Madison County ILGenWeb

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Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser

 

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TABOR, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 6, 1872
John Tabor, an old settler of Madison County, died on Sunday last at his residence near Alhambra.

 

TAGGART, SAMUEL B. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1911
Rev. Samuel B. Taggart, a retired Presbyterian clergyman, died shortly before noon Tuesday at his residence on Washington avenue in Upper Alton. He had been in failing health for over a year, and five weeks ago offered a complete mental and physical breakdown. Since then he has been helpless in his home. His death was due to old age. Had he lived ten days longer, he would have been 78 years of age. He had been retired from active work in the ministry for 29 years. He came to Upper Alton thirty-three years ago as pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church, which he served four years. He had bought a 50-acre tract in Upper Alton, now a part of the city of Alton, and on giving up his work as a clergyman he retired to the place and devoted his life to farming. He was a man of great mental attainment and his services were frequently called for, until recent years, to fill vacancies in pulpits and his sermons were known for their scholarly wisdom and their deep philosophy. He was born March 31st, 1833, at Canonsburg, Pa. He was educated in what is now Washington and Jefferson college, and graduated there in 1856. He completed his theological education at Princeton, where he graduated in 1861, and he was planning, up to the time he was prostrated, to go back to Princeton this year to attend the golden jubilee of his class. He spent thirty years preaching in Indiana and Illinois. He was married to Frances Rockwell at Sullivan, Ind., February 18th, 1863, and she survives him. He leaves five children, Mrs. W. J. Sewall of Carthage, Mo.; A. M. Taggart of Chicago; Miss Anna Taggart of Murphysboro, Ill.; Mrs. H. J. Steinberg of Mason City, Iowa; and L. M. Taggart of Upper Alton. He leaves one grandchild, a son of S. B. Taggart Jr., who died in Chicago 14 years ago. He leaves also three brothers, John Taggart of Beaver Falls, Pa., M. R. Taggart of Pittsburg, Pa., David Taggart; and a sister, Mrs. Rachel McKee of Olathe, Kas. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home in Upper Alton.

 

TAKE, SOPHIE (nee ALDRUP)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday, January 11, 1893
Mrs. Sophie Take, nee Aldrup, died on Tuesday, 3rd inst., aged 76 years and 23 days. She was the widow of William Take who died in 1881. The funeral took place from the residence of her son-in-law- H. F. Dankenbring on Thursday. The ceremony was unostentatious but not less impressive. Around the bier stood assembled with the mourners, her seven daughters with their husbands and her only son and his wife. The daughters are: Mrs. Sophie Giese, Maria Bardelmeier, Louise Frickenstein, Lena Dankenbring, Catherine Hoge, Minnie Bode, Mathilda Schaeffer; the son is Hy Take, and his wife, Louise Stahlhut. She leaves besides these 34 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The services were conducted by Rev. Carl Kunzman, who delivered a forcible sermon. The passbearers were six grandchildren, Edward Giese, Ed Bardelmeier, Julius Bardelmeier, Rudolph Frickenstein, H. Bankenbring and Julius Bode. A large concourse of friends accompanied the remains to their resting place and paid the last tribute of respect to the venerable lady. She was a native of Germany, and came to this county over fifty years ago. Her husband, William Take, preceded her two years. Together they labored faithfully and in course of years acquired a compotency. The character of the parents was transmitted to the children, and they too have become useful and esteemed members of the community. It can well be said that her life had been one of activity and toil, but that God's blessing lead her safely.

 

TALMAGE, INEZ/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1916
Mrs. Inez Talmage, wife of Howard Talmage, died Wednesday morning at 6:10 o'clock at the family home, 1808 Jersey street, after an illness of five days. Mrs. Talmage was 55 years old. She had been in fairly good health up to last Thursday, and she was down town that afternoon but was feeling badly. Thursday night she became very ill and on Friday she showed signs of having suffered a stroke of paralysis. This, together with a complication of other troubles, was responsible for her death. Mrs. Talmage attended the closing exercises at Horace Mann school two weeks ago today, and she suffered a fall at the school which caused her a painful injury to one of her knees and she was of the opinion that the fall was partially responsible for her sickness, but it is not known whether it did or not. After the stroke of paralysis, Mrs. Talmage never spoke and she was in a semi-conscious condition after that time until her death this morning. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Anderson, former old residents of Upper Alton, who left here about twenty years ago for Dallas, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson both died in Texas. Mrs. Talmage was born at Effingham August 5, 1861. She was married to Mr. Talmage at Godfrey in 1881. She had lived in Upper Alton practically ever since her marriage 35 years ago. She leaves four brothers, John, Will and George Anderson of Sherley, Arkansas, and Frank Anderson of Dallas, Texas; and one sister, Miss Lora Anderson of Sherley, Arkansas. A message was sent this morning to her brothers and sister, but as yet they have not been heard from. The funeral arrangements will not be made until members of the family arrive at Alton.

 

TANEAKAS, NICK/Source: Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1914
Greek Boy Drowns in East Alton
A Greek boy, aged twenty two, who is known as Nick Taneakas, was drowned at two-thirty this afternoon at the foot of Illinois avenue while swimming from the sand bar at that place. Binakos was said to be a fairly good swimmer and the cause of his death is still uncertain. According to his companions, George Rogue and James Draper, who were with him at the time of the accident, Binakos [sic] dived into the river from the bar and never returned to the surface. Whether he was caught in a fishing net or carried away by the undercurrent is unknown.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15, 1914
The body of Nick Taneakas, the Greek who was drowned while swimming in the Mississippi River at the foot of Illinois avenue Saturday afternoon, was found yesterday morning at nine o'clock by James Draper. The body was turned over to the deputy coroner, John Berner at once, and the funeral was held at two o'clock this afternoon to the city cemetery. An inquest was held at noon today. The White Hussar band headed the funeral cortege from the home in Illinois avenue to the city cemetery, and played funeral dirges on the way. Each member of the band was attired in white, this being their first appearance in summer uniforms.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 16, 1914 Unusual Funeral
Altonians, who happened to witness Monday evening the funeral services for Nick Taneakas, the Greek who was drowned Saturday, are talking about the unusual features ever sinces. The body was in state in the big hall in Illinois avenue, and funeral services were conducted there by two Greek priests from St. Louis. When the cortege started from the hall to the city cemetery, there was a hearse in line, but it had nothing to carry. The White Hussars headed the procession; then came a man bearing the lid of the coffin on his shoulder, the open casket containing the dead man followed, borne by six of his former companions; behind the casket came three men bearing floral offerings; then came the two Greek clergymen swinging urns in which incense was burning, and the fumes of which filled the air. At the cemetery, before the open coffin was lowered in the grave, the priests spread oil over the face of the deceased and sprinkled it over his body. Then they placed a couple of shovels of dirt on the face and over the clothing. The flowers were then placed in the coffin, and the lid was finally fastened on. The ceremonies were the strangest, most curious ever witnessed in Alton, it is said. It will be remembered that companions of Nick Taneakas, who was drowned in the river at the foot of Illinois avenue Saturday afternoon, reported that he never was seen after making his first dive in the river, and they could not understand what caused his failure to come up. When the body was recovered, the reason was plain enough. His hands and arms were drawn together, it is said, by fish lines, and the lines were encircling his neck. "The river is full of trot lines down there," one man told a Telegraph reporter, "and he must have become entangled in some of them when he made the dive. His struggles to get loose from the lines undoubtedly served to cause them to wrap themselves around his arms and neck, and he was powerless to arise or call for help." The young Greek was a good swimmer, his friends claim, and he was a strong young man, but he was not strong enough to break loose from the trot lines.

 

TANNER, GUY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 21, 1918
Guy, the 11 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy W. Tanner, died at noon today at St. Joseph's hospital from the effects of injuries he sustained Thursday night in an automobile accident on Belle street. The child's skull was fractured near the base when he was struck by the automobile, and he never regained consciousness. All hope of his showing any improvement was given up Friday afternoon and the parents were informed that he had but a short time to live. The parents have six children, this death being the first in their family. The funeral time has not been decided upon.

 

TANSEY, DOUGLAS/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6, 1864
Died in Alton on Saturday a.m., April 30, Douglas, infant son of Robert P. and Maria Tansey, aged two years and ten months. The funeral will take place from the family residence on Sunday at three o’clock p.m.

 

TAPHORN, GERHARD "GERALD" (DOCTOR)
March 7, 1929
Dr. Gerhard “Gerald” Taphorn was born September 21, 1864 in Beckemeyer, Clinton County, Illinois. He was the son of John Gerhard and Elisabeth Werner Taphorn. Passionate for the study of medicine and surgery, Gerald saved his money and attended medical school. He moved to Alton in about 1890, and married Mary Theresa Schaefer. They had three children – Madeline Taphorn Morrissey, Josephine Taphorn Heintz, and C. Louise Taphorn Hoefert.

Soon after Taphorn’s arrival in Alton, Dr. Emil Gueltch died and left an opening for a new doctor. Taphorn opened a practice in Alton, and built up a large clientele. Night and day, he would answer calls, driving long distances into the country over harsh roads with horse and buggy. He earned a reputation of being a skillful surgeon and a good doctor. One of his characteristics was to said little. He was a man of action, but not of words. Kindly and gentle in his professional visits, he was generous in helping those in need.

Taphorn didn’t take much time off from his work, but occasionally took a vacation when needed. In January 1929, he suffered from an attack of the flu. When he regained his strength, he started for a trip with his daughter, Miss Josephine, to the South on February 1. On his return trip home, he made a visit to Washington D. C. He was visiting with his daughter at the home of an old friend, formerly of Alton, who had stayed over after the inauguration period at the Capital. Taphorn suffered a stroke and was taken to a hospital. He died there on March 7, 1929, two hours after his collapse.

News in Alton of his death caused widespread sadness. He was one of the founders of the Citizens National Bank, and his medical care helped many of the afflicted. His remains were brought to Alton, and buried in the St. Patrick Cemetery in Godfrey. His wife, Mary Theresa Taphorn, had died in 1928. Their home was located at 510 Seminary Square in Alton. The home still stands.

 

TAPPAN, H. V. A., HON./Source: Alton Weekly Courier, July 9, 1852
We deeply regret to learn that H. V. A. Tappan, a well-known and most worthy citizen of Bunker Hill, Macoupin Co., was drowned during night before last in Wood River, at the crossing beyond Upper Alton. His body was found yesterday morning. Any of the attending circumstances of the case, we have been unable to learn, and it is probable they are unknown. The general opinion is that Mr. Tappan, while proceeding home, missed the bridge or proper crossing in the darkness, or, some of the bridge planking may have been carried off by the sudden freshet. It is difficult to realize that the talented, gentlemanly and kind hearted Tappan has gone forever from our midst. We cannot realize that the kind friend who left our office, after a pleasant social chat at 4 o'clock on Thursday afternoon, was in an hour or two numbered with the dead. How suddenly does death sometimes come among us, and youth, virtue, or talent, as in the case of Tappan, find no exemption from the dread destroyer.

Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1852
We are pained to learn that on Thursday evening last, H. V. A. Tappan, Esq., of Bunker Hill, was drowned while attempting to cross a small creek on the Hillsboro Road, a few hundred yards beyond the Wood River. He left Alton only a few hours before, and was on his way on horseback to Mr. William Gill’s on business connected with the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad Company. The recent heavy rains had overflowed the whole of the Wood River Bottom, and the bridges were covered by the water. It is supposed his horse missed the flooring of the bridge, and falling off the abutment, precipitated Mr. Tappan against a large log, which projected out of the water. He had been warned by his friends against attempting to cross, and had assured them, if he apprehended any difficulty, he would return. Mr. Tappan was a warm-hearted man, and a talented lawyer, and his loss will be sincerely felt and deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He leaves a wife and two interesting children to deplore his untimely end.

 

TARBELL, JAMES (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1906
Civil War Soldier and Famous Chess Player Dies
James Tarbell, age 89, died suddenly at his home in Upper Alton Friday afternoon about 5 o'clock, from heart disease. He was found dead lying in the yard by his wife, who is 87 years of age, and to whom he had been married for sixty-three years. Mr. Tarbell went out in the yard about 5 o'clock, and being a strong, hardy man for his years he was engaged in some physical labor for the sake of exercise when he fell over dead. His wife, on going to see what kept him out and what he was doing, found him lying on the ground dead. The sudden death of Mr. Tarbell was a great shock to the many friends of the old man as well as to the aged companion of sixty-three years. He was in good health apparently, and there was no indication that the golden bowl would be broken so soon. He was in possession of all his faculties and was able to enjoy the good things of life. He still had great interest in the ordinary affairs of life and kept himself well informed on current events. He was a man of kindly nature, a good neighbor, and a devoted companion to his wife. James Tarbell was a native of Springfield, Vermont, and was born 89 years ago last November 26. His father was the first ordained pastor of the Springfield Congregational church. He came to Alton shortly after the close of the Civil War, wearing the title of Captain, having served as Captain of a Vermont regiment during the Civil War. He was badly wounded in the leg at the battle of Gettysburg. He moved to Godfrey after coming to Alton to join his sister, Mrs. S. T. Sawyer. After living at Godfrey a short time he moved to Alton, thirty years ago, and made his home in Upper Alton. He was a famous chess player, probably one of the best in the United States, and played in many tournaments. He made a deep study of the game and he furnished many of the chess problems which interested players in years ago. He was beaten seldom, and there were few who could match him in playing. Capt. Tarbell leaves beside his aged wife, five children: Mrs. James M. Barr, wife of the general manager of the Seaboard Air Line of Norfolk, Va.; Mrs. William Powell of New York; Mrs. Charles B. Johnson of Upper Alton; and Messrs. George and Frank Tarbell of Baker City, Oregon. Messages were received from the two daughters that they would be here to attend the funeral. It is not known that the sons can get here. The funeral will probably be held Monday and will be private, owing to the dangerous condition of Mrs. Tarbell, who has been prostrated since finding the body of her husband in the yard and it is not expected that she will survive him long. Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul's Episcopal church will conduct the funeral services.

 

TARBELL, SARAH J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1917
Widow of Captain James Tarbell
Mrs. Sarah J. Tarbell, widow of Capt. James Tarbell, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. B. Johnson, 2503 Donald avenue, Friday evening at 8:15 o'clock. Mrs. Tarbell was Alton's oldest resident. She observed her ninety-ninth birthday last April 25, and members of her family had been hoping that she would last to pass her century mark. The aged lady, however, did not have any such hopes. When told from time to time that they hoped to keep her with her family at least until after the would-be a hundred years of age, Mrs. Tarbell said that she did not expect to live to see her hundredth anniversary, as she was not feeling strong. She had retained all her faculties up to the end. The close of her long life came after a sleep of about eight hours. At noon she quietly went to sleep and she continued to slumber peacefully until the spark of life went out. Mrs. Tarbell leaves three daughters, Mrs. C. B. Johnson, with whom she lived; Mrs. James Barr of Terra Cera, N. C.; and Mrs. William Powell of Montclair, N. J. Her husband died at the age of 92. He was an old retired river captain. One day he fell dead in the yard at the home in Upper Alton. She came of a long lived family too, many of her relatives living to old age. Notwithstanding her great age, Mrs. Tarbell had not been ill, and death was due to the weakness of old age. The end of her unusually long life came peacefully while she was asleep. She was up last Sunday almost all day, but since that time she was confined to her bed. Her daughter, Mrs. C. B. Johnson, said she could see her mother failing rapidly during the past two or three weeks, and on this account the end last evening was expected. Since last Sunday when the aged lady was sitting up her last time, she had slept the greater part of the time. Mrs. Tarbell had been a resident of Alton about 40 years. She was born in Holderness, New Hampshire on April 25, 1818, and she had entered the hundredth year of her life about three weeks ago. She was married to James Tarbell about 70 years ago, and at the time of her death in Upper Alton, on March 9, 1906 the couple had observed the 60th anniversary of their marriage a short time before. Mr. Tarbell was a Civil War veteran, and at the close of the war he came West, locating at Godfrey. He had been a farmer all his life. He retired from work some years later and moved to Upper Alton where the couple spent the remainder of their lives. Three daughters survive: Mrs. C. B. Johnson of Alton, with whom Mrs. Tarbell made her home for a number of years after she broke up housekeeping; Mrs. James Barr of Belthaven, North Carolina; and Mrs. William Powell of Montclair, New Jersey. Messages were received today from the two daughters in the East, saying it would be impossible for them to be here for the funeral. Mrs. Tarbell was never informed of the death of one of her sons, George S. Tarbell of Baker City, Oregon, in 1908. On account of her great age, the news of the son's death was not made known to her. She also had another son, Frank Tarbell, who started many years ago for the gold fields of Alaska and was never heard of since. When en route for Alaska he stopped with the brother at Baker City, Oregon for a visit. After leaving there the family never again heard of him. Mrs. Tarbell had been a reader of the Telegraph many years and she was always greatly interested in the doings of the City of Alton and especially of Upper Alton. She watched the papers very closely and never missed out on any occurrence in the vicinity. She kept house until she was well along toward 90 years old, and the Telegraph was always a welcome visitor at her home in the evening. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock, and will be private. Services will be conducted in the C. B. Johnson home by Rev. E. L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian Church.

 

TARENTELLO, ANGELO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1917
 Italian Boy Killed by Train
Following the killing of his 11 year old son, Angelo Tarentelo, by the northbound 1 o'clock C. & A. train at Second and Cherry streets, Joseph Tarentello, the father, was so grief stricken that he threatened to commit suicide on reaching the office of Deputy Coroner Bauer. He was brought to the office by Sotir Durato. He asked to see his son and was forbidden to view the body until the arrival of the deputy coroner, William Bauer, who was not present at the time. Tarentello is a large, strong man, capable of overpowering several men of ordinary size. He arose from his chair and began tearing his hair and gnawing his cap in his teeth, crying in Italian, "O, my boy!" He refused to listen to the advice of those in the coroner's office to stay away from the body until he had quieted down, and rushed against the others and forced his way around into the morgue, where the boy's body was lying on the slab. He tore off the cover, regardless of the fact that several were exerting all their might to pull him away, and he knelt down and kissed the boy, sobbing bitterly. Then he threw himself on the floor and had to be almost dragged out of the room. He asked if the boy's body was broken much, and on being told that the worst injury was on the head, said he did not believe it and began crying again. Then he begged for one more kiss. As he was led out of the room forcibly, he began saying in his native tongue that he was going to kill himself. He rushed to the street and would have enacted another scene had the deputy coroner not arrived and forced him to go inside and sit down on a chair.

 

TARRENT, MARY (SISTER BERNARDINE)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3, 1916
Sister Mary Bernardine, sister of Rev. Father M. A. Tarrent of the Cathedral, died Thursday evening at 10:40 o'clock following a long illness with heart trouble. Sister Bernadine was taken ill in Collinsville, where she was teaching on the nineteenth of last December, and has suffered much during her illness. After being ill for some weeks, Sister Bernardine was removed to the Alton Convent, her brother, Father Tarrent, going to Collinsville to bring her home. Sister Barnardine was before entering the convent Miss Mary Tarrent of Springfield. She entered the Alton convent in 1909, and after a six months probation, Sister Bernardine went to Dallas, Texas where she received the white veil. When the Ursuline Novitiate on Danforth street was erected and completed, Sister Bernardine and the other Sisters from the north who were in Dallas came back to Alton. Sister Bernardine and the other members of her class were the first to receive the black veil at the Novitiate. After her reception, Sister Bernardine commenced to teach, teaching for a while in the Alton convent and then in other places. She possessed a most beautiful character and was beloved by all who knew her. During her short life as a religious, she won many friends for herself, and it was with great sorrow that the news of her death was received this morning. From the time of her illness Sister Bernardine has suffered intensely, but throughout it all she was uncomplaining and willing to go. Her brother, Father Tarrent, remained with her almost constantly during her long illness and was at her bedside when she passed away, her death coming very peacefully. Her death was a most beautiful one. Sister Bernardine is survived by her brother, Father Tarrent; three sisters, Mrs. David Walsh, Miss Ella Tarrent, and Miss Julia Tarrent; as well as other relatives in Springfield. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the Ursuline Chapel on East Fourth Street, and interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends are requested to omit flowers.

 

TAYLOR, CAROLINE B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3, 1915
Miss Caroline B. Taylor, aged 17, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor of 1422 Cyrus street, last evening, from pneumonia. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the Campbell A. M. E. Church to the Upper Alton Cemetery.

 

TAYLOR, CORNELIUS "NEIL" HECTOR TAYLOR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22, 1909
Died - Cornelius Hector Taylor, 2nd eldest son of Frank L. and Nellie Laird Taylor, 11 p.m. January 21st, in his 22nd year. Funeral services at First Presbyterian church, Monday morning, Jan. 25th, at 10 a.m. Neil Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Taylor, died Thursday night at 11 o'clock at the family home on State street, after a long illness. Heart and other organic troubles developed from a diphtheria attack of about a year ago. The young man was never able to resume his usual duties after the diphtheria illness. Recently it was decided to take him to San Antonion, Tex., for the benefit of his health, in the belief that the warm climate might help restore his failing strength. The change did not prove beneficial, and it was while he was returning home a week ago last Tuesday that the railway wreck occurred in which he received such a nervous shock he was thought to have been killed, but he revived and was brought home. After his return to Alton he rallied in strength somewhat, and there were indications that he might improve considerably. He was the oldest son of his parents and was 21 years of age. He was employed in the office of the Illinois Glass Co. All his life he had spent in Alton. He was a young man of a quiet, kindly disposition who made many true friends, and in his long affliction he has had the interest and sympathy of all who knew him. His cheerfulness never was clouded by despair in his long illness, and when he came back home from his southern trip he was so uplifted in spirit by being home again, he rallied materially in strength.

 

TAYLOR, ELLEN (nee GLASS)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 14, 1910
Mrs. Ellen Glass Taylor died at her home at 1607 Liberty street, at 12:30 o'clock this afternoon, after an illness of ten days with grip. She had been in good health for a person of her age, and was active up to the time of her illness with grip, and her death comes as a surprise to her many friends. Mrs. Taylor came with her husband from London, England, in 1876, and two years later Mr. Taylor died, being buried in the City Cemetery. Mrs. Taylor is the last member of her family, all of her direct family relatives in England having preceded her. She leaves two sons and two daughters, Harry R. Taylor of Texas, and John Taylor of Monett, Mo., and Miss Maria, who aboded with her mother, and Mrs. Samuel Wade. Mrs. Taylor was a literary woman and a great reader of good literature, and enjoyed her latter years in life reading books and journals. The arrangements for the funeral will be made as soon as the two sons arrive.

 

TAYLOR, FRANK L./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 28, 1912
Auditor and Assistant Treasurer of Illinois Glass Company
Frank L. Taylor, auditor and assistant treasurer of the Illinois Glass Company, died at 2 o'clock this afternoon at his residence, 1114 State street, after a week's illness from pneumonia. Mr. Taylor's case has been regarded as serious from the start, but it was not realized that there was a probability of a fatal turn. This morning he had become so bad it was deemed advisable to hold a consultation of physicians and the verdict was that Mr. Taylor had very small chance to live. His death occurred a few hours later. There were few in Alton who knew that Mr. Taylor was in a serious condition. The news of his death is therefore all the more shocking to a large circle of friends who regarded him very highly. He is survived by his wife and two children, Miss Lucia, and a son, Eliot. He leaves also a brother, Kirke H. Taylor of Alton. Mr. Taylor was born in this city fifty-four years ago. His father, Rev. C. H. Taylor, was a Presbyterian clergyman, and came from Akron, Ohio to Alton with his family to serve as pastor of the First Presbyterian church. The father was one of the ablest clergymen ever in the City of Alton, and when he left Alton again it was regretted generally. After his death, Mrs. Taylor brought his body from Cincinnati, and he was buried here, and the family subsequently made their home in this city. Mr. F. L. Taylor lived in Alton most of his life. He had held positions of trust at the Illinois Glass Co., and by that company he was highly esteemed. He possessed in many ways the high intellectual qualities that had distinguished his father. A few years ago he suffered a grief from which he did not fully recover, when his son, Neil Taylor, died after a long illness. Mr. Taylor's health had not been of a robust character, and when pneumonia attacked him it found in him an easy victim. The announcement of the death of Mr. Taylor is a great surprise to most people who knew him. Mr. Taylor was a man who was known for his fidelity to his trust, and his dutiful discharge of all obligations to his family. He was a man who made many firm friendships, and his death is a loss to the city in which he made his home. For many years he was a commuter, going to St. Louis daily, but a number of years ago he took a position with the Illinois Glass Co., and after going there his ability was so marked that he rose rapidly, and at the time of his death he held a very responsible position. The time of the funeral had not been set this afternoon.

 

TAYLOR, GEORGE WASHINGTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1909
Old Alton Soldier Dies at Peoria Work House
George Washington Taylor, the Alton old soldier who lost his pension, was arrested and sent to prison for swindling the United States government by getting a big pension for total blindness by fraud, died at the Peoria workhouse, Sunday, where he was serving a term of imprisonment under sentence from the United States district court at Springfield. Taylor was 69 years of age. Taylor never was well after he was notified he had been deprived of his pension. He had no money left and became a charge on the county. He made no defense against the charges made against him. Taylor carried life insurance, and the body will be brought back to Alton this evening for burial. He was a member in good standing of Alton post, G. A. R.

 

TAYLOR, IDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 3, 1914
Was It An Accident or Suicide?
Mrs. Ida Taylor, aged 29, was killed instantly Tuesday morning at the foot of Washington Street by the C. & A. Prairie State Express. Whether her death was due to an accident or whether she committed suicide seems to be in doubt. Mrs. Taylor was walking along the track on her way to get groceries, according to the story given the reporters for the Telegraph. Unmindful of the fast approaching train, she slowly walked up the track. The train struck her, knocked her against the fence at the home of John Carr, and as her body rebounded towards the track, her head struck the wheels of the front truck on the tender. Her head was crushed instantly, although none of the wheels passed over her. Persons standing nearby rushed to her side at once, but she was dead. Mrs. Taylor is survived by a daughter, Etta, aged 12, and her husband, Thomas, who is living in Litchfield at present. While some are inclined to believe her death was an accident, many of her neighbors and those who witnessed the accident claim that it was suicide. The story told by some of the neighbors is that she has been keeping a disorderly house on Illinois Avenue for some time. Her husband had refused to live with her, and she would not keep her daughter at home, preferring to pay her board at the home of a relative on Feldwisch Avenue. Mrs. Taylor lived by herself in the house at 26 Illinois Avenue, although she was frequently visited by a man named Eddie. The neighbors say that a large quantity of beer was consumed at the Taylor home last evening, and there was some difficulty between Mrs. Taylor and Eddie, and this might have led to her death. When a reporter for the Telegraph called at the Taylor home after the accident this morning, he found a number of empty beer bottles on the front porch to confirm the stories told by the neighbors.

 

TAYLOR, EDITH LUCY and JAMES MATTHEW/Source: Troy Weekly Call, December 15, 1900
Father and Daughter Buried in One Grave
That the scythe of death mows without discrimination has been fully exemplified in our midst, and again has the awful flat, “Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return,” gone forth. Death, the silent reaper, has entered the home of the Taylor family, and before its cruel swath has fallen daughter and father.

When upon this page last week was given the death of Miss Edith Taylor, a prominent young lady of this city [Troy], little was it thought that on the same day, and in the same grave, would be consigned the mortal remains of James M. Taylor, her father, but such an all-wise providence decreed. Though the worst was feared, hopes were entertained for a change for the better, then in the stillness of last Sunday afternoon, he bade farewell to family, home, and this beautiful earth forever.

The whole community was shocked, and a gloom was cast over this city which was very noticeable, when it was announced on Wednesday afternoon of last week that Edith, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Taylor, had passed away at her home at 3:30 o’clock. Her illness was only but a few weeks’ duration, and when an attack of typhoid fever from which she promised to fully recover, when she suffered a relapse which terminated fatally. On the morning of the day of her death, her condition seemed improved, but at noon, the realization fell upon those watchful and hopeful that the hand of death could not be stayed, and that the final summons was but a question of precious fleeting time. She was conscious to the last, and called the family to her side, who bade her goodbye and saw the spirit of their beloved take its flight to the other world.

Edith Lucy Taylor was born in Troy on February 8, 1876, and was the oldest of seven children, her death being the first in the family. Here she attended the public schools, and grew mentally and physically into young womanhood, and sought perfection in Lindenwood College at St. Charles, Missouri, where she also made a confession of religious faith and united with the Presbyterian Church of that place, being received into the church at Troy by letter about a year ago. She was one who was old in mind and years, and young in action. Her sudden and sad demise removes one of Troy’s fairest daughters, and her place in the large circle of both aged and young friends will remain vacant. She was an earnest church and Sunday school worker, whose friendship extended widely and who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. Her home was her joy, her desire, her pride. She was a good girl in every sense the term implies, and the home circle will feel its loss.

James Matthew Taylor, the father, was born near Troy on September 1851, and was a life-long resident. At this place, he spent his boyhood days, went to school, grew to manhood, and cultivated an extensive and lasting friendship in this community. He was married to Lucy Jane Barnsback on March 10, 1875. To them was born seven children – four sons and three daughters – all of whom survive except the eldest daughter, whose death preceded his own but four days. His illness, being the same as that with which other members of the family were stricken, lasted less than a week, but his suffering was severe. Mr. Taylor was a successful farmer and a large landowner.

In life, when on his deathbed, it was his desire that the remains of Edith be kept to await the homecoming of their daughter, Miss Fannie, from San Francisco, who had been summoned home, but owing to delays did not arrive until late Monday night, when she first received the sad news of both sister and father.

The facts connected with this sad double bereavement having been expressed, the pen falters as the mind dwells upon the subject. Kind words may serve to heal the gaping wounds inflicted upon the sorrowing ones, but it is but human nature that tears should flow and the heart give vent to feelings of irrepressible grief, controlled only by involuntary power. Only those who have suffered the pangs of sorrow and disappointment from a like cause can realize the grief which has entered this home. Death always has its sorrow, its disappointment, but when the eldest of a family of children, grown to manhood or womanhood, is stricken down in the prime of youth and promise, and the family sustains the loss of the head of the household, the heartstrings of loving parents, brothers, sisters, and friends are lacerated beyond the power of consolation, and the silver lining on the dark cloud is obscured. The sorrowing ones must share the bitter cup which cruel fate has poured for us all. We are taught that sorrow has its useful lessons. How often a death reminds us of that fleeting mortality and forewarns us that all must go likewise, sooner or later it often leads to higher and nobler deeds and strengthens family ties and love ethereal. The love and friendship which survives the tomb is often more sincere that in life. In that solemn remembrance, we often turn even from the charms of the living.

The funeral of James M. Taylor and daughter, Edith, took place Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock, from the family residence to the Presbyterian Church. The obsequies were postponed Monday, on account of the absence of a daughter, Miss Fannie, who was at the time enroute from San Francisco. The funeral was one of the saddest that ever took place in this city, and was attended by a large concourse of relatives and sympathetic friends. Many floral offerings of pretty and fitting design rested upon the caskets. Rev. J. G. Reynolds, pastor of the church, read several passages of scripture, beautifully adapted to the occasion, and ended with fitting eulogy, after which the choir sang that sacred and sentimental hymn, “Saved by Grace.” The funeral cortege was directed by J. H. Stienhaus, assisted by M. Willhelm of Collinsville, and the remains of both father and daughter were interred in one grave on the family plot in the Troy City Cemetery.

 

TAYLOR, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 29, 1881
From North Alton – Frank Taylor, a colored young man and son of Mrs. Solomon Banyon of this place, died yesterday morning of consumption.

 

TAYLOR, HARRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31, 1878
Proprietor of the Alton Water Works
With great regret we announce the death of Mr. Harry Taylor of the firm of Watson & Taylor, proprietors of the Alton Water Works, which sad occurrence took place this morning at his residence in Middletown. He had been ill for several weeks with malarial fever, but it was not until within a few days that he was considered in a dangerous condition. Mr. Taylor removed to Alton from Indianapolis some three years ago, and formed a partnership with Mr. Henry Watson for the purpose of building and operating the Alton Water Works. Mr. Taylor was an architect and engineer by profession, and a gentleman of fine education and remarkable ability, especially in his chosen avocation. During his residence in Alton, he made many friends by his genial manners and sterling qualities of mind and heart.

He was an active and devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church of Alton, and at the time of his death filled the office of Junior Warden. He was an earnest worker in the Sunday School, and was a liberal contributor to all benevolent objects.

Mr. Taylor was born in England, and came to this country when about twenty years of age. He first lived in Maine, and subsequently in Cincinnati and Indianapolis. He was about fifty years of age at the time of his death. He leaves a widow and five children, who have the sincere sympathy of their many friends in Alton and elsewhere in their great bereavement.

 

TAYLOR, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1901
Mary Taylor, wife of G. W. Taylor, aged 54, died Saturday night after an illness from rheumatism. The funeral took place this afternoon and services at the home on Piasa street were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing.

 

TAYLOR, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 18, 1908
Mrs. Mary Ann Taylor, widow of David Taylor, for many years a resident of the North Side, died at the home of her daughter in Belleville yesterday from the effects of old age and heat prostration. She had been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Craig at Belleville for some time. She was a native of England and came to America in 1854, and to Alton in 1856. She lived in the North Side almost all the time, until a few months ago. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. Martha Jackson of Alton; Mrs. Mary Craig of Belleville; and Mrs. Annie Cairns of Granite City. The body will be brought here for burial and the funeral will be from her old home in the North Side Thursday afternoon, Rev. W. H. Bradley officiating.

 

TAYLOR, MELISSA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 25, 1904
Melissa Taylor died last night in the East End. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon from Keiser & Morfoot's undertaking establishment.

 

TAYLOR, PANSY (nee WRIGHT)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 12, 1917
Mrs. Earl Taylor died this afternoon at her home on Park avenue in Upper Alton after a short illness. She was Miss Pansy Wright, and was married three months ago. She leaves her husband, her parents, four brothers and a twin sister.

 

TAYLOR, SARAH A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20, 1901
Mrs. Sarah A. Taylor, wife of the late Henry Taylor, died today at the residence of her son-in-law, Samuel J. Ball in North Alton, aged 67 years, after a short illness with pneumonia. Two sons, Thomas and Henry, and two daughters, Amelia Taylor and Mrs. Samuel Ball, survive her. The funeral will take place on Friday, March 22d, at 2 p.m. The burial will be in Godfrey cemetery. Mrs. Taylor was an old resident of North Alton and was highly respected by a large circle of acquaintances.

 

TAYLOR, STELLA (nee HARSHBERGER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1920
Mrs. Frank Taylor, of 524 Belle street, died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 7:25 this morning. Although she has been ill for several months, it was not thought she was in so serious a condition, and her death comes as a great shock to her family and friends. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her. Mrs. Taylor came to Alton from the Petersberg (Ill.) neighborhood about ten years ago and has resided here since that time. Her maiden name was Stella Harshberger. She was about 48 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Frank Taylor; her mother, Mrs. Virginia Harshberger; two sisters, Mrs. William David and Miss Helen Harshberger; and by two brothers, Dick and Herbert Harshberger. She leaves no children. No funeral arrangements have been made.

 

TAYLOR, SUSAN A./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 1, 1880
Died on March 28, at the residence of her son, James M. Taylor, Mrs. Susan A. Taylor; aged 71 years, 10 months, and 9 days.

 

TAYLOR, TRUMAN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16, 1915
The funeral of Truman A. Taylor was held at 10 o'clock this morning from St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Services there were conducted by the vector, Rev. Arthur Goodger. Mr. Taylor had been a member of the church for many years, and a member of the vestry of St. Paul's. There was a very large attendance of friends and business associates. The pallbearers were selected from the most intimate Masonic friends of Mr. Taylor, E. G. Meriwether, G. A. McKinney, J. A. Miller, J. T. McClure, Herbert Paul, Rev. E. L. Gibson. The burial services at City Cemetery were according to the Masonic ritual, and the funeral address was given by Frank Harris, senior warden of Piasa Lodge.

 

TAYLOR, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1866
Mr. Taylor, quite an aged and feeble gentleman, was attacked with cholera last night, and died about noon today. This is the only case we have heard of since Sunday morning. There is no excitement or fear manifested on the subject in Alton at this time.

 

TAYLOR, UNKNOWN WOMAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1880
A widow lady named Taylor, who kept a boarding house at the corner of Second and Ridge Streets, died about noon Tuesday.

 

TAYLOR, UNKNOWN WIFE OF G. W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 2, 1901
Husband Claims Wife was Poisoned by Family Member
G. W. Taylor made a startling charge today against a member of his family in connection with the death of his wife, and the police are now investigating the case in connection with Dr. W. R. Smith, health officer, who was the attending physician for Mrs. Taylor. Taylor says that the medicine left for his wife was changed by a member of the family who had made threats of killing the entire family, and that the poison was administered in place of medicine to Mrs. Taylor. Dr. Smith says Mrs. Taylor had sciatic rheumatism. Taylor says she was suffering from heart trouble. Saturday morning she was in good condition, and Saturday afternoon she died unexpectedly. A bottle containing a mixture said to be ammonia, carbolic acid glycerin was submitted as the poison that is alleged to have caused the death. The police place little in Taylor's story. They believe it is a scheme to get rid of the member of the family who is under suspicion. The suspect bears a very bad reputation, but there is no direct proof that he caused Mrs. Taylor's death. Taylor said that his wife's mouth was sore after the medicine was administered. He says that the poison bottle was substituted for the medicine. No warrant has been issued.

 

TAYLOR, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1866
Died in Alton, August 21, Mr. William Taylor. His disease was cholera, which did its work in about twelve hours. He was born in Dover, New Hampshire, February 6, 1794. His parents removed to Canada in 1796, and he remained there till about eight years since, when he came to Illinois, after which he has been most of the time a resident of this county. He has raised a family of six children, who are all grown, and with their mother, are left to mourn his loss. For about 25 years, Father Taylor was connected with the church. He was at first a member of the Wesleyan body in Canada, but for some years, and at his death, he was connected with the Episcopal Church. So great were his sufferings, and so feeble was he, that he could only speak in a whisper, and a word at a time. But he had lived religious and doubtless anticipated his end, for besides being an old man, he had been, for 20 years, a man of feeble health, and more especially for the last ten years. But he was suddenly taken by that destroyer.

 

TAYLOR, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1907
William, the four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Truman A. Taylor, died Sunday morning at the family home on Franklin street after a brief illness. The death of the child was unexpected and was a sad shock to the parents. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from St. Paul's Episcopal church, Rev. H. M. Chittenden officiating.

 

TEASDALE, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 2, 1880
Death of an Old Citizen
Mr. Benjamin Teasdale, a native of London, England, who had lived in Alton for 22 years, dued November 30, 1880, after an illness of about one week, caused by general debility and old age. He was about 76 years old. It was not supposed that he was seriously ill, and the young man, Henry Melchar, who had worked with the deceased for five years, left him at his rooms over George A. Smith’s clothing store about six o’clock last evening, feeling quite comfortable. Mr. Teasdale had roomed in the third story of the building mentioned since 1864, carrying on a book bindery on the second floor. When Henry Melchar returned at 8 o’clock this morning, he found Mr. Teasdale lying partly on the floor, his head on a sofa, unconscious, and apparently dying. The young man hurried for assistance, and returned immediately with Mr. William Brudon, and the two did all they could for the dying man, but in a few minutes he breathed his last. He had walked from the room where he slept to another apartment, where he sat down on a sofa, from which he fell to the floor, probably some minutes before his state was discovered. He was subject to attacks of heart disease, which may have been the immediate cause of his death.

Mr. Teasdale was a man of retiring disposition, but possessed of sterling qualities of mind and heart, which caused him to be greatly esteemed by all who knew him.

 

TEDFORD, GILBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1917
Young Man Accidentally Shot
The jury impannelled by Deputy Coroner W. H. Bauer to inquire into the death of the young man shot by Herschel Funkhouse, gave a verdict exonerating Funkhouse of all blame. It developed after the death of the young man, who was 19, that he had been living under an assumed name. A friend of his said that an error the young man had made had weighed heavily on his mind and that he had left his home, changed his name from Gilbert Tedford to Joseph Calvin, and that he had been working under the assumed name at the glass works. He was oppressed with the belief that he might be apprehended, though as to that there is no proof. He is said to have refrained from going to the post office, to have stayed off the streets and to have avoided meeting policemen. His family knew of the name under which he was living and they wrote to him at the address where he was staying. On coming to Alton Tedford rode on the train with Funkhouse. Both were bound for the same city, and both had come from the same place, Shawneetown, Ill., though neither had known the other at Shawneetown. Arriving in Alton they got work together, boarded together and later when Funkhouse brought his family here, Tedford boarded with the Funkhouse family.....Tedford had just been warned of the danger of the defective revolver they handled, according to Funkhouse's evidence, and had shown how to fix it so it would not be dangerous. Then, while Tedford was sitting in the chair and Funkhouse was standing in front of him, the revolver was discharged, the bullet lodging under one eye of Tedford's, causing a fatal injury. Joseph W. Tedford, father of the young man, was communicated with and he ordered the body prepared for shipment at once to the old home at Shawneetown. The deceased leaves his parents, six brothers and one sister. He was the oldest of the children. One woman, who lived upstairs over the Funkhouse family, heard the shooting and she appeared before the coroner's jury. She had heard enough to corroborate the story told by Funkhouse.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 25, 1917
Joseph Tedford came here from Shawneetown to claim the body of his son, who was accidentally shot to death on Wednesday afternoon by Herschel Funkhouse. The father said, on his arrival, that his son was a deserter from the army and that was his reason for attempting to conceal himself by changing his name and living under the assumed name. The body was sent back to Shawneetown today.

 

TEIPEL, AMANDA (nee DOLBOW)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1919
Three Sisters Die Within 14 Months
Mrs. Frank Teipel died at her home in East Alton at 7 o'clock this morning, after an illness which extended over a period of one year. Mrs. Teipel's death is the third to occur in her family in the past fourteen months, one sister, Mrs. Sarah Dolbow Squires being buried in Kansas City on Wednesday of this week. Another sister, Mrs. James Oliver, died in East Alton in April of 1918, fourteen months ago. Mrs. Teipel was the last of a large family to die. Mrs. Teipel was born in Alton in 1849, but spent the larger part of her life in East Alton where the family is well known. She was married close to fifty years ago, her husband surviving her loss. Her loss will be greatly felt in East Alton, where she took a large part in the church and social circles of the village. A year ago she was taken ill and complications followed. However, she was not taken down until a week ago. She is survived by her husband, Frank Teipel; two daughters, Mrs. Julia Beanblossom of Alton; and Mrs. Hulda Eudy of East Alton; two sons, John of St. Louis and Henry of East Alton. Mrs. Teipel's maiden name was Amanda Dolbow. She leaves eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the East Alton Methodist church. Rev. C. C. Lackey will have charge of the services.

 

TEIPEL, MABEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 20, 1910
Mabel, the 15 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Teipel, died this noon at the family home in East Alton from typhoid fever.

 

TELGMAN, ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1911
Aged Resident of Brighton Road Dies Tuesday Night at Home of His Son
Anton Telgman, aged 79, died Tuesday evening at the home of his son, Henry Telgman, on the Brighton road, north of Godfrey. Mr. Telgman had been ill a long time and his death was expected. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Lizzie Friedrich of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Mrs. Cornelia Reeder, of Upper Alton; also two sons, John and Henry Telgman of Godfrey. He leaves also a sister, Mrs. Henry Lageman and a brother in Strassburg, Germany. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home and at 2 o'clock from the Godfrey Congregational church, Rev. Johnson of St. Louis officiating.

 

TELGMAN, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 25, 1903
The funeral of William A. Telgman took place Tuesday afternoon from the Congregational church at Godfrey to the Godfrey Cemetery. Rev. J. Murray conducted the services, which were attended by numerous neighbors and friends.

 

TEMME, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16, 1900
Charles Temme died at St. Joseph's hospital last night at 10 o'clock from the effect of injuries he sustained by a fall on ice at Sims, Ind., one month ago. He had gone to Sims to work at his trade of glassblowing and left his family in Alton. When he fell, he struck the base of his spine on a corner of a plank walk and became paralyzed. He was brought to Alton in a helpless condition and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was unconscious the last few days. Temme leaves a wife and three children at 1120 East Second street, and was 43 years of age. The funeral will take place Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be in St. Patrick's church.

 

TEMPLE, DORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1921
Mrs. Dora Temple, wife of Lee Temple, died at the family home in the Enos Apartments this morning at 2:30 o'clock after an illness which commenced Sunday morning at ten o'clock. The cause of death was given as hemorrhages of the stomach. The death of Mrs. Temple came as a very great shock to the many friends of the young woman, who, with her husband, attended the Rip Van Winkle dance at Turner Hall Saturday night. Mrs. Temple has not been in the best of health for a number of years, but was feeling as well as usual when she retired Saturday night. Mrs. Temple was married nine years ago, being before her marriage Miss Dora Wahle. For a couple of years Miss Wahle had a hair-dressing establishment on Piasa Street, and was a well known young business woman. She leaves her husband, but no children. Also her father, Joseph Wahle of Brighton; two sisters, Mrs. Mark Bethel of Brighton and Mrs. George Price of Otterville; and two brothers, Henry Wahle of Delhi and Adolph Wahle of Otterville. She was 30 years of age. The young husband has the sympathy of his many friends in the loss of his young wife, who had a host of admirers.

 

TEMPLE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1913
Taps Sound for Old Soldier
Joseph Temple, a resident of Alton many years, a veteran of the Civil War, and for thirty years an employee of the Illinois Glass Co., entered into rest Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock at his home, 703 Washington street, after an illness of eight days from pneumonia. Mr. Temple was believed to be almost safely through the danger point in his illness when he collapsed Monday night and the end followed soon afterward. Mr. Temple was a member of long standing in the First Presbyterian Church, a regular attendant there, and for years he was active in the church work. He was well known in Alton, as he had the opportunity of making many acquaintances during the many years he worked for the Illinois Glass Co. He was a man of high character and in every respect a good citizen. Mr. Temple was born at Sparta, Ill., December 5, 1843, and was in his seventieth year. He served the entire four years of the Civil War in the Union Army, and was in the Hancock veteran corps during the last year. He was looking forward with pleasant anticipations to the big reunion to be held in Alton next week, and wanted to live to participate in the encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, hoping to see many of his old comrades in arms. He leaves beside his wife, one step-son, William Eaves of Yager Park; and two brothers, Rev. D. L. Temple of Paxton, Ill.; Dr. J. W. Temple; and two sisters, Mrs. Nancy E. Foster and Mrs. Linnie Stewart, all of Sparta, Ill. The funeral will be under the auspices of the G. A. R., Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, from the home, Rev. E. L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian church officiating. There will be six active pallbearers from the Presbyterian Church and six honorary from Alton Post G. A. R. In conformity with a wish of Mr. Temple, flowers will be omitted.

 

TEMPLETON, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17, 1918
Mrs. Caroline Templeton, aged 80, died Tuesday afternoon at her home, 510 Alby street, from paralysis. She had been helpless for a few days since being stricken by paralysis and from the beginning it was known that her case was a serious one. To make matters worse, the house was quarantined because of smallpox, from which a granddaughter, Miss Dollie Templeton, was suffering. Notwithstanding the fact that the house was quarantined, the only daughter of Mrs. Templeton, Mrs. Kate Green, had herself vaccinated and she went in to the house to take care of her dying mother. Mrs. Green stayed with the aged woman until death came. Following the death of Mrs. Templeton, the quarantine was raised so it would be unnecessary to follow the rule of burial used in cases of smallpox victims. Though Mrs. Templeton did not have smallpox, she would have been subject to the same rules as if she had died from the disease, except that it was found safe to lift the quarantine in the house. Mrs. Templeton was born in Alton and lived here all her life. She had seen all but one of her children die before her, and she had taken charge of and had served as a mother to a family of grandchildren. Recently two of the grandchildren, Fred and James Templeton, went to Camp Taylor to begin military training. At home were another grandson, John, and three granddaughters, Dolly, Caroline and Josephine. Mrs. Templeton leaves also two sisters and one brother. Fire added to the misfortunes which attacked the Templeton home. A blaze which originated in one of the bedrooms from an unknown cause threatened to destroy the residence. Fire Company No. 1 responded to the alarm and the flames were extinguished by the use of the chemicals. The damage was limited to the destruction of a bed. A short time before the fire was discovered, the rooms of the residence were fumigated. Health officers planned to lift a smallpox quarantine from the residence this morning, Miss Dolly Templeton having recovered from the disease. On account of the death of her grandmother last evening, the fumigating was done immediately. The funeral of Mrs. Templeton will be from the family residence Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and will be private. Services at the grave will be in charge of Rev. A. C. Geyer, pastor of the First M. E. Church. The burial will be in the City Cemetery.

 

TEMPLETON, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1918
At 2 o'clock the funeral of Mrs. Caroline Templeton was held from family home on Alby street, and was attended by a large number of friends of the family. Short services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Gibson. Burial was in City Cemetery, under heavy blankets of flowers, the gifts of sympathizing friends and relatives.

 

TEMPLETON, JAMES W./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1875
The news of the death of this popular and estimable gentleman, which took place at a.m. of December 20, will cause a general feeling of regret among our citizens. His many excellent qualities and genial disposition made him a general favorite with all. Mr. Templeton was a native of Leavesden, Hartfordshire, England, but came to this country in 1850, and settled with his parents in Brighton. About 1852, he entered the dry goods store of Mr. Isaac Scarritt, and for many years thereafter was engaged in that line of business as salesman, and on his own account. He was an esteemed member of both the Masonic and I.O.O.F. Orders. At the time of his death, he held the office of City Assessor, which he filled with much credit. He was thirty-nine years of age, and leave a wife and six young children to mourn his untimely death. His aged parents still survive and reside in England. His death will prove a great affliction to his family, relatives, and many friends.

 

TEMPLETON, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1901
Well Known Alton Engineer Crushed Beneath Train
Joseph Templeton, one of the best known and most experienced engineers on the Alton railway, lost his life in a collision at McLean, a station 15 miles south of Bloomington, this morning at 3 o'clock. Mr. Templeton was engineer of the engine pulling the Midnight Special on its southern trip. At McLean he was scheduled to meet the north bound Midnight Special, which was standing on the main track. By some mishap, the Midnight Special was turned on to the track where the other train was waiting, and the result was a collision which overturned Mr. Templeton's engine, and he was crushed to death beneath it. Mr. Templeton was a native of Alton, where he grew up to manhood. He learned the printer's trade in the office of the Telegraph, and afterwards entered the employ of the C. & A. as a fireman, and in due time was given an engine. He was one of the trusted and popular men on the road. He has been in the employ of the company 18 or 20 years, and was about 40 years of age. He was unmarried. His mother, sisters and brother live in Alton, where he frequently visited. Mr. Charles Bowman, the well known contractor, his brother-in-law, went to Bloomington on the Prairie State Express to accompany the body to Alton, where the funeral services and interment will take place. Mr. Templeton's friends were greatly shocked when the news of his death reached Alton this morning. His genial, sunny disposition made him a favorite with all who knew him, who will unite in deep sympathy for the stricken mother and members of the family. Mr. Templeton was considered the crack engineer on the road. Whenever a fast run was desired, he was always call upon. It fell to his lot to show that the new big engines could make schedule time with the heavy limited trains. Joe always carried his train in on time. There is little hesitancy in saying that the collision was not his fault.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1901 Tribute to the Dead Engineer by the Bloomington Bulletin
"Tis the wink of an eye, tis the draft of a breath, From the bosom of health, to the paleness of death."
The immortal lines of William Knox could not be more aptly applied than to the sudden summons of Engineer Joseph Templeton, who met his fate at the post of duty in a head end collision on the Alton at McLean, Thursday morning. With scarcely any warning that an accident would result, and none at all that death would come to him, the engineer went to his doom, like the hero he was, with his face to the front and his hand firmly grasped upon the throttle.

According to custom, if the north bound train reaches a meeting point first, the crew opens the switch for the south bound in order to save time. The south bound can then pull in on the side track without stopping. It has been the practice for conductors to send their brakemen back to flag, while the porter opened the switch. This was ordered this morning. Conductor Foley directed his porter, by name, Charles Goodman, to go ahead and drop the semaphore [a system of signaling, especially a system by which a special flag is held in each hand and various positions of the arms indicate specific letters, numbers, etc.] and open the switch. He succeeded in releasing the semaphore but had trouble in unlocking the switch. He was engaged in trying to open the lock when Templeton came up. Just what passed through the mind of the engineer as his train came up is, of course, unknown. As near as can be judged, he reduced his speed to perhaps eight miles an hour and leaned away out of the cab window to note the actions of the porter, whom he could see tugging at the lock and lever. It is supposed that he judged his control to be sufficient so that if he failed to make the siding he could stop before he hit the north bound train. The speed was so slow that he thought, perhaps, the prompt application of the emergency brake would prevent the engine from colliding, or if they did hit, that the shock would not be severe, perhaps not exceeding damage to pilots. With his hand on the throttle and still leaning out of the cab window, he waited the impact. Surprising to state, the engine on which he was riding was overturned by the collision. The 507 is one of the new Brooks passengers, and almost twice the weight of the 232, which is one of the World's Fair Schenectadys. It would be imagined that the smaller engine would feel the effects of the shock the worse. In some peculiar swing, the larger engine was affected in such a manner that it capsized, failing to the right. Before the engineer could move a muscle, so quick was the action, the side of the cab pinned him to the ground and mashed his body into an indescribable and unrecognizable mass. His head was crushed beyond resemblance to its former familiar appearance. Death was instantaneous. The warning was sadly brief. But who could find a nobler way to die.

The colored porter, Goodman, was almost paralyzed with fright. He hid in the blind baggage of the north bound train, and when it reached Bloomington he was found among some tramps at the head end of the train. His evident intent to escape makes it appear likely that he will seek to avoid testifying before the inquisition. His fellow porters say they never had trouble in doing work that was slighted by Goodram [sic] and cannot understand what prevented him from getting the switch open. The dead engineer was 38 years of age, being born in Alton, where his widowed mother is now residing. He became a printer's apprentice in Alton, but at an early age had a fascination for railroading and secured a position in the round house in Alton. He entered the service in 1881 and fired until 1893, when he was promoted to engineer. His work as a fireman and engineer was beyond criticism, and he stood very high among the officials. Everybody esteemed Joe Templeton. Words seem empty in trying to speak of the sadness of his tragic fate. He had a genial smile for all and had no enemies. Of a warm, sympathetic nature, he had the good will of everyone with whom he came in contact. Happy dispositioned, life appeared very bright to him and the sudden summon came at the height of his career. Death, the grim reaper, is also no respecter of persons. The dark angel loves a shining mark, a signal blow.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 30, 1901 Funeral of Joseph Templeton
Under masses of flowers that were sprinkled with the tear drops of almost countless friends, the remains of Joseph Templeton, the brave engine driver who went to death at McLean with his hand on the throttle of his engine, and his whole mind and body alert and at his post of duty, were laid to rest in the City Cemetery. The grief in Alton and along the railroad upon which he was employed for twenty years is universal, and the attendance at the funeral showed with what admiration he was viewed by all who knew him, and how high a place he held in the esteem of his acquaintances and friends. The commonest tribute heard of the dead engineer is that he was a man above reproach, and that his place will be vacant forever in the hearts of his friends. The body arrived Friday evening from Bloomington on the Prairie State Express. The master hand that drove the engine for years was lying in the baggage car, a helpless piece of clay, and others had taken the place he had made vacant. Accompanying Mr. Charles Bowman were Miss Birdie Darrah, Mr. Templeton's affianced wife, Fireman George Heritage, Stee Dunham, representing the fireman's order, and Engineer Art Watkins, who was Joe's roommate. A request was made by the engineers at Bloomington that a special train be given to the friends of Joseph Templeton in order that they might come to Alton to attend the funeral. The C. & A. officials very readily agreed to the running of a special train. The committee who made the request informed the officials that employees would man the train gratis. Conductor Al Dunn and his brakeman, and Engineer Miller and his fireman all offered to serve without pay. The officials tendered the employee engine 57, reserved for the officials and pay car specials, and also gave the men permission to drape it with crape. The engine was covered with black and white cloth. The special was started at 7 a.m., Saturday morning, and a through run was scheduled. No one but those invited was permitted to ride, it being desired to restrict the party to the intimate friends of the dead engineer and to the representatives of the brotherhood and secret orders. The services were conducted this afternoon from the home of the sister of Joe Templeton, Mrs. Charles Bowman, to the Methodist church at 2:30. Rev. G. W. Shepherd of the First Methodist church was the officiating clergyman. The house was crowded and not nearly all those who desired to attend could get in. The remains were in a casket of gray that was open. The church was filled to overflowing and the occasion was one of the saddest that ever was held in the church. Rev. C. W. Shepherd spoke on the theme, "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning," from the thirtieth Psalm. The remarks of the minister were along the line of the life of Joseph Templeton, which he said was a model for others. Faithfulness to a trust and strict morality were the rules that governed him, and there is no doubt that the answer would be, "Well done thou good and faithful servant." He was faithful in his trust even to extremity. Mr. Charles Haagen sang Schubert's "Last Greeting," and the Methodist church choir sang several times. The pallbearers were William Naylor, Paul Gorden, Charles Seibold, F. S. Hurlburt, H. W. Bauer, William Becker, Carl A. Craig, and Karl Muhl.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1901
 They Laid Him Away
From the Bloomington Bulletin - In the shadow of the Lovejoy monument, erected to the memory of the martyr of abolition days, in the quiet city of the dead of Alton, they laid the body of Engineer Joseph Templeton to rest Saturday afternoon. The very elements wept in sympathy for the bereaved family and friends, and the dark, gloomy day was on a par with the spirits of the company who assembled to lay him away. There was a pall upon the hearts of everyone. Eyes unused to tears were moist and grief was displayed on every countenance. All felt the sadness of the final rites and seldom has Alton witnesses a funeral where there was such general grief and such a universal sorrow. The dead engineer who was laid to rest was esteemed far more than words can depict. His sudden summons accentuated the severity of the blow. His last trip ended in darkness and death, but if the lips now hushed in eternal silence could break their cerements, they would vouch that no fear found entrance in his heart before the grim reaper battered down its walls. Brave, chivalrous and generous to a fault, there is no need of a monument to keep sacred the memory of Joe Templeton with those who knew him. And thus ends the life story of Joe Templeton. It is hard to tell the sorrow that exists now that he sleeps under the sod. Loyal friend, true hearted philosopher, large natured lover of his kind, he has joined the majority and thousands mourn the parting from one whose very thought was kindness, whose every word was light. Hate, malice and resentment were unknown passions to him. In all his life there is no record of wrong doing to a fellow creature, and he dies as he lived, esteemed by all. Untimely the summons, but nobly was it met. Long will his memory live. May it never die!

 

TEMPLETON, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1901
Miss Mary Templeton, daughter of Mrs. Caroline Templeton, died last evening at 5 o'clock after a long illness with lung troubles. To her friends she was familiarly known as Mate Templeton. She was a sufferer for many years and had borne all with patience, realizing that sooner or later there would be an end to it. Ten days before her death she was taken down with her last illness and was unable to leave her home. The fatal change came last Monday, and from that time her condition was watched with great anxiety by her relatives and friends who were attending her. Death came Thursday afternoon after long suffering, and the tired body was at last reposed in the last sleep. She was in her 33rd year and had been a resident of Alton nearly all her life. In her circle of acquaintances she had found many who cherished her friendship and her death will be sincerely mourned by them. She leaves beside her widowed mother, a brother, James Templeton, and a sister, Mrs. Charles Bowman.

 

TEMPLETON, SUSIE/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 14, 1873
Died on March 6 in Alton of lung fever, Susie, infant child of James W. and Caroline Templeton; aged 1 year and 6 months.

 

TENNIS, GERTRUDE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 21, 1900
Mrs. Gertrude Tennis, wife of Henry Tennis of Godfrey, died this morning at the family home after a short illness, aged 28. She leaves her husband and two children. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.

 

TERPENING, EDITH LILLIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1902
Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Terpening were bereaved Friday morning by the death of their daughter, Edith Lillian.

 

TERRENCE, WILLIAM W./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1845
We regret to state that Mr. William W. Terrence, a worthy citizen of this county, left his residence on the Sand Ridge on the morning of the 30th ult., with a wagon for the purpose of drawing home a load of wood. As he did not come back at the expected time, his wife became alarmed and sent a man out to look for him, who returned in the evening without success. The next morning, however, he was found lying on his back, quite dead, with bloody froth oozing out of his mouth. His wagon was standing at a short distance, its progress having been stopped by a tree against which the horses had run. As no mark of violence was discovered about the body, it is supposed he was suddenly carried off by an apoplactic fit. He has left an affectionate widow, two brothers, and many friends to mourn his loss.

 

TERRY, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 27, 1917
Mrs. Martha Terry, widow of Bacon W. Terry and mother of C. W. Terry, a well known attorney, died this morning at her home in Edwardsville after a long illness, in her 74th year. The funeral will be Thursday morning from the family home.

 

TESSON, FRANCIS HONORE 'FRANK' (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1909
Lights Go Out for Old Helmsman
Captain Frank Tesson, one of the oldest pilots on the Mississippi River, died at 6:30 o'clock Tuesday evening at his residence, 541 East Sixth Street, after a long illness. Captain Tesson had been troubled with arterial hardening, which he recognized as a fatal illness, but he faced his certain end calmly and bore his pain with a fortitude that did not reveal to those about him the full extent of his sufferings. During the days when he could no longer see the steamboats running up and down the river, he would lay in bed and identify them as they sounded their whistles or as he might hear their exhausts from their engines as they would go by in the night. He knew every whistle and he knew the sound of exhaust from every engine on every steamboat, and he could recognize them as well in the blackness of night as he could in daylight. It was only when the end came very near that the old-time river pilot could no longer take interest in the passing steamboats.

Captain Tesson began as a cabin boy on a steamer when he was 14 years of age. He only ceased following the river last fall when he became too ill to stand it any longer. He loved the river, and his place at the wheel of the steamboat he would never give up until physical disability forced him to do so. He steered boats out of St. Louis harbor for fifty years.

Captain Tesson was born at Portage Des Sioux, and he would have been 76 years old in October. Several years ago, when he was serving for a short time as Captain of the Belle of Calhoun, of which he had been pilot, he was blown from the roof of the texas [uppermost deck] of the boat to the deck below, and was very badly injured. He was laid up for a long time then, and never resumed being captain. Last year he served on the steamer Alton. Captain Tesson's eyesight was perfect, and he never wore glasses to help his vision at night when he was at the wheel. Even up to the last he could tell the time by his watch, which he kept with him all the time, and the only illumination in the room was a one candle power lamp against the wall. He could see the time of night when younger people could not. He was known as one of the coolest, nerviest pilots on the river. He was an experienced "jockey" and often with a slow boat would keep a faster boat from passing him, merely by using the knowledge of steamboats he had gained in his many years at the helm. He was a devoted family man, possessed a kind disposition, and his manner was even and pleasing to everyone he met. He never lost an opportunity to be pleasant, and seldom allowed the vexations of river life to worry him. Captain Tesson had lived in Alton over half his lifetime, had raised a family in Alton, and there is not a person to say anything but good of him. His dying will be generally regretted in a very large circle of friends he possessed. He leaves his widow and four children.

Francis Honore Tesson was born on a farm near Portage Des Sioux in St. Charles County, Missouri, October 16, 1833. He was of Parisian French descent, and until he was 17 years of age spoke French entirely. He moved to St. Louis and lived there until he went on the river with his uncle, Captain John King. He had been on the Mississippi 56 years, running most of the time from St. Louis to St. Paul, afterward in the Calhoun trade. He married Emily (nee Barncastle) Duncan on December 22, 1856. His children are John W. of St. Louis; Frank Barncastle Tesson of New York; Mrs. Bertha A. Montgomery of Philadelphia; and Mrs. J. D. Makinney of Alton. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 23, 1909
The funeral of Captain Francis Honore Tesson, the aged river pilot, was held this afternoon from the family home on Sixth street at 3 o'clock. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. A. G. Lane of the First Presbyterian church. There was a large attendance of friends of Captain Tesson. The old river man, in a long career of activity, is said by his associates never to have made an enemy, and of those who knew him, all counted themselves as his friend. There were many beautiful floral offerings from friends of the aged gentleman, some of them from his former associates on the river. There were six honorary and six active pallbearers. The honorary pallbearers were: Thomas L. Stanton, G. W. Hill, Ed Young and Alex Lamont. The active pallbearers were: F. H. Ferguson, Joseph Lampert, Thomas Morfoot, Richard Holden, George Carroll, S. H. Gregory. Burial at City Cemetery was private.

About six years after the death of Captain Tesson, his son, Frank Barncastle Tesson, died in the sinking of the ship Lusitania, on May 7, 1915. Frank B. married Alice E. Lowe in St. Louis, and in 1900 lived in Pennsylvania. He moved to New York, and was made chief of the Wanamaker Shoe Store, and served as Vice-President of the Wanamaker’s Board of Trade. Frank B., along with his wife, Alice, boarded the Lusitania, first class, at the last moment, intending to go to Paris on a buying trip for the Wanamaker stores. Both were lost when the ship was attached by the German U-boat U-20, and sank in 18 minutes. The sinking of the Lusitania turned public opinion against Germany, and contributed to the American entry into World War I.

 

TESSON, MARY M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1907
Adopted Daughter of Captain and Mrs. Frank Tesson
Miss Mary M. Tesson, the niece and adopted daughter of Captain and Mrs. Frank Tesson, of 541 east Sixth street, died shortly before noon, Friday, at the Tesson residence, after a long illness. When it is said that she had been ill a long time, it may also be said that there was none of her friends and not even her family knew that she was in poor health. She never complained and she never let anyone know that she was not strong and well. She was a young woman of remarkable sweet disposition, who went through life taking into account only the bright side and doing all in her power to make others happy. She had a very strong conception of what was her duty and she was always diligent in doing it. In this connection it may be said that she was one of the most efficient teachers in the First Presbyterian Sunday school. A few weeks ago while on her way to church she was taken with a sudden attack of the fatal malady, and as she said afterward she thought that she was dying on the street. She managed to get control of herself and she recovered her strength in a short time and went on to Sunday school and taught her class as usual, saying nothing of her illness until afterward. She had also suffered from a partial failure of her eyesight, another effect of the disease, but of this neither did her family know until it was too late. Recently she became very ill and when the fact became known her relatives summoned a physician, but her case was of such gravity it became apparent at once that she had but small chance to survive. Capt. Tesson and Mrs. J. D. McKinney, who were in Philadelphia, were summoned and arrived a few days before her death. She was the daughter of a brother of Capt. Tesson, who died when she was three years of age. She came to make her home in Alton with Capt. and Mrs. Tesson, and ever since then was a member of their family circle, esteemed as one of the family. She had many friends who knew her and valued her at her true worth, and she will be deeply missed in that circle. She was born at St. Charles, Missouri in February 1872. The time of the funeral has not been set.

 

TEUTKEN, DORIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15, 1902
The funeral of Mrs. Doris (or Dories) Teutken, who died Sunday morning at her home on Bloomfield street, was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to the German Evangelical church. The church was filled with the friends of Mrs. Teutken who had known her the many years she lived in Alton. Rev. Theodore Oberhellman conducted the services. Burial was in City Cemetery.

 

THALHEIN, FRANK/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 8, 1880
A young man named Frank Thalhein from Great Bend, Kansas, who had been engaged in harvesting in this vicinity, was drowned Friday in the Wood River near its mouth, while bathing. The body was recovered, and an inquest held by the Coroner. A short time previous to the occurrence, the unfortunate young man had procured a money order, payable to his father, Albert Thalhein, at Great Bend, Kansas, by means of which his name and address were procured.

 

THAYER, WILLIAM T./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 28, 1864
Died in Alton, on the 2drd inst., William T. Thayer, formerly from Meedon, Massachusetts, aged about 30 years. Mr. Thayer had not long been a resident in our city, but his exemplary conduct and gentlemanly manners had won the respect and confidence of most of our business men. He has left a widow, who shares the heart-felt sympathy of our citizens in her deep affliction.

 

THEEN, EKA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1915
The funeral of Mrs. Eka Theen was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the German Evangelical Church in which she had held membership. The services were conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller, and were attended by a large number of friends and relatives. There were many handsome floral offerings. Among those present were a number of people from out of the city. The pallbearers were nephews of Mrs. Theen. The pallbearers were all relatives from Nokomis, Ill., and included the Messrs. Theodore Adden, William Adden, John Dewerse, William Dewerse, Henry Theen and William Buechsenschultz. Mrs. Theen, formerly Miss Eka Bruns, was born in Germany in 1838 and came to this country in 1855. In 1857 she was married to John Theen, who died some time ago. Since her coming to this country, Mrs. Theen has made her home in Alton.

 

THEEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6, 1906
John Theen, a well known resident of Alton, died this morning at 6:30 o'clock. Mr. Theen was born in North Germany on the 25th of July, 1834, and came to America twenty years later. He was a blacksmith by trade, and was a very competent workman with a fine reputation as a horse shoer. His wife and five children - two sons and three daughters, survive him. All his children live in Alton with the exception of one son who resides in Brighton. Fred Theen, manager of the A. B. C. Co., is a son of the deceased. The hour of the funeral has not been fixed. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday from the family home.

 

THERMON, HERBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1912
Herbert Thermon, aged 21, died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mamie Painter, on Alby street, after a lingering illness. A year ago he sustained a hip injury in a fall, and since that time he has been suffering. For the last few months he has not been able to leave his bed. The surviving members of his family are a father, A. N. Thermon; two brothers, Claud of Alton and Alpheus of Nebraska; and one sister, Mrs. J. E. Painter. The burial will take place Sunday morning at Grafton. There will be a short service at the home of Mrs. Painter at 7:45 a.m., the Rev. W. T. Cline officiating.

 

THIELE, CHARLES/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, November 23, 1893
At 10 o'clock Thursday night, Charles Thiele, a young man well known in Alton, died after a short illness at his home 644 East Second street, aged 20 years. His death was a surprise to his many friends, as up to yesterday morning he could be found at his brother's barber shop where he was employed. He was taken ill yesterday afternoon with a severe cold and died at the hour mentioned of a hemorrhage. He leaves a widowed mother, brother and sister to mourn his death.

 

THIELE, RENA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1910
Mrs. Rena Thiele, wife of Louis Thiele, died very unexpectedly Sunday afternoon at 5 o'clock, at the age of 33. Mrs. Thiele's death is one of the saddest that has occurred in Alton in many a year. She leaves a family of six children, the oldest 14 years old, and the youngest four days. There are five boys and one girl. Mrs. Thiele was getting along nicely, and Sunday, feeling so well, she decided to get out of bed for a few minutes. About 5 o'clock in the afternoon as she was sitting propped up in bed, she fell over to one side and died almost immediately. The attending physician said that a blood clot that had formed in her system of blood vessels had gone to her heart and caused almost instant death. The death of Mrs. Thiele is a sad blow to her husband and six children, the latter being left motherless at a time when they are sorely in need of a mother's care. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the family home (1317 Pearl Street), Rev. E. L. Mueller of the German Evangelical church officiating.

 

THEIS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1918
Henry Theis, father of John Theis, manager of the Young Dry Goods store, died Friday morning at three o'clock at the family home at 20th and Beall avenue, after an illness of complication of diseases lasting over a period of several years. The body has been removed to his son's home at 1902 Beall avenue, where it will remain until Saturday afternoon when it will be taken to his old home at Nashville, Ill. The funeral services will be held in Nashville, Sunday afternoon. Mr. Theis came to Alton two years ago from Nashville, having retired from business, in order to be near his son and family. He was born in Germany and came to this country when 16 years of age, never having gone back to visit. He was 67 years of age at the time of the death, and for forty years he was in the blacksmith and wagon-making business in Nashville. He is survived by his wife, and two sons, John of this city, and Walter of Sparta, Ill. The death of Mr. Theis follows closely on that of Mrs. John Theis' father, which occurred in St. Louis, February 5th, just ten days ago.

 

THEISON, EVA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 19, 1922
Mrs. Eva Theisen, widow of Jacob Theison, died Wednesday night at 6:30 o'clock at the Nazareth home where she has been making her home for a number of years. She was born in Germany but has resided in Alton and vicinity since the age of nine. Death resulted from a stroke of paralysis. She is survived by four daughters and a son. The funeral will be held at nine o'clock Friday morning from the Nazareth Home Chapel.

 

THIELE, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 13, 1901
Caroline Thiele, the 18 months old child of Louis Thiele, died last night at the family home, 1317 Pearl street, after a short illness from spasms. The funeral will take place Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the family home, and Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann will conduct the services.

 

THILOH, HELENA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 10, 1881
Miss Helena Thiloh died last Saturday night, aged 25 years. Deceased was a sister of Mrs. J. W. Schmoeller. She had been in this country less than two years. Her funeral took place Monday afternoon from the Lutheran Church on Henry Street.

 

THOMA, ALICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1904
Mrs. Alice Thoma, wife of John Thoma, aged 47 years 6 months, died Wednesday morning from stomach troubles after a four months illness at her home in East Alton. She leaves four daughters, one son, two brothers and one sister, beside her husband. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the East Alton Baptist church.

 

THOMAS, ARTHUR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14, 1916
Two Boys Find Ex-Convict Frozen in Pasture With Throat Cut
Two little boys who were coasting came across the body of a negro lying in Blair's pasture at the head of Langdon street, Wednesday afternoon about 5 o'clock. A ghastly wound in the neck inflicted with a razor or sharp knife, which extended from ear to ear, showed the manner of death. The body was frozen stiff and had evidently been there for some time. There was a deep mystery about the finding of the body until later on, a man who said he was a friend of the man who did the killing appeared at police headquarters and gave the information that helped to clear up the mystery. He said that a friend who boarded with him, George Simpson, was responsible. He declared that on Tuesday evening Simpson met Arthur Thomas, the man he afterward slew, and that Thomas invited him to take a walk to a saloon, which he said was in the neighborhood about 8 or 9 o'clock at night. Simpson, who lived in Upper Alton with a family named Holman, was unacquainted in the neighborhood. When he arrived at Fifteenth and Langdon streets, Simpson said, "I don't see any saloon around here." Thomas assured him there was one close by, and a minute later he seized Simpson and said, "I want your money." Simpson, suspicious that all was not right, had opened his knife in his pocket and when Thomas grabbed him he defended himself. He stabbed Thomas in the heart he said, and then he slashed his throat from ear to ear. Then Simpson went to Ed Young's saloon in the east and said he had cut a man and did not know how bad it was. He said he was going away for a few days to confer with some friends, and would be back to give himself up. At the saloon it was said that nothing was thought of the story and no attention paid to it. The story was recalled when the body of the dead negro was found. Thomas, it was said, was an ex-convict, and came here from Springfield, Ill. A more careful examination of the body this morning revealed the fact that Thomas had been cut four times. Besides being cut once over the heart and having his throat cut, he was cut one place in the neck and another on the back. Two caps were found near the body of the dead man. One of the caps may lead to the identity of the man who committed the crime. Six colored men have been selected for the coroner's jury. They are Rev. Brown, Rev. Higgins, Rev. Brewer, Connie Knight, Sam Evans, and George Means. Later....Simpson surrendered late this afternoon and told the police the story of the alleged robbery and self-defense related above.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 15, 1916 Coroner's Jury Exonerates Slayer
Arthur [sic - should be George?] Simpson, the negro who killed Arthur Thomas at Fifteenth and Langdon streets Tuesday evening was exonerated by the coroner's jury empanelled by Coroner Roy A. Lowe Thursday evening, Simpson was examined by the jury and given opportunity to tell his story. He impressed the jury with a straightforward statement, and the verdict of the jury was that Simpson was justified. One feature of his story was that he walked all the way from St. Louis without food Thursday, to give himself up....He had spent what change he had except a dime, and he spent five cents of that to cross the McKinley bridge. Then it was up to him to walk the 25 miles so he could surrender to the Alton police.....Simpson told the coroner's jury that it was booze and nothing but booze that caused the killing. He said that if he had not been drinking he would not have thought of going with Thomas.....Three colored preachers and three other men were on the jury. The body of Arthur Thomas was shipped to Springfield today and will be buried there on Sunday.

 

THOMAS, CAROLINE M./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1864
Died in Alton, December 19, 1864, Mrs. Caroline M. Thomas, wife of Charles H. Thomas, aged 30 years.

 

THOMAS, CHARLES E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1900
Charles E. Thomas, a driver for the Adams Express Company, died last night at his home, 912 State Street, after a month's illness. His death was unexpected as his illness was not considered serious until a few days before his death. He was thought to be improving until yesterday afternoon, when he took a sudden change for the worse and death resulted last night. He was 35 years of age and had lived in Alton two years, having come here with his family, consisting of a wife and three children, from Ipava. He was a brother of J. B. Thomas of Alton, and a son of George T. Thomas of Ipava, who is now in this city and was here when his son died. The funeral will be Sunday morning at 8 o'clock, and the body will be taken to the Ridge street station for shipment to Ipava. The services will be under the auspices of Fleur de Lys lodge.

 

THOMAS, ETHEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28, 1920
Ethel, the thirty months old child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomas, died this morning at 3:10 o'clock at the family home at 5 Harriet Street, Yager Park. The little one has been sick for over two years. Besides her parents the little one leaves four sisters and one brother. The funeral will be held Thursday at 2 o'clock from the family home. Services will be conducted by Rev. Fred Stelzreide of the Washington Avenue Methodist church.

 

THOMAS, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 9, 1893
Mr. John Thomas, a farmer living in Foster township, two and a half miles from Upper Alton, was found dead in a field early this morning. Mr. Thomas went out Tuesday from his home and did not return either to dinner or supper. Search was made for him without avail last night, but he was found early this morning. It is not known at this writing what was the cause of his death. The coroner has been sent for. Mr. Thomas was 72 years of age, and was well known in Upper Alton and vicinity.

 

THOMAS, JOHN P./Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 29, 1891
Mr. John P. Thomas died early this morning at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Julius Stumpf, 218 Langdon street, at the advanced age of 82 years. Mr. Thomas was born in France, coming to this country in 1847. He had been a resident of Alton for years, and leaves, besides Mrs. Stumpf, another daughter and a son ...[unreadable] ...a son and daughter in Belleville. The funeral will take place at St. Mary's church at 3:30 o'clock a.m. Thursday.

 

THOMAS, PHIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 18, 1907
Murdered In Revenge in Happy Hollow, Near Eighth and Piasa Streets
Phil Thomas, a negro hod carrier, was murdered Saturday night by Mary Anderson in revenge, because Thomas struck the woman a blow on the eye during a quarrel. A neighborhood gathering of negroes was being held at the home of Ed Green in Happy Hollow, near Eighth and Piasa. Thomas was drunk and happy, but a tinge of ill humor spoiled the pleasure of the whole. Everything was not as happy as it should have been for some reason, and according to the statements made by those who were present and the negro woman herself, who is in jail on the charge of murder, Thomas invited her outside and she went. He struck her a blow on the eye, making a big lump. The woman was determined to be revenged on Thomas for this ungaliant action, and while Thomas went back to the house to join the social gathering, she went downtown to a pawnshop and bought a revolver. She came back to the house where Thomas was staying, and Thomas was by this time in a jovial mood. He was paying his board when a rap on the door caused it to be opened, and a woman outside named Bessie Martin asked Thomas to come out. "Wha foh you wan me to come out. Ye trying to get me killed, honey, I expect," Thomas is said to have responded, as he stepped outside the door. Then there was a fusilade of shots and Thomas fell with a bullet in his neck and one in his back. The negroes in the house paid no attention to it, for shooting is a frequent occurrence in Happy Hollow, but generally no one gets hurt. When Officer Lyons arrived on the scene, he found Thomas lying dead on the step, and the negroes in the house knew nothing of it, no one having stirred outside to investigate the shooting. But for the negro woman's admission that she shot Thomas, there would be no evidence of much value that she did it. She was arrested immediately afterwards, on giving herself up. She claimed she threw the revolver in a manhole of a sewer at Second and Piasa street, but it could not be found. When the ambulance went to haul the body of Thomas to deputy coroner Keiser's morgue, the driver drove the horse and ambulance over a bank in the darkness near Happy Hollow and overturned the vehicle. Another wagon was secured to haul the body in. The inquest will be held tonight. The woman Monday afternoon waived examination and was committed to the county jail to await the action of the grand jury.

Coroner's Jury Holds Mary Anderson
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22, 1907
The jury impaneled to hold an inquest over the body of Phil Thomas was reconvened last evening, and after hearing the evidence of Bessie Martin, they found a verdict holding Mary Anderson for murder, without bail.

Hod Carriers' Union Buries Phil Thomas
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 19, 1907
The funeral of Phil Thomas, the negro who was shot Saturday night by Mary Anderson, in Happy Hollow, was held Tuesday afternoon from Keiser’s undertaking establishment. The hod carriers’ union had charge of the funeral. Deputy Coroner Keiser has been making an effort to get the watch which Thomas carried, and which is missing. A watch chain which was attached to it was broken, and only the stub of it was left. It was claimed that Thomas had pawned the watch, but it is believed that someone lifted it off his person after he was killed.

Deputy Coroner Keiser has been searching for Bessie Martin, a negro woman who is said to have called Thomas to the door. The woman, having a groundless fear that she would be held for complicity in the killing, has disappeared, and the search for her has been fruitless. Deputy Coroner Keiser says that he merely wants to tell what she knows of the killing, and that there is no intention of arresting her. The inquest has been postponed to Wednesday evening. The grand jury has taken up the case of the Anderson woman, and will hear witnesses at once.

The Case Against Mary Anderson
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 26, 1907
The case against Mary Anderson is the result of the killing of Phil Thomas, a negro, in a fight in Happy Hollow. The woman admitted killing Thomas. She has been in jail since the night of the killing. Bessie Martin, an Alton colored woman who was with Mary Anderson when the latter shot Phil Thomas, February 16, is held by a “weird untenable fear,” and when she isn’t holding it, it is following her around like Mary’s little lamb followed Mary.

Mary Anderson Tries to Hang Herself
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28, 1907
Mary Anderson, the slayer of Phil Thomas, endeavored to commit suicide by hanging herself in her cell last night in the county jail, using some bed clothes as a rope. She was discovered by the jailer just in time, it is said, to prevent strangulation.

Confessed Murderer Goes to Penitentiary
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28, 1907
Sheriff David Jones today took to Joliet, Mary Anderson, the negro woman who confessed to the murder of Phil Thomas, and who pleaded guilty in the city court yesterday. The husband of the woman accompanied her to the train, and the parting between the two was a touching one.

 

THOMAS, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1905
Samuel Thomas, who was fatally injured Wednesday night during a fight in which Austin Gilbert struck him and knocked him down, died at St. Joseph's hospital about 9 o'clock this morning. He never regained consciousness. Deputy Coroner A. L. Keiser impaneled a jury today to hold an inquest beginning at 4 o'clock this afternoon. Eye-witnesses of the assault say that Gilbert struck Thomas a very hard blow on the jaw, and Thomas being small and light was lifted off his feet and knocked from the sidewalk to the paved street, striking on his head. The fracture of his skull probably was caused by his falling to the brick paving. Gilbert, who committed the assault, seems to be very much worried about the predicament in which he has been placed. He struck the blow without intending to kill Thomas, but the outcome of the blow was quite different from what was intended. Gilbert has not eaten or slept since his incarceration. He is being held pending an outcome of Thomas' injuries, but the attending surgeon says that Thomas has no chance to live.

 

THOMAS, UNKNOWN CHILD/ Source: Alton Telegraph, July 27, 1849
Died from cholera – child of Mr. W. R. Thomas.

 

THOMAS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1916
Wife of Former Police Officer
The Telegraph a few days ago contained an account of the serious condition of Mrs. William Thomas, a trained nurse, following a stroke of paralysis. She was then at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Anthis in Yager Park, but was removed to St. Joseph's Hospital for more expert treatment. She passed away yesterday. She was 59 years of age and is survived by her husband and four children: three daughters, Mrs. Anthis of Alton; Mrs. Walter Hill of St. Louis; Mrs. Clem Hawkins of Chicago; and one son, Earl Thomas of Alton. The funeral will be Friday morning from St. Patrick's Church and burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs. Thomas was well and widely known in Alton and vicinity, and there will be sincere sorrow when her death is heard of. She was a good, kindly, helpful woman, and a good wife and mother. Her husband, former officer William Thomas, became totally blind more than a year ago, and Mrs. Thomas and her daughter, Mrs. Anthis, have taken care of him since. Her death will be a severe blow to the blind husband left behind, although the children are showing him every care and attention. The daughters are here from their respective homes in other cities.

 

THOMAS, WILLIAM "WILL"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24, 1907
Father Injured - Son Killed
William Thomas, aged 17, was killed and five other men were badly injured in a premature explosion at the Armstrong quarries at 2:45 o'clock this afternoon. Thomas was buried under thousands of tons of stone that fell upon him from a height of 34 feet, and his body is terribly mangled. Jack Thomas, Gus Schwarberg, William Johnson, Samuel Webb and John Grace are all badly injured, some of them having bones fractured.

Jack Thomas and Gus Schwarberg were fixing a blast on a high ledge 34 feet above the bottom of the quarry. They had loaded two holes with dynamite and were tamping the third, when the terrific explosion came. The other four men, Schwarberg, Johnson, Webb and Grace, were working down in the bottom of the quarry directly under the part of the ledge where the shots were being rammed. When the big explosion came, Jack Thomas and Gus Schwarberg were thrown into the air and over the ledge. A great avalanche of lighter pieces of stone covered the men down in the bottom of the quarry. Will Thomas was close to the rock ledge and was completely covered with the great mass of stone that fell. His body had not been recovered up to 4 o'clock this afternoon, although workmen are working with all their might and strength to reach the dead man. William Johnson had a narrow escape; the stone seemed to pick him up and carry him along with it instead of crushing him. The other men are cut, bruised and broken as a result of the sharp-edged stones falling on them. A horse attached to a cart directly under the ledge was cut and bruised, and the harness was cut up so badly that the mule was freed from the cart.

Immediately after the explosion the survivors set to work removing the stone which buried the body of Will Thomas. His father was first carried down to the railroad track and put in a shanty, and the fact that his son was dead was kept from him. He kept pleading to know whether his son was still alive and whether he had been taken out, but the men all kept silent and evaded answering his questions as they carried one after another of the victims down to the shed where they could be loaded in an ambulance. At the quarry, a great mountain of rock like an avalanche was lying on top of the body of young Thomas. The men who escaped with comparatively slight injuries were recounting the incidents of their escape while nursing their bruises and waiting for the ambulance. Thomas and Schwarburg were on top of the ledge, 34 feet above where the gang of men down below were loading stone into a cart to be hauled away before another blast was set off. Schwarburg, the foreman, was superintending the job. Two holes had been filled and the third was being tamped down when for some reason the one being filled went off and the concussion set off the others. Jack Thomas, who was using the tamping bar, was horribly burned about the face and hands. He fell down with Schwarburg and both landed on top of the mass of rock. Their escape from instant death is considered miraculous. Schwarburg is badly hurt about the face and breast, and he may have some broken ribs and other bad injuries.

William Johnson was standing beside Will Thomas, who was killed, and when the rock fell he was struck by a big boulder, which rolled him out of the way. He suffered injuries to his arms and legs, but is not considered dangerously hurt. John Grace also was close by young Thomas, and he too was pushed out of the way by the immense mass. Samuel Webb was badly hurt about the body by being struck by an immense stone. The horse which was stripped of its harness and thrown out of the shafts of the cart, stood quietly where it was pushed by the mass of rock and no one paid any attention to its wounds, although the poor animal was badly cut and bruised. Dr. J. B. Hastings responded to a hurry up call and he gave the men some attention and had them taken to St. Joseph's Hospital. The outcome of the injuries of Schwarburg, Jack Thomas and Webb is very much in doubt. Their condition is grave. The ledge where the accident happened is up near the top of the bluff, and the floor of the quarry is about fifty feet from the railroad track.

NOTES:
The Armstrong Quarry was located on the riverfront, about a quarter mile west of State Street in Alton. The Mississippi Sand Company later owned the property. John Edward “Jack” Thomas, the father of William Thomas, lost one eye and was blinded in the other. His son, who was crushed by the fall of the rocks, was moved to the family home, and the funeral services were held there. Burial was in the Melville Cemetery. The father was unable to attend. Jack Thomas died in October 1923, leaving behind a wife, Minnie Thomas, and two daughters – Mrs. D. W. Bell and Mrs. Gladys Keiser. He was also buried in the Melville Cemetery.

A sister of Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. John Kelley, was greatly attached to her nephew, Will. It was said she had a premonition that some calamity was about to happen, but she didn’t know to who. The night before the accident, she was roused from her sleep by something which she described as “a feeling that there was someone in the room.” She rose, but found nothing. The experience was repeated several times that night. When she turned on the light in the kitchen, it would suddenly go out. The next day, William Thomas lost his life in the quarry.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 25, 1907
Jack Thomas, father of the boy who was killed, is the worst hurt. He has lost one eye and may be blind in the other, if he recovers. He has many painful bruises......The body of Will Thomas was moved to the family home this morning by Deputy Coroner Keiser. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning and services in the home will be conducted by Rev. J. A. Scarritt, D. D. Burial will be at Melville. The father will be unable to attend his son's funeral.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 25, 1907
Premonition of Nephew's Death?
The superstitiously inclined, and those who believe in signs, omens, etc., can point to the experience of Mrs. John Kelley of east Third Street antedating the calamity that befell relatives of her yesterday as substantiating their belief somewhat. Mrs. Kelly is a sister of Mrs. Jack Thomas and was greatly attached to her nephew Will, who was killed outright yesterday afternoon at Armstrong's quarry. Mrs. Kelly was uneasy and anxious all day yesterday and told several of her neighbors, it is said, that she knew something awful was about to happen to someone belonging to her. She had no idea what form the calamity would take, nor who the victim would be, but she felt sure someone akin to her was about to suffer severely. Monday night she was aroused from her sleep by a something which she described as "a feeling that there was someone in the room." She arose and examined not only the room but the entire house occupied by her family, but found nobody. The experience was repeated several times Monday night, according to the story and to add to the mysticism of it, every time she turned on the electric light in the kitchen during her investigation tours, it would suddenly go out or be turned off. It was following the above experience that she declared her belief in an approaching calamity.

 

THOMPSON, ANSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1881
Anson Thompson, a lad of 16 years, son of W. C. Thompson of Upper Alton, was drowned while bathing in Professor Wyman’s pond Friday last. He sank in a deep spot, and being unable to swim, drowned before the assistance summoned by a little boy playing near could reach him. He was an excellent boy, and of an age to be a great help to his father. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their sudden and severe affliction.

 

THOMPSON, DAVID "DAVY"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22, 1900
David Thompson, a well known character in the East End, and a resident of Alton for many years, died at St. Joseph's hospital last evening at 5 o'clock, after an illness with malaria fever. He was 67 years of age, and leaves three sons in this city. Thompson lived in a shanty boat on the sandbar, and was taken from there yesterday morning to the hospital for treatment. The funeral will be Saturday morning at 9 o'clock.

 

THOMPSON, FREDDIE B./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1878
Freddie B., youngest child of Rev. F. L. and Mollie Thompson, was born in Cairo, November 10, 1872, and died in Alton, March 18, 1878, aged 5 years, 5 months, and 8 days. Little Freddie was a sweet and promising child – no one knew him, but to love him, and he will be greatly missed. His teacher in the Sabbath school, of which he was such a faithful member, will miss his pleasant countenance, as she gathers her little ones around her on Sabbath morning. But most of all, will he be missed in the home circle by father, mother, and brother. May the blessed Savior minister consolation to their stricken hearts.

 

THOMPSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3, 1900
Aged Farmer Killed in Runaway Accident
George Thompson, aged 79 years, was instantly killed yesterday afternoon while at work on the farm of Joseph Spurgeon, two miles from Upper Alton, by being crushed under a load of wood he had piled on his wagon. The tragedy was caused by a spirited team that was hitched to the wagon taking fright and running away, Thompson remaining on the wagon in an attempt to stop the runaway horses. Mr. Thompson was an active man, notwithstanding his seventy-nine years, and continued to do the work of a younger man about his place near Upper Alton. He was hauling wood from the place of Mr. Joseph Spurgeon yesterday morning. The horses were wild, having run away several times before, and suddenly they started on a mad run. Mr. Thompson held on to the reins, but the wagon tipped over and he fell to the ground, the wood falling on top of him. When picked up he was dead, and it is supposed death was instant. Thompson was father of a family of children, all of whom are dead, and he leaves only a wife, who is of advanced age.

THOMPSON, HARRIET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 2, 1908
Mrs. Harriet Thompson, aged 18, a wife of three years, died last evening at the family home, 1014 Union street, after a long illness from consumption. She leaves no children. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and burial will be in City cemetery.

 

THOMPSON, JACOB/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 24, 1874
Death of a Pioneer
In the death of our friend, Jacob Thompson, which occurred on September 15, we have lost one of our most respected and esteemed fellowmen – an upright and prominent citizen, and a most accommodating neighbor.

“Uncle Jake,” as he was familiarly called, will long be remembered, not only in Fosterburg precinct, but in Madison County throughout. For here had been his home for nearly forty years. There are today but few men in Madison County better acquainted with its history, and the history of its first settlers, than was Jacob Thompson.

Had the publishers of the Madison County Atlas consulted “Uncle Jake” in their undertaking, nine-tenths of those mistakes that this work now contains would not have occurred. His power of observation was excellent, his memory wonderful. In conversation he was at once engaging and interesting. To relate the history of this county or that of its early settlers, when his breath would allow, would engage the attention of his hearers for hours, yes for days, and as a friend remarked, there was no getting enough of Thompson’s talk. In politics, Jacob Thompson was a staunch Republican, and would only scratch his ticket for the late William T. Brown. And thus passed away from among us one more of the pioneers of Madison County. Let us cherish them in memory, for we enjoy the results of the hardships which they have borne.

 

THOMPSON, JENNIE H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1919
Aged Alton Woman Had Interesting History
Madame Jennie H. Thompson died Sunday morning at 7:30 o'clock at the Old Ladies Home, after an illness of several weeks. She was in her ninety-fifth year. Madame Thompson was the widow of the late William C. Thompson of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at the Old Ladies Home at 2 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. David T. Magill, pastor of the College Avenue Baptist Church, of which Madame Thompson was a member, and Rev. W. M. Rhoads. The burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, east of Upper Alton, beside her husband. Madame Thompson was a woman with an interesting history. Her maiden name was Gangnebien. She was born in Switzerland, in the Alps, near Geneva, of French parents. Her father was a soldier in Napoleon's army. When nine years of age she was taken into the family of the historian, d'Aubigne, who wrote the "History of the Dutch Reformation," and made her home at Geneva. At that time Geneva was a center for the Calvinists and she received special educational training from Dr. Malan, a professor in the University of Switzerland, and also from Mrs. Stephenson, the wife of Doctor Stephenson, another professor in the University. At Geneva she formed the acquaintance of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fletcher of America, Fletcher at that time being connected with the University. Later Fletcher was appointed as United States Minister to Portugal, and Madame Thompson and Mrs. Fletcher came to America, taking up their residence in New York City. Here she had charge of the educational training of the two Fletcher children, George and Julia, the latter afterwards becoming a novelist. While living with the Fletchers, Madame Thompson became intimate with many notables in the literary world, including John Greenleaf Whittier, William Culien Bryant, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. After the death of her father, her mother and sister came to America, and settled in Upper Alton. Madame Thompson came West and made her home with them. She taught French in Shurtleff College and in the old Wyman Institute, now the Western Military Academy. While at the latter institution she met Mr. Thompson and married him. After the death of Mr. Thompson, Madame Thompson sustained a fracture of her hip. Having no known relatives she entered the Old Ladies Home, where she has since resided. To all her friends she was known as Madame Thompson because she preferred to be known by the title used in her native land, to which she had become accustomed.

 

THOMPSON, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 9, 1868
Died at his residence in Upper Alton, September 30, 1868, Mr. John Thompson, after a painful and protracted illness. His was the death of the righteous.

 

THOMPSON, JOHN FRANKLIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1919
John Franklin Thompson, 84 years old, died yesterday at his home at Fosterburg. He leaves his widow and several children. He will be buried tomorrow afternoon from the Fosterburg Baptist church.

 

THOMPSON, MARIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 27, 1920
Mrs. Maria Thompson died at her home in Fosterburg Thursday afternoon of uraemic poisoning. If she had lived until September 22, she would have been 80 years of age. She was around as usual Wednesday and was taken ill during the night. Mrs. Thompson was one of our oldest native born citizens, having been a member of the old Pruitt family pioneer settlers of this county. Her husband, J. F. Thompson, died a little over a year ago. Mrs. Thompson was a good Christian lady; very kindly in all her doings, and had many friends who are sorry to hear of her death. She leaves three children, Harry Thompson and Miss Nellie Thompson, who lived with her, and Mrs. D. M. Bishop of Kirkwood, Mo.; also two brothers, Frank and Shields Pruitt, of Okla., besides numerous other relatives. Funeral arrangements are not complete at this time.

 

THOMPSON, MIRANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1919
Mrs. Miranda Thompson, wife of Moses Thompson, died at the family home at Fosterburg this morning at 5:55 o'clock after an illness of three weeks. Mrs. Thompson was 77 years of age on Wednesday, December 24, but was too ill to celebrate the occasion. Mrs. Thompson has spent her entire life in the Fosterburg neighborhood, having been born at Dorsey. She was well known for her many charitable acts and church work. She is survived by her husband, Mose Thompson, and six children, Mrs. Marlon Cope of Joplin; Jake Thompson of Bethalto; Mrs. G. E. Miller of Crawford, Colo., Mrs. J. M. Campbell of Brighton, Rodney Thompson and Miss Rand Thompson.

 

THOMPSON, MOSES and son RODNEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 17, 1922
Double Funeral at Fosterburg
The double funeral of Moses Thompson and his son, Rodney, will be held at Fosterburg at 1 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, according to arrangements completed today. The services will be held in Memorial hall and will be in charge of Rev. Frederick Webber, former pastor of the church. It was stated that William Thompson, aged 84, and a brother of Moses Thompson, was barely alive today, and his death was expected at any minute. The daughter from Colorado was being expected today on every train from St. Louis, as she was due to arrive in that city this morning. Mrs. Jack Campbell of Upper Alton, another member of the Thompson family, was reported somewhat better today. She was brought to her home in Upper Alton a few days ago on account of illness. She had been at the home of her father in Fosterburg, helping to take care of the sick people.

 

THOMPSON, RODNEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1922
Rodney Thompson, aged 38, is dead, his father, Mose Thompson and his uncle, William Thompson, are in serious condition at the family home at Fosterburg. Pneumonia is the cause. The death occurred at 5 a.m. today. A sister of the dead man, Mrs. John Campbell of Alton, is sick too, after giving her services in helping another sister, Miss Randa Thompson, to take care of the patients. Father and uncle do not know of the death of Rodney Thompson. The fact that he had died was kept from them as it was feared that it might have a bad effect on their cases if they learned of it. The body of the dead man was quietly taken away from the house this morning and moved to the Streeper undertaking establishment in Upper Alton, to be held there until word can be received from Mrs. Guy E. Miller, of Craig, Colo., who may come to attend the funeral. The deceased leaves one brother, Jacob Thompson of Bethalto, and four sisters, Miss Randa Thompson of Fosterburg, Mrs. Guy E. Miller of Craig, Colo., Mrs. Marion Cope of Joplin, Mo., and Mrs. John Campbell of Alton. Announcement of the time of the funeral will be made later.

 

THOMPSON, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 9, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Rose Thompson, aged 30, was held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Hyman of Shields street. Mrs. Thompson died Monday night from concussion of the brain, following an accident in which the woman jumped from a moving car.

 

THOMPSON, RUTH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1905
The funeral of Mrs. Ruth Thompson, the "grandma of East End ....", was held this afternoon in the home of her son, Mr. Tot...., and was attended by practically all residents of East End place. Services were conducted by Rev. S. McKenney.

 

THOMPSON, SAMUEL T. (MARSHAL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7, 1912
Wood River Marshal Slain
Village Marshal Samuel T. Thompson of Wood River was killed instantly by Sam Williams on Ferguson Avenue in Wood River Friday night, but at the same instant that the man fired two shots with a shotgun at Thompson, the latter fired twice with his revolver, and he mortally wounded him. Williams died at the hospital about 9:30 o'clock, three hours after the shooting, immediately after he was carried through the doors of that institution. The shooting resulted from the fact that Williams, who had been working for Bash & Gray, the waterworks contractors, had been drinking heavily and quit work. He had been partially paid off and demanded more money from his foreman, O. S. Short, who declared he would not pay him while he was drunk, nor could he until he had a chance to look up his books. Williams procured a shotgun, and started out hunting for Short. Thompson was notified, and he went in search of Williams. When they met, Thompson attempted to arrest him, who started to move off, then drew his shotgun and fired twice at Thompson. At the same instant Thompson fired twice at him. One of Thompson's shots sheared the fingers off the "shooting" hand of Williams, and the other bullet pierced his body near his heart. The two charges of shot struck Thompson in the side and tore his side to pieces. Williams was about ten feet from Thompson when the shooting occurred.

When the people of Wood River saw that Thompson was dead, they went in search of Williams, who had run off about 175 feet and dropped in a clump of weeds. Searchers for him stumbled over his body, and they carried it to the office of Dr. Barton. It was not known that he was mortally wounded, and there were suggestions made that he be lynched, but Mayor Stowell Beach and Deputy Sheriff Peter Fitzgerald made speeches urging the people not to do such a thing as he was mortally wounded. Williams was hurried to Alton in an auto, and died there over three hours after the shooting.

Thompson was 52 years of age, and he leaves his wife and six children. He was a courageous man and has done good service since taking the office of village marshal of Wood River. He was known as a good shot, and a man of good judgment. Williams, who was killed by Thompson, had a woman who claims to be his wife at Wood River. He had come there to work on the sewer and waterworks contract. Chief of Police J. A. Lynn, Officer Gus Rotsch, and Deputy Sheriff Peter Fitzgerald got word in time to catch the 6 o'clock car for Wood River. When they arrived, they called for an automobile from the Heuser and Meyer garage and hurried to the scene. They reached there before the mob had found Williams. Excitement ran high, but no one seemed to want to go near the house. The trio of Alton officers went for the house. It was a small house with scanty furniture. The woman was pacing up and down the floor, wringing her hands, pleading with the crowd not to molest her, as she had not seen her husband all afternoon. They searched the house, the mob having become more bold with the presence of the officers.

John Schmidt was the first to stumble over the body of Williams, seventy-five yards from the house in a clump of weeds. When it was learned he was wounded, many men seemed to acquire a streak of boldness. Several rushed up and wanted to kick him. Others wanted to string him up at once. The chief, who wore a cap and did not display his official badge and kept the mob guessing by his authoritative manner, ordered the man's removal to the doctor's office. The crowd cried out they wanted him. The chief and the deputy sheriff stood them off, promising to see how his wounds would turn out. Everybody wanted to help carry him to Dr. Barton's office. Then the demonstration began. A crowd of several hundred with guns, revolvers, axes, and picks gathered and demanded to get Williams. Mayor S. A. Beach, during the examination, came out of the doctor's office and pleaded with the mob not to disgrace the town "by any unsightly affair." But the mob wouldn't listen. They demanded that the two physicians, Drs. Barton and Gottschalk, come out and make a speech telling that he would die before they would promise to refrain from vengeance. The chief then threatened a little force and for a time it seemed as if there would be trouble. But repeated assurances that Williams was going to die calmed them a little, while the crowd kept increasing. When the auto arrived, a number declared that Williams would not be taken away. But in spite of repeated threats to shoot the officers and cut the auto tires, the officers made human targets of themselves for an excited crowd, and with only their guns drawn as almost futile defense, they whizzed off. Fortunately, no shots were fired, for they might have struck the men in the auto. They got away safely.

Excitement is at a pretty high pitch in Wood River, as a result of the shooting. Williams came from Plainfield several months ago with his wife, and resided in a house about two blocks west of the school house. He was known as a troublesome man, and according to Mayor Stowell Beach, had served a term in Chester [penitentiary]. He worked very irregularly for the sewer company, getting laid off an account of drinking. It was supposed at first that the shots struck him once on the hand and again under the heart, but an examination by Coroner Sims after his death at the hospital revealed the fact that he was shot through the leg. This would go to show that the bullet which took off his fingers also went through his body near the heart, as he held his hand up from front of his body. The other shot evidently struck him in the leg.

Williams emptied both barrels at the Marshal, drawing the trigger with his crippled hand. When Mr. Thompson dropped with his head towards the street on the sidewalk, Williams ran. The crowd that gathered ran to Mr. Thompson and carried him into the Short boarding house where he died in ten minutes. He kept moaning, but was unconscious. The search for Williams began, and it was over a half hour before he was found by John Schmid in a clump of weeds in the back of his house about 75 yards away. In the meantime, the crowd had searched his house.

The news was brought to Mrs. Thompson as she was serving at the church supper given at the Union Mission. She is not in the best of health and was almost prostrated. Mr. Thompson's body was taken to Alton last night in the Jacoby undertaking wagon, and will be brought down tomorrow to the house. The funeral will be held early Monday morning under the auspices of the Odd Fellow Lodge, which Mr. Thompson organized. Odd Fellows will be pallbearers. The Rev. Fisher, pastor of the Union Mission, will officiate. The funeral party will take the 9:32 a.m. Chicago and Alton train, and will go to East St. Louis, where the body will be buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Mr. Thompson was born in Barron Furness, England, and came to America when a young man. He lived eleven years in East St. Louis, where he was a contractor. On coming to wood River three years ago, he opened a store, but it is said did not make the success he desired of it and sold out. Since that time, he has been serving as Marshal for two and a half years. He was married twice. He leaves two children by the first wife - Mrs. Ina May Seagon of Bingham, Illinois, and Ernest T. Thompson of East St. Louis. The second wife, four children - Freeland, Byron, Grace and Mary Thompson - survive him. Friends of Thompson and fellow lodge members remember with a tinge of sadness that he was unusually pleasant at the lodge meeting of the Odd Fellows lodge on the night before his death. He was laughing and joking with them and said, "boys our lodge has been organized a year now without a death, and I hope we'll make another year without anything of the kind." He then had no idea that he was marked for a tragic fate then he had even suggested for any one of his fellow men.  [Note: Marshal Thompson was buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.]

 

THOMPSON, STELLE R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 4, 1922
Woman Sleeps Three Months, Dying Today
Mrs. Stelle R. Thompson, wife of Ernest Thompson, died this morning at 8:40 o'clock at the home of Mrs. Edith Thompson, her mother-in-law, 2400 State street. Mrs. Thompson's case was a peculiar one. She began suffering from a malady which produced an inclination toward drowsiness, and for the past three months she was asleep most of the time. Doctors were puzzled over her condition, and there was a difference of opinion. A specialist diagnosed her case as being one of tumor on the brain, and he urged a surgical operation to relieve it. Her condition failed to improve and she continued to grow weaker until the end came this morning. Mrs. Thompson leaves her husband, also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of St. Louis, and three brothers, Arthur, Luther and Merrill Smith of St. Louis. She was a member of the Washington avenue Methodist church. The fune4ral will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Thompson, 2400 State street. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. There was some who believed that Mrs. Thompson was suffering from sleeping sickness on account of her inclination to sleep most of the time, but this view of her case was dissipated when she failed to show any other of the well known symptoms of that disease, and also that she failed to rally or the malady failed to prove fatal sooner than it did.

 

THOMPSON, SUSAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 1, 1903
After a long illness from Bright's disease, Mrs. Susan Thompson died this morning at 6 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. J. Ashlock, on Front street. Mrs. Thompson had lived in the vicinity of Fosterburg since girlhood. She was born in North Carolina and was 78 years of age. A few days ago she came to Alton for medical treatment and was staying at her daughter's home. She leaves two sons, Hiram Foster of Independence, Kansas, and Martin Thompson of Fosterburg; two daughters, Mrs. W. J. Ashlock of Alton and Mrs. Leonard Rammes of Mt. Olive. She leaves a brother, Martin Chandler of Butler, Illinois, and a sister, Mrs. Eliza Young of Upper Alton. Mrs. Thompson was a devoted member of the Baptist church nearly all her life, and in the community where she lived was a shining example of Christian womanhood.

 

THOMPSON, TOMMY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1913
Found Floating Near Skinny Island
The body of Tommy Thompson was found floating in the river by two fishermen at Skinny Island, Monday afternoon, about fourteen hours after the drowning occurred. The body was in such condition that it was necessary to have a hasty funeral this morning and remove it from the undertaking rooms of Jacoby & Co. There was no chance of telling whether or not Tommy had been subjected to any physical violence before he sank in the river, as the body was bloated almost beyond recognition. There is a story going the rounds among some of Thompson's friends that he had $40 Saturday night, and that after paying some of it out he had $27 left, but this money could not be found when Thompson's clothes were lying on the river bank. It is said that on the day following the drowning of Thompson, there were some of the associates of Thompson who seemed to have some money, but whether they won it from Thompson or how they got it, no one is willing to say.

 

THOMPSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF MANFORD (nee REILLEY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15, 1918
Mrs. Manford Thompson of East Broadway died last night at her home, leaving her husband and several children, ranging in age from 10 years to 7 or 8 months. Mrs. Thompson died after a short illness with influenza and pneumonia. She was 36 years of age. Mrs. Thompson was born and raised in the vicinity of East Alton, coming to Alton just a short time ago to reside. She was well known in East Alton. Mrs. Thompson was a member of the East Alton Baptist church. She is the daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Reilley. Besides her husband, children and mother, Mrs. Thompson leaves three sisters and two brothers: Mrs. Sadie Glass of East Alton; Mrs. Lou Ackerman of Canada; Mrs. Warren Cook; Alfred and William Reilley of St. Louis. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

 

THOMPSON, WILLAFORD/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 9, 1874
From Upper Alton – On Sunday last was held the funeral service of Mrs. Willaford Thompson, who having lived here formerly for a long time, had moved back to Upper Alton to die, as she said. Her disease was consumption of long standing.

 

THOMSE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1904
East Alton News - The funeral of Mrs. John Thomse took place Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the Baptist church. The pallbearers were: S. M. Hawkins, John Earl, Adam Reiffer, Charles J. Ferguson, Frank Worthington, Albert Jones. Interment at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

 

THORNBERRY, VERA (nee BATES)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 17, 1918
Without learning that her baby did not live, Mrs. Vera Bates Thornberry died Tuesday afternoon about 5 o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital where she has been for the past four days. The young mother was but 20 years of age, and was married a year ago the fourth of last month to Michael Thornberry, who survives her. Mrs. Thornberry was born in Kimmsrick, Mo, but has spent most of her life in Alton, residing here with her family at intervals. The last time the Bates family came to Alton was five years ago. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bates of Madison avenue, and leaves besides her parents two brothers, Ernest and Loyd Bates, and four sisters, Etta, Nettie, Amy and Nina. Mr. and Mrs. Thornberry also resided on Madison avenue, having a home of their own at 242. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, Rev. A. C. Geyer officiating. Interment will be in the City Cemetery.

 

THORNTON, ALBERTINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4, 1920
Mrs. Albertine Thornton, aged 51, widow of E. C. Thornton, of 280 Madison avenue, died Friday night at 7:20 o'clock at St. Joseph's Hospital where she was taken Wednesday afternoon in order that she might have expert attention. Mrs. Thornton was taken ill three weeks ago, and from the first her condition was known to be serious. She suffered from heart trouble, together with complications of diseases. Although suffering keenly during the past weeks of her illness, her death was quiet and beautiful, the end coming as she was surrounded by her family. Mrs. Thornton was born and raised in Alton, and was one of the city's best known women. She was kind and sympathetic, and was ever ready to lend a hand when trouble and death entered the home of a friend. She was beloved by her large circle of friends, and her death was received with much sadness. Mrs. Thornton was born in Alton 51 years ago last July, and spent her entire life in this city. She was married to E. C. Thornton, who died fourteen years ago. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. James B. Cahill of Madison avenue, and by one small granddaughter, Marion Pauline. Her parents are both dead, her mother, Mrs. Pauline Formhals, dying two years ago. She also leaves five sisters, Mrs. Frank Merkle and Mrs. Joseph Hufker of this city, and the Misses Emily, Louise and Clara Formhals of Denver, Colo. The funeral will be held from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral Monday morning at 9 o'clock.

 

THORNTON, E. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1904
Joked While He Drank Poison
With a joke on his lips and in the presence of a group of his friends, E. C. Thornton, a cigar maker and morphine fiend, called for a drink in the Spring House at Second and Spring streets, Saturday night, emptied in the glass a large quantity of morphine and drank it off. His companions, knowing he was addicted to the use of the drug, were not at first alarmed, but soon saw that Thornton had taken more than his customary amount. He was moved to the hospital, Dr. Bowman summoned, and everything done to revive him, but he died about 2 o'clock Sunday morning. Thornton was 28 years old and came from Des Moines. The cigar makers union had Undertaker Bauer take charge of the body and notified Thornton's relatives at Des Moines. Early Saturday evening Thornton tried to buy some morphine at Paul Bros. drug store, but because he could not give a satisfactory account of what he intended to do with it, he was refused.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 14, 1904
"I am only an outcast and a drunkard," was what E. C. Thornton, the suicide cigar maker gave as his reason for destroying his life by taking morphine Saturday night, according to testimony of Leo Pieffer. Thornton was only 28, and those who have seen him say he was one of the most perfect specimens of physical manhood they have seen. He was 6 feet high, had a fine face, and a head of beautiful, curling golden brown hair. Before he took the poison he wrote a letter to his mother, then destroyed it. After he realized what he had done he broke down in uncontrollable crying. It is said that Thornton came of a good family. He had been a wanderer, union receipts showing that he had stayed but a short time in each town where he had been. The body was shipped today to Des Moines for burial, accompanied by a member of the cigar maker's union. The coroner's jury found a verdict of death from morphine, self-administered.

 

THORNTON, EDWARD C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1906
Edward C. Thornton, a well-known Alton traveling man, died very unexpectedly Friday night at his residence, 298 Madison avenue, from heart failure brought on by congestion of the stomach. His death followed an illness of a few days from which it was supposed he had completely recovered. He was feeling well and in good spirits Friday evening and had been pronounced recovered by the attending physician. He was bright and cheerful and ate a hearty supper. Before retiring he took a bath and having shaved himself he had evidently made every preparation for his dying, almost as if he had been given a premonition that his end was coming. He had been in excellent spirits and spent part of the evening playing around on the porch with some children. Mrs. Thornton says that they retired about 10 o'clock and shortly her husband seemed to be asleep, from his deep regular breathing. She went to sleep too, and was aroused about three-quarters of an hour later from her sleep. She noticed that her husband was very still and that the sound of his breathing had subsided. She touched his hand and found it cold and lifeless. The wife was given a terrible shock by the discovery of her husband's death. Neighbors were summoned and she soon had plenty of friends near to lend assistance, but it was too late for anything to be done. Edward Thornton was born in Alton and lived here all his life. He was a son of Philip Thornton. He would have been 38 years of age August 20. For many years he was engaged as a traveling salesman for Alton grocery houses, and recently he severed his connection with an Alton firm to become connected with a St. Louis grocery firm. He was highly thought of by everyone who knew him. His unusual intellectual talents, his conversational ability and his uniform good humor made his company very much sought after and he was the life of any party of which he was a member. His death was a great shock to the entire community, as few knew that he was not in good health. He was an orator of considerable ability, although making no professions of being such, and as a speaker for small gatherings he frequently entertained audiences delightfully. He was to have delivered an address at a Fourth of July picnic at New Douglas, but did not do so. Mr. Thornton leaves besides his wife, one daughter and two brothers, James P. Thornton and Michael Thornton, and a sister, Miss Thornton. The funeral will be held Monday at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.

 

THORP, HENRY BURTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 16, 1849
Died near Highland, Madison County, Illinois, on the 14th ult., Mr. Henry Burton Thorp, aged ?? years, 8 months, and 14 days. Mr. and Mrs. Thorp were born in Connecticut. Mr. Thorp emigrated to this State with Captain Curtiss Blakeman, July 1819, and he constantly prospered in a temporal sense since his location here. The life of Mr. Thorp may be referred to as an example for those who would attain independence by industry, frugality, and the most strict honesty in all things; while his character may be presented, ornamented by the warmest feelings of benevolence, and distinguished by a disposition to speak evil of no man. Mrs. Thorp and Mrs. Dugger were exemplary Christians and truly ____able in all their relations through life. The sudden death of these three valuable individuals [Sarah Thorp, Henry Thorp, and Eliza (Thorp) Dugger] has cast a gloom over the society in which they moved, which will long be felt by a large circle of relatives and friends, while the void created by this dispensation will not be filled until surviving friends cease to retain affectionate memories.

 

THORP, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 4, 1850
Died in Alton on the 2nd inst., of a disease of the heart, John Thorp, aged ?? years.

 

THORP, PHILIP/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 16, 1852
Philip Thorp, an old and industrious drayman of Alton, departed this life very suddenly yesterday afternoon. He had just recovered from a bilious attack, came down street about one o’clock, and soon after returned home, laid down and died. He leaves a family.

 

THORP, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 9, 1849
Died on Saturday the 21st ult., at the late residence of Henry B. Thorp, Esq., deceased, near Highland, Madison County, Mrs. Sarah Thorp, widow of the said Henry B. Thorp; aged about 43(?).

 

THORP, THOMAS A./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 31, 1873
Mr. Thomas A. Thorp, of Troy, died on Friday, January 24, of cancer. Nearly a year ago he suffered a very painful operation for the excision of the tumor, and on November 4 last, he had his arm amputated above the elbow. He was one of our most useful and accomplished citizens. During all his severe trials, his operations, the loss of his right hand, and the consciousness of his approaching dissolution, his fortitude was truly heroic.

 

THORP, WILLIAM S./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 12, 1852
Died on the 21st ult., at the residence of N. Burnham near Highland, after an illness of five days, William S. Thorp, in the 15th year of his age.

 

THORPE, ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 9, 1901
Mrs. Annie Thorpe, wife of Otis Thorpe, died last evening at the home of Mr. W. E. Hubbell on Alby street, after a short illness, aged 27. Mrs. Thorpe came to Alton from San Antonio, Texas with her husband, who is working at the Equitable Powder Company's plant at East Alton, and has been living at the home of Mr. Hubbell. Beside her husband, she leaves a child eight weeks old. The body may be sent to San Antonio for burial.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1901
The funeral of Mrs. Otis Thorpe took place this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of W. E. Hubbell on Alby street. Burial was in the City Cemetery. Mrs. Thorpe came from San Antonio, Texas.

 

THORPE, EMILY/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 1, 1851
Died at Highland, Madison County, July 21, Miss Emily Thorpe. She had just returned from the Female College at Jacksonville, and was enjoying the welcome of her friends, when she was attacked by cholera, and soon passed away. She needs no eulogy. Besides all other excellencies of her life, she had sought and found the pearl of great price.

 

THORPE, RILEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1899
Riley Thorpe, one of the unfortunates who live down on the sandbar, died this morning in a wretched hovel from the effects of hunger and exposure. In the tent where Thorpe died, and on the bed beside his dead body, lay his wife weakened by sickness, cold and hunger, until she was not able to help herself or send for the assistance of her rough neighbors. Thorpe had been ill for some time and application for assistance for the family had been made to the Supervisor, but was refused. Left to care for themselves, there was nothing for the couple to do but die there in their dirt and poverty. A Telegraph reported visited, today, the place that the Thorpe's called home. It was a wretched tent, full of holes and ample openings for the entrance of cold river winds. The body of the dead man was stretched out in a box outside, while inside was a scene of squalor and dirt that could not be worse. A small stove in the front, by the open tent flaps where light entered, was supplying heat and the tent was filled with a half dozen neighbors. Thomas McNutt, who had discovered the plight of the family, told how the couple were dying from cold and starvation when he entered. The people on the bar have no money, and coal for a fire must be stolen to keep the sick people alive. All night McNutt did what he could and the neighbors contributed of their scanty food supply to prevent the death of the couple. The old lady was, at the time of the reporter's visit, greedily gulping down some soup a neighbor had contributed. She ate as though she had not tasted food for days and her condition was pitiable. Everything in the tent was filthy and even a dog would disdain to drink from a cup which the old woman took her soup in. Cold, starving, and with no friends unless the county helps her, there is nothing for her but to follow her husband. The other inhabitants of the bar are free-hearted, but they have nothing to spare beyond their own needs, and still they have denied themselves necessaries of life for the poor couple. In the midst of all this squalor and poverty, it was pleasant to find that humanity had not entirely deserted the breasts of the poor people down there, and that out of their scanty means they had done what they could for two of their unfortunate number.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 12, 1899
 Inquest Held Over Riley Thorpe
Coroner Bailey held an inquest last evening over the dead body of Riley Thorpe, the sandbar denizen who died from exposure and starvation. The verdict of the coroner's jury was that death was due to a congestive chill. The body was taken charge of by Undertaker Miller and buried. Mrs. Thorpe was moved to St. Joseph's Hospital last night by order of Supervisor Elble, and there she will be given an opportunity to recover her health. Both Thorpe and his wife had been assisted at times by the Supervisor, but when last they applied they were refused assistance because of the frequency of their visits. They were improvident in their habits of life, failing to provide for themselves when well. Still, the burden of their support falls on the community as heavily as does that of the more deserving class. Supervisor Elble states that he gave assistance to the man who died yesterday morning on the sandbar; or rather that the assistance was given to the woman. While it is not the intention of the Supervisor to refuse assistance to anyone who is in want, it is impossible in the condition of affairs to provide food and proper nourishment for the class of unfortunates on the sandbar, most of whom are a shiftless, and we had almost said, worthless lot. Still, no matter how worthless, it will not do to permit men and women to die from hunger and cold while there is a fund to prevent it. The Supervisor's position is a trying one. To avoid extravagance and to supply the wants of the worthy, and yet for humanity's sake, not to permit destitution, requires a large amount of care, patience and rare judgment.

 

THREDE, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 2, 1908
John Threde, aged 23, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Threde of the Vandalia road, died as the new year was dawning, after an illness with abscess of the liver. His marriage to Miss Ida Glassmeyer was set to take place on Christmas day, but because of his illness it was decided to postpone the wedding indefinitely. His fianc�e attended him much of the time during his illness. On the day before his death he began to be very much worse, and his condition seemed hopeless. Relatives were summoned and were with him at the time he died. The young man had lived in Alton all his life and was well known in the east end of the city. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from the German Evangelical church.

 

THREDE, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6, 1908
Woman Accused of Throwing Gasoline on Ida Glassmeyer Dies
Mrs. Mary Threde, wife of John Threde, died Saturday night at 11:35 o'clock from nervous prostration. Dr. F. C. Joesting, who attended her, denies that she died from the effects of poison self-administered, and says that she died in spasms and cramps due to a complete wrecking of her nervous system. On the night that the police officers called at the Threde home to put her under arrest, Mrs. Threde was alone in the house. She was sitting near the door when the officer knocked for admittance and demanded to know who was there. She was told who was knocking, and on opening the door the officer explained his mission. Mrs. Threde seemed to be unable to control herself. She started to run and dashed from one room to another, flitting around like a caged bird trying to get away and finally ran into a closet and tried to hide herself. She never recovered. On Saturday morning she was really very ill, and all day Dr. Joesting says, she continued ill, and there was little hope of her recovery. Late Saturday evening she was much worse, and she died just about 24 hours from the time she was notified that she was accused of the crime. John Threde said to a Telegraph representative yesterday that his wife positively did not commit suicide. He said that she had been suffering from nervousness since the death of her son three months before. He admitted that she had a hatred for Miss Ida Glassmeyer, and had objected to the marriage of her son to the girl, but he would not admit that he believed his wife threw the gasoline nor that he thought she committed suicide. Coroner Streeper was informed by Dr. Joesting as to the diagnosis he had made of the case, and Mr. Streeper said Sunday that he would not hold an inquest. Mrs. Threde was 52 years of age. Beside her husband she leaves three children. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from the German Evangelical church.

 

THREDE, WILLIAM JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 3, 1904
Killed by Explosion at the Glass Works
William Threde Jr., aged 17, was instantly killed, and Charles Wilson, night engineer at the glass works, was perhaps fatally injured Monday night by an explosion which wrecked the oil house at the glass works about 9:25 o'clock. The concussion of the explosion shook the city to its remotest corners and caused much terror among families having members working in the glass factories at night. The explosion was of gas and is very mysterious.

Will Threde was employed at the electric power house, and just before the explosion accompanied the engineer to the oil house. The wrecked building sheltered two big steel tanks for containing crude oil, with a capacity of 40,000 gallons each. The oil will not burn readily, but it emits a gas which is disposed of by allowing it to circulate to free air through a big ventilator which was in the top of the building. The oil did not take fire, or the entire glass works would have been destroyed. Beside the oil house there were several cars of oil on the track. The tanks were not injured. The exact cause of the disaster is not known.

Wilson, accompanied by Threde, went to the oil house carrying a lantern to see how much water was in the tank pit. Instantly there was an explosion, and the brick building was leveled to the ground. The roof blown off and a pile of crated bottles was wrecked. On the roof of the oil tanks was about 20 tons of iron, put there to weigh down the tanks. Heavy pieces of iron were blown 100 feet and fell in a rain of deadly missiles, but no one was hurt by them. Night Superintendent George Finkel was the first man to arrive at the oil house after the explosion. A small fire had started in the wreckage, caused by the puff of flame following the explosion, and this was speedily put out. Eliot hose truck made good time to the fire and prevented any damage being done. Mr. Finkel says that he heard Wilson groaning and he started to pull him from the pile of debris. Wilson told the men trying to get him out to let him alone as he was done for, but to try to find the boy, as young Threde was in the ruins. The body of Threde was found under the roof of the building which was blown off and lay on the ground a dozen feet away from the ruined walls. Wilson was quickly moved to St. Joseph's Hospital and Dr. G. Taphorn was awaiting him there. It was found that his body was frightfully mutilated, burned and torn. Four of his ribs were broken, and it was thought he sustained internal injuries.

After the explosion at least a thousand people gathered at the glass works gates and demanded admission. Every man, woman and child feared his or her family had suffered by the accident, and no one knew just how many people were hurt. It was thought at first that the explosion was that of a tank furnace, slight blow-ups having resulted several times recently from water getting into the caves of the furnaces. It was over an hour before the crowds at the gates scattered, it having been given out that only two persons were hurt. The body of William Threde was taken to the police station, where Undertaker Will Bauer took charge of it. The body was badly torn but was not dismembered. Officers of the Illinois Glass Company cannot explain the accident. They say that the oil is not explosive and that ample provision was made for disposing of the gas arising from the tanks.

The death of Will Threde is a cruel shock to his family and friends. He was very popular among his friends and fellow workmen and highly esteemed by everyone. The body was moved today to the family home, Sixth and Alby Streets. The funeral will take place Wednesday morning from the family home. Services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann. Mrs. Wilson, wife of the engineer, was taken to the hospital to see her husband and she collapsed, although he tried to cheer her up by saying, "Now brace up, mamma, I will be all right soon." She went from one fainting spell into another during the night, but is reported to be calmer today. The mother and two little children have been taken by Mrs. Demuth to her home and are being given every attention.

NOTES:
Charles Wilson did survive the blast, but was seriously injured. He sued the Glass Works for $10,000, saying he was permanently damaged. The father of Threde also sued. At the inquest, Charles Wilson gave his testimony as to what happened. A verdict was given by the jury of accidental death due to explosion was given, without fixing any responsibility. Burial of Will Threde was in City Cemetery.

 

THRUSH, AUGUSTA [nee HOPPE]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7, 1909
Mrs. Augusta Thrush, widow of James Thrush, died this morning at 5 o'clock at the home, 409 Spring street, after being an invalid for many years. Her death occurred just twelve hours after the election of her brother, F. W. Hoppe, to the office of township collector. Mrs. Thrush was born in Germany, but came to Alton when she was three years old, and for fifty-six years she had lived in the one neighborhood. She was 59 years of age. Her husband died in July, 1907. She leaves two children, a son, Chanie Thrush; and a daughter, Miss Minnie Thrush. She leaves also two brothers, F. W. Hoppe and William Hoppe; and two sisters, Mrs. Annie Stutz and Miss Mary Hoppe. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home. She was a member of the German Evangelical church 45 years, and the services will be conducted by the pastor of that church, Rev. E. L. Mueller.

 

THRUSH, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 2, 1907
James Thrush, highway commissioner for fifteen years, died very suddenly Monday evening at his home, Fourth and Ridge street, after an illness of about 24 hours. He had been a sufferer from asthma and heart trouble all winter, but did not take to his bed until Sunday evening. His death was unexpected, although he was known to be very seriously ill. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and was in his seventieth year. He came to Alton forty two years ago, and during the most of the time he followed the occupation of teamster. His wife has been an invalid for seven years since she fell down a flight of stairs and injured her back. During her long illness the husband had been most faithful in attending her, manifesting his devotion to Mrs. Thrush by giving up most of his time to caring for her, and it was no doubt worry over his wife's condition which contributed toward the breakdown of his health. Besides his wife, Mr. Thrush leaves two daughters, Misses Chanie and Minnie Thrush. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock from the family home, Rev. Ernest Mueller of the German Evangelical church officiating.

 

THURMAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 12, 1903
William Thurman, the man who was sand bagged at North Alton at Gerner & Overath's garden last Saturday night, died at St. Joseph's hospital this morning at 7 o'clock, having been unconscious ever since he was found Sunday morning. Thurman received a blow over his right temple which caused paralysis. He was a tinner by trade and had been traveling from one town to another, and was in the employ of Emil Hoffman in Upper Alton at the time he was murdered. Thurman's home was in Paducah, Ky. His brother and brother-in-law, E. D. Thurman and W. R. Jones, arrived here Thursday and will accompany the body to the home for burial. He was 24 years of age and was unmarried. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest over the body this afternoon.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13, 1903
George Redmond of North Alton, a member of a well known family, was arrested Friday evening by Deputy Sheriff Laughlin, on a warrant sworn out before Police Magistrate Rose by E. D. Thurman, charging that Redmond struck the blow that produced the death of Thurman at the hospital Friday morning. When arrested, Redmond was dressed up and was going toward the depot, and it was supposed he was about to leave the city. It is said by the officers that he expressed not the least surprise when arrested and made no objections. Redmond is the young man arrested in October 1901, after the fire in the Stanard mill, for trying to set fire to the Alton Roller Mill property where he had been employed as a night watchman. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest Saturday morning and witnesses testified that they saw Redmond with another man strike Thurman and knock him to the ground. They also testified that Redmond and his companion were seen to carry Thurman, after he was knocked down, to the rear of the pavilion in the garden, where he was found last Sunday morning.

 

THURSTON, JOHN P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3, 1912
Veteran of Civil War
John P. Thurston, aged 88, died Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock after a long illness from senile debility. Mr. Thurston lived with his aged sister, who gave him devoted attention and taken every care of him. For fifteen years the aged couple had lived together, and last May they came to Alton from Kane, where they had passed most of their life, and they settled down here to pass the remainder of their days. The brother had been an invalid for eight years and was a great care to his sister, but the sister gave him devoter attention and ministered to him up to the end. The affection between the aged couple was beautiful and was the admiration of all their neighbors. The time of the funeral has not been set.

 

THURSTON, UNKNOWN MAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1838
Passenger Falls Overboard Into Mississippi
We regret to learn that as the steamboat Paul Jones was approaching our wharf [Alton] on last Monday afternoon, a deck passenger named Thurston, while in the act of drawing a bucket of water, accidentally fell overboard. The engine was immediately stopped and every practicable exertion used to pick him up; but he sunk to rise no more before any assistance could reach him. As he fell forward of the wheelhouse, which passed directly over him, it is supposed that he sustained some injury from the machinery, and was consequently unable to sustain himself on the water. We understand that he was a resident of Clifton, about four miles above this city, and has left a family to deplore his loss.

 

TIBBITT, DELILAH (nee TITCHENAL)/ Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 3, 1913
Widow of James Tibbitt, Founder of North Alton
Mrs. Delilah Tibbitt, widow of the late James Clayton Tibbitt, died Friday morning at 1 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Kate Camp, at Delmar Avenue and Tibbitt Street. She was born in Newcastle, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1822, and when she was about three months old started from that place with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Titchenal, who came west and settled near Upper Alton. Since that time, she had lived in Alton or vicinity, and she was by far the oldest resident of Alton from the viewpoint of continuous residence. She was married in 1842 to James C. Tibbitt, a pioneer owner of land north of Alton, and who later founded the town of Greenwood, afterwards North Alton. He died several years ago. Mrs. Tibbitt gave birth to nine children, five of whom survive her. These are: Joseph G. and Henry Tibbitt, and Mrs. Kate Camp of Alton; Miss Margaret Tibbitt of St. Louis; and Alton W. Tibbitt - the Alaska gold miner. A sister, Mrs. Julia Kennedy, also survives. She leaves many grandchildren and several great grandchildren. Her last sickness began about a week ago, and at first was not thought to be of a serious nature. Her great age was against her, however, and she sank steadily until she entered rest.

Mrs. Tibbitt saw all the wonderful improvements and developments made in Illinois during the past century practically, and she and her husband and her parents were important factors in this development. She was an interesting conversationalist, and had up to a few years ago a bright mentality, stored with wonderful facts concerning early day life and events in Illinois, and particularly in this part of it. All of her life she was known as a kind, charitable woman, and many are the good deeds recorded in her favor done by her when she did not let the left hand know what the right hand was doing. She has been in feeble health for the past few years, and has been tenderly cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Kate Camp, and by others of her relatives. The Titchenals of Foster and Wood River Townships are relatives of hers, as are the Kennedy families of Wood River. Mrs. Adam Brown, Mrs. Fred Noblitt, and Mrs. John Krug are granddaughters of deceased, and the late Mrs. J. E. Deterding was a daughter. Funeral arrangements will not be completed until the family can hear from Alton W. Tibbitt, who is somewhere in Chicago on business. It will probably be on Sunday.

NOTES:
James Clayton Tibbitt, the husband of Delilah Tibbitt, surveyed lots just south of Buck Inn, and recorded the town plat in February 1853. He named the town Greenwood. The name did not catch on, and residents referred to the area as Buck Inn, which was a hotel located at the northwest corner of Delmar and State Street. In 1875, the original plat of Greenwood, Buck Inn, and Coal Branch were incorporated and given the name North Alton. In 1908, the village was annexed to the city of Alton.

It was reported in 1909 that Charles Tibbitt, a son of Delilah and James Tibbitt, was presumed dead and frozen in Alaska. He, like his brother, Alton Tibbitt, was a gold miner. Joseph Greenwood Tibbitt, another son, drowned himself in a well one block from his home in December 1914. Delilah Tibbitt is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.

 

TIBBITT, CHARLES "CHARLEY"/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1909
North Alton Young Man Possibly Frozen in Alaska
Sometime ago in this column mention was made of the fact that nothing had been heard for months of a former North Side boy, Charley Tibbitt, and that his relatives feared some calamity has overtaken him. Mr. Deterding says nothing has yet been heard of Charley, and it is believed out there [Alaska ...Phil Deterding just arrived from there] that he was frozen to death last winter in an attempt he is known to have made to reach a point distant from where he then was. It is almost a year since then, and those who know him are satisfied that if alive, he would have notified somebody of his whereabouts.

 

TIBBITT, JOSEPH G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1914
Member of Old Family In North Alton Drowns Self in Well
Joseph Greenwood Tibbitt, a member of the oldest family in the North Side, drowned himself in a well one block from his home Tuesday morning. Efforts to revive him failed, though the pulmotor was used. Mr. Tibbitt had been the victim of a nervous collapse. All summer he had been suffering from nervous breakdown which forced him to give up his work at the plant of the Illinois Glass Co. He had been working in the box factory. The breakdown of his nervous system caused him to be downhearted and caused his family much anxiety. It was not suspected, however, that he contemplated suicide. Mr. Tibbitt was a man who was known as a good citizen, but he was especially dear to the members of his own family where he had been a good husband and father, and everything was done that could be done to soothe away the gloom that had settled down on him when he became incapacitated for work. He was very despondent and seemed to have given up hope of being restored to health. He rose at the usual time this morning and a little after 7 o'clock he went to the Strong pasture, about one block from his home, which is just over the line outside of Alton in Godfrey township. Robert Strong was at work in the pasture, and hearing a sound at the well which attracted his attention, he went over, made an investigation, and saw Mr. Tibbitt in the well. He summoned help and as soon as possible Mr. Tibbitt was hoisted out of the deep well, but it was apparently too late. However, the pulmotor was sent for and strenuous efforts were made by its use to restore vitality without success. He was born in North Alton, and spent all of his life here. His aged mother, Mrs. Tabitha Tibbitt, died only a few years ago at an age close to one hundred, after living almost one hundred years in Alton and vicinity, and shortly after her death Mr. Tibbitt suffered a complete nervous collapse and breakdown. He was very sick for several weeks, but rallied, and after a time apparently fully recovered. The recovery was apparently only temporarily, for again late in the summer he became sick and remained that way until very recently. Joseph Tibbitt was an industrious, honest man, a good father and husband, and a fine neighbor. He had not an enemy in the world and deserved none. He was a charitable man in act as well as in speech, and he would not knowingly wound or injure anyone. He was 62 years old and is survived by his wife and five children: August, Alton Jr., Nellie, Grace and Johnm, all of Delmar Heights. A brother, J. H. Tibbitt, and two sisters, Mrs. Kate Camp, at present living in East St. Louis with her daughter, Mrs. Fred Noblitt, and Miss Margaret Tibbitt of St. Louis, survive him. Mr. Tibbitt was a charter member of Greenwood lodge of Odd Fellows, and was one of the most active and interested workers in the lodge, up to the last.

 

TIBBETT, CORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 22, 1919
Miss Cora Tibbett died Tuesday evening at the home of her cousin, Mrs. M. J. Sullivan, at 617 Belle street, from pneumonia. Miss Tibbitt was taken sick last Thursday, and the malady soon assumed a serious form. Miss Tibbitt was 34 years old and the daughter of the late Henry Tibbetts. Her mother died when she was 5 years old, and she was reared by her aunt, Mrs. David Jones. She leaves a sister, Mrs. Maggie Olsen of Alton, and a brother, Charles Tibbett, who is in the Klondike. Miss Tibbett had been one of the most trusted employees of Central Union Telephone Company. At the time of her death she was one of the supervisors, and was on duty Wednesday evening before she was taken down with pneumonia. In her contact with the public, Miss Tibbett had made a host of warm friends, and the news of her passing will be regretted by residents in all parts of the city. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Sullivan home. Rev. Edward L. Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate. The burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.

 

TIEMANN, BERNARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 6, 1881
Mr. Bernard Tiemann, druggist in Mr. G. H. Weigler’s store, northeast corner of Second [Broadway] and Henry Streets, died suddenly Tuesday between 8 and 9 o’clock of asthma, having been confined to the house but two days. Deceased was a nephew of Mr. Frank Brandeweide, and has relatives in Cincinnati. He was about 26 years old.

 

TILBE, LENORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 8, 1902
Upper Alton News - Lenore, the oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Tilbe, died this morning at 3 o'clock after a long and painful illness. A peculiar interest is attached to this sad bereavement as the child's father is a missionary in far away Burmah. About three years ago Mrs. Tilbe came here with her four children on account of the continued ill health of one of them, and has lived here ever since. Lenore was a bright little girl of ten years, and her mother has the sympathy of the entire community. The funeral will be held at the family home tomorrow afternoon.

 

TILTON, UNKNOWN CHILD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5, 1910
The 3 year old child of Prof. and Mrs. H. C. Tilton, of Leverett avenue, died last night at the family home. Interment was held this morning at Oakwood cemetery.

 

TIMMERMEIER, GEORGINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3, 1921
Dies Walking Across Railroad Bridge Over Mississippi
The death of Miss Georgine Timmermeier occurred Sunday evening as she, with a merry family party, was walking across the bridge over the Mississippi at Alton, after attending a family reunion at the home of Frank Timmermeier, given in celebration of the silver wedding anniversary of the host and hostess. Miss Timmermeier died when she was about at the middle of the bridge. Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger, who was called, said that Miss Timmermeier had probably died from heart trouble aggravated by acute indigestion. She had eaten heartily before starting on the walk home. There being no ferry service at the time when the party were coming home, they decided to walk the bridge. There were sixteen in the party, including one sister, Mrs. Wilhelmina Spaet. Miss Timmermeier was in high spirits, but when she reached the middle of the bridge she complained of feeling sick and unable to walk any further. She sat down on the ties of the bridge floor, and in a few minutes she was dead. Members of the party carried her to the engine house on the draw span and there Dr. Pfeifenberger was called. Members of the party said that Miss Timmermeier had a very severe coughing spell after she complained of faintness and inability to walk further. They thought that the excitement of walking over the bridge, with the ice running below and the cold air contributed somewhat to her collapse. Miss Timmermeier was about 54 years of age. She leaves her sister, Mrs. Wilhelmina Spaet, and four brothers, Frank, William, George and August. She had been living in the family home at Seventeenth and Piasa street with her brother, George.

 

TIMMERMEIER, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 28, 1912
Henry Timmermeier, aged 79, died at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon at his home, Seventeenth and Piasa streets, after being partially paralyzed four years. His death was expected the past few days, as he had suffered a final attack immediately after spending a very happy birthday. He had a family reunion and was in good spirits when the final stroke came. His birthday was March 1st. Mr. Timmermeier had a number of paralytic strokes, but each time he would rally and get out again. He was born in Germany and came to America in 1853 and to Alton in 1854. He settled on a farm on Missouri point, worked hard and saved his money. A pathetic event was last summer, when the old man asked to be taken back to the place where he had lived his married life and raised his family, to take a last look at the place. He had moved to Alton in 1892, retiring from hard work. He is survived by his wife and six children, Mrs. Wilhelmina Spaet, Miss Georgia and Messrs. Frank, William, George and August Timmermeier. Mr. Timmermeier was highly regarded by all who knew him and on Missouri Point he had many good friends among the older settlers who will mourn his death.

 

TIMMONS, AMANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 4, 1915
Mrs. Amanda Timmons, aged 82, died at her home, 3314 College avenue, this morning after a lingering illness. Her death is believed to be due to her extreme age. She is survived by one son, F. A. Hamilton, of Alton. The body will be shipped this evening to Bad Creek, Ind., for burial.

 

TINDALL, JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 27, 1874
From Edwardsville, Feb. 24 – Jane Tindall, relict of Parham Tindall, deceased.

 

TINDALL, MARTHA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1851
Died very suddenly on Saturday night, the 17th inst., in Edwardsville, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Martha Tindall, at the advanced age of 73 years.

 

TINDALL, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 15, 1914
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Tindall, within a few weeks of her 86th birthday, died Monday evening at 8 o'clock at her home, 852 Washington Avenue, from a hemorrhage of the bowels. Mrs. Tindall was 85 years 11 months and 8 days old when she died. Her maiden name was Ellis. She was born January 6, 1829, in Sussell County, Delaware, and came to Illinois when she was six years of age. She was married to George W. Tindall in 1849, and came here to Alton as a bride. At the age of fourteen she united with the Methodist Church, and all the remainder of her life she was a devout subscriber to the teachings of the Christian religion. In 1860 she united with the Upper Alton Methodist Church and later she changed her membership to the Washington Street Methodist Church because of its nearness to her home. She was a trustee of the church at the time of her death. Mr. Tindall died 22 years ago. The aged lady is survived by four daughters, Misses Sarah J., and Maria L. Tindall, and Mrs. Samuel Young, all of Alton, and Miss Alice B. Tindall. She leaves also two grandchildren, Mrs. F. C. Hopkins of Alton and George A. Young of Detroit, also three great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home to the Washington Avenue Methodist Church.

 

TINDALL, THOMAS R./Source: Alton Telegraph, January 10, 1873
Thomas R. Rindall, a respectable citizen of Edwardsville, aged 41 years, died of lung fever at his residence near Edwardsville on Sunday, January 5. He was the last of the household, his wife and child having died a short time previously.

 

TIPTON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18, 1912
Mrs. George Tipton, aged ?1, of Moro, died last night from cauber and will be buried Thursday.

 

TISIUS, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 17, 1912
Son of Former Police Captain Suicides by Drinking Carbolic Acid
Ex-Police Captain Henry Tisius, who has been in Alton several weeks, left for St. Louis early this morning in response to a message informing him that his oldest son, Charles, had committed suicide Friday night at 8:30 o'clock at 4467 Greer avenue, St. Louis, by taking carbolic acid. Miss Delia Tisius, a sister, who is an operator for the Kinloch Telephone Company here, left for St. Louis. The message stated that Charles was despondent and that he left his own home and went to that of his parents. After talking to his mother for awhile, he went out on the front porch and sat down, and shortly afterwards, or about 8:30 p.m., swallowed a large quantity of carbolic acid. Medical attention proved unavailing, and he passed away. He had said nothing while in the house that would cause any suspicion of his design on his own life, but it is said he told a companion earlier in the evening that "This is the last time you will ever see me." He was married and leaves a wife and three children. Charles Tisius was the second one of the sons of Mr. and Mrs. Tisius to commit suicide within a year, and the parents will have the sincere sympathy of all who know them in the many afflictions fate is visiting them. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from the Alton station, the remains coming up on the 1 o'clock C. & A. train. Burial will be in the City cemetery. Tisius was a concrete boss and had been getting along nicely. The parents do not know what induced him to decide to take his own life.

 

TISIUS, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 7, 1921
Former Police Officer Dies
Henry Tisius, for many years a member of the Alton police force, died this afternoon at 1:50 o'clock at his home, 3003 North Taylor avenue, St. Louis, after an illness that began with a fall he suffered while at work as a watchman in a plant at St. Louis. He gave up work about Christmas time, and five weeks ago submitted to a surgical operation which did not prove successful. He was bedfast from that time. Mr. Tisius had lived in Alton almost all of his life. He was married here and is survived by his wife and three daughters, Mrs. Nellie Williams, Misses Mamie and Dell Tisius, and three sons, Bowman, James and Walter Tisius. Mrs. Belle Lock was summoned to St. Louis this afternoon to take charge of the body and will bring it to Alton for burial, the time and place to be announced later. Henry Tisius was a very efficient man on the police force. He was a man of wonderful physical strength and endurance, and many are the feats of strength his friends could recall as being performed by him. One of these was a test to which few can submit. He would allow anyone to strike him the heaviest kind of a blow on the stomach without flinching, and he would give anyone full opportunity to choke him and none ever was able to shut off his wind.

 

TISIUS, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1911
Young Man Commits Suicide by Drinking Carbolic Acid
Walter Tisius, aged 24, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tisius, drank carbolic acid Monday evening about 10:30 o'clock and died within 10 minutes before a doctor could be had. He drank the acid on Fifth street near the Dan Miller Buggy Co. plant, and was found lying on the sidewalk suffering intensely. Members of his family say that he had been despondent for a short time. Monday evening he went home to supper and seemed in his usual condition of mind, but after supper he seemed to be very despondent. He threatened to kill himself, but little attention was paid to his threat. His mother told him to go to bed and he would feel better in the morning. About 10:30 p.m. he started to leave the house and passed his sister, who was sitting on the front step, and he told her goodbye. Ten minutes later the telephone message was received at the Tisius home on State street that the boy was dying from carbolic acid poisoning. When found, he was dying, and a doctor who was sent for arrived too late. Efforts were made to administer antidotes to him, but he had taken so much of the acid and had lain so long before being found, nothing could be done for him. The young man had been employed at the Koehne blacksmith shop on Belle street. Members of his family say that some time ago he fell in getting off an interurban car and his head was badly injured. They say he was never mentally right since then, and had been subject to brief periods of mental derangement. He leaves beside his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

 

TITCHENAL, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 17, 1917
Charles Titchenal, a well known farmer of Wood River township, died this morning about 9 o'clock at his home near Bethalto after an illness with dropsy. Deceased was 50 years old. He leaves his wife but the couple never had any children. Mr. Titchenal was born and raised in the Fosterburg-Bethalto neighborhood. He was a step-son of the late John Kell, a former well known resident of Foster and Wood River townships. About fifteen years ago Mr. Titchenal bought the old Kell farm of 40 acres near Bethalto and located upon it, and he has lived there ever since. He was obliged to quit work some time ago on account of his illness, and since that time he has not improved, and after dropsy set in the sick man continued to decline steadily until death came this morning. The funeral arrangements had not been completed this afternoon.

 

TITCHENAL, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 25, 1919
Murdered in Troy, Missouri
The body of Dan Titchenal, slain at Troy, Mo. last Monday by a farmer, and buried there Wednesday, will be claimed by relatives who left for Troy today to get the remains. Titchenal was killed in a quarrel with a farmer over the use that Titchenal was making of a spring, at which he was watering his horses. The farmer controlling the spring warned Titchenal not to continue watering his horses at the spring as, he claimed, Titchenal was muddying the water. Later when Titchenal returned to repeat the act which he had been warned against, the farmer, without more controversy, used a double barreled shotgun on him, emptying a charge of shot into Titchenal's shoulder, from which he died. The body was held at Troy until Wednesday in the hope of finding some of Titchenal's relatives. Finally it was learned he had relatives in this vicinity, and a letter was sent to Chief of Police Fitzgerald apprising him of the death of Titchenal, and asking information. However, a brother of the dead man had noticed an article in a St. Louis newspaper telling of the shooting, recognized his brother as the man who had been killed, and members of the family had started an inquiry when the letter to the chief of police came. A party consisting of Bert Wilson, C. N. Streeper, Hector Bassett, Van Titchenal, Harry Titchenal and Thomas Titchenal went to Troy today. The letter to the chief of police said that Titchenal was working in a tie camp near Troy and there was some confusion over the spelling of his name. The man who shot him is said to be 65 years of age. Thomas Titchenal, the aged father of the dead man, resides with his daughter, Mrs. William Gabriel, east of Upper Alton.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 1, 1919
Mrs. William Gabriel, Miss Susie Titchenal, and Mr. and Mrs. Bert Wilson made an automobile trip yesterday to Troy, Missouri, to further investigate the recent killing of their brother, Dan Titchenal. The man's name who did the shooting is Tabbs. The preliminary hearing of the case was held Wednesday at Troy, and Tabbs was bound over to the grand jury on a charge of first degree manslaughter. The party visited the jail yesterday, and the ladies were given a chance to see the man who shot their brother. It developed that there was just one eyewitness to the shooting, and this was a boy 15 years old. He was in St. Louis, and the party from Alton did not get to see him. The party has been in close touch with the States Attorney at Troy, and they will leave no stones unturned in getting evidence against the man who did the shooting. The party arrived home late last night from their auto trip in Missouri.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 18, 1919
Thomas Johnson, guilty of the murder of James Rayburn of Alton, has been out of the Chester penitentiary for some time. Another man by the same name is being held in the county jail at Troy, Mo., on the charge of murdering Dan Titchenal of Upper Alton. The men have the same name, and each has a crippled right arm. There is a question in the mind of Van Titchenal as to whether or not they might not be the same man. So today, Van Titchenal, of Upper Alton, went to the Chester penitentiary to investigate the record of Thomas Johnson, escaped prisoner. The tip on which Titchenal is work is one furnished by Cal. Streeper, of Alton. Streeper went to Troy, Mo., with Van Titchenal to bring the body of his father home. While there, he recalled having heard the name of Johnson before. Slowly the story of the inquest in which Rayburn was killed came back to him. He remembered hearing of how Johnson had killed him in a box car with a railroad bolt. Streeper suggested that an investigation be made of Johnson, who was supposed to be at the Chester penitentiary. The investigation proved that Johnson had escaped from the penitentiary. Now Titchenal is trying to discover if Johnson, the Johnson who killed Rayburn, is the same as the man who murdered his father. Dan Titchenal was killed at Troy, Missouri, in the early part of July of this year by a fellow teamster in a dispute over the right to water their horses. Alton relatives were not informed of the death of Titchenal until several days after it occurred. Alton relatives are very anxious to try and connect up the two Johnsons. They fear that Thomas Johnson may be released from the Troy, Mo. jail under a light bond. If they can show he is the same man guilty of the murder of Rayburn, he will be brought back to the Southern Illinois Penitentiary.

Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 18, 1919
Van Titchenal of Alton was in Edwardsville Saturday afternoon looking up records in the murder of James Rayburn on July 5, 1901, for which Thomas Johnson was sent to the Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Menard for life. Titchenal believes that Johnson has escaped and killed his brother, Dan Titchenal, near Troy, Missouri, on July 21, this year. With the necessary information, Titchenal went to the penitentiary today to lay his suppositions before the warden after being told that one of Johnsons in prison had escaped. The man held at Troy, Missouri, gives his name as Richard Tabb. Johnson was shot in the left arm several years ago in attempting to escape from the penitentiary, and the crippled arm of Tabb causes Titchenal to believe the men are the same. Titchenal has lost his right hand at the wrist. When the two met in the Troy jail, a conversation ensued about the crippled arm and the prisoner remarked that one of his arms had been injured. The prisoner was partly identified by C. N. Streeper, an undertaker at Alton, when he went to Troy to get the body. He was coroner when Johnson was placed on trial and pled guilty in the circuit court. Johnson had several aliases, and was known as Frank Maloney, C. N. Derrig, Christ Brown, Christ Stockatile, and Christ Ruthlege. He threw himself upon the mercy of the court on February 21, 1902, after the jury had been selected. The man at Troy says he is not certain of his age, but appears to be between 60 and 65 years old, about the age Johnson would be at this time. Johnson has been considered a very bad man. He was indicted for beating Ryburn into unconsciousness with bolt. He had been left in a boxcar near Hartford, and was found through his groans by trainmen. He died shortly after connecting up Johnson. Titchenal had located at Troy several months ago, and his alleged murdered arrived about two months ago according to reports. It is said an argument ensued over the use of water at a spring, and that Tabb shot Titchenal once without warning.

NOTES: Daniel Titchenal is buried in the Fosterburg Cemetery, Fosterburg, IL. He was 33 years old at the time of his death.

RICHARD A. TABB SHOOTS DAN TITCHENAL OVER SPRING
Source: Troy, Missouri Free Press, July 25, 1919
Richard A. Tabb, 60 years old, and a tie cutter living at Cole Corner, shot and killed Dan Titchenal, 32 years old, also employed by the tie company, Monday morning at 11 o’clock at a spring on Jesse Crume’s place near Tabb’s house. The shooting was done with a double-barreled shotgun, and the charge entered Titchenal’s left shoulder, tearing it badly and penetrating downward. Titchenal lived about four hours after he was shot. Titchenal had been in the Cole Corner neighborhood only a few weeks, and nothing is known about his family. Before his death, he stated his name to Dr. C. D. Avery, coroner, and said that his parents were living in Alton, Illinois. Later, he said they lived near Alton. Messages to that part of Illinois failed to find any relatives, so the body was removed from the Kemper-Swan undertaking establishment where it had been since Monday, and buried in the city cemetery Wednesday afternoon, at the expense of the county. Sheriff Basye accompanied Dr. Avery to Cole Corner as soon as word was received of the shooting and arrested Tabb, bringing him back to town and lodging him in jail. No date has been set for his preliminary hearing yet. The trouble which led up to the shooting was over the spring from which Tabb got his drinking water. Titchenal had been bringing his horses there to water them, spoiling the spring for drinking purposes. Monday, when he came, Tabb was waiting for him at the spring, and when Titchenal let his horses in to drink in spite of Tabb’s protests, Tabb fired on him, inflicting a fatal wound. Jesse Crume heard the shot and reported the matter to the authorities.

TABB HELD FOR FIRST DEGREE
Source: Troy, MO Free Press, August 1, 1919
Richard A. Tabb was bound over to the September term of circuit court on the charge of murder in the first degree in the death of Dan Titchenal, Monday, July 21. Bond was fixed at $4,000, which Tabb has not yet been able to give. Louis Miller, 15 years old, the only eyewitness to the shooting, was not present at the preliminary. Witnesses for the State Wednesday were Canada Myers, R. D. Basye, George McGregor, Dr. C. D. Avery, Dr. Sam Avery, Mary Muller, C. W. Phelps, and Charlie Vaughn. The witnesses called by the defense were J. P. Crume, W. D. Moore, and Van Titchenal. Van Titchenal and his father, Tom Titchenal, brother and father of the dead man, were here from Fosterburg, Illinois, a suburb of Alton, to attend the hearing. This is their second trip here within a week. They came last Friday after reading of the case in the St. Louis papers, and identified the man as Dan Titchenal, son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Titchenal, a well-to-do and highly respected family of Fosterburg. The body was exhumed and taken back to Fosterburg for burial. Mr. Titchenal, who is in the dairy business, and his son, a grocer, were accompanied last Friday by a Fosterburg undertaker, W. N. Streeper, by Harry Titchenal, another son, and by Bert Wilson, an Alton newspaper man.

DAN TITCHENAL FUNERAL
Source: Troy, MO Free Press, August 15, 1919
The following clipping from the Alton, Illinois Evening Telegraph, tells of the funeral services of Dan Titchenal, who was shot and killed here July 21:

“The funeral of Dan Titchenal was held Sunday afternoon at 3 o’clock at the home of deceased’s sister, Mrs. William Gabriel, at the Gabriel Dairy Farm, east of Upper Alton. The attendance was the largest that has been present at a funeral in Foster Township in a long time. Deceased was a member of one of the best-known families of that neighborhood, and many farmers drove for miles in the deep dust to be present at the services. Rev. Theodore Cates, pastor of the Upper Alton Methodist Church, officiated at the services. Many beautiful flowers were sent by friends as token of sympathy for the aged father, brothers, and sisters of deceased. Burial was made at Fosterburg Cemetery following the services at the Gabriel home. Van Titchenal and Cotton Baker are going to leave this evening for Troy, Missouri, to take charge of the horses, harness, wagons, etc., that were owned by Dan Titchenal, the Foster Township young man who was killed a week ago today at Troy. Titchenal had been hauling ties at the camp where he was shot, and it was stated by the men who went after the body and brought it back to Alton that all his belongings are still there.”

The dead man’s sisters were here last Thursday, conferring with Prosecuting Attorney Williams, and visiting the Cole Corner neighborhood. They were women of evident refinement and prosperously dressed.

ATTEMPTED PRISON ESCAPE BY RICHARD TABB AND RAYMOND RENARD
Source: Troy, Missouri Free Press, September 26, 1919
Tuesday night, during Sheriff R. D. Basye’s absence from Troy on a business trip to Whitehall, Illinois and St. Louis, two of the prisoners in the Lincoln County jail at Troy attempted to dig their way out and escape. The ruse was discovered by Mrs. Basye and her son, Hubert, before the men had succeeded in carrying out their plan, but the discovery was made evidently just in time. Tuesday evening, Mrs. Basye, Miss Myrtle Raney, who lives with Mrs. Basye at the jail, and Hubert went to the home of a friend to call, leaving the prisoners, Richard Tabb, charged with first degree murder, and Raymond Renard, who was one of the men arrested in connection with the box car robbery at Old Monroe two years ago, in the corridor of the jail. Finding the friend not at home, the ladies returned to the jail residence about nine o’clock, and Hubert went into the yard with some boy friends to play. Miss Raney took the evening paper to the men in the jail, and as she opened the wicket to pass the paper to them, Tabb sprang up as if he had been bending over right at the door and seemed startled at Miss Raney’s opening the wicket as she was at his sudden appearance in front of it. She thought nothing of the incident at the time, but went on back into the kitchen where Mrs. Basye was. In a short while, Hubert came in, quite excited, and said that as he was taking the boys around the jail to see the place where some prisoners had escaped at one time several years ago, he heard voices very plainly, and for some reason something in the manner of the speakers made him stop and listen. He heard a voice, evidently Renard’s, say, “Have they gone to bed yet?” And Tabb, who seemed to be watching, answered, “No, there’s still a light in the kitchen.” Then Renard asked again, “Was that Sheriff Basye talking outside a few minutes ago?” Tabb replied, “No, I don’t think that was the Sheriff’s voice.” Hubert then came to the house without listening longer, and told his mother what he had heard. Mrs. Basye looked out and noticed that she could see a light shining very plainly through the outside wall of the jail, so, feeling sure that something was wrong, sent Miss Raney and Hubert after Deputy Sheriff T. O. Nuckols, as she was afraid to telephone lest the men hear her, and knowing the sheriff was gone, would make their escape before help arrived. Mr. Nuckols came in a few minutes, locked the men in their cells, and then an investigation was made. The inside bricks had been removed, and eight or ten of the outside ones were loose, with all the mortar knocked off. One brick had fallen to the ground outside, but another had been laid in its place. Evidently, all the work of escape had been done, and in a very short time the men could have thrown out the bricks and escaped. The prisoners protested their innocence, saying the bricks were knocked loose by an insane man several days ago. However, the brick that had fallen to the ground bore no marks of the weather, and the insane prisoner was taken away before the heavy rain of Saturday night and Sunday. Richard Tabb faces trial Monday for the murder of Dan Titchenal, which occurred at a spring about seven miles from Troy several weeks ago. Raymond J. Renard was arrested about two years ago in connection with a box car robbery at Old Monroe. His bond expired at the September term of court this year, and he has been unable so far to have it renewed.

Richard Tabb Acquitted
Source: Troy, Missouri Free Press, October 3, 1919
The case of the State vs. Richard Tabb, charged with first degree murder, was held at the courthouse in Troy Monday and Tuesday of this week, and resulted in a verdict for the defendant of not guilty. The jury was out one hour and forty minutes before returning their verdict of acquittal at six o’clock Tuesday afternoon. The facts of the case are as follows:

Dan Titchenal, about 30 years old, a tie hauler in the employ of Richard Moore of St. Charles County, was shot by Richard Tabb, 60 years old, a tie hacker in the same employ, at a spring on the Jesse Crume place, about seven miles northeast of Troy, July 21, 1919. The shooting occurred about 9 or 10 o’clock in the morning, and Titchenal died of his wounds about 2 o’clock that afternoon. After the shooting, Tabb notified Mr. Crume of what he had done and the coroner was sent for. After the man’s death that afternoon, the sheriff came to the farm and took Tabb, who offered no resistance, to Troy and lodged him in the Lincoln County jail. The plea of the defendant was self-defense. Lewis Miller, a 15-year-old boy working with Titchenal, a witness for the State and the only eyewitness to the scene, stated that on Monday morning, July 21, he and Dan had gone to the spring to water their horses. Dan dipped up a bucket of water and let his horses drink, then started to dip another bucket, when, Lewis said, there was a noise in the bushes, and looking up, they saw Richard Tabb with a shotgun in his hand. Tabb told Titchenal not to water his horses from that spring, and then, Miller stated, Dan started to turn and go away with his horses. As he started to leave, Tabb threw up his shotgun and shot Titchenal in the left shoulder, inflicting a fatal wound. Titchenal had no gun or any other weapon, Miller testified.

Richard Tabb was put on the witness stand Tuesday to testify in his own behalf. His story, which contradicted that of Miller, was as follows: He (Tabb) had started out early Monday morning, July 21, to go squirrel hunting. After hunting for several hours without finding any squirrels, he went to the disputed spring to get a drink of water. Presently, he saw Dan Titchenal and Lewis Miller bringing Titchenal’s horses to the spring for water. When they had arrived there, Tabb stated he asked Dan not to stir up the water in the spring. The tie hauler, disregarding him, picked up a bucket, dipped it full of water, and started to water his horses. Tabb said he then asked him why he treated him in that manner, and Titchenal, with an oath, started towards him, reaching his hand at the same time towards a hip pocket as if to get a concealed weapon. At this move, Tabb testified, thinking his life was in danger, he discharged his gun at Titchenal, shooting him in the left shoulder.

After the testimony of the witnesses of both sides, and the arguments of the attorneys, the case was left in the hands of the jury. They left the courtroom at 4:20 and returned a verdict at 6 o’clock of acquittal for defendant. The State was represented by Prosecuting Attorney Derwood E. Williams and William C. Martin. Tabb’s attorneys were Creech & Penn and John L. Burns.

I could not no further information on Richard Tabb.

 

TITCHENAL, JOHN D./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 27, 1877
Mr. John D. Titchenal, an old and respected resident of Foster Township, died Monday morning after a protracted illness. His disease was liver complaint.

NOTES:
John D. Titchenal was born June 17, 1823, in Fosterburg, Illinois. He died September 24, 1877, and was buried in the Short Cemetery in Cottage Hills. His children were Lucy Titchenal (1853-1939); Cassandra Titchenal (1855-1933); Irwin Peter Titchenal (1857-1941); and Joseph Edward Titchenal (1861-1872).

 

TITCHENAL, JOSEPH EDMUND/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 7, 1873
Died on February 26, near Upper Alton, of typhoid pneumonia, Joseph Edmund, youngest son of John and Susan Titchenal; aged 11 years, 9 months, and 12 days. Joseph was a bright and intelligent boy, a favorite with all the family. His sufferings were severe, but all was borne with patience. His parents, two brothers, and two sisters deeply feel their loss. May God bless and sustain the afflicted family.

 

TOBIAS, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 25, 1877
From Bethalto – Mr. Henry Tobias died at his residence near here last Thursday morning, in his 49th year. He leaves a large circle of friends to sympathize with his bereaved family. Mr. Tobias was a native of Germany, and came to this country about 24 years ago.

 

TOBIAS, UNKNOWN INFANTS/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 5, 1871
Mother Gives Birth to Quadruplets – Three Die
The wife of Henry Tobias, a German, gave birth to four living children at one time – two boys and two girls. All were perfectly formed and weighed between four and five pounds each. The event occurred unexpectedly, and while the husband was absent for medical assistance, three of the children died from want of the care, it is supposed, they would otherwise have received. The fourth is still alive and doing well. The mother of the children was out in the field at work the day previous. Mrs. Tobias is already the mother of six children.

 

TOLLE, IRENE MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15, 1906
Mrs. Irene May Tolle, wife of Charles Tolle, died this morning at 1:30 o'clock at the family home in Godfrey township after an illness of four weeks with pneumonia. Mrs. Tolle's maiden name was Gilmore. She was born October 21, 1871, and was married November 10, 1892. She had lived in Godfrey township all her life. She leaves beside her husband, four children, three sisters, a mother and father. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and burial will be in Godfrey township.

 

TOLLE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 30, 1921
Mrs. August Tolle, a member of a well known Godfrey Township family, died in Denver, Colo., on Thursday, July 28, according to word received by relatives. The message did not state how long Mrs. Tolle had been ill and the cause of her death. The body will be brought here for burial, arriving in St. Louis Monday morning. From St. Louis it will be shipped to Alton and taken to the home of Mrs. Andrew Logsdon of the North Side. Mrs. Logsdon is a sister of Mr. Tolle. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon from the Logsdon home. Interment will be in Godfrey Cemetery.

 

TOLMAN, DANIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23, 1844
Founder of Clifton Dies
Died, on last Saturday, at Clifton, Madison County, after a short but severe attack of the winter fever, Mr. Daniel Tolman, a highly respectable and worthy citizen of this county, aged about 45. The deceased was a member of the Methodist E. Church, and was very highly esteemed by his acquaintances. He has left a deeply afflicted widow and several children to deplore his loss.

 

TOMANKO, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4, 1914
George Tomanko, aged 53, died at St. Joseph's Hospital early last evening following the injuries he sustained when struck by a Big Four switch engine at the foot of Plum street yesterday afternoon. The inquest will be held over the body late this afternoon. Members of the crew claim that the foreigner stepped directly in front of the moving engine, notwithstanding the whistling they did. They were returning from East Alton at the time of the accident, and as they turned the curve near the roundhouse, they saw the foreigner approaching the track. On account of the wet weather the brakes did not set as quickly as they might have, and the engineer realizing this attempted to attract his attention with the whistle, but the foreigner remained in the middle of the track.

 

TOMLINSON, ANN ELIZA/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 5, 1850
Died on Friday last after an illness of a few weeks’ duration, Mrs. Ann Eliza Tomlinson, wife of Mr. William Tomlinson of Alton; aged 21 (or 24), leaving an afflicted husband and two children to deplore her loss. The deceased was an acceptable member of the Methodist Church, and much esteemed by her friends and acquaintances, and died with perfect resignation, in confidence of a happy immortality.

 

TOMLINSON, HANNAH B./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 27, 1850
Died in Alton on the 25th instant of winter fever, Mrs. Hannah B. Tomlinson, aged about 55(?) years. She has left one son and two daughters. The deceased resided about 11 years in Alton, during of which time she was favorably known in the public as a benevolent, kind-hearted and motherly lady, always ready and willing to administer to the relief of the suffering poor, and those in distress generally. Her sufferings for almost three weeks previous to her death were very great, but she bore them with Christian fortitude, and died perfectly composed and resigned to her fate. She is dead to the world, but will live long in the memory of those who were acquainted with her, and particularly those who have participated in her acts of mercy and goodness.

 

TOMLINSON, SAMPSON/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 9, 1893
Mr. Sampson Tomlinson, who was stricken with paralysis early last Friday morning, died at 11 a.m. today. Mr. Tomlinson was 73 years of age, and up to the time he received the paralytic stroke, was in good health and spirits. He has been a resident of Alton for over forty years, during which time he has been engaged at his trade of wagon making. He was a highly respected citizen. Five children survive him: Abraham Tomlinson of Alton; Samuel Tomlinson of Portland, Oregon; Charles Tomlinson of St. Louis; Mrs. Frank Nagle of St. Louis; and Mrs. Joseph Clark of Alton. The funeral services will take place at the family residence, 1712 Bozza Street, at 2 p.m. Sunday.

 

TOMLINSON, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, February 25, 1875
Died on February 21, near Bethalto, Mrs. Sarah Tomlinson, wife of Charles Tomlinson; in the 19th year of her age.

 

TONE, JULIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 6, 1905
The funeral of Miss Julia Tone took place Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, Rev. Fr. P. J. O'Reilly officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.

 

TONER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1918
Mrs. Mary Toner, aged 75 years, died this morning at 8:15 o'clock after an illness which commenced on Tuesday of last week, when the deceased suffered a stroke of paralysis at 4 o'clock in the morning. Since then her condition has been serious and she has been unconscious for the past two or three days. Mrs. Toner is a well known resident of Missouri, residing for the better part of her life at Machens, near Portage, Mo., and at West Alton. Several years ago her husband died. She has no children, but leaves two adopted daughters, Mrs. William Brown of Machens, Mo., and Mrs. Nancy E. Edelen of Monroe, La. She also leaves a number of other relatives, including Mrs. Ida Voges, daughter of Mrs. Edelen, who has spent much of her time with Mrs. Toner. Mrs. Nannie Harvey of Rockcamp, W. Va., is a sister. This week Ray Edelen, brother of Mrs. Voges, was buried. Mrs. N. E. Edelen, three daughters, and one son of Monroe, La., are here, also Miss Lenora Edelen of Isleta, New Mexico, and William Edelen of Lower Brule, S. D., to attend the funeral, having been called by Edelen's death. Complete funeral arrangements have not been made, but the services will be held in all probability from Mrs. Voges' home on Sunday afternoon. Interment will be in the City Cemetery.

 

TONSOR, HENRY O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 8, 1919
Business Man, Active in Civic Affairs
Henry O. Tonsor, one of the best known lodge men and business men in Alton, died at his residence on East Broadway at 2 o'clock this morning, after a sudden collapse, which was the culmination of an illness of several years' duration. The death of Mr. Tonsor was wholly unexpected to his friends as he had been apparently better for a short time and on Friday was able to be up and around, greeting his friends. He was in a more cheerful frame of mind and apparently much improved. For that reason his collapse and death was a great shock to the family and to his many friends who were not all prepared for such a sudden termination of his life. Henry O. Tonsor was born in Alton, the son of John M. Tonsor, and lived in Alton all his life. He succeeded his father in 1888 to the ownership of the business which he was conducting at the time of his death. The business was established in 1864 and continued in the family ever since. Henry O. Tonsor had been in the business since he was 17 years of age. Mr. Tonsor was active in public affairs. He served for six years as a member of the Madison county board of supervisors and on several occasions was the unsuccessful candidate of the Democratic ticket for public office. His last race was for member of the State Board of Equalization as a party nominee. He was a candidate once for the Democratic nomination for state senator in the 47th district, but was apparently defeated by a narrow margin by an Edwardsville man. A belief was held by Mr. Tonsor and his friends that he had been nominated and a contest was instituted, but on a curious technicality he was ruled out and the opening of the ballot boxes was denied. Mr. Tonsor had been very active in Masonic circles. He was originally a member of Erwin lodge, a German language Masonic lodge, but later became affiliated with Piasa Lodge No. 27, A. F. & A. M. He had been highly honored by the Masonic fraternity for his valuable work in behalf of the order, being chosen for the honorary 33rd degree, which was conferred upon him in Boston, Mass., Sept. 18, 1906. He belonged to all the Masonic bodies, Piasa lodge, Franklin chapter, Alton council, Belvidere comandry, in Alton. Also Oriental Consistory in Chicago. He was a Mystic Shriner. He was also a member of the Elks lodge at Alton and served in official capacity there. Mr. Tonsor was married in 1878 to Louise Bahre, and was the father of six children, all of whom survive him. It has been about 22 months since the health of Mr. Tonsor broke and he has been under the care of a physician much of the time since, although he has been able to get around for some time and always put up a brave appearance. Yesterday he felt better than in months, and so expressed himself to several. He retired last night about 9:00 o'clock feeling fine, but must have become sick shortly before 2:00 this morning. His wife was aroused by the sounds he made and she found him standing near the bed and retching. He had had a severe hemorrhage, the fourth in a few years, and she assisted him to a seat on the edge of the bed. "I am going; good-bye; call the children," were the last words he spoke. The children were called, but he was unconscious and died shortly after they got into the room. Hemorrhage and hardening of the arteries are given as the cause of his death. He was born in Alton at Sixth and Cherry streets, November 27, 1857, and spent all of his life in Alton, most of it within a few blocks of his birthplace. He was a trustee of the Alton Benevolent society for many years, and was always active in the cause of charity. He has dispensed much charity in an unostentatious way, and has done many favors of a substantial kind, of which the public knows nothing. His views in that regard were voiced only a few days ago to the writer, when he said: "Publicity is not charity, nor is doing a friend a favor to in telling others how good and kind you have been." He practiced that belief, but there are very many of his beneficiaries who know what he did, and who will sincerely mourn his departure. He is survived by his wife and the following children: John W. Tonsor and Miss Edith, who lives at home; Oscar, Mrs. James Barrett and Mrs. William Stoff, who live in Alton; Mrs. William Hoehner of Belleville. There are six grandchildren and a half-sister, Mrs. H. A. Wutzler. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon at ____ o'clock, from the home of East Broadway, Rev. Smith, pastor of the Congregational church officiating. Interment will be in the City cemetery.

 

TOOHEY, AGNES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7, 1922
Principal of Irving and McKinley Schools Dies at Teachers' Institute
Miss Agnes Toohey, supervising principal of Irving and McKinley schools, died yesterday evening at 6:45 o'clock in St. Joseph's Hospital following an apoplectic stroke which affected her shortly before 3 o'clock in the afternoon while she was attending the closing session of the Madison County Teachers' Institute at Edwardsville. She was found lying on the floor in a room to which she had gone from the place where the session of the institute was being held. Medical assistance was summoned, and the Edwardsville doctor who was called suggested that among the doctors attending a meeting of the Madison County Medical Society at the court house, there might be some Alton doctor who was acquainted with her. Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger, an old friend, and former pupil of Miss Toohey, was called and he took charge of his old school teacher, attending her until after she had been removed to St. Joseph's Hospital at Alton in an ambulance. She never regained consciousness after she was stricken. Friends and relatives of Miss Toohey say that she had been in the best of spirits with no alarming symptoms whatever during the three days she was attending the teachers' institute. She had not been well enough on Tuesday to attend to her duties at school, and she stayed at home, a rare thing for her, as she was known for her regularity in attendance upon her duties. She was counseled to stay away from the teachers' institute, but Wednesday morning she said that she felt so well she would go. She had been making trips back and forth to Edwardsville every day, and her evening reports at home were that she was enjoying this one the most of any teachers' institute she had ever attended. She entered into it with all her powers, as she was trying to get the maximum amount of good out of the work that was being given in the teachers' institute. Her associates say that she was dividing her time so that she could take in all departments of work covering that which she was doing as supervising principal from the primary grades up. It was because she had been dividing her time in more than one group of work her absence was not noticed Friday afternoon when she left the classroom. Each group of teachers thought she was with the other group, and it was only when the report was made of her being found unconscious in an adjoining room that her home associates in teaching learned of anything being wrong. There was every indication of a cerebral hemorrhage. She had been subject to attacks of acute indigestion. Otherwise, she had been in good condition. It had been one of her proudest parts of her record as a teacher that she taught school for many years without losing a day. She was never known to complain of ill health until the last few years of her life. She was never in better form for her school work and never had such an intense interest in what she was doing as in her closing years. Her efficiency was at its very highest and she had great plans laid out for increasing the efficiency of her work in the schools the present year. This was one reason why she was taking such a deep interest in the work that was being given in the teachers' institute. The death of Miss Toohey removes one of the best beloved of all the Alton school teachers. She began her career as a teacher in Alton when she was seventeen years of age. Her first service as a teacher began in an Upper Alton school. Afterward she taught in Humboldt school, and later she was transferred to the Irving school. There she had her breaking in under Mrs. Anna Britten, and she later succeeded to begin in an Upper Alton school, where she taught three years. She loved the work of educating children, and she was able to get the best possible results out of those who passed under her instruction. She could best manage the so-called "bad boys" in the schools. They seemed to respond to her advances and she got along with a minimum of corporal punishments. If was her theory that boys could be handled by treating them kindly and while she was firm, she led them along the way she wished them to go and made warm friendships which remained pleasant memories to thousands whom she had under her care. She kept her youthful interest in everything. She was a leader in the cause of improvement of educational methods.

 

TOOHEY, ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1915
Mrs. Anna Toohey, widow of Michael Toohey, died Wednesday at her home, 604 Summit street, from old age. The end came rather suddenly, though she had been in failing health and for the past few weeks had been confined to her bed part of the time. Wednesday noon she suddenly became weaker and within six hours she had quietly and peacefully slept away. Mrs. Toohey was a native of Ireland, but when a small girl she came to America and lived in Canada until about sixty years of age she came to Alton. Her husband died about 45 years ago. Mrs. Toohey lived on the bluff top at Alton for fifty years. She loved the view there and it was her wish that she would die there and that she be close to her children. Her end was just as she had wished it. She leaves three daughters, Mrs. M. Maddock; Misses Agnes and Elizabeth Toohey. The funeral will be Friday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.

 

TOOHEY, DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1909
The body of Daniel Toohey was brought to Alton today from St. Charles and was taken direct to the Cathedral, where funeral services were conducted by Rev. Fr. E. L. Spalding. Burial was at Greenwood cemetery. The pallbearers were Joseph Huff, John Webster, William Dwyer, M. Maddock, John Simon Jr., and Ed Brooks. Toohey's body was so cut up the coroner gathered up the fragments and took them to St. Charles in a barrel. His companion testified Toohey was sober.

 

TOOHEY, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 3, 1901
Asleep in death, Mrs. Mary Toohey, one of the oldest resident of Alton, was found by her son, Daniel Toohey, this morning. He arose at 4:30 o'clock to prepare for beginning his day's work and he went ....[unreadable] mother's room to around her to prepare his luncheon for him. When he called mother, she did not respond and he went back a few minutes later to call her gain. He touched her arm to shake her and made the startling discovery that his mother had passed away peacefully in sleep. Mrs. Toohey was 72 years of age and had lived in Alton since 1848. She was born in Limerick, Ireland, and came to America when very young. She was the widow of James Toohey and had lived many years at 617 East Fourth street. She had complained of pains in her side many years, but the hot weather had debilitated her and her death was found by the coroner's jury to be due to general debility. She leaves only one child, Daniel Toohey. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted in St. Patrick's church.

 

TOOHEY, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, November 26, 1874
A sad case of death from starvation and exposure took place last week at Godfrey, the particulars of which are as follows:

On Tuesday, Mr. James W. Martin, when out on his farm, found a man lying in a straw stack, in a very weak and debilitated condition, and evidently near his end. Mr. Martin at once procured assistance, and the unfortunate man was lifted into a wagon and carried to Castanetto’s Hotel, where everything was done for him that was possible, but relief came too late, and he died in half an hour after being removed. On first being discovered, he stated that he had been lying in the straw stack four or five days. He was too weak to articulate anything further, even to tell his name or where he came from. It was a clear case of death from exposure and starvation. The deceased was a man, apparently about fifty-five years of age, and was reasonably well dressed. He had an oil cloth carpet sack with him, filled with clothes. No money or other effects were found on his person. The only thing found that would give a clue to his identify was a bottle of medicine from the Madison County Dispensary, marked with the name “Toohey.” Deceased was apparently an Irishman. An inquest was held on the remains by Mr. J. B. Turner, Justice of the Peace, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the above facts. The body was interred by Mr. Turner in the Monticello [Godfrey] Cemetery. It is certainly terribly sad to think of a fellow being perishing from want, in sight of shelter, and in the midst of a charitable Christian community, where there is no family unwilling at any time to relieve suffering.

 

TOOMEY, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1918
Railroad Man and Former Policeman Dies
Thomas Toomey, for many years a picturesque character in Alton, died at 11:15 p.m. yesterday at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. A. L. McDonald, 5119 Maple avenue in St. Louis, where he had been ill since last Christmas. He was about 80 years old. Mr. Toomey was one of the oldest railroad men in Alton. He had a long and interesting career in railroad work, dating from his youth, when he was yardmaster for the Big Four railroad in East St. Louis. He was one of the builders of the C. P. & St. L. railroad, had served as track walker, section foreman and in numerous other capacities, remaining in the employ of the company almost continuously since the railroad was built. When the new station in Alton was erected about twenty years ago, Mr. Toomey was given the position of baggageman, and he had remained on duty faithfully until last Christmas, when failing health due to his advanced age necessitated his retirement. He went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. McDonald, in St. Louis to spend the remainder of his life. He had many friends, won by his sunshiny disposition, and he was especially popular among railroad men, for whom he acted as "banker" in the early days. He was frugal in his habits and a good financier. He invested his savings in Alton property, owning for a number of years several desirable residence properties, which he afterwards sold to enable him to make investments in St. Louis realty. At the time of his death he possessed considerable wealth. He served for a period as a member of the Alton police force. Mr. Toomey was born in Ireland and he came to this country when he was a boy. He was a schoolmate of the late Dennis Noonan of Alton. His wife died a number of years ago. Mrs. A. L. McDonald, at whose home Mr. Toomey died, is the only member of the family surviving. The funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral to Greenwood cemetery. Besides his daughter, Mrs. A. L. McDonald, Toomey leaves one brother, M. Toomey of St. Louis.

 

TOPPING, E. D./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1862
We are pained to have to announce the death of one of our most useful and valuable businessmen, Mr. E. D. Topping, of the firm of Topping Brothers. He has long been in business in Alton, and by his upright conduct and courteous manners, had won the enviable reputation of being one of the most popular business men of Alton. His loss will be deeply felt in the business community, the social circle, but most of all in the bosom of his amiable family. He was 42 years old.

 

TOPPING, MARY FRANCIS "FRANCIE" (nee ATWOOD)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8, 1917
Daughter of Moses Gilman Atwood
Word came to Alton Sunday from Jacksonville that two of Alton's old time citizens were near death at their homes in Jacksonville, and that a few days would be the end of their span of life. They are Mrs. Mary E. Topping, widow of Erasius Topping, and Mrs. Carrie Cavender, widow of Robert S. Cavender. The two sisters were daughters of Moses G. Atwood, for many years a prominent resident of Alton and the founder of the old Illinois Mutual Insurance Society, which had its home in the building occupied as a residence by John Snyder at the present. The place was known for years as the old "insurance office." The two sisters removed from Alton years ago, but they have many old friends still here who are deeply interested in them. The information that friends had from them Sunday, was that the two sisters were unconscious and rapidly were growing weaker. Mrs. Topping is 86 years of age, and Mrs. Cavender is 82. Mrs. Topping died this morning, word came by wire to friends, and the body will be brought to Alton for burial Wednesday afternoon. It is expected to come here on the train reaching Alton Wednesday afternoon shortly after 1 o'clock from Jacksonville, and the body will be taken to City Cemetery where services will be conducted by Rev. W. R. Holloway, the pastor of the Unitarian Church. It was reported that Mrs. Cavender's condition was about the same as it had been, that she was still unconscious and that it was not believed she could last through the day. If her death should occur before the time set for the funeral of Mrs. Topping, there is a possibility that a change in the plans may be made which would admit of a double funeral of the two sisters being held, that in death they might not be separated. They had been intensely devoted to each other and had passed all their declining years in the same city at the same home.

Source: Jacksonville Daily Journal, January 9, 1917
Mrs. Mary Francis “Francie” Atwood Topping died January 9, 1917, on Prospect Street in Jacksonville, at the age of 86. She was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on September 25, 1830, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Moses Gilman Atwood. Her parents moved to Alton in 1837. Mary was educated at Monticello Seminary in Godfrey, Illinois. In 1851, Miss Atwood became the wife of Erastus D. Topping of Alton, who died in 1862. She continued living in Alton until 1893, when she moved to Jacksonville to live with her daughter, Mrs. William A. Bancroft. Mary Atwood Topping was a member of the Unitarian Church of Alton, and was Recording Secretary of the Alton Public Library.

 

TOREY, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 31, 1905
While on the way to get a drink early this morning, George Torey, a victim of alcoholism, dropped dead in an alley back of St. Joseph's hospital. His body was found lying in the alley by a man who was passing that way, and it was reported to the hospital. Torey was taken to the hospital Tuesday afternoon by order of Dr. Shaff. He was employed by Harry Johnson as an iceman, but has been drinking so much that he was dismissed from service Saturday night. He was taken ill and then moved to the hospital. One of the men in the room with Torey said that Torey rose early in the morning and said he would go out to get another drink as he could stand it no longer without more liquor. The hospital being locked up, he was obliged to remove a screen from a window and get out that way. While making his way through the alley he fell to the ground and expired from heart disease. Torey was 58 years of age and had lived in Alton about seven years. He was employed for several years by Harry Johnson. Men who knew him say he would never say whether or not he had any relatives and none are known to Deputy Coroner A. I. Kaiser, who held an inquest this morning. A verdict of death from heart failure superinduced by alcoholism was found by the coroner's jury. The body will be buried tomorrow at the county's expense.

 

TORRENCE, SARAH J. [nee LUSK]/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April 27, 1897
The announcement of the death of Mrs. Sarah J. Torrence, yesterday morning, caused sorrow in all parts of the city in which she has made her home for nearly three score years and ten. The venerable lady died at eight o'clock after an illness of less than a week. Pleurisy was the cause of death. The funeral will take place Thursday, but the hour has not been fixed. Mrs. Sarah J. Torrence was a native of Edwardsville. She was born here on November 10, 1828. She was the eldest daughter of John T. and Lucretia Lusk, who were early settlers of Illinois and among the most prominent of Edwardsville's first citizens. Her education was received in this city, which has been her lifelong home. On April 10, 1846 she was married to Edward S. [Salisbury] Brown. The union was blessed with two children, Ansel L. and a daughter, Mary Lucretia, who died September 26, 1850. The death of Edward Brown occurred a short time before, July 9, of the same year. In the fall of 1853[,] Mrs. Torrence was married to John R. Torrence. They had two children, Harry L., now in Portland, Ore., and Gillian L, wife of C. N. Travous. Mr. Torrence died during the war. Of the family of her parents only one remains, a sister of Mrs. Torrence, Mrs. Mary Sloss, of Alabama. Mrs. Torrence was one upon whom the passing years left slight traces of their flight. She was keenly alive to[o], and took a great interest in all current happenings. She was a famed entertainer and the hospitality of her home was boundless. She had a wide acquaintanceship and the fact of her death, coming at a time when she appeared to be full of life and vigor, can scarcely be realized by her friends.

 

TOTTEN, JOSEPH T./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 11, 1873
Mr. Joseph T. Totten died at 4 o’clock on Monday afternoon at his father’s residence in Middletown, of consumption. He was formerly an employee of this office, and subsequently of St. Louis printing offices, his last position being that of assistant foreman on the Dispatch. He was an industrious, reliable young man, highly esteemed by his associates, who will learn with regret of his early death. He was 25 years of age.

 

TOWER, ANNA E./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 29, 1850
Died at the residence of her mother near Edwardsville, on the 11th inst., after an illness of only 34 hours, Miss Anna E. Tower, aged about 20 years. But a few days since, this youthful victim was possessed with health and life – buoyant and happy, perhaps, with the anticipations of a cloudless future, unconscious that death was at hand to lead her through the “dark valley.” Truly, “in the midst of life we are in death,” and these sad teachings should warn us of the transitory nature of earthly things. But to Anna’s bereaved relatives and friends, when their first feelings of agony she passed, the sweet hope will shed its hao around them, that her pure spirit is where neither trouble, sickness, nor death can reach her more, and where those who follow in her footsteps here, will have a blissful reunion when life’s ____ _____ is past.

 

TOWNES, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8, 1902
Mrs. Elizabeth Townes, aged 26, died Sunday at the home of her mother, Mrs. Crowe, Union and Spring streets, after a long illness. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.

 

TOWNSEND, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 19, 1907
Coroner Streeper will hold an inquest tonight as to the cause of the death of James Townsend, who died from alcoholism and was buried four days ago. A delay in getting the jury together caused the postponement of the inquest. Coroner Streeper was summoned to Marine this afternoon to hold an inquest over a railroad man killed there by a passenger train.

 

TOWNSEND, SOPHIA GERALDINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1837
Died, in this town [Alton], on Thursday evening, 6th inst., Sophia Geraldine, youngest daughter of J. A. Townsend.

 

TRACY, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 10, 1906
Nurse Refuses to Submit To Surgery and Dies
Miss Charlotte Tracey, the hospital nurse who died at St. Joseph's hospital Sunday from cancer of the stomach, who had spent eighteen years of her life attending surgical operations and waiting on surgical cases, refused to undergo an operation herself. She steadfastly held out against submitting to surgery when doctors advised her that by undergoing an operation she would almost surely prolong her life and would not, at least, diminish it any. Miss Tracey was an intimate friend of some of the most celebrated doctors in St. Louis. She was the assistant of one prominent surgeon there for many years and gave most of her time to his cases.....Miss Tracy had seen so much surgery, however, that her deep-seated horror of it had developed until she was willing to take the chances of dying a most agonizing death from a dreadful malady rather than submit herself to the surgeon's knife. The body of Miss Tracey was taken to St. Louis this noon, and burial will be from Mullanphy hospital tomorrow.

 

TRACY, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 18, 1911
The funeral of Samuel Tracy was held this morning from the Lock undertaking establishment. The body was taken to City Cemetery for burial, attended by relatives and some old friends.

 

TRAIN, HENRIETTA WILHELMINA WILKINSON “WILLIE” (nee DAVIS)/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 6, 1879
Daughter of George Turnbull Moore Davis
From the St. Louis Republican - Mrs. George Francis Train, whose sudden and unexpected death occurred in New York last Wednesday (October 29, 1879), was the daughter of Colonel George T. M. Davis, for many years a prominent member of the Illinois Bar; aide-de-camp to General James Shields during the Mexican War; and also secretary to General Quitman while that officer was military governor of the Mexican capital. She was found dead in her bed at her father’s residence, supposedly from paralysis of the heart. Mrs. Train was born in what is now Godfrey, Illinois, passed her early life in Alton, and was educated at the convent of the Visitation in St. Louis, where her father came in 1849 to assume the editorship of the Intelligencer. She will be remembered by many of those who composed St. Louis society thirty years ago, as a lady of rare beauty, brilliant intellect, and fascinating manners – a favorite with all who knew her. The family subsequently removed to Washington, and thence to Louisville, where she married Mr. George Francis Train. A daughter and two sons, all grown, survive her.

NOTES:
Henrietta Davis Train was born July 11, 1833, in what was then called Monticello (now Godfrey). She was the daughter of George Turnbull Moore Davis (1810-1888) and Susan Minerva Webb Davis (1810-1850). In 1851 she married George Francis Train (1829-1904), who survived her. Two of their children were Lillie Marshall Train (1852-1853) and Susan Minerva Train Gulager (1855-1904). Henrietta is buried in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Henrietta’s husband, George Train, was known for his eccentricities. He engaged in business in Boston for several years, then went to Australia in 1853. He moved to England, and then back to America in 1862. He traveled around the world in eighty days in 1870. Train wrote numerous books about his travels and financial adventures.

 

TRAPP, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 1, 1908
Harry Trapp, a well known Alton bartender, died last night at St. Joseph's hospital after months of suffering from dropsy and sympathetic diseases. He was about ?? years old, and lived in Alton several years. He had no relatives here, but has a couple of sisters in Pennsylvania. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon and will be under the auspices of the Eagles, of which order he was a member.

 

TRARES, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 24, 1921
James Trares, 3 year old son of Mrs. Clem Trares, died at his home 506 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, yesterday morning from injuries suffered Saturday morning when he was struck by an automobile driven by Charles Selzinger. The boy and other children were crossing the street in front of the Trares home when an approaching wagon caused the Trares child to turn back into the path of Seizinger's automobile. He was struck by the fender and his skull was fractured.

 

TRATT, JOHN HUBERT 'JACK'/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13, 1918
John Hubert Tratt, better known as "Jack" Tratt, died at an early hour this morning at his home, 1100 East Fourth street, after a week's illness with pneumonia. Few of his friends knew that Tratt was ill, and his death came as a great surprise. Tratt was a well known sign painter and had established a good business in the city. He was 34 years of age, and has resided in Alton for some time. His brother, J. E. Tratt of Mexico, Mo., arrived this morning and took charge of the funeral arrangements. Jack Tratt was probably best known as a hunter. His time was spent, during hunting season, at the resorts on the Illinois river. He was a very successful hunter and always brought back much game when there was any chance to get it. He was a man of strong robust physique, the picture of health. The body was shipped to Shipman this afternoon at 4 o'clock, and the funeral and interment will take place in that town.

 

TRAVIS, GEORGE LEE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4, 1914
George Lee Travis, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. M. Travis, died this afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital from congestion of the brain. He was suffering from the grippe, and after getting better he went back to work, but later suffered a relapse and then he developed congestion of the brain. The family lives on Park avenue in Upper Alton.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 5, 1914
The congestion of the brain which caused the death of George Lee Travis, 17 year old son of G. N. Travis, in St. Joseph's Hospital Friday afternoon is believed to have been brought on in a great measure by his extraordinary efforts to accomplish results in the line of electrical mechanics. Travis' parents say that he was a great reader on all mechanical and electrical subjects, and rigged up a number of small inventions, the ideas for which he had got by reading technical magazines. Among them was a small aeroplane which he succeeded in getting to fly a short distance. The young lad was recognized by his playmates as a mechanical genius and he has long looked forward to taking a course in an electrical college in the East. To get funds for this schooling he had been working at the Illinois Box Factory, where he was employed when he became ill with the grip. His eagerness to get back to work in order that he might not lose time caused him to return to his work too soon, and was what caused his relapse, it is thought. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home.

 

TRAVIS, GEORGE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 10, 1917
Former Claims Agent for Traction Company
George W. Travis, former well known claim agent for the Alton, Granite City and St. Louis Traction Company, died at 12 o'clock Sunday night at St. Joseph's hospital. He was very ill, suffering from stomach trouble at East Alton and he was removed in the Steeper ambulance Friday to St. Joseph's Hospital, where his death occurred last night. The body was taken charge of by the Streeper & Son undertaking establishment, and is at their parlors on Washington avenue. Deceased leaves his wife, one son and one daughter. Funeral arrangements had not been made this afternoon. Travis had been separated from his wife, who lived on Park avenue in Upper Alton since last winter. The Travis affairs were aired a time or two in the Alton courts, and the wife secured an injunction against him to keep him from annoying her or her children at their home in Upper Alton. Travis protested bitterly against the injunction and frequently said that he loved his wife and children and wanted to go back to them. To keep within the provisions of the injunction he made his home in East Alton and worked at times for the Standard Oil refinery and the Western Cartridge plant. Travis has not been in the best of health for some time. Friday he was seen in East Alton, at which time he declared that he felt the end was coming and that he expected to go to the hospital for good. He said his ailment was chronic stomach troubles. Travis said Friday that he had given up drinking and that drink was not responsible for his illness. East Alton officials say that Mrs. Travis learned Saturday of her husband's serious illness through a newspaper notice in the Telegraph of Friday night, and that she came down Saturday and offered to do what she could for him. She visited him several times at the hospital, and her children spent the greater part of the time at the hospital during his brief illness. The Travis family came to Alton about eight years ago from Chanooga [sic], Tenn., when Mr. Travis, who was an experienced railroad man, secured the position of assistant claim agent, which he gave up about two years ago.

 

TRAVIS, OLIVER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1905
Oliver Travis, aged 20 years 9 months, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 1 o'clock Thursday morning from the effects of injuries he sustained three weeks ago tomorrow by falling from the Ryder building at Second and Alby street. He fell a distance of 90 feet, striking on his back and head and concussion of the brain caused his death. His sister and brother attended him, the sister being with him since he was hurt. Deputy Coroner A. I. Keiser held an inquest this afternoon and prepared the body for shipment to Decatur. The verdict of the coroner's jury was accidental death. The body will be sent to Decatur tonight, accompanied by the brother and sister. The young man was very industrious and thifty and his death was keenly regretted by his fellow employees. He was unconscious most of the time since his accident. It was supposed he was over 21 years of age.

 

TRAVOUS, CHARLES NORTON/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, July 2, 1907
Prominent Edwardsville Attorney
Edwardsville has seen few sensations more profound than that produced this morning by the news that attorney Charles N. Travous had been found dead in bed. Mr. Travous has had many serious illnesses, but none expected him to die during the night and at a time when his wife and daughter were hundreds of miles away. Mr. Travous had been to New York three times in the past month on business of gravest importance for the Wabash. Mrs. Travous and their eldest daughter, Miss Sara, went East a week ago at Mr. Travous' request, to spend a few days with him in New York. He was called back to St. Louis by an urgent message, and they stopped off at Waverly, New York, to spend a day with Mrs. Emily Crane Tew. In consequence, Mr. Travous came in at night while his wife and daughter arrived this afternoon at 1:30 on Number 9. Mr. Travous went to his home on St. Louis Street last evening, dined with his daughter, Louise, and afterwards went for a walk with her. They strolled about town for a couple of hours and then Mr. Travous retired. The last words of his daughter to him were that she would not call him early this morning, as he looked very tired. This morning he did not make his appearance at the breakfast table, and after knocks and soft calls at the door had failed to get any answer, Louise became alarmed. Dr. S. T. Robinson was hurriedly summoned and declared that Mr. Travous had been dead probably ten or twelve hours. Dr. J. A. Hirsch, who had treated Mr. Travous in recent years expressed the belief that hepatic trouble was the cause of death.

Charles Norton Travous was a brilliant example, right at home, of the self-made man. He first came to Edwardsville driving a pair of mules attached to a water wagon. He died in one of the most costly and beautiful homes that the city has [824 St. Louis Street]. When he arrived in town, he had not a single penny and owned merely the clothes that he wore, but he amassed a considerable fortune. He was then unknown, but he archived fame in his profession and rose to high position. And it was all due to what finally killed him - hard work.

Mr. Travous was 50 years old on January 26, this year. He was born on a farm south of Collinsville, his father being a former officer in the French army who came to the new world and went to farming. Both his parents were Irish and natives of the old country. They prospered but slowly, and occasionally the family knew the bitterest want. The father died and the mother had to make shift for the large family and then the children for themselves. Charles Travous was water boy for the construction crew when the Vandalia Railroad was built. Then he hired out with threshing outfits. He got his first real job when he became bookkeeper for the F. O. Sawyer Paper Company in St. Louis. Then he decided on a profession and commenced the study of law in the office of Gillespie & Happy. Mr. Travous studied law in the summer and taught school in the winter. He walked from Edwardsville to Highland, took the examination under A. A. Suppiger, received a first-grade certificate entitling him to teach, and walked all the way back to Edwardsville, the happiest of young men. He taught in the neighborhood of Grantfork for several years, between 1878 and 1881. In this year he was admitted to the bar, and the law firm of Gillespie & Happy being severed, that of Happy & Travous was established. This continued until Mr. Happy went west in 1891. In July that year, Mr. Travous and Wilbur M. Warnock formed the partnership of Travous & Warnock which continued until November 1, 1899, when George D. Burroughs was admitted and the firm became Travous, Warnock & Burroughs. This continued until February, 1905, when Mr. Travous withdrew to give his whole attention to the Wabash work which had lately been claiming most of his time. His late partner, W. M. Warnock, declared today that he was the best all-around lawyer that he had ever known, and this fact made his services so valuable to the road [Wabash].

When Travous left his office on the thirteenth floor of the Lincoln Trust building, St. Louis, he did not leave his business behind, but turned it over in his mind on the cars, and studied it further at home, and pondered on it after he had gone to bed. His concentration and breadth brought success in every sway. He became one of the foremost men in his profession, he was regarded as a shrewd and successful politician, and he amassed material wealth as well.

Mr. Travous was married, October 6, 1888 to Miss Gillian Lusk Torrence, daughter of the late Mrs. Sarah Torrence. Their union was of the happiest. It was a love match, pure and simple, as the husband then had nothing but his indomitable will. Their marriage took place in the Methodist Church and was one of the last ceremonies performed by the late E. M. West. Mrs. Travous was very proud of her husband's wonderful success and was his close companion and advisor all through their life together. They have two children, Sarah Margaret, aged 18, who graduated from the high school a month ago, and Rachel Louise, aged 16. Mr. Travous has five sisters and a brother. The brother, Sam Travous, lives at Poplar Bluff, Missouri. One sister, Mrs. Frank Anderlin, resides in St. Louis. The mother made her home in the last years of her life with her son here, and died about ten years ago.

In Edwardsville, Mr. Travous occupied the position of a foremost citizen. His legal practice and his social standing placed him there without question. He was ever in demand as an after-dinner speaker, and his advice and co-operation were sought in many affairs. When the First National Bank was organized in 1897, he was made the first vice president, and continued in the position as long as his connection with the institution remained.

Between Mr. Travous and Dr. S. T. Robinson, who was summoned on the case this morning, there existed a peculiar bond of coincident circumstances. Each came to Edwardsville for the practice of a profession. They commenced at the same time in 1881, their offices were at the north-west corner of Main and Parcell streets, they were practically the same age, the birthday of each being in the fore part of 1867. They were both married in October, 1886, and each attended the other's wedding. In the early eighties their practices as new beginners was slender and they had much time together, which they spent in each other's offices, discussing matters of mutual interest as their professional success advanced.

While Mr. Travous' death was a terrible shock to everyone, the manner of his passing was not surprise to those who knew him even indifferently well. He was such a hard worker and was under so continual a strain that sudden death was anticipated in his case. He had had previous attacks of illness, which several times threatened to carry him off. No one knew better than he what was liable to happen, but he did not loosen his expenditure of energy one whit. He was a believer in insurance and carried a heavy line estimated at about $30,000.

NOTES:
Charles Norton Travous was born January 26, 1857. He died July 1, 1907, at the age of 50. He is buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Edwardsville. Besides being a respected and prominent attorney and resident of Edwardsville, Travous was the only person from Madison County who was on the Illinois Commission to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World’s Fair held in St. Louis). He served as one of the Vice-Presidents and chairman of the Building and Maintenance Committee, who were responsible for the planning and construction of the Illinois building at the World’s Fair. The final cost of the Illinois building, which came in under budget, was $88,582.06. The French Renaissance style building included a domed rotunda and sculptures of Lincoln and Douglas, which flanked the entrance. The Illinois Building served as a haven of hospitality for Illinoisan visitors. Wives or daughters of the commissioners rotated ten-day shifts to serve as hostesses. Mrs. Travous took the first shift, beginning with the building’s dedication.  (Obituary submitted by Jane Denny.)

 

TREADWAY, WILLIAM CHESTER/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 17, 1838
Died, on Thursday morning last, William Chester, only child of F. and E. J. Treadway, aged 3 months and 4 days.

 

TREMMEL, JOSEPHINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 11, 1916
Mrs. Josephine Tremmel died today at 11:50 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Dunlap of 620 East Fourth street, after an illness of one year, complications being the cause of death. Mrs. Tremmel was taken ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Kies of Belleview avenue, but was taken to Mrs. Dunlap's home some weeks ago. On Friday Mrs. Tremmel became unconscious and remained in that state until she died. The deceased was 67 years and 9 months of age. Just seven years ago to the day, her father, Peter Kremer of this city, died. Mrs. Tremmel was born in Berlin, Germany, coming to this country when a very small child. For years Mrs. Tremmel has lived in Alton and her large family was raised in this city. Mrs. Tremmel is survived by nine children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Her sons are Jake, Edward and Tony of Alton, and John of St. Louis. Her daughters are Mrs. George Kellar, Mrs. John Kies, Mrs. Al Fullager, Mrs. John Dunlap and Mrs. Lawrence Piepert. Three brothers, Anto Kremer of Denver, Pete Kremer of Edwardsville, and M. Kremer of Alton, also survive. The funeral will be held from the Dunlap residence at 620 East Fourth street to the Cathedral on State street Friday morning. Solemn Requiem High Mass will be celebrated at 9 o'clock. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

 

TREMMEL, VERNE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 16, 1906
Verne, the 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Tremmel, died Sunday morning after an illness from the prevalent malady among the children [dysentery]. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the home on Ridge street, Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann officiating.

 

TRENCHERY, EMILIUS PIERRE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1904
Foremost Blind Musician and Instructor Passes Away
After a life of over ninety-one years, filled with interesting events and with associations in which figured some of the most prominent men of his earlier days, Emilius Trenchery, a native of France, slept away the last hours of his life and ceased breathing Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock. The death of Mr. Trenchery marks the passing of a man who at one time had an international reputation as an instructor of the blind and a musician. He number among his acquaintances, General Lafayette. He was a schoolmate of Braille, the great inventor of the system of reading by raised letters for the blind. He was born in Dijon Cote D'ore, France, December 10, ninety-one years ago [1813]. He was graduated from the great school for the blind in Paris, France when a young man, and in 1832, when the state of Massachusetts determined to found its first school for the blind at Boston, Mr. Trenchery was invited to come to America and become the premier principal of the new school. It was under his direction that the school was founded, and documents still in the possession of his family attest the esteem in which he was held. He did not come to America until he had first sought the advice of his friend, General Lafayette, who had then returned from his tour of triumph in the United States. Lafayette advised him to cast his fortune in the new world, and he did so. Among the interesting facts about Mr. Trenchery is that he was the teacher of the instructors who accomplished such wonders with Laura Bridgman, the Helen Keller of many years ago. He came to Alton in 1836 with a large number of eastern people, when Alton was the gateway to the west, and he settled down to practice his profession of music. He composed many pieces which possessed great merit, and he taught many prominent Alton people what they know of music. Among his Alton proteges who achieved fame is the now Canon J. H. Knowles, one of the highest dignitaries of the Episcopal church, who has become famous through his work in behalf of liturgical music in the Episcopal church. Recently, Mr. Trenchery received a letter from his old pupil in which he expressed the highest regard for him, and told of meeting Mr. Trenchery's daughter, Mrs. Rosalie Whitmore and her daughter, Eugenia, of Omaha, on an ocean liner. Canon Knowles started as organist in an Alton Episcopal church, and it was here that he decided to study for the ministry. In his autobiography, Canon Knowles says, "My first teacher was a Frenchman at Alton, named Trenchery. He was blind, but a most apt musician. He taught me a little harmony from the first, and so opened up before me some of the delights and mysteries of music." Mr. Trenchery was organist in an Alton church when his wife to be, a young French girl, Wilhelmina Kohler [see her obituary below], came to Alton, and her voice soon found her a place in the church choir. A romantic courtship and marriage followed. Mr. Trenchery had been in good health until last Saturday night, when he took a chill. He steadily weakened, without any suffering, and at last, Tuesday morning, dissolution took place. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Rosalie Whitmore of Omaha, who is now in Europe; Miss Wilhelmina Trenchery; and two sons, Ernani J. and Emilius Jr., of Alton. The time of the funeral has not been set. [Burial was in Alton City Cemetery]

[Note: Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 26, 1942: The old Trenchery homestead was at 601 State Street, and was built before 1842. Emilius Jr. was born September 11, 1855, and devoted much of his life to composing music. He was known best in Alton as a Band Director of the Old Standard Band, the predecessor of the White Hussars, and of the Enterprise Band. He died in March 1942 and is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]

Source: San Francisco Call, California, August 17, 1904
Emilius Pierre Trenchery Passes Away at the Age of 91
Alton, Ill., August 16 - Emilius Pierre Trenchery is dead at his home, aged 91 years. Trenchery, who was blind, was half a century age known as one of the foremost blind musicians and educators in America. He was a schoolmate of Braille, the inventor of the system of reading by raised letters, and when he came to America he introduced that system.

Source: Utica, New York Herald Dispatch, August 19, 1904
Emilius Pierre Trenchery, who has just died in Alton, Ill., at the age of 91, was half a century ago known as one of the foremost blind musicians and educators in America. He was a native of France, and was graduated from the great school for the blind at Paris. He was a schoolmate of Braille, the inventor of the system of reading by raised letters, and when he came to America, he introduced that system. In 1836 Mr. Trenchery came to Alton, where he had since resided.

Source: Illinois State Business Directory, 1860
Trenchery, Emilius, piano fortes, etc., Alton, Madison County

 

TRENCHERY, WILHELMINA (nee KOHLER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1901
Wife of Emile Trenchery
Mrs. Wilhelmina Kohler Trenchery was born in Kehl on the Rhine, Grand Duchy of Baden, belonging to the well known Kohler family of Baden. As a very young woman, she came to Alton to visit a brother. Her friends prevailed upon her to remain and devote herself to an active musical life, having an exceptionally fine voice. She soon filled prominent places in the churches of St. Louis and Alton. It was while singing in the Cathedral in the latter place that she met her husband, Emile Trenchery, who was the organist at that time. The husband and four children survive her: Mrs. Whitmore, Miss W. Trenchery, Emelius and Ernant Trenchery. Also a sister, Mrs. Louis Bickle. The deceased was devoted to her home and family. She passed away quietly January 24th of heart failure. Rev. George Gebauer will conduct the services, which will be private from the family residence, Sunday afternoon.

 

TRENDALL, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 27, 1911
Joseph Trendall, for many years a well known carpenter in Alton, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. August Kitzenberg, in East Alton, this morning at 7 o'clock at the age of 79, after a few days illness due to the infirmities of old age. He has lived in St. Louis and Alton the greater part of his life. He was born in England and was reared on a whaling boat in the waters of England. On coming to America at an early age he followed the carpenter trade until his retirement on account of old age. He came from St. Louis last August, and has been living ever since at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kitzenberg, who are proprietors of the Kitzenberg hotel in East Alton. His wife died several years ago. He leaves five children, and a son, William, who went away from home in 1894 and has not been heard of since. The other four children are a daughter, Mrs. H. C. Henley of St. Louis; Charles Trendall of St. Louis; Clark Trendall of Petluma, Cal.; and Mrs. August Kitzenberg. The time of the funeral has not been set and will not be until relatives from St. Louis arrive to assist in the funeral arrangements.

 

TRENTSCH, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1921
The funeral of Mrs. Herman Trentsch was held this morning from the family residence on East Fifth Street at nine o'clock. Requiem Mass was said by Rev. Father Meckel rector of St. Mary's church. Interment was in St. Joseph's cemetery. There were very many beautiful floral offerings. The pallbearers were Vincent Wardein, Henry Wardein, John Klasner, John Schmidt, John Merkle and Neck Schweagel. The funeral was largely attended by relatives and friends of the deceased. Among those from out of town attending were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Finkes, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Finkes, Mr. and Mrs. Theo Lohman, Mrs. John Finkes, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hoefner, Mrs. Mary Hime, John Bentles and the Misses Oren and Hyacinth Lohman of St. Louis, Misses Pauline and Anna Bentles of Winchester, Ill., and Mr. and Mrs. George Stiritz of Godfrey, Ill.

 

TREW, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 29, 1872
Died on November 22 in Alton, John Trew, in the 51st year of her age.

 

TRICE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11, 1911
William Trice, colored, aged 36 years, died Tuesday at his home, 1426 Cyrus street, after an illness from pneumonia. He leaves a wife and three children. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Union Baptist church.

 

TRIPLETT, MYRTLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10, 1905
Woman's Mysterious Disappearance - Did She Drown?
Mrs. Myrtle Triplett, wife of Homer Triplett, is supposed to have been drowned Sunday night off the steamer Ruth, but whether it is a case of suicide or not cannot be said. She was about 35 years of age, and beside her husband, from whom she had separated, she leaves a daughter, Ida, who was on the boat with the mother. According to Ed Pillsbury, pilot of the Ruth, Mrs. Triplett went to the boat Sunday evening with her daughter to see Pillsbury. They were conversing in the pilot house, and Pillsbury said he was thirsty. Mrs. Triplet took a bucket and started to go downstairs on the boat to the ice water cooler for some ice water. Pillsbury had been drinking beer, and he called to her to bring up some beer to him if there was any on the boat. Mrs. Triplett had a pocket book containing $36.85 which she left in the pilot house with Pillsbury and her daughter. She is said to have picked it up and then laid it down again, evidently being preoccupied in mind. She never came back. Pillsbury says he did not hear her splash in the water, and other men sleeping on the boat adjacent to the Ruth did not hear anything. It was supposed, after a search of her home and other places had failed to find her, that she had fallen or jumped into the river and was drowned. A search for the body was started today.

Is Mrs. Triplett Alive? Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 12, 1905 [hard to read ... parts missing]
There is a growing feeling among those who know the parties most ... that Mrs. Myrtle Triplett, the woman who disappeared Sunday off the steamer Ruth and who is supposed to have been drowned, is alive and well and is keeping se- .... from her friends for reasons unknown. Police officers have been told by several parties that they have seen Triplett since Sunday night .... State street business man .... saw her between 9 and 10 o'clock Monday night and spoke to .... she did not care to talk more ... acknowledge his salutation, ... but passed on. He followed ... says and she left on a south ... Bluff Line train.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 13, 1905
Body of Mrs. Triplett Found Afloat
All doubt as to the fate of Mrs. Myrtle Triplett, the woman who disappeared last Sunday night during a heavy storm of rain, was set at rest by the finding of her body Thursday morning by two amateur fishermen, who had been raising a trotline below the bridge, and while rowing below the bridge they found the body of the missing woman afloat. Deputy Coroner A. I. Keiser was notified of the finding of the body and took charge of it. Ed Pillsbury, who was with Mrs. Triplett the night she fell into the river, was seen after the finding of the body and he said that he believed the woman fell overboard from the Ruth in the darkness and rain, last Sunday night, and going between the barge and the boat had no opportunity of calling for help as she probably sank immediately. Mr. Pillsbury said that so far as there being any mystery about the little girl, Ida Triplett, the stories to that effect are false. Ida Triplett has been at the home of Charles Pillsbury on Common street since the disappearance of her mother, and no attempt was made to conceal her. Pillsbury says that the child has a grandmother at Columbus, Missouri, and that if the grandmother wishes to take charge of the child she may do so. Ida will be kept in her present home until the grandmother is heard from. When the body of Mrs. Triplett was found, the fishermen brought it up to the Ashlock dock and tied it up there until the deputy coroner could hold an inquest. The coroner's inquest was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock by Deputy Keiser, and the funeral was held at the same hour, Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann conducting the services in City cemetery. The jury impaneled viewed the body in the morning, and listened to the evidence in the afternoon. The coroner's jury found a verdict of accidental drowning. The two young men who found the body, Arthur Coe and Harry Wentz, testified that they found it floating in the Burlington pocket about at the foot of George street, in a clump of willows. No information as to the cause of death could be elicited.

 

TROBRAUGH/TROBAUGH, EDITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1922
Dies in Train Accident
Mrs. Edith Trobaugh, wife of Ted Trobraugh, died at 11:15 o'clock last night from injuries she sustained in the accident when a C. & A. train struck the automobile in which she, with Harry L. Gwinner, was riding. Mrs. Trobraugh never regained consciousness after she became insensible on arriving at Jerseyville. Members of the family say that no surgical attention was given her, as it was believed she way dying. An ambulance was sent to Jerseyville to bring her to St. Joseph hospital and she remained unconsciousness until the time of her death. Mrs. Trobaugh was 23 years of age, and she lived with her husband on East Broadway. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Perry Scroggins, who came here from Carrolton. She leaves six sisters and two brothers, beside her parents. She leaves no children. The death of Mrs. Trobraugh in Alton will make necessary the holding of a coroner's inquest in this city. Deputy Coroner Streeper willl hold it. The inquest was over Harry L. Swinner was held today at Jerseyville, and his body will be home this evening. The body of Mrs. Trobraugh was moved today to the home of her mother over Luft's garage on Belle Street. It was said at the home of the parents of Mrs. Trobraugh today that Mrs. Trobraugh had some shopping to do for her husband, and that while Harry Gwinner was doing some shopping for his mother, he had met her and giving her a lift, he had decided to take a drive in the country for a short time. It was while they were taking the drive the accident occurred. Glen Roberts, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Trobaugh, was express messenger on the train that struck the automobile and killed the two occupants. He did not recognize the woman until she had spoken to him, so battered was she, and he telephoned from Jerseyville to his wife's family, notifying them of the accident. The family of the woman knew of the accident before the family of Harry Gwinner were certain who it was had been killed.

 

TROWBRIDGE, CATHARINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1836
Died, in this place [Alton], on Monday, the 9th instant, at 4 o'clock a.m., Catharine Trowbridge, in the fifth year of her age, second daughter of Mr. Richard M. Treadway. Her illness was of the most afflictive character - in the onset, congestive bilious fever, and in the sequel, dropsy of the brain.

 

TRUBE, MAX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 30, 1910
Alderman Dies of Injuries While Riding in Fire Truck
Alderman Max Trube, who was injured last Wednesday while attending a test of an auto fire truck, by being thrown from the rear end of the truck as the truck skidded in making a turn, died Sunday night at St. Joseph's hospital. Trube's condition at no time has been hopeful. The doctors thought that at times he showed signs of a clearing of the concussion of the brain, which was the cause of his death, but always he would have his bad spells and he never was able to talk freely since he was hurt. Sunday morning he seemed brighter than he had been, and for the first time all of his surgeons agreed that he was somewhat improved, but shortly after noon he began to grow worse and death came at 7:40 p.m. The doctors had given up hope about 6 o'clock, but they thought Trube would pull through the night and probably today. The collapse was sudden and very unexpected, and was over in a very short time. His wife and one of his daughters was with him. All the members of his family had been attending him. There has been deep interest in Trube's condition since he was injured. At times the doctors thought he might get well, and he had many acquaintances who believed he would also, owing to his physical strength. He suffered injuries which might have killed most men outright. Max Trube was serving his third term in the office of first ward alderman. The first time he ran he had opposition, but the candidate had lived in Alton barely long enough to have a vote, and this fact contributed to Trube's victory over him. When he was elected to the council he set about strengthening himself with his constituents, and he never lost an opportunity to do something he believed might make him stronger in his ward. He worked constantly being alderman, and after his first term he had no opposition the other two times he was a candidate. He took a conspicuous part in the city council's meetings. He was a candidate for the office of mayor pro tem, and when he failed to secure pledges of enough aldermen to warrant a continuance of his candidacy for that honorary position, he was deeply disappointed. He was a member of the Republican county central committee. Politics was the one thing that held his principal interest. He always claimed that it was a pastime he had taken up to help him regain his health. After he was ill and his life was given up a number of years ago, he made his entry in politics by becoming an alderman, with the hope that he would eventually become mayor, an ambition he frequently expressed. Politics seemed to agree with him, and to some extent he made a success of it. He was 44 years of age, and he leaves his wife and four daughters. He is survived also by his parents, and one brother and one sister. Mr. Trube made a good success out of his business career in Alton. He started in a small way in the furniture and house furnishing line, and he built up a prosperous business, and not long ago he widened out into other branches of trade, organizing the Union Storage and Transfer Company. He was aided in his business prosperity by his wife and a devoted family. Max Trube was born in Russia in 1866, and was in his forty-fifth year. He came to America in 1883, and to Alton in 1904 from St. Louis. His mother was not attending him when he died, as she was summoned to attend her only daughter in Chicago, who is very ill. A brother and his father were with him. The body was moved from the hospital Monday morning about 2 o'clock and taken to the home. It will be taken from there to St. Louis at 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning for burial there. The family of the deceased Alderman have decided to take the body to St. Louis tomorrow morning, and the funeral will take place in the afternoon from Jewish synagogue where the family worships. They asked that six of the members of the City Council act as pallbearers. These six, with the mayor, will go as an escort to the body to St. Louis tomorrow morning, leaving at 10:30 a.m. An informal meeting of the city council is called for MOnday evening to make arrangements for attending the funeral of Alderman Trube. Members of the council will serve as pallbearers. The Elks also will participate in the funeral. The services in St. Louis will be at Bnaiamoona Temple in St. Louis Tuesday.

 

TRUEBLOOD, JORDAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 13, 1848
An inquest was held on the 30th ult, by Charles Cook, Esq., acting coroner, over the body of a man found on a woodpile near the residence of Mr. James C. Johnson, in the Third Ward [of Alton], when after diligent inquiry, the jury returned a verdict that the name of the deceased was Jordan Trueblood, and that his death had been caused by excessive drinking, thus giving another proof of the fatal effects of intemperance.

 

TRUMBULL, LYMAN PERRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26, 1850
Died in Alton of cholera infantum, aggravated by whooping cough and terminating in dropsy of the chest, July 21, Lyman Perry, son of Lyman and Julia M. Trumbull, aged fifteen and a half months. The son of Judge Trumbull had been recently brought to this city from Alton, in the hope that a change of air might be of benefit to him, but this last hope was doomed to disappointment. From the Springfield Journal.

 

TRUMBULL, SARAH PARSONS/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1838
Departed this life very suddenly on Saturday morning last, Mrs. Sarah Parsons Trumbull, consort of Mr. Charles Trumbull of this city, at the age of 28 years. Also, their infant daughter, Helen Parsons Trumbull, aged three weeks. The deceased was a ____ member of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and adorned her profession by exhibiting in her daily walk and conversation the various graces appertaining in the Christian character. Although her departure to the eternal world was sudden and unexpected, her deeply afflicted husband and numerous friends are comforted under this mysterious dispensation of Providence by the confident hope that she has exchanged the _______ sorrows and troubles of this _____ for a blissful immortality; and that together with her lovely babe, she now reposes "in the bosom of her Father and her God."

 

TRYON, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13, 1909
The funeral of John Tryon, who died yesterday afternoon from pneumonia, will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, 1240 Main street. As briefly referred to yesterday, the young man had been the helper of his stepfather, Charles Sunderland, since he was a little child. The stepfather, having no arms and being compelled to make a living, was enabled with the assistance of the young man to take care of himself. He helped his crippled stepfather to dress, hitched and curried his teams, did all kinds of little services which an armless man might require others to do for him, and he was indeed the arms to the armless man. The loss to Mr. Sunderland is very heavy. The young man was always dutiful to his stepfather and his constant attendant when at work. Rev. M. W. Twing will conduct the funeral services.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15, 1909
The funeral of John Tryon was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sunderland on Main street. Burial was in City cemetery. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing and were attended by a very large number of sympathizing friends and relatives of the young man and of the family.

 

TUCKER, C. P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9, 1912
Drowned in Mississippi River
C. P. Tucker, aged 24, employed at the Illinois box factory, was drowned in the Mississippi a short distance from the Fluent dock, Sunday afternoon, when help was very close at hand and he was just finishing a swim of more than two miles. A big roller from a passing motor boat, the Allamakee, is supposed to have caused the young man to drowned by striking him in the face, strangling him and causing him to lose his presence of mind. Tucker, with John Davey and two sons, John Jr. and Paul Davey, rowed up the river Sunday to Riverside park, and there the whole party took a swim. When it was time to return, John Davey Jr. and Tucker decided to swim down to the Fluent dock, and John Davey Sr. and Paul Davey were in the skiff and rowed with them. The skiff kept the boys company all the way to the Fluent dock. When about fifty feet out from the dock, Tucker's swimming partner shouted to inquire whether Tucker still felt strong and able to finish, and Tucker said he was. The next moment the big roller from the Allamakee broke over the young man, and he sank, never to appear again. The skiff was about six feet away from Tucker at the time, and Mr. Davey backed it as quickly as he could, at the same time struggling with the wave, and he says that he failed to see the young man again. No one else saw him either, although many people were close at hand. Charles Norman was crossing the river at the time and was close at hand with the Sport. He had to check his boat so he could ride safely through the huge wave that the Allamakee was rolling off, and saw that something had happened and hurried over, but he was too late to do any good. The drowning occurred in deep water, where the current was swift, and the search for the body was fruitless. The river men said that it would probably not be found until it floated. Tucker was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He came here from Fredericktown, Mo. No attempt had been made this afternoon to find the body of the drowned young man. Word from Fredericksburg, Mo., where his parents live, say that if found, they want the body shipped back to them, but as they are poor and unable to furnish any money for extra expenses, nothing could be done. The body should be floating by this time, unless it is held down by a snag.

 

TUCKER, EDITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 22, 1906
 In Bed Since Birth, Woman Dies
Miss Edith Tucker, an inmate of Beverly Farm institute at Godfrey, died yesterday, aged 35. Dr. W. H. C. Smith, who conducts Beverly Farm, said that she had been at his place seven years as an inmate of his institution, and that he was reliably informed that the young woman had been in bed all her life. She had never been able to walk, and was helpless from a paralytic stroke which she suffered when an infant. Her parents died a number of years ago, and she left no relatives that are known of. She was an inmate of a similar institution at Chicago, when the institution failed and she was sent to Dr. Smith by the public guardian in Chicago. She required constant attention. The funeral services were held this afternoon, and were conducted by Rev. W. F. Marts of the Godfrey Congregational church. Burial was in Dr. Smith's lot in Godfrey cemetery.

 

TUEMMLER, O. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 4, 1878
Rev. O. Tuemmler, formerly pastor of the German Lutheran Church on Henry Street, died about 11 o’clock Sunday night, after a very brief illness, at the age of 44 years and 11 months. Mr. Tuemmler was at church Sunday morning, in about his usual health, but shortly afterwards was taken with a congestive chill and died at the hour mention. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn his death. The funeral will take place from his late residence, corner of Henry and Seventh Streets.

 

TUETKEN, HARM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 20, 1901
Harm Tuetken, aged 67, for years a resident of Bethalto, will be buried Sunday afternoon from the home. He died Thursday afternoon after several months sickness. Deceased was a widower, and leaves four children. The daughters are Mrs. Fred Smith, Alton; Mrs. Anna Crawford of East Alton; and Mrs. George Brinkman of West Alton. The son, Seward Tuetken, lives at Bethalto. [ Buried in Lutheran Cemetery]

 

TULLER, ISAAC C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1901
Isaac C. Tuller, one of the most prominent contractors and builders of Alton, and a well known citizen, died at 1 o'clock Thursday morning at the family home, 819 east Fifth street. He was taken ill three weeks ago with grip, and the disease developed into lung fever. Mr. Tuller was in his sixtieth year and had been a resident of Alton many years. He leaves five children: F. H. Tuller, Mrs. William Wilson, R. G. Tuller, Misses Grace and Ethel Tuller. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, and services will be at the family home on Fifth street.

 

TUREFF, JOHN C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 21, 1919
Railroad Engineer
John C. Tureff, for 35 years engineer on the Big Four, and for many years the driver of the Big Four Flyer between Alton and St. Louis, dropped dead Monday afternoon just as he had returned from a six weeks' stay in a hospital in St. Louis. Mr. Tureff was greeting a friend in the hallway on the second floor of the Alton Banking and Trust Co. building when he expired. He had a room there where he slept, and as he was about to enter the room he noticed a friend in the office of Dr. Shaff, greeted her, and was smiling pleasantly over his seeing friends again, when he dropped to the floor. Dr. Shaff was in his office at the time and he hurried to the prostrate man, to find that he was dead. Mr. Tureff had been troubled with an attack of Bright's disease. He had gone to a hospital in St. Louis to undergo treatment and after a six weeks' stay he was so much improved he decided to come home. He dropped in at the office of his son-in-law, C. F. Yeakel, and there he invited himself to go for supper to the Yeakel home. He indicated that he had a big appetite, and that he was looking forward with great pleasure to taking the evening meal with his son-in-law's family. He spoke of going back to work soon, and then went over to the room nearby where he had slept before going to the hospital. Mr. Tureff was one of the best engineers on the Big Four and was the oldest in point of service. He was in his sixty-first year. When the Big Four flyer was discontinued he was given the plug train between Alton and East Alton, and he was serving in the capacity of engineer on that run when he was taken sick and took a layoff. He was known as a very skillful, careful engineer, and he made some fast runs with his train. He was a man of the best of habits and the highest character. His wife died about a year ago. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. C. F. Yeakel, and two sons, George of Mattoon and Stanley of Albany, N. Y. Mr. Tureff would have been 62 years of age November 9. He was born in Toronto, Canada, and came to the United States when a boy. At the age of 15 he started firing an engine on the Grand Trunk Railroad. At the age of 21 he became an engineer on the Big Four. He had been in poor health the past two years. Beside his children he leaves his aged mother, Mrs. E. J. Parkinson, Transcona, Manitoba, and two sisters in Canada, and a brother in Texas.

 

TURKS, JULIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2, 1906
Found Unconscious Behind the Boston Store
Julius Turks was found unconscious a half hour after midnight Thursday night on the levee, back of the Boston store. Officers conveyed him to St. Joseph's hospital where he died four hours later. Dr. C. H. Merritt was summoned to attend him said that Turk was suffering from the combined effects of whisky and drugs. The man did not regain consciousness. Dr. C. H. Merritt, who attended the man, said that he was probably an opium fiend and that he was also filled with whisky. While full of whisky and the drug, he laid down on the levee, and under the influence of cold and the drugs he was soon in a dying condition. The man was not well dressed, and was apparently about 40 years of age. No one knows where he lives. His name was found written upon a piece of paper which was wrapped up in a handkerchief, and from this fact it is supposed that there may have been an element of suicide in the death of the man.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 9, 1906
Coroner Streeper has received a letter form A. W. Bache of St. Louis, saying that the man who committed suicide by morphine poisoning and whose name is Julius Turk, is an old soldier and a pensioner. The writer of the letter says that the man formerly an inmate of the St. Louis hospital.

 

TURNBULL, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 16, 1921
Former Alton Boy Slain in Battle Three Years ago
The Telegraph today received two clippings, telling a tragedy of the Great War, from Portabello, Midlothian, Scotland. One was a heading of an article that had been published in the Telegraph a number of years ago which tells of George Turnbull, a former Alton boy, winning first honors in the Edinburgh Art college in Scotland. Just the heading told the story. The other little clipping was a brief memorial for Lieut. George Turnbull, 16th Royal Scots, slain April 15, 1918 near Balileul, France. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Turnbull, formerly of this city. The family had attempted to get the memorial in the Alton Telegraph on the third anniversary of their son's death, but the mails had delayed the letter just a day, and it came in this morning. Many Alton people remember the Turnbull family, who are now residing at 10 Piershill Terrace, Portobello, Midlotian, Scotland. The young man gave up his art work when he was called to the colors to fight during the war, and many of his friends here did not know that he had given up his life in the great drive that ended the war.

 

TURNER, EDWARD ARTHUR/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 8, 1848
Died at Godfrey, Madison County, Illinois, on the 2d inst., Edward Arthur, only child of Mr. J. D. and Mrs. M. H. Turner, aged 4 months and 3(?) days.

 

TURNER, ELIZABETH W./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 21, 1847
Died at Monticello [Godfrey] on the 17th inst., Miss Elizabeth W. Turner, daughter of Timothy Turner, Esq., aged 30 years. The deceased was for a while teacher of music in the Monticello Female Seminary. She also taught a music class in Springfield, and one in St. Louis. She early sought and found the Saviour. During her protracted sickness, she suffered patiently and enjoyed great peace of mind. For nine months she was wasting away with consumption, but her spirit seemed to be ripening for heaven. The experience of the Apostle Paul was hers, "though the outward will perish, yet the inward men is renewed day by day." It was about noon when her friends gathered around her and saw increasing evidence that death was by her side. She also gave consisting evidence that her Saviour was there to take from death its sting, and from the grave its victory; she raised her eyes and hands and said, "I'm going, I'm going." But it was a peaceful departure, for she added repeatedly, "I'm happy - happy - happy." With this word upon her lips, she fell asleep in Christ. Her last days were her best days.

 

TURNER, HIRAM G./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 3, 1872
Son of the Late Timothy Turner, Esq.
Died at Rochester, New York, April 18, 1872, of brain fever, Mr. Hiram G. Turner; aged 51 years and 6 months. The deceased was a son of the late Timothy Turner, Esq., of Godfrey, Illinois. He was born in the town of Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. He learned the machinist trade, and a greater portion of his life has been spent in connection with several of the leading railroads of the country. For a number of years, he was Assistant Master Mechanic on the Little Miami Railroad in Ohio. Afterwards, he sustained the same relation to the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Subsequently, he took charge of the shops of the Ohio & Mississippi Railway Company at East St. Louis, and also at Vincennes. At the time of his death, he was in charge of the large New York Central Railway Shops at Rochester, New York.

His life has been one of earnest activity, and by strict integrity, he won the respect and esteem of his employers and associates, who manifested their regard for his memory by closing their shops on the day of his funeral, and attending the solemn services in a body. He early made a profession of religion, and lived a consistent Christian life. As an officer in the church, leader of the choir, and superintendent of the Sabbath School, he always manifested a devotion, a deep earnestness in the cause of Christ. He leaves a wife, two children, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn their irreparable loss.

 

TURNER, JABEZ ALLEN/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1877
Son of Timothy Turner
Died at Godfrey, August 30, 1877, of epilepsy, Jabez Allen Turner, son of the late Timothy Turner; aged 52 years. The death of Mr. J. A. Turner was quite sudden, though for many years had been anticipated, he having been subject from childhood to the disease epilepsy, to which he finally succumbed. He was born in Great Barrington, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in September 1825, removing from thence with his father’s family in 1835 to Kinderhook, New York, and from thence to his late place of residence in Godfrey, in 1839. He was a decided Christian, and consistent in his daily life. His suffering at times was intense, but he never complained, realizing that his disease was but rapidly bringing him home to his eternal rest. There are but three surviving children of the large family of Timothy Turner, who came to Godfrey in 1829, viz: Rev. E. B. Turner, Owego, New York; T. D. Turner of St. Louis; and J. B. Turner, Godfrey.

 

TURNER, JABEZ/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 18, 1846
Revolutionary Patriot Gone to His Rest
Died on Saturday morning, December 12, 1846, at Monticello [Godfrey], at the residence of his son, Timothy Turner, Esq., Mr. Jabez Turner, at the advanced age of nearly 91 years. Mr. Turner was born on January 31, 1756, at New Haven, Connecticut, where he resided the first 40 years of his life. After that he lived 40 years in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, 4 years at Kinderhook, New York, and for the last 7 years at Monticello in Illinois. He was one of the first who enlisted in the War of the Revolution. He entered the army in 1775, and continued with it till independence was established. He participated largely in the stirring scenes of that great event. In the battles of New Haven, Danbury, the taking of Fort St. John, and the capture of Burgoyne, he bore an honorable part. To those events, and the part he took in them, he would sometimes recur with a glow of enthusiasm, and a manifestation of those patriotic feelings which characterized that rare of brave men who parted their lives in the cause of their country and of human liberty.

But though in this great struggle he acted well his part, he gloried not in this. He ever felt that our victories were to be ascribed to something more than human prowess. He gave the glory where it belonged - to the God of Hosts. Mr. Turner was engaged most of his long life in another and more eventful struggle - the consequences of which appeared to him, while on earth, and no doubt appear to him now of vastly more importance than that to which he devoted his youthful years - it was a struggle for the freedom of the soul. In this also he came off victorious. But neither in this did he glory in the power of his own arm. He was ever ready to say, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ, by which I am crucified to the world, and the world is crucified to me." For more than 60 years he has been a soldier of the cross - a humble and consistent follower of Jesus Christ - the great Captain of salvation. During this long period, he fought the good fight. He has now finished his course and received from his sovereign an honorable and peaceful discharge. His end was peace. He has now gone to receive that imperishable and unfading crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge, had laid up for him - and not for him only, but for all who love His appearing.

NOTES:
Jabez Turner was born January 31, 1756, in Bristol, Pennsylvania. His parents were Abraham and Rebecca Turner, and he was the eldest of 11 children. Turner enlisted in the army in 1775, and served as Lieutenant during the American Revolutionary War. He married Rebecca Wolcott on October 29, 1778, at the Second Church of Christ, New Haven, Connecticut. Seven children were born to this union.

In 1795 the family moved to Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In about 1838, Jabez and Rebecca moved to Godfrey to live with their son, Timothy. Living in the home were 10 students who attended Monticello Seminary. Timothy was the Postmaster of Godfrey. Jabez was one of the original founders of the Community Congregational Church and the Godfrey Cemetery.

In the year 2000, the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution honored Jabez Turner at his grave site in the Godfrey Cemetery on Godfrey Road, with a gun salute, the playing of taps, and placing a wreath and plaque on his grave.

Charles Turner, a descendant of Jabez Turner, married the granddaughter of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, founder of the Monticello Ladies Seminary in Godfrey.

 

TURNER, JACOB/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1878
Jacob Turner, a colored man who was shot recently in Marine Prairie, died of his wounds at the poor house, where he had been brought for treatment, last Friday.

 

TURNER, JAMES W./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 2, 1849
Died at the residence of his father, Timothy Turner, Esq., in Monticello [Godfrey], Madison County, October 23, James W. Turner, aged 10 (or 19) years and 9 months. The last days and hours of this young man furnished one of the brightest and most cheering illustrations of the power of the Christian’s faith to sustain the soul in its solemn departure from this world. With the powers of his mind ___________, though in a decaying body, and with an intelligent appreciation of his condition and the nature of that change which he was shortly to undergo, he viewed it without fear, and passed into the embrarce of death without a shudder. For weeks before he died, it was evident he was ________ to the ______, and that he knew it. His confidence was of that composed character which belongs to one well established, and feels certain of its foundation. His attachment to the service of Christ was ______ in a striding manner during the last months of his life. Before he ____ to the hands of his father, for the use of his Master, a gentle and ostentatious piety, still lingers on the paths where he walked. His friends who saw him and accompanied him day by day to his slow descent to the grave, one and all, would not but feel that his death was “too serene for sorrow – too beautiful for fear.” And however they may most painfully realize that they themselves are among the children of sorrow, they cannot _______ [unreadable].

 

TURNER, JOHN B./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 29, 1898
Son of Timothy Turner
John B. Turner, an old and respected resident of Godfrey Township, and postmaster of Godfrey, died at his home Monday, aged 76 years, after a long illness. He had lived at Godfrey for many years, and was considered one of the leading residents of the place. During Harrison’s administration, he was appointed postmaster, and again under President McKinley. He leaves a family of five children – Mrs. Charles Talmage, Misses Hattie and Lillie Turner, Messrs. Charles and Arthur Turner.

 

TURNER, MARTIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1878
From Edwardsville – Martin Turner died at his residence in Edwardsville yesterday. He had been ailing for a long time, but for several hours prior to his death, appeared to be convalescing. His death was quite sudden. His age about 62 years.

 

TURNER, NETTIE (nee HAIGHT)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13, 1919
A message came this morning to R. A. Haight, telling of the death at Payette, Idaho of his only daughter, Mrs. Nettie Haight Turner, wife of John E. Turner, former principal of Alton High School. Mrs. Turner's mother, Mrs. Haight, was with her the last ten days of her life, having departed for Payette when informed that the condition of her daughter was very serious. Mrs. Turner was taken sick about two weeks before last Christmas. She had been very deeply interested in Red Cross work during the war, and her husband being food administrator, she had given him much assistance in performing his duties. The overstrain caused a complete break down and it was thought rest would bring her out all right again. Complications set in, and a form of blood poisoning proved fatal. Mrs. Turner was born in Alton and would have been 43 years of age next September 10. She leaves beside her husband, three children: Edward Louis, aged 18; Dorothy May, aged 16; and John, aged 11. She leaves also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Haight of Alton; and two brothers, Edward A. Haight, who is at Pasadena, Cal., recuperating from a breakdown; and Louis Haight, coach of the basketball team of the Theodore Roosevelt High School at Alton. He was at Champaign today when the message came telling him of his sister's death. Mrs. Turner was married in Alton June 23, 1898. She was a graduate of Alton High School, finishing in the class of 1894. She was a woman of a bright, happy disposition, and was loved by all who knew her. Her death is a sad blow to her parents, though they had reason for fearing that she might not recover. The telegram said that burial would be at Payette, Saturday morning. Mr. Haight said that owing to the distance intervening, it would be impossible for any members of the family not there to be at the funeral. It would require a 1,500 mile journey for her brother, Edward, to go to Payette, and much longer for anyone going from here.

 

TURNER, ROSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 31, 1910
Struck By Wabash Train
Mrs. Rose Turner, wife of Albert Turner, living near Duck lake, was struck by a Wabash train this morning about 10 o'clock and instantly killed. The woman has a husband and two children, and she was carrying a basket containing some groceries for the home folks. She is said to have been hard of hearing. People who witnessed the tragedy say she stepped on the track in front of the approaching train. Her body was horribly mangled. Coroner Streeper took charge of it. She has relatives in Missouri.

 

TURNER, RUFUS G./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 1, 1843
Died, at Monticello [Godfrey], on Saturday, June 24th, of congestive fever, in the 36th year of his age, Mr. Rufus G. Turner, oldest son of Mr. Timothy Turner. His sickness was only of about one week continuance, and his case not deemed serious till about two days before his death. He has left a bereaved and deeply afflicted wife and one child of four years, and a numerous circle of relations and friends to mourn his loss. He had been a professor of the Christian religion for six or seven years, and a consistent and beloved member of the church to which he was attached. It is therefore, in his life of faith in the Son of God, and not in his death which was clouded by menial abbreviation from the time his case became alarming, that his sorrowing friends find that consolation which sustains them under this grievous affliction. "And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, "Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."

 

TURNER, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1899
The funeral of Mrs. Turner was held at 2 o'clock this afternoon from the Congregational Church at Godfrey. Rev. Fairbanks officiated. The funeral was a large one, and there was a large number of old friends of Mrs. Turner in attendance. Interment was at Godfrey, beside her husband who was buried one week ago.

 

TURNER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF DWIGHT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7, 1901
The remains of Mrs. Dwight Turner were brought from St. Louis Saturday noon for burial in Godfrey cemetery.

 

TURNER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF TIMOTHY/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1871 (review of 1870)
On January 20, 1870, Mrs. Timothy Turner of Godfrey died, aged 69 years.

 

TURNER, WILLIAM ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1842
Died, at Monticello [Godfrey], on the 22d inst., of inflammation of the brain, William Alexander, youngest son of Mr. Rufus G. and Mrs. Mary A. Turner, aged 7 months.

 

TURPENING, A. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 29, 1906
A. H. Turpening, of 1702 Hill street, Riverview addition, died at 11:30 o'clock this morning after a long illness with dropsy. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. He leaves his wife and five children. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday at East Alton.

 

TURREFF, ELLA CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 11, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Ella Caroline Turreff, wife of John C. Turreff, was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Carl F. Yeakel, on Langdon street. The body arrived Sunday morning from Long Beach, Cal., where death occurred, and was accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Stanley J. Turrell of New York City, who were with Mrs. Turreff when she died. Services at the house this afternoon were conducted by Rev. Frederick D. Butler, pastor of the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and were attended by a large number of friends and relatives of the deceased. The pallbearers were neighbors of the Yeakel family, and included Fred Lehne, H. Wm. Bauer, D. E. McFadden, Michael McDowell, William Jenkins and William Gissal. The body was entombed in the mausoleum, services being conducted by members of the Eastern Star Lodge. Mrs. Turreff was a member of the organization.

 

TUSCHER, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 12, 1921
Benjamin Tuscher, an aged resident of Alton, died Sunday morning at his home, 914 Riley avenue, thirty-four minutes after he had completed his 82nd year. Saturday was his birthday and his death occurred at 34 minutes past midnight, Sunday morning. He had been in bad health for over a year due to weakness of old age. Mr. Tuscher was a man of remarkable strength of character. Though he had lived to such a great age, he had never ceased to be the head of his family in every respect and his opinions and his will were given the utmost respect by his large family of children, all of them grown to manhood and womanhood. He was a man who was highly respected by all who knew him both in Alton where he had lived the past twelve years, and in the vicinity of Dorsey where he lived many years and was engaged in the occupation of farming. He was born in Language, Switzerland, and came to this country when 15 years old. He followed farming most of his life until his age made it necessary for him to retire. He came to Alton then to pass the remainder of his days. He is survived by his wife, Sophie, to whom he was married July 1, 1867. Her maiden name was Schmidt. The father leaves beside his wife, eight children, Misses Ida, Emma and Bertha Tuscher, Mrs. Anna Furlweigler, of Staunton, Ill., Mrs. Helen Duis of St. Louis, and John of Dorchester, Benjamin Jr. of East Alton, and Joseph of St. Louis. He leaves also six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The funeral will be held at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning from the Evangelical church at Eighth and Henry streets, and burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. He leaves also four brothers: Jacob of Alton, Sam of East Alton, John of Chicago, and Fred of Springfield. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Mary Black of Upper Alton.

 

TUTHILL, PARDON T./Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1880
Stood by Lovejoy on the Night of His Death
Pardon T. Tuthill died Sunday night, December 5, at the residence of his son-in-law, James H. Young, Orient, New York. His death is attributable to paralytic affection, coupled with old age. His age was 79 years and nine months. He settled in Alton about 50 years ago [1830], and married Miss Susan D. Englis, by whom he raised a family of four children: George W. Tuthill of Brownsville, Missouri; Emma V., now the wife of James H. Young of Orient; Charlotte E., now the wife of John Seaton, Atchison, Kansas; and Charles H Tuthill, now of Atchison.

Mr. Tuthill was always an uncompromising enemy of the pro-slavery tendencies of the Democratic Party, though he never aspired to any political call or public office of any kind. He was one of the volunteers that shouldered his musket in behalf of free speech and a free press at the time of the Lovejoy riot in Alton, and was one of the party in the defense of Lovejoy’s office at that time. Before coming to Illinois, he had lived two years in South Carolina, where the blighting influence of slavery so impressed his intelligent mind, that he determined that his voice should always be raised in behalf of the freedom of mankind.

Mr. Tuthill was a man well posted in the political history of his country, and was a great reader of the histories of the nations of the world, in face, in his neighborhood, he was looked upon as authority upon all questions of the past. He, for a number of years, associated with no religious organization, but was a believer in Spiritualism. He was a strong advocate of the “Golden Rule,” and was never known to practice deceit towards his fellow man. His consort died in Alton about fifteen years ago.

 

TUTHILL, UNKNOWN MOTHER OF GEORGE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1905
George W. Tuthill of Sweet Spring, Missouri left today at noon for Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Tuthill is a native of Alton and lived here until manhood. He learned the printer's trade, which he has followed during his life. He met here a number of his old friends, who were delighted to see him, and he found his visit to his old home, the first in nearly forty years, a very pleasant one, although the great majority of his former acquaintances are numbered with the majority in the silent city over on the brow of our ..... Mr. Tuthill came to Alton expressly to visit the grave of his mother, who died here in 1865. He had been here seldom since then, and it was necessary for him to make a long search through the cemetery records before he could find the grave. He went out to the resting place of his mother in City Cemetery Thursday afternoon.

 

TUTTLE, DAVID B./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30, 1845
Died in Upper Alton, on the 21st instant, after a short illness, Mr. David B. Tuttle, aged about 35, leaving a widow, several children, and a large number of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss. The deceased was a native of Connecticut, but had resided about seven years in this county, and was universally esteemed as a worthy man and good citizen.

 

TWEEDY, JESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 22, 1915
After an illness of fifteen hours, Mrs. Jessie Tweedy died at her home on State street at 5:30 o'clock this morning, aged 32, leaving two small children. Mrs. Tweedy was the widow of A. Tweedy. She came to Alton four years ago after the death of her husband, and since that time has been assisting her mother, Mrs. Mary Blay, to conduct a boarding house on State street. Yesterday afternoon she was taken suddenly ill, and she died this morning. She is survived by two sons, ten and eight years of age, and one brother and one sister, William Frost and Mrs. Minute ____, both of Sorento, Ill. The body will be shipped to Worden, Ill on Saturday evening and the funeral will be held on Sunday.

 

TWITCHELL, CHET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1918
Death From Injuries Following Fight
Whether the injuries that caused the death of Chet Twitchell, 47, were suffered at the hands of Owen Mowrey or from a fall after his fight with Mowrey will decide the question of holding Mowrey to the grand jury on a charge of manslaughter. The coroner's jury will hold an inquest this evening to pass upon the case. Twitchell died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 1 o'clock this morning. He died from injuries he received a few days ago. He suffered an injury at the base of the skull. Twitchell, according to the story told by Mowrey, challenged him to a fight after an argument in the Meyers' saloon. Meyers said this morning that the fight did not occur in his saloon, but in the street in front of the saloon. Mowrey's story was that he beat Twitchell, and while the latter was going home after the fight, he fell and received the fatal injury. A daughter of Twitchell secured the arrest of Mowrey, and he has been held without bond. The daughter claims that the death of Twitchell was due directly to the beating he received. Twitchell is survived by his wife, Margaret, three daughters, and two sons. The family have been living at 1017 East Fourth street. The body will be shipped Saturday evening to the old home at Monterey, Ill. The funeral will be held there on Sunday afternoon. Mowrey is a blacksmith employed at the Federal Lead Plant. He is married. The inquest which is to be conducted this evening will probably attract more attention than any inquest held for some time. Deputy Coroner William P. Bauer has secured the names of ten witnesses to the fight. They will all be present this evening. Mrs. Mowrey appeared this afternoon with names of a number of character witnesses. Some of these will be at the inquest this evening.

 

TWOGOOD, NANCY/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 14, 1839
Died, at Upper Alton, on the night of the 2d inst., Mrs. Nancy Twogood, wife of Mr. Daniel H. Twogood of New Orleans, late of the city of New York, aged 41 years. The deceased was one of those whose place cannot be filled in the circle of her friends and acquaintances. Always mild and affectionate to those with whom she had intercourse, and most decidedly attached to her husband and infant children. Peace to her ashes, and consolation to her connections and friends, is the prayer of her friend.

 

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