Obituaries - Surname C
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
CABINK, W./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 16, 1861
Suicides by Cutting His Throat
From Edwardsville: On Sunday
morning last, Mr. W. Cabink, represented as a very respectable
and influential citizen of Edwardsville, cut his throat and soon
afterwards died. Cause depression of the mind and temporary
insanity.
CABLE, BEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 5, 1902
Ben Cable, aged 22, died yesterday
afternoon at the home of his stepfather, David Edwards, after an
illness from typhoid fever. The body will be buried tomorrow.
CABRILLIAC, JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
3, 1902
Mrs. Julia Cabrillac, widow of Bernard Cabrillac,
died Wednesday morning after a brief illness at her home, 1502
State street. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9
o'clock from the Cathedral. Mrs. Cabrillac was about 82 years of
age, and 60 or more years of her life were spent in Alton. She
was wealthy and charitable in an unostentatious way. She leaves
a daughter, Miss Mary, and three sons, Anthony B., George and
Theodore, all of Alton. Mrs. Cabrillac was a native of Belgium
but came to Alton when she was very young and was married here.
She had made her home at 1512 State street over forty years, and
was one of the oldest residents here. She had been troubled with
heart failure the last two months, but was in apparently good
health Tuesday. She was taken ill shortly after midnight and
died within eight hours thereafter.
CABRILLIAC, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19,
1915
Miss Mary Cabrilliac, aged 74, a resident of Alton, died
Tuesday night at 11 o'clock at her home, 1502 State street,
after an illness of about 18 hours from a complication of
diseases. She had not been feeling well for some time, but her
case was not regarded as serious until Tuesday morning when she
was taken with a very bad attack of the malady from which she
had been suffering, and Tuesday night she succumbed to a second
attack. Miss Cabrilliac was a native of Alton and lived here all
of her life. She lived with her three brothers, Theodore,
Anthony B., and George Cabrilliac. She was a quiet, home loving
woman, and her principal devotion was to her home and her
church. Her father, Bernard Cabrilliac, died sixty-one years ago
in Alton, and her mother died here about thirteen years ago. The
funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter
and Paul's Cathedral.
CABRILLIAC, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5,
1919
Theodore Cabrilliac, member of a well known and wealthy
Alton family, died Saturday morning in St. Joseph's hospital,
where he was taken four days before suffering from an acute
trouble in the lungs. Mr. Cabrilliac had been in failing health
for several months, but was not regarded as being in a serious
condition until early this week, when it was decided to move him
to the hospital for treatment. He was born in Alton and was in
his seventy-fourth year. He had been out of the city but few
times in his life, spending practically all of his time in the
city of his nativity and by far the greater part of his time on
his own place, the Cabrilliac homestead on State street, which
he shared with the other members of his family. The only near
relatives which Mr. Cabrilliac has are two brothers, George and
Benoist. Their father was born in France and their mother in
Belgium. "Tay," as he was generally known, was a man of
extremely modest tastes. Though very wealthy he lived the life
of one of very modest means. The funeral will be held Monday
morning at 9 a.m. from the SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and
burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
CAHILL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28,
1903
The funeral of James Cahill took place Wednesday morning
from the home of his sister, Mrs. John Meehan, to the Cathedral,
where a high mass of requiem was said. The church was well
filled with mourners and the funeral cortege to Greenwood
cemetery was a very long one. The pallbearers were John Riordar,
James Rockets, Tim Guiney, John Malone, John Crowley, Charles
Kelly of St. Louis.
CAHILL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1,
1910
James Cahill, an old resident of Alton, died Thursday
morning at 6 o'clock at his home, 1121 Main street, after a few
days' illness with pneumonia. Mr. Cahill had been in business in
Alton for many years, part of the time in the grocery business.
For a number of years he has been bookkeeper for the Noonan Coal
Company. Mr. Cahill's wife and five children, four sons and one
daughter, survive him. His sons are D. J.; John; David; and
James, the latter is in London representing the Kallestone
Company. The daughter is Miss Mamie. One sister, Mrs. D. Noonan,
also survives. Mr. Cahill was quite well on in years. Mr. Cahill
remained at his work until a short time ago, refusing to give
up. The funeral will take place on Saturday morning from the
Cathedral.
CAHILL, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 18,
1902
Katherine Cahill, wife of Joseph Cahill, died this
morning at the family home on Vine street after an illness with
pneumonia. She leaves beside her husband, four children. The
body will be taken to Hamilton, Ontario, and the funeral party
will leave tomorrow for Hamilton via the Knickerbocker. Mr.
Cahill is a well known glassblower. Mrs. Cahill was 42 years
old.
CAHILL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 23, 1885
Mr.
William Cahill, an old resident of Alton, went to the Union
Depot Sunday evening with his sister, who was leaving on the
train for Chicago. Mr. Cahill remained in the car until the
train started, then in getting off, he fell between the coach
and the platform, and received a severe cut on the back of the
head. The fall caused concussion of the brain, and although
everything was done by Dr. Fisher for the relief of the
sufferer, the injury resulted fatally at 11 o’clock today.
Deceased left a widow and several children. Coroner Melling held
an inquest on Monday, and the verdict of the jury was in
accordance with the above account.
CAHOOE, MICHAEL THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
31, 1917
Michael Thomas Cahooe died this afternoon at his
mother's home after a long illness with complications of
diseases. He worked at the strawboard factory until two years
ago, when he became ill, and since that time he was operated
upon twice, one in May of 1916 and in February of this year. He
was born in Fosterburg twenty-one years ago. He is survived by
his mother, Mrs. Sarah J. Cahooe, one brother, Irby J., and six
sisters: Mrs. Al Tuckett; Mrs. Carl Christy; Mrs. Frank Hickey;
Mrs. Frank Johnston; the Misses Mecca and Hattie. The funeral
will be held on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.
Burial will be in the Short Cemetery near Bethalto.
CAIRNS, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1920
James Cairns, agede 65, was instantly killed this
morning by the Chicago & Alton palace train due here at 5:40
a.m. Cairns, a sweeper at the Glass Works, was on his way to
work and was crossing the track at the Plum street gate when the
train hit him. His body was crushed and mangled by the impact of
the locomotive. Mr. Cairns was in the employ of the glass
company about two years. He went to work at 6 o'clock every
morning. He had his home with his wife at 314 Danforth street.
Mr. Cairns leaves his wife, four sons and three daughters, all
of them of mature age. The three daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Bauer,
Mrs. Nellie Hauter and Mrs. Harold Laux all live at Brighton.
One son, Charles Cairns, lives at Wood River. The three other
sons are William, Edward and Donald. He leaves several brothers
and sisters also. He had lived in Alton about four years and
part of that time was employed by the Springman Lumber Co., two
years ago he went to work for the Illinois Glass Company.
Besides his wife, sons and daughters, Cairns is survived by
three brothers, Charles and Edward of Alton, and Alexander of
Alton; and by two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Lyes of Chesterfield and
Mrs. Elizabeth Spencer of Decatur. The three sons reside out of
the city, William in St. Mary's, Mo., Edward of Antral, Wash.,
and Donald of Carlinville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete,
awaiting word from the son residing in Washington.
CALAME, DORIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19,
1903
Doris, the 2 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Calame of North Alton, died Sunday morning after a brief illness
with diphtheria. An effort was made to save the child's life by
inserting a tube in her throat, but the attempt proved a
failure. The funeral was held this morning at 10 o'clock in
private, and services were conducted by Rev. M. H. Ewers of the
First Methodist Church.
CALAME, FRANK (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 2, 1911
The body of Rev. Frank Calame arrived from
Oklahoma this noon and was taken to the home of his father, Z.
H. Calame, near Melville. Mr. Calame's body was accompanied by
the widow and five children, and by a brother of Mrs. Calame,
Louis Calame, who went south to bring the body back. The funeral
will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Z. H.
Calame. Rev. Mr. Calame had been in the south seven years, and
he was a Methodist clergyman. The funeral services will be
conducted by Rev. W. T. Cline of the First Methodist church.
[burial was in Melville Cemetery.]
CALAME, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1901
Henry Calame, an aged resident of North Alton, died last night
at 8:30 o'clock after an illness of ten days. He was a member of
a well known family, and had lived in the vicinity many years.
He was 72 years of age and leaves four sons, two daughters, and
a widow to mourn his death. The funeral will be Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock and burial will be in the City Cemetery.
CALAME, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12,
1911
Boy Drowns at "Gee Whiz" Club Camping Site near Elsah
Louis Calame, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Calame of Alton, was
drowned this afternoon about 1:30 o'clock in the river at the
Gee Whiz club camp near Elsah. The boy was in swimming with some
other boys when he started to drown and called for help. The
other boys in the camp tried to render aid, but they failed to
be of any service and he sank, after coming up three times, in a
hole that is said to have fifty feet of water in it. The hole
where the drowning occurred is just around the end of a dike
where the current scours out the bed of the river and forms an
eddy. Help was procured at Elsah to go with drags to search for
the body. With the young man was his brother, Fulton Calame,
Theodore Formhals Jr., and several other boys. The camp is on
Giberson Island.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
14, 1911
The body of Louis Calame was recovered Sunday in the
river where the drowning occurred near the camp on Giberson
Island. The young man had been making trips frequently through
the shallow water to a sand bar some distance away, and had gone
in safety, but the fatal time he missed his course, got into
deep water by stepping off the edge of the reef and went down,
being unable to swim. The body did not stir out of the place
where it sank, and lay at the foot of the reef in deep water.
The members of the camping party spent the remainder of
Saturday, all Saturday night and Sunday morning searching for
the body. W. D. Fluent went up with the yacht of C. H. James,
and soon after his arrival the body was picked up. It was
brought on to Alton immediately and turned over to Coroner
Streeper, who took charge of it and will hold the inquest. The
funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home, 1007 Phinney avenue.
CALAME, LOUIS F./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 22, 1891
Mr. Louis F. Calame died very unexpectedly last Wednesday night
(January 14) apparently without pain, not even a struggle.
Grandpa Calame was born in Switzerland, 1814. During his
boyhood, he lived on the farm with his parents, but in early
manhood he learned the trade of watch making, in which business
he was successfully engaged until the year 1849, when he came to
this country, locating in Wood River township, where he lived
nine years. He then removed to this neighborhood (Melville), and
has resided in the house where he died ever since. Mr. Calame
was an earnest Christian believer, and though the summons was
sudden, he was prepared for the change. The funeral took place
at the Melville church Monday, the 18th, Rev. O. C. Dickerson
conducting the services, Rev. J. W. Flint, of the Alton M. E.
church, assisting. A large audience was in attendance. The pall
bearers were: N. Challacombe, Thos. Levi, Henry Meyers, Augustus
Baker, George Norris and John Dressler. The funeral march was
rendered most beautifully by Miss Lillie Howard.
CALAME, LOUIS W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29,
1913
Old Soldier Dies
Louis W. Calame, aged 75, died this
morning at his home on the Grafton road, three miles from
Melville, after an illness of three weeks. He sustained three
strokes of paralysis, the third proving fatal. Mr. Calame was a
native of Switzerland. He had lived in the vicinity of Alton
since he was ten years of age. He leaves his wife and six
children, Mrs. J. P. Murphy, Mrs. Arthur Webb, William, Arthur,
Elmer and Edward Calame. The funeral will be held Monday morning
at 10 o'clock from the home to the Melville church.
CALAME, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 21, 1882
Mrs. Henry Calame, a native of France, died last night at the
age of 46 years, after an illness lasting 10 months. She left a
husband and six children to mourn her death. The funeral will
take place tomorrow from the family residence, near the corner
of Seventh and Easton Streets.
CALAME, VINA (nee NICOL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 26, 1903
Mrs. Vina Nicol Calame, wife of Charles
Calame, died this afternoon at 2 o'clock after a lingering
illness at her home near Melville. She was 25 years of age. The
funeral will be announced later.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 27, 1903
The death of Mrs. Vina Nicol
Calame, wife of Charles Calame, at the family home near
Melville, was briefly noted in the Telegraph Thursday. Mrs.
Calame had been an invalid for several years, suffering from a
form of tuberculosis. Throughout her long illness she bore her
suffering patiently and with fortitude. She leaves her husband,
a young man to whom she had been married only four years, and
she also leaves one child. Mrs. Calame was the daughter of Peter
Nicol, a well known resident of Newbern who died recently. She
was 25 years of age. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon
at 1 o'clock from the family home at Melville.
CALAME, WESLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1904
Wesley Calame, son of Z. H. Calame, died at the family home on
the Grafton road near Melville, after an illness of several
years from consumption. He was 33 years old and had lived in the
vicinity of Melville all his life. A year ago the young man went
to Arizona for the benefit of his health. The funeral was held
this morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. M. H. Ewer officiating, and
burial was in the Calame cemetery.
CALAME, Z. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1916
Z. H. Calame, aged 77, died at his home on the Grafton road at 1
o'clock Friday morning after a lingering illness. He has been
ill at his home for some time and within the past three weeks
his condition became worse and the end has been expected for
several days. Mr. Calame was born in Switzerland and came to the
United States when he was eight years of age. He settled with
his family near Wood River where they lived for a number of
years. Later they moved to the present Calame place on the
Grafton road where he has lived the greater part of his life. He
was known for miles around as a very industrious farmer and took
special pride in his fruit. He raised more small fruit than any
other farmer in the neighborhood. Recently, his health has been
such that his farm interests have been looked after by his son,
Harvey, who has made his home with his father. Mr. Calame is
survived by five children, four sons, C. E. of Nebraska; L. H.
Calame of California; C. S. Calame of Colorado; and Harvey H. of
Alton; and one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Levi of Carrollton,
Ill. He also leaves 36 grandchildren and two
great-grandchildren. The funeral services will be conducted on
Sunday afternoon, 12:30, from the home by Rev. Geyer. The body
will be interred in the family burying lot on the farm where
many of the relatives of Mr. Calame have been buried.
CALDWELL, ANNA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14,
1915
Mrs. Anna M. Caldwell, widow of Charles A. Caldwell,
for many years head of the Alton National Bank, died Friday
morning at 5:30 o'clock at her residence, 1420 Henry street,
from old age. She would have been 79 years of age December 19th.
Mrs. Caldwell's death had been expected, as her condition had
been bad for some time, and she had been unconscious for several
days. Her home had been in Alton all her life. She was born here
December 19, 1836, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer
Marsh. After her preliminary schooling in Alton, she attended
the Crowell ladies boarding school in St. Louis, completing her
course of study there. During her stay in St. Louis she united
with the second Baptist church of that city, and transferred her
membership to the First Baptist church here on her return to
Alton. She had been a member of the First Baptist church about
sixty years. She was married to C. A. Calwell in 1857. He died
in 1890. Mrs. Caldwell was the mother of ten children, six of
whom survive, and all of them are residents of Alton except the
youngest son, a resident of Denver, Colo. The children are Mrs.
H. S. Flagg; Miss Emma H. Caldwell; Messrs. A. P., C. A., E. M.
Caldwell of Alton; and M. R. Caldwell of Denver, Colo. Mrs.
Caldwell's health has been failing during the past two years,
consequent upon her advancing age. She was forced to give up the
many activities in her home, but it was only during the last
week that she was confined to her room. Her final sickness was
almost free of pain and the end came peacefully while her
children were with her. Mrs. Caldwell was a fine character, a
woman who was beloved in her home and she was deeply interested
in both her home and her church. She had many friends who loved
her for her fine womanliness, and her last sickness has been
watched with deep interest by many who had known her and loved
her during her long life in Alton. The funeral will be held
Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the family residence.
CALDWELL, ARCHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1917
Man Who Committed Daring Holdups of Alton Saloons Dies in
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Archie Caldwell is dead in Cheyenne,
Wyoming, according to advice that was received in Alton today by
his relatives. How he came to his death is not known. The
message from that place simply says that he is dead and asks
what disposition shall be made of the body. The relatives have
decided to bring him back to Alton for burial. The body will
probably arrive in Alton on Friday morning, if it is shipped at
once.
Caldwell is the man who committed the daring
robberies in Alton several weeks ago, when he held up the
Charles Hale Saloon and the J. H. Elfgen Saloon in a single
evening, when both of the saloons were crowded. At the time he
made away with over $100 in money. The police made a desperate
effort to catch him at the time, because it was believed that he
was insane and it was feared that he might do some damage.
Nothing more has been heard from him since, although a search
was made over the country for him. The two robberies were the
most daring in the Alton records.
Caldwell entered the
saloon of Charles Hale at the corner of Fifth and Ridge Streets
on the evening of the robbery, and asked that Charles Hale be
called down from upstairs. When he was called down, Caldwell
demanded that he hold up his hands as well as the ten other men
in the saloon. After taking the money, he told Hale to turn his
back. Hale started to run and make his getaway, as the gun
clicked but did not go off. Then Caldwell made his getaway, and
while the police were hurrying to that saloon, he went to the
saloon of J. H. Elfgen at the corner of Broadway and Langdon,
and asked to use the phone. When he got in a position where his
gun would cover the entire crowd, he told them to throw up their
hands and then proceeded to rob the till. A man from the
Missouri Guards across the street saw the hands above the
curtains of the saloon and rushed over. He fired a shot through
the window at Caldwell, but the latter saw him and dropped
behind the bar in time to save himself, and then crawled on his
hands and knees out of the saloon and made his escape.
Archie Caldwell Took Own Life
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 9, 1917
Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 9 - Archie
Caldwell, aged 31, a member of a respected family in Alton, took
his life here yesterday by shooting himself. For the past month
he had been a fugitive from justice, having robbed two saloons
in Alton. Caldwell left a note addressed to his mother, Mrs.
Alexander Caldwell, of Fifth and Ridge Street, Alton, Illinois,
in which he asked forgiveness for the trouble he had caused her
and the other members of his family. Word was received in Alton
yesterday that Caldwell was dead, but nothing was known at that
time as to how he met his end. The body is to be brought to
Alton for burial.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
12, 1917
The funeral of Archie Caldwell will be held from the
home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Caldwell, Sunday
afternoon. The letter he wrote to his mother before shooting
himself shows the remorse the young man felt for his deeds and
misdoings. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
NOTES:
Archibald “Archie” J. Caldwell was born in 1892 in
Alton, and committed suicide May 8, 1917, in Cheyenne, Wyoming,
after robbing two saloons in Alton. He was 24-25 years of age.
According to his letter to his parents, he felt remorse for what
he had done. He was buried in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton,
leaving behind parents Alexander and Josephine Caldwell.
CALDWELL, AUGUSTUS PRESCOTT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 12, 1917
Augustus P. Caldwell, member of a
prominent Alton family, died at 1 o'clock today at his
residence, 1426 Henry street, after an illness that covered a
period of fifteen years. The cause of his death was diabetes.
During the long time that Mr. Caldwell had been afflicted with
the malady, he continued active, and attended to the duties of
the responsible position he held in the National Bank of
Commerce in St. Louis. It was only in recent months that he gave
up his work and was confined to his home, when he was no longer
able to go about. Augustus Prescott Caldwell was born October 4,
1861. He passed almost all of his life in Alton. He was married
to Miss Susan Forsythe of Harre, Ont., in December 1894. He
leaves beside his wife, two children, Mary M., and Nelson F.
Caldwell. For several years he was associated with the W. E.
Schweppe Grocery Co in St. Louis, and after that business was
discontinued he took a position with the National Bank of
Commerce in St. Louis, in which he continued to serve until
failing health six months ago forced him to give it up. He was
not a member of the First Presbyterian Church, but was a regular
attendant there with his family, and was deeply interested in
the welfare of that church. He was a man who was most highly
esteemed in his family, and his death, while looked for, is a
sad blow to his relatives. He had been very near death for a
week, and last Sunday it was not believed he would last through
the night. He showed wonderful rallying powers, and even
yesterday when it was thought he was dying, he rallied again. He
was a very capable business man, and highly esteemed wherever he
was engaged. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from his late home. Friends are requested not to send
flowers. Interment will be private.
CALDWELL, BAILEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1878
Died in Alton, June 30, of cholera infantum, Bailey, son of C.
A. and A. M. Caldwell; aged six months.
CALDWELL, CALVIN D./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 1, 1877
Another old and well-known citizen has passed away. On last
Saturday morning, January 27, after a severe illness, Mr. Calvin
D. Caldwell breathed his last. He had been in feeble health for
some months, and finally contracted that dread disease,
pneumonia, which completed its fatal work in a few days on a
constitution already weakened by previous illness. Mr. Caldwell
was born in Tennessee in the year 1815. He removed to Alton in
the year 1837, where he has since resided, engaged in active
business. No one of our merchants was better known or more
highly esteemed than Mr. Caldwell, and none ranked higher for
integrity, fair dealing, and uprightness of character. In all
the relations of life, he discharged the duties incumbent upon
him with zeal and fidelity. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church at the time of his death, having been connected therewith
for many years. Quiet and unostentatious in his daily life, he
was firm in his convictions and conscientious in all his
actions. A good citizen and an upright man, his loss will be
severely felt by a large circle of relatives and friends. Upon
his wife and family, his death will fall as the greatest of
bereavement. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
CALDWELL, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1,
1922
Youth of 18 Is Electrocuted at Dairy
The fact that
he had his rubber soled shoes repaired by tacking on leather
soles was the reason for a fatal outcome of a contact by Charles
Caldwell with an electric switch at the plant of the Walnut
Grove dairy yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. The boy, who
was the 18 year old son of David Caldwell, employed at the
plant, accidentally touched the interior of a safety switch at a
time when his hand was wet, and he was standing on a moist place
on the floor in the dairy department. Even with all this, he
might have escaped injury but for the fact that he had his worn
out rubber soles repaired by use of leather, which furnished an
excellent ground for his otherwise insulated body. According to
officers of the plant, the lad had been around the plant off and
on all of his life. His father has been employed there for many
years. Recently he has been working steady in the plant.
Yesterday afternoon he was standing near the open safety switch,
the lid of which had been left ajar, and was leaning against the
box. In some way his hand slipped down and came in contact with
the points of the switch and he received the full effect of a
440-volt current. This would not have been fatal but for the
fact that the young man's hand was wet, as he had just come from
the cellar and was handling containers that were wet. When he
came in contact with the switch point, he screamed and Jack
Rowe, who was close by, made a dash for 20 feet and pulled the
main switch to release the lad. It is said that he was in
contact only a few seconds. Immediately when he was released
from the electric current, he fell to the floor and apparently
he died instantly. Efforts were made to revive him by the use of
artificial respiration. Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger said that when
he arrived the lad's heart had ceased beating and it was too
late to be of any service in reviving him. The father was out
driving a wagon at the time the accident occurred to his son.
The funeral will be held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon from
the family home at 712 Ridge street, Rev. S. D. McKenny of the
Cherry Street Baptist church will officiate. Interment will be
in Oakwood cemetery.
CALDWELL, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12, 1851
Died in Alton on Thursday morning, David, infant son of C. D.
and Jane Caldwell, aged 1 year, 2 months, and 15 days.
CALDWELL, EBEN M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8,
1919
Former Banker and Manufacturing Manager at Elsah
Eben M. Caldwell died at 8:30 o'clock this morning at the family
home, where he was taken last Saturday on his return from a stay
in a hospital in St. Louis. Mr. Caldwell had been in bad health
a long time. His condition showed no signs of improvement, and
in the belief that a surgical operation would be beneficial, he
went to St. Louis a number of weeks ago and underwent a surgical
operation. He stood up well under the operation, but the help
that had been looked for failed to materialize. He came home
Saturday and soon thereafter he collapsed and the end came this
morning. Mr. Caldwell was born in Alton, April 26, 1866, and all
his life he had passed in Alton. He was the son of Charles
Caldwell, for many years president of the Alton National Bank.
He worked as assistant cashier of the Alton National Bank until
seven years ago, when he became president and manager of the
Western Whiting Plant at Elsah. He continued in the latter
position until his last sickness began to develop. His bad
health of the past few years began to manifest an alarming phase
about nine months ago. Since then his decline was steady. For
thirty-seven years he had been a member of the First Baptist
Church and a leading worker there. His efforts in the church had
gained for him recognition as one of the most effective of the
members. He was deeply interested, especially in the Men's Bible
Class of that church, and his services as a public speaker at
religious gatherings were in much demand in this vicinity. He
served as superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of
years, and was a deacon in the First Baptist Church at the time
of his death. In 1901 he married Miss Lillian A. Blair, who,
with two daughters, Harriet B. and Myra M., survive him. He
leaves also two brothers, C. A. Caldwell of Alton, Martyn R.
Caldwell of Denver, and Mrs. Hannah Flagg. The time of the
funeral has not been set, as word is awaited from distant
relatives. Announcement of the funeral will be made later, and
conforming to the wishes of Mr. Caldwell, it is requested that
flowers be omitted.
CALDWELL, ELIZABETH (nee FORBES)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 27, 1902
This estimable lady died at her
home on Henry street in this city at 9:30 o'clock today, after a
short illness from meningitis. She was taken ill last week at
Gogebic, Michigan. Miss Elizabeth Forbes, daughter of James H.
Forbes, married Charles A. Caldwell, April 16, 1891. This union
was blessed with two children, one of whom died in Tucson,
Arizona about one year ago. The other, a daughter, Elizabeth,
survives the mother. Deceased was born in Alton, and at the age
of 13 removed to St. Louis. Mrs. Caldwell was a lady of rare
qualities of mind and heart, one who made home happy and who
drew all her acquaintances into close fellowship with her. For a
number of years she has been an invalid, necessitating long
visits on several occasions in the west for her health. These
visits, while interrupting the endearing family relations, only
made the husband and relatives more desirous for her return to
health and vigor. Besides her child and husband, one sister,
Mrs. Ella F. Johnson of St. Louis, and two brothers, R. M.
Forbes of Alton and A. E. Forbes of St. Louis, survive Mrs.
Caldwell. All of Mrs. Caldwell's married life, except her visits
to other parts in search of health, has been spent in Alton at
the home on Henry street. The passing of so beloved a wife and
mother is sad on any occasion, but is doubly so in this case, as
she was in the prime of young womanhood, with a bright and happy
future before her, had health and life been granted.
CALDWELL, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25,
1918
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Caldwell, of 710 East Fifth
street, were shocked this morning to receive news of the death
of their son, Emil, at the home of his uncle, George Kleinpeter,
in St. Louis. The message said that the young man, aged 28, a
well known cigar maker, was found dead in bed and no particulars
of the cause of death was given. Mrs. Caldwell departed at once
for St. Louis to look after the body of her son and make
arrangements for its shipment to Alton for burial. The young man
leaves, beside his parents, five brothers and two sisters. Frank
is at Camp Taylor, Leonard is in the Navy; Misses Margaret and
Josephine and Messrs. Henry, Raymond and Oscar are in Alton. The
funeral will probably be Wednesday.
CALDWELL, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25,
1918
Killed in Auto Accident While Visiting Brother in
Denver
Word was received in Alton Sunday at midnight telling
of the death of Miss Emma Caldwell of Alton, in an automobile
accident at Denver, Colo. The message, it was stated by C. A.
Caldwell, gave the information that in the accident in which
Miss Caldwell lost her life, Mr. and Mrs. Martyn R. Caldwell, of
Denver, whom she was visiting, were injured also. The telegram
said that Mrs. M. R. Caldwell was severely bruised and Mr.
Caldwell, whose name was signed to the message, was slightly
bruised. Owing to the fewness of details and the fact that after
a telegram was sent back to get further information, there was
considerable delay in the answer being received, it was feared
that the sender of the telegram was minimizing his own injuries
and that he was perhaps worse hurt than might be inferred from
the message. Miss Caldwell was a member of one of Alton's oldest
and most prominent families. She was a daughter of C. A.
Caldwell, for many years president of the Alton National Bank,
and a sister of C. A. Caldwell, cashier of the Alton National,
also of Eben Caldwell and Mrs. Hannah Flagg of Alton and Martyn
R. Caldwell of Denver. Her brother, A. P. Caldwell died recently
in Alton. It was said by C. A. Caldwell after receiving word of
the accident that his sister had been making a protracted visit
in Denver with her brother. The other sister, with whom she
lived in the old Caldwell homestead at Fourteenth and Henry
streets, Mrs. Flagg, had gone to Texas for a visit and only
recently returned home. Miss Caldwell was planning to be home
within a week, too, and the Alton members of the family were
looking forward to welcoming her back. The tidings of her
accidental death filled with sorrow not only the members of her
family, but also a large number of friends in Alton. It was the
expectation that word would be received late this afternoon
giving information as to the time of the shipment of the body of
Miss Caldwell to Alton.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 26, 1918
The body of Miss Emma Caldwell, who was killed
in an automobile accident at Denver, Colo., Sunday, is on the
way to Alton where funeral services will be conducted at the
home of her brother, C. A. Caldwell, 1007 Henry street. A long
distance telephone message from Denver supplied the details of
the accident in which many friends and the relatives of Miss
Caldwell were deeply interested. She was out riding Sunday
afternoon when the front wheels of the automobile struck a soft
spot in the road and the automobile was turned over. Miss
Caldwell was thrown out on her head and instantly killed. Mrs.
Martyn R. Caldwell was slightly injured, and Mr. Caldwell was
severely, but it is believed not seriously hurt. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Martyn Caldwell were taken to a hospital but it was
believed they would be able to return home at once. Neither is
able to accompany the body of Miss Emma Caldwell to Alton, so
word was sent that a Miss Bishop, a friend of the family, would
escort it to Alton. The expectation was that the body would
leave Denver Tuesday and arrive in Alton Wednesday evening, and
that the funeral would be Thursday afternoon from the home of C.
A. Caldwell. The request was made by members of the family that
flowers be omitted. The news of the death of Miss Caldwell was
most shocking to a large number of people who had known and
loved her. In her family circle she had stood as a mother to the
members of the family ever since the death of their own mother.
She was beloved by all who knew her and her tragic end was an
event of the deepest sadness to all. She was a teacher in the
First Baptist Sunday school, and was a devoted worker there. Her
class was one of young women, and was one of the best in the
Sunday school.
CALDWELL, FRANK E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
11, 1918
Soldier Dies of Pneumonia
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander
Caldwell of East Fifth street, received a telegram from the
government this afternoon stating that their son, Frank
Caldwell, aged 27, had died in France on November 2 after an
illness with pneumonia. Caldwell was a cook in Company E, 333d
Infantry, and left Alton a year ago last September. He has
served a term in the navy and was only home a year when he was
called into the service. The family is in doubt as to the
authenticity of the story of the death, as two weeks ago a card
was received, dated November 3, in which Caldwell wrote that he
was improving. The letter was written evidently by a nurse as it
was not in Caldwell's handwriting. Caldwell stated on the card
that he had just received a number of letters from relatives and
told what he wanted for Christmas. Besides his parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Caldwell, he leaves four brothers, Henry in France, Leonard
and Raymond in the navy, the former on the U. S. Michigan, and
the latter at Puget Sound, Oscar at home, and two sisters,
Margaret and Josephine of Alton.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 10, 1920
The body of Frank E. Caldwell,
who died on November 28, 1918 at Le Mans, France, while he was a
cook in Co. E of the 333rd Infantry, will arrive in New York on
August 15, the parents of the young soldier have been informed.
The date the body will arrive here is not known. The young
soldier entered the army only a short while after his discharge
from the navy, where he had served for some time. He was one of
four brothers in the service, all sons of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander
Caldwell of 710 East Sixth street. He died of pneumonia, after
the signing of the armistice. He saw active service at the
front.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1920
The body of Frank Caldwell, who died overseas in the service of
his country during the war, arrived in Alton this morning and
was taken in charge by Undertaker Bauer. The remains were in a
sealed casket that was flag draped. With the body was Private
Elwell, who had been detailed to escort it home. The casket will
be taken to the home of the parents, and there will remain until
the time set for the funeral services, Monday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Mary's church.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 23, 1920
A vast crowd attended the funeral
of Frank E. Caldwell, which was held this morning at 9 o'clock
from St. Mary's Catholic church. During the past few days many
people have visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Caldwell
on East Fifth street, where the body of the young soldier was in
the casket. Caldwell died in 1918 in Le Mans, France, and his
body was just sent home. Requiem High Mass was celebrated by the
Rev. Joseph Meckel, pastor of St. Mary's church, with the Rev.
Henry B. Schnelton as Deacon, and the Rev. George E. Faller as
sub-deacon. The Rev. Fr. Kippling was Master of Ceremonies. The
pallbearers were selected from members of Alton Post of the
American Legion. The casket was wrapped in an American Flag.
Interment was in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
CALDWELL, MARSHALL P./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 25, 1878
This sad event, though expected for some time, has fallen with
none the less afflictive force on the stricken hearts of
mourning relatives and friends. As is known to our readers, the
deceased received severe injuries from a fall through a hatchway
some weeks since. And although his friends “hoped against hope”
that he might possibly recover, his physical system gradually
failed until about 1:20 o’clock Saturday morning, when his
spirit peacefully took its flight. The resources of medical
skill and the untiring attention of relatives and sympathizing
friends were alike powerless to do more than alleviate his
condition.
Mr. Caldwell was one of our oldest citizens.
He had lived in this city for over thirty years, and had
established an enviable character for energy, enterprise, and
business probity. He was born in Scott County, Illinois,
September 4, 1824, and consequently was in the 54th year of his
age. In the various relations of life, he was highly esteemed
for his many estimable qualities, and his memory will long be
green in the hearts of his friends. Devoted to his family, his
affectionate solicitude for their welfare was unceasing. A kind
neighbor, he was ever ready to sacrifice himself to assist
others. His last illness, drawn out through many weeks of
suffering, was borne with exemplary patience and fortitude. Ever
more solicitous for the comfort of his attendants than for his
own, he never permitted a murmur to escape his lips. His mental
faculties were unimpaired until the last, quietly and calmly he
awaited the end that he knew was inevitable. Mr. Caldwell leaves
a widow, Susan M. (McNeal) Caldwell, and three adult children
[one of his children was Jennie Rowan].
The funeral took
place Sunday afternoon at two o’clock from the family residence
on Prospect Street. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr.
Norton, assisted by Rev. Dr. Armstrong and Rev. T. O. Field. The
bearers were Messrs. D. Sparks, Fred Hayden, A. T. Hawley,
Samuel Pitts, J. A. Anion, and Albert Wade. The large attendance
on the occasion proved the esteem in which the deceased was held
by the entire community. [Burial was in the Alton City
Cemetery.]
CALDWELL, MIRANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
16, 1907
Mrs. Miranda Caldwell, widow of Robert Caldwell,
died Monday morning shortly after 9 o'clock after an illness of
one year with stomach trouble. Her death was expected for some
time, as she had been suffering severely for several months. She
was 56 years of age. Her husband, Robert Caldwell, died several
years ago. She leaves nine children, Messrs. Archie, Robert,
Thomas and Edward Caldwell, Miss Ella Caldwell, Mrs. Richard
Fleming, Mrs. Manuel Simon, Mrs. Frank Schiem, Mrs. Fred Smith.
She leaves also a brother, Thomas Clampitt, and a sister, Mrs.
William Stone. Mrs. Caldwell belongs to an old Alton family. She
was a good mother and a good neighbor and her death is a sad
shock to her family. Mrs. Caldwell was born in Belleville, Ill.,
January 17, 1852. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James
Clampitt.
CALDWELL, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17,
1918
Robert Caldwell, aged 89, died Tuesday afternoon at 5:30
o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was taken to the hospital
Sunday, suffering from pneumonia. He was the son of the late
Robert Caldwell, a well known painter. The funeral will be held
from the family home, Nineteenth and Market streets, Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
CALDWELL, SYLVANUS FARLEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 25,
1873
Died on July 20, in Alton, Sylvanus Farley, infant son
of Charles A. and Ann M. Caldwell.
CALDWELL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ARCHIE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 22, 1905
Funeral services for the late
Mrs. Archie Caldwell were held this morning at the home by the
Rev. M. W. Twing, pastor of the first Baptist church, and were
attended by numerous friends of the deceased and of the family.
Interment was in City Cemetery.
CALDWELL, WALTER JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
19, 1912
Walter Joseph Caldwell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex
Caldwell, died Wednesday morning at the family home, 712 East
Fifth street, after an illness of over two years. The funeral
time is not set until word can be received from his brother,
Frank, who is in the United States Navy, and who has been
notified of the death.
CALHOUN, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 17, 1845
A stranger who came up to this city [Alton] on Monday afternoon
in the Osprey from St. Louis was drowned soon afterwards, just
as the boat was leaving the wharf on her way up the river. He
was intoxicated at the time, and it is not certain whether it
was in attempting to get onboard again or from some other cause
that he fell into deep water and sunk almost immediately. His
body has not yet been found, and his name and place of residence
are unknown.
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1845
The
body of the man whose death by drowning was announced in our
last, was found floating down the Mississippi about a quarter of
a mile below Shield's Branch, three days after the accident, and
an inquest held over it by H. S. Summers, Esq., Coroner of this
county. It appears from the papers found upon his person by the
jury, that his name was ______ Calhoun, and that he had taken
and paid for a deck passage on the Osprey from St. Louis to
Baley Rudy's, some 14 miles this side of Peoria. He was supposed
to be between 35 and 40 years of age, and had on steel-mixed
cassinet pantaloons, jeans vest, cotton shirt, homemade flannel
drawers, black silk neck handkerchief, woolen socks, and coarse
boots.
CALLAGHAN, ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 17, 1913
Mrs. Ann Callaghan, widow of Dennis Callaghan, died Tuesday
night at her home, Powhattan and Washington avenue, in Upper
Alton, after a long illness, aged 83. She had lived many years
in the vicinity of Upper Alton but had in recent years moved
into town. She leaves two sons, Timothy and John Callaghan,
members of what was a large family of children. The funeral will
be Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church.
CALLAGHAN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1,
1900
John Callaghan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Callaghan, died
at his home, 1228 East Second street yesterday morning after an
illness of four weeks. He was 28 years of age and had lived in
Alton all his life. He had been in ill health several years but
was seriously ill only the last four months. The funeral will be
Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
CALLAGHAN, NORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28,
1905
Miss Nora Callaghan, daughter of Mrs. Julia Callaghan,
died last night at the family home, 12:30 east Second street,
after an illness with pneumonia. She was 20 years of age and is
survived by her mother, a sister, Mrs. Warren Clocum, and a
brother, J. P. Callaghan, the east end grocer. She also leaves a
half-brother, Daniel Callaghan of Jackson, Miss. She was a lady
of most lovable character and has a large circle of friends who
will be shocked to hear of her death. The funeral will be
Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church to
Greenwood Cemetery.
CALLAHAN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12, 1877
Died at Alton Junction [East Alton] on July 6, of congestion of
the brain, Thomas Callahan, son of William Callahan; aged 3
years and nine months.
CALLAHAN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15,
1901
Thomas Callahan, aged 87, one of the oldest and best
known farmers living in this part of Madison county, died
Saturday night at the home of his son, Thomas Callahan, at Old
Orchard, Mo., where he was visiting. Mr. Callahan had been in
feeble health for some time, and the hot weather was the cause
of dissolution. After the death of his aged helpmeet in life,
Mr. Callahan gave up his old home near East Alton where he had
lived over forty years, and went to live with his children. He
returned sometimes to visit the old place, but made his home
away from East Alton. He came to America from Ireland in 1847
and lived nearly all that time in the vicinity of Alton. He was
a good upright man and had many friends among people who knew
him, as well as among the fast falling number of old residents
of this part of the county. He leaves three sons, Thomas
Callahan of St. Louis; John Callahan of Mexico, Mo., and James
T. Callahan, the well known newspaper man of Alton. The body
will be brought to Alton Tuesday noon via Big Four. The services
will be at the Cathedral. The burial will be private at
Greenwood cemetery beside the body of Mrs. Callahan, who died
several years ago.
CALLAHAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 27, 1901
Mrs. William Callahan, who recently
removed with her husband and family from Macoupin county to
Bethalto, died at her home Thursday after a sickness with
pneumonia. The funeral occurred this morning. Mrs. Edward Bell,
554 East Second street, this city, is a sister of deceased and
has been at Bethalto since Thursday.
CALVERD, FRANCES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 2,
1914
The funeral of Mrs. Frances Calverd, wife of Mayor
William Calverd, will be held Tuesday afternoon in the Medora
Baptist Church, Rev. T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton officiating. The
death of Mrs. Calverd occurred suddenly Friday night from heart
trouble. She was 62 years old. Mrs. Calverd was well known in
Alton, she and her husband having formerly been in charge of the
Alton Hotel.
CALVERT, MAMIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 31,
1917
Mrs. Mamie Calvert of 920 East Broadway, a mother of
nine children, ranging in age from 19 years down to three years,
died this morning at her home at 9:30 o'clock after a short
illness. Mrs. Calvert was about 48 years of age. She was a
member of the Maccabees. Besides her large family of children,
Mrs. Calvert is survived by her husband, William Calvert.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
CALVEY, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1909
James Calvey, aged 74 years 6 months, died Sunday evening at 6
o'clock at his home, 907 Vandalia road, after an illness from
weakness of old age. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Calvey,
and eight children. There are five daughters, Mrs. J. J. Hurley,
Mrs. Margaret McGarrahan, Mrs. John Siler, Mrs. Ed Pfeffer, Mrs.
Charles Stierley, and three sons, William, Joseph and John
Calvey. Mr. Calvey was an old time resident of Alton. He was a
man of resolute will, very strong and determined, even in his
old age, and when he seemed to be a tottering old man, the
person who would have offered an insult to him or his family
would have found it perhaps more than was bargained for. He was,
however, a quiet, well doing citizen, and a man who was highly
esteemed by all who knew him. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
CALVIN, ALBERT HART/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23, 1865
Died on Wednesday, the 21st instant, at 12:30 o’clock p.m.,
Albert Hart, infant son of John W. and Margaret G. Calvin, aged
20 months and 8 days.
CALVIN, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19,
1915
The body of Benjamin Calvin arrived this morning from
Madison, Wis., and was taken to the Keiser undertaking rooms,
from where the funeral was held later. Burial was in City
Cemetery.
CALVIN, JANE CLARK/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 7, 1879
The mother-in-law of J. A. Miller, Mrs. Jane Clark Calvin, of
Omphghent, at the advanced age of 82 years, was called to the
home of the blessed. She was a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs.
Clark was a very intelligent old lady, and one of the most
exemplary and self-sacrificing Christians we have ever known.
She will be greatly missed in the church and community where she
lived. She was born July 8, 1797, and was buried in the
Omphghent Burying Ground in Prairietown. She was a widow of
Philip S. Calvin, who died in 1866.
CALVIN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN W./Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 13, 1871
Died on October 10, in Monticello [Godfrey],
after a protracted sickness, Mrs. John W. Calvin. Mrs. Calvin
was long a resident of this city, and has left several orphan
children to deplore her death. [Her husband, John W. Calvin,
died December 11, 1865, and is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery, along with his wife.]
CAMELIA, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 27,
1922
Funeral services for Miss Ellen Camelia, who died Monday
night at the home of her mother, Mrs. Minnie Camelia, 1722 Bozza
street, will be at 2 p.m. at the family home, tomorrow.
Interment will be in Oakwood cemetery. Miss Camelia was a member
of the Women's Benefit Association of the Maccabees. Miss
Camelia, who was 22 years old, had been ill for some time.
CAMERON, JANE MARIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 1,
1848
Died suddenly at Edwardsville on the 26th inst., of
congestive fever, Mrs. Jane Maria Cameron, wife of J. G.
Cameron, Esq., aged 22 years. Mrs. C. was the eldest daughter of
Hon. Judson Allen, formerly of Boone County, New York. By this
afflicting dispensation of Providence, her parents are bereaved
of an interesting and hopeful daughter, her infant of but a few
weeks old, of an affectionate mother, a doting husband of a
devoted wife, and society of a venerable member.
CAMERON, MARGUERITE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 20,
1911
The funeral of Mrs. Marguerite Cameron, who died at her
home on Locust street in Upper Alton Sunday evening, occurred
from the home this afternoon at two o'clock. Interment was made
in the Oakwood cemetery in Upper Alton. The funeral was a large
one, as Mrs. Cameron was one of the oldest residents of Upper
Alton, having resided there over thirty years, and she had many
friends.
CAMMANN, DIEDRICK PETER (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
June 2, 1881
Died at Troy, Illinois, on Saturday, May 28,
1881, Rev. Diedrick Peter Cammann, pastor of the German Reformed
Church. Deceased was born in Drochtersen, Germany, October 14,
1809. Funeral services were held in the German Reformed Church,
May 30, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Dr. Eberhardt of
St. Louis, after which the Masons took charge of the body and
marched in procession to the Troy Cemetery, where they performed
the last sad rites according to the customs of that ancient
Order. Members of the Order were in attendance in large numbers
from the lodges of Marine, Edwardsville, and Collinsville.
Rev. Cammann came to this country in 1848. He was the master
of seven languages. In Latin, Greek, and Hebrew he probably had
no superior in this country. He has held the position of
Professor in several colleges in this country, including one in
Pennsylvania and one in Salem, Virginia, and one at Augusta,
Georgia. Mr. Cammann was kind and genial, a true Christian
gentleman, and was highly esteemed.
NOTES:
Rev.
Cammann was married to Mary Amanda Palmer Cammann (1824-1888).
They had one son, James William Cammann (1862-1942). Rev.
Cammann was buried in the Troy City Cemetery in Troy, Illinois.
CAMMON, T. H./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 25, 1875
From
Edwardsville – On last Saturday night, T. H. Cammon, oldest son
of William Cammon, a farmer living near Edwardsville, was found
in the stalls with a bullet hole through his head. An inquest
was held, and a verdict rendered that deceased came to his death
by a pistol shot wound inflicted by his own hand.
CAMP, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16, 1905
David Camp, aged 56, died Sunday morning at his home on Third
street, between Oak and Walnut street, after an attack of
apoplexy. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10
o'clock from the home, and services will be conducted by Rev. S.
D. McKenny.
CAMP, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12, 1902
The funeral of James Camp took place this afternoon from the
residence, 1211 Alby street, the services being in charge of the
Colored Knights of Pythias, of which deceased was a member.
Interment was in Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
CAMPBELL, FANNY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6,
1903
Mrs. Fanny E. Campbell, wife of Albert Campbell of East
Alton, died Sunday morning after a long illness, aged 43. The
funeral will be held Tuesday morning from the home to Vaughn
Cemetery.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1903
The funeral of Mrs. Albert Campbell was held at the home on
Monday at 1 p.m. Interment was at the Vaughn Cemetery. Mrs.
Campbell has been a sufferer for years, but this last year she
was so much worse her life was despaired of many times. She has
at last found rest. She leaves besides her husband, two
daughters: Mrs. Lydia Hassmann and Maude Campbell; and two
sisters, Mrs. Frank Worthington of East Alton and Mrs. James M.
Clark of Upper Alton.
CAMPBELL, JAMES/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 29,
1887
Yesterday morning, James Campbell, who has been engaged
in getting out rock for the government, at Hop Hollow, was using
a crowbar at the summit of a precipice when the implement
slipped, and he was precipitated 8o0 feet, striking on his head
on the rocks below. He was instantly killed, his brains being
dashed out by the fall. Coroner Melling was notified and held an
inquest about two hours after the accident, the verdict being in
accordance with the above account. Deceased was a native of
Scotland, about 40 years old, and resided at North Alton. He
left a family in Scotland, and a brother, Joseph Campbell, a
resident of Alton. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon.
CAMPBELL, JESSIE C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11,
1920
Former Upper Alton Mayor - Gillham School Principal
Jessie C. Campbell, for ten years principal of Gillham School,
and an instructor in schools of Madison county for 29 years,
died at 1 a.m., at his home, 2610 Humber street. He was 54 years
old. His illness, a few days ago, became serious, and since
Saturday he has been hovering between life and death. Friends
and relatives hoped for the recovery of the man who for years
has been prominent in the religious, educational, and civic life
of Upper Alton, and general sorrow was caused today when news of
his death became known. Mr. Campbell was born in Fosterburg and
lived in Alton for 40 years. He taught in various schools of
Madison County for 29 years, and was principal of the Gillham
School here for ten years. Mr. Campbell had long been a
prominent figure in Upper Alton. Before the annexation of Upper
Alton to the city of Alton, he was a leader in the political
life of the village. He was mayor of Upper Alton from 1900 to
1911. He also served three terms as alderman in Upper Alton. He
was once the Democratic candidate for county superintendent of
schools. Mr. Campbell was a member of the College Avenue Baptist
church, and was prominent in many of the activities of that
church. He was connected also with many fraternal organizations,
holding membership in the Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Court of
Honor, and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Mr. Campbell
was married on Sept. 23, 1890, to Miss Fannie Harris of Alton.
He is survived by his widow, and two sons, Merle E. Campbell of
St. Louis, and Leroy Campbell of this city. Funeral services
will be conducted at the home at 2 o'clock, Thursday, by the
Rev. David T. Magill, pastor of the College Avenue Baptist
church. Interment will be in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
CAMPBELL, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1,
1900
Found Dead on Track Near Delhi
Joseph Campbell of
North Alton was found dead beside the tracks of the Alton at
Ritchey's Crossing, near Delhi, Sunday morning. His head was
severed from his body and the trunk was horribly mutilated by
the wheels of the train. The Jersey county coroner held an
inquest yesterday and the body was brought to the home this
morning for interment. Campbell was a well-known resident of
North Alton. He was unmarried, and the past two months he has
been living on a little farm near Delhi, customarily walking in
from Delhi to North Alton Saturday night. He was deaf, and it is
supposed he was hit by a train as he was walking along the
track. He made his home with William Bull at North Alton. His
brother, James, was killed at Hop Hollow fourteen years ago by
falling over the bluffs at the Huff place. He has relatives
across the river. The funeral took place this afternoon at North
Alton.
CAMPBELL, KATHERINE JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4,
1873
Died near Upper Alton, on March 20, of inflammation of
the lungs, Katherine Jane Campbell, in the 80th(?) year of her
age.
CAMPBELL, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3,
1916
Mrs. Minnie Campbell died this afternoon at 3 o'clock at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Robert Bushell, on Logan street,
with whom she made her home. Mrs. Campbell was 79 years of age
and old age was the cause of her death. Her son-in-law, Robert
Bushell, dropped dead while at work two weeks ago.
CAMPBELL, ROBERT HIGGINS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3, 1902
Suicide by Hanging
A sad case of suicide caused by
despondency on account of ill health occurred this morning about
5 o'clock at the home of D. E. McFaddin, 813 Stanton street. The
victim was R. H. Campbell, formerly sheriff of Brown county,
Ohio, and a prominent school teacher and insurance man of that
place. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. McFaddin and a prominent
resident of Georgetown, Ohio, who came here two weeks ago today
hoping to find relief from the despondency which finally
overcame him. He seemed much better late yesterday evening,
playing crokinole with the family and appearing to enjoy it as
much as anyone, but a restless night followed and he ended it
after daylight by hanging himself in the water closet with a
shawl strap, which he had evidently found somewhere and kept
secreted for the purpose. He leaves a wife and one child at
Georgetown, Ohio, where the remains will be sent this evening
for burial. He was 41 years of age. The man was mentally
deranged and had made many threats to kill himself. He was
closely watched, but managed to elude his watchers this morning
and succeeded in fulfilling his threats. He was found dead,
hanging from a beam, the ends of his toes just touching the
floor of the closet floor. [Note: Robert was born November
26, 1860, in Brown County, Ohio. He was buried in the
Confidence Cemetery in Georgetown, Ohio.]
CAMPBELL, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
15, 1913
Aged Fisherman and Former Raftsman Dies at Home on
Bluff Street
Thomas Campbell, aged 80, died at noon today at
the family home on Bluff street from uraemic poisoning. Mr.
Campbell was for many years engaged in the occupation of
fishing. He had followed the river since he was a young man, and
he stayed with the river until recently when old age forced him
to quit. He had been a raftsman before engaging in the fishing
business. He came to Alton in 1842 and had lived in Alton almost
continuously ever since. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Robert
Bushel, and a stepson, J. H. Shoolery, beside his aged wife, who
survives him. The funeral will be at 10 o'clock Monday morning
from the family home, Rev. E. L. Gibson officiating.
CAMPBELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 16, 1868
Mr. William Campbell, an old resident of Upper Alton and a
worthy and respected citizen, died very suddenly yesterday
afternoon, under the following circumstances: For a year or more
past, he has been suffering under an attack of the disease
called “milk sickness,” but within a month or two, has been much
better. Yesterday morning he came downtown on business, and
while in the store of Mr. Eli T. Hollister on Fourth Street, was
taken with a violent chill. He recovered from this attack
sufficiently in a short time, to go upon the street. He
afterwards became worse, and going to the city hall, lay down
upon one of the vegetable counters and waited until the one
o’clock p.m. car to Upper Alton, when he was assisted on board.
On arriving at Upper Alton, he was too unwell to sit up, and was
carried into the drugstore, and some restoratives administered,
and was then assisted into the office of Dr. Yerkes, where he
lay down upon a lounge. Dr. Yerkes went into the office about an
hour afterwards, and found him asleep. He then left him,
thinking that when he awoke he would get up and go home. About
six o’clock, however, Mr. Campbell’s son came to the drugstore
inquiring for his father. Upon this, Dr. Yerkes, Dr. Hodge, and
Mr. Cooper went up into the office, where Mr. Campbell was
lying, and found him cold in death.
A coroner’s inquest
was held, and the verdict rendered “that the deceased came to
his death from natural causes.” Congestion is supposed to have
been the immediate cause.
It seems hard that a man should
have died entirely alone so near his own house. Someone is
surely blamable for not informing his family of his illness,
however slight it may have been supposed to be. Mr. Campbell was
about fifty years of age, and leaves a wife and two children.
CANDEE, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1837
Died, on Wednesday, the 16th of August, at Upper Alton, Mrs.
Sarah Candee, formerly of Wheeling, Virginia.
CANHAM, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1902
Henry, 4 months old twin son of Mr. and Mrs. William Canham,
died this morning at the home, 1112 east Second street, after an
illness with summer complaint. The funeral will be tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and interment will be in the City
Cemetery.
CANHAM, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1917
Dies Away From Home After Wife's Dream
Following a
troubled dream of the night before, Mrs. C. E. Canham of 602
Forest Home Place received a telegram this morning that her
husband, who spent much of his time away from home on business,
had been found dead in his room in his hotel, asphyxiated by
gas. Mrs. Canham told neighbors today that in her dream she had
seen her husband plainly, and that he appeared to be taking
leave of her, remarking, she recalled, "I hate to leave you." To
this remark, her dream made her reply, "Well, we will have you
for dinner and supper." The dream troubled her, as separation
from her husband always had. He had been home for the Christmas
holidays, and prior to that had been home on the Fourth of July.
He was working in the capacity of superintendent for the Walsh
Construction Co., and his duties kept him away for long periods.
At the time of his death he was at Fairview, N. J., representing
his employers. He was born in Alton and regarded Alton as his
home all his life. He was 43 years of age. He leaves in Alton
his wife and eight children, also a sister, Mrs. Samuel Fanning,
and a brother, William Canham of Alton. Besides these he leaves
a brother, Ben of Loami, and another, George, of Clatskanie,
Oregon. The funeral will be at Alton and the time will not be
set until word is heard from the brother in Oregon, who may
desire to attend it. The family had received no particulars of
the death of Mr. Canham. There was great distress among the
family and among the neighbors today over the sad plight in
which the family is plunged by the death of the husband and
father. He was very fond of his family, and devoted all the time
he could spare from his work to them. They lived in a
comfortable home and they looked forward to his infrequent
visits home with great pleasure. Mr. Canham had many friends in
Alton who were very sorrowful over his death. They are quite
sure that his death must have been due to accident, and not to
any plan on his part.
CANIPE, JULIA A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
15, 1902
Bethalto News - Mrs. Julia A. Canipe, a most
estimable lady of 75 years, died quite suddenly Monday morning
at 9 o'clock, February 10. Deceased was born in Chillicothe,
Ohio, was married in Hillsboro, Ohio in 1849 to A. J. Canipe, a
veteran of the Mexican War. They moved to Illinois in 1854 and
have been residents of Bethalto since 1874. To this union were
born eight children, three of whom together with the aged
husband, are still living. The funeral took place from the M. E.
church of which she was a member, Wednesday, services conducted
by Rev. G. W. Randle, and interred in the M. E. cemetery. Mrs.
J. T. Sraham of Fort Madison, Ia. attended.
CANIPE, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 13, 1902
Mrs. A. J. Canipe, one of the most prominent residents of
Bethalto, died suddenly Monday morning at her home in Bethalto
after a brief illness from heart disease. She was 75 years of
age. Mrs. Canipe complained of feeling ill yesterday morning,
but rose and ate some breakfast. A short time afterward she
suddenly expired. She leaves her husband and two children, Miss
Emma and Henry Canipe, both of Bethalto.
CANNAUGA, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1873
Hit by Train
On Sunday morning as the lightning express train
from Chicago was approaching the summit, three miles from town,
the engineer perceived a boy crawling from a cattle guard on the
track. He called for brakes and made every effort to stop the
train, but the distance was too short, and the boy was run over.
The train was stopped and the boy picked up alive, but terribly
mangled – his left arm being crushed from the hand to the elbow,
and his head covered with wounds. It appeared that he had been
sleeping in the cattle guard, and hearing the noise of the
approaching train, had endeavored, while half-awake, to crawl
out from his dangerous sleeping place with the above result. He
was conveyed to the city hospital in an insensible condition,
and was attended by Dr. William A. Haskell, but his injuries
were necessarily fatal, and he died about eleven o’clock.
Nothing was found upon his person to identify him. His age was
about fifteen.
Coroner Grippenburg held an inquest on the
remains, and a verdict was rendered in accordance with the above
facts. Last evening, after holding the inquest, the Coroner
found a man who identified the body as that of an Irish boy
named Cannauga, from Chicago. A bundle belonging to the boy was
found in the cattle guard, and it is supposed that he was making
his way from town to town on foot.
CANNAVON, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20,
1903
Thomas Cannavon died Wednesday night at 11 o'clock
at his home, 1208 Belle street, from general debility. He was 73
years old and moved to Alton only a few months ago from the Coal
Branch [North Alton], where he had lived on a farm many years.
He leaves a wife and seven grown children to mourn his death.
CANNELL, CHARLOTTE J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1908
Mrs. Charlotte J. Cannell died Monday evening at
9:15 o'clock at her home, 1530 State street. She had been
severely ill for several weeks, but had been in failing health
for several years. Her condition had been very grave for several
days and her death was not unexpected. She was the widow of
Thomas Cannell. Mrs. Cannell was born in Trenton, Michigan and
was raised in Canada. She came to Alton about forty years ago
and had lived here ever since. She leaves two sons, Charles A.
and Herbert Cannell, and three daughters, Mrs. L. H. Weston and
Misses Eva and Helen Cannell. She leaves also a brother, H. A.
Fox of Jacksonville. Mrs. Cannell was a devout Christian and was
a good mother. Her real worth was known chiefly to her family
and her neighbors, in whom her greatest interest centered, and
her loss will be greatest to them. The time for the funeral has
not been set.
CANNELL, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11,
1916
Miss Cannell Burned to Death in Kentucky
Miss Helen Cannell, member of a well
known Alton family, was reported by a press dispatch received by
the Telegraph today to have been burned to death at
Hopkinsville, Ky. Inquiry was made of the Telegraph as to her
family and the Telegraph was requested to inform them and
ascertain whether the identification had been made correctly.
Charles Cannell of the Alton Savings Bank, and Herbert Cannell
of the Hartmann Hardware Store, when informed of the press
dispatch, said that they were not informed as to the death of
their sister. They could not even explain her being at
Hopkinsville, Ky. The brothers had believed their sister was at
St. Louis, where she was supposed to have gone two weeks ago to
visit a friend....Miss Helen Cannell was a well known young
woman, born in Alton, and for a period a teacher in the public
schools. A number of years ago while teaching she suffered a
nervous collapse as the result of overstrain, and she was unable
to recuperate fully. She was believed to be much better,
however, and her family and friends were much encouraged. She
was allowed to go to St. Louis for a visit, it was said by
relatives, and they were not informed that she had gone any
further. Telephonic communication elicited the information that
a young woman giving the name Helen Cannell had been at
Hopkinsville, Ky. a few days before Thanksgiving Day. It was
said that she had taken a walk out on a country road, and being
overtaken by night and finding it necessary to take refuge from
the weather in an old abandoned school house, had gone in. The
next morning she appeared at the house of a neighbor, horribly
burned, minus part of her clothing, having walked two miles over
a country road. She died on Thanksgiving Day. With her, it was
said, she always carried a shoe box and her name on this helped
solve her identity. The relatives in Alton were not informed of
their sister's death.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 13, 1916
The body of the young woman who
died at Hopkinsville, Ky. on Thanksgiving day from the effects
of burns, has been identified by Herbert Cannell of Alton as
that of his sister, Miss Helen M. Cannell. The stories told by
those who had conversed with the young woman indicate that she
had been subject to hallucinations as a result of a nervous
collapse she suffered years ago, and from which she had never
fully recovered. There has been suspicions, as a result of
stories she told, that she might have been brought to her death
through the agency of some person interested in putting her out
of the way, but friends of the young woman are unwilling to
believe that her stories were anything but the vagaries of a
mind that was disordered. A doctor in St. Louis supplied some
information as to the state of the mind of Miss Cannell. She is
reported by him to have threatened to kill herself, and had
solicited poison from him, and when she failed she said that she
would burn herself to death. She also told a story of having
been subjected to a criminal attack in a store she formerly
conducted in St. Louis, and the consequences of the attack, the
doctor said, had been obviated by a surgical operation, and to
this operation he attributed her state of mind. The doctor who
is quoted had not been informed of the breakdown of Miss
Cannell, which forced her to cease school teaching and which
caused her to be a helpless invalid for a long time, and from
which she had but recently recovered in part. It is supposed she
had a relapse and that the tragic ending of her life was the
result of the relapse.....Those who credit the suicide story
believe that she decided to burn herself and selected the
abandoned school house as a place to build the pyre. When the
burning was in process, they think she changed her mind and then
walked five miles in her burned feet to a house where she was
given succor.
CANNELL,
HORACE D./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January 11, 1895
Horace D. Cannell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cannell, died
at the family home Saturday morning after a weeks illness with
stomach troubles. Horace was a bright lad of 11 years, his death
is a severe shock to his family and friends. The funeral was
private and took place Monday morning from the family home. The
services were conducted by Rector Crittenden, of St. Paul's
Episcopal church, who spoke feelingly of the bright young life
so unexpectedly cut off. The pall bearers were Clay Butler,
Mather Pfeiffenberger, Andrew Pepler and Charles Klunk.
CANNELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 17, 1853
Buried - On yesterday the funeral of William Cannell, a
young Englishman, took place. The deceased had been in this
country some two years, and for several months past had worked
in the machine shop of the Piasa Foundry. He was an excellent
mechanic, and a worthy, moral young man, who was highly esteemed
by his numerous acquaintances. Being an Odd Fellow, his sick bed
was surrounded by friends and comforts, and his funeral was
solemn, appropriately conducted and well attended. The deceased
had the exclusive control of the manufacturing of the new steam
engine for the Courier office. He was progressing rapidly with
it, after an entire new and beautiful pattern, arranged by Mr.
Guild, one of the proprietors of the Foundry, when sickness
stopped the work, and death has stilled the arm of the skillful
artist. He labors no more.
CANNON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3, 1911
The funeral of John Cannon was held yesterday morning from
the A. M. E. church, where services were conducted in the
presence of a very large number of friends and neighbors. Burial
was in Rocky Fork Cemetery.
CANNON, REBEKAH ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
13, 1915
Mrs. Rebekah Ann Cannon, wife of W. E. Cannon,
died Sunday morning at the family home on Twenty first street,
from paralysis. She had been in failing health for some time,
and was stricken with paralysis four weeks ago. She leaves her
husband and eight children - four sons and four daughters. Mrs.
Cannon was a native of Greene County, Ill., and came to Alton
with her husband fifteen years ago. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the Cherry Street Baptist
Church in which she held membership. Burial will be in City
Cemetery. Mrs. Cannon's children are: Oscar, Elmer, Arthur and
Roy; Ruth, Hazel, Esther and Mrs. Leslie Wallace of West Ninth
street; also three brothers and one sister - William Moore of
Havana, Ill.; George and Silas Moore; and Mrs. Edwards, all of
White Hall, Ill. Mrs. Cannon was born in Patterson, Ill., March
28, 1866; was united in matrimony with W. E. Cannon Dec. 8,
1886. Mrs. Cannon dedicated her life to her God when a child of
12 years of age. Her father was a Baptist minister, and her life
proved she had followed his example. She was a devoted, loving
wife and mother, and all who came in contact with her loved her.
She leaves many friends to mourn her death.
CANNON, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1904
Theodore, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cannon, died from heart
disease Thursday morning at the family home in North Alton, aged
7 years and 6 months. The funeral will be held Saturday morning
at 10 o'clock from the family home.
CANTWELL, PETER/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1837
Drowned in Mississippi River
We are sorry to state that a young
man named Peter Cantwell, while bathing in the Mississippi
river, opposite the lower part of this city, in the forenoon of
Sunday last, unfortunately sunk to rise no more, before any
effectual assistance could be afforded him. His body was
recovered soon afterwards, but every effort to restore him to
life proved unavailing. He was a stone mason by trade, and is
said to have been a sober and industrious man.
CAPES, JOSEPH JASPER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 13,
1921
Joseph Jasper Capes died yesterday at his home on
Missouri avenue, at the age of 50 years. He is survived by his
wife and two children. The arrangements for the funeral are
incomplete.
CAPES, RILEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1921
A Friend To the Poor - Caretaker of Milton Cemetery
If all
the poor people of Alton and vicinity for whom Riley Capes did a
favor were to assemble tomorrow afternoon at Milton Cemetery,
Riley Capes would have one of the biggest funerals ever seen in
Alton. He died yesterday morning in a hospital in St. Louis
where he was taken a few days before, suffering from a sickness
he contracted in a logging camp on the Missouri River where he
had been working for the past six or seven years. He was 64
years old. When anything for the benefit of the poor had to be
done and nobody else cared to do it, Riley Capes was always a
volunteer. For years he took care of Milton Cemetery. There was
nobody else to do it, there was no pay in the job, and Riley did
all the grave digging, and helped fill in the graves for the
poor folks who were taken there because they didn't have money
enough to pay for burial space in any other cemetery. According
to Riley's friends it would take a long story to make a
beginning of an account of what Riley Capes did. He was poor
himself and he had a sympathy for poor folks and he was always
doing something for them. He kept himself poor by his never
ending services, as he never asked nor expected any compensation
for what he did. Nobody ever heard anything discreditable to
Riley Capes, though he lived here for many years. His heart was
filled with kindness, and perhaps the highest tribute that could
be paid to Riley was that he kept himself poor being good to
other people. The Salvation Army will have charge of his burial
tomorrow at Milton Cemetery.
CAR, C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12, 1918
The funeral of C. Car, aged 45, was held this afternoon at 4
o'clock in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton. Car died yesterday at
his home in Wood River from influenza. He is survived by his
wife and son.
CARDIFF, HARVEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28,
1917
Killed on Way to Funeral
Two were killed and one
seriously injured when the southbound C. and A. train this
morning at 9:30 o'clock struck an automobile near Miles station.
The dead are Harvey Cardiff, aged 30, and Mrs. James Reader,
aged 62. Mrs. Cardiff was not killed but is badly hurt. The
party were on their way to attend the burial of Mrs. Frank Hupp,
who died in Alton and was taken to Piasa for burial. The persons
in the auto were old neighbors and friends of Mrs. Hupp, and
were of a large number of people who were on the way to attend
the services. Other people in the vicinity of the place, where
the accident occurred, did not know of it until they had gone
five miles further. Mrs. Reader was a guest of the Cardiffs
during the trip to the burial of their old friend. At the
crossing, a half mile from Miles station, the southbound
passenger train struck the automobile, destroying it and hurling
two of the occupants to death. The Cardiff family had just
recently moved to the place where they lived, and the accident
occurred about a mile from their home. The dead were taken to
their homes, and Mrs. Cardiff was given surgical attention.
CARDWELL, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1904
Former Convict Shot and Killed by Marshall Sheff
Edward Cardwell was shot and instantly killed by Marshall Sheff,
aged 19, Wednesday night in East End place. Cardwell was trying
to kill his wife, her mother and sisters, and when Sheff
interfered, made advances to kill him with a knife, when Sheff
shot at him, two bullets entering his head and one his shoulder.
Sheff surrendered to Officer Louis Luecker and was locked up in
jail. Cardwell's body was taken to the police station to be held
for a coroner's inquest.
Edward Cardwell married a
daughter of Mrs. Emma Layton. Sheff was about to marry another
one of the Layton girls and was calling at the Layton home when
the killing occurred. Cardwell has served a term in the
penitentiary and has a checkered career, having been married
several times prior to his last marriage. One marriage was to
the widow of a man who worked with him across the river and who
was mysteriously drowned off a Huse-Loomis ice barge while
working with Cardwell. The widow and Cardwell made such unseemly
haste in getting married after the death of the husband, that
considerable suspicion was aroused but nothing ever came of it.
The story told by the prisoner, Sheff, is that the
Cardwell family were driven from their home by the flood and
went to live with the Laytons. Cardwell returned to the Layton
place Wednesday night drunk and quarrelsome and threatening to
kill his wife and all her family. He held his wife in his arms
and was preparing to use a knife on her when she broke away from
him. Then he made a stab at her and missed. He tried to stab
other members of the family and when Scheff appeared in the
doorway, attacked him. Sheff drew a revolver and when Cardwell
continued to advance, he fired three times, every ball taking
effect. The witnesses of the killing were Mrs. Layton and her
daughters, Kate and Theresa. The testimony of the widow of
Cardwell was that early in the evening while she and her husband
were going to a store, her husband playfully pinched and teased
her so that she turned back to her mother's home. The
mother-in-law never did like Cardwell, and when he came back,
she refused to allow him to enter. Cardwell went away and
returned several times, each time being more insistent than
before in his demands for his wife and baby. Mrs. Layton refused
to allow them to pass her door and finally Cardwell broke it
down and entered the house wild with rage and drink. The
evidence indicated that Cardwell's insane attack on his wife and
her relatives was aggravated by members of Mrs. Cardwell's
family. The coroner's inquest was conducted by C. N. Streeper
this afternoon. All the witnesses to the tragedy, including the
widow of the victim, confirmed the story told by Sheff and all
seemed much relieved that he was gone. Cardwell was about 35
years of age and leaves his wife and a child, about four months
old. His mother-in-law said he was a very bad man and did not
regret his taking off. Sheff said it was a case of his life or
Cardwell's, and that he decided in favor of Cardwell being the
victim. The girl who is Sheff's sweetheart visited him in jail
and the meeting was a most affectionate one, the young girl
apparently not caring who saw her demonstrations of affection.
She is pretty. Sheff is a member of the naval militia and bears
a good reputation for sobriety and industry. He works at the
glass works.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1904
Marshal Sheff, the young man who shot and killed Charles E.
Cardwell, was exonerated by the coroner's jury and released from
jail about 6:30 o'clock. Waiting for him was his sweetheart,
Miss Kate Layton, the pretty girl in whose defense Sheff killed
Cardwell, her brother-in-law. Deputy Coroner Streeper is holding
the body of Cardwell to be claimed by his mother. He leaves a
mother and a stepbrother, living in Venice, and the mother was
sent for yesterday.
NOTES:
The life of Marshal Sheff, member of the Naval Militia, was one
filled with tragedy. In 1904 Sheff married the Layton girl and
they had a child, which died in 1905. Another child, 2 months
old, died in 1907 from bronchitis. The family lived on Joesting
Avenue in Alton at that time. A daughter was born in 1908, and a
son was born in 1910. In 1909 Sheff worked as a fireman, and in
1913 he worked at the strawboard factory and was injured in an
accident. In 1915 he was working as a chauffeur for the police
and city ambulance. Sheff had taken part in the capture and
arrest of a man, who threatened to take his vengeance. On
September 10, 1915, Sheff was traveling through Granite City, on
his way to St. Louis, to take care of business. He disappeared,
and was never heard from again. His wife frantically searched
for him, but he was never found. She believed the man who had
been arrested and swore violence against her husband, killed
him.
Sheff's wife, Catherine "Kate" M. Layton Sheff, was
left behind with little money and children to care for. She went
to work at the Western Cartridge Plant. She gave up 3 of her
children to the Orphanage in Alton, and another child, nineteen
months old, went to live with Charles Sheff. She later remarried
to Noah M. Stone, and petitioned the court for the insurance
money on her husband, who had been declared dead. Kate died in
November 1936, at the age of 50. She is buried in St. Patrick’s
Cemetery in Godfrey. She left behind two daughters – Mrs. W. H.
McCoy and Miss Rita L. Stone – and five sons – Maurice Sheff,
Bernard Sheff, Cletus Sheff, Sylvester Stone, and Paul Stone.
Poor Marshall Sheff - if indeed he was killed by the man
who swore revenge - his body may have been thrown in the river
or buried and never found.
CARHART, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 8, 1904
Mrs. Elizabeth Carhart, aged 89 years 7
months, died Wednesday night at the home of her son, George W.
Carhart, Seventh and Langdon streets, after an illness since
last June. Mrs. Carhart met with an accident last June, which
caused injuries that resulted in her death. She arose one night
after she had retired, and while trying to make her way about
the house in a dazed condition, she walked to the head of the
stairs and fell down. She was very severely hurt and was not
able to get up from her bed afterward. She exhibited remarkable
vitality, however, and lingered more than three months. Mrs.
Carhart had lived in Alton most of her life. She raised her
family in the city, of which two sons only survive. Mr. W.
Carhart of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Mr. George W. Carhart, with
whom she made her home. Her husband died many years ago.
CARHART, EMMA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10, 1852
Died in Alton on the 5th inst., Emma, daughter of R. H. and E.
Carhart; aged 10 months and 12 days.
CARHART, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1919
George Carhart, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Carhart of
Seventh and Langdon streets, died in a hospital in St. Louis,
where he had been staying for the benefit of his health for some
time. He was 30 years of age. The young man was born in Alton
and had lived here in his young manhood. He was married in
Alton. The body will be brought to Alton for burial.
CARHART, HARRY/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, September 30,
1875
Died of his injuries - Mr. Harry Carhart, of this
city, who was stabbed on the 6th inst., in an encounter with
Charles Burton, died Wednesday from the effect of his injuries.
He survived his wound so long that strong hopes had been
entertained by his relatives of his recovery. He was
twenty-eight years of age.
CARHART, MARY CONSUELLO [nee BALL]/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 12, 1920
Mrs. George Carhart, aged 70,
died this morning at 5 o'clock at the family home on Seventh and
Langdon street, after an illness which extended over a period of
three years. Last summer Mrs. Carhart was very low for weeks,
but rallied. Two weeks ago her fatal illness began and for
several days death was expected. Mrs. Carhart was born in Delhi,
Ill., but spent practically all her life in Alton. Her maiden
name was Miss Mary Consuello Ball, being a member of a well
known Alton family. She was prominent in church and social work
and will be greatly missed by both family and friends. She was
the wife of George W. Carhart. Two years ago on the 29th of
January, Mr. and Mrs. Carhart celebrated their fiftieth wedding
anniversary. Had she lived until the 30th of this month, Mrs.
Carhart would have observed her 70th birthday. She was a member
of the First Methodist church, and until her illness prevented
her, she took an active part in all church work. She was one of
the most active members of the Woman's Foreign Missionary
Society. Mrs. Carhart is survived by her husband, George W.
Carhart, 7 children and three sisters. Fourteen grandchildren
also survive. The children are: Miss Emma Carhart of California;
Mrs. Charles Norman of Norman Place; Mrs. Blanche McHenry of
Elizabeth, New Jersey; Miss Elizabeth Carhart of Alton; Richard
Carhart of Nova Scotia; Frank Carhart of Newark, New Jersey; and
Dan Carhart of this city. The sisters are: Mrs. Bertha Cowan of
Seattle, Wash.; Mrs. Theo Hinckell of Millers, Nevada; and Mrs.
Dora Degnan of St. Louis. No funeral arrangements will be made
until relatives at a distance can be heard from.
CARHART, RICHARD HARRISON/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
30, 1875
Died in Alton on September 29, Richard Harrison
Carhart; aged 28 years.
CARLETON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 21, 1848
Died on the 12th inst., after a long illness, Mr. Charles
Carleton, aged about 41.
CARMELA, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
1, 1904
William Carmelia, aged 39, died Thursday morning
after an illness of several months with stomach trouble. He had
lived in Alton many years and was well known in the East End. He
leaves his wife and two little sons. The funeral will be held
Sunday afternoon from St. Patrick's church.
CARNEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 17, 1882
Mr. John Carney, long a resident of Alton, died yesterday
morning at his residence on Belle Street, after a long illness,
at the age of 60 years.
CARPENTER, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1911
The funeral of Mrs. Anna Carpenter was held this afternoon
from the home of her daughter, Mrs. James Tobin. Funeral
services were conducted by Rev. W. T. Cline of the First
Methodist church. There were many old friends of Mrs. Carpenter
at the funeral. She was for years a nurse in Alton and was well
known. The pallbearers were William and John Grenzebach,
Prentice Noble, Charles Wade, Arthur Dixon, George Wendt.
CARPENTER, ELVIRA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 9, 1864
Died on the morning of the 5th inst., Elvira, only daughter of
Cephas and Rebecca Carpenter.
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 23, 1864
Died on the morning of the 5th, with
typhoid fever, at the residence of her brother, in Jacksonville,
Miss Elivra Carpenter of Alton, aged 37 years. The subject of
this obituary was born in the village in Middleport, Niagara
County, New York. She resided, with the exception of intervals
while teaching, in the city of Alton, and received her education
in the schools of that city, in one of which she afterwards held
the position of teacher. Possessing those acquired and natural
qualities for the sphere she had chosen, she was very beloved by
patrons and pupils. A devoted lover of the country, the artistic
work of her hands was gladly contributed to aid the scholar, and
personal sacrifice was made in ministering to the needs of the
sick and wounded. With a special pulsating for humanity, her
devotion to principles was consistent and unchanging. Honored
and admired for her intelligence and virtues, she seemed
unconcerned of the crown she wore, and deinfluenced by her power
for usefulness and good, which she successfully wielded. A
worthy member and communicant of the Episcopal Church, she was
ardently attached to the church and its services. For many days
previous to her death, she was impressed that she must shortly
die, and wished her body to be interred on the banks of that
mighty river, where she so often had looked from nature.
Resigned to the will of the Lord, she expressed her feelings by
the following beautiful words, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall
not want.” A few hours previous, she exclaimed “Let me die, I
want to be free.” Then, with all the calmness of a natural
sleep, she sank in death’s embrace – she breathed her last – her
spirit was free and is with her God. Her memory will be
cherished. May her virtues and example teach her friends and
kindred to be more faithful to the living, to place their trust
in Him who doeth all things well.
CARPENTER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1,
1918
Civil War Veteran Dies in Quincy [Note: the newspaper
was torn, and very hard to read]
Henry Carpenter, 78,
civil war veteran, died at the Soldiers home in Quincy
Wednesday, after a short illness, according to advice received
this morning by his daughter, Mrs. James Tobin. The body will be
brought to Alton this evening. Carpenter was well known in
Alton. He lived here the .....[unreadable] part of his life. He
was a member of the 22 Regiment, Company B, Illinois Volunteers,
and served .... the four years of the civil war. He participated
in many of the big .....ties of the war. He is survived by
....Harry Carpenter of Jacks..., Fla., and Mrs. James Tobin of
this city. He also leaves two grandchildren. The body will
arrive in Alton this evening, and will be taken to the Lock
Undertaking parlors. It will remain there until Friday
afternoon, ..... o'clock, when the funeral will be held from the
undertaking parlors to the City cemetery. The services will be
private, and the family have requested that there be no flowers.
CARPENTER, IRENE MARIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 30,
1852
Died on Friday last, Irene Maria, infant daughter of B.
A. and Rachel Carpenter of Alton, aged two weeks.
CARR, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 10,
1921
Charles Carr, aged 56, a well known resident of
Alton, died at his home this morning at 9 o'clock, six hours
after he had been stricken with paralysis of the brain. Mrs.
Carr had gone to Decatur to attend a sick sister, and was not at
home when her husband was stricken and died. His death was a
great surprise to everyone in his family circle. He had not been
feeling well the night before, and about 3 o'clock he called for
help. When his daughters, who were in the house with him, went
to him, he told of a change coming over him and they summoned a
physician, who said that he had suffered a paralytic stroke. His
condition became worse very rapidly. Mr. Carr was for years a
foreman for the Illinois Glass Co. at their Alton plant, and for
the last six years had been a foreman at the Wood River refinery
of the Standard Oil Co. Beside his wife, he leaves three
children - Mrs. James Keith, Mrs. Leonard Elble and Archie Carr.
He leaves also three brothers and three sisters, John Carr of
Alton, Mrs. John Hessenauer of Alberta, Canada, Mrs. John
Cassella of Alton, Mrs. T. H. Postelwaite of East Alton, Jonas
and Carl Johnson of Alton. The funeral arrangements have not
been made. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery.
CARR, EFFIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1904
Mrs. Effie Carr, wife of Edgar Carr, died this morning at
the family home on State street after a brief illness, aged 22.
Two weeks ago she gave birth to a child and did not recover. Her
illness continued to become worse until this morning when death
ended it. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning from the
family home, and the body will be taken to Kana, Ill., for
burial.
CARR, HENRY M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1904
Co-Owner of Pierson & Carr Dry Goods
After
lingering near death's door for several days, Henry M. Carr
passed through the portals Tuesday evening after six day's
illness. The fact that Mr. Carr was dangerously ill was given
out Sunday, and it was a sad shock to his many friends in Alton.
Few knew he was not well as usual. One week before his death,
Wednesday, he was taken ill with the grip, which developed into
a bad case of pleurisy and also settled upon his kidneys. His
condition became alarming Saturday, and on Sunday it was
announced that there was but little hope of his recovery. From
that time until death ended the week of suffering, Mr. Carr was
conscious but little of the time. Uraemic poisoning produced
unconsciousness, from which he rallied Tuesday morning for a
brief period, which gave his family and friends much hope, but
he relapsed in a short time and passed away about 7:45 o'clock
Tuesday evening. In the death of Mr. Carr the city of Alton has
lost one of her best citizens; the Baptist church has lost one
of its most valuable and active members, and the family have
lost a member who at all times was devoted to them. Mr. Carr's
friendship was one that was invaluable to those who knew him
best. He was genial with all and counted in his circle of
friends all those who knew him, and his acquaintance was a wide
one. During the many years he was in business in Alton with Mr.
W. M. Pierson, he had merited the confidence the people reposed
in him. Mr. Carr's character was of the uncompromising type,
always ready to go to great length to help a friend or to
support a good cause, even at a risk of injuring himself. The
destruction of the store of the Pierson & Carr Dry Goods Company
by fire closed his business career in Alton. Mr. Carr was a
member and treasurer of the First Baptist church of Alton,
treasurer of the Baptist General Association of Illinois, and a
trustee of Shurtleff College. His health was not good for a long
time, and he went to Denver last summer, where he was much
improved and returned in good spirits and apparent health. His
previous ill health made him powerless to resist the acute
disease that attacked him. Mr. Carr leaves his wife and one son,
Lewis M. Carr. He was the son of Rev. Lewis C. Carr, a Baptist
minister who arrived in Upper Alton about 1866, and who was well
known in the Altons. His mother died nearly one year ago in this
city. Mr. Carr was in his 59th year. Mr. Carr was born at
Chard...., Ohio, May 16, 1846, and was the son of Rev. and Mrs.
Lewis C. Carr. His father was well known throughout Illinois in
Baptist work, and the son was equally well known, having filled
the office of treasurer of the Baptist General Association for
fifteen years. He came to Alton in 1866 and was engaged in the
dry goods business most of the time until his retirement a few
years ago. He was married in 1873 in Alton. He leaves beside his
wife and one son, three sisters, Mrs. E. L. Armstrong of New
Haven, Conn., Mrs. J. H. Stifler of Bryn Mawr, Pa., Mrs. C. C.
Simmons of Verdon, Nebraska. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Baptist church.
Mrs. Jennie Carr died yesterday
morning at 12:40 o’clock, after a lingering illness of several
months. Her affliction was nephritis, with which she suffered
for some time, and it was seen for several weeks that she could
not recover. The funeral will take place this afternoon at two
o’clock from the family residence on St. Louis Street.
Mrs. Jennie Carr, nee McMillian, was born in Bracken County,
Kentucky, April 2, 1848. On December 30, 1869, she was united in
marriage with Eugene H. Carr, at Chillicothe, Missouri. Mr. and
Mrs. Carr went in 1875 to the Rocky Mountains, and for ten years
endured the vicissitudes and hardship of pioneer life. In the
Spring of 1885, the family came to Edwardsville, and she has
since been a resident of this city. She leaves to mourn her
loss, her husband and four children – Mary, wife of George W.
Schaffer; George; Pearl; and Charles, aged 23, 21, 18, and 11
years.
Mrs. Carr was from girlhood a conscientious member
of the Christian Church. Her life was an exemplary one; a
devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor, and a devout
Christian. Her loss will be keenly felt, not only by the family,
but all who knew her.
CARR, JOHN A./Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 16, 1875
Killed in Railroad Accident
The funeral
of John A. Carr of Alton, who was killed at the railroad
accident on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad on September 8,
took place from the family residence on Summit and Prospect
Streets Friday afternoon.
The deceased was 28 years of
age, and was employed as news agent on the train, which was
wrecked by the washing away of a bridge at Lawrence, by which
the engine, baggage, express, and second-class cars were
precipitated down an embankment. Six persons were killed by the
disaster, but it is thought that Mr. Carr’s death was caused by
drowning, as his body was found in the swollen stream a mile
below the scene of the accident. The deceased was a native of
Alton, had always borne a good character among his associates,
who will be pained to hear of his sudden death. He had only been
absent from home a short time. The body was brought here by his
brother, who resides in Chicago.
CARR, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 25, 1881
Mrs. E. K. Carr, a resident of Alton, died
Saturday afternoon after a brief illness, her death being caused
by a congestive chill. In addition to her bereaved husband, she
left a sister, Mrs. I. J. Richmond of Alton, and two brothers,
one at Litchfield, the other of Chicago, to mourn her death. The
funeral took place on Monday from the family residence on Second
Street, between Alton and George Street.
CARR, MARY ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
2, 1903
Mrs. Mary Ellen Carr, mother of Mr. H. M. Carr,
died Sunday morning at 9:15 o'clock at the home of Mr. E. D.
Babbitt on Alby street, where she was taken ill three weeks ago.
Mrs. Carr was nearly 79 years of age. Her death was due to
general debility resulting from old age. Up to three weeks ago
her mind was bright as ever, but her body had been failing since
last summer and there was a sudden collapse of vital forces, and
it became apparent to those who cared for her that the end could
not be far away. Sunday morning she passed from unconsciousness
into the deep repose that knows no waking in this life. Mrs.
Carr was the widow of Rev. L. C. Carr, who was well known as a
Baptist minister and worker in Illinois thirty years ago. She
was born at Granville, Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1858, going
to Moline with her husband to make her home. Her husband died in
1882 while spending a season in Florida, and he was buried
there. Mrs. Carr was a member of the Baptist church from
girlhood and was very deeply interested in the work of that
church. She made her home in Alton with her son over twenty
years, until recently, when she resided with some of her other
children. On her return to Alton she was in failing health and
the decline was rapid. Mrs. Carr leaves beside her son. H. M.
Carr, three daughters, Mrs. J. M. Stiffler of Chester, Pa.; Mrs.
C. C. Simmons of Kansas City, Kan.; and Mrs. E. L. Armstrong of
New Haven, Conn. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the First Baptist church.
CARR, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1875
Died
in Hannibal, Missouri, Sunday, October 3, 1875, Thomas Carr,
formerly of Alton.
The funeral of Thomas Carr took place
Monday p.m. from the residence of Richard Galbally on Belle
Street. Mr. Carr was an old resident of this vicinity, having
settled here over 40 years ago, where he had lived until about
six or seven years since, when he moved to Hannibal, Missouri.
Mr. Carr will be missed by a large circle of acquaintances in
this locality who knew him during the thirty-six years of his
life spent among them, as a neighbor and a friend. He was 69
years, 2 months and 14 days of age.
CARRICO, LETITIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
11, 1905
Mrs. Letitia Carrico, who was stricken with
paralysis at the home of Mr. R. Porter last Wednesday, died at 6
o'clock last evening at the Porter home on east Fourth street.
She was 79 years of age and was born in Ohio. The body will be
taken to Laharpe, Ill. for burial. Mrs. Carrico was married at
Carrolton and lived there about forty years. She had been making
her home with her niece, Mrs. R. Porter, recently. She leaves
two children and also two brothers, one being L. G. Coleman of
Upper Alton, Mrs. Porter's father. The funeral will be held
Friday at Laharpe.
CARROLL, BRIDGET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
3, 1904
Mrs. Bridget Carroll, wife of John Carroll, died
Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the family home,
Eighteenth and Easton streets, aged 60. She had lived in Alton
about thirty-five years. All of Mrs. Carroll's children died
before her, and she is survived only by her aged husband. Mr.
Carroll was for many years engaged in the business of draying,
and is one of the best known of the old-time residents of the
city. The funeral of Mrs. Carroll will be Monday morning at 9
o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
CARROLL, CLARA ANNA “CARRIE” (nee KEENAN)/Source: Alton
Telegraph, May 6, 1880
From Edwardsville – The numerous
friends in Edwardsville were greatly pained last Friday morning
upon learning of her sudden and unexpected death, which took
place that morning at her husband’s residence near Marine. The
deceased had been in poor health for some time, but in evidence
that her death happening as it did was a sad surprise, we have
to state that she had made arrangements for a trip to the
mountains of Colorado for the improvement of her health, and
would have started in a day or two. Mrs. Thomas H. Kennedy,
mother of the deceased in Edwardsville, has the heartfelt
sympathy of a host of friends in this her sad bereavement. The
young husband, Christopher Carroll, who has been called upon to
surrender to deaths summons a kind, faithful, and affectionate
wife. They were married in 1878. [Carrie was buried in the St.
Elizabeth’s Church Cemetery in Marine.]
CARROLL, JOHN BROUGHTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 23, 1846
Died on last Monday morning, John Broughton, infant son of
Mr. M. W. Carroll of Alton, aged 2 years and 7 months.
CARROLL, LILLIAN CORNELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph
Miss Lillian Cornelia Carroll, a
lifelong resident of Alton, died this morning in St. Joseph's
Hospital, where she had been taken for treatment when her health
broke down. Death was due to a complication of diseases. The
beginning of her illness was last August when she was stricken
with a slight attack of paralysis while she was attending
services in St. Paul's Episcopal Church where she had been a
member since girlhood. She never was well since that time. About
two weeks ago she became much worse and two days ago she was
taken to the hospital for treatment. She was born and reared in
the home where she spent all of her life, and she seldom was
away from that home over night in all the years of her life. To
that home her mother had come as a bride about 83 years ago and
there the aged mother had lived all the rest of her days, tended
by the hands of her faithful daughters, Misses Lillian and Emma
Carroll. After the death of the mother, Miss Lillian and Emma
continued to live there with their brother, George Carroll. The
beautiful devotion of the two sisters to their mother was marked
by all who knew the family and at the time of her death six
years ago, at the age of 94, the two sisters were left without
the one who had been the chief cause of their concern in life.
The two sisters in the little old home always welcomed any who
came to call and it was a most hospitable place to all visitors.
Miss Carroll is survived by one sister, Miss Emma, and two
brothers, George of Alton and Gus, living in Michigan. The
funeral will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Lock undertaking
parlors and will be private. Rev. F. D. Butler will have charge
of the services. Interment will be in City Cemetery.
CARROLL, LOUISA B. (nee BROUGHTON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 30, 1916
Dies at Great Age - Remembers
Vividly Early Alton
Mrs. Louisa Broughton Carroll, in her
ninety-sixth year, died Sunday morning at her residence, 512
William street. She had been sinking steadily since Thursday.
For a long time she had been growing weaker, but there was no
positive indication that her end was close until the breakdown
came about three days before she quietly breathed away her life.
Mrs. Carroll had lived in the one house on William street since
1842, when she moved there as the young wife of W. M. Carroll,
then a prominent business man of Alton. In this house she passed
all the remaining days of her life, and for the past eight years
she had been unable to leave the house because of a fracture to
her hip joint which made it very difficult for her to get about.
Mrs. Carroll was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Broughton,
and was born in Charlotte, Va., March 5, 1821. At the age of six
years she moved with her parents to Nashville, Tenn., where the
family resided until 1837, when the family came to Alton. Mrs.
Carroll was married to M. W. Carroll of Alton, July 30, 1838,
the ceremony being performed by Rev. Charles Howard. They took
up their residence in a log house, which stood on what is the
site of the Dale Market on City Hall Square, and there they
lived until 1842, when the family removed to the house where she
resided until the time of her death. Mrs. Carroll was the oldest
of five children, all of whom have died except one sister, Mrs.
Cornelia Cockrell of Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Carroll was a life long
communicant in the Episcopal Church, and until old age disabled
her and made it necessary for her to stay at home, she was
deeply interested in the work of St. Paul's Church. Mrs.
Carroll, though in the last decade of a century was possessed of
a mind that was bright and her disposition was a happy one. She
was popular among her neighbors and her birthdays were made
anniversaries of note in the neighborhood, many friends
gathering every recurring anniversary to felicitate with her.
She could talk in an interesting manner of the early days of
Alton, and could recall the early days vividly. Mrs. Carroll
leaves two sons, August T. and George W., and two daughters,
Misses Emma and Lillie Carroll. She leaves also a number of
nephews and nieces, among the nephews being George T. Davis,
Charles Davis of Alton; and Frederick L. Davis of Kansas City,
Mo. The death of Mrs. Carroll is an event of more than an
ordinary interest. She had a large number of friends, among
those who were many years younger than she, and though she had
grown to great age, she ever maintained her interest in what was
going on about her. During her whole period of invalidism, she
was given the most constant and devoted attention of her two
daughters, who had given up their whole lives to the service of
their mother, and in their bereavement they have the sympathy of
all. The funeral of Mrs. Carroll will be held Tuesday afternoon
at 3 o'clock from the home, Rev. Arthur Goodger officiating.
CARROLL, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
3, 1908
Mrs. Margaret Carroll, aged 73, died at her home
on Dry street Saturday evening after a long illness due
principally to her advanced age. Mrs. Carroll had lived in Alton
sixty years, having come here as a young woman. She was twice
married and by her first marriage leaves two children, John
Sharkey and Miss Margaret Sharkey of Alton, and by her second
marriage she had one son, William Carroll, who is a prospector
in Alaska. The funeral took place this morning at 9:30 o'clock
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
CARROLL, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1901
Michael Carroll, a well known glassblower, died Sunday
morning at his home, Third and Vine street, after a ten days'
illness. He was overcome by heat and was sent to St. Joseph's
hospital. He was discharged from the hospital Saturday and he
went downtown to see his friends. On his return home he suffered
a relapse and death resulted in less than eighteen hours. He was
40 years of age and leaves a widow and four children. He was one
of the most prominent among the glassblowers and was a man of
many good parts and had hosts of friends. Funeral will be
Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
CARROLL, THOMAS (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
27, 1865
We were pained to learn this morning that Captain
Thomas Carroll, oldest son of Mr. Washington Carroll of Alton,
was accidentally drowned at the mouth of the Wood River last
night. He has been the commanding officer on the steamer
“Fisher” for some months, and was a faithful and energetic
officer. The many friends of the family will be pained to hear
of his death. The bereaved parents have our warmest sympathy.
CARROLL, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
8, 1907
Thomas Carroll, a former resident of Alton, died
at his home in East St. Louis Monday, and the remains were
brought to Alton this morning, and the funeral held from the
Cathedral. The remains were laid to rest beside the father and
mother of the deceased in the Greenwood cemetery. Mr. Carroll
left Alton when a young man and has been here little since. It
was his request that when he died his remains be brought to
Alton and laid beside his father and mother.
CARROLL, WASHINGTON M./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 28,
1866
We regret to state that Mr. Washington M. Carroll, one
of our oldest and most worthy citizens, departed this life
yesterday afternoon. His funeral will be attended tomorrow from
the Episcopal Church. Thus are the old pioneers of the city
passing away, one after another.
CARROLL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 15,
1921
Death Strikes As He Was Preparing to Milk Cows
William Carroll, aged 63, of Alton, was found dead in a stable
at the home of Bert Killam, Saturday night at 11 o'clock. He had
been dead since Thursday evening, it is supposed, as he was last
seen alive Thursday afternoon. His body was in such condition
when found that it was impossible to hold a funeral over him,
and he was buried Sunday afternoon in the Medora cemetery, brief
services being conducted by the Methodist clergyman, Rev.
Matthews. It was said today by Lee Carroll, a son of the
deceased, that his father owns a farm near Medora and he
frequently went up there to look after his interests. When the
family of Bert Killam planned to go to St. Louis to spend three
or four days, they engaged Mr. Carroll to look after their
stock. They had three cows and several horses, and Mr. Carroll
was to see that the stock was fed and watered and the cows
milked. He had all the stock tied in the barn at the time of his
death, and was in the act of starting to milk the cows when he
fell over dead. It is supposed heart disease was the cause as he
had some slight attacks of that trouble. He fell between two
cows and lay there. The cows trampled the body considerably
becoming uneasy at going so long without food and water and not
being milked. It happened that the Killam family arrived home
Saturday night at 11 o'clock, and not finding Mr. Carroll, an
investigation was made and his decomposing body was found
mutilated by the cows' hoofs in the stable. Word was sent here
to his family, and two sons and a son-in-law went to Medora,
made arrangements for immediate burial and had the service
Sunday afternoon at the cemetery. Mr. Carroll is survived by his
wife and two daughters, Mrs. Edward Bennett and Miss Alta
Carroll, and two sons, Lee and Frank Carroll, all of Alton. The
family reside at 717 East Sixth street. He leaves also two
grandchildren, Ralph Bennett and Helen Carroll and one brother
and two sisters.
CARSTENS, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, February
1, 1883
From Bethalto - A little daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George Carstens, aged about three years, died on Wednesday last.
The funeral took place from the family residence, one mile west
of town, on Friday afternoon. The remains were buried at the
Lutheran Cemetery.
CARTER, ALICE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 10, 1881
Miss Alice, daughter of Mr. Richard Carter, died last Monday
morning at 2:10 o’clock at the age of 16 years, one month, and
27 days, of consumption, after an illness of almost a year.
Deceased joined the Baptist Church when 11 years old, and had
lived a consistent Christian life since that time. She leaves a
father, mother, and other relatives to mourn her death.
CARTER, ANNA R./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 21, 1868
Died in Alton on Sunday, the 15th inst., at 2:00 a.m., at the
residence of her son, R. E. Clement, Mrs. Anna R. Carter, of
congestion of the lungs and heart.
CARTER, HENRY D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 24,
1901
Moro News - Henry D. Carter died on the 18th. Mr.
Carter was 62 years old and with the exception of two years, he
lived always on the same place where he was born. He was never
married, and for many years he lived happily with his mother,
and even after her death several years ago he would not listen
to the entreaties of relatives to leave the old farm. Mr. Carter
was long a pillar in the Ridgley Christian church, and he was
held in high repute by a large circle of friends. Rev. Groner,
his pastor, conducted the funeral services Friday, the remains
were interred at Omphghent.
CARTER, HENRY THORNTON/Source: Madison County ILGenWeb
Henry Thornton Carter, a native of Tennessee, was born June 19,
1811. He came to Illinois in 1827 with his father, Edward
Carter. On June 6, 1833, Henry married Hannah Davis, which was
the first marriage performed in Omphghent Township where her
father lived. In October 1834, Carter and his wife settled in
Section 26 of Moro Township. He died there July 21, 1844, and
left a family of five children. He is buried in the Omphghent
Burying Ground in Prairietown, Illinois. One of his sons was
Winfield Perry Carter, who was born November 11, 1843, in
Madison County. Winfield married Anna Howell, and had two
children - Maude E. Carter (Fisher) and Frank H. Carter.
Winfield was a member of Company B, 18th Illinois Volunteers,
during the Civil War. He died September 10, 1931, and is buried
in Raymond, Montgomery County, Illinois.
CARTER, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1914
James Carter, aged 51, died from paralysis Friday morning at
his home, 1203 Atwood street. He leaves his wife, one daughter,
and two sons, and other relatives. The funeral will be held
Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from Campbell chapel, and Rev. C.
A. Brown will officiate.
CARTER, JANE A./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 5, 1847
Died of typhus fever on the morning of the 4th inst., at the
house of her brother-in-law, Mr. B. Runsin of this place, Miss
Jane A. Carter, daughter of the late Mr. John Carter of this
place, aged about 24 years.
CARTER, PALMYRA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 9,
1914
70 Year Old Colored Woman Found Lying On Floor,
Helpless and Suffering from Cold
An inquest was held by Coroner J.
M. Sims of Collinsville on Mrs. Palmyra Carter, a colored woman
70 years of age, who died at her home on Washington street in
Salu, Sunday, supposedly as the result of exposure from falling
out of her bed and remaining on the floor all night. She lived
alone, and has been feeling ill for the past few days, according
to neighbors. Sunday morning when they saw no one stirring about
the house, they made an investigation and found that she had
fallen from her bed and lay helpless on the floor with just
enough cover to keep her from freezing. She was cared for, but
died a few hours afterwards. The coroner's jury decided that
death resulted from natural causes.
CARTER, PRESLEY N./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1916
Presley N. Carter died last night at 9:30 o'clock at
his home in Milton Heights after one week's illness with
pneumonia. Mr. Carter was 63 years old. He was born in St. Louis
county and spent the greater part of his life on the Missouri
side of the Mississippi river. He came to Upper Alton about
seven years ago with his family from West Alton, and since that
time they have lived at Upper Alton. He leaves four daughters
and one son besides his widow. The funeral will be held Saturday
afternoon at West Alton. Mr. Carter drove a kindling wagon
around the city. Last fall while driving out of the Illinois
Glass Company yards on Second street his wagon was struck by the
limited car on the interurban. The car was just new from the
shops and was making its first run into Alton when the limited
service was inaugurated. Carter's wagon was broken to pieces and
he was badly hurt. His escape from death was miraculous.
However, he finally recovered entirely and had been attending to
his kindling business since. Last Wednesday when the city
streets became covered with ice, Carter drove his horse to the
blacksmith shop and had sharp shoes put on the animal so he
could make deliveries around Alton in the kindling business.
Thursday when the ice was still on the streets Carter's wagon
skidded when loaded, and overturned on Mills avenue. He had
gotten off the wagon just before the accident and was not much
hurt. He took sick the same day and went home to bed and never
got up again.
CARTER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 19, 1921
Mrs. John Carter died this afternoon at 1
o'clock at the home of Mrs. Eliza Hill at 633 Alby street,
following a stroke of paralysis which she suffered Sunday. Mrs.
Carter has long been a resident of Alton and for the past few
years has lived at the Hill home. She was over seventy years of
age. She leaves three sons, Sam and Robert of Alton, and Lee of
Stockton, Calif., and one daughter, Mrs. Henry Allen of
Jerseyville. The body will be taken to Jerseyville Wednesday
morning for interment.
CARTLEDGE, RICHARD/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 9,
1882
From Bethalto – The many friends of Mr. Richard
Cartledge will be pained to hear of his death, which took place
August 8 at his late residence, one mile north of Bethalto.
“Uncle Dick,” as he was called, was born in England. He settled
on the farm on which he died in an early day, and for many years
operated a coal mine on the premises. Of late years he has been
farming pretty extensively. He was about seventy-two years of
age, and leaves a wife and one grown son to mourn their loss.
The funeral will take place from the family residence tomorrow.
CARTWELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 20, 1863
At ten o’clock Monday night, a negro named William Cartwell was
shot dead on Prairie Bend near Venice, in Madison County,
Illinois, by a white man by the name of Costello. The contents
entered his left breast in the region of the heart. The victim
ran into his house, a distance of four or five yards, and there
sank, and in a few moments expired. Arrest was soon made of
Costello for murder, and of his brother, Michael Costello,
together with one John Beasal, said to be their brother-in-law,
for aiding and abetting in the crime.
CARTWRIGHT, FANNIE SKERROW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 6, 1899
Upper Alton news – Mrs. Fannie Skerrow
Cartwright passed away this morning at 11 o’clock after a week’s
illness with grip and nervous prostration. By her death, the
village loses one of its oldest residents, a woman who was
respected by all for her upright character and gentle
disposition. Mrs. Cartwright was born in Hull, Yorkshire,
England, April 1831. At 24 years of age, she married Robert
Cartwright. In 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright came to this country
and settled in Upper Alton, where Mr. Cartwright died a year
ago. During their union, eight children were born – one of whom,
Mrs. William Goetz, survives them.
CARTWRIGHT, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
18, 1898
George Cartwright died at 9 o’clock this morning at
his home on Maple Avenue in Upper Alton, aged 77 years, after a
long illness. Mr. Cartwright was one of the oldest residents of
Madison County, having lived in this vicinity for over forty
years. He was very successful in farming, and some years ago he
retired from active pursuits and settled down to enjoy the
fruits of his years of labor. He settled in Upper Alton about
four years ago, where he lived with his wife, his companion of
many years, until the time of his death. He was born in
Yorkshire, England, January 11, 1821. He came to America and
Alton in 1841, and settled in Madison County, where he has since
lived, with the exception of a few years in Macoupin County. He
was one of the substantial farmers of the county. A widow and
six children survive him: William H., Henry M., John R., Mrs.
George Burton, and Misses Hannah and Lizzie Cartwright.
NOTES:
George Cartwright was born January 11, 1821, in North
Yorkshire, England. He married Charity Barchard, who was born in
1825 in East Riding of Yorkshire, England. She died August 2,
1913 at the age of 87 or 88, in Madison County. Their children
were George Cartwright Jr. (1847-1869); Hannah Cartwright
(1850-1925); Sarah Ann Cartwright Burton (1855-1929); William
Henry Cartwright (1856-1951); Henry M. Cartwright (1858-1940);
Elizabeth E. Cartwright (1860-1909); John Ralph Cartwright
(1863-1937); and Blanche A. Cartwright (1865-1872). George
Cartwright Sr. was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
The Cartwright home, located east of Upper Alton, was
destroyed by fire on January 15, 1895. At that time, some of the
children of George Cartwright were living in the home. The fire
was traced to a stove in an adjoining building, occupied by a
farmhand. The entire home was destroyed, along with some of
their furniture, but no one was injured. The original home was a
two-story, 10-room brick house, and was located on the former
Abel Moore homestead. Seven members of the Moore and Reagan
family were killed by Indians in the 1814 Wood River Massacre.
The Cartwright home was rebuilt, and the entire homestead sold
in 1913 to the State of Illinois, for the purpose of building
the Alton State Hospital.
CARY, ANN (nee FAY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12,
1902
Mrs. Ann Fay Carey, wife of Joseph W. Cary, died
shortly after midnight Wednesday morning after a short illness
with acute indigestion. She had been a sufferer from stomach
trouble and a few weeks ago had a severe attack, but recovered
and was able to be about her home and to attend services in the
Presbyterian church last Sunday. The illness returned about
midnight, and Mrs. Cary seemed to be in such a painful condition
that she was assisted from her bed to a chair in order to afford
her ease, while Mr. Cary hastened for a physician to relieve her
suffering. When he returned he found her in a dying condition
and she breathed her last seated in the chair to which she had
been moved when the illness came on. Her sudden illness and
death was a sad shock to Mr. Cary and her daughter, Mrs. Waples,
who did not fully realize that the end was near. Mrs. Cary's
maiden name was Ann Fay. She had lived in Alton nearly all her
life. She was the mother of two daughters, one of whom died some
twelve or fifteen years ago when quite young. Her life has been
a singularly happy one, and her home a model for her family. She
was a well known member of society and the functions she gave
were characterized by the quiet, yet genial hospitalities she
dispensed. She was a tried and true friend to all her friends,
and true in all her relations in life. In early life she was
bereft of parental care and lived with her sister, Mrs. A. T.
Hawley, until she married. When a young girl she united with the
Presbyterian church and a more faithful, devoted member that
church never had. She was constant in her attendance on all the
services. It mattered little whether the weather was fair or
foul, the regular attendant always counted on meeting Mrs. Cary.
She allowed nothing to interfere with her judgment as to her
duty in such matters, and whether it was the usual service on
Sabbath or the mid-week meetings and social gatherings, she was
rarely absent. In the Presbyterian church she will be sadly
missed, as her assistance and substantial cooperation in all
church work made her an invaluable member of the ladies
societies of the church. Her advice was always heeded and was
proved good. The regular meeting of the Aid society which was to
have been held this afternoon was postponed on account of Mrs.
Cary's death. She leaves a husband to whom she was married in
October 1865, and one daughter, Mrs. Walter L. Waples of this
city. She leaves also three sisters, Mrs. Elia Phinney of Alton,
to whom the death of Mrs. Cary will be a heavy blow as they were
twins and were together during their whole lives whenever it was
possible; also Mrs. A. T. Hawley and Mrs. D. C. Adams of St.
Louis, both of whom formerly lived in Alton. The funeral will be
held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be
conducted at the family home on Twelfth street.
CARY, JOSEPH W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1922
Retired Jewelry Merchant Dies
Joseph W. Cary, retired
business man, died Sunday at 7:45 a.m., at his home on Twelfth
Street, following an illness of four days. Death was due to a
complication of diseases. He was 84 years old. Mr. Cary,
notwithstanding his advanced age, was in good health until
recently. He became ill Thursday of last week, and even then his
condition was not thought alarming until Saturday when fears for
his recovery were felt. Development of pneumonia, and a stroke,
Saturday, rendered his condition serious, and Sunday morning the
end came. Mr. Cary, during his business career, showed what
industry will accomplish, and typified that ideal American, to
whom rising in the world is part of his life. Entering business
when 17 years old, he rose until he became the head of a great
firm. Joseph William Cary was born January 6 1838, at Portland,
Conn. He came to Alton in 1855 at the age of 17, and engaged in
the jewelry business with his uncle, William Cary. Industrious
application to his duties and a steadfast determination to
master the details of the business soon made of him a leader in
his profession, and it was not long until he purchased his
uncle's interest and conducted the business himself. In the
early 80s, seeding wider fields, he went to St. Louis and
entered the firm of Steidman and Lange, a jewelry supply house.
The firm later became known as J. W. Cary & Co. Five years ago,
Mr. Cary retired. Mr. Cary, in 1863, was married to Miss Ann
Fay, a native of Alton and a daughter of Thomas Fay, prominent
in the pork packing business in the earlier history of Alton. Of
this marriage, two children were born, of whom one - Mrs. W. B.
Robinson, survives. The other daughter, Nellie Cary, died when
ten years old. Mrs. Cary died more than 20 years ago. Mr. Cary
is survived also by a sister, Mrs. H. W. Ibbotson of Brooklyn.
It is not known if Mrs. Ibbotson will be able to make the
journey to Alton, because of her advanced age. Death of Mr. Cary
removes from Alton a well-known and greatly respected citizen.
During his business career he made many friends by his
affability. His competitors regarded him as one to be feared
always in competition, but one with whom honor came first. The
funeral of Mr. Carey will be held Tuesday afternoon at 4
o'clock. Mr. Cary went to school in Alton and there are still
here some of those who went to school with him. He was devoted
to outdoors sports and was known as an expert at sailing a
yacht. He formerly kept a fast sailboat on the Mississippi, but
for the past twenty-five years had confined his sailing to the
times when he would be spending his summer vacation at Harbor
Beach, Mich. He was planning only last week for going to Harbor,
Mich., for the summer, and was looking forward with great
pleasure to having an outing there with Frank R. Milnor of
Alton, whom he had known from boyhood.
CASH, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1908
Old and Out of Work - Man Cuts Own Throat to Commit Suicide
James Cash, aged about 60, old and out of work, committed
suicide in the bathroom at the Dawson hotel this morning by
cutting his throat with a razor. Cash was formerly employed at
the glassworks doing the work of a "carrying-in" boy, but he was
too old and stiff to come up to the requirements and he was ____
missed about four weeks ago. He would try every day to get work,
but much drinking and the advance of age had made him feeble. He
had taken to drinking considerably since he got out of work and
this morning he solicited several drinks at neighboring saloons
before he cut his throat. He had a room near the bathroom.
Clothed fully and wearing his hat and overcoat, he went to the
bathroom and there cut his throat. He made four or five steps to
a window where he laid the razor on the window sill, then he
went back to the bathtub and leaning over it, let the blood
drain into the tub to avoid making a muss on the floor. Mrs.
Glynn, the proprietor of the hotel, had been kind to him and had
not bothered him when he did not pay his board promptly so he
evidently desired to spare all the trouble he could to his
benefactor. The body was found in the bath tub by a man working
at the hotel, James Lambert, who reported it to Mrs. Glynn. Dr.
Duggan was called but he found the man dead. Coroner Streeper
was summoned and he took charge of the body. At the hotel it was
said that Cash had written to his sister, Mrs. Mary Blanchard at
Bowling Green, Missouri, asking her to send him some money. He
had told that he expected an answer to his letter this morning,
and when it did not come he seemed to be very down-hearted. He
told his friends he was going away shortly before he killed
himself, and nothing more was seen of him until his body was
found in the bathtub. Coroner Streeper will make an effort to
find the relatives of Cash. They are said to be well-to-do and
to own considerable real estate. Cash himself is said to have
used up a large amount of money, most of which he spent for
drink. The sister will send for the body.
CASNER, ALTA ZARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4, 1921
Mrs. Alta Zara Casner, a resident of Alton for a number of
years, died Sunday evening at 6:30 at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Chris Wohnlich on Rogers avenue, after a four days illness
with pneumonia. The deceased is survived by her husband, W. L.
Casner, one daughter, Mrs. Chris Wohnlich, and one son, Frank;
also 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral
services will be held on Wednesday afternoon with interment in
Oakwood cemetery.
CASON, CHARLES MACK FRANCIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 9, 1918
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Cason, Charles Mack Francis, died at the family home at 920 Alby
street this morning at ten minutes of four. The baby was born on
the 29th of January. The body will be taken to Elsah for burial
on Monday morning. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock.
CASSNER, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 12,
1852
Throat Cut by His Own Hand
It seems that very
exaggerated and erroneous impressions have gone abroad in
relation to Cassner, who was found dead on the levee on Monday
morning with his throat cut. We have had conversations with a
number of persons upon the subject, and from them, as well as
from the facts in the case as elicited from the Coroner’s
inquest, there is no reasonable doubt but the horrid deed was
committed by Cassner’s own hand. It appears that Cassner was at
least partially deranged. Late on Sunday afternoon, he was seen
bailing out with his shoe, the skiff supposed to have been
stolen, and at about 9 o’clock, his coat was seen near the spot
where his body was afterwards found. The bloody knife, which was
laying at his side, is the one known to have been purchased by
him on Saturday. He is known to have had no money in his
possession, except the $16.75 found under his pillow in his
bedroom. These and other corroborating facts go to show that he
was insane, and was his own murderer.
CASTELLO, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June
21, 1855
A child about two years old, son of Mr. James
Castello, was run over by a load wagon, near the school house on
State street, yesterday afternoon, the wheels of the wagon
passing over and crushing the skull, and forcing out the brains,
causing instant death. The driver, a young man from Jerseyville,
was walking behind the wagon and did not see the child. An
inquest was held over the body and the jury returned a verdict
setting forth the facts mainly as stated, and censuring the
driver for culpable negligence in driving his team. It is a long
time since we have been called to chronicle so shocking an
occurrence. We learn since writing the above, that the driver
was arrested and examined before Justice Pinckard, who
discharged him. This dreadful accident, we hope, will serve as a
warning to careless drivers, especially in the streets of the
city.
CASTINETTO, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1886
From Godfrey – Mr. Charles Castinetto died at his home in
Godfrey last Friday, and was buried in the Godfrey Cemetery
Saturday. The funeral arrangements were under the skillful
management of A. J. Howell of Alton. Rev. Smith of Grace Church
conducted the religious services. Mr. Castinetto left a widow
and four children. His life was insured for two thousand
dollars.
CASTLE, LYNUS "CHARLIE" T./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 26, 1910
Lynas T. Castle, auditor of
the Illinois Terminal railroad, died at his home in Upper Alton
Friday evening at 9 o'clock after an illness of a few days. Mr.
Castle never regained consciousness after he was stricken
Wednesday night. It will be remembered he was engaged in winding
the clock when he fell unconscious to the floor, and he never
revived. The physicians pronounced his malady to be uraemic
poisoning, resulting from kidney trouble, and from the first
held out no hope of recovery. Mr. Castle was born in Upper Alton
and was 56 years of age. He was the son of Prof. and Mrs. O. L.
Castle, and his father was an instructor in Shurtleff college
for many years. His family was always highly esteemed, and Mr.
Castle was respected by all who knew him. Almost his entire life
was passed in Upper Alton. He was employed by the Big Four
railroad for many years, and filled the post of agent at the
freight depot in Alton. He resigned that position to take charge
of a mining venture in New Mexico, but when this failed he
returned to his old home and later took a position with the
Illinois Glass Co. When the Illinois Terminal needed his
services he became auditor of that railroad, which position he
held until his death. He was a man who made enduring
friendships, and among the men who worked for him in the many
years he was in railroad work there is not one but is sorry that
"Charlie" Castle, as he was familiarly known, is dead. He was
easy to get along with, was a just man, and very conscientious.
He married Miss Nannie Warnock, who survives him. He had no
children. He leaves beside his wife, his mother, who home is in
Springfield with her son, L. M. Castle. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Upper Alton Baptist
Church.
CASTOR, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 23, 1908
Mrs. Mary Castor, wife of William
Castor, died at 2:30 o'clock this morning at the residence,
Third and Cherry streets, after an illness beginning more than a
year ago and which developed complications. She is survived by
her husband and three children, and the body will be shipped to
Philadelphia tonight for burial.
CASWELL, HENRY C./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 2, 1844
Died, in Upper Alton, Illinois, on Tuesday the 27th of February,
1844, after a long and painful illness, Mr. Henry C. Caswell, in
the 32d year of his age. The deceased was originally from
Jefferson County, New York, where his father and several of his
connection still reside, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him for his sober, industrious, and temperate habits, and the
practical benevolence and charity of his life. He was prompt to
relieve the wants and miseries of the distressed, and never did
suffering humanity appeal to his benevolence in vain. For
several years, Mr. Caswell had been a steadfast believer in the
impartial and universal goodness of God to all his offspring,
which would eventuate in the restitution of all things, and to
the restoration of the whole human family to holiness and
consequent happiness, in which faith he continued without
wavering to the last. He has left a wife and three young and
lovejoy daughters, to whom he had endeared himself by unceasing
acts of kindness and attention. Other near relations and friends
mourn his loss, but may all who feel interested in this
dispensation be fully persuaded that their loss is his gain. May
they perpetuate the memory of his character by copying his
virtues, and may the mercies of that God, in whom he trusted,
abundantly console and bless them.
CASWELL, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1872
Died
on July 7, of consumption, at his residence in Alton, Mr. John
Caswell; in the 38th year of her age.
CAUGHLAN, CECILIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1848
Died on Thursday the 8th inst., Cecilia, infant daughter of Mr.
David Caughlan, aged 1 year and 10 months.
CAUGHLAN, JAMES W./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 13, 1851
Died on Friday the 6th inst., James W., infant son of David and
Ellen Caughlan, aged about one year.
CAUGHLAN, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1849
Died in Alton on the 9th instant, William E., infant son of
David and Ellen Caughlan, aged 13 months.
CAULEY, LIZZIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7, 1916
Mrs. Lizzie Cauley, aged 46 years, died last evening at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Hugh McNary, at 659 E. Third street
at 11 o'clock. Mrs. Cauley leaves three children, Mrs. Cauley,
Sidney Cauley of Lock Haven, and Benjamin Cauley of Alton. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at three o'clock from the
home, Rev. S. D. McKenney, officating.
CAUSLEY, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, December 2,
1853
Stabbed to Death in Alton
Early on Thursday morning a
young man, a drayman [man who drives a cart], was stabbed during
a drunken row by another man, supposed to be a drayman. The
occurrence took place at the grocery on the corner of Third and
Piasa Streets. The wounded man lived about twelve hours after
the affray. An examination was held on Thursday, before Justice
Pinckard, and was continued over to yesterday, in order to await
the verdict of the Coroner's jury; and which was, that the
deceased was willfully murdered. The Coroner's jury also signed
a document addressed to the City Council, petitioning that the
grocery where the murder was committed should be shut up. The
accused party was remanded to jail, to await trial. His name is
Flannagan. The name of the deceased was Causley.
CAVENDER, ROBERT SMITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
28, 1900
Robert Smith Cavender, one of the old residents
of Alton, died at 9:30 o'clock this morning at his home on
Franklin street, after an illness of several weeks of heart
trouble. He was 68 years of age, and lived in Alton since 1863,
being a member of one of the most prominent families of Alton.
He leaves a wife and some distant relatives in this city. Mr.
Cavender was born at Franklin, N. H., in 1831, and came west in
1836, making his home in St. Louis, where he remained until his
health failed and he went south. In 1863 he came to Alton,
having married Caroline Atwood, daughter of Moses G. Atwood, ten
years previous. Mrs. Cavender is still living here. The funeral
will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home on Franklin
street.
CHADWICK, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
29, 1913
Wood River Engineer Meets Terrible Death
Henry Chadwick of Wood River, engineer of the yard train in
the Standard Oil refinery yards, met a tragic death Sunday, when
he became caught in the cogs of his engine when a wire cable
snapped and threw him into the machine and he was terribly torn
and crushed. The accident occurred at 9 o'clock in the morning,
and Chadwick was rushed to the St. Joseph's Hospital where Dr.
Taphorn amputated his limb, but the shock to his system was so
great that he died at 2 o'clock. A new crane, used for lifting
coal from cars, had been installed, and Chadwick and his
fireman, John Allen, were trying to correct the faulty working
of the new equipment. The power had been shut off and Chadwick
and Allen were under the machine seeking to make the correction.
Suddenly, and for a reason that has not been explained, the
machine started. A powerful steel cable snapped and one, curling
about Chadwick's body, carried him into the cogs of the machine.
Chadwick's foot was caught in the cogs and slowly, but surely,
he was drawn toward certain death, despite his struggles to free
himself. He cried for his companion to shut off the power. Allen
was quick to realize the peril of his superior, and he already
had thrown his full weight on the brake. This, in a measure,
checked the progress, but already Chadwick's leg had been drawn
through the cogs and the limb had been crushed to a point far
above the knee. The fireman realized that if he stepped from the
brake and reached the throttle and shut off the power,
Chadwick's body would be drawn into the powerful machine and he
would be killed instantly, and the body mangled out of all human
form. Allen called loudly for help, and another workman was told
to shut off the steam. The engine ceased its operations and the
engineer still was unable to extricate himself from the cogs. He
suffered untold agony as the machine was reversed and the wheels
turned so that the cog's grasp of his leg was released. He was
unconscious when he was extricated and was hurried to St.
Joseph's Hospital in Alton. He did not regain consciousness, and
died a few minutes after the surgeons began operating on him.
Chadwick was 29 years old. His home was at Wood River, where he
lived. Coroner Sims took charge of the body and conducted an
inquest this afternoon. Chadwick leaves his wife and three
little children, David, Ruth and Paul; also his mother, Mrs. R.
S. Taylor. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1
o'clock, from the home in Wood River, and burial will be in the
Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton. Dr. J. M. Sims of Collinsville
arrived this afternoon to hold an inquest at 2 o'clock on Henry
Chadwick at the Chadwick home in Wood River.
CHAFFER, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 3,
1902
Mrs. Elizabeth Chaffer, wife of William Chaffer,
died Saturday afternoon at her home, 1234 Main street, after a
long illness with Bright's disease. She has been in a dying
condition several months and the end was expected when it came.
She was 68 years of age and had been a resident of Alton many
years. She leaves beside her husband, a family of children, all
well known residents of Alton. The funeral services will be held
at the Cathedral Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, and burial will
be in Greenwood Cemetery.
CHAFFER, MINNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1875
Died in Alton on Monday, August 2, of cholera infantum, Minnie,
youngest child of Richard and Maggie Chaffer; aged eleven months
and three days.
CHAFLANT, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 25,
1902
Mrs. Minnie Chaflant, aged 30, died at St. Joseph's
hospital Wednesday evening, at 5 o'clock. The funeral will be
tomorrow morning from the home of J. Fahrig at Ridge and Union
streets.
CHALK, HARRY P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 16, 1913
Harry P. Chalk, aged 62, died at his
home, 537 East Seventh street, Tuesday morning at 11:40 o'clock
after an illness which had been acute since Sunday. Mr. Chalk's
death was a shocking surprise to a very large number of friends
and intimate associates. He had been in poor health for some
time, but he said so little about it, and continued so steadily
at his work that there was none who regarded his case as a
serious one. He was employed as a salesman for the
Scarritt-Constock Furniture Company of St. Louis. He had
continued at his work up to the time he came home, and after
that was around the streets and was greeted by many of his
friends. Last Saturday he was taken very seriously ill, and his
case became much worse as the malady progressed. Sunday night he
was considered somewhat better, and his son, Harry, who had come
from Chicago to see him, returned home. He was summoned back
when the case continued to grow worse. Monday night it was
believed he would not survive the night. He died shortly before
noon Tuesday, surrounded by his family. Mr. Chalk came to Alton
forty-seven years ago. He was married ten years later. He is
survived by his wife and three sons, William P., Hart, and Harry
Chalk, the latter of Chicago. Mr. Chalk was a member of the
Masonic fraternity and the Elks, in both of which orders he had
taken deep interest. He was a man of very pronounced
convictions, a man who made firm friendships with those who knew
him best, and he leaves a large number of devoted friends who
sincerely mourn his death. The funeral of Mr. Chalk will be
Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
CHALLACOMBE, ARRON (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 3, 1881
Civil War Veteran; City Marshal; Captain of
Night Police
Captain Aaron Challacombe, for a number of years
a resident of Alton, died Sunday afternoon after suffering for
years from asthma and bronchitis, in the 46th year of his age.
Captain Challacombe was a native of Devonshire, England, but
came to this country while a youth. He served in the Union army
during the Civil War, entering as a private, and was promoted
for gallantry until he reached the rank of Captain. He was twice
taken prisoner by the rebels, and was confined for some time in
the terrible Andersonville prison, where he endured hardships
and sufferings that laid the foundations of the disease that
finally terminated his life.
Captain Challacombe was
twice elected City Marshal of Alton, and also served as Captain
of the Night Police. He was ever a faithful, efficient officer,
and it was by him that the notorious Patsey Devine was arrested
in the mountain fastnesses of the State of New York. Deceased,
in addition to a wife and three children, leaves two sisters,
three brothers, and other relatives and many friends, attracted
by his genial, companionable disposition, to mourn his death.
The funeral took place Tuesday from the late residence of
the deceased on State Street, with a very large attendance of
mourning relatives and friends. The remains were accompanied by
a large procession to the place of rest in the City Cemetery.
NOTES:
Captain Aaron Challacombe was born in 1836 in
England, to Thomas I. and Mary (Willis) Challacombe. Surviving
were a wife, Kate Eva (Beem) Challacombe, and three children,
one of which was Allan Kyle Challacombe (1877-1928). A daughter,
Edith M. Challacombe, died in infancy in 1874; and a son,
William “Willie” M. Challacombe, died at the age of four in
January 1875.
CHALLACOMBE, EDITH M./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
January 7, 1875
Died in this city [Alton] on the 30th
inst., of cholera infantum, Edith M., infant daughter of Capt.
A. and Mrs. Kate E. Challacombe, aged 2 years and 9 months.
CHALLACOMBE, HAROLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17,
1922
Deadly Anthrax Claims Victim After a Week
Harold
Challacombe, the 6-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Challacombe, of Challacombe, was dying from anthrax this
afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital. The dread disease, one that
is prevalent among cattle and is recognized as incurable both in
man and beast, made its appearance in the boy last Tuesday. He
was complaining of a toothache and soon what was taken for fever
blisters appeared around his mouth. His case continued to grow
worse, and he was brought to St. Joseph's Hospital in the hope
that something could be done for him that would save his life.
The disease was diagnosed an anthrax. He has since continued to
grow worse and today had reached a stage that made it seem
impossible that he could last through the day. Anthrax is a
disease which rarely appears in a human being. When it does, it
is, as a rule, contracted from some horse that had the disease.
Member of the family said today that they had no knowledge of
how the boy became exposed to the deadly malady. Mr. and Mrs.
Ray Birkenmeyer of Fidelity, grandparents of the little victim
of anthrax, are in town watching the development of the little
patient. Mrs. Challacombe is a niece of Mrs. Jesse Rich of
Phinney avenue.
Anthrax Case Patient Dies in
Hospital
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1922
The condition of Harold Challacombe, who has been a patient
in St. Joseph's hospital suffering from the dreadful anthrax,
continued very bad all night last night and morning, and he died
at 1:10 p.m. Doctors who had viewed the boy did not believe that
there was a chance for the lad to recover. There is a treatment
for the disease which has been attended with some success, but
the ideas had advanced far when it was diagnosed, after he had
been brought to St. Joseph's hospital. The disease was
suspected, and surgeons gave warning of their suspicions on the
arrival of the patient here, but it was not until a microscopic
examination of his blood had been made that the diagnosis was
certain. The germs of the disease were shown plainly in the
speciment of blood that was examined under a powerful glass, and
extreme cautions were taken from that time on to guard against
anyone becoming infected by the germs. Members of the family
reiterated today that they have no idea as to how the disease
happened to afflict the boy. They do keep sheep on their place
at Challacombe, and often sheep have been known to have the
disease, but so far as the family know there has been no
sickness of any kind among the sheep. Medical books refer to the
disease as one that is sometimes contracted by human beings who
handle hides and pelts of animals which have been afflicted.
Dogs and cats seem to be immune, as well as all cold blooded
animals. The boy was believed to be dying yesterday afternoon,
but he continued to live during the night, and this morning. He
was delirious and the symptomic development of the case was
reported to have been rapid. The death of the child this
afternoon followed a period of complete collapse characteristic
of the disease. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Challacombe,
have another child.
CHALLACOMBE, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16,
1921
Mrs. Kate Challacombe, widow of Aaron Challacombe,
died this morning at 9 o'clock at the home of her son, Norman
Challacombe, 1805 State street, after a long period of
disability due chiefly to her age. She was 78 years old. Mrs.
Challacombe had experienced difficulty in getting around owing
to a crippled condition due to a fall, about a year ago. She had
previously suffered very serious injuries by falling at her home
on State Street, but she recovered, showing remarkable rallying
power. She was a good mother to her family and in the
neighborhood where she lived she was generally admired and
loved. Her chief interest had centered in her home, but she was
also always interested in her neighbors and friends. She was a
member of the Beem family in Alton, and she leaves two sisters
residing here, Misses Annie and Elizabeth Beem. She leaves also
two sons, Norman and Allen Challacombe, both residents of Alton.
She was a member of the Baptist church and the funeral services
Friday afternoon will be conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing, pastor
of the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Challacombe was born near
Pittsburg, Pa., but was reared in Alton, having come here at an
early age and she was married here.
CHALLACOMBE, NANCY GLORIANA (nee CARSON)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1920
Head of Four Generations
Passes Away
Mrs. Nancy Gloriana Carson Challacombe, aged 91, and
the oldest of four generations, died at her home on Locust Hill,
at Challacombe, Ill., where she has resided for 70 years of
more. She was the widow of Nicholas Challacombe, who died ten
years ago. Both were well known in Alton. Mrs. Challacombe is
survived by three sons: W. J. Challacombe of Challacombe;
Nicholas of Everett, Wash.; and Wesley of Carlinville; and by
four daughters: Mrs. Mary Hartwell; Mrs. Anna Searles; and Mrs.
Dora Butler of Challacombe, and Mrs. Mabel Birchard of Everett,
Wash. Mrs. Charles Beall is a granddaughter. Mrs. Challacombe
leaves a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The Challacombe family is one of the best known in this part of
Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Challacombe going there to reside
following their marriage, March 27, 1847. Their holdings are
large, covering a great tract of land. Mrs. Challacombe was born
in Franklin, Tenn., of Scotch parentage. Her death is the third
in the family this year, the others being her brother, Gideon
Carson, and her brother-in-law, Horace Warner, bot of whom died
in January at their home near Challacombe. The funeral will be
held from the home Friday afternoon, and burial will be in
Summerville cemetery. Many from Alton plan to go out to attend
the funeral.
CHALLACOMBE, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8,
1913
Pioneer Melville Farmer Dies
Nicholas Challacombe,
the pioneer Grafton road farmer, who was burned while fighting a
fire in his field two weeks ago, died at his home at 9 o'clock
Thursday morning. Mr. Challacombe was in apparent good health
and was active about his farm up to the time of the accident. He
was of an especially sunny disposition and bid fair to reach the
century mark. The burns at the time of the accident were not
supposed to be fatal, but poisoning set in and for the past week
Mr. Challacombe has been sinking. He was surrounded by the
members of his family at the time of his death. Nicholas
Challacombe was one of the pioneer settlers in the Melville
district. His wife, Mary Challacombe, who survives, is 83 years
of age and still enjoys good health. She has been at the side of
her aged husband constantly since his injury. Three daughters
survive, Miss Jennie Challacombe, who resides at home; Mrs. O.
H. Darrow of Champaign; and Mrs. R. L. Smith of Godfrey; and one
son, James Challacombe. A sister, Mrs. Eliza Drew, the last
member of the Challacombe family who came to this country from
England, resides in Irving, Ill. There are also fourteen
grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The funeral will be
Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to the Melville
church.
CHALLACOMBE, NICHOLAS LEWIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August
21, 1868
Died in Alton this morning (August 17), Nicholas
Lewis, infant son of John and Elizabeth Challacombe, aged five
months.
CHALLACOMBE, RACHEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 1, 1850
Died on the 18th ult., in Alton, Mrs. Rachel, wife of Mr. John
Challacombe, in the 29th year of her age. The deceased was born
in Virginia in 1821, emigrated to Macoupin County with her
father’s family in 1835, and was married November 23, 1842. She
resided in Macoupin County until 1849. For the last two years,
she has been much afflicted with a lingering disease. To get
nearer medical aid, her husband removed his family to Alton, but
human skill proved of no avail. She died in full hope of a
brighter world than this, desiring her husband to prepare to
follow her, and has left an affectionate husband and three
children, with many relations, to mourn her loss.
CHALLACOMBE, RACHEL M./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24,
1866
Died in Alton on the 185h inst., Rachel M., infant
daughter of John and E. A. Challacombe, aged 10 months.
CHALLACOMBE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 17, 1850
Died in Alton on the 14th inst., at the residence of Mr. John
Burke, William Challacombe. He was born in Devonshire, England
in May 1823. When quite young, he went to sea, and followed the
ocean a number of years. About two years ago, he came to Alton,
where he has since resided. He ___ted by profession with the
Presbyterian Church in that place in March of last year. He was
a young man of a lovely disposition, fine mind and extensive
feeling. During his brief connection with the church, he was
always found at his post, except when prevented by sickness. His
prayers were fervent, and clothed in striking beauty of
language. Everyone felt his promise for ___fulness was
uncommonly fair. By his consistent piety, his late rest in the
temperance cause and every good work, he was fast gaining a
place in the esteem of all. But God needed him in a high sphere.
CHALLACOMBE, WILLIE M./Source: Alton Weekly
Telegraph, January 7, 1875
Died in this city [Alton] on
the 5th inst., of scarlet rash, Willie M., son of Capt. A. and
Mrs. Kate Challacombe, aged four years and four months.
CHALLENGSWORTH, BERTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 1, 1922
The funeral of Mrs. Bertha Challengsworth,
wife of Harry Challengsworth, was held this afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home at Fosterburg, and was attended by
a large number of relatives, friends and neighbors.
CHALLENSWORTH, BESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2,
1901
Bessie, four years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.
Challingsworth, died this morning at the home of cholera morbus.
The child was alive and well yesterday afternoon, and was taken
sick suddenly, and medical science could do nothing. She was a
piece of William C. Shaefer of the city.
CHALLENGSWORTH, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
5, 1922
Helen, the five year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Harvey Challengsworth of 402 Belle street, died Sunday morning
from the effects of blood poisoning, which began with a bite of
a mosquito. The attending surgeon diagnosed the trouble as being
due to infection, and finally it became necessary to resort to a
surgical operation in the hope of giving relief. The operation
did not halt the spread of the infection, which progressed until
finally it proved fatal, involving vital organs of the body. She
had been in St. Joseph's hospital where she was taken for the
surgical operation that was depended upon to halt the spread of
the trouble. The bite was on the child's ankle. It may have been
scratched by the child herself, and infection thus introduced
into the wound. The funeral was held today and burial was in the
Fosterburg cemetery. The family formerly lived at Fosterburg.
The funeral was held from SS Peter and Paul's Cathedral, with
the Rev. Peter Smith officiating. Music for the funeral was
furnished by Mrs. J. B. Cahill.
CHALLENGSWORTH, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
13, 1908
Mrs. Martha Challengsworth, aged 73, died this
afternoon at her home in Fosterburg after an illness resulting
from the weakness of age. She had lived in Madison county 40
years. She was a native of England. Mrs. Challengsworth leaves
four children, William and Amos Challengsworth, Mrs. Lucinda
Hill and Mrs. Melinda Heines. Funeral arrangements have not been
made.
CHALLENGSWORTH, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 1, 1906
Thomas Challengsworth, a prominent resident
of Fosterburg, died this afternoon after a long illness. He was
about 50 years of age. He leaves his wife and several children.
The funeral arrangements have not been made.
CHAMBERLAIN, JULIA M./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 10, 1879
Died in Alton, Wednesday evening, July 2, 1879, after a
lingering illness, Mrs. Julia M., wife of H. W. Chamberlain;
aged 32 years, 11 months, and 2 days.
CHAMBERLAIN, LOUISE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 2, 1883
Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Chamberlain were bereaved Tuesday afternoon
by the death of their infant daughter, Louise, aged 7 months.
The sad occurrence took place at 2 o’clock. The funeral took
place today, from the family residence.
CHAMBERLIN, SAMUEL A./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 28, 1861
Died at Monticello [Godfrey], Monday, June 24th, a 7 o clock
p.m., Samuel A. Chamberlin, aged 51(?).
CHAMBERLIN,
WILLIAM C. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 16 & 23,
1849
Presbyterian Circuit Rider in Southern Illinois
We
regret to state that the Rev. William Chamberlin of Monticello
[Godfrey], well known throughout Southern Illinois as a
traveling Missionary in the employment of the Alton Presbytery,
and also for his abundant labors in spreading the Gospel and
organizing churches in the destitute parts of this State,
departed this life at the residence of the Rev. A. T. Norton in
Alton, on Wednesday afternoon, of cramp-colic, after a few hours
illness. He had been attending the protracted meeting in the
Presbyterian Church for two weeks past, and preached his last
sermon on Monday evening, being then in usual health.
Rev. Chamberlin was born in Newbury, Orange County, Vermont,
February 20, 1791. After several removals, the family settled in
Hardwick, Caledonia County. At this place, when at the age of
nineteen, he met with that great change, without which no man
can see the Kingdom of God. From cardinal infancy, he had been
set apart by his parents for the work of the ministry. He was
naturally sprightly, active in labor, and quick to learn. When
he was nine or ten years of age, his parents lost their
property, and with it their hopes of giving him a liberal
education.
When 21 years of age, he, with an associate,
purchased a farm in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. During the
week they labored with their hands, and on Sabbath taught
Sabbath School and lectured the place, being without preaching.
Members of Presbytery, hearing of their usefulness, advised them
to enter upon a course of study for the ministry. They
accordingly sold their property, placed themselves under the
care of the Presbytery, taught school in the winters, and
pursued their studies with Rev. Salmon King of Warren County,
Pennsylvania. Five years after, the subject of this notice
entered the academy at Wilksbarre, and boarded in the family of
Rev. A. Hoyt, whose daughter, Miss Flora Hoyt, his now-afflicted
widow, he subsequently married. He is supposed to have been
licensed to preach some time in 1817. In December of that year,
he started for the Cherokee Nation, on a missionary under the
patronage of the American ______. He arrived on missionary
ground March 10, 1818.
From that time until the Fall of
1838, he was laboriously occupied in missionary labor among the
Cherokee. Possessing a firm constitution, much of the hard
service fell to his lot. He was ever the Pioneer, being able to
gather congregations where another one could. He preached by an
interpreter, never having prepared but one sermon in the
Cherokee language. He not only secured the confidence of the red
men, but their affections in a very unusual degree. And through
the divine blessing on his labors and those of his devoted
associates, he was permitted to ____ a savage nation become
civilized, and many of them the humble members of Christ’s
church. When, in 1831, Rev. Messrs. Rulier and Wincester were
imprisoned by the authorities of Georgia, Mr. Chamberlin escaped
the same fate only because his station was a few miles across
the line in Alabama.
After assisting the Cherokees to
leave their country for the desert wilds, West of the
Mississippi, whither the Government were forcing them, Mr.
Chamberlin, in the Fall of 18__, visited Pennsylvania and New
England. In May of the succeeding year, he started with his wife
in a one-horse wagon to seek the Cherokees in their new land.
They traveled across Ohio, in Indiana, Illinois, and proceeded
fifty miles west of St. Louis. At that point, they heard of the
Civil War among the Cherokees, and concluded to delay their
journey until the affairs of that nation became more settled.
They came to Carlinville in Illinois, where they had friends,
and where they remained until 18??. They then moved to
Monticello [Godfrey], which has since been their home.
Upon his removal to Monticello [Godfrey], Mr. Chamberlin
obtained an honorable and highly complementary discharge from
the American Board, and entered immediately the service of the
Alton Presbytery. In this service, he continued till the day of
his death. Of his labors, while among us, we shall not need
speak. So far as man can see, there was no one whom we could not
have better ______. He was the right man of those missionary
operations, which for the past nine years, have been so signally
favored by the Great Head of the church. But if he must die now,
we rejoice that he was permitted to ascend in a chariot of fire,
from the very midst of a glorious session of revival, in which
his whole soul was enlisted, and in promoting which he had a
large instrumentality.
NOTES:
William C. Chamberlin
was born February 20, 1791, in Newbury, Vermont. He was the son
of Moses (1749-1832) and Abigail Stevens (1763-1840) Chamberlin.
The family moved to Hardwick, Vermont, where at the age of 19 he
became a Christian and set a goal to enter the ministry. At the
age of 21, William and an associate purchased a farm in
Pennsylvania. They worked during the week, and preached on
Sunday. The people encouraged him to study for the ministry, so
he sold his property and studied under Rev. Salmon King, while
teaching school to earn money. After five years, he entered the
academy at Wilksbarre. He boarded with Rev. A Hoyt, and fell in
love with his daughter, Flora Hoyt, whom he married. In 1818,
William traveled to the Cherokee Nation in Georgia, preaching
salvation to them through an interpreter. He earned their
respect and friendship. In about 1838, when the U.S. government
forced the Cherokees to leave their home and march to Oklahoma
(Trail of Tears), Chamberlin visited Pennsylvania and New
England. He and his wife then set out with a one-horse wagon to
visit their Cherokee friends in their new home. When 50 miles
west of St. Louis, they heard of a Civil War among the
Cherokees, and decided to turn around and visit friends in
Carlinville, Illinois. They then settled in Monticello
[Godfrey], where they remained. He spent the rest of his life
preaching in the Presbyterian Churches in Southern Illinois, and
died at the residence of Rev. A. T. Norton in Alton on March 14,
1849. His burial location is possibly Godfrey Cemetery or Alton
City Cemetery.
CHAMBERS, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1907
Jacob Chambers, aged 76, died Tuesday evening at 6:30
o'clock at his home in Godfrey township after an illness of one
month from a complication of diseases. He had lived near Godfrey
more than thirty years and he was well known in Alton and was
highly respected by all who knew him. He leaves beside his wife,
six children, four daughters: Mrs. Sallie Francis, Mrs. Annie
Gerner, Mrs. Fannie Graves, Miss Lelia Chambers; and two sons:
Jacob and John Chambers. The body will be taken to East Newbern
for burial tomorrow morning, and services will be conducted by
Rev. Albrecht of Elsah.
CHAMPION, EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, May 8, 1902
Edward D. Champion, aged 65, died Thursday at his home on
Fifth street, near Market, after a long and painful illness with
dropsy. He was a well-known fisherman and had lived in Alton
many years.
CHAMPION, MARTHA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 15,
1882
We regret to announce the death of little Martha,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Champion of Bethalto, which occurred
last Thursday night. She was ten years of age, and came here
with her father from Medora last Spring, and in that short time
had made many friends. She was a very bright and interesting
child, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. It was
her request to be buried by the side of her little brother, near
Medora, and the sad father, accompanied by Messrs. John Wells
and Richard Lawrence, started Saturday morning for that place.
The sympathy of the whole community are with the bereaved
parents.
CHANDLER, MARTIN
First to Farm in Fosterburg
Martin
Brown Chandler was born in 1790 in Randolph County, North
Carolina. He was granted government land in what was then called
Smooth Prairie. His was the first farm in what would become
Fosterburg. Martin Chandler married Susanna Scarlott Chandler,
and they had at least two children – Ransom Chandler (1822-1857)
and Susanna Chandler (1825-1903).
Ransom Chandler,
Martin’s son, was born in 1822 in North Carolina. He came to
Illinois with his parents in 1839, and settled on Smooth
Prairie. On March 29, 1845, he married Rosavina Foster, daughter
of Oliver Sr. and Hannah Foster. Ransom erected a home in
Fosterburg, and he and his father operated one of the first
mills in Foster Township. Ransom and Rosavina had three
children: Jane Chandler, Elizabeth Chandler, and Martin Brown
Chandler Jr. (1843-1909). Ransom died in 1857, and Rosavina
remarried to Richard Jinkinson.
Susanna Chandler Foster
Thompson, Martin’s daughter, was born in North Carolina in 1825,
and came to Illinois with her parents in 1839, and settled on
Smooth Prairie. On May 7, 1846, she married Eldred J. Foster,
son of Oliver Sr. and Hannah Foster, and brother to Rosaviva
Foster, who married Ransom Chandler. They had three children:
Hiram, Mary, and Haskell Eldred Foster. Eldred J. Foster died in
1851, and Susanna remarried to Jacob Thompson, and they had four
children: Martin, Nora (married Leonard Rammes), Lettie Mae, and
Laura B. (married Captain William J. Ashlock) Thompson. Susanna
died in 1903.
Martin Chandler Sr. died in March 1843 at
the age of 52 or 53. He was buried during a snowstorm on March
31, 1843, on the Chandler Farm on Smooth Prairie. After his
death, part of the Chandler land was owned by Oliver Foster Jr.,
who platted part of the ground and established the town of
Fosterburg, named after his father, Oliver Foster Sr. Some of
the Chandler farm was owned by Captain William J. Ashlock.
CHANEY, ELVIRA V./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27,
1917
Mrs.
Elvira V. Chaney died this morning at 6:50 o'clock at the home
of her brother, B. C. Dailey, on Merchant street in Upper Alton,
after an illness which dates back more than a half century. Mrs.
Chaney would have been 77 years old next November. Her final
illness commenced about one year ago, and since that time she
has been very sick, but she had been an invalid practically 55
years, since her husband was killed during the Civil War. Mrs.
Chaney was born in Alton and was a sister to B. C. Dailey. Her
death this morning removes the last member of her family, with
the exception of Mr. Dailey. She was the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Ephriam Dailey, old residents of Alton many years ago.
There were eight children in the family, and today B. C. Dailey,
the venerable Upper Alton business man, is the last survivor of
his family. Mrs. Chaney was the widow of Johnston Chaney, and
his tragic death about one year after their marriage was
responsible for breaking down her health and leaving her an
invalid the rest of her life. Soon after their marriage in
Alton, the Civil War broke out and Mr. Chaney enlisted in the
service. He had been away for a time and came home on a
furlough. He had a friend who was an engineer on the Terre Haute
railroad, and during the time Mr. Chaney was off duty in the
time of war, he took a ride in the engine on the railroad with
his friend, in the eastern part of the state. A heavy rain had
occurred over the country, and there were many washouts along
the railroads. After the engine had proceeded some distance, it
ran into a washout and went into the ditch. Chaney was killed in
the accident and was the only person in the wreck who was hurt
at all. His wife was at the home of her brother, B. C. Dailey at
the time the news came announcing his death. She had been a
strong woman in the best of health up to that time, but never
afterward was she well. She lived with her aged mother many
years after her husband's death, but practically all her life
she has spent with her brother, Mr. Dailey. For some time Mrs.
Chaney has been quite ill, and it was known that she would not
recover. During the last few days the relatives expected the end
to come. Mrs. Chaney leaves no children. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon at the home of B. C. Dailey, on Merchant
street. Burial will be in Alton City Cemetery on the lot beside
the body of her husband, who preceded her to the grave more than
a half century ago.
CHANEY, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 10, 1879
Architect; Business Man
Mr. John Chaney, an old resident of
Alton, and an esteemed citizen, died Saturday afternoon, about 5
o’clock, at his residence on Belle Street, after an illness of
less than a week. Mr. Chaney was an architect by profession, but
for the past fifteen years had been engaged in the furniture
business. He was a gentleman of high standing and unblemished
character, who had won many friends during a long residence in
this community. He was a prominent and exemplary member of the
Methodist Church, where his example and counsel were ever highly
prized by his brethren. In his death, the community has lost a
valued citizen, who had at various times held positions of trust
and responsibility. Mr. Chaney was taken down with a chill on
Monday afternoon of last week, and his illness developed into
congestion of the nerves, which proved fatal in a few short
days. He leaves a wife, but no children.
Mr. Chaney was
born in Maryland in 1810, removed with his father’s family to
Ohio when a child, and came to Alton in 1832, where he has since
resided, with the exception of a few years spent in St. Louis
soon after coming to Alton. He engaged in the furniture business
with Mr. Edward Levis in 1863, and continued in that trade until
the early part of 1878. Mr. Levis having retired several years
previous to that time.
The funeral took place Sunday
evening at five o’clock, from the late residence of the
deceased, near the corner of Ninth and Belle Streets, where a
large company of mourning relatives and friends had gathered to
pay the last tribute of respect to the remains of an honored
friend and fellow citizen. The services were conducted by Rev.
Fred L. Thomson, pastor of the M. E. Church. The procession then
started on its solemn journey to the cemetery, where the remains
were consigned to the quiet rest that awaits all mortals. The
bearers were Messrs. James Allen, William Atkinson, W. R.
Parker, A. G. Wolford, M. H. Boals, and H. Ritter. [Burial was
in the Alton City Cemetery.]
CHANEY,
JOHNSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 25, 1862
The corpse
of the late Johnson Chaney, who was killed by the accident on
the Terre Haute, Alton & St. Louis railroad, on Wednesday night
last, arrived in this city last evening and was buried this
morning in the City cemetery. Mr. C. had long been a resident of
this city, and his relatives and friends feel deeply his
untimely death.
CHANNON, DOROTHY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17,
1902
Dorothy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. O. Channon,
died Wednesday evening at the family home, 409 Market street,
after an illness of bronchitis and whooping cough, resulting
from measles. The child had never recovered from an illness with
the measles, and an acute case of bronchitis was developed. She
was two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Channing recently came to
Alton, Mr. Channing have been appointed superintendent of the
electric department of the Alton Railway, Gas and Electric
Company. The body was taken to Quincy this afternoon for burial.
CHAPIN, C. F./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 27, 1853
Died at Troy, Madison County, on the 22nd last of inflammation
of the bowels, Mr. C. F. Chapin, after an illness of eight days.
The deceased had, for the short time he had been in the place,
made a large number of friends to mourn his loss.
CHAPIN, MARGARET A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
28, 1912
Miss Margaret A. Chapin passed away Wednesday
night at 9:30 o'clock at the home of her niece, Mrs. John R.
Perry Sr., on Washington avenue and Amelia streets, in Upper
Alton. Her death had been looked for several days, and the end
was watched for and expected any time. She would have been 85
years old on the 11th of next June. She had been ill only three
weeks, and the end was hastened by a fall she sustained in the
Perry home shortly after arriving there from St. Louis where she
had been receiving treatment for her eyes during the winter
months. The passing of Miss Chapin ends an interesting and
remarkable career. She was born in Albany, N. Y., on June 11,
1827, and was educated in the East. She was a very highly
educated and literary woman, and she started to make a fortune
for herself in her young days by teaching school. She taught
school in the city of St. Louis for thirty-one years, going back
and forth from Upper Alton each day. She graduated from Oxford
University with the first class that was sent out from that
institution. Later, Miss Chapin studied at Monticello Seminary,
and afterward she taught in that school a short time before
commencing her work with the St. Louis public schools. She came
west after completing her education in Oxford, and made her home
in Alton, having lived here almost sixty years. She was a very
careful and saving woman, and had the most shrewd business
facilities. Her fortune was commenced with her first earnings at
school teaching, and she always said that it was the first few
dollars of a fortune that came the hardest. Back in the sixties
in war times, Miss Chapin invested her earnings in government
bonds, which with compound interest later on, yielded her
immense profits and made her wealthy. She immediately invested
in St. Louis business property in the days when it was cheap,
and for years she had a handsome income from this investment.
She also owns much real estate in Alton, the majority being in
Upper Alton, where she held 1200 feet fronting on Washington
avenue. Several times during her life she fell heir to some of
the property of her relatives. She was a member of a family of
nine children, and she is the last one of the family to go to
the grave. Her sister, Mrs. Ball, was the last one to die before
Miss Chapin, and her death occurred over twenty years ago. Major
Chapin, a brother, died about the same time. The Ball estate is
a part of Miss Chapin's holdings. Miss Chapin leaves no
relatives except a niece, Mrs. J. R. Perry, and a nephew, John
C. Matlock, Mrs. Perry's brother, of New York City. Mr. Matlock
is on his way now to attend the funeral of his aunt. The funeral
arrangements have not been made, but the body will be taken to
St. Louis where all of the relatives of deceased have been
buried.
CHAPLIN, ADDIS G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1905
One man was killed, Addis G. Chaplin, of Upper
Alton, and about twenty persons were injured in a wreck on the
Illinois Terminal railroad that occurred near the Illinois
Terminal roundhouse just east of the Alton city limits, Tuesday
morning. January is said to be the unlucky month of the Illinois
Terminal, nearly every return of the month bringing around some
bad accident. Chaplin's body was taken in charge by Coroner C.
N. Streeper of Upper Alton and prepared for burial. He was 40
years of age and leaves a wife and several children in Upper
Alton. He had been working for the terminal but a month, having
formerly worked as car repairer for the Bluff Line.
CHAPLIN, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 27, 1917
Mrs. Anna Chaplin, wife of Jesse Chaplin, died this morning
at 12:20 o'clock after an illness of years with complications of
diseases. She has been very ill since the middle of May, and her
death was looked for for days. Mrs. Chaplin died at the family
home at 219 Madison avenue. She is survived by her husband, one
daughter, Lela, and her father, who resides in Sonda, Iowa. She
was about _1 years of age [31 or 51]. The funeral will be held
on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home on Madison
avenue. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
CHAPMAN, CHARLES R./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 20, 1849
Died on Sunday, the 14th inst., of cholera, at his residence in
Alton, Mr. Charles R. Chapman, aged 44 years and 9 months. The
deceased was born in Champagne County, Ohio, but removed from
Ohio to Indiana, and from Indiana to Illinois in 1821, and for
twelve years has been an inhabitant of Alton. He embraced
religion in 1829, and soon after joined the Methodist Episcopal
Church, within the pales of which he died, and from which we
have every reason to believe, from the manner of his living and
his happy and comforting expressions when dying, he took his
flight in the Church triumphant in the skies. He has left a
widow and children to lament his death. May the Lord comfort and
sustain them.
CHAPMAN, ELIZABETH M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
20, 1911
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Chapman, daughter of Mrs. A.
F. Foster of Alton, and a sister of Mrs. George F. Kirsch and
Mrs. C. N. Pence, died at the Frisco hospital in St. Louis at 10
o'clock Wednesday night after a long illness. Mrs. Chapman's
son, Frank, was employed in the hospital and she was taken there
for that reason. She had been living at 702 Euclid place in
Alton, and had been a resident of the city for many years. She
was 54 years of age. Her daughter, Miss Helen Chapman, has been
teaching school in East Alton and had been attending her mother.
The body will be brought to Alton for burial.
CHAPMAN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22, 1883
Madison County Pioneer
Mr. Joseph Chapman, an old pioneer of
Madison County, died at his residence in Edwardsville Sunday, in
the 70th year of his age. He was born in North Carolina in 1813.
His father moved to this State in 1818, and settled in Macoupin
County the following year. When a young man, Joseph Chapman
located in Upper Alton, where he married Miss English. He was a
life-long Democrat, and always took considerable interest in
local politics. About the year 1852, he was Assistant Clerk of
the House of Representatives, and was postmaster at Upper Alton
under the administration of Franklin Pierce. He was elected
County Clerk about 1857. After the expiration of his term, he
remained in Edwardsville and opened an abstract office in
connection with his son-in-law, George Leverett, in which
business he continued up to the time of his death. Mr. Chapman
leaves a widow and nine children to mourn his loss.
Few
men who have occupied public office can show as clean a record
as Mr. Chapman. His honor and integrity were never questioned.
Genial and pleasant at all times, yet positive and honest in his
convictions, he was always ready to award to others the same
tolerance he claimed for himself.
CHAPMAN, LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12,
1922
A decline in health which has extended over a period
of several years today resulted in the death of Miss Louise
Chapman, member of an old and well known Madison county family.
The end came this morning at 7 o'clock at the Chapman residence
on Hillsboro Avenue. For several weeks her steady weakening
helped relatives to become reconciled that the end was near. The
funeral will be private. Services will be conducted Friday
morning at 10 o'clock from the Chapman residence. Rev. Thomas
Dyke of St. Andrews Episcopal church will officiate. Burial will
be at Woodlawn cemetery. Miss Chapman was a native of Alton, a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chapman, long time residents of
the county. She had made her home in the same residence since
1861. She spent a quiet and home life, finding the greatest joys
in her home. When young, she was artistically inclined, and did
a great deal of portrait and other painting. Several sisters and
brothers survive. They are Mrs. W. H. Hall, Miss Etta Chapman,
Joseph and C. E. Chapman, Edwardsville; Mrs. M. W. Clark, Los
Angeles, Calif.; Mrs. George F. Fritz, Black Hawk, Colo.; and
Mrs. A. C. Atchison, St. Louis.
CHAPMAN, MARY “AUNT POLLY”/Source: Alton Telegraph, February
24, 1871
From Godfrey - Last Monday, a large concourse of
people followed the remains of Aunt Polly Chapman to the grave.
She was 78 years old, and has lived here since 1833 – being one
of the first settlers of this place. She left three sons and one
daughter, viz: Judge W. W. Chapman of Winchester, Scott County;
John Chapman of Litchfield; and M. C. Chapman, Esq.; and a
widowed daughter, living here. She was poor, yet was generous of
her “mite,” having taken charge of and raised six orphan
children who live to thank their good fortune in securing so
kind a friend. All who knew Aunt Polly will say the poor and
needy have lost a generous and sympathizing friend.
CHAPPELL, JEFFERSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 5, 1902
The funeral of Jefferson Chappell took
place Tuesday afternoon from the A. M. E. church on Third
street. Rev. W. H. Cole officiated, assisted by Revs. N. J.
McCracken, J. W. Summers, P. W. W. Clark, and J. P. Coats. The
deceased was highly respected by all who knew him, and was a
useful member in the church. He will be missed and his place
hard to fill. The pallbearers were: George North, Ba-- Darby,
Jim Gill, Jessie Cannon, John Cannon, and John Lawrence.
CHAPPELL, LUELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7, 1919
Mrs. Luella Chappell, 39 years old, died this morning at
8:05 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital, following an operation
last Saturday. Mrs. Chappell has been complaining for years but
became seriously sick only recently. Her condition became
alarming last Friday and she was taken to the hospital. She
lived at 27 East Fifth street. Mrs. Chappel was born at Elsah,
Ill. and lived in Alton for nine years. She is survived by her
husband, Ephraim Chappell, and three children: Mildred, Harold
and Virgil, all of Alton. She is survived also by her mother,
Mrs. J. A. Terry of Grafton, Ill., and two brothers, Langford
Vanderslice of Harrisburg, Pa., and Ramsey L. Vanderslice of St.
Louis. Funeral arrangements have not been made, word being
awaited from the brother at Harrisburg.
CHARLESS, ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 26, 1842
Died, on Thursday last, after a very short illness, Mrs. Ann
Charless, consort of William A. Charless, of this vicinity, aged
about 24; leaving a deeply afflicted husband and a young child
to deplore their irreparable loss. The deceased was a native of
Virginia, but removed to this county about three years since.
Her many virtues and early death will long be remembered in the
family circle, as well as among many friends and acquaintances,
by whom she was highly cherished and tenderly beloved.
CHARLESS, MAHALA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 11,
1880
Mrs. Mahala Charless of Godfrey died at 4 o'clock
this morning of pneumonia after an illness of several weeks
duration. She leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to
mourn her death.
CHARLESS, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1865
Died in Monticello [Godfrey], on the morning of the 17th of
December, Mr. William A. Charless, in the 53d year of his age.
Mr. Charless had been a resident of Monticello for about twenty
years, and was universally esteemed as an upright, honorable,
conscientious man. His sudden death is bewailed, not only by his
large and interesting family, but by the entire community. Mr.
Charless died as he had lived, a believer in Christ and resting
on the work of Christ for salvation. His is, therefore, the
blessedness of those who “die in the Lord.”
CHARLTON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 23, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. James
Charlton of Fontanet, Ind., took place Sunday morning at 9
o'clock from the Methodist church. Interment at Milton cemetery.
CHAVER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, January
17, 1856
A colored woman, named Mrs. Chaver, was burned
to death in Hunterstown, the lower part of this city, on the
9th. The weather was excessively cold and she was ironing,
standing near the stove, when her clothes caught fire and she
was so badly burned as to cause death in a short time.
CHEESEMANN, LEVI/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
23, 1909
Levi Cheeseman, a well known Alton glassblower,
died in a hospital in St. Louis Thursday morning about 10
o'clock. He was moved to St. Louis last Saturday in a very bad
condition. He had been unconscious for about two weeks, almost
all of the time, and his condition was said to be very dangerous
at the time it was decided to take him to the St. Louis
hospital. He was 40 years of age and leaves beside his wife, two
children. Mr. Cheeseman was an expert glass worker. His wife's
maiden name was Tillie L. Doepke. The family lived on Pearl
street. At the time of Mr. Cheeseman's death, members of his
family were with him. The body will be brought to Alton for
burial and Allen Keiser was summoned to St. Louis to take charge
of it.
CHEQUER, RICHARD I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 12, 1909
Richard I. Chequer, aged 45, died at
midnight, Friday, from aneurism of one of the large arteries
near his heart. Mr. Chequer had been very ill for some time,
although he was able to be out. The cause of his trouble is
doubtful. It was believed that a heavy strain he underwent in
East St. Louis over a year ago caused the illness, but experts
in such troubles stated that they believed that a rheumatic
attack he had in childhood was responsible. Mr. Chequer came to
Alton about a year ago, and was the last member of the firm,
Scheffel, Campbell & Chequer, who own a meat market in East St.
Louis, and who bought out the Kirsch Company in Alton. The death
of Mr. Chequer has an added touch of sadness in that just three
weeks ago a child was born in his home. Mr. Chequer was in
charge of the meat market here until he was taken ill, and Mr.
Campbell has since been staying here. From the beginning of his
illness the attending physicians could hold out no hope of his
recovery. Mr. Chequer would be able to go down town
occasionally, but was very weak and his condition was such the
doctors said he would be liable to die at any moment. Mr.
Chequer came here from East St. Louis last September and has
been living at Sixteenth and Liberty street. He leaves beside
his wife, two children. He was a native of Swindon, Wilkeshire,
England. The funeral services will be conducted Monday and the
remains will be shipped to East St. Louis Monday noon at 10:35
a.m.
CHERRIER, AMELIA (nee LAGARCE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 19, 1907
Mrs. Amelia Cherrier, nee
Lagarce, died last Sunday at the age of 64 years _ months and 26
days at her home in Bethalto. She was born March 20, 1843 in St.
Louis County, Mo., and died Sept. 15. Her illness was of short
duration, only four days. Her parents were among the first
settlers in St. Louis County coming from France, she was the
youngest of a large family, all of whom with the exception of
one sister, Mrs. Julia Ohaney of New Orleans, La., died before
her. She was married at the age of 26 years to Peter Cherrier in
St. Louis County, who died nine years ago. She had nine
children, six boys and three girls, of which four sons, John,
Albert, Fred and Robert, and one daughter, Mrs. William Elliot,
are living. She leaves also three grandchildren. During her
married life she resided in South Dakota, Florida and Louisiana,
coming to Illinois in 1892 and living in Bethalto the past seven
years. Rev. J. W. Richie officiated at the funeral Tuesday and
she was interred in the City cemetery. The pallbearers were: J.
W. McCracken, J. W. Leverett, Louis Fritz, Albert Behrends, John
G. Klein, Walter Quillan.
CHESSEN, JAMES SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
20, 1917
Old Time Horseman Dies
James
Chessen, old time horse trainer, is dead. He was 86 years of
age. Readers of the Telegraph will recall that annually, after
Christmas Day, there would be a newspaper account of a reunion
of the Chessen family, and at each of these the old time horse
trainer would be reported as dancing the "broomstick" dance,
also he would sing one of those old-time interminable songs,
"Old King Cole," and he could keep up the very difficult dance
and the song apparently without trouble for a long period, or
until everybody else would be tired out. These exhibitions of
his strength of mind and body were interesting to his family and
friends, and last Christmas he observed his usual form of
celebrating Christmas. He also danced with the guests at the
dinner party. A little while after Christmas the aged man was
taken very ill with the grippe, and though he had remarkable
strength for one of his years, he was unable to shake off the
malady and it left consequences which proved fatal. He had been
very sick for weeks, but at times would rally and seem in a fair
way to recover. On the day of the opening of the Telegraph,
January 20, he was unable to call and pay his respects at the
office of the paper he had read for many, many years, but he
insisted that his wife come to represent him and convey his best
wishes. At that time Mrs. Chessen said that reports of his
recovery were over optimistic, that he was far from being well.
Jim Chessen was one of the best known men in the west side of
Madison county. He was a native of England, and he made several
visits back there and stayed for long periods when he would go.
But Alton was his favorite home and he came back here to pass
the closing days of his life. He was known as an expert trainer
of animals. No man in the animal training profession ever
understood an animal better, or had more success. It is related
that when he was engaged in farming just east of Alton, on the
East Alton Road, he had every animal on his place trained to
perform tricks, with what seemed human intelligence. Horses,
dogs, cats, pigs, poultry, monkeys - in fact, everything that
came on the place had to go through a course of education. He
was an expert trainer of race horses. Jim was an ardent
Republican, and was always sure to be betting at election time
on the success of the Republican party. He took a like interest
in local elections. He had a stallion, Chessen Wilkes, sire of
some fast racers, trained to manifest an ugly disposition and
make vicious attack on any person who would call the horse a
Democrat. This stallion performed many other tricks, among them
to pick up with his teeth an object placed in the bottom of a
barrel of water. To prevent "interfering" by a promising race
horse, a bad defect, he trained a dog to run between her hind
legs, avoiding her flying feet, and nipping at the horse's legs
when the feet came too close together. Once a trained dog of his
was lost in St. Louis. He was found by a policeman who required
identification by the owner. Jim put the dog through a dozen or
more difficult tricks, establishing his ownership. He always had
a dog that would "drive" a horse for him. Had he engaged in the
animal training business as a means of making a living, he would
have made a great name for himself in the world, instead of
having merely a local reputation. In a judicial campaign he had
a dog trained to pick among the candidate cards for the correct
one who was favored by Chessen, and that man was elected. Jim
seldom lost money on an election. Illustrating the strength of
the aged man, it is recalled that on his eighty-fifth birthday,
last May, he celebrated by breaking in a horse. Friends of the
aged man also commented that it was a coincidence that his death
occurred so soon after the death of his old friend, Tom Belk.
Said one friend, "There was nothing either of the old friends
liked to do so well as to 'get it' on the other in a horse or
cattle trade, and they frequently traded back and forth." James
Chessen came to this country when a young man. He farmed for
many years east of Alton, but when he felt a rest was necessary
he retired and after spending several years at his old home in
England, he came back to Alton, bringing a wife with him. Mrs.
Chessen survives him. He leaves beside his wife, two children:
James Chessen, the Belle street meat dealer; and Mrs. Julius
Haas. He leaves also six grandchildren, and two stepchildren,
Marian and Arthur Dines, both of whom lived with him. Mr.
Chessen came to the United States from his birthplace, Wareham,
Norfolk, England, when he was 21 years of age. He was born there
in May 1, 1831. He came to Alton forty-seven years ago. The
funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9:30 o'clock from SS.
Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 22, 1917
The esteem in which he was
held by all classes of people was attested this morning at the
funeral of James Chessen, Sr., by the large attendance at his
funeral, which was held from St. Patrick's Church. Among the
sorrowing friends were many residents of Wood River township,
where he lived so many years, and many from Alton. Alton was
represented by all classes of people - business, professional
men, and other citizens - men, women, and children. A solemn
requiem high mass was sung by Rev. Fr. Kehoe, the pastor, and
assistants, and burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Upper Alton,
beneath a very heavy coverlet of flowers.
CHESSEN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 6, 1903
Mrs. James Chessen, wife of
the well known farmer and stock raiser, east of Alton, died
Thursday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Julius Haas,
at 200(?) Walnut street. Mrs. Chessen was brought to Alton
recently in hope that the change would do her failing health
good and in order that she might be nearer the attending
physician. She continued to grow worse after the change, and her
death was expected to occur at any minute during the last few
days of her illness. Mrs. Chessen was 65 years of age. She was
born in England and was married there to James Chessen in 1856.
She came to America the following year with her husband, and
some time afterward the family settled between Alton and East
Alton. She was a faithful wife to her husband and a good mother
to her children. She leaves beside her husband, two children:
Mrs. Julius Haas and James Chessen Jr. of Alton. The funeral
will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence of
Julius Haas, and services will be conducted by Rev. H. M.
Chittenden. Burial will be in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
CHICKERING, HENRY BOWERS/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6,
1849
Died in Alton on Saturday evening last, Henry Bowers,
youngest son of J. W. Chickering, Esq., aged 9 months and 2
days.
CHILD, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February
16, 1872
Alton and Hardin Business Man; Founder of Hardin,
Calhoun County
Although not entirely unexpected to our
citizens, they were very much pained on hearing the news of the
death of Mr. Benjamin F. Child, which took place on Saturday,
February 10, 1872, at Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. He had
been very sick for several weeks, still it was hoped that, owing
to his remarkable robust constitution, and through the kind
attentions of a devoted family, that he would finally recover,
but the fond expectations are now blasted, and he is numbered
with the dead.
Mr. Child came to Alton in 1834 or 1835,
and after spending a few years here in the mercantile business,
removed to Hardin, and opened a store there, and by diligence
and an upright and honorable course, has not only acquired a
large property, but gained the confidence and good will of
nearly all the people in the county. For many years he has been
regarded as the most influential and useful citizen in Calhoun
County. Some eight or ten years since, he purchased very
valuable property in Alton, and removed his family to this
place, while he still continued to carry on his large and varied
business in Hardin, where he was when stricken with the illness
which terminated in his death. His wife and children were very
soon called to his bedside, where they have been watching and
waiting upon him for more than two months.
Mr. Child was
a native of Massachusetts, and was a man of unusual intellectual
ability and of great force of character, and genial, agreeable
manners. He made hosts of friends wherever known. He has for a
long time represented Calhoun County in all the Republican
conventions held in Springfield, and exerted very considerable
influence in their deliberations. He possessed very decided
convictions, but was never dogmatic or intolerant in his
intercourse with his fellow men.
It is our impression, in
the absence of positive information, that Mr. Child was in the
sixty-fourth year of his age. He has left a wife and three
children, and a very large circle of friends and acquaintances
in this city and Calhoun County to deplore his death. His
remains arrived Monday evening from Hardin, accompanied by the
family and a deputation of the I.O.O.F. Lodge of that place. The
funeral services took place at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, from the
family residence on Market Street, and were largely attended by
the friends and relatives of the deceased. Rev. C. S. Armstrong
of the Presbyterian Church conducted the solemn and impressive
services. The pallbearers were Messrs. W. C. Quigley, D. S.
Hoaglan, M. H. Topping, and Lawson A. Parks of Alton, and Messrs.
William M. Wilkinson and J. M. Dewey of Hardin. The I.O.O.F.
Lodges of Alton, of which order the deceased was a member,
accompanied the procession to the grave, where the burial
service was read by their chaplain, Mr. A. G. Wolford.
Thus, has passed from earth a noble and upright man, whose
vacant place can never be filled. Seldom are we called upon to
chronicle a death which has called forth more general and
sincere expressions of regret from our citizens. But upon his
family and relatives, the loss falls with peculiar force, and
the sympathies of all are with them in their affliction.
NOTES:
Benjamin Franklin Child was born October 12, 1806, in
Roxbury, Massachusetts. His grandfather, Stephen Child, was born
in Roxbury also, and was descended from one of the Pilgrim
Fathers who arrived on American shores in the Mayflower.
Benjamin was educated in Roxbury, and served an apprenticeship
in the wholesale grocery store of John W. Thayer, on Central
Wharf in Boston. After working there three years, he came to
Alton, Illinois in 1834 or 1835. He spent a few years in Alton,
and then moved to Calhoun County, buying the Dr. Terry property,
and engaged in the mercantile business there. The locality
became known as Child's Landing (it was previously called
Terry’s Landing). Sometime later, Child donated the land to
Calhoun County, and Child named the village Hardin, in honor of
Governor Hardin of South Carolina. In 1851, Benjamin and Helen
were among fourteen who organized the First Presbyterian Church
in their home in Hardin. In 1872, Benjamin left the church a
plot of land on which to build a church edifice. His son,
Stephen, would organize fundraising to buy a church bell.
Child bought property in Alton by 1860, and moved his family
there, while he managed to maintain his business in Hardin.
After Child’s death on February 10, 1872, his wife, the
former Helen Brown, carried on the family business in Hardin
until 1887. He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. Benjamin
and Helen had the following children: Margaret Child
(1838-1839); Captain Stephen Child (1840-1876); Benjamin
Franklin Child Jr. (1842-1848); Thomas Brown Child (1844-1845);
Joseph Perrin Child (1845-1846); Edward Child (1849-1851 – died
from cholera); Harriet Helen “Ellen” Child (1849-1851 – died
from cholera); Sarah Child Carson (1854-1896); Frank Child
(1855-1865); and George Brown Child. By 1900, only one of
Benjamin’s ten children, George, was still living. Many of his
family are buried in the Alton City Cemetery, inlcuding Benjamin
Franklin Child.
CHILD, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22, 1867
Died on the morning of the 18th inst., Frank, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Benjamin Franklin Child. Aged 10 years.
CHILD,
GEORGE BURIN (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 26,
1922
Descendent of Mayflower Pilgrims
Father Founded
Hardin, Illinois
Funeral services were held Thursday for
Judge George Burin Child, 71 years old, who died at Hardin,
Illinois, this week. He was descended from one of the Pilgrims
who came over on the "Mayflower." He died in the armchair
brought over by his Puritan ancestors.
Child was the last
descendant of the old Colonial family. He was born June 12,
1851, in Hardin, Illinois, and was the son of Benjamin Franklin
Child and Helen (Brown) Child. His father immigrated from
Massachusetts to Illinois in 1835, settling first in Alton, then
in the present site of Hardin. The area was given the name of
“Child’s Landing.” He engaged in mercantile pursuits in Alton
and Hardin. Later, Benjamin Child donated this land to Calhoun
County, and named it Hardin, after Governor Hardin of South
Carolina.
For 38 years the postmaster of Hardin was a
member of the Child family. Benjamin Child was appointed
postmaster in 1847, and with the exception of one year during
Buchanan's administration, he continued in the office till his
death in 1872, when his son, George Burin Child, succeeded him.
George B. Child was the first Republican elected in Calhoun
County to the office of Sheriff or to the Legislature. Judge
Child served as Sheriff in 1882, and in the Legislature in 1890.
Judge Child died August 21, 1922, at the age of 71.
Surviving was his wife, Martha Ann (Edwards) Child (1855-1940),
whom he married in 1876. Their daughters, Bertha Brown Child
(1878-1882) and Mary R. Child Berry (1882-1914) both preceded
him in death. Judge Child was buried in the Hardin Cemetery.
CHILD, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1903
Original Member of First Presbyterian Church of Alton Dies
The body of Mrs. Helen Child was brought to Alton Friday
morning from Hardin for burial. Mrs. Child died Wednesday from
old age. She was a former resident of Alton, and was the widow
of Benjamin Franklin Child. She was also a sister of George T. Brown, a
newspaper man in Alton many years ago, and of Joseph Brown,
former mayor of Alton. The funeral party came down from Hardin
in a gasoline launch during the night, arriving here early in
the morning. The casket, accompanied by some old friends and
relatives, was taken to City Cemetery where brief services were
conducted by Rev. H. K. Sanborne of the First Presbyterian
church at 10 a.m. The pallbearers were E. P. Wade, W. T. Norton,
H. M. Schweppe, Joseph T. Quigley, William Flynn, and H. J.
Bowman. Mrs. Child was born in 1814 and was one of the original
members of the First Presbyterian church of Alton, probably the
last living. The Presbyterian church was organized in 1831. The
services at Hardin, where Mrs. Child's funeral was held, were
conducted by Rev. J. R. Sager of Hardin.
CHILDER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1915
John Childer, an old soldier, aged __ (77?), died at his
home, 3146 Belle street, on Christmas morning. He had lived a
great many years in Alton, and leaves a large number of friends.
He is survived by his wife and several children. The funeral
will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the home,
and all of the members of the Alton G. A. R. have been urged by
their commander to attend the funeral services.
CHILDERS, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10, 1907
Mrs. Ann Childers, aged 69, widow of Andrew Childers, died
this morning from heart disease after a brief illness. She was
married twice and her first husband, named Tipton, was killed in
a mine accident at Moro. She leaves two sons, James W. Childers
and George Tipton, and two daughters, Miss Emma Tipton and Mrs.
Ben F. Vorhees.
CHILDESS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11,
1920
William Childess, aged 49, died at his home, 1608
Joesting avenue, last night. His death was caused from a
complication of diseases. Childess is survived by his wife, Rose
Childess, three daughters, Mrs. Katherine Semelroth, Mrs. Dean
Downey, Miss Jean Childess and one son, Donald. The funeral will
be held tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock from the home.
Burial will be in the City cemetery.
CHISM, DAISY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1917
Miss Daisy Chism, after an illness extending over thirteen
years, died Tuesday evening at the home of her sister, Mrs.
Charles W. Raines in Wood River, and the funeral will be held
Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Godfrey Methodist
church, where services will be conducted by the pastor, Rev. Dr.
Sauer. Burial will be in Godfrey Cemetery. Deceased lived with
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Raines for the last twelve years, and they
for a long time resided in Godfrey, where Mr. Raines was clerk
of Godfrey township. She has hosts of friends in Godfrey and
Alton who will sincerely regret to hear of her death, while at
the same time recognizing the fact that she has found peace from
prolonged suffering, which at times was intense. She was a
lovable woman of fine Christian character, and bore her 17 years
of pain, the while she was entirely cared for by Mr. and Mrs.
Raines. Her malady was dropsical in character, and during the
thirteen years she submitted to ten different surgical
operations for its relief, and relief followed temporarily each
time. Forty-eight hours before her death, after a period of keen
suffering, she dropped asleep and she remained sleeping,
apparently peacefully, until she woke up in Eternity. She was
born in Greene county in 1878, and is survived by two sisters,
Mrs. Raines and Miss Lulu Chism, the latter a teacher in the
Illinois Institute for the Blind in Jacksonville; and two
brothers, F. C. Chism of Medora and E. W. Chism of St. Louis,
all of whom are now at the Raines home.
CHISM, THOMAS/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 5, 1883
From Bethalto, April 4, 1883
Just before noon today, Mr.
Thomas Chism, while wheeling a barrow of brick along a scaffold
at the new mill, was instantly killed. The accident was caused
by the breaking of a board. From what we could learn, the barrow
must have fallen first; deceased falling about twelve feet,
striking the handle of the barrow on his right side under the
arm, it passing through his body came out at the left jaw. Mr.
Chism was past fifty years of age, a poor, but very industrious
man, and was much respected by all who knew him. He leaves a
wife and two small children, who have the sympathy of every
feeling heart in this community. Coroner Youree has been
telegraphed for, and is expected up this evening when an inquest
will be held. The accident has cast a gloom over all our
village, and every mouth is heard to say it is “too bad” for the
poor mother and fatherless children, as his labor was their only
support.
CHITTENDEN, CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 20, 1906
Mrs. Charlotte Elizabeth Chittenden,
wife of Rev. Henry M. Chittenden, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal
church, died at 10 o'clock Thursday morning after a long
illness. Her death was not unexpected as she has been steadily
sinking for several weeks, and the malady which was causing her
suffering was a mysterious one which baffled the attending
physicians. Consultations between physicians could not result in
a solution of the mystery until Wednesday evening when it was
decided that Mrs. Chittenden was suffering from a malignant
tumor. Her death was peaceful and her last manifestations of
consciousness were expressions of interest in the welfare of her
family and her trust in her Redeemer in whose footsteps she had
endeavored to be a faithful follower. Mrs. Chittenden's illness
was first noticed while she was in Denver, Colo., attending a
niece, Miss Ann Chittenden, who died there last summer from a
similar malady. She had made no complaint of being in ill
health, but when she arrived home it was apparent that she was
not in good condition. She was a patient sufferer, and it was
not until a few weeks ago that she was willing to give up and
consider herself an ill woman. She was so completely engrossed
in her work in her husband's parish and among her people that
she could find no time to be ill. Her death will be a grievous
loss to many people to whom she was the means of getting
comforts and necessities of life they were unable to buy. Mrs.
Chittenden was widely known for her work of charity. She had the
ability to interest people who were able to give in worthy
causes, and her hand ever carried relief to the distressed, and
she was always ready to give peace to troubled ones. She was
constant in her attendance at all the church services and
assisted most of the time as organist in St. Paul's Episcopal
church. As a writer, Mrs. Chittenden was widely known, her
pretty little poems appearing sometimes in publications of
national reputation. Her principal forte was at writing
children's stories, at which she excelled. She often expressed
her preference for this kind of work as she loved to please the
little ones, and she succeeded admirably. Many a child who has
been accustomed to receive its only Christmas cheer at the hands
of this lover of children will have personal reason for mourning
the death of Mrs. Chittenden. She was a native of New York,
being born at Wyoming, N. Y. in 1853. She was married at St.
Louis in St. John's church, July 22, 1879, to Henry M.
Chittenden. She leaves beside her husband, two daughters, Mrs.
A. W. Sherwood and Miss Beth Chittenden. The funeral will be
held Saturday morning from St. Paul's Episcopal church, and
services will be conducted by Rev. F. A. DeRosset, arch deacon
of the Springfield diocese. The body will be taken to
Greenville, Ill. for burial, and services there will be
conducted by Rev. J. G. Wright Saturday afternoon.
CHITTENDEN,
CHARLES N.(?)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22, 1838
Died, on Wednesday last, after an illness of ten days, Charles
N.(?), infant son of Mr. W. E. Chittenden of this city, aged
eight months. "Suffer little children to come unto me, and
forbid them not; for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
CHITTENDEN,
JULIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1838
Died, on
Thursday last, after a long illness, Mrs. Julia Chittenden,
consort [wife] of Mr. William E. Chittenden of this city
[Alton], in the 28th year of her age. The deceased was a native
of Whitesboro, Oneida County, New York; but removed to this
place about 14 months since. In all the relations of life - as a
wife, a mother, and a member of society - she exhibited, while
she lived, the various graces of the Christian character; and
died to perfect peace, and entire resignation and submission to
the will of God - leaving a deeply afflicted husband, and two
small children, together with a large circle of friends and
acquaintances to deplore her loss.
CHORLEY,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16,
1843
Died, in the city [Alton], on Thursday last, Mrs.
Chorley, wife of Mr. William Chorley, aged 25.
CHORLEY,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 20, 1846
Died,
in Hunter's Addition to Alton, on Sunday last, Mr. William
Chorley, a native of England, but for several years an
inhabitant of this city.
CHOUTEAU, AUGUSTUS L./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December
1, 1887
Son-In-Law of Captain John A. Bruner
Captain John
A. Bruner received a dispatch this noon announcing the sudden
death, at Kansas City, this morning, of his brother-in-law, Mr.
Augustus L. Chouteau, a former resident of Alton, and for many
years one of our most prominent and esteemed citizens. Mr.
Chouteau was a member of the famous St. Louis family of that
name, a name familiar in the annals of St. Louis for the past
century. The deceased was a native of St. Louis, as was also his
father. In early manhood, he spent several years in the
mountains of the western wilderness with his uncle, Pierre
Chouteau, engaged in traffic with the Indians. He afterwards
engaged in mercantile business in St. Louis, and on his marriage
in 1848 to Miss Elizabeth H. Bruner, removed to Alton. After a
long residence in Alton, the family removed to St. Louis about
eleven years ago, thence to Chicago, and some two years ago to
Kansas City. Mr. Chouteau had been in feeble health for some
months, but his death was unexpected. He leaves a widow and six
children. His oldest son is now a resident of Los Angeles.
CHOUTEAU, WILLIAM B./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 8, 1864
Died at the residence of his parents in Upper Alton on the 3rd
inst., William B., infant son of Lizzie H. and A. L. Chouteau,
aged 23 months and 3 days.
CHRISTIE, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 18, 1878
David Christie, an estimable young man about 20 years of age,
well known in Alton, died last evening at 6 o’clock, after a
painful illness of about three month’s duration. The immediate
cause of his sickness was the infliction of a wound on his hand
by a fragment of glass. He leaves a widowed mother and other
relatives to mourn his death. The funeral took place at the
Baptist Church.
CHRISTIE, EMMA (nee WINTERS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January
9, 1879
Mr. Charles Christie, a late resident of Alton, has
been deeply afflicted in the death of his wife, Emma (Winters)
Christie, which sad event occurred at Bloomington, their place
of residence, Thursday, January 2, after an illness of several
weeks. The remains were brought to Alton Friday morning, and
conveyed to the residence of Mr. Louis Winters, father of
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Christie were married but one year ago,
and the mourning survivor will receive the sympathy of all his
friends and acquaintances in his deep affliction.
CHRISTISON,
LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8, 1906
Mrs. Lucy Christison, who was taken to St. Joseph's hospital a
week ago suffering from a bad form of malarial fever from her
home in the lowlands back of the Illinois box factory, died
Sunday morning. The body will be taken to Winchester for burial
tomorrow. She was 56 years of age.
CHRISTMAN, JEANETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19,
1919
Mrs. Jeanette Christman, wife of John M. Christman
of Upper Alton, died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning a few
minutes after 3:00 o'clock. The end came peacefully with the
husband and sister, Mrs. Walter MacNair, of Chicago, and other
relatives at the bedside. Mrs. Christman underwent a surgical
operation ten days ago. When the operation was performed the
surgeons discovered that in addition to the trouble they sought
to eradicate, Mrs. Christman was suffering from a cancer of the
stomach. This, they found, they could not remedy with a further
operation. Then began a heroic fight for life, and the many
friends of Mrs. Christman in all parts of the city were in
deepest sympathy with the stricken woman in her efforts to
overcome her affliction. Since Monday, however, the physicians
held out no hope and the relatives and immediate friends awaited
the end. Mrs. Christman, by her friends and acquaintances, was
accounted as one of the most remarkable women in the city.
Stricken several years ago with blindness, she did not permit
the affliction to interfere with her activities in any way. In
her domestic life, as well as her religious and civic
activities, she overcame every difficulty that her apparent
affliction placed in her way. She was one of the most active
members of the College Avenue Baptist church in Upper Alton, and
was equally active in the councils of the Daughters of Rebekah.
In public and private charity she was most interested. As a
result of her many and varied activities she had come in contact
with many who became her friends, and when the news was given
out that she had undergone a surgical operation at the hospital,
inquiries were daily made from every quarter as to her physical
progress. The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at
3 o'clock. The members of the family had planned to have a
simple service at the family home on Walnut street, but the
suggestions were so numerous that the service be held at the
church that the decision was reached to have the funeral from
the College Avenue Baptist church, where she worshipped so many
years. The pastor, Rev. David T. Magill, will officiate. The
body can be viewed at the home until 2:30 o'clock on the day of
the funeral, and friends are invited. The casket will not be
opened at the church. Interment will be in City cemetery.
CHRISTOE, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 23,
1913
James Christoe, aged 76, died Saturday morning at
the home of his son, E. J. Christoe, 1216 Washington avenue,
after a brief illness. He had been suffering from kidney trouble
for a long time, but his final illness began just about twelve
hours before his death, and the end was unexpected. Mr. Christoe
had lived in Alton and Upper Alton for about twenty years. Prior
to that he was a school teacher, and had taught in Macoupin
county for twenty-seven years. He was a well educated man, and a
good citizen. Mrs. Christoe died fourteen years ago. He leaves
two sons, E. J. and Harry Christoe, and two daughters, Mrs.
Elbert Byron and Mrs. Owen Smith. The body will be taken to
Girard for burial. The funeral party will leave Alton Monday
evening, and the funeral will be at Girard Tuesday morning.
CHRISTY, MRS. E. M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
26, 1921
Commits Suicide By Shooting Self
Mrs.
E. M. Christy, who fatally shot herself yesterday noon at her
home, 130 Ninth street in Wood River, died about three hours
after the shooting. She had evidently carefully planned the
suicide and it is said that she was mentally unbalanced. She
used a Winchester 30-30 rifle. Lying flat on her back on the
bed, she hoisted the rifle so that it was perpendicular to her
body and with one toe she pulled the trigger, discharging the
weapon. The ball passed through her body, through the mattress
and into the floor. At the time of Mrs. Christy's suicide she
was attended by her mother and a sister who had come to see her
and were preparing to take her back to her home in Iola, Kan.,
for a visit. She had been in ill health for a month or so, the
attending physician, Dr. Vaughn, said. He said that he did not
know definitely the cause of the sickness. The suicide is
attributed by those who knew Mrs. Christy to her bad health and
worry over her condition, which caused mental derangement.
Neighbors said that Mrs. Christy was a woman who was much
admired and there was great surprise over the suicide. It was
said that when her mother and sister were in the house with her,
Mrs. Christy retired to her bedroom and quietly made the
arrangements for destroying her life, and that the first warning
the mother and sister had was the shot. They ran into the room
to find Mrs. Christy mortally wounded with a bullet hole through
her body in the abdomen. They called for surgical help but
nothing could be done for her. The jury impaneled by Deputy
Coroner Streeper found a verdict of accidental death. The
husband testified his wife had been sick since Christmas. He
said he kept the gun loaded in the house for protection, and
that he had never known her to handle the gun.
CHRISTY, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 3,
1921
Drowns at Illini Island, Body Identified Through Dental Charts
Identification was established yesterday afternoon of the
body held in the morgue at St. Louis found floating in the
river, as that of Oscar Christy, drowned Sunday at Illini
Island, five miles above Alton. In order to complete the
identification, Dr. Jeans, who had done some work on his teeth,
took the dental charts with her to St. Louis and examined the
mouth, checking all the fillings and absolutely identifying the
body as that of the Alton traveling man. An inquest was held
this morning in St. Louis, the body having been found on the
Missouri side of the river and making it necessary that the
inquest be held there. The body was placed in a sealed casket
and will be brought to Alton for the funeral, which will be held
Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home on Bluff
street, and will be under the auspices of Piasa lodge No. 27, A.
F. & A. M., in which the deceased had been a member. The body
will be entombed in the Grandview mausoleum. It was learned that
there was but one body found floating in the river, the report
that there were two being due to the fact that the body of Oscar
Christy was reported from two places and confusion was caused.
The pallbearers at the funeral tomorrow will be H. W. Weiner, A.
E. Elliott, C. D. Tompkins, Fred Hart, Leo Ernst, Walter Smith,
William Stofft Jr., Seymour Landau. Mr. Christy held membership
in the Masonic Fraternity, the Elks, the United Commercial
Travelers, the Egyptian Hustlers, and belonged to a side
organization of the U. C. T., the Bagmen. He was for several
terms head of the Alton Poultry Association.
CHRISTY, SANFORD A./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 18, 1877
Old Citizen Run Over by a Train
A sad and fatal accident took
place about ten o’clock Saturday morning on the Chicago & Alton
Railroad in Alton. The victim was Mr. Sanford A. Christy, an old
and respected citizen living in the northern part of Middletown.
While on his way home from town, he was struck by engine No. 66
in the cut near the city limits, and instantly killed, his body
and limbs being horribly crushed and mangled. The deceased was
very deaf, which circumstance was the cause of his not being
aware of the locomotive approaching him from behind.
Mr.
Christy had been a resident of Alton for forty years, and was an
intelligent, upright man. He leaves a family of a wife and nine
children. His sad fate will be greatly deplored by his relatives
and many friends. He was 70 years of age.
The coroner,
Dr. C. S. Youree, held an inquest Saturday evening, and after
examining Mr. Owen O’Hare, engineer, Mr. John Stillwell,
yardmaster, the fireman and Mr. Woods, a spectator who happened
to be near the place of the accident, a verdict was found that
deceased met his death from being run over by engine number 66,
and exonerating the railroad employees from all blame in the
premises. The train was running about six miles an hour, the
engine bell ringing, and as soon as deceased was seen on the
track, the whistle was blown, the brakes applied, and when the
train was stopped, it was supposed that the unfortunate man had
escaped, but on going to the spot, he was found lying between
one of the driving wheels and the sand pipe, breathing his last.
Mr. Stillwell testified that he had taken deceased off the track
on two or three other occasions, knowing that he was deaf.
CHURCHILL, GEORGE/Source: Bloomington Pantagraph, August 16,
1872
Co-Owner of the Edwardsville Spectator
Illinois
Congressman and Senator; Historian
The Alton Telegraph of the
13th inst. Has the following notice of the death of a pioneer
settler of that vicinity:
“We were informed by a private
note this morning, from James Purviance, Esq., that the Hon.
George Churchill died at his residence near Troy, Madison
County, on August 11, in the 83d year of his age. He came to
Illinois previous to its admission into the Union, and settled
on the place where he has lived ever since. He took a very
active part in the contest which was finally crowned with
success in making this a free State. He was elected a member of
the first Legislature, and for several succeeding sessions of
the General Assembly, where he very soon became one of the most
prominent, influential, and useful members, and probably had as
much to do in shaping and moulding the institutions of this
State in its earlier history as any other citizen. But we have
not the material at hand to prepare such a notice as ought to be
written concerning him, and shall not, therefore, attempt to do
more at this time than to speak of a few matters with which we
are personally conversant.
Churchill was one of the most
modest and retiring men with whom we ever had any acquaintance,
yet there were but few men in the State who were more talented,
and none better informed on all the current and political events
of the day. His passion for reading was so strong and
uncontrollable, as to claim almost his entire time and
attention. He was always particular and scrupulously exact in
all of his statements, and as he was a printer by trade, he made
use of his pen, and for his own gratification and as a matter of
reference, he, at an early period in his life, adopted the plan
of filing all of his newspapers, pamphlets, Legislative and
Congressional documents. Owing to this fact, and his ardent
attachment for historical information, he probably has more
important, and a larger supply of materials concerning the
earlier history of Illinois as a Territory and State, than any
other individual in it. He has taken the Alton Telegraph ever
since it was first started in 1836, and has a complete file of
it from that time up to the present, and has full and complete
files of all the papers published in the State in early times.
Mr. Churchill entered the land on which he has always
resided, and devoted himself to farming and the literary
pursuits. He accumulated a handsome fortune, and was noted for
his benevolence and kindness of heart and liberality towards the
poor. He was never married, and lived an exceedingly retired
life for a man of his fine culture and extensive information. He
was a member of the Episcopal Church, and lived an eminently
consistent and devoted Christian life, and had the confidence,
affection, and good will of all who knew him.”
NOTES:
George Churchill was born in October 11, 1789, in Hubbardton,
Rutland County, Vermont. He was educated in his youth, and grew
to have a fondness for literary work. He learned the printing
business in Albany, New York, and became an apprentice at the
Albany Sentinel. He then worked as a journeyman printer, and
purchased a half interest in a small printing office. With
business being slow, he sold it at a loss and went to New York
City, working for five months. He decided to go West, traveling
through Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Louisville (where he worked in
the office of the Correspondent, owned by Colonel Elijah C.
Berry), and Shawneetown, and then on to Kaskaskia. In June 1817,
he went to St. Louis, and made frequent trips to Illinois. After
seeing the vast prairies in Illinois, he decided to make the
Ridge Prairie, one mile and a half west of Troy, his home. He
became a farmer, and in 1819 he worked in the office of the
Missouri Gazette in St. Louis, to earn money to improve his
farm.
Churchill was a writer of great ability, paying
attention to exactness of detail and the collection of
historical data. He had amassed a large library concerning the
early history of Madison County and this part of Illinois, but
his papers (including the Alton Telegraph and other newspapers
of the State) were destroyed in the great fire of Chicago, where
they had been sent after his death. He became co-owner of the
Edwardsville Spectator with Hooper Warren, and remained there a
year, when he returned to his farm.
In 1822, Churchill
was elected to represent Madison County in the General Assembly.
The call for a convention to amend the Illinois constitution to
allow slavery was being considered, and Churchill put pen to
paper, and wrote articles that “burned through the cuticle of
ignorance and sophistry.” In 1824, he was re-elected as an
anti-convention candidate. In 1838, he was elected a member of
the Illinois Senate, and in 1844 was re-elected. He was one of
the hardest workers in the legislative body, drawing upon his
vast storehouse of information and knowledge. His votes in
opposing slavery often angered those in opposing views, and he
and Nicholas Hanson, a fellow member of the Illinois
Legislature, were burned in effigy at Troy. Nonetheless,
Churchill was held in great esteem, and he was recognized among
the greats of Madison County, such as Captain Benjamin Godfrey,
Cyrus Edwards, John T. Lusk, Moses G. Atwood, and more.
Churchill was somewhat eccentric, and never married. He died
August 11, 1872, at the age of 83, and is buried in the Glenwood
Cemetery in Collinsville. At the time of his death, he had
invested $11,000 in the bonds of the Kansas Pacific Railroad,
$1150 in gold coins, and $420 in currency – all of which were on
deposit with S. A. Gaylord & Co., brokers in St. Louis. His
estate was distributed among his heirs, but no information was
provided as to their names.
CHURCHILL, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7,
1904
George W. Churchill, aged 79 years 5 months 21 days,
died at his home in Godfrey, Friday morning at 7:30 o'clock
after a long illness from dropsy. Mr. Churchill was one of the
oldest inhabitants of Madison county, and had been a prominent
citizen of Godfrey for many years. He was highly respected by
all who knew him, and the progress of his illness has been
watched with keen interest for several months by his family and
his friends. He leaves besides his widow, one son, George
Churchill of Chicago, and two daughters, Misses Minnie and
Katherine Churchill of Godfrey. The funeral will be held Sunday
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
CHURCHMAN, ELI JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26,
1915
Eli Louis, the one year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Eli
Churchman of 623 East Sixth street, died at the family home this
morning at four o'clock after a short illness. The little one is
survived by his parents and two sisters. The funeral will take
place on Monday afternoon at two o'clock at the family home.
CLAFLIN, SUSAN BUDLONG/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 4, 1885
Mrs. Susan Budlong Claflin, whose death is announced in this
issue, was born in Warwick Rhode Island, May 10, 1802. She
united with the First Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode
Island, which is the oldest Baptist Church in the United States,
January 3, 1826, being baptized by the celebrated Stephen Gano.
She was married to Mr. Willard Claflin, who survives her, March
11, 1830. She came with her husband to Alton in 1837, and united
with the First Baptist Church, and has been ever an exemplary
and beloved member. Among her neighbors and friends, she has
been held in loving honor. Her sickness was long and
distressing, but through years of suffering, she ever manifested
cheerfulness and patience. Long has she waited for the call to
“depart;” Tuesday, it came.
CLAMPITT, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
14, 1904
Mrs. Martha Clampitt, widow of James Clampitt, a
resident of Alton more than fifty years, died at her
granddaughter's home, Mrs. Jacob Piggott, on Belle street, last
night from senile debility. Mrs. Clampitt had been ill a long
time and weakened by her great age. She was 78 years old when
she died. Mrs. Clampitt's husband was a veteran of the Civil
War. He died several years ago. Mrs. Clampitt is survived by
three children, Thomas Clampitt and Mrs. Miranda Caldwell of
Alton, and Mrs. Lucy Stone of Montana. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Piggott home on Belle
near Ninth street, and services will be conducted by request of
Mrs. Clampitt, by her old friend, S. H. Cossaboon, assisted by
Rev. M. H. Ewers.
CLAMPITT, THOMAS J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph
Thomas J. Clampitt, 61 years,
died Saturday night at the home of is daughter, Mrs. James Hart,
278 Madison avenue. Mr. Clampitt was born in Belleville and came
to Alton when a year old. For a number of years he was a drayman
in Alton, being one of the leaders in that business before the
advent of the automobile. He was later a watchman for the
Chicago and Alton Railroad. In his residence here, Mr. Clampitt
made many friends who became attached to him because of his
willingness to be of service to others, and to them his death is
the cause for grief. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs.
James Hart and Misses Nellie and Catherine Clampitt, all of
Alton. Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow, at SS Peter
and Paul's Cathedral. Mr. Clampitt had been confined to his bed
for two years, but his death was unexpected. Even after becoming
bedfast, he retained his hearty appetite, and Saturday night had
eaten a hearty supper as usual. Shortly afterward he fell
asleep, and when members of the family entered the room, he was
dead.
CLAPP, CHARLES WELLS (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 14, 1884
Rev. Charles Wells Clapp of Godfrey was
stricken with apoplexy Tuesday, and breathed his last twelve
hours later. Mr. Clapp was pastor of the “Church of Christ” in
Godfrey for the last five or six years. He was a native of
Southampton, Massachusetts, born January 22, 1817, and was in
his 68th year at the time of his sudden death. He received his
education at Western Reserve College, Ohio, where he also filled
his first pastorage. He was next pastor for ten years in
Connecticut, the greater part of the time at Rockville. In 1864
he accepted the professorship of English Literature and History
in Iowa College, Iowa, and in 1872, accepted the same chair in
Illinois College at Jacksonville. He subsequently resumed
ministerial labors at Waverly and then at Godfrey, where he
closed a useful and philanthropic career. Mr. Clapp was a man of
brilliant literary attainments, an eloquent speaker, and
forcible reasoner, who brought to the preparation of his pulpit
discourses a trained and vigorous intellect. He was much beloved
by his congregation, and the church under his leadership had
greatly prospered. The shock of his death is felt by the whole
community, who realize that they are bereft not only of a warm
personal friend, but of their leader and guide in spiritual
things.
Mr. Clapp leaves a widow, Jane Pray Bassett
Clapp, and four children – two sons and two daughters, all of
adult years. The oldest son, Clement L., is editor of the
Carrollton Patriot; the second, Edward Bull Clapp, is Professor
of Greek in Illinois College but is now studying in Europe. The
daughters are at home. The funeral took place at the Godfrey
Church, and interment took place in the Godfrey Cemetery, by the
side of a son, Eliot Lee Clapp, who died some three years ago.
CLARK, ADA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
20, 1904
After being buried four months in a Mattoon
cemetery, the body of Mrs. Ada Clark was moved to Bethalto and
buried in the Bethalto cemetery Thursday afternoon beside the
body of her first husband, E. W. Humphrey. After the death of
her first husband, Mrs. Humphrey married a man named Clark and
moved to Mattoon, Ill., where she died four months ago. The body
was interred at Mattoon and then the surviving husband decided
to fulfill an expressed wish of his wife that she rest beside
the body of her first husband. Accordingly, the body was
disinterred and buried again at Bethalto Thursday afternoon
without any funeral services.
CLARK, ANGELINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12, 1883
From Bethalto – The funeral of Mrs. Angeline Clark took place
from her son’s residence at New Douglas last week. She was very
old, and for the past two years has been in feeble health. She
was the wife of the late William A. Clark of Fort Russell, and
lived many years near the old Bethlehem Church. She leaves
several sons and daughters, all of whom are married.
CLARK, ANNIE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 3, 1887
Died in Bethalto on September 2, of typhoid fever, Miss Annie
Clark, daughter of Mrs. Sarah Buckout; aged 15 years. Funeral
services at Bethalto. The interment will take place tomorrow
afternoon at the City Cemetery, Alton. She was a bright,
pleasant girl of fifteen years, and had won many friends during
her short stay in Bethalto.
CLARK, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9,
1919
Interurban Kills Alton State Hospital Patient Near
Oldenburg
Charles Clark, 48, of Alton, an escaped patient
from the Alton State Hospital, was killed by a limited
interurban car near Oldenburg just before noon yesterday. The
body was taken over by a Granite City undertaking establishment
and an inquest will be conducted there this evening. According
to an official at the State Hospital this morning, Clark was one
of a detail working on a coal pile, when he left the hospital.
With the other members of the detail, Clark left the building
and went to the coal pile about 8 o'clock. It was shortly after
this that he was missed. Efforts to find him failed, and the
news of his death received last night was the first information
of his whereabouts. Clark had been at the hospital for some time
and was described this morning as a quiet man who was in the
habit of wandering about. He was never violent and talked but
little, it was said. Mrs. Henry Kemper, 460 Bluff street, is the
wife of Clark's adopted brother, and has visited him several
times at the hospital. The funeral will be from her home at 10
a.m. Wednesday. Clark was not married. The body of the man was
brought to Alton last night and is in charge of Deputy Coroner
Bauer. The funeral will be tomorrow from Mrs. Kemper's home.
CLARK, EMMA J. (nee FAHNESTOCK)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1920
Mrs. Emma J. Clark,
widow of William P. Clark, died very unexpectedly Wednesday
evening at 10:15 o'clock from heart trouble at her home, 508
William street. Mrs. Clark had been suffering from heart trouble
for a few days, being taken sick Monday, but it was not supposed
that there was anything seriously wrong with her and her family
were not at all alarmed. Wednesday evening she was so much
better that at 10 o'clock some of the members of the family had
left her bedside and gone to their homes. A few minutes
afterward she was suddenly stricken and died almost instantly. A
neuralgic affliction of the heart was given as the cause of her
death. Mrs. Clark was born in Munsey, Pa., March 27, 1845, and
was in her seventy-sixth year. She was married February 12,
1867, to William P. Clark, who died January 20, 1903. She leaves
five children: Miss Bessie Clark, Mrs. H. E. Scott, Mrs. James
Vine, W. C. Clark, all of Alton; and Preston Clark of Chicago.
When a child Mrs. Clark came to Madison County with her parents
and she lived there until after her marriage to Mr. Clark. Her
maiden name was Fahnestock. She lived at Bethalto a number of
years, and twenty-five years ago moved to Alton to spend the
remainder of her life. Beside her children she leaves nine
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Clark was a devoted
member of the First Presbyterian Church, and was a regular
attendant at church services there until about two years ago
when she fell, while on her way to church, and fractured a leg.
She never was able to get around with great facility after that
because of her age. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at
2 o'clock from the home, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
Rev. Edward L. Gibson will have charge of the services.
CLARK, EMORY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1906
Emory L. Clark, an old soldier and former resident of Alton,
died at the Quincy Soldier's home today. He was the owner of
several houses in Alton, but had made his home at Quincy for
several years.
CLARK, GEORGE ALBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1842
Died, on the 29th of June near Upper Alton, George Albert,
son of Mr. William and Mrs. Sarah J. Clark, aged one year and
two months.
CLARK, HARVEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph November 23,
1914
Slain By Nephew - Quarreled in Front of Baptist Church
Harvey Clark, aged 50, was shot and fatally injured Monday
afternoon about 1:30 o'clock by his nephew, Perry Clark,
following a quarrel which began in their home in Ryan's row at
Fifth and Market streets. Clark's left hand was shot off, and a
hole about 2 inches in diameter was bored in his chest by the
loads of shot which his nephew fired into him. The whole trouble
arose over drink. Perry Clark lived with his father, John Clark,
across from the First Baptist Church. It developed that Harvey
had been forbidden admission to the house. Perry Clark, who did
the shooting, is an industrious young man of about 26, and was
employed usually by J. E. Cowling, driving ice and coal wagons.
This noon, after dinner, Harvey appeared at the house and the
trouble was started. Harvey Clark was ejected from the house by
his brother and Perry Clark, and went on downtown. At that time
Perry Clark tried to get a shotgun to use on his uncle, but his
father took it from him, saying that he wanted no killing done.
Perry Clark must have found another gun, and he started out of
the house. He met his uncle, Harvey, coming along Market street
in front of the Baptist Church. Then the quarrel was renewed
again. This time Perry was armed with a shotgun. Harvey had a
long bladed knife in his hand. The two men struggled there for
possession of the weapons. In the fight, Perry Clark pulled the
trigger and shot the left hand off Harvey Clark, as Harvey had
the hand gripped over the muzzle of the gun. Then Perry back
away and taking aim at close range he fired a charge of shot
into the breast of his uncle. Harvey Clark fell to the sidewalk,
and Perry made a hasty retreat. Going back home he put the gun
away in the house and declared that he believed he had killed
his uncle. Mrs. Henry Schneenage, neighbor, witnessed the fight.
James Green, who was talking to his father at the time in the
neighborhood, was one of the first to reach the wounded man.
Harvey Clark never spoke after being shot. He was taken to the
hospital and there he died a few minutes after being carried
into the institution. Perry Clark, after going home and putting
away the shotgun, made his escape and police were put on his
trail. Harvey Clark was a well known character about town. He
was a laborer, but seldom worked more than a few hours at a
time. He was a conspicuous figure in a gang which spent most of
its time loafing around the corners downtown, and most of the
money he got he spent for liquor. His nephew, who slew him, was
quite a different sort of a person. Perry Clark was caught
hiding in the c. & A. round house shortly before 2 o'clock by
Officers Herms and _____, who were among the first of the ______
to take up the chase. When he was brought to the police station,
Clark seemed very defiant about the deed. He stated to the
officers that Harvey Clark entered his home and began to abuse
his father, and he shot Harvey when the latter attempted to
return to the house and cause further trouble. He stated "I shot
him, and I am not sorry for it. I am ready to go to jail." After
being put in jail however, his defiant manner broke and he spent
the greater part of the afternoon crying over the crime.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1915 White
Whiskey Figures in Clark Murder
Three rounds each of
"white whiskey" from glasses at a barrel house, and six half
pints of the same "white whiskey" from bottles caused the murder
of Harvey Clark, who was shot by his nephew, Perry Clark, near
the Baptist church some months ago. This fact developed this
morning in the trial at Edwardsville, in which Perry Clark is
being tried for his life....Perry testified that his uncle, whom
the latter shot, left the house and that in the afternoon he
(Perry) started down to Harry Wendt's to trade a shotgun for a
rifle. He met his uncle, Harvey Clark, near the Baptist church,
and at fifteen paces, witnesses testified, shot him, killing
him.
[NOTE: Perry Calvin Clark, age 22, was found
guilty of manslaughter by a jury in the Madison County Circuit
Court, and sentenced to from one to fourteen years in the
Penitentiary at Chester, for the killing of his uncle, William
Harvey Clark. In 1916, a petition was circulating to pardon
Perry Clark, as it was seen by some that the killing was done in
self-defense. It was announced in the newspapers on December 26,
1916, that Perry Clark would be paroled in February 1917. He was
actually released in January 1917, and returned to Alton. In
January 1922, Perry Clark married and set up housekeeping at 439
East Broadway. One week later his wife, who was at home alone,
was attacked by "two negroes" (one with two revolvers, the other
held a knife) who attempted to rob her. They struck the woman,
covered her face and tied her hands behind her back and threw
her to the floor. She was found lying on the floor tied to a leg
of a table. The only items missing were silverware from the
buffet. Her husband, a painter employed at the Luer Bros.
Packing Company, returned home the next day, saying he had been
visiting a friend. Mrs. Clark remained ill following the attack,
and filed for and was granted a divorce in March 1922. In 1926,
Perry, who was working at the Boston Store in downtown Alton,
was accused of stealing men's pants from the store, and selling
them at a low price. In November of that year he was charged
with stealing 31 pairs of pants. Perry Clark died on September
26, 1947. He was found dead in his home on West 4th Street in
Alton, and is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
CLARK, IRWIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1914
Died While Firing Furnace in Savoy Hotel
Irwin Clark, who has
for the past few years been choring about Alton, died suddenly
today after falling in a fainting fit in the basement of the
building in which the Savoy hotel and bar is situated. He went
into the basement to fire the furnace, and when he did not
return an investigation was made. He was found almost lifeless
on the basement floor. Dr. Halliburton was called but he died
shortly afterwards. Clark worked for various saloons and has at
times worked as an undertaker's helper and at the Seibold livery
stable. At one time he was one of the foremen at the Western
Cartridge works, but lost his position through illness, being
subject to frequent attacks of epileptic fits.
CLARK, JAMES/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 26, 1887
From Bethalto – The funeral of Mr. James Clark took place from
the family residence Sunday afternoon. His age was 50 years, and
he leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his death. He was a
member of the Edwardsville Post, G.A.R., but the Bethalto Post
took charge of the funeral. The remains followed by a large
procession were taken to the Montgomery graveyard for burial.
The widow and children have the sympathy of all.
CLARK, JAMES F./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1840
Died, on Saturday last, at the residence of Mr. James M.
Murphy, in the American Bottom, Mr. James F. Clark, aged about
35. The deceased was an Englishman, and had resided in this
country about 15 months.
CLARK, JOEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 14, 1881
Mr.
Joel Clark, a native of New York, aged 73 years, was found dead
in bed at an early hour Sunday morning, at the residence of his
son, Mr. Joseph Clark, with whom he had been living. Deceased
had been slightly indisposed for a few days previous to his
death, but nothing serious was thought to be the matter until
too late. It is supposed that heart disease carried him off. The
funeral took place Monday.
CLARK, JOHN WATSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 3, 1844
Died, in this city [Alton], July 12, after a long and
painful illness, John Watson Clark, son of William and Ann
Clark, formerly of Ohio, aged 9 years and 12 days.
CLARK, MARY E./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 4, 1875
Died in Alton, October 31, Mary E., daughter of Marion and J. T.
Clark; aged two years, three months, and fourteen days.
CLARK, MIRAN HARDIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
30, 1920
Miran Clark, one of the best-known old residents of
Upper Alton, died at 11:30 this noon at the home of his son,
William Alfred Clark, at the corner of Washington and College
Avenues. Mr. Clark would have been 80 years old next Saturday,
April 3.
The death of the old resident followed a long
illness and a long period of total disability. Last Decoration
Day he was taken to Oakwood Cemetery to attend the services of
the day by his son in an automobile. Only one time since that
day was Mr. Clark downstairs, and that was in August when he was
taken out for a brief ride. After that he did not care to be
disturbed, but preferred to remain quietly in his home. During
the past week his condition was very bad, and his death has been
looked for at any time.
Miran Clark was born in Aurora,
Indiana in 1840, but he went with his parents to St. Louis when
he was very young. His father was a steamboat builder, and the
family lived in St. Louis until 1854. During that year they came
to Madison County and located southwest of Bethalto on the farm
known as the Clark place. Mr. Clark was married in 1868 to Miss
Mary S. Wood and she survives. Mr. Clark raised his family on
the farm southwest of Bethalto. In 1892 they moved into Upper
Alton, and have lived here ever since.
Two sons, William
Alfred Clark of Upper Alton and Ira Clark of St. Louis survive;
also one daughter, Miss Birdie Clark of Upper Alton. One
brother, James Clark, of Brown Street in Alton, and one sister,
Mrs. Silas G. Cooper of East Alton, also survive. Since the
death today of Mr. Clark, two members of the old family survive
- Mrs. Cooper and James Clark. William A. Clark stated this
afternoon that the funeral arrangements would not probably be
complete until tomorrow. [Burial was in the Montgomery Cemetery
in Bethalto. MIran’s son, William A. Clark, was the proprietor
of the W. A. Clark Drugstore in Upper Alton.]
CLARK, MURRAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5,
1905
Murray Clark, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice
Clark, died at the family home in Edwardsville Wednesday evening
after a long and painful illness. He was 22 years of age and a
civil engineer by profession. He had many warm friends in the
Altons who sincerely regret to hear of his untimely demise.
CLARK, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
3, 1912
Mrs. Nancy Clark, the aged octogenarian who was
moved to a poor ward in St. Joseph's hospital about ten days ago
by Mrs. Sophia Demuth, after her son, Harvey Clark, had
squandered her pension check and forced her to accept charity,
died last night at the hospital. She was loath to leave her home
in spite of the squalid circumstances in which she lived, and
had to be taken away to die almost by force. She was suffering
when removed to the hospital, and it was predicted at the time
that her death would be only a matter of time. The son was
locked up for a day or so to sober up from a spree he got on
from the liquor bought with his aged mother's check, but was not
prosecuted, as the mother made a special request to the
authorities that he be forgiven for the offense. The funeral
will be held from the Bauer undertaking establishment Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and burial will be in the City cemetery.
CLARK, OLIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20,
1904
Olin Clark, the three and a half year old son of Mr.
and Mrs. W. A. Clark, died last evening at the family home on
Manning street. The child had been ill for some time with
measles, and had almost recovered from that trouble when
pneumonia seized him, and the death followed. The child's death
is a shock to its parents, and they have the sympathy of the
community. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon, and
services will be conducted at the family home. The services will
be private.
CLARK, SARAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1900
Mrs. Sarah Clark died at St. Joseph's hospital after a long
illness with dropsy. The funeral will be Thursday morning at 9
o'clock, and services in St. Patrick's church will be private.
CLARK, TEMPERANCE J./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 15, 1849
Died at her residence in Middle Alton on the 4th ult., of
general debility, Mrs. Temperance J. Clark, aged about 70. The
deceased was an exemplary member of the Methodist E. Church, and
much esteemed for her piety.
CLARK, UNKNOWN SON OF T. P./Source: Alton Telegraph, October
1, 1842
Youth Loses Life Trying to Save Another
We regret
to state that a lad, about fourteen years of age, son of Mr. T.
P. Clark of the neighboring village of Upper Alton, lost his
life on Monday afternoon under the following painful
circumstances. He was riding into the town, in company with two
younger children, on the top of a cart load of brick. When
nearly opposite the residence of Mr. DeBow, one of the children
accidentally fell into the road. The unfortunate youth, who was
driving, immediately attempted to jump off to its assistance,
but stumbling in front of one of the wheels, it passed over him,
crushing him so severely as to cause instant death. The child
whom he wished to rescue sustained no material injury.
CLARK, UNKNOWN SON OF W. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 3, 1900
The 8 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H.
Clark died this morning at 3 o'clock after an illness with brain
fever. The funeral will be at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, and
services will be held at the family home on Second street, near
Langdon.
CLARK, WILLIAM ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 9, 1947
Proprietor of W. A. Clark Drugstore and the
Ouatoga Theater
William Alfred Clark, age 79, passed away on
October 9, 1947, at the Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
He resided at 4917 Highland Avenue in St. Louis. Clark was born
in Fort Russell Township on December 27, 1867, and was the son
of Myron and Marion Clark, early settlers in Fort Russell
Township. He graduated from the St. Louis School of Pharmacy,
and opened a drugstore in East Alton, on the site later occupied
by the Illinois State Bank. He also opened a drugstore at the
southwest corner of Washington and College Avenues in Upper
Alton, which is where Walgreens is now located. He constructed
and operated the Ouatoga Theater – the first motion picture
theater in Upper Alton.
After disposing of his business
in Alton, he moved to St. Louis and operated drugstores there
for about 21 years. He was in partnership with his brother, Ira,
in operating a drugstore on Salisbury Street in St. Louis, and
was later proprietor of a shop in south St. Louis.
Clark
married on June 27, 1895, to Jennie Wightman of Alton, who died
in May of 1943. They were the parents of three children. A son,
Irwin, was killed in a roller coasting accident in St. Louis,
and another child died in early childhood. Surviving Mr. Clark
was a daughter, Mrs. Gladys Clark Streeper of St. Louis; two
grandsons, Travis and John Streeper of Alton; and six
great-grandchildren. Clark was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.
CLARK, WILLIAM P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 20, 1903
William P. Clark, aged 61, died this
morning at 8:30 o'clock after a long illness with a complication
of diseases. He had been living with his family at 508 William
street, and was well known in this city. During the past year he
was an invalid and unable to be out of his home much. He leaves
his wife, two sons, William C. and Paul P. Clark; three
daughters, Mrs. H. E. Scott, Mrs. James Vine, and Miss Bessie
Clark. He leaves two brothers, W. C. Clark of Alton and P. Clark
of Chicago.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 21, 1903
The funeral of the late William P. Clark
will take place Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to
the City Cemetery. Rev. H. K. Sanborne of the First Presbyterian
church will conduct the services. Mr. Clarke was born in Mt.
Holly, N. J. in 1842, making him 61 years old at the time of his
death. He leaves beside his wife, three daughters: Mrs. H. E.
Scott, Mrs. James Vine, and Miss Bessie Clark; two sons, W. C.
Clark of Alton and P. Clark of Chicago. In addition to these,
Mr. Clark leaves one sister, Mrs. Anna Morfield of Pana, Ill. He
leaves a host of friends who are grieved to learn of his death,
and his family has the sympathy of the community. Mr. Clark
lived in Illinois 55 years.
CLARKE, EDWARD G./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 27,
1887
Son of Rev. John C. C. Clarke of Upper Alton
The body
of Edward G. Clarke, who with two others was drowned in Lake
Michigan Saturday evening, June 18, was recovered yesterday and
arrived here on the early train this morning. The funeral will
take place at the residence of his parents in Upper Alton, June
28. Friends are invited to attend.
Clarke was
twenty-three years of age, and was a bookkeeper for the P. C.
Hanford Oil Company, and a member of Dr. Lorimer’s Church. He
graduated from Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, in the Class of
1882, and removed to Chicago two years ago to assume his
position with the Hanford Company. He was a handsome, manly and
moral young man, with every promise of a creditable career, and
was at his death on the eve of a material promotion in business.
He resided with his uncle, E. P. Greenough, at No. 3451 Rhodes
Avenue. His father was the Reverend John C. C. Clarke
(1833-1918), who is prominently connected with the Baptist
ministry of Illinois. His mother was Sarah Jane Newell Cole
Clarke (1832-1914), who first married Hermon C. Cole of Upper
Alton, and later married Rev. John C. C. Clarke. Rev. Clarke was
filled with grief and suspense upon hearing of the drowning of
his son, and was among the first to reach the shore after the
body had been found, and identified his boy. [Burial was in the
Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]
CLARKE, FANNIE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
Died in Upper Alton, August 29, Fannie E. Clarke, wife of
Professor John C. C. Clarke.
CLARKE, GEORGE R. "WINDY DICK"/Source: Alton Telegraph,
Thursday, March 25, 1897
George R. Clarke, better known
as "Windy Dick," of this city, was probably hanged at Grand
Center, South Dakota, yesterday, under an alias of John Kelly.
He was tried and convicted under that name, and just before
being hanged, stated that his name was George R. Clarke of
Alton, Illinois. Chief of Police Kuhn endeavored to place him,
and has concluded that he is none other than our own "Windy
Dick" of local unsavory reputation.
CLARKE, JOHN C. C. (DR. REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 17, 1915
Aged Theologian, Writer, Dies
in His Easy Chair in Upper Alton
Rev. John C. C. Clarke, D.
D., aged 82, died Thursday afternoon while sitting in his easy
chair at his home in Upper Alton. Death came to the aged
clergyman, author and religious philosopher as the sun was
setting in the western sky. Peacefully, he passed over without
any apparent struggle, and with as little change in his position
as if he was merely dropping away into a deep sleep. He was
alone in the house at the time, and was found by a member of the
household who entered his room about a half hour after his death
occurred. It is supposed that death was due to neuralgia of the
heart, as the aged man had complained of neuralgia pains for
some time. The death of Dr. J. C. C. Clarke came before he could
know that the views he had set forth in his books would be
accepted generally. He was an author of religious philosophical
books of great depth of reasoning. He had just finished and
still was seeking to get published a religious novel,
"Herodias," which it was believed would have made good in the
world of fiction. he had previously written two books, one, "Man
And His Divine Father," and the other "The Making of
Christianity." It was this latter book that the kindly, mild
mannered gentleman who had labored years to collect the matter
and set down the thoughts he there put on paper, found his
greatest disappointment. He could get no one to read it, he
complained. He set forth theories in this book in which he had
evolved what he termed a key to the Bible. He endeavored to
interest clergymen, thinkers, and finally he decided that if the
book would not sell he would give away every copy of it and get
his ideas before the people. Dr. Clarke was known widely as a
sound reasoner, a deep student, a man of great mental strength.
There were few men who would express a thought more powerfully,
more concisely, and with more beauty of construction. He was a
powerful preacher and when he was younger and able to give more
time to that work, his services were in demand, filling pulpits.
His chief work in life had been teaching. He was connected with
the old Chicago University, and in later years was at Shurtleff
college. However, in the sunset of life he gave up all other
work to setting down the views he held on the subject of man's
relation to God, and the gradual evolution of the idea of
Christianity. In his "Making of Christianity," he does not
attack the accepted beliefs of the Christian churches, but he
contended that his book was explanatory, that it should be read
as a correlated handbook with the Bible. There is no doubt that
his literary works were done with a scholarly finish that was a
credit to the great scholar that this mild, unassuming, but
indefatigable student and reasoner was. Dr. Clarke was born in
Providence, R. I., February 27, 1833, and was graduated from the
Rochester University in the Class of 1859. His marriage to
Frances Elizabeth Greenough took place in August 1861. She died
sixteen years later. There were four children born to the
couple, of whom two survive - Mrs. A. E. March of Macon, Ga.;
and Grafton P. Clarke of St. Louis. Dr. Clarke was married a
second time in November 1879 to Mrs. Sarah J. Cole of Upper
Alton, who died February 19, 1914. Dr. Clarke was pastor of
Baptist churches at Yonkers, N. Y., Madison, Wis., Cincinnati,
Ohio, Chicago and St. Louis. He retired from pastoral work in
1874, and he took up teaching. His last teaching was at
Shurtleff College form which he retired in 1886, and devoted his
time to study and literacy work. He leaves three stepchildren,
Hermon and Nathan Cole, and Miss Grace Cole. Miss Grace Cole is
in the East, and an effort was being made to get word to her of
her step-father's death. The funeral will probably be Monday
from the home in Upper Alton, but definite arrangements could
not be made. [Burial was in Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]
CLARKE, SARAH J. COLE (nee NEWELL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 20, 1914
Death of Wealthy Upper Alton
Woman
Mrs. Sarah J. Cole Clarke, aged 81, died
Thursday afternoon at 5:10 o'clock at her residence, 319 east
College avenue, Upper Alton, after an illness of a few days from
pneumonia. Her case had become very bad on Wednesday, when a
collapse occurred and death was expected at any time during the
day. Mrs. Clarke, the wife of Rev. Dr. J. C. C. Clarke, was for
many years known as one of the wealthiest women in Madison
County, and was for a long time Madison county's largest woman
tax payer. Mrs. Clarke was a resident of Upper Alton since young
womanhood, when she came there with her father, Rev. Newell, who
was prominent in church work for many years, and whose name is
remembered by many in Alton and vicinity. The children left by
Mrs. Cole are Herman Cole, Nathan Cole and Miss Grace Cole. The
stepchildren by her first marriage are Mrs. Alice Smith, widow
of William Elliott Smith; Mrs. George Kendall; C. B. and H. B.
Cole of Fargo, N. D.; Dak Cole of Los Angeles, Cal. Those by her
second marriage are Mrs. Fred Marsh and Grafton P. Clarke. Mrs.
Clarke was born in New York State, March 24, 1832. She was the
daughter of Isaac D. Newell, a leading pioneer Baptist preacher,
and did much toward developing Baptist churches in Illinois. He
was the founder of a girl's school at Peoria. In 1847 he brought
his family to Upper Alton, and he began financing the first
endowment fund for Shurtleff College, which amounted to $15,000.
Mrs. Clark herself graduated from the forerunner of the Illinois
Woman's College at Jacksonville, Ill. She taught in public
schools for a number of years, and was active in educational
work at Bunker Hill. She was married three times. The first time
to Joseph Flanigan at Bunker Hill in 1857, who died two years
later. She continued teaching school. In 1862 she married H. C.
Cole of Chester, then engaged in the milling business. The
ceremony was at Carrollton, Rev. Justus Bulkley officiating. The
couple lived at Chester until 1868, when they moved to Upper
Alton, buying the old Castle estate, where she passed the
remainder of her life. Mr. Cole died in October, 1874, and later
she became the wife of Dr. J. C. C. Clark. Mrs. Clark was for
many years a benefactor of Shurtleff College, was deeply
interested in the cause of the college students and lent them a
helping hand when they required it. She was one of the first
directors of the V. I. A., and was deeply interested in that
organization. Her business qualifications were remarkable. At
the death of Mr. Cole she was left with a large estate, and she
had no previous experience in handling property. She managed it
successfully, and increased the value of the property. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
23, 1914
The funeral of Mrs. Sarah J. Cole-Clarke was
held Sunday afternoon at 2:15 o'clock at the family residence on
College avenue in Upper Alton. The service at the home was
conducted by Rev. Dr. L. A. Abbott, an old time friend of
deceased. The service was attended by many Alton people and by
numerous friends and relatives from out of town, and the house
was filled. The service was simple, and Dr. Abbott gave a
fitting tribute to the life of the aged lady. Two hymns were
sung by Mrs. A. I. Epstein, "In Heavenly Love Abiding," and "One
Sweetly Solemn Thought," with Mrs. C. B. Rohland accompanying.
The floral offerings were the most magnificent seen in Alton for
many years. Besides many pieces from individual friends and
families, there was a fine one from the Upper Alton Woman's club
and another from the V. I. A., both of which Mrs. Clarke was a
member. The body was taken to Oakwood Cemetery, where it was
laid to rest in the family lot. The pallbearers were: C. A.
Caldwell, Robert Forbes, D. A. Wyckoff, Grafton Clark, Prof. L.
M. Castle, Mr. Scott Humphrey, Hermon Cole Sr., and Hermon Cole
Jr. Some of the relatives from abroad who attended the funeral
were C. B. Cole of Chester, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. George A. Kendall
of St. Louis; Mrs. Helen Smith Hay of Springfield, Ill.; Scott
Humphrey, Springfield; Rev. Isaac D. Newell of Glenville, Neb.,
a brother of deceased; Mrs. Jennie Marsh of Macon, Ga.; Dr. C.
B. Roberts of Farmersville, Ill.; and Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Cole
of Springfield.
CLARKSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, August 8,
1873
Died on the 30th of July in Alton, of lockjaw, Mr. James
Clarkson, aged 61 years.
CLARKSON, ELIZABETH B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 26, 1916
Mrs. Elizabeth B. Clarkson, known
generally in the Presbyterian Church as "Mother" Clarkson,
realized her hope of years Tuesday morning when she crossed over
into the eternal life she felt was to be hers. There were no
sighings of farewell when Mrs. Clarkson crossed. She had been
looking forward to that moment for six years. She had not sat
idly waiting for it, but had been keeping busy with the work she
had in hand, that of being kind and lovely to everyone who met
her. Though she was to have been 97 years of age next October
31, she was still useful, and the nearer her end approached she
was the happier, such was her faith in the religion in which she
had trusted for her whole life. Some time ago she was taken ill
and she thought then that she was near to death. She sent for
some of her old class of Sunday school boys of years ago, and
she asked that arrangements be made by them to serve as her
pallbearers. She taught class after class at the Sunday school
of the First Presbyterian Church, and she maintained her
interest in them ever after, even when they left Alton. She
continued to write to them, when she was unable to get out of
her home because of weakness of old age. Her interest in public
work was keen. Though her financial means were limited, she
spared $100 recently from her money to be spent on a drinking
fountain which was set up on Broadway near the Princess Theater,
so everyone could get a drink of water. She was an active member
of the W. C. T. U., and it had been her heart's desire to live
long enough to see the downfall of the liquor traffic, for which
she prayed daily. Her influence was widespread. She had a gentle
power over men and women, and inspired them to go ahead with
work she had become too feeble to do. For several months she had
required the constant attention of a nurse, but she was
thoughtful and considerate of her attendant. She was sending
messages to those outside her home whenever she had opportunity,
always counseling for the right. In the First Presbyterian
Sunday school and church, Mrs. Clarkson was for many years a
modest, yet effective leader in the work. There she was held in
the utmost veneration and love. She had a perfect record in the
Sunday school for years. When she could not go to Sunday school
her class of boys would go to her house and be instructed there,
a fact that gave her greatest pleasure. Mrs. Clarkson was a
native of England. She came to Alton when a young woman and most
of her life after that was spent here. She leaves two sons,
James of Carthage, Mo., and William of Owatonna, Minn. She
leaves also two foster daughters, whom she had made as her own
daughters, and who will mourn her loss as sincerely as her own
sons do. The aged woman had earned the respect in which she was
held by those who knew her. She never lost an opportunity to do
works of charity and mercy, and her gentle reminders kept many a
man going along the paths she wished him to travel, in the way
of moral rectitude. The death of her sister, Mrs. Gilman, some
time ago, was not the cause of mourning for her. She said at the
time it was but a brief separation, and she viewed the
approaching end of her earthly life as the beginning of a
greater happiness than she had ever know, though she was a very
happy woman. The sons of Mrs. Clarkson are expected to arrive
tomorrow, and until they come no funeral arrangements will be
made.
CLARKSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1873
Mr. James Clarkson, an old resident of Alton, died July 30 from
lockjaw, after a brief illness. About a week previous, he was so
unfortunate as to step upon a rusty nail, which penetrated his
foot. The wound, however, gave him but little trouble, and he
went about as usual for four or five days, when lockjaw suddenly
set in, and after two or three days of intense suffering,
terminated his life. He was sixty-one years of age, and leaves a
widow and children.
CLAWSON, FLORENCE ADELE/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 1,
1852
Died on Tuesday, the 28th September, Florence Adele,
daughter of Lewis J. and Minerva Clawson, aged one year and six
months.
CLAWSON, GUSSIE (nee LADEW)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
January 7, 1887
The last sad rites over the remains of Mrs.
Gussie Ladew Clawson were held at the family resident on Friday
on Belle Street, Alton. She died on the evening of December 15,
after an illness of four months. Her remains, accompanied by her
bereaved mother and brother-in-law, Mr. E. H. Lahee, were taken
to Chicago to be interred in Oakwood Cemetery beside her late
husband and little child. She was formerly Miss Gussie Ladew,
and passed most of her girlhood in Bloomington, and was a great
favorite, her unusual beauty and sweet disposition winning
friends on all sides. She married Mr. Lewis J. Clawson of
Chicago, and seemed destined to a long and happy life, but he
was drowned while bathing in lake Michigan, and the grief almost
killed her. But, she recovered, and devoted her life to her
little girls, now aged 7 and 5 years. She was taken ill some
weeks ago with malarial fever, which ran into typhoid fever and
ended her young life.
NOTES:
Gussie Ladew married
Lewis J. Clawson Jr., son of Lewis J. Clawson Sr. and Minerva
Vaughn Clawson, of Upper Alton.
CLAWSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 8, 1837
Died in Upper Alton on Wednesday morning last, at the
residence of his brother, Mr. John Clawson, after a long and
severe illness.
CLAWSON, LEWIS J./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 17
& 24, 1891
Stone Mason Who Worked on Alton Penitentiary
Built Alton’s First Flour Mill
As reported in the Telegraph
yesterday, Lewis J. Clawson died about 3 p.m., after an illness
of about two weeks. Mr. Clawson was born in Virginia, March 31,
1806. He came west in 1828, riding on horseback from his home in
the Shenandoah Valley. He came to Alton in 1831, having resided
a short time in St. Louis. Mr. Clawson was a stone mason by
trade, and was the contractor for the stone work for the first
flour mill erected in Alton, which was completed in 1833. He
also built the walls for the old penitentiary when it was
located here. He was engaged in the wholesale grocery trade with
a man named Koch, and afterwards in the pork packing business
with Samuel Wade.
Mr. Clawson, with nearly every other
business man in Alton, met with financial reverse in 1837-8. His
financial reverses were very largely retrieved in 1848, and from
that time on he was most successful in business. He was engaged
in the dry goods business until the beginning of the Civil War,
in a stone building that stood where the Roller Mill is now
located. He was a large owner of Chicago real estate, in which
he was most fortunate.
In January 1834, he married Miss
Minerva Vaughn of Harrisburg, Kentucky, and brought his bride to
Upper Alton, where they have lived in the same house for nearly
fifty-seven years.
His home life in Upper Alton [at
Clawson Street and College Avenue] was the solace of his
declining years, where with his wife and some of his children
and grandchildren he has passed a quiet, happy old age. His aged
wife and three children, Mrs. Emma C. Preston of San Diego,
California; Mrs. Rose E. Spruance of Chicago; and Mrs. Louisa
Lahee of Upper Alton, survive him. The funeral services will
take place on Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the family
residence in Upper Alton. Burial private, on Monday.
NOTES:
Lewis J. Clawson was born March 31, 1806 in Virginia.
He married Minerva Vaughn, and they had at least one son, Lewis
J. Clawson Jr., and three daughters – Emma (who married Oliver
Foster), Rose, and Louisa. Two daughters died in infancy –
Florence Adele Clawson (died in 1852, 1 yr 6 mths), and Minerva
Clawson (died in 1838, 13 mths old).
In July 1881, Lewis
Jr. was living in Chicago with his wife and daughter, and
working with his brothers-in-law, Mr. Spruance and Mr. Lahee, at
the firm of Spruance, Preston & Co. Lewis Jr. went swimming in a
lake in Hyde Park, and drowned after getting a cramp while in
the water. A veteran of the Civil War, he was 35 years of age.
Lewis J. Clawson Sr. was 85 years of age at the time of his
death in 1891, and was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery. The Methodist Church of Upper Alton was constructed
through the efforts of Mr. and Mrs. Clawson, and was called the
Wesley Chapel. His 10-room home was located at the intersection
of Clawson Street and College Avenue, and included gardens and a
barn. In September 1899, the home was occupied by George Levis.
Clawson Street in Upper Alton was named after this family in
1908, because the street passed the old Clawson homestead.
Funeral:
The
funeral services over Mr. Lewis J. Clawson took place Sunday
afternoon at 2 o’clock from the family residence in Upper Alton.
The day being very mild and pleasant, a large number of the aged
friends and acquaintances of the deceased were enabled to
attend, and thus testify their respect for one whom they had
known, and known only to admire, for a half century or more. Of
course, there was an unusually large gathering of those younger
in years, but who had looked upon Mr. Clawson as a venerable
patriarch, and one whom they delighted daily to see on the
streets, and from whom they always received a cheery greeting.
The services were conducted by Rev. G. W. Waggoner of Upper
Alton, a life-long friend of Mr. Clawson’s. Solemn and tender
were the words spoken by the venerable preacher of his departed
friend, made eloquent by memories of many years, and by thoughts
of many kind and charitable acts, and the correct life that had
just ceased to be in this sphere. Rev. W. F. Davis, pastor of
the M. E. Church, Upper Alton, of which Mr. Clawson was long a
member, assisted Mr. Waggoner in the services, at the close of
which all were permitted to take a last view of the face of the
man who had lived among them so long. The burial took place
Monday morning, and was private. [Burial was in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery. The Clawson home was located on College
Avenue. It was a 10-room home, with barn and gardens, and in
September 1899, the home was occupied by George Levis. In
February 1900, William Smith rented the home. Clawson Street in
Upper Alton is probably named after this family.]
CLAWSON, LEWIS J. JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 28, 1881
The sad news was received this morning of the drowning last
evening in the lake at Kensington, a suburb of Chicago, of Lewis
J. Clawson Jr., a native of Upper Alton, and a member of the
firm of Harmon Spruance & Co., of Chicago. Deceased, with a
companion, was bathing at the place mentioned, and getting into
deep water was drowned before his friend could reach him. He was
33 years old, most estimable, and highly respected, and leaves a
wife, one child, three sisters – Mrs. L. Lahee, Mrs. E. M.
Preston, Mrs. R. E. Spruance, in Chicago, and other relatives,
besides his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis J. Clawson Sr.
of Upper Alton, on whom the sudden blow falls with crushing
effect. Deceased, though at the time quite a lad, enlisted in
Company D, 133rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry, stationed at Rock
Island near the close of the war, being afterwards transferred
to Co. C of the same regiment. He left here about twelve years
ago, and had resided in Chicago ever since. The body was
recovered from the lake, but too late for any efforts at
resuscitation.
CLAWSON, MINERVA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 5, 1842
Died, on Thursday morning last, Minerva, infant daughter of
Mr. Lewis J. and Mrs. Minerva Clawson of Upper Alton. Aged about
twelve months.
CLAWSON, ROSE ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 11, 1838
Died, on Saturday last, Rose Ellen, infant daughter of Mr. Lewis
J. Clawson, merchant of this city; aged 13 months and 8 days.
CLAYTON, ANNA L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1901
Upper Alton News - The death of Mrs. Anna L. Clayton
occurred yesterday morning at 9:10 o'clock. Mrs. Clayton had
been ill for some time. The funeral service was held at St.
Mary's church this afternoon, Rev. Father Meckel officiating.
Messrs. Belk, Snider, Simms and Vogelpohl and Stanley and Emil
Vogelpohl acted as pallbearers.
CLAYTON, CHARLES T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
21, 1909
Soldier of Civil War Dies
Charles T. Clayton, an old
soldier, died today at the home of his son, William Clayton, on
Salu street in Upper Alton, from paralysis. He was stricken
three months ago and was completely helpless thereafter. Up to
that time he had been in good, robust health, and was seldom
sick. He was 77 years of age. All his life he had spent in Upper
Alton and vicinity, being born on the old Clayton farm a few
miles from the village. He was the son of Philip Clayton who
died at the age of 97, twelve years ago. Mr. Clayton served in
the 144th Illinois regiment during the Civil War. He leaves four
sons, three in Upper Alton and vicinity, William, Harry, and
Douglas; and a fourth son in Wyoming, Thomas, who has not been
heard from. The funeral will not be set until word comes from
the absent son.
CLAYTON, FRANCIS/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, July 1, 1875
Young Man Killed by Train
A fatal accident took place near
Milton last Thursday on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, by which
Francis Clayton of Alton Junction [East Alton], aged seventeen
years, lost his life. He was driving across the track in a wagon
with a farmer named Louchey Conway. A heavy rain was falling at
the time, and they did not see the approach of the train from
Quincy, nor did the engineer see them until a few yards distant.
Clayton jumped or fell from the wagon, and was struck by the
pilot beam of the engine, inflicting fatal internal injuries.
Conway and the team got across in safety.
The injured boy
was placed onboard the train and taken to St. Louis, where
medical attendance was provided, but nothing could be done for
him. He was brought to Alton by the nine o’clock express, and
taken to the St. Charles Hotel, where Dr. Davis attended him,
but he died about 10 o’clock.
An inquest was held the
next day over the remains by J. A. Miller, Coroner of Madison
County. The inquest began this morning, but was not concluded
until late this afternoon, when the following verdict was
returned:
“We the jury find that the deceased, Francis
Clayton, came to his death by falling accidentally, or jumping
out of the wagon, which Mr. Louchey Conway was driving. We also
find that he was struck by the pilot of Engine No. 130 of the
Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis Railroad, but attach no blame to
the employees of the railroad. Signed, Samuel Pitts, Foreman.”
CLAYTON, J. J./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 28, 1875
Died at the Temescal, San Bernardino County, California, on
October 24, 1874, Mr. J. J. Clayton, son of P. H. and S. D.
Clayton, a native of Upper Alton; aged 35 years. Mr. Clayton
went out on a pleasure excursion, and was about returning, when
he was seized with a sudden spasm, and called to his companion,
saying, “I am gone,” and died in about an hour. It is supposed
his death resulted from heart disease. Mr. Clayton was in
business in the city of Los Angeles, where he had a large circle
of warm friends. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his
loss.
CLAYTON, LUCY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 15, 1884
After a week’s suffering from injuries received in falling from
a wagon, Mrs. Lucy A. Clayton passed away Monday morning at her
husband’s residence in the northeast part of town. Mrs. Clayton
was over sixty years of age, and had been a resident of this
vicinity for a number of years. When she married Mr. P. H.
Clayton a few years ago, she was a widow, her husband having
been an Adams, a member of the large Alton family of that name.
Mrs. Clayton leaves a husband and four children. One daughter
lives in Texas, one in Oregon, and one, Mrs. J. W. Clifford, in
Upper Alton. Her son, Edward, has lately moved from here to
Missouri. The burial took place Tuesday from her late residence
to the cemetery on Scarritt’s Prairie.
CLAYTON, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13,
1919
Mrs. Minnie Clayton died at her home on Brown street
Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock following a month's illness.
Mrs. Clayton was taken ill with influenza about a month ago, and
never recovered fully. She was able to be up and around until a
short time ago when she suffered a relapse. Mrs. Clayton, who
was 58 years of age, is survived by her husband, William
Clayton, and 4 sons, Chauncey, Frank, George and William. One
son, George, is with the A. E. F. in France. The deceased was a
member of the Mutual Benefit Society. No funeral arrangements
were made today, awaiting word from relatives not in town.
CLAYTON, SUSAN D./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
January 7, 1875
Died near Upper Alton on December 21,
1875, of typhoid pneumonia, Mrs. Susan D. Clayton, in the 66th
year of her age.
CLAYTON, WILLIAM HENRY (SERGEANT)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
May 19, 1865
[Note: Name may be Henry William Clayton]
Civil War Soldier Dies
The subject of this sketch was born in
the State of Missouri, February 7, 1837. He was the third son of
P. D. and S. D. Clayton. His parents now live near Upper Alton,
Illinois. William was from childhood peculiarly fond of home,
its pursuits, and enjoyments. He seldom, for any length of time,
left its domestic circle unless compelled to, and then only to
return as soon as possible. As a son, he was distinguished by
subordination to parental authority, performing with alacrity
and cheerfulness the tasks assigned; ever striving to ascertain
the will of his parents and conforming his life to that will. He
was, in a peculiar sense, “Mother’s boy.”
As a brother,
kind, faithful and affectionate, spreading joy and bliss in his
pathway as a friend, constant and true; as a neighbor, upright
and honorable; as a citizen, loyal and true. Soon after the
rebellion was inaugurated, he was impressed with the duty to
contribute his share in subduing it. Accordingly, he enlisted in
August.
He has passed through a large number of severe
battles, with no other casualty than having the hair from the
top of his head shaved off by a rebel bullet. With Colonel
Straight’s command, he was taken prisoner near Rome, Georgia,
and paroled. He lived until the wicked rebellion was crushed,
and was anticipating great pleasure in mingling again with the
“loved ones at home.”
“But God’s ways are not our ways,”
and when the hearts of parents, brothers, and sister were
animated with the hope of a glorious and joyful meeting, the sad
intelligence of his death was received. He died May 5, 1865,
near Nashville, Tennessee, of disease of the heart. His body was
brought home, and the funeral attending at Mt. Olive Church near
Upper Alton, May 13, by a large concourse of sympathizing
friends, who were addressed by the writer from I Peter, V. 4-7:
“But the end of all things is at hand; Be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.” Signed by J. Bulkley
[Note: Burial
was in the Short Cemetery]
From Company B, 80th Illinois
Volunteer Infantry
Camp Harker, Nashville, Tennessee
May
6, 1865
Bereaved parents:
Although circumstances will not
admit of our being present at the closing ceremonies of our
much-loved friend and Sergeant, permit me, in behalf of the
Company, to blend my sympathies with yours o’er the loss of one
we held dear and true. That poo “Will” is no more, seems to us
but too strangely true. Scarce ten days ago, he was all life and
merriment. There were but very few of us, indeed, that did not
participate in his happiness, little dreaming then that
impatient death was waiting for him.
The nation has
scarce ceased to wail o’er the death of her noble magistrate
[President Lincoln], yet his place has been securely filled. Not
so, with our much-loved Sergeant, his place can never be filled
in this life, and hence comes the sorrowing never to be
relinquished ‘till waffed above where sorrow is no more.
His exemplary conduct as a gentleman has not been excelled by
his soldierly bearing. True to his post, his friends, and his
country, he has lived, only to witness the fruits of his labor
rewarded in the overthrow of that traitors’ scheme, the
attempted inauguration of a Confederate Government. Sorrowfully
do our hearts echo these lines:
Sleep today, thou early
fallen,
In thy green and narrow bed;
Dirges of the pine
and cypress
Mingle with the tears we shed.
“Will” has
been noble in sacrificing his life upon the alter of his
country; let us be noble in willingly submitting to the Ruler of
destinies. We feel he has been called away to receive the reward
of perpetual bliss, for his good stewardship. And all we can ask
is, but to be placed in his company when our earthly pilgrimage
is o’er. Farewell! May God grant you strength to bear your
Cross, is the prayer of Company B.
Signed Andrew G. Clifford,
In behalf of Company B, 80th Illinois Infantry
CLEMENS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12,
1907
Bartender on the Spread Eagle Falls Into River and Drowns
Henry Clemens, bartender on the Spread Eagle, was drowned at
12:30 o'clock Monday morning by falling between the wharfboat
and the steamer. Clemens was about 45 years of age, and it is
said that he was not given to excessive drinking. He was
transferred yesterday from the Spread Eagle to the Alton, and
Sunday night he was waiting for the boat to return. When he
returned from a trip uptown he found the Spread Eagle lying at
the lower end of the wharfboat. He went out on the lower end of
the wharf, stepped over a big spar and a number of ropes which
were in the way, and walking toward a part of the boat where he
was about five or six feet from the steamer deck he stepped in.
The fireman on the Spread Eagle saw him coming and shouted to
warn him but Clemens paid no attention to the warning. Gus
Johnson, night watchman on the wharfboat who sleeps in the tug
Echo at the lower end of the wharfboat, heard the warning cry of
the fireman and he looked out the window just in time to see
Clemens fall in and hear the splash. The Eagle Packet Co.
employed Capt. W. D. Fluent to drag for the body and detailed
four of the crew of the boat to aid in the work. Clemens leaves
a wife and two children in St. Louis. He is spoken of by his
employers as being a very steady, reliable man and his drowning
is regretted by them.
CLEMENT, ELLEN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1902
Mrs. Ellen R. Clement, widow of Edwin Clement, died Thursday
evening at the home of her son, E. A. Clement on Grove street.
Mrs. Clement was 83 years old and was one of the oldest
residents of Alton. She had been in declining health several
years, due to advancing age, and her death has been expected for
several months. Her old home was at Cavendish, Vt., and to that
place the body will be taken for burial. Funeral services will
be held this evening at the family home prior to the departure
of the funeral party. Mr. Frank Clement will accompany the body
of his grandmother to Vermont. Rev. G. Gebauer of the Unitarian
church will conduct the services.
CLEMENT, EVERETT ATHERTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
7, 1908
Everett Atherton Clement died at 6:30 o'clock
this morning at his home on Grove street, surrounded by the
members of his family. He has been in a very weak condition for
the past week, and his death did not come as a surprise to the
members of his family who were gathered at his bedside. For ten
years Mr. Clement has been a sufferer from locomotor ataxia, and
has all of that time been beyond the skill of physicians.
Suffering terrible pain almost every minute of this time, he
refused to take narcotics, and was cheerful and kindly always
through it all. Mr. Clement was 62 years of age and has lived
most of his life in Alton, coming here from the east. About
twelve years ago he laid out what is known as Clement Place in
Middletown, placing on the market one of the first plats of
ground which had been improved with sidewalks, curbs, and
streets, ever offered for sale in Alton. In latter years Mr.
Clement has been unable to handle himself, but his mind remained
clear, and being a great lover of card playing his friends found
him a worthy antagonist in the car games they played with him
day after day, and year after year. Beside his wife, two
daughters, Miss Mabel and Mrs. E. G. Meriweather, and four sons,
George, Frank, Chester and Sidway survive him. Mr. Clement was
born in 1846 in Bridgeport, Vermont. He completed his education
in the Alton High school and Shurtleff college. His first
business engagement was with C. B. Hubbell, wholesale shoe
business in St. Louis; afterwards with his father in the marble
works conducted by him in this city. He was in partnership with
his father in 1868. He afterwards entered into a partnership
with his father-in-law, G. D. Sidway, in the leather and
saddlery business in this city in 1872. He was engaged with the
Union Leather and Hide Company in Chicago, conducted by an uncle
of his wife. Following this he was in the employ of the State,
superintending the shoe department at Joliet. In 1874 he
returned to Alton bringing his family to this city to reside,
and was out of business owing to ill health until his death. In
1868 he was married to Miss Emiline Sidway, daughter of G. D.
Sidway, a prominent business man of Alton. Arrangements are
being made to hold the funeral Thursday afternoon and Rev.
George R. Gebauer of Duluth, Minn., formerly of Alton, will be
here to conduct the services. Interment will be at City cemetery
and will be private.
CLEMENT, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24,
1910
Follows Sister to the Grave Within Six Weeks
Miss
Laura Clement, the last of her family, and sister of Mrs.
William M. Pierson who died January 3(?), died Wednesday evening
after an illness of eight years. Miss Clement was a native of
Springfield, Ill., and was the daughter of Benjamin S. Clement
of Milford, Del., who settled in Springfield in the early days.
She came to Alton in 1854, and spent the remainder of her life
in this city. At the time of her coming, she united with the
First Baptist church, and for fifty-five years she was a devoted
a consistent member of that organization. Her life's work was
school teaching, and for thirty years she was an instructor in
the Alton schools. About fifteen years ago she was forced to
give up teaching because of her failing health, and eight years
ago she suffered a complete breakdown. She was very efficient as
a teacher. Most of her work was done in what was known as old
No. 3 on the rear of the property now occupied by Garfield and
the High school. During her career as a teacher she instructed
many of the present day older business men and prominent
citizens of Alton, and by all of them she is held in loving
remembrance. She was a teacher in the Baptist Sunday school
forty years. During the last 37 years of her life she was a
member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Pierson, by whom she was
given the most devoted attention during her long illness. The
funeral will be held from the home of W. M. Pierson, 321 east
Fifth street, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and burial will be
in City cemetery beside the body of her sister. At the time of
Mrs. Pierson's death, her sister was in a very bad condition,
and it was not expected she would outlive Mrs. Pierson.
CLEVELAND, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1907
George, 15 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cleveland,
died at noon today at the family home on Belle street from
bronchitis. The funeral will be held Saturday probably.
CLEVELAND, LEE/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, July 19, 1919
Lee Cleveland, 36, died in his room at 322 Belle street last
evening from heart failure. Cleveland has been ill off and on
for some time but his condition was not considered serious.
Cleveland has lived in Alton for many years and was very well
known in all parts of the city. He is survived by his mother,
Mrs. Mary Cleveland, and two brothers, George of Alton and Harry
of Wood River.
CLEVELAND, LON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17,
1921
Father Killed in Railroad Tragedy - Sons Are Spared
Lon
Cleveland, aged 55, a resident of Wood River, was killed by a
Chicago & Alton train No. 31, Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock as
he was crossing the track about 350 feet north of the North Wood
River crossing. Some track workers had left some discarded
railroad ties on the right of way, and Cleveland was carrying
them across the track to his home for use as fuel. His two sons
were with him, helping with the moving of the ties. The two boys
saw the danger and jumped off the track just in time to avoid
being hit. The father, though he saw his danger, was a trifle
slower in moving and the hesitation cost him his life. The train
was stopped and the body taken to the railroad station at Wood
River, where the agent, Frank Dotson, took charge of it and
notified Deputy Coroner Streeper. Dotson witnessed the accident
but was too far away to give any alarm that would have the man.
He did not realize at first, after the accident, that the two
boys had escaped with their lives, as it appeared that all three
of them must certainly be run down by the oncoming train, so
close was it to them. Cleveland leaves his wife, two sons and
two daughters. The funeral of Mr. Cleveland will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Lock Funeral Parlors on
State St. Burial will be in City Cemetery. The minister of the
Wood River Methodist Church will officiate.
CLEVELAND, LUCY HAWES/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
Thursday, March 16, 1893
Distant Cousin of President Grover
Cleveland
Miss Lucy H. Cleveland died suddenly at her home,
912 State Street, at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The news of
her death was a shock to her many friends as it was sudden and
unexpected. Although ill for several days her condition was not
considered dangerous. Miss Cleveland is a first cousin to
President Cleveland. She has resided in this city for a number
of years with her sister, Mrs. Anna O. Britton, Principal of
Irving School.
NOTES:
Although reported as being a
first cousin to President Grover Cleveland, Lucy Cleveland and
her sister, Anna, were actually 5th cousins, once removed, to
the President. Lucy and Anna were the daughters of Palmer
Cleveland and Sarepta Swan Cleveland. Lucy was born August 17,
1844 in New York, and died at the age of 48 at her sister’s home
in Alton. Those of this family that are buried in the Godfrey
Cemetery are: Palmer and Sarepta Cleveland, Anna Cleveland
Britton, and Lucy Cleveland. I have not yet researched this
family, to determine why they moved to Alton from New York. All
I know of Palmer Cleveland, was that he was the Vice-President
of the Grant and Wilson Club in Coal Branch (near North Alton).
Stephen Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, was the 22nd and
24th President of the United States. He served March 4, 1885 –
March 4, 1889; and March 4, 1893 – March 4, 1897. He was the
only U. S. President who served two, non-consecutive terms.
CLEVELAND, PALMER/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 10, 1873
The funeral of Mr. Palmer Cleveland took place on Sunday, from
the residence of Mr. Compton on the Grafton Road. He was buried
with Masonic honors.
CLEVELAND, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
18, 1917
Robert Cleveland, in his 21st year, died this
morning at the home of his mother on Rodgers Avenue, after an
illness of about eighteen months. The end came after several
weeks of certain knowledge on the part of the invalid that his
end was near, and his only wish was that it might come quickly
and close the hopeless fight. Robert Cleveland was one of the
Telegraph's most valued employees until ill health forced him to
terminate his connection with the paper. He was taken sick just
at the time that he was finishing his trade as a journeyman
printer, and was forced to take a rest for about a year. He had
apparently overcome the malady and insisted upon returning to
work, at least to be given a trial. He broke down after a short
time and was never able to attempt to work again. He was one of
the most promising young printers the city of Alton has ever
produced, was a high grade workman, and very conscientious. He
was a devoted member of the First Baptist church, and constant
in his attendance at services there until he was no longer able
to be out of his home. He could not be swerved from what he
thought was right and he lived closely up to his religious
profession. In his home he was a dutiful son and a kind brother.
In her deep affliction, his mother, who has seen more than her
portion of sorrow, has the sympathy of everyone. He is survived
by his mother and three brothers. His death was the sad closing
of a life that was promising of great usefulness. The funeral
will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First
Baptist Church.
CLIFFORD, ANDREW/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 11 &
13, 1888
Alton Grocer
Mr. Andrew Clifford, a native of
Alton, died last night after an illness of a little over two
days, caused by paralysis, at the age of 44 years. He received
the stroke early Monday morning, and lay in an unconscious state
until death occurred. Mr. Clifford had lived in Alton all his
life. He was a prompt, energetic business man, and had been
quite successful in the grocery trade, to which the most of his
life was devoted. He was a member of the city council for two
terms. He left a wife and six children, besides other relatives
and many friends to mourn his sudden death.
The funeral
took place on January 13 from the Cathedral, with a large
attendance of relatives, friends, and fellow citizens on the
deceased, who took the opportunity to pay the final tribute of
respect to his memory. On the handsome casket was a silver cross
and a plate inscribed, “Our Father,” also beautiful floral
offerings. The bearers were Messrs. Louis Haagen, Thomas
Hasting, O. S. Stowell, P. Downes, Louis Ginter, and J. B.
Kirwin.
CLIFFORD, E. M./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 30, 1875
Died in Alton, September 23, at seven a.m. of consumption, E. M.
Clifford; aged 69 years.
CLIFFORD, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 21, 1871
Died on April 12, of consumption, Mrs. Elizabeth Clifford,
beloved widow of Andrew Clifford, deceased; aged 67 years.
CLIFFORD, ELIZABETH B./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 12, 1847
Died on Sunday evening inst., Elizabeth B., daughter of Mr.
A. Clifford of Upper Alton, aged about 6 years.
CLIFFORD, EUGENIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6,
1906
Miss Eugenia Clifford died last night in a St. Louis
sanitarium where she had been taken in hopes of curing the
disease which caused her death. Miss Clifford is the daughter of
Mrs. Helen M. Clifford of 438 Bluff street, and had been a
life-long resident of Alton. She was attacked with a disease
which undermined her health two years ago, and in spite of the
best medical attention and changes of climate a cure could not
be effected. Miss Clifford was 25 years of age, and the news of
her death is very sad to those friends who cherished her
acquaintance. She was a devout member of the SS. Peter and
Paul's Cathedral, and up to the time of her illness, spread much
cheer and companionship among those who were her close
acquaintances. The body will be brought to Alton tonight, and
will be removed to the home on Bluff street. The funeral will be
held Wednesday, and will be private.
CLIFFORD, JOHN B./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, July 30,
1874 - Submitted by Myra Ann Best
Died at Buck Inn,
(North Alton), Illinois, on the 26th inst., Mr. John B. Clifford,
in the 31st year of his age. He leaves a wife and two young
children to mourn his loss.*
*Some of the above
information is incorrect. According to his probate papers at
IRAD in Carbondale, Illinois, he left three surviving children
as heirs: Sarah, age 5; Lilly, age 3; and John, age 6 months.
CLIFFORD, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30, 1850
Died on Wednesday morning, Josephine, daughter of Mr. Thomas
Clifford of Alton, aged two years.
CLIFFORD, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 9, 1905
The death of Miss Kate Clifford, Saturday evening at 6
o'clock removes from Alton one of the remnants of an old-time
family. She was 68 years of age and had lived in Alton
fifty-seven years. Miss Clifford had been ill with cancer for
many months and was staying at St. Joseph's hospital. The
funeral was held Monday morning at 10 o'clock, and burial was at
Greenwood Cemetery.
CLIFFORD, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, November
15, 1850
Died at Alton, Illinois, on the 10th inst., after a
painful and lingering disease, which she bore with great
Christian fortitude and resignation, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth, the
beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Clifford, deeply and generally
regretted. The deceased was daughter of Mr. Uriss and Mrs. Ann
Sword of St. Mary’s County, Maryland. Through life she was a
distinguished for her many sterling virtues, and though but
recently a convert to the Catholic faith, she fulfilled all its
duties with a deep fervor and devotion, and with much education
to others.
CLIFFORD, SAMUEL HARNED/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1837
Died on Friday evening, 4th inst., Samuel Harned Clifford,
youngest child of B. Clifford Jr.
CLIFFORD, THOMAS E./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 11,
1893
After months of intense suffering, Mr. Thomas E.
Clifford passed away at 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon. Death came
to him suddenly, despite his long illness, as only a few moments
before the end came, he was talking to some friends and had
scarcely finished eating a peach when he gasped and died. He
would be 39 years of age the 28th day of October, and besides
his two half brothers, Messrs. J. G. and Emmet Melling, leaves
numerous relatives in this city. The funeral took place this
morning from the Cathedral, where a requiem high mass was
celebrated, to Greenwood cemetery, and the obsequies were
attended by a large number of his friends. The pallbearers were
L. A. McGinnis, William Conian, William Batterton, Harry F_lloy,
Frank Pieper and J. T. Callahan.
CLIFFORD, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF THOMAS/Source: Alton
Telegraph, April 9, 1842
Died, in this city, on the 4th
inst., daughter of Mr. Thomas Clifford, aged 6 years.
CLOUGH, JESSE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 29, 1868
Died on Thursday, May 19, in Monticello [Godfrey], of typhoid
fever, Mr. Jesse E. Clough, formerly of St. Louis; aged 52
years, 8 months, and 20 days.
CLOUGH, JESSE T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31,
1921
Pioneer In Asparagus Business Dies
Jesse T. Clough
died Sunday night at the Clough homestead on Amelia street in
Upper Alton after nearly twenty years suffering from rheumatism,
which finally completely disabled him and then caused him to
lose his eyesight completely. The death of Jesse Clough removes
one of the old residents of Upper Alton. It is probable the
largest part of the people in that section of the city never
knew Mr. Clough because of the fact that he was confined to his
home more than twenty years by total disability and never got
out. Even many people who used to know him when he was able to
be out at his work had not seen him in the past twenty or
twenty-five years since he ceased to get about. He lived at the
old homestead with his two sisters, neither of the three being
married. Jess Clough was known many years ago in this locality
as an asparagus raiser. He was the original big shipper of
asparagus in this locality. He and Albert Draper engaged in the
asparagus business jointly on the Draper farm on the east limits
of Upper Alton, and they set a patch of forty acres to "grass."
Mr. Clough had complete charge of the big asparagus farm, and
during the long number of years that he operated it he employed
thousands of workers - men and women - to cut, pack and ship the
product. He continued at this work until about twenty-two years
ago when he became disabled from rheumatism and never worked
again. After he became disabled he was cared for by his two
devoted sisters who have given their lives over to his care. The
following was written by an Upper Alton minister concerning the
life of Mr. Clough: Jesse T. Clough, son of Samuel and Lucy T.
Clough, was born in Upper Alton, Ill., November 28, 1854, and
was aged 66 years 6 months and 1 day. Mr. Clough's parents
settled in this city in an early day, about 1837, where they
resided all their life; they were among the well known people of
this city for many years. Jesse Clough is also well known
throughout this city. In his youthful years he was very
industrious, trust-worthy, and loved by all who knew him. He met
his affliction in the strong years of his manhood, which was
about 18 or 20 years ago. He bore his affliction with an unusual
amount of patience, often saying what is the use of fretting or
worrying others, since it cannot be helped. His severest
affliction came to him about six or eight years ago, when he
lost his eyesight entirely. Up until this time, he was a great
reader of the daily news, and current events, well posted on
things of the country. Oftentimes his sisters, who were his
never failing companions, would read to him and help him to
occupy his mind, and thus the years have passed away. He
possessed the spirit of patience, thankfulness and gratitude for
all favors conferred upon him - one of his oft quoted phrases,
"I thank you; I thank you." He is survived by two sisters, Miss
Georgeana and Miss Diadema Clough. Volumes could be written with
reference to their special and undivided and never failing
attention to this, their beloved brother. Funeral services were
conducted by Rev. Cates, pastor of the Wesley Methodist Church,
assisted by Rev. Morrison, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at
the residence, 2517 Amelia street, Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. Interment
in Oakwood Cemetery.
CLOUGH, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 1, 1874
Died
in Upper Alton on Thursday, April 23, of bronchial consumption
of long standing, Mr. Samuel Clough, aged 69 years and 1 month.
Our town lost one of its finest and most respected citizens. Mr.
Clough was a native of Massachusetts, where he was born in 1806.
He moved to Illinois in 1836, and settled in Upper Alton, where
he lived until his death. Although never active in politics, Mr.
Clough has at several times held positions of trust and
responsibility in the town government, being at the time of his
death a member of the Upper Alton Cemetery Board. He was a
prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He leaves a
widow, four daughters, and one son to mourn the loss of a kind
and faithful husband and father. His funeral services were
conducted at his late residence on Saturday morning by Rev. R.
Rudd.
CLOWERS, ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1919
Cramps Cost Life of River Swimmer
Cramps in the legs
cost the life of Arthur Clowers, 26, when he was swimming in the
river at the foot of Illinois avenue, last evening. Clowers was
swimming with William Center, his half brother, and Bob Whalen,
at the time he met his death. He was out in the river when
suddenly he disappeared. Efforts to secure the body at once
failed, and it was not for four hours that the body was
recovered. Clowers was the sole support of his aged mother, and
he was living with her at 34 Illinois avenue. Clowers until
recently had been working at the Federal Lead Co. He contracted
lead cholic and has not been to work for some time. He was
recovering from the sickness, and had just regained his strength
enough to want to go swimming. When the body was recovered after
four hours of search, it was found that he had suffered from
cramps in his legs and this had been the cause of his drowning.
The inquest was held this morning at the Bauer undertaking
establishment.
CLOWERS, AUGUSTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9,
1912
Sixteen Year Old Commits Suicide - Had Father Jailed
For Incest; Brother In Jail for Arson
Augusta Clowers, aged
16, whose testimony caused her father to be convicted of incest
and sent to the penitentiary, and whose charges caused the
confinement of her brother in the county jail, first on a charge
of intimidating her and later for attempted arson, died from a
dose of Paris Green [note: copper(II) acetoarsenite, used for
insecticide], Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital. Worry is
said to have caused the girl to kill herself. She was making her
home with Mrs. M. B. Copley on Rozier street, where she was
given a home by Mrs. Copley at the solicitation of Mrs. S.
Demuth. The girl went to the Copley home after the arrest of her
father, Charles Clowers Sr., on charges based on a story she
told Mrs. Demuth. The father pleaded guilty and accepted a penal
sentence. Mrs. Copley missed the girl Tuesday afternoon, and
going in search of her found her locked in a shed out in the
yard. The girl had taken a dose of Paris Green she had found,
which was used to kill potato bugs. Mrs. Copley notified Mrs. S.
Demuth, who hurried to the place, and after administering some
home remedies as antidotes, had the girl conveyed to St.
Joseph's hospital. It was seen at once that she was in a bad way
and would probably die. The girl was attended at the hospital by
Dr. D. F. Duggan, it was said at the hospital today, but nothing
could be done to save her life. She was able to tell her
troubles to Mrs. S. Demuth, and from it the conclusion is
reached that worry was the cause of her death. The arrest of her
brother, Charles Clowers Jr., on the charge of attempting to
burn the home of the Copley's as a means of driving the girl
away from her refuge, weighed on the girl's mind. She was the
only witness against her brother. The fact that she had found it
necessary to prosecute her father and send him to the
penitentiary was another burden on her mind. She had become
dissatisfied in the home of the Copleys, and an effort was being
made to find another place for her where she would be farther
from the scene of her troubles and would not have so many
reminders about her of what had happened. When the girl's
attempt at suicide was reported to Mrs. Demuth Tuesday, nothing
was said about it except to the people it was necessary should
know about it, and it was hoped her life would be saved. She had
gone through many hard experiences and she was not blamed for
his misguided course. She lingered until 9:15 a.m. today, when
she died in the hospital. The brother, Charles Clowers Jr., had
served several terms in St. Louis as a delinquent boy, and he
seemed to be bent on a life of criminal actions. Mrs. Demuth
said today that she had a talk Monday morning with Augusta
Clowers, and the girl told her that she could not hope to get
over the shame of the wrong her father had done to her. Mrs.
Copley would try to persuade her otherwise, but the girl would
not be comforted and she must go away. About 1:30 o'clock Mrs.
Copley found the girl in the coal shed with the door fastened.
Mrs. Demuth was summoned again and she found the girl blackened
by coal dust and showing evidences of having been vomiting. The
girl denied she had taken anything and said she was subject to
such spells. Mrs. Demuth was not altogether unsuspicious, but
she worked with the girl, had her take some simple antidotes,
and could get no good results. finally, after telling the girl
death was certain and that she must tell the truth, Mrs. Demuth
said prayers for the girl and then Augusta told that she had
taken Paris Green. Mrs. Demuth worked with her and tried also to
get a doctor, but could get none, all the physicians being out
of their offices. She received no regular medical attention
until she reached the hospital after 4 o'clock, about three
hours after the poison was taken. The girl told Mrs. Demuth, in
her death agonies, that she had told the truth about her father
and her brother, and that her father's conduct especially was
what caused her to take the poison. She did not want to live,
and when she knew that her life might be saved she refused to
tell that she had taken any poison and would not tell her secret
until she knew that death was certain.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10, 1912
Coroner Streeper
today called an inquest over the body of the girl suicide,
Augusta Clowers, who killed herself because of the shame her
father had brought upon her, for which he is serving a
penitentiary sentence. Mrs. S. Demuth, who was well informed
about the case, will be principal witness. She tells of
revelations made by the girl, and discoveries made by herself
after the girl's death which members of the coroner's jury will
incorporate in the evidence, and in event of any application
being made for the parole or release of the father, the evidence
will be used against him. Mr. and Mrs. John Ellington, uncle and
aunt of the girl, came here to look after the body and have it
shipped to the grandparents at Carrollton, Ill. The grandfather
is John F. Herring.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 12, 1912 Coroner's Jury Finds Unusual Verdict
The jury impaneled by Coroner C. N. Streeper, to inquire
into the suicide of Augusta Clowers, the girl who killed herself
because of the shame brought upon her by her father, Charles
Clowers Sr., who is now in the penitentiary, found an unusual
verdict. The jury found that the girl had committed suicide and
attributed, in its verdict, her action to the wrong done to her
by her father, and also to the fact that her brother had
persecuted her and had attempted to burn down the house where
she had taken refuge. The jury adopted a recommendation to the
Board of Pardons of the State, that Clowers, the father, who is
under a 14 year sentence to the penitentiary, be required to
serve out the full time in prison, and that the grand jury find
an indictment against the brother, Charles Clowers Jr., and hold
him for trial on a charge of attempted arson. The members of the
jury, H. H. Lessner, R. S. Cousley, A. F. Blossey, R. C. Hardy,
Will Gillham, and Officer Barney Fahrig, believed that the
girl's wrongs could be avenged only by the sufficient punishment
of her father and brother. The father might be released on
parole after 11 months and gain his discharge from custody a
year later by good behavior, but the jurors believed that the
brutal father ought to be held in prison for the full term, and
if there was any way of keeping him there for life, that he be
kept there. It was one of the most unique verdicts ever found by
a coroner's jury, and while the finding is purely of an advisory
character, still, when coupled with the evidence taken, which
will be preserved for record, it should have an influence on the
board of pardons when Clowers asks to be paroled, as he probably
will do, after 11 months. It was with the understanding he could
be paroled that he pleaded guilty to the incest charge and
escaped prosecution on the charge of criminal assault, which
would have barred him from parole if conviction was secured on
the latter charge.
CO---EL, CHARLOTTE REBECCA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 29, 1841
(name was hard to read)
Died, on Sunday last, in Marine
town, Mrs. Charlotte Rebecca, wife of Major Joseph Co--el, in
the twentieth year of her age. It is a melancholy task at all
times to communicate the death of a friend. But it is with
peculiar emotions of grief that we are called upon to pay the
last sad tribute of respect to the departed memory of one so
highly gifted as was the subject of this obituary. But one short
year has lapsed since she stood smiling amidst the gay and
idolizing throng, a happy and joyous bride, in all the bloom,
beauty, and loveliness of youth, promising a tall assurance of a
long life of usefulness to society, and a rich blessing to her
then happy but now bereaved husband. With a mind naturally
quick, and highly cultivated by education, she was endowed in a
high degree with all the superior graces, and nobler attributes
of her sex. She possessed rare mental acuities, that filled her
to shine in the proudest and most exalted station in society;
together with the most ____able qualities of heart, and true
excellence of character that won the admonition of all that
enjoyed an acquaintance with her. Mrs. C. came from the state of
New York to this county in the spring of 1837, where she has
resided till her death. Her untimely departure has shed a deep
gloom over the society in which she moved. She has left behind a
large circle of acquaintances and friends to mourn her death.
She has gone to another and a better world, to reap the rich
reward of a virtuous but brief career.
COATS, CLINTON L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17,
1904
Assessor of Wood River Township for Two Years Passes
Away
At 6 o'clock this morning occurred the death
of one of the best known and most respected citizens of Upper
Alton, Mr. Clinton L. Coats. Mr. Coats had been a sufferer from
liver trouble for two years past, confined to his bed for the
past two months only, but finally succumbed to the disease which
baffled the best physicians in Alton and noted specialists in
St. Louis, the latter of whom operated on him some two months
ago for cancer. Patient through it all, clinging to the last ray
of hope, yet at the close fully resigned, willing and ready to
meet his Maker if it were His will. He was conscious to the end,
falling in his last sleep as sweet and peacefully as a babe upon
its mother's breast. In his death, Upper Alton loses a valuable
citizen. To know him was to love him, and all Upper Altonians
loved "Doc" Coats, as he was familiarly called. His popularity
was shown by his election for assessor for several different
terms, including the past term, and for alderman some few years
ago. Whenever he ran for office he was never defeated, and one
of his dying wishes was to thank the "boys" and people for their
constancy in elections. He wanted so much to thank them again
and again and to bid them goodbye, hoping to meet them all in
heaven. Mr. Coats was a member of two orders. The Masonic order,
which he dearly loved. His own words were "First my God, then
the Masons," and was also a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America. Mr. Clinton L. Coats was born near Carrollton, Greene
county, Illinois, February 28, 1854. He moved to Upper Alton in
1880. In 1875, August 26, he was married to Miss Cornelia
Whiteside, also of Carrollton, and to this union was born two
children, both of whom, together with his wife, survive him. The
children are Mrs. John Megowan and Harvey Coats, both of Upper
Alton. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Mary E. Bradley of Upper
Alton, and an aged mother, Mrs. John Louie of Alton. No
arrangements for the funeral have as yet been made, but will be
announced later.
COATS, PRESSLEY/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 17, 1887
Pressley Coats was buried from the Baptist Church Sunday
afternoon. Elder Turner conducted the services, and spoke
encouragingly to the bereaved parents and relatives. The large
gatherine of sympathetic friends and abundance of flowers spoke
louder than words of the love of those who knew him. The remains
were interred in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
COATS, UNKNOWN CHILD OF A. C./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 3, 1903
The two year child of Mr. and
Mrs. A. C. Coats died yesterday at the family home in
Middletown, after being ill some time with summer complaint. The
remains will be shipped Tuesday to Kane, Illinois for burial.
COBECK, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1915
John Cobeck, aged 66 years, and for many years a
resident of this city, died Wednesday morning shortly after
midnight, at the home of his son, Walter Cobeck, 822 East Second
street. He has been a sufferer from dropsy for some time, and
has been quite sick for four months or so. He sat in a chair the
last four weeks and a half, being unable to remain in bed, and
an attendant was with him day and night. He was employed at the
Hapgood Plow works for many years, and was a very efficient
employee. He was industrious and honest and made friends of all
acquaintances since coming to Alton. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock from the Walter Cobeck home.
He is survived by two sons, Walter and Rohland, both of Alton,
and one daughter, the wife of a minister at Lebanon, Ill. She
will arrive in Alton this evening. A peculiar feature of this
case is that it was exactly similar to that of a twin brother of
Mr. Cobeck, who died in St. Louis some time ago. He was seized
with a dropsical trouble, and the malady developed like that of
the Alton sufferer. Both spent the last week of their lives
sitting in a chair, and both were wishing death would relieve
them. A sister of the deceased, also, died a few years ago from
dropsy.
COBINE, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 11,
1905
Oldest Woman in Madison County Dies - 100 Years Old
The oldest woman in Madison county was buried
in Edwardsville Wednesday evening. Mrs. Nancy Cobine, 100 years
old, died Monday at her home, a mile and a half northeast of
Livingston. There was no particular ailment, merely a wearing
out of the vital machinery due to her advanced age. She was the
mother of Carson Cobine, who made his home with her; of Mrs.
Becky McConch of Staunton, and Sam Carson, who lives in
Missouri. Mrs. Cobine at one time lived on the Valley View Farm,
northeast of Edwardsville. According to a telegram received
today by Edward Cobine of this city, the body will arrive in
Edwardsville at 6:40 this evening and will be taken from the
Wabash depot to Woodlawn Cemetery. Edwardsville Intelligencer.
CODY, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1883
Mr. Michael Cody, a native of Ireland for more than a quarter of
a century a resident of Alton, die4d quite suddenly Monday, at
St. Joseph’s Hospital, at the age of almost 80 years. He had
long been an employee of the C. & A. Railroad Company, and was
active as switchman at Venice when taken sick. He was brought up
on the train the same day, taken to the hospital, where Dr.
Fisher was called to attend him, but he quietly breathed his
last just after he arrived at that institution. It is supposed
that his death was caused by general debility of old age.
COFFEY, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
18, 1918
William E. Coffey died today at 1715 Bozza
street, aged two years. The little one will be buried in the
City Cemetery.
COKER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1883
A
young man by the name of Coker, a brakeman on the I. & St. Louis
Railroad, was instantly killed this morning at Dorsey Station,
while in the act of coupling cars. He stepped into a
cattleguard, the tender backing over his body, mangling it in a
frightful manner. We understand he lived at Mattoon, and was
about twenty years of age. He had not been on the road long, and
at the time of his death was running a trip for another man.
COLBERT, MINNIE C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12,
1921
Mrs. Minnie C. Colbert, aged 57 years, died this
morning at eleven o'clock at the Nazareth home after suffering
from a paralytic stroke. She is survived by her husband, George
A., and two sons, Lolbert Colbert of Olinburg, and John W. of
Grenada, Miss. The funeral arrangements have not been made as
yet.
COLBERT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 17, 1903
Mrs. James Colbert died at her
home on Belle street Tuesday evening at 6:30, aged 49 years. She
leaves a husband and three children. The funeral will be Friday
morning at 9 o'clock.
COLBY, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23, 1852
Died on the 19th inst., at the residence of Dr. Long, near
Alton, Mr. James Colby, a native of Warner, New Hampshire, aged
51 years.
COLBY, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4, 1871
Died
on August 1, at Greenwood [North Alton], of Whooping Cough,
James, son of C. W. and Annie E. Colby; aged 1 month.
COLE, ANGELINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 25,
1901
Angeline Cole of Putnam street died Sunday at her
home after a long illness, aged 58. She leaves six children. The
funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home.
COLE, HERMON CAMP/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
October 22, 1874
St. Louis Business Man; Wealthy Upper Alton
Resident
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1874
We regret to record the death of Mr. Hermon C. Cole, a
resident of Upper Alton, and a leading business man of St.
Louis, which took place Monday night at his residence in the
former place. He was ill about one week. His disease was
pneumonia. He was a brother of ex-Mayor Cole of St. Louis, and
has long been prominent in commercial circles. He was a leading
member of the Baptist denomination in this part of the State,
and his death will produce a profound feeling of sorrow in a
large circle of relatives, friends and acquaintances. His many
virtues and sterling qualities of heart and mind had endeared
him to all. In him, Upper Alton has lost one of its most liberal
and enterprising residents, and St. Louis one of its most
esteemed and valued business men.
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 29, 1874
The funeral services of Mr.
Hermon C. Cole took place Wednesday afternoon from the Baptist
church, Upper Alton, in the presence of a large concourse of
friends and relatives from Upper Alton, Alton, Chester, Saint
Louis, and elsewhere. The solemn services were conducted by Rev.
Dr. Bulkley, assisted by President Kendrick and Prof. Stifler.
The pallbearers were the four sons of the deceased, his
son-in-law, and two nephews.
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 29, 1874 A Tribute to His Memory by One Who Knew Him
Long and Well
Today, they tell me, the remains of our dear
brother were laid in the tomb! How it grieves me, that I could
not be here on the mournful occasion. His spirit gone home to
the Lord! How the new thought haunts me! I walk the streets - it
seems I shall certainly meet and grasp his warm hand once more.
But no, they tell me. It must be so. "Lord, if thou hadst been
here our brother had not died." O, Mary, Mary, thy faith is
little - "too much to throw away; not enough to live by." The
Lord is with us in our afflictions, and yet His presence and
goodness did not save the dying from death! And wherefore? "He
doeth all things well." I bow in submission, and yet I make my
lamentation over his grave. Who doth hinder me? I do believe
that outside of the near relatives of the deceased, he has not a
more sincere mourner than I am. I have more cause to remember
him gratefully and affectionately than all other outsiders. For
more than 20 years I have watched and regarded the good
qualities of his heart and head. For the ten years of my life
spent in Chester as pastor of the Baptist church, he was my
chief helper. Our relations were intimate and trustful. He
confided in me, I never betrayed that confidence. I relied upon
him, and he did not disappoint me. I admired the man for his
simplicity, honesty, and real worth. I loved him for his great
heart, out of which grew such abundant sympathy and helpfulness
toward me in my Christian work in Southern Illinois. Then, as to
his family, I grew up with them. Our relations have always been
so pleasant and happy. I believe the feeling is reciprocal. I
have rejoiced with them when they did rejoice, and now weep with
them when they do weep. This afflicting bereavement touches me.
These words but poorly expresses the high tribute which my
inmost soul pays to the memory of the late Hermon C. Cole. This,
and much more, it would have given me pleasure to have said at
the funeral obsequies, could I have been present. The afflicted
family is assured of the enduring sympathy and regard of myself
and mine. O. L. Barler. October 21, 1874.
NOTES:
Herman Cole was born May 9, 1813, in Ovid, Seneca County, New
York, to Nathan and Sarah (Scott) Cole. He married Sarah Jane
Newell in 1862, and they had the following children: Charles
Briggs Cole (1845-1928); Zachary Taylor Cole (1847-1931); Alice
Emily Cole Smith (1850-1931); Eunice Cole Kendall (1854-1950);
Edward Everett Cole (1857-1933); Cora Verna Cole (1863-1892);
Grace Cole Kiernan (1865-1957); Herman Camp Cole Jr.
(1868-1939); and twins born shortly after their father’s death -
Newell Cole (1874-1896; and Nathan Cole (1874-1941). Herman’s
wife, Sarah Jane Newell Cole remarried to John C. Clarke,
Professor at Shurtleff College in Upper Alton.
COLE, SUSAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1849
Died
of cholera at Upper Alton, on the 21st ult., Mrs. Susan Cole,
aged about 70 years, widow of the late Cyrus Cole, Esq., of
Providence, Rhode Island. She was born and resided in Providence
till the Spring of 1837, when she removed to Upper Alton, where
she continued to reside till her decease. Mrs. Cole possessed a
remarkably vigorous and energetic mind, distinguished especially
for a discreet judgment, which settled firmly on its own
decisions. In the various enterprises of the age, she felt a
lively interest, but regarded the domestic circle as the
appropriate sphere for woman’s usefulness. All the relations of
life – as a wife, a mother, a friend, a member of the Christian
Church, and of the social community, were duly recognized by
her, and the duties growing out of these relations were
conscientiously performed. In 1823, she united with the Third
Baptist Church in Providence. Being strongly attached to that
church, she retained her membership with it in preference to
uniting with any other. Her piety was of a deep, unobtrusive,
uniform, consistent character, showing itself not only on the
Sabbath in the public sanctuary, but at all times and under all
circumstances. Under several deeply afflicted bereavements, she
manifested a Christian submission and resignation which ovinced
a “heart-fixed, trusting in the Lord.” “Trust in the Lord, and
do His will” – was the rule of her own life, and that which she
ever intricated upon her children and other under her influence.
Mrs. Cole possessed a firm constitution, and during the past
Spring and the Summer, enjoyed her usual health, till she was
attacked by the prevailing epidemic. When conscious that she was
suffering an attack of the cholera, she inquired of a friend who
was present, and acquainted with the symptoms of the disease.
“Mrs. E., do you think I can survive this attack?” “considering
your advanced age,” she replied, “I do fear you cannot survive.”
“Well,” responded Mrs. Cole, “I am ready to die.” As exertion to
speak rendered her recovery more hopeless, her friends were
denied the privilege of conversing much with her. Her reason was
unimpaired till the last, and in about 16 hours from the attack
of the disease, she calmly, gently, expired – the departing
spirit impressing an unearthly, a heavenly serenity upon her now
lifeless countenance.
COLE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF LINCOLN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 26, 1912
Mrs. Lincoln Cole died in Upper Alton
Saturday afternoon, leaving a husband and four children. She was
24 years of age. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at
the Second Baptist church in Upper Alton.
COLE, UNKNOWN WOMAN/ Source: Alton Telegraph, July 27, 1849
Died in Upper Alton from cholera – Mrs. Cole.
COLE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 3, 1871
William Cole, a German employed as a farmhand by Esq. Miller,
living near St. Jacobs in Madison County, was kicked by a horse
and killed a few days ago.
COLEMAN, HARRIET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1908
Mrs. Harriet Coleman, aged about 55 years, most of which she
spent in Alton, died last evening shortly before 7 o'clock at
the home of her grandson, Henry Bradshaw, in the North side.
Mrs. Coleman had gone to the Bradshaw home to spend the night
and was in apparently good health when she arrived there.
Shortly afterwards she complained of feeling sick and grew worse
steadily. Within an hour of her arrival she was pronounced dead
by Dr. Joesting, who happened to be in the neighborhood calling
on a patient and was summoned to the Bradshaw home. Heart
disease caused the death. Mrs. Coleman was well known in Alton,
was a hard working woman and reared a large family. She owned
the home at 1819 Belle street. The funeral will probably be held
tomorrow afternoon.
COLEMAN, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5, 1905
Mr. Henry Coleman, living at 1269 east Fifth street, died
Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, after a lingering illness
with consumption, aged 50 years. He had lived in Alton ten
years, having come here from Carlinville. His wife and five
children survive him. His children are: Will, Clara, Harry,
Nettie and Pearl. The funeral will take place Sunday at 2:30
o'clock from his late home, 1269 east Fifth street.
COLEMAN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1919
John Coleman, an inmate of the Alton State Hospital, died
suddenly Thursday while returning to his cottage from the dining
hall. Coleman was taken suddenly ill and sat down on the
curbing, expiring immediately. Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer
held an inquest later in the morning. Coleman was 63 years old.
He has no relatives so far as the hospital authorities know.
Funeral services will be held at a date to be determined later,
and the burial will be in the hospital cemetery.
COLEMAN, JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5,
1900
Fatally Burned by Kitchen Stove
Mrs. Julia Coleman, wife
of Alfred G. Coleman, sustained fatal injuries this morning by
being burned at the family home in the Vanpreter house at Sixth
and Ridge streets. In the house with the mother when she was
being burned were her two little children, and their safety she
placed above her own, for in her shrieks for assistance she
asked that her children be saved and that no attention be given
to her. The house was badly damaged by fire, the woman rushing
about the house in her frantic endeavor to get outside where
assistance could be rendered her. The doors of the house had
been locked, and in her pain she was unable to open them,
entrance being effected finally by a passerby forcing the front
door open. The origin of the fire is not clearly known. Mrs.
Coleman said that she believed she set fire to her clothes by
contact with the coals in the kitchen stove, about which she was
working. Another theory is that a large hanging lamp that was
over the stove fell to the hot stove, and that the oil set fire
to the place. Pieces of the lamp were on the floor after the
fire, which confirms the lamp theory. When Mrs. Coleman found
that her clothes were afire, she attempted to escape from the
kitchen by the back door, but could not. Then she ran to the
front of the house and tried to get out, but found that door
locked also. Frantic with pain, she ran to and fro in the house
screaming in her agony, and no assistance could be given her.
Mrs. Gus Meyer, a neighbor, hearing the screams, ran to Mrs.
Coleman's aid, and with the assistance of a man, broke down a
door and extinguished the fire. Surgeon were sent for. Dr.
Bowman pronounced her injuries fatal. Nearly all the clothing
burned from her body, and her flesh was burned deep. Not an inch
of sound skin was left on her, and her agony was horrible. In
her pain she thought only of her family and was fearful that her
two little children might be burned. She begged the people who
went to save her to let her alone and save the children, who
were upstairs. The fire in the house was soon extinguished, and
but little damage was done. A peculiar incident was that two
five-gallon cans, filled with gasoline and coal oil, were in the
kitchen and they were safely carried out of the burning
building.
Mrs. Coleman died at 12 o'clock this
noon, four hours after the accident occurred. She leaves, beside
her husband, four children - two sons, aged 18 and 16
respectively, and two daughters, aged 8 years and 16 months,
respectively. Mrs. Coleman was well-known in the East End, where
she was very popular. Her husband is a glassblower and is highly
esteemed by all his fellow workmen. They have lived in Alton
nearly fifteen years, coming from the East. Mrs. Coleman was 38
years of age. [She is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]
COLEMAN, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12,
1909
Mrs. Kate Coleman, wife of A. Coleman, died at her
home at 812 east Sixth street at 1 o'clock this morning after an
illness that extended over a period of almost five years. She
leaves beside her husband, six children, three daughters and
three sons. Mrs. Coleman was known as a wonderful woman by those
who knew her best. She had been a constant sufferer for several
years and was known to make few complaints. The funeral will be
held from the Congregational church of which she was a member,
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Clark of the Twelfth
Street Presbyterian church will preach.
COLEMAN, LUCINDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19,
1901
Mrs. Lucinda Coleman, an aged colored woman of Upper
Alton, died last night about 12 o'clock. Mrs. Coleman was
thought to be 103 years old. She came to Illinois from South
Carolina several years ago. She was the mother of 15 children,
all of whom were born in slavery, and only two survive her.
Funeral services will be held at the A. M. E. church tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 21, 1901
The funeral of Mrs. Lucinda
Coleman, an aged colored woman of Upper Alton, took place this
afternoon from the A. M. E. church.
COLEMAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 19, 1917
The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Coleman was
held Sunday afternoon from the home of Miss Lettie Coleman - the
Myrtle House - on Front street, and was attended by a very large
number of friends and relatives of deceased and of her family.
Services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Cline of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church, and burial was in City Cemetery, beneath a
coveerlet of flowers the offerings of friends. The obsequies
were attended by many members of the G. A. R., the Woman's
Relief Corps and Daughters of Veterans.
COLLET, MARY J./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 17, 1879
Mrs. Mary J. Collet, who for several months has been quite
feeble, died about two o’clock yesterday afternoon at the
residence of her son, J. Wallace Collet, in Upper Alton. Mrs.
Collet was born in Huddersfield, England, February 22, 1806, and
settled with her parents in Marine (this county) in 1818. She
was married at Edwardsville in 1829, and settled in Upper Alton
in 1836, where for over forty years her cheerful face and
energetic figure have been well known, and her sympathetic
nature has made her an object of esteem and respect to the
entire community. But the most careful nursing by tender
relatives could not combat the attacks of disease and advancing
years, and her friends, with saddened hearts, learn that “Aunty
Collet” is no more.
COLLINS, D. D./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday,
January 13, 1892
D. D. Collins, one of the early settlers
of Collinsville, died Monday evening [Jan. 11] at 9 o'clock
after an illness of three weeks. He was 77 years old. The
funeral will take place Friday.
COLLINS, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11,
1910
The body of David Collins, who died at St. Joseph's
Hospital Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, was taken today to
the home of his nephew, M. Keeffe, of 2005 Alby street, from
where the funeral will take place Saturday morning to the
Brighton cemetery. Mr. Collins leaves two grandchildren, Mrs. T.
W. Hensley (nee Minnie Collins) of Pittsburg, Pa., William
Collins of Cicago, besides several other relatives in Alton.
COLLINS, FLORENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
13, 1919
Mrs. Florence Collins, wife of Claude Collins,
died last night at their home, 612 Ridge street. She was 18
years old. She leaves her husband and an infant daughter, two
weeks old. The funeral will be Saturday morning at 10 o'clock.
COLLINS, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 21, 1878
Son of William B. Collins – Namesake of Collinsville
The
death of this excellent Christian gentleman, which took place at
his residence in Quincy, Friday, February 15, is to me, as well
as to the immediate relatives, a very special affliction. He was
my senior by only four or five years, and I have known him more
or less intimately ever since he was fourteen years of age.
His father William B. Collins, was a native of Guilford,
Connecticut, and when a young man removed to Litchfield,
Connecticut. He was a Deacon in the church of which Lyman
Beecher was pastor. He had a family of six sons and three
daughters, who lived to manhood and womanhood. All these
children partook largely of their father’s characteristics. All
like him were industrious, enterprising, successful in business,
and unfeignedly pious. All the children were born in Litchfield,
Connecticut. Frederick was the youngest, and was born in 1808 or
1804. He became a Christian in 1821, under the labors of that
wonderful Evangelist, Rev. Asahel Nettleton, and united with the
church in Litchfield, of which Rev. Lyman Beecher was then
pastor. In the Fall of 1822, his parents, his three sisters, and
himself, immigrated to Illinois and settled in Collinsville in
Madison County, where four of his five brothers had already
located, three of them in about 1816. The Presbyterian Church in
Collinsville was organized May 3, 1823 by Rev Salmon Giddings,
with eleven members. I believe six of these members were of
Deacon Collins’ family. William Collins and Uriel Wilcox were
the first elders.
On January 1, 1829, Frederick Collins
married Miss Mary Louis Allen, daughter of Captain Allen of
Marine, Illinois. This esteemed Christian lady still survives.
Frederick and his two brothers, Anson and Michael, removed to
Naples on the Illinois River, about 1830. Of this date, however,
I am not sure. Soon a Presbyterian Church was organized at
Naples, and Frederick Collins was the first elder. He and his
brothers erected there a church edifice, entirely, I believe, at
their own expense. The brothers had a large flouring mill at
Naples, and conducted an extensive mercantile establishment.
They also owned a steamboat – one of the first on the river –
named Coldwater, and no alcohol was allowed onboard. This
greatly incensed the people, especially the steamboat men at St.
Louis. Upon the arrival of the boat at the wharf in St. Louis,
it was assailed by a mob, and not permitted to land. Frederick
stood firm to his principles, even under threat of burning his
steamboat. Later, the name of the steamboat was changed to
America, and the business of steamboating abandoned. Their other
businesses were successful, but the death of Anson and the
unhealthfulness of the place finally drove them away. They
disposed of their property at a great sacrifice, and moved -
Michael to Liberty and Frederick to Columbus, Adams County,
Illinois, in 1837. At Columbus, Frederick was again the leading
elder. He was instrumental in organizing a Presbyterian Church,
and often preached in the absence of the minister. He conducted
a mercantile business in Columbus until 1851, when he moved to
Quincy, Illinois. He remained in Quincy for about 25 years, and
for nearly, or all this period, he has been an elder in the
First Presbyterian Church in that city.
In his business
career, Mr. Collins was remarkable for his industry, judicious
enterprise and uniform success. In times of the wildest
speculation, he pursued unmoved the even tenor of his way. In
times of business depression, he was always prepared for every
emergency. I do not suppose he ever failed of meeting an
obligation at maturity.
His domestic relations were most
happy. He was a model husband and father, ruling his household
by the law of kindness. His children – five daughters and one
son – all possess and adorn the Christian character, and are all
occupying positions of usefulness. Three children preceded him
to the grave.
But Frederick’s piety was his crowning
excellence. It was uniform and steadily progressive. He knew
little or nothing of those seasons of spiritual decline which
mark the course of so many. He obeyed, as few men do, the
injunction, “Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit.” From
the commencement of his spiritual life, his career was one of
constant Christian activity. At Collinsville, at Naples, at
Columbus, whenever the people were without a minister, Elder
Collins officiated, and with great acceptance. In the Sabbath
school, in the prayer meeting, he displayed the same uniform
activity. He was benevolent, contributing largely for the
support of the gospel in the places where he resided, for the
cause of missions, for the enslaved, and for Christian
education.
He was an original Abolitionist, and was not
afraid or ashamed to be so called when, in the minds of most,
the name was a term of opprobrium. He was at one time the
anti-slavery candidate for Governor of Illinois. Of course, he
was a patriot. During the slaveholders’ rebellion [Civil War],
his heart beat high with alternate hope and fear, and his means
were expended largely and freely for his country.
There
are few better business men, better citizens, better husband or
fathers, or to sum all up in one, better Christian than
Frederick Collins. It is unspeakably painful to think of meeting
him no more on earth. Signed A. T. N.
NOTES:
Frederick
Collins was the son of William B. and Esther Morris Collins.
After living in Collinsville for about 8 years, he and his
family moved to Naples, Columbus, and finally moved to Quincy,
Illinois, in 1850, where he lived at 1808 Maine Street. He was
co-founder of Comstock, & Co. (with Allen Comstock), selling
stoves and other wares. Later, Timothy H. Castle, Enoch
Comstock, and Charles H. Winn joined the company. At the end of
his life, Frederick looked forward joyfully to the hour of
release. With the words “I will praise Thee” upon his lips, a
true and pure life ended, and a truer, purer and nobler life
began. Frederick Collins is buried in Woodland Cemetery in
Quincy, Illinois.
Frederick’s father William B. Collins,
joined his brothers at an area they named Unionville, Madison
County, Illinois. One of their first tasks was to erect a
Presbyterian Church, which also served as the schoolhouse.
Besides farming, they also erected a distillery, tanyard,
general store, and an ox-driven flour mill. Frederick was in
charge of the tanyard, and superintended the manufacturing of
shoes. When the post office was opened, and it was discovered
there was already a town by the name of Unionville, the
Postmaster suggested the name Collinsville, after the Collins
family, which was acceptable to the brothers. They soon were
convinced that the production of liquors at their distillery was
unchristian, and they ceased operations and totally demolished
the building. They took the huge tanks in the distillery to
their homes to use as cisterns. After this time period, the
brothers separated. Augustus Collins, one of the brothers, died,
and several brothers went to the Illinois River and established
mills in the town of Naples. William B. Collins remained alone
at Collinsville, carrying on his business until his death in
1849.
COLLINS, HAROLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 2,
1919 2
Alton Boys Killed at Rail Crossing
Two Alton
boys, Earl Yenney and Harold Collins, both 18 years old, were
killed Sunday morning at Monroe, Mich., when their automobile
was struck by a fast train on a railroad crossing. The bodies of
the two boys will be brought here for burial Wednesday. Mr. and
Mrs. August Beineke of Detroit were seriously injured. All the
parties in the accident were formerly of Alton and well known
here. The two boys, until a year ago, were employed at the plant
of the Brokaw-Eden Company in Alton. Mr. Beineke was a
glassworker. The message received have but meager details of the
accident. It was known to their relatives in Alton that the four
mentioned, with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yenney, formerly of Alton,
were planning an automobile trip from Detroit to Cleveland,
during the weekend and over Labor Day. Apparently the accident
occurred enroute. Mrs. Frank Yenney was the sister of Collins.
Yenney's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Yenney, now make their home
in Detroit, as do his brothers, Albert, Russell and Frank. A
brother, Charles, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Godfrey, live in
St. Louis. Another brother, Chester, is in Cleveland, O. He has
other relatives in Alton. Collins' mother, Mrs. Charles Suess,
lives at 715 Clement Place in Alton. His mother, who has been
seriously ill and recently underwent a surgical operation, was
expecting him home on a visit after he had completed this trip.
It was a double shock to her as Mr. Beineke is her brother. He
leaves a sister, Mrs. Frank Yenney, in Detroit, and a brother,
W. C. Collins, in St. Louis. Both the killed and injured had
many friends in Alton. The message telling of the injury of Mr.
and Mrs. Beineke described his injuries as serious. The fact
that Mr. and Mrs. Frank Yenney decided not to come on with the
bodies, but to stay there with the Beineke couple, indicates to
relatives here that Mrs. Beineke must be in a bad way. Messages
asking as to his condition were dispatched Monday, as there was
deep interest in the chances of the Beineke couple recovering.
The funeral of Earl Yenney will be tomorrow afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the Twelfth Street Presbyterian church, where
services will be conducted by the Rev. E. C. Combrink, pastor of
the church, and interment will be in the City cemetery.
COLLINS, JOHN./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26,
1903
The four year old son [John] of Mrs. K. Collins died
this morning after an illness with scarlet fever, and the
funeral took place this afternoon, interment being in Melville
cemetery. Two or three other members of the family are ill with
the same disease, and the sympathy of the community goes out to
Mrs. Collins, who is a hard-working widow, in her afflictions.
[Note: See obit of Sadie Collins]
COLLINS, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1921
John Collins, a negro, died yesterday at St. Joseph's
Hospital of bullet wounds received in a quarrel with Harrison
Beechem, also colored, at the plant of the Federal Lead Co. last
Friday night. The two negroes engaged in an argument over a
board bill, it was said, and Beechem fired several times at
Collins, three of the bullets entering Collins' body. Beechem,
who has been held under $5,000 bond to the grand jury on a
charge of assault with attempt to kill, will be held without
bail when the coroner's jury has held an inquest. He was held
under bond pending the developments in Collins' condition. An
inquest will be held by Deputy Coroner Streeper some time after
Thanksgiving. Collins' body has been shipped to Collinsville.
Collins in a dying statement, blamed Beechem for his plight, and
asserted the only trouble the two men ever had was over the
board bill, due to Beechem.
COLLINS, LEWIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1907
Lewis Collins, a
well known Alton negro, formerly employed by H. K. Johnston
Hardware Co., died from lockjaw Sunday night after a week's
illness. He was employed at the glassworks and was living on
Mechanic street near Seventh. He was returning home from his
work Saturday evening a week ago, and while going around the
corner of his house he stumbled and fell, striking his nose on
the ground. No attention was paid to the wound until tetanus set
in Friday. Dr. H. R. Lemen, who attended him, said that he was
assisted by several other physicians but nothing could be done.
The wound on his face appeared to be only a slight scratch and
did not interfere with his work. He was married February 6 for
the third time.
COLLINS, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 1, 1883
Died in Alton on October 26, 1883, at her residence on Belle and
Nineteenth Streets, Mrs. Mary Collins, wife of Patrick Collins,
deceased, at the age of 66 years.
COLLINS, SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1903
The hand of affliction is bearing down heavily upon Mrs.
Mollie Collins, and has left her heart bruised and torn and
bleeding, but that the faith in her soul is still strong and her
hope bright was evidenced Sunday at her agonizing cry of "Oh
spare the others my dear Savior," broke from her lips as she
followed, Sadie, the second of her chidlren to die within a
week, to her last resting place in Melville Cemetery, Sunday
morning. Her son, John, died a week ago from scarlet fever, and
Saturday evening Sadie, a lovable eight year old child,
succumbed to the disease. The others who were sick with the same
disease are recovering. The case is a very sad one. Mrs. Collins
is a widow, with a large family, and she has worked hard to
support them. Her trouble because of the nature of the disease
had to be borne alone, and alone she was forced to go to the
grave with her loved ones for the same reason. The neighbors
were powerless to help, although eager to do so because of their
own little ones and the fear of contagion. She has the sincere
sympathy of the community.
COLLINS, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1903
The funeral of Walter Collins was held this afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the home of Clement Collins, on East Third
street. Mr. A. M. Scott conducted the services. There was a
large attendance of friends of the young man and of the family.
Burial was in City Cemetery. Mr. Collins died at Chattanoogo,
Tenn. He learned the trade of glassblowing in Alton and was well
known in the city.
COLLINS, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September
16, 1887
Died in Alton, Friday, September 16, after a
protracted illness, William E. Collins, son of William Sr. and
Angeline Collins; aged 27 years, 10 days. The funeral will take
place tomorrow afternoon from the family residence on Bluff
Street.
COLLMANN, HARM H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 12,
1922
Harm H. Collmann, aged 72 years, died Wednesday
evening at eleven o'clock at the family home near Bethalto,
after an illness of one year, suffering from a tumor of the
stomach. Mr. Collmann was born in Germany on April 19, 1850,
during the year 1869 he came to Bethalto, where he made his home
until his death. For the past fifteen years he has resided on
the farm owned by Tom Belt. Last fall he purchased a farm. The
deceased is survived by his wife, six sons, John of Dallas,
Tex.; Herman of Pierre, South Dakota; George of Alton; and Heye,
Edward and William of Bethalto. Two daughters, Mrs. George Deye
and Miss Anna Deye of Bethalto. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at one o'clock from the Lutheran church. Interment
will be in the Dorsey Lutheran cemetery.
COLLY, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2,
1906
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. William Colly died
at her home on the Joehl farm east of Upper Alton this
afternoon. The burial will occur Friday afternoon.
COLN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1861
Drowned in Piasa Slough
We are indebted to Dr. G. T. Allen,
Coroner of Madison County, for the following report of the jury
summoned to examine the body of William Coln. The subscribers,
jurors impaneled by G. T. Allen, Coroner of this county, to hold
an inquest over the body of William Coln, aged 20 years, drowned
at Alton, in the mouth of the Piasa slough on Sunday, August
18th, at half past two o’clock p.m., after deliberate and
thorough investigation of the circumstances connected with the
drowning of the said William Coln, decide that said lamentable
catastrophe was entirely the result of accident while bathing,
for which no one is responsible or censurable. Signed by M. B.
Walker, Foreman
COLONIUS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1899
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Colonius are deeply
bereaved in the death of their three year old son, George, after
a two week's illness. The boy was taken with a severe case of
the trip, but several days ago it was thought he was on the road
to recovery. A relapse set in, however, and death came at eleven
o'clock this morning. The child was a manly little fellow, the
pride of his parents, and admired by all who have seen him. His
death is a severe blow to the parents, and much sincere sympathy
is expressed for them.
COLT, GEORGE A. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November
15, 1877
Rev. George A. Colt, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church of Collinsville, died at that place Tuesday morning after
two days illness, of congestion of the brain; aged 50 years,
leaving a wife and three children. He had been in Collinsville
for the past three years. The funeral will take place today at
10 o’clock a.m.
COLTHAR, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1902
Clarence Colthar, aged 22, an employee of the Beall
Brothers, retired Saturday night apparently in the best of
health. He boarded at the home of the Pattersons, 212 West
Seventh street, and William J. Patterson was his bedfellow. The
latter was awakened early Sunday morning by a peculiar noise
being made by Colthar. Investigations showed that the latter was
apparently suffering intensely or dying. Medical aid was
summoned but nothing could be done to prolong life. The jury
that was impaneled by Deputy Coroner Streeper found that "heart
disease" was the cause of death. Deceased was a member of
Madison camp, Modern Woodmen. He leaves relatives at Bunker
Hill, being the son of Mrs. Lot Colthar, formerly of that place.
The body will be taken to Bunker Hill this evening and will be
accompanied by a delegation of Modern Woodmen. The funeral
services will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock in the
Bunker Hill Methodist church, and burial will be at Woodburn.
COLWELL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 1, 1918
The funeral services for Mrs.
Edward Colwell were held this afternoon from the family home on
Lincoln avenue. The services were private. The burial was in
Oakwood cemetery. The death occurred Tuesday at Edwardsville.
COMLEY, CYNTHIA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 26,
1887
Died in Upper Alton, January 13, of apoplexy, Mrs.
Cynthia, wife of Peter Comley. The funeral will take place
tomorrow afternoon from the A. M. E. Church. Friends of the
family are invited to attend. She and her husband lived on the
Wood River. She left behind several children scattered through
Illinois and Iowa.
COMLEY, ESTHER J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 9, 1918
Esther J. Comley, aged 4 years, died
yesterday at the family home, 2210 Main Street. The body will be
laid to rest in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
COMMONS, CARRIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 3, 1914
Mrs. Carrie Commons, wife of Manly Commons, died at 3:40
o'clock Sunday morning at the family home, State and Belleview
avenue, after a long period of suffering. Mrs. Commons had been
bedfast for many months, and prior to that she had been an
intense sufferer from a malady that had been diagnosed as being
of a cancerous nature. She bore her suffering with admirable
fortitude, and during a long period she insisted upon being
engaged actively in the work of her home, refusing to yield her
place there until it became physically impossible for her to
continue. She was the mother of seven children: two daughters,
Misses Pearl and Merle Commons; and five sons, Dennis, Bernie,
Dorf, Ralph, and Carl Commons. She leaves also her husband and
her father. Mr. Commons is master mechanic at the plant of the
Alton Boxboard & Paper Co. The funeral will be at 2 o'clock
Tuesday afternoon from the family home, Rev. W. T. Cline
officiating. Burial will be in City Cemetery.
COMPTON, SARAH D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1909
The funeral of Miss Sarah D. Compton was held this afternoon
from the Godfrey Congregational church, Rev. W. A. Cotton
officiating. There was a large attendance of friends of the
deceased. Miss Compton's father was one of the original members
of the church, and she had been a working member since girlhood.
Burial was in the Godfrey cemetery.
CONANT, CALEB/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 19, 1877
From
Upper Alton - Mr. Caleb Conant, father of A. J. Conant, Esq.,
died Sunday at the residence of his son. Being of advanced age,
he had been feeble for months.
CONDON, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 13, 1901
Mrs. Ann Condon, widow of Dennis Condon, died at her home,
1037 Union street, this morning, aged 76. She leaves four
daughters, Mrs. John Burke, Mrs. Walter O. Day and Miss
Katherine Condon of Alton, and Mrs. Robert Johnson of Monette,
Mo. The funeral will be Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church.
CONDON, MARIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1902
Mrs. Maria Condon, an inmate of the Woman's Home, died
Sunday morning after a long illness, aged 79. She had lived in
Madison county over fifty years. She leaves two adopted
children, Mrs. E. Borden of Los Angeles, and William Condon of
Oklahoma. She was a resident of Upper Alton, but became an
inmate of the Woman's Home when that institution was
established. Burial was this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Woman's Home to Upper Alton cemetery. Rev. M. W. Twing conducted
the services.
CONE, MARY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1917
Mrs. Mary L. Cone, aged 74, died at the home of her brother,
J. F. Leeper, 1506 Washington avenue, this morning at 8 o'clock.
Mrs. Cone had not been feeling well for a few days and last
Thursday consulted a doctor. She was up and around this morning,
and shortly before her death she complained of feeling sick. She
fell over and in fifteen minutes had passed away. Mrs. Cone
formerly lived at Godfrey. There she was an ever ready help to
the girls attending Monticello Seminary. She was an expert at
needle work and her services were in great demand among the
girls, who kept her busy much of the time. She possessed a sweet
disposition which made her beloved by all who met her. Her
husband died forty years ago. She lived at South Bend, Ind.,
with her daughter for a long time, until the daughter died, and
then she came here to be near her only brother. Mr. Leeper was
in Washington, D. C. at the time his sister died. The funeral
arrangements would not be completed, it was said, until his
return home, which will probably be tomorrow.
CONE, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
26, 1914
Infant Near Death in Mother's Arms On Street Car -
Arrives At Father's Home Just in Time
With her six months old
daughter dying in her arms, Mrs. Helen Cone, wife of Jesse Cone,
arrived in Alton this morning at 9 o'clock. She was on the way
to her home in the East End of Alton, and the child was taken
sick last night. The mother stayed all night in Edwardsville,
then came on to Alton this morning, not realizing that her child
was dying. While the mother was sitting on the interurban car
with her sick infant, a fellow passenger noticed that the child
had gone into a state of collapse and directed the mother's
attention to it. He asked whether the child was asleep, and the
mother said she supposed it was. Then it was noticed that the
child was apparently not breathing. She had noticed the child's
condition, but being powerless to do anything about it, she had
been hoping that she was mistaken. The discovery by fellow
passengers of the child's condition confirming the mother's
worst fears was made just before the interurban car reached
Alton. When Mrs. Cone carried her baby to her home, and there a
half hour later, and after Dr. L. L. Yerkes had seen the child,
the little girl died. Dr. Yerkes said he did not know what was
the trouble with the child as he had no opportunity of examining
it until it was so close to death that the end had practically
come. The supposition is that a very acute attack of summer
complaint had caused the child's death. The father of the child,
Jesse Cone, is a railroad man living at Venice, Ill.
CONGDON, SENECA B./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1886
Mr. Seneca B. Congdon, a native of New York, but a resident of
Upper Alton for thirty years past, died Sunday evening at his
residence, aged 61 years. For the past two months, Mr. Congdon
has been a sufferer from a succession of malignant carbuncles on
the back of his neck. It has been known for weeks that the
proportions assumed by the affected parts threatened a fatal
issue. So his death is not a surprise, although nonetheless a
serious blow to the large circle of friends among whom he has
moved, and by whom he was highly esteemed. The deceased has long
been a consistent and prominent member of the Baptist Church. He
has served various terms in the town council, Board of
Education, Cemetery Board, and other departments of local
government. He leaves a widow and adopted daughter, who have the
sympathy of the entire community.
CONLAN, MRS. PETER/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 28,
1893
The funeral services of Mrs. Peter Conlan of North
Alton, took place this morning at the Cathedral and her remains
were laid to rest in the St. Patrick cemetery. A large number of
the friends and relatives of the deceased attended.
CONLEY, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1905
Edward, the 14 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Conley of 407 Henry street, died at 11:15 a.m. Friday after an
illness with typhoid fever. It was supposed that the boy was
getting along nicely and his condition during the last
twenty-four hours was such as to give his parents great hope.
The last night had been a very restful one for him and in the
morning his prospects seemed more encouraging than ever before
since the illness began. Very unexpectedly the end came after a
brief prostration. The boy was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed
Conley. He was employed at the Co-operative bakery and was a
remarkably bright young man for his year. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to St.
Patrick's church.
CONLEY, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1912
Frank Conley died very suddenly at Excelsior Springs, Missouri,
Monday afternoon about 4 o'clock. A telegram was received by his
son, Charles Conley, telling of the death of his father, and he
started at once for Excelsior Springs to bring the body home,
after breaking the sad news to his mother. Mr. Conley had gone
to Excelsior Springs a few days before with his brother,
Patrick. It was not supposed he was in a bad way, and he merely
wanted to recuperate a bit. The news of this death caused a
sensation downtown, as Conley was among the best know men about
town. He had conducted a saloon for many years in Alton, and was
known as an all around devotee of sports. He had just completed
remodeling the front of his saloon, the "Turf," which he had
invested with a marble paneled front, and the panels were
adorned with life-sized horse's heads and many electric lights.
He was especially proud of the handsome finish he had given the
front of his place, and boasted that he now had the most
conspicuous saloon front in Alton. A number of years ago he
retired from the glassblowing trade to give all his time to his
place of business at Second and Piasa streets. He had a wide
acquaintance among sporting men and politicians in general, and
there will be deep interest in his death at more places than his
home city. Mr. Conley leaves a wife and five children, Edward of
East St. Louis; Charles, William, Mrs. Mary Newman, and Miss
Irene Conley of Alton; two brothers, Patrick and Edward Conley
of Alton; and one sister, Mrs. James Brown of Pittsburg, Pa.;
and three grandchildren. Mr. Conley died in his 59th year. The
remains will arrive in Alton tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, and
the funeral will be held Friday morning at the Cathedral. Burial
will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
CONLEY, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1907
Railroad Watchman Dies While Speaking to Son
James
Conley, aged 59, died Saturday afternoon at Godfrey from heart
disease at his home, east of the C. & A. depot. He had left
another man in charge of the crossing while he went home to
carry some coal he had picked up. As he was entering the house
he noticed his boy rolling a big snowball, and he stopped long
enough as he was opening the door to say to the boy, "If you had
to do that you wouldn't want to do it." Then he dropped dead
with his hands on the doorknob. He leaves his wife and five
children. The funeral was held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from
SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Burial was in Greenwood
cemetery.
CONNELL, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 26, 1848
Died
in Alton on the 21st inst., James Connell, a native of
Stirlingshire, Scotland, aged about 60 years. His unimpeachable
integrity and straight-forward character, while living, gained
him many friends in his adopted country, who now deeply regret
his loss.
CONNOR, E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1916
Old Soldier Dead
E. Conor, aged 89, died at the home
of his daughter, Mrs. Vermillion, at 1006 East Broadway this
afternoon after an illness of some time. He is survived by two
sons and two daughters. The funeral arrangements have not been
completed.
CONNOR, SILAS F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20,
1919
Former City Official and Grocery Store Owner Dies
Mrs. H.
S. Matthews received word late yesterday of the death of her
cousin, Silas F. Connor, for many years a resident of Alton. He
had been making his home in St. Louis for some time, and the end
occurred in that city. Mr. Connor had been totally blind for
several years. His failing eyesight had caused him to leave
Alton, and he went to Leavenworth, Kan., to be with the family
of his son, E. H. Connor, remaining there until the son was
called East to help with war work. Then Mr. Connor went to St.
Louis where he lived with a family including some members
afflicted as he was. Silas F. Connor was one of the most
prominent business men in Alton for many years. Not only was he
prominent as a business man, but he also held official
positions. He served as a member of the city council, was city
comptroller, and at the time his sight failed him, he was
serving as clerk of the City Court of Alton. He was deeply
interested in all the Masonic bodies in Alton, and for many
years he carried a large share of the responsibilities of an
official character in the various Masonic bodies of Alton. He
was a man of remarkable good preservation of body and faculties,
and but for the loss of his sight his closing years would have
been happy ones, as physically he was in good condition. Many
years ago he started a store on Third street, where he retailed
fancy groceries. He was known as a man of bluff honest, blunt in
his speech, but withal a kindly sympathetic friend and most
devoted to his family. One of the touching features of his life
was his devotion to his invalid wife to whom he gave constant
attention up to the time of her death. He leaves two sons, E. H.
Connor and Charles Connor. Mr. Connor was in his 84th year and
had been in ill health for several years. The funeral will be
held some time Friday. The body will be brought to Alton and the
Masons of which Mr. Connor was a long time member, will have
charge of the funeral. Mr. Connor was a member of the Unitarian
church and Mr. Holloway of the local Unitarian church will be
the minister in charge.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 21, 1919
The funeral of Silas F. Connor
will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Unitarian
church and burial will be in City cemetery. The body will be
brought to Alton tomorrow noon and taken to the Keiser
undertaking establishment to remain until the day following. The
funeral services will be under Masonic auspices. All the Masonic
bodies in Alton will be represented as Mr. Connor was for more
than a half century a very active worker in all the bodies.
CONSTANTINO, ANDREWS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 4, 1904
Andrews Constantino, a Greek, died at St.
Joseph's hospital Sunday, aged 45, from the effects of being
overheated one day last week. Constantino had no relatives or
friends in Alton, and the body was turned over to Undertaker W.
H. Bauer Tuesday morning for burial.
CONTER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 11, 1900
Mrs. William Conter, wife of a
well known farmer residing two miles east of East Alton, died
last night after a short and painful illness. She was 26 years
of age, and leaves a husband and two children.
CONVERY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1907
Body of Well Known Upper Alton Business Man Found in Back Yard
by Wife
The body of John Convery, a well known Upper
Alton business man, was found by his wife Wednesday night
shortly after 9 o'clock, lying in the back yard at the family
home on Liberty street. His death was due to heart failure and
was a severe shock to his wife and to the entire community. Mr.
Convery had been suffering from heart trouble for almost two
months, but few of his friends or business associates were aware
of the fact. He had been complaining of a pain over his heart
for some time, and he believed it was rheumatism until he was
told by a physician that it was heart trouble. Since that time
his condition grew steadily worse and he became weaker, but
continued at his business without informing many of his
condition. Mrs. Convery was in the habit of going to her
husband's office in the evening and remaining with him until
closing time and then they went to their home. They were
together last night at the office as usual and closed up shortly
before 9 o'clock and went home. After being in the house a few
minutes, Mr. Convery stepped out into the back yard and when he
did not return as soon as his wife thought he should, she became
alarmed immediately and carried a lamp out to the back porch and
called him. Receiving no answer she set the lamp down and ran
into the yard to look for him and fell over his lifeless body
lying on the ground. The shock to her was so great that she was
helpless, but she attracted the attention of men at the livery
stable next door. The body was carried into the house and
physicians were summoned, but the spark of life had gone out
long before any medical aid arrived. His relatives in various
parts of town were notified of his sudden death and the shock to
them was great. John Convery had been a resident of Upper Alton
almost twenty years, and had been in the coal and ice business
continuously. He was a quiet and industrious man, and during his
business career here had made many friends. He was born and
raised in Alton where his aged mother, Mrs. Mary Convery,
resides. He was 48 years old. He is also survived by his widow
and two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Boeschert and Miss Pauline Convery
of Alton. Mr. Convery was a member of the Woodman lodge and the
order will attend the funeral, but the arrangements for it have
not been made.
CONVERY, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19, 1907
Mrs. Mary Convery, aged 73, died Sunday morning at 5 o'clock
after an illness with stomach trouble at the home, 905 Liberty
street. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Martin Boschert and Miss
Mary Convery, both of Alton. The funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from St. Patrick's church. Burial will
be in Greenwood cemetery. Mrs. Convery was an old resident of
Alton. Her son, John, who was for many years a prominent
business man in Upper Alton, died recently, very suddenly.
CONWAY, HATTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 22,
1905
The funeral of Mrs. Hattie Conway was held this
morning from St. Patrick's church where a Requiem mass was said
by Rev. Fr. O'Reilley. There was a very large attendance of
friends and neighbors at the funeral and many lovely floral
offerings. The members of the Court of Honor and other fraternal
societies attended the obsequies in a body. Burial was in
Greenwood cemetery.
CONWAY, PATRICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1862
Soldier Drowns in Mississippi
The body of Patrick Conway,
member of Company F, 12th Regular U. S. Army, who was drowned
last week while bathing in the river, was yesterday discovered
floating in the slough below Shield’s Branch. Esquire
Middletown, being notified of the find, summoned a jury, and
held an inquest on the body. Verdict as above. The deceased was
a native of Ireland, aged twenty-one years.
CONWAY, PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1904
The body of Patrick Conway, who died at his home in
St. Louis Wednesday morning, was brought to Alton today and
interred in Greenwood cemetery after services at the Cathedral.
Years ago Mr. Conway was a well known resident of Alton, and
conducted a shoe shop on Belle street. He was about 87 years of
age.
CONWAY, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1868
Yesterday afternoon a boy named Walter Conway, aged about
fourteen, attempted to get upon a moving train on the Chicago
and Alton Railroad, and fell beneath the wheels of a car and was
instantly killed. The body was frightfully mangled.
COOK, BLANCHE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1910
Blanche, the 8 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
William Cook of Wood River, died Friday morning shortly after 2
o'clock after an illness of four months. Her death was directly
due to injuries she sustained one day last winter, four months
ago, when on her way home from school. She fell on the icy
ground and sustained what was believed to be a slight injury,
and she walked on home. Nothing was thought of the injury until
some time later when the girl began to suffer intensely and her
condition grew steadily worse. Doctors were puzzled and could
not tell what was the trouble. It was decided after some time
that she had suffered a shock to her brain and spine by the fall
that resulted in her being completely disabled. She had lain for
several weeks unconscious and her death was expected almost any
moment. Her vitality surprised everyone, as for over a week she
took no nourishment whatever, and the attending doctors had
given her up to die. The funeral of the child will be held
Sunday, and the body will be taken to Grafton, the old home of
the family, for burial.
COOK, DANIEL W./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 17, 1881
From Edwardsville – Daniel W. Cook, one of Collinsville’s most
highly respected citizens, died at his residence in that city on
Saturday last. [Daniel W. Cook was born in 1834 in Jefferson
County, West Virginia. He was buried in the Glenwood Cemetery in
Collinsville.]
COOK, EDWARD A. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 24, 1918
Dr. Cook Dies From Blood Poisoning - Martyr to His Duty
Dr. Edward A. Cook, aged 49, one of the best known
physicians in Alton, died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 12:50
o'clock, noon, Saturday, from blood poisoning resulting from
appendicitis. Dr. Cook's death was the direct result of his
sacrificing himself to the calls of duty, when his surgical
knowledge would inform him that he was in a bad way himself and
he should have been resting and taking treatment to recuperate.
At a time when he was going about waiting on others who needed a
doctor's attention, Dr. Cook himself was in a very serious
condition and was in need of immediate treatment by a skilled
surgeon himself. The attending doctors who were called to look
after him when he broke down, and found conditions as they were,
said that they were convinced that Dr. Cook must have known that
he was in a bad way, but that he was kept so busy attending to
others he had not taken the time to help himself. He had been
serving as a member of the district medical advisory board in
the draft, as well as taking care of a large number of sick
people at home. He had been, also, serving with the local
exemption board as an examiner. It was while he was so busily
engaged that Mrs. Cook was called away from home to assist Dr.
Cook's parents in preparing for a trip. When she came back she
found her husband very ill. He had been in bed and was summoned
to take care of a case, but had made arrangements for another
doctor to go. The family insisted that he go, not knowing that
he was a very sick man. Dr. Cook got out of bed, attended to the
case, and went back again to his bed. Then he had to go to the
hospital, where a specialist was called and he advised an
immediate operation to relieve a bad case of appendicitis. That
was one week ago last Friday. He showed from the first that
there was very little chance of his recovery, and practically no
hope had been held by these around him that he would get well.
He became unconscious during the night and died about ten hours
later. Dr. Cook had been a resident of Upper Alton ever since he
began the practice of medicine about seventeen years ago. He had
been very active in public affairs, had served as a member of
the city council and also as a member of the Board of Education.
He had been prominent in medical society work and at all times
was willing to assume new duties and obligations that might be
imposed on him when there was some public work to be done. He
was a very conscientious man and devoted his utmost energies in
any service he undertook. Dr. Cook was born in Jersey county and
he graduated from the Jerseyville High School in 1891. Teaching
school for a few years he made his way through medical college
and after graduating he came to Alton. He was a son of Mr. and
Mrs. William Cook, who reside in Jersey County. The father is
attending the G. A. R. national encampment in the state of
Washington, and the mother is visiting her only daughter, Mrs.
Ruth Cooper, in Coates, Kan. There are six brothers surviving:
Elmer of St. Louis; Herbert and Rolla of Jerseyville; Walter of
Alton; Dr. Arthur B. Cook of Portland, Ore.; Harry Cook of the
state of Washington. Dr. Arthur Cook is on his way to Alton, and
four of the brothers were here when the death occurred. Besides
these, Dr. Cook leaves his wife and one son. The time of the
funeral has not been set, but it was asked today by Mrs. Cook
that a last request of Dr. Cook be observed. He wished that,
instead of money being spent for flowers to be sent to his
funeral, that the same money be sent to apply on the milk and
ice fund for the babies of Alton who need the help. He had said,
"I will have no need for flowers, then, and the babies do need
the milk and ice. It would be better to give it to them."
COOK, HARRIET A./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 6, 1874
Died in Edwardsville on Wednesday, July 29, at four o’clock
p.m., Miss Harriet A. Cook; aged 29 years, 1 month, and 9 days.
COOK, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 11,
1904
Harry Cook, aged 20, a towerman employed by the Big
Four at Mitchell, was struck and instantly killed by Chicago and
Alton train No. 9 at 6:35 o'clock this morning. His body was
hurled 150 by the impact of the blow he sustained, and was not
mangled. His skull was split off above the eyebrows, his head
being struck in the forehead by the pilot bar of the engine.
Cook arrived at Mitchell just the day before to take charge of
the new interlocker tower there. He was walking along the wagon
road and approaching the crossing when the Wabash and the Alton
trains were racing toward the crossing. Cook was watching the
Wabash train and apparently did not notice the C. and A.
midnight train. Just as the engine was about to hit him, as he
stood on the road crossing, he turned his head and was struck
full in the forehead, between the eyes. Just a few days before
Cook left his home in Indianapolis, saying farewell to his
mother there. He was a bright young man and was holding a
responsible position. A telegram notifying his mother was sent
to Indianapolis.
COOK, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
A sad
and fatal accident took place on Monday evening at Godfrey, by
which Mr. John Cook lost his life. Mr. Cook and his wife were
driving home from Alton in an open wagon. When near the
residence of Mr. R. W. Crawford, the horses took fright and ran.
They soon veered from the road, and brought the left forewheel
of the wagon against a fence with such force as to throw Mr. Coo
out. He was thrown against the fence, and his neck was broken or
dislocated by the shock. He lived only fifteen minutes after the
accident. Mrs. Cook was able to maintain her sat, and was
uninjured by the accident. Mr. Cook was an industrious and
respected citizen of Godfrey. He owned a farm there, and was in
good circumstances. His age was about forty years. He leaves a
wife, and we belive one child, who have the sympathy of the
citizens of Godfrey.
COOK, JOHN/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, January 6, 1876
A sad and fatal accident took place on Monday evening at
Godfrey, by which Mr. John Cook lost his life. Mr. Cook and his
wife were driving home from Alton in an open wagon. When near
the residence of Mr. R. W. Crawford, the horses took fright and
ran. They soon veered from the road and brought the left
fore-wheel of the wagon against a fence with such force, as to
throw Mr. Cook out. He was thrown against the fence and his neck
was broken or dislocated by the shock. He lived only fifteen
minutes after the accident. Mrs. Cook was able to maintain her
seat, and was uninjured by the accident.
Mr. Cook was an
industrious and respected citizen of Godfrey, He owned a farm
there, and was in good circumstances. His age was about forty
years. He leaves a wife, and we believe, one child, who have the
sympathy of the people of Godfrey in their sad and sudden
affliction. The funeral took place today.
COOK, MARY O./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1862
Died on the 14th inst., at the residence of her parents near
Troy, Illinois, after the short illness of two weeks, Miss Mary
O. Cook, aged 19 years and eleven months. Miss Cook was a firm
believer in the religion of Jesus, and died happy in the promise
of the Gospel. Though young, she has left numerous friends who
deeply mourn her loss. She was engaged to be married on the 12th
of August, but only two days after that time her bridal garb
became that of the grave. How uncertain are all our earthly
hopes!
COOLEY, FRANCIS “FRANK” A./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 6,
1879
Frank A. Cooley, son of Mr. J. A. Cooley, a promising
young man of Alton, died about six o’clock Monday eve, after a
lingering illness of a pulmonary character. He was taken sick in
May last, and for some months had been confined to the house,
and of late, to his bed. He was a patient sufferer through all
the weary months that the insidious disease preyed upon his
system. He was uncomplaining to the last, and died like a little
child going to sleep. The funeral took place from the
Congregational Church. He was 21 years of age.
COOLEY, JAMES ASHLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
12, 1899
Brick layer and builder of many Alton businesses
James Ashley Cooley, one of the oldest
residents of Alton, died at 8:45 o'clock Thursday night, aged 77
years, after a short illness. Although in feeble health
consequent of his great age, he was able to be down town every
day until last Saturday. On Friday afternoon he sprained his
knee by a fall and he was compelled to remain at his home. On
Wednesday he was taken with the grip, and his feeble
constitution soon collapsed and he died Thursday night after
only 36 hours illness. In the death of Mr. Cooley, there passes
one of the most interesting characters in the history of Alton.
He had lived in Alton for over half a century, having come here
from New York at a time when Alton was in her infancy, and not
even a shadow of her present importance. He was a bricklayer by
trade and was for many years a leading contractor. Most of the
large brick buildings in the business part of town were built by
him and he often spoke of his connection with the early
up-building of Alton. The first building erected by Mr. Cooley
after coming to Alton is the one used by the Alton Savings Bank.
It was built for the use of the Alton Bank, now the National
Bank, and was and is a fine structure. He also erected the
building in which the Telegraph is published. He was quite
wealthy, and one of the influential citizens of Alton in his
early days. Of late years, old age and weakness prevented him
from following his accustomed pursuits, and he was obliged to
content himself with sitting around and observing events as they
took place with a younger generation actively engaged in his
place. On the streets, he was a familiar figure, and his
condition is well described -
He walked along the streets
And he looks at all he meets So forlorn;
And he shakes
his feeble head That it seems as if he said: They are gone.
During the war he filled the position of assistant provost
marshal. For many years he was Judge of Election in the First
Ward, and there he will be missed most. He leaves two daughters,
Misses Emily and Alice Cooley, with whom he made his home on
State street. Mr. Cooley was one of the most intelligent men in
Alton, fully conversant on all current topics, whether social,
political, financial or otherwise. Since the organization of the
Republican party, he had been an earnest and effective member of
it, always taking a leading position in its councils, until laid
aside by the infirmities of age. The funeral will be Saturday,
at 2 p.m., from the family home. [Cooley is
buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]
COON, O. A./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 1, 1885
Guest
Dies by His Own Hand
Wednesday evening a stranger, named O.
A. Coon, stopped at the house of Mr. Charles Vaughn, about
halfway between Alton and Edwardsville. The man was a stranger
in this section, and seemed greatly depressed in spirits. He was
well dressed and quite gentlemanly in his demeanor. He told Mr.
Vaughn that he had relatives at Pocahontas, was a miller by
trade, out of money, and that he had applied, unsuccessfully, at
the mills in Alton for employment. He was kindly told that he
could remain, notwithstanding his lack of funds. He was given a
bed in a room with two of Mr. Vaughn’s sons. At about 2 o’clock
Christmas morning, one of the young men was partly aroused by a
muffled report, but paid no particular attention to the matter
until he heard a mysterious dripping, when he sprang up, struck
a light, and quickly discovered that the strange guest was lying
unconscious in the bed he had occupied, the muzzle of a revolver
between his clenched teeth, while a crimson stream poured from
his mouth, down over the bed clothing, and dripped on the floor.
The aim had been so true, that surgery was of no avail, and the
burdened soul left its shattered tenement but a few hours before
the dawn of the day of “Peace on Earth.” Coroner Melling was
notified and held an inquest Thursday afternoon, and a verdict
of suicide was returned.
COOPER, ANNIE E. (nee KELSEY)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 10, 1881
From Ridgley, February 7 – It is our
painful duty to record the death of Mrs. Annie E. Cooper,
beloved wife of John O. Cooper of this place, and daughter of
Robert and Mary Kelsey of Bethalto, Illinois, which took place
at her residence, Friday, February 4, 1881. Mrs. Cooper was born
in Alton, September 4, 1851, but removed with her parents to
Fort Russell Township near Bethalto when about twelve years of
age. She returned to Alton and finished her education at the
public schools there. She made a profession of religion in her
seventeenth year, and united with the M. E. Church at Liberty
Prairie, of which church she remained a faithful and consistent
member until her death. Annie was united in marriage to John O.
Cooper, March 15, 1877, which union has been a very happy one
from that time until the Master called her to her home above.
She was taken sick with measles, and was in a fair way to
recover, but Thursday evening she grew worse. Drs. Gere of Moro
and Guelich of Alton were summoned, but malaria had taken
possession of the victim, which resulted in death Friday
morning. She leaves a husband and a child, three years of age, a
father, mother, and brother to mourn their irreparable loss. The
friends of the departed have the sympathy of the entire
community in their sad bereavement. The funeral took place from
her residence, and the remains were conveyed to the M. E. Church
at this place on Sunday. Rev. H. Delicate preached an impressive
sermon, after which the remains were taken to Liberty Prairie
for burial. [Burial was in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery in
Edwardsville. She was 29 years of age.]
COOPER, CHARLES MORTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
4, 1921
Remains of Charles Cooper, Killed in France, Will be
Interred on Tuesday in Moro
The remains of another
overseas soldier, Charles Morton Cooper, arrived in Moro
Saturday night and the funeral is to be held on Tuesday. Cooper,
the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Cooper of Moro, was born March 24,
1894 at Moro, and spent his early life there, graduating from
the public school and later enrolling at Bunker Hill military
academy where he was a student for two years. Cooper entered the
army service on February 23, 1918 at Alton, and on June 15, 1918
was made a corporal in Company K, 135th Infantry, 84th Division
at Camp Taylor, Ky. He was transferred shortly thereafter to
Camp Sherman, Ohio, and later to Camp Mills, N. Y., embarking
for overseas on September 3, and was assigned as a replacement
to Company K, 28th Infantry, First Division, going into action
with that division. On October 15th, 1918, he met his death in
action while making an advance with his company in the direction
of Sedan. The body was interred in a military cemetery in
France, and arrived at Hoboken, N. J., the early part of last
week, reaching Moro Saturday. Cooper was well known in this
vicinity, and was a member of Bethalto lodge 406, A. F. and A.
M. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.
Cooper, one brother, August, and a sister, Miss Mararetin
Cooper. Funeral services will take place at noon Tuesday from
the home of the parents, while the Masonic fraternity will have
charge of the services at Cooper Cemetery, which is in the front
yard of their residence.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 5, 1921
Impressive funeral services were
carried out at noon today over the body of Charles Morton
Cooper, who died in France and whose body was returned to Moro
Saturday night for final interment in the Cooper cemetery at
that place. The Masonic order of which deceased soldier was a
member had full charge of the funeral services at the cemetery.
Services were conducted at the Cooper home in Moro, with Rev.
Meuhlinghaus of the Evangelical church officiating. Rev. Cates
of the Upper Alton Methodist church also participated in the
services. A number of relatives of the deceased from this city
attended the funeral. They were: Mr. and Mrs. A. Mohr and son,
Joe, and daughter, Miss Charlotte; Mrs. Jack Hickey and daughter
Betty; Mrs. R. G. Huskinson; Mrs. Margaret Unterbrink; Miss
Edith Faulstich; Mrs. J. E. Schullenberg; Mr. and Mrs. John
Dietchey; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Unterbrin; Mrs. Henry Unterbrink; and
Misses Florence and Amelia Kuhn.
COOPER, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3,
1905
Mrs. Charlotte Cooper, aged 68, died at St. Joseph's
hospital this morning from senile debility. She leaves four
children, Peter Cooper of East Alton, Harry Cooper of Troy, and
John Cooper and Mrs. James Stockton of Cincinnati, Ohio. The
funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church.
COOPER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21,
1920
The funeral of Frank Cooper, who died from a
complication of diseases Monday morning at his home two miles
north of Bethalto, in Foster township, will be held Thursday
morning at 9 o'clock from his late home and burial will be in
Zimmerman cemetery. Mr. Cooper was a thrifty farmer, had a good
farm, and had accumulated considerable wealth. He had never
married. In the past ten years he had his sister, Mrs. Frances
Piggott, as his housekeeper. He was a breeder of good livestock,
especially draft horses.
COOPER, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 20, 1844
Died, in Upper Alton, on the 15th instant, of lung fever,
George W., son of John and Susan Cooper, aged 4 years and 11
months. His sufferings were great, but he bore them with
extraordinary patience for one of his age, and sweetly fell
asleep in Christ, without a groan or a struggle. All his
relatives and friends, but particularly his parents, feel
sensibly, and mourn their loss, but they sorrow not as those who
have no hope, for they fully expect ere long to go to him, and
reign with Christ, where there shall be no more parting, no more
sickness, pain or death.
COOPER, HARRIET M./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 17, 1880
Mrs. Harriet M. Cooper, for many years a resident of Alton, but
latterly of St. Louis, died in that city June 12. She was the
mother of Mrs. N. G. Edwards, and leaves a large circle of
relatives and friends in Alton. The remains arrived here on the
train this morning, and the funeral took place at the Episcopal
Church.
COOPER, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1868
Memoir of Mr. John Cooper, who died at his residence in Upper
Alton, Madison County, February 20, 1868. Brother Cooper was
born in Anderson County, East Tennessee, February 2, 1807. He
was converted at a camp meeting on the Olonas Camp Ground, near
Knoxville, Tennessee, September 1825, and united with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, being 18 years old. He was united in
marriage to Susan M. Veal, his now bereaved widow, May 6, 1831.
With his wife and two little children, he emigrated to Illinois,
finding his way to Upper Alton, December 21, 1831, where he
purchased land, settling upon it and remaining on it until
called from labor to rest. Those who knew Brother Cooper only
knew him to love him. As a husband, he was kind and
affectionate; as a father, he was not to be excelled for
kindness and affection; as a citizen and neighbor, no man stood
higher in the estimation of his neighbors – yea, and all who
knew him. As a Christian, he was not to be excelled. He was one
of those men who said but little, not being of an excitable
character, possessing a kind of diffident spirit, but he was a
doer of his profession, possessing great firmness and decision
of character, not being afraid of what men might say, but
exhibiting by his daily walk, dealings, and conversation, that
he was a true follower of Christ. He was a man who read a great
deal, and possessed an extraordinary faculty of memory in giving
dates, and relating correctly events that transpired thirty
years ago, as if they were but yesterday. For forty-three years,
his house has been the home of the itinerant. He had a big
heart, and many are the itinerants who have taken sweet counsel
with him, and will hail him happy in that land where sorrows
never come.
Brother Cooper had followed five of his
children to their last resting place. He leaves an aged
companion and five children to mourn their loss, but their loss
is his eternal gain. His last affliction was of short duration,
being pneumonia, but it was great, for some ten days, I think,
he was unconscious of his suffering. I was with him in his last
moments. It appeared that consciousness returned, but he was too
near the other shore to speak so as to be understood, passing
from this world of sorrow to that of untold bliss, as the child
would pass into a quiet sleep.
So passed away Brother
Cooper. My acquaintance with him was but short, but I learned to
love him as a father in Israel. The church and community will
greatly miss him. One note of some considerable interest – his
now bereaved companion was converted and united with the M. E.
Church at the same meeting where he was converted. May God bless
and sustain the bereaved ones. Signed James P. Dew, Pastor.
COOPER, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 2, 1882
John Cooper, a gypsy, died yesterday morning at the Zingari
encampment near Rock Springs, at the age of 25 years. He left a
wife, two children, and other relatives. Mr. W. L. Klunk, the
undertaker, has furnished a fine casket for the remains, and the
funeral will take place at a time yet to be decided on.
COOPER, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 5, 1882
Gypsy Dies Near Rock Spring
We gave Saturday an account
of the death of John Cooper, a member of the band of Gypsies
encamped near Rock Springs, a short distance this side of Upper
Alton. The funeral has not yet taken place, as the arrival of a
brother of the deceased is expected. In accordance with the
custom of that strange race of people, they have burned the most
of the effects of the dead man. His clothing, saddle, bridle,
tent and other articles have been destroyed in that way. His
wife and two children now lodge with other members of the tribe,
all being related to each other. They would also have burned a
valuable wagon belong to Cooper, had it not been necessary to
use it in their removal South, which will soon take place. The
principal business of these Gypsies is horse trading, fortune
telling, being but as incidental kind of a recreation, although
they are credited by most people with great skill and acumen as
sight-seers, or foretellers of future events.
NOTES:
John Cooper died September 1, 1882, at the Zingari [gypsy]
encampment near Rock Spring Park near Upper Alton. He was 25
years of age, and left a wife, two children, and other
relatives. Most of the gypsies in America were from Romania, and
brought with them their traditions and superstitions. According
to Zingari custom following the death of a loved one, family
members do not bathe, shave, comb, or eat during their mourning
period. They are allowed coffee and liquor to drink. They
believed that spirits are everywhere, and the dead can wreak
havoc on the living unless they are warded off by spells and
charms. They burn all of the possessions of the deceased to
prevent the deceased from returning and taking possession of the
items. Gypsies are not allowed to touch the dead, so the
deceased’s body was prepared for burial by an outsider. I could
not find the burial place of Cooper, but he may have been buried
in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. It was not uncommon to have
a caravan of gypsies travel through Madison County. They usually
made money from horse trading and telling fortunes.
COOPER, JOHN E./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 3, 1883
Mr.
John E. Cooper, proprietor of the Bethalto House, passed from
this life Sunday night, in the 37th year of his age. The funeral
took place from the family residence. The remains were take to
Dorsey for interment. He was a member of the Druids of Bethalto,
who attended the funeral in a body. He leaves a wife and two
little boys, who have the sympathy of many, in this, their sad
bereavement.
COOPER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3,
1906
Joseph Cooper, aged 60, died Sunday afternoon at 4
o'clock at the home of his son, J. W. Cooper, in East Alton,
from fatty degeneration of the heart. He had been suffering for
many months and recently was moved from Hartford to his son's
home. Cooper achieved distinction during the trial of Joe Nolan
for the murder of two fishermen. Cooper was proprietor of the
saloon at Hartford being run in opposition to Nolan, and it was
because of the business rivalry that the murder was attributed
to Nolan. Cooper was one of the star witnesses, and on his
testimony much of the case hinged. He testified that Nolan had
tried to kill him several times and that bullets had passed in
dangerous proximity to his face. He claimed to have identified
Nolan outside his saloon as the man who carried the shot gun and
.....od sentry, and he also claimed to have seen Nolan following
the two men down the road. Cooper leaves two sons and one
daughter. His daughter arrived from Hannibal Sunday afternoon a
half hour after his death. He was a well known character in the
vicinity of East Alton and had many friends.
COOPER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22,
1914
Joseph Cooper died at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Zeph Bivens in Moro, Sunday, aged 94 years. Mr. Cooper had been
dying for several weeks from old age and the effects of the
weather. He had been staying for some time at Bunker Hill, but
when his health failed he went back to Moro where he had lived
for the greater part of his life. Mr. Cooper was an old time and
well known Madison County farmer. Mr. Cooper was a wealthy owner
of real estate, and leaves a valuable estate. His children are
George, John O., B. E., and Arthur; and Mrs. Zeph Bivens. The
funeral will be Wednesday.
COOPER, LEONARD P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14,
1921
East Alton Postmaster Fall Out of Car - Killed
On the
eve of his 50th birthday, Postmaster Leonard P. Cooper of East
Alton was fatally hurt Sunday evening by falling from the
running board of his automobile, six miles north of Granite
City, and striking his head against the curbing, fracturing his
skull. He died before he could be carried to Granite City. The
accident was the tragic close of what had been a very happy day
for the Cooper family. They had gone to St. Louis to be the
guests of Mrs. _____ sister, Mrs. Lottie Fields, ______ were
returning home. In the car were Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Cooper, H.
Cooper, and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford ______. The ______ was in the
back, and thinking that a rear tire was flat he opened the car
door and stepped out on the running board to look and ascertain
whether or not the tire had gone flat. In doing so, a ____ of
the car caused him to lose his grip as the car was running 25
miles an hour, and he was hurled headlong into the curbing. The
driver of the car did not know Mr. Cooper was going to step on
the running board and did not check the speed of the car. Mr.
Cooper was knocked unconscious by the fall. He was picked up,
put back in his own car and a flying trip was made to St.
Elizabeth's Hospital in Granite City, where he was dead before
he reached it. Mr. Cooper was a member of an old Madison County
family. His mother was born in the county, as was his father. He
had lived in the county almost all of his life. He was married
at Hannibal, Mo., to Miss ____ Brown, and spent about two _____
there, about twenty-five years ____moving to East Alton. Had he
lived another day, he would have been ____ years of age. He was
a Democrat all his life and eight years ago he was appointed
postmaster at East Alton, a position he held up to the time of
his death. He was very prominent in Wood River township. His
father was Joseph Cooper, who died a ____ of years ago. He
leaves his _____, Mrs. Mart Surratt of Han____, one sister, Mrs.
Della Drum____, and one brother, Wilbur Cooper, in addition to
his widow, Mrs. Ala___ Cooper, and two sons, Homer and Clifford.
Mr. Cooper was a member of the Knghts of Pythias, holding
membership in Alton. The duties of postmaster were taken over
this morning by Mr. Cooper's ____, Miss Maude Apple, until ____
hear from Washington. The ____ of Mr. Cooper will administer ___
office until a successor can be found.
[This obit was
extremely hard to read - some is missing]
COOPER, NANCY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 5, 1900
Mrs. Nancy J. Cooper, one of the oldest
and best known residents of Upper Alton, died this afternoon at
her home after a long illness. She had been in failing health
for a long time, and her death was not unexpected. She was a
member of a well known family of Upper Alton, and was 92 years
of age. She leaves two daughters, Miss Allie Cooper and Mrs.
Warnock.
COOPER, S. G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19, 1921
Former Justice of the Peace in East Alton - Lifelong Resident of
Madison County Dies
S. G. Cooper, for many
years a well known resident of East Alton, died Monday night at
9 o'clock in St. Joseph's hospital after an illness of three
years. Death was from a general breakdown due to old age. He was
73 years old. Mr. Cooper was born and reared in Madison County
and spent all of his life here. He came of a family of pioneer
settlers. In the Civil War days he enlisted as a private in Co.
D., 10th Illinois Cavalry at Alton, serving for three years.
Fifty years ago last December Mr. Cooper was married to Miss
Laura Clark, who survives him, but is in poor health herself.
She also was reared in Madison County. Four children are living,
Mrs. Jessie Howard of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; Mrs. Blanche
Hamilton of Atlanta, Ill.; Roland Cooper of Baxter Springs,
Kan.; and Mrs. Edna Hale of East Alton. He leaves one sister,
Mrs. John Jones of Los Angeles, Calif. All the children are here
except the Mrs. Howard and her arrival from her Idaho home is
being awaited. Mr. Cooper served for many years as a dispenser
of justice in East Alton, being re-elected time after time as
Justice of the Peace. He also was in the insurance business. He
retired about ten years ago on account of failing health. He
spent last winter with his son in Kansas, and intended to spend
the summer in East Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of the deceased daughter,
Mrs. L. H. Hale, with Rev. Marsh of Upper Alton officiating.
Interment will be in the Montgomery Cemetery. The Montgomery
Cemetery is located eight miles east of here.
COOPER, SAMSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9,
1903
Old Gypsy Stabbed to Death at Madison and Belle Streets
in Alton
Samson Cooper, an old gypsy, was stabbed to death
Sunday night about 6 o'clock at Madison and Belle streets under
the full glare of an electric light, by Jacob Love, an Alton
negro of unsavory reputation. Love is in jail, having been
arrested Sunday night about midnight in a barn on the place of
A. K. Root, where he had taken refuge with Charles Townsend. The
murder was a most unprovoked one. Cooper came to town a week ago
with a party of gypsies who encamped on Belle street opposite
the Deadman home, at the city limits. He was 60 years old, and
on account of his age had given up horse trading, but his roving
spirit would not permit him to settle in one place. He was
traveling with a party consisting of Dick Joles, William and
Oliver Broadway. Sunday the old man had been drinking and was
downtown. About 6 o'clock he was going along upper Belle street,
when he met Carroll Hall, a young lad, whom he asked to help him
to the gypsy camp on Belle street. Hall was assisting the old
man when he was approached by Jacob Love, a negro, who commanded
the boy to let him take care of the old man and he would take
him to the camp. Hall obeyed the order of Love, who is a stout
burly fellow, and left Cooper in his charge. Within five minutes
thereafter Cooper was mortally stabbed, one knife thrust
penetrating his heart and the other his brain from the back of
his neck. Frank Deadman found the body lying at the roadside
near Dixon's quarry about 6:30 o'clock, and the body was still
warm. He gave the alarm and in a short time the story was out.
Mrs. McHenry, who lives across the road from where the murder
was committed, saw Love strike Cooper, but did not know what was
being done. She said she could identify the man. The description
given of the assailant of the old gypsy fitted Love, and the
whole police force were started in search of him. The search was
kept up throughout Alton and North Alton, at all of Love's
haunts until midnight, when a party of officers found the
murderer hiding in a barn where he had taken refuge with Charles
Townsend. At first Townsend denied that Love was hiding with
him, saying that he had been there but left. Deputy Sheriff
Laughlin, Officer Lyons, Constable Batterton demanded permission
to search and Townsend demurred. Deputy Sheriff Laughlin then
announced his intention of making the search. Townsend refused
to lend the officers a light, and they were compelled to borrow
one nearby. Love was found cowering in the loft of the barn. He
had told Townsend that he had trouble with a man on Belle street
who tried to rob him, and that he struck his assailant on the
head. When Love was arrested a knife was found on his person.
The longest blade was found bent as though the steel had turned
when Love had stabbed his victim. On the knife was found a blood
stain. Lenus Vogelpohl of Upper Alton, who says he married a
gypsy girl and knew Cooper well, told the police where relatives
of the dead man could be found. He represented them to be
wealthy gypsies and said that doubtless Cooper had a large sum
of money on his person when killed. A telegram was sent to
Arthur Wells at Winona, Miss., and another to Bessie Wells at
Indianapolis, informing them of the death of their relative.
Representatives of Cooper's family are expected to come here,
and it is said by Vogelpohl, who knows them well, that they will
spare neither time nor money in prosecuting the murderer of the
old man. Deputy Coroner Streeper took charge of Cooper's body.
Love was identified Monday morning by Carroll Hall as being the
man who forced him to turn the old gypsy over to him Sunday
night, saying, "I will take him to his camp." Deputy Coroner
Streeper has summoned for the inquest Henry Wolf, who was said
to have met Love on upper Belle street Sunday evening. Love is
said to have told Wolf that he was waiting for an old gypsy who
owed him a quarter, and that "if the old man did not pay he
would cut him and cut him deep."
NOTE:
Jacob Love was arrested and held without bail. In March 1904,
Love was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Samson
Cooper.
COOPER, SARAH H./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1850
Died – Mrs. Sarah H., consort of L. J. Cooper of Upper Alton,
departed this life in great peace on Sabbath morning, April 21.
She became pious early in life, and united with the M. E. Church
at about the age of fifteen years, of which she remained a
consistent and faithful member till her departure. Those who
knew her best say that she was an affectionate and devoted wife,
a kind and tender mother, and warmly attached to her friends. As
a Christian, she was devoted, and to her last hour, though
having suffered extremely for near two months, she never
murmured. She said on the morning before her decease, I have
suffered much, but I am resigned – expressing her strong
confidence in her Saviour. A numerous circle of devoted friends,
four lovely little children, and a heart-stricken husband, mourn
their irreparable loss, while she reaps the gain of immortal
glory.
COOPER, SUSANNA W. (nee VEAL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 6, 1900
Upper Alton News - Mrs.
Susanna W. Cooper, one of Upper Alton's best known, beloved and
oldest residents, died at her home Friday, October 6, at 3
o'clock p.m., aged 88 years, 10 months, and 2 days. Susanna Veal
was born in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 4, 1812. She was married May
9, 1831 to Mr. John Cooper. With her husband and two sons, she
came to Upper Alton in 1834, where they lived happily till the
death of her husband, March 2, 1868. Of this union were born ten
children, three of whom survive her: Mrs. M. J. Warnock and Miss
Allie Cooper, bot of Upper Alton; and C. H. Cooper of Dallas,
Texas. Sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, of
whom are Mrs. L. T. Castle and Mr. C. H. Burnap of Upper Alton,
are living. Mrs. Cooper became a Christian at the age of 14
years, and has been an active member of the M. E. church since
her conversion. With the exception of 11 years spent in Chicago
and Dallas, Texas with her children, Mrs. Cooper has lived in
Upper Alton. Funeral services will be held in the Methodist
church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. J. A Large and C. W.
Nash of Jerseyville will conduct the services. From 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. the body will lie in state at the home.
COOPER, THOMAS M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1901
Moro News - Thomas M. Cooper died at his home
December 31, near midnight, after an illness of only ten days
with lung fever. He was a progressive and prosperous farmer, and
a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cooper, and a brother of John O.,
Earnest C., and Arthur Cooper. Mrs. Zephaniah Bivens was his
sister. Mr. Cooper was in his forty-second year, and the most of
his life was spent within a mile of where he was born. He was
married some fifteen years ago to Miss Rosa Southard, who with
four children survive him. He was a prominent member of Moro
District Court of Honor, and carried $2,000 insurance in the
order. The funeral services will take place from his late home
Thursday morning. The interment will be at Edwardsville.
COOPER WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 9,
1917
William E. Cooper, aged about 80, died in St. Louis
Monday evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Kroeger,
where he had been taken from his residence in Ft. Russell
township when he was taken sick with a bad cold recently. He was
taken to St. Louis to see a specialist in the hope that he could
be benefited. Mr. Cooper was one of the oldest residents of Ft.
Russell township, and was a large owner of real estate. He owned
large estates in Madison and Macon counties. In Moro township he
owned the old farm that was owned by John M. Palmer, former
Governor, and former United States Senator and one time
candidate for President of the United States. It was on that
farm in Moro township there grew a cherry tree, and which was
cut down at the time that Palmer was elected United States
senator. The tree furnished the material from which 101 walking
canes were made and were presented to the loyal 101 who stood by
Palmer in the long balloting for United States senator preceding
the breaking of the deadlock by the election of Palmer. Mr.
Cooper leaves his wife, a son Henry, living in Ft. Russell
township; a son William, living in Moro township; a daughter,
Mrs. Harry Kroeger; and a son, John, living in St. Louis. The
body was taken back to the old home from St. Louis today, and
the funeral will be held Thursday.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1917
The funeral of the
late William Cooper will be held at the family home at Bethalto
on Thursday morning at 11 o'clock. Afterwards the body will be
taken to the Moro Presbyterian Church where services will be
held. The body will be laid to rest in the Cooper private burial
grounds on the Springfield road, instead of at the regular
cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. John Schulenberg, Mrs. Margaret
Unterbrink, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Unterbrink. O. J. Unterbrink,
Mrs. Guy Huskinson, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Mohr will be among the
Alton relatives to attend the funeral.
COOPER, WILLIAM M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24,
1902
Mr. William M. Cooper died at his residence at Moro
at 5:50 Sunday evening, from erysipelas, in the 74th year of his
age. He had lived in the neighborhood of Moro for 55 years. He
was a Second Lieutenant in the 125th Regiment of Illinois
Volunteers, in the War of the Rebellion. Two sons and two
daughters survive Mr. Cooper. Mrs. A. L. Lowe of Upper Alton is
one of his daughters. The funeral will be tomorrow at 11 a.m.
COPE, LOREY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1918
The funeral of Mrs. Lorey Cope was held this morning
from the Nazareth Home, Requiem Mass being celebrated by Rev.
Stephen Schauwecker. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
COPELAND, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1874
A terrible and fatal accident took place this morning on the
Chicago & Alton Railroad, one and a half miles south of
Edwardsville Crossing [near Hartford], under the following
circumstances: A number of laborers were at work on the track at
that point, and on the approach of the Chicago & Alton lightning
express going south, they all stepped aside out of the way. One
of the hands named Michael Copeland, stepped over near the Terre
Haute track, which runs parallel to the Chicago. Just as he did
so, a train approached from the south on that track, and the
unfortunate man became bewildered, crossed over onto the Chicago
track, just in front of the engine, was struck on the head by
the bumper, hurled into the air and instantly killed, his skull
being shattered. Had he remained standing where he was between
the tracks, he would have been safe, but he became frightened,
and in trying to avoid both trains, came to his death. No blame
could possibly be attached to the engineer.
COPLEY, ALIZE ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1847
Died on the 21st instant, at their residence in Alton, Alice
Eliza, daughter of Milton and Eliza I. Copley, aged 16 months
and 14 days.
COPLEY, JOHN SINGLETON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 24, 1908
Godfrey pioneer - Built saw and grist
mills; Steamboat enginner
John Singleton Copley, aged 87,
died Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Herone
Sypneske, in St. Louis, after a long illness from the weakness
of great age. He was born in New York, but came west when a
young boy. He was one of the oldest residents of Madison County.
Mr. Copley came from a family of great longevity. A sister, Mrs.
Marie Deleplaine of Iola, Kansas, is 91 years old, and a
brother, George W. Copley of Alton, Illinois, is 82. His wife,
who also survives him, and is a lineal descendant of Commodore
Perry, is 71. A short funeral service will be held at the home
of his daughter in St. Louis at 9 o'clock a.m. Wednesday
morning, and services and interment will be in Godfrey Cemetery
at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. A special car on the Alton,
Jacksonville & Peoria at 1:30 p.m. will carry the funeral party
and friends on Wednesday afternoon.
John Copley was born
in Whitestown, New York, January 16, 1821, and moved with his
father's family from that place in 1824, living for a short time
in Washington, Pittsburg, Covington, Kentucky, and Dayton, Ohio,
finally arriving in St. Louis in 1834. The family left St. Louis
on July 5, 1834, arriving in Alton on July 6, 1834. They entered
120 acres of government land, then built the old homestead one
mile west of where Monticello Seminary now stands, where he has
lived continuously until last April, when he went to St. Louis
to visit his daughter. He was a mechanical engineer of rare
ability, and from 1845 to 1860 constructed many of the saw mills
and grist mills throughout the several states of the Mississippi
valley. Sickness contracted in the southern swamps compelled him
to abandon this line of work, and for many years thereafter he
followed the vocation of steamboat engineer, running on the big
packet lines on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. For a
number of years, he was engineer in the City Mills of Alton. In
1889 he gave up this work, and retired to the old home, where he
spent the last twenty years of his life with his family.
Copley was married in St. Louis, September 1, 1858, to Miss
Lucy A. Holt of Vergene, Illinois. Five children resulted from
this union: Mrs. O. C. Sypneski of St. Louis; Jerome W. Copley
who resides in the old homestead at Godfrey; Elmer J. Copley of
St. Louis; Mrs. E. M. Stiritz of Oklahoma City; and W. B. Copley
of Alton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his
sister, Mrs. M. O. Deleplaine of Iola, Kansas, who is in her
ninety first year, and a brother, G. W. Copley of Alton, who is
in his 82nd year.
NOTES:
John Singleton Copley, and
his wife, Lucy A. Holt Copley, are buried in the Godfrey
Cemetery. The Copley homestead in Godfrey was located at the
intersection of Pierce and Stamper Lane.
COPLEY, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1919
The funeral of Mrs. Lucy Copley was held this afternoon from
the home of her son, J. W. Copley, one half mile south of
Godfrey. The service was conducted at 2 o'clock by Rev. F. N.
Brown of the Godfrey Congregational church, and was attended by
many friends of the aged woman. Interment was in Godfrey
cemetery. A lover of flowers all her life, Mrs. Copley's friends
saw to it that her burial was accompanied by many beautiful
tokens of love by sending handsome floral offerings. Mrs. Copley
was the widow of John S. Copley, and died Saturday night at 9:30
o'clock from pneumonia. Her great age prevented her recovery
when once she became a victim of the disease. Mrs. Copley was a
very interesting character, possessed a lovely disposition and
led a christian life. She was a member of the Godfrey
Congregational church. She was very fond of flowers, and her
yard contained many handsome plants of flowers which were
greatly admired by passersby and visitors to the Copley home.
Mrs. Copley is survived by three sons, J. W. Copley of Godfrey,
Elmer of Webster Groves, W. B. of Alton; also by two daughters,
Mrs. Edith Stiritz of California and Mrs. Olive Pine of
Oklahoma. Mrs. Copley was born on Feb. 12, 1837, being at the
time of her death, 82 years, at Vergrune, Ill. She was married
in 1858, her husband dying in 1908. She spent the greater part
of her life at Godfrey, and was interested in all that went on
about her. She was an active member of the Guild of the
Congregational church.
COPLEY, LYNNHURST B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
11, 1920
Lynnhurst B. Copley, second son of Mr. and Mrs.
James Copley, died yesterday at the family home in Godfrey,
following an illness of influenza and pneumonia. Copley was
taken ill a week ago last Saturday. He was 19 years of age.
Copley was born October 11, 1901, at Godfrey, and was raised in
the town of his birth. He was a popular and well liked young
man, and his death is the cause of great sorrow to a large
circle of friends. Besides his parents, he is survived by two
brothers and two sisters. The sisters are Mrs. Althea Goodyear
of Indianapolis; and Mrs. Lucema March of Louisville, Ky.; and
the brothers are Chester and Deane. The funeral services will be
held at the Godfrey Cemetery at 2 o'clock on Thursday. Rev. John
Green of the Godfrey Congregational Church will officiate.
Interment will be in Godfrey cemetery. Friends from Alton can go
out to Godfrey on the 1 o'clock train, and will be taken to the
cemetery.
COPLEY, MILTON E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
29, 1917
Milton E. Copley died suddenly Sunday morning at
2 o'clock at his home, 706 Rozier street. The circumstances
attending his death are more than usually distressing. He had
been confined to his home two weeks suffering from the effects
of injuries he sustained while engaged in his usual vocation as
engineer at the plant of the Stanard-Tilton Milling Co. He was
crushed about the hips, but his injuries were regarded as merely
of a painful, and not of a dangerous character. He had so far
recovered that he was expecting to leave home Sunday morning to
look after his duties at the mill, during the time the mill
would be shut down, and even he did not suspect that he was so
near to the end. Late Saturday night he was stricken with
violent heart pains, and expired soon afterward. The physicians
who were called did not consider that the death of Mr. Copley
was due to the injuries he had received, and for that reason
they would not issue a death certificate without an autopsy. It
was also decided that a coroner's inquest would be held. The
impression was that Mr. Copley had suffered a sudden attack of
heart trouble, which had proved fatal. Mr. Copley was 67 years
of age. He was an expert engineer and had served very capably in
charge of the engines of the Stanard-Tilton mill for a number of
years. He was a kindly gentleman, an exemplary citizen and the
Copley hospitable home was the scene of social gatherings
frequently. Mrs. Copley had only recently recovered from a
nervous collapse and spent six months in the East with a sister.
The effect on her caused by her husband's death was feared by
her friends, but Mrs. Copley was bearing up wonderfully well.
Mr. Copley leaves beside his wife, two sons, Edward and Marsdon.
He leaves also a brother and a sister. Mr. Copley was born in
Alton, but when a boy went to Godfrey and then to Brighton with
his parents. When 17 years of age he learned the trade of
engineer and served for years under his father as a marine
engineer. In 1902 he came to take charge of the post of engineer
for the Stanard-Tilton mill. There he showed the highest
capacity for handling the engines of that mill, and his services
were greatly valued by his employers. Besides his wife and two
sons, he leaves a brother, Charles W. Copley of Webster Groves,
Mo.; and a sister, Mrs. Thomas Seadey of Chicago. She is now in
Florida. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the Unitarian Church, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
COPLEY, OLIVE C./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1873
Died on January 8 of pneumonia, at her residence, Mrs. Olive C.
Copley, in the 87th year of her age. Mrs. Copley removed from
her New England home in early childhood to New York State, and
in 1831, took up her residence near Alton – then the “far West.”
In common with that noble band of pioneers who laid the
foundation of our present prosperity, the family endured the
hardships and privations, and performed the labors incident to a
life in a new country. Nobly did the subject of this obituary
perform her part, and her family grew up under her wise
counsels. Although the husband of her youth was long since
called away, and her children engaged in their various
avocations, mother Copley was always regarded by them and
respected as “the head of the family,” and her loss will be
severely felt by her children, grandchildren, and neighbors. She
was a lady of more than ordinary mental powers, of commanding
presence, a well-cultivated intellect, and would have been
considered a valuable acquisition to the best society. Her
spirituality was highly developed, and it is not too much to say
that she was a sincere, devoted, and intelligent Christian lady.
Although the physical system, burdened by the weight of four
score and six winters, gave way under the attack of fatal
disease, the spirit triumphed, and reason retained its throne to
the last. Leaving the tenement it had occupied so long, in the
arms of a beloved son, the ransomed spirit passed sweetly away
to the full enjoyment of Spirit Life. Signed by J. W. Thombs,
Brighton, Illinois.
COPLEY, WILLIAM B./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 11,
1846
Died at his residence near Monticello [Godfrey], on
the 6th instant, Mr. William B. Copley, in the 81st year of his
age. Mr. Copley has left behind him a wife and family who were
warmly attached to him, and many acquaintances whose respect he
secured by his sincere and upright life. He was an honest man,
and a devoted student of the theological writings of Emanuel
Swedenborg, in which he found much not only to direct him in
life, but also to cheer him on the approach of death. This
change of state, so much dreaded by many, to him had no terrors,
for he was well instructed in that Word which declares "Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Yes, said
the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their
works do follow them."
COPPINGER, BRIDGET/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1901
- Submitted by Steph McGrath
Death of Mrs. Bridget
Coppinger. Mrs. Bridget Biggins Coppinger, widow of Hon. J. W.
Coppinger, died Saturday morning, at (?):30 o'clock, at the home
of her sisters, the Misses Biggins, at State and Dry streets.
Mrs. Coppinger's death ends a long period of suffering from a
malignant disease that began to develop nearly one year ago.
Since last April, her suffering was most intense, and she has
spent much of the time in St. Joseph hospital, where all that
could be done to relieve her was done. She underwent several
surgical operations in the hope of relief that was so anxiously
sought, but all the efforts to better her condition were in
vain. Three weeks ago she was removed to the home of the family,
where it was expected she would pass away. Her death has been
looked for several months. Mrs. Coppinger was born in Alton, and
was the (eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Biggins. She was 50 years
of age and had lived here all her life, except during brief
periods when she accompanied her husband to the posts to which
his duties called him, She was a member of one of the best known
of the oldest families in Alton. She leaves three daughters and
four sons. The death of her husband was a heavy blow to her, and
followed soon afterward by the death of her third son. Her life
during the last year had been filled with deep sorrow. All that
is mortal of the loved and lamented Mrs. J. W. Coppinger was
laid reverently, sorrowfully to rest by grief stricken relatives
and friends in Greenwood cemetery Monday. Services were held at
the Cathedral at 10 o'clock where a Requiem High Mass was
celebrated by Rev. E. P. Spalding, assisted by Rev. Fathers
Cusack and Fennessey. The immense structure was tilled with
those who knew and esteemed the deceased lady, or had been the
recipients of her kindly words or acts and unostentatious
charity. No greater tribute was ever paid to any one than the
bitter, uncontrollable tears of the very poor because their
benefactress who never "let her right hand know what her left
hand was doing," had been taken away from them forever. She knew
sorrow; she suffered a living death; but she had charity and
hope and faith and love, and while her gentle spirit had gone to
its reward her body was placed to rest beneath flowers which
were fragrant and beautiful as was her character. The pall
bearers were F. Crowe, J. J. McInerney, C. F. Degenhardt, K. A.
Burke, J. F. McGinnis and David Ryan. A great many people were
present from other cities and towns.
COPPINGER, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 13,
1872
Died on September 6 in Alton, Mrs. Catherine Coppinger,
aged 78 years, 7 months, and 12 days. A native of Esker County
of Galway, Ireland.
COPPINGER, JOHN W. (HONORABLE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 10, 1900
Hon. John W. Coppinger died
Saturday night at his home on State street. Death resulted from
kidney trouble, aggravated by a carbuncle on the back of his
neck, which appeared one week ago last Thursday. His death was
not unexpected, as it was known several days he could not
recover. The end was attended with great suffering, and his
death was a relief to him and his friends who were agonized to
watch his contest with the terrible malady. John W. Coppinger
was a native of the city of Alton, and son of John E. Coppinger.
He would have been 49 years of age in January. He was a resident
of Alton his entire life, except the four years he resided at
Toronto, Canada as U. S. Consul at that place. Mr. Coppinger was
probably the best known and most prominent Democratic politician
in Southern Illinois. He has filled more posts of honor than any
other Democrat in Alton. After serving as City Attorney and
Mayor [1885-1887], one term each, he turned his attention to
State politics and was elected as a member of the lower house of
the Legislature in 1886. Four years later he was elected State
Senator, and served one term, where his skill as a practical
politician won for him immediate recognition. He was elected
president pro tempore of the Senate, and presided part of the
time during the session. During the stormy period in the Senate
when Gen. John M. Palmer was elected United States Senator, the
Senator from Madison county bore his part well and was a leading
figure on the stage of action. He was a member of the famous
"101" that held together until it had elected the choice of the
party to succeed the Republican Senator. After serving Gen.
Palmer so yeo-manly in the State Senate during the struggle for
supremacy, the victorious aspirant for the Senatorial toga
rewarded his friend with appointment as consul to Toronto, which
is one of the best paying consulates at the disposal of the
President. The appointment of Senator Coppinger as consul to
Toronto startled some of the old-time politicians with its
suddenness, as it was not generally known he was aspiring to
such a high position. It was characteristic of the man to keep
his own counsel and his strength and success lay in the fact
that his rivals never knew what "Copp." was about until he
sprung the surprise on them. He served four years at Toronto,
and was succeeded by a Republican on the accession of President
McKinley. On his return to Alton, Mr. Coppinger did not busy
himself in politics because of ill health, and he has been
retired since that time. His active life broke down his health
and he has been very ill several years as only him family knew.
Recently a carbuncle formed on his head, and it gradually
yielded to treatment but it was scarcely gone when another
formed on the back of his neck. The last time he was out of his
home was election day, when he voted. In his associations with
his fellow citizens in Alton, Mr. Coppinger was always the
perfect gentleman, dignified and courteous in his treatment of
all, and whether friend or foe, he gave to each the courtesy due
from a public official. Death occurred at 7:30 o'clock Saturday
evening. The news of the death of Mr. Coppinger was flashed over
the wires throughout the country in a short time after he passed
away, and there was general sorrow among those who had known him
through his active life. He leaves many friends in both parties
who had been associated with him in a political way. Mr.
Coppinger leaves a widow and 8 children. The time of the funeral
was not set until late last night, when a message was received
from his son, Will, who is attending Niagara University, that he
would be home today. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 10
o'clock, and services will be at the Cathedral. [Coppinger was
buried in the Greenwood (St. Patrick's) Cemetery in Godfrey.]
Source: December 27, 1900 Submitted by Steph McGrath
Hon. John W. Coppinger, of Alton, who served in the
State Senate several years during the '90's [1890s], died a few
days ago, and was buried Tuesday, December 12, in Greenwood
cemetery, Alton. Mr. Coppinger was one of nature's noblemen. He
had a big heart and a big brain, was able and useful as a public
servant, popular as a citizen, and true and steadfast as a
friend. Peace to his ashes.
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 23, 1902
Fraternal Order Refuses to
Pay Policy of $1,000 on Life of the Late State Senator. John F.
McGinnis and Mamie D. Biggins, executor and executrix of the
will of Bridget Coppinger, deceased, have instituted suit
against the Ancient Order of United Workmen for $1, 000, the
amount of a policy on the life of the late Hon. John W.
Coppinger. The fraternal order refuses to pay the insurance
policy and the representatives of the estate have filed the suit
In the Alton City Court for the February term. The refusal of
the insurance company to pay the policy grows out of an alleged
failure of Mr. Coppinger to pay his assessments while he was
consul at Toronto, Canada. Consul Coppinger made arrangements
for having his bills paid at Chamberlain's drug store, and his
assessments were collected there when due by the representatives
of the A. O. U. W, One assessment, was not paid, and Mr.
Coppinger was so informed on his return from Toronto. He
tendered the money to the collector for the A. O. U. W. but that
officer refused to accept it and Mr. Coppinger was informed he
must pass an examination and be readmitted to the order. At the
time Mr. Coppinger's health had become so bad he was unable to
pass the examination and he refused to comply. He continued to
hold the policy and refused to consider that he had been dropped
from the membership of the A. O. U. W. At his death a demand was
made on the A. O. U. W. for the amount of the policy and payment
was refused. The representatives of Mrs. Coppinger's estate will
try to enforce the payment demanded.
COPPINGER, WILLIAM
H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 15,
1900
Son of Senator Coppinger Dies
Will
Coppinger died this morning at 8 o'clock, after an illness of
several weeks, aged 21. The young man had been attending the
University of Niagara, at Niagara Falls, N. Y., where he was
studying for the priesthood, graduating from the college last
June. This year he was in the seminary, where he would have
continued his studies had his life been spared. His last illness
dated from last summer, when he contracted a severe cold while
in a baseball game with the Spaldings. He never recovered
completely from the cold, and later his condition was rendered
worse by exposure during a football game at his school. He was
captain and quarterback of his eleven, and was considered one of
the hardiest and healthiest boys at the school. His physique was
perfect, and he had made good records in athletic sports, being
rated one of the best football and baseball players in Alton. It
was not known here that he was playing football at the
university this year, and his family was not aware of his
illness. When he received the message announcing the serious
illness of his father and summoning him home, he was on his way
to the hospital at Buffalo, where he was going for treatment. He
started for Alton, and learned of his father's death first when
he reached home Monday morning. The shock was so severe that the
young man fainted, and he did not rally. He was unable to attend
the funeral of his father, and from the beginning of his illness
at home his condition was considered dangerous. Death was due to
uraemic poisoning. His suffering until a few days ago was
intense, when unconsciousness mercifully relieved him of his
pain. Will Coppinger was a bright young man whose natural
ability was plainly made manifest in his school life, and he
gave promise of being a brilliant success in life. His character
was unimpeachable, and he looked forward to his life work in the
church with great earnestness of purpose. He has many friends in
Alton and his death will strike profound sorrow to the hearts of
all who knew him. The family will have a double portion of
sympathy in their heavy affliction, having been stricken twice
within a week with death of members. One week ago this evening
the father passed away. The funeral will be Monday morning at 10
o'clock and services will be in the Cathedral.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17, 1900
The
casket covered with beautiful flowers, suggestive of his own
innocence and purity, and moistened with the tears of sincere
sympathy and bruised love, the earthly part of the lamented Will
Coppinger was borne tenderly and reverently from the grief
stricken home this morning, to the Cathedral, where a requiem
high mass was celebrated by Rev. E. L. Spalding, assisted by
Fathers Cusack and O'Connor. The sad double bereavement had
awakened sorrow and sympathy all over the city, and the services
were attended by a very large number of people who desired thus
to express in a small degree at least, the esteem in which they
held the deceased youth, and the sorrow they felt for those
"left behind." The taking away of Will Coppinger is
inexpressibly sad - so young, so bright, so manly, so true a
type of generous, loving, self-sacrificing man, and only those
who have suffered the pangs of sorrow, pain and disappointment
from a similar cause can realize approximately the grief which
has entered the home. To them now only the Lord Himself can be a
comforter, but the hearts of the people of Alton throb with pity
for the anguished mother and for the brothers. and sisters so
suddenly parted. The interment was in Greenwood beside the grave
of the father who was buried one week ago tomorrow. The
pallbearers were: C. D. Haagen, L. A. Schlafly, Charles Davis,
Dennis Ryan, Allan Challacombe and Charles Degenhardt. Among out
of town folks who attended the funeral were Rev. C. A. O'Reilley
of Edwardsville, Rev. James Howard of Springfield, Rev. Father
Kane of St. Louis, and Rev. Father Snyder of Carrollton.
NOTES:
William H. Coppinger was the son of John W. and
Bridget (Biggins) Coppinger of Alton. John W. Coppinger served
as Alton mayor, and was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1890.
He served as President of the 38th General Assembly. He was also
the U. S. Consul to Toronto under President Cleveland. Another
son, Lucian Coppinger, who lived at 903 State Street in Alton,
served as the Alton City Attorney in 1916, and was a veteran of
World War I. William’s mother, Bridget Biggins Coppinger, died
in 1901. They are all buried in the St. Patrick’s (Greenwood)
Cemetery in Godfrey.
CORBETT, BOSTON W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
9, 1908
Wife Returns to Find Husband Lying on Floor With
Bullet Holes Over Heart
Boston W. Corbett, one of
the best known young men in the city, was found dead in his home
on Seventeenth street, Wednesday morning. He was found in the
kitchen of his home lying on the floor, and two bullet wounds
over his heart and a revolver lying close by told the story of
his unfortunate death. Mr. Corbett had gone to Chicago on a
business trip and returned at 6 o'clock a.m. His wife had gone
over to spend the night with her sister during her husband's
absence from the city, not knowing the exact time he intended
returning. Wednesday morning at nine o'clock, with her little
daughter Catherine, Mrs. Corbett went to her home expecting her
husband would return home during the day. Upon entering the
house she found Mr. Corbett on the kitchen floor, and a hasty
examination proved life was extinct. The alarm was given, and
investigation showed that two bullets had been fired into the
young man's breast just above the heart, and that death must
have been instantaneous. Deputy Coroner Allen Keiser held an
inquest immediately, and the jury brought a verdict that the
young man came to his death from two pistol wounds which caused
instant death, and no one was held responsible for the shooting.
The unfortunate death of Boston Corbett will bring sadness to
many hearts in Alton tonight. Bright and affable, good humored
and filled with that good fellowship that made him fast friends,
blessed with a sweet wife and babe and a pleasant home, there
can be no reason ascribed for his deed. The members of his
family cannot think of anything that should have caused him to
be depressed in mind, and some sudden illness that robbed him of
his right mind is the only explanation. Boston W. Corbett was 25
years of age, and the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Corbett. Besides his parents he leaves one brother, James
Corbett, resident manager of the Standard mills, under whom he
was employed, and three sisters, all residing in Alton. Funeral
arrangements have not been made.
CORBETT, EMMA I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6,
1900
Emma I. Corbett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Corbett, died this morning a 6 o'clock after a year's illness
with stomach trouble. During her long period of suffering that
ended this morning, the young woman bore all with courage and
was ever hopeful that she would recover. Her malady did not
improve, and about one month ago it took a turn for the worse.
During the past month her illness has been considered dangerous,
and her family and friends were much alarmed at it. After long
suffering, she passes away this morning in the twenty-third year
of her age. She was a very popular young lady in the society in
which she moved, and will be greatly missed. She was an officer
in the Alton lodge, Daughters of Rebekah, and one of the most
prominent members. The services will be under the auspices of
the Daughters of Rebekah at the cemetery, and will be conducted
by Rev. G. W. Shepherd in the Methodist church, of which she was
a member and sang in the church choir. The funeral will be
Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and services will be conducted in
the First Methodist Church.
CORBETT, MALINDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9,
1918
Mrs. Malinda Corbett, wife of Thomas Corbett, died
Sunday morning at the family home at 924 Market street after a
three weeks illness with pneumonia. From the first her condition
was known to be serious and at 7:30 o'clock yesterday death
relieved the well known woman of her suffering. Mrs. Corbett was
born in 1851 in Cincinnati, O., but came to Alton when a young
girl. After coming to Alton she married and spent the remainder
of her life here. She is survived by her aged husband and three
daughters, Mrs. Joseph Bund, Mrs. Albert Calame and Mrs. Ralph
Burns; also by one son, J. T. Corbett, superintendent of the
Stanard-Tilton Milling Co. The funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home. Rev. A. C. Geyer
will conduct the services at the home. The Rebekahs will have
charge at the grave in City Cemetery.
CORDELIA, SISTER M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
12, 1921
Sister M. Cordelia, aged 33, died last evening
at 7:30 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital a short time after the
young Religious had undergone an operation. Sister Cordelia's
condition was known to be serious and her death was not
unexpected. For eleven years Sister Cordelia has been a member
of the Most Precious Blood Order, and for eight years had been
connected with the Catholic Orphanage on Prospect street. She
was well known among the friends of the Orphanage, and her death
has caused much sorrow among the little ones of the institution
and their benefactors. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and later the body
will be taken to the mother house of the Order at Ruma, near
East St. Louis, Ill., for burial.
COREY, ABIJAH W./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 20, 1880
Abijah W. Corey died at his residence in Monticello [Godfrey],
Madison County, Illinois, May 18, 1880, aged 77 years last
April. He was born April 9, 1803. Of his birthplace and early
history, the writer is not at this moment prepared to speak. He
came to Alton from Cincinnati about 1886 or 1887. He was made an
Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of this city, February
11, 1838. He afterwards served in the same capacity in the Upper
Alton church, and still later and for many years in the
Presbyterian Church of Monticello.
Mr. Corey edited a
monthly Temperance Journal in Alton for some time in about
1837-8. He was a writer of ability and power. He and Timothy
Turner were active co-adjutors in the temperance cause. Probably
as early as 1838, he became an Agent for the American Sabbath
School Union, and spent in that service about 40 years. He
accomplished much good, and gave great satisfaction to his
employers. For a long time he was Financial Agent of the
Monticello Female Seminary, and only laid down that trust about
two years since. For six or eight of the last years of his life,
he was member of the Board of Trustees of Monticello Seminary,
and was holding that office at the time of his death.
Mr.
Corey was thrice married. His first wife died (the writer
thinks) in Cincinnati. His second wife, Altha Elizabeth
(1816-1861), died at Monticello. The third wife survives him.
His eldest son, Wells Corey Esq., is Editor of the Mason City
Journal. His youngest daughter, Martha, is a successful music
teacher, a young lady of great ability and merit.
Mr.
Corey was a Christian gentleman – a man of the strictest
integrity and of the most decided character. His prejudices were
strong, and sometimes warped a judgment usually correct and
sound. He was faithful in all his trusts, and leaves behind him
that “good name,” which is better than precious ointment. His
funeral was attended from the family residence at Monticello
this afternoon. The teachers and pupils of the Seminary, and a
large number of the neighbors and friends were present to
testify to their high regard for the deceased, and to manifest
their sympathy with the sorrowing relatives. [Abijah Corey was
buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.]
Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 15, 1872
The following article, taken from the Boston,
“Congregationalist,” giving a brief summary of the results of a
life spent with an earnest, devoted spirit, in the great cause
of Sabbath School, is a remarkable instance of what may be
accomplished by perseverance and determination. Although not in
the enjoyment of good health, Mr. Corey still performs an amount
of work in connection with the same Society, as well as
financial Agent of the Monticello Ladies Seminary, which would
not be possible, except for his systematic method. May he long
live to witness fruits of his life-long labors:
“In 1845,
Abijah W. Corey, Esq., came to Illinois as missionary of the
American Sunday School Union, and commenced organizing schools.
He received a commission for general supervision of the work of
the Society for this and the neighboring States, which he
retained till last year, having employed 167 different Sunday
School missionaries. He has the records in …… [unreadable]
aided, with 178,094 teachers, 1,262.342 scholars, to which books
have been sold to the value of $150,313.50, and given to the
value of $56,506.85, making religious books distributed where
most needed to the amount of $206,820.35. Probably not less than
three million scholars have been in these schools, and probably
three hundred thousand teachers have in them taught the truths
of the gospel. Mr. Corey would seem most abundantly entitled to
the degree of D. S. S. – Doctor of Sunday Schools – if as your
correspondent from Michigan suggests, that title is to be
conferred on any.”
NOTES:
Abijah W. corey was born on
April 9, 1803, and died May 18, 1880, at the age of 77, in
Godfrey. He is buried in the Godfrey Cemetery. He was married to
Altha E. Corey, who died in 1861 and is also buried in the
Godfrey Cemetery.
CORY, ALICE ISABEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 3, 1852
Died on the 16th inst., Alice Isabel, daughter of William and
Isabel Cory, aged 18 months and 26 days.
COREY, ELIZABETH ALTHA FOOTE/Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 29, 1861
Died at Monticello [Godfrey] on Friday,
November 22nd, Elizabeth Altha Foote Corey, wife of A. M. Corey,
Esq., aged forty-five. Mrs. Corey was long and widely known in
an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances, both of the
West and of the East, including a large number of missionary
laborers in the new States and Territories, whose Sabbath
schools have been for many years under the superintendence of
her husband. A woman of unequalled intelligence, of interesting
social qualities, of growing piety, she exhibited such a
character, and for nearly a quarter of a century so discharged
her duties as wife, mother, member of the church, and of the
community, as to leave a memory of beautiful and fragrant as the
flowers that adorned her home, and which were over her delight.
Victim to that mysterious and terrible disease, cancer, she was
called, during the last five years of her life, to pass through
a furnace of affliction from which her soul came forth as gold
from the fire. Endowed with singular hopefulness, and fortitude,
she bore her indescribable sufferings with unflinching courage,
until her uncomplaining spirit, meekly submissive to her
Heavenly Father’s will, purified, weaned from earth, and ripe
for Heaven, passed into it peacefully. In the family, her place
cannot be supplied, in the church per prayers have ceased, in
society, one of its brightest have been removed. In her death a
burning light has been not extinguished, but lifted up to shine
more brilliantly, forever, as the stars.
COREY, ELLEN M./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 9, 1880
Died in Upper Alton at the residence of Prof. E. Marsh, on
December 4, Mrs. Ellen M., widow of the late A. W. Corey of
Godfrey. The funeral took place Monday at the residence of Prof.
Marsh. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Morrill. The
remains were taken to Godfrey for interment.
COREY, OLIVER P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17,
1913
Oliver P. Corey, who would have been 89 years of age
next Fourth of July, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
George J. Carstens of Wood River, Friday morning at 1:25 o'clock
from the effects of injuries he sustained by falling last
Saturday at midnight. The aged man had stepped out on the porch
at his daughter's home when he walked off the porch and fell to
the ground, fracturing his right leg below the hip. He had lived
with his daughter at Wood River over five years, but formerly
had lived at Kane. Mr. Corey had followed the trade of carpenter
until he became too old to continue it any longer. His wife died
about fifteen years ago. He leaves seven children, William M.
Corey of Kane; Mrs. Henrietta Carr of Jerseyville; Mrs. F. E.
Felter of Alton; Mrs. A. J. Harrig of St. Louis; Mrs. G. J.
Carstersn; and Miss Rose E. Corey of Wood River; and Mrs. G. B.
Tompkins of Chicago. The funeral will be held at Kane on Sunday.
The body will be taken from the home at 8 o'clock and will be
put on the train for Kane accompanied by the relatives. He
stayed at Kane before coming to Wood River, and the funeral will
be held at the home of his sons in Kane.
CORMACK, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JESSE/Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 2, 1844
Died, at Ridge Prairie, Mrs. Cormack, wife
of Mr. Jesse Cormack.
CORN, PRISCILLA/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 17, 1879
Last evening, between four o’clock and dark, Miss Priscilla Corn
died alone in her little house near the M. E. Church in Upper
Alton. Miss Corn, or as she was generally called, “Aunty Corn,”
was the divorced wife of Mr. Daniel Kittinger, for many years
deceased, and since her separation from her husband, has lived a
secluded life in her little cottage. For several years she has
been mainly supported by her husband’s children, her neighbors,
and one or two other families, who in spite of her acerbity,
have persisted in their charitable calls. Her death was first
discovered by a little daughter of Mr. B. O. Strong, who has
been accustomed to carry a daily supply of milk to the old lady.
About four o’clock, some of the neighbors called at the house,
and Miss Corn appeared to be in usual health, but about dusk she
was found dead as stated above. The immediate cause of her death
was doubtless the heat of yesterday, added to natural
infirmities of age, since no disease has been apparent to those
who saw her daily.
CORNSTOBBLE, MALINDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 8, 1906
The funeral of Miss Malinda Cornstobble,
the 15 year old Alton girl who died from lockjaw in Litchfield
Friday evening, was held yesterday afternoon from the home of
Mr. and Mrs. John Brannan in Yager Park, and was attended by
many friends of the family. Burial was in City Cemetery, and
services were conducted in the cemetery by Rev. S. D. McKenney
of the Cherry Street Baptist Church.
CORSON, GEORGE W. and HELEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January
16, 1852
Died at the Alton House in Alton, on the 10th inst.,
George W. Corson, only son of Amos L. and Anna L. Corson, aged 8
years. Also, on the 12th inst., Helen, daughter of the same,
aged 2 months and 8 days.
COSSABOON, MATHILDA I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15,
1920
The funeral of Mrs. Mathilda I. Cossaboon will be
held Thursday at 2 o'clock from the Grace Methodist Church. Rev.
David Wahl, the pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in the
Upper Alton Cemetery.
COTTER, GENEVIEVE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 2, 1883
Died in Alton, Tuesday morning, July 31, of cholera infantum,
Genevieve, daughter of James M. and Mary J. Cotter, at the age
of 10 months and 21 days.
COTTER, HENRIETTA P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6,
1915
Mrs. Henrietta P. Cotter, widow of John S. Cotter,
died at her residence, 506 Bond street, Tuesday morning at 6:45
o'clock, from the weakness of her great age. She was in her
eighty-fifty year. Her death had been expected for over a week,
and all the members of her family had been in attendance and
were with her when the end came. She had been failing for
several months and the last three weeks she had been confined to
her bed. For nearly two weeks she had been unable to take any
solid nourishment and those attending her marveled that she
should be able to hold out so long when there was nothing but
her bodily resources to hold her up. She had been unable to
recognize anyone for several days. Mrs. Cotter was born in
Sangamon county, Ill., April 18, 1831. When a young girl she
moved with her parents to a farm in Macoupin county, where the
town of Atwater, Ill. is now located. She was married at
Carlinville, Dec. 6, 1853, to John S. Cotter, and in 1879 she
came to Alton and had lived here ever since. She leaves a large
family of children: L. F. and John A. Cotter, both of Chicago;
William S. of Fulton, Ark.; Mrs. O. G. Stelle; Mrs. Jason
Bramhall; Henry S.; and Samuel T. Cotter, all of Alton; and
Manning M. Cotter of Elsah. Mrs. Cotter came of a long lived
family and she is the last of them. Every one of her brothers
and sisters lived to be over eighty years of age. At one time in
recent years she was called twice in two weeks to attend the
funerals of two of her sisters, and then three years later, a
brother and a sister died within another period of two weeks,
thus wiping out the family with the exception of Mrs. Cotter,
whose death closes the record of her own family. Her death makes
the fifth in the family of her parents at more than eighty
years. Mrs. Cotter was a member of the Christian Church of
Carlinville in which she held her connection since there was no
church of that denomination in Alton. The funeral services
Wednesday morning will be held at 10 o'clock from the family
home, and will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Gibson. The body will
be taken to Carlinville and funeral services will be conducted
by Rev. G. W. Wise of the Christian Church of Camp Point.
COTTER, JAMES M. (JUSTICE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 21, 1908
James M. Cotter, one of the best known
residents of the city of Alton, died at St. Joseph's hospital
Friday morning from cancer of the tongue and throat, after a
painful illness. He was 61 years of age. Mr. Cotter had been in
public life in Alton over thirty years. He was probably best
known as assessor of Alton township, a position he filled so
satisfactorily to the voters that he was considered invincible.
Mr. Cotter was assessor for twenty-four years. Many times he had
no opposition, it being considered that the fact that he wanted
the office was equivalent to his election. Once, after a long
continued and unbroken series of successes at the polls, he was
defeated by an opponent, but the following term he was
re-elected and he kept office from that time forth until H. W.
Denny came into the field. He defeated Mr. Cotter and later, J.
J. Hammond came into the arena, and he has held the office ever
since. Mr. Cotter's ill health and his advancing years, which
rendered him unable to get around and make the acquaintance of
the new crop of voters, probably accounted for his defeat in
later years and his retirement from the office. In proof of the
fact that he still had many friends who would stay by him for
some other office, he was triumphantly elected justice of the
peace, a public office. He filled the office of supervisor at
one time and held few years ago and continued in other public
office. He had lived in Alton 42 years. Mr. Cotter was a native
of Ireland, but came to Alton when a young man. He was a man who
could make friends and hold them. He was genial, always in a
good humor and a good politician. He held no grudges against
anyone and probably would not have gone a step out of his way to
do harm to anyone. He leaves beside his wife, four daughters,
Miss Lilly Cotter, Mrs. T. W. Atchison and Mrs. Will Richards of
Alton, and Mrs. Frank Mackin of San Francisco. All of his family
was with him when he died. Recently the malady which caused his
death began to give him trouble, and about three weeks ago he
became unable to take solid nourishment or to speak. He was
removed to the hospital for a surgical operation which might
lessen his suffering, although it was known it could not save
his life. Knowing the dangerous character of his illness and the
danger of the operation, he submitted, but survived only a few
days. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from
the Cathedral to Greenwood cemetery.
COTTER, JOHN SHRADER (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
April 21, 1887
Captain John S. Cotter, a native of Indiana, a
resident of Alton for the past 15 years, died last night of
general debility after a long illness, at the age of 68 years.
Captain Cotter served three years during the War of the
Rebellion, and was commander of Company K, 122nd Regiment,
Illinois Infantry. Deceased was an estimable man, a good
citizen, and had many friends who will be pained to learn of his
death. He leaves a widow, his second wife, and eight children,
of whom all but three, Messrs. Zan, William, and Samuel Cotter,
of Wichita, Kansas, reside here. Funeral tomorrow from the
residence on State Street. The interment will be in Salem
Cemetery, about eight miles below Alton on the Edwardsville
Road.
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 28, 1887
Captain J. S. Cotter was born in Indiana in January 1820, and
came to Alton with his mother and her family of six children, in
October 1827. His father, Abner Cotter, died in Indiana the
March preceding. His mother and family continued to reside in
Alton until October 1829, when she married Mr. Zadock Newman, a
pioneer in Madison County, and removed to Fort Russell Township
on the property now known as the Burroughs farm. It was about
this time, he was then only nine years old, when he left home
and went to live with his uncle, Mr. William Miller, at Alton,
and later in 1832 or 1833, removed with him to Carlinville,
returning finally to Alton in the early part of the 1870s. He
was first married in 1846 to Miss Keller of Carlinville, who
died in 1852, and was afterwards again married to Miss Henrietta
Snow in the same city, and was the father of nine children,
eight of whom, with his widow, survive him. In 1853, he made a
trip to California, and has later traveled considerably in
Missouri and Kansas. During his long residence in Carlinville,
he served for many years as a Justice of the Peace and also as
Deputy Sheriff and Deputy Clerk of Macoupin County. Early in the
fifties, he received the nomination for Sheriff at the hands of
his party, but was compelled to abandon the race early in the
campaign on account of ill health. He served three years in the
Civil War, being Captain of Company K of the 122nd Illinois
Infantry. He was an estimable man, a worthy citizen, and one who
possessed a wide acquaintance and many friends.
NOTES:
Captain Cotter was born in Floyd County, Indiana, on January 18,
1820. His children were: Lycurgus F. Cotter (1847-1931); John
Alexander Cotter (1857-1933); Clara Virginia Cotter Stelle
(1860-1933); Manning Mayfield Cotter (1863-1929); Samuel Taylor
Kendall Cotter (1865-1929); and Henry Snow Cotter (1867-1945).
Burial was in the Wanda Cemetery, South Roxana, Illinois.
COTTER, LILLIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1917
Miss Lillian Cotter, daughter of Mrs. James Cotter of 457
Bluff street, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Wednesday morning at
4:30 o'clock after undergoing a surgical operation last Friday
for relief of a malady that was not believed to be of such a
serious character. The operation developed, however, that her
case was worse than had been anticipated, and that relief of a
permanent character could hardly be expected. The condition of
Miss Cotter was a surprise to all her friends. It was known to a
few of her most intimate friends that she had not been in the
best of health, but it was generally supposed that the operation
to which she submitted would cause her to be restored to good
health. She had been a sufferer from a case of chronic
appendicitis, and this had set up complications which caused the
fatal termination of her illness. Miss Cotter was born in Alton
and had lived here all her life. She had served as a very
capable teacher in the Alton public schools for seventeen years
and was esteemed as a faithful, efficient and conscientious
teacher. Her place in Irving school where she had taught many
years will be difficult to fill, as she gave complete
satisfaction to those in authority and to the parents of the
children. She possessed many traits of character that made of
her a good instructor for children, and she was generally
beloved by them. The death of Miss Cotter caused a gloom over
Irving School where she had been employed during her teaching
career. Miss Cotter leaves her mother, the widow of former
assessor James Cotter, and three sisters, Mrs. T. W. Atchison,
Mrs. Annie Mackin and Mrs. Will Richards. The funeral will be
held at 9 o'clock Friday morning from the Cathedral.
COTTER, ROBERT STEELE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January
29, 1887
Died in Alton, January 29, Robert Steele, infant son
of Frank and Sarah Cotter; aged 4 months and 3 weeks. Funeral
services from the residence on State Street tomorrow.
COTTER, WILLIAM H./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, March
15, 1898
With the merging of daylight into darkness, Friday
evening, the spirit of William H. Cotter passed from darkness
into light. The cause of his death was heart trouble, and
gangrene which set in after an operation performed on his foot a
few weeks ago. After months of suffering, the end came as a
quiet sinking to rest. He had been unconscious or delirious for
a couple of weeks before his death, and when at intervals his
brain would clear for an instant, he would pray fervently that
when the time came to die, he would be in the possession of his
senses. His wish was granted. On the afternoon of the day before
he died, the mists lifted from his mind, and he became fully
conscious, calling the members of the family about him, and
tenderly wishing each one goodbye. He then became unconscious
again, and within a few hours had crossed the river.
The
funeral took place Sunday afternoon at two o’clock at St. John’s
Church. The services were unusually impressive, and the sunlight
of a glorious Sunday afternoon, which streamed through the
windows like a benison upon the great congregation, rendered the
scene still more affecting. A quartet composed of Misses Nona
Barnsback and Nora Burroughs, and William H. Vallette and J. G.
Delicate sang “Rock of Ages.” Rev. S. P. Groves read the
twenty-third Psalm, and Rev. Asa Snell led in prayer. A
Scripture reading by Rev. G. C. Cunningham was followed by
another hymn, “Jesus Lover of My Soul,” by the quartet. Rev. S.
P. Groves then read a biographical sketch of Mr. Cotter’s life,
and gave a short address. Rev. W. E. Ravenscroft paid a touching
tribute to Mr. Cotter and his life, speaking from his knowledge
of him as an intimate friend. The services closed with a song,
“Asleep in Jesus,” and while the quartet rendered, “Nearer My
God to Thee,” the congregation took a last look at the remains.
The Masonic fraternity then took charge. The pallbearers were:
Isaac A. Davis, F. W. Mumme, H. C. Barnsback, S. O. Bonner, and
A. J. Poag, William Fahnestock and John Ryan, of Wanda. The
rites at the grave were conducted by the Order. Ed H. Hill was
Master, and J. A. Vance, Chaplain. The Order appointed Charles
Boeschenstein, R. F. Tunnell, and John R. Sutter a committee, to
draft suitable resolutions.
William H. Cotter was born in
Greene County, Indiana, on October 24, 1821. He was a son of
Abner Cotter and Sarah Kendall, who settled in Indiana soon
after it was admitted to the union. Abner Cotter died March 11,
1827, and in the Fall of the same year, Mrs. Cotter brought the
family, which then consisted of six children, to Illinois,
arriving in Edwardsville on October 11. Being compelled to be
almost self-supporting from the date of his father’s death, he
enjoyed but little opportunity for getting an education, except
such as he was able to secure by his own exertions. In 1829, Mr.
Cotter’s mother was united in marriage with Zadok Newman, and in
1840 the family moved to Lawrence County, Missouri.
Mr.
Cotter returned from Missouri to this county in 1842, and went
diligently to work farming. By 1846, he was able to purchase a
tract of eighty acres, now owned by and on which is situated the
residence of C. P. Smith. His mother died in 1852. In 1853, he
purchased a farm at Ridge Prairie, living there until 1866, when
he purchased his present farm west of Edwardsville, remaining
there until the Spring of 1882, when he took up his residence in
Edwardsville.
Mr. Cotter was twice married. On February
18, 1846, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza J. Harrison,
who died in November 1846. One child was born to them, dying,
however, in infancy. On December 13, 1849, he married Miss Mary
A. Kimball, daughter of Joseph K. Kimball, whose companionship
he enjoyed until death. They were blessed with ten children,
five of whom are living – Sarah E., wife of Warren C. Cushman of
Kansas City, Missouri; Charles S. of Edwardsville; John E. of
Rochefort, Missouri; Julia I., wife of J. M. Levis of Chicago;
and Fannie F., wife of James Kinder of Shelbine, Missouri. All
of the children were present at the funeral except John E.
Cotter. Mrs. H. P. Cotter and son, Harrie, of Alton, and Mr. and
Mrs. William C. Cotter of St. Louis also attended.
Mr.
Cotter was converted in early life and joined the Methodist
Church. He was a faithful member, taking an active part in
religious work and discharging with credit the different offices
of the church and Sunday School. He was a member of the order of
A. F. and A. M., and also belonged to the chapter of R. A. M. He
represented his township in the board of supervisors for several
terms. Both in public and private life, Mr. Cotter was a man
worthy of the name of good citizen, a man of the strictest
integrity, who started at the bottom round and worked
steadfastly and earnestly upward. It was a life well lived, and
one which should be an example. He is gone, and there is none to
fill his place.
In closing, it would perhaps not be out
of place to relate an incident which illustrates aptly Mr.
Cotter’s character, and which is known to but few, as Mr. Cotter
was the central figure, and his modesty prevented him from
referring to it, except in rare cases. Miss Effie Kendall,
daughter of Supervisor S. T. Kendall, now Mrs. Alvin Morefield
of Edwardsville, and her brother, O. T. Kendall of Alton, both
owe their lives to Mr. Cotter’s bravery. They were skating on
Smith Lake at Wanda years ago, and the ice gave way. It seemed
like certain death for the children, as the ice near the shore
was fragile, and would not bear the weight of a man. Not a one
of the many spectators, save Mr. Cotter, would venture a rescue,
giving the children up as lost, but when he found no one would
assist him, braved the icy water alone and brought both out
safely.
COTTRELL, JOSEPH SWINBURN (MAJOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 7, 1878
From Marine – Major Cottrell was a native of
New York, but had lived in this vicinity since 1836. He filled
various offices of public trust with honor and credit to
himself. Many of your readers will remember him as the efficient
Deputy in the Treasurer’s office with J. B. McMichael, Esq., at
Edwardsville. For the last four years, the Major has made his
home at H. H. Elbring’s, proprietor of the Marine Hotel, he
having no relative in the country. For some time, he had not
been well, was under Dr. Judd’s treatment. Last Friday morning,
he not coming to breakfast as usual, Gus Elbring went to his
room to call him, but found him unable to answer, for his spirit
had taken its flight. He was in his 67th year.
NOTES:
Major Joseph Swinburn Cottrell was born February 18, 1813, in
New York. He was the son of Captain Thomas and Sarah Fry
Cottrell of Rhode Island. He and his older brother, Thomas
Benjamin Cottrell, moved west and settled in Marine township in
Madison County. Joseph and Thomas purchased land in Saline
Township as tenants in common, on September 18, 1835.
On
March 8, 1840, Joseph married Charlotte Rebecca Wood in the
Marine Settlement. Just 14 months after their marriage,
Charlotte died on May 8, 1841, and was buried in the Marine
Cemetery.
Joseph remained in Marine, living his last four
years in the Marine Hotel due to bad health. Joseph was buried
near his friend and neighbor of many years, John Ferguson, who
died the day before.
COUPLAND, AMY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 22,
1872
Died on November 19 in Alton, Amy Elizabeth, daughter of
G. and S. A. Coupland; aged 11 months and 28 days.
COUPLAND, DAVID WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 10,
1871
Died on November 6, in Alton, of scarlet fever, David
William, son of George and Susan A. Coupland; aged three years
and six months.
COUPLAND, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 19, 1880
The funeral of Mr. George Coupland took place at his late
residence on Fifth Street at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, and was
largely attended by mourning relatives and friends,
notwithstanding the very inclement weather, a heavy snow storm
prevailing at the time. The bell of the Altona Fire Company was
tolled at the hour of the funeral, deceased having been a
charter member of the company. The funeral services were
conducted by Dr. Story of the Plymouth Brethren, and were
commenced by singing the 161st Hymn.
COUPLAND, MABEL MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
22, 1865
Died on September 12 in Alton, Mabel Margaret,
daughter of George and Susan A. Coupland, aged seven months and
eight days.
COUPLAND, SUSAN A./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 23,
1882
Mrs. Susan A. Stanton Coupland, widow of the late George
Coupland, died between 11 and 12 o’clock today of consumption,
aged 39 years. Mrs. Coupland was born at Staunton, Illinois, but
came to Alton with her father’s family when quite young, and had
resided here ever since. The deceased was a lady of unusual
intelligence and strength of character, much beloved by her
relatives and friends for her estimable qualities of mind and
heart. Her church connection was with the Plymouth brethren. She
leaves two children, a sister (Mrs. J. A. Ryrie), besides other
relatives and friends to mourn her death. The funeral will take
place tomorrow afternoon from her late residence, near the
corner of Court and Alton Streets.
COURTNEY, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1920
Mrs. Catherine Courtney, widow of Daniel Courtney,
died last night at the family home on Langdon street, after an
illness of influenza and pneumonia. She was 64 years of age. For
many years the family resided on East Broadway. Mrs. Courtney
was the mother of six children, Miss Mary Courtney; Owens
Courtney; Mrs. Annie Richey; Edward Courtney; Margaret Wright
and Dan Courtney. She also leaves four grandchildren and one
brother, Owen O'Malley of Bingham, Ill. The funeral will be held
Friday morning at 11 o'clock from the home, and will be private.
Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.
COURTNEY, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10,
1914
The funeral of Daniel Courtney was held this morning
from the Cathedral where a requiem mass was said in the presence
of a large gathering of the friends and former neighbors of
deceased and of the family. Many people from Montgomery County
attended the obsequies. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery, where
the mound was covered deep with flowers, the offerings of
sympathizing friends and sorrowing relatives.
COUSINS, JOHN F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4,
1922
Soldier, Shell Shock Victim, Takes His Life ... Jumps
Into Cistern ... Gassed While in France
Despondent because of
physical disability brought about by injuries he received while
fighting with the American Army in France during the Great War,
John F. Cousins, 34, yesterday ended his life by jumping into a
cistern at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Cousins,
four miles north of Upper Alton. Mrs. Cousins was doing the
family washing on the back porch of the home. The former soldier
was standing near the cistern. While his mother was in the house
for clothes, Cousins jumped into the cistern. When Mrs. Cousins
again came to the porch, she noticed her son was not there.
Seeing the lid of the cistern open, she immediately looked
there, and saw her son as he rose to the surface of the water in
the cistern. She retained her presence of mind and threw him a
rope, but he refused to grab it, and sunk to his death. The
former soldier had been melancholy for the past two weeks, it
was said. While in the service he was gassed, and was a victim
of shell-shock. He had been drawing total disability
compensation. It was said the effect of the shell-shock left him
slightly unbalanced. It was said he was the victim of frequent
attacks of melancholy. During the war, Cousins was first a
member of Co. C, of the 333rd infantry, with which regiment he
trained at Camp Taylor. He was later transferred to the 129th
Infantry, Co. C, with which he fought in France. His record as a
soldier, friends say, was a notable one. He will be buried
Thursday at 1 p.m. Pallbearers will be former servicemen who
were in his regiment. They are Dr. O. A. Meyer, William Graul,
Oscar Schlissner, Herman Bockstrup, Edward Hermes and William
Hermes. They will wear uniforms. Alton Post of the American
Legion voted last night to send a firing squad to the funeral.
Cousins is survived by his parents and three sisters, one of
whom lives at home, one in Marissa and one in East St. Louis.
COUSINS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 16, 1919
Joseph Cousins died this morning at
three o'clock at his home, 210 Ridge street, after an illness of
a few weeks. He was 62 years and ten months of age. Mr. Cousins
had been a resident of Alton for 25 years. He was born in New
Jersey and came here when the glass blowing trade was
flourishing. He was well known among glass blowers of the city.
During his 25 years' residence in Alton he has made a large
number of friends by whom he was respected and loved. He was a
member of St. Patrick's church. He is survived by his widow,
Mrs. Anna Cousins, five sons and three daughters. The sons are:
George, Joseph, Clarence, Leo and Lee, all of Alton; and the
daughters are: Mrs. H. H. Gill of San Diego, Cal., Mrs. R. E.
Murphy of St. Louis, and Mrs. T. V. Emmons of Alton. He leaves
also four grandchildren and two brothers, Michael F. Cousins and
George Cousins, both of Alton. The funeral will be Thursday
morning at 8:15 from the home on Ridge street to St. Patricks
church, where requiem mass will be celebrated, and interment
will be in Greenwood cemetery.
COUSINS, MAMIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20,
1922
Mrs. Mamie Cousins, wife of George Cousins of 1112
Central Avenue, died last Saturday in St. Louis following an
operation which she underwent on Friday. The news of the death
came as a surprise to friends, many of whom did not know that
Mrs. Cousins had been operated upon. She was 35 years of age.
Her maiden name was Mamie Quinn, daughter of Mrs. Mary E. Quinn
of St. Louis. Mrs. Cousin is survived by her husband, one child,
Helen Cousin, her mother, five sisters, Mrs. M. Green, Mrs.
William Bentz, James and Leo, Mrs. P. Monaghan, Mrs. Frank
Monaghan, Ann Quinn. With the exception of Mrs. Monaghan, all of
the brothers and sisters reside in St. Louis. The body was
brought to Alton yesterday and taken to the Monaghan home at
1518 east Fourth Street. The funeral will be held from the
Monaghan home to St. Patrick's church Tuesday morning at 9
o'clock.
COUSINS, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
30, 1900
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cousins was
darkened this morning by the death of the twelve year old son,
Philip Cousins, after an illness of six weeks with dropsy. The
funeral will take place Friday afternoon, and services will be
in St. Patrick's church.
COUSINS, SARAH J. (nee CALDWELL)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 11, 1886
Mrs. Cousins of Olathe, Kansas, was found
dead Thursday in the cistern at the residence of her
brother-in-law, Mr. Joseph Luly, corner of Alby and Twentieth
Streets, in Alton. Mrs. Cousins was called here by the illness
of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Caldwell, and had acted strangely
for the past week, according to the evidence before Coroner
Melling, of her mother and sister. The inquest was held and the
verdict was suicide from drowning while laboring under temporary
aberration of mind. [Sarah was the wife of W. G. Cousins. She
was born on March 20, 1854. Burial was in the Alton City
Cemetery.]
COUSLEY, AGNES J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12,
1901
Died - at the residence of her son, J. A. Cousley,
at 2:30 a.m., April 12, Mrs. Agnes J. Cousley, aged 90 years and
11 months. Mrs. Cousley was born in County Derry, Ireland, May
12th, 1810. She was married to Robert Cousley in 1828. Her
husband died in February 1848. Two years later she came with her
family of eight children to America, landing in New York June
1850. In the fall of the same year she came west, reaching Alton
on Christmas day, where she has since resided. She was an almost
life-long member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, and
maintained her connection with the church of that denomination
at Staunton, Ill. One week before her death her health, which
had been failing gradually for a number of years, broke down,
and she suffered a physical collapse due to great age. Four of
her children survive her, viz: James Cousley of Sedalia, Mo.;
Mrs. Agnes Johnston, John A., and Robert C. Cousley of Alton.
The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon, April 14th, at
2:30 p.m. from the residence of her son, 533 Alby street.
COUSLEY, ANNA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 2, 1883
Died
in Alton on July 31, of summer complaint, Anna, infant daughter
of John A. and Anna E. Cousley, aged 6 months and 21 days.
COUSLEY, ANNE ELIZABETH (nee RUTHERFORD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 1, 1904
Wife of John A. Cousley; Daughter
of Col. Friend S. Rutherford
Mrs. Anne Elizabeth Cousley,
wife of John A. Cousley, died suddenly Saturday morning from
heart disease after a brief illness, at the family home, 533
Alby Street. She had been subject to attacks of heart trouble
for several years, the trouble being of an asthmatic nature.
Friday noon she began to feel slightly indisposed, and on Friday
evening she retired, but her condition was not deemed to be of
an alarming nature. During the night she became slightly worse,
and about 6:00 o'clock in the morning she slipped away in her
sleep into the long slumber of death.
Mrs. Cousley was
born at Florence, Alabama, January 13, 1854. She was the
daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Friend S. Rutherford, and her aged
mother survives her. She was married 35 years ago last January
13, and was the mother of eleven children, of whom seven are
living: Mrs. William G. Edgar of Lufkin Texas; and six sons:
Alexander F., Paul B., John A., Robert Sidney, Benjamin C., and
Gordon. Mrs. Cousley was a member of the Presbyterian Church
from childhood, and was a granddaughter of a Presbyterian
minister. During her whole life she exemplified the teachings of
the religion in which she had the most profound faith.
Her life was one of the purest simplicities. Her whole mind was
wrapped up in the welfare of her family and in her home, she was
the mistress of the hearts and affections of her entire family.
In her quiet way she was a power for good in her little
community, which included all her neighbors. Her hand was ever
ready to help those in need of assistance, her manner was devoid
of any ostentation and her deeds of kindness were known only to
those to whom she ministered, and to herself. Her nature was of
the gentle sort, ever active in promoting peace and good will
among those whom she met, and the voice of discord was always
silenced when she was about, wherever she went. Never was she
known to give voice to anything that might be of a derogatory
character concerning anyone she knew. She was always glad to
look upon the brighter side of life, and would give little
attention to the dark side, except to make it brighter for those
who were in trouble or affliction. No sacrifice she could make
for her family or her friends could be too great for her, if
thereby she could promote happiness. Cheerful, hopeful and
kindly, she ever shed abroad in her home circle the true
Christian light. Knowing the nature of the malady which had
troubled her for many years, she never would refer to any
possible fatal outcome of it, and few knew of the recurring
attacks to which she was subject. For her, Death had no terrors,
and in her mind the thought was ever uppermost that she would
meet her Redeemer when the lost long sleep might come. Her death
was a sad shock to her family and her friends, although they
feared the result might be fatal at some time. Peacefully and
without a struggle she slipped away, leaving her family and her
friends who will miss her sorely. Besides her immediate family,
Mrs. Cousley is survived by four sisters: Mrs. J. F. McGinnis,
Mrs. William Russel, Miss Mary Rutherford of Alton; Mrs. William
C. Johnston of St. Louis; and one brother, Mr. Friend S.
Rutherford Jr. of St. Louis. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home.
NOTES:
Anne Elizabeth Rutherford Cousley was born January 13, 1854, in
Alabama, to Colonel Friend S. and Letitia Van Dyke Sloss
Rutherford. The family moved to Edwardsville in 1852, where the
Colonel began his law practice. In 1858, the family moved to
Alton, after the Colonel received an appointment as an official
of the Illinois State Penitentiary at Alton. The Colonel and his
brother-in-law, Joseph Sloss, both spoke at the Lincoln –
Douglas debate in Alton. Colonel Rutherford served during the
Civil War, and due to exposure during the harsh winter, he
became ill, and died in 1864.
Ann was the wife of John
A. Cousley, the editor/owner of the Alton Telegraph. They lived
at 533 Alby Street in Alton. John Cousley was a native of
Ireland, and a member of a large family who came to Alton with
their widowed mother in 1850. In 1890, John was a member of a
firm which took over the Telegraph on a lease, and at the end of
the lease, the paper was bought by them. He endeavored to
conduct the Telegraph with the highest moral ethics, never
taking a vacation, which caused a physical breakdown and his
eventual death in 1916. The death of his wife, Anne, in 1904,
was a blow from which he did not recover. Her death, followed by
the accidental death of his son in 1915, Benjamin C. Cousley;
and earlier in 1873, the death of a son, Friend Rutherford
Cousley, at age 3 years, had a depressing effect on John. His
son, Paul B. Cousley, and later his grandson, Paul S. Cousley,
succeeded him as publisher of the Alton Telegraph. The family
owned the newspaper until 1985. Both Anne and John Cousley are
buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
COUSLEY, BENJAMIN C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 12, 1915
Benjamin C. Cousley, aged 32, died at
St. Joseph's Hospital Thursday afternoon at 5:45 o'clock
following a surgical operation performed as a last resort to
save his life. The young man did not rally from the operation
and died a few minutes after being taken from the operating
table. It was found that he had suffered necessarily fatal
injuries from the crushing of his internal organs. He had
suffered intensely from the time of the accident, but bore the
pain with fortitude, making very little complaint, although
opiates failed to have any effect toward alleviating his
sufferings. He remained conscious clear up to the time he took
the anesthetic before submitting to the surgeons and it was his
urgent request that the surgeons hasten, knowing as he did that
the probability was that he would not rally from the operation.
The young man was a son of John A. Cousley, and resided at his
father's home, 533 Alby street. He leaves his wife and two
children, a son and a daughter, aged 8 and 6 years. He leaves
also five brothers and one sister. He was a lifelong resident of
Alton and had many friends who have been deeply interested in
his condition. He was injured by being caught between a freight
car and a bumping post on the levee in the rear of the
Stanard-Tilton mill, Wednesday morning about 11 o'clock. From
the very first he realized that his injuries would probably be
fatal, and he welcomed the end of his excruciating agony. The
funeral will be held at 2:30 Saturday from the home of J. A.
Cousley, at Sixth and Alby streets.
COUSLEY, FRIEND RUTHERFORD/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
August 8, 1873
Died in Alton, at half-past eight o’clock
Sabbath morning, August 3rd, 1873, Friend Rutherford, son of
Anna E. and John A. Cousley, aged 3 years, 5 months, and 6 days.
COUSLEY, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1873
Son of
James and Ellen A. Cousley
Died on May 5 in Alton, at 11
o’clock p.m., of obstruction of the bowels, James, second son of
Ellen A. and James Cousely; aged 11 years and 5 months.
COUSLEY, JAMES WILSON/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 8, 1906
The funeral of James Wilson,
the little son of Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Cousley, was held this
afternoon from the family home on Alby street, at 2 o'clock.
Rev. A. G. Lane of the First Presbyterian church conducted the
funeral services. There was a large attendance of friends and
relatives of the family. Mrs. Lewis Carr sang two solos at the
house, and a quartet from the Presbyterian choir sang at the
grave. The pallbearers were four uncles of the little child.
COUSLEY, JOHN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
17, 1916
Former Editor of Alton Telegraph
John A. Cousley, former editor of the Alton Telegraph, died at
his residence, 533 Alby Street, at 8:15 o'clock this morning. He
had been suffering for three years from arterial hardening.
While attending a meeting of the State Civil Service Board, in
which he held membership over seven years, he was stricken with
what appeared to be an acute illness of some kind, three years
ago. He was taken to his room in a hotel at Springfield, and
remained there a few days, then returned to Alton. The malady
that had affected him made it necessary for him to resign his
position on the State Civil Service Board, and a few months
later, April 1, he retired from the position of managing editor
of the Telegraph, in which he had been the chief owner for many
years. Since that time, until about three months ago, he was at
the office every day, continuing as long as he was able to
assist in the work on the paper he had served for so many years.
On November 9, while trying to make what was to be his last trip
to the office, he fell, and while he was not seriously injured,
he never was able again to be out of the house. A week ago, he
became much worse and was confined to his bed. His end came
peacefully Thursday morning in his home.
John A. Cousley
was a native of Ireland. He was a member of a large family who
came to Alton with their widowed mother in 1850, and Mr. Cousley
had lived in Alton ever since that time. He was for years an
officer in the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Board
of Elders, and he was Sabbath School Superintendent there for a
long period. Of the original family, none remain but an aged
brother, James Cousley, who is in very poor health, at his home
in Sedalia, Missouri, and a sister, Mrs. Agnes Johnston, who is
in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and is suffering from an ailment similar
to that which caused her brother's death. A month ago, the
youngest of the family, R. C. Cousley, died after a short
illness. Mr. Cousley was never informed of his brother's death
because of his own precarious health.
In 1890, Mr.
Cousley was one of a firm which took over the Telegraph on a
lease, and at the end of the lease the paper was bought by them.
In his position as editor, Mr. Cousley had high ideals as to the
sacred character of the duty the editor owed to his
constituents. He had come from a day when an editor, to take
pecuniary compensation for services he rendered, in a public
way, or to his party, was guilty of a breach of trust. Though
many times the newspaper business in Alton was discouraging, Mr.
Cousley adhered to his strictest rules of fidelity to his trust
as he saw it. He endeavored to conduct a paper that would stand
for the highest moral ethics. He conducted more than one
campaign in behalf of civic righteousness, and in so doing he
kept up with vigor the policy that had characterized the
Telegraph from its beginning. He was known as a powerful writer,
keen in his satire, and he always kept himself closely applied
to his work. He never took a vacation, and this fact he charged
with responsibility for his physical breakdown. In closing his
connection with the Telegraph nearly three years ago, he said in
his announcement he was going to take a long rest and enjoy
himself, but the impairment of his health prevented a
realization of his hopes.
In a political way, he
participated in some of the hardest fought battles in Madison
County, and in the city of Alton, and there was perhaps no one
who had any stronger friends or better enemies as the result of
the political feuds. He was ambitious to make of the Telegraph a
better and bigger paper. Under his management it grew from a
four-page paper of five columns to an eight-page paper of seven
columns. He always believed in spending as much money as
possible in giving a better paper. He frequently made additions
and improvements to the paper which appeared to be ill-advised,
yet he always said that somehow or other the public appreciated
better service and that he always was gratified with success of
any improvements he made. The paper grew in circulation under
his management from less than 1,000 to more than 4,000 daily
subscribers, a point that had been reached at the time of his
retirement. He started to work on the Telegraph when he was a
boy, and from the time he began on the paper he never was
employed any place else, except for the services he rendered to
the State. He was deeply interested in working for the
betterment of Alton, morally and physically, and he always
advocated enterprises that were for public improvement of the
community. In his younger days there was no one who was more
active, or more aggressive in working for the interests of the
city. He believed a good newspaper was the best advertisement
for a city, and he endeavored, at great expense to himself, to
give the people of Alton that kind of a newspaper. The death of
his wife [Ann E. Rutherford Cousley], over eleven years ago, was
a blow from which he did not recover. This followed by the
accidental death of his son, Benjamin C. Cousley, just one year
ago, had a depressing effect on him. Mr. Cousley is survived by
one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Edgar of Eldorrado, Arkansas, and five
sons: Alderman Alexander F. Cousley, P. B., John A. Cousley Jr.,
Robert Sidney Cousley of Alton, and Gordon Cousley, now a member
of the Coast Artillery Service and in the Philippine Islands.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from
the home. [Burial was in City Cemetery.]
COUSLEY, LUCY P./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1886
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Cousley were deeply afflicted Saturday
evening, by the death of their little daughter, Lucy, a lovely
and beautiful child, at the age of one year and twelve days. The
funeral took place on Monday from the family residence. [Burial
was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
COUSLEY, ROBERT C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 29, 1915
R. C. Cousley, a brother of J. A.
Cousley of the Telegraph, died this morning at his home at 210
East Second street after an illness of less than twenty-four
hours. Mr. Cousley, who was 69 years of age, had been at work at
the glass works up to yesterday morning when he became ill about
10 o'clock and came home. Soon after pneumonia set in and this
morning he died as a result of this disease, his heart being
affected. Mr. Cousley had resided in Alton all but four years of
his life. He was born in Ireland and when a boy, four years of
age, came to this country and to Alton with his parents. He was
formerly employed a number of years as a post office clerk and
for many years ran the hotel that was located on the corner of
Third and Market streets where the Illini Hotel now stands. He
left this place at the time the building was wrecked for the
building of the Illini Hotel. Mr. Cousley leaves his wife and a
son, Chester; one daughter, Mrs. Grace Green of Alton; two
brothers, John A. Cousley of the Telegraph and James Cousley of
Sedalia, Mo.; also a sister, Mrs. Agnes Johnston, who resides
with her son, W. C. Johnston in St. Louis. The death of Mr.
Cousley came as a surprise to the members of his family and to
his friends. His illness was not considered serious and when the
pneumonia set in it did its work hurriedly and death came before
the seriousness of his illness was realized by his physicians.
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon from the
home, 210 East Second street.
COUSLEY, ROBERT SIDNEY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 2, 1918
Robert Sidney Cousley, aged
37, died Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at his residence,
616 East Sixteenth street, after an illness of more than a year.
The fatal termination of his illness was no surprise to any of
his relatives or friends. He was taken ill early in January
1917, with what began as an attack of the grippe. It developed
into pneumonia and from that into an abscess on his lung. He
submitted to surgical operations for relief, but he failed to
gain his health and strength back. He was able to be up and
around during the hot weather last summer, and for a while was
able to make daily trips down town, but he suffered several
backsets and since last fall had not been able to be out of the
house. During his long illness he bore his affliction with great
fortitude. He never manifested by word to any of those closest
to him that he thought that his illness would result fatally. He
maintained an appearance of good cheer and confidence that he
would be better, and he was continually planning, in the
presence of those he felt might be most anxious about him, as to
what he intended to do when he got well. During the last week he
was manifestly becoming weaker very fast and was confined
entirely to his bed. Early Saturday morning he began sinking
rapidly and members of his family were summoned. He died at 1:30
o'clock. Mr. Cousley was a son of the late John A. Cousley. He
was born in Alton December 10, 1880, and had lived in Alton all
of his life. He was married to Miss Pearl Holi, Thanksgiving
Day, 1904. He leaves beside his wife, one daughter, Edith, and
one sister, Mrs. W. G. Edgar of Eldorado, Ark., and four
brothers, A. F. and P. B. Cousley of Alton, John A. Cousley of
St. Louis and Thomas G. Cousley, who is serving his country and
for the present is at Camp Fremont, Calif. Mr. Cousley was
assistant cashier of the Citizens National Bank of Alton and had
been employed in the bank for fifteen years. He was one of the
best known men in Alton and had a very large circle of
acquaintances. He had held the position of marriage license
clerk for several years, and he served for six years as deputy
to the special tax collector. He was a member of the Masonic
order, the Elks lodge and the Knights of Pythias. He possessed a
disposition that made for him many strong friends, and during
his long illness his condition has been the cause of great
solicitude on their part. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home.
COVELL, LEE D./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 15, 1867
Died in Alton this morning, Lee D. Covell, aged 28 years.
COVENTRY, JOHN W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18,
1899
John W. Coventry, one of the oldest residents of
Madison county, died at his home in Edwardsville at 5 o'clock
Friday evening, aged 90 years. The funeral will take place
Sunday afternoon from St. John's M. E. church. Mr. Coventry was
a puzzle to the doctors on account of his wonderful vitality.
For two weeks previous to his death he lived absolutely without
food, taking only a sip of water occasionally. He leaves two
children, Sarah, and George W. Coventry, deputy county clerk.
COVILLE, LEE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 4, 1884
We
are called upon to chronicle the death of one of our most
promising and esteemed young men, Mr. Lee Coville, who passed
away Wednesday after a lingering illness, at the residence of
his mother, Mrs. Ella Coville, at the age of about 19 years. He
was a grandson of Mr. D. S. Hoaglan. The deceased was born and
raised in Alton, and his many engaging qualities won him a host
of friends who will mourn his untimely death, just on the
threshold of manhood, and sympathize deeply with the widowed
mother in her grievous bereavement. The funeral took place
Friday at the residence of his mother, Mrs. Ella Coville, with a
very large attendance of those who took this opportunity to pay
the last sad tribute of respect to the deceased, and to evince
sympathy with the bereaved relatives. The casket was crowned
with flowers in beautiful forms and devices, fragile, yet
fragrant emblems of the immortality that dies to live again.
COWLING, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1905
Well Known Business Man Succumbs to Pneumonia
Thomas
Cowling, a resident of Alton and vicinity for thirty-three
years, died Tuesday morning at his home, 121 west Fifteenth
street, after an illness from pneumonia. He had not been in good
health for six months, but the fatal illness began a few weeks
ago. He was 59 years 3 months of age. Mr. Cowling was born in
Bath, England, and was a member of a large family. Five brothers
and three sisters, all residents of Bath, survive him. One year
ago he made a trip back to England to visit his birthplace. He
came to America when 21 years of age, and five years later he
moved to North Alton where he engaged in the coal mining
business, owning and operating several coal pits. He moved to
Alton eighteen years later and engaged in the coal business in
Alton. He was elected to the office of highway commissioner, and
served very acceptably. Mr. Cowling held a license as a local
preacher for the Methodist church, and he often conducted
services in North Alton and across the river and at other places
where no other religious services were being held. He is
survived by his wife, Mrs. Fanny Cowling, and two children, Mrs.
Frederick Hummert and J. E. Cowling. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the family home, Rev.
M. H. Ewers officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
COX, EMANUEL J./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1873
Mr. E. J. Cox died at his residence in Bethalto last Saturday,
after a long illness of nearly a year. His disease was
consumption. He has been preparing for this great change for
some time, and gave every evidence to his friends that death had
no terrors for him. The funeral service took place Monday,
February 10, and notwithstanding the very inclement weather, was
attended by a large concourse of his relatives and friends. He
was buried in the Bethalto United Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr.
Cox was a native of this county, aged 42 years. He was a member
of the Baptist Church for some 20 years. He leaves a wife and
two children, and a host of friends to mourn his early death.
His father, it will be remembered, died about 4 months ago with
the same disease.
COX, HENRIETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
10, 1920
The death of Henrietta Cox occurred last night
at the family home on Main street. Mrs. Cox was 77 years of age.
She is survived by her husband, J. M. Cox. The body was shipped
to Washington, Kan., this afternoon. The time of the funeral has
not been set.
COX, ISAAC/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 6, 1877
From
Bethalto – Mr. Isaac Cox, aged 77 years, 10 months, and 20 days,
died this morning at 11:20 o’clock, after a long and painful
illness. The funeral will take place from the Baptist Church,
one o’clock p.m., next Saturday. Uncle Isaac was a native of
York District, South Carolina, and came to this county with his
parents in 1800. He was intimately acquainted with the early
history of this county, and never tired in relating it. We hope
to give a short sketch of his early life soon.
NOTES:
Isaac Cox was born February 9, 1800. He was buried in the
Bethalto United Methodist Church Cemetery in Bethalto.
COX, JAMES C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1903
Veteran of Civil War Dies in Upper Alton - Gone to Grand Review
James C. Cox, one of the best known and respected old
residents of Upper Alton, died Sunday morning and 3 o'clock at
his home, after an illness of about one year's duration. Mr. Cox
had been afflicted with Bright's disease and heart trouble for
several years, but had not been disabled. The past three or four
months his health declined rapidly and about one week ago he
told his family that he would be dead in ten days. Mr. Cox
passed into the great beyond without suffering pain, and with
his large family of children at his side he breathed his last
while sleeping. James C. Cox was born in Mecklenburg County,
Virginia on April 12, 1830. He was in his 73rd year at the time
of his death. In October 1852 he was married to Mary A.
N______son, and last October he and his wife celebrated their
gold wedding anniversary. When the Civil War broke out, Mr. and
Mrs. Cox were living in Kentucky and were driven away from their
property there because of Mr. Cox's Union views, when he came to
Illinois, stopping at Virden. While there Mr. Cox enlisted in
the army and served during the war with Company G, 122nd
Illinois Volunteers. After the war, Mr. Cox resided at Virden
until nineteen years ago, he moved his family to Upper Alton,
and has since resided there. Mr. Cox was a man of excellent
character, respected by all. His family are sorely afflicted by
the loss of a kind father and husband. Beside his widow, he
leaves seven children, all of whom are married. They are Frank,
Clark and Eugene Cox of Chicago, and Mrs. W. T. Catheart of
Upper Alton; Mrs. W. F. Sinks of Galconda, Ill.; Mrs. W. G.
Boman of Chicago; and Mrs. Harold G. Powell of Salt Lake City,
Utah. All the children have arrived here except Mrs. Powell, and
she will arrive tomorrow morning. The funeral will take place at
3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Services will be conducted at the
home and will be public. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery
and will be private. The Alton Post of G. A. R. will attend the
funeral and pallbearers will be selected from the post.
COX, JESSE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1881
Illinois Pioneer
Mr. Jesse Cox, who died at Virden November
18, aged 80 years, was one of the pioneer settlers of Illinois,
a man beloved and respected by all throughout his long and
useful life. He was a native of South Carolina, but at the close
of the War of 1812, his father removed to Illinois with his
family and settled in the American Bottom near Alton,
subsequently removing to Sangamon County.
COX, JOHN (ESQ.)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 18, 1872
From Bethalto – This week I am called upon to publish the death
of John Cox, Esq., of whom it will be remembered I spoke in my
last as being at the point of death. He died on October 10, at
one o’clock p.m. He had lived his tree score years, and two of
the additional ten. His life has been of that straightforward
type, so much admired by all, and death, so far from having any
terrors for him, was anxiously waited for. When told by his
physicians a few days previous to his death, that he might last
for a month, he remarked that it was discouraging to think of,
and that he hoped to be at rest long before that time. Take it
all in all, his death was a strong proof of the effectual
working of the plan of salvation as set forth in God’s revealed
Word.
His son Emanuel Cox, is still imnproving, and is so
well as to be out in town pleasant days. As might be expected,
his father’s death caused him to be rather worse for a few days.
COY, BELA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19, 1901
Runaway Boy Dies at Hospital - 16 Years Old
Bela
Coy, a 16 year old boy who has been staying at St. Joseph's
hospital for a month, died this morning from typhoid fever. The
boy left his home in Clinton, Iowa, and came to Alton. He said
that he was not wanted at his home, and that his mother had sent
him away with his clothes, telling him not to return. The boy
arrived in Alton penniless and hungry. He was found one wet,
cold day by Officer Spaet in a hut on the sandbar, into which he
had been taken by a woman whose heart was in the right place,
and who pitied the boy. He had been wandering through the
willows seeking shelter when he was cared for by the woman. His
relatives at Clinton, Iowa were notified that the boy is dead,
and they have telegraphed for the body. It will be shipped to
Clinton at once by Undertaker Bauer.
COYNE, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 10,
1874
Mr. Christopher Coyne, an old citizen of Alton, died
suddenly Sunday night at his residence in the Third ward. On
Saturday night, Mr. Coyne had a congestive chill, but apparently
recovered from it on Sunday. That evening he went to bed early
and slept soundly. In the middle of the night, he woke up and
told his wife that if he could sleep as well the rest of the
night, he would be able to go to work in the morning. But in the
morning when his wife awoke, she found him lying dead in the
bed. It is supposed that he was suddenly attacked by another
chill and expired while unconscious.
COZATT, M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10,
1917
M. Cozatt dropped dead this morning about 8 o'clock
at his home in Wood River. Cozatt had been apparently in the
best of health and was up and around this morning. Shortly
before his death he complained of a pain in his heart, and those
in the house placed him in bed and immediately sent for a
physician. Before the physician arrived the stricken man was
dead.
CRADER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 19, 1905
John Crader, the aged Frenchman who was
brought up from Mobile island last Monday after having suffered
in a cabin boat for five days without any help, and five days
longer with but scanty medical attention, died at St. Joseph's
hospital from pneumonia this morning. Crader had a very bad case
of pneumonia, which was aggravated by his long neglect in the
cabin boat during the cold weather, which prevented anyone going
to his assistance. He was hardly able to talk Monday when
brought home. He has no relatives so far as known, and it is
probable that his friends will be called upon to bury him. He
was the club house keeper for a party of Alton men who
maintained a hunter's lodge on Mobile island on lower Missouri
point. Crader was familiarly known as "Frenchie." He had lived
in Alton many years.
CRADER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 19,
1903 Killed by Alton Switch Engine?
The mangled body of
Louis Crader of North Alton was found lying on the Chicago and
Alton railway tracks Friday evening about 11 o'clock. He had
been dead for some time and it was supposed from the appearance
that he was killed by the Chicago and Alton switch engine. The
body was taken in charge by Coroner C. N. Streeper. Crader was
employed at the North Alton brick plant. His brother, John
Crader, lives in North Alton and he boarded with him. He had
been in St. Louis and returned Friday evening. It is supposed he
was walking up the railroad tracks on his way home when he was
struck by the switch engine. Louis Crader was about 21 years of
age. Relatives say he drew his pay at the brickyard yesterday
afternoon, and that when he came downtown about 5 o'clock he had
$38 with him. Only 25 cents was found in his pocket book, and
relatives are inclined to believe he was doped and robbed or
held up and slugged.
CRAFTON, ADA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 13, 1920
Miss Ada Crafton, aged 15 years, died this morning at twenty
minutes to eleven at St. Joseph's Hospital, where she underwent
an operation for the relief of appendicitis a week ago last
Wednesday. Her death was not unexpected, as she has been very
ill since she was operated upon. She is the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. James Crafton of 1109 State street. She was 15 years of age
on the 24th of May. Her parents, three sisters, Miss Nellie
Crafton of Alton; Mrs. Margaret Davis of Hot Springs, Ark.; and
Mrs. Ida Park of St. Louis; also three brothers, Aubrey of St.
Louis; James and Howard of Alton, survive. The family has
resided in Alton for four years, coming here from Carrollton.
The many friends sympathize with them in their bereavement. No
funeral arrangements have been made, awaiting the arrival of a
brother-in-law of the deceased from Hot Springs.
CRAFTON, JAMES L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 25,
1922
Traffic Policeman Dies Suddenly in Alton Home
James L.
Crafton, traffic policeman at Broadway and Piasa streets, died
unexpectedly this morning at his home, 1109 State street, from
heart trouble. He was 69 years of age. Mr. Crafton was taken
suddenly ill last Friday. He had been in a state of health that
had given him no cause for anxiety, and those of his family
believed that he was a perfectly well man. Last Friday evening
he was stricken in his home with a fainting spell and from that
time he had been unable to leave the house. He was much better
yesterday and was up and around the place, rendering little
services to his wife, and there was no thought he would die so
soon. Last night he became worse and did not rally, and the end
came this morning at 5:40 o'clock. Mr. Crafton came here from
Carrolton five years ago. He had spent all of his life there. He
was a member of the Carrolton Methodist church. He was appointed
during last year as a member of the traffic police squad and he
served at Broadway and Piasa streets. He had been off that post
of duty for a while at the time he was taken sick. A few days
ago when he was to have been the city's main witness in a case
in the City court, in a charge of violating traffic rules, the
court was told that Mr. Crafton was too sick to undergo the
excitement of being on the witness stand and the case was
therefore continued until Mr. Crafton would be better. Besides
his wife, Mr. Crafton leaves three sons, Aubrey of St. Louis;
James of East Alton and Howard of Alton; also three daughters,
Miss Nellie, teacher at Milton schools; Mrs. D. M. Davis of Hot
Springs, Ark., and Mrs. Fred Parks of Alton. The setting of the
time for the funeral was deferred until all the absent children
could be heard from. Crafton was born in Franklin, Ky., but has
been a resident of Illinois for a number of years. Besides his
immediate family, Crafton is survived by two brothers, Neil of
Springfield, Ill., and George of Franklin, Ky., and a sister,
Mrs. Sallie Brooks of Portland, Tenn. Two years ago a daughter,
Ada, died at the age of 16 years.
CRAIG, EDGAR L./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 8, 1880
Died in Alton on April 6, after a lingering illness, Edgar L.,
infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Craig Jr.
CRAIG, ESTHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 12,
1907
Miss Esther Craig, the 19 year old daughter of John
Craig, living near Fosterburg, died from dropsy this morning
after a long illness. The time of the funeral is not announced.
CRAIG, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 14,
1902
Fred Craig, the young man who was shot several days
ago by Fred Breitwiser, a companion who was hunting with him on
the farm of Miss Randolph near Delhi, died Monday night from the
effect of the wound. The young man leaves a widow and two
children, one of the latter being only three months old. Will
Craig, a brother, was in town this morning for an undertaker.
Will Craig stated that his brother was getting along splendidly
and improving perceptibly until Monday evening, when he was
seized by a violent fit of coughing which resulted in the
rupturing of a large artery in the wounded limb, and the
unfortunate young man bled to death before experienced help
could reach him. He died too without seeing his wife, who had
gone to her own home. She arrived shortly after his death. Fred
Breitwiser, the young man who fired the fatal shot, is almost
frantic, although it was all clearly an accident. He and Fred
Craig were very warm friends and it is said that Breitwiser is
engaged to marry Mrs. Craig's sister. Deceased has many friends
in this part of Illinois who will be greatly pained to hear of
the sad ending of that unfortunate day's hunt, and their grief
is mixed with pity for the innocent heart-broken cause.
CRAIG, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1905
George Craig, a track laborer employed by J. G. White & Co.,
general contractors for the interurban electric line of the
Alton, Granite & St. Louis Traction Company, was instantly
killed Saturday morning by being struck by an electric car at
Edwardsville Crossing. Craig was hit on the back of the head by
the edge of the car as it passed him. He had been working on the
track, surfacing it up, when the car approached. He stepped off
the track and must have become confused. He did not step far
enough away from the rail to avoid being hit by the car. Mr. J.
F. Porter, when notified of the accident, went to Edwardsville
Crossing at once and took charge of the body and had it brought
to Alton, where it was taken to the undertaking establishment of
Streeper & Wheeler. Mr. Porter said that the body would be held
until investigation could be made as to where the man's home is.
He has been working for J. G. White & Co. for some time, but
nothing was known as to where his relatives could be found. He
wore a button indicating that he is a member of the fraternal
society, Woodmen of the World. The man had been a cook, but was
employed as a laborer on the electric railway. Conductor James
Hart and Motorman Baker Ash were in charge of the car when the
man was killed.
CRAIG, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1907
James Craig, colored, aged 33 years, died Wednesday morning
at 5 o'clock at the home, 1903 Gross street, from stomach
trouble from which he had been a sufferer for some time. He is
survived by his mother, two sisters, and three brothers. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the A. M. E.
church, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
CRAIG, JOSEPH/Source: February 19, 1880
After a lingering
illness, this old and well-known citizen of Alton departed this
life at his residence on Eighth Street, about 6 p.m. on
Thursday. Mr. Craig had been ill for months, but was confined to
his home only for five or six weeks, and most of this time
suffered but very little, except from exhaustion. Mr. Craig was
in his 61st year, and had resided in Alton twenty years. He had
been in the employ of S. Debow & Co., Barr & Bishop, and W. E.
Schweppe & Co., having left the latter firm about a year ago
when his health failed. Mr. Craig was an industrious and
economical man, and always gave great satisfaction to his
employers. He had accumulated sufficient means to leave his
family in good circumstances, and always took pleasure in
providing an excellent home for them. He was a native of
Ireland, and resided a number of years in Philadelphia before
coming to Alton. A widow and three children are left to mourn
his loss, several children having passed away before him. The
funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, February 14, at 2
o’clock, from the family residence on Eighth Street. A large
concourse of relatives, friends, and acquaintances were present
to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased.
CRAIG, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3, 1900
Mrs. Martha Craig, after an illness of one week, died at the
residence of her daughter, Mrs. Martha Sparling, in St. Louis,
today at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. Craig went to St. Louis some time ago to
visit her daughter and to recuperate her health, having been ill
with the grip at her home in this city. After going to St. Louis
she was taken ill with heart trouble, which resulted fatally as
above stated. Mrs. Craig was in her 70th year. She has lived in
Alton for more than forty years. Her husband died some fifteen
years ago or more. For many years she had been following the
nurse's profession, and all who have enjoyed her ministrations,
as well as a large circle of friends and acquaintances, will
sincerely regret her death. She was a most excellent woman, a
faithful and sincere Christian lady, constant in the duties of
that profession in every day life with her fellow creatures. No
truer friend; no more faithful or tender mother to a family
could be found. In all the duties of life she was a true woman
and excellent neighbor. Of her family three children survive
her: Mrs. Rachel Brown and Mrs. Florence Holder of Alton, and
Mrs. Martha Sparling of St. Louis. Mrs. E. J. Montgomery and
Mrs. Jane Nisbett, both of this city, are sisters of the
deceased lady. The date of the funeral has not been fixed as
yet.
CRAIG, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31, 1921
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.
CRAIG, THOMAS MILLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 12, 1875
Died in Alton on August 6, Thomas Millen, infant son of Joseph
and Martha Craig; aged 6 months.
CRAIG, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6,
1904
After 25 Years of Blindness, Old Soldier Sees Eternal Light
William Craig, a veteran of the Civil War who resided many
years in Alton, died Monday morning at the Soldiers' Home in
Quincy after a short illness. He was born in England in 1832 and
came to America in 1847. He came to Alton in 1850 and with the
exception of a few years spent by him in England, has lived here
since until last October, when he went to Quincy. His wife, who
was Miss T. Dixon, died in 1871 and was a sister of Ralph Dixon
Sr. Two children survive this marriage, Joshua J. and Thomas
Craig. His second wife was a Miss Levi, who died in 1883 leaving
four children, Edward, John, Calvin and James Craig. The sons
left for Quincy last evening, and the funeral will probably
occur there, as deceased had expressed a wish to be buried in
the old Soldiers' cemetery. Mr. Craig had been blind for
twenty-five years. He served all through the war and was
respected by all who knew him. He drew one of the largest
pensions paid anyone living in Alton.
CRAMER, EMMA KEMPER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11,
1902
Death in its saddest form came this morning to the
home of Mr. Henry F. Cramer, former township collector. Mrs.
Emma Kemper Cramer, his wife, to whom he was married less than
two years ago, died after a short illness. On January 2 she gave
birth to a child, and her condition was considered favorable
until yesterday morning when she became worse. She was afflicted
with inflammatory rheumatism, but her death is said to have been
caused by sudden heart failure and was very unexpected. She was
33 years of age and came here from Fosterburg to make her home
after her marriage to Mr. Cramer. Since coming here she made
many friends by her uniformly sweet disposition, and her death
is mourned sincerely by many who had known her but a
comparatively short time, who join with her relatives and older
friends in their grief. She leaves her husband, many relatives
living near Fosterburg. Her death was a sad shock to her
parents, as they had not heard that her condition had become
worse until this morning when they received the news of her
death.
CRAMER, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
17, 1906
Death claimed the little child of Henry F.
Cramer, former township collector, this morning after a brief
illness at the home of George Dick, Fifth and Ridge street. The
little girl, Helen, was born five years ago last New Year's day.
At the birth of the child her mother died, leaving the little
girl to be reared by the father. The devotion between the two
was touching, and the death of the little girl is a sad blow to
the father. Funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment
in City Cemetery. Rev. Theo Oberhellman will officiate.
CRANDALL, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 22,
1919
Andrew Crandall, in his 78th year, died Tuesday
afternoon at 4:15 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ivy
Lancaster, from paralysis and old age. Mr. Crandall had been in
feeble health since he was stricken with paralysis three years
ago. His case had been serious the past three weeks. Mr.
Crandall was born in Richland County, Ohio, January 23, 1842. He
moved to Lincoln, Ill. when a young man, and for 25 years was a
contractor there. Then he moved to Bunker Hill where he was in
business 18 years. He moved to East Alton and started up in the
lumber and hardware business, and when Wood River was founded he
opened the first business house in Wood River. He was a member
of the Odd Fellows' order for forty-five years, holding his
membership at Lincoln, Ill., his old home. Mr. Crandall's wife
died nine years ago at Los Angeles, Cal. He leaves two children,
Mrs. Lancaster and Fred Crandall. The funeral will be tomorrow
from the home of Mrs. Lancaster at 8 a.m., and will be conducted
by Rev. Webb. The body will be taken to Lincoln for burial.
Services there will be conducted in the Methodist Church and the
burial will be under the auspices of the Odd Fellows' order.
CRANE, CARRIE EMME/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 16, 1867
Died in Alton, Carrie Emme, infant daughter of H. J. Crane; aged
3 months and 3 days.
CRANE, EDWARD G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
22, 1900
Edward G. Crane, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G.
B. Crane, died Saturday at Mt. Dorn, Fla., where he had gone for
his health. He was 36 years old, and had been at different times
proprietor of a drugstore and manager of the Leland Hotel. He
was also an artist of some ability. The body arrived Wednesday
morning, and the funeral took place that afternoon. Mr. Crane
leaves a little daughter, his wife having died two years ago.
CRANE, EMMA L./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1867
Died
in Alton on the 4th inst., very suddenly, Mrs. Emma L., wife of
H. J. Crane; aged 23 years. Mrs. Crane was among the very best
and most-worthy ladies in Alton, and her Christian example, and
amiable and godly life, will long be remembered and cherished by
a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She has left a
deeply bereaved husband to deplore her early death, and two
infant children – only a few days old – who will never know what
a treasure they have had taken from them.
CRANE, GEORGE B./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 12,
1913
Edwardsville Merchant
George W. Meyer received a
telegram this morning at 5 o'clock telling of the death of
George B. Crane, a former resident and business man of
Edwardsville, at his home in Chicago last night at 11 o'clock.
No particulars of death were given but as he had been sick from
some time, it is generally understood that death was due to a
complication of ailments resulting from old age.
Mr.
Crane was born in Seneca County, New York, in 1832, and spent
the first 16 years of his life on a farm there. In April 1854,
he came to Madison County and settled in Edwardsville, and in
connection with his father-in-law, A. O. French, opened a store
on the site of the present Model Store building, covering the
same territory that is occupied by the present building. At that
time, the building on the corner of Main and Purcell Streets,
which is being razed at present, had not been built [Purcell no
longer exists – it was where the Administration Building now
stands, next to the courthouse].
He continued in business
here in partnership until the year 1882, when he purchased his
father-in-law's share of the stock and managed the store alone
until July 1891, when he sold out to the Edwardsville Dry Goods
Company, and removed from this city to California. Returning
several years later, he built a beautiful home on St. Louis
Street [730 St. Louis Street], and resided there for a few years
before he removed to Chicago.
Mr. Crane was first married
on August 1, 1863, to Miss Isabell O. French. As a result of
this union, three children were born: Edward Ottis, George B.
Jr., and Dr. Charles A. Crane. The former have both died, and
Charles practices in Canton, Ohio. Mrs. Crane died in December
1901.
Mr. Crane was married the second time to Mrs. Hugh
Bayle, also a former resident of this city, and since that
marriage about eleven years ago, they have been making their
home in Chicago. Besides his wife and son, one granddaughter
survives. Miss Isabel Crane, a daughter of Edward Crane, who is
now in California, where she has expressed her decision to enter
a convent.
NOTES:
George B. Crane was born May 20,
1832, in Seneca County, New York. He married Isabell O. French
in 1863, and then went into business with his father-in-law, A.
O. French. They had three children, listed above. He sold his
business in July 1891, and moved to California. Returning to
Edwardsville, in 1886 he built a Queen Ann style home at 730 St.
Louis Street. After the death of his wife in 1903, he married
Mrs. Hugh Bayle, and they moved to Chicago. Crane is buried in
the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.
Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 1913
The
church remained open until 1 o'clock when the services took
place. The body was accompanied to Edwardsville by the widow,
and the only surviving son, Dr. Charles A. Crane, of Canton,
Ohio. The pall bears were selected by Geo. W. Meyer of this city
a life long friend of Mr. Crane and were composed entire of old
friends of Mr. Crane. They were Judge B. R. Burroughs, Henry C.
Barnsback, A. L. Brown, B. H. Richards, O. D. Finch and W. D.
Harniat. The cortege left the church at 2:30 and services at the
cemetery were conducted at 3 o'clock. Dr. Charles A. Crane
returned on Saturday evening to his home in Canton, Ohio, where
he has a large practice. Mrs. Crane was entertained during her
stay here by Mrs. C. N. Travous but she left for her home in
Chicago Sunday afternoon where she will make her home in the
future as in the past.
CRANE, HARRY KILBORN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12, 1867
Died in Alton on the 9th, Harry Kilborn, infant son of Henry J.
Crane, aged 2 months and 5 days.
CRANE, HARRY LEE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 7, 1865
Died in Alton on the 5th inst., Harry Lee, infant son of H. J.
and E. Crane, aged 2 months and 6 days.
CRANE, HENRY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 7, 1901
After an illness dating from Saturday,
Henry J. Crane, one of the best known residents of Alton, died
Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Death was due to an attack of
grip, which preceded the last illness and from which he was
thought to have recovered. He suffered a relapse, and on Tuesday
his condition became alarming. His friends had feared the worst
during the last two days, and his death is no surprise. To his
family Mr. Crane's death is a heavy loss. To his friends his
death will be a personal bereavement, as he was universally
liked by all who knew him. Courteous in manner and true to the
last, he won and retained as friends all who came in contact
with him. He was modest and unassuming and one of the most
industrious of men, strongly attached to his family and never
murmuring when duties were most heavily weighing upon him. Mr.
Crane came to Alton in 1856, and accepted the position of clerk
in the office of the Alton Daily Courier, which he held until
the suspension of the paper in 1860. Shortly after he was one of
the clerks in the Illinois Mutual Insurance Company. Afterwards
he was appointed Deputy Internal Revenue Collector, for this
district, which included nearly all of Southern Illinois with
headquarters at Alton. He remained in this position until 1885,
when he was succeeded by a Democrat. Mr. Crane removed to
Wichita, Kan., but after a few years residence there returned to
Alton and entered the employ of the Alton National bank. Mr.
Crane has been for many years a Director and Secretary and
Treasurer of the Alton City Cemetery Association. It is largely
owing to his unremitting and untiring oversight that our
cemetery is now the beautiful spot it is. Mr. Crane was twice
married. His frist wife died a few years after their marriage.
Mr. Crane married Miss Carrie Pierce, daughter of the late Dr.
W. C. Pierce, in 1872, who with three children, two sons and a
daughter, William, Byron and Lucretia Crane, survive. He also
leaves two sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Lee, wife of M. I. Lee of
Topeka, Kansas, and Mrs. Carrie Winchell of Great Barrington,
neither of whom will come to the funeral on account of their age
and health. Mr. Crane was one of those who grew upon his friends
the more he was known. A frank, honest, upright and truthful
man, he was appreciated by all his acquaintances and was never
found wanting in any duty that might fall to his lot. He was in
the 67th year of his age. The funeral will take place tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted at the
Unitarian church by Rev. George Gebauer.
CRANE, LUCINDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 19, 1880
Died in Alton on August 11, at the residence of B. F. Wainscott,
State Street, Lucinda Crane, aged 14 years and 4 months.
CRANE, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 22, 1880
We are pained to record the death of the infant son of Mr. and
Mrs. H. J. Crane, at the age of six months and six days. This
sad event occurred Monday, the little one having been greatly
reduced by a long illness. The bereaved parents will receive the
sympathies of their many friends.
CRANE, WILLIAM P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
23, 1916
William P. Crane, aged _8, a well known Alton
plumber, died at the home of Mrs. J. P. Nisbett on Court street
Saturday night after a long illness from a complication of
diseases. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Crane, his father
having died many years ago, and his mother died recently in
Kansas City and her body was brought to Alton for burial. His
condition had been very bad for a few weeks, and his sister,
Miss Lucretia Crane, was here recently attending him, but was
obliged to return to her home. Mrs. Caroline Crane and daughter
came here from Palmyra, Mo. two weeks ago, and the declining
days of Mr. Crane were brightened by the presence of his
daughter and her mother, whose presence he had requested. The
funeral was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home of P.
L. Betts, at Twelfth and Alton streets. The services were
conducted by Rev. John Day of St. Louis, and burial was in City
Cemetery. The pallbearers were Fred and Ben Sawyer, W. H.
Wiseman, W. T. Norton, W. R. Gillham, George Brunner, Robert
Arnold and Percy Smith. The brother, W. B. Crane and sister,
Miss Lucretia Crane, came from Kansas City to attend the
funeral.
CRAWFORD, ALEXANDER W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
1, 1921
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.
CRAWFORD, CLARA MAY (nee MERITT)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 5, 1922
Mrs. Clara May Crawford, wife of
Frank A. Crawford, died Saturday at Hop Hollow [Alton]. It was
the verdict of the coroner's jury which conducted an inquest
that death was due to heart trouble. She was 20 years old. She
is survived by her husband, one child, 11 months old, parents,
Mr. and Mrs. John G. Meritt, and a brother and one sister.
Funeral services were conducted at 4 p.m. at the Bauer
undertaking parlors today, by the Rev. C. D. Shumard, pastor of
the First Methodist Church.
CRAWFORD, DAVID/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 8,
1887
Death of An Old Citizen
Mr. David Crawford, one of
our old citizens, died yesterday from cancer of the throat. Mr.
Crawford had been ailing for nearly a year, but only within a
few weeks has it been known to his acquaintances that he was
seriously ill, as the disease did not interfere with his usual
activities. He suffered very little pain, and yesterday was able
to walk out into the yard, and few minutes afterward fell into
his wife’s arms and expired as she was in the act of giving him
medicine to relieve his labored breathing. Mr. Crawford was
highly respected by all who knew him, an honest, upright man. He
was a native of Scotland, but had lived in Alton and vicinity
since 1849. He was 65 years of age, and one of the oldest
members of the Presbyterian Church. He leaves a widow, two sons,
and one daughter to mourn his loss. The funeral will take place
tomorrow from the residence near North Alton.
CRAWFORD, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 8, 1880
George Crawford, who was beaten and robbed by tramps at Godfrey
a few days ago, died at the Sisters Hospital Saturday evening,
and was buried Sunday in the Catholic Cemetery. In the absence
of the Coroner, Justice Quarton impaneled a jury and viewed the
remains, after which further consideration of the case was
deferred.
CRAWFORD, HAZEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17,
1920
Miss Hazel Crawford, 14 years old, died this morning
at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Crawford, 824
Logan street, two weeks after the death of her sister, Mrs.
Vernon Ballard, who succumbed to influenza. The Crawford family
has had far more than its share of misfortune. When Mrs. Ballard
died, two weeks ago, Mrs. Crawford, her mother, was unable to
attend the funeral because of the illness of Hazel. Mr. and Mrs.
Crawford have lost two daughters in two weeks and a third is now
very ill. Mrs. Charles Dickerson of Carrollton, is ill at her
home and will be unable to attend the funeral of her sister.
Miss Hazel Crawford is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Crawford; three sisters, Mrs. George Frenz, Miss Irene
Crawford of Alton, and Mrs. Dickerson; three brothers, John,
Walter and Robert Crawford, of Alton, and her grandmother, Mrs.
Jane Crawford of Kane, Ill. Miss Crawford has been ill for some
time. Notwithstanding her illness she remained cheerful and ever
willing to please and help those about her. Her death causes
general sorrow among all who knew her. She was a member of the
First Methodist Church. The funeral will be tomorrow morning.
After short services at the home on Logan street, which will be
conducted by the Rev. Robert Morris, pastor of the First
Methodist Church. The body will be taken to Kane. Interment will
be in Kane Cemetery.
CRAWFORD, J. B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3, 1916
J. B. Crawford, aged 83, died at 10 o'clock this morning in
St. Joseph's hospital, where he had lived the past two years.
Death was due to old age. He leaves two sons, W. W. Crawford of
Alton and H. C. Crawford of Peoria. The funeral will be held
Thursday evening at 8 o'clock from the home of W. W. Crawford,
906 Belle street, and burial will be at Elsah, Friday.
CRAWFORD, JANE R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12,
1906
Mrs. Jane R.
Crawford, widow of the late David Crawford, died at her home 1
1/4 miles east of North Alton, at 9:15 o'clock Friday evening
after a lingering illness. She was born in Dalry, Scotland, May
27, 1830, and was in the 76th year of her age. With her parents
she came to America when 11 years of age, and resided in Alton
and vicinity for 65 years. She leaves three children, John,
Janet and William, all of the place; also a niece, Mrs. A. C.
Patterson of Liberty Prairie, besides other relatives. The
funeral will be held on Sabbath afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home.
CRAWFORD, JESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1916
The
death of Miss Jessie Crawford occurred at 9:45 o'clock Saturday
morning at her home in Godfrey township. She had been very ill
for about ten days, but after the first few days of the sickness
she began to mend and she was apparently much better. She had
been considered desperately ill immediately after she was taken
down, and at the time it was believed there was little chance of
her recovery, but when she began to improve high hopes were
entertained by her family and friends that she would recover.
She suffered a relapse Friday and she sank rapidly. Miss
Crawford was born in Godfrey township, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Robert Crawford. She lived there all of her life. She was
engaged as a school teacher for a few years in the Bethany
school on the Brighton road. Later she engaged in the real
estate business. She had a natural ability in selling real
estate, and she made quite a success of it. She had decided to
retire from active work and had done so a few days before she
was taken down with her last illness. She was a woman of the
purest, best character, and she was highly esteemed by all who
knew her. She had a very wide acquaintance and there was
widespread interest in the community where she was well known
over her condition. The fact was not generally known that she
had suffered a relapse until it became known that she had died.
She had much ability as a business woman which contributed to
her success in the business in which she was engaged. She leaves
one half brother, John Tolman, and three brothers, W. F.
Crawford of Godfrey, T. A. Crawford of Collinsville, and A. W.
Crawford of Hillsboro. She leaves one sister, Miss Jennie M.
Crawford of Godfrey. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon
at 2:30 o'clock from the family home at Godfrey.
CRAWFORD, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11,
1916
Dies From Injuries at Equitable Powder Plant in East
Alton
John Crawford, aged 60, died Sunday
morning at 2 o'clock in St. Joseph's Hospital as a result of
being burned in the fire in the sodium nitrate mill at the
Equitable Powder Plant Saturday about noon. Crawford had been an
employee of the powder mill for the past twenty years since its
establishment in East Alton. He worked in the sodium nitrate
mill alone, and was engaged in the business of mixing the sodium
nitrate, charcoal and sulphur. In some unexplained manner, the
mixture caught fire while he was getting it ready to be put into
the wheel mill for the making of powder. He was burned in the
flash, and it is supposed that he inhaled the flames. The
building was set afire and Crawford stumbled and fell to the
floor in trying to get out. He was picked up and carried out
unconscious by fellow employees. He was not thought to have been
so seriously injured at first, but towards evening it developed
that he was much worse hurt, and he was rushed to St. Joseph's
Hospital where he died. Crawford had been a resident of East
Alton for many years. He was a steady worker, and drew a good
salary for the work he was engaged in. He met with but few
accidents. Several years ago his foot was burned in a small fire
at the sodium nitrate mill, but he quickly recovered and went
back to work. He leaves his wife and five children: Harry
Crawford, George Crawford, and Misses Fanny, Nellie and Mary
Crawford, all of East Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 1 o'clock at the East Alton Baptist Church. The
Rev. D. C. Blunt will officiate.
CRAWFORD, MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23, 1866
Died at Liberty Prairie, March 10, 1866, Mrs. Margaret Crawford,
aged 76 years and 4 months.
CRAWFORD, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 15, 1906
Miss Mary Crawford, daughter of the late Robert W. Crawford,
principal of the Godfrey public schools and one of the most
popular and successful public school teachers in Madison county,
passed away Monday morning at 8 o'clock at the home of her
brother, Will, in Godfrey. She became ill eight weeks ago with
typhoid fever and had apparently passed the danger point in the
disease. A relapse set in, however, and her death has been
expected during the past few days. She was about 36 years of
age, and is survived by three brothers: A. W. Crawford, mayor of
Girard, Illinois; Will of Godfrey; Thomas of East St. Louis; a
half brother, John Tallman; and two sisters, Misses Jennie and
Jessie Crawford of Alton. The funeral will be held Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to Godfrey cemetery.
Services will be conducted by the Rev. H. M. Chittenden.
CRAWFORD, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 22,
1922
Mrs. Mary Crawford, aged 73, widow of George
Crawford, who died a quarter of a century ago, passes away at
6:30 o'clock this morning at her home in East Alton. She was a
native of Madison county, being before her marriage Mary J.
Pigue. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford farmed land near the present site
of the Alton State Hospital for many years, but after her
husband's death Mrs. Crawford sold out, the widow moving to East
Alton. She was a member of the Baptist church and took an active
interest in church work, being a kindly, good Christian woman.
She is survived by five children, six grandchildren, and three
great-grandchildren. The children are Jesse, George, Peter
Crawford, and Mrs. John Farris of East Alton, and Mrs. George
Henderson of DeWitt, Mo. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. Lizzie
Philbrick. No funeral arrangements have been completed, awaiting
the arrival of relatives from distant points.
CRAWFORD, NOAH H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
12, 1910
Noah H. Crawford, aged 56, died Wednesday
morning at 2 o'clock from pneumonia at his home, 609 east Third
street, after an illness since Saturday. His is the third death
in the family within a year, the first being about a year ago
when the wife and mother died. The son, Peter, grieved a great
deal over the death of his mother, and to add to his troubles, a
young lady with whom he was said to have been in love married
another, and a short time afterwards the young man committed
suicide. The father never ceased to grieve over the death of his
son, and his constitution had been undermined anyway from sorrow
at the loss of his wife, so that when attacked by pneumonia he
was not in physical shape to make a good fight against the
attack of the disease. He had been employed at the Hapgood Plow
Works for more than twenty-five years as a grinder, and he
always had a job waiting for him there. Two sons, John D. and
Harry Crawford, survive. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, where services will be
conducted by Rev. G. L. Clark of the Twelfth street Presbyterian
church. Burial will be in City cemetery.
CRAWFORD, ROBERT WILSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
24, 1905
Former Sheriff of Madison County and Prominent
Politician Dies
Robert Wilson Crawford, former sheriff of
Madison County, and at one time an invincible power in Madison
county politics, died Saturday morning at 5:40 o'clock after a
long illness from Brights disease. He was born in Donegal
county, Ireland, and had he lived until October 22, he would
have been 80 years of age. He left Ireland at the age of 14
years and went to South America, where he remained at Valparaiso
for a while, coming afterward to America and making his home for
a few years at Blairsville, Pa., where he had some relatives. He
went south to work building levees in Louisiana, then went to
work building the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad. He laid
the first gas pipes in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, and
afterward went to Indiana where he worked on railroads for a few
years. He came to Alton, and in 1852 he engaged in the work of
raising the Chicago and Alton track 18 inches. The railroad then
known as the Alton and Sangamon river, was laid down in the mud
without much pretense at building a road-bed. The entire
road-bed was elevated 18 inches from Alton to Springfield, and
there the Alton made its first step toward having a good,
substantial track. Mr. Crawford worked under William Huskinson,
who had charge of the construction work. He was Mr. Huskinson's
assistant, and during the years 1868-69, he was acting road
master while Mr. Huskinson was absent in England. It is said
that his superior officer often said that Mr. Crawford was one
of the best railroad men he ever knew. For a number of years Mr.
Crawford was engaged in furnishing railroad ties for the Alton,
and in one year he sold the railroad 20,000 ties. Early in the
1870s, Mr. Crawford entered politics and he was elected sheriff
of Madison county for one term, 1871-72. He was county
commissioner two years, and during his term of office the law
was changed and the office was abolished. In those days the
business affairs of the county were administered by three
commissioners instead of by a board of supervisors, as at
present. Mr. Crawford was elected supervisor of Godfrey township
for four terms and served about eight years in that capacity.
During his political career he was considered invincible, and
had his own way in the Democratic party, then the dominant party
in county politics. Mr. Crawford was twice married, the first
time to a Miss Meldrum. He leaves one stepson, John Tolman, and
six children: A. W. Crawford, mayor of Girard; Misses Jennie N.,
Mary Y., Jessie B. Crawford, and William S. and Thomas K.
Crawford. About ten years ago he moved to Alton to make his
home, and he was a well known figure on the streets. Although
advancing age enfeebled him somewhat, his mind was clear and he
could recall accurately events of the early days in and around
Alton. He had lived in this vicinity nearly 55 years. The
funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the home
of Mr. Crawford's children, 720 Alby street, and services will
be conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden. Burial will be in the
Godfrey Cemetery.
CRAWFORD, ROSEANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
20, 1915
Mrs. Roseann Crawford, widow of Alexander
Crawford, died this morning at 1:30 o'clock at the home of her
sons on Crawford avenue in Upper Alton. Mrs. Crawford was the
mother of Robert, Steven and Ray Crawford, Alton business men.
Mrs. Crawford's final illness was but of one week's duration.
She had been a sufferer from rheumatism a number of years, which
partially disabled her at times, but she was always able to be
about her home. The last illness commenced a week ago last
Saturday, and seemed to come on as a spell of weakness from old
age and brought on by her suffering from rheumatism. She rode
out in her son's automobile on Labor Day, two weeks ago today,
and attended some of the exercise at Rock Spring park, and that
was the last time she was out. Her illness commenced on the
following Saturday and her strength gradually faded from that
time on until death came shortly after midnight. Mrs. Crawford
was born in County Donegal, Ireland. She was married in her home
country to Alexander Crawford in 1864. Four years later she came
with her husband to America and located on a small farm at
Godfrey, which the family still owns. She has been a resident of
this vicinity ever since. She was born June 20, 1841, and was 74
years old. About 15 years ago Mr. and Mrs. Crawford retired from
farming and came to Upper Alton to make their home with their
children. In February 1907, the husband's death occurred. Five
children were born to the couple, four of whom survive, one son
having died at the age of fourteen years. The surviving children
are Robert, S. G. B., and Raymond Crawford, and Miss Ann E.
Crawford. The death of Mrs. Crawford is a very sad shock to her
children. The family had stayed together through a long period
of years, and the taking away of the mother to whom the children
were so devoted is a sad blow to them. She was a good woman, a
neighbor loved by all and her demise is a sad occurrence not
only for her family but to the neighborhood. The funeral will be
held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home on Crawford
avenue. Burial will be at Bethany cemetery on the Brighton road
in the family burying ground.
CRAWFORD, WILLIAM J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
8, 1917
Alton Township Supervisor Dies
Supervisor
William J. Crawford died at 3:15 o'clock at his home, 3015
College avenue, Monday morning, after an illness with a cerebral
tumor, which began soon after he took the office of supervisor
of Alton township, to which he was elected last April. He would
have been 68 years of age next December 12. He is survived by
his wife and five children, Mrs. Wayne Henry and Frank Crawford
of Salem, Oregon; Philo F. Crawford of Chicago; Miss Marie
Crawford who is teaching school at Minonk, Ill.; and Miss Joyce
Crawford, who resides at home in Upper Alton. The election of
Mr. Crawford to the office of supervisor of Alton township was
one of the great surprises of the election held on the first
Tuesday of last April. He had announced his candidacy for the
office, and then proceeded to make a gum shoe campaign, going
from house to house. He aroused much interest in a quiet way in
his campaign, and he succeeded in getting out a very large vote
for himself on election day, defeating William Fries, a former
supervisor. Soon after he was elected he began to show the
effects of the malady that caused his death. He was confined to
his home from the third week in June, and was unable to leave
his bed the last six weeks of his life. He turned the duties of
his office over to Assistant Supervisor F. C. Bailey, who gave
very efficient service. It was realized soon after the sickness
began that Mr. Crawford was probably in his last sickness. He
had been a very successful man in business. He had also been a
clergyman and a school teacher. William J. Crawford was born in
Macoupin county December 12, 1849. He was a farmer boy, and from
the farm he came to Shurtleff College, working his way through
school. He graduated from the theological school. He was
ordained a minister during the time he was a divinity student in
1875. He was married to Mary D. Culp June 21, 1877. The year
following he went to Oregon as a Baptist Missionary, and was
assigned to a mission church at Albany, Oregon. Three years
later he came back here, remaining here 16 months, then going
back to Oregon, remaining there 31 years longer. Four years ago
he returned to Alton to live. A remarkable fact is that he died
as pastor of a church at Spring Valley, Oregon. When he left the
west and came to Alton, the people in the church were reluctant
to fill the vacancy, and they have continued to regard him as
their pastor, filling the pulpit with supply preachers. For
twenty-five years when he was in the west, Mr. Crawford taught
school at Albany and Salem. For seven years he was professor of
mathematics in McMinville College at McMinville, Oregon.
Thirteen years ago he retired from educational work to attend to
farming on a place he had owned for many years. The funeral of
Sylvester [sic] Crawford will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home, and services there will be
conducted by Rev. D. G. Ray, assisted by Rev. Simeon Hussey. The
body will be taken to Salem, Oregon for burial, the funeral
party leaving Thursday evening. Mr. Crawford was a member of
Franklin lodge, A. F. & A. M.
CRAWFORD, WILSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 24, 1884
From Godfrey – We are called upon to chronicle the death of one
of our young friends, Wilson Crawford, who died at his home, 2 ½
miles north of Godfrey, with typhoid fever, aged 15 years and
two months, on Saturday evening last, after a brief illness of
six days. The funeral took place from the family residence
Sunday. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Sunday School, and left a host of friends who grieve for his
death. The family have the sympathy of the community in their
great calamity.
CREAGEN, EDWARD L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 18, 1908
Edward L. Creagen, a former well known
resident of Alton, died Friday evening at his home in East St.
Louis, and the body will arrive on the Big Four Flyer tomorrow
at 11:30. The funeral will take place immediately from the
Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery beside the
grave of the father, John Creagen, one of the old settlers of
Alton. Mr. Creagen was a relative of the Co___ Bros., and is
survived by them and a wife and four children. His aged mother
also survives. He was ____ years old.
CREELS, ADA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
18, 1902
Ada Creels, a colored girl about 28 years of
age, died this morning at St. Joseph's Hospital after several
weeks illness. Her parents died when she was a child, and when
six to eight years of age she went to live in the family of Hon.
J. H. Yager, where her faithfulness and fidelity to the family
won a place in the hearts of each member, that produces the
sincerest sorrow. Ada was faithful to all members of the family,
but her devotion to the mother was a touching feature of her
life. Ada has some relatives living in Alton, and two sisters in
or near Indianapolis. Mrs. Scott, living on Seventeenth street,
is her grandmother. There could not be a more fitting sentiment
expressed of Ada than "faithful unto death." The funeral will be
private. The hour has not yet been set.
CREELS, JENNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 19, 1881
A
colored woman, Mrs. Jennie Creels, a widow, dropped dead at her
residence on Ninth Street last evening. Heart disease is
supposed to have been the cause. The funeral took place this
afternoon.
CREIGHTON, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
8, 1905
Mrs. Katherine Creighton, aged 81, died at the
Woman's Home today after an illness of five weeks from debility
of old age. Mrs. Creighton's closing days were sad, and would
have been much worse but for the fact that the ladies who
conduct the Woman's Home took her in charge and gave her a place
where she could be comfortable and pass her declining days. She
has two children, a son at Kansas City and a daughter at Quincy.
Neither would do anything for her, and it was said they were
unable to give her any assistance. She was an inmate of St.
Joseph's Hospital at the time the Woman's Home was opened eight
years ago last April, and she was taken from there and given
quarters in the then new home. She remained there until her
death. The funeral will be arranged by the Woman's Home
committee.
CREMEN, PATRICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21, 1912
Patrick Cremen, aged 72, died Wednesday morning at his home,
450 east Second street, after being ill for nearly two years.
Mr. Cremen fell at his home one year ago last summer and tumbled
down a flight of stairs, sustaining injuries from which he never
recovered. His condition had been very bad some time and his
death had been expected for a week. Mr. Cremen was a native of
the county of Cork, Ireland. He had lived in Alton 30 years. He
leaves six children, Mrs. Harry Jenkins, Mrs. Ross Jenkins, Miss
Maggie Cremen, William, Edward and Leon Cremen. The funeral will
be Friday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral.
CREMENS, NORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
30, 1910
Mrs. Nora Cremens, wife of Patrick Cremens, died
last night at her home, 450 east Second street, after a long
illness from a complication of troubles. She and her husband
were long time residents of Alton and their family members are
well known and highly respected. She is survived by her husband
and six children, three daughters, Mrs. Harry Jenkins, Misses
Margaret and Alice Cremens, and three sons, Edward, William and
Leo, All of Alton. Mrs. Cremens was a kindly disposed,
charitable woman, and her death will be sincerely regretted by
all who know her. She was 65 years of age and had spent 45 of
these years in Alton. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning
at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral. Burial will be in Greenwood
cemetery.
CRESSE, ARNOLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1911
Arnold Cresse, aged 61, died very suddenly last
night at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Carl Buck, on Vandalia
road. He leaves another daughter, Mrs. William Hancock of Alby
street. Mr. Cresse had been in apparently good health and the
attending physician said that he died from organic heart
trouble. The body will be taken to Brighton tomorrow morning for
burial, and service will be conducted by Rev. S. C. Pierce of
Cowden, who will officiate for Rev. S. D. McKenny, at 8:30 a.m.
at the home. Mr. Cresse had long been a member of Bluff City
Court of Honor, and a delegation from that lodge will accompany
the funeral to Brighton. Mr. Cresse was a harness maker, but
because of his health did not work at the trade steadily. He was
employed by the Alton, Granite and St. Louis Traction Company
for twelve or fourteen years as a track man. In the winter time,
he usually worked at harness making when the weather was too bad
for outside labor.
CRESSWELL, CLYDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 26, 1917
Clyde Cresswell of Upper Alton died
this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the family home after a long
illness. It will be recalled that recently a son, Egbert
Cresswell, was brought home a corpse after an aviation accident
at Davenport, Iowa. He had been home just a week before seeing
his brother who was very sick, and was known to be in a hopeless
state. This second death in such a short space of time makes the
affliction a much harder one.
CRESSWELL, EGBERT BROWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 10, 1917
Alton Boy Falls to Death From Airplane
Egbert Brown Cresswell, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L.
Cresswell of Upper Alton, was fatally injured by falling from an
airplane at Davenport, Iowa, Sunday afternoon. He died Monday
morning in Mercy Hospital where he was taken after the accident.
According to the story that came from Davenport by the United
Press, Cresswell, who was manager of aviation school at
Davenport, fell 600 feet. He was riding an airplane with Louis
Boeder, an aviator. Cresswell himself, passenger with the
regular man, was being taught to operate a machine, and
according to the story he lost control, and before the aviator
could get control the machine fell to the ground. Bert
Cresswell, as he was best known here, was an extremely popular
young man. He never lost interest in his home city. The
Telegraph has received many letters from him, and when he would
come back home for a visit he would renew his acquaintance in
the office. He had been endeavoring to get an airplane factory
located in Alton. He had been at Lockport, N. Y., and was
connected with an airplane factory there before the war. The war
boomed the business, and the company was thinking of branching
out, with Alton as a possible location for the plant. He left
that company and took up his work with another. He was named
manager of the aviation school at Davenport, where he was to
meet his end. The young man had been at the home in Upper Alton
the past week on account of the illness of his brother, Floyd
Cresswell. He left here Friday night, and was to have returned
next Sunday. He had for a number of years been a salesman for an
airplane company at Lockport, New York, but some time ago the
company opened a plant at Davenport to commence the
manufacturing of machines to be used in the European war. The
news of the accident came last night about 9 o'clock, when word
was telephoned to the home that the Western Union had a message
for Miss Hazel Cresswell. The young lady called up the telegraph
company and received a message from Bert Cresswell's wife,
saying she was seriously ill and wanted Miss Hazel Cresswell to
take the first train for Davenport. It was supposed Mrs.
Cresswell was afraid to telegraph the true word, on account of
the illness of her husband's mother and also his brother. A few
minutes later another telegram came from the airplane company
telling of the accident and stating that Bert Cresswell was
dead. From the message it was taken for granted that the
accident occurred about 4 o'clock Sunday afternoon. The news of
his death was a crushing blow to the family. The mother recently
underwent a surgical operation in the hospital and had been very
ill. The serious condition of the son, Floyd Cresswell, who was
recently brought home from Kansas City, was very trying to the
mother as well as the rest of the family, and the sudden shock
brought Sunday night by the death of Bert was hard to bear.
While talking with a Telegraph reporter Friday afternoon just
before leaving Alton, Bert Cresswell said he was very sorry to
be compelled to leave just at this time, but business affairs
demanded him to be at Davenport Sunday on account of an
exhibition of machines that was to be given. He said he would be
back again in a week. He did not mention the fact that he would
ride as a passenger in one, and he did not tell members of the
family. It is supposed he did not want them to feel uneasy about
him and therefore he said nothing of it. On the other hand, he
might not have had any intention of going up until the time
came. He said the plant was getting well under way and was very
busy. A thousand planes for "bombers" had been ordered by Uncle
Sam, Mr. Cresswell stated. The young man was 38 years old and
leaves his wife, but no children. The couple lived in Upper
Alton a number of years after their marriage, when Mr. Cresswell
was working at the glass trade. Besides his wife, he leaves his
parents and four brothers and two sisters, namely: Floyd,
Carroll, Ray and Robert Cresswell; and Misses Bessie and Hazel
Cresswell. The body will arrive at East Alton tomorrow morning
about 6:30 o'clock, and will be taken to the Cresswell home on
Seminary street. The funeral will be held there in the
afternoon.
CRESSWELL, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5,
1910
Murdered by Ira Holmes, Then Holmes Commits Suicide
Ira Holmes killed Miss Elizabeth
Creswell, then shot himself at a house on Grand Avenue in Yager
Park, on the Fourth of July morning. The motive is not fully
known, as the witnesses of the tragedy say there was no quarrel,
and very few words spoken before the killing. The murder and
suicide occurred in a house in Yager Park, where some couples
were living without license of law. Holmes had rented the house
and bought the furniture. In the house at the time of the
killing was Arthur Kremer, William Allred, Maggie Allred, his
wife, and Maggie Seago. The Cresswell woman had been living
there too with Holmes. Monday morning, according to statements
made by the witnesses who had been there all night, Holmes
returned to the house after being out all night. The Creswell
woman had been up, but went back to bed and was lying across the
bed when Holmes entered shortly before 10 o'clock. Allred and
his wife, and the Seago woman, were in an adjoining room with a
door open between, and Kremer was in the yard. Holmes closed the
open door, and the witnesses claim there was no sound of
quarreling, and the first they knew of trouble was when shots
were heard. Three shots were fired, then there was an interval,
during which the Creswell woman was heard pleading for water.
The inmates of the house ran out in the yard. Holmes went into
the kitchen, got a dipper of water for the woman, gave her a
drink, then shot her in the head. She had three bullet holes in
her breast and one in her head. Then Holmes barred the door and
windows, and lying down on the floor with his head pillowed on
the arm of the woman, he shot himself through the head. Everyone
thought he was in the room, alive and armed, ready to defend
himself. Dr. Taphorn was called but could not get in the room.
Deputy Sheriff Crowe arrived later, and when told that Holmes
was believed to be standing guard armed in the room, he
attempted to enter. He got an axe and assisted by Constable
Dailey, who wielded the axe on the door after Crowe had failed
to force the door, Crowe went to the outside window, tore the
slats off the shutters and smashed a pane of glass, while at the
same instant Dailey broke the door open. This move was to
prevent the man inside doing any harm, as both officers were
ready to shoot. However, the first glance in the room told them
there was no feed for fear, as both were dead. Coroner Streeper
took charge of the bodies and held an inquest Monday night. A
verdict of murder and suicide was found. The body of Holmes was
shipped today to Greenfield, Ill. for burial. The funeral of
Elizabeth Creswell will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the home of her father, George Creswell, in Upper
Alton.
CRESWICK, JANE ANNE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1922
Death of Brother Believed to be Cause of Her Death
Grief over the death of her brother is believed to
have caused the death last night, at 10:35 p.m., of Miss Jane
Anne Creswick, at her home, 2230 West Brown street. Her brother,
J. E. Creswick, died Tuesday at 2 a.m. Until recently, Miss
Creswick was in good health. She was actively engaged in church
work to which she gave a great part of her time. The illness and
death of her brother, to whom she was devotedly attached, came
as a severe shock, and when she became ill, largely because of
her sorrow at his loss, was unable to fight off death, the shock
being too great for one of her years. Miss Creswick was born in
London on September 7, 1839, and was in her eighty-third year.
She came to America 18 years ago to make her home with her
brother. She was an excellent student of French, and a talented
musician. Up to the time of her trip to America, she was a
governess. In America, she taught music. Miss Creswick was a
member of the Wesley Methodist church, and a leader in the
activities of that congregation. She was an excellent Bible
student, and taught one of the Sunday school classes of the
church. A devout Christian, she was interested in all the work
of her church. Whenever called upon for service, she responded
willingly. It was only recently that she gave up her great
church work. She is survived by a niece, Mrs. Daisy Creswick
Rice, inspector of hygiene in the public schools, and a nephew,
Edward L. Creswick, also of this city, the only direct
descendants of the Creswick family, originally of London.
Funeral services will be conducted at the home on Brown street
Sunday at 3 p.m. by the Rev. Theodore Cates, pastor of the
Wesley Methodist church. Friends are asked to omit flowers.
CRESWICK, JOHN E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1922
Master Engraver Puts Down His Tools
John
E. Creswick, in his eighty-eighth year, died this morning at 2
o'clock at his home 2230 West Brown street. His death was due to
pneumonia and followed an illness which began last Thursday. He
had been working up to last Thursday at the J. H. Booth Jewelry
Store, where he had been engaged as an engraver. His sickness
developed into pneumonia and the end came quickly. Mr. Creswick
was one of the most talented engravers in America. He had wide
experience, and he left many works of art which he made in the
long course of his career as an artist-engraver, which will
become more valuable now that the master hand that made them is
stilled. He was born in London, England, July 8, 1834. When he
was sixteen years old, he began his apprenticeship as an
engraver and he completed that period five years later. He came
to this country a few years afterward and remained in
Philadelphia for two years. At the time of the Civil War, he
returned to England and remained there until the close of the
war, after which he returned to America. He worked at engraving
in Cincinnati, Chicago and at Elgin, and from there he went to
St. Louis. He took a position as engraver for Mermod and Jaccard
in that city, and remained with the firm forty five years,
resigning the position after he had passed eighty years of age.
He took one year's rest and then, being unwilling to be idle, he
began doing work for Alton jewelers, continuing at that work
until he was stricken with his last sickness. He was married in
St. Louis September 16, 1874 to Isabel McClellan Bice. He leaves
three children, Mrs. Nelson McReynolds, Mrs. Daisy Rice and
Edward Creswick. He leaves also one sister, Miss Jane Creswick,
who is a few years his junior. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home, and will be conducted by
Rev. Theo Cates of the Wesley Methodist church. Burial will be
in Oakwood cemetery. Mr. Creswick had few equals in the art of
high grade engraving on metal. His hand was also skillful with
the brush and he painted many pictures in water colors and in
oil. But perhaps the highest expression of his artistic tastes
was in his engraving on metals. His skill was frequently called
for when some expensive piece of work was desired. One of the
finest works he did was the engraving of a portrait of Wayman
Crow on a silver plate, which was put up year after year and
held by the student at the Wayman Crow school in St. Louis, who
made the best achievement in art. This plate is now one of the
treasures of Washington University. Always Mr. Creswick kept up
his studies, even when he was long past his four score years. He
was ever trying to improve his work and acquire new technique.
He was an artist in the highest sense, but never ceased to be an
art student, as he believed there was always something new to be
learned. Seldom was he idle. When not engaged in his chosen
profession, he would be busy with the pen or the brush,
sketching or painting some beautiful picture. He was head
engraver at Mermod and Jaccards when he resigned after he was
eighty years of age. His work is scattered all over the United
States, and it was the opinion of connoisseurs, that there was
no one so skillful in engraving as Mr. Creswick. He was a true
gentleman, a kindly benevolent man, and his personality was one
that was much admired by all who came in contact with him.
CRESWICK, UNKNOWN WIFE OF J. E./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 16, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. J. E.
Creswick was held Sunday afternoon at the residence on Brown
street, and there was a very large attendance of old friends of
the family from Alton and from numerous places who came to be
present at the last rites. The funeral was postponed Saturday
afternoon on account of the bad weather. The weather was
beautiful Sunday afternoon - just the kind of weather Mrs.
Creswick had wished to have when her funeral should be held.
Rev. C. C. Hall, former pastor of the Upper Alton Methodist
Church, was here to take a part in the service Saturday
afternoon, but when the service was postponed he was unable to
return to Alton again Sunday. Rev. Theodore Cates, the present
pastor of the church, conducted the service yesterday, and his
words were very consoling to the bereaved family. The flowers
sent by friends were very beautiful. Sergeant William Rice of
Camp Funston, a grandson of Mrs. Creswick, arrived Saturday to
attend the funeral and he served as a pallbearer. Burial took
place at Oakwood cemetery. The pallbearers were two grandsons,
Sergt. William Rice of Camp Funston, and Hubert C. McReynolds of
Upper Alton; a nephew, Charles McClellen of St. Louis; O. L.
Dorsey of Gillespie; George Dixon of Alton; and G. W. Dudley of
St. Louis, an old resident of Alton. Among those who came to
attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Harold G. Powell of St.
Louis, Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Dorsey and Mrs. Joseph Carroll of
Gillespie. Others from St. Louis were Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Stevens, Miss Mary Walters, Charles L. Beall, Robert Miller,
Charles McClellen, Mrs. Eva G. Hillister and Miss Ida McClellen.
Also two granddaughters of Mrs. Creswick, Mrs. Barnard Brogan
and Miss Margaret Rice of St. Louis.
CRIVELLO, ANGELO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1900
Angelo Crivello, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Crivello, died last
night at Galena, Kansas, after an illness of eight days with
stomach trouble. The family was surprised to receive a message
last week notifying them of the serious illness of Angelo in a
hotel at Galena, and his mother and father left for Galena at
once. Since then they have been in constant attendance at his
bedside and were with him when he died. A few days ago an
apparent change for the better set in, and it was thought here
Angelo was getting along nicely until last night a message was
received here stating that he was dying. The remaining members
of the family left for Galena last night. Angelo was a bright
young man, and his death will cause profound sorrow in the large
circle of friends to whom he was known. He has been in the
employ of the Post Dispatch as a traveling representative, and
was one of the most successful and highly esteemed of the
traveling men of that paper. In Alton, where he spent most of
his life, he was liked by everyone who knew him. The body will
arrive this evening, and the funeral will take place tomorrow
morning.
CROCKER, ABIGAIL/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 23, 1849
Died in Edwardsville on the morning of Saturday, November 10,
Mrs. Abigail, wife of Mr. Ebenezer Crocker, in the 65th(?) year
of her age. Mrs. Crocker was possessed of an unusually kind and
amiable disposition, which was tendered still more lovely by the
chastening and sanctifying influence of Divine ______. For more
than fifty years, she was a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and manifested by a consistent life and Godly conversation, the
sincerity of her profession of attachment to her Lord and
Redeemer. For several months previous to her death, her health
was feeble, and frequent illness reminded her that the journey
in life would soon be ended. But the prospect of death awakened
no fears in her mind. She was sensible of her unworthiness in
the sight of God, but was enabled to repose with confidence in
Christ, and expressed her desire to “be found in Him, not having
her own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is
through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God
by faith.” Her death was calm and peaceful, and of her it may be
said that she came to her “grave in a full age, like as a sheath
of corn comeths in its season.”
CROCKER, CHARLES W./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 12, 1885
From Edwardsville, March 7 – Charles Willard Crocker, aged 73
years, and one of the oldest residents of Edwardsville, having
lived here since 1837, died today. The immediate cause of his
death was a cancer with which he has been afflicted for some
years.
CROCKER, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22,
1921
Mrs. Charlotte H. Crocker died
at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. M.
Schweppe, who, with her sister, Mrs. William Tindall of
Washington D.C., are the only survivors in her immediate family.
Her grandchildren include Mrs. Eben Rodgers and Nelson Schweppe
of this city, and four children of Mrs. Tindall. Mrs. Crocker
was one of the first converts in this country to a faith in the
phenomena of spirit return, which came of Orono, Me., jointly,
as the result of very persistent and thorough experimentations
with spirit mediums, both at their own home and in various
cities. She was born in Milford, Mass., August 15, 1827. Funeral
services will be held at her daughter's residence, 200 Prospect
street, Friday at two o'clock. They will be conducted in
accordance with her lifelong faith. Friends are invited.
Interment private. Omission of flowers is requested. Mrs.
Crocker was deeply interested in public affairs. It was to her,
among the first, that Alton is indebted for the city having
River View Park. She offered, with Mrs. Schweppe, to advance the
money to buy the property and hold it until the city could take
it over, and it was due to her suggestion that the city finally
acquired the park. She maintained her interest in all social
affairs until the last few years. She was known as delightful
company even after she had passed ninety years of age.
CROCKER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30, 1906
George Crocker, a member of one of the well known families
of Edwardsville, died suddenly at his home in that city this
morning. Last night he was well and hearty, apparently, but
during the night he was taken ill and died at five o'clock this
morning. The young man had been married only a short time, and
the young wife is in danger as a result of nervous prostration
from the shock.
CROCKER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10,
1910
Old "Popcorn Man" At Chautauqua Dies
William
Crocker, the aged "popcorn man" at Piasa Chautauqua, died Sunday
afternoon at St. Joseph's hospital where he had been given care
for nearly a year. Mr. Crocker had been at Chautauqua selling
popcorn for many years. He broke down in health a year ago last
summer, and came to the hospital at Alton. Then he got better
and went away. Later, he had to be brought back again, this time
from Grafton. Some of his friends looked after him and he was
kept in comfort until he died. He has no known relatives.
CROCKETT, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1906
Mrs. Nellie Crockett
died at her home on Hampton street yesterday afternoon, and is
said to be over 100 year of age. Those who knew her say she was
the oldest person they ever saw. She was thin and emaciated in
appearance and was so weak that she was hardly able to move for
a long time. Her death was due to weakness of old age. According
to those who knew the woman, she must have been over 100 years
of age. Her third son died two years ago, and he was said to be
80 years old at the time of his death. She has a grandson who is
49 years of age. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at
2 o'clock from the A. M. E. church in Alton.
CROFT, BENJAMIN H./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 5, 1883
Mr. Benjamin H. Croft, formerly an esteemed resident of Alton,
died at his home in Sedalia, Missouri, Monday morning, of
typhoid pneumonia, after an illness of two weeks. The deceased
was a native of Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, being born on
August 12, 1836, and resided in Alton from 1857 to 1870, when he
removed to Moberly, Missouri, and thence to Sedalia, where he
was engaged in the lumber business. Mr. Croft was a
brother-in-law of Mr. John A. Cousley of Alton. During his
residence in Alton, he was highly respected as an upright and
useful citizen, a man guided in all his actions by a
conscientious regard for duty. His domestic relations were
characterized by a tender and affectionate care and watchfulness
that never faltered in kind offices. Of a genial, cheerful
disposition, he made many firm friends, who will share with his
family and relatives the grief of his untimely death in the
prime of manhood. The funeral and interment took place in
Sedalia. [According to Find A Grave, he is buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.]
CROFT, ELIZABETH J. (nee COUSLEY)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 30, 1886
After a painful illness, protracted
through many weary months, Mrs. Benjamin H. Croft was released
from suffering Saturday morning, September 25, in the 44th year
of her age. Deceased was a native of Ireland, but had resided in
Alton since early childhood. Her maiden name was Elizabeth J.
Cousley. She married Mr. Benjamin H. Croft in 1863, and removed
with him to Moberly, Missouri in 1870, and few years later
removing to Sedalia, where they resided until Mr. Croft’s death,
which occurred in 1883. About 15 months ago, deceased returned
to Alton and was soon afterwards prostrated with the illness
that finally proved fatal. She bore her long and painful illness
with true Christian resignation, winning the admiration of all
by her heroic patience and fortitude. She was a member of the
Presbyterian Church. She was a most amiable and estimable lady,
her many noble and winning traits of character endearing her to
all with whom she came in contact. Hers was a beautiful life,
and though it led for many years through the valley of shadows,
its radiance was rendered brighter by the contrast. For her, the
end is a happy release, the sorrow is for the aching hearts left
behind. The funeral took place Monday from her late residence on
Eighth Street, in the presence of a large and sorrowful
gathering of relatives and friends.
CROFTON, CATHERINE (nee SHAFFREY)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 6, 1900
Mrs. Catherine Crofton, wife
of J. E. Crofton of Upper Alton, died this morning at 10:15
o'clock. Mrs. Crofton had been sick for the past three weeks.
Her death was unexpected. The cause of death was paralysis of
the heart, and no one was in the house with her but the oldest
daughter. Mrs. Crofton was Catherine Shaffrey. She was born in
St. Louis 46 years ago. She has been a life-long resident of
Alton. Besides her husband, five children survive her, viz:
Harry A., May E., James E Jr., Willie L. and Kittie May, and two
grandchildren. Notice of the funeral will be given.
CROFTON, EDWIN J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11,
1901
Edwin J., the three year and seven months old son of
Harry A. Crofton, died Sunday morning at 3:15 o'clock at the
residence of his grandfather, Mr. James Crofton, in Upper Alton,
after an illness of three days. The funeral will take place from
the home on Merchant street on Tuesday at 2 p.m. to St.
Patrick's church. Interment in Greenwood cemetery.
CROFTON, IRENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1906
Mrs. Irene Crofton, wife of Peter Crofton, died Saturday
evening after a long illness at her home. The immediate cause of
her death is given as erysipelas, but she has been in ill health
for about 7 years, or since she was shocked by lightning in her
millinery store on east Second street. She was born in Alton in
1870, but all of her immediate relatives preceded her to the
grave. She was married twelve years ago to Peter Crofton, who
survives her. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9
o'clock from the Cathedral. Burial will be in Greenwood
Cemetery.
CROFTON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
2, 1902
John Crofton, aged 73, a resident of Alton for
over fifty years, was fatally burned Tuesday evening by the
explosion of a can of coal oil which he was using to start a
fire in the kitchen range. Mr. Crofton was at home alone for a
short time, and in the absence of his daughter, with whom he
lived, he attempted to hasten the fire and the usual explosion
occurred. Members of the family say that in all the years Mr.
Crofton had been living, he had not used the coal oil to start
fires, and they cannot account for him having used the fluid
Tuesday evening. Mr. Crofton's clothes were set afire, and he
ran from the house. Neighbors saw his plight and rushing to his
assistance they wrapped bed clothes about the blazing form of
the old man. Mr. Crofton was so badly burned that Dr. Fiegenbaum
and Dr. Smith pronounced his case hopeless when they arrived in
response to a summons. After suffering terrible pain, Mr.
Crofton died a few hours after the accident. Mr. Crofton leaves
a family of six children, Richard Crofton of St. Louis; P. J.
Crofton and Mrs. Rose Foster, of Alton; John Crofton and Mrs. M.
F. Kilerain of Chicago, and Mrs. Mary Lynch of East St. Louis.
The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock. Services
in the Cathedral.
CROSS, BLAIR I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1907
Blair I. Cross died at 11 o'clock Friday night at his home,
1129 Green street, from lead colic. He was 35 years old and
leaves a wife and two children. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the A. M. E. church in East
Fourth street to the City cemetery.
CROSS, JOHN D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 10,
1909
The funeral of John D. Cross was held this afternoon
from his home on Bloomfield street, and was attending by many
friends of deceased. Burial was in City Cemetery. Mr. Cross was
a hard working, industrious man.
CROSS, ROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1904
Roy Cross, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cross of Bloomfield and Gold
streets [Alton], died at St. Joseph's hospital at 8:30 o'clock
Wednesday evening from the effects of the injuries he sustained
Tuesday morning by being pinched between the bumpers of two
freight cars in the glass works yards. The attending surgeon
gave up all hope yesterday as the boy had suffered a complete
collapse from the shock. Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer will hold an
inquest this evening. The funeral of Roy Cross will be held
Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, Rev. Fr.
O'Reilly officiating.
CROSS, UNKNOWN CHILD OF JOHN D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 25, 1907
An 8 months old child of John D. Cross of
Hampton street died from whooping cough last night and will be
buried tomorrow.
CROSSEN, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 15, 1881
Mrs. Charles Crossen of North Alton died at 2 o’clock yesterday
afternoon, aged 40 years, leaving a husband and a number of
children, besides many friends and acquaintances to mourn her
death. The funeral took place this afternoon, and the remains
were buried in the City Cemetery, a very large procession
attending the body to the grave.
CROSSET, JAMES R./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 28, 1881
James R. Crosset, an unmarried man who had been working for his
brother-in-law, Joseph Sheets, on a farm five miles southwest of
Edwardsville, died at the residence of the latter quite sudden
and unexpectedly yesterday evening. Deceased, as appears from
papers found on him, was a member of Fieldon Lodge No. 596,
I.O.O.F., located at Kemper, Jersey County.
CROSSMAN, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 20,
1865
Died in Alton on the 13th inst., after a short illness,
Christopher Crossman, aged 63 years.
CROSSMAN/CROSSEMAN, CHARLES C./Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 15, 1862
Died, on the 13th inst., in Alton, Charles
C., oldest son of G. V. and E. A. Crosseman, aged 11 (or 14?)
years. The subject of the above notice is the son of Mr.
Crosseman, of this office, and was a smart and intelligent
member of the Methodist Sabbath School, where he was a great
favorite among the teachers and scholars, and he will be missed
in many circles beside that of his own home. He was sick about
two weeks, and endured the most intense pain during the whole
time, and it is to be hoped he is now where sickness and
suffering never enters. The parents have our heart-felt sympathy
in their bereavement.
CROSSMAN, EDWARD VAUGHTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
29, 1913
Organizer of Illinois Naval Reserves at Alton Dies
Edward Vaughton Crossman, aged 43, died at the home of his
father-in-law, H. T. McCrea, after a long illness, Tuesday at 8
a.m. The death of Mr. Crossman was no surprise, yet it was
sudden. He had been in a very bad condition for several years,
and it was believed that his illness would be fatal, yet he
continued to be about the streets and refused to give up, always
maintaining that he had a good chance to get well.
Mr.
Crossman was formerly a business man in Alton, being engaged in
the printing business. He was known as an artistic workman, and
for a long time did a good business. He was one of the
organizers of the Alton Division of the Illinois Naval Reserves,
which was formed in Alton in 1896. Dr. G. E. Wilkinson was the
first Lieutenant Commander, and Crossman was the second in rank.
Later, he was elevated to the position of Commander of the
division, and held that place until his removal from Alton. He
served in that capacity for nearly ten years. He was in charge
at the time of the war with Spain, and drilled the division in
preparation for departing for service in the United States Navy.
He did not go himself, as there was no use for commissioned
officers, the navy having plenty of them. He left Alton for
Charleston, West Virginia, to take a position in a government
printing office, and while there his health broke down. When he
came back to Alton, a shadow of his former robust self, one of
the most painful experiences he suffered was to find that many
of his old friends did not recognize him. Some time ago he took
the position in charge of the armory of the naval reserves, to
give himself something to do. He broke down completely a few
weeks ago, and was take home, but he regained his strength and
was able to get out again for a few days.
Mr. Crossman
is survived by his wife and one daughter, also three brothers
and one sister. Mrs. Fruit, a sister, is expected from Timpson,
Texas, and if she arrives the funeral will be Thursday morning
from the home of H. T. McCrea at 10:30 o'clock. Burial will be
at Edwardsville. A brother, S. V. Crossman, lives in Chicago,
and William and Thomas Crossman live at Edwardsville.
NOTES:
Edward Vaughton Crossman was the son of Samuel
Vaughton Crossman, who was born in England in 1828. In 1834,
Samuel came to America with his parents and settled in New York
City. In 1854 he moved to Alton, and took a job as foreman of
the Alton Telegraph. The Telegraph was sold to George T. Brown
of the Alton Courier, and Samuel became superintendent of that
office. In 1860, the Alton Telegraph was revived, and Samuel
became one of the proprietors under the name of L. A. Parks &
Co. He took part in the establishment of the Daily Telegraph.
Samuel withdrew in 1864 from the partnership, and then with
James Hibbard, established a job office until 1869, when he
moved to Edwardsville and established the Edwardsville
Republican. He continued in Edwardsville until his death in 1875
at the age of 46. Samuel is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in
Edwardsville.
Edward V. Crossman, the son of Samuel, was
also in the printing business. He was one of the organizers of
the Alton Division of the Illinois Naval Reserves in 1896. He
moved to West Virginia to take a job with the government
printing office, and there his health broke down. He came back
to Alton, and took charge of the armory of the Naval Reserves.
His health failed again, and he died April 29, 1913, at the age
of 43. He is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville.
CROSSMAN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 11, 1871
We regret to announce that the venerable Mrs. Elizabeth
Crossman, the mother of Messrs. W. V. and S. V. Crossman, died
on Friday, in Edwardsville, at the residence of her son. She was
in the 70th year of her age. The cause of her death was more tha
debility of old age than any positive disease. Mrs. Crossman
resided in Alton for a number of years, and was highly esteemed
by a large circle of friends for her many estimable qualities
and Christian character.
CROSSMAN, ELLEN ALICE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 25, 1873
Died on July 21 in Edwardsville, Mrs. Ellen Alice, wife of S. V.
Crossman; in the 45th year of her age. Mr. Crossman, Esq., is
the editor of the Republican. The many friends of Mrs. Crossman
in Alton, where she formerly resided and was highly esteemed,
will sincerely regret to hear of her decease. The sympathy of
all will be with the bereaved husband and family in their
affliction.
CROSSMAN, FRANK C./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 22, 1875
Died in Alton on April 18, Frank C., youngest son of W. V. and
I. Crossman, in the 7th year of his age.
CROSSMAN, MAMIE VAUGHTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21,
1884
Mamie Vaughton, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. L.
Crossman, died Tuesday afternoon of congestion of the brain,
after an illness of three days, at the age of almost 9 months.
The little one was an only child, beautiful, engaging, the
household pet, and the sudden blow falls with crushing force on
the bereaved father and mother.
CROSSMAN, THOMAS M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
25, 1919
Thomas M. Crossman, one of the best known residents of Madison
county, died this morning at his home in Edwardsville with
erysipelas. He has been in failing health for some time. Mr.
Crossman was a native of Alton and 66 years old. His father was
Samuel V. Crossman, who came to Alton from Cincinnati, Ohio in
1853. After coming to Alton, the elder Crossman was connected
with the Alton Courier, and later with the Telegraph. The family
moved to Edwardsville and founded the Edwardsville Republican in
1869. Until last year that paper was the property of the members
of the family. Mr. Crossman was active in Masonic circles and
for 25 years has served as the secretary of the blue lodge and
chapter bodies in Edwardsville. He was also postmaster there for
25 years, and for three decades or more has been active in the
councils of the Republican party in Madison county. At the time
of his death Mr. Crossman was Probate Court bailiff. Mr.
Crossman is survived by his wife and 7 children. Two brothers
also survive, Samuel V. Crossman of Chicago, and William R.
Crossman of Edwardsville. The funeral arrangements have not been
completed. Mr. Crossman was a man for many years prominent in
Madison county politics. He had been one of the publishers of
the Edwardsville Republican, but retired from that newspaper to
take over the position of postmaster, which he held until the
exigencies of party politics made it seem necessary for him to
be replaced by a Democrat. He was a man of highest character and
he leaves a large number of friends
CROUCH, LETHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7, 1907
Miss Letha Crouch, aged 22, died from consumption Saturday
night in Job's row, Second and Henry streets. The body was sent
to Louisiana, Mo., today for burial.
CROW,
JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 15, 1920
The funeral of John Crow will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow
morning and burial will be in the City cemetery.
CROW,
WILHELMINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1917
Mrs. Wilhelmina Crow, aged 73, died at her home at 929 Union
street last evening, after an illness of some time. Mrs. Crow is
survived by five children. The funeral will be held at two
o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home to the City Cemetery.
CROWDER, DELLA JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8,
1918
Della Jane Crowder, wife of George Crowder, died
last evening at her home in East Alton, after a short illness
with influenza. Mrs. Crowder was 30 years of age. The body will
be taken to Bethalto for burial.
CROWDER, MARTILA/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 15,
1853
Died in Upper Alton, March 4, after a short illness of
eight days, Mrs. Martila, consort of Mr. Mark Crowder Jr., in
the 24th year of her age. She has left an afflicted husband, two
small children, and many relatives and friends to mourn her
loss. But they mourn not as though “death were an eternal
sleep.” For the last eight of nine years, she had adorned her
Christian profession, and though called on early, and so
suddenly to depart, yet she died in the triumph of faith, and in
the full assurance of a blessed immortality.
CROWDER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18, 1886
Mrs. Anthony Crowder died Saturday of consumption, after two- or
three-months’ sickness. The funeral took place Monday. The
remains were buried at Fosterburg. Deceased left two sons and
one daughter.
CROWE, BELLE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 24, 1885
Mrs. Belle, wife of Mr. Felix Crowe, died Friday, December 10,
after a painful illness of a month’s duration, at the age of 26
years and 3 months. Deceased, besides her husband, left two
children, one an infant. The funeral took place Sunday at the
family residence. A beautiful floral wreath crowned the burial
casket. The remains were interred in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
CROWE, ESTHER/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 24, 1872
Died
on May 20 in Alton, Mrs. Esther, wife of Mr. Joseph Crowe, in
the 43rd year of her age.
CROWE,
FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1900
Surrey Sharpe, who served a penitentiary term for killing Fred
Crowe at the glassworks, and is now at liberty, has received his
restoration to citizenship papers.
CROWE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 28, 1879
From Melville – Mr. William Crowe, who resided near Melville,
died August 19 after a long and painful illness. His disease was
an affection of the liver. He leaves a son and daughter to mourn
the loss of a father.
CROWELL, JESSIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 16, 1863
Died in Alton on the 10th inst., Jessie, infant daughter of
Charles H. and Aurelia A. Crowell, age 11 months.
CROWSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1900
Charles Crowson, one of the best known residents of
Alton township, died at 10:15 o'clock this morning at his home
on Henry street, after a long illness. He has been in a dying
condition for one month, and his family have been attending at
his bedside expecting at almost any time that the illness might
terminate fatally. He was taken ill nine weeks ago with acute
Bright's disease, which developed into dropsy. He was born in
Wednesbury, Staffordshire, England, and was sixty-three years of
age January 12. He came to America in 1855 and settled at North
Alton, where he engaged in the coal mining business with William
Watts, when coal mining was in its palmy days at the Coal
Branch. He remained in the coal business 25 years and was one of
the most respected men in Alton for honesty and industry. His
word was guarantee for everything he said or did, and during his
whole career in Alto he was upright and most highly esteemed. He
was of the belief of the Latter Day Saints. He was twice
married. His first wife died in 1881, and in 1884 he married
Eliza Hunter of St. Louis, who is still living. He leaves seven
children: Mrs. Joseph Betts of Belleville; Mrs. Nelson Reagan,
Mrs. John Tonsor of Milwaukee; Mrs. Annie Potious of St. Louis;
Mrs. Will Templeton of Marshalltown, Ia.; Messrs. George and
Oswald Crowson of this city. The time of the funeral is not set.
[Burial was in City Cemetery]
CROWSON, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1908
Child Dies After Being Hit By Train
Earl Crowson, the 9 year old son
of Mr. and Mrs. George Crowson, died at St. Joseph's hospital
Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock from the effects of the injuries
he received under the street car on the Union street line. The
child is said to have died from shock and loss of blood. He had
lost a large quantity of blood and was very weak when taken to
the hospital. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock at the home on Liberty street. The burial will be in the
City cemetery. Coroner Streeper will probably hold the inquest
on Monday night.
CROXFORD, MARY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1913
Mrs.
Mary A. Croxford, whose funeral was held from the family home at
Elsah yesterday p.m., was born in Bedfordshire, England,
September 4, 1831. Her maiden name was Mary A. Wheatley. She
came to America when 18 years of age, landing at New Orleans
Christmas Day, 1849. She came up the Mississippi River by boat
to St. Louis, Mo., where several years later she became the wife
of John B. Young. To this union five children were born. All
excepting two of these, Mrs. Kizzie Yager of Ronneby, Minnesota,
and Mrs. Emma Fountain of Collins, North Dakota, have preceded
her to the grave years ago. John B. Young died shortly after the
Civil War. She became the wife of John Croxford of Alton, Ill.,
in the year 1870. To this union four children were born, all of
whom survive to mourn the loss of a good, kind mother. The
children are Mrs. Mamie A. Foster of Jennings, Mo., Mrs. Ida M.
Dougherty of Alton, John A. Croxford of Elsah, and Mrs. Addie
Pinney of Independence, Mo. Mr. Croxford died 7 years ago at
their home in Elsah from a fall from a tree. Since his death,
she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Oscar Dougherty,
of 230 West Thirteenth street. Mrs. Croxford leaves to mourn her
death 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren,
besides a host of friends. Mrs. Amos Maxiener and sister, Miss
Emma, Mr. John Kennington, Mrs. Thomas Parker, Mrs. J. G. Hauck
and daughter, Cecil, and Miss Annie Bivens, went to Elsah to
attend the funeral of Mrs. Crawford.
CRUSE, UNKNOWN WOMAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 16,
1887
Mrs. Cruse, a widow about 50 years of age, was seized
with cholera morbus last evening, and died at an early hour this
morning at her residence on Piasa Street, between Seventh and
Eighth Streets. She left a family of children.
CRUTHIS, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 16, 1875
We are informed that William Cruthis of New Douglas arrived home
from Texas yesterday, having in charge the dead body of a man
said to be that of his brother, Henry, killed in a fight in
Texas about two weeks ago. The body was so greatly disfigured
that a positive identification was about out of the question.
Henry Cruthis, if we are correctly informed, was placed under
bonds sometime last winter for his appearance in the U. S. Court
at Springfield, Illinois, to answer to the charge of passing
counterfeit money, and subsequently disappeared, leaving his
bondsmen, of whom his brother, William, is one, to foot the
bill. The next news from him is a telegram from some place in
Texas to his brother, information him of his death, whereupon
the brother went and returned as stated.
CULLEN, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1906
Frank Cullen, of 1009 east Third street, died yesterday
afternoon from cerebral hemorrhage after a long illness. He was
a sufferer from epilepsy as the result of an injury to his head
he sustained many years ago. He has been unable to take any kind
of employment for a long time. He was 48 years of age. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and as he
was a member of Chesterfield Masonic lodge, it will be under
Masonic auspices.
CULP, BENJAMIN F./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 27,
1880
Son of George Culp
Source: Alton Telegraph, September
2, 1880
Another old resident of Madison County, Mr. Benjamin
F. Culp, has passed to his long home. He died at 2 o’clock
Friday morning after intense suffering from internal hemorrhage,
at the age of 66 years. Mr. Culp was a native of Ohio, but moved
to Illinois 45 years ago and settled in Wood River Township,
where he lived until his death. He was a farmer by occupation,
and an esteemed resident of the community.
Mr. Culp was a
leading member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He lived a
consistent and useful life, and ever merited and received the
respect and affection of neighbors and friends. Deceased leaves
two sons and two daughters, viz: J. S. Culp, S. H. Culp, Mrs. M.
J. Harris of Wood River, and Mrs. W. J. Crawford of Oregon. The
funeral took place Saturday from the late residence of the
deceased, about three miles from Upper Alton. There was a very
large attendance of mourning relatives, friends, and
acquaintances. The services were conducted by Rev. Dr. Bulkley
of Upper Alton, the funeral being under the auspices of the
Masonic Order, of which he was a member. The usual ceremonies
were performed by the Masons at the grave.
CULP, GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 8, 1879
Father
of Benjamin F. Culp of Wood River Township
From the
Studenville, Ohio, Gazette, we learn that Mr. George Culp of
Knoxville, Ohio, father of Benjamin F. Culp, Esq., of Wood
River, died on March 29, 1879. He was born in Virginia in 1790,
and moved to Ohio when ten years of age. He was twice married,
and was the father of twenty-one children – fifteen of whom are
living.
NOTES:
George Culp was born in 1790 in
Preston, Henry County, Virginia. He was the son of Balthaser
“Baltzer” Culp (born in Hanover, Germany, 1754-1847). George
first married Kezia Maple Culp (?-1827), and then Isabell Culp
(?-1880). As mentioned in the obituary above, he was the father
of 21 children. He was a resident of Island Creek Township in
Ohio at the time of his death at the age of 90. He was a
resident of Jefferson County, Ohio, for 70 years, and a member
of the Island Creek Presbyterian Church. George Culp was buried
in the Island Creek Cemetery, Toronto, Jefferson County, Ohio.
CULP, JOHN S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27,
1916
Old Resident and Civil War Drummer Boy
John S. Culp, aged 73, a resident of Madison
County all his life, died this afternoon about 2 o'clock at his
home in Fosterburg township, from heart disease. Mr. Culp's
death was sudden and unexpected. He had been failing in health
for some time and had two attacks of heart trouble. This
afternoon he was stricken again and a telephone message was sent
to Alton for doctors, who hurried to attend Mr. Culp, but it was
too late. Mr. Culp had been prominent in Madison county affairs,
and especially in the Republican party, most of his life. He
retired recently from the post he held on the State Board of
Agriculture, which has managed the State Fair at Springfield.
For many years he held that position. The great disappointment
of Mr. Culp's life was when, it seemed, political exigencies
demanded that he be eliminated as a candidate for chairman of
the state board, a place he confidently expected to be given
him. Mr. Culp it was stated at the time, though equipped by
experience and long service, was not possessed of an essential
qualification - he was not of the same political faith of the
Governor, and he did not come from Chicago. He therefore,
failed. It was a sad blow to him and from this he never fully
recovered. After building for a long time the hope that he would
be made the head of the state board, the disappointment was
deep. Mr. Culp served the county as a member of the county
board, and he had a very conspicuous part in public affairs. He
was born in Madison county and lived here all his life close to
where he died. He was very successful as a farmer and died
leaving one of the finest estates consisting of fine farming
land in the whole county. He leaves his widow and two sons,
Frank E. and Herbert Culp. Owing to the lateness of the hour of
his death, it was impossible to ascertain the time of his
funeral. Mr. Culp served in the Civil War, enlisting as a
drummer boy, and going clear through.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28, 1916
The funeral of
John S. Culp will be held at 1 o'clock Thursday from his
residence in Fosterburg township, and services will be conducted
by Rev. D. C. Blunt, assisted by President G. M. Potter of
Shurtleff College. Burial will be in the Short cemetery. Further
details of the death of Mr. Culp were given today by his two
sons. They said their father had been feeling well as usual,
Monday, and had been hard at work all day. The family had been
killing hogs and Mr. Culp was engaged in turning the machine for
grinding sausage. He planned to finish that job and go out
plowing, and had just remarked what his plan was, when he
collapsed and died instantly. The family had been informed that
he might die just as he did, with no warning. Beside his widow
and two sons, Mr. Culp leaves one brother, S. H. Culp, and two
sisters, Mrs. T. N. Harris and Mrs. W. J. Crawford.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1916
One
of the largest country funerals ever seen in Madison county was
that held over the late John S. Culp on Thanksgiving day. The
services were in the home on the farm six miles east of Upper
Alton, between Bethalto and Fosterburg. The services were
announced to commence at 1 o'clock, and many people from Alton,
Edwardsville, Granite City, and many other places in Madison
county and farther out omitted their Thanksgiving dinner in
order to attend the funeral of Mr. Culp. The large assembly
spoke for the high esteem in which the deceased state and county
official was held. Over one hundred automobiles were parked in a
field adjoining the residence on the east, and several hundred
horse drawn vehicles were placed in a lot north of the house
while those who had come from distant places attended the
services at the house. Only a very small part of those attending
could get into the large house, and hundreds of men stood out in
the services were being held inside. Last spring when his wife
was seriously ill, Mr. Culp made some plans for his own funeral.
He believed at that time that his life partner could not
recover, and as he had suffered several bad attacks of his
trouble in the last year or two, he made some requests
concerning his own funeral as he was expecting to be taken away
at any time in just such a manner as his end did come last
Monday afternoon. These requests were followed out yesterday in
the conduct of his funeral. The services in the house were in
charge of Rev. D. C. Blunt and President Geo. M. Potter of
Shurtleff College. The Masons were in attendance, and the active
pallbearers were from the Masonic lodge and the old soldiers
from Fosterburg were honorary pallbearers as the deceased had
requested. Rev. F. W. Stewart, pastor of the Upper Alton Baptist
church, gave the opening prayer and the remarks were made by
Rev. D. C. Blunt. The obituary and a brief review of the life of
the departed were given by President G. M. Potter. A quartette
sang two selections and Mrs. Stanley Castle sang a solo. An
hour's time was taken for the men who stood outside to pass
through the house to view the remains. The floral offerings were
extensive and were very beautiful. In conveying the flowers to
the cemetery, several rigs and automobiles were necessary. Among
some of the floral pieces was an elegant one from the Illinois
State Board of Agriculture of Springfield, another from the
Madison County Fair Association of Highland, one from the G. A.
R., Odd Fellows, Masons and another from the Farmers Institute
of Madison county. Many other floral pieces from friends,
relatives and organizations were also sent. Among the state
officials and friends of Mr. Culp with whom he had been
associated many years was Joab Goodall of Marion. Mr. Goodall
was one of the state Board of Agriculture many years and he was
an especially good friend of Mr. Culp, the two men working
together on all issues that were up and each sought the advice
of the other when questions of importance were brought up for
serious consideration. Fred Baumberg of Reno, Bond county, who
will in January, take the place on the State Board of
Agriculture made vacant in September by Mr. Culp's retiring as a
member, was also in attendance. Louis Latzer of Highland,
another particular friend of the deceased was present. The
committee from the Farmers Institute and the Domestic Science
Committee of the Institute attended the services in a body.
Masons from Alton and many other towns also attended. Mrs. Evlyn
Lynch of Gillespie, Mrs. Lizzie Gill, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Gill
and Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Gill of St. Louis attended the services.
When the funeral cortege formed to leave the home for the
cemetery, the automobiles were sent on ahead in order that those
with machines, who wished to go to the cemetery, could park
their cars in an adjoining field to prevent blocking the roadway
for the funeral carriages. The funeral procession consisting of
horse drawn vehicles along was a mile long. There was a large
gathering of people at the cemetery to attend the final services
than there was at the home. Owing to the distance from Alton to
the home and of the early hour of the service at the home, many
went to the cemetery later in the afternoon and were there when
the procession arrived. The Masons took charge of the services
at the grave. The extensive floral offerings were banked on the
mound over the grave and were beautiful. The day was a beautiful
one, and the roads were splendid for travel for the large number
of people who went to the country to attend the funeral. The
active pallbearers were H. T. McCrea, Judge Frank Gillham, John
Klein, Alonzo Woods, Dan W. Stoeckel, Norman G. Flagg. The
honorary pallbearers from the G. A. R. were Elias Pruitt, John
and Moses Thompson, Frank Williams, Jasper Dillon and Valentine
Pfaff.
CULP, MARY M./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 21, 1929
Widow of John S. Culp
Mrs. Mary Moore Culp, widow of John S.
Culp, died in the morning of October 21, 1929, at the home of
her granddaughter, Mrs. Leo Willis, on Godfrey Road. She was 82
years of age. She had taken ill during a trip to St. Louis, that
led to pneumonia.
Mrs. Culp was a member of the Moore
family, pioneers of Madison County. She was born on the Moore
homestead that later became the Kirkpatrick place, and even
later part of the Alton State Hospital. She spent her entire
life in the vicinity of Alton, and was married to John S. Culp.
They lived on their farm in Foster Township until his death
about 15 years ago.
Mrs. Culp was a member of the Mount
Olive Church, until that church went out of existence a few
years ago. She was a charter and life member of the Ninian
Edwards Chapter Daughter of the American Revolution. Following
the death of her husband, she purchased a home on Edwards Street
in Alton. She was survived by two sons, Frank E. and Herbert L.
Culp. Burial was in the Short Cemetery.
CULP, MATILDA (nee RHOADES)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 25,
1885
Wife of Benjamin T. Culp
From Fosterburg – Mrs.
Matilda Culp, daughter of Samuel Rhoades, died Monday, June 15,
of a stoppage of blood vessel in the brain. She lived but 30
hours after the attack, and was scarcely conscious during that
time, being partially paralyzed. The name of deceased’s mother
was Catherine Rhoades. Her father died when she was quite young.
Her mother died at the old Culp homestead, a few years since.
Mrs. Culp was born on the old homestead January 8, 1825, hence
was in the 61st year of her age. She was married about 43 years
ago to Benjamin Culp, with whom she lived in great domestic
bliss until August 27, 1880, when he died. Since then, she has
lived a widow. She has had seven children, four of whom are
still living: John S. and Samuel H. Culp; two daughters, Mrs.
Maria J. Harris and Mrs. Mary Belle “Mollie” Crawford, living at
McMinnville, Oregon. Mrs. Culp was baptized August 1851 by Elder
John Brown, into the fellowship of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and
in that fellowship, she lived until she joined the church
triumphant. All her children, except one, are members of the
Baptist Church. Her husband was a deacon of the church from 1862
until his death. Her life is left us. [Burial was in the Short
Cemetery in Cottage Hills.]
CULP, MINETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
30, 1918
Mrs. Minette Culp, wife of John C. Culp, died
Friday afternoon at 4:35 o'clock at the family home, 915 East
Sixth street, after a long illness, dating back about two years.
Besides her husband she leaves one son. The funeral will be held
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home, and will be
private. Rev. C. E. Combrink, pastor of the Twelfth Street
Presbyterian Church will officiate. The burial will be in
Oakwood Cemetery. The body will lie in state and may be reviewed
by friends Sunday morning between 9 and 11 o'clock. Mrs. Culp
was 31 years old. She leaves her husband and one son, John
Junior Culp. Mrs. Culp had been sick for more than a year and
six weeks ago returned from the Open Air Colony at Springfield,
Ill., where she had gone in the hope of regaining her health.
Through her long illness Mrs. Culp's loving and cheerful
disposition was very marked to her family and friends. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, and will
be private.
CUMMINGS, B. F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 24, 1911
B. F. Cummings died last night at his
residence in Priest's addition [Upper Alton] after an illness of
three days. The news of his death comes very suddenly, as many
of his friends and even his immediate neighbors knew nothing of
his sickness. He was taken ill last Thursday. The physician
thought Mr. Cummings would be all right in a short time, but his
death came this morning at an early hour, unexpectedly. Cummings
was a very large man, weighing 275 pounds, and was very healthy
in appearance. He leaves his wife and one adopted son. The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon.
CUMMINGS, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26,
1907
Daniel Cummings, for many years section foreman at
Elsah for the Bluff Line, died Christmas eve at his home in east
Second street after an illness from pneumonia of a few days
duration. He was sixty five years old and leaves his wife and
six children: John, Michael and Leon Cummings, Mrs. Hugh Kelley
and Mrs. Edward Maguire of St. Louis and Miss Kate Cummings of
Alton. He was related to the Maher families of Godfrey and
Alton. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o'clock from
the Cathedral.
CUMMINGS, LEO W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 25, 1918
Leo W. Cummings died Monday morning at
7 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital after an illness of eleven
weeks with typhoid fever and complications. He was 22 years, 10
months, 25 days of age. His mother is Mrs. Mary Cummings, and he
was a son of the late Daniel Cummings. Beside his widowed
mother, he leaves two brothers and two sisters. Mrs. E. N.
Maguire and Michael Cummings of Alton, Mrs. Hugh J. Kelley and
John J. Cummings of St. Louis. The young man was in the draft
and might have been in the contingent departing for camp the day
he died. He was taken to the hospital Sunday to undergo a
surgical operation in the hope of savings his life, but it
proved of no avail. He died before it could be performed. The
funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church.
CUNNINGHAM, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17,
1912
Mrs. Catherine Cunningham, in her 80th year, died
this morning at her residence on Belle street after a long
illness from the debility of old age. Mrs. Cunningham was a
native of Dublin, Ireland, and was born August 15, 1832. She
married John Cunningham in 1847 and lived with him until his
death fifteen years ago. She had been a resident of Alton sixty
years. Mrs. Cunningham's death was expected long ago. At the
time of the tragic death of her son, who was killed in a
railroad wreck in Texas, she was not expected to live, and her
son's death was kept from the mother because it was feared that
the news of it might cause a complete collapse. At no time since
then did the aged woman regain her health enough for the sad
news to be imparted to her safely. She is survived by four sons,
Frank and Henry of Alton, Aaron of St. Louis, and Joseph
Cunningham of Chicago. Mrs. Cunningham was one of the best known
residents of old plank road neighborhood of Alton. She had lived
there since she was a young woman, and was the oldest resident
there. She was known as a good neighbor and a kind, charitable
woman, and as a good mother to her children. The funeral will be
held Wednesday morning from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral at 9
o'clock.
CUNNINGHAM, EDWARD J./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 24, 1916
Edward J. Cunningham, for
thirty years telegraph operator at the Wann tower, died suddenly
Sunday night at his room at the Cunningham restaurant of heart
trouble. He worked all day Sunday and came home in the evening
in a jocular humor and ate his supper and went to bed feeling
perfectly well. About 10 o'clock he was seized with a smothering
spell caused by heart trouble. Mrs. Cunningham who was with him
aroused Miss Margaret Simpson, one of the employees of the
restaurant, and while Miss Simpson was doing what she could to
relieve him, he passed away. Mrs. Cunningham had gone out to get
a physician at the time and was not there when Mr. Cunningham
died. A doctor came shortly afterwards and pronounced the
patient dead. Mr. Cunningham was born in Alton fifty-six years
ago. About thirty-five years ago he was married to Miss Peachy
Baker, who survives him. Two children also survive, Edward
Cunningham of New York City, who has been sent word to come
because of his father's death, and Mrs. Harvey Coasts of East
Alton. Five weeks ago another member of the family, Lee
Cunningham, died in St. Joseph's Hospital of stomach trouble.
The grief of the first loss has been preying on Mrs.
Cunningham's mind ever since, and she has been in a state of
nervous prostration. The second loss has tended considerably to
aggravate her distress, and she is said to be almost
inconsolable. Sunday night when Mr. Cunningham came home he
began joking about his supper and remarked in a joking way that
he thought he had earned it by his day's work. Nothing was
thought of the remark as a good supper was spread for him, and
he went to bed. He was apparently in the best of health when he
retired. Several weeks ago when his son, Lee Cunningham, died,
he made the remark that another member of the family would die
in two weeks. He did not say he believed it was himself, but
members of the family now took it to mean that he believed he
would die and that he forecasted his own death. Mr. Cunningham
began working for the Chicago and Alton when he was sixteen
years old. Five years later his left arm was crushed by getting
it caught between two cars. He was assigned to a switchman's job
in Alton, learned telegraphy, and had been at that work ever
since. Thirty years ago he took charge of the Wann tower when
the levers were thrown by hand. When the new tower was built he
stayed there and worked up to yesterday. He is the second oldest
operator on the Chicago and Alton, and was probably its most
regular and trusted employee. During the entire thirty years he
laid off only twice, once several years ago because of an
illness of grippe, and five weeks ago because of the death of
his son, Lee Cunningham. His funeral will not be arranged for
until after the arrival of his son, Edward Cunningham, who will
probably arrive form New York some time tomorrow.
CUNNINGHAM, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1880
Died at Coal branch, August 1, Elizabeth, infant daughter of
Thomas and Mary Cunningham.
CUNNINGHAM, JAMES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
16, 1915
Old Time Railway Engineer
James
H. Cunningham, member of a well known old time Alton family and
a native of Alton, died Monday morning at the Cunningham
homestead, 1911 Belle street, after an illness which became
acute Thursday. He died from uraemic poisoning. Mr. Cunningham
leaves two sons, Earl and George, both in San Francisco, and
leaves also three brothers, Frank of Alton, Joseph of Chicago,
and Aaron of St. Louis. He had been an old time railway
engineer. He started to learn the engineer's trade at the old
round house in Alton, and worked on the Chicago and Alton
Railroad for years. Then he went to Texas and worked as an
engineer on the Ft. Worth and Denver Railroad, and lived at Ft.
Worth. He was forced to give up railroading five years ago on
account of failing health, and he came to Alton to reside at the
old homestead. His condition became very bad on Thursday, and
during Saturday and Sunday it was known that he could not
recover. After his death the body was taken to the home of his
brother, Frank Cunningham, 1300 Belle street, and the funeral
will be from there Wednesday morning. Services will be held in
SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood
Cemetery. Mr. Cunningham was 66 years of age. He was well known
in Alton and along the Chicago and Alton Railroad he is
remembered by many of the old time railroad men. He formerly had
his headquarters at Bloomington, In., while working on the C. &
A.
CUNNINGHAM, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
5, 1904
John H. Cunningham, aged 52, died at the home of
his mother, Mrs. Catherine Cunningham, 1911 Belle street, after
a long illness from consumption. He lived in Alton all his life
and was a member of a large and well known family. The time of
the funeral is not set.
CUNNINGHAM, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17,
1900
Miss Mary Cunningham, daughter of Mrs. Catherine
Cunningham, died this morning at 11 o'clock at the family home,
1911 Belle street. She had been ill several months with abscess
of the liver, and her death had been expected during the past
week. She was born in Alton and was a member of a well known
family of upper Belle street, and leaves many friends beside her
relatives to mourn her death. The funeral will take place Friday
morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be held in the
Cathedral.
CUNNINGHAM, TEACHIE or PEACHY (nee BAKER)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1921
Mrs. Teachie
Cunningham, aged sixty years, resident of East Alton, died
Wednesday evening at 7:30 at the St. Mary's hospital in St.
Louis, where she had been a patient for the past week. She is
the widow of Ed Cunningham. About two weeks ago, Mrs. Cunningham
went to St. Louis to visit with her son, Ed Cunningham Jr., and
while there she was taken seriously ill and removed to the
hospital where she died last night. She was an active member of
the Court of Honor lodge in Upper Alton. Mrs. Cunningham was
born and raised in Upper Alton, and at the age of twenty years
she was united in marriage with Ed Cunningham. After their
marriage they resided in East Alton and vicinity. Following the
death of Mr. Cunningham, she resided with her daughter, Mrs.
Harvey Coats of East Alton. Mrs. Cunningham's maiden name was
Miss Teachie Baker. The deceased is survived by one daughter,
Mrs. Harvey Coats of East Alton; one son, Ed Cunningham Jr. of
St. Louis, and one brother, Charles Baker of Danville, Ill. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock from
Streeper's Undertaking Parlors. Interment will be in the Upper
Alton Cemetery.
CUNNINGHAM, MARY VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
19, 1900
Mary Virginia, youngest child of Mr. and Mrs.
Scott Cunningham of Euclid Place, died at two o'clock Sunday
afternoon after an illness of three days with congestion of the
stomach. The child was three years old, a beautiful and lovable
little girl, and her death keenly grieves the family and directs
to them the sympathy of the community. The funeral will take
place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. The friends of the family
are invited.
CURDIE, JANE (nee SOLOMON)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
24, 1874
Died in Greenwood [North Alton], September 21, 1874,
of congestive chill, Mrs. Jane Curdie; in the 21st year of her
age. She was the wife of Robert Curdie, to whom she was married
in November last. She was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.
CURDIE, ROBERT JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1918
Alton Developer
Robert Curdie Jr., died Saturday
afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital following an operation to
relieve an internal abscess which had been giving him trouble
for some time, but which began to show a fatal tendency Monday
preceding his death. Robert Curdie was born in Ayrshire,
Scotland in 1847, and came to America with his father, Robert
Curdie Sr., and mother Mary Ann Richardson Curdie, when he was
only six years of age [1853]. His mother died August 9, 1855.
Robert Jr. was 71 years of age on last March 18. He lived in the
North Side [North Alton] for many years, in the days when Scotch
coal miners predominated on the "Coal Branch." His father died
in 1897. Robert Jr. was a good business man and had a breadth of
mind and a mental activity that made him very successful in
business. He was a very active man all of his life, and his
interest in public matters led him to take a prominent part in
all public affairs. He was for many years one of the leaders and
chief counselors in the Republican Party.
In civic
affairs he took an active part and he served the Third Ward as
alderman with much ability. He had great confidence in Alton and
was deeply interested in trying to help up build the city. He
opened up several additions in Alton [one being Curdie Heights
on Milton Road] and engaged in the real estate business,
disposing of many lots on which nice homes stand today. He also
was engaged in the contracting business for years, and a number
of public improvements in Alton were made by him. He carried out
some large contracts in other places too, and was rated as a
very successful contractor. He was always willing to devote his
time to working for any cause for the upbuilding of Alton. One
of the chief regrets he had in his last illness was that he
would be unable to assist in carrying on the Liberty Loan
campaign in Alton. There was never a moment of wavering in his
loyalty to his home city and his home institutions, nor to his
government.
Curdie served with credit in the Civil War,
though he was very young when the war broke out. He has been a
member of Western Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., for 43 years, and was
looking forward to receiving formal recognition from the order
for his long period of devoted membership. He was also a deeply
interested member in the Elks Lodge, and of the First
Presbyterian Bible Class. In the neighborhood where he lived,
Mr. Curdie was perhaps the most appreciated. It was there he had
his best friends and by his family and his neighbors he is most
sincerely mourned.
Mr. Curdie leaves his wife and four
children, Robert Curdie III, who is in California and unable to
make the trip to Alton to attend the funeral; Mrs. Clay Stark;
Miss Rhea Curdie; and Harold Curdie. The funeral was held Monday
afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home, Fourth and Alby
Streets, to which the body was taken from the hospital. The
services were conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First
Presbyterian Church, a close friend and neighbor of Mr. Curdie.
The burial ritual of the Odd Fellows was used at the City
Cemetery. In addition to the members of his immediate family,
Mr. Curdie leaves two brothers, John of Alton [who owned a
saloon], and James of Mt. Olive, and two sisters, Mrs. (Mary)
Thomas Cunningham of Edwardsville and Mrs. Sarah Lloyd of
Cantrell, Illinois. The body was entombed in Grandview mausoleum
in the Alton City Cemetery. The pallbearers were B. F. Elfgen,
C. B. Johnson, W. M. Sauvage, O. S. Stowell, R. P. Harris,
William Westermann, John P. Bauer, and Samuel Pile.
NOTES:
Robert Curdie Jr. was a developer and was in real
estate with Mr. James Maupin. He founded Curdie Heights on
Milton Road in Alton, but never seriously marketed the lots for
sale. Alderman John W. Oldstead purchased the subdivision for
the purchased of selling the lots and developing the area. In
1899, Curdie was a candidate for Alton Mayor, but lost to
Anthony W. Young. Robert is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
CURDIE, ROBERT SR./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 28, 1897
Mr. Robert Curdie Sr., one of the pioneer residents of this
vicinity, died at the home of his son, Mr. Robert Curdie Jr.,
Sunday morning. Owing to his advanced age, Mr. Curdie had not
been in robust health for some time, but he has been able to go
about the city until recently. Only a short time ago he visited
his son at Mt. Olive. He was born in Scotland at Kilwinning,
Ayrshire, April 12, 1816, and came to this country 44 years ago
[1853], settling at North Alton. Of late years, he has been
making his home with his children, five of whom survive him.
They are Messrs. Robert Jr. and John Curdie of Alton; James
Curdie of Mt. Olive; and Mrs. (Mary) Thomas Cunningham of
Carlinville; and Mrs. (Sarah) Thomas Lloyd.
The funeral
took place Tuesday at 2 p.m. The services were held at the home
of his son, Robert Curdie Jr., at Fourth and Alby Streets. The
house and yard were crowded with friends of the family and of
the deceased, including some life-long friends of the venerable
man. Rev. H. K. Sanborne of the Presbyterian Church conducted
the services, giving a short eulogy on the life of Mr. Curdie.
The body was borne to the hearse by six grandsons. A long
cortege followed it to Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, where
the interment took place.
NOTES:
His first wife, Mary
Ann Richardson Curdie, died August 9, 1855. He remarried to
Sarah Curdie, who died February 1, 1862. Sarah Curdie Lloyd was
their daughter.
CURRAN, CATHERINE (nee BUCKMASTER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 23, 1918
Daughter of Nathaniel Buckmaster
The will of Mrs. Catherine B. Curran was probated at
Edwardsville today, disposing of property estimated to be worth
about $50,000. One of the most valuable assets of the estate is
the farm which was her homestead, and on which she was buried. A
few years before her death she had caused to be exhumed in City
Cemetery the remains of her husband, Gen. Curran, and she had
them reburied on the premises in the rear of her home. It was
her request that she be laid beside him. For that reason she has
provided that the home place be kept in the family and not sold,
as she had a sentiment against the property passing into the
hands of strangers. Mrs. Curran had told friends that the reason
for her entailing her property was it is the last of the
property that belonged to the Nathaniel Buckmaster family, and
she desired to keep it in the family so long as there was any
family. Accordingly, she provided in the lengthy document that
was filed as her last will, and which is estimated to contain
about 15,000 words, that her sons should have it so long as they
lived and that their surviving heirs should get it at their
death and so on down, as long as there were any lineal
descendants of the Nathaniel Buckmaster family. The will, which
was drawn up by C. W. Leverett and was signed May 26, 1915,
carries two codicils. Its length is so great that it has not bee
read by the court, as yet. Mr. Leverett, who wrote the will,
said that the reason it was so long was Mrs. Curran desired to
entail her property and it became necessary to draw the will out
to great length to get in all the conditions of the
entailment.....[unreadable]....He recalled the request that they
be buried on the place. He was under the impression that the
Episcopal churches at Alton and Springfield, which are
mentioned, are beneficiaries only in case the strain of
Buckmaster blood carried in the veins of her sons died out. Mrs.
Curran leaves two sons, Isaac and Singleton, both of them
residents of Alton in their boyhood days, but both now
nonresidents. Mrs. Curran was a devoted member of St. Paul's
Episcopal Church.
NOTES:
Catherine Curran was a
daughter of Nathaniel Buckmaster, and wife of General Isaac Bush
Curran. Buckmaster was a Virginia native, who came to Illinois
Territory in 1817 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. According to her grandson, Nathaniel Buckmaster
Curran, Catherine intermittently lived in the warden’s quarters
of the prison during the middle 1840s. When Catherine’s father
was absent on legislative business, he would leave his children
with Mrs. Samuel Buckmaster, and Catherine would play there in
the prison yards with other children.
Catherine
Buckmaster married General Isaac Bush Curran of Springfield,
Illinois. Curran arrived in Springfield from Ithaca, New York in
1840. He worked at Chatterton’s (jewelry store) for several
years before setting up his own shop on E. Adams Street in
Springfield. Curran married Anastasia Virginia LaFayette
Spotswood in about 1847. She died in childbirth in 1848 at the
age of abt. 23. He did not remarry again for twenty-five years,
living much of the time in the rooms above his store. Curran’s
store also carried elaborate hair wreaths, which were hung on
walls to memorialize loved ones. In 1860, he hired Miss Summers,
a celebrated hair braider, to work in his store. Previously
these wreathes were only available from New York, and now could
be found at his store.
In the 1850s, the town of Curran,
southwest of Springfield, was laid out by Thomas Moffet and A.
J. Vanderen. The town was named after General Curran. The town
of Curran was not formally incorporated until 2005. The citizens
there celebrated “Curran Day” each September 16.
Curran
associated with Stephen Douglas, and became his “point man.” He
was appointed Adjutant General (where he obtained his rank) by a
Democratic Governor Ford (1842-1846), and later Chief of Staff
to Governor Matteson. He lost his appointment as a federal
pension official when Douglas had a falling out with President
James Buchanan. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed
Curran to a wartime diplomatic post in Germany.
In about
1873, General Curran married Catherine Buckmaster of Alton.
General Curran was probably acquainted with Nathaniel
Buckmaster. The Currans lived on the Buckmaster property,
located around N. Henry and Elm Streets in Alton. The Buckmaster
property may have extended north of Homer Adams Parkway, where
Buckmaster Lane is today. General Curran and Catherine had two
sons – Isaac Jr. and Singleton. General Curran died November 25,
1895 in Springfield, where he had gone to take care of some
property he owned. His body was brought back to Alton and buried
in the Alton City Cemetery. His wife, Catherine, later had his
remains exhumed, and reburied on the family property near Elm
Street. Catherine died in July 1918, and left an extensive will
with instructions to bury her beside her husband on the family
property, and that the property was to remain in the hands of
Buckmaster descendants.
Isaac B. Curran Jr. moved to
Missouri, and later to Springfield, Illinois. He died in 1951 in
Springfield, at the age of 75. He maintained a house at 219 E.
Elm Street in Alton, but lived in Springfield during the winter
with a son, Nathaniel Buckmaster Curran. Isaac Jr. was buried in
the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. His son, Nathaniel Buckmaster
Curran, died in Springfield in 1993. He was an accountant for
the Illinois Highway Department. He is buried in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery.
Singleton D. Curran became a merchant
in Alton. He later moved to Chicago, and then Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, where he died of a heart attack in July 1926,
while bailing water from his boat, which had sprung a leak. He
is buried in Canada, and it is unknown if he had any children.
In 1951, the city of Alton purchased (presumably from
Nathaniel Buckmaster Curran, son of Isaac B. Curran Jr.) the
former Buckmaster property near Henry and Elm Streets. It seems
that the wishes of Catherine Curran, for the property to remain
in the Buckmaster family, were not carried out. The remains of
the Buckmaster/Curran family, who were buried on the family
land, were moved to the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery, and a
low-cost housing project was constructed on the property, at E.
Elm and Orlan Streets.
CURRAN,
ISAAC BUSH (GENERAL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
25, 1895
Adjutant General; Governor Chief of Staff; Member of
Illinois General Assembly
General Isaac Bush Curran died
Sunday, November 24, 1895, at 12:30 a.m., in his rooms at Mrs.
Mary Johnson’s rooming house at 530 East Monroe Street,
Springfield, Illinois. He was 76 years of age. General Curran
had left Alton to visit Springfield to take care of his property
he owned there.
The death of General Curran was very
sudden and unexpected. He has been ill for two weeks, but was
much better Saturday, and was able to be out, and seemed to be
much improved. About 11:50 Saturday night, he went downstairs to
buy a cigar, and was then to all appearances in good health.
Shortly afterwards he retired, and it was then seen that he was
rapidly falling, and he died before the physicians arrived.
General Curran was born in Ithaca, New York, in April 1819.
He was an active worker in Democratic politics for many years.
He was Adjutant General of Illinois during the term of Governor
Ford, 1842 to 1846, and was an intimate friend of Governor
Matteson. General Curran came here [Springfield] from Alton last
week to look after his property in this city, and intended to
return to Alton this morning. He leaves to mourn his loss, a
wife, who resides in Alton, and two sons – Isaac Jr., residing
in Missouri; and Singleton, who is in Chicago; and a sister,
Mrs. Jackson Grimshaw, also of Chicago; besides a large circle
of friends who will be pained to learn of his demise.
His
first wife and children were buried in Hutchinson’s Cemetery in
Springfield, but their remains were disinterred and moved to
Alton. His second wife, Catharine Buckmaster Curran, arrived
last night and will accompany the remains today to Alton, where
the funeral will take place.
NOTES:
Isaac Bush Curran
arrived in Springfield, Illinois, from Ithaca, New York in 1840.
He worked at Chatterton’s (jewelry store) for several years
before setting up his own shop on E. Adams Street in
Springfield. Curran married Anastasia Virginia La Fayette
Spotswood in about 1847. She died in childbirth in 1848 at the
age of abt. 23. He did not remarry again for twenty-five years,
living much of the time in the rooms above his store. Curran’s
store carried jewelry and elaborate hair wreaths, which were
hung on walls to memorialize loved ones. In 1860, he hired Miss
Summers, a celebrated hair braider, to work in his store.
Previously these wreathes were only available from New York.
In the 1850s, the town of Curran, southwest of Springfield,
was laid out by Thomas Moffet and A. J. Vanderen. The town was
named after General Curran. The town was not formally
incorporated until 2005. The citizens there celebrated “Curran
Day” each September 16.
Curran associated with Stephen
Douglas (an Illinois Senator), and became his “point man.” He
was appointed Adjutant General (where he obtained his rank) by
Democrat Governor Ford (1842-1846), and later Chief of Staff to
Governor Matteson. He lost his appointment as a federal pension
official when Douglas had a falling out with President James
Buchanan. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Curran to
a wartime diplomatic post in Germany.
In about 1873,
General Curran married Catherine Buckmaster of Alton, daughter
of Nathaniel Buckmaster, who came to Illinois Territory in 1817
and settled in Edwardsville. Buckmaster made his fortune in real
estate, and served as County Sheriff, and twice as a member of
the Illinois General Assembly. He served in the Black Hawk War.
Buckmaster moved to Alton in 1835, and was Warden of the
Illinois State Penitentiary in Alton for years. Catherine
intermittently lived in the warden’s quarters of the prison
during the mid-1840s. When her father was away on business, he
would leave his children with Mrs. Samuel Buckmaster, and
Catherine would play there in the prison yards with other
children.
The Currans lived on the Buckmaster property,
located around N. Henry and Elm Streets in Alton, just West of
St. Joseph’s Cemetery and St. Anthony’s Hospital. Today, Martin
Luther King Dr. runs where the Chicago & Alton Railroad was, on
the East edge of the Buckmaster property. Buckmaster Lane is
nearby. General Curran and Catherine had two sons – Isaac Jr.
and Singleton. General Curran died November 24, 1895 in
Springfield, where he had gone to take care of some property he
owned. His body was brought back to Alton and buried in the
Alton City Cemetery. His wife, Catherine, later had his remains
exhumed, and reburied on the family property near Elm Street.
Catherine died in July 1918, and left an extensive will with
instructions to bury her beside her husband on the family
property, and that the property was to remain in the hands of
Buckmaster descendants.
Isaac B. Curran Jr. moved to
Missouri, and later to Springfield, Illinois. He died in 1951 in
Springfield, at the age of 75. He maintained a house at 219 E.
Elm Street in Alton, but lived in Springfield during the winter
with his son, Nathaniel Buckmaster Curran. Isaac Jr. was buried
in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. His son, Nathaniel
Buckmaster Curran, died in Springfield in 1993. He was an
accountant for the Illinois Highway Department, and is also
buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
Singleton D.
Curran became a merchant in Alton. He later moved to Chicago,
and then Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where he died of a
heart attack in July 1926, while bailing water from his boat,
which had sprung a leak. He is buried in Canada, and it is
unknown if he had any children.
In 1951, the city of
Alton purchased (presumably from Nathaniel Buckmaster Curran,
son of Isaac B. Curran Jr.) the former Buckmaster property near
Henry and Elm Streets. It seems that the wishes of Catherine
Curran, for the property to remain in the Buckmaster family,
were not carried out. The remains of the Buckmaster/Curran
family, who were buried on the family land, were disinterred and
moved to the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. A low-cost housing
project – Curran Heights - was constructed on the former
Buckmaster/Curran property, at E. Elm and Orlan Streets.
CURDIE, BART/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6, 1902
Bart Curdie, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Curdie, died
Thursday morning at 2:30 o'clock after a long illness. He was 24
years of age and his death at the time when he should have been
just beginning his career in life is a sad bereavement to his
family and to his many friends in Alton. Death in this case was
a welcome relief to him from terrible suffering. Bart had been
an invalid for a long time, and early in the summer he went to
Mt. Clemen's, Michigan, in the hope that the baths there would
prove helpful for his malady, which afterward developed itself
into a form of almost complete paralysis. When he left Alton he
was confident of ultimate restoration to health, but he had been
at the health resort only a short time when he suddenly became
helpless. He was brought home by his mother and father, who had
hurried to their son on receiving news of the stroke of
paralysis. Since his return to Alton he was at the Runzie home
on Alby street, where the peace and quiet and healthful
surroundings offered every advantage for nature to again build
up the system that had been rendered helpless by paralysis. His
friends were ever solicitous about his condition, and to all
inquirers Bart returned the one unvarying answer that he would
soon be out again. Even in the face of death he continued to
bear a brave front, in order to spare the feelings of his
parents, brothers and sisters. The young man exhibited an iron
nerve and endured the intensest sufferings without a word of
complaint, although he well knew there could be but one end to
it all. Death intervened and ended his sufferings Thursday
morning, and it was a real relief to the watchers at his bedside
to see the end of the struggle that had lasted so many months.
Bart's death will leave many hearts of boy friends filled with
deep sorrow, as he was universally popular among them, and his
company was sought by his acquaintances. He leaves beside his
parents, two sisters and two brothers, and a host of warm
personal friends who will miss him as much as his own relatives
do. The funeral of Bart Curdie will be held Saturday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the Runzie home on Alby street.
CURDIE, ROBERT SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1918
Robert
Curdie Sr., died Saturday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital
following an operation to relieve an internal abscess which had
been giving him trouble for some time, but which began to show a
fatal tendency Monday preceding his death. The fact that Mr.
Curdie was seriously ill became known after he was stricken on
Monday. He had been actively engaged in directing a saw mill,
and while looking after that work he was taken with a chill on
Monday. He continued to grow worse and finally a surgical
operation was decided upon as a means of relieving his
suffering. The operation was performed Friday night, but it was
found that conditions were so bad there was no chance of his
recovery. A remarkable fact of the last days of Mr. Curdie was
that he was conscious to the very end of his life, and until he
became too weak he devoted much of his time to advising members
of his family as to his business affairs. Knowing that he was in
a bad way, for several days preceding the surgical operation Mr.
Curdie insisted upon informing his family on all details of his
business matters so they would be able to handle them without
trouble in case he did not recover. Members of his family said
that he omitted nothing and would insist upon trying to get his
business matters clear in his family's mind. Robert Curdie was
born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He came to America when he was only
six years of age. He was 71 years of age the 18th of last March.
He lived in the North Side for many years, and in the days when
Scotch coal miners predominated on the "coal branch." He was a
good business man and had a breadth of mind and a mental
activity that made him very successful in business. He was a
very active man all of his life, and his interest in public
matters led him to take a prominent part in all public affairs.
He was for many years one of the leaders and chief counselors in
the Republican party. In civic affairs he took an active part
and he served the Third Ward as alderman with much ability. He
had great confidence in Alton and was deeply interested in
trying to help up build the city. He opened up several additions
in Alton and engaged in the real estate business, disposing of
many lots on which nice homes stand today. He also was engaged
in the contracting business for years, and a number of public
improvements in Alton were made by him. He carried out some
large contracts in other places too, and was rated as a very
successful contractor. He was always willing to devote his time
to working for any cause for the upbuilding of Alton. One of the
chief regrets he had in his last illness was that he would be
unable to assist in carrying on the Liberty Loan campaign in
Alton. There was never a moment of wavering in his loyalty to
his home city and his home institutions, nor to his government.
He served with credit in the Civil War, though he was very young
when the war broke out. Mr. Curdie has been a member of Western
Star Lodge, I. O. O. F., for 43 years, and was looking forward
to receiving formal recognition from the order for his long
period of devoted membership. He was also a deeply interested
member in the Elks' Lodge, and of the First Presbyterian Bible
Class. In the neighborhood where he lived Mr. Curdie was perhaps
the most appreciated. It was there he had his best friends and
by his family and his neighbors he is most sincerely mourned.
Mr. Curdie leaves his wife and three children, Robert Curdie
Jr., who is in California and unable to make the trip to Alton
to attend the funeral; Mrs. Clay Stark, Miss Rhea Curdie and
Harold Curdie. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 3
o'clock from the family home, Fourth and Alby streets, to which
the body was taken from the hospital. The services were
conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian
Church, a close friend and neighbor of Mr. Curdie. The burial
ritual of the Odd Fellows was used at the City Cemetery. In
addition to the members of his immediate family, Mr. Curdie
leaves two brothers, John of Alton, and James of Mt. Olive, and
two sisters, Mrs. Thomas Cunningham of Edwardsville and Mrs.
Sara Lloyd of Cantrell, Ill. The body was entombed in Grandview
mausoleum. The pallbearers were B. F. Elfgen, C. B. Johnson, W.
M. Sauvage, O. S. Stowell, R. P. Harris, William Westermann,
John P. Bauer, Samuel Pile.
CURE, ALICE ANN ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 6, 1847
Died on Monday morning last, Alice Ann Eliza, only daughter
of Mr. N. F. Cure of Alton, aged 20 months and 29 days.
CURRIE, JEAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30, 1872
Died
on July 25, at 8 o’clock p.m., near Edwardsville, Jean Currie,
wife of Archibald Currie; aged 85 years.
CURREY, ALMIRA WHARTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9,
1861
Died in Collinsville, July 31, 1861, Almira Wharton,
infant daughter of James W. and Mary Catharine Currey, aged six
months and fifteen days.
CURRY, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24,
1917
The funeral of Clarence Curry, son of Mr. and Mrs.
J. Curry of Milton Heights, was held Sunday afternoon from the
Free Methodist church. Previous to the services at the church,
services were held at the home. Curry had been sick for many
months, following an operation last February for the relief of
appendicitis. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery under a blanket of
handsome floral offerings. The pallbearers were all friends of
the deceased, and included James Morris, Roy Leese, L. Burris,
Arthur Timmons, James and Joseph Flippo.
CURRY, JEREMIAH 'JACK'/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
23, 1922
Civil War Veteran
Jeremiah (Jack) Curry,
aged Civil War veteran of Alton, died at 3 o'clock yesterday
afternoon at his home at 1819 Smith avenue. Mr. Curry was 77
years old, and had spent the most of his life in Alton. He is
survived by a wife and seven children, J. Curry, Mrs. Lottie
Magee, Mrs. Liza Deathridge, Mrs. Charles Pickering, Mrs.
William Altus, Mrs. Michael Shen, Miss Lottie Curry of San
Francisco, and fourteen grandchildren. He also leaves a half
brother, John Girth, of Alton, and a brother in Decatur. The
funeral will be held from the home Friday afternoon at two
o'clock. Burial will be in Oakland cemetery.
CURRY, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday,
March 13, 1899
The three months old child of Mr. and Mrs.
John Curry died this morning after a short illness with
bronchitis. The funeral took place at 2 p.m. today. Services
were conducted by Rev. M. Jameson.
CURTIS, A. J./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
Sunday afternoon, Mr. A. J. Curtis of Bloomington, and four or
five companions, crossed the river and went in bathing near the
sandbar in Alton. Mr. Curtis was seized with cramps, and
although he instantly called for assistance, and his companions
attempted to rescue him, he sank to rise no more. A reward of
$25 has been offered for the recovery of the remains, and the
river has been dragged for that purpose today, but so far
without success. Mr. Curtis was a railroad man, living at
Bloomington, where he has a wife and four children.
CURTIS, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
8, 1901
Oscar Curtis, colored, aged 25, died last evening
at the family home on Semple street. He had been ill eight
months with brain trouble and was unconscious two weeks. He
leaves his mother, one sister and five brothers. The funeral
will be Sunday at 2 o'clock.
CUSHING, EDWARD H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
19, 1904
Edward H., son of Michael Cushing, died this
morning at the family home, 633 Alby streets, this morning after
an illness with pneumonia. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home.
CUSTER, VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
9, 1915
Mrs. Virginia Custer, aged 63, wife of Peter A.
Custer of Wood River, died Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock at
St. Joseph's Hospital after a long illness with liver trouble.
All of the members of her immediate family were at her bedside
except one son, Eugene Custer, who is traveling with his family
in a covered wagon between Plainview, Neb. and a town in
Minnesota, and cannot be communicated with for the purpose of
informing him of his mother's death. The members of the family
have no hope of being able to convey the news before Custer
reaches his destination, which may be a month from now. Mrs.
Custer was born August 27, sixty-three years ago, in West
Virginia. She came to Illinois when sixteen years of age and
married Peter A. Custer 43 years ago. The family formerly lived
at Roodhouse, but have been living in Wood River for several
years. She is survived by her husband, five sons and one
daughter, Mrs. Eunice Hancock of Hardy, Ark., who is here. The
sons are Frank of Whitehall, Eugene Custer, Lee Custer of Alton,
and Earl and Chester, who live at home. Mrs. Custer was a member
of the Methodist Church and of the Mutual Protective League and
the Rebekah Lodges. She leaves also one brother, William Chapman
of Lindsay, Okla., who is unable to come. The funeral has not
been arranged, but the burial will probably be in Roodhouse.
CUTHBERTSON, JOHN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
31, 1910
Ran Over by Railroad Car
The
coroner's jury impaneled over a week ago to hold an inquest over
John R. Cuthbertson, just finished its work Sunday, because of
an inability of the train crew to get off at any other time. The
jury heard testimony of the nerve of Cuthbertson that was
wonderful. After he was fatally injured, it was testified
Cuthbertson drew from his pocket a paper tobacco pounch, and on
it he wrote the number of the Union tank line car which ran over
him. He also aided in applying a bandana as a tourniquet to stay
the bleeding, and with an iron he twisted the tourniquet with
his own hand until it was tight enough to keep him from dying at
once. The railroad men who were with him said that Cuthbertson
had completed making the coupling and had also connected the air
hose while the train was in motion, a dangerous piece of work,
when he fell. Dr. J. M. Pfeiffenberger testified that
Cuthbertson told him he was trying to open a knuckle of the
automatic coupler, which would appear to contradict the
statements of the train crew, who claim that the coupling was
completed by Cuthbertson and that no man touched it and the
train proceeded later to Edwardsville with the coupling
remaining as Cuthbertson had made it.
CUTSAGEORGE, ADAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
1, 1922
Bootlegger Murdered Near Upper Alton
Murdered in his automobile and dragged to the roadside and
hidden in a clump of weeds was the fate that befell Adam
Cutsageorge on a lonely road, 1 1/2 miles north of Upper Alton,
last night some time between 11 and 12 o'clock. Cutsageorge was
known as a dealer in illicit booze. It is supposed that he was
slain as the sequel of some quarrel over the liquor business.
The killing was near the John Olmstead place, at the crossroad
leading to Wood station. John Bean reported this morning the
finding of a body, about 6:30 o'clock. Coming to town, he
noticed a Ford car standing in the road and there was blood on
both sides of it. There being no one in the car, Bean
investigated and discovered a trail leading from the car to the
clump of weeds at the roads side. In the clump of weeds he found
the dead body of Cutsageorge. The right side of the head was
battered in, the pockets of his clothes had been rifled, money
and watch being taken. In the haste to take the watch, the
murderer had broken the chain, leaving a fragment of the chain
in the button hole to which it was attached. Strewn over the
road were papers indicating whose the body was. There were
cancelled checks and paid bills which evidently had been in the
hat of the murdered man, and which probably fell out as the body
was being dragged across the road. Similar papers were found in
the car. Deputy Coroner Streeper said today after he had made an
investigation that it appeared there had been two persons in the
murder mystery. Leading away from the scene of the killing were
footprints as of a man and a woman, walking toward Upper Alton.
The indications were that Cutsageorge was sitting at the wheel
of his car when someone sitting behind him struck him on the
right side of the head with some heavy weapon, crushing in his
skull and perhaps killing him instantly. Then the body was
dragged to the roadside and robbed. The pockets in the clothes
were inside out when the body was found. The murder is assumed
to have been committed last night, not more than an hour before
midnight. John Vonnahmen, going home along the road, reported
having seen the empty automobile standing in the road as he went
past. He arrived at his home about midnight. Between 10:30 p.m.
and 11 p.m. Cutsageorge was seen riding around in his car with
two foreigners and police were detailed to round up the two men.
One of them, Nick Raises, was picked up at once. Later the wife
of Raises was arrested. When arrested, Mrs. Raises at first
denied she was out riding with Cutsageorge, but afterwards
admitted it, saying that she with her husband had been riding
around town with him, and that they went to Wood River, left him
there and came on to Alton, while Cutsageorge went on his way.
An element of robbery might have been mixed up in the murder.
The partner of Cutsageorge, George Drakos, who was interested in
a coffee house with the dead man, and they were erecting a new
building on Bozza street, said that yesterday morning
Cutsageorge had $300 in his possession and that he also cashed a
check for $150, making about $350 in all he was carrying with
him. When the Raises woman was taken to police headquarters the
measure of her shoes was compared with the measure made of the
footprint in the road near the scene of the killing, and it was
found that they practically tallied. The Raises woman said she
was home at the time of the killing, that she was wearing the
same dress last evening she had on when arrested, and there was
no blood on the dress. Both Raises and his wife denied any
knowledge of the killing. Mayor Crawford engaged some man with
what he claimed to be bloodhounds, to follow the tracks along
the road and endeavor to trail down the murderer. In the killing
of Cutsageorge, there is seen evidences of a breaking out of a
vendetta among foreign residents of Alton. Some of the men who
are engaged in the illicit whiskey business here are foreigners
known for their willingness to engage in any desperate
enterprise and violence is not repugnant to them. Cutsageorge
himself was a daring fellow and ready to take any chances. When
the bloodhound was brought to Alton by Russell Vierling this
morning, he was taken to the scene of the murder and from there
he trailed to the street car line where he seemed confused. He
was taken from there to Broadway and Washington, and there he
picked up a trail to the home of Nick Raises, and laid down in
the house. From there he was taken to police headquarters where
he was allowed to go where he pleased, and he ran down to the
back of the city hall and stood in front of the cell door where
Raises was locked up. Of course the fact that a dog trails a man
is not accepted in court as evidence of guilt of an accused
person. Search of Raises revealed that he had on his person
$336. The first search brought to light $275, and another search
brought up $61. Some witnesses have been found who say they saw
Raises and his wife riding with Cutsageorge at 11:30 o'clock at
night. Another story told was that Raises had been hard up
lately.
Coroner Seeks Lone Traveler of Road by
Night
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 2, 1922
A new angle of the killing of Adam Cutsageorge was being
investigated this morning by Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper,
which may be important in clearing Nick Raises and his wife,
Bertha, of blame for the death of the man found dead by the
roadside a mile and a half north of Upper Alton. Indications
were strong this morning that the slaying of Cutsageorge was the
outcome of a rivalry among bootleggers. That a whiskey selling
ring was involved seemed almost certain from scraps of evidence
that could be secured. Further, it became more and more evident
that the slayer of Cutsageorge was not attended by a woman. Two
or three persons have now been found, all farmer boys who were
going home late at night, who reported seeing a lone man walking
the highway just before midnight. One man told of seeing the man
walking along the road and that when approached, the man dodged
into the weeds at the roadside and hid himself. A little further
on the men report they passed the empty automobile standing on
the road. Following up the reports he had received, Deputy
Coroner Streeper went out this morning to interview the men who
had reported having met the lone man on the road, and afterward
he visited police headquarters to join in a quiz of Nick Raises
and his wife, who were being held on suspicion. Some of the
friends of the dead man suspected a Granite City man of
complicity in the killing, and great was the astonishment of all
when he turned up at police headquarters yesterday to make
inquiries about the death of Cutsageorge. Charley Lucor, better
known as Black Charley, was picked up by the police today and is
being held for investigation. Black Charley was a rival of
Cutsageorge in the bootlegging business, and the two men had a
quarrel. They had not been good friends for a couple of months.
Today Lucor told a Telegraph representative that he used to
bootleg with Cutsageorge, but not for a long time, and that they
were not good friends. Lucor was evidently very nervous when he
was at police headquarters and lacked a great deal of being the
self confident man he was when he was flying high in the
bootlegging business. He said that the most he knew of the
murder of Cutsageorge was that he had gone out with some bad men
and had not come back. He said that he did not know whether
Cutsageorge carried much money and pointing to some of the
friends of Cutsageorge, he said they could tell more about his
money carrying habits. There was great interest among the
friends of the dead man, and there was strong conviction among
them that one of Adam's enemies had killed him, partly for his
money but more especially for revenge. Adam, it is said, always
bootlegged independently and there was not the best feeling on
account of that. He was not always sure to hold up prices and it
was a disturbing element in the business to have Adam flying
around with his auto loaded with booze which he would sell at a
price under what others were getting. M. L. Peters of the police
force said that he knew Cutsageorge to carry large sums of money
with him everywhere, and that he was most generous in lending to
anyone who needed it. A brother of the dead man came here from
St. Louis and made arrangements for the shipment of the body
there, to be buried.
Black Charley Faces Charges
of Murder
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 5,
1922
The position of "Black Charley" Lukor, arrested
Saturday on suspicion he might have had connection with the
killing of Adam Cutsageorge, bootlegger who was found murdered
by the roadside last week north of Upper Alton, became much more
serious Sunday with the discovery of a bloodstained hammer which
was traced to his possession. With the arrest of Lucor, the
police turned loose Nick Raises and his wife, who had been out
riding with Cutsageorge during the evening.....A party of
foreigners who were searching the weeds in the vicinity of the
scene of the tragedy found a heavy iron hammer. It bore the name
Moore, and was supposed to have belonged to A. V. Moore. From
him it was traced to another man, who when shown the hammer,
declared that Black Charley had come to him with another hammer,
not so heavy, and asked him to trade the other one for the heavy
hammer found in the weeds. This occurred 4 hours before the
murder. When faced by the man who said he had traded the hammer
to him, Black Charley at first denied, then became unable to
talk because of his nervous agitation. The hammer, when first
found, had some fragment of scalp and hair on it, as well as
stains that resemble blood.....It was found on a close
examination of the body of the dead that the murderer had
resorted to a peculiar method either to kill his victim or to
make certain that he is dead. He had plunged a slim backed knife
into the right ear seven times, close together. The wounds from
the knife blade, which went in deep, would not have been
noticede, perhaps, but for the fact that a slight slash was made
in the opening of the ear, and investigation revealed the series
of slashes made by the knife penetrating the ear. The
supposition is that the murderer, riding in the seat in the auto
with his victim, first inserted the knife in the ear of his
victim, seeking a vital spot in the brain, or to inflict such
pain that he would have a chance to swing his heavy hammer and
inflict a fatal crushing blow. The hammer blow exposed the brain
of the victim. Greeks in the city said that Black Charley is not
a Greek, but is part Serb and part gypsy. His swarthy complexion
would cause belief that he was of African blood.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13, 1922
Judge
Gillham today denied a new trial to Charles Lukor, convicted of
killing Adam Cutsageorge north of Upper Alton, and given a life
term in the penitentiary.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 14, 1925 (in copyright)
From
Springfield, IL - Charles (Black Charley) Lucor filed an appeal
in Supreme Court after being sentenced to life in prison for
murdering Adam Cutsageorge in 1922.
CUTTER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 14,
1912
Oldest of Chicago & Alton Railroad Engineers Dead
George Cutter, aged
80, died Sunday morning at 4 o'clock at his residence, Twelfth
and Easton streets, after an illness of a week from hardening of
the arteries. Mr. Cutter had been confined to his bed just one
week when death came. He had been able to get around up to a few
days before he became bedfast, and less than two weeks before he
had attended the funeral of his old friend, Lorenz Stoehr. His
death was expected from the time he was taken down in his last
illness. Mr. Cutter was one of the old time engineers on the
Chicago & Alton railroad. He took a position on that railroad on
1858, when he moved to Alton, and he worked for the C. & A. for
forty years. During the later part of this period of service he
was engineer on the pay car, and had only a short time each
month on duty. It was considered the preferred run. He had been
a courageous, expert engineer in the long years he was in the
service, and by the old management of the C. & A. he was highly
regarded. George Cutter was born at Hatfield, Mass., February
10, 1843. He was an engineer on a railroad in Michigan up to
1858, when he came to Alton to live and made his home here ever
after. He was married in 1854 and is survived by his wife and
two children, Roscoe Cutter of St. Louis and Mrs. L. A. Irwin of
Springfield. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the family home, and services will be conducted by
Rev. M. W. Twing. Burial in City Cemetery will be under the
auspices of Piasa Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which lodge Mr.
cutter held membership for many years. He was also a member of
Belvidere commandery, Knights Templar, and in Oriental
Consistory of Chicago, and Moolah Shrine in St. Louis.