Obituaries - Surname E
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
EADS, J. W. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 19, 1884
Rev. J. W. Eads, pastor of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church of Alton, died Tuesday morning, June 10, at the age of 51
years, of cancer of the stomach. Deceased was a most estimable
man, had been pastor of the church for almost two years, and was
not only greatly respected by the members of his congregation,
but by all others with whom he became acquainted. The funeral
took place from the church of which he was lately pastor.
EAGER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ROBERT/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1905
The funeral of Mrs.
Robert Eager, who died at the home of her father, Capt. John D.
Ryan on Market street Tuesday afternoon, will be held Thursday
morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral. Besides her two
children, Mrs. Eager is survived by her husband. Her death was
due to consumption, from which she was a long sufferer.
EARP, MARGARET (nee EVANSON)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 25, 1875
Wife of Rev. Joseph Earp
Margaret
Evanson Earp, consort of Rev. Joseph Earp of Alton, was born in
London, England, September 1, 1820. She came to America when
sixteen years of age, resided principally at Albion, Illinois,
until married to Rev. Joseph Earp in Shawneetown, on December 5,
1841. Her husband entered the Southern Illinois Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1854. Since this time, the
family have lived, as his work has been assigned him by the
church, in Vandalia, Central City, Alton, Lebanon, Bunker Hill,
Brighton, Jerseyville, Mt. Carmel, Olney, and Salem. During the
past two years, her husband has been Presiding Elder of the
Alton District, and the family have had their residence at
Alton.
At all of these places, Mrs. Earp, by her urbanity
and kindness of disposition, has made many warm and devoted
friends. She was a faithful and devoted wife, a tender and
loving mother, a faithful friend, a constant and earnest
Christian. As a Sunday School teacher and as an active and
zealous worker in nearly all the charges to which the church has
assigned her husband, she has served the Master’s cause with
acceptability and success. Cheerfully, she went from place to
place with her husband, believing at all times that the Great
Head of the church directed their steps. Her piety was earnest
and steadfast.
A little more than a year ago, she had a
severe illness, from which she never entirely recovered, but
with a resolute spirit, she attended to her household duties
until October 2, when she was again prostrated by disease. For
seven long, weary weeks, she suffered intensely most of the
time, but without a word of complaint. During three weeks of
suffering, she was satisfied that she would not recover, and
often, to her family and to others, spoke of her near departure,
testifying to the supporting grace of God and of her readiness
to die. While manifesting great love toward her husband and
children, and great anxiety for their future welfare, she was
resigned to the will of Providence. For two weeks past, she
failed very rapidly, and on Saturday, November 20, at ten
minutes past four o’clock in the morning, she fell asleep in
Jesus.
There are hearts deeply stricken and a home made
desolate, but she leaves behind her the sweet memories of a
loving wife and mother. Her husband and sons have the warmest
sympathies of a large circle of friends in all parts of the
State.
The funeral services took place in the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Alton, Rev. A. P. Morrison, pastor of the
church, Rev. W. W. Wallis of Fidelity, Rev. W. S. Sly of Upper
Alton, and Rev. T. G. Field of Alton, officiating. Her remains
were deposited in the Alton City Cemetery, there to await the
resurrection of the Just. Tough dead, she yet liveth.
EASTON, EDWARD B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 24,
1909
Grandson of Founder of Alton Dies in St. Louis
Edward B. Easton, aged 65, a grandson of Rufus Easton, who laid
out and founded the city of Alton, which he named for his son,
Alton Easton, died in St. Louis yesterday at his home, 5018
Kensington avenue. He was an auditor for the Terminal railroad
association at St. Louis. Mr. Easton's grandfather, who laid out
Alton, was first postmaster of the city of St. Louis in the year
1804, before the city of Alton was founded. In this connection,
it is appropriate to advert to the frequently made statement
that Alton is older than St. Louis, which is thoroughly
disproved in the Alton's founder was postmaster at St. Louis
before he even began the city that bears his son's name. Mr.
Easton leaves two sons and two daughters.
EASUM, C. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3, 1922
C. H. Easum, traffic manager for the Mississippi Lime and
Material Co., died this noon at St. Joseph's Hospital, aged 42.
He was taken to the hospital a week ago and last Saturday
underwent a surgical operation for the relief of what appeared
to be a tumor. The surgeons found on operating that they had to
deal with a fast growing cancer of the most malignant type. He
was not in an alarming condition until yesterday, when he took a
turn for the worse and this morning he had become so bad that
there was no hope of his surviving until his relatives could get
here from Louisville, Ky. Mr. Easum came here four years ago to
take a position with the Mississippi company. He had established
himself securely in the confidence of his employers. He had also
surrounded himself with a large number of good friends in Alton.
He was popular in the Rock Spring Country Club circles. Among
the men with whom he mingled in every day life he was highly
esteemed and the news of his death was a sad shock to them. His
old home was at Louisville, Ky. He leaves a mother, a brother
and three sisters. They had been communicated with by wire at
the time that Mr. Easum was taken worse. It is expected that the
body will be taken back to Louisville for burial. The fatal
outcome of the illness of Mr. Easum was a great surprise. He had
said little of his malady and in fact thought it of little
consequence. He was advised to have it operated upon, and the
operation was not regarded as being of a grave character, and it
was supposed that he would be out in a short time. The condition
that was uncovered by the surgeon's knife was not what it was
expected would be found.
EATON, EPHRAIM M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28,
1902
Man Commits Suicide by Shooting Himself
Capt. George
D. Eaton of the W. M. A. in Upper Alton (Western Military
Academy), received a message Monday morning announcing the death
of his father, E. M. Eaton of Marine. Mr. Eaton shot himself
with suicidal intent Sunday near midnight, and died within a
short time. He was 66 years of age and was one of the most
prominent men in Madison County. He was one of the stalwart
Republican workers, and his figure was a familiar one in county
conventions, where he was always seen and was known as one of
the best political workers in the county. He was in Alton
Saturday on official business, and his many friends who greeted
him saw nothing in his bearing to indicate that he was
contemplating such a deed. He had been a victim of Bright's
disease, and also felt that his eyesight was failing him.
Melancholia, brought on by his failing health and eyesight, was
directly responsible for his death. Sunday he was in St. Louis
with Mrs. Eaton and with Capt. and Mrs. G. D. Eaton of Upper
Alton, he spent the day at the home of his wife's sister. The
family party separated, and although Mr. Eaton seemed to be
feeling despondent, there was not a suspicion that he would end
the pleasant day in such a manner. He arrived home about 11
o'clock Sunday night, and ended his life there with a revolver
shot. Captain Eaton went over to Marine this morning to assist
in making preparations for the funeral. The funeral will
probably be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock, and services
will be held at the family home. Mr. Eaton was twice appointed
deputy U. S. Marshal for this district under Marshall C. P.
Hitch. Twice within the last few months he tendered his
resignation, but so valuable were his services considered that
the resignations were not accepted and he was prevailed upon by
his superior in office, and his son, to reconsider his
resignation. He was well known in Alton as he was a frequent
visitor here on official business. He leaves only his wife and
one son, Capt. G. D. Eaton of Upper Alton.
EATON, HENRY KING (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7,
1881
Judge Henry K. Eaton of Edwardsville Township, one of
the old settlers and a prominent citizen of this county, died at
his residence last night. His death was due to heart disease,
and was very sudden. He was formerly County Judge, and had
filled various other responsible offices. In the death of Judge
Eaton, a vacuum was created in his family, the church, the
neighborhood, and the county, which will not be soon filled. He
was known by hosts of people far and near, and those who knew
him best loved and respected him most. The funeral of Judge
Eaton took place last Sunday afternoon at one o’clock at his
late residence in Edwardsville, under the auspices of the
Masonic Order. The services were conducted by Rev. E. M. West,
who also, as Chaplain of Edwardsville Lodge No. 99, F. and A.
M., officiated at the cemetery. Mr. Thomas Cannel, D. D. G. M.
of Piasa Lodge, Alton, performed the Masonic ritual at the
grave. A very large concourse assembled to pay the last tribute
of respect to the deceased. Erwin Lodge of Alton was represented
at the funeral by Messrs. F. W. Joesting and William Rodemeyer,
Piasa Lodge, by Messrs F. William Joesting and Thomas Cannell.
The Altonians feel grateful to the Edwardsville Masons for the
kindness and courtesy extended to them while at that place.
NOTES:
Judge Henry King Eaton was born April 4, 1811. He
was the son of Thomas Alexander (1780-1849) and Sarah King
(1787-1836) Eaton. He married Elizabeth C. Pomeroy (1811-1874),
and they had the following children: Amenda C. Eaton Dake
(1836-1929); Mary Jane Eaton Newsham (1838-1902); and William
Pomeroy Eaton (1840-1907). Judge Eaton was buried in the Quercus
Grove Cemetery in Carpenter, Illinois.
EATON, MARGARET POMEROY (nee WALLACE)/Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 21, 1886
Wife of Thomas Eaton, Father of
Judge Henry K. Eaton of Edwardsville
From 1836 to 1866, a
resident of Madison County, Illinois, Margaret Eaton died at the
home of her son, Mr. Benjamin W. Eaton, near Makanda, Jackson
County, Illinois, January 4, 1886. She was born near Louisville,
Kentucky, October 2, 1798. Her father’s name was William
Wallace. With her husband, Mr. William Pomeroy, and their
children, she came to Edwardsville, Illinois, in the autumn of
1836. Not long after their arrival in Illinois, Mr. Pomeroy
died. She subsequently was married to Mr. Thomas Eaton, the
father of Judge Henry K. Eaton, a long-time resident of
Edwardsville. On September 14, 1849, she was left a widow a
second time. Mrs. Eaton was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church about sixty years. Notwithstanding her great age, her
many infirmities and her last long illness, her intellect was
clear and her memory was active to the last moment. Her sun set
serenely. Her last word on the shore of time was, “Amen.”
EATON, NATHANIEL JOHNSON (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
March 30 & 31, 1883
Son of General William Eaton; West
Point Graduate;
Veteran of Black Hawk War; Business Man
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 30 & 31, 1883
Captain
Nathaniel J. Eaton, whose death yesterday noon, after a
lingering illness, was reported in the Telegraph of last
evening, was born June 28, 1807 in Brimfield, Massachusetts. He
was the youngest son of General William Eaton, a distinguished
soldier who served the country in various official capacities,
and whose campaign in Northern Africa, during the war with the
Barbary States, is one of the most brilliant chapters in
American history. General William Eaton was a friend and
associate of President Washington, and letters to him from the
great Commander are still treasured among the family archives.
General Eaton died in 1811, when the subject of this sketch was
but four years old.
At the age of fifteen, Captain
Nathaniel Eaton was appointed a cadet at West Point Military
Academy, where he distinguished himself highly by close
application, aided by a natural taste for military studies. An
older brother, William Eaton Jr., had previously graduated at
West Point, and entered the regular army, but died while still a
young man. Mr. Nathaniel J. Eaton graduated with honor in June
1827, and on September 7 of the same year, he was married to
Miss Harriet Hayden of Waterbury, Connecticut. In October, the
young couple came west, Captain Eaton having been ordered to
report at Jefferson Barracks [St. Louis] for duty. He was
assigned to the old Sixth Regiment, of which he was
Quartermaster and Commissary, and was also on the staff of
General Atkinson. During the Black Hawk War, he saw active
service, and displayed notable military ability. During his army
life, he was associated with many officers who names have become
familiar to the country. Among his classmates or associates at
West Point were Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, General
Albert Sidney Johnston, General Joseph E. Johnston - afterwards
the leaders of the Southern Confederacy; General Fitz John
Porter, General Sedgwick, and other Union Commanders. He was
also associated with a number of these officers at Jefferson
Barracks and in the Black Hawk War. Jefferson Davis was a man he
never liked in early life, and always distrusted, and when the
rebellion broke out [Civil War] and Davis became chief of the
Confederacy, he predicted its collapse from the first, having no
confidence in Davis’ ability or honesty of purpose. Of Fitz John
Porter, he had a high opinion, and since the war has always
believed in his innocence of the charges brought against,
believing him incapable of treachery. Captain Eaton’s commission
was signed by General Jackson, and though a young man, he
enjoyed the acquaintance and confidence of the President.
Although having a strong predilection for a military career,
he decided, after nine years’ service, to resign his commission.
This decision was brought about by the conclusion, in which his
wife agreed, that the army was not a suitable place in which to
bring up his children. Acting on this decision, he left the army
and settled in St. Louis, where he engaged in the river
business, and was in command of various steamers until 1849,
when he became Agent and Secretary of the Board of Underwriters,
a position he filled until 1877, when he resigned. In 1864, he
removed with his family to Alton, still retaining, however, his
St. Louis business connection. He lived in Alton until his
death, with the exception of a short period spent on his farm at
Shipman. While residing in St. Louis, Captain Eaton was a member
of Dr. Eliot’s congregation, and was afterwards connected with
the Unitarian Church of Alton.
Captain and Mrs. Eaton
were the parents of nine children, of whom only four lived to
reach adult years; and of these four, the youngest, Mrs. A. K.
Root, with whom were spent the last years of her father’s life,
is the sole survivor. Of their children, William Eaton died at
21 at Fort Smith, Arkansas while crossing the plains for his
health. Captain Henry Eaton lost his life by the explosion of a
steamer during the war. George Eaton died at his father’s home
in Alton in 1870.
Of the married life of the aged
couple, whose life relationship is now broken, we will not
venture to speak. Though their home was often darkened by
sorrow, though of their noble sons, not one lived to smooth the
pathway of their declining years, still their union was a
singularly happy one, blessed by the love, devotion, and culture
of the wife, supplemented by the chivalry, tenderness, affection
and watchful care of the husband, and though their sons were
taken from them, still their old age was brightened by bands of
grandchildren, who looked up to them with reverence and
affection. Their golden wedding was celebrated September 7,
1877, and now, after over five years more of companionship,
growing ever mutually dearer as the years went by, the sacred
tie is sundered and the widow left to mourn in her loneliness
and sorrow.
Of the public life of such a man as Captain
Eaton, much might be said. He was a natural leader of men, “a
man without fear and without reproach;” with a soul in which
honor, integrity and brotherly kindness were enshrined. His life
was pure and upright; his opinions broad and liberal; his
convictions of duty stern and unyielding. In all his relations
with men, he was the perfect gentleman in the best meaning of
the word: genial, courteous, affable, and considerate of others,
and yet with a certain innate dignity that would ever check
undue familiarity. Captain Eaton was possessed of marked
military talent and had he remained in the service, would have
ranked among the leaders in the war for the Union. He looked and
appeared the ideal soldier, tall, erect, and commanding. He was
a man born to command, a man his soldiers would have trusted
implicitly and followed to the death without question. Not
sympathizing with the most of his intimate army associates, he
was a strong and decided Union man during the war, rendering the
cause all the service in his power. During the dark days of the
Spring of 1861, he was a member of the Committee of Safety, and
accomplished a great work in protection and preserving order in
St. Louis. In politics, while decided in his views, he was more
conservative than radical. He was first a Federalist, then a
Whig, and then, in natural sequence, a Republican.
Captain Eaton’s last illness was long and painful, protracted
through many long months of suffering, and yet borne with the
heroic patience and fortitude characteristic of the man. No
murmur escaped his lips; but, a few days before the end, when
his voice was weak and faint, and the world fading away, he
whispered to his daughter, “I’m tired.” No complaint, only a
longing to be at rest. The life of such a man with its lofty
aspirations and its faithful fulfillment is a fitting exemplar
for all to follow. Conscientious in his public duties, faithful
in his business, a model husband and father, his vacant place
can never be filled. Justly proud of the name he bore, he has
left to his own descendants the record of an unsullied life,
worthy the name and fame of the noble lineage from which he
sprung. Looking back on such a life, there is much of
consolation for the loss in the proud inheritance transmitted.
The funeral of Captain Nathaniel J. Eaton took place at 11
a.m. today from the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Augustine
K. Root [Alton businessman]. The attendance of mourning
relatives and friends was very large, both from this city and
abroad, including a large delegation from St. Louis. One of the
longest processions ever seen in Alton followed the remains to
their last resting place in the Alton City Cemetery.
A
Reminiscence of Captain Nathaniel Eaton
Source: Alton
Telegraph, April 5, 1883
An incident, illustrative of patient
forbearance with a brute creature, and of the perfect command
under trying circumstances, which Captain Eaton had over
himself, comes to mind, now that he has gone.
Being fond
of discussion, it was a pleasant custom of Captain Eaton’s to
call occasionally upon Rev. Mr. Taylor, then pastor of the
Presbyterian Church, and either seated by the fireside or giving
the pastor a ride in his buggy, they discoursed together upon
religion and philosophy. Not in a controversial way, but the
manner of Captain Eaton was that of one seeking to know the
truth, and enjoying thoroughly the points either might make.
Driving up to the door one morning, he invited the pastor to
ride. Having tied his horse to a tree just above the parsonage
on State Street, both gentlemen were soon seated in the buggy,
when behold, the horse refused to go up the hill! Dismounting,
they examined the harness, coaxed and petted the horse
affectionately and tried again, but it was “no go.” Walking into
the house, they left the horse to silent meditation. The
experiment was tried again after a while with the same result.
No word of impatience of vexation escaped the Captain. Quietly
yielding to the obstinate humor of the animal he sat down and
waited, took dinner with the family at the parsonage, making
occasional trials with the horse meanwhile, until the afternoon
was nearly gone. The man who had been accustomed to command, on
land and water, had no impatient word or blows for an obstinate
dumb beast. Considering the possibility that the collar hurt the
animal in drawing uphill, he finally drove down the hill on
William Street, changed the collar, then turning the horse up
State Street again, he drove rapidly up the hill to its summit.
The pastor lost his ride, but the Captain had his talk, and left
behind him an example of self-control, patient forbearance, and
the ability to conquer in the end, that showed the power of the
true man. A few years later, Captain Eaton served as one of the
pallbearers at the funeral of the pastor. It may be that
together, both are now learning the great truths from the Great
Teacher. Signed J. E. T.
EATON, SARAH ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 16,
1849
Died at Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, on
Tuesday the 20th day of February, 1849, Sarah Elizabeth,
daughter of Mr. Henry K. and Mrs. Elizabeth C. Eaton, in the
16th year of her age. During the greater part of the last three
years, the deceased has been the subject of most intense
sufferings. This she bore with almost unexampled patience and
Christian fortitude in her short life. She also exhibited ____
of the fruits of early piety. Although her strange, distressing,
and ______ affection was long and protracted, yet she was never
known to utter a murmuring or repining word. Trusting in God,
she was blessed with a hope full of _____, sad often expressed a
willingness, to depart and be with her Saviour. Her departure
was remarkably calm and peaceful. Her relatives deeply mourn her
loss, but while they weep, they rejoice to know that their loss
is her infinite gain.
EATON, THOMAS ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 22, 1907
Rev. Thomas A. Eaton, the oldest Methodist
clergyman in the Southern Illinois conference, and probably one
of the best-known ministers in the conference, died while asleep
in his home at Kansas City, Kansas, sometime during Sunday
night. He was found dead in bed Monday morning by his daughter,
Miss Eaton, with whom he lived. Rev. J. A. Scarritt, an old
friend of Rev. Eaton, received a letter this morning from his
son, Samuel W. Eatonn, telling him of the death of this aged
minister. He said his father died without a struggle. The letter
says:
“I had passed a very pleasant evening with him
Sunday, leaving him in good spirit and seemingly as well as
usual. Among his last words were, ‘I had the vows of the church
on me, and I kept them. With St. Paul I can say, I have fought a
good fight, and have kept the faith. No I cannot say I have
fought a good fight, for I am not St. Paul, but I have done the
best I could and I have kept the faith. I am perfectly happy and
ready and waiting the will of the Lord. Whether I go or whether
I stay is all the same tto me. My own concern is that I shall
not become a burden.’ He told one of his neighbors last week
that ‘Except for the shock to my daughter, I should like to go
to sleep at night and wake up on the other side.’ His death was
as he had wished.”
The funeral will be held tomorrow, and
burial will be at Kansas City, Kansas. Rev. T. A. Eaton was 85
years of age. He was admitted to the Southern Illinois
conference in 1848, and maintained his connection with the
conference until he become superannuated about eight years ago.
He was one of the old-time circuit riders, and ministered to the
spiritual needs of many churches in Southern Illinois. He was
never pastor of the Alton churches.
EATON, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
12, 1918
Standard Oil Superintendent of Labor Dies in Sleep
at Hospital
William A. Eaton, Superintendent of common labor
at the Wood River refinery of the Standard Oil Co., died some
time between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's
Hospital. His death, which was wholly unexpected, must have
occurred as he slept and is attributed to heart trouble. Mr.
Eaton had been sick from an entirely different malady. He
underwent a surgical operation two weeks ago Sunday for relief
of appendicitis. He had done so well that there was no longer
any anxiety about him. His wound had healed nicely and he would
soon have been discharged from the hospital. Friday evening when
he went to sleep he was apparently in fine condition. Saturday
morning shortly before 4, a nurse looked at him and he was still
in the very best of condition, it appeared. At 6 a.m. another
nurse looked at him and discovered that the apparently peaceful
sleep into which he had fallen was death. Mr. Eaton leaves his
wife and one daughter, Miss Mae Eaton. He was 57 years of age.
He came to Wood River when the Wood River refinery construction
was started, and he had worked there ever since. He was one of
the most popular men in Wood River and he was a man who was
highly respected by everyone who knew him. He had been with the
Standard Oil Co. for nearly thirty years, and was a very capable
man in the handling of the duties of his position. His death was
a sad shock to a very large number of his friends, who had
believed that within a few days he would be able to get back to
work. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Union Mills, Ind.
Mr. Eaton purchased the site for the Standard Oil Company on
which their Wood River refinery is located. In addition to
assisting in the construction of the Wood River plant, Mr. Eaton
also assisted in the building of the refineries at Casey, Ill.,
Sugar Creek, Mo., and Neodesha, Kan. Mr. Eaton's immediate
family consists of his wife and daughter, Miss Mae Eaton, who
live at Wood River; his mother, Mrs. Hannah Irving, and brother,
Frank Eaton, who live at Whiting, Ind., and a sister, Mrs.
Charles Huntoon who lives at Elgin, Ill. No arrangements for the
funeral have been made pending the receipt of word from the
relatives and some friends at their arrival.
EATON, WILLIAM POMEROY (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 27, 1907
Civil War Veteran; Judge
William Pomeroy Eaton, 67 years old, died at his country home
near Edwardsville yesterday afternoon, from old age. He was a
native of Edwardsville, and his father, Judge Henry King Eaton,
a native of Mississippi, was one of the early settlers of
Illinois. William’s mother was Elizabeth C. Pomeroy. William’s
great-grandfather, Henry Eaton, was a native of Wales, born
there in 1750. At the age of 23, Henry crossed the ocean and
settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1773. The
great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary War, but
contracted a disease from which he died. His son, Thomas (father
of Henry King Eaton) migrated to Mississippi, where Henry King
Eaton was born. Thomas Eaton’s wife was Sarah King Eaton. Her
great-grandfather King came up the Mississippi River, and
settled in Madison County, where he received a government grant
of 25,000 acres of land.
William Pomeroy Eaton was born
March 27, 1840, at Edwardsville. His parents moved there in
1836. He was a student at McKendree College at the time of his
enlistment during the Civil War in Company H, 117th Illinois
Infantry Volunteers, under the command of Colonel Moore. During
the Red River campaign, his company ran short of supplies and
were forced to subsist for three days on raw corn, which had
been provided for the horses. At the close of the war, he was
honorably discharged. He returned home, and received a A.B.
degree at McKendree in 1868. He was a born educator, and after
teaching for several terms, he was elected to the office of
Superintendent of Schools in Madison County. He later served as
Hamel Township Supervisor. He was also president of the Hamel
Fire Insurance Company; the Carpenter Wind-Storm Insurance
Company; and the Madison County Old Settlers’ Association. He
served as judge of the county court for many years. He was also
a farmer and stockman.
William married Elizabeth A.
Blackburn on October 4, 1882, daughter of Samuel and Martha
Blackburn, natives of Ireland. The couple had six children:
Judge Henry Blackburn Eaton, William John Eaton, Joseph King
Eaton, Samuel West Eaton, and Congressman Thomas Marion Eaton.
One child, Benjamin Park Eaton, died in infancy in 1894.
William Eaton died in 1907, and was buried in the Querqus Grove
Cemetery in Carpenter.
EAVES, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2, 1918
Earl Eaves died at the [Alton] State Hospital Thursday, and his
body was shipped last evening to New Douglas. A brother came
from New Douglas and had the body prepared for shipment.
(see also Ebbler)
EBBELER, GOTTFRIED/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, November 10, 1903
Gottfried Ebbeler, a
member of a prominent Godfrey family, laid down to sleep beside
the Chicago and Alton tracks north of Godfrey Monday evening and
was torn to fragment by the Springfield accommodation train.
Beside the body of Ebbeler was found a broken jug, partly filled
with liquor, which told the story of the accident. Scattered
along the track for quite a distance was the contents of a
little purse amounting to $23, which Ebbeler had on his person.
Ebbeler was well known in the vicinity of Godfrey. His body was
taken to Godfrey and there turned over to relatives for burial.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the family home at Godfrey, and services will be conducted by
Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.
EBBERT, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1903
John Ebbert, aged 90 years, died Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock at
his home on the Godfrey road about a half mile north of North
Alton. He had been ill a couple of weeks from heart trouble, but
the end came peacefully. Mr. Ebbert came here from Baden,
Germany in 1848, and has been in this vicinity ever since. He
was a successful farmer, gardener and fruit grower, and was a
good neighbor, husband and father. He leaves a wife and three
children, Joseph and John Ebbert of Godfrey; and Mrs. George A.
Lippoldt of Chicago, the latter arriving before her father's
death. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from the
Cathedral to Greenwood cemetery, where he will be laid to rest
only a few hundred yards from where his long life was spent.
EBBERT, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 27,
1912
Kills Self By Hanging - Son Finds Body
Joseph
Ebbert, a farmer living north of NOrth Alton, and adjoining the
grounds of the Country club, committed suicide this morning at
his home by hanging. He arose this morning and went about his
work as usual, showing no indications of a mental disquiet
beyond that of ordinary. He worked about the barn feeding the
stock until he had finished up the work. At this stage he
procured a rope, and throwing the end over a beam he made it
fast and then placed the noose he had formed about his neck, he
leaped from the manger. The body was found about seven o'clock
by his son, George, a boy of fourteen, who went to the barn on
some errand and ran into the body of his father swaying from the
beam. He was dead when so discovered. The family at once
notified the brother, Assessor John Ebbert, who lives on a farm
adjoining, who at once cut down the body and laid it on the
floor of the barn where it lay until the arrival of the coroner.
The cause of the act is supposed by the family to be form
brooding over the troubles that have arisen since the divorce
proceedings between the husband and wife. But there had been an
understanding arrived at last night, between the husband and
wife, in which it had been agreed between them that the
proceedings in the courts would be dropped and a settlement of
their misunderstandings be made out of court. Last week there
had been interviews with the attorneys of both sides in which it
was agreed to adopt some other course in settling their troubles
rather than through the courts. There was trouble in the family
early in the past year, when the husband began to show signs of
an aberration of his reasoning faculties. He was often moody,
excitable, and inclined to find fault with all about him. He had
frequent quarrels with his wife and had trouble with his
children. His wife was at last driven to place him under peace
bonds. This was all so different from the former kindly
disposition of the father and husband, that there is but one
view to take of the strange change, an affected mind. The
neighbors, his relatives, his family all agree to the kindly
nature of the husband under normal conditions. He was the father
of five children, three sons, Joseph, Harry and George; and two
daughters, Effie and Mary, the last the youngest, aged ten
years. Mrs. Ebbert has continued to live at the home and through
all the troubles incident to the proceedings in the court for
divorce, she has continued to care for the household and to
prepare the daily meals for the husband. It was the husband who
entered proceedings for the divorce, and who had pressed the
case from the beginning. It is doubly unfortunate that now when
there appeared an opportunity to settle their difficulties that
the tragedy should annul all. Mrs. Ebbert was overcome by the
tragedy. She fainted when told and has been under the care of a
physician since.
EBBERT, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10,
1919
Mrs. Martha Ebbert, aged 88, died last night at 6:30
o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Lippoldt at 816
Douglas avenue. Besides her daughter, Mrs. George Lippoldt, Mrs.
Ebbert is survived by one son, John, of Godfrey.
EBBERT, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7,
1908
Mrs. Mary Ebbert, age 75 years, died Thursday afternoon
from the grip at her home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Massula in
Godfrey township. She was a resident of Godfrey for more than 50
years and all members of her family preceded her to the grave
except one daughter, Mrs. Massula, with whom she made her home.
The funeral will be held Saturday morning from the Cathedral.
(see also Ebbeler)
EBBLER, AMELIA/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, May 18, 1921
Mrs. Amelia Ebbler, wife of
Henry Ebbler, well known Godfrey township farmer, died at 1:30
o'clock this morning in the family home in the northern part of
Godfrey township. Her death was the close of many years of
helplessness and sadness. About ten years ago she began to show
symptoms of complete paralysis. She continued able to walk about
for a while, but about six years ago she became a helpless
invalid and was able to move about only in a chair. Much of the
time she was bedfast. About two weeks ago she became a victim of
erysipelas, which proved fatal. Mrs. Ebbler was born in Godfrey
township, October 27, 1861. She was the daughter of John Ulrich,
an aged resident of Godfrey who survives his daughter. She was
married forty years ago, the fifth of this month. Besides her
husband, Supervisor Henry Ebbler of Godfrey, Mrs. Ebbler leaves
two children, Frank and Paul. One year ago her daughter, Etta, a
fine specimen of young womanhood, was stricken with influenza
and quickly died. She had been her mother's constant attendant
and her housekeeper in the home, and the death of the daughter
was a sad increase in the burdens the helpless mother was forced
to bear. Beside her husband and two sons, Mrs. Ebbler leaves her
father, John Ulrich; three sisters, Mrs. Samuel Lindley of
Godfrey, Mrs. George Lindley of Medford, Oregon, Mrs. Dean
Cochran of British Columbia; and two brothers, George Ulrich of
Klumath Falls, Oregon and Otto Ulrich of Godfrey. During her
long period of helplessness, Mrs. Ebbler never abated her bright
cheerfulness. She was devoted to her family and they to her and
notwithstanding her long period of helplessness, there is
genuine sorrow among her family and friends over her passing.
She had spent all of her life in Godfrey township and she had a
wide acquaintance, though she was best known in her neighborhood
for her many acts of kindness and neighborliness, and there are
many not connected with her family who hold her in the most
affectionate remembrance. The funeral will be held on Friday
afternoon from the Bethany cemetery, the funeral party to leave
the Ebbler home about one o'clock. Interment will be in Bethany
cemetery. The funeral sermon will be preached by Rev. F. H.
Brown of the North Side.
EBBLER, ETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16,
1920
Miss Etta Ebbler, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Ebbler, died at the family home in Godfrey township Saturday at
midnight from pneumonia. She was 30 years old. Miss Ebbler's
death after a week's illness is one of the saddest tragedies of
the flu epidemic in Godfrey, where tragic occurrences have been
reported before. Miss Ebbler's mother, the wife of Supervisor
Henry Ebbler, has been a helpless cripple for years. Unable to
care for herself, her only daughter has been her constant
assistant, has served as housekeeper and has been everything to
Mrs. Ebbler. The mother herself has longed to be released from
her bondage to her invalid's chair. Instead it was the robust,
strong young daughter, her chief assistant, who was taken. Last
Sunday Miss Ebbler was obliged to take to her bed. She had been
sick for a few days but had tried to keep on her feet. Pneumonia
developed and its work was fast. For several days it was known
her condition was very dangerous and there was no surprise when
the illness proved fatal. Beside her parents, Miss Ebbler leaves
two brothers, Frank and Paul Ebbler. The funeral will be held
Tuesday afternoon, Rev. F. H. Brown officiating. Burial will be
in Bethany Cemetery. [Note: In this obituary, the name Ebbler
was also spelled Ebbeler]
EBBLER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1921
Frank Ebbler, aged 37, son of Henry Ebbler of Godfrey
township, died Sunday night at 10 o'clock. His mother, who died
last week, was buried on Friday. The day before his mother's
death, Frank, who had been in poor health for many years, began
suffering an internal hemorrhage. Surgeons were unable to stop
the flow of blood. The day the mother died, serious
complications had set in, including a swelling of the tongue and
the young man was unable to speak. After his mother's death, the
decline of the young man was rapid, and his death was not
unexpected. Frank Ebbler was the oldest child of his parents.
Though he was a victim of an almost life long physical
disability, he was deeply interested in the farm where his
parents lived, and he was of much aid around the place,
especially since the death of his sister over a year ago, who
had been the housekeeper in the home where the mother had been a
helpless paralytic for years. He was a bright, cheerful young
man, and he had a large circle of friends. He leaves beside his
father, one brother, Paul Ebbler. He was a grandson of John
Ulrich, well known Godfrey township resident. The death of the
mother and the son within a space of five days is a sad blow on
the members of the family. The funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family home to the Bethany
Church, from which his mother was buried last Friday, and
interment will be in the Bethany Cemetery.
EBBLER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 29,
1916
George Ebbler, nearly 66 years of age, died from
general debility Monday evening at 6 o'clock at his home north
of Godfrey after being sick about two years. Mr. Ebbler's case
was recognized as being a very grave one some time ago, and his
death had been expected. He was born in Godfrey and spent
practically all his life in the vicinity of Godfrey, and since
he was married 38 years ago he had lived on the one farm. He
leaves his wife and four children: three daughters, Misses
Julia, Anna and Alice Ebbler; and one son, John Ebbler. He
leaves also two brothers, Supervisor Henry Ebbler of Godfrey
township, and William Ebbler of Guthrie, Okla. The funeral will
be held Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the family home,
and burial will be in the Bott cemetery.
EBBLER, GUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1908
Prominent Godfrey Township Farmer Drops Dead at Breakfast
Table
Gus Ebbler, a resident of Godfrey township all his
life, dropped dead Saturday morning at the breakfast table from
heart disease. He was 53(?) years of age and leaves his wife and
three daughters, Mrs. Hattie Roberts and Misses Laura and Edna
Ebbler. Mrs. Ebbler is a sister of Officer Ed Burjes of the
Alton police force. The death of Mr. Ebbler was a great
surprise. He had risen as usual this morning and went about
doing the usual chores. He completed his work and went in the
house for breakfast, falling dead just as he was beginning the
morning meal. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10
o'clock from the Bethany church near Godfrey, and burial will be
in Bethany cemetery. Mr. Ebbler leaves three brothers, Henry,
William and George Ebbler. The family is one of the best known
and most highly esteemed of Godfrey township, and the deceased
had many friends. He was a successful farmer and had a
comfortable home and a productive farm. Mr. Ebbler was a member
of the Brighton German Evangelical church from childhood, and
Rev. Richter of the Brighton church will officiate at the
funeral service. It was stated that Mr. Ebbler, just before his
death, was engaged in hearty laughter with members of his family
over some funny incident which had occurred, and was just
reaching for a slice of coffee cake when he fell over. Members
of his family were so shocked by the tragedy that followed the
hearty laughter of the father that they could not remember what
it was they had been talking and laughing about.
EBBLER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF FRED EBBLER/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 4, 1920
A few days ago Fred Ebbler, a
young farmer living on the Alex Crawford farm in Godfrey
Township, died from influenze. He was buried yesterday. This
morning his wife died from the same disease. The saddest feature
of the death of this young couple is that they leave two young
children who are orphaned by this dreadful scourge that is
causing much alarm and sadness in Godfrey township. The death of
Mrs. Fred Ebbler was the cause of a report that Mrs. Henry
Ebbler had died. She has been helpless many years and confined
to her chair. Relatives this afternoon denied the story that
Mrs. Henry Ebbler had died, and said that it was a case of
confusing her with Mrs. Fred Ebbler.
EBERHARDT, JOHN/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, March 22,
1915 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
John Eberhardt, 71 died
suddenly Friday from a paralytic stroke. He was born in Germany
and was a resident of Collinsville 55 years. Until two years ago
when he retired he was night watchman for the Tiedemann Milling
Company. He married Miss Elizabeth Bendel 51 years ago. He is
survived by his widow, and daughters, Mrs. Charles Richter, Mrs.
Constance Esterlein, Mrs. Lena Aderholt of Collinsville; Mrs.
Ella Langwisch of Troy; Miss Hannah Eberhardt and Mrs. Josephine
von Anne of Kirkwood, Mo., and by 16 grandchildren. The funeral
will be Monday afternoon.
EBERHART, NANCY A. PRICKETT (nee LAMKIN)/Source: Alton
Telegraph, July 26, 1883
From Edwardsville – Nancy A. Lamkin,
a daughter of William Lamkin of Christian County, Kentucky, was
born upwards of seventy-seven years ago. She was married to the
late Colonel Isaac Prickett in Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1821,
with whom she lived until his death, upwards of twenty years
afterwards. Major William R. Prickett of Edwardsville is the
only surviving issue of that marriage. Aunt Nancy, as she was
familiarly called by nearly everybody who knew her, for a long
time prior to her death remained a widow, and occupied the old
homestead in lower town, where she died, until about 1870, when
she remarked. Her second husband was Leonhard Eberhart, who
still survives her. She died at half past one o’clock last
Thursday, July 19, morning, and her funeral from the family
residence to Oaklawn Cemetery took place on the afternoon of the
following day. It was numerously attended. Aunt Nancy was a kind
hearted neighbor and friend, whose memory will long be
cherished.
EBERT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 24, 1871
Shot Accidentally by Brother
From the Grafton Road, Feb. 20 –
A young lad, about seventeen years of age, named Charles Ebert,
who has been residing with Mr. N. Challacombe for some time
past, but a few weeks since returned to his mother’s home on the
Piasa Creek, was accidentally shot by his brother, Augustus,
February 19, about one o’clock p.m. The latter was examining his
revolver, when it was accidentally discharged, shooting Charlie
in the left side, the ball passing through and coming out on the
right side. The unfortunate boy survived about six hours, and
was sensible of his situation. His sufferings were very great,
but he bore them with patience and appeared to be resigned. Dr.
Haskell Jr. was summoned to attend him, and did all in his power
to relieve the sufferer, but informed the family at once that
there was no hope of his recovery. The remains will be taken to
St. Louis for interment. This afflicted family are plunged into
the deepest mourning, and have the sympathy of the entire
community. May the brother, who was so unfortunate as to be the
cause of the sad accident, be able to look to God for comfort.
EBERTH, CATHRINE/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, November
30, 1892
Mrs. Cathrine Eberth died Monday morning at four
o'clock at the county farm of old age. She was 91 years 9 months
and 26 days old. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 2,
1801, and came to this country in 1854 and remained in St. Louis
one year, afterwards coming here where she has resided since.
She had two daughters, both living, Mrs. Margaret Gass, aged 61
years, residing in St. Louis; and Mrs. John Kaufman of this
city, aged 58 years. The funeral took place yesterday morning
from St. Boniface's church. The remains were interred in the
Catholic cemetery.
EBLAGE, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
16, 1900
Falls Asleep While Intoxicated and Froze to Death
Christopher Eblage, a well known farmer residing near Wanda, was
frozen to death last night while in a state of intoxication,
about a quarter of a mile from his home. Eblage had been in
Edwardsville yesterday, and when he took the last Illinois
Terminal train for his home near Wanda, he was helplessly drunk.
He fell asleep on the train and passed Wanda without getting off
the train. The train was stopped a half mile west of Wanda, and
Eblage was put off there. This morning his body was found beside
the track frozen stiff where he had lain down to sleep. Eblage
was 55 years of age and leaves a wife and four children. Deputy
Coroner Herman Ritter held an inquest this afternoon on the
body.
ECKHARD, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29,
1900
Well-Known Union Street Grocer Dies
Charles Eckhard,
the well-known Union street grocer, died this morning at 3:30
o'clock, after an illness of two weeks at his home. He was born
in Germany and was 55 years of age. Mr. Eckhard had lived in
Alton 35 years and was one of the best known business men in the
city. Until four weeks ago he was engaged in the grocery
business and had accumulated quite a neat competency by his
frugality and strict attention to his work. He leaves eleven
children, Mrs. Joseph Miller, Mrs. Theresa Mans, Chris, Charles,
Henry, August, Ernest, Joseph, John, Bertha and Mamie Eckhard,
of this city. The funeral will be Saturday morning at 8 o'clock,
and services will be in St. Mary's church.
ECKHARDT, MARIE AGNES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
18, 1916
The first fatal case of scarlet fever in Alton was
in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Eckhardt on East Broadway.
Their little daughter, Marie Agnes, aged 5 1/2 years, died
Friday afternoon at 5:45 o'clock, after an illness of about ten
days. Another case of the same disease in the family turned out
favorably. There were complications in the case of the little
child who died. Almost all the cases of scarlet fever in Alton
this year have been very mild and there had been very little
inconvenience entailed, in most cases the disease being hardly
recognizable as scarlet fever. Owing to the contagious character
of the malady, it was necessary to have a private funeral, the
health laws of the state providing that the funeral shall be
private and within 24 hours after death. For that reason the
funeral was from the home this afternoon, and burial was in St.
Joseph's Cemetery. The parents have two other children. Rev. Fr.
Eckhardt of Jerseyville, uncle of the little one, came down and
conducted the services at the house.
ECKERT, CHARLES T./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1849
Died in Upper Alton at the residence of F. Hewit, on the 4th
inst., Charles T., infant son of Captain W. T. Eckert, aged 15
months.
EDELEN, RAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9, 1918
Ray Edelen, son of Mrs. M. E. Edelen of Monroe, La., died last
evening at the home of his sister, Mrs. Ida Voeges of 322
Prospect street, after an illness of two weeks, pneumonia
following an attack of influenza. He was taken ill and was sent
to the Emergency Hospital for treatment. When his condition
became grave, he was removed to his sister's home and a trained
nurse placed in charge. Edelen was 26 years of age and is well
known in Alton where he resided. He is survived by his mother,
Mrs. M. E. Edelen of Monroe, La., who was with him when he died;
by three brothers, William of Lower Brule, S. D.; Edward of
Monroe, La.; and Shirley, who is stationed at Camp Funston. Also
by five sisters: Mrs. Ida Voges of Alton; Miss Lenora Edelen of
Isleta, New Mexico; and Leola, Vivian and Helen of Monroe, La.
No funeral arrangements can be made until William and Miss
Lenora Edelen can be heard from, both being employed in
government (Indian) schools. Shirley Edelen is expecting to be
shipped overseas and could not get a furlough. The funeral will
be private. Mrs. Mary Toner of West Alton, Mrs. Voges'
grandmother, is residing with Mrs. Voges, and last Wednesday
evening suffered a paralytic stroke, and her condition is bad.
On account of her advanced age, improvement is thought to be
impossible.
EDEN, BARNEY [BERNARD]/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
October 28, 1921 - Submitted by Myra Ann Best
Prairietown -
The funeral of Barney [Bernard] Eden who died at the County Home
was held here on Wednesday at the Lutheran Church, Rev. U. Iben
officiating. Otto and Barnard Best of Springfield, nephews of
Mr. Eden, attended the funeral.
EDEN, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
17, 1914
Christopher Eden, a well known contractor and
builder, dropped dead early Thursday morning while making a call
on a friend three blocks from his home, 1036 Union street. Heart
disease is believed to have been the cause. Mr. Eden had been in
his usual state of health and while nothing was said of it by
him, it is believed that he rose this morning feeling poorly and
decided to take a walk in the air. He had gone three blocks from
his home when he was suddenly stricken and died instantly. Mr.
Eden, who was for many years a builder in Alton, was born in
Ostfriesland, Germany, and was 66 years of age. He was a soldier
in the Franco-Prussian war. At the age of 23 he came to Alton
and had lived here ever since. He is survived by his wife and
seven children, _. H. Eden of Depugh, N. Y.; Mrs. Amelia
Leightner of East Alton; Mrs. Johanna Fitzimmons of St. Louis;
Mrs. Mary Archambault, Henry, ____ and Charles Eden of Alton.
The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from the family home
and services will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller of the
German Evangelical Church, in which he held membership.
EDEN, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
5, 1921
Christopher Eden, aged 23, died yesterday evening at
5:45 o'clock at his home, 1036 Union Street, where he had made a
losing fight for a year with tuberculosis. The long, brave
struggle of the young man with the fatal malady had attracted
much attention and everybody who passed the house and saw him
lying on the bed on the little sleeping porch on the front of
the house took an active interest in his welfare and would drop
in to see him and make the time pass more pleasantly. He was
taken ill one year ago with grippe, which developed into lung
trouble. He was never able to resume his work at the office of
the Western Cartridge Co., where he had been a very efficient
employee in the office. During his long illness he was given the
most devoted attention by his sister, Mrs. Mary Archembault, and
by his mother, Mrs. Emma G. Eden, both of whom rendered him
service night and day in the hope of being of some benefit to
him. The sister even imperiled her own health by her assiduous
attention to her brother. He was a member of Piasa Lodge No. 27,
A. F. & A. M., and was also a member of Ainad Temple, Mystic
Shrine. He leaves besides his mother, three sisters, Mrs.
Archembault, Mrs. J. J. Fitzimmons, and Mrs. Joseph Nutt and
three brothers, Julius, Henry and Benjamin Eden. During his long
illness he bore his affliction with utmost patience. He was
deeply grateful for any kindness shown him, and there were many
who took an interest in seeing that he saw many happy spots in
his long period of illness. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon at 3 o'clock and will be under Mason auspices. Rev.
Heggemeier will conduct the services at the home and burial in
the City Cemetery will be under the auspices of Piasa Lodge.
EDEN, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 13, 1901
Emma, the 2 year old daughter of Chris Eden, died last night at
the family home, 1017 Union street, after an illness of a few
hours with spasms. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. from
the family home Wednesday.
EDMUNDS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1880
Injured by Freight Train at Edwardsville Junction
Thomas
Edmunds of Carlinville, who was injured by a freight train at
Edwardsville Junction last Sunday night, died at the Sisters
Hospital last Thursday. Coroner Youree came up on the morning
train, and after impaneling a jury, proceeded to hold an
inquest. Dr. Charles Davis, who attended on the injured man was
the only witness examined. Dr. Davis testified that he was
notified of the occurrence Monday morning, March 1, by Division
Superintendent Stager, of the Chicago & Alton railroad, and went
to the place. The victim of the accident was then insensible
from the effects of a penetrating wound in the skull at the back
of the head, entering the brain about half an inch, and which
caused death – just such a wound as the corner of a freight car
would inflict. A large pool of congealed blood was near the
body, just at the end of a railroad tie. There was nothing to
indicate foul pay. Mrs. Alice Edmunds, wife of deceased, was in
town Wednesday, and stated that her husband left Carlinville
Sunday evening on a freight train, with his miner’s tools,
intending to go to Edwardsville. The supposition is that when he
arrived at the crossing, bearing the train did not intend to
stop, he jumped off while the cars were in motion and was hurled
backward with the lamentable result before stated. The verdict
was that he came to his death by being struck by the cars near
Edwardsville Junction on February 29, and from the evidence
before them, the jury exonerated the railway employees from all
blame. The remains will be forwarded to Carlinville for burial.
EDSALL, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 24, 1915
Frank Edsall, director of school district 99, aged 37, died at
his home, east of Upper Alton, Friday evening, thirty hours
after he was kicked by a horse at his home. There were few who
knew that Mr. Edsall was injured, and the fact that he was in a
serious condition was a great surprise to everyone. In fact, it
was not realized among his friends that he was in such a
condition until the end had come. Mr. Edsall had a horse with a
sore foot he had been doctoring, and the animal had resisted
efforts to treat the foot. On Thursday Mr. Edsall was currying
the horse preparatory to going to help a neighbor do threshing.
It was at noon time, and he was alone in the barn. The horse,
according to what Mr. Edsall told after the accident, seemed to
fear that Mr. Edsall was about to do some further work on his
sore foot, and he resisted....One foot got him on the arm and
the other hit him squarely in the stomach. The latter injury was
the fatal one. He staggered out of the barn, unable to
straighten himself up, and called to his brother, Harry, and
Frank Lebrun, who were nearby. They caught the horse, which had
broken loose. Mr. Edsall went to the house and was unable to
rise off the bed. He suffered terrible agony. Friday afternoon
it became apparent that he could not survive. He had been
unconscious since morning. The attending surgeon said that he
was confident that the intestines had been torn by the kick of
the horse, and that there was nothing that could be done to save
the young man. He died at 5:30 o'clock Friday evening. Mr.
Edsall leaves four brothers, Thomas, Dick, Harry, and Arthur;
and one sister, Mrs. Josephine Newton of Amboy, Ill., who coming
was awaited before the funeral time was set. Mr. Edsall was
engaged in farming. He had been a faithful servant of the people
of his school district as a director, and his service was of a
highly efficient character....He was a progressive man and he
had a part in the erection of the new school building the
district put up....The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday
afternoon from the family home. Rev. W. L. Terhune officiating.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
EDSALL, HENRY/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 8, 1887
Died in Middle Alton, November 2, 1887, Henry Edsall, aged 22
years; eldest son of Peter Smith Edsall and Phoebe Mitten
Edsall.
EDWARDS,
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 3, 1877
Physician; Founder of Churches; Brother of Ninian Edwards
(Governor of Illinois)
Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards, well known to
all our old citizens, departed this life at his residence in
Kirkwood, Missouri, April 27, in the 80th year of his age. The
death of this venerable and distinguished gentleman will cause
regret not only to a large circle of relatives in this vicinity,
but to many friends all over the west, especially to the
surviving pioneers, who associated with him and the eminent
family to which he belonged, laid the foundations of the State
of Illinois. He was a younger brother of Hon. Cyrus Edwards of
Upper Alton, and of the late Hon. Ninian Edwards, Territorial
Governor of Illinois from 1809 to 1818, and the first Governor
under State organization.
Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards, son
of Benjamin Edwards, was a native of Maryland. He removed with
his father’s family to Kentucky in 1800, and in youth or early
manhood joined his brothers in this State. He was for a time
receiver of the land office at Edwardsville (named after his
brother), and removed from that city to Alton in 1835, where he
resided until about 1845, when he removed to St. Louis. For the
past ten years he had resided at Kirkwood, having retired from
the practice of his profession. His wife, a most amiable and
accomplished lady, died some six months ago. Their married life
extended over a period of 57 years.
Dr. Edwards was a
distinguished practitioner of medicine for over fifty years in
this section of Illinois and in St. Louis. He was a prominent
member of the Baptist Denomination. He was a warm friend of the
cause of education, and did much to further its progress,
especially in the early history of the State. He was for a
number of years one of the most efficient trustees of Shurtleff
College, and prior to that, of Alton Seminary and Rock Spring
Seminary, of which institutions Shurtleff College is the
successor. His practical identification with the educational
interests of the State, therefore, dates back to 1827, the year
in which Rock Spring Seminary was founded. With him passes away
the sole survivor of the Rock Spring Board. His eminent and
useful career, extending over a period of nearly three score
years of active labor, was distinguished by benevolence,
philanthropy, and devotion to the best interests of the State
and community in which he lived. Among the early pioneers of
Illinois none are more worthy of honor and grateful remembrance.
It is given to few men to live such a life as he lived, or to
make a more permanent imprint on the formative age of a great
commonwealth.
*************
NOTES:
Dr. Benjamin
Franklin Edwards was born at Darnestown, Maryland, July 2, 1797.
He was the son of Benjamin and Margaret (Beall) Edwards. The
father, Benjamin Sr., was a member of Congress from Maryland and
a member of the convention that ratified the Federal
Constitution. He (Benjamin Sr.) was described by William Wirt,
the celebrated attorney-general of the United States, as being
"one of nature's great men." He possessed great oratorical
power, which on several occasions he used in the service of his
country. Benjamin Sr. died on November 13, 1826, in Elkton,
Kentucky, at the age of 74.
When Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards
was two years old, his parents moved to Kentucky and settled at
Bardstown [Nelson County, KY]. At the age of 20 he was converted
and united with the Baptist Church. From the first day of his
new life to the last, he realized that God had called him to
work, and he immediately entered upon an active Christian life.
In 1819 he married Miss Elizabeth “Eliza” Green, a daughter of
Willis Green, of Danville, Kentucky, and soon after emigrated to
Missouri, where he joined his brother-in-law, General Duff
Green, and formed the acquaintance of Governor Gamble and other
prominent men of that day.
His first stay in Missouri
was short, lasting only a year. He returned to Kentucky and made
his home in the neighborhood of Russellville, where he practiced
medicine. In March, 1827, he moved from Kentucky to
Edwardsville, Illinois, where his skill as a physician soon
secured him a large practice. His rides extended so far from
home as to make five relays of horses necessary to attend to his
professional duties. It was while a resident at this place that
he, and a few others, organized (on April 18, 1828) in his
parlor the first Baptist Church in Illinois. He also advocated,
and with the aid of Dr. Peck, succeeded in organizing the first
Baptist Association in Illinois, which advocated the cause of
missions. But it was not in missions alone that he was
interested. He realized the power of an educated ministry, and
was a prime mover in the organization of Rock Spring Seminary.
Dr. Edwards moved from Edwardsville to Alton, and
continued to reside there until 1846, when he took up his
residence in St. Louis, and immediately entered upon a large
practice. Even in St. Louis he was continually seeking to
promote the good of the Baptist cause, and no worthy object was
permitted to pass by without being recognized and substantially
aided.
In 1849, during the height of the gold fever, he
went to California and spent two years, at the end of which time
he returned and resumed the practice of his profession in St.
Louis.
In 1866, Dr. Edwards purchased a beautiful home
in Kirkwood, and moved there to enjoy the peace and quiet of a
country life. Finding no Baptist Church there, he soon entered
upon the work of organizing one. This could not be accomplished
for some time, but at last his work was rewarded, and his
dearest wish gratified when in 1870 the Baptist Church was
founded. Soon after, almost alone, aided only by a few, he
entered upon the work of building the Baptist house of worship,
which today is a standing monument of his zeal for God and his
devotion to His cause.
The children of Dr. Edwards
comprised of Sarah, Willis, Benjamin, Frank C. and Julia, Mrs.
Whittaker, of Kirkwood, Mrs. Ostrom, of New York, Mrs. Todd, of
Columbia, Missouri, Presley of Hillsboro, Illinois, and Cyrus,
of Dennison, Texas.
His death, which occurred at his home
April 27, 1877, at the advanced age of 80 years, covered with a
cloud of sorrow the Baptist church and community of Kirkwood.
******
OLD SETTLERS MEETING:
During a meeting of “old
settlers” in Edwardsville, November 21, 1874, Dr. Benjamin F.
Edwards gave the following:
“I came to Edwardsville in
1827, when it was a very small place, and yet it was at that
time the most promising town in the State. It was for several
years the place of residence of the chief men of the State, and
the society was first class. When I came here, Dr. Todd was the
only regular physician in the county. I bought Dr. Todd’s house,
and he removed to another place, and for two years after, there
was no other physician in the county.”
Dr. Edwards
practiced not only in Madison County, but in all the neighboring
counties – for fifty miles round. He kept four or five horses,
and frequently rode one hundred miles in twenty-four hours, and
practiced medicine. “When my horses broke down in any long
trips,” he said, “I would capture a fresh horse on the way,
leave mine, and push forward, and again take my horse on the
return. For months together, in the sickly season, I have not
averaged four hours sleep in the twenty-four. This hard practice
came near killing me, and yet I never, in those days, quite made
support for my family by my practice.
The character of
the people was of that plain and simple sort that you always
find in a new country. They were honest and liberal, as the day
is long. There was some dissipation among the people, and two
grog shops in the town. I remember on one occasion, one of the
groggeries caught fire, and when the alarm was given, I was on
hand and the first thing I rolled out was a barrel of whisky. I
profess to be a little more of a temperance man than my friend
West, but on this occasion, I was instrumental in saving a
barrel of whisky. I was for saving anything that I could lay my
hands on.
The educational privileges were limited, but
in 1829-30, the first seminary in Edwardsville was opened, with
Miss Chapin as principal and Miss Hitchcock, assistant. The Rock
Spring Seminary, of which Shurtleff College is the outcome, was
started at Rock Spring by the Rev. John M. Peck, in 1827, of
which I was one of the original trustees.”
In answer to
the question, “What were considered the necessaries of life?” he
replied, “Hog and hominy.” He then went on to tell a panther
story, in which he acted a principal part, that left no very
pleasant sensations. To have this wild beast scream at your
heels in the midst of black darkness is not pleasant.
Dr. Benjamin F. Edwards is buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery
in St. Louis, MO.
EDWARDS,
CYRUS (HON.)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
Attorney; Legislator; Veteran of Black Hawk War
Trustee of
Shurtleff College and Monticello Ladies Seminary
Brother to
Governor Ninian Edwards
It is our duty to add the
announcement that Hon. Cyrus Edwards, of Upper Alton, has passed
away on August 31, 1877, after a protracted illness and debility
of old age. For several days past he had been lying in a
helpless condition with no perceptible pulse, and this morning
the end came. Only a naturally strong constitution could have so
long resisted the attacks of disease. To the older generation of
our citizens, and of the residents of the State, it is not
necessary to say that with Hon. Cyrus Edwards has passed away
one of the most prominent men in the history of Illinois, whose
residence therein was coeval with the existence of the State
government. Of the famous men of earlier days, who made the
pioneer history of Illinois brilliant, few stand out with
greater prominence and few are more worthy of grateful
remembrance than Mr. Edwards. In all the great movements in the
early history of the State, his name is conspicuous, and in all
is recorded with honor.
Cyrus Edwards was the last
survivor, so far as we know, of the statesmen who, prior to the
year 1840, wielded the destinies of Illinois. Mr. Edwards was a
native of Montgomery County, Maryland, born January 17, 1793. He
was the son of Benjamin (1753-1829) and Margaret Beall
(1754-1826) Edwards, in his day a leading man in that State. In
1800, the Edwards family removed to Kentucky. In his youth,
Cyrus Edwards’ advantages for obtaining an education were rather
limited, but that he made good use of what he had is evinced by
his subsequent career. He studied law with his brother, Presley
Edwards, and was admitted to the bar in Kaskaskia in 1816. Hon.
Ninian Edwards, a brother, was at that time Territorial
Governor. Subsequent to his admission to the bar, Cyrus Edwards
resided in Missouri, and afterwards in Kentucky with his
parents. In 1829, he again took up his residence in Illinois,
locating in Edwardsville, where he at once rose into prominence
in his profession. He served in the Legislature for a number of
consecutive terms until 1840. He was, we believe, an officer in
the Black Hawk War in 1832. We do not know the date of his
removal to the homestead near Upper Alton, but it was prior to
1837, as we find his name in the local records at that time.
In political views, Mr. Edwards was a Whig, and one of the
leaders of that time-honored party in this State. In 1837, he
was its candidate for Governor, but was defeated by a small
majority. He was an able and eloquent public speaker, having
few, if any, equals at that period. In 1840, he was the nominee
of his party in the Legislature for United States Senator, but
the Democrats were largely in the ascendant, and his competitor,
Samuel McRoberts, was successful. Again, in 1846, he was
likewise the Whig nominee for the same position against Stephen
A. Douglas, the Democratic candidate, the latter party being
again in the majority. When the Whig party ceased to exist, Mr.
Edwards became a Republican, and his last service to the State
in a public capacity was in 1860-61, when he represented this
county in the Legislature. During the Civil War, he was an
unflinching Union man, and threw the whole of his great
influence into the scale on the side of his country.
His
interest in public questions was maintained to the last - as
late as last fall, although feeble in health, he attended the
open-air meeting in this city, addressed by Gov. Cullom. Mr.
Edwards always took great interest in educational matters, both
in private life and during his Legislative career. He was one of
the original members of the Board of Trustees of Alton Seminary,
afterwards Shurtleff College. He continued a member of the Board
until his resignation four or five years ago. He was not only a
warm supporter, but a generous benefactor of the institution,
having endowed one of the Professorships, and otherwise aided it
pecuniary. He was also one of the original trustees of
Monticello Seminary.
Mr. Edwards' last appearance in
public was at the Jubilee Anniversary of Shurtleff College, when
though feeble and suffering, he attended the exercises and made
a few remarks. Of Mr. Edwards' private life and character, we
need not speak. They are known to all. His private, like his
public life, was one of unsullied honor and integrity, devoted
to the welfare of his family and the community in which he
lived. Some three years ago, Mr. Edwards became a member of the
Baptist Church. He was twice married: his first wife was Miss
Nancy Harriet Reed, whom he married in 1818. She was the mother
of eight children. She died in 1834. In 1837, Mr. Edwards
married Miss Sophia Loomis, daughter of Hubbell Loomis,
President of Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, who survives him.
The children of the second marriage were, we believe, six in
number. Of Mr. Edwards' children, Isabella Tabitha Edwards
Quigley, the wife of Dr. Webb Closey Quigley, is the only
survivor of those of the first marriage. The remaining living
children are: Mrs. Mary B. Hopkins, wife of G. K. Hopkins; Mrs. Margaret E. Lea, wife of Charles G. Lea; Mr. William
Wirt Edwards; and Mr. Elias Loomis Edwards (1846-1890). Hon.
Nelson G. Edwards, the oldest son of the family, a lawyer of
brilliant promise, died over twenty years ago. One of his
daughters, who occupied a distinguished position, was the late
Matilda Edwards Strong (1822-1851), wife of Hon. Newton D.
Strong of Reading, Pennsylvania. Thus closes a memorable life,
and one that will have a far-reaching influence. In many a grand
struggle for right and progress it bore a great part, and now,
after a serene and calm old age, it ends in peace and rest.
NOTES:
Hon. Cyrus Edwards located about 2 miles east of
Upper Alton, and built a large home in 1837 and began farming.
Today, Gordon Moore Park is located there. He was buried in the
Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
Matilda Edwards Strong,
daughter of Hon. Cyrus and Nancy Harriet (Reed) Edwards, was
born in 1822 in Kentucky. She was educated at Jacksonville
Female Academy, and reared in Edwardsville and Upper Alton. She
spent the winter of 1840-41 at the home of a cousin in
Springfield, Illinois, and attracted the attention of Abraham
Lincoln. She became roommate and rival of Mary Todd, later the
wife of Abraham Lincoln. She married attorney Newton Deming
Strong (1844), brother of Supreme Court Justice William D.
Strong. She moved with her husband to Reading, Pennsylvania,
where he joined a law practice of his brother. She died
unexpectedly in February 1851, while on a trip to Philadelphia.
She is buried in Reading, Pennsylvania.
EDWARDS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1901
George Edwards, colored, of St. Louis, was drowned at
Mitchell Sunday. He was fishing in Long Lake from a boat. The
latter upset, and Edwards went to his death. Deputy Coroner
Streeper held an inquest which developed the above facts.
EDWARDS, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 21, 1866
Died in Troy Precinct, Madison County, December 2, 1866, John
Edwards, Esq., at an advanced age. He was several years a
Justice of the Peace for Madison County, and a very worthy,
honest man.
EDWARDS, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23, 1871
Rev.
Elijah P. Lovejoy Defender
The veterans of the Lovejoy War,
in November 1837, are constantly increasing in number as time
rolls on. The fact is a curious one, when it is remembered that
the survivors of most wars decrease with the lapse of years.
From a northern exchange, we learn of the recent death at
Rockford, Illinois, of Mr. John Edwards. The account states that
“Mr. Edwards had resided in Rockford since 1850. He lived at
Alton during the excitement there, which resulted in the death
of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy. On that occasion, he took a decided
stand in favor of the freedom of the press, and stood guard at
Mr. Lovejoy’s bed with a loaded musket in his hand, the night
before that brave abolitionist was murdered by the pro-slavery
mob. Mr. Edwards, on taking up his residence at Rockford,
identified himself with all projects calculated to advance and
prosper that city.” Who knew Mr.
Edwards in Alton?
EDWARDS, LUCY (nee BLAIR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 6, 1919
Mrs. Lucy Blair Edwards, a daughter of the late
John L. Blair, died yesterday at Oak Park, Ill., at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Julia B. Culbertson, after a long illness.
She was in her seventy-first year. Mrs. Edwards was a member of
a prominent Alton family, being a daughter of the late John L.
Blair, and she resided many years in Alton and Upper Alton. She
was born here October 23, 1848, and was married in Alton to E.
L. Edwards, a brother of Mrs. George K. Hopkins, December 22,
1874. Mr. Edwards died in Minneapolis, very suddenly, in January
1890, leaving his wife and two children. After the death of her
husband, Mrs. Edwards came back to Alton with her son and
daughter, and resided here for a while. Later, when the children
went away and were married, the mother divided her time chiefly
between their homes. The daughter, Mrs. Julia Blair Culbertson,
resides in Oak Park, and the son, John B. Edwards, resides in
St. Louis where he is a member of a very prominent law firm with
his uncle, A. L. Abbott, also a former Altonian. Mrs. Edwards
was an almost lifelong member of the First Baptist Church,
having maintained her membership here though after her marriage
she had made her home for a time in Minneapolis, and since her
widowhood had lived in St. Louis and Chicago part of the time.
Mrs. Edwards had been in bad health for a long time, and her
death was no surprise to her relatives and close friends. She
leaves beside her son and daughter, three sisters: Mrs. Augustus
L. Abbott of St. Louis; Mrs. Lillian M. Caldwell; and Miss Edith
Blair of Alton. The death of Mrs. Edwards will be the cause of
profound regret to a large circle of her friends who knew and
loved her. She possessed personal characteristics which endeared
her to those who came in contact with her and in her religious
life she was devoted to her church and all its works. The burial
will be held at 10:30 Saturday morning in Oakwood cemetery,
where the services will be conducted.
EDWARDS, NANCY E./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 8, 1847
Died on the 6th inst., at Upper Alton, Mrs. Nancy E., wife of
Mr. William Edwards, and daughter of Mr. E. Alvis of Jefferson
County, aged about 24 years. Mrs. Edwards was a member of the M.
E. Church, an exemplary Christian, an affectionate wife, and
devoted mother - leaving a disconsolate husband and helpless
infant to mourn her departure. She died in full assurance of the
hope of the resurrection of the body and of eternal life; giving
evidence that our loss is her infinite gain.
EDWARDS, NELSON GREEN (HONORABLE)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 27, 1852
Attorney; Son of Cyrus Edwards; Nephew to
Governor Ninian Edwards
After a lingering illness of many
months, Hon. Nelson G. Edwards departed this life on Thursday
morning, at his residence in Middletown, leaving a deeply
afflicted wife, two children, and a large circle of friends and
acquaintances to deplore his untimely death.
Mr. Edwards
was one of our most worthy and estimable citizens, and has at
various times filled different offices of public trust with
honor to himself, and to the entire satisfaction of the public.
He was endowed with a vigorous mind, a generous heart, and a
noble soul. His legal attainments were of a high order, and as a
jury lawyer, he deservedly ranked at the head of the Madison
Bar.
As a politician, his views were founded upon
principle, and though of an enthusiastic and nervous
temperament, he was invariably courteous and generous to his
opponents, and always acted, not with a view to his own
emolument or advancement, but from convictions of right, and for
what he esteemed to be his country’s good. As a citizen, we
believe there is not a man in this city who did not love him and
respect him. As a neighbor and a friend, he was warm and firm in
his attachments, and generous and estimable in all the relations
of life. His death is a severe loss to our city.
Saturday
was a melancholy day for the city of Alton. Every countenance
was sad, and every heart was full of grief. The death of our
distinguished and estimable fellow citizen, Hon. Nelson G.
Edwards, cast a gloom over our entire community, and all classes
vied with each other in doing the last sad honors to his memory.
His funeral was by all odds the largest and most imposing
that ever took place in this city. The funeral sermon was
preached at his late residence in Middletown by Rev. R. F. Ellis
of the Baptist Church, after which, according to his request
while living, Piasa Lodge No. 27 of Free and Accepted Masons of
Alton, of which he was a member, assisted by the members of the
Alton Chapter, Franklin Chapter, Franklin Lodge, and Madison
Lodge of Upper Alton, and Edwardsville Lodge, took charge of his
remains and conducted them to the grave. The procession of
citizens in carriages, on horseback, and on foot was very long,
extending, as we are informed, almost the whole length of Henry
Street. At the grave, Rev. S. Y. McMaseras of the Episcopal
Church, Chaplain of Piasa Lodge, officiated, and conducted the
imposing funeral service of the Masonic Order.
It has
seldom been our lot to witness a sadder and more affecting scene
than that which was exhibited when the coffin was lowered to its
last resting place. As those who had loved him in his life bowed
over his grave in the agony of inconsolable grief, every heart
that was there beat quick with stifling emotion, and every eye
dimmed with a tear.
The death of Mr. Edwards is no
ordinary calamity to our city. It leaves a gap, a vacuum in our
midst, which must long remain unhealed. In every respect he was
a noble-hearted, amiable, and generous man, and a most-worthy
and estimable citizen. As an orator, lawyer, and legislator, he
ranked among the first in the State, and his prospects as a
statesman and politician were in every respect brilliant and
commanding. Truly, death has struck a shining mark, and we all
feel and deplore his untimely fate.
Source: Alton Weekly
Courier, August 27, 1852
Death has again struck a shining
mark and caused us anew to mourn his ravages. On yesterday [died
Aug. 19, 1852] at 10 o'clock, our young, gifted and esteemed
fellow citizen, Nelson G. Edwards, was transferred from this
world of trouble, sorrow and tears to one of joy and happiness,
there to rest forever in the bosom of his God. This sad event,
although anticipated for some time past, has cast a gloom over
our citizens, seldom witnessed, and exhibits such a hold upon
the esteem and affection of our people by the deceased, as is
seldom enjoyed, and is alike creditable to his memory, and
honorable to the community in which he moved while living. When
the aged die - those who have measured their "three score years
and ten" - we are apt to consider the debt of nature us justly
due; but when we see the young, the good, the talented and
generous, thus cut down and torn from their families and friends
in the vigor of their youth and usefulness, we start back with
affright, and realize that man's last great enemy is no
respecter of persons - that the young, as well as the aged, are
constantly laid under his dread contribution; and that victory
only can be obtained over him by the aid of the great sacrifice
made for man. The subject of this notice was the oldest son of
the Hon. Cyrus Edwards, of this county, and was born in Kentucky
about the year 1820. About the year 1828, his father removed
from Kentucky to Illinois, and settled in Edwardsville, where
young Edwards attended the best schools which that place then
afforded, until about the year 1837, when his father returned to
Alton, at which place, or in its immediate neighborhood, he has
ever since resided. After removing to Alton, Nelson G. Edwards
attended Shurtleff college in Upper Alton for two or three
years, and although he left the college before graduating for
the purpose of studying law, he several times took the highest
honors of his class. After leaving Shurtleff college, he
commenced the study of the Law with Messrs. Strong & Hall,
attornica, then of this city, and after having studied with
great care and assiduity for over a year, he proceeded to the
Law School at Lexington, Ky., where he attended two courses of
lectures, and on returning home made application for admission
to the bar. After a very close and scorching examination, in
which he sustained himself with great honor, he received his
license and commenced the practice of his profession in the
spring of 1842, and continued in its practice until prostrated
by sickness a few months ago. Thus has passed from our midst one
who justly enjoyed a high position in his profession, for his
ability, talents, honorable conduct, and courtesy to his
brethren of the bar - one who was the affectionate husband and
father, whose loss to his much loved wife and children is
irreparable - one who was the stay of a venerable parent in his
declining years - and one who was an ornament to society,
upright and honorable in all the relations of life. The last
moments of Mr. Edwards were calm, and his mind exhibited all the
serenity of one who calmly awaited the summons of his Master,
fearing not the passage through the grave, but trusting in a
glorified resurrection, and in the prospect of being again
united with the loved ones he left on earth. He labored while
the "day" lasted, and now his "night" has come.
NOTES:
Nelson Green Edwards was the son of Cyrus Edwards and Nancy
Harriet Reed Edwards, and nephew to Illinois Governor Ninian
Edwards. Nelson was married to Harriet Josephine Cooper Edwards.
He is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
EDWARDS, SOPHIA (nee LOOMIS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 7, 1897
Daughter of Hubbell Loomis of Shurtleff
College; Wife of Hon. Cyrus Edwards
Mrs. Sophia Edwards,
widow of the late Hon. Cyrus Edwards, passed away at 6 o’clock
this morning at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. George K.
Hopkins, in Middletown, from the general debilities of old age.
Mrs. Edwards’ illness date from last October, until which time
she had retained much of her vigor and strength. Since then, she
has gradually failed, and for the past four weeks has not been
able to leave her bed, and her death was expected at any time.
Mrs. Edwards was born February 4, 1808, in Willington,
Connecticut, and was therefore 88 years of age her last
birthday. She came west with her father, Rev. Hubbell Loomis, in
1831, and settled at Kaskaskia. In 1833, Mr. Loomis was called
to the Presidency of Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, and then
the subject of this sketch was married November 22, 1837, to
Cyrus Edwards, who for many years was a prominent citizen of
Alton, and filled numerous places of responsibility and honor.
Mr. Edwards died August 31, 1877, just twenty years ago. Three
children survive: W. W. Edwards of Jerseyville; Mrs. George K.
Hopkins of Alton; and Mrs. Margaret Lee of Mansfield, Ohio.
Mrs. Edwards was a lady of many splendid qualities. Since
youth, she has been a member of the Upper Alton Baptist Church,
and her Christian character and lovely life of self—sacrifice
endeared her to all who knew her. Hers way always the kind hand
that lent assistance to those in need, and the memory of noble
deeds done by her will always be cherished by those whom she
benefited. Up to the last few days, she retained consciousness,
and her patience and forbearance in sickness was marvelous. Hers
was a notable and well-spent life, witnessing many of the
stirring scenes of the struggles of pioneers who settled in this
vicinity, and it can truthfully be said that it was beautifully
rounded out, and that she passed into the other world at a ripe
old age, leaving no unfulfilled mission. The funeral will take
place Sunday afternoon from the Baptist Church in Upper Alton.
[Burial was in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]
EDWARDS, WILLIAM WIRT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
23, 1930
Son of Hon. Cyrus Edwards; Nephew of Gov. of
Illinois Ninian Edwards
Civil War Veteran
William Wirt
Edwards was born December 18, 1838, in Alton. He was the son of
Hon. Cyrus Edwards of Upper Alton, and his maternal grandfather
was the Rev. Hubbell Loomis, one of the first presidents of
Shurtleff College. He was also related to Captain D. Burt
Loomis, one of the defenders of the Lovejoy press in Alton. In
1862, Mr. Edwards enlisted in the 80th Illinois Infantry, and
saw active service during the Civil War. He returned to Upper
Alton after the war and engaged in farming.
On February
10, 1870, Edwards married Henrietta D. Smith. Two children were
born – Guy D. Edwards of Concord, California, and Miss Edna L.
Edwards. William Edwards died June 22, 1930, at the age of 91.
He was buried in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville,
Illinois.
EHLENBACH, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1904
The funeral of John Ehlenbach will take place this evening at
7:30 at the Nienhaus boarding house on West Second street. The
fraternal order of Eagles and the Bartenders Union of both of
which deceased was a member, will attend. The body will be taken
to Arcoia on the 8:30 Big Four train.
EHRET, JOHN BAPTISTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 11, 1901
John Baptiste Ehret, an aged resident of
Alton, died at midnight Tuesday at his home, 810 State street,
after suffering four years from the effect of injuries he
sustained by being run into by a bobsled on State street hill,
while a party of boys were coasting down the hill. Mr. Ehret has
been almost helpless because of hip injuries. He was 81 years of
age and was one of the oldest residents of Alton. For many years
he had a shoemaker's shop in the city and was well known to all
the older residents of the city. He leaves three children, two
sons and one daughter. The funeral will take place Thursday
morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be held at St. Mary's
church.
EHRET, PHILIP JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
8, 1918
The funeral of Philip Joseph, the six year old son of
Mr. and Mrs. John Ehret of _______lle street, will be held
Friday at ____ o'clock from home, and will be private. The
little boy died this week following a four weeks' illness of
typhoid fever.
EHRHARDT, IDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4,
1919
Mrs. Ida Ehrhardt, 75 years old, widow of Antone
Ehrhardt, died this morning at four o'clock. She has resided in
Alton for 51 years. Her husband preceded her to the grave 25
years. She leaves a son, Tony Ehrhardt, and a daughter, Mrs. J.
Sieben of Alton; and two brothers, William Keller of Alton and
Joseph Keller of Altoona, Pa. She leaves also three
grandchildren, Will, Leo and Hilda Sieban. The funeral will be
Thursday morning at 8 o'clock from St. Mary's church where
requiem mass will be celebrated, and interment will be in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
EHRLER, GRACE/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 10, 1887
From Upper Alton - Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ehrler have much sympathy
in the loss of their baby, aged about two years, from
diphtheria. Another child is very sick with the same terrible
disease.
EHRLER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28, 1908
Old Time Shoemaker Breaks Last Thread
Louis Ehrler, an
old time shoemaker, one of the last of his kind, died Tuesday
afternoon at his home in Upper Alton after a nine days illness.
He was born in Germany, but came to Upper Alton in 1852. He had
been working at the shoemaker's bench for 56 years, making and
mending the shoes of generation after generation in Upper Alton.
He was known as a good shoemaker, as he put his whole heart into
the work. He took pride in doing his work so it would last well,
living in his business a Christianity he professed in his
church. He was a life-long Methodist and had been a faithful
member of the Upper Alton church. He was an exemplary citizen
and always enjoyed the full confidence of everyone who had any
business with him. During the 56 years he had been at work in
Upper Alton, his shop was seldom closed. Only when he would be
ill, which was very seldom, as he enjoyed good health, would the
door be locked on a week day. One week ago last Sunday he was
taken ill while on his way home from church, and he was taken to
his home, never to get out again. During his dying hours he was
attended by his wife and his children. He leaves two sons, Frank
of St. Louis and Henry of Centralia, Ill., and two daughters,
Mrs. Johnson of Alton and Mrs. M. E. Craft of Kansas City.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
EHRLER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 19, 1880
From Upper Alton – Mrs. Louis Ehrler, a most estimable lady, and
for many years a resident of Upper Alton, died Wednesday after a
long illness. She leaves a husband and several children who have
the sympathy of the community.
EICHEL, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26, 1912
Man Known as "Six Foot Six" Dies at St. Joseph's Hospital
Frank Eichel, aged about 70 years, died last night at St.
Joseph's hospital after an illness from a complication of
troubles. He had been an inmate of the hospital for many years,
but was able to help do chores around the place most of the
time. He was six feet six inches in height, and was at one time
probably the most successful growers of onions on Missouri
Point. Weeding onions is one of the hardest, most back-breaking
jobs on earth, but notwithstanding this, and his almost seven
feet in height, he eclipsed boys and girls and short men and
women as an onion weeder, and he was never known to complain of
his back bothering him. A friend of his told a Telegraph
reporter today that he succeeded in evading aches by sitting on
his heels while in the onion fields, and in this way he kept his
back close to the ground, but in a natural position all of the
time. He has one sister who lives in St. Louis. The funeral will
probably be held tomorrow morning from St. Patricks church.
EICHELMAN, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19,
1913
The funeral of Miss Annie Eichelman, aged 53, who died
yesterday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital, will be held at 8
o'clock Monday morning from St. Mary's Church, where she had
attended faithfully for many years. Burial will be in St.
Joseph's Cemetery.
EICHELMANN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
4, 1909
William Eichelmann, aged 47, died at his home on
Ridge street, between Second and Third street, Tuesday evening
at 8:45 o'clock after a long and painfull illness from
enlargement of the liver. He was employed in the east end for
many years as a grocery clerk, and worked for Barney Fahrig when
he conducted a store on Second street. In recent years he has
been working for F. W. Schneider. He was taken very ill at his
home and had been very low for several weeks. He leaves one
sister, Miss Annie Eichelmann, with whom he lived. He belonged
to the Western Catholic Union and the funeral from St. Mary's
church Thursday morning at 9 o'clock will be under the auspices
of that order.
EICHHORN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27,
1904
Mrs. Elizabeth Eichhorn, a resident of Alton for more
than half a century, died last night at the home, 1013 east
Sixth street, after a short illness. She was about 77 years of
age and leaves three children, two sons and a daughter. The
burial will be Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
church.
EICHORN, KATIE LAMB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
3, 1908
Mrs. Katie Lamb Eichorn, wife of Frank Eichorn of
East Alton, died Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of
her father in Upper Alton, Charles Lamb. She would have been 20
years of age next Friday. Mrs. Eichorn was taken ill about six
months ago with lung trouble. She was moved from her East Alton
home to the home of her father when it became apparent she was
very ill. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock
in St. Mary's church, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
EIHAUSEN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1881
From Bethalto - Mr. William Eihausen died rather suddenly at his
residence, two and a half miles south of Bethalto, last
Saturday. He was 37 years old, a farmer by occupation. He leaves
a wife and three children to mourn his untimely demise. The
funeral took place from the family residence, and a large
concourse of friends followed the remains to their last resting
place in the Lutheran Cemetery. The family have the heartfelt
sympathy of many friends in their sad bereavement.
EILER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 18, 1903
Mrs. Frank Eiler died at St. Joseph's hospital
yesterday afternoon and was buried Wednesday afternoon. Services
were conducted in St. Patrick's church. Mrs. Eiler's death was
due to tyhpoid pneumonia. The family home is 442 east Second
street. The funeral took place this afternoon to Greenwood
cemetery from St. Patrick's church.
EILTS, OLTMANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21,
1919
Blacksmith Killed by C. & A. Train
The body of
Oltmann Eilts, about 65 years old, formerly a blacksmith, was
found on the Chicago and Alton tracks at the "cut off" just
north of Upper Alton, by a trackwalker of the railroad this
morning. It is not known when he was struck. The body was found
before nine o'clock this morning, and when Deputy Coroner
William H. Bauer arrived on the scene about an hour later, the
watch on the dead man's body was still running, so he is thought
not to have been dead more than a few hours. Though most of the
man's clothing was torn from the lower part of his body, the
body was only slightly mangled. One knee cap was broken. The
body was dragged about 1300 feet. The body of Eilts was
identified by a key ring in a pocket of his clothing which bore
his name and address. He lived alone at 2034 Park avenue. He was
formerly a blacksmith, and was at one time employed at the
Illinois Glass Co. plant, and for a time at the Hapgood Plow Co.
factory. He was well known among older residents of the city.
Eilts was a native of Germany, where he is said to have a
brother and sister still living. He came to America in 1890,
since which time he has lived the greater part of the time in
Alton. For some time past Eilts has not worked at his trade but
has spent his time improving his Park avenue home, where he
lived alone. Friends state that he was accustomed to take daily
walks into the country, and it is thought that he was returning
from one of these trips that he was run down and killed. Deputy
Coroner Bauer will hold an inquest this evening.
ELBLE, BENEDICT/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 16, 1872
Co-Owner of Stutz & Elble
Mr. Benedict Elble, of the firm of
Stutz & Elble, a prominent German citizen, died on Monday at his
residence in Alton. His disease was consumption, aggravated by
other disorders. His death is greatly and generally regretted by
all our citizens, and especially by his own countrymen. He was
an upright and honorable business man, and highly esteemed by
all who knew him. He served the city acceptable one term as City
Treasurer, during the fiscal year 1869-70. Mr. Elble leaves a
wife and a large family to mourn his loss. His funeral took
place Wednesday afternoon, at two o’clock from his late
residence on Washington Street. He was buried with Masonic
honors.
ELBLE, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15, 1910
Highway Commissioner Frank Elble died last night at the
Nazareth Home after a long illness from stomach and liver
troubles. He went to the Home almost a year ago and remained for
several months. He apparently recovered and returned to his own
home in east Third street, but a relapse came and a few days ago
he was removed to the Home again. He was 71 years old and had
lived in Alton since 1864, when his cousin, ex-supervisor John
Elble's father brought him from Baden, Germany, to this country.
He never married, and his only near relatives here are his
cousins, John and Len Elble and John Berner Sr. He was elected
highway commissioner several years ago and served as treasurer
of the board for a year. He has many friends who will regret to
hear of his death. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning and
burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery. His death makes a
vacancy in the board of highway commissioners, but as his term
of office would expire next spring, a special election will not
be necessary, and if another member becomes necessary the town
board of auditors can appoint.
ELBLE, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 3, 1881
Mr. and Mrs. John Elble were afflicted by the death of an infant
child after a very brief illness, on Friday last.
ELDER, JUANITA (nee THARP)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 18, 1921
Mrs. Juanita Elder, wife of Asa Elder, died
yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the Baptist Sanitarium in
St. Louis, where she was taken for treatment last Saturday.
Since last spring Mrs. Elder has been ill, suffering from
gallstones and yellow jaundice. Mrs. Elder, who is 28 years of
age, resided with her family at 204 West Ninth Street. Until her
marriage a few years ago, Mrs. Elder was Juanita Tharp. She is
survived by her husband, two year old daughter, two
step-children. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Lettie Kramer
of Kampsville, and Mrs. Laura Greathouse of South Wood River;
besides five brothers, Charles Tharp of South Wood River, Wesley
and Lem Tharp of Pleasant Hill, Ill., Oscar and Clifford Tharp
of Kampsville. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at
three o'clock, Rev. T. H. Williams officiating. Burial will be
in City cemetery.
ELERHT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1912
Charles Elerht died very suddenly at his home, 730 east Fifth
street, last evening. He had been feeling sick for several days,
but was much improved yesterday and was out for a walk in the
afternoon. Returning about 4 o'clock, he said he felt like he
was going to have a chill. Soon after that he was taken with a
convulsion and never regained consciousness again. He passed
away at 10 o'clock. Mr. Elerht was 63 years old and had been a
resident of Alton for about thirty years. He was born in Sweden
and came to the United States when he was about thirty years
old. He was up until very recently an employee of the plow
works. He leaves his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Albert Gent and
Miss Amelia Elerht, and one son, Chalres Elerht Jr., all of
Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the home
to the City cemetery. The services will be conducted by Rev. H.
L. Clark.
ELFGEN, BERTRAM SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 6, 1913
North Alton Mayor, Village Clerk,
Postmaster
Bertram Elfgen Sr., aged 69, died suddenly at his
home, 200 Mather Street, North Alton, Friday evening, at 9:15
o'clock, after an illness from rheumatism of the heart. He had
been in good health, except some rheumatic troubles, and had
just been playing with the children in the yard. He did not
suffer, as death was instant. Mr. Elfgen was a man whose
fondness for his friends made him most companionable and
well-liked by all. "He dwelt in the house by the side of the
road" where the races of men go by, for he loved to be by them
and of them, joying in their joys and sorrowing in their
sorrows, and his hand, his home and his heart was ever and
always open unto them. He was much respected in the North Side
[North Alton], and was the friend of old and young. He had
served several terms as village president before North Alton was
annexed to Alton, and he also served as village clerk. Under
Cleveland's administration he was postmaster at North Alton.
Elfgen was known as a man of a kindly, genial disposition,
and he had many friends throughout the city of Alton and the
country surrounding. Yesterday he was walking about the streets
as usual, greeting his friends, and after supper he engaged in a
romp with his grandchildren on the lawn in front of his home. It
was after this that he was suddenly stricken and death occurred
at once. A surgeon was summoned to give some aid, as it was not
believed the attack was fatal, but nothing could be done for Mr.
Elfgen. Mr. Elfgen leaves a wife, Catherine Kirsch Elfgen
(1845-1930), three daughters, and four sons: Anna Christina
Elfgen Michelbuch; Misses Maude Elfgen of the North Side; Kittie
B. Elfgen Rookwood; Benjamin Earl Elfgen of Los Angeles,
California; Bertram Jr. and Louis Joseph Elfgen of the North
Side; and Frederick Kirsch Elfgen of Grant Park, Illinois.
The news of his death was a shock in the community, as he
had been around during the day, jolly and good natured as was
wont, and had not complained in any way of feeling ill. He was
born in Germany, but came to North Alton when 11 years old and
had resided here ever since. He was engaged in business in North
Alton for many years. He was prominent in the affairs of the
village from the time he attained his majority, and he filled
every office in the village from mayor down. He took a very
active part for 25 years or longer in politics and served the
Democratic Party most of the time as a central or precinct
committeeman. His sudden demise caused intense grief to his
grandchildren, who idolized him, and the little ones are
inconsolable. Funeral arrangements have not been completed
because the family desires to first hear from the two sons, Fred
and Ben. Members of the family request, however, that flowers be
omitted.
NOTES:
Bertram E. Elfgen Sr. was born in
Germany on March 2, 1843. He was the son of Heinrich Elfgen
(1799-1878) and Christina Margaretha Krechel Elfgen (1802-1860).
Heinrich and his family (six children) immigrated to the United
States in 1854. Both Heinrich and Christina are buried in Alton.
Bertram Sr. married Catherine Kirsch in 1867, and they had seven
children. The family settled in North Alton, where he engaged in
business. He served North Alton as Mayor, Village Clerk, and
Postmaster. Bertam’s grand-nephew, Eugene K. Elfgen, purchased
the old Weiglar building in 1948, on the “Wedge,” at Henry and
Broadway, and converted much of the old building into offices.
The building was then named the Elfgen building. Bertram Elfgen
Sr. died September 5, 1913, and is buried in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery.
ELFGEN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 2 &
3, 1887
Mr. Joseph Elfgen of North Alton, a native of
Germany, died last evening after a brief, painful illness, at
the age of 45 years. He left a wife, six children, and two
brothers – Henry and Bertram Elfgen. The funeral was held from
St. Mary’s Church. There was a large attendance, including the
members of both branches of the W.C.U., who marched in a body,
headed by a banner draped in black, making an imposing
appearance.
ELFGEN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 7,
1905
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Elfgen, wife of Henry Elfgen,
was held this morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church.
Services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Meckel, and burial was in
St. Joseph's cemetery. There was a large attendance of friends
of Mrs. Elfgen and of the family at the services, both in the
church and the cemetery.
ELFGEN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 26, 1880
From Godfrey – Mrs. Henry Elfgen died on
Saturday last, after a long illness, leaving a husband and two
small children to mourn their loss.
ELLET, LAURA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 6, 1847
Daughter of Nathan Scarritt of Scarritt's Prairie (Godfrey)
Died on the 4th instant, at the residence of her father, Mr.
Nathan Scarritt of Monticello [Godfrey], Illinois, Mrs. Laura
Ellet, wife of Mr. John J. Ellet of Saint Louis, aged 24. The
deceased has left an afflicted family, and a large circle of
relatives and friends to mourn her loss, consoled only by the
precious words of Revelation - "Blessed are the dead that die in
the Lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do
follow them."
ELLET, LYDIA LITTLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
6, 1904
Died on Her Wedding Anniversary
Death came to
Mrs. Lydia Little Ellet, Friday night, on the 54th anniversary
of her marriage to her husband, Dr. Edward C. Ellet. Dr. and
Mrs. Ellet have been making their home the last five years with
Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Dorsey, 610 East Eleventh street. During the
last year and a half, Mrs. Ellet has been confined to her room
and her end was expected almost any time, but she was up and
around her room yesterday. Death was due to senile debility. She
was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, November 19, 1824. She
was married in Bunker Hill, February 5, 1850, and lived there
with her husband over 47 years. She was known in Bunker Hill for
her kindly disposition, her sympathetic manner and the many good
works done in an unostentatious manner. Five years ago she came
to Alton with her husband to pass her declining years with her
daughter in Alton. She was a gracious woman in whom youth
lingered late, and she did not until the last year lose her
interest in every day events of life. Mrs. Ellet is survived by
her husband and two daughters, Mrs. Dorsey and Mrs. A. R.
Robinson of St. Louis. She also leaves a brother, Walter E.
Scott of San Francisco. The funeral services will be conducted
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Dorsey home, and burial
will be at Bunker Hill Monday, and will be private.
ELLINGTON, CLEM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
3, 1922
Clem E. Ellington, 47, died yesterday at his home,
1508 Central avenue. He had been ailing for six months, but had
been confined to his bed only for the past 12 days. He is
survived by his widow, Ethel, three daughters, Gladys, Lamaria
and Naomi; two sons, Benton and Karl, and his father who is
seriously ill at his home in Donnellson, Ill., his mother, four
sisters and a brother. He was a member of the Central avenue
Lutheran church, and prominently with activities of that church.
Funeral services will be conducted at the Central avenue
Lutheran church tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be
at Donnellson.
ELLIOTT, LAURA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1872
Died on October 28, of sore throat of a diphtheria character,
Laura, daughter of W. J. Elliott, and granddaughter of W. H. and
Mary Carson; aged 6 years.
ELLIOTT, MORENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28,
1913
Mrs. Morena Elliott died this morning at 11 o'clock at
the age of 69 at 907 Main street from old age. Of thirteen
children she leaves but one son, Lacey Elliott, a car repairer
for the Alton Granite and St. Louis Traction Company.
ELIOTT, N. P./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 13, 1874
Died at his residence in Edwardsville on August 8, N. P. Eliott,
in the 70th year of his age.
ELLIOTT, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 18, 1875
Died in Alton on March 15, 1875, at the residence of John Hill,
of general debility, Samuel Elliott; aged 63 years and two
months. He was formerly a member of the 37th Iowa Regiment
(Greybeards).
ELLIOTT, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22, 1850
Died at his residence in the American Bottoms on February 2,
1850, of consumption, Thomas Elliott, Esq., aged about forty
years; having a wife and children, besides numerous friends and
relations to mourn his departure. Mr. Elliott was a most
affectionate husband and father, and was universally beloved by
all who knew him. In his death, the community have lost a
valuable citizen, and the church a devoted member. About fifteen
years previous to his death, he made a profession of the
Christian religion, and united himself with the Baptist Church,
and was a most acceptable member of the same. A short time
before his departure, the ____ was called to see him, which he
avowed his belief that his sickness would be unto death, but, at
the same time, expressed an entire confidence in the mercy of
his God, and ______. “If it is the Lord’s will, I would rather
die than live.” With perfect composure and fully _____ that he
was completing his labors on earth. He arranged his temporal
affairs with remarkable precision and accuracy, and then
expressed himself as though he had obtained a complete victory
over the grave. Brother Elliott rests from his labors, where the
wicked cease from doubting and the weary souls are forever at
rest. May the Lord direct his family in the same haven of
repose.
ELLIOTT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 8, 1909
Mrs. William Elliott expired while
sitting in a chair on the front porch of her home. She has been
ill for two years with tuberculosis, and when the end was near
she asked that she be allowed to sit out on the porch in the
open air where she could view the trees and flowers. Mrs.
Elliott was 32 years of age, and leaves beside her husband three
children, two girls and a little boy. She will be buried from
the home to the Bethalto cemetery tomorrow afternoon. Mrs.
Elliott was a twin sister of John Scherrier of Bethalto.
ELLIS, ABNER Y./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 14, 1878
Mr. Abner Y. Ellis died Sunday at his residence near Moro,
Madison County, aged 71 years. Mr. Ellis was formerly a resident
of Springfield for forty years. He was born November 30, 1807,
at Warsaw, Kentucky, and married in Springfield January 26,
1832, to Ann M. Glasscock. To them were born two children, who
died in infancy, and Mrs. Ellis followed them in 1834. Mr. Ellis
was again married in 1837 at Paddock’s Grove, Madison County, to
Virginia J. Richmond, and by her he had eight children, all born
in Springfield. The second Abner Y. Jr. has been mail clerk in
the post office in Springfield for seventeen years. Mr. Ellis,
in 1865, moved near Moro, Madison County. He was for several
years Deputy Sheriff, salesman in the store of James D. Henry,
and afterwards in the mercantile business on his own. In 1844,
he was elected treasurer of Sangamon County, and served one
term.
ELLIS, JEMIMA (nee MONTGOMERY)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 29, 1922
Mrs. Jemima Ellis, widow of H. Ellis,
died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alfred Boettger, at Moro
Saturday afternoon after a long illness. She was in her
seventy-first year, and all her life she had been a resident of
Madison county. Mrs. Ellis was a member of the Montgomery
family, one of the pioneer families of the county. Her father
was James Montgomery. She was a member of the Moro Presbyterian
church since 1874. In 1878 she married Henry Ellis. Mrs. Ellis
leaves two sons, F. E. Ellis of Litchfield and H. M. Ellis of
Moro, and one daughter at whose home she died, Mrs. Boetger. She
leaves also one brother, James Montgomery of Lodi, Calif., and
one sister, Mrs. Alice Smith of Ocoya, Ill. The late William
Montgomery of Moro was another brother. The funeral was held
this afternoon at 2 o'clock and burial was in the Moro cemetery.
Four of the pallbearers - W. H. Lanterman, L. J. Wood, L. S.
Dorsey and H. E. Dorsey - were elders in the Presbyterian
Church. The two others were N. G. Flagg and C. E. Stahl.
ELLIS, MARY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1852
Died in Alton on the 20th ult., of consumption, Mrs. Mary A.
Ellis, widow of Mr. Henry A. Ellis, aged twenty-two years,
eleven months.
ELLIS, WILLARD FLAGG/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31,
1873
Died on Friday morning, October 21, 1873, at the
residence of his father, A. Y. Ellis Sr., at Moro, Willard Flagg
Ellis; aged 21 years, 2 months, and 13 days. The deceased, the
favorite brother and son in a large, and hitherto unbroken
household circle, was a person of unusual rectitude,
truthfulness, and honor, a favorite among his companions, and
beloved by all who knew him. His death comes suddenly and
seemingly prematurely to blast the fond hopes that had already
clustered about him, but not to obliterate the fond memories of
parent, brother, or sister.
ELLISON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
11, 1922
Son of Pioneer Founder of Marine Dies
Charles M.
Ellison, member of a pioneer family of Marine, died at his home
there of arterial trouble at the age of 69 years. He was the
father of C. C. Ellison, city comptroller. Mr. Ellison was born
in Marine, and except for a few years' residence in Alton, lived
there all his life. He was a son of Jacob Ellison, who settled
in Marine in 1830. He retired from his farm 6 years ago, and has
resided at Marine since. He is survived by his wife, who was
Ellen Inez McKee of Edwardsville, and three sons, C. C. of
Alton, Dr. Olin Ellison of Chicago, Wilbur of Marine, and a
daughter, Mrs. Walter Smith of Alton. The funeral will be from
the home at 2 p.m., Wednesday, and interment will be at Marine.
Alexander Hamilton Bell, a Carlinville lawyer, who was a
classmate of Mr. Ellison, will deliver the funeral address.
ELLISON, MARY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
24, 1910
Husband Came to Marine, Madison County, in 1817 -
Will Be Buried There
Mrs. Mary A. Ellison, widow of Jacob
Ellison, deceased, died early Thursday morning at the home of
her son-in-law, Dr. W. Enos, at Third and George Streets. Mrs.
Ellison had been ill with heart trouble for five years. Last
December she came to Alton to live with her son, C. M. Ellison,
of 514 Langdon street, and later was removed to the home of Dr.
Enos, where he could treat her daily. Last night the end came
very suddenly. Mrs. Ellison was born in St. Albane, Vt., March
4, 1828. She has lived most of her life in Madison county,
residing in Marine for many years, then in Edwardsville for
almost thirty years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church
of Edwardsville, and active in religious work as long as she was
able. Beside her son, C. M. Ellison of Alton, she leaves another
son, T. L. Ellison of Monticello, Minn. Another son, Dr. Edward
Ellison, died at the home of Dr. W. H. Enos in this city in
1896. The late Mrs. W. H. Enos was the only daughter. The
funeral will be held from the home of Dr. W. H. Enos at 2
o'clock Sunday afternoon, and after the services the remains
will be taken to Marine, where Mrs. Ellison will be buried by
the side of her husband, who preceded her to the grave in 1881.
Mrs. Ellison is well known to the older residents of Madison
county, being one of the old settlers.
ELLISON, MARY JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1838
Killed
by Lightning
We regret to state that Miss Mary Jane Ellison,
daughter of Mr. Elijah Ellison of Marine town, in this county,
was killed by lightning on last Monday night, at about 10
o'clock. She was engaged in preparing supper for her brothers,
who had just returned from the election, when the electric fluid
descended the chimney near which she was standing, and
instantaneously deprived her of life. The deceased was 10 years
old, and much beloved by her family and acquaintances.
ELLISON, ZILPHAET/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1846
Died, at Marine Settlement, on the 6th inst., Mrs. Zilphaet
Ellison, aged 28, wife of Mr. Townsend Ellison, and daughter of
Mr. Andrew Parker of that place. In the sudden death of Mrs.
Ellison, the community is called not only to sympathize with the
bereaved husband and family in their irreparable loss and deep
affliction, but to mourn the departure of one of the excellent
of the earth. Such was Mrs. Ellison in all the relations which
she sustained in life. As daughter, sister, wife and mother, she
was an example worthy to be copied; while as a Christian, her
influence was fell during some 14 years that she adorned the
doctrine of God our Savior, not so much by loud profession as by
consistent conduct, carrying out the principles of religion in
all the departments of life. She became connected with the
Presbyterian Church at Collinsville in 1831, and soon after
removed to Marine, where she united with some others in
constituting a church of which she continued a valued member
until her death.
ELLSWORTH, W. H./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1880
Mrs. W. H. Ellsworth died at her residence Monday evening of
scrofula, aged 48 years.
ELSEN, ADOLPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6,
1902
Adolph Elsen, aged 61, died this morning at 7 o'clock at
his home, 807 East Third street, after a short illness. He had
been living in Alton many years and was a well known carpenter
and contractor. Of recent years he had been engaged in
contracting exclusively and was one of the most responsible of
the Alton contractors. He leaves his widow and eight children.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and
services will be conducted at the home by Rev. Theodore
Oberhellmann of the Evangelical church.
ELSEN, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 23, 1887
Mr. Frederick Elsen, a resident on Ridge Street, between Fourth
and Fifth, died yesterday of cholera morbus while visiting
relatives near Hillsboro, at the age of about 50 years. The
remains were brought to Alton on the Chicago & Alton train
yesterday evening. Deceased left four children. The funeral took
place from the family residence.
ELSEN, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1903
Mrs. Kate Elsen, widow of the late Otto Elsen, died this morning
at her home, 807 east Third street, after a short illness, aged
57. She had lived in Alton many years, and among those who knew
her she was very highly esteemed as a friend and neighbor. She
leaves a family consisting of four daughters and three sons. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home, and services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore
Oberhellman.
ELSEN, MARZELLA (nee CONWAY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 15, 1920
Mrs. Marzella Elsen, aged 38, died this
morning at 4:30 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital where she was
taken three weeks ago, following an explosion of a small heating
stove. The flames from the exploding stove set fire to Mrs.
Elsen's clothes, and before help could be procured the woman was
severely burned. For a month before the accident occurred, Mrs.
Elsen was in poor health and was not able to be about very much.
Mrs. Elsen was born in St. Louis, but has resided in Alton for a
long number of years. She was the possessor of a wide circle of
friends, her charming personality making her popular among those
with whom she came in contact. She will be buried Saturday
morning from the home of John Purcell, 1017 East Seventh street,
to St. Patricks's church. The funeral was set for Saturday
awaiting the arrival of two brothers, Fred Conway of Montreal,
Canada, and John Conway of San Diego, Calif. Mrs. Elsen resided
at 452 East Broadway, but was at the Purcell home when she was
burned. Her maiden name was Marzella Conway. She is survived by
two sisters and four brothers: Mrs. Georgia Denker of
Indianapolis, Ind.; Frank Conway of Denver, Colo.; Fred Conway
of Montreal, Canada; Clarence Conway of St. Louis; John Conway
of San Diego, Calif.; and Mrs. Celssie Gray of St. Louis.
ELSNER, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 12, 1918
The funeral of the baby of Mrs. William
Elsner was held this morning from St. Patrick's Church, and
interment was in Greenwood Cemetery. The baby died at the home
of its aunt, ..... [unreadable].
ERBECK, CHARLES WILLIAM “WILLIE”/Source: Alton Daily
Telegraph
Drowned in Mississippi River
Willie Erbeck, aged
15 years, son of the late William Erbeck Sr., was drowned in the
Mississippi yesterday afternoon, about a quarter of a mile above
the Water Works, a dangerous place, and one that has in times
past proved fatal to several of the youth of Alton. It seems
that the lad, with a number of companions, was bathing between
the shore, and a wood barge moored at a point of land putting
into the stream. Suddenly he was seen struggling in the current,
fifteen or twenty feet from shore, and making desperate efforts
to save himself, without any outcry, however. A man went to his
assistance and caught hold of him, but was obliged to relinquish
the effort to save his own life, and the unfortunate lad soon
disappeared beneath the treacherous, rolling flood. As he was
quite a good swimmer, it is supposed that he was seized with
cramps in his lower limbs, the water being unusually cold for
the season. The alarm was spread, and a crowd gathered on the
riverbank, intent on recovering the body. Guns were fired over
the spot, grappling hooks and other appliances were used, but
without success.
The drowned boy was a noble, manly
little fellow, one of the main stays of his widowed mother, on
whom his sudden death falls with crushing force. He was the
pride of his employer, Mr. C. M. Crandall, with whom he had been
engaged over a year, and who found him ever thoroughly
trustworthy and reliable, with business tact and capacity far
beyond his years. The stricken mother and other relatives have
the sympathy of the whole community.
NOTES:
Willie
Erbeck was born in 1867, and was the son of Charles William
Erbeck Sr. (1822-1869) and Franziska (Keene) Erbeck (1835-1900).
He had one sister – Caroline Erbeck Fell (1854-1914), and one
brother – Albert Frederick ERbeck (1856-1925). The body of
Willie was recovered from the river, and was buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.
ELWELL, DOLLIE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 6, 1879
From Upper Alton – After less than a week’s illness with
pneumonia, at half past two yesterday, Miss Dollie E. Elwell
passed from temporal to spiritual life. Naturally delicate in
constitution, she could not rally from the first attack, and
since Sunday has been gradually sinking into unconsciousness,
and finally into a death that was as peaceful as her life had
been. The deceased was a lovely young lady of 21 years of age,
of extraordinary beauty of person and character, and in her
church, sabbath school, college, and social relations, was a
favorite with all. She was a daughter of Mr. William Elwell, for
many years a resident of Yuba County, California. Mrs. Elwell
lives with her father, H. S. Summers, an aged man, who in his
dotage, calls pitifully for his granddaughter, his Dollie. This
sad bereavement falls on the whole community. The funeral
services will be attended from the Baptist Church tomorrow.
[Burial was in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. She was 20
years, 11 months, and 17 days old.]
ELWELL, FANNIE TATUM/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7,
1878
Died January 23, 1878, at the residence of her
grandfather, John Atkins, in Upper Alton, of membranous croup,
Fannie Tatum, only child of John and Maria Elwell; aged nineteen
months and eight days. Little Fannie was very interesting, and a
great favorite with the family. The loss to Captain Elwell and
wife can only be appreciated by those who have lost the ones
they loved.
ELWELL, FLORA BELLE/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 28, 1877
Died in Upper Alton on June 21 of whooping cough, Flora Belle,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Elwell; aged three years and six
months.
ELWELL, J. M./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1866
Died
in Upper Alton, on the ___th day of June, 1866, J. M. Elwell, in
his 76th years.
ELWELL, SARAH J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8,
1902
After a long life spent in Upper Alton, Mrs. Sarah J.
Elwell died Friday morning at 4 o'clock after a four weeks
illness. She was the widow of William Elwell who died twenty
years ago. Mrs. Elwell was a member of the Upper Alton Methodist
church many years. She left no children and but few living
relatives. For many years she made her home alone on Manning
street. She leaves a sister, Mrs. R. Garton, wife of Rev. Dr. R.
Garton, pastor of the Centralia Baptist church, and a brother,
W. H. Summers of Los Angeles. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Garton are in
Upper Alton and will remain over until after the funeral, which
will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the family
home on Manning street to Oakwood cemetery. Services will be
conducted by Rev. L. M. Waterman and Rev. M. L. Cole. A nephew
of Mrs. Elwell, John G. Farmer of Cedar Rapids, Ia., a district
passenger agent for the Rock Island, will attend the funeral.
ELWELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20,
1908
Dies From Football Injuries
The death of William
Elwell occurred Friday morning at an early hour at the home of
his parents in Upper Alton. He became very much worse yesterday
and last evening all hope of his recovery was given up. The
attending physician attributes his death to pneumonia, although
he was suffering from the effects of injuries he received in a
football game two weeks ago tomorrow. He was a member of the
Alton division of Naval militia and the funeral, which will be
held Sunday, will be attended by the members of that
organization, and they will show the honors of the naval militia
to the dead. The young man was very popular and had a large
number of friends. In his own home he was the idol of his
parents and other members of his family, and his death is a sad
blow to them.
EMBRY,
JAMES CRAWFORD (BISHOP)Source: Syracuse, NY Daily Journal,
August 14, 1897
Minister of the Alton African Methodist
Episcopal Church
By the death of Reverend James Crawford
Embry, one of the Bishops of the African Methodist Church, the
negroes of the country have lost one of their best friends.
Bishop Embry was born in Knox County, Indiana, on November 2,
1834. He received his early education in the schools near his
home, and when 20 years old went West, where he wandered for
several years, finally settling at Galena, Illinois, and
beginning study for the ministry. During 1862, he made a number
of unsuccessful efforts to enter the Union army as a soldier,
but eventually entered the service to carry stores from a supply
boat on the Mississippi to General Grant's army. Later, he was
transferred to a hospital steamer, and while on duty there
assisted in carrying a large number of wounded soldiers to the
North. In the latter part of 1883, he left the service and
entered the African Methodist ministry - his first charge being
at Alton, Illinois. There, he attended Shurtleff College to
study Greek. In 1876 Mr. Embry was elected Secretary of
Education by the General Conference and two years later he was
appointed treasurer of the church fund by the Bishops. In 1880,
he became manager of the book-publishing house of the church in
Philadelphia, and in 1884 was made general publisher for the
church - one of his duties being the editing of the Christian
Record. Mr. Embry was elected to the Bishopric of the Seventh
African Methodist Episcopal District in May 1800.
NOTES:
James Crawford Embry was born November 2, 1834, in Knox County,
Indiana. He was converted to Christianity in 1855 in Galena,
Illinois, and was licensed to preach in 1856. He became a
minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in
1863, joined the Annual Conference in 1864, was ordained a
deacon in 1866, and was appointed an elder in 1870. He was
elected AME Secretary of Education in 1876, Financial Secretary
in 1879, business manager of the Publication Department in 1884,
and became the 25th AME Bishop at Wilmington, North Carolina in
1896.
After leaving service for the military in 1883, he
took charge of the AME Church in Alton, which was his first
charge. I believe he served in that position for a year. In
August 1885, Rev. Embry served as the Business Manager of the
annual Illinois Conference of the A. M. E. Church, which met in
Alton.
Bishop Embry was a vital force in the early days
of the AME Church. He built the AME Publishing House in
Philadelphia, purchased the Southern Christian Recorder for the
AME, was a member of the First Ecumenical Conference on
Methodism in London in 1881, and published the revised Allen AME
Church Hymnal in 1892.
Embry died from malaria on August
11, 1897, in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He is buried in
the Merion Memorial Park Cemetery, in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
The Embry Chapel AME Church in Ogden, Utah, is named in his
honor.
EMERSON, OLIVE S./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 20, 1849
Died in Alton on Friday morning, the 12th inst., of cholera,
Mrs. Olive S. Emerson, consort of Mr. Richard Emerson. Mrs.
Emerson was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on the 20th of
February 180_. In early life, she made a profession of religion,
and for many years was a member of the Baldwin Place Baptist
Church in the city of Boston. In 1827, she, with her husband and
family, removed to Alton, in which she has resided until her
decease. In this dispensation of the inscrutable Providence of
God, many relations of the most endearing nature have been
subdued. At an affectionate, judicious, prodent companion, he
who now mourns so deeply his bereavement, can only fully know
her worth. As a careful, painstaking, watchful mother, she was
rarely surpassed. As a member of the Church of Christ, she was
faithful in the performance of her duties, in the social meeting
for prayer, as well as in the more public worship on the Lord’s
day. She has long sung the praises of God in his earthly
sanctuary – she now sings, we doubt not, in sweeter strains, his
praises on high. As a neighbor, her loss will be widely deplored
– the sick and afflicted will miss the gentle hand, the soothing
voice, the patient attentions, she was ever so prompt to use in
the hour of their need.
Of the character of her piety, we
would add, it was unobtrusive, but deep and heart-searching. In
all her lots of piety, she instinctively and characteristically
shrank from public observation, but she communed much with her
own heart, and her God. Only those who were intimate with her
could fully appreciate either her depth of piety or her genuine
worth, so retiring was the tendency of her mind. There lies
before me, at this moment, a paper on which she has sketch some
of the secret workings of her soul, and which clearly indicate
the nature of her piety.
EMERSON, RICHARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1872
Mr. Richard Emerson, who has been a highly respected citizen of
Alton for the last 35 years, died at his residence on August 5,
after a protracted illness. He was an industrious and very
useful citizen, and although of a retiring disposition, occupied
a prominent position in society, and had the confidence and
respect of the entire community. But his loss will be most
seriously felt by his family and the Baptist Church, of which he
had been an active and devoted member from his youth. His
funeral was very largely attended this morning from that church,
the Rev. Washington Leverett of Shurtleff College, who has been
intimately acquainted with him for more than a quarter of a
century, officiating on the occasion. The discourse was very
appropriate, and the exercises solemn and impressive. The
remains were then followed to the cemetery by a large number of
prominent and sympathizing citizens. Thus, one after another, in
quick succession, are our oldest and worthiest residents being
called home to their rest. Emerson was 72 years of his age.
EMERSON, WILLIAM S. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
4, 1837
Died, on Thursday last, after a long and painful
illness, Dr. William S. Emerson, a respectable citizen of this
place, leaving a deeply affected widow, several children, and
many friends, to deplore his loss. A fuller notice will appear
in our next.
EMERT, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1908
Mrs. Hannah Emert, widow of William Emert and mother of Mrs. S.
H. Wyss, died about 3 o'clock Monday morning at the home of W.
J. Burmeister near Belletrees, from heart disease. Mrs. Emert,
with two of the children of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Wyss, went to
Belletrees Sunday morning with Miss Mamie Burmeister, who lives
at the Wyss home, intending to spend the day at the home of Miss
Burmeister's parents. Last evening they telephoned Mr. Wyss that
because of the rain they would remain at the Burmeister home all
night and return to Alton this morning. Between 2 and 3 o'clock
this morning inmates of the Burmeister home were aroused by Mrs.
Emert, who said she was feeling deathly sick and that her heart
hurt her. A doctor was telephoned for, but before his arrival
Mrs. Emert had passed away. Mrs. Emert was 71 years old and
leaves two children, Mrs. Wyss of Alton and Mrs. Charles
Fosterburg of St. Louis. A brother, Louis Johnson of East St.
Louis, also survives. Mrs. Henry Schmoeller of Alton is a niece.
Mrs. Emert is the owner of a large tract of fine farming land in
the American Bottoms below Edwardsville Crossing, and for years
after the death of her husband she conducted the farm
successfully. A few years ago she left the farm to make her home
with Mr. and Mrs. Wyss. She was widely and favorably known
throughout the American Bottoms, between East St. Louis and
Alton, and the news of her sudden demise will shock these
numerous acquaintances. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning from the St. Mary's church.
EMERT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 18, 1873
Died
on July 14 in the American Bottom, William Emert, of
inflammation of the bowels, in the 56th year of his age.
EMERY, CLAUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19,
1922
Child's Clothing Set On Fire
While Mrs. Walter Emery
of 107 Missouri Avenue went to a store across the street to get
some earache medicine to relieve another little child in the
house who was crying with pain, she left her 2 year old son,
Claude, in the kitchen, near a stove. She returned to find that
in her absence the boy had gotten against the hot stove, had set
fire to his clothes, and that the cries of the frenzied child
had attracted neighbors, who were doing what they could to save
him. The child's clothes were burned from his body, all that
remained on him being his shoes. He was burned from head to foot
and surgeons summoned said that he would die. The child died
shortly after noon from the effects of its burns. There are
seven children in the family. Mr. Emery has been out of work for
a long time and he was uptown looking for a job, it was said.
Efforts were made to find him without avail, for a long time
after the accident, so he could be informed of the tragedy in
his home. The child was two years old last Monday. The plight of
the family is a sad one, owing to the fact that the father is
out of work and has been for a long time. Troubles have been
hitting them hard and frequently, but they have been trying to
get along. It developed this afternoon that the family were
without coal, and were burning willows to keep warm. The order
had been given to keep warmer the little home where the ten
people crowded into a few rooms and so the fire was being stoked
up with more willows when popping fragments of the burning wood
set fire to the boy's clothes. The Red Cross supplied coal and
other requirements of the family and had the boy removed to the
hospital. Special Officer Jeffers, who investigated the burning,
said that there was an ??? [unreadable] place in the kitchen
stove and it was at this place that the child came in contact
with fire and set fire to his garments. The only other person in
the house was the child suffering from earache, who was upstairs
in bed. The mother did not hear the shrieks of the little boy as
his clothes burned from his body, but neighbors did and rushed
in, not knowing that the two little children were unattended
during the time the mother had gone to the store.
EMERY, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 21,
1908
Mrs. Elizabeth Emery, wife of George Emery, died
Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock at her residence, Ninth and
Langdon streets, after being an invalid for twenty years. Mrs.
Emery's death was rather unexpected. Although she had been
confined to her home most of the time during the years she was
an invalid, and she had suffered many sudden illnesses in that
time, her family were wholly unprepared for the fatal turn her
malady took. They were confidently expecting Mrs. Emery would
rally from this attack, until yesterday morning when they were
prepared for the worst. Mrs. Emery was a native of Derby,
England, being born April 11, 1840. She came to America and to
Alton when she was four years of age and had lived in Alton ever
since. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Handsacker. She was married
to George Emery, who survives her, in December 1855. She became
a member of the First Baptist church of Alton in 1863, and ever
since had been a devoted, conscientious member of that
organization. During her long period of married life, extending
during a period of over 52 years, she had been a devoted wife
and mother. Her aged partner in life has been sorely stricken in
the loss of his wife. He too has been in poor health and has
scarcely been off his home place in a year, and the death of
Mrs. Emery is especially distressing to him. Beside her husband,
she leaves two children, Mrs. James W. Smith and Mrs. E. S.
McDonough, both residents of Alton. During her long illness,
Mrs. Emery's daughters had been constant in their attendance and
no doubt the dutiful attentions of her husband and daughters did
much to prolong a life that many times seemed about to go out.
The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
residence.
EMERY, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17, 1911
George Emery, a resident of Alton since 1854, died Sunday
afternoon at 4 o'clock, in his 78th year, at his home, Ninth and
Langdon streets. Mr. Emery had been very ill for a year, and his
recovery could not be expected on account of his advanced age
and the gravity of his malady. His death did not come as a
surprise. Mr. Emery was born in Bedfordshire, England. Ever
since he came to Alton when he was a young man of 20 years, he
had followed the insurance business, and he continued that
occupation until he became too feeble to pursue it further. He
was a kindly, genial man, highly esteemed by all who knew him.
He served for twenty years altogether as secretary or treasurer
of the Alton Board of Education, the greater part of the time
filling the office of secretary. When he became too old to
continue at that post, he was given the post of treasurer, which
did not require so much labor. He was a member of the Baptist
church, and a very devout Christian. He leaves two daughters,
Mrs. James W. Smith, and Mrs. E. L. McDonough. The funeral of
Mr. Emery will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from his
late home, Rev. L. A. Abbott officiating.
EMMERT, MINNIE PERVIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 14, 1900
Mrs. Minnie Pervis Emmert died last
evening at 4 o'clock after an illness of many months with
consumption. She was 35 years of age, and had lived in Alton
many years, having conducted a boarding house in the East End.
She leaves one son, Bernard. The funeral will be tomorrow
morning at 8:30 a.m., and services will be at the home on
Shields street.
EMMETT, ROBERT/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February
1, 1893
Robert Emmett died at the County Poor Farm Thursday
[Jan. 26]. He was 34 years of age, and was an educated
gentleman, of good manners. He was a bridge carpenter, and
during the construction of the Merchants Bridge, on which he was
employed, he fell and struck his head on a rock, from the
effects of which he has been sadly afflicted since he was
admitted to the poor farm in July 1891. He continually walked
the streets or about the farm. This exercise was a great relief
to him.
ENGLAND, FRED L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1920
Mistaken for a Prowler, Man Shot by Friend's Wife
Fred England, a laborer at the gas works of the Alton Gas and
Electric Co., was probably fatally wounded with a bullet through
the neck, cutting his spinal cord, when Mrs. Beatrice Dearinger,
wife of William Dearinger, mistook him for a prowler and fire at
him. According to the story told by the wounded man and by his
wife and Mrs. Dearinger, the shooting was the work of an excited
woman who had been armed to defend herself against prowlers. The
wounded man confirmed in every detail the story told by the
woman who shot him. The wife of the wounded man, who was a
witness of the shooting, also agreed in the stories. The two
couples, Mr. and Mrs. W. Dearinger and Mr. and Mrs. Fred
England, had come here from Roodhouse, and the husbands had
taken jobs in the plant of the Alton Gas and Electric Co. They
secured rooms together at 18 East Ninth street, and occupied it
as a common home. The husbands worked together at night. Both
women were in bad health, and both were very nervous. Sunday
night about 9 o'clock, England volunteered to go over to the
house, a short distance from the gas works, and see how the
women were getting along. It seems that the women had become
very nervous about some prowler being about the place a short
time before, and both had revolvers for use in case anyone
disturbed them. The women were together when Mrs. Dearinger
looking down a flight of steps leading up to their rooms,
exclaimed, "There he is." They thought that a prowler was
standing at the corner. Then the supposed prowler started to
climb the steps, and Mrs. Dearinger, in her excitement, fired
and the man fell. Then it was discovered that the victim of Mrs.
Dearinger's aim was Mrs. England's husband. Dearinger was called
over from the gas works, where he was employed as a laborer, and
he said that he recognized England with difficulty in the dark
where he had fallen. The wounded man was taken to St. Joseph's
Hospital where surgeons said that the ball had entered the back
of the neck and had cut the spinal cord in two, destroying the
action of the motor and sensory nerves and leaving England
helpless from the neck down. They said that he could not live.
Under the circumstances, a statement was sought from England,
who was able to talk, and the statement he gave tallied with
that given by the two women to the police and to newspaper men.
After the discovery was made that England had been shot instead
of a prowler, and that he had suffered because of his interest
in the welfare of the two women who were very nervous and
excitable in their state of health, Mrs. England was overcome.
Later Mrs. Dearinger was taken to police headquarters and held
there for the night to await developments. Her husband stayed
with her in the detention room all night. The wounded man is 23
years of age. Mrs. Dearinger is only 17 years of age. The
Dearingers had been married only nine months. Speaking of the
shooting this morning, Dearinger said that the two families had
been the best of friends, and that when they came here from
Roodhouse they had decided to live together, occupying their
rooms jointly. He said that England had even tried to get
transferred to the same work as Dearinger was doing so the men
could be together in their work. He said that England came to
him Sunday night and suggested that inasmuch as the women were
nervous, he would go over and see if everything was all right,
and be back in a few minutes. He said that England must have
climbed about three of the steps when the shot was fired. Mrs.
England, too, held a revolver in her hand, but did not fire at
England. The weapon with which the shooting was done is a 32
calibre. The origin of the nervousness of the women over
prowlers was, Dearinger said, a visit made a short time before
to their place by someone who was apparently trying to get in.
Ever since that, the women have been worried about nocturnal
prowlers, and had prepared themselves to resist an invasion of
their home. Dearinger said that there was absolutely nothing
wrong with the visit of England at the home, that he went with
the best of intentions, merely to quiet any fears the women
might have, and to assure them that if anything happened, he
would be near. Dearinger said that as England appeared at the
corner, the women had not seen him come across the street, and
they mistook him for a prowler. "There he is," shouted Mrs.
Dearinger, and with that she fired. The woman was not a good
marksman, and the bullet striking England in the neck must have
been a pure accident. There has been no satisfactory explanation
of the bullet hitting in the back of the neck, unless England
had just turned, realizing he was unrecognized and that the
women were armed, and intended to hunt cover until he could make
explanation. This noon, Assistant States Attorney Gilson
Brown and Chief of Police Fitzgerald went to the hospital with
the intention of taking the dying statement of the wounded man,
but they found that he does not think he will die. Therefore, a
dying statement could not be taken. The doctors had Xrayed him
and found that the bullet had lodged in the spine, and that it
had shattered two vertebrae. The wounded man said that as he
crossed the railroad track he heard the woman who shot him say
"There he comes," and that when he started up the steps, she
shot from a window above him. The wife of the wounded man said
that she and her husband had gotten along well ever since their
marriage.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 19,
1920
Fred L. England, 23 years old, who was shot Sunday night
on the doorstep of his home, 8 East Ninth street, by Mrs.
Beatrice Dearinger, 17 years old, when mistaken for a prowler by
Mrs. Beatrice Dearinger, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 4
o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mrs. Dearinger, who has been held
in the detention room at police headquarters, has not been told
of England's death, on account of her delicate state of health,
and officials intend to keep her in ignorance of it for a time.
A coroner's jury, called by Deputy Coroner Bauer, Tuesday
morning, exonerated Mrs. Dearinger for the killing, after Mrs.
Pearl England, widow of the slain man, had told the story of the
tragedy. William Dearinger and England had been friends for a
number of years in Roodhouse, and when both were married about a
year ago, they decided to move to Alton. The two couples lived
together at the Ninth street address, and the husbands worked
together at night in the Alton Gas Plant. Recently, the widow
related, the women had become obsessed with the fear of prowlers
in the neighborhood, and were constantly in terror of marauders
entering their home in the absence of their husbands and doing
them harm. They secured revolvers to protect themselves against
invaders, she continued, and Sunday night were sitting together
in a front room of their home in a very nervous state as a
result of their obsession. Both women saw a man cross the
railroad tracks nearby and walk toward their house. Mrs.
Dearinger was fear-stricken, the widow testified, and screamed,
"Here he comes!" and fired her revolver from the window as the
man started up the steps. The victim cried out once and fell to
the ground. It was then discovered that the wounded man was
England, who had come home from work for a few minutes to see
that all was well with the women. The bullet had entered the
back of his neck, severing the spinal cord, and paralyzing the
lower part of his body. In a statement shortly before his death,
England freed Mrs. Dearinger of blame for the shooting, saying
it must have been a mistake caused by her nervous condition.
Dearinger has been with his wife constantly since the shooting,
and with the aid of the officials hopes to keep her in ignorance
of his friend's death as long as possible, fearing knowledge of
it would be disastrous. He intends to take her and Mrs. England
to Roodhouse, where they will be among old friends and apprise
her of the tragedy after the crisis in her health has been
passed. England's body will be taken to Roodhouse for burial.
ENGLAND, W. OTIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6,
1905
Man Shot and Killed
There was a surprising change in
the stories about the killing of Otis England today when Deputy
Coroner Keiser held an inquest over the body of the young man
who died at St. Joseph's hospital at 5:50 a.m. today. Men who
had told stories hitherto which shielded Ed Blankenship from all
blame, turned around and testified to the coroner's jury in such
a manner as to indicate that Blankenship not only committed
murder, but provoked it and prepared himself to kill England by
procuring a revolver in advance "in case of trouble." Robert
Rundle was perhaps the worst witness against Blankenship. On
Sunday night he exonerated the man completely and his story then
was diametrically opposed to what he swore to this morning
before Deputy Coroner Keiser's jury.....The coroner's jury found
a verdict as follows: That "W. Otis England came to his death by
a gunshot wound by the hand of Edward Blankenship, and we hold
Blankenship responsible for his death."\
ENGLEHARDT, HENRY H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
5, 1918
WWI Soldier Dies a Hero on Fourth of July
Henry
H. Englehardt, of Alton, aged 27, died on the field of battle in
France on the Fourth of July. This message has just come to his
brother in a letter from Harry's Colonel in France, Col. Abel
Davis. The letter which is dated July 9, 1918, somewhere in
France, is as follows: "Mr. Herman F. Englehardt, Alton, Ill. My
Dear Mr. Englehardt: On July 4, 1918, this regiment participated
in an engagement in which your brother, Henry H. Englehardt,
Private, Co. G, took part. In this engagement Henry died on the
battlefield. From personal accounts of his comrades, I may vouch
that he died a hero. The engagement terminated in a hand to hand
fight, in which all of our men participated, your brother among
them. The officers and men of the regiment mourn his loss and
extend their condolences to you. He has not died in vain. In
future engagements in which this regiment may take part, your
brother's gallant and heroic deeds shall be our inspiration to
carry us to victory. Sincerely yours, Abel W. Davis, Colonel."
Harry wrote a letter dated July 2, in which he said that he did
not know where he would be on the Fourth of July. He also said
he did not know how soon he could write again. That letter
reached his brother Saturday morning. Monday morning, two days
later, came the letter announcing his death. Henry Englehardt,
who was employed in the Duncan Foundry and Machine Shops, left
Alton September 20 with the second contingent of 82 men for Camp
Taylor, Kentucky.
ENGLEHART, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10,
1903
Henry Englehart, one of the best known and wealthiest
farmers of Ft. Russell township, died at his home from injuries
received in a runaway Monday. Mr. Engelhart was 81 years of age.
The funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the home.
ENGLEMAN, F./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On
March 29, 1870, Mr. F. Engleman, a farmer residing near
Edwardsville, was killed by a fall from his wagon.
ENGLIS, RACHEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1847
Died in Alton on the 31st March at the residence of her
son-in-law, P. T. Tuthill, Mrs. Rachel Englis, widow of the late
Captain Andrew Englis of Onondaga County, New York, in the 78th
year of her age.
ENGLISH, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12,
1907
David English, who had attained the age of 96 years,
died Sunday morning at his farm home in Godfrey township near
the Peter Meyer place on the branch, after being confined to his
bed only a few days. The terrific heat of the past few days is
believed to have weakened him so greatly that the heart refused
longer to pulsate. Mr. English was born in Suffolk, England, and
came to America about sixty years ago. He was employed by the C.
& A. company when the road was being constructed and afterwards,
and holds the unusual record of having worked seven years
without a payday. He was employed at the C. & A. roundhouse in
Alton when this occurred, and the road was then in the hands of
a receiver. He received all of his seven year's pay in one lump
when the receivership ended. He purchased the Godfrey farm
thirty or more years ago and has lived there most of that time.
He was a kindly, sympathetic, charitably disposed man and was
optimistic. His habit of looking on the bright side of things
helped him to live to be 96 years old and his other habit of
saying things to others, calculated to encourage rather than
discourage, helped to keep his heart and ambition young and his
society sought. His wife died several years ago and he is
survived by four children, Miss Hannah English who lived with
her father, Mrs. Sarah McKissock of Alton, Mrs. Rebecca Jenkins
of Springfield, Ill., and George English of Lehigh, Indian
Territory. In addition, he leaves nineteen grandchildren and
eleven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Tuesday
morning at 10 o'clock from the home where services will be
conducted by the Rev. H. M. Chittenden. Burial will be in City
cemetery.
ENGLISH, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28,
1912
Section Hand Struck by Italian, Dies Nine Hours Later
John English, 24 east Ninth street, died at 6 o'clock Tuesday
evening at his home, from the effect of a blow administered by
an Italian section hand, Angelo Coulta, who struck English
behind the ear with a shovel. English, as stated Tuesday, was
working at the C. & A. roundhouse, and Coulta was scraping up
some ashes with a shovel nearby. Coulta put his thumb to his
nose, it was said, and twiddled his fingers in a fashion much
effected by naughty boys, and English took offense. He started
to walk toward Coulta, and the Italian fearing he was about to
be subjected to violence, it is said, seized his shovel and
swinging it with a great power he struck English behind the ear.
English afterward walked home, two hours following the assault,
and soon after arriving there and going to bed, he became
unconscious and did not revive. There are several witnesses of
the assault, one being a brother of Coulta. Only one, it is
said, was an American, Frank Trudell. The police are seeking
Coulta, and had failed to find him today. It was said that
Coulta immediately ran away when he first knocked down English.
ENGLISH, ROBERT B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9,
1919
Former City Attorney and One Time Member of Legislature
Robert B. English, in his sixty-ninth year, died Tuesday evening
at 6:40 o'clock at his home, 709 Langdon street, after a long
illness, due to complications and old age. He had been sick
since January and last Sunday was taken much worse. A paralytic
stroke added to the afflictions of Mr. English. Mr. English was
born in Jersey County December 30, 1853. He lived in Calhoun
County for a number of years prior to coming to Alton, and there
he was elected to the legislature, serving one term. After
coming to Alton he served a term as city attorney. He was a
graduate of McKendree College and the Louisville (Ky.) law
school. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Eleanor English, two sons,
Lloyd N. and Paul B. English, and two daughters, Mrs. Eugene
Bishop and Miss Marie English. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and services will be at the home,
after which the body will be taken to Jerseyville for burial on
the family lot. Beside his family in Alton, Mr. English leaves
two brothers, Lloyd T. and John E. English, both of Jerseyville.
He was a son of J. N. English.
ENGLISH, SARAH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January
25, 1895
Mrs. Sarah English, of Godfrey township, wife of
David English, passed peacefully away on Monday afternoon, aged
74 years. She had been quite feeble for sometime. Besides her
husband, four children survive her, Mrs. John McKissock, Mrs.
David Jenkins, Miss Ann English and George English. The funeral
took place this afternoon from the family home to Alton
cemetery, services being conducted by Rev. H N Chittenden, of
St. Paul's Episcopal church.
ENGLISH, WHARTIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 3, 1873
Died on September 25 at the residence of her father, Hon. R. W.
English, on State Street, Miss Whartie English; aged 25 years.
ENNIS, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21,
1905
Ernest Ennis, aged 26, died at St. Joseph's hospital
Monday afternoon due to an illness from consumption. The funeral
was held this afternoon, and burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
He was a brother of John Sweeney of Alton.
ENNIS, UNKNOWN CHILD OF JOHN ENNIS/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 5, 1906
The family of John Ennis, living
on Madison avenue and Monroe street, have been passing through
the vale of affliction, and in truth their sorrows seem to have
multiplied until there seems to be nothing but trouble for them.
The troubles which began some time ago with the fracturing of
one of the legs of the father in a runaway while he was driving
a team, were made worse by the mother being taken ill with
typhoid fever, and reached a climax this morning in the death of
a five months' old daughter. Father and mother were in beds in
one room with the body of their little daughter in another. The
only bright spot in the whole chapter of affliction which befell
the family has been in the kindly sympathy of the neighbors and
the self-denying labors and sacrifices of relatives and members
of the family. ..... Mr. Ennis was employed by E. J. Lockyer,
and it was while driving a team that he suffered his injury.
Since then he has not been out of bed. .... The illness of the
mother left it so that there was no one in the house to take
care of the baby properly, and finally she became ill. There was
no one left to take care of the child, but the mother of Mrs.
Ennis, who is about 80 years of age, but she did all she could,
with the assistance of the small children, and of Mr. Ennis, who
was able at times to attend to the child as he lay in bed. Mrs.
Ennis has been wholly unable to do anything for the child.
Finally, death claimed the little one this morning. The funeral
of the child will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from SS.
Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
ENOS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26, 1904
Frank Enos, aged 37, died at St. Joseph's hospital Friday from
typhoid pneumonia. The body was removed to the home of his
sister, Mrs. John Sweeney, Thirteenth and Alton streets, and the
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Cathedral.
ENOS, HARRIET ELLISON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 20, 1902
Wife of Dr. W. H. Enos Dies Suddenly
Mrs. Harriet Ellison Enos, wife of Dr. W. H. Enos, died suddenly
Wednesday evening at the family home, the Enos Sanitarium at
Third and George streets, after a short illness. The immediate
cause of her death was heart disease from which she had been a
sufferer for some time. The attacks of heart trouble had been
light, previous to the last one and her condition was not
considered serious. Wednesday she complained of being ill and
she developed a case of the grip. Her husband remained with her,
and toward evening she said she was much better and urged Dr.
Enos to make a trip to Moro in response to a professional call.
He did so reluctantly, and was away from home when Mrs. Enos
died. While her oldest daughter was attending her Mrs. Enos was
taken with a sudden attack of heart pains, and in a few minutes,
and before medical assistance could be given her, she died. Mrs.
Enos was born at Marine, Ill., and was the daughter of the late
Jacob Ellison of that place. Her mother, Mrs. Ellison, is now a
resident of Edwardsville. She came to Alton with her husband and
had been much interested in the Sanitarium since it was
established here. She was a devoted worker in the causes of
uplifting humanity, and in her home was thoroughly absorbed in
her home duties. She leaves besides her husband, five children
who mourn the loss of the best of mothers. She was 43 years of
age. The funeral will take place Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the residence. Interment will be in City Cemetery.
ENOS, HOMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1916
Son of Dr. W. H. Enos Dies Suddenly In His Sleep
Homer Enos,
son of Dr. W. H. Enos, died in his sleep some time during Sunday
night or Monday morning. He was 19 years of age May 5. The young
man had been in bad health for a number of years. He had been a
sufferer from heart trouble, a malady that caused the death of
his mother about twelve years ago when he was a small boy. His
father had been treating him for heart trouble for years, and
the young man had been near death's door several times, but had
always rallied. His father had been expecting a fatal
termination of the trouble at almost any time. On Sunday Homer
had been in good spirits and had spent the evening with a
neighbor in the Enos flats. He returned home and retired about
10 o'clock. When he did not rise this morning, an investigation
was made at his room and it was found that he had died in his
sleep. There was no evidence of any suffering, and it appeared
that after he had fallen asleep his heart had stopped beating.
He lay as if asleep, with the bed clothes not in the least
disarranged. The father said this afternoon that his son's death
was no surprise to him, as he had realized for some time that
the defective heart might suddenly cease action, as it had
threatened to do several times in the past. The young man leaves
his father, three brothers, Edward, Louis and Ellison, and one
sister, Miss Cordelia.
ENOS, SALOME (nee PADDOCK)/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph,
November 1, 1877
Died at Springfield, Illinois, on Thursday,
October 25, 1877, at 10 o’clock a.m., Mrs. Salome Enos, in the
87th year of her age. Mrs. Enos was a daughter of the late Gaius
Paddock, a soldier of the Revolutionary War and early settler of
this county. Mrs. Enos came west with her husband, Pascal P.
Enos, and her father’s family, in the year 1815. In 1823, Mr.
Enos was appointed Receiver of Public Monies at the newly
established land office at Springfield, and removed from Madison
County to that place, where Mrs. Enos has resided during the
last 54 years. She was a woman of great strength of character,
and energy of purpose, of warm feelings, and great kindness of
heart, and a wide circle, not only of relatives, but of friends,
will cherish her memory.
ENSINGER, SARAH L. (nee GARRON)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 11, 1886
Mrs. Sarah L., wife of Mr. William F.
Ensinger, and mother of Mr. William E. and Miss L. Bessie
Hubbell, died this morning after a long and painful illness,
caused by cancer, in the 50th year of her age. Mrs. Ensinger was
the youngest of a family of 19 children. She was for thirty
years a resident of Alton, a faithful Christian, foremost in
every good work, untiring in devotion to the poor, the needy,
the sorrowing. She left a very large circle of friends who will
deeply and sincerely mourn her death. She had suffered greatly
for the past six months from the dread disease that finally
proved fatal, but passed away quietly, peacefully, trustingly,
her last audible word, pronounced just before she entered the
dark waters, being the name of her daughter, “Bessie.”
Sarah L. Ensinger was born in Philadelphia, May 5, 1836. Her
maiden name was Garron. She came West in 1854, and on July 3,
1855, was married to Louis B. Hubbell, by whom she had five
children, two of whom, William E. Hubbell and L. Bessie Hubbell,
survive her. On July 6, 1870, Mr. Hubbell died, and on October
16, 1873, she was married to her now bereaved husband, William
F. Ensinger. She was converted in the year 1857, and joined the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church; afterward, with her husband, the
Baptist Church; and finally, in 1874, the Methodist Episcopal
Church. She was active, never-tiring in Sunday School, church,
and temperance work, always found “abounding in the work of the
Lord, inasmuch as she knew that her labors were not in vain in
the Lord.”
ENSINGER, WILLIAM F./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 1,
1887
Mr. William F. Ensinger, one of our best known, most
highly esteemed citizens, died last night after a brief but
painful illness. He was in his usual health until Tuesday
afternoon, when he was seized with the attack that caused his
death. He retained his faculties up to the last hour, and his
final words spoken to his pastor, Rev. R. H. Manier, were “The
way is clear.” December was a kind, conscientious, whole-souled
Christian, and his death is a loss to the entire community. He
had long been a faithful member of the Methodist Church, a
teacher in the Sabbath School, and was a trustee of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church in Alton. He left no near relatives,
but had a half-sister in Philadelphia, and a brother-in-law in
Germany. Those most immediately bereft are his sisters-in-law,
Mrs. R. W. Stevens, and his stepchildren, William and Bessie
Hubbell.
William F. Ensinger was born at Wurtemburg,
Germany, September 27, 1830. He came to America when about 16
years old; lived first at Wheeling, West Virginia; afterwards in
Ohio. He came to Alton in 1863, and had resided here ever since.
He married Miss Emily Ritter on July 24, 1862. She died April 8,
1872. He was united in matrimony to Mrs. Sarah L. (nee GARRON)
Hubbell on October 16, 1873. She preceded him to the spirit land
March 6, 1886. The funeral will take place Sunday from the
Methodist Church.
EPPING, HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January 28,
1913 - Submitted by Sharon Inman
Henry Epping, a well known
retired farmer and resident of Edwardsville died at his home at
726 Fairview Avenue last night at 11:45 o'clock, from a
complication of diseases accruing probably from his old age of
77 years, 3 months, and 11 days. He was born on October 17, 1835
in Coesfeld, Germany and immigrated to the United States with
his parents, when but a lad of nine years. His parents first
came to St. Louis and there settled down for several years,
during which time Mr. Epping went to school in that city. After
remaining in St. Louis for some time, Mr. Epping's parents moved
to Pleasant Ridge, where Mr. Epping then only a lad of 18 or 19
summens met the young lady who was to be his mate through life.
He was married to Miss Elizabeth Schennigman, whose home had
also been in Coesfeld, Germany, but had also immigrated to this
country on October 23, 1858. Both of the young people had been
born in Coesfeld, Germany, and had spent the first years of
their life there, but had never met before Mr. Epping's arrival
in Pleasant Ridge with his parents. Deciding that Edwardsville
was a better place to live than Pleasant Ridge, Mr. Epping with
his bride-to-be came to this city and were married in the old
frame church on North Main street by Father Henson. Mr. Epping
had erected a home in the vicinity of Edwardsville on the farm
that he owned and there settled with his young wife to a life of
peace and contentment. He followed farming as a vocation for 38
years. He reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom have
preceded him to the final resting place. Mr. Epping's final
sickness which overtook him about five weeks ago, was diagnosed
as a general break down from old age. He was ailing from that
attack until last week, Tuesday, when he received a paralytic
stroke that left him helpless. Physicians at that time
pronounced his case hopeless, and his family became resigned to
the fact that the Grim Reaper would soon arrive.
Mr.
Epping was conscious until Sunday evening although almost all of
that day he was unable to talk, even in a whisper. The paralytic
stroke had left him so helpless that he was unable to move hand
or foot. Mr. Epping and his wife celebrated their golden wedding
anniversary four years ago, and when the 54th had been reached
and passed it carried with it the possibility that the happy
couple might live to enjoy the celebration of the unusual 55th
wedding anniversary. Mr. Epping is survived by four children
besides his wife. They are: Mrs. Henry Voegele of Newkirk,
Oklahoma; Mrs. John Meek, Mrs. Charles Grebel, and Mrs. Thomas
Burns, all of Edwardsville. Thirty-seven grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren survive. The funeral will take place Friday
morning at the family residence on Fairview Avenue and from
there the cortege will proceed to the St. Boniface church where
Rev. J. D. Metzler, Rev. C. A. O'Reilly of this city, and Rev.
L. C. Kipping of Mitchell will officiate. Interment will take
place in the Catholic cemetery here.
Edwardsville
Intelligencer, Saturday, February 1, 1913
The last sad rites
over the body of Henry Epping, a well known resident of this
city, who died Monday, were held yesterday morning. A very large
number of sorrowing friends and relatives attended. After a
short service at the house the body was taken to the St.
Boniface Catholic church where services were conducted by Rev J.
D. Metzler. The interment was in the Catholic Cemetery. The
pallbearers were: Charles Grebel, Sr., Frank Harles, Joseph
Smith, Conrad Klutenkamuer, A. W. Foehrkalb and Frank Stenzel.
EPPING, HENRY JR./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Tuesday, November 16, 1909 - Submitted by Sharon Inman
Henry
Epping, Jr., a son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Epping, of this city,
died at his country home in Nameoki township this morning at
1:30 o'clock. He had been sick for some time with an affection
of the lungs. The funeral will take place Thursday morning from
the family residence to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at
Mitchell at 10 o'clock, where services will be conducted by Rev.
Fr. F. A. Meyer. The body will be interred in the Edwardsville
Catholic Cemetery. Mr. Epping was 50 years old and leaves his
wife and five children.
Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Thursday, Nov. 18, 1909
The funeral of Henry Epping, Jr., who
died Tuesday at his country home near Nameoki, was held this
afternoon, the body arriving here at 1 o'clock. The services
were conducted at the St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church at
Mitchell and interment was in the Catholic Cemetery here.
EPPING, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1877
From
Edwardsville – John Epping died in Edwardsville yesterday, May
7, in the 79th year of his age, and his funeral took place
today.
EPPINGER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19,
1920
Frank Eppinger, aged 53 or 63 [hard to read], died at
4:30 o'clock this morning at St. Joseph's hospital where he has
been ill. Eppinger was taken ill about two weeks ago and when
his condition became serious he was taken to the hospital for
treatment. Eppinger has resided in Alton for a long number of
years. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Fred Immenga of Court
Street. The body is at the Klunk Undertaking Parlors on Broadway
and the funeral will be held from the parlors to the Cathedral
Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. Interment will be in Greenwood
Cemetery.
EPPINGER, LOTTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18,
1908
Mrs. Lottie Eppinger, wife of Frank Eppinger, died
Friday night at 9:20 o'clock at the family home at 506 State
street after an illness lasting for four years. She was born in
Bethalto, Ill., March 20, 1862. She was educated in Belleville,
where she was married to Frank Eppinger, February 5,1880. She
leaves her husband and one daughter, Mrs. Frank Voyles of Alton.
She also leaves three brothers, Frank Serrier of Mankus, Colo.,
Mat Serrier and John Serrier, both of Edwardsville, and two
sisters, Miss Lena Serrier of Alton and Mrs. Betty Fink of
Edwardsville. All of the relatives from a distance will be
present to attend the funeral which will be held Monday morning,
except the brother in Colorado who will be unable to be present.
Mrs. Eppinger is a member of a well known family. She is a
member of the S. S. Peter and Paul's Cathedral on State street.
The funeral will be held Monday morning at the Cathedral. The
hour of the service has not yet been set.
EPPINGER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1901
Louis Eppinger, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eppinger, aged
20 years, 4 months and 15 days, died Thursday at 6 o'clock at
the family home, 1216 State street, after an illness of six
weeks with quick consumption. Besides his parents, one sister,
and an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Immenga and numerous
friends are left in this city to mourn his demise. "Louie" was a
genial companionable young man with many admirable traits of
character, and he formed many strong friendships during the
years he has lived here. The funeral will be tomorrow morning at
9 o'clock from the Cathedral. Interment will be in Greenwood.
EPPS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1918
First Fatality Among Alton Drafted Men (World War I)
The
first fatality among Alton men drafted into the service of their
country is that of William Epps, who was killed Monday in an
accident at Vancouver, Wash., according to word that came to his
wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bentley of 301 Madison
avenue. Epps, before entering the service, was employed at the
Duncan shops as a machinist. He was put into service as a
machinist and was transferred eventually to Vancouver, Wash.,
where he was engaged at one of the airplane factories. It is
said that he had become very expert at working with the motors
that run airplanes and that he was eventually put on one of the
machines. Whether he was serving as a flying mechanician, as a
pilot, or what it could not be said, as details of the accident
were not sent. According to those who knew him, Epps was a very
skillful mechanic. He was a young man, full of patriotism and
was perfectly willing to engage in his country's service in any
capacity. It was because of his skill as a machinist he was
selected to take up work at that trade in an airplane factory
and was finally given the post of an expert in operating the
engines. Epps name may go down in Alton's history as the first
of the Alton boys who met a sudden death after entering the
service of the United States, at least he is the first reported.
It is supposed that his fatal injuries were the result of a
fall. Epps was married on the first day of September 1917 to
Miss Hazel Bentley, and twenty days later left for Camp Taylor
with the second Alton contingent. After being shipped out to
camp he worked as a machinist, and later was transferred to the
aviation fields. When word was received of the death, the young
wife was visiting at Gillespie, and a message had to be sent to
notify her of the news. She will arrive home this evening. Mrs.
Epps, who is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bentley of
301 Madison avenue, will not be 18 until her next birthday. The
body of Epps will leave Vancouver this evening and will arrive
in Alton on Saturday or Sunday, and will be taken to the Bentley
home, where services will be held. The body will be accompanied
by an escort of young aviators. Epps had resided in Alton for
some time, but is a native of Carlinville. His parents are dead
but he leaves several brothers and sisters, besides his young
wife. Epps was 24 years of age.
Funeral of William Epps
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1918
The funeral of
William Epps, the first drafted man from Alton to meet his death
in the service of his country, was held Monday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the First Methodist Church. A short prayer was said
at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bentley,
on Madison avenue, and then the body was taken to the First
Methodist Church where services were held by Rev. A. C. Geyer,
pastor. The services were attended by a very large number of
friends of the bereaved young wife. Interment was held in
Oakwood Cemetery. Just before prayer was offered up by Rev. A.
C. Geyer, John D. McAdams, chairman of the Alton exemption board
by whom Epps was sent out in the second contingent last
September, spoke a few words. Six members of the Alton Reserve
Militia and personal friends of Epps were pallbearers. Those
chosen to carry the casket were J. Buckstruck, C. B. Ritchey,
Earl Jones, Charles Henderson, A. H. Gerhardt, Walter Straube,
L. Stamps, and J. E. Mall. Yesterday morning while the friends
and relatives waited for the arrival of the body at the C. & A.
Union Station, the casket, which was shipped by express, was put
off at the station at Upper Alton where it remained until 10
o'clock when the Express company notified the undertaker in
charge. A telegram received from the officials at Vancouver,
Wash., was to the effect that six aviators would accompany the
body, but it came through unaccompanied. Mrs. Epps has received
no letter telling how the accident occurred, but is expecting a
statement any time. Examination of the body upon its arrival
disclosed a fresh scar on the back of the head, giving evidence
that the young man received his death from a blow, as if he had
fallen from a machine. No other marks were on the body. Epps
left Alton in September and was sent to Camp Taylor. On account
of his experience as a first class machinist....[missing]
aviation fields at Vancouver, Wash., where he was stationed at
the time of his death.
ERBECK, CHARLES WILLIAM “WILLIE”/Source: Alton Daily
Telegraph
Drowned in Mississippi River
Willie Erbeck, aged
15 years, son of the late William Erbeck Sr., was drowned in the
Mississippi yesterday afternoon, about a quarter of a mile above
the Water Works, a dangerous place, and one that has in times
past proved fatal to several of the youth of Alton. It seems
that the lad, with a number of companions, was bathing between
the shore, and a wood barge moored at a point of land putting
into the stream. Suddenly he was seen struggling in the current,
fifteen or twenty feet from shore, and making desperate efforts
to save himself, without any outcry, however. A man went to his
assistance and caught hold of him, but was obliged to relinquish
the effort to save his own life, and the unfortunate lad soon
disappeared beneath the treacherous, rolling flood. As he was
quite a good swimmer, it is supposed that he was seized with
cramps in his lower limbs, the water being unusually cold for
the season. The alarm was spread, and a crowd gathered on the
riverbank, intent on recovering the body. Guns were fired over
the spot, grappling hooks and other appliances were used, but
without success.
The drowned boy was a noble, manly
little fellow, one of the main stays of his widowed mother, on
whom his sudden death falls with crushing force. He was the
pride of his employer, Mr. C. M. Crandall, with whom he had been
engaged over a year, and who found him ever thoroughly
trustworthy and reliable, with business tact and capacity far
beyond his years. The stricken mother and other relatives have
the sympathy of the whole community.
NOTES:
Willie
Erbeck was born in 1867, and was the son of Charles William
Erbeck Sr. (1822-1869) and Franziska (Keene) Erbeck (1835-1900).
He had one sister – Caroline Erbeck Fell (1854-1914), and one
brother – Albert Frederick ERbeck (1856-1925). The body of
Willie was recovered from the river, and was buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.
ERN, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 26, 1862
On
Monday of last week, a boy named Henry Ern, who has been
employed at the tobacco warehouse on the corner of 4th and Piasa
Streets, for some time past, while carrying a bucket of water up
the steps into the second story, stumbled and fell part way
down, striking his head and making a contusion just above the
right eye, causing, as is supposed, a rupture of a blood vessel
in that locality. He did not appear much hurt, and went on with
his work as usual for a few hours after having his head bound
up, but the blood flowed so freely that he had to go home after
a time. He continued to lose blood through that night, and in
the morning, being worse instead of better, a physician was sent
for who did what was in his power, but the loss of blood had
been so great, that the poor boy gradually sunk and died on
Saturday morning, and his funeral was attended on Sunday. His
parents, not thinking, probably, that it was anything serious,
delayed sending for the physician until it was too late, and the
poor boy literally bled to death.
ERNEST, AMOS and GEORGE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 24,
1865
Two Brothers Die Within Minutes of Each Other
A
friend has related to us the particulars of the following almost
tragical event. A young man named Private Amos Ernest, until
recently a member of Company C, 144th Illinois Regiment, died of
consumption in Upper Alton at the residence of Mr. Mortley,
Thursday morning last (March 16, 1865). Within twenty minutes
after, his brother, George Ernest, a Sergeant of the same
Company, was also called from earth. The latter was ill but
thirty-six hours, dying of congestion of the brain, produced by
over exertion in caring for his brother. They were the sons of
the late Henry F. and Jane K. Ernest.
The brothers were
buried this morning with military honors, and now sleep together
in the same grave. This mysterious Providence has produced a
deep impression, forcibly illustrating, as it does, the
uncertainty of life and the nearness of all to death. Both these
young men were of good moral character, and much respected by
their acquaintances. George had long been in his country’s
service, and by unflinching courage at Donoleen and Shilo,
proved himself a true soldier and noble patriot. But the battles
of each are ended, and they now stand in the presence of Him who
ruleth all things, both in Heaven and upon earth.
NOTES:
There are two sets of tombstones for the Ernest brothers - one
set at the Alton National Cemetery, and one set at Milton
Cemetery in Alton. It is believed that they are actually buried
in the Milton Cemetery.
ERNST, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15,
1917
The funeral of Mrs. Caroline Ernst was held this morning
from St. Mary's Church, and the esteem and more - the affection
in which the deceased lady was held, was evidenced by the large
number of people of all classes who were present at the
obsequies. The Requiem High Mass was said by Rev. Fr. Brune, and
he also delivered a touching funeral sermon, a sermon while
filled with the sadness always accompanying death, also
contained much of the hope that goes far to temper the sorrow of
those who are left behind. Floral offerings were numerous and
beautiful, and burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery. The pall
bearers were grandsons Leo, Albert and Harry Ernst; Emil, George
and John Hoehn.
ERNST, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 29,
1919
David Ernst, aged 80, well known at Grassy Lake, was
killed by a Big Four train south of Wanda today. He had gone to
the store to buy supplies and was on his way back when struck by
the train. Ernst attracted attention a number of years by a
fight he waged against the Grassy Lake Club. When they refused
to let him hunt there, where he had hunted since boyhood, he
determined no one else should hunt. So he bought a lot of black
powder and stood watch in all weathers. When he saw a flock of
ducks coming he would shoot his black powder and the noise and
smoke would ruin the duck shooting for the sportsmen who were
claiming a monopoly there. Finally it was agreed that Ernst
might hunt if he wanted to, the rules being waived as to him.
ERNST, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17, 1915
Old Time Saloon Keeper Dies
Henry Ernst, aged 74, for
over 60 years a resident of Alton, died Tuesday morning shortly
after 7 o'clock at his residence, 636 East Third street, from
weakness of great age. Mr. Ernst had been an invalid for two
years. Five years ago he retired from business when he was
seventy years of age. Mr. Ernst was one of the best known saloon
keepers in Alton. He conducted an old fashioned saloon that was
known for its strict adherence to the old time rules of
conducting a saloon, and whenever the roll of the best saloon
keepers in Alton was mentioned, the name of Henry Ernst was
always mentioned at the top. He was a native of Germany, but
came to Alton when a young man and he had resided here most of
his life. He is survived by his wife, and by two children, Mrs.
Bertha Hoehn and Emil Ernst. He leaves also nine grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Ernst was one of the best known
residents of the East End. He was a powerful influence in that
part of the city and was highly respected by all who knew him
for his absolute honesty and his good citizenship. In his line
of business he recognized no side issues and there was none
connected with his saloon. He always ran a quiet, orderly place,
and deprecated innovations and side issues on the part of others
in his line of business. Mr. Ernst came to Alton in 1857 and had
lived here __ (53?) years. During the Civil War he enlisted as a
member of the 144th Illinois. The request was made by Mr. Ernst
that when he died his funeral be under the auspices of the
German Benevolent Society in which he had held membership for
many years, and that the White Hussar Band be engaged to play
dirges at the funeral. Owing to the fact that the band would not
be available until Friday, that day was chosen for the funeral.
Mr. Ernst's aged wife, with whom he celebrated their golden
wedding anniversary December 28, 1912, survives him and is
bearing up well under the affliction she has suffered. The
funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late
residence, and burial will be in City cemetery.
ERWIN, ROBERT B. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 18, 1903
Capt. Robert B. Erwin, aged 67 years, died
suddenly at his home in Upper Alton on Brown street, Tuesday
night at 9:45 o'clock, after an illness of five months. The
death of Mr. Erwin was unexpected, as he had been up and around
his home of late and seemed to be in a much improved condition.
Tuesday morning he was suddenly stricken with a fatal attack of
the malady from which he had been a sufferer, and passed away
almost before his family could realize the end was near. Capt.
Erwin passed almost his whole life on the river and was a well
known steamboat man, but in recent years had been staying at his
home in Upper Alton. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, June 5, 1837,
and came to Alton when seven years old. He leaves a family
consisting of his wife and six children, Mrs. Chalon Malson and
Mrs. H. Stanley of Webb City, Mo.; Mrs. M. Malson, Mrs. Oscar
Sotier, Miss Laura Erwin of Upper Alton; and Mrs. Charles Pierce
of Godfrey. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2
o'clock, from the family home on Brown street.
ERWIN, SARA ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday
May 8, 1916
Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Erwin, in her 78th year,
died Sunday morning at her home, 209 Alton street, after a
second attack of pneumonia. Mrs. Erwin was born in Alton, or at
that time Upper Alton, November 8, 1838, on Washington avenue.
She was married in St. Louis at the age of 20 years to Robert B.
Erwin, who died thirteen years ago, on March 17th, 1913. Mrs.
Erwin had lived nearly all her life in Alton, with the exception
of a few years near West Plains, Missouri, and St. Louis,
Missouri. She is survived by six daughters. The daughters are
Mrs. Leolia Malson and Mrs. Letiza Malson, both of Kansas City,
Mo.; Mrs. Viola Stanley of Dennison, Texas; Mrs. Abbie Pierce;
Mrs. Omega Sotier of Alton, and Miss Laura Erwin of Alton. Mrs.
Erwin had a severe attack of pneumonia in January of this year
when it seemed impossible she could recover, but she apparently
recovered and for nearly three months was in her usual state of
health. On Wednesday evening she became suddenly ill and up
until her death, which occurred Sunday at 12:45, there was hope
for her recovery. She had another attack of pneumonia, and
having never regained all her strength it took a firm hold on
her and she could not resist the attack. Mrs. Erwin was at all
times prepared for death, of which she had no fear, looking
hopefully forward to her heavenly home where there would be no
parting and where she would be reunited with her husband. All
who knew Mrs. Erwin loved her. She had a sweet and loving
disposition and always had a good word for every one. She would
not listen to gossip or evil speaking, preferring to know and
hear only the best of everyone. Her home was her heaven on
earth. She devoted all her time to her children and remarked
only a short time before her death that there had never been a
desire in her heart that her children had not satisfied. Mrs.
Erwin will be buried from her home, 209 Alton street, Tuesday
morning, May 9th, at 11 o'clock. The services will be conducted
by Rev. Stewart of the College Avenue Baptist Church, and burial
in Oakwood Cemetery.
ERXISON, CARRIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1920
The funeral of Mrs. Carrie Erxison will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the North Side church. Burial will
be in Oakwood cemetery. Mrs. Erxison died Monday night at her
home on Sycamore street. She was 48 years of age and is survived
by her husband.
ESMOND, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1908
Well Dressed Woman, Middle-aged, Found Floating in
Mississippi River
Coroner C. N. Streeper was called to a
point near Edwardsville Crossing Thursday night to hold an
inquest over the body of a woman found floating in the
Mississippi near the mouth of the Missouri. The body was well
dressed and appeared to have been that of a woman of comfortable
circumstances in life. It had been in the water so long that it
would be almost impossible to identify it, except by her
clothing and some jewelry she wore. The clothing was all of good
quality. The body was attired in a black wool jacket and shirt,
black silk waist with silk underskirt, good undergarments,
stockings and shoes. There was not a hair on the head to tell
the color it was, as it had been torn off while she was in the
water. The teeth were in good condition. In the pocket of the
jacket were found a pair of black silk gloves, a white silk
handkerchief embroidered with flowers. There was no mark on the
handkerchief. Pinned to her waist was a fleur de lay pin of gold
with a gold cross pendant, and on the pin was the initial "E."
The body was that of a woman about 5 feet 6 inches in height,
weighing about 120 pounds. On the third finger of the left hand
were a gold wedding ring and a gold ring with three red sets.
The body was found floating a short distance from shore by two
fishermen, William Seago and Robert Goodwin, who towed it ashore
and tied it up. They notified Joseph Heins of Edwardsville
Crossing and he notified Coroner Streeper. The coroner went to
Edwardsville Crossing Thursday night and made a trip over to the
river to get the body. It was a very hard trip. The wagon road
which leads down to Henry Gerken's place, where the body was
found, runs along the edge of the river bank which rises steep
out of the water there and is very unsafe. The river had risen
until it was within a foot of the road in most places, and at
one place had covered the road. The ride was full of peril for
the party making the trip with the coroner, and every one
expected to be dropped down into the river at almost any moment
by the caving in of the unstable bank. The inquest was held
Thursday night at the place where the body was found and the
body was taken to Upper Alton to be held by Coroner Streeper for
identification. The nose of the victim was broken between the
eyes, indicating she might have been struck a blow before she
fell into the water. Coroner Streeper believes strongly that the
finding of the body may disclose some crime committed up the
river, which has heretofore been secret. No report of a woman
being missing has been received at Alton, but it is believed
that something will be heard now that the body is found. The
place where the body was found is only a short distance from
where the body of Frank Kotthoff was found a few days before. He
was drowned by falling off a bridge at Herman, Missouri, May 10,
and it was picked up as it floating from the Missouri river. The
body of Kotthoff was identified by the aged father, John
Kotthoff, who took it back home Wednesday. Richard Koch and John
Meyers, two fishermen, found the body. Coroner Streeper found
this afternoon a scapular and a crucifix pinned to the
undershirt on the body, but there was no mark on them to
indicate who the woman was.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 28, 1908
Coroner Streeper planned today to
bury with full church rites the body of Mary Esmond, the woman
who was murdered and whose body was thrown into the river by
persons unknown. The body was taken from the river May 26th in a
badly decomposed condition. On the body were found a cross with
the initials "M. E." and pinned to the undergarments was a
scapular, indicating she was a Roman Catholic. The name of the
woman was received in a letter unsigned and sent to Coroner
Streeper stating that the woman had been killed by being kicked
by a mule and because her companions were too poor to pay for a
funeral they threw the body in the river. Coroner Streeper was
given permission to take the body in St. Patrick's church where
services were held this afternoon and burial was in Greenwood
cemetery. Letters have been received from Wales inquiring about
the finding of the body and the keeping of it so long, also
about the fake story of the photographing of the eye to get an
image of the man who was supposed to have murdered her. It is
still believed the woman was murdered, and that the story of
accidental death given in the letter was a fiction. Owing to the
absence of Fr. Kehoe, the funeral was deferred several days.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1908
Mary
Esmond, whose body was found floating in the Mississippi near
Hartford, May 26, and concerning whose death a deep mystery has
arisen, at last found a grave in Greenwood cemetery today.
Coroner Streeper made arrangements for a funeral this afternoon
at St. Patrick's church, Rev. Fr. Kehoe having returned. He
conducted the funeral services in St. Patrick's church. There
were no mourners, and the ____ forms observed was the religious
ceremony of the Catholic church. Afterward the body was taken to
Greenwood cemetery for interment. The lady was in better
condition when it was buried than when it was found in the river
long ago. It had been carefully preserved as Coroner Streeper
desired to have it in case of necessity, should the party with
whom she had been traveling when she met her death ever be
turned up. He made several trips to investigate stories of the
finding of the party traveling across country in wagons, but he
failed to find them. Three times one wagon party was arrested,
once at Hillsboro, once at Springfield and once at Peoria, but
in every case the suspects were turned out after being carefully
questions. No evidence could be obtained against them. The
coroner believed that some evidence would surely be discovered
to bring to justice the slayer of the woman, but in this he was
disappointed, so he concluded to bury her.
ESTABROOK,
JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 5, 1881
From Edwardsville –
John Estabrook of Liberty Prairie in Fort Russell Township died
yesterday evening at his residence. He was one of the oldest,
wealthiest, and most highly esteemed and respected citizens of
our county. His death has created a vacuum in society, which
will not be filled so well for a long time to come, if ever, by
any other man. He was eighty-two years old, and much the larger
portion of his life was spent on his farm where he died.
NOTES:
John Estabrook Sr. was born March 15, 1799. He married
Nancy White (1795-1881). Their children were: Lucy Estabrook
(1824-1869); Emiline Estabrook Galt (1826-1909); Harriet N.
Estabrook Osborne (1833-1919); William L. Estabrook (1835-1890);
and Clara Theresa Estabrook Kerr (1837-1915). John Estabrook was
buried in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery in Edwardsville.
ESTABROOK, NANCY (nee WHITE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December
8, 1881
From Edwardsville – William Galt brought information
that Mrs. John Estabrook died at the residence of her
son-in-law, Mr. William Galt, in Liberty Prairie, last Saturday,
December 3. She was eighty-six years, three months, and two
days. This estimable lady was born at Charlotte, North Carolina,
August 30, 1794. She came to this State at an early day, was
married to Mr. John Estabrook in Bond County in 1820, whose
death occurred just seven months ago to a day. This aged couple
had a host of friends and were loved by all who knew them. The
funeral services will take place at the residence of William
Galt Tuesday afternoon, after which the remains will be interred
at the Liberty Prairie Cemetery. [Surviving were her children –
Emiline Estabrook Galt, Harriet N. Estabrook Osborne, William L.
Estabrook, and Clara Theresa Estabrook Kerr. A daughter, Lucy
Estabrook, died in 1869. Her husband, John Estabrook Sr., died
on May 2, 1881. Both are buried in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery
in Edwardsville.]
ESTES, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1911
Charles Estes, a native of Alton, died at the age of 65, Friday
morning at 1:45 o'clock, at his home in the North Side [North
Alton]. Mr. Estes was a painter and was a contractor for many
years. He was well known in Alton.
ETHERINGTON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February
16, 1887
Mrs. James Etherington died last night after a long
illness. She leaves a husband and two children. The funeral will
take place from the residence on State Street tomorrow morning.
EUBANKS, W. H./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, Telegraph,
January 26, 1887
Mr. W. H. Eubanks, a member of the G.A.R.
Post in Bethalto, died at his residence in Bethalto last Sunday
night, his sickness was pneumonia and of short duration. His age
was fifty years, and he leaves a wife and four children, one of
whom is in Arkansas, but has been telegraphed for. The stricken
wife, who is now prostrate from sickness and grief, and children
have the sympathy of every feeling heart. The funeral will take
place tomorrow from the Baptist Church, of which he was a
member, and will be under the auspices of Bethalto Post 509,
G.A.R. “Peace to his ashes.”
EVANS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1918
The funeral of Mary Anna Evans will be held Sunday afternoon
from the home at 1723 Feldwisch avenue. The funeral was
postponed from today on account of the delayed arrival of a
daughter.
EVANS, B. E. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 24,
1874
Dr. B. E. Evans died on typhoid pneumonia at the
residence of C. G. Vaughn yesterday morning at four o’clock, in
the 31st year of his age. He leaves a wife and one child to
mourn his loss. His funeral will take place this afternoon, and
will be conducted by the Odd Fellows and Masons of Edwardsville.
He was a member of both orders, and we understand had insurance
upon his life. [He was 30 years of age.]
EVANS, EVA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3, 1918
Mrs. Eva Evans died at midnight last night at St. Joseph's
Hospital, from the effects of burns received a week ago in an
explosion of a gasoline stove at her home at Broadway and
Washington streets. The body was removed to Streeper's
undertaking rooms, and Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer will hold
an inquest this evening.
EVANS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1914
Young Man's Death a Mystery
Harry Evans, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Evans, brief mention of whose death was made in the
Telegraph Monday evening, died from a fracture of the skull at
the base of the brain. The cause of his injury is a mystery. The
young man, it is said, was picked up by the police Thursday
evening on Shields street acting as though in a bad condition
mentally. He was bleeding from the ear. After being taken to
police headquarters and held a while, where it was ascertained
who he was, he was liberated and taken to the east end to some
friends. He did not go home until Saturday afternoon late, and
when he arrived there he told his brother to get a wet towel and
tie it around his head. "I sure got a hard bump," he told his
brother Albert. He also told the attending physician, Dr. J. N.
Shaff, that he had been bleeding at the ear since Thursday
night, which convinced Dr. Shaff that whatever injury he had
received must have been inflicted some time Thursday. How he got
hurt is not certainly known. Dr. Shaff said there was no
external sign of violence on the head of the young man, and he
could not give any reliable theory as to how the injury was
inflicted. Harry Evans was 22 years of age. He had been working
in Pittsburg, Pa., and came home two weeks ago after suffering
from a very severe attack of pneumonia. He was a bright, good
hearted, jolly boy, the pride of his home, and it was the cause
of much thanksgiving among his family when he recovered from
what might have been a fatal illness with pneumonia, and was
able to return to his home. His tragic death within two weeks
after his return and the mystery surrounding his death is
causing his family much grief. He is survived by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Evans; three brothers, John, Albert, and
Eugene; and one sister, Mrs. George H. Hoehn of St. Louis.
Coroner J. M. Sims was notified of the death of the young man,
and was requested to make an inquiry into the cause of his
death. Coroner Sims started an inquest this afternoon in the
case of Harry Evans. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the family home, Rev. E. L. Mueller
officiating.
EVANS, HELEN VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
9, 1913
The funeral of Helen Virginia Evans was held
yesterday afternoon from the home, where services were conducted
by Rev. S. D. McKenny. A large number of neighbors and
sympathizing friends attended the obsequies, and the floral
offerings were numerous and beautiful. Burial was in Oakwood
Cemetery. The pallbearers were Harry and Albert Evans, Albert
Southard, and Frank Eaves.
EVANS, HENRY ANDERSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 28, 1921
Henry Anderson Evans, age 62 years, died at
the family home on East 6th street, Sunday morning at 4:30,
after an illness of about one week. Services were conducted at
the family home this afternoon at 2:30 by Rev. McKinney, the
body will be shipped to Elsberry, Mo., tomorrow morning for
burial. Mr. Evans has been employed as janitor at the
Gillespie-Eden Manufacturing company for quite a while. He is
survived by his wife and four children, Mrs. Homer Voyles, Miss
Bernice Evans, and Henry and Howard Evans of Alton.
EVANS, LELAND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1911
Youth Falls Under Train and Loses Life - Death Foretold by
Fortune Teller to Mother
Leland N. Evans, aged 17, son of
Henry Evans, 626 Washington avenue, Alton, was caught beneath a
"Q" freight train last night and sustained injuries that caused
his death three and a half hours after. He was sitting last
night at half past seven on the edge of the embankment on the
south side of the tracks that pass at the foot of Washington
street, in the company with other boys of his age, among whom
were Joe Kohler and Howard Smith, when the Q fast freight,
westbound, came up running at a fast rate of speed. As the head
of the train reached the crowd of boys gathered further down the
track, one of them, William Langacher, caught a car and
immediately jumped off at the group in which Evans sat, who
turned to Langacher and said, "Some of you kids will get killed
here," and then as if moved by a sudden impulse he [Evans]
sprang from his seat and caught on one of the cars near the end
of the train. By this time the train had reached an added speed,
and as Evans caught the car ladder at the end of the car he was
swung against the corner of the car, and at the same moment he
either released his hold to jump or the violent swing broke his
hold, and he fell on the embankment along the tracks, which at
this point has recently been filled for track repairs, and thus
causes a sharp incline toward the tracks. This incline of the
surface caused his body to roll toward the rails upon which his
legs were caught and crushed by the cars. One leg was cut off
just below the knee, and the other just above the knee. His
companion Howard Smith picked him up and laid him on the bank
between the tracks on the C. & A. and the Big 4. Here he laid
for thirty minutes before an ambulance reached the scene, and as
he laid with his life ebbing away from the loss of blood, his
parents were summoned and came to his side. He spoke brave words
to his mother, refusing to complain of his injuries, while she,
torn with anguish over her "baby boy," as he is to her fond
heart despite his seventeen years, soothed him and gave him that
comfort that a mother alone can give. He was taken to the St.
Joseph's hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and the
loss of blood, at 10:40 p.m. At the home of the boy's parents
there is great sorrow for this sudden death of their youngest
child. He was almost 17 years of age, and as the mother told a
Telegraph reporter of the boy's many good qualities she related
the following, "I have been haunted with a dread of some such
accident as this for almost two years. Two years ago a fortune
teller told my fortune. She said I would lose my youngest child
by a sudden death before he was seventeen years of age. It has
constantly haunted me; my boy has never been from me beyond
certain hours that I have not been racked with the dread of this
dreadful prophecy recurring to my mind, and last night as Leland
ran down the front steps he called back, "I will soon be back
home." The Evans family live at 626 Washington street. There
were five children born to them, two sons and three daughters.
The father is employed in the Illinois glass works. Drs. H. R.
Lemen, E. A. Cook, and C. H. Merritt responded to numerous
appeals for a physician. It was long before a doctor could be
found, and it was also long before the ambulance could get
there. Dr. H. R. Lemen said today that the boy made a statement
to him before being operated upon that he was trying to keep
other boys from getting hurt, and in so doing he lost his head
and attempted to jump on the cars himself. The Lengacher boy is
said to have had a narrow escape from death too, and seemed to
have been saved as if by miracle. Supt. W. T. Louden of the
Alton Bridge Co., complained to the chief of police Thursday at
5 p.m. that the boys were making a practice of jumping on the C.
B. & Q. train. It runs slow there, as it is generally a long
train and is obliged to make a stop before it reaches the
bridge.
EVANS, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
29, 1913
Mrs. Margaret Evans, wife of the late John Evans,
died at 1:30 this afternoon at the home of her nephew, David
Young in Upper Alton, after one week's illness of pneumonia. She
was 84 years of age and lived in Alton the greater part of her
life. She leaves one son, Thomas Evans, and five grandchildren:
John, Albert, Mrs. Alice Hoehn, and Harry and Eugene. The
funeral has not been set, but it will be held at the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Evans at 904 Washington street.
EVANS, ROBERT S./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2, 1880
Robert S. Evans, son-in-law of Mrs. Charless, died near Godfrey
of paralysis, Friday afternoon. He was buried at Carrollton, his
late residence.
EVANS, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 28, 1884
Mr. Thomas Evans, living on the Wood’s farm northeast of Upper
Alton, buried his wife Tuesday. Her death in the prime of early
womanhood, under circumstances peculiarly distressing, occasions
much sympathy for the young husband so sadly bereft.
EVANS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 6, 1902
Mrs. Joseph Evans, colored, died
this afternoon at her home, 339 Dry street, after an illness
with Bright's disease. She was 40 years of age and was esteemed
by all her acquaintances. She leaves a husband and six children.
EVANS, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 2, 1850
Died in Alton on the 28th of July, William H. Evans, son of C.
B. and Zulima Evans, aged 1 year, 4 months, and 25 days.
EVERINGUM, WILLIAM C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
8, 1900
East Alton News - Mr. William C. Everingum died
Sunday morning at six o'clock of heart trouble and malaria, at
the very hour of day that his wife died, July 25. His had been a
long, lingering, painful sickness. Mr. Everingum was born at
Alton, Ill., August 7, 1840, and afterwards moved to East Alton
where he lived 22 years. Then he moved to Walingford, Indiana,
and followed the railroad there. In all he was in the railroad
employ 32 years. He leaves one sister here, a half-sister in
Alton, and a half-sister and half-brother in California, and
many other relatives elsewhere.
EVERS, HENRY W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 29,
1915
Henry W. Evers, aged 79, died at his home in Alton this
morning after being ill for some time. Heart trouble is given as
the cause of the death. Mr. Evers is survived by two sons, both
of whom live in the city. The funeral will be held on Wednesday
afternoon at two o'clock from the home to City Cemetery.
EVERSON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1921
Mrs. Mary Everson, wife of Joseph Everson, died this morning at
3:45 o'clock at her home on Eighth street in Wood River, three
weeks after she submitted to a surgical operation. Five days
after being operated upon, Mrs. Everson was brought home.
Shortly after, however, her condition became very bad and for
several days her death has been expected. Mrs. Everson resided
in Alton for 32 years, and five years ago removed to Wood River.
She was one of Upper Alton's best known residents, and was a
much beloved woman. She was the possessor of a beautiful
disposition which won for her many friends. Mrs. Everson was a
member of the Episcopal church, and was very much interested in
the organization of an Episcopal church in Wood River. Mrs.
Everson was born at St. Helena, Lancashire, England, May 9. She
came to America many years ago, and for some time resided in
Bowling Green, Mo. Her husband was a former glassblower. The
funeral of Mrs. Everson will be held Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock, and services will be conducted by an Episcopal
clergyman from Edwardsville in the absence of Rev. F. H. Butler.
Interment will be in the Upper Alton cemetery. Mrs. Everson is
survived by her husband and one daughter, Eva May Everson. She
also leaves several nephews in this city.
EVERTS, HELEN SMITH/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2, 1875
Died on December 1, 1875, Helen Smith, daughter of Lucy A. and
William F. Everts; aged 21 months and 8 days.
EVERTS, LUCY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 24,
1909
Mrs. Lucy A. Everts, widow of W. F. Everts, died at 4
o'clock Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John
Moulton, 1122 State street, after a long illness. She had been a
sufferer for several years and some time ago underwent a
surgical operation in St. Louis, which it was hoped would
benefit her. About one month ago she had a recurrence of the
malady that had been troubling her, and for the past week or ten
days her condition had been very grave. Her death was expected
for several days before it occurred. Mrs. Everts leaves two
sisters, Mrs. George R. Allen and Miss Sadie Platt, and three
children, Fred G. Everts of Milwaukee, Mrs. John Moulton and
Miss Sadie Everts of Alton. Mrs. Everts had lived in Alton
almost all her life. She was born in the city, married here, and
except a few years she lived in Milwaukee and about seven years
she lived at New Orleans, her whole lifetime was spent here. She
was 63 years of age. Mrs. Everts was for a long time prominent
in Alton society. Her husband was one of the leading business
men of the city and conducted a drug store. She was known as a
society leader for many years and had many friends in Alton who
have been greatly interested in her condition since her illness
began. She possessed a sweet disposition and bore herself with a
womanly dignity that made for her friends and admirers of all
who came in contact with her. She was a dutiful wife and mother,
and to her children she will always be a sweet memory. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Moulton home, and Rev. H. M. Chittenden will conduct the
services.
EWAN, JOHN T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1906
Proprietor of Karnack Flour Mill in Bethalto
John T. Ewan, an
aged resident of Bethalto, who was stricken with paralysis
Friday morning about 3 o’clock, died at his home this noon. He
was 71 years of age. He had a wife and three children. The
funeral was held from the family home in Bethalto. Services were
held under Masonic auspices. Homer A. Ewan was appointed
administrator of the estate.
NOTES:
The John T. Ewan
flour mill was sold at public sale in Bethalto, on November 12,
1906. The mill was in first class condition, and still doing a
good business. The residence was to be sold at the same time.
Mrs. Ewan purchased in residence, and Homer A. Ewan, his son,
purchased the mill property for $1800. Later, the Tobias
Brothers purchased the mill.
EWEN, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 2, 1917
Small Chip of Steel Cuts Jugular Vein
Peter Ewen, aged 41, of
Milton Heights in Upper Alton, was killed by a small chip of
steel which rebounded while he was striking the steel with a
sledge hammer at the Union Tank Line this morning in Wood River.
Ewen and W. Werner were repairing one of the tank line cars.
Werner was holding a side cut against a rivet on the car, while
Ewen was striking the rivet with a heavy sledge hammer. A chip
of steel, about the size of a nickel, glanced away from the side
cut where it came in contact with the rivet, and struck Ewen in
the neck, severing the jugular vein. The iece of steel was
pointed and the pointed part struck the flesh and buried itself
deeply in his neck. Blood flowed profusely from the wound, and
it required only a small amount of medical knowledge to see that
the jugular vein was cut and that there was little hope to
prevent Ewen from bleeding to death before a surgeon could be
summoned. There was a hurry-up call for all the surgeons in Wood
River, but it was impossible to get anyone to the scene of the
accident before Ewen had bled to death. His death occurred in
about ten minutes after the accident. When surgeons arrived and
looked at the wound they were of the opinion that nothing could
have been done to save the life of the injured man, had a
surgeon been immediately on the spot at the time of the
accident. The accident was purely an unavoidable one, and is one
of the few accidents occurring at the Union Tank Line, which is
a corporation allied to the Standard Oil Refinery, handling the
pipe work and attending to some branches of the shipping work.
Ewen was unmarried. He lived with his 70 year old mother and his
sister, who is a widow with two children, in Milton Heights near
Brown street. The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner William
Bauer.
EWENS, REINHARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1913
Reinhard Ewens, aged 30, died at the home of his mother,
Mrs. B. Ewens, in Milton Heights last night from tuberculosis.
Mr. Ewens came to Alton about six weeks ago as his health had
failed completely and he did not expect to live long. He wished
to be with his mother when the end came. Mrs. Ewens and her son,
Peter, lived together in Milton Heights. Death came last night.
Mr. Ewens owned a 500 acres rice farm in Arkansas and had
threshed out an enormous crop of rice. He was a very prosperous
young man, and was making good in the rice-raising business. He
was unmarried. J. P. Vissering of Upper Alton was an uncle of
the young man.
EWING, CAROLINE S./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20,
1883
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Caroline S. Ewing died
September 17, 1883, at the residence of her son-in-law, G. M.
Cole, Esq., in Edwardsville, in the 73rd year of her age.
Grandma Ewing, for many years past, made her home with her
daughters, Mrs. M. G. Dale and Mrs. G. M. Cole, and was highly
esteemed by a very large circle of friends and acquaintances in
this and other parts of Illinois. She was the widow of General
William L. D. Ewing, who died in Springfield in March 1846.
General Ewing was a Representative in the 7th General
Assembly of Illinois, convened at Vandalia on December 6, 1830.
He was also a Senator, in the 8th General Assembly of Illinois,
convened December 3, 1832; and a Senator in the 9th General
Assembly, convened December 1, 1834. He was President of the
Senate, and inaugurated Lieutenant Governor, March 1833, and
from November 17, 1834 to December 3, 1834, was Governor of
Illinoi9s vice John Reynolds elected to Congress; he was a
member of Congress, 1835-6-7, vice Elias Kant Kane, who died
December 12, 1835. Ewing was also a representative in the 10th
General Assembly of Illinois, convened December 5, 1836, and
also in the 11th General Assembly, convened December 3, 1838,
and also in the 12th General Assembly, convened November 23,
1840. He was Clerk of the House in the 13th General Assembly,
convened December 5, 1842, and entered upon his duties as
Auditor of Public Accounts, March 26, 1843, which said office he
occupied until his death.
EWING, MARY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3,
1912
The funeral of Mrs. Mary A. Ewing, who died Sunday at
the home of William Kidwell in Upper Alton, will be held
tomorrow morning at 10:30 o'clock from the Kidwell home, Rev.
Terhune officiating. Mrs. Ewing's death Sunday evening was due
to paralysis. She was born in Licking county, Ohio, February 3,
1831. She moved to Illinois at the age of 12, and with her
parents located in Lasalle county. She was married to Robert D.
Ewing in 1859. For eight years she has lived in Upper Alton. She
leaves one son, W. R. Ewing, and a grandson, Francis Ewing.
Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
EXTINE, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26,
1909
Clarence Extine, aged 14, son of Worthy Extine of Wood
River, was drowned Saturday evening in Wood River while playing
in a small boat he launched that afternoon. The boy had been
working for some time building a little craft about four feet
long, out of plain boards, and Saturday he thought he had it
finished and launched it. Two other little boys, one his six
years old brother, were with him. The youthful designer and
builder of the boat had neglected to caulk up the seams in his
craft, and when he put it afloat and jumped in, the boat sank
with him in it. The boy was drowned and his two little
companions ran to give the alarm. The body was recovered after a
short search. coroner Streeper held an inquest.
EYSTER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 15,
1915
Killed by Train
George Eyster, aged 34, of 1230 East
Second street, was ground to death under the wheels of switch
engine number 8 near the Ryder bridge of the Illinois Terminal
Railroad this morning. Both legs were cut off, and the remainder
of his body was so mutilated that he died within five minutes
after the time he arrived at the hospital, notwithstanding the
efforts that were made to save his life. His wife is said to be
in a bad condition physically, this afternoon at the home of her
mother, Mrs. E. N. Trenchery on Illinois avenue. The accident
happened at eight o'clock this morning after Mr. Eyster had been
working but a short time. He was employed by the bridge
construction department of the Illinois Terminal, and worked as
fireman on one of the concrete mixers which was used to
construct the short work on the Ryder bridge. According to some
of the workmen who were standing near at the time of the
accident, he had just finished firing the engine and then walked
towards the track. Switch engine number eight was backing up at
the time and he stepped directly in front of the engine. Before
any signal could be given to the engineer, he had been knocked
down and fatally injured. The fellow workmen gathered up the
mutilated body and it was carried at once to Second and Cherry
streets on the engine. Here, the city ambulance was waiting and
took him at once to the hospital. At the hospital an effort was
made to revive the injured man with the aid of oxygen from the
city pulmotor, but this failed and he died within five minutes
after entering the hospital. Mrs. Eyster was in the Chiles
grocery store when she was notified of the accident. Although
she became a mother but three weeks ago, and her physical
strength was not the best, she hurried at once to the hospital
where she found that her husband was dead. At the hospital the
strain of the shock was so great that she broke down and her
condition for a time was considered serious. She was able to be
taken to her mother's home this afternoon, however. Besides a
wife, Mr. Eyster is survived by two children, one two years and
the other three weeks of age. He also leaves a brother and an
uncle, neither of whom live in the city. He was a hard working
man and a good husband and well liked in the eastern part of the
city. It was said this afternoon that he carried no insurance
whatever, and leaves his wife without financial support. The
word was sent at once to Coroner J. Morgan Simms, and he will
arrive in Alton tomorrow to conduct the inquest. The funeral
arrangements have not been made.