UBERT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1840
Died, at his residence in this city [Alton], on Tuesday the 17th
inst., in the thirty-first year of his age, Charles Ubert, Esq. Mr.
Ubert was a native of the department of Amsberg, Province of
Westphalia, in the kingdom of Prussia, from whence he emigrated to
the United States about six years ago. In the year 1835 he settled
in Alton, and commenced business as a grocer on a very limited
capital, but uniting to a clear and discerning mind, habits of
economy and industry, he soon, by strict integrity and punctuality
in all his business relations, acquired an extensive confidence and
credit. Although young, no business man possessed more entirely the
esteem and confidence of all, and had it been the will of the
Almighty to have prolonged his useful life, no one possessed fairer
prospects of acquiring extensive wealth and a high reputation. In
his social disposition, he was generous and accommodating, always
cheerful, and ever ready to confer a kindness. He was an intelligent
and instructive companion - his strong sense, enriched by the
treasures of German literature, in social intercourse, rendered him
extremely interesting. An uncommonly large procession, accompanied
by the Mayor and Common Council of the city, of which body he was a
member, attended his remains to their silent resting place. We never
witnessed, on any similar occasion, a more striking manifestation of
respect for the memory of the dead, or of sympathy for his bereaved
widow and children.
UFERT, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1900
Alton Athlete Succumbs to Injuries
Fred Ufert died Tuesday evening at 4:45 o'clock at the family home,
__6 East Third Street, after three years of helplessness and pain
from injuries he sustained by falling from parallel bars upon which
he was exercising at Gill's Hall. Fred Ufert was then one of the
best young athletes in the city, 22 years of age and one of the best
liked young men in the East End. He was a member of some of the best
baseball clubs, and in the gymnasium, he was the leader in performing
daring feats. One evening while exercising on the parallel bars, his
hand slipped and he fell heavily to the floor, the force of his fall
being increased by the motion of his body in the feat which he was
performing. He was hurled against the floor and lay there helpless.
For months he hung between life and death, during which time he was
patient in his suffering and courageously underwent all his pain and
all manner of treatments in the hope that he might regain health. It
was found that his spinal column was shattered near the neck, and
that the pieces of bone had penetrated the cord. Nothing could be
done for him, and at last all hope was abandoned. The past few
months he suffered great pain, and his condition was most
distressing to his family. Death afforded him and his relatives a
happy relief when it ended all his sufferings last night. Fred Ufert
was the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Ufert, and was 25 years of age.
He leaves a large family of brothers and sisters. [Burial was in
Alton City Cemetery]
UHL, CLEMENCE/Source: The Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 18,
1901
Submitted by Robert C. Snyder
Deaths Doings - Clemence Uhl died Friday at the advanced age of 72
years. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and
the interment was at the Mitchell Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Uhl had
been blind for eleven years, and had been confined to his bed for
the past two and a half years. He lives a wife and five children,
three boys and two girls.
UHLE, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12, 1918
After an illness of only a few days with influenza, Frank Uhle of
2209 Mills avenue died Tuesday morning at his home, aged 43. The end
came at 7 o'clock in the morning. It was not believed he could be
seriously ill until yesterday, when he took a sudden change for the
worse and the end came quickly. Mr. Uhle was formerly a glassblower,
but of late had been working for the Standard Oil Co. at Wood River.
He had been at his usual place of work on Saturday and was seriously
ill only two days. Mr. Uhle is survived by his wife, two brothers,
Joseph and Henry, and three sisters, Mrs. George Vieth of Alton,
Mrs. Charles Schwartzly and Mrs. J. B. Huber of Nokomis. Burial will
be Thursday in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
UHLE, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15, 1916
Friend to Little Children
A friend of the little folks has gone away to the land where he will
be with more little folks to make them and himself happy. Henry Uhle
Sr. died this morning at 4 o'clock at the home of his son, Frank
Uhle of 2209 Mills avenue, with whom he has lived for the past five
years. The deceased, who was more familiarly known as "Grandpa"
Uhle, has been ill for the past eighteen years with complications of
diseases. Mr. Uhle was born on July 6, 1846 at Torchhiem, Baden,
Germany. In 1883 he came to America and went at once to Brighton,
Ill. where he worked for several years for the Chicago and Alton
Railroad. After five years in Brighton, he came to Alton where he
worked as a section hand. In recent years he has been trimming trees
and doing other work about the city, being a particular friend of
small children whom he met on going around the city doing his work.
The little friends of his were always sure of being given a piece of
candy or some other small "goody" upon meeting him, as his pockets
were always filled with something dear to the heart of a child. The
aged man is survived by six children, Frank, Joe, Mrs. G. Veith and
Mrs. Charles Schwartzle of Alton; Mrs. John Huber of Nokomis and
Henry Uhle Jr. of Halner, Utah. The funeral arrangements were not
completed at a late hour this afternoon. [November 18, 1916: Burial
was in St. Joseph's Cemetery]
UHRMAN, REBECCA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 26, 1896
Mrs. Rebecca Uhrman died Wednesday at her residence, 516 Shelly
Street, of asthmatic troubles, from which she has been long a
sufferer. She leaves a husband, two daughters, and a son, Mr. John
Dufold. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church.
UHRMANN, EDWARD J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 23, 1909
Civil War Veteran
Edward J. Uhrmann, aged 80, a resident of Alton many years, died at
his home on Shelly street at ___ o'clock this afternoon from old age
and maladies due to his years. He was a soldier in the Civil War.
Mr. Uhrmann filled the post of watchman in one of the Alton banks
for many years. He leaves two daughters.
ULLRICH, FRANCIS H. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2,
1886
Dr. Francis H. Ullrich, long a resident of Alton, and highly
esteemed, died Tuesday after a long and painful illness, at the age
of 59 years. He was born at Stettam on the Oder, Germany. He was a
medical graduate, a druggist by profession, and was engaged in the
drug business when seized with his fatal illness. He was for a time
U. S. Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue, but resigned the office
some months ago. He left a widow, Mrs. Dorothea Ullrich; a son, Mr.
Henry Ullrich; and a daughter, Mrs. John Beneze, to mourn his death.
The funeral will take place from the family residence on Washington
Street, under the auspices of Prospect Lodge No. 4, I.O.M.A., and
Germania Lodge No. 299, I.O.O.F., of both of which orders deceased
was a member.
ULMERICH, J. ADAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 29,
1914
Janitor of Turner Hall
J. Adam Ulmerich, aged 72, was found dead in bed at his home, 705
East Third street, Tuesday morning when his wife went to call him
for breakfast. Mr. Ulmerich has been ill for some time and his
family have been warned by the attending physician that his death
was liable to take place at any time, but his death comes as a
surprise and a shock to his many friends in the city. He was up and
about his home Monday, and seemed much improved. A present he
received from a relative in New York seemed to cheer him
considerable. He ate well Monday and went to bed in the best of
spirits. Mr. Ulmerich had lived in Alton for forty years. He came to
the United States from Germany when he was twenty-two years of age,
and for ten years made his home in Belleville. Later, he moved to
Alton where he had lived since, and raised his family. He is
survived by his wife, two sons, John and Adam, and one daughter,
Mrs. William Penrose, and one adopted daughter, Miss Elsie Nehls.
Mr. Ulmerich is without doubt one of the best known men in the
eastern part of the city where he had lived since coming to Alton.
For twenty-six years he was the janitor of Turner Hall, and up until
very recently he was always in attendance there. Recently, on
account of his ill health, his wife had been helping him somewhat
with the work at the hall. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon from the home on East Third street to the City Cemetery.
The services will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller.
ULRICH, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1895
Albert Ulrich, aged 35 years, died Saturday night at his home in St.
Louis from typhoid fever. He was ill for three weeks prior to his
death. Deceased leaves a wife and one child. Two brothers, John
Ulrich of Alton and Otto Ulrich of St. Louis, and his mother, Mrs.
Zimmerman of Upper Alton, survive him. The remains will be brought
to Godfrey tomorrow morning, where the funeral will take place.
Interment in Godfrey Cemetery.
ULRICH, CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 1, 1913
Member of the Alton Police Force
Chris Ulrich, member of the Alton Police force, died at 1:30 o'clock
Monday morning at the home of his stepson, William Ulrich, 728 East
Fifth street, after being disabled a week by paralysis. He was
stricken last Monday morning, after rising for the day, and just as
he was about to sit down at the breakfast table. He had been
helpless ever since he was stricken, and the last two days was
speechless and could swallow nothing. He was in his 64th year, and
had lived in Alton about forty-two years. He learned the trade of
maker of mouth harps in the Hohner factory in Germany, and came to
America to take a place in a melodeon factory, but never secured a
job at his trade, as the factory failed. He abandoned his trade and
devoted himself to other lines of livelihood. He leaves no children,
but a number of relatives residing in Alton and vicinity. He was a
member of Western Star Lodge I. O. O. F. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of William Ulrich.
ULRICH, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 26, 1904
Mrs. Gertrude Ulrich, wife of Chris Ulrich, died at noon today at
the family home after a four weeks illness. Mrs. Ulrich's condition
had been considered dangerous from the beginning, and after much
suffering she was relieved by death. She was 25 years old. The
funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. from the family home on Ridge
street.
ULRICH, UNKNOWN WIFE OF CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 7, 1899
Mrs. Chris Ulrich died last night at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where
she had been taken to have an operation performed for cancer. Mrs.
Ulrich was 58 years of age, and highly respected by a large circle
of acquaintances. Beside her husband, who is weighmaster at the city
hall scales, Mrs. Ulrich leaves one son, William C. Ulrich. The
funeral services will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock from the
home on Belle Street, near Third.
UMBARGER, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 15, 1880
Gertrude, the infant child of Mr. W. A. Umbarger, telegraph night
operator at the Chicago & Alton freight depot, died this morning at
Mrs. Fowler’s boarding house, at the age of seven months, of cholera
infantum. The sympathies of our citizens will be extended to the
bereaved parents, especially as they are comparative strangers in
our midst. The remains will be taken this evening to Caseyville for
interment.
UNDERHILL, ROBERT S./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1837
Falls Into Cellar During House Fire
(In an article regarding the fire at the Alton House) We much regret
to add that Mr. Underhill, one of Messrs. Godfrey & Gilman's Clerks,
who was sleeping in an upper room in the warehouse of these
gentlemen, on hearing the cry of fire, sprang out of bed in order to
ascertain the cause; and missing his way, fell through an open
scuttle into the cellar, breaking one of his thighs, and otherwise
sustaining much injury. As he was alone in the building, his
situation was not discovered until after the conflagration was over;
consequently, he must have suffered intensely before he obtained any
relief. P. S. We regret to state that Mr. Underhill died this
morning about half past 3 o'clock.
Died - In this place this morning about half past three o'clock, Mr.
Robert S. Underhill, late of New York City. His funeral will take
place this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Piasa House. Friends and
citizens are respectfully invited to attend.
UNGER, ANNIE ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21, 1912
Wife of Louis Unger
Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Unger, wife of Louis Unger, died at 5 o'clock
Tuesday morning from paralysis at the family home, 625 east Twelfth
street. She was stricken with paralysis Monday evening about 5
o'clock while finishing her task of preparing supper for her family.
She was in the dining room when she fell to the floor unconscious
and did not regain consciousness again. Mrs. Unger had lived in
Alton since 1859. She was a native of St. Louis, and came to Alton
as the bride of Louis Unger and had lived here ever since. She was a
member of a large family, and six sisters survive her: Mrs. Flora
Wild of St. Louis, Miss Mary Marks of Edwardsville, Mrs. Katherine
Johnson, Mrs. Thomas Hawkins, Mrs. Peter Hawkins, Mrs. Charles
Campbell, of Alton. She leaves also, beside her husband, one
daughter, Miss Anna Unger and two sons, Albert and Louis Unger of
Alton. Mrs. Unger had been failing in health for five years. She
suffered a paralytic stroke of a light character at that time and
had not been in the best of health since then. Her age, 72 years,
made her condition of health worse and although her death was very
sudden, it was not a surprise to the members of her family who had
been fearing that the mother's end might come at any time. Ever
since girlhood, Mrs. Unger had been a member of the German Methodist
church, was a faithful, devout church member, a good mother and a
kind friend. One of the pretty features of her life was the
affection in which she was held by the members of her whole family.
The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the
German Methodist church and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
UNGER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1920
Alton Blacksmith
Louis Unger, in his 87th year, a resident of Alton nearly sixty
years, died Thursday evening at 6:45 o'clock at his home, 625 East
Twelfth Street from old age. He had been in bad health for a long
time and on Thanksgiving Day took his last meal with his family. The
next day he was unable to be up and around and he continued to
decline from that time.
Mr. Unger was born in Hesse, Darmstadt, Germany. He came to America
with his parents when ten years old, and for a while lived in St.
Louis. He came to Alton in 1861, and continued to live here the
remainder of his life. He learned the trade of blacksmithing and
horseshoeing, and for a while was in partnership with George Luft.
In 1886 he began business for himself in a little shop on Broadway,
next to No. 2 hose house, and there he did horseshoeing until he was
70 years of age, when he retired.
Mr. Unger was a man of a kindly disposition, and was highly
respected by all who knew him. He was a good husband and father in
his family. Mrs. Unger died seven years ago. He was a devoted member
of Grace Methodist Church, and for years served the church in an
official capacity. He leaves three children, Miss Anna Unger and
Messrs. Charles and Albert Unger; also, two sisters - Mrs. Mary
Nagel of Victor, Iowa, and Mrs. Caroline Brosi of Canton, Missouri.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Grace Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.
UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1841
Skeleton Found Near Scarritt's Prairie
From Upper Alton, May 31, 1841. A few days since, a part of a human
skeleton was found on the south border of Scarritt's Prairie
[Godfrey], about twenty rods west of the road leading from Alton to
Monticello. The covering of earth was so slight over the remains,
that the bones of the arm projected through it, which led to the
discovery. I was present, and assisted in disinterring the remains.
The body had evidently been put into a hemp, coffee, or salt-sack,
the mouth of which was tied with a piece of vanilla bed cord, which
portion was much less decayed than the other portions of the sack. A
piece of patched coarse domestic, probably part of a shirt, also a
piece of twilled cotton cloth, which was the only cloth found. The
flesh, tendons, and cartilages were principally, but not entirely,
separated from the bones. The extent of the hole for the reception
of the body was distinctly found, the depth of which was about
sixteen inches. The bones of the head and of the forearms and hand
were not found. Signed by Dr. B. F. Long.
UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 6, 1853
For some time past, a coffin has been lying exposed on an island in
the river near Madison, Illinois. It contains the body of someone
who died on board of a steamboat, perhaps, and was buried so
carelessly that the few inches of sand which covered it was washed
away by the river, leaving the coffin exposed. This morning, Captain
Lamothe of the Altona, while on his way down, observed the coffin.
He instantly landed his boat, went ashore with his hands, selected a
proper spot of ground, and buried the body and the coffin in the
right manner. This gentleman is deserving of much credit for the
act.
UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 11, 1890
From Edwardsville – Coroner S. O. Bonner left for Highland this
morning to hold an inquest on the body of a German found dead there
yesterday. This will make the seventh inquest he has held this
month.
UNKNOWN BABY BOY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December 31,
1915
The dead body of a six-months' old baby boy was found this afternoon
in the Stolze Lumberyard, at 225 East Vandalia Street, by Joseph
Noeltner, an employee of the company. The body was wrapped up in a
piece of soiled newspaper, and found reposing on some lumber.
Noeltner had gone into the yard to get some lumber, when he saw a
package on two small boards, pushed back in the lumber pile. He did
not pay any attention to it, and secured a piece of lumber and
placed it on the wagon. When he returned for more lumber, he thought
he would investigate, and opening the package, discovered the dead
body of a child. He immediately went to the office and notified
Chief of Police William E. Coultas, who went to the lumberyard and
took charge of the body, allowing no one to touch it. He called on
Coroner Dr. J. Morgan Sims of Collinsville, who will conduct an
inquest.
It is not known how long the body had been there, but it is not
thought the child had been dead long, as the body was in perfect
condition. No complete examination of the body was made when found,
to determine if any marks of violence were upon it. The body was
removed this afternoon to the Marks, Weber Mortuary.
UNKNOWN BOY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 30, 1849
An inquest was held yesterday late noon by S. W. Robbins, Esq.,
acting Coroner of this county, over the body of a young lad, found
in the Mississippi River, near the mouth of Shields’ Branch, about
one mile below Alton, when the jury returned a verdict of which the
following is the substance: That the deceased was about 15 years of
age; had on a satinet roundabout, blue cassinet pantaloons, with
patches upon the knees, a check shirt, brogans and woolen hose; and
had cause of his death by drowning. His right shoulder was broken,
and he had some pretty severe bruises upon his forehead, but whether
the result of accident or violence, the jury could not determine. It
was supposed that the body had been in the water five or six weeks
before it was discovered.
UNKNOWN, BOY/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1872
A German boy near Marine, in Madison County, picked up a
double-barreled shotgun and jammed the butt of it on the ground,
remarking that he didn’t believe it was loaded. He was sadly
mistaken, however, as the jarring discharged both barrels, sending
two charges of turkey shot through his head, killing him instantly.
UNKNOWN BOY/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 13, 1896
Dies of Starvation
There was buried in Alton a couple of days ago a six-year-old boy,
bright, affectionate, and loveable, upon whose gravestone, should he
ever have one, ought to be engraved, “Starvation Killed Him.” That
looks flesh creeping and sounds torturing in a city like Alton,
doesn’t it? But that is what killed the little boy, it is said, and
it is said too that there are other cases of complete destitution in
Alton, the pride of the victims preventing them from making their
sufferings known. In the case now being written of, the neighbors
did not know that starvation was domiciled in the next house – that
death was killing human beings in the next lot – killing them slowly
and by the awful method of hunger. The father is a mechanic, but has
been unable to secure work at his trade for months. He was unable to
secure work at anything else, and their money run out. Their credit
followed, and then the wolf which had heretofore stood showing his
fangs outside the door walked boldly in and bit them. The parents
fasted themselves that the children might eat, but after a while
there was nothing left for even the little ones. The neighbors never
received even a hint of the privations of the family, although they
suspected that the table was not very bountifully supplied, as they
never saw any groceries or supplies being taken to the house. The
boy, who was buried the other day, was going to school, but had to
stop – he wasn’t getting food enough to impart the necessary
strength to walk to and from the schoolhouse to his little feet, and
finally he could not leave the bed. A doctor was called and left a
prescription. Calling again the next day, he noticed there was no
medicine, and asked why his prescription had not been filled. Then
the truth came out in part, and relief was at hand, but it was too
late to save the boy. He became delirious, and in his delirium
fancied he saw cakes and cookies, and other things to eat that he
liked. He cried aloud for “cookies,” and then the neighbors, for the
first time, realized that starvation was in their settlement. Oh the
pity of it all! The cookies came and tender hands and sore hearts,
but the little boy went, and perhaps it is better so. The Divine
Master who said, “Suffer little children to come unto me”
unquestionably met with warm welcoming the released soul of that
little boy, and placed it in the immediate enjoyment of a royal and
eternal banquet.
The children, his playmates and schoolmates who loved him, when they
heard of his death, begged nickels and dimes from their parents,
that they might buy flowers to place on his poor, tired out body,
and his teacher, too, contributed of her salary to purchase
something to show her sorrow and her liking for the lost one. The
news of the tragedy – for it was a tragedy – spread, and the wells
of pity which make us all akin began to flow, and help was offered
and extended on all sides, but nothing now or ever in this world can
bring blest forgetfulness, or surcease of sorrow to that stricken
father and mother, and the cry of “please give me a cookie!” will
not out.
There seems to be no one to blame in the matter, unless the pride
that caused the parents to keep silent can be blamed. It seems that
the father made honest and persistent efforts to obtain work and
failed. The neighbors, while they suspected that “plenty” was not a
tenant of the stricken house, did not know so for certain, and did
not like to appear inquisitive or impertinent by inquiring, and
besides, there is in the world too much of that disposition which
makes people ask, as a sort of a palliation in cases like this: “Am
I my Brother’s Keeper?”
NOTES:
I have been recording each and every obituary in the newspapers, and
there was no mention of the poor little boy until I ran across the
above article – so he remains unnamed. This story touched my heart,
and it is unthinkable that in 1896 a little boy died of starvation.
So sad.
UNKNOWN, CHARLEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 21, 1881
Foul Play Suspected
A man was found dead in Coppinger & Biggins stone quarry, a short
distance above the water works, last Thursday, by the men who work
near the place. He was lying prone on his back, just at the foot of
the perpendicular ledge of rock, which at that point is from 50 to
75 feet high. At first sight, it was supposed that the man had
fallen down the precipice, but an investigation of the body showed
that it was not crushed and lacerated as must have been the case had
he fallen such a distance. Coroner Youree arrived, and after
impaneling a jury, proceeded to hold an inquest. An examination of
the body revealed that three or four deep wounds were inflicted on
the back of the head with some blunt weapon, the skull being badly
fractured. There were also some slight bruises on the body, but the
wounds on the head were sufficient to cause death. Deceased was
about 30 or 35 years old, brown hair and mustache. Nothing was found
on his person. He was clothed in a check shirt, jeans pants, and
heavy shoes. The body was wet and covered with mud, showing that it
had laid out in the rain storm the latter part of the night.
George Souerwine testified to the jury that he saw deceased somewhat
“full” at the Empire House last night at 9 o’clock, and that he
asked for liquor, but was refused.
Charles Sethman testified that he had known deceased for the past
eight or ten days, and had worked with him near the Bush place in
the Bottom, and that he came here with him at 2:35 yesterday. His
name was Charley _______. Did not know his surname. He was a
Norwegian. Saw him alive at the Empire House, he was under the
influence of liquor. He left him apparently asleep on the sidewalk
at that place. Did not know that he had any money, except a little
change.
Hugo Thau, a boarder at the Empire House, saw the deceased last
night. He was intoxicated, and at one time was under the lamp on the
sidewalk, counting a roll of paper money, also some silver. He
boasted before a considerable crowd of having plenty of money.
Eli Stone, clerk at the Empire House, testified that deceased was
there last night in a drunken state, and somewhat noisy. Asked for
whisky, but was refused. Saw him last on the sidewalk nodding. No
suspicious characters were about him.
The verdict was that deceased came to his death through violence at
the hands of some party unknown. Judging from the evidence and the
circumstances surrounding this case, it was “murder most foul” for
the purpose of robbery, with no clue to the perpetrators of the foul
act. Such was the violence of the storm that not a track nor a drop
of blood remained near the corpse, or anywhere in the vicinity, to
afford a trace of the murderers. It may always remain a mystery, yet
often in such cases, “murder will out,” and we hope it may be so in
this instance.
Later – The preliminary examination of Ed Haff, charged with
complicity in the murder of the unknown Norwegian, Charley, took
place Saturday afternoon. Deputy Sheriff Rudershausen certainly
deserves credit for the skillful and able manner in which he worked
up the case, especially as the murdered man was friendless and
unknown, and no reward offered for the apprehension of those engaged
in the “deep damnation of his taking off.” A strong array of
circumstantial evidence let to the arrest of the accused, who is a
young man of 17 or 18 years of age. He was seen with the murdered
man at a late hour the night of July 13, the last time the stranger
was seen alive. The prisoner, Haff, was observed about 4 o’clock the
morning of July 14, coming down the levee past the water works, his
clothing muddy and bespattered, and was seen going to his home on
State Street soon afterwards, entering the back way. It was shown he
had in his possession a handful of money that day, a suspicious
circumstance in itself, as he had no visible means of support. Mr.
Thomas looked out at a window of Stumpf’s house about 4 o’clock
Thursday morning, and saw Ed Haff go home, entering by the back way
from William Street, and the alley north of Hart’s livery stable. He
was muddy to the knees.
After the evidence of the witnesses for the people, attorney for the
defense moved the discharge of the prisoner on the ground that there
was no evidence to hold. After consultation, however, the justices
said they would hear further evidence before deciding the case. Mrs.
Haff testified she gave her son a $5 dollar bill the morning of the
14th, with instructions to go to St. Louis and redeem some articles
left in pawn there several months ago by her daughter, since
deceased. She stated her son missed the train, did not go to St.
Louis, got the bill changed, spent part of the money, and when he
came home at 2 o’clock, returned $4.60 or $4.70 of the amount,
having spent the remainder. Mrs. Haff testified her son acted as
watchman on a boat or barge some distance above the water works.
John Haff testified that his son, the accused, was watching on a
barge near Armstrong’s lime kilns from 12:30 until daylight Thursday
morning, the 14th.
At the close of the evidence, the court adjourned. The trial
resulted in the accused being committed to jail for trial at the
next term of the circuit court. A mittimus was issued, signed by
both Justices, and with this, Deputy Sheriff Rudershausen took the
prisoner to the Edwardsville jail.
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4, 1881
The re-hearing of the case of Ed Hall, charged with murder, was held
before Judge Watts in the city courtroom Wednesday. The evidence was
about the same as that at the preliminary examination. After hearing
the case, which took the most of the forenoon, Judge Watts decided
to admit the prisoner to bail in the sum of $3,500. He was taken
back to jail at the county seat, not being able to procure a bail
bond.
The Trail of Ed Haff
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 6, 1882
Ed Haff was found guilty, and sentenced to 14 years in the
penitentiary.
UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 27, 1894
Thursday afternoon, Mrs. Joseph Green, a colored woman living on
Market Street, had occasion to go out of doors for a short time. She
left her two-year-old granddaughter in the house. No one else was in
at the time. The child’s screams attracted the attention of Mrs.
Green, and when she entered the house a terrible sight met her eyes.
The little girl’s clothes and person was enveloped in flames. Nearly
all the clothes were burned off. The limbs, stomach, breast, face,
and arms were horribly burned. As the mother entered the room, the
little one fell from exhaustion. Dr. Gibson was called and did what
he could for the child, but it died this morning after enduring
horrible pain.
UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17, 1896
Drowns in Alhambra Pond
A child was drowned in a pond at Alhambra on Sunday afternoon. It
was in the water more than an hour. Dr. Bucknell issued a burial
certificate without waiting for an inquest by the coroner, and the
funeral took place without the inquest. Dr. Bucknell is likely to
learn a valuable lesson before the matter is settled.
UNKNOWN GIRL/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 23, 1895
Granite City Girl Hit by Train
A sad accident occurred at Granite City Sunday, in which a young
girl, whose name could not be ascertained, was mangled by a C., B. &
Q. train. A man accompanied by several of his children was walking
on the Q track, and watching a freight train on the Wabash. The
swift approaching train was not seen until close at hand. All
managed to get off the track except the fifteen-year-old daughter,
who was struck and instantly killed. The child’s limbs were broken,
and she was badly maimed and cut.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 16, 1853
Yesterday morning, Coroner Robbins held an inquest over the dead
body of an infant child, found floating in a pond in Hunter’s
Addition to Alton. No marks of violence were found upon the body,
though there was reason to suppose it had come to its death by foul
means, and had been in the water a number of days. The jury rendered
verdict accordingly.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6, 1864
An inquest was held this morning by W. G. Pinckard, Esq., upon the
body of an infant found dead near the gate of a residence upon one
of the streets leading to Middletown. The verdict of the jury was
that the child came to its death by foul means. The child was
evidently murdered and placed there to mislead and conceal the
crime. Steps should be taken to ferret out the guilty parties, and
have them brought to justice.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 6, 1868
Infant Found in Box Near Alton City Cemetery
Late on Saturday afternoon, the assistant superintendent of the
Alton City Cemetery found, near the south entrance of the enclosure,
a box containing the body of a male infant, apparently stillborn.
The child was neatly clothed. The box in which the body was placed
was a common starch box. The person, or persons, who deposited it in
the cemetery gained an entrance by forcing some panels off the gate.
The child was probably thus secretly placed in the cemetery for two
reasons – first, in order to conceal a crime, and second, to secure
for the remains a decent interment. The whole affair is involved in
mystery.
Justice Quarton, as soon as the circumstance was reported to him,
impaneled a jury, who held an inquest over the remains, and returned
the following verdict:
“We, the jury, summoned by J. Quarton, Justice of the Peace, to hold
an inquest on the body of an infant male child, found in the
cemetery at Alton, after a full investigation of the circumstances,
and from all facts adduced, after a post mortem examination by Dr.
Guelich, believe that the child was stillborn, and its mother or
parents are unknown to this jury. Signed Joseph Gottleib, Foreman.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 1, 1888
Mysterious and Terrible Crime
About 2 o’clock this afternoon, the dead body of a newborn infant
was found on the floor of the water closet at the ladies waiting
room at the Union Depot. The police were notified, and the remains
were taken to the police station to await the action of the coroner.
Undertaker Hoffman was notified, and placed the remains on ice,
decomposition having commenced. The body of the infant was wrapped
closely in a couple of undergarments, and finally enclosed in a
lady’s cape, the bundle being tightly stitched. The face of the
corpse was bloody, as though it had been the victim of foul play.
The body had lain where found at least since about six o’clock last
night, as the package was seen at that time, but was thought to be a
bundle of plumber’s tools. A woman was heard punishing a child in
the closet late last evening, but whether this had any connection
with the affair or not is unknown. The supposition is that the body
was left in the closet by someone who came in on one of the evening
trains, the package having been previously prepared for the purpose.
Marshal Kuhn went out in his buggy and brought in the coroner, who
held the inquest late this afternoon. As we go to press, the inquest
is in progress, and only two witnesses have been examined.
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1888
The jury in the case of the body of the unknown male infant, found
August 1 in the water closet connected with the ladies’ waiting room
of the Union Depot, rendered a verdict that deceased came to its
death from some cause unknown to the jury, and was deposited where
found by some person or persons unknown to the jury.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 23, 1892
Six-Month-Old Found Floating in River
This morning Albert Yenney, a glass blower from this city, who with
a number of others have been camping near the foot of Alton Slough
on the Missouri shore, found the body of a six-month-old male infant
floating down the river. The body when found was tied up in a bundle
of rags, and Mr. Yenney supposed it was someone’s coat which had
floated away. An investigation revealed the horrible truth. The
child had been murdered, as the skull was crushed in as if done by
some blunt instrument. The body was badly decomposed, but it is
thought it is that of a white child. Mr. Yenny put the remains on
the bank and notified the farmers, who will inform the Coroner.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1896
Found in Shoe Box
From Edwardsville – The body of an infant was found at the Poor Farm
pond by a party of boys, while engaged in fishing Saturday. The body
was encased in a shoe box. City Marshal Stubbs was notified, and
accompanied by County Physician Wharff, went to investigate. Who the
author of the offspring is, and how it got into the pond is a
mystery.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1903
Infant Found in Highland Park
The decomposed body of an infant was found this afternoon by boys
playing in Highland Park near the site of the old car barns. The
body was apparently that of a week old infant, and was put in a
starch box. The persons who put the body where it was found, under a
pile of locust brush in a hollow near Washington school, had not the
decency to throw some earth on it. The body was so badly decomposed
it was impossible to ascertain whether it was that of a white or
black child.
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1916
Infant Found in Ridge Street Dump
The body of an infant evidently a few days old was found yesterday
morning on the Ridge street dump by an amateur fisherman. The body
was turned over to Deputy Coroner John Berner.
UNKNOWN INFANT BOY/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 17, 1868
The body of a newborn infant was found yesterday in a ravine on
Cherry Street, near Third. A jury, summoned by Esquire Middleton to
hold an inquest over the body, returned the following verdict:
“We, the jury, summoned by Thomas Middleton, Justice of the Peace,
to hold an inquest over the body of a male infant found dead in a
water ravine near Third, on Cherry Street, in the city of Alton, do
find that, in our opinion, the said infant was born alive and thrown
into the ravine by some person unknown to the jury. Signed, P. F.
Regan, Foreman.
Circumstances pointed to Catharine Steve, a young girl about twenty
years of age, as the probable mother of the child, and she was
arrested last evening on suspicion of having committed the murder.
She was examined this morning before Justice Middleton, and
committed for trial at the next term of court. The accused in an
orphan girl, and was brought up in this city. Her step-father
committed suicide about four years ago by shooting himself.
UNKNOWN, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 28, 1883
Two strangers sought a lodging place under a freight train near the
Chicago & Alton roundhouse. About midnight, the train was moved,
when one of the men named Riley got out safely, but had his foot
crushed. The other unfortunate man was caught under the cars, and
had his head and shoulder so badly crushed, that he died instantly.
Nothing was found on the body by which the man could be identified,
but Riley said that he was a Dane named John -------. He was five
feet, eight inches high, light complexion, light side whiskers. The
remains were buried by undertaker Hoffman.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 3, 1841
Unknown Man Died Violently - Buried At the Foot of the Bluffs
An inquest was held on the 28th inst. by I. B. Randle, Esq., upon
the body of a white man found opposite Smeltzer's ferry in the
Mississippi River. The jury, upon an examination of the body,
returned a verdict that the deceased had come to his death by
violence. From his appearance, he must have been in the water a
great length of time. His ears, eyes and nose were entirely gone,
and the greater portion of his hair. His throat was cut on the left
side, the jugular vein being entirely severed, evidently by a sharp
knife or instrument of some kind, and his shirt collar was also cut,
apparently by the same instrument. There was nothing upon his person
by which his name could be ascertained. He had on blue homemade
jeans pantaloons, white cotton drawers and shirt, a frock coat of
blue summer cloth, and a long woolen comforter around his neck. He
was decently interred at the foot of the bluff near where he was
found.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 3, 1842
Unknown Man
Upper Alton, Aug. 31, 1842. George T. M. Davis Esq.:
Sir - Yesterday evening I was called upon to hold an inquest on the
body of a man, found dead by the side of the road leading from Alton
to Edwardsville, near the lake on the west side of the farm of the
late Chrisley Stout. His appearance would indicate a man of 35 or 40
years, about five feet nine inches in height, sandy complexion,
stout make, some distance between the two upper front teeth, dressed
in a mixed summer-cloth frock coat, nearly new, worsted vest
(figured), blue jeans pants, coarse cotton shirt, and red flannel
under shirt, white woolen socks, kip brogans, black fur hat (much
worn); in his pocket, a small leather wallet, and seven machines for
cutting screw taps, and three dies for cutting screws. He had stayed
at Milton the night previous, and appeared somewhat deranged; said
he had been on a spree at St. Louis, and that he was a blacksmith;
and that he lived, or had worked, near Salem on the Vandalia road.
No papers found by which his name could be ascertained. By inserting
the above in the Telegraph, you might confer a favor on the family
and friends of the deceased. Signed, George Smith, Justice of the
Peace.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17, 1842
Man Found in Cabin Near Buck Inn
On Monday evening last, the body of a man was found in a cabin near
the Buck Inn, about two miles from this city [Alton], on the
Carrolton road. Upon examination, it was discovered that his death
was caused by the cutting of the main arteries of both arms. He was
apparently a man about 40 years of age, well clad, and had a small
bundle containing a pair of broadcloth pantaloons, a ladies shawl,
and a bottle of whisky. The cabin has, for several weeks, been
untenanted. A person passing by observed that the window was
barricaded with rails, and the door closed; this led him to examine
into the cause of these precautions. From the frozen state of the
body, it had probably lain there several days. This undoubted act of
suicide appears to have been committed with much deliberation. From
the condition in which the body was found, he must have taken off
his coat, turned up the sleeves of his shirt, and cut the arteries;
then turned back his sleeves, put on his coat, buttoned it up, put
the razor in his bosom, and placed himself in the usual position for
the shroud. He was probably an Irishman, having several of
O'Connel's speeches in his pockets, and from some marks upon him, is
supposed to have been a sailor in the English Navy. His name was cut
from his linen in two places. The initials T. W. M. C. were pricked
upon his arm. A coroner's inquest has been held - verdict, suicide.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1844
Man Found on Sunflower Island
The body of an unknown man was discovered lodged at the head of the
island opposite this city, on Tuesday morning last. Nothing was
found on the person of the deceased by which his identity could be
ascertained, but from appearances he was supposed to be the engineer
of the steamer "Bee," who accidentally fell overboard about three
weeks since and was drowned.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 7, 1847
Man Found in Mississippi
On Monday morning last, an inquest was held by William G. Pinckard,
Esq., on the corpse of a man found lodged in some driftwood near the
middle of the Mississippi River, opposite the eastern boundary of
this city [Alton]. He appeared to have been three or four weeks in
the water, and was probably a steamboat hand, but his name or place
of residence could not be ascertained. A small sum of money was
found in his pockets. He had on a dark colored overcoat, checked
shirt, and coarse brogans, and supposed to be about thirty years
old.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 16, 1847
Man Found in Mississippi
A coroner's inquest was held in this city [Alton] on Tuesday morning
last, over the body of a man found in the river, a few feet from the
wharf; but nothing was discovered from which his name or place of
residence could be inferred. He was dressed in light summer
clothing, and supposed to have fallen overboard from the steamboat
Lehigh, on the preceding Saturday. His remains were decently
interred in the City Cemetery.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 24, 1847
Man Found Below Shields' Branch
An inquest was held on Friday last by Frederick Weed, Esq. Coroner
of this county, over the body of a man found about three quarters of
a mile below Shields' Branch, on the cut road leading from the
Edwardsville road to the river, but such was the condition of the
remains which had been nearly devoured by the swine, that it was
found impracticable to discover either the name of the individual,
the place of his residence, or how he had come by his death. All
that could be ascertained was that the deceased had red hair, and
from the size of the bones, was apparently a small man. Near the
body were found a fur cap with a black ribbon, a pair of domestic
pantaloons, and a shirt of the same material, a pair of coarse
homemade shoes, and a pair of socks. Subsequently to the inquest, a
snuff-colored coat with black silk buttons, having a small silk
handkerchief with white spots in one of the pockets, has been
discovered at a short distance from the body, but nothing by which
the person could be identified. It is supposed that the unfortunate
man must have been dead about two months.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 21, 1848
There was recently found one half mile north of the Piasa Creek, on
the Alton and Jerseyville Road, near the residence of Mr. Mundle,
the remains of a man, consisting of a skull bone, and other
principal bones of the body, together with numerous fragments of
clothing, shoes, etc. From appearance, the above bones have been
some three or four years on the spot where they were discovered. No
mark of violence was discovered on the skull, or any other part of
the remains, and as no resident of the neighborhood is known to have
disappeared, it is supposed that the deceased came to his end by the
sudden visitation of Providence, and was probably a stranger in the
country.
There was also found, three years since, near the same place, a
bundle of clothing, with some articles, bearing a close resemblance
to those lately found with the bones. Those who feel any interest in
the matter can obtain further information concerning the clothing
found by calling on Mr. Mundle. I should be pleased to have you give
this incident a place in your paper, for the benefit of whom it may
concern. Signed by E. Vanhorne, of Jerseyville.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1849
Murdered Near the Wood River
We learn that an inquest was held on Wednesday evening last, by
William Gill, Esq., coroner of this county, over the body of a
German, residing on the Wood River, who had died suddenly on the
preceding day, when it appeared in evidence that the deceased, whose
name we have been unable to ascertain, was, on Monday afternoon,
riding with another German named John Schwagler, in a wagon
belonging to the latter; that a dispute arose between them, that
Schwagler struck the deceased twice with a heavy stick, the second
blow knocking him entirely out of the wagon; …….. [unreadable]
…..home, and was conveyed the remainder of the distance by another
teamster; that he died the day following, and was buried on
Wednesday; and that public suspicion being excited, he was
disinterred in the afternoon, when his skull was found badly
fractured. In view of these facts, the jury returned for verdict
that the deceased had come to his death in consequence of one or
more blows received from John Schwagler. The latter was thereupon
arrested, and after the examination before I. B. Randle, Esq., was
yesterday morning committed to the county jail to await his trial
for the crime of murder. We are unable to state the age or
occupation of the deceased, but understand that he has left a wife
and two or more children to deplore his tragical end.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 25, 1849
An unknown German man, said to be of irregular habits, died after a
few hours’ illness from cholera.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 25, 1849
An inquest was held on Sunday evening last by S. W. Roberts, Esq.,
acting Coroner of Madison County, over the body of an unknown man,
found by some boys floating in the river, opposite Mr. Corey’s pork
house in Alton; when the jury returned for verdict, that he had come
to his death by drowning. He was a large man, about 80o years old;
had on blue pantaloons, red flannel shirt, and coarse boots; and
appeared to have been some days in the water. It is thought that he
was a steamboat hand, but nothing was found about his person to
indicate either his name, or his place of residence.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1849
An inmate of the Alton State Penitentiary died on Tuesday forenoon,
about six hours from the commencement of an attack of cholera.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 15, 1849
The cholera has carried off only one single victim in Alton since
our last publication. The deceased was a German, whose name we are
unacquainted with, and who had been in ill health days before the
disease set in.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1849
A stranger, who died on Monday morning after a short attack of
cholera.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1849
Death occurred of a stranger, just arrived from St. Louis, who was
attacked by cholera on Thursday evening, and died on Friday morning.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6, 1849
An inquest was held on the 3d inst., by S. W. Robbins, Esq., Acting
Coroner, on the body of a man found in the woods near the sawmill of
Mr. L. P. Wells on the Wood River, and the jury found “that the
deceased came to his death by hanging himself by the neck to a tree,
with his suspenders; and believe that in this way he committed
suicide.” There was found on the body of the deceased $13 in money,
and a note, made payable to Cap. W. Thompson, for $47.00, and signed
by H. M. Gourman.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1850
German Found in Mississippi
An inquest was held by Major William Gill, Coroner of Madison
County, on Saturday last, upon the body of a German, found in the
Mississippi River, a short distance above the town of Clifton. The
verdict of the jury was that the man came to his death by drowning,
and that he had been in the water about five days. He was supposed
to have been a boatman. Had on blue cloth pants, red flannel shirt,
and light-colored roundabout. There was found about his person, two
dollars and forty cents in silver, a snuff box, a razor, and a pair
of scissors.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1850
Man Found in the Wood River Near Milton Bridge
Another inquest was also held on the body of a man found in the Wood
River, a short distance below Milton bridge, about two o’clock on
Sunday evening last. The jury found that this man came to his death
by the voluntary discharge of the contents of a double-barreled
pistol into his head, which passed in at the right side just above
the ear. The deceased had a bundle of papers written in the German
tongue, among which was one stating that God had given him his life,
and had also made known to him that he should commit suicide. The
other papers appear to be principally transcripts from the Bible.
The deceased had on a black worsted frock coat – in one of his
pockets was found a pint flash containing liquor – pantaloons of
grey casinet, a white shirt, and heavy brogan shoes. He was about
five feet, seven inches high, fair complexion, sandy beard, auburn
hair, broad full face. He was supposed to be thirty-five years of
age. A double-barreled pistol was found near him, with a broken cap
on each tube, and both barrels empty. A bundle of clothes was also
found on a log near the deceased. It was supposed he had been dead
about thirty-six hours.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1851
S. W. Robbins, Esq., coroner, held an inquest on the body of a man
found in the water in Hunter’s Addition on Wednesday last. The
deceased had on a brown frock coat, white cotton and check shirts,
mixed cottonade pants, white socks, and kip shoes, supposed to be
about 40 years of age, and to have come to his death by accidental
drowning. The jury rendered their verdict in accordance with the
above. There was no means of ascertaining his identity.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 24, 1851
An inquest was held yesterday morning by S. W. Robbins, Esq.,
Coroner, upon the body of an unknown man who was found near a pile
of brick on the corner of Second [Broadway] and Piasa Streets, about
one o’clock on Tuesday evening. Deceased was an Englishman, about
fifty years of age, and was dressed in a blue blanket coast, black
vest, striped cotton pants, white shirt, palm leaf hat, and shoes.
No marks of violence were found. He is supposed to have been working
on a farm near this city. The jury reported these facts, and that he
came to his death from some cause unknown to them.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1851
An old man, aged about fifty years, name unknown, met his death very
suddenly in Alton yesterday. He has been seen about here for some
weeks, apparently in ill health, and while sitting on a goods box
near the corner of Second [Broadway] and State Streets yesterday
afternoon, suddenly fell forward head first upon the pavement. Upon
being taken up, it was discovered that life was extinct. It is said
that intemperance was the cause.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 16, 1852
An inquest was held by Coroner Robbins on Saturday upon the body of
a man found dead in the engine house, but no means of ascertaining
his identify were discovered. He was dressed in a blue cloth
overcoat, light felt hat, gray pants, and coarse shoes, and supposed
to be about 25 years of age.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 27, 1852
A German, name not ascertained, a deck passenger on the Lucy
Bertram, while sitting upon the guards conversing with his brother,
accidentally lost his balance, fell into the river and was drowned
last night, notwithstanding the boat was lying at the levee, and the
poor fellow was within thirty feet of the shore! Had proper efforts
been made, he could, in our opinion, have been saved, and the
officers of the boat are deserving of the severest censure for their
inhumanity.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 4, 1853
An inquest was held yesterday morning by S. W. Robbins, Esq.,
Coroner of Madison County, upon the body of an unknown man, found in
the river near Captain Godfrey’s sawmill, a short distance above
Alton, when the jury, after examination, returned a verdict of
“death by accidental drowning.” The deceased, whose name could not
be ascertained, is supposed to be about thirty years of age. He had
on a pair of dark cassinette pantaloons, a line check shirt, a blue
flannel or knit jacket, a brass pinchback watch, and seventy-five
cents in cash. His remains were decently interred.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 10, 1852
Coroner Robbins was yesterday called upon to hold an inquest on the
body of an unknown man, found two miles above Alton near Hop Hollow.
Nothing but bones remained, the corpse having evidently lain in the
spot where found for some time. A cap and cotton pants were found,
but no shoes, stockings, or other apparel. No clue to name or
circumstances of death were ascertained.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, October 21, 1858
(Died possibly during the Lincoln-Douglas debates)
Esq. Middleton yesterday afternoon held an inquest upon the body of
a man found floating in the river. He was about five and a half feet
high, twenty-five years old, and was dressed in a blue shirt and
overalls. Nothing was found to identify him. He had the appearance
of a steamboat hand. The jury rendered a verdict of accidental
drowning.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 21, 1861
Man Found in Mississippi at Clifton
Dr. G. T. Allen, Coroner for Madison County, held an inquest over
the body of a man found drowned in the Mississippi River, on the
18th instant, at Clifton, about four miles above Alton – name
unknown. The jury elicited the following facts: Height about five
feet and ten inches; weight about 100 pounds; hair black, no
whiskers; dark complexion; had on blue drilling shirt; dark Kentucky
Jonas pants; kip brogan shoes; and cotton socks.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1862
Soldier Drowns in Mississippi
Justice Middleton was called upon yesterday to hold an inquest for a
body found in the river below Alton. The jury decided that the
deceased came to his death by drowning in the Mississippi. There was
found on the body a military overcoat, blue pants and undercoat.
There was found on his person a small silver watch and four dollars
and fourteen cents in money; also a note of hand drawn to favor of
A. M. Beese, but the name of the _____ had been torn off. His
haversack was marked Company I, Michigan Regiment. It will be
remembered that some two weeks since, we noticed the fact that one
of the soldiers of the 14th Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, when
they were just on the point of leaving this port, onboard the
steamer David Tatum, one of the men fell overboard and was drowned.
The individual upon whom the inquest was held yesterday is evidently
the one who was drowned at that time.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 1, 1862
Body Found at Clifton
William G. Pinckard, Esq., acting Coroner, held an inquest upon the
body of an unknown man at Clifton, four or five miles above Alton,
on July 25. The corpse was very much decayed, and the only facts
elicited in the case was that he probably came to his death by
drowning, as there were no marks of violence on his person. He was
of ordinary size, dressed in linen pants, coarse cotton shirt and
heavy boots. Supposed to have been a hand on some steamboat. No
papers were found or anything to indicate his name.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 4, 1863
William G. Pinckard, Esq., acting coroner of Madison County, held an
inquest on the 25th of November at Hop Hollow, a few miles above
Alton, upon the body of a small man, name unknown. The corpse was
very much decayed. He was clothed in a fine black satinet pair of
pants, check shirt, with a white undershirt, coarse shoes, and yarn
socks. He had in his pocket $14.25 in United States bills.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6, 1864
A laborer in the quarry near the roundhouse on the Chicago railroad
was killed yesterday by the derrick falling upon him. We did not
learn his name.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 24, 1865
A stranger stopped at the Piasa House last night, and took lodgings.
Sometime after he retired, the inmates of the house were aroused by
his groaning, and soon afterwards he breathed his last. An inquest
was held upon the body, but without any explanation of the manner or
cause of his death, more than it was supposed that he died from some
disease. Sometime after the inquest was held and adjourned, a bottle
of poison was found under the bed where he died, and it is now
supposed that he committed suicide by poison. He was buried by the
Coroner.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 18, 1866
Jonathan Quorton, Esq., acting coroner of Madison County, held an
inquest on the 10th instant, on the body of a man found lodged on
the island just above the city. He had evidently been in the water
some ten days or two weeks, and decomposition had made much
progress. The jury was unable to make any decision as to how he came
to his death, further than that he was supposed to have been
drowned. He had on a stripped flannel shirt, two pair of common blue
pants, and a soldier’s blouse with a coarse pair of brogans. There
were no papers or any other clue discovered which would furnish the
slightest evidence as to his name or place of residence.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 28, 1866
We understand that a man was killed last evening by a railroad train
near Venice. He was brought to Alton this morning, but we have been
unable to learn his name or any other particulars connected with the
sad affair.
P. S. Since the above was written, we have learned that the deceased
was a section boss on the Terre Haute & Alton Railroad, and it is
supposed he was intoxicated, from the fact that he was lying across
the road. A bottle was also found in his pocket.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1867
A German employed on a farm at Monticello [Godfrey] was killed
yesterday by having his leg crushed in a threshing machine. He
lingered for some time after receiving the injury. Dr. Haskell of
Alton was summoned to dress his wounds, but he died before the
doctor’s arrival. We could not ascertain his name.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1868
A sad accident occurred at Moro, two or three days since, by which
an Irishman lost his life. It seems that he was engaged in removing
his family and household goods into a new house, and while riding on
top of a wagon load of furniture, a sudden holt caused him to lose
his balance, and he fell to the ground – both wheels of the wagon
passing over his head, killing him instantly. Our informant was
unable to give us the name of the deceased.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 11, 1868
We mentioned Thursday that a man had been found dead near Salem
Church, but gave no particulars. The following facts were developed
at the Coroner’s inquest: The body was found on a private roadway on
the farm of S. P. Gillham, three quarters of a mile from Salem
Church. The man was found lying on his face. He had sandy hair,
beard, and mustache, and was five feet eight inches high. He had the
scar of a gunshot wound on his right leg, two inches above the
ankle. The position of the body seemed to indicate that death was
caused by the man’s falling upon his face from exhaustion, and then
dying from suffocation. A carpet sack was lying near him. The
following effects were found on his person – a letter from Jackson,
Michigan addressed to “Elbridge Atwood, Springfield, Illinois,”
apparently written by a sister of the person to whom it was
addressed; a pocket Bible; the photograph of a lady; an envelope;
and a card to “Chester Atwood, Randolph County, Missouri.” Also, a
soldier’s discharge paper, with the name of John G. Franklin. The
description on the discharge paper corresponded with that of the
corpse.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1871
Justice Quarton held an inquest on Tuesday, on the remains of an
unknown man found floating in the river, opposite the city, in an
eddy near the sandbar. The body was found by some boys who towed it
over to this side of the river, near the foot of Henry Street. The
body was in a terrible state of decay, so that any identification
was utterly impossible. It must have been in the water two or three
months, at least. The deceased was dressed in a suit of dark grey
satinet, pants and coat alike, and blue overalls. He had on two
woolen shirts, as if prepared for cold weather. Nothing was found in
his pockets but a fine comb. The body was in such a terrible state
of corruption, that it was found impossible to remove it, and it was
accordingly buried on the sandbar and the spot marked by a
headstone.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1872
A dead man, we learn, was found in the field of Doctor Irish near
Nameoki, one day last week. He appeared to have been killed by a
gunshot wound in his forehead. He was a young man, well dressed, and
unknown. The only things found on his person except his clothing
being a few shot and some gun wads in his pocket.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 3, 1873
Drowns in Mississippi
Friday morning some men living over the river, while crossing over
in a skiff to this shore, nearly opposite Clifton, found the body of
a man floating in the water. They secured it, brought it to shore,
and then came down here to notify the Coroner. The body was that of
a man about thirty years old; had dark hair and whiskers, and a
German cast of countenance. He was well dressed. The body had
evidently been in the water only a few hours. The same men who found
the body also state that last evening, when the steamer Davenport
went up the river, she suddenly stopped a short distance above where
the body was found, lowered a skiff, which was rowed some distance
in the wake of the boat. After making a short search, the skiff
returned and the steamer proceeded. The men also state that they
distinctly heard the cry, “man overboard.” It is supposed that the
body of the man found this morning is that of a passenger on the
Davenport, who fell from the boat at the place indicated.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 28, 1875
From Collinsville – On last Friday evening, while the conductor of a
freight train was making a “running switch” just above the depot, at
this place, he missed his footing and falling under the train was
instantly killed.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1875
Killed by Train in Godfrey
A fatal accident occurred on yesterday morning at a private crossing
of the Rockford, rock Island, and St. Louis Railroad, on the farm of
Mr. John Kinkaid. A young man, apparently about 19 years of age, was
discovered lying upon the crossing by the employees of a
construction train, which was moving southward at the rate of about
twelve miles an hour, and though every effort was made to rouse him
from his position, and also to stop the train, all was unavailing,
and he was crushed beneath the ponderous train, and instantly
expired. There was nothing about his person to indicate his name. He
was about five feet, eight inches high, light complexion, brown,
curly hair, dressed in blue woolen pants and coat, two woolen
undershirts, with a strap buckled around him, coarse brugans, and
low crowned, black felt hat. An inquest was held by J. B. Turner,
Justice of the Peace of Godfrey, and a verdict was rendered by the
jury exonerating the employees of the railroad from all blame in the
matter. The body was placed in a coffin, furnished by the railroad
company, by Mr. Joseph Howell of Brighton, and taken to that place
for interment.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18, 1875
From Upper Alton – About ten o’clock this morning, Mr. James M.
Kendle, a farmer living near the mouth of the Wood River, called
upon Amos E. Benbow, Justice of the Peace, at his schoolhouse about
a mile above his house, desiring his services to hold an inquest
upon the body of a man found on the bank of the Mississippi, just
above the mouth of the creek. Esquire Benbow immediately dismissed
his school, and hastened to the spot where a jury, of which Mr. J.
G. Adams was foreman, was sworn, and the following facts were
elicited from the evidence.
Early this morning a party of flatboat men landed on the point at
the mouth of the Wood River, and looking around for driftwood, found
this body, which had doubtless been lying on the bank for several
days, and called Mr. Kendle, but finding there would be no profit to
themselves in the matter, they cast off and pulled away down the
river.
The body is that of a man, apparently about 45 years of age and 160
pounds. He seemed to have had dark hair and beard, but the hair is
now loose from the skin. In his pockets were found $2.95 in
currency, two small keys, two checks of the Northern Line Packet
Company, numbers 2,768 and 2,617, and a memorandum book, the entries
in which are illegible. He was well dressed and appears to have been
a man of intelligence and refinement. The body was buried near the
point, and awaits identification, which seems certain through the
medium of the baggage checks.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
A body was found yesterday afternoon, near the ice house below
Alton, by Peter Percival. The body had been in the water several
days. The remains were tolerably well-dressed, and appeared to be
those of a man of middle age. City Marshal Volbracht went down with
a skiff this morning, brought the body to our levee, and telegraphed
for the Coroner. Dr. Youree, the Coroner, arrived in the city, and
after impaneling a jury, held an inquest. An empty purse was found
on the person of the deceased, but nothing by which he could be
identified. A verdict of accidental drowning was returned, as no
wounds or bruises of a serious nature could be discovered.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 19, 1878
A fisherman named John Applegate found the body of a man floating in
the river early yesterday morning, about a mile and a half above the
landing. Coroner Youree was notified, and arrived in Alton last
night on the 9 o’clock train. A jury was impaneled, with Deputy
Sheriff Bannon as foreman, and after proceeding to the place where
the body was found, an inquest was held. The remains appeared to be
those of a man about 35 years old. He was clothed, with the
exception of a coat, and his hat was found lying on the bank nearby.
Nothing was found by which he could be identified. A verdict of
accidental drowning was returned. The Coroner and jury returned to
Alton at 1 o’clock this morning. The remains were taken in charge,
after the inquest, by William Bruden, undertaker.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1880
William Smith, Sunday, found the body of an unknown man in the river
near the ice house below Alton, the remains having apparently been
in the water several days. Coroner Youree was notified, and after
impaneling a jury with Mr. John Mather as foreman, proceeded to
Hull’s farm in Wood River Township, near where the body was found,
and proceeded to hold an inquest. The only witness examined was Mr.
Smith, who discovered the remains, and nothing was elicited as to
the identity of the man or the circumstances under which he came to
his death. He appeared to be about 45 years old, and had a sandy
mustache, with dark hair, but partially bald, about 5 feet 8 inches
high, of heavy build, with the first and second fingers of the left
hand missing. He was dressed in a dark cassinet coast and grey jeans
pants. A verdict of death from drowning was rendered.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1880
Coroner Youree held an inquest Saturday on an unknown floater, found
in the river below Alton, opposite Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford
area]. The subject of the inquest was a man about five feet in
height, with a smooth face, except red mustache. He was well
dressed, wearing a nice breast pin, and did not appear like a
laboring man.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 20, 1880
From Troy – A passenger on the Vandalia Express from St. Louis was
killed last Sunday night at Troy, by walking deliberately off the
platform while the train was in motion. It is thought that he either
intended to commit suicide, or was walking in his sleep.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1880
Killed by Freight Train
Coroner Youree arrived on the train Tuesday morning, and proceeded
to impanel a jury for the purpose of holding an inquest over the
remains of the unknown man who died at the Sisters Hospital from
injuries received on the Chicago & Alton Railroad near Venice
yesterday. P. H. Downey, the engineer of the freight train,
testified that when two miles north of Venice yesterday morning, he
saw a man a quarter of a mile ahead, walking near the track. In a
few minutes, the fireman, J. H. Kelly, gave him the alarm seeing the
man on the track 30 feet ahead, when he applied the air brake and
opened the throttle, but could not stop in time. When the train was
stopped, the man was found on the pilot, unconscious, with his skull
fractured. He was brought to the hospital where he died soon
afterwards. He was apparently about 50 years old, with prominent
features and an intelligent cast of countenance; was dressed in
ordinary apparel. The jury found a verdict in accordance with the
above statement, and exonerated the engineer and fireman from all
blame. The remain were enclosed in a neat coffin, and take charge of
by Bauer & Hoffman, undertakers, and buried in the Catholic Cemetery
on State Street.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4, 1881
A man whose name we have not learned, a carpenter at Boals & Co.’s
Tile Factory, was killed a few hundred yards below Alton Junction
[East Alton] by the Lightning Express from St. Louis, at 11 o’clock
Saturday night. Deceased attempted to cross the track a short
distance ahead of the train, and was struck by the cow catcher,
carried some distance, and then thrown off the track. His head was
badly cut and bruised, a shoulder, arm, and leg broken, a number of
terrible wounds being inflicted. Coroner Youree came up on a morning
train yesterday, held an inquest, and a verdict was returned in
accordance with the facts above stated.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1881
Gruesome Find – Headless Corpse
August 11, at 6:45, the engineer on the Accommodation Train, when 1
¼ miles this side of the Springfield Junction, saw the headless body
of a man lying on the side of the track. The train was stopped, and
the man was found to be dead, killed by some passing train. His
clothes were all torn off, one foot cut off, and his head was found
some 100 feet from his body. A handkerchief with three lemons and a
bottle of whiskey were in close proximity to the head. Conductor
Shaver had the body laid out on one side of the track, left a man to
guard it, and notified the proper authorities.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1883
Murdered Near Mitchell
The body of an unknown man was found Saturday on the Wabash track at
Mitchell. He had evidently been murdered. The head had been cut off,
and a dirk was found sticking in the body. The case is a mysterious
one, and causes much excitement in the vicinity.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 11, 1886
Found near Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford area]
Sunday morning a party of St. Louis hunters found the dead body of a
man sitting under a tree in the woods on the Gillham place, near
Edwardsville Crossing. The remains were those of a man, about 40
years of age, quite well dressed. On the body was found a small sum
of money, a silver watch, gold chain, and some jewelry. The face had
been recently partly shaven, leaving a mustache and chin whiskers.
The features were discolored, and the supposition was that the
remains had lain where found for two or three days. There was
nothing to indicate foul play. Coroner Melling was notified, held an
inquest, and returned a verdict in accordance with the above
account.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 19, 1887
From Mitchell, IL, July 16 – The body of an unknown man, about 35
years of age, was found lying beside the Chicago and Alton railroad
track, two and one-quarter mile north of Mitchell, this afternoon.
It is supposed he fell between the cars of a freight train on that
road, while stealing a ride. He was about 5 feet 10 inches in
height, had a heavy dark mustache, wore a large white hat, white
shirt, jeans pants, and new shoes. The body was badly mutilated, and
no means of identification were found.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 6, 1887
From Mitchell, August 5 – About a mile north of Mitchell, the
Chicago & Alton passenger train struck and killed an unknown man, a
tramp, this morning. The engineer claims that the man deliberately
stepped in front of the engine as though intending suicide. There
were but 2 cents in his pockets. This makes the fourth inquest held
here in less than three weeks. The trains killed two, one was
drowned, and one shot.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 2, 1888
Last evening a young man, nephew of Mr. Frank Teufel, C. B. & Q. Car
Inspector, was hunting near Wann [East Alton]. While standing on a
railway bridge arranging the ramrod of his gun, the weapon slipped
between the timbers of the bridge, and by the force of the shock was
exploded. The charge passed through the unfortunate young man’s
hand, and then penetrated his eye, inflicting a wound from which the
brain oozed. The victim of the accident was alive late last night,
but no hopes were entertained of his recovery.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1889
Found Near Wann [East Alton]
The dead body of a man, supposed to be a tramp, was found Sunday at
the Chicago & Alton Railroad cutoff track near Wann [East Alton]. A
deep cut on the forehead of the dead man indicated that he had been
murdered, but there is no clue to the person who inflicted the
injury. The deceased and a companion had been doing some work for a
farmer in that vicinity Saturday morning, and when paid off, one
received 30, the other 35 cents. They then left, and the body of one
of them was found as stated, but the other had disappeared.
The body was found in the Wood River near the bridge, and was
supposed to be that of a man 40 years old. He was of light
complexion. His hat and coat were missing. It appeared as though a
party had camped near where the body was found, and there were signs
of a struggle at the place. The only articles found in the pockets
of the deceased were a cob pipe, a fresh plug of tobacco, and a few
tacks wrapped in paper. Life was undoubtedly extinct before the body
was thrown into the water. The bones of the face were fractured, and
there were other injuries about the head, some of a superficial
character. Coroner Bonner held in inquest Sunday afternoon, Chris
Ulrich foreman of the jury, and a verdict was returned that deceased
came to his death through injuries inflicted with a blunt instrument
by some person or persons unknown to the jury.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 19, 1890
Ghastly Corpse Found at Venice
From Venice, June 16 – While at work on the second track of the
Chicago and Alton Railroad, Mr. Jay Allen ran his plow against a
box, eighteen inches under the surface. On attempting to lift it the
cover came off, disclosing the body of a man. The corpse was found
to be that of a man, dressed in good clothes, snuff colored, silk
lined overcoat, and fine, box-toed shoes. The overcoat was partly
wrapped around the skull. A large metal crucifix, supposed to be
gold, was suspended from the neck. The clothing was mildewed, and
most of the flesh decayed, the bones of the face bearing marks of
violence. The teeth were fine and intact.
The box containing the corpse was a common shipping box, such as is
used for boots and shoes. The neck was bent and the feet cramped
from strong pressure, as the box was not long enough to contain the
body at full length. Coroner Bonner was summoned to hold an inquest.
The place where the box was found is secluded, and willows droop
over the spot. The land was formerly owned by the heirs of John
Beal, and is near the home of the late William Cool. From the
position of the box, and the place where it is buried, it is
believed that the man was murdered.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 3, 1890
Succumbed to the Heat
Saturday evening an unknown man was overcome by heat while walking
in the outskirts of North Alton. He sank to the ground where he laid
until morning, being attended by several kind-hearted persons during
the night. About three o’clock Sunday morning he died, and an
inquest was held by Coroner Bonner, the verdict of the jury being
death from sunstroke.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 24, 1890
The watchman on the Louis Houck, which is tied up at the island just
opposite Alton, informs us that one Monday evening, a man employed
as a roustabout on the boat fell into the river and was drowned. He
seems to have deliberately walked off the barge into the river, as
he alked to the edge of the barge, stooped over, and fell into the
river. His name was unknown, but from what could be learned of him,
it is supposed that his home was some place in Mississippi. He had
gotten as far north as St. Louis, when he shipped as a roustabout.
Up to this time, the body has not been recovered.
UNKNOWN MAN
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 29, 1891
Early Sunday morning, an aged tramp was seen wending his weary way
along the highway about two miles and a half below Alton Junction
[East Alton]. Becoming tired, he climbed onto a pile of wood to
rest, and while sitting there, death came to him more quickly and
unexpectedly than it does to most men. A person who was watching him
from a distance saw the tramp tumble over suddenly, and on running
to the place where he lay, found him dead. He was about fifty-five
years old, and apparently an Irishman. Marshal Kuhn identified him
as the same person who was here about a week ago, and found lodging
in the jail. Further than that, nothing is known of him. Coroner
Bonner was notified, and held an inquest yesterday, the verdict
being that death was due to natural causes, resulting from the
exposure, etc., incident to the manner of life. Undertaker Streeper
of Upper Alton interred the remains.
UNKNOWN MAN AND BOY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1891
Killed by Train Near Venice
As the Big Four Flyer on Monday was running near Venice at a pretty
rapid rate, Engineer Hamilton discovered a man and a boy walking
ahead on the track, and seeing no indications that they were going
to step off the track, he sounded the whistle, but the boy, whose
attention seemed to be drawn to something in the distance, paid no
attention. By this time the engine was so close upon them, that the
efforts of Mr. Hamilton to check his train were of no avail, and the
man in his efforts to save the boy was caught and both were killed
outright.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 24, 1891
Old Man Hangs Himself
As Mrs. Margaret Regan, of 21 East Second Street, was passing
through a hall in the third story of her boarding house last
Wednesday afternoon, passing the door of a room occupied by an old
man who had been at her house since Monday, she was horrified to
discover through the door, which stood ajar, the apparently lifeless
body of a man hanging by the wall. Mrs. Anna R. Mills, who was with
Mrs. Regan at the time, as quickly as possible cut the body down and
made an examination for signs of life, while Mrs. Regan dispatched a
messenger for Dr. Schussler. The man had evidently been dead for
some time.
The deceased had made a rope to answer his purpose by tying two
towels together. These he had apparently tied about his neck, then
tied the ends together, and hung the loop over a clothes hook on the
wall, no higher than his head. From this hook to the loop about his
neck was a distance of more than a foot, so that as he hung his
head, was little more than four feet from the floor. In order to
have the benefit of his expedient, it was necessary for him to bend
his knees and let himself down. This he did, and his knees almost
touched the floor as he hung.
A jury was impaneled by Squire Quarton, who was deputed for this
case by the coroner, and an inquest held. After viewing the body, it
was turned over to Undertaker Hoffman for preservation. On the body
were found letters signed Katie Bridges and Fanny Hamilton, from
Crawsfordsville, Indiana, and one from Effie Carter from Brown’s
Valley, Indiana, all apparently married daughters, and all couched
in affectionate terms. The latest of these letters was dated July
15. There was also a letter from a son and a number of letters in
reference to employment for which he had applied, and letters of
recommendation. The letter from his son requested him not to worry
about the folks at home, as they would get along, etc. The addresses
were to various towns in Indiana and Illinois, showing that he had
been traveling about considerably. In his pocket book was found
$11.89 in money, a package of red precipitate, and some other
medicines, the card of a St. Louis physician and druggist’s envelope
containing a paper in which had been wrapped a powder, but which was
empty. His baggage consists of three grips.
After viewing the body and examining the papers, the jury examined
Mrs. Regan and Mrs. Mills, whose testimony was substantially as
stated above, and the verdict that he caused his death by hanging
himself by the neck with two towels, in his room at the house No. 21
East Second Street, in Alton, on September 16, 1891. The jury men
were Jacob Kuhn, foreman, E. C. Taylor, Robert Cousley, Henry
Sworts, Daniel Hale, and George Brenner. A dispatch was sent to Mrs.
Fanny Hamilton or Mrs. Kate Bridges at Crawfordsville, requesting
instructions as to the disposition of the body. The body was buried
Thursday afternoon in the Alton City Cemetery.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 27, 1892
The body of the man who was found dead in the skiff near Maple
Island has not yet been buried, and is tied to a point of willows
near the old mouth of the Missouri River. Mr. Jerry Springer, while
hunting there yesterday, viewed the body. He states that a large
flock of crows hovering over the remains drew his attention that
way, when he discovered the body. The authorities on the Point
should see that the body is buried.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 20, 1892
An unknown man was found floating in the river. The inquest showed
the body to be that of a man about 25 years of age, weighing 150
pounds, dark, closely clipped hair, light mustache. He was dressed
as a laborer, jeans pants, blue shirt with white stripes, and coarse
buckle shoes. There was nothing whatever of value on his person, and
no papers that might lead to his identification. The body appeared
to have been in the water ten days.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 03, 1892
Suicide by Train
An unknown man was killed at Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford area]
Saturday afternoon, by a fast train on the Big Four Railroad. A
number of eyewitnesses say it was a case of deliberate suicide. That
he stood on the track facing the fast-approaching train, paid no
attention to signals, and deliberately jumped at the engine. He was
cut to pieces, and Coroner Bonner, who held an inquest over the
remains last night, brought in a verdict to that effect. He was a
large man with sandy hair and beard, and is unknown to the people of
that vicinity.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 8, 1892
A stranger was instantly killed at Cool’s Crossing near Venice, half
a mile above Newport, last evening by a train on the Big Four
Railroad. The engineer of the train, who was the only witness of the
accident, testified that he first saw the deceased a few yards in
front of his engine, gazing at a train on the Chicago & Alton track,
which runs parallel with the Big Four at that point. He reversed his
engine, but too late to save the man. Deceased was about 45 years of
age, and well dressed, but had nothing in his possession by which he
could be identified. The verdict of the coroner’s jury was
accidental death.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 6, 1892
An unknown man was killed at Nameoki by a C. B. & Q. fast freight
yesterday morning. The remains were taken to Edwardsville, where a
Coroner’s inquest was held in the afternoon.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 16, 1893
The stranger who received such severe injuries from the Big Four
Flyer (train) at the foot of Henry Street Sunday night, expired at
an early hour this morning. His skull was crushed by the step of the
coach, and he remained unconscious up to the time of his death.
Also, one of his arms was cut off. Several companions with him were
unable to throw light upon his identity, which remains a mystery.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1893
The body found on the farm of Thomas Root on March 31 was buried
Sunday in the Ingersoll School burying ground. An inquest was held
over the remains Saturday afternoon by Mr. John Ost, Justice of the
Peace and acting coroner, when the following facts were brought out:
James Root was plowing in his father’s field when he went to a
branch to get a drink of water, where he found the body of the dead
man. He then told his neighbor, Sug. Stark, and they went back and
examined it and then notified Justice John Ost. The body was in a
bad state of decomposition, and had probably been there five or six
weeks. He was about fifty years of age, dark hair and grey beard,
and about five feet four inches in height. He wore a dark sack coat,
small plaid vest of dark cloth, and navy blue pants and a shirt of
coarse material. The jury returned the following verdict: That the
body was found on the farm of Thomas Root, and they find that he
came to his death from cause unknown. Nothing was found on his
person but a clay pipe.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1893
From Edwardsville – A colored teamster died the other day. At ten
o’clock he was well, and at twelve o’clock he was dead.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 4, 1893
Killed at Wolf’s Mine
From Edwardsville – A man was killed at the coal mine known as
Wolf’s Mine yesterday.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 01, 1893
Killed by Train
Coroner Kinder came over Tuesday afternoon and held an inquest upon
the remains of the man killed by the Big Four local freight engine
near Wann [East Alton], Tuesday morning. The evidence all tended to
show that the death was accidental. There was nothing on the man’s
person by which he could be identified, and the jury held the
train’s crew blameless for his death. The remains were interred in
Milton Cemetery. The following acted as jurors: John Teipel, Si
Cooper, Oscar Emery, Thomas Robinson, John Wentzel, and Isaac
Street.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1893
A male floater was found in the river near Venice yesterday, and
from descriptions it is thought to be the body of young Schwab, who
fell off a Big Four train at Wood River one day last week.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1893
Information was received at police headquarters that the body of a
man was found on Maple Island last evening by some fishermen. The
body is so badly decomposed, that it cannot be moved, and nothing
has been done towards burying it. The man cannot be identified, and
as the question of jurisdiction has arisen, nothing further will be
learned until the coroner of St. Charles County, Missouri, arrives.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1893
Found in the Wood River
Early Friday morning, two little boys fishing in the Wood River
discovered the body of a man lying face downward in the water. They
immediately made known their find, and a party of men in the
vicinity pulled the body to shore and notified Coroner Kinder, who
arrived late yesterday afternoon. The body was badly decomposed,
showing that it had lain there for some time. The dead man was about
40 years of age. He had dark brown hair, and was clothed in a
striped shirt and black pants. A pair of shoes, a vest, and a white
felt hat were found in the weeds nearby. There were no marks of
violence on the body, and the evidence points to suicide. A jury
summoned by Coroner Kinder, with Mr. William Henry as foreman,
brought in a verdict that an unknown man came to his death by
drowning. The remains were interred nearby. Last night a field hand,
who has been cutting corn in the Bottom, passed through East Alton,
and upon being told of the affair stated the description answered
that of a man who has been working with him during the summer as a
bandcutter on a threshing machine. An effort will be made by Mr.
Henry to find the field hand and ascertain, if possible, the name of
the deceased.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 23, 1893
Found on Maple Island
Coroner Kinder received word Monday morning that the body of a man
was found on Maple Island, and came immediately to Alton to hold an
inquest. The remains were brought to Alton last night, and the
inquest held. Nothing concerning his identity or the cause of his
death could be found, and the jury’s verdict was very brief. The
body was found about 200 yards from the island, and were badly
decomposed. The man was evidently a laborer. He wore a heavy navy
blue coat, dark woolen shirt, brown trousers, and heavy shoes. The
cause of his death will remain a mystery. Whether a murder was
committed or whether the unfortunate man committed suicide will
probably never be known. The remains were interred in the City
Cemetery this morning.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1895
From East Alton - The Knickerbocker struck and killed an unknown man
here Friday. He was a very old man, aged about 65 years. The Coroner
could learn nothing as to who he was or where he came from.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1895
Found Floating in River
Mr. John England reported to the police yesterday that he had caught
the body of a man floating in the river near the glass works. Mr.
England lives in a houseboat on the bar, and so tied up the body to
the shore and went to police headquarters to inform the authorities
of the fact. Coroner Kinder was telephoned for, and he, with a jury
consisting of J. Kuhn, J. Tonsor, J. Springer, J. Bellenger, G.
Kolb, and J. Bradley, went down to the bar to view the body. The
corpse was attired in jeans pants and vest, blue shirt and gaiter
shoes. In his pockets were two small tones, a bunch of keys, a
knife, a prayer book, and five cents in cash. Nothing else was
found, and there is absolutely nothing with which to identify him.
The dead man was badly bloated, and had evidently been lying in the
water for some time. A suspicion of foul play attaches itself to
this corpse from the two stones found in his pocket. It is supposed
that he carried them to protect himself from someone, and that he
was unexpectedly killed. The verdict of the coroner’s jury was
accidental drowning. After the inquest the body was interred in the
Alton City Cemetery.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1896
The dead body of an unknown man was discovered Thursday night on the
Chicago & Alton cut-off, east of Burton’s Addition in Upper Alton.
The body was so badly decomposed that it was at first unable to
decide whether it was a white or colored man. Coroner Kinder was
summoned, and this morning impaneled a jury and held an inquest. The
body was found to be that of a white man, dressed in laborer’s
clothes, and had evidently been dead for at least ten days. The
pockets had been gone through, and about the only thing found on the
person was an empty pocketbook and a bunch of keys. The man may have
been murdered, but the remains were in such a condition as to render
it impossible to detect any marks of violence. There was nothing
found on the person to identify it, and the jury returned a verdict
of death from unknown causes.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10, 1896
The “Flyer” struck and instantly killed a tramp who was walking on
the track at Michell Monday. The accident happened at about 7:35.
This is the second man killed by the “Flyer” at Mitchell within a
few days. The accident happened on the curve just before reaching
Mitchell, and the engineer did not see him in time to stop the
train.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1897
Man Found Near Edwardsville Crossing
Coroner Bailey held an inquest yesterday on the body of the man who
was taken sick near Edwardsville Crossing Saturday morning, and who
died after being in the hospital but an hour. There was nothing in
the unfortunate's clothes to identify him, but he is thought to have
been a man who worked in the vicinity of the Crossing for some time.
No one knew his name. The jury returned a verdict of death from
natural causes, and the body was interred in Milton cemetery by
order of Supervisor Loehr.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28, 1901
Man Found in Mississippi River
The body of a floater, a negro, was found in the Mississippi river
at the foot of Ridge street, Sunday afternoon by two boys who were
playing in that vicinity. The discovery was reported to Deputy
Coroner Streeper, and he proceeded to hold an inquest. The body was
apparently that of a laboring man, and was dressed in overalls. One
side of the face was badly mashed, and it is believed the man fell
overboard from the Spread Eagle at the Alton wharf several months
ago. The body of a roustabout lost then was not found, and it is
supposed it lodged under the wharf boat until dislodged recently by
the current.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1901
Body of Negro Found Floating at Hop Hollow with Crushed Skull
The body of a negro was found floating in the river at Hop Hollow
last night by George Dick, a laborer employed by Joseph Golike,
loading a stone barge. Deputy Coroner Streeper, who held the inquest
last evening, thinks the man may have been murdered, as the right
side of his head was crushed in and the appearance of the fracture
indicated that it was caused by a blow from a heavy club. There were
no papers on the body to identify it. coroner Streeper says he
thinks the man was a deckhand on a steamboat, and that he was
murdered and thrown in the river. The body was dressed in a dark
suit of clothes and was that of a man weighing about 160 pounds, and
5 feet 8 inches in height. Mr. Streeper took charge of the body and
had it buried today. He having no friends, it is probably the death
of the man will not be investigated, and his murderer will probably
not be discovered.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 27, 1901
Tramp Commits Suicide by Stepping in Front of C. & A. Train
A poor old man, a tramp without a home, deliberately killed himself
this noon by stepping in the way of the C. & A. Prairie State
Express near the glassworks. The old man was apparently about 65
years of age, and his clothes and condition indicated he was a
tramp. No one knew him and it is probably he left no one to mourn.
His head was split open and his body mangled under the wheels of the
engine. Engineer Germain said after the accident that a case of
suicide was clear. The tramp was standing beside the track watching
the on-coming train and was looking straight in the face of the
engineer. Germain saw him standing there and expected him to step
away. When the train was six feet away the old man deliberately
stepped on the track and was instantly killed. He had lost one leg
and was using a wooden stump to assist him in walking. Coroner
Streeper was notified and he had the body removed from the railroad
track to his undertaking establishment. The inquest was held this
afternoon at the undertaking establishment of Deputy Coroner
Streeper. A verdict of death from suicide was found. No marks were
found on the man to identify him. He arrived in Alton last evening,
and was seen in the vicinity of Second and Washington streets, where
he slept last night. He seemed to be deeply depressed, and was then
in a pitiable condition from heat and suffering.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1901
Mysterious Suicide Found Near Brick Plant in North Alton
The dead body of a man in an advanced state of decomposition,
indicating that death occurred six weeks ago, was found yesterday
afternoon in a dense growth of timber and underbrush on the
Youngblood estate, near the North Alton brick plant. Deputy Coroner
Streeper was notified and is trying to discover who the stranger
suicide is. The body was leaning against an old sycamore tree, and
was apparently that of a man about 55 years of age. Decomposition
had advanced so far that the features would be unrecognizable, and
ordinary means of identification can not be used. Beside the man's
right hand was a 38 caliber revolver, one chamber empty. In his
pockets were a gold watch, Standard Watch Company make, case number
81,624, number of works 1,672.549. A memorandum book sold at
Pittsfield, Ill. was found in the pocket, also some little trinkets
and a small amount of money. The coroner's jury found a verdict of
suicide. The body was clothed in a brown checked suit, and the
appearance of the clothes indicated that the man had been
well-to-do. The place where the body was found is out of the way and
would not have been visited, only the man who found the body was
attracted there by the stench arising from the body. Deputy Coroner
Streeper has telegraphed to the makers of the watch to trace it up
and discover, if possible, to whom it was sold.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27, 1901
Well-Dressed Stranger Killed by Big Four Train
Deputy Coroner Streeper has a question to solve that is an
interesting one. A body of a young man, apparently about 30 years
old, was found Tuesday night by the Big Four tracks, less than two
miles from East Alton. The body was well dressed and was attired in
a neat suit of new clothes. The cut of the clothes is the latest.
The body is mangled almost beyond identification, but the appearance
is that the young man was fine looking. It is supposed that he fell
from a passenger train on the Big Four upon which he was a
passenger, but this is not certainly known. The body was discovered
by the engineer of a freight train passing south on the Big Four
about 9 o'clock. The discovery was reported at East Alton, and
Deputy Coroner Streeper took charge of the body. It is being held in
the Streeper undertaking establishment in Upper Alton for
identification. An inquest was held this morning, and a verdict was
found that the young man came to his death by accident. Not a paper
was found on the body by which it could be identified, and there
were no marks to indicate that the young man's death was
accomplished by foul means. The face is smooth shaven and the
general appearance is that of a well-groomed person of affluent
circumstances. It is hoped that something will be learned from the
passengers or crew of the Big Four passenger train, if the young man
was a passenger on the train. The description of the body as taken
by Deputy Coroner Streeper is as follows: Height: 5 feet, 9 inches;
light brown hair and blue eyes; smooth shaven face, covered with
smallpox marks. On the body was a black overcoat, gray chevlot coat
and vest, dark blue flannel shirt, dark check trousers, blue ribbed
fleece-lined underwear, gray socks. The clothes are good and in the
pockets were found $4. A hat sold by J. L. Wright at Des Moines,
Iowa was found beside the body. It has been learned that the dead
man had been staying around East Alton for a few days and was with a
companion. Both men had been drinking heavily and stayed at the
Herman hotel the night previous to the one when the stranger met his
death. He was not drinking Tuesday night, and how he came to be
killed is not known. One theory is that he attempted to climb a
train on the grade where he was killed, and missing his footing he
fell under the wheels.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16, 1901
Deputy Coroner Streeper has made a discovery that may disclose a
motive in the killing of the stranger found on the Big Four tracks
near East Alton, November 26. It is now supposed that the man was
murdered and placed on the Big Four tracks to conceal the evidences
of a crime. On the body of the man was found no other mark than that
on the back of the head of the corpse, where a heavy blow may have
been dealt with a coupling pin. Deputy Coroner Streeper has held the
body for identification, and this fact has led to the finding of
$74.20 that might have been buried with the body but for
developments after it had been embalmed. Within the sleeve of the
undershirt on the corpse was found a packet containing $70. The
money was sewed securely into the inner part of the shirt where it
would escape any but a most thorough searcher. With the stranger,
before his death, was a dapper looking young man who was drinking at
the East Alton saloons with the man afterward found dead. For
several days the couple stayed at East Alton, and the man now at
Streeper's undertaking establishment is known to have paid all the
bills for hotel expenses and for drinks. He seemed to have plenty of
money and told people who drank with him that he was taking his last
spree. He said that he was in the habit of going on periodical
drinking sprees and that he had left home to avoid disgracing his
family. When he was over the spree, he intended to return home.
Since the night the body was found, no trace of the well-dressed
young man who accompanied the unidentified stranger has been found.
Deputy Coroner Streeper has authorized the following description of
the dead man to facilitate the discovery of his identity: "Height 5
feet 6 inches; weight about 150 pounds; sandy hair; smooth shaven;
two teeth missing on right side of upper jaw close to front; small
pox pits all over his face and forehead, deeper on forehead than on
face; blue flannel shirt with pockets on each side; dark gray
cheviot coat and vest; dark blue striped pants with green thread on
inside of vest pocket bearing label of Fort Dodge, Iowa, Hair
Clothing Co.; bears inscription on label with ink (E. G. Larson),
dark blue Kersey overcoat with welt seams, raw edge and black velvet
collar, black satin lining, one inside pocket on facing; black derby
hat, size 7 1/8, bought at J. L. Wright's, Des Moines, Ia.; pair
black dongola No. 7 shoes, hole cut in right shoe account of sore
toe; black string tie; kid mits; blue ribbed fleece-lined underwear.
The man appears to be about 30 years of age. Linen is marked, 'R.
Y.'
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28, 1903
Man Found on Railroad Tracks
Friday morning at daylight the dead body of a man was found by
switchmen, lying on the tracks in the Chicago and Alton yards at
Seventh and Piasa streets. There had been some box cars standing in
the yards all night, and at 4 o'clock this morning the switch engine
was hitched to the cars and they were taken away. It is supposed the
unfortunate man had crawled under the cars to get out of the rain
and had fallen asleep leaning over on the rail. His body was badly
mangled and there was nothing about his clothing that would lead to
his identity. He had the appearance of being about 30 years old.
Deputy Coroner Streeper took charge of the body and removed it to
his undertaking establishment in Upper Alton, and will hold an
inquest this evening. There was nothing in the pockets of the man
that would lead to his identity. He had a package of smoking tobacco
and a book of cigarette papers in his pockets, and a slip of paper
that was supposed to be a time check of some company for whom he had
worked. The name of the first partner of the firm was torn off and
all that remained was "& Fell." The man had been loafing around
Alton for three days, the police say, but nobody learned his name.
He is said to have told a saloon keeper that he was from Kansas
City.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19, 1904
Rats Devour Suicide's Body
The unidentified body of a man, which rats had devoured until it
would be almost unrecognizable if known, was found hanging in a barn
on George Beer's place near Oldenburg, Monday morning. Deputy
Coroner Streeper brought the body to Upper Alton last night and is
holding it a short time. The man had apparently been dead since
December 23, as he was seen about Oldenburg on that day and was
drinking. He said then he had no money and begged for a drink. The
clothing on the body was good and the appearance of the man would
indicate that he had been in good circumstances. The hanging was
done with a light rope which the suicide adjusted to a beam overhead
and then tied about his neck as he stood on the floor. Then he left
himself down by bending his legs at the knees and there he hung
until he slowly strangled to death. Rats had eaten about the face,
limbs and body of the man until the sight was disgusting. Deceased
was about five feet ten inches, about sixty years old, wore a
striped suit, had sandy gray chin whiskers and hair. Not a scrap of
paper was in the pockets of the clothing except a piece of newspaper
which bore a likeness of Governor Yates. The barn where the suicide
occurred is in an unfrequented spot far from the Beer's home and is
a tumbled structure. It happened yesterday that the barn was visited
and the discovery of the body was made.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 01, 1904
Man Killed by Train
A tramp was run down and instantly killed by the Big Four plug train
this morning, Engineer Quiggles and Conductor Charles Miller. The
man was lying near a fire he had built at the C. and A. crossing
over the Big Four track west of East Alton. Engineer Quiggles said
that the man must have left his fire behind the embankment and
walked directly down the hill to the Big Four track just in time to
be struck by the Big Four train. He was not seen although a sharp
lookout was being kept, and it was not known the man was struck
until his body, rolling under the train, broke the air pipe and set
the brakes on the train, stopping it immediately. The body was
horribly mangled and was picked up later and taken to East Alton,
where Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper held an inquest. Not a scrap of
paper was found on the person of the dead man. The shoes the man
wore appeared not to have been off his feet for months, and he was a
typical tramp.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9, 1904
Mangled Body of Unknown Man Found Lying Beside Railroad Track
The body of an unknown man was found lying beside the Big Four track
about one mile east of East Alton Wednesday morning. It is supposed
that the man either fell or was thrown from a train during the night
and was dragged a distance of half a mile before the wheels released
the fragments of the body and it lay beside the track. Parts of the
body were found strewed a half mile up and down the track, and the
head has not been found. There is nothing upon the fragments of
clothing to indicate whose the body was. The section hands were
obliged to pick up the fragments with shovels and load them on a
hand car to be taken to the East Alton depot. Deputy Coroner
Streeper was notified of the finding of the body. The clothing upon
the remains, while torn to shreds, seemed to indicate that the man
was not a common tramp. The shoes were a good quality of hunting
boots and the one hand found did not appear to be that of an idler.
The theory has been advanced that the man may have been thrown from
a train some time during the night and had lain there a long time
when the body was found Wednesday morning.
UNKNOWN MAN "DOG"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9, 1904
Deckhand Drowns
A negro roustabout [deckhand] on the Spread Eagle, name unknown, who
was on the steamer's list as "Dog," the only name by which he was
known, fell off the boat about 2 o'clock Tuesday morning while the
Spread Eagle was making a landing at the Alton wharf. An effort was
being made to raise the stage plank, and four men were detailed to
hold the end of the plank while the rope was passed around the winch
for raising it. The men let the plank slip and it fell, bounding
from the deck into the river, and with it went the unknown negro. In
the excitement the man drowned. He must have been knocked
unconscious by the blow from the stage, which struck him in the
stomach, as he made no effort to get hold of the stage when it fell
into the river, by which he might have saved his life. No effort was
made to recover the body after it disappeared.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1904
Unidentified Burglar Buried
Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer buried the unidentified burglar, killed
Thursday morning in Yager Park by Nicholas Schwegel. Many people
viewed the body in the city building, and some thought that he was a
former Alton man, but no one appeared to identify the body
positively. The body was buried in Milton cemetery this afternoon.
Mr. Samuel Ryan of State street viewed the body of the dead man
Friday afternoon, and said he was almost positive it is that of his
half-brother, Frank Jiles [Giles?], who left here about a year ago.
Mr. Ryan says the only point that causes doubt in his mind is the
absence of teeth in the front of his mouth, but that his
half-brother might have lost his teeth. Otherwise the dead man bears
a remarkable resemblance to Jiles. Mr. Ryan will try to communicate
with Jiles' wife.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1906
Man Found in Shed Behind Saloon
An old man, unidentified, died yesterday afternoon in a shed back of
the saloon at Edwardsville Crossing, formerly conducted by Joe
Cooper. The old man had been staying around the place four or five
hours before his body was found lifeless in the shed. There was
nothing by which to identify him. Coroner Streeper was summoned to
hold an inquest, and he took the body to Upper Alton. The man was
dressed as a laborer. The jury impaneled by the coroner found a
verdict of death from exposure and drink.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1908
Man Killed at Benbow City
Coroner C. N. Streeper this afternoon buried in Milton cemetery the
remains of an unidentified man who was killed at Benbow City by one
of the railroads a few weeks ago, and who had in his possession an
Eagle lodge pin. Coroner Streeper said that he had kept the body for
the length of time in an effort to identify him. The lodge pin was
of no aid in the identification because the number of the local
lodge to which the man belonged was not on the pin. The body was
well preserved in spite of the several weeks that it had been kept.
UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 3, 1912
The unidentified body of a man was picked up at Clifton Terrace
yesterday morning. The head was completely crushed off, and the
clothing contained nothing to aid in identifying him. Coroner
Streeper took charge, and found only 60 cents and a corn cob pipe in
the pockets. From pieces of pipe found near the body, it was
supposed the man was riding underneath a car, and that he was
holding onto a point of the air brake system, and that the pipes
broke, allowing him to fall to the ground, or that in his desperate
efforts to save himself he caught hold of the pipes and brought them
away with him.
UNKNOWN PERSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 25, 1904
Skeleton Found in Piasa Creek
Henry Heitzman found the skeleton of a man or woman, which is
impossible to know, lying in the Piasa Creek near the bridge where
the Jerseyville Road crosses Piasa Creek near the division line of
Madison and Jersey Counties, northwest of Godfrey, Monday afternoon
about 3 o'clock. There was not over three pounds of flesh left on
the bones. Dogs had devoured the flesh, and if there was any
clothing on the body at the time of death, they had dragged it away,
and there was nothing to indicate to the casual observer whether the
body was that of a white or a black man or woman. The only part of
the body upon which any flesh remained was one hand and the heel of
one foot. The bones had been chewed by the dogs and carried away in
part. The findings of the body caused a sensation in the vicinity
where it occurred. Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer was summoned to hold
an inquest, and late Monday night he impaneled a jury. Standing in a
drizzling rain, the coroner administered the oath to the jury in a
cornfield beside the remains of the body, and after the jury had
found a verdict that the body was that of an unknown person of
unknown sex who came to death in manner unknown to the jury, the
body was buried near where it was found. Deputy Coroner Bauer says
that the body must have been dead at least four months. It is
possible the person was in Piasa creek trying to cross it when the
creek was high, and had removed his clothing; that the body may have
been carried down the creek a long distance to the place where it
was found. The absence of any fragment of clothing on the bones
seems to indicate this. Mr. Bauer says the formation of the skull is
that of a negro, but it might be that of a white man; that one way
the remaining hand looks like a woman's, and in another way it
resembles a man's hand. Farmers living in the vicinity say that
three weeks ago a crazy man appeared in the neighborhood, poorly
dressed and acting in an insane manner. He disappeared, and it is
supposed that the remains found are those of the stranger lunatic.
UNKNOWN PRISONERS/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1851
The cholera made its first appearance in Alton about the middle of
May, since which time there have been thirty-eight deaths reported
by that disease, more than half of which were of strangers. We have
kept our readers faithfully advised every week of the progress of
this dread malady since its appearance among us, and shall continue
so to do, as long as occasion requires. The whole number of deaths
by cholera in the Penitentiary was but 16, and no new cases have
occurred for two or three weeks.
UNKNOWN, SOLDIER/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1862
We understand that on yesterday, a sick soldier in the military
hospital in this city, in a state of mental derangement, jumped out
of the third story of the building, and was so seriously injured
that he died during the night. We have not learned his name or
former place of residence.
UNKNOWN, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1871
A colored deck hand named Walter, on the Rob Roy, was drowned last
Saturday, a little below Alton. He fell between the boat and a barge
she was towing, so that it was impossible to rescue him. He leaves a
wife and family and other relatives in Louisiana.
UNKNOWN WOMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 9, 1852
We learn that a woman, a native of Germany, died of hydrophobia
[rabies], on Fourth Street, near the Piasa House, yesterday about
noon. She received the wound which caused her death sometime in
October last, but did not experience any bad effect therefrom until
Monday morning last, when she was seized with the terrible disease
which terminated her existence.
UNKNOWN WOMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1873
An unknown woman was run over and killed on Friday by a train on the
T. W. & W. R. R., between Edwardsville and Venice.
UNTERBRINK, CASPER HEINRICH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
5, 1895
This afternoon an immense throng of neighbors, friends, and old
acquaintances of the late Casper Unterbrink gathered at his late
home to pay their last respects to the dead. Rev. Carl Cramer of the
Evangelical Church conducted the services at the house, in a manner
that greatly impressed all present. A long cortege followed the body
to the cemetery, where it was consigned to its final resting place.
At the cemetery, the services were according to the rituals of the
various secret societies to which Mr. Unterbrink had been a member
for many years.
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1895
As administrator for the estate of the late Casper Unterbrink, Mr.
Frederick W. Joesting conducted a sale of the saloon effects last
evening at the saloon on the corner of Ridge and Second Streets.
There were five bidders, and the outfit was sold to Louis Putzle for
$1253.50.
Mr. Joesting has been appointed Executor of the estate, and by the
terms of Mr. Unterbrink’s will, his wife becomes the owner in trust
of three dwelling houses, and the income derived therefrom, while
his children receive the insurance and whatever cash was in his
possession at the time of his death. The estate is valued from
$10,000 to $12,000.
NOTES:
Casper Heinrich Unterbrink was born in 1837. He married Johannah
Unknown (1835-1866), and then married Anne Marie Pilgrim Unknown
(1848-1881. There was three known children: Herman Heinrich
Unterbrink (1865-1943); Mathilda Unterbrink Mohr (1868-1945); and
Otto John Unterbrink (1874-1955). Casper was buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.
UNTERBRINK, EMMA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10, 1891
From Moro – Little Emma, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Unterbrink, died on September 2, aged 7 years and 6 months. She was
sick for two weeks with diphtheria, which finally conquered. The
funeral took place at the Dorsey Cemetery.
UNTERBRINK, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 20,
1888
From Moro, Sept. 18, 1888 – Mr. John Unterbrink, a prominent German
farmer, long a resident of this township, died Sunday morning,
September 16, after a long illness. He leaves a wife and a large
family of children to mourn his death. The funeral took place this
morning, and was attended by a large concourse of friends. The
remains were taken to the S pringfield Road Church, where the
services and interment took place.
UNTERBRINK, LUCILLE MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 2, 1922
Dies Following Surgery
Miss Lucille Margaret Unterbrink, 28, died Wednesday night at 10:20
o'clock at the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium in St. Louis following a
surgical operation for the relief of a throat affliction trouble,
which had been troubling her for some time. She was taken to the
hospital a week ago to receive treatments, preparatory to undergoing
the operation, which was performed Tuesday morning. Surgical
pneumonia developed, and her condition became serious immediately.
The members of her family were summoned, and remained with her until
death came. Miss Unterbrink had been ill for several months. A young
woman interested in athletics and other young women's activities,
she fought valiantly to ward off her affliction. Though it had been
thought for some time that Miss Unterbrink would not recover, she
displayed the greatest courage and fortitude in the face of a fatal
malady. She was a member of the 1916 June graduating class of the
Alton High School, and was the first of her class to die. After her
graduation from high school she became a secretary in the offices of
the Western Cartridge Co., and later in the offices of the Duncan
Foundry and Machine Co. She became interested in Y. W. C. A. work,
and was one of the association's most ardent workers. She was a
leader in athletic classes and a willing helper in all other
activities. It has been said of Miss Unterbrink that she was never
too occupied to help. Whenever her services were requested, she
responded willingly and gave of her best efforts for the
association. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Club of the Y. W.
C. A. She was an active member of the Congregational church, and
taught a class in the Sunday school. When she became ill some months
ago, Miss Unterbrink refused to give up her work. She insisted upon
doing her share and often more than her share of the work connected
with the young women's organization. Miss Unterbrink was a young
woman of charming disposition and her unfailing good nature and
willingness to be of service to others made for her countless
friends who are grieved by her death. Besides her many friends, Miss
Unterbrink leaves to mourn her death, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Otto
Unterbrink, one sister, Miss Helen Gertrude Unterbrink. Two
grandmothers, Mrs. Sophia Meyer of east Broadway, and Mrs. Margaret
Unterbrink of east Fourth street. The body was removed to the family
home at 648 east Fourth street, from St. Louis this afternoon. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Rev. C. E.
Smith of the Congregational church officiating. The interment will
be in the City cemetery. It has not been decided where the funeral
will be held from.
UNTERBRINK, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 31, 1881
Mrs. Mary, wife of Mr. Casper Unterbrink, died this morning at the
age of 31 years, 6 months, and 5 days. She was sick almost a year
with consumption. Mrs. Unterbrink was a most estimable lady, and
leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her death.
The funeral will take place from the German Lutheran Church on Henry
Street, Sunday afternoon.
UNVERZAGHT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11,
1900
Fosterburg News - William Unverzaght, who lived with his mother
about one mile north of town, died Sunday after an illness with lung
fever. He was 37 years of age and unmarried. He was a prominent
member of the German M. E. church, a faithful attendant. He owned a
farm about two miles from his mother's home, upon which he had built
a very nice residence, but had not been occupied by him. Funeral
services took place at the M. E. church on Tuesday.
UPCRAFT, EMMA (nee INVEEN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
15, 1920
Alton Woman Dies at Post in Mission Work in China
Mrs. Emma Inveen Upcraft, a missionary in China, died yesterday from
cancer, according to a dispatch received through the General Board
of Promotions of the Northern Baptist convention at New York. Mrs.
Upcraft was a native of Alton and a daughter of Mrs. Inveen, who
still resides on Henry street next to the Evangelical Church. In
1879 she went to China and she was married after years of service
there to Charles Upcraft. The couple continued their missionary work
together for a while, and then they began working independently.
Beside her mother she leaves one sister, Mrs. A. E. Bassett of Los
Angeles, Calif. The mother, who resides in Alton, is far advanced in
years and for a number of years has been practically disabled as the
result of a fall she had in her home. Capt. Inveen, the father of
Mrs. Upcraft, died many years ago. Mrs. Upcraft was known to many
Alton people, notwithstanding her long period of service in China.
She had made several trips back home and those who had opportunity
to hear her speak enjoyed her appearances before audiences during
her furloughs from duty. She was a talented speaker and she was a
great drawing card wherever her name was announced for a talk on
mission work in China. Rev. M. W. Twing contributed the following:
The morning paper reports that a cablegram was received at New York
from Chenut, China, announcing the death of Mrs. Emma Inveen Upcraft
at that place on December 14. Cancer was given as the cause of her
death. This news will bring regret and sadness to the many friends
of Mrs. Upcraft here in Alton who were associated with her in her
early life and who have known of her work as a missionary in China
since 1879. She was born in Alton about sixty-two years ago and
graduated from the public schools after which she taught for a
number of years. She became a member of the First Baptist Church and
was recognized as a leader in Christian work among the young people.
She was possessed of a bright, strong mind which she dedicated fully
to the advancement of the kingdom of God on earth. Her labors in
various fields in China, in teaching and in evangelistic work, were
very useful. She was stationed at different times at Ningpo. Yachow,
Suifu, Yunnan and Chentu. She was married December 1, 1896, to Rev.
William M. Upcraft, who died at Yunnan a few years ago. Mrs. Upcraft
had a rare and sympathetic understanding of the Chinese character
and a remarkable grasp of things Chinese. Her visits to Alton were
always occasions, not only of reviving old acquaintances, but also
of enkindling fresh enthusiasm for the great work to which she had
devoted her life. Mrs. Upcraft is survived by her sister, Mrs. A. E.
Bassett, of Los Angeles, Calif., and her stepmother, Mrs. Mary
Inveen of Henry street. Her niece, Miss Beulah E. Bassett, formerly
of Alton, for several years stationed at Suifu, West China, has
recently been assigned to a position in Chentu and probably arrived
at that place just before her aunt's death.
UPDYKE, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 02, 1885
From Edwardsville – Another old citizen has passed away. Mrs.
Updyke, mother of Mrs. Robert Friday, died Saturday morning last.
The funeral took place Sunday, and the remains were deposited in
Woodlawn Cemetery.
UTT, DAISY/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 01, 1895
Mrs. Louis Utt died at an early hour yesterday at her residence, 523
Belle Street, after a lingering illness from consumption. Mrs. Utt
has been ill for five months, and has been at death’s door for
several weeks. Her death in the prime of life is a sad blow to her
many friends, and especially to her husband, they having been
married only a few years. She leaves besides a husband numerous
relatives and friends to mourn her demise.
UTT, GARRETT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22, 1917
Garrett Utt, aged 84, died this morning at 1:10 o'clock at his home,
229 West Twelfth street, after a long period of disability due to
weakness of old age. Mr. Utt had been a resident of Alton for many
years. He was born in Alton February 5, 1833, but soon afterwards
with his parents left Alton. He returned here just as he was coming
into young manhood and he spent almost all of the remainder of his
life in Alton. He was twice married. He leaves his wife and six
children, two of them, Mrs. Sophronia Mareing of Alton, and Sidney
Utt of Wichita, Kan., by the former marriage, and Thomas Utt of St.
Louis, Louis of Webster, Fla., August M. Utt of Springfield, Ill.,
and Mrs. Lena Timmons of Alton by the last marriage. Mr. Utt leaves
18 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. The funeral will be
held Friday afternoon at two o'clock from the First Baptist church
in which Mr. Utt held membership, and burial will be in the City
Cemetery.
UTT, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13, 1903
The 6 months old child of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Utt died last night
from an attack of whooping cough. The baby had been ill for three
weeks, but it appeared to be better yesterday. This morning when the
mother awoke, she found the child dead in bed. The father was at his
work in the lead plant at the time of the child's death. Interment
in Shipman.
UZZELL, EDWARD "EDDIE"/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 12,
1882
Little Eddie, a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Uzzell of Bethalto, died
on Thursday morning, January 5, of typhoid fever, aged 8 years. The
funeral took place from the family residence. Eddie was a bright
little fellow, and will be greatly missed by his playmates. Many
friends sympathize with the bereaved family in their sad affliction.
UZZELL, GEORGE C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 21, 1907
Born in St. Jacob, Madison County in 1833, Man Dies After Sun Stroke
George Carr Uzzell, father of County Superintendent John C. Uzzell,
died at his home in Bethalto at 5:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon. He
was aged 74 years. Mr. Uzzell was surrounded by the members of his
family at the time of his death. Two months ago Mr. Uzzell was sun
struck, and laid in the hot sun for several hours before he was
found. He never rallied from this illness, the end coming yesterday
afternoon. The deceased leaves a wife several years his junior, and
six children, three daughters and three sons as follows: Mrs. J. E.
Kelsey and Mrs. Florence Day, both of Bethalto; Mrs. T. C. Preuitt
of Canyon City, Colorado; and John U. Uzzell, County Superintendent
of Schools, residing at Alton; Charles A. of Granite City; and
Albert W. of Staunton, Illinois. The funeral will be held Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Bethalto Methodist Church. The death
of Mr. Uzzell removes one of the pioneer residents of Madison
county. He had lived here for almost three quarters of a century,
and his father came here almost a century ago, having removed to St.
Jacob after the battle of New Orleans in January 1815, where he
fought under Andy Jackson. For the past twelve years Mr. Uzzell has
been retired, living a quiet life in Bethalto. Up to that time he
had been active as a farmer, and during his life held many positions
of trust in the township in which he lived.
UZZELL, GEORGE P./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 6, 1890
From Fosterburg – Died Thursday evening, October 30, George P.
Uzzell, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. U. Uzzell, age five weeks. The
funeral took place from the Baptist Church. For five long days the
sleepless watchers at the bedside of the little sufferer maintained
the unequal contest with the dread destroyer, only to see the
beautiful life fade out at last like the light of a summer eve. Dear
little George, his days on earth were few, but they filled a wide
space in the hearts of those who loved him. Only five weeks, and yet
how much of gladness they brought to his parents. The family has the
heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.
UZZELL,
JOHN ULYSSES/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 16, 1930
School Teacher; Principal
John Ulysses Uzzell was born March 13, 1866, in Greenville, Bond
County, Illinois. He was the son of George Carr Uzzell (1833-1907)
and Mary Jane Bilyeu Uzzell (1838-1914). He married Malinda Louise
Neuhaus in 1888, and they had three children: Mabel Uzzell
(1890-1950); Walter John Uzzell (1891-1905); and Robert Kinney
Uzzell (1898-1965).
His long teaching career began at the Luman School near Bethalto. He
also was teacher and principal of the Humboldt School in Alton,
until his election as County Superintendent of Schools in Madison
County.
Mr. Uzzell suffered an illness which extended over a period of more
than eight years. He died April 15, 1930, at the age of 64, and was
buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery in Fosterburg.
UZZELL, MALINDA LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20,
1919
Mrs. John U. Uzzell, a former resident of Alton and a wife of a
former county superintendent of schools, died at 8:10 p.m. Wednesday
at her old home in Foster township where she had been living for
some time. Mrs. Uzzell was well known in Alton, her husband having
for a few years served as principal of Humboldt school, prior to his
taking the office of county superintendent of schools. Mrs. Emma
Uzzell, of Alton, was summoned to Fosterburg yesterday by news of
the serious illness of her sister-in-law. Mrs. Uzzell was the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Neuhaus. She is survived by her aged
parents, several sisters, and one son, Robert, and a daughter,
Mabel. Mrs. Uzzell was 50 years of age, and death was due to uraemic
poisoning. Her maiden name was Malinda Louise Uzzell [should be
Neuhaus?].
UZZELL, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 21, 1914
Widow of George C. Uzzell
Mrs. Mary J. Uzzell, widow of George C. Uzzell, died at 2:30 o'clock
Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. E. Kelsey,
at Fifteenth and Henry streets, after a twenty-four hour illness
with pneumonia. Mrs. Uzzell was taken ill about four years ago, and
while she regained much of her strength, she was never completely
well since then. She had been a resident of Alton about six years,
moving here soon after the death of her husband, who died at the
family home at Bethalto. She was born in Bond County, and lived
there until 1866, when she moved to Madison County and settled down
at Bethalto. There she stayed until after her husband died. She
leaves three daughters, Mrs. J. E. Kelsey of Alton; Mrs. Larkin C.
Prewitt of Canon City, Colo; Mrs. Florence L. Day of East Alton; and
three sons, John U. of Alton; Charles A. of Granite City; and Albert
W. Uzzell of Staunton. Mrs. Prewitt is on her way to Alton,
expecting to reach here in time to see her mother alive. Mrs. Uzzell
was 75 years old last August. She had been suffering from general
debility, and had been growing weaker steadily when the attack of
pneumonia came just 24 hours before she died. Mrs. Uzzell was a
deeply religious woman, and she held a membership in the Methodist
Church for many years. She was highly esteemed in the community
where she lived many years, and when she came to Alton she made many
friends here. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning. There will
be short services at the Kelsey home at 8:30 o'clock, and the
cortege will leave there at ____ o'clock for the Methodist Church at
Bethalto, where services will be conducted by Rev. W. T. Cline of
Alton and Rev. J. J. Armitage of Bethalto. Burial will be in the
Bethalto Cemetery beside the body of her husband.
UZZELL, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 2, 1882
From Bethalto - An infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William F. Uzzell died
this morning, aged nine months. The funeral will take place
tomorrow. The mother of this dear little one is lying very sick at
this writing. The sympathy of many friends is with the bereaved
family.
UZZELL, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17, 1905
Walter Uzzell, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Uzzell of 609 east Fourth
street, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 1:30 o'clock Friday morning
after a short illness with appendicitis. The boy was taken ill a few
days ago at school and was sent home, where medical examination
showed him to be suffering from a very advanced case of
appendicitis. An operation was performed on the boy Wednesday at the
hospital and the conditions were found to be very bad, inflammation
having advanced until the child's life was in a desperate condition.
He was 13 years of age, and a bright, intelligent lad, and his death
is a sad shock to the members of his family and his many friends. He
is a son of Principal John U. Uzzell of Humboldt school. The funeral
services will take place at the family home on Fourth street, Sunday
morning at ten o'clock. Rev. M. H. Ewers and Rev. S. D McKenny
officiating. The body will be taken to Fosterburg for interment.
Services at Fosterburg will be at the Baptist church. The body will
lie in state all day Saturday and Sunday morning. Friends desiring,
can view the body on those days.