East
Alton. He worked at the Western Cartridge Works partly at night
and partly in the day time, whenever he could get work, and at
off times he would put in extra time on the building of his
house, most of which he attended to himself.....The house was
finished about a week ago so that the family could move into it.
It was one of the nicest and most tastily arranged and decorated
homes in East Alton...He had eaten breakfast when he felt the
attack coming on him. He stepped out into the yard for air. As
he did, he fell down in the yard and his screams for help
brought members of the family to him. He was taken inside and
before a physician was called he was dead. Adams was about 35
years of age. He has been living in East Alton about eight
years, coming from Upper Alton. He married Miss Pearl Starkey of
Wood River. Two children were born, one of whom died about five
years ago. The second child, Ordell, survives. He leaves his
wife, one child and his mother.
ADAMS, ELIZA E./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 10, 1874
Died on December 5 in Alton of congestion of the lungs, Miss
Eliza E. Adams; aged 35 years and 10 months.
ADAMS, ELMORE J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
11, 1914
Elmore J. Adams, in his 62nd year, died Wednesday
morning at his home, 435 Foulds avenue, from heart trouble and
pneumonia. Mr. Adams had been sick about two weeks and the last
few days his condition became manifestly very grave. Members of
his family were attending him. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 3 o'clock at the family home, and the body will be
taken to Beloit, Wis., for burial. Masonic funeral services will
be conducted. Mr. Adams was a member of Piasa Lodge, A. F. & A.
M., and he had been a past master of the fraternity. He never
lost his interest in the order, and was a frequent attendant at
the meetings. He was born in Tecumseh, Mich., and in his early
days he became interested in the straw paper making. He began
when the industry was in its infancy forty years ago. The last
connection he had in a large way with the paper making business
was at Peoria, where he put up a very large and expensive mill.
Afterward he engaged in the real estate business. When the
strawboard plant was started at Alton he came here, and his son.
R. E. Adams, was here during the construction period and for
some time after the plant was started. Mr. Adams is survived by
his wife and five children - Mrs. Myrtle Rowe of Ogontz, Pa.;
Mrs. C. Chambers of Portland, Ore.; Robert E. Adams of
Marseilles, Ill.; Mrs. Edward Holtzman of Rockford; and Howard
Adams of Peoria.
ADAMS, FLORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1922
Mrs. Flora Adams, wife of William Thomas Adams, died at her
home, 1129 Green Street last night, about nine o'clock. Death
was due to pneumonia. Mrs. Adams was the mother of eight
children, the oldest being about twenty years of age and the
youngest four. Funeral arrangements have not bee completed as
yet.
ADAMS, JOHN H./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 26, 1847
The body of a stranger, named John H. Adams, was found yesterday
morning on Belle Street in this city, completely dead. From the
best information we have been able to obtain, it seems that the
deceased resided near the coal mines in Calhoun County, and came
here some days since on business. Being sick with a fever, he
put up with an acquaintance, where he intended to remain until
his recovery. But on last Wednesday night about ten o'clock,
during a paroxysm of derangement, he left his lodgings
unperceived by anyone, and although diligent search was made for
him, he was not again seen until discovered as above stated. We
understand he has left a family to deplore his loss.
ADAMS, GEORGE WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 14, 1910
Mrs. Elizabeth Warner, aged 73, and George
William Adams, her grandson, aged 30, died within 18 hours of
each other, the one Saturday night at 10:20 o'clock, the other
Sunday afternoon at 4:20 o'clock. Mrs. Warner's death was at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. William H. Adams, 400 east 14th
street in Alton. The death of George William Adams, a young
engineer on the Illinois Terminal occurred Sunday afternoon at a
sanitarium in St. Louis. There will be a double funeral
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Adams home on
Fourteenth street for the grandmother and grandson. The death of
Engineer G. William Adams was a great surprise. He had been
taking a layoff on account of bronchial trouble and had gone to
a hospital in St. Louis for treatment, hoping to be able to make
a trip later to a warmer climate to get relief. He was taken
suddenly worse Sunday and died before his family could get to
him. The news of his death, coming so soon after the death of
his grandmother, was a sad shock to the family. He was born in
Alton, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Adams. He had been
employed about twelve years by the Illinois Terminal railroad,
and was considered one of the best engineers on the road. He
leaves a wife and two children, Leona and Thelma. He had been
off duty only about ten days. The death of Mrs. Warner, Saturday
night, was expected. She was born in Neuenkirchen, Germany,
March 24, 1837. She was married there in 1858, and ten years
later came to Alton and remained here the rest of her life. Her
husband, George J. Warner, died 20 years ago. Mrs. Warner leaves
two daughters, Mrs. W. H. Adams of 400 east 14th street, Mrs.
Ernst Kolb of 1122 Green street, and one sister, Mrs. Peters of
Bunker Hill. She leaves also 11 grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren.
ADAMS, JESSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3, 1907
Jesse Adams, a negro, aged 36, died at his home, Nineteenth and
Belle streets, this morning after a short illness. One year ago
he was hurt in a quarry accident while at work and did not get
completely over it. Last night he complained of feeling unwell,
and this morning did not get up. His wife went downtown after
talking with him and she says that on Belle street near Fourth
she had a premonition something was about to happen to her
husband. She started to run home and arrived there out of
breath. She went in his room and saw him apparently aspeel. A
few minutes later she says she went back and found him dead.
ADAMS, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 23, 1840
Died, at
three o'clock in the morning of Saturday the 16th inst., at his
residence in Edwardsville, after a long and painful illness,
John Adams, Esq., Sheriff of this county, aged about 45. The
deceased emigrated to Illinois in 1818, and has resided in the
county of Madison since 1820. Enjoying in a high degree the
confidence and _____(?) of his fellow citizens, he was on
several occasions called to serve them in a public capacity, and
always to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. A
disconsolate widow, eight children, and a large circle of
friends and acquaintances deplore his loss.
ADAMS,
JOHN HICKS (CAPTAIN, SHERIFF)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
19, 1878
Former Edwardsville Resident Chases Mexican Bandit
Vesquez
We have received a pamphlet copy of the life of
Tiburcio Vesquez, the California bandit and murderer, who was
executed at San Jose, California, March 20, 1875. Captain John
Hicks Adams, a former resident of this city, a brother of the
late Captain D. C. Adams, was Sheriff of Santa Clara County,
California, at the time Vasquez committed his murders and
robberies, and the book gives a history of his adventures in
pursuit of the murderer and his companions. For weeks he was
almost constantly in the saddle, and expended $4,000 in
attempting to effect an arrest without avail. The bandit was
finally captured by other parties, and executed under the
supervision of Sheriff Adams.
From a note at the end of
the volume, we learn that John H. Adams was born in Clinton
County, Illinois, June 13, 1820. When he was two years old, the
family removed to Edwardsville, Madison County, where he was
raised. In 1847, he raised a company for the Mexican War, and
was 18 months in the service. On August 1, 1849, he left for
California and went across the plains with a mule team. In 1852,
he returned East, and took his family to the Golden State. In
1861, he was elected Supervisor of Santa Clara County, and in
1864 was elected Sheriff, and held the office for three terms.
He was again re-elected in 1872 and in 1874. As the readers of
the Telegraph are aware, the sad news was received here
September 5, that Captain Adams was murdered at Davidson’s
Ranch, near Tucson, Arizona, on September 2, by Mexican bandits
in revenge, it is supposed, for the execution of Vasquez.
NOTES:
In August 1853, John Hicks Adams moved with his
family from Northern California to Gilroy in Santa Clara County,
where the settled on a farm. Several years later he donated the
land to the county for a school. A servant of the public, he was
first elected to the county board of supervisors, representing
Gilroy and Almaden Townships in 1860. Later, in the Fall of
1863, he was elected Sheriff of Santa Clara County, and moved
his family to the San Jose area. Elected for three successive
terms, he finally retired in March of 1876. During his terms as
sheriff, he became a top-notch detective and was second to none
in this field in the State. A brave and efficient officer, he is
well known for his connection in the capture and execution of
the notorious bandit, Vasquez, who he happened to know and who
had stopped at his home and eaten with his wife while he was out
chasing him. Sheriff John Hicks Adams is also credited with
making the first exploration of Lake Tahoe.
A final
tribute to John Adams, who has been considered Santa Clara
County's most famous lawman, is the John Hicks Adams Room at the
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department. This room houses a
historic collection of the Sheriff's Department.
Captain
John Hicks Adams was killed September 2, 1878, near Tucson,
Arizona, and is buried in the Oak Hill Memorial Park in San
Jose, California.
ADAMS, LOUISA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 1,
1917
Louisa Adams, an aged colored resident of Alton, died
Friday night at her home on Alby street, aged 80. She will be
buried from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral Monday at 9 a.m.
ADAMS, SOPHIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1907
The funeral of Mrs. Sophia Adams was held this afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Wald, 1110
Green street. Services were conducted by Rev. D. E. Bushnell of
the Twelfth street Presbyterian church. Burial was in City
cemetery.
ADAMS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 27, 1908
The "master of the hounds" is dead. William Adams of Upper
Alton, who always seemed to hold a subtle influence over dogs
and who was one of the best dog trainers in Illinois, was found
dead in his home in Upper Alton Friday evening by his young
friend, Charles Rodemeyer Jr., whom he had sent for. It is
believed that the man was dead fully 12 hours when his body was
found. He had sent word to his young friend that he wanted to
see him, as he was not feeling well, and the young man would
have gone Thursday night, but he was fatigued from being out
late on an excursion and put off the visit until Friday evening.
When he reached Adams door he could not gain a response and he
summoned help. The door was broken open and there lay the
"master of hounds," dead. The old time hunter and dog trainer
had trained his last dog and killed his last bird. In his
lifetime he had spent more time hunting than almost anyone else
near Alton. He was reputed to be a good shot and it is said he
knew where every quail had its nest and where to get the birds
when they were in season. Coroner Streeper, when summoned, said
that he believed that Adams had died Thursday night and that
even if his young friend had gone when sent for he would have
found Adams dead. He lived alone. His only daughter is Mrs.
Hetty Roloff, whose husband was killed recently in an accident
at the Luer Packing Co. plant. "Bill" Adams was one of the best
known men in any of the Altons. He was about 55 years old and
had lived in the vicinity of Upper Alton almost all his life
coming here from Pittsburg, Pa., when a boy. He had been always
a great hunter and was widely known as a dog trainer and at one
time he had an extensive dogs for St. Louis animal center
business in keeping and training dogs for St. Louis business men
for which he received good consideration. The dogs would be kept
by him all the year around and when the St. Louis men would want
to hunt they would come up here and get the dog and "Bill" would
take them hunting. He sometimes had forty to fifty fine dogs at
his place in Salu. The last time he was seen was Thursday
evening. He told his neighbors, James S. Johnson, that he was
going to leave early in the morning for the country to thresh.
Johnson did not see him all day yesterday and he supposed he had
gone to the country. In the evening he was found dead and it is
not known at what time he died.
ADAMS, WILLIAM P./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 9, 1913
William P. Adams, well known in Alton as a transfer man, died at
his home, 1501 Belle street, Wednesday morning at 1:35 o'clock
after an illness of ten days from apoplexy. Mr. Adams had
suffered an attack of heart trouble, which had bothered him
periodically, and after rallying from it after a few days
illness, he was stricken with apoplexy, ten days before death
resulted. He had been very low for a week before his death. Mr.
Adams was a large, active man, and a very industrious one. He
had been living in Alton about twenty-five years and was known
as a good citizen. He was a member of the First Baptist Church
for many years. Mr. Adams is survived by his wife and one son,
Jesse B. Adams, who was his father's assistant in business. The
funeral will be held at 10 o'clock Friday morning from the
family home, Rev. M. W. Twing of the First Baptist Church
officiating.
AGEE, J. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1921
The funeral of J. C. Agee was held this afternoon from the
Wesley Methodist church and was largely attended. Services were
conducted by the Rev. Theo. Cates. Interment was in Oakwood
Cemetery. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. Mr. Agee
was born in Robinson county, Tenn., on July 16, 1850, and died
at the family home, 200 West 13th St., November 30, at 11:17
o'clock. He was past 71 years of age. Agee left Tennessee with
his parents when a small boy, coming direct to Illinois where he
remained the rest of his life. He was a carpenter by trade, but
farmed several years in Morgan county. From Morgan county he
moved to Jerseyville in 1898, and ten years ago moved to Alton.
He was married to Miss Ella Fanning, Dec. 19, 1898, who survives
him. He leaves nine children, four brothers, two sisters, 22
grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. The daughters are Mrs.
H. Alexander, Mrs. C. Langley, Mrs. C. L. Mitchell of Alton;
Mrs. Louis Bunse of Godfrey; and Mrs. George Howerton of
Shipman. He also leaves his sons, William and Carl of Alton; and
Charles of Godfrey. His brothers are Edward and Robert Agee of
Granite, Charles Agee of White Hall, and Jacke of Roodhouse.
Mrs. Nancy Hunt and Miss Essar Agee of Granite City are sisters.
AHLGRIM, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
16, 1899
Nicholas Ahlgrim, a laborer who has worked for David
Ryan for some time, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Sunday night
after an illness with the grippe, aged 48 years. He leaves no
relatives and was buried by Supervisor Elble today.
AHRENS, HENRIETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19,
1912
Mrs. Henrietta Ahrens, aged 78, died suddenly Sunday
morning at her home, 500 East Second street, from paralysis of
the heart. She had been in her usual state of good health and
was walking out in the yard when she dropped to the ground and
when picked up was found to have expired. Mrs. Ahrens had been a
resident of Alton for 64 years, coming here from her native
land, Germany, when she was but 14 years of age. She married
Theodore Ahrens, who for many years conducted a bakery shop in
Alton, and was a well known business man. He died nine years
ago. Mrs. Ahrens lived with her daughter, Miss Emma Ahrens. She
leaves beside Miss Emma, two other daughters, Mrs. John Elble
and Mrs. Joseph Maul, of Alton. She was a member of St. Mary's
church, and the funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9
o'clock from that church. Burial in St. Joseph's cemetery will
be private. Mrs. Ahrens leaves one great-grandchild, the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Woltemade.
ALBANI, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19,
1913
The widow of Samuel Albani has had more than her share
of troubles. When she buried her little son, Joseph, this
afternoon, she buried him in a strange land. Some time ago, the
day she was sailing for America, her husband was killed by a
train in Alton, and an effort was made to get word to her, but
she could not be informed until the day she arrived in Alton,
joyful in her expectation of being reunited with her husband and
the father of her child. The child, as has been told, died from
being scalded to death Monday night.
ALBANO, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28,
1911
A foreigner, employed on the Big Four railroad, lost
both his legs Tuesday morning by being run over by a cut of cars
at the foot of Ridge street. He was walking down Ridge street,
his attention engrossed in reading a letter he had received from
home. He was paying no attention to the approach of some cars
which were being pushed along by the levee engine, and was
struck and knocked down. The wheels passed over both his legs,
one above and one at the knee. The legs were almost completely
severed and the men who went to him say that they finished the
amputation of some shreds of flesh, seeing that the legs could
not be saved. He was taken to the hospital to have his injuries
given attention. The man is an Italian, and his name is Samuel
Albano. His nerve was perfect. Men who witnessed the accident
said that he did not utter an outcry, and even when the legs
were off, he sat up and talked to the men around him as though
he was not hurt at all. At the hospital he exhibited such nerve
as the old Roman gladiators had. This afternoon it was said that
he was in a fairly good condition, but the injuries are so bad
he will probably die.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 30, 1911
Samuel Albano, an Italian whose two legs were
cut off at the foot of Ridge street Tuesday morning by the levee
engine, died at St. Joseph's hospital Wednesday night. Coroner
Streeper took charge of the body, which will probably be buried
by friends of the dead man. The wife and children of Albano are
in Italy, and were expecting to sail for America April 10. They
will be notified of the death of their husband and father, and
they will probably not make the trip if the word reaches them in
time. There is a possibility that the family may not be found
and may make their contemplated start anyhow.
ALBERS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4,
1902
Bethalto News - Mrs. Anna Albers died at the residence
of her daughter, Mrs. Herman Renker, Saturday, aged 67. The
funeral took place Tuesday, Rev. Fedders conducting the
services. Mrs. Albers visited her daughter and became ill, and
was never able to return to her home.
ALBERS, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 2,
1914
Mrs. Annie Albers, aged 33, wife of George Albers of
Bethalto, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday night from
toxemia. Mrs. Albers had been suffering from a malady that
surgeons regarded as very unusual, and attending doctors said
that they had never seen a case advanced to the stage hers was,
in all their experience. She was unable to keep anything on her
stomach, and she told her doctors in the hospital that she had
not eaten a meal since June 28. In that time she lost fifty
pounds in weight, having been a very large woman. All her
efforts to retain nourishment were in vain, and her case became
so bad that it was decided to move her to Alton and put her in
the hospital here for an operation. She was too weak to undergo
the operation, and so the surgeons did not perform it. They
believed that death from shock would have resulted anyway. She
leaves her husband and three children; also four brothers, John,
Harm, Frank and Herman Rankin; and one sister, Mrs. Victor
Albers. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon. The body will
be taken to the family home and from there the cortege will
leave at 1 o'clock for the Lutheran church, where the services
will be held at 2 o'clock.
ALBERS, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1915
Earl Albers, aged 9, son of George Albers, was fatally
injured this afternoon about 3 o'clock in Bethalto, by the
automobile of W. H. Bauer of Alton. Mr. Bauer, with Charles
Seibold and Henry Richter, were riding through Bethalto. When
passing the school house, a number of the school children ran
out into the road and the Albers boy ran in front of the
automobile in which the Alton party were riding. The child was
knocked down, run over and fatally injured. The boy was picked
up and hurried to Moro to a Dr. Thrailkill's office. There the
child died in the doctor's office. The reason the trip was made
to Moro was that there was no doctor at Bethalto at the time of
the accident.
ALBON, SARAH BROWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3,
1913
Mrs. Sarah Brown Albon, in her ninety-fourth year, died
Sunday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O. W. Maxfield,
in Godfrey, after a long illness which began a few days after
Christmas. Her death had been expected at any time during the
last few weeks. Mrs. Albon was a native of Dulwich, England, and
was born June 12, 1819, the date of the birth of the late Queen
Victoria. She came to America in 1854, and after living in
Philadelphia a year, moved to St. Louis, where she lived ten
years, coming to Alton in 1865. She lived all the remainder of
her life in Alton and Godfrey. [Burial was in City Cemetery.]
ALDINGER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1917
John Aldinger, in his fifty-ninth year, died Monday morning at
10:30 o'clock at the family home, 637 east Fourth street, after
a long illness. He had been a victim of cancer of the stomach
and for nearly seven months he had been unable to be at his
work, but was confined to his home. During that time he suffered
the greatest agony from the malady. Mr. Aldinger was severely
injured by falling through a hatch in the floor of the Winter
planing mill. Two weeks later he was laid up and never returned
to work. Whether the accident contributed to his death is not
known. He was conscious that his end was approaching, and his
mind being clear he was able to make all the plans for his
approaching death and gave instructions as to the funeral. His
mind was clear up to within a few minutes before the end came.
Mr. Aldinger was born in Freinsheim, Germany, September 30,
1858. In the year 1881 he came to Alton and lived here the
remainder of his life. He was married in 1882 to Miss Emma
Ziegenfuss. Eight children were born to the couple: John of
Memphis, Tenn.; William, Richard, Albert Victor, Clarence, Julia
and Bertha, of Alton. He leaves his wife also. Mr. Aldinger was
an expert mechanic and worked as a stair builder for 25 years at
the Wheelock & Ginter Mill, and later with the Winter Planing
Mill. He was employed at the latter place at the time he became
disabled and was forced to give up his work. He was a faithful
member of the German Benevolent Society, in which he held the
office of corresponding secretary for many years. He was very
exact in his work of secretary as he had been in his mechanical
work, and he would not be allowed to give up the position by the
other members of the society. He was also a member of the Court
of Honor. The funeral of Mr. Aldinger will be held Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and burial will be
in City Cemetery. The funeral will be under the auspices of the
German Benevolent Society.
ALDINGER, RICHARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 23,
1921
Richard Aldinger, aged 26, died at 5 o'clock Monday
evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Luly of 408 East
Eighth Street where he was removed a few weeks ago when his
condition became serious. Aldinger has been ill for the past two
months, his sickness commencing with an attack of pneumonia.
From the first his condition was grave. A year last June he was
married to Miss Ida Toole, who survives him. After their
marriage, the young couple boarded for a short time and later
took up their residence in the Paul apartments on Henry street.
Shortly after Mr. and Mrs. Aldinger went to housekeeping, the
young husband was taken ill. Besides his young wife, Aldinger is
survived by his mother, Mrs. Amelia Aldinger, of 637 East Fifth
Street, and by two sisters, the Misses Bertha and Julia
Aldinger, and by five brothers, John of Memphis, William, Al.,
Victor and Clarence Aldinger, all of Alton. Aldinger was a
machinist. He was born and reared in Alton, and a large circle
of warm friends who extend sincere sympathy to the young wife
and other members of his family. Mrs. Aldinger is the younger
daughter of Mrs. Joseph Toole and is a sister of Mrs. W. O.
Luly. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock, Thursday morning
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. The body will be placed in
the mausoleum in the City cemetery.
ALDRICH, ABBY D./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1846
Died near Monticello [Godfrey], on Saturday the 7th inst., Mrs.
Abby D., wife of David W. Aldrich, Esq., aged 25 years, 1 month
and 10 days. Mrs. Aldrich removed with her husband from Rhode
Island to this county in the fall of 1842, and soon secured to
herself by her retiring and unpretending sincerity, the warm
friendship and admiration of those who knew her best and most
intimately. Rarely has it been the duty of any to record the
death of one whose loss has made so wide a breach in the circle
in which she moved. A husband robbed of the warm affection of a
lovely wife, a mother and brother bereft of that love which a
dutiful child and tender sister can alone bestow; while the
beautiful devotion of tender woman to her offspring is forever
lost to the two interesting and helpless babes, who by this
afflicting dispensation have been deprived of a mother's care.
But their loss is her gain. As her life had been pure, so was
its close beautiful, calmly and quietly, she sunk to sleep, and
glided from this to a brighter world on high, recommending to
the hands of God her friends, her husband and her babes. I may
safely say all mourn her untimely decease, for "Nine knew her
but to praise, none knew her but to love her."
ALDRICH, DAVID DEXTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1846
Died in Middletown, on Thursday morning at the residence of
Mr. J. W. Hart, David Dexter, infant son of David W. Aldrich,
aged 5 1/2 months.
ALDRICH, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 18, 1877
Early Settler in Hamel Township
From Edwardsville – Robert
Aldrich, who had lived in this county many years, and who as
early as 1842, had represented this county in the State
Legislature, died at 5 o’clock a.m. on Friday, January 12, at
his residence at Quercus Grove in Hamel Township. The deceased
was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and their number is
legion, for he had attained his 83rd year in life. He was one of
the first settlers in that township.
NOTES:
Robert
Aldrich was born January 4, 1794, in Worcester County,
Massachusetts. He and his brother, Anson, came to Madison
County, Illinois in 1816. Robert settled on Section 29 of Hamel
Township. The first school in this township was built near his
home in 1825. He married Mary Selina Robinson on April 24, 1849.
They were the parents of three children: Sarah, Robert, and
James. He was elected to the 9th Board of Commissioners for
Madison County, and also served in the Illinois House of
Representatives. He is buried in the Quercus Grove Cemetery in
Carpenter, Madison County, Illinois.
ALEXANDER, ANN MATILDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 17,
1836
Died, on Sunday, 7th inst., Ann Matilda, infant daughter
of Mr. A. Alexander, merchant of this place [Alton].
ALEXANDER, A./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1838
Died, this day, at twelve o'clock, after a short but severe
illness, A. Alexander, Esq., merchant of this city. The deceased
was one of our most estimable and useful citizens; and his
almost sudden death may be considered a public as well as a
private loss. His numerous friends and acquaintances are
respectfully invited to attend his funeral from the Presbyterian
Church tomorrow afternoon (Thursday), at three o'clock.
ALEXANDER, ANDREW J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 24, 1908
Andrew J. Alexander, aged 72 years, died
at his home at 420 Cliff street at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon
after a short illness with grip and pneumonia. He leaves a wife
and four sons and one daughter. Mr. Alexander was an old
soldier, and was one of the veterans who made the march to the
sea with Sherman. He has resided in Alton most of his life,
having moved away and returned several times. Funeral
arrangement have not been made.
ALEXANDER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12,
1914
A negro man dropped dead Tuesday afternoon about 2
o'clock in front of the Central avenue hose house No. 4. The man
was walking along the sidewalk when a passerby noticed him
stagger and fall. His head hit the pavement and it made a sound
that indicated the blow was a severe one. A few minutes later,
Dr. J. B. Hastings and J. A. Giberson were passing in an
automobile and they had the man carried to the hose house, where
the doctor examined him and found that he was dead. Word was
sent to the coroner's undertaker, John Berner, to take charge of
the body and he proceeded at once to do so. A search of the
clothing resulted in papers being found which indicated that the
man was Charles Alexander, and that he had been staying at 318
East Sixth street. It was said this afternoon by the coroner's
undertaker that nobody identified Alexander up to a late hour.
Officer Fahrig said that he had seen the man about the streets
peddling medicine. The letters indicated that he was a doctor.
ALEXANDER, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 23,
1864
Died in the hospital at Rome, Georgia, September 3d,
1864, George W. Alexander, in the ___ year of his age. He was
among the first to respond to the call of his country in 1861,
and has been actively engaged in the military service ever
since. Let his name be honored as one who has sacrificed his
life in the _____ of his country.
ALEXANDER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
15, 1916
Twice in one morning a boy was near death. Once he
was probably fatally injured in an accident in Upper Alton, and
a few minutes later his life, also that of his two doctors, were
in danger in an entirely different way, but through zeal of the
doctors to get the boy to St. Joseph's Hospital for a surgical
operation. Louis Alexander, an 11 year old boy, the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Harvey Alexander of 2200 Seminary street, was fatally
hurt Friday morning at 8:30 o'clock on College avenue when he
was struck by a light Ford delivery truck. The truck belongs to
John R. Cartwright, the College avenue business man, and the
vehicle was being driven by his son, George. The bumper of the
car struck the boy and he was thrown back against the radiator,
inflicting the wound that caused the boy's death at noon. It was
a real circus day accident, and was witnessed by a large number
of persons. The truck was headed east on College avenue and was
running on the south side of the street. On the north side of
the street there was a continuous line of country rigs and
automobiles headed for the circus in Alton. The accident
occurred in front of the W. W. Elwell and C. A. Wildi homes, and
there were a number of women in the front yards when the boy was
struck. The Ford car was stopped very quickly by the driver, and
the boy was picked up. Dr. E. A. Cook happened to pass in his
automobile a minute or two after the boy was hurt, and he called
in Dr. G. K. Worden, who lives about a block from the point of
the accident on College avenue. The boy was unconscious when
picked up, and those who witnessed the accident thought he was
dead. The physicians gave him medical attention, bound up the
wounded head and hurried him to the hospital in Dr. Worden's
car. The physicians were of the opinion that the boy was fatally
hurt. George Cartwright, the driver of the truck, says he was
driving east on College avenue toward the store and that the car
was traveling between 8 and 10 miles an hour. He said about five
boys were standing on the curbing on the south side of the
street watching the country rigs as they passed, and seemed to
be trying to spot one that would be good to "hop and ride" on to
the circus grounds. When about six feet from the boys,
Cartwright says, the Alexander boy suddenly jumped out in front
of the Ford truck to run across the street. Cartwright says he
had just given the signal with his horn and the other boys
looked toward the approaching truck, but it seems the Alexander
boy's attention failed to turn from the country rig he was
planning to catch. Women standing close by who witnessed the
accident verified the story told by the young man who was
driving the truck. The father of the boy is a general mechanic
who works for the Western Military Academy around the various
buildings of the school and the tenement houses owned by Col.
Jackson. He was informed of the accident that had befallen his
boy a few moments afterward when the boy was on his way to the
hospital. A year ago last winter Mr. Alexander was shot in the
shoulder by the tenants of one of the Jackson houses when he was
sent at night to shut the water off from the house when the
tenant was thought to be out of town. When Alexander made an
attempt to get in the cellar window about 9:30 o'clock at night,
the tenant was aroused and taking a revolver, he fired a bullet
through the window at the man. The bullet located in Alexander's
should, but he recovered from the wound. It was while speeding
to the hospital with the dying boy in the arms of Dr. E. A. Cook
of Upper Alton with his neighbor, Dr. G. K. Worden, running the
car that the second phase of the dangerous experience of the boy
came. Dr. Cook, taking the lad in his arms, seated himself in
Dr. Worden's fast Marmon car, and Dr. Worden, driving the car,
started off on a fast fun for the hospital. Their course _____
ever College avenue west to Central Avenue, and thence to the
hospital. As soon as the car approached Central avenue, Dr.
Worden noticed John Gruse standing on the sidewalk and waving
frantically to stop. Realizing something serious was the cause
of the man's excited gestures, Dr. Worden stopped his car, which
Gruse says was going at high speed. Dr. Worden himself said that
he was making all the speed he possibly could at the time. Gruse
pointed under the car, and Dr. Worden, looking under, discovered
the whole underneath part of the car was afire. The rapid
forward motion of the car had fanned the flames until the heat
generated was almost like that of a blast furnace. In another
moment, it is believed, a bad explosion might have resulted from
the melting of connections and the releasing of the gasoline in
the tank of the car. Dr. Cook got out of the car and lifting the
unconscious boy in his arms, he sat nearby until help could be
procured. The fire department was summoned and in the meantime
Dr. Worden set about trying to extinguish the fire. Using a fire
extinguisher he succeeded in quenching the flames before the
firemen arrived. Within a few minutes the car of Dr. A. B.
Wyckoff was secured and in this the doctors went on their way to
the hospital with the dying lad. They arrived safely and
afterward performed a surgical operation to life the shattered
skull which was pressing down heavily on the brain. It was found
that the boy had a long fracture due to his head striking the
brick pavement on the side opposite the fracture. It was said
that the boy had not a chance to recover.
ALEXANDER, UNKNOWN INFANT SON/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 28, 1902
The 6 months old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Ephraim Alexander died Tuesday at midnight at the family home on
East Second street. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the family home on Second street, and Rev.
Theodore Oberhellman will officiate.
ALLEN, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 28, 1875
Died in Alton on January 25, 1875, of brain fever, Benjamin, son
of Benjamin Allen; aged 4 years and 4 months.
ALLEN, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 14, 1878
Freed from Slavery at Age 100
(date of death unknown)
Benjamin Allen, a colored resident of Alton who has been
mentioned in the Telegraph as voting at the late election, and
who is supposed to be 111 years old, is a member of one of the
“First families of Virginia,” as he was a slave formerly owned
by William Allegre of that State. He was born in Albemarle
County, Virginia, lived there until quite an old man, and then
removed with his master’s family to Franklin County, Missouri,
where he resided until after the war broke out. He was a man
grown, when his first mistress, the wife of William Allegre, was
born. After he came to Missouri, by the death of his original
owned, he became the property of John Haynes, who was a strong
rebel, though he did not join the army, rather inclining to
bushwhacking.
Benjamin Allen was of such a venerable
age, that for years before the Civil War, he was considered of
but little service as a laborer, and was assigned light tasks.
The advance of the Union forces into Missouri freed him, among
thousands of others, and at the age of almost one hundred years,
he stood relieved from shackles, “redeemed, regenerated,
disenthralled by the genius of” American emancipation. He came
to Alton during the second or third year of the war, and has
resided while here with his nephew, William Walker, who kindly
attends to the wants of the centenarian. The old man is rather
feeble, but his mind is active and his memory of past events
quite good. Of course, there is some question as to the exact
number of his years, but from the best evidence procurable, he
has reached the patriarchal age given above. He voted at the
last election with the men through whose efforts he became a
man, not a chattel, the Republican Party.
ALLEN, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20,
1906
Benjamin Allen, Assistant Supervisor, died at St.
Joseph's hospital this morning at 6 o'clock. He was taken very
ill on Monday, as the result of a campaign he was making for
alderman of the second ward. He was removed to the hospital and
was suffering from uraemic poisoning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
He seemed to be much better last night and about 3 o'clock this
morning he regained consciousness, asked for something to eat,
and after eating he went to sleep again. He died about 6 o'clock
while still asleep. He was 66 years of age April 2. He was born
in Liverpool England, but came to this country with his parents
when a very young man. He was a son of James Allen, who for many
years was in the draying and transfer business at Alton. He had
lived in Alton 60 years, and during that time followed the trade
of bricklayer, except while in official life. He was an officer
on the police force at various times and was brave and
efficient. He filled the office of Captain of the night police.
Although he lost an arm while firing a cannon at Jerseyville
several years after the war, he was able to hold his own end up
in earning a living at his trade of bricklayer, and the absence
of his arm never seemed to militate against his giving
satisfaction as a police officer. He was able to do as well with
one arm as most men do with two. He filled the office of
assistant supervisor several terms, and was in office at the
time of his death. He is survived by one brother, James Allen,
and two sisters, Mrs. Arthur Dixon and Mrs. Mary Still. He
leaves also his stepson, William Atchison. Mrs. Allen died
recently after a long illness.
ALLEN, BOONE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1900
Boone Allen, the veteran steamboat engineer who was probably the
best known and one of the oldest engineers on the Mississippi
river, died at his home in Upper Alton this morning at 11:40
o'clock. Mr. Allen was 66 years, 8 months of age, and had lived
in Upper Alton 45 years, where his family still has its home. He
leaves his aged wife and four children: Mrs. E. A. Graham of
Washington D. C.; Mrs. Alice McDaniel of Helena, Montana; Mrs.
D. M. Kittenger, Boone Allen Jr. of Upper Alton; and J. W.
Allen, General Freight Agent of the M. K. & T. of Dallas, Texas.
The funeral arrangements were not made this afternoon. Mr. Allen
was generally known as Captain in the village where he made his
home, and he was known to nearly everyone in the Altons, as he
passed his vacation time here. He was during his lifetime
employed by nearly every steamboat line out of St. Louis, and
for many years he was in the employ of the Eagle Packet Company
on the boats in the Illinois river trade. Three years ago he was
stricken with paralysis while on duty on one of the up-river
boats, and was brought to his home. Since then he has not been
able to return to duty, and for a month past his condition has
been very serious. His life has been almost gone for several
weeks, but his sturdy constitution upheld against the strokes of
paralysis until today, when he passed into a consciousness.
"Capt." Allen was known to nearly every steamboat man on the
upper Mississippi, and there were few who knew what he knew of
the earlier days of steamboating. A large circle of river
friends will hear of his death with interest and regret, and his
family loses a good and greatly respected father.
ALLEN, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28,
1922
Charles Allen, aged 31, a colored soldier sent from
Alton in the draft during the way, died Wednesday in the Great
Lakes hospital at Chicago from the effects of gassing. He was in
a contingent of fighting men who were engaged in the battle of
the Argonne forest, and while there he suffered from poison gas.
He came home and was taken in charge for treatment, but never
recovered. The body will arrive in Alton Sunday morning and the
funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the Upper Alton colored
Baptist church. (Later on January 30, 1922: The funeral of
Charles Allen, colored, was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the Upper Alton Baptist church, with Rev. Hodges
officiating. A number of ex-service men attended in a body. The
interment was in the Oakwood cemetery. He was buried with
military honors.)
ALLEN, GEORGE TOWNSEND/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1852
Died at Marine, Madison County, Illinois, on the 7th inst.,
George Townsend, infant son of George T. and Maria Allen, aged
10 months and 6 days.
ALLEN, HANNAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 27, 1861
Died
on Sunday morning, April 21st, Hannah Allen, daughter of Dr. G.
T. and Mrs. Allen, aged ?? years.
ALLEN, HENRY C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 6,
1915
The third victim of the accident at the Stanard-Tilton
elevator died at 11 o'clock Tuesday night at the hospital. Henry
C. Allen, the third victim, died not regaining consciousness.
Roland Adams, business agent of the Building Trades Council,
said today that after a careful inspection of the broken
framework he was convinced that the accident was due to a defect
in two pieces of lumber 2x12 inches, which had been spiked
together. The timbers showed no apparent defect until they were
broken and it could then be seen that they were not of the best
quality.
ALLEN, HENRY W. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December
12, 1862
We regret to learn by a private dispatch to H. O.
Meyers, Esq., of Alton, says that Captain Henry W. Allen of
Company G. 7th Illinois Regiment, was shot and mortally wounded
by a member of his own company at Corinth, Mississippi, on the
evening of the 3d inst. A second dispatch from Babrouk announces
his death.
ALLEN, JACKSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
(review of 1870)
On February 27, 1870: Jackson Allen, of New
Douglas, an early pioneer of Madison county, died, aged 84
years.
ALLEN, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21, 1873
Mr. James Allen, a drayman, who has lived in Alton for many
years, died at his residence on Belle Street Tuesday night of
pneumonia. He was an upright and esteemed citizen. He leaves a
wife and children.
ALLEN, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1917
James Allen, aged 69, a drayman in Alton, died suddenly this
morning about 9:50 o'clock at the home of his sister, Mrs.
Arthur Dixon, on Bluff street. Mr. Allen, who was unmarried, had
made his home with his sister's family for years. He had been
suffering from heart trouble for a number of years, but of late
had not experienced any bad attacks from it. He was engaged in
feeding his flock of chickens when stricken. Mrs. Richard Walsh,
who lives next door, noticed him going down to his chicken yard
and later she noticed he had fallen and was unable to rise. She
informed her husband, who investigated and found the old drayman
in a bad way. With the assistance of Arthur Dixon, Mr. Allen was
taken back to the house and a physician summoned. He lived a
little more than a half hour after being taken back to his home.
Mr. Allen was born in St. Louis but lived here most of his life.
He was engaged as a drayman for many years, but had been in
retirement a long time, as large means of hauling had supplanted
the old fashioned dray. He served during the Civil War as a
Union Soldier. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Mary
Still of Godfrey. A coroner's inquest was held this afternoon by
Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer. It developed he had been a sufferer
from arterial hardening for a long time and to this was
attributed his sudden death.
ALLEN, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1914
Mrs. Kate Allen, widow of Boone Allen, died in her home in Upper
Alton, 1732 Main street, this afternoon at 1 o'clock, from old
age. Dropsy was the immediate cause of her death. Mrs. Allen had
lived in Upper Alton over fifty years. Her husband, Boone Allen,
was an old time steamboat man, and died in Upper Alton several
years ago. Mrs. Allen's last illness began about three months
ago. She is survived by two sons and three daughters. They are
Mrs. E. A. Graham of Washington D. C.; John W. Allen, general
freight agent of the M. K. & T. at St. Louis; Mrs. Alice Melbin
of Helena, Mont., who is now here; Mrs. D. M. Kittinger; and
Boone Allen of Upper Alton. Funeral arrangements have not been
made.
ALLEN, MARION O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1917
Killed in Elevator Accident - Terribly Crushed
Marion O. Allen, aged 23, was fatally injured Saturday morning
just after beginning work for the day at the George M. Ryrie
Wholesale grocery store on Broadway. Allen was caught between
the floor of the ascending electric elevator and the first floor
of the store building. According to those who witnessed the
accident, Allen was hoisting some goods from the basement on the
elevator. He had pushed a truck off the elevator floor before
starting, and when the elevator started to rise he noticed that
the truck had started to run back toward the elevator pit. In an
effort to prevent the truck dropping into the pit, he leaned
over and tried to push the truck back, without checking the
ascent of the elevator. One of his fellow workmen noticed the
danger Allen was in and shouted to him to be careful. It was too
late, however. The elevator platform had risen so high that
Allen was caught, as he leaned over, between the ascending
elevator platform and the first floor of the building. He was
given a terrible squeezing before the power could be shut off
and the pressure released. It was seen at once he was badly hurt
and the ambulance was summoned and he was hurried to the
hospital, but was dead before he could be carried into the
institution. Allen had worked at the Ryrie store about two
years. He leaves his wife and two children, at the family home,
312 Dry street. He was very highly esteemed by his employers.
Marion Allen was the son of James Allen who lives near Elsah.
Besides his wife, he leaves two small children, one about 4
years and the other about 1 year of age. The inquest will be
held over the body this evening. The body will be shipped to
Elsah on Monday morning, and the funeral will be held there on
Monday afternoon.
ALLEN, PETER H./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1840
Died, in Upper Alton, Illinois, on the 30th of September, Peter
H. Allen, aged 28 years, house carpenter and joiner by trade,
formerly of Philadelphia.
ALLEN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16,
1902
The funeral of William Allen was held this afternoon at
4 o'clock and services were conducted at the family home,
Seventh and Easton streets, by Rev. G. W. Shepherd. There was a
large attendance at the funeral. The members of Alton lodge, A.
O. U. W. attended the funeral in a body. Burial was in City
Cemetery.
ALLSMAN, CHARLOTTE EVA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 23, 1922
The funeral of Mrs. Charlotte Eva Allsman
was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home on
Missouri avenue. The services were conducted by Rev. Halwe of
the Pentecostal church. The pall bearers were: James Draper, J.
P. Callaghan, William Canharn, Walter, Thomas Langust. Mrs.
Allsman was born August 23, 1859 in Jackson county, Ohio, and
was 63 years of age. She leaves her husband, Jacob Allsman,
Robert Allsman, Mrs. Eliza Joynson, James Allsman, Mrs. Susan
Henson Carrolton. She leaves also a sister and two brothers,
Mrs. Eliza Hall of Jerseyville, and John and William Willington.
She had also twenty-five grandchildren and three great
grandchildren. She was a member of the Pentecostal church in
Alton. There were many friends and relatives at the funeral
services, and many fine floral offerings.
ALLSMAN, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1914
Yachts Collide, Harry Allsman Drowned
Harry Allsman, aged
23, residing in East End Place, was drowned Thursday evening
when a small power boat in which he was riding collided with the
larger yacht, Illiola, which was bringing home from an outing a
party of Alton people. The drowning was the sequel of two outing
parties crossing each other in the Mississippi river, and a
mistake made by the two young men in the smaller boat. Allsman
and Henry Koenig had brought back to Alton in the small boat a
party of Kinloch telephone girls who had gone down to the Unique
camp to spend the evening and have supper. The two young men
were returning to camp when they encountered the Illiola. George
Crowson, who was at the helm of the Illiola, saw the small boat
approaching, and he sounded the signal for the down stream craft
to take the left and he supposed the boys would comply. The
boys, it is said, became confused and mistaking the Illiola for
the dock to which they were going, got across the bow of the
Illiola despite efforts on the part of the pilot of the Illiola
to keep out of their way. The Illiola's engine had been reversed
when the little boat came across her sharp bow. The side of the
small yacht was broken in and the two occupants thrown into the
water. The supposition is that Allsman, who was sitting where
the impact occurred, was stunned or injured and could not help
himself. Life preservers were thrown to him and a 50-foot line,
but he paid no attention to them. George Goeken, on the Illiola,
reached his hand out to Allsman as he floated by the Illiola,
and shouted twice for him to take hold, but Allsman apparently
paid no attention to the command. This gave ground for the
belief that the young man had been injured and could not help
himself. Then life preservers were thrown out and they floated
on down and the life line was thrown out and it too failed to
attract attention of the young man. In the meantime Koenig had
leaped aboard at the bow of the Illiola and was safe. The
accident occurred near the light on Bayless Island, across the
river. The Illiola party spent an hour cruising about searching
for the young man but could not find him. Capt. Crowson, who was
in charge of the Illiola, is an old experienced river man and
his judgment is regarded as being excellent, so that no blame
could attach to him for the accident. He attributes the
collision either to a mistake on the part of the young men on
the small boat, or to their misunderstanding of boat signals. On
board the Illiola, when the accident occurred, were Capt.
Crowson, the members of the Illiola Quartet, Frank Cleveland, Ed
Mawdsley, Bert Rexford, also George Goeken and son, Charles Luft
and family, Charles Ochler and family, William Ulrich and
family, and Herman Newman. After the accident the damaged boat
was towed back to the Unique Club camp and the drowning reported
there. According to the story told a Telegraph representative
this morning, by Henry Koenig, who was in the little boat at the
time of the accident, Allsman must have been injured before he
went into the river, and this probably was the cause of his
death. Koenig said that he and Allsman had been attending an
outing at the Unique Social club camp, and made a trip from the
camp to Alton with a party of telephone operators from Alton who
had been attending the outing. It was while the young men were
on their way back to the camp that the accident occurred. Koenig
claims that they had the proper lights, but admitted that
Allsman, who was steering the boat, attempted to cross ahead of
the Illiola and take the Missouri shore. He said that he did not
realize the boats were so close, until the boat in which he was
sitting was struck by the boat coming up the river. Koenig said,
"I am not able to swim a stroke, and I felt certain that my end
was near. I saw Allsman get hit in the leg by the big boat and
then drop into the water, and I caught hold of the boat we were
in. The boat tipped over, but I clung on, not knowing what else
to do. It seemed a long time that I was under the water, but
finally the little boat righted and I climbed in. It started to
sink but I managed to get aboard the Illiola. I saw Harry
struggling about in the water for about five minutes, but he
seemed in no danger outside of the fact that he seemed unable to
get hold of the life preservers and the ropes which were being
thrown to him." The drowning will probably break up the Unique
camp. While Allsman was not a member of the club, he has been at
the camp all summer and several members of the club said this
morning that after the accident they would not have the heart to
continue their camp. Many of them returned to Alton this morning
and it is expected that the others will be home the last of this
week.
ALRED/ALLRED, AARON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
31, 1921
Aaron Allred, in his ninetieth year, died this
morning at 122 Missouri Avenue, after a long illness. A week ago
he refused to be taken to the hospital, saying he preferred to
stay where he was. At that time he was fully clothed, even to
his hat, and was lying in bed, refusing to allow anything to be
done for him. Allred was an old time horse trader and had been a
resident of Alton many years.
ALRED, AARON JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7,
1907
Aaron Alred Jr., aged 44 years, died this morning at 1
o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital. He is survived by his wife and
four children. His father, the aged Aaron Alred, also survives.
The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9 o'clock from the
family home, 1328 east Third street, to the City cemetery.
ALSOP, CARRIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 27, 1861
Died
in Alton on Monday morning, the 23d inst., at 7 o'clock a.m.,
Carrie Alsop, aged 11 years, 4 months and 20 days.
ALT, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30,
1918
George Alt died this morning at 10 o'clock at his home
at 612 East Fourth street after a six month's illness from
paralysis. He was 70 years old and leaves a wife, one daughter,
Mrs. William Patterson, and three sons, George R., Harry F., and
Leslie G. Mr. Alt was a native of Alton, and for many years was
engaged as a lumber worker. He was a member of the independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Alton Benevolent Society. The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from the Evangelical
Church, REv. C. W. Heggemeier officiating.
ALTHOFF, LAVINIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 5,
1911
Mrs. Lavinia Althoff, aged 75, widow of J. F. Althoff,
died Saturday evening at 6 o'clock at her home, 406 west Fourth
street, after a brief illness. Mrs. Althoff had been a resident
of Alton for many years and was highly respected by all who knew
her. She leaves one daughter, Miss Mary Althoff, two sisters and
a brother. The funeral will be tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Interment at Greenwood
cemetery will be private. Mrs. Althoff had lived in Alton about
fifty one years. She had been in perfect health until a week
before her death, when she was stricken with paralysis. Two
other sisters, Mrs. M. Robidon and Mrs. Mattie Groblinghoff,
reside in St. Louis. She leaves a brother and a sister in Ohio.
ALTHOFF, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1916
Miss Mary Althoff, cashier of the office of Beall Bros.
for seventeen years, died suddenly today at her home, 406 west
Fourth street, after a brief illness. Miss Althoff was at her
post of duty in the Beall's cashier's office Friday. When she
did not appear for work on Saturday morning, there was no
particular concern as she was a privileged employee, and when
she did not arrive at the office it was supposed she was not
feeling well and had not gone to work....The unexpected closing
of the life of Miss Althoff caused general surprise and deep
regret among the many who had known her well. She was a quiet,
unassuming woman, possessed of much ability, and she was deeply
religious. At SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral where she held
membership, she was known for her devotion to church work, and
she often stood as sponsor when such a representative was
required in the church services. In the office of Beall Bros.,
her services were regarded as invaluable....She leaves no
relatives here except her aunt, Mrs. M. Groblinghoff, who
resided with her, and another aunt, Mrs. R. Robidou of St.
Louis. The cause of Miss Althoff's death was uraemic poisoning.
She had suffered a sudden attack of this malady, and it was
impossible to give her any relief when the trouble assumed an
acute stage. The time of the funeral has not been set.
AMBRICK, STEVE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 31,
1919
Falls 30 Feet Into Rock Pile
Injuries sustained in a
30-foot fall from a ledge of the bluff in the Gissal quarry
above Alton proved fatal this morning to Steve Ambrick. Ambrick
fell into a pile of rocks. He was taken to St. Joseph's
Hospital, but died soon after arriving there. Ambrick lived in
the Wittle house on West Broadway. Workmen at the quarry said he
has a wife and children in his native country in Europe. Three
others were on the ledge with Ambrick when he fell. Evidence at
the inquest conducted this afternoon by Deputy Coroner Bauer was
that one of the men advised Ambrick to rest. It was shortly
after this that he fell. There was no evidence to show that
Ambrick had been ill. The verdict of the jury was that death was
accidental. The body is being held by Deputy Coroner Bauer. A
son, who resides in Detroit, Mich., is expected here tomorrow.
The name secured by Deputy Coroner Bauer for the man is
"Yumbink," while the name on an insurance policy carried by him
was said to be "Yambink."
AMBUEL, JOHN/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February 1,
1895
John Ambuel, one of the most successful farmers of Leef
Township, and a resident of Madison County for more than fifty
five years, died Monday in his 64th year. John Ambuel was born
in Canton, Graubuenden, Switzerland, March 31, 1831. His father,
John H. Ambuel, was a farmer. He heard so much about the new
world and the opportunities it offered that in 1839 he left his
native land and with his family journeyed to Havre and embarked
an old and weather-beaten sailing vessel to cross the Atlantic.
After sixty-three days, during which time the old ship had
frequently sprung a leak and endangered the lives of the
passengers, the ship anchored at New Orleans. The family was
transferred to a river boat and ascended to East St. Louis. Here
they camped for several days in corn cribs while waiting for
wagons to transport them to Highland. In September they arrived
at their destination. The father engaged in farming and after
the vicissitudes incident to life in a new country eventually
became the owner of a quarter section of land. The subject of
this sketch worked on this farm attending school at such time as
his services were not needed at home. When a young man he was
employed in various vocations. He operated a threshing machine
several seasons and saved some money. Later he took charge of
the farm and made it one of the most productive and finest in
the township. He was married June 14, 1859 to Theresa Kraft.
They were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom survive,
Mary, wife of Henry Henschen, of Leef; John J. who lives in
Highland, Christina who married Peter Ledue, of Saline; Phillip
who also lives in Highland; Rosa wife of Peter Schrumpf, of
Saline; Annie, Katherine, Jacob, Henry and Matilda. He served at
different times as township collector and held the office when
he died. He was also for many years a school director.
Politically he was a democrat and served repeatedly as central
committeeman for his township. He lived an industrious and
honorable life. He was kind-hearted, a staunch citizen and a
good friend.
AMES, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1900
Fosterburg News - John Ames, who ten days ago was stricken with
paralysis while in the timber about his place, and was found by
his brother almost frozen to death, died Tuesday. John did not
possess a great amount of this world's goods, but he was an
honest, inoffensive citizen. He was buried in Short's cemetery.
AMONS, JULIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 6, 1838
Died,
May 30th, 1838, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Julia Amons, at
the residence of her husband in Alton City, Illinois. Mrs. A.
was an acceptable and worthy member of the M. E. Church in this
and her native State, where her meekness, patience, and
resignation to the will of God guided her the confidence of all
who knew her. I attended her frequently while afflicted, and
found her calmly trusting in the blood of Christ. She died in
great peace. Yours, &c. C.
AMORICO, ANTONIO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6,
1909
The coroner's jury empanelled to hold an inquest over
Antonio Amorico, who was killed Saturday evening by a Big Four
train at the foot of Ridge street, found a verdict holding the
railroad company responsible for the death of the man. He will
be buried tomorrow morning from the Cathedral.
AMRHEIN, MARY B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20,
1906
Mrs. Mary B. Amrhein, aged 59, died last evening at her
home, 513 Oak street, from hemorrhage of the brain, after a
short illness. She was a native of Switzerland and came to
America in 1864. She leaves three sons and one daughter, Otto
and William Roller, Adolph Amrhein, and Miss Bertha Amrhein. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
family home, and services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore
Oberhellman.
AMRHEIN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
25, 1918
Killed in Accident
William Amrhein, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Otto Amrhein of Bozza street, was fatally injured
Saturday in an accident at the Aluminum Works at East St. Louis.
He was 21 years of age. The young man was a member of the Alton
Division of Illinois Naval Reserves. He was rejected for service
in the army because of his being under weight. He planned to
gain the weight he was short, and to make another attempt to
enlist in the service. He was employed in the Aluminum Works
near a crane. The man operating the crane did not notice the
young man below him as he dropped the crane, and he struck
Amrhein on the top of the head, crushing in his skull. Young
Amrhein has been employed as fireman for the past six months. He
was oiling a steel crane when it began to move, catching and
crushing his head and shoulders. Immediately an ambulance was
called to convey the injured man to the hospital, but before the
trip was completed he died. Amrhein was 21 years of age, and
single, and is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. F.
Amrhein; two brothers, Ferdie of Terre Haute, Ind., and Henry of
the United States Navy; also four sisters, the Misses Mattie,
Marie, Katherine, and Lulu, all of Alton. The body was brought
to Alton Sunday by Undertaker W. H. Bauer, who went after it.
The funeral will be held Tuesday at 2 o'clock p.m. from the
Evangelical church at Eighth and Henry streets, in which he held
membership. The burial will be in the City Cemetery.
ANDERSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13,
1911
Charles Anderson, a negro quarryman employed at the John
Armstrong quarries, fell forty feet this morning while at work,
shortly after 10 o'clock, and died in the ambulance at the door
of the hospital. He was working on a ledge alone, and the cause
of his fall is not definitely known, but it is supposed he made
a mis-step and plunged over the edge of the ledge. He fell on a
pile of rock below and was picked up and started for the
hospital, but died on the way. He was about 38 years of age and
resided with his family on Elm street.
ANDERSON, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 14,
1911
Edward Anderson, a negro, was crushed to death this
morning by an ore car, as he was working in a pit at the Federal
Lead works. He was one of a gang of ten men who work at one of
the pits where cars are loaded to be hoisted up an incline to
the smelter, and after the night work was finished, he, with the
other men, went into the pit to pick up ore that had fallen in
loading the dump cars. While Anderson was there with another
man, the remaining members of the gang having climbed out, a car
was let down on them. Anderson alone was caught and was
instantly killed. He leaves no family, his wife being in the
penitentiary for killing a man.
ANDERSON, ERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30,
1904
Old Sailor Puts House in Order and Lies Down to Die -
May Have Left Buried Treasure
Erick Anderson, an old Swede
and a former sailor, was found dead Tuesday at his home on the
place of Phillip Walters, north of Godfrey. Anderson lived alone
in a little house on the Walter's place, and those who went
there after his death say it was neat as the most carefully kept
house could be, that everything was in order and that Anderson
had kept all his belongings in a most systematic order, and that
very much different from the way most old bachelors keep their
personal effects. The house was clean and tidy, and Anderson's
trunks were packed with his clothing, everything in the most
orderly condition it would be possible for the most painstaking
housewife to keep them. He had been a sufferer from vertigo, and
it is supposed he died about twenty-four hours before the fact
was discovered by his neighbors. Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer held
an inquest, and a verdict of death from natural causes was
found. Anderson had been living near Godfrey for many years,
making his living by working for farmers. He still had some
money when he died. In his room was found his discharge papers
as a sailor, issued in 1868. He left tacked on the wall the name
of his brother, John D. Anderson of Medford, Oregon, which he
probably placed there when he realized death would overtake him.
He also had a brother at Belleville, Ill., but word was received
from there that the brother had departed from Belleville a week
ago. He was 68 years old.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 3, 1904 Searching for Dead Swede's Money
Some Godfrey people put enough confidence in a story that Erick
Anderson secretly buried his money near his home, to make a
search for the supposed treasure. Anderson died last Tuesday
alone in his cabin. He lived alone, spent but little money, and
always worked hard, so Godfrey people think he must have hidden
his money somewhere and left no word of the hiding place. Some
people believed Anderson received an income from Sweden, as he
frequently exhibited foreign coins and asked their value in
American money. He never took anyone into his confidence and
there is a mystery as to where he put his money, if he had any.
ANDERSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8,
1906
Killed in Train Wreck at Wood Station
An inquest was
held Saturday night by Coroner Steeper over George Anderson, who
died from injuries he sustained in the C. B. and Q. wreck. The
evidence of the trainmen showed that orders had been issued to
the train crew which were explicit enough that train No. 13 was
to meet “second 80” at Wood Station, and that Engineer Hinderer
disregarding his orders ran through the station. The conductor
testified that he made every effort to stop the train, but owing
to a car near the engine having no air brake attachment, he
could not set the air. He endeavored to flag the train, but his
signals were disregarded. The jury did not place the
responsibility upon Hinderer, but found a verdict that the death
of Anderson was due to injuries he received in the wreck, and
that the wreck was due to orders being disregarded by the
engineer. The body of Anderson was taken to Beardstown for
burial Saturday night.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 6, 1906
George Anderson, the head brakeman on the
wrecked C. B. & Q. train No. 13, died at St. Joseph's hospital
last night from internal injuries he suffered in the wreck. The
immediate cause of Anderson's death was abdominal injuries
caused by him being caught between the bumpers of two of the
wrecked freight cars. He suffered intense pain from the
abdominal injuries and the attending surgeons could give no hope
of his recovery from the beginning. Fireman W. A. Anderson, his
brother, who escaped with slight injury, stayed with his
brother's bedside until the end came. The body was turned over
to H. J. Klunk and will be shipped to Beardstown tonight for
burial. Coroner Streeper impaneled a jury this afternoon, who
viewed the remains and will hold an inquest later when it is
possible to get the members of the train crew. Engineer Hinderer
was reported as being in a very favorable condition. His burns
are of a very serious nature, however there is still a chance
that he may not survive, as internal injuries may develop also.
He was badly pinched across the body by timbers, and had his
left thigh broken.
ANDERSON, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
28, 1906
Gertrude Anderson, wife of Herbert Anderson, died
this morning at the family home, 1017 Liberty street, after an
illness from blood poisoning. She was 27 years 6 months of age.
She leaves besides her husband, one child and her mother, two
sisters and four brothers. The funeral will be held Friday from
the family home to the A. M. E. church where services will be
conducted at 2 o'clock.
ANDERSON, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 9, 1908
Harry Anderson, colored, age 13, died this morning at the home
of his parents in Salu addition, Upper Alton. The remains will
be sent to Shipman Monday for burial, after a short funeral
service to be held at the home.
ANDERSON, JAMES G. (Esquire)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
8, 1847
Died a few weeks since at his residence in Looking
Glass Prairie - James G. Anderson, Esquire. Highly esteemed by
all those who knew him as a faithful and diligent officer, and
very worthy citizens. Madison County has lost an able,
impartial, and energetic officer, and the community a valuable
and worthy citizen. We deeply sympathize with the family and
friends of the deceased in their bereavement.
ANDERSON, L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4, 1902
Mrs. L. Anderson, wife of James Anderson, died at her home on
the Coal Branch [North Alton] Saturday morning, after an illness
of three weeks with pneumonia. She leaves a husband and one
child four months of age. She was not yet nineteen years of age.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Herring, with several brothers
and sisters, live on a farm near Kane, Greene county, and the
body will be taken to the old home Sunday for burial. Mr.
Anderson has the sympathy of the community in his affliction.
ANDERSON, OLAF B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 25,
1918
Olaf B. Anderson, 51, died at the home of his mother,
Mrs. Tobis Anderson, 938 Union street, at five o'clock Wednesday
evening after an illness that dates from last March. Anderson
was well known in Alton, having lived here for forty-four years.
He was known to his friends as "Rosie." Anderson was a painter
by trade, but he had not worked at that for a number of years.
He was born in Norway and came to the United States with his
parents when he was three years of age. At seven, he came to
Alton and has made his home here since. He is survived by his
mother, one sister, Mrs. Thomas Oddy; two brothers, Adolph of
Alton, and Julius Anderson of Wood River. The funeral will be
held on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock from the home to the
City Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Rev. C. C. Smith.
ANDERSON, P. A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1920
Iceland Native Dies - Lived in Tent on Shields Street
P.
A. Anderson, the man with the best eye in the city of Alton, was
a victim of a fatal automobile accident today on Bozza street.
Anderson was killed while working for the city, setting some
curb. He was the official curb setter of the city. His skill was
so great that he was always at work when he would consent to
stay away from John Barleycorn enough to keep on his feet.
Drunk, he was said to be a far better curbsetter than most men
when sober. His eye could catch the least crook in a line of
curbing, and he never used a line to guide him, and the work he
did is a complete example of how curbing ought to be set. So,
when the city wanted to have some curb set on Bozza street,
Anderson was hired, as he had been for years for all similar
work, and he was engaged on the job this morning when he was hit
by an automobile. Miss Helen Vahle of 8 East Delmar avenue was
on her way to Edwardsville to get some parts to replace
defective ones in her automobile. With her were her mother, Mrs.
William F. Vahle, Miss Vessie Vahle, and Mrs. John Felker. The
story of the accident given out was that Anderson was stooping
over shoveling some crushed rock when the automobile struck him
and he was dragged about thirty feet. The auto climbed a pile of
rock, then sheered off and crossed a ditch in the road where
water pipes had been laid. The form of Anderson still was caught
on the automobile, but in crossing the ditch it became
disengaged and the body dropped into the ditch. When picked up
Anderson was lifeless. His skull had been fractured. Anderson
was born in Iceland of Swedish parents, had been a resident of
Alton for many years. He has no family so far as known. He had
lived in a tent for two years back of the Sweetzer lumber yard,
owing to the fact that a boarding house where he had lived had
changed hands. He concluded not to hunt another boarding house,
but to live in a tent. It was said that since he ceased to drink
he had saved considerable money, and Deputy Coroner Bauer, to
whom the body was turned over, was making search for the bank
account. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at two
o'clock from the Bauer undertaking parlors. Burial will be in
the City cemetery.
Curb Setter's Tragic Romance Is
Disclosed
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1920
Application for letters of administration on the estate of P. A.
Anderson by the public administrator, Frank B. Sanders, brings
to light a tragic romance in the life of Anderson, who so far as
known, leaves no kin. James Hart, superintendent of the A. G.
and St. L. line, is authority for the story, which he says,
Anderson told him some time ago, explaining why he led a
careless life. Anderson, it will be remembered, was instantly
killed a week ago by being struck by an automobile on Bozza
street while he was engaged in a job of curb setting. His death
was just as he had always wished and had longed earnestly for,
ever since his only romance was shattered. Anderson told James
Hart that he was engaged to marry a girl in Sweden. He quarried
the stone for a house and built the house. Just as he was to be
married, he was called for army service, and stayed three years.
During the time he was in the army, his fiance died, without his
knowledge. He came home to find her buried. He quarried the
stone to build a wall around the cemetery lot where she lay,
patted down the earth with his hands, then having finished the
job, covered his eyes with his hands, after taking the last
look, turned about and walked with his back to the grave. He
went straight to the steamship docks, got on a ship, sailed for
America, and here he was only six days when he began
naturalization proceedings, planning never to go back, and he
never did go home. He brooded over his loss of his fiance. He
worked hard and drank much. He wished his death at all times. He
would not take his own life, but he said he never lay down at
night that he did not hope that he might never wake. He said he
often wished that a train would kill him or he would meet some
fatal accident in his work. His father, a number of years ago,
then a man of 77, came here and lived with him for a while, and
worked at curb setting with the son. Anderson had not heard from
his father for years. In telling his story to Mr. Hart, Anderson
said that he had always remained true to the memory of his dead
sweetheart, and that no other women had ever interested him. He
lived a life of loneliness.
ANDERSON, STEIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 29,
1903
Man Decapitated at Union Depot in Alton
In the
presence of several hundred people, Stein Anderson of Delhi was
decapitated by the Kansas City train on the Chicago and Alton
railroad Sunday evening at 5 o'clock, just as the train was
pulling into Union depot in Alton. Anderson, in company with
four other men, had been "canning" beer all afternoon in an
alley between Fourth and Fifty streets, Piasa and Belle streets.
Stein desired to return home to Delhi and the whole party
started for Union depot. They went on to the river and then were
returning across the track when Anderson saw the train coming
down the grade. He thought it was his own train and tried to get
across the track ahead of it. In his intoxicated condition, he
fell prostrate before the train and his head was cut off and
mashed into an unrecognizable mass. He was identified by a
nephew who knew him by his clothes. Anderson was a stonemason,
60 years of age. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest Sunday
night, and the jury returned a verdict of death from accident.
[Note: first named was also spelled Swein]
ANDERSON, TOBIAS M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3,
1916
Tobias M. Anderson, a resident of Alton for many years
and one of its most respected citizens, died Thursday evening at
7:20 o'clock at the family home on Union street, after an
illness of a few weeks. An attack of the grippe, combined with
the debility of great age and complications of pleurisy and
pneumonia proved fatal. He was 77 years of age. Mr. Anderson was
born in Fieke Fjord, Norway, December 24, 1838. He came to
America with his family in 1870, and going to Chicago entered
the employ of the Hapgood Plow Co. in that city. After the
Chicago fire, the Hapgood company moved to St. Louis in 1871,
where another fire destroyed the plant in 1874. After this the
company located in Alton, and Mr. Anderson came here with his
family. In 1891 he was appointed superintendent of the Hapgood
plant and held the position until 1907, when he concluded his
long and faithful service to the company and retired. He had
worked 37 years for the company and was one of the most highly
esteemed men in the Hapgood employ. He was a kindly, quiet,
unassuming man, beloved by his family and by all his neighbors
and the men who had worked with him. He was a devoted husband
and father, and his death is a sad blow to his aged wife and his
children. He leaves beside wife, one daughter, Mrs. Thomas Oddy
and three sons, Adolph M., Olof B., of Alton, and Julius T.
Anderson of Wood River. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home on Union street.
ANDERSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 16, 1914
Mrs. Joseph Anderson died at her
home, 1616 Piasa street, at midnight Friday evening from
congestion of the brain. Mrs. Anderson leaves a husband, a
mother, six sisters and one brother. The body will be shipped to
Belleville Monday morning for burial.
ANDERSON, WILLIAM "BLOSSOM"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 28, 1901
William Anderson, a colored young man known as
"Blossom," died at St. Joseph's hospital last evening after a
long illness with consumption. He was 29 years of age and had
lived in Alton all his life. The body was taken charge of by the
Supervisor for burial.
ANDREWS, ELIJAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20,
1906
The funeral of Elijah Andrews, an old soldier who died
at his home on the river bank near the waterworks pumping
station, was held this afternoon, and services were conducted by
the Salvation Army.
ANDREWS, EVELYN GRACE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 1, 1903
Evelyn Grace, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas N. Andrews of 1604 Maple street, died last evening after
an illness from brain fever, aged 22 months. The funeral will be
held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
ANDREWS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12,
1905
Frank, the little nine weeks old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Andrews, died at the home on Liberty street at 9:30
o'clock this morning. The burial will be from the home Wednesday
afternoon at 4 o'clock. [Note: newspaper later stated father's
name was Thomas N. Andrews, living at 1604 Maple avenue in
Alton]
ANDREWS, FRED L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
9, 1904
Fred L., the 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred O.
Andrews, died at 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon from dysentery at
the family home, 418 Jefferson street. The funeral will be held
Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home, Rev. M. H.
Ewers officiating.
ANDREWS, GEORGE M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
8, 1921
Funeral services for the late George M. Andrews, who
died Monday morning after an illness with a diabetic and
tubercular ailment, will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the late home, 1215 Belle street. Rev. Twing of the
Baptist Church is to officiate and interment will be in the City
Cemetery. Deceased is survived by his mother, Mrs. E. S.
Andrews, of this city, two sisters, Mrs. Edna Hainline of
Neosha, Mo., and Mrs. Edith Shewmaker, of this city; also four
brothers, Thomas E. of Faust, Mo., Ben C. of Bloomington, John
M. and Arthur T., both of this city. Alton Post, American
Legion, will conduct the military burial furnishing a firing
squad and military escort in uniform. Deceased served with
Battery F of the 139th Field Artillery, and was a member of the
local Legion post.
ANDREWS, LEONARD B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
20, 1918
Lieutenant Dies in Argonne Battle in France (WWI)
Mr. and Mrs. James Andrews of Wood River, formerly of Alton,
received a message today from the War Department informing them
that their son, Leonard B. Andrews, had been killed in battle
September 28. The Andrews family moved from Alton to Wood River
two weeks ago. Their son enlisted at Alton in Co. B, 1st
Missouri, May 24, 1917, when the company was here guarding the
Alton bridge. He sailed for France May 6, 1918, when the
regiment was sent overseas. He was in the 138th infantry, which
took such a gallant part in the Argonne fighting, and in which a
number of Alton boys participated. This regiment contained the
largest group of Alton boys so far reported to have been in the
worst of the fighting, and of the Alton boys a number have
already been reported as killed or wounded. Andrews was 21 years
of age. His parents had not received any word from him since he
wrote a letter during the month of august. His silence had
caused them considerable anxiety.
ANGEL, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13,
1915
Mrs. Annie Angel, widow of a former Alton glassblower,
and for years a resident of Alton, died Sunday morning at 8
o'clock from bronchitis, at her home in Fosterburg, after a
short illness. She was 83 years of age. Mrs. Angel lived over
the Herb store for a long time and was well known in the eastern
part of the city. She is survived by two sons and two daughters.
ANGEL, FLORENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 6,
1903
The funeral of Mrs. Florence Angel took place this
morning from the home in Upper Alton to St. Mary's church, where
a requiem mass said by Rev. J. Meckel, the pastor. Interment was
in St. Joseph's Cemetery, and a large number of friends attended
the last sad ceremonies over the body of one loved and esteemed
by all who knew her.
ANHEUSER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1904
Mrs. Mary Anheuser, wife of Daniel Anheuser, died this morning
at the family home, 417 Cherry street from paralysis. Mrs.
Anheuser was striken with paralysis Monday night while sitting
in the waiting room of the Alton Light and Traction Co. She was
taken to her home and did not regain consciousness. She leaves
beside her husband, two sons and one daughter, also a brother,
Gabriel White, and a sister Lucy White. The funeral will be held
Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church. [Burial
was in Greenwood Cemetery]
ANTHIS, JESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7, 1905
Miss Jessie Anthis, aged 25, died this morning at the family
home in Yager park after an illness from tuberculosis of the
bowels. She was a daughter of S. B. Anthis, and is the last but
one of his children. She had been ill many weeks and had
suffered intensely from the malady that proved fatal.
ANTHIS, NINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26, 1910
Thirteen Year Old Girl Commits Suicide During School Recess
Nina Anthis, aged thirteen years, of Yager Park, the daughter of
Mrs. Sydney Anthis, drank carbolic acid during recess at the
Yager Park school at 3 o'clock this afternoon, and died a few
minutes later. The girl came to school in tears, some of the
pupils stated, and was said to have remarked that her mother
whipped her because she would not empty some potato peelings.
She talked to the other children during recess and seemed to
have gotten over her bad humor. Just as the bell was ringing for
the pupils to come in after recess, the Anthis girl drew a
little bottle out of her pocket, and before all of the school
children drained the contents and dropped where she was. Miss
Rhoda Bartlett, teacher of the Yager Park school, saw the girl
fall and immediately came to her rescue. Seeing the little girl
was dying she sent for a physician, and one arrived soon after,
but the acid had done its work and the girl was dead. A note was
found in the girl's pocket, but had not been opened and read up
to 4 o'clock. It is in the possession of her mother, Mrs. S. B.
Anthis. The story of the mother having whipped the child is
denied by the mother, who would not make a statement. The
children in the school were almost panic stricken when they saw
their school mate dying from the effects of the poison, and Miss
Bartlett had a hard time to control them.
Source: April
27, 1910
Inquiry into the motives that actuated Nina Brown
Anthis, the adopted daughter of Mrs. S. B. Anthis, in suiciding
Tuesday afternoon at the Yager park school, fails to develop any
real reason why the girl should have killed herself. She was
treated kindly at home, neighbors say, she had plenty of
friends, and seemed happy and cheerful. Miss Rhoda Bartlett, the
child's teacher, is inclined to believe that the child's mind
was such she loved to be theatrical and spectacular. She
delighted in doing things sensational and doubtless she had
brooded in a morbid strain until she decided to kill herself.
The letter she left was addressed to her "angel loving mother
and angel loving brother," and was as follows: "Dear loving
mother and brother: I would like to say one thing to you. It is,
please bury my doll with me and that is all I care about, and
leave my ring on my hand. I love you mother, and I love you
Willie. I will meet you in heaven. Angels can not guard us now,
but they can guard us in heaven. If I was a sinner before I die,
I hope that God will forgive me and I pray God that Willie will
be good to you and take good care of you. Your loving adopted
child, Nina Anthis." It is said the child was of a nervous
disposition, and very imaginative. She had probably become a
victim of exaggerated egotism and had pondered on how
spectacular it would be to kill herself and ask that her doll be
buried with her. There is no other known reason. The funeral of
the child will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home, and Rev. W. H. Bradley will have charge of the funeral.
Burial will be in the Hawley Burying ground in the North Side.
ANTHIS, S. B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5,
1908
S. B. Anthis of Yager park died this morning after a
long illness. He had been able to be up and around until a short
time ago, although very weak and ill. He was an old soldier and
had lived in Alton and vicinity for many years. His death was
due to a hemorrhage of the bowels. Mr. Anthis was 62 years of
age and was born and raised in Alton. He is the father of a
large family of children, but all of these except one, William
T. Anthis, died. Beside this one son he leaves his wife and an
adopted daughter, Miss Nina Anthis, his mother and a brother,
William Anthis. The time of the funeral is not set.
ANTHIS, WILLIAM B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
17, 1919
William B. Anthis died this morning at 8:15 o'clock
at the residence of his step-brother, J. L. Springer, on the
State Aid Road. He was about 60 years of age. He is survived by
one sister, Mrs. Charles Meyer, of Staunton; one step-sister,
Mrs. George McCullom of Wood River; and by one step-brother, J.
L. Springer. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the Streeper undertaking parlors.
ANTHONY, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1907
On Deathbed - Memory Returns - Repeats Declaration of
Independence and Gettysburg Address
Albert Anthony, aged 83,
died Saturday just before midnight at the home of his son,
William Anthony, on Sixth street near Spring. He had been
suffering from weakness of great age for many months, and a year
ago he believed himself near death. In recent months his mind
had failed and he was back in his childhood days. It had been
his custom to repeat the Declaration of Independence and
Lincoln's Gettysburg address on the Fourth of July as part of
the old patriot's observance of the nation's birthday. By
strange coincidence, he regained his old time mental vigor on
the eve before the Fourth, and he told his son that he believed
that if he could recall some of his old favorites he would be
able to go to sleep. He began reciting the Declaration of
Independence and then Lincoln's Gettysburg address, and
concluded with some old favorite poems of a religious nature.
After this mental effort he fell asleep and was never able to
recognize any of his family again. He was born in Guilford
county, North Carolina in 1824, and in 1862 he moved to Freeburg
near Belleville, Illinois, where he lived until 1875. He moved
to Hillsboro then, and stayed there until the death of his wife
three years ago. He then came to Alton to live with his son. He
was a member of the Baptist church, and for many years took a
prominent part in church work. He was a speaker of considerable
talent and frequently was called upon to speak at Fourth of July
celebrations. In 1864 he became a member of the Masonic
fraternity. Rev. M. W. Twing conducted the funeral services at
the family home Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, and the body was
taken to Hillsboro Monday morning with a Masonic escort for
burial, and the funeral there was under Masonic auspices, L.
Caywood of Alton officiating. Mr. Anthony leaves three sons,
William of Alton, John C. of Freeburg, Ill., and Franklin of
East Lynn, Texas.
ANTHONY, ISAAC THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1866
Died June 6, at 1 o’clock a.m., Isaac Thomas, son of Samuel J.
and Minnie Anthony, aged 8 months.
ANTHONY, REBECCA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1921
Mrs. Rebecca Anthony, widow of Jonathan Anthony, died
Friday evening at 8 o'clock at her home, 1020 Alby street, after
an illness of one year. The past three weeks she had been
bedfast and her death was no surprise to members of her family,
her great age having made it impossible for her to rally. Mrs.
Anthony was a resident of Alton 45 years, and for 35 years of
that time she had been a member of the First Presbyterian
church, where she attended services until weakness of great age
made it impossible for her to get out. She would have been 81
years of age the 22nd of April. Mrs. Anthony was born at
Greenburg, Ind. Her husband, an old steamboat man, died in Alton
24 years ago. She was the last of 12 children. Surviving her are
three daughters, Mrs. Allen Jameson, Mrs. H. Joseph Berner and
Miss Grace Anthony. She leaves also six grandchildren and one
great-grandchild. The grandchildren are Mrs. F. L. Johnson of
Chicago, Louis A. Berner of Bloomington, Julia, Pessie, Joyce
and Jack Jameson of Alton and the great grandchild, Florence
Berner of Bloomington. Mrs. Anthony was a quiet, home loving
woman, deeply devoted to her family and was known as a kind,
helpful neighbor. She was loved by all who knew her and among
the large circle of old friends she leaves many who sincerely
mourn her death. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3
o'clock from the family home and services will be conducted by
Rev. Edward L. Gibson, her pastor.
ANTHONY, SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1911
Mrs. Sarah Anthony, aged 65, died Saturday night at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. N. Mahoney, 1302 Belle street, and
the body was taken this morning to Havana, Ill. for burial. The
funeral services were held at SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
Mrs. Anthony came here a few days ago to make her home with her
daughter. She leaves, beside the daughter, two sons, Harry of
Alton and George of Peoria.
ANTHONY, WILLIAM L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
19, 1917
William L. Anthony, aged 65, died Wednesday morning
at 4 o'clock at his residence on Claire avenue in Upper Alton
after a long illness with heart trouble. Mr. Anthony was born in
Tennessee, March 23, 1863, and in 1875 the family moved to
Illinois, living first at Freeburg, later at Hillsboro. The past
sixteen years the family had lived in Alton. In 1872 he was
married to Miss Ellen Douglas in St. Clair County. He leaves his
wife and six children: Albert of Hillsboro; Edward of Los
Angeles, Cal.; Roy, Mrs. Jesse Card, and Mrs. P. J. Simmons and
Mrs. William Coleman of Alton. He leaves also two brothers, one
in St. Louis and one in Oklahoma. He was a prominent member of
the First Baptist Church during all the time he lived in Alton.
He was known for his sincerity of character and his deep
interest in every good work, particularly that of the church in
which he held membership. He was a devoted worker in the First
Baptist Sunday school and was known for his perfect attendance.
The funeral will be from the First Baptist Church, Friday
afternoon at 3 o'clock, and burial will be at Hillsboro Saturday
morning.
APPEL, GEORGE M./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 18, 1875
Died in Troy on Saturday, February 6, 1875, George M. Appel;
aged 49.
APFEL, LEONAR/Source: Troy Star, June 21, 1894
A very sad
case of suicide occurred at Marine Sunday morning [June 17], the
victim of his own hand being Leonar Apfel, 26 years old. His
mother, with whom he had been living, died the week before, and
despondency over this loss was the cause. The weapon used was a
revolver. The funeral occurred Monday afternoon. Deceased was
clerk of the board of school directors.
APPEL, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1900
Mr. Emil Appel died very suddenly at 7:30 o'clock this morning
at his home on Brown street in Upper Alton. He had been in poor
health for some time, and a complication of diseases brought on
heart failure. His serious illness lasted but a short time. He
was the youngest son of the late John H. Appel of Alton. Emil
Appel was born April 3, 1868, near Alton, and passed the years
of his boyhood near Alton. For thirteen years he was a hospital
steward in the service of the United States Army, and spent the
greater part of that time in San Antonio, Texas. On November 9,
1892, he was married to Miss Katie Yunck of St. Louis. He leaves
his wife and three children. Mr. Appel has recently been in the
employ of the Mexican Central railroad, and had just returned to
Upper Alton on account of the illness of a child. Funeral
arrangements have not been completed, but the interment will
probably be in St. Louis. He leaves two brothers, J. H. Appel,
Anna, Ill., and Louis Appel of Louisiana.
APPLEQUIST, MILDRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13,
1904
The funeral of Mildred, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel
Applequist, took place today from the home on Fourth streets,
and was attended by a large number of friends and neighbors of
the family. Interment was in City Cemetery.
ARBUCKLE, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 23, 1913
Mrs. Anna Arbuckle, colored, died in Chicago yesterday. The
remains were shipped today to Upper Alton, her former home, and
the funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at the home of
William Shaw.
ARBUCKLE, JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 26,
1902
Upper Alton News - Mrs. Julia Arbuckle died Wednesday
evening about 6 o'clock at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
John Moore, after a few days' illness with pneumonia. Her
husband, Will Arbuckle, and daughter, Willmer, survive her. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the home.
ARBUCKLE, MARYBELLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31,
1921
Mrs. Marybelle Arbuckle aged 75 years, died at the
family home in Brighton township last evening. The funeral will
be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Upper Alton M.
E. Church.
ARBUCKLE, SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23,
1914
Mrs. Sarah Arbuckle, an aged colored resident of Upper
Alton, died at her home Sunday, corner of Powhattan and
Washington avenue. She had lived in Upper Alton over fifty
years. Her son George resided there with her. The funeral will
be Wednesday afternoon from the church.
ARBUTHNOT, CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
26, 1913
Conrad Arbuthnot, for many years a prominent
resident of Liberty Prairie, and a thresherman who had been
depended upon for many years by farmers in his neighborhood to
do their threshing work, died at his home Thursday evening from
paralysis. He was stricken ten days ago. Mr. Arbuthnot was 87
years of age. He lived with his son, Isaac Arbuthnot. He leaves
two other sons, Samuel and William, and a daughter, Mrs. Frank
Bryan. Many years ago Mr. Arbuthnot was a steamboat engineer,
and after he went farming he bought a threshing outfit which he
followed for many years.
ARBUTHNOT, SAMUEL A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 18,
1922
Samuel A. Arbuthnot, whose death occurred yesterday at
his home near Bethalto, was born in St. Louis on May 10, 1859.
With his family he moved to Liberty Prairie in Fort Russell
Township, when he was a child. His father was a farmer. Until
the time of his marriage to Miss Ella Evans on January 22, 1885,
he resided on his father's farm with the exception of two years
he spent in St. Louis. After his marriage, he farmed his
grandfather's place in Fort Russell. In the fall of 1887 he
moved to a farm north of Bethalto, known as the Russell Newman
place. He remained on the Newman place for 22 years as a dairy
farmer, being very successful. Thirteen years ago he moved to
his own farm nearby. His first wife died July 29, 1915, and on
December 9, 1920, he married Mrs. Emma Schott of Upper Alton,
his first wife's sister. He also leaves two sons and a daughter,
Walter, Con and Mrs. Emma Culp; one brother, I. W. Arbuthnot and
a sister, Mrs. Frank Bryant of St. Louis. He was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church of Bethalto and a member of the Modern
Woodmen lodge. He was a highly respected citizen and the news of
his death was received with much regret. His death was due to
typhoid fever. The funeral will be held from the Presbyterian
Church at Bethalto Friday at 1:30 o'clock, services to be
conducted by the Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian
Church, this city. Interment will be in the Liberty Prairie
Cemetery.
ARCHER, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
23, 1914
George W. Archer, an employee at the Singer Sewing
Machine Co. for several years at Alton, died at St. Joseph's
Hospital this morning following an attack of ptomaine poisoning
supposed to have been due to eating some ptomaine infected chili
con carne at an Alton restaurant. Archer was 34 years of age,
and he leaves a wife and a child who are visiting at El Paso,
Tex., and were notified by telegram this morning by Undertaker
Keiser that Archer had died. The meal was eaten by Archer on
Saturday night, and he was taken very ill that night. There was
every symptom of ptomaine poison. He was found lying on the
floor in the room he occupied at the McBride boarding house on
Second street, and was suffering excruciatingly. From that time
his condition was regarded as very dangerous. When taken to the
hospital Tuesday he was in a bad way, the malady having
progressed so far that he was unwilling to allow anyone to touch
him, said to be a symptom that the case is a desperate one. His
death occurred at 3:55 o'clock this morning. The death was
attended with terrible agony for the dying man. A friend of Mr.
Archer this morning related to the Telegraph a story of the
death of the young man that is one of the most pitiful ones that
has come to light this winter. Archer, the friend says, had been
without work for eight weeks. He had worn out his shoes tramping
about seeking a job. He had been reduced, she says, to extreme
destitution. He had secured promises of jobs, but none of them
came true. He borrowed a dollar from a friend on Saturday. That
night he went to a restaurant to get the cheapest food he could
buy to make it go far. He had not eaten for three days at that
time. The friend does not believe it was altogether the chili
con carne that killed him, so much as the fact that after his
three days' fast and his efforts to get a job, he was so run
down he could not undergo the suffering. He had no shoes, and
was wearing slippers last Sunday, cold day though it was, and he
had no overcoat. He was very poorly clad. "I am telling this to
you so that public won't form any bad impressions of Archer when
his room is examined and it is found he had no clothing aside
from what he wore. He was not a drinking man. His wife was a
daughter of a well to do Greenfield, Ill. man, Charles Daniels,
and I had known them for twelve years. The father-in-law of
Archer, to aid the family, offered to send the daughter and her
two year old child to El Paso, Tex., in hope that the climate
would benefit her weak lungs. Archer was too proud to permit his
father-in-law to bear the expense, and he insisted that he be
allowed to share it. He worked all summer and every cent he got
he sent to his wife, so that when he had lost his job eight
weeks ago, he had no reserve on which to live. It was up to
Archer to hunt a job, and he hunted. His shoes wore out, and he
resorted to a pair of slippers. It was the coldest, meanest day
of the winter, when many families were sitting in their warm
homes, enjoying good dinners, that Archer managed to borrow a
dollar. He had been broke, and without food. Too proud to beg,
he would rather starve. He would ask for nothing but the
privilege of work. When he borrowed the dollar, he wanted to
invest it in the cheapest food he could get, and he hunted up
the chili con carne establishment. There he ate a portion. It is
said he was trying to save a portion of the dollar to send a
Christmas gift to his little boy in El Paso, whose faith in
Santa Claus was not to be shattered. Whether he ate too much or
it was the food, his friends are uncertain. They do know that
there was an added tinge of the sombre to the tragedy, when on
Monday, someone telephoned a message to him from East Alton that
a job was waiting for him. He was delirious and never knew his
long quest for work had succeeded. It was too late." In
conclusion, the friend who narrated the above to the Telegraph
declared that Archer did not drink, was an industrious man, and
that he was good to his wife and loved his little child with a
love that would call for all sacrifices. The story of his
industry, good habits and good character were corroborated at
the place where he had been employed.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1914
The burial of George W.
Archer took place yesterday afternoon from the undertaking
establishment of Allen Keiser. Rev. Irving G. McCann conducted
the funeral services. A sister and her husband came here from
Claymore, Okla. to attend the burial. There was nothing for them
to do when they arrived, as between what could be done with a
small sum telegraphed by the widow and what the Alton friends of
the young man did, his burial expenses were amply provided for.
About thirty friends of Archer attended the funeral, and his
friends saw to it that there were some flowers to lay on the
casket.
ARENS, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15,
1903
Theodore Arens, aged 75, died suddenly Sunday morning at
his home, 534 East Second street, after an illness with heart
trouble. Mr. Arens had been troubled with pains in his heart for
several months, but Saturday night he was engaged as usual in
doing his duties as manager of the bakery of C. F. Schnell. He
was taken suddenly ill Sunday morning, and a short time after
the arrival of medical aid he died. Mr. Arens was an old baker
and was engaged in business for himself in Alton many years. He
was very successful in business. He had lived in Alton fifty
years. He leaves beside his aged wife, three children, Mrs. John
Eible, Mrs. Joseph Maul and Miss Emma Arens. Mr. Arens was
highly esteemed as a citizen, and as a business man had the
confidence of everyone. He had many old friends in Alton who
will mourn his death. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the family home under the order of the German
Benevolent society, of which deceased was a member.
ARMSTEAD, UNKNOWN WIFE OF PARKER/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 17, 1902
Mrs. Parket Armstead, colored,
died at her home on Bloomfield street, Wednesday afternoon, of
dropsy. The funeral will be held from the colored Baptist church
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
ARMSTRONG, ANGIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20,
1904
After a long illness, Mrs. Angie Armstrong, widow of the
late Henry Armstrong, died at the home of her sister-in-law, F.
W. Hoffmeister in North Alton. She was born in Baltimore, Md.,
but lived in Alton for many years. She leaves a daughter, Mrs.
Hoffmeister, and two sons, Harry of Washington D. C., and
Clarence W. Armstrong of Denver, Colo. The funeral will be
Friday afternoon from the house.
ARMSTRONG, CARRIE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 1, 1880
Mr. and Mrs. John Armstrong suffered a terrible bereavement
Saturday, in the death of their daughter, Carrie E., aged three
years and nearly four months. She was attacked with whooping
cough about two weeks ago, and later with remittent fever which
proved fatal. Little Carrie was a bright, engaging child, of
rare beauty and loveliness. Her untimely death, in which so many
fond parental hopes have perished, is one of those afflictive
providences which human sympathy is powerless to alleviate. The
funeral took place from the family residence, corner of Eighth
and Easton Streets.
ARMSTRONG, DON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12,
1915
Don Armstrong died at 11:20 this morning at the family
home at 815 East Third street after a short illness of two weeks
duration. Mr. Armstrong, who was in his thirtieth year, is
survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. S. J. Biggs of Alton, and
one brother, Paul Armstrong, and one sister, Mrs. William
Gottleb. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at two
thirty from the family home on East Third street.
ARMSTRONG, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 8, 1865
Died in Alton on the evening of August 30, of chronic disease of
the liver, George Armstrong, a native of Leeds, England; aged 69
years, 10 months, and 18 days.
ARMSTRONG, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1877
Mr. Henry Armstrong, an esteemed and respected resident of
Alton, died at his home last Thursday after a protracted
illness, in the 51st year of his age. Mr. Armstrong has been ill
since last winter, the effect of a severe cold that settled on
his lungs, and his friends hoped, until the last, that he would
overcome the disease, but the end came last evening,
unexpectedly to all.
Mr. Armstrong was a native of
Baltimore, Maryland, where he was raised. He came to Alton in
1858, accompanied by a brother, since deceased. For several
years he was the senior member of the firm of Armstrong &
Pfeiffenberger, architects and builders. Mr. Armstrong had
served the citizens of Alton as Alderman, and also for several
terms as City Assessor. At the time of his death, he held the
office of Township Assessor. He discharged the duties of these
several positions with rare judgment, and to the satisfaction of
the taxpayers. As a business man, he was prompt and reliable; as
a neighbor and friend, he was kind and genial. He was devoted to
his family, and solicitous of their welfare. His loss will be
sadly felt, not only by his relatives, but the citizens at
large. Mr. Armstrong’s wife and three children survive him. His
elder son, Harry, is a resident of St. Louis. His daughter is
the wife of Mr. Fred Hoffmeister.
A large audience of
mourning relatives, friends and fellow citizens of the deceased
assembled at the Congregational Church Sunday afternoon, to pay
the tribute of respect to his remains. The services were
conducted by Rev. G. C. Adams, pastor, assisted by Rev. Fred L.
Thomson of the Methodist Church. A quartette choir rendered very
effectively the motette, “God Shall Wipe all Tears Away,”
followed by prayer by Rev. F. L. Thomson, and hymn, “I Would Not
Live Always.” The pastor then delivered a very interesting,
appropriate address, from 2 Corinthians 5:1. The services at the
church were concluded by singing, “Go to Thy Rest in Peace,”
after which the sad cortege started on the last earthly journey
to the cemetery, where the remains of Henry Armstrong were laid
to rest as the setting sun of a bright autumnal day cast its
last rays over the silent city of the dead. The pallbearers were
Messrs. J. A. Auten, S. F. Conner, C. M. Crandall, U. E. Fisher,
George E. Hawley, and W. W. Martin.
ARMSTRONG, J. N. (JEFF)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 1, 1912
Committed Suicide by Drinking Carbolic Acid
and Alcohol
J. N. Armstrong, better known as "Jeff"
Armstrong, committed suicide Wednesday night by drinking four
ounces of a mixture of alcohol and carbolic acid, which he had
prepared for him by a druggist downtown after 9 o'clock last
night. The mixture was three parts alcohol and one part carbolic
acid. It is said, and the suddenness with which it caused death,
is a surprise, considering the well known fact that usually
carbolic acid does not kill when the person drinking it has been
drinking liquors or alcohol of any kind at the same time. Mr.
Armstrong, who is 69 years old, has been employed at the
brickyard for some time, and yesterday afternoon, according to
his wife, returned home saying he had had trouble with the
superintendent, and that he would go downtown and get another
job. He did go downtown, and returned to his home at 2607 State
street in an excited or intoxicated condition, Mrs. Armstrong
says. Some quarreling followed, and he threatened to commit
suicide and asked her for the carbolic acid bottle. She told him
it was empty. He asked George Rain if he had any of the acid and
later said he would go downtown and buy some. Mrs. Armstrong
followed him to town, hoping to prevent him obtaining the
poison, but failed to locate him after he left. About 11 o'clock
last night he returned home and asked her to let him in. She
delayed a little in going downstairs, and he urged her to open
the door as it "would be the last time" he would ever ask her to
do this for him. After he entered the house, he told her
goodbye, then turned a bottle containing about one fourth of an
ounce of the mixture up to his mouth. She attempted to knock the
bottle from his lips but failed, and he turned to walk out the
front door. He pitched forward and lay quiet with his head
outside the door, the remainder of his body inside. Mrs.
Armstrong screamed and ran across the street to the residence of
Dr. J. E. Watson, and he responded quickly. He found Mr.
Armstrong dead. Coroner Streeper was notified and will hold an
inquest this evening or tomorrow. Mr. Armstrong leaves his wife
and two children, Mrs. William Herman of Upper Alton, and Mrs.
John Gill of Oklahoma. The funeral will not be held until Mrs.
Gill can get to Alton and until Mr. Herman and a grandchild of
the deceased can arrive from the north. It is thought the
funeral will be held Sunday. Dr. Watson thinks that Mr.
Armstrong took four ounces of the mixture in four doses, and
that the one his wife saw him drinking was the last dose. If
that were all he drank of it, Dr. Watson thinks the result would
not be fatal. It is the opinion of many people that "Jeff"
intended only to frighten his wife and had no intention of
killing himself. And it is urged that is why he had carbolic
acid and alcohol mixed .... [unreadable]
ARMSTRONG, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17,
1906
Retired Business Man Made Preparation for His Predicted
End
John Armstrong died at his home, 1481 State street,
Monday morning at 1:15 o'clock from hemorrhage of the stomach
due to an attack of acute indigestion. His death followed a
period of suffering beginning Sunday afternoon, but which was
only a manifestation of a fatal malady which he had recognized.
So convinced was he that the illness which had been troubling
him at frequent interval for many months would have a fatal
termination before long, he made ready for death by disposing of
his interest in the John Armstrong Quarry Co., of which he was
the head and manager, and he arranged all his private affairs so
they could be taken up and carried on by his son, who was his
assistant. He frequently expressed the opinion that his time was
very short, but he always said it with a twinkle in his eye that
would disarm belief that he was expressing his sincere
convictions. A few weeks ago Mrs. Armstrong accompanied him
south for a trip for the benefit of his health. He had been
troubled with hemorrhages and during his stay south he had
another one, which caused him to decide to return to Alton. He
arrived home Tuesday of last week and his death occurred in less
than a week from his arrival. John Armstrong was one of the best
known business men in the city of Alton. He was engaged for many
years in various lines, but most of the time he was connected
with the manufacture of lime and his brand of lime was widely
known. He was a native of Alton and lived in the city his entire
life. He was a man of strong individuality and originality. When
he was a member of the city council, his ready wit and his sense
of the ridiculous made him a leading spirit. It was said that
John Armstrong could, by a few words, sometimes cause the defeat
of a project in the city council through making it appear
ridiculous. While in the city council he was recognized as the
leader in almost all things. He became a candidate for mayor,
refusing to ally himself with any factions and making a canvass
which attracted widespread attention because of its unique
features. It was a three cornered fight and Armstrong lost. He
was one of six children, and leaves three sisters, Mrs.
Elizabeth Soule, Mrs. Henry Johnson, and Miss Kate Armstrong,
who is an instructor at Monticello Seminary. William Armstrong
died a few years ago, Thomas Armstrong, his eldest brother, died
many years ago. He leaves his wife and two children, Herbert and
Miss Gertrude Armstrong. His son, who is vice-president of the
John Armstrong Lime and Quarry Co., assumed charge of the
business when his father retired. John Armstrong was born at
Alton, November 27, 1846, and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George
Armstrong. He married December 28, 1875, and his wife survives
him. He was a man of very charitable heart, and did many acts of
kindness to those who were in need of help or sympathy, and
these will miss one whose ear was always open to their troubles,
and who would always keep his acts of kindness to himself. The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from
the Congregational church. Friends, neighbors, and employees of
Mr. Armstrong may view the body from 7 to 10 o'clock Tuesday
evening.
ARMSTRONG, KATHERINE HASKELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 27, 1918
Well Known Alton Woman Was Connected with
Monticello Seminary As Instructor
Miss Katherine Haskell
Armstrong, for many years an instructor at Monticello Seminary,
and for a few years one of the acting principals of the school
following the death of Miss Harriet Newell Haskell, died at St.
Joseph's Hospital in Alton at 4:45 o'clock Tuesday morning after
a long illness. She had been growing weaker steadily and her
death was no surprise to those who were attending her. Miss
Armstrong was born and reared in Alton, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George Armstrong. She was born in 1850 and was 68 years of
age. She graduated from Monticello Seminary in the year 1871,
and was valedictorian of her class. She was employed as an
instructor at Monticello Seminary the year following her
graduation, and for many years she continued at that institution
until advancing years forced her to relinquish the work and go
into retirement. The death of her good friend, Miss Harriet
Newell Haskell, probably determined her severing connection with
the school at the time she did. She had been one of two acting
principals who bridged over the period from the death of Miss
Haskell to the coming of a new principal. She had served as
secretary of the Board of Trustees and had also made a trip
abroad with Miss Haskell, for a period of six months. Seven
years ago she came to Alton and made her home with her niece,
Mrs. O. G. Norris. Since coming back to her old home, Alton, she
had taken a very active interest in St. Paul's Episcopal Church
in which she held membership, also in the Browning Club, the
Woman's Council and especially in the work of the Red Cross.
Miss Armstrong was a woman of simple dignity, and possessed a
high character and a sweet disposition which made her greatly
admired by all who knew her. Her illness began seven months ago
and for a time it was believed that the end would come quickly
soon after she was taken down. She was moved to St. Joseph's
Hospital where she could receive the benefit of professional
nursing and there she remained until the end. Miss Armstrong
leaves the following nieces and nephews: Mrs. George S. Haskell
of Chicago; Mrs. O. G. Norris; Fred D. Johnson; Thomas A.
Johnson; Mrs. Bern Degenhardt; Herbert Armstrong; Miss May
Armstrong; and William D. and Paul Armstrong of Alton. The body
of Miss Armstrong will be taken from the hospital to the home of
her niece, Mrs. Norris, 603 Henry street. The funeral will be
from St. Paul's Episcopal Church and will be conducted by the
rector, Rev. Frederick D. Butler, assisted by Rev. H. M.
Chittenden, an old friend of Miss Armstrong.
ARMSTRONG, MARY E. (nee PARKER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 11, 1911
Mrs. Mary E. Armstrong, widow
of William Armstrong, died at her residence, 408 Euclid place,
Monday morning at 1:30 o'clock, after an illness of 16 months.
Her death was sudden, her family being unprepared for it
although she had been unconscious since Friday noon. She had
been in feeble health and able to get out of her home seldom,
for a long time. She was planning, however, to take a trip to a
health resort in the hope that she might be benefitted by the
change, but the attending physician had advised that she
postpone the trip until next spring. While eating dinner, Friday
noon, she became unconscious, and did not rally again. About
midnight Sunday night, her daughter, Miss May Armstrong, noticed
a change for the worse, and after all the members of the family
had been called to her, she died without regaining
consciousness. The malady at first was diagnosed as neuritis,
but afterward uraemic poisoning set in and this caused her
death. Mrs. Armstrong's maiden name was Parker. She was the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Parker, who came to Alton in
1846. Mrs. Armstrong was born in Morgan county, near
Jacksonville, November 28, 1841, and would have been seventy
years old her next birthday. Her only surviving brother is
Newton Parker of Alton, who is ten years her senior. She was
married to William Armstrong at Springfield, February 28, 1867.
At the time she was making a trip, and Mr. Armstrong went to
Springfield for the purpose of being married to her. They
returned to Alton and went to housekeeping on Main street. For
thirty-one years she lived on Danforth street in the house that
was sold and transformed into a convent for the Ursuline
sisterhood. The family then moved to Euclid avenue, where Mrs.
Armstrong passed the remainder of her days. She was a member of
the First Methodist church from the time of her marriage, and
was from her first connection with the church, a devoted member.
In her home she found her most valued place. Her home was her
chiefest pride and she was the best of mothers and a devoted
dutiful wife. As a neighbor, she was highly prized by those who
lived near her. Her interest was not alone in people near her
own age, but she was ever concerned in the affairs of the
younger people she knew and by them was loved. She was a well
informed woman, one of her chief delights being to read books.
She is survived by her three children, Miss May Armstrong,
William D., and Paul Armstrong, all of whom lived with their
mother. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from
the home, and the services will be conducted by Rev. W. T. Cline
of the First Methodist church. He will be assisted by Rev. J. A.
Scarritt, an old time friend of Mrs. Armstrong. Friends of the
family are invited to the services at the home. Interment will
be private.
ARMSTRONG, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1868
Died in Des Arc, Arkansas, January 18, Thomas Armstrong of
Alton, in the 27th year of his age.
ARMSTRONG, WILLIAM GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 3, 1902
"Friend of Alton" Dies - Promoted the Lovejoy
Monument
William Armstrong died at 9:15 o'clock last night at
the Wyehmere Hotel, Chicago. He had been in Chicago for two
months under treatment for cancer of the throat, which had made
such inroads upon him that when he left for that city there was
almost no hope for him. He was treated by the x-ray method by
which a number of similar cases had been cured. The first
applications of the x-rays were beneficial, reducing the
inflammation, allaying pain and giving Mr. Armstrong needed rest
and sleep. The physicians in charge all gave hope that the cure
might be complete. However, after a while the tidings were not
so hopeful. When the end came it was unexpected and very sudden.
Mrs. Armstrong had been with her husband for some time. His two
sons, Prof. W. D. and Paul Armstrong, left this morning to
accompany the body home, which is expected to arrive tomorrow
morning. William Armstrong was born in Alton, April 1843, making
him almost 59 years of age. He has lived in this city his entire
life. His father's name was George Armstrong. Thirty-five years
ago he married Mary Parker. Of this union there are three
children, Professor William D., Paul and Miss May Armstrong, all
residents of this city, living at home with their parents.
Besides his wife and children, one brother, John, and three
sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Soule, Mrs. Harry Johnson, and Miss
Katherine Armstrong, instructor on the piano at Monticello
Seminary, survive him. It is only a just statement to say that
Mr. Armstrong, for thirty years, has been one of Alton's
foremost citizens. Entering the manufacturing field when a mere
boy, he managed extensive lime kilns, barrel factories, etc. He
was also, in connection with his brother, John, the first person
to erect ice houses on the Missouri shore. For many years he
represented the First Ward in the City Council, and was one of
the ablest and most zealous members ever in that body. Whenever
a new enterprise was looking for a home, William Armstrong was
always on the lookout to secure it for Alton. He gave of his
time and means liberally, for Alton's good. To him is due
largely the credit for starting the movement for a monument to
Lovejoy, and he was the happiest man in Alton when the beautiful
shaft now in Alton cemetery was dedicated. Ever since the
monument was completed, Mr. Armstrong has seen to it that fresh
flowers were always in the urns of the monument. He was a warm
friend of the colored race, and always took deep interest in
their welfare, and was never ashamed to let his sympathy be
known. For building the bridge and the electric lines, and the
location of the glassworks and other institutions, he was an
interested and devoted worker. His aid on these occasions was
invaluable. Indeed it would require many columns to speak of Mr.
Armstrong's public spirit and his devotion to Alton. He has been
a life-long member of the M. E. church, a constant worker in the
Sabbath school and in all church work. His heart and his pocket
were always open to the cry of distress and the needy. But what
is here said is sufficient to indicate the character of the man,
who with voice and pen did much for our city. No truer epitaph
could be placed on his tomb than this: "He was the friend of
Alton." The funeral will not take place before Wednesday, as
nearly all his family are in Chicago, nothing can be said at
this time of either day or hour for the services. [Burial was in
City Cemetery, in a vault.]
ARNOLD (Family of)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1849
A family in Upper Alton named Arnold – the father, mother, and
one child, were victims of the cholera. Three other children
were also attacked, but have recovered.
ARNOLD, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
14, 1908
Mrs. Elizabeth Arnold, wife of Fred Arnold, died at
the family home, 608 east Seventh street, Friday afternoon,
after an illness of seven months from carcinoma of the bowels.
She was 54 years of age. The death of Mrs. Arnold was a happy
relief from a long period of intense suffering. The body will be
taken to St. Louis Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock for burial.
ARNOLD, JESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28,
1920
Jesse Arnold, aged 46, died at 12:30 o'clock this
morning at his home, 1803 Alby street, after a long illness. He
had remained at his place of employment in the Stanard-Tilton
mill until about a month ago, when he was obliged to give up his
work and from that time was confined to his home. Arrangements
were being made to send him away to a sanitarium hoping the
change might be beneficial, but he became so weak it was
impossible to move him. He leaves his wife and five children;
also a sister and a brother. The body will be taken to
Carlinville, Ill. for burial Friday.
ARNOLD, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22,
1907
Margaret Arnold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Arnold,
died at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning after a serious illness of
three weeks from chlorosis. She was born at Baltimore, M. D.,
being just sixteen years of age. Mr. Arnold has been a resident
of Alton for ten years. Funeral services will be held at the
house by Rev. D. E. Bushnell at 2:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon,
interment in City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Edward Mawdsley,
John Hoppe, Oscar Ulrich, James B. Mawdsley, Bert Wilson and
Louis Pierce. Honorary pallbearers - Mamie Beiser, Goldie
Beiser, Eva Perrin, Lilian Pierce, Amelia Elerht, Anna Dwyer.
ARNOLD, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 30,
1917
Robert Arnold, one of the best known plumbers in Alton,
died last night suddenly at 12:30 o'clock at the home on
Powhattan street in Upper Alton. Mr. Arnold had been slightly
ill during the past week. While working at the Western Cartridge
plant a week ago today, he fainted and was brought home. He did
not leave his home since that day, but he was up and about his
place all the time. He had complained at times during the last
few days of pains in his chest, but he had no idea his condition
was at all serious. Last evening he ate a hearty supper and was
feeling as well as ever. The family had all retired for the
night and shortly after midnight Mr. Arnold called his wife. He
said he had a terrible pain in his back and chest. Without
saying another word he quietly passed away. The members of the
family had no idea that Mr. Arnold was dead until the physician
arrived. Robert Arnold was 58 years old. He was born in Keokuk,
Iowa. He was married to Miss Rose Maddock in St. Louis in 1884.
He worked a long number of years at the plumbing trade in St.
Louis before coming to Alton to live. He leaves his widow and
six children. They are Mrs. Roy Smith of Judson avenue, Edwin
Arnold of the Jefferson Barracks Band, Rose, Jessie, Ruth and
Alvyn, who live at home. Edwin Arnold was called this morning at
the Barracks and informed of his father's death, and he is
expected home this afternoon.
ARNOLD, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1909
The body of Samuel Arnold, the glassblower who committed suicide
in this city several months ago, was disinterred this morning
and shipped to Baltimore, Md., his old home where his widow and
family and other relatives reside.
ARRINGTON, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5,
1911
Former Head of Glassblowers Organization, Main Builder
of that Organization, Dies
Louis Arrington, father of the
glassblowers union in the United States, died at his residence,
931 east Third street, Thursday morning at 7 o'clock after an
illness of seven years. Cancer of the liver was the cause of his
death, although he had been a sufferer from heart trouble for
six years preceding the appearance of the cancer. Probably no
man in the glassblowing trade was more beloved, trusted and
honored by the members of that organization in the United
States. A number of years ago when the glassblowers throughout
the country learned that their beloved former chief had lost
heavily in a business venture and was in need of some
assistance, they raised a handsome testimonial, which they hoped
would be enough to make him comfortable the remainder of his
life. Honest, plain spoken, faithful in every strictest
construction of those terms, "Old Lew," as he was affectionately
known among his fellow tradesmen, carried to the grave with him
the undying respect and esteem of the men he had helped and for
whom he never ceased to labor until death struck him with a
fatal disease. Louis Arrington was born in Fauquier county,
Virginia, September 4, 1837, and was in his 74th year. At the
age of 13 he went with his mother to Licken county, Ohio, thence
to Wheeling, W. Va., in 1851, where he went to work as "carrying
in" boy in the plant of Quarter, Ott & Co. He was apprenticed to
the trade September 14, 1852, and served four years. Having
finished his trade he found himself unable to procure a
situation without taking a reduction of wages or displacing some
older workman, partly owing to the unorganized condition of the
bottle blowers, and also to business depression. Few bottle
blowers were then receiving the full list price. Men were
working from 5 to 15 percent off the "list." Young Arrington
would not work under such conditions, so he left the trade and
took a job in the Crescent rail mills in 1856, where he remained
five years. In 1861 he enlisted in the 2nd West Virginia
volunteers, following the flag until he was mustered out with
his regiment June 24, 1864. He re-entered the glass factory on
returning home, and began instilling the principles of
organization. He connected himself with the union in 1866, and
stayed with it to the last. In 1875 he became connected with the
organization existing in the west, and took an active part in
organizing branch 31, at Alton, in 1877. He was elected to
represent that branch at the first session of the improved
league held in the west, and was chosen one of the executive
committee. He was re-elected in 1878, but declined re-election
the year following. He was elected manager of the league and
held that position until 1886, when the Knights of Labor were
organized. He was elected master workman of District 143 and
retained that position until they withdrew from the Knights of
Labor in 1891. When the eastern and western divisions united at
Baltimore in 1890, he was elected president of the United
Association, known as the United Green Glass Workers Association
of the United States and Canada. He held the office four years,
when he retired to engage in the shoe business at Alton. In
March 1895, he was elected treasurer of Branch No. 2 at Alton,
which he held five years. Since retiring from business in 1897,
he suffered bad health. Notwithstanding sickness, he attended
all meetings of the union he was able to attend, and never lost
interest. In 1908 he was elected a delegate of the national
glassblowers convention at Baltimore, but owing to a
technicality was not allowed to take his seat. He was much
disappointed, but in 1909 at Milwaukee, and 1910 at Atlantic
City, he sat as a delegate. His stay at Atlantic City did not
improve him in 1910 as it was hoped, and seemed to make him
worse. Mr. Arrington was a thinker, a good executive, and
impartial in official capacity. He believed in the Golden Rule
and practiced it, asking only a "square deal for every man."
Louis Arrington was appointed state factory inspector of
Illinois by Governor Tanner in 1897. In politics he was a
Republican, preaching the doctrine of tariff protection. He was
a personal friend of President William McKinley and Mr.
Arrington had much to do with the making of the glass schedule
of the McKinley tariff bill and subsequent bills. He appeared
before the Ways and Means committee of Congress to give the side
of the glassworker. It was Arrington's plan of settling wage
scales by joint conferences of committees representing the
manufacturers and the workmen, and it can be said that no
agreement thus made was ever broken. Louis Arrington, his fellow
workers believe, belongs to them as much as to his family, and
now that his suffering is ended there will be many who will say
they are glad "Old Lew's" pain is finished, as his malady was an
incurable one. In the office of state factory inspector, he
acquitted himself with great credit, although maligned by many
fanatical women in Chicago who did not know him well enough not
to ascribe base motives in explanation of his official course.
He enforced the law and retired after a creditable career in
office. Knowing his death was near, some time ago he made all
preparations for his funeral. He requested that J. C. Mench, a
former glassblower, conduct his funeral services, saying that
"Jake is a good enough Christian for me." Mr. Mench is Y. M. C.
A. secretary at Mounds, Ill., and will comply with his friend's
wish. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the
Arrington home, and the glassblowers will attend in a body.
ARRINGTON, MARY (nee RAYMOND)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 22, 1919
Mrs. Mary Arrington, widow of
Louis Arrington, died this morning at the home of her sister,
Mrs. Thomas Goudie, at 931 East Fourth street. Mrs. Arrington
has been ailing for some time, but was bedfast less than one
week. Her husband was a former well known glassblower, and was
president of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association for a number
of years. He also filled the position as State Factory
Inspector. He died nine years ago. Mrs. Arrington is survived by
one sister, Mrs. Thomas Goudie and two brothers, George Raymond
of Alton and Andrew J. Raymond of Cameron, Tex. No funeral
arrangements will be made until word is received from the
brother in Texas. Mrs. Arrington was born and raised in Alton,
being before her marriage Miss Mary Raymond.
ARTER, HAROLD J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
11, 1922
Harold John Arter, aged 26, died Sunday morning at
11:15 o'clock at the home of his father, William H. Arter, 915
East Seventh street, after a long illness with complications of
diseases. His illness was probably due to his army experience.
He served in the aviation corps overseas during the war. He was
taken very seriously ill last January and ever since that time
he has been bedfast. Members of his family say that his illness
doubtless had its beginning in his service in the army. He
leaves beside his father, three brothers, James, Charles and
William, and six sisters, Nellie, Alice, Frances, Winifred, Anna
and Dorothy. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10
o'clock from St. Patrick's Church.
ARTER, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1919
Mrs. Rose Arter will be buried on Thursday morning. The funeral
will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Patrick's
Church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery and will be
private.
ARTHUR, DORA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23, 1879
From Edwardsville – Dora Arthur, a granddaughter of Mrs. Ruth
Arthur, deceased, and niece of J. S. Wheeler, died at his
residence quite suddenly last Sunday night. So sudden and
unexpected was her death, that she was stark stiff and cold in
death’s embrace before the fact was discovered by her cousin,
Miss Fannie Wheeler, with whom she was sleeping. The Coroner was
notified, and an inquest held today, resulted in a verdict that
she came to her death from heart disease. The deceased was about
sixteen years of age, and leaves an only brother surviving.
ARTHUR, LYDIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 8, 1877
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Lydia Arthur died at the residence of
our fellow citizen, Frank J. Haug.
ASH, ALICE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1852
Died on
Saturday, March 27, Mrs. Alice Ash, wife of John P. Ash of
Middle Alton, aged 59(?) years. The deceased was originally from
Adams County, Pennsylvania. Alton has been her home since May
1837 – she having enjoyed the presence of a large family, and
the peaceful comforts of an affectionate home among us, for
nearly fifteen years. She was s sincere Christian, and was
devoted to her family. She has left a vacuum which cannot be
filled, and was ever amiable, kind, and affectionate to those
around her, and by her many estimable traits of character, won
the esteem of all her acquaintances.
ASH, JOHN P./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1872
We
are called upon to announce the death of John P. Ash, one of our
oldest and best known citizens, which took place on the morning
of April 7 in Alton, at the residence of his son, John W. Ash,
after only a few days’ illness. He came to Alton more than
thirty years since, and has always been known as an honest and
industrious citizen, and one whose influence was ever exerted in
behalf of temperance and good morals.
Mr. Ash was from
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was born January 13, 1795, and
was therefore in the 78th year of his age. He removed to
Philadelphia when about twenty years of age, and was married in
1818. He was the father of several children, who have grown up
among us and have become among the most useful and respected of
our citizens.
The funeral took place Monday afternoon
under the care of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which
he was the oldest member in the State of Illinois, and was
largely attended by the friends and acquaintances of the
deceased.
ASH, JOHN W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26,
1901
This morning about 5 o'clock Mr. John W. Ash died at his
home, Thirteenth and Langdon street, after a short sickness with
the grip. He went to Springfield to witness the inauguration of
Governor Yates and visit two of his daughters who reside there,
and while there became sick. He hurried home and sank steadily
to the end. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July 12th, 1820,
and came to Alton with his father, John P. Ash, in 1836. He
learned his father's trade, that of a plasterer, but afterwards
served an apprenticeship at the tailoring trade, which he
followed for years. In 1854 he was chosen City Clerk and served
9 years. In 1862 he was appointed Clerk of the City Court and
served 11 years, and he represented the Fourth ward in the City
Council from 1871 to 1874. He was engaged in the abstract and
pension business also for many years. Her was married twice, two
children, William M. of this city and Mrs. Horace Irwin of
Springfield, surviving him. His second marriage was in 1850 with
Miss Margaret Howard, who died in 1888. Seven children were born
of this union, and all survive. They are Mrs. George T. Davis,
Mrs. Adam Reed (who lived with and cared for her father for
years), Mrs. W. E. Riggin of Springfield, Ill., Mrs. I. N.
McNeil of Sedalia, Mo., Samuel H., John W. and Henry Baker of
this city. He was a Republican in politics and a member of Piasa
Lodge No. 27, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Ash was one of Alton's oldest
residents. His fund of information of the early days was large,
and it is to be regretted if he has left no memoranda of the
stirring events of 20 to 50 years ago. The funeral will take
place tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 3:00 o'clock.
ASH, MARGARET ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 14, 1847
Died yesterday morning of a pulmonary disease, Mrs. Margaret
Ann, wife of Mr. John W. Ash of this city, aged 24; leaving an
afflicted husband, two small children, and many friends and
relations to mourn her loss.
ASH, MARGARET E. (nee HOWARD)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
September 4, 1888
Mrs. Margaret E. Ash, wife of Mr. J. W.
Ash, died at 10 o’clock last night after a long, painful illness
in the 62nd year of her age. Deceased was a most estimable lady,
of a retiring disposition, and was noted for her devotion to her
home and household duties. She was for many years a member of
the Methodist Church. She left a husband and seven children to
mourn her death: Mrs. Ellen D. McNeil of Sedalia, Missouri; Mrs.
Annie E. Riggins of Springfield, Illinois; Mrs. Fannie Davis and
Miss Lizzie Ash, John and Baker Ash of Alton; and Samuel Ash of
Wyoming Territory. The youngest child, Baker, is 16 years old.
For the last ten days of her life, Mrs. Ash was, comparatively,
free from pain. She commenced sinking perceptibly yesterday
afternoon, and passed away as quietly as a child going to sleep
at the hour mentioned, being conscious to the last. Deceased was
born January 22, 1827, in Alexandria, D. C., came to Alton in
1830 with her parents – Mr. and Mrs. Beal Howard. She was
married January 22, 1850 to her now bereaved husband. The
funeral will take place at 4 o’clock tomorrow afternoon from the
family residence, corner of Thirteenth and Langdon Streets.
Funeral private.
ASHLOCK, ALLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1899
Allen Ashlock, son of Capt. William Ashlock, died at 9
o'clock this morning after an illness of several years duration,
aged 38 years. Until a few year's ago, Allen's face was a
familiar one on the streets, and no one had more friends than
he. His illness affected his brain, and he was obliged to give
up a profitable business on Second Street, which he had founded
and built up from almost nothing. He was a good business man,
and was the best known dealer in fish and vegetables in Alton.
Since his illness began, he gradually grew worse until he was
completely helpless and dependent entirely on the assistance of
his brothers, sister and parents. For months he has been
gradually wasting away, and he died this morning at 9 o'clock.
He was a member of Western Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the
funeral at 2 p.m. Thursday will be under the auspices of that
organization.
The funeral of Allen Ashlock was held at 2
o'clock this afternoon from the family home. There was a large
attendance of friends at the services, and Western Star Lodge
attended in a body. Interment was in the City Cemetery. Allen
Ashlock, son of Captain William Ashlock, died January 4, 1899 at
age 38. He founded a profitable business on Second street, as a
dealer in fish and vegetables. Interment will be in the Alton
City Cemetery.
ASHLOCK, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 13, 1877
From Wright City, Missouri, September 9 – George Ashlock of
Alton, Illinois, was shot and killed at this place yesterday
evening, while resisting arrest and attempting to shoot the
officers of the law. Ashlock was a wheel of furtune gambler, and
was evidently a hard case. He had been drinking freely during
the day, and after abusing the officers, he drew a loaded musket
and fired at one of them, the load missing the man. Several
shots were then fired at him by the officers, all taking effect,
causing death in about two hours after the occurrence. The two
Kabler brothers, who did the shooting, are highly respected
young men, and their action in this matter is regarded by
everybody who knows the circumstances as perfectly justifiable.
ASHLOCK, HARRIET B. (MORRIS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 13, 1889
Wife of Richard A. Ashlock of Fosterburg
Mrs. Richard Ashlock died at 11:30 o’clock last night at her
residence in Fosterburg, after an illness of six months; aged 69
years. She leaves a husband and five children. The funeral will
take place at the family residence in Fosterburg at 2 o’clock
tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.
ASHLOCK, HARRY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19,
1917
Harry L. Ashlock, aged 52, well known Alton hunter and
fisherman, died at his old home at 214 Front street at eleven
o'clock this morning after an illness which dates back several
years. His condition did not become serious until about four
weeks ago. Since that time he has been confined to his bed and
his condition grew worse steadily. Mr. Ashlock was survived by
his sister, Mrs. John Wright. He was born in Alton in the same
block in which he died, and lived here all of his life. He never
married, but remained home with his parents. When a young man he
went into the fish business with his father, and he continued to
help his father until three years ago when the father died and
the son took full charge of the business on the Alton levee at
the foot of Market street. Mr. Ashlock was noted as a fisherman
and a hunter throughout this part of the state. Many an Alton
man will feel a personal loss at the death of Mr. Ashlock. He
had a wide circle of friends in the city. The funeral will be
held on Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock from the home on
Front street to the City cemetery. The services will be
conducted at the home by Rev. M. W. Twing.
ASHLOCK, JAMES T. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 15, 1917
Turbulent Spirit of "Oil City" Dies -
Reputation of Quick to Shoot
Dr. James T. Ashlock, for a long
time justice of the peace at Wood River, died Wednesday morning
at his home in West Wood River after a long illness, aged 68. He
leaves one son. The death of Ashlock marked the closing of a
life that had been a turbulent one. He was one of the first
comers to the neighborhood of the new Standard Oil town when the
Wood River refinery was started. He was a moving spirit in the
disorderly days in that vicinity, and his name was conspicuous
in many affairs. He was known as a man ready with his gun, and
in those days, in Wood River and Benbow, the man with the gun
was the man who had the last say. His son, Parke Ashlock,
afterward murdered in East St. Louis by a woman in a room, was
the village president of Wood River, up to the days when the
Standard Oil Co., alarmed at the lawlessness there, took matters
in its own hand and threw its influence toward a better order of
things there, and wrested control of the settlement from those
who were misusing their power. It was in that time Ashlock was
in his palmiest days. He once was held by a coroner jury, and
later indicted by a grand jury for murdering a foreigner in the
early days of Wood River. His influence in Wood River was a
powerful element in securing his release. Important witnesses to
the killing disappeared, and the state dropped the case against
Ashlock. Prior to that he had killed at least one other man up
in Greene county. He had a career that was marked with all the
characteristics of that of a border chief in the wild western
days. Many stories are told of his strength of will, and even on
his dying bed, a friend related, Ashlock became dissatisfied
with the course of one to whom he was to leave some of his
property, and at the point of a revolver the dying man insisted
that restitution be made. Ashlock was sick many times, seemingly
to the point of death, but he rallied each time. The last
illness was about three months duration. It was during the early
days when Ashlock was so active. In those days there was intense
rivalry between the officials of the two villages, Benbow and
Wood River. Robert Baird, at that time village marshal of
Benbow, shot Parke Ashlock and fled the country, but returned
not long ago and made restitution to A. E. Benbow for all the
expense Benbow had been put to in his behalf. Following the
shooting of Parke Ashlock and the escape of Baird, the officials
of the two villages met in a saloon, had an official hatchet
burying, and from that time forth there was less trouble. When
the old man, Justice Ashlock, was dying, he sent for the former
police magistrate of Benbow City, Justice Bufe, to execute some
papers which he found it necessary, on his death bed to execute,
after he had resorted to his revolver as a persuasive power to
induce signatures he thought ought to be put down on papers he
proposed to have signed before he died. Prior to his death
Ashlock had divided his property between his housekeeper and his
son. Ashlock's wife died 20 years ago. He leaves only one son,
J. Ashlock, of Kane, Ill. The body was taken in charge by
Undertaker C. N. Streeper. Dr. Ashlock once gained considerable
prominence by making his residence in a saloon refrigerator. He
also had his office there, and administered justice from the
inside of the refrigerator. He permitted a motion picture
company to take pictures of his ice box court, and the pictures
were shown all over the country. Later on, the ice box was
claimed by a brewery which ousted him from it after legal
proceedings. He occupied the ice box as a temporary home and
office when the house he owned in Wood River was destroyed by
fire. [Burial was in Kane, Illinois]
ASHLOCK, JOHN N./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28,
1911
John N. Ashlock, a resident of Alton the greater part of
his life, died at his home on Alby street Saturday morning from
an illness which began with an attack of the grippe and
developed into pneumonia. He had been ill since Thanksgiving day
at his residence on Alby street. He followed the occupation of a
gardener, living on the old Hardy place. He was born near Alton
and he lived in Alton all his life, except a time when he was in
Kansas twenty-one years ago. He leaves his wife and four
children, Alvin Ashlock of Washington, D. C.; Norman Ashlock of
Aspen, Colorado; Mrs. E. P. Soper of St. Louis; Mrs. William
McMillen of Cremona, Canada. He leaves also one brother, Captain
William Ashlock of Alton; and three sisters, Mrs. Hiram Foster
of Independence, Kansas; Mrs. H. Rammes of Fosterburg; Mrs. M.
Voyles of Alton. He was a cousin of Captain J. N. Ashlock of the
night police who bears the same name.
ASHLOCK, PARKE E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 31,
1916
Former Mayor of Wood River Slain by Woman
Parke E.
Ashlock, first mayor of Wood River, was slain in a room at East
St. Louis Friday morning at an early hour by Zella H. Fenton,
known to the police as Frankie Howard. Ashlock died on the
operating table shortly after the shooting. Ashlock was the son
of Justice James T. Ashlock of Wood River, whose turbulent
career has filled many newspaper columns.
The woman
fired five bullets into the body of Ashlock. She was arrested
shortly after the shooting and claimed she had killed Ashlock to
save her own life. She said that he had beaten her and would
have killed her but for the fact that she used her revolver
first. An East St. Louis United Press dispatch says:
"The shooting of Ashlock was the second one in which she had
figured. On December 3, 1914, she shot and seriously wounded
James Hendricks in a room here. Hendricks refused to prosecute
the woman. Ashlock was 39, and was known to the police as a
dangerous man. He had figured in several shooting affrays in
East St. Louis, and was a member of the East Side gambling
ring."
The killing of Ashlock recalled the days when he
was running the village of Wood River. He was representing an
East St. Louis real estate firm selling lots in Wood River.
Before the days when the employees in the Wood River refinery
[Standard Oil] asserted their power and took hold of the village
government, Ashlock ran a village government that was not much
improved on that of Benbow City. It was during the days of the
construction of the Wood River refinery [1906-07]. When men
settled down in Wood River and the refinery was put in
operation, Ashlock was superseded by men who were in favor of
better things in the line of government.
Ashlock was an
attractive person. He was soft spoken, ordinarily, and made a
pleasing impression, but when he had drink in him, he was
troublesome. He seldom returned to Wood River. He took an active
part in defending his father, Justice Ashlock, when the father
was indicted with another man for the murder of a foreigner.
Ashlock claimed that as an officer of the law, he ordered his
aide in the killing to shoot the foreigner. Without the
assistance rendered by the son, it is doubtful that Justice
Ashlock would ever have gotten off in court, as the son worked
indefatigably to defend the father.
NOTES:
After the
arrest of Zella Fenton, she was questioned and released. It was
found that she acted in self-defense. Parke's father, Justice
James Ashlock, went to East St. Louis and found all his son's
belongings had been stolen.
Justice James Ashlock was a
powerful man, who was always ready with his gun. Since 1900, he
had lost every single tooth in his mouth, and never could find a
pair of dentures that fit him. Ashlock had a large influence in
the early development of Wood River, and was once held by a
coroner’s jury and later indicted for murdering a foreigner.
Important witnesses to the killing disappeared, and with the
help of his son, Parke, he was released and the charges dropped.
There was intense rivalry between the officials of Benbow City
and Wood River. Robert Baird, at that time the village marshal
of Benbow City, shot Parke Ashlock and then fled the country. He
returned, and made restitution to Amos E. Benbow for the expense
incurred because of the shooting. Parke Ashlock and Robert Baird
met in a saloon and had an official hatchet burying. From that
time on the rivalry was lessoned.
Justice Ashlock kept
in office and court in a saloon refrigerator. He permitted a
motion picture company to take pictures of his ice box court,
and the photos were shown all over the country. Later the ice
box was claimed by a brewery, which ousted him from it after
legal proceedings. Justice Ashlock died in 1917. While on his
deathbed, he sent for the former police magistrate of Benbow
City, Justice Bufe, to execute some papers on his behalf. He
resorted to his revolver as a persuasive power to induce
signatures before he died.
ASHLOCK, RICHARD A. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 12, 1900
Riverboat Captain/Farmer
Richard Ashlock died Monday morning at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Henry Rammes, at Fosterburg, after a long illness. He had
been hopelessly ill several months, and the end was looked for
by his family at any time. He would have been 84 years of age
had he lived until Thursday, and he was one of the oldest
residents of Madison County. He came to Madison County in 1846
from Kane, Greene County, where he had been living a few years
after leaving his birthplace in Knox County, Tennessee. He lived
near Fosterburg most of the time since he came to this county,
where he was engaged in farming pursuits and was well known. He
was the father of John Newton Ashlock of Colorado; William J.
Ashlock of Alton; Mrs. [Martha] Henry Rammes of Fosterburg; Mrs.
Mary E. Ashlock Foster of Independence, Kansas; and Mrs.
[Belinda Melinda Ashlock Wood Voyles] William Seth Voyles of
Alton.
NOTES:
Richard A. Ashlock was born November 22,
1816, in either Knox County or Anderson County, Tennessee. He
was the son of William Ashlock, who was born in 1764 in
Virginia, and died in January 1818 in Anderson County,
Tennessee. Richard had an older brother, Meredith Ashlock, who
was born October 19, 1811. Meredith Ashlock moved to Greene
County, Illinois in 1828, where he married Sarah Elzina
Earthenhouse in 1833. They then moved to Texas, where he died in
1896. Another Ashlock – James – arrived in Greene County in
November 1828 from Tennessee. James Ashlock was born in December
1799, and is probably a relative to Richard and Meredith
Ashlock.
Richard Ashlock married Harriet B. Morris in May
1838 in Greene County, and they had five children. He was a
riverboat captain, and later moved to Fosterburg and took up
farming. He built a large brick home in 1865, just north of
Fosterburg, on Fosterburg Road. The home was one of the few
surviving structures after the tornado of 1948. Harriet Ashlock
died in the home in April 1889, following an illness of six
months.
Captain Ashlock later deeded his home to Henry
Rammes, his son-in-law, but remained in the home until his
death. After his death, the remaining four Ashlock heirs filed a
lawsuit against their sister, Martha Rammes. They wanted the
homestead divided up amongst all the children. In May 1901, the
court decided to uphold the deed as given to Henry Rammes and
his wife, Martha. Captain Richard Ashlock was buried in the
Fosterburg Cemetery.
ASHLOCK, WILLIAM C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
23, 1906
The funeral of William C. Ashlock was held this
afternoon from the home, 921 East Sixth street, where services
were conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny of the Cherry street
Baptist church. There was a large gathering of friends and
neighbors and many beautiful floral offerings. Burial was in
City Cemetery.
ASHLOCK, WILLIAM J. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 30, 1914
William J. Ashock, well known as a
dealer in fish at Alton, died Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
pneumonia. About February 1 he went to visit his sister, Mrs.
Mary Foster, and while there he was taken sick. As soon as he
was able he returned home, but never seemed entirely well and
gradually grew worse until pneumonia developed and caused his
death. Capt. Ashlock was born in Greene county March 12, 1839.
With his parents he moved to the American bottoms when three
years old. When a young man he engaged in farming near
Fosterburg, and there was married to Laura B. Thompson, who died
two years ago. To the couple were born three sons and two
daughters, of whom one son, Harry L. Ashlock, and one daughter,
Mrs. John Wright, survive. Capt. Ashlock moved in 1868 to what
is known as Ashlock's pocket, this being located about two miles
below the glass works. Boats at that time ran close to the
Illinois shore where now is a farm and a house. There he engaged
in the fishing business, which he followed up to the time of his
death, a period of 46 years. Capt. Ashlock was a hunter, and in
his early days he would frequently shoot a deer over on the
Missouri shore and bring it home. Capt. Ashlock was a kindly,
genial gentleman, a man it was pleasant to know, and there is
general regret throughout Alton over his death. The funeral will
be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home on
Front street.
ASHTON, BLANCHE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1902
Blanche Ashton, wife of W. A. Ashton, the colored mail
carrier, died suddenly Saturday morning at the family home,
Seventeenth and Alby streets. She had not been ill before the
time she was stricken with death, and when her husband was
informed at the post office that his wife had died, he was
greatly surprised. He had left home early in the morning, and a
few minutes after he left Mrs. Ashton told her little daughter
to run after and call her father back. When the child returned,
having failed to overtake the father, she found her mother lying
face downward on the floor where she had fallen on trying to
rise from the bed. Mrs. Ashton was 28 years of age and was the
mother of five children, the youngest of whom is 9 months and
the oldest is 8 years of age. She has been suffering from heart
attacks in recent years, and was informed by her physician that
she was subject to heart failure. Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper
held an inquest this morning, and a verdict of death from heart
failure was found. Mrs. Thomas Lyons testified that she found
Mrs. Ashton's body lying on the floor and that with the
assistance of Mrs. Sam McCroskey she laid it on the bed on being
called to the house by Mrs. A.'s daughter. Mrs. Ashton's death
occurred about 6:30 o'clock in the morning.
ASHTON, HARRIETTE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
15, 1900
Harriette A. Ashton, daughter of mail carrier
William Ashton, died this morning at 6 o'clock after an illness
of five weeks with heart trouble, at the residence of her
grandmother, Mrs. Coats, 1831 Market street. Her mother, Ida
Ashton, died when Harriette was two years old. She leaves beside
her father, one brother, Elmer. Notice of funeral will be given
later.
ASPEN, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 8, 1906
The stonemasons today had charge of the burial of Frank Aspen,
the exile from home who died in St. Joseph's hospital yesterday
morning. Rev. S. D. McKenny conducted the funeral services in
the chapel at the chapel of Keiser & Co. The stonemasons had the
services at the grave.
ASWEGE, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 29,
1916
Saloon Keeper Falls Dead Behind Bar
David Aswege,
who was in the saloon business in the city of Alton for many
years, dropped dead from heart disease this afternoon at 2
o'clock while tending bar in his own saloon at Second and
Langdon streets. Mr. Aswege had been taking treatment for heart
trouble for a long time. He knew that he was liable to just such
an attack, and the attending physician said that owing to his
own knowledge of the ailment of Mr. Aswege, and that he had
frequently treated him for it, he hardly believed a coroner's
inquiry would be necessary. Mr. Aswege conducted a saloon on
Second street for a long time, and afterward opened a saloon on
Belle street. He was a brother of Eilert Aswege. His own son,
Henry Aswege, died recently. Witnesses of the death of Mr.
Aswege said that the saloon man was standing behind the bar
talking to some men in the saloon when he collapsed without
warning and apparently he died instantly. Life was extinct when
his physician was summoned. The body was taken in charge by
Undertaker Bauer to prepare it for burial. The deceased had
operated the saloon at Second and Langdon for only a short time.
He disposed of his place on Belle street, and after a while he
wanted to get into business again. After considerable difficulty
he managed to secure a sufficient number of names to warrant the
issuing of a license in his block. Mr. Aswege was in his
seventy-fifth year, and so is his wife. He leaves besides his
wife, two daughters: Mrs. LaBelle and Mrs. Adolph Hunt.
ASWEGE, EILERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20,
1911
Eilert Aswege, a well known resident of Alton, and for
many years engaged in the saloon business, died at his home,
Belle street near Fourth, after a long illness, Sunday morning
at 7 o'clock. Mr. Aswege was 67 years of age and he had lived in
Alton many years. He is survived by his wife and one daughter,
Mrs. Sophia Bose. Mr. Aswege had been in bad health several
years. He had retired from the saloon business a number of years
ago. In his younger days he was known as one of the biggest and
most powerful men in the Altons. He owned considerable real
estate formerly, but had disposed of most of it converting the
realty holdings into cash. Mr. Aswege was born at Hanover,
Germany, November 28, 1844, and was in his 67th year. He came to
Alton December 13, 1866, and was married here November 28, 1867
to Miss Frances Loarts. He went into business in Alton in 1873
and retired fifteen years ago. His death was due to heart
trouble. Mr. Aswege was known as a man of honest dealing, and of
financial stability. The funeral will take place tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late home on Belle street, under
the auspices of the German Benovolent society of which order he
was a member.
ATHERTON, MAUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17,
1900
Mrs. Maude Atherton, wife of Edward Atherton of the
Alton bridge, died last evening at 6 o'clock after a long
illness with consumption, at the family home at Third and Alby
Streets. She was 24 years of age. She leaves no children. The
funeral took place this afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home,
and services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing. Interment was
in the City Cemetery.
ATKINS, JOHN (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
16, 1903
Capt. John Atkins, aged 81, one of the best known
residents of Upper Alton passed away Monday morning at his home
on College avenue after a brief illness. Reports from the
bedside of Capt. Atkins during the two days preceding his death
had been very disquieting to his friends, and it was feared
Sunday that the end of the long life of Capt. Atkins was rapidly
drawing near. He was a native of Madison county, and had lived
in and near Upper Alton all his life. Many years ago he was
known as one of the wealthiest men in Upper Alton, and was
interested in an estate which owned more real estate in the
American Bottoms than any other family in the county. Captain
Atkins also possessed valuable real estate in Upper Alton, and
built the residence now occupied by Mr. H. P. Rodgers on Garden
street. He was interested in the steamboat business many years
ago, and was well known among the men who followed the river for
a livelihood. In 1844 he was married to Mrs. Mary Job, who died
about ten years ago. Capt. Atkins leaves two children, William
Atkins of Upper Alton and Mrs. Fanny Tatum of Denver. He also
leaves two grandchildren, who made their home with him - Eugene
and Miss Lulu Elwell. No definite arrangements for the funeral
have been made, as the arrival of Mrs. Tatum from Denver is
being awaited.
ATKINS, MARY E./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 1, 1881
Wife of Captain John Atkins
The death of Mrs. Mary E. Atkins,
wife of Captain John Atkins of Upper Alton, was briefly alluded
to in our issue of yesterday. The deceased was a lady of great
force of character and untiring energy. For more than thirty
years she has been a moving power in the church with which she
had been connected. Since her removal with her husband to Upper
Alton twenty-five years ago or more, she has been an active
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of that place, and her
death will leave a vacancy there, as well as in her own family
circle, which can never be filled. Mrs. Atkins was 54 years of
age last May. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Amos Atkins of
Madison and Mrs. J. T. Cooper of Alton, also a husband and two
daughters, Mrs. Henry C. Tatum and Mrs. John W. Elwell.
ATKINS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 9, 1872
Died on February 3, at his residence in Six Mile, Madison
County, William Atkins; aged 78 years. Mr. Atkins was one of the
oldest citizens of this county, and was well and favorably known
in this part of the State.
ATKINSON, AGNES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1873
Died on February 9 in Alton, of consumption, Mrs. Agnes, wife of
William Atkinson; aged 53 years.
ATLAND, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 11,
1907
Henry Atland, aged 66, died this morning after an
illness from kidney trouble resulting in uraemic poisoning. He
leaves his wife and one daughter. The funeral will be from the
home of William D. Thorn on Eighth street Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock. Mr. Atland was a well known resident of Alton.
ATLAND, NETTIE O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
12, 1901
Miss Nettie O., eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.
W. Atland, died at 9:15 Friday evening at her home, _22 East
Third street. She was born June 20th, 1878 in Alton, where she
spent all her life, with the exception of three years when she
attended school at the Notre Dame Convent in Milwaukee. Her
death resulted from Phthisis Pulmonalis. Deceased was a girl of
lovable character, and her many friends are filled with grief
because of her demise. Funeral will take place Tuesday at 9:00
a.m. from St. Mary's church.
ATTERBURY, ALEX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 21, 1914
Lonely Man Found Dead in His Room
The body of Alex
Atterbury, aged 56, was discovered in a badly decomposed state,
lying on the bed in one of the two basement rooms which he
occupied in the building belonging to Mrs. Fannie Cowling at 727
Market street, shortly after noon today. The ghastly discovery
was made by Mrs. Andrew Emerick and her thirteen year old
daughter, Miss Fannie, who made an investigation when the smell
of the decomposing body became so offensive, that they could not
bear to live in the rooms above which they occupied. Mrs.
Emerick said that none of the members of the family were able to
sleep last night on account of the odor, but their suspicions
were not aroused because the old man who lived alone was in the
habit of going away at times and remaining away for several days
without making explanation to anyone. When Miss Fannie came home
from school she suggested an investigation of the rooms
downstairs. The child and her mother peered through the screen
and a torn place in the curtain and saw the old man lying on the
bed. Then they telephoned to the police station and Coroner's
Undertaker John Berner was sent for. Officer Joseph Uhle first
reached the scene and kept all curious bystanders away from the
place when Berner arriver he tried to get in and found that the
door was locked. He borrowed a key from upstairs and found that
the door was further latched inside. After breaking the latch by
pushing against the door, he came to the conclusion that he
would not move the body before disinfecting the place, and sent
for a supply of formaldehyde, which he used. He left Officer
Uhle to guard the body until he returned for it later. The body
was lying in a straight position on the bed, fully dressed, and
there was nothing to indicate that the man's death had been
caused by anything else but illness. On a table in the rooms
were letters and a lot of books, among them being a family
Bible. It is believed that he was taken suddenly ill Sunday
night and died without being able to call for help. He was last
seen Sunday evening when he went uptown and returned with a loaf
of bread. Atterbury lived alone and batched in the two rooms
which he had occupied for two years. For some time he had been
out of a job and had been inquiring about work, but he did not
seem to find any. His wife died five years ago. Atterbury had
seven sons whom he often visited, but their names were not known
by the family living upstairs. After examining the body, deputy
Coroner John Berner told a reporter for the Telegraph this
afternoon that it would be next to impossible to discover
whether or not he committed suicide. It has been learned that he
has two sons in Carlinville, William and Jud Atterberry, and
they have been informed of their father's death.
ATWATER, ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 13, 1874
Miss Eliza Atwater died in Edwardsville at the residence of E.
M. West, her brother-in-law, last Thursday; aged 64 years.
ATWATER, JOSHUA/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February
10, 1870
Submitted by Jane Denny
Pioneer teacher; Founder
of Charitable Society; Business Man
The subject of this
sketch died in Edwardsville on February 6, 1870, in the 94th
year of his age. At the time of his death, Mr. Atwater was
probably the oldest citizen of Madison County, if not the oldest
of the State, having emigrated from Westfield, Massachusetts,
his native town, to Illinois, in the year 1801. In 1807, he
taught the first public school in St. Clair County. In 1809, he
organized the first charitable institution in Illinois, to the
constitution of which his name appears as the largest quarterly
contributor, although at that time not worth fifty dollars. In
1824, Mr. Atwater entered actively into the effort against the
establishment of slavery in this State, and with Lippincot,
Churchill, and other leading men of this county, did good
service in the cause of freedom. In politics he was a Whig, and
since 1860 acted with the Republican party, but never was a
partisan, nor entered into party strife. In the year 1809, he
made a profession of religion, and united with the Methodist
Church, and lived a long life of Christian conduct securing the
confidence of all who knew him.
A man of great kindness
of heart, he dispensed an extraordinary and generous hospitality
for very many years. He was a man of much more than ordinary
strength of mind, and had to a remarkable degree the power of
correctly understanding human character. A man of good business
habits, extraordinary punctuality, and a truly honest man. An
incident in business matters will show this trait of character.
In 1810, a merchant in St. Louis, by the name of Phillipron,
brought on a lot of tin-plate amounting to $500. Mr. Atwater had
a desire to get the plate to manufacture into ware, but had
neither money or credit to get it. He went to one Robert
McMahon, and agreed with him that if he would recommend him to
the merchant, so that he could get the plate on six months
credit, he would give McMahon one-half the amount of profit
derived from the sale of the ware. Before the six months had
expired, Mr. Atwater paid for the plate and paid McMahon $496.75
as his part of the profit, having kept a strict account of every
article made and sold.
In the death of this aged and
venerable pioneer and Christian gentleman, Edwardsville has lost
its oldest citizen, the church its most faithful and liberal
member, his children a father greatly beloved, and the community
an example of integrity and virtue.
NOTES:
Joshua
Atwater was born in 1776 in Westfield, Hampden County,
Massachusetts. He and his brother, Thomas, moved to St. Clair
County, Illinois, in 1801, and then to Madison County in Nameoki
Township. In about 1808, a school was constructed of poles, two
miles north of Six Mile House. Joshua Atwater was the teacher.
In about 1809, Joshua moved to Edwardsville, and opened the
first school there.
In March 1809, the first benevolent
association in Illinois Territory, the “Charitable Society,” was
formed by Joshua Atwater. This association provided the
necessities for the poor and indigent, without distinction to
race or color, and more particularly for the families of those
engaged in defending the frontier settlements from Indian
hostilities. The members of the society bound themselves to make
quarterly contributions to a fund for the poor. The constitution
was handwritten by Mr. Atwater, and although he was then a poor
man, his name appeared at the head of the list for the highest
amount of donation.
In 1810, Joshua married Rebecca
Walker. They had five children: Eliza Atwater (1811-1874);
Frances M. Atwater Skidmore (1813-1833); John Atwater
(1815-1839); Julia Ann Atwater West (1817-1877; married Hon.
Edward Mitchell West); and Emily Atwater Mabee (1822-1846).
After the death of his first wife in 1844, he married Mrs. Celia
Jett on April 30, 1845.
In 1817, Joshua opened a
tavern in Edwardsville. In 1820, Atwater entered the mercantile
business in Edwardsville, which he carried on until 1837. He and
Andrew R. Skidmore formed the business called A. R. Skidmore &
Co.
In the 1830s, a sister of Joshua Atwater, Mrs.
Stearns, arrived in Edwardsville and opened a school. She was an
industrious educator, and introduced spelling bees in which
neighboring schools participated.
Joshua collected coins
of all types, and kept them in the West & Prickett Bank in
Edwardsville. In 1870, it was reported that the coins valued
from $400.00 to $500.00. the coins were mostly American silver
dollars, with some of them dating back to 1780, plus many old
Spanish pieces over a hundred years old.
Joshua Atwater
died February 6, 1870 in Edwardsville. According to records, he
was buried in the Lusk Cemetery. There is a marker for Atwater
in the Woodlawn Cemetery, but it is believed these are family
memorials.
ATWATER, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 30,
1839
A report is in circulation here, that one Mr. Atwater,
living in or near Edwardsville, "went out a gunning" on Saturday
or Sunday last and perished through the intensity of the cold.
The particulars have not reached us.
ATWOOD, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 14, 1903
North Alton News - Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Atwood of the Branch are
again sorely bereaved in the loss of their little daughter,
Emma, who died Monday after an illness with scarlet fever. Early
in the month a son died from the same disease, and the parents
have the sympathy of the entire community in their double
affliction. The funeral was held Tuesday morning. Interment was
in Oakwood cemetery, Upper Alton. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood came from
Jerseyville some time ago and have won many friends by their
quiet ways and industrious habits. Their loss is about the
greatest parents are ever called upon to bear, and only Faith
and Hope can sustain and comfort them.
ATWOOD,
JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 2, 1882
The
community was deeply pained to learn of the death, Saturday
evening, at 7:30 o’clock, of Mr. John Atwood, one of our oldest
and most highly esteemed citizens. He had been failing for
several months, and had been confined to his residence about six
weeks, passing away from earth at the hour mentioned as
peacefully and quietly as a child going to sleep, not a sigh or
tremor marking the last moment. Deceased was born at Haverhill,
Massachusetts, and was in his 69th year at the time of his
death. He came to Alton early in the year 1836, and has been
prominently identified with the interests of the place ever
since.
John Atwood and his cousin, the late Moses Gilman
Atwood, were contractors under the State internal improvement
system, in vogue soon after his removal West. On February 23,
1839, the Illinois Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized,
with John Atwood being elected Secretary, a position he filled
for many years. For over forty years, he was prominent in
insurance circles, traveling all over the State and establishing
agencies. Probably no man in Illinois had been engaged so long
in that business. He was thoroughly posted in all its details,
and was looked upon as authority in all insurance matters. He
was well and favorably known throughout the State, and hosts of
friends, beside those in Alton, will be grieved to learn of his
decease.
At the time of his death, John Atwood was
President of the Illinois Mutual Insurance Company, and member
of the firm of McPike & Atwood. In civic affairs, he was long an
active and useful member of the community, serving his fellow
citizens acceptably in the Council and on the Board of
Education. He was a kind neighbor and genial friend, trusted and
esteemed by all. His religious connection was with the
Congregational Church, of which he was a member. Mr. Atwood was
married October 20, 1842, to Miss Mary R. Nichols, who survives
him.
At a special meeting of the Board of Education held
this morning, it was resolved that as a tribute of respect to
the memory of Mr. Atwood, formerly a member of the Board, the
public schools be dismissed tomorrow afternoon, and that the
Board of Education attend the funeral in a body.
NOTES:
John Atwood was born in 1814, in Haverhill, Essex County,
Massachusetts. He died September 30, 1882, in Alton. He married
Mary R. Nichols on October 20, 1842. John Atwood was buried in
the Alton City Cemetery. His wife, Mary, died in July 1900 at
the age of 82 or 83, and is also buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
ATWOOD, MARY R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 4,
1900
Mrs. Mary R. Atwood, wife of the late John Atwood, died
at her home on Liberty street this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock,
after a few weeks illness. Mrs. Atwood has been a resident of
Alton for more than fifty years, and was a woman of high
character, and during the years of her activity was a leader in
all good works. She is the last of her family, as her husband
died many years ago. She had passed her 82th year.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14, 1900
The will of
Mrs. Mary R. Atwood, who died recently, was filed for probate in
the probate court a few days ago, and the hearing of the proof
will be September 10.....The Atwood home is one of the oldest in
the city of Alton, and the family was at one time one of the
most prominent. Mr. and Mrs. Atwood purchased the property in
1847, and lived their during their entire married life. In going
over the property, the executor found every paper in the house
that had been taken during all the years the family lived there,
and the task of sifting out the valuable papers from the others
will be a heavy one. The personal property of Mrs. Atwood is
very valuable, and the house is filled with interesting relics
of the early days of the family. So far as is known, she left no
sisters and brothers, and if any are living, she did not know of
it. If any heirs should be discovered, they will share in the
distribution of the property to the residuary legatees after the
persons named in the will have received their share. Edmund H.
Blair is appointed executor of the will. The death of Mrs.
Atwood takes away, with the exception of the children, the last
of the immediate families connected with the old Illinois Mutual
Insurance Company, one of the most substantial institutions in
the State at the early day. The husband of Mrs. Atwood, John
Atwood, was secretary for many years. His brother, Moses G.
Atwood, was President, Lewis Kellenberger was Treasurer, the
late Judge Billings was General Counsel, and Messrs. S. Wade,
Robert Smith, were in the Board of Directors. All of them lived
within a short distance of each other. The company built the
brick dwelling now on the southeast corner of Liberty and Maple
streets for a general office, and used as such for many years.
The company grew rapidly in resources and good name, and
continued to do business until the great Chicago fire, when all
its resources were swept away. Its capital and surplus were not
sufficient to pay ten per cent of its losses in that great
conflagration.
ATWOOD,
MOSES GILMAN/Abt. January 1869
President of Illinois Mutual
Fire Insur. Co.
Moses Gilman Atwood was born on December 30,
1805, in Franconia, Grafton County, New Hampshire. He married
Mary H. S. _______ in New Hampshire, and lived in Concord, New
Hampshire with his wife and children. Known children are: Mary
Francis “Francie” Atwood Topping (1830-1917, married Erastus
Topping); and Eva Lillian Atwood King (youngest daughter,
married Colonel John W. King; and then married General Grierson
on July 28, 1897. Her son, Harold Atwood King, was manager of a
ranch belonging to General Grierson at Fort Davis, Texas). The
Atwood family, along with Moses’ cousin, John Atwood, moved to
Alton, Illinois, in 1837. Moses was one of 60 volunteers, who
joined together to defend Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy when his life
was threatened due to his anti-slavery position. Moses was
elected to serve as their Captain. The Lovejoy press was stored
in the Winthrop Gilman warehouse, and since Moses’ middle name
was Gilman, there may be a connection to that family.
Moses G. Atwood was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward in
Alton, in 1838. He ran on the Anti-Grog Shop Ticket, along with
Winthrop S. Gilman for Mayor. In 1839, the Illinois Mutual Fire
Insurance Company was organized in Alton. Benjamin F. Long
served as President, and Moses G. Atwood served as Secretary.
John Atwood, his cousin, also served as Director. Later, Moses
Atwood became the company’s President. The insurance company
built their office in Middletown, on the southeast corner of
Liberty and Grove Streets – directly across from Moses Atwood’s
home. The neighborhood became known as “Insuranceville,” as many
of the founders lived in the area. They later moved to a
building on State Street. The company extended its business into
Chicago, where it was wiped out by the great fire of 1871, which
destroyed the great part of that city.
In about 1852,
Moses Atwood built a large, stone home on Liberty Street in
Alton, near Grove Street, which still stands today. It later
became the home of John Snyder, business man in Alton, and then
Sarah Duncan, wife of Gilbert Duncan, co-founder of Duncan
Foundry in Alton.
Sometime after 1853, Moses and his
cousin, John Atwood, became members of the Alton Horticultural
Society. During one meeting, he exhibited specimens of the
“Earth Almond,” a European sedge having small, edible, nutlike
tubers. It grew like a potato, and possessed the flavor of an
Almond nut. The seed was brought from Southern Spain, and
distributed for cultivation throughout America. In 1937, it was
discovered in records that Moses shipped 100 Buckeye trees from
New England to Alton. He planted a long row of them on Liberty
Street, where he lived, and also gave them to family members and
friends to plant throughout Alton.
Moses joined the
Unitarian Church in Alton, and served as its Treasurer. Moses
became the President of the Alton Board of Education, and was
involved in the building of its first schools.
In either
late December 1868, or early January 1869, Moses Gilman Atwood
died in Alton at the age of 63. He is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
ATWOOD, PEARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19, 1914
Mrs. Pearl Atwood, wife of David Atwood, died from typhoid
pneumonia, aged 23. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Bell
of Alton. The family came here from Louisiana, Mo., and the
deceased leaves her parents, five sisters, and one brother.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
ATWOOD, UNKNOWN WIFE OF MOSES GILMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 25, 1871
Died on August 19, 1871, in Alton, Mrs. Moses
G. Atwood, formerly of Concord, New Hampshire, after a long and
lingering illness, in the 67th year of her age.
AUSTIN, RAYMOND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 17,
1919
Boy Killed by Speeding Automobile
Speeding of an
automobile on the State road at Sering place is the cause of
sunny Raymond Austin, in his fourteenth year, being a mangled
corpse in the home on Prospect street in Milton Heights. The
only witness of the tragedy so far known is the eight year old
brother, Nolan, who escaped injury when the speeding automobile
swung clear off the road and hit Raymond Austin where he was
standing, three feet to the side of the paving. Picking up the
boy on the radiator, the automobile hurled him to the other side
against and under another automobile that was passing at the
time. Neither automobile halted, but sped on down the road at
furious speed, leaving Raymond Austin lying in a pool of blood
on the bricks, his neck broken, his skull fractured, his thigh
on one side and his leg on the other broken. Death was instant.
The death of the Austin boy has produced the wildest indignation
in the Milton Heights neighborhood. He was a bright, intelligent
young boy, and had passed his thirteenth birthday the fourth of
November. He was everybody's friend in the neighborhood and he
was generally known as "Sunshine," because of his sunny
disposition. He was making good progress in the school, had a
most loveable disposition, and was a strong, sturdy boy, always
ready to help anybody, and always with a smile on his face.
Sunday morning he had started with his eight year old brother,
Nolan, to go over to Duck Lake to see some friends. Seeing the
automobile racing along the state road, the two boys hurried
across the road to get to a place of safety. They had reached
the other side of the road and were standing about three feet
beyond the line of the paving when the automobile swung in the
dirt, and struck the older boy. The little fellow said his
brother was snapped over on top the radiator where he hung an
instant, then was propelled against another car which ran over
him. The body was picked up and taken in charge by Deputy
Coroner Bauer, who held an inquest Sunday afternoon. The jury
returned an open verdict and pending further inquiry into the
accident, the jury will not be discharged. The police department
and the coroner are trying to find out who the drivers of the
two cars were. The little boy who saw the accident can give no
description of the cars at all, but he thinks one was a Ford.
The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday from the home, and
burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
AUTEN, NELLIE M./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 7, 1879
Died on Saturday, August 2, Nellie M., daughter of Aaron O. and
Nellie H. Auten; aged one year and six months.
AVIS, ELIZABETH M./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 13,
1853
Wife of Samuel Avis, Esq.
“The sweet remembrance of
the just, Shall flourish though they sleep in dust.”
The
above ancient lines, which in the days of our childhood we need
to read, as they were engraved by the hand of affection, and
placed at the grave of the loved and dead, have been suggested
by the d_____ of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Avis, wife of Samuel Avis,
Esq., who died Monday evening, May 9, in Alton.
It is not
our purpose to eulogize the deceased, but simply to say that in
all the relations which she sustained as neighbor, friend,
sister, daughter, mother, and wife, her remembrance is sweet,
fragrant, pleasant – very pleasant indeed to the large circle of
her bereaved friends and relations, and specially so to him who
knows best her worth and his loss.
By this dispensation
of Providence, three young children are left motherless, the
youngest less than two weeks old, and all of them needing a
mother’s care. May these little children, now the warm current
of a mother’s love, _____ not to them, be taken under the
immediate protection of their mother’s God!
Mrs. Avis had
been for five years almost in a ____ member of the Baptist
Church in Alton, having publicly professed her faith in a
crucified Redeemer, by baptism, on the seventh day of May, 184”,
since which time, it is but justice to say she has won a high
place to the Christian regard by her Pastor.
AVIS, MARY SLATER/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 27, 1848
Died on the morning of the 22nd October, at the residence of her
father, Mary Slater, daughter of Samuel Avis of Alton, aged 2(?)
years and 10 months.
AVIS, SAMUEL (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 12, 1868
Died on the 9th inst., at his residence in Monticello [Godfrey],
of pneumonia, Captain Samuel Avis. Captain Avis was one of the
oldest and best citizens Alton has ever had. He was emphatically
a good and practical Christian man, and verily his works will
follow him.
AX, MARGARET/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, July 30,
1897
Mrs. Margaret Ax died yesterday evening at half past
four o'clock at the age of 79 years, 8 months and four days. She
had been sick nine months, suffering with dropsy and other
ailments incident to her advanced age. The funeral will take
place tomorrow morning at 8:30 o'clock from her home in
lowertown. Services will be conducted at St. Boniface's church
by Rev. Fr. Joseph D. Metzler. The remains will be interred in
the Catholic cemetery. The pallbearers will be: Frank Beck,
William Stasney, A. Oestrich, John Bonn, John Michel and William
Sido. Margaret Ax was born November 25, 1818 at Aden Leimbach,
Kreis Adnau, Rhine Province, Germany. She was twice married,
first to Mathias Theisen, in 1853, in Germany. They came to
America in 1856, taking up their residence in Edwardsville the
same year. The husband died a year later. The union was blessed
with two children, both of whom died. In 1858 the widow married
Joseph Ax. Two children were born to this union, only one,
Albertine, wife of Joseph Miller, surviving. Mrs. Ax was an aunt
of John Ax, superintendent of the Wonderly mine. She was a
continuous resident of this city for 41 years and made many
friends who sympathize with the surviving daughter.
AXTHIEM, LULU/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 1, 1880
Lulu,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Axthiem, died on last Saturday
morning at the age of seven years, of an attack of the measles.
Little Lulu was a bright, engaging child, the pet of her
parents, who will receive the sympathy of their friends and
acquaintances in their deep affliction. The funeral took place
from the family residence on Second, below Henry Street.
AYER, JOHN F./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1838
Died, in this city, on the 10th inst., John F. Ayer, formerly of
Charleston, Massachusetts, aged 18.