Obituaries - Surname N
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
NAEGEL, RICHARD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 4, 1922
Richard Naegel, 85, died
yesterday at 6:30 p.m., at his home, 1530 Market street. He had
been ill but a week, but his advanced age aggravated his
condition. A cerebral hemorrhage was the immediate cause of
death. Mr. Naegel died in the house in which he had been a
resident for more than 61 years. Mr. Naegel was born in Ireland
on May 1, 1836, and came to America when a young man. For many
years he was employed by the Chicago and Alton railroad, but a
number of years ago he retired. The death of Mr. Naegel after so
short an illness came as a shock to his many friends. He was
loved by all who knew him for his strength of character and
willingness to be of service to others. He is survived by a
daughter, Mrs. Frank Piepert, and a sister, Mrs. Nancy Long of
Gillespie. Funeral services will be Monday at 9 a.m. at SS Peter
and Paul's Cathedral, where requiem mass will be celebrated.
Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.
NAGEL, FRITZ/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1902
German Farmhand/Spiritualist Commits Suicide
Fritz Nagel,
a German farmhand living in a shanty on the Henry Hendricks
place on the "sand ridge" made a determined effort Friday night
to kill himself. He shot his head off with a shotgun by placing
the muzzle of the gun against his head and setting off the
charge by poking the trigger with a stick. He was found in his
shanty this morning by East Alton people who heard shooting at
the shanty last night, and when Nagel did not appear this
morning, became alarmed. They found the old man lying on his
back in bed, one hand on the shotgun, the other hand holding a
stick which had been used to set off the triggers. Late last
night a dozen shots as if from revolver, were heard coming from
Nagel's shanty, which were followed after an interval by a
muffled report. It is supposed that Nagel was first trying a
revolver to learn how it would work, and becoming dissatisfied
that it would produce death instantly, he adopted the shotgun
means. The top of his head was blown off. Nagel had lived alone
many years. He was a hard working man and was well known
throughout the "sand ridge," as he had worked for nearly all the
farmers there. When the East Alton men who were investigating
the shooting at Nagel's shanty arrived at the house, they found
the door locked and they were obliged to break it down, using an
ax for the purpose. Nagel was a spiritualist and had queer ideas
on many subjects. The East Alton people believe that he was
seized by an insane notion to kill himself, believing that this
course was dictated by the spirits. Deputy Coroner Streeper was
notified and went to East Alton this afternoon to investigate
the killing.
NAGEL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF RICHARD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 12, 1919
Mrs. Richard Nagel died this
afternoon at ten minutes after three at her home on Market
street after an illness which began over two years ago. For many
weeks her condition has been critical and her death was
expected. She is survived by her aged husband. Mr. and Mrs.
Nagel were old time residents of Alton and have hundreds of
friends throughout the city. If the aged couple had lived until
late fall, they would have celebrated their 60th wedding
anniversary. At the time of their golden wedding the couple
entertained many friends with a reception. Mrs. Nagel was over
90 years of age, and until recent years took an active part in
church and city work. In years gone by Mrs. Nagel was one of the
most enthusiastic church workers in the Cathedral parish. Mr.
and Mrs. Nagel had no children of their own, but raised Mrs.
Frank Pieper. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pieper
resided with the aged couple. The funeral of Mrs. Nagel will
take place from the Cathedral Monday morning at 9 o'clock, when
Solemn Requiem High Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be
in Greenwood cemetery.
NALLY, GEORGE T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
13, 1920
George T. Nalley, a well known brickmason, died
Tuesday about noon, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
William Nalley, 240 west Delmar avenue, after an illness of a
few days with meningitis. He was about 28 years old and was
unmarried.
NALTY, PATRICK J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1922
Deputy Sheriff Slain by Granite City Gang
Reports
this afternoon that Patrolman Johnson, wounded by the bandits
who shot and killed Deputy Sheriff Patrick Nalty early today,
were not confirmed at Granite City. It was said that the
condition of Johnson, who was shot three times, twice in the
abdomen, was as favorable as could be expected. A report that
the body of one of the bandits said to have been thrown into the
Mississippi, was recovered, was not confirmed. A dispatch to the
Telegraph today from its Springfield correspondent said that
Acting Governor Fred E. Sterling will issue a requisition late
this afternoon for the return of Lyle Watkins and George
O'Malley, under arrest in St. Louis and charged with the murder
of Nalty.
Patrick J. Nalty, defeated aspirant for the
Republican nomination for sheriff in the last primary, was slain
by gangsters in Granite City last night about midnight. A
policeman, Ross Johnson, was shot and seriously injured. One of
the three gangsters who were about to be taken into custody to
be questioned, is supposed to have been fatally wounded and
dumped by his confederates into the river. A big Marmon car
rented in the name of an Alton Italian, Joe Marino, 317 Cherry
Street, was picked up by St. Louis police, and in it two men. In
the back seat of the car there was a great quantity of blood.
The third man is missing, and it is supposed the gangsters threw
the body from the machine into the river as they crossed the
bridge. Marino was able to give an account of himself. He was
home all night, as investigation was made as soon as his name
was connected with the hiring of the car. According to the story
that comes from Granite City, Nalty and three police officers
had been keeping under surveillance the wife of a man named
Traynor, who was in the Newman Hotel at Granite City. Her
husband is in the county jail being held under charges in
connection with the $14,000 payroll robbery recently at Granite
City. Learning that some male visitors were calling on Mrs.
Traynor, Nalty and three police officers stationed themselves
near the hotel. There was one man at the wheel of the
automobile. Another came out and climbed in with him, while a
third was behind. The third man had just stepped out of the
hotel, when Nalty accosted the men in the car with the request,
"wait a minute boys, we want to talk to you." Indications are
that Nalty and his colleagues were not at all ready for what was
to follow. They had reason to suspect they were dealing with
gangsters who were quick on the trigger, but they were not ready
with their guns. Instantly, the man who was coming out of the
hotel made a move to put some nose glasses on, and in the same
motion drew a revolver out of a holster that was under his arm.
He fired quickly, fatally wounding Nalty, who had time to return
the fire, but without effect. Johnson would have been killed
only for the fact that a bullet which was fired at him struck
his revolver and lodged there, jamming between the barrel and
the chamber of the gun. The man who shot Nalty leaped into the
automobile and the party started away at high speed, but not
until a policeman, who was in the lobby of the hotel, had fired,
apparently with fatal effect, perhaps killing the man who was in
the back seat and is supposed to have been the man who killed
Nalty. The belief that he was killed by this shot by the
policeman is based on the fact that the back of the car was very
bloody and that no one was in it when the car was picked up with
the two other men.
The Granite City authorities called
on all neighboring cities to be on the lookout for the gang
escaping in the big Marmon car, and these calls caused a general
watch to be held on all sides. It resulted in the capture of the
car at St. Louis. The gang were supposed to have come from
Alton. The members of the gang who have been arrested were
supposed by Nalty and his colleagues to have gone to the home of
the Traynor woman for the purpose of getting some loot. It was
supposed by them that she knew where the money was that her
husband is charged with having helped to take. It was on account
of this that the officers were watching and wanted to question
the men who drove up in the automobile. Some Granite City men
say that it was because of Pat Nalty's unwillingness to draw a
gun on the gang first that he lost his life. They say he was
entirely too trustful and more so than he had any right to be
under the circumstances, considering the suspicions he had about
the gang. The use of the name of Joe Marino of Alton by the
gangsters who rented the car was at first supposed to be a clue
to the identity of some of the gang, but, when it was found that
Marino had not been away from home all night, that line of
investigation was blocked.
Mrs. Nalty was the first to
reach her husband after he was shot. The hotel in front of which
the shooting occurred is on a six-point square. One of the
streets running into the square is C Street. The Nalty home is
at 19th and C Streets, and Mrs. Nalty saw the gun battle from a
window. She immediately ran to her husband. His death was a
great shock to her, and today she was grief stricken but was
said to be holding up remarkably. Reports from Granite City were
that the bandits' car went east on C Street, to Eighteenth, then
south toward Venice. The speed with which they traveled is
indicated by the fact that they were at the east approach to
McKinley Bridge by the time the Venice police had been notified
by telephone to be on the lookout for them. The hotel faces 19th
Street. Officer Johnson was at the C Street entrance, and
Officers Meyer and Teeney were inside the hotel when the
shooting began. The car of the bandits was about 40 feet west on
the C Street entrance to the hotel. Two entered the hotel, and
one remained in the car. When the two bandits left the hotel,
Nalty accosted them. The bandits opened fire, hitting the deputy
four times. On the second shot, Nalty drew his own weapon and
fired twice, then fell to the sidewalk. The police officers then
opened fire on the bandits, Johnson from the sidewalk, Teeney
from the doorway, and Meyer from a window of the hotel. It is
thought that 50 shots were fired, all told. A blotch of blood on
the sidewalk led to the belief that Nalty "got" one of the
bandits, the one believed to have been killed, and his body
thrown into the river by his companions.
It was learned
at Granite City that extradition papers for the two bandits held
at St. Louis would be applied for today, to Acting Governor
Sterling at Springfield. "Stickey" Hennessey is also being held
in St. Louis as an accomplice both in the Nalty shooting and the
Madison bank robbery. Nalty was born August 20, 1876, at
Louisville, Kentucky. He is survived by his widow, Jennie C.
Nalty, nee Johnston, and a daughter, Mary Loretto, 10. He was a
member of the Elks and Moose lodges. The funeral will be at 10
o'clock, Tuesday, from the home, with services at St. Joseph's
Catholic Church, Granite City, and interment in St. Mary's
Cemetery.
Within 90 minutes after Deputy Sheriff Nalty
was killed, two St. Louis police characters were arrested in
that city. A bit later, an associate of the occupants of the
machine and a man said to be the car's owner were arrested. The
two first men arrested in St. Louis are George T. O'Malley, 30,
who gave his home as St. Louis, and Lyle Watkins, 27, who also
says he lives in St. Louis. Photographs of the two men have been
identified as participants in the $10,000 robbery of the
Tri-City State Bank of Madison, July 10, by Superintendent C. W.
Tobie of the Burns Detective Agencies. The man alleged to own
the automobile is Senter Hohlfling, 24, of St. Louis, who says
he rented the car to the others for $20. James (Sticky)
Hennessy, also held, was wanted in connection with the Madison
robbery. Deputy Nalty was in Alton Thursday, and told friends
that he was working on the Madison bank robbery, and that he
expected to arrest the robbers at an early date.
NOTES:
In October 1922, John Bauer (alias Ayers), and George T.
O’Malley were given life in prison for the murder of Deputy
Sheriff Patrick Nalty. Lyle Watkins was given twenty years in
the case. The prisoners were indicted in August 1922, and
brought back to Illinois to stand trial.
NAPP, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 25,
1918
Mrs. Nellie Napp, wife of Horace Napp, died Saturday
afternoon at the family home, a few hours after giving birth to
a child. The infant died also. The mother was 24 years of age
and her maiden name was Schlueter. Mrs. Napp was the daughter of
Mrs. Emma Schlueter, died Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, age
24 years. She was born and raised in Alton. She leaves besides
her mother and husband, three brothers, John and William of
Alton, and Fred of overseas; and one sister, Mrs. Gertrude
Brickey of Alton. She takes to the grave with her one little
baby girl. She was the daughter of Fred Schlueter, who died when
she was three years old. Besides her relatives she leaves many
friends to mourn her loss, as she was of a sweet and lovable
disposition always looking for the pleasure and welfare of
others. The funeral will be held from the home at 639 E. old 4th
St., Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
NARSELL, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
6, 1911
The twenty-one months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jack
Narsell was found dead in bed Sunday morning by his parents. The
cause of death is unknown, but it is believed to have been from
imperfect breathing organs. It is said the child injured its
nose some time ago and could not breathe through it afterwards.
It is supposed he turned over on his face during sleep and
suffocated. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning from the
home on Spring street over the Marshall soda factory, where
services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Clark.
NARY, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 5,
1903
Thomas Nary, aged 20, formerly fireman on the Big Four
Flyer, died very suddenly this morning at 1300 East Second
street, after a brief illness with typhoid malaria. Nary left
the employ of the Big Four about one month ago, and until a few
days ago was in camp up the river. He was in poor health when he
returned, but was able to be up and around until last night. He
was suddenly taken worse and died a short time afterwards. Nary
is said to have relatives in Chicago, and word was sent to
officers of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, of which
organization he was a member. A committee arrived in Alton this
afternoon representing the firemen and will make arrangements
for the funeral.
NASH, PATRICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 2, 1880
When the storm came up Saturday afternoon, two men at Alton
Junction [East Alton], Patrick Nash, whose mother resides on
Walnut Street in Hunterstown, and Mr. Nelson, a stranger, took
refuge from the rain under some freight cars on a side track.
The train was started, and both men were so badly injured, their
legs being crushed, that they died in a short time – Nelson
while being brought to town, and Nash at the Sisters Hospital.
An inquest was held on the body of Nelson at the Police Station
by Justice Quarton, and an inquest was held by Coroner Youree on
Nash at the Hospital on Sunday. In both cases, a verdict was
returned in accordance with the above account of the affair.
NATHAN, BARNETT (JUSTICE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 16, 1919
Alton's Oldest Justice of the Peace
Justice Barnett Nathan, Alton's oldest justice of the peace,
died at his home this noon after being long disabled and unable
to leave his home. Justice Nathan had been suffering from
arterial hardening, and for more than a year had not occupied
his office, nor had he done any work. His mind remained keen,
and he preserved a great interest in all events. Justice Nathan
held the office of Justice of the Peace for more than 24 years.
He was elected first to succeed Justice I. B. Randle, who had
died, and it was always a source of pride to Justice Nathan that
he had succeeded so fine a man. He conducted a busy court and in
entering his decisions he would write down his findings at great
length. His handwriting, even after he had passed eighty years,
was firm and vigorous, and one of the easiest of hands to read.
He was quick and active, and was a man who showed wonderful self
control. Many years ago he was engaged in business in the city
of Alton, and prior to taking up the office of Justice of the
Peace, to which he devoted all his time, he had been a clothing
salesman and a cigar salesman. Justice Nathan was born in Dover,
England, 87 years ago. He came to this country when a young man,
and had lived in Alton many years. In elections he always
received a strong vote, and could have served as justice of the
peace as long as he chose to do so. Justice Nathan was born in
Dover, England in 1832, and came to America when 24 years old.
After living in New York for a few years, he moved to Milwaukee
and was married there in 1857 to Miss Rosetta M. Gibbons. He
resided in Milwaukee for 16 years and served with the Union Army
during the Civil War, but participated in but one battle, the
battle of Perryville, being discharged after serving a few
months because of his health. He came to Alton in 1865, and
entered the clothing business near the present site of the Alton
Savings Bank. When this building was destroyed by fire, he again
entered business on a smaller scale. He later took a position
traveling for a cigar firm, and followed this business for about
ten years. About 24 years ago he was first elected as justice of
the peace, and has since been repeatedly elected. He leaves a
widow and one daughter, Mrs. Frank Yeager, and two
grandchildren. The other child born to Mr. and Mrs. Nathan died
many years ago. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home, 709 George street, Rev. F. D. Butler,
pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal Church officiating. The funeral
will be under the auspices of the G.A.R.
NAVARRE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1899
Joseph Navarre, aged 66 years, died last night at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. W. H. Routledge, on upper Belle
Street. Mr. Navarre has been staying at the home of his
daughter, where he was taken ill and died. Burial will be in
Calhoun County, Illinois
NAYLOR, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1905
Mrs. Ann Naylor, aged 87, died Sunday morning at her home, 1314
east Second street, from the feebleness of old age. She had been
ill nine weeks. Mrs. Naylor had lived in Alton about 60 years.
She leaves only one son, Charles Naylor, with whom she made her
home. The body was taken to Whitehall today for burial.
NAYLOR, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1918
The body of Henry Naylor, a former Alton glassblower, arrived in
Alton this morning from California, where death occurred, and
was taken to his wife's residence at 1107 Cherry Alley. The
funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon, with burial in Oakwood
cemetery.
NEAL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 28, 1901
Mr. James Neal, after weeks of suffering, died Tuesday morning
at his home on the Grafton Road. His death, while not wholly
unexpected, will cause sincere sorrow to the many who came to
know and respect him for the many excellent qualities that
marked his life. He was a good citizen, husband, neighbor, and a
kind, watchful father. He was 75 years of age and has resided on
the Grafton road since 1858. He leaves a widow and seven
children, three sons and four daughters. The funeral will be
held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Paul's Episcopal
church, Rev. H. M. Chittenden officiating. The Odd Fellows of
which the deceased was a member, will attend.
NEAL, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1910
James Neal, a member of the team of Foresters of Robin Hood
camp, Modern Woodmen, died Sunday afternoon at his home, 713
east Seventh street, after a brief illness. He had been working
at the Strawboard plant east of Alton, and hurt his foot last
week. He began feeling ill and thought he had malaria. He had a
doctor's services and was considered all right until he suffered
a paralytic stroke and following this came inflammation of the
brain. He will be buried Tuesday afternoon from the German
Evangelical church, and the members of the Foresters team will
attend in a body.
NEAL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 22,
1902
William Neal died Sunday morning at his home on Prospect
street after a short illness from peritonitis. He was employed
at the shoe factory as a machinist. Neal leaves his wife and two
children, and he was 47 years of age. The funeral services will
be conducted Tuesday morning by Rev. M. W. Twing at the family
home, and the body will be sent to St. Louis for burial. Mr.
Neal fell one week ago while the streets were covered with ice,
and the injury he sustained then resulted in peritonitis, which
caused his death.
NEEL, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14,
1911
A post-mortem examination held last evening by
physicians disclosed the fact that Oscar Neel did not take
carbolic acid, but that the cause of his death was enlargement
of the heart. After the examination by the surgeons, Coroner
Streeper impaneled a jury and held an inquest, and the verdict
was based upon the decision of the surgeons who made the
examination. The post mortem was made on account of a brief note
which had been written to Neel, and caused suspicion, when
Coroner Streeper found it after Neel's sudden and unexpected
death. The note was written on the back of a small white card,
and was in Neel's pocket. It read: "If you insult my wife again,
I will sure hurt you." The "warning" was not signed at all, and
when the coroner discovered it he thought there might be some
other cause of his death, and he immediately made arrangements
for taking the body to the undertaking room for an examination.
Later, a negro who lives in the same house with Neel, called on
the coroner and told him that he wrote the card to Neel, but
that there had been no trouble between the two men. The man
testified before the jury and his story was accepted as
reliable. The physicians found that his death was unmistakably
caused from heart trouble. The funeral of Neel will be held
tomorrow afternoon at the A. M. E. church. The mother of the
dead man, Anna Neel, one of Alton's oldest residents, is an
inmate at the insane asylum at Jacksonville.
NEERMANN, EDWARD H. W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
30, 1910
Edward H. W. Neerman, son of Mrs. Anna Neerman, died
at the family home, 122 West Fourth street, Thursday shortly
before noon. He was 39 years of age May 29, and was born and
lived in Alton almost all of his life. His death was due to
cerebral meningitis. The young man had been suffering from
malaria for about one year, but he continued to work and gave up
the duties of his office only last week, when he was unable to
stay longer at his post of duty. He was expense clerk of the
Wells Fargo express company at St. Louis. His family had been
persuading him to take a rest, but he insisted upon staying at
work even when he was unable to do so. With his sister, Miss
Tillie Neermann, he was to have left in a few days for Colorado
in the hope of benefiting his health. Last Monday he was very
much worse, and became unconscious and he did not regain
consciousness. He leaves beside his widowed mother, two sisters,
Misses Tillie and Bertha Neerman. He was a member of the Modern
Woodmen. Ed Neermann was well known in Alton. He had been
employed with various express companies for many years. He
possessed a happy disposition, even when his health was showing
signs of breaking down. He was the last of a large family of
sons, Mrs. Neerman having lost six boys. The death of the young
man is a sad blow to the aged mother and the two sisters. The
funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home, and burial will be in City cemetery.
NEERMANN, HEINRICH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 28, 1878
Mr. Heinrich Neermann died yesterday a.m. at 2 o’clock after a
rather brief illness, although he had been in poor health for
several months. His age was 46 years, 2 months, and 18 days. Mr.
Neermann came to Alton in the Autumn of 1865, and has resided
here ever since, gaining a large circle of friends by his
unassuming kindness and business probity. He leaves a widow,
five children, and a brother, Mr. A. Neermann, to mourn his
death. The funeral will take place today, March 28, from the
family residence, corner of Fourth and Belle Streets. [Burial
was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
NEFF, JAMES EDGAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17,
1901
James Edgar Neff, second son of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Neff,
died this morning at 2:30 o'clock after a long illness from
appendicitis. The acute attack that caused his death began ten
days before the end came, but he had been a sufferer from the
disease several years. He underwent a surgical operation
Thursday afternoon for the relief of the appendicitis and
abscess that had formed in his abdomen as the result of the
disease. Heart failure set in from weakness and yesterday
afternoon he began to sink. He was 34 years of age and had lived
in Alton all his life. He leaves besides his parents, one
brother, George Neff. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the family home, 913 Staunton street. Rev. A.
H. Kelso will conduct the services.
NEFF, MARGARET ADELINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 19, 1911
Mrs. Margaret Adeline Neff, wife of A. A.
Neff, died at 8:15 o'clock Saturday morning at her home, 913
Stanton street, after a long illness. Mrs. Neff had been
seriously ill for ten days, but had frequently suffered from
attacks of the malady which caused her death. She had become so
weakened by these recurrent attacks that the family were
expecting the latest one to prove fatal, and her death has been
looked for during the last few days of her life. She was born in
Tennessee 67 years ago, but moved to St. Louis with her father,
Rev. J. B. Logan, and then came to Alton. Her father was the
organizer of the old Cumberland Presbyterian church. He was a
power in the community, and left his impression upon the church
which has survived and prospered on the foundations he laid.
Mrs. Neff was married October 4, 1863. Mrs. Neff was the mother
of three children, two of whom died in infancy, and the only
surviving child is George A. Neff of Alton. Her husband, A. A.
Neff, who is 80 years old, survives her also. She leaves two
sisters, Mrs. T. H. Perrin and Mrs. J. C. Mench, of Mounds,
Ill., and three brothers, Rev. W. C. Logan of Plymouth, Ind., J.
R. Logan of Trinidad, Colo., and F. E. Logan of Alton. Mrs.
Mench arrived Wednesday night to attend her dying sister. Mrs.
Neff was a conscientious, devoted Christian, and beside was a
good mother and wife and neighbor, and her death, while it is a
release from long suffering, is a sad event in the lives of
those who were near to her. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon from the Twelfth street Presbyterian church in which
she had held membership from girlhood.
NEIMEYER, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, August 1,
1878
Mr. Henry Neimeyer, who had lived in this city [Alton]
three years, being a resident of Fosterburg prior to that time,
died at 6 o'clock Friday evening [July 26, 1878], after a long
illness caused by dropsy. He had been afflicted with this
disease about 15 years, and had been confined to his house for
two weeks. He was a native of Germany, about 57 years old, and
had lived in this country 26 years. He leaves a widow, two
daughters and one son to mourn his death. The funeral took place
at the family residence of Eighth street, at 4 o'clock this
afternoon.
NEIMEYER, HENRY/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 3,
1882
Mr. Henry Neimeyer, an estimable young man, died
Saturday evening at seven o’clock, after an illness of several
months’ duration, at the age of 26 years. Deceased, previous to
his sickness, was an employee at the establishment of Milnor,
Auten & Co., and his services were highly prized by the firm. He
left a wife, an infant child, a mother, and two sisters to mourn
his death. The funeral took place from the German M. E. Church
yesterday, under the auspices of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Odd Fellows, deceased being a member of both
orders.
NEININGER, JOHN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
25, 1913
Proprietor of Cigar Factory in Alton
John A.
Neininger, retired cigar manufacturer and tobacco dealer, died
Saturday morning at 6 o'clock at his home, 716 Union Street in
Alton. He had been very ill for two weeks, but not seriously so,
apparently, until a few days before his death. Mr. Neininger was
68 years of age. For 46 years he was engaged in business in
Alton - 43 of which he was on Piasa Street until January 1,
1912, when he retired. He was the manufacturer of some
well-known and very popular brands of cigars. He was known for
his strict honesty in business, and the quality of the goods he
manufactured was never allowed to deteriorate. His Piasa Street
store was an interesting place to go, and he held there for many
years a circle of old friends who were pleased to congregate day
after day and discuss various affairs. He was a man of great
geniality, was deeply devoted to his family and was regarded as
a good citizen. He made a success out of the business he
followed. Ill health forced him to retire from active life, and
he sold the store, and afterward the business was suspended by
the purchaser. He is survived by his wife, three daughters (Mrs.
B. H. Eden of Depugh, N. Y., Mrs. Phoebe Gerhardt and Miss Emily
Neininger), and one son, Alonzo Neininger.
Mr. Neininger
was born in Germany June 19, 1845, in the Black Forest in
Germany. He came to America and to Alton when he was nine years
of age, and he had lived here ever since. He was married to Mary
Wotterer, May 4, 1871 [she died in October 1941]. Mr.
Neininger's death was due to a general breaking down. No one was
much alarmed about his condition until the latter part of this
week. Friday, he had become very much worse and it became
apparent that he could not last much longer. Realizing that the
end was near, he sent for some of his old friends to whom he
wished to say his farewell before his departure, and he seemed
to know that death was not far off. The funeral will be held
Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence, and burial
will be in City Cemetery.
NOTES:
The John A. Neininger
Cigar Factory was located on Piasa and Third Streets in downtown
Alton, and was established in 1869. Men would sit and warm
themselves around his pot-bellied stove, smoke their cigars and
play cards. An old “Turk” statue stood outside the store for
years. Inside the store was a ship made by a prisoner in the
Alton penitentiary in 1855. It had miniature ropes of rigging
that rotted throughout the years, but it was a favorite of his.
When he sold the store, he took the ship home with him.
Neininger stored boxes of Fig and Magnolia cigars that were
“imperfectly made” in the cellar. Years later, after the
building was purchased by W. H. Gerhardt [his son-in-law], the
cigars were found during a restoration project. The workers
smoked some of the high-grade cigars that were made fifty years
previous. Gerhardt sold the rest to a tobacco store on
Washington Avenue. In May 1912, the old factory became the
Miller shoe repair shop.
NEISEL, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15, 1907
Henry Neisel died at the St. Joseph's hospital this morning
after having undergone an operation. He was brought to the
hospital several days ago suffering from an ulcer of the
stomach, and it was necessary to perform the operation. Neisel
has been a shoemaker in Upper Alton for several years and has
been an interesting character to those who knew him best because
he would never tell anything of himself. Up to the last moment
he refused to tell where he came from, whether he had any
relatives and who was to be notified in case of his death. He
kept his secret to the end.
NEITERT, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1919
Fred Neitert, a nonagenarian, and one of the best known
residents of that section of Madison county, died Monday
afternoon at 4 o'clock at his home in Liberty Prairie, at the
advanced age of 94 years. Mr. Neitert is survived by three
children, Mrs. Charles Engleke and Charles Neitert, living at
Liberty Prairie, and Dr. Herman Neitert of St. Louis. The
funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon from the
family residence and the burial will be in St. James cemetery.
Mr. Neitert was one of the wealthiest residents of Liberty
Prairie. By many years of industry he had massed a fortune, and
for a generation he has been active in the affairs of his
community. He enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens, and
will be much missed in the community.
NEITERT, LOUISA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 19, 1885
From Liberty Prairie – Died Sunday morning, November 8, Mrs.
Louisa Neitert, in the 91st year of her age. Her funeral was
largely attended from the residence of Fred Neitert. She leaves
children, grandchildren, and a large circle of friends to mourn
her loss.
NEITERT, LOUISA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9,
1907
Mrs. Louisa Neitert, wife of Fred Neitert of Liberty
Prairie, a prominent and well known resident of that section,
died this morning at eleven o'clock. She was taken ill during
the night with heart trouble and died ten minutes before the
family physician arrived. Her husband and three children survive
her. Her children are: Charles Neitert, who resided with his
parents; Dr. Hermann Neitert of St. Louis, formerly chief
surgeon of the St. Louis city hospital; and Mrs. Charles Engelke
of Liberty Prairie. She was a highly respected lady, whose loss
will be severely felt not and only by the family, but by her
friends and acquaintances.
NEITZEL, FREDERICKA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 16,
1900
Mrs. F. Neitzel, widow of August Neitzel, died Sunday
morning at one o'clock at her home, 1105 Alby street. She has
been in poor health over one year, and her death was not
unexpected. The last three weeks she was confined to her bed.
Mrs. Neitzel was a native of Germany, having been born at Pumlor
in 1839. She came from Germany to Alton with her husband sixteen
years ago, her husband living eight years after coming to Alton.
She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Charles Erbeck, Mrs. Joseph
Bollinger, and Miss Anna Neitzel; also one son, Albert Neitzel.
The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
services will be conducted in the Evangelical church by Rev.
Theo. Oberhellman.
NELSON, FLORENCE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 6, 1852
Daughter of Arba Nelson
Died of the croup, early on Friday
morning, the 20th inst., Florence, daughter and only child of
Mr. Arba Nelson of Alton, aged 3 years.
NELSON, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1845
Died, in Alton, on the 17th instant, Henry, infant son of Arba
and Ellen H. Nelson, aged 2 months.
NELSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4, 1910
The family of John Nelson have sent for the body being held by
Coroner Streeper. Nelson committed suicide yesterday at Yager
Park. The body will be shipped tonight.
NELSON, KATIE (nee FESSLER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 26, 1922
Mrs. Katie Nelson, 34, the wife of Arthur
Nelson, died this afternoon at 12:15 o'clock at the family home
at 1305 State street, after an illness of six months, suffering
from tuberculosis for the past two months. It has been known
that it was impossible for her to recover. She was an active
worker in the Sunday school of the Methodist church, she was
also a member of the Royal Neighbor lodge. The deceased is
survived by her husband, Arthur Nelson, one son, Emmett, six
year old, two sisters, Mrs. Lucy White and Mrs. Bertha Boedy,
and three brothers, Walter, Joe, and Marion Fessler, and her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fessler of the Dow vicinity.
Funeral arrangements have not been made as yet.
[Later...interment will be in the East Newbern cemetery.]
NELSON,
NELSON OLSEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 6, 1922
Founder of Leclaire (now part of Edwardsville)
Nelson Olsen
Nelson, for many years known in this country as one of the
leading sociologists, manufacturer, and advocate of the
cooperative scheme of operating industry, died in Los Angeles,
California, last night, October 5, at the Sisters Hospital. His
death was due to dropsy. Mr. Nelson was 78 years of age and
leaves two daughters, Charlotte Nelson Burroughs, wife of Edward
Lee Burroughs of Edwardsville; and Julia Nelson Lawnin, wife of
Louis D. Lawnin of St. Louis. Children that proceeded him in
death are: Gertrude Nelson (1871-1874); Bessie Nelson
(1873-1874); and Frank Nelson (1875-1882).
The death of
Mr. Nelson, for years a resident of Edwardsville, will be a
matter of deep interest in all parts of the country where men
and women have striven to find some solution for the problems
that beset industry in the strifes that arise between capital
and labor. Mr. Nelson was a native of Norway, but came to this
country when two years of age. He was of a philanthropic turn of
mind, unselfish and kindly. He decided that the best way of
getting the best results out of industrial employees. In his
plant at Leclaire, near Edwardsville, he put his ideas into
effect. He built a model town there, he built up homes for his
workmen, gave them comforts and pleasures, and in every way
strove to be in the position of a father to all who worked for
him. There were times when his hold to his views must have had
hard jolts, but he clung tenaciously to his idea. He built up a
large business. He had plants at Leclaire, Bessemer, O., and
Noblesville, Ind. He engaged in business with some chain stores
at New Orleans, but he failed in that. For two years he had been
a resident of Los Angeles. The body will be brought to St. Louis
for burial.
NOTES:
Leclaire, now a part of
Edwardsville, was named in honor of the pioneer French
profit-sharer, Edme Jean Leclair. It was founded in 1890 by
Nelson Olsen Nelson of St. Louis. Nelson was born in Lillesand,
Norway, September 11, 1844, and came to America in 1846. His
family came with seventy neighbors, who established a colony for
farming at St. Joseph, Missouri. Nelson located in St. Louis in
1872, and went into business. He was deeply interested in
practical philanthropy, and established institutions and
enterprises to help the poor, sick, or unfortunate. In 1890, it
was Nelson’s desire to move his plumbing fixture factories away
from larger cities like St. Louis. Progressive citizens of
Edwardsville gave Nelson $20,000 to locate his factory near
Edwardsville. Nelson bought 150 acres immediately, just to the
south of town. In June 1890, Nelson and about 400 people boarded
the train in St. Louis, and arrived in the future Leclaire to
plan their future homes and workplace. Edwardsville Mayor Glass
gave a speech of welcome. Work soon began on the shops and
homes.
The industrial portion of the town, which in 1912
numbered about 650 people, had about fifteen one-story buildings
which were modern, surrounded by beautiful lawns and flower
beds. Nelson’s industrial shops included brass work, nickel and
silver fittings, plumbers’ woodwork, planing mill, and
architectural marble and machinery. Nelson stressed the
importance of education, and founded the Leclaire school for
employees and their children. He believed that “the hand, the
heart, and head must be education together.”
The
residential portion of Leclaire was beautiful throughout. It had
a hedge, thirty feet high, to separate homes from the factories.
There was a large common, covered with grass for outdoor sports
such as baseball and football, and there was a large assembly
hall for lectures, dances, and indoor entertainment. This was
also used as a schoolhouse. A special playground was well
equipped for the children. All of this was free to use by
residents of Leclaire, with the only stipulation made was that
no admission fee or charge of any kind was made. Leclaire had
the same water, telephone, and mail service as Edwardsville, but
a separate electric system and fire department.
Nelson
died on October 5, 1922, at the age of 78. He is buried in the
Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Leclaire was
annexed into the city of Edwardsville in 1934.
Nelson’s
business was sold to Wagner Electric Corporation in the late
1940s, which eventually closed in 1957. The site remained vacant
until the Southern Illinois University Foundation purchased the
property in 1964, and then sold the facilities to the university
in 1972. The campus was used by the university for classes,
offices, and storage for nearly 20 years. The property was then
deeded to Lewis and Clark Community College in 1999.
Today, the Leclaire National Historic District encompasses a
23-block area, with approximately 415 single-family homes, which
were built in the styles of Queen Anne, Craftsman, Colonial
Revival, and Bungalow.
Leclaire Park is one of
Edwardsville’s oldest and most beautiful parks, consisting of a
little over 5 acres. The lake in the park served a dual purpose
of providing water for Nelson’s factories and was a recreational
lake for residents and visitors. A pavilion was constructed for
band concerts, and a boat house held skiffs built in the
Leclaire factories. The lake was stocked, and many fished from
its shores or from skiffs. In the winter, ice skating was
enjoyed on the Leclaire lake. In the late 1940s, it was
determined the water was not clean enough for swimming, and the
city banned swimming.
NELSON, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 2, 1880
When the storm came up Saturday afternoon, two men at Alton
Junction [East Alton], Patrick Nash, whose mother resides on
Walnut Street in Hunterstown, and Mr. Nelson, a stranger, took
refuge from the rain under some freight cars on a side track.
The train was started, and both men were so badly injured, their
legs being crushed, that they died in a short time – Nelson
while being brought to town, and Nash at the Sisters Hospital.
An inquest was held on the body of Nelson at the Police Station
by Justice Quarton, and an inquest was held by Coroner Youree on
Nash at the Hospital on Sunday. In both cases, a verdict was
returned in accordance with the above account of the affair.
NESBIT, JOHN P. JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 10,
1865
Died very suddenly on the morning of the 2d inst., at 5
o’clock, John P., son of John P. Sr. and Jane Nesbit, aged 2
years and 10 months. [Note: See Robert Nesbit]
NESBIT, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 10, 1865
Died in Alton, very suddenly, on Saturday, the 4th instant,
Robert, the youngest child of John P. Sr. and Jane Nesbit, aged
about 10 months. [Note: See John P. Nesbit Jr.]
NETT, WILHELM P./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1873
Died on March 19, in Alton, Wilhelm P., son of Peter and Johanna
Nett; aged 16 years, 2 months, and 20 days.
NETZHAMMER, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 28,
1912
Miss Rose Netzhammer, aged 24, daughter of Mrs.
Katherine Netzhammer, died Monday afternoon at Kirksville, Mo.,
where she underwent a surgical operation last Wednesday. The
young woman had been a sufferer since young childhood. When she
was three years of age she fell down a short flight of steps and
her teeth severed an artery in her tongue. This accident caused
her trouble all her life. The artery was never properly healed,
and she underwent one surgical operation at the hands of a
skillful surgeon, the late Dr. Bernays in St. Louis, and at 9
years of age she underwent another operation at Heldelberg,
Germany, but no relief was given by any of them. A large growth
formed in her neck, which threatened finally to cause her death,
and so the young woman heroically determined, against the wishes
of her family, to undergo another operation. She went to
Kirksville a week ago, and there she had the operation performed
Wednesday. She seemed to be getting along nicely, and a letter
that came from her said that she would be home this morning and
was doing well. Word received from Miss Minnie Netzhamer, who
was with her sister, was to the effect that hemorrhage from the
wound in her neck caused Miss Rose's death. The death of Miss
Rose Netzhammer occurred on her 24th birthday. Miss Netzhammer
was a daughter of the late William Netzhammer, and beside her
widowed mother she leaves four brothers, William, Harry, Emil
and Ernst; and two sisters, Misses Minnie and Frieda Netzhammer.
She was possessed of a sweet disposition and was loved by her
family and by all who knew her. Her mother had returned home
only recently from Hot Springs, Ark., with Ernst, who is far
from well, and the death of Miss Rose falls on a family that has
already had its share of affliction. Miss Netzhammer's death
occurred Monday noon, but owing to bad conditions of the wires,
word could not be sent to Alton until last evening. The funeral
will be from the German Evangelical church Wednesday, at 2:30
o'clock.
NETZHAMMER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
26, 1908
Proprietor of Bluff City Brewery
William
Netzhammer, aged 63, proprietor of the Bluff City brewery, died
very unexpectedly about 3 o'clock Saturday morning at his home
after a long illness. Mr. Netzhammer had been up in his chair
for relief, and had just retired again to his bed when he
complained of shortness of breath. He fell asleep and did not
awake again. Mr. Netzhammer's illness began several years ago
with stomach trouble. He had been a long time sufferer with the
malady, and had traveled considerably in the hope of getting
relief. He was unable to devote himself much to the duties
pertaining to his business since his illness began. Recently he
had been suffering from pleurisy and other complications
incident to the stomach trouble. William Netzhammer came to
Alton from St. Louis 25 years ago, December 22. He was a native
of Ercingen, Baden, Germany, and came to America 35 years ago.
He worked as foreman of a brewery in St. Louis ten years before
coming to Alton. He took hold of a piece of property at Alton
that was not in the best of condition and he built up the plant
and the business until he had made a comfortable fortune and a
good paying piece of property out of it. He was highly regarded
by those who had business connections with him and was
considered a thoroughly reliable man in any kind of a business
deal. He leaves his wife and seven children, four sons and three
daughters. The children are William, Harry, Emil, Ernst and
Misses Minnie, Rose and Frieda Netzhammer. The funeral will be
held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, Rev. E.
L. Mueller officiating.
NEUDECKER,
JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 13, 1883
We are
informed by telephone that Mr. John Neudecker, an old and
prominent citizen of Marine, Madison County, committed suicide
last Thursday by shooting himself with a revolver while in bed.
No cause is known for the rash act, except despondency over the
condition of his health, he having been a great sufferer with
rheumatism for several years. After his death, a package of
money amounting to $11,000 was found under his pillow. The
inquest may develop further facts. The deceased leaves quite a
large family.
NOTES:
John Neudecker was born in
Germany on July 28, 1819. He married Catherine Weisenbachel
Neudecker (1826-1912), and they had ten children: William
Neudecker (1848-1858); Peter Neudecker (1850-1930); George
Neudecker (1852-1886); Edward Neudecker (1852-1939); John
Neudecker Jr. (1857-1858); Charles Neudecker (1865-1904); Louis
Neudecker (1868-1931); Emma Neudecker Gulath; Mary Neudecker
Grotefendt; and Helen “Lena” Neudecker Krucker. John was buried
in the Marine Cemetery, St. Jacob, Illinois.
NEUHAUS, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1903
Carl Neuhaus, 17 years of age, was killed by lightning on his
father's farm near Edwardsville Friday. His mother, from the
kitchen window, saw the bolt struck down. The same shaft killed
a team of horses near the boy.
NEUMAN, ALICE M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
27, 1902
Alice M. Neuman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin
Neuman, died this morning at 4 o'clock after an illness with
rheumatism. She was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Neuman, and
in the heavy affliction that has befallen the bereaved parents
they will have the sympathy of all their friends and
acquaintances. The funeral services will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Cathedral.
NEUNABER, HERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 30,
1916
Herman Neunaber died at his home one half mile west from
Bethalto, Saturday evening, from uramic poisoning. Mr. Neunaber
has been a sufferer for a number of years from an infection of
his kidneys which kept him home for a number of years, where he
was attended by his wife, who was ever watchful over him and
ready to administer to his wants at all times. He was 58 years,
6 months, 3 days old. He came to this country at the age of 8
and lived in Madison County and in the immediate vicinity of
Bethalto ever since. He was a thrifty farmer and accumulated
some wealth. He was born in Ostfriesland, Germany. He was united
in marriage 34 years ago to Miss Lena Zimmerman, to this union
seven children were born, five boys and two girls: Henry, John,
Charley, and Elmer of this place, and Rev. Herman of Landistory,
Canada. Mrs. Hilka Bartels and Mrs. Annie Helkamp, living on
farms just south of Bethalto ever since. He was a faithful
member of the German Lutheran Church, and the Rev. Brueggeman
will have charge of the funeral services. He leaves a wife, two
brothers, and two sisters.
NEUNABER, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24,
1916
Michael Neunaber, aged about 55, died at 1 o'clock this
afternoon at his home near Bethalto after a short illness from
acute indigestion. This morning he went to the office of a
physician in Moro and secured medicine. He seemed in fairly good
health. This afternoon he was taken ill and died before a
physician could arrive at his home. He is survived by a wife,
three sons and one daughter. The funeral arrangements have not
been completed. About ten years ago he had a bad attack of that
malady and he went to a doctor to have it treated. This morning
he happened to be in Moro and while there he suffered a similar
attack and went to the same doctor. He was given treatment and
was apparently improving. He drove on home, and arriving there
suffered a relapse and died sitting in his chair about 1
o'clock. He was 55 years of age, had been a justice of the peace
twelve years, and he leaves his three sons and one daughter.
NEUSTADT, A. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 21, 1901
Killed by Electric Car
Capt. A.
Neustadt of Collinsville was run down and killed by an electric
car at Edgemont, East St. Louis yesterday. The coroner's jury
rendered a verdict to the effect that the death was the result
of accident. Mr. Neustadt, who was 78 years of age, had stepped
from a Suburban car a few minutes before. He intended to take
the Collinsville car, and proceed on to his home. The car was
delayed somewhat at the crossing above, and Mr. Neustadt walked
back and forth along the track to put in the time. He had been
down the tracks a few yards and failed to notice the car as it
started back. Mr. Neustadt was a little deaf and did not hear
the car. The motorman, Mr. Shannon, says that he concluded that
Mr. Neustadt saw the car and was about to step from the rails;
but instead of doing so he remained in the middle of the tracks.
He was struck by the car and rolled for some distance before it
could be stopped. He died soon after the accident. Mr. Neustadt
is the father of Charles Neustadt of East St. Louis. He was a
lawyer and a member of the firm of Neustadt & Hadley at
Collinsville. Mrs. Neustadt is now in England. The body was sent
to Collinsville, where the funeral will be held on Friday. Capt.
Neustadt was a life-long Republican, and always took the
greatest interest in party affairs. Rarely did a convention
assemble without the Captain being present. For many years he
was a member of the Executive committee of the party in Madison
county, and was chairman of the committee on several occasions,
the last time in 1898. Mr. Neustadt got his title in the Civil
War, serving in Company K, 144th Illinois, stationed in Alton as
guards at the Confederate prison. He was appointed Consul at
Vancouver in 1876, was United States Gauger for several terms,
and held the position of city attorney of Collinsville for
twenty years.
NEVINS, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 1,
1904
The funeral of John Nevins took place Sunday afternoon
from the Cathedral where services were held to Greenwood
cemetery, and was attended by many friends of the family.
NAVINS, MARCELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 26,
1902
Marcella Nevins, an aged inmate of St. Joseph's hospital
and a resident of Alton for many years, died at the hospital
Friday at midnight after a long illness. She was about 80 years
of age and death was due to senility. The funeral will be held
Monday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be conducted in
the Cathedral.
NEWCOMB, H. S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19,
1922
H. S. Newcomb, aged 80, died this morning at 3:30
o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. M. Sauvage, 1521
Henry street. His death was due to paralysis. He was stricken a
few nights before his death at supper time, and he never
regained consciousness. Mr. and Mrs. Newcomb have resided with
their daughter the past twenty years. Mr. Newcomb was forced by
advancing age to retire from active work, and he came to Alton
from St. Louis. He leaves his wife and two daughters, Mrs.
Sauvage and Mrs. Mabel Stewart, the latter being in Colorado.
The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock from
the Sauvage home, and entombment will be in the Grandview
Mausoleum.
NEWELL, MARTHA ELIZABETH (nee BACHELDER)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1917
Mrs. Martha Elizabeth
Newell died this morning at 5 o'clock at the residence of her
brother-in-law, Harry C. Swift, on College avenue in Upper
Alton. Mrs. Newell's sickness was of one week's duration. She
arrived home from a 2 year's stay in Michigan last Wednesday, on
her 75th birthday anniversary, and she had a very bad cold when
she arrived in Alton. Pneumonia developed and yesterday her
condition became so serious that the attending physician
expressed his belief that the end was near, so her daughter,
Miss Sue Newell of Chicago, was sent for. Death came at 5
o'clock this morning, just an hour before the daughter's arrival
in the city on the 6 o'clock train from Chicago. Mrs. Newell was
a member of an old and well known Alton family. Her maiden name
was Martha Elizabeth Bacheldor, and she was born at Chesterfield
on January 31, 1842. When about 8 years of age she came to Alton
with her parents and had made this city her home ever since. The
Swift residence on College avenue was what she always called
home, and she had lived 66 years in the house where her death
occurred. Two years ago Mrs. Newell went to St. Joseph, Michigan
to take care of her uncle, Benjamin W. Bachelder, who was ill.
She remained there until last week, when she determined to come
home for a visit. The severe cold weather of the north was hard
on her, and she had a very bad cold when she started home. This
illness brought her life to an end very soon after she arrived
home. The end, which came at 5 o'clock this morning, was most
peaceful and was as though the aged lady was going to sleep.
Deceased was married to Charles Newell of St. Louis in 1888, and
for some time following her marriage she lived in that city. Mr.
Newell's death occurred twenty years ago. Mrs. Newell leaves her
daughter, Miss Sue Newell of Chicago; two sisters, Mrs. H. C.
Swift and Miss Laura Bachelder of Upper Alton; and one brother,
John W. Bachelder of Wichita, Kansas. She also leaves three
nieces, Mrs. Niel P. Guiliet of Upper Alton, Mrs. Carrie Box of
Chicago, and Miss Cornelia Swift of Upper Alton. The funeral
arrangements have not been made.
NEWELL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF C. E../Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
February 24, 1893
Mrs. C. E. Newell, whose funeral was
attended on Monday from the Baptist church, was the widow of
Rev. I. D. Newell, a pioneer Baptist minister, and resided here
for some years with an older sister, Miss L. F. Bishop, who
survives her and was present at the funeral. Miss Bishop is 91
years of age and quite feeble, but made the trip from St. Louis,
where for two or three years past the aged sisters have made
their home with a niece, Mrs. Spence.
NEWMAN, ELIZABETH (nee BELK)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 22, 1907
Mrs. Elizabeth Newman died Friday afternoon
at her home in Liberty Prairie, almost 88 years of age, after an
illness of ten days from weakness of great age. She was born in
Yorkshire, England, January 14, 1820. The death of Mrs. Newman
will leave a valuable estate for immediate distribution. The
greater part of it is to go to Lincoln University, at Lincoln,
Ill., which is a part of James Milliken University of Decatur.
Mrs. Newman's husband, John R. Newman, died thirteen years ago,
leaving an estate of about 260 acres of land and some person
effects which would be worth about $25,000. All this estate,
according to his will, was to be divided after his wife's death,
according to the terms of the will, which gives almost the
entire amount to the Lincoln University. A number of nieces and
nephews and some other close relatives will receive small
bequests. The Newmans were staunch Cumberland Presbyterians, and
Mr. Newman had a large part in the building of the church at
Liberty Prairie, and he erected and maintained the parsonage in
his lifetime and his wife maintained it after his death, and
also gave liberally to the support of the church. She was always
in attendance at church services until her age forbade her doing
so. She came to America with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Belk, in 1835, and she came to Madison county in 1840 and lived
at Liberty Prairie ever since. She never had any children, and
after the death of her husband, her niece, Mrs. Ed Lanterman,
with her husband, made her home with the aged lady. She was a
sister of Charles Belk and T. W. L. Belk of Upper Alton. Mrs.
Newman was known for her charity and her kindness to everyone.
It is said that during her whole life no one ever asked her for
help in vain, and she even searched out people who were in
misfortune and aided them. The funeral will be held Sunday
morning at 11 o'clock from the Liberty Prairie Presbyterian
church. Burial will be in Liberty Prairie Cemetery.
NEWMAN, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 28, 1881
James Newman, a native of Ireland and keeper of the ’76 Saloon,
died Monday night at the Sisters Hospital. He had been a
resident of Alton from early youth. He was about forty years of
age. His wife died about a year ago. He leaves two young
children.
NEWMAN, JULIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1871
School Teacher at Collinsville Falls into River and Drowns
Mrs. Julia Newman, a school teacher of Collinsville in Madison
County, while attempting to get on a ferryboat Friday night at
St. Louis, to cross the river and take a train for home, missed
her footing, fell in the river among the cakes of ice, and was
drowned. Mrs. Newman was the widow of the late Dr. Newman of St.
Louis, and a niece of the Rev. S. Wells of St. Louis. She was
teacher of public-school No. 5 in Collinsville, and was a
successful and experienced instructor. Her sad death will be
much deplored in the community where she was so well known.
At the time the accident occurred, she was accompanied by
Miss Portmus, who succeeded in gaining a footing on the boat as
it was leaving the bank. It was no so, however, with Mrs.
Newman, as the attempt unfortunately enough showed. The body had
not been recovered up to last accounts, although every effort
was being made therefor – and a liberal reward offered.
NEWMAN, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3,
1913
Relatives in this city have been notified of the death
of Miss Margaret Newman, a native and for many years a resident
of Alton. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Barnew Newman,
pioneer residents of Alton, and was reared in Henry street in
the vicinity of St. Mary's Church. She was 32 years old, and was
a trained nurse. It is said her sickness started while she was
nursing a fever-crazed patient in Chicago, who on one occasion
became violent and frightened her so badly that nervous
prostration followed. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mollie Grass
of Chicago, and Miss Sarah Newman of Gillespie. Her death
occurred at the home of her uncle, J. T. Hutton in Gillespie.
NEWMAN, MARY (nee CONLEY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 1, 1918
Mrs. Mary Newman died Sunday morning at the
home of her mother, Mrs. Margaret Conley, of 505 Bond street,
following an illness of one week with double pneumonia. Mrs.
Newman was taken ill with pneumonia and from the first her
condition was known to be serious. Mrs. Newman was the daughter
of the late Frank Conley, and is survived by three children. She
also leaves her mother, Mrs. Margaret Conley, one sister, Miss
Irene Conley, and three brothers, Charles, Edward L. and William
Conley, all of this city. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock
Wednesday morning from Cathedral. Interment will be in Greenwood
Cemetery.
NEWMAN, MARY FOAR/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 19, 1880
Mrs. Mary Foar Newman, wife of Mr. James Newman, died on August
16, after an illness of about a week’s duration, at the age of
39 years. Mrs. Newman was a native of Ireland, but came to this
country when quite young, and has lived in Alton for thirty
years. She leaves two children and other relatives and friends
to mourn her death.
NEWMAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 24, 1886
From Bethalto – Mr. William Newman, an old and much esteemed
citizen, died very suddenly at his residence, Liberty Prairie,
on June 17; aged 65 years. Mr. Newman was an old settler, and
his sudden demise has cast a gloom over the whole neighborhood.
The funeral will take place Saturday afternoon.
William
Newman was highly respected by all who knew him. He leaves a
wife and four children, and a large circle of relatives and
friends to mourn their loss. The Sunday School has lost one of
its efficient teachers, and the church has lost a consistent and
faithful officer and worker. Mr. Newman was honest and upright
in all the relations of life. His place will be hard to fill.
NOTES:
William E. Newman was born January 22, 1821.
He married Martha E. Harrison (1826-1902), and they had the
following children: Eliza Newman Fields (1846-1925); Mary Newman
Kimball (1850-1877); Ida M. Newman Cammon (1852-1879); and
William Henry Newman (1853-1933). William E. Newman was buried
in the Liberty Prairie Cemetery, Edwardsville.
NEWMAN, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 24, 1886
Died on Thursday, June 17, at 3 o'clock p.m., William E. Newman,
aged 65 years, 4 months and 25 days. The funeral took place
Saturday, June 19, at 2 o'clock p.m. from the C. P. church. The
funeral was one of the largest that has ever taken place on
Liberty Prairie. There were between 300 and 400 in attendance.
Wm. E. Newman was highly respected by all who knew him. He
leaves a wife and four children and a large circle of relatives
and friends to mourn their loss. The Sunday school has lost one
of its most efficient teachers and the church has lost a
consistent and faithful officer and worker. Mr. Newman was
honest and upright in all the relations of life. His place will
be hard to fill. The casket was covered with flowers, the gift
of warm hearted friends. His class and the entire school cast
evergreens in his last resting place. Charles E. Newman, of
Judsonia, Arkansas, was in attendance at his father's funeral.
NEWNON/NEWMAN, ELZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
13, 1920
Young Man, 24, Insane, Takes His Own Life
Elza
Newnon, 24, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Elza Newmon of East Alton,
shot himself early today near the county farm at Edwardsville.
He died an hour later. Newmon last Tuesday escaped from the
Alton State Hospital, it was said today at East Alton. The young
man was recently taken to the State Hospital when he showed
symptoms of insanity. He returned to his mother's home in East
Alton when he made his getaway from the institution and remained
there until yesterday. Yesterday Mrs. Newmon entertained some
Alton friends at her home. While she was biding them goodbye,
when one of the motor busses stopped in front of her home, the
young man left the house. Searches were made for him last night
and today, but to no avail. The young man rode his bicycle and
took a revolver. Mrs. Newmon this morning received a telephone
call from Edwardsville and was told that her son was found lying
on the road near the county farm, unconscious. His feet were
tangled in the vehicle and it is believed he shot himself while
riding. The young man, after being found, was taken to the
hospital and given attention. He regained consciousness and told
attendants his name and told them to call Lawrence Hale, who
would notify the boy's mother. The young man died before his
mother got the message. The mother was almost prostrated by the
news of her sons suicide. The young man leaves four brothers,
Jesse of Milwaukee, and Frank and George of East Alton; three
sisters, Mrs. Cora Beasley who resides in Arkansas, Mrs. Robert
Thompson of St. Louis, and Miss Mollie Newmon of East Alton. The
young man was in the navy during the war and was stationed for
nine months at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station. He was in
the naval reserve corps and was released from service on an
indefinite leave of absence. An inquest will be held.
Shell Shock Caused Suicide of Young Man
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 14, 1920
Elza Newman, son of Mrs. Ella
Newman of East Alton, who yesterday shot and fatally wounded
himself near Hamel, a suburb of Edwardsville, was suffering from
shell shock, according to one of his brothers. The ship on which
Newman was stationed while serving in the navy during the war
was attacked and a hole shot in its side. The noise of the naval
battle caused the young man to be inflicted with shell shock.
The young man underwent treatment in a Wisconsin hospital before
returning home. After returning home the affliction returned and
recently he was placed in the Alton State Hospital, from which
he escaped last Tuesday. The inquest into the death of the young
man was held yesterday afternoon at Edwardsville. One of the
witnesses was R. T. McDonald, a Hamel business man, who is also
the proprietor of a threshing outfit, and is at present engaged
in baling straw. Testimony at the inquest showed that Newman was
overtaken by a heavy storm, Thursday night, and stopped at the
home of Fred Engelke, near Hamel. McDonald passed the house and
learned that Newman was there. He employed the young man to help
him bale straw. Yesterday McDonald went for Newman and took him
to the field where the outfit was at work. After he had been at
work for 20 minutes, Newman said to McDonald, "Goodbye, I have
other business." Newman then went to the house and told Mrs.
McDonald her husband wanted the shot gun to kill a dog. He said
if any pay was coming to him for his 20 minutes' work, it should
go to Mrs. Engelke. He went down the road a short distance and
shot himself. He fired into his left breast. The gun was a
twelve gauge shotgun. The verdict of the jury at the inquest was
that the young man met death through a self-inflicted wound. The
body has been brought to East Alton and the funeral will be held
from the home of the young man's mother, tomorrow at 1:30.
Services will be conducted by Rev. A. W. Kortkamp, pastor of the
Upper Alton Pentecostal church. Interment will be at Melville,
under auspices of the Modern Woodmen, of which he was a member.
[Note: name found spelled three different way - Melville
cemetery has name as Newnon.]
NEWSON, EDWARD S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22,
1905
North Alton News - The body of Mr. E. S. Newson,
proprietor of the Alton broom factory located just north of
here, was brought home from St. Louis Sunday and the funeral
will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mr. Newson suffered
intensely for months before his death, and battled bravely with
disease, but the odds were too great. He was once an officer in
the British Navy, but gave up the position voluntarily to become
an American citizen.
NEWTON, CHARLES W. (PROFESSOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 23, 1886
First African-American to Graduate High
School in Alton
Graduate of Shurtleff College
Principal of
Sumner School in St. Louis
Professor Charles Newton, late a
resident of Alton, died at St. Louis Friday morning, September
17, 1886, after a protracted illness. Professor Newton was
Principal of the Sumner School of St. Louis, and was noted as an
educator. He was a graduate of the Alton high school, and was a
credit to that institution. He left a widow and one child,
besides many friends to mourn his death.
The remains of
Professor Newton were brought here from St. Louis on the 9
o’clock train Saturday, accompanied by his widow and a number of
friends. The funeral took place at 10 a.m. from the Union
Baptist Church, with a large attendance. The services were
impressively conducted by Rev. J. P. Johnson, assisted by Dr. L.
A. Abbott of the First Baptist Church. Deceased was 30 years and
9 months old.
In addition to being a graduate of the
Alton high school, he also graduated from Shurtleff College. As
an educator, his work was crowned with eminent success, and the
vacancy caused by his death will be difficult to fill. The
funeral was managed by J. H. Rector of St. Louis, and I. H.
Kelley of Alton. The pallbearers were James W. Grant, O. M.
Woods, H. Inge, H. G. Parker, C. H. Brown, and E. S. Williams.
NOTES:
Charles W. Newton was the son of Charles Newton
Sr., who worked at the Hapgood Plow Works in Alton. The father
died in December 1879 at the plow works, and was buried in the
Alton City Cemetery.
Charles, the son, attended Lincoln
School in Alton, where high school classes were held on the
third floor. He was a member of the 1873 graduating class, but
because of racial prejudice, there was a strike on the part of
some of the members of the class, and four of them refused to
take part in the graduating program. Their names did not appear
on the program, but afterward they received their diplomas.
Charles did not let the racial prejudice against him
influence his plans for his future. He went on to graduate from
Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, and then became principal of
Sumner School in St. Louis. Sumner School was the first high
school for African-American students west of the Mississippi. It
was established in 1875, and was named after the well-known
abolitionist, Senator Charles H. Sumner. The school was
originally located between Poplar and Spruce Street, but was
moved in the 1880s, because parents complained that their
children were walking past the city gallows and morgue on their
way to school. Notable alumni of Sumner School are: Chuck Berry
(musician), Lester Bowie (musician), Grace Bumbry (opera
singer), Robert Guillaume (actor), Julius Hunter (TV news
broadcaster), Wendell Pruitt (Tuskegee Airman), and Roscoe
Robinson Jr. (first African-American to reach 4 star general in
Army).
In 1879, Professor Newton gave a lecture to a
large audience at Jefferson City, Missouri, on the “Progress of
Science.”
Professor Newton later became Superintendent of
the “colored schools” of St. Louis. He died of illness in
September 1886 at the age of 30, leaving behind a widow and one
child. His funeral was held in Alton at the Union Baptist
Church, and burial was in the Alton City Cemetery. According to
his obituary, his work was “crowned with eminent success, and
the vacancy caused by his death would be difficult to fill.”
NEWTON, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 7, 1866
Murdered in Middletown
On Saturday evening last, an affray
occurred in Middletown between a party of negroes, which
resulted in the death of one of the participants, by the name of
John Newton, at the hands of George Harrison. The circumstances
of the murder developed at the inquest are as follows:
For some time, a sort of feud has existed between some negroes
living in Upper Alton and others living in Middletown, and on
Saturday evening, the parties met at a gathering at the house of
Jacob Wilson. The outbreak, however, did not occur during the
evening, but as the party from Upper Alton were leaving, they
applied some opprobrious epithets to the Middletown negroes,
which led to an encounter between Newton and Harrison, in which
the latter was worsted. Harrison was then advised by two of his
friends, named Cyrus Howard and Gus Cumley, to use a knife which
he had about his person. Newton and Harrison soon commenced
fighting again, and the former received a stab in the left
breast, from the effects of which he died in the course of two
hours. Harrison went to his home in Upper Alton, where he was
soon after arrested by the constable. Howard and Cumley were
also taken into custody, as being accessory to the deed. The
three were placed in confinement, and will be sent to
Edwardsville to await their trial. Newton is spoken of as having
been a quiet, inoffensive person.
(See also Nickels)
NICHOLLS, SAMUEL/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, February 4, 1920
Veteran of Civil War Hit
by Auto
Samuel Nicholls, aged 78, a veteran of the Civil
War, died this morning at 10:40 o'clock at his home, 3111 Brown
street, from injuries he sustained by being struck by an auto
truck of the Fleming Rapid Service Company. Mr. Nicholls had
served with credit in the Civil War, and had seen much fighting.
He had preserved his health and strength to a remarkable degree
considering his age, only to be fatally injured by an automobile
as he was on a peaceful errand to a drug store to get medicine
for the members of his family, all of whom were sick with the
influenza. When the automobile struck Mr. Nicholls the aged man
was hurled across the street and his head struck against the
curbing at Mayfield and Brown streets. The injury to his head is
believed to have been the cause of his death. He was taken first
to the office of Dr. Yerkes and from there to the home of his
son, Samuel Nicholls, where he died about 24 hours after being
hurt. Beside his wife, Mr. Nichols leaves five sons, William
Louis, Oscar, Samuel and Arthur; and two daughters, Mrs. Delia
Clayton and Mrs. Carrie Meyers.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 5, 1920
Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer held
an inquest last evening over the body of Samuel Nicholls, who
was fatally injured by being struck by an automobile. The jury
found a verdict that he ..... [missing in paper] -bility was
fixed. Needham, testifying before the jury, told of striking the
old soldier. He said he thought he came to his death by
accident, by be- ..... [missing] was about to step on the
curbing but instead stepped out in the street further where the
car struck him, and hurled him against the paving. He testified
he was not exceeding 15 miles an hour. The funeral of Samuel J.
Nichols will be held Saturday morning at 11 o'clock from the
residence to Pentecostal Church. Mr. Nichols was born in
Montgomery County, Arkansas, and came to Illinois in 1868, after
fighting through the Civil War. He was married that same year in
Jerseyville to Miss Martha Osborn, and the couple lived in Alton
since that time. There were just two eye witnesses to the
accident in which Mr. Nichols met his death, Elmer Clark in
front of whose home the accident occurred, and Andrew Sparks, an
aged resident of Priest's addition, who happened to be walking
near Mr. Nichols at the time.
NICHOLS, ALLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20,
1900
Young Man Crushed to Death Under Railroad Cars
The
life of a young man who gave his name as Allie Nichols of
Nichols, Tiles county, N.Y., was crushed out under the cars at
East Alton Sunday morning. He lived three hours after his legs
had been severed close to the trunk, and was able to give the
details of the accident and to tell who his relatives are. The
body was found lying beside the track at 12:20 by night yard
clerk Ollie Harris, who heard the cry of agony as the freight
train No. 96 pulled out of East Alton. The stranger's legs were
mangled and almost severed from his body just below the hips,
but he was sitting up when found. He said he was trying to steal
a ride when he slipped and went under the wheels. Assistance was
summoned and the young man was placed in the waiting room where
surgical aid was rendered by Dr. Pence. Nichols lived three
hours after he was crushed, and was nerve to the backbone. He
made a statement to those assisting him that his name was Allie
Nichols, that he was in his twenty-first year, and that his
grandmother, Mrs. Fannie Brooks of Nichols, N. Y. is very
wealthy and would send money to care for him if he should live,
which he thought would be the case. His father is Orrin Nichols
of Stephensville, Pa. Nichols bore a handsome face, with close
curling black hair, and seems to have seen better circumstances
than those under which he was traveling. He said he had run away
from home and was earning a living while traveling around the
country. He was very clean and had not the appearance of a
tramp, although roughly dressed. A coroner's inquest was held
and a verdict of death under the wheels of a Big Four freight
train No. 96 was rendered. The body was placed in charge of
Undertaker Howell, who held it to await instructions from the
boy's parents. Agent Patton of the Big Four was notified today
that the parents of young Nichols could do nothing toward
returning the body.
NICHOLS, ANNA/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 7, 1846
Died in Upper Alton precinct, on the 23d ultimo, Mrs. Anna
Nichols, wife of Mr. Thomas Nichols, aged 63. The deceased was a
worthy member of the Methodist E. Church, and has left an
affectionate husband and many children to deplore her loss.
NICHOLS, CLARA MAE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
19, 1922
Clara Mae, the seven years old granddaughter of Mrs.
Martha Dixon, died last evening at 5:45 o'clock, at the family
home on Market street following an illness of six weeks,
suffering from an attack of appendicitis. The child was believed
to be improving, when she was taken seriously ill yesterday at
noon. Her death occurred on her seventh birthday anniversary.
She was born in Alton on August 18, 1915. Her mother's death
occurred four years ago. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at two o'clock from the home of her uncle, Richard
Dixon, in the Temple Theater building, with Rev. Magill
officiating. Interment will be in the City cemetery.
NICHOLS, FRANCIS KIDDER/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 25,
1878
Proprietor of the Nichols Woolen Mill in Alton
The
news of the death of this esteemed and honored citizen was
received Sunday evening, and was a great shock to his relatives
and many friends in Alton. The sad event took place at Alburg
Springs, Vermont, where he had gone a few weeks since,
accompanied by his wife, in the hope that a change of air and
scene would benefit his health, which had been feeble for many
months, though no immediate danger was apprehended. No
particulars of his death have been received, save the bare
announcement of the occurrence.
Mr. Nichols had been a
resident of Alton for over seventeen years, having removed here
from Springfield, and started a woolen factory in 1861, with
which he was still connected at the time of his death. He was a
native of Windsor County, Vermont, born April 8, 1805, and had
been engaged in the manufacturing and mercantile business the
greater part of his life, being at one time proprietor of the
largest woolen mill in New England, located at Queechy, Vermont.
He was also engaged in business in Boston and Burlington,
Vermont. He was a thorough going business man, fully versed in
all the details of his occupation, upright, and honorable in all
his dealing, and possessed of rare tact and capacity for
carrying on extensive commercial transactions. In private life,
he was ever highly esteemed for his many noble and genial
qualities of mind and heart. He was a gentleman of cultivated
mind, of extensive reading, and was thoroughly informed on the
current events of the day and the general progress of the age.
He took great delight in horticulture and gardening, and spent
much of his leisure time from business in his orchard and
garden. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church,
and one of its most efficient trustees. He was zealous in the
promotion of all worthy objects and liberal in his gifts to all
the benevolent causes of the church. Mr. Nichols was a valued
member of the Masonic Order, and had attained the rank of Knight
Templar, being connected with Belvidere Commandery, No. 2, of
this city.
In his death, the community has lost a useful
citizen, our business men a valued associate, his neighbors a
kind friend, the church an honored and beloved member, and his
family an affectionate and devoted husband and father. His death
will be not alone a terrible personal affliction to his
relatives and friends, but a loss to the entire community. “When
a good man dies, the people mourn.” After a long and useful
life, honored and loved by all, he has entered into rest.
Mr. Nichols leaves a widow (Frances Bradbury Weed Nichols)
and two children, viz: Mrs. J. J. Weed of Washington, and Mr.
Henry L. Nichols of Alton. Two brothers, Mr. George Nichols of
Boston, and Mr. Stephen Nichols of Alton, and a sister living in
Minnesota also survive him. Due notice of the time and place of
the funeral will be given, when further particulars are
received.
NOTE:
Francis Kidder Nichols was buried in
Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.
NICHOLS, H. L./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1885
The remains of Mr. H. L. Nichols arrived here Friday morning by
train from St. Louis. They were conveyed to the Presbyterian
Church, where the funeral took place Friday afternoon. Mr.
Nichols was a native of Vermont, born on October 17, 1843, but
came West with his father’s family in the year 1857, residing
first at Springfield, Illinois. About the year 1860, the family
removed to Alton, where Mr. F. K. Nichols, the father, became
proprietor of the Alton Woolen Mills, prosecuting the business
successfully until his death in 1879. Mr. H. L. Nichols was
interested with his father in the business from the first, and
succeeded thereto, on the death of the latter, but owing to
feeble health, was subsequently obliged to relinquish active
business pursuits. Some two or three years ago, he made a visit
to Europe for health, and in the summer of 1884, he again went
abroad and was absent until last Spring. He visited the
principal countries of the old world, including the ancient
Empire of Persia, where he spent several months at Teheran with
his sister, Mrs. S. G. W. Benjamin, the wife of the American
Minister to that country.
Mr. Nichols was a gentleman of
fine scholastic attainments. He was conversant with several
ancient and modern languages, and his literary abilities were of
a high order. He was a talented writer and an entertaining
conversationalist. His tastes were refined and cultivated, and
he cared only for such recreations as were elevating and
intellectual. Socially, he was ever a welcome guest in any
circle, but he was retiring in disposition and only those
intimately acquainted with him penetrated the modest reserve
that was habitual with him, and fully appreciated the sincerity
of his life and the value of his attainments. For many years he
was Superintendent of the State Street Sunday School and an
Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He was active in every good
word and work, kind, generous, charitable, never sparing himself
in the path of duty, and regardless of his own health and
strength when others were to be helped or benefitted.
For
the last few years his health has been feeble, but his
sufferings have been borne with a patience and fortitude that
commanded the admiration of all. The end came suddenly. While on
the streets of St. Louis, he was attacked by congestion of the
brain, was removed to the city hospital, where after four days
on unconsciousness, he passed away. It will comfort his friends
to know that he had every possible care in his last hours, and
that the tender ministrations of his uncle and aunt, who
hastened to his bedside, soothed his sufferings until the close.
The only surviving member of his father’s family is his sister,
Mrs. Benjamin, now traveling in Europe.
NICHOLS, HELEN J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28,
1907
Mrs. Helen J. Nichols, widow of Stephen H. Nichols, died
this afternoon at 3 o'clock at her home, 447 east ninth street,
from the effects of the grip. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Ada
Crane and Mrs. H. L. Dickinson.
NICHOLS, LOUISA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 25, 1917
Mrs. Louisa Nichols, aged 76, died this morning at her home in
Yager Park, from old age. She leaves one adopted daughter, and a
sister in California. The sister has been notified and word from
her is being awaited before the plans for the funeral are made.
NICHOLS, MARTHA E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17,
1909
Miss Martha E. Nichols, daughter of Albert Nichols, of
1308 East Thirteenth street, died last night of stomach trouble
at the age of 5 years 2 months. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at the house, and the burial will be in
Oakwood cemetery.
NICHOLS, MINNIE (nee ENGELHARDT)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 19, 1902
Mrs. Lewis Nichols, 20 years of
age, living with her husband at his brother's home on Bluff
street, committed suicide shortly before noon by drinking three
tablespoonfuls of carbolic acid. Her mouth and throat were
burned in a horrible manner, and she died in less than fifteen
minutes after she swallowed the poison. Dr. J. N. Shaff was
called as soon as it was discovered that she had taken the acid,
but she was dying before he reached her bedside. She had been in
bad health for some time, and was subject to spells of
depression, despondency and melancholia. This morning she
determined to have death end it all. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have
not been married many months, it is said, and came here from
Brighton where the parents and other relatives of the deceased
live. An inquest will be held this evening, and the body will
probably be sent to Brighton for burial.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, June 20, 1902
The jury impaneled by Deputy
Coroner Streeper to hold an inquest over the body of Mrs. Minnie
Nichols, who committed suicide Thursday morning by taking a dose
of carbolic acid, reported a verdict that she came to her death
by suicide, and that her action was due to domestic troubles.
The body of Mrs. Nichols will be taken to Brighton Saturday
morning. The father of the unfortunate woman, Herman Engelhardt
of Brighton, arrived in Alton this morning and claimed the right
to care for the body of his daughter. The husband gave his
consent, and Mr. Engelhardt will take the body home in the
morning.
GHOST OF WOMAN WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE CAUSES
FAMILY TO FLEE HOME
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 11,
1902
The family of Fred Nichols on Bluff street was driven
from its home Wednesday night by what they supposed to be the
specter of Mrs. Minnie Nichols, who committed suicide in the
house a few weeks ago. Late in the night the neighbors were
aroused by the members of the family who said they could not
stay in the house, and left the place in alarm. Their
imagination had led them to believe that the place was haunted,
and they were so frightened that the father, mother and five
children left the place. The frightened members of the family
said that they were sure the disturbance in the house was caused
by something ghostly, until after a careful investigation of the
place had failed to reveal anything uncanny or otherwise.
NICHOLS, MYRTLE MAY (nee DIXON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 7, 1918
Mrs. Myrtle May Dixon Nichols died at
her home Thursday evening at 6:30 o'clock after an illness of
three years' duration. The young woman is survived by a 2 year
old daughter, Clara May; her mother, Mrs. Martha Dixon; and two
brothers, Richard and Freeman Dixon. The funeral will be held
Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the First Baptist Church,
Fifth and Market streets. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
NICHOLS, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1920
Peter Nichols, a well known farmer of Fosterburg, died in
Minneapolis early this week, according to word received today.
The cause of his death is unknown. For the past four months he
has made his home with the Pfeiffer family of 701 Grand avenue.
He left the city for Minneapolis on July 21 to visit his son,
Thomas Nichols of Minneapolis. On July 27 his son, Edward
Nichols, 1911 Belle street, received word of the death of his
father.
NICHOLS, PIERCE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
26, 1903
Shot by Wife in Family Quarrel
In a family row
Wednesday morning at their home on Brown street in Upper Alton,
Mrs. Elizabeth Nichols shot and perhaps fatally injured her
husband, Pierce W. Nichols. It appears that Mr. and Mrs. Nichols
often had quarrels that did not amount to much, and would make
up afterwards and everything would be lovely. This morning,
about breakfast time, the two engaged in a dispute which kept
getting worse, and Mr. Nichols, it is said, began throwing
dishes at his wife, chasing her through the house and otherwise
abusing her. As she ran through the bedroom she seized a
revolver that was lying on a dresser and fired a shot at her
husband. The ball struck him in the abdomen, and so far has not
been located. It is believed he is in a very dangerous
condition. When Mrs. Nichols fired the shot she threw down the
revolver and ran out upon the street with her husband following
her. She then ran into the house of a neighbor to telephone for
a doctor. A physician arrived and attended the wounded man, who
afterwards had him removed to St. Joseph's hospital. Mrs.
Nichols was not arrested, as the shooting is said to be in
self-defense. The Nichols family formerly lived in Alton, and
Mr. Nichols conducted a second-hand store on Second street,
between Spring and Oak. He sold out his business there, but has
been employed lately by his predecessor at the same place.
Fourteen holes were found in the man's intestines, and these
were sewed up by Dr. Harry Lemen, assisted by Drs. Bowman Shaff
and Wilkinson. The chances for Mr. Nichol's recovery are very
small, the doctors say.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 31, 1903
P. W. Nichols, who was shot Wednesday in
Upper Alton at his home by his wife, died Monday morning, just
before noon, in St. Joseph's Hospital. Mrs. Nichols attended him
during all the time he was in the hospital and is heartbroken
over the outcome of the family quarrel. She says she shot her
husband unintentionally, meaning only to frighten him into
desisting from a murderous attack upon her. She said the weapon
was a double action revolver, with which she was unacquainted,
and that she did not intend to fire it. Deputy Coroner Streeper
took charge of the body and is holding an inquest. The body will
be buried tomorrow under the auspices of Keen Kutter Camp,
Modern Woodmen.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 1, 1903
A jury was impaneled last evening in Upper
Alton by Deputy Coroner Streeper to inquire into the shooting of
Pierce W. Nichols by his wife. The jury went to the Nichols home
on Brown street and heard Mrs. Nichol's story of the shooting.
She said that she picked up the gun with the intension of
frightening her husband, who was abusing her, and did not mean
to fire the fatal shot, but when she picked up the revolver
while she was running through the house it accidently went off
and the bullet struck Mr. Nichols. Mr. Nichols told the Deputy
Coroner at the hospital on the same day of the shooting that he
did not want his wife arrested, as she did not mean to shoot
him. The evidence of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols was all that could be
secured, and the jury brought in a verdict of accidental
shooting. The funeral of P. W. Nichols will be held at the
family home in Upper Alton Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
NICHOLS, STEPHEN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
9, 1902
Stephen H. Nichols, one of the best known residents
of Alton, died Saturday morning after an illness due to senile
debility. Mr. Nichols had been in failing health several years,
and the last few months he was confined to his residence at
Ninth and Langdon streets most of the time. Seldom was he able
to make his customary trips downtown to see his old friends, but
whenever the weather permitted and his strength was sufficient
he would do so. For many years he was a resident of Alton. His
wife and his two children, Mrs. H. L. Dickinson and Mrs. Chase
Crane, survive. His death had been expected during the last
week. One week ago he was downtown but was very feeble, and on
his return to his home he was prostrated and did not recover.
Mr. Nichols was born at Weatherfield, Vt., and was in his 79th
year. He was educated at Norwich, Conn., University and at
Middleboro, Vt., college. He came to Alton thirty years ago and
had lived here continually since. One year ago he was stricken
with paralysis after a fall, and last Saturday while downtown he
suffered another fall. A few days before his death he was
stricken with paralysis a second time and death followed. He
leaves one sister, Mrs. William Danforth of Red Wing, Minn. Mrs.
Chase Crane of Ocala, Fla., will be unable to attend her
father's funeral. H. L. Dickinson, his son-in-law, is now in
Minnesota on a pleasure trip, and the time of the funeral will
not be set until he can be heard from. Services will be held in
the Congregational church.
NICHOLS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 17, 1907
The funeral of Mrs. Albert Nichols
was held this afternoon from the home on east Thirteenth street,
and was attended by a very large number of friends, neighbors
and acquaintances, among them being many members of Bluff City
Court of Honor, of which deceased was a member. Floral offerings
were unusually numerous, and burial was in Oakwood cemetery,
Upper Alton. The services at the graveside were conducted by the
Court of Honor.
NICHOLSON, MARGARET COLEMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 28, 1919
Margaret Coleman Nicholson, wife of George
L. Nicholson, died Thursday evening at 7:30 o'clock at her home,
1247 West Ninth street, leaving beside her husband two young
children, one a baby who will be three weeks old Sunday, and the
other less than two years old. The death of Mrs. Nicholson is a
sad shock to her many friends, though it has been known to those
who were nearest to her that she was in bad condition since the
birth of her child, and that the chance of her recovery was
narrow. She was 25 years of age. At the time of her marriage
three years ago to George L. Nicholson she had been serving as
telephone operator at the plant of the Western Cartridge Co.,
where she had gone after giving up her position as operator at
the Central Union Exchange in Alton. Mr. Nicholson was employed
there, but later took a position with the Heskett Machine Co. on
William street. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Coleman.
Her mother was burned to death when Margaret was a child and the
duty of raising her devolved upon Mrs. Charlotte Coleman, who
says she stood in the position of step-sister, foster mother,
and sister-in-law. When she was in the Bell exchange, Miss
Coleman was known for her kindness and courtesy. Many a person
of the Bell exchange who did not know her when they saw her,
knew her voice and knew in her a girl who was always sweet
tempered and ready to be of any service she could be. That was
in the days before telephone operators were forbidden to perform
services for the patrons of the company, aside from making
connections. Mrs. Nicholson is survived also by her father,
Alfred Coleman, a sister, Miss Bessie Coleman, and two brothers,
Alfred and Wallace Coleman. The funeral will be tomorrow at 2:30
p.m. from the home.
NICHOLSON, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1845
Died, at Rattan's Prairie, on the 17th inst., Thomas Nicholson,
aged 60 years, formerly of Leeds, England.
NICKEL, PHILIP W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6,
1903
The funeral of Philip W. Nickel took place this
afternoon from the home on East Second street, and was conducted
under the auspices of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Fleur de
Lys Lodge K. of P., both of which he was a member. There was a
large attendance at the sorrowful function and many very
beautiful floral offerings were made. Interment was in City
Cemetery.
NICKEL, UNKNOWN WIFE OF HENRY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 24, 1904
Mrs. Henry Nickel, aged 28, died
this morning at 11 o'clock at the family home, Fifth and Vine
streets, after a three weeks illness. She leaves a husband and
one child. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 1:30
o'clock from the family home.
NICKELS, H. E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13,
1917
The funeral of H. E. Nickels was held this morning from
the Bauer undertaking establishment to the City Cemetery.
Nickels was found dead some time ago at the New Home Hotel.
Relatives in Michigan were informed but they paid no attention
to the death of Nickels. The body was held by the deputy coroner
until this morning, when the funeral was held.
NICKELS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2,
1906
Business Man Suicides - Worried by Ill Health
Joseph
Nickels, an aged business man of Yager Park, formerly of Alton,
shot and killed himself Thursday morning, standing in the
doorway between his little storeroom and the cellar opening into
it and on the same level. He brooded over certain stories and
ill health affected him so that he was unable to sleep or eat.
Thursday morning about 3 o'clock he rose from his bed, dressed
as for the day, and going down into the store he placed a
revolver against his breast, near the base of his neck, and
shooting himself fell over dead. It appeared from the way the
body was lying that Nickles had sat down in the doorway between
the cellar and the store, and then fired the revolver, killing
himself instantly. His shirt and undershirt caught fire, so
close was the revolver held by the desperate man, and the shirt
burned almost the entire length and breadth of the bosom,
burning the skin and making it extremely difficult to determine
where the fatal wound was. Until the inquest it was not known
whether the bullet was fired in the mouth or in the base of the
neck. Mrs. Nickels found the body about 5 o'clock. Alarmed by
his failure to return to his bed, she rose to make search and
was shocked to find her husband lying dead. The only explanation
of the suicide is that given by the widow, who had heard him
talk very despondently since the stories against him began to be
circulated.
NICOLET, EDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16,
1900
Deputy Coroner Will H. Bauer is holding an inquest this
afternoon over the body of Eda Nicolet, who was found this
morning at 6:30 o'clock in a dying condition on the floor at her
home, 621 East Third street. She was unconscious when found and
died a short time afterward without regaining consciousness. She
was heard groaning in her room by a woman who lived in the house
with her, and on investigating, the neighbor found the girl
dying. Death ensued before medical assistance could be procured.
In the room was found a bottle partly empty, the remaining
contents of which were identified as being a potent poison,
which the girl had evidently administered to herself and had
taken too large a dose. A coroner's inquest is being held this
afternoon at the home. She has been conducting a dressmaking
establishment on East Third street, and was well known. Miss
Nicolet had saved considerable money from her earnings. She had
$400 in one of the banks, was owner of building association
stock and other property. A post mortem examination was made for
the coroner's jury.
NICOLET, JULIET AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 19, 1912
Juliet August Nicolet, aged 78 years, died
Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Louise
Rothacher, on East Third street, after a long illness from the
infirmities of old age. Mr. Nicolet came to this country from
Switzerland in 1881, and brought with him a large family. Eleven
children survive him, and they are scattered in all parts of the
world. Lena, Bertha and Adele Nicolet are in Boston; Rose
Nicolet is a missionary for the Baptist church in the Philippine
islands, Mrs. Newman Matile, a daughter, resides in Switzerland;
Mrs. Louise Rothacher, at whose home the old gentleman died,
resides in Alton; also Alcid and Ulysse reside here. Adolph, a
son, resides in Great Bend, Kas., and Fred resides in Cimarron,
Kas., James resides in Los Angeles, Cal. The telegrams going out
to the children announcing the death of their father were
therefore sent far and near. Thirty grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren survive him. The funeral will be held from
the home of Mrs. Rothacher tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.
NICOLET, LILLIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24,
1922
Mrs. Lillian Nicolet, wife of Ulysses Nicolet, died this
morning at 4 o'clock at the family home, 2100 Holman street,
after a week's illness with heart trouble. Mrs. Nicolet had been
confined to her bed three days. Her death was sudden, but not
altogether unexpected because of the nature of the fatal malady.
Practically all of her life she had lived in Alton. She was a
daughter of Peter Vogel. Mrs. Nicolet was 66 years of age.
Besides her husband, she leaves two daughters, Evelyn and Adel
Nicolet, and one son, Charles Kincer. The funeral will be held
at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon and services will be
conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing of the First Baptist church.
Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. Mrs. Nicolet was a quiet,
home loving woman, and was the object of the most devoted
affection on the part of her family. She was known for her
kindly neighborliness and sincere friendship.
NIEDERKORN, M. B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8,
1907
John Niederkorn received a message today giving news of
the death of his father, M. B. Niederkorn, at Roswell, N. M. He
was 55 years of age and had lived in Alton many years. Mr.
Niederkorn leaves four children, John Niederkorn of Yager Park,
Mrs. Anna Lowe of Edwardsville, Miss Agnes and Michael of
Roswell. Mrs. Niederkorn will bring the body of her husband home
in a few days. Mr. Neiderkorn went to Roswell about four months
ago and shortly after his arrival there his son, Frank, died
there and was buried. Mr. Niederkorn was engaged for many years
in Alton, conducting a grocery store, and part of his life he
was employed at the glass works.
NIEDERKORN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4,
1902
Mary, the 19 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael
Niederkorn, died this afternoon at the family home in Yager Park
after a long illness with a complication of diseases. Funeral
arrangements are not made.
NIEHAUS, JOHN HENRY/Source: Troy Call, January 18, 1918
Henry Niehaus, one of the best known and most prominent farmers
of this township, passed away at his home south of Troy
Wednesday morning [Jan. 16] at 3 o'clock at the age of about 60
years. The death of Mr. Niehaus was due to a complication of
diseases and was not unexpected by his family and friends who
knew him to be in gradually failing health for over a year.
Recently his decline became very rapid and for a week previous
to his demise his life hung in the balance. The funeral will
take place tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 o'clock from the
residence to St. John's Catholic church in Blackjack and will be
conducted by Rev. William A. Pachlhofer. Interment will be in
the Blackjack Catholic cemetery. An obituary could not be
secured in time for this issue and has been deferred until next
week.
Source: Troy Call, January 25, 1918
The funeral
of Henry Niehaus, the prominent farmer whose death last week was
chronicled in The Call, took place last Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from the residence to St. John's Catholic church in the
Blackjack community. Rev. William A. Pachlhofer conducted the
burial rite and interment was in the Blackjack cemetery.
Notwithstanding the inclement weather, the obsequies were
attended by a large concourse of friends of the deceased. John
Henry Niehaus was a son of John Henry and Bertha Niehaus and was
born August 4, 1857, in Nameoki township. As a boy he attended
school in Collinsville and on February 14, 1883 he married at
Collinsville to Miss Barbara Schwartz of the Blackjack
community. After a residence of about two years in Nameoki
township, they moved to the Blackjack community where Mr.
Niehaus engaged in farming and by efficiency and thrift acquired
a goodly estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus were born six children,
five of whom with the wife and mother survive. They are: Emma,
wife of Fred Loyet; Miss Elizabeth, at home; Theodore and
Arnold, at home, and Oscar, who is attending school at Clayton,
Mo. Mrs. Elizabeth Niehaus, stepmother, residing at
Collinsville, survives, as does one brother, Joseph, of Granite
City and two half-brothers, William and Frank of Collinsville.
There are also four grandchildren. Mr. Niehaus was a faithful
member of the Catholic church all his life and was a regular
communicant at St. John's church in Blackjack. He was a member
of St. Joseph's Church society and for a number of years was a
trustee of St. John's church. He was a devoted husband and
father and a good citizen and his death is a decided loss to the
community.
NIENHAUS, JOHN HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
1, 1906
Founder of German Evangelical Church Dies
The
funeral of John Henry Nienhaus was held Sunday afternoon from
the German Evangelical church of which he was one of the
founders fifty-four years ago (1852). There was a large
attendance at the funeral services, and among those present were
two others of the charter members of the church: Andrew
Rosenberg and George H. Weigler, both of them old time friends
of Mr. Nienhaus. The services were conducted by Rev. Theodore
Oberhellman. The casket was borne by six grandsons of Mr.
Nienhaus, William H. and Emil Joesting, O. J. Gossrau, Edward
Kolkmeier, Albert and Leo Ernst. Burial was in City Cemetery.
There were many beautiful floral offerings from relatives and
friends.
NIESLER, ROSA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1904
Mrs. Rosa Niesler died this afternoon at the home of her
son-in-law, H. Fischer, on East Fifth street, after a week's
illness caused by old age disabilities. Mrs. Niesler would have
been 83 years of age February 9, and has lived in Alton about 17
years. She lived in the vicinity of Brighton 35 or 40 years, and
will be buried there beside her husband who died in 1886. She
leaves two daughters, Mrs. Henry Fischer of Alton and Mrs.
August Schneider of Brighton. Funeral arrangements are not
complete. [Burial was in City Cemetery]
NIETERS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1921
George Nieters, for many years a caretaker at the Cathedral
Orphanage on Prospect street, died at the institution Saturday
night. He was about 76 years of age. Few members of the
Cathedral congregation knew that the aged man's condition was
serious and his death came as a great surprise. He was a brother
of the late Mrs. Henry Timmermeier, and was a long time resident
of Alton. His funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock
from Ss. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
NILARD, STEF/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22,
1908
Austrian Beaten in Benbow City Dies
Stef Nilard, an
Austrian, died at St. Joseph's hospital Wednesday morning from
the effects of injuries he sustained last September in a fight
at Benbow City. He was almost brained by a blow from a cleaver
in the hands of a man who was conducting a boarding house at
Benbow City. It was said at the time the man was hurt that there
was a dispute in the boarding house in which Nilard attempted to
beat up the wife of the keeper of the place, and a general melee
followed. In attempting to defend his wife from the attack of
the drunken Nilard, the keeper of the boarding house seized a
cleaver and laid about himself manfully. He was badly hurt
himself at the time he struck the blow, but he succeeded in
disabling his assailants. The boarding housekeeper himself was
taken to the hospital and recovered, but his victim never got
well. His skull was fractured so that it was necessary for Dr.
Bowman to remove a large amount of bone and his brain tissue was
so torn that he continued to be seriously hurt. A cerebral
hemorrhage was said to be the cause of Nilard's death. The men
who were in the fight were long since let go, and it is not
known whether or not they are still at Benbow City. The death of
Nilard may be investigated by the coroner.
NISBETT, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3,
1920
Mrs. Jane Nisbett, widow of John P. Nisbett, died
Thursday evening at her home on Court street in Alton. Her death
followed prostration due to her great age, which made her
bedfast a week ago. Mrs. Nisbett was in her ninety-seventh year.
She had been a resident of Alton over 71 years, and had lived
most of that time in the house where she closed her life. The
passing of Mrs. Nisbett removes from Alton one of its oldest
residents. She was one of the most remarkable women in the city.
Gifted with a strength of character that was unusual, she
overcame a malady that for many years had afflicted her and
partially disabled her, and the last quarter century of her life
was enjoyed by her in perfect health. Her sight, her hearing and
her mentality all were preserved to the very end. She could keep
up with current events, converse intelligently on all subjects,
and had a wonderful memory for faces of her old friends, whom
she never forgot. She was a woman of gracious hospitality and
she had a large circle of friends who have been deeply
interested in the welfare of the aged lady, who had demonstrated
she possessed such an inexhaustible fund of vitality as to make
her strong and active even when she was nearing the century
mark. Mrs. Nisbett was born in Crumpa, County Derry, Ireland.
She came here in 1849 and had resided in Alton ever since. Her
husband was John P. Nisbett, who conducted a grocery store at
Broadway and Market streets for many years. He died 36 years
ago. Mrs. Nisbett had been an invalid for years, and she
surprised everyone by insisting that she was well and she was
well. She began to get about more freely than before, and the
most wonderful part of it was that her health continued good up
to the very close of her life. Death was not due to any
sickness, but merely to a wearing out of the strong machine that
had served so well for so many years. The closing hours of her
life were peaceful, and the end was just what she could have
wished for. She was given constant attention by her daughter,
Miss Anna Nisbett, and yesterday her son, Thomas P. Nisbett,
arrived from Chicago summoned by word that the mother had shown
weakness that presaged an end. She was the aunt of Mrs. S. J.
Duncan of Alton, and leaves other nieces, Mrs. Mattie Cousley
and Mrs. Ellen Cousley of Sedalia, Mo. The funeral will be held
Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home, and interment
will be in the City cemetery. In addition to her children Mrs.
Nisbett is survived by four grandchildren and six
great-grandchildren.
NISBETT, JOHN P./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 14, 1885
At
a few minutes past ten o’clock last evening, Mr. John P.
Nisbett, one of our oldest and most valued citizens, passed
away. For about eight years, Mr. Nisbett has been in feeble
health, not always confined to his house and only recently to
his bed. Of a large and vigorous frame, it seemed sometimes as
if nature would baffle the fell destroyer and restore him to his
usual activities and pursuits, but the fond hopes of relatives
and friends have been sadly disappointed, and that kindly face
is now veiled with the shadow of death. During his long and
sometimes very painful illness, he was a most uncomplaining
sufferer, having a pleasant and hopeful word for all.
Mr.
Nisbett was born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1834, having
passed his fiftieth birthday last October. He came to Alton with
his mother in 1848, and has resided here ever since that date,
engaged in mercantile puruits the most of the time. He was an
engineer on the Chicago & Alton Railroad at the time of its
construction, afterwards a salesman in the wholesale iron house
of Topping Brothers, and for the past ten years a member of the
firm of T. P. Nisbett & Co., grocers. Mr. Nisbett has been a
Mason for many years, and a member of the Legion of Honor for
the past two years. For more than 30 years, he was a prominent
member and earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church, and an
officer in the church for the past ten years. He was always
faithful to every duty, and never absented himself from any
service when health permitted. The suffering and afflicted were
always sure to find a willing and able helper in him, and at all
times he was ready to follow the impulses of a kind heart. A
good citizen, a devoted husband, a kind father, a sympathetic
neighbor, and an exemplary Christian has passed to his reward.
The sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances will
be freely tendered the bereaved widow and children in this hour
of sadness.
Besides other relatives, he leaves a widow,
three children: Mr. Thomas P. and Miss Annie Nisbett of Alton;
and Mrs. Alex Smith of Palmyra, Illinois, all of adult years, to
mourn his loss. His funeral will take place from his late
residence on Court Street this afternoon.
Source: Alton
Telegraph, May 21, 1885
The funeral of Mr. John P. Nisbett
took place Thursday afternoon from the family residence. There
was a very large attendance of relatives, friends, and
acquaintances, many of the older citizens being present to
attest their regard for the deceased. A long line of carriages
then took up their way to the cemetery, where the body was laid
to rest beneath the growing flowers, shrubs, and plants,
emblematic of that life in the faith of which Mr. Nisbett was
enabled to rejoice amid the long and severe suffering he was
called upon to endure.
NISBETT, SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30,
1914
The body of Mrs. Sadie Nisbitt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
J. M. Gleason of 514 William street, will arrive this afternoon
at 4:30 and the funeral will be held from the family home, 2:30
p.m. Tuesday.
NISINGER, ELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1904
Mrs. Ella Nisinger, wife of Charles Nisinger, died at St.
Joseph's hospital today after a long illness. She was a sufferer
from an incurable disease in one of her legs and was taken to
the hospital a few weeks ago to undergo an operation for the
amputation of the leg, but the operation was not performed. She
leaves her husband and a large family of children.
NIX, SAMUEL/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 18,
1926
Samuel Nix, aged resident of the city, passed away last
night at his home at 316 N. Buchanan Street, following an
illness of a week. He was born on a farm near Sunset Hill on
July 9, 1856, and at the time of his death was 70 years, 5
months, and 8 days. With exception of several years spent in
Arkansas, he resided all his life in this vicinity.
When
a young man, he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Nix,
and to this union four children were born, three of whom
survive. They are Will Nix of Council Grove, Kansas; Bert Nix,
who resides at home; and Mrs. W. B. Fischer of Edwardsville. Two
half-brothers, Charles Nix of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Will Nix
of Spokane, Washington, also survive.
Mr. Nix was a kind
and loving husband and father. He was a member of the Modern
Woodmen Lodge, the Court of Honor, and the Knights of Pythias
Order. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
NOTES:
Samuel Nix was born July 9, 1856, in Edwardsville, to William H.
(1822-1876) and Virginia Sappington (1827-1859) Nix. His father,
William H. Nix, was born in Madison County on January 14, 1822.
Samuel’s grandfather, David Nix, was born on November 8, 1794,
and was a member of Whiteside’s Company of Volunteers during the
War of 1812.
NIXON, SADIE (nee HARRIS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 14, 1918
The death of Mrs. Sadie Nixon, wife of R. D.
Nixon, the plumber, occurred Tuesday afternoon at her home at
Highland avenue after an illness of several months' duration.
Mrs. Nixon was 55 years of age. Before her marriage Mrs. Nixon
was Miss Sadie Harris, sister of Miss Emma Harris and Mrs. Finis
Logan. She leaves her husband and three children, two daughters,
Gladys and Emily, and one son, Elmer. Mrs. Nixon was a life long
resident of Alton, and was much beloved by all who knew her. Her
passing will be greatly regretted by the large number of
friends. No funeral arrangements were made late this afternoon.
NIXON, UNKNOWN WOMAN AND CHILD/Source: Alton Telegraph, July
27, 1849
Died in Alton from cholera – Mrs. Nixon and child.
NOE, GRANT and WIFE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
10, 1915
Booze-Crazed Man Kills Wife and Self
Thirteen
children were orphaned this afternoon at East Alton, when Grant
Noe, booze crazed, first murdered his wife and then killed
himself. The couple had lived unhappily for a long time, owing
to the husband's propensity for strong drink. The wife and her
children were living at Blinn, an addition to East Alton, and
the husband had been staying at the Park Hotel. Drink was the
weakness of Noe. His wife could not get along with him, and some
time ago she had him arrested on a charge of disturbing her
peace. The trouble was settled by Noe agreeing to leave his wife
and to stay away from her on consideration that she would pay
him a stipulated sum of money. The wife kept her part of the
bargain, but Noe, it seems, was not satisfied. He has been
making trouble off and on. The unhappy relations between the
couple culminated Saturday afternoon about 2 o'clock when Noe
went to call on his wife, drunk as usual. He carried a revolver
in his pocket, and deadly hate in his heart. He was prepared to
kill her, and it seems that he gave her very little warning.
Mrs. Al Harrison, next door, was talking by phone to a neighbor,
when she heard the shots and screams. Running out she found Mrs.
Noe dying, and close beside her was her husband, also near
death. Mrs. Noe lasted but a few minutes. Mrs. Noe, it is said,
was a very plucky woman, and when she saw that it would be
impossible for her to continue living with her husband, she
forced him to separate from her. He continued boozing and losing
his jobs, going from bad to worse, until he got to the stage of
where he seemed possessed of a mania to murder his wife. Mrs.
Noe had heard that her husband had said he would kill her, but
she paid little attention to these threats. He was seen to enter
their home after noon, and about five minutes later there were
the sounds of the shots. It is evident the wife did not fear
him, or she would never have been in the same room with him. The
killing was done in the house where Mrs. Noe was keeping
boarders and making a home for her seven children. The shooting
was in her bedroom, and the shots were heard by some of her
daughters, who called for help when they discovered what had
occurred. Mrs. Noe was shot in the back of the head, and whether
her husband shot her before she knew what he was trying to do,
or whether she had warning is not positively known. Noe shot
himself behind the ear. He did a good job of it in his attempted
suicide. Neighbors said that Noe had six children, all sons:
William, Orville, Leonard, Ralph, Clarence, and Verne. Mrs. Noe
had seven children: Thelma, Della, Edna, Geneva, Irene, Howard
and Frank. Mrs. Noe's children range in age from 24 years down
to 9, while Noe's children range in age from 9 up. Noe was 50
years of age and Mrs. Noe was 45.
NOLAN, UNKNOWN WIFE OF RANDOLPH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 9, 1908
Mrs. Randolph Nolan, wife of one of
the pioneer settlers of the vicinity of Belletrees, and herself
a native and life-long resident of the place, died Wednesday
night at her home from brain paralysis. She was stricken on the
morning of March 26 as she was seated at the breakfast table,
and was in an unconscious condition from that time until death
came Wednesday night. She had been an invalid for years, and the
development of paralysis was only the natural progress of long
seated disease. She leaves her husband and six children, one
daughter, Mrs. August Eckhardt of Alton, and five sons, R. Z.
Nolan, the east Second street jeweler, and Anton, Joseph, Frank
and John Nolan of Belletrees. The funeral will be held Friday
morning from St. Michael's church, Belletrees, where services
will be conducted by Rev. Fr. Hochmuller of St. Mary's church,
Alton.
NOLAND, WESLEY/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 23, 1846
Died
at his residence in Madison County, on Saturday, the 16th
instant, after a very short illness, Mr. Wesley Noland, aged
about 80(?) years. At a called meeting of Piasa Lodge No. 97, of
Free and Accepted Masons, the following resolutions were offered
and unanimously adopted: Resolved, That we have this day with
regret heard of the death of our worthy brother, Wesley Noland,
and we cannot avoid feeling that thereby we have lost a good
citizen and a truly honest man. Resolved, That we will attend
his funeral in a body, and wear the usual badge of mourning
thirty days. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent
to the family of our late brother, and also that they be
published in the city papers. Signed N. G. Edwards, Secretary.
NOLAND, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 22, 1845
Died, in this city [Alton], on Sunday last, after a short but
severe illness, Mr. William Noland, aged about 25
NOLL, BERNARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 24, 1874
On
Sunday night last, a German living in the Third Ward named
Bernard Noll, died at his home without medical attendance. The
faces are as follows: A week previous to his death
Noll was brought home in an intoxicated condition, and instead
of recovering from the effects of the liquor became ill, and for
several days, refused to partake of any nourishment except a
little beef tea which his wife prepared. He was also troubled,
at intervals, with palpitation of the heart. His wife nursed him
carefully, but he would not allow her to send for a doctor. She
was not alarmed, however, about his condition until Sunday
evening, when he became suddenly worse, and Mrs. Noll hastily
summoned her neighbors to her assistance, but the man died
before a doctor reached the house. As Mr. Noll had died without
medical attendance, Coroner Griepenburg held an inquest, and
made a post mortem examination of the remains. The stomach was
found entirely empty, but in a perfectly natural condition. The
heart was found badly congested, and the liver slightly
affected. The condition of the heart alone was such as to fully
account for his death. Mr. Noll was 48 years of age, and leaves
three young children.
NOLL, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29,
1921
Widow of Founder of Noll's Bakery Dies
Mrs.
Elizabeth Noll, widow of George Noll, died this morning at 8:20
o'clock at the family home, 714 East Fifth Street, following an
illness of one year. For several weeks Mrs. Noll's condition has
been serious and for the past few days her death has been
expected. Mrs. Noll was born in Brighton, and was 48 years of
age. She is survived by four children, one grandchild, three
sisters, and two brothers. The children are: Mrs. Earl Monaghan,
Miss Elizabeth Noll, George and Clement Noll, all of this city.
The sisters are Mrs. Anton Kern of St. Louis, Mrs. George Goeken
of Alton, Mrs. Dennis Gross of Alton; and Joseph Mohrmann of
Alton and George Mohrmann of Brighton are brothers. Mrs. Noll
was the widow of the founder of the Noll Baking Company. At the
date of her husband's death, twenty years ago, Mrs. Noll took
charge of the bakery, and for eight years conducted the
business. Twelve years ago she decided to retire and sold the
business to the Goeken Brothers, who operate the bakery at the
present time. Under her management the well established business
prospered. Mrs. Noll was a very capable and efficient business
woman. She was a very well known woman both in the business and
social world. She was a devoted mother, as well as a kind friend
and her death has been the cause of profound sorrow among her
many friends. She was a very patient sufferer and did not
complain during her long illness. The funeral will be held
Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock at St. Mary's church, and burial
will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
NOLL,
GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1901
Founder of Noll’s Bakery in Alton
Mrs. George Noll
telegraphed Alton relatives that her husband died this morning
at Liberty, New York Sanitarium at 10:30 o'clock. The body will
arrive Sunday about noon. Funeral arrangements are not yet made.
Will Neerman left for Liberty to assist Mrs. Noll. Mr. Noll was
one of Alton's most prominent and successful businessmen. From
very small beginning, he had increased his trade until he
conducted probably the largest and most successful bakery in
Southern Illinois, with several retail establishments.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 12, 1901
The funeral
of George Noll will take place Monday, January 14, at 9:30 a.m.
from St. Mary's church. Mr. Noll was born in St. Ingbert,
Bavaria, on December 20, 1863. He has no relatives but his
immediate family in this country. He died at Liberty, N. Y.,
Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m. of Bright's disease. His wife and three
children survive him. His business in Alton was some time ago
organized under the State law as a corporation, and will be
continued as much by the widow, as the stock was nearly all
owned by Mr. Noll and his family.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 14, 1901
The remains of George Noll
arrived from Liberty, N. Y. at noon yesterday and were taken to
the home. The funeral took place this morning from St. Mary's
church, where a requiem high mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Merkles. The German Benevolent Society and the Alton
Maennerchor, of which deceased was a member, attended in a body,
headed by the Juvenile band. The Alton Maennerchor sang at the
grave. The pallbearers were L. Pfeiffenberger, G. A. Joesting,
A. Neermann, John Gruse, J. Strubel and William Hoff. Interment
was in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
NOTES:
George Noll was
born in St. Ingbert, Bavaria on December 20, 1863. He had no
other family in America except for his wife, Elizabeth Mohrmann
Noll, and four children (Elizabeth Noll, George Noll, Clement
Noll, and Cathryn E. “Katie” Noll Monaghan). Noll opened his
bakery in Alton in 1896, at the southeast corner of Third and
Langdon Streets. The bakery, which specialized in bread and ice
cream, had retail stores at 508 East Broadway and 205 West Third
Street.
After Noll's death, his wife was elected
president of the company, as she owned nearly all the stock of
the company. She retired from ownership of the business in July
1913, and three brothers - George, Victor, and Joseph (who
joined the company in 1913) Goeken purchased the business.
George Goeken (brother-in-law to Mrs. George Noll and manager of
the bakery) and Victor had been active in the business for about
ten years. Victor had been working in the bakery since the age
of 16, and worked his way up to the position of treasurer. He
died of illness at the age of 27, in December 1914. The Goekens
continued the business under the Noll name. The Noll Bakery
Company purchased the Alton Bakery & Catering Co. (ABC Bakery)
on Front Street (now Landmarks Blvd.), and continued at this
location until 1960, when it sold out to Colonial Bakery.
Currently, the Old Bakery Beer Company is located in the former
bakery.
George Noll died from Bright’s disease, January
11, 1901, in a sanitarium in Liberty, New York. His remains
arrived in Alton from New York on January 13, 1901, and were
taken to his home. The funeral was held from St. Mary’s Church
in Alton, where a requiem high mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr.
Merkles. The German Benevolent Society and the Alton
Maennerchor, of which deceased was a member, attended in a body,
headed by the Juvenile band. The Alton Maennerchor sang at the
grave. The pallbearers were L. Pfeiffenberger, G. A. Joesting,
A. Neermann, John Gruse, J. Strubel and William Hoff. Interment
was in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Alton.
NOLTE, FRANCES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1920
The death of Mrs. Frances Nolte occurred this morning at 8:30 at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. David Fitzgerald, 1108 Pearl
street. She was 71 years old. Mrs. Nolte was born in Germany.
She had lived in Alton for forty years. She is survived by six
children, five daughters: Mrs. David Fitzgerald, Sister Julian
of St. Mary's Infirmary of St. Louis, Mrs. Lawrence Hellrung,
Mrs. Albert Brune, Mrs. Fred Helbig, the last two from St. Louis
and one son, Joseph. Mrs. Nolte is also survived by 13
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be
held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's Church.
Interment will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. It is requested the
friends omit flowers.
NOONAN, DENNIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1912
Alton Alderman and Businessman Dies
Dennis Noonan, former
alderman, died Saturday morning at his residence, 1331 Russell
street, after a long illness. The death of Mr. Noonan had been
expected a few days. He had been an invalid for many months, and
had been downtown seldom for a year. His malady began about
eight years ago when he had a fall at his home and suffered an
injury to his head from which he never fully recovered. The
effects of the fall on Mr. Noonan were apparent to all who knew
him well. Up to that time he had been a very active man, full of
energy, wit, and a man with great business ability. Afterward he
seemed not to be sure of himself and there was marked falling
off in his activity. Mr. Noonan broke all records in Alton for
length of public service. He was a member of the city council
for thirty-two years. He began his aldermanic career when James
T. Drummond was mayor of the city, and he continued in office
until a few years ago, when failing health forced his
retirement. He was out of the council a period of two years
because of a defeat that resulted from his absence from the
city, attending a dead child in the East. He remained out two
years, then went back to prolong his career in the city council.
In the city council Mr. Noonan became a well known character who
was looked to for enlivening wit and humor, and whose energy and
ability in debate carried more than one point the way he wanted
it to go. He was a hard opponent, both as a candidate and as a
debater in the council. For many years he held the chairmanships
of levee and railroads in the council, and he also served as
chairman of the lights committee. Many are the stories that are
told of the swift, sure and biting repartee in which Mr. Noonan
indulged, and it was a rash beginner in the council who would
lock horns with the second ward alderman and expect to come out
with a skin not punctured by shafts of sarcasm. The stories of
Mr. Noonan's ability as a debater will go down in the local
history of Alton. He was an able supporter of a friend, and was
always loyal. During the term of Mayor Beall, Mr. Noonan was
appointed by the council to serve as mayor pro tem, which he
continued to do up to the end of his term of office. He was at
one time a candidate for mayor, but was defeated. In a business
way Mr. Noonan was a complete success. He came to Alton about
fifty-eight years ago a poor boy. He worked hard and raised the
money with which he brought over from Ireland the other members
of his family. He was tireless in his work, a salesman far above
the average. Many years ago he endeared himself to the poor of
Alton by refusing to raise the price of coal when coal prices
were soaring. He declared that 10 cents a bushel was enough for
anyone to pay for coal, and although he had to pay more, in some
cases, he continued to sell fuel at the old price during the
time of scarcity. Promptness in filling orders was one of his
mottos, and square dealing was another. Mr. Noonan's death was
due to kidney trouble. He was taken sick last August. He was
born in Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland, and was 73 years of
age. He came to Alton when a boy of 15 years and lived here ever
since. He was married in Alton in 1867, and he is survived by
his wife and seven children, Mrs. George Pfeiffer, Miss Nonie
Noonan, Messrs. James, John, David, Dennis and Edward Noonan. He
leaves also a brother, David Noonan of Morrisonville, and two
sisters, Mrs. Joseph Dower of St. Louis and Mrs. James Lewis of
Alton. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral
NOONAN, EDMOND (JUSTICE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 12, 1901
The death of Justice Edmond Noonan occurred
yesterday afternoon at 3:45 o'clock after a long illness. A few
weeks ago his condition became so bad that he was obliged to
remain at home, and all the reports received from his bedside
indicated that he would not recover. He had long been a sufferer
from chronic complaints, and the ultimate cause of his death was
stomach trouble. He was born in Ireland 52 years ago, and came
to Alton 38 years ago. He was one of the best known residents of
the city, having been in public office most of the time. He was
clerk of the City Court of Alton several terms and was a justice
of the peace many years. Several years ago his wife died leaving
him two daughters to care for. The daughters are now living at
the home of Mr. Noonan's sister, Mrs. Lewis, at Ninth and Alby
street, where Mr. Noonan had been making his home. The funeral
will take place Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock, and services
will be in the Cathedral.
NOONAN, JAMES/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 25,
1882
Another sad case of drowning has brought a young life to
a sudden close and mourning into a happy household. Last
evening, between 5 and 6 o’clock, James Noonan, a boy eight
years old, son of Mr. John Noonan, went bathing with two
companions in a pond at the corner of Main and Spring Streets.
The water was deeper than the boys calculated, and young Noonan
was quickly beyond his depth, and struggling for life. His
companions, seeing his danger, gave the alarm, but before
assistance arrived the unfortunate boy had sunk for the last
time. In a few minutes, half a dozen men were in the water
searching for the body, which was soon recovered by Mr. Thomas
Larkin, but life was extinct. Deceased was a promising young
boy, a pupil at the convent school. His sudden death will prove
a great affliction to his parents and friends. The funeral took
place this afternoon from the family residence on State Street.
NOONAN, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1885
Suicide
by Drowning
Yesterday a man, name unknown, was seen to wade
deliberately into the river just opposite the Eagle Packet
office. He walked into the stream until the water was breast
high, then looked around and plunged under the surface. He soon
came up, glanced around again, made a second plunge and appeared
again. He went down the third time, his hands extended above the
water. A lady on the ferry boat saw the transaction, and as the
unfortunate man made the plunge, screamed and gave an alarm, but
it was too late to do anything towards rescuing the suicide, the
distance being too great for any of the spectators of the
tragedy to interfere. The man wore no coast, and was clothed in
a dark shirt, but no definite description of him has been
procured, and his identity remains a mystery.
The body of
the drowned man was found by dragging last night near the ferry
dock, and proved to be that of John Noonan, a teamster, cousin
to Dennis and John Noonan, the coal dealers. He was a native of
Ireland, about 37 years of age, and for many years a resident of
Alton. He left a wife and five children.
NORAH, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
15, 1904
Catherine, the 3 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
George Norah, died this noon after a brief illness from scarlet
fever. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock
from the Cathedral.
NORDEIN, FRED. W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15,
1918
Brakeman Dies After Being Crushed by Cars at Godfrey
Fred W. Nordein of Bloomington, Ill., a brakeman on the C. & A.
railroad, died at St. Joseph's Hospital this morning at 8:30
o'clock from injuries received at Godfrey an hour earlier, when
he was knocked beneath the wheels of a car while switching in
the Godfrey yards. Both legs were horribly mutilated. Nordein
was a member of one of the local train crews. When the accident
happened he was adjusting the coupling of a car which was to
have been picked up by his train. Unnoticed by him, another
switch engine at the opposite end of the string of cars jammed
the cars, knocking him down. The wheels of the car passed over
his lower limbs at the thighs, almost severing them. His body
was otherwise mangled. Efforts were made to save the life of the
desperately injured man by rushing him to Alton. A special train
consisting of an engine and caboose was made up at Godfrey, and
he was placed aboard. A fast run was made to this city, the
train reaching here at 8:15 o'clock. The city ambulance hurried
the wounded brakeman to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he died a
few minutes after being placed on the operating table and before
amputation of the limbs was attempted. It is thought that death
was due to the shock of the accident and loss of blood. Nordein
did not regain consciousness after the accident. The dead
brakeman had been in train service on the C. & A. for a number
of years, and he was well known among railroad employees in
Alton. He was a rear brakeman on the local freight and was known
as a "list" man, being next in line for promotion to the
position of conductor. He was 26 years old and unmarried. The
body was turned over to Undertaker William Bauer. Arrangements
for its shipment to Bloomington have not been completed.
NORMAN, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 4,
1902
Ernest Norman, son of Mr. W. C. Norman, died Saturday
morning at 9:30 o'clock at the family home on Grove street after
a long illness. He was 25 years of age and had lived in Alton
all his life. His health had been bad for a number of years, and
in search of better health he traveled through the West, but was
benefited little. The last few months he had been declining
steadily, and the last week he was confined to his home. He was
a young man of many good parts, and he had many friends who
deplore his untimely end.
NORMAN, WILLIAM C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
29, 1921
Aged Merchant Dies From Old Age at Home
William
C. Norman, aged business man, died at his home, 1607 Liberty
street, at 8 o'clock Saturday morning, after an illness of three
weeks. His death was due to his great age. He was in his 84th
year. Mr. Norman was a remarkably active man, notwithstanding
his age. Up to the time he was forced by general breakdown to
give up his work, he was daily in his place of business on East
Broadway. About a month ago Mr. Norman said that he was always
the first one in the store in the morning and had not given up
starting the fire. He said that he liked to be busy and that he
felt well and there was no good reason why he should not
continue active. He did his own buying of goods and was known as
a good business man. He was born in Langford, Somersetshire,
England, April 3, 1837. He was married at Millport Island,
Scotland in 1865, and came to America the same year. He came to
Alton in 1878 and started in business in a small way and
remained up to the time of his death. His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
Norman, died May 1, 1920. He leaves one son, Charles, and nine
grandchildren. He lived a plain quiet life, was a lover of good
literature and flowers. He was a well read man and an
entertaining conversationalist. The funeral will be from the
home Monday afternoon at two o'clock, the Rev. F. D. Butler
officiating. Interment in City cemetery.
NORTON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1886
Yesterday, Charlie Norton, a stepson of James Davis, who lives
near the I. & St. Louis freight depot, was accidentally drowned
while bathing in the river near the foot of Henry Street. It
seems that the little fellow, who is only eight years old, was
wading in shallow water on the sandbar, when he stepped off a
reef into deep water, and being unable to swim was drowned. The
only one near him was his brother, a boy about ten years of age,
and who was unable to render help. The body was soon after
recovered. The relatives will have the sympathy of all in their
sad bereavement.
NORTH, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 9,
1909
George North, aged 70, a negro, was found dead near the
Big Four track today half way between Washington street and the
interurban car barn east of Alton. A hole in the back of his
head indicated he had been struck by a train, but the wound was
not of a fatal character, so it is supposed he was knocked
unconscious and that he died afterward from cold. He had lived
in Upper Alton. Relatives said he had been in bad health and it
was said that he had been drinking. Wednesday afternoon at 2
o'clock he took his wagon and old white horse to go for some
coal. That was the last seen of him at home. He had some coal in
his wagon when it was found in the east end last night, and the
horse and wagon were taken to the police headquarters. The horse
was still patiently waiting for the master, who was probably
lying dead at that time beside the railroad track. Coroner
Streeper was notified by Thomas Green this morning to take
charge of the body, and he did so. North leaves a family of nine
children, all grown.
NORTH, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1918
John H. North, aged 47, died April 20 at his home at Wood
Station after a long illness. North was the father of six
children, his wife having died some time ago. Funeral
arrangements are incomplete.
NORTH, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 18, 1903
Mrs. Mary North, wife of Saul North, residing near Upper
Alton, died Sunday evening after a long illness. Besides her
husband, she leaves six children, the oldest being 15 years of
age. Mrs. North was 43 years old. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock. [Burial was in Mt. Olive
Cemetery]
NORTHWAY, RUFUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 13, 1871
Brother-In-Law of John Mason; Newspaper Publisher in Utica, New
York
Died at Godfrey, September 30, at the residence of his
brother-in-law, Mr. John Mason, Mr. Rufus Northway, in the 68th
year of his age.
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1,
1871
From the Utica New York Herald
The Alton Telegraph
announces the death of this gentleman at Godfrey, on September
30, at the age of 67 years, 10 months, and 12 days. The
intelligence will interest a large number of the residents of
this county, to whom the deceased was long and favorably known
from his connection with the press in this city [Utica].
Mr. Northway’s family resided in the town of New Hartford. He
learned the art of printing in the office of Ira Merrell, one of
the earliest printers in Utica. When, in 1824, the Utica
Sentinel and the Columbian Gazette were combined in the Sentinel
and Gazette, Mr. Northway, then about twenty-one years of age,
became its printer, and a few years later, its proprietor. In
the year 1834, upon the organization of the Whig party out of
the National Republican and anti-Masonic elements, the Oneida
Whig was established by the combination of the Sentinel and
Gazette with the Elucidator. The Whig continued to be published
as a weekly paper by Mr. Northway and his associates until the
Fall of 1853. In the Spring of 1842, he commenced the
publication of the Utica Daily Gazette, the first permanent
daily paper printed in Utica. In 1853, the failure of his health
caused him to abandon the printing business. The Gazette became
the organ of the hunker branch of the Democratic Party, and then
that of the Know-Nothings, till in 1858 it experienced the fate
of its predecessors and contemporaries, and was in its turn
swallowed up by the Utica Morning Herald.
Although not a
professional editor, Mr. Northway was necessarily obliged
frequently to perform the editorial duties, and he manifested in
that department intelligence and ability. By the readers and
patrons of his paper, and by his political associates and fellow
townsmen, he was esteemed for his urbanity and personal worth in
no common degree. To the numerous members of the craft, here and
elsewhere, who had their training or were employed in his
office, his memory will ever be respected.
Having filled
the office of justice of the peace for a short time, Mr.
Northway removed to Chicago, where he passed most of the
remainder of his life. He may be truly said to have been a good
citizen, an upright man, an esteemed and an exemplary Christian,
and his death will be sincerely mourned by all who knew him.
From the Utica, New York Daily Observer:
Twenty years
ago, there was no name more familiar to the eyes of the
newspaper readers of this county than that of Rufus Northway.
For a period of nearly thirty years, it had been continuously
conspicuous as that of the chief publisher and proprietor of the
organ of the Whig Party and its antecedents. And that name
always represented, to those who knew him personally, a man of
high integrity, intelligence, and worth. It is with no ordinary
regret that the press of this county will chronicle the death of
one so long associated with it, and so much respected and
esteemed by all who knew him.
Mr. Northway died at
Godfrey, in the southern part of Illinois, at the residence of
his brother-in-law, Mr. John Mason, on September 30, in the 67th
year of his age. Since his removal from Utica in 1858, he had
lived principally at Chicago. His first connection with the
press was in the publication of the Sentinel and Gazette,
established in 1824 by Messrs. Dakin & Bacon, by the purchase of
the Utica Sentinel and the Columbian Gazette. He subsequently
became the proprietor of that paper, and continued his interest
in it and its successor, the Oneida Whig, until the Fall of
1853, when failure of health obliged him to relinquish the
printing business. In 1842, he commenced the publication of the
Utica Daily Gazette, the first daily paper printed in Utica,
with the exception of the Morning News, which was started the
year previous, and ceased soon after the Daily Gazette was
established. No one was ever connected with the newspaper press
in this county for so many years, and probably few in the
country. He was fully equal to the growing requirements of the
newspaper, and displayed the enterprise, industry, and judgment
needed for its successful progress. During his era as a
publisher, the construction of the telegraph wrought a
revolution in the position of the local press. And it should be
stated here that the first association of the press for the
collection and transmission of news by means of the telegraph
was organized in the Utica Daily Gazette office in 1846, as was
also the system of sending newspapers outside of and in advance
of the stage and railroad.
The number of young men who
were trained as printers under Mr. Northway, and who are now
conducting their own papers in all parts of the country, it
would be interesting to know. By none will is memory be more
cherished than those closely associated with him. The editorship
of his paper was generally in the charge of others, but his own
articles evinced ability as a thinker and writer. As a citizen,
he was universally esteemed for his probity. He was a member and
officer of the Reformed Dutch Church, almost if not quite from
its organization here, and his life and conduct were in
conformity with his Christian profession.
NOTES:
Rufus
Northway was born about 1804 in New Hartford, New York. He had a
sister, Cynthia. Rufus learned the printing business in nearby
Utica, New York. By the age of 21, he was the printer for the
Sentinel and Gazette, and a few years later, was its proprietor.
In 1834, when the Whig Party was established, the Oneida Whig
newspaper was established, which Northway and his associates
published until the Fall of 1853. In the Spring of 1842, he
founded the Utica Daily Gazette, the first permanent daily paper
in Utica, New York. When his health failed in 1853, he quit the
printing business.
Rufus Northway married Elizabeth S.
_______. Their daughter died in Utica, New York at age 2 years
and 1 month. Eventually Rufus, Elizabeth, and their daughter
Harriett, moved to Godfrey, Madison County, Illinois. Harriet
married Martin Lyon, and they are both buried in the Godfrey
Cemetery. Rufus and Elizabeth lived with his sister, Cynthia,
who had married John Barney Mason Jr. of Godfrey. John Mason Jr.
died in 1875, and his wife, Cynthia, died in 1886. Both are
buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.
Rufus Northway died on
September 30, 1871, and is buried with his wife, Elizabeth, in
Godfrey Cemetery.
NORTON, AUGUSTA/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 25, 1845
Died in Alton, on Sabbath morning, the 19th inst., Augusta,
oldest daughter of Rev. Augustus Theodore Norton, aged 7 years.
NORTON,
AUGUSTUS THEODORE (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
April 29, 1884
Rev. Augustus Theodore Norton, D. D., died at
his residence in Alton this morning, at 8:30 o’clock, after a
lingering illness; aged 76 years and one month. The following
sketch of his life is from the History of the Presbyterian
Church in Illinois:
“Augustus Theodore Norton was born in
Cornwall, Litchfield County, Connecticut, March 28, 1808. The
names of his parents were Theodore Norton and Mary (Judd) Norton
– the former born in Goshen, Connecticut, February 17, 1775; the
latter in Litchfield, Connecticut, September 21, 1775. They were
married January 22, 1797. The original ancestor of the family in
this country was Thomas Norton of Guilford, Connecticut, who
immigrated to that colony from England in 1639, and was one of
the first twenty-five planters in that place. He had six
children – two of whom were sons – Thomas and John. His
descendants are numerous and are settled all over the country.
The subject of this sketch, when only three months old, was
deprived of his father. His mother married again six years
after, and he was brought up with his maternal grandmother, his
mother and step-father, until the age of ten. His early life was
full of sorrow, hardships, and poverty. When a child, he was
sickly and delicate, but outdoor exercise, farm labor, and
boyish games gave him at length a firm constitution, so that in
after life, he became remarkably for physical vigor and
strength. At the age of ten, he became an inmate in the family
of Deacon William Collins of Litchfield, Connecticut, where he
remained until the age of fourteen. In his fourteenth year, he
became a hopeful subject of renewing grace. He was baptized by
Rev. Lyman Beecher, then pastor of the Litchfield Church. From
fourteen to eighteen, he was part of the time with his
step-father, Joel Millard, in Cornwall, and part with Judge
Moses Lyman of Goshen, Connecticut, who took a deep interest in
his welfare, doing him more real service than all others
combined. At the age of seventeen, he taught a district school
for several months at Salisbury, Connecticut. In 1826, his
preparation for college commenced, and was completed in less
than two years. In the Fall of 1828, he entered the freshman
class of Yale College, and graduated with one of the highest
honors of the class, August 15, 1832.
Norton immediately
took charge of an academy in Catskill, New York, and at the same
time, read theology with Rev. Thomas M. Smith, paying particular
attention to the Hebrew language then and during his subsequent
life. He was licensed by the Presbytery of Columbia, September
17, 1834, at Stockport, near Hudson, New York, and at once
commenced his ministerial labors with the Presbyterian Church of
Windham, Green County, New York. April 1, 1835, he was ordained
by the same Presbytery. His settlement with the congregation was
rather the result of the strong persuasion of others than of his
own choice.
Norton’s cousin, Rev. Theron Baldwin, and
his old associate, Frederick Collins, who had been for several
years in Illinois, urged him to come to them. He accordingly
resigned his pastorate, and removed to Illinois, arriving at
Naples on the Illinois River, where Mr. Collins then resided,
October 25, 1835. Here, he remained for one year, preaching at
Naples and Meredosia. In October 1836, he removed to
Griggsville, Pike County, and labored there at Pittsfield and
Atlas, same county, till April 1838. At Pittsfield, he organized
a Presbyterian Church in January 1838, being the first of a
large number of churches which he afterwards gathered. He then
accepted an invitation to St. Louis, where under his labors the
Second Presbyterian Church was organized in the Fall of 1838,
and where he continued for one year.
In February 1839,
he was called to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church,
Alton, Illinois, and entered upon his labors there on the first
Sabbath in March. On the 9th of the next May, he was installed.
This position he retained for more than nineteen years, during
all of which period his relations with his own flock and with
all his evangelical fellow-laborers were of the most endearing
and harmonious character. The church flourished greatly under
his leadership, and became in its character and influence one of
the leading Presbyterian Churches in the State. In September
1859, he was appointed “District Secretary of Church Extension
and Home Missions” for the West.
For a few months after
this appointment, his family residence was in Chicago, but in
the Spring of 1861, he returned to his home in Alton, though
still retaining the same position. After the union of the New
and Old School Assemblies in 1870, his field was limited to the
Synod of Illinois South.
In May 1845, he originated and
for 23 years edited and published, the Presbytery Reporter, a
monthly magazine. In December 1868, he transferred the list of
subscribers to the Cincinnati Herald.
His religious views
were thoroughly evangelical and Calvinistic. Ecclesiastically,
he was a Presbyterian from conviction and preference. The degree
of D. D., or doctor of Sacred Theology, was conferred upon him
by Wabash College, Indiana, June 22, 1868. This honor he did not
seek. Indeed, no one of the important positions he occupied in
life came to him in any degree or in any sense by his own
contrivance, or with his own previous consent or knowledge.
Norton was a corporate member of the A. B. C. for Foreign
Missions, a member of the Board of Trustees of Monticello
Seminary [in Godfrey], and of Blackburn University. In early
life, his political views were those of the old Federalist
party, then of the Whig, then Republican, and always
anti-slavery. Though never active in politics, he ever held
decided views and expressed them fully. In the late Civil War,
he preached patriotic sermons on more than one hundred
occasions.
November 12, 1834, he married Eliza Rogers,
daughter of Deacon Noah Rogers of Cornwall, Connecticut, who
survives him. Of their five children, the eldest, Augusta A.,
died when seven years old. The surviving children are Eliza D.,
wife of Captain C. H. Phinney of Boston; W. T.; and Isabel R. of
Alton; and Edward R. of Cape Town, South Africa.”
NOTE:
Rev. Norton is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
NORTON, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6,
1907
Killed At Hop Hollow by Stone Crushing Head
Edward
Norton, aged 50, employed by the Blue Grass Crusher Co., at Hop
Hollow, was almost instantly killed Thursday afternoon by a
stone dropping on his head after the stone had been thrown high
in air by a dynamite blast. Norton had a presentiment of death
yesterday morning. He came from Chicago and took a job in the
quarry in the morning. Shortly afterward he injured his arm, and
he told the men working with him that it would be a bad day for
him to work. He put a card in his pocket with his name and
address and requesting that in case of accident his relatives in
Chicago be notified at 67 east 25th place. After his death, Mr.
H. D. Wise, who is in charge of the quarry, sent a telegram to
the Chicago relatives whose address was given. The workmen in
the quarry were breaking up rock by using dynamite. A chunk of
the explosive would be put on a rock, a plaster of mud would be
put over it, and the dynamite was exploded. After one of these
discharges a piece of stone weighing about 5 pounds was thrown
in the air and came down on top of Norton's head, crushing in
his skull. Dr. F. Worden of the north side was summoned, and he
says the man died just before he reached him. Coroner Streeper
was notified and he took charge of the body and will hold an
inquest tonight. H. A. Wise, manager of the quarry, said that
Norton was one of four new men he had just hired. He had
instructed the men to "get in the clear" when whistles were
blown and that all of the gang but the four did so. They stood
behind a box car, and when the blast was discharged a stone fell
directly from overhead, and of course the car was no protection.
NORTON, ELIZA (nee ROGERS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
29, 1907
Wife of Rev. Augustus Theodore Norton, D. D.
Mrs.
Eliza Rogers Norton, widow of Rev. Augustus Theodore Norton, D.
D., died Sunday just before noon at the home of her son, former
postmaster W. T. Norton, Tenth and George Streets. Her death was
due to old age. A coincidence is that had she lived until
Monday, she would have died on the twenty-third anniversary of
the death of her husband. Her death was unexpected when it came,
although her family knew she was in a greatly enfeebled
condition. Nearly seven weeks ago she took her bed and last
Wednesday she suffered an attack of heart failure. On Friday she
had another attack of heart trouble, and from that time she was
unconscious. She passed away without giving any further signs of
recognition.
Up to the time of her last illness,
however, her mind was clear and bright and she could still
converse with her old-time facility and interest on any subject.
Her mind was one that had been stored with much knowledge and
her heart was filled with a sympathy for all she knew. Mrs.
Norton was the widow of the second pastor of the First
Presbyterian Church, and she had lived in Alton since 1839. She
was the oldest member in age and in number of years of
membership in the First Presbyterian Church. She was born at
Cornwall, Connecticut, August 22, 1812. She was married there to
Augustus Theodore Norton, then a young minister, November 12,
1834, and shortly afterward came West with him, settling at
Naples. The young minister and his wife lived later at
Griggsville and Pittsfield, and went to St. Louis in 1838 where
they remained a year. Then they came to Alton and Rev. Mr.
Norton became pastor of the Alton church, holding the pastorate
eighteen years, which is the longest period any pastor has
served that church.
Mrs. Norton was always faithful in
the discharge of her duties as the wife of the pastor. Her sweet
sympathy and unflagging interest in those in her flock made her
loved by all. Even when advancing years made it necessary for
her to stay in her room, the little notes and tokens of
remembrance she would send out to her friends in affliction or
to those where great joy had come, are lingering memories of a
long sweet life. She never ceased her interest she began as the
pastor's wife nearly seventy years ago. Mrs. Norton came of a
distinguished family, known for their religious fervor for many
centuries. She was the daughter of Deacon Noah Rogers, who was a
member of the Connecticut legislature. Mrs. Norton is survived
by three children, Mrs. C. H. Phinney of Boston, who was with
her at the time of her death; W. T. Norton, at whose home she
died; and Edward Norton of Nashville, Tenn. She leaves also nine
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
NORTON, ISABEL R./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 12, 1884
Daughter of Augustus Theodore and Eliza (Rogers) Norton
A
large concourse of sympathizing friends gathered at the family
residence on Friday, to pay the last sad tribute of respect to
the memory of Miss Isabel R. Norton [September 4, 1847 – June 3,
1884], daughter of Augustus Theodore and Eliza (Rogers) Norton.
The grave was lined with white, decked with branches of
evergreen, the loving work of ministering friends. The last
resting place of the loved and lost was covered with evergreen,
crowned with flowers. At the head of the grave was a superb
Maltese cross of pure waxen white flowers, bordered with green,
then a floral pillow with the name “Belle” in purple
immortelles.
Isabel R. Norton entered into rest June 3,
1884. Rarely has a whole community been so stricken with sorrow
as has ours, with this sad announcement. Miss Norton was
emphatically, and in a peculiar sense, dear to many hearts. Born
in Alton, baptized into the church of which her beloved father
was pastor, we had known and cherished her almost from infancy.
We always forget the faults of the dead and remember only their
virtues. To us, her faults were always unknown. No eulogy on her
character would seem exaggerated to those who knew her best.
Through many years of physical suffering, no murmurs were ever
heard or attention called to her own suffering. Unselfishness
was a marked characteristic. Unusually sympathetic in burdens of
others. Her love for her Savior and trust that “all things work
together for good to them that love God,” were firm and abiding.
Often has she spoken to the writer of heaven and its bliss, and
while patiently waiting, looked forward joyfully to “the rest
that remaineth for the people of God.” Had our prayers and
wishes availed, she would be with us now. Her place can never be
filled, but she will ever live in our memory, and we thank God
for her sweet life and example. We could not bear this crushing
grief did we not believe in a loving Heavenly Father’s care for
His children, and that “behind the dim unknown standeth God,
within the shadow, keeping watch above his own.” So he giveth
His beloved sleep. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
NORTON, WILBUR PERRY/Source: Alton Telegraph,
December 12, 1901
Son of Wilbur T. Norton Dies of Typhoid
Fever
Messages were received here yesterday morning
announcing the death of Wilbur Perry Norton at Schenectady, New
York, where he had been ill with typhoid fever. At the time of
his death, his father and mother, Postmaster and Mrs. Wilbur T.
Norton of Alton, were with him, having been summoned when his
illness took a turn for the worse. The young man had been
engaged as an electrical engineer at Schenectady, and his health
had been good until a few weeks ago. An accident occurred to the
source of the water supply of the place, and for a few days it
was necessary to use water that had been contaminated by sewage,
and was impregnated with typhus germs. Perry was one of a large
number of young men who had used the water for drinking purposes
before the fatal disease germs were discovered. Many were taken
ill, and the disease was alarmingly fatal.
Last week, a
telegram was received by Postmaster Norton, informing him of the
serious condition of his son, and he left at once for
Schenectady. Last Monday morning, Mrs. Norton left here for
Schenectady, and arrived at her son’s bedside just a short time
before his death occurred. The body will be brought to Alton for
burial.
Perry was a graduate of the University of
Illinois, having taken a course in electrical engineering there,
in which he showed himself an apt student from an early age. He
graduated with honors, and shortly afterward he was appointed to
a position at Schenectady, where he remained until the time of
his fatal illness. He was, from boyhood, one whom everyone could
call a friend. He was easily approached, and always most cordial
with his acquaintances. It was by his intimate friends and his
associates that his real value was appreciated. His character
was of the sturdy, rugged kind that makes no compromise with
wrong, and he was free to speak and do as his conscience
dictated. When only a boy, he united with the Presbyterian
Church in Alton, of which his grandfather, Rev. Dr. Augustus T.
Norton was pastor many years, and of which his grandmother, Mrs.
Norton, is now one of the oldest members. At church services, he
was a constant attendant, and until his departure from Alton, he
was an interested worker in the Christian Endeavor Society of
the Presbyterian Church. His death is a heart-breaking blow to
the members of his family, and to his friends in Alton and
elsewhere it is a crushing sorrow. On every hand among those who
knew him, there is deep and sincere regret that he should have
been taken in the prime of his young manhood, when life held out
so much that was bright and promising.
In his chosen
profession, he was making a marked success, and his friends were
contemplating for him a career that would have made of him an
eminent person, but their hopes have been sadly blighted by the
cold chill of death. He was in his twenty-fifth year. The body,
accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Norton, will arrive Thursday evening
at 6 o’clock. Funeral arrangements have not been made.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14, 1901
The
funeral of Perry Norton was held this morning, services being
conducted at the family home at Tenth and George Streets by Rev.
H. K. Sanborne of the Presbyterian Church, of which church Perry
had been a member since a boy. There was a large attendance at
the funeral. Perry had in a quiet way made many warm personal
friends, who feel keenly his untimely death, and many attended
the last side rites accompanying the burial. Music was rendered
by members of the Presbyterian Church choir. [Burial was in the
Alton City Cemetery.]
NORTON,
WILBUR T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8, 1925
Postmaster; Owner of Alton Telegraph; Civil War Veteran;
Historic Author
Wilbur T. Norton, for three terms Postmaster
of Alton, for years member of the Alton Board of Education, and
many years editor or owner of the Alton Evening Telegraph, died
this morning at 2:10 o’clock at his residence, on George Street,
from paralysis. His death came just two weeks to the day, and
practically the minute, after the death of his only brother,
Edward Rogers Norton, who passed away at Nashville, Tennessee.
Mr. Norton was the last of his family.
A distressing fact
attending the death of Mr. Norton is that Mrs. Norton has been
suffering for five weeks with a form of neuritis, which has kept
her bedfast. Mr. Norton had been in good condition, and only two
days before his death the doctor attending Mrs. Norton had gone
over him and had complimented him on the apparent good condition
of Mr. Norton’s health.
The stroke came suddenly.
Yesterday morning he stepped out on the porch to hang a
thermometer. He returned to the house, and a neighbor who was
present noticed, as he asked her for a little service he wished
her to render him, that he was not looking right. She called his
daughter, Miss Isabel, and together they helped him to a lounge
where he collapsed. He talked some after that, but gradually the
paralysis became extended. There was no hope of a rally.
Fortunately, his daughter, Miss Isabel, and his son, Fred, were
close at hand, and one son, Augustus T. Norton, who resides at
North Wilmington, Massachusetts, was in Indiana on business, so
that he could be reached quickly by telephone, and he arrived
this afternoon.
Wilbur T. Norton was born in Alton, and
he spent all of his life in this city. His parents were the Rev.
and Mrs. Augustus Theodore Norton. He was born September 10,
1844, and at the time of his death, he was in his eighty first
year. He was a man of a highly developed mind, a good student,
and an easy writer. He was a product of the Alton public schools
of his childhood days, afterwards attending Lake Forest Academy,
and later Shurtleff College, from which he graduated in 1866.
His education was interrupted by a period of service in the
133rd Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, in which he enlisted in
1864.
After leaving college, he became connected with the
Alton Telegraph, and he maintained that connection for many
years, ultimately as editor and proprietor. In 1890, he severed
his connection with the Telegraph to become postmaster. He
served in that capacity for four years, taking over the
editorship of the Alton Republican in 1894, a post he held until
1896, when he again gave up the editorial chair for the office
of postmaster, in which he served for two additional
presidential terms. His period of service as postmaster covered
the Harrison, McKinley, and Roosevelt administrations. After his
retirement from the postmastership, he engaged intermittently in
newspaper work.
Mr. Norton was editor and owner of the
Telegraph during hard years for Alton, but he kept the newspaper
together and going at times when it seemed that it was hardly
worthwhile to do so. It was in the dark days of Alton, when
business was at a standstill and there was little to look
forward to. It was enough to have discouraged the stoutest of
hearts, but Mr. Norton had been so long with the Telegraph, that
he made great sacrifices and clung to the thread of hope that
things would be better in Alton. Only people who lived in the
city in that period can realize what gloomy prospects Alton had,
and it required a stout heart to carry on.
His first term
as postmaster was followed by a Democratic administration at
Washington, and consequently a change was made in the office,
but he went back when the Republicans returned to office after
two years, and he remained full two terms thereafter. His first
term was long extended because the Democrats could not agree on
who was to be named postmaster. He was succeeded as postmaster
by Captain Henry Brueggemann.
Mr. Norton was known for
his fine touches of sentiment in his journalistic work. There
was never anything in his writing that was of the sensational
kind. He was the possessor of a wide vocabulary, which made him
a most attractive writer, his style being one of the best.
In this work as a newspaper man, he became interested in
what had interested his father – the permanent chronicling of
facts of a historical nature. His father had written a history
of the Presbyterian Church in Illinois, an authoritative work
that is the only record of the church in its early days in the
State, and find its place in most libraries dealing with history
of the church. The son gradually stepped into the work of
historical writing. He was a long-time member of the Illinois
Historical Society, and one of the most interested members in
the Madison County Historical Society.
When he had plenty
of time on his hands, and his active brain must be satisfied
with work to do, he went about his work of history writing. If
all his writings of a historical character were assembled, they
would make many books. If Mr. Norton had not written what he
did, there would have been a great scarcity of historical
records of Alton and Madison County. Perhaps his most
pretentious work was the ‘Centennial History of Madison County,
Illinois, And Its People,’ which came from his pen, and was
published in the year 1912. That book is an authority on events
of the past, up to the time he finished it. It finds a place in
many newspaper offices and in libraries, too.
What his
father had been to the Presbyterian Church as a librarian,
Wilbur T. Norton was to Madison County and the city of Alton.
Once he was urged to write a history of Alton as a textbook for
the school children of Alton to study, so that they might know
something of the history of their home city. He was greatly
interested in the public schools, and for eight or nine years,
served as a member of the schoolboard. His interest in the
schools amounted to a passion, and he was always keeping in mind
the needs of the schools.
Since the Alton Daily Times was
organized, Mr. Norton had been connected with that paper and was
a frequent contributor to its columns.
Mr. Norton leaves
his wife, Mrs. Frances S. Caldwell Norton, to whom he was
married in 1875, and one daughter, Miss Isabelle, and two sons,
Augustus T. Norton and Frederick P. Norton, the last named being
a member of the staff of the Telegraph, the newspaper on which
his father labored for so many years.
The funeral will be
held from the residence Friday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First
Presbyterian Church. Mr. Norton’s father was once pastor of that
church, and Mr. Norton, himself, served for many decades as a
member of the Board of Trustees, and was an interested member of
the church.
NOTES:
Wilbur T. Norton lived at 404 E.
10th Street in Alton. After his death, his son, Fred, lived in
the home. Mrs. Eliza Norton, mother of Fred and wife to
Augustus, died in the home in April 1907. Wilbur and his father
and mother are buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
NOTT, JULIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1875
Died on
February 25 in Alton, of inflammatory rheumatism, Miss Julia
Nott, in the 15th year of her age.
NOTTEBROK, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 24, 1901
Another life whose end was hastened by the
heat was that of Mrs. Caroline Nottebrok, wife of William
Nottebrok, the glassblower. She died at the home, 213 Apple
street, before midnight. She had been ill a few days, but the
heat intensified her sufferings until death came to her relief.
She was about 45 years of age, and leaves a husband, three
children, and scores of friends to mourn her death. Funeral
services were conducted at the home this afternoon by Rev. Theo
Oberhellman, and the body was shipped to St. Louis on a four
o'clock train for burial.
NUELSON, MINA/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 7, 1866
Died in Alton on the 2nd instant, at 7:30 o’clock p.m., of
cholera, Miss Mina Nuelson, aged 22 years.
NUGENT, CHARLES W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28,
1911
Business Man Dies Very Suddenly
Charles W.
Nugent of 3 Kingsbury place, St. Louis, Mo., vice-president of
the B. Nugent Bro. Dry Goods Co., died of acute gastritis and
organic heart trouble, about 11:15 p.m. Thursday in his
automobile, while it was standing in front of Dr. Henry A. L.
Rohlfing's home at 2355 Whittemore place. With him were devoted
employees who had made a frantic trip in the auto from the
offices and homes of one physician after another to get medical
aid for Nugent. Nugent had spent the day supervising workmen in
overhauling his fine yacht, the Theotiste, in preparation for a
trip Saturday up the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, finally
to rejoin his family, which was spending the summer at Gratiol
Beach, Mich. He dined on the yacht, the repast including milk
and pickles with chicken, then climbed the steep levee to his
touring car. Physicians think this exertion after the meal
brought on the attack. Moseley, the negro houseman, showed much
grief as he told of his employer's death. He and the other
servants were devoted to their master, who was unusually
considerate of them. The negro told how Nugent shared his cigars
with the servants on the yacht, and said that, aside from the
faint directions as to physicians. Nugent said nothing after he
was stricken. His favorite recreations were hunting and fishing,
and he was a member of the St. Louis Mercantile Missouri
Athletic, Noonday, Glen Echo, Country, Otter Creek, Brick House,
Calhoun Point, and Illini clubs. There are many yachtsmen and
others in Alton who will regret to hear of the untimely death of
Mr. Nugent. A hail fellow well met, he added pleasure to the lot
of those who knew him here, and was always welcome in any
company of men he happened to come on to. His yacht house was
towed to St. Louis two weeks ago, the yacht having been taken
down sometime before for repairs. It had been kept at the Alton
dock for several years.
NUNN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28,
1914
Mrs. Elizabeth Nunn, wife of Frederick Nunn, died at
her home at Mills and Washington avenue Saturday morning, after
being a helpless paralytic for eight years. During that time she
had not been out of her bed. She had suffered several strokes of
paralysis, but though she was helpless so long, she did not die
from that malady. Her death was due to a complication of
diseases which had developed in the past year. She had been
speechless ever since she was first paralyzed eight years ago,
and she had not been able at any time to do more than get out of
bed and get into a chair with the assistance of members of her
family. The family had expected that a final stroke of paralysis
would be the cause of her death, and there was general surprise
when other causes than paralysis caused the ned [sic]. She
leaves two sons, Charles and Oscar Gollmer of Baltimore, Md.,
and one daughter, Mrs. Fred Lehne of Alton
NUNN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1903
Mrs. Mary Nunn, wife of Fred Nunn, a well known glassblower,
died suddenly at her home in Upper Alton after an illness of
only two days from heart and brain trouble. Mrs. Nunn was able
to go to St. Louis Friday with her husband, but was taken ill
there and came back home. She did not recover, and passed away
Sunday morning after acute suffering. She was 47 years of age
and had lived in Alton and vicinity nearly all her life. She is
survived by her husband and children. The funeral will be held
Wednesday morning.
NUNN, NORMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1907
Norman Nunn, aged 25, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred J. Nunn of
Garden street, Upper Alton, died at 1:30 o'clock Monday morning
in the hospital of the Sisters of Mercy, San Francisco, Cal.,
after an operation for appendicitis. The young man's departure
from Alton, his illness, and his death are surrounded with the
deepest mystery. If he was ill he never told anyone. He was
engaged to marry Miss Irene Steiner, daughter of Chas. Steiner,
and a teacher in the public schools. He departed from Alton
Tuesday, April 9, after drawing all his money out of the bank.
The only word of farewell he said was to Miss Steiner. He only
told her "goodbye, until I see you again," and although she
thought the farewell a strange one, said nothing of it. Nothing
more was heard from him until a telegram came to his father from
the Sisters of Mercy stating that his son, Norman, was
dangerously ill and had undergone a surgical operation in their
hospital Thursday. This noon a telegram came telling of his
death, sent by the secretary of the glassblowers' union in San
Francisco. Mr. Nunn said that his son was apparently in the best
of health and that none of his family knew anything of any
trouble. Miss Steiner knew nothing either. It is supposed he was
possessed of a hallucination that he was about to become a
victim of consumption, although stout and hearty, and that he
did not desire anyone to know of his trouble. The news of his
sickness and death was a sad shock to relatives and friends of
the young man. He was employed as a machine worker at the glass
works, and was steady and industrious. He had accumulated a good
sum of money in the bank and all of this he drew and with it
what money was due him from the glass company. Mr. Nunn
telegraphed that the body of his son be shipped to Alton for
burial, and it is expected to arrive the last of this week or
the first of next week.
NUSS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1904
Funeral services were held for Henry Nuss, who died Saturday
night at Highland at the Catholic Old Folks Home. Mr. Nuss
formerly lived in Alton and was in business here, and was one of
the most prominent and active members of St. Mary's church. A
coincidence is that he was related through marriage to Mrs.
Caroline Greve, his son having married Mr. Greve's daughter, and
a double funeral service was held. Interment was in St. Joseph's
cemetery. [Note: Mrs. Greve died from severe burns received
after she went to her smokehouse.]
NUTTER, A. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1906
The funeral of Mrs. A. C. Nutter took place Sunday at 3:30
p.m. from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. Kennedy of
east Second street, to St. Patrick's church, thence to Greenwood
cemetery where the young wife and mother was laid to her final
rest. The funeral was very largely attended and the many
beautiful floral offerings showed the high esteem in which she
was held by her many friends and relatives. Among those who
attended from out of the city were Mrs. M. Kane, son and
daughter, Thos. Kane and Miss Mayme Kane of Bloomington; Mr. and
Mrs. Brandt and Mr. and Mrs. Warren Nutter and son Victor; and
T. W. Cunningham, all of St. Louis, and Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Gottlob of East St. Louis. The pallbearers were Messrs. John T.
Ryan, James Riley, Anton Dietz, James Springer, Thomas Lawless,
and James F. Riley.
NUTTER, CYRIL ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
21, 1902
Cyril Albert, the 4 months old child of Mr. and
Mrs. A. C. Nutter of Alby street, died Friday afternoon after an
illness with cholera infantum. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family home to the Cathedral.
Burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. The funeral will be
private.
NUTTER, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 18, 1901
Mrs. Elizabeth Nutter, widow of Grafton
Nutter, died Saturday night at the home of her son, H. I.
Nutter, after a long illness, aged 88. She had been making her
home in Alton with her son and grandchildren, with whom she
desired to pass her closing days. A fatal illness took her and
her strength failed rapidly during the last few weeks of her
life. Mrs. Nutter had lived near Shipman and Brighton many
years, and was well known there. She leaves six children and
twenty-five grandchildren. A funeral service was held at the
home Sunday evening and Monday morning the body was taken to
Shipman for burial.
NUTTER, HARRY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 31,
1903
Harry Nutter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Nutter,
died at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Territory, yesterday after a
long illness. He had been staying at Tuscon, Arizona, for the
benefit of his health, but feeling that he was failing rapidly,
he desired to be nearer home and started back about ten days
ago. He reached Oklahoma City, where his sister lives, Mrs.
Theodore Hamilton, and there he found himself unable to come
farther on his way home. Mrs. Nutter was notified a few days ago
of the dangerous condition in which he then was, and started to
attend him. The body will be brought to Alton for burial. Mr.
Nutter was a highly respected young man, and leaves his wife,
who is a daughter of B. Kennedy, and one child. Harry Nutter was
29 years of age and had been engineer at Luer's many years. He
leaves beside his wife and son, his parents, five brothers and
four sisters. His wife arrived at his bedside a few hours before
his death.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 4, 1904
The funeral of Harry E. Nutter was held
Sunday afternoon from St. Patrick's church, Rev. P. J. O'Reilley
conducting services there and at Greenwood cemetery, where
interment was made. There were many beautiful floral offerings.
NUTZ, L. N./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On
November 16, 1870, Mr. L. N. Nutz, an ingenious inventor, died.