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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, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 3, 1881
The anxiety and suspense of the relatives and friends of Henry Adams, the little boy who has been missing since Tuesday, February 22, have been ended by the certain information that he was the victim who went under the ice in the river as described by us at the time. Mr. William Adams, father of the lad, informs us that Robert Howe acknowledges that he was with Henry Adams at the time he broke through the ice, that he made an effort to save his comrade, but also fell into the water and escaped with a wetting, from the effects of which he has been sick ever since. Through fear of the consequences, young Howe told no one the facts in the case until yesterday evening. The truth, however painful, is always preferable in such cases to suspense and uncertainty.

 

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, MARY SELINA (nee ROBINSON)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 8, 1882
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Mary S. Aldrich, widow of the late Hon. Robert Aldrich, died at her residence at Quercus Grove, Hamel Township, six miles northeast of Edwardsville, on February 2, 1882, in the 71st year of her age, having survived her husband, who died January 12, 1877, at the same place. She was the second child of James and Martha Robinson, and she was born April 8, 1811. Her father was born in North Carolina, September 22, 1783, and died on August 10, 1822. He is buried on the Robinson Family Farm. Her mother was born on the line between North Carolina and South Carolina, October 23, 1784, and died in Edwardsville March 19, 1854. Her parents emigrated to the “Illinois Country” when she was but three years old, and settled south of Edwardsville on the place recently owned by the late Rev. George W. Ballard, and lived there until the death of her father, when the family moved to Edwardsville.

Mrs. Aldrich had five sisters and one brother: Eurixia, Eveline, Eudemma, Eliza Elvira, Martha, and Rufus Easton Aldrich, all of whom are dead except Eliza E., living at Huntington, Massachusetts, and Martha, living on the farm at Quercus. Mrs. Aldrich became a member of the M. E. Church before her marriage, which occurred at her mother’s residence in Edwardsville on April 24, 1849, Hon. H. K. Eaton, deceased, then an acting Justice of the Peace, officiating. Immediately after their marriage, they went to their home at Quercus Grove, where they lived until called away by death.

Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich had three children, all still living: Sarah, wife of Mr. J. C. Doubt, living seven miles east of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Robert and James, living on the old homestead at Quercus.

The father of Mrs. Aldrich was a brother of John and Beniah Robinson, both of whom were early settlers of Madison County, who lived here many years and removed to Oregon, where they both died.

 

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, ANNA MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 17, 1881
Mrs. Anna Margaret, wife of Mr. Paul Alt, died Thursday afternoon after an illness of three or four weeks, at the age of 58 years, 8 months, 12 days. The funeral took place Sunday from the German Lutheran Church.

 

ALT, CHARLES PAUL/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18, 1880
Accidentally Shot by His Own Gun
A party of four or five men, including Mr. Charles Alt, an estimable young man who has carried on a blacksmith shop since 1873, at the corner of Second and Henry Streets, went hunting below the city Sunday morning. On arriving at the Hull place about two miles from town, Mr. Alt dismounted from the wagon, and while pulling his gun out with the muzzle towards himself, the load was discharged, taking effect in his left breast, inflicting a ghastly wound which proved fatal in about half an hour, and before medical aid could reach him. Mr. Alt was conscious for some moments after being shot, and left a last message for his young wife, on whom the sad intelligence fell with crushing force. The accident occurred at 7:40 o’clock, and the sufferer was immediately removed to the residence of Mr. James Hull in the immediate vicinity, where all was done that could be suggested for his relief, and where he died about 8 o’clock. The remains were soon after removed to his home on Third Street. In addition to his wife, he leaves a young child, father, mother, and two brothers, besides many friends to mourn his untimely death. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the German Benevolent Society. Mr. Alt was a skillful mechanic, and a favorite with a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was twenty-five years of age. He was married in May 1878. His tragic death is a cause of wide spread regret. Mr. Alt had an insurance policy for $2,000, and his widow will receive $60 from the German Benevolent Society, in addition to funeral benefits from both.

The funeral – The funeral of Mr. Charles Alt took place Tuesday afternoon from the German M. E. Church, and was very largely attended. The remains were escorted from the residence to the church by the German Benevolent Society and Fleur de Lys Lodge No. 68, K. of P., of which organizations he was a member. The discourse at the church was delivered in German. The long procession to the cemetery was headed by Gossrau’s Band, then came the German Benevolent Society, under Marshal Weigler, followed by the Knights of Pythias under Commander Haskell. Next in order came the hearse and carriages. The pallbearers, who walked beside the hearse, were Messrs. D. Miller, Joseph Beit, John Kraemer, C. Unterbrink, N. Seibold, and E. Aswege. At the cemetery, the Knights of Pythias formed a triangle around the grave, and the impressive burial service of the Order was conducted by Prelate Phillips, each Knight depositing a sprig of evergreen in the open grave as a token of remembrance. The service was closed with the benediction by Rev. W. Wilken.

NOTES:
Charles Paul Alt was born May 10, 1855. He married Emma Margaret Fischer, and they had one child, Margretha N. Alt (who died in 1881). His wife, Emma, was pregnant at the time of his death, and on July 15, 1881, Charles Louis Alt was born. He grew up and moved to California, where he died in 1962 at the age of 80. Emma never remarried, and died in 1892 at the age of 34. Charles Paul Alt was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

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.

 

ARMINGTON, BETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 27, 1881
From Upper Alton - Died on Saturday, October 22, Beth, only child of Warren F. and Rose (Kendall) Armington, aged nearly 19 months. In the removal of their little treasure, Mr. and Mrs. Armington have the sympathy of a large circle of friends. Covered with purest flowers, the little form was yesterday afternoon consigned to its resting place in the Upper Alton Cemetery. Professor J. C. C. Clarke led the services at the house and at the grave.

 

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.

 

ARNOLD, WALTER/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 16, 1882
From Bethalto – On Sunday evening last, little Walter, aged two years and a few months, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Arnold of Bethalto, died of membranous croup and diphtheria combined. Dr. N. B. Richards, the attending physician, did everything in his power, and the eager parents watched over their dear boy day and night since Tuesday, but without avail. The funeral took place from the family residence Monday afternoon. Rev. D. H. Starkey officiated. Little “Cappie,” as he was familiarly called, was a bright and interesting child, a great favorite, and the idol of his parents. But alas! How soon are the fairest flowers nipped by death’s untimely frost. A large circle of sympathizing friends were present at the funeral, and the bereaved parents have the kindest sympathy of the whole community.

 

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, ABSALOM T./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1881
Persons passing along Alby Street at an early hour Saturday a.m., saw what they supposed to be a bundle of clothing in the water of the pond at the northwest corner of Tenth and Alby Streets. A lad living in the neighborhood investigated the matter, and found the body of some person lying there, almost immersed in the water. He informed Louis J. Schad, who lives at Dr. Quigley’s, who pulled the body to the bank near which it was lying. A crowd soon collected, and among the first to identify the body was Mr. James Glen, who pronounced it to be that of Absalom T. Ash, an old, well-known resident of Alton. Deputy Sheriff Rudershausen was notified, and telegraphed Coroner Youree, but he failing to arrive on the morning trains, Justice E. Noonan was called on the act.

The inquest was held at the residence of Mr. J. W. Ash, brother of deceased. The witnesses examined were B. F. Sargent, L. J. Schad, R. Jenkins, H. B. Ford, A. J. Glen Jr. The testimony of two of the witnesses was to the effect that the deceased was seen after the meeting of Wildey Encampment last night, and started for home in his usual state of health about 10:30. The pond where the unfortunate man met his death was quite full from the recent rains, the water being almost on a level with the street, a precipitous slippery decline leading to water about 3 feet deep, where he had evidently made a misstep and fallen in. When found, deceased was lying on his face, his head toward the shore as though, after falling in from the roadway, along which he was evidently walking, he had made a vain effort to reach the bank, but no doubt, chilled by the ice-cold water, obstructed by his heavy clothing and impeded by the ice in the pond and the slipper bank, his efforts were in vain. A number of articles were found on his person, including $31.80 in money. The jury returned a verdict of accidental drowning.

Absalom T. Ash was a native of Pennsylvania, aged 50 years on August 16. He came to this city in 1837, and has resided here almost ever since. He was a quiet, unassuming man of genial disposition, highly esteemed and undoubtedly had not an enemy in the world. He leaves three brothers – John W. Ash, Esq., of Alton; Judge W. L. Ash of Rawins, Wyoming; Jared Ash, also of Wyoming, besides many other relatives and numerous friends to mourn his untimely end. He was Treasurer of Alton Lodge No. 2, I.O.O.F., High Priest of Wildey Encampment No. 1, also a Knight Templar and Knight of Pythias.

His sudden and tragical death is a terrible shock to his relatives, and a cause of sincere grief to a large circle of friends. The funeral took place Sunday from the residence of his brother, John W. Ash, Esq., under the direction of the Odd Fellows. There was a large attendance of mourning relatives and friends. The Odd Fellows’ ritual was read at the grave by Mr. A. G. Wolford, Chaplain of Alton Lodge No. 2. The bearers were Messrs. William F. Ensinger, Alex Woodside, John Dow, John W. Rowe, J. Still, and Thomas Corbett.

 

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.

 

ASHBROOK, N. J. E./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 29, 1881
From Upper Alton - Mrs. N. J. E. Ashbrook died suddenly at one o’clock Thursday afternoon of cerebral hemorrhage, aged 65 years, three months, and two days. The deceased was a native of Licking County, Ohio, and had been a resident of Upper Alton for several years, living a quiet unassuming Christian life. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Ashbrook had been married three times, and been the mother of seven children, of whom three daughters and one son, children of her first husband, survive; all are married, one daughter residing in St. Louis, one in Peoria, and one in New Orleans. Her son, H. S. Darniele, is known to many of our readers, having been in business for several years in Alton. It is with him that his mother has made her home of late years, and upon him will fall the greatest sorrow in the constant remembrance of an empty place in his own household, which no one can ever fill.

 

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.

 

AVIS, SOPHIA (nee HAGER)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 21, 1882
Mrs. Sophia A. (Hager) Avis, widow of the late Samuel Avis, died suddenly this morning at the residence of her son, Mr. S. H. Malcom, aged 68 years, 4 months, 28 days. She was in her usual health yesterday, was stricken with paralysis at 11 o’clock last night, soon became unconscious, and passed peacefully away at the hour mentioned. Mrs. Avis was born at Hagerston, Maryland, in 1813, and had resided in Alton since 1852. Besides a son, she leaves two stepchildren, Mrs. W. C. McPike and Mr. Charles B. Avis Jr., of Atchinson, Kansas, several grandchildren, and numerous friends to mourn her sudden death. Mrs. Avis was a most estimable lady, a good neighbor, a kind friend, and long a consistent, faithful member of the Methodist Church, being ever foremost in every good work.

 

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.

 

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