Obituaries - Surname J
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
JACK, EUGENIUS ALEXANDER SR./Source: Albany, New York
Evening Journal, December 11, 1911
E. A. Jack, First
Lieutenant of engineers, retired, of the revenue cutter service,
and one of the few survivors of the crew of the Merrimac in its
famous Civil War battle with the Monitor in Hampton Roads, died
at Alton, Ill. today, according to word received here. He was
(71?) [hard to read] years old, and a native of Portsmouth, Va.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 19, 1911
One of
the Few Survivors of the Battle of the Merrimac and the Monitor
Dies
Eugenius Alexander Jack Sr., of Portsmouth, Virginia,
born July 17, 1840, who has been visiting his son, E. A. Jack
Jr., of 217 East College Avenue, died Monday afternoon at 3
o’clock from heart failure. He had come here two weeks before to
visit his son, in the hope of being benefited in health by the
change. He had been suffering from water around the heart. Mr.
Jack was a retired army officer, having served as a Lieutenant
of Engineering Corps. He had been retired for eleven years,
since he was 60 years of age. Mr. Jack leaves his wife and four
sons, E. A. Jack Jr. of Alton, Laurence Jack of Portsmouth,
Virginia, Kenneth Jack of Newport News, Virginia, and Raymond
Jack, a Lieutenant of the U. S. Marine Corps. Mr. and Mrs. Jack
left this morning with the body for Portsmouth, Virginia, where
burial will take place. Mr. Jack served as a Confederate
soldier, afterward engaging in the Engineering Corps service.
His son, E. A. Jack Jr., is head of the claims department of the
St. Louis Terminal Association.
NOTES:
Eugenius
Alexander Jack was born July 17, 1840 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
After his education, he received an apprenticeship in the
Department of Steam Engineering at the Gosport Navy Yard, where
he learned the machinist trade. When the Civil War broke out,
Captain Charles McCauley, Commander of the Gosport yard, ordered
an evacuation and destruction of the shipyard. After the removal
of as many ships and equipment as possible, the yard was put to
the torch. However, the attempt to destroy was botched, and a
wealth of supplies, arms and munitions were salvaged and used by
the Confederacy. The U. S. S. Merrimack was set afire and burned
to her water line. Eugenius Jack volunteered for duty with the
old Dominion Guard, which became Company K, 9th Virginia
Regiment. The regiment was sent to the Naval Hospital and
Pinners Point for guard duty. The daily routine of camp life was
boring to a young man such as Eugenius Jack, until he was sent
to the Gosport yard where he was assigned to the same shop
before the war. By now, the U. S. S. Merrimack had been raised
and placed in dry dock where she was being rebuilt to become the
iron clad, C. S. S. Virginia. Jack applied for duty aboard the
new iron clad, and reported for duty as the Third Assistant
Engineer. The C.S.S. Virginia was ready to cast off on March 8,
1862. Jack was amazed as he gazed out the porthole at the
multitudes of people who stood on the shoreline, wharfs and
rooftops to cheer and wish them good luck. Soon the 268-foot
Virginia reached her top speed of six knots. From his station
deep in the hull of the ship, Jack could hear the sounds and
feel the slight vibrations of the cannon exchanges between his
ship and her opponents. Captain Buchanan ordered the Virginia to
ram the U.S.S. Cumberland, As a result, the Virginia punched a
large hole in the starboard side of her foe, sending her to the
bottom. The impact was so great it threw Jack from the bucket he
was sitting on and sent him grabbing for anything he could hold
on to. The ship then turned its attention to the U.S.S.
Congress, sinking her. Captain Buchanan had been wounded and
removed from the ship. Lt. Catasby Jones, the executive officer,
was now in charge. The next morning, March 9, 1862, the Virginia
met the iron clad U.S.S. Monitor and engaged in a four-hour
battle, which was the world’s first battle between ships made of
iron. After four hours, the two retreated in a draw, leaving
neither victorious. In May 1862, the Confederate Navy was forced
to abandon the Gosport Yard and move to the James River just
below Richmond. On May 11, 1862, Captain Josiah Tattnall, the
third and last commander of the Virginia, gave Jack order to
ready the ship for destruction. Jack set about the place
turpentine rags and powder in various compartments of the ship.
She sailed up the Elizabeth River and ran aground. After the
ship was set on fire, the crew made their way to shore. Jack
took a moment to observe his ship slowly being ingulfed by
flames. He was placed in charge of one of several groups
organized to take a defensive posture in case they were attacked
by the Union from the rear. They marched all night and boarded a
train for Richmond. Jack received orders to report to Memphis
where he would be assigned to the C.S.S. Livingston. However he
served time aboard the C.S.S. Arkansas, an iron-clad built in
Memphis. The ship traveled up the Mississippi, receiving sniper
fire from the shoreline. On July 15, 1862, the Arkansas was
attacked by the U.S.S. Essex, but survived. In August, the
Arkansas was called to assist the Confederate Army at Baton
Rouge. When the ship came within sight of her objective, the
engines failed. She was steered to the bank and tied off. The
order was given to destroy the ship, and the men marched through
the countryside, making their escape. Jack later served aboard
the Tallahasse, and took part in many raids on Union merchant
ships. Next, he served aboard the Columbia, which was
accidentally ran around. Now transferred to the C.S.S. Palmetto
State as Chief Engineer, he served until the Union occupation.
He was ordered to destroy the ship to keep it from being
captured by the Union forces. He tried to join with General
Lee’s Army, and traveling by foot, he was captured by a Union
Cavalry officer. He was marched 50 miles to City Pont with 4,000
Confederate prisoners. The men were herded like cattle to a
stockade. The next morning, he was placed on a transport for
Washington D. C., where he was placed in the old capital prison.
He was offered liberty if he would take the oath, but Jack
replied, “not as long as the Confederate flag is carried in the
field.” He was informed that Lee and Johnson had surrendered,
that only Kirby Smith, west of the Mississippi, was left to be
conquered. Jack replied, “then with them I will be faithful and
unconquered too.” Jack was transferred to Johnson Island prison,
located on Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. On June 18, 1865, he was
released from captivity, and he took a train to Baltimore, then
on to Portsmouth where he had a joyous reunion with his mother,
father, and siblings. He volunteered to serve as a mercenary in
Columbia in her war with Spain, and later returned to Portsmouth
to settle down and marry. He took employment with the U.S.
Revenue-Cutter Service as Lieutenant and Chief Engineer for
approximately 25 years. He died at his son’s home in Alton, and
was taken to Portsmouth for burial.
JACKSON, ALBERT MATTHEWS (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 28, 1919
Head of Western Military Academy
Dies
Col. Albert M. Jackson, president of the Western
Military Academy, died Thursday night at 11 o'clock very
unexpectedly from a malady that had been troubling him for a
long time. He had been in delicate health for several years, and
had been obliged to be very careful to avoid over-exertion. He
had not shown any signs of approaching death, and on Thursday he
was able to be out as usual. There was no hint to his family of
impending collapse at the time he went to bed. He was showing
some signs of nervousness, and the family conferred with Dr.
Pfeiffenberger by telephone. Before the conversation with the
doctor had terminated, Col. Jackson had shown indications of a
change for the worse, and within a very short time he had fallen
into unconsciousness from which he did not rally. Col. Jackson's
failing health had caused him to withdraw more and more from the
active control of the school of which he was the head, and last
September he retired completely and moved away from the school
property. Albert Matthews Jackson was born November 12, 1860, at
West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, and was in his fifty-ninth year.
He was educated in the common schools of Middlesex, and it was
there at the age of 17 he began his career as a teacher in the
public schools. He took up his preparatory college work in the
state normal at Edinboro, Pa., where he studied from 1878 to
1880, and in the fall of 1880 he entered the freshman class of
Westminster College at New Wilmington, Pa. He completed his
course of Princeton University, graduating there in 1884. Three
years later he received the honorary degree of Master of Arts
from Princeton. In 1884 he was elected instructor of mathematics
at Blair Academy at Blairstown, N. J., where he served for two
years. During that period he married Miss Jennie B. Simons of
Edinboro, Pa. He resigned at Blair Academy to come to Alton to
take a position under Edward Wyman, then conducting Wyman
Institute, which was the forerunner of Western Military Academy.
In those days, the school had about thirty boys in it. He had
served two years under Prof. Wyman when the latter died in 1888,
and then he became its principal. From that time the school had
a steady increase in patronage. The change of name from Wyman
Institute to Western Military Academy was made in 1892, at which
time he was commissioned as Colonel in the Illinois National
Guard. In 1896, the school passed under the control of Col.
Jackson and Lieut. Col. George D. Eaton, and the two men
remained in the school from that time and saw it grow and
prosper wonderfully. Col. Jackson was the superintendent. Col.
Jackson leaves his wife and three children, Maj. Ralph Jackson,
who has been connected with the school and is now its
commandant; Miss Grace Jackson, who also is connected with the
school; and Mrs. Rex Knight Latham of Lexington, Missouri. The
death of Col. Jackson removes one of the most enterprising
business men of Alton. He had unwavering confidence in the
future of the Western Military Academy. Once, when fire of
incendiary origin destroyed the administration building, at a
time when the owners of the school could ill afford to have the
loss, they showed their confidence by plunging deep into debt to
build a school that would be the equal of any military academy
in the country. Col. Jackson lived long enough to know his
confidence in the future of Western was not faulty. The
explanation of Col. Jackson's comparatively early collapse from
arterial hardening attributes it to the hard mental labors he
performed in his younger days, and the difficulties he was
obliged to surmount in making a great success of his school. He
had the school on his mind night and day, and the strain told on
his physique, making an early showing of old age at a time when
most men are enjoying the best years of their career. As an
educator, he had a wide reputation. He was always dignified,
courteous and hospitable. He made many friends who admired him
for his wonderful ability as an educator, as well as his many
graceful social attributes. To the young men who have passed
under his instruction, his death will cause sadness, as he was
beloved by all who had known him in their school life. As a
citizen, he was one of the very best that Alton had. He had
confidence in the future of Alton, and he confided his
investments largely to real estate in the vicinity of Western
Military Academy. He owns many nice houses, which are of a
character that make his tenants envied by others. He did much
for the upbuilding of Alton physically, always favored public
improvements and was a leader in the improvement thought in the
city. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 4
o'clock from the home. Reverends Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the
First Presbyterian Church, and William Thompson Hanzsche, pastor
of the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, will officiate.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1919
Many
friends, together with patrons and former students of the
Western Military Academy, gathered this afternoon at four
o'clock to pay their last respects to Col. Albert M. Jackson,
whose funeral was held from his late residence on Seminary
street. Impressive, but simple were the funeral services which
were conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First
Presbyterian church, and by Rev. William Thompson Hanzsche,
pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church. There were no
musical selections. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery. A blanket of
beautiful floral offerings covered the grave.
JACKSON, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 6,
1901
Man Fatally Mangled in Cellar of Illinois Box Works
Andrew Jackson, colored, machine foreman of the Illinois Box
Company, was killed this morning shortly before 10 o'clock by
becoming caught in a belt on a pulley in the cellar of the box
factory. Jackson was an old and experienced workman about box
factories, and his skill and experience were highly esteemed by
his employers. He was a careful man at all times, and it is
believed that the accident that caused his death was due to his
clothing or a finger becoming caught as he was trying to shift a
belt to a rapidly revolving pulley. William Zimmerman, Ned
Hanlin, Bert Page and H. Sudbrook witnessed the accident. The
belt had been shortened up as it had become loose, and with the
four men Jackson was trying to put the belt on the pulley again,
while the machinery was running. The pulley is about 22 inches
from a 14x10 beam above and 30 inches from the ground. Jackson
was suddenly caught by the belt, which had caught on the pulley
and started running. He was drawn against the shaft, his arm and
shoulder passing between the belt and pulley. His clothing
caught on the shaft and was wound tightly, drawing his body
against the revolving steel also, and throwing Jackson around
and around with each revolution. Jackson's legs struck the beam
above the pulley every time he was carried around with the
revolutions of the shaft, and his legs were torn off near the
knee. One arm was torn off, and it is believed every bone in his
body was broken. When the horrified men saw the fate of their
fellow workman, they gave the alarm by means of an electric bell
that is used in such cases. The thumps of the body of Jackson
against the floor were plainly audible over the entire factory,
and all the workmen knew something serious had happened. The
machinery was stopped, but it was fully two minutes before
Jackson's body was taken from the shaft. His clothes were
stripped from his body and cast in every direction during the
time the man was on the shaft. The force running the belts may
be estimated, when it is considered that a steel countershaft
carrying the other pulley that revolved the belt was broken and
the hangers were torn loose. Jackson was one of the most highly
esteemed of his people, and the Illinois Box Company had
unlimited confidence in him. The employers and workmen alike
held him in high regard, and there is general regret over his
sad death. He leaves his widow and five children. The funeral
will be held Wednesday morning from the family home at 10
o'clock to the Union Baptist church. [Funeral was from his home
on Bluff street. Burial was in City Cemetery]
JACKSON, AUGUSTUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
9, 1901
Augustus Jackson, a negro preacher familiarly known
as "Brother" Jackson, died Sunday morning at the home of Mrs.
Chappel on Union street, aged 54. The funeral will take place
Tuesday morning from the Chappel home.
JACKSON, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16,
1907
Clarence Jackson, son of George Jackson, died at Moro
this morning, aged 25. His wife survives him. He will be buried
on Saturday at the M. E. church.
JACKSON, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1902
David Jackson, aged 24, died Sunday morning at the
family home, 1138 East Third street, after a long illness from
lung troubles and a complication of diseases. He was a
glassblower, and had planned to go to Denver to work at his
trade, but his health failed before the time for his departure.
He was the son of William Jackson, a well known glassblower, and
he was very popular in a large circle of friends. The funeral
will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock and services will be
conducted in St. Patrick's church.
JACKSON, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6,
1918
Soldier Makes Supreme Sacrifice
News reached Alton
today that Fred Jackson, formerly a machinist at the plant of
the Western Cartridge Company, had been killed in France on
September 29, The information came to Miss Mae Grisham of 410
West Fourth street, from Jackson's mother, Mrs. Minnie Jackson,
at Bardwell, Ky. Mrs. Jackson received the information in a
telegram from the War Department. The message, however, did not
state at what point in France Jackson had lost his life. Jackson
was a member of Co. G, 119th Infantry. He went from Bardwell,
Ky., and had been in France several months. While working at the
Western Cartridge Company, Jackson and his mother lived at 608
East Eighth street. Besides his mother, Jackson leaves two
sisters and two brothers, Ray and Jerry, both of whom are in the
service of their country. Jerry at present is overseas in Co. A,
1st Pioneer Infantry. In a letter to his mother written two days
before his death, Jackson wrote: "I am living a clean life and
if I never get back home I expect to meet you all in heaven."
Another interesting feature with the news of the supreme
sacrifice that Jackson has made for his country, is the fact
that Miss Grisham has received a letter from him, dated five
days before his death, but post marked at Bordeaux, France,
October 4. In his letter Jackson says: "I have been in the
trenches several times and have been on No Man's Land on some
very dark nights. I have had some experiences in the great war.
I am at present several miles from any civilians or stores or
anything. About all I see are soldiers of several nationalities.
I can hear the artillery guns firing now most all the time."
Jackson wrote that he hoped the war would be over soon and that
he would be able to get back home and enjoy some of the comforts
of home life. "You folks must not grumble about eating a little
corn bread," writes Jackson, "for I eat hard tack lots of times
and think it is fine, but we usually have bread twice a day. But
I have not seen a piece of pie or any ice cream since I have
been in France. We can't buy it anywhere, but that is a very
small part of a soldier's life in France. But that is all right,
we are all willing to make sacrifices and they are only small
ones."
JACKSON, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Helen Jackson, wife of Albert Jackson, who
died Wednesday morning at her residence, 615 West Division
street, will be held from the house Sunday morning, June 15, at
10 o'clock.
JACKSON, HERBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1921
Five Year Old Son of Major Jackson of Western Military
Academy Run Over by Touring Car
The accidental injury of
Herbert, the five year old son of Maj. and Mrs. Ralph Jackson of
Western Military Academy proved fatal. The little boy died less
than four hours after he was run over by the seven passenger
touring car from which he fell as the car was being driven away
from where it had been parked near Washington and College Avenue
intersection. His death occurred at 3:25 o'clock, and at no time
after the accident did he regain consciousness. Mrs. Jackson,
who was driving the car that fatally crushed her older son, was
unable to give a very clear account of what happened, and
neither could any of the spectators, though it is believed that
the rear wheel must have run over the head of the child and
crushed the skull. Following the accident, emergency treatment
was given the boy near the scene of the accident, and afterward
he was taken home to the Western Military Academy where he died.
The death of the boy is felt a personal loss to every member of
the faculty and every cadet at the Western Military Academy. He
had attracted much attention because of the highly developed
intelligence and because of her personality, which was
remarkable for a child of his years. "Little Albert" was the
idol of all the boys attending the school, in which his father
was the commandant, and the fatal accident was the cause of
great mourning among all those who had known him. It is the
first break in the happy little family of Maj. and Mrs. Jackson.
The mother bore up with remarkable fortitude in the terrible
affliction that has befallen the family. She believes that the
car door must have been unloosened by the two children at play
in the car while she was doing some shopping in a store. When
she started the car, the boy, who was on the opposite side of
the car, became over-balanced and fell out, tumbling first to
the runningboard and then to the pavement where the big wheel of
the heavy car ran over him as he was crushed to the curbing. As
a matter of form to comply with the law, Deputy Coroner Streeper
was taking evidence in a quiet way today in the fatal accident
that occurred on College avenue yesterday noon. Mr. Streeper
called on those who saw the accident and took their testimony,
as he did not want to cause the mother of the child any further
anguish by having to testify before a coroner's jury. Testimony
of three witnesses was taken. Miss Marjorie Dietiker of the J.
T. King store, and Miss Lillian Cell of the Taggart coal office,
saw the accident. W. A. Clark, who was in the Barnard Drug
Store, took the boy out of Mrs. Jackson's arms when she ran into
the store carrying him. The coroner took the testimony of the
two girls who saw the accident and of Mr. Clark. Neither of the
girls could say whether or not the wheel of the car ran over the
child. The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday afternoon
from the family home, Rev. E. L. Gibson officiating.
JACKSON, IDELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1899
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Chappell of 708 Union Street have
been sorely afflicted by the death of their nine years old
adopted daughter, Idell Jackson, after an illness of only a few
months with lung fever. The little girl was a bright child that
everyone noticed, and her foster parents have the sympathy of a
very large circle of friends in their bereavement. The funeral
will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. from the A. M. E. Church.
JACKSON, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1902
Jane Jackson, a colored woman who had lived at Fosterburg many
years and had nearly rounded out the century mark of her life,
died yesterday at 1 o'clock at her home at Fosterburg, aged 98.
She will be buried Saturday afternoon.
JACKSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 10,
1919
Killed During Quarrel
John Jackson, a negro, was
shot and killed yesterday by Isaiah Vandenburg, another negro,
following a quarrel in the home of Henrietta Williams, also
colored, at 1900 Market street. Following the shooting
Vandenburg gave himself up to the police. Vandenburg told the
police that he was calling on the woman when Jackson entered the
house and declared she owed him $18. A quarrel ensued during
which Jackson, according to Vandenberg, placed his hand near his
hip pocket as if to reach for a gun. It was then that Vandenberg
fired, he said. Jackson's body is being held by Deputy Coroner
Bauer, who will conduct an inquest. Deputy Coroner Bauer held an
inquest today over the dead man, and held Vandenberg to the
grand jury without bail. A jury of negroes with Rev. G. W.
Brewer as foreman, found the verdict. The testimony showed that
the dead man had gone to the home of Mattie Williams to collect
a bill for $16 he claimed she owed. She was packing up to move
to Litchfield, where Vandenberg had been working. When Jackson
came into the house to collect the money, Vandenberg interfered
and Jackson told him it was none of his affair, whereupon
Vandenberg drew a revolver and shot Jackson through the heart.
It was said that the revolver used to do the killing was lying
on a dresser in the room where the killing was done. Across the
street where the dead man had resided a big revolver was on the
dresser, apparently ready for immediate use if its owner needed
it. He had no weapon on him when killed, notwithstanding the
statement of the slayer that the killing was done in self
defense. Deputy Coroner Bauer took the slayer to the county jail
at Edwardsville.
JACKSON, KATIE (SISTER ROBERTA)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 26, 1905
Sister Roberta, who was Miss
Katie Jackson, daughter of David Jackson, died Christmas night
at 5:45 o'clock at the Ursuline convent, aged 18 years and two
months. She was the youngest sister ever admitted to the
Ursuline order in Alton. While attending the convent and before
she graduated she became filled with an earnest desire to become
one of the sisters, and to take upon herself the vows of the
order. Although she was 17 years of age at the time, she took
the vows of a novitiate in the convent, and just before her
death she became a member of the order. She was most consecrated
in her work for the church, and by her complete devotion she won
the love and respect of the older and more experienced sisters
of the Ursulines. Her disposition was kindly and loving. She was
a sufferer from consumption, and during the last week she was in
a dying condition. A brother, Robert, died at Buffalo, N. Y.
from consumption while studying for the priesthood. The funeral
will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from the convent
chapel.
JACKSON, MAGGIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15, 1902
Mrs. Maggie Jackson, wife of William Jackson, died last evening
at 6 o'clock after an illness with pneumonia, at the family
home, 1118 East Third street. Mrs. Jackson was 43 years of age
and was well known in the East End. Her husband is a prominent
glassblower. Mrs. Jackson leaves her husband and three children.
The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, and
services will be conducted in St. Patrick's church by Rev. Fr.
P. J. O'Reilly. Burial will be at Greenwood.
JACKSON, MARGARET ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 23, 1903
North Alton News - The funeral of Mrs.
Margaret Ellen Jackson, wife of the well known horticulturalist
William Jackson, took place Thursday afternoon from the home to
the Godfrey cemetery, and was attended by a very large number of
friends and neighbors who had known and esteemed the deceased
lady and sympathized sincerely with her in her long period of
intense suffering. Rev. J. Alworth of the Godfrey Congregational
church conducted the services.
JACKSON, NANCY E. (nee McPHERSON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 14, 1922
Just a little more than one hour
following the date of the thirty-ninth anniversary of her
marriage, Mrs. Nancy Jackson, wife of George H. Jackson of
Bethalto, died this morning at 1:15 o'clock at the family home
in Bethalto. Her death was due to an illness of one year from
complication of diseases. She was 71 years of age. Mrs. Jackson
was born in Logan County, Ky., September 21, 1851. She came to
Madison County in 1873 and immediately after her arrival here
became the bride of George H. Jackson. The couple continued to
reside in this county all the time. The marriage took place at
Bethalto. The husband and three children survive her. The
children are Mrs. Gertrude Starkey of Alton, Mrs. Cora McCalley
and Arthur W. Jackson of Bethalto. There are six grandchildren,
Etta and Nancy Starkey, Leo and Harold McCalley, Thomas and
Donald Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was one of the most devoted members
of the Methodist Church at Bethalto and the funeral will be held
from that church Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
JACKSON, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3,
1913
Mrs. Nellie Jackson, widow of the late Albert Jackson,
died at her home this morning after a three days' illness. She
was 67 years of age and very well known about Alton. The funeral
will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
JACKSON, WILLIAM "UNCLE BILLY"/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 29, 1908
Prominent Horticulturist Dies
William Jackson, aged 88, died Tuesday evening at 9 o'clock at
his home in Godfrey township after a brief illness. Old age and
heat prostration were the causes of his death. "Uncle Billy," as
he was affectionately known to a very large circle of friends,
fell into his last sleep as peacefully as a child. It was as he
had wished it, that there be little warning and no suffering
when the well made old machine ran down. Surrounded by his
children, and with a host of friends grieving over his
departure, he slept away without even a chance to say the
farewells that would be so difficult to say to those he loved.
The death of Mr. Jackson came as a surprise to many of his
friends who did not even know he was ill. On Monday he was out
in the field at his home doing some work, and it is supposed
that he was affected by the heat so that he could not rally as
he had often done before. He went to his home and there he was
given every attention he seemed to require Monday night and
early Tuesday morning a physician was summoned. When he arrived
he found the old man in a state of collapse. At 8 o'clock in the
morning he fell into a deep sleep and he never awoke to
recognize any of his family or his friends who had learned of
his condition and called to see him. Mr. Jackson was one of the
best known men in the vicinity of Alton. For years he was
considered an eminent authority on horticulture. Probably next
to this he was best known in the Masonic fraternity. His love
for that institution continued until the very last. He was
actively engaged in the work of the order, always being in
attendance at the meetings of the various bodies when he was
able. A few years ago he was elected to the post of Eminent
Commander of Belvidere Commandery, Knights Templar, and at that
time was said to be the oldest eminent commander in the order in
Illinois. He had filled all the offices in all the Masonic
bodies, and at the time of his death had a very important
position in Alton Council, R. & S. M., where it will be very
difficult to fill his place. Among the members of the fraternity
he was loved and venerated and there is general grief over his
departure, even though the end came when he was beginning to
weaken under the weight of years but was still able to do his
best. He was born in Durham, England and came to this country
about the year 1853. He settled in what was North Alton about 44
years ago, where he followed the occupation of coal miner. He
engaged in the horticultural profession some time later and
achieved eminence in that line that made him an authority on
many subjects pertaining to his profession.....Mr. Jackson
leaves six children, John R. H. and Will Jackson, Mrs. Martha
Murphy, Mrs. Margaret Flood and Mrs. Mary Hagerman. His wife
died five year ago at the age of 76. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be conducted
in the grove of forest trees, owing to the limited space in the
house. Rev. H. A. cotton of the Godfrey Congregational church
will officiate. At the Godfrey cemetery the services will be
under the auspices of Piasa lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Alton.
JACKSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
16, 1916
Two Die in Still Blast at Wood River Refinery
Two men, Charles Grissom and William Jackson, were killed
instantly by the explosion of still 14 of battery 2, at the Wood
River refinery, early Saturday morning. Another man, Urick
Bailes, was slightly burned, and Louis Hoffman, who was within a
few feet of the explosion, had a narrow escape but was not
injured. The explosion occurred Saturday at 2:30 a.m. The cause
of it is said to have been an unusual pressure in the still due
to firing too strong. Grissom, formerly a barber in Alton, was
an assistant to the still tender. Jackson was a laborer. Both
men were standing close to the still, sheltered by the warmth
from the cold blasts of the near zero night, when the still
exploded. The head of the still was blow out, drenching the two
men with oil. Grissom was doubtless instantly killed as the top
of his skull was knocked off. Jackson's death must have been
very quick. Grissom has a family living at Wood River, and
Jackson has a family living on Belle street in Alton. The
explosion caused a general alarm of fire at Wood River, and the
refinery hands were called from their warm beds to man the lines
of hose and play streams of water on the fire to prevent the
fire communicating to other tanks of oil in the vicinity. By
energetic work the fireman succeeded in getting the flames under
control and no damage was done to other property....The men
killed had been employed at the plant for six years and were
regarded as good, faithful men. Grissom began working for the
plant January 4, 1911. Jackson began working February 16 the
same year. Grissom lived in Wood River with his family. He is
about 35 years of age and has two children. A third child died
two weeks ago, shortly after birth, and Mrs. Grissom has not
been in the best of health on that account. The shock makes
matters worse. Grissom's mother, known as "Grandma" Grissom,
aged 89, has been confined to her bed by the shock and is in a
serious condition. Jackson lived in Alton at 618 Belle street
with his wife and two children. He was 40 years of age. The
inquest was held this afternoon over the bodies of the two men.
A white jury was sworn in and took charge of the Grissom case,
and a colored jury took charge of the colored case. The inquest
was held at 3 o'clock this afternoon at the Bauer undertaking
rooms. The funeral of Charles Grissom will be held on Monday
morning at 11 o'clock from the Baptist Tabernacle in Wood River.
The services will be conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny and the Odd
Fellows, and the burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Upper
Alton. The funeral of William Jackson will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from home at 618 Belle street.
JACKSON, WILLIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1904
Willis Jackson, the East Alton man struck by a Big Four
train near the C. and A. cut-off crossing a few days ago, died
at 8 o'clock this morning at his home in East Alton. He was 54
years of age, and is survived only by his wife, who was
prostrated by shock on learning of her husband's mishap and
whose bad condition has been aggravated by her husband's death.
Mrs. Jackson is very ill.
JACOBS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30,
1909
Seven Year Old Killed by Street Car When Sledding Down
Hill
The effect of the killing of seven year old Anna Jacobs,
daughter of John Jacobs, colored, residing at 16th and Piasa
streets, by being run over by an A. J. & P. street car at the
foot of Fourth of July hill at Fourteenth and Belle street at
1:30 o'clock today will be to stop all the coasting in dangerous
places on the hills in Alton, according to orders issued by the
police. The little girl was riding on a single sled with two
other companions, Eva Hughes and Gertrude Blodget, and as she
neared the track the streets car approached from the direction
of the Thornton store. Al Fulliger, motorman, tried to stop the
car but failed. He slowed up the car enough to permit her to
pass in front of the car and almost beyond, but the wheel on the
opposite side caught her lower limbs and crushed them on the
rail. In her excitement to get out of the way she probably
slipped from her sled, leaving it on the Fourth of July hillside
while she slipped on over the smooth surface of the ground. She
was picked up and carried into a nearby house where she died
several minutes afterward. The two companions who were with her
stopped their sleds before reaching the car and ran away too
frightened to wait and see what was the result of the accident.
The girl leaves a father and mother and three brothers and
sisters. The father said that he had often cautioned his
daughter to stop coasting on the hill. Coroner C. N. Streeper
was notified to take the body.
JACOBS, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
8, 1902
Mrs. Catherine Jacobs, aged 88, died at the Ursulne
convent today where she was visiting her daughter, an inmate of
the convent. Death was due to senile debility. The funeral will
be Tuesday morning and services will be held in the Ursuline
chapel.
JACOBS, R. E./Source: Troy Weekly Call, October 19, 1907 -
Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Death claimed another well
known resident of this vicinity yesterday morning in the person
of R. E. Jacobs, a highly esteemed farmer residing two miles
east of this city. Mr. Jacobs' death was due to a short but
severe illness following a stroke of heart failure. His
condition Thursday was somewhat improved but a second attack
occurred early yesterday morning and he passed away. His son,
Elmer, and daughter, Mrs. Ed Bardsley of Collinsville, were at
the bedside when the end came. The funeral arrangements are made
for Monday, pending the arrival of a son, Ben W. Jacobs, from
Thompson Falls, Mont. The latter was advised Wednesday of his
father's serious illness and wired a reply that he would come at
once. His arrival is expected to-night or to-morrow at the
latest. The funeral as arranged will take place Monday at 12
o'clock from the family residence to the M. E. church. Rev. N.
D. Sweeney will conduct the funeral service and the interment
will be in the Gilead cemetery east of this city on the St.
Jacob road.
JACOBS, REUBEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1904
Reuben Jacobs, aged 27, died this morning from heart trouble at
the family home, 1657 Alby street. The funeral will be held
Sunday morning at 9 o'clock from the A. M. E. church, and burial
will be at Rocky Fork cemetery.
JACOBY, LOUIS J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
30, 1910
Former Alton Business Man Dies in Virden
Alton
relatives were notified Wednesday of the death of Louis J.
Jacoby, a former Alton business man, at his home in Virden,
after a lingering illness. Since last April Mr. Jacoby has been
very sick and submitted to three or four surgical operations for
the relief of a malady which attacked the jawbone first and
spread afterwards. The trouble was of a cancerous nature, and
most of the jawbone had been removed at different times without
avail. Mr. Jacoby has hundreds of friends in Alton who will
regret sincerely to hear of his death, and whose sympathy will
go out to the widow and three children. Mrs. Jacoby was Miss
Nellie McPherson, daughter of Contractor and Mrs. James
McPherson, and a sister of Mrs. E. C. Paul. Funeral services
will be held Thursday at the home in Virden, and the body will
be taken to Bunker Hill, where burial will take place Friday
morning. The parents of the deceased young man live in
Chesterfield. C. J. Jacoby is an uncle and Louis J. Jacoby was
affiliated with him in the East Second street furniture
business.
JACOBY, OSCAR LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
10, 1905
Oscar Jacoby, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. C. J.
Jacoby, aged about 20 years, died Wednesday afternoon at the
home of his parents, 515 east Eleventh street, after an illness
beginning last Saturday afternoon. The cause of death was
peritonitis, which was super induced probably by appendicitis.
Twice before, it is said, the young man suffered with symptoms
of appendicitis but recovered rapidly in both instances, and a
surgical operation was never performed. He was a bright,
studious young man, very companionable and a general favorite
with all who knew him, young or old. He returned from Warrenton,
Missouri college, which he has been attending, in July, and
expected to take a position in one of the stores of his father
and uncle. The body will be taken to Bunker Hill tomorrow
morning, leaving Alton on the 7:20 Big Four train. The funeral
services will be conducted in Bunker Hill at 9 a.m. and burial
will be in the Jacoby family lot. A quartet consisting of Misses
Lucile, Nellie and May Paul and Mr. Harry Paul will render vocal
selections. The Rev. W. F. Isler and F. W. Elger and Prof. Chas
Stueckeman of Central Wesleyan college at Warrenton, Mo. will
give addresses. The interment will be at the Bunker Hill
Cemetery where two sisters and one brother lie buried. The body
will lie in state at his home in Alton from 2:10 p.m. on
Thursday. Oscar Louis Jacoby, son of Casper J., Annie D. Jacoby,
and brother of Clara, Effie, Edwin, Verneda, Casper, Annie and
Phillip, was born in Bunker Hill, Ill., on Feb. 3, 1885. In 1903
he graduated from the public high school at Bunker Hill with
honors, having been chosen the valedictorian, and last year he
attended the Central Wesleyan college at Warrenton. It was his
plan to prepare in a very thorough way for business, and had
intended to attend some business college in the near future.
Oscar was a thoroughly religious boy. At the age of 12 he found
peace with God and consecrated his life to his service, and
became a member of the German Methodist church at Bunker Hill,
Ill.....He took sick suddenly on Saturday August 5, with
peritonitis. When it became known to him that he must die, he
spoke very freely to his folks about his hope for a future life.
He said: "I would so much like to live a little longer, for I am
so young yet and could not do much for my parents so far, but
God's will be done and I am satisfied." To his brothers and
sisters he spoke kind words asking them to be good and obey
their parents. For fully 30 minutes he prayed aloud asking God
to bless his parents, brothers and sisters and all his friends,
and then asked God to be merciful to him and prepare his soul
for heaven. On Wednesday, August 9, at 4:20 p.m., God sent his
messenger to relieve him from his suffering, surrounded by his
entire family, uncles and aunts, cousins and friends, with great
peace at the age of 20 years, 6 months and 6 days.
JAGGERS, VICTOR O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
25, 1918
Victor O. Jaggers, aged 60 years, died Saturday
night at his home at 930 East Fourth street with influenza and
pneumonia. A widow, one son, Arthur Jaggers, and a daughter,
Mrs. John Harris of Alton, with four grandchildren, survive.
Jaggers was employed at the East Alton plant of the Western
Cartridge Company. The funeral will be held at Edwardsville, the
former home, but the arrangements will not be completed until
the arrival of the son, who is at Camp Lewis, Washington.
JAGGERS, ORLANDO FILMORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 30, 1918
The funeral of Orlando Filmore Jaggers, who
died last Saturday, will be held tomorrow from the home, 980
East Fourth street, and at 1:30 the body will be taken to
Edwardsville for interment. The funeral arrangements were
completed upon the arrival here of a son, Arthur, who was
stationed in Washington state.
JAMES, CHARLES GOULD/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 1,
1840
Died, at Upper Alton, on the 21st of January, Charles
Gould, aged 18 months, son of John James, M. D.
JAMES, EDWARD C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 27, 1902
Former Upper Alton Physician Dies
Dr.
Edward C. James, formerly a prominent practicing physician of
Upper Alton, died suddenly last evening while on his way home
from the post office. His dead body was found by his two sons,
Clarence and Charles, who stumbled over the body of their father
as it lay near the stable where he fell. Dr. James had not been
in robust health for some time, and twenty years ago he gave up
the active duties of a practicing physician. He was 67 years of
age and had lived in Upper Alton 65 years, having gone to the
village at the age of two years. E. C. James was born in Albany,
New York in 1835, and went to Upper Alton with his father in
1837, and has lived there ever since. Thirty-five years ago he
was married to Miss Susan Knostman of Brighton, who survives him
with her children: E. C. James, J. K. James of Upper Alton; Mrs.
M. F. Greeding of St. Louis; C. A. and C. N. James; and Miss
Susan James. Dr. James was a member of the Presbyterian church,
and on the evening of their Christmas entertainment he received
a handsome Bible for his regular attendance at Sunday school for
the past 30 years, in that time having never missed a Sunday.
Dr. James had been in failing health for some months, but
yesterday seemed brighter than usual. Funeral arrangements have
not been completed, but it is probably the service will not be
held until MOnday, as some relatives are expected to come from a
distance.
JAMES, ORVILLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19,
1918
Orville James, aged 29, son of C. H. James,
superintendent of the Union Tank line in Wood River, died this
morning at 8:30 at the home in Wood River, after an illness of
two months. He was employed with the Union Tank line with his
father before his illness. He is survived by his parents, a
brother, Arthur James, and two sisters, Mrs. Eva Shoemaker and
Miss Cleo James. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock at the home. The burial will be in Oakwood cemetery
in Upper Alton.
JAMES, SUSAN K./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 2,
1915
Mrs. Susan K. James, aged 69, died Thursday afternoon at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. A. Greding, on Edwards street,
after an illness of six weeks. Mrs. James was the wife of Dr. E.
C. James, who died December 26, 1902. She was born in Upper
Alton and had lived there practically all her life. Her maiden
name was Krostmann....[unreadable].
JAMESON, MELVIN (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 24, 1922
Rev. Melvin Jameson, in his eighty-seventh
year, passed away at his residence, 2704 College avenue, after a
long period of disability. His death occurred at 5 a.m. today.
For a long time the aged clergyman had been watching the gradual
approach of the end. His mentality was preserved to the last and
until a week before his death he had been able to read. Not
since last March had he been dressed, but he was able to be up
occasionally and around some in his home. The close of his life
was characterized by the fine Christian manifestations that had
been exemplified by him through all his career. He knew that the
end was approaching fast and that the time could not be much
longer, and he passed his closing days in manifestations of the
faith that had been the mainspring of his life. It led him to
far corners of the world, it had caused him to take up difficult
tasks, and his faith had never failed him. He closed his life as
he had lived it, with an unchanged devotion to the cause he had
labored in for so many years. Attended by his wife and members
of his family, he passed away this morning just as the day was
beginning to break, closing a life of love for his fellow man.
He was a true Christian gentleman. In the passing of Rev. Mr.
Jameson there has gone out a man who was rich in experiences,
and a life has been closed that was full of good works. It was a
life that was known for its beauty of character, its self
sacrificing devotion to the cause of the religion he had pledged
his undying allegiance to, and the happiness of his home
relations. His best known work in Alton was as the pastor of the
First Baptist church and of the Cherry Street Baptist church,
which he had in charge at the time the church was founded. He
was deeply interested in foreign missionary work, and doubtless
it was largely his influence that made the mission spirit so
strong in the First Baptist church, that it has the highest
record of any church in Alton for sending mission workers to
foreign and home mission fields. He himself went to Burmah,
India, where he served as a missionary for a long period and he
had a record of high efficiency in that chosen work. He never
ceased to advocate the cause of missions after his return to
this country to stay. A fine, manly figure, the aged clergyman
was in great demand to fill posts where there was special need,
and it mattered not to him that the recompense financially would
be small. He always had faith that the Master he served would
see that he was adequately provided for, and he was. He lived
his home life highly respected and dies mourned not only by his
wife and children, but by a very large circle of friends who
feel that they owe much to the self-denying services of this
venerable man of God. While his membership was retained in the
First Baptist church, the latter years of his life were spent in
communion with the College Avenue Baptist church members. It was
the people of that part of the city who remember him best, and
because of this fact, and the further fact that the pastor of
his own church, Rev. M. W. Twing, is out of the city, the
funeral services will be held in the College Avenue Baptist
church, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The following brief
account of his career was furnished to the Telegraph: Rev.
Melvin Jameson was born in Lyons, N. Y., March 3, 1836. He was
the son of Hugh and Maria Melvin Jameson. Several children were
born to this couple, but only three sons grew to manhood, Hugh,
the oldest, who always resided in his home town, Melvin, the
subject of this sketch, and William, who survives him, and is
now living in Phelps, N. Y. His ancestry on his father's side
were Scotch-Irish from the North of Ireland. On his mother's
side the name of Elder John Leland is conspicuous in Baptist
annals, in the early part of the last century, on the Atlantic
seaboard from Maine to Virginia. This pioneer preacher was an
uncle of Mrs. Maria Melvin Jameson. Mr. Jameson prepared for
College in the Lyons Union School, and always regard it as an
especially favoring providence that he had for teacher John T.
Clark, a man much esteemed and honored in that locality at that
time. He entered the Sophomore class of Rochester University in
1856, and graduated in due course. He took his theological study
at Rochester Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1859. He had
in the seminary as classmates the late Dr. Augustus H. Strong,
for forty years President of the seminary, and also Prof.
Wilkinson, of the University of Chicago. The closest friendship
existed between the three, and a regular correspondence was kept
up between them until the passing of the other two. He came to
Alton as pastor of the First Baptist church, and was ordained
April 19, 1860. He remained as pastor of this church until July
1869. From 1869 to 1889 he was a missionary to the Burmans, of
Bassein, Burma. During this time he had one furlough, from
1880-1883. For one year of this furlough he was the pastor of
the First Baptist church of Ogdensburg, N. Y. The remainder of
the time he was going among the churches, telling of his work.
His work in Burma was mainly evangelistic, going from village to
village in a boat, preaching to the people in their homes. One
of his associate missionaries who knew of his indefatigable and
persistent labor said of it, "The whole Bassein District was
saturated with the Gospel." At one time in an emergency he was
called by his missionary brethren to Rangoon, to help put a new
edition of the Burman Bible through the Press, and was engaged
in this work for several months. Mr. Jameson was twice married.
His first wife was Miss Julia Allen of Fiskdale, Mass. She was a
distant relative of the late Dr. Marsh, and spent several years
in his family, attending the city schools, and afterwards taught
in one of the grades previous to her marriage. She died in 1875,
leaving three sons, Allen Marsh, for many years a resident of
Upper Alton; Hugh, Y. M. C. A. Gen. Secretary, Cadillac, Mich.;
and Melvin Waldo, a resident of Cleveland, O. In 1878 he married
Miss Mary E. Walling, a missionary to the Karens of Bassein,
whose home in America was Gouverneur, N. Y., who survives him.
JANETT, CHRISTIAN/Source: Troy Weekly Call, January 24, 1913
- Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Christian Janett., the oldest
resident of Highland and Madison county and one of the oldest
persons in Illinois, passed away on his 101st birthday on
Thursday of last week at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles
Appel, at Highland. The death of Mr. Janett was not unexpected.
He had been an invalid for over a year, the result of a hard
fall. Gradually his bodily (sic) ran down like a clock and
became weaker until at last, only the heart and lungs performed
their functions alone for some time until the dissolution. He
was surrounded in his last hours by his children and other
relatives but he knew them not. Christian Janett was a native of
Switzerland and born January 16, 1812. As a youth he learned the
cabinetmaker's trade at which he worked for many years. His
marriage was in 1839, and in 1866 Mrs. Janett died. Mr. Janett
and five children set sail for America in December of the same
year and upon arriving in this country located at Highland where
they remained ever since. Mr. Janett is survived by three sons
and two daughters as follows: John Janett, of Highland, aged 73;
Valentine Janett, of Steger, Ill., aged 60; Jacob Janett, of
Highland, aged 53; Mrs. C. Buchter, of Highland, aged 63, and
Mrs. Charles Appal, of Highland, aged 58. There are also 17
grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. The funeral took place
at Highland, last Sunday afternoon and was attended by
practically every citizen of the city besides many from
surrounding towns. The interment was in the City Cemetery.
JANSSEN, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27,
1920
Four Men Killed When Car Strikes Auto At Crossing
Edward Janssen, 55, a farmer and assessor, a school director and
former tax collector of Chouteau township, and three unknown
farm hands, were instantly killed at 6 o'clock this morning when
Janssen's automobile, in which they were riding was struck by an
Alton, Granite and St. Louis Traction Co. car at Maryville
Crossing, one mile east of Mitchell. The body of Janssen, whose
neck was broken, was seated at the wheel of the machine after
the accident. The body of one of the men was beside the track,
while two were under the demolished automobile. Joseph
Hackethal, fifth occupant of the car, jumped before the crash
and escaped with slight bruises. It is believed that two of the
farm hands were from Rolla, Mo., while the third is believed to
have come from Omaha, Neb. Hackethal and Janssen have been
shipping wheat together this year, and went to the Hackethal
farm to see how much had been thrashed and was ready for
shipment. On their way to the wheat field, they encountered the
three farm hands who entered the machine. Hackethal and Janssen
sat in the front of the car and the three young men in the back
seat. The men had gone to the field and were making the return
trip when struck by the car. The car was enroute from Granite
City to Alton, and was to have left here at 7 o'clock as a
special limited. The car was in charge of Motorman Koch and
Conductor Curry. As the machine was crossing the track, it was
struck by the car. Hackethal said he did not see the car, and it
is not believed that any of the other occupants of the machine
saw it. This is regarded as strange as the crossing is a
straight track crossing. One farm hand in the vicinity of the
accident scene said he heard one sharp blast of the car whistle,
but did not hear the crossing whistle. Another farm hand said he
heard the car whistle and then heard the crash. This led to the
belief that the car sounded a warning before hitting the auto,
was said that crossing whistle was not sounded but no statement
was secured from the car crew regarding this. Deputy Coroner
Tate of Granite City took charge of the bodies. No arrangements
for holding an inquest have been made. So far as is known there
were no witnesses to the accident. Janssen, one of the best
known and most popular of farmers in that section, was married,
and is survived by his widow, his third wife. He leaves also
seven children. He was born in the Mitchell neighborhood and
spent his entire life there. He was assessor of the township and
a member of the school board of directors, and was at one time
tax collector of the township. He has been regarded as a leader
in that section, and his tragic death causes general mourning
there. His funeral will be Thursday, but arrangements have not
been completed. The bodies of the three young men will be held
pending receipt of word from relatives. According to Deputy
Coroner Tate, the three young men who were killed with Janssen
are believed to have come from Rolla, Mo., and it is believed
from the appearance of their clothing and bodies that they might
have been students from the University of Missouri, School of
Mines, working here and there on farms during the summer months.
Tate stated that they did not look like farmers. They were clean
shaven, wore good clothes, and their hair and fingernails seemed
to have been well kept. They appeared to the Deputy Coroner to
be between the ages of 23 and 26. Tate said that he would wire
to the Chief of Police of Rolla today in an effort to learn the
identity of the young men. The belief that they came from Rolla
is founded on the fact that they mentioned something about being
from Rolla to the farm hands with whom they had been working,
although they apparently did not dis......... _as said to have
come originally from Omaha, Neb. Tate describes one man as being
about five feet six inches in height, having brown eyes, brown
hair, and two gold front teeth, another as being about six feet
in height, and having sandy hair and gray eyes. The third was
described as being five feet, six inches tall and having red
hair and grey eyes.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
29, 1920
[According to the newspaper above, the three unknown
farm hands were: Frank Craig, 17, Harry Stroud, 20, and Noah S.
Clark, 21, all of Lenox, Missouri.]
JANNSEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18,
1901
John Jannson, aged 70, died Sunday morning at his home
on Alby street after a long illness. He had lived on Alby street
near the corporation line between Alton and North Alton many
years, and he was known as a good neighbor and a sturdy upright
man. He followed the carpenter trade during his life in Alton.
The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
services will be held in the Evangelical church.
JANNSEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14, 1902
John Jannsen, a prominent young farmer of East Alton vicinity,
died this morning at his home after a two years illness with
chronic malaria. He was 32 years of age, and was one of the
thrifty prosperous young men of the community. He leaves a wife
and two young children. He was known to everyone near East
Alton, and very highly esteemed by all who knew him. The funeral
will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will
be conducted in the East Alton Baptist church by Rev. Theodore
Oberheilman of Alton.
JANNSEN, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND LIZZIE/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1903
The 2 year daughter of Mrs.
Lizzie Jannsen, widow of the late John Jannsen, died last night
at the Jannsen home below East Alton, after a short illness with
brain trouble. The funeral will be held Monday morning and
services will be conducted at the church. [Burial was in Vaughn
Graveyard]
JARBOU, MINNIE (nee ANTHONY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 1, 1901
The funeral of Mrs. Minnie Jarbou, nee Anthony,
wife of A. Jarbou, took place Sunday afternoon at 5 o'clock from
the home of Allen Jameson on Alby street. The funeral was long
delayed by the delay in the arrival of a sister of Mrs. Jarbou,
Mrs. Joseph Berner of Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Berner were
returning home from a southern trip and did not learn of Mrs.
Jarbou's death until they arrived in St. Louis at Union Station,
Sunday noon, where they were informed of the death by a friend.
The sister was sadly shocked by the news and hastened to Alton
to attend the funeral. The services were conducted by Rev. H. K.
Sanborn of the Presbyterian church, and burial was in City
Cemetery.
JARMAN, CY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17, 1901
Thomas Scoggin and John Burns, who are under indictment in the
Circuit Court and are in the county jail awaiting trial for the
murder of Cy Jarman of Mitchell, will be given a trial next
Monday. Thirty-four witnesses have been summoned for the case.
Jarman was killed in Alton near the corner of Second [Broadway]
and Piasa streets, and a large Saturday night crowd saw the
murderers stabbing the man to death without realizing that the
affair was anything more than a drunken fight. States Attorney
Brown says he has a good case against the men. They will
endeavor to prove that Jarman was a dangerous character when
drunk, and that they killed him in self-defense. Jarman was
thrown over an ash barrel by the two murderers, and while Burns
held the prostrated man, Scoggins plied a long-bladed knife in
and out of Jarman's back.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 25, 1901
Thomas F. Scoggin received a life
term of imprisonment in the penitentiary for the murder of Cy
Jarman in this city [Alton]. Scoggin was guilty of one of the
most cold-blooded murders that was ever perpetrated, and it is a
striking commentary on the juries in Madison county courts that
the extreme penalty was not meted out to him. Scoggin was
fortunate that he was not found guilty of murder in the first
degree, and the penalty fixed at hanging. Thomas Burns, who
helped commit the murder, was found guilty of manslaughter.
JARMAN, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 26,
1912
George Harman, a son of the late William Jarman, died
Saturday morning at the family home on Piasa street, aged 46. He
had been sick only a few days with pneumonia. He was a life-long
resident of Alton, and was known for his industry and as a good
citizen. He was engaged in the cattle buying business. He leaves
two sisters, Miss Lucetta Jarman and Mrs. Fred Stumberg, both of
Alton. Mr. Jarman was born and lived all his life in the house
where he died, 1609 Piasa street, and was always a resident of
Alton. The funeral will be Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
Rev. M. W. Twing will conduct the funeral services.
JARMAN, SYLVESTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20,
1900
Stabbed to Death With Pocket Knife by Thomas F. Scoggen
Thomas F. Scoggen and John Burns are being held in the county
jail on the charge of having brutally murdered Sylvester Jarman,
Saturday night, on Second Street [Broadway] near Piasa. Jarman
was killed with a pocket knife in the hands of Scoggen, and
according to the testimony of Charles Miller and John Gleason
before the coroner's jury, John Burns held Jarman prostrate over
a garbage barrel while Scoggen cut him again and again. Jarman
was helplessly drunk, and according to the testimony of
witnesses to the quarrel and to the killing, there was no real
provocation for the killing. Jarman was a large man employed on
the Bluff Line section at Oldenburg, having a family at
Mitchell, and boarded at the Empire House. Scoggen lives near
Ninth and Piasa. Scoggen had a sore hand and was unable to do
full justice to Jarman for the insult he alleges to have
received from the drunk man, and when the two met later, Scoggen
had been re-enforced by John Burns, a laborer, who had been
employed unloading wheat from a barge on the levee, and together
they attacked their man. There were but a few witnesses to the
beginning of the quarrel in front of Charles Miller's saloon.
The first quarrel started in front of the Empire House, when the
men met for the first time in their lives. Jarman called Scoggen
"Bluff Line," which the latter interpreted to mean railroad bum,
and he resented it. When next he met Jarman, Scoggen had an open
knife in his pocket and he lost no time in attacking his man
when an opportunity offered. Jarman was helplessly drunk and
could not defend himself. Witnesses testified at the inquest
that while Scoggen was striking Jarman with his fists, Burns
would prevent the drunk man's blows from taking effect on his
antagonist, the two fighting one. At last Scoggen drew his knife
and stabbed Jarman in the neck, and then as the wounded man
staggered over a garbage barrel, Burns held him prostrate while
Scoggen plied the knife in and out of Jarman's back and side. As
Jarman fell to the sidewalk after the assault, Scoggen plunged
the knife blade into his victim's left side and touched his
heart. Forty-five minutes later, while being carried into the
hospital, Jarman died. Dr. Wilkinson performed a post mortem and
found seven wounds in Jarman, several of which would have been
fatal. While the fight was in progress, a crowd gathered but no
one saw the use of the knife, and William Wies, who separated
the men, thought it was merely a drunken man's scuffle. The
serious nature of the fight was not realized until Jarman arose,
hunted for his hat and fell in a heap, with a geyser of blood
gushing from his side. Scoggen ran to the Citizens' Bank corner
and there stood until a friend warned him to flee. He hastened
home, secured another hat and wandered back to the scene of the
killing, where he was arrested by Officer Young. In the
meantime, Capt. Fitzgibbons had caught John Burns fleeing toward
the levee and arrested him as a witness. It afterward proved to
be a good catch, as Burns had a prominent part in the affair.
Another man was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory, but
was not held by the Coroner's jury. The Coroner's inquest was
held Sunday morning and a verdict holding Scoggen guilty of
murder and Burns as an accessory was found. Coroner Bailey
issued a mittimus [court-ordered warrant directing the county
sheriff to arrest a convicted person], and the two men were
taken to Edwardsville this morning. Both claim the stabbing was
done in self defense by Scoggen, and that Jarman was the
aggressor. Mrs. Jarman came up from Mitchell yesterday to learn
the details of the killing. She was unmoved at hearing of her
husband's death and seemed to have no feeling for him. She
stated to a Telegraph representative that her husband had not
lived with her for four months, and that he was a hard drinker.
When drunk she said he was quarrelsome and made life miserable
at home. She believed he probably was at fault in the killing
because of his uncontrollable temper when intoxicated. She said
she caused his body to be buried here. Mrs. Jarman says her
husband was 42 years old. She has three children and appears to
be a hard working woman.
JARMAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22,
1911
Old Civil War Soldier Dies - Marched With Sherman
Through Georgia
William Jarman, an aged resident of Alton,
died at his home, 1609 Piasa street, Monday afternoon after a
long illness. He was an old soldier and a long time resident of
Alton. Mr. Jarman was a frugal, hard working man, and during his
long period of residence in Alton he saved a competence, and at
his death owned real estate. It is recalled by old employees
around the Telegraph office that Mr. Jarman was connected with
the Telegraph many years ago. The present Senator Edmond Beall
furnished the motive power which operated the press, the power
being generated by a pair of strong young arms, and when he was
promoted after long service, he was succeeded by Mr. Jarman.
That was in the days before electric or water motors were in
general use. Mr. Jarman was a strong, tireless man who could
turn a heavy piece of machinery all day long and still be ready
to continue working when the day job was done. Mr. Jarman was
known as a quiet, law abiding man, and in the neighborhood where
he lived he was always highly esteemed. He served with credit
during the Civil war as a soldier. He raised a family of
children, although he lost his wife many years ago. Mr. Jarman
had lived in the one house for 57 years. He was born in
Devonshire, England, May 14, 1822, and was past 89 years of age.
He came to Alton on Christmas day, 1850. He served in the 10th
Illinois regiment during the Civil War, saw service in the
hardest campaigns of the war, was at the battles of Nashville,
Knoxville, Lookout Mountain, and marched with Sherman through
Georgia. He is survived by one brother, Robert Jarman, 87 years
old, who arrived from Atwater, Ill. just one hour before the old
man died. He leaves also one son, George Jarman, and two
daughters, Miss Etta Jarman, who always remained with her
father, and Mrs. Fannie Stumberg. The funeral will be Wednesday
at 2 p.m., and services at the home will be conducted by Rev. M.
W. Twing.
JARRETT, SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1908
Miss Sadie Jarrett, a native of Alton and daughter of
Mrs. Addie Jarrett, died last night at her home, 712 Bayard
avenue, from pneumonia. She was born in Alton September 10,
1868, and lived here most of her life. She was a very popular
young lady, and her death will be regretted by all who knew her.
She is survived by her mother and seven brothers, Wallace,
William, Samuel, Harry, Clarence, Clement and Lorenzo. Funeral
arrangements have not been made, but the body will probably be
brought to Alton Sunday.
JARRETT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23,
1915
William Jarrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Jarrett
of Central Avenue, died at the home of his parents this morning
at ten o'clock after a six weeks illness with tuberculosis. Mr.
Jarrett was nineteen years of age, and is survived by his
parents and three brothers, Bert(?), Harry and Morvis Jarrett,
and one sister, Miss Bertie Jarrett. For the past four years the
deceased has been employed at the Western Cartridge Company at
East Alton, and was highly thought of by both his employers and
his co-workers, on account of his quiet ways and close
application to business, and will be greatly missed by his
friends as well as by his sorrowing family. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the family residence
on Central avenue, and burial will take place in the City
cemetery.
JARVIS, ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 4, 1846
Died at Troy, Madison County, Illinois, on the 25th of November,
Mrs. Ellen Jarvis, wife of Mr. John G. Jarvis of that place, and
daughter of Major William G. and Mrs. Martha Brown of St. Clair
County. Mrs. Jarvis was born on the 29th of May 1818, and united
in marriage to Mr. Jarvis on the 19th April, 1838. She professed
religion and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in February
18??, and continued an acceptable member of the same to the time
of her death. She has left an afflicted husband, three children,
and a large circle of relations and friends to mourn their loss,
but they sorrow not as those that are without hope.
JARVIS, ORPHA B./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, June 30,
1870
Died on the 25th instant, Orpha B., infant daughter of
William W. and Sarah E. Jarvis, of Troy, aged 6 months and 2
days. "A little flower of love, That blossomed but to die;
Transplanted now above, To bloom with God on high."
JARVIS, WESLEY WESTON/Source: The Troy Weekly Call, January
2, 1909
Crushed by 600-pound Slate
Donk’s No. 3 mine at
Troy added another to its long list of victims Monday, in the
person of Wesley Weston Jarvis, a well-known young man of Troy,
who was killed by a fall of slate while at work in the mind. The
accident occurred about 9:30 a.m., and was first discovered by
Charles Elliott, a driver who went into the room where Jarvis
worked alone, to take out the coal he had loaded. Elliott saw
the body under a fall of slate, and hurried to adjoining rooms
to summon help. It required the strength of four men to remove
the huge clod, which it is estimated weighed about 600 pounds.
Life was seen to be extinct, the head having been crushed, and
the end must have been instantaneous. The body of Jarvis was
then taken from the mind and removed to his home nearby.
Deputy Coroner R. E. Low of Edwardsville was at once notified,
and arrived the same evening to hold the inquest. Coroner C. N.
Streeper of Alton happened to be at Edwardsville, and
accompanied the Deputy to Troy, it being the latter’s first
inquest since his appointment last week. The inquest was held at
the Miners’ Hall, with a jury composed of J. E. Hindmarch,
Stanley Ritcher, James McCormick, James Rawson, Walter
Wilkinson, and H. C. Kersey. The evidence in the main was in
accordance with the facts already stated, but it also developed
that the room in which Jarvis worked was known as “bad.” It had
been marked as such, but the mark had become erased. Other
evidence was to the effect that Jarvis went to work on Thursday
of last week, but remained in his room only an hour because of a
feeling of unsafety. The jury, however, did not hold the company
responsible for the accident, as has been reported, and the full
text of its verdict was as follows:
“We the jury find
that Wesley Jarvis came to his death from a fall of slate in
room No. 6, 4th stub, 4th west, north side, in Donk Bros. Mine
No. 3 at Troy, Illinois on Monday, December 28, 1908.”
The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from
the family residence in the west end, to the Presbyterian
Church, and was very largely attended, including the members of
the Miners’ Union in a body. Rev. N. D. Sweeny, pastor of the M.
E. Church, and a boyhood friend of the deceased, preached an
eloquent and fitting funeral sermon. Rev. B. L. Stuart of the
Presbyterian Church also assisted in the services. The casket
bore a large number of beautiful floral tributes, and the
pallbearers were: Charles Wandling, Herbert Horsley, Walter
Wilkinson, Fred Richold, John Deimling, and John Riggin. The
interment was in the Troy Cemetery.
Wesley Weston Jarvis
was born in Troy on July 27, 1870. He was the oldest son of John
F. and Nancy J. Jarvis, and his is the first death in the
immediate family. His earlier life was spent in the schools and
on the farm at this place, and later he took up the occupation
of a miner. After working here for a time, he went to the lead
mines at Joplin, Missouri, and later to the coal mines in
Indiana. Ten years ago he went west, and after spending eight
years in North Dakota and other states in mining and on ranches,
returned here about two years ago, where he has since resided
and has engaged in mining. He was never married.
JARVIS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19,
1915
William Jarvis, aged 32 years, of Troy, dropped dead at
the home of Edward Geldes where he was visiting at 6 o'clock
last night. Ten minutes before he dropped dead he had drank a
glass of iced tea. He had been an invalid fourteen years, and it
is not decided whether the iced tea hastened his death. An
inquest will be held this evening. The deceased is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. John Jarvis, and is a member of one of the old time
families of Troy.
JAYNE, MALINDA J./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1836
Died, on the 19th inst., Malinda J., in the tenth month of her
age, infant daughter of Dr. Z. Jayne. Her disease in the sequel
was that of diarrhea, which immediately succeeded a violent
attack of measles.
JAYNES, SUSAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1903
Mrs. Susan Jaynes, 74, died at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Emma Layton, Indiana avenue, after a long illness Sunday
night. The funeral was held this morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church. She leaves two children, Mrs. Layton and
George Jaynes.
JEANS, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23,
1901
Elmer Jeans, a young man well known in the city and with
many friends, died this morning at 11:20 at the home of his
mother, corner of Staunton and Common streets, after a long
illness with consumption. This is the second one of the family
to go with the same disease within a year, and the afflicted
mother has the sympathy of all. Elmer was 27 years of age, and
leaves a mother, three brothers - David, Newton and Harry, and
two sisters - Mrs. Lizzie Wayman and Mrs. Eva Henderson, to
mourn his death. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the Congregational church.
JEANS, EVALINE S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8,
1920
The funeral of Mrs. Evaline S. Jeans, the aged resident
of Alton, who died Wednesday morning, was held this afternoon at
2:30 o'clock in the Congregational church in which she had held
membership for many years. The services were conducted by Rev.
C. C. Smith, the pastor, who had been on a trip in behalf of the
Inter-church movement, and had a series of appointments to visit
several other cities when he was called back home by word of the
death of this aged member of his congregation. There were many
old friends of Mrs. Jeans, and a large number of members of the
church at the service. Burial was in City cemetery.
JEANS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1902
Harry Jeans died at 2:30 o'clock Monday morning after a long
illness, aged 24. He had been a sufferer from consumption for
many months. A few days ago he returned from Clarksville, Mo.,
where he had been staying in hope that his health would be
benefitted. He was very weak when he returned, and his condition
grew worse rapidly. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon
at 3 o'clock, and will be under the auspices of the Junior Order
of United American Mechanics.
JEANS, JEFFERSON DAVIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
10, 1905
The funeral of Jefferson Davis Jeans was held Monday
afternoon from the home on Staunton street, where services were
conducted by Rev. E. T. McFarland of St. Louis, pastor of the
Alton Christian church which Mr. Jeans had labored so hard and
long to organize. There was a large attendance of friends and
neighbors, and many beautiful floral offerings. Members of Robin
Hood Camp Modern Woodmen attended the funeral in a body.
JENKINS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 4,
1918
Requiem high mass was sung this morning at St. Patrick's
Catholic Church for Mrs. Catherine Jenkins, the funeral being
attended by a very large gathering of friends and relatives of
the well known Alton woman. Rev. Francis B. Kehoe sang the
requiem. Six of Mrs. Jenkins' sons were pallbearers. The body
was shipped at 9:20 to Muncie, Ind., where the family has a lot.
A large party of relatives accompanied the remains.
JENKINS, ELMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10, 1922
Killed in Collision With Train
Elmer Jenkins, aged 19,
was killed, and Wyman Schwartz, aged 22, was dangerously hurt
Sunday morning about 12:20 o'clock when they were in collision
at the Kitchell state road crossing, with a Chicago & Eastern
Illinois train. Jenkins was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Jenkins, and Schwartz the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Schwartz of
East Alton, by Deputy Coroner Streeper. Schwartz was taken to
the hospital at Granite City. He has internal injuries and was
said to be in a serious condition. The automobile in which they
were riding was reduced to scrap iron. Details of the accident
were hard to get, but it was supposed from the appearance of the
wreck that the two young men drove their Ford car into the side
of the train on the crossing. It was a bright moonlight night,
with a straight road reaching far away to the south. One reason
why the young men may not have known of the near approach of the
train is that it is said the engine headlight was not burning,
due to some defect which could not be remedied because of the
shop men's strike. When the train and automobile came together,
the auto was hurled against a post at the crossing and snapped
the post, then was catapulted against a telephone post beside
the track and lodge there. Jenkins was instantly killed, his
head being crushed.
JENKINS, HENRY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1,
1902
Henry E., son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jenkins, died this
morning after a brief illness from spasms. The child was taken
unexpectedly and the death is a sad blow to the parents. The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The child
was one of twins.
JENKS, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1844
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 27th inst., at the residence
of Mr. J. S. Hutton, Mr. David Jenks, a native of Jefferson
County, New York, and recently a resident of Marion, Linn
County, Iowa, aged 30 years.
JENNINGS, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6,
1913
James Jennings, still foreman at the Wood River refinery
of the Standard Oil Co., died at his home in Wood River this
afternoon after a week's illness from pneumonia. Mr. Jennings
was 50 years of age and beside his wife he leaves two sons, John
and Walter. The sons were at home at the time of his death. Mr.
Jennings was one of the most valued employees of the Standard in
the Wood River refinery, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him. He had been employed at the refinery ever since the plant
was started.
JENNINGS, ROBERT C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 19, 1840
Died, at Troy, Illinois, on the 8th
instant, Dr. Robert C. Jennings, aged 44 years.
JEROME, OLIVE/Source: Alton Telegraph, Oct 1, 1847
Suddenly departed this life at about 10 o'clock p.m. at
Monticello [Godfrey], on the 28th instant, Mrs. Olive Jerome, my
dear companion. She had taken cold and just before retiring to
rest, took some tea, which produced spasms in the stomach, and
directly the whole system became convulsed, so that in about one
hour she breathed her last. Although the nature of the disease
was such she could not express her feelings, yet her Christian
life, her untiring devotion, her great anxiety and uncommon
exceptions to promote the welfare of religion during almost
thirty years, give ample evidence to all who knew her that the
loss her family has sustained in her death is her great and
eternal gain. May this sudden, unexpected and as far as the
world is concerned, irreparable loss, be sanctified to the good
of the surviving relatives and friends. Signed by William
Jerome.
JESTER, HAZEL/Source: Collinsville Herald, April 30, 1920
Hazel Jester, age 19 years, 3 months old, daughter of Mr. & Mrs.
Aaron Jester of Maple Street, died Wednesday morning, April 28,
after an illness of a year. The funeral is to be conducted on
Friday afternoon from the home to Glenwood Cemetery. Services by
Rev. T. B. Sowers. She is survived by her parents and 1 brother,
Everett, and 4 sisters: Mrs. Thomas Forbes, Mrs. Oscar Hartmann,
and Maude and Enola Jester.
JILES, ISABEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1908
Mrs. Isabel Jiles, aged 58, an inmate of the Woman's
Home, died Sunday morning after an illness of three years. She
had been an inmate of the Old Ladies' Home since last October.
She leaves two brothers and two sisters, E. B. Pierce of Alton,
W. A. Pierce of Virden, Mrs. Abbie Reguiss of South Bend, Ind.,
and Mrs. Annie Ruckman of Godfrey. The funeral was held this
afternoon at 3 o'clock, and services were conducted by REv. M.
W. Twing of the First Baptist church.
JINKINSON, ROSA V. (nee FOSTER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 29, 1911
Daughter of Fosterburg Founder,
Oliver Foster, Dies
Mrs. Rosa V. Jinkinson, wife of the late
Richard Jinkinson of Fosterburg, and mother of Mrs. H. T.
McCrea, died on Saturday morning at 8:40 o'clock at her
daughter's home. She was born on a farm one mile north of
Fosterburg, August 19, 1825. She was probably the oldest native
born resident of Madison county being in her 85th year. Her
parents, Oliver Foster and Hannah Eldred, lived and were married
in Plymouth, Mass., but a few years after marriage they moved to
what was then the district of Main residing at Dicksfield, where
Mr. Foster went into the milling business. About the year 1818,
he concluded to move to the Illinois country, coming west with a
team of horses and a Dearborne carriage, visiting relatives in
New York and Pennsylvania. Arriving at Pittsburg, he purchased a
flat boat and floated down the Ohio river, landing about New
Year's day, 1819, at Shawneetown, Ill. Then the family came
overland to Edwardsville and Alton, arriving at these places
February 22, 1819, They resided in Upper Alton until 1825, then
removed to Smooth Prairie, a tract of government land a mile
north of what is now Fosterburg. Mrs. Jinkinson was a woman of
good business qualifications, and was an active worker in church
matters for many years, being a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist
church, and afterwards of the Fosterburg Methodist church. In
1843 she was married to Ranson Chandler, and from this union
there was three children: Mrs. Gilbert Allen who now resides at
Tina, Mo.; Mrs. H. T. McCrea of this city; and Latha R. Chandler
of Foss, Okla. Afterwards she married Richard Jinkinson. Of this
union there is only one child living, John B. Jinkinson of Ft.
Russell township. For the past 10 years Mrs. Jinkinson has made
her home with her daughter, Mrs. H. T. McCrea, of this city. The
burial will take place Monday. The church services will be held
from the Fosterburg Baptist church at 1:30 p.m. The funeral will
leave the home of H. T. McCrea at ____ Monday morning.
JOB,
ZEPHANIAH B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1907
"What Haven't I done?" Ninety Year Old Man Leaves His Legacy
in Madison County, IL
Zephaniah B. Job, in his ninety first
year, died shortly after midnight Wednesday morning at his
residence, 907 Henry street, from weakness of great age. His
death had been expected for several weeks and members of his
family had been almost constantly in attendance upon him. His
faculties, which were in perfect condition until a few years
ago, failed until Mr. Job had become almost helpless and he
could hear with the greatest difficulty, and could scarcely see.
In the death of Mr. Job, Madison county loses one of the last
links which binds the present with the days of the early past.
Although he was not a native of Madison county, he was longer in
the county than most of the oldest natives, having first come to
Alton in 1833. His residence in the county was not continuous
from 1833, but from 1836 he lived in Alton and was seldom out of
the county. He was prominent in Madison county Democratic
politics and held various official positions. Mr. Job was born
March 13, 1817 near Winchester, Virginia, and until he was 16
years of age he lived near Huntingdon, in what is now West
Virginia. His father was the head of a large family, having six
children by his first marriage, while his wife, whose second
marriage it was also, had six children, and the couple had two
additional children of their own. When 16 years of age, Mr. Job
came west with his father, riding horseback all the way through
the wilderness. As Mr. Job was used to say, he landed in Alton
"the year the stars fell," 1833. They remained here only a short
time and went on up to Clarksville. After three years there, Mr.
Job came back to Madison county, and lived in the county ever
since. An interesting fact about his life is that he probably
owned more land in Madison county than any other man in it, his
holdings at one time aggregating 5,000 acres, and beside this he
held extensive land interests in Dakota. Mr. Job used to say
that he was land poor, before the now valuable farming lands and
town sites rose to their present estate, but he held on to it,
looking forward to the time when it would be worth more. One
piece he bought near Mitchell for $10 an acre is still in the
family after 60 years. He always claimed to be the best judge of
land values in the country. The first piece of land he ever
bought was a tract of 17 3/4 acres east of Old Madison, then
below Wood River. The next purchase was a tract of 240 acres he
got forming the old Chippewa town site, which he acquired in
1838. Afterward he operated a wood boat between St. Louis and
the mouth of the Missouri river. In 1844, during the flood
following a six weeks' rain, Mr. Job moved to Alton and lived in
the city all the remainder of his life. Mr. Job led an eventful
life, filled with incidents which indicate that he was proof
against illness and misfortune's worst efforts. He claimed that
he was immune to contagious disease, having exposed himself both
to yellow fever and smallpox during epidemics, and took full
care of patients dying with both diseases, yet he was not
affected by them. He started to California in 1849. He left from
St. Louis on a steamboat to go up the Missouri river to St.
Joseph, but on the way the boat sank and he lost everything but
the wagon and the mules. There he bought enough coffee and salt
pork, and some specially prepared hard bread, to last all the
way to California. The hard bread, as Mr. Job used to say, use
useless as it was too hard to be eaten. He was 84 days on the
way to the Pacific coast. An interesting incident was his
wearing a pair of buckskin trousers for six weeks without taking
them off. The trousers shrunk from being wet, and he could not
get them off without destroying their usefulness, so he kept
them on until he got to California and then cut them off. At
Sacramento he sold the buckskin for $125, and it was used for
making purses to hold gold dust. At Sacramento he was exposed to
a cholera epidemic, and it was through his suggestions that the
epidemic was abated. He always claimed to have cured cholera by
making the men drink water and pine tar, and eat mustard. He
also induced the people to make huge bonfires of tar barrels. In
coming back from the west his boat was sinking, but he managed
to stop the leaks until Acapulco was reached, and from there he
crossed the isthmus of Panama. He was married in 1851 and moved
to Upper Alton in 1852. In 1856 he was elected sheriff of the
county, and it was in this capacity that he officiated at the
hanging of some men who had killed a German peddler near Troy,
in Madison county. There was intense excitement at the time, and
an effort was made to lynch the prisoners. Sheriff Job could get
no one to guard the jail except three men, Josh Dunnegan, John
Wheeler and Nelson Montgomery. These three men were posted with
the sheriff where they could command the approach to the jail
and had instructions to shoot to kill, when the mob made the
attack. The demand was made for the prisoners, and Sheriff Job
defied the crowd. As the aged gentleman told of this story of
the past, the strong heart of older days which had not quailed
was no longer so strong, and the tears which came not in the
olden time when the incident occurred flowed freely, showing the
shadow of the emotion of an event fifty years gone by, which was
then concealed, but through a half century reached out its
influence and touched the old man keenly. By a trick Sheriff Job
got a delay from the mob and managed to get a company of militia
from Alton, who defended the prisoner. When it came time to hang
the prisoners, Sheriff Job refused to permit anyone else to do
the work. One of the prisoner's sentence was commuted to
imprisonment, and he was afterward pardoned. Mr. Job often
likened himself to his namesake, Job, the Bible patriarch. He
had seven sons and three daughters, and he had an affliction of
boils once in his life. He likewise had all his possessions in
lands and livestock. He claimed that he had cut more railroad
ties in Madison county than any other man. He was the lessee of
the state prison at Joliet at one time, and indeed, as Mr. Job
asked his interviewer last May when the facts of this story were
obtained from him, "What haven't I done?" He never would allow
any person to trespass on what he thought was his rights, and as
he said himself, he seemed to be in the unfortunate position of
having been trespassed upon almost all his life. According to
his own statement, he was not out of a lawsuit but six months of
his life, from the time he was 21 until a few years ago. He was
probably the best patron of the Madison county courts. Mr. Job
is survived by two sons and two daughters: Mrs. H. J. Bowman and
Miss Alice Job; Zephaniah B. Job Jr. and Fred W. Job of Chicago.
The funeral of Mr. Job will be held Thursday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the residence on Henry street. [Burial was in Alton
City Cemetery]
JOB, ZEPHANIAN B. JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 8, 1910
Contractor/Quarry Owner Dies
Z. B. Job,
who was a well known contractor and quarry owner in Alton, and
one of Alton's well know young men, is dead at Flint, Michigan,
where he has been the past two years in the hope of benefiting
his health. He was born April 6, 1865. Mr. Job was next to the
youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Z. B. Job, and a member of one of
Alton's best known families. He was a graduate of the public
schools and later entered the contracting business and opened a
quarry on his property above the water works station. Under the
firm name of Patterson & Job, Mr. Job put in the city hall
square paving and later while in the business by himself put in
the Eighth street paving from Alby to Langdon streets. He
married Miss Mary Drummond, the youngest daughter of the late
John N. and Mrs. Drummond, and is survived by his wife and
daughter, Miss Elizabeth. Besides he leaves two sisters, Mrs. H.
J. Bowman of Alton and Miss Alice Job, who resides in the east,
also one brother, Hon. Frederick W. Job of Chicago. The remains
will be brought to Alton in the morning it is expected, and the
funeral will occur sometime Thursday, these arrangements to be
made later.
JOEHL, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
20, 1912
Wife of Founder of Walnut Grove Dairy Dies
Mrs.
Josephine Joehl, widow of Casper Joehl, died at the Nazareth
Home at 6:30 o'clock this morning, aged 82. Mrs. Joehl leaves a
large family of descendants, consisting of six children, 40
grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She was born in
Switzerland, July 14, 1830, and was married there. She came to
America with her husband in 1850, and went to St. Louis, after
eight years moving to Alton. Her husband founded the Walnut
Grove Dairy, taking up the business he had known well in
Switzerland, and some of his children have continued in the
dairy business. She suffered a stroke of paralysis last Sunday,
and had been very low ever since. Her children are Mrs. J. C.
Misegades, Mrs. Joseph Budde, Mrs. Charles Schenck, Mrs. Christ
Eckhard, Messrs. Minard and Louis Joehl. The time of the funeral
has not been fixed.
JOEL, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5, 1918
Frank Joel, wire chief of the Kinloch Telephone Co., died this
morning at 2:30 o'clock at the home of his mother, with whom he
lived, 612 1/2 East Third street. He was 29 years of age. He had
been sick but a short time.
JOERGER, KATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
15, 1910
Mrs. Katherine Joerger, widow of August Joerger,
died Sunday night after a six weeks illness at the home of her
son, Frank Joerger, 603 east Twelfth street. She had been very
sick for two or three weeks, and her death was expected. She was
78 years old and had lived sixty years or more in Alton. Her
husband died twenty-five years ago. She is survived by her son,
Frank, member of the painting firm of Joerger & Hanpid, and two
grandchildren. She was a kindly, charitable woman and made many
warm friends during her life, all of whom now sincerely regret
her taking off. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning from
St. Mary's church, and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
JOESTING, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
2, 1912
Former City Marshall and Business Man Dies at His
Residence
Charles Joesting, aged 71, died Sunday afternoon at
his residence, 437 East Ninth street, after a long illness with
kidney trouble. Mr. Joesting had been in a bad way for a long
time, and his death was no surprise. He is survived by his wife;
two daughters, Mrs. H. H. Unterbrink and Mrs. Hugh L. Black; and
three sons, George, Charles, and Louis Joesting. Mr. Joesting
was one of the best known of the older residents of Alton. He
was at one time City Marshal of Alton, and for many years he was
engaged in the baking and candy making business. He was an
expert in both lines, and of the older residents of the city
there are many who remember back to the days when they purchased
their childhood sweetmeats from Mr. Joesting's store. He did not
lose his skill in his old age, and for a number of years he had
made a practice of taking orders from old time customers and
delivering some of his choicest work to them. He was the friend
of childhood and more than one little boy or girl looked forward
to his annual visits with boxes of candy. He was engaged as a
carpenter part of the time. Mr. Joesting was one of the most
devoted hunters in Alton. Annually he would go for outings in
the woods, was known as a good camp cook, a skillful woodsman,
and a good entertainer around the campfire. He had planned to
make his annual outing this year with M. H. Boals, but his
illness forbade his making the trip, and the other members of
the party were greatly disappointed. The funeral will be held at
2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Congregational church.
JOESTING, CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
15, 1916
The death of Mrs. Christina Joesting, widow of
Charles L. Joesting, occurred at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at
the family home, 437 east Fifth street. She was 71 years of age.
Mrs. Joesting had a fall a few weeks ago at her home and she
sustained very bad injuries which undoubtedly hastened her end.
She had been suffering from the effects of advancing age for
some time and the shock of the fall hastened her final collapse.
For five days she had been very low and her family had given up
all hope of her recovery on Saturday. She came to Alton when she
was nine years of age and spent all the remainder of her life
here, raising a large family of children. Her husband, former
City Marshal Charles L. Joesting, died several years ago after a
long illness. Mrs. Joesting, up to the time of her fall, had
been in good health. In the neighborhood where she lived Mrs.
Joesting was beloved by all, and her illness and her death is
the cause of much sadness to those who knew her best. She leaves
five children, Mrs. H. H. Unterbrink, Mrs. Hugh Black, George,
Charles and Louis Joesting, all of Alton. She leaves also three
brothers, William H., Charles and George Paul of Fosterburg. The
funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
German Evangelical church, and services will be conducted by
Rev. E. L. Mueller.
JOESTING, GUSTAVE A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31,
1918
Alton Banker Dies
Gustave A. Joesting, a banker for
many years in the city of Alton, died very suddenly shortly
after midnight, Thursday morning, at his residence. Heart
trouble was the cause of Mr. Joesting's death. He had been
failing in strength and energy for several years, but the
advance of age had been a gentle one and one which had not
caused any of the distressing symptoms so often seen in folks
who are "growing old." He had been able to continue at his post
of duty up to the very last. He had even been able to enjoy an
automobile ride during the evening, and he was very happy. It
was just as he could have wished the end to come, with no
trouble for anyone, no anxious moments before the last breath
came, and himself still very useful and able to discharge the
duties of the highly responsible position he held. The first
warning that anything was wrong came about a half hour before
the end. He was taken sick, went to the bath room, and realizing
he was in a bad way he informed members of his household. It was
realized at once that he was in a bad way, and it was not
surprising to those about him, though very shocking, that in a
half hour's time he had breathed his last. His son, Dr. F. C.
Joesting, said that his father died from angina pectoris. The
death of Mr. Joesting was a sad shock to a very large circle of
friends. As a banker he was one of the best known men in Alton.
He had served as cashier in the Alton Savings Bank for many
years prior to going to the Citizens National bank about
fourteen years ago. His personality commanded confidence and
respect. He had a very large clientele who insisted upon having
dealings with him. His presence in any bank was regarded as an
asset to the bank. His death, the third within a few months in
the one bank, caused profound regret there. He had been preceded
by his assistant, Robert S. Cousley, who died last February, and
by the chairman of the board of directors, Lucas Pfeiffenberger,
whose end was not preceded by much warning. Mr. Joesting was a
man who enjoyed the social side of life. His companionship was
much sought among social clubs in the city, He was an
enthusiastic member of some of the organizations meeting at
Turner Hall. Mr. Joesting would have been 71 years of age the
18th of July. He was born in Osnabrueck, Germany. When sixteen
years of age he came to Alton. He was first in the old First
National bank. He went into the Alton Savings bank when it was
organized and fourteen years ago resigned to take a post of the
same kind, cashier, in the Citizens National. He leaves his
wife, three daughters and two sons, Miss Clara Joesting, Mrs.
Louis Berner of Alton; Mrs. George Hoyt of St. Louis; Dr. F. C.
Joesting and Emil Joesting, of Alton. The funeral will be held
Saturday afternoon at 4 o'clock from his late residence, 621
East Sixteenth street.
JOESTING, HENRIETTA MARY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 1, 1904
Mrs. Henrietta Mary E. Joesting, widow of
Frederick C. Joesting, died Friday morning at 5 o'clock after an
illness of three weeks at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie
Ernst, on East Third street. Mrs. Joesting was 84 years of age
and had lived in Alton since 1868. After the death of her
husband in 1867, she decided to leave her native land and
accompanying her son, Mr. G. A. Joesting, who went to Germany
for her, she came to Alton to make her home and to pass the
remainder of her life. She was born in Osnabrueck, Germany.
Three weeks ago Mrs. Joesting was taken ill with what appeared
to be a malarial trouble, and her advanced age made it
impossible for her to survive the rigors of the malady. She
leaves five children, Messrs. G. A. and Adolph Joesting. Mrs.
John Koch, Mrs. Minnie Ernst and Miss Mary Joesting, all
resident of Alton. Her son, F. W. Joesting, and daughter, Mrs.
Ellis Barnard, died a short time ago, and their deaths were a
sad blow to the aged mother. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Minnie Ernst, and
Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann will conduct the service.
JOHNDROW(E), WILBUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
26, 1921
Two Little Boys Drown in Calame Pond at Melville
Two little boys, playmates, were drowned in the Calame pond at
Melville this morning by reason of a frail raft on which they
were playing, sinking under them. The boys were Wilbur
Johndrowe, the 9 year old son of Mrs. Minnie Johndrowe, and
Robert Loft, the 11 year old son of Henry Loft. The Johndrowe
boy's father is dead, and the Loft boy's mother is dead. The
Loft boy had been reared by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Loft. With the two boys who lost their lives was Wesley
Calame, a 12 year old son of Harvey Calame. He alone was saved,
swimming ashore. It is supposed that the frail raft, consisting
of two logs with some boards nailed on it, was overburdened by
the weight of the boys and sinking caused the boys to leave it
in terror. The Johndrowe boy and the Loft boy went down
together. When the Calame boy got ashore he ran to his home and
told his father and help was summoned, the pond dragged and the
boys' bodies taken out. Every effort was made to revive them,
but it was too late. Dr. G. Worden was summoned from Alton to
supervise the effects at resuscitation. The Calame pond where
the drowning occurred is not a large one, and had the boys been
expert swimmers and not become terrified, they could doubtless
have made their way to the shore as the Calame boy did. After
the men arrived to help get the bodies of the two boys out of
the water, the raft that had been the cause of the double
tragedy was floating on the surface of the water, it having come
back to the surface after it was relieved of the weight of the
three boys. No definite arrangements for the funerals had been
made this afternoon, but it is expected that a double funeral
will take place Monday at 11 o'clock at Melville.
JOHNISEE, LENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 4,
1907
Lena Johnisee, aged 14, died at the residence of her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Johnisee, on Coppinger road, last
evening from typhoid fever. Short services were conducted by
Rev. M. W. Twing. The body will be taken to Kane, Jersey county,
for interment on Thursday.
JOHNS, HULDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, September 17,
1891 - Submitted by John Caskey
Mrs. Hulda Johns died at 5:30
o'clock Tuesday evening, at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr.
John Haley, 411 Henry street, after an illness of several
months, of paralysis. Mrs. Johns had been a resident of Alton
since 1835, in which year she came here with her parents from
Indiana. She was the mother of five children, only two of whom,
Mrs. John Haley, of this city, and Mrs. Emma Fox, of Cairo,
Ill., survive her. The funeral services will take place from the
residence of Mr. Haley at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Interment at
the City Cemetery.
JOHNSON, AMANDA O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
2, 1915
Mrs. Amanda O. Johnson, wife of James L. Johnson,
died last evening at the residence, 2608 College avenue. Her
death was expected at any hour during the day Friday, and the
end came late in the evening. Mrs. Johnson was born in New York
City on December 6, 1836, and was in her 79th year. She had been
a resident of Upper Alton over fifty years. Mrs. Johnson had
been in failing health the last few years, but she was able to
be out at times up to three weeks ago when her final sickness
commenced. During the past week it was known that she could not
recover. The death of Mrs. Johnson removes one of the old
residents of Alton, and especially one of the old members of the
Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. She was one of the pillars of
the church. When she came to Alton in 1864 to make her home on
College avenue - the same spot where her death occurred last
night - opposite the church, she united with the church, and
since that time she was an active worker and a substantial
support of the church. For fifty years Mrs. Johnson had charge
of the communion set and she always prepared and made ready for
the communion services in the church. Her residence being close
to the church it was very convenient, and when time came for
serving the Lord's Supper it was always left to Mrs. Johnson to
have the communion elements ready. For more than thirty years
Mrs. Johnson had charge of the music in the Upper Alton
Presbyterian Church. She was a musician of much talent and was a
good singer in her younger days. For many years when the church
had a small reed organ and no choir at all, Mrs. Johnson played
the organ at all services and led the singing at the same time.
The reed organ, in use now at this church and which has been a
long number of years, was selected and purchased by Mrs. Johnson
for the church. It is quite a coincidence that the organ, which
Mrs. Johnson selected, will in the next month be replaced by the
new pipe organ that the church has bought. Her organ served its
time and it proved that her judgment in buying it was sound and
good and the instrument served the church up until her death.
Mrs. Johnson was married to James L. Johnson on October 1, 1879,
the ceremony being performed by the late Rev. Dr. Samuel J.
Nichols, pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of St. Louis,
and the wedding was in his residence in that city. Her death
occurred on the anniversary of her marriage to Mr. Johnson. She
and her husband were in business in Upper Alton a long number of
years, but when a fire completely destroyed their business
building which stood upon the site of their present residence,
they built their residence upon the former business location and
retired from business. Her death takes away one of the old
substantial residents of Alton, and one who will be sadly
missed. She leaves besides her husband, James L. Johnson, one
daughter, Miss Nellie B. Hovey. The funeral will be held Monday
morning at 10 o'clock at the family residence, and will be
private. The remains will lie in state at the Johnson home
Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 o'clock, and her friends will have
an opportunity during that time to call at the home. It is
requested that friends omit flowers. The services Monday morning
will be conducted by Rev. C. N. McManis, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
JOHNSON, ANNA S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20,
1910
Death was busy in Upper Alton Friday night and Saturday
morning. Three aged residents of the village were called away.
One of them, Mrs. Anna Johnson, is said to be the second oldest
person in the village, Mrs. Tarbell, her son's mother-in-law,
being the oldest. Mrs. Anna S. Johnson, a resident of Upper
Alton for 77 years, and a member of the Upper Alton Methodist
church all that time, died Saturday morning at 1 o'clock at her
home, from the effects of a fall she suffered six weeks ago.
Mrs. Johnson had been in reasonable good health, notwithstanding
her more than ninety years of life. She struck her hip when she
fell and she was not able to be out again. The injury combined
with the hot weather proved fatal. Mrs. Johnson came to Alton 77
years ago in a wagon, and when her family went to Upper Alton
there were only a few houses and none the family could rent, so
they camped out for awhile. She grew up there, and married and
raised her family. Her husband, James L. Johnson, died
forty-five years ago. She was the mother of eleven children, but
only two of them survive her, C. B. and James L. Johnson. Many
of her children lived to manhood and womanhood, and she lived to
see almost all her family go before her. She was known as one of
the most conscientious, religious members of the Methodist
church, and during her whole period of residence in Upper Alton
she was known for her unfailing kindliness and neighborliness to
those who needed any kind of help or sympathy. The funeral will
be Monday morning at 10 o'clock from her home, Rev. M. B. Baker
officiating.
JOHNSON, BEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1911
Engineer of Steamer Spread Eagle for 18 Year Dies at U. S.
Marine Hospital in St. Louis
Ben Johnson, aged 40, engineer
on the steamer Spread Eagle for eighteen years, died at the
United States Marine Hospital in St. Louis, Friday evening at
8:30 o'clock, after a long illness with lung troubles. He was
scalded four years ago while on duty, making a trip down the
river and he contracted a cold which developed into lung
troubles. He remained at his post of duty on the Spread Eagle
until the close of navigation last fall, then went south for the
winter. He returned to his home, then went to the Marine
hospital knowing that his malady would prove fatal. He was not
again able to reassume his duties on the Spread Eagle. He
belonged to a family which lived in Alton formerly. He was born
at Clarksville, Mo. His wife is a daughter of James Fingleton,
and she survives him. The body will be brought to Alton for
burial Monday morning, and the funeral services will be from SS.
Peter and Paul's Cathedral at 9:30 o'clock, and burial will be
at Greenwood cemetery. Ben Johnson was known to many of the
young men in Alton. He was possessed of a friendly nature and
made many warm friends.
JOHNSON, CALVIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 11,
1908
Calvin Johnson died at 12 o'clock today at his home,
1017 Liberty street, after a long illness. He was 64 years of
age, and had spent much of his life as a resident of Alton. The
funeral arrangements have not been made. He was the son of old
"Scotch" Johnson, the negro who buried Lovejoy in 1837. The
grave of Lovejoy was known only to the man who buried him for
many years, and it was pointed out by him at a time when man had
begun to view Lovejoy in a different light from when he was
killed. Calvin Johnson was for many years a cleaner of Pullman
cars at St. Louis.
JOHNSON, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
29, 1912
Charles A. Johnson, aged 45, of 1201 Norton Street,
died at St. Joseph's Hospital yesterday evening from the effects
of injuries he sustained when the Bluff Line pile driver
overturned Thursday near Belltrees, dropping him to the creek
bed with the machine a distance of 50 feet. Johnson's injuries
from the first appeared to be of a fatal character, and the
surgeons could hold out but little hope that there would be any
improvement in his condition. He is survived by his wife and six
children, some of the children being grown. A jury was sworn in
by Magistrate Lessner, at the instance of Coroner Streeper, and
an inquest will be held Wednesday evening.
JOHNSON or JOHNSTON, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 1, 1916
The funeral of Miss Caroline Johnson
was held this afternoon from the home on Alby street where
services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, pastor of the
German Evangelical Church, in the presence of many friends and
neighbors of deceased. Floral offerings were numerous and
beautiful.
JOHNSON, CECILE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 13,
1905
Cecile Johnson, four years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Johnson, died yesterday morning at the home in State street
after an illness with diptheria. Another child in the family is
very ill with the same malady. The body was taken to Elsah this
morning for burial. The Johnson family moved here recently from
a farm in the vicinity of Delhi.
JOHNSON, CHAMP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7,
1920
Youth Crushed at Powder Mill Dies in Hospital
Champ
Johnson, 19 years old, of East Alton, died at St. Joseph's
hospital Wednesday evening, several hours after he had been
dragged into a crushing machine and mashed between its rollers
at the plant of the Equitable Powder Company at East Alton.
According to authorities at the plant, Johnson, with Adolph
Rhodes, was at work feeding lumps of powder into the crusher to
be ground up. His feet became caught in the rollers, which are
set about an inch apart, and he was drawn into the machine. The
rollers are set to allow for an expansion of three and one-half
inches under pressure, and Johnson's body was pulled into the
opening up to his thighs. Johnson is one of seven children of
John Johnson, with whom he lived at East Alton.
JOHNSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28,
1911
Takes Fatal Nap on Tracks Near Edwardsville Crossing
Charles Johnson, aged 35 years, claiming to be a glassworker and
claiming Granite City as his home, was killed at Edwardsville
Crossing Sunday morning. Johnson missed the electric car and
laid down on a switch spur to take a nap. He placed some grass
on one of the rails to soften the head rest and went to sleep.
Several hours later a C. & A. train was switched onto the spur,
and Johnson's head was severed from the body as neatly as if he
had been guillotined. Coroner Streeper took charge of the body.
Johnson had been drinking hard and was under the influence of
liquor when he laid down on the railroad track. Up to late this
afternoon, Coroner Streeper had not received any positive
assurance that the man is Johnson - no one from Granite City or
this city knowing him. Many have viewed the remains but none
could identify the man.
JOHNSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
26, 1913
Charles Johnson, aged 70, died at the St. Joseph
Hospital at 1 o'clock this morning following injuries sustained
in a fall down the steps at the Pickett Boarding house on Front
street two weeks ago. According to the story given out by the
people at the boarding house when the accident occurred, Johnson
had been drinking for about a week prior to the time of the
accident, and had fallen down a number of times. Finally he fell
down the steps at the hotel and the police were called. After
taking him to the police station, it was found that his
condition was serious enough to have him taken to the hospital.
Johnson was unable to talk English, and during his stay at the
hospital little was learned concerning his relations and only
one man ever visited him while there. The doctors report that
when he was taken to the hospital he had a number of old bruises
which must have been sustained before he fell down the steps. No
arrangements for the funeral have been made. An inquest was held
over Johnson this afternoon.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 27, 1913
The coroner's jury found
yesterday that the death of Charles Johnson was due to
alcoholism. Johnson, aged 70, died at the St. Joseph's hospital
yesterday morning following his falling down stairs at the
Pickett hotel two weeks ago. The jury decided that his being
intoxicated continually had more to do with his death than his
fall, and that the shock of his inquiries caused alcoholism to
develop.
JOHNSON, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
24, 1912
Charles A. Johnson, aged 45, of 1201 Norton street,
died at St. Joseph's hospital yesterday evening from the effects
of injuries he sustained when the Bluff Line pile driver
overturned Thursday near Belletrees, dropping him to the creek
bed with the machine, a distance of 50 feet. Johnson's injuries
from the first appeared to be of a fatal character, and the
surgeons could hold out but little hope that there would be any
improvement in his condition. He is survived by his wife and six
children, some of the children being grown. A jury was sworn in
by Magistrate Lessner, at the instance of Coroner Streeper, and
an inquest will be held Wednesday evening. The body will be
taken to Elsah tomorrow morning, and the funeral services will
be held at 2 o'clock in the Methodist church at Elsah.
JOHNSON, CLINTON M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9,
1906
The funeral of Clinton M. Johnson was held Saturday
afternoon from the home on Belle street, and was attended by
many friends of the family. Burial was in City Cemetery.
JOHNSON, D. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 19,
1903
D. J. Johnson, aged 69, died at his home on a farm in
Godfrey township on the Coal Branch road last night, after an
illness with stomach troubles. He was a native of Germany but
lived in this vicinity since his 28th year. He leaves four
children, Annie, Fred and Henry, who are at home, and Tena, who
lives in Seattle, Wash. Funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 1
o'clock from the home to the Evangelical church, Alton, where
services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.
JOHNSON, EMILY A. (nee FISHER)/Source: Collinsville Herald,
November 6, 1914
Emily A. (Fisher) Johnson passed away at the
family residence at Hesperin Street on the first of November
after a brief illness. She was born near Waterloo, Ill. January
6, 1811. She married J. W. Johnson on the 19th of June 1861. She
became a resident of Collinsville shortly afterwards. She is
survived by her aged husband, one sister, Mrs. Josephine Allen
of Mt. Vernon; one brother, John Fisher of Nebraska; and 5
children: Edward, Clarence and Jesse Johnson, and Mrs. David
Killerger, all of this city, and Mrs. Mary Phillips of East St.
Louis, sixteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral
services were conducted by the Rev. J. H. Ford of the First M.
E. church with interment at Glenwood Cemetery.
JOHNSON, ENOS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12, 1911
Enos Johnson of Upper Alton, died at his residence Thursday
evening at 6 o'clock after a long period of disability from
paralysis. Mr. Johnson's death had been expected since he was
stricken Monday evening. He was in the act of winding up his
business affairs, as he realized that he must go away or be
subject to a fatal attack of a malady which had been troubling
him since February 1908. At that time he had suffered a slight
stroke of paralysis, and later he had been taking life easy, but
had been giving attention to his banking business in Upper Alton
and decided to give up everything and devote all his time to
getting well if possible, and nursing his weakened strength
along. He never regained consciousness after the fatal stroke of
Monday night. His children were summoned to attend him and his
son, Hermon Johnson, who was in the Navy, obtained a furlough to
be with his father at the end. Mr. Johnson was born near Medora,
Ill., March 16, 1855. He was engaged at farming until he moved
from there to Upper Alton in 1893, and he then took up real
estate and insurance business. He established a branch of an
Alton bank in Upper Alton, and carried on that business as a
side line. He was prominent in the Masonic order, having filled
all the offices in the Medora lodge and later when he moved to
Upper Alton he became Master of that lodge and was later
appointed a grand lecturer and subsequently was district deputy
grand master, resigning the last post recently because of ill
health. He was a long time member of the Baptist church and was
a deacon in the Upper Alton church. He is survived by his wife
and three children, Hermon W. Johnson, Mrs. A. J. Edwards of
Paris, and Ray Johnson. The funeral will be tomorrow morning,
and brief services will be held at the home, conducted by Rev.
W. M. Rhoads and Rev. M. H. Day. The body will be taken on the
C. B. & Q. train to Medora, where it will be buried with Masonic
honors in Oakland cemetery near Medora. Dr. H. T. Burnap will
conduct the Masonic burial service at the grave.
JOHNSON, ETHEL MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
4, 1908
Ethel May, the 18 months' old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Johnson of 1204 Belle street, died last evening at
9:30 o'clock at the family home after an illness of ten days
from stomach and bowel trouble. During the child's illness
everything was done that could be done by the parents and
friends to save her life, but it proved ineffective. In their
deep affliction the family has the sympathy of all their
friends. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock
from the family home.
JOHNSON, FRANCIS MARION/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29,
1912
School Historian and Soldier Dies
Francis Marion
Johnson, aged 67, a native of Alton, died at 11:30 o'clock
Wednesday at his home, 1120 Wallace street in Alton. He had
lived in Alton all his life and was one of the best known men in
Alton. His death followed an illness of about two weeks from
which he seemed to have recovered. He was taken down again a few
days ago, and was very ill the remainder of the time until his
death occurred. Francis Marion Johnson was a man of unusual
ability. All his life he had been a hard worker, but he had
cultivated his mentality until he was recognized as a man who
was unusually well informed, and his memory was wonderful. As a
historian of the old No. 2 school building, a number of years
ago he appealed to the old time residents of Alton by recalling
graphically many incidents of his school days, which were very
interesting. When a young man he enlisted in the 22nd Illinois
regiment and served with credit during the war. At every
Memorial day parade, his heart and step still young, he would
march with the old soldiers and he would beat the old drum which
he had carried with Sherman through Georgia. He would organize
one new drum corps after another, as the old ones would lose
interest, and no parade was complete without his drum. He was a
man who fairly oozed patriotism at every pore of his skin and
any call for assistance in any patriotic enterprise was sure to
enlist the services of Mr. Johnson. He is survived by his wife,
two sons, William and Frank Jr., and three daughters, Fanny May
Johnson, Mrs. Foreline and Mrs. Grace Layton. He leaves also a
brother, Rufus, and a sister, Mrs. Emma Murphy. He was a long
standing member of the G. A. R. at Alton and the funeral will be
under auspices of that organization. The funeral will be at 2:30
o'clock Friday afternoon from the home.
JOHNSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1899
From Moro - George Johnson died at his home on the 25th
of January after an illness of only six days. Few men in Moro
township were better known or more highly respected than Mr.
Johnson. He was born at Friedeburg, Ostriesland, Germany, in
January 1832, and came to America with his father's family in
1853, and has ever since been a resident of Madison County. He
was married to Wuebke Frerichs February 24, 1859, who with two
daughters, seven sons, and seven grandsons survive him. Mr.
Johnson was a man of rare ability, and he was justly honored by
all who knew him. He had served as commissioner, trustee and
school director a number of terms, and his record is one that
anyone might be proud to leave. He was a prominent member of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Dorsey, having been one of its
organizers some thirty years ago, during all of which time he
was one of the elders. He represented his congregation at
several meetings of the Illinois district of the Synod of
Missouri, Ohio and other states. The funeral services were held
Friday afternoon. His pastor, Rev. H. P. Kuehn, assisted by Rev.
P. N. Fedderson of Bethalto, conducting the services. Mr.
Johnson was for many years a subscriber and constant reader of
the Telegraph. His pastor adds these words: "He proved to be a
sincere Christian, loving the Word of God. He liberally
contributed to the support of the congregation, and always
looked to the best of it. But what is above all, he never sought
salvation in his own Christian deeds, but only in his Savior
Jesus Christ, whom he considered as his righteousness before
God; his works being witnesses only of his faith."
JOHNSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9,
1918
George Johnson, aged ** [either 83 or 33], died
yesterday at the family home at 1621 Alby street. The funeral
will be held Wednesday, interment being in the City Cemetery.
JOHNSON, GEORGE R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23,
1904
George R. Johnson, one of the best known residents of
Upper Alton, died Sunday morning at 6:10 o'clock at his home in
that place after being ill four months. Mr. Johnson's illness
commenced in the fore part of last winter by an attack of the
grip. Later, it developed into rheumatism and ended in a gradual
paralytic stroke. George R. Johnson was born in Upper Alton
February 6, 1844, consequently he was 60 years old, and had
lived there all his life. He was well known throughout this
vicinity. For many years he conducted a transfer business
between Alton and Upper Alton, but of late he had a clerical
position in the office of the Secretary of States in
Springfield. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, one son, and
three daughters: Edward Johnson of San Francisco, Cal., and Mrs.
Lee Ellis of the same place; Misses Anna and Maud Johnson of
Upper Alton. Also his mother and three brothers: James L., John
B., and Charles B. Johnson. G. R. Johnson was married to Miss
Delia Parker in Marion, Arkansas, and she survives him. The
funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home to Oakwood Cemetery. Rev. G. W. Waggoner, assisted
by Rev. W. H. Ganneway, will conduct the services.
JOHNSON, GUSTAVE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18,
1917
Killed In Blast at Cartridge Plant
Gustave Johnson,
aged 28, fulminate mixer at the plant of the Western Cartridge
Co., was killed this morning in the explosion of a quantity of
fulminate he was working with. The building in which he was
working was blown to pieces, and the body of Johnson was
horribly mangled. The job on which he was working is regarded as
an extremely dangerous one, requiring great skill and care.
Accidents occur there occasionally, and it always means a
fatality, but by care and caution the danger has been reduced to
the minimum. Johnson, according to the practice observed at the
plant, worked alone in the little building where the fulminite
mixture is made. The mixture is used as the explosive in the
caps which set off the cartridge shells. What caused the
explosion will never be known. Mr. Johnson had been working as a
fulminite mixer for several years. He had lived about two years
at 1225 East Fifth street. Besides his wife, he leaves a little
child about one year old. The body was turned over to Deputy
Coroner W. H. Bauser, who will conduct an inquest. The time of
the funeral had not been set as relatives at distant points had
not been heard from. The official statement issued from the
Western Cartridge Co. office today stated as follows: "The cause
of the explosion has not, at the present time, been ascertained,
on account of the nature of the materials which was involved in
the explosion. Mr. Johnson has been in the employ of the
company, in the mixing department, over three years, and was
known to be a very careful man. The department in which the
explosion occurred is isolated from the remainder of the plant
on account of the nature of the material handled, and no one is
permitted to visit this department except the persons employed
in the mixing of the material. The explosion will not in any way
interfere with the operation of the remainder of the plant." The
funeral will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the
home on East Fifth street to the City Cemetery. The services
will be conducted at the home by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier, who will
have charge of the services.
JOHNSON, HANNAH (nee ARMSTRONG)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 7, 1911
Mrs. Hannah Armstrong Johnson, wife
of Harrison Johnson, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. O.
G. Norris, on Market street at noon Tuesday. Her death was due
to a general breaking down from old age. She was a native of
Alton and except for nine years of her life, she had been a
constant resident of Alton. It was 77 years ago that her father,
George J. Armstrong, moved into the home, 1244 Main street,
where the family made their home, and it was only six months ago
that Mrs. Johnson, beginning to break in her health, went to
live with her daughter, Mrs. NOrris. Mrs. Elizabeth Soule, her
sister with whom the family had made their home, left the house
six weeks ago to stay at St. Joseph's hospital, and this was the
first time in 77 years the house had not been occupied by a
member of the Armstrong family. Mrs. Johnson was taken to her
bed a week ago last Monday, and last Friday she became
unconscious and her life slipped away as she lay apparently in a
peaceful slumber. She was born in the house that was, until
recently, her home, and was married there January 27, 1867 to
Harrison Johnson. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Soule and Miss
Katherine Armstrong, formerly an instructor at Monticello
Seminary. Her two brothers, John Armstrong and William
Armstrong, died before her. She leaves beside her husband, one
daughter, Mrs. Orrin G. Norris, and two sons, Thomas A., and
Fred D. Johnson. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church
for many years. During her whole life she was known for a
kindly, gentle disposition, and in her home she was an excellent
wife and mother. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from St. Paul's Episcopal church, and burial in
City Cemetery will be private.
JOHNSON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5,
1909
Killed In Explosion at Wood River Refinery
A very
bad explosion occurred Tuesday morning in still No. 1, at the
Wood River Refinery, by which Henry Johnson, whose home was 1208
Main street in Alton, was instantly killed and his body almost
burned up, and three other men, James Green, George Lang, and
Thomas Manning, had narrow escapes but were not injured.
Johnston [sic] was about 36 years of age, and leaves a wife and
one child, aged 7 months. The accident is not explained
satisfactorily by anyone, and it is said to be a very unusual
one and that it like was not known in any of the refineries of
the Standard Oil Co. The men were engaged in "plating" a still
about 3:15 a.m., after it had been cleaned and was being
refilled with crude oil. Manning was on one side and Johnson on
the other. Green was close by and George Lang was on top of the
still. Without any warning there was a sudden explosion of the
gases in the still, which blew the heavy iron plate out and
probably instantly killed Johnson, who was knocked against the
concrete wall. A stream of fire poured from the hole in the
still and played upon the head and shoulders of Johnson like a
giant blow torch, which consumed the man's flesh and bones.
Green and Manning were blown against the sides of the building
and were stunned, and when they regained consciousness they made
their escape. Lang was lifted off the top of the still and
dropped over into a "condenser" in which there was a sufficient
depth of water to extinguish the fire in his clothing. Each of
the men was blown about 30 feet by the explosion. The shock of
the explosion shattered all the window panes in the buildings
close to it and shook up the whole plant. A general fire alarm
was turned in and the fire was extinguished. It could do no
damage as the building was concrete and iron, and the still ir
iron. The still was completely wrecked and will be disabled for
some time. Coroner Streeper was summoned to take charge of the
body, and he removed it to his place in Upper Alton. The
witnesses of the accident were ordered to remain there until
after the inquest. It was stated to the brother of Mr. Johnson
for one hour after the explosion fire was fought in the still
house, and when the fire was out the roll was called and Johnson
was found missing. When his body was found it was charred almost
beyond recognition, and it was still burning. The victim of the
explosion leaves one brother, Fred Johnson, and two sisters,
Miss Annie Johnson of Alton, and Miss Tenie Johnson of Seattle,
Washington. The body will be taken to the home, 1208 Main
street, which Mr. Johnson had built and furnished. The inquest
will be held at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. A. Neermann of
Fourth and Langdon streets saw the flash of fire and felt the
jar of the explosion at his home in Alton. Mr. Neermann said he
had been awake a few minutes and was looking out of the window
at his bedside, toward the Wood River refinery. He saw a flash
of fire rise in the air and then disappear, and a few minutes
later, or as long as it took for the concussion to travel seven
miles, he felt the jarring of his room and the rattle of his
windows.
JOHNSON, IDA AND INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 4, 1902
Ida Johnson, colored, aged 18, died Monday
night after a long illness at the home of her father, Horace
Hobson, on Fletcher street. Her four months old child died a few
hours before her. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock
Wednesday at the Union Baptist church.
JOHNSON, JAMES EDWARD/Source: Collinsville Herald, August 9,
1919
James Edward Johnson, 40 years, 6 months, and 18 days
old, died Monday morning at the home of his sister, Mrs. E.
Watson, after an illness of several months. Mr. Johnson was born
in Collinsville November 27, 1878, and has lived here most of
his life except for the last several years. His trade was as a
painter. He was never married. Funeral services were held on
Wednesday afternoon from the residence of Mrs. Watson. His
nephews acted as pallbearers: Edward, John Albert and Elmer
Phillips and Lester and David Killinger. Rev. Daniel Breese
officiated and interment was in Glenwood Cemetery. Mr. Johnson
is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Watson of this city and Mrs. Mary
Phillips of East St. Louis, and 2 brothers, Jesse and Clarence
Johnson of this city.
JOHNSON, JENNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1910
Mrs. Jennie Johnson died last evening at 8 o'clock at her home
on College avenue in Upper Alton. The news of her death came as
a shock to her friends, as few of them were aware that her
illness had become serious. Mrs. Johnson was sick just eight
days. She was first taken with chills and fever, but Monday
pneumonia developed. It became evident Tuesday morning that her
illness was serious, and she continued to grow worse all day
until death came in the evening. She leaves one daughter, Mrs.
Nellie Willard. Mrs. Johnson was the widow of the late John
Johnson, a native of Upper Alton. She was born in the state of
Oregon on March 12, 1849, and came with her family to Illinois
when six months of age, and has been a resident of the state
ever since. She was the youngest of her family of four brothers
and sisters, all of whom are dead. She was married to John
Johnson at Gillespie in 1868, and they lived there until fifteen
years ago when they moved to Upper Alton and made their home
here until death. Mrs. Johnson was a devoted member of the Upper
Alton Methodist church, and she leaves a large circle of friends
who are deeply grieved on account of her sudden taking away. The
funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the
Methodist church. The casket will be open at the family home
from 4:30 o'clock this afternoon until 1 o'clock tomorrow, but
will not be opened at the church. Rev. H. Baker will conduct the
service and burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
JOHNSON, JONAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1886
Jonas Johnson Killed by Stepson in Defense of His Mother
A
terrible domestic tragedy took place last evening, about two
miles east of town on the road to Wood River, resulting in the
death of Jonas Johnson, at the hands of his stepson, Charles
Carr, the deed being done in defense of Mrs. Johnson, the young
man’s mother. Johnson was formerly a hired hand working on the
farm of Charles Carr Sr. After the death of Mr. Carr, he
remained on the place in the employ of the widow, and finally
married her. Their domestic life was not a happy one. Johnson,
according to reports, was a hard drinker and of a quarrelsome
disposition when intoxicated. He is said to have abused his
family frequently. The couple separated at one time, and Johnson
went east, but returned about a year ago. He had, it is said,
repeatedly driven young Carr away from home, who of late has
been working for a man named William Stromberg. Last evening
Carr went home and found Johnson and his wife disputing about
some property. Johnson was violent and abusive in his language,
when young Carr interfered in defense of his mother, and a
quarrel ensued between the men. Carr got possession of a
shotgun, and told Johnson that the abuse of his mother had gone
far enough and must be stopped. Johnson thereupon, so the report
runs, attempted to assault his stepson. Carr ordered him back
and snapped a cap on the gun to intimidate him. Johnson still
came towards him, when Carr ran out of the house and Johnson
followed. In the yard, Carr again warned him back, but Johnson
still pursued, and the young man fired. The charge entered
Johnson’s abdomen, inflicting a ghastly wound, which resulted in
his death about one o’clock this morning. Carr made no attempt
to escape, but gave himself up to the Deputy Sheriff, and was
lodged in jail. He is about twenty years old, of a quiet
disposition, and has always borne a good character.
Immediately after the shooting, which took place about 6 p.m.,
Jonas Johnson, the wounded man, who walked about 30 yards after
he was shot, called to Williiam Sims to run for a doctor, and
Dr. Yerkes was summoned. On arrival, the doctor saw at once that
the man would die, and as soon as possible sent Policemen
Sauerwein for Deputy Sheriff Volbracht. Mr. Volbracht received
the notification about 11:30 p.m., and considering that the man
Carr would have made off by that time if he intended to run, did
not go down until 4 o’clock this morning. He found Carr at
Hamilton’s place, about one fourth of a mile below the house.
Carr readily gave himself up, remarking that he expected the
officer, and admitting doing the shooting, saying that there had
been bad blood between Johnson and himself for a long time.
Deputy Sheriff Volbracht then arrested Carr, brought him to
Alton and lodged him in jail. Coroner P. J. Melling received
notice this morning, and about 10 o’clock proceeded to the scene
of the tragedy as did also States Attorney George F. McNulty.
Hon. A. W. Hope, who has been retained for the defense, also
went down.
The scene of the shooting is at the back of a
one story and a half brick dwelling, which is situated on rising
ground, about one quarter of a mile this side of the Wood River
bridge, just off the main road. The house is on a farm of 19
acres belonging to the Carr estate. At the house this morning,
there were a number of men about and a few women, and Coroner
Melling had no difficulty in empaneling a jury, who at once
proceeded to view the body, which was lying in a small room. The
deceased was a well-built man of above the middle height, with
dark hair, and wearing a moustache and goatee of a sandy color.
The features were composed. On lifting the sheet covering the
corpse, a ghastly gunshot wound was disclosed in the abdomen
under the breast bone. The aperture was large enough for the
bowels to protrude. Death resulted in seven hours from the loss
of blood. In a few minutes, the jury returned to the kitchen and
heard the evidence of the widow, Mary C. Johnson, and that of
William Sims, the latter being an eyewitness of the shooting.
Their sworn testimony appears in full below. The widow appeared
quite calm and collected, and gave her testimony in an
unembarrassed manner. The deceased appears to have been an
amiable sort of a man when not in liquor. There were no blows
struck prior to the shooting, nor any very decided threats made,
except that Jonas was determined to have some plowing done
whether his wife wanted it so or not, and he was angry at his
stepson’s interference. The shooting took place a few feet back
of the kitchen door, and the men were only about eight feet
apart. The weapon used was a double-barreled shotgun. Carr first
snapped the cap on the one barrel, which misfired, and he then
discharged the contents of the other barrel full into Johnson’s
abdomen, with the result stated. The body of Mr. Johnson lies at
the house, in charge of the relatives, and will, it is
understood, be interred tomorrow. The proceedings of the jury
did not take more than an hour from the time the members were
sworn.
Evidence of the Widow
Mary C. Johnson, sworn
and deposed:
“I reside in Wood River Township. I am the wife
of the deceased, and have been married seven years ago in July.
My husband had me in a corner and threatened what he would do to
me. Carr said, ‘stand back or I will shoot.’ My husband made his
way towards him. My son will be 20 years old in April. My son
shot him. It was about six o’clock in the evening of Monday,
March 1, 1886. My husband was making threats and said he would
plow up a piece of meadow even if it took six horses instead of
two. He made motions at me with his hand. My husband said to
Carr not to interfere, and started towards him saying to my son,
‘What have you got to say about it?’ I did not see the shooting.
I did not see my husband strike my son. My husband was sober,
and had only been drinking hard cider. I believe my husband
would have struck my son if he had reached him. Two years ago,
Jonas made threats against my son. He was not quite sober at the
time, but knew what he was about. The gun was in a shed at the
back of the house. The shooting took place almost at once after
the men left the house.”
Signed with her mark, Mary C.
Johnson. Witness: P. J. Melling
Evidence of William Sims
William Sims, sworn and deposed:
“I reside in Upper Alton. Am
a farmer. I have known the deceased about six years. I was in
the shed, and heard the snap of the cap. I started for the door.
Just as I ggot to the door, Charley said, ‘Stay back or I will
shoot you.’ There were no words said but these. I saw the shot
fired. It was about 10 minutes after 6, Monday evening, March 1.
I was standing in the old shed door about 30 feet from them.
Jonas was crowding Charley. The gun was setting just inside the
kitchen door. When I heard the snap of the cap, I started out of
the shed. I did not hear Jonas threatening his wife. After Jonas
was shot, he followed Charley about 30 yards saying, ‘I will
kill you if I get hold of you.’ I went for the doctor. The name
of accused is Charley Carr. I never heard any words between them
before. I have been pretty intimate with them. Charley was a
quiet, peaceable fellow, and I thought him a big coward. Mr.
Johnson told me to go for the doctor. Jonas died from the wound
at two minutes to 1 o’clock this morning, Tuesday, March 2. I
know Jonas would have beat Charley if he had got hold of him. I
never heard any dispute between them before.”
Signed, William
Sims
The Jury’s Verdict
“In the matter of the
inquisition on the body of Jonas Johnson, deceased, held at Wood
River, on the 2nd day of March 1886. We, the undersigned jurors,
sworn to inquire of the death of Jonas Johnson, on oath, do find
that he came to his death by a gunshot wound at the hands of
Charles Carr, in Wood River Township, on the first day of March,
1886.”
Signed J. M. Gearing, Foreman; James Fallen, Joseph
McKenzie, John Chessen, J. Kleinschnitzer, and H. A. Niederkern.
Immediately after the inquest, Coroner Melling returned to
town and issued a formal warrant for the detention of Carr, when
a preliminary examination will take place Thursday, in a
Justice’s court.
JOHNSON, J. WESLEY/Source: The Advertiser, April 1, 1916
J. Wesley Johnson, aged 76 years and 1 month, died at his family
home. He had been in failing health this past winter and died on
Tuesday. He had heart trouble with complications. Mr. Johnson
was a carpenter by trade and followed that trade until last
summer. His wife died about 14 months previous. Three sons and
two daughters survive him, all of which live in this city with
the exception of one daughter, who lives in East St. Louis. They
are as follows: Ed, Clarence and Jesse Johnson and Mrs. David
Killinger, all of Collinsville, and Mrs. Mary Phillips of East
St. Louis. The services were held at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Killinger, at 304 Short Street, and conducted by Rev. P. G.
Spangler of the Baptist church with interment at Glenwood
Cemetery.
JOHNSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23,
1907
Imprisoned at Libby Prison During Civil War - But Not A
Soldier - Was Cattle Driver
John Johnson, in his 67th year,
died Tuesday afternoon at his residence in Upper Alton from
paralysis. He was stricken Sunday evening while alone in his
home, and was found unconscious when his wife and daughter
returned from attending church services. He did not regain
consciousness. Mr. Johnson was said to be the oldest native
resident of Upper Alton, being born in the village 67 years ago
next July. The last four years of his life were spent in total
blindness. Neuralgia attacks which settled in his eyes caused
the loss of his sight, and about six months ago he was granted a
special pension for blindness through the efforts of Congressman
Rodenberg. He was not an enlisted soldier in the Union army
during the Civil war, but was engaged as a cattle driver and was
captured and confined as a prisoner in Libby prison for eight
months. It was on his prison experience that he was given the
pension. He leaves his wife and one daughter, Miss Nellie
Johnson. He leaves also two brothers, Charles B. Johnson and
James L. Johnson, both of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held
Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, Rev. C. C. Hall
of the Methodist church officiating.
JOHNSON, JOHN G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22,
1902
Bethalto News - John G. Johnson, a highly respected and
retired farmer, died Tuesday at 11 o'clock from consumption and
dropsy. Mr. Johnson came to this place four years ago from
Lizard, Iowa, and soon afterward married Mrs. H. Miller. He was
64 years of age. The funeral took place from the German church,
Rev. Fedderson conducting the services. Besides a wife, he
leaves two sisters and several grown children to mourn his
demise.
JOHNSON, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1921
Miss Kate Johnson, one of the best known women in Upper
Alton, and a life long resident of that section of the city,
died this morning at 5:30 o'clock at the Johnson homestead,
corner of Brown and Spaulding streets. Miss Johnson's illness,
which began over a year ago, was well known to her many friends
and her case was watched closely by a very large number of
people. Just a year ago yesterday, Miss Johnson submitted to the
first surgical operation for the relief of the trouble from
which she suffered. She was benefitted temporarily by that
operation, but later on she submitted to other operations. About
two months ago she wanted to return to St. Louis for treatment
in a hospital, and she was taken to the city. After being in the
hospital a short time, she wanted to come home and she was
brought back. She continued to decline rapidly from that time
on, and her death this morning was expected. Miss Johnson was 60
years old and she lived all of her life in the Johnson
homestead, where she was born. She leaves her one sister, Miss
Doll Johnson, who is the last member of the family. The brother,
H. E. Johnson, a former well known politician and for several
years an official of Wood River Township, died about seven years
ago. For many years the brother and the two sisters made their
home together, and after his death the two sisters continued to
live in the old home place. The death of Miss Johnson this
morning leaves the remaining sister to occupy the home place
alone. Miss Johnson leaves two aunts, Mrs. Ellen Harting and
Mrs. Emma V. Heskett of Alton, and one uncle D. M. Kittinger,
who is in Florida. Mrs. Harting said this afternoon that she had
telegraphed to the brother, Dan Kittinger, announcing the death
of his niece this morning, but she had not received any reply so
far. The funeral arrangements will not be made until Mr.
Kittinger is heard from.
JOHNSON, LAYMAN L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10,
1913
Dies From Fractured Skull ... Injured at Work
Layman
L. Johnson of 2079 Alby street died at St. Joseph's hospital
Monday morning from accidental injuries he sustained in a fall
Sunday afternoon. He was 57 years of age and had worked for the
C. & A. railroad since he was a boy. He had never done anything
but section hand work, having refused to accept promotion
offered to him. His only work was to make the railroad track
solid and keep it safe for the big trains on which he was never
to have a ride, and he did his work well. Johnson had passed
through many a dangerous experience in the forty years he had
worked for the Chicago & Alton as a section hand, but he always
escaped with slight injuries. Sunday afternoon he sustained
fatal injuries while going about his work. He was ascending an
incline leading to the ice house of the C. & A. just north of
the freight depot, when he missed his footing and fell ten feet,
striking on his head. He was hurried to the hospital for
surgical treatment, but never regained consciousness. His death
occurred at 7:10 a. m. Monday. Johnson, it will be remembered as
having been published a few weeks ago, had declined promotion
whenever it was offered. General Roadmaster Maurice Donahue of
the Alton was given a position on Johnson's recommendation, when
Johnson declined the job that subsequently led Donahue to the
highest position in the road department. Johnson would watch the
fine cars go rolling by and whenever he saw the official car he
would think that he might have been in one of those cars, had he
cared to accept promotion, but he preferred to look after the
spikes in the track, see that the rails were in condition to
carry those trains, and the ballast was solid under the ties. He
worked always for the road, and when expenses were reduced,
Johnson always stayed. The reason he did not wish to take
advancement was that he had his aged parents in Alton, and when
they died he had his sister. He was a man of good habits,
faithful conscientious and a first class workman. He lived in
his little home on Alby street with his sisters, and what money
he did not spend on his home he saved. He was a fixture on the
C. & A. railroad. High officers who rode in the official cars,
the men known by Johnson as the "big bugs," came and went, but
Johnson had gone on working for the C. & A. forever...He leaves
two sisters, Mrs. Fred Tusscher of Springfield, and Miss
Caroline Johnson of Alby street.
JOHNSON, LOUIS Albert/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 16, 1918
Louis A. Johnson, aged 35, died this
morning at 8:15 o'clock at the family home at 1209 Norton street
after an illness with influenza. He is survived by four
brothers, two of whom are in France, also by two sisters, and
his wife, Ethel. The brothers are William and Lacy, with the
American Expeditionary Forces in France; Clifford and Fred of
Alton; the sisters are Mrs. E. Murphy and Miss Nellie Johnson of
this city. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 11 o'clock
from the home, and will be private.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 18, 1918
Lewis Albert Johnson was born in
Elsah, Jersey county, July 2nd, 1888, and died November 16th. He
was 35 years, three months, and 16 days of age. He leaves his
wife, Mrs. Ethel Johnson; father and mother, Mr. and Mrs.
Johnson. The brothers, John L. and William, who are serving
their country in France, and Clifford Johnson and Fred Johnson
of Alton. The sisters are Mrs. Edith Murphy and Miss Nellie
Johnson. He died happy in the Lord. The services were conducted
by Rev. A. W. Kortkamp at 11 o'clock this morning. Interment was
in City Cemetery. The pallbearers were Walter Bost, Robert
Troesten, John Williams, John Janni, Albert Shartel and James
Thurston.
JOHNSON, LOUISA (nee WILLRODT)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 19, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. Edward
Johnson, nee Louisa Willrodt, of Mitchell, was held Thursday at
Nameoki, and Rev. G. Plassman of the Evangelical church
conducted the funeral service. Mrs. Johnson was 21 years of age.
Her funeral was the largest ever known in the American Bottoms,
and the cortege was several miles long as it wound along the
road from Mitchell to the Nameoki church. Mrs. Johnson's death
followed the birth of a child, which was born two weeks ago. By
a strange coincidence, Mr. Johnson's first wife's death, which
occurred two years ago, resulted from a similar cause. Mr.
Johnson is Republican central committeeman at Mitchell.
JOHNSON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1914
Girl Dies on Dance Floor - Cause Not Known
Mrs. Mary
Johnson, aged about 35, died suddenly Tuesday evening at the
Kitzmiller dance hall, where she had been attending a dance. She
was formerly a waitress at the Lafayette restaurant, and she
continued to keep a room at that place. She had gotten to the
dance to spend the evening, and she complained suddenly of
feeling unwell and she exclaimed to a friend, "I feel like I was
going to die." She had hardly uttered the words before she
collapsed in what was supposed to be a faint, and restoratives
were given in vain. She was then taken in a buggy to the
Lafayette hotel on Piasa street, and there she was placed in a
chair just within the doorway at the foot of the stairs leading
to the second floor, and Dr. D. F. Duggan was called. He arrived
soon afterward and pronounced her dead. The body was turned over
to John Berner, coroner's undertaker. Mrs. Johnson danced one
set and a half, a period of over twenty minutes, when she
exclaimed "I'm choking." She began coughing, and asked for
water. The water did not stop the cough and Link Drew was asked
to secure a buggy and take her from the Kitzmiller hall to the
Lafayette restaurant where she was head housekeeper. She went to
the dance with Lillian Fox and Blanche Miller. She has been at
the Lafayette hotel for a year. She came from Clarksville, Ill.,
where she has a father, one brother, and two sisters. She was
married but separated from her husband for the past four years.
Employees of the hotel say that she had a bad cold and was
frequently seized with coughing spells. Her death was thought to
have been aided by exhaustion, as she had a weak heart. The
inquest was started this afternoon at 3 o'clock.
JOHNSON, MARY J./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, February
17, 1892
Miss Mary J. Johnson died at the county farm Tuesday
night (Feb. 16). The subject might be dismissed with this mere
statement of a fact, had not circumstances developed after her
death that shroud her career and life in mystery. She died,
while depending on charity for maintenance. Her funeral robes
and her burial were such as only people of wealth can afford.
She was brought to the county farm on the 3rd inst., by Marshal
Seaborn Miller, of Venice. She was the mother of a child which
was one month old on the 12th inst. Her age was given at 23
years. Her appearance indicated that she was no older, if as
old. She was a pretty woman in appearance, bright intellectually
and showed natural refinement. She had an innocent, honest
expression. She had relatives near Venice, it is stated a
brother and a sister. They were notified of her death, Wednesday
morning. In the evening M. J. Walsh, an undertaker of East St.
Louis, arrived on the 9 o'clock Wabash, and embalmed the body.
On Thursday morning arrived a handsome casket and expensive
robes and furnishings. The body, which had been taken to the
depot in an ordinary coffin, was transferred to the casket, and
forwarded on the 9:25 train to Venice. The remains were met
there by a hearse and four carriages. The funeral took place
under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society of Venice. The body
rests in the Lutheran cemetery at Nameoki. The funeral expenses
amounted to not less than $250 or $300. The undertaker was
reticent about giving any information whatever, stating merely
that the money to pay him was just as good as if deposited in a
bank. The dead woman left a paid up insurance policy for $500,
payable to her sister, but the pay for the funeral does not come
from that source. Poor people do not ordinarily have such
expensive funerals. Conscience and wealth are not always
neighbors.
JOHNSON, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7,
1901
Mrs. Mary J. Johnson died at her residence, 923 East
Third street, today at 11:40 a.m., after a week's illness. Mrs.
Johnson was born in Arnt, Ouright, Germany, December 3, 1830.
She came to Alton in 1844, and has resided here or in this
vicinity ever since. Three sons and three daughters survive her,
viz: John, William and Fred Meinecke, by her first husband, the
first two in Oklahoma and the last in Bunker Hill, and Mrs. A.
C. Young of Alton, Mrs. Martha Meyers of Bethalto, and Mrs. H.
B. Carpenter of Jackson, Mississippi. The funeral will take
place on Monday, December 9, at 2 p.m. from the Evangelical
church.
JOHNSON, MILDRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10,
1908
The funeral of Miss Mildred Johnson was held this
afternoon at the Washington M. E. church. The burial was in the
City cemetery.
JOHNSON, ROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1912
Negro Loses Both of His Legs - Injuries Fatal
Roy
Johnson, a negro, who had been arrested Tuesday evening about
8:20 o'clock for insulting Mrs. Ed Lonie on Piasa street between
Second and Third street, lost both of his feet in an effort to
get on board a freight train that was passing, just as Office
Link Drew had him at Second and Piasa streets. He died four
hours later. Johnson had seized Mrs. Lonie by the arm and
addressed some bad language to her as she was waiting for his
husband, who was in the Bauer barber shop. Officer Drew was
notified and he rounded up the negro and had him on the way to
police headquarters. Near the Citizens bank corner, the negro
made a break to get away, struck Drew and ran for the freight
train. He slipped in trying to get aboard the train, fell with
both feet across the rail, and they were severed by the car
wheels. Johnson came into public notice some time ago by being
mixed up in a cutting affray on Union street last summer, in
which he was carved up so badly the doctors said he would not
get well, but he was out of the hospital in a very short time.
Tuesday night, after the accident, according to eye witnesses,
it was fully 25 minutes before a vehicle was procured to take
Johnson to the hospital. At first a buggy was sent to convey him
to the hospital, and it was seen to be impossible to get him
there in that way, so a spring wagon was sent instead of an
ambulance. A big crowd was gathered around the maimed negro as
he lay on the brick paving, bleeding away his life. Johnson died
at the hospital at midnight from the effects of shock and loss
of blood. According to those who were trying to get the negro
arrested, efforts to find a policeman were unavailing until a
search had been made for one. It was said that for fifteen
minutes before Johnson was arrested, Mrs. Lonie and others
watching him as he lingered around, while her husband went in
search and finally found private watchman Link Drew, who made
the arrest.
JOHNSON, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 25,
1915
Killed by Train
Samuel Johnson, known as "Sam
Boots," was fatally injured Saturday evening by a C. B. & Q.
train near the glass works gates, as he was going home from
work. The train, it was said, was going at a high rate of speed
when it hit Johnson. He was picked up and hurried to the
hospital where he died a few minutes after arriving there. Some
difficulty was being experienced in finding relatives of the
dead man. The inquest was not held Sunday. Johnson lived at 1715
East Second street. Coroner's Undertaker John Bauer received
word today from Woodburn, where he was trying to locate the
father of Sam Johnson, that the father would have nothing to do
with his son's body. It was told to the coroner that the father
had not seen his son since the child was two years of age, had
no interest in him, and would not come here to attend the
funeral nor to look at his son. Under the circumstances the
coroner's undertaker looked no further for relatives to take
charge of the body.
JOHNSON, SARAH KELLER/Source: Troy Weekly Call, July 1, 1905
After a life of more than four score years and seven, most of
which was spent in Troy, Mrs. Sarah K. Johnson, relict of the
late Caleb Johnson, and one of the oldest residents of Troy,
passed peacefully away at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday morning at the
home of M. F. Auwarter. Her age was exactly 87 years, 6 months,
and 8 days. The death of the venerable old lady, although fully
expected during the last few days of her illness, occurred in a
manner of suddenness, and was a surprise to many of her friends.
A little over a week ago she was able to be about in her
customary health and made some calls on friends. She was
stricken on Tuesday of last week with what was diagnosed as
inflammatory rheumatism, and was immediately confined to her
bed. Her condition grew rapidly worse until the end came
Wednesday, when she was surrounded by members of the family and
friends. She suffered great pain and remained conscious until
the evening before her death. The funeral of Mrs. Johnson took
place yesterday morning at 9 o’clock from her late home to the
Presbyterian Church, and was attended by a large concourse of
people, among whom were many from out of town. The Rev. H. W.
Marshall preached a very appropriate funeral sermon, and the
selections by the choir were likewise befitting. The casket bore
many beautiful floral tributes, and was borne by A. R.
Snodgrass, William Rawson, John F. Deimling, Charles Seligman,
August Droll, and P. M. Davidson. The honorary pallbearers were
T. H. Bell, W. W. Jarvis, C. F. Edwards, Thomas McAdoo, William
J. Vetter, and E. S. Donoho. Interment was made on the family
plot in the Troy Cemetery. Among those from out of town in
attendance at the funeral were: Mrs. George Schott of Sioux
City, Iowa; Mrs. Kate Evans of Mulberry Grove; Mesdames J. A.
Vance and Jake Barnsback of Edwardsville; and Mr. and Mrs. James
Geers, Mr. and Mrs. John Black, John Miller, and John Ensminger
of St. Jacob.
Mrs. Sarah Keller Johnson, whose maiden
name was Ensminger, was born in Ross County, Virginia, on
December 20, 1817, and moved to Chillicothe, Ohio in 1825. She
was married to Caleb Johnson on April 16, 1832, and they came to
Troy in 1833. At that time Troy was a mere village. Mr. Johnson
opened a shoe shop on the spot now occupied by J. H. Steinhans’
furniture store, and afterwards bought a tract of land east of
town in later years owned by the Rev. T. W. B. Dawson. In 1861,
Mr. Johnson was appointed postmaster of Troy under President
Lincoln, and in 1870 he built the brick house on Market Street
now owned by Dr. F. W. Braner. The post office was removed to a
small building on the corner of these premises, and Mr. Johnson
remained postmaster until his death in 1875, when his daughter,
Miss Mattie, received the appointment which she held until her
death in 1880. Thus the Troy post office remained in the Johnson
family for a period of 27 years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
were born two sons and two daughters, viz: John, who was thrown
from a horse and killed at 18 years of age; Sydney, who died in
mature years; Mattie, who was former postmaster and died in
1888; and Adda, who died in 1887 and was the former wife of M.
F. Auwarter. Mrs. Johnson was a sister of John and Joshua
Ensminger. A sister, Mrs. Casing, resides in Portland, Oregon,
and is now in her 76th year. She is also survived by six
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
After the
death of her husband, Mrs. Johnson kept a hotel known as the
“Johnson House,” and her place for many years was widely known
among the traveling fraternity for its desirable accommodations
and comforts of home.
About five years ago in February,
Mrs. Johnson sustained a severe fall at her home, causing an
injury to one of her limbs, and although she regained her
health, she never fully recovered from its effects, and was
since confined to the constant use of a _____. Shortly after her
accident, ….. [unreadable] to make her home with her son-in-law,
with whom she has since resided.
“Grandma” Johnson, as
she was in late years known and spoken of, was a woman who
possessed the true Christian spirit, and many other endearing
qualities. As a wife and mother, she was true and devoted and
her friends were legion. A marked characteristic of her motherly
spirit was shown in her devotion to her grandchildren, and they
added much to her joy and comfort in her declining years.
Mrs. Johnson united with the Troy Presbyterian Church 40
years ago, and remained a faithful and consistent member to the
day of her death. She gave freely of her time and means to the
furtherance and church ork, and was one of the organizers of the
Troy Cemetery Mite Society, upon which she was highly
complimented on Memorial Day by the Rev. Stephen Catt of
Jerseyville, who was the orator of the day at the celebration in
this city. With the recollection of her many endearing qualities
and the wide and esteemed friendship she has long enjoyed, Mrs.
Johnson will be missed both in and out of her home, and her
death is one which is generally regretted.
JOHNSON, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
19, 1901
The funeral of Theodore, the 5 year old son of Mr.
and Mrs. R. Johnson of Illinois street, who died Thursday
evening of spinal meningitis, was buried today.
JOHNSON, TILLIE JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9,
1902
Mrs. Tillie Jane Johnson, one of the oldest residents of
Wood River township, died this morning at 5 o'clock at her home
on College avenue in Upper Alton. Mrs. Johnson was born in
Norfolk, Virginia, on March 26, 1825, making her 77 years old at
the time of her death. She came to Upper Alton in 1844, and has
lived there ever since. She was the mother of thirteen children,
of which only three are living. They are John Johnson of Alton,
Mrs. John Depry and Ruben Johnson. She also leaves fourteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements for the
funeral have not been made, but will take place as soon as her
two children, who live in the northern part of the state, arrive
here.
JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 28, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Edward
Johnson of Oldenburg will be held Saturday morning at Oldenburg,
and service will be conducted by Rev. G. Plassman, pastor of the
Evangelical church there. Mrs. Johnson was 26 years of age, and
she leaves her husband and two children.
JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 28, 1921
Mrs. George Johnson, one of the
oldest residents of Dorsey, died at her home in that town
yesterday. She was 81 years old. She is survived by eight
children, 24 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The
children are Mrs. William Oldenettle of Bunker Hill, and Fred,
John, William, Herman, Otto and Miss Johnson, all of Dorsey; and
Edward Johnson of Alton. Funeral services will be conducted at 1
o'clock Thursday afternoon in the Dorsey Lutheran Church and
interment will be in the Lutheran cemetery there.
JOHNSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 11, 1903
Mrs. William Johnson died at the
home of Albert Wilde this morning on the eastern border of Upper
Alton, after a long illness with consumption. Mrs. Johnson
leaves besides her husband, three small children and her mother,
who lives at Grafton, and was 31 years old. The Johnson family
formerly lived in the East End place, but were driven from their
home by the flood and they went to the home of Mrs. Wilde to
stay until the water went down. The funeral will be held Friday
afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Washington street M. E. church,
and Rev. O. L. Peterson will conduct the services.
JOHNSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9,
1910
The funeral of William Johnson was held this morning
from the home of his brother, Frank, in Riverview, and after
services the body accompanied by a funeral party was taken to
Elsah for burial.
JOHNSON, WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON 'HARRY JOHNSON'/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, September 15, 1911
William Henry Harrison
Johnson, aged 72, died Thursday evening at 6:30 o'clock at
Beverly farm, where he had been staying for over a year. His
death was due to arterial hardening, but the end was hastened by
a paralytic stroke which disabled him recently. His only
daughter, Mrs. O. G. Norris, who was a daily attendant at his
bedside, had left him just a short time before his death, and it
was not believed at that time the end would come so soon, as his
pulse was strong and he was conscious. He collapsed immediately
after eating a light supper. Mr. Johnson was known to everybody
as Harry Johnson. For over thirty years he was in the ice
business at Alton, and many a boy, now a grown man, remembers
how kind he was to the boys and how, by his generosity to them,
he encouraged them to hang around his ice wagon in summer time.
He always was the friend of the boys, and at the place where he
spent his last days he was kind to the young people. He was born
February 8, 1839, at Canastota, N. Y. He was a son of Mr. and
Mrs. William Johnson. His parents died when he was twelve years
old, and he came to Alton when he was nineteen, making his home
with his uncle, Leander Hamlin, a prominent resident of Alton.
He was a carpenter by trade, and while he followed that trade he
helped build many of the old houses in the city. For a while he
was in the castor oil business at Nashville, Ill. He married
Miss Hannah Armstrong in 1867. She died six months ago. He was
the father of four children, three of whom are living, Mrs. O.
G. Norris, Thomas and Fred Johnson. He leaves also a
granddaughter, the daughter of Mrs. Norris. He was a
brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Armstrong, whose funeral took place
the first of this week. He was the last of his father's family.
The funeral will be from St. Paul's Episcopal church tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and friends of the family are invited.
Burial will be in City cemetery and will be private.
JOHNSTON, AGNES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24,
1919
Word was received in Alton today that Mrs. Agnes Cousley
Johnston, widow of David Johnston, died at 8 o'clock this
morning at the home of her son, J. F. Johnston, at Muskogee,
Okla. She was 85 years old last February. Mrs. Johnston had been
in failing health for six years. She had made her home for a
number of years in Alton with her brothers, Robert C. and John
A. Cousely, and at the time of her breakdown she was at the home
of the latter, about six years ago. She was taken to the home of
her son, W. C. Johnston, in St. Louis, and later to the home of
her other son, J. F. Johnston in Muskogee, where she spent the
remainder of her life. To her friends and relatives she was
affectionately known as "Aunt Nancy," and she had a large number
of friends in Alton who loved and admired her. The death of Mrs.
Johnston was very sudden, and was due to a stroke of paralysis,
the culmination of her long period of invalidism. She was the
last of a large family of children which came to Alton with
their widowed mother from Ireland in 1850. One after another of
the brothers and sisters died before her until her death
completes the passing of that family circle. She is survived by
only two sons, and by three grandchildren, Dr. Meredith
Johnston, who has just returned from service in France; Miss
Doris Johnston, who was serving her country too; and William
Johnston, who was recently discharged from the army. Mrs.
Johnston for many years conducted a millinery store on Third
street in the building west of the Commercial building. The body
will be brought to Alton for burial, probably Saturday
afternoon. It is expected the funeral services will be held in
City cemetery Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock after the arrival
of the body from Muskogee.
JOHNSTON, LILLIAN D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
2, 1907
Lillian D. Johnston, wife of Edward Johnston, died
this morning at 6:30 o'clock at the family home, 1241 Pearl
street, after a long illness. Her death was due to pneumonia,
but she had been a victim of nervous troubles for eight years.
She was 27 years of age and leaves her husband and two children.
The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon from the Washington
street Methodist church. Rev. W. A. Cross, assisted by Rev. C.
Koehler, the former pastor, will officiate. The Mutual
Protective League will have charge of the services at the grave.
JOHNSTON, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 30, 1843
Died, in this city [Alton], on Saturday last, at the residence
of Mr. William Hooth, Walter Johnston, after a lingering illness
- aged about 30. The deceased was a native of Scotland.
JOHNSTONE, JOHN E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
27, 1915
John Edward Johnstone, aged 52(?), died at 12:50
o'clock this morning following an illness of ten months. He is
survived by one daughter, who has been living with him at his
home, 2_29 College avenue. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home to Oakwood Cemetery.
JOINER, W. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 29,
1911
W. H. Joiner, colored, died at his home on Hampton
street today.
JONES, AMOS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1922
Old Hoss Trader Dies
Amos Jones, for many years a well
known character in Madison, Jersey, and Macoupin counties, died
at the Dunkard's home at Girard Monday night, after being in ill
health for a long time. Jones had lived at Brighton and his
burial was at that place. The death of Jones removes a
picturesque character from this vicinity. He was one of the last
of the old fashioned horse traders, and he had lived to a time
when the horse had so far disappeared as a trading medium that
he was about put out of business. Aaron Allred, another old time
horse trader, died recently and his death occurred at a time
when Amos Jones was in a bad way and it was evident that his
life would not be much longer. Trading was the chief occupation
for Jones. When horse trades became scarce, Jones took up
trading in real estate, and his methods of realty trading were
characteristic of his horse trading. He became involved in
numerous suits against persons he claimed were his clients. Some
time ago he appealed to Joseph Hermann, overseer of the poor, to
send him to the hospital. Finally, his brother, Sidney Jones of
Brighton, took him in charge and had him put in the Dunkard's
home at Girard where he declined rapidly. In the olden days,
there was hardly a man, woman or child in the country round
Alton not acquainted with "Ame" Jones. The body was taken to
Brighton this morning and passed through Alton on the way there
for burial.
JONES, C. F. or C. S./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 12, 1841
In the discharge of my official duties, I was yesterday called
upon to hold an inquest over the remains of a man found dead,
about ten rods from the road leading from Alton to St. Louis, on
land owned by Mills and others, adjoining the town of Madison,
and about eighty rods from the residence of Thomas Elliot. The
individual's name is supposed to be C. F. Jones. In justice to
the inhabitants of the town and vicinity, we think it proper to
detail, as nigh as may be, all the facts and circumstances as
they came before the jury in evidence.
Robert R. Stanley,
being sworn, testified that the deceased came to Thomas Ellitt's
on the night of Friday, the 21st of May, about eleven or twelve
o'clock in the night; that he remained there the next day; and
purchased some articles of clothing of Stanley Elliott's
storekeeper. His conduct on Saturday appeared to indicate
partial derangement; staid at Elliott's on Saturday night;
stated next morning that he wished to go down to Squire's; had
stated several times previous to this that he wished to take a
boat to go up the river; talked of going to Alton; borrowed a
razor of Stanley on Sunday morning. The last time witness saw
him, he was going up the road towards Alton. Witness also stated
that he had not drank anything while he had been there, but
probably one dram.
David Adams, being sworn, testified
that on the 2d day of June, he was out in the direction where
the body was found; that he heard dogs fighting; that he
proceeded to the place and there found the remains of the body,
supposed to be the same individual; the same razor he had
borrowed lying open, about six feet from where the principal
part of the body lay. The body was found in a dreadfully
mutilated situation; entirely destitute of flesh, except a
little on the hands and feet; the upper part of the head
separated from the under jaw; the backbone in one place, the
bones of the legs and thighs, and one arm, in another, the bones
of one arm and hand in another; and the clothes entirely torn to
pieces. In one of the vest pockets were found forty-four dollars
and twenty-five cents, together with a bill of goods purchased
of David Tatum, St. Louis; form of the bill "C. S. Jones to
David Tatum, Dr." I think the bill was receipted the amount for
fifty odd dollars. There was also found a small slip of paper,
apparently torn from a larger one, on which were these words:
"My last words are that ---." The prevailing opinion was that
the deceased cut his throat; but such as the mutilated state of
the body, that the fact could not be ascertained. You are at
liberty to publish all, or as much of this communication as you
may think the interest of all concerned may require. Signed by
H. C. Caswell, Coroner, Madison County.
JONES, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1917
Aged Grocer Passes Away
David Jones, aged 82, died this
afternoon at 3:20 o'clock at his home on Belle street after a
week's illness. Mr. Jones was one of the oldest grocers, if not
the oldest, in the city of Alton. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Emily
Jones, and four children. Mrs. Florence White, Mrs. M. J.
Sullivan of Alton, Ellsworth and Osborne Jones of Chicago. All
the children were here when their father died. He came to Alton
when he was about 17 years of age and had lived here ever since.
A number of years ago while in a drowsy condition, he stepped
off a moving train at Seventh and Piasa streets and sustained
injuries which caused the loss of one leg. He was a member of
Piasa Lodge A. F. & A. M., and also of Alton Post G. A. R. He
leaves eight grandchildren. Mr. Jones was a man who was most
highly respected by all who knew him. He was honorable in his
dealing, a quiet, estimable gentleman.
JONES, DAVID R./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 18,
1888
Mr. David R. Jones, an old and well-known resident of
Coal Branch, a brother of William R. Jones, died at his
residence there last night, at 10:25 o'clock, aged 61 years and
8 months. He was a native of South Walves, born in Jontardain,
Glamorganshire. The funeral will take place at two o'clock
tomorrow afternoon at his late residence. Friends and
acquaintances are invited to attend.
Source: Alton Daily
Telegraph, October 20, 1888
Mr. David R. Jones' funeral took
place at the family residence, North Alton, at 2 o'clock p.m.
yesterday, Rev. J. W. Caldwell officiating. After scripture
reading, the hymn "Jesus Lover of My Soul" was sung, closed with
"Rock of Ages." The bearers were: Messrs. H. W. Hart, John
Rutledge, John Evans, Edward Reece, Nathan Syddle, Andrew
Miller. Deceased was a native of Glanmorganshire, South Walves,
came to this country in 1851. He came to Alton in 1853, and has
resided here ever since.
[Note: David R. Jones was one of
the pioneering settlers of Coal Branch (part of North Alton),
and owned the Jones Hall, which had a grocery store, hotel, and
his residence. Death was due to a carbuncle and infection on the
back of his neck.]
JONES, EDNA BELLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
19, 1918
Mrs. Edna Belle Jones, aged 27, died this morning at
the family home, 465 Ethel avenue, after a short illness with
influenza. She was the wife of Perry Jones. Besides her husband,
Mrs. Jones leaves a family of little children. Funeral
arrangements are incomplete.
JONES, EDNA GERNIGIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 23, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Edna Gernigin Jones was
held at Kane, Ill. on Thursday, where the body was taken. Mrs.
Jones died in Alton where she was residing, but she was born and
raised in Kane. Mrs. Jones was born on Nov. 15th, 1891, and died
on Nov. 19th, last Tuesday, at the age of 27. She was married on
Jan. 10th, 1900, to Perry Jones, and besides her husband she is
survived by her two children, Carl Victor, aged 8 years, and
Perry Leroy, 8 months.
JONES, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15,
1912
Edward Jones, a well known Ft. Russell township farmer,
fell dead upon a street in Bethalto at 9 o'clock this morning
while in Bethalto on business. Mr. Jones has stated to a friend
an hour before that he had a pain in his heart, and that if he
did not feel better within another hour he would see a doctor. A
few minutes later, while walking along the street with Henry
Lawrence, he dropped to the ground and expired at once. Mr.
Jones leaves a wife and three sons and three daughters. He was
65 years of age, and well known in the Bethalto district.
\
JONES, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22,
1904
Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, who had reached the ripe old age
of 98 years, 6 months and 23 days, died Saturday night at 9:30
o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Nixon, in
Upper Alton. Notwithstanding her great age, Mrs. Jones had
maintained her faculties almost unimpaired, to the last, and her
physical health had been excellent until the last month.
Recently she had gone back to her childhood days as a first
indication of her dissolution, and finally on Saturday night,
she died while she slept, peacefully and without a sign of pain.
The body was taken to Sharpsburg, Pa., Monday morning for
burial, and was accompanied by the daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth
Nixon, where it will be buried beside the body of her husband
who died 25 years ago, after a married life of fifty years. Mrs.
Jones leaves another daughter, Mrs. Almira Hiss, of Allegheny
City, Pa. The funeral services were held Sunday evening at the
Nixon home, and were conducted by Rev. L. M. Waterman of the
Baptist church. Mrs. Jones had been a member of the Baptist
church 77 years and was a devoted Christian all her life. Mrs.
Jones was born in Hookertown, now included in Boston. When a
young girl she moved westward with her family to Lafayette,
Ind., and subsequently she lived in the vicinity of Pittsburgh.
Fifteen years ago she came to Upper Alton to make her home when
her daughter's family came here. It was interesting to her
friends to listen to the aged lady recount tales of the early
days. Her memory was perfect until recently, and as she had seen
many interesting events in her life and had met many interesting
people, her company was sought by many people to hear her talk.
Her husband died in 1879 after a married life of 50 years,
lacking a few months.
JONES, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1920
Mrs. Emma Jones, widow of David Jones, died Friday afternoon at
3:35 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. J. Sullivan,
617 Belle street, after a long illness. She had been bedfast for
ten weeks. Mrs. Jones had passed her 75th birthday the week
preceding her death. She was born in England and came to this
country when nine years of age. She was married in Alton to
David Jones, who for years, was a coal miner in the North Side
and later was the owner of a little grocery store he conducted
on Belle street near Seventh street. Mrs. Jones leaves four
children: Mrs. Sulivan and Mrs. Florence White of Alton; and
Osborn and Ellsworth Jones both of Chicago. She was possessed of
a large number of friends, most of whom had passed on before
her, and there were few remaining of the people she had known in
her younger days in Alton, and had been her good friends. She
was highly esteemed in the neighborhood where she lived. Besides
her sons and daughters, Mrs. Jones leaves seven grandchildren.
The funeral will be held from the Sullivan home on Monday at 2
o'clock. Rev. Edward L. Gibson, of the First Presbyterian church
will conduct the services.
JONES, GWENNEFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5,
1902
Death Takes One of the Original Coal Branch Settlers
North Alton News - Just fifty-one years ago, Mrs. Gwennefred
Jones came here as a bride from Pottsville, Pa., with her
husband, the late D. R. Jones, and she has lived on the "coal
branch" continuously since, with the exception of the times she
has been in Chicago visiting her children. She was born in South
Wales and came to America in 1851 when she was about 16 years of
age. Six months after her arrival in Pottsville, she was united
in marriage to Mr. D. R. Jones, and they came west. The name of
Jones is prominently and inseparably connected with the history
of the Coal Branch. Mr. Jones was identified in an active way
with the development of the "branch," and for years both himself
and his wife, who was a help-meet in face, as well as name, were
central figures in almost every social and industrial movement
out here. Mrs. Jones was taken ill last Easter, and since then
has been an acute sufferer until death came Friday evening. Her
sufferings she bore bravely and resignedly, and faced the coming
of the inevitable with calmness and without fear. She was a
devoted mother and a kind hearted, charitable neighbor, who was
ever ready, forgetful of self, to assist in every way possible
to alleviate sufferings of others and assuage their sorrows. She
leaves behind a memory of her goodness and the hope is strong
with everyone that all is well with her now. She leaves six
daughters: Mesdames Catherine Cunningham, Mary A. Williams,
Gwenne Jones, Jennie Williams of Chicago; Mrs. Rachel Gallagher
of St. Louis; and Mrs. Bessie Spaningberg of North Alton; and
one son, Reece D. Jones, a prominent electrician of Chicago, all
of whom are here. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock. Burial will be in Godfrey cemetery, and services will
be conducted by Rev. Walter H. Bradley.
JONES, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1909
Mrs. Hannah Jones, aged 78, died very unexpectedly this morning
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Golike, after an illness
of a few days. She had been troubled with asthma, and a few days
ago went to visit her daughter, hoping to be benefited. She was
taken with fainting spells yesterday and was obliged to go to
bed. This morning she had a worse fainting spell and afterwards
fell asleep. She died in her sleep. The body was taken to the
Jones place in Wood river township, 3 1/2 miles northeast of
Upper Alton, and the funeral will be held there. The time is not
set.
JONES, JAMES FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5,
1918
Bethalto Soldier Succumbs to Spanish Influenza
Mrs.
Louisa Jones of Bethalto received a telegram today stating that
her son, James Fred Jones, had died this morning from an attack
of Spanish influenza at Camp Eustis, Va. Jones was not known to
be sick with the epidemic. It is not known when the body will
arrive home, but the funeral services and burial will be in
Bethalto. Young Jones departed in the Alton contingent of June
28. He was 26 years old. He was a member of the 47th Coast
Artillery and was in the medical department, detailed to assist
in waiting on the sick, at the time he succumbed to the disease.
Arthur Jones, a brother, 18 years old, is stationed at Camp
Sevier. S. C. Jones enlisted as a volunteer on April 9, last.
The two are the only sons of Mrs. Jones.
JONES, JAMES G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14,
1903
James G. Jones, one of the oldest and best known
residents of Madison county, died at his home near Fosterburg
last evening after a short illness. Mr. Jones was in his 85th
year and had been suffering from stomach and heart trouble for
some time. He leaves ten children, all grown, living in various
parts of the country. He is a brother of William Jones of Upper
Alton. Mr. Jones was born in Tennessee, but came to these parts
when a boy. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 11
o'clock from the family home to Mt. Olive Cemetery.
JONES, LUCY B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 27,
1909
Mrs. Lucy B. Jones, aged ___, died at her residence,
__17 State street, at 5 o'clock this morning from the effects of
a fracture of her hip resulting from a fall six weeks ago. Mrs.
Jones had been bedfast since her accident, and her life was
despaired of from the first. Her strong vitality was shown by
the persistency with which it held out during her long period of
suffering. She had resided in Alton sixty years, and lived all
that time in one neighborhood. Forty years she spent in one
house. Fifty-eight years ago she was a school teacher in the
Alton schools, and many of her school children are still living
here. Three children survive her, George, Miss Lucy B. Jones and
Mrs. Laura Russell. She was born in Collinsville. William Jones,
the husband, died here in March 1872. The funeral will be held
Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from her late home.
JONES, MATHILDA (nee GEBBART)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 20, 1918
The body of Mrs. Mathilda Jones
arrived in Alton this noon at one o'clock, and was taken to the
City Cemetery where interment was held. Services were held at
the cemetery by Rev. Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First
Presbyterian church. Mrs. Jones died on her 54th birthday, last
Sunday, February 17th. Mrs. Jones has resided in St. Louis, but
is well known in Alton after having been born and resided in the
north end of the city. She was raised by her grandparents, Mr.
and Mrs. Eberhardt Kortkamp, and was before her marriage Miss
Mathilda Gebbart. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Robert Curdie of
Alton, and Mrs. Hoover of St. Louis.
JONES, SAM I./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1916
Sam I. Jones, aged 62, died at the St. Joseph's Hospital at 7
o'clock last evening following his collapse on the Union street
car yesterday morning while he was going to his home on Long
avenue. Jones went to the office of an Alton physician yesterday
morning seriously ill. The doctor wanted him to get the
ambulance to make the trip to his home but he believed that he
was strong enough to make the trip on the street car. He boarded
the Union street car and before he got to the corner of Central
and Union street he collapsed. The city ambulance was called and
he was taken to the St. Joseph's Hospital where he died last
evening. Jones was a farmhand and worked near West Alton. He is
survived by a wife and four children. The funeral will be held
at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home, 1134 Long avenue,
and the services will be conducted by Rev. Boyd.
JONES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 9,
1905
Thomas Jones died at the St. Joseph's hospital Sunday
night at 5 o'clock from a bronchial affliction. He was 37 years
of age and has been a resident of Alton for six years. He leaves
a mother and two brothers in Clayton, N. J., and the remains
were shipped to that point last night. The deceased was a glass
worker, and was well known and liked among his fellows.
JONES, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10,
1910
Tom Jones, a negro, whose right name was Thomas Raphier,
died at St. Joseph's hospital Tuesday night from tuberculosis.
Jones was engaged at the occupation of bootblack for many years
and was about 38 years of age. He had been ill several months.
JONES, TRUMAN ASHLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
12, 1903
Truman Ashley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Newton Jones,
aged 4 months and 11 days, died Wednesday night at the family
home, 1710 Belle street, after an illness with pneumonia. The
funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home.
JONES, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1922
Drowned Trying to Save the Life of Friend
Walter Jones,
aged 18, a printer's apprentice working at the office of the
Alton Daily Times, was drowned yesterday afternoon while trying
to save the life of Mrs. Jesse Reader, who had gotten into deep
water while swimming in a hole at Skinny Island. It was the
gallant effort of Jones in behalf of Mrs. Reeder that caused his
own life to be lost. Mrs. Reeder was saved. A party of four,
including Mr. and Mrs. Reeder, Dallas Medhurst, and Jones, had
gone for a swim. Mr. Reeder and Medhurst were closer to shore.
Jones and Mrs. Reeder were out in deeper water when Mrs. Reeder
got into trouble and began to flounder. Jones tried to reach her
and in so doing became entangled in the arms of the frightened
woman. He managed to escape her and again tried to rescue her.
In the meantime, Mrs. Reeder was saved by her husband pushing a
railroad tie to her and she was drawn ashore. In some way Jones
lost his presence of mind and he began to drown. His life was
lost before anything could be done for him. The death of Jones
is one of unusual sadness. The family are orphans. He leaves a
little sister, Grace, aged 11, who had been under his care and
whose sole support he was. The two had been living with their
sister, Mrs. Dallas Medhurst, who died seven months ago. The
death of the sister was a hard blow to the brother and little
sister, and the brother undertook to carry on for the sake of
his sister. He was a boy devoted to his work in the newspaper
where he was employed, and he had the unbounded admiration of
all who knew of his manly purpose of looking after his little
sister. He had two brothers, one Clyde, aged 17, living at
Joliet, and the other Russell, an inmate of an orphanage at
Normal. On Saturday, Walter Jones had sent his little sister for
a visit in Jacksonville, where they formerly lived, and she was
planning to make a nice visit there. Her visit was rudely
interrupted by news of the death of her brother and chief
reliance. Speaking to a reporter for the Telegraph, this
morning, Jesse Reeder, who saved the life of his wife, gave the
following version of the drowning. We, including myself, my wife
and children, had gone to Skinny Island to take a swim, this was
early Sunday afternoon. After being in the water for some time,
we came out, making preparations to go home. As we were doing
so, Walter Jones came up with his bathing suit and we all
decided to take another swim. Dallas Medhurst and I were only a
few feet from the shore, but Mrs. Reeder had gone about 100 feet
from the land, when I noticed her asking for help. While I swam
to her assistance, Jones, who was near her at the time, also
swam toward Mrs. Reeder to save her. He succeeded in reaching
her, but was unable to do anything when she held on to him. By
this time I had reached the two helpless persons. I made a grab
for my wife, and Jones and her both held on to me. I finally
managed to get loose from Jones, taking my wife with me. After I
had taken her near shore, my children pushed a railroad tie out
to her and she managed to keep from sinking by holding on to it.
In the meantime, Jones had gone under, before my assistance
could be given him. Mr. Reeder this morning said that he is
lucky to be here, as his wife and the Jones boy holding on to
him under the water several times. He said that his wife had the
death hold on him, grabbing him around the neck and by the hair.
The hole where the two drowned is the only deep place near where
the swimming was taking place. The hole is said to be about 15
feet across and 20 feet deep. Both Mrs. Reeder and Jones knew of
the hole, but it was not until Mrs. Reeder had gone down three
times that assistance reached her. The body of Jones was found
at 9:15 this morning in about 10 feet of water. The rescuing
party had been searching for the body late last evening and
early this morning. The men who found the body said that it was
standing up in the water, and they were unable to recognize it
for a long time. Finally one of the men could see what he
supposed was the hair of the drowned lad, and with assistance
they managed to get the body out of the water. Deputy Coroner
Streeper came and got the body, and the inquest will be held at
No. 3 fire department this evening at 7:30.
JONES, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1916
Victim of Murderous Assault Dies
William Jones, aged 30,
died at his home on Semple street, Wednesday morning, from the
effects of injuries inflicted upon him by two rum sodden men
about last Thanksgiving day. Jones was beaten and wounded and
never recovered from the effects of that experience. He
continued to develop slowly paralysis, and recently in an effort
to save his life he was induced to submit to a surgical
operation for relieving pressure on his brain. From a strong man
physically, he had dwindled to a helpless wreck. The operation
gave some relief, but bad symptoms appeared again and his
decline was rapid. Members of his family said today that last
Thanksgiving Jones was in a saloon formerly conducted on Belle
street, and while there was accosted by a pair of men who wanted
him to buy them drinks. Jones refused and the two men began an
attack on him. The mother of Jones, Mrs. Eliza Jones, happened
along, and she undertook to help her son. The two men followed
him and they renewed their assault upon him and Mrs. Jones was
wounded on the arm in her efforts to assist in bating off her
son's assailants. That night Ike Rose was arrested on a charge
of beating up Jones, but there was no very serious attempt made
at prosecuting them. Rose was given a fine in Justice Nathan's
Court, and he paid it and later he left the city. Rose, is was
charged, was the chief attacker on Jones. It was uncertain today
whether or not a coroner's inquest would be held. One of the
doctors who attended him and participated in the surgical
operation gave it as his unhesitating opinion that Jones died
from the effects of the injuries he received in the fight.
Another doctor said, that pneumonia complications caused death,
but that it was brought on by the injuries which Jones had
received in the fight. The surgeons said that a fracture of the
skull was caused by the blow on the head inflicted by Rose and
that Jones gradually lost the power of speech and motion.
JONES, WILLIAM G. T./Source: Collinsville Advertiser,
November 23, 1918
Painter at Miners Institute Fall to his
Death
William G. T. Jones, a painter employed at the new
Miners Institute building in Collinsville, fell to his death
Monday when a board on a scaffold on which he was working broke,
and let him fall to the granitoid floor, almost forty feet
below. Jones’ skull was fractured, and he died a few minutes
after the fall. He was 53 years of age, and resided at 1482a
Burd Avenue, St. Louis, and was married, being survived by the
widow. An inquest was conducted by Justice Thomas, and the other
workmen in the building told of their attention being attracted
by the noise of the falling man, and of their seeing him strike
the pavement. A physician was called, and the man carried to the
hospital, where he expired in a few moments. The jury rendered a
verdict in accordance with the above facts.
JONES, WILLIAM M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
6, 1919
Civil War Veteran Dies - Lost Arm in Sherman's March
to the Sea
William M. Jones, 83, a native of this vicinity
and a Civil War veteran, died Friday evening at 6:45 o'clock at
his residence, corner Main and Judson streets in Upper Alton.
Mr. Jones lost his left arm when a very young man while making
General Sherman's famous march to the sea in the Civil War. Mr.
Jones had been in failing health several years, but he continued
to get about town until last spring. His strength commenced to
fail rapidly and he was confined to his home all summer. His
decline was gradual but steady, and the end came peacefully last
evening just before 7 o'clock. William Jones was a native of the
Alton - Fosterburg neighborhood, having been born on a farm near
Fosterburg. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted at Alton
and went to war form here. He continued in the service of the
government until the close of the war, even though he had lost
his arm. Returning from the army at the close of the war, Mr.
Jones served some time carrying the mail between Alton and
Edwardsville. Later he bought a farm at Gillespie and he resided
there until about 20 years ago, when he retired from farming and
moved to Alton. The family occupied the Lemon cottage on
Washington avenue several years until they built their present
home on Main street at Judson avenue. Mr. Jones spent the last
years of his life there. He leaves his widow and two daughters,
Mrs. Mable Pettingill of Upper Alton, and Mrs. Daisy Jones
Elwell of Tacoma, Washington. A message was sent to Mrs. Elwell
announcing the death of her father, and she signified her
intention to come to Alton for the funeral. Arrangements for the
funeral will be made after the arrival of Mrs. Elwell.
JONES, WINIFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4,
1921
Mrs. Winifred Jones died at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Frank Kay, in Godfrey, at 2:05 this morning, at the age of
87 years. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Frank Kay and Mrs. Fred
Graner; one son, Edwin Roberts, two grandsons, and two
granddaughters, several nieces and nephews. She was born in
Denbigh, Wales, and came to this country in 1872. The funeral
will be Sunday at 2:30 from the Methodist church at Godfrey,
Rev. Calvert officiating. Burial will be in Godfrey cemetery.
JOSEPH, FRANCES E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
15, 1909
Mrs. Frances E. Joseph, aged 65, died this morning
at the home of Dr. George E. Wilkinson on Second street, after
an illness of many years. Mrs. Joseph has been an invalid for
about ten years, and during that time Mrs. Wilkinson, her only
daughter, was her constant attendant. When her daughter became
the bride of Dr. Wilkinson last summer, the mother came to Alton
to stay here, as soon as the couple were settled down in their
home. Last Friday Mrs. Joseph went into a state of coma, and she
did not regain consciousness. Her death was expected at any time
since Friday, and her son, Charles Joseph, arrived here Monday
to attend his mother. She was a native of Virginia, but had been
living at Potwin, Kansas before coming to Alton, and her body
will be buried there. Her son, Charles Joseph, and her daughter,
Mrs. Wilkinson, left this afternoon with their mother's body.
Mrs. Joseph's husband is dead. She leaves five sons and the one
daughter.
JOVROPEDOFF, OBEDIAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 3, 1918
Obediah Jovropedoff, aged 21, a Russian
Armenian, died in Wood River Sunday from influenza and double
pneumonia. Funeral will be tomorrow. Burial in City cemetery.
JOYCE, CATHERINE (nee DOWNES)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 28, 1901
After several days suffering,
Mrs. Catherine, wife of John Joyce, died at 11 o'clock Saturday
morning at her home on State and Fourth streets. She was a
daughter of the late Thomas Downes. She leaves numerous
relatives in Alton, besides her two sisters, Miss Maggie Downes
and Mrs. William Maher. She was about 33 years of age and not
quite a year ago was united in marriage with John Joyce of St.
Louis, and he with a two weeks old son survive her. The funeral
will be Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.
JUDD, EMILY HODGEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30,
1900
Mrs. Emily Hodgen Judd, wife of the late Dr. Homer Judd,
died at her residence in Upper Alton this morning at 11:30
o'clock, aged 68 years, 2 months and 8 days. Mrs. Judd had been
in failing health for the past three years, but her last illness
began April 18, ending in her death June 30, 1900 of paralysis
of the stomach. Emily Hodgen was born in Hodgenville, Kentucky,
April 22, 1832. She came with her parents to Pittsfield, Ill.,
while she was yet a child. On March 8, 1853, she was married to
Dr. Homer Judd. Fifteen years ago they came to Upper Alton, and
have lived there ever since. Seven years ago Dr. Judd died. Mrs.
Judd was the mother of three children; two, Mrs. Emily Judd
Smith of Chicago and Miss Ida May Judd of the W. M. A. faculty,
survive her. Mrs. Judd was a member of the Congregational church
in Alton, but for some time has been in the habit of attending
the Presbyterian Church in Upper Alton. The funeral arrangements
have not been completed, but the funeral party will probably
leave on Monday morning, July 2, for Pittsfield, where she will
be buried beside her husband and son. Of a large family of
brothers and sisters, only one, Mrs. Mary W. Seeley of Upper
Alton, survives her. Services will be at the home Sunday at 4
p.m.
JUDY, THOMAS JEFFERSON/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Friday, February 12, 1897
Thomas Jefferson Judy passed away
at his home in Pin Oak Township, Wednesday morning [Feb. 10] at
two o'clock, after an illness of nearly two years. He has been a
sufferer from Bright's disease, and frequently has been on the
verge of death, hence the end, while it came with suddenness,
was not unexpected. The funeral will take place tomorrow
afternoon. The body will be taken from the family residence at
one o'clock to St. John's M. E. church, where at half past two
o'clock services will be conducted. The funeral will be in
charge of Edwardsville Lodge No. 99, A. F. & A. M. Members are
requested to meet at the lodge room at one o'clock for the
purpose of attending the funeral. The interment will be in
Woodlawn. Thomas Jefferson Judy was a son of the late Colonel
Thomas Judy, who was born in Madison county in 1804 and was an
active participant in all the affairs of pioneer days. Thomas J.
was born May 15, 1846, and was married to Nancy M., daughter of
Robert and Nancy McKee, March 17, 1870. They have resided on the
old Judy homestead. To the union was born six children, the
oldest Robert, aged 22, and the youngest, Frances, aged 8, who
together with the wife and mother survive. He also leaves one
brother, William S. Judy of Decatur, and two sisters, Mary, wife
of Judge B. R. Burroughs, and Eliza, wife of R. C. Barnett, both
of this city. Mr. Judy was an extensive farmer and stockman and
for many years the product of his stables was widely known. He
was an ardent democrat and filled various township offices among
them supervisor, collector and assessor, discharging the duties
of all with fidelity and to the satisfaction of his
constituents. He was esteemed by neighbors and friends and will
be missed in the wide circle of his acquaintances.
JULIAN, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1901
James Julian, the Italian laborer who fell down a flight
of stairs Friday morning at the Model restaurant while suffering
from a severe illness and was delirious, died this morning at
St. Joseph's hospital. Julian did not recover from the effect of
his fall, concussion of the brain resulting. He was unconscious
until the time of his death.
JUN, ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 15, 1906
The funeral of Alfred, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Jun, was
held Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's church where services were
conducted by Rev. Joseph Meckel, and was attended by many
sympathizing friends of the parents. Burial was in St. Joseph's
cemetery.
JUN, ALOYSIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1902
Aloysius, the three and a half year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Jun, died at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon at the home, 1027
Diamond street, of scarlet fever. The funeral took place this
morning at 11 o'clock to St. Joseph's cemetery, where services
were conducted by Rev. Fr. Meckel. The afflicted parents have
another child critically ill with the same disease.
JUN, APHLONIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1916
Wife of East Broadway Grocer First of Thirteen To Die
Mrs. Aphlonia Jun, aged 34, wife of Joseph Jun, East Broadway
grocer, died at the St. Joseph's hospital shortly before six
o'clock last evening as the result of a minor operation she
underwent at the hospital several days ago. Her condition was
not considered in the least serious until yesterday afternoon
when she suffered a relapse and died a short time afterwards.
Mrs. Jun had been planning to have the operation performed for
some time. Before leaving her home for the hospital, she made
all preparations for Easter Sunday, as she expected to be home
by that time. She walked from the home to the hospital on
Tuesday evening in the best of spirits. The operation was
performed Wednesday morning, and was considered of such little
consequence that some of her relatives had not been informed it
was to be performed. She seemed to be improving steadily until
yesterday at noon when the relapse occurred. Mrs. Jun was a
member of the Daughters of Isabella, and was also an active
worker in the Ladies Auxiliary to the Eagles. She was an active
member of the St. Mary's church. This is the first death in the
ranks of the Daughters of Isabella, an organization which was
started in Alton three years ago. She was the youngest member of
a family of thirteen children, and is the first death in the
family with the exception of two children who died when they
were infants. Her aged father, William Manns, is still alive.
She is survived by seven sisters, Mrs. John Vieth of
Edwardsville; Mrs. Mary Vonnahmen of Bethalto; Mrs. Louis Joehl
of Godfrey; Mrs. Louis Luecker; Mrs. William Klasner; Mrs. Fred
Schultz; and Mrs. Chris Budde of Alton; and five brothers,
Conrad Manns of Edwardsville; William Manns of Bethalto; John,
August and Frank Manns of Alton. Mrs. Jun was born in Alton and
was married here to Joseph Jun about fourteen years ago. She is
survived also by her husband and two children, Dorothy Jun aged
12, and Joseph Jr. aged 11. The funeral will be held from the
St. Mary's church on Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. The
interment will be in the St. Joseph's Cemetery.
JUN, ELINOR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16,
1920
The funeral of Miss Elinor Jun, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Gus Jun, who died from pneumonia Saturday noon, was held today
from the family home, 611 East Fifth street, and was private.
Services were conducted by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier of the
Evangelical church. She had been a deeply interested worker in
the Sunday school of that church and had taken such an active
part in the Sunday school that her death is depriving that
organization of one of its most valuable workers. Sunday
afternoon a large company of the Sunday school members went to
the Jun home and there the body of the young woman was lying in
the casket close to a window through which the visitors could
view it. Miss Jun's death a few days after the date she was to
have been married to Earl Wilhelm, had an added note of tragedy.
The young couple had arranged for a house, had selected their
furniture, and were to have gone to housekeeping in Wood River.
JUN, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26, 1910
Jacob Jun, a well known resident of Alton, died Saturday morning
at his home, 818 Union street, from pneumonia, after an illness
which began last Monday. He was 68 years of age and had lived in
Alton since 1858. His wife died a quarter of a century ago, and
he is survived by five children, three daughters, Mrs. F. A.
Wegener, Mrs. H. C. Hellrung, and Mrs. Anthony Stolze; and two
sons, J. T. Jun the grocer, and John M. Jun. Twelve
grandchildren survive and four sisters and one brother. He was a
charter member of St. Boniface branch of the Western Catholic
Union and a member of St. Joseph's society of that church and of
the Alton coopers union. The funeral will be Tuesday morning
from St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock.
JUN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1902
Joseph, the 10 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Jun, died
at the family home on Diamond street, Monday afternoon, of brain
fever. The funeral was this afternoon from the home to St.
Joseph's cemetery, where services were conducted by Rev. Fr.
Meckel of St. Mary's church. Only a few days ago the afflicted
parents lost their other son, Aloysius, scarlet fever being the
agent of death, and their cup of sorrow is filled to
overflowing. They have the heartfelt sympathy of all who knew
them.
JUN, MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1902
The funeral of May Jun, 7 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Jun, took place Sunday afternoon from St. Mary's church to
St. Joseph's cemetery, and was attended by a large number of
sympathizing friends of the sorrowing parents.
JUN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1902
Thomas Jun, special night watchman in the business district,
died this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock after a week's illness with
pneumonia. His illness was dangerous from the beginning, and the
last two days all hope was abandoned by his family. He was 59
years of age and had lived in Alton since he was a young man. He
leaves a widow, seven sons and one daughter. The funeral will be
held Saturday morning from the family home on Fourth street,
between Henry and Ridge streets, and services will be held in
St. Mary's church. Mr. Jun served on the police force two years
and was recently appointed by Mayor Young to succeed the late
Capt. Fred Schuelle.
JUNETTE, JESSE JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
2, 1903
Old River Man - Uncle of the "James Boys" Dies
J.
J. Junette, who was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1810, was
buried this afternoon in Oakwood cemetery, Upper Alton. Although
93 years of age, Mr. Junette, up to a year ago, was fairly
active and in possession of his mental faculties, but he has
been failing for months and the end came quietly Friday at his
home in the northeastern part of Godfrey township where he
resided the past four years. He leaves a widow and ten children:
Joseph T., John, James and Mrs. William Sullivan of this
vicinity; Mrs. Gus Blumerstein of Brighton; Oliver Amidee of
Denver, Col.; Mrs. Rowens Allison; and the Misses Augustina,
Iona and Senora Junette of St. Louis. Funeral services were
conducted at the home Monday morning by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of
the Episcopal church, and all the children and several of the
thirteen grandchildren, as well as numerous friends and
acquaintances, were present. When a boy, Mr. Junette left
Tennessee for Pittsburg, Pa., where he became an expert
machinist and river engineer, and he followed the river until
1867. He first visited Alton on a boat in 1832, and located here
in 1843. He was chief engineer at different times of the
"Luella" and the "Time and Tide," two of the steamers belonging
to the Mitchells engaged in the St. Louis-Alton trade. He served
as engineer on transports during the war for the government, and
was well known on the Ohio, Mississippi and Tennessee rivers
among river men and shippers, and is believed to have been about
the last one of the old-time river men. He quit the river in
1867 and retired to a farm near Bunker Hill. This farm he sold
about four years ago and purchased another in Godfrey township,
where the end came. His wife is 15 years younger than he was,
and is still in good health. [He is buried in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery.]
JUNETTE, JESSE JAMES - Uncle of the
"James Boys" - Jesse James Named After Him
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, September 23, 1902
North Alton News -
Jesse James Junette is very feeble and quite ill at his home in
Godfrey township near here. He is 92 years of age and has lived
in Alton and vicinity since 1832. He is an uncle of the "James
Boys," and Jesse James was named after him. Jesse James' father
was a half-brother of Mr. Junnette, and they were greatly
attached to each other. The old gentleman is unable to help
himself now in anyway, and must be cared for like a child. His
wife is still living, but she is younger than he and is stronger
and more healthful. Both are living with a son.
[Junette's wife, Nancy Ann, died in 1912 and is buried by his
side at the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]
JUNETTE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14,
1920
Death Comes to Old Sportsman - Civil War Veteran
Joseph Junette, aged 75, sportsman, fighting man, old soldier,
was found dead in his chair on his home place in Godfrey
township, Saturday evening. His little grandson had been sent
over to the house where Mr. Junette lived alone, to carry him a
copy of the evening newspaper. The grandson had failed to arouse
anyone about the place, and returned home to make report of his
failure. Investigation was made and the old soldier was found
dead, sitting in the rocking chair in which he passed many
nights since breathing had become difficult. The passing of Joe
Junette closes the career of an interesting character. His chief
interest was centered in a flock of fighting cocks he owned, and
in some Airedale dogs. With his game chickens and his Airedales,
he was content to live a life of what other people might have
considered loneliness. In other days Joe Junette never missed a
chicken fight, and he was known far and wide as a breeder of the
only pure bred poultry stock in the world, the game chicken.
When one saw Joe Junette faring forth with a sack filled with
animated freight on his back, it was a safe guess that there was
going to be a cock fight somewhere. He had among his chickens
some old timers he had kept for years because of their victories
or their especially good fighting qualities. Some of these
chickens were patiently waiting Saturday evening for the coming
of their master to feed them. It was not believed he had been
dead very long. He had been seen about the place in the morning.
Joe Junette had been a resident of the vicinity of Alton most of
his life. He had served with honor in the Union army during the
war. As a fighting man, he had a wide reputation. He was always
interested in the art of self defense, and it was generally
known that if anyone attempted to impose on him, Junette was not
the kind to come out second best. He was a true sportsman,
interested in contests of skill and strength. The funeral was
held this afternoon under the auspices of the G. A. R. and the
services were conducted by Rev. Frederick D. Butler of St.
Paul's Episcopal church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.