PABST, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 09, 1898
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Mary Pabst, aged an even 80 years, died Sunday morning at the home of her son, Charles Pabst. Her demise was due to congestion of the stomach.

 

PACE, EMMA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 8, 1894
From Upper Alton – Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Pace were sadly bereaved this morning by the death of their daughter, Emma, aged 16 years. She had been a sufferer from consumption for several months. The funeral services will be held tomorrow. The interment will be at Winchester, Illinois.

 

PACK, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 31, 1919
Mrs. Mary J. Pack, wife of James P. Pack, died this morning at 5 o'clock at the family home, East Sixth street. Mrs. Pack would have been 76 years of age in May. She had been in feeble health for a long time. Mrs. Pack had been a resident of Alton for many years. She came here with her husband after the close of the Civil War and settled here and had made her home in Alton ever since. Mrs. Pack leaves beside her aged husband, one daughter, Mrs. Matilda Kaeshammer and three grandsons, August, James and William Kaeshammer. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church.

 

PACKARD, E. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1910
Found Dead Near Railroad in Godfrey
Coroner C. N. Streeper buried the body Wednesday afternoon of E. H. Packard, the man found dead last Sunday on the C. & A. cut-off, a mile southeast of Godfrey. Before Packard was buried, photographs were taken of his body in the casket, according to the request of his sister. James English took the pictures, and three different views were taken. The photographs were finished up and mailed to his sister this afternoon, and they were excellent pictures. Coroner Streeper expects a letter from the sister of the dead man tomorrow. This was the first request Coroner Streeper ever had to have a corpse photographed.

 

PADDOCK, BENJAMIN F. JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1901
Benjamin Paddock, aged 40(?), died at his home in East Alton this morning after a protracted illness with heart disease. He leaves a widow and one son. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon from the home to Milton Cemetery.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1901
Benjamin F. Paddock Jr. died at his home on October 2 after a long illness. Rev. Josiah Able from Granite City conducted the funeral services from the house to Milton Cemetery. Mr. Paddock was a well respected citizen, and for many years has been a member of the Baptist church here. He was well thought of in his home community, as was shown by the large gathering at the funeral. He leaves a wife and one son to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father.

 

PADDOCK, HENRY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1902
Henry L. Paddock, a resident of Godfrey many years, died suddenly Thursday night after an illness with heart trouble. He was taken ill at noon and lived until evening. He was 60 years of age and leaves a family of a wife, five sons, and a daughter. Mr. Paddock was a native of England and on coming to this country settled near Brighton. He then moved to Godfrey where he followed his trade as a mason. He was well known in the vicinity of Godfrey and Brighton, and also in Alton, and was highly esteemed. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be conducted by Rev. C. Nash, of the Jerseyville Methodist church. [Burial was at Godfrey]

 

PADDOCK, JOANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1867
Died this morning, (May 5, 1867), after prolonged and painful illness, Joann Paddock.

 

PADDOCK, SARA JOSEPHA FOSTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 20, 1915
Death claimed Mrs. Josepha Foster Paddock, wife of Gaius Paddock, Monday morning at 3 o'clock at their home in Moro township. Her death at the age of 75 years was the first break in the family that has occurred in the fifty-three years of married life of the couple. They were one of the best mated, happiest old couples to be found. Mrs. Paddock's health began failing long ago, and heer death was due to a general breaking down from old age. The last forty-eight hours of her life she was unconscious. For many years the couple resided in Alton, on Fourth street, in the house now occupied by the family of H. K. Johnston. They moved to St. Louis in later years, and afterward went to Moro, where they settled down to enjoy rural life the remainder of their days. Their home has been a hospitable place indeed for all, and Mrs. Paddock was known as a delightful entertainer. She was highly valued by those who knew her as a friend, and her family were devoted to her. She leaves eight children - Evelyn "Eva," the wife of Brigadier General John B. Kerr, U. S. A.; Gaius Foster Paddock of St. Louis; Robert Allan Paddock, a New York attorney; Misses May, Sarah and Alice, residing at home; Lucille, the wife of Lieut. Palmer Swift of Ft. Riley, Kansas; and Orville Wood Paddock, an electrical engineer, residing in Chicago. The funeral will be held on Wednesday from the old Paddock homestead, three miles east of Alton, and interment will be in the burial ground there.

NOTES:
Sara Josepha Foster was born July 5, 1841, in St. Louis, Missouri. She married Gaius Orville Paddock (1836-1936), and they had the following children: Evelyn “Eva” Paddock Kerr (1863-1927); Gaius Foster Paddock (1866-1932); Robert Allan Paddock (1869-1937); Mary “May” Josepha Paddock (1871-1963); Sara Singleton Paddock (1874-1957); Orville Wood Paddock (1880-1955); Lucille Paddock Swift; and Alice Paddock. Sara Paddock was buried in the Paddock-Flagg Cemetery in Moro, Madison County, Illinois.

 

PADDOCK, LEWIS RAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28, 1904
Lewis Ray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paddock of 617 Ridge street, died Sunday afternoon at the family home after an illness of one week from diptheria, aged 10 years 8 months. No other member of the family is ill with the disease. The funeral was in private this afternoon at 4 o'clock.

 

PADDOCK, LIZZIE (nee LOHR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7, 1901
Mrs. Allen R. Paddock, nee Lizzie Lohr, died very suddenly yesterday afternoon at the home of her mother, Mrs. Mary Lohr. Mrs. Paddock has lived in Upper Alton and vicinity all her life, with the the exception of the past two years, which she has spent with her husband in Pueblo, Colorado, where they went hoping to benefit Mrs. Paddock's health. Mrs. Paddock arrived here about three weeks ago and was in great grief over the loss of her little daughter, Clova, and this hastened her own death, which was from heart failure. Mrs. Paddock was in her 29th year. One child, a son, Middleton, is here. Mr. Paddock is expected here Friday morning. Funeral arrangements will not be completed until he arrives.

 

PADDOCK, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27, 1908
A funeral at East Alton Sunday morning, that of Mrs. Mary Paddock, was disturbed by the shouts and screams of a woman who was calling for help. Screams of "Help! Murder!" were the disturbing cause. Tony Siler, who lives close to the Paddock home, was said to be trying to murder his brother-in-law, Oscar Jones. The brother-in-law, according to Mrs. Siler, had called to see Mrs. Siler, his sister, and her husband objected to his being in the house. He procured a revolver and it is said would have killed the brother-in-law but for interference by Coroner C. N. Streeper. Mr. Streeper was in charge of the funeral. He ran over to the place whence the screams were coming and he disarmed Siler and prevented him carrying his threats into effect. Justice S. G. Cooper issued a warrant for the arrest of Siler, and he gave bond for his appearance this morning.

Mrs. Mary Paddock, wife of John Paddock, who was buried from her East Alton home Sunday afternoon, had made all arrangements for her own funeral long before her death occurred. She had selected the clergyman, an old friend, to conduct the services; had picked out the text, decided who was to sing at her funeral, and who were to serve as pallbearers. Owing to the fact that some of those who were picked had moved away from the village, some changes were made, but the funeral was carried our almost as the deceased had expressed her wishes. Rev. James Osborn, who officiated at the funeral of Mrs. Paddock, was placed in an embarrassing position just when it was time for the funeral service to begin. Rev. Mr. Osborn had prepared a sermon for the occasion, but just when the funeral party started from the home to the church, one of the relatives of the deceased happened to think that no one had told the officiating clergyman that Mrs. Paddock has asked that the text "She Hath Done What She Could," be used for her funeral sermon. Mr. Osborne said there was a large attendance at the funeral, and he had a very few minutes to think over his subject, but managed to make a thirty-five minutes talk. The hymns selected by Mrs. Paddock were "The Only Remembrance," "Save by Grace," "Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown," and "Rock of Ages." The pallbearers were S. G. Cooper, James Mitchell, R. J. Hoekstra, John Thomas, Al Jones and John Ingals.

 

PADDOCK, MYRTLE EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24, 1899
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paddock are bereaved in the death of their only daughter, Myrtle Emma, aged 11 months and 8 days, who died Thursday afternoon from la grippe and lung fever. The funeral will take place Sunday from the family home, 719 E. Sixth Street. Interment will be in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PADDOCK, ORVILLE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 3, 1868
Our community are again called upon today to mourn the sudden death of another of our old, well-known citizens. Mr. Orville Paddock, who has been a resident of Alton a great many years, and has raised up among us a most estimable and worthy family, was taken with paralysis last night, and in about an hour afterwards, departed this life. It will be recollected that it was only a day or two since that the Hon. Robert Smith was very suddenly removed from us, and now our citizens are called upon to follow the corpse of Mr. Paddock to the grave.

 

PADDOCK, ORVILLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1914
Old Soldier Dies
Orville Paddock, a brother of Gus Paddock of Moro, died at the national soldier’s home in Virginia, Sept. 19, and was buried there the following day. Word of the death and burial has been received by Gus Paddock, the brother. Mr. Orville Paddock was born in August 1842, and enlisted with the 97th Illinois Regiment in Alton, 20 years later, in 1862. Capt. John Trilbe had charge of the Company under the command of Col. Rutherford. Mr. Paddock served till the close of the war. It is interesting in connection with the death of this old soldier to mention that the deceased was one of the twenty-two young Altonians who came back from the war in this company, out of eighty who went away. Today there are only three of them in Alton and few more alive. The three are William Ellis Smith of the Drury-Wead Co., Dr. Charles Davis, and his brother Levi Davis, the attorney. All three of these men are active in the pursuits of life they chose, despite it being sixty-two years ago that they shouldered guns and marched away from Alton to go to war.

 

PADDOCK, P./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1850
Died at Paddock’s Grove in Madison County, Illinois, on the 14th inst., Mrs. P. Paddock, aged 81 years, for many years prior to her removal to Illinois, a resident of St. Louis.

 

PADDOCK, SOPHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1918
Double misfortunes were visited Monday night on Rollo Paddock of Godfrey, the well known business man of the little village, in that he lost his mother and home within a few hours time. Mrs. Sophie Paddock, the mother, died at her home Monday evening at 10:30 o'clock, and the Rollo Paddock home and place of business was destroyed during the night. The Paddock family went to the mother's home and closed up the house, and were away at the time the fire broke out. By the time the fire was discovered, it had eaten throughout the interior of the house and the fire fighters who arrived on the scene were unable to be of any assistance. The Paddock family resided close to the C. & A. station at Godfrey, and conducted a small grocery store and boarding house. Theirs was one of the best known institutions in the town, and was known to all visitors. The fire will be the cause of a shortage of sleeping accommodations. As the result of the fire, the Kinloch wires were burned out on the east side of town, and telephone connections were broken off. The west side system was not affected. The Chicago & Alton passenger station at Godfrey, which is about fifty feet from where the Paddock house stood, was endangered by the fire. The old station was burned not long ago, and the new one is nearing completion. It stands under roof and is ready to receive the stucco covering on the outside. The fire in the Paddock building would have spread to the station but for the fact there was a full tank of water and strong pressure available from the city water service pipes, and it was possible to keep a stream of water playing on the station all the time. On the other side of the passenger station were two long strings of box cars, and no engine anywhere around to move them, and all the cars were loaded. It was a dangerous time until the fire had died down so that the menace to the depot and the box cars was removed.

 

PADDOCK, SUSANNA “SUSAN”/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 8, 1885
Daughter of Gaius and Mary Wood Paddock
Miss Susan Paddock was born in Woodstock, Windsor County, Vermont. She was the fourth daughter of Gaius and Mary Wood Paddock. In the Fall of 1815, the family of eight daughters and two sons started for the West, and wintered in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1816, they moved to St. Charles, Missouri, crossing the Mississippi River at Smeltzer’s ferry, about two miles above Alton. They were in St. Charles about one year, and then moved to St. Louis, where they remained until March 1819, when a part of the family, including Susan Paddock, moved to the Illinois farm. It was then entirely new; one small log cabin and about four acres under fence, and to the north no house nearer than Fort Clark (now Peoria). Having a great taste for all pertaining to botany, she commenced the cultivation of floral and horticultural plants, and many old settlers came to her for plants and trees to beautify their own homes. In 1831, her father died, and the care of the farm came into her hands, and was conducted from that time until her last sickness with credit to herself. She was ever ready to assist the needy and to help the young to gain all the instruction they would need through life. Painting was her recreation, and many young persons were indebted to her for their first lessons.

Some years ago she united with the Unitarian Church in St. Louis, and was a consistent member until she felt it her duty to unite with the Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church to which she gave great attention as long as able to attend, in fact, she was taken down with her last sickness on her return from the church, and died at her home on October 26, 1884. [Burial was in the Paddock – Flagg Cemetery in Moro, Madison County, Illinois.]

 

PADDOCK, THOMAS B./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 15, 1871
Died on August 23, 1871, in Paris, France, after a short illness, Thomas B. Paddock of Alton.

 

PAGE, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 14, 1894
Engineer Thomas Page died Thursday. Mr. Page resided in Alton for some time, and held a position on the Big Four Railroad. He was discharged, owing to deafness. He was a kind-hearted man, and did several acts of charity to the “cave dwellers” recorded at the time. His mind was affected, and it became necessary to send him to the asylum at Anna. The funeral took place Saturday from the home of his family in Mattoon.

While an engineer on the Big Four, he was hauling a water train, which was filled at Wann from the tank there. The train consisted of coal oil tanks, and Mr. Page attempted to look into one of them, holding a lighted torch for the purpose of seeing as to whether the tank was empty. The minute the torch was lowered into the tank, there was a loud explosion, and Mr. Page was badly burned about the face and head, from which he suffered most severely for weeks.

 

PAINE, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 27, 1894
Robert Paine, a resident of Alton, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital Saturday night, at the age of 56 years, from bowel complaint. The funeral occurred Sunday afternoon, and interment took place at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

 

PALMER, ELLA H./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 3, 1875
Died March 31, 1875, Ella H., infant daughter of H. R. and S. J. Palmer; aged one month and one week.

 

PALMER, EMILY (nee GODFREY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1897
Daughter, and Last Surviving Child of Captain Benjamin Godfrey
Emily Godfrey Palmer, the last of the children of the late Benjamin Godfrey, founder of the Monticello Ladies Seminary, died at her home in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on Tuesday, May 18. Mrs. Palmer had been sick for a month, and in poor health for six months previously. Five children survive her.

She was married in Texas many years ago at the home of her sister, Mrs. Bowie, and removed with her husband, Joseph Ransom Palmer, to New Brunswick, where she lived and raised her family. The New Brunswick papers speak of her as a woman of strong Christian character.

Source: New Brunswick Daily Times, May 19, 1897
Mrs. Joseph Ransom Palmer, daughter of the late Captain Benjamin Godfrey of Godfrey, Illinois, died at her home, No. 78 College Avenue, last night. She leaves, beside her husband, four children – two sons, Oliver M. and Joseph; and two daughters, both of whom are unmarried. She was also related to Mrs. Munsell of Paterson Street. The funeral will be held from her late residence on Friday, at 11 o’clock. [Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery, New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey.]

 

PALMER, FANNY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1902
Mrs. Fanny Palmer, aged 46, died last night at St. Joseph's hospital after an illness of several months. She underwent a surgical operation a short time ago and did not rally from it.

 

PALMER, JAMES A./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 28, 1873
Dies in Edwardsville Jail
We understand that James A. Palmer, who was confined in the Madison county jail [Edwardsville], under the charge of stealing a buggy and a beehive, died in prison on Wednesday last of lung fever. He is believed to be the first prisoner who has died while confined in jail in this county, within the recollection of the “oldest inhabitant” of Edwardsville.

 

PALMER, JESSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6, 1918
Jesse Palmer died last evening at the Emergency hospital where he was taken upon the advice of his attending physician. He was taken ill a week ago last Monday, and from that time grew worse. He resided with his family just outside of Upper Alton, and worked at the Western Cartridge Company. He leaves his wife and three children, two sons, William and Theodore, and one daughter, Catherine. William is in France with the American Expeditionary Forces. His wife is very ill, having suffered a fainting spell before her husband's death. All day she remained in a serious condition which caused her family much alarm. Besides his wife and children, Palmer leaves his aged mother, Mrs. Sarah Palmer, who resided with him; also three brothers, Charles, Thomas and George; and three sisters, Mrs. Charles Daniels of St. Louis, Mrs. Thomas Payne of Sturgis, Mich., and Mrs. H. Jouett of this city. He was 44 years of age. This afternoon Mrs. Palmer recovered enough for her brother-in-law, George Palmer, to tell her of her husband's death. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday from the Streeper Undertaking Parlors. The services will be private.

 

PALMER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 20, 1895
From Moro – Mrs. William Palmer died at her late residence in Charleston, Monday evening, after a lingering illness. The remains were brought to Moro Tuesday evening for interment. Short services were held at the church, conducted by Rev. Smith. Mrs. Palmer was long a resident of Moro. She leaves a large number of relatives, among them being Mrs. George Russel of Moro, and Mrs. C. C. Russel and John Palmer of Edwardsville.

 

PAPE, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 08, 1898
Charles Pape, a well-known young glass worker, died at his home on Spring Street Saturday night with consumption. He was only 25 years of age, and his death coming so untimely leaves many sorrowing friends and relatives. The funeral was on Tuesday morning, and services were held in St. Mary’s Church.

 

PAPE, LUDWIG/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26, 1915
Ludwig Pape, aged 93, died Monday afternoon in the Liberty Prairie neighborhood near Moro, from old age. He had lived there since 1848 and he had raised a large family of children. He is survived by five sons and five daughters. He served in the German army in 1848 as a cavalryman. On coming to America, he took work on the place of Gershom Flagg, and later he married. He bought some land and he added to it and at his death he left about 250 acres of farming land beside other property. He was a highly respected resident of the neighborhood, and even though he had lived beyond the time of men whom he had known in the days of his activity, he had many friends among the younger people.

 

PAPE, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1907
Mrs. Mary Pape, who was a resident of Alton for more than half a century, died last night from dropsy at her home, 822 east Fifth street. She is survived by three daughters. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. Mrs. Pape was 75 years old the 20th of last March.

 

PARADEE, SUSAN C. (nee GASKILL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 20, 1875
From Edwardsville - We have been told of the death of Mrs. Paradee, widow of the late Caleb Paradee, which occurred at Troy in Madison County about a week ago, and if all we heard is true, it would seem that she died by poison administered by herself. We did not hear full and reliable particulars, however, and the poison part of the report may be false. The deceased was a daughter of Stephen W. Gaskill of Collinsville. [Mrs. Paradee was born in 1850, and was 25 years of age. She was buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in Collinsville. Her tombstone reads, “Mother.”]

 

PARADISE, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 16, 1891
Killed by Train
Nicholas Paradise, a German farmer, 55 years of age, was killed Thursday on the track of the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Mitchell. He was loading a car with wheat on a side track of the Big Four Railroad. Two freight trains, with the engines racing each other, stood between the car and the hotel. Mr. Paradise and his helper tried to pass between the two engines to the hotel, across the main line. As Paradise stepped on the track, train No. 42, known as the Kansas City mail, going south, struck and killed him instantly. An inquest was held by Coroner Bonner, the jury rendering a verdict of accidental death. The remains were buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Mitchell on Friday.

 

PARK, CHARLES T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10, 1920
Father and Son Die Same Day from Influenza
John Louis Park, aged 8, died this morning at the family home in Wood River, and this afternoon about 2:30 o'clock the father of the child, Charles T. Park, passed away. Both parents and child were victims of the influenza. Other members of the family are ill with the influenza, and no funeral arrangements have been made.

 

PARK, ELEANOR/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 10, 1890
Died April 4, Miss Eleanor Park, sister of Mrs. Mary Tansey, corner of State and William Streets in Alton; in the 80th year of her age.

 

PARK, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 1, 1875
Mr. John Park, one of our oldest and most respected citizens, died June 24, 1875, at his residence on State Street after a lingering illness, aged eighty years. His decease has been long expected, but will prove none the less a grief to his many relatives and friends, by all of whom he was regarded with sincere affection. Mr. Park was a native of Ireland, but came to this country when about twenty-five years of age [in 1820], and took up his residence in New Orleans, where he resided about fifteen years, and then owing to failing health, he returned to his native land. In 1850, he again came to the United States, and settled in Alton, where he has since resided, living to a green old age, and ever retaining the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He was an honest man and a good citizen - one whose death is ever a severe loss to a community. Mr. Park was a relative of Mr. R. P. Tansey of St. Louis.

 

PARK, JOHN LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10, 1920
Father and Son Die Same Day from Influenza
John Louis Park, aged 8, died this morning at the family home in Wood River, and this afternoon about 2:30 o'clock the father of the child, Charles T. Park, passed away. Both parents and child were victims of the influenza. Other members of the family are ill with the influenza, and no funeral arrangements have been made.

 

PARKER, ANNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1893
Mrs. Annie Parker, wife of Mr. W. C. Parker, died Monday after a painful illness covering several weeks. A little more than a year ago, Miss Annie Holl was united in marriage to Mr. Parker, and this married life promised much pleasure until about three months ago, when she became ill and later was taken to her bed with consumption at the residence of her sister, Mrs. William Fries, where she remained until death came to her relief. The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from the home of her sister, Mrs. William Fries. A large number of friends were present at the services, which were conducted by Rev. L. A. Abbott. Numerous flowers testified of the esteem in which the deceased was held by all who knew her. A large cortege followed to the Alton City Cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest with a last hymn and prayer.

 

PARKER, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20, 1914
President of Parker & Block Commission in St. Louis Drowns
While a party of forty picnickers from Alton stood helplessly by on Maple Island Sunday afternoon, Charles A. Parker, aged 52, president of the Parker & Block Commission Co., St. Louis, was drowned a few hundred yards of the island. The Alton party saw the Parker party fight for over fifteen minutes in an effort to save the life of Mr. Parker from the river, and it is very probable that if they had had a skiff, they would have been able to have effected a rescue. Among those who were in the picnic party were Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McManus and family, Mr. and Mrs. George Hunt, Mr. and Mrs. Cobus Penning, Mrs. Emma Meyers and daughter, Misses Susie Jones, Amelia Dietschy, Lizzie Berner, Ada Hemkin. Besides these, there were a number of guests. According to the members of the party this is the first time that they have ever made their annual outing trip without taking a skiff with them. Parker, who is well to do, being an owner of stock in the St. Louis Federal League Club, besides his interest in the Parker & Block Commission Co., arrived home from LaGrange, Ill. Sunday after spending several days there on business. He was persuaded by his brother and a number of other business associates to make the pleasure trip to Willow Ben's Island. The party arrived at the island at 1 o'clock, and at once set out for the bar above to go swimming. Mr. Parker had not intended to go swimming, but he found a bathing suit on the boat and decided to use it. The party was taken from the island to the bar in the launch "Let's Go," owned by William Havens, despite the protests of Willow Ben, who advised them not to swim there. Parker was an exceptionally good swimmer, and he was not content to remain in the four foot water over the bar, and struck out into the river. After going for a distance of some 150 yards, he was seized with a cramp and called out to the other members of the party for help. At once Ed Streit, Henry Kulage, and Joseph Abaracherle and Al Brown struck out to save him. All of these men were fairly good swimmers, but the swim out to the drowning man exhausted them to such a degree that it was impossible for them to bring him back to the bar. For fifteen minutes the party of five floated down the river, first one of the swimmers holding Parker above the water and then another would take a turn. In the meantime, Parker's brother, Stanley, hurried back to the boat and started out in the big launch to effect the rescue. From the deck of the boat he kept yelling orders and begged the men in the water to hold on to his brother. Parker's short hair made it impossible to hold him up in this manner, and at one time Brown held him up by the shin and again by the ear, but both times he got away. Kulage, who weighs but 135 pounds was taken down twice by Parker, who weighs 195, before he finally gave up the struggle, and Abarcherie was so nearly drowned that it took the party fifteen minutes to bring him to after getting him to shore. Abaracherle said after coming to, that he would have stayed until the last but he thought of his little children at home and had to leave go of Parker. It was a sad party that left Willow Ben's Island Sunday evening for St. Louis in the launch "Let's Go." It would have been very difficult to find a set of fourteen men than those who confronted a reported for the Telegraph on the island Sunday evening. Parker leaves a wife and three children, who are at present enjoying a pleasure trip in the East. Members of the family said that a liberal reward would be given for the finding of the body. Efforts were made to get it Sunday, but they were unsuccessful.

NOTE: Willow Ben, who advised the party not to swim there, and whose real name was Ben Sawyer, made a living by attending the river beacons to guide steamboat pilots. He also caught and sold fish. He lived among the willows on the island with his dog, cat, and goat, and made trips to Alton to buy provisions and meet with friends. He also enjoyed killing and eating chicken hawks, and considered them a great delicacy.

 

PARKER, EMMA/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1852
Died on the 27th inst., in Alton, Emma, daughter of W. R. and Z. H. Parker, aged 1 year, 10 months and 22 days.

 

PARKER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 13, 1910
The funeral of George Parker was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from his home on State street. A large number of friends of the old soldier attended the services at the home and burial in Oakwood cemetery. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul's Episcopal church. The pallbearers were Samuel Pile, John Haven, James Smith, George Berngen, Leo Hale, W. A. Rice.

 

PARKER, JENNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 13, 1890
From Marine – The funeral services of Miss Jennie Parker were conducted by Elder Vance of Hillsboro, at the Christian Church. The remains were interred at the Marine Cemetery Wednesday morning. Miss Parker was born in Marine in 1859. She was a devout Christian and an active worker, both in church and Sunday school. Dust has returned to dust, and a spirit to its Creator. She leaves a mother and a large circle of friends to mourn her demise.

 

PARKER, NEWTON SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1913
Civil War Soldier
Newton Parker Sr., after an illness of short duration, died Friday night at 10 o'clock at his home in Hawley avenue, the members of his family with other relatives being at his bedside when the end came. He was 82 years old, and lived here more than 80 of those years. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Parker, who came here from the east something over 80 years ago, when deceased was a small child. He was one of the old time, expert sawmill men in this vicinity, and for many years was employed at the sawmill operated on the riverfront above Alton. He married a Miss Hawley, and several years ago retired from work to the farm on Hawley avenue. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Samuel Parker, Officer Harry Parker, and Newton Parker Jr., all of Alton. He fought in the war of the Rebellion, and is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a companionable, genial man and a good neighbor, a devoted husband and father, and a good citizen generally. He lived to see Alton transformed from a little town surrounded by forests, into the fine progressive city it is, and has seen all of the wonderful inventions and improvements the world has made since he was a lad. His own farm he has seen become in part, at least, the sites of happy homes, and he has seen the farms of his early day neighbors become the sites of a city. Charitable, just and kind, his death will be regretted by the citizens generally, and his family has the sincere sympathy of all. For the last forty years Mr. and Mrs. Parker lived on the Hawley homestead in Hawley avenue, and after Mr. Parker quit working in the saw mills for Messrs. George Allen, J. M. Ryrie and the late A. K. Root, he devoted his time to the culture of fruit and kindred pursuits. He was a brother of the late Mrs. William Armstrong, and of the late George Parker. Two of his children died in infancy. Death came to him last night without a struggle, and his end was very peaceful. Mrs. Parker became prostrated and was under the care of a physician for some time. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

PARKER, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1910
Robert Parker, the 19 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Parker, living in the North Side on Alby street, died at St. Joseph's hospital Thursday evening from lockjaw, as the result of injuries he received two weeks ago last Tuesday. Parker had lockjaw six days, and two weeks from the day he was hurt he was moved to the hospital. The family first noticed that pains which were troubling him were due to a cold, but on Tuesday morning he became very bad and the doctors who were called decided to attempt an operation at the hospital, and also to inject tetanus anti-toxine. Three treatments of the anti-toxin were given, but they were of no avail, and he died Thursday after suffering agony from the frequently recurring attacks of lockjaw. He would rest quietly at times, but when the convulsions came on, his suffering was terrible. The funeral will be taken to Melville for burial. Parker was caught under a caving bank at the brick plant, and was crushed against the sharp teeth of a steam shovel. His right arm was broken in several places, and his thumb was broken and lacerated against the teeth of the shovel. It was this that caused the tetanus.

 

PARKER, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1852
Died at Marine, Madison County, Illinois, on October 21, 1851, Mrs. Sarah Parker, wife of Captain Andrew Parker, in the 48th year of her age. The deceased, till the last summer, was known as Miss Carah Cadwalader. For many years she was an esteemed member of Rev. Albert Barnes’ Church, Philadelphia. In the Fall of 1849, she came to the West, and during her two year’s residence at Marine, has endeared herself to many warm friends, in the exercise of “a meek and quiet spirit.”

 

PARKER, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 1, 1851
Died in Alton on the 23d inst., an infant daughter of James and Elizabeth Parker, aged three months and 12 days.

 

PARKER, W. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28, 1901
W. C. Parker died Tuesday evening in the 51st year of his age, at his residence on Upper State street. Mr. Parker was a native of Alton, where he has lived his entire life. He was for many years engineer for John Armstrong, and proved himself faithful and competent in the discharge of his duties. He was esteemed by all his acquaintances who will regret his death. His wife and one son survive him. The funeral will take place on Thursday morning from the family residence at nine o'clock, Rev. G. W. Shepherd officiating.

 

PARKER, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19, 1908
Walter, 4 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parker, died last night from stomach troubles at the home in Alby street. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon, and burial will be in City cemetery.

 

PARKER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15, 1916
The funeral of William Parker was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of J. Dorsett. The services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing, and the burial was in the City cemetery.

 

PARKER, WILLIAM R./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 21, 1892
Mr. William R. Parker, one of Alton’s oldest and most respected citizens, died at his home, corner of Ninth and Belle Streets, yesterday evening, after a lingering illness of rheumatic meningitis. Mr. Parker, who was 78 years of age, leaves besides the widow, two daughter, Mrs. Felix Wise and Mrs. Charles Levis, and one son, Mr. William E. Parker. Deceased was a native of Milton, Delaware, and has resided in Alton since 1846. For a number of years, he was engaged in business as a wholesale grocer, and was perhaps longer in the grocery business than any other man in Alton. The funeral will take place tomorrow from his late residence to the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PARKER, ZORADA H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1902
Another old resident of Alton received a sudden summons this morning to the Great Beyond, and although she had been ill for three days with the grip, the end came so unexpectedly as to severely shock her relatives and numerous friends. Mrs. Zorada H. Parker died at 11 o'clock this morning of heart failure at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Levis, 811 State street. She had been making her home with her daughter for some time. Mrs. Parker was 71 years of age and had lived in Alton since 1847. For many years after the death of her husband, she continued to conduct the grocery store at Ninth and Belle streets, and many poor people received much kindly aid from her in time of need. She was of a nature that made friends and retained them, and her death will be sincerely mourned by those who knew her best. She leaves three children, Mrs. Felix I. Wise, Mrs. Charles Levis of Alton, and W. C. Parker of St. Louis.

 

PARKINSON, AUGUSTUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 29, 1884
Augustus Parkinson, son of ex-State Senator Parkinson, died at the family residence near Highland last Sunday, of consumption.

 

PARKINSON, WASHINGTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 23, 1846 Murder in Highland!
The following extract of a letter from a highly esteemed friend at Helvetia [Township], in this county, gives an account of a diabolical murder committed in the evening of the 15th inst. We learn from other sources that the unfortunate victim, who was a most respectable citizen, had just risen from the supper table and was sitting near and fronting a window reading a newspaper at the moment when the vile assassin accomplished his atrocious purpose. It will be observed that a son of the deceased has offered a reward for the apprehension of the villain, and we hope every proper exertion will be used to bring him to justice with as much expedition as practicable.

"A most foul and cold-blooded murder was committed on Friday evening last, the 15th inst., near Highland, Madison County, Illinois. Mr. Washington Parkinson, an old and highly respectable citizen of this county, was shot while sitting in his own house about 8 o'clock on the night aforesaid, by some unknown person who, under cover of the darkness, discharged a gun loaded with a ball through the window - the ball striking Mr. Parkinson near the center of his forehead. He lived until about eight o'clock a.m. on Saturday, when he expired, having survived the wound about twelve hours. Rarely, if ever, has there been perpetrated an act of such fiendish atrocity as the one above stated in the state of Illinois - an act that cannot be palliated by any extenuating circumstances, as the vile perpetrator could have been actuated by no other motive than the gratification of his revenge, and his victim, an aged and gray-haired man (being about sixty years of age), a peaceable and quiet citizen, surrounded by a multitude of friends and living in the midst of a moral and religious community. Strong and energetic means should be resorted to, to ferret and bring to justice the guilty actor of this dark and bloody tragedy, for which purpose, Mr. Alfred J. Parkinson, son of the murdered man, has offered a reward of two hundred dollars, and his friends and neighbors have taken steps to increase said reward, the result of which will be announced next week."

NOTES: Washington Parkinson was born September 3, 1787, and was the son of Peter Parkinson and Mary Morgan. He was born in Washington County, North Carolina, which later became Carter County, Tennessee. He came to Madison County, Illinois Territory in 1814. After his death he was buried in the Parkinson Cemetery in St. Jacob, Illinois. His survivors include his wife, Mary, daughters Mary Ann and Eliza, and son Alfred Jackson Parkinson. As far as I know, the murderer was never found and brought to justice.

 

PARKS, ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 19, 1862
Died in Alton this morning, (the 13th inst.), Mrs. Ann Parks, aged 81 years.

 

PARKS, AUGUSTUS SHIPLEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1840
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 28th ult., Augustus Shipley, infant son of Lawson A. and Margaret Parks, aged 6 weeks.

 

PARKS, ELIZABETH JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1846
Died in Alton on the 8th inst., after an illness of but six hours, Elizabeth Jane, only child of Lawson A. and Margaret Parks, aged 5 months.

 

Lawson A. ParksPARKS, LAWSON A./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 1, 1875
Co-Founder of the Alton Telegraph
Died in Alton on March 31, 1875, after a lingering illness, Lawson A. Parks, Senior Editor of the Telegraph, aged 62 years. In announcing the death of our beloved associate and friend, to the readers of the Telegraph, we feel that we address a multitude of sympathizers in this great affliction, who mourn with us the loss his relatives, friends, and the community have sustained. A type of noble and upright manhood, a man of honest purpose and purity of life, a Christian gentleman has passed away from among us.

On the last day of the old year [1874], three months ago he was stricken with the illness which has resulted in his death. The first symptoms of sickness were felt on that evening, while at the Presbyterian Church, engaged in leading the weekly prayer meeting. For three long months of such pain as few men are called upon to endure, he was a patient, uncomplaining sufferer. After the first few days, his disease (originally typhoid pneumonia) developed alarming symptoms. Then, week after week came alternations of hope and fear to the friends who watched by his bedside. All the resources of medical skill, the supreme devotion of a loving and tender wife, the untiring care and attention of sympathizing friends, proved powerless to check the progress of the destroyer. At twenty minutes of seven, last evening, “the silver cord was loosed and golden bowl was broken.”

The last few moments of his life were free from suffering – calmly and peacefully, as if falling asleep, his life ebbed away, until he was no longer among us. Up to the last half hour, he was fully conscious – his mind clear and strong as ever. Death had for him no terrors. He welcomed it, rather, as opening the door to his Father’s house, where is no sickness, no pain, no weariness, only fullness of joy and rest forevermore.

All his preparations were fully made for the great change, all his wishes expressed, all the farewells taken. But we must be excused from extended comment at present. We find ourselves unequal to the task. What can we say that those who knew and loved him best do not already know? His life in Alton, for nearly forty years – a life of stainless integrity, of devotion to principle, of labor for others, of service to his God, are a record which can never be effaced. A sketch of his life is in preparation by competent hands, and will appear, probably, in our next issue.

Thirty-nine years ago, Mr. Parks founded the Telegraph, Today, it goes forth to its readers to tell them of its great loss; to tell them that the voice, that for thirty-nine years spoke through its columns none but words of truth, of honor, of patriotism, of strong upholding of right, of fearless denunciation of wrong, is now still in death. This paper was the life work of his public career. Through it, the influence of his noble manhood was exerted largely throughout the Southern part of the State, and we believe that his work lives after him in a sense stronger and fuller than is given to the most of men. In taking up the work where he laid it down, how strongly do we feel the greatness of the deeds he wrought. How vain to hope to equal them!

The funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, from the Presbyterian Church. Carriages will leave the residence for the church at two o’clock. Friends and acquaintances are invited to attend.

How desolate is the home he leaves behind him, where the wife and mother, bereft of husband and children, mourn in her loneliness and sorrow. How strange it seems to think that his familiar form, his genial presence, will no longer be seen in this office. How great the void left in the church, and in the Mission School of which he was the head.

But we must bring these broken words to a close. To us, all must come, sooner or later, sorrow and trouble. For him who has entered upon the new existence, to join his children gone before, we know has come the fullness of life denied him here. But the bitterness of parting! The void left behind! Surely all the sorrow of death can never be told by those who remain to mourn over its desolation.

The Funeral of Lawson A. Parks
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 8, 1875
The funeral of Lawson A. Parks, Senior Editor of the Telegraph, took place last Friday afternoon (April 2) from the Presbyterian Church, as per announcement. Seldom, perhaps never, in Alton has there been a larger attendance of citizens at a funeral service than that gathered on Friday to pay the last tribute of respect and affection to one known and loved so well. The character of the assemblage was significant of the impress his life and services had made on the community. All classes of society were represented – rich and poor, white and colored – all testifying by their presence and sympathy that they had lost a personal friend, and the community an honored citizen. The Mayor and Common Council testified their appreciation of the public services of the deceased by being present in their official capacity. Large numbers of friends were also present from neighboring towns. The services at the church were simple and appropriate. The funeral discourses were preached by Rev. Messrs. Norton and Armstrong. Rev. Messrs. West and Morrison assisted in the services. Beautiful and touching music was rendered by the choir and by the organist, Miss Cora Dolbee. The pallbearers were Messrs. John E. Hayner, E. Hollister, E. P. Wade, John A. Cousley II, W. Hart, Samuel Pitts, M. P. Caldwell, and C. T. Ware.

The services ended, the great congregation filed by the remains to take the last look at the still face of their friend, brother and helper. Then the long procession wended its way to the cemetery. “Earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes.” Under the beautiful rays of the westering sunlight, on that lovely Spring day, amid prayers and tears, he was laid to rest beside his children. Around him all nature is rising “in leaves and branches to the sky,” a type of the resurrection morning when the bodies of the dead shall rise clothed in immortal youth.

The Life and Character of Larson A. Parks
Larson A. Parks was born at or near Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, April 15, 1813. His ancestors were Irish Presbyterians, and came to North Carolina at an early day. Of his history in childhood and youth, I have little knowledge. He has told me, however, that his early education was very imperfect. As proof of this, I may mention that when he was about 38 years of age, he studied with me in Alton, the rudiments of English grammar, proving himself a thorough and apt scholar. He learned his trade of printer at Charlotte, North Carolina, entering the office at 17 years of age. At the age of 20, in 1833, he came with his father to St. Louis, where he remained for three years. While there, he worked at the printing business, the first year in the Republican office. Hen then became connected with the St. louis Observer – the famous paper edited by Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy. While in St. Louis, Mr. Parks united with the First Presbyterian Church, then under the care of Rev. W. S. Potts.

Mr. Parks removed to Alton on January 8, 1836, and in connection with Richard M. Treadway, established the Alton Telegraph. His connection with that paper, with several brief interruptions and many changes as to his associates in the enterprise, has continued from that time until his death. It was in that connection mainly that he developed himself, advancing every year in general intelligence and in mental grasp and compass, until he became one of the most accomplished, as he had ever been one of the most conscientious editors of the day. It is too, in that connection mainly, that he has exerted a degree of usefulness, second, perhaps, to that of no man in the southern half of our State.

He united with the First Presbyterian Church in Alton by letter, July 3, 1836. At this time, there are only two persons in the church whose connection with it was formed prior to his, viz., Mrs. Margaret Stanford, who united July 25, 1835; and Elder P. B. Whipple, who united April 17, 1836. Mr. Parks was chosen an elder in the church on May 28, 1841, at the same time with Mr. Samuel Wade. Since the church adopted the limited term plan of eldership, Mr. Parks has been regularly re-elected, at the close of each term, and always by a unanimous vote. At the time of his death, he was in office the oldest elder.

He has ever been connected with the Sabbath School in some capacity, as pupil, teacher, superintendent, or vice-superintendent. For the few years just past, he has managed, with great efficiency and success, the Mission Sunday School on State Street.

His attendance on the weekly prayer meeting was regular and constant. Whoever might be absent, he was present. Whoever might fail of adding his quota to the interest and profit of the meeting, his contribution was always ready.

Of our friend’s domestic relations I shall trust myself to say but a word. He married Miss Margaret Shipley on March 23, 1837. Four children were given them, three of whom died in infancy. One son was spared to reach the age of twelve. The widow now sits solitary, and unconsciously appeals to those Christian sympathies which we as unconsciously and spontaneously bestow. Would they could be rendered more effective. With husband and children gone, what can the mourner do? Alas! The desolated home! The vacant hearth!

Mr. Parks never occupied any civil position. His virtue was too Roman for these politically degenerate times. He could be Cato the Censor, or Aristides the Just, but of Machiavellian wiles he knew little, and heartily despised the little he knew. He was, however, at the time of his death, President of the Board of Trustees of the State Reform School at Pontiac.

There is one fact in Mr. Parks’ history which is little known. Between 1850 and 1854 occurred one of the periods of interruption in his connection with the Telegraph. Encouraged by some who knew his remarkable fluency, clearness, and aptness in extemporary address, he directed his attention to the ministry, entered upon a course of study with that object in view, and on April 16, 1852, was licensed by the Presbytery of Alton to preach the gospel. He labored in that capacity for several months at Troy, Madison County. His labors were very favorably received, and the congregation were anxious for their continuance, but Mr. Parks conceived he could be more useful by returning to his old work. He accordingly again purchased an interest in the Telegraph, and went back to his editorial and publishing business. He never became an ordained minister, but from the Spring of 1852 to the time of his death, he held a regular license to preach the gospel, and occasionally acted in that capacity.

The circumstances of his sickness and death are familiar to this audience, and were set forth with sufficient fullness in the Telegraph of Tuesday. In one of my last interviews, he said repeatedly that he was “satisfied,” meaning that he was willing to live or die as the Lord pleased. He had no will of his own. Like Abraham and Isaac, he died an elder, a ruler in the church, he died satisfied; he had had enough of life and was ready to be gathered to his people.

He had fully set his house in order. Of his personal piety, it is superfluous to speak. Those, who for nearly forty years, have heard him speak and pray, have witnessed his consistent walk, his active efforts to do good, the uniformity of his piety, his freedom from those periodical declines, which disgrace the course of so many, do not need to be told he was a Christian man. He fed on Divine truth. He grew in the knowledge of God. His path was that of the just.

I say, he had set his house in order. His will was made. His debts were all paid. It is believed that at his death he owned no man a dollar, except it may be for the expenses of his last sickness. His widow is left with a competence. Benevolent objects are not forgotten. All these grand results have been achieved by integrity, by honesty, and by a man as free from love of money as anyone I ever saw. His life was a pecuniary success, though filled with struggles and economies. Much more a pecuniary success than that of many men who have handled a thousand dollars where he handled one.

You will bear with me if I prolong this inadequate and imperfectly digested sketch enough to give a condensed estimate of the man:

1. He was a self-made man. His early advantages must have been exceedingly small, though I am not prepared to say precisely what they were or were not. But, like the immortal Lincoln, he had his birth in that portion of our country over which the dark pall of slavery had hung for 150 years, repressing education, and preventing the establishment of that school system which is and ever has been the glory of our eastern and northeastern States. But in some way, he acquired some education and a competent knowledge of a trade peculiarly favorable to mental discipline. By sedulously improving all his opportunities for acquiring knowledge, and putting it to constant use as fast as gained, he steadily increased its amount, made it permanent, and instantly available. This improving process he carried steadily forward through life; held to it, not from ambitious motives, but from high principle and inclination. For the blessed operation of a right heart is to make duty and inclination synonymous.

2. He had not only good, but somewhat remarkable native powers. Had this not been so, he would never have mastered the difficulties of his circumstances, and have climbed steadily upward in spite of all obstacles. His power of extemporary address was quite unusual. He had that intense absorption in his theme, which constitutes one of the chief elements of eloquence. This, with clear conceptions and fluent speech, made him an orator of no mean order. Often have I seen Presbyteries and Synods swayed by his addresses in a manner which very few professed public speakers could emulate.

With suitable training and cultivation, he would have stood very high in the rank of orators. With these native powers were combined good habits and untiring industry. Hence his growth, steady and constant to the end. Such men do not decline. They have no second childhood. Their latest productions are the ripest and richest.

3. His Christian character was of the purest and loftiest type. He loved the truth. That system of doctrine commonly called Calvinistic, he received with all his heart, fully believing both God’s sovereignty and man’s free agency, and never suspecting conflict between them. Hence, he could both pray and work, and was mighty in both directions. While fully, according to all others, the same freedom of opinion which he claimed and exercised for himself, he was, in his views of church polity, a Presbyterian, from preference, education, and convictions. But he was truly Catholic. He recognized every good man, by whatsoever name he might be called, and was ready to cooperate with him in every good work. His evenness of temper was remarkable. Whoever saw him in a passion? We have seen him serious and grieved, but I, for one, never saw him angry. His conduct was consistent with his profession. He was a “living epistle of Christ, known and read of all men.” His cheerfulness was unfailing – an outward sign of the serenity and peace within.

4. While his opinions and convictions were very positive, his course as a political editor was remarkably free from mere partisanship. He was courteous and fair to opponents, never stooping to chicanery and intrigue, much less to misrepresentation. His country was his party – true patriotism his rule of political action. If he wrote, spoke, and acted with one organization rather than another, it was because he fully believed such a course most conductive to his country’s highest welfare. He knew that moral rectitude was the highest political expediency and perfect honesty the soundest political axiom. My personal relations with him were of the most pleasant, intimate, and confidential character. For thirty-six years – the duration of an entire generation – we have stood in this community, shoulder to shoulder, acting in full sympathy and with entire oneness of view. Very few men indeed have I so fully trusted. Why the younger man is taken, in the midst of his highest usefulness, while the older is left, is a mystery which waits its solution.

May his mantle fall upon the younger men who succeed to his great responsibilities in connection with the Sabbath School, the church, the press. That mantle is the glorious, gospel panoply: trust in God and dare to do right. This is armor of proof. It is aggressive and defensive. It is just the armor needed. A mighty moral, perhaps bloody conflict is, doubtless, impending. While in some aspects, a continuation of the terrible one just past, in other regards it will reach forward to new and higher grounds and be fought on higher issues. It is destined to enter, nay it has already entered the field of education. Its premonitory symptoms are felt today through the civilized world – in Italy, Germany, Great Britain, and these United States. We need recruits for this mighty oncoming war – just such men as he whose mortal remains lie in that coffin. Men of decision, high moral principle, correct habits, industry and steady growth. Such men will, under God, meet any crisis, and fight successfully through any and every great moral battle.

NOTES:
Lawson A. Parks was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. Two of his children were Augustus Shipley Parks (born and died in 1840; and Elizabeth Jane Parks (born and died in 1846).

 

PARKS, LLOYD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1914
Young Boy Dies After Being Thrown from Buggy
Lloyd Parks, the 14-year-old boy who was thrown from a vehicle during a runaway near the Milton crossing of the Big Four track when the runaway horse caused the buggy to collide with a Big Four train at the crossing, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 10 o'clock Thursday night. He never regained consciousness. The body was taken in charge by friends of the boy's family. The funeral of Lloyd Parks will be held at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the St. Mary's church to the St. Joseph's cemetery.

Mother Invokes Curses on Jury
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 2, 1914
The coroner's jury held no one responsible for the death of Lloyd Parks, after hearing all the evidence in the case yesterday afternoon. There were a number of reasons advanced for the cause of the boy's death, but the jury returned a verdict that he had met his death as the result of a fracture of the skull received when he jumped from a runaway. When the coroner's jury returned a verdict to the effect that the death was the result of an accident and exonerating the railroad company from all blame, Mrs. Parks, mother of the dead boy, arose from her seat and holding both hands high above her head is said to have called down curses on all of the jurors for returning such a verdict. The mother was very much excited according to reports, and was calmed with difficulty. "We could not bring any verdict other than the one we did," said one of the jurors to a Telegraph reported, "for the evidence all tended to prove the accident was unavoidable and unintentional on the part of anybody." Mrs. Parks could not understand why no one was responsible for her son's death, as she felt that some agency was responsible. However, the facts shown at the inquest were that no one was directly responsible for the accident, and the jury could not do otherwise than report the verdict it did. The boy was fatally injured when his runaway horse ran into a Big Four train at Milton crossing one week ago, the boy leaping from the vehicle and being kicked by the horse on the head so that his skull was fractured.

 

PARKS, MARGARET (nee SHIPLEY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 7, 1884
Widow of Lawson A. Parks, Former Proprietor of the Telegraph
Mrs. Margaret Shipley, widow of the late Lawson A. Parks, former editor of the Telegraph, died Monday evening after an illness of five days’ duration. Mrs. Parks was born March 1817 at Baltimore, Maryland, and was consequently 67 years and 4 months old. She was married March 1837 to Mr. Lawson A. Parks, and was the mother of four children, three of whom died in infancy, the last, Augustus (Austin) Kent Parks, living to the age of 14 years. All the children died in the month of March, as did also her husband. Mrs. Parks was the last, but one, of a family of eight children, the sole survivor being Mrs. Orrin Chaffee of Springfield, who attended her in her last illness, which though brief, was very severe from the first, and was in the nature of a bilious attack, resulting in complete prostration, and finally she sank to rest as quietly as though falling asleep.

Mrs. Parks came to Alton with her father’s family in 1835, and has lived here ever since, her residence therefore covering a period of nearly half a century. Soon after her marriage, she united with the Presbyterian Church, and was at her death one of the oldest members of that organization. She was also a constant attendant at the State Street Sunday School, founded by her husband.

The funeral took place Wednesday from the homestead on Seventh Street. There was a large attendance of neighbors and friends, especially of the older residents of Alton, to show their respect for the departed. At the close of the exercises, a long procession followed the remains to their last resting place by the side of the husband and children gone before, completing the reunion of the family circle so long broken. The bearers were old friends and neighbors of the deceased: Messrs. P. B. Whipple, E. P and Albert Wade, L. Pfeiffenberger, Samuel Pitts, L. Haagen, John A. Cousley, and J. K. Butler.

 

PARR, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12, 1862
Alton Soldier Accidentally Shoots Himself
We have just received a letter from an officer in the 22d Illinois Regiment, Colonel Dougherty’s stationed near Florence, Alabama. That a private in Captain Morgan’s Company, named William Parr, from Alton, accidentally shot himself with his own gun. As he was taking his gun from the stack, another fell against it causing his own to discharge instantly. The lead passed through his head, killing him immediately. He was buried at Little Bear Creek, near where the Regiment is stationed. We believe he has a brother in Alton. Whether he leaves a family or not, we cannot state, but think that he does.

 

PARRISH, EMILY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31, 1906
Mrs. Emily L. Parrish, wife of William A. Parrish, died Thursday evening at 5:30 o'clock after a brief illness at the family home, 1615 Liberty street. Mrs. Parrish's death was a great surprise and a sad shock to the friends and neighbors who were deeply interested in her. She was taken ill during the afternoon after being apparently in a good state of health and a short time before her death she gave birth to a child, which died after birth. Mrs. Parish never rallied and passed away within a few hours after she had been full of life and strength. There was not the least reason for alarm over her condition, so far as her family and friends knew, and there was no apprehension over her condition until a short time before her child was born. She was a sweet dispositioned woman, who made many friends with her kind manner and her motherly ways. She leaves beside her husband two little girls who have been deprived by death of their mother's care. Mrs. Parish's mother and father are dead. She formerly lived in St. Louis and from there went to Delhi, where her mother owned a farm, and there she was married to William A. Parrish. A few years ago the family moved to Alton and have been living on Liberty street since. Mr. Parish is engaged in the transfer business and is a well known horseman. Since coming to Alton the family have surrounded themselves with a large circle of friends, and in their affliction the family will have the sympathy of the entire community over the death of the young wife and mother.

 

PARRISH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 24, 1908
The funeral of William Parrish was held this morning at the Parish home in Bethalto. Burial was in the Bethalto cemetery. Mr. Parrish was the victim of a fall of slate in his mine at Bethalto about a week ago, and died in St. Joseph's hospital.

 

PARSONS, ADA (nee SCARRITT)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 15, 1897
Daughter of Rev. J. A. Scarritt
A telegram was received in Alton Thursday announcing the death of Ada Scarritt, wife of Mr. George Parsons, and daughter of Rev. J. A. Scarritt, at her home in Cairo, Illinois, with consumption. Mrs. Parsons had been a sufferer with the dread disease for years, and although she knew her case to be hopeless, she made a brave struggle for life. She visited foreign countries and spent much of her time in North Carolina, in the hope that her life might be prolonged. Everything that her father and mother and a kind and attentive husband could do was done, but the disease conquered. The funeral was at Cairo today, and Rev. Nash of Jerseyville conducted the services. Interment will be at Chicago.

 

PARSONS, SARAH G. (nee EDWARDS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1850
Died on Tuesday morning last, Mrs. Sarah G., wife of Lewis D. Parsons, Esq., of Alton, and eldest daughter of Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards.

 

PARTLOW, ARTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1901
Artie Partlow, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Partlow, died Sunday afternoon, aged 10, after a short illness with diphtheria. The funeral was held this afternoon from the family home on Belle Street.

 

PATES, HARRY LEWELLYN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 3, 1890
When the grim reaper, Death, enters a household and takes away one of the members, we naturally lay aside all other feelings, save those of pity and sympathy. But when the one to die is a young man, just commencing the journey of life, surrounded by all the association and comforts that make life dear to him, then it is that words fail to express the sincere and deep regret we feel that the life-flower should be plucked just as it emerges from the bud. Such are the feelings expressed at the sudden demise of Harry Llewellyn Pates, which occurred Friday night, June 27.

Harry Pates was born in St. Louis on March 11, 1868, and was consequently 22 years and 3 months of age. The family afterward removed to Alton, where his school days were passed in the Lincoln School. After leaving school about four years ago, he went to Dallas, Texas, where he remained until in August 1889. He was here at that time enroute to Paris, France, when the death of his father precluded the carrying out of his intentions. Last Fall he opened an office in St. Louis, where with Mr. Black, he was engaged in making manifests of shipments, the firm name being H. L. Pates & Co. Owing to ill health, he was compelled to give up the business and come home, about two months ago, in order that his health might be restored. While able to walk about, he was, nevertheless very weak from the terrible fever he contracted while in Texas, known as the break-bone fever.

The family thought he was improving until Thursday, when he was compelled to take to his bed. Yesterday he slumbered peacefully all the day. This continued until and during the evening. At 9:30 o’clock, it became evident that he was sinking fast, and medical aid was summoned, but he sank so rapidly that before the physicians arrived, the last drop in the lamp of life had burned. Not a struggle did he make in the dying hour, but peacefully and quietly his soul took flight. Friends he counted by the score and the universal regret over his death is proof of the loving remembrance with which his memory will be cherished.

Many friends and acquaintances gathered Monday morning at the late home of Harry L. Pates to pay tribute to his memory with their presence at this sad occasion. In the rooms where his last hours on earth were spent, these friends assembled and the hallowed influence of the dead caused reverential silence to pervade these chambers of death. Shortly after 10 o’clock, the first notes of “Rock of Ages” were sung by Mrs. C. C. Warner, in a beautiful and feeling manner. Rev. C. C. Warner read several passages from the Scriptures, and made a short prayer. Mrs. Warner sang “He Knows,” in the same gentle manner as the first hymn, and after the friends had taken the last look at the face of the dead, he was taken to that silent bivouac where peacefully he shall rest till the Father calls him home. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PATES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1889
Superintendent of the Hapgood Plow Works
Mr. Thomas Pates, one of our most highly respected citizens, died august 31, after an illness of two years, at the age of 56 years and 2 days, having been born at Doncaster, Yorkshire, England, August 28, 1833. He had lived in Alton 13 years, and during that time was Superintendent of the mechanical department of the Hapgood Plow Works until ill health compelled him to relinquish the position. He made a trip to Texas and New Mexico several months ago for the benefit of his health, but without avail. Deceased was at one time G. W. P. of the Masonic Order of Indiana. He served two years efficiently as a member of the City Council. He leaves a wife and seven children: Mrs. W. R. Pinckard of Chicago; Misses Kittie and Annie Pates; Messrs. Frederick, Lewis T., and Harry Pates of Dallas, Texas, and Mr. William Pates of this city. All the family are now here, except Mr. Lewis Pates.

Mr. Pates came to this country in 1853, and settled in Philadelphia, where he was married the same year to Miss Eliza Lewis, who survives him. He removed to LaPorte, Indiana, the following year. He came to Alton from Bunker Hill in 1876. He had been identified with plow making for the last thirty years, and was well and favorably known.

Mr. Pates was a remarkably skillful mechanic and the inventory of a number of useful devices on which he held patents. He was a kind-hearted friend and neighbor, and devoted to the welfare of his family. As Superintendent of a department at the Plow Works, he had many men under his charge, and his executive ability was excellent. While requiring faithfulness on the part of employees, he also had their confidence and good will, and all will hear of his death with sincere regret and sympathy for the family so deeply bereaved. The deceased was a lover of the beauties of nature, and spent much time among his trees and flowers, and never wearied of adding to the attractions of his delightful home. He made a gallant struggle against the inroads of that insidious disease, consumption, and was always cheerful and hopeful, but the strongest have to yield at last to the relentless march of the grim conqueror.

The funeral of Mr. Thomas Pates was attended by a large gathering Monday afternoon at the family residence on Twelfth Street. The employees of the Plow Works attended in a body. They met first at the factory, and then marched to the house, and at the close of the service, followed the remains to the cemetery. There were also noted in the concourse an unusually large number of business men and city officials. A long procession wended its way to the cemetery, and the departed was laid to rest beneath a wealth of floral mementoes.

 

PATTERSON, AGNES C. (nee CURRIE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1884
Mrs. James Patterson of Liberty Prairie, an old and esteemed resident of this county, died on January 3, in the 74th year of her age. The funeral took place on Friday, January 4, from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Liberty Prairie. [Burial was in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery, Edwardsville.]

 

Andrew Crawford "A. C." PattersonPATTERSON, ANDREW CRAWFORD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1919
Civil War Veteran
The funeral of A. C. Patterson will be held from the residence four miles out of Edwardsville at 2:30 o'clock on Friday, then to the Liberty Presbyterian Church at three o'clock. Interment will be at Liberty Prairie cemetery. Patterson was the father of Mrs. W. I. Wilson of East Alton.

Andrew C. Patterson was born May 22, 1845, and died May 21, 1919, one day before his 74th birthday. He was the son of James and Agnes (Currie) Patterson, both of whom were of Scotch descent. The parents had two sons, Andrew and James, the latter dying when sixteen years of age, while his brother was away serving in the Civil War. At the early age of eighteen years, Andrew responded to his country’s call and joined Company K in the 10th Illinois Infantry. The company was under command of General Sherman, and Mr. Patterson was in that famous march from Atlanta to the Sea. On July 4, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky.

Mr. Patterson never forgot the parting words of his old general, W. T. Sherman, “Boys, go home and make as good citizens as you have soldiers.”

Mr. Patterson was a man of sterling qualities, and has made as good a citizen as he did a soldier. He was a member of the G.A.R. Post No. 461, Edwardsville. On June 14, 1866, he was married to Janet Elizabeth Harvey. Since the death of his wife five years ago, he continued to live on the old home place in Fort Russell Township with his eldest daughter. With the exception of a few years, he spent his entire life there. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and served as an elder for many years, and held a number of important offices.

Mr. and Mrs. Patterson had seven children – three of whom having preceded them into the beyond – Jennie R., Jeanette E. Sloan, and Julia Edith. He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. The remaining children are Agnes C. Sloan of Liberty Prairie; James H. Patterson of Mobile, Alabama; Sadie M. Sloan of St. Louis, Missouri; and Clara M. Wilson of East Alton. [Andrew Patterson is buried in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery in Edwardsville.]

 

PATTERSON, EMMA (nee SQUIRES)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19, 1920
Mrs. Emma Patterson, a life-long resident of East Alton, died Thursday morning about 1:15 at her home on Dry street, after an illness of short duration. The deceased was 76 years of age, and spent all of her life in this vicinity. Death resulted from old age and a complication of diseases. Prior to her first marriage she was Miss Emma Squires, and was one of the pioneer residents of this community. She was married to Charles Fontnier, who preceded her in death about 45 years ago, leaving one daughter who is now Mrs. Orville Sawyer of Alton. About thirty years ago Mrs. Fontnier was married to Louis A. Patterson, who was also very well known here. Mr. Patterson succumbed to an illness about four years ago, and since that time Mrs. Patterson has made her home alone in East Alton. She is survived by two step-children, Gus Patterson and Mrs. Matilda Bright, both of St. Louis, also ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, besides a sister, Mrs. Rebecca Oliver, of Alton. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

 

PATTERSON, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 15, 1871
Died in Alton at the residence of Mr. James A. Wood, on September 7, Henry Patterson of Iowa.

 

PATTERSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1878
Died on Sunday, February 10, 1878, at Liberty Prairie, James Patterson, aged 64 years, 1 month, and 5 days, after an illness of four days.

 

PATTERSON, JAMES A. JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1864
Died at Paddock’s Prairie, September 28th, 1864, James A. Patterson Jr., of typhoid fever, in his 17th year.

 

PATTERSON, JENNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23, 1882
Died on January 14, 1882, Jennie Patterson, daughter of Andrew C. and Janette E. Patterson; aged 13 years, 5 months, and 6 days. The funeral took place from the C. P. Church in Liberty Prairie in Fort Russell Township on Monday afternoon. For more than a year her health has been failing, and she had been able to attend school but little during the last term. Her sister and little brother were seen going to school alone, which was an unhappy omen. Although so young, Jennie was more than ordinarily intellectual. She professed religion when she was only eleven years old, and was a devoted Christian and constant reader of the Bible. When asked by one of the family what chapter she was reading, her answer was, “In my father’s house are many mansions.” It has been said that “Death loves a shining mark,” and it was evidently so in her case. She was a member of the C. P. Church at the date of her death, and her funeral took place at the church. The public school on that day was dismissed, and her classmates were among the large number of sorrowful and loving friends who attended the funeral on that stormy day. The family have the sympathy of the entire community.

 

PATTERSON, JULIA A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1909
Miss Julia A. Patterson, youngest daughter of E. C. Patterson of Liberty Prairie, died yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, after an illness of two months. Mrs. Patterson's parents, four sisters and one brother survive her. The funeral will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. Services at the Liberty Prairie Presbyterian church.

 

PATTERSON, L. A./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 30, 1893
From East Alton – The funeral of Mrs. L. A. Patterson occurred Sunday afternoon, and a large concourse of friends and acquaintances of the family followed the remains to their last resting place in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. Mrs. Patterson was bedfast for over two years, and for several months past she had lost her mind completely. During the whole of her long sickness, Mr. Patterson proved indeed a “ministering angel.” Night and day he was always alert to her comfort, and so assiduous was he in this, that it is a wonder he has not been stricken down too. Death, generally is a hard thing, but surely it was better for her, that her sufferings end. “God doeth all things well.”

 

PATTERSON, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13, 1911
Fatal Shooting Over Game of Craps
Louis Patterson, a negro, was shot in the ear and instantly killed Saturday night at Canal station southeast of Alton, by William Foley, another negro, over a game of craps. After killing Patterson, Foley turned his automatic pistol on about 25 or 30 negroes who were in the tent where a game of craps was going on, robbed them of all they had, and disappeared in the night. Five grat rents in the canvass walls of the tent showed where some of the terrified negroes dived through the sides of the tent when shooting occurred. Coroner Streeper went to the scene of the shooting Sunday morning to hold an inquest. He learned that a gang of men had been shooting craps in a tent when Patterson's wife wanted to participate in the game, and Foley, armed with an automatic gun, refused to let her in unless she paid $2 for admittance. Someone offered to put up the money for her. Foley was rubbing the muzzle of the revolver on the woman's face and neck and Patterson remonstrated. Then Patterson went to the fire to stir it up and while he stooped over, Foley put the weapon to his ear and killed him. The bullet went clear through Patterson's head. Coroner Streeper took the body to Upper Alton and will hold it a short time. The gang of negroes were employed on the drainage canal that is being dug through the bottoms.

 

PATTERSON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Patterson, wife of James Patterson, was held this afternoon from the family home at Fosterburg at 1 o'clock. Mrs. Patterson's death occurred last Saturday.

 

PATTERSON, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1904
Bethalto News - Samuel Patterson, a former resident of this place, was buried here last Sunday morning. He was 79 years of age. He had a paralytic stroke at his home in Edwardsville Thursday, and died from the effects Friday morning.

 

PATTERSON, WILLIAM C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1914
Pioneer of Madison County
Conducted Underground Railroad Station
The death of William C. Patterson last week at the country home in Olive Township, near Staunton, Illinois, means a change in the occupancy of an old country home in Madison County, which, since the land was entered from the government in the 1830s, has never been out of the family, nor occupied by any others than the original owner of his descendants. A large tract of about 600 acres is in the old Patterson farm. Since the death of her son, the mother, Mrs. Jane Patterson, has decided that she must leave the place, as she has but one daughter at home, and could not depend upon outside help to conduct the large farm. So, it has been decided to leave the country home, and perhaps strangers will get it.

William Patterson, who originally entered the land from the government, was grandfather of the young man whose death forces the family to give up their old home place. He was a staunch “Covenanter” [adherent of the Scottish National Covenant of 1638] who came from Ireland, and he left his impression on the community. He was the center of the Covenanter adherents in Staunton, where they supported a little church, which about 18 months ago was closed, and some funds the church had in the bank, aggregating about $4,000, was divided among the members. Most of the members had either died or moved away, and there was but a handful left – most of the survivors going to the Presbyterian Church. It was on this farm that, in days before the Civil War, William Patterson, an opponent of slavery, conducted a station of the “underground railway,” and many a slave he is said to have aided in getting away from pursuers. Though he was honest through and through, and a rigid observed of the country’s laws, he did not believe slavery was justified in any way, and he thought it no wrong to aid in the escape of fugitives from the yoke of slavery.

The Patterson home is known for its hospitality from the very beginning, back in 1838 when it was founded. It is said there was hardly a week in the year that there was not some guests at the home, and the place was very popular. Never a cent could be paid by anybody for entertainment there in the years it received and sheltered so many guests. No wayfarer was ever turned away from its door either, and entertainment was without money and without price. Such lavish entertainment never impaired the finances of the family, as they prospered and were happy at all times, except when some visit came from the death angel.

The fact that the Patterson home is to be closed will be an interesting announcement to many people who have known of the family and their influence on the community where they lived. There are others of the same blood still residing in the vicinity of Staunton, and some have scattered to other parts of Madison County. The family always held out the helping hand to those who were in distress, and many a man and woman owes subsequent prosperity to aid that came at a critical moment from the old Patterson homestead.

It has not been decided to sell the place, but it may ultimately be sold. Mrs. Patterson, in bad health herself, will go to St. Louis to be with two other daughters, and some brothers and a sister who reside there.

 

PATTERSON, WILLIAM K./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 18, 1863
At the regular meeting of the Veteran Camp Lodge No. 1(?), O. of G. T., the following preamble and resolutions were passed:
Whereas, it has pleased Divine Providence to remove from among us, by death, our beloved Bro. William K. Patterson, thus depriving our Order of a worthy member, the army of a good and faithful soldier, and his companion of a kind husband.

 

PATTISON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 6, 1896
From Fosterburg – The sympathy of our entire community goes out to Mr. M. H. Pattison and his estimable family in the death of their son and brother, Charles, at the age of 15 years, which occurred Sunday, February 02, after a brief illness. He was a very bright and active boy, and had won the high regard of all who were acquainted with him. The funeral took place from the family residence on Wednesday.

 

PATTISON, KATIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1889
From Godfrey – Little Katie Pattison, aged 5 years, died Friday and was buried Sunday. She had long been a great sufferer, and death was surely a happy relief to the dear child.

 

PATTISON, M. A./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1894
From Godfrey – The death of Miss M. A. Pattison occurred at Bloomington, Illinois last Saturday. The remains were brought here and interred in the Godfrey Cemetery last Sunday. Miss Pattison was an earnest Christian woman, and deeply loved by many friends. She will be sadly missed in the home circle, where she has so lovingly and conscientiously labored.

 

PATTISON, WILLIAM S./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 31, 1871
Died on the 9th instant, in Monticello [Godfrey], William S. Pattiso, of apoplexy, in the 63d year of his age.

 

PATTON, ADDIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1921
Mrs. Addie Patton, aged 58, died Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the family home, 2117 Lawton Avenue, after an illness of eight months. Mrs. Patton was operated upon at Mullanphy Hospital in St. Louis on July 13th, but her condition failed to improve. She gradually became worse and for some time her condition has been serious. Mrs. Patton is survived by her husband, Thad, two daughters, Mrs. Otto Mossa of Alton, Mrs. Olive Bossatta of New Orleans, and one son, Laverne of Alton. She also leaves one sister, Mrs. Lou McGee of Salina, Kansas, and a brother, Edward Marshaw of Dow, Ill. Services will be held at 11 o'clock Wednesday from the home, and afterwards the funeral party will leave for the Presbyterian church at Newbern, where the funeral will be held at 1:30 o'clock.

 

PATTON, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1921
Inquest will be held tomorrow into the death of William H. Patton of Wood River, who died suddenly last night in a grocery store there. It had not been determined today if Patton died as the result of drinking from a bottle of liquid thought to be liquor. Patton was last night detailed by the police of Wood River to go to a soft drink place and secure evidence of violations of the prohibition laws. He was working on the case with Officers Holland and Edward Maguire. Patton went inside the place and purchased a soda water bottle full of a liquid with a color similar to that of whiskey. Information secured by Deputy Coroner Streeper shows that Patton was persuaded to take a drink by persons in the soft drink parlor, against his will. It is said that he was not in the habit of drinking. Patton left the saloon shortly afterward, the deputy coroner's office has learned, and went to another place about four blocks distant. Here he purchased a cigar. He then fell over, dead. The place in which Patton died is the Zieggler grocery store, just opposite the main office of the Standard Oil Refinery. He asked for a cigar and reached into his pocket for money. It was then that he fell. It was said today that he never removed his hand from the pocket. Patton was employed at the International Tannery and was married. He leaves a wife and three children. Police of Wood River in the past few days have been conducting an intensive drive on sellers of illicit liquor. Yesterday, and the day before, raids were made and stuff said to be intoxicating liquor was taken. Yesterday the Mithick place, near the Standard Oil Office was raided and a quantity of what is believed to be liquor taken. The bottle of stuff bought by Patton has been retained. The deputy coroner today said it looks like whiskey and smells like a mixture of alcohol and hard cider. The inquest tomorrow night will determine whether Patton's death was due to liquor or other causes.

 

PAUL, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 2, 1902
Mrs. Catharine Paul, mother of Mrs. Charles L. Joesting of this city, died suddenly at the home of her son, William Paul of Fosterburg, Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Paul was 84 years of age and had been failing rapidly in health. A few days before her death she fell to the floor of her room and sustained slight injuries, which gave her much pain afterward. Sunday afternoon while alone in her room a short time, she was stricken with death and fell from her chair to the floor. When found, she had been dead a few minutes. Mrs. Paul had made her home near Fosterburg nearly 50 years. She visited her daughter in this city at frequent intervals, and had spent much of her life in Alton. She was born in Nassau, Germany. She leaves four children, Messrs. William, George and Charles Paul, Mrs. C. L. Joesting. She leaves also a brother, Philip Maxheiner of Galena. The funeral service will be held at the German Methodist church at Fosterburg. Funeral party will leave the house at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.

 

PAUL, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1877
From Edwardsville – Mr. John Paul, an old and highly respected citizen of our county, died at his residence near Wanda last week.

 

PAUL, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 4, 1888
Mr. John Paul died yesterday afternoon at the residence of his brother, Philip Paul, on Eighth Street; aged 29 years and 3 months. His disease was consumption. He was formerly a farmer in Foster Township. He returned about two months ago from Colorado, where he went for the benefit of his health. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon from the residence of Philip Paul. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PAUL, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 3, 1908
John H. Paul, aged 29 years, died Monday, shortly after noon, from appendicitis at his home, 610 east Fifteenth street. He was stricken Friday afternoon suddenly while at work in the St. Louis office of the Illinois Glass company, where he has been employed for several years as bookkeeper and was hurried home as soon as possible. He suffered intensely most of the time up to Monday morning when he became easier. Two of the best physicians in the Altons did what was possible to do for him, and Sunday night at 10 o'clock Dr. Carson, a St. Louis specialist, arrived for the purpose of performing an operation if deemed advisable. Mr. Paul was so weak, however, that Dr. Carson advised against an operation, saying the patient could not survive it. Deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Paul, and was a favorite with all who knew him. He was industrious and ambitious and has been steadily advancing from one position to another, higher and better. His is the first death to occur in a large family, and the grief of those left behind is intensified by this fact. He suffered slight attacks of the trouble that finally caused his death, two years ago, and again just before Christmas, but they soon passed away and left him unharmed, apparently. He is survived by his wife, his parents, four brothers, E. C. Paul and A. W. Paul, the druggists, Harry L. Paul of Alton, A. G. Paul of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and three sisters, Mrs. A. W. Sauer, Mrs. Carl Skaer and Miss Paul. The sudden death of the esteemed young man shocked his many friends sadly, and there will be sincere regret over his demise. Funeral arrangements have not been made. [Note: Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery]

 

PAUL, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1909
The funeral of Mrs. Kate Paul, widow of Phil Paul, was held yesterday afternoon from the German Evangelical church where services were conducted by the Rev. E. L. Mueller in the presence of a very large number of friends and neighbors of deceased. Deceased was a popular member of the Ladies Aid society of the church and of the Daughters of Rebekah, and the members of both these organizations attended the obsequies in a body. Floral offerings were unusually numerous and very beautiful, and the grave in City cemetery was covered deep with them. Six members acted as pallbearers.

 

PAUL, MENA (nee MEEDEN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1899
From Fosterburg – Mrs. William Paul died on Friday night and was buried Sunday. Services were conducted at the German M. E. Church by their pastor. Mrs. Paul was a lady of many good qualities. She possessed a host of friends who mourn her loss. She leaves a husband, four daughters and three sons. The family has the sympathy of the entire community.

NOTES:
Mena Meeden Paul was born December 28, 1844, in Germany. She married William Henry Paul (1843-1922), and they had the following children: Emma Catherine Paul McCauley (1870-1930); Philip W. Paul (1872-1952); John Henry Paul (1874-1943); Louisa F. Paul (1880-1935); Hattie M. Paul Golike (1882-1915); Katie Silvia Paul Golike (1886-1926); and Herbert Benjamin Paul (1889-1944). Burial was in the Fosterburg Cemetery.

 

PAUL, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19, 1899
Mrs. Minnie Paul, wife of William Paul, died at her home in Fosterburg last night of lung trouble. She was bedfast only five days, but had suffered for years. She was in her 56th year, and leaves a husband and seven children. The funeral will take place tomorrow at the German M. E. Church at Fosterburg.

 

PAUL, PHILIP/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, November 30, 1854
Yesterday morning a German named Philip Paul accidentally fell over the railing of an outside stairway at his residence near the Piasa House. His neck was broken by the fall and he was taken up dead. He was aged 28 years and leaves a wife. He was a native of Nasaau, Germany, and had been employed at the lumber yard of Allen, Wills, & Co.

 

PAUL, PHILIP/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1895
Friday, Mr. Philip Paul, a well known and highly respected citizen, passed peacefully away after a lingering illness of consumption. Death was not unexpected, and Mr. Paul has lingered on its border for the past week. Deceased was 48 years of age, and a native of Germany. He received his education in Alton, and surrounded himself with a host of warm friends. He was a member of several local lodges – I.O.O.F. and A.O.U.W. He leaves a wife and a sister, Mrs. Charles Joesting, in Alton, and three brothers, Messrs. William, Charles, and George Paul.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from his former home on Eighth Street, and a large number of sympathizing friends gathered to show by their presence their respect for an old citizen, and their sympathy for the bereaved wife. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. Carl Kramer of the Evangelical Church. After the services at the house were concluded, a long cortege headed by the Standard Band, and including the local orders of Odd Fellows and A.O.U.W., and the Alton Maennerchor, followed the body to the City Cemetery. The services at the grave were conducted according to the rituals of the secret societies of which he was a member. The pallbearers were F. J. Joesting, A. Kremer, C. Unterbrink, D. Sigel, E. Shrimpf, and Philip Meisenheimer.

 

PAUL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1909
Mrs. John Paul, aged 27, died this morning at her home in Fosterburg, leaving an infant one week old. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

PAUL, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 24, 1922
Mr. William H. Paul, one of Fosterburg's oldest residents died at his home at 5:30 a.m., November 24, 1922. He was stricken with paralysis late Monday evening and lingered in an unconscious state until death occurred. He was a veteran of the Civil War and an active member of the Fosterburg post. He was born in Germany, Dec. 1, 1843, and came to this country 7_ years ago and has lived in this vicinity ever since. Mr. Paul was married to Miss Mena Meeden on November 4, 1869. To this union were born ten children, three having died in infancy, also Mrs. Hattie Golike who passed away seven years ago. Those remaining are Mrs. John McCauley, Mrs. Herbert Golike, Miss Lou Paul, also three sons, Phil, John and Herbert, all of Fosterburg. He also leaves his twin brothers, George and Charles Paul and eleven grandchildren. For the past seven years he has been an active member of the Fosterburg Baptist church.

 

PAULIN, GERTIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1883
Gertie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Paulin, died July 17, after an illness of about three weeks, at the age of 7 years and 6 months. The remains were taken on the train yesterday morning to Pekin for burial.

 

PAULY, PAULINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1902
Mrs. Pauline Pauly, wife of Mr. Charles Pauly of Edwardsville, Ill., died suddenly Wednesday evening. She had been in her usual good health up to the time of the fatal attack, had eaten a hearty supper, and shortly afterward became suddenly and violently ill, her death resulting from heart trouble. Mrs. Pauly had many friends and acquaintances in the Altons to whom news of her passing will be a painful surprise.

 

PAUST, ADA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 29, 1921
Mrs. Ada M. Paust, wife of Walter A. Paust, died last night at midnight at her home on the Grafton road, the J. W. Beall farm, after an illness of about three years. She was 37 years of age and leaves her husband, two children, Mildred and Lois, and her father, Harvey Rhyne of Perryville, Mo. She leaves also three sisters, Mrs. Nora Spriggs of Perryville; Gartha Price of St. Louis; and Chloe Ducheau of New York; also two brothers, Austin Rhyne of St. Louis and Edgar Rhyne of Cleveland, O. The funeral will probably be Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Jacoby undertaking parlors. Burial will be at Fosterburg.

 

PAYNE, JOSEPH F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1916
Joseph F. Payne died this morning at St. Joseph's hospital where he was taken a week ago Sunday following an attack of appendicitis. At the time he was taken to the hospital, his condition was serious but he showed a great improvement and an operation was not performed. Yesterday he took a turn for the worse and an operation was deemed necessary. The operation was performed but the patient did not rally and died at 9:30 o'clock this morning. Mr. Payne is survived by his wife, also four brothers. He was born on February 15th, 1870. Mr. Payne and wife came to Alton from Mt. Vernon eleven years ago. He was employed since coming to Alton at the Strawboard Plant. Since coming to Alton he has been actively connected with the Upper Alton Presbyterian church and at the time of his death was an Elder in the church. The funeral will be held from the church.

 

PAYNE, JULIA DAWSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 22, 1918
Former Alton Hotel Owner
Mrs. Julia Dawson Payne, aged 51, died in the Christian hospital in St. Louis, Monday evening, after illness from a complication of diseases. She had been very ill for some time and recently was taken to St. Louis to undergo treatment. Two months ago she married B. H. Payne. She was the widow of John Dawson, and for years the family conducted the Dawson hotel in the east end. The property was purchased some time ago by the Illinois Glass Co., and transformed into a lodging house for men employed at the glass works. Mrs. Payne leaves six children: Mrs. David Blackwell of Parkersburg, W. Va.; Mrs. Fred Ernst of Sharon, Pa.; Miss Florence Dawson of St. Louis; John, Miss Julia and Elmer Dawson of Alton. She leaves a brother, Albert Rodgers, of Alton. Mrs. Dawson was a member of the Order of Ladies of the Maccabees. For seven years she conducted the Dawson hotel. Mrs. Dawson was a well known Alton woman and her illness has been the cause of much anxiety to her friends in Alton.

 

PEAIR, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 01, 1897
John Peair, a well-known colored citizen of Upper Alton, died Saturday of lung fever, aged 50. He leaves eight children.

 

PEARCE, JAMES B./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 30, 1891
From Marine – James B. Pearce, for many years a resident of Marine, died last Tuesday and was buried Wednesday at the Alhambra Cemetery.

 

William Wriley Pearce Sr.PEARCE, WILLIAM WRILEY SR./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 22, 1888
Hon. W. W. Pearce of Alhambra, ex-member of the Legislature, who died at his home in Alhambra last Friday, was born in Kentucky, June 20, 1815, and was brought to this county by his parents the same year, and has resided here ever since. He was one of the largest land holders in the county.

NOTES:
William Wriley Pearce was the son of James Pearce (1791-1861) and Lucinda Allison Pearce (1793-1836). He married Barbara Allen Vincent (1818-1902), and they had the following children: Lucinda A. Pearce Warderman (1837-1911); Martha E. Pearce Stepp (1841-1873); William Wriley Pearce Jr. (1842-1925); Joseph Bartlett Pearce (1847-1937); and Louisa Josephine Pearce Matthews (1851-1869). William Sr. was buried in the Vincent Cemetery in Alhambra, Illinois.

PEARSON, CATHARINE (nee GODFREY)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 11, 1892
Daughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey
Just as we go to press, we learn of the death of Mrs. John Mills Pearson, at 2 o’clock this afternoon at her home near Godfrey, after an illness of three months. Deceased was a daughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, and was born at Godfrey in 1835. She was educated at Monticello Seminary, and married to Mr. John Mills Pearson in 1854. She has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. Besides the husband, she leaves two sons – Harry and Arthur of Chicago – and one daughter, Mrs. Nora Mason of Minneapolis. The funeral will take place from the family residence Sunday at 2:30 o’clock p.m.

Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 14, 1892
The funeral of Mrs. J. N. Pearson took place from the family residence to Godfrey Cemetery yesterday afternoon. The music at the house and at the grave was furnished by the Arion Quartet. An immense concourse of people attended, including many from this city and from many miles around the country. The pallbearers were Messrs. R. P. Tansey, W. F. Squire, J. B. Turner, S. F. Connor, E. P. Wade, J. W. Carey, William Jackson, and W. P. Hancock.

Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 22, 1892
“Mrs. John M. Pearson is dead” – such was the sad intelligence conveyed in yours of the 11th, which carried grief throughout the neighborhood, and went trembling over the wires to distant friends.

Catharine Godfrey was born in 1835. She was the daughter of the late Captain Benjamin Godfrey of Godfrey, Illinois. Here she grew up from childhood; here she attended the public school when a child, and afterwards in 1854, graduated at Monticello Seminary; here in 1855 she was married to Mr. John M. Pearson. They made their first home in Alton, where were born three sons and one daughter. Arthur and John, both living in Chicago, and Winthrop, who died at eight years of age; and Eleanora, now Mrs. Edward A. Mason of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In 1856 they removed to their farm in Godfrey. Here were born a son and daughter, both dying in infancy. Wherever was Mrs. Pearson’s home, her benevolence knew no bounds. She united with the Presbyterian Church in Alton, and was a most indefatigable worker for the good of the church, and when, during the war, Alton became a military station, her work for the Sanitary and Christian Commission was constant. Her devotion to the sick soldiers was untiring. She carried cheer to many a homesick heart in the hospital, and dispensed comforts to both soul and body with a lavish hand. When they moved to Godfrey, her pastor expressed his grief at losing from his church one so helpful.

Soon after she moved to Godfrey, she united with the Congregational Church in Godfrey, and entered at once into work for its interest. She originated many beautiful ideas, and her work and enthusiasm in materializing them were unbounded. None of us will forget the many beautiful entertainments which originated in her mind and were carried out by her own hand. She entered heart and soul into whatever work she undertook, and seldom, if ever, failed.

For the last four years, she has been much of the time an invalid, and often a great sufferer, but she always responded liberally when asked for advice or pecuniary assistance. Her last wish was for “Rest, Rest,” and now she is gone to the Master, for he gently called, “come unto Me and I will give you Rest,” entering the same, March 11, 1892.

The Life and Times of Mr. & Mrs. John M. Pearson
Daughter and Son-In-Law of Captain Benjamin Godfrey
By Mrs. Lodema Curtiss Godfrey (wife of James Ryder Godfrey)
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9 & 22, 1910

"I came to Godfrey in 1865. At that time Mr. John Mills Pearson [son-in-law of Captain Benjamin Godfrey] lived in Alton, but the following year he moved to Godfrey with his family. Our farms adjoined, and he built his house near ours, and from that time until he died, we were neighbors and friends. When he first came here, he identified himself with this church, and with his wife [Catharine Godfrey, daughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey] helped in every good cause and never failed when extra help was needed. In the absence of our minister he was often called on to fill the vacancy, and he was always ready with a sermon which he read with his clear voice and fine expression.

Mr. Pearson was a self-made man, and we find very few who with all the help of schools and college could compare with him in general intelligence or the knowledge of those subjects which are supposed to be only learned by years of toil in college or university. He had served one of two terms in the Legislature, and had held several state offices, but we knew him best right here at home where he had a large circle of friends and acquaintances. I was in his class in Sunday school for many years. He was always present, unless absent from town or sick. He made the Bible a wonderful book and could refer to almost any passage called for without other help than his wonderful memory.

During his sickness his patience never failed. A few days before he died, he said to me, ‘I feel as if I could not live more than a day or two.’ I said to him, ‘Well do you want to go?’ ‘No, I do not,’ he said. At the last he raised himself up and fell forward, and found himself in the presence of his Savior."

John Mills Pearson was born in Massachusetts on October 7, 1832. He moved to Alton in 1847, and was hired as an engineer on the Alton & Sangamon Railroad. I assume it is through Captain Benjamin Godfrey (founder of the Alton and Sangamon Railroad) that he met his future wife, Catharine Godfrey. John disliked the position, and next took a job as a clerk with the Hanson Agricultural Works in Alton, where he worked his way up to a partnership in the firm. He retired in 1865. He and Catharine moved to Godfrey, where they lived on their farm the rest of their lives. He became a local leader in the Republican Party, and in 1873 was appointed to the state board of Railroad and Warehouse Commissioners. In 1878, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, serving three consecutive, three-year terms. He joined a Masonic order in 1853, and rose to become Grand Master. He served as a trustee of the University of Illinois from 1870-1873. He died June 4, 1910 in Godfrey.

Catherine Godfrey Pearson
Catherine Godfrey, daughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, married John Mills Pearson in 1855. They first lived in Alton, then moved to Godfrey. Catherine was a graduate of Monticello Seminary. Together they had three sons and one daughter – Arthur Godfrey Pearson and John Longfellow Pearson, and Eleanora Pearson. Another two children were born (a son and daughter), who both died in infancy. Catharine was well known for her Christian benevolent works, including the Sanitary and Christian Commission during the Civil War. Her devotion to the sick and injured soldiers was untiring, taking care of them in the hospital. After moving to Godfrey, she continued her good works for those in need. During the last four years of her life she became in invalid, until her death March 11, 1892.

The death of John M. Pearson in 1910 made it necessary to sell the home place in Godfrey, and after the sale, their remained only one piece of property left of the Benjamin Godfrey estate that one time comprised abt. 50,000 acres of land in Madison, Macoupin, and Jersey Counties. Captain Godfrey had sixteen children, and all of them were now dead. Also, all the wives and husbands of the children were dead, but one, who was Mrs. Lodema Godfrey, widow of James Godfrey.

John M. Pearson left about 190 acres of land. Mrs. Lodema Godfrey, who was 87 at the time of Pearson’s death, had about 180 acres, and the two pieces, 370 acres, made up all that is left of the holdings of Godfrey. The children of Mr. Pearson did not desire to retain the old home place, one of the finest places in the vicinity of Alton. Captain Godfrey bought all the land he owned at very low prices prior to 1840, and he held it many years. Much of it he lost through helping to finance the Chicago & Alton Railroad, and much he lost in other enterprises. However, he died possessed of an immense estate, which has disappeared from the family possessions until now, the next to the last piece is to leave the line of descent.

 

PEARSON, GUY/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 14, 1884
Mysterious Suicide
A mysterious suicide took place Friday afternoon at the farm known as the Fred Inglis place on the Grafton Road, west of Dr. Long’s. The place, or part of it, is now rented by three young men, Albert Davis, Thomas Desmond, and Bert Hollister, who are raising cucumbers thereon. On Thursday morning, a man made his appearance on the farm, inquiring for employment. Mr. Davis hired him, and set him to work picking cucumbers. He worked steadily that day, and his conduct excited no comment. He told Mr. Davis that he was an Englishman by birth, came from Canada last Spring, going thence to Texas and Arkansas, and was now on his way home. His address was gentlemanly, and his language and conversation showed that he had been highly educated. Yesterday morning, Mr. Davis says, a young man rode up to the farm on horseback, dressed in navy blue, and talked with Messrs. Davis and Desmond, with whom he is associated. The stranger seemed to view the caller with apprehension, and said to Mr. Davis: “That’s a mounted policeman.” Mr. Davis said, “No, he is not a policeman.” “Yes, he is,” persisted the man, “he is a mounted policeman.” After this, Mr. Davis says, the stranger acted rather queerly, seeming apprehensive of trouble. About two o’clock, he said he was thirsty, and was directed to go to the barn for water. He went, and being absent longer than was necessary, Mr. Desmond started for the barn to see if anything was the matter. As he approached, he saw the man, who was standing on the west side of the barn with an open knife in his hand) run around to the east side, as if to avoid him. At this point, Mr. Davis, who was in the field, had a full view of him, and says, “He was sawing at his throat with the knife with all his strength.” The men ran towards him, but as they did so, he fell heavily to the ground, the lifeblood streaming from a gaping wound in the throat. He was laid out in the shade, and everything done for him that was possible, but he only lived about twenty minutes.

A reporter for the Telegraph reached the scene about 4 o’clock. The body was lying near where it had fallen. It was that of a man from thirty to thirty-two years of age, with dark hair and eyes and swarthy complexion, though the last may have been the result of exposure. He was about six feet high. He was commonly dressed in a much-worn suit; brown coat and vest, navy blue pants. The bloody instrument with which the deed was done, a large, white-handled pocket knife, lay beside him.

In the pockets of his coat were found a Bible, handsomely bound in morocco, and also a small Testament, with a hymnal appendix. On the fly leaf of the Bible was written, “Tom Wadsworth, from Mary E. Hartley, Guelph, Canada, March 7, 1884.” Enclosed in the leaves of the Bible were several letters, all directed to Thomas Wadsworth, at various post offices in Arkansas, showing that he had been roving about from place to place. All the letters were signed by Mary E. Hartley.

No other effects were found on his person, but there were enough to establish that his name was Thomas Wadsworth, and that his late residence was Guelph, Canada. The case is a sad and peculiar one, and the real cause which led the wanderer to put an end to his existence, probably lies back of any facts on the surface. Whatever the cause, the occurrence will bring sadness to fond hearts in a distant home. The deceased was in Alton Wednesday, and told officer Allen that he was from Texas, on his way to Canada; that his companion had been taken sick and died in the St. Louis Hospital; and that he wanted to stay here until Saturday, when he expected to receive letters and money from home.

Coroner Youree, being notified of the sad affair, arrived here on the evening train and proceeded to the place where the tragedy occurred, and held an official inquiry, as to how and in what manner the deceased, Thomas Wadsworth, came to his death. The verdict was to the effect that he died from injuries inflicted by his own hand. After the inquest, the body was taken in charge by Mr. W. L. Klunk, the undertaker, and brought to Alton. The burial took place Saturday morning in the citizens’ ground at the Alton City Cemetery.

Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21, 1884
It now transpires that the name of the man who committed suicide at the Inglis place on the Grafton Road was named Guy Pearson and not Thomas Wadsworth, as supposed from letters found in his pockets. Mrs. M. L. Cone of Alton Junction [East Alton] called at the post office a few days ago, and asked for mail matter for Guy Pearson. She then stated that two men named Guy Pearson and Thomas Wadsworth came to her house some time since, and after boarding there awhile, left for Texas. About two weeks ago, Pearson returned and told Mrs. Cone that he and his companion had taken the swamp fever while in Texas, and returned to St. Louis, where Wadsworth died in the hospital after giving to Pearson his Bible, presented to him by Mary E. Hartley of Guelph, Canada, and several letters, all directed to Wadsworth. Last Friday, a money order for $40 arrived at the post office from John Blackboro of Ontario, directed to Guy Pearson. According to Pearson’s statement he was married a short time before he left Canada, and the supposition that John Blackboro, who sent the money order, is his father-in-law. It will be remembered that the deceased told Officer Allen that his companion died in the hospital at St. Louis, and that he was expecting a remittance from Canada. The mystery is now cleared up. The man who committed suicide was Pearson, not Wadsworth.

 

PEARSON, JOHN LONGFELLOW/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 21, 1894
Son of Hon. John Mills Pearson and Catharine Godfrey Pearson of Godfrey
Grandson of Captain Benjamin Godfrey
From Chicago – Among the many men in Illinois whose deeds are of historical record, and whose names and fame will live after them in history and story, is the Hon. John M. Pearson of Godfrey [1832-1910], Madison County, Illinois. He was for a dozen years or so a member of the Legislature in Illinois; of the State Warehouse and Railway Commission, and State Board of Livestock Commissioners, and prominent in the Masonic fraternity, being an A.F. and A.M. of the 33rd degree, and late Grand Master of this State, Grand High Priest of the Scottish Rite, and has held several high positions otherwise. Mr. John M. Pearson, the father of John L., married Catherine Godfrey, a daughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, whose history in Illinois dates back to the time of Elijah P. Lovejoy, who was assassinated in Godfrey’s warehouse, and is entitled to great credit as the founder of Monticello Seminary in the village of Godfrey, which is named for him. These points are repeated now, not because they are new to the readers of this journal, but because they will constitute a kind of background to what I have to say about the young man whose name heads this mention, a son of the Hon. John M. Pearson.

John Longfellow Pearson, of whom I am writing particularly, was born in Alton, September 30, 1858, and graduated from Shurtleff College in 1880, when he came to Chicago and read law with the well-known lawyer and author of law books, James B. High, during his course in the Union College of Law, from which he graduated in 1882, leaving a record as an apt, studious, and promising student. He continued with Mr. High for some years, when he formed a partnership in practice with Orren V. Stookey, his classmate in the literary and law colleges, which firm continues to this day. The firm was successful from the start, and has been since. Mr. Pearson, on account of his being substantial and reliable as a lawyer, has made his way to the front ranks at this bar among the younger lawyers. He has never aimed at ephemeral or momentary results, but has succeeded by his industry, candor, and careful avoidance of fatal mistakes, hence his achievements have been creditable to himself and permanent in a commercial sense and otherwise, and his future is full of promise. He is a worthy descendant of his excellent ancestry on the paternal and maternal sides, and a credit to such mold. He is engaged in general practice, but largely in real estate law.

In 1886, he married Grace Saltonstall, a daughter of William Saltonstall, one of the early settlers of Chicago. This is an especially prominent name in the history of Massachusetts and of New England. They have one daughter.

Source: Oak Leaves, Oak Park, Illinois, June 17, 1922
Death came suddenly on Wednesday evening to one of Oak Park’s old residents, John L. Pearson. While seated on his porch with his family, he suffered a violent attack of angina pectoris, and was gone in an instant.

Mr. Pearson was born in Alton, Illinois, September 30, 1858. After graduating from Shurtleff College, he came to Chicago, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar, from which time to the date of his death he was actively and successfully engaged in the practice of law.

He formerly lived on the west side, and as a young man was active in the old First Congregational Church of Chicago. He moved to Oak Park in the 1880s, and at once joined the First Congregational Church here, with which he has ever since been prominently identified. Many and varied duties fell to his lot, all of which were performed with great care and fidelity. At the time of his death, he was the senior deacon, having held that office longer than any other person in the history of the church.

Before coming to Oak Park, he married Grace Saltonstall, who died a few years ago. He later married Isabella Rankin, by whom he is survived, together with his daughters, Katharine Pearson Krah and Gertrude Pearson. Funeral services were held at the residence on Friday, Dr. W. E. Barton officiating.

NOTES:
John Longfellow Pearson married in 1886 to Grace Saltonstall. They had one daughter, Katharine Pearson Krah [1890-1936]. Following the death of his first wife, Grace, in 1918, John married in 1920 to Isabella Rankin [1871-1956], and they had another daughter, Gertrude Pearson. John L. Pearson died June 14, 1922, in Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois. He was buried in the Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park, Illinois.

His father, John Mills Pearson, died June 4, 1910, in Godfrey, Illinois. He is buried in the Godfrey Cemetery, Godfrey, Illinois. John’s mother, Catharine Godfrey Pearson, died on March 11, 1892, in Godfrey. She is also buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.

 

PEARSON, JOHN MILLS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 4, 1910
Prominent in Masonic and Public Life; Son-in-Law of Captain Benjamin Godfrey
John Mills Pearson, one of Madison County's most distinguished citizens, died Saturday morning at 6 o'clock after an illness of about a year from heart trouble. His end came as he had wished, quietly, peacefully. He had been an intense sufferer for many months, and seldom was able to lie down in bed. Hardening of the arteries was the cause of the illness. In order to facilitate breathing, Mr. Pearson, for many months, had taken most of his rest sitting in a chair, and when he slept, he would pillow his head on a desk in front of him. He had been very feeble for a week, but the end was not expected to occur as soon as it did. He was sitting on the edge of his bed and started to fall. An attendant who slept with him attempted to seize Mr. Pearson to hold him up, but the young man's hold was not secure enough and he fell to the floor. The last words he spoke was a request to lay him down, and this was done. He ceased breathing almost at once. Mr. Pearson had been contemplating his approaching dissolution, and Friday he said that he did not know how it would be, referring to a possible struggle when the end came. He had wished for a quiet death, and he experienced it.

Mr. Pearson may be said to have been one of Madison County's most distinguished sons. He stood high in the Masonic fraternity, and was honored by all the brand bodies of that order in Illinois. He became a Mason in 1854, and the following year affiliated with the chapter and the council. In 1857, he joined the Commandery, and during the early years of his life he applied himself assiduously to the study of Masonic work. He became an expert on it, and rose in esteem among the men high in the councils of the order. He filled the offices of Grandmaster of the grand lodge, Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, Grand Master of the Grand Council, and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, and by each of those bodies he was presented with a handsome gold jewel, duplicates of the jewels he had worn as emblems of office while filling official positions. Those jewels were recently exhibited in Alton and constituted a rare collection. It is said but one other man, or possibly two, in the state of Illinois, ever could show a similar collection. He affiliated with the Scottish Rite Masons in 1882, and in 1884 he was elected an honorary 33rd(?) degree mason. During many years he filled the post of chairman of the jurisprudence committees of every one of the Illinois Masonic grand bodies. This is one of the most important offices in these bodies, and Mr. Pearson was kept there because of his eminent ability. His mind was a well-trained one, he had depth of reasoning, a wealth of vocabulary, and his logic was sound. At all meetings of the grand bodies he was deferred to, and his opinion was always awaited before action was taken on any important point.

John M. Pearson was born at Newburyport, Massachusetts, October 7, 1832, and was in his 78th year. He had few advantages in an educational line, except a high school education he completed at the age of 17. He was a tireless student, however, and determined to educate himself. He aspired to enter Harvard, but never did. A cousin was going through West Point, and young Pearson procured his cousin's books, when he was through with them, mastered them, and afterward examined himself by taking the examinations his cousin had taken in West Point. He learned to be a civil engineer, and did all his own engineering. He came to Illinois in 1849. In 1855 he was married to Catherine Godfrey, daughter of Benjamin Godfrey, the founder of Monticello Seminary. In 1865 he became a farmer. At one time in his career, he took charge of the Agricultural Works at Alton, and put the institution on its feet. In 1873, he was appointed a member of the State Railroad and Warehouse Commission, and he also served several terms in the Illinois legislature with credit and honor to his district and to himself. He was known as an experienced parliamentarian, and was skillful in debate.

For many years he was a political power in Madison County, and frequently presided at Republican conventions. He was interested in public affairs up to the time he became too weak longer to discuss them. Mr. Pearson was a member of the board of trustees of the University of Illinois for a number of years was a representative in the Legislature from 1878 to 1884; was a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors for a number of years; was a member of the State Livestock Commission from 1886 to 1892; was active in the Alton Horticultural Society for 40 years; and president of that State Horticultural Society 1885-86. He was a School Director for nearly 35 years.

Pearson’s appearance was rugged, he thought little of external show. He read almost constantly and was one of the best-informed men in the country. He had an excellent memory, and had a wide acquaintance. During his illness, his home was the Mecca of numbers of his friends throughout the State, and many who could not make personal visits wrote letters, which Mr. Pearson read with interest. One of the most pleasing features of the close of his life, to him, was the manifest esteem in which he was held by those who knew him. In the Congregational Church at Godfrey he was an active worker. He had a conspicuous part in everything that pertained to the welfare of the church, taught a Bible class for many years, and his talks on religious subjects were equivalent to a sermon by the best of preachers. Nowhere will he be missed more than in the Godfrey church.

At the time of his death, none of the children of Mr. Pearson were with him. They frequently came to Godfrey to attend him, but he would not allow them to remain away from their homes to look after him. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Eleanor G. Mason of Minneapolis; and two sons, John L. Pearson of Oak Park, Illinois, and Arthur G. Pearson of Chicago. He leaves also six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One of his granddaughters, a student at Monticello, was summoned after her grandfather's death. The other children are expected tonight or tomorrow. No announcement could be made of funeral arrangements until after the arrival of his sons. It is probable that the funeral will be under Masonic auspices from the Godfrey Congregational Church, and that there will be many men prominent in the order who will attend. [Pearson is buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.]

Interesting History of Hon. J. M. Pearson
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1910
The following interesting communication to the Telegraph was written by Mrs. Lodema C. Godfrey [wife of James Ryder Godfrey, who was the son of Captain Benjamin Godfrey], now eighty-seven years old and hale and hearty and interested in current events. She lives at the home of her son-in-law, Charles Turner, township clerk of Godfrey township. The article follows:

"We came to Godfrey in 1865. At that time, Mr. Pearson lived in Alton, but the following year he moved to this place with his family. Our farms adjoined, and he built his house near ours, and from that time until he died, we were neighbors and friends. When he first came here, he identified himself with this church, and with his wife helped in every good cause and never failed when extra help was needed. In the absence of our minister he was often called on to fill the vacancy, and he was always ready with a sermon which he read with his clear voice and fine expression. Mr. Pearson was a self-made man, and we find very few who with all the help of schools and college could compare with him in general intelligence or the knowledge of those subjects which are supposed to be only learned by years of toil in college or university. He had served one of two terms in the Legislature, and had held several state offices, but we knew him best right here at home where he had a large circle of friends and acquaintances. I was in his class in Sunday school for many years. He was always present, unless absent from town or sick. He made the Bible a wonderful book and could refer to almost any passage called for without other help than his wonderful memory. During his sickness his patience never failed. A few days before he died, he said to me, "I feel as if I could not live more than a day or two." I said to him, "Well do you want to go?" "No, I do not," he said. At the last he raised himself up and fell forward, and found himself in the presence of his Savior."

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1910
An interesting event in the life of Mr. Pearson was the laying of the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple in Chicago. He was Grand Master of the Illinois Grand Lodge when the cornerstone of that building was laid, and it became his official duty to lay the stone, which he did.

A Sketch of His Life
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 5, 1888
In connection with its report of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Masons, in session in Chicago, the Inter Ocean gives the following sketch of Hon. John M. Pearson:

Deputy Grand Master John Mills Pearson was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, October 7, 1832. His ancestors constructed the first flouring mill known to that locality in 1637. He graduated at Harvard as a civil engineer, and was professionally employed upon the railroads of Massachusetts in and about Lowell. He emigrated to Illinois in 1849. The town of Godfrey, Illinois, where he now resides, was named after his wife’s father, Captain Benjamin Godfrey. In 1873, he was Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner of Illinois, and was elected to the Legislature of Illinois in 1878, and re-elected in 1880, and again in 1882. He was made a Master Maon in 1854, united with the Chapter the same year, with the Council in 1855, the Commandery in 1857, and with the Scottish Rite bodies of Chicago in 1882. He presided over the first four organizations, and became Grand High Priest of the Council and Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery. In 1884, the Supreme Council of the A. A. S. Rite for the Northern jurisdiction of the United States elected him an honorary member thereof; the same year he was Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and now is the Deputy Grand Master.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7, 1910
The funeral of John M. Pearson was held Tuesday afternoon (June 7, 1910) from his residence in Godfrey Township. There was an immense attendance of neighbors and old friends. The morning trains brought in many, among them delegations of officers of the Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, Grand Commandery, and the Consistory, in all of which he held membership and was prominent. The pallbearers were old neighbors of Mr. Pearson, and they bore the casket from the home to the hearse. At the Godfrey Cemetery, there was a change in the pallbearers. Piasa Lodge, A. F. & A. M. took charge of the burial. Pallbearers from the Masonic fraternity carried the casket and bore it to the grave in the Godfrey Cemetery. The burial service was conducted by A. B. Ashley of Decatur, Grand Master of the Illinois Masonic Grand Lodge.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1910
John M. Pearson, who was buried Tuesday in Godfrey Cemetery with Masonic honors, had a very unusual record. It was revealed at the funeral that he had the distinction of having joined the fraternity before he was 21 years of age. It is a law which the attention of applicants for membership is usually directed to, but in his case it was not. Mr. Pearson was taken to be 21, and was not informed he must be that old. He did not discover until he had passed through the degrees in the chapter that he had been taken into the order before he was the proper age. He had been a member of the order for 56 years, and was honored as few men have been in the order.

Source: Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society, 1910
One of Madison county's most distinguished citizens, a former member of the State Legislature, for years a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, Illinois Railroad and Warehouse Commission and State Live Stock Commission, a man of national prominence in a great fraternal order of which he was a member, and a member of the Alton Horticultural Society died June 2, 1910. Mr. Pearson was born October 7, 1832 in Newburyport, Mass. He came to Illinois in 1849, and in 1855 was married to Katharine Godfrey, a daughter of Benjamin Godfrey, the founder of Monticello Seminary. He became actively interested in agriculture in 1865 and for more than forty years was a member of the Alton Horticultural Society, serving in various capacities as an officer and at all times interested in the work of the Society, and valuable to it by his practical knowledge of horticulture and its needs. Perhaps no man in the membership did more in a practical way for the Society and its members than Mr. Pearson by advice both as to the best methods and what to avoid, and while the work he has done is permanent and the effect of his study and observation is of the greatest practical value, it is also true that his place will not be filled either in the Society or the community in which he lived many years.

Near End of Godfrey Estate - Two Farms Left
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9, 1910
The death of John M. Pearson makes it necessary to sell his home place in Godfrey township, and when this sale is held there will be only one piece of property left of the Benjamin Godfrey estate that one time comprised probably 50,000 acres of land in Madison, Macoupin, and Jersey Counties. Capt. Godfrey had sixteen children, and all of them are dead. Also all the wives and husbands of the children are dead, but one, who is Mrs. Lodema Godfrey, widow of James Godfrey. John M. Pearson was a son-in-law of Benjamin Godfrey. Mr. Pearson leaves about 190 acres of land. Mrs. James Godfrey, who is 87, has about 180 acres, and the two pieces, 370 acres, make up all that is left of the holdings of Godfrey. The children of Mr. Pearson do not desire to retain the old home place, one of the finest places in the vicinity of Alton. They will dispose of it as soon as they can. Captain Godfrey bought all the land he owned at very low prices prior to 1840, and he held it many years. Much of it he lost through helping to finance the C. & A. railroad, and much he lost in other enterprises. However, he died possessed of an immense estate, which has disappeared from the family possessions until now, the next to the last piece is to leave the line of descent.

Pearson Estate Sale
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 25, 1910
Among the articles sold the other day at the Pearson sale was a large mahogany bureau, which according to markings on the back of it, was brought from New Orleans by Captain Benjamin Godfrey, one hundred and two years ago.

 

PEASE, JOHN L./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 28, 1839
Died, in this city [Alton], on Sunday evening last, Mr. John L. Pease, formerly of New Hampshire.

 

PEAT, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1910
Mrs. Hannah Peat, aged 69, died Sunday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. B. Mitchell, 1304 Belle street, after a long illness with cancer of the stomach. She had been in bed twelve weeks. Mrs. Peat came here from Kirkstaff, England, last August, to pass her declining years with her daughter. She brought with her another daughter, Mrs. Ada Hill, and her daughter, Esther Hill. The old lady desired to be near her children when death would come, and she transferred her residence to Alton, as she felt that all she had that was worthwhile in life was her family. Beside Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. Hill, she had another daughter, Mrs. John License, of Chicago. Her brother, Daniel Willby, of Springfield, Mo., is in Alton, having come to attend the funeral, which will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Mitchell home, Rev. M. W. Twing officiating.

 

PECK, HELEN NELSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Helen Nelson Peck took place this afternoon from the home of her sisters, Mrs. Lucia I. Priest and Mrs. H. S. Bishop, on Henry street, and the services were conducted by Rev. J. A. Scarritt of Cairo, a former pastor and friend of deceased. Interment was in the city cemetery, and the funeral was private.

 

Reverend John Mason PeckPECK, JOHN MASON (REV.)
Died March 14, 1858
Founder of Shurtleff College, Upper Alton
John Mason Peck was an American Baptist missionary to the Western frontier. He was born October 31, 1789 to Asa and Hannah Pack, at Litchfield South Farms, Connecticut, and was reared in simplicity and industry as a child of Puritans. Asa Peck, his father, was afflicted with lameness, which placed a large share of the farm work on John’s young shoulders. His summers were devoted to the farm, and in the winter, he attended the local schools. At the age of eighteen, on December 15, 1807, he converted to Christianity, and accepted God’s grace of salvation.

In 1807 he began to teach school. He married Sarah “Sally” Paine on May 8, 1809, and they lived with his parents for about two years. In 1811, they moved to Windham, New York, near her family’s home. Shortly after the birth of their first son, they joined the Baptist Church. Peck taught school and served as pastor of the Baptist churches in Catskill and Amenia, New York. He became interested in missionary work after meeting Luther Rice, and went to Philadelphia to study under William Staughton. There Peck met James Ely Welch, a Baptist minister who became his missionary partner. The Peck and Welch families traveled to St. Louis in December 1817. The population of St. Louis at that time was about 3,000, of which one-third were slaves. Peck and Welch organized the First Baptist Church of St. Louis, and baptized two converts in the Mississippi River in February 1818. They founded the first missionary society in the West – the United Society for the Spread of the Gospel. With missionary support withdrawn, Peck refused to move back East, and continued his ministry in St. Louis. Two years later, the Baptist Mission Society employed him at $5 a week. He established Bible societies and Sunday Schools, and ministered to the rural population. In 1818, he traveled to Kaskaskia, then the capital of Illinois.

In February 1819, Peck felt it was time to establish a seminary for the common and higher branches of education. His goal was to train minds in habits of thinking and logical reasoning, to educate in the gospel, and to train in Christian duties. Rufus Easton of St. Louis (founder of Alton), made Peck promise that he would not locate his planned seminary until he explored the village known as Upper Alton. On February 22, 1819, Peck traveled to St. Charles, Missouri, took Smeltzer’s Ferry across the Mississippi to Illinois, and traveled to the future site of Alton. He found four cabins, and obtained directions to Upper Alton. The previous year Peck had met Dr. Erastus Brown, who had moved to Upper Alton. Emerging from the “forest” in Upper Alton, Peck found campfires and piles of brush glowing with heat. There was a boarding house, where he entered and found a table with rough, newly-sawn boards with an old, filthy cloth covering it. He found a boy and offered him a dime to take him to Dr. Brown’s log cabin. There he found Brown, his wife, and two or three children. They provided him food, and a small bedroom to sleep. In the morning Dr. Brown showed him around Upper Alton, which contained 40-50 families living in log cabins, shanties, covered wagons, and camps. There was a school of 25-30 boys and girls, taught by a backwoods fellow. Peck wondered where he would find enough scholars to fill a seminary. He left Upper Alton, and it was 3 or 4 years until he visited Upper Alton again.

In 1820, Peck’s first son, a lad of about ten years, came down with a fever and clung between life and death. His son passed away, and two days later Peck’s brother-in-law, Mr. S. Paine, also died. Peck looked to God with reverence and love, and said, “Though he slay me, I will trust in Him.” Peck was also sick, but was spared.

In 1822, Peck was appointed missionary of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. His first commission was signed by Thomas Baldwin, President, and Daniel Sharp, Secretary. He earned five dollars a week. He remained in the vicinity of St. Charles, Missouri. At the end of April 1822, he moved to St. Clair County, Illinois, and took up residence there. He bought unimproved land and built a home and began cultivating the land to support his family. He named his farm “Rock Spring.” A group of travelers settled nearby, and on May 26, 1822 a church was organized. Peck preached and baptized, ministering to the people.

A meeting was held at Rock Spring on January 1, 1827. The group decided to locate Peck’s seminary at Rock Spring, on land given by Mr. Peck. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Edwards, brother of Cyrus Edwards, served on the Board of Trustees from its beginning. By the end of May 1827, a seminary building was erected. Nearly everything connected with this effort rested on Peck’s shoulders, and he was performing the work of two or three men, besides his own duties preaching. The seminary opened with 25 students of both sexes. The number increased to 100 in a few weeks.

In 1832, Peck purchased land for a seminary in Upper Alton, where he had once visited so long ago. He renamed his seminary Alton Seminary, and established the Board of Trustees of Alton Seminary. He persuaded Rev. Hubbel Loomis, who had been teaching a seminary in Kaskaskia, to teach and fill the role as the seminary Principal. Loomis Hall, the first building of the seminary in Upper Alton, was erected in 1832. This building still stands, and serves as the home of the Alton Museum of History and Art.

Rev. Peck traveled to the East to obtained financing for his seminary for building purposes. He met with Dr. Shurtleff in Boston, who agreed to give $10,000 (about $305,071 in 2022 dollars), if the seminary was renamed Shurtleff College, which Peck agreed to. Between 1836 – 1841, the number of students at the college averaged 88, with four instructors. The faculty included Rev. Washington Leverett, his brother, Rev. Warren Leverett, and Rev. Zenas B. Newman.

On June 13, 1852, Peck mentioned in his diary of having his five sons, with two of their wives, and two grandchildren, at home and taking supper together. On November 18, 1852, the original Rock Spring Seminary building, where it all began, was destroyed by fire. Peck’s collection of files, periodicals, and pamphlets were all destroyed. In 1852, he gathered his scattered and charred books, 1,500 volumes, into the largest room in his house, which then became his library and study.

Rev. Peck resigned his duties at Shurtleff College on March 19, 1854, after learning he had lung disease. He soon became frail. At the end of the year, he learned his son, Harvey Jenks Peck, had died in Iowa on December 17, 1854. For the remainder of Peck’s life, he wrote in his diary and visited with friends, including Cyrus Edwards of Upper Alton. On Sunday, March 14, 1858, Peck passed away in his family home at Rock Spring, and was buried in the Rock Spring Cemetery in O’Fallon. Twenty-nine days later, at the request of friends and colleagues, his body was disinterred and reburied in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, to rest with other pioneer Baptist ministers.

Rev. John Mason Peck left a lasting legacy at Shurtleff College. The college went on to grow and prosper, and more and more buildings were erected. Finally, in 1957, the college closed its doors. Today, the former Shurtleff College campus is part of the Southern Illinois University system.

 

PECKART, CHRISTIANA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, Jan. 28 & Feb. 1, 1888
From Highland, Jan. 26 – This afternoon in Highland, Mrs. Christiana Peckart died at the age of 60 years.

 

PEERS, CYNTHIA S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1915
Mrs. Cynthia S. Peers, aged 83, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. B. F. Bowler, Wednesday morning after an illness of two days. Mrs. Peers was taken ill on Monday evening with pneumonia, and for a time her condition was not considered serious. She died at four o'clock this morning. Mrs. Peers has been a resident of Alton for the past eighteen years, and left a large number of friends. She was well and favorably known about the city. She leaves besides her daughter, three sons, J. N. Peers and M. G. Peers of Collinsville; and Edgar Peers of Vicksburg, Miss. Members of the family had considerable trouble in locating her son, J. N. Peers, who was cruising on the river in his boat, the Lelia. He left Alton on Monday morning and did not know of the illness of his mother. Messages were sent to Havana this morning and there it was learned that he had just left that city for points up the river. Orders were sent to have a speedboat follow him and tell him of the death of his mother. This was done and he will return at once. A short funeral service will be held from the residence at 436 East Eighth street on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock. Burial will be in Collinsville, Ill. on Friday. A request has been made by relatives that flowers be omitted.

 

PEGUES, CLAUDIUS/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 18, 1882
Mr. Claudius Pegues, a young man twenty-three years of age, son of Mrs. Celia Pegues of Alton Junction [East Alton], died of brain fever last Sunday at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. George Crawford of Wood River. His remains were interred at the Bethalto Cemetery Monday afternoon. The mother has the sympathy of many friends in this, her sad affliction.

 

PEIPERT, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 14, 1922
Mrs. Elizabeth Peipert, widow of Lawrence Peipert, died at ten o'clock Thursday night at her home, 1110 State street, following a three years' illness with complication of diseases. Throughout her long illness, Mrs. Peipert was very patient, bearing her sufferings cheerfully. She was a well known woman and until ill health confined her to her home, she was active in the social life of the city and was known for her entertaining. She was born and raised in Alton, her maiden name being Tremmel. She was 53 years old last November. Her husband died three years ago last October, and at the time of his death Mrs. Peipert was in very poor health. Few friends thought she would survive Mr. Peipert for so long a time. Mrs. Peipert is survived by one son, William Peipert, and a daughter, Mrs. Charles Smith of Wood River, and eight grandchildren. She also leaves four brothers, Edward N. Tremmel of Carrollton, John Tremmel of Montreal, Canada, Anton and Jacob Tremmel of Alton, and four sisters, Mrs. J. F. Dunlap of Milwaukee, Wis., Mrs. George Keller of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mrs. John Kies and Mrs. Al Fullager of Alton. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from SS Peter and Paul's Cathedral with interment in Greenwood cemetery.

 

PEIPERT/PIEPERT, LAWRENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 4, 1919
Lawrence Piepert, retired merchant, died this morning at St. Joseph's Hospital at 6:05 after a serious illness of two weeks, and an operation which was performed at the hospital last Saturday. He had been ailing for almost two years when two weeks ago complications set in with gallstone trouble, causing his death. He was 59 years old. Mr. Piepert lived in Alton practically all his life. He was born in Germany and came to America with his parents when two years old. The family settled in Godfrey, and he became a resident of Alton in his early youth. He took out citizenship papers when he was 19 years old, and was engaged in the meat business on Belle street for 18 years. When his health began to fail him two years ago, he turned the business over to his son, William Piepert, retiring from active life and settling with his son's family at 1110 State street. The untimely death of Mr. Piepert causes general sorrow among a large number of friends. During the 18 years that he was actively in business he made countless friends who proved him as a man and those in the same line of business respected him as a competitor in business. His illness has been watched by his friends who held hopes that he would recover until his recent and more serious illness at the hospital. He is survived by his widow, Elizabeth Piepert, a brother, Jacob Piepert, three sisters, Mrs. Theresa Burmeister of Melville, Ill., Mrs. Vincent Mrasik of Memphis, Tenn., and Mrs. Gus Hilt of Godfrey, a daughter, Mrs. Charles Smith of Wanda, son William Piepert of Alton, and four grandchildren. The remains may be viewed by friends Sunday afternoon at 1110 State street. The funeral services will be held at the Cathedral at nine o'clock Monday morning. A requiem high mass will be said by Father M. Costello, and interment will be at Greenwood cemetery.

 

PELOT, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3, 1911
Mrs. Annie Pelot, wife of Louis Pelot, died at 4:40 o'clock Friday morning at the family home east of Upper Alton. She had been ill for over a year with tumor of the stomach, and a few weeks ago a surgical operation was performed upon her at St. Joseph's hospital, which failed to give her permanent relief. She was 40 years of age and is survived by her husband and eight children. Mrs. Pelot leaves also some brothers and sisters, William and Chris Horn of Alton; George and John Horn of Jerseyville; Philip of East St. Louis; Mrs. John Hoffman of Alton; Mrs. Martha Kessler of Fieldon. The family lived until a few years ago in Alton, and Mrs. Pelot was well known here. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PELOT, MARIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17, 1907
Mrs. Marie Pelot, aged 73, died Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock after a long illness from asthma. Mrs. Pelot was a native of Germany. She was born in Rhineberg, October 30th, 1833. She came to Alton when a young woman and had lived in the city ever since, raising a large family. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Most and Mrs. Getsinger, and six sons, Frank Pelot of St. Louis, Charles, Louis, Adam, Gustave and August of Alton. She leaves besides thirty grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The funeral will be held Friday or Saturday from the German Evangelical church of which Mrs. Pelot was a member. Mrs. Pelot was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She was a woman of a most estimable character, a good mother and a kindly neighbor.

 

PEMBROKE, ELIHU (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 15, 1894
One of Alton’s First Settlers
The following dispatch from St. Jo, Montague County, Texas, reports the death of Colonel Elihu Pembroke, one of the first settlers of Alton, and one whom the older citizens will remember:

Colonel Elihu Pembroke“Colonel Elihu Pembroke, who died here aged over four score and ten, was born in Ontario County, New York, April 27, 1802. In 1820, his father emigrated to Illinois, and bought ten acres of land where the main part of the town of Alton now is, and in 1827 Elihu was married in Alton to Miss Sarah Stout, but she died in 1831, after three children had been born to them, all of whom had also died. In June 1833, he married Miss Louisa Knowland of Madison County, Kentucky, who survives him. She was born in 1811.

Colonel Pembroke was originally a Whig in politics, and cast his first vote for President of Henry Clay in 1824, and three different times had the pleasure of voting for Clay. He became a Republican on the formation of that party. His last vote, however, in 1892, was for the Prohibition ticket.

Colonel Pembroke was one of the first settlers in Illinois. When he moved with his father to that State in 1820, there was not a house in Jersey or Macoupin Counties, and Illinois had not been admitted as a State.”

NOTES:
Find A Grave gives the following information: Lists the name as Elihu or Elisha Pembroke (tombstone shows E. Pembroke), who was born April 27, 1802, in Afton Center, DeKalb County, Illinois. His father was shown as Enos Pembrook, born 1776 in New York, and died November 18, 1832, in Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, where he owned (in 1841) 75 acres in the northeast quarter of section 22, T33, R3. Enos was the son of John Pembrook (a seafaring man from England). Elihu’s mother was Lucinda J Warner Pembrook (1781-1815). The siblings of Elihu were: Thomas, Ursula (1806-1887), David (1808-1879), Mary Ann (1810-1830), Richard (1812-1864), and Celinda (1815-?) Pembroke. The father, Enos Pembrook, married again in 1814 to Sophia Rice Pembrook (1782-1861). The children of Enos and Sophia were: Enos Pembrook (1815-1855); Calvin Park Pembrook (1818-?); and Jeremiah Rick Pembrook (1820-1902).

According to the history of Macoupin County, Illinois, 1879, Enos Pembroke, in 1820, settled in Alton, Illinois. He bought ten acres of land where the main town of Alton is now located, where they lived three or four years. They found the location so sickly, that they were compelled to remove elsewhere. At that day, the Mississippi River opposite Alton was covered with a green scum, like that which may now be seen on the surface of stagnant ponds, and fever and ague prevailed to such an extend along the riverbanks, that the settlers were obliged to move. In about 1825 or 1826, his father moved the family to the vicinity of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, where he died in 1832. Enos Pembroke was buried in the Summit View Cemetery in Ottawa, Illinois.

 

PEMBROKE, JULIA A. (nee ADAMS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 03, 1898
Native of Edwardsville
From Bethalto - Mrs. Julia A. Adams Pembroke, wife of Thomas C. Pembroke of near Canby, Oregon, suddenly expired at her home Sunday afternoon of heart disease. She was apparently in good health and spirits, conversing with her husband. She arose, walked into an adjoining room, and immediately sank to the floor. All efforts to revive her failed. The wheels of mortal life stood still. Thus, passed away a good friend, a noble mother, and an affectionate and devoted wife. The funeral was on Tuesday morning, the interment being in Canby Cemetery.

Mrs. Julia A. Pembroke was born in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, March 12, 1847. She was married January _, 1865. She moved with her family to Texas in 1869, going the entire distance by wagon, there being no rail transportation between those points at that period. They moved to Oregon in 1883, and has resided near Canby since that date. The union was blessed with three children – two sons and one daughter – all of whom survive her and attended her funeral.

As a true mother, her greatest desire was to pave the way for her children’s welfare, always saying: “Let adversities fall upon me or in my day, rather than in theirs, that they may live in comfort and be men and women of honesty and integrity, is my most sincere desire.” Wherever she lived, Mrs. Pembroke was always ready to visit and minister unto the sick. The deceased leaves a husband and three children to mourn their loss and hold sacred her memory in golden thoughts that they had such a wife and mother. A brother in Missouri, sister in Texas, and a sister in Colorado also survive her.

 

PENCE, ADDIE MUNDIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 03, 1894
From Marine – Died at St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis, April 24, Mrs. Addie Mundis Pence, aged 24 years, 8 months, and 5 days. The remains were brought to her home in Marine for interment. The deceased was an only child, beloved by all who knew her; an earnest Christian and faithful worker. The grief-stricken husband and parents have the sympathy of the entire community.

 

PENCE, JAMES B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12, 1902
James B. Pence, father of Dr. C. N. Pence, died suddenly Friday afternoon at the home of his son at East Alton, after a short illness with heart trouble. Mr. Pence was a school teacher fifty-three years, and was a pioneer resident of Lewis county, Mo. He was former school superintendent at LaGrange, and was well known in Lewis county where he had made his home the greater part of his life. Mr. Pence had been spending the winter with his son at East Alton, and complained Friday of feeling unwell. Dr. Pence was treating him. Mr. Pence had lain on a lounge and while lying there he passed away peacefully and without giving any sign that he was dying. Mrs. Pence was alone in the house, but when it was discovered that her husband's father was dead, Dr. Pence, who was in Edwardsville, was summoned. Mr. Pence leaves his widow and one son. Burial will be at LaGrange, Mo., Sunday.

 

PENCE, TILLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 7, 1917
Mrs. Tillie Pence, aged 27, died at her home on State street yesterday morning at 10:30 o'clock after an illness of a very few days with heart trouble. She was well known in Alton and leaves a number of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She was born in Bethalto on June 28, 1890. On May 6, 1908 she was married to Oscar Pence of Alton. Besides her husband she leaves a four year old son, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller, and three brothers. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the home. The services are to be conducted by Rev. E. W. Heggemeier.

 

PENEFORD, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13, 1899
Joseph, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Peneford of Fifth and Ridge Streets, died this morning from spinal meningitis, aged two years and four months. The funeral will take place Friday afternoon from the home.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 14, 1899
The funeral of the little son of Mr. and Mrs. George Peneford took place this afternoon from the home, Fifth and Ridge Streets. Interment was in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PENIFOLD, MILDRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1909
Mildred, 11 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Penifold, died suddenly Tuesday morning at the family home on Ridge street, near Third, after a long illness from stomach and heart trouble, the latter being super induced by the former. While sick more or less for a long time, she was able to be up and around much of the time and attended school pretty regularly. Monday night she had a bad night and the retching and vomiting caused by the stomach disorder super induced weakness of the heart, it is supposed. Mildred arose this morning and appeared to be no worse than usual, and Mr. Penifold went to work. She died shortly afterwards after a paroxysm of vomiting from heart failure. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Congregational church.

 

PENNEWELL, AMY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24, 1920
Amy, the 11 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pennewell, died yesterday afternoon about four o'clock at the home in Yager Park. The child had been sick for two weeks with malaria fever. She is survived by her parents and one sister and three brothers. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 from the home. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

 

PENNEY, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
Mrs. Penney, an aunt of Mr. John Batterton, died at his residence near Alton about 11 o’clock Tuesday night. She was nearly eighty years of age. Mrs. Penney was called from Louisville early last Spring to the deathbed of her sister, Mrs. Batterton, who had been stricken with paralysis. Mrs. Penney had been here but a few weeks, when she too was seized with the same disease, and after a long and painful illness, died as above stated. She was an estimable Christian lady, and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. Although she was taken ill away from home, she received every attention and kindness which devoted relatives and sympathizing friends could bestow. For some time before Mrs. Penney’s death, two of her sons were with her, and aided in making her as comfortable as was possible under the painful disease from which she suffered. Her remains left here Wednesday afternoon for Louisville.

 

PENNING, ANNA “ANNIE” (nee FECHT)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 22, 1894
Mrs. Annie Penning, wife of Mr. Christian Penning, aged about 30 years, passed away Monday afternoon at her home on Liberty and Ninth Streets. She leaves a husband, two children, and numerous friends to mourn her death. The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PENNING, CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 27, 1917
Chris Penning, for many years an employee in the capacity of gardener on the Joseph Krug place, died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 1 o'clock this morning after a long illness. He was 60 years of age and he leaves a son and daughter, also two brothers and two sisters. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Grace Methodist Church.

 

PENNING, NORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1919
The body of Nora Penning, colored, who died in Chicago, arrived in Alton and the funeral was held today, interment being in the Upper Alton cemetery. She lived in Alton until a year ago.

 

PENNY, CRECLIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1902
North Alton News - The funeral of Creclius Penny took place this morning from the home of John R. Batterton to the City Cemetery at Alton. Many friends of deceased attended.

 

PENROSE, FANNY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18, 1907
Mrs. Fanny L. Penrose, wife of William Penrose, died Sunday morning at 2 o'clock at her home in the Beall flat on eighth street, after an illness of nine days from pneumonia. The death of Mrs. Penrose was a sad shock to her friends who knew that she was very ill, but had every hope that the crisis, which was expected to come Saturday night with the end of the ninth day of the disease, would be passed safely. She was very weak, however, from her illness, and she collapsed shortly after midnight. Mrs. Penrose was born at Warsaw, Ill., June 12, 1867. She came to Alton with her parents, Captain and Mrs. John N. Hamilton, about twenty-five years ago, and had lived here most of the time since then. She was married December 27, 1892 at the home of her sister, Mrs. J. D. Smith, Macon, Mo., having gone there for the purpose of being married to Mr. Penrose. Beside her husband, she leaves a nine year old daughter, Dorothy, two sisters, Mrs. J. D. Smith of Macon, Mrs. J. B. Bemis of St. Paul, Minn., and two brothers, G. H. Hamilton, agent of the Big Four at Alton, and D. H. Hamilton. Her father also survives. Mrs. Penrose's death removes from her social circle and her home a woman who was much loved by all who knew her. She was always bright and cheery, devoted to her family and to her friends, and it was a pleasure to know her. It was not believed that she was as ill as she was, and few gave any thought to a possible fatal termination of the malady from which she suffered. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from the Congregational church at 2 o'clock.

 

PERCIVAL, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 29, 1871
Died in Alton on September 24, of consumption, John Percival, in the 55th year of her age. He was a native of England, but had resided in Alton 25 or 30 years, and was very extensively known. He has left a wife and one son to lament his death.

 

PERCIVAL, MARTHA/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1891
At six o’clock p.m., Wednesday, occurred the death of Mrs. Martha Percival, in the 73rd year of her age. Mrs. Percival, who was a widely known and respected lady, had been in poor health for some months, but no fears of her immediate dissolution were entertained. Lying on the bed while her granddaughter read to her, she passed away as if in sleep, and without giving any intimation of unusual pain or suffering. Drs. Fisher and Guelich were called, and pronounced the cause of death heart failure.

Deceased was a native of Scotland, and with her husband, John Percival, immigrated to Alton where they embarked in the grocery business more than forty years ago. Mr. Percival died some fifteen or twenty years ago, and the business has since been continued by Mrs. Percival, who amassed considerable property. Mrs. Percival was the mother of a number of children, all of whom preceded her to the other shore, all save three dying in childhood. Surviving her are eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all residents in Alton.

The funeral of Mrs. Percival took place Friday from her late residence, 1300 State Street, to the Alton City Cemetery. The attendance was very large. The pallbearers were Messrs. William Armstrong, Fred Hayden, William Atkinson, J. A. Brunner, Robert Hyndman, and John Reed.

 

PERCIVAL, PETER/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1889
Civil War Veteran; Prisoner at Andersonville
Monday night, Mr. Peter Percival, who was ailing, took a dose of Paris Green, mistaking it for ginger, and in spite of all that could be done to remedy the error, the poison resulted fatally, and he expired at one o’clock Friday a.m. Deceased was 48 years old. He left a wife [Mary Anne Rutledge Percival] and eight children, besides many other relatives and friends to mourn his sudden death. Two of his children are married – Mrs. Wesley Beall and Mrs. Bert Bell.

Mr. Percival was a native of England, born March 2, 1841, and came to Alton in 1850 with his parents, who opened a store on State Street, which is still managed by his aged mother, who today mourns the loss of the last of her children. The funeral will take place from his late residence on State Street, Sunday afternoon. The deceased was an old soldier, and will be buried under the auspices of the G.A.R. He was a member of Company C, 77th Ohio Infantry, and was at one time a prisoner at Andersonville. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

Coroner Bonner arrived here Friday afternoon, and held an official inquiry as to the death of Mr. Peter Percival. The verdict was that deceased came to his death through inflammation, induced by his having taken Paris Green administered by his own hand.

 

PERKINS, RACHEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 26, 1848
Died in Alton on the evening of the 10th inst., after a distressing illness of nearly two weeks, Mrs. Rachel Perkins, aged about 23.

 

PERKS, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1881
Sexton at the Alton City Cemetery
Mr. Samuel Perks, the faithful, efficient Sexton at the City Cemetery, which position he had held since August 16, 1875, died June 1, after a painful illness of almost four months duration. Deceased received a sunstroke in the summer of 1879, caused by overexertion, having dug three graves in one day with the thermometer at 98 degrees. Since that time, his health had not been good. He was a native of England, and came to Alton more than 25 years ago. Deceased leaves a wife and an adopted daughter, besides many friends to mourn his death. He was a member of Alton Lodge No. 2, Wildey Encampment No 1, I.O.O.F., and had his life insured for $1,250. The funeral took place Sunday at his late residence in the City Cemetery grounds, under the auspices of Alton Lodge No. 2, I.O.O.F., and Wildey Encampment. The services at the house were conducted by Mr. James Whitehead of the Latter Day Saints. The I.O.O.F. ritual at the grave was conducted by Mr. A. G. Wolford, acting chaplain. The bearers were selected by Mr. Perks, during his last illness, and were Messrs. John Dow, J. Still, Charles Crowson, John Burton, George Gray, and John Rowe.

 

PERLEY, WINNIE GOVE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 17, 1865
Died on the evening of the 14th instant, Winnie Gove, only child of R. G. and T. E. Perley, aged 2 years and 11 months. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon from the residence of his parents, corner of Fourth and Alton Streets. Friends of the family are invited to attend.

 

PERONNI, JOHN/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 30, 1891
John Peronni, the Italian who had his leg broken and was otherwise badly injured by a fall of slate at the Madison Coal Company's mines at Glen Carbon, a week ago Saturday, died Sunday evening [Dec. 27]. The leg had commenced to mortify and it was thought best by the physicians to amputate it. The operation was performed but the patient was unable to recover on account of other injuries he had received. He has a wife and one son in Italy. He also has a son in Michigan, who has been notified and will likely arrive before the end of the week.

 

PERRIN, EDITH MATTIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 11, 1877
Died in Alton, January 11, 1877, at 5 a.m., Edith Mattie, infant daughter of T. H. and M. A. Perrin; aged eleven days.

 

PERRIN, EMMA (nee KUEHN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12, 1903
Mrs. Emma Perrin, wife of Will H. Perrin, died Friday evening at 9 o'clock after an illness of six weeks with typhoid fever at the family home on State street. Mrs. Perrin was 32 years of age and is survived by her husband and one son, Courtenay. She was the daughter of Charles Kuehn, the well-known Alton business man. She was born in Alton and lived here all her life. Her marriage to her husband was the culmination of a little romance of her school days, when she was one of the most popular girls of her years and time. She was taken ill six weeks ago, and at the crisis of the fever her heart proved weak and failed. The death of Mrs. Perrin is a sad shock to her husband and to other members of her family. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church and a member of the church choir for many years. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from St. Paul's Episcopal church.

 

PERRIN, ISABEL (nee TODD)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 6, 1885
Mrs. Isabel Perrin, for almost 48 years a resident of Alton, died quite suddenly Monday, aged 86 years. She had been in feeble health for several years, having attacks several times so severe that hope of recovery was relinquished. She was about as usual Sunday, retired that night, and was found dead in bed at 5 o’clock the next morning, having passed away quietly and peacefully about an hour before, as appearances indicated.

Mrs. Perrin was born in 1816 at Brough, Westmoreland County, England. She came to this country in 1835, and settled at Frederick, Maryland. She removed to Alton on November 6, 1837, the day before the murder of Lovejoy, and had lived here ever since. She was twice married, first to Thomas Harrison in England; the second time to Harrison Perrin in Alton. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, faithful in attendance on the services while her health would permit, and ever a consistent Christian, a good friend, a kind neighbor. She left three children: Mr. Thomas Harrison Perrin, senior proprietor of the Alton Democrat; Mrs. Elizabeth Ferguson; and Mrs. Sarah Perrin Hudgens, wife of J. D. Hudgens of Larkin, Kansas; besides many other relatives to mourn her death.

The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from the home of her son, Mr. T. H. Perrin, with a large attendance. On the casket was a silver plate with the words, “Our Mother.” Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PERRIN, JOHN H./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 21, 1868
Died in Alton, February 16, 1868, John H. Perrin; aged 32 years.

 

PERRIN, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1845
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 27th inst., Mary Ann, daughter of Mr. Harrison Perrin, aged 18 months.

 

PERRIN, THOMAS HARRISON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 26, 1910
Newspaper Editor; Civil War Veteran; Postmaster
The end came for Thomas H. Perrin Monday afternoon at 4:50 o'clock at his residence, 615 East Twelfth street. He had been very low for a week and his going out was expected at any time. He had retained consciousness up to a short time before the last, when it became necessary to keep him under the influence of opiates to lessen the pain he had been suffering for several weeks. For a week before his death Mr. Perrin had known that the end was very near. He was willing to go, ready to lay down the work of a life that had been full of activities, and enter into his long rest. Surrounded by members of his family who had been watching him closely and had not been away from him for several days, he passed peacefully away.

The death of Mr. Perrin has taken from the working world one of Alton's most active energetic citizens. It has removed a man who had the highest conception of his civic duties, was invaluable to the church, and in business was a keen energetic worker. All his life had been a busy one, and he was always ready to do anything his hand found necessary to be done. He was born in Alton on Second Street [Broadway], between Market and Alby, March 1, 1842, and at the time of his death was in his 69th year. His parents were Harrison and Isabel Perrin. He had little advantage of an early education, and at 10 years he began to work in the office of Alton's newspaper, the Alton Courier, where he served seven years apprenticeship. Afterward, he worked as a journeyman printer in the offices of the Alton Democrat and the Alton Telegraph. He gained in the printing offices, and by study the education which made him afterward a leader in church work, an expert on educational subjects, a good speaker, and fitted him for the position he filled when he died.

Few men could show such a mental development with a start under such adverse circumstances as he had. He enlisted when the first call for troops was made by President Lincoln, in Co. I, 4th Missouri Volunteers under Captain William Hubbell. The company was raised in Alton, but could not get into an Illinois Regiment because the Illinois quota was full, but they succeeded in finding a place in the Missouri quota. Under the administration of President Cleveland, he was appointed postmaster at Alton, and it was under his term that the first free mail delivery was given in Alton. He made a study of the public-school system, and was appointed for the first time on the school board by Mayor Henry G. McPike. He served 21 years as a member of the Board of Education, and served many times as president of the board. He still retained the position up to the time of his death. In his school work he manifested an intelligent grasp of affairs which enabled him to make a success. He was always in favor of keeping school expenses down to the lowest figure it was possible to have and get good results. As president of the Board of Education, he was honored alike by the faculty and all who have served with him. Perrin was a charter member of Robin Hood Camp, Modern Woodmen.

Mr. Perrin was married to Martha A. Logan, daughter of Reverend J. B. Logan, D. D., June 30, 1864. As his first work was done in a newspaper office, so his first business venture was in the publishing business. His father-in-law was editor of a church paper, the Western Cumberland Presbyterian, and Mr. Perrin became the publisher of it. Dr. Logan's interest was afterward secured by Dr. J. R. Brown, and the firm of Brown and Perrin purchased the Cumberland Presbyterian, another paper, printed at Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, merging the two papers. The same firm published also the Ladies Pearl, a religious monthly. Later both of these papers were sold to the Board of Publication of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in 1872, and were re-established at Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Brown going there as editor.

Mr. Perrin formed a partnership with Edward A. Smith, who survives him, a boyhood friend. In 1876, Perrin & Smith purchased the Alton Daily and Weekly Democrat, which they published 15 years, when it was merged with the Alton Morning Sentinel, owned by the late J. J. McInerney. In 1879, Perrin and Smith started a branch office in St. Louis, of which Mr. Smith had charge, while Mr. Perrin remained as editor of the Alton Democrat. After Mr. Perrin retired from the post office at Alton, the firm of Perrin & Smith having disposed of their interest in the Sentinel-Democrat, Mr. Perrin became president of the Perrin & Smith Printing Company. Mr. Perrin had a very important part in developing this firm's business and increasing the value of its plant until today it is one, or the largest firms in the printing business in St. Louis, and has a large business in the line of publication of monthly and weekly journals.

Although he had been active in business life, Mr. Perrin probably attained his greatest recognition as a worker in the church. Today, the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church in Alton is a monument to him, and his untiring self-denying liberality. He united with this church in 1861, and soon after was elected a ruling elder. He served in that capacity until the time of his death. In that church he was the motive power to a great extent, that kept the church going. In every department his aid and service were invaluable. He was not merely an adviser, however, for if any difficult task was to be done, Mr. Perrin was the man who did it. He built up the Sunday school, as Superintendent, during the 39 years he served in that capacity, and made it a thing of life. He had a Bible class there that was recognized as being the finest Men's Bible class in this part of Illinois. The spirit of the class was excellent, the attendance a marvel to all. In the Twelfth Street Church, then known as the Cumberland Presbyterian, he gained recognition from the higher bodies of the church. He served as moderator of the Illinois synod several times, was a member of the board of home and foreign missions, with headquarters in St. Louis, for many years, and was president two terms. He was a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church many times, and was a member of that body when the union of that denomination with the Presbyterian Church was affected several years ago. Since the union of the churches, he has been a commissioner to the General Assembly of the merged church and a member of the National Council of Reformed Churches of the Presbyterian faith; also treasurer of the church extension association of Illinois.

Mr. Perrin is survived by his wife and three children, Charles L., William H. Perrin, and Mrs. Leo F. Winter. Mr. Perrin's illness began several years ago, and his friends and family became somewhat alarmed by several collapses he suffered. Finally, he decided to submit to a surgical operation, to stay what was recognized as a dangerous malady. The operation did not result in any permanent good, and from that time he was able to be out but little. Throughout his illness he manifested a splendid courage that enabled him to ignore the advance of disease and the certainty of near dissolution, and every minute of his time that he could do so, he was engaged in some form of work of a public or business character. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church.

NOTES:
Thomas Harrison Perrin was born in Alton on March 1, 1842, to Harrison (1820-1865) and Isabel Todd (1816-1885) Perrin. He married Martha Ann Logan in 1864, and together they had three children: Charles L. Perrin (1866-1948); William Harrison Perrin (1868-1945); and Grace Janet Perrin Winter (1884-1954). Thomas is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PERRINGS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1916
William Perrings, aged 27, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. S. Perrings, died at 4 o'clock this morning at the home of the parents, 912 1/2 east Sixth streets after an illness with pneumonia. Beside his parents he leaves two sisters. The funeral services tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock will be conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny at the family home.

 

PERRY, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6, 1904
Upper Alton News - Edward Perry, son of Mr. and Mrs. John R. Perry, died Monday evening at 6:30 o'clock at the family home on Liberty street in Upper Alton. He was just 21 years old, and had cast his first vote at the Presidential election. The young man had only been seriously ill since Saturday evening when he was brought home from his _____ suffering with pneumonia. He had contracted a cold last week while at work in St. Louis, where he was employed in the freight office of the Frisco Railroad Company, and kept on with his work as usual until Saturday, when he was taken suddenly ill and was removed to his home where he suffered the worst pains of pneumonia until death relieved him last evening. The death of Edward Perry has caused a severe shock to the community. He was one of the most energetic young men in Upper Alton, and all who knew him were his friends. He was liked and trusted by his employers and by his death they lose one of their best employees. The bereaved family have the sincerest sympathy of the entire neighborhood. The funeral arrangements have not been completed, but it will probably be held tomorrow afternoon at the family home if all relatives that are expected arrive in time. The deceased leaves to mourn his death besides his parents, two brothers, Randolph and Wayman Perry, and one sister, Miss Edith Perry, of Upper Alton.

 

PERRY, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1903
The funeral of Frank Perry, who died Sunday morning, took place this morning at 10 o'clock at the family home seven miles north of Upper Alton. The funeral services were attended by many friends and relatives of deceased, who are grieved at his removal in the prime of life. Interment was in the Bates graveyard.

 

PERRY, H. D./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 22, 1864
Died in Alton at three o’clock this morning, at the residence of her son-in-law, A. W. Greenwood, Mrs. H. D. Perry, lately of Moscow, New York; aged 65 years.

 

PERRY, MARIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 31, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Maria Perry will be held tomorrow morning from the residence of John Winkler of 604 Foest [sic] Home Place. Winkler has taken full charge of the funeral arrangements.

 

PERRY, MARY A. (nee MURPHY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 4, 1890
Mrs. Perry, wife of Mr. W. A. Perry, formerly of Alton, died at her home in Durango, Colorado, last Saturday morning, August 30. Mrs. Perry was the daughter of the late James Murphy, for many years the sexton of the Catholic Cemetery at North Alton. Her remains will arrive here this evening, and the funeral will take place from the Cathedral tomorrow morning.

 

PETER (or PETERS), Keziah B./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1880
Keziah B. Peter died in Piasa, March 3, 1880, aged 90 years and 18 days. The funeral services were held at the Methodist Church here, and the body was interred in the cemetery on Scarritt’s Prairie [Godfrey], where her husband was buried 50 years before. The deceased was a native of Georgia, was married in Kentucky when 19 years of age to William Peter. In November 1830, the family, consisting of husband, wife, and 10 children, came to Illinois. Eleven days after their arrival, Mr. Peter died. These children all grew up to become heads of families, and four of them are living now. There are 30 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. For 69 years the deceased was a member of the Methodist Church, and as her life had been one of uniform faith and piety, so her death was one of peace and triumph.

Of more than ordinary interest is a life prolonged to such a great extent as hers, reaching to almost a round century. We fail to realize the import of it, unless we place it in juxtaposition with other lives and events. When her life began, Napoleon the first was only 21 years of age. George III reigned 30 years after she was born, and George IV, William IV, and 42 years of Queen Victoria’s reign came within the period of her life. Rhode Island, the last refractory State to perform this act, ratified the constitution the year of her birth. John Wesley was still alive, and Francis Asbury, the pioneer of American Methodism, lived until she was 26 years of age. She lived through every presidential term of our great republic, and saw the population go up from 3 to more than 40 million, and the States increase in number from the original 13 to 39. Steamboating, railroading, telegraphing, and a thousand inventions to expedite labor and relieve men of its drudgery came within that period. No other 90 years in 18 centuries, perhaps, was more fraught with events of moment and of interest than these. Her’s was a ripe old age, few have retained to the end of such a life their faculties of mind and body in such vigorous and healthy action.

 

PETERS, CATHERINA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 1, 1883
Mrs. Catherina, wife of Philip Peters, a native of Baden, Germany, and long a resident of Alton, died Sunday morning after a lingering illness of ten months, at the age of 58 years, 2 months, and 12 days. Mrs. Peters was a most estimable lady, beloved by all who knew her, and besides a bereaved husband, leaves two sisters, Mrs. F. Erbeck, Mrs. M. Guehringer; a brother, Mr. T. Hund; seven children: Mrs. Byron Brenholt and Mrs. Frank Squires of Godfrey; Mrs. Charles Schleuter and Mr. Joseph Peters of Alton; Mr. John Peters of Albion, Nebraska; Mr. Henry Peters of Chicago; and Mr. Charles Peters, naval apprentice. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PETERS, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 4, 1888
Died at Collinsville, May 31, 1888, Mrs. Elizabeth Peters, aged 7_ Years.

 

PETERS, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 21, 1906
Mrs. Ellen Peters, widow of Joseph Peters, died this afternoon at her home, Nineteenth and Belle streets, after an illness of several years. Mrs. Peters had lived in Alton almost all her life, having come here from Charleston, S. C., when a girl. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. J___ Quinn of Peoria, and Mrs. William Winters of Godfrey. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.

 

PETERS, EMILY EVALEIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1874
Died in Alton June 29 of congestion of the brain, Emily Evalein, youngest daughter of Joseph and Ellen Peters; aged 1 year, 1 month, and 3 days.

 

PETERS, ERHARDT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16, 1904
Erhardt Peters, a longtime resident of Fosterburg, died at his home in that place last evening, aged 71 years. Deceased was a native of Germany, but spent the greater part of his life in Fosterburg, having lived there 38 years. The funeral will take place at the Baptist church in Fosterburg on Thursday at 2 o'clock.

 

PETERS, HERMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1890
The dead body of a man, terribly mutilated, was found this morning on the track of the C., C., C. & St. Louis Railroad, about halfway between Wann [East Alton] and Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford]. Coroner Bonner was summoned and was holding an inquest on the body this afternoon. The man was later identified as Herman Peters, a farmhand, who worked on a farm near Edwardsville Crossing.

 

PETERS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1901
Electric Lineman Meets Death After Falling From Pole
Joseph Peters, a young electric lineman who was born and raised in Alton, was almost instantly killed this afternoon shortly before 3 o'clock by falling from an electric line pole at the corner of Fifth and Cherry streets. Peters was stringing wires in charge of Foreman William Elfgen on Fifth street, and had been laying the line of wires preparatory to putting them on the pole. He had complained of his spurs hurting him just a few minutes before, and it is believed for that reason he may have lost his hold on the pole upon which he was clinging. The men working with him say they saw him reel backward and fall headlong to the ground. He struck with his head on the brick paving and sustained a long fracture on the top of his head. He was picked up and carried to a house in the neighborhood, but life was extinct in a few minutes after the fall. The exact reason of Peter's fall is not known. By some it is attributed to sunstroke, and by others to electric shock, or to the defect in his spurs. After his fall he did not utter a sound, and the men who picked him up saw he was dangerously injured. He fell a distance of about 25 feet. The body was placed in the care of Undertaker Klunk, and was taken to the home on Belle street. Peters was married, was 30 years of age, and besides his wife he leaves a family of three young children. He was an industrious, sober workman and had been in the employ of the Alton Railway Gas and Electric Company five years. About six weeks ago while working in the vicinity of the powerhouse, Mr. Peters was struck on the back of the neck by a live wire and rendered unconscious.

 

PETERS, PETER (REV. FATHER)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 5, 1896
Rev. Fr. Peters, the venerable rector of St. Mary’s Church, is very ill and his life is in a precarious condition. Some time ago, he suffered a fall at Edwardsville, sustaining injuries from which he has not been able since to be out of his home. Doctors Taphorn and Haskell performed a surgical operation on him Monday, in the hopes of relieving him, but his sufferings are intense and his condition is critical.

Later – Father Peters died Thursday morning from the results of his injuries.

Source: Alton Telegraph, March 12, 1896
Rev. Father Peters died Thursday morning at his home on East Third Street, after an illness of about one week. Last Sunday morning, after regular Sunday services in the new St. Mary’s Church, he was taken suddenly ill from the effects of a fall he suffered at Edwardsville several weeks ago. He suffered great pain, and on Monday, Dr. Taphorn, the attending physician, called in Dr. Haskell for consultation, and a surgical operation was decided on to relieve him. The operation did not alleviate his sufferings much, although he seemed much better Wednesday afternoon. His conditioned changed for the worse, and after intense suffering, he passed away at 1:50 o’clock Thursday morning. His dying bed was attended by his friends, Rev. Fr. Foerster of St. Mary’s, Rev. Fr. Metzler of Brighton, and a few of his loving parishioners. During his illness he was attended by a Sister of Charity from the East St. Louis Hospital. Apropos of his death a short sketch of his useful life will be interesting to Telegraph readers.

Rev. Peter Peters, pastor of St. Mary’s, was born April 15, 1833, at Kepellen, Rhenish Province of Prussia. He entered upon his classical course at Emmerich, where he graduated in the fall of 1853. Studied philosophy, and theology at the Royal Academy of Muenster in Westphalia. He embarked in the following year for America, arrived at Alton with the present Director of St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Rev. L. Hinssen, on July 4, 1859, finished his theological course at the College of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and was ordained priest by the Rt. Rev. Juncker, Bishop of Alton, at the Cathedral, April 21, 1861. His first appointment was at Edwardsville, where he remained until the spring of 1863. Thence he was sent to Highland. Here, he built a convent and parochial school. He built also new churches at Trenton, Clinton County; Saline, Madison County; Pocahontas, Bond County; and started the church of St. Rose in Clinton County. In august 1874, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s at Alton, and has resided here ever since. He remodeled St. Mary’s, built the Sister’s House near the Parochian School, and the schoolhouse for the large boys, enlarged the church property on Third Street, and bought all the estate on Fourth Street. His monumental work was the new St. Mary’s Church, corner of Fourth and Henry Streets, which he had just finished at a cost of $60,000, and dedicated last Thanksgiving Day.

Father Peters was beloved by his parishioners as he justly should be, and there are many sore hearts in St. Mary’s parish at his sudden taking off. [Burial was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton]

 

PETERSEN, LETTIA D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13, 1915
Mrs. Lettia D. Petersen, aged 52, died at her home at the corner of Fifth and Ridge streets early this morning after an illness of several weeks. She is survived by a husband and one son. The funeral will be held from the home at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Interment will be at the Oakwood Cemetery.

 

PETERSON, ALICE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 18, 1894
Miss Alice Peterson of Wanda, committed suicide in St. Louis yesterday. She became despondent, and ended her life with poison. She was well known in Wanda.

 

PETRY, MRS. PHILLIP (nee MERSINGER)/Source: Troy Star, April 19, 1894
The funeral of Mrs. Phillip Petry took place at the Catholic church in Black Jack Saturday. She was a daughter of F. Mersinger and a well-known leader in her vicinity. She leaves a husband and three small children.

 

PETTINGILL, KATIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1878
Miss Katie Pettingill, aged about 18 years, daughter of J. A. Pettingill, met her death by drowning in a cistern at the family residence, Wednesday afternoon, about 4 o’clock. She was not missed by the family until about fifteen minutes before the occurrence was discovered. The Coroner was notified. Deceased was a most estimable young lady, and the family have the sincere sympathy of the entire community.

 

PETTINGILL, SUSAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 28, 1901
Upper Alton News - Mrs. Susan Peetingill, widow of the late D. A. Pettingill, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jackson Vaughn on Brown street, May 28, 1901, after a lingering illness, at the age of 72 years and 6 months. There will be a short funeral service at the home at 9:30 tomorrow morning. The burial will be at Mitchell at 1:30 p.m.

 

PETTIT, ALEXANDER W./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 14, 1840
Died, in Middletown, on Monday the 9th inst., Alexander W., son of John H. and Mary Ann Pettit, aged 20 months.

 

PETTIT, ELEANOR/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 16, 1849
Died at the residence of her son-in-law, Captain Simeon Ryder, in Alton, on Friday the 9th instant, Mrs. Eleanor Pettit, relict of the late Peter Pettit, Esq., of Kempstead, Long Island, New York, aged 81 years and 11 days. The deceased was born in the city of New York. Her father’s name was Burling, whose ancestors emigrated from England many years since, and were among the early settlers in the above city. During the Revolutionary War, and when the British were about to occupy New York, her father, who was an ardent patriot, removed to Poughkeepsie with his family, but returned to the city after the evacuation. After her marriage, Mrs. Pettit removed with her husband to Hempstead, and there lived until the death of the latter, which took place about 26 years ago. In 1819, she came to Alton to live with her daughters, then settled here, and with the exception of a visit to her friends at the East, continued to reside in this city or the neighborhood, up to the period of her decease. In early life, the venerable subject of this notice united herself with the Episcopal Church, of which she remained a devoted and consistent member until she died, illustrating by her Christian life and conversation, as well as by her peaceful departure, the excellence of the religion she professed. She has left two daughters in Alton, and one son and daughter in Hempstead, and many relations and friends to deplore her loss.

 

PFAFF, THEODORE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 11, 1892
Mr. Theodore Pfaff died Sunday at his home in Fosterburg at the age of nineteen years. Mr. Pfaff has been in failing health for some time, but was able to be up and his death will be quite a surprise to his many friends who thought that he was much improved in health up till Saturday evening, when he was taken much worse. The funeral will take place tomorrow at Fosterburg.

 

Valentine Pfaff and familyPFAFF, VALENTINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1920
Civil War Veteran Dies at Home - Saw Many Important Battles
Valentine Pfaff, a veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Alton and vicinity for 62 years, died at his home in Fosterburg today. He was 77 years old. Mr. Pfaff was born on February 14, 1843, in Niederschuein, Baden, Germany, and came to America when 15 years old. He located in Alton, and for a number of years conducted a tin shop. In 1882 he moved to Fosterburg with his family, and had since resided there.

Mr. Pfaff enlisted in the Union Army on August 13, 1861, as a private in Co. D, 17th Missouri Regiment of Infantry. He was 18 years old when he enlisted. He was discharged from the service on March 12, 1864, at the United States General Hospital, Mound City, Illinois, with a surgeon's certificate of disability, resulting from a sickness. He participated in the battles of Key Ridge, Arkansas Post, the Siege of Vicksburg, and others.

Mr. Pfaff was married on August 5, 1866, to Miss Louisa Hoffer. Of this marriage, six children were born, four of whom survive. They are Dr. R. A. Pfaff of Alton; Mrs. Emma Walters of St. Louis; and Mrs. Rosa Ihne of Fosterburg. Mr. Pfaff is also survived by his widow. Next August, Mr. and Mrs. Pfaff would have celebrated their fifty-fourth anniversary of their wedding. Mr. Pfaff, while in business in Alton, made many warm friends and his death causes sorrow both here and at Fosterburg. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and of Fosterburg and the Grand Army of the Republic. Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 2 p.m. Wednesday, by the Rev. Korb, pastor of the Fosterburg Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in Fosterburg Cemetery.

 

PFEFFER, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 13, 1883
Suicide by Hanging
About four o’clock Tuesday afternoon, Frank, the little son of B. Pfeffer, a tailor living on the south side of Second Street [Broadway], between George and Langdon Streets, went into the basement of the house and found his father hanging by the neck from a strap hitched to a nail in the ceiling. The little boy gave the alarm at once, a crowd gathered, and the body was at once cut down by the City Marshal. It was still warm, but life was extinct. That the act was premeditated is shown by the fact that the deceased, a few minutes before, told a woman living in the same house to take care of the little boy. He leaves no family but the boy. In hanging himself, he stood on a chair, placed the strap around his neck, then kicked the chair away.

Deceased was about 50 years of age. He lost his wife about two weeks ago, since which time he has been sick and despondent, which is supposed to have been the cause for the deed. Coroner Youree arrived on the train Tuesday evening, and held an official inquiry. The verdict of the inquiry was death by his own hand from hanging. Surviving was the boy, Frank, and a brother living in Alton. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PFEIFFENBERGER, ANDREW M./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 8, 1894
Son of Architect Lucas Pfeiffenberger
After a lingering illness of several months, Andrew M. Pfeiffenberger, the eldest son of Hon. And Mrs. Lucas Pfeiffenberger, passed peacefully over the dark river Sunday morning. His death caused profound sorrow among his many young friends in Alton, who have known him as a young man of marked ability, with a most promising future before him. He was born November 9, 1871. His school career was an unusually creditable one. He graduated from the Alton high school with the class of 1888, being the only boy in a large class. He was greatly beloved by his schoolmates for his gracious qualities.

He entered college in Jacksonville, Illinois, where his education was completed in two years, and upon his return, took charge of his father’s office in East St. Louis. That dread destroyer, consumption, fixed upon him, and for several months his decline was marked, ending in his death yesterday. The sympathy of Altonians is with the parents, in their bereavement, and sorrow is universal among the young people of Alton.

At 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, there assembled at the home on State Street a throng of friends to attend the funeral of Andrew M. Pfeiffenberger, oldest son of Hon. And Mrs. Lucas Pfeiffenberger. The many schoolmates of Andrew, who knew him as a warm friend and delightful companion, were present. A profusion of flowers testified to their friendship and love. A most touching service was conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Sympathy was extended to the bereaved parents, clothed in words of solace and comfort. The Episcopal choir sang appropriate hymns. The funeral train that followed to the City Cemetery was an unusually large one. Here, a short service was conducted, and the casket was lowered to the grave. The pallbearers were W. J. Boals, Levi Davis, W. G. Saxe, H. W. Wise, Charles Haagen, and Guy Edwards.

NOTES:
Andrew M. Pfeiffenberger was born November 9, 1871, in Alton, Illinois. He was the oldest son of Lucas Pfeiffenberger Sr. (1834-1918) and Elizabeth Mather Pfeiffenberger (1841-1921). Andrew’s brothers were: Lucas Pfeiffenberger Jr. (1867-1884); George Davis Pfeiffenberger (1873-1956); John M. Pfeiffenberger (1876-1952); and James Mather Pfeiffenberger (1879-1963). Andrew was interred in the Alton City Cemetery. He was 22 years old.

 

PFEIFFENBERGER, ELIZABETH (nee MATHER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21, 1921
Widow of Former Mayor Lucas Pfeiffenberger Dies
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Pfeiffenberger, a life-long resident of Alton, died at her residence, 708 State street, Sunday evening at 7:45 o'clock from paralysis following a general breakdown due to her age. She would have been 80 years of age the 11th of next May. Mrs. Pfeiffenberger's death had been expected during all of the week preceding the end. She was stricken with paralysis on the Saturday of the week before, and for eight days she had been unconscious, unable to take any food or water. She had been in bad health for some time previous to the paralytic stroke. At the time of the death of her husband, former Mayor Lucas Pfeiffenberger, three years ago next March 16, it was not believed that Mrs. Pfeiffenberger would long survive him. The couple had been deeply devoted to each other. They had been married over fifty years at the time of the husband's death, and their married life had been one in which both had left nothing undone for the comfort and happiness of the other, and those who knew Mrs. Pfeiffenberger best realized that it would not be her wish to be left alone for very long. She was born in the city of Alton, the daughter of Andrew Mather, and she spent all of her life here. She was married here November 20, 1867, and was the mother of five children, three of whom survive, George, John M. and Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger. Her whole interest was centered in her family and her maternal devotion to her children was repaid to her in her declining years by every mark of filial devotion being bestowed on her by her sons, who were constant in their attention to her and saw to it that she lacked nothing at any time that would comfort her in her declining years. Mrs. Pfeiffenberger is the last of her family, but one, only one sister, Miss Belle Mather, remaining. A few years ago Mrs. Pfeiffenberger's other sister, Mrs. George H. Davis, died, and a number of years before her brother, John Mather, passed away. Mrs. Pfeiffenberger was highly esteemed in the neighborhood where she lived. It was not only as a wife and mother that she was a success, but as a neighbor, and among those who had lived near her there was the deepest concern over her illness, and much sympathy for her. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home on State street, and will be private. The family request that there be no flowers.

 

Lucas Pfeiffenberger Sr.PFEIFFENBERGER, LUCAS SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18, 1918
Prominent Alton Architect and Mayor
Lucas Pfeiffenberger, four times mayor of Alton, dropped dead in his home on State Street Saturday, March 16, 1918, as the indirect result of an accidental fall a few days before by which he broke two ribs on his right side. He had risen from his bed to go unattended to the bathroom, and arriving there he was stricken with death and fell over into the empty bathtub. His death was instant. The opinion of his son, Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger, was that death was due to an embolism of the brain. A blood clot had doubtless formed in the circulatory system of his body as the result of the injuries he had suffered, and when Mr. Pfeiffenberger rose to go to the bathroom the clot was set adrift in the veins and reached the brain, where it obstructed the brain action and caused instant death. Members of the family had known that Mr. Pfeiffenberger's case was a serious one. He had been suffering intensely from the broken ribs and he had also had some loss of blood, indicating internal injuries, but he was in such a resolute frame of mind and so stoutly insisted that he would get well, it was believed that he might have a chance to recover, notwithstanding his eighty-four years. His daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mather Pfeiffenberger, was with him just before he died, and he had insisted that he be allowed to go unattended. He refused to consider that he needed any assistance.

Lucas Pfeiffenberger was born in Mudau, Baden, Germany, November 14, 1834, to John (1804-1894) and Catharine (1806-1884) Pfeiffenberger. He was brought to this country by his parents when he was 18 months old. His parents settled at Dayton, Ohio, and there he apprenticed himself to a carpenter when 15 years of age. He worked by day and at night, studied the theoretical side of building, preparing himself for the profession of architect. In 1852 he went to California, and returned to Dayton, and it was while on his way there a second time he arrived in Alton and stayed here. A drouth on the plains had caused him to postpone his trip. He found Alton so satisfactory to him that he concluded to make it his home permanently, and he later established himself in business. He engaged first as a contractor, then opened an architect's office and continued in that profession. Every day up to the time of his injury he would climb the two, long flights of stairs to his third story office on the north side of Third Street, two doors west of Piasa Street, and he never relinquished interest in business. In 1867 he married Miss Elizabeth C. Mather, daughter of Andrew Mather, for many years a well-known and prominent business man of Alton.

Lucas Pfeiffenberger always had a deep interest in public matters. In 1866 he was elected chief of the Alton Fire Department, and continued in that capacity until 1872. Four times he was elected mayor of Alton. He was prominent in Democrat Party politics here, besides being interested in local politics. For many years he was generally the choice of the Democrats as chairman of their party meetings and primaries, and his influence in the party was weighty. In 1866 he organized the first Board of Trade, and in 1885 he was elected its president, serving in that capacity until the present Board of Trade was organized in 1911. At that time, he, with the other officers of that body, turned over their records to the newer and fully financed body. In 1883 he helped organize the Alton Building and Loan Association, and was made its president. He also headed its successor, the Bluff City Workingmen's Building and Loan Association, and when it gave way to the Piasa Building and Loan Association, he became that organization's first president, and continued in office ever since. At the time of his death, he still held the position of president, and he was among the most regular in attending meetings, no matter how stormy the weather. He assisted in the organization of the Citizens National Bank, and was its first vice-president, later giving place to another, and becoming chairman of the board of directors in the bank.

Pfeiffenberger designed buildings at distant places, among which were a hotel at Manitou, Colorado, and the first shelter at the Mineral Springs there. In Alton, he designed Lincoln School, erected in 1868, also the Madison Hotel, the Alton National Bank, St. Patrick's Church, St. Joseph's Hospital, the homes of John E. Hayner, Henry Watson, St. Mary's Church, Garfield School, the Woman's Home, Nazareth Home, the Bowman Dry Goods store building, the Wood River School, the residences of E. M. Dorsey, George R. Hewitt, and the present home of former Mayor Beall. Among industrial plants, he designed the Beall Bros. plant at Alton and East Alton, the Illinois Corrugated Paper Co. plant, and part of the plant of the Alton Brick Company.

Mr. Pfeiffenberger was a staunch believer in Alton, and he was ever ready to give personal service and his money to help out on public enterprises. He was known as a man of resolute will, and not to be easily deterred from a course of action. One of his best-known expressions indicative of his quality of mind, was when he would urge falterers in any enterprise to "take the bull by the horns." There was never any failing about him and he faced death with as much courage as he did any of his minor battles in life. In his passing Alton lost an active and useful citizen. Surving beside his wife, who celebrated with him last November their golden wedding anniversary, are three sons - George Davis Pfeiffenberger, in business in East St. Louis; John M., who was his father's right-hand man in Alton; and Dr. James Mather Pfeiffenberger. Two sons preceded him in death – Lucas Pfeiffenberger Jr. (1867-1884), who died at age 17, and Andrew M. Pfeiffenberger (1871-1894), who took over his father’s East St. Louis office, and died from consumption. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home. In conformity to an oft expressed request, the funeral will be very simple, and there will be no flowers. He loved flowers but he believed they should be given to the living and not for the dead. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PFEIFFENBERGER, LUCAS JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 30, 1884
Son of Hon. Lucas Pfeiffenberger
Hon. And Mrs. Lucas Pfeiffenberger have been afflicted by the death of their son, Lucas Pfeiffenberger Jr., which sad event took place Tuesday, October 28. The young man was born in Alton, December 27, 1867. Deceased was a young man of much promise, and the sympathies of the community will be extended to the family in their great bereavement. The funeral will take place from the family residence on State Street this afternoon.

NOTES:
Lucas Pfeiffenberger Jr. was the son of Hon. Lucas Pfeiffenberger and Elizabeth Mather Pfeiffenberger. He was their oldest child, and was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PFEFFER, BARTHOLOMEW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 4, 1909
Bartholomew Pfeffer, aged 74, died Monday morning at 11 o'clock at his home, Bloomfield street and the Vandalia road, where he had lived alone for many years. He leaves two sons, Joseph and Edward Pfeffer, his wife having died a number of years ago. Mr. Pfeffer was an interesting old man, possessed a kindly disposition, and in the neighborhood where he lived he was generally known among the children as Santa Claus. He had lived in Alton over fifty years, coming here when a very young man after serving a term of enlistment in the Germany Army of his Fatherland. For many years he conducted a cooper shop where he made beer and whisky barrels, and in later years he put much of his time doing repair work on barrels for the Bluff City Brewery. After the death of his wife he lived with his children, but finally concluded to occupy two rooms in a house that belonged to him, and there he stayed the remainder of his days. Even when he was taken very ill he would not go to the home of either of his sons. Every day, however, members of his family would look after him and see that he was comfortable. His little "den" was decorated with old time pictures and curios, and he had a large number of little keepsakes he had preserved and of which he was very proud. About three weeks ago the little old man was stricken with his last illness, and uraemic poisoning developed, which proved fatal. The body was taken after his death to the home of his son, Edward Pfeffer, 903 Vandalia road, where the funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, to be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller. The German Benevolent Society, of which he was an old time member, will have charge of the service at the grave, and the White Hussars band will participate in the funeral services.

 

PFEFFER, HONORE (nee MORRISSEY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 21, 1897
Wife of A. Pfeffer
Mrs. Honore Pfeffer, wife of Mr. A. Pfeffer, died Thursday at her home, 1102 Belle Street, after a lingering illness with consumption, in her fortieth year. Mrs. Pfeffer has long been a sufferer with the dread disease, and some months ago it became apparent that her life would not last much longer. In the hope of prolonging it, she took a trip west, and remained there, separated from her family, for several months. The change was not beneficial, as it was hoped it would be, and about five weeks ago she returned home, when it became apparent that the end of her suffering was near. At midnight last night, death laid its icy grasp on her, and took her from the midst of her family, leaving the home desolate. She was a most admirable woman, and during her life-long residence in Alton, has surrounded herself with a circle of friends limited only by her acquaintance. She leaves her husband, Adolph Pfeffer, three sons, and one daughter. Besides these, her father, James Morrissey; two brothers, E. J. and Will Morrissey; and a sister, Miss Genevieve Morrissey, survive her. The funeral took place Saturday at the Cathedral. Requiem high mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Cusick, and the services were attended by a large number of friends of the afflicted family. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery. The pallbearers were T. J. McInerney, J. E. Dunnegan, Michael Thornton, John Meehan, Ed Thornton, and D. C. Terry.

NOTES:
Honore Morrissey Pfeffer was born in 1856 in Illinois. She was the daughter of James Morrissey (1829-1902) and Mary Higgins Morrissey (1837-1885). Honore married in 1878 to Adolph Pfeffer (1855-1922). Surviving were three sons and one daughter. She was interred in the Greenwood (St. Patrick’s) Cemetery.

 

PFEIFER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1912
Joseph Pfeifer, aged 30 years, died Saturday evening in the Granite City hospital after a year's illness. He was employed in the Census department in Washington D. C. until sickness overcame him when he returned to Granite City to the home of his brother, Frank. Recently he became much worse and the Knights of Columbus had him removed to the hospital. His parents are both dead, and for many years lived on a farm the other side of Godfrey. He leaves five brothers, John, who is farming the home place; George of St. Louis; Frank and Anthony of Granite City; and Ed in Brookline, Ark. He has four sisters, Mesdames Henry and Louis Leady of Alton; Mrs. Dick Welsh of Delhi; and Miss Lizzie Pfeifer of Granite City. The funeral mass will be said tomorrow morning in Granite City by Rev. Fr. Murphy, and he will accompany the funeral party later to Brighton, where burial will be made Tuesday afternoon. The pall bearers will be six members of the Granite City Lodge, Knights of Columbus.

 

PFEIFFER, EMANUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1902
Emanuel Pfeiffer, a retired business man and one of the most prominent citizens of Alton, died this morning at 12:30 o'clock at the family residence on Twelfth street. Mr. Pfeiffer has been an invalid for over eighteen months, during the greater part of which time was confined to his home. During the last four months of his life, he was bedfast, and his condition has been such as to cause his family to abandon all hope of his recovery. His death was a relief from great suffering as his malady has been an acute one, affecting his entire system. He was born at Weidenthal, Germany, and was in his 68th year. He came to Alton forty years ago and was engaged in the shoe business 35 years. By careful methods and industry he built up a profitable business in Alton, and he had the confidence of all who dealt with him. His health failing, he was unable to look after his business in later years, and he was compelled to retire. He was married at Prairietown, Madison County, while a resident of Alton, and raised a large family here. He leaves a widow and five children, Mrs. H. J. Bailey, Mrs. J. R. Cartwright, Albert, Harry and Blanche Pfeiffer. His death removes one of the best-known business men of Alton, and while his passing is deplored by his family and his friends, it is a relief to know that his suffering has reached its end. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be conducted at the home by Rev. M. W. Twing.

 

PFEIFFER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1903
John Pfeiffer, aged 64, died from paralysis last evening at his home near Godfrey. He had lived there since 1866, and was the father of 10 children now living. He will be buried Saturday morning at Brighton.

 

PFEIFFER, NELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7, 1916
Mrs. Nell Pfeiffer, widow of George Pfeiffer, who died about a year ago, passed away this morning at her home on lower State street, just opposite Third street. Mrs. Pfeiffer has been in poor health for some years and the shock of her husband's death was very hard on her. She was in her 42nd year. Mrs. Pfeiffer was a member of the well known Noonan family of Russell street, and leaves besides her two little daughters, her mother, one sister, Miss Nonie Noonan, and five brothers, James of Chicago; and John, Edward, Dennis and David of Alton. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock Monday morning from the Cathedral. Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery beside the body of her late husband.

 

PHAYER, ELLEN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 31, 1887
Died near Upper Alton, October 30, Mrs. Ellen, wife of Richard Phayer, youngest daughter of the late James McKenzie; at the age of 32 years and 10 days. Funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence, one mile east of Upper Alton. Deceased left a husband, mother, a sister, a brother, and one child to mourn her death.

 

PHAYER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 02, 1898
Mrs. Mary Phayer died Saturday night at her home in Upper Alton, after a lingering illness with general debility; aged 74 years. A husband, four sons, and three daughters are left. The funeral will be Tuesday morning from St. Patrick’s Church.

 

PHELAN, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 12, 1916
One of Oldest Glassblowers in Alton Dies
George Phelan, one of the oldest glass blowers in the city of Alton, former Upper Alton village official, and member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, died this morning at 6:20 o'clock at the family home on Washington avenue. As stated in the Telegraph last night, Mr. Phelan had been in an unconscious condition for almost three days, and his death was expected at any time. He was 66 years old. Mr. Phelan's death was the result of a sickness that commenced in an unusual manner about two weeks ago. He had been conducting a grocery store for some time, and last winter he put in a truck to deliver goods. He had been running the truck himself a part of the time, and on the 19th day of May he had a slight accident when his truck was struck by a street car in front of his store. While the car was not running fast, the delivery truck was knocked backwards a distance of about thirty feet. Mr. Phelan was not thrown out of the machine, but the shock of the accident was a severe one. Whether the accident had anything to do with his illness is not definitely known, but Mr. Phelan was inclined to believe that it was. He suffered from headaches during the weeks that followed. One week ago last Sunday his fatal illness commenced, and from the first he was in a delirious condition the greater part of the time. George Phelan was one of the oldest glassblowers in Alton. He came here forty-three years ago from Ellenville, N. Y., and commenced blowing glass in the Alton glass factory when it was located on Belle street. He worked at the trade almost up to the time that the hand blower was crowded out by the automatic machine. He was born in Troy, New York, December 7, 1851. He was married to Miss Anna Archer of Alton a couple of years after he came here to take a place at the glass trade. Besides his widow he is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edward Dorsey. Mr. Phelan was widely known for the interest he took in public affairs. His political career commenced when he was first elected to the office of trustee in the village of Upper Alton before that section of the city was annexed to Alton. He served several terms as member of the village board, and later he was inspector on numerous street paving jobs when the first street paving in Upper Alton was done. Four years ago Mr. Phelan was elected an assistant supervisor, which gave him a seat on the Madison County Board of Supervisors. He was holding this office at the time of his death. Besides being a member of the board, Mr. Phelan was a member of Western Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., Carlin Rebekah, and the Bluff City Court of Honor. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home at Washington and Sanford avenues, and services will be conducted by Rev. Joseph Burrows, pastor of the Washington Street Methodist Church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, and the services at the cemetery will be in charge of the Odd Fellows.

 

PHELAN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1914
Old Time Glassblower Dies - First Apprentice Under William Eliot Smith
John Phelan, an old time glass blower of Alton, died at 5 o'clock Tuesday evening at the family home on Washington avenue in Upper Alton from a stroke of apoplexy, which he suffered Monday morning. Mr. Phelan worked at the glass trade up to three weeks ago, when factory No. 10 in the plant of the Illinois Glass Company suspended operations. Since that time he had done nothing and he complained almost each day of feeling badly. During one of the hot days of last week he was overheated, and he had not entirely recovered from that illness. Monday morning he complained of his head hurting, and he started to go to bed, but before he got there he fell to the floor in an unconscious condition and never rallied. He leaves his wife and three children, one daughter, Mrs. Katie Gerdes of San Francisco; and two sons, John of Alton; and Charles Phelan, whose whereabouts seem to be unknown. He also leaves two brothers, George Phelan, who resides a few doors from the home of deceased; and Alonzo Phelan of Massillon, Ohio, who will arrive in Alton tonight to attend the funeral of his brother. The daughter, Mrs. Gerdes, has started for home but she cannot get here until Saturday, and the funeral arrangements will not be made until her arrival. Charles Phelan, the younger son, is working at the glass trade in the West and up to a short time ago he was at San Francisco. He got out of work there, and he wrote his parents he was going up the coast in Washington State to work in a new plant, but he did not explain just where it was, and therefore his relatives here cannot locate him to inform him of his father's death. Several messages have been sent, but each failed to locate the young man. John Phelan was born in Ellenville, N. Y., and was 58 years old on the 11th day of May. He came to Alton with his brother, George Phelan, in 1872. George was a journeyman glass blower, but his brother ha dnot yet learned the trade. Both men went to work for William Eliot Smith in the Alton glass works, then on Belle street, and John Phelan was the first apprentice put to work to learn the trade by the late Mr. Smith. He continued at the trade and became a glass blower, and for the past forty-two years he has been at work at the trade. He was one of Alton's old time glass blowers, and there are few of the old tradesmen in Alton that have been at the trade longer than he was.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1914
The funeral of John Phelan was held yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church. There was a very large attendance at the funeral as Mr. Phelan was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and especially among his neighbors and fellow workmen. The daughter, Mrs. Katherine Gerdes, whose coming from California was being awaited, arrived Saturday night. The son, Charles, who was in the west and whose whereabouts was not ascertained until after considerable delay, could not get here. The funeral services were conducted by Fr. Francis Kehoe. The pallbearers were Adam Kestner, Joseph Wahl, Henry Freark, Joseph Everson, William Jackson, and Fred Green. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery beneath a heavy blanket of flowers.

 

PHELAN, VINCENT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 31, 1898
Vincent Phelan died Wednesday afternoon at his home, eighteenth and Alby Streets, after an illness with tuberculosis-meningitis. He was a young man in the employ of the Post Dispatch, and moved to Alton some time ago because of illness of Mrs. Phelan’s mother, Mrs. Flynn. A few weeks ago, he was taken with sickness, and since that time his death has been expected daily. He leaves a wife and two small children.

 

PHILBROOK, MARY LOUISE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 19, 1864
Died on August 17th, Mary Louise, daughter of Samuel and Rose Philbrook, aged sixteen months and eleven days.

 

PHILLIPS, CHARLES S./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 23, 1892
Takes His Own Life
Charles S. Phillips, a well-known citizen of Upper Alton, died by his own hand last night about nine o’clock. Going into his bedroom, he sat on his bed, put a pistol to his temple on the right side, and fired. He fell backward upon the bed, his feet not leaving the floor, and was thus found. He lived about an hour. When the doctor was called, he pronounced the wound fatal. Mr. Phillips was entirely unconscious from the time he fired the fatal shot until he expired. No one was in the house at the time but Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, the cook who was in the kitchen, and the man who had retired to his room in the rear of the house. The daughters were spending the evening with their brother, Mr. Harry Phillips, who lives a short distance away on the same street. The man was quickly aroused and aid summoned, but nothing could be done, the fatal bullet having done its work only too well.

The circumstances show that the act was deliberate and premeditated. He went to the bank in the morning, drew some money, and paid all his outstanding indebtedness. He also fixed up some other matters calmly and in a business-like manner. Mr. Phllips was for a number of years connected with the Hapgood Plow Company, and was an esteemed and trusted official and citizen. Several years ago he severed his connection with the company. He was in excellent circumstances financially, the possessor of a beautiful home, a most excellent family, consisting of a wife and four children (two daughters and two sons), with money sufficient to gratify all real desires, it would seem that life should have been a pleasure, not only to himself, but to his family and friends.

Mr. Phillips was 58 years of age. The inquest was held this morning, and the jury rendered the verdict that he came to his death by a pistol wound, self-inflicted, and the wound was caused by a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver, 38 caliber, about 8 o’clock on the evening of August 22, 1892.

 

PHILLIPS, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 24, 1865
Died of convulsions after a short, but painful illness, on Sunday, February 5, 1865, at 6:30 o’clock p.m., at the residence of his parents in Edwardsville, Illinois, Frederick, eldest son of George W. and Elizabeth Phillips, aged 22 years, 7 months and 21 days. The deceased, whom none knew but to esteem, has left heart-stricken parents, a loving brother, an affectionate sister, and a large circle of friends to mourn is untimely death.

 

PHILLIPS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 5, 1946
Son-In-Law of Colonel Andrew F. Fuller of Upper Alton
Harry Phillips, member of a well-known Upper Alton family, died at his summer home, St. Emile de Montcalm, in Canada. His home was in Montreal, where he and his wife, Dove Rodgers Phillips, lived at the Royal Hotel.

Mr. Phillips died at the age of 80. He had been retired from the railroad business, where he had been a prominent figure after going to Canada to work for the Grand Trunk Railroad. He was formerly employed by the Wabash Railroad in St. Louis. Phillips was survived by his wife, Mrs. Dove Phillips, who was a daughter of Colonel Andrew F. Rodgers. They had married in Upper Alton in October 1890. He leaves also two daughters, Mrs. R. G. Hutchins and Mrs. J. G. Wilson. Burial was in Montreal.

 

PHILLIPS, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 1, 1891
Kicked by a Mule
Henry Phillips, the man who was kicked by a mule last Friday evening on the farm of John Stadler, two and a half miles east of Mitchell, died from his injuries Sunday morning at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Deceased was a farmhand about 28 years of age, and had worked around Mitchell for some time.

A number of witnesses were summoned from Mitchell, as rumors had been circulated that he had been foully dealt with, but from the testimony of the witnesses, such was not the case, and the verdict of the coroner’s jury was that he came to his death by a kick from a mule or horse, on the night of September 25, in the stable of John Stadler, near Mitchell. The body was interred in the city burial grounds.

 

PHILLIPS, JAKE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29, 1919
Crane Man Saved When Crane Falls - One Man is Killed - Third is Maimed
George Holland seemingly by miracle, escaped injury in a fall of 25 feet with a 15-ton traveling crane at the Laclede steel plant, while Jake Phillips was killed and Thomas Stokes was maimed, losing one leg and the other was badly hurt. The accident, which occurred about 4 p.m., was due to the collapse of the "runway" on which traveled the crane, weighing about fifteen tins and having a fifteen ton lifting capacity, in the open hearth department. Holland was operating the electrically driven crane and fell with it. On the floor were two negroes, Phillips and Stokes, who were caught by the falling crane and pinioned. Phillips was instantly killed. It was believed Stokes was killed too, but when he was taken from beneath the crane he was alive, but had suffered terrible injuries to his legs, one of them being so crushed as to make amputation necessary. Reports that two men had been killed were due to the fact that, until Stokes had been taken out, it was believed that it was impossible for him to have escaped with his life. Stokes was taken to the hospital and Phillips' body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Bauer. Phillips was in his 53rd year and had lived in Alton seventeen years. He leaves his wife, four sons and two daughters. The funeral services will be held from the home, 1022 Gold street, Friday at 2 p.m. and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PHILLIPS, MATILDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1904
Mrs. Matilda Phillips, aged 65 years 2 months, died suddenly at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Shea, at Godfrey, this morning from fatty degeneration of the heart. She weighed 425 pounds and was so large that it was necessary for Undertaker Klunk to send for a casket to be made to order. She had not been able to sleep in a reclining position for a long time, but sat up in a chair because of difficulty in breathing. She leaves only one daughter, Mrs. John Shea. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home at Godfrey.

 

PHILLIPS, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 9, 1874
From Edwardsville - The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Phillips, wife of G. W. Phillips, who died at 2 o’clock a.m. on January 5, aged 52 years, took place from the family residence yesterday afternoon.

 

PHILLIPS, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 17, 1865
Edwardsville Young Man Poisoned
We are under obligation to our highly esteemed, personal friend, Dr. J. H. Weir of Edwardsville, for the following particulars of the death of the lamented young Frederick Phillips of that place, from the Intelligencer. It is sincerely to be hoped that the person or persons guilty of this diabolical act may be detected and brought to justice. The subjoined correspondence nearly explains itself. It is, however, proper to say that at the time of the death of young Phillips, various opinions existed as to the cause. Shortly after his burial, Dr. J. H. Weir had the body exhumed, took out the stomach, and carried it personally to St. Louis and delivered it to Dr. Litton, an eminent chemist, for examination. The stomach was, however, afterwards turned over to Enno Sander, an equally skillful chemist, whose report will be found below:

St. Louis, February 27, 1865
To John H. Weir, M. D., Edwardsville
The package was delivered to me by Dr. A. Litton, on your order was opened on the 16th instant, in presence of Charles Hauck, M. D., who agreed to the following observations:

The can contained a stomach, tied up on either end; the external appearance was regular, with the exception of a small spot near the mouth of the stomach, which was somewhat inflamed and partly corroded. When opened, the semi-liquid contents, being of a sour smell, and consisting of undigested food, small pieces of potatoes, etc., were poured into a separate dish, and the whole stomach split and spread out to examine the interior. Part of it showed considerable inflammation, and so much corrosion, that the mucous membrane and the lining of the stomach from the mouth down could be easily removed by a spatula. The corrosion extended to about one-third of the stomach – it gradually diminished, and the lower portion of the stomach was in a natural condition. The contents were then subjected to an examination. Nothing could be found in it of a crystalline form, nor could any foreign substance be detected on the lining of the stomach. It was then divided into two parts, one-half examined for inorganic, the other for organic poisons. The former did not give any result – a proof for the absence of mineral poisons. The last, however, resulted in the elimination of strychnia.

Having so far convinced myself of the presence of strychnia, I have taken the whole stomach, and what was left of the contents, to prepare from it the strychnia it contains. As soon as it will be eliminated in a pure state, I shall forward it to you by mail. So far, I can give you only the assurance that strychnia was contained in the stomach delivered to me as above stated. And to make this report more valid, I shall testify to it before a justice of the peace.

I remain, doctor, most respectfully, your obedient servant, Enno Sander.

[Notes: Frederick Phillips was the son of George W. and Elizabeth Phillips. He was born June 14, 1842. It is unknown what happened to Frederick. He is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. He died at the age of 22 years.]

 

PHILLIPS, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 26, 1878
Edwardsville Business Man
From Edwardsville – George W. Phillips, one of our oldest, wealthiest, and most highly respected citizens, died at his residence in Edwardsville at 3 o’clock last Thursday afternoon, aged 63 years. He left a widow (his second wife) and two adult children, a son and daughter, to mourn his death. The deceased was always an honest, industrious, and prudent business man. For many years he was in the milling business here. Subsequently, he sold his mill and retired from business, but an idle life did not suit him. He again embarked in business – this time in the lumber trade, in which latter business he continued up to within a few weeks of his death. He has left an estate, value estimated at about $35,000. His word was his bond, and in evidence of his disposition to keep out of debt, we will state that two hundred dollars are sufficient to pay all claims against him at his death.

NOTES:
George W. Phillips was born in 1815. He married first to Elizabeth, and they had three children – Frederick Phillips (1842-1865); Albert Phillips (1851-1853); and Mary Elizabeth Phillips Knuppel (1861-1931). Elizabeth died in 1874, and he remarried to Rhoda Ann Griffith that same year. George Phillips is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.

 

PHINNEY, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 28, 1878
Died Monday morning, February 25, 1878, Charles, only son of Lucretia Allen and Henry H. Phinney. Aged 5 years and 15 days.

 

Charles PhinneyPHINNEY, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1904
Proprietor of Boston Grocery; In Partnership as Phinney & Barr
Charles Phinney passed away at midnight last night after several week's illness from debility. Charles Phinney born born in Wauquoit, Mass., August 25, 1810. His father was a master mariner, and with him Charles, when a lad, made several coasting trips. When he arrived at maturity he, in common with a vast company of Eastern people, came West, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained a few years, and then came to Alton in 1838, where he entered the grocery business in which he continued until his death, a period of more than 66 years. This is probably the longest record of an active business career of any man in the West. Mr. Phinney in the early days conducted the "Boston Grocery" on West Second street, about where Hayden's machine shop now is. Afterwards, in connection with the late Samuel DeBow, he began the wholesale grocery business on Third street, afterwards the firm was Phinney & Barr, and after the dissolution of this firm he carried on the business himself until his son, the late H. R. Phinney, became his assistant. Mr. Phinney's vigor and activity was one of the remarkable features of the man. After the death of his son, Henry R. Phinney, it was supposed that he would retire from business life, but the veteran was so accustomed to his career of activity that he continued to supervise his store until a few weeks ago, when he was compelled to take his bed. Mr. Phinney in the early day was a strong anti-slavery man. His sympathies were with the slaves in the South, and when one of them made his way to Alton, Mr. Phinney's pocket book was always open to render assistance to the fugitive. Mr. Phinney was a devoted Christian man, his membership being with the Presbyterian church during his entire residence in Alton, with the exception of a few years when his relations were with the Congregational church. Although of a retiring nature and somewhat of an appearing severity of manner, there was no man with a warmer heart for a cause he deemed right, and no one's face lighted up with more pleasure when it was his privilege to talk with intimate or casual friends. His familiar form on the streets was known to all, and up to a few years ago his brisk walk and activity was a surprise to all. Mr. Phinney married Miss Sarah Allard in this city [Alton]. She was a New England lady. To this union six children were born, all of whom, including his wife, have passed away. Mr. Phinney lived at the old homestead on Twelfth and Langdon, where his granddaughter, Mrs. Robert M. Forbes, kept house for him. The last member of his family was Henry R. Phinney, who died Christmas night, 1901, and his death was a heavy blow to the aged business man; but, as in all the affairs of life, he bore up bravely and continued the even tenor of his way until the message for himself came, and then he was ready. Of Mr. Phinney's relatives the following survive him: His sister, Mrs. Sarah Sargent of Twelfth street, Mrs. Robert M. Forbes and brother Thomas Lewis (the latter of St. Louis), children of Mrs. Harriet Phinney Lewis, Mrs. Charles L. Phinney and daughter, Mrs. Sadie Phinney Hopkins, Mrs. Henry R. Phinney and children, viz: Mrs. Lulu Phinney Burr of Sicily, Mrs. Harriet Phinney Bennett of Los Angeles, Cal., Miss Mary Phinney and Henry R. Phinney, both of Alton.

 

PHINNEY, CHARLES LEWIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 4, 1885
Son of Charles Phinney Sr.
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 4, 1885
Another happy home is darkened by the shadow of the angel of death, and sad hearts are longing for the touch of a vanish hand, and the sound of a voice that is still. Monday morning, after a protracted illness, Mr. Charles L. Phinney passed quietly away. Deceased was the oldest son of Mr. Charles Phinney, one of Alton’s oldest and most honored citizens. Charles Lewis Phinney was a native of Alton, born January 8, 1845, and was consequently in the 41st year of his age. After completing his education, he entered his father’s store, and for more than 20 years had been associated with him and his brother, Henry R. Phinney, in the wholesale grocery business. In January 1869, he was married to Miss Ellen Fay, who with one daughter, Miss Sadie, survive him. Of the six children of Charles and Sarah Phinney, Mr. Henry Robinson Phinney alone remains.

Mr. Phinney was a favorite not only in business circles, but throughout the city, and none knew him but to admire his noble characteristics and to honor his strict integrity and uprightness, and his intolerance of shams and insincerity. Although possessing unusual abilities and a wide fund of information, he was modest and retiring in disposition, and found greater happiness in the midst of his family, in the beautiful home which he took such pleasure in adorning, than in public life or gatherings. For the last 12 or 14 years, he has been an invalid, seldom experiencing a day of entire exemption from pain or weakness from consumption, but with a courage and patience that were simply heroic, he bore the burden of suffering uncomplainingly, attending to his business without intermission, except when entirely prostrated. It is certain that his iron will, his cheerfulness, hopefulness, and devotion to the duty of the hour, prolonged his life for many years, to be a blessing to his family and a comfort to his friends. A man weaker in willpower and determination would have despaired, and long ago have given up the struggle against a foe at once strong and insidious. Although so long an invalid, he never obtruded his sufferings upon others, but turned to his family and friends only the brightness and sweetness of his life. This repression of complaint, this care and thoughtfulness for others, reveal a beauty and strength of character and a sacrifice of self such as few possess, but all should emulate. His home was the center about which clustered his highest hopes and aspirations. He loved to see all about him happy, and his devotion to his own family and his relatives of the old home circle was touching in its depth and fullness. The death of his beloved mother shadowed the last year and a half of his life, and for her loss his grief was deep, and the longing for her presence unceasing. Some six weeks ago, he suffered a serious hemorrhage of the lungs, and from the time was confined to the house. The time had come when the tenderest care and the highest resources of medical skill could only alleviate, not arrest, the work of the destroyer. Last week it was evident that the silver cord would be soon loosed. The pain-racked frame was worn out. He longed for rest, and when the change came, was ready and willing to go; his only regret being the parting with the loved ones of his home and heart.

To his friends remain fragrant memories of a true and honorable life. To his father and brother, the associations of many years of mutual trust and affection. To his wife and daughter, a legacy of love and devotion that will remain with them through coming years as a perennial benediction. His friends and relations will miss his genial smile and cordial greeting, and the community will be the poorer in the loss of a true and honest man, whose unswerving integrity, heroic endurance, and honesty of life, whose patience under trial have crowned him as an exemplar of noble manhood.

The funeral services took place yesterday afternoon from the family residence, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends from the city and abroad. The attendance of business men was remarkably large, thus testifying to the esteem and confidence with which the departed had inspired them through an intimate association of many years. The procession following the remains to the cemetery was one of the longest ever seen in Alton. The grave was covered with fragrant evergreen, and above were placed a wealth of rare and beautiful flowers, wrought in devices emblematic of faith and remembrance that time will not dim nor separation obliterate. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PHINNEY, ELLEN T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, July 24, 1912
Mrs. Ellen T. Phinney died at 2 o'clock this afternoon at her home at Twelfth and Henry streets after an illness extending over a period of four years. Her condition became very acute the past two weeks and the end has been looked for at any hour for several days. Mrs. Phinney became ill with an affliction that baffled physicians and although everything possible was done for her she gradually sank as the malady took her strength. Born in Alton almost seventy years ago, she was one of the pioneer native residents of the city. Her husband, Charles Phinney, preceded her to the grave many years ago, and she is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Sadie Graham, who has been constantly with her mother during her long illness. Mrs. Phinney has resided in the home where she died for over thirty years and her acquaintance in the city, especially among the older residents, was far reaching. Mrs. Phinney had three sisters, Mrs. J. W. Cary, her twin sister, died ten years ago. Mrs. Sarah Adams and Mrs. George Hawley, both of St. Louis, still survive. Mrs. Phinney was a member of the First Presbyterian church and was an interested worker in the church cause.

 

PHINNEY, HENRY R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1901
Prominent Alton Business Man and Civil War Veteran
Henry R. Phinney died Thursday morning at 2:30 o'clock at the family residence, 302 East Twelfth street, after a two weeks illness from heart disease. Mr. Phinney's death is a crushing sorrow to his family and to his many friends, because of its suddenness, as it was believed he was convalescent and would be able to be downtown in a few days. He had been suffering from heart trouble during his two weeks illness, and his family persuaded him to stay at home and recover his strength. Wednesday evening at 9:30 o'clock he fell into a deep sleep, but his repose seemed natural and caused no alarm. The sleep seemed to be the forerunner of a restoration to complete health, and the suspense of his wife and daughter, who were in constant attendance, was greatly relieved. Until 1:45 o'clock his sleep continued to be natural, but then he became restless and seemed to be suffering pain. He passed away within 45 minutes, without waking from his sleep, which had turned into the sleep of death. Mr. Phinney's death produced a genuine sensation in the business world in which he moved and among his friends who had known him as a successful business man and good citizen for many years. It was not generally known he was dangerously ill until the report of his death gained circulation. For many years he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business with his father, Charles Phinney. Of recent years he has had complete charge of the business, although the venerable father has always been constantly at his own place at the store. He was probably better known in Alton than most of the business men, having been a life-long resident of Alton and always deeply interested in the city and everything that pertained to its interest. His concern in all public events was most prominent among his characteristics and his enthusiasm and interest concerning those around him was always evident. In his family he was the best of fathers, always working for those nearest and dearest to him. By his death he leaves his aged father, the last of his family, his wife, three daughters and one son: Miss Mamie Phinney, Mrs. Harriet Bennett of Los Angeles, Mrs. Lulu Burr of Berlin, and Henry R. Phinney Jr. of Alton. Mr. Phinney was a veteran of the Civil War, enlisting when a boy in Co. I, 97th Illinois Volunteers, and served until compelled to come home because of ill health. He served several terms in the City Council and has always been prominent in civic affairs. He was prominent in Masonic circles and had been a member of Piasa lodge and Belvidere commandery of this city. Henry R. Phinney was born in Alton, October 7, 1846, and except a few years he was away from here, he resided in Alton all his life. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted at the family residence.

 

PHINNEY, HOWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5, 1850
Died on the 24th inst., Howard, infant son of Mr. Charles Phinney of Alton, aged about three months.

 

PHINNEY, SARAH H. (nee ALLARD)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 3, 1884
Wife of Charles Phinney
From the Daily of January 2, 1884 - To many hearts in Alton yesterday was the saddest New Year’s anniversary of their lives. The news of the sudden death of Mrs. Charles Phinney, which occurred at Bunker Hill the previous evening, December 31, 1883. On Monday evening, Mrs. Clark of Springfield, Massachusetts, Mrs. Phinney’s sister who had been visiting her, started on her return home, and Mrs. Phinney decided to accompany her as far as Bunker Hill, and remain there over night with her niece, Mrs. Van Dorn, who was notified by letter of her intention. The ladies started on the evening train, accompanied by Captain Lewis, Mrs. Phinney’s son-in-law, who was going to Litchfield. At Bunker Hill, Mrs. Phinney took leave of her relatives and left the train. There was no one to meet her at the train (the letter announcing her coming having miscarried), and Captain Lewis hastily engaged a boy to accompany her to Mrs. Van Dorn’s. when near that lady’s residence, she was attacked by sudden illness (doubtless heart disease to which she was subject). A physician about to pass her on the sidewalk saw her condition, and quickly supported her into his office, and with other physicians, gave her immediate attention, but the vital spark had fled. The transition was instant and painless. The kind-hearted strangers did not know who she was, but learning from the boy where they were going, word was sent to Mrs. Van Dorn, who quickly reached the scene and took charge of the remains. A telegram was at once sent to Mr. Phinney, but it did not reach him until morning, and after the train had gone. Mr. Henry Robinson Phinney, however, at once started for Bunker Hill in a buggy, arriving there about one p.m., and Captain Lewis, who was telegraphed to, drove down to that place from Litchfield, and the two gentlemen and Mrs. Van Dorn arrived in Alton in the evening with the remains. Friends met them at the Junction [East Alton], and amid the driving snow of a wintry storm they brought to the stricken home the one who had been for so many years its light and life, to the home she had sanctified by a wife and mother’s ceaseless devotion, and had made radiant with the happiness inspired by her presence.

Mrs. Sarah Allard Phinney was a native of Holliston, Massachusetts, born May 16, 1821. She was married to Charles Phinney, who survives her, on April 3, 1839, in Upper Alton, and this city has ever since been her home. Of their six children, only three reached adult years. Their daughter, Mrs. F. T. Lewis, died nearly five years ago, and Messrs. Charles L. and Henry R. are now the only survivors. Mrs. Phinney’s ecclesiastical connection was first with the Presbyterian Church, then with the Congregation, and again with the Presbyterian. She was a devoted laborer in all church enterprises, and foremost in every good word and work. Her life was throughout a record of unselfish devotion to her family, her church and the community at large. Her beneficence was unceasing, her charity unfailing, and her neighborly kindness all-pervading.

Mrs. Phinney’s leading characteristic was her supreme unselfishness. She never seemed to think of self. Every thought and act was for others. Of a genial, cheerful disposition, she exerted a magnetic influence in the social circle, and into darkened homes she brought ever a flood of sunshine. It can truly be said that of the many good and noble women of Alton, no other would be as sadly and widely missed. So widespread was her influence for good, that it seemed to have penetrated all homes, and today mourning hearts throughout the community beat in unison with those most closely bereaved. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

NOTES:
Sarah Phinney’s husband, Charles Phinney, as born in Massachusetts in 1810. He settled in Alton in 1838, and entered into the grocery business, which he continued until his death in May 1904. He first conducted the “Boston Grocery” on Broadway, and afterwards he and his partner, Samuel DeBow, began a wholesale grocery business on Third Street. Later the partnership was with a Mr. Barr, and after this he conducted the business himself, until his son, H. R. Phinney, took over. The couple had six children, all deceased before Mr. Phinney died. They lived at Twelfth and Langdon Streets in Alton.

 

PHIPPS, DANIEL W./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 5, 1885
Mr. Daniel W. Phipps died March 2, at the age of 23 years, of consumption, after an illness of about two years.

 

John Thomas PhippsPHIPPS, JOHN THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1916
Village Marshal Dies from Rabies
John T. Phipps, village marshal at Wood River, died shortly after midnight Tuesday morning in St. Joseph's Hospital from rabies, as the result of being bitten by a rabid dog last October 13. The death of Mr. Phipps was expected. He was in a very bad condition when taken to the hospital and he grew steadily worse. He was in a high state of nervous excitement, and manifested all the symptoms of rabies, including a very pronounced aversion to water. The sufferings of the afflicted man were excruciating. He was attended by some of the members of the family up to a point where they became completely exhausted by their vigil and they went home. Phipps was 58 years of age.

Before going to Wood River, he had been a farmer in Jersey County. He was known as a man with high conceptions of his duty and he made a good officer. It was while attempting to execute a dog which had bitten a child that he was bitten, and he paid no attention to the wound. Phipps leaves his wife and eleven children and step-children. One of his sons has been away from home for some time, and ineffectual efforts were made to locate him and advise him of his father's bad condition. During most of the time that Phipps was in the hospital he suffered from intermittent convulsions.

The death of Phipps from rabies is of unusual interest because of the rareness of a fatality from that disease. Ordinarily such precautions are taken after a person has been bitten by a dog suspected as being rabid, that a cure is speedily effected. A number of instances of this kind have arisen in Alton, and the Pasteur treatment has been used. In this case it was not used, nor was it used on the boy who was bitten at the same time. However, other germicides were used and the boy is apparently all right. The rabies germ has great vitality and unless some means of overcoming it is used may be dormant in the system for a long time. The death of Marshal Phipps from hydrophobia, and the fact that several persons in Alton were bitten by mad dogs in the past several months, has caused the attention of the public to be focused on the disease, for which no cure has yet been discovered. "After symptoms are fully developed there is no hope for a cure" is the assertion of eminent expert authority on the subject. It can be prevented, however, by prompt treatment, and this treatment should be used as quickly as possible after exposure to the disease. This preventive treatment costs $50, and the serum must be injected into the patient daily for 25 days. It has prevented the development of rabies or hydrophobia wherever used, it is claimed, and it is further claimed that it would have saved Marshal Phipps if he had used it in time. The period from the time of infection to the development of symptoms is known as the period of incubation, and it varies in human beings from eight days to six months, according to the H. K. Mulford Company, leading chemists of the United States.

Mr. Phipps would have been fifty-nine years of age if he had lived until May 23. He was born in Jersey County. Three years ago, he came to Wood River, and for a year was employed at the Standard Oil Refinery. On the first day of April, a year ago, he was appointed village marshal and served as a very efficient officer ever since. Mr. Phipps was always attentive to duty. One of his principal duties was to collect licenses for dogs and to execute the dogs on which licenses were unpaid. He has killed and buried several hundred dogs during his term of office, and it is a singular coincidence that he should lose his life as the result of the performance of duty of an encounter with a dog, after so much valuable service for the village in the line of doing away with undesirable canines. Mr. Phipps was twice married. His first wife, Mary Bryant, died in 1888. He was married a year later to Mary Plumb, who survives him. Mr. Phipps leaves eleven children and two step-children. The children are Thomas K. Phipps, whose whereabouts is unknown as he left home thirteen years ago and has not been heard of since; Louis Paul Phipps of Joplin, Missouri; Mrs. Sam Harris of Wood River; Mrs. William Cartwright of Granite City; John Harrison Phipps of Wood River; Aldred Clyde Phipps of Drumright, Oklahoma; Charles Phipps of Wood River; and Misses Ruth, Alice, Luella and Mattie Phipps of Wood River. The two step-children are Mrs. Alonzo Cope of Alton and Ed Plumb of Granite City.

NOTES:
John Thomas Phipps was the son of Thomas Kinsman Phipps (1819-1889) and Martha Jane Ray Phipps (1829-1911). Thomas and Martha married in about 1854 in Mississippi, and then settled in Jersey County, Illinois. He died in 1889, and is buried in the Rosedale Cemetery. Martha died in 1911, and is buried in the Fieldon Cemetery. John Thomas Phipps is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.

 

PHIPPS, LAVINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 30, 1900
Mrs. Lavina Phipps died this morning at her home on Silver street, after a long illness with kidney troubles. She was 73 years of age and had lived in Alton many years. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.

 

PICARD, CHARLOTTE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1919
Mrs. Charlotte A. Picard, wife of the late P. Picard, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. A. V. Brown, in Livingston, Mont., on June 3, in the 83rd year of her age. Mrs. Picard was a resident of this city for many years and among the older residents had a great number of friends. She leaves two daughters and one son, Mrs. Leila Calvin of Madison, Wis.; Mrs. A. V. Brown of Livingston, Mont.; and Frank C. Pickard of this city. She leaves also two brothers, J. D. Roper of Springfield, Ill.; and J. S. Roper of this city. The remains are being brought to this city for burial and on account of the uncertainty of the time of arrival the time of the funeral is uncertain. Due announcement will be in the papers Saturday evening.

 

PICARD, FANNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 21, 1893
Teacher in North Alton
Miss Fannie Picard, one of the teachers in the North Alton public schools, died at her home on the Grafton Road Monday morning. Miss Picard was taken ill a week or ten days ago with la grippe, and her death has been feared for several days. She was an excellent teacher, and highly esteemed by all who knew her.

 

PICARD, MARIA (nee STRONG)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 25, 1903
Daughter of Jacob Strong, Pioneer of North Alton
North Alton News - In the passing away of Mrs. Maria Picard, Tuesday afternoon, a good, charitable, kindly woman, a model mother and excellent neighbor, this community has suffered a distinct loss and her immediate family an irreparable one, tempered only by the belief implanted by Faith and nurtured by Hope that God fulfills all promises, and that the loved departed has been given the peace and rest and rich rewards of a blessed eternity. Mrs. Picard was twice married and leaves seven children: Mrs. Ella Witt of Hettick, Ill.; Misses Buena and Emma Brown; and Lillian and Cecelia Picard of North Alton; and Ed and Will Picard of St. Louis. An aged sister, Miss Emma Strong, who lived at the Picard home, also survives, and there are several nephews and nieces, grandchildren and other relatives left to miss and mourn her. Mrs. Picard was born in Carlyle, England, July 28, 1827, and came to this country with her parents in July 1837. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon, and services will be conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal church. Interment will be in Godfrey cemetery. Mrs. Picard's father, Jacob Strong, built the first house, and was the first settler in what is now North Alton. He kept a hotel and was a very extensive farmer and stock raiser. His place was called "The Buck Inn," because of a huge pair of antlers that graced the side of the house just above the door. The post office was "Buck Inn" for years, afterwards changed to Greenwood, then to North Alton. Where are now business and dwelling houses and electric railway telephone and electric light poles, and other evidences of development and progression, was then a dense forest, and Mrs. Picard lived to see and become a part of all these changes. Her home was always the abode of hospitality and love and faithfully did she follow the golden rule of doing unto others as she would be done by. She leaves a blessed memory to her children and a fragrant one to her neighbors. May she rest in peace.

 

PICKARD, MARY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 13, 1872
Died on September 11, in Alton, Mrs. Mary A., wife of Mr. George Pickard; aged 34 years.

 

PICKARD, PHILANDER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1895
Owner of Piasa King Farm, Godfrey Township
Mr. P. Pickard, one of the best known residents of Godfrey Township, died at 9:30 o'clock this morning after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Pickard was 80 years of age, and during his long residence here he made a host of warm friends. He was born in New York State in 1815, and came to Alton in 1846. He engaged in the wholesale liquor business here, and later established the Piasa King Farm. Deceased leaves a wife, three daughters, and one son, viz: Mrs. Mary G. Kellenberger, Mrs. Leila R. Calvin, Miss Hortense Pickard, and Mr. Frank Pickard. The funeral will take place at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home. Interment in Alton City Cemetery.

Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1895
Mr. Philander Pickard, one of the best-known residents of Godfrey Township, died Thursday morning after an illness of several weeks. Mr. Pickard was 80 years of age, and during his long residence here he made a host of warm friends. He was born in New York State in 1815, and came to Alton in 1846. He engaged in the wholesale liquor business here, and later established the Piasa King Farm in Godfrey Township. Deceased leaves a wife, three daughters, and one son, viz: Mrs. Mary G. Kellenberger; Mrs. Leila R. Calvin; Miss Hortense Pickard; and Mr. Frank Pickard.

NOTES:
Philander Pickard was the son of Jonas Pickard (?-1870). Philander married in 1848 to Julette Pickard (?-1857), and remarried in 1859 to Charlotte A. Pickard (?-1919). The children were: Infant Pickard (?-1856); George G. Pickard (?-1861); Henry B. Pickard (?-1861); Mary Gertrude Pickard Kellenberger (1851-1928); Leila Roper Pickard Calvin (1862-1943); and Frank Clemence Pickard (1863-1936). Philander was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PICKER, PETER/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2, 1880
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Picker of Bethalto met with a sad affliction in the loss of their little son, Peter, who died yesterday of diphtheria; aged 3 years.

 

PICKER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF BEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20, 1914
Mrs. Ben Picker, wife of the well-known East Alton business man, died suddenly at her home in East Alton Monday morning while sitting in a chair in her bedroom. Mrs. Picker had arisen because she could not sleep, and sat down to read. While sitting on her chair she fell over dead. Mrs. Picker was 67 years of age and had resided for many years in East Alton and vicinity. She had been in her usual health and her death came as a surprise to the members of her family, especially her husband, who was with her at the time of her death. She leaves beside her husband, former Mayor Ben Picker; one son, Harry Picker of Portland, Oregon; and a daughter, Mrs. C. H. Doerr of Herrin, Ill. The arrangements for the funeral will not be made until the children are heard from.

 

PICKERING, CYNTHIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 21, 1836
Died, at Ridge Prairie, in this county, on the 8th(?) inst., Mrs. Cynthia Pickering, wife of Mr. Ebenezer Pickering of Prairie du Pont, and eldest daughter of Mr. David Gaskill of the former place.

 

PICKERING, MALVINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 10, 1901
Upper Alton News - Mrs. Malvina Pickering died this morning at 5 o'clock after a long illness with Bright's disease. Mrs. Pickering made her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. S. Deem, and has lived here since last August. Her home was formerly in Bethalto. Funeral services will be held from the home of H. S. Deem tomorrow at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. M. L. Cole of the M. E. church. The interment will be at Oakwood cemetery.

 

PICKING, W. N. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1918
Captain Goes Down with Liner Off the Coast of Ireland
Letters received by friends from the wife of Capt. W. N. Picking, for a long time connected with the Western Military Academy, tell that he was drowned off the coast of Ireland when he went dow with a liner that was sunk September 30. He is well remembered here. The couple lived at the home of Mrs. F. L. Wells and Mrs. Picking was well known for her musical ability. She is now in a broken state of health and in a sanitarium in North Carolina.

 

PICKETT, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 12, 1918
Man Dies From Shock After Rescuing Child From Under Automobile
John Pickett, aged 49, died this morning at the home of his nephew, Bert Pickett, in Wood River, as the result of an attack of heart trouble which seized him on July 4 while he was making an effort to save a child from being run over by an automobile in Alton. Pickett was eating a meal in an Alton restaurant where he was taking his meals at the time. He looked out through the window and saw a little child leave the sidewalk in front of a large machine which was moving rapidly along. He leaped to his feet and ran out of the door in time to grasp the child by the waist and draw it out of the way of danger. The driver of the auto and the parents of the child were very grateful for what he had done, and offered a reward which he modestly refused to accept. Pickett went on inside the restaurant and resumed his meal, but his nerves had been so unstrung by the sight of the child who was about to be crushed under the automobile, that he could not eat. Soon afterwards he collapsed, and had been confined to his bed since. Last Sunday he was moved from his home on State street to the home of his nephew in Wood River. His wife and child came along, and they have been doing what they could for him, but without avail. His heart kept getting weaker until his death which occurred at 7 o'clock this morning. Pickett's funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at the home. The burial will be in Milton Cemetery in East Alton.

 

PIEPER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1909
Former Alton Hotel and Saloon Man Dies - Had Long Career in Business
Frank Pieper, aged 65, died suddenly Saturday evening at the hotel that bears his name and was conducted by him. He had suffered several sudden attacks of illness, supposed to be due to kidney trouble, and several times in the past few years had been near death's door. The family had been warned that his death would be likely to occur just as it did. Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock he was in the hotel office when he suddenly fell to the floor. Feeling the stroke coming on him, Mr. Pieper shouted for help, and members of his family upstairs heard him and went down to find him lying on the floor helpless. He did not regain consciousness and died in about three hours. Mr. Pieper was well known to the traveling public. He kept a tidy, neat, home-like hotel, and it was very popular among traveling men. He had not in recent years set a table for his guests. He had the reputation of being very particular who he rented his rooms to, and his place bore an excellent name. In conducting his saloon in connection with his hotel, he had the name of never allowing any loitering around his place, no intoxicated persons ever got any liquor there, nor any minors. He tried and succeeded in living up to the laws regulating saloons as well as it was possible to do, as he desired honestly to do it. He was well liked by everyone he met in a business or social way, and there is many a sincere regret that Mr. Pieper has passed away. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, 65 years ago, and he had lived in Alton and vicinity for 45 years. He leaves beside his wife, five daughters and three sons: Miss Kate Pieper, Mrs. Annie McCormick, Mrs. Lizzie Wutzler, Mrs. Theresa Jehle, Miss Mamie Pieper, Messrs. Frank, Fred and Fern Pieper. He leaves also a brother, M. Pieper of California, his only other living relative. The funeral of Mr. Pieper will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church, and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery. Mr. Pieper was a member of St. Joseph's society.

 

PIERCE, BERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31, 1895
From Melville – Mr. Bert Pierce, age about 18, died of typhoid fever at the home of his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lawless, last Thursday, after being sick for about four weeks. The funeral took place Friday morning, Rev. W. M. Backus of Alton delivery the funeral sermon at the C. C. Church, from whence the cortege went to Levi’s Cemetery, where the interment took place. Our departed friend and schoolmate was liked by all who knew him, and his loss is greatly mourned.

 

PIERCE, EMILY S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1903
The venerable Mrs. Emily S. Pierce, mother of W. B. Pierce, died at the residence of her son shortly after noon today, in her 94th year. Mrs. Pierce has enjoyed a fair measure of health for one of so many years. She was born Feb. 25, 1810 in Reading, Vermont. In early life she married Dr. William C. Pierce. Dr. and Mrs. Pierce came to Alton in 1856, where they continued to reside through life. Dr. Pierce died many years ago. Mrs. Pierce's two children, William B. and Mrs. Carrie Crane, survive her, and are both residents of Alton. The funeral will take place on Thursday from her son's residence on State street at 3 p.m.

 

PIERCE, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 25, 1908
Mrs. Emma Pierce, wife of J. A. Pierce, in charge of the quarter boat on the Alton levee, died last night at St. Joseph's hospital where she had been taken suffering from pneumonia several days ago. She was 42(?) years old and leaves her husband and two daughters. The family came from Galena, but the body will be buried here Thursday morning.

 

PIERCE, ETTA D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1906
Mrs. Etta Drury Pierce, widow of W. B. Pierce, died at the residence of her niece, Mrs. George Baker, in St. Louis, May 16, 1906. The funeral of Mrs. Etta D. Pierce, widow of W. B. Pierce, will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the home of Mrs. A. H. Drury, 419 Henry street.

 

PIERCE, GEORGE G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1904
One of Godfrey's Oldest Citizens Passes Away at 86 Years
George G. Pierce died at his home in Godfrey township on Wednesday evening, September 21st, after one week's illness with typhoid pneumonia. Mr. Pierce was born in Hobarth, Mass., in 1819. He came to Alton in 1838, and has resided in the vicinity of Alton since that date. Most of his life was spent on his farm two and one-half miles north of the village of Godfrey. Mrs. Pierce and six children survive Mr. Pierce, viz: Mrs. Emily Howard of Alton; Mrs. Belle Giles of Springfield; Mrs. Annie Ruckman, living at her parent's home in Godfrey; Mrs. Abbie Regness of South Bend, Indiana; W. A. Pierce of Virden; E. B. Pierce of Alton. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. from the family home to Godfrey Cemetery.

 

PIERCE, GEORGE H./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 30, 1898
Civil War Casualty
B. Nathan, Pension Agent, received notice today that a pension had been granted Mrs. Sarah Pierce of Godfrey, for her son, George H. Pierce, who died while in the service of his country in 1864. He was a member of Company D, 10th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The pension dates from June 18, 1894, and is for $12 per month.

 

PIERCE, JONATHAN L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1915
Old Time Music Maker Is Dead - Hangs Self From Post of Bed
Jonathan L. Pierce, aged 75, for many years a resident of the Grafton road neighborhood, and for many years the leading spirit at social occasions in the vicinity of Alton, is dead. Suffering from a long illness which he knew would terminate fatally, the aged man lost his mind about ten days ago, and on Sunday morning while mentally unbalanced, he hung himself to a post at the head of his bed using a clothes line to hang himself. Connected with the tragedy was a shocking incident. When he discovered that his father was dead, Moses Pierce, a son, telephoned first to Joseph Kehr to come at once to the house, and then he ran to another neighbor's house to get other help, to be present when the news would be broken to Mrs. Pierce, who is just a year younger than her husband. Mrs. Pierce was worn with the long service to her husband in caring for him through his illness, and the son feared the consequences. Joseph Kehr arrived first, having leaped on a horse and galloped over to the Pierce home. There, Mrs. Pierce saw him coming, and thinking he had come to see Mr. Pierce, she went to call her husband, and discovered just what the son had hoped to keep from her. Mr. Pierce had been ailing for some time, having suffered greatly from kidney trouble, and later from a severe attack of nervousness. Sunday morning his son, Moses Pierce, went upstairs to his father's room, about 7 o'clock, to give the latter his medicine, as he had done for several days. After administering to his father's wants, the son left the room, only to return again at 8:15 o'clock, when he found his father's lifeless body lying on the floor beside the bed. A small piece of clothes line was tied around Mr. Pierce's neck, and also tied to one corner of the bed, which told the sad story. It is the general supposition that after tying the rope around his neck, Mr. Pierce rolled off the bed and expired, as he was in a very weak and feeble condition. John L. Pierce was born in Gorham, Maine, August 12, 1839, therefore making him 75 years and 7 months old. He came to Illinois when a boy fourteen years of age, and with his parents moved on the farm in Godfrey township in 1850, and had lived there continuously until his death. Improvements had been made about the Pierce farm from time to time, until the place became an ideal country home. In 1863 Mr. Pierce was married to Miss Mary A. Wissore. To this union seven children were born: four girls and three boys, namely: Mrs. Walter Welch; Mrs. Jennie Ebbert; Mrs. James Shearlock; Mrs. James Millen; Charles H., Moses G., and Frank L. Pierce, all of Alton and vicinity, who together with his wife, survive. Mr. Pierce leaves one brother, Humphrey Pierce of Appleton, Wis.; two sisters, Mrs. Angie Parks of Appleton, Wis.; and Mrs. Julia Berschi of Denver, Colo.; and also two half-sisters, Mrs. Jane Watson of Newark, N. J.; and Mrs. Sadie Glassbrenner of the North Side. The tragic death of John L. Pierce has cast a deep gloom over all who knew him. He was a public benefactor to the community in which he resided, and was a school director in the district in which he lived - Summerfield - for forty-two years. Mr. Pierce was also highway commissioner of Godfrey township for many years, and was justice of the peace at the time of his death. Mr. Pierce as a farmer by occupation, but also was a great grower of strawberries some years ago. There is not a man in the North Side, who, during his boyhood days, that had not worked for Mr. Pierce. He was a friend of everybody. Everybody was a friend of his. Instinctively kind, warm-hearted and jovial, he imparted to all with whom he came in contact a magnetic mirth of joy and gaiety that was wholly irresistible. His kindness of heart was proverbial and the loyalty and devotion of his friendship knew no bounds. His sociability and ever ready repartee made him a favorite among gatherings, and his story telling and reminiscences of word paintings were always listened to with great interest in the social circles in which he moved. Mr. Pierce was a musician of note, and years ago, when violin playing was in vogue at dances, no gathering was complete unless John L. Pierce wielded the bow. He did much to make people happy and to remove the gloom and sorrow among others. These are the characteristics that made him so many friends, and the sympathy of the community goes out to the family in the loss of a good husband, a kind father, and a truly friend. The funeral will be held from the home Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, under the auspices of the Masonic order, of which deceased was a member, and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PIERCE, JULIA L./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 02, 1893
Mrs. Julia L. Pierce, the venerable wife of Charles Pierce, deceased, died Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Glassbrenner of North Alton, aged 83 years. Deceased was born in 1810 in the State of Maine, and came to Godfrey in 1846. Two daughters, Mrs. Joseph Watson of Newark, New Jersey, and Mrs. Fred Glassbrenner of North Alton, survive her. The funeral took place Friday afternoon from the home in North Alton to Godfrey Cemetery.

 

PIERCE, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1918
Word was received in Alton this morning of the death of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Pierce, at the family home in St. Louis. Mrs. Pierce died Saturday morning at 2:15 o'clock after a very short illness with influenza, which turned into pneumonia. Her little daughter, Catherine, is also very ill with the disease. The dead woman was born and raised in Alton, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Crofton, formerly well known residents of the East End of town. She was married a number of years ago to Frank Pierce, and until two years ago last September the family resided in Alton. At that time the family moved to St. Louis where they have resided since that time. Mrs. Pierce was about 40 years of age. Mrs. Pierce is survived by her husband, Frank Pierce, and two children, Katherine, aged 10, and Kenneth, aged 8. Also by her aged father, James Crofton Sr., of St. Louis; one sister, Mrs. Kitty Crofton Eggleston, St. Louis, and three brothers, Harry of St. Louis; James and Williams of Alton. Many relatives in Alton also survive. Miss Lucille Crofton is a niece. The body will be brought to Alton for burial early next week. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Eggleston and both of Mrs. Pierce's children are ill and will be unable to attend the funeral.

 

PIERCE, RUTH (nee WADE)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 6, 7, 1887
Sister of Hon. Samuel Wade
Mrs. Ruth Wade Pierce, wife of Mr. Thomas Pierce, died this morning after an illness of months at the age of 72 years. Deceased was a sister of the late Hon. Samuel Wade, and was the youngest and last member of her family. She was born at Ipswich, Massachusetts, May 5, 1815, and had been a resident of Alton for 33 years. She left a husband, two daughters (Mrs. Ellen Sawyer and Mrs. A. L. Daniels), and a grandson by a deceased daughter, besides many other relatives and friends to mourn her death. Mrs. Pierce was a most estimable and worthy lady, a kind friend and neighbor, devoted to her family and household interests.

The funeral took place from the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. A. L. Daniels, on Alby Street, with a large attendance of relatives, neighbors, and friends.

 

PIERCE, SAMUEL C. (MAJOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1840
Died, yesterday morning, after a long and painful illness, Major Samuel C. Pierce, a highly respectable citizen of this place, aged about 45; leaving two children and a very large circle of much cherished acquaintances, to deplore his loss. His remains will be removed from the residence of Mr. William L. Harrison, his brother-in-law, where he departed this life at two o'clock, and reach the Baptist Church at four. His friends are respectfully invited to attend.

 

PIERCE, SARAH B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1909
Mrs. Sarah Pierce, widow of George Pierce, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Annie Ruckman, in Godfrey township, Sunday evening at 9:45 o'clock from old age. She would have been 90 years of age in March. Mrs. Pierce was a native of Virginia, and came to the vicinity of Alton when she was seventeen years of age and had lived in Godfrey and in Alton ever since. Her illness began two weeks ago, and she succeeded in passing through Christmas day, dying the day following. She leaves four children, Mrs. Annie Ruckman, Ezra Pierce, William Pierce, and Mrs. Abbie Regeness of Niles City, Michigan. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from her daughter's home. Mrs. Pierce was a member of the Baptist church.

 

PIERCE, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 30, 1896
Alton Grocer
Tuesday at 2 o’clock a.m., at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mr. Thomas Pierce, an old and respected citizen of Alton, breathed his last after months of intense suffering from a cancer. It is about eight years ago since the cancerous growth developed, and the torture since that time, while not continuous, was something terrible. The malady became worse several months ago, and while everything possible was done for the sufferer, all efforts proved unavailing. About four weeks since he was removed to St. Joseph’s Hospital in order that nurses might be with him at all times, and his every want attended to.

Mr. Pierce was born in Massachusetts about 79 years ago, and came to Alton 41 years ago. For many years he was engaged in the grocery business, and was quite successful. Two daughters, Mesdames A. L. Daniels and R. S. Sawyer, survive him.

NOTES:
Thomas married Ruth W. Wade (1815-1887), and they had the following children: Ellen Pierce Sawyer (1842-1929) and Julia Pierce Daniels (1843-1913). Thomas was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

PIERCE, URIAH(?)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 11, 1863
Died on November 16th, in Monticello [Godfrey], of diphtheria, Uriah Pierce, son of Sarah C. and George G. Pierce, aged two years.

 

PIERCE, WILLIAM BYRON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Dec. 5, 1903
Prominent Alton Businessman
William Byron Pierce, secretary of the Alton Roller Mill Company in Alton, died just after midnight Saturday morning after a brief illness, which began the day before Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Pierce’s death was immediately due to a hemorrhage, superinduced by an attack of heart trouble, which had rendered him very weak. The day before Thanksgiving Day, he was stricken with an attack of neuralgia of the heart, which was followed by an almost complete collapse. The last few days he could take no nourishment, and his condition was more alarming Friday than it had been at any time before. Up to Friday, he insisted upon directing the business affairs of the mill by messages, sent from the sick room, and he confidently expected he would be able to get down to his office again. Mr. Pierce will be missed in the milling industry in which he had been a prominent figure for many years. He was successful in business, and a man capable of forming many secure friendships, and he will be sadly missed by a large circle of friends. By all his employees he was held in the warmest affection, as he was always most considerate of them in all his dealings.

Mr. Pierce was born November 21, 1838, at Chester, Vermont, and with his father, the late Dr. W. C. Pierce, came to Alton in the Spring of 1856 to make his home. Since coming to Alton, he made his home here continuously, and much of the time he was engaged in the manufacturing industries. During the Civil War, Mr. Pierce was connected with a bookstore on Third Street with M. I. Lee, and subsequently he was in the cracker manufacturing business with A. L. Daniels and George A. Bayle, in Alton. The last twenty years of his life, Mr. Pierce was secretary and manager of the Alton Roller Mill Company, operating the flour mill at Second and State Streets. Mr. Pierce is survived by his wife, Etta Drury Pierce, and a sister, Mrs. Henry J. Crane, both of whom were with him at the time of his death. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon from the family home on State Street.

In the death of Mr. Pierce, Alton loses one of her most substantial business men. He was a man whose friendship was highly prized by those who knew him, and who beneath the surface had a heart always keenly sympathetic for others who were in need of sympathy. He was unostentatious in his good deeds of help for the suffering, as many who have shared his bounty could testify. In all matters his judgment was considered good, and he was very much alive to the matters of every day interest in public affairs. Throughout his life he was a good citizen, and in his death, Alton has lost one whom she can illy afford to spare.

 

PIERCE, WILLIAM C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 11, 1880
Our citizens will regret to hear of the death of Dr. William C. Pierce, which took place Friday. Deceased had been in feeble health for several years, but was taken worse last Sunday and passed away this morning. Dr. Pierce had been a resident of Alton for the last 24 years. He was a trusted and skillful physician, a genial friend, and useful citizen, esteemed in all the relations of life, whose death will be deeply deplored by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Dr. Pierce was a native of New Hampshire, born in 1811. He removed to Alton from Woodstock, Vermont in 1856. He leaves a widow, Emily S. Pierce, and two children, Mr. W. B. Pierce and Mrs. H. J. Crane. The funeral took place Saturday morning from his late residence on State Street. There was a large attendance of mourning relatives, friends, and fellow citizens of the deceased, who took this opportunity of paying the last tribute of respect to his memory. Rev. Jason Fisher of the Unitarian Church conducted the solemn and impressive services. The bearers were Messrs. J. W. Schweppe, M. H. Topping, D. R. Sparks, J. E. Hayner, C. A. Murray, and Homer Stanford. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

PIERRE, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1912
Mrs. Elizabeth Pierre, wife of George H. Pierre, died this noon at her home, 438 East Fourteenth street, after a week's illness from malaria and lung trouble. She leaves beside her husband, one daughter, Gladys, and a son, George C. Pierre. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.

 

PIERSON, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1861
Died in Alton on the 8th(?) inst., Frank, the youngest son of J. H. Pierson, aged eight years. He was a smart, active boy, and a great favorite with all who knew how ______ of very delicate constitution, and has suffered much from sickness. He has now, forever, taken _____ of himself, where there will be no more pain or suffering. The evidence of this fact will, to some extent, alleviate the sorrow of his bereaved parents and brothers and sisters.

 

PIERSON, H. N./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On January 22, 1870, Mr. H. N. Pierson, a prominent citizen of Alton, died.

 

PIERSON, NORTON R./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1885
Mr. Norton R. Pierson, for several years in the employ of Messrs. Sweetser & Priest, lumber dealers, died April 12 at noon, of consumption, at the age of 44 years. Mr. Pierson’s last illness was brief. He was only confined at home a few days previous to his death. He was born in Michigan, but most of his life was spent in Alton. He left three orphan children to mourn his death, his wife having proceeded him to the silent land a few months. The funeral took place from the deceased’s late residence on Liberty Street.

 

PIERSON, REBECCA STETSON (nee BARRY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1902
Mrs. Rebecca Stetson Barry Pierson, widow of Mark Pierson and mother of William M. Pierson, died Sunday noon at the home of her son, 321 East Fifth street, from the debility of old age. Mrs. Pierson was for many years one of the best known residents of the city of Alton, and in the Baptist church she was an earnest worker. She united with the Alton Baptist church when she came to the city a bride, in 1837, and had the distinction of being the oldest member of the church in Alton. Mrs. Pierson was born in Boston, June 26, 1814. In 1837 she was married to Mark Pierson, who was for many years one of the most prominent business men of Alton. Since coming to Alton as a bride she made her home here continuously and was much attached to the city of her adoption. The last of a family of thirteen children, Mrs. Pierson bore the weight of her years in patience, calmly awaiting the call to her Heavenly home which she confidently expected would come soon. Her health has been failing for some time, and during the last week her death was expected at almost any time. Mrs. Pierson's husband died in Alton in 1855. In her church she never lost her interest, and until feebleness prevented her regular attendance at the church services, she was always one of the most regular. Her church was dear to her as her family, and in her life she followed closely its teachings. She was an interested worker in the church. Mrs. Pierson came of a distinguished family, her brother, Rev. John Stetson Barry having been known as an eminent Massachusetts historian; and her brother Rev. William Barry, having been the founder of the Chicago Historical society. She had two other brothers well known in the early days of Alton - Amasa Barry and B. F. Barry. For thirty-seven years she made her home with her son in this city. The declining days of her life were made pleasant for her by kindly attentions, and she slipped away into her last long sleep in the full enjoyment of the benefits of love and affection of her children, Mr. and Mrs. William Pierson. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home.

 

PIGGOTT, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Friday, February 3, 1899
Mrs. Elizabeth Piggott, wife of Squire W. L. Piggott, died Thursday, January 25, at her residence in Bethalto, aged 65 years. Mrs. Piggott had been in poor health all winter, having suffered from the grip, which culminated in typhoid fever. The deceased was a lady highly respected by all her acquaintances, and a most excellent wife and mother, beloved not only by her own family but by all within the radius of her acquaintance. She was a faithful and consistent member of the M. E. church of Bethalto. The funeral services were held in the church. Her pastor, Rev. S. E. Turner, conducted the exercises, paying a high tribute to Mrs. Piggott. Her husband, Squire W. L. Piggott, and one son, Eugene Day, of Denver, Colorado, survive her. Mrs. Piggott was married to Squire Piggott twenty eight years ago. She had been married previously. The pall bearers were John Jarvis, John S. Culp, Irby Williams, J. T. Ewan, A. J. Canipe, H. S. Deem. J. Piggott and Levi Dunnegan of Alton were in attendance.

 

PIGGOTT, ISAAC N./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1906
Isaac N. Piggott died after a long illness at his home, 224 Fourth street, where he conducted a boarding house for the past couple of years. He is survived by a wife and several children. The funeral was held this morning, and the body was taken to Elsah for burial. Mr. Piggott was about 63 years of age.

 

PIGGOTT, W. L. (JUSTICE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1902
One of Madison County's Oldest Inhabitants Dies
Justice W. L. Piggott died at 3 o'clock Saturday morning at his home in Bethalto. Justice Piggott was one of Madison county's oldest and most honored citizen. His 74th birthday occurred on March 10. He had held the office of Justice of the Peace for many years, and was an honor to the bench. He was well and favorably known throughout the county. Mr. Piggott was born in St. Louis, March 10, 1828. He went to Bethalto in 1856. He built the first sawmill in Bethalto, and ran it for several years. He sold the business and began to practice the profession of law before Justices' courts. President Grant appointed him Postmaster of Bethalto, which he held for fourteen years. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1872, which he continued to hold until his death. Politically he was a Republican, and was an earnest advocate of his party principles, and was identified with that party since its organization, and in whose councils locally he had great weight. He was married three times. His first marriage was in 1849 to Miss Hannah Gillespie, who died in 1852. He married again in 1856 to Miss Sara Deck. Six children were born of this union, two of whom, sons, are still living. In 1872 he married his third wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Day of Jerseyville, who died three years ago. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 2 o'clock from the M. E. church. The services at the cemetery will be conducted by the Masons, Mr. William Montgomery of Moro acting Deputy Grand Master will officiate. The pallbearers will be Judge William P. Early, John James, Jacob Frey, J. S. Culp, Irby Williams, Dan Stoeckel.

PILCHER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 1, 1885
Mr. George Pilcher of Godfrey died Tuesday evening, December 31, 1884, after an illness of two months. He was born in Hythe, County of Kent, England, in 1819, and came to America in 1849, locating in St. Louis, Missouri, where he resided until 1857, when he removed to Illinois to what is now the town of Godfrey, where he resided until his death. Mr. Pilcher will be kindly remembered by all who knew him as an obliging neighbor, a good citizen, and an honest man. During his long and painful illness, which he bore with fortitude and Christian resignation, he had the attention and care of his neighbors and friends, who gratefully remembered the kindness with which he had so often rendered similar services to them. The funeral services were held January 1 at the Bethany Methodist Church, of which he had been a member for over 25 years. Notwithstanding the intense cold, the funeral was well attended. Mr. Pilcher was twice married, and leaves a widow and five children.

 

PILE, ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 5, 1871
Died on April 30, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Ann Pile, beloved wife of James Pile; aged 73 years. Mrs. Pile was born near Barnstable, England, in the year 1798, and emigrated to Alton in 1844, where she has ever since resided. She was a loving wife and a kind mother, and was much respected by all who knew her.

 

PILE, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 17, 1851
Died in Alton on the 14th instant, after a lingering illness, Mr. David Pile, aged 25 years.

 

PILE, IDA E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12, 1910
Mrs. Ida E. Pile, wife of Samuel B. Pile of 1201 Norton street, died at St. Joseph's hospital Sunday evening at 7 o'clock from heart failure, following a surgical operation. Mrs. Pile had been suffering for some time and it was decided that a surgical operation might prolong her life. She passed safely through the operation, and seemed to be recovering, and her friends and relatives were very hopeful. She was taken suddenly worse Sunday, her heart showing a weakness, and she died without rallying. She leaves no children. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mr. Pile's sister, Mrs. James Smith, 1246 State street. The body was moved to the Smith home Sunday evening. Mrs. Pile was 41 years of age. She is survived by her husband and a brother, G. A. Kincer of St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. H. A. Town of Salt Lake City. She was a member of the Daughters of Rebekah, and the funeral will be attended by that order. Rev. H. M. Chittenden will conduct the funeral services.

 

PILE, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 18, 1863
Died in Sempletown, on the 17th inst., James Pile, in the ??? year of ??? (Unreadable).

 

PILE, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 19, 1878
Died at his residence on State Street in Alton, at 5 o’clock this morning, December 18, James Pile, in the 80th year of his age. Deceased had been afflicted with blindness for about a year previous to his death. He was an estimable man, a good citizen, of a quiet, unassuming nature, ever given to good deeds. He was a native of Barnstable, England, and immigrated to America in the year 1844, and has resided in Alton since that time. He was known and respected by a large circle of friends, and was unusually loved by all who knew him. He was noted for his acts of kindness, it being one of his greatest pleasures to assist the needy. He leaves a son, Charles, and three grandchildren to mourn their loss. The funeral will take place from his late residence on State Street.

 

PILGRIM, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 2, 1902
Frederick Pilgrim, one of the best known residents of Alton and a model of industry and sobriety, died Wednesday morning at an early hour at his home on East Third street after a short illness from pneumonia. He had been ill about four weeks and was believed to be convalescent, when he became worse a few days ago and it was evident that he was on the decline. His age was 66 years, and was telling heavily against him in his fight for recovery. He passed away surrounded by members of his family who gathered to watch him during the last moments. For fifty years Mr. Pilgrim lived in Alton, and as an illustration of his steady application it is related that for 37 years he was employed at one place and lost only six weeks time in all those years. He leaves his widow and seven children. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be in the German Evangelical church.

 

PILGRIM, LOUISA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 10, 1892
The funeral of Mrs. Louisa Pilgrim, who died on Monday, took place this afternoon in the Evangelical Church. Her pew in that edifice was appropriately decorated by the loving friends who showed this last act of esteem. The services were conducted by Rev. Carl Kramer in the presence of a large audience assembled to honor their departed friend.

 

PILGRIM, LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1918
Mrs. Louise Pilgrim, widow of Fred Pilgrim, a resident of Alton for sixty years, died from paralysis Sunday while visiting two of her daughters in Nokomis. She was at the home of Mrs. E. L. Schwartzle when on Friday morning, just as she went down stairs to breakfast, she was stricken with paralysis. She did not regain consciousness, and her death occurred nearly forty-eight hours later. With her when she died were four of her daughters, Mrs. Schwartzle, Mrs. Leonard Lahman, Mrs. Annie Brenner, Miss Emma Pilgrim, also Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pilgrim. Beside these children she leaves one daughter, Mrs. Charles Raith of Kansas City, Mo., and Fred Pilgrim of Alton. Mrs. Pilgrim would have been 78 years of age in October. She came here when a young woman and was married here. She had resided for many years at 814 East Fourth street. Her husband was one of the best known east end residents. Mrs. Pilgrim had been in failing health for some time, but there was no particular alarm and she was considered well enough to make the trip to Nokomis with her daughter, Miss Emma, to visit the two daughters living there. Mrs. Pilgrim will be buried Wednesday afternoon. The funeral will be at 2 o'clock from the Evangelical Church and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PILGRIM, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12, 1881
A daughter of Mr. F. P. Pilgrim, eight years old, died Saturday from the effects of scarlet fever. The funeral took place Monday from the family residence on Fourth Street, east of Ridge.

 

PILKINTON, LARKIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1845
Revolutionary War Soldier Dies
Died, at the residence of his son, Hobert, in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, on the 6th inst., Mr. Larkin Pilkinton, aged 83 years, some months, - a Revolutionary soldier. He bore his affliction with Christian fortitude, and left this world with a full belief of going to a better.

 

PILLEN, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1908
Child Killed by Passenger Train
Annie Pillen, aged 18 months, whose parents live near Benbow City, was instantly killed Tuesday evening by a Bluff Line passenger train which went south that evening, leaving here at 6:45 o'clock. The child was in a growth of weeds alongside the track and just as the engine came up to her she stepped up out of the weeds onto the track, and while she gazed with wide open eyes in wonder at the oncoming monster she was hit by the engine and her body was badly cut and crushed. Engineer Clark, seeing the child, made a desperate effort to stop his train but failed to do so in time as there was only a few feet space left between the child and the engine as she stepped on the track. The little girl never spoke a word and when the trainmen hurried back to see what had been the effect of the engine hitting her, they found the child quite dead. The body was turned over to Coroner Streeper. The parents lived close by where the child met its death. When informed of what had happened they were in deep distress. The child had just strayed away from home playing, and the parents did not know she was in danger until they knew she was dead. The parents are foreigners living near Benbow City.

 

PINCKARD, JOSEPH HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1843
Died, on Saturday last, Joseph Henry Pinchard, infant son of William G. Pinckard, Esq., of this city [Alton].

 

PINCKARD, MARY JANE “JENNIE” (nee FRICK)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1897
From the Springfield Journal - The funeral of Mrs. Thomas Stanton Pinckard occurred Sunday afternoon at the family residence, 720 N. Seventh Street. The services were largely attended, and were conducted by Rev. D. F. Howe, pastor of the 1st Methodist Episcopal Church. The last remains of a loving mother and devoted wife were laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery, and the grave was left under a covering of many beautiful floral designs. The pallbearers were J. D. Roper, B. F. Talbott, Jacob Decker, T. F. Lennox, W. H. Good, and Frank Hudson. Mrs. Pinckard was for many years a resident of Alton, where her husband is well known to most of the older citizens.


NOTES:
Mary Jane “Jennie” Frick Pinckard was born in 1837 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Charles Henry Frick (1813-1891) and Mary Ann Waples Frick (1813-1869. She married Thomas Stanton Pinckard (1833-1911), and they had the following children: Lillie May Pinckard Bullard (1856-1940); Hattie Pinckard (1859-1915); and Preston Frick Pinckard (1873-1935). Her husband, Thomas S. Pinckard, was a native of Upper Alton, Illinois. He was apprenticed to the firm of Bailhache and Dolbee, proprietors of the Alton Telegraph, and became a foreman in 1852. After spending time in California, he returned to Alton to work in the Alton Courier office. In 1855, he went to Springfield, and worked at the State Journal until the Civil War, when he enlisted during that war. He returned to Springfield after the war, and moved to Kansas to work for The Champion newspaper. He later returned to Springfield in 1880, and worked at The State Register. Mary was interred in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.

 

PINCKARD, NATHANIEL (REVEREND)
Used His Influence to Preach Against Slavery
Nathaniel Pinckard was born in the East sometime before 1773. His wife may have been Lucy Green Pinckard, daughter of Colonel William Green. Nathaniel lived in Culpepper County, Virginia, and migrated west by covered wagon, arriving first in Ohio. He was an early Methodist minister. In 1818, Rev. Nathaniel, his son, William Green Pinckard (born in 1793 in Virginia), William Heath, and Daniel Crume journeyed from Ohio and settled in Upper Alton. There was no mention of Nathaniel’s wife, so she may have been deceased at this time. Nathaniel was filled with the love of God and for his fellow man. His cheerful, and had a genial spirit and kindness of heart made him many friends. He had a deep hatred of slavery, from his experience in the West Indies (area of Cuba, Puerto Rice, Jamaica, and Cayman Islands), where he was sent as a missionary. He witnessed the treatment of slaves there, and felt deeply for them. He became acquainted with a young, beautiful slave, who was intelligent and accomplished. They became friends, and she sought his counsel. He was shocked to hear that her master was not only her father, but her grandfather. How keen must have been the emotions of wrong and shame that stung the young woman, the offspring of “lust and incest.” But there was a deeper depth of grief and degradation for her. Whether from advances actually made, or from the known character of her brutal master-father, her soul was harrowed by the fear that he would compel her to submit to his incestuous lust. She asked Rev. Pinckard whether it was not her duty to commit suicide, to preserve her chastity. He confessed to a friend that it was a question too awful for him to decide. He could only weep with her, and bid her trust in God and pray for deliverance. In Upper Alton, Rev. Pinckard set up housekeeping in the area of Salu, near the road that led from Missouri towards northern Illinois (I assume this would be Washington Avenue). Rev. Nathaniel frequently saw travelers from Missouri, bringing along their slaves with them. When they would ask if they were taking the wrong road, he called to them, “You must take the left hand [road]. I am afraid you will always have to take the left,” meaning that they were not right, but wrong in holding slaves. His home became a stopping point for traveling clergy, and he often held services in his home. He used his influence and preached fervently against the practice of slavery. I could not find any record of his death, or where he was buried.

 

PINCKARD, T. M. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 29, 1871
We regret to state that the Rev. T. M. Pinckard, who was so well known and appreciated in Alton in times which are now past and gone, died at Nevada, Missouri, on the first of this week. He was the son of the late William G. Pinckard, and was born in Upper Alton in 1822. He was engaged in Alton for several years in commercial business, but went to Missouri as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 1846 was married to Miss Lucy Lyle of Missouri. During the last ten years, he was at the head of the Southern Methodist Publishing House in St. Louis, and editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. He was a man of noble, generous nature, trusted and honored by all who had business or social relations with him. His aged mother, several brothers and sisters, and several of his children survive him, and mourn the loss of a kind, affectionate, and good son, brother, and father.

 

Thomas Stanton PinckardPINCKARD, THOMAS STANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24, 1911
Old-Time Alton Printer, Part Owner of The Telegraph
Thomas Stanton Pinckard, aged 78, died Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. N. Bullard, in Mechanicsburg, Ill., after a long illness. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the Bullard residence, and burial will be in Springfield. Mr. Pinckard was at one time part owner of the Telegraph, and also was employed on the Alton Courier. The following is from the Springfield Journal: "Mr. Pinckard went to Los Angeles, Cal., about one year ago to visit his daughter, Mrs. Edmund Patton. He started for home about April 1, making the trip alone. The long journey caused a general breakdown, and he had since been making his home with his daughter, Mrs. J. N. Bullard of Mechanicsburg. Decedent is survived by two sisters and seven children: Mrs. J. N. Bullard, Mechanicsburg; Miss Hattie Pinckard, Springfield; Charles Pinckard, Kansas City; Mrs. Emma Patton, Los Angeles, Cal.; Preston F. Pinckard, Chicago; and Mrs. Jennie De Jarnatt, Evansville, Ind. Mr. Pinckard was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Typographical Union. Thomas Stanton Pinckard was one of the oldest printers in the west. He was born in Upper Alton, June 19, 1833, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of fifteen years he was indentured as an apprentice to the firm of Bailhache & Dolbee, proprietors of the Alton Telegraph, and became a foreman in 1852. In 1853 Mr. Pinckard crossed the plains to California. He aided in putting up the first line of telegraph wire between Sacramento and San Francisco, and was the first messenger boy in the Sacramento office. He returned to Alton in 1854, and cast his first vote for Judge Lyman Trumbull for Congress in that year. Mr. Pinckard was foreman of the Alton Courier office until Messrs. Bailhache & Baker bought the Illinois State Journal from Simeon Francis. In July 1855, Mr. Pinckard came to Springfield and was foreman of the State Journal until President Lincoln called for volunteers in 1861. Mr. Pinckard enlisted as a private in the Yates Dragoons. Later he entered Company F, First Illinois Cavalry, which company was captured at Lexington, Mo., where General Mulligan surrendered his brigade to General Price. The company was mustered out of service by order of Governor Fremont. By order of the war department, the company was reorganized and Governor Yates commissioned Mr. Pinckard as First Lieutenant, which office he resigned a few months later. He served as clerk in the quartermaster's department in West Virginia until 1864, when he bought an interest in the Alton Telegraph, and supported Mr. Lincoln for re-election. Mr. Pinckard returned to Springfield in 1865, and was foreman of The State Journal until 1879. That year he moved to Atchison, Kan., taking the foremanship of The Champion, of that city. He returned to this city with his family in 1880, and became foreman of The State Register news room in 1883, filling that position until 1886."

NOTES:
Thomas Stanton Pinckard was the son of William G. Pinckard. William G. Pinckard, along with William Heath and Daniel Crume (who was Pinckard's brother-in-law), came to Illinois from Ohio, and first settled at Hunterstown [Alton] in the fall of 1818. On their four-week journey to Hunterstown, they occasionally met emigrants eastward bound, who declared that if they went to Alton, they would all die, as the country was very unhealthful and was the "graveyard of the West." The cabin in Hunterstown was about sixteen feet square, and had a clapboard roof with a hole in it through which the smoke of their fire escaped. That winter had some of the coldest and most disagreeable weather. During the winter of 1819-19, William G. Pinckard and Daniel Crume made a contract to build a house for Colonel Easton. This house was became a hotel for the small village of Alton. It stood near the corner of Broadway and Piasa Streets, and was torn down in 1868.
The group later moved to Upper Alton, where Thomas Stanton Pinckard was born, and together lived in a log cabin of two rooms. That winter Pinckard and Heath constructed a pottery, and in the spring of 1829 began the manufacture of pottery, making dishes, cups, crocks, and all kinds of vessels of which there was a great demand. Nathaniel Pinckard, father of William G. Pinckard, became a resident of Upper Alton at this time. Burial of Mr. Pinckard was in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

 

PINCKARD, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14, 1897
Wife of Thomas Stanton Pinckard
The funeral of Mrs. Thos. S. Pinckard occurred Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the family residence, 720 N. Seventh street. The services were largely attended and were conducted by the Rev. D. F. Howe, pastor of the First M. E. church. The choir of the Second M. E. church rendered several hymns. The last remains of a loving mother and devoted wife were laid to rest in Oak Ridge cemetery, and the grave was left under a covering of many beautiful floral designs. The pall bearers were J. D. Roper, B. F. Talbott, Jacob Decker, T. F. Lennox, W. H. Good and Frank Hudson. Mrs. Pinckard was for many years a resident of Alton, where her husband is well known to most of the older citizens.

 

PINCKARD, WILLIAM GREEN JR. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1864
Killed by Friendly Fire at the "Battle of Murder Hollow"
We have deferred any particular notice of the death of this promising young man until such time as his corpse should reach this place and be interred. It arrived here on Monday morning on the Alton and Chicago Railroad train. On yesterday morning, his funeral was attended from the Methodist Episcopal Church, attended by the Masonic fraternity and the military stationed in Alton, and a very large concourse of citizens. All the flags in the city were floating at half-mast on the occasion, and solemnity appeared to be stamped on the countenances of all our people. The Rev. Dr. Corrington preached a funeral discourse, which we were not permitted to hear.

Pinckard was born in Alton in 1837, and was the son of William G. Pinckard Esq., of Alton. In the year 1852, he was apprenticed to the late Judge Bailhache, then editor of the Alton Telegraph, to learn the printing business, with whom he faithfully served. After the expiration of his apprenticeship, he worked in the law office of Hon. Lyman Trumbull with the intention of devoting his life to the profession; but after the election of that man to the U. S. Senate, he again had returned to his trade, working in Jacksonville, Springfield, and Alton – part of the time as local editor of the Alton Courier.

On September 16, 1857, he married Miss Em____ Henderson of Jerseyville, Illinois. He passed about two years in this city in the Alton Courier office and in the mercantile trade, when he removed to Springfield, Illinois. Remaining there only a short time, he again removed to Edwardsville, the county seat of Madison County, and up to the breaking out of the Rebellion [Civil War], published the Madison County Advertiser. He supported Mr. Lincoln through the columns of his paper, strongly and forcibly, and did much towards the success of the Republican Party in that canvass.

Answering the first call for three months men, he enlisted in the gallant 9th Regiment, in which he served during the three months, and upon the re-organization of that regiment for three years, he was commissioned by Governor Yates, at the request of Colonel E. A. Paine, as Regimental Quartermaster. He served in that capacity until after the capture of Fort Donaldson, when he was detailed as Acting Assistant Quartermaster on the staff of the late General C. F. Smith. He held that position until the death of that officer.

In June 1862, he was appointed Captain and Assistant Quartermaster by the President, and assigned duty in the Army of the Potomac. In May 1863, he was ordered to Charleston, West Virginia, where he remained on the staff of General E. P. Scammon, until the 25th of January, when he accompanied the General to Cumberland, Maryland. When returning, and within 28 miles of his post, the boat and all on board were captured by a party of Rebels, and the General and staff taken as prisoners to the interior. The party that captured them were in turn surprised by our troops, and Captain Pinckard was killed by the fire of our own men.

Mr. Pinckard was a young man of unblemished moral character, possessed more than ordinary talent, and was brave and daring to fault, and was a warm and enthusiastic defender of his country. Although he has been taken away almost in the beginning of his manhood, yet he has left a fame which must prove a great comfort and consolation to his many friends in their severe bereavement.

NOTES:
While traveling by boat to Charleston, West Virginia, Captain William G. Pinckard was captured by the Confederates, led by Colonel Milton Jameson Ferguson, whose goal was to draw attention of the Union forces away from eastern Virginia. After their capture, Captain Pinckard, a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, and another Union soldier were seated around a campfire in the Confederate camp, when Colonel George Gallup, of the Union 14th Kentucky Infantry, attacked Ferguson’s camp. Approximately five Confederate soldiers were killed during this “Battle of Murder Hollow,” with others wounded. Captain Pinckard, and the three others seated around the campfire, were killed by the bullets from the 14th Kentucky Infantry. Pinckard lived six hours, and before his death, requested that his body be sent to Alton. Colonel Ferguson was arrested. The skirmish occurred in the dead of winter, and the bodies reportedly froze to the ground. When the thaw came, the stream ran red with blood. Rumors are that Murder Hollow is haunted to this day. Captain William G. Pinckard is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

Captain Pinckard’s father was William G. Pinckard Sr. The father came to Illinois in the Autumn of 1819. He and William Heath operated a pottery near Upper Alton. William Sr.’s father, Nathaniel Pinckard, became a resident of Upper Alton also at this time. William Pinckard Sr. and Daniel Crume entered a contract in 1818 to build a log house for Colonel Rufus Easton, founder of Alton. The house was used as a “stopping place,” or boarding house, and when torn down in 1868, the logs were found to be as sound as when they were put up. This was the first house erected in Alton, although small rude cabins had been previously erected. William Pinckard Sr. died in March 1866.

Particulars of Captain Pinckard's Death
Source: March 11, 1864
We are permitted to make the following extract from a letter received by Thomas S. Pinckard, from Captain A. J. Allen, Catlettsburg, Kentucky. We are gratified to learn that he was well treated while a prisoner, and died with kind friends around him.

“Captain Pinckard was killed about sixty miles from where I was. As I had formerly known him, and being from Illinois, I took more than ordinary interest in the matter. I had a long conversation with the Rebel Colonel Ferguson in relation to him. It appears that Captain Pinckard was anxious to be exchanged, and so also was the Rebel Colonel Ferguson anxious to effect the exchange. A flag of truce was within two hours of the camp at the time of the unfortunate affair. Colonel Gallup had given orders to his men not to fire upon the Rebels unless they should attempt resistance after being summoned to surrender, but when the demand was made for surrender, the Rebels caught up their arms and fired on our men. Our troops immediately returned the fire, killing among the rest several of our men who were in the Rebel hands. Captain Pinckard fell mortally wounded, but lived about six hours. He requested that his body be sent to Alton, or such place as his wife might direct. He spoke in terms of praise of the manner in which he was treated while a prisoner. He often mentioned his wife and children.”

 

PINCKARD, WILLIAM GREEN SR./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23, 1866
Alton Pioneer, Mayor, Justice of the Peace, Coroner
William G. Pinckard Sr., of Alton, died March 13, 1866, at 4:30 o'clock, at his residence on Third Street. Mr. Pinckard was born in Culpepper County, Virginia, July 13, 1793, and was consequently in his 73rd year. Early in 1800, his parents emigrated to Ohio, where he grew to manhood amid the hardships and dangers to which early pioneers were generally exposed. Volunteering in the service of his country in the War of 1812, he was among those in General McArthur's command, who were surrendered to the British as prisoners of war by General Hull at Detroit. On December 15, 1814, he was married to Elizabeth Warner, at London, Madison County, Ohio, by Rev. Jonathan Minchell. In the Fall of the year 1818, he emigrated to the Territory of Illinois, and reached what is now known as Upper Alton, on November 20 of that year, and determined to make it his home. At that early day there was not more than twenty families within a circuit of fifty miles from the present location of this city, except at the village of St. Louis. Two log cabins stood upon the ground now occupied by the city of Alton. All was a vast, unbroken wilderness. Milton, where the road crossed the Wood River, was then the place of importance and trade. Several stores and dwellings were erected there when he first reached the county. Here among the early settlers, he found a pleasant, happy home, and with his well-beloved wife, and in the bosom of his family, he saw the wilderness disappear, and the large city and the thickly-settled country take its place. Here he resided for more than forty-seven years.

The last twenty-five years he served his fellow-citizens in various offices of trust and confidence in the city government. He had a most rugged and powerful constitution, and until attacked by paralysis, the disease of which he died, he enjoyed most excellent health. Last November, he was stricken down with paralysis, and for several weeks his life was despaired of; but he rallied, and was able to be about, although quite feeble, until March 9, when he was again brought down by the disease, and his silver cord of life finally gave way yesterday, while he was surrounded by his wife and children and friends. A good man has gone.

Mr. Pinckard was a life-long Christian and a consistent member of the Methodist Church. His house was ever the home of the minister, and to the weary, hungry or sick, his latch-string was ever out. He was the father of fourteen children, six of whom live to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father. His life-long and devoted wife has been in feeble health for many years, but yet lives to mourn the loss of him with whom she spent more than half a century of useful, happy married life.

NOTES:
William Green Pinckard was born July 13, 1793, in Culpeper County, Virginia. His father was Rev. Nathaniel Pinckard, and his mother is possibly Lucy Green, daughter of Colonel William Green. In 1800, the Pinckard family moved to Ohio, where William grew into manhood. In 1812, William volunteered to serve during the War of 1812. He was among those captured by the British, and held a prisoner of war in Detroit. On December 15, 1814, he married Elizabeth Warner in Madison County, Ohio. In 1818, William and Elizabeth, along with William Heath and Daniel Crume, traveled by covered wagon to the Illinois Territory. On their way westward, they met immigrants going eastward, who declared that if they went to Alton, they would all die, and that it was the “graveyard of the West.” Before arriving in what would later be called Bozzatown near Upper Alton, they stopped at the settlement of Milton near the Wood River, where they purchased supplies from Rev. Thomas Lippincott, who operated a store there. The group then travel west, and settled at Shields’ Branch (near Bozza and Pearl Street in Alton).

At Bozzatown, William and his companions took possession of a “half-faced” camp, in which the whole party lived in for two months. The cabin was about 16 feet square, with a clapboard roof which had a hole in it for the smoke of the fire to escape. Soon after their arrival, Major Charles W. Hunter, proprietor of what was afterward called Huntertown, made an offer of town lots if they would establish a pottery on his land. They agreed, and the party built a cabin of round logs, with one room, sixteen feet square. During the winter of 1818-19, William G. Pinckard and Daniel Crume made a contract with Colonel Rufus Easton (founder of Alton), to build a house of oak logs. It had two large rooms, with one open space between them. The house served as a boarding house in Alton for some years. It stood near the corner of Broadway and Piasa Street. It was during this time period, that William’s father, Rev. Nathaniel Pinckard, moved from Ohio to Upper Alton. In 1819, William T. Pinckard, assisted by Crume and Heath, built a frame house for Major Hunter, which was the first frame building erected in Hunterstown. This house stood on Broadway.

Throughout his lifetime in Alton, William Pinckard was civic-minded, and served in various offices. He was Justice of the Peace (1837-1848), fourth Mayor of Alton (1839-1840), Madison County Coroner (1854-1856), Alton’s first town Marshall (1846-1849), and Alton Alderman (1854 and 1855). He and his wife had fourteen children, with only three sons and three daughters still living in 1864.

William G. Pinckard died March 13, 1866, in Alton. Surviving were his wife and six children. He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.

The following are known children of William G. Pinckard:

Reverend John Camp Pinckard (1820-1898); died in Kansas City, Kansas after being stricken with paralysis. He left a wife, a son, Dr. Cyrus G. Pinckard, and two daughters, Emma Pinckard and Mrs. W. H. Pumphrey. He was buried in Groveland, Illinois.

Reverend Patrick McLene Pinckard (1822-1871); died in September 1871 in Nevada, Missouri. Married to Lucy Jane Lyell of Missouri, and was editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. He is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.

Elizabeth B. Green (1826-1924); died in Pana, Illinois, at the home of her nephew and niece. It is unknown who her husband was.

Thomas Stanton Pinckard (June 19, 1833 – April 1911); died in Mechanicsburg, Illinois, at the home of his daughter. Thomas was part owner of the Alton Telegraph, and enlisted as a Private in Yates Dragoons during the Civil War. He was later in the First Illinois Cavalry.

Captain William Green Pinckard Jr. (1837-1864); killed by friendly fire in the Battle of Murder Hollow during the Civil War. Before the war he was an apprentice at the Alton Telegraph, then worked in the law office of Lyman Trumbull. He also operated a store in Upper Alton, and was the first to have free delivery.

Joseph Henry Pinckard, infant; died in October 1843.

Emma Pinckard; opened a school in 1865 in her father’s home on the corner of Third and Alby Streets.

 

PINEMANN, LENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1902
Mrs. Lena Pinemann died Tuesday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lena Boedy, 827 east Fifth street, after a long illness. She leaves one daughter, five grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Mrs. Pinemann was a woman most respected and loved by all who knew her. She was a quiet, motherly woman, always having a pleasant word for her acquaintances, and there are many who came within range of her genial, sunny disposition who sincerely regret her death. She had lived here many years.

 

PINKERTON, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20, 1906
Mrs. Margaret Pinkerton, aged 75, died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning after an illness from cancer of the liver, resulting from an accident she suffered last fall. It was her pride that she could do any kind of physical labor, no matter how hard, and even in her old age she continued to do what she considered her share of the farm work. Mrs. Pinkerton thought it no disgrace for a woman to do a man's work, in face she insisted upon woman's rights and she would do a man's part in the field. She could plow a furrow as straight as any man who ever held a plow, and she could hew a log with as true an aim as any woodsman that ever chopped a tree. She could do any kind of work around the livestock on the farm and knew as much about farming as any man in this part of the country. She was considered one of the most remarkable women in the state of Illinois. Her boast was that she did not lose her strength as she grew older, and that she was able to do anything that anyone else could do about the farm. Last fall while she was feeding the cattle on her farm near Belletrees where she lived alone with her son, Louis Pinkerton, she carried a heavy sack of corn and was trying to throw it over a fence when she staggered and fell toward the fence. The sack of corn pinioned her down, sliding down on her body and holding her there until she was almost exhausted from struggling. Finally she managed to struggle free by throwing the sack of corn off of her to the ground. She did not tell anyone of her injury until she was brought here to be treated at the hospital, her son said. She then told him what she believed to be the trouble with her. The attending physicians found that a cancer of the liver had developed and it proved fatal. Mrs. Pinkerton was twice married, first to a man named Brewer and she was known by both names, Brewer and Pinkerton. Indeed her son, by her second marriage, was known by both names and said today that it made little difference to him which name he was called, whether by that of his own father or that of the man his mother married the first time. Mrs. Pinkerton was born of French parents in France, but came to America and settled at Portage des Sioux when a young girl. Her parents were driven across the river by floods in the early days, principally the flood of 1844, and they settled at Belltrees, where she lived until she was brought to Alton to die. The body will be taken to Belltrees for burial, and services will be held here tomorrow morning at 7:45 o'clock at St. Mary's church.

 

PINKERTON, SAMUEL M./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 26, 1853
Died at the residence of Joseph Noble in Summerfield, on the 26th last, Samuel M. Pinkerton, aged 51 years. The deceased was an old and esteemed citizen, and leaves friends to deplore his loss.

 

PINKSTONE, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 6, 1915
Civil War Veteran
The funeral of Samuel Pinkstone, old soldier and former resident of Alton, was held this morning from Union Depot. The body arrived from Shipman and was met at the train by a squad of old soldiers and Women's Relief Corps and Daughters of Veterans members. The flag of the Daughters of Veterans at the Myrtle House was at half-mast from the time the funeral party left Shipman until after the funeral. Seven members of the G. A. R. served as pallbearers. Burial was in City Cemetery.

 

PINKSTONE, SAMUEL JR./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 18, 1888
Samuel Pinkstone Jr. died last night of consumption of the lymphatic glands after a long and painful illness, at the age of 16 years and 9 months. Deceased was thrown from a horse a little over two years ago, and received a kick from the animal by which his skull was fractured and one eye destroyed. He recovered from the accident sufficiently to appear in ordinary health for a time, but it is thought that the injuries received on that occasion induced the disease that caused his death. It is a sad affliction to his parents and other relatives. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence, corner of Fourteenth and George Streets. Friends are invited to attend.

 

PINTA, DOLDASSARE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1919
Doldassare Pinta, the four year old daughter of J. Pinta of 2000 East Broadway, died at the home last evening following an accident in which the little girl was scalded in catsup. During the catsup making time at the Pinta home the child was playing around the yard. The catsup was being made in a big kettle so that an open fire could be made under it. Not noticing where she was going, the little tot fell into the kettle of catsup. Her cries attracted other members of the family who were nearby, and she was pulled from the catsup but not in time to keep her from being seriously burned. The child lingered between life and death until last evening. She died at 4 o'clock. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the St. Mary's Church. The services were conducted at the church by Father Tarrant.

 

PISWULSKI, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, July 24, 1912
Coroner Streeper held an inquest this morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hess, where a little child, five months old, died Tuesday morning without medical attention. The parents of the child gave their name as Piswulski, and they crossed the ocean on their way to Alton six weeks ago. Neither one could speak English and it was necessary to have an interpreter to give their evidence to the coroner's jury. Mrs. Peter Herzog, a neighbor of the family, explained their conversation to the jury. Mrs. Piswalski said the child was born on February 21, 1912, in Germany, and had been in perfect health all its life. She said that while the family made the voyage across the water, it seemed to enjoy the trip and was never sick. Last Sunday, shortly after dinner, the child became very sick and had vomiting spells. It continued ill and on Monday a neighbor gave the German family a prescription, saying their child had been sick, evidently with the same disease, and that their physician had given them this prescription to have filled. The German family sent the prescription to the drugstore and gave the child the medicine according to the directions. The child died at 2:30 the next morning without further medical attention. Dr. L. L. Yerkes was sworn in as foreman of the coroner's jury and he said that from the evidence given by the parents about the child's sickness, he would infer the cause of its death was cholera infantum. Upon his recommendation the jury gave a verdict to that effect. The body was taken immediately to St. Joseph's cemetery.

 

PITTS, ELIZABETH (nee VAUGHN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 17, 1866
Died in Alton on the 14th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth, consort of Samuel Pitts Sr., in the 61st year of her age. [See Captain Samuel Pitts Sr. obituary below.]

 

PITTS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1847
Died on Saturday last, George, youngest son of Captain Samuel Pitts of Alton, aged 17 months.

 

PITTS, ISABELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6, 1914
Mrs. Isabella Pitts, widow of Samuel Pitts Jr., died at the home of her daughter Tuesday morning at 4:30 o'clock from a general break down of her system due to old age. She was in her eighty-second year. After the death of her husband 18 months ago, Mrs. Pitts went to live with her daughter, Mrs. J. H. Fiegenbaum at Seventh and Henry streets. About four months ago she began to show signs of a breakdown, and she continued to grow weaker from day to day. She had possessed a strong constitution and it took a long time for the powerful body machine to wear out completely.....Mrs. Pitts was a native of Scotland. She came to this country with her parents when an infant, and after being in New York awhile she went to Cincinnatti where she attended the public schools. In 1850 the family moved to Upper Alton, and after living there a while they moved to Springfield. In Alton she had met Samuel Pitts, and he went to Springfield and claimed her as his bride in 1857. The couple had five children, four of whom died. Mrs. Pitts was a member of the First Presbyterian church. The funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the home of Dr. J. H. Fiegenbaum, and will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Gibson. Burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PITTS, MILLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3, 1903
Mrs. Amos Pitts, aged 60, died at her home in North Alton, Friday evening. She leaves four children. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Union Baptist church to Rocky Fork Cemetery.

 

PITTS, SAMUEL JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1912
Samuel Pitts, in his 80th year, died Monday night at 10:30 o'clock at his residence, 607 State street, from uraemic poisoning. Mr. Pitts had been ill about two weeks. He was taken down suddenly and his case developed a very grave aspect early, but his strong constitution seemed to be giving great assistance in overcoming the disease, and there was some hope that he might rally. The last few days of his life, however, his condition had become such there was no hope for his recovery. Mr. Pitts was one of the best known and oldest residents of Alton. He had lived in the city over 76 years, having come here with his parents when he was 3 years of age. He was engaged in business many years until a few years ago, when he retired from the firm of Pitts & Hamill. Mr. Pitts was one of the few survivors of the old days in Alton. He was engaged in the tinsmith business, first with his brother. In 1879 he took in as his partner, Joseph Hamill, and they remained together until recently. Mr. Pitts was in business in the olden days when a tin roof put on a building stayed as long as the building lasted. There are many old roofs still doing good service on old business houses which Mr. Pitts put there. His memory of olden times was good, and it was interesting to hear him recount his early experiences. He filled the post of trustee and also that of elder in the First Presbyterian church for many years. During his long life in Alton he had made for himself a reputation of strict honesty. He was a man of cheerful disposition and scattered sunshine and happiness wherever he went. It was one of his rules not to say evil of anyone. Mr. Pitts' death was expected, but it is nevertheless a sad event for the large circle of friends who had learned to love and respect the kindly old gentleman. He is survived by his wife and by one daughter, Mrs. J. H. Fiegenbaum. Samuel Pitts was born at Boston, Mass., March 14, 1833. He came to Alton with his parents in 1836. He went into business with his brother, William Pitts, in 1856. He was married fifty-four years ago. His only sister is Mrs. Eli T. Hollister of St. Louis, Now the last of the family. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from the home, and will be private. [Burial was held at City Cemetery.]

 

PITTS, SAMUEL SR. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, September 25, 1884 (submitted by Charles Harris)
Captain Samuel Pitts Sr., one of our oldest, most respected residents, died Thursday morning [September 18, 1884], after a painful illness of ten day’s duration. Captain Pitts was born at Orange, Massachusetts, July 12, 1802, and was, consequently, 82 years, 2 months and 6 days old. He came to Alton, August 12, 1836, when he was 34 years of age, and has resided here ever since. He was proprietor of the old Alton House, burned in 1837, his partner being Washington T. Libby, now of the Briggs House, Chicago. He was afterwards proprietor of the Franklin House on State Street. He was for a time interested with his son, Samuel Pitts Jr., in the stove and tin ware business, and for the last five years has been connected with the store and hardware firm of Pitts & Hamill. His wife died in 1866. He was a member of the Baptist Church, an affable, genial, unassuming Christian gentleman, a true friend and one greatly esteemed by all who had the privilege of his acquaintance during the long period he resided here. He left two children, Mrs. Mary Hollister of St. Louis, and Mr. Samuel Pitts Jr., of this city, besides other relatives and many attached friends to mourn his death.

Captain Pitts was one of the old guard, of whom so few are now left. He was one of the pioneers who participated in the early struggles of our city, and had been identified with its growth and progress for a period of almost fifty years. Always faithful to his duties as a man and a citizen, upright and honorable in his business career, he filled well his part in all the relations of life. And now at a ripe old age, he is “gathered to his fathers,” leaving behind the record of his useful and well-spent years.

The funeral took place at 3 o’clock p.m. Friday from the residence of his son on State Street. The large attendance of old residents, business men, and neighbors testified to the esteem and affection entertained for this genial, kind-hearted gentleman, whose venerable form had been a familiar object upon our streets for many years. In the unavoidable absence of Dr. Abbott, the pastor of the deceased, the services were conducted by Rev. Thomas Gordon. The discourse was a tender tribute to the life and virtues of the departed, and included an interesting biographical sketch.

At the close of the address, the members of Alton Lodge No. 2, I.O.O.F., of which deceased was an original member, took charge of the services and escorted the remains of their departed brother to the cemetery, followed by a long procession. The bearers, all Odd Fellows, were: Dr. I.E. Hardy, Messrs. J.N. Squier, George W. Long, James Mathie, Thomas Corbett, J. Still.

NOTES:
Captain Samuel Pitts Sr. was born July 12, 1802, in Massachusetts. His ancestry is reportedly traced back to Peter Pitts, who immigrated from Taunton, England to Taunton, Massachusetts before 1643. He married Elizabeth Vaughn in 1828 in Boston, Massachusetts. They had six children – Samuel Pitts Jr., William Vaughn Pitts, Charles Henry “Harry” Pitts, George Pitts, Theo Mae Pitts, and Mary E. Pitts Hollister. The family came to Alton in 1836. He kept a coffee house on the south side of Broadway, where he dispensed “liquids stronger than coffee.” He was a man of strong moral principles, and when asked to sell a mere boy port wine, he refused, and gave the lad a strong rebuke.

Mr. Pitts joined the Pioneer Engine Company fire department, and was one of the original members. He had previously been a member of a fire department in the East since the age of 16. He became Captain of the Company in 1836, and retained that title throughout his lifetime.

Captain Pitts entered the hotel business, and took over the original Alton House, which was destroyed by fire in 1837. In September 1838, Pitts took over the United States Hotel with partner Washington T. Libby, at the corner of Piasa and Fourth Streets in Alton. Pitts later took over the Franklin House on State Street, where he and Senatorial candidate Abraham Lincoln dined together on at least one occasion. He later operated a stove and tin ware business with his son, Samuel Jr.

In August 1866, Captain Pitts’ wife, Elizabeth, died. The Captain also endured the loss of four of his children. George Pitts died in 1847 at the age of 17 months. William Pitts died at the age of 28 years in 1864. In March 1879, Captain Pitts lost his young daughter, Theo Mae Pitts. The funeral took place from the Captain’s residence, and she was buried in Alton. Charles Henry “Harry” Pitts, a son of Captain Pitts, died in December 1883, right before Christmas. Harry was a young man of excellent abilities – kind, generous, and noble-hearted. He was on the threshold of manhood when his life was taken by illness.

In 1856, Samuel Pitts Jr. went into the stove and tin ware business in Alton with his brother, William, until William's death in 1864. In 1879, he entered the same business in partnership with Joseph Hamill. Captain Pitts was also connected with the business with his son.

Captain Samuel Pitts died September 18, 1884, and was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. Samuel Pitts Jr. died in 1912, and is also buried in the Alton City Cemetery, along with his wife, Isabella, who died in 1914.

 

PITTS, THEODOSIA MAY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1879
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Pitts Jr. were Monday called to mourn the death of their youngest daughter, Theodosia May, after an illness of nine days of inflammatory rheumatism. Theo was a favorite both with young and old, her bright, genial disposition making her friends with all who knew her, and she will be much missed by her school mates. But the pall thrown over the parental hearts by such an event can only be fully appreciated by those who have been similarly bereaved. In the hour of their affliction, all will sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Pitts, and will hope that the hand of a kind Heavenly Father, who removes the bright jewels from the household below to that above, will sustain and comfort them. At the funeral of little Theo May Pitts, which took place at the residence of her father, her classmates from the Presbyterian and State Street Mission Sunday Schools sang, “I am so glad that Jesus love me,” and “Little Lambs,” with touching effect.

NOTES:
Theodosia May Pitts was born in 1871, and died March 24, 1879, at the age of 7 or 8. She was the daughter of Samuel Pitts (1833-1912) and Isabella Pringle Pitts (1832-1914), and was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. Besides her parents, she was survived by her brothers and sister: Sophie Elizabeth Pitts Fiegenbaum (1859-1939); and Henry Charles Pitts (1863-1883). Two brothers preceded her in death: William A. Pitts (1862-1864) and Lee Irwin Pitts (1865-1868).

 

PITTS, WILLIAM V./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 3, 1864
Died in Alton on the 1rst instant, William V. Pitts, of the firm of S. & W. Pitts, aged 28 years. His funeral will be attended from his father’s residence on Belle Street tomorrow (Friday) afternoon, at three o’clock. His friends and the acquaintances of the family are invited to attend. Mr. Pitts’ death will be much regretted in Alton, as he was born and raised in the place, and was well and favorably known by nearly all of our citizens. He had just commenced his career in life, under very promising circumstances, and possessing, as he did, an amiable disposition and an excellent moral character, he won the confidence and affection of all with whom he became acquainted. His bereaved father and mother, and brother and sister have our heartfelt sympathy, in this their great trial.

 

PLAGER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1897
From Fosterburg – Mrs. Plager, a German lady whose friends were numerous in this vicinity, died at her home three miles north of the Burg on Sunday, at the age of 68 years. For years she has been a faithful member of the Baptist Church here. Mrs. Plager was a lady of many good qualities, a kind mother who will be greatly missed. Funeral services took place at the Baptist Church.

 

PLATT, HARRISON “HARRY” H./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 14, 1886
Youngest Son of Anson B. Platt
The many friends of Mr. Harry H. Platt, a young man born and raised in Alton, youngest son of the late Anson B. Platt, will be saddened by the news of his death which took place Saturday last in St. Louis. The deceased had been for some time in New Mexico with a railroad engineering corps, and was prostrated with what is known as “brake bone” fever. He rallied from the first attack, but as a result of the fever was attacked on December 26 by paralysis. His mother went out to care for him, and he recovered so far that his physician advised his being taken home. Within an hour after his mother started back with him, he had a second stroke of paralysis on the train. He was brought to St. Louis, but never rallied, and the disease resulted fatally Saturday. Harry was a genial pleasant young man, a favorite with all, and his many relations and friends are greatly afflicted. The remains were brought to Alton for interment.

 

PLATT, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1873
Mr. William A. Platt, who has been a resident of Alton for the last 35 or 40 years, died Monday a.m., about 6 o’clock. For a great many years he was regarded as among our most industrious and prosperous citizens. He had served several terms as a member of the Common Council, and took much interest in the growth and prosperity of the city. He has left a wife, three daughters, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon, from his late residence on State Street.

 

PLATT, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 28, 1896
Suicide by Rat Poison
William H. Platt, formerly a resident of Alton, took his own life Wednesday at his home in Upper Alton, with a self-administered dose of rat poison. Without apprising anyone of his intention, he took the poison that night, and at once became violently ill. His wife, supposing he was suffering from the effects of a prolonged spree, administered the simple remedies usually employed in such cases, and awaited his recovery. He died in the most excruciating agony. After his death. Dr. T. P. Yerkes was summoned, and his experience at once told him that Platt had died from other causes. A search of the room in which he died resulted in the finding of an empty Rough-on-Rats bottle. A further search revealed a note written by the suicide to his wife, telling her that he had committed suicide and bidding her take good care of the three children. Coroner Kinder was notified, and empanelled a jury. The verdict was that Platt deliberately planned by himself his death, and that he alone was responsible. Platt leaves a wife and three children, and was insured for $2,000 in the I.O.M.A. He had served as harbor master in Alton for several terms, and was for many years a pension agent here.

 

PLATZ, AUGUST/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 2, 1887
August Platz, a well-known character who has often been seen on horseback on our streets in a soldier’s uniform, was found dead yesterday at his home, where he lived quite alone, in the neighborhood of Clifton. He was about 70 years of age, and had served in the Union army. Mr. Platz was a veteran of the 97th Illinois Infantry, and attended the reunion held in Alton last September.

 

PLATZ, JOHANNA C./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31, 1889
Died in North Alton this morning, of dropsy, Mrs. Johanna C., widow of the late August G. Platz; aged 78 years. The funeral will take place Saturday morning, Nov. 2, at the residence of Henry Grenzbach. Interment at Melville Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend.

 

PLEGGE, EDWARD/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 10, 1887
From Bethalto – Mr. Ed Plegge, a much-respected farmer who resided two and a half miles southwest of Bethalto, died at his residence on Monday morning last, aged forty-nine years. He leaves a wife and several children who have the sympathy of all. The funeral will take place Wednesday from the family residence. The remains to be interred at the Lutheran Cemetery, east of town.

 

PLEGGE, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 20, 1887
From Bethalto – Death claimed another of the family of Mrs. Ed Plegge last Saturday, this time a child about 2 years of age.

 

PLOEGER, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1875
From Fosterburg – Among the recent deaths is the death of Miss Sarah Ploeger. The universal sympathy of the people was well expressed through an unusually large funeral, that attended her remains to the church, and from there to the cemetery. The Rev. Charles H. Becker delivered, in the German Baptist Church, an able and touching sermon on the occasion.

 

PLUMB, CORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 7, 1920
Many friends gathered at the Cathedral this morning at 9 o'clock to attend the funeral of Mrs. Cora Plumb, whose death occurred on Saturday night at 8:30 o'clock, following an illness of over a year. The interment was in the Melville cemetery. The pallbearers were George Bowen, Frank Bowen, Frank Demuth, Frank Bauer, Frank Merkle and John Gissler. Among those attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Willia LaFaivre of Missouri, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Denham of Elsah, Mrs. Wiseman, twin sister of Mrs. Plumb of Jerseyville, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank LaFaivre.

 

PLUMMER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1903
The funeral of Joseph Plummer will take place Thursday morning from the home of his sister, 726 East Second street, to Milton Cemetery.

 

POAG, CLARA JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 01, 1905
The funeral of Mrs. Clara Poag, wife of Hugh Poag, was held Thursday from the home near _____. Mrs. Poag was 29 years of age, and was beloved by all who knew her. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fangenroth. [Surviving was her husband, Hugh Poag, and two children – Richard Fielding Poag (1900-1946) and Benjamin Gordon Poag (1903-1986). She was buried in the Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.]

 

POAG, HUGH F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1942
Hugh F. Poag was born in Chouteau Township, Madison County, Illinois, on November 13, 1869. He was the son of Andrew J. (1834-1904) and Lucinda (Sanders) (1837-1920) Poag, pioneer settlers in Chouteau Township. Andrew served in Company B, Telegraph Corps, Missouri Volunteers during the Civil War. Hugh spent all his life in Chouteau Township, and at the time of his death in 1942, resided within sight of the homestead where he was born.

Hugh Poag married twice – first to Clara Julia Fangenroth in 1895, who died in 1905; and second to Lena Wasman in 1906. His children are: Richard Fielding Poag of Long Beach, California; Benjamin G. Poag of Alton; Gilbert E. and Donald Hugh Poag of Chouteau Township; and Mrs. Edna L. Poag Huebner of South Roxana.

Hugh Poag was found dead in the yard at his home by his wife on March 18, 1942. She had returned home after visiting her sister. Hugh had worked during the morning in the yard doing chores. His death was attributed to a heart attack.

Poag was active in the Wanda vicinity community for more than half a century. He served 12 years as secretary of the Wanda School Board, and was secretary for a number of years of the Wanda Cemetery Board. He was buried in the Wanda Cemetery.

 

POAG, LUCINDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18, 1920
Mrs. Lucinda Poag, a lifelong resident of the neighborhood of Wanda, died Wednesday night at her home from arterial hardening, in the 83rd year. She was born and reared and passed all her life near the one place and was one of the best known of the older rural residents of the county. Mrs. Poag's son, John L. Poag, died February 11 from arterial hardening, and after his mother learned of his death she failed rapidly. She had been paralyzed for eight months prior to her death. She was a daughter of Samuel Sanders, and was born April 25, 1837. When she was 16 she united with the Baptist church at Bethalto, but later joined the Methodist church at Wanda, which was nearer to her home. She was married July 6, 1863. She leaves four children: Harry, Hugh and Curtiss Poag, and one daughter, Mrs. Frank Smith. The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m. from the home, Rev. C. W. Webb of Wood River officiating.

 

POEHLMAN, BARBARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 26, 1910
Mrs. Barbara Poehlman, aged 86, died at the home of her son-in-law, Theodore Masel, Ninth and George streets, at 2:30 o'clock Saturday morning. She had been suffering from pneumonia for a week. Mrs. Poehlmann was born in Germany and came to America in 1883. She had lived fifteen years in Alton. Her daughter, Mrs. Masel, died, and she continued to make her home with her son-in-law and his children. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Fred Dietz of Seattle, Wash., and six grandchildren, five of whom are children of her deceased daughter, Mrs. Masel. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Masel home, and services will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller.

 

POELING, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1910
Saloon Porter Stabbed to Death
Henry Poeling died at St. Joseph's hospital Monday afternoon from the effects of wounds inflicted by Robert Smith, negro porter at the Lincoln hotel. Poeling was porter at the Aswege saloon and boarded at the Lincoln. Late Saturday evening the negro and white man, with another white man, had been drinking beer. Later Poeling accused Smith of stealing a beer bottle from him, and following that, when Poeling had retired to his room, the stabbing occurred. The fight was not reported to the police, and the officers discovered it by accident. Officer Richey stumbled across the negro in Sugar alley, but being unable to get any information from anyone around the hotel, turned Smith loose after questioning him. Smith led the officer to believe he was going home. The full details of the fight were not obtained until Sunday morning, and then Chief Maxwell, assisted by Officers Lewis and Fahrig, made the arrest. When taken into the police court Monday morning, Smith at first pleaded not guilty, then consented to waive a preliminary examination and was held under $1,000 bond. At that time it was not known whether Poeling would die. Poeling was much worse Sunday night, and it became necessary to remove him to St. Joseph's hospital. There he very soon became so bad that it was impossible for assistant state’s attorney Wilson to get a statement from him. Dr. Duggan said that Poeling was in a dying condition and could not last through Monday night. Assistant States Attorney Wilson, unable to get a dying statement from Poeling, secured a very good statement from Smith, the accused negro, in which Smith, in the presence of three witnesses, told the story of the stabbing to Mr. Wilson, and this was taken down. Smith claimed that after Poeling had retired to his room he went to the door and demanded admission, for the purpose of being revenged for an epithet Poeling had applied to him. Poeling refused to answer, and when Smith continued demanding that he open the door, using threatening language, Poeling did open the door. Smith claims Poeling had a beer bottle in one hand and a club in the other. He claims Poeling threw the bottle at him and that he then got in the room and took the club from Poeling. Then Poeling started to run away, and as he ran down the stairs, Smith admits, he stuck the long knife in Poeling's back. Assistant States Attorney Wilson says the story, told as it was in the presence of witnesses, would convict Smith of a penitentiary offense at least. The fact that he roused a sleeping man to renew a quarrel might be made a case of murder in the first degree in event of a fatal outcome of the wound inflicted when Poeling was trying to run away from Smith.

 

POETTGEN, SOPHIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 18, 1877
Mrs. Poettgen, an old resident of Alton, living on Tenth Street near Langdon, was found dead in her bed last Thursday morning by Freddy Rudershausen, who went to her house at that hour on an errand. Deceased had resided alone, refusing to have company. Her health had been poor for several years, and her death was not entirely unexpected by her neighbors. She was found lying on her bed with her clothing on, and from indications, had probably been up and down all night, the fire still being alive in the stove in the room. Deceased appeared very much attenuated, as though she had suffered from long, continued illness. She was a native of Prussia, born in 1809, and has been a resident of Alton almost 42 years.

From the evidence offered, we learned that she had not been seen alive since Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Louisa Thornton, daughter of deceased, Fred Rudershausen, aged 11, and Bridget Powers, aged 14, were examined, after which the Coroner’s jury, empaneled by J. Quarton, J. P., with Dr. Hardy as foreman, found the following verdict: “We, the jury, find that deceased, Mrs. Sophia Poettgen, came to her death at her home in Alton on January 11, 1877, from congestion of the lungs, consequent upon chronic catarrh.”

It is supposed that the deceased was possessed of considerable means. Her will was left in the care of her son-in-law, Mr. Thornton. She leaves three children – two daughters and one son – all arrived at the age of maturity. She was about 68 years of age.

 

POGUE, AMASA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12, 1881
Son of Dr. Pogue
From Edwardsville, May 11 – Amasa, aged 4 years, only son of Doctor Pogue of Edwardsville, was drowned at 9 o’clock a.m. by falling into the pond in the yard near the doctor’s residence.

 

POGUE, ELIZABETH (nee HOAGLAN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22, 1894
Mrs. Elizabeth Pogue, wife of Dr. Joseph Cooper Pogue, died yesterday morning at her home in Edwardsville, after ten days sickness of pneumonia. Mrs. Pogue was born in White Hall, Illinois in 1838, but her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hoagland, moved to Alton when she was quite young, and here she grew to womanhood, and here remain many friends who were attached to her and who will sincerely mourn her death. Three children, her husband, her parents, two sisters (Miss Katherine Hoagland of Alton, and Mrs. Ellen Covill of St. Louis) and one brother, John Hoagland, are left of her nearest relatives to bear the anquish of her loss. The Edwardsville Intelligencer, in speaking of the lady, says:

“Mrs. Pogue took an active interest in everything that tended to the development of the city, socially and intellectually. In the little parties and gatherings, she was a moving spirit. She labored for the church, for the public library, and all else in which the help of woman was needed. Her home life was serene and beautiful. Like every true woman, she was always happiest with her family. She was a good companion of her husband, a fond and cherished mother. She was to all a friend. The position of her husband gave her frequent opportunities to exercise those tender charities that endear one to those around her, and she fulfilled every duty with a gentle hand and kindly smile. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon. The interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. The pallbearers selected are: Judge W. H. Krome, George Kalbfielisch, William H. Prickett, E. W. Mudge, M. W. Clark, A. P. Wolf, W. F. L. Hadley, and Charles Boeschenstein.

 

POGUE, JANE K./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 19, 1865
Died in Alton on the 16th instant, Mrs. Jane K. Pogue, after a very brief illness, age 61 years. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning (Thursday) the 18th inst., from her late residence in Middle Alton. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend.

 

POGUE, JOANNA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1873
Died on September 13 at Edwardsville, Joanna, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Pogue; aged 6 months and 21 days.

 

Dr. Joseph Cooper PoguePOGUE, JOSEPH COOPER (DOCTOR)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 20, 1919 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Edwardsville Doctor, Chief Surgeon of the Western Sharpshooters
Dr. Joseph Pogue, resident of Edwardsville for over 60 years, last night slipped away to the realm beyond. The end came at 8:05 o'clock after a marked decline in health since last November. He had attained the ripe old age of 84 years, 4 months and 29 days. The death has been expected during the past few days, but with his wonderful recuperative powers in the past there were possibilities for a recovery, and hopes were not given up to the very last breath. The end is attributed to bronchial pneumonia. Plans for the funeral were made today. Services will be held at the family residence at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Rev. Jas. R. Sager of the First Presbyterian Church will conduct the religious services. Afterward services at the grave in Woodlawn Cemetery. Five of his oldest friends are to serve as honorary pall bears. Two - Gaius Paddock and Major William R. Prickett - have been friends since young men.

Dr. Pogue, at the time of his death, was one of the oldest physicians in Illinois and Madison County. He is one of the few Illinois doctors whose careers began before the Civil War, and he served many second and third generations as the family physician. With only one important interruption - the serving his county as an army surgeon - Dr. Pogue practiced in Edwardsville since 1858. When the War of the Rebellion [Civil War] ended, he launched his career in Edwardsville. He was one of a number of Madison County boys with a Missouri regiment, and in a short time became chief surgeon of the Fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. It was known as the Western Sharpshooters. His regiment was afterwards transferred, and became the Sixty-Sixth Illinois.

Dr. Pogue was born at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 20, 1835. He was a son of Joseph and Jane Knox (Cooper) Pogue. His father was a prominent business man of Philadelphia. He added to his reputation as a merchant broker on the Board of Exchange in connection with cotton manufacture and a print works. The father came from Ireland, and his mother, a highly cultured woman, belonged to a Quaker family. Dr. Pogue acquired his early education in the public schools and in private instructions at home. He entered Pennsylvania College to finish his medical education, and came west to practice. He located in Alton, but a year later came to Edwardsville. Three wives have preceded Dr. Pogue to the grave. The first was Miss Sarah Whitesides, to whom he was married in February 1860. Her death occurred two years later. The second was Miss Elizabeth Hoaglan, whom he married in March 1866. She passed away during 1894. Three daughters survive by the union. They are Mrs. L.T. Milnor of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mrs. C. H. Ford; and Miss Katherine B. Pogue of Edwardsville. A son died in early life. The third wife was Mrs. Mary Littleton McCorkle who died. Dr. Pogue and his family have long occupied one of the most beautiful homes of Edwardsville at Hillsboro Avenue and Commercial Street, and within a stone's throw of the heart of the city. The natural lay of the ground permitted a beautiful landscape with a babbling branch, rustic bridges and a beautiful flower garden.

One of Dr. Pogue's greatest losses occurred April 2, 1912, when his office was burned to the ground. Before the fire, it was filled with some of the finest surgical instruments in state, a medical library which would be envied by any physician and tens of thousands of prescriptions which he had filled in the years of practice and most were lost. Dr. Pogue was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville.

Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 21, 1919
Dr. Pogue Laid Away. Masonic Service Conducted at Woodlawn Today. G. A. R. Attend In a Body and Fire Farewell Salute.
The last sad rites for Dr. Joseph Pogue, whose death was told in the Intelligencer yesterday, were held this afternoon. Services were conducted at the family residence, many friends and acquaintances being present. Burial was made at the Pogue lot in Woodlawn cemetery. The home was fragrant with odor from the many floral designs. The active pall bearers were Judge J. F. Gillham; Fred C. Gillham, Dr. C. C. Corbet, Jesse George, E. D. Bell and Alvin C. Bohm. The honorary pall bearers were six old friends and the physicians of Edwardsville. They were Major W. R. Prickett, A. P. Wolf, Gaius Paddock, A.L. Brown, George Leverett of Edwardsville and Dr. H. M. Bascome of Peoria; Drs. R. S. Barnsbach, E.C. Ferguson, E.W. Fiegenbaum, J.A. Hirsch, A. H. Oliver, S.T. Robinson, J.R. Sutter, Eugune [sic?] F. Wahl, H. T. Wharff and H.E. Wharff. Gaius Paddock, long time resident of Ft. Russell, has had intimate relations with Dr. Pogue since the day the family arrived in Alton 55 years ago. Yesterday he came to town to pay his respects to the family. He brought with him an interesting and well prepared account of the family's arrival at Alton. Yesterday was another sad day for Mr. Paddock. Besides losing whom he declared his best friend, it was the anniversary of the death of his brother, Thomas B. Paddock, on the ramparts at Paris, France, on Aug 20, 1871. At that time the Germans were making a drive on Paris. Mr. Paddock's brother had served as an officer in the Civil War and was touring Europe when the war between France and Germany started. He enlisted as a soldier to help the French. "Dr. Pogue was prominent in raising a company in Edwardsville for the Civil War" said Mr. Paddock yesterday. "but did not get to go with them. He was rejected for the Illinois volunteers but on August 21, 1862, received a commission with a Missouri regiment. Those days saw many copperheads. Someone raised a question about Dr. Pogue's stand and defeated him here, but he made a glorious record in helping saving [sic] the union. "I well remember the arrival of the family at Alton in 1854. At the time Dr. Pogue had not completed his medical education. Members of the family were intelligent and highly cultivated and soon became prominent. "I attended Dr. Pogue's first wedding and it was one of the truly social events of the country at that time. Many of his friends and acquaintances from far and near were present."

NOTES:
Dr. Joseph Pogue was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. The Grand Army of the Public (G.A.R.) attended and fired a farewell salute. The active pallbearers were Judge J. F. Gillham; Fred C. Gillham, Dr. C. C. Corbet, Jesse George, E. D. Bell and Alvin C. Bohm. The honorary pallbearers were six old friends and the physicians of Edwardsville. They were Major William R. Prickett, A. P. Wolf, Gaius Paddock, A.L. Brown, George Leverett of Edwardsville, and Dr. H. M. Bascome of Peoria; Drs. R. S. Barnsbach, E. C. Ferguson, E. W. Fiegenbaum, J.A. Hirsch, A. H. Oliver, S.T. Robinson, J.R. Sutter, Eugene, F. Wahl, H. T. Wharff and H.E. Wharff.

Dr. Pogue's home was located at the northwest corner of Hillsboro Avenue and Commercial Street. His property extended the length of Commercial Street. His office was across the street. In 1926, the home was razed, and the Masonic Hall was erected. His office was also razed, and the post office erected there.

 

POGUE, WILLIAM H. (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 24, 1887
Hon. William H. Pogue, whose serious illness we have heretofore noticed, died at noon yesterday, aged 52 years. He was suddenly prostrated with cerebral hemorrhage on August 31, from which he never rallied. He was born in Philadelphia in 1835, educated at Pennington Seminary, New Jersey, and in 1854 came to Illinois with his mother’s family, locating in Alton, where he first clerked in the post office, and then studied law in the office of Judge Billings. On December 27, 1860, he was married to Miss Mary A. Warren, daughter of Judge Warren of Jerseyville, and in 1862 he removed to that city and entered into a law partnership with Judge Warren. He soon became prominent in Jersey County, both in his profession and in politics, and in addition to other official positions, was twice elected Judge of the County Court. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, and a leading temperance advocate. Judge Pogue leaves a widow and several children; also, a brother, Dr. Pogue of Edwardsville, and a sister, Mrs. Warren Hamlin of Alton.

NOTES:
Hon. William H. Pogue was the son of Joseph Pogue (1794-1848) and Jane Knox Cooper Pogue (1800-1865). William’s brother was Dr. Joseph Cooper Pogue (1835-1919) of Edwardsville. Jane Pogue is buried in the Alton City Cemetery, and Joseph Pogue is buried in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. William married Mary Allen Warren (1841-1926). He is buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, Illinois.

 

POINDEXTER, ALEXANDER “ALLIE”/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1897
Suicide by Drowning
Allie Poindexter, the colored youth whose disappearance from home has been mentioned in the Telegraph, has been found in the morgue at St. Louis. The body was taken from the river near St. Louis Tuesday, and the fact was mentioned in the St. Louis papers that the body of a colored boy had been found, and the description led the mother to believe that her boy had carried out his threat. She telegraphed to her son in St. Louis to investigate, and he arrived here yesterday and confirmed the fears of the mother. The body had, in the three days that it was in the water, become unrecognizable, except for the clothes upon it. The brother brought with him a piece of the pants, and the goods tallied exactly with that of a vest at home belonging with the pants which the boy had on when he left. The hair and the shoes answered the description of Allie’s, and there is no doubt now that the body found in the river is his. He was seen by Officer Foxx at about five o’clock Sunday morning going toward the river, and he must have jumped into the water from the Spread Eagle. It is certainly strange that he was seen by no one when he jumped in. No reason is known for the boy taking his own life. He was always industrious, and his death is a sad blow to his widowed mother. The body arrived from St. Louis today, and was buried this afternoon.

 

POINDEXTER, EARL/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 10, 1896
Killed by Streetcar
Earl Poindexter, a 14-year-old son of Mrs. Anna Poindexter, who lives at 106 West Seventh Street, had his two legs crushed Monday at noon by being run over by an electric car on the Middletown line. The little fellow attends Lincoln School, and was going home to dinner at the time the accident happened. He was riding in a wagon, and must not have noticed the car. At Ninth and Alby, he jumped from the wagon to the ground by the side of the track, and just as he was crossing it the car struck him. The bones of both legs were badly crushed by the wheels of the car which ran completely over them. The flesh was mashed and torn, and the little fellow was in a pitable condition. He was placed in the car and a flying trip made to town, where he was placed in the ambulance wagon and taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Doctors Taphorn and Haskell were summoned to give surgical aid.

At the hospital, ether was administered to him, and it was found necessary to amputate both legs above the knees. He is now in a very precarious condition, and may not live. The general opinion of those who saw the accident is that no one is to blame, as the car was going very slowly, and attending circumstances will exonerate the motorman of all blame.

The injured boy died from the effects of his injuries at 4 o’clock.

Coroner Bailey, after returning from Edwardsville last evening, where he had taken the oath of office, legally had become coroner, impaneled a jury to hold an inquest over the remains of Earl Poindexter. It was the new coroner’s first case, and there was a big crowd of coroner’s jury experts there to see that everything was well done. The new coroner gave eminent satisfaction to even the most critical. The verdict of the jury was that the boy came to his death by being struck by an electric car. The body was then turned over to the mother and taken home until preparations for a funeral could be made. The coroner’s jury was as follows: J. A. Cooley, George Burton, Charles Seibold, William Bauer, Joseph Bryant, and David Kyles. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]

 

POINTSALOT, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 30, 1918
Philip Pointsalot died this morning at St. Joseph's Hospital where he has been for the past three weeks. Pointsalot resided on Atwood avenue, and did gardening work for the residents of Middletown. He leaves a son and a daughter.

 

POLLARD, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 14, 1919
Suicide by Carbolic Acid
Joseph Pollard killed himself by drinking carbolic acid at noon time today at the family home in the Paul flats, 533 1/2 East Third street. His wife was just making ready to go out seeking another house as they had been given a five day notice to vacate the place they were occupying. His wife said that she saw her husband after he had swallowed one ounce of acid, and she poured whisky down his throat but it did no good. She called a doctor, but he was dead in a few minutes after swallowing the acid. Pollard was 83 years of age.

 

POLLARD, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10, 1908
Mrs. Martha Pollard, aged 64, died Sunday afternoon from consumption at the home, 912 Belle street, after a long illness. She is survived by three children, a son and two daughters. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

POLLARD, THOMAS JEFFERSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 8, 1908
Thomas Jefferson Pollard died at 10 o'clock Saturday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. F. Lindley, 600 east Second street. He had been suffering from the infirmities of age, and coupled with pneumonia the malady proved fatal. His body will be taken to Keokuk, Iowa, for burial, and the party consisting of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Lindley and Mrs. Marian Sharretts of Chicago will leave Sunday morning. Mr. Pollard was born at Lexington, Ky, June 3, 1823, where he lived until 1848, when he moved to Keokuk, Iowa. He was elected sheriff of Lee county, Iowa three terms, and for many years was engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business. He retired fifteen years ago and two years ago he came to Alton to live. His widow to whom he was married six years ago survives him, and is 81 years of age. The couple were members of the Methodist church from childhood and both were always faithful, conscientious Christians. Mr. Pollard leaves, besides his widow, six children - Thomas Pollard of Lee county, Iowa, Amos Pollard of Keokuk, Mrs. Dora Henson of Revere, Missouri, Mrs. L. M. Carter of St. Louis, Mrs. Marion Sharretts of Chicago, and Mrs. J. F. Lindley of Alton. He leaves also twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

 

POLLARD, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 28, 1896
Fireman on the Steamboat “Glad Tidings” Drowned
William Pollard, fireman on the Glad Tidings, was drowned in the Illinois River Wednesday afternoon, about one and one-half miles from Twelve Mile Island. The Glad Tidings left Wednesday morning with a party of St. Louis men and the Beall Brothers onboard for a four or five days’ outing in the vicinity of the government locks on the Illinois River at Kampsville. Mr. Pollard, who was employed by Beall Bros. at their shops on Belle Street, was taken along as fireman for the launch. The houseboat, “Swan,” was lashed alongside the Glad Tidings, and the coal supply for the cruise was onboard the houseboat. Just before reaching Twelve Mile Island, Pollard, with the assistance of another member of the party, was carrying some sacks of coal to the Glad Tidings. He fell into the river, and before his mishap was noticed, the Glad Tidings had gone on about fifty yards. Mr. Ralph Webb jumped into the boat’s tender and started to rescue the unfortunate man, who was swimming along attempting to catch up with the boat. When Mr. Webb was within about thirty feet of Pollard, the latter sank and came to the surface but once more. His body was found shortly after it sank, and the party returned to Alton.

Pollard was an excellent swimmer, and the supposition is that on being first plunged unexpectedly into the water, his lungs filled at once, weakening him and disabling him from keeping his head above water. Pollard had just finished a very hearty dinner, and the warm condition in which he was in, and then the plunge into the cold water, may have caused congestion. He also wore heavy shoes, and with the wet clothes would make it very difficult for him to keep above water. Pollard leaves a wife and two small children, who were dependent on his daily labor for sustenance.

The Beall Bors. Gave directions to the undertaker to prepare the body for interment. They feel deeply the loss of a faithful employee in the manner in which it occurred, and have rendered the afflicted widow and children all the aid possible. The coroner rendered his death an accidental drowning.

The funeral took place Friday morning from the home on Marshall Street. The pallbearers were selected from the employees of the shop, and were William Ulrich, Thomas Miller, Horace Dixon, Joseph Herbert, Joseph Funk, and John Slanker. The body was interred in the Alton City Cemetery.

 

POMEROY, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 2 & 9, 1849
Alton Businessman
Died in Alton at 2 o’clock this morning, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. John Pomeroy, aged about 30.

At a meeting of Piasa Lodge No. 27, of Free and Accepted Masons, held on the evening of the third inst., a committee was appointed to prepare an obituary notice of the late lamented brother Pomeroy. That committee reports the following:

Brother John Pomeroy was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, but very early in life removed with his father to Zanesville, Ohio, where he remained until he had reached the years of manhood. He was brought up to the mercantile profession, and in this, has spent his life. After leaving Zanesville, he spent some time in Cincinnati. Thence he removed to Chicago, Illinois, where he remained about one year. From Chicago, he removed to St. Louis, where he remained in business about seven years previous to coming to Alton. He commenced business in Alton about the first of April, 1846, in company with Mr. Moore, with whom he continued in a very successful business unto the time of his death.

In the absence of all his relations, the particulars of his early history cannot yet be obtained. Many in our community have known him ever since the time of his coming to St. Louis, and none who have known him will fail to testify to his high moral worth and gentlemanly deportment. He was quiet and unobtrusive, being seldom seen where duty did not call him. His words were few, but always characterized by discretion and sober judgment. In his business transactions, as in all the relations of life, he was entrusted by high and ______ principles, and his whole life was a practical rebuke to every species of vice, in this affective dispensation of an accruable evidences, the Masonic Fraternity have suffered a sad bereavement, and society has lost one of its best members. A vacuum is caused in our community which cannot soon be filled. Though dead, he lives in the hearts of those who knew him, where his memory will long be cherished as a _______ thing.

 

POMEROY, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 9, 1849
Died on the 29th ult., Mr. William H. Pomeroy, of Smooth Prairie [Fosterburg], Madison County; aged 10 years, 1 month, and 22 days. The deceased was a member of the M. E. Church. His sickness was of short duration, lasting only ten days, which he bore with Christian fortitude, and often exhorted his young companions to submit to the laws of Heaven. Although young as he was, he had won the love and admiration of the old and the young of his neighbors, and has left a tender and affectionate mother, brothers, and sister, and many other friends and relatives, to mourn his loss – but they mourn not as those that have no hope. He was a native of Jefferson County, Kentucky.

 

PONTIOUS, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1904
Mrs. Emma Pontious, a stepdaughter of Mrs. Eliza Drowson, died this morning from stomach trouble at Mrs. Crowson's home on Henry street. Mrs. Pontious lived in St. Louis, but came to Alton during her illness. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.

 

POPE, AUGUSTIN FREDERICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 22, 1861
We are pained to learn that on yesterday a child about three years of age, the son of Mr. A. F. and Mrs. M. J. Pope, living on 12th Street near the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, fell into a kettle of hot water and was so badly scalded that it died the same evening.

 

POPE, ENOCH/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 23, 1897
Coroner Bailey held an inquest Monday on the body of Enoch Pope, a 17-year-old young man who was drowned Sunday night by falling into the river at Venice. Pope was down at the wharf assisting some friends onto the ferry boat. In the darkness, he fell over the wharf and was drawn under it. The body was found Monday morning.

 

Judge Nathaniel PopePOPE, NATHANIEL (JUDGE)Source: Alton Telegraph, January 25, 1850
Territorial Secretary; U. S. District Judge
We deeply regret to state that the Hon. Nathaniel Pope, U. S. District Judge for the District of Illinois, departed this life at the residence of his son-in-law, Thomas Yeatman, Esq., in St. Louis, on Tuesday morning last, at the age of 65. The deceased had been in bad health for some time past, and sustained a severe attack of disease a few weeks since, when on his way home from Springfield, where he had been holding court. He was, however, relieved sufficiently to reach this place, and to proceed hence to St. Louis, where a part of his family resides.

Judge Pope was one of the earliest settlers of Illinois, and has held the office of District Judge ever since the adoption of our State government. He was highly esteemed as a jurist, as well as for his social qualities, and has left a large family and many friends to drop the tears of sorrow over his grave.

Source: Oneida Morning Herald, Utica, New York, January 31, 1850
Information has been transmitted to this city by telegraph, of the death of Hon. Nathaniel Pope, Judge of the District Court of the United States for the District of Illinois. He died some four or five days since, at Alton, Illinois, of paralysis, at an advanced and green old age. He was among the earliest settlers of that State, and exercised for many years a large influence with all classes and conditions in society. He was a profound jurist, an able, upright and impartial Judge, a most worthy citizen, and the kindest of neighbors. His loss will be deeply deplored throughout the length and breadth of the State where he has so long resided.

NOTES:
Nathaniel Pope was born January 5, 1784 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the son of William and Penelope (Edwards) Pope. He attended Transylvania University in Kentucky, and was admitted to the bar. He entered private practice in Ste. Genevieve, Louisiana Territory (now Missouri) and Kaskaskia, Indiana Territory (later Illinois Territory).

Pope was appointed Secretary of the Illinois Territory by President James Madison, serving from 1809 to 1816. He was acting Governor of the Illinois Territory in 1809. Pope was an Illinois Territorial Militia officer in 1812. On September 5, 1816, he was elected a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives for a two-year term. He was a register for the U. S. Land Office in Edwardsville from November 1818 to March 1819. He was instrumental in securing the Illinois Territory’s admission as the 21st State on December 3, 1818. He adjusted the new State’s northern boundary from the southern extremity of Lake Michigan, adding land now included in 13 northern counties, including what was to become Chicago.

Pope was nominated on March 3, 1819, by President James Monroe, to the U. S. District Court in Illinois, and was confirmed by the Senate in 1819. His service terminated on January 23, 1850, due to his death in St. Louis. He was buried in the Colonel O’Fallon Burying Ground, and later reinterred at the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. He left behind his wife, Lucretia Backus Pope, and their children: Elizabeth, Penelope Pope Allen, (General) John Pope, Cynthia Ann Pope Yeatman, and Lucretia Pope Yeatman.

Nathaniel Pope played a part in the founding of Alton. Ninian Edwards (Territorial Governor) and Nathaniel Pope possessed a claim to land on which Colonel Rufus Easton had laid out the future town of Alton. Litigation followed, and since there was no clear title to the land, future land buyers were driven away. This difficulty was finally compromised by a division of the land. Edwards and Pope were given blocks of land in the northeaster part, which today is in the area of Middletown.

 

POPE, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 22, 1885
From Edwardsville, January 20 – One of the most horrible cases of burning occurred this morning at the farm of Mr. Robert Baird, three miles east of this place, the victim being a colored woman, aged 22, wife of James Pope, who lives in a tenant cabin. Mrs. Pope was standing with her back to an open fireplace, when her dress caught fire. The woman’s husband and Mr. Baird were 200 yards away at work, and seeing the smoke issuing from the house, started to run toward it, but before they reached there, the woman ran screaming from the cabin and threw herself in the snow. Her clothes were all burned from her. Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum was called and discovered that every particle of her skin had been burned from her except the scalp and the soles of her feet. At last accounts, she was still alive, but her recovery is impossible.

 

PORTER, ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 25, 1887
Accident Near St. Jacobs
From Highland, June 24 – Yesterday, A. Porter, a farmer living near St. Jacobs, about six miles west of Highland, while plowing corn met with a serious, if not fatal accident. His horses became unmanageable and ran away.

NOTES:
Alexander Porter was born June 8, 1863. He was 24 years old at the time of his death. Alexander died from his injuries, and was buried in the Keystone Cemetery in St. Jacobs, Illinois.

 

PORTER, BLANCHE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9, 1922
A woman who said she was Mrs. Blanche Porter of East Alton, Ill., died at the City Hospital at 11:45 o'clock last night of a broken back sustained yesterday noon when she fell 15 feet from a window of the Municipal Courts Building. Fred Knittell, Clerk of the Court of Criminal Correction, glancing up from his desk, saw the woman's legs dangling from a window across an areaway. She appeared to be trying to reach a ledge 3 feet below the window, and reaching it slipped and fell to the ground. At the City Hospital she would not explain her action. She was poorly dressed.

 

PORTER, HANNAH I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1903
Mrs. Hannah I. Porter, wife of William E. Porter, died Thursday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the family home, Tenth and Alby streets, after a long illness from a complication of diseases. She was in her 37th year. Mrs. Porter was an invalid the last three months of her life, but it was believed until Monday that she was improving. A nervous collapse occurred Monday, and she did not rally from it. She had been married twelve years, and beside her husband leaves one son, Harold. Mrs. Porter was born in McHenry county, Ill. She was a woman who made many firm friendships and to her family was all that a wife and mother should be. Her death is a very sad affliction not only to her family but to her many friends who have learned to highly esteem her during period of residence in Alton. The funeral party will leave this evening for Woodbine, Iowa, where interment will take place. The body will be accompanied by Mr. Porter, Miss Ada Porter, and Harold Porter.

 

PORTER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1880
William Porter died in the poor house. After payment of his debts, $318.50, remained in hands of administrator; no one claiming it, it was placed in the county treasury. The widow now appearing and proving satisfactorily her right to the same, obtains order to draw the same from the treasury.

 

POSEY, JUBILEE
Pioneer; Ranger; Farmer
Jubilee Posey was born November 15, 1793, in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia. He came to Illinois Territory in 1811, at the age of 17, with his older brother, Chesley Posey. Jubilee settled in Madison County, while his brother settled in St. Clair County. He served as a Ranger during the War of 1812, and rendered valuable service in guarding the settlers. He served under three units – Captain Samuel Whiteside’s Company of Mounted Riflemen; Captain Samuel Judy’s Company of Mounted Illinois Militia; and the Volunteer U. S. Rangers.

After his time as a Ranger, Jubilee purchased land from John Robinson near Troy, in the southern part of Pin Oak Township, Madison County, and in 1815 he married Catharine Smith, daughter of James Smith. They had at least four children – Bennet Posey (born in Madison County in 1823), Julia Posey, Martha Posey (married James Thomas), and Chesley Justin Posey (1832-1886). After the death of his first wife, Catharine, he married Eva Margaret Whiteside in 1854. From this marriage were born three girls.

Jubilee Posey was a respected farmer, and was a resident of Madison County for 65 years. The first school in Pin Oak Township was taught in a log schoolhouse on his farm. He died August 4, 1878, in Glen Carbon, Illinois, at the age of 85. He was buried in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Glen Carbon. His son, Bennett Posey, lived on part of his father’s estate.

 

POST, SARAH S./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 3, 1889
Wife of former Alton mayor, Captain William Post
Mrs. Sarah S. Post, wife of Captain William Post, died at Litchfield, December 26, of paralysis, aged 77 years. The deceased was for many years a resident of Alton, and her husband was at one time mayor of this city.

 

POST, WILLIAM (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 25, 1897
Ex-Mayor of Alton; Steamboat Captain
Captain William Post died Tuesday night at the home of his son-in-law, Mayor Taylor, in Litchfield. He was 90 years of age. Early in the 1830s he settled in Alton, and served as Mayor of Alton from 1859-1860; and 1866-1867. He was also a steamboat Captain for a number of years.

NOTES:
William Post was born in Middletown, Connecticut on November 26, 1806. He was the son of Ashbel Post (1768-1823), a native of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and Abigail Post (1780-1813). William married in 1828 to Sarah Starr Child (1811-1888), and they had the following children: Sarah Cornelia Post Watson (1833-1911); William James Post (1838-1890); and Ida A. Post Warner (1852-1935). Captain Post erected a stone house in 1838 at 1516 State Street in Alton, which still stands today. The home was constructed with Doric columns and cast iron railings in the Parthenon Style of Greek Revival architecture. Originally, the exterior of the home was covered with a lime plaster incised to resemble limestone cut blocks. Captain Post was a friend to Stephen Douglas, and during the Lincoln-Douglas debates in Alton, Post entertained Douglas. Captain Post died February 23, 1897, and was buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Illinois.

 

POTTER, CORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Cora Potter was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Free Methodist Church on Main street, Upper Alton. The Pastor Rev. Richard C. Nowlin officiated. The burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

 

POTTS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 10, 1911
Mrs. William F. Potts died this morning at her home at 1210 East Second street after an illness extending over two years. Several weeks ago her case became alarming, and she sank rapidly till the end. Mrs. Potts leaves beside her husband two sons, Matt E. Robinson of the Alton post office, and Gary W. Robinson of St. Louis, also one step-daughter, Mrs. R. W. Stanton of Gas, Kansas. Mrs. Potts was married twice, her first husband being a prominent farmer in Jersey county. The funeral services will be from the home on East Second street, Friday morning at 10 o'clock, the service being conducted by Rev. G. L. Clark. Interment will be in the Upper Alton cemetery.

 

POUCH, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 19, 1885
Suicide by Shooting
From Collinsville, Mar. 17 – John Pouch, a wealthy farmer living three miles south of here, committed suicide this morning about 4 o’clock by shooting himself. He came to town yesterday, and while under the influence of liquor went to the bank to draw $1,500. He filled out a check, and while the cashier was counting the money, Mr. Pouch went out and nothing more was heard from him until his friends came to town with the above account. It is supposed he woke up, after sobering off, and missing the money which he thought he had drawn and lost it, committed the act. He was about 70 years old.

 

POUNTIOUS, CHARLES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1904
Man of Many Aliases Buried in Milton Cemetery
Deputy Coroner Streeper today buried at Milton cemetery the man of many aliases killed three weeks ago by falling from the roof of a boarding house on Second street while trying to extinguish fires in the roof started by brands from the Wheelock & Ginter lumberyard fire. The man was known as Stallings where he boarded, but his wife says his real name is Pountius. He has a son at Versailles, Ind., known as St. Clair, and the dead man also was known at various times as Hilbert and Williams. In the absence of any positive proof as to the name of the man, he was buried as Pountious. His first name was always Charles H. There is a deep mystery in the case, which the woman claiming to be his wife will not, or can not, unravel.

 

POWELL, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1912
Mrs. Anna Powell, wife of Benjamin S. Powell, a glassblower, of 1327 east Fourth street, was stricken with an attack of organic heart trouble while walking in the street with her daughter, Catherine, last night, and died within twenty minutes after being seized with the attack. Mrs. Powell had been in the best of health with the exception of her usual complaint of unsteadiness of her heart, which had been bothering her for years, but did not give her any unusual pain. The mother and daughter were going to the Princess theater to attend the high school benefit, and had gone as far as the Weisert barber shop on east Second street, when the mother complained of a pain in her heart. A second later she fell unconscious, and several men helped carry her into the barber shop. Dr. J. N. Shaff was summoned, but death occurred within twenty minutes. Mrs. Powell leaves a husband and five children, Misses Emily, Catherine, Agnes, George, and Benjamin Powell. Mrs. Powell was 55 years of age, and is one of the well known ladies of the east end. She was a home woman and mother, and devoted to her family, making her loss all the more keenly felt in her household. George Powell, the son, arrived this morning from Chicago, having left last night in answer to a telegram announcing his mother's death. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock from the St. Patrick's church.

 

POWELL, FLORENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3, 1901
Florence, the 20 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Powell, died last evening with spasms at the family home, Fourth and Plum streets. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock. Services will be in the Cathedral.

 

Professor George Washington PowellPOWELL, GEORGE WASHINGTON (PROFESSOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1896
From Upper Alton - The funeral services of Professor G. W. Powell, who after a long, severe illness died of blood poisoning Saturday morning, were held at the home Sunday afternoon. Rev. J. L. Wylder preached a very touching sermon. Appropriate music was rendered by the M. E. Church choir. A large delegation from the several Masonic lodges of the county was present, together with a large delegation of Cass Lodge of Beardstown, where he has been the honored Superintendent of the Public Schools for the last year. Many were the friends that gathered about the grave at Oakwood Cemetery (Upper Alton), as the body was interred in its last resting place. The floral offerings strewn on the grave were the most beautiful we have ever seen, and bore evidence of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his many friends. Relatives from abroad were Mr. B. P. Powell of Clearwater, Nebraska; Miss Nellie Powell of Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. J. Hall of Smithboro; and Mr. M. W. Powell of Troy, Illinois.

NOTES:
George Washington Powell was born September 24, 1846, in Fayette County, Illinois. He was the son of William C. and Rhoda S. (Causey) Powell. George married Malinda Brenneman Miller on September 26, 1867, and they had nine children. He was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.

 

POWELL, PARTHENIA F. (nee SCOTT) AND WILLIAM C./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday, January 13, 1892
Husband and Wife Die on Same Day
Mrs. Parthenia F. Powell and William C. Powell, wife and husband, both died at the family residence in Pocahontas, on the 6th inst., she at 3:30 p.m. and he at 6:00 p.m. Both were residents in years past of this county and are known to the older settler. Mrs. Powell was a daughter of Cyrus and Cynthia Scott and was born one and one-half miles west of Troy on the farm owned by J. A. Vance. Her parents came to this county from Tennessee and were among the first settlers. Their daughter Parthenia married Garrett Crownover, of Highland, and after his death, William C. Powell. He was born in Cumberland county, Tenn., and resided several years in this county. She was 57 and he was 74 years old. The funeral services took place in the M. E. church at Pocahontas, Friday. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Barnsback and Mrs. S. T. Kendall of near this city attended. Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Kendall and the mother of Mrs. Barnsback were sisters.

 

POWERS, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1901
Mrs. Catherine Powers, wife of John Powers, died at midnight Saturday after a long illness at her home on Dry street, with heart disease. She was 65 years of age and was formerly a well known resident of Godfrey. With her husband she has been living in Alton of recent years. Death was due to heart disease. The funeral will take place Tuesday morning at nine o'clock from the Cathedral.

 

POWERS, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24, 1901
John Powers, a resident of Alton and Godfrey for many years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. P. H. Hays, in East St. Louis this morning, aged 70. His death was due to heart failure. Mr. Powers had been ill several months before the death of his wife in this city, and he went to the home of his daughter to stay for a few weeks. He was taken very ill Saturday, and his children were summoned. The body will be brought to Alton Wednesday evening, and the funeral will be Thursday morning from the home of John E. Hanlon on Bluff street to the Cathedral. Mr. Powers leaves three children, Mrs. J. E. Hanlon, Mrs. P. H. Hayes, and Miss Lizzie Powers.

 

POWLESS, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 28, 1888
Mr. John Powless died this morning at the residence of his brother, Mr. Lewis Powless, after an illness of several weeks from pneumonia. Mr. Powless has been a resident here for about a year. Ever since the war, he has been an invalid, but has exhibited marvelous pluck in keeping active, notwithstanding his physical infirmities. He leaves a widow and two children, one a boy of about 12, who is also down with lung fever.

 

POWLESS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 17, 1903
Mrs. Mary Powless, wife of Lewis Powless of Upper Alton, died very suddenly this morning at the family home near Upper Alton. Mrs. Powless had evidently been as well as usual, and this morning the family ate breakfast as usual. Mr. Powless left for town on an errand after breakfast was over, and left only his wife and their oldest son at home. The latter, who is almost blind, had not arisen. When he got up and went downstairs, he stumbled over the dead body of his mother. A physician was summoned, but when he arrived he could do nothing as the woman had died from heart failure. Mrs. Powless was 64 years of age and had lived in Upper Alton and vicinity for many years. Besides her husband, she leaves four children: Francis and Guy Powless and Mrs. Lenis McGowen, all of Upper Alton, and Alvin Powless, who is now in Alaska. Funeral arrangements have not been made but it will probably be held next Sunday.

 

POWRIE, JANE/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, January 4, 1900
Mrs. Jane Powrie, wife of James Powrie, who is known up and down the river as "Scotch Jimmy," died at her home on Scotch Himmy's Island Thursday morning, at age of 60 years. She had been ill one year, and death resulted from the feebleness of old age. She leaves her husband and two children, one of whom, Mrs. Lewis Young, lives in Alton. Mrs. Powrie came from Scotland when a young woman and settled on the island that has been known by the soubriquet of her husband ever since. They made their home there for over forty years, and were known to all river men and hunters.

 

PRAGER, AUGUSTA J. (nee LANGE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 18, 1897
From Fosterburg – Mrs. Julius G. Prager (1828-1895), a much-respected German lady, died at her home one mile north of the Burg, on Monday, at the age of 58 years. Death has been ver severe on this family. Left at home now are but a little girl of 12 years, and a son, Julius August Prager, who is grown and whose health is much impaired. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to them in their sad loss.

 

Robert Paul PragerPRAGER, ROBERT PAUL/Source: The Troy Call, Troy, Illinois, April 5, 1918
"German Spy" Hung By Mob in Collinsville
Robert Paul Prager, an alien enemy, 39 years old, and suspected of being a German spy, was hanged by a mob at Mahler Heights, west of Collinsville, about 1 o'clock this morning. Prager had been under surveillance for some time because of alleged disloyal remarks. He was in Maryville yesterday, where he posted a proclamation declaring his loyalty, and as a result he was run out of town. He was followed to Collinsville by a number of men, and a mob soon assembled at the Suburban "Y." It proceeded to the Bruno bakery where Prager was found and taken out and marched down the street in his bare feet with an American flag wrapped around his body. Police rescued Prager from the mob and took him to the city jail in the city hall. The crowd then went to the jail and demanded that Prager be turned over to them. In the meantime, Mayor Siegel had been summoned and pleaded with the men not to resort to violence. It was then Prager was taken out of his cell and concealed among the rubbish of the city hall. The mob dispersed after the talk by Mayor Siegel, but returned after several hours and made a search for Prager, who was taken out and hurried down the street. The police say they were unable to handle the situation. Prager was marched out to Mahler Heights, a rope placed about his neck and swung to a tree for several seconds. He was then let down and asked if he had anything to say and requested that he be permitted to write a farewell to his parents in Germany. His brief letter follows: "Carl Henry Prager, Dresden, Germany. Dear Parents: I must, this the fourth day of April 1918, die. Please pray for me, my dear parents. This is my last letter and testament. Your dear son and brother, Robert Paul Prager." After being permitted to write the note, Prager was again drawn up by the rope and left hanging, and the mob dispersed quietly. Prager had worked as a baker at the Bruno bakery for several years, but of late had been trying to secure employment at the coal mine at Maryville. He was denied union membership there because of his disloyal remarks against the United States. He was registered in St. Louis as an alien enemy. The authorities are indignant over the affair. Attorney General Brundage and State's Attorney Streuber have denounced the lynching as a disgrace, and declare that the members of the mob must suffer for the act which was as unlawful as it was heinous and horrible. President Wilson and his cabinet have also denounced the affair. Attorney General Brundage is expected in Collinsville today, and the inquest into the death of Prager is expected to be held Monday.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1918
Springfield, Ill. - That the Swiss legation at Washington, which is attending to German interests in this country, has offered to pay the funeral expenses of Robert P. Prager, alleged pro-German who was lynched by a mob at Collinsville last Friday night, was made public from the office of Gov. Frank O. Lowden here tonight. The offer, which is believed to be initiated by the German Government, was made by the Swiss officials through Secretary of State Lansing. A message to Gov. Lowden on Monday from Secretary Lansing bore the information of the offer, reading that the Swiss legation "would bear all reasonable expenses" attending Prager's funeral.

Collinsville, Ill., April 11 - The funeral of Robert P. Prager, German alien enemy, lynched at Collinsville last Friday morning by a mob for alleged seditious utterances, was held in St. Louis, following information from the German Government that it would guarantee the funeral expenses. The services of the Harmonie Lodge of the I. O. O. F., of which Prager was a member.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12, 1918 Man Hung in Lynching by Five Men in Collinsville
Joseph Riegel, Wesley Beaver, Richard Dukes Jr., William Brockmeier and Enid Elmore, all of Collinsville, were arrested last night at the request of the coroner's jury investigating the death of Robert P. Prager, German alien enemy, who was lynched at Collinsville last Friday morning. The inquest closed. The men were placed in automobiles following their arrest, and driven to Edwardsville, where they will be held in the county jail to await the action of the Madison County Grand Jury, which will meet Wednesday. Riegel, the first man arrested, had previously admitted that he was the leader of the mob which hung Prager. He is proprietor of a shoe repair shop at Collinsville, and three are miners and one a porter in a saloon. It was announced at the conclusion of the coroner's investigation that the grand jury of Madison County would convene Wednesday morning at Edwardsville to take up the evidence submitted against the five men. Also it was stated that several other men against whom evidence of guilt appeared strong would be investigated by the grand jury. Mose Johnson, district board member of the Illinois Miners' Union, yesterday submitted to the coroner's jury a written statement as to the causes that led to the lynching of Prager. The statement had been prepared by John Lobenad, examiner for a Marysville mine owned by the Donk Brothers' Coal and Coke Company.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1918
The state of Illinois will pay the funeral expenses of Robert Prager, alleged pro-German lynched at Collinsville. The Swiss legation received a bill for $197 from the undertaker, who buried Prager, who turned it over to Secretary Lansing. The $197 will be paid by the state, which it would have been done had not the Swiss legation asked for it.

Source: The Troy Call, Troy, Illinois, May 17, 1918
The eleven defendants in the Prager lynching case go from jail to courtroom wearing American flags. Cut it out! This is a trial, not a celebration.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 28, 1918
The jury which is to try 11 defendants for the murder of Robert Prager, enemy alien, was selected late Monday. The 12 men were finally accepted after 11 days of examination, during which time more than 725 talesmen, called from all parts of Madison County, had been questioned. The men selected are: Keith Ebey, clerk, Edwardsville; T. Benett, railroad car accountant, Edwardsville; George Neary Sr., janitor, Edwardsville; Walter Solterman, teamster, Worden; W. C. Dippold, flour miller, Edwardsville; Marion Baumgartner, tailor, Edwardsville; D. W. Fiegenbaum, manufacturer, Edwardsville; John Groshans, farmer, Edwardsville; A. H. Challacombe, plumber, Alton; Frank Oben, horse and mule buyer, Alton; F. W. Horn, tailor, Alton; Frank Weeks, clerk, Edwardsville.
Men on trial for the lynching of Paul Prager
When Judge Bernreuter, who is presiding, announced that a jury had been chosen, the 11 defendants who during the past 11 days have viewed the examination almost with impatience, burst into a loud cheer and clapped their hands. They were not rebuked by the Judge. As soon as the jury was sworn in, State's Attorney Streuber made an opening statement. Contrary to expectation, he spoke only briefly. "We do not represent Prager nor any pro-German nor any pro-German sentiment," he declared. "We have made an effort to keep possible pro-Germans off the jury and I believe we have one that is 100 per cent loyal. Our only interest is to see that the law is upheld. If Pprager was either a pro-German or a spy, there was a remedy at law, and we aim to show that a mob took the law upon itself, which is in itself a violation."

James M. Bandy, chief counsel for the defense, then spoke briefly. He declared there was evidence to show Prager's disloyalty and that "after all the evidence is in, the jury will not return a verdict of guilty."

The taking of evidence will begin tomorrow morning. More than 100 witnesses have been summoned and it is believed more than two weeks will be consumed in getting their evidence before the jury. Prager, accused of being a pro-German, was lynched by a mob at Collinsville on the morning of April 5. After the adjournment of court, Sheriff Jenkin Jenkins, who was disqualified about a week ago at the instance of the State in the Prager trial, made an assault on State's Attorney Joseph P. Streuber, striking Streuber in the face with his fist. Streuber had gone to restaurant to get supper and was followed by Jenkins, who charged him with "putting out stuff about him." Streuber said that he was nervous over the ordeal of selecting a jury in the Prager case, but at some other time he would talk with him about it. Jenkins replied, it is reported, that he had come to settle it there. Streuber's face was cut by a ring Jenkins is said to have had on his hand. They were separated by friends, who took Jenkins away and Streuber to a surgeon, who dressed his wound. ~From the St. Louis Republic.

Source: The Troy Call, Troy, Illinois, June 7, 1918
Men Charged with Prager Lynching Found Not Guilty
The eleven men on trial in the Madison county circuit court at Edwardsville for the lynching of Robert Paul Prager, an alleged German spy, at Collinsville, on April 5th, were declared not guilty by the jury in the case last Saturday evening and were set free. The trial was in many respects a sensational one. The selection of a jury was begun on May 14th and was not completed until May 27th, after nearly 700 talesmen had been examined. The taking of evidence began on Tuesday of last week, and was completed Friday, and the attorneys made their closing arguments Saturday. The case went to the jury Saturday afternoon, and after deliberating but a few minutes, a verdict of "not guilty" was returned. The announcement of the verdict was greeted with loud cheers, and when the men filed out of the courthouse, they joined in a parade headed by the Great Lakes "Jackie" Band. The acquittal of the prisoners was no great surprise to those who heard the evidence in the case. The state was absolutely at a loss to prove the actual participation of any of the accused men in the hanging of Prager. Every man arraigned for complicity in the crime swore he had no part in it, and the state failed to prove otherwise. As a result, one county paper ventures the assertion that Prager must have hung himself. The defendants who were acquitted were: Joseph Riegel, coal miner; Cecil Larrsmore, coal miner; James DeMatties, coal miner; Frank Flannery, coal miner; Charles Cranmer, clerk; John Hallsworth, coal miner; Calvin Gilmore, plumber's helper; Wesley Beaver, saloon porter; Enid Elmore, coal miner; and William Brockmeier, coal miner. Following announcement of the verdict, State's Attorney Streuber dismissed the charges against five others who were implicated in the Prager case. They were George Davis, Martin Futchek, Fred Frost, Harry Stevens, and John Tobnick. The latter four are police officers and were charged with malfeasance in office. State's Attorney Joseph P. Streuber and C. W. Middlekauff of the attorney general's office at Springfield conducted the prosecution, and the defense was handled by James M. Bandy & Son of Granite City and Thomas Williamson of Edwardsville.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22, 1918
That the lynching of Robert P. Prager by a mob at Collinsville, three months ago, will be made a matter of representation by the German government some time in the future is indicated in a letter which has been received by John Mellon of Edwardsville, county clerk of Madison county. The letter is from Henry Nussie, consul at Chicago, who signed himself "in charge of German interests," and stated that he had been requested by the legation at Washington to "ascertain the true facts regarding the case of Robert P. Prager, who was killed at Collinsville, Ill., on April 5, 1918." Prager, whose name the consul spelled "Praeger," was suspected by coal miners of the region with being a German spy. He was registered as an enemy alien. He disregarded warnings from the Maryville miners to remain away from that place, and in placards which he posted up accused their president of keeping him out of a job. He was sought at his boarding house in Collinsville, paraded through the streets, made to kiss the flag, and toward midnight, when the tar with which he was to be coated could not be found, he was hanged.

Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, September 30, 1919
To Have Rich Tomb
Robert Paul Prager, victim of a Collinsville mob on April 5, 1918, is to be moved Sunday from one of the humblest graves in St. Matthew's Cemetery in St. Louis, to one of the prettiest spots in the burial grounds. A costly monument will also be erected by Harmonic Lodge, No. 353, I. O. O. F., of which he was a member. Collinsville Odd Fellows, members of Lodge No. 43, have been invited to attend the ceremony which will be held Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. After Prager's death, his body was claimed by the St. Louis lodge of which he was a member. At that time there was a question as to his patriotism. He had been suspected of being a German spy, and his acts and doings prompted the formation of a mob which hung him to a tree on the outskirts of Collinsville after taken from the city jail. Prager was formerly a baker and later a coal miner. His death attracted international attention, and Germany made threats against Americans. The German government filed a complaint with the State Department at Washington. Prager was a German alien. A federal and state investigation followed. Grand jury investigations were made which resulted in the indictment of a dozen persons. Eleven were tried in Edwardsville for murder, but in June, sixty days after the death, the jury acquitted the defendants.

 

PRATHER, RAYMOND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12, 1907
Rifle Accident Proves Fatal
Raymond Prather, the Upper Alton boy accidentally shot by a 22 caliber rifle in his own hands on Labor Day, died this morning at 7 o'clock as the result of the accident. The death of the boy caused a gloom over the neighborhood in which he lived and a general regret over the entire village. The boy was the son of Mrs. Joe Hern and was 14 years old. He was a very good boy and is spoken of in the best manner by his school teacher, school mates and all who knew him. The fatal accident occurred on Labor Day one week ago last Monday. The Prather boy and Wesley Christy had gone out to shoot with a target rifle. The Prather boy was sitting on a rail fence holding the gun in front of him with his hand over the muzzle. He tried to cock the rifle and the hammer slipped from his thumb and the rifle was discharged. The bullet passed through the boy's hand and upwards going through the end of his nose and lodging in his forehead fracturing the skull. Blood poison resulted from the wound in the skull, which caused the boy's death this morning. He leaves beside his mother and step-father, one little sister. His uncle, Rev. S. A. Teague, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Table Grove, Ill., arrived yesterday. Funeral arrangements have not been made.

 

PRATT, HARRY AND WIFE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1902
Moro News - The Telegraph's Moro correspondence told of a queer request made by a dying woman being fulfilled by her friends. Mrs. Harry Pratt, formerly of Moro, died at Peoria December 23. During her lifetime she had been inseparable from her husband, and at his death one year before her own, she is said to have been heartbroken. Her death is attributed to mourning for her dead husband. Mr. Pratt died in Texas and was buried there. His wife, before her death, requested that her body be taken back to her old home at Moro and that it be interred in the old burying ground. That she might be united in the grave with her husband, she requested that the body of her dead husband be removed from the Texas cemetery where it was sleeping, and that it was place din the same grave with her. This was done by friends a few days ago. Mrs. Pratt's grave was opened and the body of her husband placed therein.

 

PRENDERGAST, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12, 1914
Woman Dies Under Strange Circumstances
Mrs. Christopher C. Prendergast of Union and Ridge streets died Friday evening from heart trouble. A coincidence in connection with her death was that when she had difficulty in breathing, either from pleurisy or heart trouble, her husband allowed her to breathe some chloroform. However, it is believed she would have died anyhow. There was no doctor regularly attending her as she had two and after her death a third one saw her. She had been ill for some time, and her husband had been trying to give her relief. He bought one ounce of chloroform, which seemed to relieve her pain, and then yesterday afternoon he got the bottle refilled. He gave her some more, but her heart succumbed and she died. A hurry up call was made for the city ambulance, and the lung motor and this was taken out and used, but the woman was dead and the lung motor was of no use. She was 45 years of age and leaves her husband and two children. Coroner Sims was notified and will hold an inquest into the cause of her death. Those who know the family exonerate the husband of any blame, inasmuch as he was merely trying to give his suffering wife relief.

 

PRENTICE, ELIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 21, 1866
Died at Troy, Madison County, December 9, 1866, Mr. Ella Prentice, aged about 78 years. He served his country fifty-five years ago in the capacity of a drummer at the Battle of Tippecanoe [War of 1812], and afterwards in the same capacity in the U. S. Navy in the Mediterranean. In his latter years, he was nearly blind, but it did not prevent him from earning a living in the capacity of a wood sawyer. He was an inflexible patriot, and a truly honest man.

 

PRENTISS/PRENTICE, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2, 1909
Fred Prentiss, the Federal Lead Co. foreman who fell ten days ago and was found unconscious after tumbling twelve feet from a platform to the ground, died Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock in St. Joseph's hospital. He was 38 years of age and leaves his wife, one child, his mother, and two brothers, all of whom had been attending him. Only for a few minutes at a time would he regain consciousness from day to day, and the doctors attending him said they could do nothing for him. His spine and brain were injured by the fall. The body of Prentiss was taken to his home on Pleasant street, and the funeral will be held tomorrow, and the body will be taken to Bunker Hill for burial. He was a grandson of General B. M. Prentiss, of the United Army, one of the first Brigadier Generals commissioned in 1864. Mr. Prentiss was a young man of high character and much ability. He was a hardworking, industrious young man, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a member of Bunker Hill lodge, A. F. & A. M., also of the Bunker Hill camp, Modern Woodmen. He also belonged to the Alton Mutual Society, an insurance organization. An inquest will be held by Coroner Streeper, as Prentiss' death was due to the accident he suffered ten days before his death.

 

PRESTON, SARAH ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1838
Died, in Marine Settlement, on the evening of the 8th inst., after a severe illness of one week, Mrs. Sarah Ann Preston, wife of Doctor W. E. Preston. [Editors in N. Hampshire are requested to notice the above.]

 

PREUITT, ABRAHAM "ABRAM"/Source: Alton Telegraph, Jan. 29 & Feb. 5, 1885
Son of Solomon Preuitt
From Bethalto – the funeral of Mr. Abram Preuitt took place Monday morning from his late residence near Dorsey. The remains were interred at the family graveyard on the farm of his brother, Mr. Wiley Green Preuitt, one and a half miles south of Bethalto. Deceased was the oldest of a large family, and at the time of his death was seventy-four years of age. The funeral was well attended, and no doubt would have been much larger, had it not have been for the extreme cold weather.

From Dorsey – Died at his residence near Dorsey, January 24, 1885, after a few hours’ illness, Abraham Preuitt, aged 74 years, 3 months, and 11 days. Mr. Preuitt was born in Wood River Township near Alton Junction [East Alton], in the year 1810. He settled in Moro Township in 1830 or 1831, where he lived up to the time of his death. His first wife died in 1861. Of that union, only two children are living – Captain Valentine Preuitt of Charleston, Missouri; and Matilda, wife of J. L. Wood. His second wife and seven children are left to mourn his loss. His remains were interred in the family burying ground at his brother, Wiley Preuitt’s, south of Bethalto.

NOTES:
Abraham Preuitt was born October 12, 1808, in Wood River Township, Madison County, Illinois. He was the son of Solomon Preuitt (1790-1875) and Rebecca Higgins Preuitt (1790-1855). He married Mildred Wood, daughter of Ephraim Wood, and they had two children: Valentine and Mathilda Preuitt. In 1861, he married his second wife, Louisa Wells. They had nine children, three of which were: Paschall E. Preuitt (?-1878); Ida Preuitt Challengsworth (1870-1945); and Elias Preuitt (1872-1896). Mr. Preuitt’s first house was a rough log cabin, which was burned. The second house was a hewed log cabin, and the third a frame building. Abraham was buried in the Preuitt Cemetery, Bethalto, Illinois.

 

PREUITT, ELIAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 01, 1896
From Fosterburg – After a very painful illness of six weeks, Elias Preuitt, who lived near Dorsey, died September 24, aged 24 years. He was a young man of many good qualities and liked by all who knew him. Death at his age, which so suddenly ends all prospects of a bright future, is particularly sad. Services were conducted by Rev. Milford Sunday, at the Baptist Church, the remains being interred in the Fosterburg Cemetery. In their affliction the family has the sympathy of the community.

NOTES:
Elias Preuitt was born in 1872 in Dorsey, Illinois. He was a son of Abraham Preuitt (1808-1885) and Louisa Wells Preuitt.

 

PREUITT/PRUETT, ELIAS K./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1917
Old Soldier and Old Time Resident of Madison County Dies
Elias K. Preuitt, in his seventy-ninth year, died Thursday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Frances Duffy at Bethalto, from heart trouble. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 10 o'clock from the Fosterburg Baptist Church, in which he had held membership and had served as deacon for many years. Interment will be under auspices of the Fosterburg G. A. R. Mr. Preuitt was one of the most prominent residents of Fosterburg, having lived there and at Dorsey almost all of his life. He had been in poor health for about one year, and went to Eureka Springs, Ark., about three weeks ago for the benefit of his health. The change did not prove beneficial. He was returning with his wife to his home in Fosterburg, and when he reached Bethalto Wednesday afternoon he was unable to travel further and was taken to the home of Mrs. Duffy, who was an old friend of the family. He rapidly grew worse and death came less than 24 hours later. Mr. Preuitt leaves besides his wife, many cousins and other relatives, he being the last of his immediate line. He was married to Miss Mary M. Kirkpatrick at Washington, Wisconsin, March 22, 1860. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary seven years ago. Mr. Preuitt comes of a family of pioneers. His grandfather, Solomon Preuitt, settled near Bethalto about 1804. He was a captain in the Black Hawk War, and also took part in the events subsequent to the massacre of the Moore family July 10, 1814, in the Wood River massacre. Mr. Preuitt's father was born on the farm south of Bethalto. Mr. Preuitt was born at Dorsey. He enlisted as a volunteer in Co. K of the 20th Illinois, as orderly sergeant, and served throughout the remainder of the war. He was filled with intense patriotism and he always had a warm place in his heart for the old soldiers. Nearly all of the men in Co. K. were from Bethalto and Fosterburg. He was adjutant of the G. A. R. Post at Fosterburg. Mr. Preuitt was a very religious man and a good citizen. He was among the most faithful members of the Baptist Church, always being present at the church services when he was able to do so. He was deeply interested in assembling historical facts and his contributions to historic literature was voluminous. [Later: Burial will be in Fosterburg Cemetery.]

 

PREUITT, FRANKLIN L./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1890
Died Saturday afternoon, March 15, at the family residence near Bethalto, Franklin, only son of Wiley G. and Martha Preuitt. Age 25 years and 2 months.

NOTES:
Franklin L. Preuitt was born January 20, 1865. He was the only son of Wiley Green Preuitt (1827-1908) and Martha Helen Lyon Preuitt (1832-1920). Franklin was the grandson of pioneer Solomon Preuitt (1790-1875). Franklin was buried in the Preuitt Cemetery in Bethalto.

 

PREUITT, ISAAC/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 9, 1891
Madison County Pioneer
Died in Denver, Colorado, March 29, 1891, Isaac Preuitt, age 78 years, 7 months, 17 days. Mr. Preuitt was one of the Pioneers of Illinois, being born in Beeman’s Fort, on August 12, 1812, near the present site of Alton Junction [East Alton], where a few families were fortified to protect themselves from the treachery of the Indians. After residing for 75 years in Madison County, he moved with his family to Denver, Colorado, at which place he died. His remains were placed in Riverside Cemetery, Rev. Thomas Uzzell preaching the funeral sermon. No cause of death can be assigned other than old age.

 

PREUITT, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6 & 8, 1908
Born Near Original Town of Milton; Prominent Farmer
Jacob Preuitt, the oldest native resident of Madison County, died Thursday morning at 7 o'clock at his home in Fosterburg, aged 93. He celebrated his birthday very quietly on New Year’s Day, and at that time he was in apparently good health and promised to live for some time. He was taken ill a few weeks ago with infirmities of old age, and he gradually sank until the spark of life fluttered out. In the death of Jacob Preuitt there passes a man who was always known for his kindness of heart, and it is generally believed among his neighbors that he attained the fullest significance in his character of the term, a good man. He was never very conspicuous in public life, nor did he ever attempt to appear as a better man than his neighbors, yet he was faithful in his duties of neighborliness and friendship, and he was ever kind and sympathetic with those in trouble. He was born near the site of the present Milton bridge, east of Alton, being of a family which settled originally in the old town of Milton, now extinct, and of which the old Milton Cemetery east of Alton is the last trace. He probably was the last person living in the county who could go back as far in his recollections, and his mind was full of memories of early day events. It was a remarkable fact that "Uncle" Jake, as everyone knew him, preserved his faculties to the last, and he was always glad to see and talk with anyone, and he kept posted on current events, even up to his last illness. In politics he was a staunch Democrat, and he probably took greater pride in his fealty to his party than most people. He was a farmer by occupation for many years. His wife died many years ago. Four children survive him: Mrs. John Thompson and Mrs. Moses Thompson of Fosterburg, Frank Preuitt of Texas, and Shields Preuitt of Oklahoma. The funeral of Mr. Preuitt will be held from the home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock. W. M. Rhoades of Upper Alton will have charge of the funeral service.

The following brief review of the life of the old gentleman has been furnished the press by his nephew, Elias K. Preuitt of Fosterburg, and he got the facts from deceased himself:

"He was born in a log cabin near the site where East Alton now is. His father owned 200 acres of land at that time, but on account of an epidemic of milk sickness and ague, he sold out and moved to the homestead south of Bethalto, where he lived until his death. 'Uncle Jake' was six months old when they moved. Mr. Preuitt was no doubt at all the oldest person who was born in the county. I will not attempt to give a history of the family, but will leave that until another time, but will give a few recollections of the early days. He told of the early history of Alton, Milton, and many other towns. Many of the first towns laid out are extinct and forgotten. Milton was laid out before Alton had a store. William Barrett built the first house in Alton. He clerked for Atwater at Edwardsville. The next two houses built in Alton were log houses, one a saloon the other one story, for a hotel. The saloon was on Piasa Street. A man by the name of Bradley built the first water mills. Bradley was sent out to this country by the government and built the first flour mill for Morrison on Cahokia. Seely had the second mill, built on the Wood River at Milton. Seely went to San Antonio, Texas. He returned and died at Milton. The first sack of coffee sold in Upper Alton was sold by St. Clair and A. Neil, at one dollar per pound.

In the early days log school houses were the rule. Mr. Preuitt told of how they used to do in that day. Teachers taught for $10 per month and boarded around. At the same school he attended, daughters of Bradley attended. His wife was an Indian. The teacher made a rule that the scholar getting to the schoolhouse first on Monday morning could have the pick of the seats for the week. One morning he and the Indian girl met at the schoolhouse and they had a tussle which should get in first. The girl was too much for him, but as the door was fastened, he went around and climbed in at the window and gained the seat.

Another story is when Mr. West bought out B. Collet, his money was in St. Louis. He had $4,000 in silver. On his return with the money from St. Louis he stopped on the way and stayed all night, leaving his money out all night wrapped in a buffalo robe.

'Uncle Jake' remembered the cold winter of 1832, when the hogs froze to death in heaps. He well remembered the campaign when General Harrison ran for President, and how they drank hard cider. Major Charles Hunter was the leader in Alton, and on his way to some speaking, he stopped at Mrs. Foster's in Foster Township, and she made him a present of a nice, long handled gourd.

After the election, a crowd went over to Edwardsville from Upper Alton in a four-horse wagon. Mr. Binging held the reins, as he was an expert driver. He told of a trip he made on horseback in 1834 to Greene County. The time was in August. He started out early in the morning, crossing the Wood River at Pullman's Ford, for there were no bridges, and wending his way through this township, only passing four houses on the way. After considerable effort, they landed at Uncle Jim's. On Monday after his arrival, the State election was held and the site for the Statehouse was voted on. Of course, all the relatives voted for Alton."

NOTES:
Jacob “Uncle Jake” Preuitt was born January 1, 1816, near the original town of Milton near the Wood River. His parents were Solomon Preuitt (1790-1875) and Rebecca Higgins Preuitt (1790-1855). Solomon Preuitt immigrated to Illinois with his father, Martin Preuitt, in 1806. Martin Preuitt was a Revolutionary War soldier. They located on Sand Ridge Prairie (East Alton area), three miles east of Alton, in Wood River Township. It was there that Jacob Preuitt was born. Solomon joined the Rangers on the frontier, in the war against Great Britain, and served until the close of war in 1812. Solomon moved to Fort Russell Township, where his father, Martin, died at the age of 97 in 1841. Solomon was one of the first to enlist in 1831 in the war again Black Hawk. He served as Captain of a company. On his arrival home, he was elected Major of the militia at the age of 21.

Jacob Preuitt married Clarinda “Clara” Starkey (1816-1870), and they had four children: Oscar L. Preuitt (1838-1903); Maria Preuitt Thompson (1840-1920); Oren Shields Preuitt (1847-1922); and Franklin Pierce Preuitt (1852-1920). Jacob was buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery.

 

PREUITT, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1889
From Bethalto – The funeral of Mr. James Preuitt, who died at Eureka Springs on Wednesday last, took place from the residence of his son, Mr. Elias K. Preuitt, near Dorsey, on Friday last, at eleven o’clock. Dr. Bulkley of Upper Alton officiated. Mr. Preuitt was 71 years of age, was born and raised in this county, therefore was an old settler here. He came from a good family who originally hailed from North Carolina. The history of the father, Major Preuitt, would be very interesting, but time and space forbid us writing it at this time. The remains were accompanied here from Arkansas by Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Preuitt, with whom the father (deceased) had lived for many years. The burial took place at Fosterburg Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. E. K. Preuitt will spend several days here with relatives and friends before returning to the Springs. Mr. Preuitt leaves two sons, E. K. Preuitt now of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Hon. William G. Preuitt, Treasurer of Montana Territory.

NOTES:
James Preuitt was born August 30, 1818, in Bethalto, Illinois. He was the son of Major Solomon Preuitt (1790-1875) and Rebecca Higgins Preuitt (1790-1855). James married Malinda Starkey (1819-1880), and they had the following children: Elias K. Preuitt (1838-1917), and William Green Preuitt (1843-1909).

 

Sergeant Paschall E. PreuittPREUITT, PASCHALL E. (SERGEANT)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 19, 1878
From Edwardsville – Pascal E. Pruitt, late Deputy in our Circuit Clerk’s office, died on Thursday night, December 5, 1878, in the 34th year of his age, leaving a widow and one child to mourn their loss. The deceased was an honest, faithful, quiet, inoffensive citizen, highly esteemed by all who knew him.

NOTES:
Sergeant Paschall E. Preuitt was the son of Abraham Preuitt (1808-1885). His wife was Margaret Bernreuther Stahlhut, whom he married in 1877. Mr. Pruitt was buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. He was a member of Company K, 80th Illinois Infantry.

 

Major Solomon PreuittPREUITT, SOLOMON (MAJOR)
January 7, 1790 – January 8, 1875
Major Solomon Preuitt was born on January 7, 1790, in Abington, Washington County, Virginia. He immigrated to Illinois with his father, Martin Preuitt (also spelled Pruitt), in 1806. They located on Sand Ridge Prairie, three miles east of Alton, in Wood River Township. Solomon married Rebecca Higgins, who was then 17 years of age. At the age of 20, Preuitt was appointed a Lieutenant of Militia, on January 2, 1810, and was promoted to Captain on January 24, 1812. In 1813, Solomon joined the Rangers on the frontier in the war against Great Britain (War of 1812), and served until the close of the war. In 1818, Solomon moved to Fort Russell Township, and located in section 18. It was here that his father, Martin Preuitt, died at the age of 97 in 1841.

Preuitt wrote the following:
“In 1767, when my father, Martin Preuitt, was 15 years of age, he went to the wild woods of Kentucky with his father, William Preuitt, along with Daniel Boone, John Finley, Isaac Belcher, and other hunters. They stayed nine months, and returned to North Carolina with their furs. Upon his return, Martin married Mary Woods, my mother. When the Revolutionary War commenced, my grandfather and my father joined General Washington’s army, and served as soldiers until the colonies gained their independence. During the war, General Cornwallis of the British Army sent Ferguson with fourteen hundred Tories to break up some new countries along the frontier. When the backwoods mountaineers heard the news, they rallied together near King’s Mountain. My father, with his brother, Isaac Preuitt, and my father-in-law, Philip Higgins, all took a part in that battle. Before the attack was made, a council was held in which it was decided that all should return but one thousand selected men, who were led on by the brave Campbell Servier, Shelby, and Williams, who ascended the hill and commenced that attack. Like Sinai of old, the top of the mountain was wrapped in smoke and flame as the leaden hail came whizzing from every quarter. In forty minutes, Ferguson was slain, and his entire command destroyed either by death, wounds, or taken prisoner.”

In 1831, when Black Hawk and his braves went on warpath, Solomon Preuitt was one of the first to enlist in the cause. He was elected Captain of a company from the west end of the county, and was then elected Major of the regiment. He served with credit until the disbanding of the regiment, and was praised by his men for his excellence and worth as a citizen, and a good militia officer. He always looked to the interests and welfare of his men, and was appreciated and respected for it by them. Preuitt served with credit until the disbanding of the regiment.

Preuitt’s first wife, Rebecca Higgins, died in the Fall of 1855. He then married Elizabeth Higgins, a sister of his former wife. No children were born by the second marriage. Ten children were born from the first marriage – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Martin, James, Elizabeth, William, Nancy, Wiley, and Mary. Major Preuitt died in his home in Bethalto on January 8, 1875, at the age of 85. He is buried in the Preuitt Cemetery in Bethalto, along with his father, Martin, his brother Abraham, his wife Rebecca, his second wife Elizabeth, and his sons – Abraham and Wiley.

Major Preuitt died in his home on January 9, 1875, at the age of 85. In December 1875, the Solomon Preuitt 150-acre farm near Bethalto was sold to E. C. Balsters for $12,000.

Sketch of Colonel Solomon Preuitt
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23, 1865
Colonel Solomon Preuitt, now in his 74th year, called upon us a day or two since, from whom we gathered the following information:

He came from Tennessee to this State in the year 1807, and settled near the junction of the Alton and Terre Haute Railroad, in the neighborhood of which he still resides. He has walked all over the site where Alton now stands, long before there was a house erected, or the slightest sign of a human habitation visible. Wild game of every kind was, at that time, very abundant, and he sustained his family for two years after settling there, almost exclusively upon it. He took an active part as a soldier in the War of 1812, and also in the war with Black Hawk. He was chosen Colonel by a Regiment which went from this part of the State, to take part in the latter war.

He has raised a large family, and although becoming quite feeble physically, he yet retains in vigorous exercise all of his mental faculties, and has taken an active interest in behalf of his country during the last conflict for its life, and against the traitors who were trying to destroy its free institutions. He voted against the introduction of slavery into this State when it was first organized, and he still abhors the system of human slavery, with all its attendant evils and blasting influences.

 

PREUITT, WILEY G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12, 1908
Wiley G. Preuitt, aged 82, one of the oldest residents of Madison county, died Monday evening at his residence, one mile south of Bethalto, from the effects of old age. Mr. Preuitt was known throughout the county as one of the old timers. His recollections of old days were always interesting. He had been in poor health for some time, and his death was expected. He leaves two children, Mrs. Ida Pritchett of Fairbury, Nebraska, and Mrs. Charles Cotter of Edwardsville. Mr. Preuitt was an old time member of the Masonic fraternity. He had been a faithful member and was one of the most respected members of the fraternity in the county. Members of the lodges in Bethalto, Alton, Upper Alton, and Edwardsville have been invited to attend the funeral, which will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home. The services will be conducted by Rev. T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton. The pallbearers selected for the funeral are Hiram Stahl, Irby Williams, Herman Kabel, Jarvis Richards, Alonzo Wood, D. W. Stoeckel, all old time friends of Mr. Preuitt.

 

PREUITT, WILLIAM ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28, 1905
Veteran of the Philippine-American War
William Preuitt, a Madison County man who rose to prominence in the far east, who assisted in the winning of the Philippines and then stayed to help in their intellectual uplift, died November 16 in Denver, Colorado, and was buried on November 19. Mr. Preuitt was a son of Isaac and Isabelle Preuitt of Dorsey, and a nephew of Mrs. L. C. Keown of Edwardsville. His mother, one brother, L. D. Preuitt, and one sister, Amanda, survive. His last visit here was in July of last year, when he was representative of the Philippines to the International Educational Congress at the World’s Fair.

Will Preuitt was 34 years of age and unmarried. He served as superintendent of all the Manilla schools for three years.

NOTES:
William Arthur Preuitt was born in Illinois in 1871. He was the son of Isaac Preuitt (1812-1891) and Isabel Preuitt (1829-1910). His father, Isaac Preuitt, was born in Madison County, Illinois, on August 12, 1812. Isaac Preuitt was the son of Solomon Preuitt (1790-1875) and Rebecca Higgins Preuitt (1790-1855), natives of Virginia, who in 1806 settled on the Sand Ridge Prairie in Illinois, three miles east of Alton. William served in the Philippine-American War in the Army. He died in November 1905 in Denver, Colorado, where he is buried in the Fairmount Cemetery.

 

PRICE, CLINTETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 20, 1899
Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Price were sorely afflicted Saturday night by the death of their nine years old daughter, Clintette, after a painful illness with meningitis, brought on by the grippe. The child was ill with the fatal disease only a few days, and its death is a sad shock to the family. Another daughter, Julia, is ill with the same disease, and her condition is causing her parents no little alarm. The funeral of Clintette Price will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. from the family home on East Third Street.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21, 1899
The funeral of Clintette, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. C. Price, took place this morning at the home on East Third Street. There was a large attendance of sympathizing friends and neighbors. The interment was in the Alton City Cemetery. The pallbearers were: Weller Hopkins, Mont. Malcom, James Springer, Ed Hesli Jr., Gus Norton, and Bennie Cousley, members of the high school.

 

PRICE, ELIZABETH (nee GARDNER)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 25, 1882
Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Isaac Price, died last evening after an illness of more than two years’ duration, caused by paralysis, at the age of almost 72 years. Mrs. Price, nee Gardner, was born in Brown County, Ohio, and came to Alton with her husband in 1850, having resided here ever since. She was a most estimable lady, a good friend, a kind neighbor, and leaves, besides her husband, two children – Mrs. W. V. Crossman of Alton, and Mr. Isaac C. Price of St. Louis. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. D. Keith of Kentucky; two brothers, Dr. Gardner of Atlanta, Illinois, and Mr. David Gardner of Ohio. The funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence, corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets.

 

PRICE, ELLA MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1906
Ella May, the 17 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Price, died yesterday afternoon at 1:10 o'clock at the family home on east Third street after an illness of three days. The girl had over 300 convulsions in the three days, and during Wednesday, up to the time of her death, she had over 80. Friends and acquaintances of the family wishing to view the body may call Friday between 9 and 12 o'clock in the morning. The funeral will be private.

 

PRICE, JAMES ISAAC/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9, 1920
9 Deaths in Family in 18 Months
James Isaac Price, in his 72nd year, died Monday afternoon at his home in Wood River. His death was largely due to enfeeblement entailed by eighteen months of worry over the death of his wife, to whom he had been married many years and by whom he had raised a large family. Mr. Price's death was the ninth in a series that began when Mrs. Price died there 18 months ago, according to C. N. Streeper, who has buried all of the family who have died in that time. In the year and a half, Mr. Price buried his wife, two daughters, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, and now he in turn will be buried. He leaves two sons and two daughters. Friends say that Mr. Price never recovered from the blow caused by the death of his wife and that he never ceased mourning her. He began to break down, kidney trouble developed and his death resulted.

 

PRICE, JULIA ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 25, 1899
For the second time within three months, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Price are called to mourn the death of a member of their family. Julia Elizabeth, their second daughter, died today in her eighteenth year, after an illness of three months from the effects of spinal meningitis. At the death of her sister in February from the same disease, there was little or no hope entertained for Julia, but she has lingered along, racked with pain and suffering. Within the past few days she apparently was suffering less, and early this morning she was so bright that her father thought it safe to go to his business in St. Louis. He returned on an after-dinner train, only to find that his daughter had passed away. The date of the funeral has not been fixed.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1899
The funeral of Julia Price took place this afternoon. Services were conducted at the family home by Rev. Sanborne of the Presbyterian Church. There was a very large attendance at the services in the home, and many of Julia’s young friends took a last look at the face of their schoolmate. The pallbearers were six young friends of the deceased.

 

PRICE, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 24, 1892
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Price of 715 East Sixth Street, mourn the loss of their 19-months-old daughter, whose death occurred last evening after a brief illness. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning from the home of the parents.

 

PRICE, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1872
Killed by Express Train
A man aged about thirty-five years was run over and killed by the eastern bound express train on the Wabash line, near the depot at this place [Edwardsville], last night. He is said to have been a coal miner by the name of Price, unmarried, a Scotchman by birth, and a short time before the occurrence was seen and said to be in a state of intoxication.

 

PRICHETT, HARVEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1852
We are informed that on Monday of last week, while Harvey Prichett, son of James Prichett, living in Looking Glass Prairie, Madison County, was engaged in cutting wheat with a reaping machine, his horses took fright and started to run. Springing from his seat to stop them, he fell in front of the reaper, which caught him and dragged him along some distance, severing one of his thighs almost entirely from his body, and otherwise wounding him severely. Medical aid was called in immediately, but so severe were the injuries he had received, that he died in about six hours after the accident occurred.

 

PRICKETT, ISAAC (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 27, 1844
Businessman; Postmaster; Judge; Quartermaster General of the Militia
On Monday week last, Colonel Isaac Prickett departed this life at Edwardsville, in the 53rd year of his age. He was one of nature's nobleman - an honest, upright, self-made man, and his loss will be deeply felt by the whole community. Colonel Prickett emigrated to this State from Kentucky in the year 1817, and followed his calling - that of a shoemaker - until the year 1820. He then commenced mercantile pursuits, and continued engaged therein until the day of his death. He has filled several offices of honor and trust, and at the time of his decease, was Receiver of Public Money, having been first appointed under President Van Buren, and re-appointed under the lamented President Harrison. Mr. Prickett's loss to the town of Edwardsville, as well as to the county at large will be deeply felt, for he was one of our most estimable and exceptional citizens. He was cut off in the midst of his usefulness, and with but a few hours' notice. He had, however, bound his lamp trimmed, and his house set in order to exchange the scenes of earth for the instant immortality beyond the skies, which awaits the just made perfect. Mr. Prickett was an exemplary member of the Methodist Church, and departed in full faith of a glorious and triumphant resurrection at the day of final accounts.

NOTES:
Isaac Prickett was born December 22, 1790, in Savannah, Georgia. He was the son of George Washington and Sarah (Anderson) Prickett. He settled in Kentucky, then St. Louis in 1815, and moved to Edwardsville in 1818. He engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with his older brother, Abraham. He later established a store of his own, which he operated for many years in a building on Main Street in Edwardsville, opposite the old courthouse. Prickett married Nancy Lamkin in 1821. He was coroner, postmaster, judge (1826), public administrator, road supervisor (1838), Quartermaster-General of the militia, and inspector of the Illinois penitentiary at Alton. From 1838 to 1842, he filled the office of receiver of public moneys for the land office at Edwardsville. He built Alton’s first brick house in 1832, where the Wade family first lived.

One of his sons, Nathaniel Pope Prickett, was an officer in the U. S. Navy, and died of yellow fever in 1850 onboard the U. S. Lexington. Another son was Major William Russell Prickett, born in Edwardsville in 1836, and who served in the Civil War. William later engaged in the banking business in Edwardsville.

Colonel Isaac Prickett is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Known Children of Isaac and Nancy Pricket:
Joseph D. Prickett (1828-1829); Nathaniel Pope Prickett (1831-1850), Major William Russell Prickett (1836-1922); and Ellen L. Prickett (1843-1844).

Siblings of Isaac Prickett:
Abraham Prickett (1788-1836); Mary P. Prickett Wheelock (1797-1881); David Prickett (1800-1847); and Elisha Prickett (1803-1878).

 

PRICKETT, ISAAC/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2, 1886
From Highland, IL, November 25 - Isaac Prickett, a farmer living about two miles west of this city, died yesterday evening of abscess of the liver, at the age of 43. He leaves a wife and several small children.

 

John Adams PrickettPRICKETT, JOHN ADAMS/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Friday, February 19, 1897
Founder of Farmers Exchange Bank; First Mayor of Edwardsville
John A. Prickett is at rest, life's battle is over. For several days his dissolution has been a question of hours only. He was growing weaker every minute. He was unconscious most of the time. Once or twice he rallied and tried to speak to members of his family, but his voice forsook him. At five minutes after six o'clock last evening he sank to sleep, the long last sleep that knows no waking. The news spread rapidly, and soon everyone in the city knew it. He had been known long and well. There were only expressions of sorrow.

John Adams Prickett was a native of Edwardsville, a son of Abraham Prickett who was born in 1790 and in those early days grew to be a prominent man, being a member of the Territorial legislature, and of the convention that framed the constitution for the State in 1818. Abraham died at Quincy in 1836. Thomas J. and John A. were twin children, the date of their birth being May 4, 1822. John A. acquired his early education in the log school houses of early days. He supplemented the splendid foundation gained in this way by studious application. He had a most excellent library and it afforded him real pleasure. When his father died in 1836, he was taken by an uncle, a lawyer, who thought of preparing his charge for admission to the bar. He became dissatisfied and ran away, with a view of engaging as cabin boy on a steamboat, but he was induced by his brother to return home. Upon leaving school, he went to Alton and learned the saddlery trade, which pursuit he followed six years. When the Mexican War broke out, he assisted in organizing a company and was elected First Lieutenant. The company was known as Company E, 2nd Regiment Illinois Volunteers, with Governor Bissell commanding. He remained with the regiment and participated in all battles including the battle of Buena Vista, in which he was injured, a bullet shattering his left shoulder. As a result of this wound, he returned home before his enlistment expired.

In 1847, John A. Prickett was elected Recorder of Deeds, which office he filled two years. At the end of his term, he was elected County Clerk and was twice re-elected, serving twelve successive years. He gave close attention to his duties and made a faithful public servant. In 1864, he purchased a flouring mill in Edwardsville, and operated it until the mill was destroyed by fire in 1869. He founded the Farmers' Exchange Bank, which was afterwards succeeded by J. A. Prickett & Sons. The institution continued in business nearly 28 years, up to two months ago, when an assignment was made on account of inability to realize on assets.

When township organization was adopted in Madison County, Mr. Prickett was elected the first Supervisor to represent Edwardsville. He served in this capacity two terms, and was the first chairman of the board. When Edwardsville was incorporated as a city in 1872, John A. Prickett was elected the first mayor. He was for many years a member, and repeatedly president of the school board.

Mr. Prickett, in politics, was a Whig until 1855, when he became a Democrat. Religiously, he was a firm believer in the teachings of the Scriptures. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and also of the Odd Fellows. Of the latter organization, he was the only remaining charter member.

Nearly fifty years ago, on November 4, 1847, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth M. Barnsback, daughter of Julius L. and Polly Barnsback. The wife and five children survive, viz: Julius L.; Clara P. (wife of William H. Jones); Minnie P. (wife of Cyrus Happy); Harris E.; and Jessie E.

John A. Prickett had been identified with Edwardsville and Madison County as much as any other man. He was a citizen of individuality. Before disease wasted his body and mind, he was strong, positive and aggressive - a man to make his personality felt wherever he went and in whatever company he might find himself. He knew the triumphs of life and he tasted its sorrows. Man is the creature of forces beyond his control. The arrows that sting deep in life fall pointless in death. After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well. To his ashes may peace be forever.

The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock from the family residence to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, thence to Woodlawn Cemetery. The obsequies will be conducted under auspices of the Odd Fellows. A special meeting of the lodge will be held tonight to make arrangements. Members are requested to assemble at the hall tomorrow at one o'clock. The active pallbearers will be selected from among lodge members, and the former mayors will serve as honorary pallbearers. Bishop George F. Seymour, of Springfield, was expected to preach the funeral sermon, but a telegram has been received from him stating that he is to officiate at the funeral of a minister of this diocese at that hour, and it will be impossible for him to be here. Rev. Clarence D. Frankel, rector of St. Andrews, will conduct the services.

 

PRICKETT, VIRGINIA FRANCES (nee WEST) and daughter, NANNIE JULIA PRICKETT/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 4, 1874 - Submitted by Jane Denny
A most shocking accident, causing the death of two persons, occurred here [Edwardsville] Monday night. It is the same old story - explosion of a coal oil lamp. Between seven and eight o'clock on the night mentioned, an alarm of fire was raised in the vicinity of the residence of William R. Prickett, on Hillsboro Avenue. A few neighbors rushed immediately to the scene. Screams were heard issuing from the house and those who first heard the alarm, on entering the dwelling, saw a sight that made their blood curdle in their veins. There were Mrs. Prickett and her eldest daughter, Nannie, aged eleven years, enveloped in flames; the former standing in one corner of the kitchen with her clothing, with the exception of a leather belt and corset, all burned from her body. She was standing with a blanket about her head; Nannie was lying in the sitting room. The servants in the house were panic-stricken and were powerless to render any assistance, with the exception of a man servant, by the name of Fritz Winters, who had nursed Mrs. Prickett when she was a baby.

The accident occurred in this manner:
After tea Mr. Prickett walked out to town. Mrs. Prickett (Virginia Frances Prickett) and her eldest daughter, Nannie (Nancy Julia Prickett), were sitting at a table in the sitting room, upon which were two lamps burning. Suddenly one of the lamps exploded, falling into the lap of Nannie. Her mother tried to extinguish the flames, but failing in this, she ran upstairs for a blanket. She went up the front stairs, and in the excitement, she did not discover for the moment that her own clothing was on fire. As soon as she was conscious of this fact, she ran down the back stairway which leads into the kitchen. Before she reached the kitchen, however, all her lower garments were burned off, and she stood in one corner with the blanket over her head, crying aloud for someone to unfasten her belt. In the meantime, Winters had discovered what was going on, and in his endeavors to save the poor little child, was burned considerably on his hands and knees. A bucket of water was thrown over each of the victims and by this time Mr. Prickett had returned home, and the house at the same time was filled with people. But the mischief had been done. A once happy home had, in a few hours, been made desolate. Mrs. Prickett lingered in great agony until five o'clock the next morning. Nannie died two hours earlier. They were both conscious until they expired, and Mrs. Prickett, two hours after the sad occurrence, was able to explain how the accident occurred.

Mrs. Prickett was the daughter of Mr. Edward Mitchell West, and was his favorite child. She was born February 12, 1838 in Madison County, Illinois, and was married to Mr. William Russell Prickett in 1857. There are three other children surviving her - one boy (Edward Isaac Prickett) and two girls (Georgiana and Mary). Mrs. Prickett was an accomplished lady in every sense of the word and her husband and family have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community. The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock today. [NOTES: Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. In 1888, fourteen years after the death of his wife, Virginia, William Prickett married Mary Josephine Gillespie, daughter of Judge Joseph and Mary E. (Smith) Gillespie.]

A follow-up appeared in the Edwardsville Intelligencer, 11 November 1874:
Mrs. Virginia F. Prickett
In that beautiful life which so suddenly went out, on the early morning of the 3rd instant, there was so much to love and remember that the simple announcement heretofore made of the sad event, is insufficient to express the deep feeling of her friends, and the felt loss of the community where she lived. Mrs. Prickett was born in Edwardsville and her whole life was here - where she had acquired universal esteem and love. Never in the history of this city has there occurred an event which caused such profound sorrow as the sudden and distressing casualty that caused the death of the wife and daughter of our esteemed citizen, Major Wm. R Prickett. Perhaps no one person had done so much to promote a refined state of social life in Edwardsville than had she. Her pleasant home was always open to all who sought a pleasure to be derived from refined social intercourse, which was enlivened by the conversation of her whose mine was enriched by an extended acquaintance with the best writers of the past and present age. From childhood she was exceedingly fond of books. The writer has never known any one, how in a given time could read so much, and who retained so fully in knowledge of what was read, as Mrs. Prickett. The hospitalities and entertainments of herself and husband, free from all taint of ostentation, were the charm of social life in our little city, and so generous as to leave not jealousies behind them. Of beautiful presence, cordial and easy manner, cultivated taste, and pure Christian spirit, it was impossible to be with her without being impressed with the excellence of her character, and being made better from the association. With a fine mind, cultivated by an education at Monticello Seminary (the queen of female colleges), an aesthetic nature, and means to gratify taste, she had made her home as near an earthly paradise as may anywhere be found. A devotion to the happiness of her family, she has given her life to the purpose of making home everything that could be desired, and in every part of that home was the impress of a refined taste and pure nature. It is the wife who fills the largest place in the domestic heaven; and the mother whose unmeasured love, watchful care, holy teachings and deeds registered above, are as a holy presence and charm. It is she whose province and power it is to preserve from evil; influences, and guide to a higher and purer life - and truly did she come up to all those trusts. Her noble Christian spirit went out in deeds of love and charity to others. No opportunity by her was ever avoided or lost, to contribute to the happiness of others, or to aid those in need. Truly did her minister say of her that "her charities were only limited by her opportunities," and yet so silently done that usually none but those receiving, knew of them. To her husband she was all he desired; to her children all a fond mother could be; to her sisters a charm and a joy; to her parents, who have frequently before been called to bear deep afflictions in the loss of their children, her death causes most poignant sorrow. Their oldest child, she was their counselor and companion, and in their oft repeated bereavements they had learned to lean on her for comfort and support. Desolate, indeed, and full of anguish must all those loving hearts be, which once formed so happy a family circle. Her last hours, though amid such sufferings as cannot be described, were made impressive and hold by such an exhibition of affection for family and fair in God, as was never the privilege of the writer before to witness. When, as the clock told the hour of twelve, and the new day had begun, she was told that her little daughter had gone to heaven, her face brightened, she raised her hands, all charred by the flames, and said: "Oh, I am so glad that in going I take her with me, who least of all could do without me," and looking up to her mother with countenance of holy expression said: "I shall die, and soon I shall know all." Then with sweetest words of love to the husband, and expressions of confidence in the future goodness of her children, and with an earnest desire to be gone, she laid her down to sleep, and as the first grey dawn of the morning appeared, there went out forever from the light of this world a life which for thirty-six years and gladdened all who beheld it. All her life a follower of the Great Teacher, and for more than twenty-five years a member of his church. "For her to live was Christ; but to die was gain." The little daughter, Nannie Julia, of eleven years, who by a few hours preceded the mother to the better land, was a child of much promise and sweetness of disposition: with a mind quite in advance of her age, she was an experienced Christian. On an occasion not many days before, she expressed the desire that she might die when Mama did, and that her last act might be to kiss her. A bright, winsome thing, with eyes of lustre and hair of gold, she seemed sent by God to bless the parents, and to leave behind her sweet memories. But the light has gone out of those beautiful eyes, and the gold will fade form the silken hair, but the spirit bright and pure as the flowers strewn by her schoolmates at her grave, has gone up to God. By and by the morning will come, with its sunlight and fragrance; by and by there will be gathered again the strands of that broken chord, which will lead the loved ones all to that paradise of the angels of heaven, where the pure dwell, and where they have gone, and "where we shall know even as we are known."

 

Major William Russell PrickettPRICKETT, WILLIAM RUSSELL (MAJOR)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 23, 1922 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Edwardsville Banker and Financier; Civil War Soldier
Major William Russell Prickett, retired Edwardsville banker and financier, died at his home, 210 Kansas street at 12 o'clock today. The end was due to a heart attack with which he had been suffering since Tuesday but yesterday and today seemed greatly improved. The end came as he was receiving some mail from a messenger who had just returned from the post office. He sank to the floor and expired within a few moments, without a struggle. Telegrams were sent to the three children, Mrs. H. Clay Pierce and E. I. Prickett of New York City and Mrs. H. L. Drummond of Pasadena, Calif., early this afternoon. The three are expected to come here and plans for the funeral will be deferred until they answer. Major Pricket was born in Edwardsville, September 21, 1836. He is of Southern ancestry. His mother was Kentuckian, having been born in Hopkinsville, August 6, 1806, and his father, Colonel Isaac Prickett, a native of Georgia, was born in Savannah, December 22, 1790, but at an early date migrated to Illinois and was prominently identified with its history, both as a territory and as a state. He embarked in merchandising at Edwardsville, in 1818, and continued in the business until his death, in 1844, in the meantime filling numerous offices of public trust, viz: quartermaster general of the Illinois militia, paymaster of militia, inspector of the penitentiary, public administrator, coroner and postmaster. In 1838 he was appointed by President Van Buren to the responsible position of receiver of public moneys for the United States land office, and was re-appointed to the office by President Tyler in 1842, which position he held at the time of his death. The mother of Major Prickett, whose maiden name was Nancy A. Lamkins, was a daughter of Captain William Lamkins, of Christian county, Kentucky, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. Her marriage to Colonel Isaac Pricket took place in Edwardsville, Illinois, on February 12, 1821. The eldest son of the family, Nathaniel Pope Prickett, was an officer in the United States navy, and died of yellow fever on board the United States storeship Lexington, in the harbor of Rio de Janiero, South America in 1850. The youngest son, Major William Russell Prickett spent his life in his native town with the exception of the years that he was a student at the Western Military Institute in Kentucky and afterward at the Illinois College at Jacksonville. He entered the latter institution in 1855, and there, through application and industry, laid the foundation for a business life of activity and usefulness. Major Prickett became identified with the Masonic Order at the age of twenty-one years, joining Edwardsville Lodge No. 99. He was also a member of the Army of the Cumberland, Grand Army of the Republic, and the Loyal Legion of the United States. Although he had always been a Democrat, he followed the example of the great Douglas in being loyal to the state and country, and entered the Union army as Lieutenant in the One Hundred and Fiftieth Infantry. Before leaving Camp Butler he was made Major of the regiment. He had command of the forces between Bridgeport, Alabama, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was in command of the left wing of the regiment while it was stationed at Spring Place, Georgia. In July he was appointed Judge Advocate of the court martial, which office he filled until the regiment left Atlanta, August 14th, when he had command of Companies E, F, G, H, and K., with his headquarters at LaGrange, Georgia. He was honorably mustered out of the service in 1866, at Springfield, Illinois. In 1868 Major Prickett engaged in the banking business at Edwardsville. He incorporated his banking interest into the Bank of Edwardsville on January 1, 1896, and at the same time assumed its presidency. He continued in it successfully until the year 1899 when he retired, selling out his interest in this bank. As an illustration of his financial standing during the panic of 1873, when so many hundreds of the banks in the country suspended payment, the banking house of West & Prickett continued to pay and discount as usual during the stringency. As evidence of the confidence still reposed in him by the people, it may be mentioned that during the panic of 1893, his deposits increased rather than decreased. Major Prickett has been twice married. His first wife, whom he married 1859 and who died in 1874, was Virginia Frances West, daughter of Hon. Edward M. West, who until his death in 1887 was engaged in the banking business with Major Prickett. Three children born of this marriage are living. The son, Edward Isaac, is a resident of Pasadena, California. The elder daughter, Virginia Russell, is the wife of Henry Clay Pierce, of New York City. The younger daughter, Mary West, is the wife of Harrison I. Drummond, of Pasadena, California. Major Prickett's second marriage took place in 1888, and united him with Mary Josephine Gillespie, daughter of the late Judge Joseph Gillespie, who was one of the pioneers of Illinois history in politics and statesmanship.

Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 26, 1922
As the Years Pass:
The death of Major William R. Prickett on Saturday impressed those who really knew him with a sense of irreparable loss as their first thought on learning of the demise. The major was the last of the old-timers - octogenarians - who were native to the city and who helped build it and who grew with it in the formative days. With his passing we now skip a decade to those in the seventies. People of the present day rarely have the opportunities for commercial, financial, civic, political and patriotic participation that were his. He had many sides and only a limited number knew more than a few of them - perhaps none knew all. The expression "a gentleman of the old school," naturally comes to mind in thinking of the major. He was a gentleman born and bred and he never lost nor diminished his native courtesy. To those who entered his home, or whom he encountered in public he was ever the same, suave, considerate and deferential. His home was to him the pleasantest place in the world. Life brought to him a bounteous measure of good things. He was wealthy and could have traveled when and where he would but he wisely knew that the greatest contentment is in the intimate surroundings of the home and he rarely left it. In the earlier days that home was the scene of many social gayeties. The major was a host par excellence; he loved to be surrounded with intellectual, cultured people of social nature, and as a result the gatherings, both formal and informal, at his home, were notable. The major's memory continued bright and clear up to the last moment of his life. He linked the old Edwardsville of the pioneer days with the city of the present. In his young manhood skins of animals were exchanged for dry goods and provisions. The only industries of Edwardsville in the way of manufacturing were a brewery and a distillery, at each of which tin cups sat on a bench beside the front door and the wayfarer was welcome to help himself. Indians were no uncommon sight in the streets. People traveled by pack horses, and it was a great day when daily transportation by road was established and the first stage coach of the Springfield-St. Louis line dashed up to the door of the Wabash hotel. Time went on and the Civil War cast its shadow over the land. The major enlisted and went with Sherman to the sea. After the war politics attracted him and he served in many positions. His calling was that of a banker and it is difficult to make clear to present day thought how much this meant to the earlier day. He and his father-in-law, the late E. M. West, operated the bank of West & Prickett. There was no bank supervision then. No skilled experts dropped in unexpectedly as they do now, to keep the present banks up to the highest efficiency. Banking was a private business and its character depended absolutely upon the individual. Mr. West and Mr. Prickett were conservative by nature. They had the highest personal standards of honor and integrity. Their business was administered conservatively and honestly. No shadow ever fell across their floor. No suspicion ever entered any mind as concerned them. During times of stress when others suffered from the unrest of the day, the deposits of West & Prickett increased, the finest testimonial of human confidence possible. And when in course of years, their well-established business passed on to others, it was with a stainless and unblemished reputation. In his personal side it has been stated that the major was ever courteous. He was more - he was kindly. No one will ever know of his benefactions. He performed them in a quiet way and said nothing about them. He sent money and boxes of commodities. He looked around at home and dropped benefactions here and there. He would stop into a grocery store and leave a ten-dollar bill with orders. He aided various churches. For many years he literally kept the Baptist church going and when Miss Maggie Fruit, upon whom usually devolved the necessity of getting together the deficit, would go to the major, he would always give her a check for whatever was lacking. This was a side to his nature that few knew about. The major was a great home body. In the years of his first marriage when the children were little, he and "Old Fritz," his faithful retainer and house man, took the greater part of care of them. Fourteen years after his bereavement he was married to one who had always been a very dear friend, and this happy union endured for more than a third of a century until the major's cycle was completed last Saturday. There is no doubt that his span of life was lengthened ten or perhaps twenty years by the tender ministration of his devoted wife. Mrs. Prickett's life has been one of devotion to those near her, first to her beloved sister, then to a brother who depended greatly upon her, and then to her husband. The major knew how greatly he leaned upon her ministrations and at times stated that her care was prolonging his life. And having lived long and well he went away on the last journey just as he would have wished. In full possession of every faculty, clothed and moving around his home, about to examine the holiday greeting of friends, as he stretched forth his hand to take the letters and cards that were presented to him, another hand - an irresistible one - intervened, and without sorrow or pain he departed. It was as he would have wished. Major Prickett has passed on. There is none who can or will take his place.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1922
The funeral of Major William R. Prickett was held this afternoon from his late home in Edwardsville at 2:30 o'clock and were attended by a large number of friends of the deceased from all parts of Madison county. His death Saturday surprised and shocked many people. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Thomas Dyke of St. Andrews Episcopal church. The Masonic fraternity had charge of the burial services in Woodlawn cemetery. The active pallbearers were six members of the lodge, C. W. Burton, Frank B. Sanders, W. L. Estabrook, douglas M. Hadley, R. D. Griffin and Judge G. W. Crossman. The honorary pallbearers were A. P. Wolf, E. W. Mudge, S. O. Bonner, Gaius Paddock, Charles Boeschenstein and A. L. Brown. With the exception of one, Mr. Boeschenstein, all are men of advanced years who have known Mr. Prickett during a long period.

 

Henry Calvin PriestPRIEST, HENRY CALVIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 31, 1900
Lumber Businessman
After an illness of several years duration, Henry C. Priest, one of the oldest and best known business men of Alton, died this afternoon at 1:15 o'clock at his home, corner of Sixth and Henry streets. He was seventy years of age and had lived in Alton forty-four years. Mr. Priest was one of the pioneer lumber merchants of the west, having come to Alton when the lumber business was an unimportant industry, and built up through a thriving business one of the largest fortunes in the possession of any one person in Alton. He was born in Belchertown, Massachusetts in 1830, where he passed his earliest days on a farm. He came to Illinois in 1854, and after spending a few years teaching school in Macoupin county, he came to Alton and entered into a partnership in the lumber business with Henry C. Sweetser. At that time, all the lumber used in a territory within a radius of fifty miles of Alton, came from Alton, and was brought down the river in rafts. By careful methods and strict attention to business, he and his partner made their business an extensive one, and there were few people in this part of the state during the earlier days of Alton who had not heard of Sweetser & Priest. They had a lumber yard on Piasa street at Fourth street, and on Second [Broadway] street near Weigler, where the business is now conducted. On the death of his partner, Mr. Priest took charge of the business and conducted it himself with the assistance of his cousin, William C. Sweetser, who is now in charge of the property. Mr. Priest married Miss Imogene Brown in 1884, who was his first wife, and he leaves no children. He leaves two brothers, Willard E. Priest of Chicago and William A. Priest of Northfield, Mass. William C. Sweetser and Mrs. Albert Wade of Alton, and J. E. Sweetser of Brighton, are cousins of Mr. Priest. A confident of Mr. Priest stated today that throughout his career he confined himself closely to business, not giving up his favorite pursuit even for recreation. He adhered to a strict rule of fidelity to business, and he leaves a large amount of personal and real property as the fruits of his long life of hard work. He was a Mason, and was also identified with the Methodist church, toward the support of which he has been a liberal contributor. The time of the funeral is not decided upon, but will be announced tomorrow. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery]

 

PRINGLE, ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 10, 1881
Mr. Alexander Pringle, father-in-law of Mr. Samuel Pitts, died at Springfield, Sunday, in the eighty-first year of his age. He formerly resided in Alton, removing from here to Springfield about twenty-four years ago. He leaves five adult children and a large number of grandchildren. The remains were brought here [Alton] for interment - the funeral taking place on Tuesday morning, at 10 o'clock, from the residence of Mr. Samuel Pitts on State street. [He was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]

 

PRITCHETT, HENRY/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, July 9, 1852
Henry Pritchett, son of James Pritchett, who resides in Looking Glass Prairie, was killed a few days ago while engaged in cutting wheat with a reaping machine. In attempting to stop his horse from running, he fell on the point of the reaper and was injured so severely that he survived but an hour or two after the accident.

 

PRITCHETT, JOHN WESLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 1, 1921
John Wesley Pritchett, a coal miner at Troy, killed himself with a shotgun last night under circumstances that were very peculiar. Pritchett's wife had gone to Highland where she was to undergo a surgical operation for the relief of appendicitis. Whether the absence of his wife had anything to do with the suicide of Pritchett is not disclosed. It is recalled that when he married last September 14, he forgot his wedding date and went hunting. Five hours after the time set for the marriage he arrived on the scene and the wedding proceeded. A coroner's inquest will be held this evening.

 

PRITZ, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 23, 1907
Henry Pritz, aged 60, was rundown and instantly killed by an Illinois Terminal train near the eastern city limits Tuesday evening. Pritz was deaf and did not hear the approach of the train. He was employed at the Federal lead works and was on his way home from work. The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Keiser and he will hold an inquest and ......[unreadable] a few weeks ago, had his wife arrested charging her with being with another man. When the case came up before Justice Nathan, the woman showed she was not his wife as she had a copy of a divorce decree Pritz had obtained, and she denied his claim that they had been remarried. Assistant State's Attorney Wilson dismissed the case, as the woman had a witness to prove her innocence of the charge - the mistress of a boarding house where she stayed. Pritz had a little boy with him, and Mrs. Demuth threatened to take the child from the father.

 

PROCTOR, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1875
From Edwardsville – A boy by the name of James Proctor, aged 14 years, a son of Isaiah Proctor, a farmer, living in a cabin on a piece of leased land about two miles northeast of Edwardsville, was shot with a rifle and killed on September 28, 1875, at the house of Caleb Dorson, who lived but a few rods from the house of said Proctor. It seems that the two families were on amicable terms, and that the old folks were at the house of Proctor, and that the two boys were to stay all night together at Dorsons’ for some reason, young Proctor stated to his companion, saying he was going home and would not stay with him. Soon afterwards, young Dorson heard a noise at the door as if someone was trying to get in. He asked who was there, and received no reply. He repeated his inquiry with like result, and added that he would shoot unless he received a reply. This was about 9 o’clock at night. The noise outside the door was repeated, and true to his word, the inside boy discharged the contents of his father’s rifle through the door, with the above result. The deceased boy was brought to town and buried, and no thought taken of the matter, except that it was a sad affair which had occurred through a misapprehension of facts.

The law, however, requires that the Coroner should hold an inquest in such cases, and the news of the death having been conveyed to him, he, on Sunday afternoon last, disinterred the remains and held an inquest, resulting in a verdict that “the deceased came to his death by a wound from a gun in the hands of one Thomas Dorson, fired under excessive fear that it was some unknown person trying to get into the house, and that no blame is attached to the said Thomas Dorson.”

 

PROFITH, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1908
Mrs. Mary Profith, aged 24, wife of Edward Profith, died at her home in Granite City yesterday from catarrh of the stomach. She had been ill a short time. Mrs. Profith was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clem Collins of Second and Alby streets, and her death is a sad blow to the parents as well as to the husband. She leaves also two brothers. Mrs. Profith was deeply attached to her parents and spent much of her time with them looking after them in their advancing years. All last summer she visited her parents in Alton. The body arrived here this afternoon and the funeral will be held tomorrow from the home of the parents. The funeral of Mrs. Profith will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her father, Clement Collins.

 

PROHO, EUGENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 17, 1907
An inquest was held last evening over the body of Eugene Proho, who died from injuries sustained Saturday noon by falling down a flight of stairs at the Empire house. So far nothing can be ascertained as to relatives of where he had the money he claims he had in St. Louis banks, or where is situated the real estate he would claim he owned at times when he was drinking. A verdict of accidental death was found by the jury empanelled by Deputy Coroner Keiser.

 

PRUE [PRUGH], CORA D. HARRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1909
Miss Cora D. Harris Prue, wife of William Prue, died last night at 11 o'clock at the family home on Brown street, Upper Alton, after a three years illness. Death was caused by an abscess of the lungs. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. N. Harris, who resides northeast of Upper Alton. She was born thirty-eight years ago on the old Harris place, and married Mr. Prue thirteen years ago. Since that time they have traveled in Ohio and Kansas, returning to Upper Alton a year or so ago, where they have lived ever since. One child survives her, Marie, aged 12. Besides her father and mother and husband, she leaves four brothers, John V., Samuel S., both of Upper Alton; John S. of Portland, Oregon; and Jesse O. of Upper Alton; and four sisters, Mrs. Carrie D. Titchenal of Macoupin County; Mrs. Rilla Dooling; Mrs. Fannie Campbell; and Mrs. Rebecca Budde, all of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the house. Rev. Powell of the Upper Alton Baptist church will officiate. The burial will be in Mt. Olive cemetery.

 

PRUETT, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1920
The body of Mrs. Martha Pruett, a former resident of Bethalto who died June 29 at Fairbury, Nebraska, reached Alton from Fairbury today. The funeral was held at the old family burial grounds in Behtalto.

 

PRUITT, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 14, 1919
Mrs. Lucy Pruitt, wife of William Pruitt, died Sunday morning at 10 o'clock from old age at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Weiss, 2220 Belle street. The death of Mrs. Pruitt followed a period of seven days in bed, and it was the first time in her life she had ever been confined to her bed by illness. Ten months ago she began to show signs of breaking down and her daughter, Mrs. Weiss, went to Fidelity where the aged couple were living and brought her father and mother to Alton to make their home with her. They had been married seventy-two years and had not been separated. In their old age they had happily lived together on their country home place near Fidelity, and when the aged wife showed indications of a collapse due to old age, it was deemed best to get them to leave their home and come to live with their daughter. Mrs. Pruitt was a woman of remarkably good health, notwithstanding the fact that she was 92 years of age. Her husband is exactly the same age. Their life had been a very happy one together, and it was one of very beautiful cases of love lingering in great age, as the couple were strongly attached and deeply devoted to each other. They were the parents of nine children, only three of whom survive - Mrs. Frank Walters of Alton; Mrs. Thomas Moran of Fidelity; and Mrs. Brux Weiss, at whose home the aged couple lived and where Mrs. Pruitt died. Mr. Pruitt was for many years a prosperous farmer in the Fidelity neighborhood and he also owned land in Greene County, most of which he had disposed of. The body of Mrs. Pruitt will be taken to Jerseyville for burial, and the funeral services will be from the home of her niece, Mrs. Hattie Woodruff, tomorrow at 10:30 o'clock, and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery at Jerseyville. Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt were the oldest residents of the Fidelity neighborhood. They had a very wide acquaintance and everyone was deeply interested in the aged pair who had lived so many years in the one neighborhood.

 

PRUITT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9, 1919
William Pruitt, aged 93, a son of Maj. Pruitt, famous in the early days of Madison County, died at the Nazareth Home, Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from old age. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. Frank W____, Mrs. Frank Walters, and Mrs. Thomas Moran, all of Alton. His wife died five months ago ..... [unreadable].

 

PUCKETT, JOHN W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6, 1906
John W. Puckett, the fourteen months old child of John Puckett, is dead at the home at 313 east Second street. The burial will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. Interment in Milton cemetery.

 

PUETZ, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10, 1908
Joseph Puetz, aged 27 years, a native of North Alton, died Friday morning at the home of his cousin, Mrs. John L. Krug, 2606 State street, after a long and painful illness which began more than a year ago. Deceased spent last winter in Florida for his health, but after returning to St. Louis where he lived for several years, he was compelled to submit himself to the surgeon's knife on three different occasions, and the debilitating effects of these operations caused other complications which resulted in his death. Three months ago he went to New Mexico, hoping to benefit his health, but remained there only eight days, coming direct from there to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Krug, where he has been receiving the best of care since. He was a ticket seller at the Union station, St. Louis, for nine years and was held in high esteem by his employers and by his fellow workers, many of whom have come to Alton on different occasions to see him and help, if possible, since his last illness began. He is survived by his father, Louis Puetz of St. Louis, a brother, Tillman Puetz of Alton, and a large number of cousins and other relatives. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the Krug home, and burial will be in the Oakwood cemetery. Services will be conducted by Rev. Walter H. Bradley.

 

PUETZ, MARIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4, 1918
The death of Mrs. Marie U. Puetz, 80 years old, formerly of Alton, occurred Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. F. Felber, in St. Louis. The body will be brought to Alton for burial, the funeral being Friday morning at 9 o'clock in St. Mary's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Puetz was the widow of Tilman Puetz. The family were well known residents of North Alton. After the death of her husband five years ago, Mrs. Puetz moved to St. Louis, where she made her home with her daughter. Surviving her are her daughter, Mrs. L. F. Felber, and a son, Louis Puetz, both of St. Louis, and two sons, Joseph and Rudolph Puetz, both of Alton.

 

PUETZ, TILLMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3, 1907
Tillman Puetz, who lived in the northside [North Alton] for more than sixty years, died Saturday night at his home near the [beer] park, after a long illness from a complication of ills. He was engaged in business for many years in Greenwood, and afterwards in North Alton, but retired twenty or more years ago with a competence. He owned the ground upon which the village hall stands, and gave that to the public. He was 83 years old, and is survived by his wife and three children – Rudolph, who lives here, Joseph Puetz and Mrs. K. Felber, who reside in St. Louis. The funeral was held Monday afternoon from St. Mary’s Church, where services were conducted by Rev. Father Meckel, and burial was in Greenwood [now St. Patrick’s] Cemetery. The pallbearers were David Ilch Sr., Frank Gissler Sr., Michael Walter, Joseph Krug, Henry Kranz, and Julius Bratfisch.

 

PULLEN, ARLON/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1895
From Moro – The remains of Arlon Pullen, who died in North Carolina, were brought here Wednesday for interment.

 

PULLEN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13, 1902
North Alton News - Mrs. Elizabeth Pullen, widow of Charles Pullen, died Thursday morning at 5 o'clock after an illness beginning the first of November. She was 77 years of age, and that operated actively against her recovery. She was born in Leadberry, Herefordshire, England, but came to this country when quite young. She had lived in this vicinity many years and leaves numerous friends to mourn her demise. She leaves seven children: William Pullen of Alton; James P. of Bethalto; and Mesdames [sic] John Mathle, North Alton, Jacob Luly, St. Louis, Charles Koehne, Alton, Frank Long, Whiting, Indiana, and Henry Rhoads of Kansas. The funeral will take place Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Upper Alton.

 

PULLEN, MARY (nee MILLER)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1896
Mrs. Mary Pullen, wife of William Pullen of Godfrey, died at an early hour yesterday morning after brief and painful illness, at the age of 42 years. She leaves besides her husband, two young children. Three brothers, Messrs. Louis, George, and Frank Miller, and one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Shreiber, reside in Alton.

 

PULLEN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1910
William Pullen died Saturday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Andrew Bensman, in Main street, after a long illness. He was 60 years old March 9, and lived many years in Alton. Two years ago while fishing he sustained a paralytic stroke and fell out of his skiff into the river, and would have drowned but for the prompt assistance of others. He never recovered fully from the stroke, and at intervals since has been very sick. He leaves a son, Joseph Pullen, and his daughter, Mrs. Bensman. The funeral will be Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to Godfrey cemetery.

 

PULLIAM, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Pulliam will be held tomorrow at 10 o'clock. Interment will be in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery.

 

PULLIAM, MARGARET (nee RENSHAW)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 18, 1882
From Bethalto – Last Saturday night, Mrs. Margaret, wife of Mr. D. W. Pulliam of Bethalto, died very suddenly of heart disease. She retired at about half past ten as well as usual, and an hour later was a corpse. She was about sixty-six years of age, and the mother of several grown-up sons and daughters. She was the daughter of Mr. John Renshaw of Bethalto, who came to this State in an early day, he having moved here a few years ago from St. Clair County, and at the present time is nearly ninety years old and very spry for one of his age. The funeral took place from the family residence, and a large number of friends followed the remains to their last resting place in Moro Cemetery. The bereaved husband has the sympathy of many friends.

 

George Mortimer PullmanPULLMAN, GEORGE MORTIMER/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 28, 1897
Built the First Pullman Railcar
George M. Pullman, whose death occurred Tuesday, was at one time a citizen of Alton, in days when he had not become as well known as he was when he died. When here, he was a common day laborer, and worked for the Chicago & Alton Railroad. It was in Alton, in an old shed now standing at the corner of Tenth and Piasa Streets, that the first Pullman railcar was built; so we are informed by Mr. William Huskinson, who was then and for many years afterward Roadmaster of the Chicago & Alton.


BUILDING RAZED WHERE PULLMAN BUILT FIRST CAR
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24, 1913
Contractor Louis Biesemeyer was engaged today in wrecking the old brick building on Piasa Street, which was formerly occupied as an office by George A. Ginter, and which was since purchased by Charles Seibold. The walls of the old building were strong, and it was with great difficulty and much concerted effort and ingenuity that the brick walls were overthrown by the contractor's men. The strength of the walls gave a silent tribute to the effectiveness of work done many years ago by the old-time builders.

An old resident of Alton tells a Telegraph reporter that he thinks the building was part of the structure in which the Chicago & Alton Railroad at one time built its first sleeping car. It will be remembered that George M. Pullman, the founder of the sleeping car business, was a resident of Alton and built his first sleeping car in Alton for the old Chicago and Alton. The shops were on the lot where this building stands, and it is believed that this building was one of those occupied at that time as the home of the first sleeping car. The old building will make way for an addition to the Bluff City Garage, conducted by the Alton Automobile Co. Work of erecting the annex will be pushed rapidly, when the old brick structure is cleared off the ground.

NOTES:
The Chicago & Alton Railroad car shops were located at the southeast corner of Fourth and Piasa Streets. George M. Pullman, founder of the sleeping car, was a resident of Alton, and it is believed he built his first railcar there. Diagonally, at the northwest corner of Fourth and Piasa Streets, was the Chicago & Alton Railroad freight depot.

GEORGE PULLMAN AND THE PULLMAN SLEEPING CAR
George Pullman was born in New York in 1831. He moved to Chicago as a young engineer, where he worked to raise the buildings of central Chicago when a new sewer system was designed. After an extremely uncomfortable train ride, he realized there was a vast market potential for comfortable passenger service. In 1857 he formed a partnership with former New York state senator, Benjamin C. Field, to build and operate several sleeping cars. Pullman and Field secured a contract from the Chicago & Alton Railroad to develop a more comfortable sleeping car. Pullman and Field converted two moderately successful cars [I believe that Pullman & Field built this car in Alton]. Field, more interested in politics, assigned his interest to Pullman in exchange for future loans. In 1859, during the gold rush, Pullman sought to build his fortune in Colorado by establishing the firm of Lyon, Pullman, & Co., which operated as a freight business and ore crushing mill. They supplied fortune hunters with items necessary for the mining. Pullman and Lyon eventually bought 1,600 acres of land, which they platted as Cold Spring Ranch. The ranch became a prominent base camp for the gold fields, where miners could bed down, camp, purchase supplies, and buy a meal and drink. It became known as Pullman’s Switch, where weary teams could be switched for fresh teams before attempting to take on the rigors of mountain passes. Pullman disliked Lyon, and dissolved his partnership as soon as possible.

Pullman returned to Chicago in 1863, and built the Springfield railcar, named after Lincoln’s hometown. In 1864 Pullman was drafted into the Union Army, but like many young men of wealth, he hired a substitute to take his place. Pullman expanded his company, and in 1867, Field dissolved the partnership and the company became the Pullman Palace Car Company. In 1869 he bought the Detroit Car and Mfg. Co. to consolidate all his manufacturing operations into one. He built 5 classes of cars: hotel, parlor, reclining room, sleepers, and diners. Pullman died in 1897 in Chicago.

 

PULLUM, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 10, 1881
Infanticide
Coroner Youree held an inquest Monday afternoon over the remains of the colored male infant found Monday morning in the vault of a water closet on the premises of Captain Hill on State Street. The inquiry was held at the police station, to which the body had been taken. On the crown of the head of the infant was a cut or bruise, causing considerable laceration, but whether done accidentally or intentionally could not be determined. After the inquest, the remains were taken in charge for the purpose of interment by Bauer & Hoffmann, undertakes.

The witnesses examined were Captain Granderson W. Hill, Columbus Layburn, who recovered the body from the vault, and Dr. J. L. Thomas, who attended the mother of the child, and through whose agency, principally, the discovery of the affair was made. The facts elicited at the inquest were in accordance with the account we gave of the matter yesterday. Dr. Thomas testified that according to the best of his knowledge and belief, the child was fully matured, its appearance bearing out that testimony. He also stated that the girl disavowed all knowledge of the particular locality where the birth took place. After considering all the evidence obtainable in the case, the jury found that the “male infant came to its death by the act of its mother in putting it into the vault of a water closet, hence the jury further finds the mother, Mecy Pullum, guilty of infanticide.”

Coroner Youree immediately issued a mittimus, commanding the arrest and commitment of the said Mecy Pullum on a charge of infanticide, and placed the paper in the hands of Deputy Sheriff Rudershausen for service. Mecy Pullum, the principal in this unfortunate occurrence, is a colored girl, between seventeen and eighteen years of age, who came to this city about three years ago from Warsaw, where she has relatives living. Nothing is known as to the father of the dead infant.

 

PUMP, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11, 1910
Mrs. Caroline Pump, aged 64, a resident of Alton for many years, died Thursday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Howell, on Seminary street in Upper Alton. Death was due to an abscess on one of her feet, which resulted in gangrene. She leaves only the one daughter, Mrs. Howell, and a brother at Brighton. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Howell home. Mrs. Pump's husband died in Alton fourteen years ago.

 

PURCELL, AMANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1917
Mrs. John Purcell died at her home at 1017 East Sixth street at 11:30 o'clock this morning after an illness of several months. Mrs. Purcell is survived by her husband and seven children. The body will be shipped to Shoals, Indiana, on Friday, and the funeral will be held there on Saturday morning.

 

PURCELL, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 13, 1874
Died near Edwardsville, January 29, 1874, James Purcell, aged 29 years and 5 months.

 

PURCELL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 25, 1914
Little Boy Killed Under Steamroller at Sixth and Central Avenue in Alton
James Purcell, the 6-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Purcell was fatally crushed at Sixth and Central avenue by being run over by a 5,000 pound steam roller, almost in front of the home of his parents on Sixth street. The child, though crushed from the feet to the waist, made no outcry. He died at St. Joseph's hospital, and to his parents, as he was dying, he kept trying to explain that "I couldn't get out of the way of the old thing." The lad was caught while trying to jump off in front of the roller, which was moving along at the rate of about one- and one-half miles an hour, according to the owner, Fred Gerdes. Gerdes had been using the steam roller to roll down a job of paving at St. Patrick's church, and was on his way home up Central avenue. He had gone just two blocks when the fatal accident occurred. Mr. Gerdes was driving the steam roller along and he says that he did not see the little boy who had leaped on the front part of the roller frame and was riding along. The lad jumped off and fell as he jumped. Bystanders who witnessed the accident said that he scrambled along in the path of the roller on hands and feet, trying to get out of the way. The machine was making such a racket as it progressed, Gerdes could not hear the shouts of warning, if any were uttered in time. It was only after the child had been caught, Gerdes said, he was warned by a little boy that the child was being crushed to death forward under his steam roller. He stopped the machine, backed it up, and the child was tenderly picked up and borne to the hospital two blocks away. Dr. J. N. Shaff said that although the child was crushed from the feet to the waistline under the roller, when the surgeon arrived there was not any visible evidence of the crushing in so far as there might be flattened flesh and muscles. The tenacious character of the child's bones and muscles was shown by the fact that they very soon resumed their normal shape. However, the child's internal organs had been fatally injured by the crushing process, and the lad succumbed to his injuries in the hospital one hour after he was hurt. He astonished everybody by retaining consciousness up to the last minute, and he talked to his parents up to the last. The inquest was held over the lad this afternoon, and the body will be shipped tomorrow morning for Scholes, Ind. for burial.

 

PURVIANCE, JAMES MONROE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1872
Died on August 1, at Ridge Prairie, Madison County, James Monroe Purviance, son of Mr. James Purviance; aged about 23 years.

 

PURVIS, BERNARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5, 1918
Bernard Purvis, aged 37, was a victim of influenza. He died last night at his home, 712 1/2 East Broadway, aged 37. He leaves his wife and two children. He will be buried Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.

 

PUTZE, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22, 1908
Louis Putz, a prominent east end business man, died Wednesday morning after a long illness. Paralysis was the immediate cause of his death. Mr. Putze's illness had its beginning over ayear ago. His condition was known to be grave and he continued to grow worse, failing to realize the hopes of his family and his friends that there might be ultimate recovery. His malady finally attacked his brain and for several months his mind had been clouded by the paralysis which had affected him. Tuesday evening he sustained another stroke of paralysis, and relatives were summoned to attend him. Two of the members of his family went to attend him, and Wednesday morning they sent word that the illness had proved fatal and that Mr. Putze was at rest. Louis Putze was one of the best known residents of the east end of the city. He was engaged in the saloon business for many years, and conducted the saloon at Second and Ridge streets until failing health made it necessary for him to see out. Louis Putze was born May 3, 1850 in Saxony, Germany. He came to America in 1867, and to Alton in 1868, where he has lived ever since. He was engaged many years in the cracker business and had conducted a saloon for thirty years. He married Caroline Yeakel in Alton, November 24, 1875, and he is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Lem Malone and Messrs. Edward and Arthur Putze. His death occurred at midnight last night. He leaves one sister in Germany. Mr. Putze was a member of the German Benevolent society, also the A. O. U. W. Burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

PUTZE, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 26, 1895
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Putze died last night after a short illness of diphtheria. The funeral was private, and took place from the home this afternoon.

 

PYLE, GEORGE W. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 24, 1846
Monticello Seminary Chaplain
Died at Monticello Seminary on Thursday, 22d inst., in the blessed hope of a glorious resurrection, Rev. G. W. Pyle, Chaplain of the Seminary and Pastor of the church in Monticello [Godfrey]. His funeral will take place from the Seminary Chapel at 11 o'clock a.m. on Saturday 24th. A sermon will be preached on the occasion by Rev. A. T. Norton. A more extended notice hereafter.

Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1846
In last week's Telegraph was a brief notice of the death of Rev. George W. Pyle, with an intimation that a more extended notice would be furnished. It is not our purpose on the present occasion to furnish an extended memoir, or portray in full the excellencies of our departed friend. The one would require a volume, and the other older hands than those to whom the present duty has been assigned. The most that will at present be attempted will be to furnish a very brief outline of his history, and some specimens only of his views and feelings and conversation, just as he was about to leave this world of sin and enter into his rest, for the gratification of his distant friends, and that we all may see something of the life of a devoted Christian minister, and how a holy man can die.

From some brief memoranda and information obtained from his friends, we learn that our beloved brother was born near the city of Philadelphia in 1813; that his childhood was spent without any advantages of education; that at a suitable age he was bound as an apprentice to learn a trade, and brought up in ignorance and sin; giving himself up to follow the unrestrained inclinations of his youth. Next we find him a young man of twenty, in company with some horse racers on his way to North Carolina. Making a brief stop in Virginia, he is induced by the over-ruling providence of God, by curiosity perhaps, to attend a camp meeting in the neighborhood. His attention is arrested by what he sees and hears. Conviction of sin enters into his soul. After a hard struggle, he forms the resolution to go forward to be prayed for. Pressing his way through the crowd, he loses his hat, but fearing if he went back to recover it his purpose might be changed, he presses on, leaving his hat behind. There he humbles himself, submits to God, and comes away rejoicing in the Savior. New views, new feelings, new hopes, new fears, possess his soul. New motives are the spring of his actions. Scarcely being able to read it, he purchases Janeway's Token for Children, the only religious book to be found, and the first book he ever owned.

Arriving at his journey's end, he finds that his religion is not a mere impulse, without reality. It has entered deeply into his views, his feelings, his purposes. Like Paul, he was now led to inquire, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" The inquiry is scarcely raised before he finds the purpose formed in his heart, and suddenly expressed, "I will be a Minister." He next inquired how it is to be accomplished. By some means he had heard of Illinois College at Jacksonville, where young men can be educated for the Ministry at little expense. Finding a family about to remove to Illinois, He accompanies them - driving one of their wagons. With no acquirements except barely being able to read, he enters the Preparatory Department. By alternately studying and working at his trade to obtain the means of subsistence, living much of the time on 25 cents per week, in the short space of two years he is prepared to enter fully upon his college course, goes through the whole course, and comes out with the first honors of the College. His room at College was directly over that of President Beecher. And he has often remarked that often, when his prospects seemed dark and cheerless, and he was sinking under discouragement in view of the difficulties before him, he has been cheered onward by hearing the voice of that devoted Minister, in secret prayer for his pupils.

We next find him in Lane Seminary, prosecuting with his accustomed zeal and industry his Theological studies, and living in the most frugal manner. His course accomplished, he is recommended by the distinguished faculty of that institution to a committee of a church who were seeking his services, as a young man of rare qualities and attainments, who for thoroughness, originality and depth of thought, was surpassed by few. Immediately after the completion of his studies, he removed to Illinois as the chosen field of his labors. He first preached a few months in Springfield, to supply a church during the absence of their Pastor. He next labored for about one year in Peoria, till September 1844, when in compliance with an invitation from the church and the Trustees of the Seminary, he removed to Monticello, where he continued his labors as Pastor of the church and Chaplain of the institution until Thursday 22d instant, when after sixteen months' useful labors among them, and a whole ministry of only about three years - by a painful sickness of only seven days, he was, by "the Master" called away from the scenes of his earthly toils.

Having followed our departed brother to the verge of Jordan, some of his expressions and specimens of his feelings in the full view of death and Heaven, may here be interesting and instructive. Until the day before his death, there was but little apprehension that he would not recover. He was then told by his physician that his case was critical. To this announcement, he made no reply nor manifested the least agitation. One of the Elders of the church coming in, he said, "I think it is God's will that I should die. Your church will be left destitute, but trust in God. He will provide." After a little interval, with much animation and a countenance beaming with Heavenly joy, he exclaimed, "Can it be! Can it be! Can it be! O! Glorious thought, that I shall so soon be with Christ!" He soon after clasped his hands and prayed audibly, and with great apparent fervor. His prayer abounded with thanksgivings and rejoicings in God. His faith in Christ seemed firm, and his hope unclouded. He said, "O God! I have proved thee, and tried thee, under all possible circumstances, and have never known thee to fail me. And now in this hour of affliction, yes even if it be of death, I will not distrust thee. 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.'" He prayed also most earnestly for his wife and little son. A lady coming into the room, on taking her hand he said, "They tell me I shall soon be well." "Are you glad? Does Heaven appear better than earth?" With a heavenly smile upon his countenance, he replied, "O yes, yes, yes. I have thought I enjoyed glorious views of Christ and Heaven during this winter. But oh! Such flights as I have had during this sickness! 'O! Glorious hour, O blest abode, I shall be near and like my God.' Tell the young ladies that if I had strength, I would repeat with tenfold solemnity every truth I have uttered in their ears this winter. Tell them it is my dying message, that they give their hearts to Christ, and consecrate their all to Him." He at one time remarked that if he should die now, he should have commenced his ministry about the same time of life, and ended it about the same time that Jesus Christ did. During Wednesday night his mind was a good deal bewildered. But even then his conversation was in Heaven. It ran upon the last supper, the last alike to his Lord and to him. His last public service was to administer the Communion. Turning his eyes to his wife he said, "None of us fully comprehend the glorious doctrine of the resurrection." It was a theme he had thought and conversed much about during health. On Thursday morning, seeing the music teacher standing by his bed, he requested her to sing, "Jerusalem, my glorious home."

His weakness increasing, he said, "I can't pray aloud nor talk much," but on seeing the teachers and pious scholars, he earnestly exhorted them all to live for Christ. He then called for two of the impenitent young ladies, for whose salvation he had been much interested. He told them he had "felt much and prayed much for them, as eternity will show," and exhorted them with all the earnestness of a dying "ambassador of Christ," "to be reconciled to God." The scene was impressive and affecting beyond description. Upon bidding his wife farewell, he said, "You will soon be at your home I suppose," meaning her father's house. "Yes," she replied, "but I shall return, not as I came; I shall leave you in Illinois, I feel as if I would rather go with you." With her hand in his, and with a look of inexpressible tenderness, he quickly replied, "But Jesus Christ says, you can't come yet; finish your work, and then Christ will bring you to His home." His dying message to his father, mother, brothers, sisters, classmates, and all his friends, absent or present, was "Live by Christ," "My sentiments and feelings are expressed in my last sermon. 'God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of Christ.'" He said he had a premonition when he was preparing that sermon that it would be the last, and wished all to regard it as his dying message. He said nothing more till about a minute before he died, when addressing Rev. Mr. Chamberlin, he said, "Brother Chamberlin, what is the difference between the revolution of a minute and a year?" and slept in Jesus. O! who would not say, in view of such a scene, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"

Religion, in his view, was the first, the chief concern of man, and that too, as a thing to be practiced, not merely experiment, and all other things subordinate. His daily intercourse, his conversation and his prayers, clearly evinced this. In regard to his daily deportment, we "all are witnesses how holy and justly and unblamably" he behaved himself among us. His prayers impressed every one who heard them with the conviction, that he was a man who lived in close communion with God. The last public prayer he offered was with his hand upon the head of a young lady whom he was consecrating to God in the solemn act of baptism. One has remarked that on that occasion, "he soared so high it seemed to her he could hardly get back again to earth." In preaching, his subjects were always selected with a special reference to the education of Christians, and the conversion of sinners. His last sermon may be regarded as a specimen. Everybody who heard that sermon must have felt that he regarded all the possessions and splendors and glories of earth as _______, as shadows; evanescent as the morning cloud, compared with those Divine, unutterable glories that cluster around, center in, and radiate from the cross of Christ. Although he had a portion for every class of his congregation, must of his sermon was directed to the young ladies of the Seminary. And Oh! how insignificant and worthless did those things appear in which young people usually "glory!" God grant the impressions then made may never be effaced till all who heard it may glory in nothing "save in the cross of Christ." In his dying message to the teachers also, he evinced the superlative value he attached to religion. "The salvation of the soul, said he, should be the first and great object of the faculty of every literary institution."

To be a faithful minister of Jesus Christ was in his estimation the highest honor to which man could attain, while he considered it the most responsible ever entrusted to man. Deeply imbued with these sentiments, from the time he first set his face towards the ministry, he resolved not to spend his time in pursuing any branches of study, however useful in themselves, which had not an immediate tendency to qualify him for preaching the gospel. For, said he, not long since, to the writer of this notice, I commenced preparation so late, I saw that unless I pursued this course I should utterly fall of the attainment of my great object. This rule which he formed for himself so early, he seems to have observed to the end of his life. It seemed impossible to interest his mind in anything else except those subjects immediately connected with his appropriate work. His library consists almost exclusively of commentaries and works explanatory of the Scriptures. The Bible was, therefore, his almost exclusive study. In his preaching he magnified the Bible as the charter of man's salvation, and the only and all-sufficient rule of human duty; while he pointed out the fallacy and danger of substituting for it human reasoning and vain philosophy. His estimate of the ministry, as well as his own humble views of himself, may be inferred from his dying injunction respecting his beloved, his only child, a boy but 10 months old [Theodore]. "Whatever you neglect," said he to his wife, "don't neglect the education of that boy - give him a good education, and train him for the ministry." After kissing this dear child and saying "farewell," as it was borne from his embrace, looking after it with inexpressive tenderness, he said to him, "Serve Christ - live holy - and be a better minister than your father ever was." But this notice has already extended far beyond the original intention of the writer, and must here be closed, though many things still remain unsaid. May we all profit by these very brief memorials of the life and death of a good man! Signed C. [Note: Rev. George W. Pyle is buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.]

 

PYLE, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1900
Mrs. Jane Pyle, a resident of Alton more than fifty years, died last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Smith, on State street, after an illness of over one year's duration. Mrs. Pyle was one of the oldest residents of the city, having come to Alton when a young woman and lived here continuously with her family. She was 72 years of age. Since the marriage of her children, she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. James Smith. Of late years her health was not good, and the last year she has been an invalid. She leaves two sons, Messrs. George and Samuel Pyle. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home. The services will be conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul's church, of which Mrs. Pyle was an almost life-long member.