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OAKLASS, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12, 1907
The funeral of Mrs. Jane Oaklass, who came to Alton from Kentucky when she was a young woman and who died Tuesday night at the age of 80 years, was held this morning from St. Mary's church where a requiem mass was said by Rev. Fr. Meckel. Burial was in St. Josephs cemetery and the obsequies were attended by a large number of friends and neighbors of deceased and of her family. Many beautiful floral offerings were made

 

O’BANNON, M. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 28, 1879
Died at Moro, August 18, 1879, of consumption, Mrs. M. W. O’Bannon; aged about 45 years.

 

OBEN, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8, 1900
After many months of suffering with dropsy, Henry Oben is dead. His death came unexpected Sunday morning as he was in his home. He has been in bad health a long time, and has traveled in vain to benefit his condition. Saturday he was on the streets, and greeted his friends, and in the afternoon went out for a ride. He was taken ill that night and death followed at 10 o'clock Sunday morning. His death is a relief to him after his many months of pain and suffering. He was a glassblower by trade, and was 29 years of age. The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be at the home, 926 east Fifth street. Rev. Theo. Oberhellman will conduct the services. John Oben, a brother in Denver, will arrive to attend the funeral.

 

OBEN, SOPHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1918
Mrs. Sophie Oben, for many years a resident of Alton, died Sunday at 12:22 p.m. at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Charles Stritmatter, 1313 State street, aged 70 years, after a week's sickness with pneumonia. She was born August 22, 1848, in Germany, and came to Alton at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln. She had lived at the Oben homestead on East Fifth street until five years ago, when she went to make her home with her son, William, at Godfrey. She was a member of the Alton Evangelical Church and Ladies' Aid Society. Surviving her are the following children: Mrs. Margaret Harvey and Mrs. Carl Stinquist of Los Angeles, Cal.; John Oben of Denver, Colo.; Frank Oben, Mrs. Stritmatter, Mrs. William Schmoeller of Alton; William Oben of Godfrey; and Mrs. Edward Abenbrink of Edwardsville. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Stritmatter home on State street, thence to the Evangelical Church on Henry street.

 

OBERMUELLER, LOUISA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 6, 1909
Mrs. Louisa Obermueller, widow of the late Christopher Obermueller, a former well known painter who died thirteen years ago, died Thursday evening at her home, 407 east Third street, after a long illness. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Clare Belle Rutter and Misses Louisa and Aurelia Obermueller, all of Alton. She also leaves a son by a former marriage, Ferdinand Unger, who lives in Wichita, Kas. Two brothers, Charles and Fred Henick, and one sister, Mrs. H. Meyer, all of Alton, survive. Mrs. Obermueller was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and was 66 years of age. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9 o'clock from the residence, private. Services will be conducted by Rev. Eitelgeorge, and burial will be in City Cemetery.

 

O'BRIEN, CATHERINE (MOTHER HENRIETTA)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 16, 1909
Mother Henrietta, who was Miss Catherine O'Brien before she entered the convent, died at 5:30 o'clock this morning at the Ursuline Convent. She went to mass Monday morning, and after that time complained of feeling unwell. The Sisters did not think she was seriously ill, although her feebleness caused much concern. This morning at 5:30 o'clock she died peacefully and without pain. She came to Alton to make her home 63 years ago when a girl ten years of age, direct from Cork, Ireland. Fourteen years later she took the veil in the Order of the Ursulines, and has ever since been a teacher and adviser in the Ursuline convent in Alton. Mother Henrietta was known as a kind soul who spread much sunshine among those with whom she came in contact. The Sisters and students of the Convent for many years past will learn with deep regret of her death, for she was beloved by all of them. The funeral will be held Saturday morning.

 

O'BRIEN, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 23, 1908
The funeral of Christopher O'Brien was held this morning from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. The funeral party accompanying the body arriver from St. Louis at 9:30 o'clock and went to the Cathedral. After services there the body was taken to Greenwood cemetery for burial.

 

O'BRIEN JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1904
Deputy Coroner Will Bauer was called to Glassboro Monday and held an inquest in the cause of the demise of John O'Brien, who was found dead in his bed about 5:30 Monday morning. The verdict of the coroner's jury was death from heart failure, super induced by alcoholism. O'Brien was about 65 years of age, and was employed on the Terminal railway as a sectionhand. He boarded with the section boss, Mr. Watson, but little is known of him. The body was interred in Milton Cemetery [Alton] Monday afternoon.

 

O’BRIEN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 2, 1853
We learn that Henry Stoeckle of Wood River settlement, who accidentally shot and killed Thomas O’Brien on the 27th ult., was, on Tuesday last, arrested under a warrant from Justice Woods of Alton, for involuntary manslaughter. The examination continued until a late hour in the night, and resulted in the defendant’s being held to bail in the sum of three hundred dollars, for his appearance at the next term of the Circuit Court. The inquiry was very ably conducted by Judge Martin for the people, and Levi Davis, Esq., for the defendant.

 

O'BRIEN, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1908
Thomas O'Brien, a native of East Alton, died yesterday about noon at St. Joseph's hospital from dropsy. He was 55 years of age, and has spent a great deal of his life away from Alton in railroad work, his last position being roadmaster of a road running into Hot Springs, Arkansas, a position he held at the time of his death. He was unmarried and leaves a brother, Martin O'Brien, a well known C. & A. railroad man now living at Blue Springs, Missouri. Martin has been here since his brother was brought from Hot Springs to the hospital about three weeks ago. Assessor J. J. Hammond is a nephew of deceased. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.

 

O’BRIEN, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 28, 1853
We learn that yesterday, on the line of the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, near Wood River, an Irishman named O’Brien was accidentally shot by Henry Stickley of Upper Alton, and expired immediately. The report is that they were playing carelessly with a revolver, when it went off, the whole charge taking effect in the neck of O’Brien. The affair is stated to be an entire accident, though it certainly exhibits gross carelessness.

 

O'CONNELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1921
William O'Connell, 74, died at 7:40 o'clock this morning at St. Joseph's hospital after a long illness. He had been at the hospital four weeks. Mr. O'Connell had been a resident of Alton for many years. He was born in Cork, Ireland. For several years he was janitor at St. Patrick's school. He is survived by his widow and seven daughters and a son. The son is Joseph O'Connell of Alton, and the daughters are: Mrs. L. D. Quintal of Alton; Mrs. L. R. Raymond of Flat River, Mo.; Mrs. Dan Harinelt of Alton; Mrs. Thomas Maguire of Alton; Mrs. Herman Kennedy of Kansas City; Mrs. Elmer Moorhead of St. Louis; and Mrs. William Smell of Alton. The body has been removed to the home of Mrs. Quintal, 1208 Central avenue, and the funeral will be from there, Monday. Requiem Mass will be sung at St. Patrick's church at 9 a.m. Monday. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

 

O'CONNOR, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15, 1905
John O'Connor, aged 60, who was burned March 11 at East Alton while lying asleep on a pile of grass which was ignited as he slept, by a passing locomotive, died Sunday night at St. Joseph's hospital. Dr. E. A. Cook of Upper Alton turned the body over to Coroner Streeper after having made an ineffectual search to find the friends and relatives of the man. O'Connor told Dr. Cook that for twenty years he had heard nothing from his family. He believed he had a sister in Chicago, but Dr. Cook could not find her. O'Connor was given the best of attention by Dr. Cook, who is county physician of Woodriver township, where the man was burned. No inquest will be held as Dr. Cook will issue a death certificate. The day O'Connor was burned he was sound asleep when the flames raced across the dried meadow and caught on the pile of grass. His clothing was burned off him and he sustained bad, deep wounds. All the money the man possessed was in his trouser's pockets, which were destroyed and the money with it. O'Connor said he had been a tramp for thirty years.

 

ODELL, GEORGE JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1911
Drowned at Hop Hollow
George Odell, aged 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. George S. Odell of Holland street in the North Side, was drowned at Hop Hollow Tuesday. With his brother, Joseph Odell, and two other young men, he had gone swimming. The young man had been very unfortunate on Fourth of July. Two years ago he was very badly burned at the Western Military Academy grounds during a picnic when someone lighted a package of firecrackers he had in his trouser's pocket. Thereafter, he had been very cautious in handling fireworks, and had been warned many times to let them alone. He seemed to be just as apprehensive of fireworks and their danger, and he let them alone, so went swimming as part of his day's festivities. He could not swim very well, but doubtless could have taken care of himself in the water, and it is supposed that in diving he struck his head on a stone, and he never came up. He had worked at the old Charles Kuchn store on State street for six years, and was depended upon and highly esteemed by his employers. After Mr. Kuehn's death he continued in the store, and Mrs. Kuehn and her daughters had the utmost confidence in him. When informed of his death they were among those who were the most grief-stricken. The parents have seen their share of misfortune. Last winter their house was burned in the North Side, and everything in it was destroyed. They even lost all their clothes and neighbors had to lend them clothes until they could replenish their supply. In their latest affliction, they have the sympathy of everyone. The body of George Odell was found by the searchers last night at one o'clock. A fisherman who had been dragging the river picked the body up near the dike, where the drowning occured. The body had not floated from the place it sank. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the family home.

 

ODELL, GEORGE SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1912
George Odell died Friday morning at 10 o'clock at his home, 1221 Holland street, after an illness of five months from Bright's disease. He was 50 years old and leaves a wife and four children, Joe, Marie, Florence and Glenny. He was born in Franklin county, Mo., and came to Alton twelve years ago. During practically all of the time since he worked for Beall Bros., and was an industrious, honest, good man. The Odell family has experienced many hard knocks from fate in recent years. A few years ago the house caught fire one night when most of the family were at a neighbors, and it and the contents were burned. Last Fourth of July George, the oldest son, was drowned at Hopp Hollow. The widow and children have the sympathy of the community. Funeral arrangements have not been made.

 

ODDY, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1921
The death of Mrs. William Oddy occurred at the family home at 1113 Milnor Avenue Sunday morning at one o'clock. She was in her 85th year. Mrs. Oddy had been in fairly good health up until about two weeks ago when she became ill, although it was not until a week ago that her condition became serious. Mrs. Oddy was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England, August 11, 1836, and came to America with her family in 1881 going to Canada. She came to Alton in 1896 and has made her home here since. Mrs. Oddy was an earnest Christian woman and has been for many years a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by four children, Mrs. L. S. Shaver, Mrs. J. B. Mawdsley Sr., Mr. Thomas Oddy, all of Alton; and Mr. Alfred Oddy of St. Louis; also ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home. Rev. M. W. Twing will officiate.

 

ODDY, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 26, 1912
William Oddy, in his 75th year, died before noon today at his residence, 1113 Milnor avenue, after an illness of about one year. Mr. Oddy was taken down just before Christmas a year ago and his condition was thought to be hopeless at that time, but he regained some strength and was able to be up and down town, attending to his work in his shop on Market street where he did cabinet work that required skill in its execution. He was known as a skillful mechanic. On November 17, he suffered another severe illness, paralysis developed, and his death was looked for at any time since then. He leaves his wife, two sons, Thomas and Alfred Oddy, and two daughters, Mrs. J. B. Mawdsley and Mrs. Eleanor Shaver. Mr. Oddy was a native of Leeds, England. He came to America in 1881 and after living in Canada a while he went to Elgin, Ill., and from there to Minneapolis, thence to Alton. He had lived in Alton seventeen years. Four years ago Mr. and Mrs. William Oddy celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. When Mrs. Oddy was one year old her mother went over to the Oddy home to see Mr. Oddy when he was a week old, and they grew up together as playmates and later were married. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home on Milnor avenue.

 

O'DONNELL, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 23, 1915
The funeral of Mrs. Anna O'Donnell was held this morning from the Cathedral to Greenwood Cemetery. The body arrived this morning from Granite City and was taken at once to the Cathedral where mass was said by Father Costello and Father Marion of Brighton delivered the sermon.

 

O'DRISCOLL, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31, 1906
It was Mrs. Mary O'Driscoll of east Fifth street, not Mrs. D. J. Discoll of Lincoln avenue, who died yesterday afternoon. She is survived by her husband and several children, three of whom, Misses Theresa, Gertrude and Jennie, live in Alton. The family came from the East six or seven years ago. The funeral will be held Saturday morning from St. Patrick's church at 10 o'clock. Mrs. O'Driscoll was a member of Madison Hive Ladies of the Maccabees, and was an officer of the hive.

 

OEHLER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 12, 1900
The coroner was summoned to Venice this morning to hold an inquest on the body of John Oehler, whop dropped senseless on a ferryboat at Madison and died without regaining consciousness.

 

OETKEN, DORA (nee DEPENDAHL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2, 1918
Mrs. Dora Oetken, wife of George Oetken of Fosterburg, died at a hospital at Indianapolis, Ind., of cancer, Thursday at 2:30 p.m. Her only son was present at her bedside. The remains were brought to Alton this morning and taken to the residence at Fosterburg. She leaves her husband and one son, Benjamin, her daughter-in-law and four grandchildren, also her aged father, John F. Dependahl, nearly 90 years old. She also leaves three sisters, Mrs. William Nienbrugge of Fosterburg, Mrs. O. F. Straube of Alton, Mrs. Henry Gvillo of Fosterburg, and two brothers, William of Brighton and John of Fosterburg. Mrs. Oetken was a member of the Zion Presbyterian Church of Fosterburg, from which place the funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. ______nephews will act as pall bearers and Rev. B. F. Fieselman will have charge of the funeral services. She was president of the Sewing Circle of the Zion Church from its origin to her death, a faithful member of the church, a loving mother and grandmother and a devoted wife. Mrs. Oetken was one who always had a good word for everyone, and was loved by the entire community.

 

OGG, CARRIE [HART]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1907
Woman Shot by Husband While Carrying 19 Months Old Baby
Walter Ogg, a negro, shot and killed his wife, Carrie Ogg, aged 19, Saturday night. She was a daughter of Sam Hart. At the time the woman was shot, she was carrying her 19 months old baby, going to her father's home. She was at North and Pearl streets when her husband overtook her, and in the presence of several witnesses shot her through the heart. The woman, after being shot, laid her baby down on the ground to avoid hurting it, and then fell over dead. Her husband fired another shot into her and then fled. The couple had quarreled and were living apart. The woman was staying with her father and Ogg, with his mother. She had been to the home of Ogg's mother Saturday night and was on her way home after a quarrel. The murderer did not try to shoot the child, it is supposed, as he could have done so easily. The shooting occurred at the place of Alexander Wegener. Within a short time after the shooting a big party of infuriated negroes were helping the police to search for the murderer. It was supposed he had taken to the willows along the river front, but a careful search there failed to result in his capture. It is supposed he went to St. Louis or Paducah, Ky. If he had been caught by the searchers it is believed the police would have had a hard time saving him, as there were many threats to kill him if captured. Ogg and his wife had been living at the home of W. S. Voyles, keeping house for him, and Voyles put them out last week. After that event the couple separated, as Ogg was worthless and seldom, if ever, worked, and could not support his wife. Deputy Coroner Keiser will hold an inquest this evening over the body of the victim of Ogg. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon from the Union Baptist Church.

 

O’HARA, HUGH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 24, 1881
From the Daily of March 19 – Mr. Hugh O’Hara, a native of Ireland, who had lived between the Coal Branch and Upper Alton for twenty years, but who had been working as a coal miner for the past two years in Jersey and Macoupin counties, was found about 9 o’clock last night at the Summit, lying within two feet of the railroad track, dead, with a terrible fracture of the skull on the crown of the head above the left ear. Mr. J. F. Toomey, Night Yard Master, took a switch engine as soon as the sad news arrived, went to the place and conveyed the remains to the Chicago & Alton Freight Depot, where the inquest was held by Coroner Youree, he having arrived by the I. & St. Louis Road, soon after 10 o’clock. A jury was impaneled with A. G. Wolford as foreman, and the following witnesses were examined – Anderson Scroggins, J. F. Toomey, B. Diamond, John Chessen, James Webster. Mr. Scroggins gave the most important evidence, as he was with deceased in the city yesterday evening, got on the Springfield accommodation train at the same time, both intending to go to Delhi, and saw him led off the train by the conductor shortly after leaving the city (because deceased had no money with which to pay his fare), the train being stopped perfectly still for that purpose. This was done without any disturbance or resistance. When his body was searched, it was found that he did have thirty cents in change, more than enough to pay his fare to Godfrey, in addition to a few other articles. The evidence of the other witnesses was not very important, with the exception that James Webster stated that deceased, about noon yesterday, had quite a roll of bills in a pocket book, but witness did not know the amount. There were rumors of foul play in connection with the case, but nothing to show that it was other than an accident. Deceased was known to many of our citizens. He left quite a large family of children, his wife having been dead several years. Two sons, who lived at Mount Olive, were telegraphed for and are expected here this evening. The verdict of the jury was to the effect that deceased came to his death by being struck by a passing train at the Summit, Friday evening, March 18, after being put off the cars for the non-payment of fare. The verdict did not exonerate the railroad company from all blame.

 

O'HARE, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1904
Michael O'Hare, whose sudden death Sunday morning at the home of J. C. Pope, recorded yesterday, was buried yesterday afternoon in Greenwood cemetery. Services were conducted at the Cathedral. The pallbearers were James Mathie, Thomas Mathie, John Mathie, William Hall, Charles Mook, and Robert Baird.

 

O'HAVER, ADELAIDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 1, 1909
Mrs. Adelaide O'Haver died at her home at 319 East Fourth street at 7 o'clock Sunday morning after an illness of less than a week's duration. She had been in good health up to the time of her death, and the members of her family and her many friends were greatly shocked over her sudden death. Mrs. O'Haver was born in Milford, Michigan, December 2, 1845, and came with her parents to Illinois at the age of 12 years, living in Carrollton and Kane, being married in the latter place. Later she removed to Alton where she has resided ever since. Nine and eleven years ago respectively she lost her two daughters, Misses Minnie and Mae O'Haver, through death. Since that time she has been known only to those close friends and acquaintances who knew her as a sweet, patient woman with a cheerful and kindly disposition, and who was always helpful to others. Mrs. O'Haver leaves of her own immediate family one son, John O'Haver of East St. Lois, and four sisters, Mrs. Ulrich Eberhardt of Newark, N. J., Mrs. Joseph L. Dressell of Kane, Miss Sara Hudson of this city, and Mrs. William Cartwright of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held from the home on East Fourth street at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. M. W. Twing will conduct the funeral service at the home after which the remains will be shipped to Kane, Ill. for burial.

 

O'HAVER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1901
Miss Mary O'Haver died at her home on Fourth street at 5 o'clock this morning after a long and weary illness. Miss O'Haver was for many years a primary teacher in the public schools of Alton where she held the esteem of her co-workers and the many patrons whose little ones were in her charge. She was born at Kane, Greene county, Ill., April 29, 1866, and her childhood was spent in that place and in Alton, where she passed her subsequent life. She was a graduate of the Alton High School, and her best interests have always been directed toward its welfare. She was much interested in musical work as well, finishing a course in the Alton Conservatory and continuing her work in this line has taught her beloved art to many little children. In religious work also, Miss O'Haver's presence will be missed as she was an earnest Christian Endeavourer and Sabbath school helper of the Congregational church and its Mission school. Miss O'Haver leaves her mother, Mrs. Adelaid O'Haver of this city, and a brother, John O'Haver of East St. Louis, to mourn her death, besides many near relatives. Her death following so soon after that of her sister's, Miss Minnie, has caused a sad and tearful shock to her friends. The funeral will take place Friday morning at 7:30 o'clock from the home on Fourth street. Interment at Kane, Ill.

 

O'HEARN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 28, 1913
William O'Hearn, a councilman of Benbow City, died suddenly at 3 o'clock yesterday morning after a 6 hours' illness. O'Hearn has been tending bar in the Marsh saloon for several months and waited on customers in the saloon until 9 o'clock Tuesday night. When he became ill he was taken into the back part of the saloon where he was kept for several hours. Finally, John Brady and Jerome Ford, Benbow City marshals, took him to the village hall where Dr. E. D. Gottshalk was called. Despite all that could be done, he died at 3 o'clock. O'Hearn was known as the "handy man" of Benbow City. As Mayor A. E. Benbow was gone a great part of the time, he was often called upon to do the duties of mayor. At various times he served as marshal, village clerk, election judge, fire department volunteer and other similar village duties. Mr. O'Hearn was known for his generous and helping disposition and will be greatly missed. The councilman was 39 years of age. He came to Benbow City when it was a very small place and stayed with it as it grew and then began to decline owing to the destructive fires. O'Hearn fought at all of those fires and did such heroic service several times that he became ill afterwards. The last time a fire test was made in Benbow City, O'Hearn was slightly burned on the arm and has been ailing ever since, but this is not thought to be in any way responsible for his death. O'Hearn was not married and had no relatives except a grandmother in Fall River, Mass., who was said to be wealthy. O'Hearn used to be a St. Louis policeman and his mother died there a few years ago. His friends are making an investigation in St. louis today to find a cousin believed to be alive who could give some direction about the burial. If no relatives are found, Mayor Benbow and the councilmen are planning to hold a public funeral from the Benbow City village hall. The body is in charge of Undertaker C. N. Streeper.

 

OHLEY, LOUIS C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4, 1918
Louis C. Ohley died at the family home at 2508 East Broadway Sunday at 3:30 o'clock after a short illness with pneumonia. Ohley was 26 years of age last May and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Ohley. The deceased has a host of friends to mourn his loss, being well thought of by all who knew him. He was married to Miss Mary Schneider on the first of November in 1911, and leaves his wife and a little four year old girl, Dorothy. He is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Ohley; two brothers, Fred and Charles; and one sister, Ida. No funeral arrangements have been made.

 

OHLEY, TYSON WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 29, 1916
The seven months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ohley of Yager Park died last evening at 5:40 o'clock. The little one's name was Tyson William Ohley. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon.

 

OHLEY, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29, 1908
William E. Ohley died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ohley, 1108 East Third street, at 5:30 o'clock Tuesday night. The young man had been ill for several months, and his death was not unexpected by the members of the family. Several years ago Ohley was shot accidentally, at the powder works range, while putting up targets for some marksmen. His health was somewhat impaired at that time, and later he was injured in another explosion at the powder works. Since then he had been an invalid. The deceased was 24 years of age, and his death is a sad blow to his many friends who have cared tenderly for him during his long illness. He leaves besides his parents, five brothers and four sisters. The brothers are Otto of Daleville, Indiana, Henry of St. Louis, John, Edward and Walter of Alton. The sisters are Mrs. William Wermuth, Mrs. Chris Picker, and Carrie and Florence Ohley of Alton. The funeral arrangements will be made when William Wermuth, who is in Philadelphia, Pa., burying his sister, returns.

 

OHLSEN, UNKNOWN CHILD OF ALEX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 19, 1907
A seven months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Ohlsen of 617 Spring street died yesterday and was buried this afternoon from the family home.

 

OKLEY, J. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20, 1874
Died on March 8 in Alton, of heart disease, Mr. J. W. Okley; in the 48th year of his age.

 

O’LAUGHLIN, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1877
Dr. C. S. Youree of Venice, Coroner of Madison County, arrived in Alton yesterday afternoon, and proceeded to the Sisters’ Hospital, corner of Second and Walnut Streets in Hunterstown, where he held an inquest over the remains of Michael O’Laughlin, who was fatally injured by an engine on the Chicago & Alton Railroad, about 7 o’clock a.m. yesterday, and who died in less than two hours afterward. The jury rendered the following verdict: “We, the jurors, find that Michael O’Laughlin came to his death by being thrown from the track of the Chicago and Alton Railroad by Engine No. 130, attached to passenger train No. 4, near the foot of Cherry Street in the city of Alton, on July 19, about seven o’clock. We also find from the evidence that the train was running at an unusual rate of speed within the city limited.”

The latter part of the verdict seemed to be a compromise of opinion, as the evidence on the point was somewhat conflicting. The evidence of every witness was to the effect that the engine bell rang constantly, showing that the usual precautions were taken to prevent accidents. Mr. John N. Guiler, a careful, experienced engineer, was in charge of the engine, and testified that he did not see anyone on the track after he left the Union Depot, and did not know of the accident until almost five hours afterward, when in East St. Louis. He then examined the cowcatcher and engine, but could find no signs of an accident having occurred. Mr. Guilder also testified that the rate of speed within the city limits was something near six miles an hour.

Two other witnesses were examined, one of whom testified that the train was running at the rate of 18 or 20 miles an hour. The deceased made an ante mortem statement to some of the witnesses, and said that his name was Michael O’Laughlin, that he was a native of county Mayo, Ireland, and that his parents lived in New York City. The doctor discovered that his left leg was broken, his head badly bruised, and besides was, no doubt, injured internally.

 

OLCOTT, ANTOINETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 26, 1902
The body of Miss Antoinette Olcott, whose death occurred at St. Louis, has been brought here for burial. Miss Olcott came here in 1834 and lived here for many years; was once a teacher here, but for the past sixteen years she has been in an insane hospital. She was a member of the Baptist church and the funeral service will be held there tomorrow at 2 o'clock, the pastor Rev. L. M. Waterman officiating. There are no relatives of the deceased woman here. A nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. Wendell of Whitehall, will arrive here this evening.

 

OLCOTT, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 14, 1881
From Upper Alton – Miss Mary Olcott, for many years a resident of Upper Alton, died a few days since. She was about 80 years of age, and for a long while has been almost helpless. She was a most excellent woman, a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and bore her sufferings and privations with great fortitude.

 

OLDAKER, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 20, 1909
Killed on the Job at Alton Water Company
Thomas Oldaker, aged 32, a machinist who has been repairing engines and pumps at the pumping station of the Alton Water Company, was almost instantly killed Sunday afternoon as he was completing repairs on the centrifugal pump in the deep pit. He had been working on the engine and pump several weeks and was just about to give the engine a trial, when the fatal accident occurred. The engine had stuck on dead center, and Oldaker placed a piece of gas pipe in the flywheel to use as a lever, and then bore his weight on the lever to throw the wheel around. He had turned on some steam in the engine, which proved to be just enough to start the engine moving after he had pried it off dead center, and the flywheel completing the revolution Oldaker had started with the lever, the piece of gas pipe came around as the wheel turned and struck him on the side of the head, fracturing his skull. He was quickly taken out of the engine pit, and died in about ten minutes before a doctor could see him. His body was later removed to the family home on Monroe street, and Coroner Streeper was notified to hold an inquest. Oldaker came here from Youngstown, Ohio, and was a son of Stephen Oldaker. He leaves his wife, but no children. He was known as a good machinist, and had worked in several machine shops in the city before taking the job at the water works pumping station. Engineer C. E. Parker says he was standing close to Oldaker, but stepped out of the way just in time to save himself from getting the blow that Oldaker received.

 

OLDENETTEL, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24, 1900
Mrs. Mary Oldenettel, wife of John Oldenettel, died this morning at 5 o'clock after an illness of three weeks with stomach troubles. Mrs. Oldenettel was 37 years of age, and had lived in Alton many years. She was a woman of many good qualities that endeared her to her friends, and makes her loss a grievous one to her family. She leaves besides her husband, four children. The funeral will take place Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from the family home at gold and Bloomfield streets.

 

OLDHAM, LUCINDA J./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 30, 1866
Died on Saturday morning, of consumption, Mrs. Lucinda J., wife of George Oldham.

 

OLDHAM, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23, 1871
Died on June 21 in Alton, of consumption, Miss Mary Oldham, daughter of Mr. George Oldham, in the 18th year of her age.

 

O’LEARY, EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1878
Run Over by Freight Train
Mr. Edward O’Leary, formerly night yard master for the Chicago & Alton Railroad, went out last night as brakeman on freight train No. 44, which left about 8 o’clock. When the train arrived at Alton Junction [East Alton], conductor N. B. Clark missed Mr. O’Leary, and immediately flagged the lightning express and notified the engineer and told him to look out for the missing man. He also telegraphed back from Mitchell, search was made, when the remains of the deceased were found near Bozzatown about one hundred yards from the place where he had apparently fallen, having been run over by the freight train, and the lightning express, which in the meantime had come in from St. Louis. The body was so badly torn, crushed and dismembered, that but fragments could be found, the largest being a leg, which was found on the track. The scattered remnants were collected together by kind hands, and conveyed to the late home of the deceased, which he had but recently left, with no thought of the terrible death so soon impending. Mr. O’Leary was troubled with fits of vertigo or fainting, and the presumption is that he was seized by one of these spells, and in that state fell between two of the cars.

The deceased had a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Alton, by whom he was highly esteemed, and the terrible nature of the accident cast a gloom over the entire community. He was about 23 years of age.

An inquest was held by Dr. C. S. Youree, Coroner, and examination of N. B. Clark, conductor of the train; James Driscoll, brakeman; S. B. Bassett, engineer; and J. B. Machin, fireman; O. E. VanBuskirk, engineer of passenger train No. 3; and C. Johnson of East St. Louis, fireman; and John H. Stillwell, yardmaster of the C. & A. Railroad in Alton.

Mrs. O’Leary, wife of the deceased, made a statement to the Coroner at her residence, to the effect that her husband was subject to fits, and had one about a week ago. The evidence was in accordance with the statement above, with the additional testimony that the train, after leaving the city, ran at the rate of about fifteen miles an hour. Near Upper Alton Station, something was seen scattered along the track that appeared like rags or old clothes, and gave a clue to the place of the accident. After the train arrived at the depot, some person immediately went back and gathered up the fragments of humanity that were strewn along the track for about three-fourths of a mile, some remains being found near the freight depot. The jury found that O’Leary came to his death by being run over by freight train No. 44, near Upper Alton Station, about 8:16 o’clock p.m., March 18, and they exonerated the railroad employees from all blame.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, from the late residence of the deceased, and was attended by a large concourse of relatives and fellow citizens, who assembled to pay the last earthly tribute to the remains of him who had met with such a sudden, appalling death. A number of the firemen of Alton also were in attendance, as Mr. O’Leary was formerly a member of the Lafayette Hook & Ladder Company.

 

O'LEARY, LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1922
Mrs. Louise O'Leary, wife of Edward O'Leary, aged 39, died soon after midnight last night at St. Joseph's hospital, following a surgical operation performed for the relief of a malady which had been causing her much suffering. About a month ago Mrs. O'Leary gave birth to a child which died soon after birth, and her condition had been so bad ever since that it was decided to operate on her yesterday morning. She did not rally from the operation. The death of Mrs. O'Leary leaves a family of seven little children, six daughters and one son, motherless. The children are Julia, Margaret, Mary, Agnes, Louise, Mabel and Thomas. She leaves also her husband, Edward O'Leary and one sister, Mrs. H. A. Nigren of Hodson, Montana. The death of the young mother, leaving the large family of little children, was a great surprise to many of her friends who had no thought that her illness would turn out fatally. She was known in a large circle of friends and there is the deepest sympathy for the family in the death of the wife and mother.

 

O'LEARY, PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13, 1903
Patrick O'Leary, the oldest son of Capt. and Mrs. Thomas O'Leary, died suddenly at 3 o'clock Monday morning after an illness of seven hours. He was 26 years of age. The O'Leary family held a reunion Sunday and all ate Easter dinner and supper together. Patrick had been feeling as well as usual and was downtown during the afternoon. After supper he complained of having a chill, and in a short time he was in a dangerous condition. An acute case of uraemic poisoning developed, and after intense suffering death came at 3 o'clock in the morning. The death of their son was a sad shock to the bereaved parents, who did not know that he was not in good health. If he had felt any symptoms of the fatal malady, he had kept them to himself, and when the last illness came it was not supposed he was in a dangerous condition. The deceased was an industrious young man, employed at the glassworks, and he had many friends who will sympathize with the parents in their affliction. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.

 

O'LEARY, PATRICK J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1900
Patrick J. O'Leary, the 14 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O'Leary, died this morning at 6 o'clock at the family home, 630 Washington street. The funeral will take place at 1:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon, and services will be in St. Patrick's church.

 

O'LEARY, THOMAS (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1920
Night Captain on Alton Police Force - Served in Civil War
Capt. Thomas O'Leary, in his eighty first year, died Thursday night at his home, 1509 Belle street, after being bedfast three days. Old age was the cause of his death. He had been failing in health for the past two years, but was not sick, and members of his family said that he suffered no pain. He passed out quietly and peacefully from a general wearing out of his physical machine. The death of Capt. O'Leary removes from Alton one of the best known of the old time residents of Alton. He had come to Alton in 1851, and lived here continuously since that time. He was born in Enniscarthy, Wexford, Ireland, May 1, 1839. He was married in Alton to Mary Jane Bell in June 1867, and she survives him. He served during the Civil war under Col. Mulligan and he rendered brave service to the cause of the Union. He was one of the first mail carriers in the city of Alton and served as mail carrier for a long time. He was a police officer for many years and during his service he was police captain for about twenty years. He was a brave courageous man, and had a high conception of duty. It mattered not to Capt. O'Leary who it was he was called up on to exercise official authority over, it was all the same. He had been unable for a number of years to perform any labor, and lived in retirement on his pension, and the results of his frugality and industry. He was a staunch Democrat and always was deeply interested in the welfare and work of that party. He leaves beside his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Edward Pendleton of Chicago; Mrs. Maggie H. Allison; and one son, Edward O'Leary of Alton. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.

 

OLIN, FRANKLIN W. JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5, 1921
Son of President of Western Cartridge Company Killed in Leap From 3rd Story Hospital Window
Franklin W. Olin Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Olin of 1228 State street, was instantly killed when he leaped from the third story window of a hospital in New York, where he had been taking treatment. He had undergone some surgical operations since being taken to New York, a month ago. He had been in a bad state of health for several years and the past year had been taking treatment in a sanitarium. He returned home about the time of the Christmas holidays, and instead of returning to the sanitarium, he went East with his mother and brother, where he began taking treatment there. He has been mentally depressed, and owing to his condition, induced by worry over his physical health, he was being attended by three nurses. During the temporary absence of one of the nurses in charge last night, Franklin Olin leaped from the window and was found lifeless in the courtyard below. The tragic end of Franklin Olin Jr. is distressing to a very large number of friends who knew him and admired him intensely. His was a career that promised achievements, as he had a mind of a very high order, and had received great advantage in education. He was sympathetic with his fellow creatures. One of the ideas that he had for solving the never ending strife between capital and labor was that every man should be paid according to the nervous and physical energy he expends in doing his work, in theory that today is being advanced by students of sociology. Friends of the young man are recalling how he offered his services to his country during the war. He had been drafted by the local exemption board and like many other he had been granted an industrial exemption because of his employment at the Western Cartridge Co. plant. This did not suit him. He knew that he had a physical defect that would impair his chances of being accepted in the military service, so he resigned his job, went to New York, had an operation performed on his ears, then he was ready to be assigned to any contingent ready to be sent to training camp. However, he fell down on a subsequent examination by the doctors and could not be sent. Following that, he took a position as an instructor in chemistry in the University of Illinois. He was known as an intensely human man, interested in the welfare of his fellow creatures, and he was sincerely respected and loved by a very large number of people who knew him well. He was an expert golf player and also an expert at tennis, he having held the local championship at tennis. Franklin Olin's chief interest was ____red in the study of chemistry. He was a graduate of Cornell University, where he prepared himself by the study of chemistry to be of service in the plant of the Western Cartridge Co. He served both the Western and the Equitable Powder Company. Franklin Olin, until his breakdown, had an active part in the supervision of construction work in the plants and he had much to do with the additions that were made to the plant at East Alton and with work on the new plant at Springfield and Peoria. A New York dispatch to the Globe Democrat said the following: "New York, Feb. 4 - Franklin W. Olin, Jr., of 1128 State Street, Alton, a son of the president of the Western Cartridge Company, committed suicide tonight by jumping from the 3rd floor of St. Bartholomew's Hospital in East Forty-Second street. Olin, upon whom an abdominal operation had been performed six days ago, was killed instantly. He was 30 years old and an architectural engineer. Accompanied by his father and mother, who stayed at the Waldorf-Astoria to await his expected recovery, Olin came to New York and went in to the hospital two weeks ago. The operation was performed by Dr. John Draper, and Dr. F. H. Cotton, specialists in gastro-internal diseases, and was considered so successful that both surgeons left today to keep a professional engagement in Savannah, Ga. Olin, whose family is wealthy, had a private room in the hospital and was attended by three men nurses, one of whom was constantly in attendance. The nurse on duty tonight left the room momentarily, on a necessary task, and returned in time to see his patient climbing over the windowsill. The nurse jumped forward, but was too late to check Olin's fall to the hospital courtyard. J. W. Flake, superintendent of the hospital, and members of the staff found Olin apparently lifeless when they reached him. Unsuccessful efforts were made to resuscitate him. Olin Sr. said tonight that his son was depressed because of the operation. He added that all information would have to come from the hospital authorities."

[Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 8, 1921: The body was entombed temporarily in the George Levis vault in Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]

 

OLIVE, ABEL JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18, 1875
From Edwardsville, November 16, 1875 – Abel Olive, an early settler, died at the residence of his son, Dr. William Olive, in Silver Creek precinct last Thursday. The deceased was one of the most upright and highly respected citizens of our county. His wife died on Saint Valentine’s Day 1874. They were both consistent members of the Christian Church for many years before their death. Prior to his becoming infirm with age, he, for several years, held the office of Justice of the Peace of Silver Creek precinct, and in that capacity officiated at the marriage of a great many of his younger neighbors. We are particularly reminded of this fact from having frequently heard him say that the first time he officiated at a wedding, he was very much embarrassed and trembled like a leaf, and that he was similarly affected on every subsequent occasion of the kind. The deceased has left several children, all adults, a score and upwards of grandchildren, and a large circle of friends to mourn his demise. The immediate cause of his death was a cancer on the face.

NOTES:
Abel Olive Jr. was born on September 8, 1796, in Nash County, North Carolina. His spouse was Elizabeth Ricks Olive (1797-1874). His children were: Temperance Olive Wall (1815-1857); Martha Patsy Olive Compton (1817-1841); Jesse Olive (1820-1881); Charity Olive Tabor (1823-1882); Joel Haden Olive (1826-1885); John S. Olive (1827-1894); and William Olive (1836-1933). Abel was buried in the Olive Cemetery in Livingston, Madison County, Illinois.

 

OLIVE, JAMES (SQUIRE)/Source: Troy Weekly Call, July 19, 1902; Downers Grove Reporter, July 24, 1902
Madison County Pioneer; Namesake of Olive Township
James Olive, one of the oldest and most prominent residents of Madison County, died July 14, 1902, at his farm residence in Olive Township. The funeral was very largely attended. Deceased was born in Kentucky on June 4, 1817, and was in his 86th year at the time of his death. He had been a resident of Madison County since 1833, and owned much valuable farming land and other property. He was the first Supervisor elected to represent his township on adoption of the township organization law, and served many terms, as well as serving as school trustee, justice, etc. Olive Township was named in his honor. The death of Jesse Olive, a son, occurred only a day or so previous to that of his aged father.

NOTES:
The Olive family were of English descent, and came to America during the Colonial period. They took part in the struggles which resulted in America’s independence. Abel Olive, the father of James, was born in Virginia on July 20, 1765. He was twice married. By Elizabeth (nee Wilson), his first wife, he had five children: Nancy, Jose and Joel (twins), William, and Ira. By Martha (nee Munter), his second wife, he had eight children: Abel, Uel, Jesse, Richard, John, Mary, Sarah, and James.

James Olive, the youngest son of Abel, was born June 4, 1817, in Kentucky, and came to Alton, Madison County, in 1833. The following Spring, he settled in Township 6, Range 6 (Olive Township), where he continued to live until his death. On his arrival at Alton, he had 50 cents only in his possession. The country was then new, and its prairies, timber, and fertile soil was a deciding factor in making Madison County his home. He worked as a laborer for $6.00 per month, and in addition took jobs of rail splitting at 50 cents per hundred. After one or two years of hard labor, he married Mrs. Linda Tabor, widow of James Tabor. By this marriage, he came into possession of a 40-acre tract of unimproved land, which included a log cabin, partially built. He completed the cabin, and soon bought an additional 40 acres of adjoining land, which he farmed. By judicious management, James was able to add to his property, becoming a prosperous farmer. By 1873, he owned 830 acres of finely improved land, divided into different farms, on which stood six substantial tenant houses. He built a fine home for his family, which included a livestock. His property was located north of Brandt Road, and east of Highway 27 in Olive Township, just south of Livingston.

James Olive had a strong, vigorous mind, and was a product of the pioneer blood of this country. His mind was sharp, and it was stated that he would have been a very successful politician, were it not for his old-fashioned honesty. He did, however, hold a number of offices for the benefit of his immediate community. He was Justice of the Peace from 1849 to at least 1873, and was elected Township Treasurer when the free-school system was first adopted in Illinois.

His children by his first wife, Linda, were:
Henry C. Olive
James M. Olive Jr.
Martha E. Olive
Sarah Olive
Margaret Olive Crowder (1854-1919)
Marinda Olive
Thomas J. Olive
Mary J. Olive Kienle (1848-1929)

His first wife died April 21, 1864, and on November 17, 1864, he married Mrs. Mary Shumate, widow of Michael Shumate. His children by his second wife were:
Lily Belle Olive Livingston (1865-1951)
Harriet Pearl Olive Camp (1867-1951)
Edward Minter Olive
Nora Gem Olive Francy (1870-1957)
John Olive
Jesse Olive (1875-1902)

James Olive is buried in the Olive Cemetery, Livingston, Madison County, Illinois.

 

OLLER, LEONARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 2, 1905
Slain by Son in Fierce Fight at Home
Leonard Oller was killed Wednesday night by his son, Frank Oller, aged 18, at the family home, 1200 Union Street, after a fierce fight which resulted over the boy selecting his attorney instead of his father as guardian. The son defended himself with a rolling pin against the attack of his father, who had an open pocket knife in his hand, and after locking the boy in the house, made an attempt to execute his threat to kill him. Frank Oller, the boy, has lost his left foot above the ankle as the result of a street car accident which occurred two years ago. The boy's father sued for him and secured a judgment in the boy's name for $6,500, which was affirmed against the Alton, Granite and St. Louis Traction company in the Supreme court last week. The boy then decided to select his attorney, Judge D. E. Keefe of East St. Louis, as guardian. Leonard Oller, according to the members of the family, was a violent man, addicted to intoxicating liquors and was frequently drunk. For this reason the boy chose another guardian. When the father learned of his son's selection, he raged. The boy has been employed at the glass works since he procured an artificial foot, and the father went to see him at the glass works yesterday, demanding that he annul his selection of Judge Keefe. The boy was firm and refused to do so. The father was drunk then, it is said by his son, and insisted upon the boy going over the street to a saloon, there to discuss the matter. The boy was firm and then the father vowed to kill him. Wednesday night the father returned home, Frank was seated in the house. The family had supper and the father renewed his demands in the guardianship matter. The boy would not consent to his father's proposal, and finally Oller ordered his son out of the house, never to return. The boy's mother went for his coat and hat, and handing them to her son told him to leave. Frank started to go and the father seized him, remarking that he would never know the time he left the house alive, as he intended to kill him first. It developed afterward that the father had locked the door leading from the front room into the outer hallway, thus pinning the boy in the room. The father went for the son with the open knife in his hand. Mrs. Oller had been using the rolling pin for preparing part of the evening meal, and the children, it was said, had been playing with it and left it on the floor. When Oller attacked his son, Mrs. Oller attempted to separate them, but her husband knocked her down. Roy Oller, aged 16, made a similar attempt but he too was knocked down. Roy Oller was a spectator of the remainder of the tragedy. When the father tried to stab Frank and struck at him with a chair, Frank snatched up the rolling pin and a terrific struggle ensued, in which the father was knocked down and killed. The boy admits that he lost control of himself after he had knocked his father down, and that he did not know how many times he struck him. Oller's skull was crushed in on the entire right side. The boy was so terrified by his father's assault upon him that he belabored the head of the prostrate man and he says that the fight must have lasted 20 minutes. Mrs. Oller did not see all the fight as she ran to get a policeman, and when she returned her husband was dead. Capt. Ashlock and Officer Bush went to the Oller house, and there found Frank Oller, who surrendered himself to the officers. The body of the father was found lying in the doorway between the front room and the dining room. The exposed right side of the head was beaten to a pulp. In the right hand was still the pocket knife with which the father had committed the assault. The room was covered with blood which had spurted over the ceiling and walls, and Oller's body was lying in a pool that covered almost the entire floor. The body was turned over to Coroner Streeper. The family insisted that it be removed from the house to the undertaking establishment of the coroner. The inquest was set for this afternoon. The dead man was a large, powerful man, weighing about 190 pounds, while his son, who killed him, was slighter in build and was handicapped by the fact that he had lost one foot. Oller was the father of seven children, three of whom were at home when the killed occurred and were witnesses of it. Mrs. Oller, when interviewed by a Telegraph reported immediately after the killing, expressed no regret over the outcome, as she said it was a clear case of self defense, and that her husband had been drinking and was making threats of killing the entire family. She said her son made no effort to run away as he had done nothing but what he was justified in doing. None of the members of the family seemed to regret anything except the manner of the death of the father, as he was said by them to have been violent in his speech and conduct in his own home, especially when under the influence of liquor. The boy bears a good reputation and has the support and sympathy of all his family and all the people who know both the father and son. Capt. Ashlock, who first entered the room after the fight, said that he found the furniture broken up and every article in the room in a state of disarray. The indications were that a terrific battle had taken place there, and the sight was a sickening one as the father lay in the pool of blood on the floor. The jury impaneled by Coroner Streeper to hold an inquest concluded taking evidence this afternoon and found a verdict completely exonerating Frank Oller of any blame. The jury recommended that he be given his liberty on the grounds of justifiable homicide, and immediately afterward the boy was released from custody. The meeting between the mother and son was an affecting one, and Mrs. Oller almost collapsed from relief of the strain under which she had been laboring. All the evidence tended to show that the father had made threats to kill his son, his wife, himself and the guardian, whoever he might be, if the father was not appointed to control his son's money. According to members of the family, Oller had been drinking much and was very quarrelsome, frequently visiting violence on his wife.

NOTES:
Frank Oller was later employed by the Western Cartridge Company at East Alton. He worked as a machinist for twelve years. In 1919, at the age of 31, he died of a stroke. He left behind his mother, Maria Oller, two sisters (Mrs. Freda Harrison and Mrs. Abe Hildebrand), and three brothers (Roy, Jesse, and John). At the time of Frank’s death, his brother John was serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in France (World War I). John was in the trenches for 52 days. He was wounded in both legs during battle, and lay on the battlefield for two days before he was found and taken to the hospital. One of his legs had to be amputated, but he survived. Frank’s mother, Maria, died in 1935 at the age of 77. Most of the family is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.

 

OLMSTEAD, WILLIAM TROWBRIDGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28, 1913
Civil War Veteran
The death of William T. Olmstead occurred this morning at 1:15 at the family home on State street. Deceased had been ailing several months, but was taken worse three weeks ago, since which time little hope of his recovery has been entertained. He was 73 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Almeda Olmstead, and four children, Miss Grace Olmstead of Chicago; Wallace K. Olmstead of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Mrs. John Yokum and John W. Olmstead of this city. He is also survived by one brother and four sisters, all of whom live at a distance. The funeral will be held from the home of his son, John W. Olmstead, 1252 State street, Wednesday at 2 p.m. Mr. Olmstead was a member of the A. O. U. W., and also of the M. W. A. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having served three and one half years in the Third New York regiment.

 

O'MEARA, PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1907
Patrick O'Meara, who has lived in East Alton for 32 years and has been in the employ of the Big Four railroad all that time, died Saturday morning after an illness of several days duration, super induced by an abdominal tumor. His physicians urged him to submit to a surgical operation, but he steadfastly refused and death intervened. He was an expert trackman and was a good citizen and neighbor. He was 63 years old, and is survived by his wife. The funeral will be held Monday morning from St. Patrick's church, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery. O'Meara had an interesting history. He had worked so long on the Big Four that he was considered a fixture, and his employers regarded him as such a valuable man that he held as secure a tenure on his job as the bondholders of the railroad do on their job. To run the Big Four without O'Meara was regarded as an impossibility by himself and also by his superiors. He knew every section line, every landmark, and every foot of track for miles, and was more valuable than many a survivor in marking off land. O'Meara made the remark that he would have been president of the Big Four if it had not been for his defective education, and there is no one doubts that he would have risen high but for the handicap of neglected early training. He was a man of good judgment and good common sense. His death will remove a valuable servant from the employ of the railroad, and there is no doubt that high officials of the railroad will attend the funeral.

 

O'NEIL, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday, June 19, 1899
Edward O'Neil, a well known character, locally, died this morning at his home. The funeral will be Wednesday morning and services will be in the Cathedral. O'Neil was a native of Ireland, but had lived in Alton most of his life. He was a laborer but had not been able to work for some years.

 

O'NEILL, ANASTASIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1900
The funeral of Anastasia O'Neill this morning was one of the largest ever known in St. Patrick's church. Owing to the extreme sadness of the death because of the previous deaths in the family, there is general sympathy with the family in its hour of affliction, and the feeling of the public was expressed by the large attendance at the funeral services. Rev. Fr. O'Reilly was the officiating clergyman. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.

 

O'NEILL, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1907
The funeral of Mrs. Ann O'Neill, wife of Michael O'Neill, was held this morning from the Cathedral and was attended by a very large number of friends and neighbors. A requiem mass was said by Rev. Fr. Fennessey, and burial was in Greenwood Cemetery. There were many beautiful floral offerings.

 

O’NEILL, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 13, 1879
From Edwardsville – Mrs. Mary O’Neill, wife of James O’Neill, and formerly the widow of Robert Taylor, deceased, died at her late residence near Edwardsville last Thursday, and her funeral, which took place Saturday afternoon from the Irish Catholic Church in Edwardsville, of which she was a worthy and highly esteemed member, was largely attended.

 

O'NEILL, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27, 1901
Mrs. Mary O'Neill died at her home, 314 east Second street, at 6 o'clock this morning, after two weeks of intense suffering, which she bore patiently. She was prostrated by the heat two weeks ago, and all efforts to counteract the prostration failed. Mrs. O'Neill was 58 years of age, 43 of which she spent in Alton. She has conducted a boarding house for years at her home, and she was a kindly, charitable woman, whose loss will be regretted by all who knew her. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Maggie Carson and Mrs. _____ O'Neill, and one sister, Mrs. M. McDonnell of Main street. The funeral will take place Monday morning at 9:30 from the Cathedral.

 

O'NEILL, NELLIE LORETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1901
After weeks of lingering, painful illness, Miss Nellie Loretta O'Neill, aged 21 years, died this morning at 6:30 at the family home, 1012 East Third street. She leaves a mother, Mrs. Mary O'Neill, and five sisters, Mesdames Bailey and Herman and Misses Kate, Lucy and Gertrude, and numerous other relatives and friends to grieve over her early taking away. Miss O'Neill was a bright and talented girl, a graduate of the Alton High School class of 1899, and gave promise of accomplishing great good in her chosen profession, that of teaching. Her death will be regretted sincerely by all who knew or ever met her. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

 

OPPERMANN, ALBERTINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. Albertine Oppermann, who died Tuesday at his [sic] home in Bethalto, was held this afternoon from the family home. Mrs. Opperman was 63 years old.

 

O'REILLEY, KATE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20, 1901
Mrs. Kate O'Reilley, widow of William O'Reilley, died at noon at St. Joseph's hospital from an illness of two years with cancer of the side. Her illness had been a painful one, and to her family was a relief to see the last of the painful breathing, every minute of which was one of agony of body. She was 30 years of age and had lived in Alton all her life. She was the daughter of Timothy Driscoll, one of the best known of the older residents of the city, and since last December she had been an inmate of St. Joseph's Hospital where kindly hands ministered to her and all that tender friends and relatives could do was done to lighten her suffering. She leaves one son. She leaves also two brothers, Rev. Fr. Driscoll, Dennis Driscoll, and four sisters, Mrs. Charles Kane, and Mrs. William Bell of Alton; Mrs. Frank Schuelle and Mrs. John Haggarty of St. Louis. The body was taken this afternoon to the home of Charles Kane, and from there the funeral will be to St. Patrick's church Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock.

 

O'REILLEY, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1914
The funeral of Miss Margaret O'Reilley, who died at St. Joseph's Hospital Wednesday evening, was held Friday morning from St. Patrick's Church, which was filled with sorrowing friends, relatives, and former neighbors. A requiem high mass was said, the celebrant being an uncle of deceased, Rev. Fr. Driscoll of Jerseyville, Rev. Fr. Mee of Jerseyville was deacon and Rev. Fr. Manning of St. Patrick's was sub-deacon....Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery and the mound was covered deep with flowers, the offerings of sorrowing friends.

 

ORGAN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1910
Mrs. Mary Organ, widow of John Organ, died Wednesday morning at her residence, 323 Dry street, after an illness of less than four hours with neuralgia of the heart. Mrs. Organ was apparently in perfect health when she arose this morning, and began attending to her customary duties, but was taken ill about 8 o'clock. A physician was summoned and was in constant attendance until death came shortly before noon. Mrs. Organ lived with her only daughter, Mrs. Henry Loehr. She had lived in Alton about fifty years, and was married here. Her husband died thirteen years ago. Mrs. Organ's name was Mary Curtin, and she leaves one sister in Ireland, Mrs. Michael Curtin. It will be remembered that some time ago she received a nice legacy from the estate of her brother who died in Australia. The funeral will be held from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and will probably be Friday morning.

 

ORR, ELMER ELLSWORTH/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 1, 1861
Died in Alton on the 25th inst., Elmer Ellsworth, infant son of W. L. and E. C. Orr.

 

ORR, MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1842
Died, in Edwardsville, on Saturday morning, the 15th inst., in the 18th year of her age, after a short illness, which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation, Miss Margaret Orr, fifth daughter of the late Rev. Joseph Orr, who was for many years Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Drumbalg, County of Derry, Ireland. She, with her brothers and sisters, immigrated to this county from Ireland in the fall of 1840; and though her stay was short in this place, yet she has left lasting impressions of esteem and respect upon the affections of all who knew her. Truly her brothers and sisters have reason to be consoled in the evidence which she gave in her last moments that with her to die was gain.

 

ORR, WILLIAM L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3, 1905
Civil War Soldier
William L. Orr, formerly a resident of Alton, died at the Soldiers' Home in Danville, Ill., after a long illness. Many years ago Mr. Orr was a well known resident of Alton, and his body will be brought back for burial in City cemetery, where his wife and other members of his family are buried. He leaves one daughter, who lives in Chicago. Mr. Orr was a member of Piasa lodge, No. 27, A. F. and A. M., Alton Chapter, R. A. M. and Belvidere Commandery, Knights Templar. Mr. Orr was for many years grand tyler of the Illinois Masonic Grand Lodge until he was stricken with the malady which rendered him helpless and finally caused his death. The beginning of his disability was several years ago when he suffered an apopleptic stroke. He was finally moved to the Soldiers' Home at Danville where he passed the last few months of his life. During the Civil War, Mr. Orr was an engineer on one of the gunboats, and when the war ended he was not discharged from the service, but was kept on duty for some time, and afterward was technically on duty, but he never received any compensation for it. A bill is now in Congress for a special appropriation in his behalf, but it was never passed. The body will be brought to Alton, and the burial will be under Masonic auspices, and will be conducted by Piasa lodge. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the parlors in the Masonic building on State street.

 

OSBORN, EARL W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 7, 1918
WWI Soldier Dies of Influenza at Paris Island
George H. Osborn of 2408 Brown street, principal of the Humbolt school, received a telegram today announcing the death of their son, Earl W. Osborn, at Paris Island, S. C., from an attack of influenza and pneumonia. Earl was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Osborne, and was 19 years old. He graduated from the Alton High School in the Class of 1917. He entered Shurtleff College in the fall of 1917. In July last, he went to the Great Lakes, joining the Marines, and was later transferred to Paris Island where he was a member of Company 248. The first telegram of November 5 announcing his sickness followed immediately after the receipt of a letter from the young man stating that he had been inoculated four times and was feeling fine. The body will be brought to Alton for burial. This is the second bereavement that recently has befallen Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, their 3 year old daughter, Dorothy, passing away six weeks ago.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9, 1918
George H. Osborne of 2408 Brown street, principal of the Humbolt school, received a telegram this morning announcing that the body of his son, Private Earl W. Osborne, would arrive in Alton from Paris Island, S. C., on Monday morning. Mr. Osborne stated that the funeral services would be held late Monday afternoon and would be private. Rev. M. W. Twing, pastor of the First Baptist church, will officiate, and the burial will be in Oak Grove cemetery.

 

OSBORN, GEORGE H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1919
Humboldt School Principal Dead
George H. Osborn, principal of Humboldt School, died shortly after the noon hour today at his residence, Brown and Jersey streets, in Upper Alton. His death was due to a meningial development from infection following an operation for the removal of a growth in his nose. About ten days ago he underwent the operation in a hospital in St. Louis. He was supposed to have recovered from the operation, or nearly so, when unexpectedly he developed symptoms of infection in the nose, which turned into a form of meningitis, and resulted in his death. He was known to be in a serious condition yesterday, though the turn for the worse had come just the day before. It was not generally understood, however, that there was danger of the illness turning out fatally. Mr. Osborn was for a long time principal of McKinley School in the North Side. He had served there very acceptably for a number of years and when there was a vacancy in the Humboldt School principalship, he took that post. Less than two years ago he bought a place in Upper Alton and moved there. Mr. Osborn was a son of Rev. James Osborn of Upper Alton. Osborn was born in England on June 12, 1864. He has lived in Alton for the past twenty years. For sixteen years he was the principal of the North Alton schools, and four years ago he was promoted to the position of principal of Humboldt School. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Angie Osborn, present truant officer of Alton; and three children, Leland, Lucille and Ralph. He leaves two brothers, James Osborn of Kaskell, Okla.; Professor Clyde Osborn of Oak Park, and one half-brother, Carey Osborn of Iowa; as well as three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Richer of Urbana, Mrs. Maud Stewart of Troy, and Mrs. Ella Auwater of Troy. His is the third death in the family within a year. His daughter, Dorothy Louise, was the first influenza victim in Alton. She died on September 25, 1918. Less than two months later his son, Earl Osborn, aged 19, died at Paris Island while he was awaiting to be sent to France. He was brought back to Alton and buried on the day the armistice was signed.

 

OSBORN, JAMES (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 6, 1913
Rev. James Osborn, a prominent Baptist clergyman, pastor of the Troy Baptist Church for 23 years, died at his home in Upper Alton yesterday from kidney trouble after an illness of seven years. He had been seriously ill for the past week, and his death was expected. He was a native of England and was 75 years, 11 months and 5 days old. He came to America in 1866 and settled at Bridgeport, Ill. There he worked at his trade of shoe maker and became convinced he ought to engage in preaching, when he was in middle age. He began his studies and took up preaching in 1880. He graduated from Shurtleff College in 1885, when he was 48 years of age. He filled the position of the moderator of the Illinois Baptist Association at one time. He is survived by his wife and seven children, Clyde of Chicago, Ella Auwater of Troy, Carey, S., George H., of Alton, Mrs. Maud Stewart of Pleasant Plains, Iowa, Mrs. Bertha Richards of Batavin, Ill., and James Osborn of Oklahoma.

 

OSBORN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1917
John Osborn, aged 45, colored, dropped dead while building the fire at the Madison Hotel this morning where he was employed as second cook. The inquest was held over the body this afternoon at the William Bauer undertaking rooms.

 

OSBORN, JOHN ALLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1922
John Allen Osborn, who died over Thanksgiving day, was supposed to be in such a bad condition from heart trouble that he was discharged from the army during the Civil War for heart disease. He was liable to die at any minute, the army surgeon thought, and he was released after serving three years in the union army, according to his brother, A. J. Osborn. But the soldier's heart was stronger than was counted on. He never did die from heart disease. He went through life nearly another sixty years, taking care of that crippled heart, and he finally died from old age. He was in his eighty-seventh year when he died at his home, 2215 Brown street. Another interesting fact is that he leaves his wife to whom he was married in the year 1856. The couple had been husband and wife for 66 years. He leaves also four sons and two daughters. Mr. Osborn was born in Monroe county, Ky., and he grew up to young manhood there. He enlisted in the 10th Kentucky and served three years in the Civil War until discharged for disability with the bad heart. Once during the war, it is related by his only brother, A. J. Osborn, a long time resident of Alton and old soldier, the two brothers met at Kenesaw Mountain and had their first reunion they had enjoyed in eleven years. About a dozen years ago, J. A. Osborn came to Alton to live. He had visited here, like the place, and wanted to be near his brother. All the rest of his life he spent here. He was granted an increase of pension from $50 to $72 a month about six months ago because of his helplessness and the necessity of giving him constant attention. The death of Mr. Osborn had been expected several days, but his final illness was a short one. During the last two or three years he was sick a good deal of the time but was able to get about practically all the time. On last election day, Nov. 5, he made a trip to the polls and cast his ballot. He had not been getting around much of late, but he never intended to miss voting and he told his family he was going to walk to the polls. They objected to this, and someone sent an automobile to his home which took him to the polls. The last two weeks his decline was rapid. He did not appear to have any particular illness other than the infirmities of age. His strength started to leave him and it continued to fail a little each day until the end came on Wednesday night. Mr. Osborn leaves a large number of descendants, very probably more than any one person whose death in Alton has occurred in many years. When asked this afternoon by a Telegraph reporter as to the exact number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren the aged man leaves, member of his family had no idea. After getting pencil and paper and discussing the matter for some time, they counted the grandchildren to be 42, and the great-grandchildren 44. The aged Civil War veteran also leaves his widow who was 81 last February and is as well and able to do her own house work as any of her age. The sons and daughters who survive Mr. Osborn are John A. Osborn Jr. of Clawson street, Upper Alton; William of Owensboro, Ky.; Michael C., James Alfred Osborn and Mrs. Annie Sebestian of Breckenridge County, Ky.; and Mrs. Nora Davis of Alton. These sons and daughters are the parents of 42 children and the grandparents of 44. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the family home on Brown street, at 2 o'clock. Services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Magill of the College avenue Baptist church, in which Mr. Osborn held membership. He had been a near lifelong member of the Baptist church.

 

OSBORN, MARGERY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1903
The North Alton public schools are closed today out of sympathy for the sorrow of the principal, Mr. George H. Osborn and wife, because of the death this morning of their lovely and lovable little daughter, Margery. The child, who was nearing seven years of age, was ill for ten weeks with typhoid fever, but was in a fair way to recover when heart failure attacked her and the end came rapidly. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

 

OSBORN, UNKNOWN CHILD OF CHARLES C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 30, 1905
The 4 years old child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Osborn died Wednesday night at the home, 22 East Seventh street. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon.

 

OSBORNE, UNKNOWN TODDLER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1922
A little toddling 16-months-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Osborne, residing south of Hartford, went forth in quest of adventure this noon and found it - life's most beautiful adventure. A short time after the two-year-old toddled forth to see the world, he was lying crushed and bloody and still, the victim of the giant wheels of a great passenger engine pulling a train that daily had dashed past his home amid roar and puffing of steam and clanging of bell. The little fellow got in the way of the big train. He did not know it did not have sense enough to stop for him. Everybody and everything else he had ever known had stopped and let him go by, and he perhaps thought the big choo-choo would do the same. He had evaded his mother's watchful care only a few minutes when the mother knew something had happened. There was the crunch of the brakes, the grinding of wheels, the big train stopped. The mother dashed out to find her little baby lifeless. Death apparently was instant. Then the big train, the Alton Limited, moved on its way with a heart sick load of passengers. The mother had left the baby asleep while she busied herself with her work, he had waked, and wandered out to the railroad track on his fatal adventure.

 

OSBY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 23, 1904
The funeral of John Osby was held this afternoon from the Union Baptist church, where services were conducted by the pastor. Interment was in Oakwood Cemetery.

 

OSBY, LILLIAN MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3, 1903
Lillian May Osby, aged 22, colored, was buried yesterday in the Upper Alton cemetery. The mourners who attended the funeral were put to great inconvenience by a refusal of the pastor of the Upper Alton Methodist church to allow the funeral to be held in the church building. A Baptist preacher had been engaged by special request of the deceased made before her death. Rev. Mr. Coats, pastor of the Methodist church, met the funeral party at the church door and told them they would have to "head on down the street" to the colored Baptist church, as he would allow no Baptists to preach in his pulpit. The arrangements had been made to hold services in the Methodist church, and it was after long delay that the funeral party reached the Baptist church, had it opened up ready to receive the funeral party, and then held the last services over the body of the deceased.

 

OSELAND, CHARLES/Source: Troy Call, Friday, March 1, 1918
Charles Oseland, one of the old and well known residents of Troy, was found dead in bed at his home Monday morning [Feb. 25] by his son William, who made his home with him. Mr. Oseland had been a sufferer for the past several years with asthma and for some months had been seriously ill. Monday morning when the son awoke he found his father cold and still. He immediately summoned a physician who, upon examination, found that life had been extinct for some hours, possibly since midnight. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, services being held at the residence by Rev. G. W. Dame, pastor of the M. E. church, and interment was in the Troy cemetery. Those from out of town attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Loder and son, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Capelle and William Morgan of St. Louis. Deceased was a native of Staffordshire, England, and born May 31, 1835. He came to the United States in 1861 and was married in St. Louis to Miss Jennie Morgan on April 30, 1866. Eleven children were born to them - four sons and seven daughters - and of these only one son and three daughters survive. The family moved to Troy in 1890 and the wife and mother passed away here on December 31, 1900. The surviving children are Mrs. Sarah Loder, Mrs. Laura Taylor and Mrs. Iva Capelle of St. Louis, and William Oseland of Troy. There are also three grandchildren. Besides these Mr. Oseland is survived by five brothers and one sister who are: William, John and Richard Oseland of Taylorville; Rhome Oseland of Springfield; Thomas Oseland, who is at the soldiers' home, and Mrs. Mary Richardson of Alton. The latter is the eldest and is now in her 94th year. Mr. Oseland worked as a miner practically all of his life both here and in England, but was forced to retire some years ago on account of his advanced age.

 

OSLAND, W. A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1910
Inmate of Poor Farm Commits Suicide by Slitting Throat
C. E. Trabue, superintendent of the poor farm, telephoned to Alton today that a man named W. A. Osland, an inmate of the poor farm four years and a victim of epilepsy, fatally cut himself on the throat this afternoon just outside of the poor house. He was dying when Trabue telephoned. It is said he has relatives in Alton or vicinity.

 

OST, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 24, 1920
John Ost died Friday afternoon at the home of his brother, Charles Ost, at Fosterburg, at the age of 66 years. Ost had been sick for the past week with pneumonia, and from the first his condition was serious. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Louis Hannold of Brighton and Miss Edna Ost of St. Louis; also by two sons, Joseph and William Ost of Edwardsville. He also leaves two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. August Seiler, Upper Alton; Mrs. Tillie Mason, Brighton; Charles and Louis Ost, of Fosterburg. Ost was a well known Madison County politician, and served in various positions. He was a Democrat. From 1902 to 1903 he served as supervisor and at the present time was a central committeeman for his district. For several years he was a justice of the peace at Fosterburg, and for several years also served as manager of the Poor Farm at Edwardsville. He was a blacksmith by trade. He was the only Democrat in Fosterburg township who could be elected to office, as Fosterburg always goes Republican. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Baptist church at Fosterburg. Ost was a member of the Woodman lodge and took an active part in lodge work.

 

OST, LILLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1904
Surrounded by those who loved her, Mrs. Lillie Ost on Thursday morning at 1:47 o'clock peacefully fell into the sleep that draws the curtain on this life and reveals to her the mystery of the other side. Her death had been hourly expected for several days, and her illness has been the cause of concern of every person in the community. Mrs. Ost was 38 years old, and beside her husband, Charles Ost, and aged mother, Mrs. Nancy Dillon, she leaves three brothers and a sister: Thomas Dillon of Fosterburg; John Dillon of Edwardsville; Millard Dillon of Los Angeles, Cal.; and Mrs. Rebecca Skaggs of Cleghorn, Iowa. Funeral services were held at the Baptist church on Easter Sunday, just eighteen years having passed since Mrs. Ost joined the Baptist church, as she became a member of that congregation on Easter Sunday, 1886. The funeral procession was the largest ever seen in Fosterburg, and the beautiful floral offerings plainly evidenced the sorrow and esteem felt for the living and the pity for the dead. The most profound sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved family in an earnestness that cannot be mistaken. The casket was borne by Martin Thompson, Charles Harrison, Rodney Thompson, Charles Plager, Harry Thompson and Frank Mason.

 

OST, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 30, 1906
Death of Old Soldier
Nicholas Ost, a resident of Fosterburg fifty years, died at the Soldiers' Home at Danville Friday, and the body will be brought back from Danville for burial Sunday at Fosterburg. He would have been 80 years of age next Wednesday. Mr. Ost was a native of Germany and was born April 4, 1826. He was a blacksmith by trade and was a well known resident of Fosterburg. His wife died nine years ago. He leaves five children, John Ost of Edwardsville, Charles and Lewis of Fosterburg, Mrs. Tillie Mason of Brighton, and Mrs. Minnie Fieler of Fosterburg. He leaves also seven grandchildren. He went to the Soldiers' Home last January to spend the remainder of his days.

 

OST, UNKNOWN WIFE OF CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1904
The funeral of the late Mrs. Charles Ost will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home at Fosterburg.

 

OTEY, AUSTIN (REV)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1905
The funeral of Rev. Austin Otey was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Union Baptist church, Rev. J. H. Barton officiating. The deceased had occupied the pulpit of the church many times, and many a member of the church had heard deeply spiritual sermons from the lips of the aged, but devoted preacher. There was a large attendance of friends and many floral tokens, the gifts of his white friends, were laid on the casket of the old preacher who had started on his "long march," as he was wout to express it.

 

OTEY, AUSTIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1916
Austin Otey, colored, son of Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Otey, died at the home of his parents, 106 West Seventh street, Wednesday morning at 3 o'clock, after a long illness. He was 26 years of age and leaves his wife, one child, his parents, and one sister, Mrs. Grant Parker. Funeral arrangements have not been made.

 

OTEY, JOHN W. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1922
Rev. John W. Otey, a colored preacher, well known in Alton and vicinity, died at his home on Johnson street at 5 o'clock Monday afternoon, after a lingering illness. He had been in failing health since December, but was confined to his bed the last three weeks of his life. He was well known to both colored and white people in Alton. He was a member of the Union Baptist church. His services were much in demand in conducting religious services, but his ?beey days were occupied at hard work. He was a man of giant size and strength. He came to Alton when very young. He was born March 16, 18??, at Huntville, Ala. He leaves his wife, one daughter, Florence Baird, and seven grandchildren. The funeral of Rev. Otey will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to the Union Baptist church. Services will be conducted by Rev. Griswold.

 

O'TOOLE, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 15, 1915
Charles O'Toole, the 12 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles O'Toole, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Wednesday morning between 9 and 10 o'clock from lockjaw, after lingering close to death since last Saturday. The lad was injured Tuesday of last week while sliding down a banister on the back porch at the family home, 1022 Phinney avenue. He was playing with his brother, when the accident occurred. Nothing was thought of the injury at the time, and until Friday he suffered no ill effects. He was taken sick at St. Patrick's school where he attended, and that night his case became very bad, after he had carried a newspaper route. The lad was taken to the hospital Saturday morning with a bad case of lockjaw, and from the first the attending physician and nurses held out no hope to the parents. He suffered extremely up to the time when the end was very near. The lad is a member of a large family and beside his parents he leaves five sisters and two brothers. He was known in the neighborhood as a bright, happy little fellow, and the sad plight into which he fell as the result of what seemed a minor injury is the cause of much sorrow in the neighborhood and at the school where he attended. The funeral will be Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church.

 

OTT, CHRISTIAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 12, 1875
Christian Ott, a farmer who lived on the farm of Metcalf and Keown, a half mile north of the bridge over Silver Creek on the Troy and Marine road, rode into the water one day last week to drive some cows, and both he and his horse were drowned. He was born in Germany, December 24, 1833, and was 41 years of age. He was buried in the Troy City Cemetery.

 

OTT, EDWARD H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10, 1903
Edward H. Ott, aged 32, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. C. J. Martini, Sixth and Vine streets, Friday morning at 3 o'clock, after a three-day illness with pneumonia. The young man was employed at Beall's shops as a machinist, but had been unable to work the last four weeks because of an injury to one of his hands. Three days ago he was taken ill with pneumonia, and the disease terminated fatally Friday morning. He was an industrious young man and was well liked by all who knew him. He leaves one brother, George Ott, and two sisters, Mrs. Martini of Alton and Mrs. Martin Seiler of Pana. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and burial will be in City Cemetery. Services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellman.

 

OTTY, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1917
The funeral services of Harry Otty, who died November 29 at his home, 1327 Taylor avenue, will be held Sunday afternoon December 2, at 2:30 o'clock from the Union Baptist church. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.

 

OTWELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1844
Died, at his residence near Edwardsville, on the 4th inst., of the congestive fever, William Otwell, Esq., aged about 65. The deceased removed to Illinois in 1809; has twice represented this county in the State Legislature; and was a useful and exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and enjoyed in a high degree the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. He has left an afflicted widow, and a large family of children, together with many friends, to deplore his loss.

 

OULSON, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1901
Godfrey News - The funeral of Frank Oulson, oldest son of J. G. Oulson, took place Friday from the family residence. He was 26 years of age.

 

OVERATH, ANTONETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1903
Mrs. Antonetta Overath, wife of Max Overath, died Saturday night at the family home on North Street after an illness with pneumonia. She was 50 years of age and leaves beside her husband, four children, two sons and two daughters. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church.

 

OVERATH, CARTER HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1914
Boy Drowns in Mississippi
The body of Carter Henry Overath, the 10 year old son of Mrs. Catherine Overath, formerly of Alton, was recovered from the Mississippi river at St. Louis yesterday afternoon. The boy was drowned a week ago while his mother was in Alton attending the funeral of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Louis Overath. The body will be brought to Alton Sunday afternoon, arriving here at 1:35 o'clock and the funeral will be from SS Peter and Paul's Cathedral, as soon thereafter as practical, the funeral party going direct from the train to the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. The boy leaves his mother, three sisters, Anna, Florence and Kathleen, and .... [unreadable].

 

OVERATH, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 1, 1913
Miss Helen Overath, of 1106 Garden street, died Sunday morning at 4 o'clock at her home after an illness for three years. She had been confined to her home four months. Miss Overath was forewoman at the Alton Steam Laundry for seventeen years, and worked faithfully at her post of duty. She was a daughter of Mathias Overath, and leaves one sister, Miss Mary, who has stood in the place of the mother since Mrs. Overath died, and one brother, Leo. Eighteen months ago her brother, John, died, and last January her grandmother and namesake, Mrs. Helen Overath, died. Miss Overath was a member of the Catholic Knights and Ladies of America, a consistent member of St. Mary's Church. She was highly esteemed among all who knew her, and especially so at the place where she was employed for so many years. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's Church, and burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

 

OVERATH, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1905
Henry Overath, aged 45, a former teamster at the glass works, was found dead in the glass works stables this morning by William Wentzell, the foreman of the stables. Overath probably died from heart trouble, as he had suffered with it for many months, and according to members of his family had been unable to sleep at nights except in a sitting position. He was dismissed from service at the glass works a week ago. Some time during the night he managed to gain entrance to the glass works yards and was seen by workmen passing around toward the stables. Early this morning he was seen there by two men working in the stables who reported to the foreman that Overath was asleep there. When Wentzell investigation, he discovered that the man was dead. Overath had removed his coat, vest, shoes and hat, and had lain down with the garments as a pillow. It is believed that he did not know where he was and that while under the influence of liquor he returned to his old place of employment and laid down for his last sleep. It happened as a coincidence, it is believed, that he happened to die while sleeping there. When found he had rolled off the improvised pillow he had made of his garments and was lying on the concrete floor. There was not a mark upon his body nor a single other evidence that the death was anything but a natural one. The fact that he was afflicted with heart trouble is taken as conclusive evidence that he died from heart disease. Overath was a member of a family well known in Alton. He had lived here many years, and besides his wife leaves a family of six children. His wife and children live at 1403 east Third street. The body was moved from the glass works stable immediately after its discovery by Deputy Coroner Keiser. All the information that could be secured tended to show that Overath had been drinking heavily of late, and especially since his dismissal from the glass works employ. The inquest will be held tomorrow evening by Deputy Coroner Keiser. The time of the funeral has not been set.

 

OVERATH, MAX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9, 1914
Max Overath, aged 65, died last night at his home, 1106 Garden street in Alton, after a long illness. He was a member of the Alton Board of Highway Commissioners for several terms and was well known. He was a native of Germany, but came to Alton when he was six years of age. He leaves two children, Mamie and Leo; and two sisters, Mrs. Charles Gerner and Mrs. Otto Schmidt; and two brothers, Louis and Joseph Overath. The funeral will be held Friday morning from St. Mary's Church at nine o'clock.

 

OVERSTREET, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 27, 1900
Mrs. Charles Overstreet of Seventh and Belle streets made a startling discovery on awakening this morning. She found her husband dead in bed by her side, where he had been sleeping. He had been in bad health, but the discovery was a great surprise to her. Overstreet was 40 years of age, and was a well known laboring man. He had lived in Alton many years, and was a hard working man. The funeral will be Monday.

 

OWENS, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1922 Killed In Explosion At Equitable Powder Company
A blast in the corning mill at the plant of the Equitable Powder Co. today caused the death of Edward Owens, aged 37, who was at work in the mill alone when the explosion occurred. The mill building was destroyed and the machinery badly damaged. The explosion occurred just a few minutes before 7 o'clock this morning. Owens had gone to work only a few minutes before it happened. His duty was to feed the big cakes of powder into the mill for them to be ground up. It is the practice in such mills to have one man working there alone. A few months ago, a similar blast occurred in the corning mill and the man in charge of it was killed. The mill had been rebuilt and put into service again. Owens was brought here from a powder plant at Marlow, Ky., to take charge of the job. He was an experienced powder mill hand. He leaves a wife and six children, who did not accompany him to East Alton when he came here to take the job, a month ago. There was in the mill at the time of the explosion about a ton and a half of powder. The explosion shook Alton. Immediately after the explosion, it was distinguished from the blasts across the river which frequently rock this territory, by the great umbrella shaped cloud of smoke which rose and hung suspended over the powder works. The corning mill is a wooden structure covered with sheet iron, and houses machinery in which one of the near final steps in powder making is done. The work is known as dangerous, yet explosions there have not been numerous. The two which have occurred recently are the nearest together in a long time. The one that occurred today will never be explained, and will remain a mystery, just as the preceding one remained. The body of Owens will be taken back to Marlow to the family there. The wife was notified immediately of the death of her husband, and that the body would be brought to her.

 

OWENS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1920
Harry, the four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Owens, died at the family home, 3rd and Penning avenue, this morning at 10:30 o'clock. Death was due to pneumonia. The child had been ill since last Friday, when the family returned from a visit with relatives in Tennessee, but at no time was his illness considered dangerous until a doctor who was called in this morning, diagnosed the case as pneumonia. Besides his parents there are also three brothers who survive him. The father, Sidney Owens, is employed as a switchman on the Terminal railroad. Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.

 

OWENS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2, 1899
From Moro - Mrs. Mary Owens died at her home on January 25, at the advanced age of 76 years. She was born at Staffordshire, England, and came to this country in 1853. She was the widow of William Owens, whose death occurred in 1895. Will A. Green conducted the funeral services Friday afternoon.

 

OWENS, SARAH LAVINA (nee JONES)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1902
Mrs. Sarah Lavina Owens died at her farm home in Fort Russell township Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock from Bright's disease. Mrs. Owens was 76 years and two months old, and was one of the old guard of Madison County. She was born and lived all her life on the farm where she died, respected by all who knew her. Three children survive her, viz: Riley P. Owens, the well known attorney of Upper Alton; Mrs. Rosa Trabue of Jerseyville; and Z. B. Owens, who lived at the homestead with his mother. Three brothers also survive her: John Jones, age 78, of Bunker Hill; Solomon Jones of Hillsboro; and Franklin Jones, aged 65, of New Douglas. The funeral will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. from the homestead.

 

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