Obituaries - Surname B
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
BABBITT, E. DARWIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1,
1904
The funeral of E. Darwin Babbitt was held this morning
from the family home on Alby street. There was a very large
attendance of the friends of Mr. Babbitt. During his lifetime
affliction had laid its hand heavily on Mr. Babbitt, but through
it all he bore himself up cheerfully, manfully trying to do what
he thought was necessary and in the misfortunes that came to him
in later days of his life, he won the admiration of all who knew
him by his fortitude and industry. Mr. Babbitt was a man of fine
parts. He was highly educated, had held high positions in
educational institutions in young days. The funeral services
were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing of the First Baptist church,
assisted by Dr. Robert Gibson, Mr. Babbitt's family physician
who knew deceased well for many years. Dr. Gibson uttered a
tender and touching eulogy upon his deceased friend, which was
spoken of by those who heard as a true and merited verdict on a
most worthy man. A quartet consisting of Miss Grace Watson, Mrs.
Charles Beall, Allan Keiser and W. C. Gates sang several
selections. A long cortege of friends followed the body to the
City Cemetery.
BABCOCK, LUTHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
16, 1907
Luther Babcock, aged 67, died Saturday afternoon at
his home, 1703 Curdie avenue in Alton, after an illness from
cirrhosis of the liver. Babcock was many years ago a prominent
manufacturer in St. Louis and was known widely as a kindly man
with unbounded benevolence. He was a member of the Masonic order
and the body will be taken to St. Louis and burial will be in
his lot in Bellefontaine cemetery under the auspices of
Washington lodge, F. & A. M., of which he was a member. Walter
G. Wilderman, master, and William L. Reynolds, secretary, of
Washington lodge, came to Alton yesterday to make arrangements
for the funeral and they supplied information which no one else
knew of the dead man. In the days when he was prosperous his
hand was always extended to help the poor and the unfortunate.
He never stinted anyone, always following the Scriptural
injunction that if a man asks for your coat, give him your cloak
also, and if he asks you to go with him a mile, go with him
twain. He never took any security for the loans he made and
trusted to those he had befriended to make such recompense as
they could to him, or pass it on to someone else in trouble. A
niece arrived from New York a few days before his death, and a
cousin from the south on Saturday. Babcock leaves some real
estate in St. Louis and considerable money in an Alton bank. He
came here from Bunker Hill where he had lived on a farm for a
few years, but sold that to take up his residence in Alton. He
was always attended by a negro valet who, with his wife, kept
house for Babcock. The deceased was not married.
BACKAMORE, CHARLES/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 4,
1853
Yesterday morning, an Irishman named Charles Backamore,
in attempting to jump from a flatboat onboard the ferry, missed
his footing, fell into the river, and was drowned. The accident
occurred near the lime kilns of Mr. John Lock, above the city
[Alton]. A verdict in accordance with the facts was rendered by
the coroner’s jury.
BADE, JOHN HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 8,
1916 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Henry Bade, veteran of
the Civil War and a prominent Nameoki township farmer died there
Wednesday at the age of 76. The funeral will be held Saturday at
2 p.m., from St. John's church there, with Rev. G. Plassmann in
charge. He was born in Luedersfel (sic), Schamburg (sic), Lippe,
Germany, April 10, 1849 (sic) and came to this country in 1856.
Mr. Bade was very well liked in Nameoki township and his death
is sincerely mourned by all.
Source: Granite City
Press-Record, 9 Jun 1916 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
John
Henry Bade, an old time resident of Madison county, passed away
at his home near Nameoki, Wednesday morning, at seven forty-five
o'clock, a victim of bowel trouble. The deceased was born in
Germany, April 10th, 1839 (sic) and came to this country in
1856, settling first in the district of this county what (sic)
is known as "The Bluffs", and moving to the present Bade home
place, two miles East of Nameoki, eighteen years ago. He leaves
a wife and four grown children to mourn his death: Henry and
John are married and William and Lula are at home. The funeral
will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family
residence, with services at St. John's church, Rev, G. Plassman
officiating. Interment will be in St. John's cemetery.
[Johann Heinrich Gottlieb Bade was born 10 Apr 1838 in
Luedersfeld, Buckeburg, Niedersachsen, Germany; son of Herman
Heinrich Bade and Anna Sophia Dorothea Hasemann. His wife was
Anne Marie Louisa Sophia Westerhold.]
BADLEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1864
Died
on Tuesday, the 19th inst., near Upper Alton, at 5 o’clock a.m.,
John, eldest son of William and Sarah A. Badley, aged 15 years
and 9 months.
BADLEY,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 22, 1865
Died at
his residence near Upper Alton on the 15th inst., Mr. William
Badley, aged 51 years. Mr. Badley was born at Dudley, England,
July 7, 1814. His father, who is still living, being a
physician, designed that his son should adopt the same
profession, and educated him accordingly. William, from a child,
was remarkably studious. At the age of seven years, he read
Latin fluently, and in early life became distinguished for his
attainments in classical literature. He closed his studies at
school in the year 1833, and received from the presiding officer
of the institution – Rev. Proctor Robinson – as a token of his
approbation and esteem, four volumes of the works of Aristotle
in the original language. At this time, and during the remainder
of his life, Mr. Badley read Latin, Greek, French, Italian, and
Spanish as readily as his native tongue, and possessed a good
knowledge of Hebrew; and yet, such was his freedom from the love
of display, or the slightest appearance of egotism, that the
writer of this article – although often paying weekly, and not
unfrequently, tri-weekly visits, during a period of twenty
years, and conversing with him upon literary as well as other
subjects, never dreamed that he was more than a good English
scholar, who had enriched his mind by subsequent diligent study,
and by various readings. This was evident from the fact that no
question could be started touching the financial, commercial,
political, or military history of France, Germany, England, or
the United States, with which he was not perfectly familiar. So
studious was he as a reader, and so retentive was his memory,
that he could give in detail all the incidents of every battle
fought by Napoleon in all his campaigns. And in the free
interchange of opinion by his own fireside, upon the current
events of the late civil war, so edifying were his views in
regard to the policy of the war, so discriminating his judgment
of the character and qualifications of our commanding Generals,
and so exact his knowledge of the details of every battle,
whether as to position or numbers of the opposing armies, the
strategy securing victory or the _____ causing defeat, that the
writer never ___ his door step without feeling rebuked by the
superior fullness and accuracy of his information.
After
finishing his _____ course, he subsequently pursued his ________
studies and became an eminently ______ physician. But his health
was delicate, and having experienced a severe attack of
hemorrhage from the lungs, he followed the advice of his father,
abandoned the practice of his profession, and in the Fall in
1840, came to America. He brought letters of introduction to his
father’s old friend – Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers of Upper Alton –
between whom and the writer there had existed a life-long
friendship, cemented by a common experience of the trials,
privations and adventures of pioneer life, and which afforded a
ready introduction to an early and most pleasant acquaintance
with Mr. Badley.
He was in the family of Mr. Rodgers
until the ensuing Spring, when he carried out his purpose of
making a journey to the Rocky Mountains and to Mexico. He
returned with health improved, and shortly after – in 1844,
visited England. But having concluded to make this country his
permanent residence, he again crossed the Atlantic and returned
to Upper Alton. In April 1846, Mr. Badley was united in marriage
with Sarah Ann, the eldest daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers. He
now engaged in the pursuit of agriculture as an occupation most
conductive to his health. In this chosen business, he was
eminently successful. He continued, however, to be a constant
reader, and every year added many select volumes to his large
and valuable library.
Mr. Badley was never ambitious of
distinction among his fellow man. He desired not office nor
applause. His greatest happiness was sought and enjoyed in the
bosom of his family circle. He was extremely modest and retiring
in his habits, and hence his sterling worth was unknown, except
to a small number of intimate friends. He was a devoted husband,
blessed by the reverential respect and fond affection of his
excellent wife. He was a tender and indulgent father, but ever
watchful to correct the errors of his children and to guide them
in the path of duty. He was a kind neighbor and a faithful
friend. He was an honest, upright and conscientious citizen. He
was ever ready to succor the needy, and to relieve the
suffering, and his generous public spirit was often illustrated
by the liberality of his contributions in aid of the benevolent
and educational enterprises of the day. And, to crown all, he
was a most intelligent and consistent patriot. Though a
foreigner by birth, and strongly attached to his native land, he
was yet more attached to the free institutions of his adopted
country. Every pulsation of his heart was in unison with the
cause of national unity and universal freedom. He earnestly
denounced secession as treason, and its abettors as traitors,
and as a logical conclusion from the premises, he strenuously
insisted upon a vigorous and unrelenting prosecution of the war
by all the means justified by the usage of civilized warfare.
During the last ten years of his life, Mr. Badley had
suffered from disease of a complicated character – principally
consumption. In 1859, he visited England, hoping the sea voyage
and the change of climate might improve his health, but he
derived no permanent benefit from the journey.
Mr. Badley
was a firm believer in the inspiration of the Sacred Scriptures
and the doctrines of revealed religion. It was his custom every
morning to read a chapter in his Greek Testament. During the
last few weeks of his sickness, he had his children frequently
stand by his bedside and read a portion of the Bible, which he
explained to them in a simple and appropriate manner, impressing
upon their minds obedience to their parents and to God. He was
very patient during his entire illness, and fully conscious of
his approaching dissolution. With the greatest composure, he
arranged his business affairs in the same discreet and correct
manner that he would on leaving home to take a journey. His
sufferings the last few days were intense, but he retained the
full exercise of his intellectual faculties up to his last
moments. He expressed per___ ______ _____ to his Heavenly
Father’s will – his only desire to live was to promote the
welfare of his wife and children.
The estimation in which
he was held by the whole community is best attested by the fact
that no funeral in Upper Alton was ever attended by a larger
concourse of citizens; and never was anyone followed to the
grave by a procession more deeply solemn. And more tellingly
sensible of their great bereavement.
To the writer, his loss
seems that of an own brother, endeared to him by so many happy
hours of social intercourse, and to the grief-stricken widow and
the orphan children of his departed friend, he offers the
tribute of his heart-felt sympathy and condolence. Signed “E”
[Note: William Badley was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.]
BAEHR, LIZZIE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 27,
1882
Miss Lizzie Baehr, the young lady spoken of in our last
communication as being ill, died at her mother's residence on
last Friday. The funeral services were held at the C. P. church,
Sunday, at three o'clock, p.m.. Rev. D. H. Starkey conducted the
funeral service in a very solemn and impressive manner. Miss
Lizzie was seventeen years of age, cut down just in the bloom of
womanhood, and her untimely death will be greatly mourned by her
many young friends with whom she associated. She was a great
favorite as was evidenced by the large number of young folks
that attended the funeral. There were several carriages from
your city [Alton] and Edwardsville. Her remains were interred at
the Bethalto cemetery. The pallbearers were Messrs. John Klein,
Fred Huth, George Klein, Chris Langhorst, Charles Bangert and
John Youngwirth. The sympathy of many friends are with the
bereaved family.
BAERENREUTER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
16, 1900
George Baerenreuter, son of Mr. and Mrs. John
Baerenreuter, died Sunday morning at the family home on East
Fourth Street after a long illness with Brights disease. He was
23 years of age, and a young man who had, in his short span of
life, made many friends to whom his death will be a deep
affliction. He worked at the Illinois Box Factory until failing
health forced him to give up and he was confined to his home.
The funeral will be at 3:30 Tuesday, and services will be
conducted at the home by Rev. Theodore Oberhellman.
BAERENREUTER or BAERNREUTER, JOHN JR./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 14, 1902
John Baerenreuter Jr. died Sunday
afternoon at the family home on East Fourth street after a long
illness, aged 19 years. He was well known in the East End and
was well liked by all who knew him, and his death is a sad blow
to his friends and relatives. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home of Mr. and Mrs. John
Baernreuter, 1317 east Fourth street. Services will be conducted
by Rev. Theo Oberhellman, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
The young man's death was very unexpected, although he had been
ill several years.
BAERENREUTHER or BAERENREUTER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 28, 1912
The funeral of John Baerenreuther was
held this afternoon from the family home on Fourth street.
Services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, assisted by Rev.
J. M. Rohde. There was a large attendance of relatives and
friends at the funeral services. Burial was in City cemetery,
where members of Western Star lodge, I. O. O. F., conducted the
burial ritual of their order.
BAHR, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1902
Frank Bahr, aged 19, died at St. Joseph's Hospital this morning
after an illness with pneumonia. He contracted a cold after
playing a game of baseball and being overheated, one week ago
last Sunday. He was removed from his boarding place to St.
Joseph's hospital where he died without showing any signs of
improvement. He has many relatives in Alton, including two
brothers and two sisters. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ehrhardt
Bahr, died a few years ago. The funeral will be from St.
Patrick's church Saturday morning, and burial will be in
Greenwood cemetery.
BAILEY, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27,
1921
Mrs. Annie Bailey, aged 43 years, died on Monday at the
family home at 134 Atkinson avenue, after an illness of six
days, suffering from acute muscular rheumatism. She is survived
by three children, Samuel, and Misses Lucy and Blanche Bailey.
Her husband, Alfred Bailey, died sixteen years ago. The funeral
will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock from the
Campbell Chappel, with Rev. Jones officiating.
BAILEY, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1919
Eight
Year Old Son of Asst. Supervisor F. C. Bailey Drowns
Elmer
Bailey, eight year old son of Assistant Supervisor and Mrs. F.
C. Bailey of 609 East Fifth Street drowned shortly before noon
today off the foot of Ridge street. The lad went down in fifty
feet of water in sight of twenty-five companions, everyone of
whom were good swimmers. His brother, Earl, was one of the
spectators at the death of his brother. He, with the rest of the
party, was unable to do anything for the drowning boy. The lad
went to the swimming hole this morning without the consent of
his mother. He had been in swimming for some time when he met
his death. He swam out into the river quite a distance,
according to the lads who witnessed the drowning, and suddenly
he disappeared. He never came up. Before the party realized what
had happened, the boy was gone in the swift current. But the
death of the boy did not stop the swimming party. While some of
the lads carried the news to the parents and the authorities,
the boys continued to swim. By the time Deputy Coroner William
Bauer arrived, there were twenty-five lads in the water swimming
about in the spot where young Bailey went down. The hole in
which the lads were swimming is about fifty feet deep. This was
the hole made by the dredging for the Illinois Terminal River
Terminal. On account of the depth of the hole, it was feared
this afternoon that it might be impossible to secure the body
until it floated. Several lads were attempting to dive for the
body and two parties were dragging for the body. At the time of
the accident the father was in charge of the substation of the
Alton, Granite and St. Louis Traction Co. at Hartford. A
substitute was sent down to relieve him and to tell him of the
accident. This afternoon Mr. Bailey offered a reward of $25 for
the recovery of the body.
BAILEY, ELZIRA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1907
Mrs. Elzira Bailey, wife of Rev. George W. Bailey, died
at the family home, 630 Pine Street, Sunday evening at 7:20
o'clock, after an illness from heart trouble, aged 56 years.
Mrs. Bailey raised probably the largest family of any person in
the city of Alton. She leaves beside her husband, eleven sons,
all living in Alton, and one daughter, Mrs. Lucy Bemmis, living
on the Pacific coast. All of the children but two are over age.
Mrs. Bailey was a member of the First Baptist church of Alton
for twenty five years. The funeral services will be held Tuesday
morning at 7:30 o'clock so the body can be taken across the
river on the 9 o'clock boat. The body will be taken to West
Alton for burial in the Perkinson cemetery, Rev. Dr. Gibson
officiating.
BAILEY, GEORGE T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19,
1916
Death of Old Time Baptist Preacher - Leaves 12 Children
Rev. George T. Bailey, aged 74 years, died at his residence, 630
Summit Street, after a long illness with dropsy. The aged
retired Baptist clergyman had been very sick for nearly three
months, but he had been in failing health for several years. He
suffered intensely in the last illness, and the aged gentleman
looked forward to the close of his pain. He was a remarkable
man. For many years this rugged, old character had been the
chief bearer of the lamp of religion on Missouri Point. He was a
farmer there for forty years and during that time Rev. Bailey
was the old standby to conduct funeral services, perform
marriages, minister to the spiritual needs of the sick and the
well, and his services were always ready at any call. He was
born in England and came to America when he was nine years old.
In 1859 he moved to St. Charles, Missouri, near West Alton, and
for forty years he resided there farming. He gave up farm work
after a very successful career in 1888, and moved to Washington,
but returned to Alton the year following and settled down here.
He selected as a site for his home a bluff he had seen from his
old home on Missouri Point, and from which he could view his
farm. Just below Riverview Park, the aged man would sit on the
bluff and view the river day after day, looking over the fertile
fields of Missouri Point, and he passed his declining years in
happiness and peace. He was the father of fourteen children,
twelve of whom survive him, eleven sons and one daughter. They
are: George, James, John, Thomas, Jacob, Stephen, Robert,
Joseph, Harry, John, Byron Bailey and Mrs. Lucy C. Bemis of
Castle Rock, Washington. Only one of his sons, Stephen, a
resident of St. Louis, does not live in Alton. Rev. Bailey's
wife died in April 1907. The funeral will be held Friday morning
at 9 o'clock and services will be conducted at the home on
Summit Street.
BAILEY, GEORGE T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1918
George T. Bailey, aged 67, a well known former Alton
business man, died Saturday night in Chicago, and the body will
be brought to Alton tomorrow morning for burial. The funeral
will be direct from the C. & A. train to City Cemetery. Mr.
Bailey leaves two sons, Harry and George T. Bailey, both of
Chicago. He resided for a number of years on Langdon street
between Seventh and Eighth streets. He was in the tobacco
business in Alton for a long time. The funeral will be private.
BAILEY, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19, 1903
The Assault and Murder of Laura Bailey
Mrs. Gus Bailey,
her 15 year old daughter, Eilza [later the newspaper states she
was 18], and her 5 year old little son, Richard, were assaulted
Thursday night by an unknown person and left dying beside the
road. They were found shortly before midnight by Gus Doerr, who
was returning from Bethalto to East Alton, and along the road
met a horse and buggy going along without a driver. Doerr
investigated when he met the horse and buggy, and finding no
driver in the vehicle, took possession of it and turned toward
East Alton. A short distance farther on, the horse shied
violently, and Doerr, on getting out of the buggy to investigate
the cause, found three bodies - that of Mrs. Bailey and her two
children, aged 15 and 5, lying beside the main road leading from
East Alton to Bethalto. Mrs. Bailey was suffering from a big
hole in the back of her head, gashes and bruises on her face and
temples. Her head was bruised to a jelly and her hands mashed.
The daughter had similar injuries and both were unconscious. The
little boy was not so badly hurt, but was dazed and unable to
give an account of what had happened. Doerr hurriedly procured
assistance, and the unconscious persons were taken to East
Alton, where Dr. Pence attended them. He ordered that they be
removed at once to St. Joseph's hospital in Alton. The cause of
the crime is a mystery. The Baileys are a poor family who were
driven from their home near East Alton by the flood. The father
is a fisherman. After the family was driven from its home by the
high water, they found refuge in a house at Job's ranch, near
the old abandoned coal mines. The father was in Alton, having
come to spend the night at the home of his sister-in-law, who
lives in Yager Park. The mother and her two children were
spending the evening in East Alton, and were driving home when
the assault occurred. A telephone message was sent up to the
Alton police to notify Bailey of what had happened, and he was
found at his sister-in-law's home, about 2:30 this morning. The
little boy was able to tell little of what had happened, and Dr.
Pence believes the child was asleep when the assault occurred.
The boy says they fell out of a big red wagon. In case of the
death of the mother and sister, the boy would be able to give no
important information of the affair. The motive of the assault
is not known. A purse containing a small amount of money was
left in the buggy by the assailant of the family, and could
hardly have been overlooked had the motive been robbery. It was
reported in East Alton that a negro tramp seen in the vicinity
was responsible for the crime. A posse of East Alton men under
Deputy Sheriff Laughlin started off at once to follow the
suspect toward Bethalto. The girl, Eliza Bailey, partially
regained consciousness Friday morning in the hospital. To Dr.
Porter, the attending physician, she said that as they were
driving home from East Alton, a man leaped into the vehicle with
them and declared that he would kill them all. The man then
threw the mother and two children out of the buggy and beat them
to insensibility. The girl is in a semi-conscious condition and
her story is very incoherent. She appeared to know who committed
the assault, but could not bring herself to the point of
telling. It was believed that she could be induced later to tell
a good story of the events of Thursday night, when she recovered
further from her injuries. Officer Edward Burjes and Deputy
Sheriff Sam Laughlin went in pursuit of the assailant of Mrs.
Bailey and her two children, about 4 o'clock in the morning.
They followed a negro who had been hanging about East Alton and
was seen walking along the road. The officers drove their horse
hard, but failed to overtake the negro until they passed Moro.
There they ordered the negro to stop, and he protested against
being arrested. He was put in the buggy and taken back to East
Alton, where he is being held in jail. Officer Burjes said that
the Bailey family had received notice to move from their home
and were intending to go to Moro. The father came up to Yager
Park Thursday night to see his brother's widow, Mrs. James
Bailey, and informed his family he would not return that night.
Bailey had been hiring out a skiff in East Alton to young people
who were enjoying the novelty of a boat ride in the village. He
told his daughter she could go to East Alton where he kept the
boat, and try to make some money by hiring the boat out during
the evening. She did so, accompanied by her mother. It was while
they were returning from East Alton the assault was committed.
Mrs. Bailey Dies From Wounds
Mrs. Bailey died shortly
after one o'clock Friday afternoon from the wounds she sustained
the evening before. She did not regain consciousness. Her
daughter improved in condition steadily, and an effort was made
to induce her to tell Friday afternoon who was responsible for
the assault. She had repeatedly said in her half-delirium that
she "did not know he was going with us," and further than that
would say nothing, indicating that some person whom she was
trying to shield had committed the assault. Deputy Sheriff
Laughlin went to the hospital this afternoon to get her story,
if possible. He said that the negro held at East Alton is
undoubtedly innocent, and that the only reason for his arrest
was the fact that his clothes were stained with red, believed to
be blood. The stains proved to be red paint. All day today
telephone calls have been received at the hospital from some
unknown person who manifested the greatest solicitude over the
condition of the Bailey family. The person refused to give a
name, but called up five or six times. Dr. Porter said this
afternoon that he had refused to allow any person to see Eliza
Bailey, and that her condition is so serious she may not be
capable of making any kind of a statement until tomorrow. Until
then, it is said, the girl's knowledge regarding her assailant
will not be made public. The mystery surrounding the case has
grown much deeper, and there is much feeling over the tragedy in
East Alton.
Eliza Bailey Still Unable to Talk
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 20, 1903
Efforts to get from
Eliza Bailey, at St. Joseph's hospital, any information that
would assist in unraveling the mystery surrounding the assault
upon Mrs. Gus Bailey, her daughter, and little son, have failed.
The girl is in a very dangerous condition and it is believed she
too will die from the effects of the murderous assault. Sheriff
G. F. Crowe and Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper went to the
hospital Saturday morning for an interview with the girl. Her
father, Gus Bailey, went with the officers. He seemed deeply
affected and wept as he saw the mangled condition of his
daughter and little son. He kissed the girl and the little boy
lying beside her on the bed. The girl cannot talk coherently
now, and although able to answer a few questions, she replies to
pointed questions with the answer "I don't know." She would not
talk to the two officers at first, but her father was taken in
to see her and he endeavored to induce the girl to tell what she
could to assist in causing the arrest of her assailant. To her
father the girl said that she was holding her little brother on
her lap when someone came up from behind and struck each of them
on the back of the head with a club, calling her mother a vile
name as he struck her. When asked whether the man was white or
black, she replied she did not know. When asked who committed
the assault she gave the same reply, and taken altogether, the
interview was very unsatisfactory. She is kept under the
influence of opiates by instructions of the attending
physicians. This morning she seemed brighter than yesterday, but
complications are threatening to set in which may prove fatal,
and the solution of the mystery will be impossible. The vehicle
in which the Bailey family was driving was an open road buggy,
and the horse was able to go no faster than a walk, being
decrepit and old. It was an easy matter for the assailant to
step up behind the vehicle and strike the helpless woman with
her two children. There is no suspicion in the minds of well
informed people, contrary to reports set afloat, that the father
was implicated in the assault. A very convincing alibi could be
established by him, if one was necessary, and his conduct on
entering the room where his daughter and son were lying would
convince anyone of his innocence. He pleaded with his daughter
to tell who struck her, in the presence of the two officers who
entered the room with him. Eliza Bailey has wounds similar to
those of her mother, and those who have been with her since she
was taken to the hospital do not believe she has much chance of
recovery. Some people believe that the assault was intended for
someone else, and that the Bailey family were beaten by mistake.
Mr. Bailey says that his family has no enemies he knows, and
that the assault could not have been committed for purpose of
revenge. Sheriff Crowe says he will hold the colored man,
arrested on suspicion, until after the inquest on Mrs. Bailey,
which will probably not take place before next Thursday.
Daughter Still Refuses to Talk
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 22, 1903
Eliza Bailey has passed the crisis,
the nurses and attending physician say, and is able to talk but
she maintains a stolid silence, declining to say who it was that
assaulted the family. The nurses do not know whether her silence
is attributable to the shock of blows she sustained, or interest
in the person who committed the crime. She rallied this morning
and asked for food. She was able to rise from bed alone. It is
said that there is no immediate danger of a collapse with fatal
results, because of the improvement in her condition that was
apparent this morning. She is not under influence of opiates.
The girl does not know her mother is dead; and tomorrow she will
be informed, also that a man supposed to be innocent is being
held in jail and it is believed that she can then be persuaded
to break her silence. Today no one saw the girl. The father took
his son away from the hospital this morning. The child woke from
a stupor Sunday night, and cried all night for his mother, so it
became necessary for the father to take him. The child is now
out of danger.
Noted Man Held in Alton Jail
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1903
James W. Raby, the man
arrested last Friday morning on suspicion that he assaulted the
Bailey family near East Alton, Thursday night, is a noted
walker. His name appears in the New York World Almanac as the
champion walker of the world, having made the best time for all
distances, from two miles to and including fifteen miles. He is
not of African descent, but is a Bermudan, and says his parents
were Spanish and English. Since his arrest he has neither eaten,
slept nor taken a drink of anything. Raby told a Telegraph
reporter this morning his story and to substantiate it referred
to the World Almanac, where his story was varified. He broke the
world's record by walking 15 miles in 1 hour and 55 minutes,
when he was 15 years of age, in 1881. Raby said that since his
confinement in jail he had neither slept, eaten nor drunk, and
that so long as the charge of suspicion of murder was hanging
over him he could not partake of any nourishment. He has
traveled over the whole world and collected many interesting
curios. He makes a living as a sign painter and when he has no
money to travel on trains, he walks. Raby says that since his
incarceration, people have stood at the jail door and abused him
and that he has so worried over the abuse he is almost crazy.
Until this morning he refused to partake of any nourishment, but
finally he consented to partake of some gumdrops and raisins,
which he said was the kind of nourishment he was used to taking.
He used raisins in water as a beverage. The officers holding
Raby have been trying to calm him and assure him that he will
not be held any longer than is necessary. It is not believed he
is guilty, but he will be held until the coroner's inquest is
held. Raby claims that he is a British subject, his father being
an Englishman, and he was born under the British flag in the
Bermudas. He says he will appeal to the British government for
redress for imprisonment without cause, as soon as he is
released here.
Liza Bailey's Statement
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, June 23, 1903
Frank Greathouse, an
employee of the Equitable Powder Company, was arrested by
Sheriff Crowe and Chief of Police Maxwell Tuesday morning on the
charge of murdering Mrs. Gus Bailey, and committing a murderous
assault upon Liza Bailey and Everett Bailey. The arrest was
brought about by the girl, Liza Bailey, who seemed to recover
her senses all at once during Monday night and began talking
freely to her nurses and to attending physicians. The fact was
reported to Sheriff Crowe and Chief of Police Maxwell, and early
this morning they went to the hospital, accompanied by several
newspapermen. Greathouse seemed to have been infatuated with the
girl and endeavored to improve his acquaintance with her. The
girl did not even know his name. She said that whenever he had
an opportunity, he made himself offensive by his attempts to
form an intimate acquaintance with her, and that she repulsed
all his advances. It is supposed that because of his failure to
ingratiate himself with the girl, Greathouse conceived the plan
of murdering the whole family, including the girl. Eliza Bailey
is a bright, pretty young girl, aged 18, and very attractive.
When asked this morning by Sheriff Crowe if she could identify
her assailant, the Bailey girl said she could, and repeatedly
assured the officer that she would identify the man if he was
brought to her bedside. [Greathouse] was taken to St. Joseph's
hospital and into the room where his young victim lay, swathed
in bandages and with her pretty eyes swelled to great black
patches in her head. With halting speech the girl said, "That's
the man," as soon as she saw Greathouse. She was most positive
in her statement. Greathouse protested, "You know I wouldn't do
anything like that to you," but the girl insisted that he was
the guilty man who killed her mother and nearly killed her.
Greathouse is about 30 years old and has been living in East
Alton about two years. He came from Calhoun county and had lived
about five miles south of Brussels. He is not married. He is
about 5 feet 7 inches in height, stockily built. On his knuckles
are bruises still apparent, which must have been caused by him
striking his victims on the night of the assault. [Eliza Bailey]
said with painful halting and apparent difficulty in speech,
frequently repeating herself during the course of conversation,
"I saw the man and had a good look at him when he stepped up to
the buggy. He had been trying to quarrel with me for a long
time. He worked at the powder mills and when I would go there he
would always step up to me to see what I wanted. Thursday night
he came to where we had the skiff and were hiring it out to boys
and girls. When I was ready to go home, he wanted me to stay and
offered me a half dollar to let him have the skiff twenty
minutes. I told him no, and said I was going home. He began
quarreling about it, and Mr. Brown ordered him to stop. I put
the skiff away and started to go with my mother. Mamma put our
money in the pocketbook under the seat of the buggy and we
started away. When we came near the hill at Job's place, I saw
someone coming and told mamma we were being followed. She said
she hoped not, and I said I did, too. Then the man came up to us
and it was the same one I had the trouble with at the boat, and
before at the powder mills. He was always quarreling about me.
The man stepped up to the buggy and dragged mamma out, and then
Everett and I. He said he would 'be the end of us all,' and I
begged him not to hurt us. He struck us with his fists, but I do
not know whether he had anything in his hand." When
Greathouse was taken into the hospital he was much agitated and
almost fell in the entrance. He asked permission to sit down and
when a chair was given him he almost collapsed. When he faced
his accuser in the hospital ward, he nerved himself and
restrained any expressions of emotion. Sheriff Crowe, in answer
to a telephone call from the Telegraph, said that Greathouse was
"as quiet as a lamb" on the way over to Edwardsville. That he
was placed in jail before anyone knew of it. A report was
current on the streets this afternoon that Greathouse had
attempted to escape while on the way to Edwardsville.
Eliza Bailey In Grave Condition
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 24, 1903
The Sisters at the hospital say that
Eliza Bailey is suffering intensely and that her condition is
more serious than at any time since she was injured. She still
sticks to her statement made yesterday that Frank Greathouse is
the man who injured her and killed her mother. The Sisters
impressed upon her the seriousness of her condition, and the
dreadful consequences her statement entailed upon Greathouse.
Miss Bailey asserted that her story of yesterday was true, and
that Greathouse is the author of her injuries and the murderer
of her mother.
Blood Stains on Greathouse's Shirt
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 25, 1903
Coroner
Streeper impaneled a jury today to inquire into the cause of the
death of Mrs. Gus Bailey, who was assaulted on the night of June
18, together with her daughter, Eliza, and her son, Everett, and
left for dead on the roadway, and who died the next day from her
injuries. The jury, after viewing the body of Mrs. Bailey, went
to St. Joseph's hospital and there heard the evidence of Eliza
Bailey. The witness was questioned by State's Attorney Robert J.
Brown. The testimony sustained her previous statements fully.
She was most positive in the identification of Greathouse as the
perpetrator of the assault. She said she distinctly recognized
Greathouse. She saw him knock the false teeth out of her
mother's mouth. She thought he was trying to rob them of their
money, and she pleased with him not to abuse her mother and
herself and she would give him back the 20 cents he had paid her
for boat rides. He replied, "No, I give it to you." She was
sure. There was no doubt about Greathouse being the assaulter.
He always treated her badly every time he met her. She had known
him for about two months. She had worked in the powder mills
with him. The jury, after hearing the evidence of Miss Bailey,
went to East Alton and took the evidence of witnesses there. The
first witness to testify was Mr. Doerr, who found the three
bodies on the roadway. Ben Robinson, the roommate of Greathouse,
was called. Greathouse had said that he could prove that he was
in bed when the assault was committed. Robinson said he could
not say that Greathouse was in bed at 10:30 o'clock; he was very
reluctant to testify; he did not remember what hour Greathouse
went to bed, all he knew about, and he was sure of it, was that
Greathouse was not in bed when he (Robinson) woke up the next
morning. He was asked as to Greathouse's talk concerning the
blood on his clothes. He said Greathouse said it was some of the
Bailey blood, whose bodies he claimed to have assisted in
removing. Coroner Streeper, Deputy Sheriff Laughlin, Attorney
Brown, and a representative of the Telegraph, went to Haller's
boarding house and secured Greathouse's clothing. On the cuffs
on a shirt were several blood spots, as if the blood had been
splashed on the cuffs. Also on the shoulder was another blood
stain. At this hour, 4 p.m., the inquest is still progressing.
Funeral of Mrs. Bailey
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 26, 1903
The remains of poor, mutilated Mrs. August
Bailey were laid to rest in the East Alton (Milton) cemetery
this afternoon, the funeral taking place from Streeper's
undertaking establishment. Services were conducted by Rev. S. D.
McKenny of the Cherry Street Baptist church. It is rare that so
pitiable an affair takes place. Without a child to drop a tear
o'er her bier, only her husband left to mourn the loss of a wife
and mother. Her little boy is too young to know a mother's loss,
and her daughter too ill to attend the services (with faint hope
that she too will not soon pass over the river). And all this
sacrifice to gratify the brutal lusts of a so-called man. God
pity such manhood.
Coroner Holds Frank Greathouse - Jury
Finds Verdict Fixing Responsibility for Bailey Murder on Him
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1903
Frank
Greathouse's failure to destroy the shirt he wore the night he
committed the assault upon Mrs. Laura Bailey, Eliza Bailey and
Everett Bailey may be his undoing. The coroner's jury took as
evidence the shirt and the girl's statement made under oath, and
the statement of a friend of Greathouse and his bedfellow, that
Greathouse said the bloodstains in his shirt cuffs were from the
Bailey family, and they found a verdict placing the
responsibility of the murder upon him. Coroner Streeper at once
bound over Greathouse without bail to the grand jury. According
to the testimony of Gus Doerr, it required only ten minutes for
him to go from the place where the bodies were found to the home
of Marshal Schreiner, then to the depot and a short distance
down the railroad track. In that event, even though Greathouse
was in his room shortly after 10 o'clock, he would have had
plenty of time to have made the trip from the scene of the crime
to his boarding place at Haller's house by 10 o'clock. Some
other strong testimony has been obtained by State's Attorney
Brown, and he will submit it to the grand jury. It is probable
that the present grand jury may be asked to indict Greathouse
and to send representatives to the hospital in this city to take
the statement of Eliza Bailey again. The girl is improving
slightly in her memory, but her head still causes her intense
pain and she is not out of danger. She tells her story without
variation as she told it the first time she talked after
regaining consciousness. Her statements concerning the assault
are very convincing that she recognized her assailant in the
darkness. She told of the terror of herself when Greathouse
attacked the party in the vehicle and how she begged him to stop
beating the family, offering him all the money they had if money
was what he was after. Then she thought of jumping out of the
buggy herself, but stayed in the hope she might be able to
protect her little brother. Then Greathouse turned on her and
she knew little afterwards. The last she remembered was when she
was lying in the road and saw Greathouse leap from the buggy and
start for her. She protected her little brother with her own
body, she said, and turned her head. Greathouse struck her again
and she knew nothing more. He must have used steel knuckles in
beating his victims. The Bailey girl's story could not fail to
be convincing to any jury of the guilt of the accused man. It
has thoroughly convinced all who have heard her tell it as she
does, painfully and slowly as her halting speech will allow her.
The wound the girl sustained on the head seems to have injured
her power of speech.
Family Secures Attorney for
Greathouse
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1903
A brother and a half-brother of Frank Greathouse, the alleged
murderer of Mrs. August Bailey, are here today endeavoring to
secure attorneys to defend the accused. They live at Brussels,
Calhoun county, and their mother sent them here to do what they
can for their brother, whom the mother believes innocent.
[Editor's notes: A bloody shirt belonging to (Frank)
Greathouse was later found at his home, and it was stated it was
well known he carried with him brass knuckles. He was held
without bail to the grand jury for murder. A trial was held in
1904, and he was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in the
penitentiary at Chester, Illinois. Eliza Bailey recovered from
her wounds, and on July 5, 1904 was married to George Wheatley,
a young man employed at the powder mills.]
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1903
Frank Greathouse, the
murderer of Mrs. Laura Bailey at East Alton, was interviewed by
Mrs. S. Demuth yesterday in the county jail at Edwardsville.
Greathouse told Mrs. Demuth that he did not kill Mrs. Bailey,
but that he knows who did do it. Mrs. Demuth asked him how he
knew, and he replied that he heard two men talking about the
assault on the Bailey family afterward and that he could tell
who they are, but will not. Mrs. Demuth reminded him that for
his unwillingness to tell on a friend he might suffer the
penalty himself. He is trying to build up an alibi for defense,
but it is deemed highly improbable that he can set up one
sufficiently strong to shake the story of Eliza Bailey, who
still maintains that he is the guilty man. Miss Bailey has
recovered completely from the effects of the beating she
suffered.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1903
Sheriff Crowe has started a rogue's gallery at the county jail,
and has secured several pictures to start with. Frank
Greathouse, who is under indictment for the murder of Mrs.
Elizabeth Bailey, was the first. He curled his mustache and
smiled pleasantly at the glassy eye of the camera. .....
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1904
The trial
of Frank Greathouse for the murder of Mrs. Gus Bailey of East
Alton is set for January 27 in the Circuit Court. A large number
of witnesses will be subpoenaed in this case, and it is expected
that this time Greathouse will certainly be put on trial for his
life. Some of the most important witnesses, who are expected to
disprove the story of Eliza Bailey, who identified Greathouse as
the assailant of herself and murderer of her mother, are said to
have disappeared. The witness, because of whose absence the last
continuance was granted, is absent, but it is believed that
Judge Moore will insist upon the case being disposed of at this
term of court.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
1, 1904
Thirty years is what Greathouse gets for killing only
one of the Bailey family. If he had killed the entire family, he
would have been acquitted or never accused. Eliza could not then
have told on him.
BAILEY, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24,
1921
Robert Bailey of 519 William Street was taken to the
hospital Sunday morning suffering from a fatal injury to his
head which was sustained either in a fall or by a blow on the
head. The fact that Bailey had not regained consciousness after
being picked up precluded possibility of his story of the facts
attending his injury being obtained. Mr. Bailey died about 11
o'clock this morning without regaining consciousness. He was in
his 40th year. According to the best information obtainable,
Bailey had been in a soft drinks place on East Broadway and
coming out with another man had fallen on the sidewalk striking
his head. There was a mark at the base of the skull which
indicated a blow had been sustained there. The injured man was
taken to St. Joseph's hospital by Dr. J. P. Hale, who afterward
turned the case over to Dr. Shaff. All of Sunday, members of his
family watched beside the bedside of the unconscious man and his
death was expected at any time. There was considerable surprise
that he lived through Sunday night. His condition was reported
at the hospital Monday morning as being very bad, and it was
said that there was little chance of his recovery. Mr. Bailey
was employed at the Stanard Tilton mill. He was married, and
beside his wife had two children. He belonged to a well known
and large family, that of Rev. George Bailey. Two of his
brothers have died within the past few years, one being killed
by a train across the river from Alton, and the other, a
returned soldier from overseas, died recently in St. Louis. The
father died a few years ago. Dr. J. N. Shaff said after the
death of Bailey that he was unable to say conclusively what was
the cause of his death, and he indicated that a post mortem
might be held to determine the exact cause. Mr. Bailey was a
glassblower prior to the time of the changing of the glass works
here to an automatic machine blowing plant. Besides his wife and
two children, Mr. Bailey leaves eight brothers, George, James,
Thomas, Charles, Jacob, Harry, Stephen and Joseph Bailey; and
one sister, Mrs. Lucy Beemis.
BAILEY, SAMUEL G./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 24, 1846
Alton Attorney Dies
Died in Alton on Monday morning last,
January 19th, Samuel G. Bailey, Esq., aged about 50 years;
leaving a deeply afflicted wife, an only daughter, and a large
circle of friends and acquaintances to deplore his departure
from among them in the meridian of his days, and in the midst of
his usefulness. The deceased was one of our most worthy and
estimable citizens, and has at different times filled sundry
public offices with great honor in himself, and to the entire
satisfaction of his constituents. His remains were committed to
the grave on the succeeding Wednesday by the Pastor and brethren
of the Baptist congregation in Alton, of which he was an
exemplary member, and members of other religious denominations;
assisted by the Bar of this county, his Masonic brethren, and
the citizens in general, who united to pay this last tribute of
respect to his memory. In the death of Mr. Bailey, not only his
family, but the public, have sustained a severe loss. Nature had
endowed him with a vigorous mind, which his industry and
application had highly cultivated. His legal acquirements were
of the first order, but his researches were not confined to his
profession - he had explored the circle of the sciences, and
made the treasures of polite literature peculiarly his own. As a
lawyer, he always acquitted himself with honor. As a politician,
his views were exalted and he sought his country's good rather
than his own emolument or fame. As a Christian, he was
consistent and exemplary. As a neighbor and friend, he was
highly valued and respected. Mr. Bailey was a native of
Charlestown, Massachusetts, but spent most of his youth in
Hillsborough, New Hampshire, where he prepared himself for his
profession. At an early age he removed to Pennsylvania, and
commenced the practice of law. In the hope of improving his
death, he removed to Alton in 1836, and has since that time
resided in this city. But the writer feels himself arrested in
this hasty notice of his general character, and of the public
loss which his death has caused by the overwhelming magnitude of
the affliction to the little circle to which he particularly
belonged. It were vain to endeavor to describe it. It may be
gratifying to his numerous relations in the eastern states,
among whom is an aged father, to learn that here in this
comparatively land of strangers, Mr. Bailey had many friends who
knew his worth, his excellent feelings, his scrupulous and
religious adherence to sound principles in all his conduct, his
noble and generous spirit, and who will long cherish his memory
with the most affectionate regard. Signed A.
BAILEY, UNKNOWN SON OF ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, May
31, 1861
Thirteen Year Old Boy Drowns
The oldest son of
Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey, twelve or thirteen years of age, was
drowned on Saturday afternoon in a pond in Middletown. His body
was soon after found and taken to his distressed mother, and on
Sabbath was buried in the [Alton City] Cemetery. He is spoken of
as a most excellent lad, and was the main support of his
crippled and widowed mother. Mrs. Bailey has the deep and
heartfelt sympathy of all her neighbors in this sad bereavement.
BAILEY, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ALFRED/Source: Daily Free Press,
Wisconsin, May 15, 1888
While Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Bailey of
Alton were driving across the tracks of the Illinois & St. Louis
Railroad at Alton Junction [East Alton], the buggy was struck by
the lightning express train. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were thrown
out, and the lady almost instantly killed. Mr. Bailey was badly
injured. It is said the accident was caused by the negligence of
the railroad employees.
BAILEY, UNKNOWN WIFE OF SAMUEL G./Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 7, 1862
We have heard of the death of Mrs. Bailey,
the relict of the late Samuel G. Bailey, Esq. Mrs. Bailey was a
most estimable lady, and has been a resident of Alton for more
than twenty-five years, and was loved and esteemed by all who
knew her. Her loss will be greatly lamented. In the social
circle, the church of Christ, but more particularly among her
grandchildren, who have so lately been left motherless by the
death of Mrs. H. S. Baker, her daughter.
BAILHACHE, ARTHUR LEE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17,
1862
Civil War Soldier; Son of Judge John Bailhache
An
account of the death of this young man will be found in another
column. He was the youngest son of the late Judge Bailhache, and
was raised in this city, and has left many warm friends here who
will deeply deplore his early death. Indeed, so intimate and
constant has been our connection with him, that we feel very
much as though we had lost one of our own family. He was a young
man of much promise. Possessing a fine mind and great activity
and energy of character, he would, had he been spared, have made
his mark in the world.
Died at Pilot Knob, Missouri, on
the morning of January 9, 1862, after a short but severe
illness, Lieut. Arthur Lee Bailhache, Adjutant of the
Thirty-eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, in the 24th? Year of
his age. His body will be conveyed to Springfield, Illinois for
burial.
BAILHACHE, ELIZABETH HARWOOD/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6,
1849
Wife of John Bailhache, Editor of the Telegraph
Died
on Sunday, the 1st inst. [July 1, 1849], Mrs. Elizabeth Harwood
Bailhache, consort of the Editor of the Alton Telegraph. Her
illness was short and violent. Sunday morning, she rose from her
bed in usual health, and attended to the ordinary business of
her household until after breakfast, when she evinced symptoms
of cholera. Being constitutionally feeble, her system made
little resistance in the disease, and she sank rapidly, in spite
of the best medical aid which could be procured, and expired
about half after six in the afternoon. The deceased was the
daughter of the Rev. Dr. William Heath, and was born in Henry
County, Virginia, 1787. In the Spring of 1815, she removed, with
her father’s family, to the State of Ohio, where in 1816 she was
married to her now bereaved and deeply afflicted husband, with
whom in 1837, she removed to Alton.
About twenty-five
years since, she entered the communion of the Protestant
Episcopal Church, of which she remained on active and zealous
member until the day of her death. Endowed by nature with a
vigorous intellect and extraordinary energy of character, she
ever acted on the principle of the inspired precept, “Whatsoever
thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Often has she
left her sick bed to minister to the afflictions of others, and
in works of benevolence of this character she ever sought her
greatest happiness. In her death, the afflicted and unfortunate
of every grade have lost a true and devoted friend.
Mrs.
Bailhache was the child of affliction, having followed seven
promising children to the grave while yet in _____, and not
having, for several years’ past, enjoyed a day of robust health.
Her constitution was naturally delicate, and having suffered
from frequent attacks of acute illnesses, it had become so
reduced as to make her an easy prey to the destroyer. By the
church of which she was a devoted member, as well as by her
numerous relatives and friends, her death will be deeply felt,
and sincerely lamented, while in her bereaved husband and
children, the loss in irreparable. They “sorrow not, however, as
those without hope,” but rest in the Christian assurance that
their loss is her eternal gain. “Blessed are the dead who die in
the Lord, from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.”
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 13, 1849
The Editor (John
Bailhache) avails himself of his first moment of convalescence,
to return his most grateful thanks to the excellent friends who
so affectionately watched the sick bed of his dear departed
wife, and of her near relations, Mr. and Mrs. Bergen and child,
during their last illness, as well as for their abundant
kindness and Christian sympathy manifested toward himself and
family under their sad bereavement. His hearty acknowledgments
are likewise justly due to his medical friends for their
unremitted and assiduous attentions during the late affliction.
With humble gratitude to God, the Editor takes this occasion to
inform his numerous readers that he is now convalescent, and
with the blessing of Heaven, hopes to resume his duties next
week.
NOTES:
Matthew Bergen and his wife, Martha Ann,
who were staying at the Bailhache home, died three days later of
cholera, which at that time was epidemic.
John and
Elizabeth Bailhache were the parents of eight children. Only one
– Arthur Lee Bailhache – outlived his parents. Arthur died of
illness in January 1862 at Pilot Knob, Missouri, during the
Civil War. John Bailhache was the editor/owner of the Alton
Telegraph, in partnership at times with L. A. Parks and R. M.
Treadway. Few wielded a pen as eloquently as Bailhache, and he
was associated with The Telegraph from its earliest days in 1836
to 1855. During the tumultuous times in Alton during the Rev.
Elijah P. Lovejoy story, Bailhache often responded in the
Telegraph, writing articles condemning the violence. John
Bailhache was devastated after the death of his wife, Elizabeth.
He never remarried. He died in September 1857, at the age of 70
years.
BAILHACHE, JOHN (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Weekly Courier,
September 10, 1857
Thursday, September 3 - - We were greatly
pained to be compelled to announce yesterday morning the serious
accident which occurred to Judge Bailhache. This morning we are
indeed sad. The good and venerable man has gone home to enjoy,
we trust and believe, that blessed state for which he so long
and ardently sighed and prayed. Yesterday afternoon at 4
o'clock, John Bailhache died, full of years, rich in
experience, abounding in charity, and zealous in every good
work. An honest man left us yesterday. The cultivated mind which
conceived, and the ready hand which, for so many years, placed
such conceptions before the world, are now silent and
motionless. The Master summoned him and he was ready to obey the
call. Around the deathbed of such a man there is cause for
regret - much more for rejoicing. We regret the departure of the
well known form, the kindly voice, the benign smile, the
Christian example, and the parental encouragement in good works
which he gave to all. We rejoice that, being full of years, he
was ready to go home - that, though dead, his bright example
will still be before us - that his ardent longings to go home
are at length gratified, and that our loss is his everlasting
gain. As a journalist, we feel that an old and tried friend has
been taken from us. We have known Judge Bailhache for upward of
twenty years. While a printer in his office, full twenty years
ago, he it was who never failed in a word of encouragement, or,
if need be, of reproof. We often wrote for him, and from him
received much instruction in the art of composition. For many
years we were opposed to him in politics, and a part of that
time we conducted an opposition journal. In these various
relations we found him the same. Honest in his convictions,
scrupulously careful in the means he employed, wielding a pen
second to but few in the Union, and often engaged in heated
party contests, we yet always found him charitable to his
opponents, and at all times exercising those graces which
distinguish the Christian gentleman. Judge Bailhache was the
oldest editor in Illinois, probably in the United States. He had
spent over half a century as the editor of a public journal. His
connection with the public press ceased between two or three
years ago, when we purchased the Telegraph, since which time he
has been associated with L. A. Parks, Esq., one of the original
founders of the Telegraph, in a Job office. After the death of
R. M. Treadway in January 1837, Judge Bailhache became
associated with Mr. Parks, the surviving partner, and continued
to be its chief editor until 1855. For upwards of thirty years
previous to his coming to Illinois, he had conducted various
public journals in Ohio, and was considered the ablest in the
profession. We have no disposition now to speak of his early
history more at length. A future time will be more fruitful of
facts. The present is too sad for reminiscences. We have lost a
friend - one who was endeared to us by many pleasant
recollections. Society has lost a valuable and highly esteemed
member; the Church a consistent and shining light; his family an
affectionate and devoted father. All - all have lost but him.
BAKER, ABSALOM/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1843
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 20th ult. after al illness of
two days, Mr. Absalom Baker, aged 55. The deceased was one of
the oldest settlers of our state, and has left many friends to
mourn his loss.
BAKER, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1,
1909
Charles A. Baker, a negro, aged 77, died at Melville
this morning and will be buried tomorrow.
BAKER, CORNELIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30,
1900
Cornelius Baker, a well known resident of Upper Alton,
died Saturday night after a short illness at his home on Main
street. He was 53 years of age and leaves a widow and four
children, Lincoln and Earl, Martha and Violet. The funeral
services were at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the family home,
Rev. J. A. Large officiating. The pallbearers were Messrs. J. A.
Davis, George Sims, Edgard Willard, Henry Scoville, R. Dickson,
Harry McDermott. Interment was at Oakwood.
BAKER, EDWARD L. (CONSUL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 9, 1897
Ambassador to Buenos Ayres; Owner of Alton
Telegraph; Brother to Judge Henry Southard Baker
Edward L.
Baker, Consul to Buenos Ayres, died in that place last evening,
at the age of about 70 years. Mr. Baker was in a railroad wreck
in Buenos Ayres two weeks ago, and died from the effects of the
injuries received.
Mr. Baker was a son of the late David
J. Baker of Alton, and a brother of the late Henry Southard
Baker, also of Alton, and of Judge David J. Baker, recently of
the Illinois Supreme Court. He was appointed Consul by President
Grant, and has remained in Buenos Ayres since then. His body
will be interred in that place.
Mr. Baker was at one time
one of the owners and editors of the Telegraph. He went to
Springfield in 1859, and connected himself with the Springfield
Journal, remaining there until his appointment as Consul.
BAKER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1900
George Baker, an old soldier, died this morning at his home at
Front and Oak streets, after an illness of two weeks with
paralysis. Baker was 56 years of age and had lived in Alton many
years. He was a well known character, and as "Windy" Baker he
was known to most people who never heard his first name. He
leaves a large family. The funeral will be tomorrow morning at
10 o'clock.
BAKER, HENRY SOUTHARD SR. (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 11, 1897
Attorney; Judge; Legislator
Judge Henry
Southard Baker died at his residence, 615 East Fifteenth Street,
Friday, March 5, 1897, at 4 o’clock p.m., after a few hours’
illness. Judge Baker had been in declining health for a number
of years, yet his death was very unexpected, being taken
seriously ill in the morning.
Henry S. Baker Sr. was the
son of the late David Jewett Baker of Alton, an eminent
attorney, and Sarah Tennery Fairchild Baker. Henry was born in
Kaskaskia, Illinois, November 10, 1824. He completed his
education at Brown University, Rhode Island, and entered upon
the practice of the legal profession. He was admitted to
practice in Alton. He served as a member of the Illinois
Legislature, which elected Lyman Trumbull U. S. Senator, and was
on several occasions elected to the position of City Attorney.
In 1864, he became Judge of the City Court of Alton, succeeding
Hon. H. S. Billings, who was the court’s first Judge. Mr. Baker
held the office of Judge for 16 years, afterwards taking up the
active practice of law here, which he continued until 1888, when
he retired.
Judge Baker was always considered a fine
lawyer, and his influence before a jury or a court was
commanding. He was a life-long Republican, and held many
positions of honor in the conventions of his party. He was
Secretary of the first convention held in the State, was
Chairman of the Republican State Convention of 1876, and a
delegate to the National Convention of the same year, which met
in Cincinnati, and voted for Benjamin H. Bristow as his choice
for President. He was also a candidate for Congress in the
1870s, and was opposed by William R. Morrison. The district
being overwhelming Democratic, Mr. Morrison was elected. Judge
Baker’s brother, Hon. David J. Baker, is a member of the
Illinois Supreme Court, and has served a term as Chief Justice.
Judge Baker’s second wife survives him, as do also several
children by both marriages, viz: Miss Jennie B.; Henry Southard
Baker Jr.; and Sidney B.; by his first wife [Emily Blair Bailey
Baker]; and Murray; Clinton; Mrs. H. H. Ferguson; Lucien;
Hundley; and Misses Emily B., and Laura, by his second wife
[Mary Fall Adams Baker].
The funeral services of Judge
Henry S. Baker were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, at the
residence in Middletown, attended by a large number of relatives
and friends to pay their last mark of earthly honor to the
deceased. Rev. Dr. Justus Bulkley of Upper Alton conducted the
services and delivered a fitting eulogy on the life and services
of Mr. Baker. Miss Edith Pratt sang, “There is a Land Mine Eyes
Have Seen,” and the Amphion Quartette sang, “Lead Kindly Light.”
A long procession followed the remains to the Alton City
Cemetery, where after short services, the body was laid to rest.
The Amphions rendering another of their selections, and the
grave was covered by a profusion of rare and exquisite floral
designs. The casket was borne by four sons of the deceased –
Henry S. Baker Jr., S. B., M. M., and Lucien Baker; Mr. H. H.
Ferguson, a son-in-law, and a nephew, Mr. A. B. Metcalf of St.
Louis. Among those present from other cities who attended the
funeral were: Judge David J. Baker of the Illinois Supreme
Court; William B. Gilbert of Cairo; Mr. and Mrs. L. S. Metcalf,
Miss Hazel Metcalf, Mrs. G. A. Bayle, Mrs. Adams, and Mrs. K. C.
Bird of St. Louis.
NOTES:
Judge Henry S. Baker Sr. was
the son of Attorney David Jewett Baker (1792-1869). David Baker
studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1819. He practiced
law in Kaskaskia, Illinois, and served as judge in Randolph
County (1827-30). He was appointed to the U. S. Senate to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of John McLean, serving from
November 12, 1830 – December 11, 1830. He did not run for
re-election, and next served as District Attorney (1833-41). He
practiced law until his death at age 76.
BAKER, HENRY SOUTHARD JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 14, 1932
Alton Attorney; Son of Judge Baker
Henry
Southard Baker Jr. died June 13, 1932. He had been failing in
health, but continued going downtown Alton to his office. He was
advised to have an operation for stomach trouble, but declined.
The Thursday before his death, he left his office for home,
knowing that he would never be able to return. He was 74 years
old.
Henry Baker Jr. was born in Alton on June 7, 1959.
He was the son of Henry Southard Baker Sr., a Judge and Illinois
Legislator. The family lived at 615 East 15th Street in Alton.
Henry Jr. studied law in the office of his father. He also
attended Shurtleff College, graduating in 1879. He took the bar
exam, and was admitted in 1883. He became a partner in his
father’s law firm, and when Judge Baker died in 1897, his son
took over.
During Henry Jr.’s career, he served as
corporate counselor in Alton under several mayors. He held the
office of attorney for the Piasa Building and Loan Association
for almost 40 years. Henry Jr. married Miss Florence Lang of
Alton in 1912. Together they lived in his maternal grandfather’s
(Samuel J. Bailey) home at 629 East 15th Street in Alton, which
his grandfather built. Mr. Bailey practiced law in Alton, and
served as Mayor of Alton from 1842 to 1844. The grandfather on
his father’s side – David J. Baker, was also an attorney. Henry
Jr. was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
BAKER, JAMES W. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 13,
1849
Veteran of the Mexican-American War
Died on Saturday,
July 7, of liver complaint, Captain James W. Baker, in the 31st
year of her age. The deceased was born in the city of
Pittsburgh, and removed to Alton in the year 1812, and has ever
since continued to reside in this place, with the exception of a
campaign which he spent in Mexico, where he served as Captain of
that gallant company, the “Alton Guards,” which company composed
a part of the celebrated Second Illinois Regiment; and during
which campaign he greatly distinguished himself, and at the
Battle of Buena Vista, received a gunshot wound in the head,
which carried away his right eye, and from the effects of which
wound he never entirely recovered. His death is regretted by all
who knew him, for he was a gallant, honorable man, and an
excellent citizen. His remains were followed to the grave by the
Masonic Fraternity, and the citizens generally.
BAKER, JENNIE B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24,
1914
Miss Jennie B. Baker died at St. Joseph's hospital
Friday noon after a long illness. She was 61 years of age. Her
illness began ten years ago with an attack of typhoid fever,
which after a period of six months, left her in frail health.
Recently she suffered a complete nervous collapse and several
weeks ago she was brought from Springfield, where she was in a
hospital, to Alton, as it was seen her condition had become very
grave. For a week her death has been expected to take place at
any time. Miss Baker was a life long resident of Alton, and she
resided almost all of her life in the one place on Fifteenth
street. Miss Baker is survived by five brothers and two sisters,
Mrs. H. H. Ferguson; Mrs. Clark McAdams; Messrs, Harry S.; S.
B.; M. M.; L. F.; and H. B. Baker. The funeral will be held at 2
o'clock Saturday afternoon, from the residence of H. S. Baker on
Fifteenth street. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
BAKER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1918
John Baker, the six months old infant of Mr. and Mrs. J. Baker
of 915 East Fourth street, died this morning from pneumonia. The
funeral of the little one will be held Sunday afternoon, and
interment will be in the city cemetery.
BAKER, MARY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23, 1866
Died in Alton at the house of Mrs. Mark Pierson on Thursday, the
15th inst., Miss Mary A. Baker, formerly of Boston,
Massachusetts.
BAKER, NORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1907
The body of Mrs. Nora Baker, colored, arrived from Omaha,
Nebraska this morning and was taken direct from the depot to
Rocky Fork Cemetery, where interment was made. Deceased was a
niece of Mrs. Erasmus Green, and a relative of the Townsends.
She was thirty-six years of age, and the cause of death is given
in the shipping certificate as "a shock."
BAKER, SARAH ELIZABETH (nee PATRICK)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 17, 1914
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Baker, widow of
Charles Baker, in her 73rd year, died Thursday afternoon at 5:30
o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Yarby, after an
illness of six months with paralysis. Mrs. Baker's maiden name
was Patrick. She was born in Madison County near Staunton, Ill.,
February 20, 1842. She came here at 5 years of age with her
mother and sister, and after three years moved to Woodburn where
she resided until her marriage to Charles W. Baker, Sept. 19,
1865. They came then to live in Alton. Seven children were born
to them, of which three sons and two daughters survive. Isaac S.
of Alton; Gus and Fred Baker of St. Louis; Mrs. Thomas Yarby and
Mrs. Fred Nitsche. One stepson, Ed Baker, lives at Staunton, as
does also a sister. She was a member of the Methodist Church of
Woodburn. She leaves beside her relatives in Alton a large
number of friends here and elsewhere. Rev. G. L. Clark of the
Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church will conduct the funeral
services tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, which
she had occupied for nearly a half century. Burial will be in
Oakwood Cemetery.
BAKER, SHARED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5,
1902
The funeral of the late Shared Baker took place this
afternoon from the home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Eva Miller,
202 East Seventh street, and was attended by many of his former
associates and friends of the family. Rev. H. M. Chittenden
conducted the services and interment was in Oakwood Cemetery,
Upper Alton.
BAKER, WALTER R./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 4, 1868
Died in Alton, August 31, Walter R., youngest son of Henry S.
and Mary F. Baker; aged 18 months
BAKER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 1,
1902
Mysterious Accidental Shooting
William Baker, who
lived in a hut near Duck Lake [a small settlement in Alton], a
short distance east of the glassworks, was fatally wounded
Friday evening in his home by his wife. The shooting is attended
with much mystery, as there were only Mrs. Baker and her
brother-in-law, David Baker, present when the shooting occurred.
The story told by the man and the woman is that the woman was
handling the revolver when it was accidentally discharged, the
ball taking effect in the abdomen of William Baker. Both man and
woman tell the same story. After the shooting Friday evening,
Dr. Fred Joesting was summoned to attend the wounded man. Dr.
Joesting turned the case over to Dr. E. A. Cook, the township
physician of Wood River, and he ordered Supervisor Ford to take
the wounded man to St. Joseph's hospital for treatment. Baker
died at 9 o'clock Saturday morning, and was dead when the
ambulance was sent to move him to the hospital. The revolver
with which the shooting was done is a 32-calibre weapon. The
woman and brother of the dead man say that the killing was
purely accidental, but Deputy Coroner Streeper is holding an
investigation this afternoon to determine the cause and discover
the facts in the case.
BAKER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1903
Death of a Pioneer
William Baker, one of the oldest residents
of Foster township, died last night at his home on a farm near
Fosterburg, after suffering many months with heart disease and
dropsy. Mr. Baker was 79 years old, and his illness has been
watched with much interest by his many friends, which he had
made during the many years he has resided in Foster township.
William Baker was born in Lincolnshire, England, April 16, 1824.
He was married there to Miss Susan Schoffield in 1848, and
resided there until 1850, when he and his wife crossed the
waters and settled in America, coming directly to North Alton.
He engaged in coal hauling at North Alton ten years, after which
he bought his farm in Foster township and lived on it until the
time of his death. Mr. Baker was one of the best known and liked
farmers in this vicinity, and his death is sad news to a large
number of friends with whom he has done business so long.
Besides his wife he leaves a family of nine children to mourn
his demise. They are: Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis, Sharrod Baker, Mrs.
Mary Meisenheimer, Mrs. Helen Taylor, Mrs. Bertha Baker, John
Baker, Sarah Baker, Susan Baker and William Baker. Funeral
arrangements have not been made, but it will probably be held
Sunday.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 3, 1903
William Baker, an aged resident of Foster township, was buried
Sunday afternoon in Ingersoll cemetery near Fosterburg. The
services were conducted by Rev. Simeon Hussey, who had been
requested by Mr. Baker many years ago to officiate at his
funeral. Three sons, a grandson and two sons in law served as
pallbearers. They were John, William and Shared Baker, B.
Taylor, William McCauley and William Lewis. The attendance at
the funeral was large. Mr. Baker was the head of a well known
Madison County family, and throughout his life had been a highly
respected resident.
BALCH, AMORY O. (LIEUTENANT)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 28, 1866
Died on the 21st inst., Lieut. Amory O.
Balch, formerly of Company K, 35th Massachusetts Volunteers.
Boston, Mass. Papers please copy.
BALDWIN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1922
Attendant Electrocuted at Rock Spring Park
John Baldwin,
18 years old, was electrocuted this morning at 11:15 o'clock in
Rock Spring Park, where he was helping to operate a small
merry-go-round. The accident has put a damper on the picnic for
a time, that was being given for the children of the Alton
Catholic Orphanage. Baldwin came to Alton with George Alderman
of Collinsville, who owned the merry-go-round. The little
machine had been operating all last week at East Alton in
connection with a carnival that was showing in that village, and
Alderman consented to set up the machine just for one day in
Rock Spring Park for the free amusement of the children of the
orphanage. The machine had been set-up and had been running a
couple of hours amusing the children before Baldwin picked up a
live wire which killed him instantly.
The merry-go-round
has been running and carrying the children, but there was no
music, the organ not being connected up with the electric wires
to furnish power to run it. Alderman, who is an electrician
himself, decided to rig up another wire to operate the organ. He
did so, and taking one end of the wire, he climbed a pole in the
park and made a connection with an electric fed wire that
carried 110 volts. He had scarcely made the connection when
Baldwin, not knowing of the danger, picked up the other end of
the wire which was lying on the ground in the center of the
merry-go-round. He was instantly electrocuted. There was only a
half dozen people standing nearby at the time the accident
happened, including Father Merkel, Father Spaulding and several
younger priests. It was several minutes before anyone knew that
something wrong had occurred, so quick was the accident, and not
a sound was heard from the young man through whose body the 110
volts of electricity had passed while he was standing on the wet
ground. As soon as it was realized that the man had been
electrocuted, the priests rushed in to telephone in the Valley
Park pavilion and called for help. Drs. Taphorn, Davis, Walton
and Brunk arrived in a few minutes. Two pulmotors were rushed to
the park and everything possible was done to try to save the
young man's life, but all efforts in an hour's time failed to
revive him.
Alderman, the owner of the merry-go-round,
when he learned that the boy had been killed, became distracted
and his sorrow was great. He said that he had been a lifelong
friend to the boy's father and mother, and he felt that the
relatives of the dead boy would feel that he was responsible for
the lad's death. He refused to be comforted in spite of the
efforts of many people in the park to persuade him that the
accident was purely unavoidable, and that the boy's family would
not blame him for it. When the physicians gave the boy up for
dead, the body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Streeper, who
took him to the undertaking rooms in Upper Alton.
Alderman brought the merry-go-round to the Park yesterday
afternoon. Work of setting it up was started at once, and it was
running early this morning when the automobiles of Alton people
commenced to arrive at the park with the orphans for their
annual outing. The kiddies were enjoying the fun of riding on
the machine, although it was a very small one. It had been set
up on the picnic ground in the valley of the park, opposite the
Valley Park pavilion. The picnic was almost broken up after the
fatal accident. Alderman, because of the happening, would not
run the machine any longer. At noon the White Hussar band
members arrived at the park where they had been sent by the
Egyptian Hustlers to give a concert for the orphans at their
picnic. At 1 o'clock the band started to play and the children
resumed playing. Another young man who had been with Alderman in
the operation of the merry-go-round, consented to run it, and he
again put the machine in operation. Alderman insisted that he be
taken to his home at Collinsville after telegraphing to his wife
of the accident, and instructing her to tell the boy's
relatives. Alderman said Baldwin's father and mother are living
at Millersburg, a little town southeast of Pocohontas in Bond
County.
NOTES:
John Baldwin was born March 11, 1905,
and was the son of William and Ellen Baldwin. He was buried in
the Hug Cemetery in Pierron, Bond County, Illinois.
BALDWIN, M. S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1903
Traveling Man Killed by Team of Runaway Horses
M. S.
Baldwin, the Galesburg traveling man who was struck by a team of
runaway horses belonging to F. Heintz of Fosterburg, Monday
noon, died Monday evening at the Pieper hotel. Members of the
Masonic and the Odd Fellows fraternities took care of the man
until death, and the body was afterward removed to the
undertaking parlors of A. I. Keiser where they were held to
await orders from the relatives of the dead man. Baldwin never
regained consciousness after the first few minutes after he was
hurt, and he continued to become worse from 2 o'clock in the
afternoon. Dr. Wilkinson was called in to consult as to the
case, and it was then found that nothing could be done for him.
Baldwin's skull was fractured near the base of the brain and he
had a very serious form of concussion of the brain. Mr. Heintz,
the man who was driving the runaway team, was assisted in
stopping the horses on East Second street. The horses ran away a
second time and were stopped by the driver with difficulty.
Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest over the body of the
dead man, which was completed this afternoon. It was found that
Mr. Baldwin's skull was fractured near the base of the brain,
and his death was inevitable. Mr. Joseph Heintz, of Fosterburg,
was driving the runaway team, says that his horses ran away a
second time from Second and Ridge streets, and ran ten blocks
before he could stop them. He was helpless from exertion when
the horses were finally stopped. He said that Mr. Baldwin
attempted to get out of the way, but that he could not move
quick enough on the slippery street pavement, and that one of
the horses struck him before he could move. J. P. Foley of
Galesburg, an undertaker, came to Alton for the body and will
leave this evening for Galesburg. Mr. Baldwin leaves only his
wife.
BALDWIN,
THERON (REV.)/Died April 10, 1870
First Principal of
Monticello Ladies Seminary in Godfrey
Theron Baldwin was born
July 21, 1801, in Goshen, Litchfield County, Connecticut. His
parents were Elisha and Clarissa (Judd) Baldwin. He had two
brothers (Orra Bailey Baldwin and Abraham Baldwin) and two
sisters (Clarissa Baldwin and Elisha Baldwin). Baldwin was a
descendant of Nathaniel Baldwin of Milford, Connecticut, who
moved to New Haven with Davenport’s Colony in 1638. Elisha
Baldwin was left an orphan at an early age, and was brought up
by his maternal aunt, the wife of Governor Wolcott. When a lad,
Elisha Baldwin made a voyage to the West Indies for his health,
and while there was so horrified by the cruelties practiced upon
the slaves, that from that time his antislavery principles were
fixed and unalterable, and exerted a powerful influence on the
mind of his son, Theron. The children of Elisha Baldwin enjoyed
all the advantages of the district school, and the minister of
the North Parish of Goshen was often a guest of the family, and
gave the children assistance in their studies. The family had
two holidays each year – one at the end of corn planting, and
the other at the end of haying. The latter was a sort of
literary festival, where the children gathered around and
delivered their oration. These habits of study at home and
school bore great fruit in the children’s development.
On July 12, 1826, an event occurred in the summer which exerted
an influence for the rest of Theron’s life – it was the death of
his brother, Abram, at Montreal, Canada. He later visited the
place where his brother had died from sickness, and found the
house and the room, with his brother’s clothes hanging as he had
left them. With difficulty, he found the burial place where they
had laid him, and the grief was heavy on his heart.
Theron graduated from Yale College in 1827 with high honors. He
entered the Theological Department, where he played a leading
role among a small group of students who planned to go to the
Midwest to promote education and religion. He was ordained in
the ministry in 1829, and traveled to Jacksonville, Illinois,
under the auspices of the American Home Missionary Society. He
settled in Vandalia, then the capital of Illinois, as a home
missionary, where he became influential in the public education
movement. He was instrumental in securing a charter in 1835 from
the Illinois legislature, that established three colleges:
Illinois College, Shurtleff College, and McKendree College.
On June 20, 1831, Theron married Caroline Wilder
(1807-1888), at Burlington, Vermont. They were blessed with two
sons and three daughters. One son was Theron Baldwin Jr.
(1838-1901). Theron’s father, Elisha, died in April 1833. His
mother had died in 1814.
In 1835, Captain Benjamin
Godfrey proposed to Theron Baldwin that he serve as the first
principal of the future Monticello Ladies Seminary in Godfrey. A
site was to be selected, a building was to be designed, a course
of instruction and an internal plan of the institution were to
be devised and brought into practical working, and a corps of
teachers was to be selected. Baldwin’s attention had been
strongly directed towards systems of education ever since his
agency for Illinois College in 1832, and he had acquired such
knowledge of the subject as to qualify him in an eminent degree
for this work. Baldwin consented, but before the school opened,
he undertook an extensive tour of the East, visiting the leading
seminaries in New England and New York. He observed teaching
methods and subject matter content, and hired teachers for soon
to be opened Monticello Ladies Seminary. The proper religious
instruction and training of the students was a matter which lay
near the heart of both the founder (Captain Godfrey) and the
newly appointed principal – Theron Baldwin. Baldwin devoted his
own time and energy to the institution, which first opened in
April 1838, and succeeded in impressing on it such a religious
character as few other seminaries for female education have
achieved. Both the efficiency of its system of intellectual
culture and the healthfulness of its moral and religious tone it
had from the beginning, ranked it among the best of its class in
the whole country.
While serving at the Ladies Seminary
in Godfrey, the Church of Christ in Godfrey was organized on
November 2, 1839, with 26 members. At the first meeting, Rev.
Baldwin was moderator, and a constitution, confession of faith,
and covenant were adopted. Timothy Turner and Benjamin Gilman
were appointed elders. Rev. Baldwin was installed as pastor of
the church on November 22, 1840. In the Spring of 1844, Rev.
Baldwin resigned.
Baldwin served as principal of
Monticello Ladies Seminary until 1843, when he became the
executive head of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate
and Theological Education in the West. He did, however, remain a
trustee of the Seminary. As secretary of the society (1843-70),
he wrote annual reports and included addresses delivered by
eminent educators and clergymen.
Theron Baldwin died at
the age of 68, at his residence in Orange, Essex County, New
Jersey, on April 10, 1870. He was buried in the Rosedale
Cemetery. His legacy at the Monticello Ladies Seminary, however,
lived on. The school, under new leadership, maintained his high
degree of integrity and religious training. Baldwin Hall is
named in his honor.
BALDWIN, THOMAS H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28,
1917
Soldier Drowned in Wood River While Seining for Minnows
Thomas H. Baldwin, one of the soldiers at East Alton, a member
of Truck Co. No. 1 of St. Louis, was drowned in Wood River at 5
o'clock Friday afternoon by going into deep water while seining
for minnows. Baldwin was 21 years of age. Two of the three men
with him had narrow escapes and saved their own lives only by a
desperate struggle in the water. Four men, including Baldwin,
had to a deep hole in Wood River to seine for minnows. Baldwin
had hold of the outer end of the seine and was walking around
with it when he stepped off into deep water and began to go
down. According to testimony given at the inquest by J. H. Mills
of the party, Mills saw the danger of Baldwin and went to his
rescue. He got too close in on the drowning man and became
caught by a death grip of Baldwin, who lost his head completely.
Mills and Baldwin had a desperate struggle in the water, and
then Mills broke the hold of the drowning man and was himself
near exhaustion. Chauncey Peterson, another one of the party,
tried to save both the men and in so doing he got into trouble
himself and was about to be drowned, when William McCool, the
fourth member of the party, rescued both Mills and Peterson, but
was too late to do anything for Baldwin. He had gone down for
the last time. The body of the drowned man was recovered and
Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer held an inquest. A verdict of
accidental drowning was rendered by the jury on the testimony
given by J. H. Mills. The body was shipped to the old home,
Ridge Farm, Ill., for burial.
BALLARD, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1920
Mrs. Anna Ballard, 40, died yesterday at her home, 1720
Belle street, following a week's illness with pneumonia. She is
survived by a son, Peter F. Brooks, two sisters, Esther
C_____ford, and Mrs. Sarah Myndman, and two brothers, James and
Frank________. She will be buried Wednesday afternoon from the
home. Interment will be in Upper Alton cemetery.
BALLARD, ARCHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6,
1904
Archie, the 10 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Ballard
of East Alton, accidentally ran a splinter into his foot ten
days ago. The foot became sore but there was no other indication
of serious consequences. Saturday night the child was attacked
by lockjaw and died Monday about midnight, after suffering
terrible agony. The funeral will be held tomorrow from the
family home, and Rev. C. L. Peterson will conduct the services.
Mr. Ballard is section foreman for the C. B. & O.
BALLARD, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16,
1918
Charles Ballard, colored, died yesterday afternoon at
his home at 1720 Belle street, at the age of 44 years, after a
long illness. He is survived by his widow, Anna Ballard. The
funeral will be held tomorrow at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.
Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
BALLARD, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 7,
1909
The funeral of Earl Ballard was held this afternoon from
the family home in Upper Alton and burial was in Oakwood
cemetery.
BALLARD, W. C. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6,
1871
On April 28, 1870, Rev. W. C. Ballard, an old resident
of Madison County, died at his residence near Edwardsville, aged
89 years.
BALLS, ISABELLA/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 2, 1844
Died, on the 15th ult., near Collinsville, Mrs. Isabella Balls,
aged 67. A bright example of the Christian character; a native
of Great Britain, she had resided but a few years in America,
but had become endeared to a numerous circle of acquaintance by
her many admirable traits of character. She died in the hope of
a blessed immortality. "blessed are the dead who die in the
Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow
them."
BALSTER, ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23, 1844
Died,
in the Marine settlement, on the 7th inst., Mrs. Ann Balster,
aged 48 years, consort of Mr. Oliver S. Balster.
BALSTER, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27,
1922
Young Man Drowns in Lake While Swimming
Clarence E.
Balster, adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Balster, this city,
was drowned yesterday afternoon while swimming in LeClaire Lake
at Edwardsville. The drowning was the result of the young man
over-taxing himself in trying to swim too far. With a party of
four other men, he had been traveling about the country
distributing a baking powder. Yesterday afternoon they decided
to take a swim in the Leclaire lake and Balster went clear
across the lake. He was somewhat tired and after a short rest he
went back in the water to return to his starting place, while on
the way his strength gave out and he sank. His companions
attempted to rescue him, and after they did get his dead body
out of the water, a pulmotor was used in an effort to restore
respiration, but in vain. After a short time the parents at
Alton were notified that their son had been drowned. The body
was taken in charge by an Edwardsville undertaker and was
brought to Alton. The burial services will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Balster home on Humbert
street. The drowning of their only son was a sad shock to Mr.
and Mrs. Balster. He had entered the employ of the Baking Powder
Co., less than a month before. Members of the family said that
he was a good swimmer and that he should have been able to make
the trip successfully across the lake and back. The parents
moved to Alton two years ago from the Bethalto neighborhood
where Mr. Balster was for a long time a mail carrier. An
Edwardsville account of the drowning said: J. C. Hart, an expert
swimmer of Springfield, Mo., and several other friends of
Balster made a futile attempt to reach the drowning man before
he sank in water 12 feet deep. Balster was an inexperienced
swimmer and is believed to have gone into the deep water by
mistake. Balster had been in the water for about an hour when he
waved his hands and called for help. He sank twice before Hart
reached the place where Balster was struggling in the water.
Balster threw his arms around Hart and pulled the latter under
the water with him as he sank the third time. Hart succeeded in
freeing himself and swam to shore. Balster's body remained in
the water about twelve minutes, when it was recovered by Abner
Stolte of Edwardsville, a schoolboy who was at _______
[unreadable] the outing. O. G. Ball of Springfield, Mo., and R.
Crane of Alton, were swimming near Balster when he drowned and
were unable to get to him in time to save him.
BALSTER, DIETRICH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
14, 1903
A large number of people went from Alton and East
Alton to Bethalto, Sunday, to attend the funeral of Dietrich
Balster, whose sudden death Thursday came as a shock to his wide
acquaintanceship. Services were conducted by Rev. Ritchey of the
Cumberland Presbyterian church, and interment was in Bethalto
Cemetery.
BALSTER, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9,
1904
Mr. Edward Balster of Bethalto died Wednesday morning
after suffering for several months with dropsy. Edward was in
his 20th year and had to discontinue teaching the Oak Grove
school the beginning of the year, having a severe cold which
settled on his chest and complications developed. He taught
school at Fosterburg one year, and then took charge of the Oak
Grove school. He had almost completed a course of law with the
International School of Law, which profession was his aim. His
father, John Balster, was on the operating table when death
claimed Edward. Mr. Balster is in a critical condition.
BALSTER, EDWARD C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
11, 1900
Bethalto News - Ed C. Balster, quite a wealthy and
prosperous farmer living about two miles south from here, died
Tuesday night at the age of 83 years and 7 months. He was not
entirely recovered from the fright he received some time ago,
and with asthmatic trouble and old age, passed away. He lived in
this country 52 years, 43 years on the old homestead where he
died, and will also be buried there, Saturday at 1 p.m. He
leaves a widow, four sons and two daughters.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1900
Edward C. Balster,
in his eighty-fourth year, died Tuesday at his home near
Bethalto from the effect of being frightened by a burglar six
weeks ago. Mr. and Mrs. Balster lived together on the old home
place, two miles south of Bethalto, where they had resided 43
years. They were prosperous and were said to keep money about
the house. One night six weeks ago, while the aged couple were
sitting by their fire, there was a crash at the door and someone
attempted to force the door open. Mr. Balster, although over
four score, was still strong and full of fight, and he battled
bravely at the door to keep out the intruder. The burglar broke
a window and was trying to enter when the old man grasped a
shotgun and drove him away. Mr. Balster never recovered from the
excitement and gradually became weaker. He leaves his wife and
six children, Messrs. Diederich, John, Edward, Henry Balster,
Mrs. Annie Westhoff and Mrs. Fredericka Zimmerman. Mr. Balster
arrived in St. Louis from Germany in September 1846. In 1848 he
went to St. Clair county, where he married and lived nine years.
The funeral will be Saturday at 1 p.m. from the home.
BALSTER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1904
On Wednesday the Telegraph announced the death of Edward
Balster, a young man 20 years of age, and stated that his
father, John Balster, was in a critical condition following an
operation for stricture of the bowels. Last night, at 8 o'clock,
Mr. Balster died. He was in his 51st year. A few months ago Mr.
Balster's brother, Dedrich, died of typhoid fever. He was one of
a large family, and leaves a wife and several children. It is
one of those severe afflictions which sometimes come to
families. Mr. Balster has been a farmer all his life and lives
near Bethalto. The funeral of Edward, son, and John Balster,
father, will take place on Saturday at 1 o'clock from the German
Evangelical church in Bethalto.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 12, 1904
The funeral of John Balster,
father, and Edward Balster, son, was held today at Bethalto at 1
o'clock. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in
Bethalto. The Balster family is one of the most prominent in
Madison County, and owing to the unusual sadness of the case,
father and son dying on one day, there was a large outpouring of
sympathetic friends to show their respect. Services were held in
the German Lutheran church at Bethalto. Two hearses were used to
carry the bodies of father and son to the cemetery, where a
large number of relatives and friends saw them laid away.
BALSTER, OLIVER S./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 26, 1866
One of the Original Settlers of Marine
Died in Marine on the
13th instant, Oliver S. Balster, in the 72d year of her age. Mr.
Balster, we believe, was the last survivor of the old stock of
original settlers of Marine. He was born in St. Johns, New
Brunswick, and settled in Marine in 1819.
BALSTER, REBEKAH J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
10, 1902
Rebekah J. Balster, widow of the late E. C. Balster,
died Thursday morning at the family home near Bethalto, aged 80
years, 3 months, and 6 days. Her husband died two years ago.
Mrs. Balster has lived most of her life in the vicinity of
Bethalto. She came to St. Louis in 1846, and was married to Mr.
Balster in 18?8. For nine years they lived in St. Clair county
and then moved to Madison county. Six children survive her, viz:
Messrs. Deidrich, John, Edward and Henry Balster, all living
near Bethalto; and Mrs. Ann Westhoff of Bethalto, and Mrs.
Frederika Timmermann of Harvel, Christian county. The funeral
will take place Saturday at 2 p.m. from the family home.
BALSTER, RICHARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
10, 1903
Mr. Richard Balster died this morning at 9 o’clock.
His death was very sudden. He had been ill for some time with
typhoid fever, but had been free from fever for several days and
was supposed to be on the way to recovery. He had occasion to
get up this morning, and in some way wrenched his bowels
producing a hemorrhage, causing his death. Mr. Balster was one
of the most prominent and wealthy farmers in the vicinity of
Bethalto. He was 52 years of age, and leaves a wife and five
children. He was one of the heirs to a vast estate left by his
father at his death a few years ago. A year ago the estate was
divided among the children by lot, Richard getting his share
with the others. The land was divided into lots, each one
agreeing to take the share that would come to him by lot rather
than go to law and spend much in litigation. Mr. Balster was the
Populist candidate for Congress in this district in 1900.
BANDY, JAMES M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph Former
Prosecuting Attorney and Brilliant Lawyer
James M. Bandy,
former prosecuting attorney of Madison county, one of the best
known lawyers in the county, died Sunday at his home in Granite
City from pneumonia. He was 57 years of age. The death of Bandy
was a great surprise as it was not generally known that he was
seriously ill. He had been sick only a short time at his home,
2200 D street, Granite City. Bandy was formerly a railroad man
but he studied law, was admitted to the bar and manifested such
ability that he was not long in making rapid rise to eminence
among Madison county lawyers. He was elected states attorney of
Madison county for four years, and after retirement from that
office he devoted himself to the practice of law. His specialty
was criminal law and his services were in great demand for the
defense of persons accused in court, and who had but little
ground-work on which to base a defense. Dry law violators found
in Bandy a reliable defender when they came into court to answer
for their offenses. Mr. Bandy was a keen sharp lawyer, a good
speaker and very successful in his profession. He is survived by
his wife, two sons, Harold and James Bandy, and two daughters,
Gertrude Ratliff and Zella Bandy. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home in Granite
City.
BANFIELD, L. H. (MRS.)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 13, 1914
Mrs. L. H. Banfield died at her home on
Thirteenth and Alby streets at 8:45 this morning after an
illness of five years duration. She is survived by her husband.
Mrs. Banfield has been a resident of Alton for a number of years
and had a large number of friends. The body will be shipped to
Grafton for burial.
BANGE, EMMA MARY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
September 1914
Miss Emma Mary Bange, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Bange, residing at 243 Hillsboro avenue, died at the home
of her parents Saturday afternoon at 3:45 o'clock. The end came
peacefully and quietly with her parents, her nurse and the
attending physician at her bedside. She had been very ill for
the past year, but was not confined to her bed until just three
weeks ago. Then, for the past three weeks she showed marked
improvement and she even believed she would recover. Saturday
morning she partook of a hearty breakfast and dinner. About 3
o'clock in the afternoon, she seemed worse and rapidly declined.
She was conscious up to the last and showed a little improvement
just before she died. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning
from the residence of her parents at 8:30 o'clock, thence to the
St. Boniface's Catholic Church. The pall bearers will be Frank,
Edward, and Gustave Epping, Gus Smith, Henry Trares, and John
Feldworth. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Miss
Bange was born May 13, 1872 and died September 13, 1914. She was
42 years and 4 months old at the time of her death. Her birth
place was a farm in Hamel township. She was the youngest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bange. She was of a kind and loving
nature and made friends wherever she went. She attended the
Edwardsville schools. Fourteen years ago her parents retired
from the farm and moved to Edwardsville. Her brother Frank
remained on the farm and she kept house for him for three years
until he was married and then she came to town and remained with
her parents up to her death. She is survived by her parents,
three sisters and two brothers. The sisters are Mrs. Fred Sido
and Mrs. Frank McCormick of St. Louis and Mrs. Henry Epping of
Nameoki. The brothers are Frank Bange of Hamel and Joseph Bange
of Salisbury, Missouri.
BANGE, HELEN ANGELA/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
November 1917 -Submitted by Sharon Inman
The funeral of Mrs.
Helen Angela Bange, wife of Henry Bange, two of the very old
residents of Edwardsville, will be held Friday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Boniface Catholic Church. Services will be
conducted by Rev. J. D. Metzler and burial will be made at St.
Boniface Catholic Cemetery. Mrs. Bange died Monday night at
11:35 o'clock after an illness of only five days. She became ill
with pneumonia and with her advanced age her heart failed, being
the primary cause of death. Mrs. Bange was born in Hanover,
Germany, on February 10, 1837, and was 80 years, 9 months, and
16 days old at the time of her death. She had lived in the
vicinity of Edwardsville for nearly sixty years. She was a
member of a family of eight children which came to this country
in 1858. The family stopped in St. Louis a short time and then
went to Florissant, MO, to live. She was married on March 1,
1859, and the young couple located on a farm in Hamel township a
short time afterwards. They continued their residence there,
where he followed farming, until seventeen years ago, when they
retired and have since lived at 243 Hillsboro road. Her husband
observed his 90th birthday anniversary on September 8, and
although on his way in the century mark is bearing up under the
strain. The couple observed their golden wedding anniversary in
1909 with a big celebration. Mrs. Bange was a member of the St.
Boniface Church and the Altar Society, and in her younger days
was active in work of the church and society. She was the mother
of eight children, three of whom have died. The children are
Mrs. Fred C. Sido, of St. Louis; Joseph Bange, of Salisbury, MO;
Mrs. Lena Epping, of Granite City; Mrs. Frank McCormick, who
recently came to Edwardsville from St. Louis, and Frank Bange of
Hamel. There are twenty-three grandchildren and five great
grandchildren. A sister and brother also survive. They are; Mrs.
Katherine Abeln, 75 years old and Bernhard Brueggen, 70 years
old, both of Salisbury. The children and sister and brother are
here for the funeral.
BANGE, HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 1919 -
Submitted by Sharon Inman
Edwardsville today buried one of
its oldest and highly respected citizens, Henry Bange, whose
death as he neared the century mark, was told in the
Intelligencer Saturday. He passed away at his residence, 243
Hillsboro Avenue at the advanced age of 91 years, 6 months, and
26 days. The funeral services were held at St. Boniface's
Catholic Church at 9 o'clock, Rev. C. T. Stalze having charge.
He was assisted by Rev. Lorenz, a Redemptorist father of De
Soto, MO, who has been here the past several days. Burial was
made at St. Mary's Cemetery. The pallbearers were six grandsons.
They were Frank, Edward, and Gus Epping. Henry and George
Schmidt and George Sido. Mr. Bange was born in Germany in 1827
and spent the first twenty-three years of his life in his native
land. In 1850 he came to America locating in Edwardsville with a
brother, Bernard Bange. His first acquaintance in Edwardsville
was the late Vincent Ferguson. He went to work on the farm of
the late John A. Prickett and later became manager of the Valley
View farm, northeast of Edwardsville. In 1856 he returned to
Germany to visit his parents. Three years later in 1859 he was
married to Miss Angela Bruggen by Rev. Dubin of the Holy Trinity
Church in St. Louis. The couple located on a farm in Hamel
township. He continued farming there until 1900 when he retired.
The union was blessed with eight children, three of whom have
preceded the father in death. His wife died about 18 months ago.
Those who survive are Mrs. Fred Sido of St. Louis; Joseph Bange,
Salisbury, Mo., Mrs. Lena Epping of Granite City; Mrs. Frank
McCormick, Edwardsville and Frank Bange, Hamel. There are
twenty-three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Many
years ago Mr. Bange established a place among the respected
residents of this section of the county and had a great many
friends and acquaintances. Two of the daughters were unable to
attend the funeral. Those attending from elsewhere were Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Bange and Ben Bruggen of Salisbury, Mo., Mr. and
Mrs. Hy. Schmidt, Boone, Ia., Fred Sido and children of St.
Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Epping, Nameoki; Edward, Gus, and
Angeline Epping of Granite City.
BANGER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 2,
1904
Man Run Down by Fast Wabash Train
William Banger, a
wealthy farmer living near Nameoki, was run down and killed
Thursday afternoon by a fast train on the Wabash while he was
driving across the railroad track at Nameoki with a wagon
heavily loaded with potatoes and drawn by a horse and mule.
Banger was thrown sixty feet in air, his body sailing over the
top of the telegraph poles and dropping to the ground. His head
was frightfully mutilated and he was dead when picked up
immediately afterward. The coroner's jury found a verdict
holding the engineer of the train responsible for Banger's
death, alleging the the engine whistle was not sounded for the
crossing. The wagon was demolished, the mule was killed and the
horse badly cut. It was necessary to get a shovel to dig the
potatoes out of the pilot of the engine, so firmly were they
imbedded in the interstices of the front part of the engine.
Banger was one of the most prominent farmers living near
Nameoki.
BANGERT, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
21, 1912
Mrs. Catherine Bangert, who would have been
seventy-nine on her next birthday, died this morning in the
Nazareth Home for the aged on Central Avenue after an illness of
a year and a half, during which time she has been an inmate of
the home. The immediate cause of her death was heart trouble. At
the same time her son, George, who lives in St. Louis, is dying
from Bright's disease and is too ill to be informed of his
mother's death. Mrs. Bangert's husband was a shoe dealer in
Bethalto for many years, about eighteen years ago. Since then
she has resided with her children until her removal to the
Nazareth Home. She was born in Germany, and came to Kentucky in
'65, afterwards coming to Bethalto. She leaves seven children,
four sons and three daughters, George of St. Louis, Charles of
Bethalto, William of St. Louis, and Fred of Pomona, Cal.; and
Mrs. Katie Ewan of Alton, Mrs. Lizzie Gemming of Bethalto, and
Mrs. Emma Mohr of Alberta, Canada. Charles Bangert was working
in East Alton when he received word of his mother's death, and
went to Alton to arrange for the funeral. The funeral will be
held Wednesday morning. The body will leave the Nazareth Home at
7 o'clock and will be taken to the Bethalto church. Burial will
be in the Bethalto Cemetery.
BANGERT, MRS. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 1,
1899
From Bethalto - Mrs. H. Bangert, wife of the prominent
farmer, died last Monday, aged 38 years. She was sick but a
short time. The funeral took place from the German Luthern
Church Wednesday. She leaves a husband and three small children
to mourn her demise.
BANTZ, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3, 1922
William Bantz of Moro, 74, died yesterday at a sanitarium in
Jacksonville. Mr. Bantz for a time was a resident of Wood River.
He is survived by three sons, John and George of Bethalto, and
Henry, who is in the Navy, and four daughters, Mrs. James
Morrison, Mrs. George Schaik, and Mrs. Charles Wise of Moro, and
Mrs. Herman Heinze of Liberty Prairie. Funeral services will be
held at the Moro Evangelical church at 1:30 Sunday and will be
conducted by the Rev. R. Muehelnhaus.
BARBER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1866
Died in Monticello [Godfrey], on the 21st of August, 1866,
Charles Barber – aged 22 years.
BARBER, MOSES/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 15, 1851
Died at his residence in Omphghent Precinct, on the 31st of
July, Mr. Moses Barber, aged 28 years. The deceased was born in
Washington County, South Kingston, Rhode Island, and removed to
Illinois about ____ years ago. Mr. Barber was a valuable citizen
in the community where he resided, and his loss will be deeply
felt. For several years he had filled the offices of Justice of
the Peace and Township Treasurer, the duties of which he
performed with satisfaction and fidelity. During his illness,
which was very severe, he was remarkably patient, and although
leaving an affectionate family and numerous friends, he spoke of
entering upon the scenes of a future state with perfect
composure. He was ardently attached to the institutions of the
church of which he was a useful member, and died in the
enjoyment of the religion he professed, and with a triumphant
hope of a glorious resurrection.
BARBER, SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 18,
1907
Death Re-Unites Brother and Sister Who Refused to be
Separated While Alive
Mrs. Sarah Barber, aged 83 years, died
Monday night at St. Joseph's hospital from old age and weakness
brought about by nursing a sick brother, William Bettis, through
a long siege of illness at the home in Garden street. Both had
been ill for some time and repeated attempts on the part of Mrs.
Demuth and others to induce Mrs. Barber to go to the hospital
where she could be cared for resulted in failure, as she refused
to separate from her brother. He was equally positive in
refusing to leave her. Last Wednesday Mrs. Demuth visited the
home and found Mr. Bettis unconscious and Mrs. Barber very sick,
and arrangements were at once made for the removal of both to
the hospital. The police officers and Mrs. Demuth had a hard
time moving the old couple. The sister wanted to go in the
ambulance with her brother, and as there was not room enough for
them to lie side by side it was necessary to make a two story
effect in the ambulance. There was a swinging cot in the
ambulance, and in this the old lady was placed after the man had
been put in another stretcher on the floor. Mr. Bettis, who was
81 years old, was buried Sunday afternoon in the City Cemetery
after services were conducted at the home in Garden street by
the Rev. L. B. Lott, and Mrs. Barber was buried this afternoon,
services being conducted at the same place. Many neighbors
attended the funeral and floral offerings were numerous.
Relatives of the aged couple living in Granite City have been in
Alton several days and had charge of the funeral arrangements.
BARBOUR, FLORENCE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8,
1918
Well Known Alton School Principal Dies After Surgery
Miss Florence A. Barbour, principal at Lovejoy School since that
school was opened, died in a hospital in East St. Louis
Saturday, while undergoing a surgical operation to remove a
goiter in her neck which had rendered her incapable of attending
to her school duties. Miss Barbour was one of the best known
colored women in Alton. She was a highly successful instructor
in the public schools. When the school board opened the two
colored schools, Lovejoy and Douglas, Miss Florence Barbour was
selected as principal of one and her sister as teacher of the
other. Her move was at first a very unpopular one with people of
her own race, but later they became reconciled to it and they
afterward approved heartily the plan that had been adopted. So
valuable were the services of Miss Barbour considered, the
school board made special provision for her during the time of
her long illness, though it was known that she would probably
not be able to teach school again. She leaves three sisters, a
niece and a large number of friends. The members of the school
board will probably have much difficulty in finding anyone who
can discharge the duties of the position she held as efficiently
and as satisfactorily as she did. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from the family home, 1819 Maple
street.
BARCELLON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19,
1919
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Philip Barcellon was
buried this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from St. Mary's church,
Rev. M. A. Tarrant of the Cathedral officiating, being in charge
of all church services this week. Interment was in St. Joseph's
cemetery. Mary Barcellon died yesterday at 3:30 o'clock at the
home of her parents at 1132 East Broadway. Death followed an
accident which occurred when the little one was playing with
matches and ignited her clothing.
BARCO, UNKNOWN SON/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
November 30, 1892
The six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Barco died Thursday afternoon. The remains were interred in
Woodlawn Saturday morning.
BARKER, DALPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 24,
1918
Killed in France with 129th Infantry (WWI)
Dalph
Barker, 23, has been killed fighting for his country in France,
according to word received this morning by Mrs. John
Schonbeckler, from her brother, Thomas Mooney. Mooney was the
corporal in the squad in which Barker was fighting. Details of
his death are lacking. Mooney evidently believed that the news
of Barker's death would reach the United States long before the
letter. At the same time that Barker's wife was receiving word
through Mooney that her husband had been killed, a letter was
received by her from her husband saying he was well and in good
health. The letter sent by her husband was dated July 26. The
letter from Mooney was dated July 30. This indicates that Barker
met his death some time between July 26 and July 30. The letter
from Mooney announcing the death of Barker reads as follows: "No
doubt you have heard before this of the death of the first Alton
boy in our company. He was Dolph Barker. He left for camp with
me, was in my squad and came across with me. I was not with him
when he was killed, as I had to stay back the day he went into
the trenches. He was buried in a little cemetery near here with
military honors. The services were conducted by the company
chaplain." In the letter from Barker to his wife he said: "You
make me homesick reminding me of the good times we had together
the winter before I came away. I will be glad when it is all
over and we come marching home. I am sleeping in foundries or
any place I get a chance now. It will surely be good to get a
chance for a good rest in bed." Barker was born in Brighton,
Ill. May 19, 1895. He has been making his home in Alton for the
past four or five years. He was a barber, and worked for the
Kitzmiller barber shop before he went to war. Barker was married
to Miss Verna Williamson of 318 East Third street in August
1917. In October he was called away from his bride and went to
Camp Taylor. From there he was sent to Camp Houston, and later
to Camp Upton. He sailed for France May 15. In none of his
letters has he mentioned the fact that he was fighting in the
trenches. Barker leaves three sisters, Mrs. Albert Vessel of 217
Spring street, Alton, and Mrs. Lottie Edwards and Miss Annie
Barker, both of Brighton. His little wife was not convinced that
he was dead, and said she would not believe it until official
word was received from Washington. "Oh, how I wish I could go
over there and do my part against the Germans," she wept.
Relatives of Barker said this afternoon that a message would be
sent at once to the War Department asking them to verify the
death.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 27, 1918
Dalph Barkers' Death Confirmed
The War Department has sent
out an official letter to the family of Dolph Barker, confirming
the news of last Saturday that the young soldier has been killed
in France. The official notice stated that the young soldier was
killed in service on the fields of France on the 27th of July.
Death came on the day following the one on which Barker wrote to
his young bride that he was well and happy. The bride received
the letter five minutes after word was told her of her husband's
death. The news of the death was received through a private
letter written by Corporal Thomas Mooney to his sister, Mrs.
John Schoenbeckler on last Saturday.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1921
Body of Soldier To Return
From France ... First Alton Soldier to Lose His Life in France
A telegram was received last night by Mrs. Verna Barker that the
body of her husband, Dalph Barker, would be shipped from Jersey
City, N. J. this morning, and would arrive in Alton via the
Chicago and Alton. It is expected the body will be here ____ day
night o Friday morning. Dalph Barker was killed _______ 27,
1918, in France, while in _____ Expeditionary Forces. He was a
barber when called into the service, and was one of the first
Alton boys to be killed. Members of the family were desirous of
having the remains of the soldiers sent back home so they could
have the privilege of burying it in the family lot.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1921
The body of
Dalph Barker, killed in action overseas while in the service of
his country, arrived back in Alton this morning at 5:40 o'clock,
and was taken to the undertaking parlors of C. N. Streeper. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and will
be in the First Baptist church. Rev. M. W. Twing having charge
of the services. Burial will be under the auspices of the
American Legion. The body was accompanied to Alton by Private
Peter Eagle. Mayor Sauvage gave orders Thursday afternoon that
the flag on the City Hall be placed at half mast as an emblem of
civic mourning for the dead soldier, and it will so float until
after the funeral. The Mayor said that he had made a practice of
lowering the flag to half mast every time one of the Alton
soldier boys died, and that he felt Alton should pay special
honor to this young soldier who had laid down his life on the
field of battle. The funeral Sunday afternoon will doubtless be
attended by an enormous crowd. Among those who will attend will
be some of the boys who were with Barker when he fell. Among
these was Thomas Mooney of Alton, who when the body of Barker
was to be buried, gave his blanket to wrap the body in. Others
from Alton were John Hoehn, Coburn Poole and Robert Lewis. The
body of Dalph Barker is the first one that has come so far of
the boys who were slain on the field of battle. The others which
have so far been sent home are those of boys who died from
causes other than wounds. Barker was buried near where he fell
in the great offensive against the Germans, which finally
resulted in victory for the Allied cause.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1921
Alton post, American
Legion, conducted an impressive funeral ceremony Sunday
afternoon over the body of Dalph Barker, who was the first Alton
soldier to lose his life in France. The body arrived in New York
a short time ago and was immediately conveyed to this city
arriving here Friday morning. A large number of Legionnaires
gathered Sunday afternoon to escort the body from the home to
the Baptist church where Rev. Twing conducted a short prayer
service, briefly reviewing the life of Dalph Barker, following
his removal to this city in 1914, and prior to his entering the
service. Barker left Alton in October 1917, sailed for France in
April, and was killed on the English front in July, after which
his body was interred, remaining in France until a recent date
when it was returned to this country for final interment.
Following the services at the Baptist church, the Legionnaires
and many friends of the deceased followed the funeral procession
to the City cemetery where Alton post of the American Legion had
charge of the interment. At the cemetery Dr. Mather
Pfeiffenberger, post commander of the Legion in a brief talk
eulogized the dead soldier, who sacrificed his life in order
that liberty might not perish from the earth, after the remains
were interred. Military escort, firing squad and pallbearers
were chosen from Legionnaires Tom Mooney, Frank Graham, Joe
Mohr, Tom Stanton, Elmer Trout, and Earl Linkogle, former
servicemen, attended the casket.
[Notes: The remains of
Dalph Barker arrived in Alton March 25, 1921, almost three years
after his death. The flag at the Alton City Hall was lowered to
half mast, as it was for each Alton soldier. He was buried in
the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery with military honors. His wife,
Verna Barker, never remarried. She worked at the East Alton
Western Cartridge Company for over 25 years, and died November
6, 1998 at the age of 100. She is buried alongside her husband.]
BARNARD, BESSIE (nee WHITE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 11, 1901
Mrs. Bessie Barnard, wife of W. D. W.
Barnard, died suddenly this morning at the family home on Cherry
street in Upper Alton, after an illness of a few hours. She was
32 years of age and had lived in Upper Alton all her life. Her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua E. White, are among the best known
residents of Upper Alton. Mrs. Barnard's death was an unusually
sad one. On the morn of motherhood she gave her life for that of
a little one, and the life of her infant child also is gone. She
had been married eight years, and her married life had been very
happy for her and full of promise of a future in which she would
have been blessed by her family of children as a good mother;
and by her husband as all that a perfect wife could be. To her
friends her death is a crushing blow. She was a nature that won
for her friends wherever she was known. Of a happy disposition
and very much interested in home life, it seemed that her lot
was to have been that of a good mother. To her family her loss
is a grievous affliction. She leaves beside her husband, two
children, aged 6 and 4 years respectively. She leaves also two
brothers, Clay and Thomas White, and her parents. The funeral
arrangements have not been made.
BARNARD, EATON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1900
Man Announces His Death In Telegram to Brother, Then
Suicides
Eaton Barnard, formerly a well known resident of
Upper Alton, committed suicide with chloroform in a St. Louis
hotel yesterday, and the means he took of notifying his
relatives in Upper Alton of his death were unique. A message was
received by W. D. W. Barnard, the druggist in Upper Alton, this
morning, that Eaton Barnard was found in a hotel in St. Louis in
a dying condition, having administered chloroform to himself
with suicidal intent. The message cleared up a seemingly
impenetrable mystery that surrounded the strange disappearance
of the man from his St. Louis home, and explains a message that
was received from someone in St. Louis yesterday by his brother,
W. D. W. Barnard, the well known Upper Alton druggist, stating
that Eaton Barnard was dead. The telegram was a great surprise
to his brother, who had not heard of his illness. Mr. Barnard
went to St. Louis yesterday with A. H. Hastings, a
brother-in-law of Eaton Barnard, and instituted inquiry at the
family home as to the meaning of the telegram. No name was
signed to the message received, and there were other
circumstances that led the relatives to believe that all was not
right with the man. When W. D. W. Barnard and A. H. Hastings
called at the home of the man who was reported dead, there was
great surprise in Eaton Barnard's family, as he had left home
that morning in apparently the best of spirits, and had not been
there up to the time the brother arrived bearing the anonymous
telegram he had received from St. Louis yesterday morning. Mrs.
Barnard had not been apprised of the death of her husband, and
it was believed some cruel hoax was being played; but the
husband did not return and the family last night came to the
conclusion that Eaton Barnard had killed himself after sending
the telegram to his brother in Upper Alton. Nothing could be
learned last night, and Messrs. Hastings and W. D. W. Barnard
returned to the homes. Eaton Barnard lived in Upper Alton until
a few years ago, and was employed by a bicycle firm in St.
Louis. He was 40 years of age and was a member of a prominent
family in the village. His strange action in sending the
telegram was explainable in no other way than that he had
intended to kill himself and adopted this curious method to
notify his relatives. No information as to what telegraph office
in St. Louis sent the telegram could be found yesterday, and the
search for light upon this strange mystery was continued all
night by relatives of the man who was supposed to be a suicide.
The search of hotels of St. Louis and other places where he
would be likely to go to end his life was kept up until late
this morning, when the discovery of his apparently dead body was
made in a hotel. The physicians called pronounced his condition
to be due to chloroform, and he was taken to the City Hospital.
Mr. Barnard and Mr. Hastings went to St. Louis this morning
after receiving the message that Eaton had been found. Eaton
Barnard died last night at the City Hospital in St. Louis. A
later report from St. Louis is to the effect that he was found
in room No. 106 of the Grand hotel, whither he had gone in the
afternoon, asking for a room, to which he retired at once.
Shortly before 11 o'clock, the night clerk's attention was drawn
by another guest to loud groans on the third floor. A man
occupying the room adjoining Barnard's said he had heard the
groans for some time. When the clerk and two officers went to
the room, they found Barnard lying on the floor, unconscious and
partially dressed. Close beside him was an empty vial, which had
contained chloroform.
BARNARD, JOHANNA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
31, 1904
Mrs. Johanna M., wife of Ellis Barnard, died this
afternoon at 4 o'clock, at the family home at 20 East Third
street after an illness from pneumonia.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1904
The death of Mrs. Johanna M.
Barnard, wife of Ellis Barnard, Thursday afternoon, was the sad
ending of an illness which, until the day of death, did not
appear to be of a fatal nature. She was taken ill with the grip
about two weeks ago, and complications set in which developed
into pneumonia, and Thursday was the first day that her
condition was regarded as dangerous. Mrs. Barnard was a member
of the well known Joesting family of Alton. She assisted in
conducting a confectionery and restaurant on Belle street for
many years, and did so until the time of her marriage to Mr.
Barnard. She was one of the best known women in Alton and was
regarded as a most estimable lady by all who knew her. She was
devoted to her home and her death is a sad shock to the husband.
Mrs. Barnard was born in Germany and was 48 years of age. She
came to America and Alton when twelve years of age and had lived
in this city since then. She leaves two brothers, G. A.
Joesting, cashier of the Citizens National bank, Adolph
Joesting, and three sisters, Mrs. John Koch, Mrs. Minnie Ernst
and Miss Mary Joesting. The funeral will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, 20 East Third
street, Rev. Theo Oberhallmann officiating. [Burial was in City
Cemetery]
BARNARD, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
28, 1920
William E. Barnard died this morning at one o'clock
at the family home in South Wood River. He is survived by his
wife and one daughter, Mrs. Wright of South Wood River, and one
brother, Gus Barnard of Evansville, Ind. The funeral will be
held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the Streeper
Undertaking Parlors. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.
BARNDOLLAR, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 21, 1839
Died, on Wednesday, 14th inst., at the residence of Mr. John
Arnold, Alton, Ill., Mr. John Barndollar of Rosborough,
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
BARNES, ROSA (nee PHILLIPS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 30, 1917
Mrs. Rosa Barnes, wife of Harry Barnes of 25
East Elm street, died under sad circumstances today at her home,
after an illness of one week. Mrs. Barnes was not believed to be
seriously ill. She had been in bed a week, and it was believed
she was improving steadily. Her husband, Harry Barnes, was
sitting at her bedside. He believed that she had fallen asleep
and he was sitting there quietly diverting himself by reading,
while his wife was resting, as he believed. He sat there some
time and finally, alarmed by his wife's failure to move or show
any signs of life, he made a closer examination and found that
she was lifeless. A doctor who was called said that she must
have been dead for fully an hour when the husband made the
discovery that she was dead. The death of Mrs. Barnes was wholly
unexpected by anyone. She was 27 years of age, and besides her
husband she leaves a little child of eleven months old. Mrs.
Barnes was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Phillips. She had
been married about four years. She was a member of the ladies of
the Maccabees. She leaves four brothers and five sisters.
BARNETT, ELIZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1906
Mrs. Eliza Barnett, widow of Charles Barnett and one of the
oldest and most esteemed residents of Alton, passed away Sunday
afternoon at the residence of Joseph Wilkinson, where she has
made her home for the past few years. She was born in Cardiff,
Wales, in 1826, and came to this country with her husband soon
after marriage. Her husband died sixteen years ago. Mrs. Barnett
has been a great sufferer for years. The immediate cause of her
death was paralysis. She leaves no relatives except a cousin in
Massachusetts. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10
o'clock from the First Baptist church.
BARNSBACK, HENRY C./Source: Troy Call, January 18, 1918
Henry C. Barnsback, a brother-in-law of Mrs. John F. Jarvis of
this city and one of the old residents of Madison county who was
well known to many in Troy, expired at his home in Edwardsville
yesterday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Death was due to an attack
of heart trouble and nephritis. Mr. Barnsback was born in
Madison county and was in his 80th year. He was a son of Julius
and Mary (Gonterman) Barnsback, pioneer residents of the county.
In her earlier life he formed a partnership with his brother,
Julius, and they conducted a general store at Edwardsville for
some years. He then purchased a half interest in the
Edwardsville Intelligencer with James Brown and after this
venture farmed in Coles county, near Charlestown, for several
years. His wife, who was Mary Matilda Montgomery, survives him,
as does his only brother, Julius Barnsback of Edwardsville. Mr.
Barnsback had been in failing health for some time and had
several severe sick spells from which he partially recovered.
During the past several weeks he had failed rapidly. He talked
freely of his condition and confidently believed that the end
was near. Arrangements for the burial have not been made known
here, but it is expected that the funeral will be held Sunday.
BARNSBACK, MARY M. "GRANDMA"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 8, 1903
From the Edwardsville Intelligencer: As the
first light of day broke Wednesday morning, the sable angel
sounded the summons for the oldest resident of Madison County,
and as peacefully as she had lived, "Grandma" Mary M. Barnsback
died. Not many knew that "Grandma" Barnsback was at death's
door. On Sunday she dressed and went downstairs as usual, and
was about most of the day. The trouble seemed to grow upon her,
and after being placed in bed she observed to those around that
she believed herself to be "sick unto death." She had no
ailment, but the bodily tissues merely relapsed until the spirit
forsook the frame, and one of this city's honored residents,
whose years were nearly those of a century, was no more. Just
before her death she seemed to collect her energies, and while a
howling gale shook the house, she roused herself and sat up in
bed for a moment, then lay back and was dead. The hour was 6:15
a.m. "Grandma" Mary M. Barnsback was 95 years, 10 months and 22
days old. She was the widow of Julius L. Barnsback, who died
fifty years ago this year, and there survive her three children
- Mrs. Elizabeth Prickett, Julius G. Barnsback, and Henry C.
Barnsback. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the residence in the East End, and the interment will be at
Woodlawn.
BARNSBACK,
NANCY JANE (nee MONTGOMERY)/Source: Troy Weekly Call, April 26,
1902
Pioneer Resident of Madison County
After many days of
intense suffering arising from a paralytic stroke sustained on
April 12, Mrs. Nancy Jane Barnsback, relict of the late Thomas
Julius Barnsback and one of the pioneer residents of the county,
passed away at her home about three miles northwest of Troy on
Sunday evening at 9:30 o’clock, at the age of 81 years, 3
months, and two days. The end was not unexpected, for her life
hung as by a thread for days before the final summons came. All
that medical aid could do was administered to relieve her
suffering, but the shock was too great for one of her age and
constitution. All her relatives had been summoned to her
bedside, and when the end came, she was surrounded by her
daughters, her sister (Mrs. Ann Loveland), granddaughter (Miss
D. Genevieve Jarvis), and nephews (R. N. Montgomery and F. J.
Barnsback).
Nancy Montgomery Barnsback was born on
January 18, 1821, in Wood River Township, Madison County. She
was a daughter of William and Sarah [nee Rattan] Montgomery, who
came to Illinois from Kentucky and settled in Madison County in
the early days. She was married to Thomas J. Barnsback on
January 13, 1842. To them were born six children – two sons and
four daughters, the former dying in infancy. The surviving ones
are: Sarah Elizabeth (wife of W. W. Jarvis of Troy); Lucy J.
(widow of the late James M. Taylor of Troy); and Fannie (wife of
D. S. Burroughs of Mexico, Missouri). There also survives two
sisters, who are Mrs. Ann Loveland of Evanston, Illinois, and
Mrs. T. W. L. Belk of Bethalto, besides a host of grandchildren
and other relatives. Thomas J. Barnsback, the husband and
father, died on March 9, 1880.
The death of Mrs.
Barnsback removes another of the few remaining residents of
Madison County, who have experienced the rigors and hardships of
pioneer life in their early days. Her husband, in his lifetime,
followed the pursuits of farming, and was eminently successful.
By tact and business ability, coupled with the strictest
integrity, he acquired broad acres and a large estate, which his
devoted helpmate managed successfully for many years after his
death. Mrs. Barnsback was a woman of large stature, and even in
her advanced years retained her faculties to a remarkable
extent. She was a goodly woman, a desirable neighbor, and one
greatly attached to home ties, her children and grandchildren
being her joy and comfort in her last days. She was one of whom
it may be said: She hath done well her part.
The funeral
took place Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock from the late
residence to Oaklawn Cemetery [in Glen Carbon], Rev. J. G.
Reynolds of Madison officiating. The large attendance and the
many floral offerings evidenced the high esteem in which the
deceased was held.
BARNSBACK, WILLIAM J./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1872
William J. Barnsback, whom we reported last week as being
dangerously ill, has since died, as have also quite a number of
other persons in the vicinity of Edwardsville.
BARR, AMY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6, 1905
The funeral of Mrs. Amy Barr was held this afternoon at 2 o'
clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Rollie Watson, on Alby
street. Services were conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann,
assisted by Rev. Dr. D. E. Bushnell. Burial was in City
Cemetery.
BARR, ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 13, 1861
Died at five o’clock this morning in Alton, after a painful and
protracted illness, Mrs. Eliza Barr, formerly from Tyrone
County, Ireland.
BARR, ELIZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1900
Mrs. Eliza Barr died this morning at home of her son, J. E. Lang
on Second street [Broadway], after an illness of eighteen weeks.
Mrs. Barr came to Alton to make her home with her son after the
death of her husband at Bellaire, Ohio, just eighteen weeks
before her own death. She was never well after her husband's
death, and because of her ill health she came to Alton. She was
57 years of age and leaves only her son in this city. Mr. Lang
is expected to arrive home this evening from Detroit, Michigan,
where he has been spending the summer. The funeral will be
private.
BARR, JOHN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, December 11, 1856
Mr. John Barr, of this city, aged twenty-five years, received
some injury to his spine on Monday last while loading wheat at
the Terre Haute Railroad depot. On Wednesday he seemed to be
improving, but yesterday he unexpectedly died at 10 o'clock.
Young Barr was one of our most industrious and respected young
men. He emigrated from Tyronne county, Ireland, about three
years ago, and was employed by the Messrs. Sidway about two
years. He leaves a widowed mother and several brothers and
sisters to mourn his untimely and sudden death. His funeral will
take place this morning from the residence, corner of Seventh
and Belle streets, at 10 o'clock.
BARR, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21, 1868
Alton Dry Goods Merchant
We are pained to be called upon to
announce the death of our much esteemed and beloved friend,
Robert Barr, who departed this life this morning in the city of
Rock Island, where he repaired a few weeks since with the hope
of improving his health.
Mr. Barr came to Alton from the
North of Ireland when a mere boy, but he soon gained the
confidence of our business men, and within a few years
thereafter, became to be regarded as among the very best and
most successful _____ [unreadable] in the city. But his health
failing, he sold out with the hope of a more active life’s
restoring his health, and with this object in view, settled
temporarily in White Hall in this State, where he held his
residence when he died.
He was also distinguished for his
wise activity and zeal as a Christian, being universally
regarded while a resident of our city as one of the most useful
men in the church. Aside from his labors in the Presbyterian
Church, of which he was still a member and an elder when he
died, the success and usefulness of the Hunterstown Mission
School is due very much to his self-denying labors and liberal
contributions.
But that unrelenting disease, consumption,
always delighting in a shining mark, very soon selected him as
one of its victims, and although long baffled, has finally ended
his labors here upon earth, while he had yet hardly arrived at
the meridian of life. But it may truly be said of him, “Blessed
are the dead who die in the Lord, from henceforth, for their
works do follow them.”
We understand that his funeral
will be attended from the Presbyterian Church in Alton, on
Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock. He has left a wife and several
brothers and sisters to mourn his early death.
From the
Union, of Rock Island, Illinois
August 21, 1868
Mr. Robert
Barr, a passenger of the train from Port Byron, arriving in this
city at half past eight o’clock Wednesday morning, expired
suddenly on the platform of the depot, a few minutes after
getting off the train. Mr. Barr was formerly a prominent
merchant in Alton, having become a member of the firm of Flagg &
Barr, several years ago. He subsequently engaged in the
wholesale grocery trade in St. Louis, but ill health compelled
him to relinquish mercantile affairs. About three weeks ago,
finding his health breaking up, he, accompanied by his wife,
left White Hall near Alton, where he was then residing, and went
up to St. Paul in hopes of being benefited by the climate of
Minnesota. Two weeks after his arrival, however, he found
himself sinking, and was advised by his physician to return
home. He came to Port Byron by boat, and took the train there
for this city, intending to resume his journey here by boat. He
was carried from the train to the platform on a chair, and in a
short time died, without uttering a word or evincing the
slightest symptom of suffering – the journey by rail having
overtasked his strength. His body was placed in a metallic
coffin, and taken to the Rodman House, where it remained until
evening, when it was sent by rail via Joliet to Alton. Mrs. Barr
also departed on the same train. Mr. Barr was an elder of the
Alton Presbyterian Church, and was a sincere Christian to the
time of his death.
NOTES:
Robert Barr was the son of
Eliza Barr, who died in Alton in December 1861. He had a
brother, Charles, and a sister, Maggie. Robert is buried in the
Alton City Cemetery. He was 31 years old.
BARRETT, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1903
Mrs. Catherine Barrett died this morning at 6:30
o'clock. The funeral will take place at 9 a.m. tomorrow from the
Cathedral. Mrs. Barrett had been a resident of Alton many years.
She was the mother of James Barrett, a well known business man
of the city. She was 68 years of age, most of which time she
passed in Alton, and was one of the most highly respected
citizens of Alton. She leaves many friends to mourn her death.
[Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery]
BARRUS, DON A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1921
Two Friends Killed Instantly by Train
Don A. Barrus, aged
45, of Alton, and Alexander W. Crawford, aged 60, of Hillsboro,
were instantly killed this morning at 9:30 o'clock by a Chicago
and Alton train, No. 32, on the crossing at Wood River. The
Chandler Dispatch car in which they were riding was demolished.
The body of Don Barrus was underneath the wrecked engine of the
car, and that of A. W. Crawford was carried up the track about
150 feet and dropped. Evidently he was caught in the smashed top
of the car, which was dropped by the engine a short distance
from where the body of Mr. Crawford lay. A car driven by John J.
Brenholt Jr. just missed being struck by the engine. Mr.
Brenholt got over just in time, the engine missing him by a few
inches, while the car in which Barrus and Crawford were riding
was a few feet behind and ran on directly in front of the train,
which was traveling at a high speed. According to the engineer
on the train that struck the Crawford automobile, his train
stopped in 150 feet beyond the crossing, but this statement is
disputed by men who witnessed the accident and who say that the
train ran more than 1,000 feet. The trainmen said that the
Illinois Terminal railroad crossing was blocked by a freight
train and before the crossing was cleared, a string of six or
seven automobiles had lined up. When the Illinois Terminal
crossing was cleared, the automobiles, led by the car driven by
J. J. Brenholt Jr., moved forward. Only a few feet space
separated the two tracks at that place and there was very little
room for any observations to be made down the C. & A. track.
Evidently no one heard the approaching C. & A. train. The
engineer said that the car driven by Mr. Brenholt barely got
over the track when the train reached the crossing and that the
Crawford car following close behind was struck squarely by the
train. The impact buried the automobile into the air and the
engine dragged the shattered care about 150 feet. The only part
left intact was the tires of the automobile. Mr. Barrus was
pinned down by the smashed engine which had been stripped from
the rest of the car. Mr. Crawford was carried up the track in
the winter top that had enclosed the car. According to men at
the Don A. Barrus garage, Mr. Barrus had sold three Packard cars
and was going to St. Louis to get two of them for delivery. He
found opportunity to make the trip with Mr. Crawford, an old
friend, and the two started off from the Mineral Springs Hotel
about 9 o'clock. The accident, destroying the lives of two men
so well known as Mr. Crawford and Mr. Barrus, produced a great
shock to the community. Mr. Crawford was born in Godfrey and had
lived there much of his life, and he was widely known. He had
served as a member of the Illinois State Board of Equalization
and four years ago he was a candidate of the Democratic ticket
for the office of Clerk of the Supreme Court, but was defeated.
Last November he was an unsuccessful candidate for State Senator
in the Macoupin County district, going down in the Republican
landslide. For a number of years he had been interested in the
purchase of coal rights in Macoupin County and had done much to
get together large tracts of land which were sold to mining
concerns. He had a prominent part in developing the coal
business of Macoupin and Montgomery counties. He was twice
married, his second wife surviving him. He leaves six children,
Mrs. L. H. Maxfield, Miss Alice of Carlinville, and William of
Delhi,, La., Jack, Sue and Elizabeth of Hillsboro. He leaves
also one sister, Miss Jennie Crawford, and three brothers,
William and Thomas Crawford and John Tolman. Mr. Crawford had
spent the night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L. H.
Maxfield. Don A. Barrus had been a resident of Alton since he
came here a number of years ago with the late B. L. Dorsey. He
served as Mr. Dorsey's business manager for a long period. In
recent years he had taken an interest in real estate and it was
he who put over a big deal for the sale of a tract of land to
the Empire Oil and Gas Co., and he had a prominent part in some
other realty transactions here. When the Illinois Terminal
remodeled the building at Front and Alby streets, Mr. Barrus
took the first floor as a garage and salesroom, and there he was
conducting a very prosperous business. His death came at a time
when he had been making some good sales of cars. He had disposed
of nine others in the past month. Following news of the
accident, _____ of parties started out to Wood River to view the
scene and look at the wrecked car. The trainmen had the bodies
of the two men lifted to one side of the track and Deputy
Coroner Streeper was notified to get them. They were later
conveyed to the Streeper morgue in Upper Alton. The two victims
of the accident were two of the best known men in this vicinity.
Both of them were very popular socially and were prominent in
business. While Mr. Crawford had not lived here for a long time,
he was in and out of Alton frequently visiting his relatives at
Godfrey and seeing some of his business associates. It is
related that when he was on the State Board of Equalization, he
gave quite as much attention to serving people from his old home
district as he gave to those from the district he was
representing. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr.
Barrus shared in public esteem with Mr. Crawford. He always had
a smile for everyone, and it was said by his friends that he was
a man whose friendship was to be valued highly. In the car with
John J. Brenholt was his sister, Mrs. Edith Jones and Mrs. Anton
Reck. After they passed the crossing safely, they looked back
and just as they did they saw the Crawford automobile hurled
into the air. They immediately telephoned to Alton to give
notice of their safety. Reports that they did not know of the
accident were denied by Col. J. J. Brenholt, who said that he
had a telephone message from members of his family immediately
afterward. The railroad men declared that the crossing watchman
was signaling to the automobilists to call attention to their
danger. People at the crossing said that there was no signal
given to the automobile drivers and that the train was running
at a speed of about 50 miles an hour. No arrangements had been
made this afternoon about the funeral of Mr. Crawford.
Immediately upon the death of Don Barrus and his friend, Zan
Crawford, this morning, a meeting was called of several of the
most intimate friends and business associates of Barrus at the
Elks club, and arrangements were made to take charge of the
remains and await word from the family. A telegram was sent at
once to the brother of Barrus, Ralph Barrus at Richfield
Springs, New York, telling of the accident, how it occurred and
of Barrus's death. Barrus has two brothers and two sisters who
reside in Richfield Springs, N. Y. or near vicinity. After the
inquest and the embalming of the body, the Elks will take charge
of the remains and follow the instructions of the family.
BARTLE, MELVINA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 1, 1867
Died at Collins Station [Collinsville], on January 23, Melvina,
only daughter of T. C. and Emeline Bartle; aged 1 year and 8
months.
BARTELS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4,
1910
Henry Bartels, a well known and well to do farmer of
Wood River township, died early this morning at his home near
East Alton, after a long illness from kidney troubles. He was
about 57 years old and is survived by his wife and several
children. He was born in Germany, April 16, 1853, and came to
Illinois when 14 years old. He has always lived within a mile of
where he died. He was well respected and his death will be
regretted by all who knew him. The funeral will be held Sunday,
and services will be conducted in the Lutheran church at
Bethalto at 1 o'clock p.m. of that day.
BARTELS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF HENRY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 12, 1916
Mrs. Henry
Bartels, aged 56, who was burned January 3rd when her clothes
caught fire from flames under a large kettle in the yard, died
at 11:30 o'clock this morning at her home east of Wood River. A
physician spent the greater part of the night at the Bartels
home doing what he could to relieve her suffering, but it was
reported this morning that there was no chance for her recovery
on account of the severity of the burns. She was burned about
the head and breast, and the burns on her body affected her the
worst. At the same time, her two sons, Charles and Louis, were
slightly burned in attempting to rescue her but they have
recovered. Mrs. Bartels, at the time she was burned, was engaged
in boiling pigs feet in a kettle in the yard at her home. Near
her were members of her family, and it was believed that prompt
action on their part had saved her life, but she was worse
burned than it was known at first. She leaves nine children and
nine grandchildren. The funeral will be held Friday from the
German Lutheran church at Bethalto.
BARTH, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 24, 1916
The funeral of Frank Barth was held at 2:30 o'clock
yesterday afternoon from the home on Pearl street to the City
Cemetery. The services were conducted at the home by Rev. E. L.
Mueller, and burial was in the City Cemetery. The large number
of beautiful floral offerings told of the esteem in which he was
held by all who knew him.
BARTH, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1908
The funeral of the late George F. Barth, the well
known saloon keeper who died Wednesday, will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, Pearl street and Vandalia
road, to the City Cemetery. He will not be taken to church as at
first reported. He was a member of the Fraternal order of
Eagles, and the Benevolent Society, both of which orders will
attend in a body.
BARTH, GEORGE F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
10, 1907
Octogenarian Who Conducted Drug Store Dies
George F. Barth, who conducted a drug store in North Alton for
about thirty years, died Monday night at a quarter to 12 o'clock
after a long illness from mental and physical decay. He was a
resident of the north side for forty-five years or more, and for
some time followed the profession of a teacher. Later he engaged
in the drug business and for several years was postmaster of
North Alton. The drug business he sold about a year ago to E. A.
Schaub and retired from active life. Shortly after returning
from a trip to Europe several years ago which he made with Mrs.
Barth, the latter died, and for the past ten years he has had
the present Mrs. Anton Glassbrenner as a housekeeper. Mr. Barth
was an educated, studious man and was always keenly alive to the
issues of the day. He was public spirited and progressive also,
and lent his voice and aid freely to any movement he thought
calculated to make the world go forward. Among the older
citizens he has many friends, and among the middle aged ones
many former pupils who will hope that he was found rest and
contentment "Over There." Dr. Barth was a native of Germany. He
came to America when a young man and almost all his life here
was passed in North Alton. He was past 82 years of age. The time
of the funeral is not set. The body will be taken to St. Louis
for cremation at his request.
BARTH, JACOB/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, May 28, 1857
The Murder of Jacob Barth
From our
assistant who has been in Edwardsville since the commencement of
the recent excitement, we have received advices up to five
o'clock yesterday evening. The prisoners - George Gibson (George
W. Sharpe), Edward Barber (John Johnson), and Joseph Watson -
were brought into court under an armed guard at 10 1/2 o'clock,
and put upon trial for the murder of Jacob Barth. It appearing
that they had no means with which to employ legal assistance,
the court assigned Messrs. Ruthford, Trible and Sawyer of our
city as their counsel.
Much difficulty was experienced in
obtaining a jury, and the panel was not filled until 3 1/2
o'clock in the afternoon. The prisoners will not apply for a
change of venue as was anticipated.
There was but little
excitement in Edwardsville, and no greater crowd in town than
generally is there during court. No disturbance occurred during
the day, but information had been received that the rioters were
assembled in the vicinity of Highland, to the number of at least
four hundred, and it was rumored that they intended to make an
attack last night. A howitzer had been brought from Marinetown,
by a detachment of the National Guards, detailed by Sheriff Joe
for that purpose, and planted in front of the jail. The Sheriff
is prepared to give the rioters a warm reception if they come.
The trial had not proceeded far enough for any opinion to be
formed as to the result. It is stated that the testimony,
although circumstantial, will be conclusive.
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 4, 1857
Yesterday, between
nine and ten o'clock a. m., sentence of death was pronounced
upon Robert Sharpe, George W. Sharpe, and John Johnson, for the
murder, on the 12th inst., of Jacob Barth. The sentence is that
between the hours of ten o'clock a. m. and six o'clock p.m. on
the 19th day of June, proximo, the prisoners are to be hanged by
the neck until they are dead. While this dreadful sentence was
being pronounced, the prisoners were _____ moved, and went
freely.
The crime was committed on the night of May 1st,
1857, on the road between Troy and St. Jacob. Barth was a
peddler and was waylaid and shot while returning from St. Louis.
Three men, George Gibson [or George W. Sharpe], Edward Barber
[or John Johnson], and Joseph Watson, were indicted on May 16th,
by a grand jury consisting of F. T. Krafft, foreman; J. L.
McLanahan, James Whiteside, Aaron Ruby, Jacob Leder, W. M.
McCain, J. J. Parker, James Kelt, Josiah K. Gillham, B. L.
Dorsey, L. S. Wells, L. R. Weeks, John Macon, Collier Brown,
John Cox, George Moffith, C. W. Layman and Jacob B. Cox. The
trial commenced on May 21st. A jury consisting of J. H.
Williams, L. W. Tindall, George Hedges, William Sandbach, G. G.
Wilson, Jacob Prewitt, Abram Prewitt, Benjamin Heustis, Ignatz
Sneeringer, I. B. Randle, William Keirsey and Francis Agnew,
found the defendants guilty, and on May 29th they were sentenced
by Judge William H. Snyder to be hung on the 19th of June, 1857.
Watson, one of the murderers, was a mere youth, and had his
death sentence commuted by executive clemency. During the Civil
War he was pardoned out. He entered the army and served
faithfully to the end, and it is said, now resides in St. Louis
a respected citizen. The other two, Gibson and Barber, paid the
penalty of the crime on the gallows, which had been erected on
the grounds of the county farm, south of the city. This murder
created the most intense excitement, particularly among the
people in the eastern part of the county, where Barth, the
murdered man, had lived. An organized body of men, numbering
about 500, headed by Savage and Smiley, appeared on the streets
one day, to take the murderers out of the jail to hang them, but
Z. B. Job, with the assistance of several prominent citizens,
among them Judge Joseph Gillespie, F. T. Krafft and J. S.
Wheeler, succeeded in quieting the infuriated mob. During the
excitement, the Alton Guards were ordered out and for ten days
remained in charge of the jail. On the day of the execution, the
town was thronged with people from all parts of the county, to
see the hanging. Read the story of their execution here: The
Hanging of George W. Sharpe and John Johnson, June 1857
According to the obituary of Sheriff Zephaniah Job: In 1856 he
was elected sheriff of the county, and it was in this capacity
that he officiated at the hanging of some men who had killed a
German peddler near Troy, in Madison county. There was intense
excitement at the time, and an effort was made to lynch the
prisoners. Sheriff Job could get no one to guard the jail except
three men, Josh Dunnegan, John Wheeler and Nelson Montgomery.
These three men were posted with the sheriff where they could
command the approach to the jail and had instructions to shoot
to kill, when the mob made the attack. The demand was made for
the prisoners, and Sheriff Job defied the crowd. As the aged
gentleman told of this story of the past, the strong heart of
older days which had not quailed was no longer so strong, and
the tears which came not in the olden time when the incident
occurred flowed freely, showing the shadow of the emotion of an
event fifty years gone by, which was then concealed, but through
a half century reached out its influence and touched the old man
keenly. By a trick Sheriff Job got a delay from the mob and
managed to get a company of militia from Alton, who defended the
prisoner. When it came time to hang the prisoners, Sheriff Job
refused to permit anyone else to do the work. One of the
prisoner's sentence was commuted to imprisonment, and he was
afterward pardoned.
New Trial Granted
Source:
Prairie Du Chien Courier, June 18, 1857
We learn from the
Alton Courier of yesterday that the trial in the case of the
people vs. Gibson, Barner and Watson, for the murder of Jacob
Barth, was closed and case given to the jury at a quarter past
eight o'clock, Friday evening. After being out just forty
minutes, the jury returned and rendered a verdict of guilty. Mr.
Sawyer entered a motion for a new trial, which after argument,
was allowed by the court. The German from Highland and vicinity,
and other friends of the deceased, were very much incensed in
consequence of the new trial being granted, and an attack from
the mob for the purpose of seizing the prisoners and hanging
them in Judge Lynch's summary manner was confidently expected.
Mob Action Abated After Trial
Source: The New
York Times, June 28, 1857
The trial in the case of the People
vs Gipson, Barber and Watson, for the murder of Jacob Barth, was
closed, and the case given to the Jury at 8 1/4 o'clock
yesterday evening. After being out just forty minutes, the Jury
returned and rendered a verdict of "Guilty!" Mr. Sawyer entered
a motion for a new trial, which after argument, was allowed by
the Court. The Germans from Highland and vicinity, and other
friends of the deceased, were very much incensed in consequence
of the new trial being granted, and the attack from the mob, for
the purpose of seizing the prisoners and hanging them, in Judge
Lynch's summary manner, was confidently expected last night or
today.
Upon hearing of the gathering of a mob in
Edwardsville for the purpose of administering summary punishment
to the three murderers of Baird [note: above paragraph spelled
the name Borrk], and of the likelihood that they might be
arraigned before the Court of Judge Lynch, we dispatched one of
our assistants to the scene of action for the purpose of
gathering all the particulars of events as the occurred. It
appears that several hundred of the citizens of the southeastern
part of this county, friends and acquaintances of the deceased,
hearing that the prisoners were about to take a change of venue,
determined to take them from the jail and hang them without
trial. This body of men was composed principally of Germans,
fellow countrymen of the murdered man, and were led on by two
men named Smiley and Savage. Between ten and eleven o'clock
Monday, the mob entered the town from the south on horses, in
wagons, and on foot to the number of four hundred. The leaders
and some of the other members of the gang bearing red and black
flags, with which they marshaled on their blood thirsty
companions. As soon as Sheriff Job received intelligence of
their approach, he proceeded to take steps for the protection of
the jail. He had placed some twenty or thirty men in and about
the jail, and provided them with such arms as could be procured,
when the mob made a rush towards the building, headed by the
leaders, Smiley and Savage, who each bore a flag. When the two
leaders had approached as near as it was thought proper they
should, the officers and some of the citizens who had resolved
to sustain the law at all hazards, headed by Sheriff Job, rushed
upon and unhorsed them, taking from them their flags and their
arms. Several others of those foremost in the ranks were
unhorsed. This determined and bold action appeared to intimidate
the remainder to some extent, though threats were still made and
continued for a number of hours (the mob neither advancing nor
retreating), during which time speeches were made by Messrs.
Gillespie, Metcalf, Job and others, in English, and Mr. Krafft
in German. These speeches appeared to have a good effect, for
soon after, the threats of the rioters began to be less frequent
and less savage, and in half an hour the whole gang had left
town.
Tale of 1857 Murder Remembered
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1903
Frank Clement has in
his possession a pamphlet published in Edwardsville in 1857,
which contains an account of the murder of Jacob Barth, a
peddler, near Troy, by George Gibson, Ed Barber and Joseph
Watson. Z. B. Job was Sheriff, and the murderers were captured
early next morning near Lebanon. Their trial took place almost
immediately after a mob had attacked the jail and had been
repulsed. The prosecuting attorney was Philip B. Foulke, and the
attorneys for the defense were Seth T. Sawyer, Friend S.
Rutherford and John Trible. The murder was committed because
Barth refused to let the three ride. They pleaded not guilty,
but were convicted and sentenced to hang June 19, 1857. Watson
was a mere boy, and his sentence was commuted, but the sentence
was executed in the cases of the other two. Before execution the
three culprits made a confession and said they had started out
from Iowa with the intension of robbing people and committing
murder if necessary. The only speech in the pamphlet is an
impassioned plea for justice and for law and order by F. S.
Rutherford, the conclusion of which is given below: "Now
violence has been threatened and I want to say in behalf of
myself and associate counsel and the court, that no threats of
violence, come from what quarter they may, wilt frighten us out
of our sense of duty and propriety. For myself, I big defiance
to mob law, and am ready at all times to promptly meet any
attempts at the overthrow of law and order, and help to mote out
summary justice as the attempt deserves. I am satisfied that
twelve good men and true, can be found in this county to give
any man a fair and impartial trial." Of all the actors in this
trial, Judge, Prosecuting Attorney Foulke, Attorneys Sawyer,
Rutherford and Trible and Sheriff Job, the latter is the only
one now living, after fifty years. Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Trible
became soldiers in the War for the Union, the first as colonel
of the 97th Illinois Volunteers, and Mr. Trible as captain of
Co. I, same regiment. Captain Trible was wounded in the knee at
the battle of Arkansas Port, Arkansas, and was brought home to
Alton where he died shortly after his return. Colonel Rutherford
was taken ill in New Orleans while in command of his regiment,
was brought home to this city where he died on the 20th of June
1864. Philip B. Foulke was elected Congressman from this
district and is long since dead. Seth T. Sawyer died at a good
old age in this city some years ago. Judge Snyder, who tried the
case, died many years ago. Z. B. Job, then Sheriff, is still
hale and hearty - and full of vim, as ready to stand up for his
rights as ever, whether it be in the courts or elsewhere. He has
passed the four score mark.
BARTELS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4,
1907
The funeral of William Bartels took place Monday
morning from the home at Wanda to the Eden Evangelical church at
Edwardsville, where services were conducted by Rev. H. Rahn. Mr.
Bartels died Saturday of pleuro-pneumonia, following an
accidental fall down an elevator shaft. He was one of the best
known farmers of the Bottom. He was born in Germany, February
25, 1851, and was therefore at the time of his death aged 55
years, 11 months and 7 days. His wife was Miss Katharine
Ermshausen, also a native of Germany, and who came to this
country when a little girl. Mr. Bartels arrived in America when
16 years of age, going to Wood River township first. He and his
wife were married in Edwardsville January 17, 1877. Since 1897
they had lived near Wanda. Mr. Bartels was one of foremost
members of the Eden church of Edwardsville, attending services
with the greatest regularity. He was never sick, and the
accident which cost his life becomes all the more unfortunate
for this reason. Surviving are his wife and six of the original
family of ten children. They are: Mrs. Maria Gehlert, wife of O.
E. Gehlert of Wood River township; Henry F. W. Bartels of
Edwardsville; Emma, Herman and the twins, Julia and Julius, aged
nine, the last four living on the home place. His father-in-law,
Henry Ermshausen, now 71 years old, lives with them. There are
four grandchildren, and Mr. Bartels has three brothers living -
Henry of Wood River, Fred of Alton, and Charles who lives just
west of Edwardsville.
BARTLETT, CHARLES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7,
1921
Charles H. Bartlett, an aged resident of Godfrey
township, died yesterday morning at 2 o'clock at his home after
being ill about one week, from debility of old age. A sad
feature of the death of Mr. Bartlett is that his aged wife is
confined to her bed by injuries she received by falling at her
home. She was in the yard and stepped into a mole hole, which
caused her to fall and she injured her back and shoulder. Mr.
Bartlett would have been 93 years of age the 7th of April. He
and his wife were married nearly sixty-eight years and spent
most of their time on their farm in Godfrey township. Mr.
Bartlett was born at Boston, Mass., and he was married to
Elizabeth Dow at Rutland, Vt., in 1853. They came west and
settled in Godfrey township in 1858. Mr. Bartlett served one
year in the army during the Civil War, in the 144th Regiment. He
was a well educated man, possessed a ready mind and was a wide
reader. Up to the last his mind remained clear and he was a most
entertaining conversationalist and his company was sought by
many. He was a good farmer, a good citizen and was highly
esteemed by all who knew him in the neighborhood where he lived.
He leaves, besides his widow, two sons, Charles W. and Fred
Bartlett and four daughters, Mrs. Fanny Donnel of St. Louis,
Mrs. Hannah Ingham of Brighton, Mrs. Carrie Hancock of Iuka,
Ill., and Miss Edith Bartlett of Godfrey. He leaves also eleven
grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be
held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Bethany church,
where he attended services for many years while it was a regular
church, and services will be conducted by Rev. John W. Green of
the Godfrey Congregational church. Burial will be in the Bethany
Cemetery.
BARTLETT, MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 28, 1873
Died in Alton on March 22, Mrs. Margaret, wife of Mr. Samuel M.
Bartlett; aged 27 years.
BARTLOW, UNKNOWN WIFE OF FRANK/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 27, 1904
Mrs. Frank Bartlow, aged 45,
died on her birthday Christmas day, at the family home north of
Upper Alton, five miles. She had been ill since the preceding
Tuesday with lung trouble. The funeral was held this afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the family home.
BARTLOW, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1911
William Bartlow, whose family live at Yager Park [Alton],
died in the insane asylum at Jacksonville this morning, and the
body will be brought here this evening.
BARTON, J. H. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 19, 1907
Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Alton Dies
Rev. J. H. Barton, pastor of the Union Baptist church at
Seventh and George streets, died at St. Joseph's hospital Friday
afternoon at 2 o'clock after a short illness. He was moved to
the hospital one week ago and underwent a surgical operation
there, since which he was in a very dangerous condition. Rev.
Barton came to Alton eight years ago and during his stay here he
has done a work among his people which has reflected great
credit on the congregation of the negro Baptists in Alton. It
was largely through his instrumentality that the new church was
erected and the congregation was strengthened materially. When
he came to Alton he found the congregation worshipping in an old
frame structure where the new church now stands, and he took up
the seeming hopeless work of trying to raise the necessary fund
to carry out the plans. When finished, the church was dedicated
with considerable debt overhanging it, but the congregation and
builders had the satisfaction of possessing one of the finest
little churches in the city. Rev. Barton undertook then to clear
it of debt and he enlisted the active aid of many influential
white people. He was recognized by the other members of the
Alton Ministerial Alliance as being a conscientious worker and
to his church he was a good pastor who will be deeply missed.
His protests against wrong living at times were startling, but
he was uncompromising as a leader and teacher and insisted upon
his flock following as closely as possible in the paths of
rectitude or they would be reminded of their delinquencies by
the pastor. The church at Seventh and George street will be a
monument to his memory. Rev. J. H. Barton was born in Pontaton,
MIssissippi, July 20, 1853. Come to Illinois in 1861, and was
called to preach in 1878, was ordained in 1882, after being a
state missionary for five years. He was called to take charge of
the church at Bloomington, Illinois. He held that charge for ten
years, and in 1898 was called to Alton, to which charge he has
been most devoted. He leaves a wife, two daughters, two brothers
and one grandchild. The funeral will be Monday afternoon at
2:30. The remains will lie in state from 10:30 to 1:30 Monday
morning at the church. Rev. McDaniel, D. D. of Springfield will
officiate, assisted by Rev. Hall of Bloomington.
BASSETT, MARY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30,
1906
Mrs. Mary E. Bassett, wife of Edwin E. Bassett, died
this morning at 1 o'clock after a brief illness from neuralgia
of the heart. She would have been 65 years old Friday, the day
of her funeral. Mrs. Bassett had been a sufferer from stomach
trouble for several years, but it was not suspected that she had
heart trouble until yesterday morning when she was stricken with
a fatal attack. Members of her family were summoned, and they
arrived last night. She was born at New Harmony, Ind., and came
to Alton fifteen years ago to live. She leaves one son, R. E.
Bassett of Chicago, and two step-sons, A. E. Bassett of Alton
and William Bassett of Kansas City. Her husband survives her.
The funeral will be held Saturday a.m. at 10 o'clock from the
family home, about four miles southwest of Upper Alton, and
burial will be in Mt. Olive cemetery near Wood Station, Rev.
Simeon Hussey of Upper Alton will conduct the services. Mrs.
Bassett's sudden death is a very sad affliction to the members
of her family. She was an intensely devoted mother and was ever
ready with her sympathy in the hour of trouble, and was always
watchful after their interests.
BASSETT, SYLVESTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29,
1914
Old Soldier Dies - Kind-Hearted Christian Who Loved His
Chickens
Sylvester C. Bassett, in his 79th year, died at St.
Joseph's hospital Tuesday evening at 7:30 o'clock after an
illness of four weeks. His death was due to old age. Mr. Bassett
had longed to enter into the rest which for years he had
professed to tell of his chickens and how he was ready to cease
life's activities. He had lived a life of peace. In his serene
old age, with very few kinfolks, even remotely connected, he
spent his declining days caring for his chickens. The old man
loved to tell of his chickens and how well he cared for them,
and it was a fact that nobody ever got as big a percentage of
eggs from their laying fowls as Mr. Bassett. He used to say when
asked for his secret, "You must treat the chickens right, and
they will lay for you," and that was all the information you
could get as to his methods. The belief was general that the old
man treated his chicken as his big, kindly heart would have
treated a child, had one ever been given to him. He was never
married. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted, and after the
war he came to Alton. He was a deeply religious man, and an old
time member of the First Baptist church. He was always busy.
When he was taken down he said he wished he could live a few
months longer, as he had many things he wanted to do. However,
when he became so sick he had to go to the hospital, he ceased
wishing for a hasty recovery of his health and strength, and his
one desire was that he might realize the perfect rest he had
long believed was awaiting him. The rest began at 7:30 o'clock
Tuesday night when the kindly, peace-loving, big-hearted,
Christian gentleman slipped away "through the gates." He leaves
three nephews, R. E. Bassett; A. E. Bassett; and William
Bassett. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the First Baptist church.
BASSETT, UNKNOWN SCHOOL TEACHER/Source: Alton Evening Teacher,
February 10, 1900
Miss Bassett, the school teacher who was
run down and killed by a train on the Alton railway at Venice
yesterday, has spent several summers in this city at the Enos
Sanitarium. She was an invalid much of the time. She was an
intimate friend of the family of Rev. H. M. Chittenden during
her residence here. Her little hand clock, used in the school,
was found after the accident much battered, and stopped at 8:20,
the moment when the train struck her - a mute memorial of her
terrible taking off.
BASSETT, UNKNOWN SON OF H. G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 28, 1904
Fosterburg - Death, the unwelcomed
visitor, called at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Bassett
on Wednesday night, Jan. 20, and claimed their only child, a
bright baby boy aged 2 months, and in this at of Providence many
joyous hopes were blighted, the light of home and the joy of
their hearts was suddenly taken away. Funeral services conducted
by Rev. Morey took place at the residence on Friday. In their
sad loss they have the sympathy of their many friends.
BATCHELDER, CHARLES EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, August
20, 1874
Mr. Charles Edward Batchelder, an estimable young
man living in Upper Alton, died suddenly about two o’clock last
night. He was a clerk in Stebbins’ Drugstore, and last evening
about 10 o’clock, ruptured a blood vessel while lifting a heavy
can of coal oil. He received able medical attendance, but the
injury induced paralysis of the heart, and he died in about four
hours. Mr. Batchelder was raised in Upper Alton, and was well
known to all the citizens by whom he was highly respected. This
sudden and untimely death is a severe blow to his relatives and
many friends, who anticipated for him a long and useful career.
Mr. Batchelder was twenty-five years of age and unmarried. The
funeral services were held in the Baptist Church, and burial was
in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. He was 25 years of age.
“Ed,” as everybody liked best to call him, was widely known
throughout the town and country. Having lived here nearly all
his life, he knew and was in turn known by nearly everyone
living in Upper Alton, and we but speak the feeling of all when
we say no one knew anything of him but good. His decease as
mentioned in your issue of Saturday evening was very sudden, and
it must always be a matter of speculation how so slight a strain
could have produced so serious and fatal an injury.
BATCHELDER, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 25, 1907
Mrs. Laura Batchelder, one of
the oldest residents of Upper Alton, died Friday afternoon at
her home on College avenue after an illness of several weeks
with bronchitis, combined with the weakness of old age. She was
in her 86th year, and had been a resident of Upper Alton for
more than fifty years. Mrs. Batcheider was a native of Kentucky,
but came to this part of the country in her young womanhood. She
was married in Macoupin county, and her husband, who was a stock
dealer, died in California over forty years ago. Mrs. Batcheider
leaves four children, Mrs. H. C. Swift of Alton, Miss Laura
Batchelder, and Mrs. Martha Newell of Upper Alton, and John
Batchelder of Winfield, Kansas. Mrs. Batchelder was the daughter
of a Baptist clergyman, and during almost all her life she was a
member of that church. She was very devoted to her church, and
during her entire life she endeavored to live up to its
teachings, reflecting in her own life the highest and best that
her religion taught. She was loved and respected by all who knew
her, but especially by those who were in her immediate family
circle and her death is the cause of great sadness to her
children.
BATES, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24,
1908
13 Year Old Lad Commits Suicide Rather Than Do Menial
Work
Clarence Bates, aged 13, son of Mrs. Rosa
Bates, cook at the Alton Hotel, committed suicide by taking
morphine Wednesday morning. The boy killed himself rather than
do menial work around the hotel such as scrubbing and mopping
the floor. His mother says that he had been unruly and refused
to do the work assigned to him. She had threatened that unless
he was obedient, she would have him sent to the reform school,
and the boy, rather than do the work he thought belonged to
women, took his life. Mrs. Bates and daughter Grace, aged 17,
with the boy were staying at the hotel. The mother and daughter
worked and the boy was supposed to do the work assigned to him
for his board. He did not like the tasks and would shirk his
work whenever he could. He would go across the street to the
livery stable owned by H. J. Klunk, and there he would do all
the work he could find to do. He was never paid for this work
and seemed glad to do it to get out of his own work. He would
sleep at nights in the livery stable. Mrs. Bates said that her
son would frequently go to bed in her room at the hotel in the
daytime to sleep all day long so he would not have to do the
work he was expected to do there. Wednesday morning about 10
o'clock he entered the hotel after being absent some time, and
was met by Mrs. Gibbs who told him to go to work doing his daily
scrubbing. The boy said he would not, as he had quit there, and
would not do any more of it. An hour later the boy was seen in
the mother's room apparently asleep on the bed. His sister did
not try to rouse him and nothing was thought of it until 5
o'clock when the sister found the boy on the bed and apparently
in bad condition. She summoned her mother, who called Dr.
Merritt. He found the boy almost pulseless and breathless.
Efforts were made to rouse the boy and they were successful
until 1 o'clock when the boy begged to be allowed to go back to
bed as he felt much better. He went to bed again and continued
to be in a stupor until 4:30 o'clock when he died. At the Klunk
livery stable it was said the boy was a good workman and could
wash buggies and do other work as well as a man. The men there
thought he was a good boy, but had frequently heard him say he
did not like to scrub and mop floors and do the other menial
work he was called upon to do.
BATES, MARTHA J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1919
The funeral of Mrs. Martha J. Bates, who died April 16th at
St. Louis, Mo., was this afternoon from the Lock undertaking
chapel and interment was in Oakwood cemetery, Upper Alton.
Services were conducted by Rev. Robert Morris, pastor of the
First Methodist church. Mrs. Bates was 79 years old, and was
well known in Alton. She was a sister of Mrs. Lydia Rummerfield,
of Alton, her only surviving relative. The body was brought to
Alton last night.
BATES, NINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1918
Nina, the six year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bates
of 270 Madison avenue, died this afternoon shortly after 1
o'clock after an illness of six weeks with pneumonia. She was
thought to be recovering and her death came as a sudden shock to
her parents and relatives. Poor heart action was thought by the
attending physician to be the cause of the death. The death of
the little girl comes as a deep blow to her parents, as only a
week ago last Thursday another daughter, Mrs. Michael
Thornsberry, was buried. The parents have five remaining
children: Ernest, Loyd, Etta, Nettie and Amy. No funeral
arrangements had been made this afternoon.
BATES, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1903
The body of Samuel Bates, colored, who was killed in Chicago
Sunday, arrived Wednesday morning and the funeral took place
from the depot to the City Cemetery.
BATTEN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31,
1905
Old Resident of Liberty Prairie Passes Away
Joseph W.
Batten died Monday night at nine o'clock, aged 85 years.
Deceased has been a resident of Madison county and of Liberty
Prairie for more than 50 years. He was a well known and
substantial farmer, respected by all who knew him. His wife and
several adult children survive him. He filled the office of
constable many years ago, and had served as justice of the peace
for twenty or more years. The funeral will take place from the
family home in Liberty Prairie on Thursday morning at 10
o'clock.
BATTERTON, JOHN
R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1905
Last Surviving Charter Member of First Illinois Odd Fellows
Lodge Dies
John R. Batterton, the last surviving
charter member of Western Star Lodge No. 1, the first Odd
Fellows Lodge in Illinois, died Sunday afternoon at his resident
in North Alton from senile debility. He was born September 12,
1812, and was in his ninety-third year. Mr. Batterton had been
in failing health for several years, but during the last ten
weeks he had been failing more rapidly. Sunday afternoon the
physical machinery broke down very unexpectedly, and Mr.
Batterton sank into the last sleep without any pain and before
the members of his family could be summoned to his bedside. Mr.
Batterton was born at Paris, Kentucky, but came to Alton in 1834
and had lived in the Altons ever since. He was a printer by
trade, and in his younger days he was one of the most prominent
residents of Alton. He was an industrious man, and by frugality
amassed a competence which enabled him to live comfortably in
the autumn days of his life. He was highly esteemed by all who
knew him, and although most of the men of his generation have
preceded him in departing from this life, still there are many
living wh honored and respected him as a useful and upright
citizen. [Batterton was buried in the Alton City Cemetery]
BATTERTON, P. P./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 4, 1861
Civil War Soldier
It was telegraphed from Cairo this morning
that P. P. Batterton was dead, and that his corpse would arrive
here tomorrow. Mr. Batterton was the son of John Batterton of
Alton, and is a native of the place, and was well and favorably
known to most of our citizens. He enlisted in Captain H. E.
Hart’s Company, and was connected with Colonel Dougherty’s
Regiment at Bird’s Point. He had been unwell for some time, but
had so far recovered as to be on duty, at the last accounts,
until the last intelligence of his death arrived this morning.
His parents have many friends in this city who will deeply
sympathize with them in their sad bereavement.
BATTRELL, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 23,
1901
Mrs. Jane Battrell, colored, said to be 100 years
old, died Sunday near Upper Alton at her home on the Woodburn
road. She had lived in Madison county only about a year, but
records kept by the family are to the effect that she spent a
100 years on earth. She leaves five children, three sons and two
daughters. The funeral will be Tuesday morning.
BAUDENDISTEL, VALENTINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 22, 1904
Valentine Baudendistel, aged 71, died
Sunday morning at his home, 618 East Fifth Street, after a long
illness. He was born in Gamshurst, Baden, Germany, and came to
this country 50 years ago. Shortly after arriving in Alton he
was married to Miss Carrie Horn, also of Germany. During all the
subsequent years Mr. Baudendistel lived in Alton where he raised
a family of children. His widow and six children survive him,
Mrs. Sherman Slemmons and Mrs. Philip Busack of St. Louis, Henry
Baudendistel of Litchfield; Mrs. William Holland, Valentine
Baudendistel and Katie Baudendistel of Alton. He leaves also
fourteen grandchildren. The funeral will take place Tuesday
afternoon at 1:15 o'clock from the family home to City Cemetery,
Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann officiating.
BAUER,
ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6, 1909
Mrs. Annie Bauer, wife of John Bauer, died Sunday morning at
1:25 o'clock at the family home, 1020 Gold street, after a long
illness from cancer of the stomach. She had been bedfast for
three months. Mrs. Bauer was a member of the Mutual Protective
League, and the funeral Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home will be attended by the members of that order. Rev. E. L.
Mueller of the German Evangelical church will officiate. Mrs.
Bauer leaves her husband and three sons, John, Edward and Harry
Bauer. She leaves also one sister, Mrs. Kate Remhoff, of
Wheeling, West Virginia, who was here recently and returned home
a week ago. Mrs. Bauer was known as a good mother and a highly
esteemed neighbor, and she was one of the most valued members of
the Mutual Protective League. She had lived in Alton 32 years.
BAUER, ELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1915
Her mind filled with love and concern over the welfare of
her six children, Mrs. Ella Bauer, wife of Henry Bauer, died
Wednesday evening at 6 o'clock in St. Joseph's Hospital, after
having spent much of her time in her closing hours giving
directions to her eldest daughter, Miss Louise, to the welfare
and care of her six children. Mrs. Bauer's death followed a
surgical operation performed on her to relieve a trouble which
had arisen from an accidental injury of several years ago. Last
summer when one of her children was injured, Mrs. Bauer nursed
him night and day, and this, it is believed, contributed to her
final breakdown. She was a devoted mother and no sacrifice or
effort was too much for her to give to her children. Though she
had been dying for three days, Mrs. Bauer retained consciousness
to the very last, and with members of her family around her she
devoted most of the time to counseling them, and telling them
what she wished done in the care of her children. Mrs. Bauer's
maiden name was Houston. She was 47 years of age, and beside her
husband and six children - Frank, Louise, Henry, John, George
and Mary - she leaves her mother and five sisters, Miss Ursula
Houston; and Mrs. G. N. Land; Miss F. Houston; Mrs. William
Hope; Mrs. Emma Warren; and Mrs. Anna Fisher. The funeral will
be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home,
Tenth and Alton streets. Rev. M. W. Twing will conduct the
services.
BAUER, CAROLINE ERNST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3,
1913
Wife of Well Known Undertaker Dies
Mrs. Caroline Ernst Bauer, wife of William H. Bauer, died at
3:45 o'clock Saturday morning at the family home, 634 East Third
street, after a ten days illness with a complication of liver
and bowel trouble. Uraemic poisoning was the final cause of her
death. Mrs. Bauer's illness was not regarded as serious until
Friday, and about noon it was noticed that she had taken a
sudden change for the worse. She became unconscious and did not
revive. Mrs. Bauer was 36 years and 6 months old. She was a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ernst. All of her life she had
lived in the same place, her death occurring on the same
premises where she was born. Mrs. Bauer is survived by her
husband, W. H. Bauer, also her parents; and a brother, Emil
Ernst; and a sister, Mrs. Bertha Hoehn. She leaves also an
adopted daughter, Martha. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock
Tuesday morning from St. Mary's Church.
BAUER, CHARLES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
24, 1906
Prominent Business Man Passes Away
Charles H. Bauer,
head of one of the best known business houses in the city, died
at his home, Fifteenth and Henry streets, Saturday morning at 5
o'clock after an illness of only a few days duration. His death
was a great surprise to relatives and friends as it was not
supposed he was seriously ill. Apparently he was in the best of
health, strong and vigorous, and had many years of life to come.
He was taken slightly ill last Tuesday while in St. Louis on
business, and on coming home complained of a pain in his breast.
Muscular rheumatism developed, which lingered around his breast
and throat. Last night he took supper with his family and was
seemingly in no dangerous condition. The malady went to his
heart during the night, and he died at 5 o'clock while being
attended by his wife. Mr. Bauer had lived in Alton since July
1895. He came here from Fulton, Mo., where he had made his home
for thirty years. He was born in Porta, Westphalia, Germany, and
was 59 years of age February 11 of this year. He came to America
from Germany in 1866, just a year after the coming of the young
woman who was subsequently to become his wife. The couple were
married at Fulton, Mo., and lived there until removing to Alton.
He was a member of the Presbyterian church at Fulton, but on
coming to Alton he became a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church on Twelfth street, and he was a most devoted
member of that church. He was a kindly dispositioned man, who
was admired by all who knew him. He engaged in business here a
few years ago in the Madison shoe store on Third street. One
characteristic of the man was that he never spoke ill of any
person and made it his practice to look upon the best side of
everyone. He was a man of strong character, kind in his heart
and liberal in his view of his fellow man. There was general
regret among his business associates and friends when
announcement of his death was made. Mr. Bauer leaves beside his
wife, two daughters, Mrs. Louis Klaus and Mrs. John Paul; also
one sister, Mrs. Gustave Plassmann of Nameoki. The funeral will
be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.
BAUER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1912
Henry Bauer, aged 77, a retired farmer who formerly lived
near Brighton, died suddenly from heart trouble at 12:30 o'clock
Thursday morning after a brief illness. Mr. Bauer had been a
long sufferer from asthma, but his death was not expected. He
had retired from active work and lived with his daughter, Mrs.
Henry Haag at Godfrey. He leaves many relatives in Alton and was
well known here. He was born in Ringhofen, Nassau, Germany. He
had lived many years in the vicinity of Alton and was known as a
true gentleman, a good father and neighbor, and a very pleasant
man to know. He was an old soldier and a membe4r of the G. A.
R., having served in the 9th Illinois volunteers. He is survived
by his wife, one son, Jacob of Brighton, and five daughters,
Mrs. Louisa Moran of Stanwood, Wash., Mrs. John Adams of St.
Louis, Mrs. D. M. Adams of East St. Louis, and Mrs. Henry Haag
of Godfrey. The funeral will be held from the German Evangelical
church in Brighton, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock.
BAUER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12, 1910
Civil War Veteran, Alton Undertaker and Furniture Businessman
Dies
John Bauer, aged 73, retired furniture dealer and
undertaker, died Monday evening at his residence, 615 east Sixth
street, from asthma and old age. Mr. Bauer had been seriously
ill for about ten days. His health had been failing for several
years about the time of his retirement from business, when he
turned his furniture store and his undertaking business over to
the management of his sons, George and William H. Bauer. He was
not around his old place of business often in the past year, and
the last time he was downtown was about two weeks ago. His
family, knowing that he was failing in strength, encouraged him
to be very careful and not to over exert himself, and
reluctantly the old gentleman gave up active efforts. John Bauer
was a native of Germany but had lived in Alton since he was 17
years of age. In his death Alton loses one of the few remaining
of the old school business men. He had been an undertaker of the
olden days in Alton, and he had sold furniture for many years.
In his long career in business, without any effort on his part
to build up such a reputation, the old gentleman had acquired a
name for strict honesty and reliability. No one ever thought of
questioning Mr. Bauer's word. When given it was good, and any
statement he ever made was known to be true so far as he knew.
Everyone trusted and respected him. He had a kindly way that
made many friends. He was always ready to do a favor for anyone.
Hundreds and hundreds of young couples he had helped to
establish in housekeeping in Alton and surrounding country. He
was always willing to help out young couples who were trying to
get a start, as he had been poor himself. He had a partner at
one time in his business career, but for a number of years up to
the time of his retirement he had done business alone. He was a
veteran of the Civil War, a brave soldier, and a good American
patriot. He was known as a good citizen, a man who would say no
ill of anyone, and a friend worth having. Mr. Bauer leaves his
wife and six children. His daughters are Mrs. Charles Miesener,
Mrs. Will Johler, and Miss Tille Bauer. The sons are Joseph,
George and William H. Bauer. Mr. Bauer had been in the furniture
and undertaking business about forty years. He was originally in
partnership with John Sutter, and later engaged in partnership
with John Hoffman. In his forty years of business he had buried
thousands of people, probably more than any other undertaker in
this vicinity. Even during the past year he had helped out by
conducting about a dozen funerals when his son had more than he
could attend to. Some time ago Mr. Bauer turned over his
furniture business to his son, George, and his undertaking
business to his son, William. He was a member of the Odd Fellows
order, also of the German Benevolent society. The funeral will
be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home,
and burial will be in City Cemetery. Services will be conducted
by Rev. E. L. Mueller of the German Evangelical church.
BAUER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 10, 1910
John Bauer, aged 56, was found dead in bed at his home, 1029
Gold street, Friday morning. He had been suffering from kidney
trouble and dropsy, combined with heart trouble, and it is
supposed that he became suddenly worse in the night and died in
a short time thereafter. He leaves three sons, John, Edward, and
Harry Bauer. His wife died last September. He had lived in Alton
since he was one year old, having come here from Germany with
his parents. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday
afternoon from the home, Rev. E. L. Mueller officiating.
BAUER, JOSEPH H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
30, 1918
Well Known Jeweler Dies
Joseph H. Bauer, aged 49,
died at his residence, 820 East Sixth street, at 1 o'clock this
afternoon after an illness which began about two months ago. His
illness had not been regarded as being of an immediately
dangerous nature, and his collapse was a great surprise to his
closest relatives who were unprepared for the fatal termination.
Mr. Bauer had for sixteen years conducted a jewelry store on
East Broadway, and was one of the best known business men there.
He was a son of the late John Bauer, who conducted a furniture
store in Alton for many years, and of Mrs. Louise Bauer who
survives her son. He leaves beside his wife, one daughter, Edna,
aged 10 years, his mother, three sisters, Mrs. Charles Meissner
of St. Louis, Mrs. William Johler, Miss Tillie Bauer, George and
William H. Bauer, all of Alton. The cause of his death was
kidney trouble, from which he had been a long time sufferer. The
funeral will probably be held at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday
afternoon from the family home.
BAUER, JUSTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1920
The funeral of Mrs. Justina Bauer was held Sunday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the Evangelical Church at Eighth and Henry
streets in which she had held membership for many years.
Notwithstanding a pouring rain, the church was filled with
friends and relatives, and a remarkable feature of the funeral
was the large number of old persons present, though the day was
such as to justify them in staying at home. The services were
conducted by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier, the pastor. The floral
offerings were beautiful, and the grave was a mound of flowers
which spoke of the esteem in which the aged lady was held by her
relatives and many friends. The pallbearers were five grandsons,
Edwin, Frank, Henry, John and George Bauer, and one great
grandson, Paul Kopp. A quartet sang two selections at the
church. Interment was in City Cemetery.
BAUER, PHILIP/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1875
Mr. Philip Bauer, a respected German citizen, salesman in the
lumberyard of Sweetser & Priest, fell dead last Friday afternoon
in the office of the yard. About twenty minutes before his
death, he was standing in front of the office conversing with
another man, and apparently as well as usual. Soon after Mr.
Bauer’s wife came to the office to see him, and found him lying
at full length on the floor on his face. She at once summoned
assistance, and Dr. Garvin was called in, who found that life
was extinct. The face was much congested, and the implications
were that death was the result of apoplexy. The Coroner was
notified, and an inquest will be held this evening, at which the
cause of death will be more certainly determined.
Mrs.
Bauer states that her husband ate his dinner with his usual
appetite, and was apparently perfectly well. Mr. Bauer was a
native of Germany, and lived in Alton about twenty years. He was
formerly in the employ of J. H. Pierson, lumber dealer, but has
been with Sweetser & Priest for several years past. He was a
member of the German Lutheran Church, and a reliable,
intelligent man, having the esteem and confidence of his
employers. His age was forty-nine. He leaves a wife and five
children, the oldest a boy of sixteen, who is in the employ of
the Telegraph, Mr. Bauer’s sudden death will prove a great
affliction to his family, relatives, and many friends.
BAUMAN, GENEVIEVE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1904
Mrs. Genevieve Bauman, aged 76, died Thursday
afternoon at 4:30 o'clock from senile debility, at her home,
Fourteenth and Alby streets. She was a native of Germany, but
had lived in Alton many years. The funeral will be held Saturday
morning at 8:30 o'clock from the family home. [Burial was in St.
Joseph's Cemetery]
BAUMAN, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 13,
1918
Retired Business Man Dies From Pneumonia
John H.
Bauman, retired business man, died Tuesday afternoon at his
residence, 714 Euclid place, from pneumonia, after an illness of
about 10 days. Members of the family said that he did not have
influenza, but that it was a case of pneumonia and that there
was no special alarm over his condition until the last few days
when his illness developed into a very dangerous stage. John H.
Bauman was born in Alton and lived here all of his life. He was
65 years of age. For 28 years he was engaged in the grocery
business in Alton, at Fourth and Belle streets. Prior to that he
had been engaged in retailing bakery goods. One year ago he
decided to retire from business and disposed of his stock of
goods, but his successor was unable to hold on to the trade
which Mr. Bauman had, and closed the store soon afterward. Mr.
Bauman had, during his entire business career, enjoyed the
complete confidence of everyone who transacted business with
him. For years he had a high grade stock of goods, and he had a
class of trade that was one that any grocer might value very
highly. He was a very quiet unostentatious man, but he possessed
many sincere friends who are grieved over his death. His wife
had been in bad health for a number of years, and he had devoted
much of his time to ministering to her. Her recovery from her
illness was one of the greatest sources of satisfaction he had.
Some time ago, determining that when there was so much need for
men to help win the war, Mr. Bauman came out of retirement and
took a job at the glass works. He lived long enough to know that
victory had come to the cause of his country's flag, which he
had so much at heart. Besides his wife he leaves one daughter,
Mrs. R. H. Roadhouse, and one grandson. The funeral will be held
from the family home, Thursday afternoon, at 2 o'clock, and will
be private. Sevices will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Gibson,
pastor of the First Presbyterian church in which Mr. Bauman had
held membership for many years.
BAUMAN, TEDEA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18,
1907
Original Member of German Evangelical Church of Alton Dies
Mrs. Tedea Bauman, widow of Martin Bauman, died Sunday
evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Rupprecht, on
Alby street in the north side. While she was failing in health
for two weeks, her death was not expected so soon. Her illness
was due to old age. All day Sunday she was up and around the
home and went to bed about 7 o'clock. She died at 8:15 p.m. Mrs.
Bauman had been a resident in Alton and vicinity sixty years.
She was born in Germany and came to Alton when a young woman.
She was 82 years and 6 months of age at the time of her death.
When the German Evangelical church in Alton was founded, she
became a member, and she was one of the few survivors of the
original members. She always maintained her connection with that
church and was a devoted member, interested in all its work
until advancing age made it necessary to absent herself from
church services. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon.
Services at the home will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller at
2 o'clock, and at the church about 3 o'clock. Burial will be in
City cemetery. Mrs. Bauman leaves two children, Mrs. Fred
Rupprecht, with whom she made her home, and J. H. Bauman, a
well-known Alton business man. Throughout her life she was a
faithful wife and mother and a good neighbor to all who were
thrown in contact with her.
BAUMGARTNER, WERNER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
24, 1901
Werner Baumgartner, sexton at the German
Evangelical church many years, died this morning after an
illness from cancer of the stomach. He was 64 years of age and
was a resident of Alton many years. He leaves a family residing
on Fifteenth Street.
BAUSCH, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 2, 1915
Henry Bausch died Tuesday night at his home in Godfrey
township in his ninetieth year. He had lived for many years
northeast of Godfrey in Godfrey township, and was a highly
respected citizen. In 1855, at the age of 29, he emigrated from
Germany a poor man, but by thrift and hard work he became a
prosperous farmer in this country. Mr. Bausch was known for his
integrity. He had a striking personality and was known by all as
an ideal Christian man. He was a charter member and Elder of the
Salem Presbyterian church, Godfrey. His gentle disposition made
for him a host of friends. He will be missed by his neighbors
for he exercised a strong influence in the community. Mr. Bausch
was married in 1855 to Miss Sussana Scheidt. To this union eight
children were born, five died in infancy, three remain: Mrs.
Fred Koch, Annie and Henry Bausch Jr. The funeral services will
be held Friday, June the 4th at 2 p.m. at the Bethany church,
leaving the home at 1 o'clock. Interment at Bethany Cemetery.
BAUSMAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31,
1921
Three Die Enroute to Hospital
While enroute to St.
Elizabeth's Hospital to attend her daughter, who was to undergo
an operation for appendicitis, Mrs. Mary Keaton, 28, wife of
Martin Keaton, 2214 Bryan Avenue, Granite City, with Mrs. Mary
Craig, 45, wife of Clement Craig, 2223 Missouri Avenue, Granite
City, was instantly killed when the Craig automobile was struck
by the Wabash fast passenger train at Granite City at 7 o'clock
today. William Bausman, a son of Mrs. Craig by a former
marriage, who was injured, died an hour later in St. Elizabeth's
Hospital. Mrs. Keaton's daughter was on the operating table and
the anesthetic was about to be administered, when her mother was
killed. The operation was postponed. The daughter has not been
told of her mother's tragic death. The bodies of the three dead
have been taken in charge by Coroner Edward Mercer, who will
conduct an inquest. The automobile was driven by Mrs. Craig.
Information at the office of the coroner was that the automobile
was going at a moderate rate of speed. Just as it reached the
tracks, it was said, Mrs. Craig saw the speeding train and made
an effort to throw the engine into reverse. This action failed
to get the machine off the track and the speeding train crashed
into it. The two women were instantly killed. The boy was rushed
to the hospital, and every effort made to save his life, but
failed. Clement Craig, husband of the woman driving the
automobile, is mess sergeant at Jefferson Barracks. Keaton is a
craneman at the Commonwealth Steel Co. At almost the same
instant that the fatal accident at Granite City occurred, a
Wabash train crashed into the rear end of a Chicago and Alton
passenger train at Madison. The last coach of the Alton train
was thrown from the tracks when the rails spread, and
demolished. No one was in the rear car when the Wabash train
crashed into it. Presence in the car would probably have meant
certain death.
BARROW, WILLIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 22, 1875
Mr.
Willis Barrow, an old and respected citizen of Bethalto, died
suddenly last Tuesday evening of apoplexy. He retired in his
usual health, but soon the family were attracted to his bedside
by exclamations of suffering, and a few minutes after his
situation was discovered, he expired. Mr. Barrow was one of the
old pioneers of the State, and had resided almost all his life
in Greene and Madison Counties. He was highly esteemed in
Bethalto by all who knew him. He was engaged in the business of
coopering. His age was sixty-nine years. He was a brother-in-law
of Judge Hinton of Greene County.
Willis Barrow was a
native of Kentucky, born December 27, 1808, but came to Illinois
in his eighteenth year. He married Miss Nancy A. Bowers on April
25, 1839. Six children were given to them, four of whom are
still living. The mother was called from labor to her eternal
reward in 1868. The father now is gone, and the four sisters are
left fatherless and motherless, and yet they, in their sorrow,
mourn not as those who have no hope, for father and mother
firmly believed that Jesus died and rose again, and the promise
sustains them. The funeral took place from the Presbyterian
Church at Bethalto. A large concourse of people from Moro turned
out to show the respect and affection they felt for this truly
good man. The bell of the church began to toll is slow and
solemn cadences as the long procession moved out of town, and
ere it ceased, the bell at Moro announced that that village,
too, had turned out to join us in the funeral service, and
assist in consigning the body of our brother to the grave, side
by side with his departed companion. Mr. Barrow has been a
consistent Christian for twenty years. His death was without an
hour’s illness. The disease had shown itself to have claimed the
departed as its victim some time ago, but his health at the time
of death was as good as could be expected for a man of his age.
He worked on Tuesday at his trade of coopering, went home in the
evening, ate supper as usual, and retired. In about an hour, his
daughters retired, but not to rest, for soon their attention was
attracted to their father’s room by certain unusual sounds, and
going to his bedside, they found him apparently lifeless. A
physician was called, and it was soon ascertained that catalepsy
had made sure of its victim. So passed from earth this indulgent
father. [Burial was in the Moro Cemetery.]
BAYLESS, MALINDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10,
1917
Grieved to Death Over Grandson Going Off to War
Grieving because her grandson, Ed Bayless, had gone away to
France with the 12th Engineering Corps, Mrs. Malinda Bayless
died this morning. She refused to be comforted since her
grandson had left her. A number of years ago the father of the
soldier boy, another Ed Bayless, had been killed in a coal mine
accident at Staunton. He was the only son of the mother. There
was one consolation for the mother. Her son had left a
counterpart of himself, even in name, who could take the place
of his father in her heart. Then the war came along. Mrs.
Bayless was not pro-German. She was merely a very human sort of
a person. She had lost one son, now she was to lose her grandson
who had stepped into the dead son's place. It was no joy to her
to see him step off in manly fashion wearing his uniform. The
grandmother would not be comforted. She was quite certain she
would never see him again, and she was right. She grew weaker
day by day, in the two months since her grandson left the home.
Mrs. Melinda Herndon Bayless was born in 1833 in Kentucky. She
came to Illinois at the age of 2 years. She was a young woman
when she united with the Christian Church. She leaves two
daughters, Mrs. Laura Spencer of Bethalto, and Mrs. Julia Nolan
of Pittsburg, Pa., also 13 grandchildren and nineteen
great-grandchildren. The funeral will be from the Spencer home
Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at Bethalto.
BEALE, ELIZABETH "AUNT BETTY"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 7, 1915
Elizabeth Beale, wife of Martin Beale,
aged 75, died at her home on Highland avenue this afternoon from
pneumonia, after a week's illness. She was a native of Staunton,
Va. Her husband is one of Alton's oldest colored residents. The
deceased was known as "Aunt Betty" Beale.
BEALL, CHARLES B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13,
1903
Senior Member of Beall Brothers Manufacturing Dies
Charles Beall, senior member of the firm known as Beall
Brothers, manufacturers of coal miners tools and shovels, died
Saturday night, April 11th, at 8:30 o'clock, after an illness of
nearly two years from cancer of the liver. Had Mr. Beall lived
until July 13 next, he would have been sixty years of age. He
was born in Alton [b. 1843, son of John W. and Mary J. Hodges].
His father died when he was a lad eight years old. He learned
the trade of machinist at which he was most skillful. During the
War of the Rebellion, he was engineer of a gunboat, Ozark, on
the Mississippi, with rank of Lieutenant. After his return from
the service, he worked at his trade for a number of years. Later
he formed a partnership with George D. Hayden, conducting a
machine shop on West Second street. In 1882, in connection with
his brother, Edmond, they formed the well-known firm of Beall
Brothers, to manufacture coal miners tools on Belle street. They
started with one trip hammer and only the two brothers. They
were successful from the start. Their energy and determination
have made the establishment one of the greatest manufacturing
plants in southern Illinois. Mr. Beall was a kindly husband and
father - his home and family were the chief attractions to him
in life, and there he could be found when the business of the
day was over. His loss to his family comes with a heavy blow, as
it is the first break in a large family. His loss to the
business interests will be deeply felt, and to intimate friends
he was a kindly and considerate friend, unobtrusive but true as
steel. In 1866 he married Miss Anna M. Whitehead, daughter of
the late James Whitehead. His wife and eight children survive
him, namely, J. W. Beall, Mrs. Horace Dixon, Charles L. Beall,
and Misses Margaret, Edith, Effie and Elizabeth Beall, all of
Alton, and Mrs. P. B. Gates of Colorado. The funeral will take
place tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the family home on
Henry Street.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 14, 1903
The funeral of Charles Beall took place
Tuesday at 10 a.m. Notwithstanding the storm of wind and rain,
the residence of the family on Henry street was filled by
friends of the deceased. Rev. D. E. Bushnell, D. D., pastor of
the C. P. church, conducted the services, assisted by Rev. H. K.
Sanborne of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Bushnell read the
Scriptures and delivered a comforting and most helpful address.
Rev. Mr. Sanborne offered prayer and a quartette sang very
touchingly, "In the Sweet By and By." A profusion of rare and
beautiful flowers, the gift of relatives and friends, filled the
parlor and the house with their sweet fragrance. At the close of
the services, a long cortege followed the hearse to the City
Cemetery, where final exercises were said, and all that was
mortal of Charles Beall, the good husband, father, neighbor and
friend, was laid to rest to awake at the call of the Redeemer in
renewed and eternal youth. The employees of the Beall Bros.
Mining Tool factory and the Shovel factory turned out in a body,
and marched to the residence and then to the cemetery,
notwithstanding the storm prevailing during the morning. They
also presented several floral pieces of rare beauty and design.
The pallbearers were George D. Hayden, H. M. Schweppe, S. H.
Malcom, William Ellis Smith, Robert McKissock, and T. H. Perrin.
BEALL, CHARLES WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 16,
1872
Died on February 13, in Alton, Charles Walter, infant
son of Edward and Mary Beall; aged 7 months and 16 days.
BEALL, EDMOND/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 15, 1852
Died, at his residence in this city [Alton], on Sunday the
10th inst., Mr. Edmond Beall. The deceased has been a resident
of this city for sixteen years past, and leaves a large circle
of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
[Note: Edmond Beall is the grandfather of Edmond Beall, who
served as Mayor of Alton. Edmond Sr. was the father of John
Wesley Beall, who was the father to Edmond Beall, the Alton
Mayor. Edmond Sr. was one of the first citizens to locate in
Alton, where he opened the first furniture store in the West.
This building was on the site of the Standard Milling Company on
Broadway. The furniture of that day was mainly made by hand. His
son, John W., engaged in business with him until the death of
the elder.
BEALL,
EDMOND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1920
Alton Businessman; Mayor; State Senator
Edmond Beall, former
mayor and State Senator, died this morning at Los Angeles,
California, from a malady that attacked him early this week.
Erysipelas with complications was the cause of his death. Mr.
Beall had gone to Los Angeles with his wife to enjoy the winter.
He was in good health when he left, and was having the time of
his life, as his letters to the Telegraph and to friends
indicated. There was no thought, until early this week, but what
he would come back home in the springtime without having
anything but the best of health while he was gone. Though some
of his friends said that they had noticed he was failing
somewhat in his energy in the last few years, there were few men
who had more life and vigor in them than he, and none who could
enjoy a good time better, nor make others around him have so
good a time.
The news of his sickness given out
yesterday, coupled with the word of his death that came this
morning, was received with genuine sorrow all over the city. It
was known Thursday night that his condition was most serious,
but the later message that was received Friday morning was more
reassuring. His son, Wesley Beall, had gone to California to
join his parents there and arrived just about the time Mr. Beall
was taken sick. He will accompany Mrs. Beall and the body of
Senator Beall back to Alton.
The story of the life of
Edmond Beall is interwoven intimately with the history of the
greater development of the city of Alton. He was born in Alton,
and lived here all his life. His whole interest was centered in
Alton, and his love and support for his native city never
wavered. Denied in childhood the advantages of much of an
education, he made a wonderful success in life, and he helped
more than perhaps anyone else in the upbuilding of the city, in
making it physically better and finally in improving its moral
conditions. Fourteen years he served his city as alderman in the
city council; eight years he served as mayor; four years he
served his senatorial district as State Senator. But to speak of
his service in official life and stop there would be leaving out
some of the most important service he rendered to the community.
As a citizen he was an invaluable asset for Alton. He
believed in his home city, he invested every dollar of his
fortune in Alton in tangible assets, and he contributed greatly
as a business man and as an investor to Alton's prosperity. He
contributed further by his contagious optimism about Alton. He
spurred others on to greater efforts and he would always take
the lead when he was asked. Many an organization in the city
owed its prosperity to the guiding influence of Beall. He loved
to declare that nothing was considered impossible to be done,
that was what he sought to do. This statement he often made in
referring to his efforts to give a cleanup for Alton, and those
who know how effective his cleanup campaign was in Alton and
what obstacles he contended with, appreciated the victory he had
won.
Edmond Beall was born in Alton, September 27, 1848,
and was a grandson of one of the pioneers of the city. Belle
street was originally Beall Street, and was named for his
grandfather, who was also Senator Beall's namesake. When Edmond
Beall was seven years of age, his own father died, and it was
only a few years after that that the young son was obliged to go
to work. From that time his life was one of the greatest
activity. He was a human dynamo for energy. He made quick
decisions and acted on them. When he was a boy of twelve, he
entered the employ of the Alton Telegraph as office boy. Hard
work had no terrors for him. He became an expert pressman and
his knowledge of that craft never deserted him. He was a
competent critic of press work. He engaged in the job printing
business, which had been a part of the Telegraph office,
purchasing it from the owners of the newspaper. A partner, who
was not too discriminating about mine and thine, put the Beall
finances on the rocks. He quit the printing business and went to
work with his brother, Charley, who was operating a little
blacksmith shop where mining tools were being hammered out by
hand. That was the beginning of a great mining tool industry
that was built up in Alton. The business grew and made good
profits. The one-time poor boy began to invest his earnings in
Alton real estate. He had made it a rule of his life to save
something no matter how little he made. He bought and built
house after house in the city until he was possessed of more
good houses than any other single real estate owner in the city.
He always declared that he would never invest in any business he
could not control, and for that reason put what money he had
aside from his investment in business, in real estate in Alton.
He never speculated, never lost any money in any wild ventures.
As a boy of 15, he enlisted in the service of his country as a
Private. He claimed the honor of being one of the youngest
soldiers in the Union army in the Civil War.
In the year
1905, Mr. Beall, after many years of experience in city affairs,
was induced to become a candidate for mayor of Alton. He served
three successful terms of two years each - the only man in the
history of the city who achieved that. During his term of
office, he inaugurated a great improvement campaign. He paved
approximately 20 miles of streets, built many sewers, and
started Alton earnestly on the upgrade. It was the greatest
period of public improvements the city had ever known. During
his term of office, he was prevailed on to become a candidate
for State Senator, and was elected to that office. Though the
shams of official life at Springfield irked him, he took a
prominent part in legislative affairs and when invited to become
a member of the Illinois Vice Commission to investigate vice
conditions in the state, he accepted. He took a prominent part
in that and later when a movie concern wanted to make a motion
picture show out of the vice commission's report, Beall was one
of the most prominent actors in the film production. It was the
information he gained during the vice commission inquiry,
showing cause and effect, that made Senator Beall resolve to
quit the Senate and get back home again and become a candidate
for a fourth term as mayor. He declared he wanted to have the
opportunity of giving Alton the cleanup she needed. He dared to
come out on a platform in which he pledged absolute law
enforcement. That was indeed a daring thing to do as Alton had
always been dominated by organized vice, while the majority of
people, opposed to vice, were unorganized. He was elected by a
good majority and immediately began the cleanup in 1915. In the
two years he was mayor he kept everlastingly on the job, despite
discouragements, and at times apparent lethargy on the part of
those whom he had expected to give him backing. He was so
energetic in his leadership that, it is probably true, many
thought he needed no support, but he craved it and often wearied
of lack of interest of some whom he had confidently expected to
help him. He completed his term in 1917.
In the face of
the fact that his physician warned him against continuing in the
race for mayor against William M. Sauvage, and the fact that Mr.
Beall was about decided to withdraw, some of his friends
persuaded him to remain in the fight. He continued the campaign
and was defeated. He showed his good sportsmanship afterward by
becoming a cordial supporter of his successful opponent. It was
one of the characteristics of Mr. Beall that he could hold
enmity against no man. He said that he would regard it as the
finest epitaph that could be placed on his tombstone that he had
no one whom he would go a step out of his way to do an ill turn.
During his official career he demonstrated this by picking, at
times, men who had fought him to hold positions of importance
under him. There are several striking instances of this attitude
of mind of Mr. Beall. He wasted no time in hating anyone, and
always argued that molasses was better fly bait than vinegar.
One of the acts of Mr. Beall that attracted nationwide
attention was his building of the Storks Nest flats in Alton, in
which he encouraged people to live who had children. He loved
children himself, and considered them a necessary part of every
good home. He had in this view a cordial sympathizer of
President Roosevelt, and the two were great friends. After his
retirement from public office, and since he was out of business,
Mr. Beall devoted his years to enjoying life. He bought a little
farm to which he gave much attention and lavished on it much
money. He was capable of enjoying life fully, and found the
secret of being happy was never to let trifles worry him. He was
the very essence of good cheer, was one of those plain, natural
sort of persons who are all too scarce. His death is sincerely
mourned by a whole city.
Mr. Beall is survived by his
wife to whom he had been married fifty years, and by two
daughters, Mrs. L. Caywood and Mrs. Hattie Gill; and three sons,
Wesley Beall, Edward H. Beall, and Roy Beall. One son, Edward H.
Beall, is in New Orleans and was summoned home by news of his
father's death. The time of the funeral will be announced later.
Career of Edmond Beall At a Glance:
September 27, 1848 -
Born at Alton, son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Beall, pioneer
residents of the city. The father of Senator Beall was born here
in 1815. The grandfather of the late Senator moved to this city
from Ohio in 1813, shortly after the city was founded.
1860 - Began work in office of Alton Telegraph as "printer's
devil."
May 12, 1864 - Four months before sixteenth
birthday enlisted in Company D, 133rd Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, at the time youngest Union soldier from Illinois. Was
mustered out of service at Camp Butler, near Springfield on
September 24, 1865. Last service was assisting in decoration of
old home of Abraham Lincoln.
1872 - Became engaged in
manufacture of mining tools. Operation of plant begun on capital
of $75. Industry has grown to be one of most important in
district.
1905 - Elected mayor of Alton, and served three
successive terms. Previous to this had been chosen alderman from
the old fourth ward for 14 successive terms. Three terms as
Mayor marked great progress in the city.
1910 - Elected
State Senator, from 47th District.
1915 - Elected Mayor
of Alton for fourth term.
1917 - Announced retirement
from public life.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph
February 2, 1920
The funeral of former Mayor Edmond Beall
will be held next Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the
family home on Twelfth street. The services will be conducted by
Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian Church, assisted
by Rev. C. E. Combrink of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian
Church. The funeral will be public. Burial will be in City
Cemetery. It was given out today by Roy Beall and E. H. Beall
that Mrs. Beall and son, Wesley, were leaving Los Angeles this
morning with the body of the former mayor. They will arrive in
Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, and will be met there by Roy Beall
and Mrs. Hattie Gill, and the party will, if proper connections
can be made, arrive in Alton at 1:10 p.m. Thursday. Mrs. Beall
has signified a desire that the funeral be held Saturday
afternoon. She is reported to be standing up well under her
affliction, though the loss of her devoted husband is a terrible
blow to her. A letter that came to the Telegraph by Wesley
Beall, which tells of the sickness of his father. Wesley Beall
was not called there by sickness of anyone. He happened to
decide to join his parents in Los Angeles and fortunately
arrived just at the time his father was taken sick. The father
had just gone to bed with an attack of erysipelas when Wesley
arrived at the hotel. The letter concluded: "Father says he will
come home just as soon as he is well enough." Word that came to
the family in Alton indicated that Mr. Beall had gone for a trip
into the mountains and that it had been too much for him. He had
been suffering from shortness of breath at home, and when he
went into the rarer atmosphere in the mountains, he suffered bad
effects which caused him to collapse when he returned to the
hotel. He was alone in his room and managed to get to a
telephone and call for help. Immediately help was rendered him.
That was the day that his son Wesley arrived in the evening.
Members of the family see in the sudden decision of Wesley Beall
to go to California almost an act of Providence. They reason
that his presence there made it possible for Mrs. Beall to be
much better taken care of than she would have been with none but
strangers to comfort her in her affliction.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1920
The
entire city of Alton took occasion this afternoon to honor the
memory of their deceased ex-mayor and former state senator
Edmond Beall. By reclamation of the mayor, all business was
stopped for five minutes, bells were tolled, street cars stopped
where they were, and practically the entire city mourned the
loss of the best friend Alton ever had. There was a large
attendance, not only of people from Alton, but many prominent
men from out of the city were present, representative of the
wide acquaintance of the former mayor had. The floral offering
that were sent by friends were rich and numerous. It was perhaps
the greatest display of flowers ever seen at a funeral in Alton,
notwithstanding the fact that flowers were scarce and hard to
get. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Edward L.
Gibson of the First Presbyterian church, who was assisted by
Rev. C. E. Comnbrink of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian church.
For years Mr. Beall had been a deeply interested member and
regular attendant at the Bible class which Rev. Gibson conducts
on Sunday mornings. In his eulogy of Mr. Beall, the officiating
clergyman dwelt on the admirable characteristics of the
deceased, his loyalty to his friends, his love for his town, and
the work he did for his home city, both physically and morally.
The clergyman and Mr. Beall had been intimate friends and the
eulogy was filled with intimate knowledge that the speaker had
of the deceased. The active pallbearers were: John McAdams,
George Huskinson, William P_____, William P. Boynton, Dr. G.
Taphorn, W. A. Tipton, Alex Cousley, F. F. Ferguson. The
honorary pallbearers were: John McGinnes, George Allen, William
Smith, Joseph W. Carey, George Levis, H. M. Schweppe, O. S.
Stowell, G. H. Lane, Mayor W. M. Sauvage, Ex-Mayor J. C.
Faulstich, C. B. Johnston, Ex-Mayor J. J. Brenholt. By order of
Mayor Sauvage, the City Hall was closed the entire afternoon out
of respect for the deceased ex-mayor. Flags throughout the city
generally were at half mast. One interesting mark of respect was
at the Hippodrome, where at the appeared hour, there was a card
displayed on the screen "In Memory of Edmond Beall" then for a
space of five minutes the curtain was drawn on the stage after
which the show was resumed. [Note: Burial was in the Alton
City Cemetery.]
BEALL, EDMUND/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 15, 1852
Died at his residence in Alton on Sunday, the 10th inst., Mr.
Edmund Beall. The deceased has been a resident of Alton for
sixteen years past, and leaves a large circle of relatives and
friends to mourn his loss.
BEALL, TRUMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 15, 1847
Died
in Alton, on Monday evening, at the residence of his father,
Truman Beall, youngest son of Mr. E. Beall. The deceases was in
the prime of life, and gave promise of usefulness, but he was
called unexpectedly away at the age of 21 years. He was sick but
two days, yet such was the malignity of his disease
(inflammatory fever) that it battled all the skill of the
physicians who attended him. The deceased, previous to his last
illness, had made no profession of religion, but when called to
grapple with his last enemy, he felt the necessity of the
consolations of the Gospel, and turning his eying eyes upon the
Savior, in the exercise of strong faith, he experienced the joys
of pardoned sin, and without fear he exchanged the sufferings of
this life for the joys of that which is to come. His remains
were accompanied to the grave on Tuesday, by the Firemen of the
city, of which he was a member, and his afflicted parents and
relatives.
BEALL, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 7, 1912
A son born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Beall
June 5, died the day following and was buried yesterday.
BEALL, W. D./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 29, 1838
Died, on Wednesday evening last, after a short but severe
illness of the inflammatory of the throat, W. D. Beall, son of
Mr. E. Beall of this city, aged about 17.
BEATTY, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1911
Mrs. Mary J. Beatty died Monday evening at 8:40 o'clock at
her home, 812 Langdon street, after an illness of four months
from neuritis. Mrs. Beatty had been in a dying condition for
weeks, and her vitality was the marvel of those who attended
her. She had suffered intensely from the malady until a short
time before her death, and her end came peacefully. She had
lived in Alton about five one one half years. Mrs. Beatty's
death occurred three days after the seventh anniversary of the
death of her husband, F. J. Beatty. Soon after her husband died,
Mrs. Beatty moved to Alton to live. She was born at Winchester,
Ill., and was in her 66th year. She leaves five sons and two
daughters, Robert I.; Perry R.; Harry G.; Joseph F.; Estel E.
and Misses Alma and Mary Viola Beatty. She was a member of the
Presbyterian church for many years. The funeral will be Thursday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home, and services will be
conducted by Rev. A. G. Lane, assisted by Rev. G. L. Clark.
Burial will be at Jerseyville.
BEATY, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1840
Publisher of Alton Telegraph Dies
It is with the deepest
regret that we perform the melancholy duty of announcing to our
readers that our highly valued friend, and late associate in the
publication of the Alton Telegraph, Mr. William A. Beaty is no
more. He was attacked on the 7th of September last by a violent
fever, which although it seemed at different intervals to yield
for a short period, uniformly returned to the assault with
increased virulence, and in spite of everything which medical
skill and anxious friendship could do to retard its progress
towards a fatal termination, finally carried him off on the
morning of the 8th inst., at the age of 29. The deceased, we
understand, was a native of Virginia, but removed with his
parents at an early age, first to Pennsylvania, and subsequently
to Maysville, Kentucky. He became a resident of this city
[Alton] some time in 1835, and for four years past has been
connected with the Telegraph establishment, the principal part
of the time in the capacity of foreman, and for the last six
months as one of the publishers of the paper. During the entire
period, his conduct has been such as to command the respect and
confidence of those with whom he was associated, as well as the
good will of the whole community. Unaffectedly pious, attentive
to the discharge of all his duties, and exemplary in his
deportment, no young man in this place was more generally
esteemed, and the loss of none could be more sincerely and
universally regretted. To his aged parents and family, who still
reside in Maysville, the news of his death will be a source of
deep affliction, the overflowing of which can be checked only by
the well-grounded hope that, for him, "to die was gain," and
that he has exchanged the sorrows and afflictions of this
present life for a happy and glorious immortality. On Thursday
afternoon, his mortal remains were conveyed to the Presbyterian
Church, of which denomination he was a regular member, where the
solemn occasion was improved by an appropriate discourse from
his Pastor, the Rev. A. T. Norton, after which they were
removed, attended by a number of sorrowing friends and
acquaintances to the Cemetery at Hunter's town [Alton City
Cemetery], and committed to the silent grave, there to await
"the resurrection of the just."
BEAVERDALE, SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1906
Sadie, the 4 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Beaverdale, died at the family home at 811 East Third street, at
1 o'clock this afternoon. The funeral will take place from the
home Sunday afternoon, and interment will be at Belletrees.
BEAZLEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1908
John Beazley, private night watchman in the business
district, died Tuesday evening at his home on Belle street, aged
47 years. He was born in Lancaster, Ky., January 1, 1861.
Beazley was familiarly known as "Dad" Beazley to everyone who
knew him. He had been a private watchman for six years and had
lived in Alton 12 years. He always took with him on his rounds
his little dog, "Bob," who helped his master watch and who
always was very efficient in attracting attention whenever
anything of an unusual nature was going on. The dog once found a
purse with $90 in it and carried it to his master. Beazley
leaves his wife. He has no children. The funeral will be held
Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home.
BECHTOLD, LOUISA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1905
Mrs. Louisa Bechtold, wife of George N. Bechtold,
died at the family residence on Park street in Upper Alton after
a brief illness which culminated in the bursting of an abscess
in her head, causing a rupture of a blood vessel. Mrs. Bechtold
was ill only a few days. Her death occurred at 10:45 o'clock
Saturday morning. She was a native of Germany and was 43 years
of age. About twelve years ago she came to Alton with her
family, and until recently conducted a milk dairy. Mrs. Bechtold
leaves, besides her husband, four children, Mrs. Laura Boy of
Carrolton, Mo., Mrs. Emma Burkhardt, John and Theodore Bechtold,
all of Alton. The time of the funeral has not been decided.
BECHTOLD, MATTHIAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
15, 1913
Matthias Bechtold, aged 26,
died at Belletrees last night at 11 o'clock after an illness
with typhoid fever. The death of Matthias is the first fatality
in the family, although the fever has made a complete run
through the six children of the parents. There were four sons
and two daughters in the Bechtold family, and one after another
they contracted the disease, and one after another they
recovered - except the son, Matthias, who died. The cause of the
epidemic in the family is not known. So far there has been no
trace of the origin of the disease, but it is possible that all
the others contracted it from the first member of the family who
became ill. The funeral of Matthias Bechtold will be held
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Michael's church at
Belletrees.
BECK, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
16, 1909
The funeral of Henry Beck - the last of his
family - was held this afternoon from Klunk's undertaking rooms
to the Cathedral, where services were held. Burial was in
Greenwood Cemetery.
BECK,
SOPHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1904
Mrs. Sophie Beck of 706 East Second street died yesterday
afternoon suddenly from heart disease, and was buried this
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Cathedral.
BECKEMEYER, GOTTLEIB "GEORGE"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 14, 1903
George Beckemeyer, one of the oldest
residents of Wood River township, died Monday morning after an
illness from the debility of old age. Mr. Beckemeyer was born
near Menich-Heffen, in Prussia, Germany, April 24, 1819. His
wife, who is still living, was born less than four years before
him. This remarkable couple celebrated their sixtieth wedding
anniversary May 10 at the home of their daughter, Mrs. C. C.
Paul, in Alton. Mr. Beckemeyer came to America in 1840, and May
16, 1843 he was married at Cincinnati, Ohio to Caroline
Wibbleman by Rev. William Nast, founder of the German Methodist
church in America. They moved to the vicinity of Upper Alton in
1864, where they raised a family of children, five of whom are
living. Since 1856, the death of Mr. Beckemeyer is the first
break in the family. The surviving children are Mrs. C. C. Paul,
Louis C. Beckemeyer, Miss Anna Beckemeyer, Mrs. A. N. Draper and
Mrs. Henry Balster. Until a few months ago, Mr. Beckemeyer,
assisted by his wife, continued to conduct a prosperous farm
near Upper Alton, and declined to cease attending to the every
day tasks incident to farm life. Their health was the best,
their constitutions vigorous. The funeral will take place
Thursday and the time will be announced later.
BECKER, HERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4, 1901
Herman Becker, a well known farmer of Godfrey
Township
residing between Godfrey and Upper Alton, died yesterday morning
at his home after an illness of five days with pneumonia. He
leaves a wife and a son. Mr. Becker was 78 years of age and had
lived in Godfrey township since he was a young man, having gone
there from St. Louis. The funeral will be Tuesday morning from
the home and interment will be in the Godfrey Cemetery. Rev.
Theodore Oberhellman will conduct the services.
BECKER,
LEONARD F. (PVT.)/Source: Troy Call, January 1, 1900
Pvt.
Leonard F. Becker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Becker, is the
first Marine township soldier boy to fall in action in France.
The parents received a telegram last week from the War
Department informing them of their son's death which occurred on
Wednesday, October 9th. The last letter received from him was
written on October 3rd and was received before the announcement
of his death. Private Becker left here in September 1917 with
the first contingent of soldier boys and received his first
military training at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, being sent overseas
last spring. He was 24 years of age and besides being survived
by his parents, leaves two brothers, both of whom are in the
army service.
BECKWITH, MARTHA C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22,
1919
Mrs. Martha C. Beckwith, 40 years of age, died this
morning at 4 o'clock at her home, 1230 East Broadway, following
a short illness. She leaves two sons, Russell and Elmer, one
daughter, Susie, a brother, F. W. Wilcox of Helena, Ark., and a
sister, Mrs. Julia Canham of Alton. Mrs. Beckwith was born in
Alton and spent her whole life here. Funeral arrangements have
not been completed, but burial will be private.
BEDBURY, CLARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1909
Mrs. Clara Bedbury, wife of John Bedbury, died in Chicago
Saturday morning from pneumonia. She was 60 years of age. She
leaves her husband and two daughters. The body will arrive in
Alton tomorrow morning and will be taken to Milton cemetery for
burial, which will take place at 10 o'clock. Mrs. Bedbury lived
in Alton many years, and was connected with the Salvation Army.
BEEBE, EVA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, February
7, 1899
Fire caused the death of two young children this
morning. Singularly enough the accidents happened in different
parts of the city. About 9:30 o'clock a.m. flames were seen
issuing from a shanty boat on the river front just below the
Union depot. In the boat was a sick child, Eva, the four year
old daughter of a family named Beebe. The mother had gone out to
a neighbor's to get someone to go with her for a physician to
attend the sick child, and when the fire was first noticed it
was too late to rescue the little girl. The shanty boat was soon
consumed, and the body of the victim was almost cremated. Her
face, hands, and legs were burned completely away, and the body
was unrecognizable. The child was lying on a low pallet, and the
supposition is a spark of fire ignited the clothes and started
the flames. The family came to Alton in their shanty boat on
Christmas day from Peoria, and have been here since that time.
The father has been working on the ice across the river, and did
not learn of the accident until five or six hours after it
occurred. William Rush, better known as "Curly," made a brave
effort at rescue. He broke in the door, but met with a sheet of
flames, and was compelled to run out. His whiskers were almost
burned off in the attempt. Beebe and his wife have seen better
circumstances. The husband has been sick and the first work he
has had since coming to Alton was the last three days.
Supervisor Elbie will send the couple to Peoria tonight, where
they have relatives. Beebe could not bear to look at his child,
and it was buried without him seeing it. Coroner Bailey held an
inquest and the jury returned a verdict of accidental death from
burning.
BEEBY,
BARCLAY BOYD (CAPTAIN)
NAMESAKE OF THE BEEBY WING – ALTON
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
The Captain Barclay Boyd Beeby Wing at
Alton Memorial Hospital was constructed in 1977. A trust of
almost $3 million dollars was established in Barclay’s memory by
his father, John “Jack” Beeby, upon his death in 1971, and by
his mother, Caroline, at her death in 1977. In a brief ceremony
in 1981, a bronze plaque, with a portrait of Beeby was unveiled
in the main lobby of the hospital.
John “Jack” J. Beeby
was the son of John L. Beeby of Piasa, Macoupin County,
Illinois. The Beeby family were pioneer settlers in Macoupin
County, and received land grants from the U.S. Government near
Piasa in that county. The family were large land owners and
prominent farmers in Macoupin County. John “Jack” Beeby married
Caroline _______ (unknown), and they had one son, Barclay Boyd
Beeby. The family moved to Evergreen Avenue in Upper Alton,
where John became an Alderman. In 1919, he became part owner of
the ABC Bakery on Front Street in Alton, where he served as the
company’s secretary-treasurer. In December 1926, John acquired
all of the stock of the company and became the sole owner, with
Fred Theen and August Schippert retiring. The bakery was
destroyed by fire in 1929, and other bakeries, such as Noll
Bakery, offered the use of their ovens while the ABC was being
rebuilt. Nolls later bought ABC Bakery, and then sold to
Colonial Bakery.
Barclay Boyd Beeby was born in Alton
November 21, 1914, and attended Alton schools, including
Shurtleff College. Before joining the military, he was sales
manager of the Alton Baking and Ice Cream Company (ABC Bakery).
He joined the Air Force in 1942, and flew 25 missions over
German and Norway. Lt. Beeby, pilot of a B-17 F bomber, and his
crew of nine men, named their plane the “Piasa Bird,” and
painted its image on their plane. As a boy, he was a member of
the Piasa Bird Council of Boy Scouts, and the symbol carried
special significance for him. He said, “The Piasa Bird is about
the ugliest thing I know, and if it won’t scare Hitler, I don’t
know what will.” In June 1943, he had the opportunity during a
practice mission to fly over his parents’ home on Evergreen
Street in Upper Alton, and the pilot saluted.
Lt. Beeby
was wounded in action in 1943, when his plane was forced out of
formation after the propeller of the engine blew off. The
propeller went through the side of the plane and wounded Beeby.
Rapidly losing altitude, the plane became vulnerable prey for
German fighters. Lt. Beeby found an empty field in France,
ordered the bombs dropped from the plane, and started back to
England. Fire from a German fighter plane, which the Alton
flier’s crew finally shot down, wounded the top turret gunner
and Lt. Beeby. The plane, with only one of the four motors
running, reached England. Lt. Beeby was hospitalized for a short
time, but was soon back again at the controls of his plane,
flying over Germany. He was later assigned to Puerto Rico for a
month, at a B-29 Super Fortress training center. He returned to
Upper Alton in March 1944 to give a speech at the Alton Rotary
Club. He told of his plane, “Piasa Bird,” flying on one of four
motors, and had lost so much altitude he was forced to skim
along only a few feet above the ground. Skirting back through
France, he flew up behind a peasant driving his wooden wheeled
oxcart. He flew right down the road behind the cart, and the
driver, suddenly hearing the approach, dove into a water-filled
ditch alongside. “Even under the circumstances,” said Lt. Beeby,
we couldn’t help laughing.”
On December 30, 1944, at the
age of 30, Lt. Barclay Beeby and 13 of his men were killed on a
training mission. Word came to his wife, Bernadette C. Beeby,
who was visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Richard Coles, at 2400 Brown Street. He had recently been
assigned to the Puerto Rican field as Assistant Flight Director,
and it was his duty to qualify all B-29 pilots before combat
duty. The plane’s landing gear on a Super Fortress failed to
operate properly, and the plane had to make a crash landing on
its belly. He was considered “one of the finest pilots in the
Air Force,” and was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished
Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters for
“courage, coolness, and skill”, and the Purple Heart. Lt. Beeby
was promoted to Captain after his death. He was buried in the
Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
BEECHER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 2, 1901
William Beecher, aged 28, died at midnight
last night at St. Joseph's Hospital after a three weeks illness
with brain fever. Beecher was taken to the hospital a few days
ago dangerously ill. The funeral will take place Friday
afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Washington street Methodist
church, and services will be conducted by Rev. M. L. Cole,
Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Beecher was employed at
the glass works.
BEECHY, ANTHONY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 1,
1905
Mysterious Explosion at Union Cap & Chemical Company
Costs Life of Foreman
Anthony Beechy, aged 34, foreman of the
fulminate department of the Union Cap and Chemical Co. at East
Alton, was fatally injured in an explosion in the primer dry
room yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock. He died at St. Joseph's
hospital about four hours after the explosion. His face and
hands were mutilated by the explosion, and he sustained internal
injuries which caused his death. Beechy was conscious and able
to talk up to his death, but could say nothing as to the cause
of the explosion. He was alone in the primer dry room where the
shell primers and detonators are dried after being treated to a
coat of fulminate of mercury. The building, which was a small
but very substantial one, was blown off the face of the earth.
The report from the explosion was a terrific one, as there was
between seven million and ten million primers in the building
when the accident occurred. Beechy succeeded Harry Mills in the
fulminate department after Mills was blown up a year ago. He
came from Peninsula, Ohio, and his wife and three children live
in East Alton. Coroner Streeper was notified of Beechy's death
and impaneled a jury today to hold an inquest. The body will be
sent to Peninsula, Ohio for burial tonight. Owing to the
dangerous nature of the occupation of Beechy, he worked alone,
and no one was with him when the accident occurred. His duties
required the utmost care, and every precaution was taken to
guard against such a casualty as occurred Tuesday afternoon.
Such explosions will occur from time to time, but the Union Cap
and Chemical Co., owing to their extreme caution, has been
remarkably free from them. Immediately after the accident Beechy
was moved to Alton by F. W. Olin, and was attended at the
hospital by Dr. Pence. Nothing could be done for him, as it was
seen at once that he had been fatally hurt. His only words were
expressions of wonder at how the accident occurred.
BEEM, MATILDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24,
1912
Miss Matilda Beem, a member of an old time and well
known Alton family, died at her residence, 1608 Maple avenue,
this morning from hardening of the arteries. Miss Beem had been
in reasonably good health until last Saturday, when she was
found lying in the yard in an unconscious condition. She failed
to regain consciousness and passed away this morning about 9
o'clock. Miss Beem had lived in Alton near all of her life. Her
family were prominent in Alton and Miss Beem herself had a wide
circle of acquaintances in the city. She devoted her time for
many years to dressmaking, and was known as a skillful worker.
She lived with her sister, Miss Annie Beem, who for many years
taught school in Alton. Miss Beem is survived by three sisters,
Misses Annie and Lizzie Beem; and Mrs. Kate Challacombe, all of
Alton; and two brothers, John T. Beem, editor of the Duquoin,
Ill., Tribune; and A. A. Beem of Ft. Jones, Calif. Miss Beem had
been feeble all winter, but her condition was not regarded as
serious. She was born in Pittsburg, Pa., in October 1836. She
came to Alton with her parents when a child, and lived here ever
since. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the family home, and services will be private. Burial will
be in City Cemetery.
BEEM, NICHOLAS J./Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, July 25,
1878
The remains of Mr. Nicholas J. Beem arrived in town
Thursday A.M., from Chicago, in charge of his brother, Gen.
Martin Beem. The funeral took place at 10 o'clock at the family
residence, and was attended by a large number of friends and
acquaintances. The services were conducted by Rev. T. G. Field,
pastor of the Baptist church. After prayer and reading of
Scriptures, the Reverend gentleman, in the course of his
remarks, paid a merited tribute to the character of the
deceased, especially as regards his devotion to his relatives
and friends, and his unselfish preference for the good of others
rather than his own. The discourse throughout was tender and
appropriate, and feelingly commented on the sad bereavement the
stricken family had been called upon to endure in the loss of
the son and brother whose aid and counsel had long been their
stay and comfort. At the close of the service the procession
moved to the cemetery where the mortal remains of the departed
were laid to rest by the side of his mother in the family burial
place, which he had done so much to beautify and decorate. The
bearers on the occasion were Messrs. W. D. Hodge, Fred Detrich,
Edgar A. Auten, Frank Cotter, O. B. Stelie and Charles Russell.
BEEM, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 28,
1868
One of the saddest accidents it has ever been our duty
to record occurred Saturday morning at Grassy Lake, a few miles
below the city. Three lads, residents of Alton, and belonging to
prominent families, went to the above place on a hunting
expedition. After being on the ground a short time, and having
shot once or twice at some ducks, they stopped to reload. One of
them having a double-barreled gun, one barrel having been
emptied and the other still loaded, and which was at full cock,
in attempting to let down the hammer, it slipped from his
finger, discharging the gun, and the whole load struck young
William Beem on the side and top of the head, inflicting a
terrible wound. At the time of the accident, he was standing
opposite to and almost facing the boy with the gun, and at a
distance from him of about ten feet. The companions of the
unfortunate boy, although much frightened, at once raised his
head and did all in their power to relieve him, and to obtain
assistance. But despite all their efforts, two hours elapsed
before assistance was cured. When help, at length, arrived, the
wounded boy was put into a buggy and carried to a farm house and
cared for, and Dr. Williams summoned from Alton, but before his
arrival, young Beem had breathed his last. He was unconscious
from the time of the accident until his death. This lamentable
accident has cast a gloom over the entire community. The
deceased was a bright, promising boy of sixteen, full of life
and hope, and beloved by all. He was a brother of General Martin
Beem, now absent from Alton. The family and friends are plunged
into the deepest grief by the sad occurrence, and their grief is
shared by all of their friends and acquaintances.
The
mental sufferings of the lad who was the unintentional cause of
the accident, is of the most distressing character, and he and
his parents have the warm-hearted sympathy of our entire
community, and all that can be done to assuage their grief is
being done. Both the young lads were among the very best behaved
and exemplary, in all respects, that there were in the city.
An inquest was held over the corpse yesterday morning, when
the jury returned the following verdict: We, the undersign jury,
summoned by Jonathan Quarton, acting coroner of Madison County,
for the purpose of examining into the cause of the death of
William Beem, find the following verdict:
That the
deceased, William Beem, came to his death by the accidental
discharge of a gun in the hands of a young friend. Signed by
Henry G. McPike, foreman; J. L. Blair, William H. Mitchell, P.
Mullen, J. T. Cooper, J. W. Yager, Hez. Williams, Henry Peters,
Stephen Child, Thomas McClure, John Mullen, William Bruden.
BEGOLE, JOSHUA/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1874
Died in Ridge Prairie, Monday, March 2, 1874, Mr. Joshua Begole;
aged 81 years.
BEILER, JOHN G./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17, 1852
Died in Alton, December 14, Mr. John G. Beiler, aged about 40
years. Mr. Beiler was a native of the Kingdom of Baden in
Germany, but has resided in this country for the last 20 years,
and the greater part of that time in Alton. In March 1819(?),
Mr. Beiler went to California with the Overland Company from
Alton, and was absent about three years. He was highly esteemed
by all who knew him, for his amiable disposition and unwavering
honesty, and died in the full hope of a blessed immortality. His
funeral will take place this morning at 11 o’clock, from his
residence in Middle Alton.
BEINEKE, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1914
Mrs. Mary Beineke, aged 64, widow of Conrad
Beineke, died this afternoon at 3 o'clock at her home, 806 Union
street, after a long illness. Mrs. Beineke conducted a little
store on Union street for many years and was well known as a
business woman, and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She
leaves three sons and two daughters, Gus of Kansas City; Alfred
of Greenburg, Pa.; Mrs. Guy Gum of Alton; and Mrs. Kate Collins
of St. Louis. The funeral arrangements have not been made.
BEISENEAU, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14,
1868
On Friday night last, an old man, 60 years of age, by
the name of Beiseneau, met his death by drowning, in attempting
to cross a creek between Marine and Alhambra, which was swollen
by the late thaw. It is supposed that the wagon in which the old
man was seated careered and tumbled him into the water. He was
found lodged in the limb of a tree, where he had floated.
BEISER, EDWARD L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
14, 1907
Edward L. Beiser, in his thirtieth year, manager
and vice-president of the Vanpreter Mercantile company, one of
the biggest business houses in Alton, died suddenly Sunday
morning at his home, 728 east Fifth street, after a brief attack
of heart disease. Mrs. Beiser was awakened about 4:45 a.m. by
the sound of her husband's heavy breathing and being unable to
arouse him, she hurriedly summoned Dr. G. Taphorn, who arrived
just before the young man died. Dr. Taphorn said that about a
week ago Mr. Beiser had visited his office and asked for
treatment and on making an examination he found that he had
heart trouble. He gave him treatment, and Mr. Beiser had
seemingly recovered, as he did not return. He was seemingly in
the best of health on Saturday night when he finished his day's
work, and went home about 10 o'clock. Mr. and Mrs. Beiser were
planning to have their four months old child baptized Sunday
morning at the First Presbyterian church, and the last thing the
father did was to lay out his clothing in preparation for
attending the church Sunday morning to stand up with his wife
and child at the baptism. He was married only a few years ago to
Miss Myrtle Burkey, and the married life of the young couple had
been most happy. He was a member of a prominent east end family
of which four brothers and two sisters survive, Henry, William,
Frank and Joseph Beiser, Mrs. C. A. Vanpreter, and Mrs. Charles
Elerht. Since taking the position of manager of the Vanpreter
store on Third street, he manifested a business ability which
made the store very prosperous, and has also had made many
friends throughout the city. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home on east Fifth
street. Friends of Mr. Beiser may view the body this evening at
the family home from 6 to 10 o'clock.
BEISER, ROSINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22, 1905
Mrs. Rosina Beiser, widow of Laudolin Beiser, after a year's
suffering from liver trouble, passed away peacefully Friday
evening at 7:50 o'clock at her home, 728 east Fifth street,
surrounded by all the members of her family. She had been
bedfast for three months and suffered excruciatingly at times,
but bore it all with resignation and fortitude and
uncomplainingly. She was the mother of thirteen children, six of
whom preceded her to the other side. The survivors are Mrs.
Charles Elerht, Mrs. Charles A. Vanpreter, Contractors Henry,
Will and Joseph Beiser, and Messrs. Ed and Frank Beiser of the
Vanpreter Mercantile Company. She is survived also by seventeen
grandchildren, all of Alton, and a sister in St. Louis. She was
born July 19, 1835 in Baden, Germany, but came to America when
quite young, and to Alton more than fifty years ago. She was a
kindly, helpful woman, a devoted mother, and sympathetic
neighbor, and her death is deplored by all who knew her. The
funeral will be Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
church, where a Requiem Mass will be said by Rev. D. J. Ryan of
Auburn Ill. Burial will be in City Cemetery.
BELDERDECK, GRETINDA AND MAGRETA/Source: Alton Telegraph,
June 10, 1864
Two cousins by the name of Belderdeck were
taken sick on last Monday about the same time. On last Saturday,
at the same hour, and about the same time in the hour, they both
died. The oldest, Gretinda, was 4 years and 4 months old, and
Magreta was aged 2 years and 1 month. They were buried yesterday
in the same grave.
BELIAS, JAMES EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31,
1862
Died in Alton yesterday, the 28th, James Edward, son of
Captain James H. and Mrs. H. Belias, aged three years, three
months, and four days.
BELK, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1910
A telegram was received this morning conveying the news of
the sudden death of Charles Belk at Hoxie, Ark. He was 79 years
of age, and for fifty years farmed near Liberty Prairie. In
recent years he had lived in Alton with his two daughters, Mrs.
Frank Schaefer and Mrs. Wilbur Montgomery. Mr. and Mrs. Belk
have been visiting their sons, Harry C. and Joseph Belk at
Hoxie, when he died. The first telegram did not state the cause
of death nor anything of the funeral arrangements. Mr. and Mrs.
Montgomery left for Hoxie, Ark., Tuesday evening, where they
intended visiting, and their arrival there will be a sad
termination of what they planned would be a happy visit. Mr.
Belk had been a prosperous farmer, and when he became too old to
engage in farming actively he moved to Alton to be near his
children. He was a highly esteemed man, and in the neighborhood
where he lived he had a very large number of friends.
BELK, ELIZA MONTGOMERY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8,
1910
Mrs. Eliza Montgomery Belk, wife of T. W. L. Belk of
Upper Alton, died Friday morning at 2:30 o'clock at the family
residence on Washington avenue, after a long illness. She was
just past 70 years of age, being born March 31, 1840, and she
had lived all her life in Wood River township. She was born on a
farm two miles south of Bethalto. Mrs. Belk was the youngest of
a family of twelve children, and there is but one left, Mrs. M.
A. Loveland, of Denver, Colo. Mrs. Belk's father, William
Montgomery, was at one time one of the largest landowners in
this part of the country, and fifty years ago a sale of his land
was held in Alton at which $100,000 was received. This was for
only part of his land, and the ____ of land per acre was low. To
each of his children Mr. Montgomery gave a big farm, and Mrs.
Belk received one of them. She was married fifty years ago last
August to T. W. L. Belk. She leaves beside her husband, six
children, Mrs. Mary Worden of Upper Alton, Mrs. Lillian Sloper
of Boise City, Idaho, Lee Belk of Bethalto, Mrs. Alice Hart of
Memphis, Tenn., Ed Belk of Upper Alton, and Dr. C. A. Belk of
Deer Lodge, Montana. All but Mrs. Sloper are here. Mrs. Belk
sustained a paralytic stroke about fourteen years ago, and she
was a cripple from that time until her death. Last February she
had a second paralytic stroke and she never rallied from it. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the
family home, and burial will be in the old Montgomery Cemetery.
Rev. W. H. Bradley and Rev. M. B. Baker will have charge of the
services.
BELK, GEORGE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 10, 1893
George Belk, who died at his home in Omphghent Township on the
February 24, was born April 12, 1822 in Yorkshire, England, and
came to Baltimore, Ohio, when 7 years of age. After residing
there for several years, the family moved to Alton, and
afterwards to Omphghent, when he was 18 years old. He married
Miss Dorinda Tindall, January 6, 1846. She was born in
Edwardsville on April 20, 1828, and died March 28, 1877. To the
union, nine children were born, six of whom are living: George
W. Belk of Edwardsville; Mrs. Mary F. Dorr of Worden; Mrs. Sarah
A. Smalley of Garnett, Kansas; Mrs. Jennie M. Collawn of
Morrill, Kansas; Miss Dora A. Belk of Omphghent; and Mrs. Lida
M. Larkin of St. Louis. In 1851, Mr. Belk purchased the old
Tindall homestead, where he resided since. Mr. Belk was a
well-known and highly-respected citizen.
BELK, IDA MAE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 20, 1921
Mrs. Ida Mae Belk, wife of Lee Belk,
retired Madison county farmer, dropped dead in the yard of their
home at 2125 College Avenue at 8 o'clock today. Mrs. Belk was 48
years old. Mrs. Belk, with her husband, was working about the
yard of their home. Both Belk and his wife were cutting grass,
using sickles. Mr. Belk was about 15 feet from his wife when he
heard her groan. He looked and saw her sitting on the ground.
Suddenly she fell over. He immediately ran to her and found her
unconscious. He called to neighbors, and while efforts were
being made to revive her, a doctor was sent for. When he
arrived, he pronounced her dead. Mrs. Belk, it was said, had
been in good health. Her death, the physician said, was due to
heart trouble. Deputy Coroner, C. N. Streeper took charge of the
body and will conduct an inquest tomorrow. Mr. Belk formerly
conducted the Montgomery farm, east of Upper Alton. For some
time, however, he has resided in Upper Alton, following his
retirement as a farmer. Funeral services will be conducted at
the home on College Avenue at 3 p.m. Sunday, by the Rev.
Theodore Cates, pastor of the Upper Alton Methodist church.
Interment will be in the Montgomery cemetery. Mrs. Belk is
survived by her husband. She was born in Brownsville, Tenn., and
was married to Mr. Belk in St. louis, 26 years ago. They made
their home on the Montgomery farm until 11 years ago, when they
moved to Upper Alton.
BELK, THOMAS W. L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
19, 1917
Thomas W. L. Belk, aged 84, died Sunday morning
at his home in Upper Alton from old age. It was announced in the
Telegraph Saturday that the aged man had taken an unexpected
turn for the worse, and that his recovery was not to be hoped
for. He had been very ill, and his life was in such danger that
his children had been sent for to attend him. He rallied, and
for a few days he was much better, and on Saturday he was so
much stronger that one of his sons, Charles of Deer Lodge,
Montana, who had been called to Alton, thought it was safe for
him to make a business trip to St. Louis. During his absence,
Mr. Belk became much worse and he never regained consciousness.
His death occurred Sunday at 3 a.m. Mr. Belk was one of the
leaders among the Odd Fellows. He joined the order in Upper
Alton, November 20, 1883. It is related of him that he was
always deeply interested in the order, that he was among the
most attentive in looking after the sick and those in need, and
it is recalled that whenever he had a birthday he would have a
gathering of Odd Fellows at his home to help celebrate. Mr. Belk
was one of the best known retired farmers in Madison county. He
was born in Baltimore, Md., and came to Alton when he was 4
years old. He located with his parents on a tract of ground on
the East Alton road, just east of the Sering place, and they
lived there in a log cabin. A few years later they moved to the
Bethalto neighborhood where Mr. Belk commenced farming for
himself when a young man, and he continued to farm there up to
twenty years ago when he retired from work and built a home for
his family on Washington Avenue and moved to town. Eight years
ago, his wife, who was a member of the well known Montgomery
family of the Moro-Bethalto locality, died. Of the six children,
five were at the bedside of the father when death came. They
were Mrs. Alice Hart of Memphis, Tenn.; Mrs. Elizabeth Worden
and Lee Belk of Upper Alton; Ed Belk of St. Louis; and Charley
Belk of Deer Lodge, Montana. The other daughter, Mrs. Fred
Sloper of Dubois, Idaho, has been unable to leave home up to
this time on account of an accident that recently befell her
husband.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 21, 1917
The funeral of Thomas W. L. Belk was
held yesterday afternoon at the family residence on Washington
avenue, and there was a very large attendance of old time
friends, neighbors and relatives at the home. Even farmers came
in from the Bethalto neighborhood to attend the services at the
home. The house was filled and many people stood outside during
the time Rev. C. N. McManis of the Upper Alton Presbyterian
Church conducted the service. The flowers sent by friends were
very beautiful. Following the services in the home, the funeral
cortege started for the Montgomery Cemetery, southeast of
Bethalto, an old-time burying ground on a part of the Montgomery
homestead. Mrs. Belk, who was a member of the Montgomery family,
was laid to rest several years ago in this cemetery. The Odd
Fellows had charge of the services at the grave. Deceased had
been a member of the order almost forty years, and he was
greatly devoted to the lodge. The pallbearers for Mr. Belk's
funeral were two from the Bethalto lodge, J. W. Cassella and P.
P. Hornsback, both neighbors of Mr. Belk, two from the Upper
Alton lodge, B. B. Kauder and John Leverett, and two from the
downtown lodge, Dr. G. E. Wilkinson and Robert Robertson, also
very close neighbors to the Belk residence. The burial at
Montgomery cemetery was attended by a very large gathering of
the farmers of that locality and the East Alton and Bethalto
people who had been friends of deceased many years.
BELL, ALBERT "PAT"/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, March
25, 1897
As was mentioned in the Telegraph Monday
evening, Albert Bell, youngest son of Mr. James Bell, the
liveryman, died Monday in a hospital at Terre Haute, Indiana.
The young man left home unexpectedly last Thursday, in company
with a young friend, and took with him a small amount of money
that he had been saving. At Terre Haute, the money that the two
boys had, had been spent and they slept in an exposed place. Not
being accustomed to exposure, Albert Bell was taken very ill and
was found in an almost unconscious condition by the police. In
the meantime, his friend left for home and on his arrival here
said nothing of the illness of Bell. The first information
received was by telegram yesterday to Chief of Police Kuhn,
stating that a young man had been found at that place very ill,
and that just before becoming unconscious, after he was found,
he had said that his name was Pat Bell of Alton, Ill. At first
Chief of Police Kuhn could not think of anyone in town by that
name but it was suggested that a son of Mr. James Bell had been
nicknamed "Pat" and that he was the young man at Terre Haute. A
telegram was sent at once by the father and about four o'clock a
message was received stating that Pat Bell had just died. The
unfortunate young man was only 20 years of age, and had managed
his father's livery business for some time.
BELL, ANDREW MARTIN VAN BUREN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 31, 1902
Old Cobbler Dies on His Work Bench
Andrew Martin Van Buren Bell, an old colored shoe maker and
cobbler, was found dead on his work bench in his little shop at
1006 Common Street, at noon Friday. Bell was a well known
character in the neighborhood where he had lived a number of
years. He had lived alone working at his trade of cobbling,
which served with a small pension to keep him comfortably. The
last few days he had been complaining of being ill, but the
people who visited his shop to have work done thought nothing of
his complaints and paid no attention to him. Friday afternoon,
when a neighbor visited the shop, he found the door locked.
Officer Parker and B. C. Few broke open the door to the house
when informed that the door had not been open all morning. Bell
was found lying over his work bench, cold in death, where he
laid down to sleep on Thursday night. Deputy Coroner Streeper
was notified of Bell's death and will hold an inquest this
evening. [Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery]
BELL, BERNICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1913
Child Dies From Effect of Burns
Bernice, the 20 months
old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Bell of 1306 Belle street,
died this morning at the family home from the effects of being
scalded last Monday at the family home. The child fell into a
pan of hot water. The water was not believed to have been hot
enough to cause fatal results, and in fact the slight burns on
the child had healed over, and the child was apparently
physically well. However, a spasm that affected the child last
Tuesday showed indications of bad consequences from the
scalding, and death resulted this morning. The attending surgeon
said that the scalding had affected the nerves and the spine.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from SS. Peter and
Paul's Cathedral, and the services will be conducted by Rev. Fr.
Driscoll, of Jerseyville, a brother of the child's mother.
BELL, CATHARINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5, 1850
Died
on Saturday last at the residence of her brother, Mr. Thomas
Bell, in this place, Miss Catharine Bell.
BELL, DELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27,
1914
Negro Woman, Old Slave, Died in Alton
Mrs. Della
Bell, an aged negress who lives near Brighton and gets a pension
as a soldier's widow, was picked up by the police from where she
had fallen on the west side of the city hall Sunday night and
taken to the police station. Dr. D. F. Duggan, who was first
called, decided that there was nothing serious the matter with
her. The police learned that she had been in the habit of coming
to Alton and spending her paycheck for drink, and it was thought
that she was suffering from the effects of alcohol. Dr. W. W.
Halliburton ordered the auto patrol to take her to the hospital.
He reported afterwards that she was not in danger, and would
recover. She had one shoe off at the time she was found. Mrs.
Bell died at St. Joseph's Hospital at noon today. Dr.
Halliburton said her death was due to arterial sclerosis. She
was born in Missouri, but came to Alton with the family of Col.
William E. Moberly, and even though she was no longer a slave,
she continued to live with the family as long as they stayed in
Alton. She married after Col. Moberly went away, and she went to
live at Brighton. She was one of the old-fashioned type of negro
house servants of before the war. Dr. Halliburton said today
that it would be necessary for the county to assume
responsibility for her burial. It is said by people who knew her
that she would come to Alton frequently to revisit the old home
where she lived with the Moberly family, and it was on the last
of these trips that she had her final collapse.
BELL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19, 1913
The funeral of James Bell was held at 4 o'clock this
afternoon from the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nick Seibold, 321
Langdon street. Services at the home were conducted by Rev. S.
D. McKenny of the Cherry Street Baptist Church. Burial was in
City Cemetery. Many old friends of Mr. Bell attended the funeral
services.
BELL, LEONARD P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11,
1918
Lived 91 Years in Alton - Father Owned Meat Market in
Upper Alton
Ninety-two years of age, and a resident of Alton
almost all of that time, Leonard P. Bell died at the home of his
son, George W. Bell, in McClure's addition, Wednesday afternoon,
from old age. Mr. Bell had been in failing health for about
three months. Until a short time before his death his memory was
good and his faculties well preserved. The aged man was born
within what is now the city of Alton, and he lived in Alton and
near vicinity all of his life. Most of the time he was in Alton.
The family of Mr. Bell were real old settlers. They might be
entitled to call themselves the old originals. His father was
born at what is Lockhaven, which was considerably more than 100
years ago. The father came to Alton to live when Alton was not
even founded. It was in the days when Upper Alton was the real
part of the city, and later lower town became a suburb of Upper
Alton, Milton was a thriving village then. The death of Mr. Bell
occurred not far from where he was born. The body will be taken
to McClusky Saturday morning where funeral services will be held
and burial will take place. The burial will be at McClusky
because one son lives there. (later ... Burial was in East
Newbern Cemetery.)
BELL, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1917
Mrs. Margaret Bell, wife of William W. Bell of 1306 Belle
street, died Saturday evening at her home after a long illness
with cancerous troubles. During her illness Mrs. Bell had gone
through much in order to obtain relief, but to no avail. Mrs.
Bell is survived by her husband and a large family of children.
Mrs. Bell's eight children are: Clarence Bristow of Fowler,
Kan.; William, John, Helen, Margaret, Katherine, Frank and
Cecelia. She was just five days past her forty-third birthday.
The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from the
Cathedral. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery.
BELL, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1861
A
painful accident occurred on Mondaylast, resulting in the death
of Mr. Thomas Bell. The particulars as far as we were able to
ascertain are as follows: Mr. Bell, in company with three other
men - one of them his son - had been across the river, opposite
Alton, and were returning in a small sail boat. When about
midway of the stream, a sudden puff of wind struck the sail,
which seems to have been too large for the capacity of the boat,
and they were capsized. The other three clung to the boat and
used every effort to save Mr. Bell, who had lost his hold. They
were unable to render him any assistance, however, and were
compelled to see him sink to rise no more. He leaves three
children, the son above mentioned, and two daughters.
BELLAS, JAMES (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 29,
1872
The citizens of Alton have met with a great loss in the
death of Captain James Belias, an old and well known citizen,
who died at his residence near Alton on March 24. He was for a
long time engaged on the packet line between this city and St.
Louis, and for a considerable portion of that time the Captain
of one of the boats. He connected himself some years since with
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and from that time up to the
hour of his death, was among the most active, consistent, and
useful Christians in Alton. He has left an interesting family
and a very large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn
his departure. Captain Bellas died of typhoid-pneumonia, at the
age of fifty-four.
BELLENGER, JAMES P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9,
1911
Convicted of Manslaughter of Two, Man Dies in Chester
Prison
"Colonel" James H. Bellenger died in the penitentiary
at Chester Wednesday night. Bellenger was serving an
indeterminate sentence for killing Hattie Watson, and still
hanging over him was an indictment for the murder of Joseph
Reilly in Alton at the same time. The killing happened September
1899 in Alton. Bellenger was jealous of the attention showed the
Watson woman by Reilly, and one night he killed both of them. He
was indicted for murder, and Col. Brenholt, who defended him,
says he had the hardest fight of his life to save him from
hanging and get him a penal sentence. Bellenger's hair whitened
and he became physically broken in prison. Recently his mind
failed and he was an inmate of the prison hospital all the time.
He has no relatives who will do anything for him, so far as
known. Col. Brenholt said today that at the trial of Bellenger
all his family forsook him and refused to contribute toward a
fund for his defense. He is believed to have a son living at
Gadsen, Ala., and Col. Brenholt wired Warden Smith of the
penitentiary to send word there. Until word is received from the
son, if he is found, the body will be held. No attempt was ever
made to get Bellenger out on parole, as the old charge of
killing Joseph Reilly was still hanging over him. Bellenger
conducted a time payment house in Alton up to the time of the
double killing. Bellenger had been prominent in politics in
Alton.
BEMBERAGE, TITUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 14, 1871
Mr. Thomas R. Allen of Wood River informs us of a sad accident
which occurred on July 12 at Bethalto. A man named Titus
Bemberage lost his life while engaged in sinking a well for his
father-in-law, Mr. James Robinson. The unfortunate man had sunk
the well to the depth of 56 feet, and the air becoming bad, he
was pulled up, and then let down some fire into the well,
intending to burn the bad air out. He then went into the well
again, but soon felt the bad air overcoming him, and shouted to
the men above to pull him out. This they started to do, but when
some ten or fifteen feet from the bottom, he fell back into the
well and was dead before they could get him out. Mr. Bemberage
was a native of North England. He was 29 or 30 years of age, and
leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss.
BENBOW,
AMOS EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15, 1922
Founder of Benbow City (now part of Wood River)
Twice Mayor
of Upper Alton; Large Land Owner
Amos Edward Benbow, for
years one of Madison County's most familiar figures, died
yesterday at 5 p.m. following an illness of three years, at the
home of Mrs. Helen B. Messenger, 1406 Washington Avenue, where
he had made his home. He was 72 years old. Against the malady
with which he was stricken three years ago, Mr. Benbow fought
one of his typical battles, the kind that had made him a power
in politics and business for many years. More than a year ago,
he became critically ill, but by his indomitable will survived
the crisis. A few weeks ago, however, he suffered a relapse
which, it was thought, would hasten the end, and his niece, Mrs.
Abie C. Flack, was called from West Carrollton, Ohio, to attend
him.
The death of Mr. Benbow removes from Madison County
one of its familiar characters after a career noted for its
picturesqueness. In his youth, he displayed that will and
ability which later made him a power in the Democrat Party in
the County and State, and a dominant factor in business. In the
old days, when county tickets were nominated at party
conventions, Mr. Benbow, or "Judge," as he was known to his
intimates, was one of the most prominent members of the Democrat
Party. He knew politics thoroughly, and had the faculty of
gathering around him men who would follow his leadership. A
large man, towering more than six feet and weighing more than
200 pounds, he was truly a dominant figure. In politics he was
an opponent worthy of any man's steel, and those who engaged him
in the battle of politics knew, when the fight was over, that
they had competed with an adversary who fought so long as there
was the slightest chance to win, and fought with every ounce of
his energy. It was an unusual trait of the character of Judge
Benbow that he rarely carried his political enmities outside the
party. Some of his warmest friends were men of opposite
political belief, or men he had opposed vigorously in his own
party.
A son of Richard M. Benbow, Amos Benbow was born
in Wood River Township on February 20, 1850. He was of
distinguished ancestry, a collateral descendant of Admiral John
Benbow, many years ago a famous officer of the English Navy. Mr.
Benbow's paternal grandfather was a life-long resident of
England and owned an estate in Riffle Worchester, where he
conducted the Stafford Bridge Inn. Richard was one of three sons
who was being educated by his father for the Episcopal ministry.
When started out on his journey for preparatory school, Richard
Benbow gave up his intended career and boarded a steamer for
America. After working in St. Louis, he settled at Fort Clark on
the Illinois River, but later purchased a tract of land near the
mouth of Wood River in Madison County. Edward Benbow attended
the public schools of his native district, and then attended
Shurtleff College for three years. Upon leaving college, he
taught school for six years, his first position being at the
Hull School. After that, he engaged in the real estate business.
In 1908 he platted Benbow City, of which he was elected mayor.
As head of that town, he made his famous fight against the
encroachment of Wood River, insisting the place was Benbow City,
not Wood River. Several years later he disposed of some of his
land to the Standard Oil Company, and Benbow City ceased to
exist.
Mr. Benbow served two terms as mayor of Upper
Alton. Other public offices held included constable, justice of
the peace, assessor, collector and deputy sheriff. He
represented his district in the Forty-fourth Illinois General
Assembly. During President Cleveland's first administration, he
was Deputy United States Marshal, for the Southern Illinois
district, which included 69 counties.
Mr. Benbow was a
deep student of history, and was well informed on politics and
government. He was a loyal Democrat and a great admirer of
former President Wilson. One of his chief regrets was that he
has been unable to vote regularly during the past two years. Mr.
Benbow had been confined to his room for more than two years.
Much of this time he was able to sit up and he read extensively,
retaining his knowledge of local and national events. He
discussed current topics with his visitors and showed the same
vigor in his denunciation of things that displeased him and
praise of those he liked. He always spoke of what he termed the
certain triumph of the principles of Woodrow Wilson. He followed
world events with the same close attention and was interested in
the result of negotiations regarding German reparations.
Mr. Benbow was a member of the Odd Fellows for 50 years, and
several months ago was awarded the Veterans' Jewel by the Upper
Alton lodge. The jewel was one of his most cherished
possessions. Funeral services at the home of Mrs. Messenger at
2:30 tomorrow will be in charge of the Odd Fellows. Services
will be conducted at the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church at
3:00, and interment will be in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery
in the Odd Fellows' lot.
As president of the Upper Alton
village board, Mr. Benbow is specially remembered for a
proposition to give Upper Alton a water works system of which he
was the originator. That was about thirty years ago when Upper
Alton had no water, light, nor any other conveniences afforded
now by public utilities. According to the proposition, Upper
Alton was to issue bonds for $50,000 and a complete water works
system was to be installed in the town. In those days $50,000
was a big sum, and it looked so big that it staggered the Upper
Alton people. The proposition was known at that time as the
"Benbow Water Works Scheme," and it was one of the most
important questions that had ever been submitted to the people
of Upper Alton up to that time. Many prominent people
investigated the plan of Benbow, and after studying it from many
angles, endorsed it. A great political fight followed, and the
water works scheme was fought bitterly by what turned out to be
the majority when the election was held, while many others
fought hard with Benbow to carry the bond issue. It was one of
the bitterest fights, politically, Benbow ever experienced.
While he lost in his water works fight, he made a fight that was
not forgotten, and for many years afterward Upper Alton people
regretted that Benbow's plan for a water system was not carried
out. In 1900, eleven years afterward, the mains of the Alton
Water Co. were extended to Upper Alton and water service was
given. The bond issue election in the fight to put through
Benbow's water works scheme created factions among Upper Alton's
voters, the effects of which were felt for years afterward, in
fact as long as the village remained a separate corporation from
the City of Alton. Years after Benbow went out of office as
village president and even was out of politics altogether in
Upper Alton, the two factions continued to fight and when any
question came up or any individual was running for an office,
the two factions took opposite sides in the matter.
NOTES:
Benbow City, now part of Wood River, was founded by
Amos Benbow in December 1907, on land bequeathed to him by his
father, just west of the former Standard Oil Company on E.
Madison AVenue. Benbow City was developed for refinery workers,
who turned it into a lawless town with mostly saloons and
prostitution. It had a peak population of about 300 people, with
one saloon for each thirteen people. In addition to the
twenty-three saloons, there were seven brewery agencies, and
each dram shop and agency paid $500 a year for a license. Benbow
became part of Wood River in 1917.
BENBOW, TRYPHENA (nee HULBERT)/Source: Alton Telegraph, April
26, 1872
Mother of Amos Benbow
Died on April 23, 1872, in
Upper Alton, Mrs. Tryphena, wife of Mr. Richard M. Benbow; aged
46 years.
NOTES:
According to the Centennial History
of Madison County, Illinois: 1812-1912, pg. 891-892, the name of
the wife of Richard M. Benbow was Tryphena Hulbert Benbow, who
was born in Wabash County, Indiana. Her father was William
Hulbert, who was of Scotch-Irish and German ancestry, and was
born in Indiana. He subsequently became a pioneer settler of
Madison County, Illinois, and for a time kept a hotel at Milton,
residing there until his death. Mrs. Richard M. Benbow left
behind two children – Josephine Benbow Worden, wife of Dr. Frank
Worden of Alton, and Amos Edward Benbow. Amos E. Benbow was the
Mayor of Upper Alton and founder of Benbow City (now part of
Wood River).
BENEDICT, CHARLES L./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 30,
1875
Charles L. Benedict, who had been residing for a few
months with his brother in Kansas, died there the early part of
last week, and his remains were brought here by his brother for
interment. His funeral took place on Thursday from his late
residence in this city, to Oak Lawn Cemetery. He has left a
widow and three children to grieve for their inconsolable loss.
They are an interesting family, and have the heartfelt
sympathies of a host of friends in their sad bereavement.
BENEZE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF J. W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 6, 1914
The funeral of Mrs. J. W. Beneze was held
this afternoon from the home on Shield street to the German
Evangelical Church, and thence to the City Cemetery. The six
oldest sons of the deceased acted as pallbearers and carried the
body to its last resting place. The services were conducted by
Rev. E. L. Mueller. Only the close relations were admitted to
the services at the home, but a large crowd of friends attended
the funeral services held in the church.
BENHAM, JOSHUA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1907
Joshua Benham, aged 38, was fatally injured Saturday morning
just before noon by being struck on the head by a heavy branch
from the top of a dead tree, which fractured his skull near the
base of the brain. He never regained consciousness and died at 8
o'clock Saturday night. The accident occurred on the place of
Frank Bartlow, near the Bethany church, north of Godfrey. Benham
was working with his brother, Thomas Benham, who lives on the
Sam Waggoner place. The two men were chopping down trees on the
Bartlow place for William Roades of Miles station, and were
separated a short distance. Joshua Benham was felling a tree and
it is supposed that in falling, the tree tumbled against a dead
tree and broke the top out of it, and the rotten top falling
struck the chopped. When Thomas Benham called his brother to go
to dinner and there was no response, he went closer to
investigate and found his brother pinned under the branch and
unconscious. He got him home and summoned Dr. I. J. Beard, but
the man was beyond help. Benham leaves his wife and two
children. The body was taken to Somerset, Ky., today for burial.
One week ago Benham cut one of his toes off while chopping wood.
BENISH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
19, 1918
The funeral of William Benish was held this
afternoon at the residence on Pearl street in Priest's Addition,
and there was a large attendance of friends and neighbors at the
services, which were conducted by Rev. W. T. Hanzsche, pastor of
the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. The death of the young man
followed a severe illness with influenza, which later developed
into pneumonia. The family came to Alton five years ago from
Colorado, and they have made many friends in their neighborhood
during the time they have resided here. The body will be shipped
this evening to Uma, Colorado, the former home, where burial
will take place.
BENNER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14, 1901
Fosterburg News - The funeral of the late George Benner took
place at the Fosterburg cemetery last Friday. It was one of the
largest funerals that has taken place here for many months,
showing in what high esteem the deceased was held by all who
knew him. The grave was completely covered with rare and
beautiful flowers. One floral piece with the words "Our
Classmate" was given by his classmates of Bunker Hill.
BENNETT, GRACE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1917
Victim of Tuberculosis, Dies in Sanitarium at Collinsville
A tragic close came to the efforts of Miss Grace Bennett to
be the little mother of the family that was left her when her
father died three years ago with consumption, and the mother had
abandoned her family. Miss Bennett died Friday in a Collinsville
sanitarium where she was sent by Alton people who read in the
Telegraph some time ago the sad story of the impending fate of
the girl. It will be recalled that the case was reported as
being one requiring immediate attention. Miss Bennett, trying to
keep together the little family, consisting of her sisters,
Nellie, aged 16, and Elizabeth, aged 11, had broken down under
the strain of being head of the family. She had been working
hard to take care of her sisters and maintain a home. She had
done the same three years before, when her father died, and she
was his main standby, though but 14 then. When the story was
read by Alton people, a subscription was made up, a sum paid in
that would pay the girl's way at a sanitarium and homes found
for the other two. Elizabeth is at the home of Mrs. John Dick,
who will see that she is schooled and given proper training. The
older sister is living with the Volz family on Franklin street
and is able to work. The body of the dead girl will come home
tonight and the funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the home
of Mrs. Dick at Fifth and Ridge streets. After the funeral
expenses are paid from the fund, the balance will be expended on
the two girls who survive.
BENNETT, JOHN R./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 20, 1852
Died in Alton on the 11th inst., John R., son of John Bennett;
aged 8 years.
BENNINGTON, DOCK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11,
1922
Dock Bennington, for years an employee of the
Mississippi Lime and Material Co., was fatally injured in St.
Louis Saturday while at work on a government boat, dying in a
hospital later on. Bennington was walking about the boat when he
stepped on a loose plank. He was a large, heavy man, and the
plank upended with such force as to strike him in the face and
he was knocked into the river. He was rescued from the water and
taken to the hospital where he died. The body was brought to
Alton today, and taken to the home of a brother on Rodemeyer
avenue, from whence the funeral will be tomorrow morning at 11
o'clock.
BENNINGTON, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 1, 1922
Frank Bennington, aged 46, died last night
after a long illness at his home in Alton. He leaves his wife
and four sons. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon. Mr.
Bennington had been a sufferer from tuberculosis.
BENSINGER, ANNIE (nee FAULSTICH)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 17, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. William
Bensinger was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home
of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Unterbrink, 801 East Third street.
Services were conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellman. There was
a large attendance of friends and relatives of the family at the
funeral, and there was a wealth of floral offerings which told
of the grief of friends and their sympathy with the afflicted
family. Mrs. Bensinger, nee Annie Faulstich, was a highly
esteemed young woman, and lived most of her life in Alton. She
had a very large circle of friends, and her death is a cause of
much grief to all of them. Burial was in the City Cemetery
beneath a mound of flowers. The Evangelical church choir sang
several appropriate hymns. The White Hussar band and the Alton
Maennerchor attended in a body, the latter singing at the grave,
the White Hussar band also rendering funeral selections. The
floral offerings were the most numerous and richest and most
elaborate ever seen at a funeral in Alton. The funeral party
from St. Louis numbered thirty-five persons. The pallbearers
were Otto Gossrau, H. E. Starr, Fred Nicolet, Henry
Schinderwolff, Emil GErhardt and George Ott.
BENSMAN,
HENRIETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 26, 1918
Funeral services for Mrs. Henrietta Bensman, wife of Andrew
Bensman, were held this morning at 9 o'clock from the chapel at
the Nazareth home. The services were conducted by Rev. Father
Francis B. Kehoe, pastor of St. Patrick's church. The body was
borne to St. Joseph's cemetery by the pallbearers, J. C.
Eckhoff, Patrick Burns, Philip Thelson, Thomas McInerney, J.
Rieger and M. Voges. At the cemetery services were also
conducted by Father Kehoe. A profusion of flowers covered the
grave.
BENSON, JOHN (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 11, 1843
Died, at Ridge Prairie, Madison County,
Illinois, on Sunday, February 5, Rev. John Benson of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
BERGEN, MARTHA ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6, 1849
Died on the same evening as her husband, on July 4, and at the
same place (the home of John Bailhache), also of cholera, Mrs.
Martha Ann Bergen, wife of Matthew Bergen. Mrs. Bergen was born
in Belleville, Illinois, A. D. 1813(?), but at an early age,
removed with her parents to St. Louis, where in the Spring of
1837, she was married to her late husband. She became a member
of the Presbyterian Church at the time her husband did, and
exhibited all the graces of the Christian character. A devoted
wife, an affectionate mother, and a sincere friend, her death
has left a large void in an extensive circle of relations and
friends. She attended upon her husband during his last sickness
most assiduously, until his death, when she was attacked with
the same disease and sunk speedily under it. They “were lovely
and pleasant in their lives, and to their death they were not
divided.”
BERGEN, MATTHEW/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6, 1849
Died
on Wednesday, the 4th inst., at the residence of Mr. John
Bailhache, of cholera, Mr. Matthew Bergen, merchant of St.
Louis, aged 36. The deceased was born in Westchester County, New
York, and removed to the West in 1835. He joined the
Presbyterian Church about six years since, and remained a
faithful and consistent member until the day of his death.
Beloved and respected by all who knew him, his loss will be
deeply mourned by a large circle of relations and friends.
BERGER, AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4, 1906
August Berger, aged 45, died from pneumonia this morning at
his home on the Grafton road. His wife, who was a daughter of
William Calame, died last summer. He leaves two daughters. The
funeral will probably take place Thursday from the family home
to Melville Cemetery.
BERGER, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28,
1908
Mrs. Katherine Berger, wife of Henry Berger, a well
known farmer living on the Chessen place at East Alton, died
this morning at her home after a long illness with cancer. Mrs.
Berger had been suffering intensely for a long time and was
given every attention that was possible. She was 63 years of
age. Mrs. Berger was a sister of Mrs. John Bauer and Mrs. Casper
Unterbrink, and she leaves also four sons, George, William, John
and Henry, and one daughter, Mrs. Albert Ringering.
BERKHEISER, LEE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 7, 1917
Young Soldier Dies From Measles
Lee Berkheiser, aged 18,
of Cuba, Ill., died this noon at St. Joseph's hospital from
pneumonia following an attack of measles. He was a member of Co.
I, 5th Illinois Infantry, which is one of two companies detailed
for guard duty at the plant of the Western Cartridge Co. The
young man was sick only five days, and from the hospital tent at
East Alton he had been moved to St. Joseph's hospital when his
bad condition became apparent. The statement was made by one of
the officers today that the father of the dead soldier, John
Berkheiser of Cuba, Ill., had come down to visit his two sons
who are with Co. I. When he came, he found his son ill and he
stayed. He was with him when death came at St. Joseph's
Hospital. This is the second death resulting from measles in the
camp at East Alton. The other victims, with one exception, have
recovered and it is believed the epidemic has run its course.
Horace Baker, the last of the victims, is suffering from
pneumonia, but it is expected he will recover. The sick are kept
in the hospital tent which has a wooden floor. The explanation
given for the fatal results of the disease is that the young men
were not used to outdoor life. Being away from home, they did
not take the care of themselves they should have done. The other
death was in another company. The body of Berkheiser will be
taken to Cuba, Ill. for burial by the father.
BERKLEY,
CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1907
Mrs. Catherine Berkley, a resident of Alton and vicinity for
more than fifty years, died Monday morning at 4 o'clock at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Ferdinand Volbracht, after an illness
of several weeks. She was about 80 years of age and is survived
by three daughters, Mrs. Volbracht of Alton; Mrs. T. Deppe of
St. Louis; and Mrs. M. Hollinger of Wichita, Kas. The funeral
will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
church.
BERNARD, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
26, 1917
Peter Bernard, aged 67, one of the heaviest men
in Alton at the time of his death, died Thursday evening at 6:10
o'clock at his home on Central avenue. He was a pensioned
employee of the Illinois Glass Co. For many years Bernard worked
as batch mixer at the glass works, and was one of the most
reliable and expert men in that department of the glass works.
He always attributed his immense growth in weight to an injury
he received years ago. He said that when the doctor started to
getting results from treatment of an injured hip, he began to
put on flesh and nothing he could do checked the gain. He was
about 5 feet 4 inches in height, and when he started to gain in
weight he was about 160 pounds. Before he stopped he had passed
325 pounds. He was forced to quit work at the glass works, as he
was unable to get around any more and the Illinois Glass Co.
pensioned him because of his long and faithful service. After he
was paralyzed, one week ago, it required five men to turn him
over in bed, so heavy was he, and his case was an extremely hard
one to handle. He was a highly respected colored citizen of
Alton. Anatomists reason that a man's height and weight is
governed by little glands in the body. It is supposed that the
injury to Bernard caused an abnormal activity of some gland that
regulated weight, and that it caused this gland to work overtime
converting everything that Bernard ate into fat. He felt well,
aside from the difficulty in getting around. The funeral will be
held at 3 p.m. Sunday from his home, and services will be
conducted by Rev. George Brown of the A. M. E. church. Rev.
Solomon Griswold, the blind preacher, a boyhood friend of the
deceased, will preach the funeral sermon.
BERNER, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1915
The body of Edward Berner, two year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Fred Berner, was brought to Alton this afternoon and taken to
the home of John Berner, where it will be held until tomorrow
morning. The funeral will be conducted at 9 o'clock tomorrow
morning from the St. Mary's Church ot the St. Joseph's Cemetery.
BERNER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1916
Louis Berner Sr., in his 81st year, died at 11:30 o'clock
Tuesday at his residence, 226 East Fifth street, from old age.
Mr. Berner had been suffering the past five weeks from the
effects of arterial hardening. In his whole life he had never
been ill, and from the time that he began to show the effects of
arterial hardening his case was a desperate one. The last two
days he had been unconscious and members of his family were in
attendance. Mr. Berner was born in Dormettintin, Wuertemburg,
Germany, February 5, 1836. He was married in St. Louis June 13,
1863. He had lived many years in Alton, and here he conducted a
shoe making and repair shop on Belle street for many years, with
John Gaiser, who died a number of years ago. When it became
necessary for the old firm to vacate the building they had
occupied so long on Belle street, Mr. Berner retired. When he
retired there was many a family in Alton who were hard put to
find a successor for him in the shoe repair line, so
satisfactory had all his work been. He was for many years a
prominent member of the order of Odd Fellows and was secretary
of Western Star lodge. He was a kindly gentleman, highly
respected by those who knew him best, either socially or in a
business way. He leaves his wife and seven sons, William of
Chicago; Joseph of Bloomington; Louis, Harry and Frank of Alton;
Oliver of Colorado; and Ray of St. Louis.
BERNER, ORION/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 19, 1872
Died in Alton on January 17, Orion, son of Louis and Emma
Berner; aged five years.
BERNER, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4,
1922
Mrs. Theresa Berner,
aged 95, died Sunday night at 8:20 o'clock at the home of her
son, John Berner, 718 Langdon street, after a long illness. She
had been suffering from a malady for several years but not until
about four months ago was there any indication of rapid progress
being made by the disease. She passed her ninety-fifth birthday
a little over a month ago. Mrs. Berner was born in Germany and
she came to America and to Alton when she was 20 years of age.
She spent all of the remainder of her life in Alton and
vicinity. She was the head of a large family of descendants.
Only one son, John Berner, city treasurer, and two daughters,
Mrs. John Crofton of Chicago, and Mrs. Frank Hansen of
Carrollton, survive her. She leaves also four ____?? Jr., Miss
Elizabeth Berner and Leo Berner of Alton; Miss Mamie Rippe, Mrs.
Elizabeth Mohrmann, Mrs. Josephine Pawidusky and Mrs. Lucille
Wright, of St. Louis; Charles Rippe of South Bend, Ind.; Mrs.
Omar Hegle, Miss Elizabeth Crofton, Miss Theresa Crofton and
John Crofton of Chicago; Catherine Hansen and Elizabeth Hansen,
of Carrollton. She leaves also eight great-grandchildren.
Recently Mrs. Berner lost her daughter, Mrs. W. F. Rippe, who
died in St. Louis. At that time she was in bad condition herself
and it was realized that she could not long survive her
daughter. She never learned of her daughter's death. During her
long life, Mrs. Berner had been a strong active woman, and she
had been a good mother to her children. She was generally
beloved by all her descendants and Grandma Berner, year after
year, was the central figure in family gatherings, as she would
annually add a figure to her birthdays. She was deeply
interested in the work of her church, St. Mary's, and bore an
active part in the work there until her great age forced her to
relinquish those responsibilities to others. The funeral will be
held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from St. Mary's church.
BERRES, J. PETER/Source: Granite City Press-Record, March 15,
1920
Death claimed another one of Granite City's pioneer
residents last evening in the person of J. Peter Berres, who
died at 9:10 o'clock at Elixian Bros. hospital, St. Louis, where
he had been undergoing treatment for tumor. The deceased was 65
years of age and a resident of 2144 E street. Two sons and one
daughter survive, all residents of this city. Mrs. Margaret
Parsons, Matthew and John Berres. Three sisters also survive,
Mrs. John Zimmer and Mrs. Catherine Berres, of this city, and
Mrs. Bernard Welte, of Pittsburg, Pa. He was ill but four months
preceding his death. The body will be brought back to this city
and kept at the family residence for a few days and then taken
to Pittsburg for burial. The deceased has been a resident of
this city for the past 22 years, being employed at the Granite
City Steel Words as roller.
BERRY, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1912
Mrs. Ellen Berry, wife of John Berry, died at her home on
Sixth street last evening at 6 o'clock after a lingering
illness. She was 45 years of age, and leaves a husband and five
children, Mary, John, Ellen, Alice and James. The funeral will
be held tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock at the home. The remains
will be shipped to Wheeling, West Va., tomorrow on the Limited.
Services will be held in St. Patrick's church at 8:30 o'clock
tomorrow morning.
BERTINO, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1921
Mrs. Mary Bertino is dead, her husband, Matt Bertino, and
another man, John Quartino, are in a serious condition in a
hospital at East St. Louis as the result of an explosion in the
Bertino home at Maryville, Saturday night at 9 o'clock. The
story given out is that a gasoline stove exploded setting fire
to the house, burning the clothing completely off Mrs. Bertino
and burning the two men from the waist up. All three were rushed
to the hospital in East St. Louis in an ambulance, and Mrs.
Bertino died Sunday. Rumors that the explosion was due to the
operating of a home still could not be verified as yet, but the
coroner's office said there would be a complete investigation of
that angle, as of other angles of the case. There are seven
children in the Bertino family and none of them were burned. The
dead woman was 40 years of age. Her husband is 50 years of age.
BEST, E./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, October 31, 1873
Mrs. E. Best, living in Prairie City [Prairietown], this county,
died suddenly on Sunday from the effects of chloroform. She was
suffering intensely from some internal disorder, and to relieve
the pain took a large dose of the dangerous drug, which caused
her death in a short time, in spite of medical aid, which was
summoned as soon as her condition was known. She formerly
resided in Alton, where she has relatives.
BESTERFELDT, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
13, 1916
The death of Mrs. Ellen Besterfeldt, wife of
George Besterfeldt, occurred at the family home at Ninth and
Piasa streets Sunday morning at 1:30 o'clock, following a long
illness which began last Christmas. Mrs. Besterfeldt is survived
by her husband, two children, John Woodrow, aged 2 years; and
Lucille, aged 5; as well as by two sisters, the Misses Mary
O'Connor and Katherine O'Connor; and two brothers, John and
Cornelius. Cornelius arrived the latter part of last week from
New York to be with his sister. Michael Keefe of this city is an
uncle of Mrs. Besterfeldt. Mrs. Besterfeldt came here from
Ireland about eight years ago, and after being here a short time
was married to George Besterfeldt. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the Cathedral, and burial
will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
BESTERFELDT, SALINDAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1,
1921
Mrs. Salinday Besterfeldt, aged 78, died Thursday
night at 10:20 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George
Winger, of 709 Easton street, after a few hours illness. Old
age, coupled with the heat, is said to have been the cause of
death. Up until this week Mrs. Besterfeldt has been in fairly
good health, and was visiting among her children in Alton and
Elsah. She was brought to the Winger home only yesterday. She
was a native of Kane, Ill. Her husband died twelve years ago.
She leaves seven children, 18 grandchildren, and four
great-grandchildren, also a brother, James Bates, of Reeder,
Ill. The children are Leander Besterfeldt of Elkhardt, Kan.;
Albert Besterfeldt, Mrs. Addie Agney and Mrs. Mae Pellikan of
Elsah, and George and Harry Besterfeldt and Mrs. George Winger
of Alton. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending word from
Leander in Kansas. Plans are being made to hold services at
Elsah, Sunday afternoon.
BETTIS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
18, 1907
Mrs. Sarah Barber, aged 83 years, died Monday night at St.
Joseph's hospital from old age and weakness brought about by
nursing a sick brother, William Bettis, through a long siege of
illness at the home in Garden street. Both had been ill for some
time and repeated attempts on the part of Mrs. Demuth and others
to induce Mrs. Barber to go to the hospital where she could be
cared for resulted in failure, as she refused to separate from
her brother. He was equally positive in refusing to leave her.
Last Wednesday Mrs. Demuth visited the home and found Mr. Bettis
unconscious and Mrs. Barber very sick, and arrangements were at
once made for the removal of both to the hospital. The police
officers and Mrs. Demuth had a hard time moving the old couple.
The sister wanted to go in the ambulance with her brother, and
as there was not room enough for them to lie side by side it was
necessary to make a two story effect in the ambulance. There was
a swinging cot in the ambulance, and in this the old lady was
placed after the man had been put in another stretcher on the
floor. Mr. Bettis, who was 81 years old, was buried Sunday
afternoon in the City Cemetery after services were conducted at
the home in Garden street by the Rev. L. B. Lott, and Mrs.
Barber was buried this afternoon, services being conducted at
the same place. Many neighbors attended the funeral and floral
offerings were numerous. Relatives of the aged couple living in
Granite City have been in Alton several days and had charge of
the funeral arrangements.
[Betts ... see also Betz]
BETTS,
CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 13, 1909
Charles Betts, aged 59, died Tuesday evening at the family
home on Edwards street in Upper Alton. His death brings to an
end a very unusual arrangement between two brothers. Charles
Betts lived with his brother, William, who is past 70. William
Betts was an old soldier and a pensioner, and owns several
houses in Upper Alton from which he derives an income. Charles,
being in bad health, was unable to do much labor except the
housework, and he did that. His brother, William, provided the
living. Together the two brothers, both well along in years,
lived in their house in Upper Alton. Charles did all the
housework and the cooking and William for many years has been
retired from any form of active duty. They had lived in Upper
Alton close on to 45 years and much of that time they had spent
together, keeping house. They had no need for servants of any
kind, as Charles was an expert cook and could do his usual tasks
well. The last few weeks he was failing rapidly in health. For
several days he was confined to his bed, before his death. The
death of Charles Betts is a sad blow to his older brother, who
is bereft of his companion. The two brothers were very fond of
each other and got along well. The funeral will be held Friday.
BETTS, ELDEN SPRAGUE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 12, 1918
Lieutenant Elden Betts Died Leading Troops
on the Battlefield (WWI)
Lieutenant Elden
Betts, son of P. L. Betts of Alton, is reported by his best
friend, Lieut. Thomas Gibson, of Chicago, to have been slain in
action while leading the company, of which he was acting
commander, up a hill, making a charge. The letter written by
Lieut. Gibson was dated October 20, and was sent to his mother
in Chicago, who communicated by wire this morning with the
family of Lieut. Betts. It was said that the letter would follow
in the mail. Further than the fact that Lieut. Betts had been
killed and that it was while leading his machine gun company up
a hill, no details were given. Lieut. Betts was a graduate of
the first Ft. Sheridan officers training school. He was one of
the few selected to be sent overseas after receiving commissions
to study at close range. After going to France he was attached
to the regular army and was given a rating as a regular army
officer. He had been in Europe since September 11, 1917. His
work had kept him very busy, but he would write letters home
frequently, telling of his experiences and observations. His
letters were such as to indicate that he had dedicated his life
to the service, and that he was ready for anything that might
happen. He was filled with a patriotic zeal, and a pride in
doing his work well that indicated he would rise in rank.
Killing of his officers had resulted in the command devolving on
Lieut. Betts, but so far as known he had not been commissioned
as a captain. He was serving in this capacity when he is
reported to have lost his life. Lieut. Gibson's letter was the
first hint the family had received that Lieut. Betts had been
killed. Last week a report came that the young officer had been
wounded badly, but how that story came could not be explained,
as the family had not heard of it until asked about it. The
family have telegraphed Washington for information on the
subject. They consider, however, that the statement made by
Lieut. Gibson is reliable, owing to the close friendship between
them, they having been closely associated both as officers and
friends since Lieut. Betts went into the service.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1918 Lieut.
Elden Betts Death Confirmed
The reported death of Lieut.
Elden Betts of Alton, son of Percy L. Betts, was confirmed by a
War Department message which was received by the family today.
The message, signed by an officer of the War Department, said:
"I deeply regret to inform you that Lieut. Elden Betts, infantry
officer, is reported killed in action October 9." This message
confirms a report sent by a friend of Lieut. Betts in a letter
which was written by the friend to his own mother in Chicago, in
which he described the battle and told of the death of his
friend. Lieut. Betts was acting Captain of a machine gun
company, and was ranked as a regular army officer. He had been
attached to the 16th infantry. The family of Lieut. Betts did
not give up hope until they had the official notice, though the
interruption in his letters gave them some ground to worry.
However, the incident of his being mosted as "missing" before
had caused them to receive with reserve any information of any
casualty to him. First Lieut. Elden Sprague Betts was a member
of the Machine Gun Company, 16th Infantry. He was 25 years of
age. He attended the First Officers' Training School at Fort
Sheridan in May, 1917, and after his graduation went to France,
going over in September of last year. Shortly after going to
France he was put in the Regular Army, 18th Infantry. His
entrance into the Regular Army occurred on November 15, 1917,
after attending French Officers' Training School. Betts was in
active fighting since January 1918. He was officially reported
as killed in action October 9, by Harris, adjutant general.
Extracts from a letter from Lieut. Thos. Gibson, on October 20
to his mother in Chicago, describing the Battle of Argonne Woods
on October 9 follows: (during this battle Lieut. Elden Betts
lost his life) "About two weeks ago we went into the line again,
relieving another division which had been driving. Two days
after we took over the division we went 'over the top' early one
morning. We made great progress, and captured a famous hill
where the French had lost so many men a couple of years back.
Then we waited several days until the division on our right and
left caught up. We had gone too fast for them. We got our
instructions to take the hill around where the Boche were
entrenched strongly. There was a dense forest around the hill,
and this is what we formed up in. When our barrage started,
Fritz started one too, right on the woods with everything he
had. It was surely hot. Lieut. Taylor was badly wounded by a
shell and the command of the company went to me, so a second
lieutenant and myself were left to bring the company through.
Well, I got the company out and started forward. Fritz was not
far off, and certainly in force. He gave us everything he had.
Men and officers were killed and wounded all around me, and now
I wonder how I ever escaped. We gave Fritz a good beating,
however, and took our objective, and the next morning went
forward three miles without having anything more than a few
shells hurled at us. That night we were relieved. Poor Betts got
his at the foot of the hill. Too bad. He was a fine fellow, and
my best friend in France. When I get back I must get into
communication with his people and tell them all about his great
work."
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
10, 1921 Church to Dedicate Tablet in Memory of Soldier Killed
in World War
Members of the St. Paul's Episcopal church
will dedicate a tablet in memory of Elden Betts, one of the
Alton soldiers who was killed in the World War. The tablet will
be placed in the church, near the altar. It is planned to
dedicate the memorial tablet on Oct. 9th, the third anniversary
of the young officer's death. He was killed in action on Oct. 9,
1918. Elden Betts was the son of P. L. Betts of Twelfth street.
At an officers' training camp he was commissioned a lieutenant,
but by distinguished service rose to the rank of Captain. Many
testimonials of his bravery and heroic death have been received
from members of his company.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, September 13, 1921
The body of
Lieutenant Elden Betts, one of the Alton soldiers killed in the
war, will not be returned to Alton. Members of the family, when
asked by the government if they desired the body returned,
decided to let it remain in the military cemetery in France
where it was buried. P. L. Betts, father of the young officer,
who has had military experience, said they had decided it more
feasible to let the body remain in France because there it is in
a military cemetery, which will always be kept up as the resting
place of the bodies of men who died in the service of their
country. A memorial service for Lieut. Betts will be held in St.
Paul's Episcopal Church on October 9, when a memorial tablet,
presented by his father, will be dedicated.
BETTS, FLORA MATTHEWS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
6, 1915
Mrs. Flora Matthews Betts, wife of Percy L.
Betts, passed away Tuesday evening at 5:30 o'clock at the family
home, 234 East Twelfth street. She had been seriously ill for a
few days, though she had been troubled for a week before with
what developed into a very grave malady. She was the daughter of
Mrs. H. S. Matthews, and was in her fifty-sixth year. Almost her
entire life she spent in Alton. The news of the death of Mrs.
Betts caused much sadness among those who had known her well in
Alton. Many of her friends did not know that she was suffering
from a serious malady until they learned that the end had come.
She had apparently been in the best of health. The beginning of
her trouble ten days ago was a "rising" in her head which came
to a climax in brain fever. Since last Saturday her case was
recognized as being probably a fatal one. Mrs. Betts was, in her
girlhood, very popular in Alton society. She was known for her
beauty and her charming manner, and she possessed a very large
circle of friends. She was married to Mr. Betts February 1,
1883, and after residing a while at Minneapolis and Chicago,
returned to Alton where she and her husband have made their home
ever since, and have reared their family of three, Misses Edith
and Marjorie Betts and Elden Betts. To her family she was a
devoted mother and wife, subordinating herself and all other
interests that she might enhance the best interests of those who
were nearest to her. She was known, however, as a kindly,
charitable woman, and her heart was generous and she was ever
thoughtful of the comforts of others. She possessed a beautiful
Christian character which will be a pleasant memory to her
family in years to come. She leaves besides her husband and two
daughters and son, her aged mother, Mrs. Matthews; a brother, H.
C. Matthews; and a sister, Mrs. T. P. Nisbett. The funeral will
be held from the family residence on Twelfth street at 2:30
o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will be private.
BETZ, A. F./Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, March 25, 1897
Alton & North Alton Businessman
After an illness of several months duration, Mr. A.
F. Betz, an old and well known citizen of Madison county, died
at his home in North Alton Monday [March 22, 1897] morning at 11
o'clock. Mr. Betz was a native of Germany, being born in
Heisterburg Nassau in March 1831, and had just passed his 66th
birthday three days ago. He came to America in 1848 and was
married in Philadelphia in 1852 to Miss Louise Arens. After
their marriage they came to Alton, where for many years he was
engaged in a mercantile business. About fifteen years ago he
moved to North Alton and has since conducted a store in that
village. Mrs. Betz died seven years ago. Two sons survive the
father, Mr. H. A. Betz of Alton, and Mr. Louis Betz of North
Alton; also two adopted children, Mrs. John Heileman of
Marysville, Kansas, and Mr. Charles Bradfisch of St. Louis. Mr.
Betz was respected by all who knew him, being a man of a just
and upright disposition, having all the qualities of a strict
business man and good citizen. He has for twelve years
represented Alton township in the County Board as one of the
Assistant Supervisors, in which body he was highly respected,
and his advice and influence heeded. In 1895 he was Chairman of
the Board. He was also a member of the North Alton School Board.
There was a large assemblage at the home of the late A. F. Betz
yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock, to pay the last tribute of
respect to the deceased. The services were begun at two o'clock
and were conducted by Rev. William Hackman of the Evangelical
church, of which Mr. Betz had been a member. There were many
beautiful floral offerings expressive of sympathy that could not
be spoken. There was in attendance a number of associates of Mr.
Betz in the County Board and many others from abroad. A long
cortege followed the body to the City Cemetery, where it was
laid away for its last long rest. The pallbearers were Fred
Pilgrim, Nic Seibold, William Gerhardt Sr., Jacob Youngck, E. J.
Deterding, F. J. Ebbert.
BETZ, HENRY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 27,
1905
Prominent East End Business Man Dies
Henry A. Betz,
aged 48, died Sunday evening at 6:30 o'clock at his residence,
614 East Fourth street, after a long illness from a complication
of diseases, which resulted in paralysis. He had been bedfast
for two months, part of the time at St. Joseph's hospital, but a
few weeks ago he was removed to his home, as it was apparent
that he could not recover. Mr. Betz was a son of A. F. Betz of
North Alton, and for a number of years was engaged in business
in North Alton. He had been engaged in a mercantile business for
over twenty years, about thirteen years of the time being in
Alton. He conducted a dry goods store on east Second street,
next to the Wyss pharmacy, and later he moved to the present
location of his store. He was married in 1881 to Louise
Spangenberg of Whitehall, who survives him. He was a member of
the Odd Fellows' order, the retail merchants and the German
Benevolent society. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the residence, Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann
officiating.
BETZ, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1904
Popular Singer and Musician Passes Away
Louis
Betz passed away Monday afternoon at 4:20 o'clock after a long
and painful illness at his home on State street near the Grafton
road. He was aged 42 years 9 months and 15 days, and was a
native of Alton. He leaves a wife and three children, Ferdinand,
aged 13, Louise, aged 10, and Adolph, aged 7. H. A. Betz, the
East Second street merchant, is his brother, and he leaves also
a foster brother, Charles Bratfisch of St. Louis. Deceased was a
son of the late supervisor, A. F. Betz, and has conducted the
general store left by the latter at his death 7 years ago. He
was gifted in many ways, and possessed a magnificent voice which
frequently charmed social and church audiences in the Altons.
The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the home to the City Cemetery, Rev. Theo. Oberhellmann
officiating.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 17, 1904
The funeral of Louis Betz took place
Wednesday afternoon from the home in North Alton, where services
were conducted in the presence of a large number of friends of
deceased and of the family, by Rev. Theo Oberhellmann of the
Evangelical church of Alton. Interment was in the City Cemetery,
and the cortege was a long one. Many lovely floral offerings
were sent by those who in other days had experienced pleasure or
solace in the voice of deceased as he sang at some social
gathering, at the funeral of a friend or in some church. Many
are the reminiscences which are being brought up by old friends
and acquaintances of Mr. Betz, relating to his remarkable
faculty for feats of memory in music. He had one of the most
remarkable memories any musician ever had, and a keen sense of
the artistic. It is related by one friend of Mr. Betz that he
assisted a singer once who had forgotten his music and had none
for the accompanist. The singer whistled his music over to Mr.
Betz, and Mr. Betz accompanied him on the piano from memory
without a mistake during the subsequent program. It is said that
he could play at sight the most difficult opera scores written.
Musical critics said that Mr. Betz was endowed with a grand
opera voice, the finest nature ever gave a man, and that had he
devoted his attention to study for grand opera, he would have
taken a place among the most brilliant stars of the profession.
When the musical world lost Louis Betz many years ago, it
suffered a loss which was irreparable. His sweet, pure voice
charmed many an audience and drove care from many a mind in
years gone by. The memory of the enjoyment he gave with his
music in his younger days will linger late, and while Louis Betz
never rose to what he should have been in the musical world, his
friends and music lovers in general, with sad regrets, will say
it might have been. The pallbearers for Mr. Betz were Matthew
Hoffmeier, H. W. Bauer, John Mathie, W. H. Gerhardt, William
Blakele, and Charles Siebold. A quartet consisting of W. H.
Gerhardt, H. E. Rumsey, W. C. Gates and Jamie Logan sang several
selections at the service.
BEVAN, FRANCES L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19,
1909
Mrs. Frances L. Bevan died at the home of her
daughter in Upper Alton Sunday afternoon at 4:45 o'clock from
old age and injuries due to her falling about ten days ago. She
is one of Madison county's oldest residents, dying at the ripe
old age of 97. She was born in New York City on March 27, 1812.
She was married there, and her husband died when she was 22
years of age. She came in 1861 to Upper Alton, where she has
resided with her daughter ever since. She leaves one daughter,
Mrs. William E. Gray, and four grandchildren and many
great-grandchildren. Mrs. Bevan was always of a very bright and
happy disposition. She was proud of her great age, and often
wished to live to be a centenarian. She was the oldest of seven
or eight old people living in Upper Alton within a few blocks of
each other. She celebrated her birthday a few weeks ago, and on
that day received a letter of congratulation from William Elliot
Smith and family, who are traveling in Europe. The funeral will
be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the home. The Rev.
George D. Knights will officiate. The burial will be in Oakwood
cemetery. Mrs. Bevan always lived with her daughter, and the two
had never been separated for any great length of time. Her death
was due to a general collapse following a fall from a chair in
her home ten days before she died.
BEVANEY, PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13,
1918
Venice Soldier Dies
Patrick Bevaney, the first soldier
from the Tri-Cities to succumb, died yesterday at Camp Taylor,
Kentucky, near Louisville, from an attack of pneumonia. He was a son
of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bevaney of Venice. His body will be
brought back for burial at his home city.
BEVENUE, GUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1899
Upper Alton News - Gus Bevenue, colored, died yesterday
afternoon at 5 o'clock after a severe illness with pneumonia.
Deceased was 50 years of age, and leaves a wife and two
children. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the A. M. E. Church.
BEVINEN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
Died, very suddenly this morning about seven o'clock of
heart disease, Mr. Joseph Bevinen, at his residence at Rocky
Fork. He arose as usual, dressed himself, sat down on a chair,
fell back, and his daughter caught him. He groaned a few times
and expired in five minutes. He was about 65 years of age and
leaves several children to mourn his death. He was a very old
settler, a good neighbor, and a favorite with both white and
colored people, always ready to lend a helping hand. His funeral
will be held tomorrow (Sunday), September 2d, at 10 o'clock a.m.
from the family residence. Friends and acquaintances are invited
to attend.
BEYERS, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 14, 1906
Mrs. Theresa Beyers, mother of John Simons,
died last evening at 6:30 o'clock after a long illness from old
age, at the home of her son, 914 east Second street. She would
have been 73 years of age in August. Mrs. Beyers was a native of
Germany, but came to America when a young woman. She was married
three times, and all her husbands are dead. She leaves only the
one child, with whom she made her home. The funeral will be held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, and
burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
BIBB, CARRIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27, 1880
Died, at her residence in Middletown, Alton, Illinois, of
consumption, Tuesday morning, November 24, 1880, Mrs. Carrie,
wife of Mr. Scott Bibb. Mrs. Bibb was born in Harrodsburg, Ky.,
March 15, 1853. She was married to her now bereaved husband,
November 22, 1877. She had been confined to her bed three weeks
and three days. She bore her illness with a patient and
uncomplaining spirit. She leaves a husband, three brothers and
one sister and a father, and a host of friends. She was faithful
and true in the church and Sabbath school of the A. M. E.
church. She died a genuine Christian. The funeral took place on
Friday morning at 11 o'clock, at the A. M. E. church, after
which her remains were buried in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
BIBB, ONA/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, September 8,
1881
Mrs. Ona Bibb, an old resident of the city, died
Saturday, the 3d of September, at 6:15 p.m. at the age of 58
years. The funeral took place Tuesday at 2 o'clock from the
family residence in Middletown. The services were conducted by
Mr. R. Jacobs.
BICKEL, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1907
Former Ice Dealer Passes Away
Louis Bickel, aged 76, died
Monday evening at 8 o'clock at his residence, 517 Liberty
street, after a long illness. His death had been expected to
take place at any time within the last few weeks, as he was
sinking steadily. Surrounded by members of his family he passed
away in his home. Mr. Bickel had lived in Alton since 1849, and
was one of the oldest and most prominent residents of the city.
He was engaged in business in the city for many years, and as an
ice man will probably be best remembered by the present
generation. He was a man of kindly nature, a lover of children,
and in former years when Mr. Bickel was driving his ice wagon
there was not a boy in town who did not know that wagon and
follow it to get pieces of ice which the generous owner was
always free in giving away to them on hot days. Mr. Bickel was
intensely devoted to his family. Two of his children died after
reaching years of maturity, but on their children he lavished
the affection which he had formerly displayed toward his own. He
is survived by his wife. During the years Mr. Bickel was engaged
in business in Alton, he had accumulated a valuable estate and
he was among the wealthiest residents of the city. Mr. Bickel
was born in Baden, Germany. He came to Alton when he was 17
years of age. When the Chicago & Alton was opened up between
Springfield and Alton he was an engineer on that railroad. Of
the four children born to Mr. Bickel, only two, Mrs. W. F. Hoppe
and August Bickel, lived to maturity. Beside his wife he leaves
four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He leaves two
sisters, Mrs. Hamm, living in Germany, and Mrs. Gable in
Chicago. He leaves a brother, August Bickel, in Exeter,
Nebraska. The funeral will be held Friday morning. Services will
be held in private at the family home, after which funeral
services will be held at 9 o'clock in St. Mary's church.
BICKEL, MARIE NORBERTA KOHIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 28, 1919
Mrs. Marie Norberta Kohin Bickel, one of
Alton's well known octogenarian residents, died Sunday morning
at 6 o'clock at the family home, 517 Liberty street. Mrs. Bickel
was the widow of the late Louis Bickel. Four children were born
to them, but all preceded the mother to the grave. They were
Louis Hoppe, Marie, August, and Louis Bickel. Four grandchildren
and four great-grandchildren are living. The grandchildren are
Marguerite and Louis Bickel, Louis Hoppe and Mrs. F. C. Behrens.
The great-grandchildren are Frederick and Carl Behrens, Louis
and Gertrude Hoppe. A daughter-in-law, Mrs. Anna Bickel, and a
son-in-law, W. F. Hoppe, also survive. Mrs. Bickel was a native
of Kehl, Baden, Germany. She was born June 6, 1834. She came to
America in December, 1853, landing at New Orleans. From there
she came to Alton and has been a resident of this city for 65
years. Mrs. Bickel was one of the best known residents in the
part of the city where she lived, and had a wide acquaintance in
Alton. She was known in her neighborhood and among her friends
as a woman possessed of a motherly disposition, and she was
known for her acts of kindness she rendered to those about her.
In her family circle she was greatly beloved, and during her
illness she was given the constant, devoted attention of those
who were in her home. She was deeply interested in the return of
her grandson, Louis Bickel, who was in the service during the
war. He came home a month ago, gratifying a wish of the aged
lady that she would be able to see her grandson and have him
with her during the remaining days she would have. Mrs. Bickel
belonged to a well known family in Alton. Her husband was for
years engaged in the ice business in Alton. When all her
children passed away before her, the motherly heart of Mrs.
Bickel took in their children and their grandchildren and on
them she lavished the affections which had been for her
children. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10
a.m. from St. Mary's Church. Burial will be in the City
Cemetery. The members of the family have requested that flowers
be omitted.
BICKELHAUPT, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 16, 1918
Mrs. Ida Yager received word
today that her sister-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Bickelhaupt, a
sister of the late J. G. Yager, had died in St. Louis, and would
be buried at Edwardsville Monday. Mrs. Bickelhaupt, who was a
very old woman, leaves one sister, who is 92.
BIEHLER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
22, 1913
Benbow City Councilman Dies Suddenly
The death of
Joseph Biehler, a Benbow City Councilman in Benbow City, last
night marks the second sudden death of Benbow City Councilman
within the past month. The first was the death of William
O'Hearn. Both were prominent figures in the politics of the
village since its organization, about five years ago, under A.
E. Benbow. Mr. Biehler was said to be going to his room in the
Biehler Building, about 10 o'clock, and was reaching with his
key to unlock the door of his room when he was stricken. The men
downstairs in the saloon heard a noise, and running upstairs
found him dead. The death was supposed to have been caused by
heart trouble. Mr. Biehler had at one time been a drinking man,
but of late he had sworn off and was drinking little. Mrs.
Biehler is also critically ill, and a week ago was moved from
the Biehler Building to the home of Mrs. Rosa Veach, in order
that the noise of the saloon would not annoy her. She was not
told last night of the death, but was informed this morning.
There are no children. Mr. Biehler was about 65 years of age. He
was at one time a policeman in East St. Louis. A few years ago
he fell from a wagon and sustained a fractured hip, and as a
result has walked lame ever since. Mr. Biehler has at times
served as marshal and street commissioner in Benbow City. The
body was moved from the Biehler Buildng to the office of Mayor
Benbow. coroner's Undertaker Berner was called and the inquest
was set for this afternoon. The funeral has not been set, but it
is supposed that the body will be taken to East St. Louis, his
former home, for burial.
BIERBAUM, ELIZABETH C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
2, 1913
Pioneer Resident of Fosterburg Dead
Mrs. Elizabeth Bierbaum, aged 78 years, died at
her home, three miles north of Fosterburg, Saturday afternoon.
She is the widow of Fred Bierbaum, who preceded her to the grave
three years ago. Mrs. Bierbaum came to the Fosterburg district
from Germany, fifty-six years ago, and was married five years
later to Mr. Bierbaum. One son, Louis, of Fosterburg, and two
daughters, Lizzie and Lena, who reside in the old home, survive
her. She has been a member of the German Methodist churches of
Alton and Fosterburg for the past fifty years. The funeral will
be held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock, and will leave the
residence at 10 o'clock. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery
in Upper Alton. Mrs. Bierbaum was a devout Christian woman, and
has always been active in church work, even to her old age. She
is one of the few remaining pioneer residents of the Fosterburg
farming district.
BIERBAUM, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
28, 1899
Ernest Bierbaum, one of the wealthiest and
best known citizens of Foster Township, died Thursday morning at
his home after a short illness with pneumonia and paralysis
combined. A stroke of paralysis rendered him helpless a few
weeks ago, the third he had sustained, and later his illness
developed into a bad form of pneumonia. He was born in Germany
November 3, 1833, and came to this country many years ago. He
was a thrifty farmer and from his farm in Foster township he
made a small fortune, which will leave his family comfortably
situated. Mr. Bierbaum was quite a young man when he arrived in
Alton. He went to work for Dr. Long at his home on the Grafton
road and worked there for a number of years. Later he rented a
farm where is now one of the most thickly settled resident
portions of Upper Alton, opposite Shurtleff College, then known
as the Kendall place. He subsequently purchased the place where
he died, and has since resided there. He was known all over
Madison county and was respected by all who knew him. He leaves
a family of seven children, all of mature years, and all
married. They are: Mrs. Mary Offer and Mrs. P. H. Paul, of
Alton; Mrs. Lizzie Graul, of Brighton; Mrs. Sophie Miller of
Nokomis; Mrs. Julia Feilbach and Henry Bierbaum of Fosterburg;
Ernest Bierbaum of Godfrey. The funeral will be Sunday at 10
a.m., from the family home near Fosterburg. Interment will be in
the cemetery there.
BIERBAUM, RUDOLPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5,
1906
Alton Business Man for Thirty Years
(Note:
parts of this obit was extremely hard to read)
Rudolph
Bierbaum died Sunday morning at ____ o'clock at his residence,
...... from apoplexy, ....funeral will be held Wednesday .... at
1 o'clock from the German Methodist church of which he was one
of the leading members and an interested supporter. Mr.
Bierbaum's death was a great surprise .... the entire community.
He was apparently in good health Saturday night when he retired
for the night. He had been in his ...... all evening, and had
attended to the closing of his store personally. He went to his
home about 10 o'clock and retired about a half hour later. He
had suffered two paralytic strokes in the past three years, the
first a very severe one and the second a light one. He recovered
from both of them, although it was feared for a while that he
would not get well, and he was able to attend to his business as
usual. Shortly before he died, he roused his wife, who was in
the bed with him, and grasped her by the hand. He was then
unable to speak to her distinctly, and no doubt had felt the
approach of death. Mrs. Bierbaum attempted to help him, but
before a doctor could be summoned he had passed away. Mr.
Bierbaum was born in Germany and came to Alton 55 years ago when
he was seven years of age. He was engaged in business in Alton
thirty years. He was highly esteemed as a business man and was
strictly honest in all his dealings. He leaves his wife and
three children, F. A. Bierbaum, cashier of the Alton Savings
Bank, Misses Lillie and Loretta Bierbaum. He leaves two
brothers, Frederick and William. He was married to Miss
Christina Paul, March 23, 1871. Of his five children, two
preceded the father in death. For thirty-eight years he was an
active, energetic and prosperous business man of Alton. No one
ever questioned his honesty or integrity. He led an ideal
Christian life, and the admonition of Christ was ever before his
mind, "Seek ye firrst the kingdom of God and its righteousness
and all things will be added unto you." He was a leading member
of the German M. E. church where he held important offices. He
was a pillar in the church and will be greatly missed by young
and old. He was a regular attendant at the Sunday school where
he held the office of superintendent for many years. He had
promised to teach a class for one of the teachers Sunday, who
was out of town. He leaves beside his wife, Christina C. B.,
three children, Frank A. B., cashier of the Alton Savings bank,
Miss Lille M. and Miss Laretta M., four grandchildren, two
brothers, William and Frederick B., many relatives and friends
to mourn his loss. The body will lie in state from 2 to 5 p.m.
tomorrow that all who wish to view it may do so.
BIERMAN, ISADORE M./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 3, 1873
Died on September 30, in Alton, of typhoid fever, Mrs. Isadore
M., wife of Paul H. Bierman, and daughter of Dr. H. N. Roberts;
in the 22nd year of her age.
BIERMAN, PAUL H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17,
1912
Attorney, Former Civil War Drummer Boy
Paul H. Bierman, aged 67, died at his residence, 2218 Belle
Street, Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock from paralysis. His death
had been expected for several days, and the members of his
family were called to attend him. Two years ago he was stricken
with paralysis and he gave up all business affairs at that time
and retired to his home in Alton. Mr. Bierman was born in Alsace
Lorrain, Germany, May 16, 1845. He was two years old when his
parents took him to St. Louis, and until twelve years ago when
the family moved to Alton, Mr. Bierman passed his life in St.
Louis. He practiced law in St. Louis and was also engaged in
business. He was secretary and treasurer of the McCabe-Bierman
Wagon & Carriage Co., at one time was secretary of the North St.
Louis Mutual Fire Insurance Co. He was a director of the Fifth
National Bank of St. Louis, and for four terms was a member of
the House of Delegates in St. Louis. He was very active
politically. Five years ago his wife died at the present home of
the family in Alton. He served as a drummer boy in the Civil
War. Mr. Bierman is survived by five sons and two daughters,
Edward P. Bierman of South McAlester, Okla.; Paul J., Ralph D.,
Carlisle G., of St. Louis; C. C. Bierman of Springfield; and
Misses Ada and Ione Bierman of Alton. The funeral will be
Saturday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Paul's Episcopal church,
and the burial in Bellefontaine cemetery in St. Louis.
BIGGIN, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 19, 1850
Killed – John Biggin, an Irishman, was killed on Monday morning
last by the accidental discharge of a gun in the hands of John
Schloop. The latter, after an examination before Justice
Robbins, has given bond in the sum of $300, for his appearance
at the next term of the court.
BIGGINS, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 31, 1896
- Submitted by Steph McGrath
Death of Mrs. Elizabeth
Biggins. Mrs. Elizabeth Biggins, relict of the late Thomas
Biggins, passed away yesterday morning at 8 o'clock, aged 70
years, at her home on State street. Mrs. Biggins had been ill
for some weeks with what was not thought to be a fatal malady.
Her illness while protracted, was not looked upon with
apprehension by her family, but this morning an old trouble with
her heart carried her off, while surrounded by her family of
loving daughters who had gathered by her bedside. She was an
ideal mother to her family and was the center other little group
and the one which each of her daughters loved to care for. Her
death is a sad shock to the family and many of her acquaintances
will mourn the loss of a true and kind friend. Six daughters
survive her, viz: Mrs. J. W. Coppinger, of Toronto, Canada, who
has been sent for, and Misses Mamie, Lizzie, Leonora, Nellie and
Lucy Biggins, The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10
o'clock from the Cathedral.
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 7, 1897
The funeral services over the
remains of Mrs. Elizabeth Biggins were held Saturday at 10
o'clock a.m. at the Cathedral. Requiem High Mass was celebrated
by Kev. Fr. Ousick assisted by Rev. Fr. Spalding and Rev. Fr.
Healy. There was an immense attendance, at the church of friends
of the bereaved family who braved the elements to show by their
presence at the obsequies, their sympathy. The pall bearers were
Messrs. E. P. Wade, J. F. McGinnis, L. Pfeiffenberger, M.
Mahoney, 0. F. Sparks and Louis Ginter.
BIGGINS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 15,
1887 - Submitted by Steph McGrath
Mr. Thomas Biggins, a
resident of our city since about 1847, died at 2:30 o'clock this
afternoon, after a long illness, at the age of almost 61 years.
He had been in feeble health for months and became partially
paralyzed Thursday and had lain unconscious since that time.
Deceased was for several years a member of the City Council and
had been identified with several public enterprises. He was
essentially a self- made man and had won the respect and
confidence of the public. He was possessed of remarkable
business qualifications and had acquired a large amount of
property, among which is the Alton Gas Works. He was born in
Sligo county, Ireland, came to New Jersey early m the 40's and
soon afterwards to Alton where he had since resided. He left a
widow and six daughters: Mrs. J. W. Coppinger and Misses Lizzie,
Mamie, Lucy, Nellie and Nora Biggins, to mourn his death. Due
notice of the funeral will be given.
BILDERBECK, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1904
Mrs. Anna Bilderbeck, widow of Rudolph Bilderbeck, died this
afternoon at her home, 1144 Fletcher street, after an illness of
six weeks. She was a resident of Alton many years and was 73
years of age. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2
o'clock from German Methodist church. Mrs. Bilderbeck leaves six
children, Messrs. Justice, Henry and Charles Bilderbeck; and
Misses Maggie, Annie and Katie Bilderbeck.
BILDERBECK, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30,
1909
Henry Bilderbeck, aged 44, died Thursday morning at
6:10 o'clock at his home, 1607 Fletcher street, after a long
illness from lung troubles. While engaged at work at his trade a
year ago he was accidentally injured by a board slipping and
striking him on the side. At first he thought nothing of the
injury, but later the effects of the blow became apparent, and
Bilderbeck was ill most of the time. He was unmarried. He leaves
two brothers, Justus and Charles Bilderbeck, and three sisters,
Misses Maggie, Annie and Kate Bilderbeck, all of Alton. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, probably from the family
home.
BILDERBECK, PERLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
18, 1913
Drowns in Mississippi off the Steamer Illinois
Perley Bilderbeck, aged 24, son of Mr. Augusta Bilderbeck of
16 East Ninth street, was drowned in the Mississippi River off
the steamer Illinois, Sunday afternoon about 3 o'clock. J. F.
O'Connell, another member of the Alton division of Illinois
Naval Reserves, was nearly drowned and was rescued by Hewitt
Winkler. The two young men were on the front end of the
"Illinois," watching some young men swim. O'Connell had been in
the water and was wearing a bathing suit. Bilderbeck, who was
night watchman on the "Illinois," was fully dressed. The young
men engaged in a friendly scuffle, and Bilderbeck stepped
backward. In doing so, he stepped off the edge of the boat, and
as he fell he clutched O'Connell by the neck of his bathing
suit, dragging O'Connell into the river with him and taking him
down. O'Connell could swim, while Bilderbeck could not. However,
O'Connell was so impeded by the hold Bilderbeck had on his
collar, that he could not escape, and only the tearing of the
shirt released him and permitted him to be saved. Bilderbeck
went down after O'Connell broke his hold and was drowned. Almost
drowned, O'Connell was dragged out by Winkler, who was a witness
of the drowning. Immediately after the drowning efforts were
begun to recover the body. The water was about 12 feet deep and
the current very swift at that place, and the body was carried
on down the river away from the scene of the tragedy. Perley
Bilderbeck leaves beside his mother, one brother, who was in
Belleville. The body was recovered about six hours after the
drowning. The inquest was held this afternoon by Coroner J. M.
Sims. The members of the Alton division of Illinois Naval
Reserves will attend the funeral in a body, this being a custom
of long standing where one of the members of the division dies.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the family home.
BILLINGS, BLANCHE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 30,
1849
Died of the croup on Saturday evening last, Blanche E.,
daughter and only child of Henry W. Billings, Esq., aged four
years and eleven months.
BILLINGS, H. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On April 19, 1870, Hon. H. W. Billings, member of the
Constitutional Convention from Madison County, and an esteemed
and honored citizen of Alton, died at age 55 years.
BILLINGS, MAURICE A./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1862
Died, on the 24 inst., in Alton, at half past eleven o’clock,
Maurice A., youngest child of R. W. and E. S. Billings, aged two
years.
BILYEW, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1908
Mrs. Ann Bilyew, aged 85, who had lived in Bethalto almost all
her life, died yesterday after an illness of a few days from old
age. Mrs. Bilyew had been weak but was not ill, and her death
was a surprise to her many friends. She was a native of Indiana,
and lived awhile in Kentucky, but almost all her life was passed
in Bethalto. She made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Uzzell.
She has one son, a daughter, and a number of grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon
from the Methodist church at Bethalto, Rev. Sowers officiating.
County Superintendent of Schools, J. U. Uzzell of this city, is
a grandson.
BINGHAM, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1873
Died
on March 28 in Alton, Frank, son of H. H. and S. P. Bingham, of
lung fever; aged 8 months and 20 days.
BIRD, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10,
1838
Died, yesterday, about 12 o'clock, after a short but
severe illness, Mr. Samuel Bird, a respectable citizen of this
place, aged about 30. He has left a deeply afflicted widow and
children, and many friends and acquaintances to deplore his
loss.
BIRDSALL, MINERVA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 10, 1907
Mrs. Minerva Birdsall, aged 84, who died
at Jacksonville, Ill., a few days ago, was brought to Alton this
morning for burial. Mrs. Birdsall's death followed a stroke of
paralysis. She was the widow of James Birdsall, who for many
years was engaged in the dry goods business in Alton on Third
Street, and lived at the corner of Fourth and George streets.
Burial was in City cemetery. The body was accompanied by George
Killam of Jacksonville.
BIRT,
CATO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1913
Cato Birt, janitor of Lovejoy
School, died Saturday at his home
after a short illness. He was an old soldier and a pensioner.
The funeral was held this afternoon.
BISHOP, JAMES AUBREY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 18,
1861
Died suddenly at one o’clock on the afternoon of the
17th, James Aubrey, son of James D. and Alice A. Bishop. The
friends of the family are invited to his funeral from his
parents’ residence, Middletown, tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock.
BISHOP, SARAH E./Sourch: Alton Telegraph, June 2, 1865
died in Alton, May 30, 1865, Sarah E., daughter of J. D. and A.
A. Bishop, aged 15 years, 7 months.
BISHOP, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 30, 1901
Thomas Bishop died this morning at his home, 722 Henry
street, after a long illness, at the age of 51. He was one of
the best known glass blowers in Alton and was well liked by
every one who knew him. Early in the spring he was taken ill
with an attack of the grip and he recovered sufficiently to be
able to be out. Three weeks ago he suffered a relapse and soon
became very serious. For the last three days the attending
physician had no hope of his recovery and the end came not as a
surprise. He leaves beside his wife, four children. The funeral
will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock and services at the
home will be conducted by Rev. Eugene Weiffenbach of the German
Methodist church. Burial will be in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
BISSINGER, JOSEPHINE (nee JOEHL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 7, 1921
Mrs. Louis E. Bissinger, aged 70, died this afternoon at
2:15 o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital, where she underwent an
operation on Tuesday. Her condition was known to be serious and
her death was not unexpected. She was taken to the hospital a
week ago last Sunday for treatment. She is survived by her aged
husband to whom she was married 53 years ago. She also leaves
her two sons, William and Louis Bissinger, and three daughters,
Mrs. Charles Krids, Miss Carrie Bissinger, and Miss Mary
Bissinger. Mrs. Bissinger was born in St. Louis, but lived
practically all her life in Alton. Her maiden name was Josephine
Joehl. The Bissinger home is at 638 East Seventh street. Mrs.
Bissinger was a well known Alton woman, and since her condition
became so serious, friends have been very much interested. Her
illness began three years ago. The arrangements for the funeral
are incomplete, but it is expected that Mrs. Bissinger will be
buried Monday morning.
BITTS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 27, 1920
Mrs. William Bitts, 77 years of age, died
at her home in Bethalto Monday afternoon. Death was due to
hardening of the arteries, from which the deceased had been
suffering for the last two years. Mrs. Bitts is survived by four
children - two sons and two daughters. The funeral will be held
Thursday afternoon at two o'clock from the family home. Burial
will be in the Bethalto Cemetery.
BIVENS, JAMES C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2,
1900
Moro News - One of Moro's most reliable and best
known farmers died at his home Tuesday night, July 31, at the
advanced age of seventy-four years. Mr. Bivens was born where
Madison now is, but most of his life was spent in this vicinity.
He located on the farm that was so long his home in 1861, and
turned over the original prairie sod. He was a veteran of the
Mexican and Civil Wars. As a neighbor, Mr. Bivens was highly
respected by all who knew him, and his loss will be a great one
to the community. Mrs. Bivens preceded her husband to the grave
in January 1899. He leaves a son, Zeph E., and two daughters,
Miss Annie and Mrs. William Sneeringer of Bunker Hill, who have
the sympathy of their many friends. The funeral services will be
held at the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member, at 11
o'clock Thursday morning. Rev. John Jones of Bunker Hill will
conduct the services.
BIVENS, REBECCA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1899
From Moro - Mrs. Rebecca Bivens, wife of James C.
Bivens, and one of our most prominent and respected citizens,
died at Edwardsville, January 28, after a lingering illness. The
remains were interred in the Moro Cemetery Sunday morning. Rev.
J. H. Byers conducted the ceremony.
BLACK, ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14,
1903
The funeral of Alexander Black, the aged colored man
who dropped dead Friday at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Poindexter, on West Seventh street, was held Sunday morning from
the Poindexter home, where services were held by Rev. Barton.
Interment was in City Cemetery.
BLACK, ED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1912
Ed Black, the negro
who was arrested Saturday afternoon after he had made a
disturbance at the Armstrong quarry while suffering an attack of
delirium tremens, died on the way to the hospital last night,
supposedly from heart disease. His peculiar actions attracted
the attention of the police most of the day, and Sunday night
shortly before he died his condition seemed to take such a turn
that it was thought best to remove him to the hospital. The body
was turned over to Undertaker Lock, who will hold him until a
sister, living on Papin street in St. Louis, can be communicated
with. Coroner Streeper held an inquest today, the last he could
hold, as he went out of office at noon.
BLACK, GEORGE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 15,
1903
The funeral of George A. Black was held this
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his mother, Mrs. Lucy
Black, Fourth and Langdon street. Services were brief at the
home, and were conducted by Rev. J. H. J. Rice, of the
Congregational church. There was a large attendance of relatives
and friends of the family at the services. Burial was in the
City Cemetery.
BLACK, HARVEY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9,
1918
Head of Hapgood Plow Company
Harvey L. Black, head of the Hapgood Plow Co., president of
the First Trust and Savings Bank, and for many years a leader in
the civic and business life of Alton, died Monday morning at
5:15 o'clock. He never regained consciousness after he was
stricken with apoplexy Saturday morning in his office, attending
to some business matters. At the home of his mother, Mrs. Lucy
Black, to which he was taken when he was first stricken, he
failed to rally and on Sunday it became evident that he had no
chance of regaining consciousness. At the time of his death he
was attended by his wife, his aged mother, his sister, Mrs.
George A. Sauvage, his son-in-law, Frank Chapman, and other
members of the family. His only daughter, Mrs. Frank Chapman, is
very sick with influenza at Cleveland, Ohio, and was unable to
come to her father. Harvey L. Black was born in Apple River,
Wis., March 28, fifty-six years ago. He had been a resident of
Alton for many years, and had been connected with the Hapgood
Plow Co. since he came to Alton. Beside the relatives who were
with him when he died, and his daughter, he leaves two brothers,
Joseph of Jennings, La., and Ben of Paicenes, Cal. During his
period of residence in Alton, Mr. Black had always taken a very
strong interest in all public affairs and was a leader in many
civic movements. He was known for his great liberality and his
intense interest in many good causes in the community. At the
time of the retirement of C. H. Hapgood from the plow company
which bore his name, Mr. Black took over the controlling
interest and managed the business from that time on. He
continued at its head and was engaged in winding up its affairs
preparatory to his retirement from business there, when the
fatal stroke came as he was seated in his office. The war had
greatly complicated the difficulties of continuing the business
of the firm, and the wrecking of the engine that operated the
plant caused the decision to hasten the time for suspending. Mr.
Black was engaged in negotiating for the taking over of the
plant by other interests to be operated at the time the
suspension was announced. Mr. Black was known as a man of hearty
good cheer, unbounded hospitality and sympathy for his fellow
man. It was a marked feature of his life that he was always
ready to give a lift to anyone so far as it was within his
power. He never filled any city offices, but he had always taken
a marked interest in those who were seeking to fill them and he
had high conceptions of his duty as a good citizen, and he
fulfilled them. It is recalled that at the time the first war
fund of the Red Cross fund was being raised, it was Mr. Black's
subscription that was the biggest of any that was made by Alton
people. This was typical of the heart interest of the man. The
funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from
the home of his mother, Mrs. J. P. Black. The family request
that there be no flowers.
BLACK, JAMES M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12,
1921
James M. Black, 59 years of age, died Friday morning
at 5 o'clock, after an illness of two years suffering from
paralysis at the family home in Hartford, Ill. He is survived by
his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Wanda Doerges. The funeral will
be held Sunday morning at 11 o'clock from the home.
BLACK, JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 20, 1851
Died on
Wednesday the 11th inst., after a short illness, Mrs. Jane
Black, wife of Mr. Hugh Black of Alton, aged 23 years, leaving
an afflicted husband and young child, together with many friends
and acquaintances to deplore her loss.
BLACK, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 24, 1902
Mrs. Jane Black, who was removed from her home in North
Alton to St. Joseph's hospital nine weeks ago, suffering from a
complication of diseases, died this morning at 9:15, peacefully
as if falling asleep. She was 78 years of age and 48 of these
years were spent in Alton and North Alton. For 30 or more years
she conducted a grocery store in the latter place, and was
conducting it when her fatal illness set in. She was widow of
Hugh Black, a well known citizen of Alton. William Black of
Upper Alton, is a stepson. She was a sister of the late Mrs.
Thomas McGinnis Sr., of North Alton, and leaves several nephews
and nieces. She was a bright, industrious business woman who had
brusque ways, but withal had a kind heart and many admirable
traits of character. The body was removed to the home of her
son, 445 East Fourth street, and the funeral will be Wednesday
morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.
BLACK, JOSEPH P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3,
1900
Well Known Manufacturer
Joseph
P. Black, for twenty-five years a prominent manufacturer and
inventor of agricultural implements and farming machinery, died
Friday night at his home on Fourth street, after an illness with
Bright's disease. Mr. Black was 67 years of age, and during most
of his life he was a Mason. He had been suffering from ill
health many years, but until one year ago he continued to be
actively engaged in business. Last March he disposed of his
manufacturing interests and retired from business. One week ago
Thursday he was taken down with an acute illness that grew worse
rapidly, and resulted in death last evening at 7:45 o'clock. The
funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
services at the home will be conducted by Rev. J. H. J. Rice of
the Congregational church. The services at the cemetery will be
according to the ritual of Belvidere Commandery, K. T., of which
Mr. Black was a member. Mr. Black was born at Sweetwater,
Illinois. He came to Alton from Apple River, Ill., in 1877, and
lived here until his death. He was engaged in the manufacture of
plows at Apple River, and on coming to Alton purchased an
interest in the Hapgood Plow Company, of which he was
vice-president for many years. In 1889 he bought the plow works,
with H. L. Black, and continued to be actively interested in the
business. He devoted most of his time to making improvements on
the machinery he manufactured, and showed unusual ingenuity as
an inventor. He leaves five children - George A. Black of
Aberdeen, Washington; J. P. Black of Jennings, La.; H. L. Black
of Alton; Benjamin E. Black of Crowley, La.; and Miss Lucy Black
of Alton.
BLACK, LUCY JANE (nee DIMMICK)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 24, 1920
Mrs. Lucy Jane Black, widow
of Joseph Black, died this morning at 2 o'clock at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. George A. Sauvage, 506 East Fourth street,
following an illness of a month. Mrs. Black was in her 85th
year, having celebrated her 84th birthday, November 6, last. The
illness of Mrs. Black became serious several days ago, but her
friends had hoped that she might recover. Her death causes
general sorrow in the city. Mrs. Black was born at Apple River,
Ill., and came to Alton 40 years ago. Before her marriage to
Joseph Black, her name was Lucy Dimmick. During her residence in
Alton she made many friends by her kindly disposition and loving
nature. She was known as a woman fond of her home. She was a
member of the Congregational church and was prominent in the
activities of that church. Her husband died 20 years ago. Mrs.
Black was the mother of the late H. L. Black, former president
of the Hapgood Plow Co. She is survived by two sons, J. P. Black
of Jennings, Ia., and B. E. Black of San Juan, Cal., both of
whom are in Alton, and a daughter, Mrs. George A. Sauvage, with
whom she made her home. The funeral will be held Monday at 2:30
p.m. from the home of Mrs. Sauvage where services will be
conducted by the Rev. C. C. Smith, pastor of the Congregational
church. Interment will be in City Cemetery.
BLACK, NATHANIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 12, 1847
We are pained to state that Mr. Nathaniel Black of this
place [Alton] came to a sudden and untimely end on Tuesday
evening last under the following circumstances. He had rode out
to Upper Alton, and was returning home about seven o'clock by a
narrow path running along the bank on the north side of Second
Street [Broadway], nearly opposite the Baptist Church, when his
horse accidentally stumbled, and in the attempt to recover
precipitated himself and his rider over the bank, which, at the
spot, is about ten feet in height. Some persons who saw him fall
immediately ran to his assistance, but he breathed his last in
the course of a few minutes. The deceased was a single man, aged
about 28. His remains were committed to the grave on Wednesday
afternoon by the Fire Department, of which he was a member.
BLACK, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM T./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 15, 1917
Mrs. William T. Black, wife
of the well known Washington avenue business man in Upper Alton,
died Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at the family residence at
Washington and College avenues. The death of Mrs. Black today
ends one of the most remarkable sieges of illness ever known in
Alton. Her strength of endurance was almost unexcelled. Mrs.
Black's illness commenced on the fifth day of January 1906, and
continued until today. Had Mrs. Black lived until the fifth day
of next month, she would have been sick twelve years. On that
day twelve years ago she was visiting at the home of a brother
of her husband on Fourth street. She had left home shortly after
dinner with the intention of spending the afternoon at the home
of her brother-in-law. While there she suffered a stroke of
paralysis which rendered her helpless. Her condition was very
serious from the start, and a carriage was secured and Mrs.
Black was removed to her home in Upper Alton the same afternoon.
Instead of improving, Mrs. Black's condition appeared to grow
worse and at many times she was supposed to be in a dying
condition only a short time after she suffered her first stroke
of paralysis. Since her illness commenced and Mrs. Black was
supposed to be very near her end, she has outlived many of her
near friends who were well and hearty at that time. Mrs. W. T.
Black was born in Kansas, and came with her family to Melville
when she was very young. She was raised in the neighborhood of
Melville, and spent all her life in the neighborhood of Alton.
She was 50 years old at the time she was paralyzed, and was 62
years old at the time of her death. Mrs. Black never walked
after the date of her first stroke of paralysis. She was
conscious up to 12 o'clock last night, and recognized all the
members of her family. She leaves besides her husband, six
children, Misses Belle, Emma and Mildred Black, and William, Ray
and Warren Black, all of Upper Alton. She also leaves three
grandchildren. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9
o'clock at St. Patrick's Church and burial will be made in
Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton.
BLACK, WILMOT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1912
Young Man Killed While on Tour of France
Wilmot Black, aged 21, son
of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey L. Black, was fatally injured at Dole,
Jura, France, some time Monday or Monday night. A telegram came
Tuesday morning to the First Trust & Savings Bank, of which H.
L. Black is president, telling the news that a fatal accident
had befallen H. Wilmot Black, and asking for instructions as to
what disposition was to be made of the body. Telegrams were sent
at once to have the body prepared for shipment home. The nature
of the accident was not given in the telegram. It was sent by
the Hanover National Bank of New York, which was advised by its
London bank that news of the accident had been sent to the
London bank. The young man, who was touring Europe, carried a
letter of credit issued by the Alton bank, on the New York bank,
and in turn transferred to the London bank for convenience. When
the young man was killed, and the London banking connections
were established, the London bank was informed, which in turn
transmitted the message. The sad news was given to the father
this morning by the cashier of the First Trust and Savings bank,
D. A. Wyckoff, and on his going home Mrs. Black was informed.
The mother has been in a very bad state ever since receiving the
word of the death of her only son. Wilmot Black was a student at
Yale, and immediately after taking his examinations, and before
he knew the successful result, he departed for a motorcycle trip
through Europe. He was fitting himself for literary work, and
desired to make a close view of life of the European people. He
traveled through England and Scotland on his machine, but
according to letters his parents had, he intended to abandon the
motorcycle on going into France and to travel in public
conveyances. Just how the accident could have occurred to him is
not known, but his family had a suspicion that he perhaps had
changed his plans and was taking the motorcycle along to France,
and that while riding it he met with the fatal accident. Mr. and
Mrs. Black and their daughter, Mrs. Frank Chapman, who was at
home, were preparing to leave in a few days for an extended trip
and had their traveling necessities packed and were ready to
make the start. All plans for the trip were cancelled
immediately. Wilmot Black was a graduate of Alton High School
and he entered preparatory schools after leaving Alton to get
ready for entrance examinations at Yale. Mrs. Lucy Black, with
her daughter, Mrs. Sauvage, was about to start on a trip too,
and today was to have entertained at dinner her son, H. L. Black
and his family. They were to have held a family reunion at noon,
but the party was broken up by the news of the death of Wilmot
Black.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1,
1912
Through the assistance of Clarence Funk, of the
International Harvester Co., details of the accide3nt that
caused the death of Wilmot Black came to the parents today. Mr.
Funk, who is a cousin of Mr. Black, interested himself in the
matter and cabled the international Harvester agent at Lyons,
France, near Dole, to go there and learn of the details of Mr.
Black's death. The agent cabled back that Wilmot Black was
killed in a motorcycle accident at 8 o'clock Monday morning.
While trying to avoid running down a bicycle, he ran into a
heavy wagon and his skull was fractured in the collision. He
lived for nine hours, but was unconscious all of that time. From
the advices received it seems that everything possible was done
for the young man and that every care is being taken of the
remains and all possible is being done to allow the shipment
back to this country as soon as possible. It is expected the
body will leave Havre, France, Saturday of this week. If the
boat is missed on August 3, it will be necessary to wait until
August 10 for the issuance of the permit.
BLACKBURN, HARRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1873
Died – An infant son, Harry, of Mr. William Blackburn last
night, of cerebral spinal meningitis, after an illness of
several weeks.
BLACKBURN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 29,
1908
John Blackburn died today at St. Joseph's hospital
after a lingering illness, aged 48 years. The body will be taken
to the residence of his sister, Mrs. Charles Goudie in Forest
Park. The hour for the funeral has not been fixed. Deceased was
a son of William Blackburn, a brother to Mrs. Charles Goudie and
Mrs. Edward Hall of Market street, and William Blackburn who
lives in Newbern.
BLAIR, EDMUND H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25,
1907
Real Estate Dealer and Member of City Council
Edmund H. Blair died Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock
at his home, 1008 Henry street, after a brief illness. He would
have been 45 years old in November. The announcement of Mr.
Blair's death was sad news in Alton. Since he was taken ill a
few weeks ago, his condition was the subject of much inquiry by
his anxious friends, but there was no one who believed that he
was in serious danger until a few days before his death when a
doctor's consultation confirmed the suspicion that Mr. Blair was
fatally ill. He had been suffering with a slight attack of lung
trouble some time ago. Recently he had an attack of the grippe
and the disease settled on his lungs, aggravating the malady
from which he had suffered. His decline from that time was
rapid. Three weeks ago he was attending to his business as
usual, and no one of his friends and business associates knew
that anything was wrong with his health. He was considering the
question of becoming a candidate for re-election as Fourth ward
alderman, "if the people desired his services," he said, and he
would doubtless have been a candidate as his constituents
esteemed his services very highly. When he was taken very ill he
wrote a letter to Mayor Beall in which he stated that he could
not further consider the question of being a candidate and he
desired to withdraw his name, as he felt he could not do justice
to himself nor his constituents in his condition of health. Mr.
Blair was born in Alton and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. John L.
Blair, both of whom are living. He had lived in Alton most of
his life and was engaged in the real estate and insurance
business. His reputation for reliability was first class and he
had the confidence of everyone. He was connected with the
Baptist church in an official capacity and had been a member of
that church since he was a young man. He had built up a very
prosperous business, by careful attention to it, and he was
known in the business world for his persistent industry and his
honesty. He was trusted by everyone and he held many positions
of trust in estates, which he discharged in a manner
satisfactory to all who had relations with him. He leaves his
wife, three sons and a daughter, also his parents and five
sisters, Mrs. E. L. Edwards, Mrs. A. L. Abbott, Mrs. E. M.
Caldwell, Misses Sadie and Edith Blair. The funeral of Mr. Blair
will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the First
Baptist church.
BLAIR, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 21, 1913
Because there was not any smoke curling
from the chimney of the home of George Blair in Benbow City on
this cold morning, Village Clerk William Beers broke into his
home to learn what the matter was, and found Blair cold in
death, stretched on the floor of his home. Three days ago,
because of illness, the old gentleman had to give up his duties
of agent of the interurban at Benbow City. He went home, and it
was believed that he was getting along nicely. This morning,
when the village clerk came by the Blair home and noticed no
smoke curling from the chimney, and when he knocked, there was
no response. He then broke the door in and found Mr. Blair on
the floor. Dr. E. G. Gottschalk, who was called, said Mr. Blair
had been dead for at least three days. Mr. Blair is 71 years of
age and came to Benbow City from Roodhouse, Ill., where he was a
prosperous grain buyer. His wife and a son, Robert Blair, still
reside there. Mr. Blair had resided in Benbow City about three
years. The remains were turned over to the coroner. Mr. Blair is
the third prominent Benbow City resident to die suddenly the
past few months. William O'Hearn and Jos. Biehler, who went
before him, were prominent in the affairs of the little city.
The remains of George Blair, who was found dead in his home in
Benbow City, were removed to Alton today by Coroner Undertaker
Berner, where the inquest will be held in a day or two. In the
meantime, word will be sent to his relatives at Roodhouse to
ascertain what disposition to make of the body.
BLAIR,
HANNAH (nee ANDREW)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
25, 1907
Mrs. Hanna Blair died early Sunday morning at
her home on Main street in Upper Alton, aged 91. She was found
dead in her bed at 5 o'clock by Mrs. Lucretia Stocker, who had
been living with her and taking care of her. Mrs. Blair was one
of Upper Alton's five nonagenarians. She had long lived alone
until last April, when her friends and neighbors persuaded her
to have someone live with her and take care of her. At that time
Mrs. Stocker moved in and has since given her constant attention
and the old lady became very much attached to Mrs. Stocker.
During the past two months Mrs. Blair had been bedfast, and at
times was delirious, not being able to recognize anyone. Six
weeks ago a physician said she would not live through the night,
but she showed wonderful vitality in clinging to life as she
did. Lately she had been calling Mrs. Stocker several times
during the night by tapping on the wall with a cane. Saturday
night Mrs. Stocker was in the room with Mrs. Blair shortly
before midnight, when she went to bed and did not waken until 5
o'clock, when she thought it strange she had not been called by
the tap on the wall. She went into the next room and found Mrs.
Blair dead. Mrs. Blair's maiden name was Hannah Andrew, and she
was born in Pennsylvania September 9, 1816. She came to Upper
Alton with her family when she was about sixteen years old. She
was married here to Joseph Blair on January 30, 1853, by Rev. J.
A. Robinson, who was at that time pastor of the Methodist
church. The couple had two daughters who died many years ago,
one of them being burned to death accidentally. Joseph Blair
died in 1873, and since that time Mrs. Blair lived alone. The
only relatives she is known to have are a nephew and a niece,
Mr. A. L. Andrew of Palmyra, and Mrs. Mary Ross of Jacksonville.
They were notified today of the death of Mrs. Blair. The funeral
will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Upper Alton
Methodist church, Rev. M. B. Baker officiating.
BLAIR,
JOHN L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1915
Prominent Alton Wholesale Grocer
John L. Blair died at his
residence, Fifteenth and Langdon Streets in Alton, Friday
afternoon from old age. His death was expected as he had been
sinking steadily and the past few days had been so weak that
there was evidently no chance of his surviving much longer. He
had been very ill for the past two weeks, but prior to that time
failing sight had added to another affliction, failing of his
hearing, and of late Mr. Blair had been able to take little
comfort out of those who were around him and anxious to do for
him whatever they could. The end came at 1:15 o'clock.
Mr. Blair would have been ninety-four years of age on Sunday. He
was born in Montgomery County, Tennessee, on March 21, 1821.
About sixty-eight years ago he came to Alton from Carrollton,
Illinois, where he had married and was in business. He engaged
in business here and succeeded rapidly. He said that he
discontinued the retail grocery business in 1852, four years
after he started. He continued in a wholesale way. He had as his
partner Roger Williams Atwood, and the firm, in the year 1863,
did a half million dollars’ worth of business, which was a
remarkable business in those days.
In 1849, Mr. Blair
became interested in the gold strike in California. With a
partner, Achilles Ballinger, his brother-in-law, he bought 300
cows to drive them across the plains. They paid about $15 each
for the cows and arriving in California, sold them at a good
profit. Out of the 300 cows which were started, only five died
on the road. Each cow gave a good advance on what was paid for
them. They sold the milk from the cows for 75 cents a quart.
Mr. Blair was a member of the First Baptist Church for
sixty-seven years, and was by far its oldest member. He had
always been a reader of the Telegraph from the day he came to
Alton, until failing sight made it impossible for him to
continue. Mr. Blair was a public-spirited man, always ready to
promote any good enterprise, civic or religious. It is related
that not many years ago when he was nearing ninety, he protested
and insisted upon the paving of a street along his home property
on Middletown, at a time when most men would be avoiding taking
up any new responsibilities. He was an expert in the garden and
until a few years ago persisted in doing his own gardening about
his place. Mr. Blair served for many years on the Alton School
Board. Soon after he came to Alton, he took up interest in the
very indifferent school system we had then, and he kept
hammering away until he saw results coming from his boosting for
better school. It was under his pushings, with that of other
men, that the school system in Alton became absolutely free, and
it was Mr. Blair who was chiefly responsible for the erection of
Lincoln school, then a stupendous enterprise for Alton. In order
to put over the Lincoln school plan, Mr. Blair was one of two
men who ran for city council to give two more votes in favor of
the enterprise. Commenting, not long ago, on the fact that he
used to distribute free school tickets to children whose parents
could not afford to pay tuition, Mr. Blair said, "I see many who
have made wonderful progress from the education they got on
those free tickets years back."
Mr. Blair is survived by
his wife [Sarah Atwood Blair, 1829-1916], who has been an
invalid and unable to leave her chair for many months. He leaves
also six daughters, Mrs. Lucy M. Edwards [1848-1919]; Mrs.
Annette L. Abbott [1856-1945]; Mrs. Lillian Caldwell
[1865-1946]; Misses Sarah Elizabeth Blair [1870-1934] and Miss
Edith M. Blair. Two sons – John W. Blair [1858-1881], and Edmund
Hugh Blair [1862-1907, Alton real estate dealer], and two
daughters, Harriet Blair [1853-1884], and Virginia Blair
[1847-1851], preceded him in death.
NOTES:
John L.
Blair was born in Montgomery County, Tennessee, on March 21,
1821, and was almost 94 years of age at the time of his death.
In about 1847, he moved to Alton from Carrollton, Illinois, and
went into the retail grocery business. In about 1847, he married
Sarah Atwood. In 1849, with partner Achilles Ballinger, he left
behind his wife and daughter, Lucy, and drove 300 cattle across
the plains to California, selling milk along the way, and
selling the cattle in California. In 1852, he closed his retail
grocery store, but continued in the wholesale grocery business
with Roger Williams Atwood (possibly his brother-in-law). Blair
was a witness of the Lincoln – Douglas debate held in Alton, on
October 15, 1858. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees
at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton. The Blair family lived on
25 acres just north of Blair Avenue, west of Liberty Street. At
one time, Blair Avenue was called 15th Street. Blair died March
19, 1915, and is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
BLAIR, MARY L./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 18, 1864
Died on Wednesday evening, March 16, at the resident of her son,
John L. Blair, in Alton, Mary L. Blair, after a short illness,
aged 63 years. The funeral will be attended tomorrow morning,
Friday, at 10 o’clock, from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to
attend.
BLAIR, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 22, 1920
The remains of the victim of the fatal
railroad accident which occurred Saturday morning near the
Illinois Glass Plant here, were positively identified Saturday
night at the morgue as those of Oscar Blair, 54 years of age and
a resident of Upper Alton for the past 13 years. The
circumstances surrounding the identification are singular in
that the mystery is unraveled as predicted. When Mr. Blair, who
lived at 1311 Main St. in Upper Alton, failed to return home at
the usual time Saturday night, his wife, having read the
Telegraph, became anxious and phoned her husband's employer in
the boxing department at the Glass plant. She was informed that
he had not been at work all day, and then expressed her fears
suggesting that the employer visit the Deputy coroner's morgue.
The employer, W. G. Seabold, visited the morgue and established
the identity of the dead man. The failure of ascertaining the
man's name earlier in the day is attributed to the fact that he
had always worn glasses, but when hit by the train his glasses
were lost. However, they were found late Saturday afternoon and
brought to the morgue with the result that upon the arrival of
Mr. Seabold the remains were immediately identified. The
deceased had been employed in the boxing department of the Glass
factory for approximately 13 years, and was well known to his
fellow employees. He usually walked to work, and in so doing
passed many acquaintances, but this was of no avail, owing to
the absence of his glasses. He is survived by his wife. Funeral
services will be held at 7:30 Tuesday morning from the home at
1311 Main Street, Upper Alton, and the remains will be taken to
Glasgow, Illinois at nine o'clock. Interment will be at the
latter place Tuesday afternoon.
BLAIR, SARAH ELIZABETH (nee ATWOOD)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 20, 1916
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Atwood
Blair, aged 86, widow of John L. Blair, died Saturday night at
10 o'clock from old age and asthma, after an illness of only a
few days. Her case was recognized as being very serious only on
the last day, when she declined rapidly. Had she lived until
Sunday, she would have seen the first anniversary of the death
of her husband. Mrs. Blair came to Alton in the early fifties as
an educator in a private school that was conducted for a few
years by the father of C. W. Leverett, and one of her pupils,
still living and who recalls her kindly, is Mr. Leverett. She
came to Alton a very attractive young woman, gifted as an
educator. Her maiden name was Atwood. She returned to New
Boston, Mass., her home, and was followed there later by John L.
Blair, who claimed her as his bride and brought her to Alton to
reside permanently in 1855. She had lived in Alton ever since.
Her husband was always deeply interested in the cause of
education, and he only knew how much he owned his interest in
that cause to the urgings of his wife. Mrs. Blair had been in
feeble health for several years. She was badly crippled by a
fall a few years ago, which kept her disabled the remainder of
her life. At the time she was hurt, it was not believed that she
would live long, but her wonderful vitality and recuperative
powers caused her life to be spared far beyond the time it was
believed she must go. She was a devoted member of the First
Baptist Church and she lived her religion conscientiously. She
raised a large family of children, of whom five daughters
survive her: Mrs. Lucy M. Edwards of Alton; Mrs. Annette B.
Abbott of St. Louis; Mrs. E. M. Caldwell of Alton; and Misses
Sarah E. Blair and Edith M. Blair. The funeral will be held
Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home. Mrs. Blair
was born in New Boston, N. H., December 12, 1829. She was
married to John L. Blair, October 3, 1855. Beside the children
who survive her, she had two sons, John W. Blair and Edmund H.
Blair, both of whom are deceased. She was a woman of beautiful
character, and she leaves a large number of friends who remember
her for her many acts of kindness and her many efforts to make
the way smoother for others during her life. The time set for
the funeral will be the first anniversary of the burial, and
also of the birth of her deceased husband.
BLAIR, VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 24, 1851
Daughter of John L. Blair
Died in Alton on the morning of the
20th instant, in the 4th year of her age, Virginia, eldest
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Blair. The circumstances
connected with the death of this interesting little child are
painful in the extreme. The parents on the day (Sunday) previous
to her death, having as usual left the children in the care of a
nurse, for the purpose of attending church, soon to be called
from the house of worship to learn that the clothing of one of
their children had taken fire, and before it could be
extinguished, it had sown the seeds of death.
BLAIR, WILLIAM HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 3,
1852
Died in Madison County, Illinois, at the residence of
Adam S. Blair, on Monday the 15th ult., William Henry, only
child of Jemima and George W. Blair, aged one year and nineteen
days.
BLAISDELL, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On November 14, 1870, Mr. John Blaisdell, General Agent of the
Illinois Mutual Insurance Company, died after a lingering
illness.
BLAKE, EUGENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1919
Young Veteran of Many Battles Dies From Appendicitis
Eugene Blake, recently returned from France, where he had the
distinction of going over the top five times, died last night at
St. Joseph's Hospital during an operation for relief from
appendicitis. He was 24 years old. Blake made his home in Wood
River before leaving with a contingent of drafted men, and has
lived there since his discharge from the service. In France he
was attached to the 30th division, 119th Infantry, to which were
attached Sydney Gaskins and Albert Rupert of Alton. Gaskins is
home, having been wounded and discharged, while Rupert died in
action. Rupert was talking to Blake just before the time he was
killed. He was a collector of buttons from the uniforms of
German officers, and on the day he was killed said to Blake: "I
guess I'll have to go out and get some more buttons." It was
shortly after that he was killed. Blake was in many battles in
the region of the Argonne forest, where American soldiers
participated in some of the most sanguinary battles of the war.
He escaped serious injury in many of the fierce battles. After
"going over" five times his arm was shattered with shrapnel. He
lay for two months in an English hospital, and for some time it
was thought his arm would have to be amputated. For a time fears
were felt for his life. The hero of many battles who had
withstood the supreme test of facing death and refused to give
up when it seemed impossible to save his arm, worked until three
o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Standard Oil Co. refining plant
at Wood River, where he was employed. On Tuesday he was taken to
the hospital and last night he died. Blake was a son of Mr. and
Mrs. John Blake, formerly of Alton. The father is at present
residing in Arcadia, Fla. He leaves two sisters at Jacksonville,
and two sisters and a brother at Arcadia in Florida. He was a
nephew of Mrs. E. J. Morrissey of this city. The funeral
probably will be held in Alton, but no arrangements have been
made.
BLANCHARD, JULIUS N./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 10, 1874
Mr. J. N. Blanchard, one of our enterprising young business men,
died Friday evening, April 3, of consumption, after a lingering
illness. He was highly esteemed by his associates for his many
excellent qualities, and his death is generally regretted. He
leaves a wife and many relatives and friends to lament his early
death. He was 32 years of age.
BLANK, AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 17, 1902
August Blank, a well known glassblower,
died Sunday morning at his home, 644 East Fourth street, after a
long illness. His body will be sent to Baltimore, Md., for
interment, and the funeral party will leave this evening. Mr.
Blank was 38 years of age and had lived in Alton many years. He
leaves his wife and four young children.
BLANKENSHIP, WINIFRED P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 23, 1922
Word was received in Alton today that
Mrs. Winifred P. Blankenship, wife of Robert Blankenship, had
died in East St. Louis. The family formerly lived at 1025 west
Ninth street in Alton. She had been an invalid for a long time
and her death was due to tuberculosis. James Klunk went to East
St. Louis today to bring the body to Alton for burial here.
BLANKINSHIP, ELI O./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 31, 1865
Died at his residence in Upper Alton, on Friday night, March
24th, last, at 10 o’clock, Eli O. Blankinship, in the 64th(?)
year of his age.
BLASA, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
11, 1907
Charles Blasa, aged 66, whose home was on the
"coal branch" in the north side, died this morning after a long
illness with cancer. He leaves six children and three
step-children. The body will be taken to Otterville, Ill., for
burial.
BLASE, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 1, 1915
Henry Blase of Upper Alton died this
afternoon at the St. Joseph's Hospital after an illness of
several weeks. His death came about after it was believed that
he was to recover from a serious illness of several weeks ago.
About one month ago he was suddenly taken ill and it was feared
at the time that he could live for only a few days. He was
removed from his home to St. Joseph's Hospital where he lingered
for several days, and finally his condition improved and he was
taken to his home on Main street in Upper Alton. He was taken
worse and removed to the hospital this morning and died this
afternoon. Mr. Blase was well known in Alton and the vicinity.
He is a glassblower and has lived in Upper Alton for many years.
Besides a wife he is survived by one son, Carl, and two
daughters, Addie and Eurilla. The funeral arrangements have not
been made.
BLINN, L. G./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 20, 1852
We
regret to learn that the accident mentioned a few days since,
which resulted in breaking the arm of Mr. L. G. Blinn, has
terminated fatally. He breathed his last on Thursday of tetanus,
brought on by the severity of the wound. He died at the Piasa
House in Alton, on Thursday morning, February 12, Mr. L. G.
Blinn, aged about 40 years.
BLUME, GUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1912
Laborer Found Lying Dead Across Bluff Line Track
Gus
Blume, a laborer who had been working around Oldenburg, was
found lying dead beside the railroad track this morning by
Charles Wedig. It was supposed that Blume, who was walking the
track, became caught in some ties and held fast and could not
get out of the way of the train. He was at the saloon at
Oldenburg Sunday night, leaving there about 9 o'clock and
started for his home. That was the last seen of him until his
body was found beside the track.
BLUME, JOHN H. (PROFESSOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
19, 1873
Died on September 11th near Collinsville, Prof. John
H. Blume, A. B.; aged 23 years.
BOALS, JULIETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 9, 1908
Mrs. Juliette Boals, wife of M. H. Boals, died very suddenly
this afternoon at the family residence, Sixth and Langdon
streets, at 4:15 o'clock. Her death was very unexpected.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1908
Mrs. Juliette J. Boals, wife of Manuel H. Boals, died suddenly at
the family home on Sixth street about four o'clock Saturday
afternoon, as stated in the Telegraph Saturday evening. The
immediate cause of her death was heart failure. Mrs. Boals was
taken suddenly ill Friday afternoon, but apparently improved
rapidly so that on Saturday the members of her family went to
business and to the High school meet as they had planned. About
the middle of the afternoon on Saturday there was a sudden
change in her condition, and before the physician or the absent
members of the family could arrive she had lost consciousness
and never rallied. Mrs. Boals was born in the vicinity of East
Alton, January 9, 1845. She spent her childhood and youth in
Alton, graduating from the Illinois Female college in
Jacksonville. April 10th, 1867, she was married to Manuel H.
Boals, whose home she has blessed and hallowed for the past
forty-one years. She was the mother of six children, Miss Minnie
M. Boals, William J. Boals and Harry G. Boals, all of Alton; and
Frank S. Boals of Champaign, Ill.; La Rue R. Boals and Mrs. Fred
L. Eberhardt of Newark, N. J. Upon another, John L. Boals, she
bestowed all the love and care of an own mother. These, together
with the stricken husband, whose constant and devoted companion
she has been through the long years, mourn the loss of one who
was a marvel of unselfishness and patience in the care and love
she gave them and in the retiring but gracious aid she always
extended to others when it lay within her power to give it. She
has been closely connected with the Congregational church since
its early history, and until a severe illness somewhat impaired
the vigor of her health, she gave loving and valuable service to
its life and work. When she was forced to lay that activity
aside, her large family of children stepped in to fill the
breach, but she never lost her active sympathy and interest in
its welfare. One half-sister, Miss Mae Quigley, and a
step-brother, William Quigley, with the neighborhood in which
she lived, have lost a firm friend and an unfailing help in
sickness and trouble. Funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon
at half past two o'clock from the family home, 502 East Sixth
street.
BOALS, EMANUEL “MANUEL” H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 6, 1919
Proprietor of Boals Planing Mill
Charter
Member of the Blue Grass Hunting Club
Emanuel (Manuel) H.
Boals, in his eighty-seventh year, died at his residence, Sixth
and Langdon Streets, Tuesday afternoon [August 5] at 3:30
o'clock following a general breakdown. He had been failing in
strength for a long time, but beginning March 15 he had been
confined to his room all of the time and most of the time to his
bed. He had been seeing some of his children last week - Mrs. F.
L. Eberhardt of Newark, N. J., and Captain Larue R. Boals of the
U. S. Army - and they had departed just the day before the final
breakdown came. Since their departure, his decline had been
rapid.
Mr. Boals maintained a remarkable record. The
last of the original Blue Grass Hunting Club to stick to its
traditions of making a yearly camping outing, Mr. Boals would
not cease his annual pilgrimages to the wilds of the Illinois
River, up to two years ago. Long after almost all the other
members of the old-time camping club were dead, Mr. Boals would
go for his trips and would put in a week or two roughing it. Two
years ago, he made the last trip when his son, Harry, was
married and a camping trip was decided on as the form of trip
the honeymoon would be. He was a man of great strength and
energy, and before his retirement from the planing mill and
lumber business, had been an active figure in Alton's business
circles.
Mr. Boals was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania,
April 31, 1833. He came to Alton when he was 21 years of age and
followed the trade of carpenter. Soon afterward he engaged in
business and also conducted a lumber yard. The planing mill and
lumber yard were the result of the demands of the constantly
growing business of the firm of contractors. Mr. Boals succeeded
his partner in the business and for many years conducted the
planing mill on East Broadway, on the site recently sold to the
Savidge Tractor Company. Advancing age caused Mr. Boals to
retire from business a number of years ago, turning it over to
his sons, who continued until fire destroyed the mill a few
years ago. The business was never revived after the fire. Mr.
Boals was a member of the Congregational Church of many years
standing. He was twice married, first to Marina Logan, and by
that marriage he leaves one son, John Boals of Bisbee, Arizona.
He was later married to Juliette Vaughn, and by that marriage he
leaves seven children: Miss Minnie Boals, William J. Boals,
Harry G. Boals, of Alton; Mrs. Lutie Eberhardt of Newark, New
Jersey; Dr. Frank S. Boals of Staunton, Nebraska; and Captain
Larue R. Boals now at Camp Sherman, Ohio. His second wife died
May 9, 1908. Mr. Boals was for many years an active and deeply
interested member of Piasa Lodge No. 27, A. F. & A. M.,
continuing his connection there up to the time of his death. He
was regarded as one of Alton's most substantial business men,
and had a large circle of friends. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 5 o'clock from the family home, Sixth and
Langdon Streets, where short services will be held. The Masonic
fraternity will have charge of the services at the grave. Burial
will be in City Cemetery. Flowers will be omitted.
NOTES:
Emanuel “Manuel” H. Boalss was born April 31, 1833 in
Pennsylvania, to Larue Francis Boals and Sarah Hunrick Boals.
The Boals family originally came from County Londonderry,
Ireland. David Boals first settled in Centre County,
Pennsylvania, and became prominent in the area. He acquired a
4,000-acre tract of land after the Revolutionary War. His son,
David Boals Jr., saw that the location made a good stopping
point for weary travelers, and opened the area’s first tavern in
1804, which led the way for the town to develop as a major
transportation hub. When the post office was established in
1820, the town was officially named Boalsburg. The David Boals
Tavern (Inn) still stands today.
Manuel Boals moved to
Alton in about 1854, at the age of 21. He engaged in business,
and conducted a lumberyard and planing mill, which became quite
successful. The Boals Planing Mill and Lumberyard in Alton was
located at the southwest corner of E. Broadway and Central
Avenue. It had formerly been the Alton Rail Car Manufactory. The
Boals family home was located at the northeast corner of Langdon
and E. 6th Streets, across from the Roosevelt High School. It
was in this home that Manuel Boals raised his children. His
daughter, Minnie, was educated in the Alton Schools, and taught
there her entire life, never marrying. She was the
Superintendent of Music for the Alton schools, and the entire
family was musically inclined. The Boals family attended the
Congregational Church at the corner of Henry and Sixth Street,
of which the construction of was primarily financed by Manuel
Boals. Manuel Boals in buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
BOALS, MARGARET M./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 5, 1864
Died at her residence in Alton, February 3, Mrs. Margaret M.
Boals, consort [wife] of Manuel Boals.
BODA, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 3, 1871
Died
on October 11, in the eastern part of Collinsville precinct,
Henry Boda, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany; aged 40 years. He
came to America about the year 1853, and resided many years in
Troy precinct, Madison County. He has left a widow and seven
children to mourn the departure of an affectionate husband and
parent. His end was peace.
BODE, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3,
1922
Old Publisher of German Language Newspapers
William A. Bode, for many years publisher of German language
newspaper in Alton and at St. Charles, Mo., died Sunday morning
at 8:55 o'clock at his home, 432 east Eighth street, in Alton,
after being an invalid for nine years. He had been sinking
rapidly the last week of his life and his death was no surprise
to the members of his family and his intimate friends. When he
was first taken down nine years ago, it was believed that his
illness was of little consequence, but he was never able to be
about again. The malady which proved fatal was the hardening of
the arteries, which was followed by a progressive paralysis that
made rapid progress in the last week or ten days. Mr. Bode is
best remembered in Alton and vicinity as the publisher of the
Alton Banner, and later of the Alton Journal. He had disposed of
his interest in the Banner and after a while launched the
Journal, which suspended when Mr. Bode was taken sick and was no
longer able to give it his personal attention. He belonged to
the old school of publishers who not only wrote their own copy,
but also set the type from which the printing was done. He never
lost interest in printing and members of his family said that in
his closing days, just before complete collapse came, in his
delirium, the old publisher was trying to always to hasten his
work of getting the type set, ready to go to press on time. In
newspaper offices the number 30 is the symbol of completion, and
when 30 came for him, he was still working hard so that he would
be "on time." Mr. Bode was born at Hanover, Germany, and he
would have been 73 years of age the 29th of this month. He came
to America with his parents when 2 years old, and they settled
at St. Charles, Mo. He learned the printing trade and published
the Democrat at St. Charles. Thirty years ago, he came to Alton
to take over the Alton Banner, and continued on that paper for
many years. He was highly respected in Alton and at St. Charles
and he was known both as a good man to his family and as a good
citizen. Had he lived until the 7th of April he would have been
able to have celebrated his fiftieth anniversary of his marriage
to Mrs. Bode, who survives him. Beside his widow, he leaves five
daughters, Mrs. W. W. Thousand, Mrs. Frank Wilson, Mrs. I. D. S.
Shepler, Misses Hilda and Ella Bode. He leaves also three
grandchildren, and two brothers, Christian and Henry Bode, both
of St. Charles. His only sister died less than a year ago. The
funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the
family home, and burial was in City cemetery.
BODENDEICK, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
16, 1911
Williiam Bodendeick, for 35 years a resident of
the village of Bethalto, died at his home there at 11 o'clock
Thursday morning after an illness of several years with asthma,
ending with a severe attack of the grip. He was 63 years of age,
and had followed the trade of a cooper in Bethalto, up to the
time of the burning of the factory. He leaves a daughter, Mrs.
William Stoehr of Boise City, Idaho, and funeral arrangements
will not be made until she is heard from.
BOEDECKER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3,
1901
Henry Boedecker, the 16 year old son of Henry
Boedecker, died last night after a two weeks illness with
typhoid fever at the family home, 412 Walnut street. The funeral
will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be
conducted at the family home by Prof. L. Fuer-winger of
Concordia college, St. Louis. The lad was a bright, intelligent
one, and his death is a sad blow to his parents.
BOEDEKER,
HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18, 1922
The funeral of Henry Boedeker will be held Sunday, with services
at the home on Lampert Street, at 1:30 o'clock and at the
Lutheran Church on Central avenue at 2:00 o'clock. Boedeker died
yesterday morning after an illness of three years. Four sons,
Charles, Anton, George and Louis Boedeker, and two sons-in-law-,
Arthur Laux and George Davis, will serve as pallbearers.
Interment will be in the family lot in City cemetery.
BOEDY,
LENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 8, 1918
Mrs. Lena Boedy died Thursday at 827 East Sixth street in a
house in which she lived for the past twenty years. Mrs. Boedy,
who was 79 years of age, had been in good health up until
Wednesday when she was taken suddenly ill. Medical aid was given
her, but she did not rally and died Thursday night at 11:30
o'clock. Mrs. Boedy resided in Alton for thirty-two years. She
is survived by two daughters, Mrs. George Pile, with whom she
made her home, and Mrs. Mary Hahn. Five grandchildren, three
great grandchildren, and seven step-children. Mrs. Boedy was an
excellent neighbor and will be greatly missed by her large
number of relatives and friends. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church. Interment
will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
BOEDY,
PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24, 1902
North Alton News - Philip Boedy, aged 36 years, died Sunday
morning at 4:45 o'clock after a couple of weeks illness with
typhoid pneumonia. He was a member of the milling firm of Boedy
& Chappell, and was a life-long resident of this and the Newbern
vicinity, where his parents were among the earliest, most
progressive and best known citizens. Deceased has many relatives
and friends in this and Jersey counties who will regret greatly
his demise. He leaves a widow and three children. He was a
member of Oakwood Camp Modern Woodmen, and the members of that
camp will attend the funeral in a body. The funeral will be
Tuesday afternoon from the home at 2 o'clock. Interment will be
in Melville cemetery.
BOEHM, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 17,
1906
Quarrel on Belle Street Results in Death
Fred Boehm, a laborer,
was instantly killed by George Dalton of 1209 Belle street at
Dalton's home, by being struck a blow over the eye and knocked
backward down one step, striking his head on a stone step. The
trouble is said to have started over a dance given in the
neighborhood. On Saturday night Boehm met Dalton in Thomas
Broderick's saloon, where Dalton had stopped while on his way
for some medicine for his sick wife and child. Boehm, according
to Dalton's story, began quarreling with him and challenged him
to fight. Dalton refused and slipped out of the saloon and went
back home. Boehm, who lived next door, followed him, and on
arriving at Dalton's home he renewed his challenges, and
according to Dalton he declared his intention of entering the
house and whipping Dalton, who struck Boehm a blow in the face
and knocked him down. Dalton is small of stature and a light
weight, while Boehm was strong and heavy. After Boehm fell
heavily to the sidewalk, Dalton, with a neighbor, dragged him to
his own porch and left him there. Dalton then proceeded to get
the medicine for his wife and child, and was afterward arrested.
BOEHM, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 24, 1909
Civil War Soldier Dies
Louis Boehm, aged 76 years, died yesterday
afternoon at his home in Union street from dropsy, after a long
illness. He was a native of Germany but came to this country
when yet a youth. He enlisted in the Civil War on the side of
the union, and served throughout that struggle. He leaves a wife
and one daughter, Mrs. Conrad Hartmann of Springfield, Ill. The
funeral will be held Wednesday morning from St. Mary's church,
and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery. Mr. Boehm was a
veteran of the Civil War and drew a pension. Recently he
procured an increase of pension to $20 a month after
considerable difficulty. His evidence that he was 75 years of
age was hard to get. The very best he could procure in this
country was that of a twin sister who lives in Minnesota, but
her statement as to the time of her brother's birth would not be
received by the pension department. After considerable delay,
the old soldier managed to procure a certified copy of the birth
records of the family in the family Bible in Germany, and when
this was filed Mr. Boehm received the pension. Before he
received it, he expressed doubt that he would live to get the
desired increase, but he did and had drawn one payment of the
$20 a month allowance.
BOEHM,
MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1920
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Boehm was held this morning from the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Henry Gissal, to St. Mary's church
where services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph Meckel. There
were many old friends of Mrs. Boehm at the funeral services.
Burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery. The pallbearers were Minard
Joehl, Chris Eckhard, John Manns, John Schmidt, Joseph Wuellner
and Lawrence Hellrung.
BOEKER,
CHARLES/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Friday, April 17,
1896
Charles Boeker, aged 10 years, died Monday night
[April 13] at the home of his brother, F. H. Boeker, on Fillmore
street, of diphtheria. The funeral took place Wednesday to
Prairietown. The boy came to this city on Sunday, April 5, to
learn the trade of shoemaker. He worked at K. Lorch's store the
next day, and on Tuesday was taken sick and after a week's
suffering died.
BOEREKER, LEO THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
12, 1908
Leo Thomas, the little eight months old son of
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Boercker, died Sunday, October 11th, of
bronchitis, at their home on West Seventh street, after an
illness of nine days. The family have the sympathy of their many
friends in the loss of their only son who was the pride of his
parents' hearts and who are now heart broken over his sudden
death. The funeral will take place Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the
Cathedral. Interment in Greenwood cemetery.
BOESCHERT, BRIDGET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18,
1919
Mrs. Bridget Boeschert, wife of Martin Boeschert,
died Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock at the family home, 632 east
Ninth Street, after an illness of more than a year from cancer.
She was born in Alton, the 4th of May, 1860, and had spent all
of her life in the one neighborhood. She was a member of the
order of Ladies of the Maccabbess, and one of its oldest
members. She leaves beside her husband, four children: Walter,
Felix, Paul, and Louisa. The funeral will be held from St.
Mary's church Thursday morning at 9 o'clock.
BOESCHERT, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 11,
1907
The body of Mrs. Leo Boeschert arrived this noon
from St. Louis and burial will be in this city. She was Miss
Rose Cahill before her marriage less than a year ago. Mrs.
Boeschert leaves two sisters in Alton, Mrs. John Dooling of 918
east Sixth street and Mrs. James Hershman. She leaves also her
father, Joseph Cahill, and a brother, Raymond Cahill, at Gas
City, Ind. The body was taken to the Dooling home and the
funeral will be held from there to St. Mary's church Friday
morning.
BOETTGER, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 29, 1920
The funeral of Emil Boettger was held this
afternoon from the Moro Presbyterian church, and was largely
attended by relatives and friends. Interment was in the Moro
cemetery. Boettger died near Dorsey last week, being a victim of
lockjaw.
BOH, MARIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 10,
1904
Mrs. Marie Boh, aged 82, a resident of Alton fifty
years, died this morning after a long illness. She was a native
of Hessen, Germany. The funeral will be held from her home, 615
George street, Thursday at 9 a.m. Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann
will officiate. [Interment was in City Cemetery]
BOHART,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF H. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
12, 1911
The death of Mrs. H. J. Bohart occurred at 9:10
p.m. Monday at the family home, 121 West Ninth street, after an
illness of several weeks of typhoid malaria. She was 28 years of
age. She leaves no children, and is survived by her husband. She
was born in Cheltenham, Mo., and was married on Christmas Eve,
1907. The date of the funeral has not yet been fully settled
upon, but the services will be held at the home. Mrs. Bohart had
been in poor health for a number of years.
BOHEANS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31, 1921
George Boheans died Monday afternoon at the family home near
Bethalto. His death was caused from asthma of which he had been
a sufferer for several years. The deceased is the father of Mrs.
George Oetkin of Wood River. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon from the family home.
BOHLEN, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 12,
1907
Mrs. Gertrude Bohlen, aged 84, died very suddenly
last night at her home near Fosterburg. She had been in what was
considered her usual health and there was no thought of her
being in a dangerous state. She was able to be up and around her
home and during the latter part of the afternoon she went out in
the ____ to drive some pigs out of the yard. She had lived with
her daughter, Mrs. John Schulte. A child of Mrs. Schulte saw his
grandmother fall over in the yard and ran to see what was thr
trouble. A physician was _____ after the aged lady was carried
into the house, but it was said that she was dead. Mrs. Bohlen
had lived in the vicinity of Fosterburg more than 60 years. She
was the mother of three children, Mrs. ______, Mrs. Minnie
Schau, and Mrs. _____ Obermueller. The funeral will be held
Monday morning at 11 o'clock from the Dorsey church.
BOHNENSTIEHL, MRS. JACOB SR./Source: Troy Star, April 26, 1894
Mrs. Jacob Bohnenstiehl Sr., in the vicinity of Black Jack,
died Tuesday morning. The funeral took place from the family
residence this afternoon at 2 o'clock, services being held at
the Protestant Church.
BOLLMANN, CAROLINE/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Wednesday, January 20, 1892
Mrs. Caroline Bollmann, wife
of Henry F. Bollmann, died Monday morning [Jan. 18], aged 39
years, 2 months and 7 days. She was born in Pin Oak township,
being a daughter of the late Ernst Kriege, November 11, 1852.
She married Henry F. Bollmann February 2, 1871. She was the
mother of nine children. Her husband and eight children, the
oldest 19 years and the youngest ten days, survive. The funeral
took place yesterday. The services were held at the German M. E.
church, Rev. John Schlagenhauf officiating. The remains were
interred in Woodlawn cemetery. The pallbearers were: William
Giese, Henry P. Stulken, William Stulken, M. Dieken, William
Schaake, and Ernst Englemann.
BOLLMANN, ELIZABETH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December
30, 1891
Mrs. Elizabeth Bollmann, aged 80 years, 9 months
and 16 days, died at the home of her son, Herman, near this
city, last night [Dec. 29], at 6 o'clock. Old age had been _____
on her for some time, and two weeks ago she took sick with la
grippe, which was the immediate cause of her death. The funeral
will take place tomorrow morning, at 11 o'clock, from the
residence of her son, Herman, to the Ger____ .... The remains
will be interred in Woodlawn cemetery. She was born March 13,
1811, in Linen Province, Westphalen, Prussia, and came to this
country in November 1865, settling near this city. She has
resided here since. When about 20 years of age she married
William Bollmann. They had eleven children, seven of whom are
living. They are Ernst Bollmann and Rika Stolte, of this city,
Sophia Kattker of Cincinnati, Ohio, William Bollmann and Lizzie
Kettlekamp of Nokomis, and Henry and Herman, of this city. She
leaves 40 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a host of
friends to mourn her demise.
BOLTON, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16,
1907
Thomas Bolton, colored, aged about 95 years, died
last night at his home near the Corbett brickyard. He was
father-in-law of Henry Mayo, and the funeral will be held
tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. Burial will be in Rocky Ford
cemetery.
BOMGARDEN, ANDREW/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 24, 1865
The Madison Intelligencer says a man named Andrew Bomgarden was
found dead in his bed in a little shanty, about four miles
southwest of this place, near the residence of Mr. John
Barnsback, on Sunday last. He probably came to his death by
debility, produced by sickness and the lack, doubtless, of
proper treatment.
BONAMY, HARRY ARTHUR/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 14, 1871
Died in Alton on July 7, Harry Arthur, only child of J. V. and
Ella K. Bonamy; aged 3 months.
BONE, OLA L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1904
Miss Ola L. Bone, aged 26, died Sunday morning from
pneumonia at her home in the east end place on Illinois avenue.
The funeral was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the
family home, and services were conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny.
BONN, JOHN P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 13, 1914
John P. Bonn, aged 80, died Friday evening at Edwardsville,
and was buried in Edwardsville Sunday. He was the father of
Edward Bonn, who is employed in the Alton post office. Mr. Bonn
worked as a teamster making regular trips between Alton and
Edwardsville, before there was any railroad, and hauled freight.
He is remembered by many of the older residents of Alton.
BONNELL, FRANK ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 11, 1918
Frank Arthur Bonnell, the 4 months old
child of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bonnell, of 412 Central avenue, died
this morning with pneumonia. The funeral services will be held
Thursday afternoon from the home, and the burial will be in
Oakwood Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Bonnell suffered the loss of a
child several months ago, the death of their son today being the
second child to die within the year.
BONNELL, SAMUEL EUGENE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 17, 1850
Died in Alton on the 14th inst., Samuel Eugene Bonnell, aged 9
months, son of Samuel and Alice Jane Bonnell.
BONNING, EDNA (nee SMITH)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 29, 1920
Mrs. Edna Smith Bonning of Appledale,
Washington, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George
F. Smith of the Bethalto road, yesterday afternoon at 2:30. Mrs.
Bonning came here two days before Christmas for the first visit
home since her marriage four years ago. She was suddenly taken
ill about a week ago, and it is understood that the cause of her
death was a complication of troubles resulting from influenza.
She was 28 years old and had lived in East Alton until the time
of her marriage to William Bonning. She was a graduate of the
Alton High school, and was a teacher for two years in the
Kennedy school, one year in the Godfrey school, and then went to
Appledale, Washington to teach. While there she met Bonning.
Mrs. Bonning is survived by her husband, her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. George F. Smith, two brothers, George and Charles of East
Alton, and one sister, Mrs. William Groves of Wood River. The
couple had no children. Mrs.Bonning's parents and grandparents
have always lived in East Alton, her grandfather being one of
the early settlers. Her death comes as a severe shock to
relatives and friends. Her husband has been sent for, and will
arrive some time Sunday. No funeral arrangements will be made
until he gets here.
BONNING, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 9,
1920
Dies One Week After Arriving in Alton for Wife's Funeral
William Bonning, 30, of Appledale, Washington, died last
night at St. Joseph's hospital, following an illness with double
pneumonia. He died just one week after arriving in Alton and ten
days after his wife, Mrs. Edna Smith Bonning. Mrs. Bonning,
formerly Miss Edna Smith, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George
Smith of the Bethalto road, went to Appledale four years ago to
teach school. There she met Mr. Bonning. Mrs. Bonning returned
here two days before Christmas for her first visit home since
her marriage. She became ill a few weeks ago and died on
Wednesday, January 28. Her death was the result of an attack of
influenza. While Mrs. Bonning was taken ill, her husband was
told of her illness by wire and he immediately began the trip
here. Mrs. Bonning died while her husband was enroute to Alton.
During the trip he became ill with influenza and shortly after
coming to Alton was removed to St. Joseph's hospital. He arrived
in Alton Sunday, February 1, just a week before his death. When
Mr. Bonning came to Alton it was the first time he had seen the
parents of his wife. He was the owner of a ranch in Washington
and was said to be wealthy. He is survived by his parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Edward Bonning, a brother, Charles and two sisters,
Miss Ethel Blonning and Mrs. Victor Ross, all of Appledale. The
parents of Mr. Bonning have been notified of his death. No
arrangements for the funeral or shipment of the remains will be
made until the parents have been heard from. Mr. and Mrs.
Bonning had been married four years. They had no children.
BOOKOUT, CHARLES B./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1873
Died on January 22 at Alton Junction [East Alton], Charles B.,
son of Benjamin and Frances Bookout; aged 7 years, 11 months,
and 22 days.
BOON, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 16, 1868
Died
in Alton on the 1th last, after a long and painful illness, Mrs.
Mary Boon, in the 82nd year of her age.
BOONE, MARY A. "POLLY"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
Saturday February 11, 1893
Edwardsville Democrat - We
learn that the Mary A. Boone, colored, who died in Alton
recently, over one hundred years old, and to whose last will and
testament reference was made in the last issue of the Democrat,
was in the early 30's a resident of Edwardsville. She was then
the wife of James Crow, who was familiarly known by the
sobriquet "Jim Crow." They resided in a one-room log house which
at that date stood where the long brick house stands now
occupied by Edward Dippold and family, in lower town. After the
death of Crow, she married Boone, also a negro, of Alton, and it
was he and not she, that was brought to the northwest country by
Daniel Boone. There are probably not more than two persons here
about at present, cognizant of the foregoing facts, Mrs. Jane
Buckmaster of Alton, and Mrs. S. J. Torrence, of this city.
BOOTH, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 20, 1849
Died in Alton on the 20th instant, of cholera, Mrs. Elizabeth
Booth, wife of Mr. William Booth, aged __ years. The deceased
came to this city with her husband in the Spring of 1832, from
Stifflingfoot, near the city of York, England. She has left a
husband, several children, and many friends to deplore her loss.
It may be truly said that she died at peace with her Maker, and
with the world.
BOOTH, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10, 1842
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 2d instant., Mary,
daughter of Mr. William Booth, aged 18 years.
BOOTH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 1, 1852
Died on Friday the 24th instant, Mr. William Booth, aged 68
years. The deceased has been a resident of Alton many years, and
leaves a large circle of relatives, friends, and acquaintances
to mourn his loss.
BOOZ, HANNAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 26, 1848
Died on
the 23d inst., Mrs. Hannah, consort of Mr. David Booz of Alton,
aged 26(?) years, 0 months, and 20 days. The deceased embraced
religion when in her 18th year, and joined the Methodist E.
Church, of which she remained a consistent member until the day
of her death. During a long and severe illness, she enjoyed all
the rich consolations of the Gospel, and lived in the full
triumph of faith, praising her Redeemer while strength remained.
Her funeral sermon will be preached in the Methodist E. Church
on Sunday morning next, the 28th inst.
BOQUA, ANDREW D./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1844
Died, in Upper Alton, August 14th, Mr. Andrew D. Boqua, aged
32 years. Mr. Boqua was a worthy citizen, and his death is
universally lamented by all who knew him.
BORCKMANN, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1907
Mr. Charles Borckmann, an undertaker in Alton many
years ago, died this morning from old age, in her 84th year, at
his home in the rear of 640 east Second street. His death had
been expected for several weeks, as he was growing weaker and
there was no hope for his recovery. He had lived in Alton since
he was a young man, about fifty years, and for many years was
engaged in business in the city. He leaves beside his widow,
four sons and one daughter. He was a member of the Odd Fellows
order for many years and the funeral services will be under the
auspieces of that order. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
BOREN, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6,
1911
Commits Suicide by Drinking Carbolic Acid
Harry Boren, a
laborer committed suicide at his home at 1731 Alby street at
1:45 Monday afternoon by drinking carbolic acid in the presence
of his entire family. No reason could be given for this deed by
his wife, except that he had been out of work for some time. He
is said to have bad trouble with his wife. On arriving at his
home, he made the remark that he was going to leave. With this
remark he entered a small bedroom and closed the door. A short
time later his wife entered the room and found him in the act of
drinking the acid. She attempted to knock the bottle from his
hand, but he resisted, and drank the contents of the bottle.
Mrs. Boren received a severe burn upon her arm where some of the
acid struck her. He took the acid at one o'clock, and at one
forty-five was dead. He leaves a wife, one child, and five
stepchildren; also parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Boren, and a
brother Lemuel Boren. Boren took out an insurance burial policy
in the Alton Mutual society a few days ago, which would have
allowed his wife about $300, but he forgot to pay his dues and
so the policy is void.
BOREN, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18, 1921
The funeral of Mrs. Martha Boren will be held Sunday
afternoon at two o'clock from the home of her son, J. N. Boren
on Bluff Street, with Rev. Twing officiating. The interment will
be in the City Cemetery.
BOREN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22,
1918
The funeral of William Boren will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his son, L. Boren, 458
West Bluff street, and ..... [unreadable]. Burial was in City
Cemetery.
BOSCHERT, CELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
16, 1908
The funeral of Mrs. Celia Boschert was held this
morning from St. Mary's church, and was attended by a large
number of friends and neighbors of deceased and of the family.
Floral offerings were numerous and the grave in St. Joseph's
cemetery was well covered with these mute but expressive tokens
of sorrow and esteem.
BOSCHERT, LEO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10, 1909
Leo Boschert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Boschert, died
Wednesday morning at the family home, 713 east Sixth street,
after an illness of 18 months. He was in his 22nd year. He had
been suffering from an incurable disease, and in the hope of
improving his health he went away from home, but the change was
not beneficial and he returned. About 17 months ago he lost his
wife, at the time of the birth of their child. The infant
survived its mother. A brother, August, died very suddenly last
October. He leaves his 17 months old son, his parents, four
brothers and two sisters. Funeral arrangements have not been
made.
BOSCHERT, MARTIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 7, 1911
Martin Boschert, aged 83, died at the home
of his daughter, Mrs. John Girth, 723 Clement place, Tuesday
evening at 7 o'clock. His death was due to a fall in which he
fractured a rib Saturday night. The aged man rose from his bed
because of the intense heat and he walked out and the change,
combined with the injury to his rib, developed pneumonia from
which he died. He was born in Baden, Germany, where he lived
until young manhood, and then came to America. He had resided in
Alton nearby 60 years. He resided with his daughter since the
death of his wife a few years ago. Mr. Boschert is survived by
two daughters, Mrs. John Girth and Mrs. Gabriel White, and two
sons, Martin and Edward Boschert. The funeral will be Thursday
morning from St. Mary's church.
BOSCHERT, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13,
1909
Mrs. Mary Boschert, wife of Joseph Boschert, died
Monday morning at her home on Sixth street between Liberty and
Ridge, from the effects of a fall she sustained the latter part
of last week. Mrs. Boschert was out in the yard trying to shovel
snow the day of the first snowfall last week, and while so
engaged she slipped and fell, striking the ground as she was
trying to save herself. She must have twisted her body in trying
to break the force of the fall, and she caused a rupture of some
of her internal organs. The attending surgeon said a surgical
operation might help her, and one was performed, but this proved
ineffective and this morning Mrs. Boschert died after intense
suffering. She was 22 years of age and had been married a little
over two years. She leaves besides her husband, one child. She
was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hartmann, and is survived
by a family of brothers and sisters. In the past two months Mr.
Boschert has lost in addition to his wife, two brothers and a
sister-in-law, and the hand of affliction seems to be resting
very heavy upon him. No funeral arrangements have been made.
BOSLER, ALONZO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16,
1912
Falls Between Cars and Is Beheaded
Alonzo Bosler, 18
years of age, a workman in the Beall Bros. plant at East Alton,
fell between two cars on the Big Four plug near the foot of
Langdon street at six o'clock last night, and was beheaded by
the car wheels passing over his head. Those who were near Bosler
at the time state that he was trying to get out where he could
get off the train as soon as it reached the station platform,
and in some manner sat up on the railing of the car platform.
Suddenly he slipped through the opening between the two cars and
disappeared from view. There was no outcry from Bosler, but when
he fell a cry went up from the other workmen and the train was
stopped. When he was found he had been completely beheaded by
the wheels passing over his head. Bosler resided with Mr. and
Mrs. Albert Neitzel of 930 Alby street. He has a brother at
Kimswick, Mo., who has been notified. coroner C. N. Streeper has
taken charge of the remains. Bosler was to have become a
benedict in April, his engagement to Miss Nellie Zimmerman of
1028 Market street having been announced. The young man was well
liked in the circles he moved in, and his tragic death has
caused much sadness among his friends. He leaves six brothers
and three sisters, but none of his relatives reside in Alton.
The remains will be shipped to Kimswick, Mo., for burial.
BOSOMWORTH, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 7, 1875
From Edwardsville, Jan. 5, 1875 – George Bosomworth, aged about
45 years, and at one time the owner of a good farm at Ridge
Prairie, as well as the head of a family, died probably from the
effects of intemperance and exposure in Edwardsville, about 12
o’clock last Sunday. The deceased, when sober, was a quiet,
genial, inoffensive citizen, but for several years past, had let
Bacchus govern his appetite to such an extent as to render him
quite destitute. He not unfrequently of night, when every other
place was closed, found lodging behind the bulletin board in the
courthouse hall. Such, we understand, was the case last Saturday
night, and the exposure was too much for him. Death came to his
rescue. His relatives were informed of the fact, and took charge
of his remains and gave them respectable burial. Peace to the
poor man’s ashes.
BOSTICK, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1872
Died on July 30, 1872, at Collinsville, Mrs. Catherine Bostick,
consort of James D. Bostick, Esq.,; in her 68th year.
BOSTWICK, JOHN/Source: Chicago Daily Tribune, December 28,
1872
Died September 12, 1855
John Bostwick came to reside
in the State of Illinois in the year 1832, and from then to his
death, resided in the town of Upper Alton, Madison County.
Bostwick was for many years, from the year 1834 till his death,
a large owner of property in many counties of Illinois, and was
widely known and influential. In or prior to the year 1835, the
said John Bostwick erected in Upper Alton one of the finest
residences in the State of Illinois, and embellished, improved,
and adorned the home and the grounds, which consisted of over
six acres of land. Bostwick and his family, till his death,
resided in the home. John Bostwick also established at his
residence a private seminary for the education of his children
and those of his neighbors, and employed and maintained teachers
for that purpose. And by reason of his public spirit and
enterprise, his interest and efforts to promote education, his
large business and connections, his hospitalities at his said
residence, and the beauty and magnificence of said residence, he
and his family were for many years widely known throughout this
and other States. In the Spring of the year 1855, Bostwick
visited the city of Chicago from time to time, and purchased
property in Cook County. While in Cook County, he boarded at
different places. In August 1855, went to the house of Benjamin
F. Downing, a man professing honesty and piety, and a Methodist
leader. John Bostwick boarded at the time of his death at the
house of Downing.
John Bostwick was at the time of his
going to Chicago, a man of powerful frame, sound health, and
imposing presence, but he fell through the hatch of a steamboat,
and from thence his health declined. In August 1855, his wife,
Mary M. Bostwick, who was then at home in Upper Alton, was sent
for by Downing, on account of the illness of her husband. She
arrived at Downing’s house in Chicago on or about August 20,
1855, and found her husband, John Bostwick, paralyzed, and until
his death, he continued to grow worse with paralysis. John
Bostwick, so long as he retained consciousness, appeared to have
some business matters on his mind, which he wished to
communicate to his wife, and tried at different times to state
them, but owing to the effect of the disease and the difficulty
of speaking, was unable so to do. He said at such times
something about papers, and seemed to try to tell where they
were, and appeared sad and disappointed that he could not. John
Bostwick died at the house of Mr. Downing on September 12, 1855.
Paul Cornell, who had been involved with John Bostwick
in business, furnished the funds necessary to purchase a coffin
and send his widow and corpse to his home at Upper Alton. The
widow went with his remains from the Downing house to the
Bostwick home at Upper Alton, and there the remains were buried.
Their home was, at the time of his death, and for more than 15
years prior, the only residence of John Bostwick and his family.
John Bostwick died intestate (without a will), leaving
his widow, Mary M. Bostwick, who was born May 30, 1820, and the
following children: Sophia A. Bostwick, John H. Bostwick,
Susetta Blanche Bostwick Yerkes (wife of Dr. Titus Paul Yerkes),
Charles D. Bostwick, Dora M. Bostwick (wife of Thomas Spalding),
Mary A. Bostwick Dunn, and Valeria H. Dunn (unknown if this was
her child).
All of the children resided at the time of
their father’s death at his residence in Upper Alton. On about
August 23, 1855, John Higham, the father of Mary M. Bostwick,
went to the house of Downing to assist in the care of John
Bostwick, and remained there until Bostwick’s death, when he
then left with the widow and Bostwick’s remains to Upper Alton,
Illinois. After Bostwick was buried, Higham returned to Chicago
to take charge of the effects and settled the affairs of John
Bostwick. Cornell and Downing, and their friends, concealed from
Higham a deed of land, so that the Bostwick family would have no
knowledge of it until late in the year 1872, when it was
discovered. At the time of Bostwick’s death, he was in
possession of 80 acres of land in Cook County, and had fenced
and improved the property. It was believed that because of his
illness, Bostwick had not paid in full for the property and its
improvements. Cornell and Downing convinced Higham that the land
was of little value, and pretended to sell the property to
Ralston B. Palmer for $5,000, when the worth was $50,000.
On November 17, 1855, sixty-six days after John Bostwick’s
death, Downing, Cornell, and others were sued by the estate of
Bostwick for the Chicago property.
BOSTWICK,
MARY M. (nee HIGHAM)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
3, 1913
Wife of John Bostwick Sr.
Mrs. Mary M. Bostwick,
in her ninety-fourth year, died Sunday morning at her home, 116
North Main Street in Upper Alton, from weakness of old age. Her
condition had been very bad for the last few days of her life,
and it was realized that the aged woman was sinking steadily.
During her illness, and in fact during all of the advanced years
of her life, Mrs. Bostwick was given the constant attention of
her only son, John Bostwick Jr., who gave up business pursuits
that he might look after his aged mother, who insisted upon
having him with her all the time.
Mrs. Bostwick had
lived in Alton since she was nine years of age, when she came
here with her parents. She was born May 30, 1820 in Canandaigua
County, New York. They came by stage coach to Cincinnati, and
from there down the Ohio and up the Mississippi by boat - an
ordinary flatboat which her father had provided as an ark in
which to move his family to Alton, which was then one of the
most promising points in the western country. Two years ago, in
giving account of Mrs. Bostwick's life for an anniversary
edition of the Telegraph, a writer said of her: "She is still a
girl at 92, she never has lost interest in the boys and girls,
their courtships, their marriages, and subsequent events in
their careers." This was literally true. The aged woman had
solved the secret of keeping young by maintaining an interest in
the younger people. Her eye was always set on the future instead
of on the past, though her memory went far back into the years
that had departed, and she could recall many interesting tales
of things that were. One of the saddest events in Mrs.
Bostwick's life was the death of her daughter, Mrs. Titus Paul
Yerkes [Susetta Blanche Bostwick Yerkes], a few years ago
[December 1910].
Mrs. Bostwick leaves two children, John
Bostwick Jr. and Mrs. Dora Spaulding, now a resident of
California, and prevented by ill health from attending her
mother's funeral. She leaves three grandchildren - Mrs. Tracey
Thomas, Mrs. Chamblin, and Dr. L. L. Yerkes, to whom she was
strongly attached. The funeral hour was not set until Mrs.
Thomas, who was in the south, could be communicated with and
informed of her grandmother's death. The funeral of Mrs.
Bostwick will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the
home on Main Street. Rev. W. M. Rhoads, who has been a neighbor
of Mrs. Bostwick many years, will conduct the service.
NOTES:
Mary M. Higham Bostwick was born in Canandaigua
County, New York, on May 30, 1820. She came to Upper Alton with
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Higham, in about 1829. In 1835,
Higham constructed a stone building at the corner of Clawson
Street and College Avenue, which today is commonly referred to
as the “Old Rock House.” The Higham family occupied the east
side of the double-residence. This home was an early residence
of Rev. Thaddeus B. Hurlbut, and was where the first
Anti-Slavery Society in Illinois was organized in 1837. Mary
Higham met Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy on a stage coach, as she was
returning home from school in Jacksonville. Mr. Lovejoy produced
a cigar and asked if she objected to the tobacco smoke. She
replied that she did mind. To this Lovejoy replied, “Some people
do,” and proceeded to smoke his cigar. In her youth, Mary
recalled how the Indians would travel down the Mississippi River
in their canoes, and shoot their arrows at the Piasa Bird
painted on the bluffs. She said the Indians did not regard it as
a bird, but rather as a Devil.
Mary M. Bostwick married
John Bostwick Sr., who along with H. N. Kendall, arrived in
Alton on a houseboat in 1837 – the year Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy
was murdered by a mob. At one time, Bostwick had been a merchant
in New Orleans. They tied their boat near the foot of Henry
Street, where they lived for a short time. The family carried
fresh water from a spring at Broadway and Spring Streets. John
Bostwick, who made his fortune in real estate, purchased eight
acres of ground in Upper Alton, where he began the construction
of a large home on the West side of Seminary Street. The home
was destroyed by fire, and he decided to build another home
across the street, on the East side of Seminary Street. John Sr.
and Mary Bostwick lived in their large home on Seminary Street
until abt. 1853, when it was either sold or rented for use as
the Rural Park Seminary for Girls. Their son, John H. Bostwick
Jr., was born in the home in 1841. John Jr. never married, and
lived with his mother and took care of her until his death in
1923.
Edward Wyman visited Upper Alton on a business
trip and saw the Bostwick home on Seminary Street and fell in
love with it. In 1879, he traded land in St. Louis for the
eight-acre track, and founded the Wyman Institute (which would
later become the Western Military Academy).
Mary
Bostwick and her son, John Jr., are buried in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery. Her husband, John Bostwick Sr., died in
September 1855 in Chicago. It is believed John Bostwick Sr. was
buried in the Oakwood Cemetery also.
BOTT, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1921
Mrs. Mary Bott, aged 68, was found dying in bed about 3:30
o'clock this morning by her aged husband, George Bott, who was
waiting on her. Mr. Bott had been sitting up talking to his wife
just a few minutes before, and he became alarmed at her sudden
silence. He investigated and found that she was apparently in a
state of collapse, possibly from heart trouble. A doctor was
called and he found her dead. Mrs. Bott had been in her usual
health when last Thursday she slipped and fell on the ice,
sustaining injuries which caused her considerable trouble, but
did not forbid her being around her home. She had been up and
about her home Christmas day, and yesterday, and there was no
cause for any alarm over her condition. Her death was a great
surprise to everybody. Mrs. Bott moved to Alton about three
years ago from Brighton, where the couple had lived many years.
The family were living at 84 East Elm street at the time Mrs.
Bott died. Beside her husband, she leaves five children: Oliver
Bott and Mrs. James Barnard and Walter Bott of Brighton; Paull
Bott of Bunker Hill; Mrs. Thomas Bushnell of Logan Street in
Alton; and Mrs. George Grabe of Brighton. There had been a
family gathering on Christmas day and the children had gone home
Sunday after having had a fine time with their parents. Mrs.
Bott had entered into the spirit of the Christmas holiday with
eagerness. Every child in the neighborhood had been remembered
with gifts of some kind by the kindly dispositioned old lady in
whose heart Christmas was an all the year round reality instead
of once a year holiday. She leaves a large circle of loving
friends who mourn her death and sympathize sincerely with her
aged husband who is deprived by death of his partner in life.
The funeral will be held Thursday in Brighton at the Evangelical
Church, interment will be in the Bott Cemetery. The funeral
party will leave Alton at ten o'clock Thursday morning.
BOUQUE, CAROLINE V. (nee DORSEY)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
June 13, 1873
Daughter of Samuel L. Dorsey
Died on June 3
in St. Louis, of consumption, Caroline V., wife of F. L. Bouque,
and daughter of Samuel L. Dorsey of Moro, Illinois. [Caroline
was buried in the Moro Cemetery.]
BOWDEN, JOHN CO./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
2, 1911
John C. Bowden, aged 45, was stricken with
apoplexy at his place of business on Second street near Oak,
while waiting on a lady who was making some purchases in his
store Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock. Mr. Bowden complained of
being unable to see, and the lady who was being waited upon
called for help and also called a doctor, who had Mr. Bowden
removed to his home on College avenue. He remained conscious
from 5 o'clock until 8 o'clock Friday evening, and died at 4
o'clock Saturday morning. Mr. Bowden came to Alton in 1904. He
was married four years ago to Miss Leila Clark, who gave piano
lessons; and he leaves beside his wife, one son, who is one year
old. He also leaves his mother, two brothers and one sister who
reside in the south. Mr. Bowden came to Alton from Lakeland,
Fla. The time of the funeral has not been set, as it was decided
to wait until the relatives in the south could be notified. Mr.
Bowden was a cousin of Mrs. T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton. He was
highly regarded in the neighborhood where he conducted his
store. The death of Mr. Bowden was a great surprise to everyone
who knew him. He seemed to be in his usual state of health when
he was attending to business all day Friday.
BOWEN, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 21,
1921
Civil War Veteran Succumbs .... Former Drummer Boy
Henry Bowen, aged 78 years, died Tuesday afternoon at three
o'clock at the family home on the Grafton Road, after an illness
of two weeks, suffering from complication of disabilities. Mr.
Bowen was a veteran of the Civil War. At the age of fourteen
years, he entered the service as drummer boy, later enlisting in
the army. He received injuries to his left leg while in service,
and has always had trouble with it at intervals. The deceased is
survived by his widow and three sons: George Bowen of Melville,
Harry Bowen of Jersey County, and Frank Bowen who resided with
his father on the Grafton Road. Funeral arrangements have not
been made as yet.
BOWERS, JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 19, 1847
Died on Wednesday last, at the residence of Mr. Harrison Petrine
in this city [Alton], Mrs. Jane Bowers, formerly of England,
aged 65. She had been a member of the Methodist Church upwards
of 20 years, and has left a husband and three sons to mourn her
death.
BOWLER, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1875
Died near Collinsville, October 4, Mrs. Mary Bowler, wife of
William P. Bowler; in the 55th year of her age.
BOWLES, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1917
Auto Accident Claims Life
Elmer Bowles, aged 25,
was killed, and Charles "Punk" Hagen, son of Mr. and Mrs. James
Hagen, suffered three broken ribs and many other bruises about
the body as the result of a collision between the Ford in which
they were riding and a State street car, north bound near the
Krug Floral gardens, at 9:35 o'clock Friday evening. The wrecked
auto is owned by Harry Stice of Alton. The young men were coming
south on State street at the time of the accident, and were
racing a Ford owned by the Butler Market and driven by Len
Larrison. Jack Butler also in the car. The Ford in which Hagen
and Bowles were riding was one they had rented for the evening
from Harry Stice. As the two Fords neared the street car, Hagen,
who was driving the car that was struck, attempted to cross the
track in front of the car. The street car struck the Ford
squarely and demolished it. Both of the young men were thrown
out of the auto when it was struck by the car. They were able to
talk and at first it was believed they were not seriously
injured. Larrison gathered them in the Ford he was driving and
started to take them home. On the way downtown he left Charles
Hagen at the home of his father, James Hagen, near Sixteenth and
Belle street. By the time he arrived at the City Hall with
Bowles in the car, the latter was dead. The body was turned over
at once to Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer. Later investigation
showed that Bowles had suffered from two broken shoulders and a
bad bruise over the heart. The bruise over the heart is believed
to have caused his death. Bowles was a painter by trade and has
been living with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Bowles of 305 East Sixth street. The father was not home at the
time of the news being brought of the death of his son. He and
his daughter, Mable, were visiting out of the city. Word was
sent to them at once, and they arrived in Alton today. Besides a
father and mother, Bowles leaves a wife, from whom he has been
separated for several months, and two brothers, Floyd of Alton
and J. C. Bowles of Centralia, Mo. The body will be removed to
the home of his parents this evening, and the funeral will be
held at four o'clock Sunday afternoon from the home to the City
cemetery. Mayor William Sauvage started an investigation of the
case today. He ordered that Butler and Larrison report to his
office at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon, and they agreed to come.
Residents along State street say that the two cars were going at
a very high rate of speed, and because of this fact Deputy
Coroner W. H. Bauer announced his intention this morning of
making an investigation along that line. The Deputy Coroner is
of the opinion that speeding on the streets should be stopped,
and when informed by upper State street people that the practice
was a common one on that street, he believed it was proper to
take up that line of investigation. The coroner's inquest this
afternoon placed no blame on any one for the accident, the jury
being noncommittal. One of the interested attendants at the
inquest was the Mayor, who had declared his intention of
securing all the information he could with regard to violation
of city ordinances regulating automobiles.
BOWMAN, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1904
Drowned Off Eagle Quarter Boat
Andrew Bowman of
Madison, Indiana, a ship carpenter attached to the Eagle fleet,
who was at Alton with his two brothers, William and Charles
Bowman, and his half-brother, John Murphy, working on the Eagle
wharfboat, was drowned early this morning. The men were living
on the Eagle quarter boat while at Alton. About 2 o'clock the
watchman on the Spread Eagle heard a splash in the water, but
thought nothing of it. At 6 o'clock in the morning when the
brothers rose for the day, they noticed that Andrew Bowman was
missing from his bunk, but that his clothing was where he had
put it the night before. The men at once guessed that their
brother was drowned and had fallen in the river while walking in
his sleep. The three surviving brothers were up until a late
hour Monday night, and when they turned in they found Andrew
Bowman in bed and asleep. Capt. Fluent, assisted by John Murphy,
began dragging in the river along the Eagle wharf boat, and
after the first drag picked up the body of the drowned man, clad
only in the underclothes he had been wearing. It is supposed
from a mark on the leg of the man that when near the edge of the
quarter boat he stumbled over a timber and pitched overboard.
Although he had worked on the river many years and was 27 years
old, Bowman could not swim a stroke. He probably sank in the
swift current, was drawn under the quarter boat and drowned
without a struggle. The body was turned over to Undertaker W. H.
Bauer this morning to be prepared for burial. Bowman is said to
have been a quiet, industrious man and one of the best ship
carpenters in the employ of the Eagle Packet Company. Deputy
Coroner Streeper held an inquest this afternoon over the remains
of the drowned man, and a verdict of accidental death returned
by the jury.
BOWMAN, CASTINE LILLIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
31, 1917
The Bowman family on Coopinger Road have had
more than their share of bad luck during the past six months.
When four-year-old Castine Lillian, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Andred Bowman, died this afternoon, it was the fourth death in
the family in the past six months. Winfield Bowman, the
grandfather of the child that died today, and Winfield John
Bowman and Loretta Bowman have all died in that time. On last
Wednesday evening, their home was swept by fire and the damage
was very heavy. The funeral of the baby will be held at 2
o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home, and the services will
be conducted by Rev. A. C. Geyer. The burial will be in the
Melville Cemetery.
BOWMAN, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21,
1904
Alton Contractor Dies of Typhoid Fever
Charles
Bowman, the well-known contractor, died Thursday morning at 9
o'clock at his home, 723 Alby street, aged 45. Mr. Bowman's case
had been a dangerous one from the beginning of his illness last
Thanksgiving day. His friends who knew him best feared
throughout his illness that he would be unable to rally from the
weakness to which it had reduced him. At no time in the last
month had there been much hope for his recovery except a few
days ago when he seemed to make a last rally, and his family and
friends were much encouraged, but Tuesday night he was much
worse and he sank steadily until death ended his suffering. Mr.
Bowman's death has caused a sense of loss to all who knew him.
Few persons in the community could have left such a gap as his
departure has made. Every man who knew him was his friend, and
his honesty and integrity were never questioned. Such was his
reputation as a contractor and builder that those for whom he
did work trusted him implicitly and it was Charley Bowman's
record that he always lived up to his contracts. His illness was
brought on by worry over some contracts upon which he was
working. Delays in the arrival of material prevented his
completing them on time. He exhausted his strength in his
efforts to fulfill his contracts and secure the delivery of
material, and when illness attacked him his system was so run
down from constant worry that he was unable to withstand it. The
death of Mr. Bowman is a personal loss to all his friends as
well as to his family, to whom he was most devoted. Always
genial and ready at all times to cover with the mantle of
charity the shortcomings of others, he merited the universal
good will of his fellows. His men were devoted to their
employer's interests and all of them are speaking of his
kindness and sympathy with them. As a builder, his reputation
was first class; as a friend it was inestimable. Mr. Bowman's
first important contract in Alton was that of erecting Temple
theatre, upon which he first established his reputation. He was
engaged at various time on contracts in Waco, Texas, St. Louis
and other cities, and everywhere he made the same record as at
home. His most recent work was on the Alton bank building with
his partner, A. Kleinschnittger. The Chautauqua hotel also, the
firm has in course of construction. Mr. Bowman is survived by
his wife and two children, Herbert and Mate. His brother, Will
Bowman of Lewis, Indiana, arrived last night. Mr. Bowman leaves
two brothers, William Bowman of Lewis, Indiana, and Edward
Bowman of Alton; two sisters, Mrs. Maty McDonald of Terre Haute
and Mrs. Laura Far of Mulhall, O. T. [Oklahoma Territory]. He
was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, and would have been 45
years old next May 8. He came to Alton in 1880 and lived here
since, where he married Miss Kate Templeton.
BOWMAN, HILKA (nee OETKEN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 26, 1916
Mrs. Hilka Bowman, widow of Henry
Bowman, died at 11 o'clock Tuesday night at her home in
Bethalto. She had been sick since last Saturday with pneumonia.
Mrs. Bowman was an old resident of Bethalto and was in her
seventy-first year. She leaves two sons, Henry and _on, and
three daughters, Mrs. Frank Starkey, Mrs. Charles Oetken, and
Miss Minnie Bowman. She leaves also one sister, Mrs. Thomas
Laughlin, and three brothers, John, Benjamin and Tobe Oetken.
The funeral will be held Friday from the Methodist Church at
Bethalto.
BOWMAN, HORATIO J. SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
19, 1920
Alton Business Man Dies in Jacksonville Sanitarium
Horatio J. Bowman Sr. died this morning at 2
o'clock at Jacksonville, following a long illness. Mr. Bowman
was 70 years old. With the passing of Mr. Bowman, Alton loses a
citizen long known in business circles. Mr. Bowman took over the
dry goods business of his father, after the parent had
successfully conducted it for more than 50 years. The business
was continued by the son until six years ago. Mr. Bowman was
born in Alton in July of 1850. He was the son of Horatio B. and
Selina R. Bowman. In 1881 he was married to Miss Virginia Job of
this city. He was connected in the dry goods business with his
father for a number of years, and in 1880 bought the store from
the parent. The Bowman family first came to Alton from Wilkes
Barre, Pa., and was said to have been one of the first families
to use anthracite coal in that region of Pennsylvania. The elder
Bowman started in business about 1837, the name of the store
being the Bowman, Neas and Johnson Co. The son worked in the
store and eventually became its owner. Mr. Bowman has been in
failing health for several years. He entered a sanitarium at
Jacksonville about two years ago, when his health began to fail.
A few days ago news reached here of the seriousness of his
condition, and it was said then that recovery seemed impossible.
He served on term in the Alton City Council. Mr. Bowman is
survived by his widow, Mrs. Virginia Bowman, and two sons, two
daughters, and a brother. The sons are: Horatio J. Bowman Jr. of
Alton; Fred Bowman who resides on a farm near East Alton; and
the daughters are: Mrs. Edward Watson of Patterson, N. J.; and
Mrs. Roe D. Watson of this city. The surviving brother is Edward
M. Bowman, who now resides in Boston. The funeral will be
tomorrow at 3 p.m. from the family home on East Twelfth Street,
and will be private. Interment will be in City cemetery.
BOWMAN, IDA M. (nee MOHR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 11, 1900
Mrs. Ida
M. Bowman, wife of Dr. L. M. Bowman, died last evening at 7:45
o'clock after a brief illness. Her death is more than ordinarily
sad one, and the circumstances are most distressing to her
family and to her many friends, the number of which included all
who had met her and learned to admire her for her sunny
disposition and her uniformly kindly manner. On the eve of
motherhood, she was stricken with death and passed away as her
husband and her immediate family watch the passage of the last
breath. The skill of surgery and medicine could avail nothing,
even when the ordinary cunning of the doctor was stimulated by a
desire to save one who was the dearest of all to husband and
physician. For some time her family has been alarmed at her
condition, but she was not considered as being dangerously ill.
She became much worse yesterday, and last night the illness took
a fatal turn. Mrs. Bowman was 34 years of age, and had been
married two years. She was formerly Miss Ida Mohr, and was
employed in Haagen's dry goods store until a short time before
her marriage. There she was a popular favorite with all the
patrons of the store. She was a member of the Presbyterian
Sunday school and church, and was interested in all the work of
the church up to the time of her illness. To all who knew her,
she was a valued friend and her death leaves a sore place in the
hearts of many people which time alone will heal. Her loss is a
sad blow to her husband, and in his affliction the sympathy of
the entire community will go out to him. The funeral will be
held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be
conducted at the family home in Middletown by Rev. H. K.
Sanborne.
BOWMAN, MAURICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 28, 1902
Maurice Bowman, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Horatio J. Bowman, succumbed this morning to a long illness and
was relieved of suffering. He passed his 18th birthday a few
weeks ago. The illness of the young man has been the cause of
concern of nearly every person in the city of Alton who had
known him or was acquainted with the family. In his suffering he
was most patient, never complaining and the only indications he
gave of his intense bodily agony which disease was working in
him was when he would say he was so tired that he wished it was
all over. His spirit was one of the brave kind of which earthly
heroes are made, and throughout his illness he was ever
considerate of his mother, who waited on him night and day. He
was ever thoughtful that she should have rest, and until Death
brought a happy relief to him, he bore all his suffering with
true fortitude, ever grateful for kind attention. His malady was
one which must have a fatal result, nevertheless he was always
hopeful in his talk in order to help his parents bear the grief
which he knew must come. When his illness began to assume a
serious form, he was moved to the Mullanphy hospital in St.
Louis, where he was given every advantage which medical science
knows. It was found impossible to move him home when it was
known that the illness must prove fatal, and his death occurred
in the hospital. Among the boys who had been his playmates,
there will be general grief over the death of Maurice Bowman.
Manly in his bearing, always considerate of others and generous,
he had laid firm hold on the affections of his family and
friends, and there will be a vacant place for a long time to
come in the hearts and affections of those who knew him....The
hour of the funeral will be announced later. The body arrived
this evening from St. Louis.
BOWMAN, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1866
Esquire Quarton held an inquest on the body of Robert Bowman, a
laborer found dead in his bed yesterday afternoon, at his
boarding house on Second Street [Broadway]. The deceased is
reported to be an Englishman by birth, originally from
Liverpool, and has a brother or some near relative in Canada. He
had no effects except the clothes he wore, was a stranger in the
city, and had only been here a few days. The following is the
finding of the jury:
“We, the jury summoned in the case
of Robert Bowman, a laborer, found dead in his boarding house
today, august 16, at four o’clock, do find that he came to his
death by an attack of cholera. Signed, David Simms, Foreman.”
BOWMAN, SELINA (nee RYDER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 1, 1901
Oldest Surviving Monticello Seminary Graduate
Dies
Mrs.
Selina Bowman, widow of H. B. Bowman, died this morning at Hotel
Madison, where she had been making her home. Mrs. Bowman's death
was due to wearing out of the system which had been working in a
regular steady course for nearly four score years. Her health
was good until the weather began to grow warmer, and her decline
began when she was unable to withstand the debilitating effect
of the intense heat. Her children knew that it was a matter of a
short time when the steady weakening of her system would result
in dissolution and her death caused no surprise. For the past
week she had been sinking and her death was looked for to occur
almost any time. Until recently she had been partaking of
nourishment as usual and had suffered but little from the
advance of old age. Her appetite left her a short time ago, and
since then the contest was an unequal one. Mrs. Bowman's death
was characteristically peaceful. Her long life had been passed
in a repose of mind that defied old age, and she always kept up
her interest in events about her. Hers was a gentle nature, but
her disposition made her an active woman always interested in
her family and all that pertained to it. During her long life
here she lived so that her passing can leave only regrets in her
family that she is gone, and sweet memories of a good mother.
Her friends were all who knew her. Mrs. Bowman's death removes
from the city one of the best known and most estimable of its
residents. Selina Ryder Bowman was born at Chatham, Mass.,
August 13, 1821. She was the daughter of late Captain Simeon
Ryder and Esther Dickinson Ryder. Captain Ryder came to Alton in
1834, and his daughter followed in 1835. She was married to the
late Horation B. Bowman by Rev. F. Y. McMaster, May 23, 1848.
Two children were born to them, viz. Horation J. Bowman and
Edward M. Bowman, both of whom are living. Mrs. Bowman attended
Monticello Seminary in its second year and was its oldest
surviving pupil. The funeral services will be held at the old
homestead, now the residence of her son, H. J. Bowman, Twelfth
and Langdon streets, Wednesday, July 3, at 10 a.m. Friends are
invited to attend the services at the home. Interment private.
Please omit flowers.
BOWMAN, TILLIE (nee BRUEGGEMANN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 28, 1920
Wife of Alton Physician Dies
Mrs.
Tillie Bowman, wife of Dr. L. M. Bowman, died at 11:30 o'clock
Thursday night at her home, 1105 East Fifth street, after an
illness which began last July, but which developed into an acute
stage three weeks ago. Mrs. Bowman had been suffering from
kidney trouble and had been steadily losing her power of vision.
Almost coincident with her being prostrated in her final
illness, her sight failed fast and the last two weeks she was
totally blind. Apoplexy caused her death. Mrs. Bowman was born
and reared in Alton, and spent her whole life here. She was the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Brueggemann, and all of her
father's family died before her except one sister, Mrs. Henry
Wutzler, who survives. Mrs. Bowman leaves beside her husband and
one sister, two children, Louis and Mary Esther Bowman. Mrs.
Bowman had been a devoted member of the Ladies' Aid Society of
the Evangelical church. She was highly esteemed in the
neighborhood where she lived and had a very large circle of
acquaintances. It had been known for a week to her family and
intimate friends that there was no chance of recovery and that
the end would probably be very soon. She had been married
fifteen years to Dr. Bowman. She was born in Alton, November 5,
1870, and would have been fifty years of age her next birthday.
The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
family home, Rev. O. W. Heggemeier officiating. Burial will be
in the City Cemetery.
BOWMAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 1, 1899
From Bethalto - Mrs. Benjamin
Bowman was called home Sunday morning after a lingering illness
of nearly a year. She was just entering into the prime of life,
being 29 years old, and was married just seven years. She was a
kind and loving wife and a fond mother, and all who knew her
loved her. She leaves a husband and three small children,
ranging in age from two to six years, respectively, to mourn her
death. The funeral took place from the Lutheran Church Tuesday.
BOWMAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF SAMUEL F./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 24, 1919
The body of Mrs. Samuel F.
Bowman, who died Saturday afternoon at her home near Roxana, was
shipped to Mt. Rose, Ill., and the funeral was held from the
Catholic church there today. She leaves her husband and two
sons, a boy 16, and one three and a half years old.
BOWN, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1912
Two deaths in one room, a middle aged woman and a three
months' old girl, occurred at 1205 Belle street this morning.
The fatal illness of Mrs. Nancy Bown, aged 54, was the direct
cause of the infant death. A son of Mrs. Bown, Walter Bown, had
been sitting up all night taking care of his mother. In the same
room was the bed of Alice Tryon and her baby. Alice Tryon had
been taking care of Mrs. Bown. This morning when the mother of
the infant rose to look after the house, Walter Bown laid down
on the bed, worn out from fatigue, according to the story told,
and unintentially rolled over on the infant so that the child
was smothered to death. While the excitement following the death
of the infant was at its height, Mrs. Bown died, and it was not
known she was dead for some time. Mrs. Bown had been in the
hospital suffering from dropsy, and after she returned home a
tumor developed. She weighed about 300 pounds. The case of the
infant's death was referred to Coroner C. N. Streeper, who will
conduct an inquest.
BOWNTON, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1900
Mrs. Martha Bownton, 63 years old, died Tuesday night after
an illness of fifteen years, which had baffled medical science.
During the fifteen years of her illness she was confined to her
bed most of the time. The immediate cause of her death was
dropsy. She came to Upper Alton in 1860 and married D. A.
Bownton in 1881. She was a member of the Bethalto Presbyterian
church, and the funeral was held Thursday, the services being
conducted in that church. A husband and one son survive her.
BOYCE, BENJAMIN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16,
1906
Benjamin H. Boyce of Indiana avenue died this
morning from consumption after a long illness, aged 45. He
leaves four children. Two years ago he came to Alton with his
little son to live, but the boy was soon obliged to assume
responsibility for the care of the father. The funeral will be
held tomorrow afternoon.
BOYCE, BRIDGET M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11,
1922
Mrs. Bridget M. Boyce, wife of John Boyce, died at
her home, 1306 east Fourth street this morning at 6 o'clock
after a long illness. She was 59 years of age. Beside her
husband she leaves two sons. The body will be taken to St.
Charles, Mo., Friday, for burial.
BOYD, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1910
The funeral of Charles Boyd was held from the family home in
Godfrey yesterday. Services were conducted by Rev. George S.
Hoots of the Godfrey Methodist church. There was a large
attendance of friends and relatives of the young man at the
funeral.
BOYD, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1904
A piece of meat choked to death Frank Boyd, a
glassblower, well known and with many friends in Alton. Boyd has
been working at Litchfield, and on Sunday while eating
dinner a piece of beef lodged in his throat and could not be
removed in time to save his life.
BOYD, JOHN FERGUSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
29, 1907
John Ferguson Boyd, aged 82, died at St.
Joseph's hospital Thursday morning after an illness of seven
weeks, resulting from a fall at his home in Godfrey. Mr. Boyd
had a paralytic stroke following his fall, and members of his
family believed that it was due to the stroke that he had the
fall. He had lived in Godfrey since 1848, and was therefore one
of the oldest residents of that place. He made his home for many
years across the track from the Chicago & Alton depot. He leaves
his wife and six children, John C. Boyd of Peoria, James M. Boyd
of Decatur, Frank T. Boyd of Chicago, Mrs. A. W. Crawford of
Girard, Mrs. Belle Wood and Charles Boyd of Godfrey. The funeral
will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family
home, and Rev. H. A. Cotton of the Congregational church at
Godfrey will officiate.
BOYD, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1906
Mrs. Mary Boyd, wife of Stewart Boyd of Carrollton, Mo.,
died Wednesday evening at the home of her father in Upper Alton
after an illness which began last Friday, from pneumonia. Mrs.
Boyd leaves eight children, six girls and two boys, the eldest
17 years of age and the youngest 19 months old, besides her
husband. She came here March 8 to make her home with her father,
George N. Bechtold, in Upper Alton, and to take the place of her
mother who died a short time ago. Mrs. Boyd brought her eight
children with her and her husband began making arrangements to
dispose of a business he had at Carrollton and would have been
here in a few days. He closed a deal yesterday for the sale of
the business interests he held there and was about to start for
Alton when he received a telegram from his wife's father telling
him to lose no time but come at once to see his wife. He arrived
here at 10 o'clock, about six hours after the death of his wife,
and the homecoming was a sad one indeed. He did not know his
wife was so ill. It is said that Mrs. Boyd contracted a severe
cold by trying to do her own washing, and it developed into
pneumonia. She was not used to doing such labor and the disease
which resulted proved fatal. The funeral will be held tomorrow
morning at 10 o'clock from the German Evangelical church, and
burial will be in City cemetery beside the body of her mother
whose place she came here to take in the family home.
BOYD, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WASHINGTON/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 28, 1900
Mrs. Washington Boyd died
last night at 11 o'clock at her home in Godfrey after a short
illness with cerebral paralysis. Mrs. Boyd was taken ill a few
days before her death, but was not confined to her bed. She
became worse yesterday afternoon and lived only a few hours
afterward. She leaves beside her husband, two children, both of
mature age. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock,
and services will be at the home.
BOYD, WILLIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1901
Willis Boyd, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Boyd of East End
place, died Sunday afternoon at the family home after an illness
with pneumonia, aged 17 years.
BOYER, ALVIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9, 1919
Alvin Boyer, 30, died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Helen
Boyer, of 228 W. Seventh street, Friday afternoon, after a
lingering illness. Boyer was survived by his mother and one half
brother. The funeral arrangements have not been completed.
BOYLE, ELIZABETH (nee EPPINGER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 14, 1916
Mrs. Elizabeth Boyle, aged
32, wife of Frank Boyle, was found dead in bed at the Savoy
Hotel at nine o'clock Friday morning by her husband. Mrs. Boyle
has been ill for some time, but her death came very
unexpectedly. Last evening Mr. and Mrs. Boyle retired as usual,
and she seemed to be in good spirits. At five o'clock this
morning Mrs. Boyle awoke and asked her husband for a
handkerchief. This was the last she spoke. At nine o'clock when
Mr. Boyle awoke, he found his wife dead in bed beside him. Mrs.
Boyle is survived by her father, Frank Eppinger. She was born in
Litchfield and came to Alton about eighteen years ago, and made
her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Immenga. Twelve years ago she
was married to Frank Boyle, and they have made their home in
Alton since. Lately, Mr. and Mrs. Boyle have been making their
home at the Savoy Hotel. Mrs. Boyle has been ill and failing for
some time, and for the past four months she has been under the
constant care of physicians. The physician who was summoned this
morning stated that he believed she had died from a paralytic
stroke. Her death came so quick that even her husband, who was
sleeping beside her, did not know she had died. (January 17,
1916 ... Burial was in Greenwood cemetery)
BOYLE, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1912
James Boyle, section foreman on the Bluff Line, died at St.
Joseph's hospital yesterday afternoon after an illness of two
months. An effort was made by the Bluff Line railroad to trace
up relatives of Boyle, but no success attended the results. The
body was taken in charge by Undertaker James Klunk, who will
continue the investigation.
BOYLE, KATE K./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 8, 1908
Mrs. Kate K. Boyle, aged 75, died Tuesday morning at 9
o'clock at her home, Sixth and Market streets, after an illness
of nine days. Her death was due to a general breakdown of her
health, and from the very first her illness was believed to be
fatal. During her illness she was given constant attendance by
her daughter, Miss Lizzie Boyle, who was the only person
connected with her in any way. Mrs. Boyle had known for many
years. Her husband died in 1885. He was Thomas M. Boyle, a
business man in Alton for many years. Mrs. Boyle was born in
Philadelphia, June 1, 1833. She came to Alton forty years ago
and had lived in the city ever since. She was a devoted member
of the First Methodist church. Recently she sold her home, a
double house, and was having a new cottage erected next to it on
Sixth street at the time she was taken ill. Worry over the
details of getting ready to build her home, together with a
weakened state of health, probably caused her breakdown. She was
an active, vigorous woman with good business ability, and was
always very deeply interested in any business matters in which
she might be engaged. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the home at Sixth and Market Streets.
BOYLE, LIZZIE W./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 2, 1867
Died in Alton, Wednesday, July 24, 1867, Mrs. Lizzie W., wife of
T. M. Boyle; aged 34 years.
BOYNTON, JESSIE MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
21, 1908
The death of Mrs. Jessie May Boynton, wife of
City Comptroller William P. Boynton, was unusually sad, and
there are some very pathetic features to it, aside from the
grief which her immediate family and her friends feel at the
loss of the young woman. She became the bride of the city
comptroller last June, having resigned her position in the
public schools as a teacher at the close of the school year. She
had been a very successful teacher, having held positions with
great credit to herself and good to the schools, in North Alton
and in the Alton public schools. She was the youngest teacher
ever in the North Alton schools, and it was with considerable
doubt that the directors accepted her, because of her youth, but
she soon demonstrated her complete fitness for the work, and
left much regretted there. A beautiful home has been in course
of preparation for the couple since their marriage, on Twelfth
street. The couple have been taking great interest in getting
their little home ready for themselves and had been much
disappointed over being delayed in getting it finished. They had
expected to occupy it long ago, but death has now forbidden that
Mrs. Boynton should ever live in the neat cottage. Her husband
had, with his own hands, done much of the work of getting the
house ready, and both had been putting the labor of their hands
as well as their fondest hopes into the making of their pretty
home. Mrs. Boynton was the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth L. Harris
of 920 Burns street, at whose home she died. She was a prominent
worker in the First Baptist church and Sunday school, and was
known for her many endearing attributes of heart and mind which
she put into her work, be it in church, in school, or at her
home. She possessed a beautiful disposition and was beloved by
all who knew her. A few weeks ago, while on the eve of a great
happiness which was to give her a new experience in life, she
was attacked with uraemic poisoning. Her condition became so
grave that on last Sunday it became evident that death was
almost inevitable. Convulsions had set in and consultations of
physicians were held. Desperate remedies sometimes used in such
cases were applied and Mrs. Boynton began to show signs of some
improvement. There was some hope of her getting well until
Thursday morning, when another consultation of physicians was
held and all hope was abandoned by the doctors. She passed away
Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock surrounded by members of her
family who are stricken with deepest grief at the loss of her
beautiful life. Mrs. Boynton was in her 30th year and was a
native of Alton. She leaves beside her husband, her mother and a
family of brothers and sisters, Mrs. Hugh Jameson, Will Harris,
Roland P. Harris, Frank Harris, Miss Bertha Harris, Melvin and
Harvey Harris. The funeral of Mrs. Boynton will be held Sunday
afternoon at 3 o'clock from the First Baptist Church.
BOZZA, EUGENE ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
15, 1902
Eugene Elmer Bozza, son of Mr. James Bozza, aged
about 24, died in St. Louis Friday afternoon of pneumonia. The
body arrived on the noon Flyer and was taken to the family home,
412 West Fourth street, where services will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30. Interment will be at Lebanon, Illinois.
"Gene" Bozza leaves many warm friends in Alton who will be
shocked to hear of his death. He was a genial, companionable
young man, and the family has the sincere sympathy of all who
know them in their loss.
BOZZARTH, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
26, 1906
Drinks Carbolic Acid
Thomas Bozarth, aged 42, a well
known glassblower, died at his Upper Alton home, Brown and
Manning streets, Sunday evening after drinking one ounce of
carbolic acid. He had been drinking heavily on Sunday and his
suicide was probably due to that fact. He purchased the acid at
E. B. Joesting's drug store while on his way home, telling the
druggist that his wife needed it. He walked home part of the way
with D. M. Kittinger, a neighbor, but did not intimate to him
that he intended to kill himself. On entering the house he said
he was going to bed, and going to his room he was accompanied by
his wife. Mrs. Bozzarth stepped out of the room after taking off
his overcoat and then he turned to his daughter, Mrs. Robert
Dawson, and told her that he had drank carbolic acid and he took
from his pocket an empty bottle. The daughter called to her
mother and Mrs. Bozzarth summoned Dr. Yerkes, who found the man
beyond help. Bozzarth died a short time afterward. Bozzarth had
frequently made threats to kill himself when drinking, and
neighbors say that about a year ago he did make an attempt to
kill himself, but was prevented doing so. He had been working in
St. Louis at his trade but came to Alton a few days ago to work
here. He leaves his wife and two children, William Bozzarth and
Mrs. Robert Dawson.
BRADISH, ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1910
Miss Alice Bradish, one of the best known women in Alton,
died Saturday night at 11 o'clock at her home, Eighth and
Langdon streets, after an illness of less than 36 hours. Her
death had been expected for twenty-four hours before it
occurred. Miss Bradish's sickness mystified everyone. She had
been caused some trouble for several years by a growth in her
stomach, and had been under treatment of doctors, but she would
not go to the hospital to undergo a surgical operation as she
was advised to do. She returned home from a visit at Clayton,
Mo., Friday evening, and soon thereafter a surgeon's attention
was necessary as she began to suffer great pain. Her latest
trouble was diagnosed as due to a rupture of some organ from the
malady that had been annoying her, and it was evident that she
could not survive long. After her death an examination was made
and it was found that a perforation of the intestine had
resulted from the growth at the bottom of her stomach. Miss
Bradish was a native of Alton. Her life had been devoted to her
motherless family and was one of self sacrificing devotion. Not
only was she the mother to her widowed father and her motherless
sisters, but also to two nieces and a nephew. She was a
seamstress, and a good one. Her whole life was work for others
and she never thought of herself. She was busy almost up to the
end, as she had desired. She had frequently expressed the hope
that she would not break down and be unable to work, and that
she might die in the harness. She was a devoted member of the
First Baptist church. She leaves beside her aged father, one
brother, William, two sisters, Mrs. ___ Springer and Miss Emma
Bradish, two nieces, Misses Nellie and Edith Bradish, and a
nephew, Charles Yo_um. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning
at 10 o'clock from the family home.
BRADISH, DELOS F. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
16, 1914
The funeral of Capt. Delos F. Bradish was held
this morning from his late home on Langdon street at 10 o'clock.
Services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing of the First Baptist
Church. There were many old friends of Capt. Bradish and of the
family at the funeral, and many floral offerings from friends.
Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, and internment
was private. The pallbearers were W. C. Gates, Smith Reilly,
Charles Goudie, William McHenry, B. F. Bowler and William Thorn.
BRADISH, FREDIE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4, 1865
Died in Alton on the 31st inst., Fredie E. Bradish, son of
Nelson P. and Carrie Bradish, aged 6 months and 24 days.
BRADISH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3,
1918
Well Known Boat Builder & Farmer Dies in Godfrey
William
Bradish, member of a pioneer Alton family, died early this
morning at his home in Godfrey township after an illness from a
complication of ailments. He was a native of Alton and spent
most of his life here. Some years ago he bought the Godfrey farm
and had been living there since with his sister and niece. He
never married, and is survived by two sisters, Miss Emma Bradish
who lived with him, and Mrs. Jerry Springer; two nieces, Mrs.
Clinton Irwin and Miss Edith Bradish. Three nephews also
survive, Charles Yoakum and the two Springer boys. The funeral
will be held Friday morning at 11 o'clock from the home where
services will be conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing, pastor of the
First Baptist Church, and interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
BRADLEY, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
9, 1918
Alton Butcher Killed by Accident
Charles Bradley, a
well-known resident of Upper Alton, was fatally injured Sunday
morning in Granite City in a motorcycle accident as he was
riding home on a machine with Ernest Miller. The two men, both
employed at the Luer Packing Co. plant, had bought a motorcycle
together and they had been getting it repaired in a St. Louis
shop. They went to St. Louis to ship it home by boat, but
failing to get to the boat landing in time to catch the steamer,
they decided to ride the machine home. They were passing through
Granite City when they came in collision with a motorcycle
ridden by Charles Waters of Granite City. Neither Waters or
Miller was hurt, but Bradley, who is supposed to have leaped
from his machine or was dislodged from it by the impact, struck
on his head and sustained injuries which proved fatal a few
hours later in the Granite City hospital. The Granite City
police arrested Miller on a charge of careless driving, but he
gave a $50 bond. After the death of Bradley they concluded they
wished to make the bond heavier, and asked the Alton police to
arrest him in Alton. An officer was sent after him to take him
to Granite City. It was not alleged that there could have been
anything more than carelessness in the driving. Miller said,
after being arrested, that he was unwilling to go to St. Louis
for the motorcycle because of it being Sunday and the use of
gasoline was forbidden, but he said that their missing the boat
forced them to ride their machine home. Bradley has figured in a
number of accidents in the vicinity of Alton. One time he was
hit by the Big Four Plug and knocked a distance of thirty feet.
It was believed then that he was fatally injured, but he
recovered. At another time he was riding down Washington street
on a bicycle after dark. He had no light and did not notice a
pile of sand that had been placed on the street. He was thrown
from the bicycle and badly injured.
BRADLEY, JOHN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1902
Civil War Soldier Dies
Upper Alton News - John A. Bradley
died at his home in Upper Alton, April 14, at 9:15 a.m., after a
lingering illness of many months of Bright's disease. He was
born at Carrollton, Ill., Dec. 12, 1845, and was one of the most
prominent and successful farmers in Greene county. When the Civl
War broke out in 1861, he was one of the first in his vicinity
to volunteer, under age as he was, but none the less brave and
patriotic. He was a member of Co. B, 61st Illinois Volunteers.
In 1863, having two weeks furlough, he returned to his home and
was married to Mary E. Coats, then immediately returned to the
battlefield where he remained until 1865. In 1877 he moved with
his family to Upper Alton, where he has since resided. He leaves
to mourn for him besides his widow, five children, Charles C.
and Robert C. Bradley, Mrs. F. R. Parsons, Mrs. B. F. Legg, and
Harry E. Bradley, five grandchildren, six sisters and three
brothers. In the death of Mr. Bradley, Upper Alton loses one of
its oldest and most respected citizens. The funeral services
will be held from the home Wednesday at 2 p.m. Burial in Alton
City Cemetery.
BRADY, ELIZABETH MURPHY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 23, 1903
The funeral of Mrs.
Elizabeth Murphy Brady took place Sunday shortly after the noon
hour, services being conducted in the Cathedral. Besides a large
funeral party from St. Louis, a very large number of Alton
friends and relatives attended the funeral of one they had all
known and esteemed in life, and whose sudden death was a severe
shock. Floral offerings were many and beautiful. Interment was
in Greenwood.
BRADY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 21, 1907 Drinks Carbolic Acid - Commits Suicide
John Brady, of 926 west Seventh street, drank carbolic acid and
died within fifteen minutes later at his home on Wednesday
evening. He had been drinking and shortly before he took the
acid he met his son's wife, Mrs. John Brady, on the street and
told her he intended to kill himself. She paid no attention to
what he said and told him to go on home. He did, and kept his
word about the acid. Before Dr. Taphorn, who was called to
attend him, could reach the Brady home, he was helpless. He
drank so much of the acid that his stomach was burned through.
Brady was well known in Alton, having lived here many years. He
was employed on various railroads at Alton and was known as a
good workman. The deputy coroner, A. I. Keiser, was notified of
Mr. Brady's death. Mr. Brady was about 55 years of age, and is
survived by his wife and six children, most of whom are grown.
He came to Alton with his family about 25 years ago, and has
lived here since. He was an expert railroad track man, and his
services as a "boss" or foreman were eagerly sought by different
railroad companies. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock
tomorrow morning from the Cathedral.
BRADY, JOHN P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1912
John P. Brady died at his home, 228 West 7th street,
Thursday evening following a long illness. He was a switchman,
and had suffered from injuries received in an accident about ten
years ago from which he never recovered. This accident took
place on the Summit where he was switching out a car for a side
track. He was hanging from the side of the car when he was
knocked off by a standing switch, which had been placed so near
the rails that it did not clear. Several ribs were broken, he
was hurt internally, and his head badly injured, and an injury
to his neck that twisted it from its normal position. A damage
suit was brought in the Circuit Court in which he received
judgment for damage in the sum of $8,500. The case was carried
by the road to the appellate court, where the judgment of the
lower court was affirmed. He was a member of the Brotherhood of
Railroad Trainmen of Alton in which his family will receive a
benefit from the fund allowed its members, amounting to $1,500.
He leaves a wife and six children. His mother also survives him,
and two brothers and two sisters.
BRADY, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 21,
1903
Victim of the Trains
Sunday morning the crew of the Big
Four Flyer, making their early morning run to St. Louis,
discovered the body of a boy lying near the tracks at the foot
of George Street. Investigation showed it to be Joseph, the 13
year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Brady of Seventh street. The
lad was picked up and taken home where Dr. G. Taphorn attended
him. He had some severe injuries about the head and the scalp
was badly torn. He never regained consciousness but lived until
about midnight Sunday when death came to his relief. He did not
go home Saturday night, and his father and brothers hunted high
and low for him until after midnight Saturday. He was subject to
epileptic fits and employees of the Spread Eagle say he had one
on the steamer Saturday night after it landed here. Trains and
Boats had a wonderful fascination for him, his father says, and
it was impossible to keep him away from the wharf boat and
railroad yards. It is thought he had not fully recovered from
the sickness he had on the Spread Eagle when he wandered east in
the Big Four yards and that he remained too close to the track
and was struck and shoved aside by some train Saturday evening.
The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from the
Cathedral.
BRADY, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20,
1915
Six Year Old Boy Accidently Killed by Brother
Louis Brady, aged 6, was killed instantly
at eight o'clock on Sunday morning when his brother, Joe, aged
11, aimed a double barrel shotgun at him and fired one barrel
accidentally. The older brother did not know the gun was loaded.
The gun was one that had been borrowed on Saturday evening by
John Brady, another brother, aged 15. John was preparing for a
hunting trip on Sunday and secured the gun for the purpose. He
placed it near the kitchen stove in the home at 228 West Seventh
street. On Sunday morning he overslept and did not go hunting.
When Mrs. Louise Brady, the widowed mother of the three boys,
saw two shells on a shelf near the stove after the fire had been
started on Sunday morning, she told her son, John, to do
something with the shells as she feared that the heat of the
stove might cause them to explode. John placed the two shells in
the gun and went to church. A short time afterwards, when the
two boys and one sister, Margaret, were alone in the house, Joe
picked up the gun and supposing that it was not loaded, he
pointed the gun at the head of his six year old brother. When he
pulled the trigger the load of one and one-eighth ounces of
number six shot, tore off the top of the little brother's head
and scattered his brains over the entire room. The mother and
the older brother were called home from church two blocks away
by the news of the death of the little boy. An inquest was
conducted over the body of the lad on Sunday afternoon by
Coroner J. Morgan Simms. The jury returned a verdict of
accidental death, but added that both John and Joe Brady were
guilty of gross carelessness. The verdict also included a clause
to warn the public against allowing children to play with guns.
The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at ten o'clock from
the Cathedral to the Greenwood Cemetery.
BRAMHALL, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1868
Died in Alton on the 8th instant, Joseph Bramhall.
BRAMHALL, MABEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1866
Died on Thursday, August 9, Mabel, infant daughter of Jason and
Hallie Bramhall; aged one year. The funeral will take place
tomorrow (Friday) morning at 10 o’clock from the family
residence, corner of Alby and Sixth Streets.
BRAMLET,
LULU E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 3, 1903
Lulu E., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Bramlet, aged 2 years
and 15 days, died Sunday afternoon at the family home, 2114
Johnson Street, and the body was sent to Eldorado, Illinois
today for burial.
BRAND, EDWARD L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6,
1916
Old Timer Mail Clerk Dies
Edward L.
Brand, aged 55, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday at
midnight, following an operation for hernia which was performed
a few days ago at the hospital, in hope of saving his life. The
trouble was in such a stage, however, that there was no chance
of giving any permanent relief and death followed. He had served
for 30 years as a mail clerk on the Chicago & Alton. He
continued his duties though the trouble which was afflicting him
caused him much trouble. About 8 days ago he became so bad that
it was necessary for him to give up his run and come to Alton
for an operation. Mr. Brand was a remarkable man. He had never
made a large salary, yet he was a saving man and had good
business instincts and is reported he leaves an estate of
$50,000, though his salary was never high. He was one of the
best men in the government's employ. It is related of him that
he was always ready with good counsel to advise young mail
clerks, and he would tell them to save their money and make
themselves independent. He was one of the most highly respected
residents of Brighton, and his financial standing was the very
best there. He was a director of a bank in Brighton. He was an
Odd Fellow and a faithful member of the order. Mr. Brand leaves
his mother, Mrs. Magdalena Brand, who has been spending a few
months with her niece, Mrs. R. P. Morrow. He leaves his wife,
Mrs. Frances Brand, and a daughter, Miss Grace Brand. The
funeral will be at Brighton Friday morning.
BRANDENBERGER, IDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 2,
1919
Mrs. Ida Brandenberger, 68, of 1530 Highland Avenue,
died suddenly Monday morning, after an illness of a few hours.
Her death came as a shock to her many relatives and friends. She
attended to all her household duties on the day before her
death. At 9 o'clock in the evening she crossed the street to
visit at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. F. Smith, and shortly
afterwards she was taken suddenly ill. She lapsed into
unconsciousness and died at 2:30 o'clock on Monday morning. Her
death was due to uraemic poisoning. Mrs. Brandenberger was well
known in the eastern part of the city. She had many friends who
will regret her death. She was an active worker in the
Congregational Church. Mrs. Brandenberger is survived by three
sons, Louis of Alton; William of Terre Haute, Ind.; and Walter
of East St. Louis. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Otto Flach,
and Mrs. C. F. Swain [sic] of Alton; one step-daughter, Mrs.
Henry Meyers of Vernoni, Mo., and the following brothers and
sisters: William Walter, Mrs. Fred Green, Mrs. Ed Yager, Gus
Walter, Louis E. Walter of Alton; and Frank E. Walter of Tulsa,
Okla. The funeral will be held from the home at 1530 Highland
avenue at 3 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. The services at the
home will be public, but the services at the cemetery will be
private.
BRANDEWIEDE, FRANCIS (JUSTICE OF THE PEACE)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, November 26, 1912
Oldest Justice of the
Peace in Alton Dies
Francis Brandewiede, aged 87, died
Monday afternoon at 5 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
John Strubel, on West Ninth Street, after an illness of about
five years from paralysis. Justice Brandewiede was the oldest
justice of the peace in Alton, and had served for twenty four
years in that office. He had also served four terms as clerk of
the City court of Alton, retiring nearly four years ago because
of physical disability. He was stricken with paralysis in his
office one day about five years ago, and was removed to his
home. He made a strong effort to overcome the physical
disability, and he announced that he would adopt the cure of
good humor, in the hope that it would regain for him strength
and vigor and that he expected to live to be over 100 years of
age. He did become able to get downtown occasionally, and was in
the best of spirits until about a year ago when he began to show
indications of a failing of strength. Soon after he was stricken
with paralysis, his aged partner in life, his wife, was taken
ill and died, and this loss was a sad one for the aged invalid.
At the time the wife was very sick it was not known but that the
husband might be the first to die, but he regained part of his
strength. Recently senile gangrene set in and some of his toes
were amputated. Afterward it was believed necessary to amputate
one of his legs, but his condition was so bad the surgeons
decided not to do it, after putting him under the influence of
chloroform, and when he recovered from the anesthetic, Justice
Brandewiede expressed the deepest regret that the operation had
not been proceeded with. He was a man of high education, a
cheerful disposition, and was very capable in the positions he
filled. He served as police magistrate by appointment of the
mayor for a number of years, before Alton became entitled to
elect such an officer. He leaves three daughters, Mrs. William
Braham, Mrs. John Strubel, Mrs. William Fletcher; and three
sons, William and Edward of Alton, and Frank, the oldest son,
whose whereabouts is not known. Mr. Brandewiede was the oldest
member of the cigar makers union, and maintained his membership
there up to his death. For many years he was engaged in the
manufacture of cigars in Alton. Mr. Brandewiede was born in
Germany, and he came to America when he was 14 years old. He
lived in St. Louis for a number of years. He became a citizen of
the United States in 1854. He was a long time member of the
order of Odd Fellows. The funeral will be held from the Strubel
home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Arthur Goodger of St.
Paul's Episcopal church officiating.
BRANDEWIEDE, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
12, 1908
Mrs. Theresa Brandewiede, wife of Francis
Brandewiede, died Friday evening at the home on Main Street
after an illness of two days from uraemic poisoning. She had not
been in good health for several years, but was able to be around
most of the time, and with her aged partner in life she passed
her declining days in complete happiness. Her husband's illness,
which began several years ago with a paralytic stroke, was the
cause of considerable uneasiness to Mrs. Brandewiede. The aged
couple had traveled down the vale of life like two lovers. They
exemplified the truth of the belief held by many that marriage
was no failure, and that the last days of a life partnership
could be as happy as the honeymoon. The domestic life of the
couple was ideal and beautiful for their children to
contemplate. The loss of his wife is a sad blow to the surviving
husband who has passed his 82nd year, and whose condition due to
great age has been aggravated by the helplessness of partial
paralysis. Mrs. Brandewiede was born in Sachsbach, Germany in
1843. She came to America shortly before her marriage in St.
Louis to her husband, Francis Brandewiede, then a young cigar
maker. During the Civil war the couple moved to Alton and made
their home in Alton ever since. They raised a family of five
children, Mrs. William Graham, Mrs. John Strabel, Mrs. William
Fletcher, Messrs. William and Edward Brandewiede. The funeral
will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home on Main
street, and services will be conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden.
BRANDT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GOTTLEIB/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 16, 1901
Mrs. Gottleib Brandt died
Sunday night at her home near Upper Alton. She was a well known
and popular lady, and her death will be deplored by all who knew
her. She was 41 years of age. The funeral will be Tuesday
morning at 10 o'clock from the home on the Moore farm, to the
Upper Alton Cemetery. Rev. Theo Oberhellman will officiate.
BRANSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 27, 1903
The body of one of the most eccentric men ever known in the
vicinity of Alton, James Branson, will find burial in
Bellefontaine Cemetery, St. Louis. When Branson died at St.
Joseph's hospital one week ago last Friday, Deputy Coroner
Streeper undertook to find who his relatives were. He found a
brother of Branson in St. Louis, who said he could do nothing
toward burying the body of the deceased, and that he had been
unable to get along with his brother for many years. He could
tell nothing as to where Branson's family could be located. Mr.
Streeper kept trying to locate some relative, and at last found
an adopted daughter in Chicago, Mrs. J. L. Thomas, who has
written that she will be here Monday to take her foster father's
remains to St. Louis, where she will have them buried in
Bellefontaine Cemetery in her lot. Mr. Streeper says that he
endeavored to find some property which was disposed of in a will
left by Branson, but so far has been unable to locate any of it.
Branson left a long will in which he made many bequests of
valuable property, but it is believed that the property existed
only in the imagination of the maker of the will. He could have
made his home with his adopted daughter, but refused to do so,
saying that he preferred to enjoy his liberty and lived near
East Alton.
BRATTEN, BISHOP/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1851
Died on August 17, at his residence on Liberty Prairie, Madison
County, of obstruction of the bowels, Mr. Bishop Bratten,
formerly of Pennsylvania.
BRATTON, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 6, 1908
Miss Emma Bratton, daughter of Joseph
Bratton of Liberty Prairie, aged 35, died last evening from
tuberculosis at the home of the family. She leaves her parents,
two brothers and two sisters. The funeral will be held Wednesday
afternoon.
BRAUNAGEL, EMMA (nee SCHNEIDER)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, June 23, 1906
Mrs. Emma Braunagle,
wife of Frank Braunagle, died suddenly Friday evening at the
family home, 824 east Third street, after a brief illness from
uraemia. Mrs. Braunagle was apparently in good health Friday
evening when she began to prepare for the evening meal. She had
ascended a flight of stairs carrying a small pan containing some
flour, and when she reached the top of the stairs she sat down
to rest and fell over unconscious. Dr. G. Taphorn was nearby and
he was summoned to attend her, but could do nothing. She died
about fifteen minutes later without regaining consciousness.
Mrs. Braunagle was 34 years of age, and her maiden name was Emma
Schneider. She leaves two brothers, W. F. Schneider, the city
treasurer, and Herman Schneider of St. Louis. She leaves a
sister, Mrs. Peter Wells of Brighton, her husband and one child.
Mrs. Schneider's [sic] illness was a great surprise to her
family as no one knew that she was not feeling well. Her death
was a sad shock to her relatives and her friends. She was a
life-long resident of Alton. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Mary's Church.
BRAUNAGEL, LOUISE (nee EHRET)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 10, 1921
Mrs. Louise Braunagel, aged 60, died this
morning at 9:40 o'clock at the family home, 822 East Fourth
street, after an illness which began four weeks ago. For the
past few days her condition has been serious and her death was
not unexpected. She was the wife of Emil F. Braunagel, and the
mother of eight children. Her maiden name was Louise Ehret. She
was born, raised and married in Alton and was one of its best
known residents. She was a member of St. Mary's Church. She
leaves three sons, Henry and John of Wichita, Kan., and Louis of
this city, and five daughters, the Misses Mayme, Lucie,
Josephine and Minnie of this city, and Sister Peter Claver of
Porto Rico [sic], a member of the Notre Dame Order. She also
leaves two brothers, John and Joseph Ehret of this city, and one
sister, Miss Elisabeth Ehret of Evansville, Ill. There also
survives four grandchildren. Plans for the funeral are
incomplete. The funeral will probably be held Saturday morning
from St. Mary's Church.
BRAY,
ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1914
Mrs.
Anna Bray, wife of William Bray, the Ridge street restaurant
proprietor, died Sunday morning after an extended illness that
developed acute features a week or ten days ago. Mrs. Bray had
been almost completely helpless from rheumatic troubles for
nearly six years, and spent much of the time in a chair. She had
to be helped to bed and from it for more than three years of the
time. The immediate cause of death is given as rheumatic
paralysis and pneumonia. She was 55 years old, and besides her
husband leaves two children, Pearl Bray of Evansville, Ind., who
is now here; and Miss Retta, a daughter who has been in a St.
Louis hospital for some time. Efforts are being made to keep the
young lady from learning of her mother's death. Funeral services
will be held this evening at 8 o'clock at the Bray home in East
Second street, by Rev. G. L. Clark, and the body will be taken
Tuesday morning to Elsah for burial. The mother of Mrs. Bray
died a few months ago at the Bray home and was buried in the
Elsah Cemetery.
BRAY, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1873
A
young man named Charles Bray, living on State Street, died
suddenly this morning. The disease was caused by indiscretion in
eating and drinking. As there are reports in circulation that
Mr. Bray died of cholera, we are authorized by Dr. Smith, the
attendant physician, to say that such was not the case. The
patient was taken sick yesterday afternoon, and died at six
o’clock this morning, not in the course of a couple of hours as
is reported on the streets.
BRAY, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 27, 1901
Mrs. Katherine Bray, a resident of Alton
for forty years, died last night at her home, Seventeenth and
Alby streets, from the debility consequent of old age. She was
78 years of age. She leaves three children, Misses Mary and
Ellen Bray, who lived with their mother, and John Bray of
Pueblo, Colo. The time of the funeral is not set as it is
expected the son will come.
BRAY,
SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 21, 1901
Mrs. Sarah Bray, aged 68, died early this morning after a long
illness at her home, 552 east Second street. She was born in
England and came to this country when a young woman. She had
lived in Alton many years and was well known to many people of
the East End. She leaves one son, Lafayette Bray, and a
daughter, Miss Ollie Bray. The funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home to the Evangelical
church. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
BREATH, ABRAHAM (ABRAM)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March
10, 1884
Son of Captain James Breath/One of the Founders of
Marine/Defender of Rev. Elijah Lovejoy
We are pained to state
that Mr. Abraham Breath, for about 50 years a resident of Alton,
died at 2 o'clock today after less than a week's illness of
congestion of the lungs, at the age of almost 79 years. Mr.
Breath was one of the pioneers of the city, and well known to
all. A man highly esteemed for his many virtues, and one who had
often been honored by his fellow-citizens with offices of honor
and trust. At the time of his death, Mr. Breath filled the
office of Assessor of Alton Township, a position to which he had
been elected for several years in succession. In the early
history of the city, Mr. Breath took a prominent part. He was
one of the sixty men who enrolled themselves to defend Lovejoy
at the time of the pro-slavery riots of 1837. His brother,
Edward Breath, afterwards a missionary to Persia [Iran], was
with Lovejoy at the time of his death. Mr. Breath leaves a widow
and three children - two sons, Edward of Canton, Illinois, and
Walter F. of Galveston, Texas, and a daughter, Miss Nellie. The
time of the funeral has not yet been announced. The lateness of
the hour at which news of the sad event was received prevents a
more extended notice of the deceased at the present time.
The Funeral of Abraham Breath
Source: Alton Daily
Telegraph, March 13, 1884
The funeral of Mr. Abraham Breath
was attended this morning from his late residence on Mill
Street. A very large attendance of friends, neighbors, and
acquaintances attested the respect entertained for the deceased
by his fellow citizens and their sympathy for the stricken
family. The services were conducted by Rev. Thomas Gordon of the
Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Breath was one of the oldest
members. The services opened with prayer, followed by singing of
the hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee." Reading of the 46th Psalm and
other scriptural selections followed, with brief remarks on the
text, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in
time of trouble." The speaker paid a feeling tribute to the
merits of the departed, spoke of him as one of the old
landmarks; as one who had, during a long life, made a marked
impress upon the business and social life of the community of
which he formed a part; but he specially dwelt upon the devotion
to principle he manifested during the pro-slavery riots of 1837,
when he took so gallant and prominent a part in the defense of
the liberty "of free speech, free thought, and free press." Such
men as Mr. Lovejoy and Mr. Breath, the speaker said, were worthy
of the grandest of monuments, and though the value of their work
might not be appreciated in the present, yet coming ages would
recognize and duly honor the heroism and devotion which risked
life and all that made it dear for the sake of a great cause.
the services concluded with prayer and singing of the "Sweet Bye
and Bye," after which the long procession started on its sad
journey to the silent City Cemetery, where the services were
concluded. The bearers were Messrs. J. L. Blair, W. C. Quigley,
E. P. Wade, Samuel Pitts, Edward Levis, and V. Walter, all old
friends and associates of the deceased.
NOTES:
Abraham
Breath was the son of Captain James Breath, who came along with
other sea captains to Madison County in 1819, and formed the
Marine Settlement. Abraham, along with George W. Welsh, James
Semple, and Jordan W. Jeffress, laid out the town of Marine in
1834. Abraham then moved to Alton, where he formed a friendship
with Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy, and became one of his defenders of
the freedom of the press. His brother, Edward Breath, was with
Lovejoy at the time of his death.
Abraham became one of
the prominent men of Alton, and was Alderman of the 2nd Ward and
Assessor of Alton Township. He lived in a home on Mill Street,
where he died in 1884. During the funeral service at his home,
The Rev. Thomas Gordon spoke of the part Abraham had played in
defending Lovejoy during the pro-slavery riots of 1837, “when he
took so gallant and prominent part in the defense of the liberty
of free speech, free thought, and free press.” Abraham was
buried in the Alton City Cemetery, with some of Alton’s
prominent men serving as pallbearers, such as Samuel Pitts,
Edward Levis, J. L. Blair, and E. P. Wade.
BREATH,
JAMES J. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18, 1843
Sea Captain; Pioneer of Marine
Died, at Marine Settlement, on
Thursday, October 26, Captain James Breath, in the 73d year of
his age. Captain Breath was born in the city of New York, and
education in the strictest principles of the Scottish
Presbyterian Church. At the age of 16, his inclination led him
to a seafaring life, and before he had arrived at manhood, he
had command of a noble ship. Here he distinguished himself for
nautical skill, indefatigable attention and strict integrity, so
that he could command the best and most profitable employ.
Leaving the sea, he removed to Illinois in 1819-20, and settled
in Marine Settlement alongside his fellow sea captains, Captains
Blakeman and Allen. A short time after his arrival west, he was
afflicted with a severe and protracted illness, and soon after
that received a wound which confined him to his room, during
which time he looked to the Savior of sinners, and found him an
almighty and sufficient Savior for him, and during the remainder
of his life, in health and in sickness, and especially in an
illness, he was called to endure a few weeks before his death,
he expressed undoubting confidence in that Savior, and a
cheerful readiness to depart and be with Christ. He had
recovered from his last sickness, though yet feeble, at the time
of his decease. Having walked out, and when on his return,
within a few yards from the gate, he suddenly fell and expired.
The immediate cause of his death was apoplexy.
Captain
Breath was a man of ardent feelings, strict integrity, great
energy of character, and firmness of principle. None could know
him without respecting him. And amid all his infirmities of
speech and hearing, he strove to recommend the Savior as the way
of life to sinners.
NOTES:
Captain James J. Breath was
born abt. 1770 in New York City. He became a seafarer at the age
of 16, and before he was in “manhood,” he was Captain of his own
ship, the "Briseis." He moved to Illinois in 1819-20, and
settled in the Marine Settlement with Captain Curtis Blakeman,
Captain George C. Allen, David Mead, and ship's mate, David
Deselherst. They all had families, and came from New York, New
England, and New Jersey. They settled on the prairie and began
farming after serving years at sea. This settlement soon took on
the name of the Marine Settlement - taken from the seafarers who
settled there. In 1834, land was platted for the future town of
Marine by George W. Welsh, James Semple, Jordan W. Jeffress, and
Abraham Breath (Captain James J. Breath's son). After a long
life, enduring sickness, he died in October 1843, and was buried
in the Marine Cemetery in St. Jacob.
Also buried in the
Marine Cemetery is John Breath (born 1809), which I assume was
James’ son, and James J. Breath (born 1844), which I assume was
his grandson. Abraham Breath, another son of James, was one of
the founders of the town of Marine. After the founding of the
town of Marine, Abraham moved to Alton, where he resided for 50
years before his death in 1884. Abraham Breath was one of the
defenders of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy at the time of the
pro-slavery riots in 1837. He filled the office of Assessor of
Alton Township. His brother, Edward, was a missionary to Persia
(Iran), and was with Lovejoy at the time of his death.
BREATH, LULA M./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 23, 1866
Died on Saturday, February 17, at 11:30 o’clock p.m., of typhoid
fever, Lula M. Breath, aged 17 years and 3 months, daughter of
A. and L. H. Breath. The funeral will take place from the
residence on the Belle Street, on Tuesday the 20th inst., at 2
p.m. the friends and acquaintances of the family are
respectfully invited to attend without further notice.
BRECKENRIDGE, LUCY (nee LONG)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 18, 1917
Mrs. Lucy Breckinridge, a long time
resident of Alton, died at the family residence October 17th, at
6:30 p.m., after a brief illness of 48 hours. She was the
daughter of the late Colonel Stephen H. Long, U. S. A., and was
born in Philadelphia. In January 1853 she was married in
Louisville, Ky., to Dr. Marcus Prevost Breckinridge. After a few
years in the south, she came to Alton in the early sixties and
had lived at the present home for 50 years. She had been a
member of the Episcopal Church for many years. She is survived
by three children, Messrs. W. L. and Richard Breckinridge of
Chicago and Mrs. T. A. Taylor of this city. Six grandchildren,
W. L. Breckinridge 4th, and Frank Breckinridge, Ashley Marcus,
Lucian and Theodosia Taylor. Two great-grandsons are now serving
in the U. S. A.
BRECKENRIDGE, M. P. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January
6, 1871
On July 25, 1870, Dr. M. P. Breckenridge, a respected
and prominent citizen, died after a brief illness at age 39
years.
BRECKWEG, RAYMOND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 4, 1918
Raymond Breckweg, 17 years old, son of Mr.
and Mrs. Bowis Breckweg, died at 9:30 o'clock this morning at
the home of his parents, 1114 East Fourth street, after a brief
illness with peritonitis. He is survived by his parents, two
brothers and three sisters. Arrangements for the funeral have
not been completed.
BREEDEN,
ANNA E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Anna E. Breeden will be held from the home,
2104 Hickory street, to the North Side church Saturday afternoon
at two o'clock. Services will be conducted by Rev. Brewer.
BREGENZER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 25, 1902
Mrs. Joseph Bregenzer, aged
about 36, died this morning at St. Joseph's hospital after a
severe illness with typhoid fever. A peculiarly sad feature is
that two weeks ago today her husband was buried, having died the
previous day at the hospital from the same disease. Three
children who are now wholly orphaned, have been very ill with
typhoid also, but it is thought they are now recovering. The
funeral will be Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's Church.
BREMER,
CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 1, 1905
Conrad Bremer, aged 65, a prominent farmer of Nameoki, was
found dead in the field at his home yesterday noon. He had gone
to the field to cut corn, and about noon time his son went to
join the father and was shocked to find the body of his father
lifeless in the field. Bremer had lived near Nameoki for many
years, and was regarded as one of the oldest residents there. He
leaves a large family and was a well-to-do farmer. The funeral
will be held Saturday morning.
BRENDLE,
HELENA/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 17, 1919
The funeral of Mrs. Helena Brendle, whose death at Alton was
briefly told in the Intelligencer yesterday, will be held here
Friday afternoon. Her death was due to old age. The body will be
brought to Edwardsville Friday afternoon. This being Holy Week,
services are not permitted in Catholic churches. The body will
be taken to the door of St. Boniface church at 3:30 o'clock for
final blessing by Rev. C. T. Stolze. Burial will be St. Mary's
Catholic cemetery. Mrs. Brendle was one of the old time
residents of Edwardsville, and will be remembered here by many.
She spent most of her life in this city. She was born in Baden,
Germany in August 1831, and had attained the tipe old age of 89
years 7 months and 14 days. She came to America, settling in
Edwardsville, when 18 years old. Four years later she was
married to Joseph Brendle of Edwardsville. Most of her married
life was spent in an old building just north of the old Wabash
HOtel. She possessed a clear mind and could relate many
interesting incidents pertaining to the early history of
Edwardsville. Her husband and two sons, Leopold and George
Brendle, preceded her in death many years. The nearest relatives
are seven grandchildren, Harry, Lawrence, George and Robert
Brendle of Edwardsville; Mrs. Mamie Whitacre of Fullerton Cal.;
Mrs. Frank Foley of Denver, Colo.; and Leo Brendle of Escondido,
California. There are also six great grandchildren.
BRENNAN, O. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1908
Killed by C. & A. Train Trying to Save Railroad Velocipede
To save a
speeder, as a three wheel railroad velocipede is known, O. J.
Brennan, a line man employed on the C. and A., was instantly
killed two miles north of Granite City last night. Brennan was
trying to lift his speeder off the track to save it from being
struck by the train which passed through Alton at 6:50 p.m. He
could have saved his own life easily, but he was determined if
possible to save the machine on which he was riding, and he did
not have time. He was struck on the side of the head and
probably never breathed afterward. Mr. Brennan formerly lived in
Alton. He had been employed by the Alton in the line repairing
department for 25 years, and during that time had never lost a
day's pay. He had three children when he lived in Alton a few
years ago, and all of them died from diphtheria within a week.
They were buried in Greenwood cemetery. He went to Springfield
and there another child was born, only to fall a victim of the
same disease. His wife is in Springfield. The body of Brennan
was taken to Granite City where an inquest was held today.
Brennan was a man of gigantic strength. It was his duty to
repair broken telegraph lines and generally he traveled alone.
It is related of him that frequently when he would discover
poles had been blown down or had fallen, he would make repairs
alone. He would dig a hole and make a trench along the line of
the fallen pole, and then by lifting the small end of the 30 to
35 foot pole he would start raising it, walking along underneath
the heavy weight and raising it, until he got the pole into a
position where it would slip into the hole. Then he would set it
in an upright position and string his lines again. The feat
could be performed by very few men. The body of the dead lineman
was taken to Springfield this noon for burial.
BRENNAN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1900
Laborer on Bluff Line Killed Near Hop Hollow
Thomas
Brennan, a laborer, aged 50, working in the Bluff Line section
gang near Hop Hollow, was instantly killed this morning by
passenger train No. 3, which arrived here at 10 o'clock. Brennan
had been sent on to flag trains east of where the section gang
was laying new steel west of the Hop Hollow trestle. He sat down
on the platform there, and it is supposed that he went to sleep,
or that he disregarded the approaching train from the west, he
being set to watch for a train from the east. The step of the
tender of engine No. 108 struck him on the right side of the
head, and he was instantly killed. The train was not stopped,
and the accident was not reported until it reached Alton. The
conductor reported to Agent Stratton, and he sent an engine and
car to Hop Hollow for the dead man. Deputy Coroner Streeper took
charge of the body and will hold an inquest this evening when
the train crew arrives here. Brennan had been working on the
Bluff Line three years and boarded at the Empire House. He is
said to have relatives at Springfield, who are well to do. The
Coroner has not received instructions as to the disposition of
the remains.
BRENNER, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 14, 1900
Mrs. Catherine Brenner, wife of Martin
Brenner, a resident of Alton forty-nine years, died at her home
on the Vandalia road last evening with paralysis of the heart.
Her death was very sudden, as she was ill only a short time.
During the evening she was calling on a neighbor and returned
home about 9 o'clock. She was taken with severe heart pains, and
at 9:40 o'clock she died. Her family thinks her death was due
primarily to a fall last spring, when she stepped through a trap
door and fell a distance of eight feet to the cellar floor
below. Deputy Coroner Bauer held an inquest this morning, and
the jury found a verdict of heart paralysis. Mrs. Brenner was
born in Germany and was 69 years of age. She leaves her aged
husband and three children, Mrs. Lena Loehr and Messrs. Charles
and William Brenner. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at
1:30 o'clock, and services will be conducted in the Evangelical
church by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.
BRENNER,
MARTIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1901
Since the death of his wife a year ago, Mr. Martin Brenner has
been failing to health. Sunday at 1 o'clock the end came, and he
passed peacefully away. He was 80 years of age and for over
fifty years has resided in Alton and followed his trade of stone
mason. He was an industrious citizen and was esteemed by all who
knew him. He leaves three children: Charles and William of
Alton, and Mrs. George Loehr of Upper Alton. The funeral will
take place Tuesday morning from the home on the Vandalia road,
Rev. Theo Oberhellmann officiating.
BRENTON, J. D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 28,
1922
Falls Down Elevator Shaft at Catholic Orphanage
J. D. Brenton,
an elevator construction workman, was fatally injured this
morning by falling down an electric elevator shaft at the
Catholic orphanage on State street. He died as he was being
taken into St. Joseph's hospital, to which place he was rushed
immediately after the accident. Brenton was assisting in
installing a passenger elevator at the new orphanage building. A
scaffold on which he was working was defective and one of the
braces gave away under him. This allowed him to fall from the
scaffold and dropped him to the concrete bottom of the elevator
shaft. It is supposed that he landed on his head as his injuries
seemed to be chiefly about his head. There was no indication of
anything having fallen on top of him from the platform on which
he had been working. Immediately after the accident, Brenton was
picked up and taken to the hospital in an ambulance, but before
he was carried into the hospital, he had died. The distance
Brenton fell was about 28 feet. The Wimmer Construction Co.,
having the general contract for the orphanage, did not have the
home address of the victim of the accident. He lived in St.
Louis and was sent here to install the elevator in the new
orphanage. The firm for which he worked was notified of the
fatal accident, and through them the effort was to be made to
find the relatives of the deceased.
BRETZ, AARON S./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1875
Mr.
Aaron S. Bretz, a printer of Alton, died on Tuesday afternoon of
consumption, after a lingering illness. Mr. Bretz removed from
his home in Missouri to Alton about six years ago, and learned
his trade in the Telegraph office. He subsequently worked in St.
Louis, and for a time published a temperance paper in that city.
He afterwards returned to Alton, and was employed in different
offices. He was a young man of exemplary habits and of
unblemished character. He was a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. His age was about twenty-six years. He had
many warm friends in Alton who greatly regret his early death,
and tender their sympathies to his relatives.
BREWER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 29,
1910
Burned to Death in His House
Charles Brewer, who
with his brother John kept house on a farm two miles from New
Douglas, was burned to death and his body consumed in their
home, Friday night about 11:30 o'clock. John Brewer, who came
home late after his brother had gone to bed, was responsible for
the accident. According to a story which came from New Douglas
today, John Brewer returned home late, and it is supposed he was
intoxicated, as he was a drinking man. After entering the house,
he accidentally overturned the lamp, and it set fire to the
house and John ran outside. He ran around the little three room
building, and opening another door he shouted for his brother to
come to him, as the brother could not get out the way that John
had gone, because of the flames. John says that he heard his
brother shouting for help, but he was unable to get to him on
account of the quick spread of the flames. The opening of the
other door had caused a draft which swept the fire through the
house, and before Charles Brewer could get out of bed he was
overcome by smoke. Very little was left of his body, and the
house is nothing but a heap of ashes. Coroner Streeper directed
his deputy (Roy Lowe of Edwardsville) to go to New Douglas
tomorrow and hold an inquest. Charles Brewer was about 43 years
of age. The two brothers had a little place and they lived
together. Neither had ever married.
BRICKNER, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1903
Killed in Premature Blast
Emil Brickner, a quarryman
employed by John Armstrong, was killed this afternoon about 3
o'clock by the premature discharge of a blast. He was charging
the blast when the explosion occurred. Brickner was blown in the
air and fell with a large mass of rock, part of the loosened
stone falling a distance of 25 feet on him. One arm was blown
off, one hand blown to pieces, both eyes blow out and horrible
injuries were inflicted to him on the body and head. Brickner
fell from a ledge a distance of 25 feet. He died about 3:30
o'clock.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14,
1903
Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest Wednesday
evening over the remains of Emil Brickner, the man killed by a
premature explosion of a dynamite blast in the Armstrong
quarries Wednesday afternoon. There were few eye witnesses of
the explosion, as all the men in the quarries were otherwise
engaged. A series of holes had been drilled in the rock and
these were to be charged with dynamite. Brickner, being a
careful man, it was his duty to tamp the dynamite into the holes
with a wooden rod. The cause of the explosion is not known.
Several women living in boats at the river saw the accident.
They said that Brickner was blown at least 25 feet into the air
and then fell over a ledge about 25 feet, making a fall of fifty
feet in all. The unfortunate man was fearfully mangled by the
flying pieces of rock, and never regained consciousness. A
verdict of accidental death was found. The funeral will be held
Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home.
BRIENTNELL, HANNAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1873
Mrs. Hannah Brientnell, an old lady aged 86 years, died on
Tuesday of lung fever, at the residence of Mrs. P. S. Wolford on
Alby Street. She was a native of Philadelphia, and had resided
with her relatives here for about eighteen years. She was one of
the oldest, if not the oldest person in the city at the time of
her death.
BRIGGS, SPENCER P./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 27, 1865
Died in Alton at his residence on Bond Street, October 19, at 6
o’clock, Mr. Spencer P. Briggs, in the 79th year of his age. Mr.
Briggs emigrated from the State of New York to Alton, about
seven years since, and although he lived a very retiring life,
yet he had won the affections and confidence of many of our
people, and was highly esteemed for his many amiable qualities.
He was a member of, and held a very high official position in
the Masonic fraternity.
BRIGHT, JEFFERSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19,
1910
Killed In Explosion at Equitable Powder Mill
Jefferson
Bright, aged 48, was instantly killed in an explosion of the
corning mill at the Equitable Powder Works, about 10:45 Saturday
morning. Aaron Patterson, who was fifty feet away, was so
shocked by the explosion that he ran wild for a few minutes,
tearing his shirt off of his back before being caught by several
of the men in the yard. Mr. Patterson was the only one in the
building, which was 20x_0 feet, and was supposed to be putting
the heavy 80 pound cakes of crude powder into the mill to be
ground up into fine powder. Patterson had just driven up his
mule and cart to the door of the corning mill, and as a load of
the ground powder was not ready for him, he walked away fifty
feet and sat down on a log. When the explosion occurred the mill
and wagon were blown into the air. The mule, which had been
nicknamed "Maude," was killed. Mr. Patterson was knocked to the
ground by the explosion and had his face and shoulders bruised.
When he arose and started running, he was so excited that he
tore his shirt off of his back fearing that it was afire. He was
afterwards taken to the dressing room and taken care of. He was
able to get home without any help. Bright's body was hurled with
the debris a distance of thirty or forty feet up the hill near
where the mill stands, and landed across a small ditch running
into Wood River. His legs were twisted and broken and the
undertaker says that nearly every bone in his body was broken.
His head was not badly crushed. It is believed that there were
about fifty blocks of powder lying in the room at the time of
the explosion, which would make about 4,500 pounds of powder.
The officials at the powder works say they do not know how much
powder went off, and they said they could not place an estimate
on the damage. George Lawrence, Patterson's assistant, was about
150 feet away and was coming to get a load of powder. He was
knocked down, but was not hurt. The men in the press, Charles
Young and Robert Kiebelt [or Klebelt] four hundred feet away
were stunned for a minute. Although a few windows were knocked
out in the press room by the explosion, no one was hurt. Jeff
Bright had worked for the powder plant for sixteen years. He was
born and raised in East Alton, and had been councilman in East
Alton at different times for the last ten years. Mrs. Bright
received the news through her son, who works at the plant. She
took the matter very calmly. She said that Mr. Bright left the
house laughing this morning, thinking that his daughter, Mrs.
Mae Philips of Pocatello, Idaho, was coming next week to visit
him. Mrs. Philips intended to leave today, but may be delayed
for a few days on account of the railroad strike. A telegram has
been sent telling her of her father's death, which will be sad
news to the daughter who was coming home after being absent for
nearly a year. Mr. Bright leaves a widow and four children. The
three sons are Louis A., John H. and William J., all of East
Alton. Coroner C. N. Streeper has moved the body to his
undertaking establishment in Upper Alton, and will hold the
inquest Monday night.
BRILL,
MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1915
Michael Brill, aged 76, died last night at the home of his
sister, Mrs. L. R. Stiritz, at Clifton Terrace, after a five
weeks illness from pneumonia. The funeral will probably be held
Tuesday.
BRISSEY, MYRTLE (nee SIMPSON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 8, 1911
Mrs. Myrtle Simpson Brissey, wife
of George W. Brissey, and daughter of Elias Simpson, died at St.
Joseph's hospital at 1 o'clock Monday morning from tuberculosis
of the bowels. She had undergone three surgical operations in
hope of gaining relief, but the malady finally proved fatal. She
was 26 years of age and leaves two children. The body will be
buried at Batchtown, her native place, tomorrow, and will be
taken there tonight.
BRITTINGHAM, ELIZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10,
1903
Mrs. Eliza, widow of John Brittingham, aged 68, died
Thursday night at St. Joseph's hospital of dropsy of the heart.
The funeral took place Friday afternoon, interment being in City
Cemetery.
BROCK, ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 26, 1920
Julius Brock, colored, shot and killed
his wife about 1 o'clock today with a shot gun in their home at
Federal, east of Alton. No cause had been found for the killing.
The woman received the charge of shot in the neck and arm and
side, and died instantly. The husband fled and at last report
had not been arrested. Neighbors said that a few minutes before
the shooting the couple passed their houses and were apparently
friendly enough. Some quarrel must have developed at the home
and the husband in mad fury took his gun and killed the woman.
The couple had been living at Federal for three years, the man
being employed at Federal Lead plant.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, October 27, 1920
According to
the testimony of Ellis Martin and his wife at the coroner's
inquest Wednesday morning, Mrs. Alice Brock, a negress, was
killed with a shotgun as a result of the fact that a chicken
dinner which she had prepared did not please her husband, Jesse
Brock, who is being sought by the police for the slaying. The
Martins, who also are negroes, testified before Deputy Coroner
William Bauer that they had accompanied Brock to his home for
dinner Tuesday. The repast, they related, struck them as being
quite suitable, but failed to meet with the approval of Brock,
who went into a rage and berated his wife. Seeing that a quarrel
was imminent, the guests said they went into another room of the
house, from which they could hear scuffling and an exchange of
hot words. While the quarrel continued, the couple declared they
went to the home of a neighbor two doors away, from which they
heard the report of the shotgun. When they returned to the Brock
home, they found the woman dead, a part of her skull having been
blown off by the charge. Brock had fled, but was reported to
have been seen near the house later in the evening. Letters
written by the slain woman, which had not been mailed, were
found in the house, showing that she believed her husband wished
to be rid of her and had tried to drive her away from home. A
telegram received by Deputy Coroner Bauer from the brother of
the victim, Thad Stewart, announced that he is on his way here,
having been recently discharged from the Missouri Penitentiary.
BROCK, FRANCIS K./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 7, 1866
Died in Alton, August 24, Mr. Francis K. Brock, aged 30 years.
Brock was a native of Wesleyville, Canada East, and with his
family, immigrated to this State about one year ago. Induced by
the superior advantages of the West, he came here to share in
our prosperity, and being possessed of energy, industry, and
mechanical skill, he had already commenced a lucrative business.
Considering his short stay among us, Mr. Brock was well and
favorably know, for his conduct was so tempered by truth,
sobriety, and judgment, as to attract the attention and command
the respect of all. Religion was the ruling principle of his
life, and for the last ten years he has been an exemplary
Christian and a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He was a good citizen, a kind husband and father, and
leaves a wife with three small children to mourn his untimely
loss. Although struck down in the very prime and vigor of
manhood, without a moment’s warning, death had no terrors for
him. In the hour of need he was buoyed up by his faith in the
promises of his Savior, saying, “Yea, though I walk through the
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art
with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
BROCK, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8, 1902
Hannah Brock, wife of James Brock, aged 46, died this
morning at 2:30 a.m. at the family home on Division street,
after a long illness with consumption. The funeral will be held
Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home to the Union
Baptist church.
BROCK, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18, 1918
Dies From Fall at Laclede Steel Plant
James
Brock, aged 65, one of the best known colored men in Alton, died
at St. Joseph's hospital, Sunday morning at 8:30 o'clock, from
the effects of accidental injuries sustained in a fall at the
engine room of the Laclede Steel Co., Saturday morning. Brock,
who was a very capable mechanic, and had been working for years
about the engine rooms of various plants, was engaged in oiling
the engine standing on a platform. Whether he was struck on the
head by a chain, or he slipped off the platform is not known. He
was found lying on the floor with his skull crushed and his jaw
broken. He was unconscious. He was immediately taken to the
hospital where he was given surgical attention, but he never
regained consciousness. Brock was known as a steady, dependable
man, and for many years was very influential among his own
people. The funeral will be held from the home, 611 Division
street, to SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, Wednesday morning at
9 o'clock. Burial will be in City Cemetery.
BROCK, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1866
We have heard today of several new cases of cholera making their
appearance in Hunterstown and vicinity. Mr. Brock, a gentleman
residing on the corner of Fifth and Alton Streets, died
yesterday afternoon of this disease.
BROCKMAN, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
19, 1917
Mrs. Charlotte Brockman, old resident of Alton,
died at the County Poor Farm today, content to pass away since
she knew that she was to be buried in Alton. One of the last
requests she made was for an interview with the Overseer of the
Poor. She had Joe Hermann promise that he would have her buried
in the Alton City Cemetery beside her son. She wanted to be
buried by William Bauer, who had been a friend of the family for
a number of years. When the oversser of the poor promised that
her wish would be fulfilled, she said she was willing to die.
The body will be brought to Alton this evening and the funeral
will be held tomorrow morning from the Bauer Undertaking
establishment to the Alton City Cemetery.
BROCKMEIER, HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, May 3,
1893
Edwardsville lost one of its best farmers and
citizens by the death of Henry Brockmeler, which occurred at his
residence four miles southwest of the city on Friday evening,
April 28th, at eight o'clock. He had been ill only a week and
was apparently not in serious condition. His affliction was lung
trouble the result of a cold which he contracted several weeks
ago. Henry Brockmeier was born Dec. 5, 1828, in Eldachsen,
District Minden, Province Westfalen, Prussia, Germany (sic). In
1848 he came to this country and after a short stop at
Philadelphia came to Madison county which has been his home
since. He first located on Pleasant Ridge then removed to Ft.
Russell where he resided until about 22 or 23 years ago when he
took up his residence on his farm near the Bluffs. He began life
with small financial means but he possessed that industry and
frugality that is characteristic of the people of whom he was a
representative and he acquired a competency some years ago to
which he continued to add gradually until he was recognized as
one of the most solid farmers of this section of the county.
Though never seeking position, much preferring the state of
private citizen,he was chosen to fill various positions of an
official character, and for several years served as assistant
supervisor of Edwardsville township. In 1852 he married Dora
Deterding. By this union he had eight children, five of whom are
living, two sons and three daughters. She died July 19, 1871,
after having lived with him in happy union for nineteen years.
On April 17, 1872, he married Dina Sanna. Three sons were born
of this union one of whom is living. He leaves surviving a
widow, three sons: Charles F. who is one of the substantial
young farmers of the township; Gus who has been helping take
care of the home place, and Eddie a young man of fifteen are at
home; three daughters, two married to successful farmers,
Levina, wife of Louis Giesemann of Ft. Russell, and Mary, wife
of Christ. Rathert of this township, also Dora who is at home.
He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Minna Schwarz, of this city. The
funeral took place Sunday morning at 10 o'clock from the family
residence to St. Paul's (Brockmeier) church. Rev. Phillip
Hiligardt preached the sermon and paid an eloquent tribute to
the dead. After the services the body was conveyed to the Peters
cemetery. The pallbearers were: Charles Roewekamp, Herman
Kromer, Henry Buehring, Herman Peters, Bernhard Funstermann and
August Neunaber. The residents for many miles around were in
attendance and many from this city drove down, notwithstanding
the heavy rains which had fallen during the night and the day
previous. Among those from a distance who had come to pay the
last mark of respect were Mrs. John Woestmann, Mrs. Dora Hill,
Mrs. Charlotte Penningroth and Mr. and Mrs. Wm Meinsen of St.
Louis, and Henry Busking and Fred Doehring, of Shelby County.
BROCKMEIER, SOPHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25,
1920
Mrs. Sophie Brockmeier, wife of Ernest Brockmeier,
died in St. Louis last night at 11:40 o'clock at the home of her
son, Henry Brockmeier, of 4505 West Easton avenue. Mr. and Mrs.
Brockmeier sold their farm three miles north of Godfrey, the
first of the month, and went to St. Louis to reside with their
son. Mrs. Brockmeier was in her 82nd year. She is survived by
Henry and Fred Brockmeier, Mrs. Lizzie Burger, Mrs. Mary Milner,
Mrs. Ida Priesmeyer, and Mrs. Julia O'Connor. The remains will
be taken to Godfrey and funeral services will be held from the
Bethany church Sunday at two o'clock. Interment will be in
Bethany cemetery.
BRODERICK, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1913
Joseph Broderick, aged 40, died Friday evening at his home,
316 Dry street, after an illness of four years. Mr. Broderick
was a well known Alton business man and was the senior member of
the firm of Broderick Bros., which had been in business for 21
years. He was also in the contracting business and completed
several street contracts in Alton and Upper Alton....He is
survived by his wife and three sons, John, Edward and Joseph;
also two brothers, Thomas and Edward; and a sister, Mrs. David
Fleming. He was a very successful business man, and bore an
excellent reputation. He belonged to a well known old Alton
family, and had a very large number of good friends and
acquaintances. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9
o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and burial will be
in Greenwood Cemetery.
BROGLIE, ELEANOR/FLORA/MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 14, 1911
Triple Drowning of Broglie Sisters
As the
closing event of a happy day in Camp Transient, where two of the
daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Broglie were spending the day
with the oldest, the three girls, Flora, Eleanor and Mary
Broglie, aged 16, 14, and 12, were drowned while taking a
farewell skiff ride. Eleanor and Mary had intended staying over
Sunday in camp, but found so many there they concluded to go
home. They had been in the river bathing, and afterward the
skiff ride was proposed, just before train time. Thomas Harr
rowed the boat, and Rodgers Wyckoff, the 8 year old son of Mr.
and Mrs. D. A. Wyckoff, was in the party. The drowning occurred
in the slough between Scotch Jimmy's Island and the main shore
at the mouth of Piasa Creek. About 18 people had been staying at
camp, chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. Evan Christoe, and on Saturday
about a dozen visitors went up to spend the day. All these
people witnessed the drowning and helped to recover the bodies.
The accident was due to an effort to run the rough water where a
stone dam extends across the slough. Water pours over this dam
and makes a little fall and an eddy. The only deep water
anywhere around was where the skiff turned over below the dam
and threw its five passengers out. Thomas Harr, who rowed the
boat, caught his oar against the dike when the skiff was
floating sidewise, and the girls were shouting with glee at the
ride through the rough water. The current carried the boat
against the fast oar and caused the boat to dip water. The
girls, terrified, jumped to one side and the boat went over,
bottom side up. Rodgers Wyckoff alone had presence of mind to
catch the boat and he finally climbed up on the bottom and
floated safely until rescued. The three girls, according to the
evidence of Tom Harr at the inquest, threw their arms around him
and all were drowning, when Harry managed to break loose. The
girls soon sank, but Eleanor was still afloat, and Harr took her
by the hair and started to tow her ashore, but had to give it up
because of his own weakened condition and the girls' impeding
struggles. Harr saved his own life. The horrified campers tried
to get to the place in time to help the struggling three girls
and young man, but were too late because of the distance they
had to travel. Within a half hour after the drowning, the girls'
bodies were recovered. They had been carried by the current down
a short distance, where they rolled up in shallow water and were
seen and picked up. Efforts were made to resuscitate them. Harry
J. Christoe, who was in the party, climbed to the home of E. A.
Riehl on the bluff, and telephone to Alton for doctors. Dr. Enos
was found and he directed by telephone what movements to make to
revive the girls. Christoe, to save time, shouted the directions
from the hill top to the campers down at the water's edge, and
they, putting the girls over a tree trunk, began the efforts to
resuscitate them. Some barrels were rolled down from the hill
top at the Riehl place, and the summer boarders at Riehl's
helped. Only one of the girls, Miss Flora, showed any signs of
coming to, but she could not survive. The three girls were laid
in a row on the bank, after an hour of effort, and the attempt
to revive them was given up. In the meantime, the parents, who
had been summoned, were hurried in an auto by Fred Lehne to the
scene of the drowning, accompanied by C. J. Jacoby and Rev. F.
S. Eitelgeorge. Mrs. Broglie was not permitted to see her
children. The father did not know that all his children had lost
their lives until he gazed on their faces as they lay dead on
the ground. Then he almost collapsed. The mother, frantic with
grief, was kept on top of the hill, and when told the truth she
had to be restrained from joining her children in death, as she
wanted to throw herself in the river. Mr. Jacoby took charge of
the bodies, and in the meantime coroners of two counties were
hurrying to the scene. The drowning occurred almost at the line
between Jersey and Madison. coroner Streeper went up in the
Goddess, which towed the Sport. The Goddess was left at Illini
Yacht club, and the Sport, of less draft, made the trip in
shallow water up the slough to the scene of the drowning. When
the coroner arrived he learned the bodies were out of his
jurisdiction, and he waited for Coroner Hunt to arrive. By
lamplight, the inquest was held, then the bodies were put in two
row boats and carried down to Illini club island, where they
were loaded in the Sport and towed down to Alton. The members of
the camping party broke up and came home, except a few who
stayed around to pack up the camping outfit and look after the
bodies. The boats arrived in Alton at midnight with the bodies,
which were taken to the Jacoby undertaking rooms. There they
were prepared for burial. The three girls who lost their lives
were prominent in the German Methodist Sunday school. The
funeral tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the German Methodist
church will be a sad event in that church. Six persons, members
of a confirmation class with the middle girl, will serve as
pallbearers. The pallbearers for the other girls will be young
ladies from the Sunday school. The music will be furnished by
the choir of the First Methodist church. The Broglie family, and
especially the mother, have seen their share of trouble. The
mother bore six children, all of whom are dead now, and the
couple have nothing left. The father worked at Beall Brothers
East Alton plant as a machinist, and the family lived on West
Thirteenth street. Immediately after the girls sank, Clinton
Miller and William Sinclair rescued the Wyckoff boy from the
bottom of the skiff, and McLean Watkins, in a boat, rowed to the
spot where the girls had sunk, and in the rough, dangerous
water, he tried with a hook to recover the bodies, thinking that
by quick recovery the lives might be saved. The current,
however, carried the bodies away toward the sandbar. The members
of the camping party unite in saying that the Harr boy did not
invite the girls to go rowing, but that it was their own
proposition and he merely accommodated them by serving as
oarsman. The ladies in the party could do nothing more than was
done after the bodies were recovered and efforts to revive them
failed, and so they were sent home on the train. The bodies will
lie in state at the German M. E. church from 2 p.m. today until
10 a.m. tomorrow, where all interested can call and view them.
The pallbearers will be: For Miss Mary: Berlie Jungblut, Effie
Jacoby, Mary Althoff, Loretta Bierbaum, Viola Dortz, May Paul.
For Miss Eleanor: The confirmation class of last year - Casper
Jacoby Jr., Clarence Brueggemann, Elmer Bierbaum, Wallace
Colonitts, Lucile Lehne, Olga Wells. For Miss Flora - Harry
Paul, Ernest Jacoby, Paul Jacoby, F. Meisenheimer, Ph. Graul,
Fred Weber. Rev. Eitelgeorge, assisted by Rev. W. T. Cline of
the First Methodist church, will officiate. Two sons who died
and are buried in Pittsburg will be taken up and brought to
Alton for re-interment by the side of their sisters in Alton
Cemetery.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
15, 1911
Three white caskets containing the remains of
the three young girls of the Broglie family were the center of
interest in the German Methodist church, which drew an immense
throng this morning. The sympathy of the entire community with
the family in their triple bereavement was undoubted. The
expression of it had been so strong as to leave no room for
questioning it. There were heaps of floral offerings, and there
were many sincere handclasps and sympathetic words for the
family. In the church where the girls were well known, there was
the deepest of grief. The services were conducted by Rev. F. S.
Eitelgeorge, assisted by Rev. W. T. Cline of the First Methodist
church. The musical numbers were sung by the members of the
choir of the First church. During the time yesterday the three
bodies lay in the German Methodist church, the place was
thronged, and an usher counted the people who passed through.
They numbered three thousand, according to the pastor of the
church, Rev. F. S. Eitelgeorge, and fully another thousand
people passed through the church this morning to view the
remains. It was estimated that two thousand people attended the
burial in the city cemetery, and all along the route taken by
the funeral procession, the streets were lined with people who
gathered to see the procession with three hearses and three sets
of pallbearers pass.
BRONHEIM, BARON GERHARD HERMAN VON CARNAP
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 10, 1916
Baron Gerhard Herman von Carnap Bronheim, for
many years prominent in financial circles in St. Louis, died
Tuesday night in Newark, in his sixty-eighth year.....Count Von
Carnap formerly lived on Alby street between Eighth and Ninth
streets. He built the house in which H. L. Black resides now.
His mother had lived in Alton for many years. Count von Carnap
was a man of a very dignified mien, and he was highly respected
by all who knew him. He was noted for his puctilious courtesy to
all. While here, his wife divorced him, and he continued to live
with his three daughters, for whom he built a magnificent
residence.
Other news on Count Von Carnap:
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1899
On the 31st day of May, 1899, Gerhardt Von Carnap was fined
the sum of $25 for carrying concealed weapons. Z. B. Job Jr. was
arrested and tried before the Police Magistrate and fined $25
for committing an assault and battery on the person of G. Von
Carnap.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
24, 1899
Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Black will move into the Von
Carnap mansion December 1, and Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Burgess will
move into the house to be vacated by Mr. Black. Mr. G. Von
Carnap will leave Alton.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 4, 1905
Mrs. Grant Richardson, nee
Tillie Von Carnap, formerly of Alton, died at Morrisville, Mo.
She was the daughter of G. Von Carnap, formerly of Alton.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1900
A marriage license was issued at Clayton, MO, Saturday, to
Gerhard H. J. Freiherr Von Carnap Bornheim of St. Louis, and
Miss Margaret Thomas of Decatur. Although Mr. Von Carnap's full
name was never given here, it is certain the gentleman who
procured the marriage license at Clayton is the Mr. Von Carnap
who lived here until recently....Mr. Von Carnap still owns
considerable property in Alton, among which is his late
residence on Alby street, which is now occupied by Mr. H. L.
Black.
[NOTE: Count Van Carnap, as he was known,
built a large home at 812 Alby Street between 8th and 9th
Streets. The home no longer exists. In 1899, Harvey L. Black,
Manager of the Hapgood Plow Company, moved into the home with
his family. The Count owned considerable property in Alton.]
BRONSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 20, 1903
James Bronson, an old resident of East Alton, died this
morning at the hospital. He was 75. The time for his burial is
not set, and an effort is being made to communicate with some of
his relatives in St. Louis.
BROOKESBEANE, FRANCES J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
3, 1909
Mrs. Frances J. Brookesbeane, wife of George
Brookesbeane, the old ferryman, died Friday evening at her home,
Eighth and Piasa streets, after a long illness, aged 62. She
underwent a surgical operation a few days ago for the removal of
a water tumor, which had grown to great size, and she never
survived the shock. She was a daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth
Maxwell, who is over eighty years of age, and a sister of Chief
of Police John Maxwell. She leaves one sister, Mrs. Mary Roller.
Mrs. Brooksbeane leaves also four children. The couple had been
married 35 years, and had lived all that time in Alton. The
funeral of Mrs. Brooksbeane will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home.
BROOKS, CHARLES B./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 27, 1861
Died at Wood River, on the 18th inst., of typhoid fever, after
an illness of four days, Mr. Charles B. Brooks, husband of Sarah
M. Brooks, about forty years of age.
BROOKS, EFFIE or ELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 23,
1902
Mrs. Ellie [sic] Brooks, wife of John D. Brooks,
died Saturday afternoon at the home of her sister, Miss Lucretia
Hamilton, east of Alton. Mrs. Brooks lived on the Hamilton place
many years, and when her illness assumed a dangerous form she
requested to be moved to the old home of her childhood. She was
moved Sunday, June 15, and survived the change only six days.
Mrs. Brooks had been living at 4314 Gano avenue in St. Louis.
The funeral will be held Wednesday and burial will be in Mt.
Olive cemetery.
BROOKS, FINLEY G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16,
1905
The body of Finley G. Brooks, the former East Alton
business man who died Monday at his home in Granite City,
accompanied by a large funeral party arrived in Alton about noon
today and was taken to the Washington street M. E. church where
services were conducted this afternoon by the pastor, Rev. C. L.
Peterson. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
BROOKS, FRED W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31,
1916
Old Soldier Dies at Quincy
Fred W. Brooks, an old
soldier, for many years a resident of Alton, died in the
Soldiers' Home at Quincy Sunday, after a long illness with
cancer. Mr. Brooks had resided at the Soldiers' Home for three
years, since the cancerous trouble began to be serious. He was
in his seventieth year. When a boy he came to Alton with his
parents, and when the war broke out he went to St. Louis with a
company of Upper Alton boys and enlisted in the army. He served
during the entire war, and afterward he married Miss Emma Wiest,
his widow. The couple were the parents of eleven children, seven
of whom survive him - Mrs. George Knowles; Mrs. Eugene Lavenue
Jr.; Mrs. Eugene Rice; Gentry L. Brooks of Alton; Mrs. B. W.
Wilson of Quincy; Fred E. Brooks who is in the U. S. Army in the
Philippines; and Dan F. Brooks who is in the United States Navy
and at present is stationed in the Philippines. He leaves
fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Brooks
made a request that he be buried among his comrades at the
Soldiers' Home in the beautiful cemetery provided there and this
request will be observed.
BROOKS, LEVI/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1939
Levi Brooks, a former colored resident of Alton, died on the
Fourth of July in Springfield. Brooks left Alton more than 20
years ago, but kept in close touch with relatives and friends in
this city. He was a cousin of Louise Brooks.
BROOKS, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20, 1909
The funeral of Mrs. Margaret Brooks was held this morning at
9 o'clock at the negro Baptist church. An inquest was held by
Coroner C. N. Streeper last night, and the verdict returned was
death from heart disease.
BROOKS, PHOEBE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1899
Mrs. Phoebe Brooks died this morning at the home of her son,
F. G. Brooks, at East Alton, from la grippe and lung fever. Mrs.
Brooks was 71 years of age and leaves three sons and a daughter.
The funeral will take place Friday at 2 p.m. from the Sixth
Street M. E. Church in this city. Interment will be in Oakwood
Cemetery, Upper Alton.
BROOKS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4,
1899
William Brooks, a motorman on the street railway
system, died last evening at his home on Belle Street, after a
short illness with pneumonia. He was taken ill nine days ago
from the effects of exposure consequent upon his duties on the
electric cars, and notwithstanding his good health previously,
his system gave way and death ensued. He was in the employ of
the Alton Railway and Illuminating Company for several years,
and was well known about town, having lived here all his life.
He leaves a wife and three children. The family is deserving of
much sympathy in the heavy affliction that has fallen upon them.
BROOKSBEANE/BROOKSBEAM, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 12, 1916
Old Ferryman Crosses the River,
Makes His Last Trip
George Brooksbeam, aged riverman, was removed from
his home on the river front to St. Joseph's Hospital this
afternoon in a very serious condition. He has but a short time
more to live, and he wanted badly to live the remainder of his
life alongside the old Mississippi river. He protested bitterly
when the authorities went to his shack on the river bank and
told him he would have to go to the hospital. Brooksbeam is one
of the best known rivermen in Alton. For many years he operated
a ferry business at Alton. He was in the business when he rowed
people across the river for ten cents. Later, he purchased a
gasoline boat and named it the "No Credit." For a time he worked
for the Eagle Packet Co., and then he left the river for a short
time to work for Uncle Sam, carrying the mail from the post
office to the trains, but he finally returned to the river front
to live. There is a little shack on the banks of the beloved
Mississippi River he wanted to die in. He would rather have just
a little glance of the river than all the conveniences which
could be offered him at the hospital. When he learned that all
of the shacks along the river front were to be removed and he
would have to go to the hospital, he told authorities that he
wanted to pay his own way to the hospital.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16, 1916
The
last trip was made at noon today by George Brooksbeane, old time
ferryman at Alton. The old ferryman, who for many years had
ferried people back and forth on the river at Alton, himself
embarked on a trip where he was merely a passenger, over whose
route he had no control any longer, and a spectral ferryman took
him over the river to the great beyond on the other side. He had
been a sufferer from kidney trouble and had been ill in a cabin
near the river he loved so well. He survived only a few days
after he was taken to the hospital. There, though given the
kindest of treatment in a clean bed, the old riverman yearned
for the lapping of the waves and the moist smell of the water.
About 80 years of age, he took voyage on the dark river, and his
days of ferrying were over. In all the years he ferried at
Alton, Brooksbeane never had an accident. A ferryman, he never
could swim, and only once, it is related, was he ever in the
river, and that was when a drunken passenger dragged him over at
the shore and Brooksbeane got wet to the skin. For several years
he disdained the use of power, other than the old "armstrong,"
and he propelled his boat with oars. At last he succumbed to the
modern idea and bought a boat with a gasoline engine. Sheathing
it in tin to resist the ice, and with an antique engine,
Brooksbeane ferried for some time. He had accumulated quite a
sum of money, it is said, by his family, but he was never showy
in his dress or his way of living.
BROOKSCHEN, JOHN/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday,
January 6, 1892
John Brookschen, who has been staying
with Frank Lohman on Sand Prairie, Nameoki Township, died Friday
[Jan. 1] and was buried Sunday at Collinsville. He was 21 years
old.
BROTHERS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5,
1910
George Brothers, aged 38, died at St. Joseph's
hospital Saturday morning from lockjaw, resulting from having
his feet frozen. Brothers came to Alton last week and went to
the Buck boarding house on Illinois avenue, where he had been
boarding a year before. Brothers said that while working on the
Missouri Pacific railroad sweeping snow from switches during the
cold weather in December, he froze his feet. He was taken to the
Missouri Pacific hospital at St. Louis and was given treatment
there, and was discharged last Saturday. He arrived in Alton on
Sunday, and was very lame. He had to be taken to St. Joseph's
hospital, and there lockjaw set in. Dr. Winn, who attended him,
believed the man's case was hopeless several days ago and a
letter was sent to his brother, Joseph Brothers, at Oakwood,
Ill. to attend him. The brother came to Alton and stayed several
days, making arrangements for the shipment of the body to
Oakwood in case of death. The body will be sent away tomorrow.
BROUGHTON, NANCY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1866
Died in Alton on the 17th inst., at the residence of her
son-in-law, Captain George Cockrell, after a very long and
painful illness, Mrs. Nancy Broughton, at the ripe old age of
76.
BROUGHTON, SARAH ANN/Alton Telegraph, March 2, 1839
Died on
Sunday last, Miss Sarah Ann Broughton, daughter of Mr. John
Broughton of this city, in the 12th year of her age.
BROWN, ANGELICA (nee KAUFFMAN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 18, 1920
Mrs. Angelica Kauffman Brown, wife of Shelby A. Brown, died
Tuesday afternoon about 3 o'clock in a hospital in Galesburg,
Ill., where she had undergone two surgical operations. She was
attended by her mother, Mrs. T. H. Kauffmann, and an aunt, Mrs.
Joseph Silver, at the time of her death. The passing of Mrs.
Brown caused much sadness in a large circle of friends and
acquaintances of the young woman. She had been married the first
day of last December to Shelby A. Brown, to whom she had been
engaged since before he answered his country's call to arms. The
marriage in the First Methodist church in Alton was a big event
in Alton society circles. Miss Kauffmann had been most active in
the work of the Red Cross, and when the headquarters of Alton
Chapter was opened, she was selected as executive secretary and
continued in that capacity until November 1, when her
resignation became effective, in anticipation of her marriage.
She had been very helpful to many hundreds of returned soldiers
after peace was declared and there are many of the boys who came
back from war who will always remember kindly the keen interest
she took in helping them straighten out tangles that seemed to
them almost impossible of solution. She had previously served in
the Jennie D. Hayner library, and there too she had shown a
marked efficiency in her work, which attracted the attention of
the Red Cross directors when they were selecting an executive
secretary. Miss Kauffmann was deeply interested in the work of
the First Methodist church in which she had held membership from
girlhood. She was one of the original members of the Winifred
Dague Travel club, a Methodist social organization. She was also
a member of the Zeta Beta Psi sorority. Mrs. Brown was taken
sick three weeks ago with a malady that was not at first
correctly diagnosed. She was operated upon for appendicitis two
weeks ago last Saturday, and it was found that it was not what
was needed. A second operation to relieve other bad conditions
was determined upon and this occurred last Saturday, two weeks
after the first one. Her condition was very bad from the very
first, and there was most discouraging tiding coming from the
bedside of the young woman. Mrs. Brown was born at Lexington,
Mo., and when she was a few months old the family moved to
Alton. She had made her home here ever since, until she went to
Galesburg a few months ago, the bride of Shelby A. Brown, former
assistant secretary at the Alton Y. M. C. A. She would have been
28 years of age next Saturday. Beside her mother she leaves one
brother, Hugh, and a sister, Miss Helen Kauffmann. The body will
be brought back to Alton tomorrow morning. The time of the
funeral will be announced after the party arrives here. A
telegram from Mrs. Kauffmann this afternoon stated that the
funeral of Mrs. Shelby Brown will be held Friday afternoon from
the home to the City Cemetery. Mrs. Kauffmann and Mr. Brown will
arrive at 6:50 tomorrow morning.
BROWN, DAVID E./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 10, 1873
David E. Brown, Esq., an old and well-known citizen of this
county, and for a long time a resident of Alton, died of cancer
January 8 at his residence on the Grafton Road. He was a very
remarkable man in many respects, and possessed great mental
abilities and indomitable energy and force of character, and the
place made vacant by his death will be very hard to fill. For
several years past, he has given his time to horticultural and
agricultural pursuits with rare skill and success. He has left a
wife, one child, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances
to deplore his death. He was a native of Rhode Island, but
removed to this State more than thirty years since. We shall
publish shortly a more extended sketch of his life.
BROWN, EDWARD D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18,
1910
Edward D. Brown of Fosterburg, aged 47, died at St.
Joseph's hospital this mroning following a surgical operation
for the relief of rupture. He was a short heavy man, and
surgeons did not give him assurance that an operation would be
successful. He desired to take the chance and the operation was
performed last Saturday. He failed to recover. He leaves one
sister, Mrs. Ed Titchenal of Fosterburg. The funeral will be
held Sunday, and burial will be in the Short cemetery. Brown
formerly lived at Palacius, Tex. He was a member of the Odd
Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Woodmen of the World.
BROWN, EDWARD SALISBURY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12,
1850
Madison County Treasurer and Assessor
Nephew of Rufus
Easton – founder of Alton
Died at his residence in
Edwardsville, on Tuesday, July 9, 1850, Mr. Edward Salisbury
Brown, in the 30th year of his age. Mr. Brown was the son of the
late Dr. Erastus Brown, of Upper Alton, and was born and raised
in this county. As a man, he was somewhat reserved, but was
possessed of a warm and affectionate heart, and the highest
sense of honor. In the discharge of his duties as an officer of
the county, he was prompt, energetic, and faithful - as a
husband and father he was kind and indulgent. After an illness
of six days, during which although his sufferings were very
great, he was called upon take his long, long sleep of death. He
has been taken away from us in the bloom of manhood, and has
left an affectionate wife, two lovely children, and numerous
friends to mourn his loss. Peace be to his ashes.
NOTES:
Edward Salisbury Brown was born November 18, 1819, in Upper
Alton, and was the son of Dr. Erastus Brown and Brittania
(Easton) Starr Brown. His mother, Brittania, was a sister to
Rufus Easton, founder of Alton. His father, Erastus, was an
early pioneer in medicine who graduated from Yale in 1799. After
marrying Brittania Easton Starr, a widow, they moved to St.
Louis, and then settled in Upper Alton in 1818. Erastus owned
and operated the first drugstore in the area. They and their
children lived in a house on the Milton Road, “just where that
road joins the main street of the town.” They were some of the
original members of the Alton Presbyterian Church in Upper
Alton.
Brittania Easton and her first husband, Samuel
Starr, were parents to William Elihu Starr, who married Elvira
Amanda Stephenson, daughter of Colonel Benjamin Stephenson of
Edwardsville. Thus, Edward S. Brown was the half brother-in-law
of Elvira Stephenson.
Edward S. Brown married Sarah Jane
Lusk, daughter of John Thomas and Lucretia Lusk. They had two
children - Ansel Lusk Brown and Mary Lucretia Brown (who died
about 2 months after her father). Edward was the treasurer and
assessor of Madison County. He was an impartial and faithful
officer, and worthy citizen. Edward was buried in the Lusk
Cemetery in Edwardsville. His brother was Judge William Tyler
Brown, who died in 1874 and is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery
in Edwardsville.
BROWN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 31, 1910
Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, widow of the late
Charles Brown, died Sunday night after a brief illness at her
home, 612 east Third street. She was 84 years old the sixth of
this month. Mrs. Brown was born in England and came to Alton
more than fifty years ago. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. George
Alt, and four grandchildren. She was a charitable, kindly woman,
and counted as friends all who came in contact with her, and her
death will be regretted by all of these. The funeral will be
held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home.
BROWN, ELIZABETH M./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 23,
1849
Died at the residence of her husband near Edwardsville,
on Sunday the 18th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth M. Brown, wife of
William Tyler Brown, Esq. Mrs. Brown was in the twenty-fifth
year of her age, and was a universal favorite wherever she was
known. She has left a deeply afflicted husband, and two
interesting children, and also a devoted mother to mourn their
irreparable loss. Deep is their affliction, that they sorrow
not, even as others which have no hope.”
BROWN, FRANK GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12, 1867
Died in Alton on the 2d inst., of fever, Frank George, son of
Charles and Elizabeth Brown; aged four years and four months.
BROWN, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4,
1902
The funeral of George Brown, colored, aged 65 years,
who died Wednesday night at his home at Ninth and Piasa of
catarrh of the stomach, took place this morning from the home to
the City Cemetery. He leaves a widow.
BROWN, INGABEE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20,
1914
Ingabee Brown,
aged 80 years, died Thursday evening at 6 o'clock at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. S. H. Culp. Death came after seven years'
disability, following a paralytic stroke. Mrs. Brown, who was a
member of one of the best known old families of Madison County,
was born in Foster township and she died just across the line in
Wood River township. She was the widow of Cordian C. Brown, who
died at the old home place in Fosterburg in 1895. Ingabee Brown
was born at Fosterburg February 8, 1834. She was in her 81st
year. She was the daughter of John Vannata, a pioneer resident
of Madison county. She was married to C. C. Brown in Fosterburg,
March 25, 1854. They bought a few years later, the farm
adjoining the village of Fosterburg, known for many years as the
Brown place. They farmed on this place during the remainder of
the life of the husband, and after his death the widow continued
to operate the farm. Seven years ago she was stricken with
paralysis, and became helpless from the start. Her daughter,
Mrs. S. H. Culp, had the aged lady moved to her home where she
cared for her ever since, and until death relieved the
sufferings of the aged lady last evening. During the last four
days her relatives knew the end was near and she lost strength
very rapidly during that time. A short time before Mrs. Brown
was stricken with paralysis, she gave her farm of 140 acres of
fine land to her only child, Mrs. S. H. Culp, reserving an 8
acre tract upon which there is a small house, where she thought
she might want to go back to live some time. She did not live to
carry out her plans, however. Mrs. Brown leaves one daughter,
Mrs. Culp, and one brother, Jacob Vannata of Dorchester. There
were originally in her family three brothers and one sister, but
they are all dead except the brother at Dorchester. She leaves
four grandchildren, the sons of S. H. Culp, and three
great-grandchildren, two being the children of John Culp Jr.,
and one the child of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Culp. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the S. H. Culp residence
east of Upper Alton. Services will be conducted by Rev. W. J.
Crawford and burial will be at Fosterburg Cemetery.
BROWN, J. A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 20,
1909
The body of a man supposed to be J. A. Brown of
Montreal, Canada, was found Sunday morning at 11 o'clock on the
Chicago & Alton right of way, 500 feet north of the Chicago &
Alton cut off crossing, within the limits of the village of East
Alton. The man had been dead about 16 hours, Coroner Streeper
believes, from the condition of the body. It is known that he
had been lying there for over a week, and three times train
crews in passing had reported that someone was lying beside the
track, but it is claimed that men sent out to search failed to
find him. The first report was given Thursday to the C. & A.
operator by a trainman who had seen him from the top of a
freight train, and a man sent out said he could not find him.
Another report was given Friday and the last report was given
Saturday. On Sunday morning a report was given to Village
Marshal Hawkins of East Alton, and he sent Muncie Palmer to
investigate. Palmer found the man dead in a clump of weeds about
half way down the C. & A. embankment. The weeds had been rolled
down for a distance of ten feet, as though the dying man had
rolled around in great agony before death ended his sufferings.
He doubtless had no food or drink. The only clue to the cause of
the man's death was a wound on the ball of his right foot, which
he had been treating himself. Some antiseptic gauze was wound
around the foot and the man had been using some ointment on it.
It is supposed that becoming worn out from his travels and by
the injury on his foot, he sat down and could not rise again nor
attract attention as he was in and out of the way place. He
probably died from neglect and exposure, and the jury empanelled
by Coroner Streeper came to that conclusion in their verdict.
The body had just started to decompose. coroner Streeper says
the man was about 50 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches in height and
weighed about 130 pounds. He had sandy hair and mustache, and
was slightly bald on the front of his head. In his pocket was a
letter written by C. R. Brown of Montreal, Canada, of the C. R.
Brown Manufacturing Co., and the tenor of the letter indicated
that the men were brothers. Coroner Streeper will hold the body
and is attempting to communicate with C. R. Brown as to the
disposition of the body. The letter which was found in the dead
man's pockets from his brother contained a pathetic request from
his brother that he return home and visit his wife and family,
whom he had not seen for many years. It contained reference to
the fact that it would be news to him to learn of the death of
his mother and of his "dear child Annie," four years ago.
Another slip of paper showed that he had voted in Iowa at the
last election, and the letter which was found on him was
addressed to a town in Iowa. The jury found that the C. & A.
railroad officials were guilty of neglect in not notifying the
East Alton village council or some one in authority to care for
the man when they learned he was on ____ property.
BROWN, J. SHERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
2, 1901
Mr. J. Sherman Brown, the well-known
horticulturist, died last night about midnight, after an illness
of seven weeks, caused by pneumonia. Mr. Brown was convalescing
when two weeks ago his hot beds took fire, which spread to the
peach orchard. Mr. Brown went to the door and in his weak
condition took cold, which caused a relapse resulting in death
last night. Mr. Brown was born and raised in this city. He has
been a successful horticulturist since boyhood days, and was
prominently known as such, his counsels as to modes and methods
of cultivation were accepted readily by the profession. Mr.
Brown was 46 years of age. His wife and four children survive
him. A sister is in Sioux City, Iowa. The funeral will take
place tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. from the Episcopal church.
BROWN, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 13, 1904
Suicides in Courthouse in Edwardsville
James Brown,
a young farmer living near Edwardsville, committed suicide
Friday afternoon in a toilet room at the courthouse in
Edwardsville. He used carbolic acid and left no word or note
explanatory of his act.
BROWN, JESSE I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9,
1918
Jesse I. Brown died this morning at 2 o'clock at the
family home at 518 East Third street, after an illness with
pneumonia. He is survived by his wife and a three year old
child, also by his parents, two brothers and two sisters of
Kane, Ill. The body will be taken to Kane tomorrow for
interment.
BROWN, JOHN (LIEUTENANT)/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, January 8,
1857
Lieutenant John Brown fell dead on yesterday, while
employed rendering lard at Smith's warehouse in Alton. He
was subject to apoplectic fits and his sudden death is
attributed to this cause. He enlisted in a military Company
which went out to the Mexican war from this city, under Captain
Baker, and was severely wounded in the battle of Buena Vista,
having received a musket ball in the breast. He was the
recipient of a pension from the Federal Government. Subsequent
to the battle of Buena Vista, he was elected Lieutenant in his
Company, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of his
predecessor.
BROWN, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On
January 15, 1870, John Brown, a deckhand on the steamer Reserve,
was killed at the Alton levee by a collision of the Reserve and
the Belle of Alton.
BROWN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1906
Alleged Murderer of Senator Daniel B. Gillham Killed on C&A
Tracks
John Brown, who was convicted of the murder of
Senator Daniel B. Gillham of Upper Alton, and served a
penitentiary term, completed the record of tragic deaths of the
men implicated in the death of Gillham, by being killed Saturday
night while walking on the Chicago & Alton tracks near East
Alton. Starkey, who went to the penitentiary with Brown, died in
prison, and James Wyatt, on whose alleged perjured confession
Brown was convicted, committed suicide in jail in Platt county
while awaiting trial for horse stealing and after making what
purported to be a confession of Brown's innocence. Brown was
talking to Alfred Demuth just a few minutes before he was
killed. He was on his way to his home on the James Johnson place
near East Alton, and was sober. It is said he was not a drinking
man. He was struck by the train, and by some it is believed that
he made no effort to avoid being struck. The body was brought to
Alton and taken in charge by Coroner Streeper, who held an
inquest today. Brown's career was an interesting one. He was
convicted of the crime of murdering Daniel B. Gillham on the
alleged confession of Wyatt, who turned state's evidence. Brown
was working for Gillham at the time. Gillham was killed by a
burglar whom he discovered and tried to capture in his house.
Wyatt's story was that Brown was the man and that Starkey and
himself helped. After Wyatt's confession was made in the Platt
county jail, Dempsey Abel, Brown's brother-in-law, who had been
trying to establish Brown's innocence and had spent everything
he could get hold of in behalf of the convicted man, renewed his
efforts. His old home and everything went to save Brown, and
when Governor Tanner finally commuted Brown's sentence from life
imprisonment, Abel took Brown home with him. From that time
Brown systematically tried to alienate Abel's wife's affections
from her husband. Mrs. Abel was Brown's sister. A divorce suit
resulted, and after almost a half century of married life the
couple separated. Brown had been very industrious after his
release from the penitentiary, and by savings from his day's
labor he had in his possession when killed certified checks for
$390 and a certificate of ownership of twenty shares of building
association stock, of considerable value.
BROWN, JOHN WILLIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 8, 1852
Died on Saturday, October 2, John Willis, infant son of Thomas
and Mirron Brown.
BROWN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17,
1920
Joseph Brown, 89, was found dead in a house on the
farm of Robert Kennedy Jr., near Bethalto, last night. He had
been employed in doing odd jobs for farmers in that vicinity and
made his home in the house on the Kennedy farm for a number of
years. Brown was not married and is not believed to have any
relatives. Burial will be in Vaughn cemetery near Bethalto
tomorrow morning.
BROWN, LEWIS N./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 7, 1852
Died
in Alton on the 30th ult., of consumption, Lewis N., infant son
of Charles and Caroline Brown, aged 21 months.
BROWN, LUCY JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9,
1920
Mrs. Lucy Jane Brown died Sunday afternoon at her
home on Prospect street after a prolonged illness. Her health
has been failing for several months, and death was not
unexpected. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Brown.
She was born in Carrollton, April 28, 1848, and in 1873 was
married to Thomas C. Brown. They moved to Alton 19 years later.
Mr. Brown died August of 1916. Mrs. Brown is survived by three
children: Mrs. Carlton A. Munger; Gertrude E. Brown; and Paul C.
Brown; one brother, John Brown of Nebraska; and three sisters:
Mrs. Annie B. Robarts, Mrs. John D. Robarts, and Miss Sarah
Brown, all of Greenfield. Funeral services will be held Tuesday
afternoon from the home, 422 Prospect street, at 2:30 o'clock.
Rev. C. E. Combrink, pastor of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian
Church will have charge of the services. Interment will be in
the Brighton Cemetery.
BROWN, LUKE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13, 1909
Coroner C. N. Streeper of Upper Alton is holding the body of
Luke Brown in his undertaking rooms in Upper Alton, in the hope
of finding his mother somewhere in Virginia in order that an
insurance policy of $240 made payable to his mother might be
made good. Brown had not written to his mother for seven years.
When he took out the policy he just made it payable to his
mother, wherever she would be living at the time of his death.
Now she cannot be found and it is known that at the time of his
death, which occurred two months ago, he did not know where she
lived. Brown died in Alton two months ago. Luke always wanted to
have a fine funeral. He carried the $240 insurance because he
thought that a $240 funeral would be about the right thing. His
friends say that he ought to have the $240 funeral, but the
embarrassing feature is that the money cannot be collected from
the insurance company until the mother is found or proved
dead....Coroner Streeper says he can hold the body indefinitely,
and has no fear that Luke will not be a very presentable corpse,
no matter how long the funeral may be deferred.
BROWN, MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 30, 1866
We
regret to say that Mrs. Margaret Brown died in Alton this
morning at the residence of Mr. Benjamin F. Childs at the corner
of Market and Third Streets, aged 88 years. She was no doubt the
oldest person in Alton, and has been residing here for more than
30 years. She was emphatically a good woman, and was permitted
to live until she was fully ripe for Heaven.
Every good
life deserves recognition, and all the more, if hidden from the
public eye by the modesty of its own virtues. Such as the life
of Mrs. Margaret Brown, recently deceased at the advanced age of
eighty-eight years. She was born in Scotland, A. D., 1778, while
our Revolutionary struggle was yet in progress, and inherited
the same free spirit which animated our Fathers in the conflict.
How she transmitted that spirit to her descendants, those who
know the part sustained by them in the recent war [Civil War]
need not to read.
Mrs. Brown’s maiden name was Thompson.
She was married in 1799 to Mr. Thomas Brown, who died in Alton
in 1838 – a man “of good report” as a Christian and a citizen.
The children of this marriage were seven sons and two daughters.
Six of them survive her, and five were in attendance at her
death.
In 1831, the family removed to Alton, since which
time Mrs. Brown has been well known by all the old citizens of
the place. To say that all have held her in the highest esteem
is to speak but the simple truth. Her character was marked by
all the traits of her race. The same physical and mental vigor,
the same firmness of will, and strength of feeling, which are
exemplified alike in their civil and ecclesiastical history,
were more or less visible in her to the last.
The sphere
where she displayed these traits most conspicuously was that of
her own home. She “ruled Well” her own household. Her authority
as a mother was inflexible, and yet it was sustained by such a
quiet and even dignity of manner, and was softened by such a
tenderness of spirit, that all could but yield to it with
uncomplaining submissiveness. The tie between her and her
children was stronger, and more tenderly reciprocal, by far,
than this tie usually is. It grew with the years of her
children, instead of diminishing in strength, as is often the
case. Her home was a pattern of old-time excellencies, which it
were well for modern society to cultivate, even at the expense
of some of its so-called “improvements.”
But her ambition
was not limited to household cares. It always had the larger
scope of her children’s future life, and possible usefulness. It
were venturing improper commendation of the living to say how
well that ambition has been rewarded.
Her Christian
character was above reproach. For seventy years she was a worthy
member of the Presbyterian Church – first in Jedburgh, Scotland,
and next in Alton. Her attachment to its doctrines was strong
and unqualified, and her piety exemplified some of their best
fruits. Her private life as a Christian was in harmony with her
public profession. The Bible and the hymn book were the
best-read books of her library. The inspirations of the one, she
breathed out in the praises of the other. She was as faithful to
humanity in deeds of charity as to God in the duties of
devotion. Though not known as an active agent in any public
works of benevolence, she had a “liberal hand,” which will be
missed by many.
She suffered much in her last sickness,
but her faith finally triumphed over both the pains of disease
and the infirmities of age. Great was her satisfaction as the
“silver chord” of life was loosed. None doubt her joy is
complete, now that she has reached the long-desired home.
“Why weep ye, then, for her, who having won
The bound of
man’s appointed years, at last,
Life’s blessings all enjoyed,
life’s labors done,
Serenely to her final rest has passed;
While the soft memory of her virtues yet
Lingers, like
twilight hues when the bright sun is set.”
NOTE: Margaret
Brown is buried in the Alton City Cemetery
BROWN, MARY (nee CARSON)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 12, 1918
Friends learned with great regret Thursday
evening of the death of Mrs. Mary Brown, which occurred at her
home on West Ninth street at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Death
came after many years of suffering, during which the well known
woman bore her illness with great resignation. Mrs. Brown was
born in the East, in what is now Philadelphia, Pa., in 1832, and
spent her childhood and early girlhood in the East. Her maiden
name was Mary Carson. At an early age she was married to Robert
Hamilton, and at 21 was left a widow with one child. After the
death of her first husband, her health began to fail and she
decided to come to Illinois to join her brothers, who had been
West for some time, finally settling in Alton. Fifty years ago
she was married to Robert Brown, who died many years ago. For
over forty years she has resided on West Ninth, formerly Main
street, on the same lot on which the home in which she died was
erected. Since coming to Alton she has been a member of the
Presbyterian Church, first belonging to the Twelfth Street
Presbyterian Church, and later putting her letter in at the
First Presbyterian Church on account of its downtown location.
Until the last number of years she was actively connected with
church work, being among the oldest members of the church. She
is survived by three sons, William Hamilton of Wilmington, Del.,
Robert M. and Adam C. Brown of this city. Also by one
granddaughter and several great-grandchildren in the East, and
by six grandchildren residing in Alton. The Alton grandchildren
include the Misses Margaret L. Brown, Mildred Brown, Esther
Brown, Margaret Brown, Robert and Walter Brown. The funeral of
Mrs. Brown will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
home at 1313 West Ninth street, services to be conducted by Rev.
Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
Friends are invited to attend services at the home, but burial
in City Cemetery will be private.
BROWN, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 20, 1849
Died at Monticello [Godfrey], at the residence of her mother, on
the 14th instant, Mrs. Mary Ann Brown, wife of Mr. Zebulon
Brown, in the 29th year of her age.
BROWN, MARY LUCRETIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 4, 1850
Died on the 28th of September in Edwardsville, at the residence
of J. T. Lusk, Esq., Mary Lucretia, infant daughter of Mrs.
Sarah J. Brown, aged about 10 months. In July last, Mrs. Brown
suffered the loss of an affectionate husband, Mr. E. S. Brown,
which renders the present bereavement doubly affecting. How true
it is that death knows no distinction of person or place.
BROWN, SOPHIA W./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12, 1871
Died in Edwardsville on May 9, Mrs. Sophia W. Brown, wife of
James R. Brown, editor of the Intelligencer.
BROWN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1838
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 2nd ult., Mr. Thomas Brown,
in the 68th year of his age; formerly of Roxburgshire, Scotland.
BROWN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12,
1901
Thomas Brown, a well known character about town,
died Friday morning after an illness with pneumonia, aged 67.
Brown lived in a shanty-boat at the foot of Easton street with
his wife. He was engineer on the ferryboat a few years ago and
was a member of Alton Post G. A. R., and a pensioner. The
funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and
services will be conducted by the G. A. R. Brown has been a
resident of Alton thirty years. He leaves his widow and four
children.
BROWN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 23,
1912
The engineer and head brakeman of a work train, an
extra, No. 62, were killed in an accident on the C. P. & St. L.
at Riehl's Station at 12:30 today, and four of the crew injured.
William Williams, engineer, and Thomas Brown, head brakeman,
were killed, and Williams the fireman, C. C. Riker, Richard
Linder, W. A. Day, and Charles Briggs were injured, but none of
the five seriously. The engine was backing up the road when at a
point a half mile south of Riehl's Station the engine suddenly
jumped the track and toppled over on its right side. The
engineer jumped and was caught by the headlight of the engine
and thrown beneath the wreck. He was badly crushed. The head
brakeman, Thomas Brown, was caught in the cab and his body
crushed and scalded to death by the escaping steam. Both of the
dead men live in Springfield, the engineer was about forty years
of age, and Brown about twenty eight. C. C. Riker of Alton was
bruised and his leg injured; the others, Day, Briggs and Linder
are but slightly hurt and were able to walk to the doctors
office after they were brought to Alton. The fireman, Williams,
Williams of Springfield, saved himself by leaping from the side
of the engine opposite to the side that fell into the ditch. He
is not injured beyond being bruised from his leap. A rescue
train was dispatched from Alton to the scene of the wreck
bearing a surgeon and assistants, which brought to Alton the
dead and the injured. The cause of the accident, according to
the report of Frank Johnson of the local yard service, is
unknown. The engine had been dispatched to Dow to pick up a
portion of a wreck and it was moving up the track backwards, at
Lock Haven the engine would have been turned. The track was
apparently in good condition at the point the engine left the
rails. The injured were given attention at the office of the
surgeon of the road in Alton, and all were able to travel
without assistance. The engineer and the fireman bear the same
name, but they are said not to be related.
BROWN,
THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1914
Thomas Brown, a wealthy farmer of the Bethalto neighborhood,
died suddenly from apoplexy last night. He was found dead in the
stockyard around his barn where he had been feeding his horses
and cattle. His death was probably instant. Mr. Brown was
apparently in good health when he left the house. He leaves his
wife, two sons, Edward and John Brown, and three daughters,
Misses Cella, Mamie and Gertrude. The funeral will be Monday
morning from the Catholic church at Bethalto.
BROWN,
WILLIAM TYLER (JUDGE)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, March
4, 1874
Judge of the Madison County Court Commits Suicide
Early Monday morning, the melancholy news that Judge William T.
Brown had committed suicide spread like wildfire through the
city. It was astounding in every respect, and almost beyond
belief. For a week past, the Judge had been very much depressed,
and only a few of his most intimate friends were aware of the
cause. The whole trouble arose from his inability to make a
settlement with the County Commissioners. Delegations have
visited the county court, demanded a statement of the county
finances, and the press has clamored for a detailed account. The
Judge dreaded exposure, and was afraid that he could not raise
enough money to make up the deficiency. When asked what his
deficiency was, he stated that it was about ten thousand
dollars, and upon this statement, three of his friends agreed to
furnish the money, and visited him at his residence on Sunday
for that purpose. They talked together an hour or more, but the
Judge was downhearted and completed prostrated. He made the
remark, “Suppose my deficiency is more than ten thousand?” His
friends told him they would raise as much as twelve thousand
dollars. The Judge said he did not think it would do any good,
it was a matter of life and death with him, and he did not think
he should get over it.
That night, about 10 o’clock, he
got up from his bed, unbeknown to his family, and in a short
time returned and told his wife that he had tried to drown
himself, but couldn’t sink. He was rubbed dry and put to bed
again. He begged his wife to say nothing about it, and this is
the reason why she did not call in the neighbors to watch him.
He was very restless all night, and at six o’clock in the
morning he wanted to go out. His wife told him he could not go
out unless she went with him. He consented to this, but as soon
as the back door was open, he ran straight for the well, his
wife and stepdaughter following. The well in question was the
stock well, situated back of the stable, and is about one
hundred yards from the house. He climbed over the curb, and was
lowering himself through the opening feet first, when his wife
and daughter grabbed him by the shoulders, but he was too heavy
and dropped, leaving part of his shirt in their hands. His wife
screamed for assistance, and immediately lowered a rope and told
him to take hold of it. He said, “It is too late, I am
determined to go.” His dead body was taken from the well about
forty minutes afterwards.
The death of Judge Brown has
spread a gloom over the whole city, and there is hardly anyone
but what feels that his financial affairs might have been
adjusted. He was the acknowledged leader of the Democratic
Party, and was the most popular man in the county. His great
generosity is what ruined him. He was literally the poor man’s
friends. He will be buried today. Peace to his ashes.
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 1, 1874
Judge Irwin caused an
appropriate memento of his predecessor, who departed this life
March 2, 1874, to be spread upon the record of our county court
as follows:
“Judge William Tyler Brown was born April
26, 1817. The whole period of his manhood, save an interim of
seven years, was spent in the public service of the people of
Madison County. From 1837 to 1856, he held the office of Clerk
of the Circuit Court, and during the first ten years of that
period, he also discharged the duties of Clerk of the County
Court. In 1858, he was elected Sheriff, and filled that office
for one term of two years. In 1864 he was again elected Clerk of
the Circuit Court, in which position he served until the Fall of
1868, when he was elected Judge of this court, and continued to
serve the people in that capacity till his death, having been
re-elected in November 1873 for the second term.
These
facts are the best testimonials of the esteem in which the
deceased was held as a public officer. His has been a career of
honor and success unparalleled in the lives of public men in
this county. Although possessed of many public and private
virtues, the chief ornament of his character was his generosity
and charity. He was incapable of saying no, in the presence of
want or misery, and his charity regarded neither creed, race,
nor color. If the earnest and sincere prayers of the poor of
this earth may smooth the pathway of the traveler on his journey
from this world to the borne from whence no traveler returns,
let us trust and believe that his has been a happy exit.”
NOTES:
Judge William Tyler Brown was born in Oneida
County, New York, on April 26, 1817. He was the son of Erastus
Brown and Brittania Easton Starr Brown (she was the widow of
Samuel Starr). His father, Erastus Brown, died in Alton in
August 1833. Judge Brown’s uncle was Rufus Easton, founder of
Alton.
William’s early education was limited to the
common schools of Madison County. In the winter of 1831-2, he
was sent by his father to attend school at Edwardsville, and to
reside with his half-brother, William E. Starr. He remained in
Edwardsville the rest of his life, except for a brief, few
months spent at Upper Alton in the Spring of 1833. He entered
the Circuit Clerk’s office as a deputy under William E. Starr,
and from then on, he distinguished himself beyond any other
citizen.
William married Elizabeth Ann Settle on April
4, 1843. They had three children, including one daughter,
Brittania H. Brown, who was born in 1847. He built a fine
residence, called Oakland, in 1854, which still stands at 104
Springer Avenue in Edwardsville.
Later he married Emma
Birch Oxenboldt in 1869, and they had two children. Only
Brittania lived to adulthood. At the time of the death of Judge
Brown, Brittania’s daughter, Mary Ground, was his only surviving
descendant. She was the future wife of Dr. Clarence C. Corbett,
dentist.
BROWN, WILLIE EDWARDS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 17,
1849
Died in Alton on the 12th instant, Willie Edwards, son
of Mr. Thomas Brown, aged sixteen months and sixteen days.
BROWNE, ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 11,
1900
Alfred Browne, a well known fruit grower who resided
at the home of his son, north of Alton near the Alby street
road, died yesterday afternoon. Death was due to the debility of
old age. He was in his 86th year, and had been a resident of the
vicinity of Alton a half century. He leaves one son, J. S.
Browne, also a fruit grower. The funeral took place this
afternoon at 3 o'clock, and services were conducted by Rev. H.
M. Chittenden. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery, Upper Alton.
BROWNE, ALFRED S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 9,
1900
Alfred S. Browne, an old
soldier and an inmate of the Quincy Soldiers' home, was found
dead in his bed this morning at the home of Frank McIntosh at
East Alton. He had not been ill before last night, and the first
intimation of his illness was when his dead body was found.
Coroner Bailey held an inquest this morning, and a verdict of
death from natural causes was found. Brown was a pensioner and a
draft for his quarterly pension is now on the way. The body was
buried this afternoon at Milton.
BROWNING, EMMA MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
7, 1902
Young Girl Dies of Typhoid Fever
Emma May Browning,
aged 14, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. K. Browning, died Monday
afternoon at her home in a houseboat at the end of West Second
or Short street, of typhoid fever. The funeral will be tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted by Rev.
M. W. Twing of the Baptist Church.
BROWNING, SARAH ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 23, 1920
Old Resident Who Came to Alton in 1834 Dies
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Browning, near her 88th birthday, died
Monday night at 9:15 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Adam C. Miller, 1528 Seminary street, from old age. Mrs.
Browning had been in fairly good health until lately, when she
suffered a breakdown due to her great age and she never rallied.
Mrs. Browning was a resident of Alton since she was two years
old, when she came here with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Weed. She had made her home in Alton ever since. She was born in
Newport, Ky., December 14, 1832. She was married in Alton,
December 24, 1854, to Baker Browning, who died twenty six years
ago last April 1. Mrs. Browning was for many years a member of
the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church, now the Twelfth Street
Presbyterian, and she attended there regularly until about
twenty years ago, when she went to Upper Alton to live with her
daughter, Mrs. Miller. There it was convenient for her to attend
the College Avenue Baptist Church, and she went there whenever
she was able. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Alonzo Miller,
Mrs. Adam Miller, Mrs. William E. Hubbell; and one son, Fred B.
Browning. She leaves also one sister, Mrs. Jennie Hill of
Rochester, N. Y., and one brother, John B. Weed of Quincy. She
leaves also ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren,
making twenty-six living descendants in all. The funeral will be
held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the home of Mrs.
Adam C. Miller, 1528 Seminary street, and services will be
conducted by Rev. David T. Magill of the College Avenue Baptist
Church. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
BRUCE, S. B./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1861
Employee of Bowman Dry Goods; Enlisted in Captain Tucker’s
Company
On Saturday evening last, Mr. S. B. Bruce, after a
lingering illness, died in Alton at the residence of Mr. J. S.
Topping. Mr. Bruce was an active, intelligent and very promising
young man, and had been residing in this city about two years,
most of the time employed in the dry goods store of Mr. H. B.
Bowman. But as soon as the government called for volunteers, he
enlisted in Captain Tucker’s Company, which was the first to
leave this city for the seat of war. He had nearly served his
time out, and had fully determined to volunteer for the war,
when he was taken sick at Cairo, from which place he was removed
to Alton, where he received every attention that kind friends
could bestow, but without avail. His body was taken that morning
on the St. Louis, Alton, & Chicago Railroad to Michigan for
interment. He has left a brother and a sister, the latter of
which was with him during the last days of his sickness, and was
devotedly attached to him, with a large circle of warm-hearted
friends to deplore his untimely death.
BRUCE, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 26, 1912
The nine year old daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. John Bruce, colored, died at the family home this
morning from typhoid fever.
BRUCH, AGATHA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 24, 1885
Mrs. Agatha Bruch, an old resident, highly esteemed, died last
Saturday after a brief final illness, in the 71st year of her
age. She left five children to mourn her death: Mr. Victor
Bruch, Mrs. C. Goegen, Mrs. Pauline Formhals, Mrs. Louise
Guertler, and Mr. Frank Bruch of Leadville, Colorado.
BRUCH, VICTOR/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1897
Victor Bruch died at 8 p.m. Sunday at his home on Second Street
[Broadway]. He was taken ill about a week ago with an attack of
his ailment, severer than usual, and since that time his anxious
watchers have looked hourly for his death. He has for many years
been a sufferer, but was always active and was one of the
busiest of Alton’s business men. He was a great sportsman, and
quite frequently went to camp with the Mohawks on their annual
outings, having accompanied them just shortly before he was
taken with his last Illinois. Mr. Bruch was 46 years of age,
having been born in Baden, Germany, September 12, 1851. He has
lived in Alton ever since his boyhood days, and for years he has
been an active factor in local Democratic politics. He served
four terms in the City Council, three terms as township
collector, and a number of terms as County Central Committeeman.
He was never married, and his only relatives are Mr. Frank Bruch
and two sisters, Mrs. Pauline Formhals and Mrs. Catherine
Goeken. The funeral of Victor Bruch took place at 2 o’clock
p.m., Tuesday, from St. Mary’s Church. The assembly at the
church was the largest that ever was seen within the walls of
the new St. Mary’s. A conspicuous feature was the wealth and
beauty of the floral tributes from friends. At the conclusion of
the services, friends were permitted to take a look at the face,
and then the body was borne to the hearse by six friends. The
pallbearers were H. B. Starr, Henry Brueggemann, Andrew Schnorr,
A. Kremer, and Joseph Holl. [Note: burial was in Greenwood (St.
Patrick's) Cemetery]
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 28, 1897
The saloon and fixtures of the late Victor
Bruch will probably be disposed of to the Lemp Brewing Co. of
St. Louis, who will place the business in charge of an agent.
Negotiations are in progress today towards this end. The Lemps
will continue their beer agency at the old stand, and for this
reason purchase the saloon. There are seven applicants for the
agency and a number for the saloon.
BRUCKSMITH, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17,
1901
Mrs. Catherine Brucksmith, aged 71 years and six
months, died this morning at the home of her niece, Mrs. James
Cormley, Sixth and Liberty streets, after a long illness with
paralysis. The funeral will take place Thursday morning at nine
o'clock, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
BRUDON, JAMES EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1847
Died, on Tuesday last, James Edward, infant son of Mr. William
Brudon of this city.
BRUEGGEMAN(N), AARON LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 13, 1918
After a short illness with influenza,
A. L. Brueggeman, Manager of the Alton Clean Towel Service, died
at his home Tuesday afternoon. His mother, Mrs. L. G.
Brueggeman, died and was buried last week. A. L. Brueggeman was
born on the 10th of May in 1885, and was at the time of his
death 33 years of age. He was a native of Alton, and was a
popular young man. He was known throughout the city, where for
some time he has been distributing towels to the people in the
business section. He is survived by his wife, Grace, and a 7
year old daughter. Also by his father, L. G. Brueggeman, and a
brother, Fieldon Brueggeman, who is at Humphrey, Va. Aaron Louis
Brueggeman died at the home of his father at 1026 Easton street
Tuesday at 4 o'clock. He was a member of Robin Hood Camp ofj
Alton, who will conduct service at the graveside. His brother is
in the service. The funeral will be held from the residence at
10 o'clock on Friday.
BRUEGGEMAN, AMELIA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22,
1901
Fosterburg News - Died - Miss Amelia M. Brueggeman,
at 7:10 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 1901. She had been sick for a
week, her death came as a thunderbolt to those who had known her
but to love her. Miss Brueggeman was 12 years, 10 months and 10
days of age, just budding into womanhood, surrounded by all the
comforts that make life dear to her. Then it is that words fail
to express the sincere and deep regret we feel that the life
flower should be plucked just as it emerges from the bud. The
funeral took place from the German M. E. church. The services
were conducted by Rev. Neutzman of Brighton, and were simple and
impressive. At the grave the pupils of the public school sang
"Nearer, My God to Thee." Handsome and lovely floral tributes
completely covered the little mound and filled the air with
their fragrance. But the memory of this lovely girl will be to
her parents in all the coming years a treasure, richer by far
than anything that their fondest hopes could call up. She
sleeps. She shall awake to sleep no more. The pallbearers were
six young ladies, all schoolmates of the deceased, and were
Misses Randy Thompson, Abby Warner, Hulda Stutz, Emily Smith,
Sadie G'villo, Esther Rammas.
BRUEGGEMAN(N), CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
27, 1913
Aged Woman Suicides in Her Home - Shot in Left Breast
Mrs. Carolina Brueggemann, aged 74, widow of Adolph
Brueggemann, for years a business man in Alton, was found dead
in her bed at her home, 609 George street, at 8 o'clock Tuesday
morning by her son, L. G. Brueggemann, and a neighbor, Allen
Keiser. A bullet hole in her left breast and a 38 calibre
revolver on the bed beside her indicated how she had died. It
was supposed that she had committed suicide, though rumors were
rife for a while that she had been killed. The aged woman must
have shot herself Monday morning in her home, as a package of
meat she had bought that morning was still lying untouched where
she had left it. The discovery of the dead woman was made by her
son, Louis, who went to see her and could not get in. He called
a neighbor, Allen Keiser, to confer with him about his mother's
failure to respond to his rap on the door, and Mr. Keiser went
over. He could see the aged woman lying on the bed beside a
window, but could not make out whether she was alive or dead.
Mr. Keiser counseled breaking into the house and when the two
men went in they found that Mrs. Brueggemann was dead. There was
no writing left to indicate why she was dead, nor had any of the
neighbors heard her saying anything that would indicate she
intended to kill herself. The appearance of Mrs. Brueggemann
indicated she had first taken off her outer dress, and sitting
on the bed had fired the shot, then she had tumbled over dead,
without a struggle. The bullet had evidently gone into her heart
and caused instant death. Mrs. Brueggemann had lived alone for
many years and was known to be rather eccentric. She was
possessed of considerable property, and owned the place where
she died. Mrs. Brueggemann suffered a paralytic stroke recently.
She had suffered from failing eyesight also. She had for a long
time had an obsession that someone was about to kill her. She
had instructed her neighbors only a few days before that if they
failed to see her around some morning, to make investigation as
she might be dead or might be very sick. She made a morning
practice of going to the home of Allen Keiser and greeting the
family. It was not noticed by the Keiser family until L. G.
Brueggemann called attention to the fact that Mrs. Brueggemann
had not been around. She leaves four sons, Adolph, L. G.,
Robert, and Frank Brueggemann. The funeral will be Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from her home. It will be private.
BRUEGGEMAN, CRISSIE MARGUERITE [nee SCHRETZ or
SCHUETZ]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18, 1922
Young Mother Drops Dead As She is Lifted in Bed for First Time
The sudden death of Mrs. Charles Brueggeman who died this
morning about eight thirty at her home in Fosterburg, caused a
deeper cloud of sorrow to settle over the little town of
Fosterburg, which has had three other inhabitants claimed by
death this week. Ten days ago a little daughter was born to Mr.
and Mrs. Charles Brueggeman and the family and friends believed
the mother to be in a good condition. Her sudden death this
morning came as a great surprise to all who knew her. She had
not complained, but had been looking eagerly forward to this day
as the one in which she might sit up for a short time. Upon
being lifted to a sitting posture, she complained as feeling a
little faint and was consequently laid back upon the bed. She
died instantly. A physician was called and he pronounced the
death due to apoplexy. Mrs. Brueggeman before her marriage last
March was Crissie Marguerite Schretz [sic], daughter of George
Schutz, and has lived her entire life at Fosterburg. Beside her
husband, little daughter, and father, she leaves two brothers
and two sisters. Will Schuetz of Brighton, George of California,
Mrs. H. K. Sanders of Alton, and Mrs. Theodore Elberg of
Fosterburg. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet.
Charles Brueggeman is the sexton of the Fosterburg Cemetery and
the death of his wife right at this time makes it doubly hard
for him.
BRUEGGEMAN, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14,
1915
Word came today to the
family of Emil Brueggemann that Frank Brueggemann, aged 28, was
instantly killed by lightning Friday while he was in the yard at
the home place of his father, William Brueggemann. He was
married, but leaves no children. The funeral will be held Monday
at 2 p.m. from the Fosterburg M. E. Church.
BRUEGGEMAN, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 7,
1918
The funeral of Mrs. Helen Brueggeman will be held
Friday afternoon from the family home on Easton street.
BRUEGGEMAN(N), HENRY (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 2, 1917
Four-Time Mayor and Postmaster
Dies
Captain Henry Brueggemann, four times mayor of Alton,
eight years postmaster at Alton, and for many years prominent in
Republican party councils, died Saturday night at 8 o'clock at
St. Joseph's Hospital, where an operation was about to be
performed on him for the relief of an abscess of the gall
bladder. The news of his death caused a great shock in the
community. It was known he had been in poor health for many
years, and that he was a frequent visitor to health resorts, but
no one of his intimates realized his condition was such that it
would give grounds for any alarm. The surgeons were unable to
perform the operation as he quickly collapsed and died a short
time afterward. Capt. Brueggemann had led a very active life.
With an ability as a leader of men, he devoted much attention to
the political game, and for many years he was recognized as one
of Alton's foremost citizens. During the course of his political
career he made many bitter enemies, but the same qualities which
gave him the enemies gave him friends who would go through fire
and water for him. It is significant of the broadness of his
mind and his desire for peace and friendship that a number of
years Capt. Brueggemann himself undertook to placate the enemies
and he died with many of them his staunchest supporters and
admirers and without a man in the city who would not wish him
well. Capt. Brueggemann was a native of Germany, born at
Saltsoffem, Firtsantum, Lippedettmoldt, November 25, 1845. When
nine years of age he came to American, and immediately to Alton.
He lived here almost all the remainder of his life, except for a
period in young manhood when he lived at Brighton, and for
another period when he was in California. He enlisted in the
97th Illinois Volunteers at Alton, January 5, 1864, and was
mustered out of service May 1, 1866, after being transferred to
the 97th Regulars at Galveston, Tex. He was married at Alton,
November 14, ____, to Adelaid Rahmund-Schmidt, who survives him.
[much of the rest of the obit was torn, and not readable.] ...He
leaves one living sister, Miss Minnie Brueggemann, of Warsaw,
Ill. One other sister, Mrs. Hannah Hoffman, a native of Alton,
died Friday morning and was buried at Warsaw Sunday afternoon.
He was deeply concerned over her condition and when telegrams
would come he would insist on reading them himself, though very
sick. Miss Minnie Brueggemann, after attending her sister's
funeral Sunday, came to Alton to attend the funeral of her
brother. The funeral of Capt. Brueggemann was held at 2 o'clock
this afternoon from the family home, Fourth street and Langdon.
The services were conducted by Rev. Heggemeier of the German
Evangelical Church. There was ____ attendance of friends at the
____, among them being men in ______. Congressman Rodenberg
_____, as did many present and ____ county and city officers.
BRUEGGEMAN, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2,
1918
Killed In Runaway
Louis Brueggeman, 44, was
killed in a runaway at Fieldon Monday afternoon. According to
word received at Alton, he was assisting in a harvest field at
the time the accident occurred. He was born in Alton and lived
here until three years ago. Then, on account of the installation
of the automatic machines at the Illinois Glass Co., he gave up
glass blowing and went to farming. For the past three years he
had been farming near Fieldon. Brueggeman had many friends in
Alton. He was a lover of the river, and spent much of his spare
time boating and fishing. He is survived by a wife, Ida, and
three children, Helen, 7: Lena, 6; Mary Esther, 18 months. He
also leaves three sisters, Mrs. L. M. Bowman, Mrs. Henry Wutzler
and Mrs. William Roller.
BRUEGGEMAN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16,
1901
The funeral of Mary Brueggeman of Fosterburg,
daughter of Phillip Brueggeman, will take place tomorrow morning
at 10 o'clock from the family home. Her death occurred Thursday.
She was 13 years of age.
BRUEGGEMANN, UNKNOWN CHILD OF MARTIN/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph July 14, 1906
The 25 months old child
of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Brueggemann died yesterday afternoon
after an illness with diphtheria. The funeral was held today in
private, owing to the nature of the disease. Rev. Theodore
Oberhellmann conducted services at the grave in City Cemetery.
BRUEHL, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1910
The funeral of the late Joseph Bruehl was held this morning
in Melville, and friends of the dead farmer from Alton, Newbern
and many other points attended. The funeral service was held in
the Melville church, and Rev. H. A. Cotton officiated. The
pallbearers were John and Augus Vollmer, A. T. Hawley, William
Brinkman, and George Stiritz of Melville, and Max Barrioz of
Alton. Burial was in the Melville Cemetery.
BRUIDING,
SUPERIOR MOTHER JOSEPHINE (ROSINA)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 18, 1901
Founder of Ursuline Convent &
Academy in Alton
Mother Josephine Bruiding died this morning
at the Ursuline Convent in this city [Alton], after an illness
of a few hours. The deceased, known in the world as Rosina
Bruiding, was born in Regensburg, Bavaria, February 25, 1825,
and came to this country in 1848, in company with a band of
Ursuline Sisters who came to establish a house of their order in
St. Louis. In March 1859, she founded a house of her order in
Alton. Here she labored zealously for the cause of education,
visiting Europe twice in the interest of the Convent. She
belonged to a family of nobility of Bavaria, her father being an
aide-de-camp in the Bavarian army, and she gave up all to become
a Sister. She was well acquainted with the members of the Royal
family of Bavaria and Austria, also with the Empress Catherine
of Austria, who belonged to the Royal House of Bavaria.
While in Europe in the interest of the convent, she visited the
then Princess Catherine and solicited funds for her convent in
Alton. The Princess was at that time betrothed to the Emperor of
Austria, and she gave Mother Josephine a letter of introduction
to her future husband, the Austrian Emperor. The result was that
Mother Josephine secured valuable gifts from the two royal
personages, and on her return brought back with her $10,000,
which she devoted to founding the convent in Alton. Her zeal for
the Master's glory led her in 1871 to again undertake the
arduous task of establishing another house of the order in
Litchfield, Illinois, and later one at Mattoon. In 1887, she was
appointed Superior of a branch house in Springfield, where she
remained nine years. Since that time, she has been enjoying a
well-earned rest at her convent home in Alton. The paralytic
stroke which deprived her of life, though sudden, was not
unexpected. She had felt for years that in this way would come
the summons to eternal repose, and her life was one of constant
preparation for that inevitable hour. The news of her death will
be a great shock to all who had the good fortune of having known
her, whose life was one of devotion to the noblest of callings,
and a constant sacrifice for the welfare of others.
Much
more might be said of her sterling worth, her devotion to duty
and her zeal for God's honor and glory. That which most
impressed those who came in contact with her was her admirable
spirit of faith. King Ludwig of Bavaria gave her many paintings
and relics that adorn the walls of the convent she founded, and
are kept as precious relics of the given and the founder. In
every room of the convent are masterpieces of art which are of
great value. For thirty years she was Superior of the Ursuline
convent, and the girls she has taught are scattered from one end
of the United States to the other. The funeral will be held
Monday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be held at the
chapel of Convent.
NOTES:
Four Ursuline nuns (Mother
Josephine Bruiding and Sisters Mary Weiman, Cresentia Jobst, and
Antonia Stahl) arrived in Alton from St. Louis on March 22,
1859, and on March 29, Sisters Seraphine Pauer, Ursula
Gruenwald, and Martha Daum arrived. Alton at this time had one
Catholic Church - SS. Peter & Paul’s Cathedral on State Street.
The Sisters were sent by request from Rt. Rev. Henry Juncker,
the first Bishop of the Diocese of Alton, who saw the need for
the instruction of Catholic girls and young women. He applied to
the Ursuline Convent in St. Louis, for the Sisters to take
charge of a school in Alton. The Mansion House on State Street
was rented for their use. On March 25, 1859, the first Mass was
offered in a small room which had been set apart and furnished
as a chapel. Nine days after their arrival, the Sisters were
teaching classes.
Within a year, the Sisters saw the
need for a large convent and school facilities. In 1860, they
purchased a site on East Fourth Street, at Easton Street. This
later became the site of Marquette High School. Construction of
the new building began November 13, 1860. Mother Josephine and
Mother Mary Weiman visited Europe to solicit funds for the
project. On December 18, 1862, the first mass was celebrated in
the chapel of the new building. The academy, with a four-year
preparatory course for young woman and classes in fine arts, and
later business courses, was known as the Ursuline Academy of the
Holy Family. The three-story building housed the Sisters’
quarters, chapel, classrooms, and rooms for boarding students.
In about 1864, the U. S. Government asked for the
Sisters to aid in taking care of the sick and wounded soldiers
housed in the prison on William Street in Alton. They were taken
to the prison each day in a horse-drawn ambulance. At the close
of the Civil War, the city of Alton requested the Sisters to
establish a hospital. In 1865, the Sisters purchased the old
Hunter’s Tavern at the northwest corner of Broadway and Central
Avenue, and opened a hospital there. This hospital remained in
use until 1887, when a new hospital was erected at Central
Avenue and East Fifth Street. This hospital was named St.
Joseph’s Hospital.
In 1886, St. Patrick’s School was
opened in Alton, and was staffed by Ursulines. At SS. Peter &
Paul’s Cathedral, a grade school was opened in 1888 for boys and
girls. In later years, a high school was opened. In 1901, Mother
Josephine Bruiding died, and was buried in the Greenwood (St.
Patrick’s) Cemetery in Godfrey.
In the 1920s, a new
convent was erected at 845 Danforth Street, and the Sisters
moved out of the Fourth Street building. On the site of the old
convent, which was torn down, Marquette High School was erected
in 1926.
BRUMLEVE, BESCHKE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
21, 1919
Funeral services for
Mrs. Beschke Brumleve, of Fosterburg, which were to have been
held Thursday afternoon, were postponed on account of the
inclement weather, and were held this morning at 11 o'clock from
the family home. Rev. Frederick C. Webber, pastor of the
Fosterburg Baptist church officiated, and the burial was in the
Fosterburg cemetery.
BRUMM, BESSIE AND MARIE
Alton Father, Daughter And 6
Playmates Drown In Mississippi
[Note: See Michael Reilly
obituary for more information]
Source: Syracuse, New York
Post Standard, August 6, 1904
While bathing in the
Mississippi river tonight, Michael Riley, his daughter and six
of the latter's little girl friends were drowned. One child was
rescued. Riley lived near the river in the southern part of the
city and was accustomed to bathe on the beach in front of his
home after his return from work. Tonight his little daughter
begged to go with him. and Riley took her and seven of her girl
friends to the beach with him. When they entered the water,
Riley bade the children join hands and they all waded Into the
river and walked along a sandbar which stretches out into the
stream at that point. They had gone some distance from the
shore, when suddenly the whole party disappeared beneath the
water, having in the darkness stepped from the sandbar, into the
deep channel. The children struggled and screamed, fighting
desperately to reach the sandbar, where the water was only a
foot or so in depth. Riley who is said to have been a good
swimmer. Is thought to have been made helpless by the girls
clinging to him and hampering his efforts to save them. The only
one in the party to regain the sandbar was Mary Timiny, 8 years
old. The child is unable to tell how she saved herself. Riley
was 32 years old, and the ages of the children drowned ranged
from 8 to 14 years. Four of the bodies have been recovered.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8, 1904
The funeral of Bessie and Marie Brumm, the daughters of Mr. and
Mrs. Philip Brumm, was held at the family home on Brown street
at 3:30 o'clock. Services were conducted by Rev. W. H. Bradley,
pastor of the Presbyterian church. The Brumm home was filled
with sorrowing friends and relatives who wished to pay a mark of
respect to those who had departed, and of sympathy to the
bereaved family. There were many very beautiful floral offerings
among which were beautiful pieces from the Presbyterian Sunday
school and from each of the rooms at the public school the girls
had been in. The following acted as bearers for both caskets:
Minor Watson, Roland Dudley, Spurgeon Hawkins, Clarence Sargeant
and Earl McDow. Their were also twelve little girls, schoolmates
of the deceased, for honorary pallbearers. After services at the
home, a very long funeral cortege followed the remains to
Oakwood Cemetery, where burial took place.
BRUNDLE, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1919
Mrs. Helen Brundle died this afternoon at 314 West Fourth
street. She was 89 years old. She died at the home of Leo
Wingate, her grandnephew. Miss Theresa Wingate and Mrs. O.
Blackburn are nieces. The funeral will be Friday at
Edwardsville.
BRUNER, CATHERINE J./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1847
Wife of John A. Bruner Dies
Died on Saturday morning
after a long and painful illness, Mrs. Catherine J., wife of Mr.
John A. Bruner of this city, aged about 22. She was a very
amiable woman, and died in perfect resignation to the will of
God, and with a humble hope of a blessed immortality - leaving a
deeply afflicted husband and a young child, together with many
friends and acquaintances, by whom she was greatly beloved, to
deplore her loss.
BRUNER, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 24,
1916
Widow of Captain John A. Bruner Dies
Mrs. Ellen
Bruner, widow of Captain John A. Bruner, died at the Masonic
Home for old folks at Sullivan, Ill., after a long period of
disability. The body will be buried Sunday afternoon from the
Lock undertaking establishment on State street, where it will be
taken on arrival from Sullivan. Mrs. Bruner leaves one son, John
Bruner. The word that Mrs. Bruner had died was received by F. E.
Harris, master of Piasa lodge, A. F. & A. M., Thursday, and the
further information came that she had requested her body be
taken back to Alton to be buried beside that of her husband who
was buried in the City cemetery. Arrangements were accordingly
made by Mr. Harris for this request being complied with. Mrs.
Bruner was a resident of Alton many years. She came here as a
bride, soon after she had married Capt. John A. Bruner, then
running in the trade between St. Louis and New Orleans. The
family resided on State street for a number of years. After the
death of her husband, Mrs. Bruner conducted a boarding house
which was famous for the high quality of service she rendered.
She had a very high class of patronage. When her strength failed
and she was unable to take care of herself, she entered the
Masonic Home at Sullivan, her husband having been a member of
the Masonic order, and there she passed the remainder of her
days. Failing eyesight helped to darken the closing days of her
life. It is planned to have the funeral Sunday at 2:30 o'clock
from the Lock parlors, and Rev. E. L. Gibson of the First
Presbyterian church will conduct the service.
BRUNER, GEORGE A./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 20, 1847
Died in Alton on the morning of the 14th inst., George A.,
infant son of Mr. John A. Bruner, aged 14 months and 2 days -
the only remaining child of his thrice bereaved father.
BRUNER, JACOB C. (MAJOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 10, 1843
Died, on the 2d instant, Major Jacob C. Bruner, aged 46
years, after a lingering illness which he bore with great
fortitude. Major Bruner was one of the oldest and most
enterprising citizens of this section of the State. He removed
from Kentucky, and settled in Edwardsville in 1818, which, by
his industry and enterprise he contributed much to build up, and
give it that importance which it had in the early settlement of
the State. About 1830 he removed to Alton, where he has since
resided, and where he has done much to make him favorably
remembered by its early inhabitants. Major Bruner was in private
life, kind and hospitable, and benevolent to the extent of his
ability. He has left a wife and several children, who were
devotedly attached to him, to mourn his loss. "Peace be to his
remains."
BRUNER, JOHN A. (CAPTAIN)/Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1897
John A. Bruner, the
well-known retired river Captain, passed away at 5:45 o'clock
this morning at his home on upper State Street [1423 State
Street], after an illness that dated since Friday at noon.
Captain Bruner, as he was familiarly known to nearly every
person in Alton, was one of our oldest citizens, and had been
identified as one of the most prominent residents in Alton for
many years. He had lived here since the earliest days of the
city, and in that time, he had known it in its vicissitudes and
later on in its prosperity.
Captain Bruner was born in
Edwardsville, September 1, 1822, and at the early age of
seventeen began to follow his chosen vocation of river man. He
first began on a ferry boat at St. Louis, and later became a
pilot on the upper Mississippi. At the time, Captain Bruner was
most prominent as a river Captain, steamboating was in its
halcyon [prosperous] days, and many were the interesting stories
the genial Captain could tell of his early experiences. Except
for a few years prior to 1847, he continued in the business, and
in forty years he had successfully filled all grades of service
from the lowest to that of Captain. In 1881 he left the river
and in 1882 was elected Supervisor of Alton Township. He was
always one of the stalwart Democrats of Alton, and at one time
was a prominent candidate for the appointment as postmaster. In
the last few years of his life, he had retired from all
business, enjoying his declining years at his beautiful home on
upper State Street. He was known as a perfect gentleman, and a
man whom it was a pleasure to meet.
The Captain’s
illness began Friday with a severe cold, and Friday night
developed into congestion of the stomach and lungs. From the
first his illness was manifestly fatal, and from Sunday morning
his death was expected to occur at any time. Captain Bruner was
married three times: in 1840 to Catharine Smith, who died in
1845; in 1855 to Maria L. Godfrey, a daughter of Benjamin
Godfrey to whom a daughter, now Mrs. E. B. Widaman of
Carlinville, was born. In 1875 he was united in marriage with
Mrs. Ellen Thompson of St. Louis, who still survives him, as
does a son, John H. Bruner. The funeral will be under the
auspices of Constantine Lodge Knights of Pythias and Piasa Lodge
A. F. & A. M., of which lodges Mr. Bruner was a member of long
standing. The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home. [Bruner is buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.]
BRUNER, LUCY AMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 27, 1865
Died on Wednesday morning, January 25, 1865, of croup, Lucy
Ames, youngest child of W. B. and N. R. Bruner, aged 9 months
and 15 days.
BRUNER, MARY VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1845
Daughter of John A. Bruner Dies
Died, on Saturday last,
Mary Virginia, infant daughter of Mr. John A. Bruner of this
city, aged three weeks.
BRUNN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1905
Employee of Alton Sand & Transportation Drowns in Mississippi
River
John Brunn, aged 41, an employee of the Alton Sand
and Transportation Co., was drowned Tuesday night by falling
into the river from the deck of the steamer Ruth, near Lover's
Leap. Brunn was employed for loading cars with sand at the
incline track and was considered one of the best men in the
employ of the company. According to the story told by Jerre
Matthews, who was with Brunn on the boat just before the
accident occurred, the two men had been drinking a bucket of
beer and after finishing the beer Matthews heard a splash, and
running back he called loudly for Brunn but got no response.
Concluding that his fellow workman had been drowned, he notified
Messrs. Robert Curdie and James Maupin, who made an
investigation and were satisfied that Brunn had fallen into the
river. Brunn had worked for the sand company about five weeks,
and during that time said but little about himself. Nothing was
known as to where he came from nor whether he had any family. A
partner of the drowned man who can probably tell where Brunn's
family may be found, as they had worked together many years, is
in a hospital in St. Louis where some injuries he sustained a
week ago are being treated. The place where the man fell
overboard is a bad one, as the current is swift and the water
very deep. Boys were swimming today over the place and were
diving near shore indicating a considerable depth of water. It
is probably the body was carried down the river and will not be
found until it floats.
BRUNNER,
BRUTUS S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1904
Co-Founder of Duncan Foundry in Alton
Brutus S. Brunner, for
many years a well-known foundry man in Alton, died Sunday
morning after a long and painful illness from uraemic poisoning.
Mr. Brunner's condition had been dangerous for several weeks.
Thursday, he lapsed into a state of coma and did not rally.
Death resulted Sunday morning about 5 o'clock.
Mr.
Brunner was born near Basle, Switzerland, June 19, 1833. He had
lived in Alton nearly 50 years, having come to this city in
1856. When only seven years old he came to America with his
father and settled near Cincinnati, where he remained until he
came to Alton. During all his career in Alton, he was known as
an industrious, frugal man, and bore the best of reputation for
integrity and honesty. He was highly esteemed by all who knew
him.
Mr. Brunner is survived by a brother, Leander
Brunner of St. Louis, and a sister at Cincinnati. He leaves his
widow, one daughter, Mrs. Nellie E. May, and one son, George S.
Brunner. Mr. Brunner was twice married. His first wife was Sarah
Emery, and they were married July 4, 1857. He was married
January 19, 1895 to Miss Emma J. Holden, who survives him. The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home, Sixth and Market Streets.
NOTES:
Brutus
S. Brunner was born June 19, 1833, in Basel-Landschaft,
Switzerland. He immigrated to America with his father, and
settled near Cincinnati. He then moved to Alton in 1856. In
1875, Brunner and Gilbert Duncan took over an iron foundry on
Piasa Street in Alton, which had been closed for several years.
They established their business as Duncan Foundry. When Gilbert
Duncan died in 1879, Brunner sold his interest in the business
to Gilbert’s son, James, and one by one the Duncan sons stepped
into the business, with James at the lead. The business was in
operation for 109 years, closing in 1983.
Brunner died
January 24, 1904 in Alton, at the age of 70. He left behind his
wife, Emma; one son, George S. Brunner; and daughter, Nellie
Brunner May. Another daughter, Ida May Brunner, died in August
1872 at the age of 7. Ida was the daughter of Brutus and Sarah
Emery Brunner. Brutus Brunner was buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
BRUNNER, IDA MAY/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, August 30,
1872
Died on August 22, at 11:30 a.m., Ida May, daughter of
Brutus S. and Sarah E. Brunner; aged 7 years and 28 days.
BRUNNER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1903
Prominent Farmer Found Dead in the Mire
Sunday
morning William Brunner, a well known and respected farmer
living in Fort Russell township between Bethalto and
Edwardsville, after struggling desperately for hours in the
mire, finally succumbed to exhaustion and was suffocated by the
soft earth that had slowly drawn him into its embrace. His body
was found by a party of searchers in the center of the wheat
field. It is thought that he attempted to make a short cut
across the field to his house. Brunner had been missing since
Wednesday. A searching party explored the farm and surrounding
fields. It was not until nearly an hour afterward, however, that
the body had been found. Brunner was stretched at full length,
and was almost completely covered by the soft, clinging mud. He
had evidently started to cross the field and had succumbed after
a desperate fight for life. Deputy Coroner Charles E. Hoskins of
Edwardsville held an inquest. The jury's verdict was that
Brunner had become mired and through physical exhaustion had
been drawn by the ooze and smothered. He was about 50 years of
age, well known in Alton, and lived alone.
BRUNO, PASQUALE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1,
1917
Mystery Surrounds Killing of Italian ... Friends Say Nothing
Pasquale Bruno, an Italian, was murdered Sunday evening
about 8 o'clock in front of Ohley's store in Yager Park. He was
shot through the head and died instantly. The principal witness
to the killing told a story which was hard to connect up with
the fact that the dead man appeared to have been shot through
the head from the front. Bruno, about 45 years of age, lived in
Yager Park, batching with another Italian. He worked at the
Laclede Steel Co. plant. The killing savors strongly of a
vendetta. The police searched carefully and closely for some
information that would throw light on the mystery, investigating
many angles, but found nothing that would give any clue to the
murderer during the night. This morning the investigation was
taken up again, with no satisfactory results. The story told by
the witness who said he was very close when the shooting was
done, was that he saw one man apparently pursuing two, in
Washington Garden. The garden had no dance there and no crowd.
The gates were open, however. Whether the chase started outside,
was continued inside the garden and then out again, he could not
say. His story was that one of the men who was apparently
fleeing stopped at the gate to Washington Garden as he emerged
and stood there. The other man who was apparently fleeing kept
on running. The man behind, the witness said, fired with a
revolver and Pasquale Bruno fell dead. Then both the other two
men made their escape. The police were notified at once and took
charge of the body of the dead man until Deputy Coroner Bauer
could be summoned. Investigation during the night left the
killing in mystery. Even the man who roomed with Bruno could
tell nothing, he said, of who Bruno's associates might have
been, what the cause of the killing might have been, or where
Bruno had been staying. Bruno had been idle for a month due to
an injury to his hand. He was said to have been a very quiet,
orderly man, and was never in trouble with anyone. The reticence
of the fellow countrymen of the dead man, especially of those
who were in position to know something of Bruno, indicated that
there was some fear on their part to tell what they might know.
Deputy Coroner William Bauer found in a search of Bruno's
clothes the sum of $233.23 in bills and silver money. This would
indicate, apparently, that the murder was not for the purpose of
robbery. Chief of Police Peter Fitzgerald and several officers
went to Yager Park today to make an investigation. Deputy
Coroner Bauer said he would swear in the jury this afternoon,
but would defer the inquest for several days in the hope of
getting the murderer, or some clue to his identity. John Fritz,
who lives at Washington Garden, said he had just gone upstairs
for the night when he heard the three men running toward his
place. His attention was attracted by the loud noises they were
making as if from great efforts to breathe. He concluded that
they must have been having a hard struggle or a long run. The
man who was afterward shot seemed to be in great terror, and the
sounds of his breathing could be heard a long distance as he
tried to escape. Fritz started down stairs to render help, and
as he was descending the stairs he heard three shots. Going out
he found one man dead, two others running away. One man went
over Lampert street, and the other toward the steel plant. Fretz
[sic] said his son witnessed the shooting, but he ia a little
boy and his story is rather confused. The other witness could
give but a poor description of the man who did the killing.
BRUNTON, DAVID A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2,
1917
Civil War Veteran Dies
D. A. Brunton, for many years
a Justice of the Peace in Wood River township and a Civil War
veteran, died last night at midnight in his home in Bethalto.
Justice Brunton had been sick two years. He was 82 years old at
the time of his death, and had lived in Bethalto over 70 years.
He served in the Civil War and later on became a justice in Wood
River township, a place he held for many years. Two years ago he
retired from office on account of his failing health. He leaves
one son, William Brunton of Bethalto. The aged father and the
son have lived together for seventeen years, and kept house
themselves during that time. The wife and mother died at that
time, and as the son never married the two continued to live
together. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1
o'clock and the service will be held in the home. Burial will
take place at Bethalto Cemetery, Justice Brunton was a member of
Bethalto Post G. A. R., and the members of the post will attend
the funeral in a body.
BRYANT, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14, 1916
David Bryant, aged 60, died this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock
after a long illness with dropsy. Mr. Bryant died at his home at
625 East Sixth street. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon
at 2 o'clock, Rev. A. O. Geyer officiating.
BRYANT, ELSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1920
Elsie Bryant, daughter of Mrs. Flora Bryant of 625 East
Sixth street, died this morning in St. Louis. The body will be
brought to Alton for burial.
BRYANT, FRANCES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6,
1904
Mrs. Frances Bryant, widow of John Bryant, died at
her home, 116 west Seventh street this morning after a long
illness. She was a very old resident of Alton, and the mother of
a large family of children. Her husband was an old soldier.
BRYANT, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1913
Old Soldier Dies
John Bryant, aged 75, a former resident
in this vicinity, died at the Soldiers' Home in Quincy Thursday
morning. The body will arrive here Saturday morning at 9 o'clock
and will be taken direct to City Cemetery, where services will
be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller. General debility was the
cause of his death. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Jacob Malson
and Mrs. J. Champine of West Alton, Mo., and two sons, Theodore
and Alfred Bryant of Alton.
BRYANT, MILTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 26,
1900
Milton Bryant, a well known horse trader, died this
morning at his home on Belle street, after a long illness, aged
40 years. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow from the home.
BRYSON, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3,
1910
Drowns Near Skinny Island, As Father Helplessly Watches
Standing upon the end of a sand bar near the head of Skinney
Island below the city [Alton], Levi Bryson was forced to see his
son, Elmer, aged twenty years, and a friend, Ray Holt, meet
their death in the water, himself powerless to help them, at 10
o'clock Saturday morning. Elmer had been away from the city for
the past three months visiting, and returned Thursday with Ray
Holt, a lad of eighteen years, who resides in Pana, Ill. They
were staying at the Bryson home, 1017 east Third street. Bryson
had been telling his friend all about the river, and this
morning the father, with his son and Holt, and a lad by the name
of William Glassmeyer, decided to take a walk to the river and
have a good look at it. They chose the long sand bars below the
city for their walk, and were there early this morning.
Sauntering along the edge of the water for some time, it was
suggested that they go swimming. Bryson and Holt threw off their
clothes and were soon in the water. The water where they first
went in was very shallow, and as neither of the lads was an
expert swimmer, they spent their time mostly in wading. They
left the bank quite a distance and wandered a little downstream.
When starting for the shore at a point below where they went in,
Holt came to a deep hole and was in it before he knew it. The
current was strong and he could not hold himself. He shouted for
help, and Bryson, evidently not knowing the depth of the water,
started to his aid. As Bryson was nearing Holt, he also got in
the deep water and soon was floundering as was Holt. Bryson then
shouted for aid and the father on the bank, seeing then that the
boys were in danger, started for the water, but was unable to
reach them at all. He was almost drowned himself in trying to
get back to the shore. Glassmeyer ran for a boat which was tied
to the bar, but stated that it was chained to a stout post and
he could not loosen it. He states that if he could have gotten
the boat when he went for it, he could have saved one of the
lads at least, and perhaps the two of them. Harry Bilderbeck,
who was fishing on the end of a dike just a short distance from
the end of the bar, ran to his boat and was soon on the scene.
Mr. Bryson was by this time upon the bank almost frantic. Ed
Poor, a fisherman, who was running a trot line in that vicinity,
with his boat and his fish hooks and the assistance of
Bilderbeck, began dragging for the body. The body of Bryson was
found in a short time and was pulled to the bank and tied there
to await the coming of the coroner, who had been sent for. At
one o'clock the body of Holt had not been found. The hole where
the two were drowned is only a short distance away, and upon the
same bar where Michael Riley and the six little Upper Alton
girls were drowned several years ago. Mr. Bryson might have
saved his own son, but he misunderstood the cries of help from
his son to be calls for help for the other boy. Mr. Bryson
thinks his son took a cramp and that this caused the drowning of
the Bryson boy, who was a good swimmer. The father says he is a
good swimmer himself, but he waited too long laboring under the
mistake before he went to help his son. Young Bryson had been
working at Assumption, Ill., and returned home only Friday.
Bryson leaves his parents and a brother, Harley Bryson of
Moweaqua. It was Harley's 24th birthday today. Holt leaves an
invalid mother, two sisters at Pana, and two brothers in North
Dakota.
BUCHANAN, E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1918
Killed When 22 Caliber Primers Exploded at Western Cartridge
Company
E. Buchanan, 55, was fatally injured at 3
o'clock Monday afternoon at the Western Cartridge Co. plant when
two trays of 22 caliber primers exploded. Lester Simms, three
feet away, escaped with slight injuries. Buchanan was doing the
same work that he has been doing for the past four years, and he
had never been injured in that department before. There were
7,000 primers on the trays. One had been dumped and he was in
the act of dumping the second when the accident occurred. The
fulminate in this caliber is placed in the shell itself and the
amount is very small. The force of the explosion struck Buchanan
on the upper limbs. He died soon afterward. Surgeons who
attended him believed that he died from shock more than from the
wounds. It is not believed that he would have died at once from
the wounds he received. The accident occurred in the drying
room. There was no one but Buchanan and Simms in the building at
the time. Simms is unable to say what was the cause of the
accident. Buchanan lived at East Alton. He is survived by a
daughter, Mrs. Mable Yost of East Alton, and his wife, who lives
at Whitehall. Mrs. Yost is employed at the cartridge works. She
was in a priming room, only a short distance from the building
in which her father was killed. The body will be shipped to
Whitehall this evening, and the funeral will be held there
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
BUCHEN, FRANCES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1914
Mrs. Frances A. Buchen, who, with her daughter, Mrs.
Mabel Nichalis, resided at the home of J. P. Thornton on
Prospect street, died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning
after undergoing a surgical operation for relief of the effects
of hernia. She was moved to the hospital late Thursday evening
and was operated upon but failed to rally. She was 65 years of
age. Mrs. Buchen came here from Decatur last June to make her
home. She leaves one daughter and three sons. The body will be
taken to Sharpsburg, Ill., and burial will probably be there
Sunday afternoon.
BUCHEIT, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
12, 1901
The remains of Mrs. Charlotte Bucheit, for many
years a resident of Bethalto, arrived Friday from Grand Island,
Nebraska, accompanied by her son, Fred, and were interred in the
Catholic cemetery at Bethalto. Mrs. Frank Eppinger of this city
is a niece of the deceased lady, and attended the funeral, as
did her daughter, Miss Lizzie, and her son, Louis.
BUCK, ANDREW P./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 3, 1853
Died at the residence of his father in Omphgent, Madison County,
on the 29th of April last, of constitutional declivity, Mr.
Andrew P. Buck, in the 31st year of his age.
BUCK, ANTHONY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9, 1903
Anthony Buck, aged 26, died Tuesday evening at his home on
Dry street after a long illness with lung troubles. He was a
native of Springfield, Mo., but lived many years in Alton. He
leaves a wife and three children. His parents also survive. The
funeral will be Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to
the City Cemetery.
BUCK, FRANCIS HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1845
Died, on the 8th inst., in Swetiz' Prairie, Madison County,
Francis Henry, son of Thomas P. Buck, Esq., in the 14th year of
his age.
BUCK, HATTIE (nee ASHLOCK)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 15, 1910
Young Mother Gives Birth, Then Dies From
Pneumonia - Infant Dies With Her
Mrs. Hattie Ashlock
Buck, wife of Fred Buck, aged 25(?), died this morning at her
home, 214 East Front Street, after an illness that began last
Monday evening with pneumonia. Her condition was recognized as a
very grave one yesterday, and the birth of a little child to the
young mother last night was too much for her in her weakened
condition. Her case became hopeless, and those of her family who
were summoned to attend her. Her mother, Mrs. William Ashlock,
was ill with pneumonia herself, but is recovering. The father,
Capt. William Ashlock, had gone to Independence, Kansas, on a
visit, and it was impossible to get a message to him last night
telling of the change in her condition. Mrs. Buck had lived in
Alton all her life. She was married to Fred Buck about six years
ago, and she is the mother of two boys, Everett and Harry, aged
4 1/2 and 2 years respectively. Her little infant died with her.
Mrs. Buck was a happy, contented dispositioned woman, a good
mother and wife and a dutiful daughter to her parents with whom
she lived. Her death is a sad affliction also to a great number
of friends she had possessed in Alton. She leaves beside her
husband, children and parents, a brother, Harry L. Ashlock, and
a sister, Mrs. John Wright. The funeral will probably be held
Monday afternoon from the family home, if Capt. Ashlock, the
father, can get back from Independence.
BUCK, THOMAS S./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1851
Died in Swett’s Prairie on the 14th of June, Mr. Thomas S. Buck,
aged 31 years.
BUCKHARDT, XAVIER/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 11, 1868
German Laborer Murdered in Edwardsville
December 2, 1868 –
This morning, about 7:30 o’clock, Xavier Buckhardt, a German
laborer, was killed in this place by Andrew Bauer, another
German, under the following circumstances:
Bauer is a
brickmaker, and deceased had been at work for him, digging clay.
On Saturday last, deceased quit work and came this morning to
get his money. They met in a cooper shop, close by Bauer’s
residence, when a dispute arose between them as to the price,
per cord, for digging. Buckhardt exacting 60 cents per cord, and
Bauer refusing to pay but 50 cents. Deceased, getting excited,
made some threats and took hold of Bauer, but did no harm. They
then left the shop and went to Bauer’s house, when the quarrel
was renewed. Deceased called Bauer a d—d liar, when Bauer took
hold of his arm and told him to leave his house. Deceased then
clinched with Bauer, and in the altercation, Bauer got his right
hand badly hurt. They were again separated. Buckhardt remaining
in the room while Bauer went into an adjoining room, and
returned in a moment’s time with a single barrel shotgun in his
hands, presenting it at the deceased. It was discharged, the
entire load taking effect in his abdomen, causing his death in
about half an hour.
Joseph Chapman, Justice of the Peace,
was called upon to hold an inquest over the body. He selected a
jury, who after a strict examination into the case, returned the
following verdict:
“We, the undersigned jurors, selected
and sworn to serve on a Coroner’s inquest, before Joseph
Chapman, Justice of the Peace, upon the body of Xavier
Buckhardt, found dead in the house of Andrew Bauer, in the
county of Madison and State of Illinois, find as our verdict in
the matter that said Xavier Buckhardt came to his death from a
gunshot wound in the abdomen, inflicted by a person by the name
of Andrew Bauer.” Signed, John S. Gardner (Foreman), R. C.
Lewis, Robert H. Kinder, John Dunsteller, P. Powell, W. R.
Grigsby, C. W. Crocker, Henry Albrecht, John Lortt, T. H.
Kennedy, Philip Werner, and Charles C. Clark.
Whereupon a
Mittimus was issued directing the Sheriff to hold the prisoner
for trial at the next term of court, on the charge of murder.
Bauer, as soon as he had shot the deceased, came immediately
over to the courthouse and delivered himself up to Sheriff
Moore, in whose custody he remained until after the inquest was
held, when he was lodged in jail. Buckhardt leaves a wife and
one child in very destitute circumstances.
BUCKINGHAM, SOPHIA W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 26, 1919
Grand Niece of Roger Sherman - Signer of
Declaration of Independence
Mrs. Sophia W. Buckingham, widow
of W. H. Buckingham, died Tuesday evening at 9:40 o'clock at her
home, 402 Prospect Street, a week after she suffered a physical
breakdown. She was born in New York City, October _1, 1834, and
was in her eighty-sixth year. Mrs. Buckingham's death had been
expected ever since she began to show signs of a physical
breakdown about a week ago. She had been in the best of health,
had been sick but very few days in her life, and she was
remarkable for the preservation of her strength and all her
faculties. She was a woman of intellectual culture, her mind was
keen and alert, and she was a charming and interesting
conversationalist. She was a great reader and her interest in
what was going on in the world made it possible for her to
maintain her cheerfulness even after all of her friends had
passed on before her, and she had but two children left. She had
seen much of sorrow in her life, but she never lost her
cheerfulness, and she was a friend who was highly esteemed by
all who knew her. To talk with her was sure to impress one with
the fact that she had to a most remarkable degree retained her
mental powers, and though her friends of her own age had long
ago died, she made many friends among the younger set who valued
her acquaintance.
Mrs. Buckingham was a member of a
distinguished Colonial family, being a grandniece of Roger
Sherman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence,
and through her line there has come a valuable ring which was
worn by Roger Sherman at the time he signed the Declaration of
Independence. For fifteen years she had made her home in Alton.
Her husband, who was auditor of the Vandalia Railroad, died 41
years before her. Her daughter, Mrs. Mary Hanna, died a few
years ago. In the latter years of her life, Mrs. Buckingham
resided with her daughter, Miss Anna Buckingham, who took most
devoted interest in the mother and ministered to her every want.
In the closing hours the daughter and the son, Joseph W.
Buckingham, were constantly with her. Sunday afternoon she was
no longer conscious of what was going on about her, and remained
that way until about 15 minutes before she died, when she
revived, recognized her family at her bedside, then slipped
away. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in which she had held
membership. The services will be conducted by Rev. Frederick D.
Butler. Friends of the family are invited to the church
services, but interment will be private.
NOTES:
The
husband of Sophia W. Buckingham, Welis H. Buckingham, died in
about 1878. Sophia was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. The
following information is regarding the children of W. H. and
Sophia Buckingham:
Miss Anna W. Buckingham, a daughter,
died in Alton on April 10, 1946, at the age of 85. Anna was born
in Terre Haute, Indiana, and lived 41 years in Alton, where she
was employed in the children’s department of the Hayner Library.
She was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
Mary
Buckingham Hanna, also a daughter, died on December 7, 1913 in
Colorado Springs, CO. She had married James Hanna, who died a
few years previous. They had two children – Mrs. E. M. Sparks
and James Hanna. Mary was well known in the social world of
Alton, and was filled with a spirit of good cheer that made her
very popular. She is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
Joseph W. Buckingham, a son, was employed by the Miller’s
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and lived at 1845 Evergreen
Avenue in Alton until his death in March 1959, at the age of 82.
He had served on the Alton Playground & Recreation Commission,
succeeding Miss Eunice Smith. During his tenure on the
commission, the Alton Municipal Golf Course, Hellrung, and
Northside playgrounds were developed. Joseph was born on June
10, 1876, at Terre Haute, Indiana. In his younger days, he was
employed by the Wabash Railroad, and then came to Alton to work
for the Illinois Glass Company. In 1917 Joseph went to work at
Millers Mutual. He married in 1913 to Esta May Thompson.
Joseph’s most prized possession was the ring belonging to Roger
Minott Sherman – one of the signers of the Declaration of
Independence, which he always wore. Joseph was buried in the
Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery, and left behind his widow and
foster daughter – Mrs. Lynn Menard. It is unknown what happened
to the ring belonging to Roger Sherman.
BUCKLEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1915
The funeral of John Buckley will be held tomorrow afternoon
at 3 o'clock from the family home on Alby street.
BUCKLEY, RALPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 17,
1917
Young Man Commits Suicide
Ralph Buckley, while
suffering from mental disorders, shot himself to death at the
home of his mother, Mrs. Ida Buckley, 1506 Mack avenue. He had
been in bad health for a long time and his mind was affected.
Sunday he was found dead in the basement of the home, with a
great hole in his abdomen which had been torn by a charge of
shot he had fired into himself with a shot gun. In his pocket
was a razor with which he had evidently intended to finish the
job if the shot gun failed to do the work. Buckley had been an
inmate of the insane hospital at Jacksonville, and had been
allowed to come home. It was planned to send him back to the
hospital. He made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide some time
ago. Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer took charge of the body and held
an inquest Monday morning, a verdict of suicide being returned.
It was the 75th inquest the deputy coroner has held since last
December, and the third case of suicide in that time.
BUCKLEY, SARAH J./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 25, 1877
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Sarah J. Buckley, wife of C. C. Buckley
of Edwardsville, and daughter of William Matlock of Alhambra,
died at her late residence in Edwardsville on Friday, January
19, leaving an affectionate husband and three small children to
mourn their irreparable loss. Mrs. Buckley had attained the 38th
year of her age, and was an upright Christian woman. Her funeral
took place from the Baptist Church in Edwardsville, on Sunday,
January 21.
BUCKMASTER, HARRIET ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22,
1840
Wife of Nathaniel Buckmaster Dies
Died, in this
city [Alton], on Friday morning the 14th inst., Mrs. Harriet
Ann, consort of Nathaniel Buckmaster, Esq., in the 29th year of
her age, after a lingering illness, which she bore with
Christian resignation, leaving an ________ husband and five
children, the youngest just five months old. In the death of
Mrs. Buckmaster, her husband and children have to mourn the loss
of an affectionate wife and mother, and her relatives and
friends, an endeared relative and associate.
BUCKMASTER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
28, 1896
Alton Postmaster
The citizens of Alton were greatly
shocked to hear of the death of Postmaster John Buckmaster,
which occurred last night at his home. No. 10 East Third Street,
from heart disease. The news of his death was not generally
known until this morning, and caused a pall of sorrow to hang
over his large circle of acquaintances in Alton. Mr. Buckmaster
had been feeling poorly for several weeks, although he has
attended to his accustomed duties. Any undue exertion, such as
walking up the hills, greatly fatigued him, and he was compelled
to stop and regain his breath. Sunday morning he felt worse, and
his sister, Miss Julia Buckmaster, tried to prevail on him to
remain in bed, but he got up and was around during the day. He
retired at 7:30, and shortly after Miss Julia heard his labored
breathing, while sitting in the parlor on the lower floor.
Rushing upstairs, she found him unconscious. Dr. Taphorn, who
happened to be near at hand, was called in and administered
injections to regulate the beating of the heart, but it was
evident that death was near, and the last breath was drawn at
8:30 o'clock. John Buckmaster was the son of the late Hon.
Samuel A. and Mary J. Buckmaster. He was born in Edwardsville,
January 8, 1838, and would have been 59 years of age next
January. Most of his life has been spent in Alton, and he was
known by almost every resident. For fifteen years he has
conducted the tobacco business at the present location on Piasa
street, and his reputation as an entertainer of crowds and an
apt story teller was widely known. Kindly in disposition,
generous and genial, outspoken in all his beliefs, he was
respected by all with whom he came in contact. Two years ago,
because of his popularity, he was agreed upon as the compromise
candidate for Postmaster of Alton and was appointed by President
Cleveland. During his administration the affairs of the office
have been conducted in a capable and efficient manner. Many
improvements have been made in the service, and through his
efforts the new location for the post office was secured. Mr.
Buckmaster took great interest in the improvement, and was very
anxious to get into the new quarters. His mother, Mrs. S. A.
Buckmaster, two sisters, Miss Julia Buckmaster and Mrs. Kizzie
B. Jones, and a brother, S. A. Buckmaster of Heckla, South
Dakota, are the surviving members of the family. The time of the
funeral has not yet been set, but will probably take place on
Wednesday.
BUCKMASTER, JOSEPH WILLSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
4, 1841
Child of Samuel Buckmaster Dies
Died,
at Edwardsville, on the 21st ult., Joseph Willson, son of Samuel
A. and Mary J. Buckmaster, aged 15 months.
BUCKMASTER,
JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1912
Woman Postmaster Dies - Daughter of Colonel Buckmaster
Miss Julia Buckmaster, the only woman who ever filled the
office of postmaster at Alton, died at her home, 1121 State
street, at 10:15 o'clock Wednesday morning after an illness of
several weeks duration. She was very ill prior to that time, but
it was believed that she would recover. About ten days ago she
became much worse and her death was looked for by her friends
who were attending her. Miss Buckmaster left a request that her
burial be within 24 hours after her death, that there be no
display, no flowers, and that in every respect the funeral be
simple and a modest one. The requests will be carried out, so
her friends said today. Miss Buckmaster leaves a sister, Mrs.
Kizzie B. Jones, who makes her headquarters in New York, and a
brother, Samuel Buckmaster, who lives in the West. Miss
Buckmaster was altogether a very remarkable woman. She was a
daughter of Samuel A. Buckmaster, one of the most prominent
Democrats in the state, and at one time an aspirant for the
Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois. He was warden of
the southern Illinois penitentiary when it was located at Alton
prior to 1858, and was one of Alton's foremost citizens. Miss
Buckmaster inherited an intellect that was a strong one. Her
mind was active and her wit was biting and sharp. She was known
as a good friend to have, and she had a large circle of
friendships among people who cherished the acquaintance. She was
a woman of remarkable literary talent, and did much writing. She
had an interesting style of writing. When her brother, John
Buckmaster, died after a brief interim during which her
brother's bondsmen had charge of the post office, she was
appointed to fill the position until the expiration of his term.
Miss Julia was thus given the distinction of being the only
woman postmaster the city ever had. She was engaged in the
insurance business for many years, and was active and aggressive
in her search for business. She had practically given up all
that work and was in retirement. The Telegraph had planned Miss
Buckmaster would write an article for the diamond jubilee number
of the paper, but her sickness prevented. She wrote a note a few
days ago, saying that she believed she would be able to attend
to the commission, but she was unable to do it. She did write an
article which will appear in the new book of Alton, being
published by J. A. Reed. It is not believed that Miss Julia's
brother and sister will have time to get here before the hour of
her funeral. Miss Buckmaster was born in the warden's residence
of the Alton prison during the term of her father's wardenship.
She was educated in the Alton schools, and then attended a young
ladies' school in Philadelphia. She stamped all she did with a
personality that was distinctive. She was a leader, and during
her early womanhood she was a social power in Alton society. She
possessed a degree of genius and an ambition that would have
raised her into great prominence, had she pursued the course of
her natural bent of mind. She had been a correspondent for St.
Louis papers, where her material was well received. And this way
her desires ran, but she never schooled herself to the rigid
drudgery that is necessary to develop the power that spells
success. She was a prominent member of the Woman's League. In
her private life, she gathered about her friends who were her
most loyal admirers, and she dominated, led, and was followed
most unansweringly by them. She possessed peculiar traits, as
one would expect from her mental qualities. She was aware of her
approaching death and calmly made arrangements that referred to
her funeral. She selected the undertaker, her friend, Mrs. John
Lock, for whom she gave the directions. Her illness followed a
visit she made a friend a few days after Christmas, when she was
not in good health. She never recovered from this exposure.
Sister of Julia Buckmaster Seriously Ill After
Hearing of Death
Source: January 20, 1912
Mrs.
Kizzle Jones, sister of Miss Julia Buckmaster, is seriously ill
at the Buckmaster homestead on State Street, and is attended by
a trained nurse as a result of the shock she received upon a
stranger telling her that her sister was dead. Mrs. Jones stated
this morning through her nurse, that she hurried from New York
on the first train, when she received a telegram announcing her
sister's illness in Alton. The trains were late on the entire
journey, and she did not get into Granite City until dark last
night, getting off the train at the tower switch below the city.
Anxious to learn something of her sister while she waited for an
interurban car, she tried to get someone she knew in Alton by
phone, but could not. A stranger at the station who heard Mrs.
Jones telephoning, and who overheard her conversation with the
operator, politely informed her that her sister, Miss Julia
Buckmaster, had died Wednesday and was buried Thursday. Shocked
by the terrible realization that she would not see her sister
either dead or alive, Mrs. Jones collapsed and remains seriously
ill. Mrs. Jones had strained every nerve to get to her sister
when she received the word of her illness, and although she came
across the country as fast as railroads would carry her, she
cannot be consoled over having been too late to have a last
greeting with her sister.
BUCKMASTER, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 1, 1867
Died on the 26th inst., in Alton, Mary, wife of William E.
Buckmaster, and youngest daughter of the late Calvin Riley; aged
44 years.
BUCKMASTER, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2,
1906
Pioneer Woman, Widow of Col. Samuel A. Buckmaster Dies
Mrs. Mary J. Buckmaster, widow of the late Colonel Samuel A.
Buckmaster, whom she married January 24, 1837, died Monday
morning at her home, 1121 State street, at 6:30 o'clock, after a
long, painful illness which she bore with patience and
fortitude. She was conscious almost to the last moment, and she
fell into the eternal sleep like a tired child falls into
slumber after the pleasures and trials of a long day. Mrs.
Buckmaster was born in Madison county September 8, 1819, when
the county and country were little more than wilderness, and she
lived in the most stirring and progressive times in the world's
history. She knew the world history too, most thoroughly, and
was posted in all current events, politics, statesmanship and
literature. She was an omnivorous reader and never forgot what
she read. She saw Alton and Madison county grow from a
settlement to one of the most populous and important counties in
the west, and for many years she was an active force in helping
to make this development and progress possible and certain. Her
husband, Colonel Buckmaster, was a power in politics in Illinois
for many years and filled many positions of honor, and trust and
emolument, and she was the spirit that directed him in his
undertakings, cheered him in his defeats and encouraged him to
do more and better things in his achievements. She was a power
for good in developing a religious sentiment in the county also,
in early days, and could always be found ready to help in any
cause calculated to uplift the people. She lived to see the most
important inventions of the world brought to their present
usefulness and magnitude, and she was quick to take advantage of
the benefits afforded by each invention as it was presented.
Frail physically, she would have made her impress on the world's
politics as Susan B. Anthony did, if she had not loved home and
family more than politics or power. She was of gentle nature,
tender of the feeling and solicitous of the welfare of others,
and the memory of her gentle unselfish nature will live long
with all who knew her. She is survived by three children, Samuel
A. Buckmaster of South Dakota, Mrs. Kizzie Jones of New York
City, and Miss Julia Buckmaster of Alton, who always remained
with her mother and who gave her tenderest care at all times. A
grandson, Mr. Eugene Buckmaster, also survives and resides in
Alabama. The late John Buckmaster who died while postmaster of
Alton was also her son. The funeral arrangements have not been
made.
BUCKMASTER,
NATHANIEL (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 7, 1855
We announce this morning, with feelings of deep regret, the
death of Colonel Nathaniel Buckmaster of Alton, after a long and
painful illness. Colonel Buckmaster was one of the oldest
residents of Alton and State, having moved into the Illinois
Territory in 1816. For several years he represented this county
in the State Legislature with considerable ability, and was, for
some sixteen years, the popular and efficient Sheriff of the
county. Colonel Buckmaster was born in London County, Virginia,
and had attained the ripe age of seventy-two years. His funeral
will take place from his late residence in Middletown this
afternoon, at 3 o’clock.
NOTES:
Nathaniel Buckmaster
was a Virginia native, who came to Illinois Territory in 1816
and settled in Edwardsville. He was a brick mason by trade, but
made his fortune in real estate. He served as County Sheriff,
and twice as a member of the General Assembly. During the Black
Hawk War (1831-32), Buckmaster commanded the troops defending
the frontier between Ottawa and Chicago, advancing to the rank
of Major. He was appointed Quarter-Master General under Governor
Ford. Buckmaster moved to Alton in 1835, and was Warden of the
Alton State Penitentiary for years (his nephew, Samuel A.
Buckmaster, later filled the position as Warden). He was also
appointed postmaster, serving until 1841.
BUCKMASTER,
SAMUEL A. (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 14, 1878
Warden of Alton Prison; Sheriff; Legislature; Alton Mayor
We
regret to be called upon to chronicle the death of this
well-known citizen and distinguished public man, which took
place at his residence in Upper Alton on Tuesday afternoon
[November 12, 1878], after a brief illness. Colonel Buckmaster
had been in rather feeble health for several months, and the
fatigue, excitement and exposure of the campaign through which
he had just passed, as Democratic candidate for State Senator,
probably had an injurious effect on his system. He was taken ill
two or three days after the election, and on Sunday the disease
assumed a serious aspect. Congestion of the brain and lungs set
in and terminated his life at the time mentioned, to the great
grief of his relatives and many friends.
Few men in
Illinois have held more prominent positions or been before the
public for a longer period than Colonel Buckmaster. A native of
Virginia, born in 1817, he emigrated to this county when quite a
young man, and has been identified with its business and
political history for over forty years. He has held many public
positions - was Sheriff of the county for several terms; Warden
and lessee of the State Penitentiary for many years; member of
both branches of the Legislature for several terms; and Speaker
of the House of Representatives in 1862-3. He was several times
an aspirant for other positions, and in 1868 was the choice of a
large number of convention delegates for the Democratic
nomination for Governor, but was defeated by John R. Eden.
Mr. Buckmaster, although a warm partisan, was a gentleman of
genial and engaging address, and had a host of warm personal
friends in all parties. He was generous with his means, and a
man of great energy and force of character. His death will be
widely mourned throughout the State, not only by political, but
by personal friends. He was a member of the present House of
Representatives. No man in Illinois had a wider circle of
acquaintance than Colonel Buckmaster. For the last quarter of a
century he has been prominent in the Democratic councils of the
State, and from 1855 to 1865 was the head and front of that
organization in Illinois. His influence with his party was
second to that of no other leader.
He leaves a wife and
four adult children. His age was about 65 years. The funeral
took place this (Thursday) morning, at St. Paul's (Episcopal)
church in this city, under Masonic auspices, and was attended by
a great concourse of citizens, as well as many distinguished
persons from abroad.
NOTES:
Colonel Samuel Buckmaster
served as the Warden at the Illinois State Prison in Alton from
about 1845 to its closed in 1860. He was the nephew of Nathaniel
Buckmaster, who also served as the Warden of the prison in its
early days. Colonel Buckmaster was Warden in 1858, when a
prisoner took a guard captive in his cell, and threatened to
kill him if he wasn’t released. After a long standoff,
Buckmaster and other guards burst into the cell and shot the
prisoner, but not before the prisoner had stabbed the guard,
Clark C. Crabb. Crabb survived his wounds, but the prisoner,
named Hall, was killed. Buckmaster kept his skull as a memento,
and it ended up in the cigar store of George Sauvage, where it
was found in 1912. Colonel Buckmaster was buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.
****
The Funeral
of Col. Samuel A. Buckmaster/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21,
1878
The impressive obsequies of our late distinguished
fellow citizen, Col. Samuel A. Buckmaster, took place at the
Episcopal Church at 10 o'clock, Thursday. The services,
conducted by Rev. M. Chase, Rector, were witnessed by a large
concourse of mourning relatives and friends of the deceased, who
took this last sad opportunity to evince the respect and
affection in which his memory is held. The decorations consisted
of floral designs and comprised the word "Rest" at the head of
the casket, formed of rare white flowers on a background of
green, also a wreath of white flowers at the foot. The services
at the church were closed by singing the touching hymn, "I Would
Not Live Alway." Piasa Lodge, A. F. and A. M. then took charge
of the remains, Hugh E. Bayle acting as Marshal, and concluded
the exercises by the customary Masonic service at the grave in
the City Cemetery. The pallbearers were Col. A. Fuller Rodgers,
Messrs. J. E. Hayner, F. H. Ferguson, C. W. Milnor, J. P.
Nisbett and O. A. Murray. Among those present from abroad were
noticed, Messrs. Thomas Dimmock, Col. N. O. Clairborne, and R.
P. Tansey of St. Louis; Hon. B. E. Hoffmann, Col. W. R.
Prickett, and Messrs. Hugh E. Sayle, T. H. Kennedy, Harry Hall,
of Edwardsville. The funeral cortege was large and imposing,
containing, in addition to the hearse and many carriages, the
members of Piasa Lodge, in full regalia.
BUCKMASTER, WILLIAM BOYD/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
February 19, 1891
Son of Corbin W. and Catherine (Davis)
Buckmaster
Mr. William Boyd Buckmaster, a former Altonian who
has of late resided in Davenport, Nebraska, died at that place
of pneumonia Sunday morning. Mr. Buckmaster was 63 years of age.
He has spent the prime of his life in Alton, being senior member
of the firm of Dutro & Buckmaster, tailors, and for ten years he
ran a river express from Alton to St. Louis. He then entered
into the grocery business at the corner of Fourth and Belle
Streets. In 1880, he left for the West, and has since remained
in Nebraska. The funeral took place at 1:30 p.m. Monday, and the
remains were interred in the Alton City Cemetery. The
pallbearers were: Messrs. T. W. Radcliffe, John E. Hayner, C. W.
Milnor, L. J. Haagen Sr., Frank Fisher, and Frank Ferguson.
BUCKOUT, SARAH E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18,
1910
Mrs. Sarah E. Buckout, widow of Benjamin Buckout,
died at 12:30 noon Friday, after an illness of several months
with asthma. She was 74 years of age, and had lived in Alton
many years. Mrs. Buckout had been in failing health for six
years. Her death occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John
L. Wood, 200 east Fifth street. She leaves two sons, William
Clark and Irving Buckout, and two daughters, Mrs. Wood and Mrs.
John McKee. The funeral will probably be held Sunday.
BUDDE, ALOYSIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30, 1921
Aloysius Budde, 26 years old, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Budde of College avenue, died this morning at 3:15 o'clock at
St. Joseph's hospital where he was taken last Saturday afternoon
in the hope that he might be benefited by treatment there. The
young man had been ill four weeks. Stomach trouble appeared to
be the affliction that started the decline of the young man. His
case was not supposed to be at all serious until about ten days
ago when his weakened condition commenced to make itself know.
After suffering for four weeks and most of the time unable to
eat anything, the condition of the young man caused his family
to be alarmed. Three physicians had been consulted and it
appeared impossible to do anything that was beneficial to him.
Last week it was decided to take him to the hospital for
treatment but his strength was so slight the move was postponed.
He showed a slight improvement and on Saturday the physicians
advised moving him to the hospital. He lived just two days after
being taken to the hospital. He was 26 years old and was born
east of Upper Alton and lived all his life here. He leaves three
sisters besides his parents.
BUDDE, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1902
Carl, ten months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Budde of
Fosterburg, died last evening at 7 o'clock. The funeral will be
held at 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon from St. Mary's church.
BUDDE, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3,
1907
Mrs. Gertrude Budde died Tuesday morning at 2:30
o'clock after an illness from bronchitis and the grip. She was
the widow of William Budde, who died in 1887, and four children
survive: Joseph and John J. Budde, Mrs. Frances Hoettger, and
Miss Mary Budde, all of Alton. She was born August 2, 1830 in
Hettinghausen, Westphalia, Germany, and came to Alton with her
husband in 1854, residing here continuously since. She was an
active church worker and a very charitable woman whose taking
off will cause sorrow to all who know her. The funeral will be
Thursday morning from St. Mary's church.
BUDDE, HELEN (nee WEIRICH)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
19, 1917
Mrs. Frank J. Budde died at the family home on
Main street in Upper Alton last evening after a long illness
during which everything known to medical skill was done to
relieve her suffering. For many months Mrs. Budde received
treatment in hospitals throughout the country under the
direction of her brother, Dr. William Weirich of Jacksonville.
Over a week ago, Mrs. Budde returned from St. Louis, and
continued very ill until the time of her death. She had been in
St. Louis the last time for five weeks. Mrs. Budde was born in
Germany in 1873 and came to America in 1881. Her maiden name was
Miss Helen Weirich. In 1881 she was married to Frank J. Budde,
and if she had lived until next year she would have celebrated
her twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. She is survived by her
husband, Frank J. Budde, and a large family of children: Sister
Damian of Nebraska; Teresa, Marie, Alphonse, Helen, Lucille,
Charles and Dorothy, the youngest being a child of eight. She is
also survived by two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Joseph Jun
of this city; Dr. William Weirich of Jacksonville, Ill.;
Professor Henry Weirich of Effingham, Ill.; and Mrs. John
Wetstein of Electra, Tex. Her daughter, Sister Damian, and her
sister, Mrs. John Wetstein of Texas, will be unable to attend
the funeral. Mrs. Budde also leaves her aged father, Henry
Weirich, 73 years old. Mr. Weirich has been making his home with
his daughter and her family. Mrs. Budde has always been an
active worker in St. Mary's Church, where she has a large number
of friends, who will regret her loss, and sympathize with her
afflicted family. The funeral will be held Monday at nine
o'clock from St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. She was a member of
St. Elizabeth Branch of the Western Catholic Union; also of St.
Mary's Council of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of America.
BUDDE, IDA (nee MILLER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 3, 1904
Mrs. Ida Budde, nee Miller, wife of
Joseph F. Budde, the well-known East End business man, died this
afternoon after a long illness at the home on North Street.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4, 1904
The death of Mrs. Ida Miller Budde, wife of Joseph F. Budde,
which occurred Wednesday afternoon at the family home, 642 North
street, was the result of nearly a year's illness with lung
trouble. Mrs. Budde was married but little over a year ago, and
at the time of her marriage there was nothing to indicate that
her married life would be cut short so soon. The fatal disease
manifested itself soon afterward and continued to develop until
death resulted. She was 24 years of age and had lived in Alton
all her life. Mrs. Budde will be buried Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Mary's church. [Internment was in St. Joseph's
Cemetery]
BUDDE, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7, 1902
John H. Budde, formerly of the firm of Snyder & Budde, died
at Anna Friday night [June 6]. He was sent there suffering from
mental disorders a few weeks ago, and failed steadily until
death came to his relief. He was 33 years old and died on his
birthday. He leaves a widow and two children, besides numerous
other relatives and friends in this city and county. The body
arrived from Anna at noon and was taken to the family home on
Belle street. The funeral arrangements are not completed, but
the funeral will probably be Monday morning from the Cathedral.
Mrs. Budde was with her husband when he died, and accompanied
the body to this city. At East St. Louis she was met by a
funeral party of friends and relatives. Nervous prostration, the
physicians say, was the cause of Mr. Budde's troubles and death.
[Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery]
BUDDE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1905
Joseph Budde, aged 28, died Monday afternoon at 3:45 o'clock
in Jacksonville, Ill., where he was confined in an institution
for the insane. Since he was removed to Jacksonville his mental
condition became much worse, and for the last few weeks his
decline was rapid. The body arrived in Alton Tuesday morning
from Jacksonville, and was taken at once to the home of his
mother, Mrs. Theresa Budde, Eighth and Henry streets. The
funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Mary's church. Mr. Budde was engaged in business in Alton since
he was a very young man. He was first with his brother, John
Budde, on Third street, and afterward he started a store at
Second and Ridge streets, but recently when his mind became
unbalanced he was obliged to give up, as his decline in health
had been rapid. For more than a year Mr. Budde brooded over the
possibility of losing his mind, and grieved greatly over the
coming of what to him seemed a certainty. He spoke of his fears
to some of his intimate friends and advisers, and he always
spoke of the approaching horror with some resignation, but with
infinite pathos. Brooding may have hastened the development of
the malady, but in regard to its coming he was a fatalist and
believed it was inevitable.
BUDDE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 2, 1916
Joseph Budde, aged 57, a well known farmer who resided
twenty-three years three miles north of Upper Alton, died at
2:30 o'clock this afternoon at his home, after a three years
illness from a cancerous trouble. Mr. Budde was born and raised
in the vicinity of Alton, and lived all his life near Alton. He
is survived by his wife, five sons, and two daughters: Joseph of
San Francisco; Leo of Granite City; Walter of Fosterburg; Emil
of Alton; Otto, Irene and Mary, who reside at home. He leaves
also a grandchild and one half-brother, Henry Dinker, and two
half-sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Dwyer and Mrs. Emil Ernst. His
mother is Mrs. Mary Dinker, who is 87 years of age. The funeral
arrangements have not been completed, but the services will
probably be held Monday morning from St. Mary's Church.
BUDDE, MICHAEL [MELCHOIR]/Source: Alton Telegraph, February
13, 1902
Michael Budde, aged 73, died Tuesday night at his
home two miles east of Upper Alton in Foster township, after a
long illness. His death was due to hemorrhages from the lungs.
Mr. Budde was the father of a large family who are among the
best known people of that part of the county. The funeral of
Michael Budde, who died at his home east of Upper Alton Tuesday
night, will be held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, and services
will be in St. Mary's church, of which he was an old member.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1902
The funeral of Michael Budde was held this morning at 10
o'clock, and services were conducted in St. Mary's church by
Rev. Fr. Meckel. There was a large attendance at the funeral,
and burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
BUDDE, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
19, 1916
Mrs. Theresa Budde, aged 78, died at her home,
636 Central avenue, at ten o'clock last evening after an illness
of some time. Mrs. Budde was born in Osterden, Germany, on April
2, 1838. She moved to the United States in 1857 and was married
the same year to Henry Budde. She is survived by three sons,
Chris of Alton, and John and Gus of Godfrey; and one daughter,
Sister Raymond of St. Mary's. The funeral services will be held
on Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock from the St. Mary's church to
the St. Joseph's Cemetery.
BUDDE, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27,
1915
Mrs. Theresa Budde, aged 70, died at her home at
Eighth and Henry street at two o'clock Saturday morning after an
illness of fifteen years. She has been seriously ill for the
past three weeks, and her death has been expected hourly. Mrs.
Budde was a resident of Alton for over sixty years. She came to
the United States from Germany when she was seven years of age,
and since that time has made her home in Alton. She was married
twice in Alton. After her first marriage the couple made their
home at Eighth and Henry streets, and Mrs. Budde has lived there
since. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Gustina Miller; two
brothers, Laurence Budde of Alton; and Peter Budde of Moro; one
daughter, Mrs. Joseph Leady; and two step-children, Mrs. Theresa
Struif and Frank Budde; and seven grandchildren. The funeral
will be held at 9 o'clock Monday morning from the St. Mary's
Church to the St. Joseph's Cemetery.
BUDDE, UNKNOWN SON OF CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 24, 1901
The three year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Chris Budde died last evening about 8 o'clock at the family
home, 920 east Sixth street, of cholera infantum. The funeral
will be Thursday morning from St. Mary's church.
BUDDE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 21, 1909
The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Budde
was held this morning from St. Mary's church, where a requiem
high mass was said in the presence of a large gathering of
friends, neighbors, and relatives. The members of the St. Mary's
branch of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of America attended in
a body, and contributed one of the many lovely floral offerings.
Burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery. The following gentlemen
acted as active pallbearers: Nick Wolf, Peter Leuck, Peter
Reyland, Vincent Wardein, Adam Morick, and John Merkle. The
honorary pallbearers, members of the C. K. & L. of Illinois,
were ladies; Mesdames C. A. VanPreter, J. Dunschen, Frank
Struif, V. Wardein, J. W. Schmidt and Lizzie Budde. Mr. and Mrs.
Budde celebrated the silver anniversary of their marriage last
week.
BUENGER, CHARLES/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
June 3, 1911 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Retired Farmer
Drops Dead.
Charles Buenger, one of the wealthiest citizens
of Edwardsville, dropped dead last evening of apoplexy as he
stood on the Courthouse Square, engaged in conversation with a
friend. Mr. Buenger is survived by an invalid wife. Until a few
years ago Buenger was a farmer, having a large tract of land
near Edwardsville, but retired after he had accumulated a
fortune. He was 58 years old. [Charles Buenger was born in Jul
1858 in the Kingdom of Hannover, son of William Buenger and
Katherine Mithofer. He immigrated in 1863. He was survived by
his widow, Minnie Niemeyer and daughter Augusta.]
BUESSER, MAGDALENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 14,
1911
The funeral of Mrs. Magdalene Buesser will be held
tomorrow morning from St. Mary's church at 10 o'clock.
BUETTEMEYER, SELMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7,
1919
Deputy Coroner Ledly of Edwardsville was engaged
today, making an investigation of the death of Miss Selma
Buettemeyer, a young Edwardsville woman, who fell dead in a
bathroom at her home Sunday. During December Miss Buettemeyer
suffered an attack of influenza, but did not have medical
attention. Since then she has been ill, and while no physician
attended her, her mother procured medicine from a doctor. It was
stated today that an autopsy might be necessary to establish
cause of death.
BUFFUM, ALMIRA W./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1840
Died, in Upper Alton on Sunday the 28th ult., Mrs. Almira W.
Buffum, wife of Mr. John W. Buffum, aged 25 years, formerly of
Cumberland, Rhode Island.
BULKLEY,
JUSTUS (DOCTOR);Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17,
1899
Baptist Minister; Shurtleff College Professor
Dr.
Justus Bulkley, aged 79 years, died Monday evening at his home
in Upper Alton, after an illness with pneumonia brought on by an
attack of the grippe. In the passing of the venerable gentleman
there leaves the stage of action a man who was at all times
revered, and who deserved the universal respect and reverence he
received. His name has been identified most of this life with
that of the [Shurtleff] college, which he so long served
faithfully and well. It is an interesting fact that he was a
member of the first graduating class of Shurtleff College to
receive diplomas. Since that time, his figure was a familiar one
at all the college commencements, and not a student who attended
the college but admired and loved him. The following is by Rev.
J. C. C. Clarke, an intimate friend of Dr. Bulkley:
“In
Rev. Justus Bulkley, D. D., L. L. D., death has removed one of
the oldest, most respected and beloved citizens of Upper Alton.
Few persons will be more generally mourned throughout the state.
For more than fifty years he has been a leader in the ministry
of the Baptist churches, and for many of these years he has been
President of their General Association, and a trusted and
revered counselor. As a preacher of great power and influence,
he has been for more than forty years among the foremost, and as
a teacher beloved and honored, he will be mourned by his pupils
all over the land.
Dr. Bulkley was born in the state of
New York in July 1819, and came to Illinois in 1836. He was
graduated from Shurtleff College in Upper Alton in 1847, and
became a teacher in the same college. He has been pastor of the
Baptist churches in Upper Alton, Jerseyville, and Carrollton,
but his public life chiefly, and since 1864 continuously, has
been connected with Shurtleff College, first as Principal of the
academy, afterwards as Professor of Mathematics, and last as
Professor of Church History and Church Polity.
Apart from
all college connection, no citizen was more respected, trusted
and honored in Upper Alton, and his services as counselor and
comforter and preacher were in constant demand all over the
State. He continued in unimpaired vigor and activity until the
prevailing epidemic seized him. He has been one of the most
influential and successful of the men whose personal influence
and labors have brought financial support to Shurtleff College.
Few men better unite great force of personal character,
positive convictions, unswerving fidelity to fixed principles,
with broad catholic sympathies, and courteous and winning
demeanor towards all men. As a scholar he was indefatigable and
practical, and his scholarship was recognized and respected by
graduates of the best colleges. He was a born teacher,
enthusiastic in his chosen departments, conservative, but
progressive, demanding the newest methods, if they were also the
wisest. He was in his manner forty years younger than his actual
age, and kept the relish of a boy for everything, either playful
or energetic, if it was also healthful and pure and wise.
Dr. Bulkley was three times married: to Lucy Perry Ide, who
died young and childless; to Harriet Greene Newell, daughter of
Rev. Isaac D. Newell, who bore to him a son and daughters; and
to Mary B. Head (nee Rice), who has shared the present respect
and affection given to his later life, and who now receives the
sympathy of a bereaved community. Four daughters survive him:
Mrs. Sarah Roberts of Towanda, Illinois; Mrs. Emma Vedder of
Rushville, Illinois; Mrs. Bertha Roach of Rangoon, Burmah; and
Miss Olive Bulkley.”
NOTES:
A native of Leicester, New
York, Justus Bulkley was born July 23, 1819, to Lorey and
Harriet (Scott) Bulkley. Both his parents were natives of
Connecticut. Lorey Bulkley was a farmer - generous and upright
in all his dealings. Harriet Bulkley was an earnest Christian
and devoted member of the Baptist Church. Her consistent
Christian life left an impression upon her son, Justus.
When Justus was three years old, his parents moved to Allegheny
County, New York – a cold, rugged mountainous region. There
Justus developed a spirit of self-reliance, industry, and
temperance. He attended school during the winter in a log
schoolhouse, and in the summer, he worked on his father’s farm.
Justus developed a taste for literary pursuits, and was fond of
mathematics. When age 17, the family moved to Illinois and
settled near Barry in Pike County (it was here that both his
parents died). In the autumn of 1837, Justus made a profession
of faith, and united with the Baptist Church. He was immediately
called to preach, but for six years fought against the calling.
He finally prepared to enter the Christian ministry, and entered
Shurtleff College in Upper Alton at the age of 23. He graduated
in 1847, and was elected principal of the Preparatory Department
of the college – a position he held for two years until the
death of his first wife caused him to seek a home elsewhere. He
was ordained to preach at Upper Alton, and was called to preach
at a Baptist Church in Jerseyville. After four years, he
returned to Shurtleff as Professor of Mathematics. He resigned
in 1855, and then served as pastor of the Carrollton Baptist
Church until 1864, when he accepted a call from the Baptist
Church at Upper Alton. After one and a half year, he was elected
Professor of Church History and Church Polity at Shurtleff.
Justus Bulkley was married three times. His first wife was
Miss Lucy Perry Ide of Massachusetts. She died in August 1848.
In 1849, he married Harriet Green Newell, eldest daughter of
Rev. Isaac D. Newell. She died in January 1879. They had one son
and eight daughters. His third marriage was in 1880, to Mrs.
Mary B. Head of Carthage, Illinois. Bulkley believed in
educating his daughters and giving them all the advantages given
to his son. Some of his daughters attended Shurtleff College.
Justus Bulkley was described as of medium height, slender
build, dark complexion, black hair, and beautiful dark, keen
eyes. He was naturally social, domestic, and of a sympathetic
disposition. He was an emotional orator, with a wonderful
magnetic power of impressing his listeners. He was a
warm-hearted, companionable friend, a zealous Christian worker,
and an able theologian. He died January 16, 1899, and is buried
in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery, leaving behind a wife and
four daughters.
BULKLEY, LUCY PERRY (nee IDE)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 1, 1848
Died at Upper Alton on the 24th of August
last, Mrs. Lucy P. Bulkley, wife of Rev. Justus Bulkley, teacher
at Shurtleff College, aged 20 years. The deceased was a native
of Massachusetts, and has resided most of the time since 1836 at
Upper Alton.
BULKLEY, MARY BLAIR (nee RICE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 27, 1916
Mrs. Mary Blair Bulkley,
widow of Justus Bulkley, for many years a professor in Shurtleff
College, died this morning at the residence, 3015 Leverett
avenue, in her 85th year. Mrs. Bulkley's death had been expected
for three days. She had been in comparatively good health all
winter, up to a couple of weeks ago when she had a slight attack
of grip. Her case was not at all serious and she seemed to
recover from the illness almost completely. A week ago last
Sunday her final illness commenced. Bright's disease developed
and her attending physician at once found that her case was
serious. Three days ago she became unconscious and remained in
that state until this morning at 7:30 o'clock when death came.
On account of Mrs. Bulkley's usual good health and her very
active life, the announcement of her death comes as a surprise
to many of her friends. She was a woman of great vitality and
even though she was 84 years old she attended to her business
affairs at all times in her usual businesslike manner, took
great interest in all the happenings about town, and especially
in her neighborhood and in fact, she did not show her great age
at all. Many of her friends about the city did not realize that
her illness was of such a serious nature. Mrs. Bulkley had been
a resident of Upper Alton 36 years after becoming the wife of
Rev. Dr. Justus Bulkley, one of the old time Shurtleff College
professors. She was born in Amhearst County, Virginia, the
daughter of Samuel Blair Rice. She was married three times, the
first at the age of 22 years to Dr. Richard Coleman in Virginia.
To this marriage two children were born, one died in infancy and
the other one at the age of 17 years. Those were the only
children Mrs. Bulkley ever had. Her second marriage was to David
B. Head. The wedding occurred at the home of Mrs. Bulkley's
sister, Mrs. Ella Templin at Quincy. Her third marriage was to
Dr. Justus Bulkley, 36 years ago, the marriage taking place at
the home of Mrs. Templin at Quincy [Illinois]. They came to
Upper Alton immediately where they both lived the remainder of
their lives. Dr. Bulkley died at the Leverett avenue residence
in 1899. Mrs. Bulkley leaves two brothers and one sister, Thomas
A. Rice of Upper Alton, and William L. Rice of Bristoe, Va.,
being the brothers living; and Mrs. Ella Templin of Columbua,
Mo. Mrs. Bulkley was born August 16, 1831, and was 84 years old
her last birthday. A niece, Miss Daisy Templin, and a nephew,
Roger Templin, resided with her. Mrs. Bulkley was a member of
the College Avenue Baptist Church during the years she was a
resident of Alton, and she was a very devout worker in the
Baptist church all her life. She was a Christian woman of the
highest character and was loved and respected by a very large
number of friends and relatives. Her death is mourned generally
about the community in which she lived so many years. The
funeral arrangements have not been made.
BULL, ALONZO D.
(DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, November 30, 1893
Dr. Alonzo D. Bull was stricken suddenly by death Saturday
morning [November 25] in his dental rooms at No. 113 West Third
street. Without the slightest warning of the approach of the
dark angel, he left home this morning at the usual hour. About
9:30 o'clock a.m. the girl who leaves his St. Louis paper called
at the office and saw the form of the Doctor lying on the couch.
He made no move at her approach and she hastened to notify
someone. Mayor Brenholt happened to be passing the office and
heard the girl's story. He hastened upstairs and found the
Doctor lying on a couch with his hands folded on his breast.
Efforts to arouse him proved unavailing. Dr. Davis was
immediately summoned, but could do nothing, as death had
occurred sometime before. Evidences showed that in attempting to
make the fire he was taken sick and had vomited. He then went to
the back room to the water basin where he again vomited. He then
laid down on the sofa where he expired. Alonzo D. Bull was born
in Oberlin, Ohio, October 20, 1821. He came to Alton in 1878
from Carrollton and has been engaged in dentistry ever since. He
resided in Alton a short time prior to locating in Carrollton.
He was a gentleman of many sterling qualities and one of Alton's
most respected citizens. He leaves a wife and six children to
mourn his sudden demise: Misses Lou and Minnie Bull, Mrs. F. J.
Rue, Mrs. H. E. Hart, Dr. H. B. Bull of Fairfield, and Dr. H. D.
Bull of Jerseyville.
Inquest: Coroner Kinder was
summoned to hold an inquest over the remains of Dr. A. D. Bull
today. The jury consisted of Henry Brueggeman, foreman; E. C.
Taylor, Joseph Crowe, Henry Weaver, George T. Bailey and Fred
Schielle. The verdict was that deceased came to his death from
an attack of neuralgia of the heart at 9:15 o'clock Saturday
morning. The funeral of Dr. A. D. Bull took place at 2 o'clock
p.m., Tuesday, from the family residence on Market street. A
large assemblage of friends gathered to pay their last tributes
of respect. The Masons, of whom deceased was a member, turned
out in a body. Rev. L. A. Abbott conducted the services in an
impressive manner at the home. The funeral cortege then took up
the march to the City Cemetery, where the last services were
conducted by the Masons, and the remains were interred. The
pallbearers were Messrs. J. A. Brunner, J. W. Ash, James Brown,
F. W. Brueggeman, George Gray, W. B. Pierce.
[Dr.
Bull was a prominent Alton dentist, and one of the original
supporters of the Hayner Library.]
BULL, ELEANOR E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 24,
1903
Widow of Dr. Alonzo D. Bull Dies
Mrs. Eleanor Bull, widow of Dr. A.
D. Bull, died Friday evening at 6:30 o'clock after a long
illness at her home, 1815 Maple street. She was almost 75 years
of age, and the greater part of her life she had spent in Alton.
The condition of Mrs. Bull has been recognized as being very
serious for several weeks. A few days ago her children were
summoned to attend her, as it was believed she was then in a
dying condition. Since that time the progress of the disease has
been steady and rapid. Death came to her last evening as she was
surrounded by members of her family, and was quiet and peaceful,
as it was fitting the close of a placid life should be. Mrs.
Bull was the widow of Dr. A. D. Bull, who was for many years a
well known practicing dentist in Alton. Dr. Bull died about nine
years ago. Mrs. Bull was the mother of Henry Bull of Fairbury,
Dr. H. D. Bull of Jerseyville, Mrs. A. W. Rue, Mrs. A. R.
McKinney, Miss Minnie Bull of Alton, and Mrs. H. E. Hart of
Chicago. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock
and services will be conducted at the family home on Maple
street.
BULL, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1868
Died
in Upper Alton on Wednesday evening, the 18th inst., Sarah,
daughter of Alonzo D. and Eleanor E. Bull; aged nine months.
BUND, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
17, 1922
Joseph Bund, former glassblower, at one time
connected with the city police department, died at St. Joseph's
Hospital yesterday after an illness of four weeks from kidney
trouble. He was born December 20, 1849, and was in his
seventy-fourth year. Mr. Bund was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital
three weeks ago, a week after he had become seriously ill. Up to
the time of his illness four weeks ago, he had been in perfect
health, considering his age, and had been up and around and came
down town occasionally. Mr. Bund came to Alton in 1880. He was a
glassblower by trade and came her to take a place in the
glassworks at Alton. He continued to work at his trade here all
the time until the use of blowers was discontinued there. After
that, he took a place on the police force under Mayor Faulstich
and during all of his administration, remained at that post. His
duties confined him to the office, chiefly, and there he
displayed the unfailing courtesy and kindness which
characterized all his dealings with men. He was a man of a
gentle disposition, kindly and always considerate of the
feelings of others. Even when the worst of humanity would pass
through his hands, Mr. Bund never changed his demeanor, and used
them with the same humanity as he was accustomed to show others
of a higher order on the social scale. In the neighborhood where
Joe Bund lived, he was easily the most popular man, and there
has been a great number of people in that part of the city who
have been watching with deep interest his fight with disease,
which, they felt could have but one end, and that was the one
that did come. Mr. Bund leaves his wife, two sons, Joseph Jr.
and William, and five daughters, Mrs. James Moran, Mrs. James
Dunn, Misses Sadie, Alice and Nellie Bund. He leaves also three
grandchildren. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Patrick's Church.
BUNSY, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1908
John H. Bunsy, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bunsy of
912 Market streets, died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning
after an illness of one week with pneumonia. He contracted the
disease while firing the furnace at SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral. He became overheated and then went outside without
wearing the proper clothing. He was moved to the hospital
several days ago. His father is car inspector for the Chicago &
Alton at Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9
o'clock and the body will be taken to Medora, Ill. for burial.
BUNTON, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 24,
1920
An old man, reduced to peddling safety pins as a
means of eking out a living, came to the end of the road this
noon in front of the Kinloch telephone exchange. The old man who
carried mail indicating that he was James Bunton of Franklin,
Ill., was a typical specimen of the wrecks of humanity that
remain derelicts, exciting pity of those who see them. The white
haired old man evidently had little enough reason for living,
and this noon as he was plying his trade, seeking to sell safety
pins, he dropped from a paralytic stroke. Some operators leaving
the Konloch exchange at noon noticed the plight of the man and
they caught him as he started to fall. They propped him against
a step until more help could be procured, and finally they
summoned surgical help and the old man was taken to St. Joseph's
hospital to remain until the end should come. When put to bed at
the hospital, it was found that he had five shirts on his person
and a great superfluity of clothing in general. He had no
overcoat, however. His appearance indicated an advanced age, and
police officers who looked at him said they thought he was an
"old rounder," who was about down and out.
BUNZY, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 30,
1906
Mary, the 14 year old daughter of John Bunzy, died
this morning at the family home, 912 Market street, after a long
illness from consumption. The funeral will be held tomorrow
morning, and the body will be taken to Medora for burial.
BURCH, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 10,
1902
Louis Burch, aged 57, died this morning at 6 o'clock
at his home, 1342 Wharf street, after a long illness. He was a
laborer and had lived in Alton many years. He leaves only a
wife. The funeral of Mr. Burch will take place Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock. The members of Alton Post G. A. R. will
attend the funeral.
BURG, UNKNOWN WIFE OF OTTO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
31, 1905
The funeral of Mrs. Otto Burg was held this
morning from St. Mary's church, where services were conducted by
the pastor, Rev. Joseph Meckel, in the presence of a large
number of friends and acquaintances of deceased and of the
family. There were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment
was in St. Joseph's cemetery.
BURGES, BURGESS, BURJES:
BURGES,
JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 14, 1845
Died, in
Alton, on the 5th inst., after a protracted and painful illness,
Mr. James Burges, aged 74 years. Mr. Burges was a man of good
mind, and possessed a kind disposition, made a good husband,
father and neighbor. At an early age he united with the
Presbyterian Church, and after a warfare of 64 years against sin
and corruption, he finally came off more than victorious. He
often said during his last sickness, that he had had more real
happiness during this illness than in all his past life, and
that he felt a full assurance of hope, through Christ, and that
his only desire was that he might suffer the will of God.
BURGES, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 15, 1905
Fosterburg News - Mrs.
Burges, wife of John Burges who resides one mile northeast of
the Burg, died on Monday the 11th, at 4 a.m., after an illness
of several weeks with cancer of the liver. Mrs. Burges was 77
years of age. She was a native of Germany, and in January they
would have celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. To them were
born six children, three sons and three daughters, August Burges
of Dorsey; Edward of Alton; Henry of Fosterburg; Mrs. Gus Ebbler
of Godfrey; Mrs. O. H. Hermaan and MNrs. John Heines of Moro.
Mrs. Burges has always been a very active lady, an excellent
neighbor, and a kind and indulgent mother. Her health is a very
great loss to her husband, the extent of which is only known to
him. In their loss the family have the sympathy of the entire
community.
BURGESS, THOMAS W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22,
1919
Retired Grocer
Thomas W. Burgess,
retired business man, died at his home on Twelfth street, Friday
evening at 7:40 o'clock, after a long illness from weakness of
old age. Mr. Burgess had been in a precarious condition of
health for many months. He was born September 22, 1843 at
Lisbon, Md., and he spent his young manhood days there. He was
twice married, first in 1869, and by that marriage he leaves two
daughters, Mrs. John Wheatley of Columbus, Ohio, and Mrs. Emma
Sullivan of Baltimore. He was married a second time at Alton,
November 15, 1877, to Miss Sallie Dimmock of Alton, who survives
him. By that marriage he leaves three children, Miss Marie
Burgess, Mrs. c. W. Davis of Peoria, and Charles Burgess of
Alton. He leaves also two sisters, Mrs. James Jones of
Libertytown, Md., and Mrs. Gaither Henderson of Lisbon, Md. Mr.
Burgess had been in declining health for five years. He became
very much worse about two weeks ago, and his death was expected
at any time. He was a well known Alton man. For years he
conducted a grocery store at Sixth and Alby streets. He was a
prominent member and for years an officer of the Congregational
church at Alton. He was a man of high character and was esteemed
by all who knew him as a man of the firmest integrity and
strictest conceptions of honor. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 4 o'clock from the family home, and interment will
be in City Cemetery.
BURJES, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1917
Edward Burjes,
aged 56, former policeman, died Saturday morning at 5:55 o'clock
at his home, 832 Logan street, after an illness with heart
trouble, lasting four months. Mr. Burjes was believed to be much
improved in condition, but about 45 minutes before death came he
became violently worse and nothing could be done to cause him to
rally. Mr. Burjes was a native of Germany. He came to this
country at the age of seven, and about thirty years ago he came
to Alton. He served for years as a member of the Alton police
force, and went out of office at the time of the incoming of the
last city administration. Immediately after his retirement from
the duties of policeman, he was stricken with heart trouble and
he had never been able to be out much since that time. He leaves
his wife, four sons, Theodore, Edward, Harvey, and Alfred, and
three daughters, Lulu, Florence and Dolores. He leaves also two
brothers and three sisters. The time of the funeral was not
decided upon until word could be had from relatives at a
distance.
BURJES, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30,
1912
John Burjes, aged 81, died Friday evening at the
home of his son, John Burjes, at Dorsey, after a long illness.
Mr. Burjes was a resident of Alton and vicinity for a number of
years. He engaged in farming for a long time, and retired a
number of years ago. His wife died seven years ago. He leaves
three sons and three daughters. They are John of Dorsey, Edward
of Alton, Henry of Hilland, S. D., Mrs. Gus Ebbler, Mrs. Otto
Herman of Alton, and Mrs. Anna Heintz of Abilene, Kansas. The
funeral will be tomorrow morning from the son's home at Dorsey
at 10 o'clock, and burial will be in the Fosterburg Cemetery,
near which Mr. Burjes lived for many years.
BURKE, BRIDGET/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Friday,
February 12, 1897
Mrs. Bridget Burke, wife of James
Burke, for nearly a half century a resident of Edwardsville,
died Wednesday afternoon [Feb. 10] at half-past three o'clock,
the result of heart failure. She was nearing her 75th year. For
nearly a year she has been in failing health, and during the
past several months at times complained of pain in the region of
her heart. Nothing of a serious nature had been considered.
Tuesday morning her husband noticed her sitting in an arm chair
as if sleeping, but breathing unusually hard. Efforts to arouse
her were unavailing and neighbors were called in and medical aid
summoned. She remained in a semi-unconscious condition until
death relieved her. Death came unexpectedly and as a surprise to
her numerous friends. The funeral took place from the family
residence to St. Mary's church this morning at ten o'clock.
Services were conducted by Rev. Fr. C. A. O'Reilly. The body was
laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. The pallbearers were:
James Kairns, Thomas Kane, M. Grainey, James McNeilly, Patrick
Manion and Thomas Knisel. Bridget Burke was born in county Mayo,
Ireland, and came to America and direct to Edwardsville in 1849.
Shortly afterward, she married James McNeilly, who died several
years later. In August, 1855, she was united in marriage to
James Burke. This union was blessed with one child, Mary Jane,
wife of S. J. Stubbs, who with her father survives. Mrs.
Winifred Lyons, a sister, resides in St. Louis. Mrs. Burke was a
typical representative of the hardy and industrious people from
whom she descended. She was a Christian in all that the word
implies, a dutiful wife and mother and beloved by all who knew
her.
BURKE, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 24, 1904
The funeral of John Burke took place
this morning from the home to St. Patrick's church where a
requiem mass was said by Rev. Fr. O'Reilley. The services were
attended by many neighbors and friends and by members of the
Glassblowers Union and the C. K. and L. of A., of which he had
been a member. The body was taken to St. Louis for burial.
BURNS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1864
Murdered by John Johnston
We regret to state that an
altercation took place this morning between two colored men,
which resulted very fatally. It appears that a man by the name
of John Johnston was in the house of Joseph Burns, when a
difficulty arose between them about a very small matter, when
the latter ordered the former out of the house. He left, but
afterwards attempted to enter it again, when Burns raised a
chair on him. Johnson then drew a pistol and deliberately shot
Burns dead. Johnston was permitted to make his escape, and we
were informed that our Deputy Sheriff refused to take any steps
to have him pursued, although he was notified of the fact.
BURLEY, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8,
1909
William Burley, stepson of Howard Hays, died this
morning at 11 o'clock at the family home, Sixteenth and Market
streets, after an illness from pneumonia. The time of the
funeral has not been set.
BURNETT, ADDIE D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1904
Mrs. Addie D. Burnett, wife of William Burnett, died at 2
p.m. Wednesday at the family home, 221 Hamilton street, after a
long illness from lung trouble. She was 37 years, 2 months of
age, and beside her husband leaves two daughters, Misses Alice
and Mollie Young.
BURNETT, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31,
1910
Suicide by Drinking Carbolic Acid
Daniel
Burnett, aged 31, killed himself Saturday night by drinking
carbolic acid. He took the burning drink after a desperate
struggle with Owen Voyles and Harry Flake in Sunderland Bros.
saloon on Union street. Voyles and Burnett stepped into the
saloon to get a drink of beer late Saturday afternoon and
Burnett produced the bottle of carbolic acid, and with Voyles
watching, made as if to drink it. Voyles knew that Burnett had
once before tried to kill himself the same way, and he attempted
to take the bottle from him. Harry Flake, who was present,
assisted Voyles. The two men seized Burnett, one by each hand,
and tried to hold him, and the three men struggled around the
saloon. Finally Burnett jerked his left hand from one of his
captors, and getting hold of the bottle of acid he held in his
other hand, he swallowed enough to kill him about three hours
later. He leaves his wife and several children. The funeral was
held this afternoon from the home of his sister, Mrs. Dwyer, on
Green street.
BURNETT, FREDDIE B./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
Died on July 29, Freddie B., adopted child of George B. and
Helen Burnett; aged ten months.
BURNETT, JOHN R. "JACK"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
8, 1903
John R. Burnett (better known as "Jack") died in
the hospital this morning, aged 82 years. He has lived in Alton
61 years. The funeral took place this afternoon.
BURNS, ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1873
We
regret to record the death of another old resident of Alton,
Mrs. Eliza Burns, widow of the late Major J. D. Burns, which sad
event took place this morning at the residence of Henry G.
McPike, Esq., after an illness of some two weeks. She removed
here from Louisville, Kentucky, about 40 years ago, where she
has since resided, beloved and respected by all who knew her.
BURNS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11, 1901
Frank Burns, a well known plasterer, died this morning at
his home in Middletown after a short illness with typhoid
pneumonia. He was 34 years of age and was born in Alton, living
here all his life. The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 o'clock
from the Cathedral.
BURNS, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 29, 1903
Early Sunday morning parts of the body of John Burns, said
to be a resident of Alton, were found along the Wabash track
between Edwardsville and Carpenter. Burns had been employed in
the construction camp of D. J. Griffith, working on the Big Four
cut-off. On Saturday night he drew his wages and went to
Carpenter. It is presumed that he was run down by a fast mail
train while intoxicated. The body was torn into small fragments
and strung along the right of way for three quarters of a mile.
It required half an hour for Deputy Coroner C. E. Hoskins and
his assistants to collect the remains. The inquest resulted in a
verdict of "death while on the track in an intoxicated
condition."
BURNS, LUCY (nee SCOTT)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 22, 1919
In the death of Mrs.
Lucy Burns, this morning, one of the most remarkable persons in
Alton passed away. An invalid for twenty-seven years in a state
of would have been helplessness in others, Mrs. Burns surmounted
every handicap and maintained her usefulness up to the time two
weeks ago she was taken to her bed for the last time, with a bad
case of blood poisoning. She was 56. Only once, she would say,
did she ever walk to church with her husband. That was the
Sunday after they were married, when as a happy bride she
accompanied him to St. Paul's Episcopal church. A few days later
she was stricken with a baffling malady that showed rheumatic
symptoms, but which had the effect of hardening and twisting and
stiffening her joints. Mrs. Burns gradually became able to help
herself, but it was in a way that would have completely
discouraged others with less stout hearts. With her hands
twisted out of shape, her arms hardly moveable, her legs and
feet in such condition that she could never again walk, she
would get around her home. She did not go to bed for years
because it was too hard for her to get out of her bed. She would
sit up all night, and had done so for years. In a little chair
that enabled her to move about her home, she did all her
household work. She made the bed, she swept the floor, washed,
ironed, sewed, cooked and in fact did more work than the
averaged person who has full use of their limbs and body. Her
home was a marvel of cleanliness. She would not allow others to
do things for she loved to do them for herself, and her chief
joy in life seemed her ability to take care of her own home.
Five weeks ago she became bedfast, but got somewhat better and
again was up and around her home as usual. Two weeks ago she was
stricken a second time and she never rose again. She developed a
very bad case of blood poisoning, which proved fatal. Mrs. Burns
was born at Chesterfield and her maiden name was Scott. She
leaves beside her husband, three brothers, Arthur of Loring,
Kan., Thomas of Chesterfield, and John William Scott of Alton.
The funeral will be Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home,
1301 State street.
BURNS, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1910
Mrs. Minnie Burns, who was taken from across the river to
St. Joseph's hospital for treatment and died there Saturday
morning, will be buried Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from St.
Mary's church. Mrs. Burns has one daughter at Brighton, Mrs.
Lawrence Hubner, and another daughter at Cherryvale, Kas., Mrs.
Joseph Klinke. The children were not with her when she died. She
was 55 years of age.
BURNS, PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 6,
1915
Old Soldier and Long Time Resident of Alton
Patrick
Burns, in his 88th year, died Wednesday morning at his home,
2210 Virginia avenue, after a long illness from the weakness of
old age. His death had been expected for a week. Mr. Burns had
been a resident of Alton for over sixty years, and almost all of
the time he had lived in the one neighborhood. He was engaged
for many years as foreman for James Bannon in his quarry, but
had been in retirement for many years, living at his old home
with the children he had raised and who gave him the truest
filial care and affection. He was born February 22, 1828 in
Donegal, Ireland, and came to America in 1849. He was married in
Alton ten years later to Katherine Crotty, who had come from
Ireland. He was the father of nine children, four of whom
survive him - Misses Jennie and Mollie Burns; and Patrick H.
Burns of Alton; and Mrs. John W. Brady of Dallas, Tex. He leaves
also two grandchildren. Mr. Burns was a consistent member of the
SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral and a regular attendant there
until old age disabled him and forced him to remain at home. He
was a soldier in the Union army during the entire Civil War,
enlisting in the 49th Illinois Volunteers, Co. G. His regiment
gave distinguished service during the war, and Mr. Burns was
discharged honorably at the close of the war. The funeral will
be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
BURNS,
SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 26, 1904
After many months of illness during which she suffered
intensely, Miss Sarah Burns, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick
Burns, died at the family home in Middletown, Saturday
afternoon. She had borne patiently her long period of
invalidism, but when the end came it was a relief to her
relatives and her friends to see that her suffering was over.
Miss Burns had lived in Alton all her life and belonged to a
well known family. At the time of her death all the members of
her family were with her, as her death had been expected for
several days. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
BURRIS, CHARLES HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
11, 1922
Charles Henry Burris, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Burris of 428 Myrtle street, Upper Alton, died Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital, following an
operation which he underwent Saturday for the relief of
appendicitis. He was taken ill on Wednesday. He was born in
Alton on January 27, 1901. The young man was employed as furnace
helper at the Laclede Steel Company. He is survived by his
parents, one brother, Seth, and six sisters, Ethel, Clara,
Helen, Blanche, Irene and May. He was a very well liked young
man and possessed a host of friends, who will be grieved to
learn of his death. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 2
o'clock from the home on Myrtle street, and burial will be in
Oakwood Cemetery. The Rev. D. G. Magill, pastor of the Upper
Alton Baptist Church, will officiate.
BURROUGHS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 31,
1900
George Burroughs, a resident of the east end, died
this morning at four o'clock, aged 40 years, and 6 months. He
was born and raised in Madison county. The funeral will take
place Sunday at 10 a.m. Interment in Milton Cemetery.
BURROUGHS, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4,
1900
Oscar Burroughs, aged 19, died this morning at his
home in East end place after an illness with typhoid pneumonia.
Last Saturday his father died from the same disease, and was
buried Sunday. The funeral of Oscar Burroughs will take place
Thursday from the family home.
BURROWS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
17, 1915
Fell off Steamer "Spread Eagle" and Drowns
When a
man fell off the Spread Eagle on the 13th of June last, and sank
beneath the water, the whole matter remained a mystery except
the fact that some strange man was drowned. Later, it was proven
that the drowned man was William Burrows of Alton, and now E. L.
Thompson of the Metropolitan Insurance Co. is trying to prove up
the death that he might obtain the $500 insurance Burrows
carried for Burrows' two little children....Burrows' wife had
died about six months before he was drowned, and left two
children, William, a boy of 9 years, and Vernie, a girl of 7.
Mr. Thompson is now trying to get the insurance for the two
children. Walter Schmoeller, the tailor, is the only person
known to have seen Burrows go off the boat, and he declares that
the man stumbled and fell off, and that he did not stand with
hands folded and say his prayers and then jump off, as was
reported by someone at the time.
BURSON, JAMES L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11, 1914
James L. Burson, aged 45, master teaser at the
glassworks, died Saturday evneing at his home, 1509 Jersey
street, in Upper Alton, from tuberculosis of the throat. He was
born in Mt. Blanchard, Ohio. He is survived by his widow, his
father and two brothers. He was a member of the Pentecostal
church. The funeral was this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the
home, and burial was in Oakwood cemetery. A brother, A. G.
Burson, came here from Findlay, Ohio to attend the funeral, and
left this afternoon for his home.
BURTON, AMY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1861
Died
in Alton on the 5th inst., of typhoid fever, Amy, wife of Mr.
John Burton, and oldest daughter of Mr. Samuel Brown, Bursham,
Statfordshire, England, aged 35 years.
BURTON, DELIGHT M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
16, 1915
Mrs.
Delight M. Burton, widow of John Perkins Burton, died Saturday
evening at 5 o'clock at the family homestead on Burton avenue.
Her death was expected as she had been in a serious condition
the past two weeks. Mrs. Burton was one of the old time
residents of Upper Alton, and she had lived 51 years in the
house where her death occurred Saturday evening. She was born in
NOrwich, Vermont on March 4th, 1837, and was 78 years old. She
was married to the late John Burton in Norwich in the year of
1856. They came to Alton in 1864 and settled upon the place on
Burton avenue, where they both spent the remainder of their
lives. The street was named some years later after the family.
Mr. Burton was the founder of the Burton & Son nursery, which
did business a long number of years at the Burton place. The
passing of Mrs. Burton removes one of the pioneer citizens of
that part of Upper Alton which she saw develop from farmland to
a city. Mrs. Burton was a life long member of the Baptist
church, was a church worker and in her home she was a good
mother and always maintained the highest standard of
Christianity in her daily life. She leaves four children, Joseph
E. Burton, Mrs. Charlotte Kinsman, Harry M. Burton, and Delia M.
Matthews, the latter from Glen Ellyn, Ill. The funeral was held
this afternoon at the family home on Burton avenue, and the
services were conducted by Rev. R. L. A. Abbott, a life long
friend of deceased and her family. There was a large attendance
at the funeral service, especially of the older citizens of
Alton and vicinity whom Mrs. Burton had known in her long life
in Upper Alton. Many beautiful flowers were sent by sympathetic
friends. Following the service at the home the body was taken to
Oakwood cemetery, where it was laid to rest beside that of her
husband who preceded her to the grave nine years.
BURTON, FELIX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19, 1900
Felix Burton died Saturday night at his home on Union
street, aged 43 years. The funeral took place today from the
family home. Burton was a frequent visitor in the police court
and a morphine fiend. some time ago he injured his thumb by
striking it with a piece of rusty iron. He paid no attention to
the injury, and a few days ago was taken ill with lockjaw.
BURTON, JESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29,
1912
Mrs. Jessie Burton, wife of Charles Burton, died
this morning at St. Joseph's hospital where she was taken
several days ago to be treated for a malady from which she had
long been a sufferer. It was decided a few days ago that a
surgical operation was the only chance for her, and this was
performed yesterday. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will
Rummerfield, and was 23 years old. She leaves her husband and
one child. The body was taken to the Rummerfield home in the
North Side this afternoon. Funeral arrangements have not been
made.
BURTON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26,
1900
One of the Oldest Odd Fellows and Merchants of Alton
Passes Away
John Burton, one of the oldest and best
known grocers and Odd Fellows in the city, died last evening at
his home on Belle street, the end coming peacefully about 5
o'clock. Mr. Burton had been feeling unwell for several days,
suffering from malaria and grip, but he was not confined to his
bed until Saturday. He was up a short time Christmas day, but
felt too weak to remain up long, and after he laid down death
approached gently but rapidly. Mr. Burton was born in England,
and was 80 years of age December 2 last. About fifty of those
years were spent in Alton, and during 35 of them he conducted a
grocery store. In age he was the oldest Odd Fellow in the city,
and from the point of continued membership was one of the oldest
in the State. He was an honest, sturdy, upright man, who
believed fully and practiced honestly in "rendering unto Caesar
what is Caesar's," and he had a kindly heart that prompted the
bestowal of many unostentatious charities to the unfortunate. He
was a good citizen, a kind husband and father, and a good
neighbor. May he rest in peace. He leaves a widow and two
children, ex-Alderman George Burton and Mrs. Hannah Rutledge,
both of this city, besides numerous friends to deplore his
death. The funeral will take place from the residence on Belle
street, Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
BURTON, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3,
1908
Nonagenarian Passes Away at Home in Upper Alton
Joseph Burton, the oldest man in Upper Alton, died Sunday night
at 10 o'clock at the home of his nephew, W. W. Elwell, on
College ave. He was 93 years old on the 25th day of last
November. Mr. Burton had been totally blind for the last seven
years. His sight failed him about fifteen years ago, and since
that time he could do no writing, but was able to get about town
by himself until about seven years ago when he became totally
blind. He was born at Norwich, Vermont, November 25, 1814. He
came to Upper Alton for the first time on November 25th, 1834,
when he was just at the age of 20 years. In 1838 he was married
to Elizabeth Elwell, and moved immediately to Bunker Hill where
he remained until 1847, when he went to St. Louis to live. In
1857 he returned to Upper Alton, and had lived there ever since.
He leaves a large number of nieces and nephews, but the only
direct relative he leaves is one sister, Mrs. Eliza Gilette,
aged 100 years, at Port Huron, Michigan. Mr. Burton was one of
Upper Alton's best known residents in years gone by, and he
spent many years in that village. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Elwell home, and Rev.
A. M. Scott of Alton will officiate. Burial will be in Oakwood
Cemetery.
BURTON, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1903
Mrs. Margaret Burton, widow of John Burton, died Monday
night after an illness of nearly a year. Mrs. Burton suffered
from dropsy for many months and a few months ago she became
paralyzed. Her condition has been hopeless from that time till
her death resulted. She was 80 years of age and had been in
America since young girlhood. She came from Yorkshire, England
with her parents, and most of her life she spent in Alton and
vicinity. She was twice married, her name being Stevenson by her
first marriage. She leaves four children: Mrs. W. G. Lytle of
Alton, with whom she made her home; Mrs. Anne Crosson of
Hagerman; Joseph Stevenson of Chesterfield; and William
Stevenson of Garner, Kansas. The funeral will be held Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home on Belle street.
BURTON, MARY LEVERETT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 23, 1914
Mary Leverett Burton, the two year old
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Burton, and a granddaughter of
Mrs. J. Burton and Mrs. W. H. Stifler, died Thursday evening
after several weeks illness with whooping cough. The funeral
services will be held Saturday afternoon at the home on College
avenue, and will be private. Burial was at Oakwood Cemetery
[Jan. 26, 1914].
BUSHELL, ROBERT J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18,
1916
Robert J. Bushell, a well known resident of Alton,
died late Monday afternoon while he was at work for the John
Armstrong Quarry Co. in the old Lockyer quarry, which the former
company is operating. Mr. Bushell had made no complaint of
feeling in poor health and without any warning that was apparent
to those who were near him, he fell unconscious, and in a very
short time life was extinct. Surgeons summoned pronounced the
cause of death apoplexy. The body was turned over to the deputy
coroner, John Berner, and Coroner Sims was notified to hold an
inquest. Mr. Bushell had lived in Alton since he was 18 years of
age. He came here from Rochester, N. Y. where he was born nearly
fifty-seven years ago. He was married in Alton and raised a
family of children here. Mr. Bushell was known as an industrious
man, a good citizen, and he was a good neighbor and a kind man
in his family. He had not been feeling in the best of health,
but was not sick enough to stay home from his work yesterday
morning. He had not been complaining of feeling bad, and his
death was a great surprise to his family and to his friends.
Beside his wife, he leaves one son, Thomas Bushell, and four
daughters, Mrs. Rosa Farle, Mrs. Gertrude ___, Mrs. Fred
Sweetenham, and Miss Hazel Bushell. The funeral will be held on
Thursday afternoon at two o'clock. It will be conducted from the
home.
BUSHELL, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 5, 1901
Thomas Bushell, the veteran C. & A.
watchman, died this morning at St. Joseph's hospital from
injuries received in a fall while in the discharge of his duty
on August 15. He was thought to be recovering and had become
well enough to leave his bed, but he suffered a relapse and
never rallied. He had lived in Alton twenty six years, and for
seventeen years filled the position of watchman for the C. & A.
He was faithful, honest and industrious and made many friends.
He leaves one son, R. J. Bushell of Bluff street. The body was
removed from the hospital to the son's home this morning, and
the funeral will be held there Thursday at 2 p.m.
BUSHNELL, LUTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1900
Mrs. Lutie Bushnell, wife of George T. Bushnell, one of the
prominent farmers of Godfrey township, died Wednesday afternoon
at the family home, three miles northwest of Godfrey. She was of
a most genial disposition and was a good mother to her family,
where she will be most missed. She was ill only a few days with
congestion, and her death was unexpected. She was 38 years of
age and mother of four children. The funeral will be at 10
o'clock Friday morning, and services will be in Bethany church.
[Burial was in Godfrey Cemetery]
BUSSE, DICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8, 1919
Member of the White Hussar's Dies
The members of the
White Hussar band will play tomorrow for the funeral of one of
their members, Dick Busse, whose death occurred early Tuesday
morning. Mr. Busse was the only man who ever died while a member
of the band, which has been organized almost thirty years. The
funeral service will be held at the Evangelical church on Eighth
and Henry streets, of which deceased was a member, and besides
the band the members of the Plumbers' Union, the Eagle, and
musicians association will attend. Before the body is taken from
the church the band will escort the lodges and organizations
from the church to the cemetery, and the band will play a
funeral dirge.
BUSSE, DIEDRICH “DICK” H. W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 16, 1916
Proprietor of the Empire House and Wholesale
Liquor Business
Diedrich “Dick” H. W. Busse, for about 23
years a member of the Madison County Board of Supervisors, died
at his home at Tenth and Easton Streets at 5 o'clock Tuesday
morning, after an illness of three months. During the winter he
suffered an attack of the grippe and complications developed
which proved fatal. His family had known for over a month that
his case was a hopeless one.
Mr. Busse was born in
Zelfer, Ostfriesland, Germany. He came to Alton when he was
fourteen years of age, and lived the remainder of his life in
Alton. He was born sixty-three years ago last December 22
(1852). His marriage took place in Alton forty-one years ago,
and he is survived by his wife and six children - William,
Henry, Dick, John, and Frederick; and Miss Arnoldona Busse. He
leaves also a sister and a brother, Mrs. Mary Folkerts and Ernst
Busse, both of Gillespie.
Mr. Busse had been engaged in
business in Alton for many years. He conducted the Empire House
on Third Street for a long time. For a number of years, he had
been in the wholesale liquor business, conducting a place in the
eastern part of the city. He retired from the County Board of
Supervisors over a year ago.
His health had not been the
best for some time, and the attack of grippe found him an easy
victim. Mr. Busse was devoted to his family and was known as a
good friend and neighbor. His death is a sad blow to his wife
and his children. During his long illness of three months, Mr.
Busse had never been in bed. It was necessary for him to remain
in his chair almost constantly, as he had great difficulty in
breathing, and he died in his easy chair. Mr. Busse held
membership in the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows, Harugaris
and the Turnverein. The funeral service will be under the
auspices of the Odd Fellows. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and the body will
be taken to the German Evangelical Church in which he had been
an officer and a member for many years.
NOTES:
The
Empire House (boarding house), which included a restaurant,
stood on the south side of West Third Street. Before Busse and
his wife took over as owners of the Empire House in 1883, it was
owned by J. G. Schmid. Before Schmid bought the hotel in 1863,
it was known as the Kossuth House. Busse and his wife ran the
Empire House until 1903. The Empire House was razed to make way
for the modern, 5-story Commercial building. This new building
housed the Gates-Clark Dept. Store, W. T. Grant Store, and
various offices for doctors, dentists, the Red Cross, and the
Boy Scouts. The Commercial building was razed in 1979, and is
today a parking lot.
Dick Busse’s wife was Arnolgena W.
Busse, who passed away January 3, 1929. His brother was M. F. L.
Wilhelm “William” Busse, who died June 16, 1903, when he fell
down the stairs in his home. William owned a saloon on Third
Street. Geesche Maria Busse was the wife of William’s. She died
in 1936.
BUSSE, JOHANNA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
5, 1901
The funeral of Johanna M. Busse will take place
tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to
the German Evangelical church, corner of Eighth and Henry
streets.
BUSSE, VELMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 13, 1902
Mrs. Velma Busse, wife of John Busse,
died at 8:30 Monday morning after an illness of one week. Mrs.
Busse was taken with congestive chill at 2 o'clock Monday
morning. One week ago she became a mother, and was progressing
favorably until taken with a chill Monday morning. Ten months
ago she became a bride and her brief matrimonial life, although
extremely happy, has ended in sorrow for her young husband and
infant, who will have the sympathy of their many friends. Mrs.
Busse was 22 years of age. The funeral will take place from the
family home, 503 Market street, on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
BUSSE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 16, 1903
Well Known Saloon Keeper Falls Down Stairs and Breaks Neck
William Busse, a well known citizen who has been conducting
a saloon business at 207 West Third street, fell down the
stairway at his residence some time after midnight and broke his
neck. Mr. Busse was a very large man and probably his death was
instantaneous. Mrs. Busse and one of her daughters heard the
fall and rushed down as quickly as possible to find the husband
and father dead. Mr. Busse was 53 years of age last November,
and besides his wife and seven children leaves two brothers,
"Dick" Busse Sr. of this city, and Ernst of South Dakota, and
one sister, Mrs. J. Fulkerts of Mt. Olive. The Coroner's jury
found a verdict of accidental death caused by a fall which
fractured his skull and broke his neck. The funeral will be
Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence.
BUTORAC, MARTIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 22,
1919
Stabbed to Death in Struggle
Martin Butorac, 36,
a Ukranian, was stabbed to death, and Mike Ruogski, 28, was
shot, in a fight in Wood River last night. Ruogski is at St.
Joseph's Hospital, and is expected to recover. The body of
Butorac was taken in charge by Deputy Coroner Bauer who will
conduct an inquest. According to the story obtained by Deputy
Coroner Bauer, Butorac went to the house in which Ruogski made
his home. According to the story, he opened hostilities by
firing. This shot is believed to have missed its mark. Ruogski
ran to Butoric and a struggle ensued. According to the story
told to the deputy coroner, the men traveled a block during the
fight. Eventually Butorac was cut, a deep gash being inflicted
in the left side of his neck. It is believed that it was after
he was cut that Butorac shot Ruogski, as the latter was shot in
the back at the base of the spine. Ruogski was brought to St.
Joseph's Hospital, where he gave his name first as John Ruogski,
and later as Mike Ruogski. At Wood River it was said his name
was Matt Moller. Butorac was married and leaves three children.
The cause of the fight could not be determined by the
authorities. It was said last night by Wood River police
officials that the fight followed a drinking party at the home
of Paul Francek. In a statement made to Deputy Coroner Bauer
this morning, Ruogski declared he struck Butorac with a piece of
wood. He declares the fight resulted from an attempt made by the
dead man to cheat at a game of cards. He gave the name of "Matt
Arozna" this morning: The statement follows: "On December 21,
1919, I and the deceased were playing cards in Mike Bahen's
house. We got into a fight about the money. He tried to cheat me
and I would not let him. When we started to fight Dahen threw us
out of his house. After the fight we went back into the house a
few minutes, and then both of us went home. I went to my
boarding house and was there about three minutes when Martin
came to my house. Martin met me at the gate and said: 'Here you
ain't going any further.' He took a shot at me. I hit him with a
piece of wood."
BUTTS, HELEN MAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 10,
1922
Mrs. Helen Mar Butts, aged 73 years, wife of
Frederick Butts, died last night at 10:50 o'clock at the family
home at 412 Chamberlain street, after a prolonged illness,
suffering from bronchial trouble. She had been in poor health
for the past year, but was able to be up until Christmas, at
which time she was confined to her bed where she remained until
she died. Had she lived until February 8, she would have
celebrated her seventy-fourth birthday anniversary. Mr. and Mrs.
Butts resided in Litchfield until eight years ago when they
moved to Alton to make their home. The deceased is survived by
her aged husband, Frederick Butts Sr., three daughters, Mrs.
Albert Fanning, Mrs. Alice Rowe, Mrs. Peter Fuchs, one son,
Richard Butts, all of Alton; three brothers, Albert Gilpin of
Litchfield, Ill., John Gilpin of Leo Summit, Ill., and Polk
Gilpin of Neoga, Ill., and nine grandchildren and three great
grandchildren. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 1
o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Peter Fuchs.
Interment in the City Cemetery.
BUTTS, THOMAS D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31,
1916
Quarrels With Woman, Kills Himself With Carbolic Acid
Thomas D. Butts, aged 34, died from carbolic acid poisoning
Wednesday night at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred
Butts, 631 East Third street. Butts told his family before he
died that he had taken poison because he felt he could not live
any longer, as he had quarreled with a woman, Ella Scott, and
had been unable to effect a reconciliation. The family said that
the woman lives on Market street, and that she had been
housekeeping for Butts. His own wife had parted from him three
years ago. Besides his wife, he leaves a 12 year old daughter,
Irene. Wednesday evening Butts came staggering to the home of
his parents, his lips burned with acid. He told the family he
had taken poison and intended to die. He told of his troubles
with the woman and said that was the reason he wanted to die.
His brother, Richard, prevented the dying man leaping headlong
from a window, and later Butts broke away and ran into the
kitchen and fell dead on the floor there. Butts leaves his
parents, three sisters, Mrs. Bert Fanning, Alice Roe, and Mrs.
Peter Fuchs; and one brother, Richard Butts.
BUTZ, MARY GUTZWELLER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18,
1902
Mrs. Mary Gutzweller Butz, one of the oldest
residents of Alton and a member of a family prominent in Alton
many years ago, died Monday night at 7:15 o'clock at the home of
her daughter. Mrs. Butz had been in failing health for a long
time, and within the last few months her decline was steady. Her
two daughters knew that the end was fast approaching, and were
unceasing in their care for their mother, thereby softening the
suffering of the approaching end. She was born in Canton Basle,
Switzerland, and would have been 78 years of age April 10. Mrs.
Butz came to America with her family when she was 7 years of
age, and came to Alton about fifty years ago. She was the widow
of Henry Butz who died 1878. Since the marriage of her daughter,
she has made her home with Mrs. Dreisoerner. Mrs. Butz leaves
two children, Mrs. C. B. Dreisoerner and Mrs. F. Schollmeier.
The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 7 o'clock and
services will be conducted in St. Mary's Church.
BYERS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 29, 1908
Henry Byers, aged 19 years, died last evening at the home of
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Byers, 1041 Union street, from
pneumonia. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon.
BYRNS, EDDIE F./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5, 1867
Died
on June 13, Eddie F., son of C. W. and Rebecca Byrns, aged four
years and six months.