Tilton Loses Three Prominent Citizens* - March 11, 1905 Danville Commercial News

*Hand of Death Has Fallen Heavily on the Village During Last Few Days
Other News of the Town
Personal and Social Items From Danville's Southern Suburb
There has been considerable sadness in our village of late. Three of our most esteemed citizens have answered have answered the call of the Almighty Father to cross the river of death.
Lewis A. Jones, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Jones of Tilton, was born near Catlin, Ill, Jan. 18, 1877. In his early childhood he removed with his parents to Tilton, which was his home until his death, which occurred at 1 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Feb. 26, 1905. He received a common and high school education in the Tilton school, graduating from that institution in the class of 1897 with highest honors. He was for two years a teacher in the grammar department of the school, resigning his position to take up mercantile business. After about two years in the business he sold out to accept an appointment in the United States railway mail service. He was assigned to service on the Wabash railway between Toledo and St. Louis and rose steadily and was promoted rapidly until at the time of his death he was holding a good position commanding a good salary and carrying a heavy load of responsibility, and was preparing himself for examination, reaching for higher honors. He was one of the most popular clerks in the service, not only among his fellow workers but with superior officers. He was conscientious and painstaking to a high degree, qualities highly necessary in a postal employee. He was also very popular among a large circle of friends in TIlton and Danville. THe funeral, which was held from the M. E. Church Tueday afternoon, was probably as large as any funeral ever held in Tilton. A large number of postal clerks from Toledo, Logansport, Decatur, Indianapolis and Danville were present and acted as escort and pall bearers. The floral offerings were very numerous and very beautiful. The services were conducted by Rev. Bruner of the First Congregational church, assisted by Rev. Wanless of Villa Grove. Several appropriate selections were sung by a male quartet composed of immediate friends of the deceased. The sermon by Rev. Bruner was able and eloquent discourse addressed, as he very aptly stated, to the living rather than the dead, but closing with a beautiful tribute to the departed. The internment took place at the Songer Cemetery, just west of town.
John E. Jones, father of the deceased, took to his bed, brokenhearted, on Feb. 23, the day after his son's funeral, and died March 4. He was in Montgomeryshire, North Wales, April 20, 1837. When about 6 years of age he came with his parents to the United States and resided in the state of Ohio until April 1856, when he removed to Vermilion County, Ill. He enlisted in Co C, 12th regiment, Ill Vol. Inf., Sept. 2, 1862, and was assigned to the Second brigade, Second division, Sixteenth army corps. He was slightly wounded in the head near Atlanta, Ga., July 23, 1864, and on Aug. 19, 1864, received a gunshot wound and fracture of left arm near the shoulder joint. This also occrued near Atlanta. He was discharged April 25, 1865, from the hospital at Evansville, Ind., for disability to perform military service. Hew was married to Sarah Watkins of South Danville, June 11, 1871. To this union eight children were born, five boys and three girls, three sons now having answered the call of death. The wife, three daughters and two sons remain to mourn the loss of husband and father. He was a man held in high regard by all who knew him, having served as treasurer for the village of Tilton for a number of years. Heart trouble, from which he had been a sufferer for some time, caused his demise. Funeral services were conducted from the home by Rev. Bruner, assisted by Rev. Clapp and Rev. Judy. Rev. Bruner spoke words of cheer and comfort to the sorrowing family. The floral offerings were numerous and very beautiful. Several appropriate selections were sung by a male quartet composed of immediate friends of the family. Mr. Jones was an honored member of Tilton lodge No. 131, I.O.O.F., which had charge of the services at the grave and rendered the burial services of the order, which were beautiful. .... The article goes on to talk more of the news of Tilton.