Obituaries - Surname V
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
VAHLE, FRANCES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 18, 1904
Frances Vahle, aged 7, an inmate of
the Cathedral orphanage, died Sunday from measles and pneumonia.
The child's body will be taken to Jerseyville tomorrow for
burial.
VALARIOUS, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 30,
1902
North Alton News - Joseph Valarious, the young man
killed in the stamping works at Granite City the other night by
a flywheel, was a relative of the Elfgens of this place, and the
funeral at Belletrees yesterday was attended by B. F. Elfgen and
others from here.
VALENTINE, CYRUS B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
28, 1901
Civil War Soldier
Died, in this city, Wednesday
at 4:30 a.m., Cyrus B. Valentine, aged 70 years and 5 months.
Mr. Valentine was born March 17, 1831 in Lyons, N. Y., and came
to Cleveland, Ohio, where he resided until his enlistment in the
Federal Army in 1861, where he served the entire period of the
Civil War, being in active service nearly the entire time.
Immediately after the war he came to Alton and was engaged in
farming near Upper Alton for a number of years. At the time of
his death he resided with his daughter, Mrs. A. J. Kellenberger,
on Common Street. He leaves in addition to this daughter and her
children, one sister, Mrs. L. Vallean, as the only immediate
relatives. The funeral will take place Thursday, Aug. 29, at 2
p.m., from his home to Upper Alton Cemetery. The Grand Army will
participate.
VALENTINE, MARY ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20,
1904
Don't Mourn For Me
According to the dying request of
Mrs. Mary Valentine, there must be no ostentatious show of grief
at her funeral Thursday morning. Before her death Tuesday
afternoon she exacted from her children a promise that there
would be no crepe on the door of the home after he death, that
her children would wear no emblems of mourning, and that the
pallbearers wear, instead of gloves and crepe armbands simply a
white carnation in the lapel of their coats. Mrs. Valentine died
Tuesday afternoon after a long illness. She did not believe in
ostentation in grief, and she believed her death was a happy
release from an illness which had held her bedfast and in
suffering for many months. She was a good mother, revered by her
children, and because of that love she bore them and they
reciprocated, she thought that they ought not to grieve over her
departure for her own sake. Mrs. Mary Anna Valentine was 57
years of age. She was born in St. Charles County, Missouri, the
daughter of Evans Johnson, who was an old slave owner and today
live in the same house in which he was born and in which the
family were born for a century back. One of her father's old
slaves still lives in the family of the father across the river.
Mrs. Valentine was twice married, her name by the first marriage
being Ward. Her last husband, Frederick Valentine, died
recently, an old soldier who never recovered from his Civil War
experiences. Mrs. Valentine leaves five children, Miss Jeannette
Ward and Mrs. Katherine McNair of Chicago, by her first
marriage, and Clementine Valentine, Walter and Amelia by her
second marriage. The funeral services will be Thursday morning
from the family home, 924 Tremont street, at 9:30 o'clock and
will be conducted in private by Rev. J. H. J. Rice.
VANCE, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 14,
1903
The remains of Andrew Vance, the aged houseboat resident
whose death was caused by exposure, was buried yesterday from
St. Joseph's hospital. The son, who is also at the hospital, is
yet quite ill.
VAN BUSKIRK, LUCAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
7, 1901
Oldest Engineer on the Chicago and Alton Railroad
Fatally Injured
Lucas Van Buskirk, probably the oldest
engineer on the Chicago & Alton railroad, was run over this
morning by the yard engine of the Bluff Line, No. 32, Engineer
Spreen and Fireman Rodgers. When Van Buskirk rolled out from
under the engine after it had passed over his body, he suffered
injuries from which he died one hour and a half later, at 10:45
a.m. He was picked up tenderly by the railroad men who gathered
around his body as it lay between the rails, and was carried to
the Bluff Line Depot, where he was placed in an ambulance and
taken to his home on Market street. Themen, who saw the
accident, say that Van Buskirk stepped on the Bluff Line tracks
while the switch engine was backing west near the point where
the pumping station of the Alton is situated. Van Buskirk had
been running the pump there and was going across the tracks to
the depot for a few minutes. A Big Four engine on the next track
distracted his attention, and before he heard the Bluff Line
engine he was struck by the tender and rolled over and over
underneath. The ashpit of the engine is about seven inches from
the ground, and he was crushed between this and the ties. The
crew did not know of the accident until Dan Sullivan, who was on
the pilot foot-board, saw the body rolled out at his feet. He
signaled Engineer Spreen and stopped the engine. The victim of
the engine was able to talk, but was in great pain. Nearly all
the bones in his body were broken, and it seemed that he would
hardly live until he could be taken home. Lucas Van Buskirk had
been in the employ of the Alton forty years, and in his younger
days was a daring engineer. A few years ago old age
incapacitated him for road work, and it was decided that he must
retire to a position of round house foreman. He served at Venice
and Alton, and at last was given the position of crossing
watchman at Third and Piasa streets. When the pumping station
was built on the river front, he was given the position of
engineer there. Mr. Van Buskirk was born in New York and was 75
years of age. He had worked on the Chicago & Alton since the
road was started. He leaves his wife and three children: L. Van
Buskird Jr. of Venice, Addie Van Buskirk of Alton, and Mrs. Ella
Ward of Water Valley, Mississippi. The time of the funeral is
not set, but burial will be at Lousiana, Missouri. Coroner
Streeper will hold an inquest this evening.
VAN DEEN, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
24, 1906
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth VanDeen, who was 80 years of age
last December 7, died this afternoon at the old Ladies Home from
old age. She had been a member of the Methodist church for over
sixty years, and she will be buried from the old church at
Winchester, where she held her membership. Mrs. VanDeen had been
making her home at the Old Ladies Home for about six years. Her
illness began about six weeks ago. She suffered no pain, but was
taken with a progressive weakness which continued until death
came. She leaves one son-in-law, Frank Flanders of Upper Alton,
and three grandsons, Thomas and Frank Flanders and the Rev.
Charles Flanders.
VAN CLEVE, MABEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 24, 1864
Died at Alton, June 21, 1864, of dysentery, Mabel, daughter of
J. W. and Fanny R. Van Cleve, aged 1 years, 11 months, and 1
day.
VAN CLEVE, REVEREND DR./Source: St. Louis Daily Globe-Democrat,
Thursday, December 16, 1875
The Alton Telegraph of Tuesday
thus chronicles the particulars of the funeral of Rev. Dr. Van
Cleve: The funeral of this distinguished divine took place
yesterday afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal Church, as per
previous announcement. There was a large attendance on the
occasion both from this city and from abroad, called together by
feelings of sorrow at the loss of one so eminent in the councils
of his denomination, and a desire to do honor to his memory. A
large number of clergymen from neighboring towns and cities were
present, among whom were Rev. Messrs. Scarritt, of Brighton;
Phillips, of Lebanon; English, of Piasa; Grant, of East St.
Louis; Thompson, of Jerseyville; Gibson, of Brighton; Sly, of
Upper Alton; Fahs, of Kane, and Dr. Fry, of St. Louis, editor of
the Christian Advocate. All of these divines, with Rev. Mr.
Morrison, of this city, took part in the impressive services at
the church or the cemetery. No regular sermon was delivered, but
in lieu thereof were several brief addresses by the clergymen
present on the life and character of the deceased, and embodying
warm tributes of respect and affection. The pallbearers were
Rev. Messrs. Scarritt, Phillips, English, Grant, Fry and
Thompson
VANDEVER, NANCY and children: GERTRUDE, BESSIE, EARL AND
WANDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Sept. 28, 1911 Mother and
Four Children Burned to Death in Home
Mrs. Virgil Vandever,
three daughters, and one son, were burned to death at Mitchell
about 5 o'clock this morning, when their home burned following
the explosion of a can of coal oil, with which the husband and
father was starting fire to cook breakfast. The mother and four
of her children were burned to death as they were penned in the
house. One step-son of Vandever and one son escaped. The family
lived in the section house at Mitchell. The father was employed
by the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. The home consisted
of four rooms, the upstairs part being the living rooms, and it
was reached by a flight of stairs. The father attempted to throw
the coal oil can out when it caught fire, and in so doing found
the screen locked. Then he threw the oil can down the stairs,
and it landed on the stairway where the flaming oil spread over
the stairs and set fire to the building. Penned in the house,
there was no escape for the family. Mrs. Vandever could not
rouse her children in time to make their escape. The father,
with one son and his stepson, who was a son of Mrs. Vandever,
succeeded in leaping out of the window, barely saving their own
lives, when they found they could not get through the raging
furnace that was burning on the stairway. It was several minutes
before the situation dawned upon the people of Mitchell, but
they rushed to the scene to save the lives of the inmates, who
by that time had been overpowered by smoke and heat and were in
no condition to do anything for themselves. The section house
was completely destroyed. The story told by Vandever, the
father, was that he had attempted starting the fire, and
thinking it was not burning, he went back with the coal oil can
to put on more oil. Then the explosion occurred, and Vandever
says he was unable to throw the oil can out of the window, as
there was a screen in the window, locked on the outside. Mrs.
Vandever heard her husband, and she ran to see what was the
trouble. He shouted to her to go rouse the children as the house
was afire, and she ran back into the room where the children
were asleep. Vandever said he never saw her again. Vandever,
surrounded by flames, leaped out the window to save his life,
and he jumped through the window. In falling, he straddled a
wire cable and injured himself, which disabled him so he was
able to do nothing more. Arthur Langford, aged 19, jumped out of
the same window. It is supposed that Mrs. Vandever did succeed
in dropping out of the window her seven year old child, Thuri,
who was found outside the house and badly burned. She is burned
about the arms, face and breast, and one ear is almost off. The
father and Langford are badly burned too, but it is supposed
that all of the injured ones will recover. The victims of the
fire are Mrs. Nancy Vandever, aged 36, the mother; Gertrude,
aged 13; Bessie, aged 10; Earl, aged 6; Wanda, aged 3. Wanda
Vandever owned a little poodle dog, which is said to have
escaped in some way from the house. After the fire, a big crowd
gathered and began searching the ruins for the bodies of the
victims. Before 10 o'clock all the bodies had been recovered.
The Frisco railroad sent an engine down to the fire and
furnished the water to be thrown on the timbers to cool them
off, so a search could be prosecuted. The bodies taken from the
ruins were charred almost beyond recognition. Coroner Streeper
was notified and he went to Mitchell to take charge of the
bodies of the victims. The bodies were removed from the ruins
and taken to a nearby building to be held until the coroner
could take charge. After the fire, a body was found, and it was
in doubt as to whether it was that of the smallest child, or
that of a dog, and after careful inspection the body was
identified as that of the baby. The dog afterward turned up
safe. Mr. Vandever says that he thinks his wife threw their
child out of the window and saved his life. The child does not
remember how it happened. Then when Mrs. Vandever had done that
part, she probably fainted from smoke and over exertion and she
collapsed, and the other children probably were burned to death
in their beds. The father and stepson slept in one bedroom, and
Bessie and Gertrude in another, while the mother with the other
children was in the third room. The father, on noticing the
danger, called his stepson, while the mother went to rouse the
others. The family came from English, Indiana, and had lived at
Mitchell about nine months. Mr. Vandever was section boss for
the Big Four until a week ago, when he took a position with the
C. & E. I.
VANHOOSER, SINA KEOWN/Source: Troy Call, October 13, 1922 -
Submitted by Linda Peters
Widow of William VanHooser Sr.
Mrs. Sina VanHooser, widow of the late Wm. VanHooser Sr., passed
away at her home at 4:25 o'clock Monday morning after an illness
due to stomach trouble and complications extending over a period
of fifteen months. Her age was 66 years, 9 months and 9 days.
The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from
the residence to the Baptist church. Rev. M. F. Gilbert
conducted the funeral service and interment was in the
Evangelical Friedens cemetery. Deceased, whose maiden name was
Keown, was born December 29, 1862, and was a daughter of William
and Elizabeth Keown, old settlers in the vicinity of New
Douglas. She was married 43 years to Wm VanHooser and seven
children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy and a
daughter, Myrtle, at the age of 17 years. The two survivors are
a daughter and son who are Mrs. Mary Tillison of Wellston, Mo.
and Wm. VanHooser of this city. The husband and father died in
Florida in 1917 and is buried in Oak Hill cemetery at Arcadia.
Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. VanHooser resided in
Edwardsville one year, and then came to Troy where they remained
until 1908, going to Worden. The following year they moved to
Florida, where they remained until the death of Mr. VanHooser in
??? after which Mrs. VanHooser and son returned to Troy. Mrs.
VanHooser was a member of the Baptist church and a devoted
mother who will be greatly missed, and whose passing is mourned
most by those who knew her best. [Also on same page:] Among
those from out of town who attended the funeral of Mrs. Sina
VanHooser here Wednesday afternoon were: Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert
Olive and son of Mulberry Grove; Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Olive; Mrs.
Nancy VanHooser; Mr. and Mrs. John VanHooser; and Arthur Bishop,
of Alhambra; and Charles Tillison of Wellston, Mo.
[note
from Linda Peters: Date of birth in obit does not match with
date of birth in my database, that date taken from: Marriage
Record Book for William H. and Elizabeth D. (VanSant) Keonw,
(n.p., n.d.) privately held by private individual, digital copy
in my possession.]
VANPRETER, CHARLES A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
Wednesday, July 24, 1912
Carpenter Who Help Buld Madison
Hotel Became Owner Of It
Charles A. Vanpreter, in his 58th
year, died very unexpectedly Tuesday night about 10:45 o'clock
at his residence, 443 East Fourth street, from heart trouble. No
one but his wife was with him when death occurred, and even Mrs.
Vanpreter did not suspect there was anything seriously wrong
with her husband until she noticed that he was dying and after a
very brief interval he was dead. His daughter, Mrs. Robert Goff,
was at Chautauqua, and a message was sent there for the daughter
to hasten home. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Levis brought the couple to
Alton in their automobile, and arrived at 2 o'clock. Mr.
Vanpreter had been a sufferer for 26 years. He was formerly a
carpenter and was permanently injured by a fall. His back was so
injured that he was never again able to walk and was forced to
use crutches. His business ability was remarkable. He had a good
wife who was possessed of extraordinary business ability, and in
her he found a helper who laid the foundation of a fortune which
would have been creditable to any able bodied couple to have
amassed in 26 years. Some time ago considerable comment was
given to the fact that Mr. Vanpreter, who worked as a carpenter
on the Madison hotel building, a year ago bought the property he
had helped build and paid cash for it, over $30,000. Beside that
he owned a big store building, a heavy stock of goods and other
real estate and personal property, showing what an advance his
fortunes had taken in less than thirty years through the efforts
of himself and his wife. When Mr. Vanpreter was rendered
helpless 26 years ago his wife engaged in business on a very
small scale, but she gradually and rapidly extended it until she
had started a store at Second and Ridge which she and her
husband conducted until eleven years ago. They then bought the
uptown business building and opened a big store there where
fortune still favored them, and they continued to prosper. The
couple had the active assistance of their two children, Bert
Vanpreter and Miss Rose, now Mrs. Robert Goff. Some time ago Mr.
Vanpreter decided to retire from business and he transferred the
business to his two children, although he continued to exercise
a certain degree of supervision over the place. There was
probably not a day in his life that his body was not racked with
pains from his injured spine. Those who knew with what bodily
pains he contended, and how he longed to be active as he once
was, remember how much of the time he was cheery and happy, and
marvel that he was able to do what he did. Mr. Vanpreter was
able to be in the store yesterday morning. At noon he complained
of feeling ill, and stayed home, but no serious thought was
given to that as it was his practice to remain at home at times
when his ills made it imperative. Dr. Shaff was summoned at 4
o'clock and the doctor felt no apprehensions that there would be
any serious results. Mrs. Vanpreter was shocked a few seconds
before he died to detect indications of sudden and speedy
dissolution and before she could call help it was all over. The
funeral will be Friday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
church.
VANPRETER, FELIX/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 6,
1917
Dies From Injuries in Runaway Accident
Felix
VanPreter, aged 59, died at St. Joseph's Hospital Thursday
evening from injuries he sustained in a runaway a week ago in
Upper Alton. Friends and relatives of Mr. VanPreter were
surprised at the fatal turn of the case, as they supposed he was
getting along all right and would recover. He was hurt when, in
a runaway, his team threw a wagon in which he was riding against
a tree in front of the Capt. Worden place in Upper Alton. Mr.
VanPreter was thrown out and sustained a facture of an ankle and
internal injuries. He was taken to the hospital, where it was
supposed by his relatives he was doing well. Mr. VanPreter was
born east of Alton at the old home place where his family still
live. He was formerly a painting contractor in Alton and was
known for his absolute honesty in his work, and his services
were much sought. He discontinued the contracting business and
engaged in truck farming on the old home place. Not long ago he
tore down the old house and rebuilt it, using the old material.
Relatives explained today that the fatal runaway was caused by a
boy jumping on the back end of the wagon to which Mr.
VanPreter's team was attached. When the boy jumped on the rearend of the wagon this caused the frontend gate to fall out on
the horses and started them on a wild run. The horses brought
the wagon up against a tree in their wild dash and he was thrown
to the ground and hurt. He was known as a man of the gentlest
manner, and he had a very large number of friends. He had, when
a painter, a large number of patrons who would not allow anyone
else to do their work but Felix VanPreter, because of the
excellent satisfaction he always gave. Mr. VanPreter leaves his
wife, two daughters, Mrs. Augustine Head and Mrs. George
Niederkorn, and one son, Earl. He leaves also one sister, Mrs.
Mary Altendorf, and two brothers, John B. and Thomas L.
VanPreter. The late C. A. VanPreter was a brother also. The
funeral of Mr. VanPreter will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from St. Patrick's Church. The body has been taken to
the home of his daughter, Mrs. Head, on Benbow avenue. The
family this afternoon requested that friends omit flowers.
VANPRETER, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18,
1902
John, the 3 years old son of Felix Vanpreter, died this
morning after a short illness of cholera infantum, at the family
home near East Alton. The funeral will be held Friday at 2 p.m.,
and services will be conducted in St. Patrick's church in this
city.
VANPRETER, MARGARET H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 13, 1907
Mrs. Margaret H. Vanpreter died Friday
shortly after noon at her home east of Upper Alton, after a long
and intensely painful illness from stomach and liver troubles.
She was born in Jefferson county, Mo., at Hillsboro, in 1831,
and was the widow of Judge Thomas Vanpreter, a prominent lawyer
and judge of that circuit, and she was the mother of well known
Altonians. She fell while playing with a grandchild and broke
one of her hips, but despite her age recovered from the accident
after a time. She has lived on her farm between East Alton and
Upper Alton for more than 40 years, and was known by her
neighbors and acquaintances as a great hearted, charitable
woman, a good Christian, a fine mother and a splendid neighbor.
Her children, Charles A., Felix, John and Thomas Vanpreter, and
Mrs. John Altendorf of Janesville, Wis., and Miss J. Vanpreter,
were with her when the end came, as were Mrs. Charles A.
Vanpreter, her daughter-in-law and her two sisters, Mrs. Amanda
Fulcher of DeSoto, Mo., and Mrs. Kate Cook of Pontiac, Ill.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
VANSANT, MELISSA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9,
1914
Upper Alton Women Had Traveled from California to
Illinois to Vote For the First Time
Mrs. Melissa VanSant, in
her 86th year, died Sunday noon at her home, 2027 Main street in
Upper Alton, from heart trouble and old age. She had been sick
for two years and seriously sick for six months. She had been
visiting her daughter in Los Angeles, Cal., and when Illinois
women were given a vote, she determined to come back to her home
to cast her ballot. She made the long trip from Los Angeles to
Alton, and got here in time to participate in the election last
April. She was delighted that she had been given the opportunity
for which she had waited and believed in for many years. She was
soon afterward taken ill, and her case had been a very serious
one for some time. Her daughter in California started here last
week to attend her mother, but was forced by illness to return
home after making the start. Mrs. VanSant was a daughter of John
Sallee, and was born at Montgomery City, Mo. in 1829. She came
to Alton with her parents in 1841. She was twice married, first
to Francis W. Parker, and next to James VanSant, both times in
Alton. Her first husband died fifty years ago, and five years
later she remarried. She leaves two sons, Washington Parker of
Elgin, Ill., and F. W. Parker, a Chicago attorney. She leaves
also two daughters, Mrs. Clara Ritchie, at whose home she died,
and Mrs. Ireland of Los Angeles. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock from the home, Rev. W. I.
Terhune conducting the services. Burial will be in City
Cemetery.
VAN STICK, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
27, 1900
Charles Van Stick died at St. Joseph's hospital
yesterday afternoon and was buried this afternoon. Van Stick
went to the hospital eight weeks ago and was well dressed and
apparently not a tramp. Nothing is known of him at the hospital,
as he said nothing of his people.
VAN WAGENEN, HUBERT G./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 3,
1844
Died, at Upper Alton, on the 30th ult., of consumption,
Hubert G. Van Wagenen, late merchant of this city and formerly
of the city of New York, aged 30 years. He has left a wife and
four children, who are now in New York, to deplore his loss.
VATTEROTT, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
30, 1912
Jacob Vatterott, aged 55, died this afternoon at
3:40 o'clock at his residence, 1107 East Fifth street, from
blood poisoning due to handling weeds while his hands were in a
cracked condition. Mr. Vatterott was working at the Glass Works
and his work as blower had caused the skin on his hands to
become cracked. While they were in this condition, he went out
in the yard at his home and began tidying up the place,
gathering up and destroying weeds which had been killed by the
frost. The breaks in the skin of his hands became infected, and
blood poisoning set in which forced him to discontinue work last
Thursday. He continued to grow worse, and for the past
forty-eight hours before he died he was unconscious. He was born
in Alton and lived here all his life. He was highly regarded as
a citizen, was a steady, industrious, sober man. He leaves his
wife and one daughter, Miss Minnie Vatterott.
VAUGHN, DENNIS/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, October 15,
1891
Dennis Vaughn, an aged and highly respected gentleman,
for many years a resident of Wann, died Monday afternoon at St.
Joseph's Hospital, aged 75 years. The funeral occurred yester -
morning at 8:30 o'clock from St. Patrick's church, Rev. Father
Fallon officiating.
VAUGHN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 16,
1910
Starved Self to Death
John Vaughn, the 76 year old
man who was taken to the St. Joseph's hospital last Friday, died
last night after having gone for many days without food or
medicine, despite the efforts of physicians and hospital nurses
to aid him. Vaughn was suffering from an incurable disease and
could not have recovered anyway, but would have lived longer had
he not resolved to die by starvation. Vaughn had in his time
been well to do, and claimed through his aid of others he was
reduced to poverty and forgotten. At one time $3,500 was stolen
from him, soon after his wife divorced him and the old man was
gradually reduced until he lost every thing, and believed he was
friendless in the world. When taken to the hospital by
Supervisor Faulstich, he stated he wanted to die and that he
intended to starve himself to death, and this resolution he
clung to until the end came. Undertaker Streeper has taken
charge of the remains and will give the old gentleman a good
burial. Mr. Vaughn was known as a kindly generous man, and was
the victim of persons who took advantage of him from time to
time. He leaves three children, Ed Vaughn, Mrs. John Stolp of
Alton, and Mrs. Walter Seago of St. Louis. The funeral of Mr.
Vaughn will be held Thursday afternoon at the home of his son,
Ed Vaughn, Revs. Bradley and McKenny will officiate. The remains
will be taken to Rockbridge for burial.
VAUGHN, JOSHUA AND SUSANNAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, October
30, 1863
Died on Sunday, October 4, 1863, on the Sand Ridge
in the American Bottom, after a brief but painful illness,
Susannah, wife of Joshua Vaughn, aged 49 years and 10 months.
Died at his residence on the 10th of October following,
Mr. Joshua Vaughn, aged 54 years and 28 days. This, in the short
space of twelve days, have passed, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn, after
living so long life in Madison County, Illinois, within three
miles of where they were born and raised. They leave five
children and a large circle of friends and relations to mourn
their loss.
VAUGHN, JOSHUA F./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 22, 1842
Died, in the American Bottom, in this county, on the 26th
September last, of congestive fever, after an illness of about
four days, which he bore with Christian fortitude, Mr. Joshua F.
Vaughn, aged 25 years, 11 months, and 18 days; leaving an aged
mother to mourn the loss of an affectionate and dutiful son; and
his numerous acquaintances, the loss of a highly respectable and
useful member of society.
VAUGHN, THAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 9,
1918
Soldier Killed in France
Edward Vaughn received a
telegram Friday afternoon from the War Department announcing
that his son, Thad Vaughn, had been killed in France on the 30th
of September. No other word had been received by the father up
to that time. The dead soldier was a member of the 138th,
enlisting in Alton when Company B was stationed here. After a
lengthy stay on this side he was shipped to the other side, and
for some time past has been in the midst of the fight. He was
scouting when he met his death. Vaughn is the son of Edward
Vaughn, a gardener, and was a well known messenger boy before
entering the service of his country. His mother is dead, but he
is survived by two brothers.
VEECH/VEECK, EDWARD JULIUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 13, 1918
Edward Julius, the nine year old son of Mr.
and Mrs. Julius Veech of 826 Hawley avenue, died last night at
9:45 o'clock from influenza, taking ill with the disease last
Friday. The little boy had been sickly since birth, and the
dreaded disease was too much for his frail constitution. The
little fellow was a bright and lovable child and his death is a
great shock to the family. He was born on the second of July.
The entire family, consisting of mother, father, grandmother and
two other children, are ill, all but the father being influenza
victims. The mother was up and around today, but was in no fit
condition to be attending to matters pertaining to the funeral
arrangement. The grandmother is Mrs. Lottie Veech, and the
grandchildren are Albert and Alvena. [Note: last name was also
spelled Veeck.]
VEECK, LOTTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17,
1918
Mrs. Lottie Veeck, wife of Frederick Veeck, died this
morning at 20 minutes past 2 o'clock at the home of her son,
Julius Veech [sic], of 826 Hawley avenue. Mrs. Veeck was a
sister of the late Charles A. Schlueter, who died recently. Mrs.
Veeck was born in Germany, but came to America at an early age,
settling in Alton about twenty-five years ago. She was 71 years
of age on the last day of last April, and up until her last
illness she was a very active woman. During the past few months
the family of Julius Veeck was stricken with the influenza, the
aged mother being one of the victims. Pneumonia followed the
influenza attack, and Mrs. Veeck was unable to stand the dreaded
disease. Five weeks ago today Mr. and Mrs. Julius Veeck buried a
little son, Edward, who was an influenza victim. Mrs. Veeck is
survived by her husband, one son, Julius Veeck, her
daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. She also leaves one
brother, Rev. Henry Schlueter, of Baltimore, Md. The funeral
arrangements are not completed but will be held most probably on
Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from the St. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral.
VEITH, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1918
Louis Veith, for the past two years as watchman in the
government slough, died last evening at St. Joseph's Hospital
after a short illness. He was known around town, having been a
requent visitor in town. His body was shipped out today to his
old home in Keokuk, Iowa.
VERNARDOS, INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 31,
1907
The funeral of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. V.
Venardos was held this morning from the home in Oak street, and
was attended by many friends and relatives of the afflicted
parents. Burial was in City Cemetery beneath a coverlet of
flowers, the offerings of sympathizing friends.
VERMILLION, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 8,
1921
Dies From Accident in Paper Mill - Caught Between Two
Revolving Rolls
Fred Vermillion, son of Mr. and Mrs. James
Vermillion of Humbert street, died at St. Joseph's Hospital this
morning from injuries he sustained a week ago today in the plant
of the Alton Boxboard and Paper Company. The young man, in his
eighteenth year, was employed in the plant and was working
around the paper drying machine. The machine includes a number
of rolls which are heated by steam to a temperature that will
dry the wet paper pulp. Vermillion, in some way that is not
fully explained, slipped while working over two rolls, which
were revolving toward each other. His right foot went between
the two rolls, which were about 8 1/2 inches apart, and his
whole leg slipped in. He dropped astride one revolving roll with
the two rolls continually dragging him downward. While he was
seated astride the roll he suffered fearful injuries at the base
of his body, including a fracture of his pelvis and internal
injuries due to the grinding action of the roller revolving
against his body. He was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital where at
first it was believed he had not been seriously hurt as the
injuries were not apparent from external observation. The next
day it was recognized that he was worse hurt than at first
thought. His death followed a week of intense suffering. This
was the first fatal accident in seven years at the plant of the
Alton Boxboard and Paper Company. In the plant every precaution
is taken against accidents and the result of it has been that
though a big crew has been worked there the plant went a
seven-year period without a man being fatally hurt. He was
employed at the Box Board Paper Co., and last Tuesday met with a
serious accident while at work which proved fatal. Besides his
parents he leaves three sisters, Mrs. Nellie Fish of St. Louis,
Mrs. Bertha Yother of Denning, Ark., and Mrs. Louise Smith of
Alton. Two brothers, Arthur and Raymond Vermillion, both of
Alton. The funeral arrangements have not been made.
VERMILLION, MILFORD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
1, 1904
Milford, the 5 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Vermillion, died Sunday from diphtheria at the home on State
street, between Fourth and Fifth. The funeral was held Monday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home, and was private.
VEST, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1916
Victim of Burns Dies at Hospital
William Vest, aged
38, of Wood River, formerly a baseball player on several Alton
teams, died Sunday morning at 5 o'clock in St. Joseph's
Hospital, as the result of burns sustained in a still "flash" at
one of the Standard Oil refinery stills four weeks ago. Vest was
badly burned about the arms and face and chest. The flesh on the
upper part of one of his arms was burned to the bone. He was
getting much better, and last Thursday was sitting up. His wife
made daily trips to Alton to see him, but on Friday he was so
delirious that he could not be seen by anyone except the nurses.
On Saturday his condition was much worse and hope for his
recovery was given up. Vest was a large man, weighing about 225
pounds. He was formerly an Alton street car conductor, and he
was at one time an organizer of the Moose lodges. He was
recognized as a good ball player and sided Alton teams in
winning many games. He lived on Whitelaw avenue in Wood River.
The body was not brought home, but was taken to the home of his
mother on Feldwisch avenue, where the funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. The burial will be in Oakwood
Cemetery.
VETALIA, PHIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1917
Foreigner Mysteriously Murdered - No Clue Left
A deep
mystery surrounds the murder of Phil Vetalia, an Italian.
Vetalia was shot three times at the corner of Ninth and Piasa
streets Thursday evening. Switchmen were working on the top of
box cars nearby, and a gang of boys were playing on the corner
at Ninth and Piasa streets, but the assailant made his getaway
leaving not a single clue behind him. The police have been
unable as yet to find anyone who can even give a description of
the man who might have committed the crime. A switchman on the
southbound C. & A. freight train reported to the police last
evening that he had seen two men standing on the track but paid
no attention. When his back was turned the shots were fired.
Although some of the people were only a half a block away when
the shots were fired, the man was dead when they got to him. He
had been shot three times. Once through the eye, again through
the abdomen, and once through the groin. Boys playing on the
corner reported that the man who did the shooting escaped
through Duncan's Foundry yard. Further than this they could not
tell. The stories they told the police were very conflicting.
Vetalia was identified last evening as one of a gang of
foreigners who had been employed on the C. & A. section in Upper
Alton. Passenger Agent T. R. Whray of the C. & A. railroad told
last evening how his waiting to take a later train out of Alton
had cost his life. During the afternoon he appeared at the C. &
A. ticket office with about $19 on him. After purchasing a
ticket to Springfield, he asked about the time for the trains.
Whray advised him to take the 6 o'clock train, as that would get
him there at a good time at night. Vetalia decided, however, to
wait until the 9:58 train and it cost him his life. The police
were unable to get the name of the foreigner last evening. He
had some receipted bills from the Cartwright store in Upper
Alton, but the name was not plain. This morning Alva Ranker,
section foreman on the C. & A., gave the name of Vetalia to the
police. Mr. Ranker stated that he had two brothers in Detroit,
Mich. The body was turned over to Deputy Coroner Wm. Bauer last
evening. He will notify the relatives if it is possible to find
them.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 3, 1917
The police have been unable to find any new clue to the murderer
of Phil Vetalia. Several men were held as witnesses for the
inquest last evening, but nothing new developed there. One of
the men, a brakeman, testified that he was a very short distance
from Vetalia at the time the shots were fired, but it was so
dark that he could give no description of the man who committed
the act. He says that the man who did the shooting was smaller
than Vetalia. The police arrested a friend of Vetalia and held
him on suspicion for the coroner's jury, but nothing against him
developed and he was allowed to go free.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 6, 1917
It is believed in some
quarters that Philip Vetalia, the Italian who was murdered at
Ninth and Piasa streets last week, was the victim of a vendetta.
He was buried yesterday, his brother having declared he would
have nothing to do with him. The brother was notified that
Philip was dead, and the message came back to Deputy Coroner
Bauer to do with the body as he pleased. Mr. Bauer has been
informed that Vetalia had admitted that he feared some vengeance
being visited on him as he was wanted in Italy for killing a
man. The suspicion is growing that the friends or relatives of
the victim of Vetalia in Italy followed Vetalia to this country,
hunted him up and executed the vengeance that is often visited
in cases of a vendetta.
VICHE, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 15,
1908
Found Dead on Railroad Tracks
Mr. and Mrs. William
Richards of Glen Arm, Illinois came to Upper Alton yesterday and
viewed the remains of the man who was found dead at Wood River
between the Big Four tracks and the C. & A. tracks, and
identified the body as that of Mrs. Richards' brother, George
Viche. They said that he was 27 years of age and that they had
not seen him for over two years, although they heard from him a
month ago and learned that he was either at Granite City or
Alton. They do not know what he was doing in this vicinity, but
supposed that he had been looking for work. They went away,
promising to return and let Mr. Streeper know whether they
wanted the body shipped home or buried here. The identification
was accomplished through a letter in the pocket of the dead man.
Operator Harry Cole of East Alton said that he heard five shots
fired down the Big Four and C. & A. tracks toward Wood River on
the same night that the man, believed to be Richards but who has
proved to be George Viche, was killed, and suspected that he
might have been shot and then thrown on the track. Coroner
Streeper does not believe this known. There were a few cents in
change on his body, and had he been met with foul play or by
robbery this surely would have been taken. The position of the
body made is appear that he had been struck by the train,
knocked down and partly ground up under the wheels.
VICKES, J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23, 1918
J. Vickes died suddenly this morning at the Alton State Hospital
from what is reported to have been a stroke of apoplexy. Deputy
Coroner William H. Bauer was notified and will hold an inquest
this afternoon. Vickes formerly lived at Madison, Ill.
VINSON, JESSE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 7, 1904
North Alton News - Considerable excitement prevailed here
yesterday evening when it was discovered that the surviving
members of the Vinson family, living on the branch, had deserted
their home, clothing, furniture and had departed for unknown
parts sometime during Sunday night. The family was afflicted
with smallpox, and Jesse died from that disease Saturday. They
came from Jersey County originally, and are supposed to have
returned there, abandoning all their belongings in the hope of
getting away from the disease which is said to have been of the
malignant type. The family lived in Godfrey township, and it was
the duty of the officers there to look after the matter.
VIOLET, ROSA MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1903
Upper Alton News - Mrs. Rosa May Violet died yesterday afternoon
at her home on South Main street after suffering about six
months with tuberculosis. Her husband survives her, also one
sister, Mrs. Thomas Rodie. Mrs. Violet was born in Philadelphia
in 1876. The funeral will be Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, and
the body will be taken to Brighton, her former home, for
interment.
VISSERING, JAMES P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
30, 1919
Aged Stockman Dies From Injuries in Auto Crash
James P. Vissering, in his 74th year, retired stockraiser, died
at 9 o'clock this morning at his home, 2930 College avenue,
after being bedfast four months. Mr. Vissering was hurt four
months ago when an automobile ran into a horse he was riding.
The aged man, an expert horseman, was hurled from his seat in
the saddle and thrown against a curbstone, and the horse was
knocked over and fell on top of him, crushing him. He sustained
injuries to his hip and back from which he never recovered. His
advanced age contributed to his bad condition, and though he was
able to get up and around on crutches and went out in an
automobile, he failed to regain his strength and a decline set
in. Mr. Vissering was a man of progressive ideas, a great
believer in taking the initiative, and was a pioneer in the mail
order system of selling registered live stock. He was a
specialist in raising Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, and
his reputation as a breeder of both kinds of stock brought him a
widespread business through the mails, the purchasers not even
seeing their purchases until delivered. At the age of 19 years
he came here from Germany, where he was born in Otsfriesland,
September 27, 1845. He entered Shurtleff College soon after
coming to Alton, as he discovered that handicapped as he was by
a defective hand, he would have to depend upon his brains to
make a living. In Shurtleff he worked hard to get an education,
going without any luxuries and even doing with few necessities,
but he won out. He engaged in various lines of work until he
went to farming at his old home place on the Grafton road in
1878, where he remained until 1911. He retired from farming
then, but continued his activities as a mail order stock dealer.
Mr. Vissering was a great lover of fine horses, and he always
kept a fine saddle horse for his personal use. He was one of the
most graceful of riders and he presented an appearance that
would attract attention. It was his love for horseback riding
that ended in the accident, April 12, that caused his death.
After his retirement from his farm he moved to Upper Alton where
he made his home up to the time of his death. He is survived by
his wife and two children, Harry of Chicago, and Mrs. George K.
Worden of Upper Alton. It was his wish that he be entombed in
the Grandview Mausoleum, and his wish will be respected. The
funeral will be Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family
home.
VITKEFSKY, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1919
The funeral of Miss Mary Vitkefsky, who was instantly
killed when struck by a Chicago and Alton passenger train at
noon Saturday, was this morning from St. Patrick's church, where
Requiem Mass was celebrated, and interment was in Greenwood
cemetery. Miss Vitkefsky was struck by the train near South Wood
River while going from work at the International Tannery. She
was about to cross the track when the pilot of the engine struck
her. She was thrown against a pole near the track and her body
badly mangled. Her father, also an employee of the tannery, saw
the accident. An inquest into the death of the girl will be
conducted this evening by Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer.
VITT, MARGUERITE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 3,
1922
Mrs. Marguerite Vitt, wife of Thomas Vitt, died at the
family home on Bluff street yesterday morning at 2:30 o'clock
after a long illness. She had been an invalid many months and
the past few months had been confined to her bed. A month ago it
was recognized that her case was an exceedingly grave one, and
that the end would not be long deferred. Patiently she bore the
most intense suffering and in her lucid moments in the days when
she knew she was dying, she was always cheerful and thoughtful
for others. Even before her family admitted to themselves that
there could be only a fatal termination of the illness, Mrs.
Vitt referred to her approaching "recovery" as she tactfully
expressed it in her full consciousness, that she was not to get
well. Mrs. Vitt was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John F.
McGinnis. Her death is the first break in that family circle.
She was born in Alton and lived here most of her life. She
graduated from the Eastern Illinois Normal school, and also took
a course at Chicago University. She taught in the Alton public
schools and also in the Edwardsville schools prior to her
marriage to Thomas Vitt. After her marriage she lived in
Danville for a short period, returning to Alton to make her home
here. Mrs. Vitt is survived by her husband and three children,
William, Marguerite and Grace. The youngest child is less than
ten months old. The second child, namesake of the mother, is ill
at the home of the grandparents, on State street. She leaves
also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. McGinnis, two brothers and
three sisters, John F. Jr., and William McGinnis, Mrs. John
O'Connell, Mrs. Walter Flable, Miss Grace McGinnis and Sister
Clotilde, a member of the Ursuline order. Mrs. Vitt was a woman
of strong personality, was most efficient as a teacher and
possessed a disposition that won for her the love and respect of
all who knew her. She was a good mother to the little family who
have suffered the calamity of losing the wife and mother. The
funeral will be held at nine o'clock tomorrow morning from SS
Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
VOELKEL, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17,
1920
Louis Voelkel was found dead this morning at the Alton
State Hospital, where he had been a patient for the past year
and one half. He was an employee of the Stanard mill for
approximately 12 years. Before coming to Alton he made his home
in Bunker Hill. Louis had reached the age of twenty-seven years.
He is survived by one aunt, Mrs. Gotlieb Steinbrook of Bunker
Hill. Funeral arrangements have not be made.
VOELLNER, ROBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 25,
1914
Young Man Falls From Balloon Into River And Drowns -
Mother Charges Balloonist
Thomas Cowan or Cohn, the aeronaut
who was responsible for Robert Voellner, aged 19, losing his
life as the result of making a balloon ascension which ended in
his falling in the river and being drowned, was arrested early
Sunday morning on a warrant sworn out before Justice G. B.
Pfeiffer, charging him with allowing a minor to engage in a
hazardous act without consent of his legal guardians. When taken
into custody Sunday morning by Deputy Sheriff Fitzgerald, Cowan,
or Cohn, made frantic attempts to get out. He had no money, and
could give no bond. He attempted to interest Alton people in
going bail for him, but none of the local Moose would take the
chances of having to pay any penalty that might be in store for
the balloonist. It was therefore impossible for an ascension to
be made Sunday afternoon. The ascension was barred by another
reason. Capt. W. D. Fluent, indignant over the treatment and
abuse heaped on him by members of the carnival company, refused
to surrender the parachute until a gasoline bill for $2.40 was
paid. The bill was not paid and the parachute remained at the
Fluent dock all day Sunday. The parachute is a damaging bit of
evidence should there be any prosecution of Cowan. Witnesses who
found the parachute will swear that the trigger used for
releasing the parachute from the balloon was so jammed that the
more the balloonist would pull it, the tighter it would be. The
warrant for Cowan's arrest was issued on complaint of the
stepfather of Robert Voellner, Leonard Nottebrock. The boy's
mother accompanied her husband, to whom she was married a week
ago, about the time that the boy left home and joined the
carnival company. Cowan was taken before Justice Pfeiffer at
noon today, pleaded guilty to a charge made against him and was
fined $25 and costs, which was paid. Cowan was faced by the
mother of the boy and his stepfather. Nottebrook seemed very
indignant at Cowan and he refused to shake hands with Cowan when
the latter approached and tried to express his sympathy. Cowan
told the court that the boy had insisted upon making the
ascension, and he claimed he believed the boy was over 21 and
his mother was willing. He claimed he didn't know the boy's name
until after the fatal termination of the ascension. Mrs.
Nottebrock intimated after the trial that she was dissatisfied.
She claimed that her son had a gold watch, and Cowan denied any
knowledge of it. Mrs. Nottebrock said that she was sure the boy
had a watch and that he would not have taken it in a balloon
ascension. The family blamed the carnival management for not
taking precautions to insure the boy having a chance for his
life, and said they had evidence that the parachute was
defective. Mrs. Nottebrook exhibited a photograph of her son,
which she said was a good one. This picture was identified by
the balloonist as a picture of the boy he had sent on the ride
to his death. The balloonist claimed that the boy was merely a
partner of his. This claim was made to evade any claim for
damages which the mother might make, it was believed, as it
would be claimed the lad was not in the employ of the carnival
company. The carnival company left this morning for
Jacksonville.
VOGEL, EMIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30, 1906
Emil Vogel, aged 42, died Sunday noon at the home of his
brother-in-law, Julius Nichols, on Holman street, after a long
illness with Bright's disease. The funeral will be held Tuesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Nichols home.
VOGEL, MORRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 16,
1909
Morris Vogel, aged eighty-four years, died Monday night
at the home of his son-in-law, Charles Graff, 822 East Second
Street, after an illness of seven weeks. While attending
services at St. Mary's church several weeks ago Sunday, he was
stricken with paralysis and while he partially recovered, he had
no chance to get well since that time. He was a resident of
Godfrey for almost sixty years and was known to almost everyone
in that township. About four years ago he moved to Alton with
his wife, whose health was bad. She died three years ago. He is
survived by four daughters and a son, Miss Rose Vogel and Mrs.
William Wheyers of Alton, Mrs. Philip Walters of Godfrey, Mrs.
Annie Willing of Los Angeles, Cal., and Frank Vogel of Palmyra.
A daughter-in-law, the widow of his son William also resides in
Palmyra with her children. The funeral will be held Thursday
morning from St. Mary's church at 9 o'clock. Burial will be in
St. Joseph's cemetery.
VOGELPOHL, CAROLINE HUMMERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 21, 1910
Sold Candies in Upper Alton for 40 Years
Mrs. Caroline Hummert Vogelpohl, aged 70, died Thursday morning
at her home in Upper Alton, from the effects of cerebral
hemorrhages. She had conducted a candy store in Upper Alton
forty years, and for many years her place of business was the
one visited by the children when they had nickels and pennies to
spend. She had been in bad health about three months, and she
sold her confectionery at the corner of College and Washington
avenues in Upper Alton, and had gone into retirement. She was
born April 10, 1840, in Germany. At the age of 7 she came to
America with her parents, who settled at Fosterburg. She moved
to Brighton, then to Upper Alton, where she married F. L.
Vagelpohl, a baker, who died in 1884. She had several paralytic
strokes. Mrs. Vogelpohl was about her home as usual this
morning, when she was taken with severe bleeding of the nose,
and when the bleeding stopped, death followed. She leaves seven
children: Charles, Milton, Edward and Lenus Vogelpohl of Upper
Alton; Emil of Hardin; George of Alton; and Miss Lillie
Vogelpohl of Upper Alton. The time of the funeral is not set.
VOGELPOHL, FRIEDRICH LUDWIG/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 26,
1884
Upper Alton News - Died, in this place on Sunday
morning, Friedrich L. Vogelpohl. Deceased was born in Hanover in
1820. Was for 20 years a sailor, came to Washington County,
Illinois to visit relatives, and from there to this place where
he has resided for over 15 years. He was married in 1864, and
leaves 7 children, the oldest 19, youngest 3 years of age.
Funeral took place yesterday (Monday) at 2 p.m. from the family
residence, and was largely attended. The business places of this
town were closed from 2 till 3:30 yesterday on account of Mr.
Vogelpohl's death.
VOHWINKLE, OTTO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday,
March 27, 1899
Crazed with Bad Whisky, Otto Vohwinkle, of
East Alton, Stabs Himself Twelve Times
Otto Vohwinkle, of
East Alton, while crazed with delirium tremens, committed
suicide Sunday night at 8 o'clock by stabbing himself in the
breast with a dull pocket knife. He had been on a protracted
spree and had not breathed a sober breath since last December,
so his associates say, and for several days he had been raving
crazy. He had frequently said he would kill himself, and his
friends who were attending him took the precaution of taking
from him all weapons that might be used for suicidal purpose.
Vohwinkle was determined to end his life, and while left alone,
he managed to procure a pocket knife, with a 2 1/2 inch blade,
and with it he effectually ended his troubles. J. H. Devanney,
who had been looking after Vohwinkle all day, left the crazy man
alone for a short time before 8 o'clock Sunday night. When he
returned he found his late charge lying on the bed with twelve
knife wounds in his breast, over and around the heart, and the
knife laying beside the body, covered with blood. Vohwinkle had
lived at East Alton about twelve years. He came from Germany and
worked hard until last summer, when he received notice that had
been left a small fortune in Germany. He went back home and
returned when he had received part of it. On December 2, $704
was sent him from Germany, and December 19 he placed $450 of it
in the National bank. The remainder he spent for whisky, and
then he began drawing his money from the bank. Within one month
he drew all his money from the bank, and during all that time he
was continuously drunk. When his money gave out he said he would
kill himself, but made no attempts until the fatal one. He was
45 years of age and had no relatives in this country. Coroner
Bailey held an inquest and turned the body over to Undertaker
Bater, who will have it buried at public expense.
VOISILIST, STEF/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 9,
1911
Bystander Fatally Wounded by Cheap Revolver
Stef
Voisilist, an Italian, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 3
o'clock this morning from a wound in the abdomen inflicted by
Andrew Salee, in a little house near the Federal Lead works
work, Saturday evening. According to the stories told by the
men, the shooting was accidental. They were practicing with a
cheap revolver at their home and were shooting at a barrel head.
Volsilist had been shooting and could not hit the barrel head,
and then Salee claimed that it was his turn to take a shot. The
revolver shot so crooked that the bullet struck Volsilist, who
was standing close by, the ball entering his abdomen and making
a fatal wound. A dying statement was made by Voisilist at the
hospital exonerating Salee of any blame. Other witnesses gave
similar statements. The wounded man made a statement before he
died, which was interpreted by N. S. Wittles, saying that Salee
was free from any blame in the matter, and it was purely
accidental. The two had been friends for many years, and the
dying man was sure that the shot was not fired on purpose. As a
last request embodied in the statement, he asked that Salee
donate seventy dollars toward his funeral expenses if he died,
and in case he got well, to assist in the paying of the doctors
bills. Salee agreed to this. The statement was made out in
writing and was sworn to before police magistrate William Ash.
VOLZ, EDITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 28, 1908
Miss Edith Volz, a teacher in the public schools, aged 20 last
March, died Thursday at 3:20 o'clock a.m. at the home of her
aunt, Mrs. Henry Loarts, on North street. She had gone there
from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Volz of Franklin
street, in the belief that the change might be beneficial to
her. Miss Volz had been suffering from a complication of
diseases arising from a complete nervous prostration. One year
ago when she graduated in the Alton high schools, she was a
picture of perfect health and one of the most beautiful girls in
her class. She had made a good record in her school work, and
she had qualified for appointment as a teacher in the public
schools. At the January meeting of the board of education she
was appointed to fill a vacancy in the eighth grade of Lincoln
school. She was not in the best of health at the time she
accepted the appointment, but nothing serious was apprehended
and she undertook the difficult task of teaching in the eighth
grade. Miss Volz made a good teacher, and her conscientiousness
and determination to succeed, in the face of failing health,
contributed to her breakdown. She became a victim of nervous
prostration after she had taught school several months, and at
last was obliged to give up her work. It was regretted
exceedingly by the board of education, as she was an efficient
teacher and gave excellent satisfaction. Her death has been
expected for the past week, although for three or four days she
had been showing signs of being somewhat improved. Her death is
a sad blow to her parents, who have lost in her their only
child. Miss Volz was much admired for her personal beauty and
her loveable traits of character. Among the teachers who had so
recently been her instructors and still more recently her
associates in the work of instructing, her death is the cause of
deep grief. Members of her family do not believe that her attack
was wholly due to her work as a school teacher, although her
devotion to her work probably did cause the final collapse. The
funeral will be held Monday morning at 9 o'clock from the home
of Henry Loarts, 1408 North street.
VOLZ, ELIZA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 1, 1910
Mrs. Eliza Volz, a resident of Alton for the past 53 years, died
Tuesday afternoon at her home, 1217 east Fourth street, after an
illness of two months. She was born in Germany and was 76 years
of age. Her husband was in the cypress hauling business here for
many years before his death. Four children survive Mrs. Volz,
all residents of Alton: Mrs. Fecht, August, John, and Leonard
Volz. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock
from the home where services will be conducted by Rev. E. L.
Mueller.
VOLZ, GUS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1915
Two of the bodies of the ill-fated victims of the powder works
explosion yesterday will be shipped away, and the other three
buried in this vicinity....The funeral of Gus Volz will be held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home of his parents-in-law,
Mr. and Mrs. John DeSilvey, at the Tile Works hotel. Services
will be held afterwards at the M. E. church, and the burial will
be in Oakwood cemetery. Mr. DeSilvey said today that Volz was
born in Stuttgart, Germany, and took the name of Miller at
times, by which he was known by many of his friends. He married
Miss Esther DeSilvey three years ago, and leaves his wife and
one child, who will remain at the DeSilvey home.
VON BINZER, CARL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 22,
1903
Carl, the one year old son of Major and Mrs. Max Von
Binzer, died Saturday night at St. Joseph's hospital from
cholera infantum. The members of the family were passing through
Alton on the way to Chicago when two of the children became ill,
Friday morning, and were removed to the hospital. The child's
body will be buried at Davenport, Iowa. Major Von Binzer was
formerly commandant of the Western Military Academy and
subsequently went to the Bleese Military Academy at Macon, Mo.
VON BINZER, FREDERICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
8, 1903
Frederick Von Binzer, son of Major and Mrs. Max Von
Binzer, died in St. Joseph's Hospital Tuesday evening at 7
o'clock after an illness of two weeks. The child is the second
of the family to die in the last two weeks. Major and Mrs. Von
Binzer were passing through Alton on their way from St. Louis to
the north, during the time when passengers were being
transferred by the railroads here. While the family were
spending the night at the Madison hotel, the two children became
very ill and were moved to the hospital. A few days later the
youngest child died and was taken to Davenport, Iowa for burial.
The oldest child continued in a doubtful condition until the
last few days when it began to grow worse. Death was due to
summer complaint. The parents, accompanied by the mother of Mrs.
Von Binzer, will depart this evening for Davenport where the
funeral will be held.
VONNAHMEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 18,
1922
Dies on Site of House In Which He Was Born, 64 Years
Ago
John Vonnahmen, aged 64, died Saturday night at his home
at Wood Station, on the same site on which he was born. He had
been ailing for three or four months, but was only seriously ill
for the past week. He was married on the ninth of June, 1885, to
Mary Huebener of Brighton. His wife died ten years ago. He
farmed all his life and was one of the best known residents of
the Wood Station neighborhood. He was a successful and
prosperous farmer, operating a large farm. He is survived by
three sons, Lawrence, Anthony and John, and one daughter,
Minnie, all of Wood Station. He also leaves three sisters, Mrs.
Frank Banger of Edwardsville, Mrs. Ann Mahler of Wichita,
Kansas, Mrs. Frank Wolf of Upper Alton, and a brother, Frank
Wolf, of Wood Station. He also leaves three grandchildren. The
funeral will be held Wednesday at ten o'clock from St. Mary's
church. Interment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
VONNEMANN, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
31, 1910
Henry Vonnemann, aged 54, died Friday morning at 11
o'clock at his home in Foster township after an illness of two
months from asthma and heart trouble. Mr. Vonnemann was born and
raised in Foster township and lived there all his life. He is
survived by his wife and seven children, four sons - John,
William, Joseph and Henry, and three daughters - Kate, Rose and
Mary. He leaves also three brothers, John Vonnemann, Joseph and
Frank Wolf, and four sisters, Mrs. Alexander Wegener, Mrs. Anna
Mueller, Mrs. Rose Bange and Mrs. Emma Sturgeon. The funeral
will be held Monday morning from St. Mary's church at Alton, at
10 o'clock. Burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
VOSS, JEANETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19,
1916
Mrs. Jeanette Voss, aged 91, died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Emma Eden, of 1036 Union street, at noon today
after an illness of some duration. Mrs. Voss has been a resident
of Alton for the last 23 years, coming here from her old home in
Germany. She is survived by two sons, Theodore and Julius of
Alton; and two daughters, Mrs. Emma Eden of Alton and Thresa of
Germany. The funeral services will be conducted at 4 o'clock
tomorrow afternoon from the German Evangelical Church to the
City cemetery. The services will be conducted at the church by
Rev. E. L. Mueller.
VOTTEROTT, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
31, 1901
Louis, the 3 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob
Voterott, died this morning at 7 o'clock at the family home on
Fifth street, after an illness from scarlet fever. The family of
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Voterott has been singularly unfortunate and
in their affliction the family will have the sympathy of the
entire community. Six out of seven children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Voterott have died, and five of these have succumbed to
contagious diseases and private funerals have been held.
VOUNBERGEN [VonBergen?], SOPHIA/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 27, 1904
Mrs. Sophia Vounbergen, a sister of
Mr. Charles Schleuter, wife of Andrew Vounbergen, died at her
home in Fosterburg Tuesday at 2 p.m. from pulmonary troubles,
aged 54 years 6 months. She leaves four sons and four daughters,
her husband, two brothers and a sister. The funeral will be held
Friday at 1 p.m. from Fosterburg.
VOYLES, STELLA BOWEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
10, 1909
Mrs. Stella Bowen Voyles, wife of Robert Voyles, and
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bowen of Melville, died at her
home in Marine last night after a long illness. She had been
very ill at her father's home, and when it became apparent she
could not last much longer, she was taken back to her own home
to die. She was 27 years of age and leaves beside her husband,
four children. The body was taken today to the home of the
parents at Melville.
VUKOVIC/LUKOVIC, LUKA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 8, 1920
Shot Nine Times and Killed by Prohibition
Enforcement Officer
Luka Vukovic, 37 years old, of 1327 G
Street, Madison, was shot nine times and killed by S. Glenn
Young, a prohibition enforcement officer, when Vukovic resisted
a raid on his home Saturday night. Young, with Walter Cowgill
and E. J. Tieney of the Granite City police force, had learned
that Vukovic was making liquor and storing it in the home of his
cousin, Mike Sever, 1325 G street. At this address they found a
still and a quantity of liquor, which they confiscated, and then
proceeded next door. Peeping through a rear window, the officers
saw Vukovic drinking some liquor out of a milk bottle, and
knocked on the door demanding admission. Eliciting no response,
the raiders went to the front door, which they broke in when the
occupant refused to open it. They found Lukovic in bed. A trap
door was discovered leading to the cellar, where a 20 gallon
keg, nearly filled with raisin whisky, was found. Young
commanded Lukovic to remain in sight while the officers carried
the whisky upstairs. Lukovic stood in the doorway a moment, and
then disappeared, to return with a revolver he pointed at the
policeman and pulled the trigger. The weapon failed to go off,
and Young emptied his revolver at Lukovic, who ran to the rear
of the porch. Gowgill followed him, but was knocked down by a
blow on the head. Young took up the pursuit and fired three
shots from a second revolver, at which Lukovic fell dead. All
nine bullets had entered his body, two in the chest, one in the
neck, wrist, right shoulder, each hip, left temple, abdomen, and
right leg. A jury called by Coroner Joseph Krill returned a
verdict of justifiable homicide. Vukovic will be buried in St.
Mark's Cemetery, Granite City, Monday afternoon. [name was
spelled with a "V" and an "L"]