Just some info:

Please keep in mind that I have lots of time and money invested in this project. Many of the names are family members... some a few (not usually very far) generations down the line. Others are names in my husband's family, brothers-in-laws families and my sons-in-laws families and daughter-in-laws families. Some are related to others in my family tree but not directly to me. All information I have personally gathered. I did not use any information from the Mormon Church's many sites. I have researched everything. Most photos belong to me directly, except the ones that I have given credit too.

My family lines are (note: the * are in my family tree {I still have many to mark.}) Jones, Pugh, Knowles, Prothero, Painter, Owens, Nash, Albright, Watkins, Hall, Edgerton, Willoughby, Draper, Charinsky, Aikin, Moore, Meers, Morgan, DalValley (DalVallee), Monson, Klaman, Breeden, Dora, Russell, Williamson, Arnold, Chism, Siddell, Weindenburner, Gill, Ames, Wallis, Chantos, Keller, Davis, Wilcox, Cox, Pate, Gruber, Palmer, Sullivan, Douthit, West, Butler, Reese, Balsley, Smallcomb and the list goes on.

Some folks, on this blog, are friends or friends' parents. Others are individuals that are on the same page as one of my family.

I am willing to do research for others, however I do charge for extensive research and for the cost of research items. To check in some of our local cemetery records they do charge. Birth and Death records also cost. Before I do that search I will require a deposit in my paypal account. Please ask ahead if I will be charged to help you. Also all of the articles I have, I have paid to make copies of .

Give me a Shout-out About Family History

I am not only looking for and posting my own family history, but others that I have found.



Blank lines means the individual is still living at the time that I post the article. I try not to publish any names of living individuals. This is not always possible, as some folks may still be alive and I don't know them. Sorry if I have posted a name of someone you know for sure is still living. Contact me and I will make their name a blank line.
I have the complete obit if you are related and need more information. Please state how you are related in your email.


Have Genealogy you would like to share?

Contact me at genealogist53@gmail.com



Friday, December 31, 2010

Edgerton Marriage research

I found the following marriage in a book at the Danville Public Library on Dec. 31, 2010.
The book is entitled Index to Record Sullivan County, Indiana 1850 - 1920, Vol. I, A - G
published 1940
Original records are located in County Clerk Office, Sullivan, Indiana
Edgerton, John m Anna Godwin Nov. 29, 1890 Book 9 page 277
Edgerton, Anna m Salomon Harmon no date book 9 page 435
Edgerton, Augusta m Fannie Godwin Sept 18, 1883 book 7 page 430
Edgerton, John m Anna Godwin Nov. 29 1890 book 9 page 277

Friday, December 3, 2010

William E. Douthit Obituary

William E. Douthit Obituary Danville Commercial News April 12, 1960

Ex-Resident Dies in Urbana

Word has been received by Frank Douthit of 518 South St. and Estella Sullivan of 102 Delaware St. of the death of their Uncle, William E. Douthit, 81, in an Urbana hospital at 3 a.m. Sunday.
The deceased is an ex-Danville resident, who formerly lived at 710 N. Walnut St with his parents, Eli and Sophia Douthit.
He was a retired painter and paper hanger. He had worked as a painter in the C&EI shops on E. Fairchild St. His wife, the former Fannie Compton, preceded him in death Feb. 10, 1960.

Claude Sullivan SR. Obituary*

Claude Sullivan SR. Obituary Danville Commercial News March 27, 1960

*Claude Sullivan Sr.
Services for Claude R. Sullivan Sr., 72, of 102 Delaware, who died at his home early Friday, will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the East Park Church of Christ. Billy Ringold and the Rev. Arthur Buck will officiate, with burial in Spring Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Pape Memorial Home 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Members of World War I Veterans will hold memorial services at 7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The body will be taken to the church at noon Monday.

Winifred Pugh Watkins Obituary*

Winifred Pugh Watkins Obituary Danville Commercial News May 18, 1883

Deaths.
*Watkins - in South Danville, May 11th, 1883, Mrs. Watkins, aged 67.
She was born in England and came to this country years ago, settling in Danville. She was a member of the Congregational church, a very worthy lady, and much esteemed by all who knew her. She raised a family of six children, three boys and three girls, all of whom have grown up, and are good members of society. Her funeral was preached yesterday by Rev. J. A. Griffin, in the church of her choice, in the presence of a large audience of friends and relatives. Her remains were followed by a long procession of carriages to Spring Hill. She leaves a precious memory in a good name, and a life well lived, to her children.
This obituary states she was born in England. However, more research is needed as in Census records she records her birth in Pennsylvania.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Eli Douthit... First Bicycle Police Officer*

I found this article in Danville Commercial news, July 24, 1932. There is also a picture.

*"Eli Douthit, the city's first bicycle officer, and the last member of the force of 1896 - 1897 to die. When Douthit demonstrated that an officer could cover more territory on a bike than on foot other members of the force on duty in the "sticks" were provided with bikes purchased by the city."

Monday, November 15, 2010

Harry Watkins Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Oct. 6, 1973
*Harry Watkins
Indianola (CNS) - Services will be at 10 a.m. at tge Houghton Funeral Home in Georgetown for Harry Edwin Watkins, 79, of rural Indianola, who died Friday (Oct. 5, 1073) at the Lake View Memorial Hospital in Danville.
The Rev. Ray Silver will officiate and burial will be in the Woodlawn Vemetery. Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
He was born Oct. 15, 1893, in Danville, the son of Albert and Emma Bracewell Watkins. He was married to India McMillan, who survives.
Other survivors include a son, Ray Allen of Aurora, and eight grandchildren.
A brother and two sisters preceded him in death.
A World War I veteran, he was a farmer in the Indianola area.

Mrs. India Watkins Obituary

Danville Commercial News
Dec. 4, 1978
Mr.s India Watkins
Indianola - Mrs. India A. Watkins, 83, of Indianola Route 1, died at 4:20 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 3, 1978) at Lakeview Medical Center in Danville.
She was active in the management of several family farms.
She was a member of the Georgetown United Methodist Church.
She was a graduate of Indianola High School and Brown Business College in Danville.
Born Dec. 21, 1894, in Indianola, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McMillan. She was married in St. Joseph to Harry Watkins, who died in 1973.
Survivors include a son, Ray A. of Aurora; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Houghton Funeral Home in Georgetown, with the Rev. Ray Silver officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Indianola. Visitation will be from 2 -4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Watkins, Byron J. Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Dec. 18, 1939
Former City Man Is Dead
*Byron J. Watkins
Death came to Byron J. Watkins, 48, Saturday, Dec. 16, 1939, at the home of a sister in Springfield. He had been in failing health for about two years.
Mr. Watkins operated a confectionery restaurant in South Danville for nearly 10 years, illness forcing his retirement less than two years ago. Since his illness he has spent some time with a brother, Harry, at Indianola, and a sister, Mrs. Mabel Reider, Springfield, at whose home he died.
He was a World war veteran, and also held membership in Anchor Lodge, Masons. Unmarried, Mr. Watkins is survived by his mother, Emma, and the sister, both of Springfield, and the brother of Indianola. His father, Albert, and a sister, Winnie, preceded him to death.
Funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at First Congregational Church, South Danville, the Rev. M. H. Terry pastor, assisted by the Rev. A. Teeters, officiating. Interment in Springhill Cemetery.
Body was to b e brought to Danville late Monday afternoon by Berhalter's and taken to home of Andrew C ______, 502 S. Gilbert St. S. Danville.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Grandpa's Bible

All these years I have had Grandpa's Bible. Two pages were stuck together. On the final page he has written, in his hand writing, birth and some death records. Wow what a find. It just verifies information I have already.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

I went to ...

I went to the library today and found some new information. I will be sharing it with you as soon as I have time to type it in here. I love doing research and finding new information. If you need help in finding your families past, email me, I do research for others also. (My prices are reasonable.)

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Emma Jane Douthit Obit*

The Danville Daily Press Democrat March 29, 1910
*Emma Douthit
Mrs. Emma Douthit, 35 years old wife of Elmer J. Douthit, 19 South Collett street, passed away at the home Sunday evening, March 27, 1910, at 6:10 o'clock, after about two years of poor health, consumption causing her demise.
Mrs. Douthit was born at Stone Bluff, Ind., March 20, 1875, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Jones. The family moved here when she was two months old and lived near Tilton for a long time. She united with the Tilton M. E. church in 1889 and only transferred her membership to the Grace M. E. church of this city in 1897. She was married to Elmer J. Douthit, of this city, who is employed as a Wabash car inspector, Nov. 25, 1896. The husband and three Young daughters, Helen Ester, 12; Ercel Ruby, 10, and Estella May, 8 years old, survive, as do also her aged mother, Mrs. J. E. Jones, and two brothers, John and Rich Jones, and two sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Jones and Miss Ester Jones. She was a highly regarded lady and an earnest Christian woman.
Funeral services will be held from Grace M. E. church this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, the pastor, Rev. C. E. Liston, to conduct the services, and burial will follow in Springhill cemetery.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Bertha Hall Flanagin Humphrey obituary*

From The Maryville Times, Maryville, Tennessee Jan. 21, 1998

*Humphrey, Bertha Flanagin, 86, of Maryville died Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Asbury Acres Health Center.
She was a lifelong resident of Blount County and was a member of Rocky Branch Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Oscar Roulette, John Flagagin and Harve Humphrey; step-son, Virgil Flanagin; parents, David and Ollie Hall.
Survivors include: sons and daughters-in-law, __________ of Rockford,________ of Walland, ______________of Alcoa, 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, David and _____ Hall of Maryville; and sisters, Ruby Reno of Maryville and _________of Alcoa.
The funeral will be held at 8 p.m. today in the Dotson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Benton Frank officiating. Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Cemetery for the interment service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home in Maryville.

David L. Hall Jr. Obituary*

Just a reminder, I do not name individuals I believe may still be alive.
April, 3 2001 Maryville Alcoa Times
*Hall, David L., 79, of Maryville, died Monday, April 2, at his home.
Survivors: wife, __________; son, ___________ of West Warren, Mass.; daughters, __________, ___________________ both of Worcester, Mass.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, ______________________ of Alcoa.
Memorial service for relatives, friends, and neighbors will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the family home with Chaplain Thomas Koehl officiating.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Pictures I have ...

The following pictures I have, however I do not know who they are or what family they belong to. I do know that my family had them in an old photo album. I know they must be from Tilton or Catlin Illinois. (Could be from someplace else though.) If you know these folks, can prove they are in your family, please let me know so I can see if they belong hanging on a branch of my tree. Thanks

Edna Perry

Orville Olmsted

Lucile(Lousile)and Edna Perry

Cecil Rife

Miss Perry, Rebecca Cox, Miss Cox

Maudie Burris

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Revolutionary Soldiers Buried In Illinois

I came across this book in the Danville Public Library. I looked for last names that I knew were in my tree. I found two Painters.

John Painter: served in the Virginia troops, and was paid off at Romney. He came to Williamson county, Illinois, and died there. He was pensioned. page 175

Joseph Painter was born in New Jersey in 1744. He served in the North Carolina troops, enlisting six times from 1777 to 1781, with Capts. William Bateman, John Turnbull, James Robinson, and _____ Gillyfalls; under Cols. Bateman, Hugh Brevard, James Armstrong and Wm. Davidson. He was in the battle of Ramsour's Mill and several skirmishes with the Indians. He came to Illinois with his son and settled in the town of Hutton, Coles county. He was pensioned in 1833. He lived to be over 90 years of age. Page 23

Source:Revolutionary Soldiers Buried In Illinois
by Harriet J. Walker
The Standard Printing Company
Los Angeles, California
1917

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Dolores M. Knowles Harrison Candler Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Nov. 30, 1993

Dolores M. (Harrison) Candler
*Dolores M. (Harrison) Candler, 75, of Danville, passed away at 8 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 28, 1993) at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
She was born Dec. 27, 1917, in Danville, the daughter of Floyd and Harriet Nash Knowles. She married Frederick Harrison June 21, 1941. He preceded her in death in April 9, 1971. She later married Bob Candler Oct. 3, 1987, in Danville. He survives.
Also survining one daughter _______________ of Danville; one step-son, _____________ of Bismarck; three step-daughters, _________ of Veedersburg, Ind., __________ of Danville, and ___________ of Danville; one sister, Beverly (Merle) :Balsley of Naperville; two-grandchildren, ______ of Danville and ________ of Wheaton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Harold Jack Knowles, and one son, David Harrison.
For many years, she worked for Block & Kuhl as a cashier. She was also a general manager at Illinois Bankers Life Insurance Company. In her later years, she was instrumental in the starting and running of the Danville Thrift Shop.
She was a member of Vermilion Heights Christian Church, past worthy matron of the Danville Chapter OES, past worthy high priestess of the Aschan Shrine. She enjoyed traveling, flowers, and her family.
Services: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1 at Sunset Funeral Home; Officiating Kenneth Bostwick; Burial: Sunset Memorial Park; Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials Alzheimer's Support Group, in c/o The Key Club, 1225 N. Jackson St., Danville, Ill 61832.

Laura Morgan Moore Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Oct. 19, 1942 page 4
*Former City Teacher Dead
Mrs. Laura Morgan Moore
Death came to Mrs. Laura Morgan Moore, 71, 2626 Cannon St., at 7 a.m. Monday after several years of semi-invalidism following a failure in health.
She was born Jan. 8, 1871 in Danville, daughter of Aaron and Thurzah Jones Morgan. After qualifying as a teacher she spent 15 years in that profession, serving at Lincoln and Grant Schools. After retiring from teaching she assisted her parents, who were florists and operated a greenhouse at Kimber St. and Logan Ave.
She was married to Robert Morgan on Oct. 9, 1920. Surviving are the husband, a brother Edward Morgan of Chicago, and a sister, Mrs. Josephine Phelps, of Princeton. Another sister preceded her in death. For 65 years she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she was known as a devout Christian and a diligent Bible student.
The body will remain at Berhalter Funeral Home until the hour of the funeral, to be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church, the Rev. A. F. Bremicker, pastor, officiating. Burial in Springhill Cemetery.

William F. Butler Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Oct. 8, 1955
*W. F. Butler Expires at 71
William F. Butler, 71, a resident of this community most of his life, died at 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 8, 1955) at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frances Meers of Park Forest, Ill.
Mr. Butler was born March 19, 1884, in Vermilion County.
The body is being brought to the Berhalter Funeral Home. Arrangements are incomplete.
________________________________
Danville Commercial News Oct. 9, 1955 page 37
W. F. Butler Funeral Set at Tilton
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday in Tilton Methodist Church for William F. Butler, 71, who died Saturday morning (Oct. 8, 1955) at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frances Meers of Park Forest, Ill.
The Rev. Robert Freeman will officiate, with Berhalter Funeral Service in charge. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park.
Mr. Butler was a retired clerk of the Webster Grocery Co. where he worked 30 years. Prior to his employment there he had worked as a coal miner in this area.
He was a lifelong member and active worker of the Methodist church in Tilton, where he resided until leaving to stay with his daughter about a month ago.
A life resident of this community, Mr. Butler was born March 19, 1884, in Vermilion County, the son of Samuel and Susan Graham Butler.
His wife, the former Ester Jones, and a brother preceded him in death.
Surviving are his daughter, Mrs. Meers; seven sisters, Mrs. Anna Oteham of Danville, Mrs. Pearl Kirkhart of Bloomfield,Ind., Mrs. Dorothy Carmack of Decatur, Mrs. Bess Phillips, Mrs. Ila Meade, Mrs. Ruth Koontz and Mrs. Minnie Sygmon, all of Tilton; and a granddaughter.
The body is at the Berhalter Funeral Home.

Andrew Charinsky obituary 1926*

Danville Commercial News - Sept. 28, 1926
*Westville Man is Found Dead
Coroner Dispenses with Inquest; Death Attributed To Hemorrhages.
(by Commercial News Special)
Westville, Ill., Dec. 28 - Failure to see Andy Charnisky, 62, about his home all day Monday, and the sight of a door to the enclosed porch standing partly open, aroused the curiosity of Steve Imro, a neighbor.
Late Monday evening Imro investigated and found the body of Charnisky lying inside the enclosed porch, his head on top of the coal scuttle. Hemorrhages apparently had cause death. He had suffered from them in the past and had been warned by his physician that he might die during an attack if help was not nearby.
It is believed that Charinsky died early Monday morning, just after he had built a fire. He had apparently gone to the coal shed for coal. The heating stove door had been left open and the fire had burned out.
Coroner John D. Cole, came to Westville Monday night, with Deputy Sheriff Liggett and O. W. Longenecker, assistant state's attorney, but after an investigation, the coroner gave permission for the removal of the body to the John Urbas undertaking establishment. No inquest will be held.
A daughter-in-law resided with the aged man. She is Mrs. Julia Kocavar Charnisky. With her four children and two brothers, John and Andrew Kocavar, she had gone to Springfield to spend Christmas with her father, John Kocavar. They made the trip by automobile and were expected back Sunday night, but had not arrived Monday night.
One son of the deceased, Andrew Jr., was taken to the state hospital in Kankakee a year ago. There are two other sons: Joe Charinsky, Philadelphia, Pa., and Steve Charnisky, Lorain, Ohio. Mr. Charnisky's wife died several years ago. He had been a resident here for 30 years.

Lillian Loraine Alte Weidenburner Obituary*

Danville Commercial News --- Dec. 18, 1996
*Lillian Loraine Weidenburner
Lillian Loraine Weidenburner, 87, of Danville, passed away at 8:35 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 15, 1995) at USMC, Sager campus.
She was born Aug. 29, 1909, in Kentland, Ind., the daughter of John and Mary Etta Smith Alte. She graduated from Alexander High School in 1926. After graduation, the family moved to Danville, where she entered Utterback-Brown Business College. She was employed as a secretary for several law firms and was later appointed fuel oil rationing clerk for the Vermilion County Office of Price Administration.
She married William W. Weidenburner, on Oct. 15, 1944. He preceded her in death. Survivors include: two sisters-in-law, ___________ of Bismarck and _____________ of Joliet. She was preceded in death by her parents.
She was a member of Second Church of Christ Kum Double Sunday School Class and the church choir.
She was also a member of the Vermilion County Home Extension, Amos Corner Unit, AARP, and Pleasant Meadows Christian Village Auxiliary in Chrisman, where she did volunteer work.
She was also an in-service volunteer at Lakeview Medical Center.
Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center; Officiating: Daniel Overdorf; Burial: Sunset Memorial Park; Visitation: One hour prior to services at the funeral home.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Andrew Charnisky Obituary*

Danville Commercial News - July 31, 1984
*Andrew Charnisky
Services will be at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Danville for Andrew J. Charnisky, 61, of 1614 N. Gilbert. He died at 12:04 a.m. Monday (July 30, 1984)at University Hospital in Indianapolis. He had been a patient five weeks.
The Rev. Thomas Shea will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Barrick & Son Funeral Home, with a parish wake at 7 p.m.
The family has requested that memorials be in the form of contributions to the Heart Fund.
He was retired after 32 years as a civil service employee at Chanute Air Force Base. A World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps, he was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and a past member of the Vermilion Fishing Club.
Born Feb 22, 1923, in Westville,Ill., he was the son of Andrew and Julia Kochvar Charnisky. He was a graduate of Georgetown High School. He married _____________ in Danville. She survives.
Others survivors include a son, _______________ of San Diego, Calif.; a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Jean) Galloway of Danville; three sisters, ___________ of Georgetown, Mrs. Julia Klaman of Oakwood and __________________ of Westville; a half-brother, _______________ of Georgetown; and three grandchildren.

Jennie Morgan Murray*

Danville Commercial News Dec. 31, 1920 pg. 12
*Mrs. William Murray
Funeral services for Mrs. Jennie Morgan Murray, wife of William H. Murray, contractor, will be held at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon from the First Church of Christ. The body will be taken to Greenwood Cemetery for Internment.
_________________________________
The Danville Morning Press, Jan. 1, 1921
Mrs. Jennie Morgan Murray
The funeral of Mrs. Jennie Morgan Murray, wife of William H. Murray, 703 Chandler Street, will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the First Church of Christ, West Seminary Street. The pastor, Rev. A.F. de Gafferelly, will officiate and the burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Daniel S. Jones Obituary*

Danville Commercial News - July 29, 1969
*Daniel Stewart Jones Sr., 75, of 901 Chandler, died at 12:40 p.m. yesterday (July 28, 1969) in Lake View Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient since last Friday. He had been in ill health several years.
Born Jan. 31, 1894, in Tilton, he was a son of Charles A. and Elizabeth Winifred Jones Jones. His schooling was in Tilton.
Mr. Jones was a retired car inspector and had been employed at the Western Brick Co.
He was an Army Veteran of World War I.
He was married Dec. 11, 1919 to Mary Holman, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, _________ of Norfolk, Va.; a daughter, Mrs. Melvin (Margaret) Hathaway of Danville; two brothers, Ernest C. Jones of Allen Park, Mich., and Weldon A. Jones of Attica, Ind.; two sisters, Mrs. Zelva Erickson of Villa Park, Ill., and Mrs. Wilma Carr of Attica; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, two brothers and a grandson.
Mr. Jones was a member of the Tilton United Methodist Church and a former member of the American Legion. His hobbies were raising flowers and following all sports.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Pape Memorial Home. The Rev. John W. Kennedy will officiate. Burial will be in Songer Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday.

Weldon Jones Obituary*

Danville Commercial News Feb. 10, 1973
*Attica, Ind. - Weldon "shorty" Jones, 71, of Attica Route 1, died at 3:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 9, 1973) at his home. He had been ill for 11 years and seriously ill for three weeks.
Born Sept. 23, 1901 at Tilton, Ill., he was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Jones.
He married Elizabeth Jackson on March 8, 1926 in Attica. She survives.
He had been a resident of Attica for 20 years and had previously lived in Indianapolis 32 years where he owned and operated a tavern.
He attended school at Tilton and was a member of the Attica Christian Church.
Survivors also include two sons, ________ of Zionsville and ________ of Indianapolis; two sisters, Mrs. Paul (Wilma) Carr of Attica and Mrs. Zelva Erickson of Oak Park, Ill.; a brother, Ernest Jones of Allen Park, Mich.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three brothers.
Services will be at 2 p.m. EST Monday at the Dale Maus Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harry C. Randolph officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Elizabeth Benedict Hall obituatry

Maryville Enterprise Wed. Nov. 19, 1958

Charity Fowler Hall Obituary

Maryville Enterprise, Aug. 29, 1956

Harry Hall Obituaries*

Maryville Enterprise Aug. 19, 1951
*Hall, Harry D., died at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Blount Memorial Hospital. Survivors: widow, Mrs. Sylvia Gunter Hall; two daughters, __________ , ___________; son, ______________; three sisters, Mrs. John Flanagan, Mrs. Raymond Reno of Walland, ____________ of Alcoa; three brothers, Sam, Alcoa; Clyde, Knoxville; David, Massachusetts; grandmother, Mrs. Florence Russell, Maryville.
The funeral was held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Alcoa First Baptist Church with burial in Clark's Grove Cemetery. Mr. Hall was an employee of the Aluminum Company of America.
_____________________________
The Daily Times, Maryville, Tennessee Thursday, August 16, 1951
Hall, Harry D., 38, died Wednesday 3 p.m. at Blount Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Sylvia Gunter Hall; two daughters, ______________ and ___________; one son, __________; three sisters, Mrs. John Flanagin and Mrs. Ruby Reneu of Walland, and ___________ of Alcoa; three brothers, Sam Hall of Alcoa, Clyde of Knoxville and David Hall of Massachusetts; grandmother, Mrs. Florence Russell of Maryville. Funeral services Saturday 3 p.m., First Baptist Church of Alcoa. Burial at Clark's Grove Cemetery. The body will be removed from McCammon-Ammons to the home, 663 Cherry St., Alcoa, at 3 p.m. Friday and will be taken to the church one hour before services.

Harry Hall Death Certificate*

*Harry Hall Death Certificate

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Hickman Pictures

Howard Hickman


Frank Hickman


Asa Hiram Hickman


Alva Robert Hickman

My source for the pictures and the information about them is: Book: Fighting Men of Illinois - an Illustrated Historical Biography compiled from Private and Public Authentic Records - Vermilion County Edition
Call numbers at the Danville Public Library: Ill; 923.57736; FIG
Location: Archives room
Edited and Published by S. C. Bartlett
Chicago, Ill
Copyright: 1918

Some pics of interest*


*D. Stewart Jones


Bert Hill


*Arista V. Kerby


*Roy D. Bracewell


*Harry Edwin Watkins


*Frank Klaman


Clarence J. Depke


*Bryon J. Watkins

My source for the pictures and the information about them is: Book: Fighting Men of Illinois - an Illustrated Historical Biography compiled from Private and Public Authentic Records - Vermilion County Edition

Call numbers at the Danville Public Library: Ill
923.577365
FIG
Location: Archives room

Edited and Published by S. C. Bartlett
Chicago, Ill

Copyright: 1918

Sammie K Hall Obituary*

Maryville Alcoa Times July 1, 1985
*Hall, Sammie K, 62, Wright Road, Alcoa, died Sunday at the family home. He was a member of the Laborers Union for 16 years and an employee of Tipton and Reynolds Construction for 18 years.
Survivors include: daughters; _______________, of Alcoa, ________________ of Knoxville, ________________ of Maryville; four grandchildren; brother David L. Hall, Brimfield, Maine; sisters, Bertha Flanagan, Walland, Ruby Reno, Maryville, ___________ of Alcoa.
Graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Old Piney Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today at Smith Mortuary. Memorial donations may be made to the Blount Memorial Hospital Hospice Program.

(Note: I know that Uncle Sam had a son by another marriage. I do not know any other information about the son.)

Clyde Hall Obituary*

Maryville Alcoa Times Oct. 7, 1963

*Hall, Clyde, 49, North Wrights Road, Alcoa, died at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Survivors: wife, Mrs. Jennie Hall; daughters Miss Barbara Ann and ________, both of Alcoa; six sons, ________, of United States Army, _________, __________, ___________, Danny, and _______, all of Alcoa; brothers David Leon of Massachusetts, Sam of Maryville; three sisters, Mrs. John Flanagan of Walland, Mrs. Raymond Reno of Maryville, _______ of Alcoa. Funeral was held Sunday with interment in Clark's Grove Cemetery.

Ruby L. Reno obituary*

Please note that anyone I that I know is still alive I will draw a line in place of their name (s).

Maryville Alcoa Times, Dec. 11, 1998

*Ruby L. Reno, age 80, of Maryville, died at 11:20 p.m. Friday Dec. 11, 1998 at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Reno; parents, Dave and Ollie Hall; brothers Sam, William, Clyde and Harry Hall; sister Bertha Flannagan.
Survivors: _____________________
Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m., Monday, Dec. 14, 1998 in the West Chapel of Smith Mortuary with Rev. Gary Simerly officiating. Interment will be following the service at Grandview Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 unitl 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec 13, 1998 in the West Chapel, Smith Mortuary, Maryville, 983-1000.

Ruby Hall married*

*Ruby Hall married Raymond Reno on April 10, 1937. They were married by John L. Law - Justice of the Peace in Blount County, Tennessee. Lic. # 1239 Book 27 page 1239. It was recorded by E. A. Walker on May 14, 1937.

Monday, August 9, 2010

I just came back...

I just came back from a great genealogy/family trip. I will post information in the next few days. I need to get some much needed rest.
I will be back at our local library tomorrow doing more research. Oh how I wish I was retired so I could do this all the time.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I have more information, but first...

I have more information, but first I thought I would start a discussion on how to begin in genealogy or the study of family history.

Searching for information on your family could be hard, especially if you have decided to start near your retirement age. (I started over 30 years ago, before Internet.) I find that using a program for genealogy is useful. There is a good free one on the Internet - http://www.myheritage.com/family-tree-builder
First enter all of the information you can. Start with yourself. Then you start working backwards.
The next step is to find obituaries about individuals in your family. Go to your public library if they are local. If not go to a library that would be have the newspapers for the area of your relatives.
Go to the courthouse, check records there.
Join an ancestry site if you are real intense on genealogy.
Also your local Mormon organization could tell you where they have a library of ancestry documents that you can search. At their libraries you can use their ancestry.com site for free to search records.
Talk to relatives.
There is a great public library in Fort Wayne, Indiana that has many records. Make plans to visit there.
Go to the cemeteries where you think individuals may be buried. I take pictures of all the grave markers with names in my family. I come home, label on my computer, and then search to see if I have them in my tree. If not, I hold on to them in a folder I labeled grave markers and then I make individual folders for each cemetery so I will know where I have found it. With digital it does not cost me anything more than my time. Also some markers only have years on them and not the full date. If you need the full date because you don't know when they passed, go to the cemeteries office and they can help you.
This will get you started. Have fun.

Monday, July 19, 2010

* Nancy Louisa Wells Knowles Death Certificate - June 3, 1910

*

George W. Knowles Death Certificate*

*George W. Knowles was born June 13, 1848 in Clay County, Illinois. He was the son of Richard and Mary Wells Knowles IV. He married Nancy Louise Wells  on Oct. 25, 1869 in Clay County, Illinois. To this union were 3 children.  George passed away February 24, 1935 in Leech, Wayne County, Illinois. He is buried in Bethel Cemetery in Wayne County, Illinois.  He was 86 years old when he passed.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Great Week

I have had a great week. I went to the library and found information that has verfied information I have. It also gave me more members to add to my "Growing" tree. I also met a new relative online. She and I have been having a blast comparing notes. It is really a great feeling when you find someone new and has the passion for genealogy you have.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Ex-Inspector Of Mines Dies After Illiness - Edward Siddell*

Danville Commercial News - Sept. 21, 1948
*Ex-Inspector Of Mines Dies After Illness
Edward Siddell, 67, of 704 Harmon Ave., died about 10:35 p.m. Monday at Lake View Hospital where he had been a patient since Sept. 9.
Mr. Siddell was born in Streator Oct. 8, 1880, the son of John W. and Mary Jones Siddell. He came to this city in 1909 and had resided here since. He was married to Nell Swan on Oct. 23, 1912.
For the past eight years, Mr. Siddell had been employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital as an occupational therapy attendant. Prior to that, and for 38 years, he was a mine examiner here, serving mainly the Taylor-English mines. He was a member of the Streator Evangelical United Brethren Church.
His widow is the only survivor. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.
The body was removed to the Pape Memorial Funeral Home where it will remain for services at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Fred Payne, pastor of Lincoln Methodist Church, will officiate, with burial in Springhill Cemetery.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Mrs. Reese Dies at 92 in Arizona*

Danville Commercial News - March 6, 1955
*Mrs. Reese Dies at 92 in Arizona
Mrs. Cynthia Ellen Reese, 92, formerly of South Danville, died at 1:30 a.m. Saturday (March 5, 1955) in Phoenix, Ariz., at the home of a daughter.
Widow of the late Daniel Reese, former Vermilion County mine inspector, she left Danville in October 1954 and moved to Phoenix with her son-in-law and daughter, Herbert and Marie Hamer.
She was the youngest of eight children born to John and Catherine Reese Watkins, and was one of the founders of the Congregational Church of South Danville, where her membership remained.
Mrs. Reese was preceded in death by her husband, six brothers and one sister. She is survived, in addition to the daughter, by five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
The body is scheduled to arrive at Berhalter Funeral Home late Monday.
Other arrangements are incomplete.

CIty Grocer Dead at 59 - Ernest B. Harrison*

Danville Commercial News - July 5, 1942
*Ernest B. Harrison
Resident of Danville and vicinity for 37 years, and proprietor of Harrison Food Shop, 434 N. Gilbert St., Ernest B. Harrison, 59, 410 Chandler St., died at 5:15 p.m. Friday, July 3, 1942,at St. Elizabeth Hospital.
He was born July 27, 1882, at Streator, son of William and Mary Harrison. Surviving are the widow, Elizabeth Harrison, one son, Frederick Harrison, and two sisters, Mrs. Fred A. Carlson and Miss Anna Harrison, both of Washington D.C. He was a member of Damascus Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
Funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Callahan Funeral Home. Burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Catlin. The body will remain at Callahan Funeral Home until time for services.

James Siddell*

Danville Commercial News - Sept 20, 1940
Retired Mine Engineer Dead
*James Siddell
A retired mine engineer, James Siddell, 67, died at his home, 47 W. Vermilion St. in Catlin, at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 1940, following an extended illness.
Formerly mine superintendent for Taylor and English Coal mine south of Catlin, he retired eight years ago. Mr. Siddell was a member of Mosonic Lodge of Catlin and the Danville Consistory. Son of John T. and Mary Siddell, he was born May 26, 1873 at Garner, Illinois.
Besides his wife, Bertha Siddell, he is survived by a brother, Edward Siddell, Danville; two sisters, Mrs. Carrie Barton, Central Park and Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison, Danville.
The body is at Callahan Funeral Chapel where it will remain for funeral services at 3 p.m. Sunday, the Rev. D. C. Ellenwood of Catlin officiating. Masonic Lodge of Catlin will have charge of brief services. Burial in Oakridge Cemetery.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I have been busy

I have been busy with my research, sometimes being successful and other times hitting brick walls. I wish the newspapers would have reported deaths, marriages and births in the "old" days as they do now. Yes the paper was different back then, type setting the paper when news came in, not in page order as today. That means sometimes you have to read numerous times the same days paper. It also means that you cannot be in a hurry when you do read it. I have gone back on other days and found the information I searched for at a different time.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Finding new information

I have been busy searching old newspapers to find more information. My daughter is now into genealogy, so I have been finding information for her about family members on her husband's side.
I also was fortunate enough to find someone researching information on a family member. I had information they did not have, and I know they will have information that I do not have. This is totally awesome. I love meeting new relatives and keeping those that want the information informed of what I have found.
Off to do some more entering and cemetery searching. Post later.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Albert Jones and Clara Pate Wedding

Danville Daily News Oct. 4, 1889

At the residence of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Pate, by Rev. A. Cummings, their daughter, Miss Clara, was wedded to Mr. Albert Jones on Wednesday evening, September 24th. On the following evening a reception was given them by his mother, Mrs. Richard Jones. Both gatherings were largely attended. Refreshments to the guests and presents to the bride and groom were abundant and satisfactory.

Margaret Jones Willoughby*

*Danville Daily Democrat (IL) Jan. 21, 1908

Mrs. M. Willoughby

Mrs. Margaret Willoughby died at her home at Hillery at 9:30 o'clock yesterday morning. She is survived by her husband and three children. She was 32 years of age. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Services will be conducted at the residence.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

What does Prothero surname mean?

I did not write the following. However I have researched this and they have written most everything I have in my notes for this name. If you would like to research other names I have linked to their site for others to use.
Last name: Prothero
This notable and long-established surname is of early medieval Welsh origin, and derives from the ancient Welsh male given name "Rhydderch", a compound of the elements "rhi", ruler, and "derch", exalted. This name was borne by one of the North British rulers (flourished 590), Rhydderch Hael, called Hen, who fought with Urien, leader of the Britons in the 6th Century. In medieval documents of Wales the name is variously referred to as "Rodarchus, Rodercus" and "Rederech". The forms "Prydderch, Prytherch, Protherough" and "Prothero(e)" result from fusion of the Welsh patronymic suffix "ab, ap" with the name. In some instances, the Germanic personal name "Hrodric, Rodric(k)", from "hrod", renown, and "ric", power, replaced "Rhydderch", as a result of falsely equating the two names. An instance of the Anglicization of Rhydderch into Roderic occurs in the last century a propos of Pen Glasi, near Aberystwyth, "the present house was built by Roderic Richards, his father was Richard Rhydderch". One John ap Redragh was recorded in Caernarfonshire in 1538, and in 1581, William Prythergh, Proterugh or Protherough was entered in the Oxford University Register. On September 19th 1590, Elizabeth Prothero married a John Brown in Ludlow, Shropshire. A Coat of Arms granted to the Prothero family is a shield chequy azure and gold with a red annulet. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Treharn ab Retherech, which was dated 1292, in the "Subsidy Rolls of Cambridgeshire", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Read more: http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Prothero#ixzz0sk52moir

Addition of my own notes:
Recording of the surnames was left to people that were literate. Usually parish leaders. Variations due to the imprecise or improper recording of a name occurred for many years. The original name was Brythonic Celtic, known to the Welsh as Cymraeg. When translated to English changes were often dramatic. Sometimes spelling variations were according to the individuals job. It could be a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence or a partiotic affiliation. I have seen the name spelled in various way; Prothero, Protheroe, Prytherick, Prothers. Going through records I realise that my family line's name changed occasionally. (Not only this line, but many lines.) The name is found in Carmathenshire. This is were they held a family seat from the ancient times. Some say it goes back to the time of the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066, others say the Norman Conquest.
Many Welsh arrived in North America in the 1800s and 1900s. My direct line, grandmother, in the 1880's. (Her father was not a Prothero, her mother was.) They came her to leave the "tax man." (If you are a family member and do not know the story, contact me.) The people were seeking work, land, and freedom from the rulers of the Great Britain continent.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

AGGHHHHH

I went to the library today. Find little information. I was only there two hours and then my hubby had read all the magazines he likes so he was ready to go home and eat. I did find some information that verified other information I had found. I will be going back on Tuesday as it looks like rain for Tuesday - Friday. Oh goody, that means I will be more likely to go do this than to want to sit outside and do nothing.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Watkins Tombstones

These are the pictures of Watkins Tombstones that I have.


Ellen H. 1879 - 1963; Charles R. 1876 - 1954; Frances S. 1911 - 1997


Charels D. 1918 - 1973

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Going to the Cemetery tomorrow -- Monday the library for more research.

I plan to go to the cemetery early tomorrow morning. I have some graves I want to try and get pictures of the headstones and to locate. I will post headstones pictures after I get back and after church. That means I will be going as soon as they open the gates.
I will take pictures of more peoples other than my direct relatives, only because I would like to think that I have helped someone else find someone they have been searching for.
So check back tomorrow for more headstone information.
On Monday I will be going to do more research on obituaries. I have many people who have died here in the area that I am not sure where they are buried and the obituaries many times will tell. I love reading the old newspapers because they give you other information like who is visiting who, who is going on vacation, who just got back from vacation, and many more fun things. Because of this kind of information I am thinking of starting another blog on information of whose doing what. Be looking forward to some followers of the new and this blog. Don't be shy to follow me, as I don't care who you are, if I can find information you need and want, you are welcome to it. Just please give me credit for the research.

Bracewell Tombstones*

*The following pictures are a few of the Bracewell Tombstones that I have found.


Lela 1904 - 1991 and Roy D. 1895 - 1969


James L 1838 - 1902 and Mary 1839 - 1925


William 1848 - 1933; Emily Jane 1853 - 1924; Rosa Bracewell Crandall 1874 - 1901


Edith S. 1907 - 1977 and Harold A. 1906 - 1993

Some more Grave Markers*

*Smallcomb - John and daughter Adelia. John was born April 22, 1829 in Wales. He married Sarah Jones in Wales. She is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Evans Jones. He passed August 28, 1877 in Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Sarah and John's daughter Adelia was born Jul 31, 1874 in Danville, Illinois. She passed July 17, 1900 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. They are buried in Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinos.


*William A and Maria Morgan are the parents of Aaron Morgan.  William was born Jan. 6, 1816 in Wales. His wife Maria Moses was born April 4, 1808 also in Wales. William passed Jan. 12, 1871 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Maria passed September 22, 1889 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. They are buried in Spring Hill Cemetery near their son Aaron and daughter-in-law Thurzah Jones Morgan.





*Josephine Morgan Phelps. Josephine is the daughter of Aaron and Thurzah Jones Morgan. She was born November 20, 1870 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.  She married Harry P. Phelps. She and Harry Divorced in the 1920's.  Josephine passed in  Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois April 22, 1945 and was brought back to Danville for burial in Spring Hill Cemetery. She was the mother of one son, Calhoun Phelps.



John T. Smallcomb. This is the original marker for John. It marks the actual burial site of his body.


Harry H. Harrison. Harry was born January 26, 1875 (74) to Theodore and Elizabeth Dye Harrison. He passed April 12, 1949 and is buried in Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinos. He is not related.

My research continues

Have you ever thought of all the information you can get from the cemeteries? I go to the local ones and search for individuals that I know are buried there. While I am there searching I find that I run across more names and individuals that could belong in my tree. Sometimes they fit, sometimes they don't yet, sometimes they probably never will.
I am always surprised with the information I find.
The folks in the offices usually will help you find more information. Who all is buried, when they were buried, plot numbers, internment dates and who originally purchased the plots.
I have not been to the cemeteries much this week, between storms and family visiting, I have not had the time to do what I love to do. (I love having my family more than walking around the cemeteries, but I have a goal to reach and sometimes it seems I don't have the time to do it.)
I will be posting pictures that I have taken and the information about the grave markers. I have found that a few of my family members do not have grave markers, therefore the only information is what I can get in the office.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Mrs. Ellen Watkins*

Danville Commercial News March 15, 1963
*Mrs. Ellen Watkins
Mrs. Ellen Watkins, 83, of 1212 N. Walnut St., died at 4:35 p.m. Thursday (March 14, 1963) in Lakeview Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient seven weeks.
She was the mother of Miss Frances Watkins, a Danville High School, and the widow of Charles Watkins, a prominent building and savings and loan executive here for 50 years. He died in 1954.
Mrs. Watkins had been a resident of Danville 68 years and had taught school 13 years at Hooton, Grant and Garfield schools. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church 45 years and formerly was active in its women's groups.
She was a charter member of Danville Chapter 854, Order of the Eastern Star, the Vermilion County Historical Society, the Auxiliary of Athelstan Commandery 45, the Thirty-Third Wives Assn., and the Danville Chapter, Past Matron & Past Patron Club. She formerly was a member of the Danville Woman's Club and the Roselawn Garden Club.
Born March 23, 1879 in Cardonia, Ind., she was the daughter of the Rev. James and Eliza Osborne Hayes. She was a graduate of Danville High School and attended Eastern Illinois State Teachers College at Charleston. She was married to Charles R. Watkins on Sept. 16, 1903, in Danville, and had resided at the Walnut St. address 39 years.
She was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers in addition to her husband.
The body is at the Barrick & Son Funeral Home where friends may call from 7-9 tonight.
Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Barrick & Son, with the Rev. Calvin DeVries officiating. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery.

Building Association Official Expires at 77*

Danville Commercial News May 18, 1954

Building Association Official Expires at 77

*Charles R. Watkins, 77, of 1212 N. Walnut St., chairman of the board of the Danville Building Association, died at 4:10 p.m. Monday (May 17, 1954) in Lake View Hospital. He had been in ill health about four months and seriously ill the past 10 days.
Mr. Watkins, a native of Stone Bluff, Ind., came to Danville at the age of 5 and was associated with the DBA, formerly known as Phillips & Espenscheid, 51 years. He was a charter member of the old W. Main St. Merchants Association and was treasurer of the Springhill Cemetery Association.
A member of the First Presbyterian Church, he had been on the board of elders 33 years. He also was a staunch Rotarian and had served as treasurer of Rotary Club 8 years and was a director.
He was a 32nd degree Mason for 50-year member of the Knights of Pythias and a member of Elks Lodge 332. He also was a past master of Anchor Lodge 980, AF&AM; a past patron of Danville Chapter 854, Order of the Eastern Star; a past thrice potent master of Danville Lodge of Perfection; a member of Danville Consistory, AASR, and of its original cast for the 20th degree; a member of Athelstan Commandery 45, Knights Templar, and one of its hermits; a member of Vermilion Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and of Danville Council, Royal & Sector Masters.
The son of John and Catherine Reese Watkins, he was born July 11, 1876, at Stone Bluff. He was graduated from Danville High School and married the former Ellen Hayes, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Miss Frances Watkins of the DHS faculty; a sister, Mrs. Cynthia Reese, and several nieces and nephews. A sister and a brother preceded him in death.
The body is at the Barrick & Sons Funeral Home where it will remain until one hour preceding services which are to be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Ralph Smith will officiate and burial will be in Springhill Cemetery. Masonic rites will be conducted by Anchor Lodge and the Knights Templar will have an honor guard.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Mrs. Catherine Reese Watkins Obit*

Danville Commercial Nov. 27, 1920
*Mrs. Catherine Watkins
Mrs. Catherine Watkins, 80, a resident of South Side since 1862 and widow of John Watkins, a (cannot read next word to faded) coal miner, who died in 1889, passed away at 11:30 o'clock Friday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Cynthia Reese, wife of Daniel Reese, county mine inspector, 216 South Railroad street, South Side. She had been in feeble health for some time.
Funeral plans are not completed, pending word from children in North Dakota. The funeral probably will be held Monday.
Mrs. Watkins was born in Ohio, June 24, 1840, the daughter of John and Marion Reese and came to Illinois when a girl of 19. She was a member, since its founding, of the Congregational church of South Danville.
Mrs. Watkins is survived by the following children; Mrs. Cynthia Resse, Bert Watkins and Fred Watkins, all of South Side; Charles Watkins, Mrs. Flora Bracewell and George Watkins residing at Holdings N.D. Two sons Frank and Will Watkins preceded their mother in death.

Rock Fall Kills Danville Miner*

Commercial News Nov. 26, 1910

Rock Fall Kills Danville Miner
*Charles F. Bracewell, 108 South Jefferson Street, Dies of Injuries.
Charles F. Bracewell, 108 South Jefferson Street, South Danville, was fatally injured while at work in the Middleton coal mine, southwest of Danville, Friday morning.
The miner was crushed and at first not believed fatally injured. He was therefore taken to his home and Dr. D. B. Hundley called. An examination developed the fact that he had been badly crushed.
An ambulance was called and he was removed to Lake View hospital, being received there at 12:05 o'clock. He died at 1:10 o'clock Friday afternoon, without having rallied from the shock.
Coroner Cole was notified and immediately set about making arrangements for an inquest, which probably will be held late Saturday in the office of the coroner, court house.

Capt. David C. Jones Death Information*

Danville Commercial June 7, 1883
*Death of Capt. David C. Jones.
The deceased was in the city Thursday of last week looking hale, hearty and unusually well. He left on the afternoon train for his home at Grape Creek, but before reaching his destination he died suddenly, it is supposed of heart disease. He leaves a wife and three small children to mourn his untimely loss.
At the commencement of the war Capt. Jones enlisted as a private in the three month service. When his time expired he returned home and was instrumental in raising Company C, 12th Illinois Infantry, was elected and served as Captain three years and was honorably discharged. When it became necessary to resort to drafting to fill up the ranks of the army, he took the place of a man with a large family who had been drafted, and served till the close of the war. Capt. Jones was also tendered a commission as colonel of a colored regiment but for some reason declined it. No better soldier ever served his country than Capt. Jones. Strong, brave, courageous, kind, he had the respect and esteem of all his comrades. He was a kind husband and affectionate father.

Charles Draper Obit*

Danville Commercial News Oct. 6, 1910

*Charles Draper
The body of Charles Draper, who was killed in an explosion of a locomotive boiler in Colorado, arrived in this city, via the Wabash railroad, Thursday morning at 4:30 and was taken to the Berhalter & Olmsted undertaking establishment. The funeral will be held at 1:00 o'clock Friday afternoon, in the Berhalter & Olmsted chapel, and burial will be in the cemetery at Alvin.

Bessie Neal Pate death announcement*

Danville Commercial News - March 5, 1990
Elsewhere
*Pate, Bessie, 95, of Orleans, Ind., formerly of Danville, died at noon Sunday at Bedford Medical Center in Bedford, Ind. Graveside services: 10 a.m. CST Wednesday at Sunset Memorial Park. The Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home in Orleans is in charge of arrangements.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Ethel Jones and Baby Ethel Aikin and Glenn Harold Jones*

Ethel Jones Aikin and Baby Ethel. Ethel Naomi Jones Aikin was the daughter of John Winfield and Elizabeth Owens Jones. She was born March 19, 1910 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Aunt Ethel passed due to complication of pregnancy and childbirth. She passed March 11, 1935 at Lake View Hospital in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Her daughter, named afte her mother's death, Baby Ethel was buried with her mother. Baby Ethel was born March 11, 1935 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois and passed March 15 1935 in Lake View Hospital. Baby Ethel was buried next to her mother. They are buried in Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, Illinois.


*Glenn Harold Jones was the son of John W. and Elizabeth Owens Jones. He was born December 19, 1916 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Glenn was married twice. The first marriage was to Frances Z. Delvallee, the second time was to Marie B. Kidwell. Glenn had 3 children with his first wife. He help raise his step-son from his second marrige.  Glenn served during World War II in the United States Coast Guard. Uncle Glenn passed May 19, 2001 at the Veteran Hospital in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. He was 84 years old. Glenn is buried at the Danville National Cemtery, in Danville, Illinois. His first wife is buried at Sunset Memorial Park and his second wife is buried with him.

Harold Jack Knowles Picture

Abe and Margaret Jones Draper Marriage License*


* Abe and Margaret Jones Draper's Marriage License.
Margaret is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Evans Jones. Born Sept. 7 1850 in Cuyahoga Falls, Summit County, Ohio.
Abe is the son of William and Susannah West Draper. He was born Oct. 4, 1852 in Willmington, Ind.
They were married March 15, 1878 in Vermilion County, Illinois.





Abe and Margaret Draper Marriage License

Vermilion Hills Tourney Held

Going through news papers at the library I found this article. One of the individuals is my mother's brother's wife.

Danville Commercial News. 6/11/1964

Vermilion Hills Women's Golf Assn. played for blind partners yesterday.
Winners were: First, Mrs. William Kegley and Mrs. Robert Nussbaum; second, Mrs. Harlan Johnson and Mrs. Roy Royalty; third, Mrs. Lyn Williams and Mrs. Glenn Jones; forth, Mrs. Charles Whelan and Mrs. Eugene Pauly.
Mrs. Dan Pipkin was hostess.

Dead Man Turns Out to be Alive

I found this article in the Danville Commercial news, published 9/20/1957

Dead Man Turns Out to Be Alive

Albuquerque, N.M. (P) The income tax people got this letter:
"Gentlemen:
You sent my refund check to My home. My mother sent it back to you, saying that I was dead. You wrote my mother and asked for a death certificate. Well. I am not dead. I am still alive and I want my refund."

Rt. 4 Man Dies at 58

Danville Commercial News 4/20/1957

Rt. 4 Man Dies at 58

Raymond Floyd Willoughby, 58, of Danville, Route 4 died Friday morning (Sept. 20, 1957) in Lake View Hospital, where he had been a patient a month.
A life resident of Danville, Mr. Willoughby was employed by General Refractories 29 years. He was born Dec. 2, 1898, son of James and Margaret Jones Willoughby. He was a member of United Brick and Clay Workers 632.
Survivors include the wife, Nellie; three sons, Raymond Jr. of Atwood, Ill., James S. of Tilton and Jack of Danville; 11 grandchildren; the father, Danville; a brother, Oscar of Tuscola; a sister, Mrs. Cleo Irvin of Oakwood, and three half sisters, Mrs. Fern Hill of Urbana, Mrs. LaVerne Biscart of Westville and Mrs. Dorothy Potts of Danville. The mother and a daughter preceded him in death.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Hooton Church of Christ, which he attended. The Rev. Don Vollstedt will officiate with burial in Greenwood Cemetery. The body will be taken from the Barrick & sons Funeral Home to the family residence Saturday morning.

Homer B. Black Obit*

*Homer B. Black
Homer B. Black, 80, Decatur, died at 11:50 a.m. Tuesday (May 6, 1975) at St. Mary Hospital in Decatur. He was a former Danville resident.
Mr. Black had worked for Illinois Power Co. in Danville and later in Decatur, where he was with the company's transportation department. He was a master mechanic, retiring in 1967.
He was a member of Anchor Masonic Lodge in Danville and Ansar Shine in Springfield and also was a member of the American Society of Automotive Engineers.
Born Aug. 26, 1894 in Homer, he was the son of George Byron and Clara Anderson Black.
He first married Nina Lockwood and she preceded him in death. He later married Marguerite Draper, and she survives.
Also surviving are three sons: Willard Byron Black, Earl William Black, both of Danville, and Terry Lee Black of Springfield; three daughters: Mrs. Donna Jean McKinley of Decatur, Mrs. Marjorie Trent of San Diego, Calif., and Mrs. Betty Mae Nield of Orlando, Fla., 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons and two sisters.
Services will be held at Pape Memorial Home. The Rev. Sue Ann Loft will officiate and burial will be in Bethel cemetery, north of Alvin, Ill.. Visitation will be 7-9 tonight at the funeral home where masonic rites will be conducted by Anchor Lodge at 7 p.m..

Marguerite Ellen Draper

The State Journal Register, Springfield, Illinois September 17, 1996

Marguerite Draper Black, 89, Sprinfield died Saturday at Sunrise Manor, Virden.
She was born Jan. 24, 1907, in Danville, the daughter of Charles and Jennie Cavin Draper. She married Homes B. Black in 1932; he died in 1975. Mrs. Black received her teaching certificate from Eastern Illinois University and a bachelor's degree from Millikin University. She was employed as a teacher in Alvin, Danville and Decatur city schools, retiring in 1965. She was a member of Central Christian Church, Decatur. Survivors: a son Terry L. Black of Springfield; two stepsons, Willard and Earl Black, both of Danville, three stepdaughters, Donna McKinley of Decatur, Marjorie Trent of Sun City, Calif., and Betty Nield of St. Augustine, Fla.; two granddaughters; a great granddaughter; and 10 step grandchildren.
Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Pape Memorial Home, Danville. Burial: Bethel Cemetery, north of Alvin.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

James Willoughby*

Danville Commercial News June 11, 1964
James Willoughby
*James Willoughby, 90, died at his home at 1605 E. Fairchild, at 6:10 p.m. yesterday (June 10, 1964). He had been in ill health three years and seriously ill four months.
Born Jan. 9, 1874, in Oswego, Kan.; he was the son of Henry and Nancy Howard Willoughby. He had resided most of his life in Danville and was a retired employe of the Western Brick Co.
He was married to Margaret Jones, who preceded him in death in 1907. He was married Oct. 1, 1910, in Grape Creek to Tess Manuel who survives.
Also surviving are one son, Oscar of Atwood; four daughters, Mrs. Cleo Irvin of Oakwood, Mrs. Howard (Fern) Hill of Danville, Mrs. Vendal (LaVerne) Puskac of Westville, and Mrs. Avery (Dorotha) Potts of Danville; 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, a son, three grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.
The body is at the Johnson Funeral Home where friends will be received 7-9 p.m. Friday. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. James Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Oakhill Cemetery.

Robert L. Stevens

Danville Commercial News Feb. 25, 1998

Robert L. Stevens

Tilton - Robert L. Stevens, 73, of Tilton, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 24, 1998) at his residence.
He was born on June 13, 1924, in Tilton, the son of the late Glenn and Bernice (Gruber) Stevens.
On April 27, 1947, he married Norma Lee Harvey in Tilton. She survives.
Also surviving are: two sons, Michael L. Stevens of Western Springs and Mark Stevens of Springfield, MO; three grandchildren, three brothers, Kenneth Stevens and James Stevens, both of Westville, and Harold Stevens of Danville; and three sisters, Lucy Joseph of Belgium, Laura Stevens of Westville, and Edith Goldbaugh of Hammond, Ind.
Mr. Stevens worked at F. L. Jacobs Co. in Danville, worked at Hysters for 14 years, worked for Danville Metal Stamping, Berkley Davis and retired from the National Guard Armory in Danville in 1990.
During World War II and the Korean Conflict, he was a radar man first class in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Pacific Campaign.
He was a member of the Tilton Methodist Church, American Legion Post #51 of Westville and a life member of Robert Wurtsbaugh Chapter of Korean War Veterans.
He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed bird hunting and his two dogs "Duke" and "Charlie." He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Funeral services: 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremetion Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Officiating Rev. Don Williams and Benneth Bostwick, Burial Sunset Memorial Park, with full military graveside rites by Robert Wurtsbaugh Chapter Korean War Veterans. Visitation: 4 - 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice.

Probate of Mary E. Jones Will

Index to Probate/ Wills

Jones, Mary E. BR March 21 1940

Note: Following the death of Mrs. Mary E. Jones of Swanington on January 9, James W. Jones, a son, was appointed administrator of the estate when no will was found, although it was believed a will existed. About a week ago, while looking through a box of papers belonging to the late attorney Edmund G. Hall, Charles M. Snyder found a will executed in 1923. The letters of administration that were issued to Mr. Jones were revoked by Judge Barce and the will was admitted to probate. By its new terms, James W. Jones will serve as executor. The heirs to the estate, valued at approximately $4,000, are her two sons, James W. Jones and J. Elmer Jones and four grandchildren. The property will be converted into cash and the two sons will each receive 1/4 of the net proceeds. The 4 grandchildren who will each receive one-eighth of the estate are: Thomas and Weldon Embleton, Tirzah and Richard S. Jones.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Stevens, Robert

Danville Commercial News 2/24/1998

Tilton
Stevens, Robert, 73, of Tilton, died at 8:45 a.m. today, Feb. 24, 1998, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Danville.

Mary Ann Sonsly Jones obit*

Danville Commercial News Jan. 10, 1940

*Aged Woman's Rites Thursday
Swanington, Ind. - Last rites for Mrs. Mary Jones, 96, resident of Swanington, who died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1940 will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the residence, the Rev. Mr. Smith officiating.
Death resulted from injuries received two weeks ago in a fall at her home. She was born in Durham, England, and was married to Thomas D. (should be E) Jones in 1863. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, James and Elmer, both of Swanington.

Went to Fowler, IN

I went to Fowler, IN to do some research. Just as luck would have it the newspapers for both people that I needed weren't there and they say even the newspaper office doesn't have a record of them. Wow if that wasn't a bummer. However just before leaving I check out a book and in there there is an article that has one of the individuals will information listed. Well that lead me to some names,which I had but verify my research from the census of 1910 and of the census I found in West Virginia. It also allowed me to see that they had four grandchildren. Woohoo. This gave me their daughter's married named and verified they were still in this location in the 1940's. I still have a long way to go on this one, but I will find some answers soon I believe.

Marguerite Black

I was only able to locate this small article about Marguerite. I will search further at a later date.

Danville Commercial News Sept. 15, 1996
Virden
Black, Marguerite, 89, of Virden, formerly of Danville, died at 10:05 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 14, 1996)at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Virden. Arrangements are pending at Pape Memorial Home and Gardens.

Mrs. Jennie Draper Obit

Danville Commercial News Nov. 9, 1962

Mrs. Jennie Drapper
Alvin (CNS)- Mrs. Jennie Draper, a former resident of the Alvin community, died Friday (Nov. 9, 1962) at the Decatur-Macon Hospital following a one-year illness.
Mrs. Draper had resided for 12 years with her daughter, Mrs. Marguerite Black, in Decatur. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Ellen Cavin. She was married to Charles Draper, who preceded her in death.
Survivors include her daughter; a sister, Mrs. Olive Bivans of Alvin, and a grandson.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Alvin Christian Church. The Rev. O. J. Thomas will officiate. Burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery. The body is at the Lanham Funeral Home in Potomac. Friends will be received after noon Saturday.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Bernice E. (Gruber) Stevens Obit*

Danville Commercial News 2/15/1986
*Bernice E. Stevens
Tilton, Ill. - Bernice E. Stevens, 81, of 409 Dellwood, died at 7:35 a.m. Friday (Feb. 14, 1986) at the Americana Health Care Center in Danville.
She worked at Merle Sears Paper Box Company for 45 years. She was a charter member of Navy Mothers. She was a member of the Tilton United Church of Christ. She enjoyed crocheting and growing flowers.
Born Jan. 31, 1905, in Tilton, daughter of Charles A. and Anna Draper Gruber. Survivors: a son, Robert Stevens of Tilton; two grandsons, Michael Stephens of LaGrange, Ill., and Mark R. Stevens of Oakwood, Ill.; two great-grandsons, and a great-granddaughter; two brothers, Carl Gruber of Jensen Beach, Fla., and C. Alfred Gruber of Tilton; several nieces. She was preceded by her parents, two brothers and a sister.
Services: 10 a.m. Monday at Barrick and Son Funeral Home. Officiating: The Rev. Don Williams; Burials: Songer Cemetery, Tilton; Visitation: 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home; Memorials: Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Resident of Catlin Road Passes Away*

Commercial News 11/19/1928
*Resident of Catlin Road Passes Away
Mrs. Henrietta Smallcomb Pate Had Lived in Same House For 47 Years.
[Commercial News Special]
Catlin, Ill, Nov. 19 - Mrs. Henrietta Treasure Smallcomb Pate, 71, wife of William H. Pate, died at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at her home on the Catlin Road. Heart disease caused death. She had been ill six weeks.
Mrs. Pate was born in New Haven, W. Va., Aug. 1857. When she was a small child she came to Illinois. She joined the Tilton Methodist church in early life. On Oct. 26, 1881, she married William Pate. Since their marriage they have lived in the home, where she died, 47 years.
Besides the husband, she leaves a son and daughter, Oscar Pate, 4 West Thirteenth street, Danville and Mrs. Ethel Spencer, 201 East Third street, Danville. There are three brothers,, Thomas Smallcomb, of Los Angeles, Calf.; David Smallcomb, of San Diego, Calf., and Nelson Smallcomb, of Kearney, Neb. Mrs. Pate's devotion to her home, her children, and her grandchildren was known to many.
Funeral services will be held at the home Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock unless word from relatives changes plans.

Oscar Pate Succumbs

Danville Commercial News 8/26/1957

Oscar Lemial Pate, 72, of 4 W. 13th St., died at 6:30 a.m. Monday (Aug. 26, 1957) in St. Elizabeth Hospital. He had been ill several weeks and a patient four days at the hospital.
A former New York Central Railroad machinist, he retired in 1953. He was born in Tilton Sept. 12, 1884, son of William H. and Henrietta Smallcomb Pate, and had lived in the Tilton and South Danville communities all his life.
Mr. Pate was a member of Olive Branch Lodge 38, A.F.& A. M., Danville Consistory and Old Rails and New Ties.
Surviving are the wife, Bessie Neal Pate, whom he married in 1912; a son, Ralph O. Pate of Orleans, Ind.; two grandsons and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Spencer of Danville. A brother preceded him in death.
The body is at the Edmund & Dickson Funeral Home for services at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Sometimes I Think

Sometimes I think I spend lots of time reading obituaries. I know this is an important part of research. Why? Because it can give us more information about an individual usually. Sometimes it is hard to find information about individuals.

When reading and searching through old newspapers, you have to read each page from top to bottom. This is very time consuming. The reason for this is that the newspaper was written as news happened, so if the news of someones passing came when they were writing page 3, that is where you will find it. Later in time newspapers were more advanced and deaths were somewhat arranged together; however they were still scattered from time to time.

Well I am getting tired. I need to go to bed. Please leave a message if there is someone you think I can help you with.

Richard Painter

I found this little item in the Danville Commercial News while searching for obituaries. I thought one of the many Painter researchers might like the information.

Williamsport, Ind. (3/23/1934)

Richard Painter was initiated into the Order of the Eastern Star at the regular meeting held Monday night, with a large attendance present. A 6:30 o'clock dinner was enjoyed preceding the meeting.

Litchfield Youth Who Slew Kin May Go Free

I found this article in the Danville Commercial News while looking for obituaries. I found it interesting since I have Painter's in my family. I do not know that they are related to me; however I know that the Painter's are very much into studying family history.

Litchfield Youth Who Slew Kin May Go Free (Danville Commercial News 3/22/1934)

Litchfield, Ill. March 22 - (AP) - County authorities today expressed the belief no charges would be filed against Eugene Painter, 59, a farmer north of here. ( I think there is typo with this next line) Eugene Painter, 49, a farmer north of here died last night from a blow on the head inflicted by Eugene. Eugene told investigators he struck his father with the barrel of a shotgun a week ago when the elder Painter came home drunk and threatened his mother, Eugene is one of nine children.

I know that Eugene cannot be 59 and the father 49. I am not sure what the father's name is as it does not say.

Richard H. Jones

I was unable to locate an actual orbit for Uncle Rich. Here are the ones that my mother had. I am assuming they are from the Danville Commercial News.

Richard H. Jones

Richard H. Jones, 71, postal employe* in Danville for 40 years, died unexpectedly Saturday morning (Oct. 1, 1960) during a visit at the home of a daughter in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Jones, a former resident of 121 W. 4th St. in Tilton, was a clerk in the money order department at the Danville Post Office, retiring five years ago.
He was born March 8, 1899, the son of John E. and Sarah Watkins Jones.
Surviving are his wife, the former Frieda Messenger; a son, Richard Jones of Minneapolis; the daughter, Mrs. Lois Rice of Cincinnati; a brother, John Jones of Danville, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones of Attica,Ind. There are six grandchildren.
The body will be returned in the Berhalter Funeral Home in Danville. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Other arrangements are incomplete.


Richard H. Jones

Time of services has not been set at Berhalter Funeral Home for Richard H. Jones, 71, postal employe* in Danville for more than 40 years, who died Saturday during a visit at the home of a daughter in Cincinnati, Ohio. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Other arrangements are incomplete. The body is at the funeral home.

* This is how the article spelled employee.

Mrs. Vincent Nash Passed away While On Visit in West

12/26/1935 Albion Journal Resister

Mrs. Vincent Nash Passed away While On Visit in West

Mrs. Elizabeth Nash, 78, widow of the late Vincent Nash, passed away last Friday at the home of her niece, Mrs. Verna Cox, in Beatrice, Nebraska. She had gone to Nebraska a month ago with the intention of spending the winter with her niece. Death was caused by heart trouble.
Remains were brought to Albion on the early morning train Monday and funeral services were held Monday afternoon at three o'clock from the Nale funeral home, Rev. F. C. Rustemeyer, pastor of the Christian church officiating. Interment was made in Graceland.

Obituary

Christina Elizabeth Nash was born in Edwards county November 8, 1857, and departed this life December 20, 1935, at the age of 78 years, one month and 11 days. She was at the home of her niece, Mrs. Vera Cox at the time of her death. He entire life was spent in Edwards County.
On October 1, 1881, she was united in marriage to Vincent Nash who preceded her in death June 26, 1934.
She leaves to mourn her passing one sister, Mrs. C. B. Atteberry of Springfield, two nieces, Mrs. Verna Cox of Beatrice, Neb., and Mrs. Frances Day of Springfield; a nephew, Barnet Atteberry of Woodlake, Texas, and many other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Nash made confession of faith in Jesus Christ at the West Village Christian Church, later transferring her membership to the Albion Christian Church.
Mrs. Nash was a good neighbor and kind to all. She was helpful to the very utmost of her strength.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

William Henry Pate Obit 3/23/1934

Danville Commercial News 3/23/1934

William Pate is Dead, Aged 80
_____________
William Henry Pate Expires Late Thursday at Home in Brown's Addition.

William Henry Pate, 80, died at 2:45 o'clock Thursday afternoon at his residence in Brown's addition. He was formerly a coal miner but had been engaged in farming for the last three years.
The deceased was born Nov. 1, 1853, near Catlin, son of Lazaris and Emeline O'Neal Pate. He married Henrietta Smallcomb in Danville Oct. 26, 1881. To this union three children were born. One died in infancy.
Mrs. Henrietta Pate died Nov. 19, 1928. In September, 1931, Mr. Pate married a second tome to Daisy A. Richards, in Tilton.
Surviving besides the widow, Mrs. Daisy A. Pate, are the tow children, Oscar L. Pate and Mrs. Ethel Spencer, both of Danville. Also surviving are three stepchildren and one sister, Mrs. Arabelle Britton, Junction City, Kas. The stepchildren are Joseph and James Richards and Nellie King, all of near Danville.
The body was removed to the Berhalter funeral home.

D. H. S. Debaters Meet Kankakee

While doing research today I came across this article. I thought it was kind of neat. I remember Mr. Purkey as he was my speech teacher.

D. H. S. Debaters Meet Kankakee
Engage in Initial Literary Contest With Northern School Thursday

Engaging is the first literary contest between the two schools. Danville High school negative debaters met the Kankakee affirmative team Thursday night at the latter city.
The contest was a non-decision event but it was the general opinion following the debate that the two teams had tied on research while the Danville team had an advantage in case, delivery, general effectiveness and recitation.
Negotiations are under way for a return non-decision contest at the local school.
While Thursday evening's contest was non-decision, it served to establish literary relationship with the northern school and provided competitive experience for both teams.
The Danville team was composed of Bill Erickson, Charles Gaines, and Alden Bracewell. Delbert Purkey, head of the the public speaking department and debate coach, accompanied them to Kankakee.
The question debated was: "Resolved. That the United States should adopt the essential features of the British system of radio control and operation."

Friday, June 11, 2010

Garnet I. (Wilcox) Jones

Orbituary for Garnet I. Jones*

*Garnet I Jones, 88, of Columbia City, Indiana, formerly of Fairmount, Danville and Allen Park, Mich., died at 10:50 p.m. Sunday (June 16, 1991) at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind.
She was born Nov. 5, 1902, in Fairmount, the daughter of William H. and Laura M. Smith Wilcox. She married Ernest E. Jones on July 1 1925, in Detroit, Michigan. He preceded her in death in 1976.
Survivors included: one sister, Fern E. Porter of Villa Grove; one sister-in-law, Verda Wilcox of Dolton, Ill.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Laura Stevens, Ethel Davis, and Thelma Larsen, and two brothers, William and Roland Wilcox.
Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Pape Memorial Home & Gardens in Danville; Burial: Greenwood Cemetery; Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mrs. E. (Prothero) Lewis, Godreaman (formerly of Cwmbach)*

*Mrs. E. (Prothero) Lewis, Godreaman (formerly of Cwmbach)

The death occurred recently fo Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis, 1 Cwmaman Road, Godreaman, aged 83 years. A native of Cwmbach, she had resided at Godreaman for the last couple of years, and her neighbourly disposition had won her the general esteem of the community.
She had reared a large family, but was tragically unfortunate to have three of her sons killed - one on a railway crossing, one in the first world war in France, and one at a collery. Her youngest son was found dead in a chair whilst in employment at London. Her husband predeceased her serveral years ago.
General sympathy is extended the bereaved family, both by Cwmbach and Abaraman friends. Burial took place at Aberdare Cemetery, Rev. I. Davies, Gwawr, Aberman, officiating.
Mourners: Messrs. Edward Lewis,son; B. Bryant and Tom Walters, son-in-law; Fred, Nevill and David, grandsons; Thomas Lewis, W. Wlaters, D. Protheroe, G. Protheroe, D. J. E(can't make out last name), R. Jenkins, D. Lloyd, G. Vincant, nephews.
At the house: Mary, Amelia, Louie and Muriel, daughters; Bearers: Mesrs F. Leach, E. Thomas, P. Perkins, W. John, W. Davies, B. Davies.
Several floral tributes were received.
Funeral arrangements by Aberdare and District Co-operative Society.

Frances S. Watkins Obit*

Danville Commercial News, Aug. 17, 1997
*Frances S. Watkins
Frances S. Watkins, 86, of Danville, died at 12:15 a.m. Sunday (Aug. 17, 1997) at USMC, Sager campus.
She was born April 29, 1911, in Danville, the daughter of Charles and Helen (should be Ellen) Hayes Watkins.
Survivors include: a first cousin, Vivian Adamson of Easton, Md; a second cousin, Mary E. Orville Bonebrake of Danville, and several other cousins.
Miss Watkins was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church in Danville where she played piano for the Sunday School classes and sang in the choir.
She was a past president and treasurer of Church Women United and Past Matron of the Danville Chapter of the Eastern Star. She belonged to the Danville Garden Club, served on the Board of Directors of the Danville Historical Society Museum; belonged to the Danville Women's Club; and was a 50 year member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society.
Miss Watkins graduated from the DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. She taught history for 43 years at Danville High School from 1933 until her retirement in 1976.
She was department head of Danville High School Social Studies and headed the Medley Yearbook.
Memorial services: 2 p.m. Sunday (Sept 7) at the First Presbyterian Church; Memorial may be made to the Eastern Star Scholarship Fund or Danville High School Medley Yearbook Fund. Arrangements by Barrick and Son Funeral Home.

Porter L. Chism Obit

Jan. 11, 1934 Albion Journal Register

Porter L. Chism Died Suddenly in Michigan Monday

Porter L. Chism, 36, Second son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chism of this city, passed away suddenly at his home in Saginaw, Michigan, Monday morning at 6:30. The news of his passing, in the form of a telegram to the family, was a shock not only to them, but to the entire community as well. According to meagre information contained in the message, death followed pneumonia after a brief illness.
The deceased was born in Albion, attended local grade and high schools and was well known and beloved by a large number of our residents. Following his graduation from high school, he went to Saginaw where, as an employee of General Motors Corporation, he arose to a position of responsibility. While in Michigan, the United States entered the World War, and he entered the service of his country. He was stationed at Fort Dodge, Iowa, until the conflict ended.
On June 9, 1920, he was united in marriage to Miss Thelma Marriott of Browns, who with two children, Jack and Mary Katherine, survive. He also leaves his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Chism, two sisters, Miss Bonalynn and Mrs. G. R. Hilgeman of Albion, and an older brother, Howard of Saginaw.
Mr. and Mrs. Chism and Miss Bonalynn and Mr. and Mrs. Hilgeman and son, Charles William, left Monday morning for Saginaw, where funeral services were held and interment was made.