Obituaries - Surname S
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
SABIN, TIMOTHY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 21, 1851
Died at Gooseville, Madison County, on the 8th ult., timothy
Sabin, formerly of Chatauqua County, New York; aged 53.
SACKER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 10, 1903
Killed by Train
John Sacker
of East End Place, aged 40, was struck by the southbound C. and
A. Prairie State Express about 5 o'clock Friday evening, and
sustained injuries which caused his death at 9 o'clock. He was
an employee of the glassworks, and after his day's work in the
batch room was done, started to his home in East End Place.
Witnesses say he was on the Big Four track and left it to avoid
an approaching train. He was not aware of the approaching
Prairie State Express as he stepped onto the C. and A. track,
and was struck and thrown several feet away almost immediately
after leaving the Big Four. An arm, shoulder, and leg were
fractured in several places, and he sustained mortal internal
injuries. Dr. W. Fisher did all that was possible and had him
removed to St. Joseph's hospital where he sank steadily until
death came to his relief. Deputy Coroner Streeper will hold an
inquest as soon as the men in charge of the train can be brought
here to testify. Mr. Sacker leaves a wife and a son.
SAHRABICK, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
28, 1900
The death of Joseph Sahrabick, and the vigilance of
County Poor Farm Superintendent Tunnell, has unearthed a state
of affairs, according to the Edwardsville correspondent of the
Globe-Democrat, that needs probing thoroughly. And perhaps it
might be well to go into the antecedents of some of the other
inmates also. The correspondence follows: "Joseph Sahrabick, an
insane inmate of the county poor farm, died Wednesday morning.
He was brought here from Collinsville township in 1885, adjudged
insane, and sent to the State Hospital for treatment. He
remained there four years and was sent back as incurable, and
for sixteen years has been a charge on the county. Several weeks
ago Supt. Tunnell learned that the old man owned a 42-acre farm
in Collinsville township, worth about $3,000, the proceeds of
which went to relatives in St. Louis and also that deceased had
a sister residing in Collinsville. Judge Early, of the County
Court, was informed of the condition of things, and after the
old man's death, appointed Supt. Tunnell administrator of the
estate. An investigation is now on foot, and if the facts as
stated are correct, a claim of about $1200 will be filed against
the estate by the county for the support of the supposed pauper
for over sixteen years."
SALLINGER/SELLINGER, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 28, 1907
Woman Commits Suicide by Carbolic Aci
Mrs. Nellie Sellinger, aged 32, killed herself by drinking
carbolic acid Wednesday morning at 2 o'clock at 420 Piasa
street. She died in the same room as was occupied by another
woman who did a similar act three months ago. The Sellinger
woman's maiden name was O'Hearn. A man claiming to be her
husband was attending her. He is employed at the Duncan Machine
shops. Deputy Coroner Keiser held one of the quickest inquests
on record in Alton. Within a few minutes after the woman was
dead he was summoned. He managed to pick up a jury quickly,
notwithstanding the hour in the morning, heard all the witnesses
and a verdict of suicide was found before 4:30 o'clock in the
morning. The father of the woman was notified and came after the
body this afternoon to take it to St. Louis. The husband told
the coroner that he went with his wife to Overath's garden last
night, and that on his return he had a few words with his wife
and that she took poison in a room adjoining his.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph,August 29, 1907
Arthur Sallinger
probably owes his life to the fact that he was drunk yesterday
afternoon and evening and was in jail sobering up. He was the
husband of the 31 year old woman who committed suicide by
drinking carbolic acid because her husband forced her to lead a
life of shame. The father of the suicide lives in St. Louis and
his name is O'Hearn. He came to Alton to claim the body of his
daughter, and was shocked to learn the circumstances attending
her death. He was so indignant that he begged for a chance to
see his son-in-law for just a moment. He said he did not want to
talk to him, wouldn't say a word to him, but the eyes of the
father glistened as he pleaded, and there was a look in them
which meant that he would make short work of his daughter's
husband....O'Hearn said that he knew his daughter was not just
exactly happy in Alton, but he never thought that she had fallen
to the depths of degradation which led up to her tragic death.
Deputy Coroner Keiser believes the father would have killed his
daughter's husband if he had found him.
SAMMONS, RICHARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 25, 1846
Died on the 10th instant, at the Alton House in Alton, after a
lingering illness, Mr. Richard Sammons, formerly of western New
York, aged about 35. Although far from his friends, the deceased
received every kind attention during his illness, and his
remains were followed to the grave by many respectable citizens.
He was much esteemed by those who knew him, and has left an aged
mother in Utica, New York, as is supposed, and sundry relatives
and friends to deplore his loss.
SAMPSON, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 28,
1907
Mrs. Martha Sampson, colored, aged about 30 years, died
this morning at her home, 1714 Alby street, from dropsy. She
leaves a couple of brothers and a sister. The funeral will be
held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
SAMUELS, CARRIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30,
1915
Leaves 187 Grandchildren - Was Georgia Slave
Mrs.
Carrie Samuels, colored, who died at the home of her daughter at
302 Mildred avenue this morning, leaves 187 grandchildren,
great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Alton has
long held a reputation for being the stork city, but this old
woman, who was very well known in Alton, breaks all records so
far as is known in this vicinity. She had great-grandchildren
all over the country. Mrs. Samuels was born in Georgia in the
days of slavery. After the Civil War, she came to Alton and made
her home here for the past fifty years. There was no exact way
of telling her age. Some claimed that she was very close to one
hundred years of age, but her close relatives say that they do
not believe she was over eighty. Mrs. Samuels is survived by two
daughters, Mrs. Missouri Scott of Pin Oak; and Miss Carrie
Eerxsion of Alton; and three sons, Walker Elbert and Arthur
Samuels, all of Edwardsville. The funeral will be held on Sunday
afternoon from the North Alton church to the Upper Alton
Cemetery.
SANDERS, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7,
1903
Albert Sanders, aged 34, son of Mr. and Mrs. "Jack"
Sanders, died this morning at his home at the foot of Ridge
street after a long illness with lung troubles. He leaves a wife
and three small children in destitute circumstances. The funeral
will be Wednesday afternoon from the home to Milton Cemetery.
SANDERS, ELIZA L./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 22,
1853
Died in Marine, Madison County, Illinois, on the 9th of
February, 1853, Mrs. Eliza L., wife of Frederick B. Sanders,
aged 21 years and 3 months.
SANDERS, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28, 1913
Fred Sanders, who was steward of the Illini Yacht Club house for
years, died Sunday morning, aged 34, at his home, 1818 Market
street. He is survived by his wife. The funeral will be tomorrow
at 2 p.m. from the home.
SANDERS, HORTENSE [nee CORBETT]/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, February 5, 1916 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Mrs. Hortense Corbett Sanders, aged 27 years, wife of Frank B.
Sanders, assistant cashier of the Bank of Edwardsville, died
suddenly at her home at no. 9 St. Andrew's Place at 7:35 o'clock
last night. Her death was caused by heart trouble. Mrs. Sanders
had been ill since January 2. On that day a son was born to Mr.
and Mrs. Sanders. Her illness was from blood poisoning and for
the past two weeks her condition had been very serious. During
the past few days, Mrs. Sanders improved and was able to sit up
in a chair at times. Yesterday evening she occupied a chair in
the sitting room at her home conversing with members of the
family. She suddenly fell over in the chair and become
unconscious. Those in the room rushed to her assistance, and two
physicians were called. There was only life for a few seconds
and then without a murmur she passed away. The funeral will be
held Monday afternoon from the residence thence to St. John's M.
E. church at 2 o'clock. Rev., Robert Morris, pastor of the
church will conduct the services. Interment will be in the
Woodlawn cemetery. Mrs. Sanders was born November 2, 1889 and
died February 4, 1916. Her birthplace was in Edwardsville and
she was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Corbett. Her father has
been a dentist here for a number of years. She attended the
public schools here and also graduated from the Edwardsville
High School. At the time she graduated she was salutatorian of
her class. She later attended the Illinois Women's College at
Jacksonville, this state, and graduated in 1908, from that
institution. She then took up the study of foreign languages in
the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio. After graduating
from the college she became instructor in foreign languages in
the High School here. She was a teacher in the High School for
four years and resigned that position shortly before her
marriage to Frank B. Sanders, of Edwardsville, on September 21,
1914. Mrs. Sanders was well liked by all. She was a member of
St. John's M.E. church and also a member of the choir of the
church. She was an active worker in the Epworth League and at
the time of her death was president of the St. Louis Alumni
Association of the Illinois Women's College She is survived by
her husband, Frank B. Sanders, and one son, Frank Corbett
Sanders, Jr., and also by her parents Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Corbett
of Edwardsville. There is also a brother, Clifton Corbett, of
Edwardsville.
SANDERS, JAMES AND WIFE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23,
1866
Mr. James Sanders of Wanda, a brother-in-law of Mr.
Willoughby, attempted to go to attend the funeral of Mr. J. R.
Willoughby on the cold Thursday, February 15. He reached
Edwardsville, took a congestive chill, and died in a few days.
Mrs. Sanders soon afterward followed her husband to the other
world.
SANDERS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13,
1922
Drowns In Glass Works Slough
Thomas Sanders,
colored, of Missouri Avenue, was drowned Monday afternoon while
swimming in the slough in the rear of the Illinois Glass
Company. He was drowned in the presence of eight or ten men who
were also swimming in the slough. The coroner, C. N. Streeper,
was notified immediately and at once began to drag, but was
unable to locate the body. The dragging continued until late
last evening and work was recommenced this morning. The body was
not recovered.
SANDROCK, J. (REVEREND FATHER)/Source: Alton Telegraph, May
16, 1873
Rev. Father J. Sandrock, parish priest of the German
Catholic Church, and principal of St. Mary’s College, died this
morning at his residence on Henry Street, near Third. His death
is reported to have been caused by smallpox. He officiated at
the church last Sunday, and his illness was of only four or five
days’ duration. Father Sandrock had only been located here a few
months, but during that short time he had won the respect and
esteem not alone of his own congregation, but of many others.
His death is greatly mourned by his parishioners. The bells of
the Catholic Church have been tolling all day in respect to his
memory. We have not learned when the funeral obsequies will be
observed.
SANFORD, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
6, 1907
The funeral of Clarence Sanford was held this
afternoon from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Grow, 26
Jefferson avenue, and was attended by a large number of friends
of the family. There were many beautiful floral offerings.
Services were conducted by Rev. W. H. Bradley and burial was in
the City Cemetery.
SANFORD, ELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1904
About a week ago George W. Sanford, an old soldier living at 110
West Tenth street, died after an illness with pneumonia. Sunday,
his wife, who is aged about 65 years, passed away. She was very
ill at the time he died and she never rallied from the shock his
death gave her. Two children are left now completely orphaned.
The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon from the home. [Burial was
in City Cemetery]
SANFORD, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14,
1904
The funeral of the old soldier, George W. Sanford, took
place this afternoon from the home, 110 West Tenth street, where
services were conducted by Rev. M. H. Ewers, of the M. E.
church. G.A.R. members acted as pall bearers, and interment was
in City Cemetery. The pallbearers were James P. Pack, C. B.
Brooks, O. S. Lehr, A. J. Osborne, Adam Ruth, and Frank Sikes.
SAPINGTON, CALEB/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1875
From Edwardsville – Caleb Sapington, a farmer who lived near
here, and who had spent the greater part of his life in this
county, departed this life yesterday, and his funeral took place
this morning. He leaves a wife and children, and also some
orphan grandchildren, who resided with him, to mourn their loss.
His estate is quite small, and the widow and children have the
sympathies of a large circle of friends in this, their hour of
bereavement.
SAPPINGTON, RICHARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 6, 1872
Richard Sappington, who died at the residence of his son-in-law,
S. W. Temple, last week, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and
only lacked 20 days of having served long enough to entitle him
to a pension as a survivor of said war. He was about 79 years of
age at the time of his death. He was married to Elizabeth
Bowles, who still survives, December 15, 1815, at what was then
a mere village, but now the great city of St. Louis. His
parents, John Sappington and Jemima Fowler, were married
February 1, 1780, and had born unto them seventeen children, all
of whom lived to have families of their own. The eighth of said
children was Richard, and he survived all the rest. Richard came
to Madison County upwards of 40 years ago, and continued to live
here up to his death. He was a good citizen. For a number of
years he kept a public house on the St. Louis Road, three miles
from Edwardsville, and was well known by a large number of
people, all of whom esteemed him very highly.
SARGENT, ALICE MABEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 9,
1864
Died in Alton on the 1st instant, after a long and
distressing illness, Alice Mabel, daughter of H. F. and S. P.
Sargent. The afflicted parents have our kindest sympathy.
SARGENT, MARGARET FRANCES/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4,
1851
Died on the 30th ult., Margaret Frances, infant daughter
of Mr. B. F. and Mrs. Susan Sargent, aged 20 months.
SARGENT, MARY HARRIET/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 26, 1841
Died, in this city [Alton], on the 18th instant, Mary Harriet,
youngest daughter of Mr. Henry Sargent, aged 3 months.
SARGENT, SUSAN P. (nee PHINNEY)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 17, 1912
Mrs. Susan P. Sargent, widow of B.
F. Sargent, died Saturday morning at 9:50 o'clock at her
residence, 326 East Twelfth street, after a long illness due to
the disability of age. Mrs. Sargent had passed almost her entire
life in Alton, had lived in the one place most of the time, and
was one of the oldest residents of Alton. A quiet home-loving
woman, devoted to her church and her family, she had lived a
life filled with many good acts for those who came in contact
with her. For some time she had been in a very weak state, due
to no particular malady except the advance of years. She was a
member of long standing in the First Presbyterian church, and
until her health and strength failed, she was regular in her
attendance at her church. For several days her death had been
expected to occur at any moment. Mrs. Sargent was born at
Falmouth, Mass., in the year 1823, and was 89 years of age at
the time of her death. She came to Alton with E. L. Dimmock and
her brother, Charles Phinney, in the year 1838, and ever since
then, with the exception of a brief period she spent in Chicago
and St. Paul, Alton was her much beloved home. Mr. Phinney, her
brother, preceded her in death a number of years ago. Her
husband, B. F. Sargent, to whom she was married sixty-seven
years ago, died in 1887. Mrs. Sargent's residence in Alton
spanned the years from the earliest days of the city to the
present, and her recollections of early days in Alton were
interesting. Her mind was bright, and she was a delightful woman
to know all through her long life. Four weeks ago she suffered a
breakdown which preceded the end. Mrs. Sargent leaves two
children, E. L. Sargent of Dallas Tex., and Mrs. J. T. Dodge of
Alton. She leaves also two granddaughters, one of whom is Miss
Jessie Sargent. Miss Sargent had made her home with her
grandmother since she was a little girl, and stood in theplace
of a dutiful daughter to her aged grandmother. The other
granddaughter is another child of E. L. Sargent of Dallas. In
the death of Mrs. Sargent, the First Presbyterian church loses
one of its oldest, if not the very oldest member in point of
years of connection with that institution. It was about 74 years
ago that she united with the church, on first coming to Alton,
and except for a brief period following the organization of the
Congregational church, she remained there. After uniting with
the Congregational church, her heart turned back to the
organization in which she had first joined, and she reunited
there and remained to the end. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon at 2 o'clock, from the family home on Twelfth street,
and interment in City cemetery will be private.
SAUERMANN, EDITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16,
1907
Edith, the eight weeks old child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry
Sauermann, died this morning at the family home on Ninth street,
and the funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from
the home.
SAUNDERS, RICHARD H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 21, 1916
Civil War Veteran, Upper Alton Resident
Richard H. Saunders, one of Upper Alton's oldest and most
respected residents, died Sunday morning at 5:40 o'clock after a
long illness at the family home, 1816 Main street. He would have
been 76 years old had he lived until the 26th day of next month.
Mr. Saunders' serious illness commenced a few weeks ago, but he
had been a sufferer from rheumatism many years. Trouble in one
of his feet, which commenced several years ago, caused him much
suffering, and this finally developed into gangrene and was the
direct cause of his death. The wonderful vitality which Mr.
Saunders possessed, together with his constitution, which
literally seemed to be of iron, were instrumental in prolonging
his life weeks after all hope for his recovery had been given
up. During the last three days of his life he had entered into a
deep sleep, and in this state his end came peaceably Sunday
morning. Richard H. Saunders was born in Greenville, Bond
county, on March 26, 1840. He was the son of Asa L. Saunders, a
pioneer of Bond county. While M. Saunders was quite young his
parents moved over to Marine, where they located on a farm where
they raised their family. At the age of 22 Mr. Saunders joined
the 117th regiment, going into Company G Illinois Volunteers,
and went immediately into the Civil War. His war record was
interesting. He kept a daily record of all his three years'
experience in the Civil War. Later, he entered his memorandums
in ink in a book he procured for the purpose, and this book has
been one prized highly by the old soldier in his home, and it is
indeed interesting. He was in 33 skirmishes and battles
altogether, but 19 of them were some of the hardest battles
fought in the rebellion. One interesting fact is that during the
three years Mr. Saunders served his country in the Civil War and
in the battles he participated in, he never received a scratch.
His life as a soldier, however, was a hard one, and he always
attributed the hardships and exposure during that time to
bringing on his physical troubles later. Besides being a
sufferer from rheumatism, Mr. Saunders' hearing was affected
supposedly from his army experience. As he grew older, his
hearing became poorer, and during the last five years of his
life he was totally deaf. He was mustered out of the service at
Springfield, Ill., in 1864, just one day before his three years'
service was completed. Mr. Saunders was married to Miss Eleanor
Kinder on September 4, 1866 at Marine, and they came to Upper
Alton to live 41 years ago. The couple would have observed the
fiftieth anniversary of their marriage next September. Mr.
Saunders was a life long Presbyterian. His father was one of the
founders of the church in Greenville, and he walked from that
town to Boston in an effort to raise money to finance the
Greenville church. Soon after coming to Alton, Mr. Saunders
became an elder in the Upper Alton Presbyterian church, and in
that capacity he was active 31 years, and in all he was a ruling
elder of the church 36 years. He is survived by his widow and
two daughters, Mrs. W. F. Sherwood and Mrs. R. J. Richardson of
Alton. He also leaves two grandchildren, Maarcelia E. and
Richard Ross Sherwood. Mr. Saunders was the last of his family.
The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at
the family home on Main street. Services will be conducted by
Rev. E. L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church of
Alton, and burial will be at Oakwood cemetery.
SAVAGE, ANNA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22, 1851
Died
at Monticello [Godfrey], august 15, of Consumption, Mrs. Anna
Savage, aged 25 years. She gave her heart to God about the
fourteenth year of her age, and united with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which she lived an active and exemplary
member, and died in the hope of a blessed immortality.
SAVIDGE, ADELINE F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
19, 1917
Mrs. Adeline F. Savidge, mother of William Savidge
of Alton, died at the home of her son on Central avenue Friday
morning at 9 o'clock after a long illness with stomach trouble.
She came here from Greenfield, Ill. about seven months ago to
make her home with her son. Four months ago she was taken ill.
She leaves four children, Mrs. Mary Degerlia and William Savidge
of Alton; Mrs. Alice Secor of Greenfield; and George L. Savidge
of New York. The body will be taken to Medora for burial.
Services will be held in the family home on Central avenue
Sunday morning at 9 o'clock by Rev. M. W. Twing of the First
Baptist Church. Mrs. Savidge held membership in a Methodist
Church at Greenfield for many years.
SAWYER, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1902
Mrs. Ann Sawyer, widow of Hugh Sawyer, died Saturday morning
at her home in Upper Alton on Main street near College Avenue,
in the 84th year of her age. For many years she was an invalid,
and this, combined with advancing age, caused her death. She was
a resident of Upper Alton more than half a century, having
settled there when a young woman. She was born in England but
came to America with her parents when she was a girl. In the
Methodist church she was an almost life-long member, and was
always deeply devoted to the church in Upper Alton and to work
among the church people. Her husband died six years ago. Mrs.
Sawyer leaves one daughter, Mrs. Julia S. Machin, and two
grandchildren. The funeral services will be held Sunday
afternoon and will be conducted by Rev. G. W. Waggoner and Rev.
M. L. Cole.
SAWYER, BENJAMIN S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
29, 1917
The Man With a Sterling Character Dies
Benjamin
S. Sawyer, aged 66, died at 6 o'clock Monday morning at the
family home, 828 Alton street, from pneumonia. Mr. Sawyer had
been in poor health for some time, beginning with an attack of
the grip. Two weeks ago, pneumonia developed, and in his
weakened condition he was unable to resist the attack. He had
been in a bad way the past week and the end was no surprise. Mr.
Sawyer was born in Alton and lived here almost his entire life.
He was one of the best known men in Alton. For many years his
services had been in great demand as an inspector of public
improvements. To illustrate the high reputation of the man, and
the general belief of the public that he was a man of sterling
honesty, the Telegraph takes the liberty of relating the story
of his first appointment as a street paving inspector by Mayor
Beall twelve years ago. Mr. Sawyer had been a critic of Mr.
Beall and had opposed him strongly in his race for mayor. When
Beall was elected he was looking about for a capable, honest man
to take the post of inspector in the campaign of street
improvements he had a mind to inaugurate. Consulting a friend,
the mayor was advised, more in fun than anything else, to
appoint Ben Sawyer. Mayor Beall jumped at the suggestion
eagerly. "The very man I want," was his reply. "I want a man who
doesn't trust me, so that he will see that the work is well
done." Mr. Sawyer was conferred with, the situation was
explained, and he was asked to take the job, with instructions
to keep a close watch on the contractors, and to see that the
very best work was done. Mr. Sawyer promised and the result is
well known. He became known to the contractors as a man who knew
when a good job was done, and made no criticism, but who
insisted that a good job be done. His service on a job at first
was dreaded, but later contractors began to solicit his
appointment as inspector because of his knowledge of the work.
Mr. Sawyer was engaged in the work of making collections too,
when he was not serving as a city inspector. He was a graduate
of Shurtleff College. He is survived by two brothers, Fred A.
Sawyer and Charles E. Sawyer; also by a cousin, Miss Henrietta
Williams, who was the housekeeper for many years in the Sawyer
home. All the members of the family have been suffering from the
grip, the malady being of a very serious character.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1917
Kept
Weather Record
The late Ben S. Sawyer kept an accurate
weather report for the last forty years or more, and continued
his "labor of love" in this respect up to about a week before
his death. He started keeping the record many years ago for
amusement, and afterwards grew so interested in the markings and
changes that he kept it up. It was about the only such record
kept in this part of the country for many years, and it ought to
be interesting, if not valuable, right now to weather men.
SAWYER, FRED A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28,
1918
Retired Alton Business Man
Fred A. Sawyer, retired
Alton business man, died at his home, 828 Alton street, Thursday
morning at 8 o'clock, after one week's illness with pneumonia.
It was the second attack of pneumonia he had suffered in little
more than a year. His brother, Benjamin Sawyer, died about a
year ago from pneumonia, which he is supposed to have contracted
while taking care of Fred A. Sawyer and a cousin, Miss Henrietta
Williams, who made her home with the Sawyer brothers. At that
time it was not believed that Fred Sawyer would recover, but he
did, and later on he retired from business as he continued in
poor health. He had made rapid gains toward good health since
giving up his business cares, and at the time he was taken down
by the fatal attack of pneumonia, he was apparently better than
he had been in many years. His death came as a sad surprise to
many friends who did not know that his case was so grave. Mr.
Sawyer was 57 years of age. He was born in the place where he
died, and he passed his entire life there. He is survived by one
brother, Charles E. Sawyer, who has been confined to his home
three weeks by a rheumatic attack. He leaves also his cousin,
Miss Williams, who had stood in the place of a sister to him and
had given devoted attention to the welfare of her cousins. Mr.
Sawyer, while not affiliated with any church membership, was a
firm believer in a future life, and believed that the practice
of the "Golden Rule" would insure a place of happiness and rest
for mortals in that life. He was a great reader and earnest
student, and while he was not assertive in this respect, he was
really one of the best posted men in the city. He studied the
Bible as well as other religious works too, and he and his
brother, the late B. S. Sawyer, had always a well selected
library in which the latest as well as some of the oldest books
were to be found. He was demonstrative in no manner at all, but
those who knew him well and intimately know that he was a kind
hearted, charitable man, and that his right hand frequently
performed deeds of good which his left hand knew nothing about.
He could judge the deserving needy and the undeserving
accurately, almost unfailingly, and he never failed the
deserving needy. He did not seek publicity for this; on the
contrary he shunned it. But Fred Sawyer had many charitable
deeds to his credit on the ledger Over There. He was employed
for many years by E. F. Deterding and in the Nisbet store, and
after they quit business he engaged in business for himself.
This business he conducted successfully in the Madison Hotel
block for twenty-three years, and no man ever had a better
reputation for square dealing than he. (Interment was at City
Cemetery)
SAWYER, LORETTA/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 29, 1872
From Godfrey, March 22, 1872 - Our usually quiet community was
shocked on Saturday evening, March 16, by the announcement that
Mrs. Sawyer, an aged lady of Godfrey, had been dangerously
injured by falling from the steps of a moving car upon the
platform. By unremitting care and attention on the part of the
members of her family and friends, she partially recovered her
consciousness, and on Monday, slight hopes of her recovery were
entertained. On Tuesday, the symptoms were more unfavorable, and
she gradually sunk until death closed her sufferings at about 11
o’clock today. Her funeral takes place at half-past two o’clock
Sunday afternoon. Too much care cannot be taken on the part of
railway conductors, especially at stations, when persons are
entering or leaving the cars. The haste which is too frequently
manifested is culpable in the extreme, leading, as in this
instance, to intense suffering and death of an esteemed lady,
and wrapping a devoted family in mourning. In accordance with
the old time-honored custom of New England, the church bell
tolled the age of the deceased – 62 years.
SAWYER, JOHN Y./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14,
1912
A number of the old friends of John Y. Sawyer went to
Godfrey to attend the funeral of the old resident this morning.
Private services were held at the residence in Ravenswood
Tuesday afternoon, February 13th, 1912, and the remains were
then taken to his old home at Godfrey, where funeral services
were conducted by Rev. J. A. Scarritt in the Methodist church,
after which he was placed to rest by the side of his wife in the
Godfrey Cemetery. Those who accompanied the remains from Chicago
were: Mrs. Scribbins, Misses Abbie and Kathryn Sawyer, H. W.
Sawyer, Mr. and Mrs. J. Y. Sawyer Jr., G. B. Sawyer, Mr. and
Mrs. F. S. Sawyer. The deceased was born at Reading, Windsor
county, Vermont, November 2nd, 1824, when as a young man he
moved to Madison county, Illinois and purchased a farm at
Godfrey. October 21st, 1851, he married Sarah Jane Robbins,
daughter of Rev. George W. Robbins, a pioneer minister of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and resided in Godfrey forty three
years. Here, eight children were born to them, seven of whom are
still living. A son, Henry Oscar, dying in childhood. Four of
the sons and two nephews, including Ben S. Sawyer of Alton, were
the pallbearers.
SAWYER, SETH T./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1895
Oldest Prominent Lawyer in the State
At 5 o'clock on
Saturday evening Seth T. Sawyer, one of Alton's most aged
citizens, died at his home in this city from general debility
consequent upon old age. For a number of years he had been so
enfeebled as to rarely leave his home, and the vital spark
burned so low sometimes as to make it impossible to say that the
venerable gentleman would live for any length of time. The past
two weeks he had suffered considerably with a severe cough, but
his mind was bright as ever, and his interest in local events as
keen as at any time. He was deeply interested in the pending
questions now before Congress, and made anxious inquiries as to
what was being done. Shortly before 5 o'clock he was taken with
a coughing spell, and passed away in it. The immediate cause of
his death was heart failure. Mr. Sawyer had been a permanent
resident of Alton for 60 years, having lived about four years in
Edwardsville previously. Seth T. Sawyer was the oldest lawyer in
Madison county, and one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in the
State of Illinois. He was born on the 19th of August, 1806, at
Reading, Windsor county, Vermont, and was therefore in his 89th
year. His early education was obtained part in the common
schools of his native State and in Chester Academy of Windsor
county. In 1830 he commenced reading law in the office of Nathan
Sawyer, at Mederia, Orange county, N. Y., and continued there
until October 9, 1831, when he removed to Illinois, reaching
Alton October 29. He at once resumed the study of law in the
office of Judge James Semple, and also with J. G. Sawyer, who
was then practicing at Edwardsville. He remained in Judge
Semple's office till the spring of 1832, when he was admitted to
the bar and became a partner of his preceptor. He thus practiced
until 1836, when the partnership was dissolved, and he returned
to Alton, where he continued to practice until laid aside by the
infirmities of old age. He was a notary public for 20 years. In
1836 he was appointed State Printer, vice his brother, John
Sawyer, deceased. In 1855 he was appointed U. S. Land
Commissioner. Although engaged in general practice, he was best
known as a real estate lawyer. He also had an extensive practice
in the Federal Courts. Three sons survive Mr. Sawyer, Benjamin,
Charles and Frederick. His wife preceded him in death, as did
also a daughter, Miss Lizzie, and his second son R. T. Sawyer.
Besides these, Miss Henriette E. Williams has been a member of
the household for many years. She was a niece of Mrs. Sawyer,
and has filled the place of mother and sister to the family
since the bereavement that fell upon it by the death of these
loved members.
SCAKER, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2,
1916
Youth Dies of Typhoid Fever
The funeral of Caroline
Scaker, aged 13, was held this morning from the St. Mary's
Church to the St. Joseph's cemetery. The child died at the home,
128 Illinois Avenue, from typhoid fever.
SCARRITT, EDWARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21, 1890
The funeral of Edward, son of Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop G. Scarritt,
took place at Bunker Hill, Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Scarritt
arrived from New York Saturday.
SCARRITT, EDWARD O./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 3, 1849
Died at the residence of his brother, Isaac Scarritt, in Alton,
on the night of Wednesday, the 1st instant, at about 12 o’clock,
Edward O. Scarritt, aged about 16 years, son of the late Nathan
Scarritt of Monticello, Illinois [Godfrey]. It will gratify his
numerous Christian friends to know that he was conscious to the
last, and gave in his death, as he did in his life, a bright
illustration of the value and power of the Christian religion,
especially to youth.
SCARRITT, HANNAH REBECCA (nee MELDRUM)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 14, 1905
Wife of Rev. J. A. Scarritt Dies
in Cairo, Illinois
Mrs. Hannah Rebecca Scarritt, wife of Rev.
J. A. Scarritt, died from heart disease at Cairo, Ill., Friday
morning at 2 o'clock, after an illness of less than three hours.
She had been troubled with heart trouble for many years, but on
Thursday afternoon and evening she was apparently in as good a
condition of health as she had been for many years. She was down
town during the morning and had been busily engaged in packing
up the household goods preparing for shipment to Alton, where
the couple had planned to make their home after spending the
winter in the south, and Rev. Mr. Scarritt and his wife went to
the home of a friend to spend the night, which was to have been
their last in Cairo. Shortly after midnight Mrs. Scarritt was
taken with a violent attack of heart disease, and before 3
o'clock in the morning she had closed her eyes in the last long
sleep. Mrs. Scarritt was a native of Madison county, being born
on what was known as Scarritt's Prairies, what is now Godfrey,
73 years ago. She was the mother of two children, both of whom
died, the last one, Mrs. George Parsons of Cairo, dying in
recent years. A few years before Mr. Scarritt was ordained in
the ministry he was married to her. Mrs. Scarritt's maiden name
was Meldrum. During the more than half century of their married
life, Mrs. Scarritt was a faithful companion and a most
efficient helpmate for her husband in his ministerial labors.
She was well known in Alton and much loved by the members of the
church whom she ministered to while her husband was pastor of
the Sixth street Methodist church. Her funeral will be the first
from the new First Methodist church, and will follow the day of
the dedication. Brief funeral services will be held at Cairo,
Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock. The funeral party will arrive in
Alton Sunday evening on the Big Four flyer, and the body will be
taken to the Jacoby undertaking chapel. The funeral services at
Alton will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock in the new First
Methodist church. Services will be conducted by Rev. M. H.
Ewers, the pastor, assisted by Bishop David H. Moore of
Portland, Oregon and Rev. C. Nash of Jerseyville. Burial will be
in the City Cemetery.
SCARRITT, ISAAC/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 26, 1873
Son of Nathan Scarritt - pioneer of Scarritt's Prairie [Godfrey]
On December 22, in Alton, Mr. Isaac Scarritt died of congestion
of the brain at his residence; aged 56 years, 3 months, and 22
days. The funeral will take place from the Presbyterian Church
on Friday afternoon, December 28.
We can find no language
to express our sorrow, sense of loss, and almost utter
disconsolateness, as we make this sad announcement. The mortal
remains of our steadfast friend, our brother in Christ, our
intimate associate for nearly thirty-four years, our counselor
and supported in trial, and our nearest neighbor, are lying cold
in death. They are beautiful. A serene smile rests upon the
countenance, the reflection, doubtless of that glory into which
he has entered.
Isaac Scarritt was born in Lyman, Grafton
County, New Hampshire, September 30, 1817. He came to
Edwardsville with his father’s family, November 16, 1820 – then
a child of three years. The family removed to Scarritt’s
Prairie, near what is now the village of Monticello [Godfrey],
March 6, 1826. His father, Nathan Scarritt, plowed the first
furrow ever drawn upon that prairie; lived a useful, Christian
life, and died a happy death. Isaac, the second son that
attained to adult years, was on the farm until about sixteen
years of age. He then became a clerk with Mr. W. S. Gilman,
first at Upper Alton, then in Alton.
Mr. Scarritt was
twice married. First to Miss Martha Ann Mason, December 25,
1838. She died April 3, 1871, leaving four children – Henry M.,
Harriet L., Mary A., and Emma M., all of whom are still living.
His second wife, now his widow, was Miss Ruth Barker, whom he
married April 9, 1878.
Mr. Scarritt’s entire business
life was spent in Alton, first as a merchant, to which business
he was trained by that superb business man, Winthrop S. Gilman;
then, for the past few years, as a banker, in the responsible
position of President of the First National Bank of Alton.
He has held many public trusts. He was appointed by Governor
Palmer one of the Trustees of the Insane Asylum at Jacksonville,
and was at his death, President of the Board. He was also one of
the Trustees of Blackburn University at Carlinville, and
Secretary of the Alton Board of Education. He was, moreover,
repeatedly a member of the City Council of Alton, and had in
charge in that relation many important interests, relating
especially to the schools and finances of the city. He was ever,
at least moderately, successful in business, and had acquired a
competence. His fairness and integrity were perfect, and his
business honor bright as gold. But business was with him only a
means to an end. That end was usefulness – to act well his part
as a Christian man. From that grand end, he never swerved, and
he sought it by the only true means – a consistent, constant
Christian example.
He united with the First Presbyterian
Church in Alton, April 24, 1836 – being then 19 years of age.
This church relation he retained until his death. Of those then
members of that church, only eight are now living. Only two of
these eight retain the same connection. He was made an Elder in
that church November 14, 1841, and retained the position until
his death. He has been Superintendent of the Sabbath School for
the last 20 years. He has also acted as Trustee of the church
for the same period. All his own interests seemed bound up in
the interests of Christ’s cause. He was willing to work
anywhere. Liberality to all causes of public and private
benevolence was one of his leading characteristics. The church,
appreciating his capacity, strict integrity, sound judgment, and
devotedness, always placed him in the forefront.
He was
equal to every position. Calm, considerate, reticent, judicious
he planned wisely and executed with vigor. He has died at a
glorious time. Upwards of fifty of the members of his Sabbath
School are supposed to have been converted within the last few
days, and nearly all the rest are inquiring the way to Zion.
Never have we known a community more shocked and grieved at
the death of a citizen than was our own when the sad news
contained in the above sketch was known on the street this
morning. All seemed to feel that they had lost a friend and
brother, and the community, a citizen, then whom none who
survive could be more sadly missed in any of the varied
relations of life. The suddenness of the blow added intensity to
its force.
Not alone, his family, relatives, and intimate
friends are mourning today, but the whole city, rich and poor
alike. It is a common sorrow – a bereavement widespread and
deeply felt. We are all poorer today in the loss of a noble
example of perfect manhood.
NOTES:
Isaac Scarritt was
the son of Nathan Scarritt, one of the pioneer settlers of
Scarritt’s Prairie, near Godfrey. Isaac was a client in 1855 of
a young lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. He was instrumental in the
development of the Alton school system. He was buried in the
Alton City Cemetery.
SCARRITT,
JOTHAM A. (REVEREND DR.)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 28, 1916
Founder of Godfrey Methodist Church and
Piasa Chautauqua
Rev. Dr. Jotham A. Scarritt, last of the
original members of the Southern Illinois Methodist Conference,
last of the original readers of the Alton Telegraph, "went
home," as he had expressed it. He had forecasted his death to
take place in the morning, only it wasn't death that he called
it. He approached the close of a busy life with his mind at
rest, his heart peaceful, and he was looking forward to the end
as the beginning of a new life, a journey to a home that had
long been awaiting him. On Sunday night, when still fully
conscious, the aged clergyman had told his wife that he would be
going home in the morning. He closed his eyes and breathed for
the last time at 11:24 a.m. Monday, as he had expected. The
closing days of Dr. Scarritt were beautiful. The venerable
preacher had spent his life in preparation for just such an
experience as he went through. He could not have wished the end
to come any happier. He was given opportunity to exemplify what
might be the end of the man who had kept the faith, and in his
closing hours his faith did not fail him. He lay for several
weeks at his home, fully conscious of the rapid weakening of his
body. He retained his faculties unimpaired to the end. He was
able to give counsel, and only last Thursday he asked that the
Telegraph, a paper he had read for eighty years, be asked to
give to the public his farewell message. The Telegraph printed
this message just as he had dictated it to his wife. It was full
of cheer and confidence that all would soon be well with him,
and he was taking advantage of his last opportunity to give
counsel to those in whom he was interested and who might be
benefitted by it. He was spared any severe suffering. Only a few
hours before he breathed his last, he became unconscious. Those
around him knew the end was very near. He slipped over to
eternity peacefully, quietly, with his wife close by him,
holding his hand as she had been since he became ill, and taking
from him inspiration as to how a righteous person may die.
For over sixty-five years Dr. Scarritt was a Methodist
preacher. From the rude desk in the log school house to the
finest churches in the State, he has preached. He listened in
his boyhood to the preaching by Peter Cartwright, the great
circuit rider, and his mind was kindled by that. Dr. Scarritt
was born on the edge of the Scarritt Prairie, in Godfrey, June
23, 1827. Two years before Jotham A. Scarritt was born, his
father, Nathan A. Scarritt, moved to the Godfrey neighborhood
and there they lived many years. The Scarritt home being on the
main traveled road, was the stopping place of many travelers,
and especially was it the headquarters for traveling preachers,
and it was in that old house that the youthful Scarritt listened
to many conversations between his father and Peter Cartwright.
Dr. Scarritt was educated in Central College in Fayette County,
Missouri. He entered the ministry in 1851, and had been active
until a few years ago, when he retired. He was given the degree
of Doctor of Divinity by McKendree College. Twelve years he
served as presiding elder, and the remainder of the time, until
his superannuation, he served the churches of the Southern
Illinois Conference.
Rev. Scarritt was married a few
years ago, after the death of his first wife, and the present
Mrs. Scarritt was devoted in her care of him in the declining
years of his life. Dr. Scarritt was a highly efficient preacher.
He had done much to further the cause of religion. It would be
impossible to measure the good that Dr. Scarritt has done. In a
religious way he was one of the standbys of his church in
Southern Illinois. He was a good business man and in many ways
he assisted the church. He was one of the founders of Piasa
Chautauqua, originally a "camp meeting" for religious services
only. He spent many summers on the Chautauqua grounds. It will
be remembered that Dr. Scarritt, after the death of his first
wife, decided to establish a Methodist Church at Godfrey, which
would be a memorial to the Scarritt family. He engineered the
work whereby the church was realized, and the church is an
active agency for good in the community, and will be forever.
Besides his wife, the nearest relative Dr. Scarritt leaves is
his granddaughter, Mrs. Blanche Peabody of Cairo, Illinois. Her
mother is dead. It is planned by Rev. C. C. Hall, district
superintendent of the church, to have the Scarritt funeral made
the occasion for a testimonial from the preachers of the
conference. The funeral will be held at a time when it will be
possible for many of the clergymen to attend it, in tribute to
the memory of the last of the original and one of the most
effective workers the Methodist Church has had in its
membership. The funeral will be held Thursday, March 2, at 1:30
p.m. from the First Methodist Church of Alton. The body will be
in state from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day. Notice of the death
and funeral of Dr. Scarritt is being sent to every clergyman in
Southern Illinois conference.
NOTES:
Jotham A.
Scarritt was the son of Nathan A. Scarritt, who was born in 1788
in Connecticut. Nathan was the son of Nathaniel Scarritt, who
was born in 1757 (and whom I believe was a Revolutionary War
soldier). Nathaniel’s wife was Abigail Atkins, who died in 1840
in Illinois. Nathaniel and Abigail had the following children:
Lucy Scarritt Moore (1781-1841); Rev. Isaac Scarritt (1783-1861,
who was a preacher of great ability who died in Joliet,
Illinois); Nathan A. Scarritt (1788-1847, the father of Rev.
Jotham Scarritt); Jeremiah Scarritt (1793-1811); Lovina Electa
Scarritt (1801-1863, who is buried in the Bethany Cemetery in
Godfrey).
Nathan (father of Jotham A. Scarritt), a
farmer, married Latty Allds. In 1820, they moved by wagon from
New Hampshire to Illinois, locating first at Edwardsville. He
lived in Edwardsville a year or two, then found his way to the
Illinois prairie, and settled on what was later called
Scarritt’s Prairie [Godfrey Township]. Nathan was the first to
cultivate the ground in the area. Jotham and Latty had four sons
– Isaac Scarritt (born 1817); Nathan Scarritt Jr. (born April
14, 1821 in Edwardsville, and who married Martha M. Chick,
daughter of William Chick, one of the founders of Kansas City);
Jotham A. Scarritt (who was born on Scarritt’s Prairie on June
23, 1827); and Winthrop Scarritt - and at least one daughter –
Laura Scarritt. It was in the Scarritt home that the Methodist
Church in Godfrey, called Bethany Society, was organized in
1827, and it was in his barn that the first school in Godfrey
Township was founded. His daughter, Laura, was the teacher.
Nathan Scarritt died in December 1847, and may have been buried
in the Godfrey or Bethany Cemetery.
Isaac Scarritt, son
of Nathan Scarritt, was instrumental in the development of the
Alton School system. He married Martha Ann, who died in 1871. In
1873, Isaac married Ruth Eliza Barker Hargrove. They had one
daughter, Emma M. Scarritt, who died in August 1883. Isaac
Scarritt died on December 22, 1873. His wife died in 1918.
Rev. Jotham A. Scarritt was born on June 23, 1837, on the
prairie, in what is now Godfrey. Growing up, he listened to the
many circuit riders, including the legendary preacher, Peter
Cartwright. Jotham entered the ministry in 1851, and earned his
Doctor of Divinity from McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois.
At the urging of his mother, Latty Scarritt, the community of
Godfrey (then called Monticello) pooled their resources and
erected Bethany Church in 1851. It was a frame church located on
the northeast corner of Bethany Lane and Humbert Road, next door
to the little one-room schoolhouse – Mason School. This church
served the community well for 57 years. By the early 1900s, much
of the congregation had moved away or died, and it was believed
that moving into the village of Godfrey would be more prosperous
for the church. Rev. Jotham Scarritt stepped forward and pledged
$3,000 toward the purchased of land and the construction of a
new church. He laid the cornerstone of the church building,
located on Grace Street, on October 16, 1907. It was dedicated
April 26, 1908. On New Year’s Day, 1933, the Scarritt Memorial
Church was destroyed by fire.
Rev. Jotham Scarritt
married Hannah Rebecca Meldrum in 1849. They had a son, Edward,
who died in 1860 at the age of three. Edward is buried in the
Bethany Cemetery in Godfrey. They also had a daughter, Ada
Virginia Scarritt Parsons, who died in 1897 at the age of 38.
Hannah, the wife of Jotham, died in October 1905 in Cairo,
Illinois. The couple were packing up their goods to move to
Alton, and died of heart disease. She was buried in the Alton
City Cemetery.
Rev. Jotham Scarritt founded the Piasa
Chautauqua and the Methodist Church in Godfrey. He died February
28, 1916, and was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
Winthrop G. Scarritt was born March 10, 1833 in Madison County.
He married Sarah Ellen Meldrum in 1853, and later lived in
Bunker Hill. Winthrop Scarritt died in September 1891, at the
age of 58. He is buried in Bunker Hill.
SCARRITT, LATTY/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 30, 1875
Wife of Nathan Scarritt Sr.
Died at the residence of her son,
Rev. Nathan Scarritt Jr., at Kansas City, Missouri, December 7,
1875, Mrs. Latty Scarritt; aged 82 years, 1 day. She was born in
Grafton County, New Hampshire, December 6, 1793, was married to
Nathan Scarritt, April 2, 1812. She removed with her family to
Illinois in 1820, and settled first in Edwardsville. In 1826,
she removed to a small prairie five miles north of Alton [in
Godfrey], which for a long time bore the family name,
“Scarritt’s Prairie,” and has consequently been identified with
the history of this vicinity for nearly fifty years.
Mrs.
Scarritt lived to see the wilderness and wastes transformed into
fruitful fields and pleasant homes, and always watched for and
welcomed the enterprising emigrant, the competent educator, and
the pious minister, with unfeigned cordiality. To all these,
without regard to sect or party, her doors were open, and with
heart and hand, she was ready and zealous to cooperate in every
enterprise that would develop the country and stamp intelligence
and morality upon its gathering and growing society. For many
years her lowly and lonely dwelling was the hotel, the hospital,
and the house of worship.
Blessed with an excellent
physical constitution, and with great prudence of habit, her
powers of endurance were a marvel. Being the mother of twelve
children, for whose wants she provided largely with her own
hands, yet often might be found also under her roof the orphan,
the invalid, and the unfortunate of other families. And often,
too, was she found by the bedside of the sick and dying in other
homes, always to help and bless, both by word and deed.
To her natural coolness and courage was added large caution,
fitting her pre-eminently for frontier life and labor. She could
drive a team through lonely forests and over bridgeless streams.
She could dress a ghastly wound or set a broken limb. She could
watch, alone, with the dying or the dead, day or night. Indeed,
whatever duty required of her, could and must be done.
Activity was a habit so confirmed that as she became infirm with
age, her greatest trial seemed to be to refrain from taking part
in the many enterprises of life in which she felt so deep an
interest. She was spared to live long and do much, and three
generations rise up to “call her blessed.”
In all the
three score years of her Christian life, and the twenty-eight
years of her widowhood, she maintained a steady purpose to serve
God, and help humanity, and none of the thousands that found
shelter under her roof sojourned there even for a day without
seeing some clear token of her undisguised adherence to the
Christian religion. To be “diligent in business and fervent in
spirit” was exemplified in her whole life.
Most of her
immediate family have preceded her to the spirit world. She
leaves but one daughter and three sons – two of whom are
ministers. But she has passed away. As sinks a gold day, calmly
into the embrace of evening, so passes the faithful, trusting
soul from labor to repose.
SCARRITT, NATHAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 24, 1847
Died on Sunday, the 12th instant, at his residence, Scarritt's
Prairie [Godfrey], Mr. Nathan Scarritt, aged 55(?) years. The
deceased has lived in this county over 27 years, "walking with
God" in all the duties of a faithful Christian, a kind presence,
a good neighbor and citizen. He has left a numerous and
afflicted family who deeply mourn his loss, comforted only by
the assurance that their great loss is his infinite gain.
SCARRITT, SARAH E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
11, 1902
Last Tribute From an Only Surviving Son to His
Mother:
This is a last tribute from an only surviving son to
his mother. Sarah E. Scarritt was born in Greene county,
Illinois, August 22, 1822. On September the 7th, 1902, a
beautiful Sunday morning in that wonderfully beautiful little
city of Pasadena, California, just when the bells were beginning
to ring in all the churches, her tired ear caught the sound of
the bells from out of the Heavenly City and she passed to her
coronation. My mother came of good sturdy Irish-Welsh ancestry.
She was fortunate in her disposition, cheerful and happy - she
was an optimist. She had much of the Irish wit and a physical
constitution as unbendable and as durable as Welsh steel. Her
early life was spent on the old farm at Godfrey, Illinois, where
she grew into happy womanhood in the midst of a large family of
brothers and sisters, of whom three devoted sisters remain. At
her grave were some of her schoolmates who had known and loved
her all her life. In 1855 she was married to Winthrop G.
Scarritt, a playmate and companion of her youth. For twenty one
years the happy unbroken circle of life was complete. Now one
alone remains. In her early girlhood, Mrs. Scarritt made a
public declaration of her faith in Christ and became an earnest,
conscientious and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Godfrey, Illinois, of which body, it transpires, she
was a member at the time of her death. For several years she was
an invalid and constantly traveling in search of health. She
made several trips to California. She also visited Colorado,
Florida, Arizona and other points. But all in vain. The best of
medical skill and the best of climate delayed, but could not
thwart the inevitable hour. Her constitution was little short of
phenomenal. Thirty years before death she suffered a severe
attack of pneumonia. A consulting physician decided she could
not live out the night. She said, "I must live for my boys," and
she did. When convalescent from this illness, the physicians
warned her that she could not survive another attack of lung
trouble. Such, however, was her strength of willpower and the
fibre of a great constitution that she survived six or seven
similar attacks. During the last year of her life she was an
intense sufferer. Though disease and pain racked her body, and
though death tore her loved ones from her arms again and again,
yet she murmured not nor complained. She had an abiding faith
that "all things work together for good to them that love the
Lord." In this faith she lived; in this faith she died. During
the period of invalidism she was a great reader. Her Bible was
her constant companion. Few had read more extensively the books
of the various Chautauqua courses than she. But as the infirmity
of years and disease grew, she came to realize and frequently
quoted from George Elliot, one of her favorite writers, that
"Death is the only physician, the shadow of his valley the only
journeying, which can cure us of age and the gathering fatigue
of years." The last few days of her life were almost a constant
struggle for breath. She knew that the end of earthly life was
near and was anxious to depart and be at rest. Her faith was
triumphant, and as her feet touched the cold river and she
slipped from loving earthly arms, we know that unseen hands of
loved ones were stretched in glad greeting from the other shore,
and that she heard the welcoming voice of her Master, whom she
had served so long and faithfully, "Well done thou good and
faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." The
funeral services were held at Bunker Hill, Illinois, September
15th, from the Methodist church. Her old friend and former
pastor, Rev. C. Nash of Jerseyville, preached a beautiful and
impressive sermon from the words, "At evening time it shall be
light." And then we laid her beloved form to rest in the
cemetery beside those of her dear ones who had preceded her
home, and left her midst the evergreens and flowers she loved so
well, to await the resurrection morning. And now my loving task
is done. Lonely, lonely, lonely will be all the years to come.
God gives us but one mother. Her example and her faith and her
memory will be an inspiration to higher thoughts, to better
endeavor, to nobler living until the Master shall bid the lonely
boy come home. "So long Thy grace hath led me, Sure it still
will lead me on, O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, 'Till
the night be gone; And with the moon Those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since And lost awhile." Winthrop E.
Scarritt.
SCARRITT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF RUSSELL/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 17, 1866
Died on the 14th instant of cholera, Mrs.
Russell Scarritt.
SCARRITT, WINTHROP G./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
September 24, 1891
News from Godfrey – Tuesday occurred the
funeral of Mr. Winthrop G. Scarritt, who died Monday a.m. at
4:10 o’clock. His death, though not unexpected, was a shock to
his many friends who had learned to love him for his many noble
traits of Christian character. The writer was with him
frequently in his last sickness, and was peculiarly impressed
with his deep piety and simple child-like faith in his Savior.
The funeral was attended by a large circle of friends, who came
to pay the last sad tributes of respect to his memory. A kind
father and loving husband has been taken from our midst, whose
place cannot be filled, but in our memories still linger the
earnest words of counsel which he gave in testimony of the “Hope
that maketh not ashamed.” He leaves a wife and son, and a
brother and sister to mourn his loss. The interment took place
at Bunker Hill Wednesday. Mrs. N. A. Corrington of Dorchester,
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Scarritt, Mrs. J. W. Caldwell, and Messrs.
Armstrong and Levis of Alton, and Mr. and Mrs. George Parsons of
Cairo attended the funeral of Mr. Scarritt yesterday.
SCHAEFER, CHARLES SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 15, 1900
Foster Township Farmer Trampled to Death
by Bull
Charles Schaefer Sr. is a prosperous and highly
respected farmer of Foster township, living two miles north of
Bethalto. He was found dead in his pasture this morning about 10
o'clock by his son, Charles, having been tramped to death in a
battle with a dehorned mad bull. The battle is supposed to have
taken place about 7 o'clock. Mrs. Schaefer missed her husband
and sent her son, Charles, to look for him. After a search, the
young man found his father in the pasture, dead, having been
butted and trampled to death by a four year old bull. Beside Mr.
Schaefer lay a hickory club, showing that there had been a
battle between the two. Mr. Schaefer was bruised and torn and
his clothing torn to shreds. The enraged animal probably had
attacked Mr. Schaefer on sight. The animal had been dehorned,
but his ugly temper made him a terrible antagonist. The animal
had attacked Charles Schaefer Jr. early Saturday morning when
the young man attempted to milk the cows. It is not known
whether Mr. Schaefer Sr., hearing of the attack of the bull on
his son, had gone to punish him, or intended repairing a fence
so as to keep the animal in his own enclosure. Mr. Schaefer was
62 years of age. He was one of the very best of Fosterburg's
residents and was highly respected wherever known. Besides his
wife he leaves six children, two sons of whom live in Alton, one
in St. Louis, and one in the Sixth United States Artillery in
the Philippines. Mr. Schaefer was the father of William
Schaefer, head clerk in the Hermon Cole Hardware establishment.
Mr. Schaefer formerly lived in Alton and was in the employ of
Blair & Atwood 25 or 30 years ago. He married while here, and
afterward moved to a farm near Fosterburg.
SCHAEFER, FANNY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 29,
1905
Mrs. Fanny Schaefer, aged 91, died very unexpectedly
Wednesday morning at the home of Mrs. Henry Eckhard near East
Alton. Mrs. Schaefer retired last night apparently in the best
of health. She ate a hearty supper and seemed in good spirits.
She made no sign of feeling unwell during the night, and was
well until it was time for her to rise this morning. She was
taken with a coughing spell and expired very suddenly. Mrs.
Schaefer was a native of Germany but came to America in 1857.
She lived most of her life in Madison county in the vicinity of
Poag and East Alton. She was married twice, the first time to
Henry Hendricks, and she leaves a family of four children, Mrs.
Dena Eckhard, Mrs. Fred Penning, Henry Hendricks, Mrs. Hannah
Suhre, Mrs. Addie Ull. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon
at 12:30 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Eckhard, and burial will
be at Wanda.
SCHAEFER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16,
1900
Henry Schaefer, a prominent young farmer of Omphghent
Township, in this county, was shot and killed by George Morgan,
a coal miner, Sunday afternoon. Morgan claims the shooting was
an accident, but as the men had had trouble before, it is
strongly suspected that the shot was fired intentionally. The
men were at a turkey shooting near Prairietown, Morgan being
under the influence of liquor and in a quarrelsome mood. He was
permitted to take a rifle to try his hand, and young Schaefer
stood just behind him. Suddenly he got down on his knees and
fell backward, thrusting the gun against Schaefer's abdomen, and
fired. Morgan was given a preliminary hearing before Squire
Dietzel, and held in default of $800 bond for the grand jury.
SCHAEFER, HERBERT A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 4, 1918
Herbert A. Schaefer died at his residence at
638 1/2 East Fifth street, Sunday, November 3, at 12 p.m. of
pneumonia, having been sick nine days. He was twenty-seven years
seven months and two days of age, and leaves his wife, Mrs.
Laura Schaefer, and two children, Emma Luella, three years old,
and Herbert Arthur, one year old. He also leaves his father and
mother, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Schaefer; three brothers, Louis W. of
Hammond, Ind., who with his family are sick with influenza at
present; William McKinley, with the American forces somewhere in
France; and Charles Emmet of Alton. Three grandparents are also
living, Mrs. Charles Schaefer of Alton, and Mr. and Mrs. J. J.
Luft of Fosterburg, Ill.; also his father and mother-in-law, Mr.
and Mrs. S. T. Winters of Milton Heights. Mr. Schaefer was a
member of the First M. E. Church, was corresponding secretary of
the Alton Homestead No. 3146, Brotherhood of American Yoeman.
Members of this order will act as pallbearers. Herbert was a
quiet and kind hearted young man, a kind and loving husband, and
an obedient son. The funeral services will be held from his
father's residence, 614 East Fifth street, Wednesday, November
6, at 10 a.m. Rev. R. C. Morris, his pastor, will officiate.
SCHAEFER, RALPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18,
1904
Ralph Schaefer, the 18 year old son of John Schaefer, of
1226 east Third street, was drowned Monday afternoon while
swimming in the Mississippi off a sandbar out from the glass
works. He was with a party of boys who were powerless to help
him when he got beyond his depth. The body has not been
recovered.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1904
The inquest held by Deputy Coroner Streeper Monday evening over
the body of Ralph Schaefer developed the fact that the young
man, who was 19 years old, was subject to cramps and that he was
probably overcome by a cramp while in the water. He, with five
other boys, were swimming in the slough at the foot of Plum
street Monday afternoon. Two of the boys had made the trip
across the slough to an old shanty on the island, and Schaefer
was trying to swim after them. When about 125 feet from shore,
he suddenly sank. The two boys on the island were so terrified
they would not even swim back, but waited until a skiff was sent
after them. The two boys on the main land could do nothing on
account of the distance. The body was recovered by John Dulen,
who dived for it, and two hours after the drowning stepped on
the body while making a spring from the bottom of the river to
return to the surface for air. The body was taken to the family
home, 1226 east Third street. The time of the funeral is not
known.
SCHAEFER, WILHEIMINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
29, 1910
Mrs. Wilhelmina Schaefer died this morning at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Louis Grenzebach, McKinley avenue,
after an illness of long duration which ended in dropsy. She was
born in Germany and is 75 years, 3 months and 13 days old. Three
daughters, viz: Mrs. William Koehne, Mrs. Louis Grenzebach, and
Mrs. Walter Marsh, the latter of Arkansas, and two sons, Alton,
survive her. The funeral will take place from the home of Mrs.
Schaefer at 2 p.m. Friday. Interment in City cemetery. Rev. E.
L. Mueller will conduct the services.
SCHAEFER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
21, 1922
The funeral of William Schaefer of East Alton, who
died Sunday while an ambulance was on the way to take him to the
hospital after Dr. Aery had found him dying in his home at East
Alton, will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the
Squires house, 238 Church street, where services will be
conducted by Rev. McIntosh. It was said today that it had not
been decided whether or not a coroner's inquest would have to be
held, but it was thought probable that it would not.
SCHAFER, HERMINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
29, 1913
Mrs. Hermina Schafer, aged 70, a well known resident
of Moro, passed away at the home of her son George, Shortly
after noon today. The old lady was in the best of health this
morning, and ate her dinner in the best of spirits. Shortly
after dinner she was taken ill with a spell, and never regained
consciousness. Rheumatism is said to be the cause of her sudden
death. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Ernest A. Smith of
Alton; and Mrs. Edward Helmkamp; and Mrs. William Georgetown,
both of Moro; and one son, George Schafer, also of Moro.
SCHAEFFER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8,
1901
Hunter Found With Top of Head Blown Off
Frank
Schaeffer, one of the most prominent young men of Marine, this
county, has been missing from his home since New Year's Day. He
then left home to go hunting, and yesterday his body was found
in a cornfield with the top of his head blown off. It is
supposed that he was carrying his gun with the triggers cocked
and that he slipped and fell, causing the discharge of the gun
and his death.
SCHALLENBERG, AUGUST "GUS"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 27, 1907
The funeral of August Schallenberg, who died
Monday in Jacksonville, was held this afternoon from the home of
his sister, Mrs. T. Miller on Sandford avenue, North Alton, and
was attended by a large number of the friends of the family.
Services were conducted in Bethany church, Godfrey township, by
Rev. J. A. Scarritt, and burial was in Godfrey cemetery.
SCHALLENBERG, FRANK W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
16, 1921
Man Declared Dead - Disappeared in Colorado 7 Years
Ago
The City Court was today engaged in hearing the case of
Mrs. Jennie M. Schallenberg, who is seeking to have her husband,
Frank W. Schallenberg, declared legally dead so she could
collect a policy of insurance for $1,000 carried in the
Prudential Life Insurance Co. Schallenberg has been missing
eight years. He disappeared in Colorado under circumstances
which caused his wife to believe that he had died, as she has
neither seen him nor heard from him in the meantime. The last
seen of Schallenberg was in Denver eight years ago. He had gone
west for the benefit of his health. He called at the home of a
relative in Denver, did not find at the house the people he
desired to see, left word he would be back in a few hours and
left some candy for the children. He was never seen or heard
from again by his kinfolks, according to testimony submitted in
the court to the jury today. The Prudential was making a nominal
fight in order that it might keep its records clear and bar any
future claim for the money. The insurance company was
represented by E. J. Verlie, who filed an answer to the
declaration of W. P. Boynton for Mrs. Schallenberg. A demurrer
to the answer was sustained by Judge Yager, and the case
proceeded to trial by jury. Schallenberg had many friends in
Alton, none of whom has ever heard from him. Under the law a man
who has disappeared and remained unheard from for seven years
under circumstances which would justify belief that if living he
would have communicated with his family at least, may be
presumed dead and may be so declared by a court. Mrs.
Schallenberg had kept up the payments on his life insurance
policy for the seven year period, then demanded payment. The
insurance company demanded proof of her husband's death which
obviously she was unable to give, and before she could collect
she was obliged to file the suit to have a court order made
declaring him dead. With this court procedure, the collecting of
the insurance policy for $1,000 will be an easy matter. The
insurance company in offering some depositions, offered a
suggestion to the jury that perhaps Schallenberg had departed
with a woman named Viola Fitzpatrick, whose name was frequently
mentioned in some statements made by men who said that the woman
departed the same day as Schallenberg, from the Woodmen's
sanitarium at Woodman, Colo.
SCHALLER, ROBERT G. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 11, 1916
Alton Physician
Robert G. Schaller, a well
known practicing physician of this city, dropped dead Thursday
morning about 9 o'clock at his home, 904 East Fifth street. He
was 69 years of age, and had practiced medicine in this city the
last 17 years. He practiced in Missouri eight or ten years
previous to coming here, and was a successful practitioner here
as well as in Missouri. He was a kindly man too, and often did
deeds of charity with his right hand that his left knew nothing
of. A couple of years ago he was very sick for a long time with
typhoid pneumonia, and while he recovered enough to resume
practice, he was never well since that time. It is supposed
after effects of that double sickness caused his sudden death.
Mrs. Schaller, a daughter, Miss Dorothy, and a son, were
downstairs this morning at their home when they heard a noise as
of a fall upstairs. They hastened up to the doctor's room, and
found him on the floor unconscious but alive. The son telephoned
for medical aid, but the father passed away before the physician
got there. He is survived by his wife and eight children, six
sons and a daughter. Funeral arrangements have not been
completed.
SCHARTH, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 1,
1904
George Scharth, aged 60, dropped dead at his home on
Stanton street Monday morning from heart disease. He had been in
poor health for many months, but was feeling well shortly before
his death. He had been assisting members of his family by
putting out the clothesline and returned to the house, to die a
few minutes later. Scharth sat down in a chair and expired a few
minutes afterward without a struggle. He leaves five children.
The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m., and services will
be conducted by Rev. D. E. Bushnell at the family home.
SCHARTH, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1899
Peter Scharth, aged 49 years, died very suddenly at the
home of Fred Hummert in Middletown Thursday afternoon. He had
been staying there for some time, and was employed about the
place to do errands. during the past week he had been feeling
unwell, but was able to be about his work. At 3:45 yesterday
afternoon he came into the house and said that he felt very
sick. In a short time he was seized with cramps in the stomach
and was dead at four o'clock. Coroner Bailey held an inquest
over the body, and the verdict was that he came to his death
from congestion of the lungs, superinduced by the grippe. He
leaves a brother, George Scharth, of Middletown, and other
relatives. The funeral took place this afternoon from the home
of Mr. Fred Hummert. Services were conducted by Rev. Charles
Heidel of the German M. E. Church.
SCHARTE, UNKNOWN SON OF HENRY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 18, 1906
The 5 year old son of Mr. and
Mrs. Henry Scharte died last night at the family home in East
Alton from diphtheria. This is the second death to have occurred
there since the appearance of the dread disease several days
ago, and there are several more cases under the care of
physicians. Some of the cases are said to be bad, but in the
majority of them the visitation is in light form. The sick ones
being practically quarantined in their home, the authorities and
parents hope by this course to stop further spread of the
disease.
SCHATE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3,
1903
Joseph Schatz, aged 18, son of Mrs. Hannah Schatz, died
this morning about one o'clock at the family home on East Sixth
street after an illness of 11 weeks duration with bone
consumption. The funeral will be Thursday morning at 9 o'clock
from St. Mary's church to St. Joseph's cemetery.
SCHAUB, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17,
1910
Tragic Death of Edward Schaub - Fell on Icy Pavement
Edward Schaub, aged 28, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schaub, died
at St. Joseph's hospital Monday morning, twelve hours after he
was accidentally injured by falling at his home in the North
Side. He had eaten supper and was starting for his place of
business, he being proprietor of the drug store for many years
conducted by Dr. George Barth in the North Side [North Alton].
He was carrying under his arm an Alton city directory, and as he
stepped up to the sidewalk his foot slipped on some ice, and he
fell in the yard at his father's home. When he got up, he
noticed he had a severe pain in his back, but as that seemed to
be passing away he went on walking to his place of business,
about four blocks away. He stayed there awhile and became so ill
he decided he must go home, and there doctors were summoned.
After an examination, they decided that he had sustained a bad
injury to his spleen, and about midnight he was moved from his
home to St. Joseph's hospital, where three surgeons operated
upon him in the hope of saving his life. The operation could not
give the desired relief, as he had sustained a bad rupture of
his spleen and he died at 6 o'clock Monday morning, just twelve
hours after the accident. The attending surgeons explain the
serious nature of the injury by saying that in attempting to
save himself from falling, he had all his muscles at tension,
and the force of his impact with the ground caused the weaker
organ inside to break. Some of the surgeons believe that the
book was a contributor cause, and that it caused the rupture,
but there was no bruise on his body showing where the book may
have struck him. Edward Schaub was for a number of years
connected with the Barth drug store of A. F. Barth, his
brother-in-law, at Second and Market. He bought the old Barth
drug store in the North Side and was among Alton's most
prosperous young business men. He was a leading member of the
Illini Athletic club, was deeply interested in baseball, and was
a promoter of the Alton City league last summer. He was very
popular and was highly esteemed by all who knew him, bearing a
character that was above reproach. His death was the cause of
deep sadness among those who knew him, as well as in his family
circle. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Schaub, and one sister, Mrs. A. F. Barth.
SCHAUB, JOSEPH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday,
January 18, 1893
Coroner T. W. Kinder held an inquest
Thursday on the body of Joseph Schaub, who died on the premises
of Christ Beckemeier in Madison. The jury, of which A. H.
Blankenship was foreman, brought in a verdict giving the cause
of death rheumatism of the heart. Schaub was better known as
Cake Joe, having been a confectioner by trade, and has been in
and about the [American] Bottom off and on for years. He was 55
years old.
SCHAUM, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 11, 1921
Mrs. Mary Schaum, wife of Matthew Schaum, died this morning at
her home in Fosterburg, aged 81. Mrs. Schaum had been sick only
a short time. She woke about 1 o'clock Monday morning and
complained of feeling sick at her stomach. Nothing serious was
thought of her illness as she had been sick before under similar
circumstances and she always responded to home remedies in a few
minutes. The same remedies were used, but she failed to rally
and the family decided that the services of a doctor would be
necessary. Before the doctor could reach her, she had passed
away, about three hours after she had first complained of being
sick. An odd circumstance in connection with Mrs. Schaum's death
is that she never in all her life had the service of a doctor.
Her family say that she often told them that she never needed a
physician, and when she did need one the doctor could not be
brought there in time, thus completing her life without ever
having paid a single doctor's bill for herself. Mrs. Schaum was
born in Portland, Me., coming of a family of ship builders. She
came to Alton when twelve years old and made her home in the
family of Dr. Long on the Grafton Road, relatives of hers. She
was married in Godfrey township in 1875, and went with her
husband to Fosterburg where she spent the remainder of her life.
She was the mother of three children, two of whom survive. Frank
and Miss Carrie Schaum, both living at home. She is survived by
her aged husband, Matthew Schaum. Mrs. Schaum was a member of
the Methodist church at Fosterburg and always took great
interest in religious work. She was in the best of health, for
one of her age, seldom using glasses except to read fine print.
She had one affliction, a difficulty in hearing. She was a happy
woman, and was a great favorite in her neighborhood. She was a
great friend to all children and was generally beloved in the
Fosterburg neighborhood, where there is a large number of
friends who are shocked at her unexpected death. She was the
last of her family, leaving no brothers or sisters. The funeral
will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock, unless there is a
change, and services will be held in the Methodist church at
Fosterburg. A brother of Mr. Schaum, Rev. John Schaum of Eustis,
Neb., is expected to be here to assist in the funeral services.
SCHEER, CHRISTIANA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1852
Died in Liberty Prairie, Madison County, on the 26th ult., Mrs.
Christiana, consort of Christian Scheer, in the 20th year of her
age.
SCHEER, DEIDRICH C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30,
1904
Deidrich C. Scheer died Saturday at 10 a.m. at his
residence in Liberty Prairie after several years illness. He has
been in feeble health for a long time. About a week ago he fell
and was so shocked that the effects, it is thought, induced his
death. Mr. Scheer has lived near Liberty Prairie for many years.
He was one of the most prominent men in the county, and highly
respected wherever known. Mr. Scheer's wife died several years
ago. Of her children the following survive him: Mrs. John C.
Reed of Ashmore, Ill.; Ed C. Scheer of Edwardsville, court
reporter; Harry G. Scheer of Edwardsville; and Misses Lulu and
Bertha, who reside at the home. Mr. Scheer was born in February
1827.
SCHEFFEL, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28,
1921
Miss Helen Scheffel, aged 22, died Thursday evening at
5:25 o'clock at the family home, 420 Carroll Street, after a
long illness. For the past few weeks her condition has been very
serious and for several days she was unconscious. Miss Scheffel
was the older daughter of Mrs. Helen Aswege, and besides her
mother she leaves one sister, Miss Gertrude Scheffel. Miss
Scheffel was born and raised in Alton. She attended the
Cathedral School and was a member of the 1917 graduating class
of the Cathedral High School. She was a young girl of charming
personality, and her sweet and winning manner made her a friend
of all with whom she came in contact. During her long illness
she was a very patient sufferer. She was a granddaughter of Mr.
and Mrs. James Fingheton of Belle Street, and besides her
mother, sister and grandparents, she leaves a large number of
relatives. She also leaves her parental grandmother, Mrs. Mary
Scheffel of Litchfield. The year following her graduation, Helen
Scheffel was taken ill with the influenze, and her fatal illness
began at that time. The funeral will be held Saturday morning.
Solemn Requiem High Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 o'clock at
SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Interment will be in Greenwood
Cemetery.
SCHEIBE, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 31,
1917
Patient at State Hospital Killed
Henry Schelbe, a
patient at the Alton State Hospital, was killed Sunday afternoon
while at work at the power house on the hospital grounds.
Schiebe was so far advanced in his improvement that he was able
to do much work about the place, and was the best worker on the
grounds. Sunday he was helping at the power plant where an
automatic ash conveyor lifts the ashes out of the boiler room to
the outside of the building. Scheibe climbed up on top of the
cinder pile just over the ash chute. A frozen crust of cinders
on which stood broke under him and let him plunge down into the
chute and on top of him fell about 15 feet of ashes. It was a
difficult task to get him out. For three hours men worked hard
to release Scheibe, and at last they succeeded in getting the
ashes out and drew out the dead body of the insane man. He was
38 years of age. Sheibe was horribly burned by being dumped into
the ash chute along with a lot of hot coals. To cool off the
coals and kill the gas in them, in the hope of saving the life
of the man, a great quantity of steam was formed down among the
cinders, and this added to the burns which he suffered. At a
coroner's inquest it was testified by S. R. Baker, engineer at
the power house, that he had left the building to perform an
errant and that when he came back he noticed some legs sticking
out the top of the ash chute. Another patient there told him
that Sheibe had been on top. Closer inspection disclosed the leg
of Scheibe sticking out, but it was impossible to dislodge him.
The patient had not been ordered to go on top, it was testified,
but had gone of his own free will. It was testified there was
about a car and a half of ashes in the hopper when the accident
occurred, and Scheibe was caught under this when the frozen
crust was broken and he tumbled into the chute. The chute
through which he passed is about 24 inches square.
SCHEIER, ELEANOR F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19,
1910
Mrs. Eleanor F. Scheier, wife of John W. Scheier, aged
42, died at 4 o'clock Thursday morning at her home, 1202 east
Third street, after a brief illness from congestion of the
brain. Mrs. Scheier was apparently better yesterday and wanted
to get up and do some ironing, but this was not allowed. She had
been ill for a few days and did not realize the gravity of her
condition. Her family were wholly unprepared for the fatal
termination of the illness, and did not notify her parents at
Muncie, Ind., until after death occurred. She leaves beside her
husband seven children, some of them young. She was a quiet,
homelike woman, and of an uncomplaining nature, and if she had
any troubles that aggravated her illness, they were not known to
her family, as she said little of herself. She was beloved by
her neighbors and there is much grief among those who knew her
well over her death.
SCHELL, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29,
1904
The funeral of Charles Schell will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his father in law, Dr.
Isaac Moore. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
SCHELL, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12,
1901
Mrs. Margaret Schell, wife of William Schell, another
one of the old German residents of Alton, died yesterday
afternoon at the family home, 625 East Fourth street, after a
long illness and much suffering with dropsy. Mrs. Schell has
been ill for years but had been able to be around her home until
comparatively recently. Her family and friends were alarmed at
her condition, and for the past week they had despaired of her
recovery. She had been a long time resident of Alton, and was
one of the best known residents of the East End. For a number of
years she conducted a grocery store at her residence. Mrs.
Schell had been married three times and raised a large family of
children to be respected citizens of the community. The funeral
will take place Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family
home to the Evangelical church.
SCHELL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3,
1903
William Schell, a resident of Alton for 60 years, died
Thursday evening at his home on East Fourth street after a long
illness due to general debility. He was a native of Germany and
70 years of age. Mr. Schell had been ill many months and his
death was expected. For many years he worked in the Priest
lumber yard. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was
a member of the German Benevolent Society and Germania Lodge, I.
O. O. F., and the funeral will be held under the auspices of
those societies. Services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore
Oberhellmann of the German Evangelical church at the family
home, Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
SCHELLE, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 29, 1920
Boy, 15, Drowns in Hole at Foot of Ridge Street
Earl
Schelle, 15 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schelle of 727
East Seventh street, was drowned Monday evening while swimming
in a deep hole at the foot of Ridge street. In the party of men
and boys swimming were Maurice Schelle, a brother, and Eldred
Mans. The hole in which they were swimming is one dug by the
dredge which constructed the embankment for the Illinois
Terminal railroad at the foot of Ridge street. The hole in which
the boy was drowned is the same in which Elmer Bailey was
drowned on June 26, 1919, a year ago last Saturday. The body of
the Bailey boy has not been recovered. An engineer, employed
there was also drowned in the hole a few years ago. When young
Schelle swam into deep water last night, he sank below the
surface. The Mans boy swam toward him and when Schelle rose to
the surface again Mans clutched his hair. His grip was broken
and Schelle sank again. When Mans saw he could do nothing, he
called to a man close by to help. The man replied, according to
the boy: "I'm all in. I can't do anything." Efforts last night
to recover the body of young Schelle were unavailing. While
dragging the hole, the nets caught on many snags. It is believed
the body may be caught by one of these snags. The hole in which
the youngster was drowned is a very deep one, and regarded as
dangerous for swimming. Efforts to recover the body were resumed
today. Blasting last night failed to cause the body to rise to
the surface. Young Schelle was one of seven children.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1920
The body of
Earl Schelle, who was drowned Monday night, was recovered at the
foot of Central avenue, this noon, where it had been washed
ashore by waves. Efforts had been made to raise the body where
it had gone down, near the foot of Ridge street. Dynamite was
used persistently, and a close watch was being kept. The body
passed the watchers without being seen, and but for good fortune
might have been carried out in the current and far down the
river before being found. The funeral will be tomorrow at 10
a.m., from St. Patrick's church. There was considerable fear
that the body of the boy would not be found, as the bodies of
two others drowned there have never been found, and some of the
bodies lost at the time of the drowning of Mike Reilly and a
party of children, many years ago, were never recovered, the
sandbars shifting and covering them. Two men, Harry Schaeffer
and Philip Reilley, narrowly escaped drowning while diving for
the boy's body Monday night. Schaeffer, after diving for the
body, was caught in the net used in dragging and only after
strenuous efforts was able to extricate himself. Reilly also was
caught in the net after diving and had difficulty in getting
loose.
SCHELLENBERG, FRIEDRICH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
28, 1915
Friedrich Schellenberg, aged 78, died Tuesday night
at St. Joseph's Hospital, after an illness of more than two
years with a cancer of the face. Mr. Schellenberg was taken to
the hospital a year ago, and was in such a condition that he
required attendance most of the time. He suffered terrible
agonies, but during his long period of suffering he bore up with
a Christian fortitude that was the fruit of long years of the
most devout religious practices. He was one of the founders of
the Salem Presbyterian Church and had held membership there for
fifty years. He was a prosperous farmer in the country five
miles from Upper Alton, and lived many years on the one place.
His aged wife died three years ago. He leaves one daughter, Mrs.
Frances Root, of Fosterburg, and one son, Fred, who lived on the
old home place. He leaves, also, four grandchildren. Mr.
Schellenberg's funeral will be held Friday. The body will be at
the Jacoby undertaking rooms until Friday morning at 9:30
o'clock and from there will be taken to the Salem Presbyterian
Church where the funeral services will be conducted at 11
o'clock by Rev. E. L. Mueller. Burial will be in the Ingersoll
Cemetery. Mr. Schellenberg was a native of Germany, but came to
America when a very young man and settled in Madison County. He
was highly esteemed by all who knew him and had a very large
circle of friends, including all of his neighbors.
SCHENCK, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 21,
1905
Henry Schenck, aged 76, a well known and wealthy citizen
of Alton, died at his residence on North street near Sixth,
Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock after a long illness. Mr. Schenck
had been in failing health for a year and his illness developed
into dropsy, which continued to grow worse until yesterday when
the end came. Mr. Schenck was engaged in business in Alton for
many years. He conducted a grocery store and saloon at Sixth and
North streets and owned much property in that neighborhood.
Until the last year he was in the best of health and was
regarded as a remarkably well preserved man for his years. He
was possessed of all his faculties until the last. Recently he
decided to dispose of all his property before his death, which
he realized was impending, and he made out warranty deeds to all
his property, making it over to members of his family. He had
lived in Alton over fifty years. He is survived by three sons,
Joseph, Charles and Frank, and one daughter, Mrs. Rose Klinke.
His wife also survives him. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. [Burial was in St.
Joseph's cemetery]
SCHENCK, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1910
Joseph Schenck, aged 48, died Monday evening at 7:15
o'clock at the family home, 611 Central avenue. He had been ill
several months with cancer of the bowels, and had been bedfast
four weeks. During the last month his condition was regarded as
dangerous almost all of the time, and for several weeks his life
was despaired of. Mr. Schenck was born and raised in Alton. He
leaves his wife and nine sons, the oldest of the boys being 21
years of age. He leaves also two brothers, Charles and Frank
Schenck, and one sister, Mrs. John Klinke. He was a member of
St. Boniface branch, Western Catholic Union, and that order will
attend the funeral in a body. The funeral will be held at 9
o'clock Wednesday morning from St. Mary's church.
SCHENK, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22,
1907
Mrs. Theresa Schenk, widow of Henry Schenk, died Tuesday
afternoon at the home on North street after a long illness
caused by cancer. She was sixty nine years of age and had lived
in Alton most of her life. She is survived by four children,
Joseph, Charles and Frank Schenk, and Mrs. John Klinke. The
funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Mary's church to St. Joseph's cemetery. Mrs. Schenk leaves one
sister, Mrs. Dorothy Wolf, and one brother, Joachim Grossheim.
She leaves also sixteen grandchildren. She was a consistent
member of St. Mary's church for many years and was president of
St. Martha' society also. She had lived in Alton since she was
20 years of age, when she came to this country from Germany. She
was highly esteemed by her neighbors and all those who knew her
best, and her death is deeply regretted, although she had
suffered long from the painful malady which proved fatal.
SCHERER, CARL/KARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28,
1919
Soldier Dies at Camp Shelby, Mississippi (World
War I)
Carl Scherer, of the medical department of the 101st
infantry, died Saturday evening at Camp Shelby, Miss., after an
illness of a few days with cellulitis. The young man was
affected in the throat and face by the malady. He had been in
this country only a short time and had arrived at Camp Shelby
from Camp Dewon last Thursday. He seems to have been taken down
immediately with the serious malady because the family learned
Friday he was seriously sick and on Sunday morning, before the
family fully realized the gravity of the case of the young
soldier, they received word that he had died. His father had
departed for Camp Shelby to be with his son, and would not know
of the fatal outcome of his illness until after he arrived at
his destination. The death of Carl Scherer, after he had been
assured of early discharge from the army and was eagerly looking
forward to being home, is one of the saddest of the war's
tragedies in Alton. He had been in the best of health, both
overseas and while in this country. From Camp Devon he had
written to his family telling them that he was looking forward
to being back in Alton not later than May 15th, and expressing
the utmost happiness at the prospects of so soon being back
home. The whole family had been most patriotic in the war, and
the parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Scherer, had with the utmost
willingness given up their boys to serve their country. Carl was
the last one to be called. He had been employed in the Barth
drugstore, and he was a very popular young man in the large
circle of friends he had. He was a twin brother of Joseph
Scherer, who is now in the Navy, and who landed only yesterday
at Newport News. The twins were devoted to each other and they
were looking forward with great pleasure to the near approach of
the time when they reunited after their first long separation in
their lives. Carl Scherer was 24 years of age. He was born in
Alton and had lived here all his life. He leaves beside his
parents, four brothers, Joseph, Cecil, Philip, and William; and
one sister, Miss Alice Scherer. The body will be brought back to
Alton for burial, and it is expected to arrive here in time to
have the funeral Wednesday. A dispatch was received this morning
from the father saying that he would arrive in Alton tomorrow
morning.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30,
1919
According to present arrangements the funeral of Karl
Scherer will be held from the family home at 808 Jefferson
avenue to the Cathedral on Friday morning. Solemn requiem high
mass will be solemnized at 9 o'clock and a large crowd of
friends is expected to be in attendance. After working for three
days, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Scherer, parents of the dead soldier,
last evening succeeded in getting word from Karl's twin brother,
Joseph, stating that he was at Newport News, and that he was
leaving at once for home and that he expected to come to Alton
Thursday morning. The message did not state at what hour Joseph
would arrive, so the funeral hour was placed for 9 o'clock on
Friday. From the hour that the body was taken to the Scherer
home, large crowds have visited the home to view the remains and
extend sympathy to the bereaved parents, sister and brother. It
was estimated that between 1,000 or more visitors called at the
home on Tuesday night. The death of Karl Scherer takes the
second member from the Cathedral Choir, the fifth from the ranks
of the Knights of Columbus, and the third from the Young Men's
Sodality of the Cathedral. Karl Scherer, Edward Kniery and
Charles Maguire were all members of the Cathedral. Scherer is
the first soldier who fought overseas who died and who will be
buried in Alton. A large American flag is draped over the foot
of the casket. This evening the Knights of Columbus will visit
the home in a body. Members of the local post of the American
Army Association will form a guard of honor at the funeral of
the young soldier. This association, an organization composed of
men who were in the service of the country during the great war,
has purchased a floral wreath for the grave of Scherer bearing
the word "Comrade." Former soldiers were being notified this
morning for the funeral. The military escort will not be
confined to members of the A. A. A. Any soldier or former
soldier in the city may take part. Nearly 50 men are expected to
form the guard of honor
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 2, 1919
Military Guard at Scherer Funeral
About 60
men, recently discharged from the service, formed a guard of
honor at the funeral this morning of Karl Scherer, who died last
Saturday at Camp Shelby, Miss., just before time for his
departure to receive his discharge from the service. Included in
the former soldiers were men who were captains, lieutenants,
non-commissioned officers and privates. The first squad was made
up of former officers. The guard included former soldiers,
sailors and marine. The guard, forming company front in front of
the Scherer home on Jefferson avenue, stood at the hand salute
as the coffin bearing the young man was placed in the hearse,
and led the cortage from the home to SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral, where Solemn High Requiem Mass was celebrated with
Father Spalding acting as celebrant, Father Tarrant as deacon,
and Father Costello as subdeacon. Miss Josephine Taphorn and
Miss Alice Sharkey, assisted by Cathedral choir, sang the
Requiem Mass. School children, standing outside the church, sang
as the body of the young man was carried up the steps into the
church. The former soldiers, in uniform, were followed by the
local Knights of Columbus, and the Young Men's Sodality, of
which orders Scherer was a member. Six discharged soldiers who
saw service in France acted as pallbearers. They were Dave Long,
Dave Cahill, Henry Berger, William Harrington, N. B. Thornton,
and Edward Werner. At the church the soldiers formed a guard up
the center aisle, beginning at the sidewalk. The Knights of
Columbus continued the guard within the church. As the coffin,
draped in the American flag, passed each soldier, he came to the
hand salute. The soldiers in turn followed the coffin into the
church and took their seats. The funeral sermon was delivered by
Rev. Fr. M. A. Tarrant, who declared that the goodness of a man
is measured by his aims in life, declaring that a God fearing
man is more valuable in every line. Next to God is our country.
The patriotism of him who loves God is the best patriotism,
Father Tarrent declared. Toward the close of the service Rene
Becker, Cathedral organist, played taps. At the conclusion of
the service with the soldiers standing at attention, the people
in the church sang "The Star Spangled Banner." On leaving the
church the soldiers lined up in company front and saluted as the
hearse passed. Services at the cemetery were conducted by
Fathers Spalding, Tarrent and Costello. A crowd, said this
morning to be the largest that ever attended a funeral in Alton,
was at the church, a great tribute to the young soldier. Former
soldiers of all ranks, people of all creeds, thronged the large
church. The crowd became so large that it was necessary to place
folding chairs in the aisles of the church. Even this was not
sufficient as a large crowd, perhaps a few hundred, stood in the
vestibule of the church and on the walk in front, the doors of
the church being kept open. The balcony of the church was also
taxed to its capacity. As the Cathedral is one of the largest
churches in the city, it is estimated that more than 2,000
people attended the services. Before the time set for the
arrival of the cortage at the church, a large crowd had
gathered. As the soldiers leading the cort�ge came into the
view, the men in the crowd bared their heads. At Greenwood
cemetery a crowd had gathered before the arrival of the funeral
party. The three priests led the procession from the gate to the
grave, chanting prayers.
SCHERER, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31,
1903
The funeral of Ellen Scherer, eleven months old daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Scherer, took place this afternoon from
the family home, 626 Market street to the City Cemetery.
Services were conducted at the home by Rev. H. M. Chittenden.
SCHERER, REGINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7,
1903
Mrs. Regina Scherer, aged 69, died Tuesday evening at
the home of her son, William Scherer, on Division street. Mrs.
Scherer was stricken with apoplexy at her son's home Saturday
morning, and failed to regain consciousness. She was a resident
of Jersey county, near Elsah, 45 years, and had lived in Alton
about six years. She leaves five children: Mrs. L. F. Youngblood
of Joplin, Mo.; Mrs. J. M. Phillips of Elsah; Mrs. Gildersleeve
of Live Oak, Florida; John and William Scherer, of this city
[Alton]. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 11 o'clock
at Elsah.
SCHERFF, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20,
1922
Farmer Shoots Self in Head
Fred Scherff, a
Prairietown farmer, shot part of his head off with a shot gun
yesterday while suffering from a recurrence of an attack of
insanity. He died soon after the shooting. Scherff was 65 years
of age. It was said that he had been a patient in the insane
hospital at Jacksonville, and that he had periods when his mind
would be clouded. He had been suffering from a return of his
mental troubles for several days, and yesterday he ordered his
wife to leave the place, after securing possession of a shot gun
his family had hidden from him. After the wife left and went to
a neighbor's, she telephoned to her son at Worden, and when he
arrived home he found his father sitting on the front doorstep
with the shotgun, and ordering everyone to stay away. Deputies
from the sheriff's office were called on to help take charge of
the demented man, and as they drove into the yard Scherff shot
himself in the head with the shotgun.
SCHERFF, MINNA CHRISTINA (nee KAYSER)/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, December 12, 1924
The funeral of Mrs. Henry
Scherff [Minna Christina Kayser] of Worden, formerly of
Prairietown, was held at Worden on Tuesday. Burial was at the
Meyer Cemetery near here. She had attained the age of 48 years,
one months, and five days. She leaves to mourn her death her
husband, one sister – Mrs. Ernst Siegel of this place; three
brothers – Arthur Kayser of Edwardsville, Edward Kayser of
Worden, and Alfred Kayser of this place. The family has the
heartfelt sympathy of all in their bereavement.
SCHEURER, ELIZATION/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
18, 1910
Mrs. Elizabeth Scheurer, aged 68, died at 7 o'clock
Monday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Minnie
Christian, 1012 east Sixth street, after an illness that began
four months ago. She was taken ill the day of the arrival of the
body of her son, Frank Klebolt, from San Antonio, Tex., and
could not attend her son's funeral. She never recovered. Mrs.
Scheurer was married twice, her first husband's name being
Klebolt. Eighteen years ago she married Fred Scheurer, a
Brighton farmer. Since her illness she has been staying in Alton
with her daughter. She leaves one son, John Klebolt, and four
daughters, Mrs. Ed Ohley, Mrs. Minnie Christian, Mrs. John
Huber, and Mrs. William Kolb. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning at ten o'clock from St. Mary's church.
SCHIBE, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1916
Young Man Killed by C. B. & Q. Train
Deputy Coroner John
Berner was called to Grassy Lake Saturday morning to hold an
inquest into the death of Albert Schibe, 19 years old, son of
Mr. and Mrs. F. Schibe, farmers living within a few hundred
yards of where the youth met his death. The evidence was that
the youth, who was a deaf mute, was walking along the track
about 6:30 Saturday morning when the train came along and struck
him. He was hurled some distance and was dead when members of
his family and the train crew got to him. The train was stopped
immediately after the accident, which happened directly in front
of the Schibe home, and not far from it. Besides his parents,
Albert is survived by several brothers and sisters. The funeral
will be held Sunday afternoon from the home and burial will be
in Wanda Cemetery.
SCHICK, STELLA (nee MURPHY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 16, 1912
Murdered in St. Louis, Brought to Alton For
Burial
The body of Stella Schick, a former Alton girl who was
murdered in St. Louis by a man named Harry Ogden, was brought to
Alton Tuesday for burial. She is a member of an east end family,
and her maiden name was Murphy. She has many relatives living in
Alton. Harry Ogden met Mrs. Schick in Belleville, where the
woman had parted from her husband, and the pair had gone to St.
Louis where they began living together. Ogden was 22 and Stella
Schick was 20. A month ago the couple arrived at a rooming house
in St. Louis and had been there up to the day of the killing.
They told the other boarders they had been married three months.
Sunday morning a neighbor was startled by Mrs. Schick running to
her room and crying for protection, saying that Ogden intended
killing her. The neighbor became panic stricken on seeing Ogden
coming with a revolver and she ran for help, and while she was
gone Ogden shot Mrs. Schick. Ogden then went back to his own
room, and first taking carbolic acid, shot himself to make
doubly sure. A four year old child of the neighbor, Mrs.
Slinner, witnessed the shooting. W. H. Bauer was summoned to St.
Louis to take charge of the body of Mrs. Schick, and he brought
it to Alton. Mrs. Schick's friends in Alton were shocked by the
news of the terrible tragedy. The dead woman leaves three
brothers and two sisters. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon
and will be from the home of her brother, John Murphy, 619 east
Sixth street.
SCHIESS, BALSER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20,
1906
Founder of Many Alton Businesses Dies
Balser Schiess
died at 12:10 o'clock this noon at his residence in North Alton
after an illness of four years with a complication of diseases.
Mr. Schiess was one of the most prominent promoters of financial
and industrial institutions in the city. He had wide business
interests in Alton, and was a director in a half dozen large
institutions in the city and vicinity. He assisted in organizing
the Citizens' National Bank, the Alton Banking and Trust
Company, the Alton Packing Company, the North Alton Paving,
Building and Fire Brick Company, and had served as a director in
all of these institutions. He was president of the packing
company, now the Illinois Packing Co., from its organization in
1892 to the time of his death. Mr. Schiess was born at
Bargzabern, Germany, and would have been 72 years old next
Christmas day. He came to Alton in 1854, and after three years
here he started in the meat business. In 1860 he engaged in
business under the firm name of Kirsch & Schiess, and continued
in that firm thirty years. He was married in Alton in 1862 to
Matilda Rodemeyer, who survives him. He leaves four children,
Misses Matilda and Marie, Mrs. W. H. Bradley and Fred Schiess.
The funeral will be private and the body will be cremated, but
the time is not set. Mr. Schiess was a mild-mannered,
industrious, and highly esteemed citizen of Alton and North
Alton. He was trusted implicitly by all who knew him, his
reputation in the business world was among the best. In his
fight for life, entailing repeated journeys to more salubrious
climes. Mr. Schiess was followed by the earnest hope of his
friends that he might stay the disease and live many years
longer to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He was retiring in his
nature, but in his family he was beloved and his greatest
interest centered there. His death is regretted by many in the
business world, but especially by those who worked for him, as
he was a kind, considerate employer.
SCHIESS, MATILDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 12,
1908
Miss Matilda Schiess, oldest daughter of Mrs. Balser
Schiess, died Sunday morning at Colorado Springs, Colo., at the
age of 45. The death of Miss Schiess was not unexpected, but the
end came suddenly. She was attended by her mother, her two
sisters, Miss Marie Schiess and Mrs. W. H. Bradley, and her
brother, Fred Schiess, the latter two having gone west in
response to a telegraphic summons. Miss Schiess' illness was the
direct result of an injury she received while returning home
from Alaska, where she, with her sisters and mother, spent three
or four months. During rough weather, while making the voyage
from Alaska to Seattle, she fell from her berth on the steamer
and injured one of her arms, the injury failing to heal. Blood
poisoning set in and the family stopped at Colorado Springs in
the hope that a winter's stay there would be beneficial and that
she might recover. Her health had been impaired by her constant
attention and devotion to her father, the late Balser Schiess,
during whose long illness the eldest daughter was constantly
with him. She traveled with him wherever he went in search of
health, and it was believed that it was the anxiety and the
physical strain incident to this devotion that caused her own
health to break down. The body will be brought here for burial,
arriving tomorrow morning, accompanied by the other members of
the family. Miss Shiess was a woman of many good parts. To all
her neighbors she was kindly and sympathetic and was always
ready to lend a helping hand in time of trouble. By those who
lived near her and came in contact most with her, she will be
missed. She possessed a fine character and in her family circle
she was the mainstay of those around her.
SCHIESS, MATILDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
12, 1910
Widow of Balser Schiess
Mrs. Matilda Schiess,
widow of the late Balser Schiess, died Sunday evening at 9:30
o'clock at her home, 240 Elm street, after a few days sickness
from heart trouble. She is survived by a son, Fred Schiess, of
the Illinois Packing company, and two daughters, Mrs. Caroline
S. Bradley and Miss Marie Schiess. A grandson, Walter Bradley,
also survives. She was the oldest daughter of the late Charles
Todemeyer, Alton's wealthy pioneer carriage manufacturer, and
she has three sisters in Alton: Mrs. Dan Miller, Mrs. Charles
Raith, and Mrs. Fred G. Roenleke. One brother, Charles
Rodemeyer, survives. To those who knew her best, her death comes
as a shock and to many who benefitted by and through her
unostentatious charity it comes as a distinct loss. She was a
kindly, charitable woman, a devoted wife and mother, and a good
neighbor, and the afflicted family has the sincere sympathy of
the community. Mrs. Schiess was born in Alton March 20, 1842,
and spent all of her life practically here. Funeral services,
which will be private, will be held at the residence Wednesday
morning, and afterwards the body will be taken to St. Louis for
cremation. The urn containing the ashes will be buried Thursday
afternoon in Oakwood cemetery in the grave with that of her
husband, the late Balser Schiess.
SCHISTENLIEB, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6,
1900
Louis Schistenlieb, aged 64 years, died at the home of
M. H. Pattison at Godfrey this morning. He was born in
Switzerland and lived in America 44 years. The funeral will be
Saturday at 3 p.m. from the home of Mr. Pattison.
SCHILLINGER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5,
1909
John Schillinger, a farmer in the American bottoms over
fifty years, is dead. His life ended Tuesday morning at 3
o'clock from weakness of old age. His 82 years of life had been
filled with troubles such as would have overwhelmed a man of
less tranquil, philosophic disposition. Whenever sorrow or loss
assailed him, he merely set his teeth, kept still and did not
grieve too deeply over what was gone, but rather increased his
determination to get along. He did not win the battle with
troubles except in so far as he preserved his tranquility and
did not give up, and the fight between him and trouble was a
draw. Schillinger settled near Oldenburg on a fine farm of 120
acres 55 years ago, and set about making a living for himself
and family. The mouth of the Missouri river changed
subsequently, and in the course of about twenty years, the farm
was utterly wiped out. Today not a vestige of it remains but a
little tract of about 16 acres that belongs to another man. Year
by year the Missouri kept eating into his rich farmland and
carrying it away. During this time he saw three of his wives and
five children die, but still Schillinger did not complain, at
least such is the testimony of his children who survived. Every
time there was high water in the river, another big slice of
ground would go away down the river. finally the water
encroached on his house and three times he moved it farther away
from the water. At last he got it as far as he could take it,
and in the flood of 1892 the last of the farm went away, and the
driftwood that battered his house finally tore it to pieces and
the house too was a wreck. Then Schillinger gave up trying and
left the farm to the river which soon must claim the last
remnant of his land. When he gave up to the river he put his
money, all he had, amounting to $725 in the Edwardsville bank
that failed, and with that failure Schillinger lost his all -
all but a loyal family. Still, like Job of old, Schillinger
could say, "though he slay me, yet will I praise him." He had
very little or no complaint to make. He went to live with his
sons and helped them about the farm until about six years ago,
when he became too feeble to do any farm work. He died at the
home of his son, George Schillinger, and the funeral will be
from that place Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. Mr. Schillinger
leaves two sons, John Jr. and George, and two daughters, Mrs.
Elizabeth Kuennemann and Mrs. Mary Katzmann. Burial will be in
the Odd Fellows cemetery at Nameoki.
SCHIRE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GUY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 8, 1907
Mrs. Guy Schire, 25 years old, of Granite City,
died at St. Joseph's hospital last night following an operation
to relieve appendicitis. The body was taken to Upper Alton today
to the home of the mother of the deceased, Mrs. Jane Huddleston,
and will be taken tomorrow to Gillespie for burial. A brother,
Samuel Huddleston of Upper Alton, and a sister, Mrs. M. Work of
Gillespie, with the husband survive.
SCHLAGETER, ADOLPH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Wednesday, January 13, 1892
Adolph Schlageter, aged 83 years,
the Vandalia street tailor, died this morning at two o'clock, of
quick consumption. He had been sick all fall and winter and has
been confined to his bed since the middle of December. The
funeral will take place tomorrow morning at eight o'clock from
St. Boniface's church. The remains will be interred in the
Catholic cemetery. The deceased leaves two little daughters, who
will be taken care of by friends.
SCHLAGETER, BEDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22,
1911
Founder of German Benevolent Society
Beda Schlageter
died shortly before midnight Monday at the home of his stepson,
John A. Neininger, on Union Street, where he has been given
tender care by Mrs. Neininger for several months past. He was
unconscious for a day or so before death claimed him, and his
end was peaceful. He was born May 28, 1823 in Germany, and came
to Alton in the early [eighteen] fifties. He was actively
engaged in business all of the time since up to a few months
ago, when old age infirmities began their work on his vitality.
He conducted a repair shop in East Second street, and it was
famous as a gathering place for the older Germans for many
years. He was a kindly man and was always trying "to help
someone a little." He was not a charter member of the German
Benevolent Society, but was a charter trustee of the society.
When it was first organized it was a bachelors' club, and he did
not belong to it at that time. In 1857 it was chartered as a
benevolent society under the laws of the state, and since then
he was always most active in its behalf. He was treasurer of it
since it was organized as a benevolent society strictly, and has
personally paid the benefits to survivors of members. He always
marched in the funeral processions of dead members and always
took a personal interest in looking after the welfare of widows
and orphans left behind by death. Annually he took all surviving
widows of deceased members on an outing, 1911 being the first
year he failed to do this on his birth anniversary. Besides his
stepson, J. A. Neininger, deceased leaves a niece, Mrs. C.
Kramer of Chicago, and a nephew, Beda Geiger of Cripple Creek,
Colo. His wife, Mrs. Eugenia Neininger Schlageter, died in 1884.
The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the Neininger residence in Union street, where services will be
conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, pastor of the German
Evangelical church. Burial will be in City cemetery, and the
German Benevolent society members will have charge at the
cemetery.
SCHLANKER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 10,
1919
Mrs. Mary Schlanker, wife of William S. Schlanker, died
today at her home, 2508 Broad street. She was 28 years old, and
was married a month ago to Schlanker. Her first husband, Louis
Ohley, died last Fall. She leaves her husband and a daughter,
Dorothy Ohley.
SCHLEGEL, AUGUST (FATHER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 25, 1903
Rev. Father August Schlegel of Highland,
who was ordained a priest by Bishop P. J. Baltes in the Alton
Cathedral in 1878 and said his first mass here, died at his home
in Highland yesterday. The funeral will be Monday and will be
attended by many of his Alton friends.
SCHLERECH, ALICE R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
31, 1916
Mrs. Alice R. Schlerech, aged 53, died this morning
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. L. Schwartzbeck, 1009
Phinney avenue, from paralysis. She had been afflicted with the
malady that caused her death for a long time. Mrs. Schlerech had
lived in Alton about one year. She leaves besides her daughter,
Mrs. Schwartzbeck, two other children, Mrs. Leon Buckhead of
Wichita, Kan., and William Schlerech of St. Louis.
SCHLICHER, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
16, 1905
Mrs. Catherine Schlicher, wife of Louis Schlicher,
died from pneumonia at 11 o'clock Sunday night after a ten day
illness from pneumonia. She had lived in Alton many years and in
recent years had made her home in East End place. She is
survived by her husband, a son, and a daughter. The funeral will
be held at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow from the family home.
SCHLICHER/SCHLICKER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 22, 1905
The funeral of Louis Schlicker was held
from the family home this afternoon at 2 o'clock and was
attended by numerous friends and old neighbors. Services were
conducted by Rev. Theo. Oberhellmann of the German Evangelical
church, and burial was in City Cemetery.
SCHLUETER, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 11, 1908
Mrs. Elizabeth Schlueter, who came from her
home in Westphalia, Germany direct to Alton 30 years ago, died
Monday afternoon from old age infirmities at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Julius Veech in Hawley avenue, North Side. Her
husband, Henry Schlueter, died sixteen years ago, and she will
be laid to rest beside him. She was aged 84 years, 5 months and
13 days, and her passing was painless. She is survived by three
children, Charles A. Schlueter and Mrs. Julius Veech of Alton,
and Rev. Henry C. Schlueter of Baltimore, Md. The funeral will
be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the German
Methodist church, of which Mrs. Schlueter was a member. Her son,
Rev. Henry Schlueter, will be unable to attend the funeral
because of illness and his inability to make the long trip.
SCHLUETER, HERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1,
1904
Herman Schlueter, who was wounded one week ago after a
quarrel with John Fechter at the East Alton tile works, died
Tuesday morning in St. Joseph's hospital. Schlueter's vitality
was remarkable, and the surgeons marveled at the length of time
he continued to live. There were ten perforations in one of the
small intestines, and these were sewed up by the attending
surgeons, Drs. Shaff Bowman and Pence. Schlueter held on in an
unchanged condition until Sunday, when he became somewhat worse
and died Tuesday morning. The body was moved to the Bauer
undertaking establishment, from where the funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon, and Rev. Theodore Oberhellman will
officiate. Fechter is being held in the county jail and will now
be refused bail, even though he is able to give it. He will be
charged with murder, and will be compelled to face the dying
statement left by the man he shot, and his own statement when
arrested. The inquest over the remains will be held this
evening.
SCHLUETER, OPHELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
27, 1902
Mrs. Ophelia Schlueter, wife of Charles A.
Schlueter, died this afternoon at 2:30, after a lingering
illness. Mrs. Schlueter was in her 50th year. Her husband and
two daughters survive her. She was a daughter of the late Philip
Peters. She was a sister of Mrs. Frank Squires of Godfrey, and
John Peters of Albion, Nebraska, Henry Peters of Chicago, and
Charles Peters of the U. S. Navy. She was highly esteemed by all
who knew her, as a mother, neighbor and friend.
SCHMAIG, BARBARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17,
1911
Mrs. Barbara Schmaig, wife of John Schmaig, died
Saturday evening from paralysis just after she had finished her
evening meal. She was 75 years old. With her husband she had
been living at the [Nazareth] Home, having no children. Hers was
the second death within a few days under similar circumstances,
a man having died across the river Friday just after eating his
breakfast and while still seated at the table. The funeral of
Mrs. Schmaig was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock, and burial
was in St. Joseph's cemetery.
SCHMERGE, ELSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 5, 1913
Elsie, 17 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schmerge,
died this morning at the family home on Washington street, after
an illness extending over a period of a year and a half, during
all of which time she was a patient sufferer. For several months
she has been bedfast, and hope was abandoned some time ago by
her family. She suffered from some malady that resulted in
turning her blood to water and causing a lot of complications.
She was a sweet, bright, companionable girl, and her numerous
friends are grieving with her parents and other members of the
family over her taking off. The funeral will probably be held
Saturday afternoon. Miss Schmerge was a very popular member of
the junior class of Alton High School.
SCHMID, IDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1873
Proprietor of the Empire House Dies
Mrs. Ida Schmid, the
proprietor of the Empire House in Alton, died very suddenly at
3:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon of heart disease. Mrs. Schmid’s
husband also died suddenly a few months since at Jerseyville.
SCHMID, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1871
Proprietor of Empire House in Alton
From a dispatch we learn
of the sudden death this morning at Jerseyville, of Mr. John
Schmid, a respected citizen of Alton, and proprietor of the
Empire House on Third Street. No particulars were given of the
cause of his death. Mr. Schmid left home for Jerseyville on
Sunday evening. He had been suffering with heart disease for
some time, and this is presumed to have been the cause of his
death. He leaves a wife and family.
SCHMIDT, ANN A./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, October
1901 - Submitted by Sharon Inman
Hillsboro Avenue Grocer
Joseph Schmidt, the Hillsboro avenue grocer, is sadly bereaved.
During the last month and a half he has had in his family an
unusual amount of sickness. One after another the children took
down with typhoid, until eight of them were sick. Mrs. Schmidt
nursed them tenderly and had the satisfaction of seeing all on
the high road to recovery when she herself was stricken down.
Physicians and nurses united their efforts to save the life of
the devoted mother, but without avail, and Wednesday morning at
2:30 o'clock after a struggle of weeks the end came. The funeral
was this morning at 9 o'clock. Services were held at St.
Boniface's Church by Rev. J. D. Metzler and the body was laid to
rest in the Catholic Cemetery. The pall bearers were Mayor N. E.
Bosen, Jacob Weber and John Schumacher, August Seiser, Ed
Herning, and Henry Harlem. Mrs. Ann A. Schmidt had attained the
age of 41 years, 9 months and 2 days. She was a native of Hamel
township, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bange. On May 4,
1881, she was married in St. Boniface's Church in Edwardsville
to Mr. Joseph Schmidt, and resided here thereafter. Mrs. Schmidt
was a great lover of flowers and her home was beautified with
many rare specimens, which were her special care. Then, too, she
loved birds, and had a number of them as pets. In this
connection her husband recalls a peculiar incident. They had a
fine redbird, whose custom it was to sing every morning early.
During the stages of her highest fever Mrs. Schmidt never failed
to ask in the morning after the redbird. Wednesday morning she
died, and yesterday morning when Mr. Schmidt went to the cage to
feed it, it lay upon the bottom of the cage, dead, although it
had been apparently as well as ever the evening before. It had
followed its mistress, whose love it had shared, and whose
departing it seemed to realize.
SCHMIDT, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8,
1904
Mrs. Anna Schmidt, aged 78, died from congestion of the
lungs about 2 o'clock Saturday morning after a brief illness at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Zaugg, 613 east Fourth
street. Mrs. Schmidt was taken ill during the night and died
after about six hours illness. She leaves beside her one
daughter a son, Henry Schmidt. Mrs. Schmidt came to Alton from
Sedalia, Mo., a few hours [sic] ago, and had made her home with
her children. Her death was very unexpected.
SCHMIDT, ANNIE MARIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
4, 1918
Mrs. Annie Marie Schmidt, widow of Carl Joseph
Schmidt, died Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock at her home, 1621
Walker street, from old age. She was 84 years of age. Mrs.
Schmidt was born in Baden, Germany, and came to America when 11
years old, where at the age of 18 years she was married to Carl
J. Schmidt, who died 13 years ago. After a few years spent in
St. Louis, Mrs. Schmidt's husband entered the Union army, and
after the war the couple moved to Upper Alton where they lived
for a long time. About fourteen years ago she moved to Walker
street where she spent most of her life since then. She leaves
to mourn her death three sons, Jacob, Charles and William; also
sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. She was
possessed of a beautiful character and was loved by all her
friends and neighbors. The funeral will be from the home of her
son, Charles, 1620 Bozza street, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery beside the body of her
husband.
SCHMIDT, ARTHUR/Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1900
Arthur Schmidt's Dreadful Mishap
Arthur Schmidt, the 20 year
old son of Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Schmidt of 426 East Ninth street,
was found Sunday evening with a bullet in his brain, the bullet
having entered his right temple. The boy was found by his father
at 9:30 o'clock Sunday evening, lying on the floor of the third
story of the H. M. Schweppe clothing house. On the bench near
him he had laid his overcoat, coat and hat. When the boy was
found unconscious on the floor of the work room, his face was
covered with clotted blood, and on the floor the blood that had
poured from the wound in his temple was dry and hard, the
indications being that the fatal shot was fired at least five
hours previously. Underneath his body was the little revolver
with one empty shell, which told the tragic story. His parents
are unable to account for the cause. Arthur left home Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock and went to the home of his young friend,
Stuart Leech, two doors distant from his home, and there he
borrowed the revolver. He asked Stuart Leech to take a walk
along the river with him, but when young Leech declined the
invitation, Arthur asked the loan of the revolver. Mr. Louis J.
Hartman, manager of the Schweppe clothing house, saw Arthur
about 3 p.m., passing his home on the corner of Eighth and Alby
streets, and spoke to him, when the lad appeared to be in
buoyant spirits and unusually happy. When Arthur did not return
home as the afternoon passed, his mother became uneasy, and at
about five o'clock search was instituted for him. Young Schmidt
was always a most dutiful son to his parents and customarily was
prompt to return home when he had finished an errand. The father
and two brothers searched at all the places where the lad was in
the habit of resorting, but could not find him. Late in the
evening, when the parents had begun to have frightful surmises
as to reason for the boy's absence, it was suggested to them
that perhaps he might be at the store where he was employed. Not
a thought had been given to this, and the father hurried to the
home of Mr. Schweppe to induce him to go to the store and search
there. With trembling hands, the door was unlocked and every
nook and corner of the place was scanned in the hope that he
would be found there asleep. It was the father who suggested
going to the third floor, and there he was cruelly shocked to
find Arthur lying on his face and apparently dead. The ambulance
was called and surgeons summoned in haste by the horrified
searchers. Dr. Taphorn and Dr. Fisher responded, and Dr. Taphorn
attended the boy to his home. There all that could be done was
done for the wounded boy, but it seemed of no avail and the
surgeon could give no encouragement. He had been feeling badly
for weeks, but had been able to be at his work as clerk in
Schweppe's store. He was well esteemed by his employer, and his
bright, cheery ways made him a favorite with the boys among whom
he had many friends. He attended Sunday school yesterday morning
where he was a regular attendant. There are many circumstances
that lead to the theory that the deed was not intended, but was
accidental. The flesh in the vicinity of the wound is not powder
burned, as it would have been had the pistol been held with
intention of destroying his own life. The pistol was one of the
cheaper grade of Smith & Wesson make. The chamber of the
revolver turned easily, and it is thought that while he was
examining the weapon, it was accidentally discharged. Arthur
probably had never handled a pistol before, and it is thought
that his inexperience was the cause of the sad act. Mr.
Schweppe, his employer, the more he considers the matter, is the
more thoroughly impressed that it was not suicide. It is
exceedingly difficult for anyone who knew the young man, and the
bright prospects apparently before him, to believe that he
intentionally attempted to take his own life. At four o'clock
this afternoon a report from the bedside of Arthur Schmidt was
that he was still alive but was slowly sinking. When found lying
on the floor where he had fallen, his respiration was abnormal
and his pulse was weak. Drs. Fisher and Taphorn report this
afternoon that they found his pulse stronger this morning but
weaker this afternoon. No encouragement is held out to the
family as the brain tissue has been seriously lacerated by the
bullet which has entered the brain and has not been located.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 6, 1900 Arthur
Schmidt is Dead
Arthur Schmidt died at 2:50 o'clock this
afternoon without regaining consciousness. Since he was taken to
his home Sunday evening, his mother, father and brothers had
kept almost constant vigil at his side, looking with eager
longing for a single sign of momentary consciousness, but their
watch was in vain, for he slipped away into the unknown without
opening his eyes once to give the recognition so eagerly sought
by the watchers. His wound was apparently fatal, and the
surgeons could give no hope to the family. The pistol ball had
torn a great gaping wound in the temple of the young man, and
had pierced a vital spot. It is a case of unparalleled sadness,
and the entire community is stricken at heart with grief at the
untimely end of Arthur Schmidt. He was a boy whom no one knew
but to admire, and whose winning manners and gentle way were a
delight everywhere. In the flower of his youth, on the verge of
young manhood, with prospects unusually bright, his young life
has gone out leaving his stricken parents to mourn over his
sudden taking away. The funeral hour will be set later.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7, 1900 Coroner Inquest
Rules Death as Suicide
The coroner's inquest over the body of
Arthur Schmidt was held last evening in the police station. The
jury was taken to the home in the afternoon to view the body,
and in the evening with Deputy Coroner Bauer took the evidence
of witnesses, members of the Schmidt family, the surgeons who
attended Arthur, and others. No new facts were discovered that
would suggest a motive for suicide, but the coroner's jury
considered that the evidence was conclusive that the wound was
not accidentally inflicted, and a verdict of suicide was found.
It was testified by members of the family that there had been no
family unpleasantness, and that in fact, Arthur had always been
in such jovial good humor at home that he never had caused any
trouble. On the day of the shooting he was in a very joyful
mood, and after dinner he sang with his brother, who was playing
at the piano. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon at 2
o'clock, and services will be at the family home. [Burial was in
Alton City Cemetery]
SCHMIDT, CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10,
1907
Conrad Schmidt, a well known restaurant keeper on Belle
street, died last night at 8 o'clock at his home over his
restaurant. Death was said to be due to asthma. He leaves his
wife, a son and two daughters. Schmidt's restaurant was for many
years in Alton a favorite resort for bon vivants. He had the
reputation of being a high class cook, and he continued to hold
on to his trade through all kinds of vicissitudes. As Schmidt
would drift from one eating house to another as its chef, his
customers would follow him and he might have died a wealthy man.
Mr. Schmidt was 61 years of age. The funeral will be held
Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral.
SCHMIDT, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29,
1921
Fell From Scaffold at Wood River Refinery
Edward
Schmidt died at St. Joseph's hospital at midnight last night
from the effects of injuries sustained in a fall at the plant of
the Standard Oil Co., at Wood River, last Friday. A fracture of
the spinal column in the neck and injury to the spinal cord
producing paralysis caused death. There was no hope entertained
for the recovery of Schmidt after an X-ray examination had
developed that his spinal cord had been incerated by the broken
fragments of his vertebrae. Schmidt, in falling from a scaffold,
by being overbalanced when he was pulling a wire, had struck on
his head on a railroad track 18 to 20 feet below. He was a long
time resident of Alton and had been a member of the White
Hussars band for many years and he was a member of Piasa lodge
No. 27, A. F. & A. M. and Alton Aerie F. O. E. Mr. Schmidt was
born in Bethalto and was 48 years of age. He had lived in Alton
thirty years. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna Schmidt, one
brother, Nicholas, of Alton, and three sisters, Mrs. Kate Miller
of Alton and Mrs. Lillie Moore and Mrs. Lena Dent of St. Louis.
He had been employed at the Standard Oil plant at Wood River
since that plant was started. The funeral will be Thursday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home, 638 Brown
street, and services will be conducted by Rev. O. W. Heggemeier.
Burial services in City cemetery will be under auspices of Piasa
lodge, A. F. & A. M.
SCHMIDT, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5,
1903
North Alton News - The funeral of Jacob Schmidt took
place Monday afternoon from the home on the Godfrey road to
Godfrey Cemetery. Services were conducted by Rev. Theo.
Oberhellmann of the Evangelical church, and were attended by a
large number of the friends and neighbors of the deceased. Mr.
Schmidt had lived in this vicinity more than 50 years and was an
industrious, honest man and good citizen. He leaves two sons,
George and Jacob Jr., both of North Alton.
SCHMIDT, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 12,
1904
Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt, aged 79, died Monday evening at
6 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Joseph Lohr, two and
one half miles east of Upper Alton, after a long illness. She
leaves three daughters, Mrs. Henry VanBuren, Mrs. Elizabeth
Gollmer, Mrs. Joseph Lohr, also thirteen grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon
at 1 o'clock.
SCHMIDT, GEORGE C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18,
1898
George Schmidt, an aged citizen living near Melville,
died Sunday.
[Note: George Schmidt ran a small store in
Melville [Godfrey Township] with his wife, Louisa Schmidt. After
his death, Louisa continued the business. Louisa was also the
only postmaster of Melville for its entire existence. They had
two daughter, Mrs. Corzine and Clara Achenbach; and one son –
George B. Schmidt.]
SCHMIDT, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 10,
1918
John Schmidt, who for the last fifteen years or so has
worked for the Standard Oil Company, died this morning at the
Nazareth home, from pneumonia. He was taken sick at his boarding
house and was removed to the Nazareth home only yesterday. He
was 59 years of age, was industrious, and made friends, but so
far as known has no relatives. The funeral will be held at 4
p.m. Wednesday at the Nazareth home and burial will be in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
SCHMIDT, JOSEPH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, December
18, 1922
(Submitted by Sharon Inman)
Edwardsville Grocer
Joseph Schmidt, retired Edwardsville grocer
who followed the business for over forty years, passed away
yesterday at 12:30 o'clock, at his home, 136 Buchanan Street
[Edwardsville], death being due to a malignant growth which he
had suffered for a year. He was taken sick about a year ago,
undergoing a surgical operation in St. Louis about the time of
the Christmas holidays. The operation gave some relief and
within the past several months he took special treatments at the
Barnes Hospital. With an unusual constitution and a
determination to overcome his ailment he began a hard fight to
get well and maintained it to the last. He showed considerable
improvement at times and there were hopes for his recovery.
Several weeks ago, he took a decided turn for the worst. Within
the past week members of the family became reconciled that the
inevitable was only a matter of a few days. During most of last
week he hovered at the point of death. He remained conscious
until the last, recognizing members of the family a few minutes
before the end. A short time ago he made some of the
arrangements for the funeral. He picked five he desired as
pallbearers. Those named are Joseph Hotz, Henry Trares, H. P.
Hotz, Jacob Weber, August, and Henry Viere, Sr. They will be
asked to serve. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning
at 9 o'clock from St. Boniface's Catholic Church. Rev. E. J.
Eckhard will officiate. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic
Cemetery.
Joseph Schmidt was born at Memphis, Tennessee,
on March 10, 1857, and was 65 years, 9 months, and 7 days old at
the time of his death. Just before the Civil War, his father, a
sister and brother died of a disease which claimed many in the
south. He became a prisoner of war when Memphis was taken.
Later, the widowed mother [Ignatia Louisa Schmidt] married a man
by the name of Klock, a soldier of the Sixth Illinois Calvary.
The family moved to Edwardsville, where Mr. Schmidt remained
until about 19 years of age. He had a desire to return to
Memphis, and went there in October 1876. He arrived during an
epidemic of yellow fever, and after a short time left, getting
away the night before a quarantine was placed on the city. While
on the trip he stopped at the Peabody Hotel, and when his son,
Leo J. Schmidt, was married a short time ago, he spent a part of
his honeymoon at the same place. Returning to Edwardsville he
secured employment in the Henry Trare's grocery store at
Vandalia and Buchanan Streets. That was forty years ago. After a
short time, Mr. Schmidt and another employee, Henry Bernins,
purchased the store. The partnership was later dissolved, Mr.
Schmidt taking it over. He later moved to the location now
occupied by the Citizen's State and Trust Bank, then on
Hillsboro Avenue, and later moved to the location of his son's,
Schmidt Bros., on Vandalia Street.
To many in
Edwardsville he was known as "Joe.” He catered to school
children and hundreds of them went to his store to exchange
their pennies and nickels for sweets. Through that business he
cultivated the acquaintance of many who have fond recollections
of him. He was married to Miss Anna “Annie” Adelheide Bange on
May 4, 1881, her death occurring on October 9, 1901. One son,
Paul, preceded the father to the grave and his only brother,
William Schmidt, died on February 21, 1908. The death of Mrs.
Schmidt left the father with seven children. The children are,
Henry Schmidt, Boone, Iowa, who returned home recently, Mrs.
Lena Langwisch, August Schmidt, Mrs. Eleanor Krieger, Leo J.
Schmidt, Miss Rose Schmidt, and Edward Schmidt.
Mr.
Schmidt was of unusual traits, and his jovial disposition was
one reason as a successful businessman. Possibly his dealing
with school children helped to some extent in doing things for
the children at home after long hours at the store. He was of a
very patriotic disposition during the late war. Before America
entered the conflict, he became a supporter of the cause for the
allies. His son, Leo J. Schmidt, joined the Marines a few days
before America declared war. When he returned home the father
retired, turning the business over to two of the sons who formed
a partnership and are operating the business.
NOTES:
Joseph A. Schmidt was born March 10, 1857, in Memphis,
Tennessee. He was buried in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in
Edwardsville.
Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday, December 20, 1922
A
family was forced to divide this morning to attend the funerals
of two relatives. Mrs. Frank Bange went to Alton to attend the
funeral of her brother, John Vonnabmen. Her husband remained in
Edwardsville to attend the services of his brother-in-law,
Joseph Schmidt, retired Edwardsville grocer. The funeral of Mr.
Schmidt was held from St. Boniface's Catholic Church at 9
o'clock this morning, a number of merchants turning aside from
the Christmas rush to pay last respects. The church was filled
for the occasion. Rev. E. J. Eckhard conducted requiem high
mass, followed by burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Five
of the pallbearers named by Mr. Schmidt a short time ago when he
made some of the plans for his funeral served. The sixth, Henry
Viere, Sr. is serving as member of a jury in the circuit court
and could not get away. His place was taken by W. F. Wayne, a
grocer. Those noted from out of town for the funeral were: Mr.
and Mrs. Fred Sido, and Miss Clara Sido, St. Louis; Frank Epping
and Miss Angeline Epping, Granite City; Mr. and Mrs. August
Pizzini, Glen Carbon. Henry Schmidt of Boone, IA, a son, has
been here the past several days. He will return home as soon as
possible on account of the illness of his wife.
SCHMIDT, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24,
1916
Mrs. Laura Schmidt, widow of Carl J. Schmidt, aged 31,
died Sunday evening at the home of her mother, Mrs. Minnie
Carmella on Bozza street, after an illness of about three
months....she leaves three young children. Mrs. Schmidt's
husband was killed a little over a year ago at Bozza and
Washington avenue. He was struck by a bicycle and thrown in such
a way his head struck the curb and his death followed. Mrs.
Schmidt was a member of the musicians' union. Her husband
conducted a dance hall and she played. After his death she took
a job at the cartridge works and there she remained until ill
health compelled her to give up.
SCHMIDT, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30,
1913
Louis Schmidt, aged 77, died at the Nazareth Home
Saturday morning at 10:30 o'clock, after a two weeks illness
following a paralytic stroke. He came here from Litchfield two
years ago to stay at the home. He had two children in Alton,
Mrs. L. Flori and Louis Schmidt, also a daughter, Mrs. Ida A.
Audrey of Hannibal, Mo. The funeral will be Monday morning at 8
o'clock from the Nazareth Home.
SCHMIDT, LOUISA SCHNEIDER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 3, 1910
Melville Pioneer Dies ... Kept Store 45 Years;
Postmaster of Melville
Mrs. Louisa Schneider Schmidt, the storekeeper and postmistress
at Melville [on Rt. 3 in Godfrey Township, west of Godfrey
Road], and known to thousands who have traversed the Grafton
Road, is dead. She fell in her garden Monday afternoon at 4
o'clock while working with her flowers. She was attacked by
apoplexy and lived only fifty minutes after being carried into
her home. Only three weeks ago Mrs. Lena Corzine arrived from
her home in Survey, Nebraska, to spend the summer with her
mother, and Mrs. Schmidt remarked when her daughter arrived that
she hoped she would die before her daughter went back.
Mrs. Schmidt was known as a remarkable character by those who
knew her best. She was born in Wittenburgen Castle, Wittenburg,
Germany, January 29, 1832, and was almost 80 years of age. She
came to this country when twelve years of age. Her father was a
fine student and educated the daughter to speak and write
French, German, and English, all three of which Mrs. Schmidt
never forgot. She was a business woman as well, and ran
profitably the little Melville store for forty-five years, and
acted as postmistress for twenty-three years. When the little
post office at Melville was established, Mrs. Schmidt became the
postmistress, and there was never any change - she was the only
appointee to the position during the entire life of the post
office, from its start to the time it was discontinued because
of the rural delivery, which was about three years ago.
A
peculiar coincidence in the death of Mrs. Schmidt is that her
mother, Mrs. Margaret Schneider, died of apoplexy on a Monday
[in 1891], when she was 82 years old. Her sister, the late Helen
Stiritz [wife of Emanuel Stiritz] of Melville, died of apoplexy
and died on a Monday [1906] at the age of 55. Mrs. Schmidt's
death coming on Monday makes three deaths in the family on this
day of the week. Mrs. Schmidt leaves two daughters, Mrs. Corzine
who is now with her, and Mrs. Clara Achenbach who resides on a
farm nearby. George B. Schmidt, a son, also survives. Julius
Schneider, her only brother, died several years ago.
Mrs.
Schmidt was the encyclopedia of Melville. She had a great ledger
she kept a complete diary in all the events of the little place,
and as to what time so and so was married and when so and so
died and what the crops were in the neighborhood this and that
year. You had only to ask Mrs. Schmidt and she would say, "Wait,
I will look in the book and see," and the big book generally
yielded the desired information. Mrs. Schmidt was married in
Melville and lived there for almost 65 years. Twelve years ago,
her husband [George C. Schmidt] died, and she conducted the
little store alone. Mrs. Schmidt was a lover of nature and loved
her flower garden, growing the old-fashioned flowers that had
meant so much to her in her girlhood. While working with her
flowers she was stricken. The funeral will be held Thursday
morning at 10 o'clock from the Melville Church.
NOTES:
The Schmidt Dry Goods Store was founded in the early 1880s by
George and Louisa Schmidt. After her husband’s death in April
1898, Louisa continued operating the store until her death in
1910. She also served as the Melville postmistress for 23 years,
until rural delivery was established and the post office at
Melville closed. Louisa Schmidt was buried in the Melville
Cemetery, along with her husband, George C. Schmidt.
SCHMIDT, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
10, 1904
Nicholas Schmidt, aged 90, died Wednesday morning
after a long illness from the weakness of old age at the home of
Henry Menken near East Alton, Wednesday. Schmidt has no known
relatives. He had been making his home with the Menken family
for a number of years, having gone there to work for his living,
and after years of faithful service the family took charge of
him in his declining years. The funeral was held Thursday
morning.
SCHMIDT, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25,
1902
Philip Schmidt, for many years a well known business
man, died Monday night at his home on Ridge street, after a long
illness. He was born September 29, 1843 at Oberstein, on the
Nahr, Rheinpreusenn, Germany. He came to America when a young
man and had lived in Alton many years. He was engaged in the
manufacture of soda water in Alton until fifteen years ago, and
later became a member of the firm of H. O. Tonsor & Co. He
retired from business a few years ago on account of his health.
The funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the residence of Mrs. Max Kuhl on Ridge street, under the
auspices of the German Benevolent Society of which he was a
member. Rev. Theo Oberhellman will conduct the services.
SCHMITT, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1905
Carl Schmitt, aged 80, died from old age Saturday night at his
home on Walker street, aged 80. He leaves his aged wife, four
children, seventeen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home, Rev. W. F. Isler officiating, and burial will be in
Oakwood cemetery.
SCHMOELLER, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1,
1917
Dies Following Scalding in Vat of Hot Water at Standard
Oil Co.
The scalding of Schmoeller last Wednesday morning
when he fell into a vat of hot water at the plant of the
Standard Oil Co. at Wood River proved fatal. On the day that the
young husband had planned to move into a pretty little home he
had built at Wood River, he will be laid away in the Alton City
Cemetery. The death of the young man was caused by the shock and
of the burning, and also from the wide area of skin that was
burned. It was said that the young man did not rally from the
shock. Friday noon he began to show signs of growing worse, and
became unconscious in the afternoon. One of the last words he
spoke was when he asked his wife whether they would move Monday
into their new home, and he smiled when she told him that was
still the plan. Last April 25 Carl Schmoeller, the son of Mrs.
Bertha Schmoeller of Alton, married Miss Kathleen Crandall,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Crandall of East Alton. The groom
was working at the Wood River refinery and soon a pretty little
home was in course of construction for them. It was all finished
and ready to occupy when the accident occurred, which cost him
his life. Carl Schmoeler was a young man of high character. He
was the only son of his mother. He leaves beside his wife, his
mother and two sisters, Misses Ruth and Augusta Schmoeler. He
was a member of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian church, and when
able to do so was a constant attendant at that church. The
funeral will be held Monday afternoon 2:30 o'clock from the 12th
street Presbyterian church in Alton, Rev. C. E. Combrink
officiating. Burial will be in City cemetery.
SCHMOELLER,
JOHN W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 26, 1911
Well-Known Alton Businessman
John W. Schmoeller Sr., head of
a well-known shoe house in Alton, and one of Alton's best-known
business men, died suddenly Wednesday night at his home, Ninth
and Langdon Streets, from apoplexy. Mr. Schmoeller was 67 years
of age. He had gone home from a session of the Maennerchoir
Bowling Club, of which he was one of the most interested
members. He had spent a very happy evening with the
Maennerchoir, enjoying the usual amusements of that
organization, and after walking home he had partaken of a light
lunch. Afterward he went to the cellar in his home, and when he
did not return a son and a daughter went to investigate and
found their father lying unconscious. Doctors were summoned, but
Mr. Schmoeller died within a few minutes after he was found. The
surgeons said that apoplexy was the cause of his death.
The death of Mr. Schmoeller was a great surprise to his family
and friends alike. He had not been complaining of feeling ill.
He was young in appearance, had hardly a gray hair in his head,
and was a well-preserved man. He had been attending to his daily
duties around the shoe store in the Madison Hotel building as
usual. Mr. Schmoeller was known as an upright citizen, a very
reliable business man, and he has a very large circle of
friends. He was the father of a large family of children. In the
past few years he has suffered several afflictions by death -
his wife and several of his children dying. Mr. Schmoeller was a
native of Germany, but had lived in Alton since he was a young
man. His was the third death in the family in 14 months. He is
survived by one daughter, Miss Bertha Schmoeller, and seven
sons, William, Charles, Henry, Albert, John, Walter and Emil.
Mr. Schmoeller was born in Germany in 1845, and came to
Alton forty-seven years ago. He worked for other parties a few
years, and forty years ago started a boot and shoe store of his
own. This he conducted to the hour of his death, of late years
his son, J. W. Schmoeller Jr., being associated with him. He was
a charter member of the Alton Maennerchoir, and was one of the
best singers in that famous musical organization. He was also a
member of the Alton Turnverein, and was always active in his
support of the society. Mr. Schmoeller made many warm
friendships during his residence in Alton, and his death will be
regretted by all who knew him. The funeral will be Sunday
afternoon from the German Evangelical Church. [Burial was in the
Alton City Cemetery.]
NOTES:
The Schmoeller Shoe Store
was located in the Madison Hotel, at the northwest corner of
Broadway and Easton Streets. During its 27th year in business,
the shoe store moved to the Flach building at Broadway and Alby
Streets. Schmoeller made Robert Wadlow's shoes until the Brown
Shoe Company worked out a promotional deal with the Wadlow
family. Schmoeller had 10 children. The youngest was Emil Henry,
seated on his mother's lap in the Alton Telegraph photo.
SCHMOELLER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF J. W. SR./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 17, 1910
Mrs. J. W. Schmoeller Sr., one of
the best known and most respected among Alton's older
German-American citizens, died Monday morning at 9:20 o'clock
after a illness which developed shortly after the death of her
son, Fred, in Virginia, several weeks ago, and which has been
severe for the past three weeks. She worred and grieved so much
over her son's death that a stomach trouble from which she long
had been a sufferer developed malignant features and it has been
known for several days that she could not recover. She fell
asleep Sunday evening about 7 o'clock at her home in Langdon
street, and woke up in eternity this morning. All of the family
were present at the home this morning, Charles and Albert having
arrived from their homes in Washington, Iowa, in time to see
their mother. She was a great hearted charitable woman, and many
good deeds of helpfulness to others are to her credit. She was
the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive her, with her
husband, the well known shoe dealer. The children are: J. W.
Jr., Henry, John B., Walter and Emil, and Miss Bertha, of Alton;
and Charles and Albert of Iowa. She was 64 years old and had
lived in Alton 44 years. Funeral arrangements have not been
made, but the funeral will be held probably Wednesday afternoon
from the German Evangelical church.
SCHNEBELE, CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
5, 1920
Mrs. Christina Schnebele, wife of Jacob Schnebele,
died very unexpectedly last night at her home, 500 East
Broadway, from a heart attack, a few minutes after she arrived
home from attending a very happy family gathering at the home of
her niece, Mrs. Edward Joehl. Mrs. Schnebele had been in the
best of spirits all day and had eaten supper heartily. There was
no indication of any trouble as she left the Joehl home, but
when within a short distance of her own home, she began to
complain of a smothering sensation. She was hurried to her home
and there an effort was made to get her undressed and put her to
bed, but she died at 10:30 o'clock before this could be
completed. She was 56 years of age. Mrs. Schnebele leaves,
besides her husband, three daughters: Mrs. Fred Abel, Mrs. Harry
Stobbs, and Mrs. Leroy Holland; two sons, Philip and Edward. She
leaves also two brothers, Chris and Philip Koenig and one
sister, Mrs. Jacob Senz. The funeral will be Wednesday morning
at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church.
SCHNEEHAGE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF HENRY/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 13, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Henry
Schneehage, whose death occurred on Tuesday, will be held
Thursday morning at 11 o'clock from the family home at 8 East
Fifth street, Rev. O. W. Heggemeier, pastor of the Evangelical
church, will officiate. The burial will be in the City cemetery.
SCHNEEHAGEN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
22, 1900
Fatal Runaway at North Alton
William
Schneehagen, a prominent and well-to-do farmer residing three
miles northwest of Godfrey near the C. & A. tracks, was killed
Tuesday night in a runaway while on his way home from town. He
had come to Alton to see a load of wheat in the morning, and was
in Alton all day. While going home he passed the Park saloon at
the junction of the State street and Belle street roads in North
Alton, and while leaving there his horses took fright and ran
away. It is said that Schneehagen was trying to move his wagon
seat forward in the wagon, and the sound of the spring seat
grating on the wagon side caused the team to start and run.
Schneehagen had not gained hold on the reins, and while
attempting to do so he pitched forward and fell to the wagon
tongue, finally rolling to the ground. His feet became entangled
in the reins and he was dragged 60 feet. The horses were frantic
and kicked the old man repeatedly on the head, breaking his jaw,
nose, and cracking his skull. He was taken to the town hall
where Dr. Worden attended him. Schneehagen died about 6 o'clock,
three hours after the accident, without having regained
consciousness. Schneehagen was 64 years of age and leaves a wife
and three children, who are well known in the vicinity of
Godfrey. He was a prosperous farmer there. The remains were
taken to the family home. Coroner Bailey held an inquest last
night, and a verdict of death from accidental causes producing
concussion of the brain was found. At the inquest, the origin of
the runaway was not known, as it was testified the team of
horses was running when it was first seen, and that the driver
was then on the tongue when the wagon entered North Alton.
SCHNEIDER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
22, 1904
Charles Schneider, a packer in the Illinois Glass
Works, died Thursday evening at 8:30 o'clock at his home, 1006
North street, after an illness of nine weeks with Bright's
disease. Mr. Schneider was one of the officers of the German
Lutheran church on North street, and head of the men's society
of the church. He was highly esteemed by those who knew him, an
honest and upright man. Mr. Schneider was born October 25, 1858
in the American Bottom. He was married at Staunton, Illinois to
Miss Louisa C. Adler, and in 1886 came to Alton where he was
employed in the glass works as a packer. He leaves two brothers,
August Schneider of Maxwell, California and F. W. Schneider of
Alton; and a sister, Mrs. Mary Brueggemann. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon from the home and will be conducted by
Rev. Frederick Brunns, of the Lutheran church.
SCHNEIDER, HERBERT FREDERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 4, 1911
Herbert Frederick Snider [sic], son of Mr.
and Mrs. James Snider, died at seven o'clock this morning at
their home, 307 Shields street. It was their only child, aged
eight months. The Schneider family did not intend to procure the
services of an undertaker, and were planning to put the body in
a coffin and take it to Hardin, Calhoun county. Mrs. Demuth,
local health officer, learned of it, and she told the family
that in the case of such a contagious disease, they must have
the body prepared and disinfected, and that they must get a
certificate required by law for transporting the body. Word was
telephoned to Hardin that the family were coming, and the health
officer at Hardin telephoned back not to let them come, as he
would not admit the people in the village. His ruling was based
on the fact that members of the family might carry the disease
with them. Mrs. Demuth thereupon persuaded the family to have
the burial in City cemetery at Alton.
SCHNEIDER, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26,
1910
Jacob Schneider, a farmer, living near Wanda, was
instantly killed near Edwardsville Monday evening while driving
a team across the Wabash track. His horses were cut in two, his
wagon demolished and Schneider's skull crushed. He was 45 years
of age.
Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1910
The
tragic death of Jacob Schneider, who was killed by a Wabash
train Monday evening near Edwardsville, completes a series of
five violent deaths in the one family. Four brothers-in-law of
Schneider were killed, and only one is left, Peter Meier of
Bethalto. A few weeks ago Pierre Meier was killed in a coal mine
accident, and his brother carried him up out of the pit. Many
years ago a brother, Henry Meier, was shot on a street fight at
Bethalto, and years before another brother, John, was killed by
a train. Another brother-in-law of Peter Meier was killed at
East St. Louis, Dorsey Lawrence. A remarkable train of violent
deaths, the surviving member of the family thinks. In addition
to the list of names given, Mish Meier, another brother, died a
few years ago from getting up from a sick bed when he had
typhoid fever and went downtown in Bethalto.
SCHNEIDER, JULIUS F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 9, 1907
Wealthy Land Owner
Julius F. Schneider,
one of the wealthiest and best known residents in the vicinity
of Alton, died Friday evening at 7 o'clock at his home, 447
Bluff street, in his 77th year. The death of Mr. Schneider was
not unexpected. He had been suffering from heart trouble for
several weeks and for a week was not able to lie down. The
family were expecting the end. In the death of Mr. Schneider a
very interesting character passes off the stage of action.
Perhaps Mr. Schneider held more real estate mortgages than any
other person in this part of the country, and it is an
interesting fact that until blindness overtook him recently, he
drew up all his legal blanks and seldom if ever was obliged to
pay any attorney's bills. He carried on business on a large
scale, yet there was no one who would have judged from looking
at him that he was the possessor of such immense wealth as he is
credited with having, by those who knew him well. He has very
extensive farming land possessions and a claim on dozens of fine
farms in Jersey county. Until age began to tell on him and
render it impossible, Mr. Schneider, who was a great walker,
would make the trips on foot from and to his farm at Melville,
and even walk to St. Louis at times, rather than take a train.
In his early days he had practiced law in St. Louis, but gave up
that pursuit for the more interesting and profitable one of
loans and real estate. Mr. Schneider's mind was one that could
readily grasp the salient points of a business transaction. He
was generally recognized as a sharp, shrewd man, but who would
give to everyone his just dues. He was a native of Germany, but
came to America with his parents when he was 14 years of age.
The family went to Melville to live, and except the few years he
was away from home attempting the practice of law and laying the
foundations of his future business success, he continued to make
his home there. At Melville he raised his family of children and
there he lived until old age and failing eye-sight made it
appear necessary to move into the city where he would have the
advantage of more comforts. Although almost blind, Mr. Schneider
would make his way about the city and would make trips to St.
Louis, attending to his business affairs. Julius Schneider was
born July 1, 1830 at Wurtemberg, Germany. He came to America
when 14 years of age, and after two years in St. Louis he moved
to Melville. Subsequently he studied law in a recorder's office
in St. Louis and filled offices of justice of the peace and
notary there for twelve years. In 1869 he moved back to the farm
at Melville, where he lived until he came to Alton within the
past year. He was married to Marie Theresa Kientz of Marine,
Illinois, at Highland, June 6, 1858. Mrs. Schneider died March
18, 1892. Mr. Schneider is survived by Mrs. Minnie Wittman and
Julius E. Schneider of Pana; Christian, Rene and Walter G.
Schneider of St. Louis; Lillie N., Helen A., Theresa M.
Schneider, who lived with their father. Mrs. L. F. Stiritz, who
died one year ago, was a daughter. He leaves two sisters, Mrs.
Theresa Schmidt of Melville and Mrs. Kate Achenbach of St.
Louis. The funeral arrangements have not been made, but the
funeral will probably be held from Ss. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral Monday or Tuesday.
SCHNEIDER, RENE J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
4, 1911
Rene J. Schneider, aged 42, died at the old family
home near Melville at 6:30 o'clock this morning, from asthma and
pleurisy. He had been living in St. Louis and working as a
cabinet worker almost all his life. With his wife he moved to
the old home a few weeks ago because the doctor told him he must
get away from the city. His death was very unexpected. Mr.
Schneider leaves beside his wife, three brothers: C. F., Walter,
and Julius Schneider; Mrs. Minnie P. Wittman of Pana, Misses
Lillie, Helen and Teresa Schneider of Alton. Funeral
arrangements have not been made.
SCHNEIDER, ROSA and SON/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 15,
1873
Killed by Chicago & Alton Train
A terrible and fatal
accident took place on Saturday evening at a railroad crossing
on the Jacksonville branch of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, near
little Piasa Creek in Madison County, about eight miles north of
Alton. Mrs. Rosa Schneider, living near Brighton, and her son, a
young man of twenty-eight, were driving across the track at that
point, when the northern-bound freight train ran into them,
instantly killing both occupants of the wagon, also the horse,
and tearing the wagon into fragments. The bodies of Mrs.
Schneider and her son were terribly mangled. The train was
stopped and run back to the scene of the accident, where the
conductor hired some men to take charge of the remains. Young
Mr. Schneider was on a visit to his parents. He resided in
Indianapolis, where he leaves a wife and two children. A sadder
or more terrible death could scarcely be imagined. The funerals
of the victims of the accident took place yesterday from the
German Lutheran Church at Brighton, and were largely attended.
The crossing at the place where the accident took place is a
very dangerous one. The wagon road runs down a steep hill to the
track, and it is impossible for those driving down it to obtain
a view of the track, except right in front of them. In addition,
the railroad makes a sharp curve at that point, which renders it
impossible for the engineer to obtain a view of the wagon
crossing until he is right upon it. In the present instance, the
engineer did not see the wagon until he collided with it. An
inquest was held over the remains by Coroner Grippenburg, and a
verdict rendered in accordance with the above facts.
SCHNEIDER, WILLIAM F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 2, 1916
William F. Schneider, for many years a
prominent barber in Alton, a leader in labor circles in Alton
and for several terms city treasurer, died at his home, 123 East
Eighth street, Sunday night at 10:30 o'clock. He had been
confined to his home almost all the time the past eight months.
Mr. Schneider's collapse was a great surprise to all of his
friends. He was near death for some time after his collapse,
then rallied and was able to be out occasionally, driving about
the city. He had suffered a relapse some time ago, and hope of
his recovery was given up. Mr. Schneider was one time a very
popular man with the voters of Alton. He also had the entire
confidence of the labor unions and served as treasurer for the
Trades and Labor Assembly, and always took a very important part
of all Labor Day celebrations held in this city. Mr. Schneider
devoted much of his time to the labor movement, and was
generally liked by all his friends and associates. He was also
treasurer of the city of Alton and for a time a deputy of the
city treasurer. He conducted a barber shop in the Spalding
building on Belle street for many years, and was one of the best
known men in the barber trade in Alton. Mr. Schneider was also a
member of the Alton Fishing Club, and always took a very active
part in the proceedings of this organization. He was willing at
all times to help build up the club membership, and was always a
booster for the welfare of the association. Since last March Mr.
Schneider had been suffering from kidney trouble. Many times he
was very low, but he would rally. Seven weeks ago he suffered a
relapse and grew weaker rapidly until Sunday night when his
death occurred. Although he was suffering from a very serious
illness, he never gave up and bore his illness with patience. He
served for two terms as city treasurer of Alton. He was a member
of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Barbers Union. He was a
devoted father and husband. He leaves his wife and two
daughters, Mrs. Lewis Kopp and Miss Dorothy Schneider, and his
little granddaughter, Betty Lee Kopp. He leaves also a brother,
Hermann Schneider of St. Louis, and a sister, Mrs. Peter Wells
of Miles Station. Mr. Schneider was one of the leading spirits
in the Alton Fishing Club for a long time. He had been a devoted
follower of the sport of fishing and whenever he had spare time
he was sure to be seen with his fishing tackle, on the way to
catch some fish. He was a very successful fisherman too. The
funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the
home at 123 East Eighth street.
SCHNELLE, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
23, 1908
The funeral of Charles Schnelle was held this
afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the home on College avenue, Rev. T.
B. Frary officiated. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.
SCHOEFFEL, EDWARD F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 10, 1904
Edward F. Schoeffel, after several months'
illness, died at 9 o'clock Tuesday night. Two surgical
operations were performed during his illness, and after each his
condition appeared to improve for a time. He was a well known
young man and highly esteemed. He formerly conducted a meat
market in this city, but of late years has been in the retail
department of the George F. Kirsch company. He was 28 years of
age and is survived by a wife and two children. His mother and
other relatives live in Brighton.
SCHOEFFLER, JOHN G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 23, 1918
Civil War Veteran
John G. Schoeffler,
75, died at his home, 735 East Sixth street, at 6 o'clock on
Sunday afternoon, after an illness of one day. His wife died
four months ago. Some time ago he suffered from a slight stroke
of paralysis. This had been giving him a small amount of trouble
but was not considered serious. Sunday morning he was taken to
his bed, but it was not believed that his condition was serious
until Sunday afternoon. He died at 6 o'clock. Mr. Schoeffler was
the father of John W. Schoeffler, president of the Alton Board
of Education. Mr. Schoeffler was born February 12, 1843, at
Zweibruchen, Rheinish Bavaria. In 1856, he, the oldest of five
children, came to the United States with his parents. They
settled in Kentucky. Mr. Schoeffler was in the Civil War,
fighting with the Union Army. After the war he came to Alton.
For many years he was connected with the Quigley, Hopkins & Lee
Wholesale Drug Co., and later with Quigley & Co. After this
company retired from business he entered the transfer business,
which he followed for fifteen years. Several years ago he
retired. He was at one time a member of the Alton city council.
He was a member of Irwin Lodge, A. F. & A. M., at the time it
merged with the Franklin Lodge. He was also a member of the
Benevolent Society. Mr. Schoeffler is survived by one brother,
William, of Louisville; three sons, John W., August and Edward,
all of Alton; two grandsons, Henry and Oscar; and one
granddaughter, Miss Olga. Henry Schoeffler is serving in the
United States navy. Efforts are being made to have him home for
the funeral. The services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon
from the home on East Sixth street.
SCHOEFFLER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN G./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 1, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. John G.
Schoeffler was held at 2:30 o'clock this afternoon from the
family residence and services were conducted by Rev. O. W.
Haggemeier of the Evangelical Church. There was a large
attendance at the funeral. The pall bearers were William Beiser,
E. E. Zeller, O. T. Marshall, George Dick, Walter Fries, and
Charles Gerner. Burial was in City Cemetery.
SCHOENBERG, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
29, 1908
Peter Schoenberg, a well known glassblower, died at
his home in East End Place this morning after a short illness,
aged 32. He will be buried Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from
St. Patrick's church. Schoenberg leaves only a wife.
SCHOENBERGER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
22, 1907
The funeral of the late John Schoenberger was held
today from the home, No. 914 east Third street, and was attended
by a large number of friends and neighbors. The glassblowers
were out in numbers and among the floral offerings was a
beautiful design contributed by the glassblowers' union.
Services were conducted by Rev. E. Mueller and burial was in
City Cemetery.
SCHOERRS, CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
18, 1903
Conrad Schoerrs, a well known farmer who lived in
the vicinity of Edwardsville Crossing the past 50 years, died at
his home Thursday night from the effects of a paralytic stroke
sustained by him nearly two months ago. Mr. Schoerr was about
was about 75 years of age, and when stricken hovered between
life and death for several weeks. He took a change for the
better a few weeks ago, and it was thought he would recover, but
he suffered a relapse and his enfeebled condition caused the end
to come speedily. He was a good man and neighbor, and had many
friends throughout the county. He leaves a wife and a niece and
nephew in this city. They are Charles and Miss Annie ....
[unreadable]
SCHOFIELD, HANNA L. (nee TEASDALE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 23, 1916
Widow of Elijah Schofield
Mrs.
Hannah L. Schofield, widow of Elijah Schofield, died Thursday
morning at 7:45 o'clock at her old home at the corner of College
and Worden avenues in Upper Alton. While Mrs. Schofield's
condition had been serious at intervals since last week, her
death this morning came unexpectedly. She had been a sufferer
from asthma and last Friday she had an attack from this trouble,
which almost caused her death at the time, but as she had done
many times before, Mrs. Schofield fought a hard battle for her
life and survived. For two or three days her neighbors and
friends were gathered about her in the belief that the end was
near, but the aged woman improved and was much better during the
past few days. Last night Mrs. Schofield conversed with her
nurse concerning the social the Baptist ladies had held
yesterday at the church, and she was much interested and
inquired into all the particulars of the affair. This morning
she watched as usual for the arrival of the morning paper, and
when it came she requested the nurse to read it to her. Her
request that the morning paper be read was among the last words
she uttered. Death came at 7:45 o'clock, and instead of Mrs.
Schofield passing away in a smothering attack of asthma, as her
friends feared she would at any time, she went quietly into a
sleep and passed away peacefully. On account of the improved
condition Mrs. Schofield had been in during the last two days
her St. Louis relatives, who had been called here last week, had
returned home for a short stay and none of them was in Alton at
the time of her death this morning. Mrs. Schofield came to Upper
Alton from New Jersey when she was 18 years old. She was the
daughter of Rev. John Teasdale, one of the pioneer Baptist
ministers of this section. He was pastor of the Third Baptist
Church of St. Louis, an institution that has in latter years
become one of the biggest churches of the country. The family
located in the house on College avenue where Mrs. Schofield died
this morning. There were five sons and two daughters in the
family, one daughter, Mrs. Ellen Miller, having died many years
ago in Upper Alton at her home across the street from the
Teasdale place. One year ago last Thanksgiving one of the
brothers, Bordman Teasdale of St. Louis, died. The remaining
four brothers are living. Mrs. Schofield's death this morning at
the age of almost 82 years was only the second death among the
six children of the family. The four brothers surviving are: W.
Carey Teasdale of St. Louis; Judson Teasdale of New York City;
J. Warren Teasdale of St. Louis; and Salmon Teasdale of
Arkansas. The family has been a prominent one, and the brothers
are among the foremost business men of St. Louis and New York.
W. C. Teasdale arrived from St. Louis at noon today, and the
other brothers are on their way to Alton to attend the funeral
of their sister. At the age of 30 Mrs. Schofield was married in
St. Louis to Elijah Schofield. In her life she experienced
tragic deaths in her family, both her husband and father being
killed accidentally. Her husband was a half-brother of Major
General Schofield, and he secured a position for Mr. Schofield
in government business in the South following the close of the
Civil War. He, with his wife, went to Richmond, Va., where he
was to discharge the duties of his office. A dispute arose in
Richmond as to whether the mayor of the city should be a
Northerner or a Southerner. Finally the citizens decided to
leave it to the court to decide, and when the trial was to be
held the citizens of the place flocked to the court house to
witness the trial that was attracting vital interest. When the
house was filled with people, it collapsed, and many were
killed. Mr. Schofield was one of the men fatally hurt. His death
occurred just four years after he had been wedded to Miss Hanna
Teasdale, and she never married again. Her father, Rev. John
Teasdale, was killed when the Gasconade bridge in Missouri broke
down with the first train that ever crossed it, and dropped the
train into the river. The bridge had just been built, and a
party of prominent men were to ride across it in a special
train. The bridge timbers were sawed by miscreants, so that when
the weight of the train came upon it the timbers broke where
they had been partially sawed. Some years after her father's
tragic death, Mrs. Schofield's mother died at the old home in
Upper Alton. Mrs. Schofield returned to Upper Alton and made her
home in the house ever since. She was away a time or two for
several years, but this was her home all the time. Thirty-two
years ago the wife of W. C. Teasdale of St. Louis died, leaving
a family of five small children. Mrs. Schofield left her home
and went to St. Louis where she took charge of her brother's
family and raised the children. These five children are now
scattered over the country. Miss Harriet Teasdale of St. Louis
is one of them, and she has been attending her aunt. She
returned to her home Sunday for a brief stay and was not here
when the end came. She returned to Alton this morning upon
hearing of Mrs. Schofield's death. In later years, since the
family of W. C. Teasdale grew up, they spent the summer each
year in Upper Alton at the home of their aunt. Mrs. Schofield
was the oldest member of the Upper Alton Baptist Church. In
looking up the records today, it was found that she joined this
church in 1852. Her membership was transferred to other churches
on two different occasions. In later years her membership was
brought back to the Upper Alton church, and she died a member of
this organization. She was one of the most interested workers in
the church, and she attended the services as usual a week ago
last Sunday. She would have been 82 years old in June, had she
lived until that time, and in spite of her great age her mind
was as clear as that of a child, and her interest in church work
and in the general affairs of the public never decreased in the
least. She had been a great reader of the daily papers a long
number of years, and in this manner she kept in touch with the
outside world, in politics, and was always right up to the times
in everything. On Sundays if she was physically unable to attend
the church services she always sent her contribution by someone
who was going. In the neighborhood where she lived so many years
she was loved as a mother by her neighbors. The news of Mrs.
Schofield's death this morning brought a wave of sorrow over the
eastern part of Upper Alton. The funeral arrangements will not
be made until the relatives arrive in Alton. Burial will take
place at Bellefontaine cemetery, and will probably occur
Saturday.
SCHOLLMEIER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10,
1914
Frank Schollmeier, aged 51, died Monday evening at his
home, 549 east Ninth street, after an illness of seven weeks. He
had been suffering for several years and was finally obliged to
give up work. He had became a victim of a dropsical affection of
the liver. Mr. Schollmeier was born in Alton and lived here all
of his life. He worked at the old Alton box factory, and later
he took a position as head carpenter for the Hapgood Plow Co. He
was also employed by E. C. Mack and later at the Ginter-Wardein
planing mill, until his failing health obliged him to give up
active employment. He leaves his wife and five children - Henry,
Matilda, Mary, Bertha and Elizabeth Schollmeier. He leaves no
brothers or sisters. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen. Mr.
Schollmeier's funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock
from St. Mary's church.
SCHOON, JOHN/Source: Troy Weekly Call, December 1, 1906 -
Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
John Schoon, a prosperous and
influential farmer, and one of the best-known residents in this
section of the county, died Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock at
his home two and one-half miles northwest of this city [Troy]
near the Edwardsville Road. Mr. Schon's death was due to
injuries received in an accident the day before while returning
home from Edwardsville. He had been to the county seat on
business and left there about 3:30 with his team and farm wagon.
Just how far he had proceeded is not known exactly, but the
supposition is that his team became frightened near Leclaire and
ran away, throwing him from the wagon. H. P. Stullken, who
resides just out of Leclaire [now a part of Edwardsville], but
some distance from the road, saw the team going at a gallop but
could see no driver. He gave the matter but passing thought
until a short time after when the children coming home from
school told there was a dead man down on the road. Mr. Stullken
hurried to the place indicated and found Mr. Schon lying
unconscious in a ditch and apparently in a dying condition. A
Suburban electric express car, coming at the time, was stopped
and the injured man was carried aboard and taken to the office
of Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum at Edwardsville. Mr. Schon was there
restored to semi-consciousness and a thorough examination
revealed three fractured ribs with the ends penetrating the
lungs. There was also a deep scalp wound, besides minor cuts and
bruises about the face, and internal injuries were deemed highly
probable. The injured man was temporarily cared for by Dr.
Fiegenbaum and the family was apprised of the accident.
Fred and John Schoon left for Edwardsville immediately and their
father's condition at the time was such as not to cause grave
alarm or apprehension and the removal of the patient to his home
that evening was permitted. The team was afterwards found at the
Wagner place, several miles from the scene of the accident. It
had wandered from the main road and the wagon and harness were
still intact. Dr. F. W. Braner of this city was called to the
Schoon home Wednesday evening to attend Mr. Schoon, and found
his injuries then bordering on a serious nature. His condition
remained about stationary Thursday, November 29, until 3 o'clock
in the afternoon when death ensued rather suddenly, supposedly
from heart failure or from an internal hemorrhage. The patient
was conscious to the end but was unable to say just what caused
the accident and that particular will probably remain unknown.
Mr. Schoon was born in Germany but came to this country
at an early age and had resided nearly all his life in this
immediate vicinity. By thrift and economy, he acquired quite a
competency, was a large land owner and farmed on an extensive
scale. He was fair and square in his dealings, firm in
conviction and, altogether possessed qualities which make and
kept for him many friends who regret his sudden and tragic end.
He is survived by a wife, three daughters, two sons, one
grandchild and three brothers. The daughters are Minnie, wife of
Fred Gerfen of this city, and Misses Anna and Louisa who reside
at home. The sons are Fred and John, also at home. Henry, George
and Herman Schoon are brothers of the deceased. The funeral took
place at 11 o'clock this morning at the Schoon home, the service
being conducted by Rev. G. Plassmann, formerly pastor of the
German Evangelical church of this city, and interment was in
Oaklawn Cemetery [in Glen Carbon].
SCHOPPET, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3,
1918
Philip Schoppet died at his home in Bethalto Sunday
night, December 30, 1917. He was born in Germany, September 30,
1845. He grew to early manhood in his native town, and came to
Alton in 1869. He moved to Bethalto in 1874. He was united in
marriage to Miss Mary Kreig in August 1873. To this union were
born four children, one dying in early infancy, and a son, John,
who died February 13, 1908, leaving a widow and one small child.
The mother died July 5, 1894. He was again married February11,
1896 to Mrs. A. Andrews. He leaves to mourn his death his widow,
one daughter, Mrs. N. Schmidt of Alton, one son, Frank, of
Bethalto, four grandchildren, one nephew of New Jersey, beside
numerous distant relatives and friends. The funeral was held
from the family home at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon.
SCHORMWISE, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
1, 1899
Again the grim reaper, Death, has been in our
community the last week [Bethalto]. Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Schormwise were sadly bereft of their young son, Henry, last
Sunday, age four years. The little sufferer stood the pains of
tonsillitis for three days, when finally the tonsil became so
large that he choked to death. The funeral took place from the
house, and the little body laid to rest at Liberty Prairie.
SCHORRS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 21,
1911
Skeleton of William Schorrs Found - Suicide is the
Theory
The fleshless skeleton of William Schorrs was found
Sunday afternoon in tall grass of what was once the bed of
Grassy Lake, by Frank and Berthold Schmid, two of the sons of
Berthold Schmid Sr., who were shot at by Schorrs on the
afternoon of June 21 from ambush. Gus Schmid, the young man
wounded by Schorrs at the time of the shooting, and who is
recovering from the wound in his breast where a Springfield army
rifle ball pierced his body, was not with the other two brothers
when the skeleton was found. It was a strange fate that led the
two brothers to the place where their assailant had ended his
own life, and that they should find his skeleton and identify
it, seems remarkable to all who learned about it. A price on his
head, aggregating $700, $500 of which was offered by Berthold
Schmid Sr., and the other $200 by a brother, John Schorrs of
Sunbury, Iowa, who believed his brother could be vindicated by
showing just cause for the shooting, William Schorrs, the
fugitive, probably concluded to end his life rather than face
trial on a charge of attempted murder and perhaps murder. He was
supposed to have taken refuge in the tall grass and thicket that
surround the lake, and it was known that if he was there, a
desperate man, armed and ready to defend himself, his capture
would be difficult. None of the county officers would make the
attempt. Cards were sent out broadcast bearing his picture, and
his escape would be very difficult. He disappeared completely,
although what now appears to have been false information came
from Fidelity that Schorrs had been seen there at the home of a
relative. The finding of the skeleton Sunday afternoon came as
an incident of a hunt for blackbirds on the part of the two
Schmid brothers. They went armed everywhere since the shooting,
as Schorrs had threatened to exterminate the family because
Berthold Schmid Sr. refused to countenance the suit of Schorrs,
for Miss Ida Schmid, who was a second cousin of Schorrs. The
boys stumbled over the skeleton lying in grass that was man
high, where water had formerly been two feet deep. The lake
having been drained revealed the body. It is supposed that
Schorrs, despairing of escaping, waded into the shallow water
shot himself and then lay down in the water to drown if he did
not kill himself instantly. His rifle was about five feet
distant. All the flesh had disappeared. On the backbone of the
body was lying a shell watch charm, which the boys identified as
one Schorrs had owned. On the waist was a belt with a large
metal buckle they also identified. In the pocket of the garments
was a watch which the Schmid brothers did not touch, as they
preferred to wait until Coroner Streeper had been called to take
charge of the skeleton. However they were satisfied that the
skeleton was that of the fugitive. Others who were called to the
scene were satisfied of this also. Owing to the difficulty in
getting to the place because of the tall grass and brush, the
coroner did not go down until today. Ever since the shooting on
June 21, the Schmid place has been guarded and members of the
family in a state of terror. Someone was on guard against night
attacks for a long time after the shooting, and it was feared
Schorrs would return to work his vengeance on the family because
of his failure to find favor for his courtship of Ida Schmid.
Berthold Schmid Sr., the father, never relaxed his efforts to
find Schorrs, and refused to converse about the matter with
anyone. He heard reports several times of Schorrs being in
various places. However the finding of the skeleton seems to set
at rest all doubt of what really happened. The skeleton was
about fifty yards from the wheat shock where Schorrs hid when he
shot Gus Schmid from ambush on the afternoon of June 21. It is
believed that Schorrs killed himself soon after he shot at his
cousins, the fleshless condition of the bones indicating that
death occurred long ago. There are some who think he may have
gone away, and afterward returned to the scene of the shooting
to fulfill his threatened vengeance, and that he found too
strong a guard and that he, failing in his purpose, determined
to end his life. coroner Streeper held an inquest Monday morning
and a verdict of suicide was found. The body was positively
identified further by a memorandum book containing Schorr's
name, also that of his father, Jacob Schorr of Sunbury, Iowa, to
whom the coroner sent a telegram asking instructions as to the
disposition of the skeleton. The jury consisted of J. A. Hend,
John Henry, Dr. L. L. Yerkes, Will Yenny, Al Dixon and R. F.
Hoeckstra. The place where the body was found was about 100 feet
from the old bank of the lake, and 50 feet from the water edge
at present. It was lying in a mat of water lilies and willows. A
hole in the skull showed where the ball had passed through. In
the clothes was found 40 loaded cartridges, and four more were
found in the handkerchief. They were forty-five calibre. The
rifle lying under Schorr's leg had an empty shell in it. Richard
Westerholt and E. F. Hoeckstra said that they heard a report of
a gun after the shotting at the Schmid boys, and believed that
was the shot that killed Schorrs.
SCHOTT, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1903
Henry Schott, a well known farmer living between Upper and East
Alton, died this afternoon after a long illness. He leaves a
wife and three children, besides several brothers and sisters to
mourn his death. One of his brothers is the noted Dr. Schott of
St. Louis.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26,
1903
Henry C. Schott, the Wood River farmer who died
Wednesday afternoon, was born in St. Louis in May 1860, but he
lived in Alton and vicinity nearly all his life, his parents
moving here when he was a baby. He leaves a wife and five
children; two brothers, Dr. A. H. Schott of St. Louis, and
George W. Schott of Upper Alton; and two sisters, Mesdames Eliza
Lowe and May Yost of Upper Alton. Mr. Schott was an industrious,
charitable man and scrupulously honest. He was a good citizen, a
kind husband, tender father and model neighbor, and no one knew
him but to esteem and respect him. The funeral will be Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home on the Milton road, and
will be conducted under the auspices of Keen Kutter Kamp, Modern
Woodmen of America. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
SCHREIBER, CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6,
1914
Conrad Schreiber, aged 53, died Saturday night at his
home at 815 East Third street, after a lingering illness with
dropsy. He leaves a wife and five children. Mr. Schreiber was a
well known stone mason. The funeral was held this morning at
8:30 o'clock at St. Mary's church, and burial was in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
SCHREMBACHER, CHRISTOPHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 21, 1912
Christopher Schrembecker, the 70 year old
man who has been suffering at the Patterson hotel in East Alton
with uraemic poisoning for the past two weeks, died at 12:30
p.m. today without regaining consciousness so that he could be
asked about the sister who was referred to in the letters found
in his room. The telegram sent by interested friends to Eliza
Schrembecker was returned last night with the notation that
there was no telegraphic station at _ilwood, Kas. Coroner C. N.
Streeper was notified to remove the body to his undertaking
rooms in Upper Alton, where an effort will be made to locate his
sister or any other relatives he may have. Schrembecker was
believed to have considerable money saved up, but no one could
be found today who knew anything definite about the amount, as
Schrembecker was a very reticent man and told few persons about
his business affairs.
SCHROEDER, HERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
18, 1904
The trial of John Fechter, who was accused of
murdering Herman Schroeder at the Alton tile works at East Alton
a year ago, was set for Tuesday in the circuit court. Fechter
had absolutely no defense to make. He admitted that he shot and
killed Schroeder when first arrested. He admitted then the only
provocation was a fight between himself and Schroeder, and that
he laid in wait for his victim. An eyewitness of the shooting
told a damaging story at the coroner's inquest, and as Fechter
had no money to assist in making his defense, his attorneys were
up against a hard proposition. To assist State's Attorney R. J.
Brown, the former prosecutor, E. B. Glass was engaged. J. V. E.
Marsh and E. C. Haagen were counsel for the defense. Fester
would not plead guilty, and late this afternoon a jury was
secured to try him. [Note: According to the Alton Evening
Telegraph, Oct. 20, 1904, Fechter's punishment was a year's
imprisonment at the penitentiary.]
SCHROEDER, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 7, 1910
Mrs. Margaret Schroeder, aged 73, died at 2
o'clock this morning at the home of her brother, B. F. Day, 1721
Maupin avenue, after an illness with typhoid fever. The funeral
will be held from the Day home on 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon.
The body will be shipped to Jerseyville for burial.
SCHUBERT, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
24, 1902
Mr. George Schubert, a prominent business man of
Moro, died at 11:30 today. He had lived at Moro 25 years. His
wife and one grown daughter survive him. Mr. Schubert was one of
the wealthiest men of Moro, and leaves a very large estate. His
death was due to blood poisoning resulting from a carbuncle on
the back of his neck. He will be buried Wednesday morning at 10
o'clock.
SCHUELLE, BERNARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19,
1905
Bernard Schuelle, aged 84, and head of a well known
Alton family, died Sunday afternoon at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Andrew Ursch, on the Milton road, after a long illness. Mr.
Schuelle had been sinking steadily for several months and once
all the members of his family were summoned to attend him. He
manifested a remarkable vitality, however, and would rally
repeatedly, but the struggle finally told against him and he
died peacefully Sunday afternoon. Mr. Schuelle was born in
Germany, August 8, 1821. He came to Alton in 1853 and had lived
in the city ever since. He was a carpenter by trade, and for
many years was a well known builder of the city. He leaves five
children, Mrs. Andrew Ursch, Mrs. Henry Miller, Joseph, Frank,
and Henry Schuelle. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock
Wednesday morning from St. Mary's church.
SCHUELLE, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
27, 1915
Mrs. Caroline Schuelle, wife of Contractor Henry
Schuelle, died at the family home, 920 East Second street
Saturday afternoon at 5 o'clock after an illness of five months
with a cancerous trouble. She was 56 years of age. Her case had
been very bad for several months, and her end was expected at
any time during the past week. Mrs. Schuelle was a native of
Alton. Her maiden name was Lampert, and she was married here and
spent all of her life in Alton. She leaves beside her husband,
Henry Schuelle, two children, Harry and Mamie Schuelle; also two
sisters, Mrs. John Spaniel and Miss Mary Lampert; and one
brother, John Lampert. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning
at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's Church.
SCHUELLE, FRED (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 24, 1902
Capt. Fred Schuelle, the private night
watchman and former police officer, died Thursday evening at 8
o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital where he had been since he was
run over by the Chicago and Alton switch engine Sunday at
midnight. His condition was thought to be somewhat improved
yesterday morning, but paralysis had set in and his left side
was affected. He sank steadily all day Thursday and breathed his
last after 8 o'clock. Capt. Schuelle was well known in Alton. He
was a member of the Alton police force many years and was a good
officer. Of late years he had filled the position of private
night watchman in the business part of the city and was known as
a brave, cool-headed man. Mr. Schuelle was born in Hanover,
Germany, August 24, 1846. He came to America in 1866, and to
Alton in 1869, where he has lived continuously. He leaves a
family of six children: Messrs. Conrad, Henry and Fred Schuelle,
Mrs. Michael Knowles, Mrs. Peter Fitzgerald and Mrs. William
Mohr. Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper will hold an inquest
Saturday morning at 9 o'clock and the funeral will be held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Services will be conducted at the
family home, and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
SCHUELLE, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
18, 1922
Henry Schuelle, well known Alton contractor and
builder, died Sunday noon at his home, 433 East Third street,
after an illness of six months from a complication of diseases.
He had been in bad health for a much longer time. Mr. Schuelle
was for years a well known builder in Alton, and had erected
many homes for Alton people until he found it necessary to give
up contracting. He was a carpenter by trade. He is survived by
two children, Harry Schuelle and Mrs. Harry Vermillion, also by
two sisters, Mrs. Andrew Ursch and Mrs. Theresa Miller, and two
brothers, Joseph and Frank Schuelle. He was a resident of Alton
all his life, and was a well known man. The funeral will be held
tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church.
SCHUELLER, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 5, 1903
Scarlet fever has invaded the homes
of William and August Schueller in Mack's addition to Alton, and
Tuesday night a 2 year old daughter of William Schueller died
suddenly from the malady. The child was taken ill Tuesday
morning, and Dr. Taphorn pronounced the illness scarlet fever.
In the evening the child was taken with convulsions and died
unexpectedly. The two families live in adjoining homes on Long
avenue, and the fathers are brothers. In each family there is
one case of the most virulent form of the disease.
SCHUETTE, DOROTHY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
12, 1916
Mrs. Dorothy Schuette, wife of Joseph Schuette, died
at her home in Euclid Place Friday evening at 11:30 o'clock
after an illness of about 36 hours with pneumonia. Mrs. Schuette
was taken down on Thursday and her great age made it impossible
for her to withstand the ravages of the disease. She had lived
in Alton about seven years. Her old home was at Bunker Hill, but
she had been living in Alabama when she first came to Alton to
live seven years ago. She had a wide acquaintance in the Bunker
Hill neighborhood, and the body will be taken there for burial
Monday. Mrs. Schuette was twice married. By her first husband
she leaves two children, Mrs. Charles Habekost of Pana, and
William Wohlert of Dorchester, Ill. She leaves four children by
her second marriage. Chris and Ernest Schuette and Mrs. Fred
Miller of Alton; August Schuette of Bethalto. Funeral services
will be held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Miller, 711
Linden Avenue, Sunday at 3 p.m., the body being taken to the
daughter's home today. Monday morning the funeral party will
leave for Bunker Hill, and services will be held in a Lutheran
Church at Bunker Hill at 10 a.m.
SCHUETTER, ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9,
1920
Anton Schuetter, a prominent farmer of Godfrey township,
died at the Alton State Hospital this morning. He had suffered a
breakdown due to advancing age, and a few days ago it became
necessary to remove him from his home to the hospital. He had
been a hard working man all his life, and a very successful
farmer. He was the father of a large family of children. Mr.
Schuetter, who had been a resident of Godfrey for 40 years, was
born in France. He was 69 years old. He is survived by five
daughters, a son and a brother. The son is Joseph H. of Godfrey,
and the daughters are Mrs. Theresa Geiben of Portage De Sioux,
Mrs. Mary Geiben of West Alton, and Elizabeth Anna, and Johanna,
of Godfrey. The funeral will be at 10 o'clock Friday morning
from the home at Godfrey to St. Mary's church, where Requiem
Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in St. Joseph's
cemetery.
SCHUETTER, CHRISTIANA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
8, 1905
Mrs. Christiana Schutter, wife of Anton Schuetter,
died at her home near Godfrey, Monday afternoon, in her 49th
year. She had been ill three days from pneumonia. She leaves her
husband and seven children. The funeral will be held tomorrow
morning from St. Mary's church, and burial will be in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
SCHULENBERG, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
18, 1904
Harry Schulenberg, aged 17, who has been an inmate
of St. Joseph's hospital twelve years, died Sunday morning after
a long illness. The boy was deserted by his parents when five
years old, and he was taken to the hospital. He was a deformed
child and a dwarf, being a constant sufferer from hip disease.
The sisters in the hospital constituted themselves mothers for
the abandoned child and gave him every care and attention he
needed. They provided him with clothing and food, and tried to
make his lot as happy as was possible under the circumstances.
Sister Lizzie has had much to do in caring for the boy, and the
other sisters did likewise. Sister Lizzie is now in St. Louis
attending a retreat and cannot return until tomorrow. The
funeral will be delayed until Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock
when the poor, deformed body will be laid away in Greenwood
cemetery after services in St. Patrick's church.
SCHULENBURG, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 4, 1900
William H. Schulenburg, one of the best known
business men of the East End and proprietor of a grocery store
at Second and Cherry streets, died this morning at 7:30 o'clock
after an illness of one week, at his home, 1414 East Third
street. Mr. Schulenburg's illness came upon him suddenly and he
was thought to be fatally ill from the first. While hunting at
Grassy Lake one week ago, he was taken with a chill and went to
the home of a dweller nearby. He became very ill and feeling a
fever coming up he resolved to go home and drove all the way in
a buggy. He became unconscious shortly after he reached his home
on East Third street and never regained his senses. The
attending physician pronounced his illness to be congestion of
the brain. Mr. Schulenburg was 46 years of age and leaves,
beside his wife, four children: Mrs. Herman Dettmers, Mrs.
Eugene Lehr, William and John Schulenburg. He was a good
business man and had built up an excellent trade at his store.
He was generally liked and leaves many friends to mourn his
death in the midst of his busy life. He was a member of the
Robin Hood Camp Modern Woodmen.
SCHULER, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 10,
1906
Mrs. Caroline Schuler, aged 34, died last evening at 5
o'clock at her home on Long avenue after a long illness. She
leaves her husband and four children. The funeral will be held
Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and
services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberheilmann.
SCHULL, UNKNOWN CHILD OF FRANK/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 18, 1903
The 7 month old child of Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Schull was buried this morning in City Cemetery.
Services were conducted at the home by Rev. H. K. Sanborne of
the First Presbyterian church.
SCHULLER, PAUL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 10, 1918
Paul Schuller, aged 21 years, died this morning at the family
home, 1112 Long avenue. Schuller is survived by his father,
mother, three brothers and three sisters. Funeral arrangements
are incomplete.
SCHULTE, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 27,
1917
Mrs. Elizabeth Schulte, aged 48, died just before noon
Friday, after a long illness. She was a long time resident of
Alton and she leaves a family of five children: Edward and
Joseph; Misses Agnes and Frances Schulte of Alton; and Sister
Felicia of New Orleans. The funeral will be held Monday morning
at 9 o'clock, the body to be taken from the home of her son,
Edward Schulte.
SCHULTE, HANNAH R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17,
1910
Miss Hannah R. Schulte, aged fifty-three years, died
Monday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Hull, 949 Union
street, after a sickness of four days with erysipelas. The
malady attacked her about the face and went to the brain, in
spite of all that could be done to stay its progress. Miss
Schulte was born here and lived all of her life in Alton and was
well known and esteemed. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. E. T.
Hull, with whom she made her home, and Mrs. J. P. Vissering of
Melville. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10
o'clock from the home to the City Cemetery, Rev. F. S.
Eitelgeorge and Rev. G. L. Clark officiating. She was a member
of the German Methodist church for many years.
SCHULTE, UNKNOWN CHILDREN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 21, 1904
Another child of Mr. and Mrs. John Schulte of
North street died this morning from cholera infantum, and this
afternoon at 2 o'clock there was a double funeral from St.
Mary's church, and the two bodies were buried in one grave at
St. Joseph's cemetery. The funeral of the first child was to
have been held yesterday, but was deferred because of the
dangerous illness of the child which died this morning.
SCHULZ, ANTOINETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
21, 1904
Mrs. Antoinette Schulz, a member of a prominent
Alton family, died Sunday morning at her home, 723 North street,
after a long illness from bronchitis and heart disease. Mrs.
Schulz was born in Westphalia, Germany in 1853. She came to
America twenty-two years ago, and since her coming had lived in
Alton. Eight children survive her: Bernard, Henry, John,
William, Frederick, Joseph, Mrs. Henry Wardein and Miss Lizzie
Schulz. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock
from St. Mary's church.
SCHULZ, HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January 11,
1895
Henry Schulz, a stone mason residing on North Street
(Alton), died Tuesday at the family home from effects of
injuries received in a fall the Friday evening previous. He was
37 years of age and leaves a widow and six children. The funeral
took place Friday morning from St. Mary's church under the
auspices of St. Boniface's branch of the Western Catholic Union,
of which deceased was a member.
SCHULZE, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1914
Frank Schulze of Wood River died suddenly yesterday
afternoon at the County hospital, where he had been but a few
days. The coroner's jury returned a verdict of death from
alcoholism.
SCHUSSLER, L. F. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 14, 1908
Dr. L. F. Schussler, aged 54, died at New
Sharon, Iowa Friday morning at 2 o'clock. The news of the death
of Dr. Schussler came in a telegram sent by his son, Dr. Hugh K.
Schussler, who was with his father at the time of his death.
Word received from Dr. Schussler after his arrival at New Sharon
that he had stood the trip well and that he was feeling somewhat
easier since he had reached the home of his sister where he was,
as he said, "with home folks." His one desire was to be where he
could receive the attention of his own blood relatives of which
he had known so little for many years. He left Alton just one
week before the date of his death, and when he departed he said
farewell to all his friends who could see him. He knew well that
he would never recover and that the remaining span of his life
would be very brief. He was borne up with the greatest fortitude
although he was suffering extreme pain. Before his departure he
requested a representative of the Telegraph, a friend of his,
who was calling upon him to note some facts about his life, as
he remarked, "you will probably be wanting to know something
about me very soon." Those who were present in the room at first
did not realize the meaning of the remark, but gradually the
consciousness dawned that the dying physician was dictating the
important facts of his own obituary. He did it with all the calm
and self-possession that he might have manifested in speaking of
the end of some one who was not of his own people. He bore up
bravely in the parting from his friends, except just before the
train started to leave and he took the last look at the old city
he had loved so well and had been his home for so many years.
Tears came to his eyes and he could hardly speak, as he knew the
parting was the last earthly one. Dr. Schussler was born in
Warren county, Illinois May 30, 1850. He graduated from the
Pharmacal college as a homeopathic physician in 1874. At the age
of 37 years he received the decree of doctor of philosophy in
Shurtleff college, and at the age of 41 he received the degree
of doctor of laws. He was married in 1874. In 1885 he came to
Alton to practice his profession and he remained in the city,
holding a very lucrative practice until a few weeks ago when he
was compelled to give it up and go to Chicago to have his malady
diagnosed as he had feared, a cancer of the stomach and liver.
He leaves one son, Dr. H. K. Schussler of Chicago, who was with
him when he died. He was a member of the Masonic order and was
serving in the position of Eminent Commander of Belvidere
Commandery, Knights Templar, when he died. To fill this office
was one of his greatest desires and the first meeting he was
able to take the full part in the work was his last. He was
suffering then and never served again. He had filled various
offices in the Masonic bodies with great credit to himself. He
was also a 32nd degree Mason and a Mystic Shriner. He was a
member of the Baptist church. Dr. Schussler leaves beside his
one son, two brothers, John Schussler, Lone Elm, Kansas; George
Schussler of Monmouth, Illinois; also two sisters, Mrs. Lelitta
Egerton of La Junta, Calif., and Mrs. Loftus Fox of New Sharon,
Iowa. Dr. Schussler's death leaves a sad place in the hearts of
his many friends and patients in Alton. He was a family friend
to those who required his services and was very successful in
his practice. Alone most of the time so far as his own people
were concerned, he made many friends who were pleased to talk
with him, as he was a man of much reading, and his mind was
stored with facts which made him a ready talker. To those who
knew him his death is no less a sad affliction, although it was
expected. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10
o'clock at New Sharon. Burial will be there.
SCHUSTER, CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8,
1901
Chris Schuster, aged 78, died early this morning at the
home of Mrs. Annie Emert below Edwardsville Crossing. For forty
years or more deceased worked for American Bottom farmers and is
well known throughout this section. He leaves no relatives as
far as known. He will be buried tomorrow afternoon in the Upper
Alton Cemetery.
SCHWAARBURG, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
11, 1917
Harry Schwaarberg of Alton died at St. Joseph's
hospital Monday night following a surgical operation. The body
will be sent to Springfield for burial. He was employed for many
years at the Armstrong lime kilns.
SCHWALLENSTICKER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 2, 1922
"King Swanny" Dies
The death of Henry
Schwallensticker, Sunday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital from
paralysis, removes an old-time resident of Alton, and a
character that was an interesting one. He had been suffering
from partial paralysis for some time, and about a week ago he
was stricken again and removed from his home on the river front
to the hospital for treatment. He was 61 years of age. He was
born in Franklin County, Mo., and had been a resident of Alton
for 50 years. Schwallensticker was a dominant character, and
when he took up his residence many years ago on the river front,
he became a leader there, as he would have been anywhere else.
He was conceded the title of "King," a title he wore all the
time he was living there. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Julia
Schwallensticker, and two daughters, Mrs. Cora Carlyle of East
St. Louis, and Mrs. Sophia Stormer of 1921 East Fourth street.
The funeral will be held from the home of Mrs. Stormer, 1021
[sic] East Fourth street, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
burial will be in City cemetery. Schwallensticker was a man of
gigantic strength of body, as well as possessed of a dominating
will.
SCHWALLENSTICKER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 31, 1919
Well Known Alton Stone Mason Dies at Paris,
Missouri
Louis Schwallensticker, aged 64, was instantly
killed at Paris, Mo., yesterday, by the collapse of a scaffold
on which he was working, setting up some columns on a
Presbyterian church. It was a difficult job he had undertaken,
and the contract was awarded to him because of his skill in such
work. The family were notified yesterday afternoon of the fatal
accident, but no particulars could be obtained. The body was
shipped to Alton this afternoon and it is probable that the
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home, 1215 Exchange street. Louis Schwallensticker lived
in Alton almost his entire life. He came here when a boy and was
married here and reared his family. He was known as an expert
worker in stone. In addition, he possessed mechanical skill of a
remarkable character. He demonstrated this a few years ago when
he took the parts of a dozen or more automobiles, amalgamated
them into a sort of a composite automobile, and making some
wonderful combinations produce a machine that would run and
proved serviceable to him. He leaves his wife and five children,
Mrs. Emma Kanard of Leesburg, Fla.; Mrs. Mayne Godfrey; and L.
A. Alfred and Wintrhop.
SCHWARTZ, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 22,
1914
Charles Schwartz, aged 60, died suddenly Tuesday evening
at the home of his sister, Mrs. John Mischell of 518 East Ninth
street. While Mr. Schwartz had been ill off and on for some
time, not even the intimate members of the family expected his
death. He has been ill since the first of March, but was much
improved of late and it was thought that he would recover.
Tuesday evening he seemed to be in the best of health, and spent
the early part of the evening at the home of a neighbor. While
he was preparing to retire for the night, he was taken with a
spell and died within fifteen minutes. A doctor was summoned and
arrived before his death. Mr. Schwartz was born in Alton and has
lived here all his life. He died in the house directly across
the street from the one in which he was born. He was the owner
of a large amount of property in the eastern part of the city,
and was very well known. He leaves two brothers, John Schwartz
of Alton and Albert Warner of St. Louis; and one sister, Mrs.
John Mischell. At present, Mrs. Mischell is visiting with
relatives in Iowa. She has been notified of the death and will
return home this evening. The funeral arrangements have not been
made.
SCHWARTZ, KATE (REVEREND MOTHER ANGELICA)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 2, 1913
Head of Ursuline Convent
Dies From Heart Failure
Rev. Mother Angelica, mother superior
of the Ursuline convent in Alton, was stricken with heart
failure New Year's morning while dressing to attend the 6
o'clock morning mass, and died soon after being discovered. When
she did not go to the mass, a visit was made to her room, and
she was found lying on the floor, almost, if not quite, dead,
and she was partly attired as if she had been preparing to
attend to her morning devotions. Mother Angelica had been a
member of the Ursuline sisterhood 33 years and had been mother
superior of the convent seventeen months. She was 53 years of
age. Her name was Kate Schwartz, and her home was Decatur, Ill.,
where she leaves four brothers and one sister. For 20 years she
was a teacher in the Cathedral school. She was venerated and
loved by all who knew her, and had been very prominent in the
educational work of her order. she comes of a prominent family.
The funeral will be tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock from the
Convent chapel.
SCHWARTZ, NIC/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1918
The funeral of Nic Schwartz was held this morning from St.
Mary's Church where a requiem mass was said by Rev. Father Brune
in the presence of a gathering of relatives and church members
who were his friends. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SCHWARTZBECK, ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
19, 1914
Civil War Veteran Dies
Anton Schwartzbeck, a
veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Alton for many years,
died at 6:20 o'clock this morning at his home, 915 Harrison
street, from pleurisy. Mr. Schwartzbeck was a native of Germany
and was born in Baden June 13, 1836. He came to American in
1853, and resided a year at Boston, Mass., then came to Alton
and had lived here ever since. He served with credit during the
Civil War in the Union army. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
Schwartzbeck, two sons, Louis and Henry E. Schwartzbeck, and
four daughters, Mrs. Anna Rathmann, Mrs. Elizabeth Schuelle,
Mrs. Mary Downing, and Miss Louise Schwartzbeck. He was a member
of the Odd Fellows order, and the funeral services Monday
afternoon at 2 o'clock will be under the auspices of that order.
Rev. F. L Mueller will conduct the funeral services at the home.
SCHWARTZBECK, BERTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 14, 1905
While the funeral ritual of the Court of
Honor was being said at the funeral of Mrs. Bertha Schwartzbeck
in the City Cemetery yesterday afternoon, Mrs. Thomas McDonald,
a daughter of the deceased woman, fainted and remained in an
unconscious condition for about three hours after being removed
to the home on North street. A physician finally succeeded in
restoring her to consciousness, but she is yet in a prostrated
condition over the loss of her mother, to whom she was devotedly
attached.
SCHWARTZBECK, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 12, 1905
Mrs. Bertha Schwartzbeck, widow of Ernest
Schwartzbeck, is dead at her home at 633 North street. She
passed away at 7:30 o'clock Monday night after a long illness
from diabetes. The deceased came to Alton about forty years ago
and has resided here ever since, having enjoyed a wide
acquaintance among residents of the city. She leaves four
children, two daughters, Miss Bertha Schwartzbeck and Mrs.
Thomas McDonald, and two sons, Anton and Walter Schwartzbeck.
Mrs. Schwartzbeck made all funeral arrangements and divided her
property before her death. The funeral will take place Wednesday
afternoon at 4 o'clock from the home, and services will be
conducted by Rev. S. D. McKinney of the Cherry Street Baptist
church.
SCHWARTZBECK, HENRY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
7, 1916
Henry E. Schwartzbeck died at 10:45 o'clock Tuesday
morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis
Schwartzbeck, at 1001 Washington avenue. He would have been 28
years old on the 3rd day of next June. For eight weeks the
relatives of the young man had waited for him to die as they
were aware that medical science was helpless to do anything for
him. He did not know this himself and up to Sunday morning he
had maintained every hope that he was on the way toward
recovery. The case of Henry Schwartzbeck has attracted general
interest in Alton. His case was a most trying one to the
relatives and immediate members of his family because he was
satisfied he was getting better while all others knew that each
day was bringing his death nearer and nearer. He had been an
unusually healthy young man all this life and up to last
September when his trouble first began he was strong and well.
On September 20th he underwent a surgical operation at St.
Joseph's hospital for the removal of a small tumor that was
giving him trouble. The operation at the time was not considered
a serious one and the young man recovered from it steadily, and
was soon back to his work. However, the ordeal had been trying
on him, and he continued to worry a great deal on account of his
condition. It was not long afterward that it became evident
another growth of some kind was making its way about his vital
organs and after consulting many medical authorities an
operation was finally decided upon. Mr. Schwartzbeck went to the
hospital and made ready for the operation, which a number of
prominent surgeons were to attend and it was performed on
Saturday, January 15, almost eight weeks ago. The incision at
the operation disclosed the fact to the surgeons that medical
science could accomplish nothing that would benefit the young
man, and they did not proceed further with the operation. He was
sent to the home of his parents soon afterward, but he never
knew that the real purpose of the operation was not carried out
and he lived during the next seven weeks in the hope that the
operation had been beneficial to him and he was recovering
gradually. A serum treatment was used as a last resort in an
effort to destroy the deadly growth that was rapidly taking the
life of the young man, but this treatment failed also. Sunday
morning Mr. Schwartzbeck told the nurse that had been attending
him all through his sickness that he was going to die. He
maintained consciousness up to this morning about 8 o'clock. He
talked some after that time but he did not recognize members of
the family after that time. Fifteen minutes before eleven
o'clock he passed away. Henry Schwartzbeck was one of the best
known young men in the city of Alton. During the weeks he
lingered telephone calls poured into the Schwartzbeck home every
day from people who were deeply interested in him and whose
sympathy for the father and mother of the young man, for his
wife and two little children, was great. He was born in Upper
Alton and had been brought up there. He was a very bright boy
and his record at school was always the very best in all his
studies. He attended the Upper Alton public school from the
first grade up to the junior year in high school, when he left
to enter a business college. He completed his business education
eight years ago in Alton, just at the time the big plant of the
Standard Oil Company was finished at Wood River, and he took a
position in the office of the company and remained in that
position up to the time his health failed in January. When a
little boy Henry Schwartzbeck displayed great talent for music.
His parents gave him a musical education and he became one of
the best musicians Alton ever produced. He confined his musical
talent almost exclusively to the piano and when a very small boy
he played the piano at the Upper Alton public school almost
every day for the marching of the scholars and his playing at
such an age attracted much attention. Later on he became notied
in Alton and in the surrounding towns as one of the best piano
players in the vicinity, and his services in orchestra work were
always in demand. Other musicians liked to play when Henry
Schwartzbeck played the piano, because he played his part
correctly. He was married on May 25, 1911 to Miss Mae Krinard of
Bunker Hill, and she, with two children, survive. He also leaves
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schwartzbeck, and three
brothers, Edward, Arthur and Elmer Schwartzbeck. The four
brothers composed the Schwartzbeck orchestra, which had become
one of the most popular musical organizations in the city, but
the death of the oldest brother today leaves a vacancy in this
family organization that cannot be filled. Henry was a member of
the musicians' union, and was also a member of the Alton Eagles.
About two years ago he purchased a home on Phinney avenue, where
he and his little family lived until his sickness commenced in
January. When leaving the hospital he wanted to be taken back to
his parents' home in Upper Alton, and there he spent the closing
days of his life. The funeral arrangements had not been made as
of this afternoon. [March 9, 1916 - Burial was in City
Cemetery.]
SCHWARTZLINDER, MARTIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 22,
1877
Dr. C. S. Youree, Coroner, held an inquest at the Police
Station Thursday evening, over the remains of Martin
Schwartzlinder, a German about 60 years of age, who died
suddenly at the Union Depot that afternoon. The jury, Mr. John
Mather, Foreman, found that deceased came to his death from the
effects of chronic disease. After the inquest was held, the
remains were placed in Brudon’s vault of the City Cemetery,
preparation to burial.
He died quite suddenly on the
platform at the western end of the Union Depot, about 4 o’clock
p.m. Thursday. He had been an invalid from the effects of a
wasting chronic disease for some months, and had depended on the
charity of the people of Godfrey for a sustenance. He was
brought to town that afternoon by Hon. J. M. Pearson, Supervisor
of Godfrey, who intended sending him to Edwardsville to the
County Poor House. He was pronounced able to travel by the
physician, but when he arrived at the depot, he fell on the
platform and expired.
SCHWARZ, CHARLOTTE S. (nee RINNE)/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, February 1, 1893
Mrs. Charlotte S. Schwarz,
wife of Christian M. Schwarz, died Thursday night [Jan. 26] at
11:45 o'clock, at the family residence on Fillmore and Schwarz
streets, aged 55 years, 9 months and 18 days. She had been
suffering with a chronic disease for several years, but was to
appearances getting better, until last week when she was
stricken with paralysis, which terminated in her death.
Charlotte S. Schwarz was born in Stadthagen, Germany, April 8,
1837. She was the oldest daughter of Capt. Wilhelm F. Rinne. She
came to this country with the family in 1845 and resided in or
near Edwardsville since. Of the seven children of the family,
only three survive her, viz: Mrs. James Whitbread, Mary E. Rinne
and Henry W. Rinne. She was married to Christian M. Schwarz,
September 30, 1858. They improved and lived up to within a year
on the Oak Hill farm, near Edwardsville, when they erected a
home and removed to the city to spend the remainder of their
days. Of seven children, two died in infancy, five survive, viz:
Laura S., William C., George C., Emma L., and Elmer H. The
funeral took place Sunday afternoon. The remains rested in a
casket in the parlor of her home. Around and above it were the
floral tributes of friends, the last mark of respect that could
be given her on earth. Among them was a design of gates ajar of
roses and lilies of the valley, a cross of roses and harrist
lilies, an anchor of roses and hyacinths, a pillow of roses and
calla lilies and numerous sprays of roses and hyacinths. But a
more eloquent testimonial of esteem in which the deceased was
held by the general public was the large number who had
assembled to attend the services and follow the remains to the
grave. The services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Daw, and were
simple. After these the remains were placed in charge of the
pallbearers, Messrs. F. W. and A. P. Wolf, T. P. Dooling, R. F.
Tunnell, henry J. Springer and Henry Trares. The funeral cortege
then wended its way sadly to beautiful Woodlawn cemetery, where
all that was mortal was consigned to mother earth. Mrs. Schwarz
found her greatest pleasure in performing with fidelity the
obligations which family and society impose. With a simplicity
in life and manners she had a singleness of purpose to discharge
sacredly her duties as wife and mother. Her sympathetic nature
endeared her to all with whom she came in close relation. She
made friends of old and young and her memory will be cherished
long and tenderly.
SCHWEGEL, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22,
1916
Clarence, the 2 1/2 years old child of Mr. and Mrs. Nic
Schwegel died Sunday morning at 3:30 o'clock at the family home.
Burial was this afternoon in St. Joseph's Cemetery, after
services at 2 o'clock in St. Mary's Church.
SCHWEGEL, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20,
1906
Nicholas, the 6 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas
Schwegel, died at the family home in Yager park yesterday
afternoon, after an illness with typhoid fever and rheumatism.
The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Mary's church.
SCHWEGEL, NICHOLAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
7, 1920
Nicholas Schwegel, well known business man, died
this morning at 11:30 o'clock after an illness of 18 months at
his home, 1403 Main street. He was 45 years of age. Mr. Schwegel
was in the butcher business in Alton for twenty-two years. When
ill health made it necessary, he gave up active participation in
the business he had conducted. He leaves his wife and five
children, also a brother, Peter Schwegel, in Alton, and two
sisters and a brother in Germany. The funeral will be held
Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church, and burial
will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
SCHWEPPE, HENRY RAND/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday,
May 29, 1899
Son of Alton Merchant Killed in Train Wreck
The terrible news was flashed over the wires Sunday afternoon
that Rand Schweppe had been killed in a railroad wreck on the
Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern at Waterloo, Iowa, early
Sunday morning. The dispatch received here was from a surgeon
and said briefly: "Tell H. M. Schweppe H. R. Schweppe is dead
here." The awful truth of the dispatch was beyond realization
and found no one who could believe the message true. A message
was sent to Waterloo inquiring further particulars, and the
reply was that he was one of eight passengers killed in a wreck
of a Burlington train at that place, early Sunday morning. He
was not instantly killed, the dispatch said, but died at 8
o'clock Sunday morning in a hospital. He lived long enough to
ask that a message be sent to his father and also to his friends
in Minneapolis whom he was going to visit. Rand left Alton at
noon Saturday for Minneapolis to spend a few days with friends
there. He told only a few of his most intimate friends that he
was going and the news that he had been killed at Waterloo,
Iowa, was not at first believed by those who had seen him on the
street Saturday morning. Further details of the terrible
catastrophe are that the Burlington train was wrecked at
Waterloo by a washout, caused by a cloudburst. The railroad
crosses Sink creek, near Waterloo, on a massive stone culvert.
The cloudburst caused the creek to overflow far out of its
banks. The water did not affect the stone culvert but it washed
out the ballast at the approach leaving spaces of twenty-five
feet where the track was unsupported. The engineer had no means
of knowing the condition of the track and the train dashed on to
its ruin. The engine crew jumped when the engine lurched and
escaped with slight injuries. The whole train was derailed and
thrown into the ditch and the cars were piled up in a confused
heap. Dispatches from there say: "The mail car tipped over and
was telescoped by the baggage car behind, while the rear end of
the baggage car telescoped the smoker. The roof of the sleeper
plowed its way through the day coach, while the lower half of
the latter crushed through the sleeper." Nine people were killed
and of this number was Rand Schweppe. He was taken from the
wreckage of the sleeper, bleeding and mangled, but still living.
His head was frightfully cut and from the first it was evident
he could not survive. It was impossible to notify his parents
until Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock when the worst had taken
place. When he was taken from the wreck his first words showed
his thoughtful nature when he asked that his father and friends
be notified, but no more. He wanted to keep them from worrying
over him until his condition was known. Death came at 8 o'clock
Sunday morning and ended his suffering. On Saturday at noon,
Henry Rand Schweppe left him home in this city full of life,
manly vigor, and beauty, anticipating the pleasure of a visit
with friends in Minneapolis for a few days. This afternoon at
three o'clock his lifeless body was brought back to his home,
the lips that uttered nothing but pleasant words, still; the
bright eyes that beamed joyous mirth and pleasure closed in
death, and the high hopes of parents, relatives and a host of
friends dashed to the ground. Perhaps never before has such a
shock come to Alton as came yesterday evening in the
announcement that Rand Schweppe had lost his life in a railroad
accident near Waterloo, Iowa, early Sunday morning. Everyone who
knew Rand admired and loved him. His bright, happy face made him
friends everywhere, and his genial and affable manners were
always pleasant to see. His magnificent physique - tall,
graceful, proportioned like an Apollo - attracted attention
always. To know Rand Schweppe was to become a sincere and
devoted admirer, and, to count him among your friends. Of
excellent habits, high character, and loyal to his friends, it
was little wonder that the announcement of his death brought a
shock of pain to all hearts and tears to many eyes beside those
of his nearest relatives. No family in Alton ever had more
sincere sympathy than Mr. and Mrs. Schweppe, and the sister and
brother, so rudely bereft of his companionship. We shall see his
familiar form no more upon the streets of Alton; no more we
shall hear his genial greeting, but his memory and his kind
words and deeds and his sincere and warm friendship will be
treasured in the long years to come. A sweet, true spirit has
gone, just as it had lit its taper for the journey of life, ere
it had known the sad awakenings which frequently come in the
pathway of human progress. May the parents and family be solaced
by the thoughts of the brave young life that has passed away
into an immortal day. Henry Rand Schweppe was the oldest son of
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Schweppe. He was born in Alton October
1875, and was in his 24th year at his death. Alton has been his
residence during his entire life, except a few months of last
year, when he resided in Minneapolis, from which place he
returned after the accident he met with there in January. The
train bearing the body was met at West Alton by a party of the
Black Hawk boys and by L. F. Schussler, Dr. H. K. Schussler and
A. J. Howell. The body arrived in Alton today over the "K" at
8:20 p.m., and was immeidately taken to Howell's undertaking
establishment, where it was prepared for burial in the presence
of Mr. L. F. and H. K. Schussler and Dr. Brown, who accompanied
the body from Waterloo. The funeral will take place Wednesday.
The hour will be stated tomorrow.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, Wednesday, May 31, 1899
Today at 10 o'clock,
loving friends tenderly performed the last offices of respect
for Rand Schweppe and laid him away in his narrow couch for the
last, long rest that is the human lot. It was hard to part with
Rand, and the feeling of regret that pervaded every heart was
shown at the services in the darkened home. The home was filled
with Rand's friends of all ages at the funeral hour, and not one
was present but felt that the death of the universal favorite
had left a blank in the hearts and affections that nothing but
time in its long, long course could fill. There was not a dry
eye in the house. Strong men tried hard to repress a show of
grief, but the gathering tear-drop in the eye could not be kept
back, while hearts ached so for one who had gone forever. Rev.
George Gebauer of the Unitarian church conducted the solemn
services at the home. His scriptural selections were impressive
and the prayer offered at the close was a combined tribute to
the memory of the departed and consolation to the family. Rand's
life he said, was not lost. Some good must come from it. While
it was hard to see in the heavy affliction what good was
intended, still the human mind might faintly see some great
design in it. Rand's memory would be one for his friends to
cherish and would live with them to the end. Miss Lila Haskell,
of Monticello Seminary, sang feelingly the beautiful "Good-Bye,
Sweet Day," that brought tears from many an eye as the meaning
of the words in connection with the occasion was fully realized.
The face was not uncovered after 9 o'clock, but up to that time
all of Rand's friends could see him. The casket was borne from
the house by six members of the Black Hawk Club, who claimed the
mournful privilege of bearing their dead companion to the grave,
and laying it away in its last sleep. The bearers were Clark
McAdams, Edwin Duffield, John McAdams, H. K. Schussler, H. H.
Hewitt, and John Pfeiffenberger. At the cemetery the service was
by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul's Episcopal church. There
were evidences of what loving hands had done. The girls of the
Black Hawks had claimed the privilege of lining the grave with
green and flowers and each wore a rose to cast into the grave.
The ritual of the Episcopal church was read. The Arion Quartette
sang "In the Sweet Bye and Bye." It was one of the largest
funerals ever known in Alton. Among those who came from out of
the city to attend were Mr. and Mrs. Will Schweppe, Will
Schweppe Jr., Dr. and Mrs. J. P. Garvin, Frank Garvin, Mrs.
George A. Bayle, Miss Hallie Bayle, Miss Mary Wallace, Dr. C.
Tuckett of St. Louis, Mrs. William Tindall of Washington, D. C.,
Mr. and Mrs. Max Sterm of Chicago, Miss Alice Wood of
Minneapolis. Mrs. Crocker, who has been in Washington, was
present also.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1,
1899
Mr. H. M. Schweppe has been notified that part of the
property which his son, Rand, has at the time of the railroad
wreck, in which he was fatally injured, and which had not been
recovered, had been found and will be sent home. After the
wreck, ghouls went through the pockets of the dead and badly
injured victims and stole all the valuables they could find. The
train crew was killed or so severely injured as to be unable to
look after the safety of the property of the injured passengers
and the thefts were due to this fact. Mr. Clark McAdams has gone
to Waterloo to see the people who cared for Rand, and from them
learn anything they know of his last moments.
[Note:
Rand's father, Harry M. Schweppe, owned and operated a clothier
shop at 117 W. Third, Alton.]
Co-Founder
of Schweppe Clothing Store in Alton
Another old and honored
citizen has gone from the scenes of life. At nine p.m., December
1, after a protracted illness, Mr. John W. Schweppe closed his
eyes in the last, long sleep, at the age of 71 years, 2 months
and 10 days. He commenced failing rapidly Wednesday, and from
six o'clock p.m., until his death, was unconscious. His oldest
son, Mr. William E. Schweppe, who had been hastily summoned from
St. Louis, arrived just as he breathed his last.
Mr.
Schweppe was for nearly half a century one of Alton's most
esteemed and prosperous business men. Coming here a young man,
soon after attaining his majority, almost his entire adult life
was spent in this city, which today mourns his death and honors
his memory. His career was an open, honorable and successful
one. Upright in all his dealings, genial and urbane in his
demeanor towards all, he made hosts of friends throughout his
life, and ever retained their attachment. Mr. Schweppe was a
native of Germany, born in Osuebrach, September 15, 1815. At the
age of 12 years, accompanied by his father and younger brother,
Henry, he came to this country, locating at Pittsburg. Six
months after their arrival his father died. Mr. Schweppe first
came to Alton in 1837, remained here a short time, and then went
to Belleville where he spent a year. Returning to Alton, he sent
for his brother to join him, and the two then entered business
together, and for nearly half a century the firm of J. W. & H.
Schweppe was well and favorably known throughout all this
section of the State. Their long partnership came to a close
about four years ago, when they were succeeded in the clothing
business by the son of the deceased, Mr. H. M. Schweppe. But the
long period in which the brothers were associated together in
business was only one of the links which bound them together in
a fraternal affection that never knew change or difference, and
is now severed for the first time by the cold hand of death.
They were one in sympathy and purpose throughout their lives.
The deceased was one of the earliest members of St.
Paul's (Episcopal) Church, and an almost life-long office holder
therein. He was devoted to its interests, and gave liberally of
his means and strength to further its advancement. Mr. Schweppe
was married in 1845 to Miss Martha Pointer, who died in 1852. In
1857 he married Miss Eliza F. Barr of Jacksonville, who survives
him. He leaves three sons: Mr. W. E. Schweppe of St. Louis;
Messrs. H. M. and Ernst G. Schweppe of this city [Alton]. He was
devoted to his family and always watchful for their highest
interests. A week ago, on the Thanksgiving anniversary, his
children and grandchildren gathered at the old homestead and
enjoyed a family reunion that will now be ever cherished by them
in sacred remembrance.
Mr. Schweppe was ever a useful
citizen, and as a member of the City Council, at various times,
always exerted himself to advance the prosperity of the people.
He was long a member of the Masonic fraternity and held a high
place in its councils. The death of Mr. Schweppe removes another
of Alton's pioneers, who have for many years witnessed its
adversity and prosperity; but the work of these early builders
of a new city in a wilderness lives after them, and the impress
they have made on the life of the community, raising its
standard of social, business and religious thought and action,
are monuments of their labors that will survive through all the
changes of coming years and keep their memory green and
fragrant.
NOTES:
Surviving Mr. Schweppe were his wife,
Eliza; his brother, Henry (who he was in business with); his
sons William E., Henry M., and Ernst G. One daughter, Mary
Annette Schweppe, died in 1849 at the age of 6 months, and one
son, Theodore Dunnica Schweppe, died in 1847 at age one year.
Mr. Schweppe was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
SCHWEPPE, MARY ANNETTE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 20, 1849
Died on Saturday, July 14th, at the residence of her father in
Alton, Mary Annette, infant daughter of Mr. John W. Schweppe,
aged about 6 months.
SCHWEPPE, PRESCOTT/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 18, 1877
Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Schweppe have met with a sad affliction in
the death of their youngest child, Prescott, an infant ten
months old. Their many friends will sympathize with them
sincerely in their great affliction.
SCHWEPPE, THEODORE DUNNICA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November
26, 1847
Died in Alton on the 23rd inst., Theodore Dunnica,
infant son of Mr. John W. and Mrs. Martha M. Schweppe, aged 1
year, 1 months, and 12 days.
SCHWEPPE, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
12, 1923
Son of John William Schweppe
William E. Schweppe,
retired business man, one of the oldest native residents of
Alton, died this morning at 2 o’clock at the Illini Hotel, where
he had been making his home for a long time. His death was due
to a general breakdown from old age. He was in his seventy-sixth
year. His health had been bad for a long time, and for about a
year he had not been out of the hotel. His death had been
expected for weeks, and members of his family had been here with
him. The sons gathered at Alton from opposite side of the
continent. Some came from New York, and one came from Los
Angeles. Two daughters are in Europe, and were advised while
there that their father was very low, and they could hardly
arrive here in time to be present before his death. Some of the
sons, having come to see their father, were forced by business
affairs to return to their homes. One of them, residing in
California, has been called home, departing Wednesday night for
Los Angeles, and probably will not be here at the funeral.
Mr. Schweppe was born in Alton in a house which formerly
stood on the site of the Alton Evening Telegraph office, October
13, 1846. He lived here, and was in business until he was 26
years of age, when he moved to St. Louis. He organized the
Schweppe Grocery Co. in St. Louis, of which he was the head for
many years. He retired from business in 1917, and since that
time he has traveled about much, but he considered Alton his
home.
He leaves five sons: W. H. Schweppe of New York;
Richard J. of Los Angeles; C. H. of Chicago; E. P., and Courtney
B. of New York; and two daughters, Mrs. George Schneller of New
Haven, Connecticut, and Miss Virginia Schweppe of New York.
Mr. Schweppe never lost interest in his native city, and
when he no longer was in business, his desire was to be back
here where he could be close to his brother, H. M. Schweppe, and
be with some of his old friends. “I want to be in Alton where I
know somebody,” he is quoted as having told his brother, in
writing that he intended to come back here to stay. It was like
coming back home for him, and he picked up many new friends to
take the place of the many who had died or moved away, and it
was not long after he returned, before the kindly, courteous
gentleman had again surrounded himself with a group of good
friends who were very much younger than he. He was the soul of
courtesy and a delightful man to know. He was a man of great
talent as a musician. In his younger days, he played the pipe
organ in some of the Alton churches, and he was frequently in
demand to help out in giving musical programs. He had an
artistic nature, which found expression in music, chiefly.
It was an interesting fact about Mr. Schweppe that he came
back to Alton to die as close as he possibly could to the place
where he was born, and his death did occur within less than 75
feet of the exact spot that was his birthplace. It was as he had
desired it should be, and had doubtless planned.
SCHWERBERGER, MARY KATHARINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 22, 1909
Mrs. Mary Katharine Schwerberger, one of the
oldest residents of Madison county, died Sunday afternoon at the
home of her son-in-law, Tobias Hahnenkamp, in Ft. Russell
township near Moro. She was born in Germany in 1821, and came to
Ft. Russell township in 1860 with her husband, William
Schwerberger, who died in 1890. One daughter and several
grandchildren and great grandchildren survive. The funeral was
held Tuesday afternoon from the Moro Evangelical church, where
services were conducted by Rev. William Laatch. Burial was in
the cemetery surrounding the church. A very large number of
acquaintances, neighbors and friends attended the obsequies.
SCOLLARD, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
17, 1908
14 Year Old Succumbs to Heart Troubles
Clarence,
the 14 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scollard of East
Alton was found dead in bed by his mother at about 8 o'clock
this morning, just a few minutes before she had dressed and was
ready to come to Alton in company with her guest, Mrs. Mary
Grace of Dallas, Texas, to spend the forenoon. Clarence had
always suffered with heart trouble, but never at any time seemed
to be seriously inconvenienced by the disease. He was in the
best of health all day Sunday and stayed up late Sunday night
with a company of friends at the Scollard home and played on the
piano and sang. At 5 o'clock his father arose and the boy leaned
and patted him on the cheek and said, "Goodbye, papa." Mrs.
Scollard and Mrs. Grace, the only other two persons in the
house, arose about 7 o'clock, and noticing the boy did not get
up remarked how soundly he slept. They concluded to let him
sleep and passed back and forth through the room several times
during the morning without being aware of any trouble. Both
ladies even assisted each other in dressing before a large
mirror in the room, and on being ready to depart, Mrs. Scollard
noticed that the boy's foot protruded from under the sheet. As
she went to move the foot over, the body was stiff. With a
hysterical shriek the two women rushed out into the front yard
and told the neighbors to order a physician. Drs. Pence and
Taphorn responded, but the boy had been dead over an hour. An
inquest will have to be held by Coroner Streeper. The funeral
arrangements have not been made. Clarence had regularly attended
the St. Patrick's parochial school in Alton and was also a
member of St. Patrick's church, from which church the funeral
will probably be held. He was the only child of Mr. and Mrs.
Scollard, and the parents are grief stricken over his sudden and
unexpected death.
SCOTT, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 15, 1901
Bethalto News - Mrs. Anna Scott, a former resident of this
place, was brought here from Venice Monday for burial. Mrs.
Scott died Saturday night from typhoid fever. The remains were
interred in the Bethalto cemetery.
SCOTT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 14, 1872
Drowns in Mississippi
On Tuesday afternoon about three
o’clock, five or six boys left this side of the river in a
skiff, and crossed over to the sandbar opposite Alton, for the
purpose of bathing, and when they were ready to come home,
Charles Scott, a colored boy about twelve years of age, one of
the number, was missing, and was undoubtedly drowned. The boys
came back to Alton last evening, and brought over his clothing,
but said nothing about the matter until today. The drowned boy’s
father is fireman on the steamer Illinois, and knew nothing of
the loss of his boy when the boat left here this morning.
Parties are going over this afternoon to search for the body.
The boys who were with him say they were all diving, and that
they do not remember of having seen him after that time.
SCOTT, EDNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1915
Woman Killed at Wood River by Train
Mrs. Edna Scott was
instantly killed this afternoon by the Big Four Flyer at the
North Wood River crossing. She stepped in front of the train, in
her confusion, when she heard the train whistle. Engineer Wright
saw her about to step on the Big Four track from the Illinois
Terminal track and he sounded a warning blast. Instead of
staying where she was and would have been safe, she jumped in
front of the Flyer and was ground to death. Her body was picked
up and taken to the Big Four depot, where it was held until the
coroner's undertaker, John Berner, could take charge of it. The
only means of identification that was visible was a card in the
pocket book, a receipt given by the American Express Co., for a
money order payable to the Roman Oil Portrait Co., and bearing
the address 2721 College avenue, indicated that the woman was an
Upper Alton woman. However, investigation disclosed that Mrs.
Rose Lookeba lived at that address and she said she knew no one
by the name of Scott who had lived at that address, as she had
lived there for a number of years herself. Beside the address
and receipt there was found a ladies' gold watch and fifty cents
in money. Inquiry around Wood River failed to reveal what was
the business of the woman in the village. Charles Vermillion
identified the body as that of Mrs. Edna Scott, wife of Charles
F. Scott, former steward of the Loyal Order of Moose Club at
Alton. Scott is said to be in East St. Louis now. Mr. Vermillion
had lived next door to the Scott family, and knew Mrs. Scott
well....He said he thought she was about 31 or 32 years of age,
and had no children. Efforts were being made to find her
husband. It was said that Mrs. Scott had been trying to earn
some money by acting as agent for a portrait house, for which
she took orders.....Recently Scott went to St. Louis to take a
position with his brother, who has a saloon and meat market at
2771 Caroline avenue, St. Louis. The wife did not go along, it
is said, because of her prejudice against her husband's business
and she was trying to earn a living for herself. She was
slightly deaf.
SCOTT, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11,
1919
Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, aged 79 years, died Monday
afternoon at 4:20 o'clock at her home in Bethalto, where she has
resided for 52 years. The aged woman has been in poor health for
several years, but was bedfast for just two weeks prior to her
death. She was well known in Alton, having visited here
frequently as the guest of her son, Henry E. Scott and his
family, who reside on Lawton street. Besides her son, Henry E.,
Mrs. Scott is survived by another son, Everett J., of Bethalto,
and one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Starkey of Monica, California. She
also leaves four grandchildren, Harry Scott, Miss Mildred Scott,
Mrs. Fay Scott Southard, all of Alton, and Miss Ethel Starkey of
California. Mrs. Scott was a member of the Bethalto Presbyterian
church, and until her illness prevented her attendance at
meetings, she was very active in all church work. Up until a
very short time ago, she continued teaching a class in the
Presbyterian Sunday School. She was also active in civic
improvement work in the village. The funeral will be held at the
Bethalto Presbyterian church on Wednesday afternoon at two
o'clock. Rev. Gilchrist of Moro, and pastor of the Bethalto
church, will officiate.
SCOTT, IDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1903
Mrs. Ida Scott, who died on Hamilton street several days ago,
was buried yesterday afternoon in Milton cemetery. Rev. W. F.
Isler, of the German Methodist church, conducted the services.
SCOTT, JAMES H./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 7, 1875
From Edwardsville - James H. Scott, a well-to-do farmer residing
on the old Bartlett farm on Ridge Prairie, and the only son, if
not the only child living, of John J. Scott of Liberty Prairie,
died after only a few days sickness at his residence on
Thursday, December 31. The deceased was in the 39th year of his
age, and leaves a widow and several interesting children to
mourn his loss.
SCOTT, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 18, 1851
Died at
Belleville on Monday night, 7th inst., Mr. John Scott of Ridge
Prairie, aged about 30 years.
SCOTT, JOHN J./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1875
Tragedy on the Edwardsville Fairgrounds
About 2:30 o’clock
Thursday afternoon on the Fair Grounds at Edwardsville, during
the delivery of Judge Gillespie’s address, the people were
startled by the sharp report of a pistol. Looking in the
direction of the sound, the people saw John J. Scott fall
heavily to the ground, and William R. Griggsby standing ten feet
distant from him, with a smoking pistol in his hand, which was
still pointed towards his victim. The spectators were at first
surprised, but soon rushed towards the spot in great excitement.
Griggsby was taken charge of by Colonel Rodgers and Colonel
Parker, and immediately turned over to Sheriff Cooper and Deputy
Bannon, who hurried their prisoner off the grounds and locked
him up in jail. A hurried examination showed that Griggsby’s
bullet had entered Scott’s abdomen, but his course could not be
traced. The wounded man was placed in a spring wagon and driven
to the office of Dr. Pogue. Physicians on the grounds expressed
the opinion that the wound must necessarily prove fatal.
Citizens of Edwardsville who were present did not express great
surprise at the incident. They said the shooting was the sequel
to a grudge that had long existed between the parties, and had
been aggravated by recent occurrences in which a woman figured
as the cause of their hostility.
The parties had an
encounter on the grounds early in the day, during which Scott
drew a knife and threatened Griggsby with violence, but friends
succeeded in parting the combatants. In the afternoon, the men
came together again on the race course, nearly opposite the
amphitheater. When the shot was fired, Scott was advancing
towards Griggsby, and the latter was warning him to “keep back.”
Whether Scott had any weapon in his hand at the time he was shot
we could not ascertain.
The pistol with which Griggsby
fired the shot is in possession of the officers. It is of large
calibre, carrying a ball nearly as large as that of an Enfield
rifle. A curious fact connected with the shooting is that both
Griggsby and Scott are old gray-haired men, who would be
supposed to have outlived the passions of youth. Scott is
reported to be over sixty years of age, and Griggsby over fifty,
though the latter appears the older of the two. Griggsby and
Scott are both in good pecuniary circumstances, but their social
standing in Edwardsville is said to be not irreproachable.
Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1875
From Edwardsville,
October 8 – John J. Scott died at half-past ten o’clock this
morning. William R. Griggsby is in jail. Scott’s wound was
pronounced mortal at the time, but he has lingered for several
days, only to sink under its effects at last. The tragedy is one
of the most startling that ever occurred in Madison County.
Crimes like Griggsby’s are usually the outburst of sudden anger,
or the result of youthful passion, but in this case, the
participants were old men.
It is a stubborn fact that
John J. Scott died of his wound last Friday, and his remains
were interred in Oak Lawn Cemetery [Glen Carbon]. It is also a
fact that William R. Griggsby, about the time of Scott’s death,
was re-arrested and lodged in jail. His preliminary examination,
which began yesterday before Judge Irwin, was concluded today,
and resulted in his being held to bail in the sum of $3,000, and
since the amount is so very small and the crime so great, we
have no doubt but what the bail will be promptly given. Scott
made no will, hence the report that $5,000 of his estate, if
necessary, is to be used in prosecuting the murdered is a
mistake.
SCOTT, LIZZIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1905
Mrs. Lizzie Scott, widow of Jacob Scott, one of the best known
and most respected colored residents of Alton, died at her home,
1708 Piasa street, Thursday afternoon after a long illness. Mrs.
Scott was engaged for many years as a nurse, and she served in
many of the best homes in Alton. Her services were always in
demand whenever any social events of importance were to take
place, and she had sincere friends among the people for whom she
worked for many years. Her husband, too, was a highly respected
resident of Alton, and at the time of his death he was mourned
by many friends too. Mrs. Scott was a quiet, unassuming woman
who always did her best whatever she was called upon to do. She
had lived in Alton more than fifty years. Mrs. Scott was born in
Frederick, Maryland, and was over 84 years of age. She came to
Alton in the ante-bellum days [before the Civil War], and it is
related by old acquaintances that at one time, before the Civil
War, when a fugitive slave came to Alton and was captured here,
the citizens of Alton made up a purse to buy the freedom of the
fugitive, who was a woman. Mrs. Scott, who was then working as a
domestic in the family of the late Dr. B. K. Hart, had saved
some money and she contributed $100 toward the fund to buy the
slave woman's freedom. The funeral will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11, 1905
The
funeral of Mrs. Lizzie Scott was held this afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from her late home on Piasa street. Rev. J. H. Barton
assisted by Elder Samuel McCrosky, conducted the funeral
services. There was a large attendance at the funeral. Burial
was in City Cemetery.
SCOTT,
M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5, 1916
While Frank Scott, living five miles north of Upper Alton in
Fosterburg township, was in Alton Friday attending to some
business matters, his aged mother, Mrs. M. Scott, died at their
home. Mr. Scott said that his mother had not been feeling very
well, but though she was 80 years of age her illness did not
seem enough to detain her son at home. The mother was evidently
stricken very suddenly and must have died soon after her son
left the house, as he found her dead when he arrived home and
death had taken place some time before.
SCOTT, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 16,
1901
Mrs. Martha Scott, aged 33, died Sunday morning at
her home on Eighth street, of inflammation of the bowels. She
leaves a husband and four children. The funeral took place this
afternoon from the home to Milton Cemetery.
SCOTT,
MILDRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 12, 1902
Mildred, the 9 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Scott,
died Sunday morning at the family home, 423 George street, from
heart failure. The death is a very sad one, and was rendered
unusually distressing to the family by the fact that it was
unexpected. The girl had been ill with scarlet fever, but was
thought to have recovered. Sunday morning she was stricken with
heart failure, the disease which had disappeared on the surface
striking a vital spot. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning
from the family home and will be private.
SCOTT,
MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21, 1907
Miss Minnie Scott, aged 24 years, died this morning at the
family home in East Alton from consumption. She leaves her
mother, two sisters, and three brothers. The funeral will be
Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home.
SCOTT, ROSAMOND P./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 4, 1852
Died at his residence on Liberty Prairie of inflammation of the
lungs, on Tuesday, May 25, Mr. Rosamond P. Scott, in the 67th
year of his age.
SCOTT, WADE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 16,
1904
Burned to Death in House Fire
Wade Scott, aged about 80, was
burned to death, it is supposed, in his dwelling in Upper Alton
about 9 o'clock Wednesday morning. The house was destroyed and
most of its contents in it. When the discovery of fire was made,
Scott had been burned to death, and there is no possibility of
determining whether or not the man was first killed and the
house then set on fire, or whether he really was burned to death
while lying helpless in bed. No one was at home with him at the
time the fire broke out, his wife being out according to her
custom, earning a living for herself and husband. Mrs. Scott is
a white woman. About six or eight years ago Scott was attacked
by someone in his house at night and his throat was cut so that
he almost died at the time, and although he lived, he never
fully recovered from the injury. He was always helpless after
his experience with the person who cut his throat, and he would
never tell who it was that attacked him, if he really knew. He
was partially paralyzed and is said to have seldom left his bed.
About ten o'clock fire was discovered in the dwelling, which is
situated in the northeast corner of the village in Salu
addition, near the C. and A. railroad. The fire seems to have
started in Scott's room, as that part of the house was destroyed
when help arrived and Scott was dead. There is a deep mystery in
Upper Alton over the burning of Scott, and some of his friends
and neighbors are inclined to believe that there was foul play,
as the old man was unable to help himself. Mr. C. N. Streeper
took charge of the body and will prepare it for burial. Deputy
Coroner W. H. Bauer held an inquest over the body of Scott
Wednesday morning. Mrs. Scott testified that she had been away
from the house only about five minutes, having gone to get a
bucket of water. She says she had cautioned her husband not to
get out of bed, as he was unable to walk. Before she returned to
the house, neighbors discovered the place in flames. Mrs. Scott
testified her husband is 45 years old, but acquaintances of the
man say that he was over 80. The wife pleads ignorance of the
cause of the fire. The jury found a verdict of death from
burning, and found further that the fire was due to unknown
causes. The funeral will be held tomorrow.
SCOTT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 12, 1912
Coroner J. M. Sims of Collinsville Wednesday came to Alton
to hold an inquest over William Scott, who was killed by a fall
from the loft of the Lemp brewery barn at Second and Cherry
streets, while drunk. Evidence of witnesses at the inquest
indicated Scott had been helping to consume two kegs of beer
during the afternoon and was in a bad way. He had been sleeping
for a month in the loft over the stable, because he did not have
the money to pay a board bill. He owed his boarding mistress for
ten months board, it was stated at the inquest, and he leave no
estate to pay the bill. Scott's long line of credit, when he
worked but seldom, caused the coroner's jury to marvel somewhat
that one so short of industry should have such a good credit.
Witnesses testified that while Scott was unable to walk alone,
he did succeed in climbing up a ladder into the loft, and that
he must have fallen there from afterward. The jury found a
verdict of death from accidental fall. The body will be shipped
this evening to Carnegie, Pa., accompanied by Walter Day as the
representative of the Glassblowers Union. In connection with
this inquest, Coroner Sims notified the undertakers they must
refrain from embalming a body until after the coroner was
through with it, and he warned that he would hold undertakers to
a strict accountability for failing to observe his orders.
SCOTT, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1915
William Scott, aged 80, was found dead in bed at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas W. Burns, 1301 State street,
Sunday morning, and it was supposed that paralysis had caused
his death. The aged man had risen in the early hours, about 3
o'clock, dressed himself, and then had lain down on the bed
fully clad and was stricken with paralysis. Four years ago he
suffered his first stroke on his right side. Two years later his
disability was completed by his left side being affected. Then
he began to recover some use of his limbs and he was able to get
around the house using two canes. He had been almost helpless
for a long time. Mr. Scott was for forty years a resident of
Chesterfield, and a prosperous farmer. He came to Alton to live
with his daughter when his health failed him. He leaves beside
the one daughters, Mrs. Burns, three sons - William Scott; T. A.
Scott; and Arthur Scott. The coroner's jury found a verdict of
death from paralysis. The body will be taken to Chesterfield
tomorrow morning for burial after brief services have been held
at the daughters' home. Funeral services will be held at
Chesterfield.
SCOVELL, ALLEN T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18,
1910
Allen T. Scovell, familiarly known to a large circle
of friends as "Dad," died this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Loehr, after an illness of five
months. His death had been looked for a long time, and during
the past few weeks was expected to occur at almost any minute.
He had been sinking slowly, although it appeared there was very
little way for him to go before dissolution would set in. During
his long illness his condition has been watched with great
interest by his many friends. He was a genial man, possessed of
a disposition that made for him hosts of friends, and wherever
he was there was always good humor. He was a story teller, and
enlivened his stories with a dry wit that made his presence much
enjoyed. He was known for his honesty and unswerving fidelity to
any trust. He was prominent in Masonic circles and held high
positions in Franklin lodge and chapter of the Masonic order.
during many years he served as a driver on the old horse cars in
Alton, and later held a position as a conductor on the electric
cars. He was given a place as track foreman for the street
railway company a number of years ago, and he held the place
until illness disabled him. Last summer he became very sick and
it was thought then he might die. He recovered enough to be able
to get out, but late in the fall he had a relapse and he never
got well again. His death occurred at his only child's home,
where he was given the most faithful attention. He had two other
daughters, but both are dead, and his wife also is dead. He
leaves two brothers, William of Alton and Alexander of Upper
Alton, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Hindle. Mr. Scovell was born in
Iowa, and was 65 years of age. He was taken to Upper Alton when
he was 2 years old and resided there the remainder of his life.
The time of the funeral is not set, but it will probably be
Sunday afternoon from the Upper Alton Methodist church, and the
services at Oakwood cemetery will be under Masonic auspices.
SCRAIGGS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22,
1902
Upper Alton News - George Scraiggs, colored, was
buried this afternoon from the Second Baptist Church.
SCROGGINS, REBECCA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26,
1914
Mrs. Rebecca Scroggins, aged 68, died this morning
at her home, 811 Piasa street, after a long illness. The funeral
will be held Sunday afternoon.
SCROGGINS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF SHERMAN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 6, 1907
Mrs. Sherman Scroggins died last
night at the home, 1231 Wharf street, from consumption. She is
survived by her husband and four or five children. The funeral
will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.
SCULL, WILSON H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14,
1911
Wilson H. Scull, aged 61, who had lived as a hermit in a log
cabin on the Robert Kennedy place near Bethalto, was found dead
in his cabin Sunday morning, where he had been dead for a week.
He had not been seen for a week, and two young men passed the
place looked in his window and saw the disfigured body of the
man lying on his cot. Rats and other animals had been at work
and his body was also in a high state of decomposition. Coroner
Streeper brought the body to Upper Alton and held it at his
morgue until today, when it was buried. Scull had done farming
in a small way at the Kennedy place, and was known as a recluse.
He is said to have wealthy relatives in St. Louis.
SCULLEN, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1910
Wann Explosion Victim Suicides
Frank Scullen, one of the
victims of the Wann Oil explosion of seventeen years ago, killed
himself in the county jail some time during Monday night. He was
a frightful cripple, having been burned and very badly
disfigured on the face, and his hands were so contorted from the
burns that he was able to do very little work. Added to this an
appetite for strong drink, he finally drifted to the poor house,
notwithstanding the fact that at one time he had enough money to
have kept him nicely, had he saved it. Scullen was employed by
the Big Four when the explosion occurred, and was in the line of
duty when injured. His claim was one of the few that was ever
settled by the railroad company, most all the other victims,
except railroad employees, being thrown out of court on the
ground that they were trespassers on railroad property when they
were killed or hurt. Scullen got $3,500, and is said to have
spent it in ten days in riotous living. He had been staying at
the poor farm for some time. Formerly he was given a home at the
Ursuline convent, and at one time was at the hospital, where the
kindhearted sisters took care of him, and he did a little work
around the place. Strong drink was his undoing there. Finally he
had to become a county charge. He had been suffering from
hallucinations, and thought that an Alton man was after him.
Yesterday he left the poor farm and was finally locked up in the
county jail. He was searched, but no weapon was found on him.
Charles Trabue, superintendent of the poor farm, says he
believes that in his shoe Scullen had concealed a piece of a
case knife, about 1 1/2 inches long, and with this he cut his
throat, making a thorough job of it. He has a sister at East
Alton who did not know where he was. Scullen is reported to have
carried an insurance policy on his life, and he inquired about
this several days ago to see whether it was still being kept up.
It is supposed he had meditated suicide for several day. [Note:
According to the Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4, 1910, Frank
Scullen was buried in Greenwood Cemetery.]
SCULLY, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4, 1907
Mrs. Mary Scully, a native of Ireland but who lived in Alton
for more than 40 years, died Saturday night at the home of her
son, Simon Scully, 733 East Sixth street, from the effects of a
paralytic stroke, the second she had sustained in a few months.
She was the widow of the late Maurice Scully, and besides her
son leaves two daughters, Mrs. Phillip McEvoy of St. Louis and
Mrs. W. L. Nason of Boston, Mass. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
SCULLY, SIMON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 14,
1917
Guarding Power House When Struck By Train
Simon
Scully, aged 55, of 636 East Fourth street, took the place of a
soldier guarding the plant of the Alton power house on the levee
just a week ago, and last evening he was killed by an Illinois
Terminal switch engine as he was crossing the C. P. & St. L
track. Scully had been watching a boat going up the river, and
was returning to the plant at the time of the accident. When the
engine struck Scully, Raymond Young, brakeman, was struck by the
body of Scully, and his lantern broken. For a time it was
believed his leg was broken, and he was in danger of being
knocked off the train and ground to pieces under the wheels with
Scully. When the engine stopped 60 feet from where it run over
Mr. Scully, Young fell from the engine to one side of the track.
He was improved today and was able to attend the inquest where a
verdict of accidental death was returned. Mr. Scully had taken
the place of the soldiers on August 4. For some time past he had
been employed as a watchman at the Alton State Insane Hospital,
but the work became so heavy when the new patients arrived that
he resigned and accepted a position guarding the power house on
the levee. That was on August 4. Besides his wife he leaves
three daughters, Margaret, Rose and Alice; and one son, Maurice,
all of whom are grown. The funeral will be held at nine o'clock
on Thursday morning from the St. Patrick's church, and burial
will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
SCURLOCK, AMANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24,
1903
Amanda Scurlock, the ten year old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Edmond Scurlock, colored, died at the home near the lead
works this morning after an illness with lung troubles. The body
will be shipped this evening to Oakton, Kentucky for burial.
SEAGO, ETHEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8, 1903
Ethel Seago, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lem Seago, died
Wednesday afternoon at the family home in the east end, after an
illness from typhoid pneumonia. She was 19 years of age, and a
young woman who was known for her personal beauty. The funeral
will be held Friday morning at 11 o'clock from the family home,
and burial will be in the Bethalto cemetery. Services will be
conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenna.
SEAGO, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2,
1901
The funeral services of Mr. Seago, who was killed at
Bozzatown, were held this afternoon. Interment was at Bethalto.
The sons, M. H. Seago of Springfield and Charles Seago of St.
Louis, and a daughter, Mrs. Clay of the Indian Territory
[Oklahoma], attended the funeral. The wife of the dead man is
living in St. Louis, but is too ill to leave her home.
[See
also Segraves]
SEAGRAVES, ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 3, 1920
Body of Aviator Who Died in Fall
Arrives in Alton
Arthur Seagraves, 17, member of the
army aviation section, and a son of Mrs. Lela Seagraves, who is
spending the winter at the home of her brother, Ben Bryant, of
Mayfield avenue, was killed on New Year's day at Rich Field,
Waco, Tex., when his plane crashed to the ground during a
flight. The body will arrive here this evening, accompanied by a
sister, Miss Esther Seagraves, and will be taken to Elsah, where
the funeral will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. Seagraves
formerly resided in the Elsah neighborhood, and is well known in
that neighborhood. Her son entered the aviation section soon
after the end of the war, and because of his age secured his
mother's consent before enlisting. The tragic death of the young
man is the fourth which has occurred in the family on holidays.
Two years ago, on Thanksgiving day, the boy's father died. Four
years ago on Thanksgiving day, Mrs. Seagrave's mother, Mrs. Anna
Bryant, died. Three years ago, on Christmas day, a brother of
Mrs. Seagraves, Fred Seagraves [should be Bryant], mysteriously
met his death in Texas. It was reported that he was accidentally
shot, but it has always been the belief of the family that he
was murdered, it was said at the Bryant home today.
SEAGRAVES, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 15,
1914
East St. Louis Man Killed in Auto Accident Near East Alton
James Seagraves of East St. Louis was instantly killed, and five
other men from Granite City were slightly cut and bruised when
the seven passenger Stern automobile in which they were riding
turned turtle shortly before 10 o'clock Friday evening in front
of the home of James Chessen, on the Rock road between East
Alton and Wood River. It is the general opinion of the men who
arrived shortly after the accident, and those who were in the
car, that the accident was over so quickly Seagraves never knew
what had happened. The party came into Alton Friday afternoon at
2 o'clock from Granite City to post Alton for a barbecue and
picnic, which will be given by the Eagles of that place on
August 23. After spending several hours in the city, they left
Friday evening for home. Among the members of the party were Tom
and William Murphy, Charles Koenig, Henry Johnson, William
Williams, and James Seagraves. Tom Murphy was driving the car,
and according to the story he told of the accident, they were
traveling at a good rate of speed over the rock road, when
suddenly, after the driver had made a little turn to get in the
center of the road, the machine skidded. As the auto skidded one
of the front tires blew out, and this caused the machine to turn
over on its side. Murphy was caught under the machine at first,
but as it rolled a trifle farther, he was released and the 6,000
pound machine caught Seagraves' head, killed him
instantly.....None of Murphy's bones were broken, but he was
badly bruised and cut about the head and body. The police of
East St. Louis informed Mrs. Seagraves of the accident at her
home last evening. She arrived in Alton this morning to make
arrangements for caring for the body of her husband....Mr. Henry
said today that he was one of the first to reach the wreck, and
assisted in lifting the heavy wheel from the deceased man's
neck. The windshield of the auto had torn his throat open and
had completely scalped him, proving that the man was killed
instantly. The auto was completely demolished.....The inquest of
the man who was killed was set for this afternoon at the Jacoby
undertaking rooms. The body was taken in charge by Coroner's
undertaker, John Berner.
SEALER, CHARLES (alias McGINNIS)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 7, 1900
Man Commits Suicide
Charles
Sealer, alias McGinnis, committed suicide Friday at Brockmeyer,
two miles south of Edwardsville. The man was found lying by the
side of the county road with a bullet through his heart. The
revolver with which he had killed himself was clutched in his
hand when the body was discovered. The man was 30 years old and
had worked around Edwardsville for about seven years as a farm
hand. His last place was with Ben Hamon, who lives near where
the man killed himself. From what could be learned Friday,
sickness and the effects of a protracted spree were the causes
which led to the suicide. Letters were found in Sealer's clothes
which indicated that his father was an inmate of the soldiers'
home in Marion, Indiana. Coroner Herman Ritter held an inquest
over the body Friday evening, but no additional facts other than
above stated were developed.
SEARLES, FANNIE (nee CHALLACOMBE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 10, 1920
Mrs. Fannie Challacombe Searles,
daughter of Mrs. Nancy Glorianna Challacombe, who died a few
months ago, died at a hospital in Springfield last night. She
was about sixty years of age. Mrs. Searles was taken to
Springfield last week, suffering from blood poisoning in her
foot, brought on by an infected toe. Her condition was not known
to be serious, and her death came as a great shock to the large
circle of relatives and friends at Challacombe, Alton and
vicinity. Mrs. Searles is survived by her husband. Also by three
sisters and three brothers, including Mrs. John Butler, Mrs.
Mary Hartwell and W. J. Challacombe, all of Challacombe, Ill.,
Wesley Challacombe of Carlinville, Mrs. Mabel Pritchard and
Nicholas Challacombe of Everett, Wash. Mrs. Searles' death makes
the fourth in the Challacombe family within the last year, the
others being Mrs. Challacombe, her brother, and her
brother-in-law. No definite funeral announcement has been made.
The funeral is, however, expected to be held in Challacombe on
Friday.
SEATON, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 22, 1864
Died on the 14th instant of paralysis, Mrs. Elizabeth Seaton,
mother of John Seaton of Alton, aged 63 years.
SEDLACEK, JOSEPH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
Wednesday, January 6, 1892
Joseph Sedlacek, aged 51
years, died Sunday morning [Jan. 3] at 8:15 o'clock, after a
long and painful illness with Bright's disease. The funeral took
place from the family residence at Glen Carbon, yesterday
morning at 10 o'clock. It was under the auspices of the local
post, G.A.R. and the Druids' lodge, of which orders he was a
member. The remains were interred in the family burial ground.
The pallbearers were: George Bernius, Ben Epping, John Michel,
Herman Berlemann, and John Baum.
SEEDS, MOSES/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1843
Died, at Six Mile [Granite City area], on the 5th inst., of the
winter fever, Mr. Moses Seeds, aged about 50. The deceased had
been a citizen of this county 27 years, and was highly esteemed
and respected by all who knew him. He has left a deeply
afflicted widow, and a large circle of friends, to deplore his
loss.
SEELEY, SYRIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
27, 1912
Mrs. Syria Seeley, widow of Austin Seeley, who
was one of the old time business men of Alton and founder of a
firm that was continued by his son, R. F. Seeley until the
latter's death, died Sunday morning in her home in Upper Alton,
in her 89th year. Death was due to weakness of old age. Mrs.
Seeley was stricken with paralysis about three days before she
died. She had been living with her daughter-in-law, the widow of
R. F. Seeley. She came to Alton sixty-eight years ago and was
among the best known residents of Alton. For many years the
family lived in the old home on the site of the present Airdome,
and it was there Mrs. Seeley passed the greater part of her
life. When her son sold the place and moved to Upper Alton, she
went with him. She is survived by one son, Frank, who lives in
Fulleston, Neb., and one daughter, Mrs. W. T. Norris of
Greenfield, Ill. Mrs. Seeley was born at Philadelphia in 1812,
and was married in 1844, living all her married life here. The
funeral will be Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the home in
Upper Alton. [note: obit of her son, Robert Seely, states her
first name was Sarah]
SEELY, ROBERT FULTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
22, 1910
"Fult" Seely's Suffering Ended
Robert Fulton
Seely, one of the best known business men in Alton, died Friday
night at 11 o'clock at his residence in Upper Alton, after a
long illness. His death had been expected for several months, as
all hope of his recovery was given up some time ago. The fact
that "Fult" Seely was in declining health came as a surprise to
his many friends in the Altons. As a young man he was known to
be a strong athlete. His feats of strength are still talked of
among the men who knew him as a boy and young man. He was a
devoted lover of outdoors sports of all kinds. A few years ago
his health began to fail, but he stayed in his place of
business, which he had inherited from its founder, his father,
and continued to sell books and stationery. The firm had been in
the one place of business since the early days of Alton. Over a
year ago, Mr. Seely found it necessary to move, as the owners of
the building had leased the store room to another firm. He moved
then to the present location of the store on State street. Among
the school children who had bought books from Mr. Seely for many
years, he was well liked. Among business men who associated with
him, he was popular, and his word in a business way was highly
regarded. Until failing health made it necessary for him to
retire from business, he was constant in his attendance on his
duties in his store. Mr. Seely was 53 years of age, being born
in Upper Alton September 12, 1857. He was the son of Mr. and
Mrs. Austin Seely, and his mother, Mrs. Sarah Seely, aged 84,
survives him. He leaves also a brother, Frank, of Fullerton,
Neb., and a sister, Mrs. W. T. Norris of Greenfield, Ill.,
neither of whom will be able to attend the funeral, owing to
illness. Mr. Seely also leaves his wife, to whom he was married
October 1, 1896, and two daughters, Adda and Mary Seely. Mr.
Seely's final illness made it necessary for him to leave his
store the 18th of last June. He was not down town from that
time. The doctors at first said his malady was malaria. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home
in Upper Alton, Rev. W. H. Bradley officiating, and burial will
be in City cemetery at Alton.
SEEMAN, NETTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22,
1911
Mrs. Nettie Seeman, wife of Frank Seeman, died from
tuberculosis at the age of 21, today at the family home, 1212
east Second street. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home.
SEERING, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1899
The funeral of Jacob Seering was held at 2 o'clock Sunday
afternoon from the home of his son-in-law, Mr. Herman Luer, to
the Presbyterian Church in Upper Alton. Services were conducted
by Rev. W. H. Bradley. The church was well filled with friends
of Mr. Seering, who assembled to pay their last respects to the
dead. The pallbearers were Dr. H. T. Burnap, A. H. Hastings, J.
McReynolds, P. Hebner, J. Moore, H. Loehr.
SEGAN, PETER (also known as MILLER)/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, April 17, 1919
Peter Segan, of Livingston,
also known as Peter Miller, is dead today, the result of a
gunshot wound inflicted last night by Constable Charles Kovala,
who escaped during the excitement as Segan fell to the floor
mortally wounded. The shooting occurred at the saloon of George
Skimoka, but the cause has not been learned today. The bullet
entered Segan's breast and he was dead a few minutes later when
Dr. Berry and Dr. Oliver reached the scene. It was said today
that Segan, an Austrian, and Kovala, who is Slavish, quarrelled
on the street a few minutes before they entered the saloon. Just
what the argument was about has not been told officials.
Eyewitnesses said the Kovala drew his revolver and struck Segan
over the head before firing the fatal shot. Kovala ran from the
saloon while others went to the aid of Segan. A policeman
visited the Kovala home, believing he would return there. Later
in the night Kovala went home, secured additional clothing, told
his wife and children goodbye and left. Sheriff George E. Little
and Coroner Joseph Krill were notified. The latter gave
permission to move the body from the saloon. Arrangements are
being made for an inquest. Segan is a coal miner, and about 34
years old. He has a wife and five children. Kovala is about 32
years old. He is described as being a man weighing about 150
pounds, and 5 feet 2 inches tall.
SEGAR, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 28, 1839
John Segar, the man who shot his wife a few weeks since, was
found dead in the jail at Edwardsville some time last week. He
is supposed to have poinsoned himself in order to escape the
penalty of the law.
SEGAR,
UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1917
Rev. M. W. Twing went to Mitchell today to conduct the
funeral services over Mrs. Segar, who died there several days
ago. Mrs. Segar was the mother of Mrs. F. C. Bailey of Alton.
SEGAR, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1851
We learn that several deaths from cholera have occurred in the
vicinity of Six Mile in Madison County, within a few days past.
Among the victims were Dr. Irish Sr. and his wife, and a Mr.
Segar. It behooves everyone to exercise the greatest care in
relation to diet and habits during the prevalence of this great
scourge.
SEGAR, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November
23, 1839
Murdered by Husband
We learn that a man
named John Segar, living on the road between St. Louis and this
city [Alton], deliberately shot his wife on the afternoon of the
15th inst. The immediate cause of the act is unknown to us, and
as the offender was apprehended the next morning and is now
confined in the county jail awaiting his trial, we forbear
detailing any of the circumstances which attended the murder,
other than that the unfortunate woman survived only about three
quarters of an hour. Segar owns a handsome property in this
county.
SEGRAVES, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 8, 1902
Mrs. Anna Segraves, aged about 58
years, died Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock at her home in Granite
City, after a short illness with typhoid fever, and the body was
sent to Newbern, Monday, for burial. Deceased was the wife of
Green Segraves, the well known Alton teamster, who with his
family, moved to Granite City about a month ago. She had many
warm friends in Alton who regret her demise. She leaves a
husband, five sons: Charles, James, Tom, Fred and Walter, all of
Granite City except Tom, who lives in Grafton, and three
daughters: Mrs. Carrie Cook and Mrs. Eugene McNair of Alton, and
Helen of Granite City.
SEGREST, UNKNOWN SON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1900
The three year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Segrest
died Friday morning. The disease was diphtheria. He was buried
at Godfrey, Sunday afternoon.
SEIBERT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1905
Charles, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Seibert of east Fourth street, died at 2 o'clock Monday morning
after a short illness.
SEIBERT, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27,
1918
Charles Seibert was buried this afternoon from the
family home on East Fourth street, short services being held by
Rev. Joseph Meckel and Rev. J. J. Brune. On account of Mr.
Seibert having died from influenza, his funeral had to be
private. Interment was in St. Joseph's cemetery. A Requiem High
Mass will be sung in St. Mary's church Saturday morning for the
repose of the soul of the deceased.
SEIBOLD, CHARLES SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
26, 1905
Charles Seibold, in his eighty-third year, died
at his home, 611 east Seventh street, Thursday morning at 6
o'clock after a long illness. Mr. Seibold's death had been
expected for several weeks, as his condition had become
extremely grave and all hope of his recovery was given up
because of his great age. An additional sad feature of the death
is that his aged partner in life, Mrs. Magdalena Seibold, is
very seriously ill, and the attending physician could hold out
but little hope that she would long survive her husband. Mrs.
Seibold has been a sufferer from dropsy for many months, and
several months ago it was thought that she would die then, but
she recovered and was able to be around the house until she
sustained injuries by falling at her home a few weeks ago. By a
strange coincidence, Mr. Seibold's fatal illness began with a
fall from a tree last October, he having never recovered fully
from the effects of it. Mr. Seibold was born at Hessen
Darmstadt, Germany, July 25, 83 years ago. He came to Alton in
1856, and was married here the year following to Magdalena
Jokers, who survives him. He was one of the seventeen founders
of the German Benevolent Society in 1857, and is the last
charter member of the society. His funeral Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the German Evangelical church will be under the
auspices of the society in which he was one of the fathers. Mr.
Seibold is survived by a family of four daughters and four sons:
Misses Lena, Louise and Caroline Seibold and Mrs. L. J.
Hartmann; Messrs. Charles, Nicholas and Samuel Seibold, all of
Alton; and Frank Seibold, of St. Louis. He was the last of his
family, all the remainder having died before him. Until ten
years ago Mr. Seibold had followed the occupation of teamster,
when he retired because of advancing age. He was highly
respected, was a sober, industrious man and a dutiful husband
and father. His death was an easy one, and he passed away as
quietly as if falling into a deep sleep after long suffering. It
is requested that flowers be omitted.
SEIBOLD, LAVERNE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 4, 1905
The funeral of Laverne, three years old son of Mr. and Mrs.
George Seibold, was held this afternoon from the home on Bozza
street, and many friends and neighbors of the family attended
the obsequies, and floral offerings were numerous. Services were
conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann, and interment was in
City Cemetery.
SEIBOLD, LENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 3, 1911
Miss Lena Seibold, a member of a well
known Alton family, died Friday morning at her home, 607 East
Seventh street, after an illness of about four years' duration.
Miss Seibold's death was due to dropsy of the heart. She was a
native of Alton, and had lived here all her life. She made her
home with her sisters at the place where she died. She leaves
three sisters, Misses Caroline and Louise Seibold, Mrs. L. J.
Hartmann; and four brothers, Charles, Nicholas and Samuel
Seibold, all of Alton, and Frank Seibold of Arizona. Miss
Seibold was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Seibold Sr., and was 51 years of age. Her illness began about
four years ago, and she had been suffering from occasional
attacks, and then would improve apparently. She spent part of
last summer in the west with her brother. Up to yesterday, her
case was very hopeful, but she took a sudden change for the
worse and her death occurred at 7:30 o'clock Friday morning. The
funeral will be held Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, and from the
family home, and services will be conducted by Rev. E. L.
Mueller. Friends are requested to omit flowers.
SEIBOLD, MAGDALINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4,
1906
Mrs. Magdaline Seibold, widow of Charles Seibold,
died this afternoon at the family home on Seventh street after a
long illness. She was a sufferer for several years and many
times was near to death, but rallied. She was stricken a few
days ago with the last attack of her old trouble, and it proved
fatal late this afternoon. She had been a resident of Alton
almost all her life and leaves a large family of children. Her
children are Messrs. Charles, Nicholas, Samuel and Frank
Seibold, Mrs. L. J. Hartman, Miss Carrie Seibold, Miss Lena
Seibold and Miss Louise M. Seibold. Mrs. Seibold was a native of
Baden, Germany, and was 71 years of age. She had lived in Alton
over fifty years. She was a member of the German Evangelical
church almost all her life.
SEIBOLD, NICHOLAS (or NICKOLAUS)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 12, 1918
Old Time Wagonmaker Dies
Nicholas Seibold, for many years the proprietor of a wagon shop
on Belle street, died Monday evening at 6 o'clock at his home,
521 East Seventh street, a few hours after he suffered a stroke
of apoplexy. Mr. Seibold, who was in his 78th year, had been
living in retirement since he disposed of his business a few
years ago. Monday after dinner he complained of feeling unwell,
and was induced to go to bed. He was given some treatment by
members of his family. Just before 6 o'clock he passed away
peacefully in his sleep, the attending physician diagnosing the
malady as cerebral hemorrhage. It was just a few hours before
his death that he noticed the great noise that was being made as
the Victory parade was passing his neighborhood and inquiring he
was told that the coming of peace was being celebrated. He sank
back satisfied, and soon afterward it was noticed that he had
just died. He was born at Hessen, Darmstadt, Germany, January
10, nearly 78 years ago. He had lived in Alton since boyhood,
and was among the best known citizens. He learned the wagon
making trade under John Koeline and worked for him until
engaging in business for himself, where he remained until a year
ago. He was very deeply interested in the Evangelical Church at
Eighth and Henry streets, and for years held important offices
in that church, including that of president. He was also a
devoted member of the Benevolent Society. He leaves three
daughters, Mrs. A. A. Sotier, Mrs. Harry Lenhardt, Miss Lena
Seibold, and two sons, George Seibold and Arnold Seibold. The
funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Evangelical Church.
NOTE:
The Seibold Wagon Shop was located on the west side of Belle
Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, where the north end
of the Hayner Library parking lot currently sits. Just across
the street was the Dan Miller Carriage Shop.
Nickolaus Seibold was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. His
first name on his tombstone is spelled "Nickolaus."
SEIFERTH, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 31,
1910
Old Soldier, Octogenarian Dies of Exposure
Louis
Seiferth, aged 80, was found in a dying condition Friday
afternoon at his home, 1002 Belle street. He was lying on the
floor where he had fallen when stricken with paralysis. The last
time he was seen about the place was Wednesday night, and it is
supposed that he must have been helpless since then. His death
was due partially to exposure, as well as to the paralysis, as
he lay in the cold with no attention, and he suffered fatal
effects from lack of care and protection. Maggie Betts, a 9 year
old girl, the daughter of a neighbor, discovered the old man
Friday afternoon when she went down to borrow an axe. Dr. George
K. Worden was summoned and he said that the old man had been
paralyzed on the right side. He had fallen against the kitchen
sink and his face was skinned, showing where he had struck in
his fall. He had on no shoes, nothing under his head, and was
covered with an old comfort. He has a daughter, who lives in St.
Louis. She had been up to see him a week ago. Seiferth has a
son, Louis Seiferth, whose home is in Alton. The old man drew a
pension of $20 a month as an old soldier.
SEILER, HAROLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20,
1912
Boy Falls Through Ice at Central Avenue
Harold Seiler,
aged 8, whose family live at 101 east Third street, was drowned
in the Mississippi river at the foot of Central avenue this
morning, about 10:30 o'clock, by falling into an air hole.
According to stories told by witnesses, the boy was playing with
some companions on the ice when the ice broke under three of
them. There were five little boys in the party: Harold Seiler,
aged 8; Kenneth Seiler, aged 10; Clifford Feathers, aged 9;
Vincent Weindel, aged 8; Harry Schaefer, aged 12. Harry
Schaeffer was the hero. He had lingered behind while the other
boys, led by Feathers, were walking on the ice. The ice broke
under three. Feathers being farther away and did not fall in.
Schaeffer used a shinny pole to rescue Kenneth Seiler and
Vincent Weindel, but Harold Seiler was drowned. No men were near
to give assistance. The drowning occurred at 11 o'clock, and the
recovery of the body of the drowned boy was at 12 o'clock.
SEILER, URSULA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17, 1913
The funeral of Mrs. Ursula Seiler was held Sunday afternoon
at the Ingersol school house in Fosterburg. There was a large
number of sorrowing friends and relatives at the funeral. Mrs.
Seiler died Friday, leaving a family of five daughters and three
sons. She had been a resident of Fosterburg township for
forty-five years.
SEILER, URSULA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8, 1919
News of the death of Miss Ursula Seiler at Washington,
D. C., was received with great sorrow and regret by the large
number of friends of the well known Upper Alton woman. From the
first her illness was serious, but death was not anticipated by
relatives and friends in the city. Miss Seiler passed away
Thursday at one o'clock. Ten days ago Miss Seiler was taken ill
with typhoid fever, and was removed to the Sibley Hospital in
Washington. Her condition grew steadily worse and last Sunday
word was received that she was very ill. Her mother, Mrs. A. H.
Seiler, departed Sunday for Washington, arriving in the Eastern
city on Monday, and was with her daughter when she died. Miss
Seiler was employed for some time in the office of Dr. Mather
Pfeiffenberger in this city, and later accepted a position with
the Western Cartridge Company. About eighteen months ago she
took a government examination, and passing, left for Washington.
In Washington she had an excellent position in the Ordnance
Department. She worked hard and faithfully for the government
and was getting great enjoyment from her work when she became
ill. The young woman was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.
H. Seiler of 1843 Evergreen avenue, and with her parents has
resided in Alton for a number of years. The family came here
from Fosterburg. Mr. Seiler is a millwright at the
Stanard-Tilton Milling Co. Miss Seiler is survived by her
parents, and by two sisters, Mrs. Sidney K. Yeapel of Windom,
Minn., and Miss Mildred Seiler of this city. Mrs. Yeapel was
before her marriage Miss Edna Seiler. She was a member of the
College Avenue Baptist Church, and took a great interest in the
affairs of the Young Women's Christian Association. She was a
member of the choir of the Baptist Church, and an active worker.
She was 26 years of age. According to the message received by
friends and relatives, Mrs. Seiler has left Washington with the
body, and will arrive in St. Louis Saturday afternoon. No
funeral arrangements will be made until after the arrival of the
mother.
SEMICK, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3, 1919
Painter Falls From Steel Towers of High Tension Line
Emil Semick, a painter employed in painting the
steel towers of the high tension line of the East St. Louis
Light & Power Co., near Federal, and who fell early this week
after touching a wire carrying 13,200 volts, died in St.
Joseph's Hospital this noon from injuries. According to Dr.
Worden it was not the electric burns or shock that caused his
death, but the injuries he sustained in the fall from the tower
to the ground, a distance of 50 feet. Semick was so badly hurt
it was very difficult to handle him in the hospital. His back
was frightfully burned by the electric current, but nevertheless
it was necessary for him to lay on his back because his other
injuries made it impossible for him to be comfortable any other
way. He had been married just two weeks before he was injured,
and his bride was in attendance at his bedside in the hospital.
The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Bauer, who will
conduct an inquest.
SERING -
SEERING
SERING, JACOB (also spelled
Seering)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1899
Jacob Seering, a resident near Alton since 1848, died at 9
o'clock Friday night at his home east of the city, after an
illness with pneumonia and grippe. He was born in Heiselheim,
Beron, Germany, and was 69 years of age December 2. When a very
young man, he came to America and to Alton when 19 years of age.
He was of an industrious, thrifty nature, and by steady
application and frugality, he accumulated a neat fortune, which
he divided with his children, Mrs. Herman Luer and Mr. John
Seering, before his death. He owned the famous Seering fruit
farm east of Alton, which is one of the most valuable tracts of
farming land in this vicinity, being situated just on the edge
of the city. He was known as one of the most successful of fruit
growers about Alton. The funeral will take place Sunday at 2
p.m. from the home of Mr. Herman Luer on Washington Street.
Interment will be at Upper Alton Cemetery.
[Notes: The "Sering tract" was located at the foot of Sering
Avenue in Alton, on both sides of Broadway. John Sering sold the
property in 1912 to subdivide for home and businesses. Sering
Avenue is named after this family.]
SERFF, AMELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1919
Demented Woman, 59, Hangs Self to Tree
Mrs. Amelia Serff, 59 years
old, wife of William Serff, ended her life by hanging herself in
Smith's grove near Taylor avenue, Saturday afternoon. Her body
was seen hanging from the tree by two negro boys who notified
the police. The woman, who was in a demented condition, tied a
thin rope to a limb of the tree and around her neck while
standing on a tin bucket. She stepped from the bucket and was
strangled. When the police were notified Turnkey Henry Cramer
and Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer went to the woods and after
a search found the body. The woman was dead when the officers
reached the spot. According to the police officer she close a
spot dense with trees and shrubbery in which to end her life.
Unless passing close to the spot, it would have been impossible
to see the body, Cramer said. Mrs. Serff has been in a demented
state for some time. Statements to Deputy Coroner Bauer by two
physicians showed her the victim of a nervous trouble resulting
from an interior goiter. Recently she came to the police station
asking that a warrant be issued for a relative whom she accused
of a crime she weirdly described. The verdict of the coroner's
jury at the inquest Saturday night was that death was due to
"suicide by hanging while in an unbalanced state of mind." Mrs.
Serff was born in Germany and had been a resident of Alton for
22 years. She is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Gertrude
Redfield, Beaverton, Oregon; Mrs. Marie Clyne; and Mrs. Joseph
Monks, Alton. She leaves one son, William Serff, who is in
England with the Canadian army. He was living in Detroit when
war broke out and enlisted with the Canadians. For a long time
he had not been heard from and recently a letter stated he was
then at Winchester, England. Mrs. Serff leaves also a sister in
Germany, and several grandchildren. The funeral will be tomorrow
morning at nine o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Joseph Monks, 813 East Sixth street. Requiem mass will be
celebrated at St. Mary's church by Rev. Fr. Joseph Meckel, and
interment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
SERGEANT, N. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1843
Died in this city [Alton], on Thursday last, of the winter
fever, Mr. N. W. Sergeant, aged about 21. Mr. S. was a native of
Clemont County, Ohio, where he has numberous relatives and
friends. He was much esteemed by his acquaintances.
SERING, TITUS PAUL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1905
Titus Paul, the 14 month's old son of Mr. and Mrs.
John Sering, died at the family home Sunday evening, after a
brief illness. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at
1:30 o'clock from the family home, Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann
officiating, and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
SERYIER, ARMONDE "FRENCHIE"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
1, 1907
Armonde Seryier, known as "Frenchie," who lived
between Upper Alton and East Alton, died at St. Joseph's
hospital this morning from the effects of alcoholism. He lived
alone and followed making gardens as a means of livelihood. He
claimed to belong to a good family in St. Louis, but became an
outcast. He was not married. The body will be buried tomorrow.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3, 1907
The funeral of Armande Seryier "Frenchie," the East Alton
gardener, derelict, was held this afternoon from the Streeper
undertaking rooms in Upper Alton. A son from Centaur, Mo. was
present and made the funeral arrangements. Until the young man
made his appearance a few days ago, it was not known that
"Frenchie" ever was married or had a family. He was buried in
Milton cemetery close to the land upon which he raised garden
stuff for many years. "Frenchie" was good hearted and charitable
and helped many a poor person over rough places in life's road.
SEYBOLD, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 29, 1874
Died at Troy on Saturday night, October 17, 1874, Sarah, wife of
James Seybold, in the 37th year of her age.
SEVER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7, 1901
William Sever was found dead in bed this morning at his home
on the Coal Branch near North Alton, where he had lived about
ten years. Charles Henderson, a neighbor, found him dead when he
called to inquire about his health. Sever had been suffering
from lung fever and had been slightly ill. He lived with a
family named Donner. Sever was divorced from his wife, who lives
in St. Louis with her son and several daughters. He was 75 years
of age. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest and the jury
returned a verdict of death from natural causes.
SHADE,
ROSE MOULTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6, 1902
Mrs. Rose Shade, wife of Isaac Shade, a glassblower, was
fatally burned Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock by the accidental
ignition of her clothing which had become saturated with coal
oil while she was filling lamps. Going to the kitchen stove to
stir the fire, her dress caught fire and in an instant she was
wrapped in flames. Mrs. Shade was alone in her home on Fourth
street between Cherry and Apple streets, and she ran out in the
yard to call for help. Before neighbors could extinguish the
flames in her clothing, the woman was burned on every square
inch of the surface of her body, and all her skin was burned
off. Dr. L. M. Bowman, who attended her, said that he never
before saw such a severe case and pronounced the burns fatal at
once. Death ensued at 10 o'clock, eight hours after the burning.
Louis Honsbehn, who was passing, ran into the yard and tried to
throw Mrs. Shade down and to extinguish the flames, but failed
and was burned about the hands. The body was taken to St. Louis
this afternoon for burial. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an
inquest and a verdict of death from burning was found.
SHAE,
SADIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26, 1901
The
funeral of the late Miss Sadie Shae took place this morning from
the home of her cousin, Mrs. Otto Roller, on Gold street, to St.
Patrick's church, where a requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. P.
J. O'Reilley. A large number of sorrowing friends followed the
remains to their last resting place in Greenwood.
SHAEFER OR SHAFER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 9, 1920
Frank Shafer, who died Saturday noon
from influenza, was buried today. Shafer, who conducted a lunch
room at the Gerner saloon and lived at the Lincoln hotel, leaves
no relatives whose whereabouts are known. He had been in perfect
health a week before his death, and he was taken into the order
of Eagles. His illness with double pneumonia was very short.
SHAKE, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1914
Annie, the 14 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Shake, of Dye street, died this morning. The funeral will
be held tomorrow afternoon from the Cherry street Baptist church
at 2 o'clock.
SHAKE, ELIZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1911
Mrs. Eliza Shake died at the hospital for the insane at
Jacksonville, and her body will arrive here this evening,
consigned to her son, William Shake. Mrs. Shake lost her mind
because of her old age, and recently it became necessary to take
her away from home. She did not survive the change long.
SHAKE, RALPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 17, 1915
The funeral of Ralph, eighteen months old son of Mr. and
Mrs. William Shake, took place this afternoon at two o'clock
from the home with Rev. F. H. Austermann of the Evangelical
Church officiating. Burial was in the City Cemetery, the mound
being covered with handsome floral pieces, carried to the grave
by four little boys and four little girls.
SHALLENBERGER, HARVEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
2, 1901
Harvey Shallenberger died last evening at the
home of R. W. Dickinson, in Upper Alton, after a short illness
with pneumonia. He was 27 years of age and formerly lived at
Godfrey. The funeral will take place tomorrow morning from the
Dickinson home to Godfrey, and the services will be held
tomorrow afternoon at the late home of the young man.
SHANE, PATRICK/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1852
We
regret to learn that a man named Patrick Shane, employed as
brakeman upon one of the gravel cars on the Alton & Springfield
Railroad in this city, fell from his place, immediately across
the track, yesterday about noon, when the wheels passed over him
causing almost instant death. He leaves a wife and two children
to deplore his untimely end.
SHANNON, DOC/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7, 1900
Former Slave and Civil War Soldier Dies at Salu
Doc
Shannon, a colored resident of Salu, died last evening at 8:30
o'clock, after a lingering illness. Deceased was sixty-six years
of age, and leaves a widow with a large family, six children
being under thirteen years of age. He was at one time a slave,
and lived near Palmyra, Missouri. He ran away from there and
came to Quincy, Ill., where he enlisted in the Union army. After
the war he came to Alton, and has lived here ever since. The
funeral arrangements have not been completed, but it will
probably occur on Friday from the A. M. E. church, of which he
was a member.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 9, 1900
The funeral of Doc Shannon took place this
afternoon from the A. M. E. church. Pallbearers: Louis Comely,
Thomas Lytel, A. Hamilton, L. Leadbetter, Henry Holdman and
James S. Johnson.
SHARON, RALPH W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8,
1909
Ralph W. Sharon, aged 35, died Friday morning at his
home, 510 Pine street, Upper Alton, after an illness of only a
short time. He was employed at the Joesting clothing store on
Third street, and Friday was able to be about his usual work,
but during the day appeared to be unwell and was advised to go
home and get a doctor. He declined to do so, saying he believed
he would be all right in a short time, and that a night's sleep
would put him in good condition again. He went home and said
little of feeling sick until he became so ill his condition was
serious. The young man was a believer in Christian Science and
had been active in the work of that cult in the Altons, it was
said at his home today that his death was doubtless due to heart
disease, as he showed symptoms of heart trouble and his father
died from the same malady. His death was a very sad chock to his
wife, also to his only brother, Ned Sharon, and his mother, Mrs.
Martha Sharon of St. Louis. The body will be taken to
Carrollton, Ill., for burial, probably Sunday morning. He was
born in Carrolton and came to Alton about five years ago. He
leaves only his wife, having no children.
SHARPE, SURREY B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15,
1909
Colored Politician Dies ... In Five Years Gave Wife Five Dollars
Surrey B. Sharpe, a negro politician, died Monday afternoon
at his home on Alton street, between Seventh and Eighth streets,
aged 47 years, 3 months. In the last five years, Surrey is said
to have given his wife exactly $5, and most of the time she was
obliged to support him and friends he very hospitably invited to
the house. He frequently chased his wife out of the house,
threatening to do her bodily violence, and she was often
defended by white people for whom she worked. The wife bought
and is paying for a home where the family lived, and Sharpe's
only contribution toward the house was his efforts to get the
city to fill up Alton street, through political influence, at an
estimated cost of several thousand dollars, which was twice what
the house was worth. When he applied for the filing of the
street, it was suggested that the city buy him a flying machine
and let him get into the house that way, if all other avenues
were closed, as it might be cheaper than filling in the street.
Surrey, it will be remembered, served a penitentiary term for
killing a man named Crow at the glassworks about fifteen years
ago. He was released after serving his term of imprisonment, and
thereafter posed as a political worker with great influence.
Candidates in the future will miss Surrey, but may be ahead
financially.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 16, 1909
The funeral of Surrey B. Sharp was held
this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Union Baptist church, and
burial was in City Cemetery.
SHASCHEK, JOSEPH/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, January 25,
1893
Joseph Shaschek, who lives on the C. F. Cook farm,
in the southern part of Edwardsville township, committed suicide
Friday morning [Jan. 20] at about 8 o'clock by shooting himself
with a pistol. Coronor T. W. Kinder was in the city when the
information reached here and proceeded to the scene accompanied
by Judge C. L. Cook. A jury was empanelled consisting of C. L.
Cook, foreman, William J. Baird, Henry Ostendorf, Herman Gerling
and John Ernst. His wife testified that deceased had been
worrying about some debts, having recently purchased a farm. He
did not sleep Wednesday night. Thursday night he visited at
Frank Rabbit's and returned home about midnight, and slept until
5 o'clock next evening. He went out after breakfast to render
lard, as he had been butchering. After being out a few minutes,
a neighbor, Henry Detienne came to the house and told her that
Shasheck had shot himself. He borrowed a pistol from Detienne,
saying he was going to kill a mink in a pile of rails. He had
gone but a few minutes when the shot was fired. The bullet
entered the forehead and lodged in the head. The funeral took
place Sunday, under auspices of the C.S.P.S. lodge. The remains
were interred in the Bohemian cemetery. The pallbearers were:
Henry Ostendorf, Samuel Jedlicka, Mike Krejci, John Schlemmer,
Frank Schlemmer and John Ernst. Deceased was born in Bohemia,
Austria, in 1845, was married there and came to this country
with his wife. She died some twelve years ago, leaving seven
children. He was married a second time. To this union three
children were born, one of whom is dead. He leaves a wife, nine
children, father, two brothers and two sisters. Mrs. Shaschek is
in a precarious condition as a result of the death of her
husband.
SHATTUCK, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
16, 1917
Mrs. Emma Shattuck, wife of James Shattuck, the
contractor and builder of Upper Alton, died this afternoon at 1
o'clock at the family home on Elizabeth street. The death of
Mrs. Shattuck was very unexpected. She had been in ill health a
month, but had not been confined to her bed. Her death came
while she was sitting in a chair. Members of the family were
scattered at the time and they were hurriedly summoned to the
home by the news of Mrs. Shattuck's death. Mr. and Mrs. E. W.
Harlan, her parents, were with her at the time of her death.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her parents and four
children. The children are: Warren, Ethel, Grace and Marion. No
funeral arrangements have as yet been made.
SHATTUCK, HELEN STRONG/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Dec. 2,
1918
Mrs. Helen Strong Shattuck, wife of Warren Shattuck,
died Saturday morning at 9:30 o'clock at the home of her uncle,
James Strong, in Delmar avenue, after an illness which began
Monday with the influenza and developed into pneumonia. Mrs.
Shattuck's husband, to whom she was married in July 1917, left
in July of this year for camp, and has been serving in the camp
post office, where he was located. His wife, determined to do
her part toward winning the war by going to work when there was
a call for workers. She was employed until Monday, when she
found it necessary to go home, and the illness proved fatal. She
was the daughter of Richard Strong, and was 19 years old the
27th of last August. Beside her father and husband, she leaves
one brother, Robert Strong, of Camp Taylor, and a sister, Miss
Ethel Strong of Alton. The funeral time will not be announced
until the husband is heard from. He is at Camp Holobird,
Baltimore, but no message had reached him apparently up to
Monday morning.
SHATTUCK, MYRON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22,
1914
Myron Shattuck, the
11 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Shattuck, died Saturday
morning at 2 o'clock at the family home in Upper Alton on
Elizabeth street, near the Rock Spring Country Club. Death was
due to infantile paralysis. The child had been suffering just
one week. In connection with the sickness of the child it may be
said that the cause of the illness was at first supposed by the
family to be due to two wasp stings the child had suffered on
the day he was prostrated a week ago Friday. However, when
physicians were called and made an examination and were
convinced that the child was a victim of infantile paralysis,
the parents were informed that the wasp stings probably had
nothing to do with the case. The wasp stings, however, have a
close analogy to the real cause of the disease, at least that
which is now blamed, the bite of the blue bottle fly. The victim
of infantile paralysis was one of a pair of twins, who were
their parents youngest children. His twin sister is Marion
Shattuck. He leaves besides his parents three sisters and one
brother. According to medical men, there is no human help for
infantile paralysis, and had the child resisted the attack and
had not died immediately, all the remainder of his life he would
have been a physical wreck. James Shattuck, the father, is
inclined to believe that his child died from the effects of wasp
stings. The father told a Telegraph reporter today that one of
the stings was on the face and the other right over the spine.
He said that he told the doctors of the stings and that the St.
Louis specialist thought that the stings might have had
something to do with the child's condition, but that it was a
case to be diagnosed properly as infantile paralysis, and that
was the final diagnosis. The father cannot be persuaded,
however, that the sting of the wasp over his son's spine was not
the cause of the child's death. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
SHATTUCK, WILLIAM F./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1851
Died in Alton on the 15th instant, William F., only son of Mr.
William and Mrs. Olive Shattuck, formerly of Boston, aged six
years and six months.
SHAW, ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11,
1920
Killed by Switch Engine ... Died on Crossing
Arthur Shaw, aged
27, was instant-up killed Tuesday afternoon at the foot of
Central Avenue when a switch engine struck him as he was driving
his team across the track. Shaw's wagon was wrecked and one
horse killed. There were no witnesses to the tragedy, except the
trainmen. Shaw had been employed nights at the Duncan shops. He
was a hard working man who by keeping a team, managed to augment
his daily earnings by doing job of hauling. He had not been
feeling well and did not work Monday night, so Tuesday he went
out with his team in the afternoon to earn money hauling ashes.
He was crossing the railroad tracks at the foot of Central
avenue and evidently did not see the approaching switch engine.
He was instantly killed. The body was taken in charge by Deputy
Coroner Bauer and an inquest held this morning. Shaw was highly
thought of in the neighborhood where he lived. He was devoted to
his family consisting of his wife and four little children. The
death of the husband and father was a cruel blow to the family.
He was a man of good habits, very industrious, and was paying
for a little home at 1830 Alby street. A brother of Shaw was on
his way home from work at the oil refinery, and noticing the
commotion at the foot of Central avenue his attention was
attracted to the wrecked wagon, and he recognized it as the
property of his brother. Then he discovered that his brother had
been killed.
SHAW, DAVID A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
15, 1918
The funeral of David A. Shaw was held Friday,
interment being in Oakwood Cemetery. Shaw, who was 31 years of
age, died last Sunday and the body was held until the arrival of
a brother, C. E. Shaw, of Kansas City.
SHAW, ELIZABETH (nee PIERCE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
17, 1873
Died on October 13 in Alton, after a brief illness,
Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of Frank N. Shaw, and daughter of Thomas
Pierce, Esq., in the 22nd year of her age.
SHAW, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1911
Harry, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Shaw, died at
their home, 1117 Belle street, yesterday morning at 9 o'clock;
age 5 months. Burial was in City cemetery, Rev. A. Good
officiating. The child was adopted.
SHAW, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
John
Shaw, a brakeman on the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis
Railroad, was on Friday night killed at Alton Junction (East
Alton). Mr. Shaw was at the time of the accident sitting on a
brake, with his legs extending from one car to the other. The
coupling broke, and he fell beneath the train and was shockingly
mangled.
SHAY,
MAMIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15, 1902
Miss Maie Shay died last night at 10:30 o'clock after a long
illness with stomach troubles, at the family home, 1007 East
Third street. Miss Shay was 32 years of age and had lived in
Alton all her life. She leaves two brothers and two sisters, all
of whom are well known in Alton. Miss Shay was well liked by all
who knew her and was a young woman of most estimable character.
The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock and
services will be in St. Patrick's church.
SHEA,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13, 1906
The funeral of William Shea, who died Sunday at his farm
home in Wood River township, was held this afternoon and was
attended by many friends and neighbors. Services were conducted
at St. Patrick's church by Rev. P. J. O'Reilley, and burial was
in Greenwood cemetery.
SHEAN, CHARLOTTE R./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12,
1873
Died in Alton of consumption, Charlotte R., wife of
Morris Shean; in the 31st year of her age.
SHEARBURN, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 20,
1918
Rose Shearburn, aged 21 years, died yesterday
afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital where she had been taken for
treatment. Mrs. Shearburn was the wife of Owen Shearburn, and
resided at 612 Belle street. The body will be shipped to
C_______ville Thursday _________ at 9 o'clock for burial.
SHEEHAN, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1916
Mrs. Mary Sheehan, widow of John Sheehan, died last evening
at her home at 215 East Broadway after a short illness of two
weeks duration. Mrs. Sheehan was 70 years of age and was an old
time resident of the city, and highly respected by all who knew
her. The deceased is survived by two daughters, Miss Katherine,
who lived with her mother, and Mrs. Otto Boercker. She also
leaves one son, Thomas Sheehan. The body of Mrs. Sheehan will be
taken to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Boercker, 218 West
Seventh street, and the funeral will be Thursday morning at 9
o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Burial will be in
Greenwood cemetery.
SHEEHAN, MATTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 24, 1901
Mattie Sheehan, the 6 years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Jerry Sheehan of Godfrey, died last evening after a long illness
from diphtheria. The immediate symptoms of the disease had
disappeared and the child's death was due to heart failure. The
funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and services
will be held in the Cathedral.
SHEFF,
KATHERINE B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1, 1916
Mrs. Katharine B. Sheff, wife of F. H. Sheff, died very
suddenly yesterday morning. She had been great afflicted with
rheumatism for the past three years, but a few minutes before
her death was sitting out in the yard laughing and joking with
friends and neighbors. A stroke of apoplexy was the cause of her
death, and she passed away without any suffering. The funeral
service was held this morning at 11 o'clock at the family
residence, 910 Union street, by Rev. J. Thompson Baker. The
remains were taken to Cairo, the old home, this afternoon, where
interment will be made tomorrow in Beech Grove Cemetery at
Mounds. The father, mother, husband and two brothers and three
sisters survive her.
SHEFF,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1917
The funeral of William Sheff was held at 2:30 o'clock this
afternoon from the home on Hamilton street to the Oakwood
Cemetery. The services were conducted at the home by Rev. M. W.
Twing.
SHELBY, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 6,
1912
Joke or Suicide? Man Drowns in Lake
Albert
Shelby, aged about 35, a fisherman who had been working as a
thresher hand in Wood River township, was drowned in Smith's
lake yesterday afternoon. It is believed that he only intended
to startle his comrades by making them believe he was trying to
commit suicide, but the scare he sought to give the men in the
boat with him proved a reality. Shelby, with Frank Foy and
Charles Floyd, all of Alton, was crossing Smith's lake in a
flatboat, going from one farm to another to do a job of
threshing. Shelby was sitting in the back of the boat, and had
been drinking. Throwing up both arms he shouted, "Whoopee, here
I go," and with that he tumbled over backward into the lake. The
water was there about 7 feet deep, and it was about 200 feet
from shore. The lake at that point is full of water lilies,
which form a perfect mat. It was about 50 feet away from this
place that the body of Guy Shores, who killed himself after
trying to exterminate the family of Barthel Schmid a year ago,
was found months after he disappeared. Later when Coroner C. N.
Streeper arrived and grabbed for the body with hooks, the cause
of the man staying below was discovered. His body was enmeshed
with lily stalks which formed a perfect trap and held him down.
Otherwise he would have floated to the surface again as he was a
good swimmer. When Shelby disappeared his companions tied a red
handkerchief to some brush to mark the place where search was to
be made. Shelby has a father at Muscatine, Iowa. coroner
Streeper disagreed in opinion with the verdict of his jurymen,
whom he selected near Smith's lake yesterday afternoon to hold
an inquest on the body of Mr. Shelby. The verdict was "death
from drowning with suicidal intent." Mr. Streeper said today
that he hardly thought that the man intended to commit suicide,
but that he thought he merely tried to show off by jumping into
the water, and was afterwards caught in the water lilies and
could not get out. He left the verdict as it was because there
was no positive proof either way since it would be impossible to
know the intent of the man at the time he made the leap into the
water. He will hold the body, which is unclaimed, and said he
would make an investigation this afternoon to locate the man's
relatives, if there were any, who would take charge of the body.
SHELLEY, BARBARA/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1871
Died on June 1, 1871, in Alton, at 4:00 a.m., Mrs. Barbara
Shelley; aged 75 years, 9 months, and 2 days.
SHELLY, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 4, 1875
Son of Frederick Shelly, Esq.
Mr. Frank Shelly, son of
Frederick Shelly, Esq., died at his father’s residence in Alton
on Monday afternoon, after an illness of only three days, aged
nearly eighteen years. Frank was one of the most promising young
men in Alton, and although so young, had already developed rare
business talents. He was an accurate and skillful accountant. At
the time of his death, he had charge of the books in his
father’s office, for which responsible position he was well
qualified by a thorough commercial education.
His
character was unexceptionable. Upright and reliable in every
transaction, his life was guided by the highest principles. His
disposition was retiring, but he was a favorite with all who
knew him. His sudden death, just as he was entering upon a life
of usefulness and honor, is one of those sad dispensations of
Providence that none can understand. The affliction falls with
crushing weight upon the bereaved parents and relatives, by all
of whom he was regarded with the warmest affection.
The
funeral took place on Wednesday morning from his father’s
residence on State Street. It was largely attended. The services
were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Morrison and Field.
SHELLY, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
19, 1899
Former Owner of Shelly Limeworks in Alton
Frederick Shelly died at Hampton, Virginia last evening at the
residence of his granddaughter, Mrs. Byrd McDonaugh, aged 78
years. Mr. Shelly and his wife left St. Louis, Wednesday,
December 6, to make their home with Mrs. McDonaugh in Hampton,
and a brief telegram from Byrd McDonaugh to Mr. George D. Hayden
today announced his death. For many years Mr. Shelly was a
resident of Alton, a prominent business man engaged in lime
burning and dealing in ice. He removed from Alton to Quincy, and
later to St. Louis, where he lived until last week. He was in
very feeble health when he left St. Louis. Beside his wife,
three of his children (two daughters and a son) survive him.
Mrs. George D. Hayden of this city is a sister. The interment
will be in Hampton.
SHELLY, FREDERICKA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9,
1915
Daughter of Frederick Shelly
Miss Fredericka Shelly,
daughter of a former well-known resident of Alton, Frederick
Shelly, died June 6 at Washington, D. C. The funeral will be
held Thursday afternoon at three o’clock from Allen Keiser’s
Chapel, Second and Alby Streets in Alton.
SHELTON, CARRIE S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19,
1920
Manager for Corset Firm and Prominent in Fraternal
Societies
Mrs. Carrie S. Shelton, wife of E. T. Shelton,
died at 1:25 p.m. today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H. C.
Mullins, 500 East Thirteenth street, after a long illness. The
last four days she had lingered very near death. Seven weeks ago
she was taken to Mayfield, Ky., in the hope that a visit there
might benefit her. She had been suffering from a nervous
collapse due to a goitre. The change did not prove beneficial,
and she was brought home three weeks ago in a very bad
condition, unable to sit up, and it was believed then that the
remainder of her life would be a matter of but a few weeks. Mrs.
Shelton was born in Staunton, Ill., and would have been 59 years
of age the 26th of June. About thirty five years ago she came to
Alton with the other members of her family, and she passed the
remainder of her life here. She leaves three children, Edgar,
Miss Carrie Shelton and Mrs. H. S. Mullins. She leaves also two
brothers, Douglas and Hosea S. Sparks, and four sisters, Mrs.
Ida Toole, Mrs. John Strickland, Mrs. E. F. Strickland and Miss
Nettie Sparks. Mrs. Shelton was a woman who had a marked talent
in a business way. She had been connected with a corset firm for
many years, and for a long time had very effectively discharged
the duties of state manager for that company. She traveled much
about the state and devoted all her time and energy to the
business. She had great success in her work and at the time she
was prostrated by illness, she was vested with much authority
and was very highly esteemed by her employers. She had been
prominent in the Royal Neighbors too, for years, serving the
organization in official capacity. Mrs. Shelton was a woman of a
kindly disposition and she was generally loved by those who knew
her. The announcement of her serious illness caused a profound
shock in a large circle of friends. Her death had been expected.
The time of funeral was not decided this afternoon.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1920
The
funeral of Mrs. Carrie Shelton, wife of Edgar T. Shelton, was
held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her daughter,
Mrs. H. C. Mullins, at Thirteenth and Langdon streets. There was
a large attendance of relatives and friends at the funeral
services, which were conducted by Rev. C. Combrink, of the 12th
street Presbyterian church. Among those at the funeral were many
of the Royal Neighbors, in which fraternal society she had been
prominent for a long time. In addition to the active
pallbearers, six women, members of the organization, served as
honorary pallbearers..... [could not the rest of article]
SHELTON, EVERETT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 23,
1904
Everett Shelton, aged 29 years, died this morning at
his home in East Alton after long suffering from consumption. He
leaves a wife and also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Shelton
of East Alton. The body will be shipped tomorrow morning to
Shandole, Marion county, Illinois for burial.
SHELTON, HORACE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26, 1904
Horace, the 7 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. George S.
Shelton, died at the family home last night after a long
illness. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home, 316 East Second street.
SHELTON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 21, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. John Shelton, who
died Tuesday evening at her home in Godfrey township, took place
this afternoon and was attended by a very large number of
neighbors and friends. Ray Alworth of Godfrey conducted the
services, and interment was in Melville cemetery.
SHEPHERD, NELLIE [nee HILDEBRAND]/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 28, 1917
Missionary Was Small Pox Victim in
China
The sad news was received in Alton this morning of
the death of Mrs. Charles R. Shepherd at Canton, China, on
February 15th. As Miss Nellie Hildebrand, she was one of the
best known and most highly esteemed of Alton's young people.
After her graduation from the High School, she taught for a
number of years in the public schools in Iowa and in Alton.
After taking a course at the Moody Bible Institute, she was
married to Rev. Charles R. Shepherd, also a graduate of the same
school, October 9th, 1907. After spending several years in the
south engaged in church work and in study at the Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary, Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd went as
missionaries to Canton, China, in the fall of 1913, where they
have been very happy and eminently successful in their work.
Possessed of a bright, happy disposition, an attractive
personality, an exceptionally unselfish and deeply religious
spirit, she won the undying affection of her pupils and
especially of her co-workers in the First Baptist Church of
Alton, of which she was a member from childhood. Her death was
caused by smallpox, notwithstanding the fact that she had twice
been vaccinated. Ten thousand cases were reported in the city of
Canton at the time of her death. Mrs. Shepherd is survived by
her husband, her daughter, Dorothy, aged 8, her brother, George
Hildebrand, and her sister, Mrs. Lydia Cronin of Assumption,
Ill.
SHEPPARD, MARGARET/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1851
Died at the residence of Rev. L. F. Sheppard in Alhambra, Mrs.
Magaret Sheppard, in the 82d year of her age.
SHERFY, HAROLD ROBINSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 1, 1921
Harold Robinson, the two months old son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Sherfy, died this afternoon at 1:30 at the
family home at 2508 East Broadway, the infant having suffered
from stomach trouble since his birth. He is survived by his
parents, and two sisters, Sarah Jane and Irene Eva. The funeral
will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home.
SHERFEY, ISAAC/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1907
(Fosterburg News)
The death of Isaac Sherfey, which
occurred on the 6th, removed from our midst one of our most
prominent citizens. Mr. Sherfey was 71 years of age. On April
17, 1868 he was united in matrimony to Miss Louisa Isch, who
survives him. Two daughters, Mrs. Ida Kreig and Mrs. Mollie
Medden, one brother, Abraham Sherfey of Bunker Hill; two
sisters, Mrs. Hitchak and Mrs. Pollie Jinkenson of Bethalto,
mourn his departure. Funeral services took place at the Mt.
Olive church on Sunday, conducted by Rev. S. D. McKinney. As an
evidence of respect, the attendance was quite large. Floral
offerings were numerous and beautiful. The Grand Army post of
which he was a member had charge of the services at the grave,
assisted by the band. Interment took place at the Short
cemetery. The family in their bereavement have the sympathy of
their many friends.
SHERFEY, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1920
The funeral of Mrs. Minnie Sherfey will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Herman Kohle, on Main street. Theodore Cates, pastor of the
Wesley Methodist Church, will have charge of the services.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
SHERIDAN, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1916
Frank Sheridan, aged about 40, was found dead in bed in his
room this morning at the Stoneware Pipe works hotel by John De
Silvey, proprietor of the hotel. Sheridan's death is supposed to
be from heart disease probably induced by the excessive heat.
Sheridan was in an unusually happy frame of mind yesterday. He
was in town in the evening and spent the evening joking with
friends as usual, and no one had any idea that he was ill. He
did not complain to anyone. He retired as usual. When it came
time for him to get up his door was still locked. After DeSilvey
tried it several times, he broke the door down and found
Sheridan lying across the bed dead. He had been dead for many
hours and probably died shortly after entering his room. He was
fully dressed when found. Coroner's Undertaker John Berner went
down and brought the body to Alton. Sheridan worked a year for
Mr. DeSilvey doing choring and teaming. For five years before he
worked on the Frank Smith farm near East Alton. He is said to
have a wife living in Calhoun county from whom he is parted.
SHERMAN, MAGGIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
14, 1907
Mrs. Maggie Sherman, aged 66, died this morning
at 11 o'clock from paralysis. She was stricken Friday evening in
her home about 5 o'clock and did not regain consciousness. The
funeral arrangements have not been made. Mrs. Sherman lived at
Washington and Bozza streets over Tomlinson's blacksmith shop.
SHERRY, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1902
The body of John Sherry, mention of whose death was made in
Tuesday's Telegraph, arrived from St. Louis Wednesday morning
and was taken to the Cathedral where a requiem mass was
celebrated by Father Cusack. Interment was in Greenwood and the
funeral was attended by many of the old time friends of the
deceased. The pallbearers were Dr. Fred Glassbrenner, Patrick
Burns, Mathew Hoffmeier, and Henry Kranz. Mr. Sherry was about
73 years of age, over fifty of which were spent in North Alton.
For several years he was a member of the village board and was
always active in working for the best interests of the people.
His wife died a few years ago since which time he has been
making his home in St. Louis with his daughter, Miss Maggie. He
was a good, honest neighborly man whose death is regretted by
North Altonians generally. Besides his daughter, he leaves a
son, James, whose whereabouts are not known.
SHERRY,
JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24, 1900
Mrs. Julia Sherry, one of the oldest residents of this vicinity,
died at her home in North Alton Sunday, aged 85. The infirmities
of old age caused her death. She is survived by her aged
husband, John Sherry. The funeral took place this morning from
the Cathedral to Greenwood cemetery.
SHERWOOD,
EDWIN M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 18, 1903
Edwin M. Sherwood, for many years a well known transfer man and
one of the most highly respected residents of Alton, died Sunday
morning at his home, 210 East Sixth street, after an illness
dating back more than eight years. Since the beginning of his
illness he was unable to attend to his usual duties, and he gave
up the transfer business to his son, W. F. Sherwood. Mr.
Sherwood was taken ill with whooping cough when he was 62 years
of age, and from that time his health was seriously impaired. He
did not regain his strength and many times during the period of
his illness his death was expected, but he would revive and be
able to be around his home again. Heart failure brought on by
kidney trouble was the direct cause of his death Sunday. He had
been feeling unwell for a few days before, but Sunday morning
was stronger than he had been. Without any further warning he
was stricken by death shortly after eating a hearty breakfast.
After many months of suffering he slipped away peacefully and
found relief, which he had been unable to find in many years.
Mr. Sherwood was an industrious, upright man and had many
friends. He was known as being strictly honest in everything he
did and was highly esteemed as a good citizen. He leaves his
wife and a family of nine children: Mrs. H. N. Smalley of
Concord, Michigan; Elward Sherwood of Kansas City; Lynn of El
Paso, Texas; Miss Helen of Independence, Iowa; Misses Louisa and
Eunice, William and Thomas Sherwood and Mrs. George H. Paul, of
Alton. Mr. Sherwood was born in Lockport, N. Y., and was 71
years of age. He had lived in Alton 47 years. The hour of the
funeral has not been set, but it may be held Wednesday, if his
children arrive in time.
SHERWOOD, ELSIE S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23,
1914
The funeral of Mrs. Elsie S. Sherwood will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home at Sixth and
Easton streets. Services will be conducted by Rev. W. T. Cline
of the First Methodist church, and Rev. G. L. Clark of the
Twelfth street Presbyterian church. The funeral will be private.
Mrs. Sherwood had been a member of the Presbyterian church on
Twelfth street since girlhood. She was born in Bellaire, Ohio in
1844, and came to Alton with her parents when she was seven
years of age. She lived here ever since. Her son, Edward
Sherwood of Kansas City, arrived this morning with another son,
Thomas A. Sherwood of Memphis, Tenn. Mrs. George H. Paul of San
Antonio, Tex. will be unable to come, and it is not expected
that Mrs. H. Smalley of Concord, Mich., another member of the
family, will be able to make the trip.
SHERWOOD, EMMA C./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 20, 1844
Died, on the 12th instant, at Upper Alton, Illinois, Emma C.,
youngest daughter of President Sherwood, aged 2 years, 6 months
and 11 days.
SHERWOOD, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 4, 1902
Frank Sherwood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed
Sherwood, died last evening at 8 o'clock at the home of the
family, Sixth and Easton streets, after a long illness. He was
20 years of age and had lived in Alton nearly all his life. A
few weeks ago he was taken ill and went to St. Joseph's
hospital. When it became apparent that he could not recover, he
was moved to his father's home one week ago, and his condition
has been very bad since then. He was well known in Alton. Many
years ago he was permanently injured by falling from the face of
the bluffs a distance of nearly 40 feet, and he was slightly
lame during the remainder of his life from the effects of the
fall. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and
services will be conducted at the family home.
SHERWOOD, HARRIET A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
20, 1906
Mrs. Harriet A. Sherwood, widow of William K.
Sherwood, died this afternoon at 2:45 o'clock at her home in
Upper Alton after an illness of more than two years duration.
Her death was due to a general breaking down of her health. she
was in her 66th year. Mrs. Sherwood lived in St. Louis for
thirty years prior to the death of her husband, after which she
moved to Upper Alton to make her home. She leaves one daughter,
Mrs. Clara Stevens, who is now in Paris, France, and two sons,
Charles and Abbot W. Sherwood, both of Upper Alton. She leaves
also one brother, Nathaniel Wilson of Washington, D. C., and his
arrival is being awaited before the funeral hour is fixed. The
funeral will probably be held Thursday, and burial will be in
St. Louis.
SHERWOOD, HORACE W./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 22, 1864
Died, July 20, 1864, Horace W. Sherwood, son of Edwin Sherwood
of Alton, aged 7 ½ months.
SHERWOOD, LUCY/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 22, 1864
Died in Alton on the 14th instant, Mrs. Lucy Sherwood, of
consumption, in the 28th year of her age.
SHERWOOD, LYNN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 10, 1904
The funeral of Lynn Sherwood was held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, Sixth and
Easton streets, and services were conducted in private by Rev.
Dr. D. E. Bushnell of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. There
was a large attendance at the cemetery, but at the home only the
members of the family and a few very intimate friends attended.
The pallbearers were Will Neerman, Will Miller, Samuel Wade,
Louis Berner, John Whalen and John J. Bray. The honorary
pallbearers representing the Order of Railway Conductors of
Bluff City council, No. 481, were William Atchison, A. C. Swain,
Ed Motherway, William Fleming, J. Searles, A. Bennett. The body
arrived from El Paso, Texas Sunday morning, accompanied by a
friend of the deceased, L. L. Lyon of El Paso.
SHERWOOD, MARY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4,
1913
Miss Mary A. Sherwood, aged 25, daughter of Mrs.
Elsie S. Sherwood, died Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock at the home
of her mother, 201 East Sixth street. She had been ill for more
than a year. Miss Sherwood had been a patient sufferer during
her long illness. Since she went south in the hope of benefiting
her health, but she desired to be at home with her family and
came back. During her long illness she was given the most
devoted attention by her mother, and by her sister, Miss Helen
Sherwood, who gave up all her other work of nursing and devoted
her full time to looking after the invalid in her own home. The
death of Miss Sherwood, while expected by her most intimate
friends, is nevertheless a sad shock. She possessed a sweet
disposition and made many friends. She was long a commuter
making daily trips to St. Louis, where she worked as a
stenographer until ill health forced her to give up her work.
Miss Sherwood leaves her mother, five sisters, and three
brothers: Mrs. H. N. Smalley of Concord, Mich.; Mrs. George Paul
of Beaumont, Tex.; Mrs. Edgar Hoefert and Mrs. C. L. Head of St.
Louis; Miss Helen Sherwood of Alton; and Messrs. Edward Sherwood
of Kansas City, Mo.; W. F. Sherwood and Thomas A. Sherwood of
Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the home and will be private.
SHEWMAKE, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1916
George Shewmake, aged about 55, was fatally injured this
afternoon when he was struck by the bridge engine on the
Missouri side of the river. Shortly after the accident word was
sent to Alton and the police were notified of the accident. The
city ambulance was waiting at the foot of Henry street for him,
and he was taken at once to the St. Joseph's Hospital. It is
believed that his skull was fractured and his arm broken as the
result of the accident. Those who saw him shortly after the
accident held out little hope for his recovery. Shewmake died
shortly after being taken to the hospital this afternoon.
SHEWMAKE, ROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26,
1919
Two Year Old Fatally Burned
Roy Shewmake, son of Mr.
and Mrs. George Shewmake, was fatally burned Wednesday afternoon
at the home of his aunt, Mrs. Ben Coffler, who was also
seriously burned while trying to extinguish the flames which
were burning the child's clothes from his body. Mrs. Coffler had
gone to a neighbor's for a short time and returned to find that
during her absence the 2 year old nephew had been playing with
fire and had ignited his clothing. When she entered the house
she found the child's garments all ablaze. She seized other
garments and wrapped them about the boy, finally succeeding in
putting the fire out, but in so doing her own left hand was
badly burned. The little boy sustained burns on his body and
face and two surgeons called pronounced the burns of a very
serious character, and there appeared to be no chance of his
recovery. He died Thursday afternoon. The aunt of the boy had
gone out to complete preparations for bringing the youngster
downtown to see Santa Claus. When she returned to the house she
saw the youngster standing at a window, in flames. She tried to
save him and in doing so sustained burns to her hand. The
funeral of the boy will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow from the Coffler
home, where services will be conducted by the Rev. M. W. Twing,
pastor of the First Baptist church. Interment will be in Oakwood
cemetery. The pall bearers, uncles of the youngster, will be Ben
Coffler, and Harvey, Fred and Oscar Shewmake.
SHEWMAKER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1902
Upper Alton News - John Shewmaker, the 18 year old son of
Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Shewmaker, died at 1:30 this afternoon
at the home of the family on Jersey street. The boy had been ill
for about four weeks with dropsy and Bright's disease, and the
last week he suffered great pain, and death was expected at any
moment. The death of the boy is a severe blow to the family and
they have the sympathy of the entire community. Besides his
parents, he leaves three brothers and three sisters.
Arrangements for the funeral have not been made but will
probably be Sunday afternoon from the home.
SHIELDS, CATHARINE F./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1842
Died, in this city [Alton], on last Sunday, Catharine F.,
daughter of Walter and Ann Shields, aged 13 months and 17 days.
SHIELDS, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 14,
1906
Death of an Old Soldier
John Shields, an old soldier
who formerly lived in Alton and on the Coal Branch neighborhood
of Godfrey Township, died this afternoon at St. Joseph's
Hospital after a short illness. He has spent most of his time in
recent years at the Soldiers' Home in Quincy, and came from
there several weeks to visit friends. Funeral arrangements have
not been made.
SHIELDS, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1920
Mrs. Minnie Shields, died Sunday morning just before 10
o'clock at her home, Central and Grove streets, after an illness
of one week with an acute attack of diabetes. She was the widow
of Joseph Shields. She leaves one child, Jean. The funeral will
be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Twelfth Street
Presbyterian church.
SHIELDS, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1846
Died in Alton on the 19th ult., after a short but painful
illness, Mr. Walter Shields, in the 45th year of his age. He was
a native of Fin, Scotland, but for the last 12 years a resident
of this place. The skillful aid of physicians and the untiring
attention of an affectionate wife and friends proved
ineffectual. In this dispensation, his family are deprived of a
kind, indulgent husband and father, and the community of an
honest, industrious, and upright citizen.
SHIELDS, WILLIAM WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 19,
1851
Died in Alton on the 12th inst., William Walter Shields,
aged 13 years and 3 months.
SHIPLEY, RICHARD A./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23, 1839
Died - At the residence of Charles Howard, Esq., Mayor of
this city [Alton], on Sunday the 29th inst., after a long and
painful illness, Mr. Richard A. Shipley, in the 68th year of his
age; leaving many friends and relatives to deplore his loss. He
died as he had lived, in the faith of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ.
SHIVES, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 23, 1866
Murdered by Two Ruffians
We regret to state that a most
wanton and unprovoked murder was committed in this city last
night [February 16, 1866]. The facts in the case, so far as we
have been able to get them, are as follows:
A Mrs.
Shives, of good reputation, residing in Jesse Walton’s house,
which had been a short time since occupied by some disreputable
characters, was called upon by two ruffians last night, who
wished to enter her premises without permission, when she struck
one of them with a broomstick or some such weapon. They then
retired. But in a short time, began again to make threats and to
endeavor to enter the house, when Mrs. Shives fired a pistol to
frighten them off, but instead of leaving, they waited their
opportunity, and as soon as she made her appearance at the door,
one of them threw a stone, which struck her on the head,
crushing the skull and producing almost instant death. The
murderers then made their escape, and up to this time, 2
o’clock, no trace of them had been discovered. While there are
many speculations as to who the authors of the foul deed are,
there is no evidence fixing it definitely on any known parties.
A coroner’s inquest was held over the corpse this morning,
when the jury returned the following verdict:
“We, the
jury summoned by P. F. Regan, Coroner of Madison County, to hold
an inquest over the dead body of Mary Shives, do find, from all
the evidence we can find, that she came to her death from a
stroke of a rock, thrown at her by some person unknown to the
jury.” Signed by W. H. Mitchell, Foreman.
The unfortunate
woman, we understand, leaves several helpless children to mourn
her tragic end. This is one of the most cowardly and disgraceful
scenes which was ever enacted in this city, and it is to be
hoped no means will be left unemployed by the proper authorities
to get the guilty parties arrested and punished to the very
extremity of the law.
Source: Alton Telegraph, February
23, 1866
Two men, suspected of killing Mrs. Shives on the
night of the 16th instant, were arrested this morning by Marshal
Steiner. Their names are Clement Turner and John Phillips, and
they reside in Missouri, opposite this city. An examination of
the facts is now being held at the city hall before an array of
witnesses are in attendance, and we shall have to defer further
particulars until tomorrow.
SHOELLMEIER, INFANT CHILD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, Monday, March 6, 1899
The infant child of Mr.
and Mrs. Frank Shoellmeier, who live at 515 East Tenth street,
died at 8 o'clock Monday morning at the family home, after a
short illness with bronchitis. The funeral will take place
Tuesday afternoon and services will be in St. Mary's church.
SHOEMAKE, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 7, 1906
David Shoemake, aged 60, died this morning at 2 o'clock from
dropsy and malaria, after a long illness, at his home, Fifth and
Belle streets. The body will be taken to West Alton, Mo., for
burial tomorrow noon.
SHOEMAKE, HERBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23, 1907
Herbert, the 9 months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert
Shoemake, died from spinal meningitis last night at the family
home on Jefferson street.
SHOEMAKER, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 1, 1912
Walter Schoemaker, aged 30, a former glassblower, was
drowned in the river this afternoon by falling from the fleet of
the Mississippi Sand Co., where he ahs been working. The body
was recovered at 3:20 p.m., about a half hour after the drowning
occurred. Shoemaker, who was about 30, had recently returned
from California. He was engaged this afternoon in handling a
rope on the bow end of a barge, when the rope missed an upright
and slipped into the water, causing Shoemaker to lose his
balance. He was carried under the barge. Nets were used to
recover the body. The young man was a son of Francis Shoemaker,
an old soldier. Beside his parents he leaves three brothers and
three sisters.
SHOOLER, ELIZABETH H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
11, 1904
The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth H. Shooler, widow
of Richard Shooler, was held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from
SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Services were conducted by Rev.
Fr. E. L. Spalding, who celebrated a Requiem High Mass. Burial
was in City Cemetery, where Father Spalding, assisted by Father
Parrent and a number of alcolytes, performed the burial services
of the Catholic church. The body was accompanied from St. Louis
by a funeral party consisting of the relatives of Mrs. Shooler.
SHORT, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4, 1911
Mrs. Annie Short, aged 72, died yesterday noon at her home
in Bethalto. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at seven
o'clock from the Bethalto church to the Short Cemetery.
SHORT, MARY (nee GREGORY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, February
28, 1873
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Short, wife of Green W.
Short, took place yesterday at four p.m. Mrs. Short was 78 years
old on December 25 last. She and old Father Short (who is now 82
years old) had been married 53 years today.
NOTES:
Mary Short was the daughter of Smith and Martha (Vaughn)
Gregory. She was born in 1794, and was the wife of Green W.
Short (1793-1873). They had three children – Perry Washington
Short (1826-1893); Melissa Ann Short Deck (1828-1844); and
Doctor Short (1838-1851). Burial was in the Short Cemetery,
Cottage Hills, Madison County, Illinois.]
SHUBERT, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
21, 1918
Moro's oldest and richest woman died this morning. She was
Mrs. Catherine Shubert. She would have observed her 98th
birthday anniversary on December 24. Mrs. Shubert was the widow
of the late George Shubert, whose death occurred ten years ago.
Shubert was a self-made man, and by industry had accumulated a
considerable fortune. He willed his fortune to his wife for her
use during her lifetime, and at her death to become the
inheritance of their only daughter, Barbara Shubert. For many
years Mrs. Shubert has been reputed to be the wealthiest woman
in Moro township, and one of its largest individual tax payers.
Her fortune, aside from the family homestead in Moro, is said to
consist entirely of personal property. Mrs. Shubert has been an
invalid the latter part of her life. Six years ago she was in a
brick building at Moro, which suddenly collapsed. The roof
parted and came down over Mrs. Shubert. It was said to be the
protection of a portion of the roof that saved her from instant
death. As it was, she sustained injuries which left her an
invalid. During all the years of her invalidism, Mrs. Shubert
has been tenderly cared for by her daughter, Barbara. Barbara is
blind and 70 years of age, but notwithstanding her physical
infirmities, the daughter has attended to the ordinary household
duties, and looked after the wants of her aged mother with great
fidelity and tenderness. The funeral services for Mrs. Shubert
had not been arranged this afternoon, but it was said they will
likely be held Saturday.
SHULTZ, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 4, 1914
Stranger Commits Suicide at Bray Rooming House
A
stranger, thought to be Albert Shultz of Litchfield, was found
dead in bed at the Bray rooming house, 810 East Second street,
at noon today by William A. Bray, who was cleaning the rooms.
The stranger had evidently taken carbolic acid last evening as
he had been dead a number of hours before he was found. Mr. Bray
said that the man came to his boarding house last Saturday and
asked to be given a room with board. He said he was employed at
the Luer Packing Co., and paid for the room and board in
advance. He was well dressed and brought three large suitcases
with him. Bray says that the man was one of the most quiet he
ever met, telling nothing about himself, and not even giving his
name. During the time he remained in Alton he was inclined to
drink more than was good for him. Yesterday Bray told the
stranger that if he kept drinking he would have to leave the
rooms. Shortly after that the stranger met Miss Tina Miller who
works at the Bray restaurant and said to her, "You know I've
gotten so I like you people, and I think I'll live and die with
you." He made good on his promise. At eight-thirty this morning
Bray went to the rooms and saw Shultz in bed, but he thought
Shultz was probably asleep. When he returned three hours later
and found the man in the same position, he tried to arouse him
but found the body stiff and cold. A number of neighbors were
called in and the coroner was called. The man was in his night
clothes and it is thought that he took the carbolic acid from a
tin cup on the dresser and then retired to his bed. A bottle
bearing carbolic acid label and the name of the S. H. Wyss Drug
Co. was found, but at the drug store none of the clerks
remembered making a sale to such a man within the past few days,
so that it is probable he had the acid a number of days. The man
was apparently forty years of age.
SHUMMELL, M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 3, 1904
Mrs. M. Shummell, aged 69 years, died this morning after
three days illness with congestion of the lungs, at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. William Feldwisch. She leaves three daughers,
Mrs. Feldwisch of Alton, Mrs. C. A. Maxeiner of Shipman, and
Mrs. C. A. Vaughn of Sapulpa, I. Territory. The funeral will be
held Friday morning at 7:30 o'clock from the home of William
Feldwisch to the 8:30 C. and A. train, by which the body will be
conveyed to Brighton and taken from the depot there to German
Evangelical church, where services will be held.
SICKELMEIER, SUSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1916
A very sad case is that of the death of Mrs. Susie
Sickelmeier of 507 Market street, who died at 9 o'clock last
evening after an illness of but a few days with pneumonia.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Sickelmeier leaves two small children.
The wife and mother was but twenty-nine years of age and was a
very devoted mother to her children. The body will be shipped to
Carlinville tomorrow morning and the funeral will be held at
Carlinville.
SHIDLER, CORA ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 23,
1866
Died January 21, A. D., 1866, of disease of the heart,
at the residence of her parents, Wanda, Madison County,
Illinois, Cora Ellen, oldest daughter of Jonathan and Harriet H.
Shidler, in the 11th year of her age.
SIDWAY,
EMELINE (nee DOUGLAS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1871
Wife of George D. Sidway
We regret to announce the death of
this estimable lady, the wife of Mr. George D. Sidway, which
took place in Alton on the morning of November 30, after a brief
but severe illness. She was a native of Wallingford, Vermont,
but removed with her parents [Gilbert Denison and Elizabeth
Hamilton Douglas] to the State of New York at an early age, and
was married to her present bereaved husband on February 17,
1831, and removed with him to Otter Creek in Jersey County in
the same year. On September 12, 1847, the family removed to
Alton. In 1852, she connected herself with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of which she has ever since been an
intelligent, useful, and consistent member.
We knew but
little of her until after she settled in Alton, but it is no
exaggeration to say that since that time, there has been no lady
in our city who has been so generally esteemed, or who has been
more useful and influential in society than the subject of this
notice. But she will be more particularly missed in the church
of which she was one of the most wise, active, and prominent
members, “laboring instant in season and out of season,” for its
growth and prosperity. In the Sabbath School, prayer and class
meetings, she was always present to encourage, counsel, and bear
her portion of the labors. As a wife and mother, she was
faithful, devoted, and kind, and in all the relations of life,
was excelled by none and had but few equals. She has left a
devoted and deeply afflicted husband, three children, and a
number of relatives and a multitude of loving friends to deplore
her death.
The funeral took place on the afternoon of
December 1, from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was very
largely attended, not only by the relatives and the members of
that particular congregation, but by the citizens generally. The
services were conducted by the Rev. J. W. Lane, Presiding Elder
of the Alton District, assisted by the Rev. C. Nash, Pastor of
the Methodist Church of Edwardsville. The exercises were brief,
but solemn and impressive. In fact, the daily life of the
deceased had effectively pronounced her highest and most lasting
eulogy during the last quarter of a century in Alton. The corpse
was attended to the cemetery by a very large concourse of
citizens. Messrs. H. C. Sweetser, John Chaney, James M. Morgan,
Joab L. Watkins, W. F. Ensinger, and A. G. Woolford acted as
pallbearers.
NOTES:
George and Emeline Sidway had
three children – George D. Sidway (?-1854); Leverett Barker
Sidway (1832-1914); and Emeline Sidway Clement (1849-1928).
Emeline is buried in the Alton City Cemetery. George Sidway
remarried to Eliza J. Guerney, who died in 1877. George Sidway
died in 1891 at the age of 87 or 88.
SIDWAY, LOUISE MILNOR/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 3, 1922
Mrs. Louise Milnor Sidway, wife
of Henry T. Sidway of Godfrey, died yesterday afternoon at the
family home after an illness of ten days. Her death was due to
heart trouble. Members of her family knew that she was in a
serious condition, and her two daughters, Mrs. Will. Curtis of
Tampa, Fla., and Mrs. Frank Houghton of Springfield were
summoned to attend her. Mrs. Curtis was on her way here when her
mother died, but the other daughter was present. Mrs. Sidway
spent most of her life in Chicago, and was married there to Mr.
Sidway. They came to Godfrey where Mr. Sidway took up the
management of the fine farm which he owns there, and ever since
her coming from Chicago Mrs. Sidway has been one of the best
known of Godfrey residents. She was known for her gracious
hospitality and her many fine qualities of mind and character
and her death was the cause of great sorrow in the community
where she had lived. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home. Interment will be in the Godfrey
cemetery. Rev. F. D. Butler of the St. Paul Episcopal church
will officiate.
SIEBEN, JAMES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 30,
1908
Man Who Painted Beautiful Business Signs Dies
James
H. Sieben, known as the man who painted beautiful and artistic
business signs for Alton business houses, died Thursday
afternoon at 5 o'clock at his home, 801 east Second street, from
paralysis. He never rallied after the first prostration, which
occurred Monday evening while he was playing with his children
in his home. The stroke of paralysis came just about the time of
day that his death occurred. Mr. Sieben was a first class sign
painter and an artist of considerable ability. Many of the
prettiest and most artistic signs displayed by Alton business
houses were made by him, and he was kept busy filling the
demands made on him for his services. He had been in ill health
for some time and had frequently told his friends that he was a
broken down man, although only 43 years of age. He had been
working hard and it was perhaps too close attention to his work
that caused his trouble. He was devoted to his family and he
also had many very good friends. In business circles he was
highly esteemed. Mr. Sieben leaves his wife and three children.
SIEBEN, JAMES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 2, 1908
The funeral of James H. Sieben was held
Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home on Second street to
St. Mary's church. The funeral services were conducted by Rev.
Fr. Joseph Meckel at the church and at the grave. The funeral
was attended by a large number of men who marched in a column
from the church to St. Joseph's cemetery. In the column were the
White Hussars band, the German Benevolent society, the Owls,
Western Catholic Union and the Painters Union. It was the third
funeral on as many successive Sundays attended by the German
Benevolent society.
SIEBEN, UNKNOWN INFANT SON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
1, 1907
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Sieben on
Sunday morning at 2:25 o'clock. The child died last night from
convulsions.
SIEBN, HARRY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
Monday, March 6, 1899
The little son of Mr. and Mrs.
William H. Siebn, Harry A., aged two months, died Sunday
afternoon after a short illness with bronchitis. The funeral
will be Tuesday afternoon from the family home at Second and
Spring streets, and services will be held at St. Mary's church,
at 2:30 o'clock.
SIEGEL, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1901
Harry, the 10 year old son of George Siegel, died this noon
after an illness with dropsy of the heart at the family home on
East Third street. The father is in Denver and the hour of the
funeral is not fixed.
SIEGEL, MIKE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1918
Mike Siegel,
aged 67, died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 4 o'clock Thursday
afternoon. He had been there a week, having been taken to the
hospital when an illness with diabetes assumed an acute stage.
Siegel was well known about town. He had worked for the city
many years and was always an efficient worker, though he did
work in a humble capacity. Mike was a philosopher and the bits
of wisdom that fell from his lips as he would sit during his
spare time talking to friends were quite interesting, always.
Mike was always in good spirits, and though he was 67, his
society was not scorned by the younger men. He leaves a brother,
David Siegel, the merchant tailor on Belle street. The funeral
will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, and burial will be
in Godfrey cemetery. The funeral of Seigel will be held Saturday
morning at 10 o'clock from the Siegel home at 209 West Seventh
street.
SIEGEL, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 30, 1907
The two years old daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. E. Siegel died last night at the home, 1124 Pearl
street, from intermittent fever. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock and burial will be in City
Cemetery.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
31, 1907
The funeral of the three years old son of Mr.
and Mrs. E. Siegel was held this afternoon from the home in
Pearl street. Many neighbors and friends of the family attended
the funeral, and burial which was in City cemetery. [Note: I
believe this child is the same as above, but I do not know
whether it was a son or daughter.]
SIEGRIST, MILTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20,
1900
Milton Siegrist, the two year old child of Mr. and
Mrs. Lawrence Siegrist, died Friday morning at the family home
at Godfrey. The funeral will be Sunday at 2 p.m. from the family
home.
SIGLOCH, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27,
1901
Mrs. Mary Sigloch, wife of Lawrence Sigloch, died
yesterday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital after an illness
with paralysis. She was taken from her home on Madison street a
few days ago in the ambulance, and was placed in the hospital.
She was then helplessly paralyzed and in a dying condition. She
was 65 years of age and was an old resident of Alton. The
funeral will take place Thursday morning at 9 o'clock and
services will be in the Cathedral.
SIGLOCK, LAURENCE J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12,
1917
Lawrence J. Siglock, aged 48, died at his home on
Hayden avenue on Saturday evening after an illness of three
months. Mr. Siglock up until the time of his illness had been
employed as a foreman at the Western Cartridge Co. He was born
in Alton and lived here all his life. Mr. Siglock is survived by
his wife, Anna E., and eight children, all of whom live in
Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock
from the Cathedral to the Greenwood Cemetery.
SIGLOCK, M. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1907
M. J. Siglock, aged 60 years, died this morning at 7 o'clock
at St. Joseph's hospital, where he was taken a few days ago to
be treated for kidney troubles. The body was removed to the home
of his son, Lawrence J. Siglock, 205 Madison street, and the
funeral will be held from there tomorrow afternoon. Burial will
be in Greenwood cemetery. The son is the only survivor of the
family.
SIMMENS, PETER/Source: Troy Call, January 18, 1918
Death had a sudden and tragic summons for Peter Simmens in
the cold still hours of last Saturday morning when, while doing
duty for the Pennsylvania railroad, he was struck by a train and
killed a short distance east of the St. Jacob depot. No one
witnessed the accident, and it first became known about six
o'clock when the dead and frozen body was found near the mill
switch by the crew of a freight train. The skull was fractured
and there were numerous other cuts and bruises about the body.
Simmens was employed as a section hand and with William Weidner
was detailed Friday night to keep the switches free from snow. A
fierce blizzard was raging and the night was one of the worst
ever experienced by section men. Simmens was stationed at the
west end of the switch and Weidner at the east end. The accident
is known to have occurred after midnight, but it is not known
definitely what train struck Simmens. Two trains went east, one
at 2:25 and the other at 2:38, and it was one of these which
struck him but the engine crew did not know it at the time.
Following the finding of the body it was taken to the W. P. Baer
undertaking establishment and later removed to the home. Coroner
Lowe was notified and sent Deputy Coroner H. C. Kueker of Troy
to hold the inquest. The inquest was not completed Sunday on
account of being unable to get the testimony of the engine crew,
but was finished Monday. The verdict of the jury was that
Simmens came to his death by being struck by a train under
circumstances unknown. Funeral services were held Monday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the home of FMrs. Regina Meyer and
were conducted by Rev. C. A. Hildebrand, pastor of the German
Evangelical church, after which interment was made in Keystone
cemetery. The pallbearers were: Oscar Witschie, John Wyatt,
William Widner, Harry Sapp, Dan Liebler Jr., and Ed Pflugbeil.
Deceased was a son of Mrs. Regina Meyer and was born in St.
Jacob on February 20, 1876, being at the time of his death 41
years, 10 months and 23 days of age. He was never married and
had worked as a section hand at St. Jacob for a number of years.
Besides his mother, he is survived by one half-brother and two
half-sisters who are Ollie Meyer of St. Louis and Mrs. Fred Goss
and Miss Emma Meyer of St. Jacob. Mrs. Emil Blumer of St. Jacob
is an aunt and John Simmens of St. Louis an uncle.
SIMMONS, LEVI/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1900
The funeral of Levi Simmons, aged 56, who died Monday, took
place from his late home at 518 East Second street this morning.
Interment was at Milton Cemetery.
[Simms ... see also Sims]
SIMMS, DAVID/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871
On
March 5, 1870, Mr. David Simms, an old resident, died.
SIMMS, DAVID JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 10, 1868
Died in Alton this morning, at 7 o’clock, David Simms Jr., aged
about two years.
SIMMS, EDWARD/Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1908
Edward Simms of
Upper Alton died last night from old age at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. Edward Kennedy, near Bethalto. He was taken ill
several weeks ago, and was moved to his daughter's home, where
he soon after suffered a severe paralytic stroke, resulting last
night in his death. Edward Simms was one of the old residents of
Upper Alton, and well known and highly respected in the village.
He was 83 years of age, and was up to a year ago active
physically, following the occupation of market gardening on the
village. The daughter and five sons survive, Mrs. Edward Kennedy
of Bethalto, Mrs. Herman Knapp, and Messrs. Theodore, Gustave,
and Humbert Simms of Upper Alton, and William and George Simms
who reside in the west. Mr. Sims had a stroke of paralysis a few
years ago while at his home in Upper Alton, and he never
recovered entirely from it. He had been making his home the last
few years with his children, staying with one awhile and then
another. Recently he went out to the farm of his daughter and
had been making his home there when he was seized with a stroke
of apoplexy, which resulted in his death Monday evening. Edward
Sims was one of the oldest and best known gardeners in Madison
county. He was born in England but came to Alton when a boy and
has lived here ever since. He belonged to the Alton
Horticultural society ever since that organization was formed,
and always attended the meetings no matter where they were held.
He was well known as a gardener and horticulturist. Will and
George Simms went west some time ago, and they have not been
located so as to inform them of their father's death. The
funeral will be held Thursday morning from the Kennedy home, and
burial will be in Upper Alton. Mr. Simms was a member of the
Baptist church a long number of years.
SIMMS, J. MORGAN (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 17, 1917
Former Coroner Takes His Own Life at Alton
State Hospital
Shortly before 7 o'clock last evening, Dr. J.
Morgan Simms, aged 49, formerly coroner of Madison County, ended
his life at the Alton State Hospital by jumping from the top of
the sun parlor. He died four hours later as the result of the
injuries he received in his dive from the building to the
ground. Dr. Simms was not responsible for his action, as his
condition has been such for the past few months that he was
unaccountable for his deeds. From the time he was defeated in
the race for coroner of Madison county, he became despondent and
his mind failed him. This condition became so bad that he was
adjudged insane in Edwardsville and ordered sent to the Alton
State Hospital for treatment there. When he was brought to the
Alton State Hospital, his condition was so serious that it was
believed he could live but a short time. He knew no one and
could not even talk. His condition was so serious that a special
nurse had been assigned to look after him. While caring for him
her duties called her out of the room, and while she was gone he
jumped from his bed and rushed down the hall. Breaking through a
screen, he went out on the roof over the sun parlor where he
either fell or jumped to the ground, a distance of twelve or
fourteen feet. In the meantime, the nurse had returned to the
room and discovered him missing and started a search. She
arrived on the top of the sun parlor just in time to see him go
off. The doctors say that the injuries he received in the fall
would not have killed a normal man, but on account of his
weakened condition they caused his death. Dr. Simms lived in
Collinsville for a number of years and was well known there. He
was a candidate for the office of coroner at the time of the
Bull Moose defection, and went into office with the Democratic
wave. When the Bull Moose returned to the Republican fold last
November, he, as was the case with a number of other Democrats,
was defeated. He is survived by a wife and two daughters, who
live in Collinsville. The body will be shipped there for burial.
The inquest was held this morning.
SIMON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17, 1911
Charles Simon, aged 63, died Sunday noon at his home, 804
Washington avenue, after an illness from cancer of the liver.
Mr. Simon had been a resident of Alton 31 years. He followed the
trade of glassblowing until twelve years ago when he retired. He
leaves besides his wife, five children: Charles Jr., John and
Harry Simon; and Mrs. George Bennes and Mrs. Harry Halton. He
was 63 years old last Thursday. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon, and burial will be in St. Joseph's
cemetery.
SIMON, KATE (nee WEBSTER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 27, 1906
Mrs. Kate Simon, wife of John
Simon, died at the St. Joseph's Hospital at 3:30 o'clock
Thursday afternoon. She has been suffering from a complication
of diseases for some time, and was taken to the hospital for
treatment. Her condition grew so much worse Thursday that her
family was summoned, and were with her when the end came. Mrs.
Simon was Miss Kate Webster, and resided all her life in Alton.
She was 36 years of age, and leaves a family of four girls and
four boys. The burial will be Saturday, service being held in
the St. Patrick's church at 9 o'clock Saturday morning.
SIMONS,
EUNICE AMANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 1, 1913
Mrs. Eunice Amanda Simons died Sunday at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Albert M. Jackson, Western Military Academy,
Upper Alton, from the debility of old age. Mrs. Eunice Amanda
Simons, daughter of Horace Miner and Elizabeth Brown, was born
at Grafton, Vermont, November 16, 1837. She was one of a family
of eight children, and at an early age she moved with her family
to Ashtabula County, Ohio. She attended the public schools of
Ohio and Olivet College, Mich. In 1860 she was married to John
Frederick Simons. They had two children, a son, DeForest, who
died in Upper Alton in 1893, and a daughter, Mrs. A. M. Jackson.
Mr. Simons died in 1879. Since 1888 Mrs. Simons has made her
home in Upper Alton with her daughter. In early youth she united
with the Presbyterian Church and took an active part in
religious work. She has had her membership in the Upper Alton
Presbyterian Church for about twenty years. She is survived by
her daughter, Mrs. Jackson, and two brothers, Mr. Dwight Miner
of Chicago, and Mr. Francis Miner of West Union. Ia. Though of a
modest and retiring disposition, she was highly esteemed by a
large circle of friends in Upper Alton, and was recognized as a
most devoted Christian mother. Funeral services at the Western
Military Academy at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Burial at Oakwood
Cemetery.
SIMPSON, JOHN C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 13, 1904
John C. Simpson, aged 75 years, died in St.
Louis Saturday afternoon after a long illness. The body was
brought to Alton Monday noon for burial in City Cemetery, and
Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann conducted the services at the grave.
Many years ago Mr. Simpson conducted a livery stable in Alton
under the firm name of Gardner & Simpson, in the building on
Fourth street occupied by Schmidt & Hellrung as a liquor store.
He was city marshal of Alton at one time and was well known in
the city many years ago. He is survived by only one son.
SIMPSON, SUSAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 28, 1873
Another old resident, Mrs. Susan Simpson, died at her home in
Ridge Prairie, Madison County, a short time ago. Mrs. Simpson
lived in Illinois fifty-six years, and was 84 years old when she
died.
SIMPSON,
WILLIAM "WILLIE"/Source: Sioux County Herald, Orange City Iowa,
December 25, 1890
From Collinsville, IL, Dec. 22 - Willie
Smpson, aged 16 years, son of W. A. Simpson, an employee of the
Collinsville Zinc Works, was found yesterday about 5 o'clock
sitting in an unconscious state in a chair in the office
attached to J. H. Clark's livery stable, with a bullet hole
through his head. At his feet, in a pool of blood, was found a
32 caliber revolver with one chamber empty. He expired about an
hour later. The shooting was intentional, as he had threatened
several times this last week to commit suicide. No cause can be
assigned for the act.
SIMS,
FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 17, 1903
The funeral of the late Frank Sims took place this afternoon
from the family home in Salu. The services were conducted at the
home by Rev. W. H. Ganneway, and there was a large attendance of
friends of the family. There was a beautiful floral offering,
and the grave was covered with a bank of flowers.
SIMS,
HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17, 1913
The
funeral of Harry Sims, colored, was held this afternoon at the
home in Upper Alton. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
SIMS, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1,
1904
The infant child of Mrs. Della Sims, colored, died
at the home in Salu Sunday. The funeral was held this afternoon
at 3 o'clock, and burial took place in Oakwood cemetery.
SIMS,
MATTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28, 1901
Mattie Sims, colored, wife of Albert Sims, died suddenly Tuesday
night from a hemorrhage of the lungs. She had been in bad
health, but her death was very unexpected. Her death occurred at
the home of Andrew Buck. She was 25 years old. The husband of
Mrs. Sims is in jail, where he was placed to serve out a fine of
$100 for whipping his two brothers and trying to kill them ten
days ago. Deputy Coroner C. N. Streeper held the inquest this
morning, and a verdict of death from hemorrhage of the lungs was
found. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon.
SINCLAIR, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1916
Mrs. Margaret Sinclair, wife of Alexander Sinclair, died at
her residence on West Brown street in Upper Alton, shortly after
midnight Saturday morning. She was 77 years of age. Mrs.
Sinclair had lived in Upper Alton about fifteen years. She was
twice married, first to Col. Sam Hughes of Wanda, and she lived
there many years, afterward going to Edwardsville, then moving
to Upper Alton. She was the mother of Mrs. O. T. Kendall of
Wanda, her only child. Mrs. Sinclair was taken ill about the
first of the year with grippe and pneumonia, and never fully
recovered. She was taken down again two weeks ago and her death
resulted. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the home,
Rev. Mumford officiating.
SINCLAIR, PAUL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1902
Paul, the 6 month old child of Mr. and Mrs. William F.
Sinclair of Upper Alton, died Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
after an illness with brain trouble. The time of the funeral is
not definitely set, but it will probably be Sunday. The many
friends of the parents will sympathize with them in their
affliction.
SINCLAIR, RUBY/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1849
Mrs.
Sinclair, wife of Mr. Joseph Sinclair, who was attacked by
cholera some time on Friday, died early on Saturday morning. She
was previously much enfeebled by long and severe indisposition.
She was in the 28th year of her age. The deceased was a native
of Tennessee, from whence she removed in 1840, in company with
her husband, to this State, where she continued up to the time
of her death, to perform the responsible duties of wife, mother,
and Christian, but having fallen asleep in Christ, she now rests
from her labors, and her works follow her.
SKAER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17,
1900
Killed on His Wedding Eve by Big Four Train
Henry Skaer, a prominent business man residing at Bunker
Hill, Ill., aged 26, was run over and killed by Big Four train
No. 6, at 5:32 p.m. at East Alton, Tuesday evening, directly in
front of the telegraph office. He was to have been married
Thursday noon to Miss Matie Reinoeke at Altamont, Ill., and was
making a trip in preparation for his marriage when killed. He
had been to St. Louis to meet his three brothers and one sister,
aged 9 to 14 years respectively, who are orphans and are
attending the St. Mary's orphans home at Warrenton, Mo. They had
been sent down to St. Louis by the home attendants to be met in
St. Louis by him, and were to attend the wedding next Thursday.
Upon arrival at East Alton, train No. 6 had pulled up to the
station platform and taken on and discharged their passengers
and were backing back in the railroad yards to attach an extra
coach. Mr. Skaer and his cousin, Mr. William Schulee of Nokomis,
Ill., who was also a passenger, thought they would get off at
the station and look around. When the train started out they
thought it would stop at the station again, but the train pulled
on through. Mr. Skaer attempted to board the train upon seeing
it would not stop, and was thrown under the wheels of the last
coach. His body was cut in two and he died in ten minutes.
Although his three little brothers and sister did not see him
crushed to death, they were in the car and sitting over the
trucks that killed him. They were informed of the terrible fate
of their brother, and kind friends on the train taking them in
charge, they proceeded to Bunker Hill, where the remains of
their brother were sent on the 9 o'clock fast express. The
coroner held an inquest at 7:30 p.m., and the jury returned a
verdict of accidental death. The body will be buried at Nokomis.
The young man was a son of the late Rev. Philip Skaer, and was
president of the German Epworth League at Bunker Hill.
SKAETS, EROD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28, 1904
The funeral of Erod, the 10 months old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Skaets, took place this morning from the home in East End
Place, and was attended by many sympathizing friends of the
family. Interment was in City Cemetery.
SKAGGS, LEROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 29, 1910
Coroner C. N. Streeper has been a busy man for a few days
holding inquests in cases of accidental deaths. Yesterday he
held an inquest over Leroy Skaggs, who was run over by a coal
wagon on which he was driving. Skaggs was seated on the load of
coal, and as the wagon passed over a railroad crossing the front
end gate collapsed and allowed Skaggs to fall down in front of
the wagon, the wheels passing over him. He died yesterday and a
verdict of accidental death was found.
SKATES/SPENCER, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 2, 1919
Victim of Shooting Dies - Murderer Unknown
Mystery shrouds the death of Harry Spencer, 30, who died Sunday
morning at St. Joseph's hospital from a bullet wound just above
the heart. He was found lying near the railroad tracks at East
Alton Saturday night by a C. B. and Q. train crew, who were
attracted by his moans. He was taken to the hospital in the
ambulance. Spencer told George Cleveland, ambulance chauffeur,
that he was climbing into a box car when he was shot. He crawled
for some distance from the car, he told Cleveland. The bullet
entered the left side and went out at the hip, indicating that
Spencer was shot by someone standing above him. Spencer's coat
was found later with a bullet hole in the left lapel, just at
the point where the bullet entered the man's body. A tramp,
sleeping in a box car near by, said he had heard no shots, and a
man and woman on a porch in the neighborhood also declared that
they had heard no report. Spencer told the ambulance driver that
he had a sister in St. Louis. His sister, Mrs. Minnie Michellis,
709 East 5th street, St. Louis, said her brother had been a
wanderer, and that often she had not heard from him for months
at a time. She declared his name was Harry Skates. The chief
detective of the C. B. and Q. said the man's name was Spencer,
and identified him as a car thief. The body is being held by
Deputy Coroner Bauer, who will conduct an inquest. The date for
the inquest has not been definitely set, the coroner being
anxious to have the railroad detective testify, and will
probably be held when the detective can attend. Efforts to find
the slayer of the man have proved futile. The fact that the coat
of the dead man was found some distance from the car leads to
the belief that he was not shot while trying to climb into a box
car. He was in a serious condition when picked up, and it is
thought that he did not remember full particulars of the
shooting. Skates was buried this afternoon, from the Bauer
undertaking parlor on Market street. Interment was in the City
cemetery.
SKELLY, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
10, 1918
Mrs. Anna Skelly, aged 71, died at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. G. R. Butler, 922 Washington avenue, at 2:30
o'clock this morning after an illness of about six months. Her
death was due to a general breakdown from old age. Mrs. Skelly
was born in Liverpool, England, October 9, 1847. She had been
living in Janesville, Wis., up to the time of the death of her
husband, Henry Skelley, March 20, 1904, after which she came to
Alton to be with her daughter. Mrs. Skelly leaves her daughter,
Mrs. Butler, and six grandchildren, Lawrence, Phyllis, Harriet
and George Butler of Alton; Harwood and Willis Skelly of
Janesville, Wis. The body will be taken to Janesville for
burial. Mr. and Mrs. Butler will leave Thursday evening with the
body for the old home.
SKELLY, WALTER B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11,
1905
Walter B. Skelly, steward at the Elks club, was
probably fatally injured Saturday night by falling while
attempting to alight from an electric car at Fourth and State
streets. Skelly, it is said by passengers, attempted to get off
while the car was still moving rapidly and was thrown on the
back of his head and shoulders. He was picked up badly injured
and was taken to No. 1 Hose House, where Dr. Fisher attended
him. The members of the lodge of Elks took charge of him and had
him removed to his home on State street. He lost consciousness a
short time after being taken home, and his condition became
hopeless. He suffered from a hemorrhage of the brain. Death
resulted from Skelly's injuries at 11 o'clock. He was 58 years
of age and leaves his widow and one child. Deputy Coroner Keiser
impaneled a jury and will hold an inquest Tuesday evening at 8
o'clock.
SKINNER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6,
1916
John Skinner, aged 96, colored, died at his home on
the Coal Branch at 9 o'clock this morning after a long illness.
Mr. Skinner was well known in the northern part of the city
where he has lived for many years. He is survived by a wife and
a number of children. The funeral will be held on Saturday
afternoon. For many years Mr. Skinner has conducted a truck farm
near North Alton and has supplied his neighbors with vegetables.
He was an old soldier.
SKINNER, NATHAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3, 1907
Nathan Skinner, aged 73, died Tuesday evening at his home in
Moro after an illness of six weeks from stomach troubles. His
wife, to whom he was married 52 years ago, survives him. He
leaves an adopted daughter, Mrs. Samuel Foreman.
SKINNER,
THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 26, 1900
Upper Alton News - Theodore Skinner, a colored youth aged 16
years, died yesterday afternoon. He had been ill for several
years. Funeral services will be held at the colored Baptist
church Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
SKIPPER, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18, 1918
Mrs. Lucy Skipper, wife of Ivor V. Skipper of 446 West Bluff
street, died this morning after a lingering illness. She leaves
her husband and two small children. She has resided in Alton for
some time and is well known. Her husband, Ivor V. Skipper, is an
engineer at the power house. The present plans are to ship the
body on Friday to Columbus, Ohio, for interment. Mrs. Skipper
formerly resided in Columbus.
SLATEN, EMMA J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1919
Mrs. Emma J. Slaten, 68 years old, wife of George W.
Slaten, died yesterday at noon at her home, 1919 Central avenue.
She has resided in Alton since Jan. 1, before which she lived in
Grafton. She is survived by her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Clara
Belle Crull, a grandson, Pierce Heffington, and a sister, Mrs.
E. S. Pierce of St. Louis. She was born in St. Louis, Nov. 29,
1850. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Grafton, from
the Methodist church. Interment will be at Grafton.
SLAUGHTER, LAWRENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
9, 1906
Slayer of Dan Wright Was Hoodoo Victim - Claim He
Was Haunted by Wright's Ghost
With his mind almost wrecked
with worry over having been compelled to kill Dan Wright, a
notorious negro character who died with his boots on in Upper
Alton several years ago, Lawrence Slaughter, a negro resident of
Upper Alton, died last night. He claimed that he was a victim of
a hoodoo and that he was being haunted by Dan Wright's ghost. At
times during his illness, he would become wildly excited and
would start fighting an imaginary foe with terrific vigor.
Physicians said that Slaughter died from dropsy, but people who
knew him well say that his bad health was the result of a
physical breakdown from worry. It will be remembered that Dan
Wright, a notorious and dangerous negro character, was slain by
Slaughter in Upper Alton while Wright was trying to force
entrance to Slaughter's house to kill him. The career of the bad
man, suddenly ended by Slaughter, was so bad that Slaughter was
hardly even taken into custody. He was held at police
headquarters in Alton after surrendering himself, but was fully
exonerated the next morning and the police and other Alton
people who knew Wright well were disposed to raise a fund for
his health. Indeed, a cash bonus was started and a number of
people voluntarily walked into the police headquarters and gave
him money, ostensibly to aid in his defense, but really as a
thank offering for killing Wright. Slaughter never did recover
his peace of mind, although fully justified and he imagined that
the ghost of Wright was haunting him and only waiting for
vengeance.
[Daniel Wright is buried in the Milton
Cemetery, and Lawrence Slaughter is buried in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery. According to the Telegraph, August 28, 1906,
the "colored population" of the Salu area of Upper Alton was
very superstitious, and some would never go around Slaughter's
home after he killed Dan Wright.]
SLICK, T. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 8,
1919
Brakeman Killed in Bluff Line Yards - Caught in Guard Rail
T. H. Slick, a brakeman on the Bluff Line, was instantly
killed this morning in the Bluff Line new yards near the
Mississippi Sand Co. property. His foot became fast in a guard
rail, it is supposed, as it was necessary to pry him out of the
guard rail after the accident. Slick was engaged in uncoupling a
car that was to be set out of the train. It is said by men
working with him that Slick was in the act of lifting the pin
that would admit of the release of the car from the train, and
just at that moment the freight train was backed up. Slick was
knocked down and dragged a short distance in the guard rail. His
body was horribly mutilated. The watch he carried was found
afterward, crushed down between the guard and the rail, the stem
broken off and the case badly mashed, yet the watch was still
running. F. A. McMurry, the conductor, said that Slick was his
cousin. His age was 41, and he leaves a wife and a child in
Springfield, Ill. The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner
Bauer, who prepared it for shipment to Springfield. Testimony of
men in the crew, none of whom saw Slick killed, was taken by the
deputy coroner and will be submitted to the coroner's jury.
SLOAN, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13, 1908
Louis Sloan, father of Agent W. L. Sloan of the C. & A. at
Godfrey, and of Mrs. Minnie Dimmock, died Saturday evening at
his home in Godfrey after an illness with kidney trouble. He
came to Godfrey last November to make his home with his son in
his declining years. He went on his son's little farm to take
care of it and was enjoying his new life very much when he was
taken ill. He was 70 years of age. The funeral was held this
afternoon from the Bethany church, and burial was in the Bethany
cemetery, Rev. C. Nash officiating.
SLOCUM, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1909
Old Railroad Man Dies From Pneumonia
John Slocum, aged 62,
died at St. Joseph's hospital Sunday morning from pneumonia
after a brief illness. He was taken to the hospital Friday, and
was not thought to be very dangerously ill. His death was very
unexpected. The death of Slocum was the first break in the
family circle in fifty years, when the father died. The aged
mother is still living at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition, there
are three brothers living, T. D. Slocum of Upper Alton; William
T. Slocum and M. C. Slocum and Mrs. Allan Peddycord of Cedar
Rapids, Iowa. William T. Slocum and Mrs. Peddycord arrived this
morning to attend the funeral, which will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of T. D. Slocum. The
deceased was engaged as a brakeman on the C. & A. for many
years, and was on one of the first trains run between Alton and
St. Louis. For five years he had been employed in the glass
works.
SLOCUM, SUSANNA [nee ADKINS]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 15, 1900
Faints on Street Car - Frantic Run to Upper
Alton to Doctor - Dies Few Minutes Later
Mrs.
Susanna Slocum, wife of Highway Commissioner Thomas D. Slocum of
Wood River township, was taken ill on an electric car on the
Middletown line shortly before the car reached the car barns.
Shortly after the car reached Upper Alton, the nearest place
where medical aid could be procured, she was dead. Mrs. Slocum
took the car at Twelfth and Henry streets, having run to meet
the car there. She had trouble with her heart, and the
over-exertion caused the heart to fail and she fainted. At the
barn she was taken off and efforts were made to revive her, but
were unsuccessful. Conductor Kane then caused doctors to be
telephoned for to meet the car in Upper Alton, and a frightful
run was made to reach Upper Alton in time to save Mrs. Slocum's
life. The car sped down the steep grade and around the sharp
curves to Rock Spring Park and from there to Upper Alton. Dr.
Yerkes and Dr. Lemen were waiting when the car arrived, and Mrs.
Slocum was carried into Streeper's store where she died a few
minutes later. Deputy Coroner Will Bauer was notified and he
went to Upper Alton to hold an inquest. The evidence at the
inquest showed she had been in good health and the best of
spirits, and had spent the day in Alton with her daughter, Mrs.
James Mullen, who was celebrating her birthday by giving a
dinner party. Her daughter, Mrs. Will Elwell, and several of her
friends were with her. Mrs. Slocum (Susanna Adkins) was born in
Pickaway county near Circleville, Ohio, May 16, 1841. She was
married in Ohio to Mr. T. D. Slocum, November 9, 1862. In 1863
they came to Warren county, Illinois. Shortly afterwards they
removed to Pontiac. The family came to Upper Alton August 30,
1881. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and
services will be in the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Slocum leaves
her husband and five children, Mrs. James J. Mullen of 1008
Union street, Alton; Mrs. W. W. Elwell, Messrs. Elmer, Warren
and William Slocum of Upper Alton.
SLOCUM, THOMAS D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1910
Thomas D. Slocum, an old resident of Upper Alton, died
Tuesday morning at his home on Edwards street. Mr. Slocum was
suffering from cancer. Last winter he underwent an operation for
the removal of a cancer on his upper lip, which he believed was
caused from smoking. Shortly afterward another one made its
appearance on the side of his face. He was being treated at
Carlinville for the trouble a few weeks ago when his condition
became serious. He was brought back home and he continued to
sink rapidly until the end came this morning at 8:30 o'clock.
Mr. Slocum was a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders,
and he was prominent in both lodges. He came to Upper Alton in
1881, at the time the C. & A. cutoff was built through Upper
Alton. Many men came here that year to help with the
construction of the new railroad, and most of them located here
permanently, Mr. Slocum being in that class. He raised a family
of children in Upper Alton, and all of them survive him. Mrs.
Slocum preceded her husband to the grave. Her death was very
sudden, occurring nine years ago. She was on a Middletown car
returning home from Alton, and as the car crossed Washington
avenue Mrs. Slocum was stricken with apoplexy and died within a
few minutes after being removed from the car. The children who
survive are Mrs. J. J. Mullen of Alton; Mrs. William Elwell;
Warren, William and Elmer Slocum, all of Upper Alton. Mr. Slocum
was engaged in the teaming business principally during his
career in Upper Alton, and he owned a small farm near town for
many years, which he recently sold. He served a term of three
years as highway commission in Wood River township. He also held
other public offices in Upper Alton and in Wood River township
at various times. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the home of Warren Slocum to the Upper Alton
Presbyterian church.
SLOCUM, UNKNOWN CHILD OF WARREN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 27, 1906
The funeral of the little child of Mr. and
Mrs. Warren Slocum will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from St. Patrick's church. Burial will be in Oakwood
cemetery.
SLOSS, ELIZA ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
12, 1838
Died, on Saturday, 9th last; at half past 6,
a.m., Eliza Ann, daughter of W. L. Sloss, Esq., of this city,
aged 13 months.
[Note: W. L. Sloss was an attorney in
Alton.]
SLOSS, GRACE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
13, 1910
The funeral of Miss Grace Sloss was held
Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from her late home, 431 east
Ninth street. Services were conducted by Rev. A. G. Lane of the
First Presbyterian church. A large number of friends of Miss
Sloss, and relatives, attended the funeral. She had a large
circle of acquaintances and many good friends who were grieved
at her death, although it followed a long period of suffering.
The pallbearers were cousins of Miss Sloss. There were many
touching testimonials of esteem in which the young woman was
held, by the children who had attended her school, their
parents, and by those who had been associated with her in her
school life and work. During the morning many of her little
pupils called to take a last look at their departed teacher, and
they took with them little bouquets of flowers. The floral
offerings were numerous and beautiful, but not the last
beautiful was the flowers the little children took for the
teacher they had all loved. It was a striking testimonial of the
effectiveness of the work of the teacher, and showed that the
children had enjoyed their school work under her. Mrs. George A
McKinney and Mrs. Lewis M. Carr sang several numbers at the home
and one at the cemetery.
SLOSS, JAMES LUSK/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 23, 1852
Died at Edwardsville on the 1st inst., James Lusk, infant son of
Joseph H. and Mary L. Sloss; aged one year, 2 months, and 5
days.
SLOSS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 8, 1843
Died
in Upper Alton on Tuesday evening last, Joseph, infant son of
Mr. W. L. and Mrs. E. S. Sloss, aged 1 months and 9 days.
SLOVER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1921
Charles Slover, aged 56, was found dead this morning in a
little house he occupied in the rear of the home of his only
brother, Peter Slover, 1228 Rodemeyer avenue. Death is supposed
to have been due to paralysis, as he had suffered several
attacks of paralysis in the past. Last Friday, as he was getting
off a street car at Cliff and State street, he fell and he
complained of having been slightly injured. Sunday he said he
felt much better. About 5 o'clock this morning the discovery was
made that Slover had died sometime during the night, and Deputy
Coroner Streeper was notified. Mr. Slover came here from East
Newbern about 15 years ago. He was not very strong and had not
been employed, except at light work. His death leaves his
brother, Peter, as the only survivor of the family. The body
will be taken to East Newbern for burial, Wednesday morning.
SLOVER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 26, 1900
Mrs. Mary Slover, wife of William M. Slover, died this
morning at 10 o'clock at the family home, 1240 Main street. Mrs.
Slover was born 63 years ago and came to Alton from Elsah last
year. She leaves six children: Mrs. R. B. Hamell, Mrs. A. N.
Keyser, W. A. Slover, J. J. Slover, Calvin Slover and Cora
Slover. The funeral will be Wednesday at West Newbern, and
services will be conducted by Rev. R. Smith of Elsah.
SMALL,
SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1900
Samuel Small, who has been manager of Job's place on the bluffs
the past eighteen years, died last evening at his home, after an
illness of four months with dropsy. He was 64 years of age and
was a well known character. He leaves two children, Mrs. E. F.
Blankenship and Fred Small. The funeral will be Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be in Trinity Chapel
on State street. Mr. Small was a resident of Alton 30 years, and
was a highly respected citizen.
SMALLEY, MARY EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 8, 1918
Mrs. Mary Emma Smalley, who died at her home, 2329 Central
avenue early this week, was born in East St. Louis in 1861,
being at the time of her death 58 years of age. When young the
family of the young girl moved to Bunker Hill. From Bunker Hill
she moved to Alton. Mrs. Smalley was taken ill in December 1917,
but her condition did not become serious until three months ago.
It was only a few hours before her death, however, that the sick
woman realized that the end was coming, but seemed very willing
to die. She was the mother of eleven children, two of whom died
in infancy. The children are: Sallie, Andrew J., Grover C.,
Oscar D., Maud B., Linnia, Ben F., Mary Julia and Lawrence A.
SMART, ANNA (nee RANDLE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 7, 1904
Mrs. Anna Smart, wife of the late Edgar
M. Smart, died Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock at the family home
on Liberty street after a long illness. She had been ill for six
months and had endured long suffering. Her illness was brought
on by rheumatism, which lasted for several months and later
developed into stomach and bowel trouble. Mrs. Smart leaves one
son, Edgar Smart, also her mother, Mrs. Susan Randle, and one
sister and two brothers - Mrs. Nellie Drum and Harry and Isaac
Randle of Upper Alton. Her husband, Edgar M. Smart, who was a
member of the Upper Alton village board, died two years ago last
June. Mrs. Smart's death is a sad blow to all her relatives who
have watched at her bedside during her long period of suffering.
She was a member of the Methodist church and was a sincere
worker in the church and was loved by a large circle of friends
and acquaintances. Mrs. Smart would have been 37 years old the
20th of this month. She was born in Upper Alton where she lived
all her life. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock at the family home.
SMART, EDGAR M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1902
Mr. Edgar M. Smart, who has been seriously ill for a little
more than a week, died this afternoon at his home in Upper Alton
at 2 o'clock. The disease was hardening of the liver. Mr. Smart
leaves a wife and two children. He was a well known glassblower
and highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr. Smart has lived in
Alton and Upper Alton about 15 years. He came from New York to
Alton. He has been for several years a member of the town
council of Upper Alton. Notice of the funeral will be given.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 12, 1902
The funeral of Mr. Edgar M. Smart will be held at the family
residence, Saturday at 2 o'clock. The services will be conducted
by the Rev. G. W. Waggoner and Rev. M. L. Cole. The remains will
lie in state from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Friends
are asked to call at this time. Mr. Smart has been a resident of
Upper Alton for fifteen years. He was born in Ellenville, N. Y.,
February 27, 1866. June 3d, 1891, he was married to Miss Annie
Randle of Upper Alton. Two children were born to them. The
eldest, a daughter, died in infancy. His wife and son, Edgar,
his father, mother, and brothers survive him.
SMART, MARY JANE (nee JOSLYN)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August
13, 1874
The wife of Mr. Alsey Simmons Smart of Marine
Prairie died last Monday after a long and painful illness.
Deceased was the second wife of Mr. Smart, has been taken from
him by death, and she has left a large circle of friends who
unite in extending their sympathies to her bereaved husband and
family.
SMILEY, ROBERT B./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 14, 1866
Three Children Drowned Near State Street Schoolhouse
A most
terrible calamity occurred yesterday afternoon at the pond near
the State Street schoolhouse, by which three school children
were drowned. The pond was covered with a thin coating of ice,
and at the afternoon recess, some of the boys ventured upon the
ice, and two of them – John J. Montie, aged ten years, and
Robert B. Smiley, aged nine years, broke in. On hearing her
brother’s cry for help, Orlan M. Montie rushed to the opening
where he sank, and caught hold of him. Just then, the ice gave
way under her, and she, too, sank. Although assistance was
immediately summoned and every effort made by neighbors and
passersby to rescue the children, they had been in the water
fully half an hour before they could be gotten out. Two of the
children were taken to the residence of Anson Platt, Esq., and
every possible measure employed by physicians and friends to
resuscitate them, but everything was in vain.
This is one
of the saddest accidents we have ever had to record, and the
sympathy of the whole community for the afflicted families has
been excited by the calamity. The noble heroism of the girl, in
endeavoring to rescue her drowning brother and losing her own
life in the attempt, is above all praise. The sad fate of these
children should be a warning to all, not to venture upon the ice
while there is a doubt of its safety. We sincerely hope never
again to be called upon to chronicle such a sorrowful
occurrence.
The three children were all members of the
Methodist Sunday School, and their funerals, together with that
of another pupil of the school – a daughter of Mr. Henry Wissore
– took place this afternoon from the Methodist Church. Dr.
Frazier, the pastor, being absent, Rev. Mr. Jameson officiated,
assisted by Rev. Dr. Taylor. Thus, four members of the Sunday
School were buried at one and the same time.
The scholars
from the public schools where the children attended came to the
church in a body, as well as many pupils from other schools. The
great number of children present, together with friends and
neighbors, crowded the church to its utmost capacity. There were
twenty-four pallbearers in all, eighteen from the Methodist
Sunday School, and six from the public school. A sadder funeral
has seldom been witnessed in Alton, and its lesson will probably
be long impressed upon the minds of the children who were
present.
Notes: Burials of Robert B. Smiley, Orlan and
John Monti, and the daughter of Henry Wissore, were in the Alton
City Cemetery.
SMILEY, RUSSELL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Wednesday,
April 19, 1899
The funeral of Russell Smiley was held at
two o'clock this afternoon. The family home was filled at the
sad hour with an assemblage of friends of the bereaved parents
and the boy friends of the lad whom death has so untimely
removed. Sad as funerals always are, the funeral of Russell
Smiley was an unusually sad one. The large parlor where the body
lay in a handsome casket was almost filled with flowers,
testimonials of the esteem of his friends and of the sorrow of
his schoolmates at the parting. Because of the funeral, the High
school classes, of which Russell was a member, were dismissed
and very many of his schoolmates attended the services. Rev. H.
K. Sanborne of the Presbyterian church conducted the services at
the house and at the cemetery. A quartet from the Alton High
School sang. The pallbearers were John Kerr, Jamie Logan,
Charles Rich, Roy Maxwell, Ralph Davis, Walter Allen.
SMILEY, SARAH W./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12, 1912
Mrs. Sarah W. Smiley, widow of David R. Smiley, died at 3:10
a.m. Monday at the home of her son, George H. Smiley, 1011 State
street, after being paralyzed on the right side for eleven
years. Mrs. Smiley was 96 years of age August 13. She came to
Alton eleven years ago, a few years after the death of her
husband, to spend the winter with her son here, and intended to
go back to her old home in Springfield, Vt., to spend the
summer. She did not realize her hopes of returning to
Springfield, as she was stricken with paralysis during the
winter and ever since then her whole right side was helpless and
Mrs. Smiley required the constant attention of a nurse. Many
times during the eleven years it was thought that the end was
near, but each time she would rally and it was not until about
six weeks ago that the decline set in which resulted in her
passing away. When Mrs. Smiley came to Alton at the age of 85,
she made the trip from Springfield, Vt. alone, and was
apparently in the best of physical and mental health. It was a
great surprise when the collapse came then. She had lived the
greater part of her life in Springfield, Vt., but for thirty
years lived at Washington, D. C. until the death of her husband,
who had been connected with a department in the government
service and retained his position until he had passed his 82nd
year. Mrs. Smiley was a deeply religious woman and had been a
member of the Congregational Church since she was a young woman.
She never affiliated with the Alton church of that denomination,
owing to her disability. She is survived by two sons, G. H.
Smiley of Alton and W. E. Smiley of Maniton, Colo. The funeral
of Mrs. Sarah W. Smiley was held Tuesday afternoon at home of
her son, G. H. Smiley, on State street. Services were in private
and were conducted by Rev. D. R. Martin of the Congregational
church Tuesday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Smiley departed with the
body for Springfield, Vt., where interment will take place.
SMITH, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8, 1920
Albert, the 8 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Smith,
died last night from diphtheria at the family home, 731 East
Sixth street, after a short illness. The trouble was not
realized to be grave until a short time before the child died.
The mother had been sick and in her sickness the child was given
remedier for a throat trouble.
SMITH,
ALFRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 11, 1916
Alfred Smith, aged 30, died last night at 16 Indiana avenue of
tuberculosis. His wife died some time ago. He leaves his mother,
two brothers, and three sisters. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, and the burial will
be in the Alton City Cemetery.
SMITH, ALL_E/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 28, 1865
Died
on the 20th inst., in Alton, All_e, youngest daughter of A. G.
and Mary Smith, aged one years and three months.
SMITH, AMY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4, 1915
Church Bell Rung to Announce Death of Old Wanda Resident
The
funeral of Mrs. Amy Smith, widow of Upton Smith, well known old
time resident of the country below East Alton near Wanda, was
held this afternoon in the Methodist Church at Wanda, and the
services were conducted by Rev. Roy Fahnestock, a young man who
grew up a neighbor to Mrs. Smith. Recently a new bell was given
to his church by Mrs. John Poag, mother of Mrs. Frank Smith, and
the bell had just been placed on the church and had never been
rung. The death of Mrs. Smith occurred at 8 o'clock Monday
evening, and when the news was spread the following morning, the
new bell was tolled to announce Mrs. Smith's passing away to the
neighboring country. It was the first time the bell was sounded
after being given to the church by the mother-in-law of one of
Mrs. Smith's sons. This afternoon at the funeral the bell
announced the services and it was the first service the bell was
used for. The attendance was very large in spite of the bad
weather. Deceased was known all over the American Bottom as
Grandma Smith. She had lived upon the farm where she died sixty
years, and was one of the old time residents of the American
Bottom. She was 74 years old last Christmas Day. Her husband
died 23 years ago, and the following children survive: Mrs.
Frank K. Lowe of Upper Alton; Mrs. Frank Smith; Mrs. Ralph
Douglas; Henry Smith; and Mrs. John Van Preter of East Alton.
SMITH, AMY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1913
Mrs. Amy J. Smith, wife of James Smith, died Tuesday morning
at her home, 1246 State street, after an illness from which she
had been suffering since last fall and which had kept her
bedfast for eight weeks. Nephritis was given as the cause of her
death. Mrs. Smith was a native of Alton, and all of her life she
had lived in the same neighborhood, in the same block, and
practically on the same place. She was born in Alton, July 7,
1851, and was just past her 62nd birthday. Her maiden name was
Pile. She leaves beside her husband, James Smith, the former
mail carrier, one daughter, Mrs. Frank Page; and two brothers,
Samuel B. and George Pile, both of Alton. Mrs. Smith was a
consistent member of St. Paul's Episcopal church, and the
funeral service Thursday will be conducted by the rector of St.
Paul's church, Rev. Arthur Goodger.
SMITH, ANNIE L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3, 1901
Mrs. Annie L., wife of Benjamin C. Smith, died at the family
home at Godfrey last evening at 9 o'clock, aged 45. Mrs. Smith
was in her usual health yesterday, but had been suffering from
the heat. After supper last night she was seized by a violent
attack of cholera morbus, and medical aid, though summoned
speedily, was unable to save her. Deceased leaves two daughters,
nearly grown, besides her husband and numerous friends to mourn
her sudden death. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at
10 o'clock from the home to Godfrey cemetery.
SMITH, ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 9, 1905
Arthur Smith, colored, who was once held without bond on a
charge of murdering Sylvester Love at the foot of Ridge street,
died at his home yesterday noon after a long illness dating from
the time he was held in prison awaiting trial. Smith was
acquitted of the charge of murder in the city court. His death
resulted from consumption, which developed after a long illness
with other troubles, and a surgical operation was performed upon
him which resulted in no benefit to the man. His son died a few
weeks ago. He was buried this afternoon from his late home at
the foot of Ridge street.
SMITH, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph Mon April 22,
1907 - Submitted by Colleen Stutz
Benjamin Smith, a well known
Godfrey farmer who suffered a paralytic stroke several days ago
at his home near Godfrey, died Saturday from the effects. He was
60 years old and is survived by his two daughters, his wife
dying several years ago. A brother James Smith is sexton of the
Godfrey cemetery and another brother, Samuel, lives in Elm
street here. The funeral was held this afternoon and was
attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. Internment
was in Godfrey cemetery.
SMITH, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6,
1905
Old Woman Commits Suicide
Coroner Streeper and a few
friends of the late Mrs. Caroline Smith, the woman who committed
suicide a week ago by jumping into a cistern in Upper Alton
because she was 86 years old, weak and helpless, will see that
she is given a Christian burial tomorrow. Coroner Streeper said
today that he had despaired of the daughter near Sedalia,
Missouri doing anything for her mother, and that he did not
believe she would pay any part of the funeral expenses. Some of
the friends of the old woman, moved to pity by the sad tragedy
of the last days of her life, have made up a purse and will pay
for a decent burial for her. It is planned to hold the funeral
tomorrow afternoon from the Streeper undertaking establishment
in Upper Alton, and Rev. C. C. Hall will officiate. Friends of
Mrs. Smith believe that her daughter's conduct since the
mother's sad death has fully justified the mother reaching the
conclusion it was useless to look to her for help.
SMITH,
CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28, 1908
Mrs. Caroline Smith, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Haagen, died last evening at 5 o'clock at the Haagen
homestead on State street, after an illness of four months. She
was 40 years of age. Mrs. Smith's illness began with a nervous
breakdown. She had suffered for a number of years with a nervous
trouble, which was aggravated by shocks due to the deaths of
members of the family. The death of her niece, Mrs. Helen
Hyland, who died in Chicago about one year ago, coupled with the
death of her mother, were the immediate cause of Mrs. Smith's
breakdown. She grieved so deeply over the loss of these two
favorites of hers that it affected her physical health.
Paralysis of the spine set in, and in the past three weeks her
condition became so serious that there was no hope held out to
members of the family that she would recover. She had been in a
dying condition for several days. Her husband, Earl C. Smith,
who was also a member of a prominent former Alton family, is a
victim of paralysis in Chicago, where he has been confined to
his bed for over three years. Mrs. Smith was a woman of
remarkably sweet disposition. In her girlhood days she was a
famous beauty of Alton and a great favorite in society, and
until her last illness she was one of the most beautiful women
in Alton. She had many good friends who sincerely regret her
untimely end, and her friends are reconciled to her going only
by the knowledge that she had been a great sufferer, and that
her sufferings are ended. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning at 10 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
SMITH, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 25,
1901
Charles Smith, a young man of East Alton, died last
night at his home after an illness of three months, with dropsy.
He came here from Washington, Mo., about three months ago. The
funeral services will be held this afternoon from the residence
of William Palmer. Interment at East Alton.
SMITH,
CHARLES W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 29, 1915
The funeral of Charles W. Smith, who, with George Link died
from injuries received when struck by an interurban car at
Mitchell on Christmas Day, will be held from the Smith family
residence at Mitchell Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. After
services at the house, the funeral cortege will proceed over the
Allen line to Woodlawn cemetery, where the interment is to be.
It is planned to arrive at the cemetery about 3 o'clock.
Pallbearers selected are as follows: Former Mayor Joseph
Faulstich, Alton; Postmaster J. F. Stillman, Edwardsville; James
Haggart, Venice; Louis Hess, Mitchell; George Hoehn, Mitchell;
and Louis Ahrens, Wanda. Charles E. Smith, a son, and his family
arrived from their home at Darlington, Okla. at 10 o'clock
Monday. It was pending their arrival that the completion of
plans for the funeral were delayed. Thomas Smith, a brother,
also of Darlington, arrived with the son.
SMITH, DAVID (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 26,
1852
Died on the 18th inst., Colonel David Smith, formerly of
Bradford, New Hampshire, but for the last 30 years a resident of
Upper Alton; aged 62 ½ years.
SMITH, DAVIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22, 1873
Died
August 20, 1873, of summer complaint, Davis, infant son of
George A. and Maria H. Smith
SMITH, DELIA [nee TROUT]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 7, 1910
Mrs. Delia Smith, wife of Lloyd Smith,
died at St. Joseph's hospital Thursday afternoon following a
surgical operation performed to relieve a very grave condition
of health. Her infant child which was born died also. Mrs. Smith
was 19 years of age and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George
Trout. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the home, 1816 Central avenue, Rev. A. G. Lane officiating.
SMITH, DORA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 4, 1875
Died
in Alton, October 15, Mrs. Dora Smith, daughter of George and
Fannie Noble; aged 22 years.
SMITH, EDNA JEWETT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
27, 1907
Mrs. Edna Jewett
Smith, wife of E. A. Smith, died Tuesday evening at 5:20 o'clock
at the family residence, 520 Mechanic street. She was ill eight
weeks with a malignant tumor. The trouble was not diagnosed
until recently, it being supposed she was suffering from some
persistent malady of a minor character. The doctors decided two
weeks ago that she could not recover, and all her children were
sent for. All of them were at home at the time of her death. She
suffered very little and the end was peaceful. Two slight
operations had been performed to give her relief. When the end
came it was sudden and very unexpected to her family. A half
hour before death came she was smiling and cheerful, although
she knew the end was rapidly approaching. A brief period of pain
was followed a half hour later by death. Her family had been
given much encouragement by her frequent rallying from the
effects of the disease. Last Wednesday she was very low, but on
Sunday she was able to sit up a short time. Mrs. Smith's maiden
name was Edna Cushing Jewett. She was born at Boston, Mass.,
October 10, 1847. After the death of her father, when she was
seven years old, she came to Alton to live with her aunt, Mrs.
William R. Payson on Twelfth street. After living in Alton seven
years she returned to Boston, and she was a teacher in the
Boston public schools for seven years. She was married to Edward
A. Smith at Boston in 1869, and afterward she returned to Alton
as a bride to make her home the remainder of her life. She is
survived by her husband and seven children: Miss Lucie Smith,
Mrs. A. L. Kaiser, E. H. Smith, Jewett Smith, all of Alton; Mrs.
Fred J. Worden of Muskogee, L. T., Walter M. Smith of Boston,
Mass.; and Herbert C. Smith, who is attending school at the
University of Illinois. She leaves also two brothers, Francis R.
Jewett of Boston and E. H. Jewett of Colorado City, Colo., and a
former sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Homans of Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs.
Smith was county president of the W. C. T. U. and had been
secretary of the local union over twelve years. She was serving
her third term as county president. She was selected as a state
delegate to the national W. C. T. U. convention at Hartford,
Conn., and the World's convention at Boston, Mass., last fall,
and it was her intention to deliver an address in the
Congregational church, telling of the two conventions, but
illness prevented her carrying out her plan. Mrs. Smith was a
woman of more than ordinary mental endowments, a mother whose
love and affection knew no tiring - a queen whose sway was that
of love, a wife whose loyalty and devotion was ever the
controlling spring in her life; a splendid neighbor whose hand
was always ready to extend whatever aid she could and whose
sympathy in the hour of distress was cherished by all within the
sphere of her influence. She was constant in service in every
good cause, and her loss in all such circles will be greatly
felt. Her devotion to her church was one of the cardinal
principles in her life. In the cause of temperance she was a
faithful worker and was honored on many occasions by her fellow
workers in the gift of offices in the society. Her place in all
these matters will be most difficult to fill. Upon her family
the deep sorrow will fall most heavily. Her death is also a sad
blow to her many friends in Alton who loved and respected her as
a good woman and a conscientious, devoted Christian. The funeral
will be held at 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon from the family
home.
SMITH, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 3, 1899
Mrs. Elizabeth Smith died at 4:15 o'clock
Monday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles
Holden, aged 87 years. The venerable lady has been ill for a
long time with the frailties incidental to such great age, but
her illness was not considered dangerous, and her condition
excited no alarm. During the afternoon, she fell into a
semi-unconscious condition, the last symptom of the running down
of the machinery that had run so well and so true during four
score and seven years. for the past seven or eight years, Mrs.
Smith had been gradually failing, but her life had been so
perfect and her constitution so strong, that most of her
faculties she retained until the last. Even when she had fallen
into the first slumber of death, her condition did not cause
fear, as it was supposed she would rally. The family physician
was summoned, but nothing could be done. The last flickering
spark of life's candle was snuffed and death came. She died as
she had lived at all times, a conscientious, Christian woman
whom everyone who knew her loved, and one it was a pleasure to
know. During most of her long life she was a member of the
Baptist church, and until feeble health prevented, she was
always among the most interested ones in the Alton church. Her
church and her family were one, and she never lost interest in
either. Mrs. Smith was born in Bedford, England, and came to
America and Alton in 1853 with her husband, the late Thomas
Smith. Mrs. Smith was mother to a family of five children, most
of whom are now living in Alton. They are Mrs. Charles Holden;
Boston W. Smith, the chapel car evangelist; E. A. Smith; J. T.
Smith; and George Emery.
SMITH, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 14, 1904
The funeral of the late Mrs. Elizabeth
Smith was held this afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Joseph Lohr. There was a large attendance of
friends at the home, and there were also many beautiful floral
offerings. A long funeral cortege followed the remains to Alton,
where burial took place in the City Cemetery.
SMITH, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1902
Mother of William Eliot Smith Dies From Injuries Sustained in
Fall
Mrs. Ellen Smith, widow of W. H. Smith, died at the home of her
son, William Eliot Smith, Elm Ridge, this morning at 7:30
o'clock from effects of injuries she sustained by a fall several
weeks ago in her room at her son's home. Mrs. Smith showed
remarkable vitality during the period after she was injured, but
her constitution, enfeebled by her great weight of years, was
not able to withstand the shock resulting from her injuries, and
last night she began to show indications of a general breaking
down of her system. Her family hoped that she might recover, but
realized that her years were counting against her in the contest
between Life and Death. She had been resting comfortably, but
accustomed as she was to a life of activity, she could not stand
the confinement which was made necessary by her broken hip, and
her vigorous old constitution gave away. On Sunday evening two
weeks ago, while crossing the floor of her bedchamber, Mrs.
Smith stumbled and fell to the floor. It was found she had
sustained a fracture of the hip, and the fall was the direct
cause of her death. Mrs. Smith was born at Petersborough, New
Hampshire, January 23, 1815. She was married September 13, 1843,
and moved to St. Louis where she lived until 1862, since which
time her home has been in Alton. She possessed a loving,
trustful nature, and with an entire forgetfulness of self, the
one thought of her life was to lighten the burdens of others,
leaving her trials with "Faith that never falters, forgiving
all, trusting all. Yea this is life; make this her crown
sublime; this afternoon a psalm, this night a prayer, and time
is conquered, thy crown is won." The funeral will be held at 2
p.m. Wednesday, April 9, at the residence of her son, William
Eliot Smith. Friends of the family are invited to attend.
SMITH, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 9, 1849
Died near Marinetown, Madison County, Mrs. Elizabeth, wife of
Mr. Samuel M. Smith, leaving a husband and two small children to
deplore her loss.
SMITH, EMMA (nee OSBUN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 4, 1894
Young Mother Dies at Mansion House in Alton
At
seven o'clock this morning at the Mansion House on State street,
occurred the death of Mrs. D. W. Smith, nee Miss Emma Osbun, who
after a short illness passed peacefully away. Deceased was a
young mother, 22 years of age, and leaves an infant several
weeks old, and husband. Mrs. Smith was married two years ago,
and has lived in Kane until recently when she removed to this
city. She is a niece of Mrs. W. H. Edwards of Brighton. The
funeral will take place at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon in
Kane, Ill., where the remains will be sent tonight.
SMITH,
ETHEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1908
The funeral of Mrs. Ethel Smith, wife of Arthur Smith, will take
place Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home on
Alby street, Rev. R. P. Hammons officiating.
SMITH, EUGENE STEPHEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 16,
1863
Died in Upper Alton this morning (15th inst.), Eugene
Stephen, infant son of John H. & Elizabeth Smith. Relatives and
friends are invited to attend the funeral at two o’clock
tomorrow.
SMITH, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 26, 1901
Frank Smith, the 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Smith,
died at his home in Yager Park yesterday afternoon from
appendicitis. The funeral will take place Monday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family residence.
SMITH, FRED H./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 31, 1868
Died
on Monday, July 27, Fred H., only child of G. A. and M. S.
Smith.
SMITH, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 28,
1912
Man Commits Suicide by Leaping Into River
A man who had
given the name George Smith, apparently about 45 years of age
and claiming to be a barber, leaped into the river from the W.
D. Fluent dock Friday night about 8:30 o'clock, when being
pursued by Officer George Mayford. While searching for the man
in the water, Mayford himself tumbled in, and but for assistance
rendered by Capt. Fluent and Denver McCoy, he too might have
lost his life, though Mayford is a strong swimmer. The water was
cold, deep, filled with ice and the current was swift. The man
had been hanging around the river and the railroad depots
several days and nights. Those who believe he committed suicide
think he was meditating as to a choice between two methods,
drowning or killing himself under the wheels of a train. By day
he would hang around the depot, and by night the river. Thursday
and Wednesday nights he spent at police headquarters part of the
night. Christmas morning, about 2 o'clock, E. Trenchery saw the
man wandering about the Fluent dock, at the outer side of the
system of docks, and captured him. Capt. Fluent and others were
summoned. It was believed that the man was trying to steal a
boat, and he could give no good reason for being where he was.
Instead of turning him over to the police, Capt. Fluent
liberated him. The man then went to police headquarters and
stayed the remainder of the night. Friday evening, Geo. Winger,
C. & A. baggage man, directed the attention of Officer Mayford
to the man. He had been acting suspiciously and Mayford followed
him. The man was the one who had given the name George Smith to
Fluent, and had also given that name at police headquarters when
he lodged there. Mayford ordered the man to halt, and the man
said he was going to the Fluent dock, as he belonged there.
Mayford went after him, and the man ran fast. He crossed the
docks and plunged into the river. It was very dark, all lilghts
being shut off. Mayford called Capt. Fluent to bring a light and
search was made along the docks for the man, but he had
disappeared. At the lower end of the dock, while Mayford was
searching for the man, the officer fell in the river inside of a
boathouse, and though a strong swimmer, was in a bad way. Fluent
and McCoy drew him out. The search for the man was kept up for a
while, and then abandoned. Capt. Fluent believes now that the
man planned suicide Christmas morning when caught on the dock.
SMITH, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1902
Deputy Coroner Streeper secured a jury this morning and has
been all day inquiring into the death of Henry Smith. It is
stated that Smith had two bad wounds in the head, one made by a
rock, which its alleged was thrown by Adolph Sohlman, the
barber, the other by a piece of scantling wielded by Peter
Hartman. It is stated that a post mortem will be held to
determine which wound caused the death.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3, 1902
Peter Hartmann was
held without bail by Deputy Coroner Streeper on the verdict of
the Coroner's jury found Wednesday evening in the inquest over
the body of Henry Smith, the East Alton man killed Monday
afternoon after a quarrel at East Alton over a game of cards.
The evidence heard by the jury tended to show that Hartmann was
guilty of an unprovoked assault and struck the fatal blow while
Smith was on the ground trying to rise. He had been knocked off
the porch at Chessen & Henry's saloon, and fell under the edge
of the porch, where he was vainly trying to rise, when Sohlmann
threw several stones at him, one of which took effect on Smith's
head. Hartmann was not really in the fight until this time, and
the evidence was that Sohlman shouted to kill Smith, and that in
obedience to this order Hartmann seized a heavy piece of timber
and struck the crouching man on the head. It was testified and
denied as strongly that Smith had a knife, as one was found near
his body, but it is said that the knife belonged to Sam Hunter,
who was in the quarrel also. Sohlman was admitted to $200 bond,
but Hartmann was held without bond.
SMITH, ISAAC/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1849
Died
at his residence on the Sand Ridge, about 6 miles east of Alton,
on the 8th instant, of cholera, Mr. Isaac Smith, aged about 40.
The deceased had resided in the county about 30 years, and has
left a wife and several children, together with many friends, to
mourn his loss.
SMITH,
ISAAC NEWTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 2, 1847
Died
on Monday night at his father's residence on the Sand Ridge,
Isaac Newton, son of Mr. Isaac Smith, aged 10 years.
SMITH,
J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1907
An
inquest was held last evening by Deputy Coroner Allen Keiser
into the death of J. Smith, the man killed Wednesday at the
Standard oil refinery site, and the jury returned a verdict that
Smith had come to his death by being accidentally struck over
the head with a steel rail, the accident being unavoidable.
SMITH, JACOB/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 11, 1866
Empire
House Cook Killed
About half-past three o’clock yesterday
afternoon, a young man named Jacob Smith, employed as a cook at
the Empire Saloon and Boarding House on Third Street, met with a
sudden and untimely death by the accidental discharge of a
pistol in the hands of Charles Steiner, an old and worthy
citizen. The ball struck in the shoulder, breaking the shoulder
blade, and glanced downward, so as to sever an artery of the
heart, and cause almost instant death.
The unfortunate
young man was a nephew of the proprietor of the Empire House,
and was held in high esteem among his friends and acquaintances.
He had been in this country about a year and a half.
A
jury was empaneled by Coroner Regan, to hold an inquest upon the
body. The following is the verdict: “We, the jury summoned by P.
F. Regan, Esq., to inquire into the cause of the death of Jacob
Smith, agree that said deceased came to his death by the
accidental discharge of a pistol, in the hands of Charles
Steiner.” Signed H. Wessore, Foreman
SMITH, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16,
1922
Judge Smith, Old Farmer, Dies in Daughter's Home
"Judge"
Jacob Smith, for many years a prosperous farmer on Missouri
Point, died Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Edward Pilgrim, 511 East Tenth street, from old age. He had been
in poor health for some time, but there was no indication of a
general breakdown. On Thursday night he was stricken with the
fatal attack, and he passed peacefully away in his sleep, Sunday
morning. The death of Judge Smith removes one of the best known
of the old time residents of Missouri Point. He had a farm which
he operated for many years which skirted Brickhouse Slough. His
residence was on the St. Charles road. Many an Alton man who
would go fishing at Brickhouse Slough knew the courteous old
gentleman, and often enjoyed his hospitality. He was recognized
as one of the very best residents of Missouri Point. Fifteen
years ago he retired from farming because of his advancing
years. Had he lived until November 28, he would have been 85
years of age, but his appearance did not indicate such a great
age. He was a well preserved man and looked healthy and well,
even up to the time of his last attack of illness. Four years
ago he came to Alton to be with his daughter and for about four
years preceding that he had lived in Florida. He had settled on
Missouri Point when he was forty years of age. He was married
three times, all his wives having died before him. He leaves
four sons, Frank and Joseph of Missouri Point, George of Wood
River, Jacob of Federal, and Mrs. Pilgrim of Alton. The funeral
will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock from the home of
Mrs. Pilgrim, and services will be conducted by Rev. C. W.
Heggemeier, pastor of the Evangelical church in which Judge
Smith held membership. Burial will be in Ebenezer cemetery on
Missouri Point.
SMITH, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1837
Died, in Alton, on Monday last, James Smith, son of Jacob D.
Smith.
SMITH, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 15, 1845
An
Irishman by the name of James Smith came to a grocery, lately
commenced in this place by Thomas McDowell, who is also an
Irishman and the late Secretary of the Temperance Society in
this town, but unfortunately has backslidden from the good
cause. Mr. Smith came into Troy for a gun that had been left at
the gunsmith's for repairs. Mr. McDowell let him have liquor to
such a degree that he had to inquire his way out of town, and
the next day he was found dead about four miles from Troy on his
way to Lebanon, where he is supposed to reside. His horse and
his gun were close where he was found. He is still lying in the
woods with a few fence rails around him, and the neighbors are
hourly expecting the Coroner. Signed by Moses Bardsley.
SMITH, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1873
Died on January 14, in Upper Alton, James Smith, in the 61st
year of his age.
SMITH,
JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1904
James Smith, aged 20, died Sunday at the family home in East End
place. His father died one week ago Saturday from the same
disease. The son's body will be taken to Greenville tomorrow to
be buried beside his father.
SMITH, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1913
Falls Down Elevator Shaft at Madison Hotel in Alton
James Smith, aged 35, was fatally injured by falling down the
elevator shaft at the Madison Hotel Friday evening. He was taken
to the hospital about 7 o'clock, where he died at 3 o'clock
Saturday morning. The man was a stranger. A few days ago he
applied to Rev. S. D. McKenny for assistance, and as Rev.
McKenny makes a practice of securing places where people may
work it they need assistance, he found this man a place at the
Madison Hotel where he could work for his board. The man was
sick and unable to do very much. According to the story told at
the Madison, the man came in drunk Friday evening, and in
attempting to find the exit at the main floor of the hotel on
the east side of the lobby, he found the elevator door and
walked in. He fell from the main floor to the cellar and his
skull was fractured. Smith was ordered taken to the hospital by
Rev. McKenny.
SMITH, JAMES R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 8,
1912
Former Sexton of Godfrey Cemetery Dies on Birthday
James
R. Smith died Friday morning at 8:45 o'clock at his home in
Godfrey after an illness commencing more than six months ago,
when he suffered a paralytic stroke. He has been confined to his
bed since, and until a few days ago no change was apparent in
his condition. The paralysis, which had been only partial, began
spreading to other parts of the body until the end came
peacefully. Mr. Smith was one of the best known residents of
Godfrey township, and for 35 or 40 years was sexton of Godfrey
Cemetery. He was born in New Bedford, Pa., 72 years ago today,
but came to Madison county when very young and most of his life
was spent in Godfrey. He was a kindly man and made many friends
who will regret to hear of his death and whose sympathies will
go out to the widow and daughter left behind. Mrs. R. R. Mather,
the daughter, and her husband, left their own home six months
ago when Mr. Smith was paralyzed, and have been helping Mrs.
Smith since then to care for him. He has a brother, George,
living in Estelline, S. D. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home in Godfrey, Rev. J. F.
Bacon officiating.
SMITH, JENNIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 24, 1865
Died
in Alton, March 21st, suddenly of scarlet fever, Jennie,
youngest daughter of William H. and Ellen Smith, aged 8 years
and 7 months.
SMITH, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1914
Flag Floats Half Mast In Honor of Union Veteran
for the second time in the history of the country, the
American flag is floating at half mast in honor of an old
soldier for whom "Taps" has sounded. The former veteran was John
Smith, and the flag was unfurled by Miss Lottie Coleman,
proprietor of the Myrtle House, for the Daughters of Veterans of
which she is one of the most energetic. The Alton Daughters of
Veterans took the initiative in the matter of paying respect to
the memory of old soldiers and to unfurl at half mast the stars
and stripes as a token of esteem and respect and regret upon the
death of a former soldier, but it is expected that the custom
will be adopted all over the country. The Telegraph published
the fact when the flag was unfurled for the first time on record
on such an occasion, and the fact was telegraphed all over the
country. The idea pleased others, and the indications are that
it will very soon become a general custom. The old soldiers are
becoming fewer in number rapidly, and the custom cannot be of
long duration at best, but it is a pretty one to adopt and
continued as long as possible. [Editor's note: Flying at flag at
half-mast allows for the "invisible flag of death" to fly at the
top of the mast, which signified death's presence, power, and
prominence.]
SMITH, JOHN G./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 24, 1873
Died on January 9, at Dorsey, Mr. John G. Smith, for
thirty-three years a resident of that place.
SMITH, JOHN GILBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 11, 1893
Carpenter at Monticello Seminary
John Gilbert Smith,
who died April 16, 1893 at his home in Godfrey, Ill., after a
painful illness patiently borne, was born in Lawrence county,
Pennsylvania April 7, 1836, and had therefore completed his 57th
year at death, fully fifty of which had been given to Godfrey,
he having moved to this place with his parents at the early age
of 7 years. There were five brothers, Samuel, James, William,
George and Benjamin, of whom John was the eldest. Only one
sister, Mrs. Maggie Rowan, being older. In 1861 Mr. Smith
entered the army, but the exposure and change of diet incident
to army life proved too much for the body that held his
courageous spirit. He lay five months of his first year in a
hospital at St. Louis, a very great sufferer. In 1862 he
returned to Godfrey, honorably discharged. Soon after this he
enlisted under Christ, the captain of his salvation, uniting
with the Church of Christ in Godfrey. January 28, 1871, at the
home of Hon. J. G. Irwin, Edwardsville, Ill., John G. Smith
wedded Miss Maria Sparr. Perhaps more than any other, this
single event controlled and favorably affected all the remaining
years of Mr. Smith's life. The happy couple came at once to live
in the house just completed in which so many pleasant quiet
years of domestic life were given them, and in which he died,
and where also resides his sorrowing companion - if in sorrow,
yet surely in comfort. With Mrs. George Smith, of Brighton,
Maria Sparr Smith early and long and to this day has enjoyed the
relation of a close and special friendship. For many years
Monticello Seminary gave employment to Carpenter Smith, and so
uniformly thoughtful and kind was the management, Miss H. N.
Haskell in particular, through all these years, and the last sad
rites that closed them, Mrs. Smith recalls them gratefully. Mr.
Smith's contribution in labor given to the new Seminary building
was deemed large for his means, and testified in the best
possible manner his own appreciation. Signed O. C. D.
SMITH, JOHN M./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 9, 1853
Died at Bear Creek [possibly near Glen Carbon area?] on Friday,
the 1st inst., of typhoid fever, John M. Smith, son of John C.
Smith, Esq., aged 11 years and six months.
SMITH,
JOHN SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1901
North Alton News - John Samuel Smith died at his home Sunday
noon after a brief illness with pneumonia, aged about 46 years.
He was better known in the village as "Johnnie Samuels," and had
lived here the greater part of his life. He leaves but one
relative, an uncle, George Clough, his mother having died
several years ago. The funeral will probably be tomorrow.
SMITH, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3,
1912
Killed in Quarry Landslide
Two men, foreman Joseph Smith
and George Means, head washer and shooter in the Alton Builder
Supply Co. quarries, were buried under a landslide Monday
afternoon at 5:15 o'clock, on a ledge 60 feet from the level.
Smith was fatally injured and died at the hospital soon after
midnight. Means was not so badly hurt and ought to be back at
his work in about ten days, according to the doctor. The man who
was the worst buried of the two escaped with the slightest
consequences. Means was buried forty-five minutes, and was
covered completely. Smith's head was projecting from the mass of
earth, and he was dug out first, but was so badly mangled by the
heavy weight of earth that it was seen he could not live. One
arm and one leg were broken in two places each. His head was
crushed and his ribs broken. The landslide dropped about forty
feet from the top of the bluff to the twelve foot wide ledge
where the men were at work. Robert Roady and James Kirk, two
other men, managed to escape, but the two men who were hurt
could not. Means was in a stooping position at the time and was
covered under many tons of earth. When the accident happened,
the whistles were blown and distress calls given, summoning all
the men working in all the quarries along the bluffs. They
hurried down. The two head men being under the pile of earth,
the laborers had to take charge of the rescue until neighbors
arrived. As a large part of the dirt fell over the ledge to the
ground 60 feet below, it was not known whether Means, who was
covered deep, was buried on the ledge or had tumbled down to the
lowest level. This delayed the rescue work. Finally the rescue
gangs got to work on the upper edge and got both men out and
lowered them to the ground, where they were put in an ambulance
and hauled to the hospital. According to the men, a gang of
negroes who were close by refused to lend any aid in the rescue
work. Smith, who died, was about 47 years old and leaves a wife.
The family lived near the water works. Means lives on Coppinger
road. Both men were old, experienced quarrymen. The funeral of
Mr. Smith will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock from SS.
Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood
cemetery.
SMITH, JOSEPH F./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, March 13,
1874
Foreman of Telegraph Newsroom Dies
It is with
sincere regret we are called upon to chronicle the death of Mr.
Joseph F. Smith, foreman of the newsroom of this office, which
sad event took place on Monday morning after a lingering and
painful illness, which he bore with exemplary patience and
fortitude. Mr. Smith had been connected with this office for
over seven years, and always proved himself faithful and
efficient. As a printer, he possessed remarkable skill and
accuracy; no member of the craft in this city surpassed him in a
thorough knowledge of all details of the art. He was a genial
and agreeable companion, and was highly esteemed by all who knew
him for his many excellent qualities. His associates in the
office will sadly miss his cheerful and friendly companionship
and upright example. He had been for several years a consistent
member of the Baptist church. His age was nearly 34 years. He
leaves a wife and child, and many relatives, to mourn his loss.
The funeral services took place Tuesday afternoon at the Baptist
church, the pastor, Rev. T. G. Field, officiating. The discourse
was impressive and appropriate, an affecting and tender tribute
to the many virtues of the deceased. A very large audience was
present on the occasion to testify by this last tribute their
respect and affection for the departed. The pallbearers were
young men who had long been associated with Mr. Smith in
business relations. The remains were followed to the [Alton
City] cemetery by a long procession, and the last sad rites were
performed just as the daylight was fading into the shadows of
evening.
SMITH, JULIA M./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 14, 1844
Died, in this city on the 6th inst., Mrs. Julia M. consort
of Mr. Harry Smith. The deceased was a worthy and pious member
of the Presbyterian Church, and died in the hope of a blessed
immortality. An afflicted husband, several children, and many
friends, desplore her loss.
SMITH,
LEAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13, 1906
The funeral of Leah, 8 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert
L. Smith, was held this morning from the home near Melville, and
because of the nature of the disease from which the child died -
diphtheria - was private.
SMITH,
LEAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1907
Leah
Smith, aged 4 years and five months, died this morning at the
home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, 1202 Rodemeyer
avenue, from summer complaint. The body will be sent to
Henderson, Ky., tonight or in the morning for burial.
SMITH,
LELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13, 1917
Mrs. Lelia Smith, wife of Randolph Smith, aged 35, died at her
home in Upper Alton this afternoon after an illness of five
days. Her husband, who has been working in California, was not
at her bedside. He had been informed of her illness but her
condition did not become serious until yesterday. He was
notified today, and the funeral arrangements will not be
completed until word has been received from him. Mrs. Smith
leaves besides her husband, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin
Reed; three brothers, Herbert, Robert and Harry; and one sister,
Mrs. Nina Treble, all of Alton. She was taken ill last Friday.
From that time her condition continued to grow worse until
yesterday when she developed pneumonia. The end came at 3
o'clock this afternoon.
SMITH,
LESTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17, 1905
Lester Smith, who was brought to St. Joseph's hospital last week
suffering from injuries he sustained by falling headlong from a
grain tank in course of construction at Edwardsville, striking
on a granitoid platform, died Sunday morning at 4 o'clock from
the effects of concussion of the brain. He was 23 years of age.
The body was turned over to Coroner C. N. Streeper, and the
employers of the young man, the R. C. Stone Steel Storage Co. of
Springfield, Mo., were notified of his death. Smith's family
lived at Edwardsville, and the body will be taken there for
burial.
SMITH, MARGIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7, 1865
Died
on April 2 of scarlet fever, after an illness of five days,
Margie, daughter of W. H. and Ellan Smith, aged 11 years and
five months.
SMITH, MARY ALETHA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 9, 1874
Died in Upper Alton on January 3, of ulceration of the bowels,
Mary Aletha, infant daughter of S. E. and E. J. Smith; aged 13
months and 21 days.
SMITH, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1911
The funeral of Mrs. Mary Smith, widow of the late Adam Smith
of Godfrey, will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the Godfrey Congregational church. Services will be conducted by
Rev. J. A. Scarritt by request.
SMITH,
MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1918
Mrs.
Mary Smith, for more than fifty years a resident of Godfrey,
died at the home of Mrs. Leota Bushnell in Godfrey Monday at
8:30 a.m. She was 80 years old. Death was due to paralysis. Mrs.
Smith was the widow of John Smith, and she and her ________ were
well known residents of Godfrey. For a number of years Mrs.
Smith had made her home with her friend, Mrs. Bushnell, who has
been her nurse. A niece, Mrs. Moore, resides in St. Louis. The
funeral will be from the residence of Mrs. Bushnell Wednesday at
10 a.m., and the burial will be in the Godfrey Cemetery.
SMITH,
MARY FRANCES/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1842
Died, in Upper Alton, on the evening of the 10th inst., at 20
minutes past 10 o'clock, Mary Frances, daughter of Samuel C. and
Catharine Smith, aged 5 months and 26 days.
SMITH,
MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8, 1910
Mrs. Mary J. Smith, widow of the late Albert G. Smith, died
today shortly after noon at her home, 1824 Belle street. She was
very old, and had lived in Alton almost all her life. Her son,
Arthur Smith, took care of his mother for several years. There
are other children, but they are not living in Alton, it is
said. The Smiths were once quite well-to-do, and Albert Smith
owned all of that tract of land in State street, now known as
the Lockyer addition. He owned other property also. After his
death a division was made among the heirs. Funeral arrangements
have not been made. Smith had not been well for some time it is
said, but her death was rather sudden.
SMITH, NANCY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 4, 1875
Died at Monticello [Godfrey] on October 30, 1875, Mrs. Robert
Smith, in the 65th year of her age. [Mrs. Smith was born in
Ireland on March 11, 1811. Surviving were her husband, Robert,
and children Margaret J.; John Gilbert; Samuel Ruth; James R.;
William M.; George Washington; and Benjamin Charles Smith.]
SMITH, RACHEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 25,
1914
Colored Woman Wandered Outdoors in Freezing Weather -
Found Frozen
Mrs. Rachel Smith, colored, mother of Mrs.
Margaret Fox, was found dead this morning where she had fallen
at the foot of a flight of stairs leading from the street to the
premises of her daughter's home, 518 Easton street, at 7 o'clock
this morning. It is supposed that the aged woman had risen from
her bed in the night and wandering from the house in response to
some vagary of her mind, and becoming benumbed, had fallen and
froze to death. It was not known she was out of the house. The
aged woman's mind had failed and she had gone back to her
childhood again. Last summer, responding to what she believed
was her childhood playmates call, she had gone down into a
playground at the intersection of Seventh and Easton streets,
rising from her bed to make the trip in the night. It was a
rainy night, and the tall weeds in the hollow nearly suffocated
her before she was found. She was rescued with considerable
difficulty at that time. When she rose from her bed last night,
she was clad only in her nightgown and was barefooted. The near
zero temperature was too much for her and she was frozen. Mrs.
Smith was a very old woman, her exact age being uncertain. She
came to Alton from Virginia shortly after the close of the Civil
War, and lived here ever since. Members of the family say that
she escaped from the house by a ____ door without arousing
anyone, and that they did not know she was gone until morning
came when her body was found. The funeral will be Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Fox home.
SMITH,
ROBERT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, Monday, January 5, 1880
- Submitted by Colleen Stutz
Died - Mr. Robert Smith, of
Godfrey, one of the oldest and most prominent citizens of the
place, died last night, very suddenly, about 12 o'clock. He was
in his usual health in the afternoon, took a walk to the
residence of one of his sons and, on his return was seized with
an attack of paralysis of the heart which carried him off at the
hour mentioned, in spite of the best medical attention. Deceased
was a native of Pennsylvania, died at the age of 72 years, and
leave a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his
sudden death.
SMITH,
ROBERT BINGHAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1900
Alton Wholesale Druggist; Cousin of William Eliot Smith
Robert B. Smith died Saturday evening at his home in Chicago
after a long illness of cancer of the throat. His death will
arouse many memories of the social past in Alton among those who
were prominent in Alton society in Mr. Smith's day, and knew him
as one of the most brilliant society men that Alton ever knew.
He was born in Alton sixty-two years ago and was a member of one
of the most prominent families. He was the son of Hon. Robert
Smith, who was the only Congressman Alton ever had, and was a
cousin of William Eliot Smith. The body arrived here from
Chicago this morning, and the funeral was direct from the
station to City Cemetery. The services were conducted under the
auspices of Belvidere Commandery Knights Templar, of which Mr.
Smith was a member and had at one time been Eminent Commander.
Mr. Smith was the owner of a valuable estate in Alton
many years ago and was engaged in the drug business. After
conducting a retail store, he branched out into the wholesale
business in which he continued until fire destroyed the store in
January 1880. He retired from business then and has made his
home in Chicago since that time. He was a prominent Mason and
gave much time to the craft. He attained the thirty-second
degree of the Consistory. Mr. Smith leaves besides his widow,
one son, Earl C. Smith, of Chicago, and a sister, Mrs. Sara B.
Mahoney, also of Chicago. The pallbearers were members of
Belvidere Commandery, Messrs. Henry Watson, W. A. Haskell, S. F.
Connor, G. H. Smiley, H. R. Phinney and John M. Pearson.
NOTES:
Robert Bingham Smith was born in 1838 in Alton to Hon.
Robert and Sarah P. Bingham Smith. His father, Robert Sr., was
elected to represent Illinois’ first and eighth Congressional
Districts, serving from 1843 – 1849, and then 1857 – 1859.
Robert Sr. was born in 1802 in New Hampshire, and died December
21, 1867 in Alton. Robert Sr. is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
Robert Bingham Smith was engaged in the drug
business, and founded the Robert B. Smith Wholesale Drug House,
located at the southwest corner of Piasa and Broadway in Alton.
The building was destroyed by fire in January 1880, and he then
retired and moved to Chicago. In 1911, the Hippodrome was
constructed on the property. Robert is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
SMITH, ROBERT G. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May
7, 1881
Captain Robert G. Smith died at his residence, a
quarter of a mile west of the Piasa bridge on the Grafton Road,
May 6, 1881, at the age of 47 years, after a brief but painful
illness. He will be buried from Melville Church at 11 o’clock
a.m., May 8, under the auspices of Greenwood Lodge No. 421, I.
O. O. F. at Buck Inn [North Alton], where he served as
Secretary. Sister lodges are invited to attend and assist in the
burial rites. Captain Smith came to this part of Illinois about
25 years ago, and along with other enterprising parties from
Massachusetts, established the Rosedale Cement Company, with
which he was connected until he sold it to the Louisville
combination. He was a faithful and efficient officer in the
144th Illinois Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, stationed at
Alton during the war. In business affairs, he was prompt and
correct, and it may be well said that those who knew him best
will miss him most. Deceased leaves a wife and two children,
besides a brother, Mr. Gilbert Smith of Canada, to whom the sad
news has been telegraphed.
SMITH, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Thursday Aug 13,
1908 - Submitted by Colleen Stutz
Samuel Smith, who was
stricken with paralysis several days ago, died this morning at
his home in Elm Street. He was 70 years of age and leaves a wife
and several children. James Smith, sexton of Godfrey cemetery
was a brother and deceased was a well known and respected
citizen of this county for many years. The funeral will be held
Saturday afternoon from the home and burial will be in Godfrey
cemetery.
SMITH, SARAH PIERSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 22,
1865
Died on the 19th inst., Sarah Pierson, twin daughter of
James and Martha Smith, aged 3 years and 8 months.
SMITH, STELLA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 21, 1903
Stella Smith, aged 20, daughter of Mrs.
Susan Smith, colored, of 1115 Green street, died Saturday night
from internal injuries she sustained three weeks ago last Friday
while she was trying to alight from a moving Chicago and Alton
train at Union depot. She was on the morning train to St. Louis,
and attempted to alight after the train had started. In doing
so, she stumbled as she struck the platform and rolled over
several times, but did not fall under the train wheels. She
suffered internal injuries, although it was not thought she was
hurt at the time as she rose and walked off unaided.
SMITH, STEPHEN GRANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 22,
1865
Died on the 13th inst., Stephen Grant, son of James and
Martha Smith, aged one year and six months.
SMITH, SYDNEY STERNE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 14, 1871
Died on July 9 in Alton, of heart disease, Mr. Sydney Sterne
Smith, in the 28th year of her age.
SMITH,
THERESA MARIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 25, 1845
Died, January 18th (?), 1845, Mrs. Theresa Maria Smith, aged 36,
wife of Gilman Smith, Esq., of this city. Mrs. Smith's maiden
name was Bissell, formerly of Randolph, Vermont. In 1838 she
went among the Cherokees as Missionary teacher, under the
patronage of the A. B. C. F. M. She remained there until 1841,
when she was united in marriage to Mr. Smith, and has since
resided in this city, a living example of meek, devoted, active
piety.
SMITH, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
2, 1920
Pneumonia claimed Thomas Smith, night at the
Nazareth Home, where he had been staying for a year. He had been
a feeble health for a long time and being unmarried and being
unable to take care of himself, he was taken to the home where
he passed the closing year of his life. He had resided for many
years at Eighth and Alton streets. Mr. Smith was 77 years of
age. He was born in Sutton, England, and came to Alton when he
was nine years old. For sixty-eight years he resided here and
until about twenty years ago was engaged in draying. He was a
well known man and a confirmed optimist. No matter how
discouraging the weather, he always would observe to a friend he
might meet "its a fine day." Everything with Tommy Smith was
viewed in the same way. He was uncomplaining no matter what
misfortunes came, and his characteristic good cheer stayed with
him to the end. Physical weakness and disability did not change
him and he bore his suffering at the end with the same good
cheer he had always manifested and his friends are confident
that as this cheerful being closed his eyes, he opened them on a
"fine day" in the other world. He leaves one brother, E. A.
Smith, and a sister, Mrs. Matilda Holden, widow of Charles
Holden. The funeral was from the home of E. A. Smith at 2:30
o'clock Friday afternoon and was private. Rev. M. W. Twing
conducted the services. Burial was in the City Cemetery.
SMITH,
UNKNOWN CHILD .... SISTER OF ALICE SMITH/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 29, 1912
Grabbing a bowl of burning
gasoline that had become fired from a hot iron she was using,
Miss Alice Smith of 1115 Harrison street threw the bowl of
burning gas through the rear door of her home. Her little one
and one half year old sister was toddling across the yard and
just passing the door, and the burning gasoline covered the
little girl from head to foot, and she was fatally burned before
aid could reach her. The accident happened Saturday night, and
Miss Alice Smith was preparing a skirt to be worn by her Sunday.
She had cleaned the skirt with gasoline, and started to press it
with the hot iron, when the skirt was fired. The flames
immediately fired the bowl of gasoline sitting on the end of the
ironing board, and the young woman, without looking to see
whether anyone was in the way, threw the burning gas outside the
house. The screams of both young woman and the burning child
attracted the mother, who threw something over the child and
smothered the flames. A physician was secured and everything
possible done for the little girl, but she died after much
suffering about 9 o'clock Sunday morning. The elder sister, who
threw the burning gasoline, is badly burned about the hands and
arms. She is heartbroken over the accident to her little sister
and blames herself, although the matter was purely accidental.
The young woman was doing all she could to save the house from
burning and did not know her little sister was in the back yard,
anyway near the open door.
SMITH,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF HOMER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
14, 1918
Mrs. Homer Smith died this morning at her home
on Seventh street. She had been sick for four months, but the
immediate cause of her death was given as influenza. Mrs. Smith
was 28 years old. She leaves a husband, besides her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. Newton Keene of Missouri Point. The funeral will be
held Monday morning at the Keene home on Missouri Point, and the
burial will be there also.
SMITH,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES R/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Friday,
March 10, 1916 Submitted by Colleen Stutz
Mrs. James R. Smith
died at 8:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. R. R. Mather, on the Godfrey road. She was born
July 12, 1842, at West Middlesex, Penn., and was married to J.R.
Smith in April 15, 1873, and came to Godfrey where she lived
until four years ago yesterday, when her husband died; then came
to the North Side and lived with her daughter. She was a member
of the First Presbyterian Church of West Middlesex, where she
still held her membership. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. R. R.
Mather, and two brothers, Thomas Wasson, of Orange, Texas, and
Wm. Wasson, of Sharon, Penn., and one grandson, Roy Mather. The
funeral will be held Sunday at 2 p.m., from the residence, Rev.
E.L. Gibson officiating. Burial will be in the Godfrey Cemetery.
She was 73 years 7 months and 26 days old.
SMITH,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF ROBERT/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, Thursday,
November 4, 1875 - Submitted by Colleen Stutz
Died - Smith - At Monticello, on the 31st ult., Mrs. Robert Smith in the 65th year
of her age.
SMITH, UNKNOWN WOMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1872
Mrs. Smith, an elderly widow lady who has resided on her farm
five miles northeast of Edwardsville, on the Hillsboro Road, for
upwards of 20 years past, died of erysipelas, at her late
residence, yesterday.
SMITH, UPTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 11, 1846
Died on Monday last at his residence on the Sand Ridge [Wood
River area], after a long and severe illness, Mr. Upton Smith,
for many years a worthy citizen of this county, aged about 65.
SMITH, UTTEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 26, 1864
We
regret to state that on Saturday night last, at his residence in
Alton, Utten Smith, Esq., departed this life. He had long
resided in our city, and was among our most useful and esteemed
citizens, and his loss will be deeply felt by our people
generally. At the time of his death, and for several years
previous, he was filling the office of Register of the City of
Alton.
SMITH,
WILHELMINA/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 18, 1919
Mrs. Wilhelmina Smith, wife of Henry W. Smith of 808 Troy
Road, died this morning at 11 o'clock with pneumonia, with which
she had been ill the past ten days. Her daughter in law, Mrs.
George Smith, is just recovering from the same ailment after a
severe attack, and is able to sit up today. During the few hours
before her death, there was a decided change for the worse. A
weakened heart contributed to her death. During the early part
of April, Mrs. Smith contracted a heavy cold, which settled on
her lungs and pneumonia resulted. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of
the late Ernst Schomberg. The date of her birth was May 5, 1877,
and in a few days would have observed her 42nd birthday
anniversary. She spent all her life in Edwardsville and
vicinity. On August 1, 1893, she was married to Mr. Smith, and
the husband and one son, who returned from military service
several weeks ago, survive. Besides the mother, two sisters,
Mrs. Emma Smith, wife of William Smith, and brother of Henry W.
Smith, Miss Augusta Schomberg, and a brother, George Schomberg,
survive. Funeral arrangements will be made late this afternoon.
Services will probably be Monday.
SMITH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 14, 1848
Died at his residence in Ridge Prairie, five miles from
Edwardsville, on the 5th inst., Mr. William Smith, aged 55(?).
The deceased was a native of Kentucky, but had resided 14 years
in Madison County at the time of his death. For some years past,
he had been subjected to great bodily sufferings, which he bore
with exemplary patience and resignation. He was an excellent
citizen, and much esteemed by his acquaintance, and has left a
widow and several children to mourn his loss.
SMITH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 8,
1883
Old Soldier Found Hanging in a Stable
About 2 o’clock
this afternoon, a lad named Ed Carter was in the upper story of
Mr. H. W. Hart’s livery stable, and discovered William Smith, an
old resident of Alton, hanging by a halter strap at the side of
a stall. The alarm was raised, and Mr. Joseph Crowe, with
another gentleman, rushed to the place and cut down the body,
which was cold and stiff, showing that the deed of
self-destruction must have been committed some hours before –
probably last night, as he had not been seen today. The strap
was fastened to the post only 4 ½ feet from the floor, so that
the unfortunate man’s feet rested on the floor, his limbs being
bent in order to cause the strap to do its work effectually.
Mr. Smith was a native of Canada, but had lived here for 40
or more years. He was quiet, inoffensive, and had many friends.
His age was about 75 years. He was a soldier of the Mexican War,
and also of the War of the Rebellion, and was a member of Col.
Harry Hart’s Regiment, the 22nd Illinois, and served faithfully
during the war.
For the last eighteen or twenty years, he
has been engaged, more or less, about the stable, where he slept
at night. He had become old and feeble, had no relatives, so far
as known, either here or elsewhere, and it is supposed had
become despondent and tired of life. It was a sad fate for an
old soldier, who had served the country well and faithfully, and
a tragic ending of a life that had seen many vicissitudes.
Coroner Youree was telegraphed for, and will probably arrive
on the evening train and hold an inquest. [Note: William Smith
was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]
SMITH,
WILLIAM ELIOT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1909
Co-Founder of Illinois Glass Works in Alton
A cablegram came
this noon from Rome, Italy, announcing the death there of
William Eliot Smith of Alton, who was touring southern Europe
and northern Africa with his family. The cablegram was received
at St. Louis by George J. Kendall of the Illinois Glass Co., and
by him was transmitted to the Alton office. The message said
that Mr. Smith died from pneumonia, and gave no further
information. The plans for the funeral are not known, but it is
supposed the body will be brought back to America for interment,
as the Smith family has a burial lot in the City Cemetery at
Alton.
William Eliot Smith was 64 years of age and was a
native of St. Louis. He came to Alton when a young man and
settled here permanently. He became interested in the glass
business at Alton with Edward Levis many years ago, and starting
on a small scale and working hard, by the application of strict
business principles, he was a very strong factor in building up
the small institution to being the biggest of its kind in the
world. The Illinois Glass Company plant at Alton will be a
monument to his memory. He was the son of one of the benefactors
of Smith Academy of St. Louis, and Mr. Smith, a graduate of
Washington University, was also deeply interested in that
institution. He always was loyal to his own home city and it
grew the cherished hope of his later years that Alton would
become a beautiful place to live in and would pay more attention
to civic improvement. He it was who first suggested in Alton the
work of making Alton more beautiful. He contributed a small sum
as a starter to illustrate what could be done by making beauty
spots here and there, and he interested other men in the idea.
Finally, he gave to the city of Alton a good-sized tract of
ground which he intended should be used for park purposes, and
this is in process of being transformed into a beautiful park
for the citizens of Alton. Careful economy was the rule of his
life, notwithstanding his immense wealth, and he never lost an
opportunity to illustrate by example to others around him not so
well situated, the folly of reckless extravagance and the
benefit of careful saving of property. Mr. Smith leaves his wife
and two daughters, Misses Eunice and Ellen Smith.
At the
time that the father broached the subject of making the trip to
Europe and Africa, members of the family seemed to have a
premonition that there would be an unfortunate ending of the
tour. At the time that the reports came of the earthquake in
Italy and it was feared the Smiths were in the wreck, the
friends of the Smith family feared that the premonitions had
been well grounded. The friends in Alton waited with deep
interest news from the family, and there was much rejoicing when
the message came announcing their safety. The family afterward
went to Northern Africa, and some of them were ill while there,
but recovered. The last heard from the Smiths was about a week
ago, when a letter came saying they were in Rome and were well.
It is believed the illness of Mr. Smith was of short duration,
as pneumonia was given as the cause of death.
Of Mr.
Smith's business ability there are many instances that could be
related, showing he was a man of big affairs, and those who knew
him best can see how it was that he was so successful in the
glass business. Even when he was on pleasure trips, he carried
his business on his mind, and he was always looking for
opportunity to help his business and make it grow still more. He
alone prevented the forming of a glass bottle trust many years
ago, by holding out and refusing to sell his plant, being
impossible to organize a trust without the big plant at Alton.
The news of the death of Mr. Smith caused a profound shock among
his business associates. The sons of the late Edward Levis have
been associated with him since boyhood in the glass business,
and he depended upon them absolutely to represent him in looking
after his financial affairs, when he was not here to give them
his personal attention. What effect the death of Mr. Smith will
have on Alton is a matter that cannot be decided at the present.
He leaves his business well organized in the hands of competent
representatives, as he had settled all his affairs before he
went away.
NOTES:
William Eliot Smith was born
December 31, 1844, in St. Louis, Missouri. When a young man, he
and Edward Levis (who died in 1903) bought a small glass works
in Alton, and the business grew and prospered under their
guidance. Later, the Levis sons were at the helm. William and
his family lived at Elm Ridge near Upper Alton. He donated 2,000
elm trees from the Smith property to be planted along the
streets of Alton. Part of the Smith property was donated by his
daughters for the construction of the Alton Memorial Hospital.
The body of William Eliot Smith, accompanied by his
wife, Alice, and two daughters, Ellen and Eunice, arrived in
Alton on June 11, 1909. An immense crowd of people met the train
and waited in silence as the casket was removed and placed in
the hearse. The funeral was held June 12 at his home, Elm Ridge,
in Upper Alton. Services were held outside on the lawn under the
grand old trees he had loved so well. Never in the history of
Alton was there such a large funeral as the one held for William
Smith. In one body, over 500 glassblowers marched from the glass
works to the home to gather with family and loved ones to pay
their respects. He was laid to rest in the Alton City Cemetery.
******
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
29, 1909 - Body on Way Home
The steamship on which Mrs.
William Eliot Smith and the Misses Smith sailed with the body of
Mr. Smith is expected in New York June 9, and it is believed the
body will arrive in Alton two days later. In absence of explicit
instructions from the members of the family, no preparations for
the funeral are being made, but a letter is expected in a few
days which was written a few days after Mr. Smith died. The
party sailed a week after Mr. Smith's death, the letter should
get here in advance of them. The Smiths will be met at New York
by several Alton friends and relatives from elsewhere. No
definite plans for the funeral will be made at Alton until word
comes from the family, all the messages which have come so far
being very brief. Letters received in Alton from other people
who were in Florence at the time Mr. Smith was taken ill said
that the weather there was so cold it was uncomfortable and
enough to make anyone ill. Touring Cathedrals and other
buildings in Italy under such circumstances was very dangerous
to anyone's health.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 11, 1909 - Body to Arrive This Evening
The
body of William Eliot Smith, accompanied by Mrs. Smith and two
daughters, will arrive home this evening. The exact hour is not
known, but it is supposed that it will be about 8 or 9 o'clock.
A party of Alton friends of the family will go to Edwardsville
to meet the Smith party and escort them to their home in Alton,
where the body will be kept until the funeral is held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Preparations have been made for the
funeral, which will be subject to the approval of the family
when they arrive. A list of eighteen honorary pall-bearers has
been selected, also eight active pall-bearers. Large delegations
will arrive from Chicago, St. Louis and other places to attend
the funeral. Owing to the fact that the number of carriages in
the city is not adequate to supply the demand for the funeral
tomorrow, the street car company is endeavoring to supply the
deficiency by running extra cars, but it is not believed that
there will be enough cars available. It is said that there will
be practically a full delegation of the 650 glassblowers in the
Alton union, beside hundreds of unorganized laboring men and
boys, and men who were associated with Mr. Smith in business and
other lines. Street cars will be run for the public from the
home to the cemetery after the services at Elm Ridge. There will
be no work after tonight until next Monday at the Illinois glass
factory or other concerns affiliated with that institution in
respect to William Eliot Smith.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 12, 1909
Immense Throng Honors William Eliot
Smith
An immense throng of Alton people, swelled by
a large number of friends from other cities, united today to
honor the memory of Alton's departed captain of industry, Wm.
Eliot Smith. The funeral services were held on the lawn under
the grand old forest trees that Mr. Smith loved so well, and in
whose preservation he took so much pride. The body arrived in
Alton last evening at 8:20 p.m. over the Wabash. An immense
crowd of Alton people met the body at the train and waited in
silence as the casket was removed from the box and was placed in
the hearse. There were hundreds of men, women and children at
the little Wabash depot when the train pulled in. The body was
taken direct to the home. It was necessary to hold the services
outside, as the number of people who were present could not have
been accommodated in the house. Long before the hour for the
funeral, friends and employees of Mr. Smith had begun arriving
on street cars. Every vehicle in the city that could be procured
was had, and the street railway company found its carrying
ability tested to its limit during the hour before the time set
for the services to begin. Never in the history of Alton was
there such a testimonial to the memory of any citizen at a
funeral. Business was suspended in the city for two hours
between 2 and 4 o'clock, even though it was Saturday and the
business houses were supposed to be at their busiest.
Manufacturing institutions were idle for the half day and
workingmen rubbed elbows with employers in the throng that
gathered at Elm Ridge. It was a universal testimonial to a man
who had done more for the city of Alton than any other living
person to develop it was a manufacturing place, to increase its
natural beauty and to give Alton the commercial importance it
has. As it was impossible for all who attended the funeral to
ride, many walked and members of the various unions employed by
the Illinois Glass Company marched in the funeral procession. In
one body over five hundred glassblowers marched. They met at the
head of Common street, and marched from there to the Smith home.
The pallbearers were Thomas Morfoot, William Hope, Gottlieb
Warner, Andrew Schnorr, Louis E. Walter, Charles Goudie, Gus
Sneeringer, Robert Robertson. The honorary pallbearers were
George M. Levis, H. Gibson, Robert Forbes, Charles Levis, George
R. Allen, L. A. Schlafly, C. A. Caldwell, Lucas Pfeiffenberger,
A. E. Bassett, John M. Levis, E. M. Bowman, E. P. Wade, Dr. C.
B. Rohland, H. M. Schweppe, Nelson Levis, George H. Smiley, F.
W. Olin, W. T. Norton, and George E. Hopkins. The funeral
services were conducted by Rev. George R. Gebauer, former pastor
of the Alton Unitarian church, now of Duluth, Minn. The Lean
Gale quartet from St. Louis rendered several musical selections
at the home and in the City cemetery, where the body was laid to
rest. The funeral ceremony was simple and according to Unitarian
ritual. The quartet sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Lead
Kindly Light." The floral offerings probably exceeded anything
of the kind ever given in Alton. There were massive and costly
pieces from the different departments of the glass works, from
various institutions with which Mr. Smith was connected, and
from friends at home and from a distance. All the unions
represented at the glass works contributed their floral
offerings. Officers of institutions in which Mr. Smith held
membership attended in bodies. The cortege moved out Stanton
street to Common street, down Common to North and on North to
Union, where it was joined by the street cars carrying those who
were riding that way, and from there the street cars and
carriages moved to the City cemetery.
Dominant
Ninth Choral Society - Resolutions of Respect
At the
annual meeting of the Dominant Ninth Choral Society, the
announcement of the recent death of Mr. Wm. Eliot Smith, who had
for so many years been such a generous friend to the society,
occasioned many expressions of sorrow and regret, and a
committee was appointed to express the sentiments of the society
in a suitable and more formal manner. The following was adopted
and will be spread upon the minutes:
In Memoriam:
The Dominant Ninth Choral Society, at the close of its
activities for the season 1908-09, desires to put on record a
merited tribute of respect to the memory of one of its oldest,
most consistent and valued friends, Mr. Wm. Eliot Smith, who
died May 20, 1909, in Florence, Italy of pneumonia, after an
illness of but a few days. Mr. Smith's constant interest and
substantial benefactions, extending back for so many years are
so closely interwoven with the history of the society and its
growth achievements and past triumphs have been so largely due
to his continuous active support that his untimely taking off
brings with it a deep sense of personal loss, and a pang of
profound regret. Of a retiring disposition with the inclinations
of a scholar and a gentleman, he rarely spoke of himself and his
doings, so that even his nearest friends had but a faint idea of
the many deserving objects that received his active and liberal
support. Always in hearty sympathy with the aims and purposes of
this society, one of his last acts before leaving on his last
journey was to vitalize with his kind approval and encouragement
the idea of the recent "Thomas Orchestra Festival," which at
first was only tentatively considered by the management, and his
substantial assistance did much toward bringing that enterprise
to so successful an issue. That he could not be present to enjoy
with the society the triumph to which he had so largely
contributed is a matter of genuine regret to every individual
member. The Dominant Ninth Choral Society hereby extends to his
family and friends it most profound sympathy. It grieves with
them in that it has lost one of its most faithful and loyal
friends, whose sympathy and liberality helped to make possible
so many of its aspirations. His name will ever be held in most
grateful remembrance. C. B. Rohland, Emma M. Harris, B. C.
Richardson, Committee.
Memorial and Resolution On
the Life and Character of William Eliot Smith, Unanimously
adopted by Branch No. 2, G. B. B. A., June 10th, 1909:
Standing within the saddening shadows which have fallen upon
this community from the broad wings of the Angel of Death, amid
the silent sorrows which crowd in upon us on occasions like
this, it is with great hesitation, yet with a sense of
obligation that cannot be stilled, prompted by sympathy for the
family, and love and affection for the deceased, that we essay a
discharge of the solemn duty which in common with us all, we owe
to the memory of the late William Eliot Smith. He was a typical
Illinoisian. It was here in this magnificent commonwealth of
ours, amidst the lowly grandeur of our prairies, horizon-fenced
on every side; here amid boundless oceans of billowy corn, that
defy the poet's pen or artist's brush to half depict their
glory, where the summer sun rains down gold, the summer stars
drip light, and the summer day combines the tenderness of
twilight with the freshness of unsullied dawn, that he became
imbued with these principles of honesty and truth that have ever
marked his career and rendered his life a perpetual memory to
those he left behind. It was here in Illinois that he was reared
and schooled; here in Illinois that his life work began; here
that his ambitions were centered and fed; here that he laid the
foundation of a happy home; here that he always lived; and
fitting indeed it is that his resting place will be with us,
amid the ceaseless vigils of wife and kin, and the _________
[unreadable] of neighbors and friends and the meadow scented air
that in life he loved so well. His sun went down at noon; cut
down in the prime of his existence, in the flush of propitious
manhood and at the very beginning of his usefulness, his name
was stricken from the roll by the hand of death and transferred
to the parliament of the skies. Always modest and retiring,
never in an unseemly or untimely manner pressing his views, slow
to engage the attention of others, except as duty demanded; he
was of a frank, courteous and kindly disposition, whose
character stood forth like a granite solemn, imposing in its
solidity, beautiful in its absence of outward ornament, and
immaculate in the material of which it was carved. But it was
perhaps in the domestic circle amid the sweet endearments of
home that the most lovable traits of his character found their
fullest development. He was a great home man, a fond and
affectionate husband and father, and acutely appreciative of
home joys and family pleasures. In that home there is now an
"aching void that the world can never fill." To time, the
comforter, they can look for the healing of their wounds,
assured that when that time shall come, they will forever
cherish as their dearest heritage the memory of his life. But a
short time ago, he was with his friends and kindred. Today, he
is deaf to the words of encouragement, heedless of fair renown
and insensible to praise or blame. No more for him the song of
birds, the whisper of the winds or the murmur of the waters as
they break upon the shore. No more for him the beauty of spring,
the grandeur of summer, the glory of autumn or the uncrowned
majesty of winter. Between that yesterday and today is an abyss
no line has sounded. In that brief space the wave of life has
come and gone. We stand on the shore of time and seek in vain
the refluent whalers, for they will return no more. We can but
repeat the dirge which has ever been chanted since time began,
and which will be carried on in melancholy cadence until time
itself shall end.
In conclusion - Resolved by
Branch No. 2 of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association of the
United States and Canada, that we as members of said
organization, realize that in the death of the late Wm. Eliot
Smith we have lost a true and valuable friend; our Branch, an
honorable and worthy employer. Resolved further, that as
citizens of this community, proud of our city, proud of its
beauty and achievements, proud of its growth and prosperity, we
mourn the loss of Alton's most distinguished citizen. We further
realize that when the history of Alton, Illinois is accurately
written, the name of William Eliot Smith emblazoned in letters
of gold will lead all the rest. Resolved further, that our
Branch extend to the bereaved family of deceased, our heartfelt
sympathy, in this hour of sorrow and sadness, that a copy of
this memorial be tendered them, and that the same be spread upon
our minutes upon a page especially set aside for such purpose.
Branch No. 2, of the Glass Bottle Blowers Association of the U.
S. and Canady. William E. Kelly, Secretary.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1909
It
required two hours time, Saturday afternoon, for all who were at
City cemetery to file past the grave of William Eliot Smith and
view the place. The grass around the Smith lot was trodden until
all life was pressed out of it, and even then all who attended
the funeral did not have a chance to see the flowers. Yesterday
there was another large crowd at the cemetery to see the grave.
Most of the flowers, except the large designs, were sent to the
hospital on Saturday afternoon.
At the funeral of
William Eliot Smith Saturday afternoon, Rev. George R. Gebauer,
former pastor of the Alton Unitarian church, paid a fitting
tribute to the memory of his friend, Mr. Smith, whom he had
known intimately. Owing to the largeness of the audience, it was
impossible for all to hear it, and the Telegraph prints the
address in full, which was as follows:
Friends: -
If I were to carry out the wishes of our dear departed, I should
add nothing to this simple service, which he loved. He believed
in that simplicity of burial service which makes no distinction
between the rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish, the
saint and the sinner. I well remember when he spoke to me about
this matter, and I remember too that I fully agreed with him.
Nothing indeed is so out of place on an occasion like this as
trite and fulsome praise, as pomp and show. If saint or sinner,
rich or poor, wise or foolish, we all alike fall short of the
glory of God as the apostle says. This all is true, very true,
as you well known. And if I stood here simply as the
representative of the church, I might be silent now. But I came
here from my northern home not so much as a clergyman - there
are others nearer who might have performed the simple service of
our church better than I - I came here primarily as a friend,
and as a friend I must say a few words about the friend, though,
by the help of God, in simplicity of spirit. If I were not to
speak some one among you would raise his voice, yes, these very
trees would speak.
Men are drawn to each other
for various reasons. What drew me to our departed brother was
that very quality of mind for which he believed in the simple
service. His was the simplicity of that divine grace, which
neither wealth nor learning can spoil, he was one of God's
gentlemen. His was a gentle nature which despised anything like
sham, that abhorred ostentation that loved the simple life. And
this simplicity of heart and mind was joined to an unusual
reservation of soul. It was not the reservation of pride or of
indifference. No, it was a sincere modesty, a deep regard and
appreciation of others, that unconsciously kept away all
intimacy. The souls of others were to him holy ground, and holy
ground naturally became his soul to those who felt nearest to
him. I think that on the whole, the intimacies we prize, cheapen
us. In truest friendship there are indeed no artificial
barriers, but love itself plants flowers of mutual regard, which
mark the line between mine and thine. But across that living
hedge of kindly consideration one could get insights into a rich
garden of true rare manhood. Yes, he was a "rare" man, eager for
all that is good and true, and noble. Behind that tender modesty
of a young girl were the riches of manifold experience.
His was a mind broad in the truest sense, cosmopolitan
in its range. There was in him no vestige of false pride and
vanity; he was ever ready to learn and would take truth from the
lips of a child; consideration of others and appreciative almost
to a fault. What a rare instance of a man of affairs, of a keen
business man, keenly interested in art, in literature,
languages. He wanted to know, he wished to widen his mind, and
it was no little this craving for new experiences which drew him
away from home. And as his attitude toward man was that of true
modesty and regard, so he had openness of soul, which is
prerequisite to religion. His was not freedom from religion, but
freedom in religion. Never fell, I believe, from his lips a
frivolous word concerning any religion or the work of any
church. True to his own convictions, he never pressed them upon
others. He had that truer liberality, which with kindly eye even
upon what seems superstitious and sympathizes with every soul
that struggles and aspires. He would attend at times service at
the Jewish Temple; he would go to the Baptist church; he would
listen to the preaching in the German Lutheran church; he would
enter too the Catholic church; and in every place he would
worship the Father in spirit and truth, though he naturally best
loved his own church. He was not bound by faith, but made free
by it. And as he was true to his God, so he was true to man, to
his friends, his associates in business.
I would
not speak of his family relations. It seems to me like an
intrusion which he would not permit. No, I would not stop across
the line marked by the flowers of mutual regard. But blessed the
world, if there were more such sons, more such husbands, more
such fathers in the world. What he has been to Alton, Alton will
begin to realize now, ever will realize more and more. If any
man ever was a benefactor to his town, he certainly was such.
Not merely by what he gave, though he would give liberally to
every good cause he believed in, but by what he was, by what he
did. In our day of multi-millionaires, there are many great
givers, but their gifts are tainted with a curse. Here was one
who enabled the money by his personality; his personality was
the greater gift. By making the best of himself, he made the
best for others. By building up a great industry, he helped
thousands to bread and homes and happiness. By making the best
of his own opportunities, he created opportunities for others.
His simple manhood, his ambition, his integrity,
have left their mark for good. Friends, we have met here to lay
down a simple wreath of love and of sympathy, of mutual
consolation for we all have lost individually a true friend; as
a church the generous supporter, as a community the best of
citizens. It is hard to say, "Thy will be done," and yet through
this cloud of sorrow there comes the golden ray of faith that
all is for the best. Blessed indeed are those who in mourning
find their comfort in this conviction. Blessed are those who
have the assurance that the eternal night of death will open
into an eternal day. Blessed are those who believe that we shall
meet face to face when we have crossed the bar. Friend, the love
which brought your body over the deep from a far country, the
love that waited here thy coming, that love goes with you into
the Italy of your soul, that love binds us together beyond time
and place. Toward the same Italy we journey on the sands of
life; soon for us the darkness will gather and soon for us the
morning shall dawn on the farther shore as we put out to sea.
Lovingly, a trusted guide will steer the bark of our life, "For
tho' from out our borne of time and place, The flood may bear us
far, We hope to see our pilot face to face, When we have crossed
the bar."
SMITH, ZENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 21,
1909
Mrs. Zena Smith, wife of Samuel C. Smith, aged 77,
died at Moro this morning from heart failure after an illness of
several days. She had been married to her husband thirty years.
The funeral will be held Sunday morning from the Moro
Presbyterian church.
SMITHSINGER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
16, 1916
Horribly Killed Trying to Catch a Ride on Freight Train
William Smithsinger, aged 24, a bricklayer, was ground to
death under the wheels of a C. and A. freight train in front of
the depot at Wood River yesterday afternoon. A number of persons
at the depot witnessed the accident which cost the young man his
life. He met his death in an attempt to beat his way on the
freight train. Smithsinger was the second trespasser of the C.
and A. railroad to be killed in a little over two days, and he
was the third man to meet his death on the railroad in the past
sixty hours. Smithsinger had been making his home in Wood River
for some time. He had been working at his trade off and on, but
was planning to leave the place last evening. He made a run for
the moving freight, lost his grip, slipped under the wheels
where his body was ground to pieces. Friends in Wood River say
that his home is in St. Louis and an effort was made today to
have his relatives there notified....Smithsinger, according to
those who were acquainted with him in Wood River, was in the
habit of making frequent visits at the place conducted by John
Brady in Benbow City. He was there yesterday and had left to go
home, it was said, at the Brady place. He was in a saloon near
the railroad track and rushed out of the saloon and attempted to
catch the southbound fast C. and A. freight train, when he
slipped and fell under the wheels. His body was horribly
mutilated, those who witnessed the accident say. The head was
severed from the body and his legs were torn off.
SMITT,
JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29, 1907
Deputy
Coroner Keiser says that he has decided to bury the body of John
Smitt, the man killed May 15 by being struck on the head by a
steel rail at the Standard Oil refinery. He was authorized by
Supt. Evans of the Standard Oil Co. to make a search for the
family of the dead man, and if they could be found to send the
body to them or give it a decent burial as they might direct.
All clues which were obtained have been run down and no one
knows where the man came from or where his people may live. The
conduct of the Standard Oil officials in trying to find the
family of the man, when they might be held peculiarly
responsible for his death if relatives are found, is certainly a
radical departure from the usual custom of corporations and
would seem to indicate that not all of the policies of Standard
Oil are as hard and flinty as the critics of Standard Oil would
indicate. At any rate, there is a heart and a big, sympathetic
one in the bosom of the chief engineer, Mr. Evans, who is
directing the work of building the refinery and who gave the
orders for the search to be made for the relatives of the dead
man.
SNEERINGER, E. F./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 30, 1866
Died in Alton this morning (November 27), E. F., infant son of
E. F. and Mary Wills Sneeringer.
SNODGRASS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
4, 1915
William Snodgrass, who missed death in one form
Monday night when a mule he was driving was slain by a fallen
live wire that came perilously close to winding Snodgrass in its
coils, was killed 24 hours later by a train on the C. P. & St.
L. railway at the foot of Cherry street. The accident occurred
as the train, due to leave Alton for St. Louis at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, was speeding past the Cherry street crossing.
Snodgrass, who was employed by Fred Gerdes, had been feeding
hogs for Gerdes and was on his way home when he met the
accident. When the engine hit him he was hurled about twenty
feet and falling between the rails with his right leg and arm
across one rail, those members were cut off by the car wheels.
The accident was witnessed by Snodgrass' son, Walter, and his
grandson. The injured man was taken to St. Joseph's hospital
where he was given surgical attention but he died about two
hours later. Snodgrass lived at 1029 east Second street. On
Monday evening he was on his way home from work, driving a team
of mules belonging to Fred Gerdes, when on Central avenue, a
live wire fell and caught one of the mules and killed it.
Snodgrass himself escaped without being touched, though he had a
close call. He was sixty years of age and leaves his wife and
five children, all of them grown. One of his sons, Joseph
Snodgrass, was among those who hurried to the scene of the
injury of Snodgrass, and when he saw how his father had been
mutilated by the car wheels, he fainted.....
SNOOK,
ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1904
Mrs. Annie Snook, wife of J. E. Snook, died last night at the
home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Fairbanks, 1113
Bloomfield street, after an illness with consumption. She was 24
years of age and leaves a husband and three children. Her
parents and three brothers also survive. The funeral will be
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 from the home. Services will be
conducted by Rev. Dr. Bushnell.
SNYDER, BENJAMIN C. (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5,
1850
We deeply regret to state that our much-respected
fellow-citizen, Doctor Benjamin C. Snyder, departed this life on
Sunday evening last, June 30, at his residence on Third Street,
after a painful illness of about one hour and thirty minutes.
His disease was an affection of the heart. He was highly
esteemed, both as a citizen and as a professional man, and his
death, in the prime of life, and in the midst of his usefulness,
may justly be considered a public loss.
Doctor Snyder was
a native of Baltimore, Maryland. In 1833(?) he graduated at the
medical university of that State, and received the degree of M.
D., after which he went on a voyage to South America, where he
remained several years. Upon his return, he came to Illinois,
and in the Fall of 1836, settled at Kaskaskia. He then engaged
in the practice of his profession, and soon acquired a high
reputation as a physician, and gained the esteem of all who knew
him. In 1838, he married the daughter of the Hon. David J.
Baker, then a resident of Kaskaskia. In the Fall of 1848, Dr.
Snyder removed to Alton, and here continued the practice of his
profession, and though he had been among us but a short period,
he had already formed a large acquaintance among our citizens
and acquired their highest confidence and esteem.
On
Sunday last, in his usual good health, he attended Divine
worship at the Catholic Church, and after the evening service,
he returned home and sat down to read – his wife having
previously retired for the night – it being then about half past
nine o’clock. In the course of a few minutes, he was seized with
a violent spasm, and in attempting to rise, fell upon the floor.
Medical aid was immediately procured, and temporary relief
obtained. But he soon perceived the spasm returning upon him,
and feeling his own pulse, he said, “My time has come, I must
die – all the science of medicine cannot save me, but I do not
fear.” He then received the Sacrament, took a final leave of his
afflicted wife and children, prayed Heaven to have mercy upon
them, expressed himself at peace with the world, and expired in
a few moments. His attack was an affection of the heart. He
leaves a family and a large circle of relations and friends to
mourn his loss.
As a man, Dr. Snyder was warm in his
attachments and possessed of the highest sense of honor. As a
physician, he was an ornament to his profession, and his loss
will be felt no less severely in the social circle. As a husband
and a father, he was kind and affectionate. He has gone from us,
and may peace be to his spirit, where the wicked cease from
troubling and the weary are at rest.
SNYDER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1902
Mrs. Mary Snyder, wife of Michael Snyder, died Friday night
at 11:45 o'clock after a four weeks illness at her home, 1128
Vandalia road, with typhoid fever. Mrs. Snyder's illness had
been considered very serious for several weeks, and her death
was not unexpected. She had been a resident of Alton 45 years,
having come to the city when a young woman. She was 69 years of
age last June 23. Mrs. Snyder was well known in the east end of
the city, and was highly esteemed by those who knew her well.
She was born in Koenigsreich, Wurtemburg, Germany. Mrs. Snyder
leaves beside her husband, six children, all well known in
Alton: Messrs. William, John, Joseph and Michael Snyder; and
Mrs. Mary Lang of Alton, and Henry Snyder of St. Charles. The
funeral services will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock in St.
Mary's church.
SNYDER, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 10, 1909
Michael Snyder, son of the late Michael
Snyder whose death occurred last summer, died this morning at
7:15 o'clock at his home, 1119 Vandalia road, after two years of
intense suffering from a complication of diseases, aged 41. Mr.
Snyder had not been in good health for many years. At one time
he was engaged in business for himself on east Second street,
but in recent years had been working in the store of his
brother, John Snyder, at Third and Piasa streets. His case was
pronounced hopeless many weeks ago and he was given up to die.
He was given the constant attention of members of his family and
relatives through his long sickness. His death occurred as he
was sitting in his chair, which he had occupied nearly all the
night as he felt easier in the chair. He was a devoted member of
St. Mary's church, a kindhearted, conscientious man, good to his
family and his death is a sad loss to his wife and his six
children, the oldest of the children being 16 and the youngest
is 21 months. The children are Robert, Leo, Margaret, Charles,
Frank and Paul. He leaves also four brothers and one sister,
William, John, Henry and Joseph Snyder, and Mrs. Mary Lang, all
of Alton. Mr. Snyder was born in the house where he died and had
lived there all his life. The funeral will probably be held
Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. [Burial was
in St. Joseph's cemetery]
SNYDER,
UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 6, 1846
Died at the residence of Timothy Neltelton, Madison County, on
the 24th ult., infant son of Frederick James and Caroline
Elizabeth Snyder, aged two months and 24 days.
SNYDER,
WILLIAM SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1915
William Snyder Sr., 52, was fatally injured and three others
painfully hurt when Mr. Snyder's Ford auto turned turtle Sunday
on College avenue at the intersection of Jersey street, and
pinned its four passengers underneath. The injured are: William
Snyder Jr., who was driving the car; E. A. Henney of Alton; and
John Schnably of St. Louis, all of whom suffered scalp wounds.
The boy was the least hurt of the whole party and it was he, who
crawling from the wreck, made his way to a telephone and called
doctors and an ambulance and got help in releasing the injured
men from under the overturned car. The accident occurred about 5
o'clock Sunday afternoon as the auto was running down the steep
grade on the paved street leading from Upper Alton to Rock
Spring Park. The car was running at high speed when the accident
happened. William Snyder Sr. sustained a facture of the skull
near the base of the brain and never recovered consciousness,
dying in St. Joseph's Hospital at 11 o'clock, six hours after he
was hurt. Henney was stunned, but revived quickly, and Schnably,
Mr. Henney's guest, did not recover fully for some hours after
he was taken to the Henney home and given a surgeon's attention.
Schnably, an engineer on the M. K. & T. railroad, is known as a
man of pure nerve. He was the engineer whose train was stopped
by bandits near St. Charles less than a year ago, and he
conducted himself in faultless manner then, but Sunday, after
the auto wreck, he went from one nervous chill to another. He
was put to bed at the Henney home. The story of the accident
indicates that it was due entirely to a human attempt to avoid
hitting a big dog which ran across the road. William Snyder Jr.,
aged 18, employed at the Citizens National Bank, was steering
the car when he saw the dog coming across his path. The boy
turned the car to avoid it and at the same instant the car
skidded against the curbing, knocking a chunk of rock out of the
stone, and then jammed into a high clay bank, careening and then
turning over.....Mr. Snyder was born and spent all of his life
in Alton. He was in business here for many years. Several times
he was in partnership with his brother, John Snyder, and for a
long time was senior partner in the firm of Snyder and Budde on
Third street. He was at one time interested in the ferryboat
Altonian. He was a member of St. Mary's Church and of several of
the men's societies there....The funeral of Mr. Snyder will be
held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Mary's Church.
SOEREAGE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25,
1919
Laborer Drowned in Tannery Sewer
William Soereage, a
laborer employed at the International Tannery east of Wood
River, was found today floating out of the mouth of the tannery
sewer that leads to the river. He had been drowned in the sewer.
The inquest conducted by Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer developed
that fact that Soreage had been sent to inspect the sewer, which
is about 4 feet in diameter and carries a great volume of water.
He did not return, and his foreman, Theo Oglesgy (Oglesby?),
went to hunt for him. He learned that the man's dead body had
been discharged from the sewer. It is supposed that Soreage
became overcome by gas and fainting, had fallen into the water
and quickly lost his life.
SOHLER,
FRED/Source: Troy Weekly Call, July 14, 1906 - Submitted by
Marsha Ensminger
St. Jacob Prominent Citizen; President of
State Bank of St. Jacob
The news of the death of Fred Sohler,
one of the most prominent and well-known citizens of St. Jacob,
and President of the State Bank of that place, was received as a
great surprise to the citizens of that place Monday. Mr.
Sohler's death occurred at 10:40 Monday morning at the home of
his sister, Mrs. Margaret Peterson, residing at 3940 Russell
Avenue, St. Louis, where he had gone for a brief visit. Death
was due to uremia of a sudden and severe nature. The remains
were brought to St. Jacob Wednesday, and funeral services were
held at his late home after which interment was made in the
Keystone Cemetery in St. Jacob.
Sohler, who was in his
67th year, was born in the state of Louisiana and came to
Illinois when a boy with his parents, who located on a farm near
St. Jacob. The father passed away when the son was twelve years
of age and to the latter fell the management of the farm which
he conducted successfully until 1874, when he and his mother
took up residence in St. Jacob. Later, he embarked in the
general merchandising business, and in 1889 went into the coal
and grain business. He was never married, and is survived only
by one sister.
When the State Bank was organized at St.
Jacob some years ago, Mr. Sohler was made its President, and he
has aided materially in the success of that institution. Aside
from serving several terms on the village board he held no other
public positions and took no active part in politics, but was
considered one of the most conservative, influential and
enterprising citizens of St. Jacob. His death in the prime of
his usefulness is one that is regretted generally by St. Jacob
citizens and his other friends throughout the county.
SOLOMON, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 12, 1877
Falls to Bottom of Pit in Coal Mine
Last Friday, while John Solomon, David White,
and John Davis were on a scaffold near the top of a coal shaft
belonging to the first named, in North Alton, arranging cages
for raising coal in accordance with the new law, Mr. Solomon
made a misstep backward and fell to the bottom of the pit, a
sheer descent of 90 feet, and was instantly killed. The deceased
was over sixty years of age, a native of England, but came to
this country in 1840. He first located at the Gravois mines in
Missouri, afterwards ______[unreadable] in Wisconsin about three
months, from whence he moved to the Coal Branch where he has
ever since resided, engaged in coal mining. He leaves a widow
and five children, three sons and two daughters, and many
attached friends, to mourn his sudden death.
SOLTER,
CLARENCE/Source: Troy Star, July 19, 1894
Clarence, the 7
months old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Solter, died Sunday
afternoon at three o'clock. The little one had been sick but a
few days. The funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon
at the family residence, the Rev. Hansen of the Evangelical
church officiating. The bereaved family extend heartfelt thanks
to those who so kindly assisted them in their sad affliction.
SOMERS, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 13,
1910
Andrew Somers, a Benbow City young man who was hit
by a C. & A. train at Wood River crossing Sunday noon, and was
brought to the hospital in Alton, died there this morning from
the effects of his injuries. It was not supposed he was so badly
hurt, as his injuries appeared to be slight.
SOMERS,
CHARLES P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1918
The death of Charles P. Somers occurred this morning at an
early hour at the home of his only daughter, Mrs. Charles
Flachenecker on East Eighth street, after an illness with
pneumonia, following an attack of grippe which he suffered ten
weeks ago. Somers was 55 years of age. Besides his daughter he
is survived by his wife. Mr. and Mrs. Somers came to Alton from
Urbana, Ill., twelve years ago, and have been residing here
since that time, the former being employed at the box factory.
Somers was the son of the late Judge Somers of Champaign county,
who practiced with Lincoln in Springfield. Among the relatives
surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Ella Sutton and Mrs. Pearl
Parker of Urbana; also two nieces, Mrs. McCann, wife of Dr.
McCann of Danville; and Mrs. Mark Curtis of Peoria. The funeral
will be held on Tuesday, the body to be taken to the old home at
Urbana for burial.
SONNTAG, EDWIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1909
Edwin J. Sonntag, the 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
William Sonntag of Henry street, died Friday morning at St.
Joseph's hospital after a brief illness with appendicitis. The
boy had been in good health, was strong of constitution and had
seldom been ill in his life. His illness became serious very
unexpectedly, and Thursday he was removed from his home to the
hospital to undergo a surgical operation to relieve
appendicitis. He was very ill all night and Friday morning
members of the family were summoned to his bedside, as he had
gone into a state of callapse. He was the youngest son of his
parents. The young man was a pupil at Lincoln school. He was
born July 19, 1895. He was taken ill March 4. The funeral will
be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the German
Evangelical church.
SONNTAG, FRANZ LUDWIG/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
19, 1916
Old Time Weaver, Who Had Sailed to America On a
Three Month Journey, Dies
Franz Ludwig Sonntag, in his 88th year, died from
old age at St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock
from old age. Mr. Sonntag was taken to the hospital Tuesday
morning from his home on Belle street. He had lived in the one
house for more than fifty years. He was born in Merrana, Saxony,
Germany, and would have been 88 years of age in July. He came to
America in a sailing ship, requiring three months to make the
voyage. He was an expert weaver, and for years he worked in the
old woolen mill on Belle street, where he served as foreman.
Subsequently, he set up a carpet weaving establishment on Belle
street at his home, and there he followed the trade of weaver.
He was a well known resident of Alton. One of his chief
characteristics was his love for little children, and they loved
him. He is survived by his aged wife, to whom he had been
married sixty years. He leaves also his daughters, Mrs. Sophia
Nickols of East St. Louis; Mrs. William Groether of St. Louis;
Mrs. O. G. Wilson of Dewey, Okla.; Mrs. Alfred Schroeder of
Alton; and one son, Franz Sonntag of Texarkana, Ark. The funeral
will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the residence on
Belle street.
SONNTAG, J. F. WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 9, 1911
One of the Wealthiest Businessman in Alton
William Sonntag, aged 63, died Wednesday afternoon at his
residence, 518 Henry Streets, at 5 o'clock, after an illness
from cancer of the stomach. Mr. Sonntag was not known to be in
poor health until after he returned from a trip to Germany. He
went there with his wife and daughter to spend a few months, and
his condition became so bad he was obliged to return, and after
arriving home he was able to leave the house but a few times. He
took a change for the worse on Tuesday, and the end came about
36 hours later.
Mr. Sonntag died one of the wealthiest
business men in Alton. He owns large realty interests in Alton
and elsewhere, and leaves a very valuable estate. His prosperity
was due to hard work, close attention to business, and strict
economy. He was known as a very good business man, and his
business affairs were of a wide scope.
Sonntag came to
Alton as a poor young man in 1866, and worked at his trade of
weaver. He was employed in the old woolen mill, and rose to be
foreman of his shop. In 1879 he started in the real estate and
insurance business as a member of the firm of Rudershausen and
Sonntag. By saving all he could he began to accumulate property,
and added to it from time to time until his holdings became
large. He was a native of Meereane, in Saxony, Germany, and was
born July 28, 1848. He leaves in Alton his wife, two sons,
William and Arthur, and one daughter, Miss Flora. His son,
William, was his business partner and had charge of the business
at the time of the father's death. Besides his wife and
children, he leaves one brother, Frank L. [Franz Ludwig]
Sonntag, of Alton. Mr. Sonntag was a member of the Odd Fellows
and the Masonic fraternities for many years. The funeral will be
Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to the German
Evangelical church.
NOTES:
William Sonntag and his
brother, Franz (Frank) Ludwig Sonntag, came to America by ship,
taking three months to make the voyage. They arrived in Alton in
1866. Both men were employed at the Alton Woolen Mill as
weavers, and both rose to the level of foreman. Franz (Frank)
set up a carpet weaving business from his home on Belle Street.
One of his chief characteristics was his love for little
children. Franz died in April 1916, leaving his wife, four
daughters, and one son. Franz is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
After his employment in the Alton Woolen Mill,
William Sonntag went into the real estate business with Mr.
Rudershausen, and later as sole proprietor, acquiring a fortune
in property. His business was located on State Street, next door
to the Franklin House. In 1909, his son, Edwin J. Sonntag, died
at the age of thirteen from appendicitis.
William Sonntag
died in November 1911 at the age of 62, and left behind his
wife, two sons, and one daughter. William Sonntag Jr. took over
the business. Sonntag is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
SONS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 7, 1921
Killed In Explosion at Equitable Powder Co.
A blowup of
blasting powder in the corning mill department at the plant of
the Equitable Powder Co. at East Alton this morning resulted in
the death of one man and the serious injury of another. The
building was badly damaged by the blowup. Frank Sons, assistant
superintendent, was instantly killed, Earl Irby, who was with
him, was badly burned and otherwise injured and was taken to St.
Joseph's hospital for treatment. The accident occurred about 11
o'clock. The corning department is where the blasting powder
that has been thoroughly mixed on the wheel houses and pressed
in the press house to form cakes, is taken to be ground up
preparatory to being glazed. The explosion did not shake Alton
very much, but it was heard and felt far to the east of Alton.
Frank Sons, who was killed in the explosion, was 30 years of
age. He leaves besides his wife, two children, also his mother,
two brothers and two sisters. The brothers are Wesley and
Ernest, and the sister is Mrs. Fred Young. The other sister is
unmarried and resides with the mother at Sims, Ill. Earl Irby
was 30 years of age and he has a wife and several small
children. Both men have been highly esteemed in East Alton where
they lived. Sons came to East Alton a number of years ago and
was married to an East Alton girl. Irby has not lived at East
Alton very long. Sons was a member of the Junior Order of
American Mechanics and the funeral will be under the auspices of
that organization. It was given out this afternoon at the office
of the Equitable plant by J. P. Thomas, that the death of Mr.
Sons was due to his being hit on the head by a piece of flying
timber. He was also somewhat burned by the flash. Both Sons and
Irby were outside the group of buildings constituting the
corning mill. No one enters the corning mill while it is in
operation. The cause of the explosion will never be known. The
corning mill consists of a main, large building and three
smaller ones, and these were all wrecked by the explosion. It
was said this afternoon that Irby's injuries will probably not
prove fatal as the doctors said that there were first and second
degree burns, but none of the gravest kind, and that they were
hopeful that all would be well with Irby.
[Earl
Irby did survive his injuries, and in 1922 moved to Missouri.]
SOTIER, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14,
1914
Mrs. Caroline Sotier, widow of C. Sotier, died at
1:45 o'clock Thursday morning at her home, 209 Ridge street,
after a long illness. She was born in Urach, Wittenberg,
Germany, September 27, 1843, and came to this country when she
was six years of age. With her parents she came to Alton in
1856, and was married here to Christopher Sotier in 1860. She
leaves to mourn her death four sons, Alfred, Arthur, Oscar and
Charles Sotier, and three daughters, Misses Bertha, Emilie and
Carrie; also one brother, Charles Gollmer of Quincy, and three
grandchildren. Mrs. Sotier was one of the first members of the
Lady Rebekah lodge in Alton. She was highly esteemed by her
neighbors who valued her as one who was always sympathetic and
kindly with them. In her family she was loved and respected, and
during her last illness her children were in constant attendance
upon her, even at the greatest of inconvenience to themselves.
The funeral will be from the family home Saturday afternoon at 2
o'clock, and burial will be in City Cemetery. Rev. E. L.
Mueller, pastor of the German Evangelical Church in which Mrs.
Sotier held membership, will conduct the funeral service.
SOULE, CHARLES F./Source: Alton Telegraph, august 18, 1865
Died in Alton on Sunday, the 13th inst., on his 19th birthday,
Charles F. Soule, only son of Columbia Soule.
SOULE, COLUMBIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6, 1866
Died
in Alton on the 30th ult., Columbia Soule, in the 52d year of
his age. The subject has been a highly respected and useful
citizen of this place for a number of years past, and will not
only be greatly missed by his family and immediate circle of
acquaintances, but by the entire community.
SOULE, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
18, 1911
[Editor's note: Although
this is not her obit, as she was not dead at the writing of the
article, I thought it may be of interest to her descendants]
Mrs. Elizabeth Soule, aged 72, is in a dying condition at
her home, 1244 west Ninth street (formerly Main street). She has
been dying for several days, and it was not expected she would
survive over Sunday, but Monday morning her pulse was still
strong. Her condition was due to a general breakdown. Mrs. Soule
probably had a unique record in Alton, in that she had lived 72
years in one house. The place was erected by her father, George
Armstrong, and she was born there, married there, and insisted
upon staying there to die, although she was urgently invited to
go to her daughter's home in Chicago, or to the home of her
niece, Mrs. O. G. Norris. Mrs. Soule is the last of her family.
She was a sister of William and John Armstrong, Mrs. Harry
Johnson, and she had another brother, Thomas Armstrong, who died
many years ago. Last winter when she was ill she was taken to
the hospital, but this winter she would not leave the home to
which she had become strongly attached in the 72 years of her
life, and there she stayed with a woman who kept house for her
and gave her faithful attention. Mrs. Soule's daughter, Mrs.
George S. Haskell of Chicago, has been attending her, and Mr.
Haskell also is here. It is believed that no other person in
Alton has lived so long in one house, and that no other house in
the city of Alton has been so long tenanted by one family. The
house was built about 80 years ago [this would be 1831], and has
never had in it a tenant outside of the Armstrong family, of
which Mrs. Soule was a member.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 21, 1911
Mrs. Elizabeth
Soule, widow of C. Soule, died this afternoon at her birthplace,
1244 west Ninth street, after an illness that had lasted over a
year. Mrs. Soule's end had been expected for a week, and she was
given the constant attention of her daughter, Mrs. George S.
Haskell of Chicago, during the last few weeks of her life. Mrs.
Soule's death in the house where she was born, married, and had
lived for seventy-two years, was as she had wished it. She did
not desire to leave her beloved old home, although she might
have done so. Beside her daughter, she leaves one sister, Miss
Katherine Armstrong, formerly of Monticello Seminary, who is
here for the winter and was with her sister during her last
week. Mrs. Soule's husband died many years ago. He was a
prominent business man in Alton many years ago, and conducted a
sawmill. The funeral of Mrs. Soule will be held at 1 o'clock
Saturday afternoon from St. Paul's Episcopal church, in which
Mrs. Soule had held membership from girlhood.
SOULNEY, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 22, 1918
Henry Soulney, aged 47 years, died this morning at 10:30
o'clock at the home of his sister, Mrs. J. Ennis, at 698 East
Seventh street. Soulney was sick twelve weeks with dropsy.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
SOUTHARD, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 17, 1903
Upper Alton News - Died, this morning at 6
o'clock, Mrs. James Southard, at her home on Locust avenue,
after several months illness. Mrs. Southard was not quite thirty
years of age. Besides her husband, she leaves four children, one
daughter and three little boys. The body will be taken to Wanda
tomorrow for burial, where two of her children are buried.
SOUTHER, TIMOTHY/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23, 1871
Died on June 20, at his residence in Alton, Mr. Timothy Souther,
aged 71 years. Timothy Southered was born in Ipswich,
Massachusetts on April 7, 1800, and was, therefore, a little
more than seventy-one years old. He removed to Alton in 1841,
and has resided here ever since. He was appointed Postmaster by
President Polk (upon the decease of P. Merrill), and held that
office through the subsequent administration of Taylor and
Fillmore, being removed in 1853 by President Pierce. In
politics, he was a Democrat, firmly upholding the rights of all
men, and the equality of all men before the law. As a partisan,
he held office under President Jackson for eight years, but
since 1860, his political affiliation was with the opponents of
the so-called Democracy. He was a member of the Masonic
Fraternity from his early manhood, and was, we believe, one of
the original members of Piasa Lodge. He practiced the teachings
of the craft during his life, and revered the institution of
Masonry to his last moments.
Southern was a firm,
consistent, and devoted Christian, and died as he had lived, in
the full hope of an immediate and glorious immortality. His
bereaved widow, his sons, and daughter survive him, to do honor
to his memory and to emulate his virtues. At ten o’clock
tomorrow, these, and his friends in the community, will unite
with his brethren of the church and of the Masonic Order, at the
Congregational Church, in paying the last sad tribute to his
remains.
Alton Telegraph, June 30, 1871
The funeral of
this old and well-known citizen, whose death was announced in
our issue of last week, took place Thursday from the
Congregational Church, of which he was an honored member. The
pastor of the church, Rev. M. K. Whittlesey, officiated,
assisted by Rev. A. T. Norton, D. D., and Rev. C. Solon
Armstrong. The former conducted the opening exercises and read
the funeral service, and Dr. Norton, who had for many years been
the pastor, near neighbor and intimate friend of the deceased,
gave a brief but stirring historical sketch of Mr. Souther, in
which he referred to the singular fatality which had visited
this city, taking off so many of its oldest and most influential
citizens within the past few years. Mr. Armstrong, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church, made the closing prayer. The services were
concluded at the cemetery by the Masonic Fraternity, of which
the deceased had been a life-long and valued member. Hon. Samuel
Wade, Colonel Samuel A. Buckmaster, Hon. Levi Davis, and Messrs.
P. B. Whipple, H. C. Sweetser, and John Atwood acted as
pallbearers. [Burial was in the Alton City Cemetery.]
SPACEK, ELIZABETH M. (nee WERNER)/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, February 15, 1893
Mrs. Elizabeth M.
Spacek, wife of Joseph Spacek, died Wednesday at 10:40 o'clock
a.m. at her home, in the southern part of Edwardsville township,
of blood poisoning. The funeral took place Friday at the family
residence. Rev. Father J. C. Daw conducted services. The remains
were interred in the Bohemian cemetery. The pallbearers were
John Kriger, Joseph Wacek, Paul Smola, Frank Pekes, Joseph
Kovarieck and Frank Yanda. Deceased was a daughter of Nicholas
and Anna Werner, and was 25 years, 3 months and 20 days old. She
was one of nine children, eight of whom are living. She was
married to Joseph Spacek February 8, 1887, and they moved into
the husband's residence two days later. She died February 8,
1893, just six years after her marriage, and her remains were
laid to rest on the 10th inst., just six years after she took up
her abode in her husband's residence. She leaves to mourn her
demise a husband, three children, Anna, Joseph and Nicholaus, a
father, mother, four brothers and four sisters, William,
Nicholaus, John and Joseph, Anna, Mary, Barbara and Julia,
besides many relatives and friends.
SPAET,
CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17, 1908
The funeral of Mrs. Christina Spaet was held this morning
from St. Mary's church where she had been a daily attendant at
services for almost half a century, and was attended by a very
large number of people. Services were conducted by Rev. Joseph
Meckel and assistants, and burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery
beneath a heavy coverlet of flowers - the offerings of friends.
SPAET, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17, 1911
Henry Spaet, aged 48, died Monday evening in St. Mary's
infirmary in St. Louis, after undergoing a surgical operation
there. He had been sick for two years with jaundice, and his
case became so bad recently that he went to St. Louis a week ago
to be operated. The surgical operation was performed Wednesday,
and on Saturday he became much worse. His brother, Charles, was
summoned from Alton to attend him. During his illness Mrs. Spaet
was with her husband. The body was brought to Alton this
afternoon and was taken to the home of his father-in-law, Henry
Timmermeier, Seventeenth and Piasa streets. The funeral will be
held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. The
death of Henry Spaet will be learned with sadness by a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. He had lived all his life
in Alton, and since he was a boy he was a hunter of ability. He
took great pride in his hunting outfit, and always had the best
of hunting dogs, and he always brought back home plenty of game.
Although very ill and weak the last of August, he insisted upon
taking a trip up the river, but was forced to return because the
trip was too much for him. His favorite hunting companion was H.
O. Tonsor, and they had kept company on hunts since boyhood.
Henry Spaet served on the police force several years and was a
valuable, brave and efficient officer. For several years he had
been in the saloon business at Brighton, Ill. He leaves his wife
and child.
SPAIN, BRIDGET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 3, 1910
The funeral of Mrs. Bridget Spain was
held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, Rev.
Fr. Kehoe officiating. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
SPANGENBERG, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17,
1900
Charles Spangenberg, the fourteen year old son of
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Spangenberg, was found dead in bed this
noon. He was subject to cataleptic fits since he was a child,
and had been an invalid since he was eight years of age. The
funeral will be Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at St. Mary's
church.
SPANGENBERG, ELIZABETH (nee TAMBLIN)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 22, 1919
Mrs. Elizabeth
Tamblin Spangenberg, wife of Julius Spangenberg, died Saturday
night at St. Joseph's hospital where she had been taken in the
afternoon after becoming suddenly ill. She had apparently been
in the best of health Saturday morning when her husband left
home. The day before she had been very active about the house,
getting ready for the Christmas holidays. Saturday afternoon,
shortly after 2 o'clock, she managed to attract the attention of
her sister, Mrs. Harry Gissal, by rapping on the window and
conveyed the information that she needed assistance and to send
for Mr. Spangenberg. The alarm was given, medical aid was
summoned and it was found that she was suffering from an acute
attack of diabetes. It was decided to move her to the hospital
Saturday evening where she could get better care than was
possible at home, where she remained unconscious almost to the
end. Mrs. Spangenberg was a woman of delightful personality, and
possessed many friends who loved her for her friendly
disposition and her many acts of friendship and kindness. She
was married sixteen years ago last July 9 to Julius Spangenberg.
Her maiden name was Tamblin. She was born at Mitchell, 47 years
ago last March 27. She is survived by her husband, aged mother
and three sisters, and five brothers: Mrs. Margaret Scully of
Texas; Mrs. Harry Gissal; Miss May Hoehn of Alton; George Hoehn
of Granite City; Leonora Hoehn of Oldenburg; Harry Hoehn of East
Alton; John Hoehn of California. She was popular socially and
her company was much in demand. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Evangelical Church,
8th and Henry, entombment will be in the Grandview mausoleum.
Rev. P. W. Heggemeier officiating.
SPANGENBERG, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20,
1909
The funeral of Frank Spangenberg was held this
morning from St. Mary's church immediately following the arrival
of the body from St. Louis. Services at the church were
conducted by Rev. Fr. Meckel and at the graveside in St.
Joseph's cemetery by Rev. Fr. Hochmueller. Many friends and
former neighbors of deceased and of the family attended the
obsequies and floral offerings were numerous. These gentlemen
acted as pallbearers: V. Goeken, F. L. Meyer, J. Braunagel, Ed
Joehl, J. Eckhardt and William Gschwend Jr.
SPANGLE, LOTTIE PEARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
23, 1918
Mrs. Lottie Pearl Spangle, the 18 year old wife
of Iran Spangle of Wood River, died this morning at her home.
Mrs. Spangle was ill ten days with the influenza, which turned
into pneumonia. The body will be taken to Jerseyville tomorrow
and will be interred in the Lax Cemetery.
SPANGLER, JONAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6,
1917
Jonas Spangler, aged 45, was instantly killed by the
Limited on the interurban line leaving Alton Monday evening at 7
o'clock. Spangler, who was on his way to work, was waiting at
the interurban station for a car to take him to Wood River from
East Alton. Noticing the Limited coming, he mistook it for the
local car and stepping across the track toward the local he was
struck by the onrushing Limited and killed. The only witness to
the tragedy was a Mrs. Miller, who was near Spangler when he was
struck. The body was taken on to Granite City with Mrs. Miller
escorting it, and turned over to an undertaker there. An inquest
will be held tonight and the body will be sent to Olney, Ill.,
for burial tomorrow. Spangler came here from Olney last May, and
first worked for the Western Cartridge Co. Finally, getting
himself settled permanently, he sent for his family who recently
joined him at East Alton, where they made their home. Deceased
leaves his wife and five children. His oldest son is in the
army. His youngest child is 9 years of age. A daughter of the
dead man said she believed her father was blinded by the light
from the interurban and becoming confused did not get off the
track in time to avoid being hit. Members of the family of
Spangler, who were in East Alton, did not know of the death of
the head of the family until three hours later. The family were
informed about 10 o'clock by Mrs. Miller, who arrived at their
home, broke the news to them, and gave them the card of the
Granite City undertaking firm which had charge of the body. It
is said that the traction officials did not know where to find
the family of Spangler, as they had only recently moved to East
Alton, but that Mrs. Miller knew and agreed to take back the
word to the family.
SPANGLER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16,
1918
Daughter's Death Soon Follows Father - Blood Poison Cause
Miss Mary Spangler, aged 24, died last night at 10 o'clock
after an illness from tonsillitis and blood poisoning with which
she has been suffering for the past week. She boarded in Altwood
at East Alton with another sister at the Harry Newman home,
after the death of her father, which occurred about three months
ago. The father, Henry Spangler, and his two daughters, Mary and
Julia Spangler, had come from Olney, Ill. to work at the Western
Cartridge Co. plant. Two months and ten days before the death of
his daughter, the father, by mistake, stepped in front of a
limited car at East Alton, believing that it was going to stop,
and he was instantly killed. The remains were taken back to
Olney, and since that time the two daughters remained in East
Alton continuing to work at the Western Cartridge Co. plant.
Previous to coming to East Alton Miss Mary Spangler was for
eight years a telephone operator at Olney, where she was well
known and generally admired. Her illness began with tonsillitis,
but before that she hurt her foot by catching it in one of the
machines at the cartridge plant. The foot did not get entirely
well, and after her illness with tonsillitis the foot began to
swell, and in some unexplainable manner, blood poisoning set in.
The foot kept swelling causing excruciating torture until she
was relieved by death last night. The mother and two children, a
son Pearl and daughter Evelyn, came down from Olney this morning
and will stay until after the funeral and will accompany the
body home this afternoon where funeral services will be held at
7 o'clock. The body will be taken to Olney tomorrow morning on
the 6 o'clock train and funeral services will also be held at
Olney.
SPANIOL, VIRGINIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 19, 1915
Mrs. Virginia Spaniol, wife of John H.
Spaniol, died this morning at 2:45 o'clock at the family home at
409 Ridge street, from heart trouble. Mrs. Spaniol was 62 years
of age, having been born on the 28th of December 1853. The
deceased is survived by her husband, John H. Spaniol, and two
sons, John and Harry. Also a sister, Mary Lambert, and a
brother, John Lambert. Mr. and Mrs. Spaniol were married on July
10th in 1883. The death of Mrs. John Spaniol of Ridge street
came so sudden at 3 o'clock this morning that members of her own
family who were sleeping in the next room were not at the
bedside when she died. Her husband was awakened just a few
seconds before her death by her calling him. She had suffered
with heart trouble a number of times before, and his first
impulse was to place several pillows under her head. While he
was lifting her head to the pillows, she died in his arms. Her
son, Harry, who was sleeping in the next room, did not see his
mother die. Mrs. Spaniol had been ill for some time, but it is
believed that the death of her sister, Mrs. Carrie Schuelle, two
months ago, hurried her death. Since the death of her sister,
Mrs. Spaniol had grieved much. She was taken badly ill about a
week ago, but had improved and was working about the house
yesterday. She did not retire until 9:30 o'clock last evening,
and then seemed to be in excellent spirits. On Wednesday evening
she was able to visit the home of her son, John Spaniol, and see
her only grandchild, a boy four days old. The funeral will take
place from the home to St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock on next
Monday morning. Burial will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SPARKS, CHARLES FLETCHER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 24, 1942
Son of Captain David R. Sparks - Founder of
Sparks Boat and Machine Shop
Charles Fletcher Sparks, son of
Captain David R. Sparks, founder of the Sparks Milling Company
in Alton, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Paul B.
Cousley, 437 Belleview Avenue in Alton, on July 24, 1942, at the
age of 80. He was a retired miller and mechanical engineering
expert. Charles was born in 1861 in Staunton, Illinois, the day
after his father rode away with his newly organized company to
take part in the Civil War. The family moved to Alton in 1866.
Graduating from Alton High School, Charles entered the
University of Illinois, then transferred to University of
Michigan, where he completed his course in mechanical
engineering. As a boy, he had been interested in anything
mechanical in nature. He began working in the operating of the
Sparks mill, and continued that until his services were required
in the business department. He planned and supervised all
improvements in the Sparks property. In time he became blind,
but continued working and filling his time by acquiring facts
and inventing equipment pertaining to flour mills. In about 1902
he invented a bag-cutting machine which did away with handwork
in bag-cutting for the first time.
In the subsequent 24
years of his blindness, he spent his time researching and
inventing. His touch was so delicate with his fingers, he could
tell down to small fractions of an inch by the feel, the
dimensions of anything that came to his hands. He could with
near accuracy estimate sizes and dimensions which would baffle
most people. He even drew plans by which skilled workmen could
execute. For years he had been interested in boating, and
founded a boat shop on William Street (Sparks Boat and Machine
Shop), where he built engines of his own design, and fabricated
speed boats and cruisers. In later years, the Heskett Machine
Shop was located there. His blindness forced him to give up
boating, but instead he took up swimming, which he had never
done before he became blind.
Mr. Sparks had been married
twice - his first wife, Mary N. Sparks, dying in 1914. He
remarried one year later to Mrs. Julia Marceline Randolph
Reyburn. His children were Mrs. Mary Ester Cousley (wife of Paul
B. Cousley), Edwin M. Sparks, Mrs. Katherine Dreier, and David
Sparks, all of Alton; and Richard (Dick) D. Sparks of Boston,
Massachusetts. Two brothers survived him - H. B. and William L.
Sparks. He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
SPARKS,
DAVID RHODES (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
11, 1907
Alton’s “Grand Ole Man”
Many men win renown in
some particular avocation. Some are great as warriors, some as
statesmen and some as captains of industry, but few combine the
talents which command success in varied avenues of service.
Captain David R. Sparks, whose death yesterday cast a shadow
over our city, was one of the few, who in the course of a long
and eventful career, attained distinction in diverse fields of
action. He was a soldier, a statesman, and orator and a business
man - distinguished in each calling. He was also a pathfinder,
who in early manhood had helped blaze a way through the
wilderness from the Mississippi to the Pacific - for a nation
yet to be. But, above all, he was a noble, upright, fearless man
who loved his home, his friends, his country and his fellow men.
Perhaps this is not the place to dwell at length on the beauty
and strength of his character, but its most prominent features
may be summarized in his open-hearted generosity in material
things, his unselfishness and his abounding charity. His was the
charity which St. Paul glorifies; the charity that "envieth
not," "thinketh no evil," "is not easily provoked," and that
"suffereth long and is kind." Such men are a tower of strength
in a community. They give it tone and vigor. They direct public
sentiment, exalt patriotism and raise citizenship to a higher
plane where it breathes the free air of a purer-toned ambition.
Captain Sparks was a natural leader, not that he sought
to be, but he was a man to whom the public instinctively turned
in any crisis or in any public enterprise that demanded wisdom
and clear vision for its successful outcome. In all the nearly
half century of his residence in Alton, his talents and
experience were ever at the command of the public, with no
selfish or self-seeking end in view. His civic service in every
relation of citizenship was ever freely given, and in every good
work he was ever in the forefront. He lived to a good old age,
active and vigorous to the end of his 84 years, with intellect
undimmed and his native strength unabated. Passing years did not
dull his interest in public affairs, in his business, or in any
movement that affected the hopes of his fellow men - Alton's
grand old man! It may be long before we look upon his like
again, and it will be long before we fully realized how much his
life and example meant to us all as a patriot, a citizen and a
friend.
David R. Sparks was born at New Albany, Indiana,
October 15, 1823. He was one of a family of eight children. The
family was of pioneer stock and of Virginia lineage. His parents
were in moderate circumstances and the children had their own
way to make in the world. Of three of them who gained
distinction in public life, the eldest became Judge of the
Federal Court of Washington Territory by appointment of
President Lincoln; the youngest, Hon. W. A. J. Sparks, served
six terms in Congress from Illinois, while the subject of this
sketch was a member of the 30th General Assembly, elected in
1888, and was elected to the 40th Assembly in 1896 as State
Senator, serving two years. In 1895 he was the choice of
Madison, Bond and Montgomery Counties for Congress, to fill a
vacancy, the selection falling upon the Congressional Committee,
but the members from Shelby, Moulton and Fayette objected on the
score of age, and the choice fell upon another, although the
committeemen who voted for him represented the great bulk of the
Republican voters of the district. While this discrimination was
felt to be a rank injustice, Captain Sparks, with his usual
nobility, acquiesced and gave his successful competitor his warm
support.
Captain Sparks' parents moved to Illinois in
1836 and settled in the vicinity of Staunton. He grew to manhood
on a farm, receiving such education as was afforded by the
common schools of the period. In 1847, he enlisted as a
volunteer in the Mexican War, and marched with his regiment
across the plains, encountering great hardships, to Albuquerque,
New Mexico, then in Mexican Territory, where he served until the
close of the war, returning home the following year. In 1850,
his adventurous spirit prompted him to join the argonauts on the
far Pacific coast, and in company with friends from Staunton he
crossed the plains to California, the expedition being five
months enroute. He remained in the Golden State one year,
meeting with moderate success in the mines, and returned home by
sea, via Panama and New Orleans. In 1860, he crossed the plains
a third time in response to the "call of blood," and again
became a gold seeker in the Rocky Mountains. He set up the first
steam quartz mill in Colorado at Central City. But after a brief
experience in the mining regions, returned to Illinois. The
closing and most important event in his career of hazard and
adventure was his second enlistment in his country's service,
this time as a soldier in the war for the Union [Civil War]. His
experience in the Mexican War and in two other expeditions
across the plains peculiarly fitted him for active service in
the great and bloody drama of the century. His love of country
was a burning flame and it was with the ardor and enthusiasm of
his whole nature that he dedicated himself to the cause of the
Union. In response to the call to arms, he went to the front in
1861 as Captain of Company L, Third Illinois Cavalry. It was in
the spirit of the old cavalier, "I could not love thee dear so
much, Love I not honor more" that he bade his young wife
farewell and buckled on his sword. His regiment was commanded by
Colonel E. A Carr, afterwards a General of Division. The Captain
saw active and arduous service from the first in Missouri,
Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, and participated in many
battles, including Pea Ridge, Haines Bluff, Arkansas Post, Port
Gibson, Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, and many minor
engagements, and was once severely wounded. His service was ever
daring and brilliant. As an incident of this, it is recorded of
him that "on the 4th of June, 1862, Captain Sparks and 66 men
were surrounded by 300 of the enemy's cavalry, but instead of
surrendering, cut their way out with the loss of eight men." He
returned from the war with the same rank he went out. He merited
high promotion and it was offered him, but he declined other
than brevet rank. The reason was characteristic. His company was
made up of his friends and neighbors. When they went to the war,
he promised the wives and mothers of his soldiers that he would
"stay with and care for the boys," and he did, refusing any
promotion that would separate him from his command.
On
returning home from the army, he resumed his interrupted civil
pursuits. His first independent business enterprise had been the
erection and operation of a saw mill, which turned out the first
ties for the west end of the old Alton & Terre Haute Railroad.
Subsequently he sold his saw mill and erected a flour mill in
Staunton in 1864. This mill had a capacity of 25 barrels of
flour per day, which was then considered a large output. In
1864, in connection with Mr. W. Best, he built a larger mill at
Litchfield, and in 1868 he removed to Alton, and in connection
with his former partner and the late L. J. Clawson, purchased
the National Mills, the firm name being Clawson, Sparks, & Co.
The firm subsequently became D. R. Sparks & Co., and was
incorporated in 1887 as the Sparks Milling Co., under which name
it is still doing business, the mill having a capacity of 2,400
barrels per day, being one of the largest in the state, and
surpassed by none in completeness of modern equipment. From 24
barrels per day to 2,400 per day is an increased in output that
indicates the ability that guided the growth of this great
industry.
In addition to his main business enterprise,
Captain Sparks was one of the founders of the Miller's Mutual
Insurance Co., and has been its president for thirty years of
constantly increasing success. He was also, for some years,
president of the Illinois Millers' Association. In 1892, he made
the tour of Europe in company with members of the association.
He found much of interest in the old world, but returned a more
pronounced and devoted American than ever. There was but one
country in the world for him, and that was the one for which he
had risked his life and shed his blood.
Of Captain
Sparks political career much might be said. Before the war he
was a Douglas Democrat. From that to Republicanism was but a
short step, and after the war he affiliated with the party of
Lincoln. In its service he never faltered, and his best energies
were devoted to its upbuilding. He was a natural orator and a
convincing speaker, with ready command of language, and his
intense earnestness mounted often to lofty flights of eloquence.
Every political campaign found him ready to take the rostrum and
advocate the principles of his party. Probably no man in the
organization, since the war, not a professional politician, has
made more speeches than he. No political gathering in Alton was
complete without his presence. He could hold and entertain a
crowd under any circumstances. He was decided in conviction and
emphatic in statement, yet ever kindly and considerate of the
feelings of his opponents. There was no malice or rancor in his
composition. We have said that his early educational advantages
were limited, but he had been a reader and student all his life,
and his memory was phenomenal. The political and economic
history of the country from colonial times up to the present was
as familiar in him as an open book, and the situation and
conditions in other countries as well, so that he could
entertain and instruct as well as convince his hearers.
As a legislator at the state capital, he was wise and judicious,
and always conscientious. He represented not only his district,
but the best interests of the whole state. He was trusted and
honored in the halls of legislation as he was at home. He was
the friend and associate of our leading statesmen, and had their
fullest confidence and support. But there was another side to
the life of this brave, gentle, kindly man, whose career was so
full of stirring incident and varied experience. Another side,
also, in addition even to that of the gentle friend, the
generous neighbor and the considerate helper of the needy, and
that was the ideal home life that underlaid and sustained his
public service. He was happy in his family life, though
affliction came in time to him as to us all, and the idol of his
wife and children, while his devotion to them was unbounded. He
was married at Staunton in 1849 to Anna Davenport Chapman. She
was born at Staunton in 1830, of North Carolina parentage. Six
children grew up around them to repay the love and devotion of
their parents. The wife and mother, a lady of rare endowments of
mind and heart, who had been her husband's support and counselor
throughout his eventful life, passed away in 1896, leaving a
desolate home behind her, but one rich in tender memories. The
last illness of our friend, which opened the portals of reunion
to husband and wife, was borne with the patient fortitude
characteristic of the man. Surrounded by his children, who had
watched over him with tenderest solicitude for weary weeks, he
passed into the peaceful palace of rest. Even in the hour of
parting there are some times compensations to those left behind
in the circumstance of transition - the silent messenger who
never forgets did not call for him amid the ghastly horrors of
the battlefield nor on the desert plain amid the war whoops of
the savage, nor in the dreary mining camp in the mountains, nor
on the stormy sea, nor among strangers in a strange land, but
waited many years and then called to him in his pleasant home
while the faces of loved ones looked into his, and the Sabbath
bells without chimed a requiem. Captain Sparks' denominational
connection was with the Unitarian Church, of whose board of
trustees he was the president, and whose pastor will conduct the
last service for the friend and parishioner he loved so well.
Captain Sparks leaves one daughter and five sons: Mrs. Mary,
wife of Hon. F. R. Milnor of Litchfield; Messrs. Wesley D.,
Hosea B. and Charles F. Sparks of Alton, and W. L. and E. W.
Sparks of Montclair, New Jersey. Also, eleven grandchildren.
NOTES:
David R. Sparks was born in Harrison County,
Indiana, October 15, 1823, to Baxter and Elizabeth (Gwin)
Sparks, natives of Virginia. His paternal grandfather, Thomas
Sparks, was a descendant of English ancestry, while the Gwins
were of Scotch-Irish origin. In 1830, the family came to
Illinois and settled on a farm near Staunton. He purchased the
Alton National Mill, which had been erected in 1857 by Sylvester
and A. P. Wise. In 1881 Mr. Sparks purchased his partner's
interest. The mill was located on Broadway, on the banks of the
Mississippi in Alton. Burial of Captain Sparks was in the Alton
City Cemetery.
The following
appreciative sketch appeared in the Northwestern Miller on the
occasion of the celebration of the 80th birthday anniversary of
Captain Sparks:
"The expression 'grand old
man' is a trite one, yet it seems so fitting as to be inevitable
when applied to those rare gentlemen who, surviving four score
years, still preserve their faculties and enjoy life, surrounded
by their friends and are of use and influence in every relation
thereof. Such is David R. Sparks, the veteran miller of Alton,
Illinois, founder, in 1855 of Sparks Milling Company, and still
its President. This good and just man, after a life of strictest
integrity and great activity, is passing the hours when the
shadows lengthen in a serene, well-balanced, and sane fashion,
not in idleness or more waiting but in occupations congenial to
his sunny temperament and optimistic spirit. Hale and hearty, he
passed the 80th milestone on life's road last Thursday. The
occasion was celebrated at his home by a birthday party, to
which came his children and grandchildren and many other
relatives. It was a family meeting, and as such would have been
no place for an outsider, however close or long his friendship
might have been, yet if they could have been present on this
occasion, many hundreds of Mr. Sparks' friends in the milling
and flour trade, friends made in the course of nearly a half
century of exemplary business life, would have rejoiced at the
privilege afforded them to grasp his honest hand and
congratulate him on the happy day. They would have listened to
his reminiscences of experiences in the Mexican War, in the
great Civil War, in political life, and in the quest of gold
among the "49ers" with keenest enjoyment, and looking upon him
would have carried away into their busy lives inspiration and
encouragement from his example. Since this was not to be, these
old friends go forth to him in spirit if not in the body. An
army of witnesses testifying to his loyalty, usefulness and
honor among men, many of them remembering and treasuring as such
remembrances, kindly words spoken by him in season's of trial;
encouragement in dark days; generous acts which counted because
they came at the opportune time and many and many a helpful hand
extended to aid them upward and onward. As the good man presses
on toward, the end which all must at last reach, cheerfully,
manfully and without repining, may these thoughts follow and
surround him and fall upon him gently as a benediction and may
he be preserved in hale old age, his faculties undimmed and his
usefulness unabated, for many years to come; an honor, a glory
and a blessing to those around him, until the coming of the
great and beautiful peace which shall mark the end of a good
life well lived."
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 12, 1907
The funeral of Capt. David
R. Sparks was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from his
residence on Prospect street. There was a large assemblage of
friends and relatives to pay the last tribute to the memory of
the aged soldier, statesman, business man, and citizen. A
notable feature of the funeral was the number of his former
employees who were present. In all his long years of activity in
the business world, during which Capt. Sparks employed many
hundreds of men constantly, there was not one but would have
gone any length to serve him, knowing full well that what he
would direct them to do would be only for the best, and there
was not one but respected and honored him, and held him in
affectionate regard. Of those who knew him, irrespective of
political or religious differences, there was not one in the
hour of death of the aged gentleman that did not have good words
to say of him. The funeral services were very simple, according
to an expressed wish of Capt. Sparks. He belonged to the Masonic
order and to the G. A. R., but neither of those organizations
attended in a body, although many individual members were
present at the funeral. The services at the home were conducted
by Rev. George R. Gebauer of the Unitarian church. There were
many beautiful and costly floral offerings sent by friends and
organizations, but none was more expressive of appreciation than
one which came from the children in the Cathedral Orphanage.
Capt. Sparks had been a good friend to the children ever since
the orphanage was started in what was the first home Capt.
Sparks had when he moved to Alton. He never lost an opportunity
to make the children happy, and in every way he could he showed
his sympathy with the work of the institution and helped it
often. He was known to them as Santa Claus, for his
beneficences. The little orphans, collecting their pennies and
nickels, which would be scarce enough with little folks in such
an institution, gave their all to buy a big floral piece, which
was delivered with the deepest sympathy of the children and the
sisters in charge. The men employed in the mill sent a large
broken wheel, and the Millers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of
which Capt. Sparks was president, sent a floral pillow. The mill
men attended the funeral in a body, and took a last look at
their departed employer they had worked for so many years. The
full force of mill men, 120 strong, carried the flowers from the
house to the cemetery, riding in two special cars. Underneath
the casket as it was in the home was a spray of pink roses,
which made a bed on which lay the sword which Capt. Sparks had
twice drawn in defending his country's flag. The casket was
borne by six employees in the Sparks mill, James Aldous, Edward
Shelton, Joseph Toole, George Burton, Guy Huskinson and Will
Watkins, representing all departments of the institution. The
honorary pallbearers were T. Koenigsmark of Waterloo, George
Poestel of Mascoutah, A. R. McKinney, three members of the
Millers' Mutual executive committee, and five personal friends
of Capt. Sparks, J. H. Yager, E. P. Wade, W. T. Norton of Alton,
Dr. R. F. Zennett and Mr. Southworth of Litchfield. A long
cortege followed Capt. Sparks to City Cemetery, where the body
was laid away in the family lot beside his wife, and the final
service of consigning him to his last long rest was attended by
a large throng of relatives, old friends and neighbors, many of
the friends and relatives coming from distant places to be
present. Among those who attended Capt. Sparks' funeral from
Edwardsville were Mrs. W. H. Nall, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Leverett,
C. H. Spillman; E. L. Pegram of Decatur; W. J. Pegram of
Lincoln; Charles Summers of Springfield; Tipton Blish of
Seymour, Ind.; T. C. Chapman of Jerseyville; Congressman W. A.
Rodenberg of East St. Louis; Dr. and Mrs. R. F. Bennett, E.
Southworth, Mrs. Beach, Mrs. David Davis, W. Jageman, H. G.
Tuttle, Mr. and Mrs. Al Palmer, B. J. Chapman and Luther
Settlemeyer of Litchfield; Mr. and Mrs. George Palmer of
Springfield; Fletcher Chapman of Joliet; Judge Hillskotter and
County Recorder Kunneman of Edwardsville.
SPARKS, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23, 1902
Frank Sparks, the young Poag farmer who was killed by a
Wabash train near Nameoki yesterday, was well known in Alton and
has many friends here who are shocked and grieved at his tragic
end.
SPARKS, MARY NOBLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 20, 1914
Wife of Charles F. Sparks
Mrs. Mary Noble Sparks, wife of Charles F.
Sparks, died at 3:45 o'clock Friday morning at her residence,
404 Prospect street, from apoplexy. Mrs. Sparks was stricken
Thursday noon while eating her noonday meal, and in a few
minutes after the trouble manifested itself became unconscious.
She never regained consciousness. She had been spending the
winter in the south, cruising in southern waters with her
husband and her daughter, Miss Katherine Sparks. She was a
partial invalid for eight years. While she recovered, after a
long period of disability and was able to be around, she never
had the fullest use of herself thereafter, and she had spent
much of her time in traveling.....Her husband remained in the
south, as he had been hoping for permanent relief there from a
trouble in his eyes and he had been improving steadily. When she
was stricken for the last time Thursday, her husband was
notified and he responded that he would be home at once. He was
being expected late this afternoon. Mrs. Sparks was a daughter
of Capt. and Mrs. W. P. Noble, who formerly resided on what is
now Central avenue. She was born in Indianapolis, but came to
live in Alton in her girlhood and was married when quite young.
Beside her husband, she leaves five children, Mrs. P. B.
Cousley, E. M. Sparks, Dick Sparks, Miss Katherine Sparks and
David Sparks. She leaves also three sisters, Mrs. Harry Whalley
of New York; Mrs. Esther Carter; and Miss Katherine Noble of
Indianapolis.....The funeral will be Sunday afternoon from the
home.
SPARKS, WESLEY, D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20,
1909
Manager of Sparks Milling Company
Wesley D. Sparks,
former manager of the Sparks Milling Co. at Alton, and for many
years one of the best-known young men in the city, died Monday
evening at a sanitarium at Waukesha, Wisconsin. His brother,
Hosea B. Sparks, and his sister, Mrs. Frank R. Milnor of
Litchfield, had been attending him for several days, being
summoned to the sanitarium when he was stricken with a paralytic
stroke. He had been in ill health for several years.
Wesley Sparks was a son of the late Captain David R. Sparks, and
had lived in Alton all his life until his health broke down. He
had many friends in Alton who will remember him with great
kindness, as he was a man whose charitable impulses were strong,
and he would give with a free hand wherever he knew there was
need of help. His heart was as tender as a woman's, and he was
quick to relieve suffering wherever he found it. He had the
ability of making friends and holding them, was frank and very
honest in the expression of his opinions.
His wife died
three years ago, and his body will be buried in the Alton City
Cemetery beside hers. It is expected that the funeral part will
arrive from Waukesha tomorrow, and the funeral will be in
private from the home of Hosea B. Sparks on Prospect Street,
Thursday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Mr. Sparks leaves one sister,
Mrs. Frank R. Milnor, and four brothers - Hosea B. Sparks and
Charles Fletcher Sparks of Alton, W. L. Sparks and E. W. Sparks
of Montclair, New Jersey.
Wesley D. Sparks was born near
Staunton, Illinois, May 4, 1854. He came to Alton when a young
boy with his parents. He was married September 8, 1876, to Miss
Emma Fisher. In his long period of connection with the milling
business at Alton he met many farmers from whom he bought wheat,
and among them, as among others who had business dealings with
him, there will be genuine sorrow that "Wes" Sparks is dead. He
had the reputation of being always fair and honest in his
business dealings, and the men who sold him their wheat had the
utmost confidence in his purpose to do right by them all the
time.
NOTES:
Wesley D. Sparks was the son of Alton’s
“Grand Old Man,” Captain David R. Sparks (1823-1907). David
Sparks was born in Indiana on October 15, 1823. The family moved
to Illinois in 1836, and settled near Staunton where they
farmed. In 1847, David Sparks enlisted as a volunteer during the
Mexican-American War. In 1850, he and friends from Staunton
journeyed to the Pacific coast to find gold, where he met
moderate success in the mines. He returned home, and in 1860,
David cross the plains again to seek gold in the Rocky
Mountains. After a brief time, he returned to Illinois. During
the Civil War he enlisted in the service of his country once
again, serving as Captain in the 3rd Illinois Cavalry, Company
L. His service was daring and brilliant. After the war, he
erected a sawmill in Staunton, operating that for a short time
and then sold it. Next, he erected a flour mill in Staunton. In
connection with Mr. W. Best, he built a larger mill in
Litchfield. In 1868, he moved to Alton, and in connection with
L. J. Clawson, they purchased the National Mills in Alton. The
mill subsequently became under his sole ownership as the Sparks
Milling Company, and was one of the largest in the State. David
was also one of the founders of the Miller’s Mutual Insurance
Company. He later served as a State Legislator. He died in Alton
in 1907, leaving a wife, one daughter, and five sons.
Wesley D. Sparks followed his father’s footsteps by learning the
milling business. He served as Manager in the mill, and was a
kind, giving man. His health began to fail, and in April 1909 he
passed away, being the first of the children of David R. Sparks
to die. He is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
SPAULDING, JOEL D./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1844
Died, in Monticello precinct [Godfrey], on Monday evening
last, after a few days illness, Joel D. Spaulding, Esq., in the
78th year of his age. The deceased was one of our oldest and
most respectable citizens, and has left a numerous family and
many relatives and friends to deplore his loss.
SPEAR, LURENE STOWE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 27, 1906
Mrs.
Lurene Stowe Spear, widow of Louis Perry Spear, a former
resident of Alton and Madison county, will be brought to Alton
for burial Friday morning. She died in Springfield, Ill.,
Tuesday evening at 9 o'clock from old age. Mrs. Spear was in her
87th year, and was a native of Alabama. When three years of age
she came to Madison county with her parents to make her home,
and during most of the time until 1857 she lived in the county
continuously. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church,
and was a member of the Alton church until her departure from
the city in 1857. She was married at Chester, Ill., in 1840, and
from there she came to Alton. She leaves five sons and one
daughter, and lost two sons and one daughter by death. The body
will be taken direct to City Cemetery, from the 9 o'clock train
tomorrow morning, and Rev. M. H. Ewers will conduct the funeral
services at the grave.
SPECKART,
JOSEPH/Source: Highland Journal, Thursday, May 11, 1905
Joseph Speckart died Sunday evening [May 7]. He was born 26 May
1830 in Langenbrucken, Bruchsal, Baden, Germany, and upon
attaining majority he left his native country landing in New
Orleans and making his way to St. Louis. In 1853 he came to
Highland and opened a butcher shop which he operated until he
retired on 1886. He married two times, first to Miss Caroline
Bellm in Jun 1853. She died in 1885. Eight children were born.
Second he married Miss Josephine Brensinger while on visit to
where he was born. Surviving is a son Joseph, other living
children are Charles of St. Louis, Philip and Frank of Provo,
UT, Mrs. Peter Grimmer of Highland, Mrs. Xaver Voegele of St.
Morgan, Mrs. Rosa Rhyn of Plattamouth, NB. and a sister Mrs.
Katharine Zolk of Laugenbrucken, Baden, Germany.
SPEECE,
ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24, 1913
Mrs. Elizabeth Speece died Sunday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F. E. Johnson, wife of
Alderman Johnson, at the family home, 1500 Sparks avenue. Her
death was the result of old age. She was born in Urbana, O.,
August 30, 1836. She was married to I. T. Speece, Jan. 1, 1860.
Of this union nine children were born, of whom five are living:
Mrs. F. E. Johnson, Mrs. W. M. Worden, Mrs. F. H. Lawton, all of
Alton; and Henry T. Speece of Lawton, Okla., and George T.
Speece of Morrisonville, Ill. The body will be shipped from
Alton to Morrisonville this evening or tomorrow morning, and the
funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon in the Methodist church
at Morrisonville, where the remains will be buried.
SPEEL,
CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1916
Clarence Speel, four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Speel of
Upper Alton, died last evening after a short illness with
diphtheria. The funeral was held this morning.
SPEER,
SARAH P./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 1, 1847
Died on
Monday morning of a congestive chill, Sarah P., only daughter of
Mr. Lewis P. Speec of Hunter's Addition to Alton; aged nearly 8
years.
SPELLMAN, ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
27, 1917
The funeral of little Alice Spellman was held
this morning at 9 o'clock from St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
Requiem mass being celebrated by Rev. M. A. Tarrant. The church
was filled with the many sympathizing friends and relatives of
the family. After Mass, Rev. Tarrant spoke very beautifully on
the life of the little girl who through all her long illness was
never complaining. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery under a
heavy blanket of beautiful flowers. The pallbearers were John
Gorman, Leo Sharkey, James Kirwin and Harry Spellman.
SPELLMAN, CECILIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15,
1906
The funeral of Cecilia, infant daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Spellman, was held this afternoon, and services were
conducted by Rev. Fr. Tarrent. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
SPELLMAN, MATTHEW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21,
1909
Matthew Spellman, aged 46, died at St. Joseph's
hospital this morning after an illness of several years with
consumption. He was formerly a well known railroad man and one
of the most expert yardmen in Alton. He had been unable to do
much work for over a year. He was taken to St. Joseph's hospital
a few days ago, and at that time was able to walk from the
ambulance to the place where he was to stay.
SPELLMAN, ROSE ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
16, 1910
Rose Elizabeth Spellman, daughter of Mrs. Mary
Spellman, died this morning at 6:30 o'clock at the home, 1607
Belle street, after a few months illness from stomach troubles.
She was 15 years old and is survived by her mother and four
little sisters, Nellie, Margaret, Alice and Lucille. Her father
died a few years ago. The funeral will be held Thursday morning
at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.
SPENCER/SKATES, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 2, 1919
Victim of Shooting Dies - Murderer Unknown
Mystery shrouds the death of Harry Spencer, 30, who died Sunday
morning at St. Joseph's hospital from a bullet wound just above
the heart. He was found lying near the railroad tracks at East
Alton Saturday night by a C. B. and Q. train crew, who were
attracted by his moans. He was taken to the hospital in the
ambulance. Spencer told George Cleveland, ambulance chauffeur,
that he was climbing into a box car when he was shot. He crawled
for some distance from the car, he told Cleveland. The bullet
entered the left side and went out at the hip, indicating that
Spencer was shot by someone standing above him. Spencer's coat
was found later with a bullet hole in the left lapel, just at
the point where the bullet entered the man's body. A tramp,
sleeping in a box car near by, said he had heard no shots, and a
man and woman on a porch in the neighborhood also declared that
they had heard no report. Spencer told the ambulance driver that
he had a sister in St. Louis. His sister, Mrs. Minnie Michellis,
709 East 5th street, St. Louis, said her brother had been a
wanderer, and that often she had not heard from him for months
at a time. She declared his name was Harry Skates. The chief
detective of the C. B. and Q. said the man's name was Spencer,
and identified him as a car thief. The body is being held by
Deputy Coroner Bauer, who will conduct an inquest. The date for
the inquest has not been definitely set, the coroner being
anxious to have the railroad detective testify, and will
probably be held when the detective can attend. Efforts to find
the slayer of the man have proved futile. The fact that the coat
of the dead man was found some distance from the car leads to
the belief that he was not shot while trying to climb into a box
car. He was in a serious condition when picked up, and it is
thought that he did not remember full particulars of the
shooting. Skates was buried this afternoon, from the Bauer
undertaking parlor on Market street. Interment was in the City
cemetery.
SPENCER, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 9, 1849
Died in Alton, at the residence of Mr. George Armstrong, on the
4th inst., Mr. John Spencer, aged about 31, of the Mexican
diarrhea. The deceased had been a private in Co. F, Second
Regiment Illinois Volunteers.
SPENCER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 2, 1910
Two of Madison county's old residents
died last night. John Spencer of Bethalto, one of the pioneer
farmers of that district, died Thursday evening after a short
illness. He was 83 years of age and had resided in Madison
county in the Bethalto vicinity for over sixty years. He was a
successful farmer and coal miner, and was well known in the
county. His aged wife and a daughter, Miss Grace Spencer, and a
sister, Mrs. Elisa Fields, all of Bethalto, survive. The funeral
will be held from the home Sunday afternoon, and burial will be
in the Moro cemetery. Mr. Spencer died of the infirmities of old
age. The deceased settled at Fosterburg on his arrival in this
country, and for some time operated a coal mine in that
vicinity, making much money in the enterprise. Later he moved to
Moro and took up farming. For the last few years he has owned a
coal mine near Bethalto.
SPENCER,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1902
The
funeral of William Spencer, 19, who died Sunday at the home in
East End Place, occurred Monday afternoon, the body being taken
to West Alton for interment.
SPIERS, SARAH ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 28, 1851
Died in Upper Alton on Saturday, the 22d inst., Mrs. Sarah Ann
Spiers, wife of Mr. F. M. Spiers, in the 24th year of her age.
The deceased was a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and
left abundant evidence that she has gone home to rest. An
afflicted husband and infant daughter mourn their irreparable
loss.
SPIESS,
ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1914
The funeral of Anton Spiess, who died at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. Jacob Kieg of Oldenburg, Saturday, was held this
morning from St. Elizabeth's church at Mitchell. He was 63 (?
could be 83) years old and his death was due to pneumonia.
SPIESS, MINROD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 31,
1912
Civil War Soldier
Minrod Spiess, aged 80, died
this morning at his home, 2346 State street, after a long
illness from the weakness of old age. His death had been
expected for several days. He was an old soldier, having served
in the army for over a year during the Civil War. Mr. Spiess was
born in Hunderssingen, Wurttenburg, Germany, September 16, 1832.
He landed in New York, May 12, 1853. He enlisted in the army in
January 1864, and was discharged November 22, 1865. He was
married in 1866 to Miss Johnisee, who survives him. Beside his
widow, he leaves five children, Mrs. L. C. Nichol of Madison,
Illinois; Mrs. William Richards of Mitchell, Nebraska; Miss
LIzzie Spiess and Messrs. George and Louis Spiess of Alton; and
five grandchildren.
SPILMAN,
CHARLES H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1904
Charles H. Spilman, a well known civil engineer and
architect, who has lived in Edwardsville since 1844, was buried
in that city Monday. He was a kindly man, enterprising and
public spirited, and his death is a public loss to Edwardsville
and Madison county. His wife and one child, Charles H. Spilman
Jr., a well known newspaper man, survive, and they have the
sincere sympathy of all who knew them.
SPINNER,
BERNHARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26, 1916
Bernard Spinner, aged 70, died at St. Joseph's Hospital this
morning at 8:30 o'clock. He was taken to the hospital last week
when neighbors informed the police that the aged man was in a
bad way and had no one to give him constant attention. He had a
bad case of pneumonia. He lived alone in his house, which was in
a very dilapidated condition, and he had no fire and no food
except such as the neighbors would provide. The neighbors did
not feel able to continue doing this, and they wanted the man to
be taken away from his home where he was living in filth and
suffering from intense cold and lack of food, as well as
sickness. Spinner had a stormy life and near his end he was not
all different from what he had always been. He threatened to
shoot Joseph Hermann, overseer of the poor, when he went to
remove him from the home. Hermann then reported to Gus Haller,
supervisor of Wood River township, and Haller went out with an
assistant and he disarmed Spinner and took him to the hospital.
Spinner was very unwilling to go and was never satisfied with
the change from his squalid home to the clean ward of the
hospital. Spinner was for many years a gardener and formerly
peddled vegetables about the city. He was supposed to be well to
do, but it is doubtful that his estate will be very valuable.
His relatives had little communication with him, and he probably
desired to be alone, and preferred the life he led to any other.
The Telegraph last evening told of the colts which Spinner kept
on the place the last 25 or 30 years, and had never worked them.
The horses were very old and had never been broke. He always
referred to them as his "colts." They romped over the pastures
until they have become too stiff to romp. The animals would be
worthless as they are too old to break in and compel to do work.
[January 28, 1916 - Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery]
SPINNER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF BERNARD/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 7, 1914
Mrs. B. Spinner, wife of Bernard Spinner,
an old time resident of Upper Alton, died Friday afternoon at
the county farm. Mrs. Spinner was about 75 years old. The case
of Mrs. Spinner is a peculiar and interesting one. She went
blind, old residents say, thirty-five years ago, following an
occurrence in which her eyes were filled with red pepper.
Whether it was an accident or not cannot be stated. Soon
afterward she lost her sight and then she became a county
dependent. She was taken to the poor farm in her blind
condition, where she spent the last half of her life. She leaves
two sons, Otto and Reinhart Spinner of San Francisco, well to do
men. They were notified of their mother's death and Otto Spinner
wired he had started for Alton. The body of Mrs. Spinner was
taken in charge by the Lowe undertaking firm in Edwardsville,
and they have the body at their place awaiting the arrival of
the sons. They will probably arrive here about Tuesday and the
funeral will be held after that time. Mrs. Spinner was the owner
of a valuable piece of land lying just east of the city limits
on College avenue, where her husband has lived many years. Two
or three years ago some discussion arose as to the title, and it
is said to have been changed at that time to her husband's name.
It is hinted that the county will investigate the matter with a
view toward collecting her board bill for 30 years at the poor
house.
SPRIGGS, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12,
1903
Boy Drowns in Mississippi
Several boys were
swimming in the river this afternoon near the water works
pumping station. Walter Spriggs, about 13 years of age, in some
way became exhausted and was drowned before assistance reached
him. The drowned boy's younger brother was one of the boys in
the river with him. The boy was a son of William Spriggs,
inspector of Belle telephones, who lives in Mack's addition on
the bluffs. It is supposed that, as the water is very deep, its
coldness probably chilled him. A colored man saw the boys and he
thought they were playing, when suddenly he saw the little
fellow go out of sight. His body was not recovered.
SPRAGUE,
BESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1, 1921
Miss
Bessie Sprague, aged 17 years, died this morning at the home of
her grandmother, Mrs. Douglas White, on east Elm street. Her
death was caused from heart trouble. She is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Albert Sprague of east Seventh street.
SPREEN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1913
Resident of Alton Since 1848
William Spreen,
aged 90, was found dead on the floor of his bed chamber Sunday
morning at his home, 1128 Alby street. Mr. Spreen had retired at
his usual time Saturday evening after eating a hearty supper,
and was apparently as well as usual, with no signs of an early
dissolution. He did not appear at his usual time Sunday morning,
and when an investigation was made he was discovered on the
floor near his bed, and was dead. He had not been dead very
long, and it is supposed had attempted to rise for breakfast and
fell over to the floor, as he was getting out of bed in response
to the summons of death. Mr. Spreen was a native of Germany. His
wife, who died ten years ago, came to this country with him on
their honeymoon trip, and they remained in Alton. Mr. Spreen
followed the occupation of patternmaker until he was so old that
he could no longer follow the trade. He was known as one of
Alton's best citizens, was an honest, upright man, and in every
way a worthy and respected citizen. He leaves one daughter, Mrs.
Emma Bell; and three sons, William of Los Angeles, Cal.; Edward
and George of Alton. For many years he was a member of the First
Baptist of Alton. His funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home on Alby street.
SPRIALL, LYDIA/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, January 6,
1876
Died on December 28, 1875, at her residence near Prairie
Town, Madison County, Mrs. Lydia Spriall; aged 71 years, ten
months, and 5 days. She was a native of North Carolina, and
emigrated to the State of Illinois in 1828.
SPRINGER,
ADDA J. (nee BARBER)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Monday,
February 1, 1897
Adda J. Springer, wife of Levi C.
Springer, for many years a resident of Edwardsville and Madison
county, died at Pasadena, California Friday morning at half past
eight o'clock. The body will be placed in a vault until April,
when it will be brought here for burial. Adda J. Springer was
the youngest daughter of Rev. John Barber,, a pioneer preacher
of the Presbyterian faith, in this county. She was born March
17, 1837, and had been almost a lifelong resident of the county.
On October 15, 1878, she married Mr. Springer, and several years
ago they moved to Edwardsville from Godfrey. They remained here
until two years ago, when on account of her failing health, the
family decided to move to the delightful climate of California.
Early in life Mrs. Springer united with the Congregational
church at Lincoln, this state. Soon after her arrival here she
joined the Presbyterian church, and was a consistent member. She
also was an earnest worker in the ranks of the Women's Christian
Temperance Union. Besides her husband and daughter, Maude Irwin
Springer, she leaves her mother, Mrs. Eliza Knight, who is now
nearing her 90th year, and who resides here, and two sisters,
Mrs. William M. T. Springer of Edwardsville, and Mary Hedges, of
Logan, Iowa.
SPRINGER, ALFRED K./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
12, 1905
Alfred K. Springer died at his home, 302 Court
street, Monday night, from a complication of diseases, his
illness beginning two years ago with an attack of malaria. He
was born in Ohio 63 years ago last April, and came to Alton
about 30 years ago. He was generally known as "Jerry" Springer,
and had a wide acquaintance. He leaves a wife, two daughters,
Mrs. George McCollom and Mrs. Charles Meyers; and two sons,
Jerry and William, all of Alton. He has a brother, H. C.
Springer, in Alton, and a sister living in St. Louis. The
funeral will probably be tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock from
the home.
SPRINGER, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 6, 1908
Mrs. Anna Springer, mother of Contractor
Samuel Springer, died at the home of her son at 1305 Alby
street, this morning of old age. She was 74 years old. She was
the widow of John Springer, who died in Alton twenty years ago.
She was born and raised in Ireland and came to America
twenty-seven years ago. She first went to St. Louis and after
residing there a year, moved to Alton. Although her health has
been gradually failing for the last ten months, she was not
seriously ill until a week ago. The funeral will be held at 3
o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the home, and the burial will be
in the City cemetery.
SPRINGER, C. F. (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6,
1871
On November 14, 1870, Colonel C. F. Springer, member of
the Constitutional Convention, died at his residence in
Edwardsville of congestive chills.
SPRINGER, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
15, 1909
Clothing Catches Fire After Lighting Coal Oil Lamp
Mrs. Catherine
Springer, aged 73 years, of 702 Court street, was burned to
death Saturday night when her clothing caught fire from a match
she struck to light a lamp. Mrs. Springer had just filled a coal
oil lamp and struck a match to light it when her sleeve, which
must have gotten coal oil on it, became fired. She threw her arm
against her skirts to extinguish the flames and fired her apron
below her waist. She then rushed to a bedroom and throwing back
the covers on a bed jumped into the bed hoping to smother the
flames. Being quite old she did not act quickly enough and
immediately the entire bed was in flames, and by the time aid
reached Mrs. Springer she was burned from her head to her feet.
Henry Flach, who was passing, heard the screams of Mrs. Springer
and rushed into the house and extinguished the flames on Mrs.
Springer's clothing, carried the burning bedding from the house.
The burned woman was then hurried to the hospital where
physicians attended her. She was burned so badly that she
suffered little pain, and sank rapidly, dying at 12:30 o'clock,
just six hours after the accident. To Mrs. George M. McCollum,
her stepdaughter, Mrs. Springer told the story recited above.
She was conscious for about thirty minutes after reaching the
hospital when she lapsed into unconsciousness. Mrs. Springer
lived with her son, William Anthis, on Court street, and kept
house for him. She was in very poor health at the time of the
accident, and for this reason was able to do little for herself.
She was 73 years of age last July and leaves beside her son,
William Anthis, one daughter, Mrs. Charles Meyers, of Mt. Olive,
and two stepchildren, Mrs. George M. McCollum of East Second
street and J. B. Springer, who had just gone to Salem, Missouri.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday from the home of
George McCollum on Bozza street.
SPRINGER, HAMILTON C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
28, 1908
Native Son of Pioneer
Hamilton C.
Springer, who for 50 years lived in Alton, died Friday morning
at his home, 914 State street, after six months intense
suffering from cancer of the mouth and throat. For several days
he had not tasted food of any kind and his vitality in
withstanding the ravages of the disease and the lack of
sustenance of any kind was considered most remarkable by all
acquainted with the case. For 30 years Mr. Springer was engaged
in the sewing machine business and was well known. He was
married twice and is survived by a wife and seven children, all
of whom live in other cities or states but two, a son,
Rutherford F., who conducts a cigar store on State street, and a
daughter who lives at home. Mr. Springer was born in Madison
county on a farm near where Venice now is, his father being a
pioneer settler of the territory, and most of his long life was
spent in this county. When he was a boy, houses were few and far
between Alton and "Illinois Town" (now East St. Louis), and he
was an interesting talk when it came to speaking of early days
and incidents. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9
o'clock from the home, and burial will be in the City cemetery.
SPRINGER, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 21,
1900
Helen, the seven months old child of Mr. and Mrs. J.
L. Springer, died at 9 o'clock this morning after an illness
with diphtheria. The funeral was at 4 o'clock this afternoon
from the family home.
SPRINGER, JOHN AND WIFE/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29,
1849
In the settlement about seven or eight miles from Alton,
near the Edwardsville Road, Mr. John Springer and his wife died
from an attack of cholera.
SPRINGMAN, HELEN E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
23, 1921
Miss Helen E. Springman, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George Springman of Douglas Street, died at ten o'clock
last night at Denver, Colo., following an illness of eight
months. Miss Springman was 19 years old. Six months ago Miss
Springman went to Denver when it was thought that a change of
climate would lead to improvement in her health. The expected
improvement did not come, however, and recently her condition
became worse. Miss Springman was a member of the Cathedral
parish, and was prominent in young persons' organizations of
that church. Her untimely death comes as a shock to Alton, where
she has many friends. She was a young woman loved and respected
to all who knew her, because of her kindly nature and her
strength of character. Her sister, Miss Susan Springman, was
with her when she died. The body is expected to arrive at St.
Louis at 6:50 p.m. tomorrow, and will be brought to Alton
tomorrow night. The date for the funeral has not been set. Miss
Springman was cashier of the Springman Lumber Co., founded by
her father. She was born on Aug. 3, 1902 at Brownstown, Ill. She
is survived by her parents and a sister, Susan, who was with her
in Denver, and nine brothers: Charles of Alton, Frank of
Brownstown, William of Jerseyville, Frederick of Alton, Lawrence
of Alton, Joseph of Alton, Anthony P. of Alton, George B. of
Alton, and John J. of Alton. She leaves also 4 aunts and 7
uncles.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
24, 1921
The body of Miss Helen Springman will arrive in
Alton tonight and will be taken to the family home on Douglas
street. Mr. and Mrs. George Springman, George Springman Jr., and
Miss Susan Springman are accompanying the remains. According to
present arrangements, the funeral will take place at 10 o'clock
Monday morning from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Interment
will be in Greenwood Cemetery. After Vespera on Christmas night,
the members of the Young Ladies' Sodality of the Cathedral will
go to the Springman home to recite the Rostry. A request has
also been made that the Sodality attend the funeral in a body
Monday morning. Miss Springman was a member of the Sodality.
SPRINGMAN, LILLIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
14, 1919
Lillian Springman, the 3 year old daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Springman, died this morning at the family
home near Brighton. Besides the parents, a brother, Raymond
Springman, survives. The body will be brought to Alton this
afternoon and taken to the home of the uncle and aunt, Mr. and
Mrs. Thomas Gormley, at 1808 Myrtle street, where the funeral
services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The
burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
SPROTT, SAMUEL W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
26, 1917
Suffers Horrible Death - Caught in Cog Wheel on
Dredge Boat 'Dubuque'
Samuel W. Sprott, aged 57, of Rock Island, was
fatally hurt Thursday afternoon by being caught between a heavy
shaft and a cog wheel on the government dredge boat Dubuque,
which is engaged in dredging out a dam at Portage des Sioux.
Sprott was caught in the wheel at about 2:15 p.m., and it was
three hours before he could be released. During that time he was
conscious, although suffering terribly and tried to direct his
fellow-workmen on the boat how to extricate him from his
horrible position. There were only three men on the boat at the
time. They were working with the hoisting machine, and when one
of the belts began to slip, the engineer was ordered to shut off
the steam to repair it. When the steam was turned off, Sprott
climbed about ten feet from the deck on top of a large two ton
shaft, which engages an eight-foot high cog wheel. While he was
tightening a bolt on the shaft, the engine wheels turned and
Sprott was drawn astraddle of the shaft down into the cog wheel
between the cog wheel and the shaft. He called for assistance,
but the two men on the boat were unable to do anything to
relieve him. The more they tried to pry him out of the position
the farther he dropped into the cog wheel where his left leg was
caught and was being terribly crushed. The men could not blow
the large whistle to signal the men on the steamer 'Emily'
nearby, because there was no steam. Finally they signaled the
Emily with the small whistle, and it was decided to remove the
two ton shaft with a derrick, which is on the boat. The entire
process of removing Sprott took three hours. He kept up his
courage until after he was released, when he fell to the floor
and collapsed. He was rushed to Alton on a boat, but died on the
way. Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer held an inquest Thursday
evneing, and a verdict of death from accident was rendered. It
was shown by the evidence of the two workmen on the boat that
everything possible was done to relieve Sprott. His left leg was
crushed and mangled, there being many fractures from the hip to
the knee. Sprott's wife is said to have divorced him last
winter. He has two sisters at Montrose, Iowa. He was an
experienced riverman, having worked on the river for twenty-four
years. Deputy Coroner William Bauer received a telegram today
from Thomas Sprott, a brother of Samuel Sprott, from Montrose,
Iowa, in which Sprott stated that he was coming to make
arrangements for his brother's funeral. The body will probably
be shipped to Montrose. Three witnesses testified at the
inquest. They were Henry Kraus and Glenn Parker, the two other
men on the boat at the time of the accident, and Dr. C. A.
Barnard of Portage des Sioux, who was called to attend Sprott at
the time of the accident.
SPROW, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1913
The funeral of Edward Sprow (colored) was held this
afternoon from the A. M. E. Church, and was attended by many of
his friends and relatives. Burial was in City Cemetery.
SPURGEON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 27,
1914
Henry Spurgeon, aged 49, died this morning at 2:15
o'clock at his home on Edwards street after a long illness with
kidney and lung trouble. He was a native of Foster township, and
had farmed all his life in the country north of Upper Alton, up
to four year ago when he moved to town and quit farm work. He
teamed a while in Alton, but his health finally became such that
he had to quit work and for the past two years he has been sick.
His death was expected many months ago, but his vitality was so
great that he got better after each spell of sickness and was
able to walk uptown after physicians thought he could not live
but a few hours. Henry Spurgeon was a son of the late Isaiah
Spurgeon, an old time resident of Foster township who was killed
seven years ago when he was struck by a C. B. & Q. train near
his home. He leaves a wife and seven children, six girls and one
boy, all under age. He was married to Rose Klinke, a member of
an old well known Foster township family, twenty-three years
ago, and she survives him. He also leaves one sister, Mrs.
William Megowen, and four brothers, Charley and Joseph of Upper
Alton, and Jesse and Millard Spurgeon of Worden. The funeral
will be held Thursday morning at St. Mary's Church and burial
will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SPURGEON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 18,
1920
Henry Spurgeon died this morning at 1:10 o'clock at
St. Joseph's Hospital where he underwent a surgical operation on
Tuesday of last week. In the last few days his condition had
been very bad, and last evening all hope for his recovery was
given up, and the relatives were called to the hospital. On
Tuesday the relatives were called to the hospital after the sick
man had been in an unconscious condition some hours, and it was
believed he could not recover. That night he rallied and showed
signs of improvement, but the decline started again yesterday
and he became unconscious and remained in that state until the
end, which came early this morning. Henry Spurgeon was a well
known young man, and for ten years he had been operating
threshing machines. A good part of that time he owned two
different machines and he did all the threshing every year for
the farmers in the American Bottoms from East Alton south to the
Canal. He was very popular as a thresher among the farmers down
there, and all with whom he had business dealings were his
friends. He was a son of the late Joseph Spurgeon and a member
of a well known family. The family reside at 409 Pearl street,
and the young man was 31 years old. He leaves his mother, Mrs.
Emma Spurgeon, and two brothers and two sisters, Miss Anna
Spurgeon of the McKee Brothers' store, and John Spurgeon of the
Henry garage, are sister and brother of the deceased young man.
The funeral arrangements have not been made, but burial will be
in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SPURGEON, ISAIAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
20, 1906
Killed by C. B. & Q. Train at Upper Alton
Isaiah Spurgeon, in his 69th year, was struck and instantly
killed by a C. B. & Q. freight train near Upper Alton, Wednesday
afternoon while walking along the track. Mr. Spurgeon is said to
have been hard of hearing. He was accustomed to walk to and from
his home in going to town, taking the railroad tracks, and it
was while returning home laden with articles he had bought in
Upper Alton that the freight train, northbound, struck him about
4:10 p.m. The train crew picked up the mangled remains and the
train was backed to Upper Alton station where the body was
identified. It was then taken back to East Alton because the
Upper Alton station is closed and there was no one to leave in
charge of the body. Mr. Spurgeon was a prominent farmer living
near Upper Alton. He leaves five sons and one daughter, Charles
and Joseph Spurgeon and Mrs. William Megowen of Upper Alton;
Henry, Jesse and Millard Spurgeon of Worden station. The funeral
of Mr. Spurgeon will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and burial will be at Mt. Olive.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Simeon Hussey.
SPURGEON, MARY A. (nee CAMPBELL)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
December 27, 1872
Died on December 15, of an affection of the
throat and lungs, at the old homestead near Upper Alton, Mary
A., wife of J. Spurgeon, and daughter of the late William
Campbell; in the 33rd year of her age.
SPURGEON, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8,
1918
The funeral of Robert Spurgeon was held this morning
at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's Church on Henry street. The pastor,
the Rev. Father Joseph Meckel, officiated. The burial was in St.
Joseph's Cemetery. On account of quarantine regulations, only
the immediate members of the family and close friends attended.
Young Spurgeon died as the result of injuries received Sunday
while hunting north of Upper Alton, by the accidental discharge
of his gun.
SPURGEON, UNKNOWN SON/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 4, 1902
Upper Alton News - The one
year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Spurgeon died yesterday. The
funeral service w2ill be held at the Mt. Olive Baptist church
tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.
SPURRIER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF DAVID E./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 21, 1918
Mrs. David E. Spurrier died
yesterday afternoon at 4:45 at the family home, 401 Lampert
street, Yager Park addition, at the age of 32 years. She leaves,
beside her husband, three small children, a boy and two girls.
The death was from pneumonia. Mrs. Spurrier was born in Persons,
Tenn., where her parents, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Cruse still reside.
That section of the state is known as the Jackson purchase,
where her fore-parents were early settlers. The funeral will be
held Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., Rev. Theodore Cates, pastor of
the Wesley M. E. Church, officiating. The burial will be in the
City Cemetery.
SQUIER, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19, 1922
Mrs. Jane Squier, aged 91, died this noon at ten minutes
after twelve o'clock at the home of her son in law, R. V. Smith,
on College avenue. Mrs. Squier was taken ill one week ago, and
on account of her great age she was unable to throw off her
illness. She was a well known resident of Upper Alton, and her
illness has been closely watched by members of her family and by
friends. She is survived by four daughters, Miss Cora Squier,
Mrs. R. V. Smith, wife of Prof. Smith, agricultural teacher at
the High School, Mrs. H. C. Turner, and Mrs. Denham of Kansas
City. With the exception of Mrs. Denham, the children reside in
Alton. The funeral will be held Saturday at 2 o'clock with
interment in City Cemetery.
SQUIRE, AMOS/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1844
Died,
on the 25th ult, in the Six Mile Prairie [Granite City], of a
long and severe illness, Mr. Amos Squire, aged about 28; a
highly respectable and worthy citizen of this county. He has
left a deeply afflicted widow, and many relatives and friends to
deplore his loss.
SQUIRE, GRACE/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 13, 1873
Died
on May 25 at Godfrey, Mrs. Grace Squire, in the 85th year of her
age.
SQUIRE, JAMES MORGAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 6, 1905
Football Claims the Life of Star Player
James Squire, son of Frank Squire of Godfrey, died Monday
morning shortly after 9 o'clock at the home of Charles F. Sparks
on Prospect Street, from the effects of injuries he sustained in
a football game October 21, between Alton High School and East
St. Louis High School, at Sportsman's Park. Death was due to
blood poisoning, which began with an injury to the left knee of
the player, and progressed until it caused a poisoned condition
of the entire glandular system of the boy. The boy was 18 years
of age last July 8. He was a student at the High School, and one
of the best players in the team. He was a strong, active player
and was ever in the forefront of the battle when his team was at
play.
The sad ending of the game of two weeks ago last
Saturday was entirely unexpected, and Squire was the last one to
be looked for to suffer such an injury. He played throughout the
entire game and never once complained of being hurt. He was a
strong, robust young man, and seemed able to endure injuries
incident to football playing without complaint. He finished the
game with East St. Louis, which was said to have been an
unnecessarily rough one of the part of the East St. Louis
players, and went home that night apparently in good condition.
He came to Alton Monday to attend school, and that day he
complained of being slightly lame, and he supposed he had
injured his knee in the football game, but was not certain. He
remained in School on Tuesday, but went home that night and did
not come back. The pains extended over his body and seemed to be
worst wherever the large glands were located. Last Tuesday he
was brought to the home of Charles F. Sparks in Alton for
treatment, as it was thought it would be better to have him in
Alton convenient to physicians who were attending him. He was
then in a delirious condition, and except at brief intervals he
did not regain his normal condition of mind. St. Louis surgeons
were finally called upon and an examination was made which
resulted in the malady being pronounced not typhoid malaria, but
blood poisoning in the glands, due to an abscess which formed
under the knee cap of the injured leg. An operation was
performed and the abscess was relieved, but the poison had made
fatal progress and he showed but little improvement in
condition. He continued unconscious except at brief intervals.
His condition became much worse Sunday night, and he died at
9:12 o'clock Monday morning. He was attended the last few days
by his brother, Dr. John Squire of Dubuque, Iowa. The body was
sent to Godfrey this noon, where the funeral services will be
held. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the family home in Godfrey to the Congregational Church.
Burial will be in Godfrey. It is probable the entire high school
will be dismissed Wednesday afternoon to attend the funeral, and
that some of the members of the football team will serve as
pallbearers. A quartet of members of the high school faculty
will sing at the funeral. The young man was in the graduating
class of the high school, and at least the third and fourth year
classes will be dismissed on account of the funeral.
The
death of James Squire will end the football team of the Alton
high school. In the same game in which Squire suffered his fatal
injury, Edward Enos was badly hurt, and has not been in the
game. Supt. Haight said today that last Monday the question of
canceling the schedule of games was submitted to the players,
and the boys voted as a unit to continue the schedule. The
faculty believed that it would be best to end the schedule for
the reason forthwith. However, one cancellation after another
was received, and the boys were without a game to play. Supt.
Haight said that undoubtedly the death of Squire would result in
the closing of the football season, as the faculty would refuse
to lend any aid or support to the game hereafter. Supt. Haight
said that the reason for the school giving support to the game
was that the boys were playing as a high school team several
years ago, and the faculty felt it was necessary that if the
boys were determined to play, they should do so under the
direction of persons who could protect the interests of the
School, and maintain a good game. The football team continued to
grow stronger each year until this year, when it made the best
record. The team was not scored against, and Squire contributed
much toward its success. He was known as a star player and could
always be relied upon to uphold his part of the play. He was a
bright, intelligent boy, and exceedingly popular among his
associates. In his home he was the pride of his parents, being
the youngest son, and their hopes of a bright future for him
seemed to be well justified. His death has cast a gloom over the
high school, and also in Godfrey, where he was known and much
admired. There is general regret throughout Alton over the
tragedy of the football game, and on no one could the arrow of
death have fallen leaving more regret than it has done in taking
the life of James Squire.
NOTES:
James Morgan Squire
was born in 1887, and was the youngest son of William and Louise
(Peters) Squire. James was a student at the McKinley High
School, located at E. 6th and Mechanic Streets in Alton (in
1919, the name of the school was changed to Roosevelt High
School). At school, his desk was draped in mourning and cover
with white flowers by students. His death weighed heavily on
students and staff at the school. The principal at the East St.
Louis High School phoned Supt. Haight with sincere regret over
his death, and members of the East St. Louis football team
attended the funeral. Burial was in the Godfrey Cemetery, which
was a short distance from the Squire residence.
EXPRESSIONS OF REGRET
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 7, 1905
There were expressions of sincere and deep
regret in the Alton High School today over the death of James
Squire, the first victim of the Rugy game in the Alton High
School. The seat of their deceased classmate was draped in
mourning and it was covered with white flowers by the pupils as
an expression of the grief of the classmates over the death of
Squire. Supt. Haight said that the mourning drapery would
probably remain for some time in the seat as a mark of
remembrance. The feeling of horror which has been cast upon the
whole School, including teachers and pupils, is universal. The
regret that the tragedy should have occurred is voiced by all,
both pupils in the school and those out of it. The blow is a
heavy one, and today it almost rendered study useless in the
high school building. Supt. Haight said that it was definitely
decided that the entire school would be dismissed tomorrow
afternoon on account of the funeral, which will be held at 2
o'clock from the Godfrey Congregational church. Rev. J. A.
Scarritt of Alton will conduct the services. Supt. Haight
received a telephone message this morning from Principal Manners
of the East St. Louis High School, in which he expressed the
sincerest regret over the unfortunate ending of the football
game. He said that the horror of it had overwhelmed the East St.
Louis High School in such a manner as to be beyond expression.
The members of the football team from East St. Louis, together
with their physical instructor, will attend the funeral of
Squire at Godfrey tomorrow afternoon as an expression of their
regret and their willingness to do what they can to show their
sorrow over the tragedy. The pallbearers for young Squire will
be selected from the number of the members of the Alton High
School football team. Musical selections will be sung by a
quartette consisting of Supt. Haight, Messrs, B. C. Richardson,
R. L. Bird, and A. E. Barradell. There will be a large
attendance of Alton people at the funeral. Supt. Haight has
informed the East St. Louis High School principal that the Alton
players do not make any specific charges of undue roughness, but
that the charge is a general unnecessary roughness in the game.
The principal objection of the Alton boys was to the tackling,
which was responsible for the boys being injured.
FUNERAL
OF JAMES SQUIRE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8,
1905
The funeral of James Squire was held at 2 o'clock this
afternoon from the residence of the father, Frank Squire in
Godfrey, to the Godfrey Congregational church. The attendance at
the funeral included many hundreds of Schoolmates, friends and
relatives of the young man. The funeral was probably the largest
ever held in Godfrey. The church was not large enough to
accommodate the assemblage. There was a large delegation of boys
and girls and the faculty of the Alton High School at the
funeral. The pupils of the high school esteemed highly their
young classmate, and they expressed their grief by contributing
beautiful floral emblem. Among those who attended the funeral
were the members of the East St. Louis High School football
team, the team which opposed Alton High in the game that caused
Squire's death. The services at the church were conducted by
Rev. J. A. Scarritt of Alton. A quartet consisting of Supt. R.
A. Haight, Messrs. R. L. Bird, B. C. Richardson, A. E.
Barradell, sang three musical selections in the church. The
songs by the quartet were "Asleep in Jesus," "Sleep Thy Last
Sleep," and "Go to Thy Rest in Peace." The pallbearers were
selected from the Alton High School football team, and were
Trueman Stelle, Olin Ellison, Gershom Gillham, Ned Sparks,
William Koehne and Percy Lewis. The floral offerings sent for
the funeral were rich and numerous. Several carriage loads were
sent out by friends early in the day, and there was not room on
the family lot to place all of them. The members of the senior
class gave a floral "Gates Ajar," and the members of the
football team lined the grave with evergreen and gave a floral
blanket. A party of fully 150 persons went from Alton at noon to
attend the funeral, and many others drove out in carriages and
other vehicles. Burial was in the Godfrey cemetery, just a short
distance from the Squire residence in Godfrey.
SQUIRE, JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 16, 1849
Died
in Six Mile Prairie, Madison County, on the 6th day of March,
1849, Mrs. Jane Squire, consort of Samuel Squire, Esq., aged 37
years, 6 months and 22 days. Her disease was of pulmonary
character, which resisted the best medical treatment attainable
during thirteen months, the period of her affliction. The
deceased was a member of the M. E. Church. Her qualities as a
wife, parent, sister and friend, do honor to her name and sex.
She has left a bereaved husband and seven children to mourn, but
not as those that have no hope; she quitted this value of tears
in full prospect of a residence during eternity in a house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
SQUIRE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1851
Died at his residence in Venice in Madison County, on the 3d
inst., Mr. Joseph Squire, in the 48th year of his age. He was
born in this county, and resided in it during his whole life. In
his dealings with his fellow men, he was honorable, and was
universally beloved for his kindness and benevolence. He was
buried on the 5th by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
which order he had been a member for several years. He has left
a wife and a number of connections to mourn his loss.
SQUIRE, LYDIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1904
Mrs. Lydia Squire of Godfrey, widow of William Squire and
mother of Dr. James Squire of Carrollton, W. F., and H. M.
Squire of Godfrey, died Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at
her home from senile debility, aged 88. Mrs. Squire was the last
of the pioneer settlers of Godfrey township. She was born in
Pennsylvania, and came to Godfrey in 1840, where she lived
nearly 64 years. She was married March 1, 1843 to William
Squire, who died March 12, 1865. Mrs. Squire was left a widow
with nine children, and she raised them to manhood and womanhood
with all the care of a good mother. She was loved by all for her
Christian and benevolent character, and especially by her
children. Mrs. Squire was a member of the Godfrey Methodist
church more than fifty years. The funeral will be from her late
residence in Godfrey, Friday morning, at 11 o'clock, and
services will be conducted by Rev. Nash.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1904
The funeral of
Mrs. Lydia Squire, of Godfrey, was held this morning at 10
o'clock from the family home. Rev. C. Nash of the Godfrey
Methodist church conducted the services. There was a large
attendance of friends and relatives of the family. Burial was in
the Godfrey cemetery.
SQUIRE, TEMPERANCE/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 24, 1842
Died, on the 20th ult., at the residence of her son, Samuel
Squire, Temperance Squire, consort of the late Amos Squire,
Esq., in the 62d year of her age, after a long and severe
illness - which she bore with Christian fortitude and
resignation, and in the full belief of a blessed immortality
beyond the grave. She has left a large circle of relatives and
friends to mourn her loss.
SQUIRE, WILLIAM FRANKLIN "FRANK"/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 30, 1908
Civil War Veteran; Store Owner;
Township Supervisor; Postmaster
Death summoned [William]
Frank Squire at his home in Godfrey Township shortly after noon
Tuesday. The end came suddenly and unexpectedly, although it was
known to his family that he was very ill. He had been in poor
health all Spring and Summer, and suffered several bad attacks
which were alarming at the time, so it was expected that the
present one would prove no worse than the others. He had been
suffering from heart trouble and the treacherous disease snapped
the thread of life and the old soldier answered his last roll
call.
In the death of Frank Squire, the career of one of
the best-known men in Madison County is closed. He was born in
Godfrey almost 65 years ago and had lived there all his life. He
held various positions of public character during his long
career in politics. He was Township Supervisor for twenty years,
and gave up the office when advancing years and ill health made
it necessary. He filled various other positions in the township
organization, and for many years was elected term after term to
office, and was considered invincible at the polls. During the
many years that he lived in Godfrey, he was the keeper of a
store that was the center of activity in the village. It was the
political headquarters of Godfrey, and the usual meeting place
for Godfrey people, next in importance to the post office. At
the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in the army and fought
gallantly throughout the war. He made an excellent record, and
at the close of hostilities he was discharged with honor. He was
an exceedingly popular man in his own township, and he had hosts
of friends in Alton and throughout Madison County. Besides his
wife, he leaves two sons and three daughters.
NOTES:
William Franklin Squire was born in Godfrey in 1845, to William
and Lydia Squire. His father was born August 9, 1814 or 1815, in
Devon, England, and died in Godfrey in 1865. He came to America
in 1835, locating first in Ohio, and then moving to Madison
County, Illinois in 1839. He began work as a laborer in Alton,
then moved to Godfrey where he became foreman on the Captain
Benjamin Godfrey farm, remaining there for years. His wife,
Lydia Widaman Squire, was a native of Pennsylvania, where she
was born March 8, 1818. They had three children – William
Franklin Squire, Dr. James Squire, and Heber Mason Squire.
“Frank” Squire served during the Civil War in the 10th
Illinois Infantry, Company D, and his brother, James, enlisted
in 144th Illinois Volunteers. While Frank was involved in
politics and his Godfrey store, James engaged in farming and
teaching. Both Frank and James served as the Godfrey Township
Supervisor, and Frank served as Postmaster in Godfrey. Heber
Squire never married. He took an active interest in the affairs
of Godfrey, and served as Godfrey Township Assessor for 19
years. He was also a school trustee. After the death of his
mother in 1904, he moved to East St. Louis, where he died in
January 1927 from a heart attack. Heber, Frank, James, and their
parents are buried in the Godfrey Cemetery.
SQUIRES, AMOS/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 25, 1913
Amos Squires, who, two years ago, declared on his eightieth
birthday that a man should not quit working as long as he lived,
died Tuesday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Daisy
Hendricks, at Federal. His death was brought about by an ailment
of rheumatism and kidney trouble which had been affecting him
for over a year. Mr. Squires, in spite of his advanced age,
would often go out and work for a week on the farm when hands
were short, and when he was needed to help out. He lived up to
the theory that he preached that everybody should keep at work
and it was only within the past few months that he had to stop
working. His wife died about two years ago. He leaves two sons,
William Squires and Gus Squires, and a daughter, Mrs. Daisy
Hendricks. His son, Marion Squires, died over a year ago in
Jacksonville, Ill., and was brought to Alton for burial.
SQUIRES, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 14,
1908
Mrs. Lucy Squires, wife of Amos Squires, died Sunday
evening at her home near East Alton after a long illness which
developed into dropsy. She was born in Madison county January 9,
1836. She was the mother of nine children, of whom the following
are living: Jerry M. Squires of Virden, Mrs. W. L. Betts of St.
Louis, Frank A. Squires of Omaha, Neb., M. O. Squires of
Lexington, Mo., W. W. Squires, August Squires and Mrs. Daisy
Hendricks of East Alton. Almost all of the 73 years of life she
had passed in Madison county. The funeral will be held from the
family home on the Hassmann place, 2 1/2 miles from East Alton,
Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton
will officiate. Interment will be in Vaughn cemetery.
SQUIRES, MARION/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3, 1912
The funeral of Marion Squires, whose body arrived in Alton
from Jacksonville, was held this morning at the home at East
Alton. The Rev. Simeon Hussey officiated. The burial was in
Oakwood cemetery in Upper Alton.
SQUIRES, WILLIAM (FORDY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 5, 1916
Asleep - - Rolls Into River - - Drowns After Booze Party
William (Fordy) Squires, aged 40, was drowned near the mouth
of Wood river Sunday afternoon following a party in which
whiskey figured to a great extent. Squires had been left asleep
on the bank of the river, and it is believed that he rolled into
the river. Squire had been working at the Fred Bowman farm near
East Alton, and on Saturday evening he drew a check for $60 for
a month's work. He started out to spend it Saturday night and
Sunday. On Sunday a party including a number of his friends went
on a fishing party with plenty of whiskey. About 1 o'clock they
left him asleep on the river bank. A number of picnickers from
Alton were the first to realize his condition. They had been
enjoying a quiet day a short distance from the spot where he
fell into the river, and his screams attracted them. Frank
Goldboro and Harry Bauer rushed to the river bank and made vain
efforts to get him to grab hold of boards and logs which they
threw to him. Finally, they secured a boat and attempted to
rescue him but it was too late. His body was recovered at once
and the men and their wives made every effort to bring the man
back to life. A physician was summoned from Wood River and the
party worked over the body of the man until 5 o'clock in the
evening when they finally gave up the attempt and the body was
turned over to Deputy Coroner John Berner. Squires was well
known in and about East Alton. He was the son of the late Amos
Squires. He is survived by a sister in Peoria and another in St.
Louis. Arrangements for the inquest or the funeral have not been
completed as yet. At the time of his death only a small part of
the sixty dollars he drew on Saturday evening was found on the
person of Squires.
SRUCIA, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18, 1907
Frank Srucia, an Italian, aged 16, who was employed at the
Equitable Powder works, died yesterday afternoon from malarial
fever and was buried this afternoon.
STACEY,
MARIE/Source: Troy Call, January 18, 1918
Marie, the
eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Stacey, died yesterday
morning at 9:30 o'clock at the family home after a lingering
illness due to valvular disease of the heart. The child's age
was 8 years, 4 months and 8 days. The parents moved here from
Vandalia, Mo., last summer and the child remained at Vandalia
with her grandparents until a month ago yesterday, when she was
brought here. There are three other children in the family. The
remains will be shipped tonight to Vandalia for burial and it is
expected to hold the funeral Sunday.
STACK,
ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1906
Mrs.
Annie Stack, aged about 40 years, died this morning at 8 o'clock
at her home, 801 east Fourth street, after an illness which was
not thought serious enough to require the services of a
physician until yesterday. Mrs. Stack was a very healthy looking
woman, weighed about 200 pounds and was always active and full
of life, and her sudden taking away comes as a distinct shock
not only to her family, but to her numerous acquaintances. She
had not been feeling well for several days previous to Sunday
when she became very ill and a physician was called. He went to
the Stack home three times yesterday, but the kidney trouble had
developed to such a degree that staying its progress was
impossible and the end came this morning. Deceased was the wife
of Edward Stack, a well known Big Four employee, and is survived
by her husband and two children. The funeral will be held
Wednesday morning from St. Patrick's church.
STACKHOUSE, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
11, 1908
Mrs. Margaret Stackhouse, wife of Charles
Stackhouse, died Friday afternoon at the family home on Ninth
street between Belle and Piasa streets. She was 23 years of age
and had been ill many month with consumption. Beside her
husband, she leaves one child. The funeral was held this
afternoon from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and burial was in
Greenwood cemetery. Rev. Fr. Tarrant conducted the services.
STAFFORD, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 12, 1920
The death of Henry Stafford, 81 years old, occurred
yesterday at the home on Lincoln avenue. He is survived by his
wife and a granddaughter. The funeral will be held Monday
afternoon at 2:30 from the Upper Alton Methodist church. Rev. D.
M. Cole, the pastor of the Methodist church, will have charge of
the service.
STAFFORD, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 10, 1909
James Stafford, the plasterer who was
fatally injured in Granite City on Saturday by falling from a
scaffold, died last night in the Granite City hospital. The body
will be brought to Alton this afternoon and the funeral will
probably be held tomorrow. Robert Stafford, the plasterer living
in Alton, is a brother to James Stafford.
STAFFORD, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 23,
1911
John Stafford, aged 45, a plasterer, died at St.
Joseph's hospital Thursday afternoon after a sickness from
stomach trouble of three months. A number of years ago he was
struck by a Big Four train at Union depot in Alton, and lost one
of his arms. He is survived by two brothers, Robert and William,
and one sister, Mrs. Anna Bristol of Chicago. The funeral will
be tomorrow afternoon from the home of Robert Stafford, 1014
Belle street.
STAHL, CYRUS S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 8, 1917
Cyrus S. Stahl, aged 71, was found dead
in bed at his home in Moro Thursday morning by his wife, when
she went to summon him. Mr. Stahl had been troubled with
rheumatism for some time, and it is supposed that he suffered a
heart attack which proved fatal. For years he had been the
devoted nurse of his invalid wife. Mrs. Stahl, a talented woman,
had been a long sufferer. Their only child, Miss Emily Stahl,
had been teaching school in Madison and was at home very little.
The aged couple lived together in the old homestead on their
eighty acre farm. Mr. Stahl was his wife's nurse and during
periods when she would be unable to look after any of the
housework, he nursed her and did the housework and the cooking.
The devotion of the couple to each other was one of the
beautiful things of Moro. Mr. Stahl usually arose early and this
morning when his wife failed to see him about the house, she
went to his bed to call him and found him lifeless. Mr. and Mrs.
Stahl are two of the best known residents of Moro township. Mrs.
Stahl is a sister of Miss Lucretia Hamilton of Alton and belongs
to one of the pioneer families of Madison County. Mr. Stahl and
she were married when both were young, and they had grown old
together. It was a hard blow to the wife when she found her
companion in life dead, with no word of farewell for her. The
funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the
home.
STAHL, HIRAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 4, 1912
Civil War Soldier
Hiram
Stahl, age 86, died at St. Joseph's hospital last night after a
brief illness of dropsy. He was thrice married and was a soldier
of the Civil War, drawing a pension. Recently he left his third
wife at Fountain Green, Ill., and lived with his daughter, Mrs.
Mary Russell, until he was moved from there to St. Joseph's
hospital about ten days ago, when it was seen that his ailment
necessitated expert treatment. Since that time he has been at
the hospital but on account of his age, has been gradually
declining. Mr. Stahl was born and reared on a farm near
Somerset, Pa., moving to Illinois when a young man. At one time
he conducted a farm in Missouri, but returned to Illinois. After
he became too old to farm he purchased a store and conducted it
at Moro, Ill., which is now owned by his son, C. E. Stahl. His
surprising marriage for the third time, at the age of 82, caused
no little comment, but at the time he stated that he married so
as to have a home and not be dependent on his children. He has
been living with his third wife at Fountain Green, Ill., until
the last year, when he decided not to live with her any longer
and stayed with his children. This change was doubtless due to
the changeableness of his old age, as his third wife was very
kind and affectionate to him and regretted to have him leave the
home. Even at the time he was at the hospital, she sent message
after message inviting him to return home. Mr. Stahl was
enlisted early in the Civil War in the Union cause, and fought
in several hard battles. During the war he was appointed as an
overseer of gangs of a hundred or more workmen. He was at the
fall of Vicksburg and battles previous to that. He was in charge
of crews of workmen that helped detour the bed of the
Mississippi back of Vicksburg to admit of the passage of
gunboats. Mr. Stahl's first wife was Miss Sara Boucher, of which
union there are six children living. They are Daniel Stahl of
Staunton, Ill., Mrs. Mary Russell of Staunton, C. E. Stahl of
Upper Alton, Mrs. Ellen Frank of Fountain Green, Ill., Mrs. Mary
Charles of Lawrence, Kas., and Mrs. Levina Freidline of
Somerset, Pa. She died about fifteen years ago at Moro. A few
years later he married Mrs. Martha Yetter of Fountain Green,
Ill., who lived about two years after the marriage. The last
wife was Miss Martha Walter of Fountain Green, who survives him.
The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at the Presbyterian
church in Moro, Mr. Stahl's former home for many years. He will
be laid to rest in the cemetery at Moro beside his first wife,
who is buried in the Moro cemetery.
STAHL, MARY KATHERINE (nee HAMILTON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 9, 1922
Mrs. Mary Katherine Stahl, nee
Hamilton, died at the Old Ladies Home on State street last night
at 6:30 o'clock. She was taken sick Saturday night. Her death
follows closely that of her only sister, Miss Lucretia Hamilton,
who passed away the day before Memorial Day and was buried from
the First Baptist church, wrapped in a flag. Like Miss Hamilton,
Mrs. Stahl was devoted to the flag of her country. Mrs. Stahl
was 71 years of age. After the death of her husband, Cyrus
Stahl, at Moro, in 1917, she was taken to the Old Ladies Home in
Alton. She had not been in good health and she wanted to stay at
the Old Ladies Home the remainder of her life. She was a devout
member of the Presbyterian church, and was always interested in
everything that was done there. She participated in church
movements at all times. Her only child is Miss Emily Alden
Stahl, who was named for a beloved instructor of Mrs. Stahl, a
former teacher at Monticello Seminary who retired there after
the death of Miss Harriet Newell Haskell. Mrs. Stahl was a
graduate of Monticello, leaving that institution with the class
of 1870. Before her death, Mrs. Stahl had selected her
pallbearers and had indicated her wishes as to her funeral
arrangements. The pallbearers she named are J. E. Kelsey, A. T.
Bivens, E. E. Campbell, John S. C. Bergerm, Alfred D. Riley and
Harvey E. Dorsey. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the Moro Presbyterian church and services will
be conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the Alton First
Presbyterian church.
STAHL, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 25, 1900
One of the oldest
residents of Moro, Mr. Samuel Stahl, died today at 5:30 a.m. He
was stricken with paralysis last Friday and was unconscious
until his death. He was 84 years, 1 month and 29 days old. He
was born in Somerset county, Pa., and came west in 1853. He
first located in Edwardsville and then at Moro, where he lived
until his death. He was the father of Messrs. J. H. Stahl, Leroy
Stahl, and Cyrus Stahl of Moro; Douglas Stahl of Terre Haute;
and Mrs. Louise Hilton and Mrs. Nona Hilton of Bethalto. The
funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Friday from the Presbyterian
church at Moro. Mr. Stahl was one of the best known residents of
Madison county. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion
he was one of the pillars of the Presbyterian church at Moro, of
which he was elder and a member of the board of trustees. He
lived on the home place 45 years and amassed a competence that
has enabled him to live in comfort with his children in his
later years.
STAHLHUT, F. GOTTLIEB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
2, 1903
Last of the "Forty Niners"
On Monday evening at his home in Ft. Russell Township, F.
Gottlieb Stahlhut died in his 78th year. He was one of the few
remaining "forty niners" in Madison County, and perhaps the more
remarkable by reason of the unusual hardships that befell him
and his companions that braved the passage over the western
deserts, wildernesses and mountains to the land of gold. Of that
famous dream that peopled the sunny land of California, none
perhaps realized the value of the hardships and what he obtained
of the largest representative of the business word, more than
Gottlieb Stahlhut. He came from Germany to America, and with
none of the wealth for which he became noted. As a land owner he
was of the first in the quality of the lands and the acreage
number in Madison county. He was a familiar figure and a sturdy
character to all who knew him, and personality will long be
remembered by those who knew him as he was. The writer of this
believes him to have really been a great character developed
from fierce contact with hardships. It cannot be said of his
character, "Ill fares the land to hastening ills a prey, where
wealth accumulates and men decay." He leaves a large family of
children, all married and long since grown to manhood and
womanhood, and all mourn his loss. His funeral took place at the
Lutheran Evangelical church in Edwardsville at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday.
STAHLHUT, FREDERICK C./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 6, 1903
Frederick C. Stahlhut, one of
the most prominent and wealthy farmers of Fort Russell township,
died at his residence Monday morning, aged 47 years, 11 months
and 17 days. He was the oldest son of F. G. Stahlhut. He leaves
a wife and eight children - four sons and four daughters, to
mourn his demise. He was highly esteemed by a very large circle
of acquaintances, all of whom counted him as a friend. The
funeral will take place from his late residence in Fort Russell
township on Wednesday, January 7, at 10 a.m.
STAHLHUT, HENRY W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
7, 1918
Henry Stahlhut, member of prominent Wood River and Ft. Russell
township families, died Friday at noon from influenza. Mr.
Stahlhut is survived by his wife and one child. The little one
was christened at the Eden Evangelical parsonage in Edwardsville
by Rev. H. Rahn just a few days ago. Mr. Stahlhut was between 31
and 32 years of age. He was a son of H. H. Stahlhut, and he
farmed the old Gottlieb Stahlhut place in Ft. Russell township.
He has two brothers in the army, two at home, and two married
sisters. His wife, who was Miss Sanders, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Fred W. Sanders of Liberty Prairie, is doubly bereaved, for
last week she received word that her brother, Corporal Fred
Sanders, had been killed in action in France on October 12. The
funeral arrangements provide for a service at the home on Sunday
afternoon at 1 o'clock, followed by services at the Eden
Evangelical Church at 2 o'clock.
STAIR, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 26, 1862
A young lad named William Stair, who lives in Sempletown, died
last night from wounds caused by the accidental discharge of a
gun. The particulars of the casualty as reported to us are as
follows: A number of boys were out shooting pigeons two weeks
ago, in company with some soldiers, when one of the soldiers
accidentally dropped his gun, which caused it to go off
instantly, the load entering the thigh and coming out on the
inside of the leg of the boy. He was taken home, and all
possible means exerted to save him, but he lingered in great
pain, and last night death eased him of his sufferings.
STALDER, ARTHUR C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12,
1918
Arthur C. Stalder, who was recently taken to the
State Hospital, died there this afternoon. He was a member of a
well known Upper Alton family and had worked in Alton at the
barber trade. He recently planned to take charge of a bakery in
Upper Alton, but his mind broke down from the effects of
illness.
STALDER, FRANK M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
18, 1917
Well Known Alton Business Man
F. M. Stalder, well known Upper Alton
business man, died suddenly this morning at 4:30 o'clock at the
residence on Brown street in Upper Alton. Mr. Stalder had not
been ill and the news of his death was a surprise to the
community. Mrs. Stalder said she heard her husband breathing
hard at 4:20 o'clock and she thought he was snoring. She
realized that the breathing was unnatural for him, and she got
up and went up to his bedside and spoke to him. He moved a
little and took a deep breath and after that he breathed no
more. Mrs. Stalder telephoned for a physician who made a hurried
trip to the Stalder residence, but he was dead when the
physician examined him. Frank Stalder was one of the best known
young business men in Upper Alton. He had conducted a bakery and
confectionery store on Washington avenue for a long number of
years, and had been quite successful. His close attention to his
business and the confinement that naturally goes with it was
very probably responsible for bringing on his failure of health,
although he did not realize that his health was being effected.
He was in his place of business last night up to a late hour as
usual, and did not complain of feeling badly. Mr. Stalder was a
Mason, an elder in the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church, a member
of the Presbyterian Brotherhood, and was an earnest worker in
the church. He leaves besides his widow, his mother, Mrs. M. A.
Brown, a former resident of Upper Alton who now makes her home
at Piasa Chautauqua. Mrs. Brown arrived in Alton this morning
after receiving word of the death of her son. He also leaves two
sisters. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock, but it has not been decided whether the services will
be held in the home or in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs.
Stalder lived several years on Main street, but about two years
ago they built a handsome, new home on Brown street, which they
occupied since its completion. Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer
held an inquest this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Stalder
residence.
STALHUT, H. G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
9, 1919
H. G. Stalhut, a wealthy farmer of Hamel
township, dropped dead in the court house at Edwardsville this
afternoon after eating a hearty dinner. He was one of several
defendants in proceedings brought by Hamel township to open a
road. The case had been under way in the morning and adjournment
was taken over the noon hour. Stalhut is reputed to be a very
wealthy man, and was prominent in the county. He was 50 years of
age.
STALL, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
25, 1919
Miss Mary Stall, who has been at the Alton
Woman's Home for ten years, died at the home at 11 o'clock last
night. She was 74 years old. Miss Stall is well known among
older residents of the city. Before gong to the Old Ladies' Home
in 1909 she was an active woman, and enjoyed a wide acquaintance
and a large number of friends. The funeral will be at 2 o'clock
Wednesday afternoon.
STALLINGS, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
28, 1903
Man Falls From Roof, Trying to Protect House From
Fire
While the fire [The burning of
the Wheelock and Ginter's Planing Mill in Alton] was in
progress, Charles Stalling, who boarded in a house on Second
street across the street, was standing on the roof of the
two-story house throwing water on burning brands that fell on
the roof. He must have slipped on some ice on the roof, and in
an instant shot down the steep declivity toward the cornice.
There was nothing to stay his downward rust, and he shot over
the cornice and down to the brick pavement 35 feet below, where
he landed amid a crowd, striking on his left side and arm. One
woman was standing near when Stalling struck the ground, his
falling body just missing her. It was believed the man was
killed, but he was picked up and carried to his room in the
house from which he fell, and there he revived. Drs. Bowman and
Shaff attended him and found that he had a fractured left elbow
and compound fractures of his arm. He was moved to the hospital
for treatment Saturday night. [Later] Stallings died in the
hospital at 5 o'clock this morning from a ruptured blood vessel.
He was 35 years old and leaves his wife and one son. The time of
the funeral has not been set, as Mrs. Stallings is waiting to
hear from her husband's relatives at Versailles, Ohio, where he
formerly lived. The inquest will be held tonight or tomorrow by
Deputy Coroner Streeper. Stallings had lived here since August.
STAMPER, JOHN H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
30, 1904
Old Soldier
John H. Stamper, an old
soldier, aged 65, died at his home near Fosterburg this morning
after a long illness. He had lived at Fosterburg about seven
years. He is survived by his wife, three sons and three
daughters.
STAMPER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 10, 1921
Joseph Stamper died today at 12:30 a. m.
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Francis Brown, 3001 Alby
street, after an illness lasting a year. He was 89 years old.
Mr. Stamper had been bedfast at his daughter's home for the past
year, and his death was not unexpected. He had made his home
with his daughter for the past three years. In the death of Mr.
Stamper, the Alton neighborhood loses one of its well known men.
Known as a man of high character, he was loved and respected by
all with whom he came in contact, and general sorrow is caused
by his passing. He was born in Cumberling, England in 1832, and
came to America when 23 years old. He went first to Canada, and
after a residence of several years there, came to Godfrey, and
until recent years lived on a farm near Monticello Seminary. He
was married in 1862 to Urana J. Calette, who died 13 years ago.
He is survived by seven children and 24 grandchildren, and two
great-grandchildren. The children are Mrs. Brown and Joseph and
Robert Stamper of Alton; Fred of Godfrey; Mrs. J. B. Welch of
St. Louis; Harry and Mrs. L. N. Burris of Coffeeville, Kan.
Funeral services will be at the old home at Godfrey at 2:30
o'clock Thursday, and interment will be in Upper Alton cemetery.
STAMPER, URANA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1905
Mrs. Urana Stamper, wife of Joseph Stamper, died at her home
in Godfrey Monday morning at 4 o'clock from heart trouble, which
was a culmination of six week's illness from other diseases,
dropsy being the first cause. While the family feared a fatal
result, yet none of them looked for it so soon. Mrs. Stamper,
beside her husband, has seven children living, viz: Mrs. Frances
Brown of Alton; Robert M. Stamper of Alton; Mrs. L. M. Burris of
Chanute, Kansas; Joseph Stamper of Godfrey; Mrs. J. B. Welch of
St. Louis; and Fred and Harry Stamper of Godfrey. She was born
in Upper Alton November 9th, 1843, and was married to Joseph
Stamper at Bethany in 1862. The funeral will take place on
Thursday from the family home in Godfrey at 2 p.m. Interment in
Upper Alton cemetery. Mrs. Stamper was a good and faithful wife
and mother. Her demise leaves a sorrowing family, whose lives
have been cast in deep gloom by the sad event. She was a most
respected neighbor and friend, and a companion who made
acquaintance a delight.
STAMPS, JAMES C./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1861
Soldier in 4th Regiment of Missouri Volunteers
Died in Alton,
August 4, 1861, James C. Stamps, aged 19 years and 10 months.
The deceased was a Private in the 4th Regiment of Missouri
Volunteers, Captain Rubble’s Company, and was brought home to
his mother ten days before his death, sick with typhoid fever,
which terminated in congestion. He was a noble patriot, and
sacrificed his life defending his country. He was in several
scouting parties, and endured much hardship and privation, which
he bore without complaint. Many of his camp comrades attended
his funeral, and bore him to his silent home, feeling that they
had lost a dear friend. He gave evidence that he was a true
follower of the Cross, which comforts the hearts of his mourning
relatives and friends who mourn their loss. As his end
approached, he felt that he could trust his Redeemer to carry
him safely over the Jordon of Death, and bring him off conqueror
over death, his last enemy. His end was peace.
STAMPS, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 20, 1851
From Jerseyville - We learn from the Alton Telegraph that
several deaths have occurred in Alton, and also in the
Penitentiary. We hear it stated that Stamps, who was sentenced
to one year’s imprisonment at our last court, was among the
number who died.
STANARD,
E. O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1914
Proprietor of Stanard-Tilton Milling
St.
Louis - Former Lieutenant Governor E. O. Stanard, aged 82, was
found dead in his bed at his home early today. His death came
peacefully, from all indications. Mr. Stanard was the chief
owner of the Stanard-Tilton Milling Company, owning the big
flour mill in Alton. He made his start in Alton, and after
beginning as a school teacher and afterward starting in business
in Alton, he went to St. Louis where he became a very wealthy
man. He seldom came to Alton in recent years. Some time ago his
son-in-law, Mr. Tilton, succeeded him in active management of
the milling company.
STANDIFORD, I. J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 12,
1902
Killed by Chicago & Alton Train
I. J.
Standiford, an aged resident of East End place, was killed
Wednesday evening by the Chicago and Alton train, arriving here
at 5 o'clock. The train had passed the Washington street station
when Standiford was struck. It is said that the trains of the C.
& A. and Big Four were racing, and that Standiford tried to get
out of the way of the Big Four when he got in the way of the
Alton train. Standiford was instantly killed. Mr. Standiford has
made his home with his son in East End place. He came to Alton
from Carrollton a short time ago. He was 65 years of age and
feeble, which probably was the reason he was unable to avoid
being struck by the C. & A. train. Deputy Coroner Streeper took
charge of the body and will take the evidence for the inquest
tomorrow, when the train crews can be brought here. Deputy
Coroner Streeper took charge of the body of Mr. Standiford and
moved it to the home of his son, where he had been visiting. The
body will be taken to Carrollton tomorrow morning for burial.
STANFORD, J. R. (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 9, 1871
Our citizens were pained this morning to hear of the death of
Judge J. R. Stanford, which sad event took place at half past
three o’clock this morning, after a painful and lingering
illness. Judge Stanford has been a resident of Alton for the
last sixteen years, having removed here with his family in 1855.
He was one of our most prominent, esteemed, and wealthy
citizens. He was a man of rare business ability, excellent
judgement, and great force of character. His age was 74 years
and 2 months. Judge Stanford was a native of Worcester County,
Massachusetts. He removed to St. Louis in 1830, and was engaged
in extensive mercantile pursuits there for a number of years. He
afterwards resided in Griggsville, Pike County. He leaves a wife
and several adult children to lament his decease. The
funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 o’clock, from
his late residence on Third Street. The remains are to be taken
to Griggsville, Illinois, for interment.
STANFORD, PRESTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 3, 1873
Body Found in River at St. Louis
On Saturday last, the body
of a young man was found floating in the river at St. Louis. The
Coroner, on viewing the remains, found certain marks on the
body, that death had resulted from violence and not from
drowning. At the inquest, which was held Sunday, the body was
identified as that of Mr. Preston Stanford, of Alton. His
brothers, Messrs. Horace and Homer Stanford, received a dispatch
last evening from Mayor Brown, informing them of the sad
occurrence, and they left for St. Louis on Monday. Mr. Stanford
had many friends in Alton, and the news of his sudden and
terrible death was a great shock to all. They were loath to
believe the news of his sad end. He had been missing for several
days prior to the facts narrated above, but we believe no
apprehension had been felt on that account by his friends here,
as he had told some persons as late as last Monday that he was
going to Kansas. The mystery of his death has not yet been
unraveled, but doubtless soon will be. Mr. Stanford was the
youngest son of the late Judge Stanford, and was raised in
Alton. He was 25 or 26 years of age. His engaging manners and
prepossessing appearance made him many friends who will regret
this sad ending of his young life
STANHOPE,
CHARLES JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1918
Charles, 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stanhope,
died Sunday at the home on the Grafton road from acute
indigestion after an illness of about 24 hours. The funeral will
be Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the Cathedral.
STANHOPE, JOHN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 23,
1917
Took His Own Life With Shotgun
John R. Stanhope, aged 65, a farm
hand, living near Melville, ended his life when he blew his head
off with a shot gun some time during last night. He was
discovered at his shanty this morning by John Lawless, when the
latter stopped there to visit him. Stanhope had been ill for
some time, and the men of the neighborhood had been stopping to
visit him each day. When Lawless dropped in this morning, he
found him dead and reported the case at once to the coroner.
William Bauer took charge of the body. He stated that Stanhope
had been dead for several hours before being found. A double
barrel shot gun and a stick nearby indicated that he had laid on
the couch in his shanty, placed the shot gun near his head, and
then when he could not reach the trigger, he had used a long
stick to pull the trigger. Both barrels had been fired and the
loads from the 12 gauge gun went through the back of his head.
Stanhope has been living in the vicinity of Alton for many
years, working as a farm hand on different farms. He made
frequent trips to the city and was well known in Alton. He has
no living relatives so far as the authorities could learn. The
inquest was held over the body this morning, and burial was held
this afternoon. The closest neighbor is over 20 yards away, and
they reported that they heard nothing of the shots being fired
during the night.
STANHOPE, LULU B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 9, 1904
Mrs. Lulu B. Stanhope, wife of Mr. John
Stanhope of North Alton, died Friday night at her home on the
Grafton road after a long illness with consumption. She was 19
years of age, and leaves besides her husband and 15 months old
child, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell, four brothers
and one sister. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon from
the home.
STANHOPE, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
17, 1922
Thomas Stanhope of the Piasa King Farm died
instantly Saturday from a heart attack while he was engaged in
hoeing watermelons in a field at his home place. Mr. Stanhope
was a well known farmer, 53 years of age. He had proven very
successful on the Piasa King Farm. He leaves besides his aged
mother, Mrs. A. T. Stanhope, one brother, Clarence, and one
sister, Miss Mabel Stanhope. Mr. Stanhope was formerly a school
teacher, but on account of his health he took up farming as his
occupation. The family rented the Piasa King farm and he took an
active part in conducting the place. The funeral will be from
Bauer's undertaking parlor Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock and
burial will be at the Melville cemetery. Services will be
conducted by Rev. John F. Green.
STANKER,
WILLIAM JOHNSON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 21,
1901
Wagon Struck by Train Near Godfrey Depot
William Johnson Stanker, aged 60, manager of the
farm of Mrs. L. B. Sidway near Godfrey, was instantly killed
Saturday evening while trying to cross the tracks at the Godfrey
depot. He was driving a team attached to a wagon, and on the
seat with him was John Karr. An engine was switching a few cars,
and as Stanker was crossing the track his wagon was struck by
the end of one of the cars. Karr was thrown out of the wagon and
escaped unhurt. Stanker attempted to hold his horses, which
started to run away, and in so doing he was dragged to the
ground and he rolled under the wheels of the car. His body was
frightfully mangled. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest
shortly after being notified Saturday night, and the jury found
a verdict holding the Chicago & Alton railroad, through its
employees, responsible for the death of Stanker. The accident
was witnessed by a number of people who were standing on the
depot platform. Stanker's son lived near Godfrey. The dead man
was known as Johnson, he preferring to use his middle name to
his surname. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon.
STANLEY, IRWIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 4, 1921
Death Results From Falling From Bicycle
Irwin Stanley, aged 14,
died this morning at four o'clock at the home of his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Stanley. Death followed an accident which
occurred two weeks ago, when young Stanley fell from a bicycle
he was riding. He leaves his parents and a brother and a sister.
The funeral will be held from the family home off Broadway,
Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock. Interment will be in Upper
Alton.
STANLEY, MARTHA PARKS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 3, 1908
Mrs. Martha Parks Stanley, widow of Norman
Stanley, died Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the family
residence three miles east of Upper Alton. She was in her 87th
year. Mrs. Stanley had been ill a long time. Her great age had
resulted in a breaking down of her physical being until she was
almost helpless. She had been totally blind and her family had
taken every care of her and had made her declining days as
comfortable as possible. Mrs. Stanley went to Upper Alton fifty
three years ago and she had been a resident of the place where
she died ever since. She is survived by three children, Mrs. L.
M. Castle of Springfield, Wasson M. Stanley of Upper Alton, and
Mrs. A. L. Hoblit of Carlinville. She leaves also four
grandchildren, Dr. Stanley Castle of Springfield, Norman and
Jean Hoblit of Carlinville, and Martha Stanley of Upper Alton.
The funeral will be held from the family residence Tuesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
STANLEY, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 3, 1851
Died on Wednesday morning, Mrs. Mary Stanley, wife of Mr. Jesse
Stanley of Upper Alton.
STANLEY, ROBERT PAGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
20, 1900
Civil War Soldier
Another of
Upper Alton's oldest residents passed away this morning when
Robert P. Stanley died at 11:30 o'clock. Death was due to kidney
trouble. He had been ailing since last January, but was confined
to his bed only two weeks. Robert Page Stanley was born at
Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1829. He was 71 years, 10 months
and 12 days old. Mr. Stanley came to Upper Alton with his
parents when he was a child of four years [in 1833], and has
lived here ever since. November 30, 1857 he was married to Miss
Mary J. Kelly of Metamora, Ill. Of this union were born ten
children, all now grown. The wife and ten children survive him:
Mrs. D. M. Frye of East St. Louis; Mrs. Eva G. Sims; Jesse W.
Stanley; Harry C. Stanley; Charles B.; Annie B.; Walter P.;
Pearl E.; Mabel L.; and Nannie M. Stanley. Eight of the children
are residents of Upper Alton. Early in the Civil War Mr. Stanley
enlisted in the Union army and was a Corporal in Company A,
144th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was a cooper by trade and
worked at his trade in Upper Alton and Alton for many years. Mr.
Stanley was a member of the Presbyterian Church. The funeral
services will be held at the family residence Sunday at 2 p.m.
Rev. G. W. Waggoner will officiate.
STANLEY, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ROBERT
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 1, 1900
Mrs. Robert Stanley of
Nameoki died yesterday. The lady was 79 years old, and had been
a resident of that section for many years. She was connected
with some of the oldest families of Madison county, and enjoyed
an extensive acquaintance in all parts of the county. Mrs.
Stanley lived with her family at the mouth of the Missouri
river, on the east side, for a quarter of a century, and then
removed to Nameoki, where she has resided for the past
twenty-five years. The body was shipped to Upper Alton today for
burial.
STANLISKY, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
8, 1908
Shot While Trying to Force Way Into Home of a Friend
George Stanlisky, a Benbow City Pollock,
who was shot in the side a few nights ago at Benbow City while
trying to force his way into the home of a friend, died Friday
night at 10 o'clock from the effect of the wound. The man who
did the shooting has not been arrested. Deputy Sheriff Crowe
sent a telephone message to Benbow City that the man who did the
shooting be arrested and brought to Alton, and he went to Benbow
City himself afterward, but returned without his man, and it is
supposed, but not known, that the man who did the shooting took
fright and made his escape. As told by the Telegraph, Stanlisky
called at the home of his friend Wednesday night and pounding on
the door demanded admittance. The man who did the shooting stood
inside the door and demanded to know who it was desired
admittance, and when the man outside failed to respond to three
requests to make his name known, and when he tried to force the
door open, the man inside shot through the closed door and
Stanlisky fell wounded to the ground. He afterward exonerated
his friend of all blame, saying it was his own fault. A
coroner's inquest in this case will be merely a perfunctory
matter. All the witnesses tell the same story and there seems to
be proof of the fact that the wounded man exonerated the man who
shot him. Coroner Streeper will make an investigation. Neither
Stanlisky nor the man who shot him can speak a word of English.
STANTON, ANNA/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 20, 1865
Died in Alton on the 16th instant, Anna M. Stanton, in the
13th(?) year of her age.
STANTON, CHARLES T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
1, 1914
Civil War Soldier
Charles T. Stanton, in
his 81st year, died Monday afternoon at his residence on Court
street, after an illness of one month with liver trouble. His
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock from
the home, and services will be under the auspices of the
Christian Science organization. The death of Capt. Stanton
removes from Alton one of the oldest and best known residents of
the city. For many years he was in the Alton post office where
he discharged the duties as a mail clerk in a highly efficient
manner. He retired from the service July 31, 1912. Capt. Stanton
began his work in the Alton post office October 1, 1889. He had
been in the railway mail service for 20 years, making in all
forty-three years of service in the postal department. He became
mail clerk under W. T. Norton, the life on the road having
proved to be too much for a man of his years. He possessed
unusual ability in the mail service, and was held in high esteem
by all for whom he had worked. He had passed a civil service
examination in four states, and his mind was filled with
information about the geography and the railroads of the states.
He was discharged from the service for political reasons under
the administration of President Cleveland, the civil service not
being enforced in the mail service at that time. However, he got
back in the service a few years later under Mr. Norton, and he
remained very active and very efficient up to the time he found
it advisable to retire. He was born in Upper Alton, and all of
his life he called Alton his home. He was a steamboat man and a
pilot for many years, and at one time ran a boat from St. Louis
to _____ City. He had a long and very honorable war record. He
had ____ rank of ensign in the United States navy during the
war, and one of the cherished treasures of the Stanton home is a
picture of the young Ensign Stanton in his uniform. He was at
the siege of Vicksburg and was on one of the boats that passed
Vicksburg. He was also in the Banks Expedition on the Red River.
His wife died six years ago. He is survived by two daughters,
Mrs. Henry Flach and Miss Mae Stanton.
STANTON, JOHN MANSFIELD/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16,
1864
We regret to announce today, as we do under the
appropriate head, the death of this amiable and talented young
lawyer of Alton. He came to Alton a number of years since, and
had won the confidence and esteem of a large portion of our
citizens. But in the opening of his bright career, that fell
disease, consumption, marked him as its prize, and after
lingering for several months under its influence, his spirit
took its flight this morning. His friends, however, may derive
some comfort under their loss, by being informed that during his
last sickness, he was under the care of Good Samaritans, and his
every want and desire was gratified.
Source: Alton
Telegraph, December 23, 1864
Died on Thursday, the 15th
inst., John Mansfield Stanton, aged 30 years. The subject of
this notice was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 11,
1834. His youth was spent on labors on the farm and at a trade,
until he arrived at his majority. Not having enjoyed the
opportunity of acquiring a d__eral education, he devoted himself
with untiring industry to supply the deficiency, and gave all
his leisure time to study. About nine years ago, after varied
experiences, he came to Alton and for a time was employed as a
Telegraph operator, having completed a course of general
reading. He afterwards devoted himself to the study of law,
which he pursued in the office of the Hon. Levi Davis of Alton,
and was admitted to the bar after the usual course of study. For
several years past, he has been Secretary of the Judiciary
Committee of the United States Senate, which office he filled
with entire satisfaction to the committee. In every position he
has filled, and in every relation of life, his character has
been marked by the strictest integrity, the most entire devotion
to duty, and by the most honorable and Christian principles. His
life has been singularly pure and free from the vices of his
age. Industrious, temperate, frugal in his habits, of kind and
obliging spirit, actuated by the highest and most disinterested
motives, devoted to the improvement of his mind, and aiming at a
career of usefulness and honor, he has left a bright example to
his associates, and will be remembered by his friends with
reverence and affection.
At a time when the country
needed recruits to beat back the Rebel hordes that were
threatening our national existence, he enlisted as a Private
soldier, declaring it to be his duty to serve in the ranks, but
on going to Springfield, he was rejected, on the Surgeon’s
examination, as lacking the physical qualifications for the
service. The ready surrender of himself to a conviction of duty
was characteristic of him. He never flinched from any necessary
work that came to him, and was always at his post.
For
several years he has suffered from an affliction of the throat,
that at last developed itself into a rapid consumption.
Returning from Washington the past summer and residing in the
family of his friends, where he has been for several years
regarded as a son and brother, he was taken down in the Autumn
with a hemorrhage of the lungs, and has steadily declined until
death came to his relief. He was visited during the last weeks
of his illness by his friend and minister, who in accordance
with his earnest wishes, administered to him the rite of
Christian Baptism. This he desired not as a new profession of
his faith in Christianity, for he had long been a Christian
believer, but as a fulfillment of a neglected duty. In all the
essentials of a true faith, and eminently in practice, he had
lived a Christian, and his death was as serene and happy as his
best friends could desire.
His remains were buried from
the residence of his cherished friends, where he had been so
long a welcome inmate, and in all the arrangements his wishes
were granted. In the prime of manhood, he has passed in his
eternal reward, and will resume, in a purer world, the exercise
of those powers, which were the source of his highest enjoyments
here.
STANTON, JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 23,
1907
Miss Julia Stanton, aged 22, died Sunday morning at
her home on south Main street in Upper Alton after a long
illness from consumption. She was taken ill last May with a cold
and malaria, and it developed into lung trouble. Miss Stanton
was born in St. Louis and lived there until three years ago when
she came to Alton with her mother, Mrs. J. Stanton. Beside her
mother she leaves a family of brothers and sisters, Mrs. Matthew
Marx of Denver, Colorado, William Stanton of St. Louis, Lawrence
Stanton, Mrs. C. V. Stahl, Mrs. John Hankhaus, and Vincent
Stanton of Alton. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
STANTON, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 22,
1908
Mrs. Martha Stanton, wife of Charles T. Stanton,
died Monday evening at 8 o'clock at the family home, 310 Court
street, from the effects of an apoplectic stroke. Mrs. Stanton
was up and about her home yesterday morning and was stricken in
her home Monday morning at 11 o'clock while going about the
house. She never regained consciousness. Mrs. Stanton was 71
years of age. She was born and raised in the vicinity of
Madison, but had lived the greater part of her life in Alton.
Her husband has been connected with the mail service for many
years and is chief clerk in the Alton post office. The family
had resided on Court street for many years, and Mrs. Stanton was
known in a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Beside her
husband she leaves two daughters, Mrs. Henry Flach and Miss May
Stanton. Mrs. Stanton had been in as good health as usual up to
the time of the apopletic stroke, and her death was very
unexpected to those who were not informed of her brief illness.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock
from the family home to the City cemetery. Rev. G. L. Clark of
the Twelfth Street Presbyterian church officiating.
STANTON, THOMAS (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 20 &
27, 1868
Died at his residence in Middle Alton, on the 13th
instant, after a protracted illness, Dr. Thomas Stanton. Aged
seventy-one years.
Brother Stanton was born in the north
of Ireland, in September 1797. He professed religion, and joined
the M. E. Church in 1819. On account of the great persecution
with which he had to contend, by reason of his profession of
religion, he was compelled to emigrate to America, which he did
in the year 1820, settling in Ohio, where he remained some four
year. In the meantime, he studied medicine. He came to Lebanon,
Illinois, in the year 1824, remaining there some two years. He
was united in marriage to his now bereaved widow, June 13, 1826.
He came to the Altons in the year 1836, where he lived until
called from labor to rest. At the time of his decease, he was
residing in Middle Alton. For fifty years, Brother Stanton was a
faithful Christian. No man stood higher in the estimation of the
people as a Christian and citizen than Brother Stanton. He lived
the life of a man of God, and was enabled to die the death of
those who slumber in the Lord. He leaves a wife and nine
children to mourn their loss, but their loss is his eternal
gain. His last moments were peaceful.
STANTON, THOMAS Z./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12, 1871
Died on May 3 in Middletown, Alton, Thomas Z. Stanton, in the
35th year of his age. He was a cousin of the well-known river
pilot, Thomas C. Stanton, who is in good health.
STARKEY,
ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1908
Mrs. Alice Starkey of East Alton, aged ___, died this morning at
6:30 o'clock at her home in East Alton. She had been a sufferer
for three years. Over three years ago while she was waiting to
take an electric car at Second and Washington streets, she was
badly injured. At that time the interurban cars did not run into
the city of Alton, and she was standing beside the Big Four
waiting room there to take the car. When this car came in the
motorman could not stop it in time and the car ran on to where
Mrs. Starkey was standing with her little daughter. She was
caught and badly crushed between the car and the building. Up to
that time she had enjoyed good health, but since then she had
very poor health. Consumption developed from injuries she
sustained. As Mrs. Starkey became a believer in Christian
Science about four months ago and would not have a doctor,
Coroner Streeper said that the only way a death certificate
could be had would be to hold a coroner's inquest, and he will
probably hold one. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at 10
o'clock from the East Alton Methodist church. Mrs. Starkey
leaves one son and a daughter by her last marriage, and a son
for a former marriage. Her husband, Louis Starkey, was fatally
injured last summer by being sun struck, and died a short time
afterward.
STARKEY, AMANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 10, 1901
The funeral of Mrs. Amanda Starkey, who at
the time of her death was one of the oldest native born
residents of Madison county, took place this afternoon at
Bethalto, from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ben Picker.
STARKEY, JASPER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 11,
1907
Prominent Bethalto Farmer
Jasper Starkey, aged
66, died this morning at his home near Bethalto after an illness
with pneumonia and jaundice. He was 66 years old Sunday. Mr.
Starkey left for Texas with his wife and his son, Herbert, about
four months ago for the benefit of the health of his son. During
the time the family were in the south Mr. Starkey was sick most
of the time, and he returned about a week ago ill with pneumonia
and jaundice. His son's health, however, had been much improved.
This morning Mr. Starkey passed away. He was a leading member of
the Baptist church and he has one son, Lee Starkey, who is doing
Y. M. C. A. work at Iola, Kansas. Besides his wife, Mr. Starkey
leaves two daughters and four sons, Miss Eva Starkey, Mrs.
Oliver Saunders, Lee Starkey, Edward Starkey of Bethalto
Farmers' bank, David and Herbert Starkey. Mr. Starkey was born
on the farm adjoining the one where he died, and he had lived
there almost his entire life. He was well known and highly
respected in the community where he lived, and leaves many
friends to mourn his death.
STARKEY, JESSE/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
The
funeral of Mr. Jesse Starkey took place on July 15. He had lived
nearly three-fourths of a century in Bethalto and vicinity, and
was highly respected by all. His wife preceded him less than a
year.
STARKEY,
LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1907
Louis
Starkey, a watchman for the Equitable Powder Co., residing three
miles from East Alton near Fosterburg, died at noon today at the
result of having become over heated last Sunday afternoon.
Starkey is 50 years of age, and leaves a wife. Last Sunday
afternoon, Starkey started home from the powder works and walked
over two miles in the hot sun, when he became dizzy, and fell
over unconscious. Friends found him and he was removed to his
home and given medical attention. He regained consciousness
several times but became worse this morning and died at 12
o'clock. Starkey was injured in a fall several years ago and has
not been well since. It is thought the hot sun as he walked
along the country road caused him to become overheated and
affected the old wound to his brain. This is the first heat
fatality reported in the Altons. There have been several
prostrations, but Starkey's case is the first one where death
resulted. The funeral will be held from the home to the Milton
Cemetery tomorrow afternoon.
STARKEY, MELINDA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 18, 1877
From Bethalto – It is our painful duty to announce the death of
Miss Melinda Starkey, aged 37 years, 8 months, and 13 days, at
the residence of her mother, Mrs. Mary Starkey, at one o’clock
this morning. The funeral will take place from the Baptist
Church, next Thursday, at 10 o’clock a.m. Rev. J. H. Mize will
conduct the funeral exercises.
STARKEY,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 24, 1903
William Starkey, the 18 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis
Starkey of East Alton, died Thursday night at the family home
after suffering several months with appendicitis. Arrangements
for the funeral have not been made. [Burial was in Milton
Cemetery]
STARR, ADELAIDE ELLIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 16, 1851
Died at the residence of her father in Alton, on the 9th inst.,
Adelaide Ellis, only child of James E. and Sabra B. Starr, aged
17 months and 14 days.
STARR, ANN H./Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, October 4, 1877
Mrs. Ann H. Starr, widow of the late Captain Thomas G. Starr,
died at her residence on Seventh Street Sunday afternoon, after
a protracted illness, in the seventieth year of her age. She was
one of the early residents of Alton, and was well known to all
our older citizens. She was a native of Boston, Massachusetts,
and removed to Alton about the year 1836. Her husband was, for
many years, one of our most prominent business men. Two of Mrs.
Starr’s children survive her, viz: Mrs. Charles Robidou of
Alton, and Mr. Warren Starr of Sacramento, California.
STARR, AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2,
1900
August Starr, a resident of Godfrey township since
1832, died Sunday afternoon at his home near Godfrey, after a
long illness. He was one of the best known farmers in the
vicinity of Alton, and was a member of the well known Starr
family of which James Starr, one of the first Odd Fellows in
Illinois, was a member. He was born in Middletown, Conn., in
1823, and came to Madison County when 9 years of age, having
lived here ever since, except during a short time when he went
to California in 1849. He leaves four children, three of whom
live at Godfrey and the fourth lives in Mississippi. The funeral
will take place Tuesday morning from the family home near
Godfrey at 10 o'clock. [Burial was in Godfrey cemetery]
STARR, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 22, 1872
We are called upon today to record the death of Mrs. Catherine
Starr, mother of James E., Augustus, and Frank Starr, who died
on November 18, in the 91st year of her age in Godfrey, at the
home of her son, Mr. F. Starr. She was a native of Connecticut,
but removed to Alton more than forty years since. She was a most
estimable lady, and although very retiring in her disposition,
was well known and much prized by a large circle of
acquaintances and friends. But for many years past, her health
has been such that it was seldom that she ever left home. At the
time of her death, she was the oldest lady in the neighborhood,
and dropped quietly and peacefully to sleep to reap her reward.
STARR, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 25, 1875
Died
at his residence at Godfrey on March 12, 1875, of typhoid
pneumonia, Mr. Frank Starr. He leaves a wife, seven children,
and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.
STARR, HARRISON B. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 12, 1912
Former River Pilot
Harry Starr
received a telegram this morning from Randolph, Mo., announcing
the death of his father, Captain H. B. Starr. There are few of
the older and middle-aged patrons of Alton who do not remember
Captain Starr. His familiar figure on the old ferryboat Altonian
was known to almost everyone. After selling the ferryboat he
acted as chief of the Alton police for a short time, and later
went to work for the Swift & Rost contracting concern, remaining
with them until his death. Captain Starr was 76 years of age
when he died. He was known as a fearless river man, and was also
known for his wonderful physique, being a man of wonderful
muscular strength. Two sons, Harry E. of Alton and Jesse of
Hope, N. M., and a daughter, Mrs. Cora Armstrong of Denver,
Colo., survive him. The remains arrived in the city this noon,
and were taken to the home of H. E. Starr on East Third street.
The funeral will be held from Mr. Starr's home tomorrow
afternoon at 3 o'clock.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 13, 1912
The funeral of Captain H. B.
Starr, former master of the ferry boat Altonian, was held this
afternoon from the home of his son, H. E. Starr, on East Third
street, Rev. D. R. Martin officiating. The pallbearers of the
former river master were old time friends, Senator Edmond Beall,
Capt. Henry Brueggemann, Robert Curdie, Dr. Charles Davis,
Edward Bowman, and H. William Bauer. The remains of Captain
Starr were laid to rest in the City cemetery, in the city
[Alton] he always considered his home, though he had been away a
number of years.
NOTES:
Harrison B. Starr
was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 8, 1836. He was
the son of Reuben and Rachel (Krumbacher) Starr. Reuben Starr
moved with his family to Illinois in 1838, first settling in
Fairfield, Wayne County, where he worked as a carpenter. He
later moved to Alton, and died there July 4, 1866. Harrison
Starr attended common schools until the age of 16, when he took
up steam boating, engaging in that for two years. He then went
with Captain LaMothe on the "Altonia," in 1852, as a watchman.
He was promoted two years later to second mate, and several
years later to mate. Later, Harrison was appointed captain of
the "George Wolf," a new boat, and during the Civil War was
captain of the "J. R. Williams," which was captured on the
Arkansas River. The captain and crew were taken prisoner and
sent to Camp Ford, Texas, where they were held for twelve
months. An attack was made by Indians under the command of Chief
Stan Watie.
About 1877, Captain Starr established a ferry
(called the Altonian) in Alton, running to the Missouri shore.
In 1880 Starr his friends raised money and donated the bell of
the Altonian to him. After his death, the bell became a relic of
the days when steamboat traffic was heavy on the Mississippi.
The bell became the property of Capt. W. D. Fluent when he
purchased the steamer, and sold the bell to a Parkersburg, West
Virginia man.
Harris Starr married in Alton in 1866 to
Miss Louisa A. Graves. They had four children - Harry E., Jesse
M., Cora I., and Ada Rebecca. The family lived at 920 Staunton
Street in Middletown (Staunton Street no longer exists, but it
ran from where Martin Luther King Dr. and College Avenue meet,
near St. Anthony's Hospital, up the hill to the circle, or
Public Square, and then eastward toward Upper Alton, where
Staunton turned into Merchant Street. At that time, College
Avenue didn't begin until Washington Street, which was formerly
Manning Street. Confusing? Yes! To put it simply, Starr lived on
College Avenue, probably close to the circle.
STARR, HELENA/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 12, 1851
Died on the 28th ult., in Alton, Miss Helena Starr, daughter of
Captain Thomas G. Starr, aged 18 years, 10 months.
STARR,
JAMES E. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13,
1903
James E. Starr, the first Odd Fellow made in
Illinois, was buried this afternoon in City Cemetery under the
auspices of the order in which he had been a prominent member
and a leading worker since 18__. ....The body arrived Sunday
evening from Portland, Oregon, accompanied by his son, Charles
Starr of Portland, and by Edward Brock of Paxton, formerly of
Elsah. The remains were taken to the Odd Fellows Temple, which
had been appropriately decorated by the Daughters of Rebekah.
Among those who attended the funeral were Grand Master Charles
Herrin of Galesburg, J. A. Lucas of Carlinville, C. M. Lysle of
Decatur, J. W. Roberts, J. H. Duffield, Cosmos Keller and George
H. Woodruff of Jerseyville, and H. A. Stone of Vandalia. James
A. Lynn, Noble Grand of Western Star lodge had charge of the
funeral arrangements. The services were held in the Odd Fellows
Temple at 1:30 o'clock, and there was a large attendance in the
hall at that hour. J. H. Raible, grand representative,
president, as he was an old acquaintance of Mr. Starr. Rev. J.
A. Lucas of Carlinville, grand warden, Sovereign Grand Master C.
A. Harris of Galesburg, and Thomas Corbett, deputy grand master,
delivered addresses. The Odd Fellows ritual at the grave was
given by officers of the Grand Lodge and by James A. Lynn, Noble
Grand of Western Star Lodge. The pallbearers were J. H. Raible,
William Flynn, and T. Corbett of Alton, Chris Loehr, T. W. Cook,
and A. H. Stephany of Elsah.
STARR,
JAMES WASHBURN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 25, 1840
Died, in this city [Alton] on the 23d inst., of inflammation of
the brain, James Washburn, aged 3 years, son of Thomas G. and
Ann W. Starr.
STARR, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 25, 1904
North Alton News - The funeral of Mrs.
Josephine Starr, aged relict of the late Augustus Starr, took
place Sunday afternoon from the farm home near Godfrey, and was
attended by a large number of friends and neighbors. Interment
was in Godfrey cemetery, and services were conducted by Rev. J.
Allworth.
STARR, THOMAS G./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 11, 1871
Mr. Thomas G. Starr died Saturday morning, August 5, with
pulmonary consumption; aged about 63. Mr. Starr came to Alton in
1837 or 1838, and worked at the printing business for a few
months, and then in connection with Mr. Charles Phinney, opened
what was known as the Boston Grocery, and ever since that time
has been actively engaged in that branch of business. He was an
honored citizen, and for many years a member of the Baptist
Church; a kind and indulgent father, and an excellent husband
and an honest and upright business man. His death will cause
another sad vacancy in the social and business circles of Alton.
He leaves a family and numerous relatives to lament his
death. Thus, are the old settlers of Alto passing rapidly away.
Within the last two years, the mortality among the early
residents has been remarkably great.
STARR, WALTER J. D./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1862
Died on Thursday the 9th inst., at the residence of his parents,
Walter J. D., son of J. E. and L. D. Starr, aged 8 years and 10
months.
STARR, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6,
1843
Died, at the residence of his family in
Edwardsville, on Thursday, the 20th of April last, of an
affection of the lungs, William E. Starr, Esq. Mr. Starr was
born in the village of Rome, in the county of Onelda, New York,
on the fourth of January, A. D., 1803. He was among the earliest
pioneers of the western country, having immigrated to this state
in the year 1818, the most of which time he has been a citizen
of Madison County, where he has filled some useful public
offices. Mr. Starr has left a young and interesting family to
mourn their irreparable loss. He had endeared himself to many
friends in this community by his kind disposition and gentle and
conciliating deportment.
STAUFFER, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19,
1914
Soldier Dies From Football Game Injuries - 9 Years in
Army
Daniel Stauffer, aged 28, discharged member of the
United States Army, died this morning at the home of his mother,
Mrs. Mary Stauffer, 1128 East Third Street. His death was due to
injuries he sustained in a football game while nearing the end
of his third three-year term of enlistment in the army. Stauffer
had enlisted first when nineteen years of age, in the Coast
Artillery Service, and he was at Ft. Monroe when closing his
third term. He had seen service in the Philippines and in
Mexico. Large, powerful, and a handsome looking young man, he
was sought to fill a place in the football team representing his
company, Co. 35, Coast Artillery Service. The team played a game
last October, and in the game the young man was badly injured.
One side was crushed in and several ribs broken. He continued in
the service until the end of his enlistment, when he was given
his discharge, February 26, 1914. Returning to Alton, he became
an invalid at the home of his mother, and never recovered. His
death was the result of the football game injuries he suffered
last October. He leaves his mother, also one brother, Ben, and
one sister, Mrs. Hattie Blalock of Alton. He leaves also six
half-brothers. The body will be taken to Pearl, Illinois, where
services will be held at 9 o'clock Sunday morning from the
Christian Church.
NOTES:
Daniel Stauffer was born in
April 1886, and was abt. 27-28 at the time of his death. He was
buried in the Green Pond Cemetery in Pearl, Pike County,
Illinois.
STEBER, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 29, 1907
Shot to Death by Frank Novak
Frank Novak, the Pole [Polish]
who shot Frank Steber to death in a saloon brawl at Granite City
Tuesday night, who formerly lived in Alton, was seen here by
some of his acquaintances Wednesday night and Thursday it is
claimed. Granite City officers must have heard of Navok's
presence in Alton, as they came up Thursday night and with Alton
officers made a thorough search of all quarters in the city and
vicinity where Poles and other foreigners of that class
congregate, board, work or lodge, but failed to get their man.
Novak is described as being a "dandified man," is always
carefully dressed, uses face powder occasionally, has the
picture of a woman tattooed on his right arm and a sword and
flag on his left arm. He has black hair, dark brown eyes, is 5
feet 3 inches in height and weighs about 140 pounds.
NOTES:
Frank Novak seemed to disappear after the murder of
Frank Steber, which was supposedly over the affections of a
young woman. It was reported that he was arrested in Chicago,
but this turned out to be another man by the same name. Novak
was finally found in Carbondale and arrested and held without
bond. He was tried for the murder of Frank Steber in 1908, but
unfortunately, I could not find the verdict.
Interestingly, I found a story of another murder which happened
in Iowa in 1897. A young man by the name of Edward Murray was
murdered and his body found in the ruins of his store, which had
been burned down. Frank Novak fled to the Klondyke in Canada.
Authorities finally caught up with him and brought him back to
Iowa. He was tried for the murder and found guilty. One paper
stated he was sentenced to 10 years, and another stated he was
sentenced to life in prison. This wasn’t the first murder which
Novak was suspicioned of. When his father retired from business,
another partner named Dolak was brought in. Dolak and Frank
Novak were traveling on a train together, and Dolak strangely
disappeared. His mutilated body was later found by the tracks,
and somehow Novak became $10,000 richer. If these are the same
man, it seems Novak was a cold-blooded murderer.
STEELE, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2, 1907
The funeral of Samuel Steele was held this morning at 9
o'clock from the family home on Green street. Dr. Robert Gibson
conducted the services. Burial was in City Cemetery. Mr. Steele
died from injuries sustained by a fall last Saturday morning
while at work on a building on Fourth street between Spring and
Oak streets. Deputy Coroner Keiser will hold an inquest Monday
evening.
STEELE, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, Wednesday, February 5, 1902
The funeral of the
infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Steele, which was found
dead in bed Tuesday morning, took place Wednesday afternoon. The
little one had been suffering with cold and croup and probably
choked or smothered to death in its sleep. About 1 o'clock the
mother nursed the child which appeared to be hungry and in much
better health, but it was dead in the morning. The parents have
the sympathy of all who know them in their sorrow.
STEELE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 30, 1902
Coal Oil Stove Flares - Clothing
Catches Fire
Sunday morning between 10
and 11 o'clock, Mrs. Charles Steele, living on the Coal Branch
near the bridge over the C. and A., in order to hurry the fire
in the kitchen stove, picked up a can containing a couple of
gallons of coal oil and poured some over the fuel. The
smoldering fire (which had previously been started) flashed up,
caused the oil to explode and covered Mrs. Steele with burning
oil. Her clothing caught fire and was soon consumed. She
attempted to race across the yard, but was caught by her husband
and held in the house and rolled in bed quilts until the fire
was extinguished. Mr. Steele works at night at the brick plant
and was asleep when the explosion occurred. His two year old
baby was in the front room of the house and was badly burned
about the feet and legs as high up as the knees. A piece of the
mother's burning dress dropped on the child and set its clothing
afire. Eugene Gissler, the North Alton Telegraph carrier, was
out that way delivering Sunday papers and heard the shrieking
and saw the burning Mrs. Steele. He rushed into the house, got
the baby, tore off its burning clothes, wrapped it up in a sheet
and took it to a place of safety. He also telephoned to Dr.
Worden, who responded promptly and alleviated as far as possible
the agony of the burned ones, who had been taken to the home of
Louis Winter. Mr. Steele escaped from the burning building in
sleeping apparel and considerably burned about the hands. He
took with him a trunk belonging to J. Finke, a boarder, and this
was all that was saved from the house. Another boarded named
Atwood lost $10 in cash, beside the furniture, clothing, etc.
The mother and child were removed to St. Joseph Hospital, where
the former died early in the evening. She inhaled a great deal
of the fire, and blood poured from her mouth according to an
eyewitness of the awful tragedy. She was about 25 years of age.
After an inquest by Deputy Coroner Streeper this morning, the
remains of Mrs. Steele were laid to rest in Oakwood cemetery.
STEEN, MARY JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 27, 1837
Died, in this city [Alton], on Friday last, Mary Jane,
eldest daughter of Mr. John Steen, aged nine years and six
months.
STEGER, GEORGE; JOSEPH; MARY/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, January 1, 1908
Three Children Burn to Death
After Lamp Explodes
One of the worst holocausts to take
place in Madison County in recent years happened at Collinsville
last evening, when three children were burned to death, and the
mother and another child were so seriously burned that there is
but little hope for their recovery. It was just another instance
where a mother braved death for her babies, but in this case the
sacrifice was useless. Just preceding the fire the mother had
put her four babies to bed, and then filled the lamp and set it
on a sewing machine in one corner of the room. The house was
located south of the zinc works, on the east of Collinsville,
and was occupied by George Steger, his wife and family, and a
brother, Anton Steger. Mrs. Steger left the light burning while
she went into one of the other rooms to talk to her husband and
brother-in-law. While she was out, the lamp exploded. The
bursting glass attracted their attention, and when the mother
went to the door of the room and opened it, the place was in a
mass of flames. Without hesitating, she darted to the bed, but
the scattering oil had set fire to the clothing and the babies
were writing in agony. Seizing the nearest one, Tony, she
clasped the burning child in her arms, only to be terribly
burned as she staggered out of the room. Owing to the situation
of the house, it was impossible for the fire department to reach
the place, and the building was entirely consumed, leaving in
the ashes the charred bodies of the three children. Mrs. Steger
and the other child were placed immediately under the care of
Dr. M. W. Harrison, but their burns are of such a serious and
extensive nature that they have only a small chance of recovery.
The tragedy caused considerable excitement, and a large crowd
was attracted to the place. Undertaker Martin Schroeppel of
Collinsville was notified, and finding it impossible to reach
the place in a buggy, was obliged to walk to the place. Coroner
C. N. Streeper of Upper Alton was notified and went down this
morning to hold the inquest. The jury consisted of Martin
Schroeppel, Adolph Meyer, E. C. Albright Jr., Herman Santo,
William Wittenfeld, and Michael Fisher, and returned a verdict
that the three children came to their deaths from accidental
burns received December 31, about 8:30 o'clock in the evening.
The funerals will probably be held tomorrow morning from the
undertaking rooms to the SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church.
Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery, and the three bodies
will be buried in one grave. The Steger family are Germans, and
are said to be in rather poor circumstances. The father is a
clay miner, and is employed by the Thompson brickyard.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3, 1908
Mother's
Heroism Not Lost
From Collinsville, Jan. 2 -
According to Dr. M. W. Harrison of Collinsville, the heroic
action of Mrs. George Steger of Collinsville, who rushed into
her burning home and succeeded in bringing out one of her four
children will not be fruitless. He says that while both were
badly burned, there is good prospect that they will recover. In
a single casket, the charred fragments of the bodies of the
other three children, who were incinerated as they lay in their
little beds, were buried yesterday afternoon. Hundreds went to
SS. Peter and Paul's church to attend the funeral and to
sympathize with the father, who was the only one unscathed in
what had been a family of six.
STEIGER, AUGUST/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1864
Thomas Middleton, Esq., acting coroner of Madison County,
summoned a jury and held an inquest over the body of August
Steiger, on yesterday morning, in the lower part of Alton. When
itt appeared that he was making his way home through the
darkness and severe storm, which was prevailing at the time,
when missing the road slightly, his wagon ran up a sidling place
and over set, falling directly on the deceased. It is supposed
he was killed instantly. The deceased resided in Upper Alton,
and was a peddler by trade. He immigrated to this country from
Strasburg, France.
STEIN, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 7, 1909
Miss Anna Stein, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Stein, died
this morning at St. Joseph's hospital following an operation for
appendicitis. She was 18 years of age. Miss Stein was operated
upon several days ago and failed to rally from the shock. The
body was taken this afternoon to the family home at Fifth and
Vine streets. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon.
STEIN, SOPHIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2, 1907
The funeral of Mrs. Sophia Stein, wife of Charles Stein, was
held this afternoon from the home on east Sixth street and was
attended by a very large number of friends of the deceased and
of her family. Burial was in City Cemetery.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1907
Mrs.
Charles Stein died this morning at 5 o'clock after a four weeks
illness from typhoid fever at her home at 1127 east Sixth
street. She was fifty-eight years old and came to Alton from
Germany when in her sixteenth year. She was twice married and
leaves four children by the first marriage: Edward and Fred
Schmidt, Mrs. Benno Miller and Mrs. Louis Biesemeyer, all of
Alton. Her husband, and one son, August Stein, by the last
marriage, also survive. There are six grandchildren. The funeral
will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home.
Services will be conducted by Rev. Ernest Mueller.
STEINER, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 25, 1875
We are called to record the death of Mr. Charles Steiner, a
well known German citizen, under sad and peculiar circumstances.
He resides near the Buck Inn, and on Wednesday last, as he was
coming into town, he was overtaken by a farmer who was driving
in with a load of wheat in a wagon bed mounted on runners.
Steiner accepted an invitation to ride. Soon after the sleigh
reached a sidling place in the road, and by some accident was
overturned and the occupants thrown out. The fall was a severe
one, but Mr. Steiner experienced but little inconvenience
therefrom at the time, and came on into town, where he told the
story of the mishap with much merriment. He complained, however,
of pain in his side from the fall, but had no anticipation of
serious results. After returning home he became worse, and it
soon transpired that he had been severely injured internally. A
physician was summoned at once, but could do nothing for him. He
died on Friday. The funeral took place on Sunday. Mr. Steiner
had lived in Alton for many years, and was much respected. He
was engaged in buying grain for Capt. Sparks at the time of the
accident. It will be remembered that one of Mr. Steiner's sons
was killed last fall at Clifton by the accidental discharge of
his gun. The family are deeply afflicted.
STEINER, HELENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 20, 1906
The funeral of Mrs. Helena Steiner was held this morning
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, and there was a large
attendance of relatives and friends of the family at the
services. A requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. E. L. Spalding,
assisted by Rev. Frs. Fennessey and Tarrent. Interment was made
in Greenwood Cemetery.
STEINER, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 31, 1874
Another sad accident, caused by the careless use of firearms,
took place on Thursday at Clifton, and resulted fatally. The
victim was Henry Steiner, a young man about eighteen years of
age, son of Mr. Charles Steiner of Alton. Young Steiner and a
companion had been up the river in a skiff on a hunting
expedition. During the afternoon, they landed at Clifton, and
young Steiner took hold of his gun by the muzzle to draw it from
the skiff, when the trigger caught on some projection, and the
weapon was discharged, the whole load entering his arm, breast,
and shoulder, inflicting a frightful wound. The unfortunate
young man was removed to a house nearby, and Dr. Guelich was
summoned to attend him, but the wound was beyond surgical skill,
and the young man lingered until the next morning when death
relieved his sufferings. The remains were removed to his
father’s residence in Alton. The family are in great affliction
over the tragic occurrence. The deceased was an estimable young
man, whose sad fate will be much lamented.
STEINER, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 25, 1846
Died in Alton on Friday last, Mrs. Mary Steiner, wife of Mr.
Charles Steiner, aged about 22, leaving an afflicted husband and
an infant about 3 weeks old to deplore the loss of an
affectionate wife and tender mother.
STEINER, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 8,
1904
Michael Steiner, for many years a well known
resident and business man of Alton, died Sunday morning at the
home of his son-in-law, Anton Kleinschnittger, in Upper Alton,
aged 74. Mr. Steiner had been in fairly good health and was able
to be around his home until Saturday night, when he complained
of feeling unwell. He had been a sufferer from Bright's disease,
but his condition did not seem dangerous. He did not rally from
the prostration he suffered Saturday night, and died at 6
o'clock Sunday morning. He leaves four children: Mrs.
Kleinschnittger, Mrs. Charles Gollmer, Albert Steiner of Alton,
and Joseph Steiner of St. Louis. The funeral will be held
Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from St. Mary's church.
STEINHEIMER, ADELINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15,
1903
Mrs. Adelina Steinheimer, wife of Otto Steinheimer,
who died Thursday afternoon at her home in Salu street, had been
a resident of Alton 46 years and was well known. She was 61
years of age and leaves family of four children, all of adult
age. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the family home, and Rev. Theodore Oberhellman will conduct
the services.
STEINHEIMER, BERNADETTE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 14, 1906
Mrs. Bernadette
Steinheimer, wife of Otto Steinheimer, died last night at 11
o'clock at her home, 615 east Third street, after a long illness
from consumption and other troubles. Mrs. Steinheimer was an
invalid for many years. She died on her birthday, and was ?0
years old. She leaves beside her husband, a sister, Miss Colia
Mahon, a mute. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
STEINHEIMER, OTTO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1919
Otto Steinheimer, in his seventy-eighth year, an old
resident of Alton, died Friday afternoon at 3:15 o'clock at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. John Gibbons, 3006 East Brown street.
He had been failing for a long time, due to advanced age. Mr.
Steinheimer was born in Schillinghaus, Bavaria, February 12,
1842. His wife died sixteen years ago. He leaves four children:
Mrs. Gibbons, Mrs. Fred Theen, John and Otto Steinheimer; also
two brothers, Baptiste of Alton and Frank of Colorado. The
funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Friends
will be welcome to attend the services at the home, but
interment will be private.
STEINHEIMMER, CHARLES J. 'HENRY'/Source: Alton Telegraph,
Thursday, November 23, 1893
At 6 o'clock Friday morning
[November 17], Henry Steinheimmer died at his home, No. 419 Alby
street, after a short illness of pneumonia, aged 23 years.
Deceased was an industrious young man, an employee of the glass
works, where he was soon to become an apprentice blower. His
illness has lasted but a few days. The funeral will take place
at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the home. A peculiar
coincidence regarding his death is that he was an intimate
friend of Mr. Henry Thiele, and resided in the same house with
him several years ago. The young men were nearly the same age,
died within a few hours of each other, of the same illness and
were buried at the same hour Sunday afternoon.
STEINHEIMER, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
24, 1912
The death of Mrs. Josephine Steinheimer, wife of
Baptiste Steinheimer, occurred this morning at 4 o'clock at the
family home, 517 East Tenth street. The death was caused by
bowel troubles. Beside her husband, she leaves two daughters,
Mrs. Rose Dill of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Mrs. Dora Hunze of
Alton; and one son, Frederic of Alton. Beside these, there are
four grandchildren: Frederick, Albert of Cape Girardeau, and
Josephine Berry Steinheimer and Mildred Hunze of Alton. Mrs.
Steinheimer was born in Hamberg, Germany on October 9th, 1838.
The funeral will be held from the family home on Thursday the
25th at 2:30 p.m. Mrs. Steinheimer had been ill over fifteen
years, and most of the time she was obliged to sit in a chair
when she was not in bed.
STEINMAN, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1916
The funeral of David Steinman was held at 2 o'clock this
afternoon from the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church to the
City Cemetery. The services were conducted at the church by Rev.
J. Thompson Baker. A large number of the relatives and friends
of the deceased attended the funeral.
STEINMAN, FRED T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19,
1909
Fred T. Steinman died at St. Joseph's hospital
yesterday morning. He leaves his wife and three children. The
funeral will be held tomorrow. Mr. Steinman was moved from his
home on Harrison street several days ago, very ill with
pneumonia, to the hospital.
STEIZEL, VERENA/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1873
We regret to state that last evening about 10 o’clock, Verena
Steizel, living at the Buck Inn [North Alton], about two miles
from Alton, met with a horrible death. Her husband was out at
the time, and four of her children had retired for the night,
while she was sitting in company with one of her elder children.
She arose and retired into the yard without a light, but with a
few matches. Soon afterwards, the boy also left the house to
ascertain what had become of his mother, when he discovered her
enveloped in flames. The alarm was immediately given, but before
assistance arrived, she was burned into a crisp.
STELZEL, CHARLES FREDERICK SR./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 6, 1905
Pioneer Who Lived in North Alton In
Stage Coach Days
Mr. Charles Frederick Stelzel Sr., a resident
of Alton and vicinity almost continuously since 1854, died
Thursday afternoon after a protracted illness at his home in
North Alton. He was born February 14, 1824 in Saxony, Germany,
and came to America in 1854, coming directly to Alton. From here
he went to Freeport, Ill., and later to Galveston, Texas, but
returned in 1858 and located in North Alton where he has been a
prominent and respected citizen ever since. He was married
twice, the first union being contracted in 1860. His wife died
in 1873 in October, and in 1874 he was married to Miss Frederika
Krinard, who died about six years ago. Two children of the five
born to him preceded him to the grave. The surviving children
are Miss Rose Stelzel, who lived with her father; Mrs. Frank
Winter of Decatur, Ill.; and Mr. C. F. Stelzel Jr., cashier of
the Granite City National Bank. Deceased was always a hard
working, economical man, and acquired a considerable competency.
He was of a jolly, genial disposition, and "the blues" always
left a crowd of people or a house whenever he was seen coming.
He lived in North Alton in stage coach days, and was among the
pioneers who knew what real deprivations in a new country mean,
and he was also one of the most active of the nearby residents
in striving to develop the country. He was a good father and
citizen, and a good neighbor, and his death will be learned with
sorrow by all of those who knew him best. Funeral arrangements
have not been completed.
STEMM,
CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11, 1909
Charles Stemm, a stone mason, was instantly killed Friday
evening by the Big Four plug train near the Standard Oil tank
east of town. He had only one wound on him where the train
struck him on the temple. He was brought to Alton and Coroner
Streeper took charge of the body and will hold an inquest. Stemm
was the second husband of a woman whose first husband, John
Sacker, was instantly killed by a train near the Indiana avenue
crossing in East End place about seven years ago. Mrs. Stemm's
troubles seem to be more than ordinarily falls to the lot of
women. Shortly after the death of her first husband she gave
birth to pair of twins, which are now seven years old. Shortly
afterward she married Stemm, a stone mason. He has not been
following his trade for some time on account of sickness, and
was working on the Bluff Line railroad. Friday evening he
returned home early and went out with a sack to gather up some
coal to take home. The engineer on the plug train says that
Stemm seemed to walk right into the front of the engine, and was
evidently blinded by the storm of rain and sleet and did not see
the approaching train. The unfortunate man leaves his wife, five
children, three of them his own and two of them her former
husband's children. When told that her second husband had met a
fate similar to that of her first husband, Mrs. Stemm almost
collapsed. Stemm is said to have been a hard working man and
took good care of his family. He was a large, powerful man, of
gigantic stature, and the handling of his body was attended with
considerable difficulty.
STEPHENS, THADDEUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 26, 1847
Died on Saturday last, Thaddeus, son of Mr. Alfred Stephens
of this place, aged about 8.
STEVENS, ALFRED THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
21, 1845
Died, in Alton, on the 12th instant, Alfred
Theodore, infant son of Mr. Alfred and Mrs. Maria Stevens, aged
12 months.
STEVENS, MARY A. (nee SIDWAY)/Source: Alton Telegraph, March
18, 1864
Died on Sunday, March 13, at 3 p.m. at the residence
of her parents, Mary A., wife of W. E. Stevens, Major of the
77th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Veterans, and eldest daughter of
G. D. and E. Sidway, aged 24 years and 23(?) days.
STEVENS, ZILLAH FOSTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 4, 1915
Public Speaker of National Fame Dies in
Home in Alton
Mrs. Zillah Foster Stevens, wife of M. P.
Stevens, died Friday night at her residence, 1520 Langdon
street, in Alton. Mrs. Stevens death was expected. She had been
very seriously ill for over a month, and her family had suffered
much anxiety. She was told that she must submit to a surgical
operation, but doubting the efficacy of an operation to do her
any good, Mrs. Stevens declined to permit it to be done. She had
been very low for forty-eight hours prior to her death.
Relatives were summoned, but her daughter, Mrs. John Rothacher,
who is in a Chicago hospital, where a child was born to her a
few days ago, could not be with her mother. Mrs. Stevens was a
native of Peoria, Ill. She had long taken a very active interest
in the work of temperance. She worked indefatigably for its
success. She was also interested deeply in the work of the
Sunday school, and her great ability was recognized in the
international Sunday School Association when she was selected as
chairman of the Temperance committee. Mrs. Stevens was an
intensely practical, and a highly intellectual woman. She
possessed a breadth of mind that made her a valuable counselor
and assistant in any enterprise in which she engaged. She was a
devoted member of the Congregational Church in Alton.....Mrs.
Stevens was a member of the Executive Council of the V. I. A.,
which consisted of three members, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. G. E.
Wilkinson and Mrs. H. M. Schweppe....Her ability as a speaker on
the platform was of such a character that her services were in
great demand to make addresses at religious gatherings. She was
one woman who could interest men deeply when she took the floor
to make a speech. She had a logical mind, a strong grasp of any
subject she chose to talk about, and her speeches were arranged
in perfect order to get the most telling effects....Mrs. Stevens
was born in Peoria, Ill., and came to Alton to reside at the
time her husband acquired an interest in the John Armstrong
Quarry Co. and moved to Alton. Soon after she came she took her
place in the world of workers in Alton in behalf of the Sunday
school and temperance....Mrs. Stevens leaves her aged mother,
Mrs. C. Foster of Peoria, who is in her eighty-third year. She
leaves also one brother, Edgar C. Foster of Peoria; and three
sisters, Mrs. Mary Foster Bryner of Chicago, Miss Amanda Foster
of Peoria, and Mrs. Frank Reisenberg of Oak Park, Ill....The
body will be taken to Peoria for burial.
STEVENSON, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday,
February 10, 1908
Edward Stevenson, a son of Mrs. William
Howarth of the North side, died this afternoon at the home of
his mother, aged 43. He had been ill for a year, but his death
was due to a sudden attack of pneumonia, which began last
Wednesday. He leaves beside his mother, a sister, Mrs. David
Siegel of Alton, and a brother, Tobe Stevenson of Vandalia.
Joseph, Frank, Louis and Ignatius Walter and Mrs. George Smith
are half brothers and sister. The time of the funeral has not
been set.
STEVENSON, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 21,
1916
Boy Drowns in Old Swimming Hole in Foster Township
Harry Stevenson, an orphan, aged 16, was drowned
Sunday noon while swimming with Albert Edsall in an old swimming
hole in a creek in Foster township. The body was recovered two
hours later and efforts were made to revive the boy, but in
vain. A coroner's inquest was conducted. The two boys had gone
swimming and Stevenson, who could not swim at all, got into
water that was beyond his depth and lost his life.
STEVENSON, JAMES AND WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 11, 1908
Brothers Killed by Train ..... Were Together
Always
The two men who were run down and killed by a
Wabash passenger train a mile east of Edwardsville Saturday
night were identified yesterday as James and William Stevenson,
brothers, of Bethalto, Illinois. According to friends of the
pair, "Jim" and "Bill" were inseparable. The brothers were
Woodmen and were on their way home when the accident occurred.
The two were singing, "Good-Bye, Eliza Jane, I'm Going to Leave
You" when the train from Toledo came along. James Stevenson was
struck and thrown dead and mangled to the side of the road.
William's body was found across the tracks, 300 yards away from
his brother. The Stevenson boys were unmarried. One was 38 and
the other 36 years old. They always worked together and had
their amusements together. James's body was found a day before
his brother's. While testifying at the inquest, Henry Stegall,
the engineer, dropped a remark that he believed that he had run
down a dog before he struck Stevenson. Out of curiosity, the
Coroner went down the track and found the other body.
STEVENSON, JOSEPH (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 30, 1900
Rev. Joseph Stevenson, a colored Methodist
clergyman living in upper Middletown, died at his residence at
9:30 today, aged 57 years. The funeral will be held at the A. M.
E. church on Monday at 2 p.m.
STEWARD, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17, 1906
The funeral of Mrs. Martha Steward was held this afternoon
at 3 p.m. from the Union Baptist church, and services were
conducted by Rev. Griswold. Burial was in City Cemetery. Mrs.
Steward had been a resident of Alton nearly 70 years.
STEWART, DANIEL (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 7, 1908
Captain Daniel Stewart, aged 94, who died at
his home near Upper Alton Friday morning from old age, had lived
long over the usual span of human life, and he lived through
suffering of 27 years of invalidism. For fifteen years his
granddaughter, Mrs. John H. Diamond, with whom he had lived, had
been his devoted nurse, and she had done everything for him. He
was born at Sandusky, Ohio, in 1814, and had he lived ten days
longer would have been 94.
Captain Stewart came to Alton
in 1850, where he has lived for the past 42 years. He was
crippled in 1855 by an explosion of the steamer of which he was
Captain. He leaves four grandchildren, Mrs. John H. Diamond, Mr.
Harry Benson, both of Alton, Arthur W. Benson of Sandusky, Ohio,
and Charles A. Benson of Washington, D. C., all children of his
only child, Mrs. Henry C. Benson. His death occurred at his
home, 2 1/2 miles north of Upper Alton where he had lived for
the last 40 years.
NOTES:
Captain Daniel Stewart was
at the helm of the steamer, Oregon, on May 2, 1855. The steamer,
an older vessel, was on the St. Clair River, about four miles
above Detroit when one of her boilers blew. Thirteen people were
killed, and five or six were wounded. The steamer sank. Onboard
were her own crew, and the crews of the steamboats Standard and
the Flying Cloud. The crews of the other boats were going
upriver for the purpose of bringing their vessels down after
being wintered further north on the St. Clair River. The boiler
of the Oregon blew with terrible violence, taking away all above
it and around it. Captain Stewart had broken legs, but was
rescued. He became crippled from his injuries later in life.
Many men were blow into the water, and never seen again.
STEWART, DANIEL C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 23,
1902
Sectionhand Killed in Railroad Accident
The Big Four
is building a double track at East Alton, east of the town, to
the powder mills, and is using steam shovels to load cars, and
steam also is used to operate the cable that works the unloading
cars or shovels. The modus operandi is similar to that used in
building the bridge embankment. The work train is in charge of
Conductor Bowen of Litchfield, and he this morning shortly
before 10 o'clock proceeded with his train to the dumping place.
While the train was making a sharp curve, the cable, being drawn
taut and in the act of unloading, sprang upwards over the stakes
onto the embankment below upon which were standing the brakeman,
William Mason of Mattoon, who had just previously left his
train, William Warneke, Charles Carroll and Daniel C. Stewart,
section hands, all of Litchfield. Stewart was killed outright,
and the heavy cable struck the other three, knocking them
unconscious, breaking many bones in their limbs and sides, and
probably injuring them so badly internally that they will die.
After striking the men, the cable took another jump and
buried itself to the depth of a foot in the ground below. All of
the victims are young men ranging from 21 to 28 years, and it is
believed by Section Forman M. Kneirey that the three section men
are unmarried. Brakeman Mason is unmarried. Immediately
improvised cots were rigged up and the injured men placed in a
boxcar, which the engine of the work train pulled hurriedly to
Alton. At Henry Street the ambulance met the train and took the
victims to St. Joseph Hospital, where medical attention was
given them and their injuries pronounced serious. The body of
the dead man was left at East Alton, where an inquest will be
held by Deputy Coroner Streeper this evening. The accident,
according to all the railroad men interviewed, was one of those
unaccountable, unexplainable things that happens suddenly at
times, and against which preventive measures cannot be taken.
Later
Late this afternoon it was announced from the
hospital that all of the injured men will recover, probably.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24, 1902
In the
case of Daniel C. Stewart, the section man killed at East Alton
yesterday by a steam shovel cable, the coroner’s jury returned a
verdict holding the Big Four culpable “as the accident might
have been prevented.” The body of Mr. Stewart was taken to his
home at Litchfield.
NOTES:
I could not find any
further information on this accident. Daniel C. Stewart was
buried in the Crabtree Cemetery in Litchfield, Illinois. He was
21 years old.
STEWART, HUGH/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 24, 1874
Died in Alton on September 21, Hugh Stewart; in the 55th year of
his age.
STEWART, JOHN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1902
The funeral of John R. Stewart took place yesterday
afternoon from the Stewart home in Godfrey township to the
Godfrey cemetery. Many from Alton attended the obsequies.
STEWART, LUCY B./Source: Troy Star, May 3, 1894
Mrs.
Lucy B. Stewart, aged 80 years, died at her home in this city,
Saturday, at 9 o'clock a.m. The funeral took place Monday
morning to the Presbyterian church, thence to the Troy cemetery.
Mrs. Stewart was for many years a respected resident of Troy,
and leaves a number of relatives to mourn her death.
STEWART, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 21, 1871
We
are again called upon to announce the death of a most estimable
lady, Mrs. Mary Stewart, which took place on April 12 in Alton.
She came to Alton in 1835 or 1836, and has resided here most of
the time since. She was an active, exemplary and most devoted
member of the Methodist Church, and was very generally known and
universally esteemed by our citizens, and although she had lived
out her three score years and ten, yet her death will be greatly
lamented by her surviving children and numerous friends and
acquaintances.
STEWART, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 3,
1917
Mrs. Mary J. Stewart, wife of C. C. Stewart, aged
41, died this morning at 10 o'clock after an illness of fourteen
days with pneumonia. The death of Mrs. Stewart had been feared
the last few days of her illness. On Friday it was known that
she was in a very dangerous condition, and there was hardly a
chance of her recovery. The Stewart family was well known in
Alton through having lived here for seventeen years. She was
born in Anderson, Ind. Since she came to Alton she had been very
active in the work of the Congregational Church, in which her
husband was one of the leading workers. The family moved away
from Alton a few years ago to make their home in East St. Louis,
much to the regret of all who knew them. Not long ago the
directors of the Old Ladies Home at Alton were seeking a
competent person to take charge of the home following the
resignation of the other manager. They sought out Mrs. Stewart
and induced her to take the position. She came back to Alton and
to her many friends here, with her family, and they settled down
to their duties in charge of the home. Fourteen days ago she was
taken down with an illness which developed into pneumonia, and
after a hard fight to save her life, the fight was lost. Mrs.
Stewart leaves her husband, C. C. Stewart, and two sons, Russell
and Creston. Mrs. Stewart was a woman who was highly esteemed by
her neighbors and those who knew her best. She had many admirers
in Alton. In a social way her companionship was much sought and
in the work of the Congregational Church she was recognized as a
powerful influence. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the Congregational Church.
STEWART, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1916
Robert Stewart passed away at 2:40 p.m. May 20, 1916 at
the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. J. Young, 412 Bluff street, at
the age of 80 years. Mr. Stewart was born April 10, 1836 in the
Township of Leesborough, Monaghan County, Province of Uaster,
Ireland. He was one of a family of six children, all of whom
came to this country. His parents were Scotch Presbyterians of
the strictest sect. He was brought up in that faith and never
forgot his early teachings. His father and mother, Robert and
Jane Stewart, were descendents of the Dunns and Stewarts who
formed part of the colony of Scotch Presbyterians who settled
near Enniskileen, Ireland. At the age of 14, Robert Stewart came
to this country to the home of his uncle, Alexander Dunn, at
Chester, Ill. Later, he settled at Godfrey, which was his home
for the greater part of his life. He was married November 19,
1862 to Maria K. Pattison of Godfrey, who died September 29,
1888. Seven children were born to this union, three of whom
survive, Mrs. R. J. Young; Kate C. Stewart of Alton; and Charles
H. Stewart of Chicago. He leaves three grandchildren, Alex and
Will Crawford of Carlinville, Mrs. L. H. Maxfield of Godfrey.
The funeral services were held from the home of his daughter,
Mrs. R. J. Young at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Interment was in
Godfrey Cemetery. Services at the house were conducted by Rev.
McCann of the Congregational Church, and when the body arrived
at Godfrey Rev. House took charge. At the house Mrs. Bern
Degenhardt sang "In the Bright Forever." The funeral was
attended by many friends from the vicinity of Godfrey, as well
as Alton friends and relatives. The pallbearers were J. C.
Tolman, C. W. Young, William Hancock Jr., Richard Compton, John
McKeon and Herbert Armstrong.
STEWART, ROBERT JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 19,
1849
Died on Tuesday evening last, Robert James, son of Mr.
Daniel Stewart of Upper Alton, aged about three years.
STEWART, STEPHEN "STEVE"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 7, 1901
Stephen Stewart, a well known colored
man, long a residence of Alton, died Sunday at his home, Seventh
and George streets. He was born in Baltimore, Md., August 6,
1806, and came to Illinois when he was quite young. He went to
Nashville, Tenn. to be married, March 10, 1841, and his bride of
that day is left to mourn him today. She is about 100 years of
age and is very feeble. She wants to attend the funeral but will
have to be carried to and from the carriage and cemetery. Years
ago when some of the old persons now in Alton were young men,
Stephen Stewart ran a barber shop on Second street, about where
Charley Miller's saloon now is. He was an agreeable, attentive
man, and a good barber, and had a great run of custom. He
afterwards went to South Dakota and operated a shop, but tired
of that country and returned to Alton. He was a resident when
Lovejoy was killed, and remembered all of the incidents and
uproars of those troublous times. He had many friends here and
elsewhere. People always had a good word to say for him, and
many kindly words will be said of him by those men who knew him
when they were boys. Besides his widow, he leaves one daughter,
Miss Lucy Stewart. He was a member of G. T. Watson Lodge, A. F.
and A. M., and the funeral Tuesday afternoon will be under the
direction of that lodge.
STEWART,
UNKNOWN CHILD OF C. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
28, 1907
The body of the 10 months old child of Mr. and
Mrs. C. C. Stewart, who died in 1901 and was buried in Anderson,
Indiana, arrived in Alton today and was re-interred in the City
cemetery. The family expects to remain in Alton and desire to
have the body of the little one buried here.
STEWART, WALTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 11, 1875
Mr. Walter Stewart, one of our oldest and most respected
citizens, died suddenly, Tuesday morning, at his residence in
Middletown, of heart disease. He had been feeble for some years,
but this morning seemed as well, or better than usual, until
suddenly prostrated by the disease which, in a few short
moments, ended his life. Mr. Stewart was a man of the strictest
integrity and moral worth – one who led a blameless life,
enjoying the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and there
are few among the older residents of Alton who did not. He was
about 72 years of age, having been born in County Derry,
Ireland, in 1803. He came to this country in 1821, and was
married in Philadelphia, May 13, 1824. In 1838, he and his wife
removed to Alton, where they have since resided. Deceased united
with the Presbyterian Church, May 2, 1844, and has ever since
remained a consistent member. In May last, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
passed the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. They have had
nine children, three of whom, two daughters and a son, James W.
of Quincy, together with the aged widow, still survive to mourn
the loss of an affectionate husband and father.
STEWART,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 4, 1908
William Stewart, the expert of the Baldwin Locomotive Works,
who was crushed last Thursday under a new engine which he was
oiling on a switch at the foot of Apple street, died Monday
afternoon at St. Joseph's hospital, and the body will be shipped
to Philadelphia tonight. It will be accompanied by his brother,
George Stewart, who was with William when he died. The vitality
shown by the young man, crushed and broken as he was, in
fighting death for so many days was the wonder of physicians and
nurses. He was a fine looking man, weighed about 225 pounds, and
was 28 years old. His parents live in Philadelphia. An inquest
was held last night by Deputy Coroner Keiser, and the jury
returned a verdict of death by "accident; crushed under a steam
engine," was found.
STICE,
UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 26, 1919
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stice died at St.
Joseph's Hospital Christmas Day. The baby was born just four
days ago at the hospital. Burial was in City Cemetery this
afternoon, services being conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny. The
mother of the baby was before her marriage Miss Rachel Gresham.
STICE, WILLIAM H. B./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 28,
1875
From Edwardsville, October 27, 1875 – William H. B.
Stice, a very estimable young man, and member of the firm of
Newsham & Stice, hardware merchant of Edwardsville, died
yesterday at the residence of his brother-in-law, B. H.
Richards. His funeral, under the auspices of the Odd Fellows, of
which order he was a member, took place this afternoon. Billy
was a clever fellow and highly esteemed by all who knew him.
STIFF, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 10,
1900
Edward Stiff, a colored resident of Salu addition to
Upper Alton, died Saturday evening at 10:40. Death resulted from
injuries sustained by a fall last Monday, while he was scuffling
with two young men. Stiff was 85 years of age. One rib was
broken and he received other injuries. Lung fever began, and
ended in his death. A wife and one daughter survive him. The
funeral services were held this afternoon at two o'clock from
the A. M. E. church.
STILL, JEREMIAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16,
1900
Well Known Shoe Maker
Jeremiah Still, the well known shoe
maker, died at noon at his home near Godfrey after a short
illness. He was seventy-five years of age, and had been in the
shoe making business in Alton many years. He leaves a wife and
two daughters - Mrs. Harry Paddock and Mrs. Eva Hathaway. The
time of the funeral has not been announced. Mr. Still's death
will be a surprise to his friends in Alton. It was not known he
was seriously ill, and he had been away from his place of
business only a few days.
STILL, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 28, 1865
Died in Alton on the 20th instant, Mary Elizabeth, daughter of
Jerry and Charlotta Still, aged 13 years.
STILL,
MARY (nee ALLEN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 8,
1917
Mrs. Mary Still, widow of Jerry Still, was found
dead this morning in her room at the home of her only sister,
Mrs. Arthur Dixon. Death was due to paralysis. Mrs. Still was
stricken with paralysis August 10th while employed at the place
of Dr. W. H. C. Smith in Godfrey. She was brought to the Dixon
home where she had made her home for years when not elsewhere.
She was believed to be recovering and was able to get around the
house. Friday night she was about as usual when she retired with
no indications of a sudden close of her life. About 7:30 o'clock
in the morning she was found dead in her bed. It is supposed
that a final stroke of paralysis caused her death. Mrs. Still
was born in Alton December 24th, 1859. She was the widow of
Jerry Still, who for many years was a shoemaker on State street.
She was a sister of the late Benjamin Allen and James Allen,,
the latter dying seven months ago. The funeral will be held at
2:30 o'clock from the Dixon home, Rev. A. C. Geyer officiating.
Burial will be in City cemetery.
STILL,
THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 10, 1907
Thomas Still, in his 88th year, died Monday night at his
home in Godfrey from the weakness of great age. He had been
growing weaker for a number of years, and his decline was
steady, in recent months his condition having become so weak it
was necessary for him to remain in his bed all the time. During
his long illness he was attended by his wife who is 84 years of
age, and is still strong and active. The couple celebrated the
63rd anniversary of their marriage last August 21. Mr. Still was
born in Fonbanett, England, August 8, 1820. He was married
August 21, 1844 to his wife, who survives him. He came to
America and arrived in Alton March 17, 1848, and the couple
resided in Alton a few years. Later they moved to a farm in
Godfrey township, where they lived many years until their
removal to Godfrey to spend the remainder of their life. Besides
his wife, Mr. Still leaves one brother, Frederick Still of
Murrayville, Ill., and eight children: Mrs. Annie Robings of
Brighton, Edward S. Still of Godfrey, John Still of Upper Alton,
Henry T. Still of Shipman, Emma J. Hunt of Shipman, James F.
Still of Medora, Charles A. Still of Piasa, Mrs. Edward Pattison
of Bloomington. He leaves also 28 grandchildren and nineteen
great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Wednesday
afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from his late residence. Mr. Still was
one of the oldest and best known men in Madison county. He had a
brother living in Alton, Jerry Still, who died a few years ago.
STILLMAN or SKILLMAN, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May
19, 1848
Died on Thursday evening, the 11th inst., of
Scarlatina, after forty-three hours illness – Mary Ann, eldest
daughter of Dr. Charles & Mrs. Georgeanna R. Skillman, in the
fourteenth year of her age.
STILLWELL, ELLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1873
Died on January 28, in Alton, Mrs. Ellen, wife of Mr. John
Stillwell.
STILLWELL, J. F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31,
1917
Postmaster at Edwardsville
J. F. Stillwell,
postmaster at Edwardsville, died there Friday morning at 2:30
o'clock from a complication of diseases, due to nervous troubles
and ivy poisoning. Mr. Stillwell was prominent in county
politics. He was chairman of the Democratic county central
committee until appointed postmaster at Edwardsville. He had
served as chairman of the county board of supervisors and was
one of the leading figures in the county in a political way. He
was named postmaster by President Wilson to succeed Thomas
Crossman, after a hard fight had been made by Senator J.
Hamilton Lewis to land William Dickmann in the postmastership
there.
STINNETT, PAUL CLARKE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 29, 1919
Mrs. Dora Stinnett, a widow, was
bereaved by death Saturday of her little son, Paul Clarke,
almost three years of age. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon
at 3 o'clock and interment was in St. Joseph's Cemetery. The
child's father died a year ago. The mother had been making her
home with the family of Pearl Vinson, on East College avenue.
The mother still has one daughter and two sons.
STIRITZ,
BARBARA (nee HECHLER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 4,
1902
Mrs. Barbara, wife of Louis F. Stiritz, died this
afternoon at the family home on West Second street, after an
illness of three days with congestion of the bowels. Besides her
afflicted husband and three children, she leaves her mother,
Mrs. Adam Hechler, one sister, Miss Lizzie, and four brother,
John, Julius, Frank and Edward Hechler. She was 29 years of age.
Funeral arrangements are not yet made.
STIRITZ, EARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 5, 1912
Suicides by Shooting
Earl Stiritz, the 22 year old
son of Ed Stiritz, shot and killed himself last night in the
barn at his father-in-law's home at Newbern. The young man had
been in bad health and had been worrying. Yesterday a message
came to relatives that he had evidently lost his mind, or was
losing it, and that his case was very alarming. Last evening he
went to the barn at the home in Newbern, and there he blew the
top of his head off with a shotgun. He had been married about a
year and he leaves a young wife and an infant child. He had not
been working steady. His wife was a Miss Rintoul of Newbern, and
it was at the Rintoul place the suicide occurred. Edward
Stiritz, father of the dead young man, arrived in Alton Monday
night from Johnson City, Ill., where he has been visiting a
brother for several weeks. He says he received a letter from his
daughter-in-law a few days ago, in which she stated that her
husband has been very sick for three or four weeks, and that the
doctor told her he was losing his mind. She urged the father to
come home at once. Earl Stiritz and wife, who have lived in
Logan street for some time, went to visit at the home of Mrs.
Stiritz's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Rintoul, several weeks
ago, and the husband was taken ill there. The father procured a
buggy this morning and was driven to the Rintoul farm near
Newbern. He did not know about the death of his son until this
morning, although messengers were sent to Alton to notify him
last night. It was learned he had left Johnson City for home
when a telegram announcing the suicide was sent to the southern
Illinois city. Mr. Stiritz told a Telegraph reporter that his
son will be buried in the family lot in Melville. The funeral
will be Wednesday from the Melville church at 2 p.m.
STIRITZ, FREDERICKA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
23, 1903
Market Gardner for Half Century, Old Resident of
Clifton Terrace
Mrs. Fredericka Stiritz, who kept a
stand in the Kirsch market place for fifty years, and was the
best known and oldest person in the market gardening business in
this city, died at her home, Clifton Terrace, Sunday afternoon
after a brief illness. She was 81 years of age, and had lived at
Clifton Terrace over a half century. Mrs. Stiritz was known as a
kindly and motherly woman who made many friends and kept them.
She did a thriving business for many years, and her patrons
always patronized her notwithstanding other competitors for the
business. When the firm of Kirsch & Schiess was started fifty
years ago, Mrs. Stiritz opened a stand there for the sale of
vegetables raised on her own place, and there she continued in
business until five years ago, when she began selling her garden
stuff in stores about town. She was born in Wurttemberg,
Germany, February 1, 1822. She came to America when 10 years of
age and was married in Philadelphia to John J. Stiritz, who died
twenty years ago. In 1850 the family moved to Clifton, and there
have lived ever since, Mrs. Stiritz making her home on one farm
for more than fifty years. She leaves four sons and two
daughters, Emanuel, Albert, Louis R. and Edward Stiritz, Mrs. D.
Boedy of East Newbern, and Mrs. J. T. Crankshaw of Philadelphia.
The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock
from the family home, and services will be conducted by Rev. J.
Alworth of the Congregational church at Godfrey.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 25, 1903
The
funeral of Mrs. Fredericka Stiritz took place this afternoon
from the home at Clifton to the Melville church, and was
attended by a very large number of people, many going from Alton
and elsewhere. There were many beautiful floral offerings.
Services were conducted by Rev. J. Alworth of the Godfrey
Congregational church, and interment was in Melville Cemetery.
STIRITZ, JENETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5,
1906
Wife of Louis F. Stiritz
Mrs. Jenette Stiritz, wife of Louis F. Stiritz, died
Sunday morning at 6:30 o'clock from a malady of an apoplectic
nature. Her death was very unexpected and was a sad shock to her
family. Her death followed shortly after the birth of a little
daughter, and it was believed that the mother was in good
condition and that she would recover, when she died very
suddenly from the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain. Mrs.
Stiritz was 36 years of age. She was a daughter of Julius F.
Schneider of Melville, and a member of a prominent family. Mrs.
Stiritz leaves an infant daughter and her husband. The funeral
will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and
Paul's Cathedral.
STIRITZ, JOHN G./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1883
Mr. John G. Stiritz, a native of Germany, for over 30 years a
resident of the vicinity of Melville, died Thursday night,
August 30, after a long, complicated illness, at the age of 65
years. Deceased left a widow, two daughters, and four sons to
mourn his death. The funeral took place at 10 o’clock Saturday
morning from the family residence to the Melville Cemetery.
STIRITZ,
LAURA (nee CALDWELL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
29, 1918
Mrs. Laura Stiritz, wife of Andrew Stiritz, aged
65, died at her residence, State and Bluff streets, Monday night
at 11:30 o'clock, after a long illness with Bright's disease.
Mrs. Stiritz was a lifelong resident of Alton. Her maiden name
was Caldwell. She was married to Andrew Stiritz in 1879, and
during all of that period the couple had resided in Alton.
Beside her husband she leaves two sons, Roy and Frank Stiritz,
and one sister, Mrs. D. H. Williams of St. Louis. Mrs. Stiritz
was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for many years. The
funeral, which will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the residence, will be conducted by Rev. Frederick D. Butler.
Mrs. Stiritz was highly esteemed by many who knew her. She was
known as a good mother to her family, and there is general
regret over her death. Her illness, it was realized for some
time, must have a fatal termination, as her decline in health in
the past six weeks had been very rapid.
STIRITZ,
LEROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 25, 1912
The
funeral of Leroy, the 2 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Stiritz, will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
home on Bluff street, and burial will be in City Cemetery.
STIRITZ, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 14,
1909
Old Time Tavern-Keeper, Resident of Clifton Terrace
Succumbs to Old Age
Louis Stiritz, the sage and pioneer
of Clifton Terrace, passed away Tuesday morning at his home
after an illness of several weeks duration from a complication
of diseases. He was very seriously ill a few years ago, and his
life was given up several times, but he recovered partially. He
was never entirely well since, however. He was a large land
owner in that vicinity and was reputed wealthy, and after his
recovery from what was thought then to be certain death, he made
a division of his possessions among his children and lived long
enough to see them enjoying this while he was yet with them to
enjoy it with them. He was 80 years old last August, and had
lived in Clifton since 1850. He came to America in 1849, but
traveled through the country considerable before settling upon
Clifton as his future home. Clifton at that time boasted a saw
mill, some stores and a few residences, but the country was not
settled up much. He was an educated young man and could speak
English before he came to this country, and had no difficulty in
falling into the ways of the country. He was the first man in
this section to utilize the hillsides and other parts of land
not good for common crops by planting grape vines, and his faith
in the Illinois hills being as good for producing grapes as are
the hills of the Rhine in Germany was justified time and time
again by the success he attained in growing grapes here. For
many years he was a large maker of wine and the Stiritz wines
made a fine name and reputation for themselves throughout the
country because of their purity and excellence. He quit the wine
making business, however, about 12 years ago. He was a
progressive man and did much to develop Clifton and help make it
the favored place it now is. His parents followed him from the
Old Country, and their remains are resting in the Melville
cemetery. Forty years ago he became a charter member of
Greenwood lodge I.O.O.F. of North Alton, and he has been a
member of the order ever since continuously. He transferred his
membership afterwards to the Alton lodge from the Greenwood
lodge, and is now a member here. His wife died 33 years ago. He
is survived by six children, Mrs. Julia Hochstuhl of Clifton;
Louis F. Stiritz of Alton; Herman Stiritz of California; Mrs.
Joseph Kehr of Alton; and Misses Mollie and Dora, who live at
home. A sister, Mrs. Lena Gradolph of Clifton, also survives.
Another sister, Mrs. Bertha Moren, resides in St. Louis, and a
third, Mrs. Louise Essick, lives in Cronstadt, Germany. He was
born in Laufen, Germany, August 1829. The funeral will be held
Thursday morning at 10 o'clock from the home to Melville
cemetery. [His body was later moved to Valhalla Memorial Park in
Godfrey, IL.]
STIRITZ, LOUIS R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 3, 1918
Louis R. Stiritz, the Grafton road
gardener and farmer whose serious sickness was mentioned several
time in the Telegraph, died Saturday evening at his home near
Melville - the home in which he was born 63 years ago, and in
which he spent his life. He was one of the best known farmers in
this section, and was a companionable, kindly, charitable man,
and strictly honest in all of his dealings. He is survived by
his wife, three brothers, and one sister, and a very large
number of other relatives. The funeral was held Tuesday
afternoon from the Melville Congregational church, where
services were conducted by Rev. G. F. Brown, the pastor in the
presence of probably the largest congregation ever assembled at
that church at a funeral. He had been a friend of that church
many years, and had done much to help it in a material way.
Burial was in the cemetery at Melville. There is very general
regret over his passing, not only throughout Godfrey township,
but in all parts of Alton as well.
STIRITZ, PAULINE (nee HACK)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 14, 1920
Mrs. Pauline Hack Stiritz, wife of Louis
F. Stiritz, died Tuesday night at 10 o'clock in the Missouri
Baptist Sanitarium in St. Louis following a surgical operation
for the relief of a goiter that had been giving her trouble the
past six months. She went to St. Louis last Thursday to undergo
the operation, hopeful that she was about to gain some relief
from the malady that had caused her intense suffering. It was
recognized by her family that her case was a serious one and
that the operation was a desperate expedient, and there was no
surprise when it did not turn out well. Mrs. Stiritz's maiden
name was Hack. She was married eleven years ago, and she leaves
one daughter, Pauline, and four stepchildren, beside her
husband, two brothers, Fred and Harry Hack, and a sister, Mrs.
Walter Cobeck. She was beloved in her own home where she devoted
all her efforts to making home a happy place, and in the home
circle she will be most missed. Mrs. Stiritz was deeply
interested in the work of the Evangelical church at Eighth and
Henry Streets. She was in her fiftieth year. The funeral will be
held Friday at 2:30 o'clock from the Evangelical church.
STITES, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6, 1918
Lucy Stites, aged 13, died at her home in Woodlawn, Upper
Alton, yesterday morning after a short illness with pneumonia.
She leaves her mother, Mrs. Emma J. Robinson; three sisters and
two brothers. Mrs. B. Dilling, William Stites, Frank Stites,
Lucille and Amy Robinson are the sisters and brothers. The
funeral will be held privately on Saturday afternoon at 2
o'clock. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
STITES, RACHEL A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 10,
1902
North Alton News - Mrs. Rachel A. Stites, aged about
fifty eight, died Thursday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at her home
after an illness of less than a week with the grip. She leaves
her husband, Mr. James Stites, and three sons, Will, Clarence
and Lurten; two sisters, Miss Lydia Marshall of Fidelity and
Mrs. H. W. Denny of Alton, and two brothers, Will Marshall of
Piasa and James Marshall of Pawnee, Illinois, besides numerous
friends to deplore her death. Mrs. Stites formerly lived in
Alton where she has many warm friends to whom her sudden death
will come as a shock. She was a good, kindly, charitable woman,
a fond wife and mother, and most excellent neighbor. The funeral
will be Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home to Upper
Alton cemetery. Rev. G. W. Shepherd will conduct the service.
STOBBS, JOSEPH B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
12, 1904
Joseph B. Stobbs, a native of St. Louis, but a
resident of Alton and vicinity practically all his life, died
Wednesday night at 9 o’clock at the family home at Fifth and
Spring Streets. He was 56 years of age, and leaves a wife and
six children – William D., Frank J., Nellie E., Roy E., Jessie,
and Harry Stobbs. Mr. Stobbs was an industrious, good citizen,
and a kind-hearted, charitable man, and his death will be
regretted by very many outside of the immediate family. The
funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 p.m., from the home, where
services will be conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenney.
STOBBS, MARY ELLEN (nee KANNADY)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 15, 1921
Mrs. Mary Ellen Stobbs,
aged 67 years, died Wednesday evening at 7:40 at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. E. H. Schmoeller, at 409 East Ninth street, after
an illness of seven months, during which time she has been
confined to her bed, suffering from cancer of the stomach. Mrs.
Stobbs had been in a very critical condition for the past two
weeks, and the end had been expected since last Friday. Her
children have been at her bedside constantly since Friday, when
the turn for the worse came. Mrs. Stobbs was born and reared in
Alton. At the age of twenty she was united in marriage with
Joseph Stobbs, and seven children were born to this union:
William D., Frank J. and Harry W. of this city, LeRoy E. of
Harvey, Ill., Mrs. E. H. Schmoeller and Mrs. P. E. Vincent also
of this city. One child died in infancy. Her husband died on
January 13, 1904. Besides the six children, she is survived by
fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, two
half-brothers, and three half-sisters, Frank K. Lowe, George
Schott, Mrs. Peter Yost and Mrs. Humbert Lowe of Upper Alton,
and Dr. August Schott of St. Louis. Her maiden name was Kannady.
When a young girl Mrs. Stobbs united with the Upper Alton Wesley
Methodist Church, and in later years she changed her membership
to the Upper Alton Presbyterian Church. She has resided at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. E. H. Schmoeller, for the past twelve
years. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 from
the home of her son, Frank Stobbs, in Upper Alton. Interment
will be in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
STOBBS, JOSEPH B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13,
1904
Joseph B. Stobbs, a native of St. Louis but a
resident of Alton and vicinity practically all his life, died
Wednesday night at 9 o'clock at the family home at Fifth and
Spring streets. He was 56 years of age and leaves a wife and six
children: William D., Frank J., Nellie E., Roy E., Jessie and
Harry Stobbs. Mr. Stobbs was an industrious, good citizen and a
kind-hearted, charitable man, and his death will be regretted by
very many outside of the immediate family. The funeral will be
Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the home, where services will be
conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenney.
STOCKER, MARY A./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 14, 1844
Died in Upper Alton, on the 12th inst., Mary A., youngest
daughter of Mr. George R. Stocker, aged 13 months 14 days.
STOEHR, KATHRYN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1908
Mrs. Katheryn Stoehr, wife of Lawrence Stoehr Sr., died
Thursday morning from stomach troubles at her home on Bond
street. She has been a sufferer for several months, but the
disease did not become acute until ten days ago. She was born
September 1, 1828 in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in
May 1849. Mr. Stoehr was on the same ship, and on the following
July 4th the couple were married in New York City. They lived in
Philadelphia for a time, and in Chicago later, coming to Alton
in 1853. They have lived here since, and deceased was well known
and generally respected throughout the city. Of the four sons
born to the union, but one, Lawrence Jr., survives to mourn with
the father the loss of a devoted motor and wife. A sister, Mrs.
Margaret Gehren, lives in St. Louis, and has been at the Stoehr
home several times recently. The funeral will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the residence, where services will
be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, pastor of the German
Evangelical church. Burial will be in City cemetery.
STOEHR, LORENZ/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30,
1912
Lorenz Stoehr, aged 88, died Saturday night at 10
o'clock at his residence, Beacon and Bond streets, after an
illness which began with a heavy cold last spring. His death had
been expected for some time, although the aged man refused to
consider himself very sick, and only regretted that he could not
be up and around as usual. Mr. Stoehr's physique was wonderfully
strong. Up to last spring the aged gentleman preferred walking
to riding, and when he would make his regular tours of the
various farms in which he held interest, he would go afoot. He
would walk from seven to ten miles in a day without causing
himself any discomfort. Starting with nothing but his hands and
a rare knowledge and skill at his trade of blacksmithing, Mr.
Stoehr accumulated a nice fortune in Alton, and at his death he
left a rich estate. When he arrived in Alton with his little
family, he found little to do, and so he started out for
Carlinville on foot, having heard of a job there. He walked to
Carlinville, missed getting the job and walked back, all in the
twenty four hours. When he did get a start in Alton, he
prospered. He merited the confidence and high esteem of his
fellow man. Mr. Stoehr's home life was ideal. His wife died a
few years ago, and after her death her aged partner in life, who
had been married to her about fifty years, remarked that in all
that time they had never a quarrel. He did not quarrel with his
fellow men. He possessed a nature that was peaceful, kindly and
charitable. He was one of the very oldest members of the Masonic
order in Alton, and so long as his strength permitted him to
leave in the evening, he attended his lodge meetings. Lorenze
Stoehr was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 4th, 1824. He came to
America in 1849, and then went to Chicago for two years. He came
to Alton in 1853. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at
2 o'clock from the home, and will be under Masonic auspices.
Members of Piasa lodge and sister lodges being invited to
attend.
STOFFT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM C./Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 15, 1917
Mrs. William C.
Stofft, aged 46, dropped dead Sunday evening about 6 o'clock in
the family home on Brown street in Upper Alton. Mrs. Stofft had
been in poor health the last fourteen months, but during the
past few days she has been feeling much better and on Sunday she
had been better than in many weeks. She and her husband had been
at home together all day, and in the evening, their only child,
William Stofft Jr., who holds a position at Madison, had been at
home with them. Mrs. Stofft was preparing supper Sunday evening
and was talking to her son. Mr. Stofft stepped outside the house
into the yard. The son was sitting in a chair in the dining room
and his mother had stepped behind his chair to get something and
was talking to him all the time. While behind the son's chair
she suddenly dropped to the floor without speaking a word. Her
son hurried to her and called his father into the house. They
summoned a physician, who pronounced Mrs. Stofft dead. Mr. and
Mrs. Stofft came to Alton 17 years ago from Pittsburg, Pa. The
funeral will be held in the present family home, the Capt. Ed
Young place on west Brown street, at 2 o'clock Wednesday
afternoon, and services will be conducted by Rev. C. N. McManis,
pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church, and burial will
be at Oakwood cemetery. Mrs. Stofft leaves 3 brothers and 3
sisters, residents of Pennsylvania. Mrs. J. W. Beddow of Wylam,
Alabama, an aunt of Mrs. Stofft, wired today that she would be
here for the funeral.
STOHR, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1871
Died on November 29, 1871, in Alton, Frank, youngest son of
Lawrence and Kathrina Stohr; aged 4 years and 7 months.
STOKES,
THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 1, 1919
Thomas Stokes, aged 47, who was one of the two victims of an
accident at the Laclede Steel plant, died yesterday on the
operating table at St. Joseph's hospital while work was being
done on his legs. The doctors were amputating the leg which was
the worst hurt. Stokes leaves his wife and four children. Deputy
Coroner Krill will hold an inquest.
STOLTE, HANNAH (nee GERFEN)/Source: Troy Weekly Call, January
24, 1913 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
The funeral of
Mrs. Hannah Stolte, wife of Henry Stolte, whose death was noted
in the foregoing issue of The Call, took place last Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence to St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran church. Rev. Herzberger of St. Louis
conducted the burial rites, speaking in both German and English,
and the obsequies were attended by a large concourse of
sorrowing and sympathetic friends, including many from out of
town. The Frauenverein of St. Paul's church attended in a body
and carried the floral tributes which were numerous and
beautiful. Interment was made in the Lutheran cemetery.
Deceased, whose maiden name was Gerfen, was the second daughter
of Mrs. Louise and the late Frederick Gerfen and was born in
Troy, September 9, 1870. She attended St. Paul's Evangelical
Lutheran school from which she was confirmed March 29, 1885. Her
marriage to Henry Stolte, who survives her, took place February
28, 1892. No children were ever born to their union. Besides the
husband and a foster daughter, she is survived by her mother,
two sisters who are Mrs. C. Huxholdt of Brazil, Ind., and Miss
Martha Gerfen of Troy, and one foster sister, Miss Louise
Vorderhage, also of Troy. There are also a host of relatives.
Mrs. Stolte was a staunch member of St. Paul's church and served
as president of the Frauenverein for many years, being a leader
in all its undertakings. She wns the kindest of neighbors and
ever ready to assist those about her in sorrow or trouble or in
the every day affairs of life. Her home life was beautiful and
that of a devoted and loving wife, daughter and sister. Her
taken away in the prime of her years has made a vacancy in the
home circle which never can be filled and the bereaved ones have
the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of a legion of friends in
this their hour of sorrow and affliction.
STOLZE, ANNA (nee JUN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
11, 1920
Mrs. Anna Stolze, the mother of six children,
one of whom is three days old, died of influenza this morning at
her home, 717 East Fourth street. She was 38 years old. Mrs.
Stolze, before her marriage, was Miss Anna Jun of this city. She
was born here and during her life residence made a large number
of friends who are grieved at her death. Besides the three day
old baby, she leaves five other children. She is also survived
by her husband, Anthony Stolze, and a brother, Joseph Jun of
Springfield, Ill. Jun formerly conducted a grocery store on East
Broadway here. The funeral will be held Friday morning from the
home and interment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery. The funeral
will be private.
STOLZE, FREDERICA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1,
1901
Bethalto Pioneer Dies
Mrs. Frederica Stolze,
aged about 76, died Friday morning at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Thomas Brown, near Bethalto. She was a pioneer settler of
Bethalto, and for years herself and husband were among the most
prosperous and prominent citizens there. She was always active
in church work and unostentatious in the doing of charitable
deeds. She leaves five children, Mrs. Jacob Hartmann and Fred
Stolze of Alton; John Stolze, ex-mayor of Edwardsville; and Mrs.
Thomas Brown and Joseph Stolze of Bethalto. The funeral will be
Monday morning at 10 o'clock from St. Mary's church, this city.
STOLZE, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1922
Frederick Stolze, 72, died at 3:30 a.m. today, at his home,
810 Union street, after an illness of a year and a half. Mr.
Stolze was born in Germany and came to America with his parents
when 6 months old. His parents soon moved to Alton and he had
been a resident of Alton and Bethalto until his death. He is
survived by four sons and six daughters. The sons are Fred W.,
Anton and Ernst C., of Alton, and Henry A. Stolze of St. Louis.
The daughters are Mrs. Charles Goehring of St. Louis, Sister M.
Salome, a member of the Notre Dame sisterhood at East St. Louis;
Mrs. Frank Howard of Alton, Mrs. Adolph H. Howard of Alton, Miss
Anna Stolze of Alton, and Mrs. George Baty of Alton. The funeral
will be Saturday at 10 a.m., with services at St. Mary's church
and interment in St. Joseph's cemetery. Mr. Stolze, up to the
time he became ill, was employed at the Duncan foundry. He was a
man noted for his kindliness and character, and his death was a
shock to his many friends.
STOLTZE, UNKNOWN GIRL/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1868
Little Girl Killed by Train
A very sad accident occurred at
Bethalto on Wednesday, the 18th inst., which resulted in the
death of a child about eight years old – a daughter of Mr.
Stoltze, lumber merchant in that place. As the children were
going home from school in the afternoon, several little girls,
seeing the four o’clock freight coming, stopped to put pins on
the iron rail, to have them welded. Just before the train came
to the place where they were, it divided – the locomotive
proceeding on to switch off some of the cars, and leaving the
rest of the train to come on behind. The little girl referred
to, seeing a part pass, supposed it was the whole train, and
jumped down to get her pins, when the cars coming after struck
her, threw her down and dragged her about twenty yards, horribly
mangling and crushing her. She died in a few hours, although
surgical aid was immediately procured. This is another of the
many accidents continually happening, to warn parents against
allowing their children to play, or stay around railroads.
STONE, BERTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14,
1921
Typhoid Fever Causes Death
Mrs. Bertha Stone, wife of Dr.
D. N. Stone, died Sunday morning at 4:30 o'clock at the family
home on Market Street after an illness of about four weeks,
death resulting from typhoid fever. The death of Mrs. Stone
casts a gloom over this community for although it was known she
had been suffering for some time, her death was not anticipated.
Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Bertha. The
deceased had been a resident of Alton for nearly ten years,
coming to this city from St. Louis. The remains were taken to
St. Louis today, and the funeral will be held there on Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
STONE, JOHN/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 13, 1853
Died at the residence of Ezekiel Davis, Omphghent, Madison
County, on the 4th inst., John Stone, aged sixty years; formerly
of Boston, Massachusetts.
STONEHAM, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1914
Fatally Injured By 85-Foot Fall - Dropped in Chimney at Standard
Oil Company
Frank Stoneham, a bricklayer, was fatally injured Friday
afternoon by falling 85 feet from a platform at the Wood River
refinery of the Standard Oil Co. He died at St. Joseph's
Hospital at 2:30 o'clock Saturday morning. Dr. Taphorn, who
attended Stoneham, said from the first that the man had very
little chance of surviving the injuries he had sustained. After
dropping the 85 feet from his scaffold, he struck on the
concrete floor of the smokestack and was taken out through an
aperture in the bottom of the stack. The chimney is six feet in
diameter. Stoneham, with a helper Walter Forcade, was engaged in
relining the chimney and was working on a platform inside the
chimney, a circular platform was used which filled the chimney
when set together. Half of it would be elevated at a time as the
men would progress upward with their repair work, brackets being
used to support the platform. Stoneham had just finished moving
half of the platform and was standing on it. Evidently he had
not made it secure, as suddenly the platform gave away and he
fell to the bottom of the stack. When taken out he was horribly
crushed, many of his bones had been broken and he was apparently
suffering little pain, so severe was the shock of the fall. The
worst injuries seemed to be in his spine. He was hurried to St.
Joseph's hospital, where he sank steadily. Whether he had a
premonition that he was going to be hurt, or whether it was
merely a chance, Stoneham is said to have remarked to a friend
that it might be risky to go into the chimney and he asked a man
if he would like to make the ascent. The man said that he
certainly would not. Mr. Stoneham was 25 years of age and
unmarried. The father, Thomas Stoneham, and a brother and a
sister, Miss Nellie, came to Wood River several years ago from
Kansas City, and resided in Wood River with Mr. and Mrs. John
Stoneham, uncle and aunt of the deceased. The father and son
both worked at the refinery and were said to have earned high
wages. They have been employed there since coming to Wood River.
After the accident a telegram was sent to the other sister, Miss
Esther Stoneham at Kansas City, to hurry home if she wanted to
see her brother while living. The telegram though sent at 4
o'clock, was delayed and she did not receive it before 10
o'clock. She left at 11:20 p.m. and arrived in Wood River at
10:30 this morning, having missed out in the race by about eight
hours as the brother had died at 2 o'clock. The remains will be
left tonight at the Jacoby undertaking rooms, and tomorrow
morning the funeral party, consisting of the father and two
daughters, and Mr. and Mrs. John Stoneham, and as many others as
can arrange to go, will leave for Kansas City, starting at 8
o'clock. The Knights of Columbus will escort the body to the
train.
STOOKS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1862
Died on the 7th inst., at Monticello [Godfrey], William Stooks,
aged 49 years.
STOTZ, AMALA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 17,
1919
Mrs. Amala Stotz, aged 93, died this morning at 10
o'clock at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Will Heiens, at
Fosterburg, from the effects of injuries she sustained last
September when she fell, fracturing one of her hips. She had
been an invalid since. Mrs. Stotz was born in Germany but came
to America when very young and practically all the rest of her
life she spent in the Foster township neighborhood. A little
more than a year ago she moved to the home of her granddaughter
to live. She leaves no children, but is survived by five
grandchildren, Henry Stotz, Fred Stotz, Mrs. James Chadwick,
Mrs. Will Heiens, and Mrs. J. G. Brandt. The time of the funeral
has not been set.
STOWELL, SOPHIA P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
27, 1910
Mrs. Sophia P. Stowell, wife of Oliver S.
Stowell, died at 4 o'clock Tuesday morning at her home, 510 east
Eleventh street, after an illness which began Saturday morning.
Mrs. Stowell's case has been regarded as extremely dangerous
since she was found by her daughter, Miss Lucy Stowell, lying on
a lounge in the family home, on the daughter's return to the
home. Mrs. Stowell was unable to speak then, and was never fully
conscious from that time. Her malady was diagnosed as uraemic
poisoning. Monday she was believed to be a little improved, but
the hope that came with the apparent change for the better was
dispelled later when she failed to continue to grow better. Mrs.
Stowell was a native of Alton, the daughter of Dr. B. K. Hart,
who was one of the pioneers of Alton, and a very prominent and
wealthy resident here in the early days. Her whole life was
spent in Alton. She leaves beside her husband, one daughter,
Miss Lucy Stowell, and a son, Frank Stowell. The illness of Mrs.
Stowell caused profound sorrow in the large circle of friends
where she was best known. While it was realized that her
condition was extremely grave, there was a generally expressed
hope that she would rally from the sudden attack of illness. She
had been a woman devotedly attached to her home, and outside of
her home and her church, which included a very large circle of
friends, she had little interest. In her home she was a gracious
hostess, in her church she was a deeply interested worker, and
for many years since girlhood her efforts in behalf of the First
Presbyterian church had done much toward maintaining its work at
its highest efficiency. To her husband, who has been prominent
for many years in the work of that church and Sunday school, she
was a wise counsellor, and lent her active sympathy that went
far to stimulate all who met her in the church organization to
higher effort. In the church societies she was a busy woman. In
her home she was a kind, loving mother, and her family
reciprocated the affection she bestowed on them. She was the
last of her father's family, her sister, Mrs. Charles Wright,
having died a number of years ago, and like her sister was
deeply interested in the Presbyterian church work. Mrs. Stowell
was 58 years of age. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon
from the First Presbyterian church.
ST. PETERS, JACOB and OLIVER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 1, 1910
Brothers in Melville Died Same Night
There were
three more deaths of little children at Melville Thursday night,
all from the same dread disease that had already claimed five
little folks, and had a score or more of them very ill. The
families which were bereaved by death last night were those of
Jacob St. Peters, Oliver St. Peters, brothers, and John Heafner.
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob St. Peters lost a 20 months old boy, the
second within a week. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver St. Peters lost a two
year old boy. Neither of the St. Peters families now have any
children, as the result of the scourge.
ST. PETERS, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
21, 1910
Commits Suicide by Drinking Carbolic Acid
Unable to
endure the remorse which overwhelmed him in the holiday season
over differences with his family because of some acts of
waywardness, Philip St. Peters, the 24 year old son of Mr. and
Mrs. Anton St. Peters, living near Newbern, committed suicide
Tuesday night at the home of his uncle, Henry Vahle, in Upper
Alton. The young man had trouble of various kinds, but it is
said that his parents were kind and indulgent. The father let
him have a horse and buggy a few weeks ago, which he drove to
Alton and sold. The father remonstrated with him for this. Then,
a few days ago, the son cashed a check for $30 in Alton, to
which he had signed his father's name. The father met the son in
Alton yesterday and had a talk with him, but he says he had not
threatened to have the son arrested or to punish him for his
misdoings. The father stayed in Alton all night, but he did not
learn until about 9 o'clock Wednesday morning that the son had
taken his own life. About 11:30 o'clock young St. Peters drank
carbolic acid, and he died about midnight. He was taken in
charge by Coroner Streeper, who will hold an inquest. It is said
that the young man enlisted in the navy once, and deserted
before the end of his term of enlistment. The parents have four
other sons. Mr. St. Peters, who is a prominent and well to do
farmer, said today that he had no intention of taking any action
against his son for the wrongs he had committed. The only
solution of the young man's suicide is that he could not endure
going through the Christmas holidays with the knowledge that he
had defrauded his father in the manner that has been mentioned.
The father left for his home in Jersey county this afternoon to
notify his wife and other members of the family of the tragic
end of the son. The body of the latter was taken later to the
St. Peter's home by Undertakers Lock.
STRATTON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
23, 1910
Dies From Wound Received in Civil War - Shot Through Lungs
William Stratton, aged 72, died Tuesday evening at his home
in Yager park from lung trouble. His death is said to have
resulted from a wound he sustained in the army nearly 50 years
ago. He was pierced by a bullet, the ball passing through his
lungs. He was never strong afterward, and recently was given an
increase in pension to $46 a month on account of his disability.
He was a member of the G. A. R. His wife survives him, and he
leaves also some stepchildren. The funeral will be Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
STRAUBE, CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
14, 1921
Mrs. Christina Straube,
in her ninety-fifth year, died at 1:30 o'clock this morning at
her home, 507 State street, after an illness of only a few days.
She was 94 years of age last September 17. Mrs. Straube's death
came after a life of great activity. She was remarkable in that
she continued to perform duties about her home up to the time of
her last illness. She had not been able to do very much, but she
remained housekeeper in her home, or was pleased to regard
herself as such, as she would never admit that she had grown too
old to be very useful in her home. She was born in Konitz,
Schwartzburg, Rudolstadt, Germany. She was married to Herman
Straube January 6, 1852 in Sohkoelen, Saxe Weimer, Germany, and
lived there until 1870, when the family came to America and
directly to Alton. Her husband died in August 1891. She reared
six children, all of whom are living. Of these, there are four
sons, Herman of Godfrey; Otto and Oswald of Alton; and Albert of
North Judson, Ind.,; also two daughters, Miss Tillie Straube and
Mrs. Louise Perrin. On Monday, Mrs. Straube was still going
about her work in her home and took her usual pride in her
household duties. Her death was due to a general break down due
to her great age. Mrs. Straube was always very active, was a
deeply religious woman, a lover of her home and family and was
most hospitable. She was beloved by all who knew her. She was
deeply interested in all public events and one of the greatest
joys she had was when she was privileged to participate in the
election of a President of the United States, casting her first
successful vote for President last November when she was 94.
During her illness she had the devoted care of her two
daughters. She was very much iinterested in the work of the
Evangelical church. Besides her children, she leaves 18
grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
STRAUBE, KARL OSWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 19,
1914
Karl Osward Straube died at the home of his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Straube, three miles northeast of Godfrey,
at 9:15 this morning. He was 19 years of age. He leaves beside
his parents, five brothers, William, Herman and Frederick of
Colorado; Otto and Louis of Godfrey; and five sisters, Mrs.
Louise Ulrich, Emma, Julia, Tillie and Frieda of Godfrey; and
his grandmother, Mrs. Straube of Alton. The funeral will be held
at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the Methodist Church at
Bethany. Burial in Bethany cemetery.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1914
The funeral of
Karl Straube held yesterday afternoon from the home in Godfrey
township to the Bethany church on the Brighton road was attended
by a large number of people who assembled from the neighboring
country. The little church at Bethany was crowded to its
capacity and many stood outside, unable to gain admission. There
were 125 farmers' vehicles in line, aside from the livery
equipages sent out from Alton. The body was carried from the
church to the little cemetery across the road, where interment
took place. Rev. F. H. Brown of the Godfrey Congregational
church conducted the services. There was a very large number of
floral offerings sent by friends and relatives of the young man.
STRAUBE, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1922
Mrs. William H. Straube of 429 East Broadway dropped dead at
two o'clock this afternoon at 826 East Fifth street. Mrs.
Straube was working with her daughter, Mrs. Ruth Nichols, in
preparing a new home into which Mr. and Mrs. Nichols expected to
move within a few days. At two o'clock Mrs. Straube collapsed
and the physician who was called stated that death was caused by
a hemorrhage of the brain. Mrs. Straube had not complained of
being ill, and the news of her sudden death was a shock to
friends as well as to members of her immediate family. She was
40 years of age. She is survived by her husband, one son,
William C. Straube, Jr., Miss Irma Straube and Mrs. Ruth
Nochils. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
STREEPER, HARRY C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
5, 1911
Former Constable Kills Self
Harry C. Streeper, former constable, and
one of the widest known men in Upper Alton, died by his own hand
this afternoon, having taken a drink of carbolic acid with
suicidal intent. He killed himself at his boarding place about 2
o'clock. He was 52. Streeper had been mentally unbalanced for
years as the result of a growth on the back of his head, and his
relatives and intimate acquaintances knew this. He had been
drinking heavily of late, and this contributed to his suicidal
end. He was a son of the late I. H. Streeper of Upper Alton, and
a brother of Coroner C. N. Streeper. His wife and even children
are dead. He leaves six brothers: R. F.; I. H. Jr.; C. N.; J.
E.; R. H.; and W. F. Streeper; and one sister, Mrs. Hattie
Henry.
STREEPER,
ISRAEL HELMS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1907
Proprietor of an Upper Alton Hardware and Undertaking Business
Israel H. Streeper, aged 77, died Saturday afternoon at 4:10
o'clock after being helplessly paralyzed since January 18, 1906.
Mr. Streeper's death was long expected and during the week which
passed just before, his death was looked for to take place at
almost any hour. His vitality was remarkable. During the long
months since he was prostrated, he had lain in his bed at his
home in Upper Alton, where he could look out of the window and
see what was going on in the outside world, but he was not able
to move out of his bed.
Israel Streeper had lived in
Upper Alton since 1864. During fifty years, he was engaged in
the hardware and undertaking business at the same stand now
occupied by his son, Calloway Nash Streeper and partner George
Penning. He disposed of his interest in the business three years
ago and retired. Mr. Streeper's wife died fifteen years ago.
Israel was the father of eleven children, eight of whom, seven
sons and one daughter, survive. The children are: R. F.; William
Harold Clay; L. H.; Calloway Nash; Joseph E.; Robert H.; and
Wilbur F. Streeper. He was prominently identified in the work of
Franklin lodge, F. & M., and the funeral will be under Masonic
auspices Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.
Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
NOTES:
Born in
1830, Israel Helms Streeper came to Upper Alton in 1864, and
operated a hardware/undertaking business at the southeast corner
of College and Washington Avenues. He was married to Anna Eliza
Penn Streeper, who died in 1891. After Israel's retirement, his
son, Calloway N. Streeper, continued the hardware and
undertaking business with partner George Penning. Calloway later
purchased Crawford Hall and Skating Rink from Stephen Crawford,
located in the 1600 block of Washington Avenue in Upper Alton,
and erected a new funeral home there. Calloway was elected
Madison County Coroner in 1904, and re-elected in 1908.
Wilbur F. Streeper, another son of Israel Streeper, served in
the Navy during the Spanish-American War. He was one of the
original members of the old Naval Reserve Unit in Alton. Wilbur
died in 1948, and with his brother, Robert H. Streeper, were the
last surviving members of the children.
STREEPER, KATIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
10, 1901
Katie, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. C.
Streeper, died last evening at 6:30 o'clock, after a long
illness with consumption, aged 13 years. Funeral arrangements
have not been completed, but it is probably that the services
will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30. Mr. and Mrs. Streeper
have the sympathy of many friends in their bereavement.
STREEPER, PEARL (nee LESSNER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 31, 1919
Young Wife, 23, Takes Own Life
Mrs. Pearl Lessner
Streeper, wife of Wilbur T. Streeper, shot and killed herself at
noon today at the family home on Main street near College
avenue. The ball entered her right breast. She died a few
minutes later, before a physician could be summoned. Mr. and
Mrs. Streeper had been away from home for the past week,
attending the sick bed of their aunt, Mrs. Hattie Streeper
Henry, living in Jersey County. Their adopted son was left at
home, and when the couple returned they found the house badly
upset, and this annoyed the wife. Shortly after Streeper went to
the rear of the house, and immediately he heard a revolver
discharge. Returning to the house he found Mrs. Streeper dying
from a wound in her breast and a revolver near by. Mrs. Streeper
has been married to Streeper about a year, being before her
marriage Miss Pearl Lessner. She was 23 years of age and is a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Lessner of Humbert street. She
was a niece of Streeper's first wife. She is survived by her
husband and adopted son, a lad of sixteen, who was adopted years
ago by Streeper and his first wife. She also leaves her parents,
Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Lessner, two brothers, Andrew and Harry, and
one little sister. The suicide caused great comment in Upper
Alton, as both the dead woman and her husband are well known. On
numerous occasions friends have commented on the devotedness of
the couple and how they were always together.
STREEPER, RICHARD HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 21, 1902
Richard Henry Streeper, son of Mr. and
Mrs. H. C. Streeper, died at the family home on Brown street in
Upper Alton, Friday morning, at 11:15 o'clock. He was in his
21st year of his age. Death was due to consumption from which he
had been suffering the last five months. He was a member of the
Alton division of naval militia, and such was his interest in
the organization that the parents requested that the Alton
division hold a military funeral over the body and take complete
charge of the services. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to the Presbyterian
church. Rev. H. M. Chittenden, the chaplain of the naval
militia, will conduct the services at the grave and Rev. W. H.
Bradley in the church. The pallbearers will be Walter Cook, Ed
Hudson, Harry Winter, S. E. Darnell, Charles Hardy and George
Toole, all members of the naval militia. The death is the first
that has occurred in the organization, and it will be the first
military funeral conducted in Alton or Upper Alton in many
years. Richard Streeper was a promising young man, and the
untimely death is the cause of great grief to his family and to
his intimate friends.
STREET, CHARLES BRACK/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 4, 1864
Died at Troy, Madison County, Illinois, February 26, 1864, 8
o’clock a.m., Deacon Charles Brack Street, aged 66 years and 10
days. He was a native of Litchfield, Herkimer County, New York.
He immigrated to Illinois about 25 years ago, and resided about
two years at Sonora, California. He was an honest man, a sincere
Christian, an affectionate husband and parent, and a patriotic
and loyal citizen.
STREET,
JENNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17, 1907
Mrs. Jennie Street, widow of the late Isaac Street, died at
the home of her sister, Mrs. B. F. Day in Otterville, after an
illness of about five weeks, December 16, 1907. Funeral services
will be held from the home of her nephew, Chester S. Stamps,
1624 Common street, Alton, Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, at 1:30
o'clock, conducted by Rev. J. W. Webster of Shipman. She leaves
to mourn her loss one sister, Mrs. B. F. Day of Otterville, and
two brothers, Richard Baker of Alton and Clark F. Baker of
Jerseyville. Interment at Upper Alton cemetery.
STRINGER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6, 1909
Mrs. Mary Stringer, aged 84, died at 3:30 o'clock this
morning at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Charles Ingham,
_14 Main street, from paralysis. Mrs. Stringer had lived in
Alton 53 years and almost all of her time in Alton she had
resided in a little brick house on Belle street between
Sixteenth and Seventeenth streets. She had seen much of the
seamy side of life during her stay here, as out of her family of
seven children, all but one, Mrs. John Martin of Arkansas City,
Kas., died before her. Of late years she was more comfortable as
her granddaughter, Mrs. Ingham, gave her a home and gave her
also loving attention that would make the old lady's lot a
happier one. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal church,
and the funeral will be from that church tomorrow afternoon at
2:30 o'clock. During her stay in Alton Mrs. Stringer was known
as a hard-working woman. She was good to her children and when
death took them she was brave and bore her mental anguish with
fortitude. She had many friends who were interested in her
welfare. She was the widow of Nevin Stringer, for many years a
well known painter here.
STRITTMATTER, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 26, 1900
Mrs. Catherine Strittmatter, mother of
Charles Strittmatter, the East End tailor, died Sunday morning
at the home of her son, 1311 State street, after an illness of
four months at the age of 72 years. Mrs. Strittmatter was one of
the oldest residents of Alton and was known in a large circle of
acquaintance. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon, and
services will be held in the German Evangelical church at 2
o'clock.
STRITMATTER,
WILLIAM “WILL”/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1917
Dies a Hero’s Death Trying to Save Another
William “Will”
Stritmatter, aged 22, who was drowned Saturday afternoon in the
Mississippi River, lost his life in a vain attempt to save that
of Eugene Ferris, son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Ferris. Going to the
rescue of the Ferris boy, Stritmatter caught the drowning boy by
the hair and started ashore with him, but must have been caught
in a death grip by the boy and both sank and were drowned.
The double drowning was the tragic close of a delightful
outing of a troop of Boy Scouts, organized by Stritmatter, among
the boys of the Evangelical Church at Eighth and Henry Streets.
He was deeply interested in church work, had recently been
chosen Sunday School Superintendent, and was also Secretary of
the Federation of Men's Bible Classes and Brotherhoods in Alton.
To interest the boys, he had planned to organize the Boy Scouts
troop, and a few days before he was drowned had sent away the
necessary papers and the middle of this week expected to have
the authorization to constitute the troop. Preliminary to this
he had taken nine of the boys out for a hike. Part of the boys
had gone in the morning, taking their luncheon, and Stritmatter,
their scoutmaster, went up in the afternoon and joined the boys
on the river bank. Three little boys had joined the party
without being included in it. One of these was Eugene Ferris,
who would be 10 years of age tomorrow - a brother of Ray Ferris,
one of the Boy Scouts troop. Efforts to induce the little fellow
to go on home were unavailing. Some of the boys begged to go
swimming, and Stritmatter reluctantly gave consent and they went
in. He was swimming farther out in deep water, and the little
Ferris boy went into the water too. In a very short time, the
lad was in too deep water, according to members of the party.
Fred Kolkmeier, one of the troop, called to the scoutmaster that
the Ferris boy was drowning. Stritmatter swam fast to the
sinking boy and caught him, but must have been caught and both
went down. The boys reported the drowning and a searching part
was made up.
Meantime, at home, the parents of Will
Stritmatter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stritmatter, were all
unconscious of the terrible blow that had fallen in the death of
their only son. Mrs. Stritmatter was getting supper and the
father, recently recovered from a very serious illness, was
working in the yard. A neighbor knew of the drowning, having
been informed about 4 o'clock by the Telegraph of what had
happened, but she, like others, could not believe it was true
and did not tell the mother. Finally, the mother was informed
that her son would not be home to supper. She immediately was
prostrated by the sad news. The Telegraph, possessed the facts
of the drowning, and knowing that the paper would be at the
Stritmatter home in a short time, omitted to mention the names
of the boys, fearing that the parents would get their first
tidings in the paper, before neighbors had broken the news to
them.
Will Stritmatter was for years a faithful employee
of the Telegraph, and was one of the very best boys ever
employed on the paper. He was regarded as a member of the
Telegraph family, and the grief in the Telegraph office over his
drowning was keen. The young man was employed by the Beall Bros.
at East Alton in a clerical capacity, and was a highly efficient
member of the office force of that firm. He was conscientious,
of a deeply religious mind, and was a leader in the work of the
Evangelical Church, notwithstanding his youthfulness. Not long
ago, he was drafted for the army, and was very conscientious
about it. He refused to consider making any pleas, stating in
advance that he had none to make, but the surgeons rejected him
because of eye and foot trouble. In the Sunday School over which
he had been chosen as superintendent, he was tireless in his
planning. He had planned out the rally day exercises for Sunday.
He had also made plans for the work of the school for the year,
and it lay very close to his heart.
Eugene Ferris, the
other victim of the tragedy, was a bright, manly little fellow,
very adventurous, and was beloved in the neighborhood where he
lived. His mother was not home at the time of the drowning, and
was hurried home and the news was broken to her of the death of
her son. Deputy Coroner took charge of the two bodies on their
being recovered Saturday evening, and held an inquest Sunday
afternoon. A verdict of accidental drowning was found in both
cases. The funeral of Will Stritmatter will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Evangelical Church. All the
members of the Bible Classes and Brotherhoods have been
requested to attend the funeral in a body. The funeral of Eugene
Ferris will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the
family home. Burial will be in City Cemetery.
NOTES:
Eugene Ferris was the son of Amos and Anna Ferris. He was buried
in the Alton City Cemetery. William Stritmatter was the son of
Charles and Mary (Oben) Stritmatter, and was also buried in the
Alton City Cemetery.
STROBLE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 14, 1871
Suicide by Drowning
A Mr. Joseph Stroble, a German who has
been in the employ of Mr. H. J. Hyde on his fruit farm, about
seven miles northwest of Alton, committed suicide on Monday
afternoon last by drowning himself in a large spring on the
premises. He had shown signs of insanity for three or four days
previous to the sad event. On Saturday last, he was absent all
day, and did not make his appearance until the afternoon on
Sunday, when he approached the house with a knife in one hand
and a razor in the other. After a little persuasion by the
family, he consented to give them up, and came into the house,
partook of food, and remained overnight. But he appeared very
much agitated and apprehensive, lest he would be arrested and
confined in prison. On Monday morning, he managed to escape from
those who had an eye over him, and when found, was drowned in
the spring as before stated. An inquest was held over his
remains, and the verdict of the jury was in accordance with the
facts as stated above. On yesterday, his remains were brought to
Alton, where he has a relative, and were interred in the City
Cemetery.
STROHBACK or STROHBECK, JOHANNA LOUISE (nee
BRUEGGEMAN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1910
Mrs. Johanna Louise Strohback, (nee Brueggeman) died
November 20, at home of her son, August, north of Fosterburg.
She was born July 11, 1835, in the village of Salzufer, Lippe
Dettmold, Germany. She came to America in 1853 and lived near
Brighton till she was married to Geo. H. Strohbeck in 1857. This
marriage was blest with 10 children, two of whom died in
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Strohbeck spent most of the married life
on the farm about one miles north of the burg. They were both
members of the Fosterburg Presbyterian church until 1890, when
they united with the German Methodist church and remained as
true and faithful workers to the time of their deaths. Mrs.
Strohbeck was an estimable old lady, and was loved and respected
by all who knew her. Mrs. Strohbeck is survived by eight
children, 24 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild, besides
numerous other relatives. The children are Messrs. August,
Theodore and William Strohbeck, living east of Brighton; George
Strohbeck and Mrs. Ida Scheuer living near Fosterburg; Samuel
Strohbeck and Mrs. Emma Faust of St. Louis; and Mrs. Lou Lowe of
Upper Alton. The funeral of Mrs. Strohbeck was held from the
Methodist church last Wednesday morning. Services were conducted
by her pastor, Rev. Schmidt, assisted by Rev. Austerman and Rev.
Eitelgeorge. The funeral was one of the largest held in
Fosterburg for some time. Burial was in the Fosterburg cemetery.
STRONG, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1902
North Alton News - Mrs. Anna, wife of Richard Strong, died
this morning at 1 o'clock after a long illness with consumption.
She was 28 years of age and leaves a husband and three children,
the eldest 7 years, the youngest 2 years old. She was a daughter
of the late Jacob Youngblood, and was one of the executors of
his will. She leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her
demise and to sympathize with the bereaved husband and
motherless little ones. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at
2 o'clock from the home to Godfrey cemetery. Services will be
conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden.
STRONG,
BENONA O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13, 1907
Benona O. Strong died Tuesday night about 10 o'clock at his
home on Walnut street in Upper Alton at the age of 82 years. Mr.
Strong has been a resident of Upper Alton for almost forty
years. The illness which proved fatal was of short duration. He
took a bad cold about two weeks ago which developed into
pneumonia, and on account of his advanced years and infirm
condition, he was unable to recover from the effects. Mr. Strong
was born in Connecticut and spent his younger days in the East.
He was married in Cincinnati, Ohio forty nine years ago, and had
he lived until next November, he would have celebrated his
fiftieth wedding anniversary. He is survived by his widow, and
out of a family of five children, one, Mrs. P. G. Hale,
survives. In the past years Mr. Strong made a business of
driving through the country in this vicinity buying farmers'
produce and selling them groceries. During the past six or seven
years he has lived a retired life on account of the weakness of
old age. The funeral has not been set on account of relatives
abroad not being heard from. Mr. Strong will be remembered by
many Alton people as a vendor of garden truck. He drove around
the streets in a covered wagon, generally sitting in a chair in
the wagon. His white hair and long white beard made him a
conspicuous object. He had many friends in Alton years ago.
STRONG, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19,
1907
Mrs. Elizabeth Strong died Saturday evening at her home
in the Grafton Road, after an illness lasting several days,
which was superinduced by stomach troubles from which she had
long been a sufferer. She would be 70 years old next February,
and spent most of her life in this vicinity. Her husband, Jacob
Strong, died in 1893, and his parents were the founders and
conductors of “Buck Inn,” a famous Illinois hostelry in early
days, which was located at the junction of the Godfrey and
Grafton Roads, where Dick Strong’s meat market now is. What was
afterwards known as North Alton was known for many years as
“Buck Inn,” because of the Strong Hotel, which in the latter
days of its history deceased and her husband assisted in
conducting.
Mrs. Strong was a kind-hearted woman and
good neighbor, and always, wherever there was sickness and
trouble, she would be found seeking to do something in
alleviation. She is survived by seven children: Messrs. James
and Richard Strong, Mrs. Samuel Marshall, Mrs. Henry and Hannah
L. Strong. Mrs. Nimrod Spiess of the northside is her sister.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, and
services will be conducted at the home by the Rev. H. M.
Chittenden, pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Burial will
be in Godfrey Cemetery.
STRONG, FRANCES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7, 1916
Miss Frances Strong, who has been an invalid for many years,
died this morning at 7 o'clock at the old Strong home in the
North Side where she lived with some of the members of the
family. Miss Strong was taken very ill last Monday with a malady
that caused her death. She was a member of an old time North
Side family, and she leaves two brothers, Richard Strong and
James Strong, and four sisters, Miss Laura Strong, Mrs. Ben
Lageman, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Henry Lageman. Miss Strong was the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Strong, and was born July 1,
1874. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from Trinity chapel on State street. Interment will be in
Godfrey Cemetery.
STRONG, JACOB/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8, 1893
Son of
Founder of Buck Inn (North Alton)
Mr. Jacob Strong died at
his home in North Alton, June 2, 1893, at half past one o’clock
a.m. He was born in Cumberland, England, April 27, 1830. He
leaves a widow and seven children – two sons and five daughters.
He was a son of the proprietor of the old tavern known as “Buck
Inn,” which fifty years ago was the best-known place in all this
vicinity. The present village of North Alton, up to about 25 or
30 years ago, was known as Buck Inn, when the name was changed
to “Greenwood,” and afterwards to North Alton. The Strong family
is a numerous one, and well and most favorably known in all this
region.
STRONG, LAURA A./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 6, 1851
Died in Alton on the 23d ult., after a lingering illness, Miss
Laura A. Strong, aged 21 years, formerly of Union County,
Indiana. She died in the full assurance of a blessed
immortality.
STRUBEL, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 25, 1906
Mrs. Elizabeth Strubel, aged 69, died this
morning after an illness at her home, 737 Market street. Death
was due to general debility. She was a native of Germany, but
had lived in Alton many years. She leaves four children. The
funeral will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. from the home, and
burial will be in City Cemetery.
STRUBEL, FREDERICA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1915
Mrs. Frederica Strubel, widow of Jacob Strubel, died
at noon Friday at her home, 616 East Eighth street, after an
illness of a few days. Mrs. Strubel had been slightly ill for
several months, but the collapse did not come until a few days
before the end came. Mrs. Strubel would have been 79 years of
age had she lived until next Monday. She was born in Germany and
came to Alton when she was a very young woman. She spent all of
her married life here and raised a family of five children,
beside losing five children by death. Her husband, a well known
resident of Alton, died sixteen years ago. Mrs. Strubel was a
member of the German Evangelical Church for many years. After
the death of her husband she was left in charge of his estate
and she manifested much ability in looking after his property.
Mrs. Strubel's children are one daughter, Mrs. M. J. Gill, who
is in Washington D. C., and four sons, William, John, Joseph and
Richard.
STRUBEL, JACOB/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 9,
1899
The death of Jacob Strubel occurred Saturday
afternoon, after an illness of only four days, in the seventieth
year of his age. Last Wednesday he was taken ill and from the
first his illness had a fatal turn. He died at four o'clock
Saturday at his home on Eighth street, between Liberty and Henry
streets. Mr. Strubel was one of the old substantial German
citizens. He came to Alton many years ago and here he raised a
family, most of whom are now residing in Alton. His children are
William Strubel, Mrs. M. J. Gill, John Strubel, Jacob Strubel
and Joseph Strubel. The funeral took place at 2 o'clock this
afternoon from the family home, and there was a very large
attendance, the German Benevolent Society attending in a body.
Services were conducted by Rev. William Hackman. The pall
bearers were: B. Schlageter, N. Seibold, G. Graner, H. Gissal,
William Schmoeller, A. Volper.
STRUBEL, WILBUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1901
Death in one of its dreadful forms came to the home of Mr.
and Mrs. William Strubel last evening on Henry street. Their
little son, Wilbur, aged four years, passed away after an
illness of only a few days with diphtheria. The malady seemed to
be fatal from the beginning, and the parents had but little hope
that their child would recover. The funeral took place this
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services were conducted in St.
Mary's church. Burial was at St. Joseph's cemetery.
STRUBEL, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
23, 1915
Proprietor of Tobacco Store in Alton
William Strubel, for many years a business man in Alton, and
proprietor of a tobacco business on Piasa street, died Tuesday
morning in St. Vincent's Hospital in St. Louis from paralysis.
Mr. Strubel had been in failing health for a long time, and
about two weeks ago he suffered a sudden breakdown. It was
decided necessary to take him to a sanitarium in the hope that
the change would help him....William Strubel was a native of
Alton and had lived in the city all his life. For years he
conducted a grocery store on Second street, and in later years
had been conducting a tobacco store on Piasa street between
Second and Third streets. He comes of a well known Alton family.
His mother died about two years ago. He leaves his wife and two
sons, Alois and Clarence. He leaves also three brothers, John
Strubel, the well known Alton contractor; Jacob of St. Louis;
and Joseph of Chicago. He leaves also one sister, Mrs. M. J.
Gill of St. Louis. The body of Mr. Strubel will be brought to
Alton for burial....Members of the family are in St. louis
making preparations to bring him home.
STRUCK, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18,
1915
Old Soldier Dies
As he would have wished it, the old
soldiers of the city of Alton will bear the body of John Struck
to the soldier's burial ground in the city cemetery tomorrow
afternoon. The funeral is to be held at two o'clock from the
Lock Undertaking parlors. John Struck, an old soldier, aged 80,
died at 9 p.m. on Saturday evening at the St. Joseph's hospital
from an attack of appoplexy. He was well known in Alton and the
vicinity where he has lived for a great many years. Burial will
be in City Cemetery.
STRUCKHOFF, MARY/Source: Troy Star, October 18, 1894
Died, Saturday morning [Oct. 13] at the residence of her
daughter, Mrs. F. W. Stienhaus, in her 75th year, Mary
Struckhoff. The funeral took place from the above residence,
Monday afternoon at 1 o'clock, to the Lutheran church, where the
funeral sermon was delivered by Rev. Doruseif. A large number of
relatives and friends were present. Mrs. Struckhoff has been a
resident of this vicinity for a long number of years, and leaves
to mourn a brother, several children and a host of friends.
STUBBLEFIELD, MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
8, 1910
Wife of Surgeon Dies After Surgical Operation
Mrs. May Stubblefield, wife of Dr. F. A. Stubblefield, a
surgeon in the Illinois Hospital for Insane at Jacksonville,
died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning from appendicitis.
She was visiting her two sons, E. M. and M. L. Stubblefield, two
young men who are farmers near Miles Station, and she was
brought to Alton to be operated on for appendicitis, after being
taken suddenly ill. She was operated on a week ago, but did not
have the strength to survive the shock. Mrs. Stubblefield was 52
years of age, and belonged to the Montgomery family. Her father
was a brother of Z. B. Job. She was born and raised in the
vicinity of Miles Station, where the Montgomery family was
prominent. She will be buried there Saturday noon from the
church at Miles Station. The husband and two sons will remain
here until Saturday, and will accompany the body to Miles
Station. Dr. Stubblefield is a well known doctor, and has long
been connected with the Insane Asylum at Jacksonville, where he
has over 400 patients under his care.
STUCKENBERG, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
7, 1906
Bartender Shot and Killed by Drunken Ex-Convict
Crazed with drink, Christopher Davis, an old soldier, shot and
killed Charles Stuckenberg yesterday afternoon about 5 o'clock
in Fred Immenga's saloon, where Stuckenberg was employed as
bartender. Davis entered the saloon under the influence of
liquor. It is reported that he was enraged because he had been
requested not to patronize the place by Mr. Immenga, and drawing
a revolver as he entered he began firing. The revolver was a six
shooter, and he discharged five shots in the saloon. Two of them
struck Stuckenberg, one in the breast and one in the mouth.
Stuckenberg's mouth was open when the bullet that struck his
mouth was fired, and there was no wound on the outside to
indicate where the ball entered. There were in the saloon at the
time many men, and all of them say that not a word had been
addressed to Davis and that the shooting was without any
provocation. Stuckenberg was at work behind the bar when Davis
began the shooting. Immenga, who had just entered the saloon and
is believed to have been the object of Davis' aim, dropped down
behind the bar and escaped unhurt. Stuckenberg was evidently hit
before he knew what the drink-crazed man was about to do. He
fell to the floor immediately and lived only a short time after
he was carried up to Dr. Porter's office in the next building.
Immediately after doing the shooting, Davis rushed out of the
saloon, and putting the revolver to his own head he tried to
shoot himself but missed, and the ball entered the cigar store
of Gerhardt & Grossheim. Office Pack was nearby and overpowered
Davis and took his revolver away from him. Davis' only coherent
remark after the killing was that he was sorry there was not
another bullet in the revolver for himself. Mayor Beall
requested Sheriff Crowe to remove Davis from the city jail to
the county jail at Edwardsville, and within an hour after the
killing he was on the way to the county jail. Davis is the man
who shot Benjamin Allen of the night police five years ago and
was convicted and served a penitentiary term for it. His time
expired about one year ago. He did the shooting of Ben Allen
without any provocation, as Allen had said nothing to him. Davis
was regarded as being a very violent man when intoxicated. The
body of Stuckenberg was taken to his home on Alby street between
Fifth and Sixth streets, after the sad news had been broken to
his young wife. He leaves beside his wife, who only recently
came to Alton, a young baby. The victim himself was only 26
years of age and was regarded as a very estimable young man.
Sheriff Crowe, who took the murderer to the county jail, says
that Davis showed not the least remorse. He was not so drunk as
he pretended he was, and immediately after getting out of the
city talked as intelligently as anyone. He declared that "they
had brought it on themselves," and he asked if the man was dead.
Davis did the shooting with a new cheap revolver, which he had
just bought, and there is no doubt he bought the weapon for the
purpose of killing Mr. Immenga because Immenga had ordered him
to stay out of the saloon. Stuckenberg lived in St. Louis before
coming to Alton, and the body will be sent there for burial. The
coroner's inquest will be held Monday evening. The body will be
sent to St. Louis Monday morning.
STUPPRICH, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 17,
1900
John Stupprich, an old resident of Wood Station,
died Wednesday morning at 12:30 o'clock, after an illness of
eighteen months. He was 61 years of age, and leaves a wife and
six children. Mr. Stupprich was stricken with paralysis while
riding home from St. Louis on a train a year and half ago, and
had been in a helpless condition since. He was foreman for the
Whitman Agriculture works in St. Louis up to the time of his
illness, and was a well known resident of Macoupin county. The
funeral will take place Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock, and the
services at the home will be conducted by Rev. G. W. Waggoner.
STUTZ, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17,
1900
Mrs. Anna Stutz, wife of John Stutz, one of the best
known German residents of the East End, died this morning after
a long illness, aged 69. Mrs. Stutz had been an invalid nearly
fifteen years, and had suffered great pain. Her death was not
unexpected. Mrs. Stutz lived in Alton almost a half century and
raised a large family of children to be respected residents of
the city. She leaves, beside her husband, six children - Mrs.
Joseph Hermann, Lenhardt Stutz, Lizetta Stutz, Charles Stutz,
Mrs. Annie Moran and John Stutz. The funeral will take place
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be at the
family home on East Second Street.
STUTZ, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 11,
1918
Killed in Auto Accident
Carl Stutz, 21, is dead, Charles
Van Dusen of 126 Missouri Avenue, Wood River is in a critical
condition, and William Carpenter of the Sering Place Avenue was
injured as the result of the auto truck in which they were
riding colliding with a Broadway car at Spring and Broadway
Tuesday night. The accident occurred at 11 o'clock. The four
young men were riding in the Mutz & Klein of Wood River truck.
The truck was being driven by Harry Doerr, an employee of the
company. The young men just out for a ride. They were gong west
on Broadway at the time of the accident. The street car was
traveling east. One witness of the accident says that it
happened because another machine was trying to get out of the
way of the street car at the time. The other machine was also
coming east on Broadway. Doerr tried to give this machine room,
and in doing so his car sideswiped the street car. Both were
going at a good rate of speed at the time. Stutz was riding on
the running board of the car and that is one of the reasons he
was so badly injured. With the exception of Doerr, all were
taken to the St. Joseph's Hospital. Rawling and Carpenter were
able to be removed to their homes after their injuries had been
attended to. Stutz suffered from an injury to the hip and the
head. He died at 1 o'clock this morning. Van Dozen [sic] has
been badly injured and his condition is considered serious by
the attendants at the hospital. Stutz is the son of Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Stutz of 1010 Washington avenue. He was but recently
twenty-one years of age and was preparing to leave Alton for the
army during the month of October. He was a large stout boy, a
fellow well met, who had a large number of friends, especially
in the eastern part of the city. Stutz has one brother, John,
who is now serving with the American army in France. R. G.
Carpenter was motorman of the car, and J. Fink was the
conductor. They stated in their report to the company that the
auto truck ran into them. A light mist that was falling at the
time of the accident might have made it more difficult for the
man in charge of the auto to handle it. The disappearance of
Harry Doerr caused an unusual amount of confusion this morning
at the Mutz & Klein store this morning when the time came for
opening the store. Doerr had the key to the store and it finally
became necessary for the young lady clerks to climb into one of
the windows to open up the store. It was stated at the store
this morning that employees of the Mutz & Klein store were
allowed the use of the auto truck in the evenings, and according
to the statement Doerr would not have been doing anything wrong
in having possession of the automobile, had he driven it with
the proper precaution. Mr. and Mrs. F. V. Mutz are in Detroit,
Mich., on a week's vacation, and Miss Norma Mutz, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Mutz, is in charge of the store during the absence
of her parents. The machine of Mutz & Klein was taken without
the permission of the owners. At 8 o'clock last evening they
believed it had been stolen and called on Constable H. A.
Hoffman. Hoffman reported this morning that he had searched all
around Wood River for the car, but could find nothing of it. He
heard it was in Alton, and by the time he arrived back in Alton
he learned of the accident. Constable Hoffman said this morning
that he had been unable to locate Doerr.
Source:
September 13, 1918
A verdict of accidental death was
returned by the coroner's jury in the case of Carl Stutz. Stutz
was killed Tuesday evening when the auto truck in which he was
riding collided with a street car. The funeral of Carl Stutz was
held this afternoon from the home at 1010 Washington street.
Interment was in the City cemetery. A large number of relatives
and friends of the young man attended the services.
STUTZ, CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1922
The funeral of Mrs. Christina Stutz, wife of Charles Stutz,
took place this afternoon, services being held in the
Evangelical church at Eighth and Henry street, Rev. O. W.
Heggemeier officiating. The church was well filled with friends
and neighbors of Mrs. Stutz when the services began at 1:00
o'clock. The body was entombed in the Grandview mausoleum.
STUTZ, HERMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31, 1902
Herman Stutz, a well known farmer of Foster township, died
last night at his home of typhoid fever. He leaves a widow and
six children, four of them adults. His parents also survive. Mr.
Stutz was a member of the Baptist church, and the funeral will
be held from the Fosterburg Baptist church, Saturday morning at
10 o'clock.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 7, 1902
Fosterburg News - Herman Stutz, one of our
most prominent citizens, succumbed Thursday morning to a long
illness and was relieved. Death, so terrible in its coming, was
made more so by taking away the head of the family, the husband
and father. Mr. Stutz had been confined to his home for several
months, but the disease had been making alarming progress and
the end was expected. The last week he had become completely
exhausted and when death came it was a welcome relief to him. He
was 48 years of age, and in the large circle of friends there is
great sorrow. He bore his protracted sufferings with a patience
that was wonderful and was ever thoughtful of those about him
and grateful for their ministrations. He was a devoted husband
and father and made his home a happy one for his loved ones it
sheltered. Besides his wife and parents, he leaves six children
who mourn the loss of the best of fathers. The funeral was held
at the Baptist church Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, and
services were conducted by Rev. J. F. Moery. There was a large
attendance of the friends of Mr. Stutz and many followed the
body to the cemetery to see it laid away in its sad repose.
STUTZ, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1904
John
Stutz, a prominent old resident of the east end of the city and
the owner of large holdings of real estate, died Friday morning
at 6 o'clock after a brief illness with pneumonia. He was taken
ill the day after Thanksgiving day from the effects of exposure
while working about his place. Mr. Stutz came to Alton from St.
Louis about fifty years ago. He acquired considerable property
on east Second street, and was considered one of the most
substantial residents of that part of the city. He was engaged
on the police force for a number of years. He was 78 years of
age. Mr. Stutz leaves six children: Mrs. Joseph Hermann,
Lenhardt Stutz, Lisetta Stutz, Charles and John Stutz, and Mrs.
Anna Moran. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home, Rev. Theodore Oberhellman
officiating.
STUTZ, LEONARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 21, 1873
Mr. Leonard Stutz, one of the leading German merchants in Alton,
died on Thursday after an illness of several weeks, though until
quite lately his condition was not considered dangerous. He was
a good citizen, and much esteemed by his associates. He was in
the 49th year of his age.
STUTZ, LIZETTA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1916
Mrs. Lizetta Stutz, widow of Leonhard Stutz, died just
before noon Monday at her residence, 1852 East Broadway, from
the effects of injuries she sustained a month ago in a fall in
her home. She stumbled and fell in front of a stove in her
house, and it was found that she had sustained a fracture of her
hip joint. She was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and there she
remained until a week ago, when she insisted on going back home.
Mrs. Stutz was 86 years of age. She had no children. She owned
considerable real estate, but had disposed of most of it in
recent years. She lived many years in the double brick house on
East Broadway between Washington and Shields streets, and was
one of the oldest residents of the eastern part of the city. The
death of Mrs. Stutz removes one of the original members of the
German Evangelical Church at Eighth and Henry streets, and also
one of the original members of the Ladies' Society of that
church, organized over fifty years ago. She is the last of her
family, the only relatives she leaves being nephews and nieces.
STUTZ, PHILIP/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16, 1907
Death of Aged Fosterburg Pioneer
Philip Stutz, aged
82, died Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from old age at his home
in Fosterburg township. He was a pioneer of the county, having
lived in Fosterburg over 56 years. He was married in St. Louis,
and his wife, whom he married 56 years ago, survives him. He
leaves six grandchildren, two of them, Henry Stutz and Mrs.
Henry Chadwick, being residents of Alton. He was a member of the
Baptist church, which he helped to build. The funeral will be
held Monday morning at 10 o'clock from the Fosterburg Baptist
church. Mr. Stutz was a native of Germany, but came to America
when a young man. He lived in Alton for a while and followed the
cooper's trade.
SUCCO, JOE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18, 1915
In a saloon and dance hall conducted by Sam Zameroni at
Collinsville, a shooting affray was started Sunday night, and
after it was over Joe Succo, a member of the orchestra, was
found dead, and Joseph Prisi is dying from a wound in his
bowels. No one would admit knowing what happened or who did the
shooting. All the Italians in the place are keeping silent.
Coroner Sims will attempt to sift the mystery as to how Succo
met his death.
SUDBROCK, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7, 1903
John Sudbrock, aged 33, died Sunday morning at St. Joseph's
hospital after a short illness. He was a son of Henry Sudbrock,
who is ill at the hospital also. Sudbrock was a young
glassblower. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the home of Mr. Will Brandewiede.
SUDBROCK, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13,
1904
John Sudbrock, an aged resident of Alton, died
suddenly at Edwardsville, yesterday, without any apparent
illness previously. Mr. Sudbrock had not been well mentally for
some time. While eating dinner yesterday he fell over dead. He
was over 70 years of age and had been a resident of Alton more
than 80 years. He leaves his wife and two children, Henry
Sudbrock of Delhi, and Mrs. Will Brandewiede of Alton. The body
will be brought to Alton and the funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Will Brandewiede.
SUDBROCK, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1913
Mrs. Minnie Sudbrock, aged 78 years, residing at 1312 Garden
street, was found dead on the floor of one of the rooms of her
home shortly before noon this morning. Neighbors noticed Mrs.
Sudbrock did not come out and they went to investigate. She lay
on the floor, where she had fallen from a chair. Apoplexy is
given as the cause of her death. Mrs. Sudbrock leaves one son,
Henry, and a daughter, Mrs. William Brandeweide. Deputy Coroner
John Berner took charge of the remains. Mrs. Sudbrock had been
living alone at her home for fifteen years. She was the widow of
Henry Sudbrock. She had lived in Alton over fifty years, and was
well known. She had been in fairly good health and the sudden
death of the aged woman was a sad shock to her son and her
daughter. From the appearance of the body it is believed she had
been dead at least twelve hours when found. It was supposed she
had risen in the night and had fallen over. The inquest will be
held tomorrow afternoon.
SUE, PANG/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 12, 1903
Chinese Laundryman Succumbs to Malarial Fever
Pang Sue, the well
known Chinese laundryman, succumbed to a brief illness from
malarial fever Tuesday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock in St. Joseph's
hospital. The funeral will be held Sunday and arrangements for
it are being made by his only relative in this country, Tong
Hong. Pang Sue was no longer a believer in the doctrines of his
native land. He embraced the Christian religion in Cincinnati,
before he came to Alton, and was baptized in the Second
Presbyterian church of Cincinnati. He had been a resident of
Alton thirteen years, and in that time had accumulated large
wealth for one of his nationality. He was implicitly trusted by
those who knew him and was one of the hardest working persons in
Alton. Besides his nephew, Tong Hong, Pang Sue leaves a wife and
a son in China. It is not known how many daughters he leaves, as
Chinese do not count their daughters in enumerating the members
of their families. He was 46 years of age. A few days ago Pang
Sue's illness took a serious turn and it was urged by the
attending physician that he be taken to the hospital. Pang at
last consented after many objections, and he did not long
survive the change. [Burial was in St. Louis]
SUESSEN, MAMIE (nee WIESE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
12, 1906 - Submitted by Marsha Ensminger
Mrs. Mamie Suessen
died Saturday at her home in Liberty Prairie, between Bethalto
and Edwardsville, under circumstances which caused more sorrow
than usual over such a bereavement among her neighbors and
acquaintances. Seven weeks ago, on April 19, Mrs. Suessen, then
Miss Mamie Wiese, was married to George Suessen, a young farmer.
Their marriage was made the occasion of an extensive celebration
in the community. Two weeks ago, while crossing to the house
from a pasture at their place, she essayed to climb a
[illegible]-and-rider fence instead of going around to the gate.
She slipped and fell, one of the timbers striking her in the
side. Blood poison developed on Sunday of last week and she
lived but six days. The funeral was held this afternoon at 1
o'clock. Mrs. Suessen was 19 years old.
SUHRE, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 5, 1902
Fred Suhre, a well known and prosperous farmer of Foster
township, died suddenly Thursday morning at his home, the result
of two paralytic strokes sustained by him Wednesday night. He
had been to a picnic on Wednesday with his family and enjoyed
himself apparently as much as any of them. His health was fairly
good and his sudden death is a shock to his family and friends.
The first stroke of paralysis was experienced early in the
evening, after returning home from the picnic, but he rallied
and was well on the way to recovery when the second stroke was
sustained. He leaves a widow and four children.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1902
Fosterburg
News: Peacefully, as though falling into a deep slumber, closing
his eyes on a world that had been full of cares and full of
joys, Fred Suhre, one of our most prominent citizens, passed
away Wednesday night at the family residence. The community was
shocked to learn of his sudden death. During the day he attended
the Presbyterian Sunday school picnic, and seemed to be enjoying
the best of health until late in the afternoon, when he suffered
a stroke of paralysis. He was removed to his home and his
condition was not considered critical, but later in the night he
became worse and surrounded by members of his family he fell
into the deep sleep that draws the curtain on this life and
reveals to him the mystery of the great beyond. Mr. Suhre was
born in Linnens, Germany, and had just passed his 44th year. He
was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, a generous
contributor to its interests and had been an elder in the church
for many years. To the bereaved widow and the children who
idolized their husband and father, and who in turn gave to them
the fullest measure of love and effection, the hearts of all go
out in tender sympathy. The home, the scene of so many years of
happiness, is now desolate, and we all who loved him too blend
our grief with its inmates in this dark hour when the things of
earth fade away and the outstretched arm of the Almighty Father
appears in the gloom as the only refuge of those left behind.
SUHRE,
HENRY/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, May 24, 1916
The funeral services for Henry Suhre, aged 41 years, whose body
was found in Leclaire lake yesterday afternoon, after he had
been missing from his home for three days, was held this
afternoon at 2 o'clock at the residence of Rudolph Bloemker in
Leclaire. Services were conducted by Rev. H. Rahn, pastor of the
Eden Evangelical Church. The body will be shipped at 7 o'clock
tomorrow morning to Alhambra, where services will again be held
at the home of F. W. Sanders, a brother-in-law. Burial will be
at Alhambra. Coroner J. Morgan Sims of Collinsville conducted an
inquest last evening at the Marks, Weber & Company Undertaking
establishment. The jury returned a verdict that death came by
accidental drowning.
SUHRE, JOHANNA HENDRICKS SCHEIBE/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 7, 1919
Word has been received of the
death in New Orleans of Mrs. Johanna Hendrincks Scheibe Suhre,
71 years old, a former resident. She has two sisters and a
brother living in East Alton: Mrs. Fred Penning, Mrs. Henry
Eckhard, and Henry Hendricks.
SULLIVAN, DANIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 13, 1879
Mr. Daniel Sullivan, an old resident of this city, died at 5
o'clock this morning at the age of about sixty years, after a
long pulmonary illness, during six weeks of which he was
confined to his bed. Deceased was an engineer by occupation, and
had been engaged in that capacity at the National Mills for
twenty years, nine years of the time with D. R. Sparks & Co.
Lacking many of the advantages conferred by education, he was
disinterestedly kind, true hearted, obliging and was greatly
respected by all those with whom he was acquainted. The funeral
took place at the Cathedral at 9 o'clock a.m. Sunday.
SULLIVAN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 17,
1852
Died in Alton on the 7th inst., Elizabeth, infant
daughter of Mr. Daniel Sullivan.
SULLIVAN, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23,
1907
Mrs. Margaret Sullivan, widow of the late P. O.
Sullivan, died this morning at 3 o'clock at St. Joseph's
hospital where she was taken yesterday morning from her home,
222 west Seventh street, at her request. Her death was caused by
the heat combined with old age infirmities. She is survived by
one son, David Sullivan of Chicago. The children of J. C. Meehan
by his first marriage are grandchildren of deceased, and one of
them, Thomas, has lived with his grandmother for years. The body
was taken to the home this afternoon and the funeral will be
held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral. P. O.
Sullivan and wife were among the early day settlers in Alton and
were well known to old settlers. The husband did his part
towards developing the city and was a man whose memory is
cherished by those who knew him.
SULLIVAN, W. T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 12, 1900
W. T. Sullivan, a life-long resident of Alton, died this
morning at 8:30 o'clock at the home of his cousin. W. A. Rice,
1717 East Second street. He had been ill several years with
intestinal cancer and suffered extremely with the disease.
During the last few weeks of his life he was kept under opiates
and his death was looked for to occur at any time. He was 53
years and 8 months of age and was born in Alton. He was the son
of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sullivan, who lived here many years ago,
and he leaves a sister, Mrs. Charles Berry of St. Louis. The
body will be taken to Brighton tomorrow and the funeral will be
Sunday from there.
SUMMERS, HARRY L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
17, 1916
Freight Trains Collide – Fireman Killed
Spectators Burned by Leaking Sulphuric Acid
Harry Summers,
fireman, was killed, and Laurence Hornback, engineer, and H. A.
Rule, conductor of Freight Train Number 120 of the Chicago and
Alton Railroad, were injured Tuesday morning in a head-on
collision of two freight trains on the Chicago and Alton, in the
rear of the Western Military Academy. A mistake in the giving of
orders was the cause of the wreck. The two freight engines, each
pulling trains of cars, came together shortly after eight
o'clock in the morning. The crash could be heard a long
distance. Train Number 89, in charge of Conductor Abbott and
Engineer Gordon Childers, carrying in all 50 cars, was running
from Godfrey on the downgrade. According to the story told by
Childers of Bloomington, he heard the train approaching from the
south, and whistled in an attempt to attract the attention of
the crew of Train 120, which was coming from the south, carrying
Conductor H. A. Rule of Bloomington, Engineer Laurence Hornsback
of Roodhouse, and Fireman Harry Summers of Roodhouse. People who
witnessed the collision said that the crew of Train 89 from the
north left the train and went over into the field before the
smaller local freight train, carrying three cars, crashed into
the big train. Both of the conductors claimed they had a right
of way to the track, and each carried a staff which gave him the
right of way.
At Godfrey, when it was discovered that a
mistake had been made and there were trains on the same track
headed toward each other, an effort was made to avert the
accident. Mrs. S. P. Winters, wife of the section boss, was
called on the telephone at her home in Upper Alton and told to
flag the train from the south. She grabbed a red hat and started
out to flag the train, but the train had rushed past carrying
the fireman to his death.
The cab of the smaller engine
was telescoped into the tender and was reduced as a pile of
junk. This was the cause of the death of Summers. At the time,
he was firing the engine, and he was caught under the debris
between the engine and the tender. Five tons of coal fell upon
him, and it is believed that he was killed at once. If he was
not, he met a more horrible death when the hot steam from the
broken steam pipes thoroughly cooked the body. Hornsback crawled
from out of the wreck only slightly injured. By this time, the
Relief Corps of the Western Military Academy nearby had arrived
on the scene. With axes, they attempted to chop away the debris
and free the fireman who was caught, and who they believed might
still be alive. Their efforts met with little success, however,
and a short time later an engine from Alton came over the cutoff
and pulled the engine and the tender apart. The body of the
fireman was taken out. The dead body was loaded in the city
ambulance and was taken to the hospital, with Engineer
Hornsback. Summers is 37 years of age. He has been divorced from
his wife in Roodhouse, but he leaves two children there.
At least a hundred people were badly burned by the car of
crude sulphuric acid, which sprang a leak shortly after the
wreck. This flowed down into the field near the wreck and the
spectators, who were in a hurry to see the wreck, hurried
through this thinking it was water. Clothing and shoes were
ruined, and several children and others had their feet badly
injured. A number of the doctors who had been called to the
wreck to take care of the injured were called upon to care for
those who were burned. In one instance, Dr. Lemen had his shoes
burned and his stocking burned off his feet by the acid. The
bandages he had carried to the scenes of the wreck, expecting to
use them on the injured, were used upon himself and some of the
other sufferers.
NOTES:
Harry L. Summers is buried in
the Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville, Illinois.
SUMNER, CHARLES JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 24, 1917
Word was received here today of the
death of Charles Sumner Jr., aged 20 years, a resident of Alton,
in Ohio. Sumner's death was caused from pneumonia, with which he
had been ill for several weeks. Charles Sumner was out in Ohio
for the buying of horses for the English army when he became
ill. The father was obliged to return without bringing his son
home. He left with another son, James Sumner, today for Ohio to
make arrangements for the burial and have the body brought to
Alton.
SUNDERLAND, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 30, 1917
Saloon Owner
Robert Sunderland, aged 53, well known
saloon proprietor in Alton, died Monday evening at 7:20 o'clock
at his home after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia. He had
been in a desperate condition the last four or five days of his
life, and all hope for his recovery was given up the last of
last week. Mr. Sunderland leaves his wife, his mother, and four
brothers, Frank, George, William and John Sunderland.
SUTTON, THOMAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1874
Thomas Sutton, a soldier and pension of the War of 1812, died
near St. Jacobs in Madison County on June 24, in the 80th year
of his age.
SUTTER, BARBARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1918
The funeral of Miss Barbara Sutter will be held Thursday at
9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. Interment will be in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
SUTTER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19,
1907
Head of Sutter-Dreisoerner Company
John Sutter, one of Alton's
oldest and best known business men, died at 7 o'clock Tuesday
morning at his residence, 427 east Fourth street. He had been in
feeble health for a week, and his condition had become such that
he was considering going to the hospital for treatment, but was
unable to go after he had decided to do so. He was feeling
better this morning and had gone out into the yard at his home,
before 6 o'clock. Feeling weak, he returned to the house and
collapsed on the back porch. He was taken into the house and
expired there a few minutes later. The death of Mr. Sutter was a
great surprise. Although not actively engaged in the management
of the business with which he was connected, he remained at the
head of the Sutter-Dreisoerner Co. on Third street, and was
about his place of business frequently. Advancing years had
caused him to retire from immediate charge of the business, and
he had turned it over to his son, John Sutter Jr., in connection
with the other members of the company. During his long career as
a business man in Alton, he had merited and received the
universal respect of those who had business dealings with him,
and he was regarded as one of Alton's most reliable and upright
citizens. He had lived in the city over fifty years. He came
here as a poor young man, and by thrift and economy he had built
up a good business. His wife died nine years ago leaving Mr.
Sutter with but one surviving member of his family, his son.
Heart trouble had been causing him to stay at home for about a
week, and owing to his age it was feared that he had little
chance of recovery. John Sutter was born at Solothwin,
Switzerland, April 26, 1829. He came to America when a young
man, and to Alton in 1855. He was married here in 1858, his wife
dying in 1898. He was a carpenter by trade, but in the course of
a business transaction he got possession of an undertaking
business in 1863. He engaged in the furniture business in 1866,
and for four years he was in partnership with John Bauer, who
survives him. In 1870 he sold out his furniture business, and
engaged in the manufacture of furniture for a few years, but he
resumed the retail furniture business later. He leaves beside
his son, only one sister, who is a resident of the old home in
Switzerland and is older than her brother. Mr. Sutter was a
member of the Masonic fraternity for many years, and he held
membership in Piasa lodge of Alton. The funeral will, by his
request, be conducted under the auspices of the order. The
funeral services at the home will be conducted Thursday
afternoon at 3 o'clock, Rev. Ernest Mueller of the German
Evangelical church officiating. At the cemetery the Masonic
burial service will be given.
SUTTER, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1,
1900
Michael Sutter, aged 72, died yesterday morning at
his home near Bethalto, after a long illness with dropsy. He was
an old resident of Madison county, having settled in Wood River
township many years ago, and raised a large family of children
to be estimable residents of the community. Interment will be at
St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SUTTERER, THERESA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
3, 1902
Mrs. Theresa M. Sutterer, wife of Anton Sutterer,
died Sunday morning at the family home, 1205 East Sixth street,
after a long illness from abdominal cancer, aged 43. She was
married twice, her name by her former marriage being Klopfer.
She was born and married the first time in Germany. Her first
marriage was at the age of 17, and she was mother of fourteen
children, six of whom are living. She was well known in the East
End and had many friends. The funeral will be Wednesday morning
at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. Interment will be in St.
Joseph's cemetery.
SUTTON, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23, 1914
Mrs. Anna Sutton, wife of George Sutton, died this morning
at her home in Moro after an illness of a year. A year ago she
fell and broke her hip, and since has been an invalid. She was
73 years of age and has resided in Madison county most of her
life. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon, when the
remains will be taken to Ridgely for burial. Services will be
held in the Christian church there, and Rev. Mr. Grouer will
officiate.
SUTTON, NELLIE WOODVILLE (nee LOWE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, August 15, 1903
Saturday morning at 11:30 o'clock
occurred the death of Mrs. Nellie Woodville Sutton, nee Lowe, at
the home of her brother, W. W. Lowe, after a lingering illness.
She was brought here from her home in Winchester, Ill., a few
months ago, with the hope that the change might cause a rally in
her condition, and she improved for the time, but death has won.
She was born November 9th, 1860, daughter of Sylvester W. and
Sarah A. Lowe, and spent most of her life in Upper Alton where
many know her and affectionately remember her. She leaves a
husband, A. H. Sutton, and two little girls; also two brothers,
John H. and W. W. Lowe, both of Upper Alton. She was a woman of
gentle, kindly spirit, and the break in the family circle is an
exceptionally sad one. The funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m.
from the home of her brother, W. W. Lowe, in Upper Alton.
SWAIN, EVAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 16, 1908
Old Civil War Soldier
Evan Swain, one of the old
residents of Upper Alton, died Tuesday morning at his home on
Annex avenue at 5 o'clock, aged 76 years. Mr. Swain had been ill
for the past two months. His illness commenced with a general
breaking down the latter part of the winter, and his relatives
became worried about his condition, but he improved and became
better but never regained his former strength. The last few days
his condition had been very low and his relatives expected the
end to come at almost any time. Mr. Swain was born in the
southern part of Illinois and had made his home in his native
state almost all his life. He was a veteran of the Civil War and
came to Upper Alton with his family about twenty years ago when
his son, Prof. R. D. Swain, became a member of the faculty of
Shurtleff College. He is survived by his wife and seven
children, Prof. R. D. Swain of Clinton, Ky., Herd Swain of
California, and Whetsel, Charles K., Mrs. U. P. Johnson, Mrs. A.
Neff and Mrs. D. G. Ray of Upper Alton. The funeral will take
place Thursday afternoon from the family home.
SWAIN, GABRIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1845
Died, at Troy, Illinois on the 7th instant, Mr. Gabriel Swain,
son of Mr. John H. Swain, aged 21(?) years.
SWAIN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1914
The man who died at St. Joseph's hospital, without ever having
been able to tell his name, and with no means of ascertaining
his identify, was identified Saturday by a co-laborer who had
worked with him on a farm. The two men had come to celebrate the
birthday of the man who died. They had tarried in Alton
celebrating the birthday as they felt was the most befitting,
and finally they became separated. The man who survived left
town and went to the farm where he worked, but the other stayed.
He evidently tried to walk home, fell in the streets from a
cerebral hemmorrhage, and he never regained his senses. An
autopsy was performed on him, and it was learned that he died
from apoplexy. He was buried in the City cemetery, with a record
made of his proper name. It was thought he would have to be
buried as unknown, but his friend saved him from that kind of a
burial. The name of the man proved to be William Swain, and he
was in his fifty-fourth year. He is said to have relatives in
southern Illinois.
SWAN, AL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1916
Killed at Standard Oil Company
Al Swan, aged 39, who had charge of an
electric hoist in the boiler room at the plant of the Standard
Oil Co., was killed this afternoon, presumably by a fall, when
he was released from an electric contact which had gripped him.
Swan was running a clam shell machine which was used for moving
coal. Overhead was the electric mechanism, and Swan went aloft
after finishing his work, to oil up. It was understood, it is
said, that the electric power was to be shut off before anyone
went aloft to work with it, but Swan evidently overlooked that
part of the precautions enjoined for safety of the men. The
electric current was only a 200 volt current and not strong
enough to kill the man. When he became fast on the contact he
shouted for fellow workmen to throw the switch and release him.
When this was done, Swan toppled over, falling headlong to the
ground and struck on his head. The accident happened during the
afternoon. It was said that it was supposed Swan broke his neck
by his fall. He leaves his wife and four children, who live at
Wood River.
SWANSON, CLARENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
29, 1915
Fatal Accident at Insane Hospital Kills Man
Clarence
Swanson, who lives on the Fosterburg Road, was crushed to death
at 2:10 o'clock this afternoon at the Alton hospital site. He
was a member of a gang of men employed by Charles Brandt, who
had bought an old barn on the Kirkpatrick farm and was having it
torn down to be removed elsewhere. The barn was all down except
the frame work, which was heavy, and had been up many years.
Just as work of removing the frame work was started, the whole
structure swayed and fell. Swanson was the only man caught. A
heavy timber of the frame fell across the head and chest,
killing Swanson instantly. He was said to be about 25 years of
age, and to have a wife.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1915
The funeral of Clarence Swanson, the young colored man
killed Monday afternoon at the State Hospital, was held this
afternoon at his home at Woods Station, and burial was at the
Salem Cemetery. Swanson was killed by a heavy timber striking
him on the head when the framework of the old barn on the
Kirkpatrick place collapsed and fell. He was not employed on the
ground at all, but he had gone to the site of the old barn to
mark some of the timbers in the framework, as he intended to
rebuild the barn for the man who purchased it. Robert Walker,
also a farmer at Woods Station, had bought the old barn and he
had awarded the contract to Swanson to set the barn up on his
farm just as it stood at the state hospital farm. Walker was
tearing down the barn and hauling the material himself, and
Swanson desired to mark the big oak timbers at the joints where
they were put together with wooden pins in order that he might
know how to put the building up as it was originally. It was
while marking these timbers that the frame gave way against the
high wind that was blowing. He was a very industrious young man,
and was well thought of by his white neighbors.
SWANSON, RUTH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 2,
1906
One Year Old Child Burns to Death
Ruth, the 1 year old
child of Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Swanson, living at 114 east Sixth
street, was fatally burned about 6 o'clock Thursday evening in
the family home, and died less than three hours later. Mrs.
Swanson was obliged to go to a neighboring store to get
something for the evening meal, which she was preparing to serve
when her husband arrived home, and she left her two little
children in the house, one a boy, Emil, who is over three years
of age, and the other the little daughter, who was just learning
to toddle. While the mother was away from home, the little boy
found a match, and striking it, threw it down on the floor near
his little sister, a pretty little child who was just learning
to toddle around the house. The little girl sat down on the
burning match and her clothing was set afire. The little
brother, realizing the danger, began crying, and the two started
from the dining room to the front hall to wait for their mother,
who was being detained several minutes in doing her errand. E.
G. Meriwether was riding by on horseback on Sixth street, and
glancing toward the house noticed a tongue of flame rising in
the room, and he jumped off his horse and hastily ran to make an
investigation. He saw the little girl standing quietly in the
front hallway with the flames leaping up her dress and the
little brother standing near crying. Mr. Meriwether was unable
to open the door, as it was locked, so he broke the plate glass
in the front door and jumping in through the opening made, he
seized a rug on which the child was standing, wrapped it around
the little girl, extinguishing the fire in her garments. When
the mother arrived, Mr. Meriwether, with some other men who had
followed him into the house, had torn the burning garments from
the child, but the burns already inflicted on the back and
shoulders and hips were so deep and extensive that Dr. H. W.
Davis, who was hastily summoned, could hold out no hope of
recovery. The body was taken to Peoria today at noon for burial.
Mr. Swanson is agent for the Illinois Car Service Association
and is also secretary of the Commercial club. Mrs. Swanson came
here from Peoria about one year ago, bringing he4r two little
children, and the family have since been keeping house on Sixth
street.
SWARTZ, DAVID/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 24, 1921
Monticello Employee for 45 Years
David Swartz, who has been
in the employ of the Monticello Seminary for the past 45 years,
died at his home on the Seminary grounds last night at 10
o'clock at the age of 62 years. From a young helper on the
place, Swartz advanced in responsibility at the Seminary until
for a past number of years he has been in charge of all the
works on the grounds. He was a valuable employee and gave
excellent service. He will be greatly missed next year when the
young girls return to take up their studies at the institution.
Mr. Swartz was well known to young women who received their
education at the Seminary since he first became connected with
the school. He was born in Alton in 1858, and resided her during
his childhood and until he went to the Seminary to be employed.
He is survived by his widow, two children and four
grandchildren. The children are Mrs. George Ilch of Alton and
George Swartz of Godfrey. He also leaves a brother, Joseph
Swartz, and a sister, Mrs. R. L. Kline, both of St. Louis. The
funeral will be held Monday morning at nine o'clock from the SS.
Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Interment will be in Greenwood
Cemetery.
SWATTER, H. R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1910
Brakeman Killed Under Cars
H. R. Swatter, a
brakeman on the Bluff line freight 47, was instantly killed
Monday morning while trying to get off his train at the Alton
depot. The train was still in motion, and when Swatter's feet
touched the granitoid pavement he slipped and fell under the
cars. Swatter, a gray-haired man, said to be about 45, leaves a
wife and three children at Springfield. He was an old,
experienced railroad man, having followed the business since
boyhood. He was formerly a conductor on the Wabash, and taught
the trade to W. A. Constant, who was conductor on the train on
which Swatter was working. Swatter was three cars back of the
engine when he attempted to get off, and fell. Three cars ran
over him, and he was dragged about 18 feet. His body was cut in
two. The train was about to stop anyhow, and the engineer made a
quick job of coming to a stand. Coroner Streeper took charge of
the body soon after the accident. It was said by the railroad
men who worked with Swatter he had been with the Bluff Line five
or six years. His hair was prematurely gray and he had an old
appearance. He was of gigantic size and very strong physically.
SWEET, JULIA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29,
1904
Mrs. Julia M. Sweet, wife of Fred Sweet, died today
shortly after 1 o'clock. Mrs. Sweet was ill only a few hours.
She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Coas. L. Joesting,
and was in her 23d year. She was a most interesting young woman,
beloved by her young husband and parents. She has been called
away as she was entering upon the threshold of young motherhood,
and to her many friends and relatives her death will be a severe
blow. The funeral will probably be on Sunday.
SWEET, N. F. (LIEUTENANT)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30,
1883
Captain J. H. Crane, Secretary of the Cemetery Board,
has received a letter from the War Department authorizing him to
turn over the remains of Lieutenant N. F. Sweet to the U. S.
Quartermaster at St. Louis, for interment in the National
Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. The body of Lieutenant Sweet, as
will be remembered by many of our readers, has laid in the vault
at the gate of the City Cemetery since August 1862, and as it is
the intention to tear down that structure, some action in the
case became necessary, and the government authorities were so
notified. They decline to pay anything for vault charges.
SWETTENHAM, ALONZO/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1908
Alonzo Swettenham, aged 60, died last night at his home
after a long illness from Bright's disease. He had lived in
Upper Alton many years and was known throughout the country in
the vicinity of the village, as he carried on a business that
took him out in the country much. His funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and
burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. He leaves a wife and four
daughters, Mrs. Henry Blase, Mrs. Clarence Sweeney, Mrs. Bates,
and Miss Marian Swettenham.
SWETTENHAM, LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28,
1919
Mrs. Louise Swettenham, wife of Virgil Swettenham,
26 years of age, died yesterday afternoon at her home, 1400
Highland avenue, following an illness of a week. She had been
complaining for some time but had been seriously ill only about
a week. Mrs. Swettenham is survived by her husband; a daughter,
Bernardine, five years old; her father, August Hauty; three
brothers, James and Lawrence Hauty of Alton, and Joseph, who is
in the army and stationed in Panama; and three sisters, Frances,
Josephine and Gertrude Hauty, all of Alton. The funeral will be
Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church, where
requiem mass will be celebrated and interment will be in
Greenwood Cemetery.
SWIFT, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 8, 1905
Mrs. Annie Swift, wife of Thomas Swift of Fourteenth and
Alby streets, was found dead in bed about 2 o'clock Saturday
morning. She had been suffering from an acute illness for two
days and was considered as being very ill. About midnight her
husband was with her and she had become very quiet and he
thought she had fallen into a natural sleep. At 2 o'clock she
was still so quiet that an investigation was made and it was
found the woman was dead and her body was cold. The attending
physician said she must have been dead several hours when found,
and therefore she must have been dead at midnight when it was
supposed she was sleeping. Mrs. Swift was 30 years of age, and
beside her husband leaves five children, the oldest of which is
14 years of age. The body will be taken to Grafton Sunday.
SWIFT, HENRY CAMPBELLL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
16, 1917
Built the First Streetcar Line in Alton
Henry C.
Swift died last night at 9:40 o'clock at the old residence of
the family on College Avenue in Upper Alton at the age of 83,
after an illness which started in April. Mr. Swift was an
old-time civil engineer, and was one of the best-known old
residents of the city of Alton. Mr. Swift's passing marks the
close of a long life devoted in civil engineering and public
affairs. He built the first streetcar line in the city of Alton,
he constructed the fortifications around Newport, Kentucky under
General Lou Wallace in 1862, was city engineer of Alton six or
seven terms, and was connected with the engineering department
of the city about fifteen years. In spite of his great age, Mr.
Swift had been active up to the time of his first illness in
April, and he was at work on the paving of the Upper Alton
streets at the time of his death. He had been active up to the
last.
Henry Campbell Swift was born in Falmouth,
Massachusetts, on August 1, 1834, and he would have been 83
years old in two weeks had he lived that long. Mr. Swift was
educated in a civil engineering college in Boston. He was a
member of an old and prominent New England family and he had
every advantage of refinement and culture, graduating from the
school at the age of 18 years. Immediately after graduating he
came to Alton and has been a resident of this city ever since.
He was married in Alton on April 20, 1859 to Miss Loice C.
Batcheller, who survives him. Besides the widow, Mr. Swift is
survived by three daughters - Mrs. Frances Guillet of Alton;
Mrs. Carrie Cox of Chicago; and Miss Cornelia M. Swift of Alton.
Five grandchildren also survive. Mr. Swift was taken into the
office of the city engineer at Alton when he first came to the
city. In 1857, after he had been here about three years, he was
elected to the office of city engineer. He continued in the
office a number of years. In later years he was given the office
a number of times until he had served in all about seven terms
as city engineer. He assisted later on with the work in the
office many times, and in all was connected with the office more
than fifty years.
Mr. Swift was twice president of the
Upper Alton Board of Trustees, and served a number of years on
the Upper Alton school board. He was acting as a supervisor of
the street paving work in Upper Alton at the time of his death.
The great delay in the work was very worrisome to him, and he
wanted very much to see the work completed. He was very proud to
be on the job at the age of 83. In spite of his great age his
keen eye never failed him and he was almost as efficient in his
work as he was in his younger days.
Mr. Swift had charge
of building the Bluff Line into Alton. When the horse car line
was built in Alton, Mr. Swift engineered the work, and later on
he built the steam motor line that operated by way of Middletown
between the City Hall and Upper Alton. When the electric street
car system was built, Mr. Swift engineered the work also. Before
Alton ever had a car line, Mr. Swift built a macadam road from
the City Hall to the Wood River bridge, east of the city limits.
His work took him into many different parts of the country and
he worked in many different States of the Union, but all the
time he maintained his residence in Alton. He had lived many
years in the house where his death occurred, his wife's family
having occupied the place 69 years ago. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and services will be
conducted in the home on College Avenue by Rev. F. W. Stewart.
Friends of the family are invited to attend the services in the
home. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery will be private.
SWIFT, NELLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 8,
1911
Mother Dies Playing With Babes - Ill Long Time
Mrs.
Nellie Swift, wife of William Swift, died under tragic
circumstances this afternoon about 1 o'clock at her home on Alby
street, near the old city limits. Surrounded with her little
family of children, the youngest of whom was 4 months old and in
the mother's arms, she was playing and amusing her smallest
children. The mother had been sick a long time with a goitre of
the neck, which had caused her much suffering. She was able to
be up and around and was having a gay time with the little
folks, playing childish games, when suddenly she collapsed. The
mother heart had snapped as she was at her happiest, and she
went out of her suffering. The attending physician, Dr. D. L.
Duggan, said this afternoon that the goitre on her neck had
affected her heart and that her death was due to this fact. The
husband too has been very sick, and the little family have had
more than their share of sadness. Mrs. Swift was a good mother
to her children, and her children were strongly attached to her,
so that her death under the circumstances has an added touch of
tragedy.
SWIGGLESON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15,
1902
The funeral of Henry Swiggleson was held this
morning at 9 o'clock and services were conducted in St. Mary's
church by Rev. Fr. Meckel. Burial was at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
SWINNEY, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 2, 1848
We
regret to state that a man named James Swinney, while employed
in loading rock from the quarry below the Penitentiary in a scow
on the river, on last Tuesday afternoon, unfortunately fell into
the water and was drowned before any assistance could reach him.
The deceased, we understand, was from the parish of Cantolisk,
County Cork, Ireland, and has a brother, sister, and other
relatives living in Louisville, Kentucky. The body has not yet
been found. His effects are in the possession of Morris Carroll
in Alton.
SYKES, BLANCHE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
20, 1903
Blanche Sykes, daughter of B. F. Sykes, died
Thursday afternoon at the family home in East End place after a
long illness from consumption. She was 23 years of age. The
funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock and services were
conducted by Rev. S. D. McKenny.
SYNAR, ALICE/Source: Syracuse, New York Post Standard, August
6, 1904
Alton Father, Daughter And 6 Playmates Drown In
Mississippi
[Note: For more information see Michael
Reilly obituary]
While bathing in the Mississippi river
tonight, Michael Riley, his daughter and six of the latter's
little girl friends were drowned. One child was rescued. Riley
lived near the river in the southern part of the city and was
accustomed to bathe on the beach in front of his home after his
return from work. Tonight his little daughter begged to go with
him. and Riley took her and seven of her girl friends to the
beach with him. When they entered the water, Riley bade the
children join hands and they all waded Into the river and walked
along a sandbar which stretches out into the stream at that
point. They had gone some distance from the shore, when suddenly
the whole party disappeared beneath the water, having in the
darkness stepped from the sandbar, into the deep channel. The
children struggled and screamed, fighting desperately to reach
the sandbar, where the water was only a foot or so in depth.
Riley who is said to have been a good swimmer. Is thought to
have been made helpless by the girls clinging to him and
hampering his efforts to save them. The only one in the party to
regain the sandbar was Mary Timiny, 8 years old. The child is
unable to tell how she saved herself. Riley was 32 years old,
and the ages of the children drowned ranged from 8 to 14 years.
Four of the bodies have been recovered.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8, 1904
The families of
John Synar and John Marshal united, and the bodies of their
daughters, Alice Synar and Ruth Marshall, were taken to the
Methodist church where services were conducted at one time. Rev.
G. W. Waggoner was to have assisted with the services, but owing
to illness he was unable to do so, and Rev. Peterson of the
Washington street Methodist church served in his place. Rev. Mr.
Peterson conducted brief services at the Synar home at 1:30
o'clock, and Rev. W. H. Ganneway conducted services at the
Marshall home at the same hour. The two funeral corteges met at
the corner of Edwards and Manning street at 8 o'clock, where
they united and went to the Methodist church, where both
ministers made addresses. The two little girls had been close
schoolmates, and their respective school room scholars sent
beautiful flowers as a token of their sympathy. There were many
other beautiful offerings. The following young men carried the
casket of Alice Synar: Harry Dorsett, Henry Karsten, Harry Lowe,
Grover Christy, Ray Black, Homer Clark. Following were the
pallbearers for Ruth Marshall's casket: Paul and Earl Ganneway,
John and Harry Hackett, Grover Lowry and Jaye Deem. The church
was filled to its capacity with friends and relatives of the
deceased. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery. All places of business
were closed and the public school bell was tolled during the
funeral services in Upper Alton.
SYNAR, MABEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
14, 1901
Miss Mabel Synar, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
Synar of Upper Alton, died last night in St. Louis at the home
of Mrs. Emil Appel, 1013 Missouri avenue, where she had been
visiting. The young lady had been in poor health and had gone to
St. Louis for a visit in hope that the change would do her good.
Her death was sudden, but her father and motheer were notified
of her se4rious condition and reached her bedside before death
occurred. She was twenty-three years of age and well known in
Upper Alton. She was an interested worker in the Upper Alton
Methodist church, and was a leader in the Sunday school work
also, being a teacher in a class. She was beloved by all who
knew her, and her death is a sad chock to her many friends as
well as her immediate family. The body will be brought home
tonight.
SZOPKO, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6,
1914
Did He Fiddle Himself to Death? Man Dies After Big Dance
John Szopko, aged 38, an Austrian boarding at the Peter
Fekete boarding house in Benbow City, is believed to have
fiddled himself to death from heart exertion at a dance held in
Benbow City last night. After the dance was over, he retired
feeling in apparently good health, but was found dead in bed
this morning when attendants of the boarding house went to call
him for breakfast. John Russe, his bed mate, slept soundly all
night along by his side, and did not know until this morning
that his partner was dead. It was said in Benbow City this
morning that Szopko was a good fiddler and that he always became
highly enthusiastic about his musical work while playing. He
played almost continuously from 7 o'clock on to midnight before
the party broke up, but did not feel any serious effects of the
playing. He is said to have remarked to the guests that he
believed he might play himself to death some time, but it was
only in a joking manner that he said it, and not because he felt
any particular illness. Szopko is married, leaving a wife in
Austria. Coroner's Undertaker John Berner was notified, and he
came down this morning to look after the body. The inquest will
be held tomorrow, and the funeral will be held from St. Mary's
church and the burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.