Obituaries - Surname W
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
WADDELL, KATHRYN I./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 27, 1921
Mrs. Kathryn I. Waddell, aged 25
years, died this morning at six o'clock at the family home, 303
Cherry Street, after an illness of two weeks. The deceased is
survived by her husband, Raymond Waddell, her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Andre and two sisters, Mrs. Harry Golden and Miss
Frances Andre. The funeral will be held Thursday morning at nine
o'clock from the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Interment will
be in the Greenwood Cemetery.
WADDLE, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1843
Died, at Six Mile [Granite City area], on the 6th inst.,
after a long and severe illness, Mr. John Waddle, aged about 44.
He was a native of this state; and his death is mourned by a
large family.
WADE, ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30,
1911
President of Alton National Bank
Albert Wade, in his
7th year, died at his residence, 412 east Twelfth street, at
11:15 o'clock this morning, after long illness. His illness was
due to arterial hardening. He had been in poor health for a long
time, but at Swampscott, Mass., early in the summer, he was
taken very much worse and he hastened back home. Since his
return he had been very ill and was unable to leave his home.
The condition of Mr. Wade had been growing very much worse of
late, and his death had been expected at any time during the
past two weeks. Mr. Wade was born at Ipswick, Mass., May 15,
1837, but all his life he lived in Alton. He leaves one brother,
Edward P. Wade; and one sister, Mrs. E. L. Drury, both of Alton.
He leaves also one son, Samuel Wade, and one daughter, Mrs.
George D. Duncan. Mr. Wade was vice-president of the Alton
National Bank, and a director there and in the Alton Savings
bank. The death of Mr. Wade will be the cause of keen regret to
many people who had known the man for his true value. Mr. Wade
was not a man who sought to gain a reputation for doing kind
acts, helping to smooth rough places for people, and for being a
liberal contributor to worthy causes. He was not generally known
to the public for what he was. No one knows of how many cases
there are where Mr. Wade will be greatly missed in time of
distress by those to whom he was more than kind. His hand was
ever ready to minister in time of trouble, his heart was a
sympathetic one that could not permit his hand to wait until he
found out just what claim a person in need had on him. He did
not wait for the appeal for help, he was there to make the offer
of assistance when it was most needed. He did his good as one
friend would do to another, not with the air of charity, and no
one ever felt that loss of self-respect came through accepting
the aid he so cheerfully and graciously lent. Mr. Wade kept
himself young by keeping up his interest in young people. He was
ever watchful over young men of his acquaintance, would give
them help when they needed it, and in all his benefactions he
never gave the least suspicion to the recipient that he felt he
was doing anything that there should be any hesitation about
accepting. It was between friend and friend. Mr. Wade was
married December 13, 1864. His wife died a number of years ago.
He never engaged in any line of mercantile business but once,
and that was with his brother-in-law, N. C. Hatheway. His
business consisted entirely of looking after his personal
financial interests. He was a long time member of the
Congregational church, and one of its most liberal supporters
for many years. In his death the church loses a good friend. The
funeral will be at 3:30 o'clock Monday afternoon from the
residence. Interment will be private.
WADE, AUGUSTA O./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 10, 1836
Died, in this town [Alton], on Sunday morning, July 31st,
Augusta O., only daughter of Mr. Samuel Wade, aged 18 months.
WADE, EDWARD P./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
15, 1920
President of Alton National Bank; Mayor of Alton
Edward P. Wade died Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock at his
residence, 1014 Henry street, following a general breakdown due
to old age. His illness was of but two weeks' duration. He had
not been as active as formerly, but was in fairly good health,
considering his age. He had been unconscious since the day
before his death. He had been able to recognize his older
daughter, Mrs. J. L. Oldham, when she arrived, but when Mrs.
John Duncan, his second daughter, came, he had lost
consciousness.
In the passing of Mr. Wade, Alton loses a
man who had been the longest interested in Alton of any man in
the city. He was born in Alton and lived here all his life.
Since boyhood, he had been connected with business institutions
in the city, most of the time the banking business. His mind was
perfectly preserved, his recollections of events and people of
the far distant past were almost as if he was telling of
something of yesterday. Illustrative of his state of mind, even
up to the last few months of his life, Mr. Wade's brain was able
to give out facts of the early history of Alton and her people.
It was the custom of newspaper men who desired some information
as to an old house built in the early days, or to inquire about
some individual about whom it was for the moment necessary to
have some facts, to appeal to Mr. Wade. His mind would seldom
slip in its accuracy. His period of recollections spanned over
80 of his 87 years of life.
Mr. Wade was born on
February 11, 1833, in a little brick house recently torn down on
Broadway, east of the Levis building at Broadway and Alby. This
house was the first brick house in Alton, and was built by Isaac
Prickett in 1832. His father, Samuel Wade, was an active and
very prominent citizen of the early day Alton, and was one of
the founders of the bank that became the present Alton National
Bank. Samuel was also mayor of Alton, 1849-51 and 1857-8. It was
when a young man out of school, that Mr. Wade took a job
clerking in a store and stayed there until an opening was
offered in the bank. He stayed with the bank until last January
1, when he refused longer to serve in the capacity of president,
insisting that he be succeeded by C. A. Caldwell, the cashier,
who for the year 1919 had been acting in the capacity of
president without the title, and who for years had been Mr.
Wade's chief subordinate. At no time in his work in the bank was
he merely a figurehead. He performed the functions of president,
and he would, even when he occasionally visited the bank after
he retired, assist in attending to customers in rush hours at
the bank. Mr. Wade became president of the Alton National Bank
in 1895, on the death of C. A. Caldwell, father of the present
president.
Mr. Wade was for many years a member of the
Monticello Seminary board of trustees, and during a long period
was chairman of the board of trustees of that institution. He
retired a few years ago because he felt his inability to
continue at that post. He was deeply interested in Monticello
Seminary at all time, and was also an honored guest at the
commencements of that institution. He was among its most
generous benefactors, and always supported any moves for the
improvement of that school. It was in his private life that Mr.
Wade perhaps showed the greatest nobility of character and his
most admirable qualities. He was a kindly, courteous, generous
man. His hand was ever ready to help those who needed help. He
was profoundly religious and lived his religion in his everyday
life. He had affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren for years,
but he never gave up his interest in the First Presbyterian
Church. For many years he was organist in the First Presbyterian
Church, he being a musician of much talent. He was, therefore, a
backer of many musical enterprises of merit in the city. Many
institutions and individuals had known the liberality of Mr.
Wade.
[Wade is buried in the Alton City Cemetery.]
WADE, MARY ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 20, 1908
Wife of Edward P. Wade
Mrs. Mary
Elizabeth Wade, wife of Edward P. Wade, died Thursday evening at
the family home on Henry street after a brief illness. She had
not been in good health for some time, and Sunday evening,
November 6, she was stricken with her final illness after
attending religious services at Monticello Seminary. She was not
conscious from the time that she was taken ill, except for brief
intervals. Her case was recognized as a dangerous one from the
beginning of her illness. Immediately her two daughters, Mrs. J.
L. Oldham of New York and Mrs. John Duncan of Pittsburg were
summoned to attend her, and remained with her until her death.
Mrs. Wade was a member of a well known family dating back to
Colonial times. She was the daughter of Dr. George T. Allen, a
leading physician of Madison county. She was born in New York,
November 29, 1838, the family removing to Marine the year
following and thence to Alton in 1856, which was the home of
Mrs. Wade ever since. She was married to Edward P. Wade, now
president of the Alton National Bank, December 1857, and a few
months afterward moved to the residence on Henry street, which
became their home for over fifty years. Had Mrs. Wade lived
until the 29th of this month, she would have been seventy years
of age. She graduated from Monticello Seminary in the class of
1857. She was a member of the Presbyterian church from childhood
and was a director in the Jennie D. Hayner library. Beside her
husband and two children she leaves five grandchildren and two
sisters, Mrs. Robert T. Underhill of East Orange, N. J., and
Miss Eva Allen of Denver, Colorado. She leaves a brother,
Rowland P. Allen of Batson, Texas. Mrs. Wade possessed a
beautiful character. She was a devoted member of the
Presbyterian church and one of its most interested workers. In
every department of the church work she was a leader for many
years, and until her eyesight failing made it necessary for her
to remain out of active work except in her own home. There she
continued as mistress of her house, even when darkness settled
down on her through failing vision. She was able to carry on
many of the duties she had been accustomed to do before her
sight failed, and her ability to get around was a marvel to her
friends and relatives. She preserved through her deep affliction
the sweetest resignation. No one would have known from her that
she missed her lost faculty, and even then she was ever
interested in others, always ready to do whatever was needed for
those who needed sympathy or help. Her life was a bright light
among those who came in contact with, and not only in her home
and family circle, but among a very large circle of friends will
her death be sincerely grieved. Her happy smile and her cheering
words were cherished by many who had been in affliction
themselves, and she will live long in their memories. The
funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9 o'clock from the
residence, 1014 Henry street, and interment will be private.
WADE,
SAMUEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 8, 1885
Alton Mayor;
President of Alton National Bank
Alton mourns the death of
another old and honored citizen. At 11:20 o’clock a.m. Friday
[January 2, 1885], after a brief illness, Hon. Samuel Wade,
President of the Alton National Bank, passed peacefully away. He
had been in feeble health for some months, but last Monday he
was taken ill with congestion of the liver, and the disease soon
manifested dangerous symptoms, which culminated in death at the
hour named. It was not generally known until yesterday that his
illness was serious, and the news of its fatal termination falls
with a painful shock upon his lifelong friends and the business
community.
A resident of Alton for over fifty years,
during all of which he was actively engaged in public and
private enterprises, he was one of the most honored
representatives of its public, business, and religious life. A
power in business affairs, a pillar in the church, trusted,
esteemed, and honored in private life and civic service, of him
it can truly be said that the world is better for his having
lived in it. The loss of such a man is a public bereavement. The
community is bereft when a life of such nobility, honor, and
integrity is brought to a close, while in the sacred precincts
of the family circle, where the strong staff upon which all
leaned is broken, and the warm and loving heart is stilled,
which beat responsive to the tenderest reverence and affection
of all, the loss is unspeakable.
Mr. Wade was a native of
Ipswich, Massachusetts, born April 18, 1806, and was,
consequently, in the 79th year of his age. He was married in
1830 to Miss Eunice Caldwell, who, with five children, survives
him. He came to Alton in 1831, where he has ever since resided,
taking a prominent part in its affairs for many years, and
several times acting as its Chief Executive.
The people
of Alton gathered Sunday afternoon to do honor to the memory of
one of their oldest and most eminent citizens. It was a great
concourse, and all were mourners. The large number of old
citizens in attendance was particularly noticeable. “When a good
man dies, the people mourn,” is a truth that was never more
emphatically evident than at the obsequies of Mr. Samuel Wade. A
resident of Alton for nearly fifty-four years, one of the
original incorporators of the town, repeatedly called to the
head of its municipal affairs, a wise executive, a prudent
counselor, a successful financier, a leader in the church, the
devoted head of a loving family, around him clustered all the
rewards of a noble life. The Congregational Church with which he
was connected was also the scene, at the forenoon service, of a
mourning gathering. The organ, the gift of the deceased to the
church, was draped in black, as was also the family pew. The
church, likewise, sent to the residence a beautiful floral
crown, emblematic of the reward of a rounded life, and this,
with numerous other floral designs decking the casket, were
tenderly expressive of a love reaching beyond the grave.
The funeral services, under direction of Rev. Mr. Chaddock,
pastor of the Congregational Church, opened with singing, “How
Firm a Foundation Ye Saints of the Lord,” followed by reading of
Scripture passages applicable to the occasion. Mr. Chaddock then
gave a review of the life of the departed, his birth at Ipswich,
Massachusetts in 1806; his marriage in 1830; his removal to
Alton in 1831; and his business and public career in Alton. His
ecclesiastical connection was first with the Congregational
Church of his native place, next with the Presbyterian Church of
Alton, with which he united in 1840, and then with the
Congregational Church of Alton in 1870. His denominational
preference had always been for the church of his youth, and when
it seemed the time for colonization had come, he was mainly
instrumental in organizing the new society here, contributing
largely from his means for the church edifice and the parsonage,
purchasing an organ, and in other ways liberally aiding the
enterprise, while also giving to it the full measure of his
devotion, experience, and faith.
He was the revered
leader, the loved counselor, the wise arbiter, in whose decision
all gladly coincided. Into the conduct of his extended business
affairs, he carried the Christian principles that guided his
life, and the success he won inured greatly to the benefit of
the benevolent and educational interests of the church. He was a
Christian philanthropist in the broad acceptation of the term,
and no worthy cause ever probably appealed to him in vain.
Though he did not receive the benefit of a collegiate course, he
was yet a thoroughly educated man and a close student even to
the close of his life. He gathered about him a noble library of
standard works, and was familiar with their contents, but above
all, he prized the Bible, which he constantly studied with the
aid of the best commentaries. His business activity continued
until the close of life, and when questioned once of late, as to
why he did not retire, he replied that he was enabled by
continuing at the head of the bank to do more for the
benevolences of the church than would otherwise have been the
case. The speaker closed with warm words of eulogy of Mr. Wade’s
character and career, and presented him as an exemplar to those
who would be called upon to take up the work he laid down.
Rev. Mr. Gordon of the Presbyterian Church followed in a
review of Mr. Wade’s connection with that church from 1840 to
1870; of his election as Elder in 1841, in which he continued to
serve until his dismissal to the Congregational Church. He
represented Alton Presbytery several time in the General
Assembly of the church, and amid the great minds of the
denomination, his wisdom and judgment were awarded a high place.
In the work of building a house of worship, he was generous in
pecuniary aid and invaluable in practical assistance. He
superintended the construction of the present edifice in 1846,
laying its foundations on the solid rock, and likewise had
direction of its enlargement at a later date. Active in every
good work, he was also a strong and ready speaker. In meetings
for prayer and other gatherings, his remarks were always fresh,
apt, and original. Next to the minister of the gospel, the
speaker regarded as most worthy of honor, the Christian man of
business who carried his faith into his daily life, and in this
Mr. Wade was worthy of respect and emulation. Mr. Gordon
referred to Mr. Wade as one of the old landmarks.
Of the
contemporaries of his early manhood, who aided him in laying the
material and ecclesiastical foundations of the city, now few
remain. Dr. Long, Mr. Whipple, Mr. Clawson, and a few others are
left. The work of the founders is finished, or will soon be
finished, and others must carry it forward. At a family
gathering at the home of his oldest son, the deceased was, a
week ago Thursday, the center of interest and reverence. How
little they thought they would soon be gathered, a stricken
company, about his bier! Such a life was a precious legacy to
the children and grandchildren, and to the companion now left to
walk alone the remaining journey of life.
The remarks of
both speakers were glowing and heartfelt, and the simple truth
of their words found a responsive echo in the hearts of all. We
give a few points, as memory recalls them, yet realizing that
they do scant justice to the breadth and strength of the
tributes offered. The services closed with prayer by Dr. Abbott
of the Baptist Church, and singing of the hymn, “There Is a
Blessed Home.”
The bearers, all relatives of the family
or connections, bore their silent burden to the hearse, and the
long procession took up its mournful journey to the cemetery,
where the honored dead was laid to rest in the family lot,
nearby the resting places of the friends of early manhood and
mature life who had gone before. “A place for memory and for
tears.” There, with the winter sunshine shedding its declining
rays, beneath a wealth of fragrant flowers strewn by the hands
of children and grandchildren, with the last words and
benediction of his pastor, and the notes of Pleyel’s hymn, they
laid to rest all that was earthly of Samuel Wade – a name
henceforward dear and precious. The floral tributes of hope and
faith which were placed above him were emblems of a remembrance
lasting as immortality. Hundreds had gathered at the cemetery in
advance of the arrival of the procession. All classes of
citizens were represented, and the spontaneousness of the
gathering spoke louder than words of the warm place the departed
had in the hearts of the community at large.
We may be
pardoned an allusion to a point not as fully dwelt upon by the
speakers as some others. We refer to the life of Mr. Wade in his
declining years. Says a writer: “There is a haven where the
storms of life beat not, or are felt only in gentle undulations
of the unruffled and mirroring surface. This haven, this oasis,
this rest, is a calm and serene old age.” How applicable to the
one we mourn. “The days of a man’s life are three score years
and ten, and if by reason of strength they be four score years,
yet is their strength labor and sorrow.” But in the case of Mr.
Wade, there seems to have been granted an exception to the
common lot. True, with his feet on the sunset slope and his eyes
fixed upon the beyond, there was a gradual decline of physical
energy and premonitions of approaching dissolution were not
wanting, still there was no perceptible decline of mental
strength or activity. He embodied the lines: Rest is not
quitting, This busy career, Rest is the fitting, Of self to
one’s sphere; ‘Tis the brook’s motion, Calm without strife,
Reaching to ocean, After this life.
He continued the
conduct of his business affairs with perennial tact and wisdom
up to the last brief illness; his interest in current events was
unabated; his lifelong devotion to his church lost none of its
fervor; his investigations and studies were not intermitted; his
genial kindliness was untouched by frost; his care of and
absorption in his family lost none of its freshness; and his
sympathy in the recreations and enjoyments of youth was
unalloyed. He was old in years, as men count time, but young in
all things else. As he lay at rest, his face was that of a man
in his prime, and from the peaceful features, the furrows of
Time’s fingers seemed to have been erased. After a successful
life, not, of course, undimmed by trials, but sanctified by
right-living and noble purpose, he was old only in years.
Surrounded by his children and grandchildren, the center of a
reverent circle of relatives and friends, the love and devotion
given them returned to him in full measure, blessing alike giver
and recipient. How beautiful such a life-closing – how fair a
heritage to those he loved. Pure and fair, his life was given
him, and after the clouds and sunshine of nearly four-score
years had alike passed by, he yielded it in unsullied beauty to
the Giver.
WADE, UNKNOWN WIFE OF ALBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 7, 1905
The funeral of Mrs. Albert Wade was held this
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence on Twelfth
street. There was a large attendance of friends and relatives of
the family at the services. The funeral was conducted by Rev. A.
A. Tanner of the Congregational church, who offered a prayer and
gave a beautiful word tribute of respect to the memory of the
departed one. The services were in keeping with the manner of
life of Mrs. Wade, unostentatious and simplicity itself. Rev.
Mr. Tanner took as his text Romans 8:38, 39: "For I am persuaded
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height,
nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us
from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." During
her long life in Alton Mrs. Wade's going to and fro in the city
has been devoid of color of ostentation. She was ever doing good
things for those in want, and since her death the expressions of
genuine downright sorrow over the departure of their benefactor,
coming from those to whom she had held out the helping hand,
have been numerous. Her doings for others was in the nature of a
friend giving just a little friendly assistance, and it never
left the keen sense of dignity being taken from the recipient.
The death of such a much needed woman, whose sympathy was always
ready for those in sorrow, whose hand was never stayed for those
in need, is keenly felt by all who knew her, and their
expression of sorrow was made in the large attendance at her
funeral services.
WADKINS, LILLIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9,
1902
Killed By Husband in St. Louis
The body of Mrs.
Lillie Wadkins, daughter of L. M. Demoss, formerly a well known
resident of Upper Alton, was brought from St. Louis today for
burial and was interred in Milton cemetery. Mrs. Wadkins was
killed by her husband, Riley Wadkins, last Wednesday evening in
St. Louis, and Wadkins then killed himself. He was angry because
his wife refused to live with him, and that reason was assigned
for the killing. Mrs. Wadkins' father was commissary of the
Alton Federal prison during the war, and the family was well
known. Services were conducted in the East Alton Baptist church
at noon.
WAGGONER, DEBORAH and INFANT SON/Source: Alton Telegraph,
January 17, 1846
The Death of Mother and Infant Son
Died
in Monticello precinct [Godfrey] on the 10th inst., an infant
son of H. B. and Deborah Waggoner, aged 6 days.
Died on
the 12th, Deborah, wife of H. B. Waggoner, and daughter of
Richard and Elizabeth Blackburn, in the 21st year of her age; in
the prospect of immortal bliss. They were both interred in one
grave on the 13ths, amid the tears of friends and relations. A
funeral sermon will be preached on the occasion by Rev. I. B.
Randle, on the 1st of February, at the Methodist Schoolhouse on
Scarritts Prairie.
WAGGONER, GEORGE W. (REV.)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 12, 1905
Pioneer Circuit Rider; Organized Upper Alton
Methodist Church
After lingering at death's door for several
days, during the last hours of which his tongue was unable to
frame the words of farewell he desired to speak to his daughter
and other members of his family, Rev. George W. Waggoner fell
asleep just as the sun was rising, Sunday morning, at his home
in Upper Alton. He would have been 85 years of age August 15.
The last few years of his life had been made burdensome by
illness, but whenever he was not actually prostrated by illness
he was up and around carrying his messages of good cheer for
those he met. His character was one of those beautiful ones that
mirrored the perfect life which he endeavored to live. He was a
quiet, forceful man, always sunny tempered and always looking
for something good in everything. During his whole career as a
minister he probably never incurred an enmity, even though he
was most vigorous in reminding sinners of their errors. Although
he suffered intensely, he was patient and bore suffering as a
good soldier. He did not complain and among his last utterances
was a quotation from the Apostle Paul, "For I reckon the
sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to
the glory which shall be revealed in us." He expressed his
readiness and willingness to obey the last summons and was glad
to go.
The death of Rev. George W. Waggoner marks the
close of an interesting career. He was a co-laborer and personal
friend of the great Peter Cartwright, the pioneer circuit rider.
He was born at Knoxville, Tennessee, August 24, 1820. His
parents moved to Brighton 71 years ago, and there he took up his
chosen profession, preaching. He was ordained as a minister at
Jacksonville in 1851. He was engaged in the work of the Illinois
Conference when the southern part of the state was set off as a
conference in itself, and he was one of the original members.
The surviving original conference members are Rev. T. A. Eaton,
Kansas City, Kansas; Rev. J. A. Scarritt, Cairo; and Rev. Hiram
Scarritt of Cleveland, Ohio. His labors were devoted chiefly to
building up and maintaining the churches in the new conference.
He is said to have founded more churches than any other minister
ever in this conference. He was wont to encourage congregations
building new churches by telling them that although he had known
many churches to be heavily burdened with debt, he never knew
one to be sold for debt. He belonged to the old school of
preachers who scorned to write a sermon. All his sermons were
composed and carried in his head, and when he rose in the
pulpit, he relied solely on his memory for what his audience was
to receive. During forty years he did all his writing with one
battered old gold pen, and he would allow no one else to use it.
Many an offer to buy it he refused, after signing marriage
certificates. It is said that in his career he performed many
thousands of marriage ceremonies and conducted many thousands of
funerals, all of which he made a permanent record of. His
services were much sought by young couples about to be married.
Three weeks ago, he preached his last sermon at Piasa,
Illinois, where he was visiting his sister. Two weeks ago, he
officiated at a marriage ceremony. It is said that during his
long career as a minister he was almost without exception
returned for a year or more. He organized and served as first
preacher for the Washington Street Methodist Church. Last fall
he assisted in laying the cornerstone of the handsome new church
that will be dedicated this summer. Just before his death, Rev.
Mr. Waggoner gave an exhibition of his strong character. He made
all arrangements for his own funeral services, giving detailed
instructions to Rev. C. C. Hall, pastor of the Upper Alton
Church, as to what services should be held. At his request the
funeral sermon will be preached by Rev. T. H. Herdman, D. D., of
Lebanon, Illinois. The services will be conducted Tuesday
morning at 10 o'clock from the Upper Alton Methodist Church by
Rev. J. H. Ford of Granite City, presiding elder. Various
pastors in Alton district conference have been invited to attend
and assist in the services.
Rev. Mr. Waggoner is
survived by one brother, James E. Waggoner of Brighton, and two
sisters, Mrs. Margaret Eckhard, and Mrs. Mary Holloway of Piasa,
the latter 86 years of age. He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Harriet
N. White of Upper Alton, with whom he lived. He leaves also nine
grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The grandchildren are
George H. White and Mrs. Hattie Picker of East Alton; Mary C.
Skeen of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Minnie Hepburn of Guthrie, O.
T.; Homer and Oscar and Misses Roza, Nellie and Margaret
Stratton of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. [Burial was in the Upper Alton
Oakwood Cemetery.]
WAGGONER, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4,
1920
After being bedfast for two months, following a stroke
of paralysis, Mrs. Helen Waggoner died at 7 o'clock this morning
at her home. Mrs. Waggoner was 84 years of age last August. She
was a member of a well known and prominent Madison County
family, being the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alec
Ferguson. Her maiden name was Helen Ferguson. Her husband died
twenty-five years ago. She was a member of the Godfrey Methodist
Church, and until illness incapacitated her, she took an active
interest in church and civic affairs in her town. She is
survived by three daughters, Mrs. Kate McNeil of Godfrey, Mrs.
Lou Lefter of Granite City, and Mrs. Jesse Hinkle, also by two
sons, Bert Waggoner of Edwardsville and Harry Waggoner of
Macomb. She also leaves seven grandchildren.
WAGGONER, KATIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 13,
1912
First Woman in Benbow City
Mrs. Katie Waggoner, the
first woman who arrived in Benbow City in the early days of the
village after the building of the Standard Oil refinery, died
Wednesday afternoon at her home at 4:15 p.m. in Benbow City,
after a long illness of Brights' disease. Mrs. Waggoner leaves a
husband, Michael Waggoner, and no children. She was thirty-five
years of age. When Benbow City was first established by the
settlement of foreigners in box cars, Mrs. Waggoner, who was
then not married to Mr. Waggoner, and known among the foreigners
as "Katie," settled in a box car and did cooking for the
foreigners, and in spare moments did translating as she was very
fluent in five tongues, the Polish, Slavish, Hungarian, German
and English. She was a very pretty looking young woman, and
always dressed neatly, more as an American than a foreigner.
Later she did a great deal of translating in the various police
courts in the vicinity, and often received good wages for her
work. She afterwards moved into a tent, and later on, after her
marriage to Mike Waggoner, a foreigner working at the refinery,
they purchased a house in which she died. Mrs. Waggoner was
always held in high esteem by the foreigners and was admitted by
a great many Americans with whom she was very friendly. The
funeral of Mrs. Waggoner was held this afternoon at St. Mary's
church. The burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
WAGGONER, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12,
1908
Civil War Soldier
Thomas Waggoner, an old soldier
who served three years in the army during the Civil War, died
this morning at his home, Fifth street near Alby, after a long
illness. He was stricken with paralysis one year ago and beside
being rendered helpless, became blind. He was 6_ years of age.
The body will be taken to Nebo, Ill. for burial tomorrow. Alton
post, G. A. R. will furnish an escort of honor, as he was
connected with Nebo post.
\
WAGGONER, WESLEY F./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 23,
1902
Wesley F. Waggoner, one of Madison county's most
prominent farmers, died at his home one and one-half miles west
of Godfrey, on Monday morning, June 23, 1902, after a painful
illness of more than two years duration. The Waggoner family, of
which he was a member, was well known in the county and was
quite numerous. The deceased has been long a successful farmer
of Godfrey, highly esteemed for his virtues and worth. He was a
leading member of the Methodist denomination, and a substantial
man in every way. Two of his brothers, J. E. Waggoner of
Brighton and Rev. G. W. Waggoner of Upper Alton, survive him.
His wife and four children also survive him, viz: Dr. Edward,
Prof. Eugene of McKendree College, Lebanon, and a married
daughter of Lebanon, and William Waggoner. The funeral will take
place Tuesday at 3 p.m. from the M. E. church, at Bethany.
WAGGONER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
3, 1910
William Waggoner, a member of former well known
Godfrey township family, died at Granite City very suddenly
yesterday, and the body will be taken to Godfrey and services
will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow in the Bethany church where
the family attended services for many years. Waggoner's father
was Wesley Waggoner, and the deceased lived with his stepmother
at Granite City.
WAGNER, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 17,
1911
Professional Midwife
Mrs. Anna Wagner, a professional
midwife, died at the Nazareth Home Friday morning after a long
illness, aged 49. She had been in the Home since last October,
and was very ill all of the time. She leaves one son, Clement,
aged 14, two sisters, two brothers, and her mother.
WAGNER, N./Source: Alton Telegraph, May 11, 1893
Moro --
Mr. N. Wagner died last Saturday after a brief illness at the
advanced age of 75 years. In accordance with his request, his
remains were taken to the crematory in St. Louis where they were
cremated. Besides an aged wife, he leaves numerous other
relatives to mourn his loss. This is the first incident of this
kind in this community and excited not a little curiosity. The
pallbearers were: Messrs. Craig and Butler of Gillespie, Eph
Green, William Evans, William Owens and William Richardson.
WAGSTAFF, JOE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 7,
1901
Falls Into River and Drowns While Shining Handrail on
the Ouatoga
Joe Wagstaff, aged 16, son of Thomas Wagstaff of
605 Market street, engineer on the Ouatoga, fell overboard while
shining the brass handrail on the boat at 3:45 this afternoon,
and being unable to swim was drowned in a swift eddy and deep
water. The body was searched for by the father this afternoon.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9, 1901
The
body of Joseph Wagstaff was taken from the river yesterday
afternoon about 2:30 o'clock. The body was recovered in the eddy
where the drowning occurred, and was found by George Mitchell,
who has recovered the bodies of many drowned persons. The body
of the drowned boy was taken to the rooms of Deputy Streeper,
where an inquest was held and it was prepared for burial. The
funeral was held this afternoon from the family home on Market
street.
WAKEMAN, FRANCIS ALONSO/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 31, 1850
Died Wednesday, Francis Alonso, infant son of Lieut. A. C.
Wakeman of Louisiana, aged 20 months.
WALD, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 19,
1922
Employee of Illinois Glass
After five years of his
life being spent in darkness, and an invalid for a long time,
Joseph Wald, for 45 years an employee of the Illinois Glass Co.,
died this morning at 1:30 o'clock at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. E. Ross McPherson, 1127 Central avenue. The death of Mr.
Wald had been expected for a year. He had been a sufferer from a
droppical condition and he had been bedfast practically all of
the time. Five years ago, while he was working for the Illinois
Glass Company, he was suddenly stricken with blindness. The
cause of the loss of sight was never completely established. He
had been a faithful worker for his employers. For many years he
was a glassblower and after glassblowers were dispensed with,
Mr. Wald had another position at the glass works until he lost
his sight and was unable to work any longer. He was born in
Lancaster, Ohio and came here when a boy. He was 67 years of
age. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Louise Wald, and two children,
John Wald and Mrs. E. Ross McPherson. He leaves also two
brothers, John and Andrew of St. Louis, and one sister, Mrs.
Henry Kentnor of Chicago. The funeral will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home of Mrs. McPherson, and
services will be conducted by Rev. Mr. Niebrugge, pastor of the
Twelfth street Presbyterian church. Burial will be in City
cemetery.
WALDON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 25,
1911
Fatally Injured When Caught Under Moving Freight Car
George Waldon, a negro employed at the Gissal quarry, was
fatally injured this morning by being caught beneath a freight
car that cut off one of his legs, and a foot of the other leg.
He died at the hospital. He and Walter Franklin had left the
quarry this morning to go up town, when the rain set in that
prevented them from working. They were on their return from
town, when a heavy shower came on near the noon hour. Both men
sought shelter from the rain beneath a string of cars that stood
on the siding against the abandoned quarry, opposite the old
water works station. There was a number of other men beneath
another car further up. The beat of the rain drowned the
approach of a switch engine that set a car in on the siding and
moved it up the track. Waldon was caught by the wheel and drawn
beneath it, before he was aware of the imminent danger. His leg
was caught and cut off above the knee, and the foot of the other
leg was cut off. Franklin was in an extremely dangerous
position, with his life depending upon his ability to cling to a
slender hold he had managed to grasp as the brake rods struck
him and doubled him up and rolled him beneath the moving car. He
was able to maintain his clutch on the rod until his position
was made known to the train men, and he was removed from the car
in what was supposed to be a badly injured condition, but he was
only bruised and will be no worse for his adventure in a few
days. Waldon was taken in the ambulance to the hospital, where
he died soon after. The men beneath the car beyond that under
which Waldon was caught had a bad scare, but escaped without
harm. Waldon had been in Alton about three weeks, and was
employed at the Gissal quarry. He is married and lives with his
family in a house of the quarry company in the vicinity of the
works, and was a neighbor of Franklin.
WALDRON, TEMPERANCE B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
19, 1902
The body of Mrs. Temperance B. Waldron, widow of
George W. Waldron, was brought to Alton today for burial. Mrs.
Waldron died in St. Louis Friday afternoon, aged 71, after an
illness with pneumonia at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. C.
Evans. The body was accompanied by four of Mrs. Waldron's
children, Mrs. G. C. Evans, Mrs. William Lewry of St. Louis, G.
M. Waldron of Indianapolis, and Harry J. Waldron of Bloomington.
The body was interred in Alton City Cemetery beside that of Mr.
Waldron, who was buried there in 1879. Mr. Waldron was at one
time a well known contractor in Alton, and the family lived on
Summit street.
WALKER, DANIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1851
We
regret to learn that Mr. Daniel Walker of Upper Alton, who
recovered from an attack of the cholera some two weeks since,
was taken with a relapse on Friday last, which caused his death
in a few hours. With the exception of this case, there has been
no cholera in that town for some time, and the general health is
improving.
WALKER, EMMA ROSSITA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 10,
1865
Died on October 26, 1865, Emma Rossita, only daughter of
William T. and Mary L. Walker, aged 9 months and 22 days.
WALKER, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1910
Brother Kills Brother - Accidental Shooting at Fosterburg
Harry Walker, aged 12, was accidentally killed by his 15 year
old brother, Bert, this noon near Fosterburg. The boys are sons
of Robert Walker. They had gone out in the woods to shoot
squirrels and their father was with them. They had killed one,
and the boys were trying to kill another after their father had
gone home. Bert tried to make another shot, and in cocking his
gun his finger slipped and he shot his brother in the temple.
The boy died instantly. Hector Bassett went after the body and
took it home, and this afternoon Coroner Streeper went over to
Fosterburg to conduct an inquest.
WALKER, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 13,
1917
In a race with death, at noon today life was the winner
by just a narrow margin, and just as Supervisor Gus Haller of
Wood River brought James Walker, aged 63 years, of Wood River,
into the county hospital here, Walker died. Haller had hoped to
get him here in time and he barely did, says the Edwardsville
Intelligencer. Walker was found ill at Wood River Monday, and
the case was reported to Supervisor Haller, who immediately made
arrangements to bring him to Edwardsville. They arrived at the
hospital at 1:25 and Walker died five minutes later.
WALKER, JOHN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17,
1906
John R. Walker, formerly a resident of Upper Alton, died
in a St. Louis sanitarium Monday morning at 1:30 o'clock, after
a long illness. He was the husband of Maud B. Harney, a sister
of Paul Harney of this city, and at the same time that the
couple were married, Paul, the deceased son of Mr. and Mrs.
Harney, was christened. The body will be brought from St. Louis
and the funeral services will be held tomorrow, and burial will
be in Upper Alton in Oakwood Cemetery.
WALKER, M. B./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1862
Died
near Alton, after a severe illness of about three weeks, M. B.
Walker, Esq., about fifty-one years of age.
WALKER, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 28, 1862
Died near Alton, on the 17th inst., Mary, consort of the late
Moses Walker, deceased, aged 27 years, leaving 4 small children
and numerous friends to mourn their loss.
WALKER, RUSSEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21,
1919
Russel, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Walker, died
last night at the home near Fosterburg after a short illness
with pneumonia. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the Salem Baptist Church.
WALKER, SAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1908
Married 8 Times and Father of 30 Children Dies ... Only One
Relative Attends Funeral
Out of a family of thirty children,
only one of them attended the funeral of Sam Walker, colored,
which was held Tuesday afternoon in Upper Alton. The funeral was
conducted by Rev. J. W. Edmundson at the A. M. E. church, and
was attended by a very large number of colored people. It is
stated by relatives of the deceased that he was married eight
times and that he was the father of thirty children, most of
whom are living. Julius, the 12 year old boy of Walker and who
has been living with him was the only relative of the deceased
that attended the funeral. Walker's last wife lives in
Springfield with her children and word was sent to her
announcing the death of her husband. She wrote that she would
attend the funeral but she failed to come, as did the children.
The boy who has formerly lived with his father here will
probably be sent to Springfield to live with the mother.
WALKER, SAMUEL B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
20, 1904
The body of Samuel B. Walker, who died in the insane
asylum at Kankakee, Ill., arrived in Alton Thursday morning and
the burial took place Thursday afternoon in Oakwood cemetery.
Mr. Walker was 77 years of age, and lived in Alton from the time
he was 8 years old until 1856. He was a carpenter by trade and
was well known in Alton and Upper Alton. The last years of his
life were clouded by a failing of his mind, due to old age. He
leaves three daughters, Mrs. F. C. Wagner, of Charleston, and
Mrs. Anna McGarrah and Mrs. Nora Evans of St. Louis. The body
was accompanied to Alton by Mr. Wagner.
WALKER, UNKNOWN DAUGHTER OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 19, 1864
Died on the 11th of February, the only
daughter of William T. and Mary L. Walker, aged 1 year, 9
months, and 19 days.
WALL, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6,
1906
Prominent East Alton Farmer Commits Suicide
George
Wall, a prominent landowner and former president of the village
of East Alton, committed suicide at 6 o'clock Thursday morning
by shooting himself in the temple with a revolver. His death was
the result of a long spell of ill health, over which he brooded
until in a fit of despondency he resolved to end his life at
once. Several years ago Mr. Wall suffered a paralytic stroke and
he had been more or less helpless since. Two weeks ago he fell
and injured his side, and the physicians said that Mr. Wall's
life could not be very much longer and he was advised that the
end was near. This weighed on his mind when he realized that
there was no hope of recovery until it drove him to desperation,
and fearing that the remainder of his life would be one of
helplessness he decided not to be a burden on anyone. Several
days ago Mr. Wall told his son, Ed, that someone was prowling
around the house at nights, and he asked that his revolver be
given him in order that he might use it if occasion required.
The pistol was given to him after repeated requests, and it is
now thought that he then intended taking his own life although
he never intimated that he intended ending his sufferings thus
summarily. This morning when Ed Wall, who slept in the same room
with his father, arose and left the house to feed the livestock,
Mr. Wall seized the pistol, and putting it to his head fired.
Mrs. Vosburgh, his daughter, was in an adjoining room preparing
the morning meal and rushed to her father's side when she heard
the shot. He died in a few seconds, and when Dr. C. N. Pence
arrived nothing could be done. Mr. Wall was about 70 years of
age and was for several years police magistrate of East Alton.
He served the public in many capacities and always discharged
his duties ably and well. He is survived by three children, Mrs.
S. L. Vosburgh and Edward of East Alton, and Charles, a
telegraph operator employed in East St. Louis. A Telegraph
reporter visited the Wall home about a mile east of the village
this morning, and Mrs. Vosburgh, who has been living at her
father's home since he was stricken a couple of weeks ago, was
so completely unnerved by the shock of the tragedy that she was
unable to talk much of the affair. Coroner Streeper will hold an
inquest tomorrow. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the family home.
WALL, MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1851
Died
near Alton on the 22nd ult., of consumption, Mrs. Mary Wall,
wife of Thomas Wall, recently from Mackworth, Derby, England,
aged 25 years.
WALL, S. ANN/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1851
Died
near Alton on the 18th ult., S. Ann, infant daughter of Mr.
Thomas Wall, aged 11 months.
WALLACE, GEORGE McKINLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 26, 1920
George McKinley Wallace, the six months' old
son of Casper Wallace, died this morning at the home, 311
Shields street. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Mrs.
Casper Wallace, the mother of the child, died above five months
ago.
WALLACE, HARRIET HAPGOOD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 6, 1915
When Mrs. George Miller Sr. of Madison avenue
went to pay her morning call on Mrs. Harriet Hapgood of Madison
avenue, the latter did not answer her knock, and Mrs. Miller
left again without bothering her. Returning a little later she
found Mrs. Hapgood in an unconscious state, and quickly
telephoned for a doctor. When the doctor arrived, he pronounced
Mrs. Hapgood dead, saying that she must have passed off in her
sleep, and that she had been dead some hours. Mrs. Hapgood was a
resident of Madison Avenue for some years and was loved and
venerated by all who came in contact with her, on account of her
loving and sweet disposition. She was the sister of Mrs. Hayden,
who died some time ago. For a number of years she and another
sister lived together, but two years ago death separated them
and since that time she has lived with Mr. and Mrs. Harrison
Meyers, and was nursed carefully by Mrs. George Miller. Mrs.
Hapgood was in her 85th year. For several years she had been
very feeble and two years ago fell and broke her hip and the
injury never healed. Since that time she has been bedfast.
During all her illness she was always patient and was very much
beloved by those who cared for her. Mrs. Hapgood was married
twice. After the death of her first husband, Mr. Hapgood, she
married a man named Wallace, and after his death she resumed the
name of her former husband and drew a pension as his widow. The
aged lady lost her only son a few years ago, and her estate must
go to distant relatives. The funeral will be tomorrow morning at
10:30 o'clock from the home, and Rev. Arthur Goodget will
conduct the services.
WALLACE, HARRY (DOCTOR)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 12, 1911
Dr. Harry Wallace of Chicago died Tuesday
night in St. Joseph's hospital after a long illness from a
complication of troubles. He was 54 years old, and is survived
by his aged mother and his aunt, Miss Sarah Forbush, of Madison
avenue, Alton. Dr. Wallace spent his boyhood days in Alton, and
was a nephew of the late Fred Hayden. He left here about 30
years ago and went to his farm near Villa Ridge, Ill. After a
few years of farm life he went to Chicago, and has since
practiced his profession - medicine. His illness compelled him
to abandon this about five months ago, and he came to Alton. A
week or ten days ago he entered the hospital. He was well known
and generally respected in Alton, but only his intimate friends
known of the game fight he was making for years against death.
He was cheerful and optimistic and made no complaints. The
funeral will be held tomorrow probably under the auspices of
Franklin lodge A. F. & A. M., of which he was a member, and
religious services will be conducted by Rev. A. Goodger of St.
Paul's Episcopal church. Burial will be in City Cemetery. The
funeral will be Friday morning at 8 o'clock from the home, 265
Madison avenue.
WALLACE, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1920
Mrs. Helen Wallace, aged 33, died yesterday afternoon at
the home on Mayfield avenue. She is survived by her husband, and
two children, one of the children was only two days old. The
funeral arrangements have not been made.
WALLACE, JOHN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 28, 1852
Mr.
John Wallace, whose accidental death on April 21 we noticed
yesterday, was employed in a circular sawmill, and came to his
end by becoming caught in the saw, and before assistance could
reach him, he was lifeless, the saw having entered his head
deeply and produced instant death. No one was present at the
time of the melancholy accident. He leaves a wife and two
children and many relations and friends to deplore his loss.
WALLACE, WASHINGTON/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1837
Died, on Tuesday morning last, after a short but severe illness,
Washington, youngest son of Mr. Wallace of Middletown, in the
sixth year of his age.
WALLACE, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 20,
1852
Died at the residence of his father in Middle Alton, on
the fifth inst., William H., son of Thomas and Margaret Wallace,
aged 21 years and 11 months.
WALLAR, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19,
1921
William Wallar, aged 45 years, died Friday afternoon at
4:45 o'clock at the family home at 1615 Piasa street after a
short illness. The deceased is survived by his widow and one
son, William Wallar. The funeral services will be held Sunday
afternoon at two o'clock.
WALLS, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21,
1905
The funeral of Charles Walls will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the East Alton Methodist church,
Rev. C. L. Peterson officiating, and burial will be in Oakwood
cemetery in Upper Alton.
WALSH, ANNA (nee MURPHY)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 1 1920
Mrs. Anna Murphy Walsh, widow of James Walsh,
died at her home in Godfrey township Monday morning, a few
minutes after midnight, on All Saints Day. Her husband, John
Walsh, died six months ago on Ascension day. Mrs. Walsh would
have been 80 years of age next Friday. The death of Mrs. Walsh
followed a period of eighteen months of complete paralysis. She
was in such condition that it was impossible for her family to
be sure that she understood that her husband had died. They
could not know whether she suffered at any time. There was no
sign of recognition from her given to any of the efforts of the
family to give her any information. Mrs. Walsh had lived in
Godfrey township since she was a small child. She was born of
Irish parents in Berkshire, England, and they emigrated to
America when she was very young. They settled in Godfrey
township and there she passed all the remainder of her life. She
had resided forty-five years in the house where she died and she
had a wide acquaintance in Godfrey township, especially among
the older folks. A year after she was stricken with paralysis,
her husband, who had been constant in his devoted attention to
her, died very suddenly. When news of the death of the husband
went out many believed it was an error, that it must be the wife
who had died, because of her condition. She leaves three
children, John and William and Miss Anna Walsh. The funeral will
be Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's
Cathedral, and burial will be in Greenwood cemetery.
WALSH, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5,
1904
Mrs. Catherine Walsh of 1115 east Sixth street, died at
St. Joseph's hospital Friday morning after a long illness. She
was born in Ireland 70 years ago and came to America 55 years
ago. She has lived in Alton 20 years and was well known and
respected in the East End. She is survived by three daughters,
Misses Jennie and Kate Walsh of Alton and Margaret, who is a
Sister of the Dominican Order in New York City. The funeral will
be Monday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's church.
WALSH, JOHN D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14,
1912
John D. Walsh, aged 56, died at the St. Joseph's
hospital last night at twelve o'clock as the result of a fall he
sustained on Monday night at his boarding house on Fourth and
Belle streets. Walsh had been in the employment of the Standard
Oil Co. for ___ years and 4 months, and was working in Alton for
eight months longer so he might go to his home in Chicago and
retire on the pension to be given him by the company for his
long service. A week ankle which had been broken in his
childhood was the cause of his fall, which resulted in his
death. He was kept from work on Monday as the result of a bad
cold, and Monday night as he was returning to his room from the
bathroom of the boarding house down a flight of steps, his ankle
gave away and he fell fourteen steps. John Scott, a fellow
boarder in a room nearby, heard the noise and found Walsh
unconscious at the foot of the stairs. A doctor was called and
ordered that Walsh be taken to the hospital. At the hospital
pneumonia set in and he died at 11 o'clock last night. He leaves
a wife and five daughters. His wife and four daughters are in
Chicago, and to them he sent the greater part of every paycheck,
according to fellow boarders. The other daughter lives in St.
Louis but was at the father's bedside when he passed away. The
remains will be taken to Chicago tonight and the burial will be
from his old home.
WALSH, JOSEPHINE YOKUM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
2, 1922
Mrs. Josephine Yokum Walsh, wife of Richard Walsh,
died this morning at 5:30 o'clock following an illness which
began last September. Her condition gradually became worse and
for months Mrs. Walsh has been unable to leave her home. Heart
trouble was the cause of her protracted illness. She died at the
family home, 344 Bluff street. Mrs. Walsh was one of the city's
best known residents. She was 50 years of age last January 18.
She was born and reared in Alton, living her entire life on
Bluff street, dying in a home next to the one in which she was
born. She was educated in the Alton public schools and graduated
as valedictorian of her class. She took a great interest in
lodge work and was especially active in patriotic organizations.
She was a member of the Daughters of Veterans, Woman's Relief
Corps and the Maccabees. She was a member of the First Baptist
Church. She leaves her husband, her mother, Mrs. Maggie Yokum,
one brother and three sisters. Her mother and family are
residing in Stockton, Calif. The funeral will be held at 2:30
o'clock on Saturday.
WALSH, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 29, 1847
Died at the residence of Doctor J. H. Weir in Edwardsville on
Saturday, the 16th inst., Michael, only child of Michael and
Lucy G. Walsh of Troy; aged 5 months and 16 days. May he rest in
peace.
WALSH, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20,
1919
Michael Walsh, aged 93 years, died Sunday morning at an
early hour at the home of his daughter, Mrs. George Long, of
1705 Alby street, after a short illness with pneumonia. The
funeral of Mr. Walsh will be held at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning
from the Cathedral, and interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.
The passing of Mr. Walsh marked the loss of another well known
Altonian, who will be greatly missed by relatives and friends
throughout the city. coming to Alton at an early age the
deceased settled in the vicinity of Seventeenth and Alby street,
where he has since resided. For years he was employed by the
Chicago & Alton Railroad, and when age prevented him from
continuing his employment, he opened a small grocery store on
Seventeenth street, where he prospered. He is survived by one
son, David Walsh, of Alhambra, Cal., and by one daughter, Mrs.
George Long. He also leaves six grandchildren, George Jr., Miss
Helen, David, Earl, Eugene and Frank Long. Two of the grandsons,
David and Earl, are in France, and it was the wish of the
grandfather that he might live to welcome them home, but this
was denied him. Walsh was born in County Cork, Ireland, on July
16, 1826, and came to Alton in 1864. Since that time he resided
here, and throughout that time was a member of the Cathedral
congregation. The family requests that friends omit flowers.
WALTER, CAROLINE MARY/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5, 1850
Died on Sunday last, Caroline Mary, daughter of Mr. Paul Walter
of Alton, aged four years and nine months.
WALTER, ELIZABETH [nee SCHWAN]/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 11, 1907
Mrs. Elizabeth Walter, wife of
Landolin Walter, a resident of Alton over sixty years, died
Saturday night at 11:30 o'clock from paralysis at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Fred Green, on Thorpe street. At the time of
her death Mrs. Walter was attended by some of her children,
those living in the city having been summoned hastily to her
bedside. A few days before Christmas she was stricken with
paralysis at the home of her daughter with whom Mrs. Walter and
her aged husband had been living. She was believed to be in a
hopeless condition then, but she surprised everyone by getting
up and around the house again. She was again stricken with
paralysis Saturday and she did not rally. Mrs. Walter was a
native of Germany. She would have been 78 years of age March 10.
She came to Alton when she was a young girl. Her maiden name was
Schwan. She was married in Alton fifty-six years ago, and lived
all the remainder of her life in Alton. She raised a large
family of children in the city, eight of the ten being alive
still, and most of them being residents of Alton. Her aged
partner in more than a half century of married life survives
her. Mrs. Walter leaves the following children: Mrs. Edith
Brandenberg, Mrs. Matilda Green, Mrs. Edward Yager of Alton;
Messrs. George, Louis E., Gus of Alton; William of St. Louis and
Frank of Columbia, S. C. The funeral will be held tomorrow
morning at 10:30 o'clock from the home of Mrs. Green on Thorpe
street. Mrs. Walter was a quiet, unobtrusive, home-like woman,
and throughout her long life in Alton she was beloved by all her
friends and neighbors and a good mother and wife. Her death is a
sad blow to her aged husband. The funeral of Mrs. Walter will be
private.
WALTER, ELIZABETH (nee JOHNSON)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 10, 1921
Mrs. Elizabeth Walter, widow of
George M. Walter, died at St. Joseph's Hospital at 6:30 a.m.
today. She was 66 years old. Though ill for some time, it was
only a few weeks ago that Mrs. Walter's condition became
serious. Ten days ago she was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital,
when her condition became worse. She failed to rally, however,
and today the end came. Mrs. Walter had been a resident of Alton
most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Johnson. Her father was formerly superintendent of the
Alton gas works. The death of Mrs. Walter, while not unexpected,
was a shock to the many people who knew her, and caused profound
sorrow. A woman not attracted by social activities and of no
fraternal connections, she was loved and respected for her
sterling character and kindly disposition. She was known for her
love of home and family. Mrs. Walter was born in Manchester,
England, on September 13, 1854, and would have been 67 years old
next Tuesday. She came to this country with her parents when 18
months old. She was married on May 17, 1876, to George M.
Walter, who died several years ago. Mrs. Walter is survived by
two sons and two daughters. The sons are Robert and George M. of
Alton. The daughters are Mrs. C. L. Goulding of Alton and Mrs.
Eva Smith of Winchester. She is survived also by a sister, Miss
Martha Johnson, and a brother, Charles Johnson, both of Alton.
Funeral services will be at the Cathedral at 9 o'clock Monday,
when requiem mass will be celebrated.
WALTER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 8, 1914
George Walter, well known traveling man and life long resident
of Alton, died Wednesday morning at 4:40 o'clock at his
residence, 1209 State street, from a cancerous growth. Mr.
Walter had been ill since last November. He had been bedfast for
six weeks. Up to the time his illness began last November, he
was apparently in robust health, was a successful traveling
salesman, and was filled with energy and vigor that made him
intensely popular in a large circle of friends. When his illness
began it was supposed that he had whooping cough and little
attention was given to it until the malady failed to yield to
treatment and time, and then the physicians began to be puzzled.
It was not until an x-ray examination of him was made that it
became apparent that his malady was of a very grave character
and that his life would not be spared. Mr. Walter never gave up
the appearance of a determination to get well. He manifested an
outward appearance of hopefulness, and the good cheer which had
characterized him in his every day life never was given up. He
always insisted that he was doing nicely and getting better,
even though those who were closest to him knew that it was a
rapid decline that had set in and that he was steadily growing
worse. He had been very low for a week and the end was expected.
It was so peaceful there was no time to call his family members.
Mr. Walter was born in Alton and spent all his life here. He was
a son of Mr. and Mrs. Landolin Walter, who moved here from
Grafton many years ago. Mr. Walter leaves his wife and four
children, Mrs. C. L. Goulding; Mrs. Edward Smith; Robert and
George Walter. Mr. Walter would have been 62 years of age the
seventh of next August. Thirty-eight years ago he began his
career as a traveling salesman with that firm 21 years. He
worked always in the same territory and he had a wide
acquaintance and was a very successful salesman. His powers as a
salesman had not been diminished up to the time his health
failed him. He was a member of the United Commercial Travelers
and of the Masonic fraternity. The funeral services will be held
Friday morning from the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. L.
Goulding, 720 Euclid place, at 10:30 o'clock. The burial
services at City Cemetery will be under the auspices of Piasa
Lodge A. F. & A. M., in which he held membership, and there will
be a Knight Templar escort.
WALTER, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30,
1922
George Walter, aged 70 years, died Saturday evening at 6
o'clock, following an illness of one month, suffering from heart
trouble. He died at the family home at Godfrey, where he has
spent most of his life. He was unmarried. He is survived by
three sisters, Miss Rose Walter of Godfrey, Sister Leocadia of
the O'Fallon Convent, and Mother Bernard of Ursaline Novitiate
and three brothers, John of Bunker Hill, Henry and Philip of
Godfrey. Miss Rose Walter and John made their home with the
deceased. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at ten
o'clock from the Cathedral, interment will be in the Greenwood
cemetery. The body of Mr. Walter has been taken to the home of
his brother, Philip, near Godfrey.
WALTER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 13,
1914
Joseph Walter, four weeks old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Anthony Walter, was buried yesterday afternoon from the home on
Danforth street to the Greenwood Cemetery.
WALTER, JULIA MONAGHAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
23, 1921
Mrs. Julia Monaghan Walter, wife of Louis E. Walter,
died this morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. William
Deacon, on the Grafton road, where she was taken a few days
before her death. Mrs. Walter had been in bad condition for
about seven weeks, but since last Tuesday her case had been
desperate. She was suffering from a kidney trouble and while she
did not give up her hope of recovering, it was known to her
family that her condition was grave and that there was a
probability that it would terminate fatally. Owing to the
continual noise of passing automobiles on Central avenue, and
the nervous condition of Mrs. Walter due to her sickness, it
became necessary to seek a quieter place and so she was taken to
the home of her sister, Mrs. Deacon, had reared Mrs. Walter from
childhood, as the older sister, and it was to the home of this
sister that she went to spend the last few days of her life. Her
death occurred at 3:40 a.m., after her case had taken a sudden
change for the worse. Mrs. Walter was born in Alton and spent
all of her life here. She was born August 29, 1866, and was
married in Alton to Louis E. Walter, May 7, 1890. She leaves
beside her husband, two sons, Louis E. Jr., and Eugene. She
leaves also two sisters, Mrs. Charles McKenna, of St. Louis, and
Mrs. William Deacon, of Alton, and one brother, John Monaghan of
Alton. Mrs. Walter was a woman of a quiet, beautiful
disposition. She had a wide acquaintance in Alton and leaves a
very large number of good friends to mourn her death, and who
will join in sympathetic expressions to the afflicted family.
She was known as a kind neighbor and one who always was for the
ways of peace and harmony. She possessed a kind heart and there
are many who will long remember acts of kindness she did for
them. Her affection for her family was the dominant trait of her
character, and in them most of her interest was centered. The
body will be taken from the Deacon home on the Grafton road to
the home on Central avenue Sunday evening. The funeral of Mrs.
Walter will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from SS. Peter
and Paul's Cathedral. Interment will be in City Cemetery.
WALTER, LANDOLIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
5, 1910
Landolin Walter, aged 86, died Saturday night at
11:20 o'clock at the home of his son, Gustave Walter, north of
Alton, after an illness of only a few days. Mr. Walter had
seemingly been in good health up to last Thursday, when he went
to the home of his son in the North Side to spend the day. He
was taken sick soon after he arrived and was unable to return to
his home. Uraemic poisoning developed and his death followed
within 48 hours after the beginning of his illness. Mr. Walter
was a native of Oberschopheim, Germany, and was 86 years of age.
He had lived in Alton 63 years, and had spent a very active
life. Only about eight years ago he ceased to follow his
vocation of cabinet maker, contractor and builder. He was the
father of a large family, almost all of them residents of Alton
and immediate vicinity. His aged wife died a few years ago,
after having celebrated with him their golden wedding
anniversary. The children are Mrs. Ida Brandenberger, Mrs. Fred
Green, Mrs. Edward Yager, Messrs. George, William Gustave, Louis
E., of Alton, and Frank Walter of Atlanta, Ga. A telegram was
sent to his son who is in Atlanta. Landolin Walter left
Oberschophelm on the 4th day of March 1847, traveling by way of
Straussburg-Paris-Rouen-Havre de grass, taking passage on the
sailing vessel "South Carolina," for New Orleans, from
Havre-de-grass. Owing to stormy weather, it required fifty-nine
days to make the trip from Havre-de-grass to New Orleans. Mr.
Walter arrived at New Orleans on May 16th, 1847, and took
passage for St. Louis by boat line, and from St. Louis to Alton
onboard a boat named "Iouel'a." Mr. Walter was one of the
founders of the German Evangelical church, and built the church
that formerly occupied the site at the corner of Eighth and
Henry. He was elected to the office of township collector for
three terms. Mr. Walter is the last member of the family of
Walter of the older generation. On December 16th, 1909, Mrs.
Valentine Walter of Omaha, Nebraska was buried in this city. She
was a sister-in-law of deceased. On March 3rd, 1910, Mr.
Valentine Walter was buried in this city. On October 23rd Mrs.
Ellen Runzi was buried in the City cemetery. Mrs. Runzi was a
sister of Mr. Walter. Mr. and Mrs. Walter were married in the
city of Edwardsville many years ago. Mrs. Walter died March 9th,
1907. The body of Mr. Walter was moved to the home of his
daughter, Mrs. Ida Brandenberger, 1503 Highland avenue, and the
funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from there,
Rev. E. L. Mueller officiating.
WALTER, LIBBIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 17,
1910
Northsiders [North Alton] were sincerely grieved when
they learned of the death of Mrs. Libbie Walter, wife of "Shine"
Walter, and the sympathy of this community is with the husband
and children left behind. The home was an unusually happy one,
and this makes the death all the worse - all the harder to bear.
The family lived here several years, and all who knew her knew
her as a good neighbor, a faithful wife, and loving mother. The
funeral will be tomorrow morning from the Cathedral.
WALTER, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 11, 1904
North Alton News - After a severe illness dating from March
last, Mr. Louis Walter, assistant supervisor of Alton township
and for many years a business man of this place, died Sunday
morning just as day broke. He leaves a wife and five children,
Louis Jr., Frank, Joseph, Ignatius and Mrs. George Schmitt, all
of this vicinity, and three step-children, Tobe Stevenson of
Shelby county, Ed Stevenson of East St. Louis, and Mrs. David
Sigel of Alton. Mr. Walter was about 60 years of age and spent
most of these years in this vicinity. He was successful as a
farmer and as a business man, and he served the township and
county well on the board of supervisors and in various other
positions of trust. He was a good neighbor and a kind husband
and father, and he bore his long and excruciating suffering with
resignation. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 9:30 from
St. Mary's church to St. Joseph's cemetery. The children are all
here as are also a brother and other relatives of deceased from
St. Charles County, Missouri.
WALTER, LOUISA/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 1, 1913
Mrs.
Louisa Walter, widow of Paul Walter, aged 85, died Wednesday
morning at her home on West Brown street in Upper Alton, at
10:45 o'clock after a three-weeks illness. Mrs. Walter was a
resident of Alton more than sixty years, and in her long period
of residence here she had made many friends, most of whom have
gone before her, but among the younger people she had acquired a
retinue of friends who held her in the highest esteem. Mrs.
Walter's husband died eleven years ago in Alton. She was born in
West Coplin, Germany, July 13, 1827, and came to America when
she was eleven years of age. She married in Alton July 20, 1844,
and the remainder of the time she lived in Alton and vicinity,
spending some time in Jerseyville. The greater part of her life
she lived in Alton and close by. She was the mother of nine
children, six of whom survive, Henry of Upper Alton, Mrs.
Josephine Malforth and Mrs. Otto Ulrich of St. Louis, Miss Mary
of Upper Alton, William of Upper Alton, George of Fosterburg.
She leaves sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren,
also two sisters, Mrs. Theo. Lex and Mrs. Caroline Kies, and a
brother, Louis Schaaf, all of St. Louis. The funeral will be
held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon from the family home. Rev. C.
M. McManis of the Presbyterian Church officiating.
WALTER, MARY (SISTER FLORIAN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 7, 1917
Sister Florian died last evening at 7
o'clock at the Ursuline Convent, of which order she has been a
member for years. While Sister Florian had not been well for
some time, she was able to be in chapel for mass Sunday morning.
Death was due to heart trouble. Sister Florian was in her
sixty-fifth year. Before entering the convent she was Miss Mary
Walter, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Walter of
this city. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Andrew Bensman of
North Central avenue, and by a number of nieces and nephews. The
Walter family was a well known family in Alton, residing in
Middletown. Sister Florian was looking forward with great
anticipation to the celebration of her golden jubilee, which she
expected to enjoy. She was in the convent over forty-eight
years. Her death will cause a great sorrow among her many Alton
friends, but particularly among the children of the Academy,
with whom she was a great favorite. She possessed a beautiful
character, and her sweet and lovable ways endeared her to all
who had the pleasure of knowing her. Sister Florian's funeral
will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from the convent
chapel, where she spent so many years of her religious life.
WALTER, MAURICE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 7,
1918
Former Telegraph Employee Gives Life Defending His Flag
(World War I)
Word came to Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Walter of the
North Side that their son, Maurice Walter, was killed in action
in France, September 26. The message was the first tidings of
the young soldier received in some time. It is not true in his
case, as in some others, that any letter written by him dated
subsequent to the date mentioned as that of his death has been
received, so the family credit fully the official message
telling that he had given up his life on the field of battle.
Maurice Walter was one of the best beloved of any Telegraph
employee among the men with whom he worked. He was an apprentice
at the printer's trade. It was with the utmost regret the
Telegraph force saw him leave, as his uniform good cheer and his
willingness to be of service to others had made him a popular
favorite among the employees. Maurice, when war broke out, could
take little interest in his work or anything else. He felt that
he must be helping in the war. Being under age, he did not
immediately enlist, but gave up his work at the Telegraph to
take a job where he felt he was directly doing war work. Then,
having taken that one step, he concluded to take another by
enlisting his service in the army. Last spring he was back home
in Alton. He had been sick in camp in Oklahoma, where he was
training. He had a head for mechanics and he was given some
special rank as a repair man for rifles. In the Telegraph office
he had shown a remarkable ability in handling machines of the
most intricate kinds. It was this ability that caused him to be
called upon to do repair work. He was shipped to France soon
after he recovered from the illness in camp, and following his
furlough at home. Those who knew Maurice Walter knew that he
would be ready to make the sacrifice, whatever it might be, for
his flag, as that was the controlling idea in his mind. There is
genuine mourning among his family and among those who worked
with him over the necessity that caused the loss of a bright,
happy young life that had in it qualities which would have
worked for the highest usefulness, had not it fallen to his lot
to render it for his country's flag. Besides his parents he
leaves two sisters and six brothers. He would have been 22 years
old in December.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 26, 1918
Christmas Day brought a letter to Mr. and
Mrs. Gustave Walter and family of the North Side, that gave them
cause for being uplifted with pride on the first Christmas after
Maurice Walter gave up his life fighting for his country's flag.
The letter was written by Miss Bertha Skinker, a sister of Capt.
Skinker of Co. I, 138th Regiment, and it gave the family the
first real facts about the death and burial of Maurice on the
field of battle. The letter recites a tale of heroic
self-sacrifice and contempt for real danger on the part of
Captain Skinker and Maurice Walter, which resulted in the saving
of the company from murderous fire that was being poured on them
from a machine gun nest. Maurice volunteered to go with his
captain to clean up the machine gunners the enemy had posted
there, and in making the attempt both lost their lives and both
were buried in the same grave, as they found them lying side by
side on the field. The family of the soldier have good reason
for being proud and their pride is shared by the entire force of
the Alton Telegraph, where Maurice Walter was employed for a
long time before the war began. Every member of the force who
worked with him in the Telegraph office felt certain that if he
had a chance to do it, Maurice would do just what he did do. He
was known as a boy who would do what seemed necessary, and ask
no questions and do it without complaint. They are sure that he
went to his last great task with a smile on his face and a
cheery "I'll go," when calls were made for volunteers. The
letter from Miss Skinker is as follows: "6464 Ellenwood Avenue,
St. Louis, Mo. - If this note reaches the relatives of Maurice
Walter of Co. I, 138th Regiment, it is meant for them.
Otherwise, I have made a mistake (as it has been hard to trace
Maurice Walter's address) and I am sorry for the intrusion.
Though I never knew Maurice Walter, I shall always remember his
name and I am anxious his family should understand how deeply I
sympathize with them in their sorrow for his loss, and how proud
of him they have a right to be. I do not know whether you have
heard that he and my brother, Captain Skinker, were found lying
near each other, after the battle of Cheppy, and were laid to
rest in one grave. Evidently it was he who went forward with my
brother (no doubt having volunteered for the post of danger)
when it became necessary to break up a machine gun nest which
was pouring a murderous fire into the shell hole in which a
hundred and fifty men of I Company had taken refuge. They both
fell, but they saved otheers, for the others rushed forward to
avenge them and overpowered the enemy. My brother's last words
were: 'My boys! My poor boys! What will become of my poor boys?'
They were his last thoughts and, after all, his sacrifice and
that of Maurice Walter's, were the cause of most of them being
saved. That is a great deal for the families of both these
heroes to be thankful for. If you are not already using a flag
like the enclosed, I should be glad for you to use it as
combined memorial to the two who were so closely united at the
end, and have marched together through the pearly gates. These
holidays are a sad time for some of us, but I hope you will find
some comfort, as we do, in such uplifted pride. Very sincerely,
(Miss) Bertha R. Skinker."
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 3, 1921
Body of Young Soldier, Killed
in Battle on Sept. 26, 1918, Is Returned From France
Funeral
services for Maurice Walter, soldier killed in battle in France,
will be conducted at the home of his father, G. A. Walter, 103
West Elm Street, at 2:30, Monday afternoon, by the Rev. E. L.
Gibson, pastor of the First Presbyterian church. Interment will
be in City Cemetery. The American Legion post will take part in
the funeral and will furnish a firing squad and the pallbearers.
Owing to the distance of the home from the cemetery, the firing
squad will meet the cortege at the City cemetery. The body of
Maurice Walter arrived in Alton last night. The body of Charles
Maguire, another of Alton's heroes, has arrived at Hoboken, but
up to this morning, word as to when the body will reach Alton
had not been received by the family. Maurice Walter was killed
in battle on September 26, 1918. He was killed at the time that
Capt. Skinker of St. Louis met his death. The body of Capt.
Skinker is now enroute to St. Louis. The St. Louis officer was
posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal for bravery. Capt.
Skinker attacked a German machine gun nest. Capture of the nest
meant a strategic triumph, and he asked for volunteers. Two men
responded, one of whom was Maurice Walter, then a boy of 20
years. In the performance of this heroic duty, he met his death.
As before related, the captain was posthumously honored. News of
the heroic way in which the Alton boy went to his death was
learned from the family of Captain Skinker, in St. Louis.
Maurice was a member of Co. I, of the 138th. Members of his
company, who reside in St. Louis, are expected to attend the
funeral. The Alton Post of the American Legion will also
participate. Charles Maguire was a son of Police Magistrate and
Mrs. Patrick Maguire. He died a heroic death in the battle of
the Argonne. He met death in the battle in which Edward Kniery,
also of Alton, was killed. He will be buried with military
honors when the body reaches Alton.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 6, 1921
Maurice Walter is Paid High
Honor - Family of Captain Skinker Present
St. Louis vied with
Alton Monday afternoon, in paying honor to the remains of
Maurice Walter and to the memory of him, many members of the
138th Regiment being present from St. Louis to attend the
funeral. Some of these had been members of Co. I, and had been
pals of Maurice and two of these, D. R. Collier and R. L. Spohr,
served as pallbearers. Both were in the battle at Chappy,
France, on September 26, 1918, in which Maurice gave up his
life, and both were sincere mourners and genuine admirers of the
youth who went with his Captain that day, volunteering before
others had a chance, after the Captain, Alexander Skinker, asked
for volunteers to face what must have then appeared as almost
certain death, the bare chance only of surviving being present.
The Skinker family is one of the oldest, most prominent and
wealthiest of the families of St. Louis County, and the
following members of the family drove up from St. Louis to
attend the obsequies of the young man whose memory they love,
because he loved their son, husband and brother, and went with
him to eternity: T. J. Skinker, father of Captain Skinker; Mrs.
Alex Skinker, widow of the Captain, who came from Philadelphia,
Pa. to attend the funeral and pay her respects; Miss Skinker,
sister of deceased Captain; Thomas Skinker, a first cousin of
the Captain; and Fred Niemeyer, Lieutenant of Co. I. Company I
went into that battle full strength - about 200 men - and after
the battle was won, only 18 of the members of the Company were
left. The attendance of neighbors and friends at the home of the
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Walter, 103 Elm street, was very
large, among them being many Legionnaires and some 25 or 30
relatives and friends of the family from St. Louis. At the
cemetery, the attendance was much larger, the former soldiers
gathering there in force. Many of the Legionnaires were in
uniform, but many others wore civilian clothes because they have
outgrown their uniforms. Services were conducted by the Rev. E.
L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian church, and he preached a
touching sermon, but one filled with comfort for the parents and
brothers and sisters of the dead boy. He told of the love of
Maurice for home, and how he did not haunt street corners or
questionable society, like so many boys of his age do, and how
he always wanted to help "Mother" do something about the home.
He told of his loyalty and patriotism; how he volunteered for
the war, and afterwards volunteered when his Captain needed
volunteers - always faithful; always loyal; always cheerful;
always fearless. Rev. Gibson also paid tribute to the loyalty
and bravery of that captain who went to his death for the
liberty and welfare of the world with the words "come on boys,
let's stop them," instead of "go on boys and take them." He
asked no soldier to go where he would not go with them, and in
advance of them. The father and widow and sister of the deceased
captain plainly appreciated the appreciation voiced by the
pastor, of their own loved and lost one. The cortege was a very
long one, some 80 automobiles being in line while others went to
the cemetery by another route. The floral contributions were
fine and lovely and numerous, among them being pieces from the
138th Regiment, Co. I, 138th Regiment; the Ladies Auxiliary of
the 138th Regiment; all St. Louis; Alton Post American Legion;
Alton Post Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, and numerous
contributions by individuals. At the cemetery, Rev. E. L. Gibson
conducted brief services, and then the Alton Post American
Legion took charge. At the conclusion of ceremonies the firing
squad discharged three volleys over the grave, and the bugler
sounded taps, and Maurice Walter was lowered into his final
resting place mourned sincerely and honored genuinely. The pall
bearers were all former soldiers who saw service in Europe, the
two first of the following being members of the same company
with Maurice, and pals of his: D. R. Collier, R. L. Spohr (St.
Louis), Elmer Campbell, J. M. Campbell, J. B. Lamm, and E. Lamm
of Alton. The widow of Capt. Skinker ....[unreadable] the
Congressional medal of honor, voted her husband by the Congress
of the United States.
WALTER, MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18,
1922
Michael Walter, 80, died this afternoon at 2506 State
street. He had been seriously ill for three weeks. He leaves
five sons and a daughter.
WALTER, PAUL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 11,
1901
Helped Build the First Church in Alton
Paul Walter
died at 1:15 this morning after a short illness. Mr. Walter was
born in Baden, Germany, August 16, 1811. He came to America in
1832 and to Alton in 1833, and has resided here continuously
since that time. He was in early life, and up to the time when
age forbade him, engaged in active business pursuits. Fifty
years ago and more he was a drayman, and lived on Second street
near Henry street. The house is still standing. It was to this
house he took his young bride, Louisa Schaaf, who survives him.
Some six or seven years ago he celebrated his golden wedding,
when a large company of his friends were present. The marriage
took place on the 20th day of July 1844. The marriage ceremony
was performed by Rev. Fr. Carroll, then the Catholic priest of
Alton. Mr. Walter was for many years one of Alton's most
prominent citizens and was highly respected by all who knew him.
Mr. Walter helped to build the first church in Alton, then the
Presbyterian, but afterwards the Episcopal, which stood on the
same location that the Episcopal church now does. The building
that he was married in and lived in for many years still stands
in its old location and is owned by R. J. Bierbaum. It is a
remarkable event that Mr. Walter's death is the first one in the
family - a family of seven children, which has had a history of
almost 57 years since the marriage ceremony was performed in
1844. Beside the widow, the children are: Henry, Paul, William
and George Walter; and Mrs. Josephine Marfarth, Mrs. Frieda
Ullrich of St. Louis, and Miss Mary Walter of Alton. Besides
these, a large circle of relatives live in Alton, among whom are
Mr. Landolin Walter and children. The funeral will take place
Sunday at 2 p.m. from the family home, corner Seventeenth and
Alby streets. The services will be conducted by Rev. H. K.
Sanborne.
WALTER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF MICHAEL/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 15, 1906
Wife of Well Known Grocer and
Distiller in North Alton
The general public will be shocked
to learn of the death of Mrs. Michael Walter, wife of the well
known grocer and distiller of North Alton, for although her
condition was known to be dangerous several weeks ago, it had
improved so greatly that nothing but favorable news had been
heard from the sick room for some time, and her recovery was
deemed certain. She was taken to St. Joseph's hospital several
weeks ago, and a surgical operation performed for her relief,
and she rallied so nicely and improved so rapidly apparently,
that she was removed from the hospital to North Alton at her own
urgent request Saturday. She rested well Saturday night and felt
well Sunday morning, but in the evening a change came, and
surrounded by the members of her family she passes away Sunday
evening at 8 o'clock. She was about 68 years of age and was a
resident of North Alton for more than 40 years. She was well
known in all the Altons and was esteemed for her kind heart and
steadfast adherence to all that she knew or believed to be
right. In North Alton she was a firm friend to many who needed a
friend, and the sorrow her death will cause will be widespread
and sincere. She is survived by her husband, Michael Walter, and
five children, Mrs. William Blakely, Joseph F., John, George and
William Walter. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
William Blakely, adjoining her own home. Some grandchildren, the
offspring of her deceased son, Frank, also survive and with
their mother lived at the Walter home. The funeral will be held
Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral. Burial will
be in Greenwood Cemetery.
WALTERS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 27, 1905
Lived in Alton Area Since 1833
Wednesday evening at the
old homestead in Godfrey township, Mrs. Mary Walter, aged 86,
passed away after an illness which began Monday afternoon with a
chill. Up to Monday afternoon she had enjoyed excellent health
and was quite active. She was born in Baden, Germany, and came
to America with her parents in 1832. A year afterwards the
family moved to Alton, and four or five years later she was
married to Mr. P. Walter, who died about 11 years ago, and for
about 68 years she has lived on the old farm where she went a
bride. She is survived by seven children: Messrs. John, Henry,
George and Philip Walters; Miss Rosina Walters; and Sisters
L'Codia who is an inmate of an O'Fallon, Mo., convent, and
Sister Bernerd of the Ursuline Academy of Alton. From
practically a wilderness, Mrs. Walters saw Alton and surrounding
country develop into a garden spot, and she and her family had
much to do with the development of a part of it. The funeral
will be Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.
Besides her children, Mrs. Walters leaves 18 grandchildren and
twelve great grandchildren.
WALTERS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 29,
1918
Friends in Alton were very much shocked this morning to
learn of the death of Miss Mary Walters, daughter of Philip
Walters, a wealthy and well known farmer of Godfrey, Ill. Miss
Walters died last night at 10 o'clock at St. John's Hospital in
Springfield, following a short illness with pneumonia. The body
arrived in Alton this noon and was taken to her father's home at
Godfrey. The young woman was born and raised in Godfrey, and was
educated at the Ursuline Academy in this city, from which
institution she was graduated from in 1909. Several years ago
Miss Walters went to St. John's Hospital in Springfield and took
a course in nursing. She completed her course in her chosen work
only a short time ago, and had just commenced her active duties
as a trained nurse when she was taken ill with pneumonia. She
was 28 years of age. She was the eldest daughter of Philip
Walters, and six sisters, Mrs. Alex Zerwas and the Misses
Josephine, Agnes, Lucy, Helen and Gertrude Walters. Many other
relatives and friends survive her. The funeral will be strictly
private from the home. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery.
WALTERS, PAUL JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2,
1903
Paul Walters Jr., a well-known Foster township farmer
and an extremely genial, charitable, popular man, died Wednesday
afternoon at his home after an illness of about a year's
duration with liver trouble. The immediate cause of his death
was pneumonia, which he contracted a few days ago. Besides his
wife and two daughters, he leaves his mother, Mrs. Paul Walters
Sr.; three brothers and three sisters. The brothers are William
and George of Foster township, and Henry of Upper Alton; one
daughter Miss Mary, who lived with the mother. The others live
in St. Louis. The deceased was 47 years of age and was a member
of one of the oldest families in Alton. The funeral will be
Friday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the home. Interment will be
in Godfrey Cemetery, and services will be conducted by Rev. W.
H. Bradley, pastor of the Upper Alton Presbyterian church.
WALTERS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 4,
1920
William Walters, 57 years old, died at St. Joseph's
hospital in Alton at 8 o'clock Thursday morning, following an
attack of rheumatic cold. Mr. Walters had been a carpenter and
caretaker at Monticello since 1903, and was highly regarded both
by the seminary officials and students, of whom he has seen
seventeen classes pass through the institution. He was taken to
the hospital the first part of the week when his illness became
severe. His death was said to be due to uremic poisoning. He is
survived by four children, Joseph, Myrtle and Velma Walters of
St. Louis, and Mrs. William Dietz of Alton; two sisters, Mrs.
Otto Ulrich and Miss Mary Walters of St. Louis; and two
brothers, Henry Walters of Los Angeles and George Walters of
Upper Alton. Funeral arrangements have not yet been completed.
WALTON, CHARLOTTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12,
1919
Charlotte Walton, aged 55, died this morning at the
family home, 1825 Piasa street. Funeral services will be held
from the home at one o'clock on Thursday, and interment will be
in Rocky Fork cemetery.
WALWORTH, EMMA AUGUSTUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23,
1850
Died at Monticello [Godfrey], on the 11th inst., Emma
Augustus, only daughter of Thomas P. and Sarah Elizabeth
Walworth; aged 1 year and 7 months.
WALWORTH, SARAH E. [nee MASON]/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 25, 1906
Daughter of Hail Mason - Pioneer
of Scarritt's Prairie (Godfrey)
Mrs. Sarah E. Walworth (nee
Mason) was born in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois,
October 4, 1826. She was the daughter of Hail Mason, a pioneer,
who with several brothers, emigrated about 1820 from Grafton
County, New Hampshire to Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois,
and were prominent men in laying the foundations of society in
that early period. When the "little girl" Sarah, was five years
old, her parents moved to what was then known as "Scarritt's
Prairie," later on now know as Godfrey. Here, a permanent abode
was fixed, when a large family was reared, where the parents
died, and the valuable old homestead is yet seen only a few rods
from Godfrey station. In February 26th, 1845, the "grown girl,"
Sarah Mason, was married to Thomas P. Walworth. They formed a
new household in the same community and continued in the same
locality during Mr. Walworth's lifetime. Twelve children were
born of this union, ten of whom reached adult age, and seven
survive their mother. After many years of active life at Godfrey
as station agent, Magistrate and Postmaster Mr. Walworth died
January 10, 1872, and was buried in the village cemetery nearby.
About this time the large family being grown, began to scatter
out and enter upon chosen enterprises in business and domestic
life. These changes had the effect to enlarge the field and
objects of the mothers solitude and affection, and necessarily
transferred from the old home into new ones, the essential
requisites to the care and comfort of the old, which are found
mainly in the filial devotion of children. Following the natural
order, after three score years of strenuous service, made light
and easy by the buoyancy of a mother's affection, she yielded
the work and responsibility to willing sons and daughters, who,
together and separately as occasion required, contributed the
treasures of hands, hearts and homes to the aged one, until in
cheerfulness and comfort she approached the maximum of allotted
years. On Saturday, January 20, 1906, in the home her daughter,
Mrs. Will C. Rood, in Chicago, having entered the eightieth year
of her life, she passed away from earth and entered into rest.
Though her children reside in different and distant places, some
in Chicago, others in Springfield, Quincy and Kansas City,
Missouri, yet most of them were with her in the last days and
hours, and six of the seven of the direct family, with several
of those who are members by marriage, came with the remains of
their mother to Godfrey and tenderly laid the precious dust with
kindred dust. The remains of Father and Mother Walworth rest
side by side, and in the same cemetery the grandfather, Hail
Mason, and a large number of relatives are buried. The
officiating minister, a native of Godfrey and life-long friend
of the family, conducted the services at the burial of Mr.
Walworth in 1872. The floral offerings were numerous and
profuse. Several of the pieces were elaborate. All were
beautiful and appropriate.
WANURA, THERESA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28,
1921
Mrs. Theresa Wanura, aged 80, died yesterday afternoon
at 2 o'clock at the family home, 1217 East Seventh street. Mrs.
Wanura was a long time resident of Alton and news of her death
will be received with much regret. Her husband died a number of
years ago. She leaves two daughters, Mrs. Teresa Mueller and
Mrs. Benj. Wutzler, both of St. Louis, and three sons, Lee
Wanura of Mounds, Ill., Wenzel Wanura of Breeze, Ill., and
Lawrence Mickley of Springfield. The funeral will be held
Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock, requiem mass to be said at St.
Mary's Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. The body
is at Klunk's undertaking parlors on East Broadway and can be
viewed by friends until time for the funeral.
WAPLES, CAREY LANGLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July
19, 1918
Lieutenant Killed in Aviation Accident at Texas
(World War I)
Lieut. Carey Waples, only child of Mrs. William
B. Robinson, and the only grandchild of Joseph W. Carey, was
killed in an aviation accident at Kelly Field No. 2, San
Antonio, Tex., Thursday morning. He was 23 years old. Word of
the accident was conveyed in a dispatch to the mother received
in Alton Thursday evening. No details came with the message. The
mother of the young officer was in Alton, but his grandfather
had gone recently to spend the summer at Harbor Beach, Mich.
According to press dispatches from San Antonio, Lieut. Waples
and another officer, Lieut. Highley, were in a machine together
flying, when the airplane struck a tree. The fall was fatal to
Waples, but his companion was not hurt. The death of Carey
Waples recalls that a few weeks ago his marriage was the subject
of an announcement made by Mrs. Robinson she gave at her
residence. He had married a young girl from San Antonio, Tex.,
with whom he had become acquainted since going there. The plans
of the young aviation officer to marry had been kept secret even
from his home folks, and they knew nothing of it until they were
informed the marriage had taken place. Mrs. Robinson invited in
a party of her friends and very happily announced that her son
had married a short time before. Carey Waples was one of the
most popular of the young society men in Alton. He was the life
of the social circles in which he moved, and among the young
people who knew him best there was a great grief when the news
was received that he had died. Being the only child of his
mother, and the only grandchild of Mr. Carey, the death of the
young man is a crushing blow to them. Mrs. Robinson had deferred
making a start to spend the summer at northern resorts because
she wanted to be as close as possible to her son, so she could
put in as much time as she could get with him before he would be
ordered away to France. Carey Langley Waples was born in Alton
March 21, 1895. He was educated in the Alton public schools and
after finishing his work there he entered Western Military
Academy from which he graduated in June 1913. He entered the
military service May 15, 1917 at the Officers Reserve Training
Camp at Plattsburg, N. Y. He entered the aviation work August
15, 1917, going to the Boston Tech Ground School. He was sent to
Kelly Field December 8, 1917, where he received his commission
as Lieutenant February 1, 1918. On June 14, 1918 he married Miss
Vera Calhoun of Beaumont, Tex. The body will be brought to Alton
for burial and will be accompanied here by Mrs. Waples and by
some brother officers. Arrangements for the funeral will be made
on the arrival home of his grandfather, J. W. Carey, who is
returning from Harbor Beach, Mich.
WAPLES, ELIZABETH S./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 18, 1852
Died in Alton on the 11th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth S., consort of
Mr. T. L. Waples, aged 29 years. The deceased was a native of
New Jersey, but had resided in this State a number of years. She
leaves a devoted husband, two infant children, and many friends
to mourn her loss.
WAPLES, TIMOTHY L./Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1862
We are pained to learn that Timothy L. Waples died yesterday
evening after a brief illness of typhoid pneumonia. Mr. Waples
has resided in this city for more than a quarter of a century,
and was one of our best and most successful business men. He was
at his death, and has been for several years past, a member of
the Common Council. His loss will be severely felt throughout
the city. We have now lost, within a comparatively short time,
three of the oldest and most active and enterprising business
men of our city – Captain Godfrey, Mr. E. D. Topping, and Mr. T.
L. Waples. Verily, death is doing its mysterious work at home as
well as on the battlefield!
WARD, KATIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 13,
1901
Katie Ward, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ward, died
last evening at 6:15 o'clock at the family home on the Grafton
road after an illness with typhoid fever. She was 15 years of
age and had been ill two weeks. For the past week her condition
has been considered dangerous. Miss Maggie Ward, aged 20 years,
also a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Ward, is very ill with
the same disease. The funeral of Miss Katie Ward will be held at
11 o'clock Saturday morning from the family home.
WARD, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 29,
1914
Mrs. Margaret Ward, widow of M. Ward, died at her home,
907 Alby street, this morning at 9 o'clock. Her illness began a
year ago from a general decline in her health. She had not been
in a serious condition for a short time before her death, and
the end found her family unprepared for it. Mrs. Ward had been a
resident of Alton for many years. She leaves three daughters,
Mrs. James Hagen; Mrs. Robert Brown; Miss Julia Ward; and one
son, Joseph Ward. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Burial will be in
Greenwood Cemetery.
WARD, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 26, 1909
"Grandma" of St. Joseph's Hospital
"Grandma" Nancy Ward, the
grandmother of St. Joseph's hospital, died last night after an
illness of three weeks at her home, St. Joseph's hospital. Three
years ago last February the aged woman, then past four score and
eight, was taken to the hospital suffering from a general
breakdown due to overwork and exposure. She had been earning her
living by doing washing and ironing at the age of 88, when her
health broke down and she had to cease her activity. Dr. Winn
had her moved to the hospital and when she recovered her
physical strength party she had become so attached to the place
and had made so strong friendships with the Sisters of Charity,
she stayed on. She had no place to go, and her only daughter
visited her but once in all the time the aged woman was in the
hospital at Alton. She adopted the nurses and inmates of the
hospital as her grandchildren, and to all she was known as
grandma. Most of the time she was too feeble to do anything, but
whenever she was able she would insist upon being allowed to
make beds, but that was seldom. Her only reason for discontent
was that she could do little to help pay her way. She passed her
92nd birthday in the hospital and was moving on toward her
ninety-third year, when three weeks ago the hot weather became
too much for her and she broke down completely. The body is
being held by Undertaker W. H. Bauer, who will ascertain if
possible whether relatives are living and see if they desire to
take charge of the body. She was a happy dispositioned, cheerful
old lady, and was beloved by nurses and inmates alike in the
hospital. Although she was dependent for a living, her death was
sincerely regretted by those who had learned to love the old
woman who had been abandoned in her closing years by those who
were bound to her by ties of blood and kin.
WARD, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24,
1912
Samuel Ward, a well known Godfrey township farmer, died
at his home near Godfrey, Tuesday evening at 7:30 o'clock. He
had been ill with bowel complaint for only a short time, and his
case was not considered serious. Mr. Ward was born in Yorkshire,
England in 1844, and came to this country when four years old,
going to Belleville. Later he came to Alton when a mere boy. He
leaves beside his wife, six daughters and one son, also eleven
grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The daughters who
survive are: Mrs. George Z. Miller, Mrs. Morris Hartnett, both
of Alton; Mrs. William Cairns of St. Mary's, Mo., Mrs. Dwight
Roberts and Misses Minnie and Grace Ward of Godfrey; also
William Ward, the son, of Godfrey. Mr. Ward also has a brother
and a sister residing in St. Louis, George Ward and Mrs. Oscar
Beckhoff. The funeral will be held from the family home to the
Melville church at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.
WARD, SARAH F. (nee RADCLIFF)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 4, 1916
Godfrey Woman Dies After Receiving
False Report of Son's Death
Mrs. Samuel Ward died Wednesday
evening at 9 o'clock at her home in Godfrey township after a
short illness with heart trouble which followed a shock. Her
son-in-law, Dwight Roberts, is very critically ill at his home
in Godfrey, and one week ago a report was spread around Godfrey
that he had died. On hearing the report, Mrs. Ward ran all the
way from her home to the home of her daughter, a long distance
away, and, upon her arrival learned that the report was false.
The trip proved too much for her and she was taken ill
immediately afterward and kept getting worse until last evening
when she died. Her son-in-law is still in a very serious
condition. Mrs. Ward was 69 years of age. About one year ago her
husband, Samuel Ward, a well known Godfrey man, died. Mrs. Ward
is survived by seven daughters and one son, William Ward, with
whom she made her home. The daughters are Mrs. Mary Long,
Hettick, Ill.; Mrs. Maggie Cairns, St. Mary's, Mo.; Mrs. George
Z. Miller, Alton; Mrs. Dwight Roberts, Godfrey; Mrs. Claude
Watkins, Godfrey; Mrs. Bartnett, Alton; and Miss Minnie Ward,
Godfrey, The funeral will be held from the home in Godfrey on
Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be held in the
Melville Cemetery. [Note: her first name was located on the
cemetery records at Melville Cemetery]
WARD, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1911
Former School Teacher, Civil War Veteran Dies
Thomas
Ward, aged 83 years, died this morning at 5 o'clock after a
short illness, at his home, 1254 Main street. He is survived by
his aged wife, a son, H. B. Ward living in Texas, and two
daughters, Mrs. Rilla Schultze of Alton and Mrs. Lizzie Carl of
La Crosse, Wis. Funeral arrangements will not be made until this
latter daughter is heard from. Mr. Ward was formerly a school
teacher, and has the reputation of having been a very good one.
He was a fine penman, but rheumatism and infirmities of old age
finally disabled him to such an extent that he could no longer
discharge the duties of a teacher, and for several years he has
been doing odd jobs. He formerly lived in Carlinville, and came
to Alton about twelve years ago. He had the record of never
failing to attend Sunday school at Elm street chapel in the
North Side, and rain or shine, cold or hot, Mr. Ward was to be
found every Sunday at the mission. He was a veteran of the Civil
War and a member of the G. A. R. The funeral will be held
Saturday morning at 10:30 o'clock from his late home.
WARD, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1911
Killed in Switch Yards of Railroad
Thomas Ward of
Alton was killed in the switch yards of the C. B. & Q. road, in
north St. Louis Thursday morning. The body was not at first
identified until an examination of the dead man's clothing
revealed papers that gave his name and his employers, Swift and
Rusk, contractors in Government works on the river at Church
Landing and Sterling Island, for whom he worked as a lineman. He
has two brothers living in Alton, James and Adam, whose address
is 448 east Second street. He had in his possession about $90 in
money, and two checks drawn on Swift and Rusk for $18 dollars
each, and an address of John Dooley, Walnut street, but there is
no one of that name at the address given. The family came to
Alton from Jersey county where they were large farmers owning
considerable land. The information was brought to Alton by a
representative of Swift and Rusk, Jesse Foval, who informed the
brothers last night of the tragedy as it had been forwarded to
the company from St. Louis. The body was badly mangled, and was
strewn along the track for a hundred yards. The accident
happened early on Thursday morning.
WARDEIN, FRANCISCA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
29, 1910
Mrs. Francisca Wardein, wife of Lawrence Wardein,
died Saturday morning at her home in Alton after a long illness
with cancer. Mrs. Wardein had been a constant sufferer for
several years, and for nine weeks she had been bedfast. She was
69 years, 8 months of age. Mrs. Wardein was born in Banstrum,
Austria. In 1872 she moved to America with her husband, and
settled near Belletrees, where she lived until about one year
ago when she came to Alton with her husband. She leaves five
sons, Vincent, Henry and Matthew Wardein of Alton; Joseph of
Belletrees; and Rev. Fr. I. B. Wardein of Michaels, Ill. The
funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Mary's church. Mrs. Wardein was know to a large circle of
friends in the neighborhood of Belletrees as a good neighbor,
and to her family was a good wife and mother. She lived to see
all her children grow up to be honored residents in their
communities, and filling good stations in life. Her death is a
sad loss to her husband and her five sons.
WARDEIN, JACOB/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, May 17, 1877
Murder on the Grafton Road
We learn from Mr. T. M. Long that
an affray took place Sunday afternoon, about five miles from
Alton, on the Grafton Road [West Delmar], that resulted in the
death of Jacob Wardein, from the effects of a blow from a grape
stake, in the hands of George Pfeiffer.
Justice Melling
of North Alton impaneled a jury Monday afternoon, and proceeded
to the house of the deceased, Jacob Wardein, about 5 miles from
Alton, on the Grafton Road [West Delmar], and held an inquest.
After the examination of some witnesses, the jury found that
“deceased came to his death from the effect of blows inflicted
by George Peiper, and his son, Lawrence Peiper, on Sunday
afternoon, the 13th inst.” Upon the rendition of the verdict,
Justice Melling issued a mittimus and the persons implicated
were arrested yesterday, at North Alton, by F. Volbracht, City
Marshal, brought here and committed to the Alton city jail until
this morning, when they were sent to Edwardsville, in charge of
Deputy Sheriff, James Bannon. After the prisoners were sent to
the county seat, it was discovered that there had been
considerable informality in the proceedings, and that no
preliminary examination had taken place. Consequently, it is the
intention to bring them back to Alton, this evening, for the
purpose of holding a preliminary examination before Justice
Quarton tomorrow. George Peiper states that he expects to prove
that he acted throughout in self-defense, and he also says that
his principal witness, the man who saw the whole affair, through
some misunderstanding or mismanagement, was not examined by the
Coroner’s jury. It seems from a corrected version of the affair
that the deceased, Jacob Wardein, did not die immediately after
the affray, but on the contrary went home, after making some
threats, drank wine with his friends, went to bed without
complaining of any injuries, and was found dead the next
morning. No doubt the preliminary examination will give
additional light.
The parties to this unfortunate affair
are near neighbors, and have resided where the occurrence took
place for about seven years. The trouble originated months ago,
in a misunderstanding about a division of some land. On Monday
morning, before the death or dangerous injury of Wardein was
known or even suspected, George Peiper went to North Alton to
swear out a warrant for the deceased, on a charge of assault and
battery. But while at the Justice’s office, news came of the sad
termination of the affair, which led to the arrest of the
accused persons.
Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, November
22, 1877
The State vs. George and Lawrence Peipert, indicted
for the murder of Jacob Wardein on the Grafton Road, some months
ago, was continued on affidavit of defendant.
NOTES:
Oddly enough, I could find no further information on this
incident, and whether or not the Peiperts were convicted of
murder. My guess is that they were not. George Peipert died July
8, 1913 at the age of 83, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gus
Hill, on West Delmar. He left behind six children: Mrs. Mary
Marseck, Mrs. Theresa Murmeister, Mrs. Gus Hill, and Lawrence,
Joseph, and Jacob Peipert.
WARDEIN, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1,
1904
Joseph, the 4 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew
Wardein, died Thursday morning at 4 o'clock at the family home
on Diamond street. The child had been ill with diphtheria for a
week, and a few days ago it became necessary to insert a tube in
its throat. The funeral was in private this afternoon at 4
o'clock from the family home, and burial was in St. Joseph's
cemetery.
WARDEIN, NANCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 20,
1900
Mrs. Nancy Wardein, a resident of Alton and vicinity for
thirty years, died this morning at her home near Melville after
a long illness with dropsy. She was 50 years of age and was well
known in Alton and at Melville, where she passed most of her
life. She leaves one son, Carroll Wardein. The funeral will take
place Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, and services will be at
the home of Z. H. Calame near Melville, Rev. J. H. J. Rice of
the Congregational church will conduct the funeral services.
WARNACK, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1861
Died in Upper Alton on the 1st instant, Henry D. Warnack.
WARNER, AURORA ANNETTE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 18, 1916
Mrs. Aurora Annette Warner, aged 79, widow of
C. H. Warner, died this morning at the home of Mrs. H. H.
Satigast in Godfrey, after a long illness. Mrs. Warner had
resided in Godfrey with her daughter about ten years and during
most of that time her health was such she seldom went out. Up to
that time she had been deeply interested in the work of the
Methodist church wherever she had lived, but advancing years and
ill health forced her to give up her activities. Mrs. Warner
spent a number of years of her life in Alton. Her husband was
manager of the Bell telephone exchange at Alton for a long time.
During her stay in Alton she was one of the most deeply
interested of the workers in the First Methodist church. She
resided in Cairo for a number of years. Mr. Warner died nine
years ago. Mrs. Warner leaves three sons, Frank of Baltimore; R.
A. and J. R. Warner of Cairo; and two daughter, Mrs. Mae
Donnelly of Alton; and Mrs. Addie Satigast, at whose home in
Godfrey she died. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at
2:45 o'clock from the Godfrey Methodist church and burial will
be in the Godfrey cemetery.
WARNER, CARLETON, H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 7, 1907
First Manager of Bell Telephone Exchange at
Alton
Carleton H. Warner, the first manager of the Bell
telephone exchange at Alton, died Wednesday night at 8:40
o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. H. H. Sattgast, after
a long illness from cancer of the stomach. Mr. Warner lived in
Alton for many years after he severed his connection with the
Bell Telephone company. He had charge of the Country club
grounds until he was incapacitated by ill health and recently he
went to the home of his daughter at Godfrey. He was born in
Northfield, Vt., January 25, 1836, and had just passed his
seventy-first year. His early life was spent in Vermont. He
married in 1858 and later moved his family to Iowa, where he
resided for ten years, up to 1872. He came to Alton from Quincy.
Mr. Warner was a member of the A. O. U. W. He was a charter
member of Park lodge 56 of Quincy, and has been a member in good
standing ever since. He was a member of Alton lodge since 1886.
Mr. Warner leaves five children: F. O. Warner of Baltimore, Md.;
J. B. and R. A. Warner of Cairo; Mrs. W. J. Donnelly of Alton;
and Mrs. H. H. Sattgast of Godfrey. The funeral will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, and services will be conducted
at the Sattgast home by Rev. J. A. Scarritt. Burial will be in
the Godfrey cemetery.
WARNER, DANIEL H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Thursday,
March 30, 1899
Daniel H. Warner died at his home near
Fosterburg, March 23, 1899, of nervous prostration, the result
of la grippe, aged 85 years, 3 months and 25 days. He was born
November 30, 1813 near London, Madison County, O, came to
Illinois in 1836, and has since resided on the farm where he
settled at that time. He was married to Mary A. Heato, in May
1846, who died November 4, 1881. Of this union there were 52
descendants, of which 8 were their own children and 44
grandchildren. Mr. Warner joined the M. E. church in 1847, was
ordained a minister of that denomination by Geo. W. Robbins.
Deceased was widely known and highly esteemed. He was a rank
Republican and always enthusiastic in political affairs. The
funeral services were conducted by Rev. Josiah Able, of Alton,
at the A. M. E. church at Fosterburg, Sunday. The pall bearers
were John Helnes, John Thompson, William Thompson, William
McCauley, Moses Thompson and Phillip Neuhous.
WARNER, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
14, 1910
Two Deaths In Eighteen Hours Afflict One Family
Mrs. Elizabeth Warner, aged 73, and George William Adams, her
grandson, aged 30, died within 18 hours of each other, the one
Saturday night at 10:20 o'clock, the other Sunday afternoon at
4:20 o'clock. Mrs. Warner's death was at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. William H. Adams, 400 east 14th street in Alton.
The death of George William Adams, a young engineer on the
Illinois Terminal occurred Sunday afternoon at a sanitarium in
St. Louis. There will be a double funeral Wednesday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock from the Adams home on Fourteenth street for the
grandmother and grandson. The death of Engineer G. William Adams
was a great surprise. He had been taking a layoff on account of
bronchial trouble and had gone to a hospital in St. Louis for
treatment, hoping to be able to make a trip later to a warmer
climate to get relief. He was taken suddenly worse Sunday and
died before his family could get to him. The news of his death,
coming so soon after the death of his grandmother, was a sad
shock to the family. He was born in Alton, the son of Mr. and
Mrs. William H. Adams. He had been employed about twelve years
by the Illinois Terminal railroad, and was considered one of the
best engineers on the road. He leaves a wife and two children,
Leona and Thelma. He had been off duty only about ten days. The
death of Mrs. Warner, Saturday night, was expected. She was born
in Neuenkirchen, Germany, March 24, 1837. She was married there
in 1858, and ten years later came to Alton and remained here the
rest of her life. Her husband, George J. Warner, died 20 years
ago. Mrs. Warner leaves two daughters, Mrs. W. H. Adams of 400
east 14th street, Mrs. Ernst Kolb of 1122 Green street, and one
sister, Mrs. Peters of Bunker Hill. She leaves also 11
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
WARNER, RICHARD YATES/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 9,
1864
Died at Fosterburg, Illinois, on Tuesday, August 30th,
at 1 o’clock p.m., Richard Yates, infant son of D. H. and M. A.
H. Warner, aged 11 months and 20 days.
WARNOCK, UNKNOWN WIFE OF W. H./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 10, 1918
Mrs. W. H. Warnock, formerly of
Alton, died at her home in Granite City Monday, according to
word received here by friend today. Mrs. Warnock formerly lived
at 1602 Henry street in Alton. Several years ago the family
moved to Granite City where they have been making their home.
Mrs. Warnock is survived by three sons, Wilbur H., Harry and
Ansel; and one daughter, Mrs. Marsh Stewart of Chicago. Harry is
in the U. S. naval training station at Chicago, being an
instructor there. The body will be taken to Butler, Mo., on
Wednesday. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock in the
afternoon.
WARNOCK, WILBUR M./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
December 8, 1911 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Edwardsville
Attorney
Wilbur M. Warnock, one of Edwardsville' foremost
citizens passed away at 6:05 last night at the St. Luke's
Hospital, in St. Louis, where he had been since Monday evening
of last week. With him when the end came were his wife, who had
never left his bedside since he was stricken; and his business
associates, George D. Burroughs, together with his physician,
Dr. S. T. Robinson of Edwardsville. The funeral will be
tomorrow, Saturday afternoon, at 2:30 from the residence on
Kansas street to Woodlawn cemetery, Rev. J. W. McNeil, pastor of
St. John's M.E. church will conduct the service at the home. For
Mr. Warnock with all his attainments, was not fifty years old.
It seemed very perverse of fate to pronounce the final sentence
upon one how had attained to a place where he could fully enjoy
life. A high position in his profession, affluence, a handsome
home and a loving family were his to appreciate and enjoy, when
the cup was suddenly dashed form his lips. Wilbur M. Warnock was
born in Columbia, this state, April 23, 1862, a son of Lafayette
and Lucinda Moore Warnock. His father was born in Vandalia,
March 14, 1824, and his mother is a native of Waterloo, born
March 12, 1826. The family originally came from South Carolina,
being Revolutionary stock. Mr. Warnock's grandfather, Judge
Warnock, was the first territorial judge of Illinois for the
southern district holding that office when the state was
admitted to the union in 1818. He was postmaster of Vandalia
when that city was capital. Wilbur M. Warnock was one of a
family of eight. He attended the district schools and then the
High School at Columbia. In 1878 he entered the academy at
Butler, Mo., where he studied until the spring of 1880. Then he
came to Edwardsville, and studied law for a year in the office
of Judge B.R. Burroughs. Entering the Union College of Law at
Chicago, he graduated in June 1883. He formed a partnership at
once with Judge Burroughs, but as he was not yet of age his name
was not incorporated in the firm style until the following
years. This partnership continued until February 1889, when the
judge was elected to the Circuit bench. Mr. Warnock practiced
alone until 1889 when he formed a partnership with R. P. Owen,
which continued two years. On the first of August 1891, the firm
of Travous & Warnock was formed, the late C.N. Travous being the
senior member. Later George D. Burroughs was admitted to the
membership, then Thomas Williamson, and recently Mallory L.
Burroughs. The firm title at present is Warnock, Williamson &
Burroughs. Mr. Warnock was a master in chancery of Madison
county for a number of years. He was a very bright lawyer, quick
to grasp all the details of a case, and fertile in resource. In
the later years of his law work he engaged most extensively in
corporation practice, handling the legal business of many
railroads and corporations. During the past year much of his
time was spent in studying western investments. He was a
brilliant speaker equally good before judge or jury, or on the
public. In the affairs of his home town he always took a deep
and sincere interest, being in the fore-front of any movement
that was calculated for the general betterment. He was a
democrat and manifested always a keep interest in party success.
This did not prevent him from viewing men and matters
impartially where local conditions were concerned. He could
estimate men readily and became a splendid judge of human
nature. He was social in nature and an aristocrat in this
breeding and ... but not distant in manner. He had a kindly word
for every one at all times. He was one of the "big men" of his
community and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his aged
mother, his wife, Maud Burroughs Warnock, who is a daughter of
judge and Mrs. B. R. Burroughs, and one son, Donald Burroughs
Warnock.
Edwardsville Intelligencer, 9 January 1912:
Members of the Madison County Bar Association yesterday
afternoon united in a memorial for the late Wilbur M. Warnock,
of Edwardsville. Mrs. Warnock's death was so sudden and
unexpected that the blow stunned his friends and associates. Now
at a distance of one month, for it is just a month ago today
that his funeral was held, they can think the clearer of the
estimable traits and the splendid attainments that were lost to
mortal life when he was called away. It was a notable meeting.
Citizens of many walks of life gathered in addition to the
barristers, to listen to the eloquent tributes that were paid to
his memory, tributes that came from those who knew him best, who
had associated with him for years. The sentiments that were
expressed were such as to ennoble and elevate the auditors, they
were inspirational, they were perhaps the finest monument that
could be builded [sic] by mortals. To those who were allied to
him as kindred or as associates there must have been comfort for
their sorrow in the knowledge that the subject of these eulogies
deserved this meed [a fitting recompense] of acclaim.
WARREN, SON OF J. W./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7, 1865
Drowned in Piasa Creek After Being Forced At Gunpoint to Drive
Wagon Through
We are pained to learn that s son of our
esteemed friend, Mr. J. W. Warren, formerly of Brighton but now
of Alton, had a son, about fifteen years of age, drowned
yesterday under very painful circumstances. The facts in the
case as we have learned them are about as follows:
Some
men engaged the son at Brighton, to take them from that place to
Rockbridge, some fifteen or twenty miles north of the former
place, but on arriving at Piasa Creek, the boy discovered that
it was very much swollen by the late rains, and refused to
attempt to drive across, when his passengers, who were under the
influence of liquor, drew a pistol and threatened to fire on him
if he did not proceed. Under the influence of this threat, the
poor boy drove into the turbulent creek, and he and the wagon
and team were at once swept downstream, drowning him and the
horses. We have not learned whether the worse-than-savage men,
who forced the young man to the commission of the rash act,
perished or not. This painful intelligence was conveyed to his
bereaved father about the middle of last night, and he left at
once for his home. We have not learned whether the corpse of the
young man was recovered or not. We do not vouch for all the
particulars here given, but state them, as near as we can, as
they were given to us.
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7,
1865
We have learned that the body of the young Mr. Warren,
whose death by drowning in the Piasa Creek we published on
Saturday last, has been recovered and was buried on Sabbath last
in Brighton. When he attempted to cross, there was a man on the
opposite shore who saw the passenger draw a pistol on the boy,
to force him into the water. When the boy was thrown into the
stream, this man swam into the water and was almost within
reaching distance of him when he sank for the last time. The
passenger swam ashore. He has since been arrested, and at last
accounts was held in custody at Brighton.
WASHBURN, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1916
The funeral of Charles, the five months old son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Washburn, was held from the home in Godfrey
this afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Brown of
Godfrey.
WASHBURN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
28, 1922
Victim in Line of Rifle Fire
William Washburn
died at St. Joseph's Hospital this morning at 5 o'clock
following a surgical operation to recover the bullet which had
inflicted a wound in his head as the result of an accident at
Monticello Seminary yesterday forenoon. The surgeons found that
the bullet had passed through the head from the back to the
front and had lodged inside the skull behind the right
eye. The funeral will be held Sunday at one o'clock at the
home in Godfrey, and will be private. Interment will be in the
Godfrey cemetery and will be open to friends. The private
services at the home was made necessary through the illness of
the boy's mother, who is suffering with pneumonia.
WASHINGTON, CLARA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18,
1900
Clara Washington, aged 14 years, died this morning
at her home on Russel street, with spinal meningitis. The
funeral will be Saturday morning.
WASHINGTON, GEORGE SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
12, 1908
The funeral of George Washington Sr. was held
this morning from the Cathedral where services were conducted in
the presence of a large number of friends and neighbors. Burial
was in Greenwood cemetery.
WASHINGTON, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1916
The funeral of Mrs. Laura Washington was held this morning
from the Cathedral, where a requiem mass was said by Rev. Fr.
Tarrent in the presence of a congregation of friends and
relatives. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.
WASHINGTON, MOSES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 10, 1918
Moses Washington, colored, died at 3:30 o'clock this morning
at his home, 1715 Maupin avenue, at the age of 72 years. This
afternoon no funeral arrangements had been completed.
WASHINGTON, WILLIAM 'WILLIE'/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 8, 1901
Drowns in Mississippi
Willie Washington, son of
Lewis Washington, living on Union street, was drowned this
afternoon at two o'clock while bathing near the pier of the
bridge at the foot of Henry street. The body of the lad had not
been recovered up to the hour of going to press, although a
number of persons were seining the river for it.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9, 1901
The body
of William Washington, the colored boy drowned in the
Mississippi river just below the bridge yesterday afternoon, was
recovered today at noon by two fishermen who used big hooks. The
body was not far from where the boy went down, but all efforts
to locate it proved unavailing until the fishermen came on the
scene. Deputy Coroner Streeper held an inquest this afternoon
and the funeral will be tomorrow morning from the home on Union
street.
WAS(S)MAN, FLORENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 2, 1916
Miss Florence Wasman died at the home of
her mother, Mrs. William Wasman, of Wanda, yesterday morning,
from heart failure. She died in her sleep and the other members
of the family did not realize her condition until they attempted
to arouse her. She had been an invalid the greater part of her
life. Miss Wasman formerly lived in Alton but moved to Wanda
with her mother and brothers about three years ago. She is
survived by her mother and three sisters and three brothers,
Frank, Ida, and Mrs. Hugh Poag of Wanda; Mrs. A. L. Dolbow of
Alton; Fred of Bloomington; and Henry of Oklahoma. The funeral
will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the home in
Wanda to the Wanda Cemetery.
WAS(S)MAN, KATHERINE (nee MAGUIRE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 15, 1919
Widow of William Wasman
Mrs. Katherine Wasman, widow
of William Wasman, died Friday afternoon at 5:45 o'clock at her
home at Wanda, after an illness of about six years. She was 72
years of age. She had been suffering from a complication of
diseases. Her husband, a prominent farmer in the Wanda
neighborhood, and a resident of Alton for three years up to
about eight years ago, died six years ago. Mrs. Wasman is
survived by the following children: Henry of Weatherford, Okla.;
Fred of Bloomington, Ill.; Frank of Wanda; Mrs. A. L. Dolbow of
Alton; Mrs. Hugh Poag of Wanda, and Miss Ida Wasman of Wanda.
She was born in Madison county October 27, 1846, and all of her
life she spent in Madison County. Her maiden name was Maguire.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home at Wanda.
WASSMAN,
UNKNOWN WIFE OF HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1,
1906
The funeral of Mrs. Henry Wassman was held today,
services being conducted at the home on Fourteenth street by
Rev. H. M. Ewers of First M. E. church. There was a large
gathering of friends at the home, and many lovely floral
offerings, among them being a beautiful design from the Mutual
Protective League, of which order she had been a member. The
body and funeral party were taken to Wanda by an Illinois
Terminal special, and burial was in the Wanda cemetery.
WAS(S)MAN, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
4, 1912
Well Known Farmer and Civil War Veteran
William Wassman,
aged 75, a soldier of the Civil War, died at 5:45 o'clock this
morning at his home near Wanda, after an illness of several
months from liver trouble. He was a native of Germany, being
born there March 17, 1837, and came to America in 1855. Almost
ever since he had lived near Wanda. He enlisted in the 117th
Illinois volunteers during the Civil War. Mr. Wassman is
survived by four daughters, Mrs. A. L. Dolbow, Miss Ida Wassman
of Alton; Mrs. Hugh Poag and Miss Florence Wassman of Wanda;
also by three sons, Henry of jAlton; Fred of Downes, Illinois;
and Frank of Wanda. The funeral will be held Friday noon from
the home to the Wanda Cemetery.
WASSON, MINOT
S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15, 1910
Minot
S. Wasson, aged 80, died this afternoon shortly before 2 o'clock
after an illness of six weeks, at the home of his sister, Mrs.
Sophia W. Buckingham, 723 Euclid place. He lived in St. Louis
many years, where he was employed by the St. Louis Terminal
Association. He had made his home for a number of years with his
only sister in this city.
WASTLER, ALAN SANDERS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June
28, 1919
Five Year Old Boy Accidentally Shot by Companion
Alan Sanders Wastler, five
year old son of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Wastler, 2111 Main street,
was shot and instantly killed yesterday afternoon at 3:30
o'clock while playing with a revolver in company with Kenneth
Burns, 17, son of Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Burns, 2107 Main street.
The two boys were in a bedroom in the back of the Burns house,
playing a phonograph, when one of them took from a chifferobe in
the room an army revolver. The boys were alone in the room and
young Burns was heard to say: "Don't, Allan, don't." Members of
the Burns family, on running to the room, found the Wastler boy
on the floor. He was carried to a table and a doctor sent for,
but the boy's death was instantaneous, the physician said. The
ball entered the left side of the boy's neck and went out the
back, just below the right shoulder blade, and lodged into the
wall. The Burns boy did not know the revolver was loaded. It had
lain on the chifferobe for some time, unloaded, but was loaded
yesterday as a protection against vicious dogs seen in the
neighborhood. Young Burns, unable to give testimony to the
coroner at the inquest at the Wastler home this morning because
of his slightly demented condition, admitted he killed the boy.
The verdict of the coroner's jury was that death was due to
accidental shooting. Alan was the only child of Mr. and Mrs.
Wastler. The family moved to Alton four years ago from Medora,
where the boy was born. Wastler is a blacksmith at the Standard
Oil Refinery at Wood River. There was great sadness in the two
families today. The parents of young Wastler were insistent,
however, that the shooting was accidental and that Burns could
not be held responsible. The funeral of Allan Wastler will be
held tomorrow at Chesterfield, Ill. Services will be conducted
at the home here at 8 a.m. by the Rev. Theo Cates, pastor of the
Upper Alton Methodist church, who will also conduct the services
at Chesterfield. The death of young Wastler was the third
accidental death in Alton in three days. On Tuesday the four
year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin DeSart was killed by an
automobile on College avenue, and on Thursday the son of Mr. and
Mrs. F. C. Bailey, Elmer, was drowned in the Mississippi river.
WATERHOUSE, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
20, 1918
Elizabeth Waterhouse, aged 78, died last night
at the Alton State Hospital after an illness of pneumonia. She
was buried in the cemetery on the hospital grounds today.
WATERS, JESSIE (nee ELLIOTT)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 23, 1920
Mrs. Jessie Elliott Waters, wife of Dr.
P. S. Waters, died at the Alton State Hospital this morning at 6
o'clock. Dr. Waters is one of the Managing Officers of the Alton
State Hospital and holds the position of Assistant
Superintendent. Both Dr. Waters and his wife are members of
pioneer families in Southern Illinois. The Waters family came to
the Alton institution about 18 months ago, after residing in
Anna for 6 years. Since coming to Alton the family has made many
friends who will be interested in the death of the wife and
mother. Evelyn Waters, a 13 year old daughter of Dr. and Mrs.
Waters, graduated from the Horace Mann school this year. Mrs.
Waters is survived by her husband and one daughter. Mrs. Waters
has been ill for two years and though every attention was given
her, it was known for many months that she could not live. She
made friends among the people at the hospital, being very
patient during her long illness. She was 37 years of age. The
body will be shipped out of Alton at 5:40 Tuesday morning and
will be sent to Metropolis, Ill. for burial. Two children of Dr.
Waters are buried in Metropolis, so it was thought best to take
the body of the mother there for burial.
WATERS,
NANCY ANN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1918
Nancy Ann Waters died at her home on Belle street last
evening, at 4 o'clock, aged 69 years. Her funeral will be held
from Campbell M. E. church Monday morning.
WATERS,
PATRICK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 10, 1916
Patrick Waters, aged 79, died Sunday afternoon at his home
in Godfrey township from old age. He had been in failing health
for more than a year and had been out very little. Mr. Waters
had been a hard working man and a very successful man. He had
started out in life with nothing, but his strong hands, a
willingness to work, and a very high grade of character. He came
to this country a poor young man, but he developed soon an
ability to acquire land. By hard work and good management he
succeeded in getting a number of rich farms in Godfrey township.
The farms may have been poor enough when he got them, but it was
apparent to everybody after he had a farm awhile, it began to be
a producer. He made a reputation as a builder of worn out farms
and the land he owns is among the most valuable in the vicinity
of Alton. Mr. Waters was highly regarded by everyone. He was
known as a man who was strictly honest, very business like, and
his word was always good. He was a good citizen and he raised a
family that is highly esteemed in the community. His wife, one
daughter, Mrs. Fitzgerald, and three sons, William, James and
John, survive him. The funeral will be at 9 o'clock tomorrow
from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral. Burial will be in Greenwood
Cemetery. Mr. Waters was born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1837. He
came to this country in 1854, and after living in Cleveland,
Ohio and St. Charles, Mo., he moved to Godfrey in 1857, where he
spent all the remainder of his life. He was married in 1865 to
Ellen Lindley, who, with three sons, William, James and John,
and one daughter, Mrs. Fitzgerald, survives him. It is estimated
that the land holdings of Mr. Waters up to the time he gave
farms to his children was about 1,000 acres. There are few farms
in the county that are more extensive, and Mr. Waters had all of
them free of debt. He gained his real estate by hard work, good
habits and strict attention to business.
WATKINS, HENRY
W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2, 1912
Henry
W. Watkins, the negro who was killed by Constable H. P. Madrey
several weeks ago, was buried at Milton cemetery this morning.
There was no one interested in the disposition of Watkins body,
and none attended the funeral.
WATKINS,
JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 4, 1907
John Watkins, colored, died last night at his home, 1214 Elliott
avenue, after a long illness from consumption. He was 29 years
old and is survived by his mother and some brothers and sisters.
The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the home.
WATKINS, MARTHA (nee GREENWOOD)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 29, 1901
Descendant of Old Colonial and
Revolutionary Family
Mrs. Martha Greenwood Watkins,
aged 83, died at 10 o'clock last night at the residence of her
nephew, Mr. W. A. Kelsoe, in St. Louis. Death was indirectly
caused by an accident which occurred October 21, when Mrs.
Watkins fell down a flight of stairs and fractured her left hip
bone. The break healed nicely, considering the advanced age of
the patient, but the enforced confinement to her bed brought on
stomach trouble, and for the past ten days death has been
expected momentarily. The funeral will be held Tuesday. Brief
services will be held at Mr. Kelsoe's residence during the
morning, after which the body will be sent to Alton. She will be
buried by the side of her brother, Stephen, who died in 1892 at
the age of 75 years. The deceased was born in Boston,
Massachusetts, October 15, 1818. She was one of six children of
John and Elizabeth Payson Greenwood, members of old colonial,
revolutionary stock. In 1839 the family, with the exception of
the married children, two daughters and one son, came West. They
located on a farm near Greenville, Bond county, Ill. The married
son, Stephen P. Greenwood, established himself in Alton, Ill. a
few years later. When Arnold died in 1886, Mrs. Watkins, having
already lost her husband, returned to St. Louis to make her
house with W. A. Kelsoe, her nephew, who had been a member of
her family all his life prior to her removal to California in
1874. Mrs. Watkins' only child, a son, died at an early age in
Pocahontas, Ill., where she spent the first twelve years of her
married life. Mr. E. P. Greenwood, cashier of the Bank of
Edwardsville, at the county seat, is a nephew of deceased. The
body will arrive on the Burlington Tuesday noon and will be
taken direct to the cemetery, where services will be conducted
by Rev. H. M. Chittenden. [Burial was in City Cemetery]
WATKINS, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 9,
1903
Dies from Fright and Excitement of Flooding Mississippi
Penned in
her home with her family by a wild expanse of waters, with fear
that her family would be drowned in the flood after they had
refused to leave their home because the mother was too ill to be
moved, Mrs. Mary J. Watkins, wife of Joab L. Watkins of Missouri
Point, died from fright and excitement Monday night. When the
flood began to advance, Mrs. Watkins was ill with heart trouble.
She had been a sufferer from the malady for some time, and it
was believed unwise to move her from the family home. Mrs.
Watkins' sons and her husband stayed with her in the house.
Between caring for their mother and helping to rescue their
unfortunate neighbors, the family has been one of the busiest on
the Missouri lowlands since the flood began. High wind storms
have been a thing to be dreaded over there, with houses
surrounded by torrents of water, and it has been a matter of
felicitation among the unfortunates over there that wind had not
blown since the trouble began. Monday evening when the storm
arose the waves were lashed furiously and this, combined with a
strain of extraordinary excitement to which the sick woman had
been subjected by the circumstances of losing much of the family
personal property and knowing of the losses of her friends and
neighbors, caused the collapse of Mrs. Watkins. Mr. Will Bauer
went to the Watkins home Tuesday morning to bring the body over
to Alton, where it will be prepared for burial. Mrs. Watkins was
born in Alton and her maiden name was McCorkle. She was about 63
years of age. She was a most estimable woman, loved devotedly by
her family and esteemed by all her neighbors, for the relief of
whom she always held an open hand when in trouble. Her heart was
a sympathetic one, and the unfortunate ones on Missouri Point
will miss her sadly. Before her marriage, Mrs. Watkins taught in
the Alton public schools, and she also was a member of the
Presbyterian church in this city. Mrs. Watkins body was brought
to Alton this morning and was taken to the Cannell home on State
street, whence the funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon.
Burial will be in City Cemetery. Mrs. Watkins leaves her husband
and three children, McLain, William Watkins and Miss Theo.
Watkins.
WATKINS, SAMUEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 17,
1910
Dies From Injuries of Boating Accident
Samuel Watkins, an
aged man who was in a little boat on the Illinois river when it
was run down over a month ago by the Sparks II of Alton, died
last night at St. Joseph's hospital from complications resulting
from his injuries. Watkins was badly cut up by pieces of planks
from his own boat that were broken when the Sparks II struck it.
The story of the collision told at the time was as follows: The
Sparks II, with the Kentucky, were cruising up the river
carrying lamps and lookouts, when a little scowboat with
gasoline power shot across the bow in the darkness and was hit
by the Sparks. All the occupants of the damaged boat were drunk
and asleep, according to their own statements, and they carried
no signal lights. It was thought Watkins would recover, and he
seemed to be doing nicely, but he suffered a backset and his
death followed. C. F. Sparks, who owned the yacht that struck
Watkins, bore all the expense of his keep in the hospital and
will see that he is buried.
WATSKER,
FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1900
Frank Watsker, the 18 years old son of Mr. and Mrs. John
Watsker, died this morning at 11:30 o'clock at the family home,
1200 East Second street, after a two weeks illness with typhoid
fever. The young man was taken seriously ill at the start, and
he continued to grow worse. The parents have been prepared for
the worst the past few days, but the death of their son is a sad
blow to them.
WATSON, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
29, 1920
Proprietor of Grocery Store
Charles Watson died at the family home, Belle
and Hamilton streets, Saturday night, after an illness of
several weeks. He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and
several children. For some time Watson has been proprietor of a
grocery store, conducted near the home. The funeral was held
this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home. Interment was in
Greenwood Cemetery. The children are Leo, Rose, Catherine and
Elizabeth. He also leaves his father, Dr. Samuel Watson, three
brothers, James of Atlanta, Ill., Harry and William of Alton,
and three sisters, Miss Gertrude Watson, Mrs. Joseph Deane, and
Mrs. L. Gillham, the last named of Dow.
WATSON, EMILY FANNY/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 17, 1865
Died in Alton on the 12th inst., Emily Fanny, daughter of Henry
and Fanny Watson, aged 5 years and 19 days.
WATSON, EMMA
J. (nee HOWELL)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1919
Mrs. Emma J. Watson, wife of Dr. S. M. Watson, died this
morning at 1:30 o'clock at the family home, 271 Madison avenue,
after a lingering illness. Mrs. Watson had been bedfast for ten
weeks, but the members of her family and friends report that no
complaint was uttered during the whole period regarding her
physical trouble. Mrs. Watson was 74 years old on February 18th
last, and was born at Godfrey. Her maiden name was Emma J.
Howell. She was married to S. M. Watson on October 13, 1869.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Watson is survived by three daughters,
and four sons. They are: Miss Gertrude Watson and Mrs. Joseph
Dean of Alton; Mrs. Luther Gillham of Dow; Charles, William and
Harry, all of Alton; and James Watson of Atlanta, Ill. Eleven
grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family home. Rev. M. W.
Twing, pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate. The
burial will be in the Godfrey cemetery. Mrs. Watson was known to
a large circle of friends for her splendid traits of character.
Her large family was the center of her affections and care, and
she reared them to mature manhood and womanhood to respect the
traits of character which she possessed.
WATSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1904
Fifteen Year Old Boy Drowns
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Rollie
Watson, was drowned at noon Friday while learning to swim in a
pond at Ninth and George streets. The pond was formed in part of
the hollow of the old Smith's pond, by the building of Ninth
street through. The property owners there petitioned to have the
pond drained at the last council meeting, but the city council
declined to take any action. This morning the boys gathered at
the pond and while some were wading around, George Watson went
swimming. He could not swim and got beyond his depth. The
frightened boys ran to the home of Mr. Edmond Beall for help and
within a half hour after the boy disappeared under the water his
body was taken out by Roy Beall. Efforts were made by Dr. H. R.
Lemen to resuscitate him, but the work was not rewarded by a
return of life. The father and mother had learned of the
accident add were standing on the bank beside the pond when
their son's body was taken from the water. The drowning of the
boy is a grievous shock to the family and to the friends of the
boy. He was 15 years old last February, but was a young man in
physique and remarkably mature for his years. He was carrier on
the Alton Telegraph and one of the most faithful boys ever in
the employ of the office. The body was taken to the home of the
parents, on Alby street.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 18, 1904
The Cumberland Presbyterian church was
filled to its capacity Sunday when the funeral services over
George Watson, were held. The sympathy of the entire community
goes out to the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Watson, in the
affliction which has befallen them as the result of carelessness
of city officials in neglecting to drain the pond after its
dangerous character had been called to their attention. Services
were conducted by Rev. D. E. Bushnell, beginning at 3 o'clock.
Two songs which were the favorites of the boy were sung. Dr.
Bushnell spoke tender words of comfort to the parents and
relatives of the deceased. Among the floral tributes were
several presented by the carrier boys, many of whom attended the
funeral. Those who knew George Watson have nothing but words
betokening grief. In his career as a paper carrier on the
Telegraph he was one of he most faithful carriers the paper ever
had in its employ. His patrons mourn the death of the boy as a
personal loss as he had manifested a carefulness in his work
which makes successful men in life. Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Watson
desire to return grateful thanks to their neighbors for the many
expressions of sympathy received over the death of their son,
George; and to those who sent flowers, and for all the kind acts
of sympathizing friends, and especially to those who assisted in
recovering the body from the water. All will be kindly and
lastingly remembered for their aid in our hour of severe
affliction.
WATSON, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24,
1907
Killed Under Electric Car
George Watson, aged
33, was killed by an electric car near Second and Walnut streets
Monday evening about 7:20 o'clock while trying to cross the
track ahead of the car. His body became wedged in between the
motor box and the axle of the car, and it was necessary to jack
the car up to get him out. He was still alive when taken out,
but died immediately afterward. The accident was witnessed by
about a half dozen people, and the story told by witnesses is
that Watson was running to catch the car which was going west,
and had crossed the Walnut street line. Noticing that he was on
the wrong side of the car to get aboard, he attempted to dodge
over the track ahead of the moving car and he was struck and
rolled underneath. When taken out his back was bent over the
timbers in the motor box and was broken. He was not much
mutilated. Watson was boarding with Mrs. Martha Badgely of 1005
Second street, and had been employed as a teamster at the
Federal Leads Works. He came to Alton from Fidelity and it was
said he was unmarried. William Reber said that he and Watson
were drinking some beer at the Continuous Bar when they heard
the electric car coming, and Watson started to run out to catch
the car. The stories of the witnesses indicate that he got on
the wrong side of the track and was unable to board the car
while it was running. Motorman Will Woods was unable to stop the
car before he was hit, but did stop it after it had run about 6
feet on hitting Watson. Deputy Coroner Keiser took charge of the
body and notified the relatives of Watson of his death. He had
brothers living at Fidelity.
WATSON, HATTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 19,
1900
Murdered by J. P. Bellenger
The trial
of J. P. Bellenger for the murder of Hattie Watson and Joseph
Reilly will come up Monday in the Circuit Court. Bellenger is
very desirous of having his case go to trial, as he thinks he
will not be convicted of murder. He will plead self-defense and
says that he killed Reilly and the Watson woman because he
feared he would be killed himself. The Reilly family has
employed an eminent St. Louis attorney to assist State's
Attorney Staats in prosecuting Bellenger. Col. J. J. Brenholt
will conduct the defense. He said today the case will come up
for trial Monday, if nothing to prevent it occurs. Bellenger
looks well and is bearing up cheerfully under prison rules.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 20, 1900
Jury
Says Manslaughter
The report of the finding of the
jury in the Bellenger murder case was attended with a display of
feeling on the part of the accused murderer of Hattie Watson,
and Bellenger broke down and cried with joy at the verdict. When
court was convened at 9 o'clock this morning, the jury reported
that it had found a verdict and was ready to report. Judge
Hartzell received the long envelope in which the jury had placed
its verdict, and on opening read that the jury found the
accused, James P. Bellenger, guilty of manslaughter in causing
the death of Hattie Watson, and fixed his punishment at
imprisonment in the penitentiary. All through the trail, the
principal figure in this case, Bellenger, has sat unmoved as
testimony of the most damaging nature was given against him. He
is said to have been cool and collected, as if he was not on
trial, and he bore up under the strain well. He no doubt deeply
realized his situation and was determined to keep up. When Judge
Hartzell read the verdict, Bellenger seemed unable to fully
comprehend the full meaning of it, but as he realized that the
danger of paying the extreme penalty was at an end, for the
present at least, he broke down and cried. The scene was one
that moved the feelings of nearly everyone in the court room.
Col. Brenholt, the chief of counsel for the accused, said after
the verdict was given that the verdict means of short term of
imprisonment in the penitentiary, and that he will be released
under the parole law. Bellenger has friends and relatives who
would gladly secure a parole for him, and the prospect for him
under this sentence is that he will not remain in jail long.
There remains the Reilly case to be tried, which may result more
seriously for Bellenger. It is thought the Reilly case will be
tried at this term of court, and there is much interest in
speculation as to what the outcome will be. The verdict in the
first case will not affect the second one, and the finding of
the jury in the second case will carry with it additional
punishment, whatever it may be.
WATSON, HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1909
PROPRIETOR OF WATSON QUARRY
Henry Watson, aged 73, died
Friday morning shortly after midnight, at his residence, Seventh
and Alby street in Alton, after an illness of two months. He had
been suffering from a very painful malady which developed into a
malignant tumor of the neck and shoulder. It was not believed to
be anything serious when it first began to make its appearance,
as it gave him no pain, but about two months ago Mr. Watson
began suffering so severely from it he decided to undergo a
surgical operation. It was then the dangerous character of the
malady was recognized. A second surgical operation was
performed, but this brought no relief, and from that time the
end was known to be near. During the last few weeks Mr. Watson
was able to see but few of his friends, and the last week was
unconscious almost all of the time. The tumor had made inroads
among the large arteries and vital parts, and for several days
he was dying. During his last illness he was constantly attended
by his wife and all of his children. He leaves one son, George
Fred Watson of Duluth, Minn., and four daughters, Mrs. F. R.
Bissell of Dallas, Texas, Miss Mary Watson, Mrs. G. A. McKinney
and Mrs. L. M. Carr. Henry Watson was born at Bishop Auckland,
England, March 17, 1836. He came to Alton fifty-nine years ago a
poor young man, but endowed with remarkable business capacity,
also the ability of making friends. Fifty years ago he engaged
in the stone quarry business and succeeded from the first. He
engaged in the contracting business in connection with his
quarry. One of his first big jobs was furnishing the stone for
the Macoupin county court house. He also was a contractor for
the C. & A. cut off, and he built the Wabash shops at Moberly,
Mo. He was married twice, one son resulting from the first
union. His second marriage was forty years ago and his wife
survives him. Mr. Watson was prominent in Alton financial
circles and was a stockholder and director in the Alton National
bank and vice-president, also a stockholder in the Alton Savings
bank. He had large interests in the stone business, being
engaged in business personally, and also being a large
stockholder in the Alton Lime and Cement Co. He was a long time
director in the Piasa Building and Loan Association and had been
one of its heaviest patrons. One of the greatest works of Mr.
Watson's life was the building of the Alton water works system
in 1875. He also promoted the building of the Madison Hotel. Mr.
Watson had unlimited confidence in Alton and believed that it
was a good investment to put money in the city. For years he was
practically the only man who had enough confidence in Alton to
spend a large amount of money in erecting homes. It was to
promote the upbuilding of the city that he helped to organize
the first building association in Alton in 188_ (looks like
1883). Personally, Mr. Watson was a man of wide sympathy and
many good friends. He was kindly, jovial, and had a wide range
of acquaintances. Old and young were his friends, and he always
manifested the deepest interest in their welfare. As a business
man he was widely known and possessed the utmost confidence of
those who transacted business with him. In his death, Alton
losses a valuable citizen, and those who knew him lost a friend
who was near and dear to them. There will be many to mourn the
death of Henry Watson among all classes. To his family he was
kind and indulgent. Mr. Watson was a member of the Masonic order
and had membership in Belvidere Commandery, Knights Templar, and
in the Mystic Shrine. He was a remarkably active man,
supervising personally the work that was being done in his
quarries, and he never held stock in any business that he did
not give it the strict attention that he gave to his own private
affairs. At his quarries, even when he was far advanced in
years, he would be up on the rock ledges with his men, climbing
steep ladders and helping with his hands wherever he saw help
was needed. He was a young man for his years, and a few months
ago no one would have believed that Mr. Watson was so near his
end. He was the picture of physical health, his mind was as
bright and active as ever it was, and he was prepared and
desirious of living to enjoy his stay with his family and
friends. When told that it was impossible to get well, he faced
the end without complaint and set about preparing for it. The
funeral will be held Sunday morning at 9 o'clock and services
will be in the home. Burial will be in City Cemetery.
WATSON, JANET (nee JOHNSTON)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 17, 1917
Widow of Henry Watson, Donated Land for Riverview Park
Mrs.
Janet Watson, widow of Henry Watson, died at 9:55 o'clock
Saturday morning after an illness of just one week from
pneumonia. Her case was recognized from the very first as a very
serious one, and at once the only one of her daughters who was
away from home, Mrs. F. R. Bissell, was summoned from Dallas,
Texas. In the passing of Mrs. Watson, Alton loses a woman who
was known to many for unfailing acts of kindness and
thoughtfulness. Those who knew her best knew that her mind was
ever alert to discern where some kindly word or some practical
help was needed, or where sympathy in any form would help
someone over a hard place, and there Mrs. Watson was sure to be
found. She had the understanding that it was in doing little
things as well as big things that greatest help is sometimes
given. Among her neighbors she was one of the most beloved of
all. In her church work she was depended upon in every way for
help. In her home she was the real mother, the one who counseled
and helped and her chief interest was centered there, but never
to the exclusion of interests of those on the outside who needed
help. She was one of the most devoted and most liberal members
of the First Presbyterian Church, which she had joined September
18, 1870, soon after she came to Alton as a bride, in the church
work she was one of the most active and a leader. In the various
societies of the church she maintained a deep interest and held
out an ever-ready helping hand. She was one of the members of
the Y. M. C. A. Ladies' Auxiliary, was vice president of the
First Presbyterian Ladies' Aid Society for many years, was a
vice president of the Old Ladies' Home board, and she had
interests in many other lines of good work in the city where a
woman's help and counsel and oftentimes liberal gifts were
needed. It was her heart full of sympathy for those who needed
any kind of assistance that made her spare not her strength nor
her time in any good work. Absolute justice and fairness was one
of the cardinal rules of Mrs. Watson's life. Her judgments were
sure to be sound ones, she was not disposed to criticism of an
unkindly character, and her whole life was devoted to making the
way easier for those with whom she came in contact.
Mrs.
Watson's maiden name was Johnston. She was born in Dalry,
Ayrshire, Scotland, October 8, 1846. She came to America when
she was seven years of age. She was married January 1, 1869 at
Bunker Hill, Illinois, to Henry Watson, and came to Alton as a
bride. The remainder of her life she passed here. Her husband
died nearly eight years ago, leaving large business affairs to
be handled by Mrs. Watson. She demonstrated that she had marked
business capacity in looking after the settlement of her
husband's business affairs. It will be recalled by many that
Mrs. Watson showed her public spirit and her desire to be
helpful to her home city, by giving a valuable piece of ground
to the city of Alton as a part of Riverview Park. She had offers
from others who wished to buy the ground, but she preferred to
give it to the city of Alton to make Riverview Park a more
attractive place and to prevent any chance of the park being
depreciated by grading down the adjoining property. Any matter
of public good was sure to have the sympathy and support of Mrs.
Watson, and only those she had helped, and had smoothed the way
for during her life could truly judge the value of her life.
Ten days before her death she was one of the liveliest ones
of a company of the older ladies of the Presbyterian Church, who
entertained the Ladies' Aid Society with a little play, and
those who saw it say that Mrs. Watson contributed much by her
personal efforts. Her illness began the following Saturday. From
the beginning she showed no indications of improvement. The best
that could be given out was that she was holding her own, but on
Friday she appeared worse and Saturday morning the end came.
Mrs. Watson leaves one brother, H. K. Johnston of Alton; and
four daughters, Mrs. F. R. Bissell of Dallas, Tex., Mrs. O. S.
Slowell, Mrs. George A. McKinney, and Mrs. L. M. Carr of Alton.
Her stepson, Fred Watson of Duluth, to whom she had stood in the
place of a mother, arrived this morning, having started as soon
as he could leave after he had learned of Mrs. Watson's illness.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
residence, Seventh and Alby streets. Friends of the family are
invited to attend the services at the home, but burial in City
Cemetery will be private. It is requested also that flowers be
omitted.
NOTES:
The husband of Janet Watson owned the
Watson Quarry, located along the riverfront, just below the
Riverview Park. He also operated the quarry located near Hop
Hollow, at the Blue Pool. After his death, Mrs. Watson continued
to run the business. She donated the land for the Riverview
Park. The last home they occupied was located on Alby Street,
near 7th Street. The home was constructed in about 1882, and was
fondly referred to as “Watson’s Mount.” The home still stands
today. Hugh K. Johnston, the brother of Janet Watson, was the
proprietor of the Johnston Hardware at Broadway and State Street
in downtown Alton.
WATSON, ROE D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 28, 1917
Assistant States Attorney and Former City Attorney Victim of
Septic Poisoning
Roe D. Watson, Assistant State's
Attorney and three times City Attorney of Alton, died Wednesday
near midnight from septic poisoning, after an illness of about a
week. One week before his death he was able to be out and
attended a picnic at Rock Spring Park. At that time he was
suffering from what appeared to be a slight inflammation of his
nose. The innocent appearing malady speedily developed into one
of the most serious character, and on Tuesday morning it became
necessary to hasten him to St. Joseph's Hospital while surgeons
went to work in an effort to stay the extension of what was
identified as a very dangerous case of septic poisoning. On
Monday he began to show some very bad symptoms, but they were
not pronounced enough to admit of a certainty in the diagnosis.
The operation was performed on Tuesday, and it was hoped it
might arrest the spread of the disease. The hope was a vain one.
The malady continued extending its bad effect, yet the young
lawyer retained consciousness and until Wednesday afternoon he
was able to converse with those around him, though he was
suffering intense pain. All hope of his recovery had been
abandoned by those around him. The chief concern of Mr. Watson
was for his family, and he made no complaint of his own
suffering. The death of Mr. Watson has caused real sorrow
throughout Alton. He was one of the best liked men in the city.
His first entry into politics was when he became a candidate for
City Attorney in Alton. He was elected three terms in
succession. Finally, he decided not to be a candidate for a
fourth term. When State's Attorney Streuber was elected, and was
looking about for a clean young lawyer to take the post of
Assistant State's Attorney, he selected Mr. Watson, and he had
held that post since. He was making a good showing in the
office. Friends of Mr. Watson who knew him most intimately knew
him as being devoid of any insincerities. He possessed a mind
that was clear, and his character was of the very highest. A
friend, in speaking of Mr. Watson, said that he had never heard
an unclean utterance from his lips, nor had he ever known of an
act by him that was not in the highest degree honorable. He
possessed traits of character that endeared him to all who knew
him. Men in all stations in life were his personal friends, and
there are few men in Madison County who held such a full share
of public esteem as he had. He possessed a mind that was of a
high type, and everything pointed to a useful future ahead of
him. His death is a great loss to the county, both as a citizen
and as a lawyer. Mr. Watson is survived by his wife and two
young children, one of them only a few months old, and the other
about 19 months old. He leaves also his mother, Mrs. Alice E.
Rodgers; three brothers, Edward and Miner Watson; and Clark
Rodgers; and one sister, Mrs. Jane Bassett. Roe D. Watson was
born at Marianna, Ark., September 2_, 1886, and would have been
31 years of age next birthday. His father was Roelof D. Watson.
He came to Alton with his mother when a young boy, and lived the
remainder of his life here, except during the period when he was
away at school. He passed through the junior year at Shurtleff
college, and then entered the University at Ann Arbor, Mich.
There he graduated, after taking the law course. He received
highest honors at the University. He was very popular in his
school life, was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, and was
the chief officer of that organization, also was treasurer of
the athletic association. He was a member of the football squad
and was slated for position on the varsity team, but he
preferred to devote his time to his studies and never qualified
on the varsity team. After graduating from law school, he came
back to Alton, was admitted to practice law in Illinois, and
went into the office to associate himself with J. V. E. Marsh in
the practice of law. He was soon afterward elected city
attorney, a post he held for almost three terms. He resigned
last December to take the position of assistant States Attorney.
He discharged the duties of both offices with great ability and
in the work of the office he held at the time of his death he
was strongly relied upon by his chief, States Attorney Streuber.
He took a prominent part in the work of the office. In his
practice of law he had built up a good business and was in the
ranks of the successful young lawyers. He practiced his
profession on the highest plane, had a good knowledge of law and
his judgment was sound. His integrity was never questioned and
he had the confidence of every one who knew him, both in and out
of his profession. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock
tomorrow morning, and the services will be held at the home of
Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Bowman Sr., on Twelfth street.
WATSON, WILLIAM N./Source: Alton Telegraph, February 19, 1847
Soldier in Mexican-American War, Editor of the "Alton Democratic
Banner"
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 19, 1847
It
will be observed by a letter from one of our correspondents in
the Second Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, attached to General
Wool's command, that Mr. William N. Watson, late of this city
[Alton], died near Saltillo on the 28th of December last. The
deceased, it will be recollected by some of our readers,
commenced the publication of the "Alton Democratic Banner" about
the middle of May last, but had issued only a few numbers when
he volunteered in the above regiment, and after sharing in its
long and harassing marches through the Mexican territory, has,
in common with hundreds of other patriotic citizens, become the
victim of an unhealthy climate. Our acquaintance with him was
very limited, having seen him only a few times during his brief
residence in this place, but his conversation and manners
impressed us strongly in his favor. We believe he was from
Steubenville, Ohio, and without a family. May his ashes, and
those of his fellow sufferers, rest in peace!
WATTS, ELLEN B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16,
1906
Mrs. Ellen B. Watts, widow of William Watts, died at 11:45 a.m.
Tuesday after an illness of one year, which culminated in
peritonitis. She had lived in the city of Alton and vicinity
fifty eight years, having come here as the bride of William
Watts, who lived in the city of Alton until 1865, when he moved
to the farm where he died in Godfrey township, between North
Alton and Godfrey. Mrs. Watts was 79 years of age last May 31.
She was born at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, May 31, 1827. Her
parents came to Illinois when she was eight years of age and
settled in Macoupin county, where she lived until the time of
her marriage, July 23, 1848. Her husband died August 23, 1904,
after more than fifty six years of married life. Mrs. Watts'
health began to break about one year ago, and she continued to
grow weaker until death took her. She is survived by six
daughters, Mrs. William A. Charless of Butler, Mrs. W. H.
Fullager of Chicago, Mrs. Wallace Libby of Ottawa, Ill., Misses
Minnie and Mattie Watts, and Mrs. W. P. Hancock of Godfrey.
WATTS, LUCY B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 24,
1909
The funeral of Mrs. Lucy B. Watts was held this
afternoon from the home of her sister, Mrs. E. M. Shryer.
Services were conducted by Rev. H. M. Chittenden of St. Paul's
Episcopal church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.
WATTS,
RACHEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 12, 1922
Mrs. Rachel Watts, a well known and long time resident of Alton,
died yesterday morning following a stroke of paralysis which
disabled her three weeks ago. Mrs. Watts was in a serious
condition from the first, but she was manifesting such strong
vitality that there was hope that she would recover from the
paralysis. Thursday of last week complications set in and death
resulted Sunday morning. Mrs. Watts was 77 years of age. Until
she was paralyzed, she was strong and active and was deeply
devoted to her church and to the cause of the W. C. T. U., in
both of which she was a valuable member. Until the very last she
kept up her interest in these two organizations and her family.
She was known for her self-denying liberality, and contributed
to all causes she deemed worthy. For many years she had been
connected with the First Baptist church. Owing to the absence of
her pastor, the funeral services Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edgar Hollister, will be
conducted by Rev. Edward L. Gibson of the First Presbyterian
church. Mrs. Watts is survived by four daughters, Mrs. C. F.
Steizel and Mrs. Edgar Hollister of Alton, Mrs. S. W. Ingalls of
Jacksonville, and Mrs. J. A. Atkinson of Chicago. She leaves
also one son, John Watts of Alton. Her husband died many years
ago.
WATTS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24,
1903
Civil War Veteran
William Watts, a veteran of the Civil War, died after an illness
from pneumonia, Thursday morning at 2:40 o'clock at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. C. F. Steizel, Ninth and George streets.Mrs.
Steizel, who is visiting in Prescott, Arizona for the benefit of
her health, will not be able to return in time to attend her
father's funeral. Mr. Watts was an old resident of Alton and was
well known. He had lived in the city many years and was the
father of a well known family. He leaves beside his wife, six
children: John W. Watts, Mrs. Edgar Hollister, Mrs. Charles
Steizel of Alton, Mrs. W. M. Atkinson of Chicago, Mrs. S. W.
Ingalls of Jacksonville, and Mrs. C. E. Ashley of Prescott,
Arizona. He was a member of Company D, 10th Illinois volunteers,
and served with honor during his period of enlistment. He was a
member of the A. O. U. W. twenty-two years. Forty-three years
ago he was married at Godfrey to Miss Rachel Sollman, who
survives. him. Mr. Watts was an industrious man, respected by
all who knew him, and a good citizen. He was 69 years of age.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from
the home of C. F. Steizel.
WATTS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 23, 1904
Proprietor of Grocery Store
William Watts, aged 85, died Tuesday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock at his residence north of North Alton, in Godfrey
township, after a long illness. He was a native of England and
came to Alton in 1848, where he was engaged in the grocery
business. He moved from Alton to his late home in Godfrey
township about 35 years ago. He leaves six daughters, Mrs. W. A.
Charless of Butler, Ill.; Mrs. William Fullager of Chicago; Mrs.
Wallace Libby of Ottawa; Mrs. W. P. Hancock; and Misses Mamie
and Mattie Watts, who lived at home with their father. Mr. Watts
was one of the best known residents of Godfrey township, and was
a man known for his many good qualities, his worth as a citizen,
and a kindly good heart. Illness had confined him to his home
most of the time for several years, and death was a happy
release from long suffering.
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1904
William Watts of
Godfrey was buried Thursday afternoon in a vault in Alton City
Cemetery, which had awaited its owner for forty years. Mr. Watts
had always held a strong feeling against the burial of a body in
the ground, and forty years ago he had a vault constructed in
City Cemetery in which he planned his body should be laid when
dissolution occurred. During the forty years the only persons
laid in the vault permanently were his two little children, who
died many years ago. In compliance with the wishes of Mr. Watts,
his body was laid away in the vault Thursday afternoon for its
last long rest in a hermetically sealed metallic casket.
WAUGH,
JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22, 1900
John Waugh, aged 72 years, died at his home near Poag in this
county, on Tuesday. The interment will take place in the Upper
Alton cemetery on Monday. He resided in North Alton for 25 or 30
years, where he has many friends. Some fifteen years ago he
removed to a farm near Poag. The last year his health has been
poor. His wife and four children survive him.
WAYMAN, W.
H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 12, 1912
Well
Known Contractor Hit by Automobile
W.
H. Wayman, the well known contractor who was hit by automobile
at the corner of Second and Ridge Streets Wednesday afternoon,
as told in the Telegraph, died at St. Joseph's hospital at 5
o'clock, a little over an hour after the accident. He never
regained consciousness. Dr. J. N. Shaff, who witnessed the
accident, and had been the attending surgeon for Mr. Wayman in
several other bad accidents in which Wayman was hurt, was with
him at the hospital when Wayman died. The injured man passed
away as he was being undressed and before anything could be done
for him. When picked up he was apparently fatally injured, and
there appeared to be no chance whatever for his reviving. The
automobile that struck Wayman was owned and driven by W. W. Heil
of Bunker Hill, who had been in Alton during the day. Heil
stopped, gave his name and address, and after waiting about for
a while started for Bunker Hill, and no arrest was made. It was
the opinion of those who witnessed the accident that the driver
of the auto was guilty of criminal carelessness. Dr. J. N.
Shaff, who witnessed the accident, tells a damaging story on the
auto driver. Dr. Shaff was running west on Second street when he
encountered Wayman, who was crossing from the south to the north
side of the street, but instead of going directly across was
angling off toward the east a distance about 30 feet east of the
crossing. Wayman was apparently oblivious of any danger. Dr.
Shaff swung his machine to miss striking Wayman, then the Heil
machine approached. Instead of keeping to the right to pass Dr.
Shaff, Heil swerved to the left, passing the Shaff auto on the
left side, and for that reason struck the aged contractor, who
walked slowly and could not move quickly. Heil sounded his horn,
but this only confused Wayman, and before the machine could be
stopped Wayman was underneath it and doubled up. He was dragged
about 10 feet witnesses say. Mr. Wayman was 73 years of age and
leaves his wife and four children. He was the victim of many
accidents, and had been broken up several times. Once he fell
from the roof of St. Joseph's hospital 70 feet, and sustained
injuries which were believed to be fatal. Again he fell from a
roof at Nameoki, two stories, and sustained numerous injuries.
He was hurt badly several times, and in consequence his limbs
were so stiffened that he could not move with much quickness.
Coroner Sims held an inquest this afternoon and the jury found a
verdict of unavoidable accident, exonerating Heil for striking
Wayman with his automobile.
WAYNE, RALPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 2, 1918
Edwardsville Business Man
A party of Alton members of the Knights Templar went to
Edwardsville today to attend the funeral of Ralph Wayne, a
business man at Edwardsville, who died Saturday and was buried
this afternoon. Masons had charge of the funeral and the
Commandery members served as an escort of honor. Mr. Wayne was
at one time in the grocery business in Alton, in partnership
with Thomas P. Dooling on State Street.
WEBB,
DANIEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 16, 1921
Daniel Webb, aged 62, an invalid for three years, died Saturday
evening, leaving his family in a destitute condition. Members of
the family said that they had no food in the house on Saturday,
and they had been getting along at times on a meager allowance.
The Red Cross had been paying the rent on the house and had been
furnishing them with some food. The mother had been doing some
work to earn money. Saturday, when the mother was occupied in
taking care of her husband in his dying house, there was nothing
to eat in the house. When this information was learned by
outsiders, a supply of food was immediately provided for them to
relieve their emergency needs and later other substantial aid
was provided for them. One son of the dead man is in the army;
another is married and has three children and a daughter is
married. The other children are young, with the exception of a
16 year old boy who is described as being small for his age and
finds it difficult to get a job to help support the family. The
family live on McClure avenue in Yager Park. Their wants are now
being looked after.
WEBB, DEBORAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1851
Died
in Alton, July 6, Mrs. Deborah Webb, consort of the late James
Webb, aged 67 years. Mrs. Webb was born in the State of Vermont,
and had resided in Illinois since the year 1842. She died in the
bright hope of a glorious immortality, through the goodness and
mercy of her Saviour. For many years she had been a member of
the Presbyterian Church. She was a child of affliction. Her
bodily infirmity for a long time had subjected her to suffering
and severe trials, yet she patiently submitted to the will of
her Divine Master. Her infirmities were borne with Christian
resignation, through an abiding faith, that the children of
hope, who are here severely tried, will have a bright eternity
with a God who afflicts only for wise purposes. She is now gone
to the last resting place, and her spirit is with the redeemed.
WEBB,
ELIZABETH LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16,
1915
Mrs. Elizabeth Louise Webb, wife of Harrison Webb,
died at her home at 1:45 o'clock this morning after an illness
of four months. She was in her twenty-fourth year, and had been
married to Harrison Webb but one year on December 4. Mrs. Webb
is survived by her husband and one sister, Miss Elsa Anderson,
who was with her at the time of her death. Her condition had
been serious for some time, and relatives and friends have been
expecting her death. Mrs. Webb was a member of the
Congregational Church, and for many years one of the active
workers in the Congregational Sunday school. She was well known
for her kindly disposition and her ready smile, and had a host
of friends in all parts of the city. The funeral will probably
be held on Sunday afternoon from the Congregational Church to
the City Cemetery. The services will be conducted by Rev. I. G.
McCann.
WEBB, ETNA PEARL MANLEY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 1, 1921
Word has been received in Wood River of the
death at Munice, Ind., of Mrs. Etna Pearl Manley Webb, wife of
Harry Webb, following an illness which extended over a period of
a year. Mrs. Webb was taken ill with the grippe, and her
sickness terminated into tuberculosis. Every attention was given
her but her condition gradually became worse. Mrs. Webb is
survived by her husband, Harry Webb, one brother and three small
children; Howard, aged 5; Adele, aged 3; and Carl, aged 2. Her
husband is the eldest son of Rev. and Mrs. C. W. Webb of Wood
River. Mrs. Webb died at the home of her foster parents in
Munice. Her parents died when she was very small. The Webb
family resided for a long time on Penning avenue in Wood River,
and the young wife and mother made many friends who will regret
to learn of her death. Mrs. Webb was 26 years of age. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at
Streator, Ill. Rev. and Mrs. Webb will attend the funeral.
WEBB, FELIX G./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1912
Felix G. Webb, aged 79, died at his home, 302 Danforth
street, Sunday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock after a long illness.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, George, Thomas and
Arthur, and one daughter, Mrs. Aquila Alexander; also one
sister, Mrs. Black, residing in St. Louis. He was born in
Pulaski county, Tenn., in 1833. He was an old time resident of
Alton, and for many years worked in the plant of the Alton Box
Co. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
home, Rev. S. H. Cossaboon officiating, and burial will be in
City Cemetery.
WEBB, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1919
Fifteen Year Old Boy Shot By Companion
George Webb,
15 years old, was shot and killed by Gerald Monroe, about the
same age, yesterday afternoon on a sand bar in back of the plant
of the Illinois Glass company, opposite Skinny Island. Five boys
- - Webb, Monroe, Ernest Little, Sam Reeder and Russell Bawlings
- - went to the river to hunt ducks, there being a 38 caliber
revolver and a shot gun in the party. Monroe wielded the
revolver so carelessly, according to the story told of the
shooting, that the others became frightened. Monroe and Webb
went into a duck blind, Monroe carrying the revolver. The other
three boys shortly afterward heard the shot, and saw Webb
staggering from the blind. An effort was made to carry him
somewhere where assistance could be had, but he died in a short
while. According to the information given the deputy coroner,
Monroe was sitting with the revolver in his hands. The gun was
discharged accidentally, the ball entering Webb's jaw and coming
out at the neck. The body was taken over by Deputy Coroner
Bauer, who will conduct an inquest. Webb was a son of Donald
Webb, 2707 College avenue, and leaves several brothers and
sisters.
WEBB, GEORGE M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 17, 1913
Car Inspector for Illinois Terminal Railroad
George M. Webb, aged 64, car inspector for
the Illinois Terminal, died at his home, 1228 East Second
street, Monday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock from apoplexy. He was
stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage June 7, and had been
unconscious part of the time since then. Paralysis caused his
death. He had lived in Alton about twenty years. Mr. Webb leaves
beside his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Flora Wasser and Mrs.
Tillie Schreiber, both of St. Louis, and two stepchildren, Mrs.
George Harr and Nathan Holmes. He leaves also eight
grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock from the family home.
WEBB, JAMES (JUDGE)/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1850
Died on Wednesday, August 20, at Alton, Illinois, the Hon. James
Webb, aged 68(?) years. Judge Webb was born in the State of
Connecticut and immigrated to Onondaga County, New York, in the
year 1800(?). He was among the first of the pioneers who settled
that county. He soon became prominent, and during a residence
there of thirty years, he held rank among men who were the most
prominent and influential in that State. When the great scheme
of constructing the Erie Canal through New York was before the
Legislature, he, as a member of that body, gave the measure his
influence and support. After that period, he filled the office
of County Judge for many years, and for twenty-three years held
the office of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, though many
political changes occurred within that time. He immigrated with
his family to Illinois in 1832(?), where he has since resided.
In this State, he was also favored with office by the people. In
public office, Judge Webb always maintained a character for
strict integrity, for clear perception of duty, for great
firmness, and for prominences to promote the interest of his
constituents, and to perform what they had a right to demand. He
was highly endowed with the social qualities which always made
him agreeable in any society. This made him a favorite. As a
citizen, he faithfully performed all the obligations imposed on
him by the government or society. In his domestic relations, he
was kind and affectionate, as a husband and parent. Alas! He is
now gone to the place appointed for all the living. Yet, his
memory will remain with a sensation of pleasure, while rising on
the ____ which his presence gave to the social circle, and with
regret at the thought that he who was once so cheerful and
active, and so energetic, Is now mouldering in death.
Source: Syracuse, New York Daily Standard, September 25, 1850
Died, at Alton, Ill., on the 20th of August, James Webb, aged 68
years, formerly a resident of Onondaga, and one of the first
settlers of that town.
WEBB, MARTHA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 26, 1911
Reader of Alton Telegraph Since 8 Year of Age Dies
Mrs.
Martha M. Webb, aged 78, widow of William W. Webb, died at her
home, 1710 Belle street Saturday afternoon after a long illness
with dropsy and asthma. Mrs. Webb had been such a sufferer from
asthma she had not been able to sleep in bed for a long time and
was obliged to get her rest in a reclining chair. She was the
mother of Ralph and Eugene Webb, Mrs. Newton Jones and Mrs.
Buckley. Her husband died many years ago in Alton, and Mrs. Webb
had been a resident here almost all her life. The funeral was
this afternoon from the home on Belle street, Rev. Arthur
Goodger of St. Paul's Episcopal church officiating. Burial was
in the City cemetery. In the death of Mrs. Webb, the Telegraph
loses one of its very oldest friends. She had been a reader of
the paper since she was a girl, 70 years ago. Her father at that
time was a resident of Edwardsville and conducted a hotel. The
paper was a visitor in the home of her father, and when she was
a girl of eight years Mrs. Webb saw it for the first time. She
always said that she read it when it was a weekly paper, and
that in later years she read it as a daily paper. Just a few
days before her death she continued to enjoy her favorite paper.
There are few people who can compare with Mrs. Webb in the
length of time of reading the Telegraph, and there are few
people who could be said to have been such a steady patron of
any paper.
WEBBER, SUSANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 7, 1919
Mrs. Susannah Weber, wife of Edward K.
Webber of Godfrey, died at the family home Sunday evening at
?:30 o'clock after being disabled about one year by paralysis.
She suffered from a complication of diseases in the latter part
of her illness. She is survived by her husband and eight
children. Mrs. Webber was twice married, her first husband being
Mr. Lyons, and by him she bore four children: Misses Maude and
Nannie Lyons of Godfrey, Rev. Charles Lyons of Elgin, Ill., and
William Lyons of Granite City. By her second marriage she had
four children: Harry Webber of Sedalia, Mo., Fred Webber of
Godfrey, Mrs. Thomas Mulherron of Godfrey, and Philip Webber,
who is in the army in Germany. She leaves also six
grandchildren. Mrs. Webber was born in Germany, at Langdorff,
Hesse Darmstadt, and at the time of her death she was past 66
years of age. During the period of her first marriage she lived
at Grafton, but had resided many years at Godfrey. The funeral
will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home,
Rev. Green officiating, and burial will be in the Godfrey
Cemetery.
WEBBER, VIRGINIA M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 4, 1906
The funeral of Mrs. Virginia M. Webber
was held this morning at 10 o'clock from the family home, 108
west Seventh street. Services were conducted by Rev. M. H.
Ewers, and burial was in City Cemetery.
WEBER, ADAM/Source: Troy Star, October 26, 1894
Adam
Weber, a much respected citizen of Troy, died Sunday noon at 12
o'clock, aged 80 years, 10 months and 11 days. He was a resident
of this vicinity for a score or more of years and had a host of
friends. He leaves to mourn his death a number of close
relatives. The funeral took place Tuesday morning from the
family residence to the Black Jack Presbyterian church, where
the last sad services were conducted. One by one the old
settlers are passing away.
WEBER, FRANK JR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
15, 1919
Loses Life Trying to Avoid Crash - Auto Hits Street
Car
Frank Weber Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weber of the Godfrey
road, was fatally injured Saturday night when an automobile
driven by Frank Yost, in which he was riding, crashed into a
street car at Broadway and Cherry streets. Weber sustained a
skull and a jaw fracture, never regaining consciousness. Yost
escaped practically unhurt, though hurled out of the car to the
pavement. The accident occurred about 10:30 o'clock Saturday
night. The two young men, who were the best of friends, were
preparing to take a hunting trip and were out in Yost's auto.
According to the story told by Yost, he was driving east on
Broadway behind a street car. As the car approached Broadway and
Cherry, some people stepped out from the sidewalk to stop the
car. Yost insists that he attempted to stop the automobile, but
says he was unable to get the power shut off. He says that he
had to turn to one side or the other of the street car to avoid
running into the back end of the car. On the right side were the
people standing, waiting to get on board the car, so he made a
desperate effort to run around on the left side, taking a
chance. As he rounded the car he saw ahead of him another
automobile coming to meet him. To avoid running into the
oncoming automobile, he made a swing with his own auto and
collided with the street car. Weber was sitting on the right
side of the auto next to the street car and bore most of the
shock of the collision. He was picked up unconscious and taken
to the hospital, where his name was ascertained from a letter in
his pocket. Relatives were notified and they hurried to the
hospital to attend him. It was decided from the first by the
surgeons that the young man had little chance to live, owing to
a fracture of his skull near the base of the brain. He died
about 7 o'clock Sunday evening. Frank Weber was 23 years of age
last August 15th. He was born and reared in this vicinity and
was a very popular young man, leaving a large number of friends
who mourn his death. He leaves beside his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Weber, one brother, George, and two sisters, Mrs. Walter
Morgenroth and Miss Alvena Weber. The young man was employed on
the farm with his father. The funeral will be held Wednesday
morning at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral. Interment will be in
St. Joseph's Cemetery.
WEBER, KATE/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 6, 1865
Last
night, a girl by the name of Kate Weber, living in the family of
Mr. T. Cansell, was fatally burned in the following manner. She
has been subject to fits, and generally retired to her room
before the family did so, but on this occasion was left by Mrs.
Cansell downstairs. It is supposed that shortly after being
left, she took a fit and upset the light, thus setting her
clothes on fire, and on recovering from her fit, she ran
upstairs screaming, and then into her own room, and threw
herself on the bed, setting fire to it also. Mrs. Cansell went
to her assistance, and with the aid of a man who was passing,
succeeded in smothering the flames, but not until the sufferer
was burned beyond all hopes of recovery.
WEBER,
LULU A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27, 1906
Mrs. Lulu A., wife of Edmond J. Weber, died this morning at
her home, 201 E. Thirteenth street, after an illness following
the birth of a child a few weeks ago. She is survived by her
husband and four small children, and numerous other relatives in
Foster township. The funeral arrangements are not complete, but
the burial will probably be Thursday at Fosterburg.
WEBER,
PHILIP J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30, 1920
Philip J. Weber died at his home, 717 Linden avenue, at 7:45
o'clock this morning after a three weeks illness, in his 60th
year. His wife and all of his children were present at the time
of his death. He leaves his wife, five sons: Fred, Arthur,
Gustave, Oscar and Ernest; and two daughters, Lillian and
Estella. He leaves also two sisters, Louisa and Mary, of
Edwardsville, and three brothers, Edward, William and Fred
Weber. He was a faithful member of the Grace Methodist church
from which church the funeral services will be held Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WEBER, UNKNOWN WIFE OF EDWIN J./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 1, 1906
Baby Christened Beside Mother's
Casket
At the funeral of Mrs. Edwin J. Weber, held Friday morning from
the family home to the German Methodist church, there was an
unusual incident at the home before the funeral party started
for the church. The two months old child of Mrs. Weber was
christened Raymond Lewis Weber, beside the casket of the mother
as she had requested before her death. The mother gave the child
the name, knowing she was about to die, and the father, in
compliance with her wishes, had the christening done in the
presence of the body of the mother before it was taken to the
church for the funeral services. Rev. Mr. Eitelgeorge officiated
at the christening.
WEBSTER,
EZRA GRISWOLD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28, 1902
Erected First Barbed Wire Fence in Madison County, Cigar
Manufacturer, Merchant
Upper Alton News - Mr. E. G. Webster died at his residence
here at 9:30 p.m. Monday, at the age of 78 years. He had been a
sufferer for some time with a complication of chronic diseases
which was followed by senile gangrene in one of his feet. Owing
to his advanced age and weakened condition, the gangrene
progressed steadily to a fatal termination. His family was all
with him through his last illness. On Thursday morning between
the hours of 9 and 12 o'clock all friends of the deceased and of
the family will be given an opportunity to view the remains at
the family home. The funeral and interment will be private.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 30, 1902
Ezra Griswold Webster was born at Columbus, Ohio, September
8, 1823, and died at Upper Alton, January 27, 1902, in the 79th
year of his age. He was the fifth son of John Webster and Lydia
Steadman of Connecticut, who emigrated to the Scioto Valley in
1814, the seventh in lineal descent from Governor John Webster
of Connecticut, who, coming from England, settled in that colony
in the year 1630. The family is numerous and widely scattered,
and include a few illustrious name, notably that of Noah
Webster, the lexicographer, who was a cousin of E. G. Webster's
grandfather. A religious home, the pioneer district school and
an academy at Delaware, Ohio furnished Mr. Webster's education.
At the age of 16 he was thrown on his own resources, endowed
with good health, energy and high moral instincts. Having
learned the trade of cutting shoes he worked at this for many
years in Cincinnati, Marietta, Philadelphia, New York city and
Woonsocket Falls, Rhode Island. In 1857 he relinquished his
position as foreman in a shoe factory at Philadelphia, and came
to Peoria county, Illinois, to take care of an invalid brother.
Here, he engaged in business as a merchant, and took a leading
part in political affairs, serving in local offices repeatedly,
and in 1872 was elected to the legislature of Illinois. In party
affiliation he was at first a Whig, and then a Republican. His
most important work in the Legislature was promoting laws to
prohibit the sale of diseased meat for food. The first iron
bridge in Peoria county was constructed through his
instrumentality, and it is believed that the first barbed wire
fencing in Madison county was erected by him on a farm near
Godfrey, to which he moved in 1875. In 1880, he moved to Upper
Alton and was engaged first in the manufacture of cigars, and
later in the business of a merchant, which occupied him
continuously for the next twenty years, excepting an interval of
two years when he again conducted a farm in Franklin county,
Illinois. He retired from the active management of his business
a few years ago. He was married at Elmore, Peoria county,
Illinois, to Sarah E. Day, who survives him. Four of his eight
children are living, and were with him when he died; namely Mr.
P. S. Webster, Miss Rita S. Webster, and Mrs. T. S. White of
Upper Alton; and Mrs. Dr. M. B. Titterington of Jerseyville,
whose son is the only grandchild. Two brothers, Rev. John
Webster, formerly of Upper Alton, and Amason Webster of
Columbus, Ohio, and one sister, Mrs. Mary J. Waver of Montezuma,
Iowa, all above eighty years of age, have preceded him to the
final rest within the last decade. One sister, Mrs. Cynthia L.
Ingalls, the youngest of the family, still lives near the old
home at West Jefferson, Ohio, in the 75th year of her age.
Funeral services were held this afternoon at the family home.
Rev. Mr. Waggoner, an old friend of the deceased, assisted by
the Rev. Mr. Waterman, conducted the services which were simple
and short. The pallbearers were Messrs. Mark Dickson, John
Convery, James L. Johnson, Louis Erhler, John Leverett and J. T.
Atchison. Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery.
WEBSTER, SARAH E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16,
1922
Mrs. Sarah E. Webster, widow of Ezra Webster, died
at 11:40 o'clock this morning at her home, 1323 Washington
avenue, after an illness of six days with pneumonia. Few friends
knew that the aged woman was seriously ill and were shocked to
learn of her death. She was 81 years of age. Mrs. Webster was
born in Warren County, New Jersey, and came to Illinois in 1849.
In 1880 she came to Alton and has resided here since that time.
She was the mother of four children, Miss Rita Webster, a
retired school teacher; Park S. Webster, who for many years
conducted a grocery store in Upper Alton; Mrs. Clara
Kitterington of St. Louis; and Mrs. Genevieve Herdina of this
city. Last November Mrs. Webster celebrated her eightieth
birthday with a family reunion. At that time, Mrs. Webster and
three sisters from distant points were together for the last
time. Mrs. Webster was one of Upper Alton's best known residents
and was beloved by all who knew her. Until the debility of age
confined her to her home, Mrs. Webster was an active worker in
the College Avenue Baptist Church. No funeral arrangements had
been completed at a late hour this afternoon.
WEBSTER, UNKNOWN CHILD OF ROY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 12, 1906
An infant child of Roy Webster on Hampton
street died this morning from dysentery.
WEDEPOHL, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
25, 1919
The funeral of Theodore Wedepohl, who died in
Mount St. Rose's Hospital, St. Louis, was this morning from the
home of a sister, Mrs. James Monaghan, to St. Patrick's church,
where solemn high requiem mass was sung. The Rev. Fr. F. B.
Kehoe was celebrant with Fathers Dailey and Costello deacon and
sub-deacon, respectively. Interment was in Greenwood cemetery,
where services were conducted by Father Dailey. The pall bearers
were Fred Clifford, James Gilmartin, John Gilmartin, Jack
Fingleton, John Degnan and Edward Schulte.
WEEDEN, DOROTHY LUCILLE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 30, 1918
Dorothy Lucille Weeden, the infant
daughter of Albert Weeden, colored, died Saturday night at the
family home, 2808 Hazel street, from bronchial pneumonia. The
funeral services were held this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, and
the burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
WEEDEN, UNKNOWN CHILD OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 16, 1903
The two weeks old child of Mr. and Mrs.
John Weeden, colored, died at the home in Salu last night. The
funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WEEKS, ARCHIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19,
1900
Shot by Officer H. H. Sattgast in Self-Defense
Special
Officer H. H. Sattgast, for the C. & A. at Godfrey, shot and
instantly killed a negro named Archie Weeks at Godfrey Sunday
evening at 5:40 o'clock, in self defense. The bullet fired by
the officer struck in the right nostril of the negro and
penetrated his brain. The shooting was provoked by Weeks, who
drew a gun first on the train brakeman and then on Officer
Sattgast, at whom he snapped the revolver twice before Sattgast
fired the fatal shot. Weeks was accompanied by another negro,
Robert T. Lee, formerly of Alton, who was released from custody
after the Coroner's inquest, and is still in Alton. According to
Lee's story, the two met at Brooklyn crossing yesterday and
climbed aboard the C. & A. freight train, No. 55, for a ride to
Alton. At Mitchell, the train brakeman ordered Lee and Weeks off
the flat car upon which they were riding, and Weeks drew a
revolver on the brakeman as he left the train. When the train
started again, the two negroes climbed aboard and refused to get
off. At Wann, a message was sent to Officer Sattgast,
instructing him to arrest the negroes when the train arrived at
Godfrey. As the train pulled in at the south end of the Godfrey
yards, Sattgast was waiting, but the two negroes jumped and ran.
When ordered to stop, Weeks did so, and when the officer was
within twelve feet of him, the negro drew his revolver, and
pointing it at the officer, snapped the trigger, but the weapon
misfired. Sattgast ordered him to drop his gun, and the negro
again snapped the trigger, the weapon failing to discharge as
before. The officer then fired one shot that instantly killed
the man. Lee says he never met Weeks until yesterday. The only
clue to the man's identity is the name scribbled on a piece of
paper in his pocket. Lee's testimony before the Coroner's jury
confirms Sattgast's statement of the shotting. Coroner Bailey
held an inquest and the jury found a verdict of justifiable
homicide. The body is being held by the Coroner.
WEEKS, JOSEPH H. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 13, 1906
Civil War Veteran, Prisoner at Andersonville
Capt. J. H. Weeks of Upper Alton died this afternoon at his home
after forty years of invalidism due to injuries and disease,
which had their beginning while he was serving in the army
during the Civil War. He had been at death's door for many
months, but showed a wonderful vitality that surprised everyone.
He was 70 years of age.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 14, 1906
The funeral of Captain Joseph H.
Weeks will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family
home in Upper Alton, and will be private. The services will be
conducted by Rev. Dr. J. C. C. Clarke, Rev. Dr. L. A. Abbott,
and Rev. W. H. Bradley. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
Joseph H. Weeks was born January 25, 1836 in New York City, the
son of Harvey and Sophia (Waterbury) Weeks. His father was a
soldier in the War of 1812. Capt. Weeks' mother was born in New
York City, June 18, 1800, and died at his home in Upper Alton,
October 2, 1891. He received his early education in the public
schools of Brooklyn, N. Y. After leaving school, he learned the
carpenter's trade. In 1857 he came west, stopping first at
Virden, and in 1860 he came to Upper Alton. Mr. Weeks enlisted
in Company F, 32nd Illinois Infantry, September 1, 1861, being
mustered into service at Camp butler, Illinois as second
sergeant. On January 31, 1862 his regiment was ordered to Cairo,
Illinois, where it was one of the few comprising Grant's army of
the Tennessee. Two months later he was appointed color sergeant,
having in the meantime been assigned to the first brigade,
Fourth division, under General Hurlburt. Then came the battle of
Shiloh, in which of his Color Guard of seven men, six were
either killed or wounded. The weary months that followed are
matters of history, and Mr. Weeks experienced no less hardships
than the others. January 2, 1864 he re-enlisted at Nachez,
Mississippi, and in February came home on a brief veteran's
furlough. Rejoining his regiment, he participated in the Georgia
campaign under McPherson. He was commissioned First Lieutenant
to date from September 2, 1864. On October 28th, while in
advance of his company who were on the skirmish line, he was cut
off and taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville. Here he
suffered the tortures of prison life for seven months. On his
return to the Union lines he was a mere skeleton, almost blind
and with limbs crippled with scurvy. Having spent some months in
the hospital, he joined his regiment in Washington. His command
was ordered to Louisville, St. Louis, and finally to Fort
Leavenworth, where he received his commission as Captain, dated
July 5, and on September 16, 1865, with his regiment, he was
mustered out and returned to his home in Upper Alton. Captain
Weeks was married October 4, 1865 to Miss Martha L. Mills,
daughter of Rev. B. H. Mills of Upper Alton. She died February
9, 1869, leaving one son, Charles H., who survives his father
and was with him during his last illness. Capt. Weeks was
married at Jerseyville, April 1, 1873 to Miss Martha M. McGill,
daughter of Thomas McGill. They have had six children, of whom
three are now living: Harvey E. of Davenport, Iowa, Martha E.,
and Frederick T. of Upper Alton. Captain Weeks was appointed
postmaster at Upper Alton, January 30, 1877, and held the office
until 1885, when he was removed by a change of administration.
He was re-appointed April 29, 1889 by Postmaster-General
Wanamaker. On March 24, 1890, the office being raised to the
third class, he was commissioned by President Harrison for four
years, retiring from the office May 31, 1894, having served as
postmaster for thirteen years. Captain Weeks has long been a
faithful member of the Baptist church. For many years he has
been a deacon in the Upper Alton church. His life in the
community has been that of a Christian gentleman. His official
record is one of which any man might well be proud. He has
always been ready to respond to calls of distress, wherever the
need. His last years have been full of physical distress and
pain, but he has borne all with a wonderful patience and
resignation. He has rounded out a life of devotion to his God,
his family, and his country, and leaves a fragrant memory behind
him.
WEEKS, MARY J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5,
1919
The funeral of Mrs. Mary J. Weeks took place
yesterday. She died at Bethalto, at the age of 78, and her body
was taken to Edwardsville for burial. She was the widow of
George Weeks.
WEEKS, NORA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30, 1910
School Girl Killed by Train On Last School Day
Nora Weeks, the 13 year old daughter of Richard Weeks of
Oldenburg, was killed Friday evening by the C. And A. Prairie
State Express train near Lakeview, while going home from school
with her 11 year old sister, Nellie. It is said the children
were walking on the track, and the younger one noticed the train
approaching, she had time to step off but the older girl did not
move quick enough and was hit by the train, which was running at
a high rate of speed. The child's skull was fractured, both legs
and one arm broken. It is supposed she died instantly. The train
was stopped and men who were nearby carried the body of the
child home. Coroner Streeper was notified, and held an inquest
today. John Dillon, one of the interurban employees who
witnessed the accident, said that the men with him noticed the
danger of the children and shouted to them, but only one got off
the track. The girls were carrying their school books, as
yesterday was the last day of school, with them, and were going
home happy in anticipation of starting in on their vacation. The
men who witnessed the tragedy were so filled with grief that
they declare they cannot soon forget the horrible sight of the
child being struck by the train.
WEEKS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 14, 1903
Mrs. George Weeks died Wednesday evening at
her home in Yager Park after an illness of about two weeks. She
was 53 years old and leaves a husband and five children. The
Weeks were quarantined recently, as all the family had smallpox,
but no deaths resulted from that disease. The funeral of Mrs.
Weeks will take place tomorrow afternoon.
WEGENER, ALEXANDER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
1, 1920 S
tone Mason Contractor and Alderman
Alexander
Wegener, one of Alton's best known citizens, died at his home,
1005 Pearl street, Tuesday evening at 7:30 o'clock, after an
illness of one year. Death was due to weakness of old age. He
had been failing in strength ever since the death of his wife,
who died eight years ago. The aged man never got over grieving
over his lost mate, to whom he had been married forty years at
the time of her death. He had married her in Alton. She was Lena
Vonnahman. When nineteen years of age he came to Alton from
Germany, sixty years ago, and he had lived here continuously
since that time. He was a native of Westphalia, Germany, and
grew up to young manhood there. Mr. Wegener was one of the best
stone contractors in Alton. He was known as a skilled workman,
and he built some fine jobs of stone masonry which are pointed
to with pride by their owners. He operated a quarry for a long
time in connection with his contracting business. One of his
monuments is the foundation of St. Mary's church, but there are
numerous others in the city that are examples of high class
workmanship. He retired from active work about six years ago
because of failing health. He was much worse in the last year
and his condition had been declining rapidly the last few
months. He leaves five daughters, Misses Anniem Mary and Clara
Wegener of Alton, Mrs. Joseph Davis of Milwaukee and Miss Sophia
Wegener of El Paso, Tex. He leaves also four sons, Alexander,
Henry, Frank, all of Alton, and John of Savannah, Ga. Mr.
Wegener served as alderman in the city council several terms.
His first attempt at political honors returned him a victor by
one majority over his competitor. Averring that one was as good
as thousand if it was on his side, Mr. Wegener took office. He
took an active part in city affairs, and was, in his way, a good
alderman. His knowledge of how to do work very valuable to the
city. He was once a candidate for mayor, but was defeated. Years
ago his right to vote was attacked after he held office for
years. The record of his naturalization in Alton was lost, but
Mr. Wegener was saved from criminal prosecution by the rare
chances of his finding the men who had been his witnesses many
years before. They appeared in court and testified that they had
served as witnesses for him at his naturalization, and so new
papers were issued to him by the then presiding judge. The
funeral will be held Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church, and interment will be in St. Joseph's
cemetery.
WEGENER, CAROLINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 27, 1913
Mrs. Caroline Wegener, wife of Alexander
Wegener, aged 58, died Sunday morning at the family home, 1005
Pearl street, after a long illness from nervous prostration.
Mrs. Wegener had been sick six months and last Friday she
suffered a stroke of paralysis which proved fatal. She was born
at Wood Station, and was 58 years of age. She was married in
Alton forty years ago at St. Mary's church, and had been a
member of that church the entire forty years. She was the mother
of twelve children, nine of whom survive her. It was one of the
sources of her greatest pride that she had been the mother of
twelve children, and she frequently referred to that fact. The
children who survive here are: F. A., Henry, Annie, Mary, Clara,
Gertrude, John, Sophie and Frank Wegener, all living in Alton.
She leaves also three brothers, John Vonahmen of Wood Station,
Frank Wolf of Fosterburg, Joseph Wolf of the state of
Washington, and three sisters, Mrs. Joseph Spurgeon, Mrs. Annie
Mahler of Alton, and Mrs. Rose Bange of Liberty Prairie. The
funeral will be at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning from St. Mary's
church.
WEGENER, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 8,
1908
Seventeen Year Old Loses Life In Mississippi
Joseph, the 17 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander
Wegener of North and Pearl streets was drowned in the
Mississippi river at Hop Hollow about 2 o'clock, Labor Day,
while swimming with a party of friends. The passing of the
excursion steamer, City of Providence, was responsible for the
accident. No one on the steamer knew of the drowning and the
boat did not stop. With Ernest Fitzgerald, Leo Mahler, and Henry
Elfgen, young Wegener had gone to Hop Hollow on foot Monday
morning to spend the day fishing. The boys went in swimming
after the noon hour. At that point the water is shallow and it
is necessary to wade a long distance to get out to deep water.
The water was low, and at that place it is necessary for the
excursion steamer to make a sharp turn to cross the river and it
was the close passing and turning of the boat that drew young
Wegener off his feet and carried him out into deep water. He was
drowned in the sight of his companions who tried to render help
but failed, and Leo Mahler too had a narrow escape from
drowning. The boys sought the aid of a fisherman who was nearby,
and he got out lines and dragging for the body was started. The
body was recovered and was brought back to Alton about 6
o'clock. It was taken to the family home on North street later
in the evening. The young men were bathing in the river, they
say, Wegener suggested that they go out as far as possible and
wait for the Providence. The others stayed back and warned him
not to go too far out, as they feared the waves of the boat
would dash over him and drown him. He kept crying out, "Come on
boys it's fun," and as the Providence hove in sight and the
waves kept getting higher and higher on him, he cried out for
joy. The others, although better swimmers than he, stayed closer
in calling to him to come to shore. Finally the waves began
rushing over Wegener's head, and a giant white cap knocked him
under. Elfgen, who could swim fairly well, swam to his
assistance as he cried out for help. He grabbed him and sank
with him. Elfgen had a hard fight trying to save the drowning
boy, but finally got disentangled from him and turned toward the
shore, having barely strength enough to make it. The other two
boys got a boat and hurried out, but they could see nothing of
Wegener. They then gave up hope of doing anything as they could
not swim, and rowed away to a fisherman's camp and got several
men to help them. The body was recovered after a two hours'
search with nets and hooks. Elfgen remained with the searchers
while the other two ran to Alton to tell the news. When they
returned to the scene the body had been recovered. It was
brought down in a skiff and then taken home in a wagon by Henry
Klunk. The young man was very industrious and was a good worker.
He was employed at the Ginter-Wardein planing mill. The inquest
will probably be held this evening. The funeral has been set for
Wednesday at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's church. The burial will be
in St. Joseph's cemetery.
WEGENER, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1909
Mrs. Mary Wegener, aged 43 years,
died Thursday morning at St. Joseph's hospital from the effects
of a surgical operation performed several days ago for the
relief of a complication of troubles, bowel and stomach. The
funeral services will be held Saturday morning from St. Mary's
Catholic church, and burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
Her husband, Theodore Wegener, was sexton of St. Joseph's
cemetery and died a little over a year ago after submitting to a
surgical operation for another cause than the one for which his
wife was operated upon. He left his wife and six children, some
of these being very small, but Mrs. Wegener and the children
continued in charge of the cemetery and did the work well until
her condition became so bad, about two months ago, as to cause a
complete cessation of work on her part and shortly afterwards
caused her to enter the hospital. She has many relatives in
Alton and numerous friends, and her brave fight against fate and
for her children's welfare following the death of Mr. Wegener
won for her the esteem and admiration of all citizens acquainted
with the conditions. The children, since the mother entered the
hospital, have been cared for by her brothers and other
relatives.
WEGENER, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23,
1908
Sexton of St. Joseph's Cemetery
Theodore Wegener, aged 42, died at St. Joseph's hospital
Saturday night from tetanus. Lockjaw set in after a surgical
operation to relieve some malignant tumors which had been
causing him trouble on his neck. He was sexton of St. Joseph's
cemetery since last October. His illness antedated his taking
the employment in the cemetery, according to Mrs. Wegener. It
was decided that his only means of relief would be by means of a
surgical operation, but he was unable to stand it. He leaves his
wife and six children. He was a nephew of former alderman
Alexander Wegener. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning
from St. Mary's church at 9:30 o'clock.
WEHR,
GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1904
George Wehr died at his residence in Yager Park yesterday at
2:30 o'clock, aged 57 years. His wife alone survives him. A
brother and sister live in Chicago. The funeral will take place
Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
WEIGLER, GEORGE HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
25, 1911
Business Man; Druggist; Leader of German Community;
Officer of the Alton Jaeger Company
George Henry Weigler, a
resident of Alton since 1838, died at his residence, 600 East
Second Street [Broadway], Thursday morning shortly after 6
o'clock. His death was due to a breakdown from old age. He was
taken ill the Friday preceding his death, and was removed from
his drugstore to his room, which he was not able to leave again.
The attending physician diagnosed his malady as pneumonia, and
it was known from the first that the illness would probably
prove fatal on account of the great age of Mr. Weigler. His
condition became worse Wednesday and he gradually sank until
Thursday morning, when the end came.
Mr. Weigler
probably deserved the distinction of being the oldest practicing
druggist in the state. He kept his drugstore open, and was ready
for business long after he was too old to see well enough to
compound any prescriptions. He had been a power in the community
in his younger days, and always maintained a deep interest in
current events. He was one of the oldest readers of the
Telegraph, and when dimmed eyesight made him cease his readings,
he daily had his daughter read the Telegraph and the St. Louis
Republic to him. George Henry Weigler, son of George Henry Sr.
and Mary Louise Weigler, was born in Elberfeld, Prussia, October
13, 1818. He attended school there until he was 12, when he
removed with his parents in 1830 to America, going directly to
Cincinnati. In 1836 he went to Milwaukee and opened a dry goods
store, and in that he was successful. He also studied medicine
and passed the examination for a druggist and chemist. He
remained there until 1838, when he came to Alton in January, and
on February 6th, 1841, he married Hannah F. Ubert, widow of
Charles Ubert, who had two children - Charles, now residing in
Memphis, Tennessee, and Amelia, the deceased wife of William
Sachtleben. Mr. Weigler acquired 40 acres of land on the
Vandalia Road [Brown Street] between Alton and Upper Alton, and
built his home. The house is still standing. Here eight children
were born, three sons and one daughter having died. The year
1860, a terrible tornado struck Alton, he built his building at
Second and Henry Streets, and moved his family there. During the
tornado, the Catholic Church, then at the corner of Third and
Henry Streets, was partly blown on to his new house and crushed
it. He at once repaired it and opened a drugstore in the corner,
and a dry goods store in the second building. He was alderman of
the 5th Ward in 1882, when L. Pfeiffenberger was mayor.
For many years Mr. Weigler was a leader among the German
residents of Alton, and with their assistance he was honored by
the community. He filled the office of Justice of the Peace
several terms, was a member of the city council, and also served
a term in the Legislature from 1874 to 1876. A biography of Mr.
Weigler says the following:
“The Germans of Alton found
themselves numerous enough in 1851 to organize their social
Vereine. The celebration of the 4th of July 1851 was the first
public festival arranged by the Germans, who flocked to Alton in
great numbers. The festival was held in a beautiful grove on the
Coal Branch road. Rev. Dr. Therding and Mr. Weigler were the
orators. Elble's clarinet and Lehman's fiddle furnished the
music for the old and young. A militia company of St. Louis
participated in the frolic, and our Altonians immediately went
to work to organize a military company - naming it Alton Jaeger
Company, with 106 men rank and file. It was officered by George
Henry Weigler, the late L. Haegen and B. Runzie. In 1861 the
Company entered the Federal service as Company A, 9th Illinois
Volunteers. The company suffered fearful losses at Shiloh.
The Turnverein organized in 1853 erected a beautiful
building in 1868, and purchased a library of over 1,000 volumes
to furnish the means of mental culture to all members and
friends. Another Verein, Mutual Aid Association, has been a
blessing to its members ever since its organization in 1856. The
founder of this society was George Henry Weigler. The
Maennerchor was organized in 1867, and soon after consolidated
with the old Turnverein. Squire Weigler commenced the
publication of the "Beobachter" (Observer) in 1854, and
continued it until 1865. The German Protestants of Alton
organized in 1849, and the congregation erected a church edifice
in 1851. They also built the first German school in Alton, at
the corner of Eighth and Henry Streets. Mr. Weigler was an
enthusiastic promoter.
Mr. Weigler is survived by four
daughters - Mrs. A. F. Miller of Belleville; Mrs. Mina Lang of
Wood River; Mrs. W. R. Hancock of St. Louis; and Miss Louise
Weigler of Alton, who took care of her father, and when his
eyesight failed him, served him with her own eyes in keeping him
posted on current events of the day. He leaves also one
son-in-law, William Sachtleben, and 19 grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren. He became a member of the German
Evangelical denomination in 1841, and died in that faith.
NOTES:
Weigler Drugstore and Hall [now part of the Elfgen
building], was constructed by Squire George Henry Weigler in
1860, at the corner of Broadway and Henry Streets in Alton. A
dance hall was on the third floor. At one time the Weigler
building housed the Huntertown Baptist Mission and the
Congregational Sunday School.
Weigler was born in 1818
in Prussia, and came to Alton in January 1838 after first living
in Ohio. He worked hard and established himself as a respected
business man, and was known as a typical old-fashioned chemist.
He ran a reliable drugstore until old age forced him to retire.
He served on the Alton city council and the school board, and
was almost elected mayor. Weigler owned 40 acres of land between
Alton and Upper Alton, and there built his home. Weigler later
lived on the second floor of his building. Squire Weigler often
sat in his drugstore in the building, smoking a long pipe with
the bowl resting on his knees. He had a long white beard.
On June 21, 1869, a tornado demolished part of the building,
and the entire upper floor was rebuilt by Weigler.
The
Weigler building was the birthplace of the Hogue Band, which
later became known as the White Hussars, the predecessors of the
Alton Municipal Band. Dances were held on the upper floor of the
building. At one end was a raised bandbox, where the orchestra
played. The Weigler Hall was a popular amusement resort in the
"East End" of the city.
George Henry Weigler died in May
1911 at his home on the second floor of the Weigler building. He
had been in the drugstore and began to feel ill, and was carried
upstairs where he passed away. He was survived by four
daughters.
Eugene K. Elfgen purchased the former Weigler
building, and in 1948 made plans to convert it into a modern
office building, complete with a new brick facing. This building
still stands. This block includes the Alton Banking & Trust
Company (the Wedge Bank).
The German Turnverein was the
German gymnastic movement, founded amid the nationalist
enthusiasms of the War of Liberation in Germany. Once banned, it
was revived in the 1840s. These gymnastic clubs were often
closely aligned with workers' organizations and democratic clubs
with whom they shared a desire for reform and a rejection of
traditional hierarchies. In the 1840s, almost one-half of the
membership were non-gymnasts, the so-called "Friends of Turnen,"
and new clubs engaged in activities such as funding libraries
and sponsoring lectures.
WEIGLER, GEORGE HENRY JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, November
17, 1848
Died on Wednesday morning, George Henry, infant son
of Mr. George H. Weigler of Alton; aged 10 months and 5 days.
WEIGLER, MARY LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April
19, 1917
Daughter of George H. Weigler - Running to Escape
Storm, Drops Dead Instantly on Sidewalk
Miss Mary Louise Weigler, in her 75th year, died
very suddenly from heart trouble, as the result of over exertion
in attempting to get to shelter from an impending storm,
Wednesday evening on east Broadway. Miss Weigler had been
suffering for four or five years from a malady, which had been
diagnosed as arterial hardening. She was out of her home
Wednesday evening when the squall of rain and wind came, and she
hastened to get back to her home to close up her house. The
unusual exertion caused a collapse of her heart. Dr. J. Shaff,
who was summoned to attend her after she had been carried into
the millinery store of Mrs. Link close by, said that death must
have been instant. For fifty years, Miss Weigler had lived in
the one house where she was residing at the time of her death,
604 East Broadway. She was born August 15, 1842. Until six years
ago she was the housekeeper for her aged father, George H.
Weigler, for many years a very prominent resident and business
man in Alton. She leaves three sisters, Mrs. Minnie Lang of
Alton; Mrs. A. F. Miller of Belleville; and Mrs. William R.
Hancock of Pensacola, Fla. The funeral will be from the home of
Mrs. Minnie Lang, 437 East 11th street, and will be conducted by
Rev. O. W. Heggemeier of the Evangelical Church at Eighth and
Henry streets. The funeral time was tentatively set for Saturday
afternoon, but no definite decision was possible until word
could be received from the sister in Florida.
WEIHE,
ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3, 1921
Mrs. Anna Weihe, wife of William Weihe, died at 2 o'clock this
morning at the family home, 625 Liberty street, from a nervous
breakdown. She had been a partial invalid for many years and of
late had been constantly growing worse. Last Sunday she was
obliged to take to her bed and on Wednesday she became
unconscious, remaining in that condition to the end. Mrs. Weihe
had no children. She leaves beside her husband two sisters, Mrs.
Blase, of St. Louis, and Mrs. Louise Bowman of New Minden, Ill.
The body will be taken to New Minden for burial, Monday.
WEIL, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 11,
1905
Commits Suicide Near Milton Bridge
Fred Weil, a
glassworker residing in the Joesting addition in Alton,
committed suicide near the Milton bridge sometime near noon
today. He shot himself in the breast, near the heart, three
times with a 38 calibre revolver which he purchased in East
Alton. A passerby found Weil standing against the bank at the
side of the road, dead. It appears that he fired the fatal
shots, and then walked over to the bank where he died. He was
seen in East Alton this morning and seemed very melancholy over
something. He went to the store of David Ellman and purchased a
38 calibre pistol, and started off up the road. An hour later
his dead body was found. A note found in the dead man's hand
read: "I would rather die than meet my children in court." A
suit for divorce pending in the City court, and brought by Mrs.
Weil, is supposed to have prompted the man to the deed. Weil had
a bank book in his pocket showing $600 to his credit in the
Citizens' National Bank. He also owns two lots in the Joesting
addition in the east end. The remains were taken charge of by
Deputy Coroner Allan Keiser, and an inquest will be held.
Source: September 12, 1905
Deputy Coroner
Allen Kaiser empanelled a jury and held an inquest over the
remains of Fred Weil Monday night. The jury after hearing the
small amount of evidence, a verdict that the deceased met his
death by his own hand, having shot himself with a revolver while
on the Milton road east of Alton. The remains have been removed
to the home, and the funeral will be held from the German
Evangelical church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Weil had
not been at his home for the past week, and had been boarding at
the Dawson hotel. His friends say that he had been acting very
strangely, and think he has been brooding over domestic
troubles. The man is known to be worth not less than $15,000,
and was industrious and very saving. The body of the unfortunate
man was taken to the home on Joesting avenue, and the widow and
children are taking his death very hard. No one suspected he
would take such extreme measures to end his troubles, and one of
his children, a boy of about 13 years of age, is completely
overcome by his father's tragic death. The little fellow refuses
to be comforted and cries continually. Mr. Weil was a member of
the Bluff City Court of Honor, and was well thought of by his
fellow members. The Weils were married 27 years ago.
WEILE,
LYDIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 16, 1902
Miss
Lydia Weile, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Weile, died Sunday
morning after a long illness at the family home, 613 East Eighth
street. The young woman was in her twenty-fifth year, and had
been a victim of consumption for three years. The funeral will
be held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the family home.
WEIMERS, B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15,
1918
Dies From Joy at the Prospect of Son Returning Alive From
France
The funeral of Mrs. B. Wiemers, who died from joy at the
prospect of her son, Grover, returning alive from France the day
after the armistice was signed, was held today from the home
southeast of Bethalto, and was attended by many neighbors and
friends. Services were conducted at the home, and burial was in
the Bethalto cemetery. Mrs. Wiemers [sic] was the mother of 12
children, and six of them were at the funeral. The other living
one is a United States soldier "over there." She was more than
80 years old, and it is said was completely overcome with joy
when she heard the peace news. Reaction followed and she
collapsed.
WEIMERS, BRAUER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1910
Brauer Weimers, aged 78, died at his home in Bethalto Monday
morning from injuries sustained Friday night when he fell down
stairs at his home. Mr. Weimers arose from his bed after all the
family had retired, about 11 o'clock, and becoming confused in
the dark he wandered to the head of the stairs and tumbled down.
Members of his family were aroused by the sound of his fall, and
two of his sons, John and Herman, carried him back to his room.
A surgeon was summoned Saturday morning, and he found that Mr.
Weimers had fractured his shoulder blade and suffered internal
injuries. He was born in Germany, and when 21 years of age he
arrived in Bethalto, where he had made his home ever since. He
was married fifty-five years ago, and his wife is still living.
He was the father of six sons and six daughters, of whom four
sons, John, Frederick, Charles and Herman, and two daughters,
Mrs. Dora Dewman and Mrs. Mary Bunker, are living. He leaves
also seven grandchildren. The funeral will be held Thursday
afternoon from the home. The funeral services will be conducted
by an Evangelical minister from Edwardsville. The pallbearers
will be Fred Meikamp, Herman Herrin, Henry Miller, S. Tuetken,
Fred Bangert and Reinholt Smith. Coroner Streeper was notified
to hold an inquest over the body.
WEINRICH, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
5, 1913
Mrs. Elizabeth Weinrich, wife of Joseph Weinrich,
died at St. Joseph's Hospital this morning after a long illness,
aged 32. She had been an invalid for a long time, and recently
was moved to the hospital. She leaves her husband and one child.
Mrs. Weinrich was a daughter of Anton Klei____ of Alton. She
leaves beside her husband one child, two sisters, and a brother.
The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home
at Union and Ridge streets, to St. Mary's Church; and burial
will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
WEINRICH, UNKNOWN INFANT SON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 10, 1911
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Weinrich died at the family home on east Third street Thursday
evening. This is the third son of the couple to die. The funeral
was held this afternoon from St. Mary's church, and burial was
in St. Joseph's cemetery.
WEIR, WILLIAM HENRY/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 15,
1853
Died in Edwardsville, Madison County, Illinois, on the
10th inst., of congestive chills, William Henry, son of J. H.
Weir, M. D., in the 13th year of his age. His sickness was very
brief. He was thought to be dangerously ill for only a few short
hours before his death. Alas! How tragic – how transitory is
human life.
WEIRICH, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1913
Employee of John Snyder Store
John Weirich, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Weirich, died
Tuesday morning at 4 o'clock at his home, 902 Royal street,
after an illness that began a year ago. He is survived by his
wife and three children. Mr. Weirich was 33 years of age April
30. He was employed at the John Snyder store until last fall,
when he was taken down with a severe sickness. He regained his
strength partially, and two weeks ago was taken with his last
illness. Uraemic poisoning was the cause of his death. He leaves
beside his parents and his wife and children, four sisters,
Sister Joanita of St. Paul, Minn., Mrs. Frank J. Budde of Alton,
Henry Weirich of Effingham, and Dr. William Weirich of
Jacksonville, Ill. Mr. Weirich was a member of St. Boniface
Branch W. C. U., and the Retail Clerks Union.
WEISBACH, EDWARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 8,
1908
The funeral of Edward Weisbach, whose death occurred
Tuesday night at 11 o'clock at the home of his sister, Mrs.
Oscar Weindel, was held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from the
Weindel home, 927 East Third street. Services were conducted by
Rev. E. L. Mueller of the German Evangelical church. There was a
large attendance of friends and relatives of the young man who
felt genuine regret over his untimely death, Mr. Weisbach had
been in ill health for a long time. He went west for the benefit
of his health but failed to derive any benefit of a lasting
nature from the change in climate, and he was obliged to come
back to his home in Alton. He was formerly connected with the
soda water factory at Alton, but sold out his interest to his
brother when his health began to show indications of breaking
down completely. He was a member of Madison Camp, Modern
Woodmen. Mr. Weisbach leaves two brothers, William of Alton and
Louis of California. He leaves also three sisters, Mrs. Reiter,
Mrs. Koehne and Mrs. Weindel, all of Alton.
WEISER, EMMA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 7, 1917
Mrs. Emma Weiser, aged 50, wife of Thomas Weiser, died at
her home at 922 East Broadway at 2:30 o'clock on Sunday morning
after an illness of several months. Her condition has been
serious for the past two weeks and her death has been expected
almost hourly for the past week. Mrs. Weiser was born in
Virginia and came to Alton 30 years ago. She has been making her
home here since. She was well known and had many friends in the
eastern part of the city where she had lived since coming to
Alton. Besides her husband she leaves two sons, Harry and
Charles, both of Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home on East Broadway to the
City Cemetery.
WEIST or WIEST, LOUISE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
28, 1911
The funeral of Mrs. Louise Weist will be held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Samuel Spurgeon, on Broadway. Her children have all
arrived, Mrs. Emma Brooks of Quincy having come Friday, and H.
F. Weist of Nashville, Tenn. arrived this morning. The funeral
will be conducted by REv. L. A. Kuents of St. Louis, assisted by
Rev. Van A. Sullins, pastor of the Upper Alton Methodist church.
Burial will take place in Oakwood cemetery. Mrs. Louise Wiest
[sic] was born in Geneva, Switzerland, Dec. 26, 1827, and died
Oct. 26, 1911. When 20 years of age she came to America with her
parents, and since made her home in Alton, with the exception of
six years spent in Kansas. Soon after coming to Alton, she was
married to P. F. Wiest in St. Louis. To this union were born six
children, one of whom died in infancy. The remaining five are:
Mrs. Emma Brooks of Quincy; Henry F. Wiest, Nashville, Tenn.;
Mrs. Leah Warnack, Ashley; Mrs. Lizzie Scovell, Upper Alton; and
Mrs. Laura Spurgeon, Upper Alton, with whom she made her home.
Besides her children she leaves 21 grandchildren, two brothers
and three sisters. One sister lives in Alton, one brother in
Kansas, and the others in California. Mrs. Wiest became a member
of the Upper Alton Methodist church shortly after her husband's
death, which occurred 25 years ago. She continued a faithful
member until misfortune incapacitated her.
WELCH, MAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 16, 1918
Mrs. May Welch, wife of John Welch of St. Louis, died this
morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. W. A. Herrick, on
Sanford avenue, after an illness of several years. She had been
at the home of her sister three months. Mrs. Welch was 48 years
of age. She leaves besides her husband, two sons, both in the
service of their country. Lieut. W. H. Welch, stationed at
Newport News, is on his way across the Atlantic now, and another
son, John W., of the Marine corps, is on his way home, wounded.
WELCH, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 26,
1900
Mr. and Mrs. George Welch were bereaved by the death
of their 17 months old son, William, this afternoon, after a
short illness with brain fever. The funeral will be Friday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and Rev. O. Shepherd will conduct the
services at the family home, 2114 Johnson street.
WELD, ARTHUR D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 6,
1921
Sweet Singer Dies After a Breakdown
Arthur Weld, aged 62,
died at the Alton State Hospital last night where he had taken
employment some time ago. The death of Weld marks the closing of
a life that had great promise, but which in middle life was a
great disappointment on account of a breakdown in health. He was
born in Boston and received a very good musical education and
possessed a fine voice which was the delight of those who knew
him or had an opportunity to hear him sing at entertainments.
For years Mr. Weld was a vocal soloist and for a long time he
was soloist in the Church of the Messiah of St. Louis. Twenty
years ago his health broke down and later he came to Alton. Here
he was frequently heard at various gatherings and his services
were in demand. He took employment in various factories at
Alton, as his voice no longer being a sufficient asset, he took
to common labor. Not long ago Dr. George A. Zeller gave Mr. Weld
a position at the state hospital, and his vocal talents there,
or the remnant of them, afforded much pleasure to those who
heard him. His health suffered further impairment and the end
came last night. His mind was not affected. Weld leaves a
brother who resides in Boston and efforts were being made to get
into communication with him and get instructions as to what
disposition to make of the body. Weld was married but his wife
and he had separated.
WELLS, ISAAC L./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 15, 1850
Died at the residence of his father, L. S. Wells, Esq., in Upper
Alton, on Monday morning last, Mr. Isaac L. Wells, aged 20 years
and 2 months. The deceased was a very exemplary young man, and
much esteemed by all who knew him.
WELLS, JULIA M./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1851
Died in Upper Alton on Monday, July 7, after a distressing
illness of six days, Miss Julia M. Wells, daughter of Mr. L. S.
Wells, aged 19(?) years and 3 months. She had just completed her
con___ at Monticello Seminary, and after graduating with the
highest honors of the institution, had returned home to become
again a member of the much-loved circle, and while dotting
affection and friendship were exulting in her return and such by
a hand and voice we cannot see, beckoned her away. She followed,
and we are desolate. With her intellect moulded and expanded
here, she has gone from us to make still more rapid advancement,
to join an angel band and ______ wisdom from its pure source,
and quench her insatiate thirst in those living waters that flow
from the throne of God. And whilst our hearts are filled with
agony and the burning tears are blinding our yees, yet we can
look up to Him who so sorely has smitten us, and say, “Thy will
be done.” He has taken the beloved of our hearts to himself, and
we feel assured, from her consistent life since she embraced the
Saviour, that her dying words, “All will be well,” are verified.
Much loved, Julia, farewell. May we all like thee be ready and
willing when the Master calls to meet thee.
WELLS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1911
Dies From Burns
Mrs. Mary Wells, aged 34, the colored woman
who was scalded at her home near Federal several months ago,
died last evening at six o'clock. It was reported at the time of
the incident that she was taking a pan of hot water off of the
fire when she slipped upon a banana peeling and fell, throwing
the boiling water over her. It later was charged that the water
was thrown upon her by William Sweeney, who was later arrested
upon the charge. Mrs. Wells had suffered intense pain from her
burns during the past month, and it was thought all the time
that she might recover until a few days ago. An effort was made
to put her in the hospital early this week, but there was no
place for her and she was taken home. Sweeney claims the
scalding was accidental. Coroner Streeper will hold an inquest.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 23, 1911
A jury impaneled by Coroner Streeper held William Sweeney
without bail to answer to the grand jury to a charge of throwing
scalding water on Mary Wells, a negro, causing her
death....Coroner Streeper had been making an investigation and
learning that Sweeney expected to get some money on an insurance
policy the woman carried to pay her burial expenses, he waited
at the place where the payment would be made and picked up
Sweeney before he could get the balance after the expenses had
been deducted. The body of the woman was shipped to
Blockmantown, Tenn., Sunday morning, and on the same morning a
son of the Wells woman started from the same place to come to
see his mother. He arrived Monday morning in Alton, and will
probably claim the insurance money which Sweeney was trying to
get. The witnesses examined by the coroner's jury testified that
the Wells woman had repeatedly told them that Sweeney had
quarreled with her about some money, that he had butted her down
with his head, kicked and beat her, and poured scalding water
upon her. Two very important witnesses in the case, a man and a
woman, have disappeared, one of them a negro who boarded in the
house and saw the whole affair. Sweeney claims that the
signature of the woman on the complaint upon which a warrant was
issued is a forgery, and that his arrest is part of a scheme to
get revenge upon him.
WELLS, MARY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 6,
1906
Found Dead on Roadside
Mrs. Mary E. Wells, an old
colored resident of Upper Alton, was found dead beside the road
this morning by two boys a short distance north of Upper Alton.
Mrs. Wells has been at work yesterday at the E. B. Young dairy
farm one mile from town. Last night she started for home shortly
before dark, and was stricken with apoplexy before getting out
of the Young place. After leaving the house it is necessary to
walk a half mile before getting on the public highway, and the
road in the farm is through a cornfield. It was there that Mrs.
Wells fell. Her children at home supposed, when she did not
return, that she had decided to stay in the country all night.
The body was found early this morning after it had been lying on
the ground all night. It was taken charge of by Coroner C. N.
Streeper, who will hold an inquest this evening. Mrs. Wells was
a slave in the south, and her exact age is not known, but she
was supposed to be between sixty-five and seventy. She was a
big, strong woman, weighing about two hundred pounds, and was
always in good health. She leaves two sons and three daughters,
all of whom are grown and reside in Upper Alton. Mrs. Wells made
a practice of going into the country to do washing and she was
widely known in the rural districts. Her husband, Willis Wells,
was murdered about ten years ago by his son.
WELLS, R. B./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 11, 1852
Died
yesterday afternoon after a short illness, Mr. R. B. Wells of
Alton, aged 30 years. The deceased was an estimable citizen, and
has left many friends and acquaintances to drop the tear of
affectionate sorrow over his grave.
WELSH,
ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 7, 1900
Mrs. Anna King Welsh, wife of William Welsh, died this morning
after an illness of one month at the family home, 1318 East
Second Street. Four weeks ago Mrs. Welsh, with her family, was
returning from Pittsburg where she had been spending the summer
with relatives at her old home, and she was taken ill on the
train. On her arrival here, her illness assumed a serious form
and she continued to become worse until this morning. She was 24
years of age, and leaves beside a husband, three children. The
body will be sent back to Pittsburg tonight for burial.
WELSH,
B./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25, 1908
The
funeral of Mrs. B. Welsh was held this morning from St.
Patrick's church, where a requiem mass was said by Rev. Francis
Kehoe. A very large number of friends of deceased and of her
family attended the obsequies and many beautiful floral
offerings were made. Burial was in Greenwood cemetery. The
pallbearers were David Ruddy, J. J. McInerney, James Linnan,
James Lynch, Thomas Newman and Lawrence Hellrung.
WELSH,
ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1907
Mrs.
Ellen Welsh, who has been an inmate of St. Joseph's hospital for
twenty-one years, died there this morning, aged 80 years. She
lived on the "old plank road" for forty years or more before
going to the hospital, and all of her immediate family died
years ago. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon from St.
Patrick's church to Greenwood cemetery.
WEMPEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 11,
1904
Alton Saloon Owner Suicides by Hanging
John Wempen, formerly a
well known Alton business man and a resident of the city more
than forty years, was found hanging in an out-building Tuesday
afternoon at his residence on Washington street. He had just
died when found by his daughter, Miss Caroline Wempen, who went
in search of her father when Mrs. Wempen discovered he was
missing. Three years ago Mr. Wempen was stricken with paralysis,
and for many months his life hung in the balance. He finally
regained strength, through his wonderful vitality, and was able
to be around again, but the trouble which had prostrated him had
left a permanent effect upon his brain. All that medical science
could do for him was done, but about a year ago the attending
physicians informed the family that owing to Mr. Wempen's low
spirits and the general despondency which bore down upon him, he
was liable to make an attempt at any time upon his life. Mrs.
Wempen and her children watched Mr. Wempen closely ever
afterward, and he was seldom allowed to go out of sight of
someone of his family, unless he was out for a drive to call on
his married children. His friends noticed his mental condition
was never the same after the paralytic stroke, and the fears of
the family were shared by them. Tuesday noon Mr. Wempen left his
home, and his wife, thinking he was going to his son's house
nearby, went in search of him. Mr. Wempen was found a few
minutes later hanging by the neck in an out-building, and was
quite dead. John Wempen was born December 27, over 62 years ago
near Berlin, Germany. He came to Alton when a young man and had
lived in the city forty years. He was one of the best known
business men in Alton for many years. He leaves beside his
widow, eight children: Mrs. J. J. Roach, Mrs. V. L. Duke, Mrs.
R. Garstang, Misses Adelle, Emily and Caroline Wempen, and
Messrs. Harry J. and Eugene Wempen. The death of the husband and
father is a cruel shock to the family, although his health had
not been good for some time, and they had been fearing that he
might at some time yield to the mania which seemed to have taken
possession of his mind.
[NOTE: John Wempen, or
"Honest John," conducted a saloon on Washington Street (near
Bozza Street), in the late 1800s. Several times he was taken to
court by the city of Alton for violating ordinances against
operating a saloon on Sunday, but was acquitted each time. It
was said someone was out for revenge against him. In 1894 a
fire, which started in a barn on Bozza Street, destroyed the
upper floor of Wempen's saloon. It was covered by insurance and
he rebuilt. Wempen was Secretary in the A. P. A. Society, but I
haven't discovered what that was. In November 1900, Wempen sold
his saloon and decided to retire. He made a trip back to Germany
to visit his homeland. It was after that trip that he was
stricken with health problems. He is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.]
WENDELL, HARRIET JANE and MARY ISABELLA/Source: Alton
Telegraph, July 18, 1851
Died at Upper Alton, July 1, of
cholera, after an illness of 10 hours, Miss Harriet Jane
Wendell, aged 17 years and 8 months. Also, July 2, of dysentery,
Mary Isabella, aged two years and three months; daughters of D.
F. and Harriet Wendell.
WENDELL, W. H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 15,
1913
Old Soldier
W. H.
Wendell, an old soldier, died at his home in White Hall
yesterday, aged 83 years, and the body will arrive in Alton
tomorrow noon. He was a member of the 97th Illinois regiment,
and formerly lived in Alton.
WENDLER,
ELIZABETH (nee RICHTER)/Source: Troy Call, January 4, 1918
Mrs. Elizabeth Wendler, widow of the late Henry Wendler and
one of the old residents of this vicinity, was claimed by death
Thursday morning at 11:45 o'clock at her home northeast of this
city on the Marine road. Her age was 71 years, 6 months and 28
days. The death of Mrs. Wendler was due to pneumonia with which
she was stricken on Thursday of last week. Her condition from
the first became grave and she seemed to have a premonition that
the end was near. With true motherly love and devotion she
summoned all her children last Saturday and told them she felt
she was to leave them but was ready to go if the Master so
willed. Funeral arrangements have been made for Sunday afternoon
at 2 o'clock and will be from the residence to St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran church. Rev. C. Lange will conduct the
burial service and interment will be in the Lutheran cemetery.
Deceased, whose maiden name was Richter, was born in St. Louis,
Mo., June 6, 1846. Her childhood was spent at Collinsville where
after reaching maturity, she taught in the German school. Her
marriage to Henry Wendler took place October 29, 1865, and in
1899 they came to Troy and located on the present Wendler farm
where they spent the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs.
Wendler were born eleven children, four of whom died in infancy.
The survivors are four sons and three daughters who are: Mrs.
Charles Fedder of Collinsville, Theodore Wendler of St. Louis,
Paul Wendler of Chicago, and Mrs. August Schultze, Mrs. Ben
Schultze and Charles and MOritz Wendler of Troy. There are also
twenty-seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Mrs. August
Fedder of Collinsville is a step-daughter and Gotthold Richter,
also of Collinsville, is a brother. Mr. and Mrs. Wendler
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary three years ago and
the husband and father's death occurred June 17, 1916. Mrs.
Wendler was a devout Christian and one of the oldest members of
St. Paul's Lutheran church. She was a devoted and loving wife
and mother, a kind and obliging neighbor, a true friend, and was
held in highest esteem by all who knew her. She will be missed
most in the home circle by her children and other relatives who
in their filial devotion recall her and her memory as blessed.
WENDT, ANNA ELIZA (nee SACKETT)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 12, 1914
Mrs. Eliza Wendt,
in her ninety-sixth year, ied at her home, 810 Belle street,
Thursday morning after being bedfast for nearly three years.
Three years ago next spring, it was, Mrs. Wendt, then 93, fell
in her home while engaged about the house in looking after some
household duties she persisted in giving attention. She had
refused up to the time of her fall to surrender the management
of her house, and was know as the oldest housekeeper in Alton.
She fractured her hip joint, and in the natural order of things,
Mrs. Wendt should have succumbed to the injury in a short time,
but she did not do it. She was too old for the fractured hip to
unite again, and enable her to get up and be as active as she
had been, but she lingered a long time and she demonstrated to
the satisfaction of all that, had it not been for her accident,
she might have passed the century mark. She had lived to see
herself the head of five generations. She had been too helpless
for the past few years to be very happy, as she was confined to
her bed almost all of the time. Her case had been a very serious
one the past week, and the end was expected by her family. Her
death occurred at 1 o'clock this morning. Mrs. Wendt was born at
Utica, N. Y., in 1818, but came West at a very early age. Her
maiden name was Anna Eliza Sackett. She was married to George
Wendt in Cincinnati, O. in 1834, and the following year she and
her husband came to Alton and settled here, where her husband
followed the carpenter trade. Mr. Wendt died in 1886. Mrs. Wendt
was the oldest of five generations. The generations are
represented by Mrs. Caroline Templeton, Mrs. Kate Green, Mrs.
Matie Fullerton, and James Fullerton, all of whom are living.
Mrs. Wendt leaves three daughters and one son, two
grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two
great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wendt was the oldest member of
the First Methodist Church of Alton, but for the past twenty
years feebleness and old age had prevented her from taking
active part in the church services. The funeral will take place
tomorrow afternoon at two-thirty from the home of the deceased
on Belle street. Rev. W. T. Cline, pastor of the First Methodist
Church, will officiate.
WENDT, JOSEPH M./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 4, 1852
Died on Friday night of lung fever, Joseph M., oldest son of Mr.
George Wendt of Alton, aged about 10 years.
WENTWORTH, JOHN F./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 19, 1847
Died on Monday last, after a short but painful illness, Mr.
John F. Wentworth, formerly of Massachusetts, aged 20. He has
left a bereaved wife and two small children to mourn his loss.
WENTWORTH, WILLIAM A. JR./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 26,
1847
Died on Tuesday last, after a short illness, William
A., son of Mr. William A. Wentworth of this city, aged about 14.
WENTWORTH, WILLIAM A. SR./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 17,
1848
Died in Alton on Thursday evening, the 16th instant,
after a short but severe illness, William A. Wentworth, aged
about 38(?) years, leaving an afflicted wife and a large family
of children to mourn his loss.
WENTZ, ANTON/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday,
January 4, 1893
Agent for Anthony & Kuhn Brewing Company
Anton Wentz died unexpectedly Thursday
[Dec. 29, 1892] at 12:45 P.M., after an illness of only a few
days. The remains were taken to St. Louis Saturday on the Wabash
train, in charge of J. P. Sehnert, Charles Heinrich and Charles
Miller, members of the U.O.T.B. The funeral took place Sunday
afternoon from 2716 Utah street. Mr. Wentz was 38 years, 5
months and 14 days old. He has been a resident of this city for
several years, acting as agent for the Anthony & Kuhn Brewing
Co. He leaves a wife and four small children.
WENTZ, FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1909
Bartender at John Ehret's Saloon
Frank Wentz, a bartender employed at John Ehret's saloon,
died at St. Joseph's hospital Saturday evening from congestion
of the brain, following an overdose of quinine and whiskey.
Wentz put great confidence in quinine as a cure-all, and it was
said that he would take some of the drug whenever he felt out of
his usual good health. He had been suffering with the grippe for
about ten days, and during a week's time he took an average of
40 grains of quinine a day, in whiskey. He was taken very ill
the middle of last week and removed to the hospital. Congestion
of the brain developed, and he became so violent it was
necessary to restrain him with a strait jacket. He was 31 years
of age, a quiet young man who was highly esteemed by all who
came in contact with him. The funeral was to have been held
today, but a sister from Pittsburg sent word she was on the way
so the funeral was deferred until tomorrow. He has a brother,
Harry Wentz, from whose home the funeral will be held.
WENZEL, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 28,
1902
Charles Wenzel, aged 76, died Saturday afternoon at
his home in Yager Park after a short illness from heart trouble.
He leaves two sons and two daughters. The funeral was held this
afternoon at two o'clock from his late home in Yager Park, and
services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Martin of the Evangelical
church.
WENZEL, RUTH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 12, 1906
Ruth, the 3 year old daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Julius Wenzel of 419 Grand avenue, died from spasms last
evening at 9 o'clock after a short illness. The funeral will be
held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home, and
services will be conducted by Rev. Theodore Oberhellmann.
WERNER, LEO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 20,
1906
Leo, the 16 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles M.
Werner, died last evening after a ten day's illness from typhoid
fever at the family home, 731 east Fifth street. The funeral
will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
church. Besides his parents he leaves three brothers and one
sister.
WERTS, JOHN S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May
4, 1920
Former Grocery Store Owner
The death of John S. Werts occurred this morning
at 2:35 o'clock at the family home on Main street. He had been
ill with pneumonia only a few days. Mr. Werts was 64 years old
April 28, and was born and had lived in Fosterburg until 28
years ago, when he came to Alton. He owned a grocery store on
Staunton street until a year ago, when he sold it and moved to
his new home on Main Street. He is survived by his wife, a son,
Henry, a daughter Anna, two sisters, Mrs. Henry Gottlob of
Archwood, Ia., Mrs. Elizabeth Clayton, and one half-brother,
Abraham Hedge, both of Fosterburg. The funeral will be held
Thursday afternoon at two o'clock from the home on Main street.
Rev. C. Combrink of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church will
have charge of the services. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
The Jr. O. U. A. M. will have charge of the services at the
grave.
WERTS, MINNIE [nee REISTER]/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 18, 1916
Friends of Mrs. Henry Werts were shocked
this morning to hear of her death, which took place unexpectedly
at 10 o'clock at the family home on Jefferson avenue. Mrs.
Werts, who was in her twenty-first year, was married less than
three months ago. Shortly after her marriage she was taken ill
with heart trouble, and about three weeks ago contracted
pneumonia, which was the cause of her death. Mrs. Werts was,
before her marriage, Miss Minnie Reister, younger daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. William Reister of Jefferson avenue. She was
graduated from the Alton High School in 1914, and has hosts of
friends who loved her. She is also survived by her young
husband, Henry Werts; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Reister;
and one sister, Mrs. George Queen of this city. The funeral of
the young wife will be held on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the family home on Jefferson avenue. Rev. Arthur Goodger of
the Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood
Cemetery.
WERTS, MOSES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1915
Lifelong Resident of Foster Township
Moses Werts, aged 58, a lifelong resident of Foster township,
died Thursday morning at 2 o'clock at his home near Fosterburg
after an illness with typhoid pneumonia. Mr. Werts leaves his
wife, six sons and two daughters, all of the children being
grown. He was a brother of John Werts of Alton, and he also
leaves one brother, A. L. Hodge; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary
Clayton and Mrs. Gottlob of Larchwood, Iowa. He was highly
esteemed in the neighborhood where he lived, was known as a good
neighbor and a kind husband and father. His neighbors regarded
him as an extremely unfortunate man, and some recent worries
rendered his sickness more severe. The funeral will be held
Sunday morning at ten o'clock from the Fosterburg Baptist
Church, and burial will be at Fosterburg.
WESCOTT, CECIL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 2,
1903
The Wescott home on Phinney
avenue was darkened again Saturday by the death angel. Cecil,
the 11 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Wescott died
Saturday night after a brief illness of appendicitis. The little
fellow was at school last Thursday and was taken dangerously ill
from the beginning. Physicians could do nothing for the boy, as
the case was an acute one, and late Saturday night the end came.
The affliction comes with an added poignancy because the child
was the only one left to its parents, their other child having
been taken one year ago. In their deep affliction the sympathies
of the entire community will go out to the bereaved parents
whose home has been saddened by the loss of their only child.
The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
family home on Phinney. [Burial in City Cemetery]
WESCOTT, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 26,
1900
Boy Suicides By Revolver
The dead body of George Wescott was found yesterday morning at
10 o'clock on the bank of Shield's branch that runs through the
fence on the east side of the Glass Works. The body was in a
state that indicated death must have taken place at least
seventy-two hours before, and it was lying where it had been
passed many times by the searchers, without it being discovered.
The body was found by boys who knew the Wescott boy, and had
been playing with him. From the position in which it was found,
the boy must have been sitting on the bank of the branch playing
with the revolver, when either intentionally or otherwise he
placed the weapon to his right temple and fired the only
cartridge in the revolver, the bullet passing into his brain and
causing instant death. The finding of the body was a terrible
shock to the father, and the breaking of the sad news to the
mother was a difficult duty. At no time in the search for the
boy did it occur to the parent that the finding would be so sad.
It was reported to the father and Officer Parker yesterday
morning at the corner of Second and Washington street, that
young Wescott had been staying in the vicinity of East End
Place, and was at a dance the Saturday night of the week before.
The boys started off at the request of the officer to make a
search for the missing boy, and in a half hour they returned to
tell Officer Parker that he was found, but that he was lying
dead on the bank of the branch in the rear of the box factory.
When the father and the officer investigated the report, they
found it true. The father was almost prostrated by the sight
that met his gaze. The revolver lying by the side of the little
boy told the story of a boy's causeless desperation and its
awful outcome. A great hole was in the temple, and the
appearance of the body was that it had been in the rain and had
lain where it was found during several warm days of last week.
For this reason, it is thought the boy must have killed himself
Wednesday or Thursday. He left home one week ago last Saturday
afternoon, taking with him his father's revolver. When he did
not return, his father became alarmed, and the day after his
disappearance started out in search for the boy. Every nook and
corner of the country was searched during the week that
followed, and every clue suggested was followed up without
avail. The lad was 13 years old and had never been away from
home, so his absence was viewed with additional alarm when the
cold weather set in. The lad had no good reason for leaving
home, as his parents were always kind to him and gratified his
every wish, and it is supposed that he became angered for some
petty reason, and after leaving home with the revolver, it is
supposed he became desperate from cold and hunger, and feared to
return home, notwithstanding the reports he must have heard of
the search being made for him. The father refuses to accept the
suicide theory, and thinks the boy was accidentally killed while
playing with the revolver. This theory is supported by the fact
that the boy had discharged all the cartridges in the weapon but
one, and when found only one shell was in it. Coroner Bailey
held an inquest last evening, and a verdict was found that the
boy came to his death by a bullet wound inflicted by a revolver
in his own hand. The body was taken to the home in Highland Park
last evening, and the funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon
at 2 o'clock. Services will be conducted at the home by Rev. A.
H. Kelso. There is deep sympathy for the afflicted parents in
the sad bereavement which has come to their home - one of the
heaviest that can fall upon any family.
WESSEL, ALBERT A./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1913
Worker For Kinloch Telephone Company Electrocuted
Albert A. Wessel, aged 25, "trouble" man for the Kinloch
telephone company, was electrocuted in his home, 705 Milnor
avenue, Monday night, on taking hold of the brass socket of an
electric lamp. His wife witnessed the accident but was so
unnerved by the accident that she was powerless to give any help
and though her husband three times shouted to her to go back
upstairs and throw off the switch, she could not get up the
stairs. Mr. and Mrs. Wessel, who had been married but six
months. Mr. Wessel went to the cellar for a bucket of coal, and
his wife stood at the head of the stairs, waiting for him. In
the cellar there was an extension lamp, and instead of an
ordinary extension cord, ordinary insulated wire was used. The
lamp could be carried into the far corner of the cellar, and
hung up there to illuminate the far corner. Mr. Wessel had
carried the lamp in, filled his coal buckets, got his kindling,
and carried them back to the foot of the cellar stairs. Then he
went back for the lamp. He was carrying it back to the stairway
when his foot went into a pool of water, and, it is said, at the
same instant the street car went around the curve, and the
trolley and incandescent wires came in contact. Wessel received
the full force of a deadly current. He shouted to his wife first
to shut off the switch and told her not to touch him. In her
excitement she fell down the stairs. Mrs. Wessel saw her
husband's plight, and he shouted to her to run back upstairs and
shut off the current. Twice more, while the terror stricken wife
was attempting to climb the stairs, she heard her husband
telling her to hurry. She says that she seemed to have no
control over her legs. She stood almost helpless and she says
she heard her husband fall. Then she ran, with all the speed she
could, to the home of William R. Wilson, and called him. Mr.
Wilson went over to render aid and when he got there, he found
the electric current still on. He threw the switch, and then he
went to the cellar, and found Mr. Wessel lying on the floor, his
hand freed from the electric lamp, but the wiring and the socket
were lying on the floor beside him. The conclusion was that in
his struggles to free himself, Wessel had dragged the wiring
from overhead, but even this failed to break his grasp on the
electric socket, his muscles rendered tense in their contraction
as the powerful current coursed through his nerves. Wessel was
dead when Mr. Wilson reached him. Burned spots were on his right
hand and right foot. According to Mr. Wilson, there were many
complaints, Monday night, of excessive power in the electric
lighting system. Whether it was due to lightning or to some
crossing up of lines not known. The death of Wessel came about
in exactly the same way as that of Mrs. Alvina Foulds, a sister
of G. F. Crowe and Mrs. James Aldous, and it is the second
instance of the kind in Alton in many years. Mr. Wessel was well
known among the patrons of the Kinloch company, as it was his
duty to investigate and repair all troubles on the telephones.
He was an expert electrician. Dr. R. M. Luster arrived in Alton
today to conduct the inquest in the death of Albert A. Wessel,
the young man who was electrocuted Monday night in his home, 705
Milnor avenue. Relatives of Wessel arrived from his old home,
New Haven, Mo., to assist in looking after the funeral plans.
They were deeply interested in the death of the young man and it
was decided to secure some aid in the way of eliciting all the
possible information at the coroner's inquiry this afternoon.
The taking of evidence was at the Jacoby Undertaking
establishment, and a number of witnesses were called. The theory
upon which the family are going is that the young man's death
was due to improper hanging of the trolley and electric light
wires in the neighborhood and it is claimed that the deadly
current had been complained of before. However, the
representatives of the Alton Gas & Electric Company claim that
the trolley line voltage is not high enough to kill a man, and
that the deadly current, as told last evening was transferred
from the high tension line to the service line leading to the
Wessel home, by means of a strand of baling wire which boys had
thrown over the high tension wire and let hang down to the other
wire.....The jury found a verdict that Wessel came to his death
by being electrocuted from current furnished by the Alton Gas
and Electric Co. No specific finding fixing the responsibility
was made. E. A. Wessel, of New Haven, Mo., a brother of Albert
A. Wessel, has arrived here to look after the funeral
arrangements of his brother. He brought with him an urgent
request from the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Wessel, of New
Haven, that the body be sent back there for the funeral services
and burial. To this the widow has refused so far to agree. It is
being urged by the brother that his father is prostrated, and
his mother ill, and that neither can come to Alton to attend the
funeral, so it is desired that the body be taken to them.....He
was a favorite of the couple, among their children, and they
want the body. However the young wife can not bring herself to
the point of giving her consent. Another conference will be held
this evening to attempt reaching some conclusion about the
funeral. There is no doubt that in Illinois the wife has the
right to dictate what disposition shall be made of her husband's
body.
WESSEL, ELLEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
28, 1903
Mrs. Ellen Wessel, aged 80, a resident near
Oldenburg 55 years, died Saturday night at 6 o'clock at her
home, and was buried this morning at 10 o'clock from her late
home. Mrs. Wessel leaves five children.
WEST, CHARLES HILLERY/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30,
1850
Son of Edward M. West, Esq., Injured in Distressing
Accident
A painfully distressing accident occurred near
Edwardsville on Thursday, 22d instant. Charles, an interesting
son of E. M. West, Esq., 7 years of age, was run away with by
two horses attached to a buggy, and thrown out with great
violence, thereby fracturing his skull and placing his life in
the most imminent danger. By great care and skillful attention,
the effects of the injury received by the fall were so far
overcome after a few days, that strong hopes were obtained of
his recovery. On Tuesday, however, severe chills and fever
succeeded, placing him again in the most critical condition, and
admitting of but slight hopes of his recovery.
Source:
Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1850
Died in Edwardsville on
Tuesday afternoon, September 3, Charles Hillery West, oldest son
of Edward M. West, Esq., aged 7 years, 8 months, and 8 days.
WEST, EDWARD
MITCHELL/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 2,
1887 - Submitted by Jane Denny
President of West & Prickett
Bank in Edwardsville; Captain in Illinois National Guard
Hon. Edward M. West,
president of the banking firm of West & Prickett, and for over
half a century identified with the interests of the city
commercially, politically, educationally and socially, died on
Monday, shortly after noon, at his residence, on St. Louis
Street. He had been unwell for several weeks but was not
strictly confined to bed, and it was not believed that any
serious results would follow. The immediate cause of death was
heart disease.
Edward Mitchell West, a native of
Virginia, was born May 2, 1814, and would have reached the age
of 74 years at his next birthday. His ancestors were English and
were closely identified with the Revolutionary War. The numerous
incidents related of the war made a strong and lasting
impression upon the subject of this sketch. In 1818 he came west
with his father, settling near Belleville, St. Clair County. In
the early times of his childhood in southern Illinois there were
no colleges, and had there been, he could not have attended
them. He was always an earnest supporter of educational
facilities and assisted in building the first school house in
the county. He was emphatically, to a great degree, a
self-educated and self-made man. When only a boy, twelve years
of age, he was hoeing corn and doing other farm work, on his
father's farm, in St. Clair County. The next year he went to
Springfield, spending two years in the Recorder's office,
recording all the deeds made in Sangamon County, during that
time, in addition to which he rendered valuable aid to the
postmaster, besides cultivating the garden of his employer. The
year 1833 found him with a clerkship in the land office at
Edwardsville, where he spent two years of his time working
fourteen hours a day, at a salary of $12 per month. By strict
economy he managed to lay by one-third of his salary, and having
gained a knowledge of bookkeeping, he opened a store in this
city [Edwardsville] in the spring of 1835. By his persistent
industry and application, soon established a reputation as a
reliable and successful business man. By dint of perseverance,
pleasing manners and fair dealing, he rapidly built up the
largest trade in town.
There had been no bank in
Edwardsville since 1824, and Mr. West, recognizing the need of
one, in connection with his son-in-law, Major W. R. Prickett,
erected a handsome building in 1867, and established the banking
house of West & Pricket. This institution is among the first in
the state, and Mr. West remained as its president to the time of
his death. His face was a familiar one to all business men and
to all who had business connections with the bank.
Notwithstanding his close application to business, he devoted
much time to literary pursuits, and was well read. As an earnest
student he had collected a fine library. In recognition of his
literary attainments, Illinois College, the oldest in the state,
conferred the degree of Master of Arts upon him.
When the Illinois National Guard was formed he was commissioned
Captain of the 15th Battalion, and acted in capacity of Chaplain
until it ceased to exist. Politically, he was formerly a Whig,
but since that party has become extinct, he acted with the
Democratic Party. In these affairs he always took an active
interest, and many expressions of confidence were bestowed upon
him. Being a candidate for office fifteen times, he with two
exceptions, was elected. He was a member of the State
Constitutional Convention in 1848, and took a very active part
in the debates of that body. In this convention he drafted an
article "On Counties," and as a member of the finance committee
furthered the payment of the state debt. His ambition, however,
has not been for political honor and distinction, but he rather
preferred the pursuits of business and quiets of domestic life.
He was an indefatigable business man and worker, and even in
late years was regular and persistent in his devotion to the
interest of the bank. His judgment seldom was at fault, and
hence his advice was frequently sought. Both in public and
private affairs he was not only generous, but unostentatious.
For many years he has been an active and prominent member of the
Methodist church, rendering aid in every form. He contributed
very heavily to the maintaining and erection of St. John's
church and other churches in the state. In fact, it is largely
due to his beneficence that the debt on the M. E. Church is
lifted.
West was wedded to Miss Julia A. Atwater
in 1835, in whom he found a worthy companion and loving wife for
forty-two years. But three of his children reached their
majority: Virginia, wife of Major W. R. Prickett; Mary, wife of
Senator W. F. L. Hadley; and Norah L., wife of O.L. Taylor. Only
two of his children survive him, the wife of Major Prickett
having passed away thirteen years ago. Mr. West was again
married in 1880, to Mrs. M. K. Mitchell of this city, who
survives him. The funeral services, which will be conducted at
the Methodist Episcopal Church, will occur tomorrow morning, at
10 o'clock. The remains will be laid to rest in Woodlawn
Cemetery.
WEST, JULIA A. [nee ATWATER]/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, March 7, 1877 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Wife
of Hon. Edward Mitchell West
DIED
- On the 3d Inst., in this city, Mrs. Julia A. West, wife of
Hon. E. M. West, and daughter of the late Joshua Atwater. The
funeral services took place at the resident on the 5th, in
presence of a large audience of friends how had come to evidence
their esteem for the memory of the departed. The services were
conducted by Rev. F. A. Hoyt, of the M. E. church, assisted by
Rev. Dr. Root [sic] of the Presbyterian church, and Rev. Jub.
Hogan of St. Louis. From a paper read on the occasion by Judge
H. K. Eaton, we get the following facts: Mrs. West was born near
Collinsville, on the 5th of March, 1817, and has always lived in
St. Clair and Madison counties, and at the time of her decease
had probably lived longer in Edwardsville than anyone who ever
resided in this city. Received into the M. E. church by Rev.
Samuel H. Thompson, when ten years of age, she became one of the
first class of that church in 1827, of which Rev. Richard
Randle, now of Salem, Illinois, was the leader. She was the last
surviving member of the twenty persons who formed that society.
Knowing her intimately well for over forty years, I can say that
I never knew a person of purer life than hers. She loved truth
and practiced it as perfectly as can be done in human life,
guided by a clear intellect, and aided by Divine wisdom and
strength. For fifty years she was a christian in all that word
means, uniform in her experience and settled in her convictions
of Bible truth. Without pretense and peculiarly conscientious,
she never said anything which her judgment did not approve, nor
did anything that her conscience condemned. Never were parents
blessed with a better child -a husband with a truer wife, or
children with a more loving mother. All who came within her
influence were impressed with the dignity and excellence of her
character. For forty-two years she had made her home a place of
holy joy to her family, and of welcome to her friends and
acquaintances. All who knew her esteemed her, and they who knew
her best loved her most. Although an invalid for two years, her
sick chamber was the most cheerful room in the household. She
suffered without complaining, and was cheerful and happy where
many find cause of despondency and sorrow. Of ripe and
cultivated intellect and discerning christian faith, she found
sources of enjoyment and cause of hope and gratitude where many
feel discouragement and sadness. Of nine children two survive
her, and a husband who will never cense [sic] to love and
cherish her memory as the richest treasure of life. The day,
which would have completed the sixtieth year of her age, finds
many loving friends gather to bear her from her pleasant home to
her last resting place. While she leaves to the church in
Edwardsville, of which she was a member for fifty years, the
valued legacy of a holy and useful life, and to her family and
friends the sweet memories of affection and benevolence, and
rising to a higher and heavenly life, and joining many loved and
kindred spirits, will enter that rest of joy and blessedness
prepared for the faithful and the pure.
WEST, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 11, 1904
The body of Walter West, the child who died at the Catholic
Orphanage Friday, was sent to Effingham for burial. His father,
who is in Missouri some place, could not be located. [According
to an article in the April 13, 1904 newspaper, he had died of
measles and pneumonia.]
WESTERE, ANTONIO/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
12, 1914
Greek Laborer Killed by Train Engine
A Chicago & Alton switch engine instantly killed Antonio
Westere, a Greek, aged 50, this morning. Westere had just
stepped outside the glassworks yards, paying no attention to the
approaching switch engine, and he walked on the track in front
of the engine. He could not be identified at first, but it was
finally established that he was Westere, and that he lived at
126 East Fourth street. He leaves his wife and six children, the
oldest a girl of 17, employed at the Venardos' store. The family
have not been here long. The father came here about 2 1/2 years
ago, and then he sent for his family who arrived about 18 months
ago. He is said to have been a quiet, industrious man, very fond
of his family and his family devoted to him. They had a hard
time getting along, making their home in a new country, but the
father was a hard worker and spent his money on his little
flock, and the outlook was beginning to be brighter. The mother,
with a number of little children about her looking to her for
support, was unconscious of the accident until about 1 o'clock
in the afternoon. Some Greek residents appointed a committee to
visit her and break to her the news of the tragedy that had
deprived the family of their head and main support. It was said
this afternoon by Mr. Venardos that an effort would be made to
raise sufficient funds to help the family, by subscription, in
Alton and St. Louis. A coroner's inquest will be held over the
victim of the accident.
WESTON, GERTRUDE (nee CANNELL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 20, 1919
Mrs. Gertrude Cannell Weston,
wife of L. H. Weston, died this morning at 8 o'clock at St.
Joseph's hospital where she was taken for treatment about noon
yesterday. Mrs. Weston's death occurred in less than 24 hours
after being removed from the home to the hospital. She had been
suffering from diabetes during the past two years, but her case
was not considered necessarily serious until lately. Finally she
made up her mind to go to the hospital where she could be
treated for the trouble from which she suffered, but her case
had become very serious and she was in a very weak condition.
Her death this morning comes as a surprise to her friends. Mrs.
Weston was born in Alton and lived here all her life. She leaves
her husband, L. H. Weston, and two sons, Horace and William
Weston. She also leaves two brothers, Charles A. and Herbert
Cannell, and one sister, Miss Eva Cannell. The body was removed
from the hospital to the residence in Upper Alton this morning,
but funeral arrangements were not complete. The Weston family
moved to Upper Alton twelve years ago and lived several years in
the E. C. James homestead at Amelia street and Washington
avenue. From there they moved to the Dr. Robert Gibson place at
College avenue and Humbert street, where they have resided for
five years. The funeral will be held from the home.
WESTON, HANNAH GRAY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 23, 1919
The body of Mrs. Hannah Gray Weston, wife
of W. G. Weston, who died last Wednesday at Petaluma, Cal.,
arrived here this morning. She will be buried tomorrow from St.
Paul's Episcopal church, where services will be conducted, the
Rev. H. M. Chittenden of Salem, Ill., former rector of that
church. Mrs. Weston was 81 years old. She was a resident of
Alton for more than 50 years. She left this city to go to
California about eight years ago. During her residence in Alton,
Mrs. Weston was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal church.
She was a sister of George Gray, one time city clerk of Alton.
She was well known among the older residents of the city, and
was known as a charitable woman. She was loved by all who knew
her and her death will cause sorrow among a large number of
people. Mrs. Weston is survived by a daughter, Mrs. T. H. Hanson
of Petaluma, and one son, L. H. Weston of Upper Alton, and her
husband, W. G. Weston. The aged husband accompanied the remains
of his wife to Alton. She leaves two grandchildren, William B.
Weston of Petaluma and William G. Weston of Alton. The mother,
wife and son of L. H. Weston have died within five months. His
wife died last March, and his son, Horace Weston, Shurtleff
College student, was drowned at Lake Geneva, Wis., and was
buried five weeks ago today.
WESTON, HORACE C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14,
1919
Alton Boy Drowns at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Horace C. Weston, 19 years old, son of Leslie H. Weston, 1718
Humbert street, and a student of Shurtleff College, was drowned
yesterday at Lake Geneva, Wis. Weston, with six other students
of Shurtleff College, had gone to Lake Geneva to attend a Y. M.
C. A. conference. The Alton party arrived at Lake Geneva
yesterday morning, having left Alton Thursday night. Yesterday
afternoon Weston and Marcos Canas decided to go in swimming, and
each dove off a long pier. Weston never reappeared after his
dive, and efforts to locate his body had failed up to last
night. His father, accompanied by Chas. Cannell, his uncle,
departed for Lake Geneva last night to assist in the hunt for
the boy's body. It was only about an hour before the Alton party
left for Wisconsin that Weston knew he was to be one of the
local representatives. It was found that of the funds provided
by the college Y. M. C. A., enough remained to pay the expenses
of another representative, and Weston was induced to go. Those
in the Alton party were: Cyrus Daniel, Edward Meriwether, John
Blair, Wilford Queen, George Crawford, Marcos Canas, and Weston.
The news of the drowning was brought to Alton in a message to
President George M. Potter, of the college, from Grover C.
Little, state secretary of the Y. M. C. A. for colleges for
Illinois, who is attending the conference for Lake Geneva.
Weston was a member of the June 1917 class of Alton High school,
and entered Shurtleff College last September when that
institution was under government supervision, with an S. A. T.
C. unit training there. When the army unit disbanded in
December, Weston continued his school work. He was a boy fond of
athletics and outdoor life, but also ranked among the leaders in
the class room. He leaves his father and a brother, a High
school student. His mother died a few months ago. At 3 o'clock
this afternoon President Potter of Shurtleff College stated that
he had received no further word from Lake Geneva regarding the
recovery of the body. The father was due to arrive in Lake
Geneva at 11 o'clock this morning to assist in the search.
However, Secretary Little of the Illinois College Y. M. C. A.
work, in understood to have been doing everything possible to
recover the body of the Alton boy. Lake Geneva has been a
favorite resort for Shurtleff students, several of them having
gone there each year for the last two decades to attend the
annual meeting of the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. organizations.
Other Alton people have also visited the resort. One Alton
resident, who is quite familiar with Lake Geneva, stated today
that the water is not only deep at the point where young Weston
dived, but that there was a strong undercurrent. A few years ago
two young lady visitors to the resort were drowned near where
Weston is said to have gone down, and their bodies were not
discovered.
Horace Weston Buried Today
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 18, 1919
The
funeral of Horace Weston, who was drowned at Lake Geneva, Wis.,
was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Wesley Methodist
church in Upper Alton. The services were conducted by Rev.
Theodore Cates. There was a very large attendance at the funeral
services. The young man, in addition to being intensely popular
in Upper Alton, had taken an active part in the work of the
church. He was a member of the junior choir of the church, and
the members of the organization participated in the funeral
ceremony. The young ladies of the choir carried flowers, and six
young men of the choir served as pallbearers. They were Hugh
Ford, Gordon Greene, Ed Hord, Talkett Wells, William Thompson,
Ray Elder. Musical numbers were sung by the choir of the church.
WETSTEIN, HUBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25,
1916
Crippled Young Man Found Dead in Pasture - Gored by
Bull
Hubert Wetstein, a brother of Joseph Wetstein, a
well known farmer and gardener living east of Alton, was gored
to death by a bull belonging to the Wetstein farm, in a pasture
some distance from the house, some time Thursday afternoon.
After dinner Thursday, "Hippy" started out to the pasture to do
some fence repairing and what happened there will never be known
as he was alone. When he did not return to supper, the members
of the family became alarmed and a search was made for him with
lanterns until a late hour without locating him. Early this
morning the hunt was resumed and shortly afterwards the dead
body of the young man was found near a clump of bushes in the
pasture, and some distance from the fence. There was some doubt
as to whether Wetstein was killed by the bull or not. He had a
bad lump on the back of the head and a torn place on his shirt.
Some think that had the bull attacked Wetstein there would have
been marks on the body lower than the head, as a bull usually
lowers its head and strikes low down. Young Wetstein was about
47 years of age and was a cripple. He had always been crippled
and was not bright and it is probable that he became completely
confused when the animal attacked him and tried to run away from
the fence instead of towards it. The condition of the body
indicated that he was killed early Thursday afternoon and it may
have been done while he was on his way to the fence after
leaving home at dinner time. The bull is said to have shown no
vicious tendencies previously, and it is thought must have been
angered in some manner just before or after the time the
unfortunate young man came along. Neighbors of the family with
whom a Telegraph reporter conversed this morning say the parents
and other members of the family are prostrated by the tragic
occurrence, and the neighbors generally greatly shocked thereby.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 26, 1916
The jury empanelled by Coroner Simms yesterday afternoon to
inquire into the death of Hubert Wetstein, whose dead body was
found Friday morning in the Wetstein pasture east of Alton,
brought in a verdict that his death was caused by being trampled
and gored by a bull.....Burial will be at St. Joseph's cemetery
beside the body of the father, John Wetstein, who died six or
seven months ago. During the inquest it developed that the bull
had treed a couple of men in that pasture about a week ago, and
later attacked Mrs. Joseph Wetstein. Joseph Wetstein, the
brohter, is in a pitiable condition over the tragedy. He is
blaming himself for sending Hubert out to fix the fence and is
moaning that he wishes he had gone himself. Friends are
neighbors are trying to console him by the statement that
because of Hubert's mental and physical condition he is much
better off, but there is no consolation in that for the
surviving brother. Hubert, several years ago, accidentally shot
and killed a brother at the Wetstein home, but it was said then
and has been frequently said since, that he never realized what
he had done. The boys were hunting rabbits in the field near the
house when the shooting occurred, and Hubert knew in a dazed
sort of way that something was wrong but he never realized what
it was or what part in bringing the condition about he played.
The Wetstein family are receiving the sincere sympathy of all
who know them.
WETSTEIN, MAGDALENE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 27, 1911
Mrs. Magdalene Wetstein, wife of John
Wetstein, died at the family home, 814 east Second street,
Saturday night after a brief illness. Six weeks ago the aged
couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and at that
time all of the children were present and enjoyed a very
pleasant time. The husband and four sons survive Mrs. Wetstein,
the sons being John, Matthew, Hubert, and Joseph. For many years
the couple lived on a farm near East Alton until Mr. Wetstein
retired from farming and moved to Alton to spend the remainder
of his days. The time of the funeral was not fixed until a son
in Texas could be heard from. [Burial was in St. Joseph's
Cemetery]
WETZEL, UNKNOWN/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
February 19, 1897
Suicide By Hanging
Mrs. Henry Wetzel, wife of a prominent
farmer living two miles from Alhambra, took her own life
Wednesday morning [Feb. 17], between ten and eleven o'clock. She
was found dead in her room at that time by a servant, who gave
the alarm and summoned the assistance of neighbors. Death was
due to strangulation, a stocking fastened from the head of her
bed being used for that purpose. Coroner H. J. Bailey, of Alton,
was notified and arrived about 11 o'clock Wednesday night. The
verdict was suicide. Despondency, due to the recent death of her
mother and illness is assigned as the cause of the act. Some
time ago, Mrs. Wetzel scalded her arm badly, making a painful
wound which prevented her attending the funeral of her mother,
and this, in connection with her general state of health, made
her very downhearted. She leaves a husband and several small
children, the youngest under a year old.
WEYEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1918
World War I Soldier Dies in Camp
Mrs. Minnie Weyen
of Bethalto received word today that her son, John Weyen, aged
30, who left Bethalto July 28, died in camp at Columbus, Ohio,
and the body will be brought back for burial. He was in the
saloon business at Bethalto and quit to go to war when drafted.
He leaves beside his mother, a brother, William, and a sister,
Miss Mabel. Burial will be at Gillespie.
WHALEN, JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1912
John Whalen, aged 52, died Sunday night at the home of Ben
C. Few in Upper Alton. His death was very unexpected and neither
his wife nor his children knew of his death until the end had
come. Whalen had been suffering a long time with throat trouble,
and he went to California last fall. He became homesick and
stayed only four weeks, although he had gained considerable in
weight and strength. He became worse when he returned, but he
insisted upon going to work in January, and worked ten days.
Then he took a lay-off and resumed work week before last and
remained at work until Friday. He returned home Friday night,
his mind evidently impaired, and on Saturday he insisted upon
going to work again, but he was persuaded to stay at home.
However he did walk up to the office of his physician, Dr. T. P.
Yerkes. He seemed to be in fairly good condition Saturday night
and all day Sunday had a good appetite and was up all day
Sunday. After he went to bed, Mr. Few discovered that Whalen was
in a bad way and he called a doctor over Whalen's protests.
Death occurred about 11:30 o'clock. Mr. Whalen leaves his wife
and three children, Edward, Beulah and Fred. His wife and
daughter have been in St. Louis working since shortly after the
husband and father went West. Mrs. Whalen had visited him and he
had visited her, but he was making his stay at the Few home. The
funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St.
Patrick's church. [burial was in Greenwood Cemetery]
WHEARHIDE, FRED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 31,
1906
Fred Whearhide died at 6 o'clock Wednesday morning
at the home of Henry Whittleman at 210 Ridge street. He was 51
years of age, and has been a sufferer with dropsy for several
years. The past month he became very ill, and nothing could be
done to relieve his condition. The funeral will be held from the
Whittleman home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. H. M.
Ewers will officiate.
WHEAT, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 10, 1913
Thomas Wheat, aged 70, a resident of Alton for many years,
died Thursday evening at his home, 416 Bluff street, from kidney
trouble. He had been a long sufferer from chronic bright's
disease. His condition became such Thursday morning that a
physician was summoned and that evening at 7 o'clock he died
suddenly. He had dropsical symptoms. Mr. Wheat was engaged in
business in Alton for many years. He is survived by his wife, as
he never had any children. A few years ago he left Alton to make
his home in the south, taking all of the money he could gather
together with him. He deposited the money in a bank in his new
home, and the bank failed and Mr. Wheat was forced to see the
sweeping away of his entire possessions, except the little home
he had owned in Alton, and which he had been unable to sell. He
came back here with Mrs. Wheat and recently he sold the home.
Mr. Wheat was a native of England. Before coming to Alton about
thirty years ago, he lived around Shipman and Brighton, and the
body will be taken to Shipman for burial at 10 o'clock tomorrow
morning. Owing to the fact that he had sold his home and had all
his goods packed, ready to move to Florida, and that the new
owner had moved his household goods into the place, the funeral
will be from the undertaking establishment of Allen Keiser at 9
a.m.
WHEATLY, RICHARD (alias RICHARD DUGGAN)/Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, July 28, 1902
Richard Duggan
died at St. Joseph's hospital Sunday from the effects of
overheating. Deputy Coroner Streeper took charge of the body.
Duggan lived at East Alton.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 29, 1902
It has been learned that the man
who died at St. Joseph's hospital on Sunday under the name of
Richard Duggan was really Richard Wheatly, and that he has a
brother who is now an engineer on the Chicago & Alton railroad.
Why Wheatly assumed the name of Duggan is not known. The body is
being held by C. N. Streeper until the brother can be heard
from.
WHEELER, CLAYTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 15, 1906
Struck on Head by Heavy Timber of Beall
Shovel Plant in East Alton
Clayton Wheeler, who was struck on the
head by a heavy timber at the Beall shovel plant at East Alton
several days ago, died at St. Joseph's hospital last evening at
10 o'clock. His death was due to paralysis. The father and
mother of the young man, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wheeler of
Grafton, were with him when he died. The body will be sent to
Grafton for burial.
WHEELER, GILBERT/Source: Alton Observer, June 15, 1837
Read and Sympathize - On Monday, the 5th instant, Gilbert
Wheeler, aged four years, son of Erastus Wheeler, Esq., of
Edwardsville, Ill., wandered out of town late in the evening;
and although constant search was made for him by a large number
of men, he was not found until Friday morning, when he was found
in Cahoe creek, about one mile from town, where he probably had
lain from Monday night. He was a fine promising boy, and a great
favorite of his distressed father and mother. "But while they
mourn, he sings above, And views with joy the God of Love."
WHEELER, W. E. (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, May 18, 1901
Son of Erastus Wheeler - Early
Settler of Madison County
Col. W. E. Wheeler, aged 74, died
this morning at Edwardsville after a long illness. Col. Wheeler
was a son of Col. Erastus Wheeler, one of the earliest settlers
of Madison county, and he was himself one of the best known men
in the country. He filled the office of county surveyor,
sheriff, and has been prominent in Democratic politics almost
all his life.
WHEELER, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 25,
1908
Killed by Train in Sight of Home
William Wheeler, said to
be 52 years of age but apparently much older, was killed
Saturday evening by the Springfield Accommodation train on its
last trip, as the train was passing the C. & A. roundhouse. The
old man was crossing the track, and was trundling a wheelbarrow
in which he was carrying home some supplies of food for the
family. His son, Thomas, is employed in the roundhouse. Fireman
A. R. Brown noticed the old man on the track trying to push the
wheelbarrow over, as the train rounded the curve. He told
Engineer Webb and the train stopped and backed up. A son of
Wheeler, seeing the train return and thinking something had
happened, went out to see who it was who was killed and found
that it was his own father. The body was taken to the morgue of
Deputy Coroner Keiser, where an inquest was held Saturday night,
and a verdict of accidental death was found. A singular
circumstance was that a bottle of whiskey in the man's pocket
was not broken when the engine struck him. Wheeler leaves his
wife and children, Mrs. Emma Rose and Thomas Wheeler. The
funeral of Wm. Wheeler was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the family home.
WHEELOCK, E. L. R. (COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 25,
1847
Died at Edwardsville on the 21st of April last, Col.
E. L. R. Wheelock, formerly of this county but latterly a
resident of Wheelock, Robinson County, Texas, aged 54 years.
WHEELOCK, HIRAM T./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 2,
1917
Partner in Ginter & Wardein ; Worked at Boals Planing
MIll; Talented Musician
Hiram T. Wheelock, for many years a prominent business man of
the city, and prominent in the work of the Twelfth Street
Presbyterian Church, died at 9:30 o'clock Friday morning at his
home, 612 East Sixth street. The death of Mr. Wheelock had been
expected since Wednesday of last week, when he took a turn for
the worse and his decline was rapid. He had been in bad health
for over two years, due to weakness of advancing age, and he had
not been able to be out very much. During the long period he was
practically an invalid, the aged gentleman received many
visitors at his home. His long life had been characterized by a
sunny disposition which had made many friends, and beside his
strong character had won for him many sincere admirers. Though
he found it a hardship for one of his activities to be confined
to his home, he bore his disability bravely and cheerfully, and
he looked forward with utmost resignation to the approaching
end. His daughter, Miss Mary T. Wheelock of Beaumont, Tex., was
summoned to be with him in the last week of his life. She
arrived just a week before the end came. Mr. Wheelock was born
in Bakersfield, Vt., July 23, 1835, and was in his eighty-second
year. He came to Alton about 1859, and for a while he worked in
the Boals Planing Mill. Then he engaged in the planing mill
business and he was associated in partnership with several men
of bygone days in Alton. His latest partner was Louis Gluter.
About twelve years ago he sold out his interest to the firm of
Ginter & Wardein, and he retired from active occupation. Mr.
Wheelock was a talented musician, and his musical talent was
always at the disposal of the Twelfth street church in which he
held membership, and where he served as an officer for many
years. He was a quiet, dignified, gentlemanly man, and he had a
large number of friends. He is survived by his wife, and his
daughter, Miss Mary T. Wheelock, who was adopted by him when she
was a few days old. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. James Sherman of
Holly, Colo., and Mrs. Henrietta Look of Anaheim, Cal., and a
brother, Charles of Seattle, Wash. The funeral will be held
Sunday at ___ p.m. from the home, and friends are requested to
omit flowers.
WHETSTEIN, ADELINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
16, 1909
The funeral of Adeline Whetstein, daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Whetstein, was held this afternoon from St.
Mary's church where services were conducted by REv. Jos. Meckel.
Burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery beneath a heavy coverlet of
flowers.
WHETZEL, LOUIS O./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 6, 1922 Man Who Helped Build Alton Bridge Dies
Helped
Build Alton Railroad Bridge
Louis O. Whetzel died at 11:40 o'clock last night, aged 62,
after a long illness with Brights disease. He had been in bad
health for about one year. The death of Mr. Whetzel had been
expected for some time. Recently he was completely disabled
after having returned to his place of duty on the draw span of
the Alton Bridge. He had been employed on the bridge ever since
work upon it was started, about 1891. He came here as labor
foreman for the bridge contractor. When the bridge was finished,
Mr. Whetzel was given the position of chief engineer on the draw
span, in charge of turning the span for passing steamboats. He
continued on that job without any interruption and was still
carried as an employee of the company at the time of his death.
He has the record of never losing a day's time except on rare
occasions he would go away to attend some lodge gathering for a
part of a day, and so rare were his absences it is said that he
never missed a day's pay. Some time ago he was forced to take a
layoff on account of bad health, but he managed to resume his
duties until a few weeks ago when he was prostrated and he sank
rapidly. Mr. Whetzel was born in Des Moines, Ia., July 6, 1860.
He was the father of seven children, all of whom are living. His
wife also survives him. The children are Louis Jr. of
Springfield, Ill., Freeman of St. Louis; Robert, Paul, Perry,
Ernest and Miss Mary Whetzel, all of Alton. He also leaves four
grandchildren. Mr. Whetzel had been a member of the Knights of
Pythias, the Junior Mechanics and the Masonic Order. Mr. Whetzel
was a good citizen, a hard working man and he was held in the
highest esteem by all who knew him. He was a good father and
husband and respected by his neighbors. The time of the funeral
will be announced later. [Whetzel is buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.]
WHIPPLE, ELIZABETH H./Source: Alton Telegraph, March 19,
1847
Died in this city [Alton], at 9 o'clock on Sabbath
morning, the 14th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth H. Whipple, aged 35
years. Mrs. Whipple was the wife of Mr. P. B. Whipple, was born
in the city of Philadelphia, and has been for 11 years a
resident of this place. She made in early life a public
profession of religion, and has been ever since a consistent
member of the Presbyterian Church. She died in the full
possession of her reason, with many expressions of confidence in
her Savior, and leaving the most delightful assurance that death
to her was gain. Her funeral was attended on Monday morning from
the Presbyterian Church. A sermon was preached by her Pastor. A
large audience, composed of the members of the church and
congregation, the Sons of Temperance and many other citizens,
testified their sympathy with the bereaved. Mrs. Whipple left
two sons and an infant daughter.
WHIPPLE, HANNAH G. (nee CHASE)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 11, 1918
Mrs. Hannah G. Whipple,
widow of P. B. Whipple, died Monday at 12:45 o'clock at her
residence, 327 East Twelfth street, after a long period of
disability. She was in feeble health for a long time, but her
illness did not become alarming until Friday when she took a
change for the worse and she sank fast. Early this morning it
became apparent that she could not live much longer. During her
long illness Mrs. Whipple was given the most devoted attention
by her daughter, Miss Florence Whipple, who had given up all
other interests to look after her aged mother. The condition of
the aged lady was the cause of much anxiety to a large number of
her friends and neighbors for some time. She maintained her
faculties almost to the last, and the passing out of her life
was beautiful and peaceful as she would have had it. She had
been unable to be out of her home for a long time, but in her
home she was given the most devoted attention by her daughter
and her friends. Mrs. Whipple was the widow of one of Alton's
early day business men. Her husband died many years ago at a
great age. She was very active in the work of the First
Presbyterian Church until recent years, when old age compelled
her to yield those duties to others who were younger. In the
work of the various women's societies of the church she was one
of the leaders and counselors. She was beloved by all who knew
her, and was recognized as a woman of great mental ability.
Almost all of her married life she had lived on the one piece of
property at Twelfth and George Streets. Mrs. Whipple's maiden
name was Chase. She was born in Millbury, Mass., February 22,
1831, and at the time of her death was nearing her 87th
birthday. She was a member of a prominent eastern family, and
one of her brothers was for many years the head of the Hartford
Fire Insurance Co. She came to Alton as a bride March 5, 1857.
During the first five years of her married life she lived in two
different places, but in 1862 the family moved to the house
where she died. In 1896 her husband died. Mrs. Whipple had held
membership in the First Presbyterian Church sixty years, and was
one of the oldest members of that church. Mrs. Whipple was for
many years president of the Women's Missionary Society of the
First Presbyterian Church, and she had a deep interest in that
work. She also had been a member of the board of directors of
the public library for many years, and she was also one of the
original members of the Women's Council. She was deeply
interested in many public enterprises and always ready to help
out of her broad experience and good judgment. Mrs. Whipple was
the last of her own family. She leaves one daughter, Miss
Florence Whipple, and two nephews. The time of the funeral had
not been set this afternoon.
WHITAKER, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1849
James Whitaker, a very worthy young man of Alton, employed as a
clerk in Mr. S. B. Catts’ Leather store, sank under the disease
of cholera on Sunday forenoon, after an illness of seven hours.
WHITAKER, JAMES/Source: Alton Telegraph, July 18, 1851
Died in Alton on Saturday, 12th inst., James, infant son of
Alexander and Elizabeth Whitaker of Alton.
WHITCOMB, MARSHALL/Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1845
Died in Alton on the 2d inst., after a short illness, Mr.
Marshall Whitcomb, aged about 45 years. Mr. Whitcomb was a
native of Cataraugua County, New York. He emigrated to this city
about four years ago, and by his kind and social disposition won
the friendship and attachment of all those with whom he became
acquainted. He was a good husband, father and neighbor, and has
left a deeply afflicted widow, four small children, and a large
number of friends to deplore his loss.
WHITE, ALPHONSO/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1864
Died in Alton on December 14th, Alphonso White, a member of
Company K, 144th Illinois Volunteers, in the 19th year of his
age.
WHITE, ANDREW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 22,
1919
Negro Boy, 5, Shoots Himself
Andrew White, five
years old, son of Mr. and Mrs. George White, colored, shot and
killed himself this afternoon at the home of his parents, 1114
Pearl street. The youngster found the revolver, a weapon of
heavy caliber, lying under a bed. He picked it up and shot
himself through the head. The lad lived 20 minutes. The gun had
a safety appliance and it was not thought it could be fired by a
child. Deputy Coroner Bauer took charge of the body and will
conduct an inquest.
WHITE, ARTHUR G./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 1, 1848
An inquest was held on Wednesday last by Fred Weed, Esq.,
Coroner of this county, over the body of a man found on the edge
of the Mississippi at Hop Hollow, two miles above Alton, when
after due inquiry and a careful examination of the remains, the
jury returned a verdict of “death by drowning.” From the papers
found upon the person of the deceased, it is supposed that his
name is Arthur G. White, and that he was a resident of Detroit.
He was dressed in cassimere pantaloons, silk craval, and striped
and white shirt. Some bruises were discovered about the head and
body, but it was impossible to ascertain whether they were the
result of violence or of accident.
WHITE, ANNA RACHAEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 29,
1921
Mrs. Anna Rachael White, aged 62 years, passed away
this morning at 12:30 at the family home at 20 Elm Street after
a lingering illness of two years, suffering from gall stones.
During the past two years she has been confined to her bed most
of the time. Two months ago she was taken seriously ill and had
been unable to leave her room during that time. The deceased is
survived by her husband, Douglas White, one daughter, Mrs.
Hillopine Sprague of this city; two sons, Fred White of Michigan
and Henry Borghen of Tennessee; and one brother, Henry William
of Calhoun. Mrs. White's death was preceded by that of her
granddaughter, Miss Bessie Sprague by several weeks. The funeral
will be held Friday afternoon at two o'clock from the family
home. The interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
WHITE, BESSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 5, 1906
Miss Bessie White, aged 17, died this morning at the home of
her mother, Mrs. Jacob Diehl, Sixth and George streets, after an
illness of three weeks caused by a complication of diseases. The
funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the
Cherry Street Baptist Church.
WHITE, CONRAD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1910
Driver of Alton Horse-Drawn Street Car
Conrad White, a resident of Upper
Alton almost forty years, died this morning shortly after 1
o'clock at his home on Broadway street, after a long illness
from dropsy. Mr. White's death had been expected for some time.
For the past three months he has been very low and at intervals
he was so bad his relatives did not believe he could rally, but
each time he improved, and his lease on life was extended until
this morning the final call came. He was 73 years old. Conrad
White was born in Greenville, and came to Upper Alton about
thirty-eight years ago. His wife, who survives him, was a
daughter of the late Rev. G. W. Waggoner. He leaves besides his
widow, one son, G. H. White of Marion, Ill., and two daughters,
Mrs. Harry Picker and Mrs. Robert Sheens, both of Portland,
Oregon. For many years "Con" White was connected with the horse
car line that was operated between Alton and Upper Alton. He was
a street car driver, and was also employed at the barns of the
company in Upper Alton. The sound of his voice was very familiar
when he called out "all aboard" at 6 o'clock every morning, when
the first car was about to start from the end of the line in
Upper Alton. His son, Herbert White, will arrive here this
evening from Marion, after which the funeral arrangements will
be made.
WHITE, D. C. (DR.)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 12, 1903
Alton Dentist
Dr. D. C. White died Thursday night at his
residence on Bellview avenue. The Doctor had practiced his
profession of dentistry in this city for almost fifty years,
having come here from Concord, N. H. in 1854. Of late years, his
health had been feeble from advanced years. He was the oldest
dentist in Alton, and one of the oldest in Southern Illinois.
His wife and one child, Mrs. H. G. Giberson, survive him. He has
a brother living in Concord. Dr. White was born in that city in
1822 and came to Alton in 1854. The funeral will take place
Saturday at 2 p.m. from the family residence on Bellview avenue.
Source: Items of Interest, A Monthly Magazine of
Dental Art, Science & Literature, Volume XXV, 1903, page 637
Dr. D.C. White died at Alton, Illinois in the eighty first
year of his age. The Doctor had practiced his profession of
dentistry in Alton for almost fifty years, having moved there
from Concord, NH in 1854. Of late years his health had been
feeble from advanced years. He was the oldest dentist in Alton
and one of the oldest in Southern Illinois. His wife and one
child, Mrs. H.G. Giberson survive him. He has a brother living
in Concord, Dr. White was born in that city in 1822 and came to
Alton in 1854.
WHITE, FLORENCE E./Source: Alton Telegraph, August 26, 1864
Died in Alton on the 23d inst., Florence E., infant daughter of
William W. and Mary C. White, aged 10 months and 23 days.
WHITE or WISE, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 20, 1907
"Big Boy" Wise Shot While Resisting Arrest
Coroner C. N. Streeper was summoned to
Collinsville where a deputy sheriff named William Biskely had
shot and killed a bad negro by the name of George Wise, who was
threatening to kill the deputy sheriff with a shot gun while
resisting arrest. The dead negro was known as Big Boy. He was of
gigantic stature and was known as a troublesome man. The jury
returned a verdict of justifiable homicide, as it was testified
that the deputy sheriff, on following White [sic] to his home,
shot him as White was in the act of drawing a shot gun to fight
off the officer.
WHITE, JESSE W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1911
Jesse W. White died suddenly at his home at 617 Belle street
Friday morning at 7:30 o'clock. He had been ill ten days, but it
was thought that his ailments were not of a serious nature at
all. He was able to be about the house at times, and he was
thought to be only afflicted with an attack of the grippe.
Friday morning shortly after seven o'clock, he called other
members of the family to his bedside and told that that he was
not feeling so well, and suggested that a physician be called.
Just a few minutes afterward he was dead. The physician arrived
shortly before he died, but could do nothing for him. Death was
pronounced due to heart failure. Mr. White was fifty-one years
of age and had been a resident of Alton for the past four years,
having moved from New Holland, Ill., to this city at that time.
By trade he was a railroad man. He leaves his wife, Mrs.
Florence White, in his immediate family. The funeral will be
held Sunday afternoon from the home. The Knights of Pythias will
take charge of the services, and Rev. A. G. Lane will officiate.
Interment will be made in the Upper Alton Cemetery.
WHITE, NANCY/Source: Alton Weekly Courier, November 18, 1853
Nancy White - This young female, who recently died at
Jacksonville under peculiar circumstances, we learn was formerly
a resident of Alton, and has relatives here at this time. She
lived at service for some time; in different families in this
city, and so far as we have learned, bore a respectable
character.
WHITE, THOMAS S./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 6,
1905
Glassblower
Thomas White died at his home on Main street in
Upper Alton at 2 o'clock Sunday morning after an illness of two
weeks. He was at first taken down with an attack of the grip,
and after a brief illness with that trouble, he almost entirely
recovered and was out of the house, but he suddenly suffered a
relapse after which the trouble settled in his head and caused
congestion of the brain. He had been in an unconscious condition
for a week, and the end came in a most peaceful way without a
struggle. The death of Thomas White is a sad blow to the whole
community. He was one of the best known young men in all the
Altons, and was liked by all who knew him. He was a very
industrious young man and had the best of habits. He was a
glassblower by trade and had served his apprenticeship three
years ago. His bereaved wife, mother and brother have the
sincere sympathy of the community. Thomas White was born in
Upper Alton on the 26th day of April 1878, consequently he would
have been 27 years old, had he lived a little more than one
month. He lived here ever since, and from boyhood up he was a
favorite among his large circle of friends. Three years ago he
was married to Miss Jennie Webster, who survives him. He was a
member of the Court of Honor, the order of Ben Hur, and the
glassblowers' union. He leaves his wife and one child, his
mother, Mrs. Jennie E. White, and one brother, Mr. H. Clay
White, all of Upper Alton. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and the services will be conducted at
the Methodist church of which the deceased had been a member
since boyhood. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. If it rains
tomorrow afternoon, the funeral will be postponed.
WHITENACK, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
15, 1911
Mrs. Margaret Van Horne Whitenack, mother of
Mrs. H. S. Dorsey, died Thursday night at 11 o'clock at the home
of her daughter on State street after an illness of several
months from the weakness incident to her great age. Mrs.
Whitenack came to Alton to make her home at the time of the
marriage of her daughter. Her old home was at Greenwood, Ind.,
and her body will be taken back there for burial, the funeral
party leaving this evening at 6:45 o'clock. The funeral services
were held at 4 o'clock this afternoon. The service was conducted
by Rev. Dr. A. G. Lane, Mrs. Whitenack being a member of the
Presbyterian church of long standing.
WHITESIDES, BUD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 8,
1907
Bud Whitesides, colored, aged 25 years, died this
afternoon at his home, 817 Union street, from consumption.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
WHITNEY, JAMES ROYAL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
17, 1915
Civil War Veteran; President of Workingmen's Bank
at East St. Louis
James Royal Whitney, in his seventy-ninth
year, died at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning at his residence, Court
street in Alton, after a long illness. Mr. Whitney's death was
due to a general failing from old age. He had been in failing
health for three or four years, but only a year ago he gave up
making his daily trips to and from East St. Louis where he was
in business. He was president of the Workingmen's Bank at East
St. Louis for eighteen years, and was for many years in the real
estate business in that city. Mr. Whitney was born in St.
Lawrence County, N. Y., April 23, 1837. He was married in
Philadelphia, March 29, 1864, and his wife survives him. He
served during the Civil War as a member of the 92nd Volunteers
of the State of New York, and had a good record as a soldier. He
came west after the war and engaged in business in East St.
Louis, where he was very successful. For many years he was
connected in an official capacity with the Madison Car Works,
and was with that company in the days before it was acquired by
the trust. He was highly successful in the car construction
period of his career. Mr. Whitney was a member of the
Congregational Church and he was one of Alton's best citizens.
He was known for his quiet, gentle tact, and he had a large
number of friends. He was very regular in his business habits
and always made the trip to St. Louis to look after his affairs
until this feebleness forced him to discontinue the trips. He
had been in a weak condition for many weeks, but his death came
very quickly. His sons, C. L. and J. E. Whitney, were away from
home when the end came, and were expected to arrive in Alton
this evening. The funeral arrangements will be made when they
return home. Mr. Whitney leaves beside his wife and two sons,
one sister, Mrs. E. A. Thomas of East St. Louis.
WHITTAKER, HENRY B. (REVEREND)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 21, 1844
Died, at his residence in Upper Alton
on the 15th inst., the Rev. Henry B. Whittaker, minister of the
Presbyterian Church in that place. The deceased was born in
Charleston, Kanawha County, Virginia, November 15, 1814. He
became hopefully pious when about 19 years of age, and soon
entered upon a course of preparation for the ministry. His
studies were prosecuted mainly at Marietta College and Lane
Seminary, Ohio. He was licensed to preach the Gospel, June 25th,
1842, by the Presbytery of Lexington, Missouri. He labored a
short time in the Platte Country, then, for several months in
Belleville, Illinois. From that place he removed to Upper Alton,
where he continued to labor until his death. FLrom his
conversion till the end of his life, his heart was set on "doing
good." To accomplish this object, he labored "in season and out
of season." His eagerness to do his Master's work was so great,
that he toiled when he ought to have rested. To this is to be
ascribed the malignant character of the disease which, after a
continuance of 15 days, laid him in the grave. "He being dead,
yet speaketh." His funeral sermon will be preached next Sabbath
afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Presbyterian Church, Upper Alton.
WHITTLEMAN, EDISON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
30, 1909
5 Year Old Boy Dies of Bullet Wound
Edison
Whittleman, aged 5, died at St. Joseph's hospital Friday
afternoon from the effects of the bullet wound inflicted by
Walter Smith while the boy was shooting with a target rifle at
his home on Madison avenue. The boy was out with his sister,
Miss Lillie Smith, who is employed at the A. B. & C. bakery
store, and they were about to try the rifle when the Whittleman
boy ran in front of the muzzle of the rifle and was hit on the
head. His condition was not deemed necessarily fatal, but
shortly after the lad was moved to the hospital he died. coroner
Streeper will hold an inquest over the boy. It was a case of
pure accident, and there is great grief in both families over
the sad affair. The funeral will be held from the family home
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WHITTLEMAN, EVA (nee VARTER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 13, 1918
Mrs. Eva Whittleman, wife of Henry
Whittleman of Salu street, died suddenly Saturday evening at the
family home while telling her husband of a telephone message she
had received Saturday morning from their daughter, Miss Pearl
Whittleman, of St. Louis. Mr. Whittleman had just returned home
from his day's work and while his wife was talking to him she
was stricken and dropped to the floor. Neighbors were called and
a physician was telephoned for but Mrs. Whittleman passed away
in a very few minutes after speaking the last time. She had been
in fairly good health of late, but during the past year Mrs.
Whittleman had suffered several severe attacks of illness. She
had been better than usual in the last few months. Word of her
sudden death is a sad chock to her family and to the neighbors
and friends. Mrs. Whittleman was 62 years old on the 29th day of
April. She was born and raised at Mt. Vernon, and her
grandfather was one of the first three men to settle there where
the town later developed. Her maiden name was Eva Varter, and
she was married to Henry Whittleman in Mt. Vernon. The couple
engaged in farming at Granite city soon after their marriage,
and they farmed fifteen years on ground where the Chicago and
Alton passenger station now stands at Granite City. They came to
Alton thirty years ago last September, and have resided in the
city since that time. They lived down town the greater part of
their residence in Alton, but of recent years the family have
resided in Upper Alton. Mrs. Whittleman leaves besides her
husband four sons and two daughters, viz: William of Madison
avenue; Robert of Houston, Texas; Mrs. Dora Forcade of Alby
street; Herbert and Harry of Upper Alton; and Miss Pearl
Whittleman of St. Louis. Robert Whittleman had just moved his
family to Texas, where he is engaged in government ship
building. He is now on the way to Alton on account of the death
of his mother. Miss Pearl Whittleman of St. Louis, who is a
trained nurse, had recently been called to Kentucky on a case in
her profession, and she had just arrived in St. Louis from this
trip. She telephoned her mother Saturday morning of her arrival
in St. Louis, and it was this message her mother was giving the
father when she was stricken. Mrs. Whittleman was a nurse all
her life and during the long number of years she lived in Alton
she had been present in many Alton homes at the time of the
visit of the Stork, and on many other occasions of sickness. She
was one of the most charitable women in the community. To
relieve suffering was her work in life, and she never failed to
respond to a call where her services might bring aid and relief
to some one who was suffering. Her kind disposition and her
willingness to render assistance made her services valuable at
all times. She was a woman who practiced real charity. At home
she was a real mother and her taking away is a sad stroke upon
the members of her home. The funeral will be held at 2:30
o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Wesley Methodist church on Main
street. The services will be in charge of the pastor, Rev. Fay
Marriott, and he will be assisted by Rev. W. I. Terhune, of
Effingham, former pastor of the church. Mrs. Whittleman had been
a life long member of the Methodist church and a worker in the
church. Since being a resident of Upper Alton she was a member
of the Wesley church. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery.
WHYERS, ANNA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 29, 1909
Mrs. Anna Whyers, aged 88, a resident of Fosterburg many
years, died this morning at her home in Fosterburg where she had
lived 43 years. Her death was due to old age, and she had been
in failing health for several months. She leaves three children,
William G. Cousins of Douglas, Kan., John Cousins of Fosterburg,
and Mrs. Elizabeth Whyers of Fosterburg. The funeral
arrangements have not been made. Mrs. Whyers was a highly
respected woman during her long years of residence in Fosterburg
and leaves many friends.
WHYERS, JACOB/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26, 1904
The body of Jacob Whyers arrived from Edwardsville today and
was taken to the Short cemetery two and a half miles west of
Bethalto, where it was interred. Deceased was 75 years of age
and was an old resident of the county.
WHYERS, UNKNOWN INFANT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 4, 1913
A little child of Mr. and Mrs. William
Whyers, born while the mother was suffering from smallpox, died
this morning. The child had been frail from birth. The funeral
was held this afternoon from the Cathedral, where services were
conducted by Rev. Father Tarrent. Burial was in Greenwood
Cemetery. The little one was vaccinated when but a day old to
prevent it contracting the smallpox, but it is believed to have
been born with the disease.
WICKART, MARTIN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14,
1905
Martin A. Wickart, aged 48, died at his home, 718
east Second street, last evening after an illness from heart and
lung troubles. He is survived by a wife and two sons. Wickart
came to Alton three years ago from Calhoun county. He claimed to
be a cigar maker by trade but had not been working at his trade
for a long time. The funeral will be held at 8 o'clock Thursday
morning from St. Mary's church.
WICKENHAUS, CHILD OF JOHN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
Monday, April 17, 1899
Two Year Old Drinks Carbolic Acid
A distressing accident occurred
Sunday morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Wickenhaus, two
miles east of Upper Alton. The two years old daughter, while
left alone in the house for a few minutes, drank a bottle of
carbolic acid and lived only three hours afterwards. The little
child suffered excruciating agony. Mrs. Wickenhaus had come to
Alton to attend church Sunday morning, leaving the child at home
with the father. During the morning, Mr. Wickenhaus went to the
stable to attend a horse that was sick and before leaving the
house took a bottle from a shelf and after uncorking it, left it
in a convenient place. While he was gone, the child found the
bottle and drank the fiery contents. The face, lips, throat and
stomach of the little thing were frightfully burned and her
agonized screams brought her father hurrying in. He hastily
saddled a horse and taking the unfortunate in his arms, rode at
a break-neck speed to Upper Alton to Dr. E. C. Lemen. It was too
late when he arrived for assistance to save the child's life,
and at two o'clock she died. The accident is an exceedingly
distressing one to the parents and they have the sympathy of
everyone in their affliction. Mrs. Wickenhaus formerly lived in
Alton and was Miss Tillie Eichorn. The funeral will be Tuesday
at 9 a.m. from St. Mary's church.
WICKENHAUSER, OTTILIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 7, 1906
Ottilie WickeNhauser, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. William Wickenhauser, East Alton, died this morning of
a rupture of the bowels. The child was 14 years of age and has
been ill since Saturday. The funeral will be Friday morning from
St. Mary's church.
WICKER, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
18, 1911
Mrs. Elizabeth Wicker, wife of Daniel Wicker,
died Sunday morning at 11 o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital
following a surgical operation to which she submitted several
days ago. She was about 37 years old, and is survived by her
husband. Her relatives all live in England. She was of a
generous, charitable nature, and was well liked and esteemed by
all who knew her. The funeral will probably be held Tuesday
afternoon from the home, at 110 east Ninth street.
WIDAMAN, LAURA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 25,
1913
Miss
Laura Widaman, in her 75th year, died Thursday night at the home
of her half-sister, Mrs. Charles Merriman, in Godfrey Township,
from old age. Her death was brought on by an attack of the grip.
Miss Widaman was a cripple since she was 2 years of age, and all
her life was afflicted with bodily ailments. She was born in
Greousburg, Pa., but came to Godfrey Township when a small child
and had lived there ever since. She made her home with Mrs.
Merriman. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Merriman and Mrs. Harriet
McIntyre of Frankford, Mo., and four brothers, Harvey of
Wellsville, Mo.; E. B. of Anadarko, Okla.; Levi of Godfrey; and
Frank C. of St. Louis. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon at
2 o'clock from the family home.
WIEGAND, HENRY/Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday, February 2,
1893
Victim of Wann Disaster
As announced in
the Telegraph, the funeral of Henry Wiegand occurred at Wann
Wednesday at 1 p.m. The new meeting house of the Baptist church
is not yet finished, but it was cleared of the workmen's litter
and furnished with temporary seats for the sad occasion. It was
very fitting that the services should be held in this house, in
the building of which Mr. Wiegand had been so much interested,
and to the speedy completion of which he, with others, looked
forward so joyfully. The house was well filled by sympathizing
neighbors and friends, some of them from a distance. A sister of
Mr. Wiegand, Mrs. Jacob Schapp, with her husband, from St.
Louis; another sister, Mrs. Selb, from Mexico, Missouri, and a
brother, Mr. George Wiegand from Bridgeton, Missouri, were in
attendance. A large number of members of Madison Lodge 110,
A.O.U.W., of Upper Alton, accompanied the family to the church
and were present at the services, filling one side of the house.
The pastor, Rev. M. Jameson, spoke from a text which he said had
been much in his mind during the past few days of terror and
sadness, "The glorious gospel of the blessed God." He claimed
for the gospel that it prepared men both to live and to die,
even though death come as suddenly as it did to so many in the
calamity of Saturday. He also gave illustrations of the
influence of the gospel in transforming the character and
changing the life of Henry Wiegand. A choir, composed of Mr.
Keiser, Miss Boyle, Miss Holden, and Mrs. Jameson of Alton, and
Mr. Jones of Wann, sang at intervals favorite hymns of the
departed, "Safe in the arms of Jesus," "Just as I am," and "God
be with you till we meet again." After the services at the
meeting house the members of the A.O.U.W. marched with the
procession to Upper Alton, where the burial took place with the
impressive services of the order. Mr. Wiegand was 35 years old
and has lived at Wann seven years. He leaves a widow to mourn
his loss, and he will be greatly missed in the church and in the
community.
WIEGAND, JOHN A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 7,
1903
Blacksmith
John A. Wiegand, a blacksmith employed by D. G.
Tomlinson, died from alcoholism in St. Joseph's hopsital last
night after a week's illness. He was 33 years of age and
unmarried. The body was sent to Morrisonville, Ill., at noon,
for burial.
WIEGEND, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1901
Fosterburg News - Mrs. Mary Wiegend, a native of Germany,
died Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, aged 92 years. Mrs.
Wiegend has long lived in America. Her husband died many years
ago. Three children survive her: Peter Wiegend of Bunker Hill;
Mrs. J. W. Paul of Peoria; and Mrs. Charles Schaefer of
Fosterburg. She has a large number of grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. She had been a resident of Madison county
65 years. The funeral will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) at
11:30 a.m. from the M. E. church in Fosterburg.
WIEMERS, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1914
Wealthy Resident of Ft. Russell Township
Though only 54 years of age, George Wiemers, a resident of
Ft. Russell township, wealthy farmer, died from arterial
hardening Monday evening. The malady is one that usually attacks
only people of advanced age. Mr. Wiemers was also a victim of
diabetes, and had been a sufferer for a long time. He leaves his
wife and three sons. Mr. Wiemers was born May 24, 1860, in Ft.
Russell township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wiemer. He was
one of the wealthiest and best known residents of Ft. Russell
township. The Lutheran church loses in him one of the most
consistent and liberal members. He was active always in the work
of the church. In the community he was recognized as a splendid
citizen and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.
His family, beside his wife, are Oscar W., Walter G., and J.
Paul Wiemers, who have lost a very kind and devoted husband and
father. The funeral will be from the family home Thursday
afternoon at 1 o'clock, thence to the Evangelical Lutheran
Church, and burial will be in the Lutheran cemetery.
WIENEKE, ANTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 1,
1921
Anton
Wieneke, 90, who died suddenly at his home in Edwardsville, will
be buried next week in the casket he had made two years ago. He
suffered his third stroke of paralysis which proved fatal. When
his wife died six years ago, Mr. Wieneke had some trees cut down
on his farm near Edwardsville, and from these were made boards
used in the construction of her coffin. Wieneke at that time
made known his intention to build his own coffin. The plan was
not at that time followed out, but two years ago boards from
trees on his own farm were used in constructing Mr. Wieneke's
coffin. The coffin made two years ago has been kept by Mr.
Wieneke in his home in Edwardsville. When the funeral will be
held has not been decided, due to the uncertain time of the
arrival of a son, Henry, from Minnesota. Mr. Wieneke is survived
by four children. He was the owner of 600 acres of excellent
farm land near Edwardsville, which he had divided among his
children. The land is said to be worth more than $100,000. Mr.
Wieneke, it is said, began work in straightened circumstances
and accumulated sufficient money to purchase the land through
his own efforts. He is believed to have left little besides the
land.
By Associated Press, Edwardsville, Ill.,
Dec. 1 - Anton Wienicke, a farmer, died today of heart trouble.
There was a dinner at the Wienicke home yesterday at which
thirteen persons were present. Six years ago, Mrs. Wienicke
died, the day following a dinner party, at which thirteen
persons also were present.
WIESE or WEISE, AUGUST C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 29, 1906
Glassworks Foreman Kills Himself by Cutting His Throat
August C. Wiese, a foreman at the glass works, killed
himself this afternoon by cutting his throat with a ____ knife
at his home, 827 North _____. He was suffering from malarial
fever and had been delirious for several days. He had been
confined to his home for a week, but his case was not considered
so bad that there was any danger of a fatal outcome. Today he
went out in the yard to an outbuilding, and there he stabbed
himself in the throat and cut his throat from ear to ear,
severing the carotid arteries. Dr. C. H. _____, who was
summoned, said that on his arrival at the Wiese home he found
the man dying, and that he had lost so much blood all bleeding
had stopped. There was practically no more blood in his body.
Wiese lived a short time after the arrival of the doctor. No
other cause than delirium from malaria fever is known for the
suicide. He was a man of jovial temperament and was widely
ac___tiated in the city. He was a great ______ for baseball, and
many years ago he was a star baseball player and a member of one
of the best teams Alton ever had. Wiese had many friends in the
city who will be filled with sorrow over his tragic death. Mr.
Wiese was 40 years of age and leaves his wife and two children.
The shock of finding the body of the husband and father in the
outbuilding caused Mrs. Wiese to suffer a nervous collapse, yet
she summoned help and had him carried to the house where he
died. The affair occurred about 2 o'clock and within a half hour
afterward he was dead.
WIEST, PETER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 14, 1886
Old Settler of Upper Alton
Mr. Peter Wiest, who was
buried on Saturday from the M. E. church, was among the oldest
citizens of Upper Alton,having been a resident here for more
than a generation, during which time he has raised a family of
children. One son, Henry F., is in business here [Upper Alton].
WIGHTMAN, CHARLES J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14,
1901
Upper Alton News - Mr. Charles J. Wightman died at
his home here yesterday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Wightman had
been ill for some time and his death resulted from a
complication of diseases. He was born in Boston, Mass., February
6, 1810, and consequently was 84 years, 4 months and 7 days old.
In 1885 he came with his family to Upper Alton from Greenville,
Ill., and has since lived here the greater part of the time. He
was twice married - first to Miss A. A. Blanchard of Greenville.
After her death, which occurred in July 1865(?), he was married
to Miss Josephine Merriam of Greenville. The widow and eight
children survive him. Of the first marriage, William H. Wightman
and Miss Annie Wightman of Upper Alton, and Mrs. Josephine Scott
of Smithboro of the second marriage, Mrs. Louise Gibbs of
McLean; Mrs. Mary P. Enlow of Smithboro; Mr. S. A. Wightman of
the firm of Emerson & Wightman, Upper Alton; Mrs. Jennie L.
Clark of East Alton; Mrs. Ida May Reynolds, Madison, Ill.
Tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock there will be a short funeral
service at the house, conducted by Rev. L. M. Waterman. On
Thursday morning the body will be taken to Greenville for
burial. Services will be held there from the Baptist church of
which he was a member.
WIGHTMAN, WILLIAM H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
19, 1903
Killed by Chicago & Alton Midnight Special Train at
College Avenue Crossing
William H. Wightman of Upper
Alton was instantly killed this morning by the Chicago and Alton
Midnight Special at 7 o'clock at the College avenue crossing
over the cut-off tracks. Mr. Wightman's body was horribly
mangled by the train, one horse was killed and his wagon
demolished. The other horse he was driving escaped with a slight
scratch. Wightman was working for the Burton Nursery Company and
was driving a team to Fosterburg to get a load of coal. He had
just driven to Col. Rodgers' place and was making the turn to go
to Fosterburg when the Midnight Special, running at a high rate
of speed, came spinning down the track and struck him on the
crossing. It is said that the crossing bell was not ringing. All
trains run swiftly down the steep grade. His body was thrown a
long distance, and when it was picked up there was not a whole
bone in his body. Death was instant. The body was taken in
charge by Deputy Coroner Streeper, and he is holding an inquest
this afternoon. It is stated the body of the dead horse was
strewn along the tracks for a long distance. At the wagon-road
crossing there is a straight stretch of level track for more
than a mile north of the crossing with a full view up the track.
The same is true of the track south of the crossing. The roar of
the train can easily be heard for miles away, and unless the
person crossing be both deaf and blind, it would be almost
impossible to not both hear and see a swiftly running train like
the "Midnight Special." Mr. Wightman is neither deaf nor blind,
and it is difficult to account for the collision with the train.
Mr. Wightman was 45 years old, and leaves his wife and three
children. Mrs. Wightman is now in the Southern Illinois Hospital
for the Insane, and the death of Wightman leaving his little
family under such circumstances is doubly sad. He was a man of
most estimable character, and had many friends in Upper Alton.
He is a brother of S. A. Wightman of Upper Alton and Mrs. W. A.
Clark of East Alton.
WILCOX, JOHN AND WIFE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 20, 1907
Husband Shot and Killed Wife Out of
Jealousy, Then Kills Self
A young man who is identified as John Wilcox,
aged about 22 years, shot and killed his young wife and then
sent a bullet through his own brain at Yager Park, at 3:30
o'clock this afternoon. The couple was found dead in a path that
leads up into the McClure tract across from the car barns of the
interurban. Henry Vogeker, who works at the glass works at
night, was coming over the hill when he heard a shot, and then
another almost instantaneously. He ran to the top of the hill,
and down near the bottom saw the couple lying in the path. When
he reached them they were quite dead. The girl had a big wound
in her right temple, and the man was shot in the forehead.
Vogeker called the residents of Yager Park, and the couple was
identified by a relative as Mr. and Mrs. John Wilcox of East
Second street. At four o'clock no one could be found who knew of
any reason for the tragedy. The young man has been out of work
for two months, and friends believe that the husband and wife
entered into the death pact, and that they went down to that
lonely place to carry it out. Wilcox had placed the revolver
close to the temple of his wife's head, as the powder burn
testified. There is every indication that death was
instantaneous in both cases. Wilcox, it is stated, is a miller
by trade. His resident, said to be on East Second street, does
not appear in the directory. The coroner took charge of the
bodies and removed them to Upper Alton. Coroner Streeper found a
note on Wilcox addressed to his mother-in-law, which the coroner
opened. The note stated that he was jealous of his wife and that
he would kill her and himself and that their bodies would be
found on the Bethalto road. His mother-in-law's name is
Berghoff.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 21, 1907
Henry Berghoff, father of Mrs. John
Wilcox who was murdered by her husband Friday afternoon, spurned
the body of his son-in-law and refused to permit the request in
the letter by Wilcox that the bodies be buried side by side. Mr.
Berghoff said that he would not allow his daughter to be buried
with that of her slayer. He therefore bought a lot in St.
Joseph's cemetery and the funeral services over Mrs. Wilcox will
be held tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock from St. Mary's church
and burial will be at St. Joseph's. The body of Wilcox will not
be buried tomorrow. The fact that Berghoff refused to have
anything to do with his daughter's husband has thrown the body
on the county to be disposed of, unless some friends or
relatives come to the rescue. Wilcox formerly worked at
Kittinger's store and played on the Kittinger baseball team. As
he is well know, it is planned to raise a fund by private
subscription to bury him. Last evening and today there have been
many callers at the Streeper & Penning establishment to view the
bodies.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 21, 1907
Coroner C. N. Streeper found in the
pockets of John Wilcox, Friday afternoon, a note telling why he
killed himself and his wife east of Alton, in which the husband
claimed that he had been unable to induce his wife to stop
running around at nights. The note was addressed to Mrs. Julia
Berghoff, the mother of Mrs. Wilcox. It was a lengthy epistle,
written in a scrawley hand on four pages of a sheet of letter
paper. Wilcox said that his wife had been in the habit of going
out in the evening. Wilcox says that he had talked to his wife
and tried to persuade her to stay at home, in vain. He had
threatened her with death he said in the note, but she had
continued to ignore his pleas to stay at home, and therefore he
had decided to make good his threats. He said the bodies would
be found on the road between Alton and Bethalto. He also said
that by selling the furniture, enough money could be raised to
pay for the funeral expense. The killing was in a clump of weeds
through which a path passed, about sixty feet distant from where
lived Mr. and Mrs. John W. Moslander. Mrs. Moslander was at work
in her home and noticed a couple walking up the slope along the
path, chatting agreeably. She saw them lie down in the weeds
when they came opposite her window, and in a few moments three
pistol shots were heard. She was so terrified she did not go to
investigate and knew nothing of what had been the result of the
pistol shots until Henry Vogeker discovered the bodies about
fifteen minutes later. The couple were lying side by side. Mrs.
Wilcox had on a white silk dress and white stockings. Her
husband was clad in his best. It is believed by some that Wilcox
persuaded the wife to let him kill her, or that they sat down in
the clump of weeds to have a talk. Mrs. Wilcox had a bullet hole
in her right temple and another in the back of her head. Wilcox
had one hole between his temple and his right eye. Death was
probably instantaneous. The couple had been living on Second
street in a house belonging to John Simons, two doors from W. A.
Bray's grocery store. They had been very unhappy recently.
Wilcox had not worked steadily. A few days ago he complained to
the police about his wife and asked them to interfere to make
her stay at home, declaring that he would have to do something
himself. W. A. Bray had a talk with Wilcox Friday morning and he
told him he had taken a job at the Boals planing mill, but laid
off for the afternoon. Wilcox induced his wife to take the walk
and then must have persuaded her to consent to him killing her.
In the hand of the dead woman was a photograph of the bridal
party of two years ago when the couple were married. Wilcox gave
the age of his wife as 18 when he complained to the chief of
police a few days ago, and said he had married her two years ago
at the age of 16. The husband was considerably older than his
wife. Coroner Streeper took the bodies to Upper Alton, and there
notified the father of Mrs. Wilcox, to whom he read the note
which was left.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 24, 1907
Baseball fans in Upper Alton who used to
sit in the bleachers and cheer John Wilcox as he made
sensational plays have contributed toward a fund to send the
body back to DeSoto, Mo., where the mother can take charge of it
and have it buried.....The mother of Wilcox, whose name is Mrs.
William Wears, has been heard from. She said that another one of
her sons died 5 weeks ago, and that because of the heavy expense
to which she had been put by his death, she would be unable to
pay to have the body of her son sent to DeSoto, although she
desired very much to have it sent.
WILD, PAUL B. JR./Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, April
18, 1919
Family Succumbs to Influenza
For the third time in four days, death has
visited the family of Paul B. Wild of Troy. Yesterday morning
his wife, Mrs. Anna Wild, died from pneumonia, and late in the
afternoon a son, Paul Jr., died from the same cause. Another
child, Orville, died Monday as previously told in the
Intelligencer. The death of Mrs. Wild and the critical condition
of Paul were mentioned yesterday. The father and a daughter,
Agnes, six years old, are the only two left in the family, and
have not fully recovered from the attack of influenza. Plans are
being made for a double funeral, to be held Saturday afternoon,
and the mother and son will in all probability be buried in a
double grave in the Evangelical cemetery, beside the newly made
grave of the other boy. Rev. G. W. Dame, pastor of the Troy
Methodist Episcopal church, is to officiate at the double
service. The latter will be held from the undertaking parlors of
H. C. Kueker. The plan is to have six nephews of Mrs. Wild serve
as her pallbearers, and six little friends of Paul will act for
him. The funeral of Orville Wild was held Wednesday afternoon
from the Kueker parlors and was largely attended by friends and
acquaintances. The pallbearers were Ansel Rood, Cecil Naylor,
George Kimberlin, Wesley Pritchett, Fred Robinson and Theodore
Heuer.
WILDER, EVA LUCRETIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 4, 1919
Family Loses Two Children in Three Days
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Wilder of Church street, East
Alton, have been allotted more than their portion of misfortune
when, following the death of their two year old daughter, Eva
Lucretia, on Monday, September 1, their son, Kenneth Keith
Wilder, 4 years of age, died last night from malarial fever.
Edward Wilder was attending the funeral of his child, Eva
Lucretia, which was held yesterday at Gillespie, and upon his
return home from the funeral was sorrowfully informed by his
wife that their boy, Kenneth, was in a serious condition and
expected to die. When the father reached the bedside of the boy
he was nearly dead. It was but a few hours later that the boy
died. Mrs. Wilder is nearly distracted as a result of the
misfortune, and the family is receiving many condolences from
friends in their hour of sorrow. The wilder's have two other
children, a boy of ten and a girl of 12 years of age. The girl
has graduated from the eighth grade. Edward Wilder works at the
Western Cartridge Co. plant.
WILDER, KENNETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 4,
1919
Family Loses Two Children in Three Days
Mr. and Mrs.
Edward Wilder of Church street, East Alton, have been allotted
more than their portion of misfortune when, following the death
of their two year old daughter, Eva Lucretia, on Monday,
September 1, their son, Kenneth Keith Wilder, 4 years of age,
died last night from malarial fever. Edward Wilder was attending
the funeral of his child, Eva Lucretia, which was held yesterday
at Gillespie, and upon his return home from the funeral was
sorrowfully informed by his wife that their boy, Kenneth, was in
a serious condition and expected to die. When the father reached
the bedside of the boy he was nearly dead. It was but a few
hours later that the boy died. Mrs. Wilder is nearly distracted
as a result of the misfortune, and the family is receiving many
condolences from friends in their hour of sorrow. The wilder's
have two other children, a boy of ten and a girl of 12 years of
age. The girl has graduated from the eighth grade. Edward Wilder
works at the Western Cartridge Co. plant.
WILKEN, HANNAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 2, 1903
Mrs. Hannah Wilken of Oldenburg died yesterday afternoon
after an illness with cancer of the stomach, aged 71. The
funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 o'clock at Bethalto.
WILKENING, THEODORE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
15, 1912
Killed In Powder Explosion at Western Cartridge Company
Theodore Wilkening, the 24-year-old-son of Mr. and Mrs. William
Wilkening of 1110 Putnam Street, died at St. Joseph's Hospital
Monday afternoon at 5:40 o'clock from injuries he sustained in a
powder explosion at the plant of the Western Cartridge Co., at
one o'clock in the afternoon. The young man was badly burned
about the face and arms by the flashing of powder from the
explosion, and he was also crushed in the side by a heavy door
falling and striking him on the ribs. The young man formerly
worked at the plant, and recently he returned there to go to
work. He was lowering some powder at the tower in the loading
room when the explosion occurred. Wilkening was working in the
loading department of the Western Cartridge Works called the
"Klondike," and was standing at a machine which loads shells.
Above him in the second story is the "hopper" in which the
proper mixture of powder to be loaded into the shells is put.
Wilkening released the powder mixture by means of a rope, and it
runs down through distributing pipes into the shells at the
bottom. As he pulled this rope there was an unexplainable
explosion. The heavy door which is used on the machine as a
protector to the operator flew off. Wilkening must have turned
his back at the explosion, for the door struck him in the right
side, striking a rib just near the shoulder. The broken rib was
driven through his right lung, causing his death after he had
been removed to the hospital. About two kegs of powder, or a
hundred pounds of powder, is put into the "hopper" at each
charge. Wilkening was slightly burned about the hands and face,
but this was not serious. The twelve other employees in the same
room were badly shaken up by the explosion, but were not hurt.
The men employed at Beall's, a quarter of a mile away, heard the
explosion plainly and left their benches thinking that something
had happened at their own plant. Otto Wilkening, a brother,
works at Beall's plant, but had left at 9 o'clock yesterday
morning, having completed his work. The explosion was plainly
felt by persons who live in East Alton, dishes being rattled on
the sideboards and windows shaken. The young man lived with his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Wilkening, at 1110 Putman Street.
The family moved to Alton from Moro, a few years ago, where Mr.
Wilkening was a Big Four [railroad] section boss. A member of
the family said this morning that Theodore was always unlucky.
He leaves his parents, two brothers, Otto of 723 Linden Avenue;
William Wilkening Jr., who lives in Moro; and two sisters, Miss
Clara Wilkening of Alton and Mrs. Mary Gilner, wife of John D.
Gilner of Bethalto. Coroner C. N. Streeper was notified by
Schuette brothers, who have charge of the body and will hold an
inquest. A series of accidents have followed the boy ever since
he was four years old, when he fell and broke his right arm in
two places. Since that time, he has been in one accident after
another, most of which were not very serious. When he was ten
years of age he fell out of a box car and hit on his breast
bone, so it has been turned since. At the age of 14 he fell off
a threshing machine, bruising himself about the face, cutting
his face and arms and knocking out several teeth. Three years
ago, while employed by the A. B. C. Bakery Co., he had his hand
badly crushed and the wound had not completely healed. Two years
ago, while working at the Powder Works, he contracted a case of
poisoning and was seriously ill for six months. The funeral will
be held tomorrow afternoon at 1 o'clock from the Central Avenue
Lutheran Church. [Burial was in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.]
WILKENING, UNKNOWN WIFE OF WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 7, 1918
Friends were shocked this
morning to learn of the death at Moro last evening at 11:20
o'clock of Mrs. William Wilkening of Putnam street in this city.
Mrs. Wilkening was well in the morning, and her death was very
sudden. Influenza was given as the cause of death. She died at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Gueidener, with whom she was
visiting. Mrs. Wilkening was born and raised in Moro, coming to
jAlton nine years ago to reside. She was born July 26, 1858,
being 60 years of age at the time of her death. The family
resided at 1110 Putnam street. She is survived by her husband,
William Wilkening; two sons, William Jr. of Moro, and Otto of
Alton; also by two daughters, Mrs. John Gueidener of Moro and
Mrs. Owen Reinhardt of Alton. She also leaves nine grandchildren
and three sisters. The funeral will be held tomorrow from the
John Gueidener home at Moro, and will be private. Burial will be
in the Upper Alton Cemetery. After the funeral, memorial
services under Beecher, formerly of this city, will be held at
the Lutheran Church on Central avenue, of which the deceased was
an active member. Services will be at 3 o'clock, and the public
is invited to attend.
WILKINSON, IDA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 15, 1909
Girl, Aged 12, Falls From Floating Bridge and Drowns in Hop
Hollow Creek
Ida, aged 12, daughter of Mrs. Walter
Stafford, was drowned Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock in the
creek at Hop Hollow. The child was playing in a small boat that
was floating on the creek. The mother noticed after a short time
that the child was no longer on a floating bridge to which she
had pushed the boat and was playing. The mother gave the alarm
and herself recovered the body, which was in ten feet of water.
Mrs. Stafford prepared a fishing line with hooks and dragging
near the floating bridge she soon brought up her little
daughter's body. The child was the only one her mother had. The
Stafford family moved to Hop Hollow recently. Mr. Stafford is
employed at the Duncan foundry. The coroner was notified of the
drowning of the girl and he held an inquest.
WILKINSON, JANE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 23, 1915
Mrs. Jane Wilkinson, widow of Matthew Wilkinson, died
Thursday evening at 6 o'clock at her home on William street,
after a long period of helplessness due to paralysis. Her death
had been expected for a long time, and it was considered
remarkable by her friends that one of her years should show so
much vitality. Mrs. Wilkinson was born in Wakefield, Lancashire,
England, January 15, 1837. She came to America with her parents,
landing in New York in 1854. The family came West to Illinois,
and she was married at Carlinville in 1856 to Matthew Wilkinson.
The couple came to Alton in 1861, and stayed here two years,
afterward going to Jerseyville for one year and returned here in
1864. Since then she had lived steadily in Alton. She had
enjoyed excellent health up to Thanksgiving Day, 1913, when she
suffered a paralytic stroke, from which she rallied briefly. She
was stricken again two weeks later, and since that time had been
unable to leave her room. She leaves five sons, James E. and
John of Alton; William A., Rochester, N. Y.; Joseph, Chicago,
Ill.; Charles, Portland, Ore.; three daughters, Mrs. Hannah
Stark, Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Lelia M. Harlan and Miss Schna
Wilkinson, Alton, Ill.; also two brothers, John F. and William
Holmes Hutchinson; and two sisters, Mrs. Phoebe Parker, Alton,
Ill.; and Mrs. Mary A. Smith, Sterling, Kan.; besides eleven
grandsons and seven granddaughters, four great-grandsons and one
great-granddaughter. The funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 25th, 1915, from the family home, 504 William
Street, to City Cemetery.
WILKINSON, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 3,
1907
Joseph Wilkinson, of 270 Madison avenue, Alton, died
Monday night at Los Angeles, California very unexpectedly. The
news of the death of Mr. Wilkinson was received in a telegram
this morning to Mrs. Jane Wilkinson, widow of Mathew Wilkinson,
who was a brother of Joseph Wilkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson
left a few months ago for a winter tour of the west and south.
They intended to spend a short time at Denver with a son, then
go to Los Angeles and spend the winter with a daughter, and
returning visit their sons at Dallas, Texas. Before the
departure of the couple their neighbors gave them a farewell
surprise party, and the couple received many heartfelt
expressions of good will and the hope that they would have a
pleasant trip and return in the spring to finish their life in
Alton. Some handsome gifts were presented to the couple. It was
not known to his friends that Mr. Wilkinson was ill. He was
apparently in the best of health and the news of his death was a
sad shock to his friends in Alton. Mr. Wilkinson had lived in
Alton many years. He was a native of England. He was a man who
made friends and held them. He was a quiet, unassuming man, a
good citizen and upright in all his dealings with mankind. The
body will probably be interred at Los Angeles. Mr. Wilkinson was
70 years of age. He came to Alton thirty years ago from Silsden,
Yorkshire, England, his native place. He leaves his wife and
five children, Mrs. Charles Brooks and Miss Annie Wilkinson of
Los Angeles, Cal., James Wilkinson of Denver, and Irving and
Harry Wilkinson of Dallas, Texas.
WILKINSON, JOSEPH E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 13, 1900
Joseph E. Wilkinson, the 6 year old son
of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilkinson, died last night at 8:30 o'clock
at the family home, 1020 Easton street. The little fellow had
been ill only two days with an acute stomach trouble and
suffered great pain. His death and release from suffering was a
relief to his parents as well as himself. The funeral will be
Sunday at 2 p.m. from the family home.
WILKINSON, MATHEW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
13, 1902
Head Miller at Sparks Milling Company
After ten months of suffering which was borne
patiently, Mathew Wilkinson passed away Saturday evening at his
home on William street. Mr. Wilkinson was a good man, a good
citizen, an admirable husband and father, a steadfast friend. He
was a man accustomed to measuring his fellow men and their
failing with the broad tape line of charity, and he believed in
planting and cultivating Hope in human souls where only Doubt or
Despair grew before. By those who knew him best, Mr. Wilkinson
was most appreciated and esteemed. His character was clearly
revealed to intimates and it was an admirable character. May he
rest in peace. Mr. Wilkinson was born at Silsden, Yorkshire,
England, August 4, 1832. He came to America in June 1854, and
was married to Miss James Holmes at Carlinville, Ill., September
11, 1856. He came to Alton in the fall of 1858, and had been a
resident here since. He was a miller and a good one, and for
many years was engaged in the Schooler, Adams and Farber mills,
and was head miller for the Sparks Milling Co. for several
years. He engaged in the milling business for himself in 1873 at
109 West Second street. He retired from active business in 1890.
He was economical and amassed considerable property some of
which is very valuable. He leaves a wife and nine children:
Messrs. James E. and John, of Alton; William A. of Rochester, N.
Y.; Joseph of Chicago; Charles of San Francisco, Cal.; and four
daughters: Mrs. Charles Stark, Chicago; Mrs. Samuel H. Phillips,
Denver, Colo.; Mrs. Lelia M. Hart, and Miss Celina Wilkinson of
Alton. One brother, Joseph Wilkinson also survives. Mr.
Wilkinson also leaves several brothers and sisters in the old
country, also a sister, Mrs. William Bradley, in Providence, R.
I. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon from the family home at
Park and William streets to City Cemetery. Services will be held
at the home and cemetery by Rev. George R. Gebauer of the
Unitarian church.
WILLETT, OLIVE M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
17, 1906
Mrs. Olive M. Willett, wife of Samuel M.
Willett, died very suddenly Tuesday evening at the family home,
1605 Piasa street, from the effects of an abdominal abscess. She
had been in poor health for some time and had shown symptoms of
heart trouble for several weeks. While sitting down at the
supper table she fell over unconscious and expired a few minutes
later. She leaves beside her husband, two children, a boy and a
girl. The funeral of Mrs. Willett will be held Thursday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Methodist church.
WILLHEIM, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
21, 1921
Margaret Willhelm, wife of S. Willhelm, died
this morning at seven o'clock at the family home, 1203 Belle
street. She was 67 years of age. The funeral will be held
Wednesday afternoon, with the Rev. M. W. Twing, pastor of the
First Baptist church, officiating. Interment will be in City
Cemetery.
WILLHIDE, EVELYN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 29,
1907
Evelyn, three years old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Walter Willhide, this morning at the family home in east Eighth
street, died from pneumonia. The funeral will be held Friday
afternoon at 2 o'clock and services will be conducted by the
Rev. Ernest Mueller.
WILLI, CHRIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1912
Chris Willi, aged 40, died at Edwardsville Crossing after a
week's illness of paralysis. He leaves a wife and five children.
The funeral will be in the Wanda cemetery. The Rev. Rahn of
Edwardsville will officiate.
WILLI, UNKNOWN WIFE OF LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 10, 1909
Mrs. Louis Willi, wife of a
well known farmer living below East Alton, died yesterday from
brain fever, after an illness of several weeks. The funeral will
be held Monday probably, but arrangements have not been
completed yet.
WILLIAMS, ALBERT/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 25, 1884
Murdered At Rocky Fork While Standing in His Doorway
Godfrey News, June 24 - Can we not cope with Mississippi,
Georgia, or Texas? Last night about 10 o'clock Albert Williams,
a quiet, peaceable colored citizen of this place, was shot and
killed in the most cowardly manner in his own door, while
getting a drink of water, by some unknown party who was standing
behind a stump, about twenty steps away. Three shots was fired
in quick succession, undoubtedly from a double-acting revolver
of 32 calibre, one striking him in the heart, one in the side,
and the third striking a log in the house. He fell and expired
instantly, exclaiming as he fell, "I am shot," his wife dragged
him into the house and closed the door. The assassin escaped
across a cornfield and into the woods. Mr. Williams leaves a
wife and one boy about 14 years old; another burden on our
county. Isn't it about time we were taking more rigid measures
in these horrible murders, or must we follow the example of
Cincinnati? Put yourselves in this man's place. Does this seem
unreasonable? A Citizen.
ALBERT WILLIAMS MURDER IN COLD
BLOOD
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 26, 1884
A
cold-blooded murder was committed at the Sidway farm, Godfrey,
at 10 p.m. Monday, with Albert Williams, a colored man, being
the victim of the assassin’s bullets. It appears Williams, at
the hour mentioned, went out of his house to procure a drink of
water. In a short time, reports as from a revolver were heard,
and when an examination was made, it was found that the
unfortunate man had received three bullets through his breast
inflicting wounds of which he soon expired. An inquest was held
by Justice Melling. The verdict of the jury was that the
deceased came to his death from bullets fired by some party
unknown. Deputy Sheriff Volbracht was also informed, that steps
might be taken to arrest the guilty party.
MURDER OF
ALBERT WILLIAMS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 26, 1884
There are no further developments in regard to the late Rocky
Fork tragedy, the shooting of Albert Williams. The section known
by the name of Rocky Fork is a wild, romantic region,
intersection with deep rocky ravines, with a stream of water
flowing through, heavily wooded slopes, and darkly shaded
valleys – a fit place for mysterious tragedies. The place has
long had an unenviable reputation, on account of the scenes that
have transpired in the neighborhood. Years ago, a gentleman
stopping there had two horses stolen, the animals disappearing
so completely that their owner never again got a trace of them.
At another time, a gentleman went to that neighborhood with a
sum of money, intending to make some purchases, but disappeared
one night as mysteriously as though the earth had swallowed him,
leaving no trace behind. Then the bloody tragedy when DePugh and
Ross were slaughtered, and lastly the murder of Albert Williams.
As is known, Felix Henry is confined, waiting trial on his own
confession of having committed the double murder, but the last
crime remains a mystery, although suspicions are aroused and
officers are working in the case with a hope of developing some
definite evidence.
NOTES:
Rocky Fork was founded by
former slaves, who made their way up from the South to freedom.
It is located west of Camp Warren Levis, on Rocky Fork Rd. in
Godfrey. This area was heavily wooded, with deep rocky ravines
with a stream of water flowing through. While former slaves
found it a refuge, the area also had its tragedies. Previously,
a gentleman had two horses stolen while stopping there. Another
time, a man went there intending to make some purchases, but
disappeared one night as though the earth had swallowed him,
leaving no trace behind. Cousins Henry DePugh and Henry Ross
were murdered in their home in Rocky Fork, March 28, 1883.
William Felix Henry was hung for their murder.
On June
23, 1884, Albert Williams, an African American who lived at
Rocky Fork, went out of his home to get a drink of water from
the well. As he stood in the doorway of his home on the Sidway
farm at Rocky Fork, three shots rang out, and he fell. “I am
shot,” were his last words, as his wife dragged him inside and
closed the door. The assassin was never found. I could not find
any record of his burial, but it may have been in the Rocky Fork
Cemetery.
WILLIAMS, ANNA H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 26, 1909
Mrs. Anna H. Williams, widow of Richard Williams, died
Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at her home, 1128 Alby street,
after a long illness. She leaves only one son, David Williams.
The funeral will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock from the family
home on Alby street.
WILLIAMS, BERTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 21,
1905
Bertha Williams, the Alton girl with a record for
unrequited love affairs and attempts at suicide, died this
morning at her home in the alley just off Weigler street between
Second and Third streets, after an illness from pneumonia. She
had made four endeavors to kill herself, and it was only a few
weeks ago that her last attempt caused the presence of almost
every physician in Alton at her bedside fighting off death.
Carbolic acid was the favorite poison taken by the unfortunate
girl, and this was never taken until after she had absorbed
considerable whiskey. The whisky, physicians say, always
counteracted the effects of the acid and permitted the girl's
recovery. The girl kept herself and her relatives in a constant
state of worry, and many times the causes of her own worry were
so insignificant as to be scarcely worth noticing at all, yet
she would magnify them and fret until death seemed to her the
only way out. It is hoped she has found complete peace at last.
The body will be taken to Deer Plains, Calhoun County, Saturday
morning for burial.
WILLIAMS, CELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 22,
1909
Former Slave - Claimed to Have Been 117 Years of Age
Mrs. Celia Williams, who claimed to be
117 years of age, died Thursday evening at the home of her
niece, Mrs. Mary Morgan, at 16th and Easton streets. The age of
the old woman was not fully authenticated, as naturally her
early life was clouded in a haze of obscurity, when she was a
slave. She did not know exactly the year she was born, but from
her recollections of happenings she was believed to be very old,
although few credited her age as being as high as she claimed it
was. She was a sister of old Gilbert Williams, the old time
negro who died a few years ago, and whose feet turned out until
the toes pointed like the hands of a clock, pointing to 10
minutes to 2. For many years the old woman had been assisted by
the county, and she was the oldest person on the list of the
supervisors for many years. Her age was doubtless very great,
even though she was not as old as she claimed to be, but her
people credited her claims of great age, fully, and so did other
people who knew her. She was bent and shriveled from age, but
until a few years ago she used to call in person for her county
paycheck. She was the oldest of a family of thirteen children,
she claimed.
WILLIAMS, CHARLES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 24, 1913
Charles Williams, aged 47, died at the
county hospital in Edwardsville Thursday night, and was buried
this afternoon in the family lot of his late father, Samuel
Williams, who years ago conducted a hotel in Alton. Charles
Williams, familiarly known as "Paddy," had been sick a long
time. He had lived in Alton most of his life and had many
friends here. Some time ago he was sent to the hospital at
Edwardsville because his condition had become very bad. The
funeral services this afternoon were conducted by Rev. W. T.
Terhune of the Upper Alton Methodist Church. Burial was in City
Cemetery.
WILLIAMS, GILBERT/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 11, 1902
Gilbert Williams "Old Gilbert," colored, a
well known character about town, died Wednesday evening at his
home, Sixteenth and Alby streets, after a long illness. His age
is problematical, although it is known he was very old. Gilbert
had lived in Alton many years and was known to almost every
white person in the city. The funeral took place this afternoon
and services were conducted at his late home.
WILLIAMS, HARRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 13, 1908
Alton Glassblower
Harry Williams, a popular young glassblower who has been
working in Alton for several years, died Thursday evening at St.
Joseph's hospital after an illness of several weeks from a
complication of troubles. He was 35 years old and has no
relatives in Alton. He has a mother living in New Brighton, Pa.,
and a brother, Fred, arrived Thursday evening from Muncie,
Indiana, where he is employed. The body was removed today from
the hospital to the home of Mrs. Ashlock, 921 east Second
street, and funeral services will be held at that place tomorrow
evening at 8:15 o'clock. The body escorted by Eagles and
glassblowers will be taken to the depot at 10 p.m. and will be
sent to the old home at New Brighton for burial.
WILLIAMS, HELEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 27,
1916
Helen Williams died last evening at 10:15 o'clock at
the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Williams, of 1900
Pleasant street, after an illness of several months. Miss
Williams was 21 years of age. The funeral will be held from the
Campbell M. E. Church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. George
A. Brown officiating.
WILLIAMS, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 28, 1908
James Williams, aged 52, died at his home in St. Louis this
morning after a long illness. He had been unconscious almost a
week and all hope of his recovery was abandoned. He was a
son-in-law of Officer Henry Tisius of the police department. The
body will be brought to Alton for burial. Beside his wife and
four children, he leaves a sister, Mrs. Darnell, and brother,
Charles Williams of Alton. Mrs. Williams has made arrangements
for having the funeral services held in St. Louis and the body
will be brought to Alton Sunday noon and taken direct to City
cemetery.
WILLIAMS, JOE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 4, 1914
Legs Crushed While Trying to Board Moving
Freight Train
Joe Williams, the negro who was run over
at East Alton Saturday afternoon while trying to board a moving
freight train, died at 11 o'clock Tuesday at St. Joseph's
hospital. Both legs were crushed. The remaining leg was
amputated yesterday in hope of saving his life. Williams was one
of the members of the Young Buffalo Bill wild west show, which
disbanded in Alton last week.
WILLIAMS, JOEL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 11,
1913
Joe Williams is dead. His end occurred at 2 o'clock
Thursday afternoon at the old home in Wood River township where
he was born and lived all his life. He died attended by his two
sisters, Miss Luella Williams and Mrs. Frank Sargent, but a sad
feature of the death was that the oldest brother, the one who
had stood as a father in the family, who was recently married,
was away on his honeymoon trip. The Williams family had been a
devoted one. Out of the four children, there was but one who
married, Mrs. Frank Sargent. The brothers and the sister lived
together in the old home, happy and contented. After a courtship
of fifty years, Irby Williams eloped recently to California with
the girl he had been wooing so many years, Miss Josephine
Crawford. He was still there when his brother was taken ill.
Today, three telegrams were sent to Irby that his brother, Joel,
was dying, and to start at once. An answer came back that Irby
would start for home at once. Though Joel Williams was a strong
powerful man for a man of 68, and had observed good habits all
his life, pneumonia, which afflicted him last Sunday, soon
caused his death. The time of the funeral is not set, as the
arrival of Irby Williams from Ocean Park, Cal. is being awaited.
Joel Williams was one of the best known farmers of the
neighborhood of Bethalto. He was a member of a wealthy family,
was actively interested in public matters, and took prominent
parts in any enterprise that happened to demand his help. He was
well and favorably known in Alton, and the news of his death was
received here with keen regret.
WILLIAMS, JOHN R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 17,
1909
John R. Williams, son of Mr. and Mrs. John R.
Williams, died at 3:30 a.m. today at 1923 Gross street. The
funeral will be Friday from the Union Baptist church to Rocky
Fork cemetery.
WILLIAMS, LYDIA (nee MOORE)/Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 18, 1901
Daughter of Captain Abel
Moore (Famed by the Wood River Massacre)
Mrs.
Lydia Williams died Thursday, January 17, 1901, at 9:30 p.m.,
aged 79 years and 8 months. She was the daughter of Captain Abel
Moore, who came from North Carolina to Illinois in 1809 and
settled on the George Cartwright homestead, two miles east of
what afterward became Upper Alton. She was a sister of Major
Frank Moore, and had two brothers killed, aged 8 and 10 years
old, near their home in the "Wood River Massacre" by Indians, in
June 1814. Mrs. Williams was the oldest resident born in Wood
River township at the time of her death. Both her grandparents
served in the Revolutionary War. Her father fought in the Black
Hawk War. Her brother, Major Frank Moore, and her oldest son,
Irby Williams, went through the Civil War. Major Frank Moore is
the only surviving member of the family.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, January 21, 1901
The funeral of
Mrs. Lydia Williams took place Monday afternoon from the
Williams homestead, a short distance from Upper Alton, and was
one of the largest ever occurring in this county. Rev. Dr.
Kendrick conducted the services.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 31, 1901
Biographical Sketch of Mrs.
Lydia Williams
Abel Moore was a native of North Carolina,
while his wife, Mary Bates, was a native of South Carolina. They
were married about A. D. 1803 or 1804 in North Carolina, and
soon afterward immigrated to Kentucky, where they resided some
three or four years. They then started to go to Boone's Lick,
Missouri, but were compelled to stop at what afterward became
Alton, Illinois, near which place they finally located
permanently. The Abel Moore homestead is the residence now
belonging to the late George Cartwright's heirs, about two miles
east of Upper Alton. They settled on the homestead in 1809. This
was the year that Illinois was made a territory, and as there
were but few settlers and really no organized government, the
titles were simply squatter's claims, which in some instances
were based on prior French claims.
At the time of
settling Illinois, Abel and Mary Moore had two sons, William and
Joel. They had previously buried one daughter, Elizabeth, in
Kentucky. At their homestead in Illinois were born to them three
sons: John, Joshua and Franklin; and five daughters: Nancy,
Sarah, Rachel, Lydia and Annie, by which it will be seen that
the subject of this sketch is next to the youngest daughter, her
brother, Franklin, being the youngest of the family. The sons,
William and Joel, aged 8 and 10 years respectively, were victims
of the Wood river massacre, which took place near Upper Alton,
July 10, 1814. The remaining sons and daughters lived and raised
families in the immediate community.
Lydia
Williams, nee Moore, was born in Madison County, Illinois, May
13th, 1821. She was raised with her brothers and sisters on the
farm in what was then a frontier country, but as Upper Alton was
favored at an early day in having several educated Christian
people to look after the intellectual and moral training of the
youth in the community, the children enjoyed the advantage of
schools during the few months of the year, and the Sabbath
school with some degree of regularity.
Among the
Sunday school missionaries were the names of Dr. Long, W. P.
Cooper, Mrs. Hayden and Miss Hannah Elliot, the last named with
her brother lived on what is now the farm belonging to the heirs
of the late Mrs. Sara Badley. Added to these advantages,
preaching was kept up with more or less regularity by Revs.
William Jones, John M. Peck, and two brothers named Lemen from
near Waterloo, and later by the Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, who
settled at his late residence in the eastern suburbs of Upper
Alton, and for many years wielded a wonderful influence for good
in the community. By making good use of these facilities, the
subject of this sketch obtained a fair common school education,
and early learned to love the Sabbath school and church. She has
in her possession a New Testament purchased in some one of the
eastern cities about the year 1831. Her teacher, Miss Hannah
Elliott, sent for enough of these books to supply her own class.
About the year 1836, at a meeting held by Father
Rodgers, assisted by Rev. Elias Fort, who was then a student of
Shurtleff College, at the residence of Samuel Williams, now
owned by Mr. Henry Cartwright, the subject of this sketch was
converted, but made no public profession until 1848. At this
time, while in attendance upon a meeting at the head of Wood
river Baptist church, conducted by Rev. Harrison Witt, she
professed faith in Christ and was baptized into the fellowship
of the above named church by the minister in charge. The place
of her baptism was in Indian Creek, northeast of Dorsey Station.
The public confession then and there made has ever been
conscientiously adhered to by her.
Miss Lydia
Moore was united in matrimony with Mr. Madison Williams, August
13th, 1839, at her father's residence. After their marriage, Mr.
and Mrs. Williams settled in middle Alton, but during the
following winter they moved into a tenant house on her father's
farm in the old sugar orchard. From this tenant house, April
9th, 1841, they moved to Madison Spring Farm that has ever since
been the Williams homestead. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born
five sons and three daughters, of whom four survive their
mother: Irby, Joel, Luella and Lettie, the latter now Mrs. Frank
Sargent. At the Williams homestead in the winter of 1850-51,
there was one of those old-fashioned protracted meetings
conducted by the Revs. Rhoads and Brown, and during this meeting
between 40 and 50 professed religion and joined the church that
was organized at that time and place, and that has since been
known as Mt. Olive church, located in the immediate community.
Of this church, Madison Williams, who had held the office of
deacon in the church at the head of Wood river, and his wife and
the brethren and sisters who had become members of the present
church, obtained letters and were constituted a separate
organization in May 1851, of which Mrs. Williams remained a true
and consistent member until her death. [Note: Lydia Moore
Williams is buried in the Short Cemetery.]
WILLIAMS, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 14, 1909
Woman Burned to Death by Gasoline
Mrs. Mary Williams,
aged 38, wife of David Williams, was burned to death Tuesday
evening at her home, Twelfth and Alby street, by setting her
clothing afire as she was working around a gasoline stove. She
had started the gasoline burner and stepped out of the house. On
her return, she noticed in the drip pan under the stove what she
thought was water from a bucket she had set on the burner. She
took a dishcloth and started to wipe up the fluid and the rag
caught fire. It is supposed that instead of water it was
gasoline that had leaked out of the stove. Mrs. Williams'
clothes caught fire from the rag, and in an instant she was
enveloped with flames. She began running wildly about the house
in her agony, and her husband finally caught her and tripping
her up, threw her to the floor and put out the fire in her
clothes by wrapping several quilts about her. She was burned
from the chin to the feet, and lived only six hours after the
accident occured, dying about 11 o'clock. Her home was at Havana
before she married Williams. A few months ago Williams' mother
died, leaving him her property, and a few days ago Williams sold
the homestead at Twelfth and Alby street to Ed Spreen. The
family were about to move to Peoria. Coroner Streeper was
notified this morning to hold an inquest over the body. Coroner
Streeper held an inquest this morning, and a verdict of death
from accidental burning was found by the coroner's jury.
WILLIAMS, MILTON/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 5,
1916
Milton Williams, for many years a resident of Upper
Alton, died Sunday evening at the home of his son, W. T.
Williams, at Ninth and Belle streets, from old age. Mr. Williams
had reached the age of 77 years 7 months and 7 days. He had been
making his home with his daughter, Mrs. D. H. Toomey, at
Winchester, Ill. for some time, and he came to Alton a little
over a week ago to visit his two sons, W. T. Williams and Rev.
L. H. Williams, and to see old friends in Alton. He was taken
down and a short illness followed with a fatal termination. Mr.
Williams was a farmer in Jersey County for years, but about 22
years ago moved to Alton and spent most of the remainder of his
life in Alton. Mr. Williams' wife died four years ago, and ever
since that time he had been making his home with Mrs. Toomey. He
was a devoted member of the Baptist Church in Upper Alton, ever
since he moved to Alton, and he had been a member of the church
elsewhere from early manhood. He was a man of deep religious
convictions, a fact that was reflected in the choice of the
ministry by one of his sons, and the choice of a minister for a
husband of his daughter. He was very highly esteemed in Upper
Alton, where he spent many years of his life. Mr. Williams was a
native of North Carolina, but when a young man moved to Jersey
County. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from
the home of his son, Rev. L. H. Williams, on Evergreen avenue,
and burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
WILLIAMS, ROSA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1901
Rosa Williams, wife of Gilbert Williams, died this morning
after a two weeks illness with neuralgia of the heart. She was
65 years of age, and besides her husband leaves one son and five
grandchildren.
WILLIAMS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 15, 1914
Thomas Williams, for many years a resident
of Alton, died from paralysis Monday morning at the home of his
son, Eugene Williams, at East Alton. He was 60 years of age. Mr.
Williams worked at the Bauer furniture store until ill health
forced him to quit. He was stricken with paralysis about six
weeks ago at his son's home. He seemed to be improving steadily,
but last night was stricken again and the stroke proved fatal.
He was for many years a school teacher at Carlinville and in
Macoupin county. Beside his wife, he leaves two sons, Eugene of
East Alton; and Walter of Alton; and two daughters, Mrs. Albert
Pfeiffer of Cape Girardeau, Mo.; and Mrs. Frank Bitzer of
Cincinnati. The body of Mr. Williams will be taken to
Carlinville Wednesday morning, departing on the 10 o'clock train
for burial.
WILLIAMS, THOMAS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30,
1918
Nine Year Old Boy Run Over by Trailer
Thomas Williams, the 9 year old son of John
Williams of 627 Central Avenue, was instantly killed Thursday
afternoon by being run over by a trailer behind a motor truck of
the Kienstra Supply Co. of Wood River. The accident occurred at
the eastern boundary line of the city of Alton, on the State
Road. The Williams boy, with another lad named Morris, had been
riding the trailer, and it is supposed was attempted to get off.
In so doing he fell between the motor truck and the trailer and
a wheel of the trailer ran over his neck, breaking his neck and
causing instant death. The body was picked up and brought to the
place of Deputy Coroner Bauer, who started in search of some
evidence for the inquest. The Morris boy who was reported to
have seen the accident could not be found until this morning.
Evidence introduced at the inquest this morning showed that the
boy was riding on the tongue of the hay wagon being hauled by
the motor truck. He had but recently found an old horseshoe and
was carrying this with him. When he dropped it he did not want
to lose his luck so down he went after the horseshoe. In getting
off he fell so that the wheels of the hay wagon ran over him,
breaking his neck and crushing in his chest. The funeral will be
held at 9:30 o'clock on Sunday morning from the home on Central
avenue. The services are to be conducted at the home by Rev. S.
D. McKenny.
WILLIAMS, TOM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 10,
1913
Killed By Train
Tom Williams, aged
34, who had frequently been a defendant in the police court for
being drunk, was killed by the C. & A. Palace Express Sunday
night at the foot of Henry street. He was lying on the track
which the train hit him. His body and head was so badly mashed,
it was impossible at first to identify him. He had been in jail
all day Sunday for drunkenness, and was turned out Sunday
evening. It is supposed to renewed his drunk and finally laid
down on the track for a nap and was crushed by the train. As his
coat was found four blocks away, there is another theory that he
may have had a fight with someone and that he was killed and
laid on the track. He had recently come from Keokuk, Iowa. He
leaves his parents at Keokuk, a brother and a sister living in
Alton. Officer Gus Rotsch identified the body as that of
Williams.
WILLIAMS, UNKNOWN/Source: Alton Weekly Courier,
November 2, 1854
Gored by an Ox
On Monday afternoon 23d ult, a son of
Madison Williams was gored by an ox, the horn entering his
throat and piercing through into his mouth. The lad survived
about twenty-four hours. He stated that while harrowing, the ox
became frightened by a bush which a younger brother was
flourishing near, and turned upon him.
WILLIAMS, UNKNOWN SON OF DANIEL/Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 24, 1865
Died on the morning of the 21st instant,
son of Daniel J. and Margaret Williams, aged 2 months and 12
days. The funeral will take place tomorrow, the 22nd, at two
o’clock.
WILLIAMS, WALTER/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
18, 1908
Drowned While Fishing
Walter Williams, living in
penitentiary plat, aged 35, was drowned this morning by falling
on a partially submerged barge belonging to the Mississippi Sand
Co., just above the Bluff Line freight depot. Williams was out
trying to catch some fish for breakfast, and in attempting to
walk around the outside of the barge, he slipped into the water
and was drowned before anyone could help him. The drowning was
witnessed by several men on the sand boat. Williams leaves a
wife, one child and three step-children. According to Thomas
Martin of the Mississippi Sand Co. fleet, he saw Williams on the
inclined deck of the sunken barge. The man had two fishing
poles, one at each side of the barge, and he was going from one
to the other when he slipped on the slimy deposit on the deck of
the barge and slid into the river. He called for help and Martin
tried to get hold of a rope, but could find none. Then he threw
Williams a life preserver but the drowning man made no effort to
reach it, although the float was only five feet from him. He was
drowned a short distance from shore and if he was a swimmer
could easily have saved his own life. There is a swift current
at the place where he was drowned. Williams belonged to the
Salvation Army and his voice was frequently heard in the
meetings. His wife has lost in him her third husband, all of
them having died.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 23,
1912
Killed In Accident at Riehl's Station
The engineer and head brakeman of a work train, an
extra, No. 62, were killed in an accident on the C. P. & St. L.
at Riehl's Station at 12:30 today, and four of the crew injured.
William Williams, engineer, and Thomas Brown, head brakeman,
were killed, and Williams the fireman, C. C. Riker, Richard
Linder, W. A. Day, and Charles Briggs were injured, but none of
the five seriously. The engine was backing up the road when at a
point a half mile south of Riehl's Station the engine suddenly
jumped the track and toppled over on its right side. The
engineer jumped and was caught by the headlight of the engine
and thrown beneath the wreck. He was badly crushed. The head
brakeman, Thomas Brown, was caught in the cab and his body
crushed and scalded to death by the escaping steam. Both of the
dead men live in Springfield, the engineer was about forty years
of age, and Brown about twenty eight. C. C. Riker of Alton was
bruised and his leg injured; the others, Day, Briggs and Linder
are but slightly hurt and were able to walk to the doctors
office after they were brought to Alton. The fireman, Williams,
Williams of Springfield, saved himself by leaping from the side
of the engine opposite to the side that fell into the ditch. He
is not injured beyond being bruised from his leap. A rescue
train was dispatched from Alton to the scene of the wreck
bearing a surgeon and assistants, which brought to Alton the
dead and the injured. The cause of the accident, according to
the report of Frank Johnson of the local yard service, is
unknown. The engine had been dispatched to Dow to pick up a
portion of a wreck and it was moving up the track backwards, at
Lock Haven the engine would have been turned. The track was
apparently in good condition at the point the engine left the
rails. The injured were given attention at the office of the
surgeon of the road in Alton, and all were able to travel
without assistance. The engineer and the fireman bear the same
name, but they are said not to be related.
WILLIAMS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 24,
1913
William Williams, colored, aged 22, died yesterday
afternoon at 1923 Gross street of tuberculosis. He leaves a wife
and one child. The funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 9:30
o'clock at the home. The Rev. Mason will officiate.
WILLIAMSON, MARY/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 5, 1881
Monticello Seminary Employee Drowns
Godfrey, May 4, 1881 –
This community was shocked yesterday afternoon at the
intelligence that one of the employees of the Seminary, Mary
Williamson, had been drowned accidentally in the pond belonging
to the Institution, nearly one quarter of a mile in the rear of
the Seminary. With one of her friends, she had been gathering
flowers beyond the fatal spot, and was on her return, when
stopping at the pond she stepped upon a piece of framework
floating there, from which she slipped, falling into deep water,
from which she could not be extricated until life was extinct.
She was one of four sisters in the employ of the Seminary, and
this sudden calamity has cast a shade of gloom over her bereaved
friends, by whom she was greatly beloved. Her home was at the
Coal Branch [near North Alton]. Coroner Youree arrived on the 7
p.m. Chicago & Alton train, and impaneled a jury, composed of
the following gentlemen: G. W. Churchill, foreman; Dr. W. H.
Martin, O. W. Maxfield, Alfred Turner, James W. Cashen, and J.
B. Turner, who rendered a verdict of “accidental drowning.”
WILLIAMSON, RUTH (nee COOK)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph
Mrs. Ruth Williamson, wife of W. G. Williamson, died at the
family home of Bostwick street this morning at 3:05 o'clock
after an illness of about three months, from pneumonia. Mrs.
Williamson's death had been expected for some time and her
vitality was amazing to all who attended her. She leaves her
husband and one daughter, Helen Virginia, aged 2 years. Mrs.
Williamson was Miss Ruth Cook, and belonged to a well known
Medora family. She was born at Medora 29 years ago, the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. William Cook. Beside her husband and child, she
leaves her parents and two brothers and three sisters. The
funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30
o'clock at Medora in the Baptist church, Rev. L. H. Williams of
Upper Alton officiating. Short services will be held tomorrow
morning at the home on Bostwick street after which the body will
be taken to Medora. Mr. Williamson is one of the most valued
employees of the Ryrie Grocery Co., and is well known as Glenn
Williamson. The case of this young woman has been watched with
great interest by her relatives and a very large number of
friends in Alton and in the Medora neighborhood. Mrs.
Williamson's illness started with an attack of grippe in the
second week in March. She had gone to Medora to attend the
funeral of Mrs. French, H. C. Wilhite's sister, which occurred
in Alton. Mrs. Williamson's trip to Medora was her last time
out. She caught cold on the trip and the grippe followed. Other
complications set in resulting in blood poisoning and it was
this that was the direct cause of her death. Her long fight for
her life attracted much attention and the manner in which she
clung to life with all odds against her was astonishing to the
physicians. The long battle ended this morning at 2:10 when
death relieved her suffering. Mrs. Williamson will be buried on
her wedding anniversary, June 6. She was married to Glen
Williamson of the Ryrie Wholesale Grocery store on June 6, 1917,
and Wednesday would have been the couple's sixth wedding
anniversary. The body will be taken to Medora on the C. B. & Q.
train at 9 o'clock and the funeral will be held in the Medora
Baptist Church at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. Her mother has been
ill since January, but she recovered sufficiently to come to
Alton several weeks ago and remain with her daughter a while.
She had gone back to her home some days ago. Mr. Cook, her
father, was with her when the end came. Besides the parents,
Mrs. Williamson leaves three brothers and two sisters.
WILLIAMSON, UNKNOWN WIFE OF JAMES/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, December 27, 1905
A very large number of North
Altonians and residents of Godfrey and Foster townships attended
the funeral of Mrs. James Williamson in Alton today. She had
lived here so long and was so well known and so kindly thought
of that it seemed all persons particularly in the "branch"
section of town desired to pay their last respects by attending
the obsequies. Services were conducted by Rev. Dr. A. G. Lane in
the First Presbyterian church, and burial was in Oakwood
cemetery, beside the body of her husband.
WILLIAMSON, VIOLET FLORENCE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 5, 1921
Violet Florence Williamson, aged 11
years and 2 days, died on Sunday morning at 9:25 o'clock at the
home of her father Charles Williamson, on Choteau avenue, after
an illness of two days. For the past two days she had been in a
very critical condition, and the end was expected any time. She
is survived by her father, Charles Williamson, mother, Mrs.
Bella Hempen, and one brother Charles I. Williamson, and one
sister, Alva Mae. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at
2 o'clock from the family home on Chouteau avenue, interment in
the Godfrey Cemetery.
WILLIE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 6, 1904
William Willie of Nameoki, aged 48, died this morning from
blood poisoning resulting from an accident that occurred ten
days ago while he was working with a shredding machine. Mr.
Willie thrust his hand in while shredding corn and the hand was
amputated at the wrist. Blood poisoning resulted. He was well
known near Nameoki and has relatives in this vicinity. He leaves
his wife and four children. The funeral will be held Sunday.
WILLS, HENRY R./Source: The Inland and American Printer and
Lithographer, 1901
Worked For Hoyt Metal Company in St. Louis
Henry R. Wills, for over twenty years
connected with the Hoyt Metal Company, St. Louis, Missouri, died
at his home in Alton, Illinois, May 22, 1901 of dysentery. Mr.
Wills was known and respected by all who knew him. The
electrotypers and stereotypers of the country will miss his
genial smile and his kind words. He was a familiar figure at all
conventions, and his advice and counsel in the formation of the
national association will never be forgotten by those in the
trade. No one worked harder than he did to keep up the friendly
spirit between firms in different cities - a spirit which aided
so much in bettering trade conditions.
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22, 1901
Henry R. Wills died
this afternoon at 1:20 o'clock at his home, 226 East Fifth
street, after a brief illness, aged 53 years. Mr. Wills' death
has caused a penetrating shock to his friends and to his family,
the blow is made heavier because of its unexpectedness. Few
entertained any other belief until this morning but that the
illness which seemed only a temporary one, would end speedily,
and that he would soon regain his wonted vigor, and be about the
streets greeting the many friends who had learned to respect and
admire his noble qualities. For several weeks he has been
confined to his home with a complication of malaria and
dysentery, and the announcement made at the time of the
beginning of his illness caused no forebodings of the sad close
that it was destined to have. He failed to improve as he should
have done, and the last few days his condition was mildly
alarming. Tuesday evening a consultation of physicians was held
and it was not fully realized until then how grave was his
situation. Twelve hours later he began to sink rapidly, and his
family was informed there was no hope for him and that he would
probably not outlast the day. In four hours the disease had
conquered and Mr. Wills fell into his last sleep while his wife
and his son and daughter were at his bedside watching Life's
losing battle with Death. Mr. Wills was a man of uniform
geniality of soul and his sunny nature made him a welcome
visitor wherever he went. He was the best of company, and his
companionship was sought by all who knew him. As a man, he was
morally correct and his integrity was never questioned. He was
deeply interested in sports and was an active member of several
organizations, being known as a crack shot with a rifle and most
enthusiastic in all other lines of sport in which he was
interested. He was a member of the Union League club of Chicago,
and there he was well known and in great demand when in the
city. As a business man, he was among the most successful and
his place will be hard to fill. He traveled for the Hoyt Metal
Company of St. Louis, of which he was a vice-president. With his
family he came to Alton shortly before he became connected with
the Hoyt Metal Company and for many years they have made their
home where Mr. Wills died. Last winter he suffered a painful
injury to one of his eyes, a poker with which he was prying open
the door to his furnace at his home slipping and causing his
eyeball to be rendered permanently useless. His nervous system
suffered a severe shock from the injury and he never fully
recovered from its effects. In his family, Mr. Wills' life was
all that a good father's and husband's could be, and in the hour
of their deep affliction the friends of the family cannot find
words to express their feeling of sympathy. He leaves beside his
wife, two children - Miss Lila and Fred Wills. The funeral
arrangements have not been made.
WILLS, MARGARET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 31,
1910
Mrs. Margaret Wills, widow of Jacob Wills, aged 93,
died at the Nazareth Home Sunday morning at 6:30 o'clock, after
an illness due to a general breaking down of her system from old
age. Mrs. Wills leaves but one daughter, Mrs. Mary Sneeringer,
and one grandson, Gus Sneeringer, both of Alton. She had lived
in Alton 58 years. Mrs. Wills husband, many years ago, was one
of the most prominent and most prosperous business men of Alton.
He conducted a sawmill and was in the lumber business in Alton
for a number of years, up to the time of his death. Mrs. Wills
had lived with her daughter until recently, when owing to her
great age, she was moved to the Nazareth Home, where she could
be given the care she needed. She was a quiet, lovable woman,
highly regarded by all who knew her during her long period of
residence in Alton. Had she lived to next January 3, she would
have been 93 years of age. The funeral will be held tomorrow
afternoon at two o'clock from the Cathedral. Interment will be
made in the Greenwood cemetery.
WILSON, ANN SMITH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 21, 1901
Mrs. Ann Smith Wilson, wife of James Wilson, died at her
home, 529 George street, at 2:30 o'clock this morning after an
illness of seven weeks duration. Mrs. Wilson was born in
Sterling, Scotland, 71 years ago. Her family removed to Ireland,
where 43 years ago she married James Wilson. They came
immediately to America, first to Iowa, afterwards to Glasgow,
Mo., and 46 years ago to Alton, where they have since lived and
raised their family of three children, John Wilson of Denver,
Colo., Miss Mary Wilson and Mrs. A. F. Cousley of Alton, all of
whom with their father, survive Mrs. Wilson. Mrs. Wilson was one
of those women whose chief joy and interest was in her family,
and to whom she was the light of the household. Neighbors and
acquaintances outside of the family circle knew her only to
appreciate her worth as a true woman and constant friend. In all
the years of her life she bore herself in such a manner as to
elicit the confidence and good will of all who knew her. She was
a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, at whose services
she was a constant attendant until her last illness prevented.
The funeral will take place on Thursday afternoon from the
family home.
WILSON, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Telegraph, March 14, 1851
Died in Madison County on the 13th inst., Mr. Benjamin Wilson,
aged 52 years.
WILSON, CLARA/Source: The New York Times, January 9,
1860
Former Slave Lived to be 127 Years Old
Death of Centenarians - A negro woman named Clara
Wilson died near Alton, Ill., Dec. 13, at the age of 124. She
settled near Alton in 1840, being then nearly one hundred years
old. The Alton Courier says: "She was born and raised in South
Carolina, and her earliest recollections were of Charleston, in
that State, which she remembers as a smart village, instead of
the great city it now is. She grew up on the plantation, field
work being her task so long as she was a slave.
WILSON, FRANCIS F./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1839
Died, in Upper Alton, on the night of Tuesday last, Mr.
Francis F. Wilson, leaving a deeply afflicted widow and
children, together with many friends and acquaintances to
deplore his loss.
WILSON, ISAAC/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 21, 1904
North Alton Blacksmith
Isaac Wilson, the widely known colored blacksmith of North
Alton, died Thursday night at his home after a long illness. He
was quite a leader among the colored people, and was
considerable of a politician. He leaves a wife and family. The
funeral will be sometime Sunday, the hour not yet being set.
WILSON, JAMES/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 7,
1911
Civil War Veteran; Salesman
Beyond a painless, faint warning that the end was
approaching, James Wilson, aged retired traveling salesman, died
in his sleep Sunday morning at his home, 419 George street, with
no signs of his approaching dissolution visible before hand. It
was as he had wished, that the end might come peacefully for
him, and as he was in his slumber in his room, life vanished
from his body. He was found about 8 o'clock Sunday morning by
his daughter, Miss Mary Wilson, who had been his housekeeper
since the death of Mrs. Wilson about twelve years ago. Miss
Wilson had called her father twice, and when he failed to
respond she went to investigate and found him lying on his side,
in the position he always occupied in sleep, and his body was
cold. It is believed he had been dead a number of hours and that
the end must have come early in the night. Mr. Wilson was an
interesting man. Always kindly, courteous, a great lover of
children and deeply sympathetic with young people in their joys
and sorrows, he had many friends among the younger men of the
city, and especially among the members of the United Commercial
Travelers. He was born in County Down, Ireland, and was 76 years
of age. He came to America in 1850, and to Alton in 1863. He
served a short time in the Union army during the Civil War. For
thirty-five years he was employed by the Sligo Iron Store of St.
Louis, and for twenty-five years he carried a grip selling goods
on the road. Last January, old "Uncle Jimmy," as he was known,
decided to retire from the road, but after his retirement he
continued to make his rounds with his grip. He found that after
so many years of activity he could not give up his customers,
and so he was permitted to take orders for them and send them in
to the house. It pleased him, and enabled Mr. Wilson to let
himself down easily to a life of retirement, after so many years
of active duties. Out on the road, in his home, and on the
streets, he was always the same. He possessed a sunny
disposition that made him loved by all who knew him, and there
is deep grief among his friends that his end had come, although
all were glad that it was quiet and peaceful and there was no
suffering. The only warning he had was a numbness in his legs
which had made it hard for him to walk. He was downtown Friday,
and none of his friends noticed any change in his condition. It
is supposed that paralysis of the heart was the cause of death.
Mr. Wilson probably held the record for continuous tenancy in
Alton. Although he owned several farms and had other property,
he never owned his own home where he had lived, and paid rent to
one landlord for 35 years. Mr. Wilson leaves two daughters, Miss
Mary Wilson and Mrs. A. F. Cousley, and one son, John D. Wilson
of Denver, who is now traveling in California. The funeral of
Mr. Wilson will be held Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from the
home. His son will not be able to make the trip back home.
WILSON, LUCY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
26, 1904
Mrs. Lucy Wilson, wife of William Wilson, a well
known glassworker, died very unexpectedly Friday evening after a
brief illness which dated from the preceding Wednesday, at the
family home, 945 Phinney avenue. Mrs. Wilson's illness was not
considered very alarming until Friday afternoon. She contracted
a heavy cold while visiting the World's Fair last Wednesday, and
laryngitis developed, which did not seem at first to be of a
serious nature. Everything that could be done for her was done,
but the malady took a fatal turn and she passed away about 9
o'clock Friday evening. Mrs. Wilson was a native of Jeaneat,
Pa., and would have been 38 years of age December 16. She leaves
beside her husband, two children, a daughter 12 years old and a
son 6 years old. Mrs. Wilson was a woman of a most loveable
disposition, a true mother in every respect and a devoted wife
to her husband. Her greatest interest was centered on her own
home, and all her attention was devoted to making her home life
a happy one for her family. Her love for her home and husband
and children was fully reciprocated by them and her death has
left on the home a pall of sadness which words of sympathy can
only slightly lessen. Mrs. Wilson is survived by six sisters,
two brothers and her father and mother, who reside at the old
home place in Pennsylvania. The mother of Mr. Wilson, Mrs.
Matilda Wilson of Turtle Creek, Pa., has been visiting at the
Wilson home and she too is very ill.
WILSON, MINNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 28, 1918
Minnie Wilson, an inmate of the Alton State Hospital, died
Sunday from pneumonia. The body was shipped to Olney, Ill., this
morning for burial.
WILSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 28,
1903
Veteran of Spanish-American War; Blacksmith
Isaac S.
Wilson, the well known colored blacksmith, received a message
Friday evening from the Soldier's Home at Quincy, which notified
him of the death at that institution of his son, William, who
went to the home from Alton, February 19. William Wilson was 33
years of age and unmarried. He served in the Spanish-American
War, and contracted the disease which caused his death. He has
been a hopeless invalid for more than two years. The body will
be brought home for burial.
WILSON, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 25,
1909
Negro Murdered At Gambling Establishment on Alton Levee
Following a murder of a strange negro in a crap den on the
levee, west of Piasa street, early Wednesday morning, Chief of
Police Maxwell, with a squad of officers acting under
instructions of Mayor Beall, raided the place, closed it
permanently and burned on the levee all the equipment in the
place. Dice, pool balls, cues, chairs, tables and other
paraphernalia were piled in the pyre on the levee and were
consumed before 8 o'clock. In addition, the big pool table was
smashed with axes and the entire joint was put out of
commission. The killing of the strange negro was done by a negro
named James Rudd, who formerly assisted on a garbage wagon. It
was said the murder arose from a crap game in which a number of
negroes were engaged. No report of the stabbing was made to the
police until a half hour after it happened, and the negro who
was stabbed as he was being taken to the hospital died without
being able to tell anything about the affair. He had three very
bad knife wounds in his body, one that severed an artery over
his heart, another that penetrated his side, and a third that
opened up his abdomen. The murder was witnessed by a gang of
negroes who had been making an all night game of it, and had not
broken up. The stabbing is supposed to have been done about 5:45
o'clock. When the negro was stabbed by Rudd, the wounded man was
dragged outside the gambling joint and was set up outside on a
box. Afterward he fell over on the sidewalk. A few negroes stood
around for a short time, then left, probably to avoid being
caught as witnesses, and after the killing everyone denied all
knowledge of it. The proprietor of the place, Ed Anderson,
disappeared, and Henry Thompson, who managed it, could not be
found. Only one man was picked up who would give the police a
clue to who did the stabbing, and then officers went in search
of Rudd. Anderson and Thompson were afterward arrested and
fined. They denied having been in the place when the killing
occurred. It was said that the dead man came here three weeks
ago from Quincy and was ordinarily a hard working man. Rome
Sanders and Harry Wesley claim to have been the only witnesses
to the murder, and they lay all the blame on Rudd. They claim he
began abusing the strange negro, whose name was learned to be
William Wilson, and Wilson ordered him away. When Rudd continued
his abuse, Wilson struck him and Rudd drew a knife and plunged
it into Wilson's body, then walked away. Rudd was arrested by
Constable Sauerwein on the road between North Alton and Godfrey,
as he was going to a sale of some farming effects. He is being
held pending an inquest by the coroner.
[James
Rudd was convicted of murder following his trial, and sentenced
to serve a term in the penitentiary at Chester, IL of one to
fourteen years.]
WILSON, WILLIAM D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
10, 1919
Retired Farmer
William D. Wilson, aged
76, dropped dead Tuesday afternoon about five o'clock, just
after finishing his supper at the home of his son, Henry Wilson,
550 East Third street. Mr. Wilson was a retired farmer who made
his home most of the time with his daughter, Mrs. Louis Straube,
but he practised visiting about among his eight other children
and had just returned from Granite City where he had been
visiting. He went to the home of his son, Henry, and after
eating supper sat down to talk to the members of his family. He
was stricken with death without warning. His wife died before
him, but he leaves three daughters and six sons. Mrs. Louis
Straube and Henry Wilson of Alton; Robert Wilson of Granite
City; Louis, Edward and Marion Wilson and Mrs. May Atkins of
Charleston; Mrs. Lille Ettleman and John Ettleman of Franklin,
Ill. The body will be sent to Vandalia, Mo., for burial, where
Mr. Wilson for many years was a farmer.
WILSON, WILLIAM R./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
8, 1914
Prominent Businessman Killed by Burglar - Shot in Head
William R. Wilson, prominent Alton businessman, former
member of the Board of Education, was slain by a burglar, it is
supposed, on Highland Avenue about thirty feet east of Central
Avenue, about 2 o'clock Tuesday morning. Wilson was one of a
party who had been watching and trying to capture a burglar who
was raiding the store of Delaney Brothers at the corner of
Central and Grove streets. In the party were the Delaney
Brothers, Officer Dooley, and Mr. Wilson. A fusillade
[continuous discharge of firearms] of shots startled the
neighborhood, and then screams soon told that a tradegy had
occurred. The men who were with Mr. Wilson found him lying
almost dead in deep mud in Highland avenue, a few steps away
from Central avenue, where he had turned in while he searched
for the burglar. A bullet hole in his head indicated the
trueness of the aim of the man who shot him. Dr. J. N. Shaff,
who lives close by, was called, and when he arrived there Mr.
Wilson was dead. It is said that death was almost instant. The
burglary was the third of a series in the Delaney store, which
was recently opened there. Watch was being kept. The burglars
had confined themselves to eating what they could and their loot
was never very large, but it was annoying, so an effort was
being made to capture the fellows. Officer Dooley had been
detailed by orders of the mayor, Val Delaney said, to keep a
special watch. Mr. Wilson, whose store had been attempted once
or twice, was on guard too. Dooley and Wilson had been sitting
all evening with Delaney on Wilson's store porch, watching for
the burglars to come. The Delaney brothers, Val and Ed, had been
told to go to bed at the store, as a heavy rain was falling and
it was not believed there was much chance for the burglar to
come. The two Delaney brothers had hardly gone to bed when they
heard outside the window of their store someone rattling at the
iron bar that secured the place. Then they heard shooting. Both
ran outside armed, and they joined in the fusillade. The
burglars, two of them, started to run east and crossing Central
avenue turned into the dark Highland avenue. There the pursuers
lost sight of them. Wilson, according to Delaney, was leading
the party of four pursuers by a few feet. He had fired all the
cartridges in his revolver and did not wait to reload. The three
men who escaped being shot say the flash and roar of a revolver
a few feet away from them was heard, and then Wilson fell. They
ceased the chase after the burglars, and they turned their
attention to their wounded comrade. He was shot through the
forehead, the bullet going from the front to the back. When they
turned Wilson over in the mud he was apparently dead and never
spoke again. Val Delaney said that this was the fourth attempt
to burglarize his store in two weeks, and beside an attempt or
two has been made on the Wilson store without success.
Bloodhounds were sent for at Springfield to take the trail, and
they arrived at 9:33 a.m. and were taken out to track the
murderer of Mr. Wilson. It was admitted to be a difficult job,
owing to the fact that a heavy rain was falling as the murderer
escaped. The death of William R. Wilson is a heavy loss to the
community. He was a valuable public servant. He served as a
member of the Board of Education for several terms and was known
as one of the most valuable men on the board. He devoted much
time and effort to the cause of the public schools. When he was
chairman of the janitors' committee, he had charge of the
janitors of the schools. Whenever any janitor was unable to be
on the job through illness, and it was impossible to get a
substitute, Mr. Wilson would go to the school and fire the
furnaces and do the janitor's work until he could make other
arrangements. He was formerly a glassblower, but he bought the
grocery store on Central Avenue and he had built up a very
profitable business there. He was a man of high character,
possessed good business ability, and had a large and growing
business. He had not an enemy in the city of Alton and his death
is mourned by the entire community. The bar which the burglar
dropped at the Delaney store when they were first fired upon
seems to have been taken from some quarry, perhaps the Kittinger
quarry. It was marked with a private mark by the man who owned
it, and an effort was made today to find out whose the bar was.
The bloodhounds which were brought here to do some trailing
found it very difficult going. The rain following the flight of
the murderer had done much to obliterate the trail the dogs
would have followed. Wherever there was a hilly place, it was
climbed, the dogs would lose the scent, then they would make a
circle and attempt to pick it up again and would go on. The
chase was not satisfactory. It was said this afternoon that no
clue to the identify of the two burglars had been found. There
was some suspicion, but this, the officers said, was not
justified by the course the dogs took. Mr. Wilson was 47 years
of age and leaves his wife and three children. The time of the
funeral had not been set this afternoon. No arrangements for the
funeral were made, as even the undertaker was forbidden by the
coroner to embalm the body. A telephone message was sent to Dr.
Sims who said he would be in Alton this afternoon, and that the
body was not to be embalmed until his arrival.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 9, 1914
The story told by Val Delaney, who was closest to Wilson at
the time of the murder, was that he was aroused from his sleep
in the Delaney Bros. store by the firing of two shots. He rushed
into the street just in time to see officer Dooley and William
Wilson pursuing two men down Central avenue. He joined in the
chase and was almost even with Wilson when the two turned into
Highland avenue after the burglars. A few feet from the corner
is a telephone post, and Val says he saw a flash of a gun from
behind this post when Wilson was not more than 8 feet from it.
Then he saw Wilson pitch forward. He said that he was too
frightened to continue the chase, and turned and ran back. He
said that he would not be able to identify the men. Officer
Dooley told practically the same story as was in the paper
yesterday. Ed Delaney, who was in the Delaney store at the time
the running battle started, said that he left the store and
fired one shot in the air, and then returned for his coat as it
was raining. Before he could continue the chase, he saw officer
Dooley, who had been the third man in the chasing party, return
and telephone to police headquarters that one of the burglars
had been shot. It was not until the officer and Ed returned to
the body of the dead man that they discovered it was Wilson who
had been shot instead of one of the burglars. The verdict of the
coroner's jury was worded as follows: "Mr. William Wilson came
to his death from a gunshot wound of the head, fired by a person
unknown to the jury. We further find that the wound of entrance
was over the right eye, and that it was by a bullet of a small
caliber, probably a metal jacket, basing this conclusion on the
character of the wound."
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, September 11, 1914
The funeral of William R.
Wilson, victim of an assassin, was held this afternoon from the
home on Central avenue. The services were conducted by Rev.
George L. Clark of the Twelfth Street Presbyterian Church, in
which Mr. Wilson held membership. The funeral was private and
only relatives and a few intimate friends and neighbors
attended. Among those from a distance were Mr. Wilson's mother,
Mrs. Matilda Wilson, and his sister, Mrs. William Dott, both of
Turtle Creek, Pa.; and J. C. Mench of Mounds, Ill. The funeral
services were brief. The pallbearers represented the various
orders in which Mr. Wilson held membership, the Maccabees, the
Junior Mechanics, the Glassblowers' Union, the Retail Merchants,
and the church, and beside, there were a few of his neighbors.
The pallbearers were John Uzzell, J. C. Mench, Will Thomas, _.
D. Shepler, George A. Neff, Frank P. Bauer, Samuel Finley, and
Robert Curdie Jr. Emtombment was in the Grandview Mausoleum.
Seeking to Identify One 12-Pound Bar
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, September 16, 1914
Wanted:
Positive information that will give the complete history of one
twelve pound iron bar. This advertisement has not been inserted
in the papers by the City Court grand jury, but that body is
trying to solve the mystery connected with one steel bar
weighing 12 pounds, which, if its history could be unraveled,
would solve the mystery of the persons responsible for the death
of William Wilson, grocer, who was assassinated, presumably by a
burglar, last week. The grand jury, without casting reflections
on anyone, is turning its attention toward getting what
information can be had of the travels of this steel bar. It came
originally from the Beall Bros., whose stamp on it indicates
that they sold it. These bars are pretty much alike. They are
made on the same patterns, and it is hard to tell one bar from
another. Yet on this bar are some marks indicating that they
were put there for purposes of identification by the owner. It
is a difficult job to trail down the owner of such a bar. The
search has been made around the city among all places where one
might have been owned. Likewise, wherever such a bar was owned,
inquiry was made as to whether one was missing. A steel bar
might belong to some very reputable person, and still play a
part in a cold-blooded murder. It might be stolen from its owner
and left there to incriminate him. Many points are being
investigated by the grand jury, it is reported. The second story
hallway of the City Hall is well-filled with witnesses awaiting
their turn to go into the city council chamber where the grand
jury is holding its sessions. The inquiry into this iron bar is
said to be causing a postponement of the prospective adjournment
of the grand jury. Whoever had the bar last on the night of the
killing of William R. Wilson knows who slew Wilson. If the full
history of the bar can be found out, there rests the solution of
the Wilson murder mystery. Whether the bar was carried from the
unknown owner to the Delaney store, there used to assist in the
burglarizing of the store which had as its climax the tragic
death of one of Alton's very best citizens, is what the grand
jury would like to find out. City officials, and others have
been called to tell what they know, and whether the inquiry will
shed any light on the mystery is a question that is filling the
minds of many Alton people who believe that the mystery should
be solved. The dumb, cold, iron bar has connected with it a
story that would doubtless cause severe punishment to be visited
on someone who might have carried it to the Delaney store for
the purpose of robbery.
[NOTE: During the
investigation of the murder, focus was made on the iron bar
which was dropped by the burglars at the Delaney store. I could
not find any mention in the newspaper as to whether or not the
owner of the bar was found, not did I find any evidence this
murder was solved. Wilson was born on July 25, 1867, and died
September 8, 1914, at the age of 47. He is buried in the
Grandview Mausoleum, Row 10, at the Alton City Cemetery. ~Bev
Bauser]
WIMBER, CHARLES C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 8, 1904
Glassblower
Charles C. Wimber, a glass blower, died
this morning at his home in Clement Place after a few days
illness from pneumonia. He was 32 years of age and resided in
this city about 12 years. Some years ago he married a daughter
of ex-police captain Thomas O'Leary, and she with three children
survive. His parents and three sisters and four brothers also
survive and live in Sharpsburg, Pa. He was a member of the
glassblowers union, the Knights of Columbus, and of the
Maccabees. The funeral will probably be Friday morning.
WIMBER, ROSE ANNIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 14, 1907
Rose Annie Wimber, four years old, died at the home of her
mother in Clement Place Monday morning. The little girl has been
ill for four weeks with pneumonia, and every effort was made to
save her life. Last night she took a turn for the worse and
expired early this morning. The funeral will be held from St.
Patrick's church, Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WINCHESTER, EMMA J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 28,
1914
Mrs. Emma J. Winchester died last night at her home,
1106 Putnam street, aged 38. She was the wife of Hiram
Winchester. She leaves two children, Ruth and Roy. The funeral
will be at 9 o'clock Friday morning from St. Patrick's church.
WING, DAISY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 15, 1920
Former Cashier at Young Dry Goods Company
Friends were very much grieved this morning to learn of the
death at Hamburg, Ill. of Miss Daisy Wing, daughter of Mrs. Ella
Wing. For a year or more she has been very ill, and was taken to
Hamburg recently, hoping that the change might improve her
condition. Within the past few weeks her condition became very
serious, and her sisters left a week ago Saturday night to be
with her. One year ago last April, Ernest Wing, father of Miss
Wing, dropped dead at the Alton Brick Yard, and the shock of his
death caused Miss Wing's illness. Every effort was made to help
her, but to no avail, and death came as a relief after a year of
great suffering. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Ella Wing,
and two sisters, Miss Bertha Wing and Mrs. Clinton Miller. Miss
Wing was born in Minnesota, but came to Alton when a small
child, having lived here about 18 years. She was 21 years of age
the 14th of February. She attended the Alton Public schools. For
several years Miss Wing was connected with the Young Dry Goods
company, filling the position of cashier. She was with the firm
until her illness compelled her to take an indefinite vacation.
She never lost hope and confidently expected to return to work.
during her long illness she was patient and was easy to take
care of. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday
afternoon at Hamburg. Many friends are planning to go to the
funeral. Miss Wing's father is buried in Calhoun County.
WING, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph April 8, 1919
Employee of Alton Brick Company
Ernest Wing, aged 59 years,
dropped dead this afternoon shortly after lunch while at work at
the Alton Brick yard where he was employed. Wing had not been
ill, and his death came as a severe shock to his family. Wing is
survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Clinton Miller,
Miss Bertha Wing, and Miss Daisy Wing. Two grandchildren also
survive. The Wing family reside at 2001 State street. The family
has resided in Alton about twenty years and is very well known.
The body was taken to the Bauer undertaking parlors, and an
inquest was held late this afternoon. No funeral arrangements
have been made.
WINGRAVE, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 6, 1912
George Wingrave, aged 85, died this
morning at 8:10 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. B. H.
Coyle, in Euclid place, after an illness of about a week. He had
not been in bad condition and yesterday was up and around the
house and even sat up until 10 o'clock Friday night. His death
was sudden, and was due to a complete collapse of his strength.
Mr. Wingrave is survived by two children, one a son, Arthur
Wingrave, living in Detroit. His wife died five years ago, and
he then came to Alton to live with his daughter. He was a native
of England, but had been in America about 45 years. He passed
his 85th birthday last December 9. The body will be taken to
Adrian, Mich., for burial, the party leaving Alton Sunday, and
burial will be Monday.
WINKLER, HARRIET E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 20,
1906
Mother Dies Following Childbirth, Leaving Ten Children
Mrs. Harriet E. Winkler, wife of John F. Winkler, died
Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the family home, 604 Forrest
avenue, from uraemic poisoning following the birth of a child.
Mrs. Winkler was only 39 years of age, and she leaves a family
of ten children, one an infant only 24 hours old. Mrs. Winkler
was informed some time ago by the physician that kidney trouble
had made her life much shorter than it would have been, and that
she was in a very dangerous condition. The brave little woman
made all preparations for a fatal termination of the malady in a
short time, and yesterday she passed away after giving full
directions to her children and counseling them for the future,
knowing that she was about to leave them. At the time of her
death two of her sons were away from home, being members of the
Alton division of naval militia, and they will not return from
Chicago until tomorrow, having been away for a week on the
annual cruise of the division. The funeral will for that reason
be delayed until Sunday morning at 9:30 o'clock from the family
home. Services will be conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing. Mrs.
Winkler's death is an extremely sad blow to her family. She was
devoted to her husband and her children, and the family deprived
of the care of a wife and mother will have the sympathy of the
entire community.
WINSCOTT, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 6,
1910
Mrs. Mary Winscott, a long time resident of Alton,
died Monday night shortly after 10 o'clock at her home, 1222
State street, after a long illness from a complication of
troubles. She was the widow of the late B. F. Winscott, and is
survived by two nieces, Mrs. Fred Levedy and Mrs. Martin Minter,
both of St. Louis. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the home. Services will be conducted by Rev.
Dr. Cline. Burial will be in City cemetery.
WINSHIP,
WILLIAM/Source: Alton Telegraph, September 23, 1843
Died,
at Monticello [Godfrey] on the 14th instant, Mr. William
Winship, aged 38 years. The deceased was a native of Brighton,
Mass. In 1810, soon after uniting with "Christ's Church,
Springfield, Mass., he removed to this state in the hope of
recovering his health, for which serious apprehensions had long
been entertained. For a time the change of climate promised
favorably - but ultimately that promise was withdrawn - yet the
wants of a young and interesting family urged on his struggle
with the world, until he was prostrated upon his dying bed from
which the skill of the physician and the untiring attentions of
a wife and friends were unable to elevate him. He was humbly
submissive to the Divine will; and only for his family did he
desire to live. On the day of his death, in answer to the
inquiry of his companion, he said, "I am perfectly happy - I
know in whom I have trusted." His loss can only be fully
appreciated by the members of his surviving family - and to them
it is irreparable. In the parting moment, he made no betrayal of
extreme bodily pain, but on the contrary, his stress countenance
exhibited a calm and sweet repose. "So fades a summer cloud
away; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; So gently shuts
the eye of day; So died a wave along the shore."
WINSLOW, TRUMAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 23,
1914
Falls From Steel Tower
The funeral of Truman Winslow was held this morning
from the home of the parents, and services were conducted by
Rev. S. D. McKenny. Burial was in City Cemetery. The boy's death
resulted from his falling from a steel tower Saturday, after he
had touched a high tension wire.
WINTER,
CHRISTINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 5, 1907
Miss Christina Winter died Thursday at her home, 419 East
Fourth street, after an illness of several weeks duration from
asthma. The malady became acute the past few days and the end
came at 2 o'clock this morning. Miss Winter was 57 years old and
practically all of her life was spent in Alton. She was the
oldest of the Winter sisters who for many years have conducted
one of the leading millinery stores in Alton or in Madison
county, and besides being an excellent business woman, was
blessed with a disposition and with characteristics that made
lasting friends of all who made her acquaintance. She was a
kindly disposed, charitable woman, and her charities which were
many were of the unostentatious kind, known to herself and the
beneficiaries principally. She is survived by two sisters,
Misses Wilhelmina and Amelia, and a brother, Henry L. Winter.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
WINTER,
HARRY W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 25, 1907
Harry W. Winter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Winter, died
Friday morning shortly after 1 o'clock at the home of his
parents, 1002 Union street, from an affection of the heart,
which began developing two years ago while the young man was a
student at the State University at Champaign. He was 25 years
old and is survived by his parents and three brothers. He was
well known in the Altons, having been for several years in the
office of Pfeiffenberger & Son, was an accomplished draughtsman,
and would have made a superior architect, it is said by those
who knew him best, had he lived. He was attending the State
University for the purpose of taking a special course in the
profession he had chosen for his life work and would have
graduated there with high honors in a few months more if illness
had not intervened. Following his return from Champaign, he went
to Arizona and other western and southwestern points in the hope
of benefitting his health, but returned home about six months
ago but little, if any, benefitted. He possessed a cheerful and
friendly disposition and easily made friends of all with whom he
came in contact. He always retained a friendship when made, and
was one of the most respected young men generally in Alton,
whose future was bright because he himself was bright. The
funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home
on Union street, and burial will be in City cemetery.
WINTER, J. H. AND SOPHIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 1, 1916
Wealthy Collinsville Farmer Kills Wife, Then
Shoots Self
After killing his wife, Mrs.
Sophia Winter, 50, at their country home near Collinsville, at 8
o'clock this morning, J. H. Winter, aged 58, wealthy farmer and
realty owner, shot himself. Despite efforts of a neighbor to
overpower him, he crawled into another room and killed himself
with a 22 rifle, shooting himself in the mouth. No cause for the
murder and suicide has been found. They were among the wealthies
of Collinsville residents. They have a son and daughter.
WINTER, WILLIAM E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 7,
1919
Alton Automobile Dealer
William E. Winter,
well known automobile dealer in Alton, died Friday morning at
the home of his brother, Irving Winter, 412 Bluff street, from
pneumonia following an attack of influenza. He would have been
33 years of age on March 24. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Gertrude
Ingersoll Winter and two daughters, one aged 4 years and the
other aged 4 months. He leaves also his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Winter and two brothers, Leo and Irving Winter, all of
Alton. The death of Will Winters was foreshadowed by
announcements made Thursday that the young man was in a bad way
and that there was very little hope he could survive. He had
been in Florida where he had property interests, and being
informed of the fire which had destroyed the Winter planing mill
in Alton, he came back with his father to arrange for getting
back into business again. A few days after his return from
Florida he was taken down with the influenza and was desperately
sick from the beginning. The attending physicians attribute the
malignancy of the case to the fact that he had been in a warm
climate and coming back here to colder weather, he was an easier
victim of the disease. The same malady had afflicted other
members of the family, but they are getting along well, his case
alone being of the extremely grave type. Members of his family
say that Mr. Winter had, for the past three or four months, been
winding up his business affairs, preparing to make a start anew
in Alton. Last fall he had disposed of his interest in the
automobile business he had founded on Piasa street. Going to
Florida where he owned a small orange grove, he had disposed of
that. He had even sold his automobile. Everything he owned he
had converted into cash, so that he leaves no business
complications whatever. He was not in bad health, and members of
his family say that his determination to dispose of his holdings
everywhere at this particular time was merely due to his desire
to engage in some other lines. He established the first garage
in the city of Alton, going into business with Sam Darnell.
Prior to that he had been much interested in the automobile
business. The little business he established grew into a big
business, even though competitors did come in numbers as the
auto business he established grew and prospered. He had been
interested in the planing mill before engaging in the auto
business, and when the fire destroyed that plan, he returned
home to look after it with his brothers. His wife and children
arrived in Alton just a few days before he died, having started
for here when apprised of the serious character of his illness.
In the death of Will Winter, Alton has lost one of her most
capable young business men. He had demonstrated a high order of
business ability and had made a great success. As a citizen he
was very highly esteemed and he was personally very popular and
had a very large number of friends and admirers. His death is a
sad blow to hundreds of people aside from his immediate family.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The
services at the home of Irving Winter will be private. The
services at City Cemetery will be under Masonic auspices, and
will be conducted by Piasa Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he
held membership.
WINTERS, GUSTAVE J./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 22,
1919
Proprietor of Tire Business in Alton Suicides By
Shooting Himself
Gustave J. Winters, 41
years old, proprietor of a tire vulcanizing and resoling
establishment on East Broadway, killed himself with a bullet in
a room in the Benton Hotel, St. Louis, yesterday afternoon. He
was found lying on the bed with a revolver in his hand about 5
o'clock. In Winters' clothing was found a note addressed to his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Winters, of Alton, which said: "I am
unable to bear the burden since Verna died, and I leave
everything to you." Vera [sic] was the name of his wife, who
died three and a half years ago, shortly before the death of his
daughter. Tuesday, before going to St. Louis, Winters had taken
the memorial card of his wife, printed at the time of her death,
and looked at it before going to St. Louis. He left the card
lying on his dresser. The parents of Winters had heard nothing
of the death of their son, when a Telegraph reporter went to
their home, 518 Ridge street, early last night. While the
reporter was at the home efforts were made by a St. Louis person
to reach Mrs. Winters by telephone. When the call from the
undertaker at St. Louis confirmed the reporter's statement that
Winters had taken his own life, Mrs. Winters was hysterical. She
declared she had felt all day that something was wrong when her
son did not return home Tuesday afternoon as he had planned.
Winters went to St. Louis early on Tuesday to attend a meeting
with a man named Willard, representative in the St. Louis
district, of the Gates Tire Resoling Company of Denver, Colo.,
of which Winters was the Alton representative. On leaving he
told his mother he would not be home for lunch but would
probably return in the afternoon. Uneasiness was felt when he
did not return Tuesday afternoon. No word had been received from
him when the reporter went to the home. A friend of the family
called the Hotel Statler, St. Louis, where Winters said he was
to meet Willard yesterday, when Winters failed to return, and
was told that neither Winters nor Willard had registered at the
hotel. Since the death of his wife Winters had resided with his
parents at the Ridge street address. He had been in the
vulcanizing business on East Broadway about three years and
according to his friends had a flourishing business. He recently
purchased the brick building on the southeast corner of Broadway
and Central avenue for a price said to be in the neighborhood of
$10,000 and had contemplated enlarging his business. In
conversation with a neighbor on Sunday evening, Winters had
talked of his business saying he "had all he could handle." When
questioned last night his parents said they knew of no reason
why their son would end his life. His business was flourishing,
they said, and he had no othere worries of which they had any
knowledge. Winters was born in Alton and spent most of his life
here. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Winters, and six
sisters: Mrs. Ralph Rowe, St. Louis; Mrs. Fred Betzel, St.
Louis; Miss Rose Winters, St. Louis; Miss Matilda Winters,
Alton; Mrs. George Hauerker, San Jose, Cal.; Mrs. George
Wohlenweber, Alton. He leaves three brothers, Joseph;
Philadelphia; John, Alton; and Henry of East St. Louis. The body
will be brought to Alton for burial, arrangements for which have
not been made. The body will be brought to Alton this evening at
6 o'clock. [Later report says burial will be in City Cemetery.]
Think Gus Winters Victim of Murder - Foul Play is
Hinted
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1919
That Gustave Winters, proprietor of a vulcanizing and
automobile tire repair shop on East Broadway, who was found dead
with a revolver in his hand in a room in the Benton Hotel, St.
Louis, Wednesday afternoon, did not commit suicide but was the
victim of foul play is the belief of members of his family.
Henry Winters, a brother of the dead man, this morning told a
Telegraph reporter that members of his family have never
believed that Winters took his own life. The brother said that
Winters was carried up the steps of the hotel on Tuesday evening
by a police officer. This information, he said, came from the
clerk of the hotel who saw Winters being carried to his room. It
was the last seen of him until he was found dead, Henry Winters
said. A watchman at the hotel, Henry Winters declared, heard a
shot fired at 11 o'clock on Wednesday morning and did not report
it until later in the day. The body of the Alton man was found
about 5 o'clock. The body was in underclothing, the outer
apparel of the dead man being on a chair near the bed. The
trousers and coat, the dead man's brother said today, were
covered with blood. The blood on the suit of clothes cannot be
explained, it is thought, if Winters shot himself with the gun
found in his hand. The brother also declared today that many of
the letters found in the room could not be identified as
belonging to the dead man.
WINTERS, H. C./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1901
North Alton News - The remains of H. C. Winters arrived from
Colorado last evening and were taken to the Ryan home on Elm
street. The funeral took place at 9 o'clock Monday morning, to
the Cathedral, where a Requiem High Mass was celebrated by Revs.
Fathers Spalding, Cusack and O'Connell. Interment was in
Greenwood Cemetery, beside the body of his wife, the late Mrs.
Mary Winters (nee Ryan). A large number of people attended the
obsequies, and many beautiful floral offerings were made.
WINTERS, LOUIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 22,
1906
Louis Winters, a resident of Alton and North Alton
for forty-two years, died Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock
after an illness which began the preceding Sunday. He would have
been 81 years of age next May. Mr. Winters was in failing health
for some time but was not taken very ill until Sunday. His
condition was not regarded as dangerous until yesterday, and
shortly after the change for the worse began he passed away. He
is survived by his wife and four children, Mrs. Alice Rodgers
and Frank Winters of Decatur, Miss Caroline Winters of North
Alton, and George Winters of Upper Alton. The funeral will be
held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home in North
Alton, Rev. W. H. Bradley officiating, and burial will be in
Oakwood cemetery.
WINTERS, LUCILE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 15,
1912
Lucile, the 3 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Winters of 908 Liberty street, died this morning from
pneumonia. The funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WISE, ADAM/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, May 14, 1897
Killed By Train
Adam Wise, aged 35 years, was run down and killed by the Big
Four "Flyer" on the Venice-Brooklyn crossing, Monday afternoon.
His head was cut and both his legs crushed.
WISE, ALEXIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 5, 1921
Son of Peter Wise; Successful West Alton Farmer
Alexis Wise, a life long resident of Alton, died at 7:20
o'clock this morning after an illness which began five years ago
and which for three years had forced him into retirement. The
past nine weeks he had been confined to his bed suffering from a
severe illness with heart trouble, which proved fatal. The end
came peacefully this morning, and was no surprise to those
around him, as it was known for some time that Mr. Wise had no
chance of getting up again. In the death of Mr. Wise, the career
of a successful farmer is closed. His chief interest, outside of
his family and his church, was his great farm on Missouri point.
He was a wheat grower, and for forty-one years he had made a
success of grain growing on the 900 acre farm he had in the
richest land in the country, below West Alton. Mr. Wise raised
crops year after year because he had the business foresight to
see the benefits of spending money to build high levees to
protect his land against the floods from the Missouri and
Mississippi rivers, which would otherwise have caused him
frequent losses. In a district where much could be gained by
building a levee, Mr. Wise was the only one who made any
extensive test of that form of guarantee that he would harvest
the crops he planted. He gave his farm his personal supervision,
but for a few years ago, realizing that his ability to continue
that work was fast waning, he began to sub-divide his property
and sold part of it to tenants, whom he helped in many ways to
make successful their new purchases. His tenants could tell many
instances of his helpfulness to them, as beneath a bluff
exterior Mr. Wise had a warm heart that dictated many acts of
kindness to others. When he was a young man of 23, he lost one
of his arms by the accidental discharge of his gun in a hunting
accident on his farm over the river. The death of Mr. Wise
removes a familiar figure from the streets and over the river,
where he had been a near daily visitor, he will be greatly
missed. It is related by those who knew him that even though
advancing age had made it hard for him to keep the pace, Mr.
Wise would take long walks over his place over the river, and he
would not let weather interfere. When floods were menacing his
levees over the river, he was there night and day patrolling the
supervising the work of strengthening the banks where weak spots
would develop. He was the largest wheat grower on Missouri point
for many years. Mr. Wise was born in the city of Alton in the
place now the Trenchery home on State street. He was 67 years of
age last July 17. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Peter Wise, who
built the house now occupied by the F. W. Olin family, and it
was there that Mr. Wise lived when his marriage to Miss Bridget
Ryan took place. His family was an old time, prominent family.
All his life he lived on State Street. Besides his wife, Mr.
Wise leaves his two children, Peter Wise and Miss Anna Wise, and
one sister, Mrs. Levi Davis, and one brother, Charles P. Wise of
St. Louis. The last named has been in Los Angeles for a long
time for the benefit of his health and has not been back since
his brother's illness began. He was on his way back home today
and is expected to arrive in St. Louis tomorrow. After his
arrival the time of the funeral will be set. According to a wish
of Mr. Wise, flowers are to be omitted at the funeral.
WISE, EUGENE S./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 14, 1848
Died on Saturday last, Eugene S. Wise, son of Mr. Peter Wise of
Alton, aged 14 months.
WISE or WHITE, GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 20, 1907
Shot By Deputy Sheriff While Resisting
Arrest
Coroner C. N. Streeper was summoned to
Collinsville where a deputy sheriff named William Biskely had
shot and killed a bad negro by the name of George Wise, who was
threatening to kill the deputy sheriff with a shot gun while
resisting arrest. The dead negro was known as "Big Boy." He was of
gigantic stature and was known as a troublesome man. The jury
returned a verdict of justifiable homicide, as it was testified
that the deputy sheriff, on following White [sic] to his home,
shot him as White was in the act of drawing a shot gun to fight
off the officer.
WISE, FRANCIS J./Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1889
Drowned in Alton Harbor
Mr. Francis J. Wise, whose residence
was on Fourth Street, near the Garstang Foundry, was drowned
Saturday night in Alton Harbor, opposite this city. He was a
night watchman on Captain Brown’s dredge boat, and went on duty
Saturday evening. The other hands went to bed as usual. Mrs.
Wise, who was engaged on the boat, had a brief conversation with
her husband about one o’clock a.m., when he complained of the
loneliness of his position while engaged in the performance of
his duty. She warned him against sitting on the guards of the
boat and going to sleep. After she left him, he was not again
seen alive. About 7 o’clock Sunday morning, he was missed, but
it was at first thought that he had either gone ashore or was
asleep in one of the banks. The face that all the lights on the
boat were left burning, led his wife to suspect that some
accident had occurred. Hooks were procured, and in a few
minutes, by dragging at the sides of the vessel, the water being
comparatively shallow and with but a sluggish current, the body
was found. Deceased’s hands were clasped as though he had been
in a sleeping position and had fallen overboard and died with
scarcely a struggle. An inquest was held at the place where the
accident occurred, and a verdict of accidental drowning
returned. The remains were brought over here on the dredge boat
late yesterday afternoon and conveyed to the deceased’s home. He
was about 33 years of age. He came to Alton from Peru, Illinois,
four or five years ago. He left a wife and a little boy and a
stepchild to mourn his sudden death. The funeral took place at
2:30 p.m. Monday from the Cathedral, Rev. Father Hayder
officiating.
WISE, HARRIET/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 26, 1906
Widow of Peter Wise
Mrs. Harriet Wise, widow of Peter Wise, died Friday morning
about 9 o'clock. Wednesday Mrs. Wise suffered a paralytic stroke
and soon became unconscious. She never regained consciousness
and death came to her peacefully. Previous to Wednesday morning
she had been in good health and manifested at all times
considerable interest in the world and its happenings. She was
91 years of age last November, and had lived in Alton ever since
she was a young woman. More than half a century ago she and her
husband were leading figures in church and business circles, and
up to the last she manifested great interest in religious
matters. The former Peter Wise house, now occupied by Mr. F. W.
Olin, was one of the finest in Madison county. Mr. Wise died
many years ago and Mrs. Wise has been making her home with her
son, Alexius, at 1118 State street. Another son, Attorney
Charles P. Wise, and a daughter, Mrs. Levi Davis, also survive
her. Another daughter is Mother Dolorosa of a New Orleans
convent. Mrs. Wise was born in Adams county Pa., November 26,
1814, and came to Alton 65 years ago. The funeral will be Monday
morning at 10 o'clock from the Cathedral, and a Requiem High
Mass will be said with Rev. Albert R. Wise, a Jesuit Father of
Florissant, Mo., a grandson of deceased, as celebrant.
WISE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 31, 1849
Died
in Alton on Friday last, after a long and painful illness of
four months duration, Mr. Joseph Wise in the 69th(? – hard to
read) year of his age. The deceased was born in York County,
Pennsylvania, but removed with his parents at an early age to
Frederick county, Maryland, where he resided until his removal
to Alton in the Spring of 1822(?). As a husband, father, and
citizen, he was exemplary in his deportment, and faithful in the
discharge of his duties, while his benevolence of heart was such
that the poor and destitute never approached him in vain. He
bore his protracted sufferings with Christian patience and
resignation, and has left a deeply-afflicted widow, and three
young children, together with many relations and friends to drop
the tears of sorrow over his grave.
WISE, JOSEPH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 29, 1902
Formerly in Flour and Saw Mill Business
Joseph Wise, formerly a prominent resident of Alton, died
this morning at his home in St. Louis after a long illness. He
was 74 years of age, and lived in Alton many years until nine
years ago, when he went to St. Louis. He leaves a family of four
sons and four daughters. The body will be brought to Alton for
burial Monday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be
conducted in the Cathedral. Many years ago Mr. Wise was
interested in the flour manufacturing business in Alton, and
subsequently was engaged in the saw mill business. Among the
older residents of the city he had many friends.
WISE, JOSEPH BERNARD/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 2, 1848
Died in Alton of bilious fever, on Friday last, Joseph Bernard,
in his 16th year, eldest son of Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Eliza J.
Wise.
WISE, MARY C. (nee SNYDER)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 31, 1907
Widow of George S. Wise
Mrs. Mary C. Wise, whose death was
mentioned yesterday afternoon, was a resident of Alton since
childhood. Her maiden name was Snyder. She was a granddaughter
of David J. Baker, who was the father of the late Judge Henry S.
Baker, and part of her early life she passed at Kaskaskia, Ill.,
the early capital of Illinois. Her parents died when she was a
very young girl, and she made her home most of the time
afterwards until her marriage, with her grandfather. She was the
widow of George S. Wise. Mrs. Wise is survived by two sons,
Henry of St. Louis, and Dr. Philip Wise of Los Angeles, Cal.
When it became apparent that her death was the matter of only a
short time, word was sent to her son, Dr. Philip Wise, who
started east at once and arrived this morning, too late to see
his mother alive. He was here recently, however, and spent some
time with his mother, afterward doing ..... married there
several months ago. Mrs. Wise's death was due to heart and
stomach trouble. She was taken ill about one year ago and went
from her residence on State street to St. Joseph's hospital.
After being confined there a long time she was able to return
home, but she never fully regained her strength. Mrs. Wise was a
pupil in the first High School in the city of Alton. She was
known in a large circle of friends who valued her for her kindly
ways and she will be sadly missed by many to whom she was the
helping hand that soothed distresses and smoothed out rough
places for unfortunate ones. The funeral will be held Monday
morning from SS. Peter and Paul's Cathedral.
WISE, PETER/Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 3, 1892
Co-Owner of the National Mill in Alton
At about nine o'clock
last night, Mr. Peter Wise died at his residence, 1128 State
Street, at the advanced age of eighty-four years and ten months.
Mr. Wise has been very sick for some weeks, the beginning of his
immediate sickness being an attack of the grip, which he
suffered some six or eight weeks ago. Deceased was born in Adams
County, Pennsylvania, in May 1807. His father shortly afterwards
removed to Emmettsburg, Maryland, from which place in company
with his brother, Sebastian, he came to Alton in 1839, and
embarked in the milling business, the brothers taking charge of
the mill which then stood on the present site of the water
works. In the following year, they returned East and brought
their families to their new home. From that day forward, until
weight of years and failing eyesight compelled his retirement
from active life, Mr. Wise was prominently identified with the
business interests of the city. In 1842 they put machinery into
the old Godfrey & Gilman warehouse, which was used as a mill
till the year 1857, when the buildings now occupied by the
Sparks Milling Company were erected and occupied until their
retirement from business some years later.
Peter Wise
was a man whose genial disposition and courteous treatment of
all with whom he came in contact won him the respect and good
will of all who knew him. Besides the loving partner of his joys
and sorrows, to whom he was married in 1835, and who survives
him at the age of 78 years, he leaves two sons, Messrs. Charles
P. of St. Louis, and Alexius Wise, and one daughter, Mrs. Levi
Davis Jr., in this city, and one daughter, Anna, Sister Superior
of the Carmelite Convent in New Orleans. The funeral services
will take place at the Cathedral at 10 o'clock Friday morning.
NOTES:
Peter Wise was born May 11, 1802 in York County,
Pennsylvania. He and his brother, Sebastian, engaged in the
milling business in Alton from 1839 through 1857, when David R.
Sparks purchased their property and erected the Sparks Milling.
Sebastian Wise died in May 1862.
Peter and his wife,
Harriet, erected their home at 1128 State Street in Alton. A
son, Eugene S. Wise, died in 1848 at the age of 14 months. In
1898, Franklin Olin purchased the home from the Wise estate.
Harriet Wise, Peter’s wife, died in January 1906 in the home of
her son, Alexius Wise, who lived at 1118 State Street. Alexius
Wise was a successful farmer on the “Missouri Point” in West
Alton, and was one of the largest wheat growers in the area. He
had lost one of his arms at the age of 23 when his gun
accidentally discharged when hunting on his farm in West Alton.
Alexius died in October 1921.
WISE, SEBASTIAN/Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1862
Proprietor of Flour Mill in Alton
We are pained to have to
chronicle the death of this old citizen of Alton. He died after
a very short illness. He was taken with something like the
erysipelas, and notwithstanding, he had the very best of medical
skill, its ravages could not be arrested until it had
accomplished its work. Mr. Wise has resided in Alton about
twenty years, and owing to his connection with a large flouring
mill, had become acquainted with nearly everyone in this region,
all of whom will regret to hear of his death. He possessed many
excellent qualities, and his family and the social circle in
which he mingled, and also the church with which he was
connected, have met with a great loss, which will not soon be
repaired.
WISE, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 7,
1918
Fell Through Railroad Bridge at Hop Hollow
William Wise of Sterling, Ill. died last night at
St. Joseph's Hospital from tetanus. Wise fell through the bridge
on the C. P. & St. L. railroad at Hop Hollow on November 28. He
was not discovered for some time, and when found his feet had
been frozen. He was brought to St. Joseph's Hospital. Tetanus
developed from the injuries. Deputy Coroner William H. Bauer
will hold an inquest this evening. The arrangements for the
funeral have not been completed.
WISEMAN, MARY (SISTER BENEDICTA)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 8, 1904
Came To Alton in 1860
Sister Benedicta, known in the
world as Miss Mary Wiseman, ended a career of 44 years as an
Ursuline Sister in the Alton Ursuline Convent, Friday just
before noon. Sister Benedicta had been a sufferer from asthma
for many years, but the last few weeks her malady had been
complicated by heart troubles. She bore up bravely throughout
her illness and insisted upon attending to her duties about the
convent, although she was physically unable. She was born in
Prussia in 1834, and came to America in 1855. She took the vows
of the Ursuline order in St. Louis and came to Alton in 1860.
During all the time since she entered the institution, Sister
Benedicta had never spent a night away from her home convent.
The funeral will be held Monday at 9 a.m. from the Ursuline
chapel.
WISEMAN, MARY B. (nee BURROUGHS)/Source: Edwardsville
Intelligencer, Friday, February 12, 1897
Wife of Rev. B. W.
Wiseman
Death loves a
shining mark and his visit, always sad, is doubly so when the
young, the loved and the useful are taken. Such was the death of
Mrs. Mary B. Wiseman, which occurred Tuesday evening [Feb. 9] at
6:20 o'clock at the Baptist Sanitarium, St. Louis. It was due to
a shock following a surgical operation. The funeral took place
yesterday afternoon from the home of her brother, Captain D. E.
Burroughs, in this city. The services were impressive and the
tributes paid to Mrs. Wiseman's character and worth touched
every heart. Dr. A. A. Kendrick, pastor of the Emanuel Baptist
church, St. Louis, made the invocation, which was followed by a
hymn, "Asleep in Jesus," beautifully rendered by a quartet
composed of Misses Edith Metcalfe and Josephine Springer and J.
G. Delicate and F. W. Tunnell. Dr. Kendrick read selections from
the scriptures and the quartet sang "Nearer My God to Thee." A
brief memoir of Mrs. Wiseman's life was read by Rev. S. P.
Groves, and after a song, "Jesus, Love of My Soul," Dr. Kendrick
delivered the sermon. Rev. G. W. Waggoner, of Upper Alton, who
was pastor of the Upper Alton church at the time of her
conversion, told about her early Christian life. Rev. Groves led
in prayer, and the quartet sang "Rock of Ages." The interment
was in Woodlawn. Many exquisite floral offerings testified to
the esteem in which she was held by her relatives and friends,
and this was still further shown by the presence of a large
number of friends from other places, who were members of
churches in different cities which had been in charge of Mr.
Wiseman. Among those from a distance in attendance of the
funeral were: Jacob Wiseman of Jerseyville; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
L. Patterson and Mrs. Charles Rogers of Roodhouse; Leroy Martin
and sister, Miss Mary, J. B. Thompson, Mrs. William Herrin, Mrs.
Frank Barnett and Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Miller, of Morrisonville;
Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Stroud and daughters, Misses Dora and Bertha
of Upper Alton; Rev. J. T. Brown, Kane; T. W. Thacker, Mrs.
Perry Wells and Miss Mae Mitchell, Girard. Mary Burroughs
Wiseman was born near this city November 21, 1869. She was the
only daughter of John Claxton and Esther Burroughs. Her school
days were spent at Jacksonville Seminary and Shurtleff College,
and it was at the latter place she met Mr. Wiseman who was then
a student at the college, and afterwards became her husband. She
was married on January 29, 1890, to Rev. B. W. Wiseman, then
pastor of a Baptist church at Kansas City. She leaves her
bereaved husband, two daughters, Esther and Edith, aged 5 and 3,
her mother, Mrs. Esther Burroughs, and four brothers to mourn
her demise. She became a Christian at the age of 14 years and
has lived a consecrated life since. Her life, though short, was
an unbroken record of useful Christian devotion.
WISSORE, SARAH/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 3, 1851
Died on Monday morning last, after a long and painful illness,
Mrs. Sarah Wissore, consort of Mr. Henry Wissore of Alton,
leaving a deeply afflicted husband and four young children to
mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and tender mother. The
deceased was a professor of religion from her youth, and joined
the Methodist E. Church several years since, of which she
remained a consistent member to the day of her death. She was in
the 26th year of her age.
WITT, ADA/Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1912
Mrs.
Ada Witt, wife of William Witt, 3204 State street, was found
dead on her bed Tuesday evening by her husband when he returned
home from his work at the plant of the Alton Brick Co. where he
is employed as an electrician with his father-in-law, Peter
Patton. The cause of the suicide, it was said by her husband,
was not known. Mr. Witt had been working all day and when he
returned home he found the house locked. Climbing in a window,
he went from room to room searching for his wife and at last
noticed her on her bed. turning on an electric light, he saw his
wife was apparently asleep, but when he attempted to rouse her
he found that she was dead. He gave the alarm and help was
summoned. Physicians said that Mrs. Witt had probably been dead
several hours. It was learned that she had been downtown during
the day and at two drug stores had bought bottles of carbolic
acid, saying she intended to use it for a throat gargle. She was
given directions for diluting the acid, to render it harmless,
and she did not arouse any suspicion as to her intention. She
drank the contents of both bottles, as the empty bottles were
found beside her body. Her husband said that there had been no
differences between them. He said that he attended a political
meeting the night before and in the morning she had said
something to him about being out so late, but there had been no
words of a quarrelsome nature. Mrs. Witt was 20 years of age,
and the couple had been married one year. They had lived one
month in the house where she committee suicide. The funeral of
Mrs. Witt will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the
family home.
WITTE, J. D. CONRAD/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, March 2,
1892
Prosperous Farmer
J. D. Conrad Witte died Sunday, afternoon, of
pneumonia, at his home at Sugar Loaf Mound in Pleasant Ridge,
aged 46 years and 11 months. The funeral took place yesterday
afternoon to the Pleasant Ridge cemetery. He was born in Germany
and came to this country when only a month old with his parents,
in 18?5. They located in Pleasant Ridge. His mother died when he
was six years old. His father died in 1881, having never
remarried. Conrad married Lizzie Krome in 1873. She and six
children survive him. He was one of the most prosperous farmers
of that section, and leaves a comfortable competency. He died at
a time when he was in the best condition to enjoy life.
WITTMANN, WILHELMINA (nee SPRINGMAN)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 9, 1921
Wife of Sigmund Wittmann
Mrs. Wilhelmina Wittmann, aged
62, wife of Sigmund Wittmann, died very suddenly this morning at
6:30 o'clock at the family home at 1715 Myrtle Street. For the
past six months she had been under a physician's care, being a
sufferer of heart trouble. She was up and about the house this
morning when she was stricken without warning. The deceased was
one of the best known residents of this part of the country,
having been born and married at Brighton. Her maiden name was
Springman. With her family, she moved to Alton 11 years ago, and
since that time has resided at the Myrtle Street address. After
coming to Alton, she made many friends, who will regret to hear
of her death. She was a member of the congregation of Ss. Peter
and Paul's Cathedral. She was born at Brighton on May 3, 1859,
and became the bride of Sigmund Wittmann on May 5, 1877, being
married for 44 years. She leaves her aged husband, five
daughters and four sons. One son died about two years ago. She
also leaves one sister, Mrs. Sophie Cairns of this city, and
four brothers, Edward Springman of Palestine, Tex., Lawrence
Springman of St. Louis, Lee Springman of Brighton and George
Springman of Alton. The daughters are Mrs. William Bartlett of
Delhi, Mrs. John Waters of Godfrey, Mrs. Louis Wagonblast of
Delhi, Mrs. Charles Wendle of Godfrey, and Mrs. Frank Klunk, Jr.
of Michaels, Calhoun County, and the sons are George Wittmann of
Godfrey, Peter Wittmann of Godfrey, John and Walter Wittmann of
Alton. Plans for the funeral are being held up, awaiting word
from George Springman, who is in Texas on business. Present
arrangements are to have the funeral Friday morning at nine
o'clock from the Cathedral, with interment in Greenwood
Cemetery.
WOEKBURGER, MARGARET JANE/Source: Alton Telegraph, September
3, 1852
Died on the 17th inst., Margaret Jane, wife of B.
Woekburger, aged 21 years, 6 mos., and 5 days.
WOERSTER, VALENTINE/Source: Troy Star, June 14, 1894
Suice
By Hanging on Freight Car
Valentine Woerster, an aged resident of Marine, committed
suicide Monday evening by hanging himself to a freight car with
binder twine, on the St. Louis & Basters road at Montgomery
Station. The coroner's verdict was suicide. Deceased leaves two
daughters and one son.
WOLF, CAROLINE [nee FIX]/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
June 20, 1877 - Submitted by Jane Denny
Wife of F. A. Wolf
We attended, a few
weeks ago, the funeral of Mrs. Caroline Wolf, a lady whose
exemplary life as a mother, wife and christian [sic], called on
us to join the procession which was paying this last tribute of
respect to her memory. The interment was at Woodlawn cemetery.
We lingered after others had departed, to take a view of this
resting place of the departed. The afternoon was bewitching. The
long-continued rains had ceased on the previous day and the
freshness of spring was in very tree and shrub, and the birds
were singing amid then green foliage. We strolled over the
ground. Many elegant monuments are there. We paused, a few
moments, before a neat slab which indicated the place of rest of
Richard Sappington. We had known him well. He attained a happy
old age. It was pleasant, there, to recount his virtues and be
able to say, here rests one who was honest, trustworthy, and
with scarce a fault-a christian [sic] who in his last moments
could hopefully say, "home is near now, weep not, but follow
on." Further on a pure white marble, within the enclosure of
which were beautiful flowers, tokens of love, showed the spot
where we had seen deposited the last remains of a youth of
genius and promise, young George Burnett, called away whilst yet
young. We recalled how many pleasant moments we had spent with
this interesting child and we also recalled how many fond hopes
were crushed when mother earth took to her bosom this gifted
youth. The name of Julia A. West, newly inscribed on a monument
of faultless grace, attracted our attention. With that name we
had always associated love and devotion to family and a
self-sacrifice for others. We recalled that pleasant home
hallowed by her presence, and we recalled a just tribute to her
worth when, fifteen years ago, we heard the husband say that his
marriage day had proved "the blessed day of his life." Her
memory is fondly cherished by husband and children. Several
beloved children had preceded her, and in her christian [sic]
faith, she could well believe that they would be the first to
meet her in heaven. Of the departed, space will not allow us to
say more, now, though we would gladly allude to the resting
place of Mrs. Armbruster and others, embellished with many
beautiful tokens of love, evincing "how sweet is the cherished
memory of the loved and lost." In these grounds little gardens
of rare flowers abound, and wreaths and crowns of immortelles
are seen everywhere. Among the varied forest trees are planted
firs, cedars, pines and junipers. How beautifully romantic these
grounds be. There is scarce an acres but has a beauty peculiar
to itself. You may have sunshine, or if you prefer, you may find
the deep wood where the mourner can seek the luxury of solitary
grief. As we passed along the shaded paths of this silent city
of the dead it occurred to us that this region could afford few
more lovely, more tranquil or more sacred spots ht [sic] ...
place to take our rest.
Edwardsville
Intelligencer, May 23, 1877
Died - On the 18th last of ...
Caroline ... wife of F. A. Wolf of this city. The funeral
services which took place at the house of the deceased were
solemn and impressive. The Edwardsville Maennerchor were in
attendance and rendered beautiful and appropriate music.
Caroline, only child of Phillip and Henrietta Fix, [was] born in
Musbach, Bavaria, March 26, 1819. She immigrated with her
parents to the United States in 1837 and settled in Belleville,
St. Clair County. In 1838 she was united in marriage to Mr. F.
A. Wolf and in 1840 removed to Edwardsville where the family
have ever since resided. Of this union there were ... children,
... of whom are living. On coming to this county, Mrs. Wolf
fully adopted it as her home and when the war broke out ... gave
her three sons cheerfully for the defense and maintenance of her
adopted county. For some years past Mrs. Wolf has been almost an
invalid. One year ago while engaged in her domestic duties, she
was suddenly stricken with paralysis in the right side which
confined her to her bed for a fortnight. There was some
apprehension that she would not recover the use of herself but
in care and nursing as did recover so as to again attend to her
household duties. Within the last few days she ... and fond
hopes were entertained for full recovery. She was a person of
great energy of character and too anxious like many others to
have all her work done and well done so that she overworked
herself. About four o'clock on the afternoon of Thursday she
feeling tired sat down and thought she would take a lunch, when
suddenly as the lightning stroke, she was stricken down and
became unconscious. Her life work was done and in about nine
hours she calmly passed from earth to the spirit world.
WOLF, ERNEST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1905
Businessman in Alton
Ernest Wolf, for many years a well known business man of
Alton, died at his home, 423 North street, Wednesday evening,
after a long illness, aged 68. He is survived by his wife and
four children. The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from St. Mary's church. [Interment was in St. Joseph's
Cemetery]
WOLF, FRANCIS/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
August 30, 1916
Mrs. Francis Wolf died at midnight
Tuesday night at her home at 623 Central avenue after an illness
of three months. She was fifty years of age, and leaves two
daughters, Frieda and Elenore, and three sons, Alvish, John,
Albert and Ernest; also four sisters, Mrs. Peter Reyland of
Henry street, and Mrs. W. Ramspott, Mrs. A. Hitt and Miss A.
Schlenne of St. Louis. Mrs. Wolf was well known and leaves a big
list of friends to mourn her death. The funeral will be held
Friday morning at 9 o'clock, and will be from the St. Mary's
Church.
WOLF, MARY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February
12, 1904
Mrs. Mary Wolf died last night at St. Joseph's
hospital. The funeral will be Saturday morning from Bauer's
undertaking establishment.
WOLF, UNKNOWN WIFE OF FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 7, 1913
The funeral of Mrs. Frank Wolf of Fosterburg
was held this morning at 9 o'clock from St. Patrick's Church,
where services were conducted by Fr. Kehoe, assisted by Fr.
Driscoll and Fr. Schauwecker. Burial was in St. Joseph's
Cemetery. The pallbearers were Henry and F. A. Wegener, Leo
Mahler, Anthony, Joseph and William Vonnahman.
WOLF, VALENTINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September
8, 1913
Dies While Working on Wood River Diversion Canal
Valentine Wolf, aged 53, died suddenly Sunday
morning, from apoplexy, while on his way to look after his gang
of men who were working on the Wood River drainage ditch near
East Alton. Mr. Wolf's body was found lying in a clump of weeds
by some passersby who reported the fact, and the body was later
moved to the East Alton village hall, where it was later taken
in charge by the coroner's undertaker, John Berner. Mr. Wolf was
pushing work on his part of the Wood River diversion canal
contract. He had a time limit on the job, and was fearful that
he would go beyond the time, so he was working his gang on
Sunday. He had gone to the vicinity of the job and started to
walk a short distance to where his men were at work. He must
have felt ill and stepped to the roadside to recover, when death
struck him. He was found about an hour later. His relatives in
Alton were notified at once and they went to East Alton to see
the body, the widow being accompanied by Mr. Wolf's brother, H.
R. Wolf of Alton. The body was brought to Alton later. Coroner
Sims empanelled a jury to hold an inquest. Valentine Wolf was
one of the most generally known men in Alton and vicinity. He
came here about twenty years ago, and soon became active as a
contractor and later in a political way. He took a leading
position in some of the political events in Alton about a dozen
year ago, and was rated as one of the most prominent Democrats
in Alton....He was generally liked, his jovial nature being of
the kind that is friendship compelling, and there are many
regrets about Alton that Valentine Wolf is dead. The news of his
death was so sudden that it was shocking to all who heard of it,
and was not credited until authentic corroboration of early
reports came. Mr. Wolf was a member of Robin Hood Camp, Modern
Woodmen. The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock Wednesday morning
from the family home.
WOLFBRANDT, LEONARD/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
December 28, 1922
The funeral of Leonard Wolfbrandt, who
died Tuesday in a hospital in Edwardsville, was held from the
Pentecostal church today at 2 p.m. The funeral sermon was
preached by S. A. Rayborn, who is in charge of the church, while
the pastor is in Mattoon. Burial was in the City cemetery.
WOLFBRANDT, OSCAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 27, 1901
Oscar Wolfbrandt, the 13 months old
son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Wolfbrandt, died at the family home on
Shields street yesterday afternoon. The funeral will be Saturday
at 2 p.m. from the home, and services will be conducted by Rev.
Theodore Oberhellmann.
WOLFBRANDT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF MARTIN/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 18, 1909
Woman Burned to Death - Coal Oil
Responsible
Mrs. Martin Wolfbrandt, aged 27, a wife of
about a year, was burned to death and her father, Henry Fenger,
aged 80, was seriously burned, Monday morning at 8 o'clock at
the Wolfbrandt home in an alley between Second and Third
streets, and just off Monument avenue. A three months baby,
Katie, was saved uninjured. Mr. Fenger was Mrs. Wolfbrandt's
grandfather, and was here from Glassboro, N. J., on a visit. The
fatality was caused, it is supposed, by coal oil, although Mr.
Fenger insists that it was gasoline. Chief Hunt, however, is
positive that Mrs. Wolfbrandt attempted to hurry up the fire in
the kitchen stove by pouring coal oil on the fuel and that live
coals were in the stove at the time. The rooms were filled with
fumes of coal oil and the lids of the stove were off. In
addition, a new two gallon coal oil can had the bottom blown out
and was lying on its side in the kitchen. The gasoline stove was
near the cook stove, and was undamaged. The attention of
neighbors was attracted by screams of "murder, murder," emitting
from Mr. Fenger, who was running about the back yard, and Ed
Keefe and Joe Bund Sr. hurried to the scene. Fenger ran back
into the house and ran out with the 3 months old baby in his
arms. The child was uninjured and had not been aroused from its
slumber by the noise. The old gentleman ran back into the house,
crying aloud for his granddaughter, and when he got inside he
fell in a huddled heap in a corner of the room. He was carried
out by Messrs. Keefe and Bund. The body of Mrs. Wolfbrandt
burned to a crisp was found in the front room of the house by
Chief Hunt of the fire department, and removed to a neighbor's
house where it remained until taken possession of by the
coroner. Mr. Fenger says he was in bed when he heard the shrieks
of his granddaughter, and without waiting to don any clothes he
rushed into the kitchen. He tried to envelope her with a blanket
and smother the flames, but failed to hold her and his own
clothing caught fire. Mrs. Wolfbrandt ran into the front room
where she fell dead. After being given emergency treatment by
physicians, the old gentleman was removed to St. Joseph's
hospital. He was badly burned about the hands, face, abdomen and
knees, and is believed to have inhaled a large quantity of smoke
and oil fumes. He came here about three weeks ago to visit his
granddaughters, Mrs. Martin Wolfbrandt and Mrs. Emil Wolfbrandt,
the brothers having married sisters. The family moved into the
house but a short time ago. It belongs to Leo Wahl and was
damaged to the extent of about $1,000 by the fire. The
Wolfbrandt furniture and furnishings are a total loss. The
little girl Katie, who was carried sleeping from the house, was
taken to the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wolfbrandt,
who live in the former George Gray property in the North Side,
and the remains of Mrs. Wolfbrandt were taken to the undertaking
rooms of Coroner Streeper in Upper Alton. An inquest will be
held this evening. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon
at 2 o'clock from the home of her father-in-law, 2004 State
street, and services will be conducted by Rev. E. L. Mueller.
WOLFORD, DETER S./Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1861
Civil War Soldier
The death of Deter S. Wolford of Alton is
announced as having occurred in the hospital at Cairo, on last
Tuesday inst. Mr. Wolford was a member of Captain Tucker’s
Company, and at the expiration of his three-month’s service
re-enlisted. He held the position of Drum Major, and leaves an
interesting family to mourn his death.
WOLFORD, EMILY FLETCHER/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 23,
1841
Died, on the 21st inst., Emily Fletcher, daughter of
Albert G. and Julia Wolford, aged 1 year and 10 months.
WOLFORD, LEONORA AMELIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1841
Died, on Monday morning last, after a few hours' illness,
Leonora Amelia, daughter of Mr. A. G. Wolford, of this city,
aged 4 years.
WOLTEMADE, MAMIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 25,
1916
Wife of Albert J. Woltemade Dies After Giving Birth
Mrs. Mamie Woltemade,
wife of Albert J. Woltemade, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John
Elble, died Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital in Alton at
7:30 o'clock. She had been staying with her parents in Alton
since April. Monday morning she was taken to the hospital and at
noon she gave birth to a fine, large, healthy son. Soon
thereafter she went into convulsions and death followed the next
morning. The death of Mrs. Woltemade was a sad shock to her
large circle of friends in Alton. She had been a frequent
visitor at her parents' home since her marriage. For a number of
years she had made her home at Lincoln, Neb. She was a good
mother to her little family of children who are left motherless
by the closing of the life of the young woman. Friends and
relatives say they do not believe that Mrs. Woltemade had any
idea that her illness would prove fatal and no one realized
until Saturday that there was any danger of any complications in
her case. Mrs. Woltemade was the oldest daughter of her parents.
She was born in Alton April 6, 1883, and was 33 years of age.
She was married October 26, 1905 to Albert J. Woltemade. She was
known for her personal beauty and her gracious manner, and she
was loved by many Alton people for her many good qualities. She
leaves beside her husband, her three children, Jack, aged 5
years; Margaret, aged 2 1/2 years; and the infant. She also
leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Elble, one brother,
Benjamin Elble, and one sister, Miss Nettie Elble. The funeral
will be held Thursday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's
Church and burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
WOOD, ANDREW/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, August 28,
1896
Andrew Wood died at his home two miles south of
Troy, Tuesday morning [Aug. 25] at 8:50 o'clock, having attained
the age of 79 years, 1 month and 28 days. The funeral took place
yesterday at half past ten from the late residence to the
Cantine cemetery. W. P. Bradshaw, of this city, gave a
biographical sketch and paid an elegant tribute to his dead
friend, after which Rev. A. T. Sanders, of Pawnee, delivered the
funeral discourse. The pallbearers were: Ignatius Riggin, R. C.
Morris, T. H. Beli, Joseph Renfro, John Smith and Henry Ri?ser.
Andrew Wood was the son of Samuel Wood, a native of Virginia,
and Naomi Renfro, who was born in Tennessee. He was born in this
vicinity, in Jarvis township, July 2, 1817 and for nearly three
score years had made his home where he died. His father died in
the county in 1850 and two years later his mother passed away.
He spent his whole life on the farm and it was one of honest
toil, truthfulness and devotion to all that makes a man himself
better, and his fellow men love and respect him. In religion he
belonged to what was known as the Primitive Baptist church, a
religious society noted for its piety and strict adherence to
morality. Politically he believed in the principles of
democracy. Mr. Wood was twice married. His first wife was Eliza
Keown, to whom he was joined in August 1857. They had nine
children, four of whom are living, viz: Elizabeth, wife of Henry
Park; William E.; Emley F, wife of Jordan Tilly; and John E.
Wood. The mother of the children died April 2, 1869. He married
Mrs. Pricilla Ross in 1872 and she died in February 1893. He
leaves besides his children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great
grandchildren. For the last five or six years Mr. Wood had been
an invalid and for three years has been cared for by his devoted
daughter-in-law, Julia E., wife of John E. Wood, and her careful
attention and interest in his comfort is the highest tribute to
her Christian character. Mr. Wood, by his activity, amassed a
competency in early life and enjoyed the contentment that
follows this position. He closed a life of useful toil,
respected and beloved by all who knew him.
WOOD, AURORA BARTLETT (nee FOSTER)/Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 24, 1906
Daughter of Oliver Foster
The
burial of Mrs. Aurora Wood, Sunday, at Woodburn, Illinois, marks
the closing of the career of one of Madison County's oldest
residents. She was born in Oxford County, Maine, September 5 or
6, 1811, and came west with her parents, who drove in a wagon
from the State of Maine to Alton, arriving here in the year
1819. Mrs. Wood's parents were Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Foster. She
was married on December 5, 1840 to Jonathan Lucas Wood, and
moved to a farm at Woodburn, where she lived 66 years and died.
She lived with her son, Reuben Oscar Wood. She was the widow of
Jonathan Wood, who died in 1887.
Mrs. Wood's personal
history would be an intensely interesting one. One incident of
the declining years of her life was her reunion a few years ago
with her brother, Michael Foster, after a separation of over
forty years, after he had been declared legally dead because of
his failure to return and write to his relatives. His property
was administered upon after he was declared legally dead, twenty
years after the estate was first taken into court, and the
property was divided up among Foster's heirs. Mrs. Wood, with
her living sister and the surviving heirs of her deceased
brothers and sisters, who participated in the division of his
property, have compensated him by taking care of him and giving
him a home in his declining years. Mr. Foster was not, however,
in need of any other assistance than that which might have been
given to a brother, as he was very well fixed financially after
his absence of forty years in Arizona.
Mrs. Wood leaves
one sister, Mrs. Rosa Jinkinson. The funeral conducted Sunday
afternoon at the Woodburn Baptist Church was a large one, and
was attended by a large number of relatives and neighbors of the
aged woman. She was buried in the Woodburn Cemetery, Macoupin
County, Illinois.
NOTES:
Aurora Bartlett Foster Wood
was the daughter of Oliver Foster, whom Fosterburg is named
after. According to Find A Grave, she first married in 1832 to
Henry Gauswelling, and then on December 5, 1840, she married
Jonathan Lucas Wood. Aurora died July 19, 1906.
Jonathan
and Aurora Wood had three children – Reuben Oscar Wood
(1845-1925); Thomas Granville Wood (1848-1901); and Frederick F.
Wood (1851-1873). They are all buried in the Woodburn Cemetery
in Macoupin County.
WOOD, BEN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 3, 1901
The death of Ben Wood, the 18 year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Wood, occurred last evening at the family home in North
Alton. He was employed at the glass works and was well known in
a large circle of friends. Sixteen days ago he was taken ill
with typhoid malaria, and did not improve. The last two days his
condition was so grave that all hope was given up. The funeral
will be Friday morning at 9 o'clock, and services will be at the
family home in North Alton.
WOOD, BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 18,
1902
Pioneer Resident of American Bottoms
Benjamin Wood, aged 92,
died Wednesday at his home near Nameoki after a long illness
from the effects of old age. Mr. Wood was one of the oldest and
wealthiest residents in the vicinity of Nameoki. He had lived
there nearly all his lifetime and was one of the best known of
the oldest residents of the American Bottoms. He was one of the
oldest members of the Masonic order in Madison county, and was a
member of Triple lodge of Venice. Dr. H. T. Burnap went to
Nameoki this noon to conduct the funeral services this afternoon
at 2 o'clock according to the Masonic ritual. Mr. S. B. Gillham
of Upper Alton also attended the funeral. [He is buried in the
Odd Fellows Cemetery in Granite City, IL.]
WOOD,
CORNELIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1907
The funeral of Miss Cornelia Wood will be held tomorrow morning
at 10 o'clock from her late home, the old Wood homestead at Wood
station.
WOOD, GEORGIA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 25, 1909
Mrs. Georgia Wood, wife of James Wood,
died this morning at the family home on Jefferson avenue, aged
38. She had been ill many months with tuberculosis. She leaves
beside her husband, four children, two girls and two boys. She
leaves also two brothers and one sister. The funeral
arrangements have not been made.
WOOD, HOMER/Source: The Alton Evening Telegraph, Thursday, June
22, 1899
Fifteen Year Old Falls Down Shaft of James Mine
Homer Wood, the fifteen years old son of Mrs.
Isom Wood, of Bethalto, was instantly killed in a shocking
manner, Wednesday morning at 8:30 o'clock. He fell down the
shaft of the James mine, a distance of 76 feet, and struck on
the floor of the cage, breaking through the two inch planking in
the bottom, and falling through to a pool of water 2 1/2 feet
deep. When the lad was picked up he was quite dead and must have
died instantly. An examination of the body showed he had broken
his back, both legs and arms in many places. The exact
circumstances could not be learned or how the young man came to
take the fearful fall. Al James was hoisting water at the mine
and turned from his work just in time to see young Wood plunge
headlong down the shaft. The body was at once taken out and
Coroner Bailey notified. A jury consisting of Squire Piggott,
George A. Klein, Fred Mutz, Al Greaves, Benjamin Picker, and Ed
Cooper was impaneled and a verdict of accidental death was
found. Homer was fifteen years of age, and was the oldest son of
his widowed mother, Mrs. Laura Wood. He was a promising lad and
his terrible death is deeply mourned by all the community. He
leaves, besides his mother, a brother and sister. The funeral
will be Friday morning at 10 o'clock from the Bethalto M. E.
church.
WOOD, ISOM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1904
Farmer in the American Bottom
Isom Wood, aged 74, died Monday morning at his home one mile
below East Alton. He leaves two sons and two daughters to mourn
his death. Mr. Wood was one of the oldest and best known farmers
in the American Bottom, and had been ill two weeks with
pneumonia. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from
the home of the deceased.
WOOD, J. W. /Source: Alton Telegraph, October 25, 1900
Succombs to Injuries From Gas Explosion at Godfrey Water Pumping
Station
J.
W. Wood, assistant of the C. & A. agent at Godfrey, and a well
known young man, died Wednesday [Oct. 24] from injuries he
sustained one month ago in a gasoline explosion in a room under
the engine at the Godfrey water pumping station. At the time he
was burned, Mr. Wood was not thought to be seriously injured,
although he suffered great shock and was in a bad condition. The
details of the accident have never been published. Wood was
acting agent at Godfrey in the absence of the regular agent,
Walter Sloan, whose duty it is to run the engine that is used
for pumping water from the pond to the C. & A. water tank. The
engine is ran with gasoline, and it is necessary for the
operator to fill the tank with gasoline occasionally. It is
supposed that in doing so Wood spilled some gasoline and that it
ran through the floor to a room below where dripping water from
the engine is collected. The water is carried off to another
room through a pipe and the gasoline floated off with it.
Underneath the engine room is a room where are the valves that
shut off the water going to the tanks. The tank became full, and
Mr. Wood took a torch to go down to the room to shut off the
water. The room was full of the fumes of the gasoline and as
Wood entered he probably placed the light near the end of the
escape pipe leading from the other room. There was an explosion
and the gasoline in the room where Wood was took fire. For half
an hour he was obliged to stay in the room leaning against the
walls to protect himself from the fire before he recovered from
the shock sufficiently to escape. When he came out he was badly
burned about the face and arms. The burns have healed up, but
the shock caused heart failure and he had been in a critical
condition several weeks before his death. Mr. Wood had been
operator at Godfrey seven years and was highly esteemed by all
who knew him. He leaves his wife and one child, aged 16 months.
WOOD, LOUIS D./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
5, 1902
Civil War Veteran
Louis D. Wood, aged 74 years, a well known Grand
Army man, died at his home in North Alton, Thursday evening,
after a long illness of dropsy of the heart. He was twice
married and six children by the first wife survive him. These
are Mrs. Sarah Murphy, and Frank, Oliver, James, John and Will
Wood, all of Alton. The funeral will be Saturday morning at 9
o'clock from the home, and services will be conducted by Rev. M.
W. Twing of the Baptist church. Interment will be in the Upper
Alton cemetery, and the funeral will be conducted by the Grand
Army Post of Alton, of which deceased was a member.
WOOD, MARY E./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21,
1903
Mrs. Mary E. Wood, widow of Louis Wood, who died
suddenly Sunday in Madison, was buried this morning, the funeral
taking place from the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charles
Russell, at Ninth and Piasa streets, Alton. Services were
conducted by Rev. M. W. Twing of the Alton Baptist church, and
interment was in Oakwood Cemetery beside the grave of her
husband. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Pierce of
Godfrey township, and an almost life-long resident of this
locality.
WOOD, RICHARD T./Source: Alton Telegraph, September 29, 1865
Died in Alton, September 25h, Richard T. Wood, aged 35 years.
The funeral will take place tomorrow morning, at 10 o’clock,
from the residence of Charles W. Dimmock. Friends and
acquaintances are invited to attend without further notice.
WOOD, ROBERT/Source: Alton Telegraph, December 7, 1893
Bethalto News – Mr. Robert Wood, one of the oldest, if not the
oldest native born citizen of this county, died at his late
residence on Mill Street Tuesday night at 10:30 o’clock, in the
77th year of his age. He had been sick for nearly a year, so
that his death was not unexpected. In life he was an upright,
inoffensive and quiet man, and much respected by all who knew
him. Two sons and a daughter mourn his death. The funeral took
place from his late residence at ten o’clock Thursday morning,
Rev. Mr. Bert of the Baptist Church officiating. The remains
were laid to rest in the Bethalto Cemetery beside his wife, who
proceeded him in death July 26th, 1884.
WOOD, SARAH S./Source: Alton Telegraph, June 17, 1843
Died, in Upper Alton, on Thursday last, after a lingering
illness of 12 years, which she bore with Christian fortitude,
Mrs. Sarah S. Wood, late consort of Mr. Richard Wood, aged 43
years. She has been a pious and exemplary member of the Baptist
Church for the last 23 years. In the various relations of life,
in which it was the lot of this worthy woman to be called to
act, it may be truly said of her that she sustained a character
void of offense towards God and towards man. As a wife, a
mother, a member of society, and a Christian, she so sustained
herself thro' all, as to render her last moments full of that
hope which awaits the Christian in the trying hour of death. A
distressed husband and three children, with a large circle of
friends, mourn her departure from among them.
WOOD, WILBUR/Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, August 8, 1873
Died on July 25th at Wood Station, Madison County, of cholera
infantum, Wilbur, infant son of S. F. and Emma H. Wood, aged 1
year, 8 months, and 17 days.
WOODS, ELIZABETH/Source: The Alton Daily Telegraph, November 29,
1889
Died - Woods - In this city, Thursday, a 4:30 p.m.
Mrs. E. J. Woods, mother of Mrs. J. W. Flint, age 60 years. The
funeral will take place tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 7 p.m.
from the Methodist parsonage. Friends and acquaintances are
invited to attend.
Saturday Evening Telegraph, Alton,
Illinois, Saturday evening, November 30, 1889
The funeral of
Mrs. Elizabeth Woods, mother of Mrs. J. W. Flint, took place at
2 p.m. today from the Methodist parsonage, Sixth street, Rev. J.
A. Scarritt officiating. Deceased was born in St. Clair Co. Ill.
Sept. 2nd 1829. Died Nov. 28th 1889, so that she journeyed on
earth a little more than an even three score years. The last
decade of her life was passed in widowhood. Two children have
preceded her to the spirit world. Two daughters and one son
remain to mourn the loss of an affectionate and exemplary
Christian mother. Her early religious life was passed in
communion with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Later she
united, by removal, with the M. E. church , in which connection
she remained, highly esteemed, until transferred to the upper
fold. For many months she has been in poor health. In October
she came to this city with the family of Rev. J. W. FLINT, and
soon took her bed and patiently suffered. In readiness and
longing for her change. Her daughter and family, though
comparative strangers, have the deep and sincere sympathy of
many friends.
WOODS, R. FRANK/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 17,
1914
Well Known Expressman
R. Frank Woods, the well known expressman, died
suddenly at his home on Lawton avenue in the North Side at 9:30
o'clock Thursday night. Mr. Woods retired about nine o'clock and
fell asleep. A half hour later he awakened coughing, and a few
minutes later called to his wife, "Send for a doctor. I am going
to die quick." Mrs. Woods sent for Dr. Watson, but Woods was
dead when the physician arrived. He had ruptured a blood vessel
in his throat and the rupture caused him to bleed to death. The
deceased was 53 years of age, and has been a resident of Alton
for twenty-five years. He was in the livery business where the
Seibold stable is now located at Fourth and Piasa streets,
twenty-four years ago. The last few years he has driven a small
express wagon. He leaves besides his wife, two sons, Lewis F.
Woods of Coffeyville, Kan.; and Ferdinand B. Woods of Alton. Mr.
Woods also leaves four brothers, James and John of Alton; Oliver
of East St. Louis; William of Oregon; also one sister, Mrs.
Charles Hamilton of Alton. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen
and the Owls. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the family home, services to be conducted by Rev. W. T.
Cline, and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.
WOODS, LUCY MARIA/Source: Alton Telegraph, August 3, 1849
Died of cholera on Tuesday morning, the 31st ult., Mrs. Lucy
Maria Woods, wife of Mr. John C. Woods. Mrs. Woods was born at
Bath, New Hampshire, October 18, 1809; married June 4, 1831; and
after residing about two years at Matamoros, Mexico, removed
with her husband to Alton in the Spring of 1837. Here she has
since resided. The deceased was a professor of religion in
connection with the Presbyterian Church. She experienced
religion in early life, and has ever been an intelligent,
devoted, laboring, and most useful Christian. She has fallen in
the midst of her days and usefulness. But she will not be
forgotten. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
WOODS, SUSIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 6, 1916
Susie Woods, aged about 50, colored, died suddenly at her
home 1106 Union street, at 9:30 o'clock last evening. She had
been in the best of health during the day, and was taken ill
only a few minutes before her death. She is survived by a
husband and three children. Mrs. Woods was a prominent member of
the A. M. E. church, and was well known in the eastern part of
the city where she has lived for many years. The funeral
arrangements have not been completed.
WOODS, UNKNOWN WIFE OF GEORGE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 27, 1906
The funeral of Mrs. George Woods was held
this morning from the family home in penitentiary plat. Services
were conducted by Rev. Mr. Otey, and burial was in City
Cemetery.
WOODSIDE, MATTHEW/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, Thursday,
March 16, 1899
Car Repairer With C. & A. Railroad
Mr. Matthew Woodside died at 6 o'clock
last evening at the home of Mr. Charles Freeman, Twelfth and
Alby streets, with whose family he has lived for many years. Mr.
Woodside has been sick all winter with the grippe, and was
unable to withstand its debilitating effects on the system. He
was a native of Scotland, and came to Alton in 1854. Since that
time, he has resided in Alton, with the exception of a few years
he lived in Missouri. Mr. Woodside was an employee of the C. &
A. [rail]road for thirty years, serving the road in the capacity
of car repairer until three years ago. In all his work he was
faithful and was respected by all acquainted with him for his
many good qualities. He was an Odd Fellow. The order will attend
the funeral and conduct the services at the cemetery. Of his
immediate relatives only a brother and sister survive him. The
brother lives in Colorado. His wife died twenty years ago, and
there were no children. The funeral will take place Friday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from Mr. Freeman's residence.
WOOLDRIDGE, CHARLES AUGUSTUS/Source: Alton Telegraph, June 8,
1849
The infant son of Mr. Thomas P. Wooldridge and Elizabeth
Wooldridge of Alton, sank into the arms of death on Saturday
morning after a short but painful illness from cholera. He was
about 18 months of age.
WOOLDRIDGE, EDWIN AUGUSTINE/Source: Alton Telegraph, August
7, 1846
Died on Saturday the first instant, Edwin
Augustine, infant son of Thomas P. and Elizabeth Wooldridge,
aged 2 weeks and 6 days.
WORDEN, ELIZABETH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
10, 1917
Widow of Capt.ain Jones Worden of Upper Alton Dies
Mrs.
Elizabeth Worden, widow of Capt. Jones Worden, and for many
years a well known resident of Upper Alton, died Sunday night at
9 o'clock at the home of her son, Dr. Frank Worden in the North
Side, where she had been making her home. Death was due to old
age. Mrs. Worden was 88 years of age. She was born in Sandusky,
Ohio, Sept. ?, 1829. She came to Alton when a young woman and
all the remainder of her long life she passed in Upper Alton.
She leaves two sons, Dr. Frank Worden and Grant Worden, both of
Alton. Mrs. Worden was a member of many years standing in the
Upper Alton Presbyterian church, and the funeral will be held
Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from that church. Burial will be
in Oakwood cemetery.
WORDEN,
JOHN CHARNOCK (COLONEL)/Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer,
February 12, 1895
Namesake of the Village of Worden; Store
Owner
Colonel John C. Worden, after whom the village of
Worden is named, had an apoplectic stroke Thursday afternoon at
half past four o'clock, which terminated in his death Saturday
morning [Feb. 9] at 11:30 o'clock. Colonel Worden was born near
Preston, Lancashire, England, June 24, 1834, and was at the time
of his death 60 years, 7 months and 15 days old. He emigrated to
the United States in 1848 and spent the following six years in
the East. His first employment was on public works in Albany. A
year later he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of
blacksmith, and attended night school at Schenectady. His next
occupation was boating on the Erie Canal. During the winter, he
attended Whitestown Seminary. He purchased a half interest in a
canal boat and afterwards operated a brickyard, and finally in
1853 became clerk in a store in Mohawk, New York. During the
winter that followed he taught school, and in December 1854 came
to Madison County where he was given a position as clerk in a
general store owned by his aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth Sandbach. He was
so well pleased with this country that he returned to England in
1856 and induced his mother to come here with him. He then
taught school for several terms in the St. Louis and
Moultonville, Illinois, public schools, after which he again
entered his aunt's store.
In July 1865, he purchased a
store in New Hampton [now part of Worden], which town was
afterwards included in the corporation of the village of Worden,
being named so in honor of Colonel Worden. After a successful
career in business he disposed of his stock in 1871 to accept
the position of station agent for the Wabash railroad. This
position he held until 1878, when he resigned and retired from
the business.
Colonel Worden was well and favorably
known throughout Madison County. To his public spirit and
enterprise more than any other cause, is due the building up of
the flourishing village which bears his name. He has repeatedly
been honored with positions of trust by the people and always
discharged his duties to the best interest of his constituents.
In 1860 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff. For eleven years he was
postmaster. He also filled the office of Justice of the Peace
and school treasurer for several terms. Colonel Worden was
married November 26, 1867 to Miss Virginia J. Weaver, who died
in September 1881, leaving a family of two sons and two
daughters, Bernice, John P., George B., and Virginia E. The
funeral occurred this afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal
South Church, at Worden, and was largely attended. The services
were conducted by Rev. R. F. Killgore, the Evangelist, who is
holding revivals there. The deceased was a prominent Mason, a
member of Staunton Lodge No. 177, under whose auspices the
ceremony was conducted. [Worden is buried in the Worden City
Cemetery.]
NOTES:
According to the Centennial History
of Madison County, 1912, John Lamb, a native of Tennessee,
settled in the future area of Worden at an early day. A sawmill
was constructed southwest of Lamb's homestead, and a post office
was established called Lamb's Point. During the Civil War it was
a recruiting station for the Union army. In 1857 the station was
moved to the home of Hampton Wall. In 1860 Mr. Wall laid out a
town and called it New Hampton. He also established a store
there.
In 1854, John Worden came to the county and
engaged in business. In 1867 he purchased the store of Mr. Wall
and his real estate holdings, and laid out an addition north of
the New Hampton plat. In 1870 the Decatur and East St. Louis
railroad, later the Wabash, was built through the place, and the
name Worden was given to the station in recognition of Mr.
Worden's activity in furthering the community. Worden was
railroad agent, postmaster, deputy sheriff, and held other
positions of trust.
WORDEN, JONES (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
April 6, 1909
Riverboat Captain
Capt. Jones
Worden, 93 years old, one of the few nonagenarians of Upper
Alton, died a few minutes before noon today at his home in Upper
Alton. Capt. Worden was 93 years old last January. He had been
in very good health for a man of his advanced age until last
December when he fell and fractured one of his hips by stepping
out upon the brick walk which was icy. The accident was a fatal
one to the old river man, although he showed wonderful vitality
in withstanding it as long as he did. When Capt. Worden suffered
the accident, it was generally believed that on account of his
great age he could not recover, but his remarkable constitution
and vitality prevailed, and he suffered the worst effects of it
and had commenced to get better. When his birthday came, and the
Odd Fellows call and spent the evening with him, he was greatly
encouraged and brightened. The last few days his strength began
to fail, and his relatives became convinced that he could not
last much longer. Capt. Worden was an old Mississippi river man,
and was engaged in river traffic throughout the Civil war and
many years before. The last twenty-five years he has been
retired from active life and lived very quietly. He leaves
besides his aged widow, two sons, Dr. Frank Worden of North
Alton, and Grant Worden of Upper Alton. Capt. Worden was in
former years very active in politics in Madison county and
especially in Upper Alton, where he was very influential. He
always took a great interest in all the elections, even in his
advanced age, and he was always anxious to see his home town
advance. He was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in the state, and
had been a member of the order almost sixty years. His son,
George Worden of St. Louis, died a year ago. Funeral
arrangements have not been made.
WORTHEY, SINAH/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
26, 1921
Mrs. Sinah Worthy, wife of Harry Worthy, died
this morning at 7 o'clock at the family home, 1215 Rodemeyer
avenue, after an illness of eleven months from dropsy. Mrs.
Worthy leaves beside her husband, two daughters, Rosetta and
Addielee. She leaves also her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex G.
Richmond, one sister, Mrs. Prudence Schmidt, of Alton, and two
brothers, Charles Richmond and Frank Smith. The funeral will be
held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the First Baptist
Church and after services there the body will be taken to
Melville for burial.
WORTMANN, HENRY A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December
10, 1909
Henry A. Wortmann, aged 38, died Thursday
evening at his home near Fosterburg, after a long illness from
cancer. He leaves his wife and one child, and was married just
three years. He was a farmer and was born and raised in Foster
township. His father is John Wortmann, and his mother is now
Mrs. Ferdinand Rammes of Upper Alton. He leaves also a sister,
Mrs. Minnie Shores, in Kansas. Mr. Wortmann lost one of his arms
a number of years ago in a corn shredder. He served as assessor
of Foster township for seven or eight years, and retired from
office a year ago. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon
from the home to the German Methodist church, the cortege to
leave the home at 1 o'clock.
WRAY, JOHN W./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30,
1907
Confederate Soldier; Associate in Drummond
Tobacco Company
In speaking of the death of John W. Wray in
St. Louis, a former resident of Alton, who will be buried here
Tuesday afternoon, the Globe-Democrat today said:
"One
more fell out of the ranks of the organization of Confederate
veterans yesterday morning when John W. Wray, well known in
Alton and St. Louis business circles for forty years, died at
the Missouri Baptist Sanitarium after an illness of five months,
aged 74 years. Mr. Wray served in the Second Missouri Regiment,
Confederate States Army, up to the battle of Shiloh, in which he
was shot and left for dead on the field. He was picked up by the
Union Hospital Corps, recovered and remained a prisoner of war
until its close.
In 1866 he became interested in the
tobacco business in Alton, and was associated with James T.
Drummond and John N. Drummond, whose sister, Emma C., now
deceased, he married the same year. The Drummond Company removed
its factories to St. Louis in 1880, and Mr. Wray continued with
the company until its sale to the American Tobacco Company
several years ago was negotiated.
The deceased leaves
two surviving children Charles H. and John E. The funeral will
take place Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock from the family
residence at 4375 Washington Avenue. Interment will be private
and will take place at Alton."
NOTES:
The Drummond
Tobacco Company was founded in Alton in 1861, and in 1880 moved
to St. Louis. John Wray became associated in the business (in
what way I don't know), and married the sister of James and John
Drummond, founders of the company. Wray moved to St. Louis when
the company moved there. His remains were brought back to Alton
and buried in the Alton City Cemetery.
WREN, JOHN P./Source: Alton Telegraph, April 8, 1864
Died
at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, Monday morning, April 4, John
P. Wren of Spring Hill, Ohio, aged 28 years. An earnest
Christian, he was thus ear5ly been called from earth to the
reward of the righteous in Heaven.
WRIGHT, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November
10, 1917
Mrs. Catherine Wright, wife of Samuel Wright,
died at her home on Mather street in the North Side, Saturday
morning at 6 o'clock, after an illness which began last June,
soon after the birth of her last baby. Mrs. Wright had been
bedfast all the summer and had been in a very sad condition,
owing to the claims which her large family of little children
made on her. The oldest of the children is 15, and the youngest
is about 6 months old. The mother's case was recognized as a bad
one from the very start, and it was realized that little could
be done for her except to make her easier. Kind neighbors and
the community nurse lightened the dying mother's anxieties about
her family as much as possible. Mrs. Wright would be 40 years of
age next March. The funeral of Mrs. Wright will be held Monday
afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Free Methodist church.
WRIGHT, DAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 27,
1904
Notorious Desperado Killed in Self Defense
Dan Wright, probably the most
notorious desperado in this part of Illinois, was instantly
killed Friday night by a charge of buckshot fired into him by
Lawrence Slaughter, a well thought of colored man, who was
defending his own home and family against the intoxicated
desperado. The load of shot lodged in Wright's right shoulder
and neck and he fell, his hand clutching a knife in his pocket
which he was trying to draw "to cut the throat" of Slaughter.
Wright had been paying attention to Slaughter's daughter, Sarah,
aged 15, and the girl had repeatedly spurned his proposals of
marriage. Slaughter also refused Wright admission to the house,
but being much small in stature could do little to prevent the
physical giant having his own way in the house. Thursday night,
Wright called at the Slaughter home and persisted in forcing his
attentions on the girl. Finally, when she persisted in refusing
him, Wright pinned her against the wall with one powerful arm
and with the other struck her a blow in the face that nearly
rendered her unconscious. The father is weak from rheumatic
trouble and had no ammunition in the house to use in his
firearms. Wright left the house vowing to return the next night
to fix them. Slaughter bought some powder and buckshot, loaded
up two old army muskets and a revolver, and laid in wait for
Wright behind locked doors. Wright came back according to
promise, very drunk and noisy. On the street car he was
insulting and abusive to passengers and was evidently looking
for trouble. He went straight from the street car to the
Slaughter home and there demanded admission. He was begged to go
away peaceably, but Wright insisted on entering, saying he would
cut Slaughter's throat and would run him out of his house.
Slaughter then told his daughter to throw open the door. She did
so, and the father brought his gun into position for action.
Wright, holding a knife in one hand, was advancing through the
door. As he was on the threshold, Slaughter fired and Wright
fell dead outside the house. Slaughter gave himself up to
Constable Harry Streeper, and the Alton police would not even
lock him up. He was allowed to stay in the police station all
night. There is real relief in police circles that Wright's
career is ended. He was notoriously bad, an ex-convict, and had
a reputation for looking for trouble. Slaughter was visited in
the detention room at police headquarters last night and
congratulated on his work in killing Wright. Presents of money
were made him and offers made to procure him anything he desired
in the eating and drinking line. Wright was so generally
recognized as being a "bad man," that his taking off is looked
upon as a blessing by those who knew him best. Deputy Coroner C.
N. Streeper said this morning he will hold an inquest over
Wright's body tonight. There is little doubt that the jury will
render a verdict of justifiable homicide, as all the evidence
obtainable indicates that Slaughter killed Wright in
self-defense. Until exonerated by the jury, Slaughter is being
detained at police headquarters. There is considerable talk of
raising a fund to be presented to Slaughter, as he is suffering
from rheumatism and unable to work at present.
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 22, 1904
Clay Osborn, a young Upper Alton negro, has written a song
entitled "Poor Dan Wright, the Brave Man is Gone." Osborn has
had his production printed in the shape of a small hand bill and
is offering it for sale about town. The song includes about
fifteen verses, and the writer is now endeavoring to have it set
to music.
SLAYER OF DAN WRIGHT WAS
HOODOO VICTIM
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9,
1906
With his mind almost wrecked with worry over having
been compelled to kill Dan Wright, a notorious negro character
who died with his boots on in Upper Alton several years ago,
Lawrence Slaughter, a negro resident of Upper Alton, died last
night. He claimed that he was a victim of a hoodoo and that he
was being haunted by Dan Wright's ghost. At times during his
illness, he would become wildly excited and would start fighting
an imaginary foe with terrific vigor. Physicians said that
Slaughter died from dropsy, but people who knew him well say
that his bad health was the result of a physical breakdown from
worry. It will be remembered that Dan Wright, a notorious and
dangerous negro character, was slain by Slaughter in Upper Alton
while Wright was trying to force entrance to Slaughter's house
to kill him. The career of the bad man, suddenly ended by
Slaughter, was so bad that Slaughter was hardly even taken into
custody. He was held at police headquarters in Alton after
surrendering himself, but was fully exonerated the next morning
and the police and other Alton people who knew Wright well were
disposed to raise a fund for his health. Indeed, a cash bonus
was started and a number of people voluntarily walked into the
police headquarters and gave him money, ostensibly to aid in his
defense, but really as a thank offering for killing Wright.
Slaughter never did recover his peace of mind, although fully
justified and he imagined that the ghost of Wright was haunting
him and only waiting for vengeance.
[Daniel
Wright is buried in the Milton Cemetery, and Lawrence Slaughter
is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. According to the
Telegraph, August 28, 1906, the "colored population" of the Salu
area of Upper Alton was very superstitious, and some would never
go around Slaughter's home after he killed Dan Wright.]
WRIGHT, HELEN M./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 5,
1914
Widow of Capt. William Wright
Mrs.
Helen M. Wright, widow of the late Capt. William R. Wright,
veteran of the Mexican and Civil wars, and who marched out of
Alton when he went to each one of these historic fights, died
last night at 8:20 o'clock at the home on Clawson street in
Upper Alton. Mrs. Wright was past 84 years of age. She had been
in a bad condition for the last three months. Mrs. Wright had
enjoyed fairly good health in her old age, but she had a fall in
her home last fall that eventually resulted in her death
Wednesday night. She had been very low several times during the
last few weeks, but she exhibited wonderful vitality and clung
to life. The past two days she was unconscious from weakness,
and the end was expected when it came. Mrs. Helen M. Wright had
lived in Upper Alton 72 years. She was a member of the Upper
Alton Baptist church 64 years, and is said to have been the
oldest continuous member of that church. She joined the church
64 years ago, and was a member continuously the remainder of her
life. She was born in Pulley Valley, N. Y., and came to Alton
when 12 years of age and has lived here ever since. She leaves
three children, Frank Wright, Mrs. Hattie E. Belle, and Mrs.
Bertha E. Wightman, all of Upper Alton. She leaves a brother in
California, whose whereabouts is unknown, and she also leaves a
number of great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home, and will be conducted by
Rev. G. S. Beckwith, pastor of the Baptist church. Warren P.
Keck, a grandson of Mrs. Wright, telegraphed he would arrive in
Alton Saturday night to attend the funeral.
WRIGHT, LATHY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1900
Upper Alton News - Mr. Lathy Wright, a former resident of
Upper Alton, died at Edwardsville yesterday. He will be buried
here. His mother and some other relatives live here. The body
will be brought from Edwardsville today. The funeral services
will be held Friday.
WRIGHT, LIZZIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 16, 1918
The funeral of Mrs. Lizzie Wright, whose death occurred
yesterday morning, will be held at her home on Amelia street
tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.
WRIGHT, LUCY (nee HART)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 20, 1901
Daughter of Alton Physician B. K. Hart
"She hath chosen that good part which
shall not be taken away," was said of a woman by the Son of God
while upon the earth. Thursday morning Mrs. Lucy Hart Wright,
wife of Charles L. Wright, died after a lingering illness in the
fullness of faith and strong in hope of a fruition in a brighter
and happier clime. Mrs. Wright, the daughter of the late B. K.
Hart, Alton's beloved physician, was born in this city, and grew
to womanhood amid a circle of friends who cherished her
friendship and delighted in being of the number whom she chose
as her friends. She married in early young womanhood Charles L.
Wright, with whom she lived 35 years - a union of happiness and
marital felicity in which she passed the years without
apparently becoming old. Of high principle, that could not be
swerved from the right, her life was an example to all. Her work
and labor of love for the church and Sabbath school (the
Presbyterian) of which she was a member was constant and
fervent. Her labors in the community in which she lived were a
benediction. She had almost from its inception been a director
and officer in the library association so long conducted by the
ladies of Alton. She was a most liberal contributor to the
association, and her presence in the board and efforts for its
maintenance will be greatly missed. Mrs. Wright was one of the
women whom the quotation with which this article begins, could
be aptly applied to. She chose her course early in life, adhered
to it during all the years of her pilgrimage here with firmness,
and a hopefulness that nothing dimmed. Her loss to her husband
will be a sad one, for she was a devoted wife. Her only sister,
Mrs. O. S. Stowell, survives her. To the husband and sister
their many friends offer their sincere condolence on their loss.
The funeral will take place tomorrow from the family residence
at 2 o'clock p.m.
WRIGHT, MARTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 9, 1907
Mrs. Martha Wright, colored, aged _0 [unreadable, but may be
80], died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dates, 1012
Bloomfield street, this noon, from old age. She will be buried
Sunday morning at 9 o'clock. [Burial was at City Cemetery]
WRIGHT, SHED/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 15,
1902
Upper Alton News - Shed Wright, an aged colored man
who has lived here for 35 or 40 years, died this morning.
WRIGHT, UNKNOWN WIFE OF MASSEY Q./Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 23, 1911
Lived 75 Years in Upper Alton
Mrs. Massey Q. Wright died at 5:30 o'clock this
morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. E. Dixon, on
Bostwick street, after a lingering illness from the effects of
old age. She was born July 4, 1823, and would have been 88 years
of age had she lived twelve days longer. Mrs. Wright had lived
in Upper Alton about seventy-five years of her life. She was
born in West Virginia, but when four years old went to St. Clair
county, Illinois, with her parents. In 1833, when her parents
died, she was taken to Upper Alton by her uncle, L. J. Clawson,
in whose family she lived until her marriage to Jesse Wright,
November 9, 1843. Three years of the time, in the seventy-eight
since she first began to live in Upper Alton, she spent with one
of her daughters at Alsey, Ill., at the time the mother broke up
housekeeping. She was the mother of nine children, five of whom
survive her: Mrs. Helen McGlasson of Alsey, Ill., Mrs. Harry
Bundock of California, Mrs. S. E. Dixon, John Wright, and Miss
Mattie Wright of Upper Alton. About fifty years ago she united
with the Baptist church and continued a member all her life. She
lived to see almost all of her old friends buried. The funeral
will be Sunday at 2 p.m. from the Dixon home, 212 Bostwick
street.
WRIGHT, WILLIAM R. (CAPTAIN)/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 15, 1911
Veteran of Mexican and Civil War
Capt. William R. Wright, in his 84th year, died Tuesday
afternoon at his home in Upper Alton from the weakness of age.
The brave soldier who served his country in the Mexican and
Civil wars, and on his return to private life was a good
citizen, has long been in a decline. His principal trouble
appeared to be a weakness in his legs which made it difficult
for him to get about, and he required assistance in moving
around. Notwithstanding his weakness, Capt. Wright was one of
the most enthusiastic of those who gathered at the recent
reunion of Col. A. F. Rodgers regiment in Alton, last fall, and
he took a ride on the river with his former comrades, although
it was hard for him to keep pace with the others. His mind was
clear up to within the last two weeks, and then, troubled with a
malady such as had fallen upon his old friends, Rev. S. B.
Taggart, who had been taken ill shortly before Capt. Wright, he
became helpless, and for a week he was regarded as being in a
dying condition. He had been much interested in the case of Rev.
Mr. Taggart, with whom he had been a close friend, and it was a
strange coincidence that he too should be stricken after his
friend and would pass away before him. Capt. Wright was born in
Gallitan, Tennessee on April 5, 1826, and would have been 85
years old had he lived until the first of next month. He came to
Illinois with his parents three years later in 1829, and located
in the vicinity of Upper Alton. He has been a resident of this
vicinity ever since, and he was one of the early settlers in
Alton, and could always tell interesting stories about the early
days in Alton. He was married July 2, 1848 to Helen M. English,
and his widow survives him. Besides his widow, Capt. Wright
leaves three children: Mrs. Hattie E. Bell, Frank E. Wright, and
Mrs. S. A. Wightman. After the death of his father, Capt.
Wright's mother married again, her last husbands name being
Miller. Two daughters by this union survive, half-sisters of
Capt. Wright. They are the Misses Ellen and Kate B. Miller of
Upper Alton. Mrs. Miller, mother of Capt. Wright, died at her
home on Main street about fifteen years ago. Capt. Wright was
distinguished on account of having been in two wars, the Mexican
and the Civil wars. He had a splendid war record, and it was the
greatest delight of his life. He had a wonderful memory and he
loved to talk with his old friends of war times and to relate
his adventures of those exciting days. He marched out of the
little town of Upper Alton to the Mexican War when a small boy,
and his mother always said that when she saw William march away
she bade him good bye forever because she never expected to see
him again. However she lived to see him march away to another
war. He served one year in the Second Regiment Illinois
volunteers in the Mexican war. He was in the famous battle of
Buena Vista February 22 and 23, 1847, which was the principal
fight of that war. Col. A. F. Rodgers and John Diamond of Alton
are the only survivors of the Mexican war in this vicinity since
the death of Capt. Wright. Several years ago Capt. Wright wrote
a short sketch of his career as a soldier in which he mentioned
several incidents of the Civil war. He was a member of the 80th
Illinois during the Civil war, and according to his own sketch
of his life, he was in the battles of Perryville, Tennessee,
Milton, Tennessee, was on the raid with Col. A. D. Straight
through Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, was in six fights
with Forrest and Wheeler, and was compelled to surrender to
Forrest on May 3, 1863, and was held a prisoner of war for a
year following. Later he was captured and held a prisoner at
Libby for 22 months. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon
at the residence on Clawson street, and burial will be at
Oakwood Cemetery.
WUERKER, ADOLPH H./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October
25, 1913
Adolph H. Wuerker, aged 56, died Friday evening
at his home, 311 Prospect street, after many years of intense
suffering. Mr. Wuerker had been in better condition Friday than
for some time, apparently, and the collapse that resulted in his
death was extremely unexpected. It was known, however, that he
was in a bad way, and had been for some time, and it was not
believed that life would last much longer, though there was no
indications of immediate dissolution. He had been a constant
sufferer for many years. He was born in Alton, the son of
Christian Wuerker, now at the age of 89, who survives his son. A
few days ago the father celebrated his birthday and the son was
one who seemed to enjoy the most of the birthday anniversary.
About 5 o'clock Friday afternoon, Adolph Wuerker was taken very
much worse and his death followed a short time afterward. He was
in business in Alton for 22 years, succeeding his father. Ill
health forced him to retire from active business pursuits in
1906. Mr. Wuerker was educated in the Alton public schools and
the college at Jacksonville, Ill. He was a member of the
Unitarian Church. Mr. Wuerker leaves beside his father and his
brothers, Carl Wuerker of Alton, and Otto of Los Angeles, his
wife and two children, Miss Cora Wuerker and Adolph Wuerker Jr.
The funeral services and burial both will be private, and
friends are asked to omit flowers. The services will be held
Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the home on Prospect street.
WUERKER, FRED/Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1897
Mr.
Fred Wuerker, an old and well known resident of Alton, died very
unexpectedly Friday eve., about six o'clock, at his home, 408
East Second street. Some time ago Mr. Wuerker suffered an attack
of hemorrhage of the lungs, and he has been in very poor health
since. Yesterday afternoon he went to his shop on State street,
and about 5 o'clock started to walk home, complaining of feeling
sick. When near Hotel Madison he had to take a street car,
although only a few blocks from home. Arriving at home he was
placed on a bed, but continued to grow worse, sinking rapidly
until death came at six o'clock from heart failure, caused by
another hemorrhage. Mr. Wuerker was 70 years of age, and leaves
a wife, three daughters, and one son. For many years he has been
engaged as a gun and locksmith in Alton.
WUERKER, CHRISTIAN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 30,
1915
Proprietor of Saddlery in Alton
Christian Wuerker, in his ninety-first year, died at
his residence, 311 Prospect street, Thursday evening at 7
o'clock, after a long period of helplessness due to old age. His
death had been expected for some weeks as he had been confined
to his bed for months and unable to be out of his home for a
longer time. He had been very low for several days. Mr. Wuerker
was born in Mahlen, Saxony, Germany, October 21, 1824. He left
his native land when still in his young manhood for St.
Petersburg, Russia, where he worked at his trade of saddler in
the employ of the government, remaining there several years. He
returned to his old home in Germany, where he remained for a
short time, and then came to America. The sailing vessel on
which he was a passenger required thirteen weeks for the trip.
He landed at New Orleans in the forties. In 1848 he left New
Orleans, not because of a cholera epidemic there, and he came to
St. Louis, but because he believed there were better trade
possibilities in Alton. He came here after the great fire in St.
Louis in 1849. During the California gold excitement, Mr.
Wuerker, with his brother, Frederick, outfitted many expeditions
to California with guns and small arms to make the trip across
the plains. He resumed his regular trade of saddlery, however,
and he conducted a business in Alton successfully for over fifty
years. Mr. Wuerker was married in St. Louis in 1856 to Magdalena
Lutz. Their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated in 1906.
during Mr. Wuerker's long career in Alton, he has witnessed the
steady progress of the place he loved and was always interested
in its development. He was a Mason and a Knight Templar of many
years standing, and until ill health forbade he was a faithful
attendant at lodge meetings. His aged wife died before him, and
since that time he was given the most devoted attention by his
children and grandchildren. The death of his son, Adolph, was a
sad blow to him. He leaves two sons, Otto Wuerker of Los Angeles
and C. A. [Carl] Wuerker of Alton. During his long career in
Alton, Mr. Wuerker won the respect and esteem of all who knew
him. He was a good citizen, a kindly gentleman, and a man who
never forgot the little courtesies he felt he owed to others,
even when his great age made it difficult for him to render
them. The funeral from the family home tomorrow afternoon at 2
o'clock will be under Masonic auspices.
WUERKER, MAGDALINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1909
Wife of Christian Wuerker
Mrs. Magdaline Wuerker, wife of Christian Wuerker, died
Saturday evening at the family residence, 2311 Prospect street,
after an illness that began nine months ago, but has been
serious for about three weeks. She is survived by her husband,
who is 85 years of age, and with whom she had lived as a
faithful and devoted wife since they were married fifty-three
years ago. During the illness of his aged partner in life, Mr.
Wuerker was constant in his attendance upon her, and from the
time that it became apparent that her days could not be many
more, her husband stayed at her bedside and could be induced
with difficulty to leave her long enough to take the air and
exercise that his great age demanded to maintain his own health.
Their life had been a singularly pleasant one together, and the
death of Mrs. Wuerker is a sad shock to the aged gentleman who
is thus left without the one who had for so many years been his
counselor and comforter. Mrs. Wuerker was born in Wuertemberg,
Germany, August 27, 1829. Practically her entire life, since
coming to America, has been spent in Alton. She was married in
St. Louis May 8th, 1856, and immediately took up her abode here,
where she has lived ever since. She celebrated her golden
wedding three years ago with a family reunion. In fact, the
family reunion feature was a chief characteristic of Mrs.
Wuerker's and her son, O. O. Wuerker of Los Angeles, rarely ever
failed to attend these annual meetings. Being thoroughly devoted
to her family her every thought was for their welfare and
happiness. Always charitably inclined, her kind deeds, though
unostentatious, will linger a long time among her friends. Mr.
Wuerker's loss is indeed great in losing such a faithful and
devoted wife. Their many years of wedded life covering a period
of over fifty-three years has witnessed many changes in Alton's
development from a village to its present proportions. Mrs.
Wuerker leaves beside her husband, three sons, Adolph H., Otto
L., and Carl A. Wuerker; also one brother, Mr. Henry Lutz, who
is the sole survivor of that family. Mr. Otto Wuerker is on his
way from Los Angeles, where he is engaged in business and is
expected here tomorrow morning, in time to attend his mother's
funeral. The funeral will be held from the home in private
Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, Rev. E. L. Mueller officiating.
WUTZLER, AL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 30, 1912
Proprietor of Former Faulstich Cigar Store
Al Wutzler, aged 40, died this morning at 11:20 o'clock at
his residence, 638 Spring street, after a long illness with
locomotor ataxia. Mr. Wutzler was taken very ill on Christmas
day. He had long been suffering from a malady which he knew to
be incurable, but he managed to be up and around and attended to
his business affairs until Christmas day, when he was forced to
give up. His condition became rapidly worse from that time until
the end came Monday morning. Mr. Wutzler had been conducting the
cigar store formerly owned by Mayor Faulstich on Second street,
for some time. He was doing a prosperous business and was making
a name for his brands of cigars. He was a member of a well known
Alton family. His mother, Mrs. August Wutzler, lived with him.
He leaves beside his wife and one child, one brother, H. A.
Wutzler of Alton, and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Schumann and Mrs.
Lena Johnson.
WUTZLER, AUGUST/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 15,
1911
Stone Mason & Contractor (Built the Foundation of Hotel
Madison)
August Wutzler, one of the old German
residents of Alton, died at his home on Spring street Wednesday
morning at 7 o'clock after an illness of several months. He was
72 years of age last November, and had resided in Alton 39
years. Mr. Wutzler was born in Letzendorf, Saxweinner province,
Germany, and at forty years of age emigrated to this country,
coming directly to Alton. He was a stone mason and contractor by
trade, and handled many building contracts in the city. He built
the foundation of the Hotel Madison, and this was one of the
last big contracts he handled. Four children, two sons and two
daughters, survive. They are Herman A. and Albert Wutzler of
Alton; and Mrs. Lena Johnson of Muskogee, Okla.; and Mrs. Emma
Schneemann of Elyria, Ohio. A brother, Henry Wutzler, a
venerable resident of the North Side, also survives and is still
active at the age of four score and eight years. August Wutzler
was well known among the older residents of the city and was
highly respected. His kindly salutation to all men he met made
him many friends, who will regret to learn of his death. Mr.
Wutzler was affiliated with the German Evangelical church, and
the funeral will be held from that church, the time to be
announced later.
WUTZLER, BERTHA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 13, 1903
Miss Bertha Wutzler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry
Wutzler, after a long and painful illness with cancer died
Sunday morning. She was born September 11, 1868, in the same
room in which she died, and she is the eighth of the nine
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wutzler to pass to the Great
Beyond. She was a good woman in every sense of the word, and no
one in all her life had anything but words of warm commendation
for her. Whenever Bertha Wutzler's name was mentioned, the
original topic of conversation was followed by good words for
her. She was a good, loving daughter, and her death leaves her
aged parents completely prostrated. Besides her parents, she
leaves a brother, Benjamin Wutzler, an uncle, Herman Wutzler,
and several cousins in Alton. The funeral will be Tuesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be in City Cemetery.
WUTZLER, J. HENRY/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 30,
1913
Suicides by Hanging on Bedpost; Former Businessman
J. H. Wutzler is dead at his home, 2617 State street, and
there is general sadness in North Side homes and throughout
Alton among those who knew him because of his passing in the
manner he did. He was found in his bedroom about 4 o'clock
Thursday afternoon by a neighbor, Mrs. Kate Elfgen, and his aged
wife. He was huddled up on the floor by the bedside, and Mrs.
Wutzler thought he had dropped in a faint. Her dim eyesight did
not detect the rope around his neck, and Mrs. Elfgen hurried her
out of the room before she did detect it. She does not now know
he ended his own life, and the fact will be kept from her as
long as possible. Mrs. Elfgen started to cross the street to Dr.
Watson's office, but met that gentleman on his way to the
Wutzler home. It had long been a practice of Dr. Watson to visit
Mr. and Mrs. Wutzler daily and chat with them for a while, but
his visit had been postponed Thursday about two hours because of
a sick call elsewhere. He cut the rope that was around Mr.
Wutzler's neck, and after placing the body on a bed, telephoned
for the coroner's undertaker. Dr. Watson says that Mr. Wutzler
had been dead probably an hour when discovered. Mr. Wutzler gave
no intimation of intending to take his own life, although
frequently in the past few years he has remarked that death was
the best thing for "old folks like me." He would have been 90
years old July 31, and he and his surviving wife were married
sixty years ago. Mrs. Wutzler is 87 years of age, and while she
is bearing up reasonably well, it is feared by her friends that
a sudden breakdown may occur as a result of the tragedy. About 1
o'clock Thursday afternoon Mr. Wutzler was talking to a
Telegraph reporter, who had a habit of dropping in the Wutzler
home frequently to talk with the old folks, and the old man said
he and his wife had decided not to abandon the store and old
home, but would remain where they had spent the last sixty
years, "what little time is left us. I don't know," Mr. Wutzler
said, "when I lie down at night whether I will be here in the
morning or not." He appeared as cheerful as usual, however, and
said he knew every foot of the house so well that his failing
eyesight did not interfere with his duties to any extent. It was
after 2 o'clock that he entered the bedroom, which adjoins the
store on the ground floor, for a nap, and he must have been
suddenly overcome with an insane desire to end his life. The
rope had a slipknot in it, and one end was tied to the top of
the bedpost and the noose end placed around his neck. He then
must have jumped off the bed and slowly smothered to death. His
feebleness caused dissolution to be hastened, the doctor thinks,
and that same feebleness is all that could have prevented
strangulation by gripping the bed with his hands and lifting
himself up a few inches. He has lived in the North Side
territory almost all of his life, being a young man when he came
to this country from Germany. For thirty years or more he
conducted a shoe store and shoe repairing shop, but for twenty
years or more has been conducting a candy and notion store in
the building where he died. Besides his wife he leaves a son,
Ben, the last of a large family of children. H. A. Wutzler is a
nephew. He was an honest, companionable, good man, and that
makes the shock of his tragic death the more severe, and the
harder to understand, except on the theory that insanity seized
him temporarily. Mr. Wutzler was a member of Western Star Lodge,
I. O. O. F., and the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home, and will be under the auspices of the
lodge.
WUTZLER, WILHELMINA/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
September 1, 1913
Widow of August Wutzler
Mrs. Wilhelmina Wutzler, widow of
August Wutzler, died at 6 o'clock Monday morning at her home,
638 Spring street, aged 76. Mrs. Wutzler's death was the result
of shock caused by the death of her son, Al Wutzler, who was
buried last New Years' Day. The aged mother grieved so over the
death of her son that she was never in good health or spirits
again, and three days ago she became bedfast. She was an
old-time resident of Alton, having lived here over forty-five
years. Her husband, August Wutzler, died two years ago last
February, and it was the death of her son, following so soon
after the death of her aged husband, that caused her health and
spirits to break down. She is survived by one son, H. A.
Wutzler, of Alton, and two daughters, Mrs. Emma Schunemann of
Elyria, Ohio; and Mrs. Lena Johnson of Muskogee, Okla. The
funeral of Mrs. Wutzler will be Wednesday afternoon at 3:30
o'clock from the family home.
WYATT, THOMAS F./Source: The Ottawa Free Trader, Ottawa,
Illinois, July 24, 1846
Mexican-American War Soldier Drowns
in Mississippi River Near Alton House
We are pained to state that on the 11th
inst., Mr. Thomas F. Wyatt, one of the volunteers attached to
Capt. Zabiskie's (late Capt. Roberts') company from Morgan
county, while bathing in the Mississippi a little below the
Alton House, was accidentally drowned. On Monday the 13th his
body was found near the mouth of the Missouri, brought to this
city, and buried with the honors of war; several of the
volunteer companies following his remains to the grave. From
those who knew him, we learn that he was an estimable and
promising young man, and much esteemed in the community where he
resided. We sympathize with his friends and relatives in their
severe bereavement.
WYCKOFF, WILLIAM A./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 18,
1900
William A. Wyckoff died suddenly last evening at 7
o'clock at the home of his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Terrell, on
Summit street. His death was due to water around the heart and
his illness was of only a short duration. He was taken ill a few
days ago, and was confined to his bed only a few hours. He was
suddenly seized with heart pains last night, and expired in a
short time. Mr. Wyckoff was unmarried, and came to Alton a few
years ago to reside with his sister. He was 61 years old. He
came to Alton from Morrisonville, Ill., but lived many years in
Jersey county. He leaves a sister, Mrs. Terrell, and three
brothers, Charles Wyckoff of Virden; Spenser Wyckoff of Delhi;
and Lieut. Barkley Wyckoff, U.S.N., who is stationed at Seattle,
Washington. The funeral will be Sunday morning and services will
be conducted in Jerseyville by Rev. H. K. Sanborne. The body
will be taken from here at 8:40 a.m. Sunday.
WYMAN,
BENJAMIN/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 30, 1908
Child of Anson Wyman
Anson Wyman today swore out a state warrant before Justice
Rose, charging that his brother-in-law, Ed Craig, beat and
assaulted him with brass knuckles. Wyman's child was dying at
the family home on Belle near Ninth street. Wyman had been
keeping vigil over his sick child at night and trying to work
day time, and was reclining in a barber chair in his shop taking
a rest. Craig entered the shop, according to Wyman, and before
he could wake up thoroughly Craig attacked him. Wyman has a bad
cut under one eye and a bad bruise under the other, which he
says Craig caused. Craig's case was set for trial Saturday
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Wyman's child, Benjamin, aged 14 months,
died this morning, and after the child's death the father swore
out the warrant. The Wyman's live back of the barber shop. Wyman
said that his sister was married to Craig and she left him, and
that Craig had blamed him for causing the separation.
WYMAN,
PAUL/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 5, 1918
Paul Wyman, aged 27, died at the family home this morning from
influenza, which he contracted a short time ago. He resided on
Long avenue with his parents, and was single. No funeral
arrangements have been made.
WYMAN, RALPH EDGAR/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24,
1920
The funeral of Ralph Edgar, four months' old child
of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Wyman, was held this afternoon from the
home, 1123 Long avenue. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.
WYSS, CATHERINE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
13, 1907
Mother of Samuel H. Wyss
Mrs. Catherine Wyss, mother of Samuel H. Wyss,
died at 9:30 Wednesday morning after a lingering illness, aged
69 years. She had suffered from a complication of diseases,
resulting in heart failure. Mrs. Wyss came to this country from
Essendor, Westfahlen, Germany, when 16 years of age, and was
therefore one of our oldest citizens. She was the wife of Samuel
Wyss who died Nov. 15, 1901. She was a daughter of the late
Henry Dietz. One son, S. H. Wyss, and one daughter, Mrs. Bertha
Strubel, both of Alton, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Hackethal of
Denver, Colo., survive her. The latter arrived from Denver on
Monday. Mrs. Wyss was an active and consistent Christian, a
member of St. Mary's church, respected by all who knew her. The
funeral services will take place at St. Mary's church, Friday,
March 15, at 9 a.m. Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery.
WYSS, MATTIE/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 24,
1912
Christmas Tragedy
Mrs. Mattie Wyss, widow of
William Wyss, aged 56, died at St. Joseph's hospital Monday
afternoon at 5:30 o'clock after undergoing a surgical operation
for the relief of a stragulated hernia resulting from some
injury that she had accidentally suffered. Mrs. Wyss had been
filled with the thoughts of celebrating Christmas. She has
planned some nice gifts for each of her children, and had even
counted in herself and had one prepared for herself, all hidden
away in the house where she could find them in time to play
Santa Claus for the family. When her condition became so bad
that it was apparent she must resort to surgery to save her
life, and even then her case was doubtful, she was unwilling to
do. It was evident, however, that she could not live unless she
did consent to the surgeon's knife being used, she finally
consented and was moved to the hospital. Her case was a bad one,
and the necessity of an immediate operation was urgent. She did
not long survive the operation. She leaves seven children, also
four sisters. Her husband died eight years ago. The funeral will
be Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the German Evangelical
church.
WYSS, SAMUEL SR./Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
November 16, 1901
Former Alton Hotel Owner
Samuel Wyss Sr., one of the oldest and
most respected citizens of Alton, after months of suffering from
Bright's disease and other ailments, died Friday evening at 7
o'clock at his home on Henry street. Deceased was a kindly man,
a genial neighbor and friend, and good father and husband. He
married Miss Caroline Dietz of this city [Alton] in 1856, and
she survives him. He was a life-long member of the German
Evangelical church, and was also one of the oldest members of
the German Benevolent Society of this city. He retired from
active business in 1883, although since that time he managed his
extensive property interests. Samuel Wyss Sr. was born in
Aarwangan, Switzerland in 1828, and came to America and Alton in
1855, and for year was a very active force in the city in a
business way. He embarked in the hotel business on East Second
street [Broadway], and continued in it for over a quarter of a
century. He was interested in other industries in a financial
way, and became possessed of a great deal of property. He leaves
besides his widow, two sons, Alderman S. H. Wyss of the Fifth
Ward, and William Wyss, both of Alton, and Mrs. Bertha, wife of
William Struble of St. Louis. The funeral will be Sunday
afternoon at 2:30 p.m. from the home, Sixth and Henry streets,
under the auspices of the German Benevolent Society. Services
will be conducted by Rev. Theo Oberhellmann.
WYSS, WILLIAM/Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 28,
1904
Brother of S. H. Wyss (President of Alton Banking and
Trust Company
William Wyss, aged 47, died suddenly from heart
disease Sunday, at his home, 632 east Fourth street. He had been
sitting in his chair with his family about him, and was reading
when he was taken with an acute attack pain in the heart and
fell to the floor unconscious. Death occurred about ___ minutes
later. Mr. Wyss was a member of a prominent Alton family and a
brother of S. H. Wyss, president of the Alton Banking and Trust
Co. He had been suffering from heart troubles for a year, and no
coroner request will be necessary as he had been under a
doctor's care. Mr. Wyss is survived by his wife and seven
children. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2
o'clock from the home.