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C Obituary Page for Cass County, Illinois

Name: Elizabeth AVERY CALDWELL
Newspaper:
Date of Newspaper: 1931
Submitter: Jodie Atwood

Elizabeth Avery CALDWELL the daughter of George and Mary AVERY was born May 10, 1886 at Brown County, and departed from this life March 18, 1931.

On November 3rd, 1904 she was united in marriage to Thomas CALDWELL of Virginia, Ill. To this union five children were born, namely Rachel, Vernon, Beatrice, Mazo, and Melvin all surviving.

She is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Etta GARRISON, Emma BEEBE, Alma BEEBE, and Allen AVERY.

Two grandchildren Galen CALDWELL and Carol Walters.

She spent her married life at the home which she died.

In the year of 1924 she was united in the Methodist church of Beardstown, Illinois in which she held faith to death.

Name: Gregg CALHOUN
Newspaper:
Date of Newspaper:
Submitter:

December 22, 2005

   Gregg Calhoun, 57 years, of Key West, FL and formerly of Virginia, IL died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami, FL.
   He was born October 30, 1948 in Corvallis, OR; the son of Jack and Lorraine Calhoun.
   He is survived by his father of Virginia; a sister, Becky Calhoun Newport of Northfield; his former wife, Pam Calhoun of Springfield; and two step-daughters, Michelle Page and Amy Powers, both of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his mother.
   Mr. Calhoun served with the US Army during the Vietnam War and was the recipient of a Purple Heart.
   Memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Rexroat Prairie, c/o Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank, Virginia, IL 62691. The Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of the arrangements.

Name: Harry Lee CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: July 1, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Harry Lee Campbell - 1918-2003 - Virginia

   Harry Lee Campbell, 84, of Virginia, died Sunday morning, June 29, 2003 at the Walker Nursing Home in Virginia.
   He was born Oct. 6, 1918 in Chicago, the son of John L. and Eva McDaniel Campbell. He married Mary Jane Turner in 1948 and she preceded in death Jan. 17, 1978. He later married Marjean B. Clement June 30, 1979 in Virginia, and she preceded in death Feb. 21, 1993.
   He was the last of his immediate family and is survived by several cousins.
   Mr. Campbell farmed in Morgan County prior to serving as the sexton at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia for 25 years. He always took great pride in his work and valued his many friendships.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia,with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call one hour prior to the services Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Walnut Ridge Cemetery. .

Name: Henry James CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Unknown
Date of Newspaper: 1904
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Henry James Campbell
    "Campbell-Henry James Campbell was born in Cass county, Ill., near the city of Virginia, on November 25, 1850. He was united in marriage
to Miss Margaret Taylor, March 1, 1877. Two sons were born to them. The elder of the sons being in bad health, was taken by his aunt when
sixteen or seventeen years of age to the West in the hope that his health might be restored. But finding that he was declining very rapidly, they started to return home; but when near Bismark, Dakota, on the 10th day of August, 1895.
    William Virgil Campbell died on the train. Mr. Campbell made a profession of religion in the winter of 1878, and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Some years later he was made a ruling elder in the Shiloh congregation, of which he was a member, and served in that capacity faithfully and earnestly till the close of his life. Some weeks ago, on account of failing health, he and his wife made a visit to Battle Creek, Mich., in the hope of his being benefited thereby; but he grew steadily worse, and his son and other relatives hastened to his bedside. But human help and sympathy were of no avail, and on the 19th of September, 1904, surrounded by his loved ones, he quietly breathed his last, at the age of 53 years, 9 months and 24 days. Thus two of the family died far from home. He leaves a wife and son (Robert Howard), two brothers and one sister and a vast number of friends to mourn his loss. The funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. R.D. Miller, of Petersburg, on Thursday, September 22. The love and esteem in which he was held by the entire community was manifested by the long procession of sorrowing friends that followed theremains to the beautiful cemetery at Virginia, where they were tenderly laid to rest. Brother Campbell was one of the most faithful, earnest and consistent Christian men the writer ever knew. He will be missed in his home, that he loved so much; he will be..."
Note: remainder of obituary missing

Name: Imogene  CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: March 31, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Imogene Campbell - 1919-2003 - Beardstown, IL.

    Imogene Campbell, 84, of Beardstown, died Saturday afternoon March 29, 2003, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    She was born March 18, 1919, in rural Schuyler County, the daughter of Eldo Christopher and Rado Marie Roussell Hirte. She married Ora Thomas Campbell in June 1934, in Davenport, Iowa, and he preceded her in death Oct. 31, 1996.
    She is survived by four daughters, Dorothy (husband, Perry) Swan, Sherry Campbell, and Sondra (husband, Jerry) Walters, all of Beardstown, and Betty (husband, Gordon) Lovekamp of Arenzville; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one cousin. She was preceded in death by and one brother, Glen Hirte in infancy.
    Mrs. Campbell attended school in Schuyler County. She previously co-owned and assisted her husband in operation of C&S Shell Company
in Beardstown, and she was also formerly employed at Elmwood Manor and Wells-Lamont Glove Factory in Beardstown. Mrs. Campbell and her husband traveled extensively, and she enjoyed collecting rocks from various journeys. She took great care and pleasure in tending her
yard and growing vegetables and flowers in her garden. But her truest love was her family, whom she greatly admired and adored.
    Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home with the family meeting friends from 5-8 p.m. Memorials have been suggested to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at sagergh@casscomm.com.

Name: Margaret Taylor  CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Unknown
Date of Newspaper: 1934
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Margaret "Maggie" (Taylor) Campbell
"Margaret Taylor Campbell
    Virginia, Jan. 15--Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Taylor Campbell, 81, were held yesterday afternoon at the home of her son, Howard Campbell, four miles west of town, with Rev. J.C. Shull in charge, assisted by Rev. J.W. Armstrong. A quartet composed of Thomas Schaad, Luther Pascal, Mrs. Louise Montgomery and Mrs. L.H. Skiles sang 'The old Rugged Cross' and 'We're Going Down the Valley, One by One,' with Miss Myrtle Hickox at the piano. The escort included J.H. Massie, Edwin Campbell, Archie Dunn, J.H. Taylor, Allie Taylor, Henry
Cunningham, and Loren Winwiddle. Interment was in Walnut Ridge Cemetery."

Name: Margaret Taylor  CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Unknown
Date of Newspaper: 1934
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Margaret "Maggie" (Taylor) Campbell
"LAST RITES HELD HERE FOR MRS. H. CAMPBELL
Local Resident Dies, At Home of Son Near City
    Last rites for Mrs. Henry Campbell were held Sunday at the Howard Campbell residence, with Rev. J.C. Shull, pastor of the Presbyterian
church in charge. Interment was made in Walnut Ridge cemetery.
    Mrs. Margaret Campbell, 81, died Friday morning at the home of her son, Howard Campbell, four miles west of this city, after a long illness.
    Decedent was born Dec. 26, 1852, a daughter of Robert and Jeannette Cunningham Taylor, pioneer residents. She married Henry Campbell, a prominent farmer, who preceded her in death. Survivors include her son, Howard, a grand-daughter, Miss Vivian Campbell; three brothers, Archibald, Duncan and Robert C. Taylor, and a sister, Mrs. Jeannette Taylor Sudbrink, all of this city, and other more distant relatives."

Name: William V. CAMPBELL
Newspaper: Unknown
Date of Newspaper: 1896
Submitter: Marcia Cox

William Virgil Campbell
"OBITUARY - WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL
    It seldom becomes our sad duty to record the death of one where the entire sympathies of a community were more largely manifest than
to the case of the death of William V. Campbell, the eldest son of Henry J. and Margaret Campbell, residing of this city. For some time the beloved son was in ill health, and his physicians recently advised that a trip to the northwest; and later along the Pacific coast might prove beneficial to his failing health, and immediately his devoted parents made arrangements for him to make the trip, and on July 2, accompanied by his aunt, Miss Alice Taylor, the journey was begun, and had been extended to Garfield, Washington, where they remained for some time. At first the change seemed to benefit him, but later he rapidly began to grow weaker until upon the advice of his aunt, the return home was decided upon, and on August 7, they started from Garfield, advising him parents here of their intentions by telegraph. When he left Garfield he was quite bright and cheerful, but by the time they had reached Spokane he was so weak that he could not leave his berth in the Pullman car. From then on he grew rapidly worse until about 3 a.m. Saturday August 10, he died on the train near Bismark, North Dakota. Every attention was generally given him in his last hours by the train crew and two physicians who were on the train. They decided it was not necessary to have the body removed from the train, but telegraphed ahead and had an undertaker board the train and prepare it for burial. It was done and the body was embalmed and placed in the casket while the train passed over a distance of 200 miles of the route, thus avoiding any delay in arriving here. The father was telegraphed to and met the remains at St. Paul, and Mrs. Campbell was at the station at Jules ready to take the train when the sad news reached her of her son's death. Deceased was born in this county and was in the prime of his youth, being 17 years, 3 months and 10 days old at the time of his death. He was a favorite among his host of friends and his kindness and tenderness of disposition endeared him to all who knew him. He was a student in our city public schools and made many lasting friends. The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday last by Rev. J. E. Roach, of Auburn, formerly pastor of the C.P. Church in this city, and was one of the largest witnessed in this community for many years. The remains were borne to Walnut Ridge cemetery where they were laid to rest, followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends. Many beautiful and appropriate floral designs were laid upon the casket and grave by sympathizing friends, among which were an anchor from the eighth grade of the Virginia high school and a cross from the Epworth League of Shiloh church of which the deceased was an active member. The good ladies of the 'Lady Henry Sommerset W.C.T.C.,' of St. Paul, by C.B. Teeple, its president, placed a handsome floral design on the casket as it passed through that city. Many other beautiful pieces were given as manifestations of love and esteem by
relatives and friends."

Name: LaVerne CHAMBERLAIN
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of Newspaper: October 2, 2002
Submitter: Marcia Cox

"LaVerne Chamberlain 1906-2002
    LaVerne Chamberlain, 96, of Virginia, died Sunday evening, Sept. 29, 2002, at her residence.
    She was born Aug. 11, 1906, in Meredosia, the daughter of Frank and Lula Schaefer Unland. She married Burton Chamberlain, Dec. 20, 1924, and he preceded her in death in 1981.
    She is survived by three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and one
brother, Hubert Unland of Beardstown. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Virginia Leinberger; one granddaughter, three sisters,
Freida Rhodes, Edythe Hagel and Allene Wills; and one brother, Alvin Unland.
    Mrs. Chamberlain was a graduate of Meredosia High School. She was a homemaker and member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs. She
enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, cooking and especially playing bridge and watching baseball games.
    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Cody & Son Memorial Home, with burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Jacksonville. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the family meeting friends from 5:30-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Schuyler-Cass Hospice."

Name: Jackie "J.C." CLARK
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of Newspaper: January 18, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Jackie "J.C." Clark - 1935-2003 - Chandlerville

    Jackie "J.C." Clark, 67, of Chandlerville, died Friday morning, Jan. 17, 2003, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
    He was born Aug. 30, 1935, in Newmansville Township, Cass County, the son of Herschel and Blanche Dearing Clark. He married Verna
Joanne Milstead May 28, 1957, in Tallula, and she survives.
    He is also survived by three brothers, H. Glen (wife, Roberta) of rural Petersburg, Donald H. (wife, Shirlee) of Virginia and Richard A. (wife, Sharon) of rural Jacksonville; one sister, Sylvia Ann (husband, Thomas) Palmer of Springfield; three nieces; five nephews; 10 great-nephews; and five great-nieces.
    Mr. Clark was a 1953 graduate of Chandlerville High School. As a young man, he was involved in football, basketball and baseball and was offered a contract to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was first employed for several years by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office and later by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Petersburg. More recently, he was employed 22 years by the village of Chandlerville until his illness prevented him from working. He formerly served as IHSA certified umpire and basketball official. He enjoyed fishing, flower and vegetable gardening; attending auctions and watching sporting events and auto racing on television.
      Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home in Chandlerville, with burial at Chandlerville Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Name: Mrs. Jeane CLARK
Newspaper:
Date of Newspaper:
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Mrs. Jeane Clark

   Jeane Clark, 79, of Arenzville died Monday morning, March 4, 2002 at Provena Mercy Center in Aurora. She was born on June 28, 1922 in Arenzville the daughter of John and Edna Ransom Zulauf. She married Ralph Hamilton Clark on November 17, 1940 in Bowling Green, Missouri and he preceded her in death in 1985.
   She is survived by one son, Landis (wife, Cindy) Clark of Livermore, Colorado; two daughters, Deborah (husband, Tris) Schnepper of Rochester and Rebecca (husband, James) Decker of North Aurora; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Frances Nelson and Grace Schnitker, both of Arenzville. She was preceded in death by one granddaughter and several brothers and sisters.
   Mrs. Clark worked as a hearing officer for the State of Illinois Secretary of State, retiring in 1985. She was a lifetime member of the Arenzville United Methodist Church where she was a member of United Methodist Women and the Monday Morning Bible Group. Mrs. Clark was a member of the Arenzville Women's Club, Emblem Club, and was a charter member of the Arenzville American Legion Auxiliary.
   Mrs. Clark enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, and entertaining.
   Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m on Thursday, March 7, 2002 at the Arenzville United Methodist Church with burial at Arenzville East Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the Williamson Funeral Home where the family will meet friends from 5 to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Leukemia Society of America or the Arenzville United Methodist Church.

Name: Mrs. Katherine WARDELL CLEMENS
Newspaper: Rushville Times, Rushville, IL
Date of Newspaper: April 28, 1949
Submitter: Judi Rogers Gilker

Mrs. Katherine CLEMENS Of Beardstown Died Thursday; Buried Here.
Mrs. Katherine CLEMENS, 51, of Beardstown, former nurse at the Schmitt Memorial hospital, where she had been a patient since February 23. She had been ill the past year, but previous to that time had been on the nursing staff of the hospital.
She is survived by her husband, Harry, one daughter, Mrs. Wilma BRADSHAW of Bushnell, and two sons, Lloyd STIVERS of Atlanta, Mo. besides three sisters (newspaper cut off here) town, Mrs. Carl GREEN of Rushville, and Mrs. Bertha DAVIS of Astoria; three brothers, Frank WARDELL of Bushnell, Thos. WARDELL of Galesburg, James WARDELL of Schuyler County; several nieces and nephews survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and two brothers.
Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M. at the Northcutt Funeral home. Burial was in the Rushville Cemetery.

Name: George E. CLEMONS
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: May 7, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

George E. Clemons - 1919-2003 - Ashland

   George E. Clemons, 83, of Ashland, and formerly of Pleasant Plains, died Tuesday morning, May 6, 2003 of natural causes in his vehicle on Hog Barn Road south of Ashland.
   He was born Nov. 28, 1919 in Pleasant Plains, the son of Matthew Levi and Tena D. Marion Clemons. He married Opal A. Hayes June 19, 1943 in Bowling Green, Mo., and she preceded in death April 9, 1994.
   He is survived by a daughter, Nancy (husband, Bob) Heather of Ashland; six grandchildren, Tammy Heather and Melissa Eskew of Ashland, Shonda Brown of Waverly, Joshua Clemons, Robbie Clemons and Ryan Clemons, all of Jacksonville; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, John and Gene (wife, Sharon), both of Springfield; two sisters, Helen Gresen of Springfield and Georgieann (husband, Danny) Parsons of Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by one son, Danny (surviving wife, Beverly Robinson (husband, Larry) of Jacksonville) and seven brothers and sisters.
   Mr. Clemons was a retired farmhand and he later was employed as a custodian for the Cass County Housing Authority. He was of the protestant faith and enjoyed being involved in many tractor pulls in the area.
   Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Ashland with burial at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains. The family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial are suggested to the American Heart Association or Ashland United Methodist Church.

Name: John Ray CLINE
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: February 14, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

John Ray Cline -1939-2003 - Ashland
      John Ray Cline, 73, of rural Chandlerville, IL died Thursday morning, February 13, 2003 at his residence.
     He was born April 7, 1929, in Cass County, the son of Ray and Margaret Thornsborough Cline. He married Anneliese Sophia Hey Aug. 18, 1953 in Wartzburg, Germany. and she survives.
     He is also survived by one brother, Tilford Robert "Tip" of Lafayette, Ind.; one niece; one nephew; and several cousins. 
     Mr. Cline was a graduate of Virginia High School and the University of Illinois. He served with the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He farmed in Cass County for 49 years prior to his retirement. He had also been employed measuring grain bins for the United States Department of Agriculture. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia and the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau.
     Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Monday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice or First Presbyterian Church of Virginia.

Name: John Oswell COLLINS
Newspaper: Virginia Gazette
Date of Newspaper:
Submitter: Edna McPherson

Mr. John Oswell Collins

WELL KNOWN FARMER WAS 77 AT TIME OF PASSING

Funeral services for Oswell Collins, 77, resident of this community the greater part of his life and well known as an industrious Cass County farmer, were held Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas Whalen, where he passed away Friday after a lingering illness.

Sons of the deceased acted as pallbearers at the services conducted by Rev. J. W. Armstrong of the local Methodist church.

John Oswell Collins, the son of William and Martha Collins, was born May 1, 1858 in Warren County Illinois. The family came to Cass County near Beardstown while he was still a small boy. Thus, he has lived in this county almost all of his life.

His own brothers and sisters all preceded him in death. He is survived by a half-brother and a half-sister, Frank Collins and Mrs. Stephen Caywood of this city.

He was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Hamilton, April 11, 1879. Mrs. Collins passed away December 12, 1929.

He is survived by nine children, William E. Collins, Jacksonville; Fred Collins, Harvey, Illinois; Howard Collins, Harry Collins, Virginia; Mrs. William Treadway, Beardstown; Mrs. Roy Foggy, New London, Iowa; Mrs. Thomas Whalen, with whom Mr. Collins resided in the last two years; Mrs. Harold Noelsch and Mrs. John T. Devlin all of Virginia. He also leaves thirty-six grand children and ten great grandchildren.

Mr. Collins was engaged in farming and in the grain business until moving into Virginia in 1921. He was street superintendent for several years here in the city.

Name: Mrs. J. O.  COLLINS
Newspaper: The Enterprise-Gazette
Date of Newspaper: December 13, 1929
Submitter: Edna McPherson

Mrs. J. O. Collins (Elizabeth Jane)

LIFE LONG RESIDENT OF THIS CITY IS DEAD

Mrs. J. O. Collins, who has been ill for several weeks, passed away at her home here at 2 o’clock yesterday morning.

Mrs. Collins was 69 years of age having been born in this city September 1, 1860 the daughter of the late Irvin Hamilton. She has lived here all her life and has been a loyal member of the Catholic church here.

She is survived by her husband and the following sons: Harry, Howard, and William living here; Fred of Harvey; and the following daughters:  Mrs. Tom Whelan, Mrs. John Devlin, and Mrs. Harold Nollsch of this city; Mrs. Wm. Treadway of Beardstown; and Mrs. Roy Foggy of New London, Iowa.

Services will be held at the St. Luke’s church here Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in charge of Rev. O’Dwyer. Interment at Walnut Ridge.

Name: Mary Virginia COLLINS
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: June 15, 2005
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Mary Virginia Collins 1925-2005 - Ashland

    Mary Virginia Collins, 79, of Ashland, died Monday evening, June 13, 2005, at her residence.
    She was born June 29, 1925, in Menard County, the daughter of Lee Roy and Anne Marie Haggard Klein. She married John R. Collins on June 9, 1946, in Ashland, and he survives.
    She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
    Mrs. Collins was a 1943 graduate of Ashland High School and was employed at Pleasant Plains State Bank for 27 years prior to her retirement. She was a member of Ashland United Methodist Church and was known as a caring person who held a special interest in assisting the elderly.
    Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Ashland, with burial at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains. Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home where the family will meet friends from 5:30-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. John's Hospital for the Radiology Department or to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left at 

Name: William COLLINS
Newspaper: Virginia Enquirer, p. 5
Date of Newspaper: January 24, 1885
Submitter: Edna McPherson

DIED-At his residence in this city, Jan 19, of pleuro-pneumonia, Wm Collins. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. J. E. Roach at 9 o'clock a.m., on the 21st inst. The remains were taken to the Biddlecome graveyard for Interment. Deceased was born in Ohio Oct 10, 1824; came to Illinois in 1830. He was the third child of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls, all of whom survive him, as also does his mother, who is nearly 88 years old. This was the first child she ever lost. Few mothers live to that age without burying a child. Deceased was twice married. He leaves a wife and ten children to mourn his loss.

Name: Mr. & Mrs. Robert COLPITTS
Newspaper: Virginia Gazette
Date of Newspaper: March 13, 1931 (Friday)
Submitter: Steve Harrison

“Philadelphia Couple Found Asphyxiated

Escaping Gas of Stove Brings Death to Aged Man and Wife.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Colpitt[s], aged couple living just east of the city limits of Philadelphia [Cass County, Illinois], were found dead in their bed yesterday morning by Jesse McNeely, postmaster, when he called at their house to deliever [sic] a package from their daughter, Mrs. Minnie Perkins of Franklin, Ill.

Death was caused from asphyxiation due to gas eescaping [sic] from a stove in their room.   The pet dog of the old couple was also found in the room dead from the gas fumes which escaped from the stove that evidently became plugged up during the night allowing the deadly fumes to come out the lid at the top of the stove which had not been closed tightly.  The Philadelphia postmaster was unable to get into the Colpitt[s] home yesterday morning when he called to deliver a package and called William Collins who was passing by the house.  Together they were successful in forcing entrance through a rear door and immediately reported finding Mr. and Mrs. Colpit [sic] dead.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Colpitt[s] are old residents of Cass county between Virginia and Philadelphia and Mr. Colpitt[s] was a native of England, having been born in that country about 89 years ago.  Mrs. Colpitt[s] was about 85 years of age.  The couple had been married for about 40 years and for more than 30 years had been making their home in the house in which they met their deaths.

There are three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Perkins, Franklin, Ill., from whom the package was recieved [sic] which resulted in finding the couple; Mrs. J. L. Hill, Jacksonville, wife of the circuit clerk of Morgan county, and Mary Colpitt[s], a nurse of Jacksonville.

Funeral services in charge of Virgin and McDonald will be held Saturday afternoon [March 14] at 1 o’clock at the home and short services at the Garner Chapel cemetery at 2 o’clock, with Rev. D. F. Nelson officiating.”

Name: Joseph Russel 'Cookie' COOK
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: June 14, 2003
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Jospeh Russell 'Cookie' Cook - 1913-2003 - Chandlerville

   Joseph Russell "Cookie" Cook, 89, of Chandlerville, died Thursday afternoon, June 12, 2003 at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
   He was born Dec.1, 1913 in Cass County, the son of Ralph and Hilma Turner Cook. He married May Hawkins on Dec. 19, 1935, in Pekin, and she preceded in death June 11, 1996.
   He is survived by a son, Jim Cook of Chandlerville; one daughter, Marilyn (husband, Phil) Dillard of Springfield; 7 grandchildren, Rocky Snyder of Chandlerville, Tracy Taylor of Virginia, Mandy Buckman of Ashland, Lori Cook of Virginia, Michell Tufenkjian of Hoffman Estates, Janelle Sapp of Williamsville, and Trisha Cook of Springfield; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Lucille Reed and Annabelle Cloninger, both of Chandlerville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph in 1992.
   Mr. Cook was engaged in farming prior to working with the Chicago, Illinois & Midland Railroad. He later worked for Allis-Chalmers of Springfield and the Cass County Telephone and Cable TV Company. He retired from the City of Virginia after several years of employment with the Street Department. He was a member of the former Chandlerville Baptist Church.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2003 at Lintner-Buchanan Funeral Home in Chandlerville with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Walker Nursing Home Activity Fund.

Name: Timothy COOPER
Newspaper: Rushville Times
Date of Newspaper: January 9, 2002
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Timothy Cooper

Timothy Joseph Cooper, 44, of Beardstown died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, at his residence.
   He was born April 13, 1957 in Beardstown to Glen and Betty Livingston Cooper.
   Surviving are one daughter, Kirby of Muscatine, Iowa; his parents of Beardstown; his grandmother, Viola Hardin of Jacksonville; two brothers, Terry of Phoenix and Ted of Cranbury, N.J.; one sister, Cathy Clark of Beardstown; and several nieces and nephews.
   He was preceded in death by one brother, his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandfather.
   He had been a contractor in the Beardstown area for many years.  He last was a manager of Beard School and Seventh Street Apartments.
   He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown, where services were held Friday, Jan. 4.  The Rev. David Natzke officiated. Sager Funeral Home was in charge of services.  Burial was in Beardstown City Cemetery.
   Memorials may be made to his church.

Name: James W.  COX
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of Newspaper: April 10, 2002
Submitter: Marcia Cox

James W. Cox
1930-2002
Virginia, Cass Co., IL.

     James W. Cox, 72, of rural Virginia, died Monday night, April 8, 2002, at his residence.
     He was born March 31, 1930, in Cass County, the son of James William Arthur and Maggie Marie Thomas Cox. He married Naomi M. Krieg November 19, 1950, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluff Springs and she survives.
     He is also survived by a son, Darrell (wife, Barb) of Virginia; a grandson, two step-grandsons; three step-great-grandsons; two brothers, Glenn of Lake Butler, Fla.; and Allen (wife, Janet) of Peoria; two sisters, Ruth (husband, Jeff) Thompson of Virginia and Jean (husband, John) Theede of Clayton, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by three brothers, Paul, Roy and Vern Cox; and five sisters, Alberta Harrell, Dorothy Farmer, Betty Huston, the Rev. Helen Cox and Irene Cox in infancy.
     Mr. Cox attended Olive Branch School and was a 1947 graduate of Virginia High School. He wa a self-employed grain and livestock farmer for many years. He was a life-long member of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau and served as treasurer for the Garner Chapel Cemetery Board of Directors.
     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church in Virginia with burial at Garner Chapel Cemetery, north of Philadelphia. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Thursday at Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia where family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Garner Chapel Cemetery.

Name: Jessie H. Cox
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal Courier
Date of Newspaper: July 12, 2004
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Jessie H. Cox 1927-2004

    Jessie H. Cox, of Virginia, died Sunday morning, July 11, 2004, at his residence in Virginia.
    He was born Nov. 5, 1927, in rural Virginia, the son of Jesse Rex and Grayce Noreta Clemons Cox. He married Rosalie Lutkehus on April 17, 1947, at the Shiloh Church parsonage near Virginia, and she survives.
    He is also survived by two sons, Greg and Steve, both of Virginia; one daughter, Cathy of Ashland; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Allen of rural Jacksonville; and two sisters, Judy Jane French and Ina Mae Vaughn, both of Virginia. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Margi, and one brother, David (surviving wife, Leota of Virginia.)
    Mr. Cox was  a lifelong auctioneer, devoting more than 55 years to his profession. He attended high school in Virginia before enrolling in the World Wide School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa. He auctioneered at the Ashland Auction Co. from 1948-1988, and owned the Palmyra Auction Co. for 20 years. He also did numerous 4H auctions, coin auctions and field trial auctions. As a popular entertainer, he was proud to have been in the group of entertainers at the first Virginia BBQ. He sang with the Virginia Buckaroos from 1946-1949, performing regularly on WLDS radio. He also announced horse shows and
rodeos and was an avid hunter. Mr. Cox retired in 2003.
    Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial at Garner Chapel Cemetery, north of Philadelphia. The family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Garner Chapel Cemetery or the Virginia Fire Department.

Name: Martha Cox
Newspaper: Cass County Star-Gazette
Date of Newspaper: December 15, 2005
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Martha Cox
February 20, 1922 - December 6, 2005

     Martha Cox, 83, of Chandlerville, died Tuesday evening, December 6, 2005 at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
     She was born February 20, 1922 in Atterberry, the daughter of Walter and Martha Buck Vaughn. She married Raymond Cox on August 25, 1938 in Bowling Green, MO and they were happily married for 59 years before his death on May 2, 1997.
     She is survived by two daughters, Barbara (husband, Sam) Stuhmer of Chandlerville and Gloria (husband, Bernard) Morris of Reedsport, OR; three grandchildren, Colleen Dunlap of Dwight, Aaron Morris of Boston, MA and Teresa Nielsen of Coos Bay, OR; five great grandchildren; one brother, Leroy Vaughn of Jacksonville, two sisters, Louise Geist of Spokane, WA and Bertha Kincade of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews.
     She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
     Mrs. Cox was a homemaker and attended the New Beginnings Baptist Church in Chandlerville. She loved being with her family and friends. She was an avid gardener of both vegetable and flowers. She also enjoyed bird watching.
     Graveside Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday at the Chandlerville Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given to the Panther Creek New Beginning Baptist Church in Chandlerville or the Chandlerville Cemetery Association. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family online at www.buchanan.com.

Name: Neva L. COX
Newspaper: The Virginia Gazette, Virginia, Illinois
Date of newspaper: June 1997
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Neva L. Cox 1919-1997

 VIRGINIA - Neva L. Cox, 77, of rural Beardstown, died Friday morning, June 27, 1997, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

   She was born Sept. 4, 1919, in Cass County, the daughter of Harry C. and Della M. Reichert Schall. She married Thomas R. Cox on Nov. 22, 1942, in rural Virginia, and he survives.
   She is also survived by one son, David M. (wife, Audrey) of rural Virginia; two daughters, Mrs. Dale E. (Jill) Robbins of Knoxville, Tenn., Mrs. E. Loyd (Sara) Pohl of Genoa; four grandchildren; two sisters, Irma Williams of McKenzie, Tenn., Della M. of rural Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Wylma Schall.
   Mrs. Cox was a long time member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she served on the Lords's Acre Committee and was a member of CP Women for many years. She was also a member of the Cass County Home Extension.
   Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home where the family will meet friends from 5:30-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Lord's Acre Committee of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Name: Ralph Curtis COX
Newspaper: Cass County Star Gazette
Date of Newspaper: Feb. 21, 2002
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Ralph C. Cox
January 3, 1926 - February 16, 2002

     Ralph C. Cox, 76, of Virginia, died Saturday morning, February 16 at St. John's Hospice in Springfield.
     He was born January 3, 1926 near Frederick in Schuyler County; the son of Thomas R. and Esther Williams Cox. He married M. Marie Keltner Doherty on September 25, 1963 at the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in rural Virginia and she survives.
     He is also survived by a step-daughter, Mary Ann Jokisch (husband Roger) of rural Virginia; five step-grandchildren; three brothers, Kenneth Cox (wife Della Marie) of Virginia, Russell Cox of Virginia, and Charles Cox (wife Velma) of Eugene, Ore.; three sisters, Hazel Hish (husband Everett) of Chandlerville, Margaret Chilton of Virginia, and Bernice Purkey of Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents; two step-sons, Michael and Edgar "Butch" Doherty; two sisters, Marjorie Cox and Lucille Bierhaus; and a brother, J. Walter Dean Cox (surviving wife, Kathryn, of Virginia).
     Mr. Cox was a retired carpenter and long time member of the Carpenters Local #904 in Jacksonville. He was a member of the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in rural Virginia. He also served stateside with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II.
     Funeral services were held at 11a.m. Tuesday at the Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Virginia with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia.
     Memorial gifts are suggested to Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church or St. John¹s Hospice.
Note: Walter Dean Cox never had another name - the initial ³J.² listed in the obituary is erroneous.

Name: Ray Edward  COX
Newspaper: Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, IL
Date of Newspaper: April 2, 2005
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Ray Edward Cox
1917-2005

    Ray Edward Cox, 87, of Petersburg, and formerly of Tallula, died Thursday afternoon, March 31, 2005, at Menard Convalescent Center in Petersburg.
    He was born July 17, 1917, in Virginia, the son of William Robert and Nancy Clement Cox. He married Mary Dimple Brown on Aug. 25, 1938, in Bowling Green, Mo., and she survives.
    He is also survived by one son, Willie, (wife, Donna) of Ashland; one daughter, Joyce (husband, Charles) Hunt of Creve Coeur; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Ray Jr.; nine brothers, Palmer, Arthur, Tom, Ben, Cassel, Oliver, Oscar, Bert and Robert; and four sisters, Dosha Hurley, Nell Barger, Nora Garmon and Mary Garmon.
    Mr. Cox was a farmer his whole life in the Virginia and Pleasant Plains area.
    Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, with burial at Pleasant Plains Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

Note: Due to a mistake in the obituary, three great-grandchildren should have read three great-greatgrandchildren.

Name: Thomas Russell "Russ"  COX
Newspaper: Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Date of Newspaper: January 30, 2004
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Thomas Russell "Russ" Cox - Virginia

     Thomas Russell "Russ" Cox, 84, of Virginia and formerly of Beardstown, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2004, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.
     He was born Oct. 4, 1919, in rural Virginia, the son of Thomas Ralph and Esther Margaret Williams Cox. He married Neva Lucille Schall on Nov. 22, 1942, in Virginia, and she preceded him in death June 27, 1997.
     He is survived by one son, David Mark (wife, Audrey) of Virginia; two daughters, Mary Jill (husband, Dale) Robbins of Knoxville, Tenn., and Sara Jane (husband Loyd) Pohl of Rochelle, four grandchildren, Devin Cox and Chloe Cox, both of Virginia, and Jacob and Nicholas Pohl, both of Rochelle; two sisters, Margaret (deceased husband, Jim) Chilton of Virginia and Hazel (husband, William E.) Hish of Chandlerville; two brothers, Kenneth (wife, Della Marie) of Virginia and Charles (wife, Velma) of Eugene Ore.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Lucille Bierhaus, Marjorie Cox and Bernice Purkey; and two brothers, Ralph and Walter Dean.
     Mr. Cox was a farmer, carpenter and mechanic in Cass County. He became of member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the 1940's where he served as elder and as the Clerk of the Session. He also served on the various boards and agencies in the Lincoln-Decatur Presbytery. He was very involved in the Gideon's International where he was main speaker for the Tri-County Gideons' International in Rushville. He was very busy when he served as a 4-H leader for his son's and daughter's clubs.
     Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. today at Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials have been suggested to Gideon's International, or Bread of Love in Virginia. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family online at goodwinfh@casscomm.com.

Note: The obituary incorrectly provided the name of Thomas' mother's name as Esther Margaret Williams Cox, when the correct name was Esther Marguerite Williams Cox.

Source-submitter, Marcia Cox, relative

Name: Walter Dean COX
Newspaper: unknown
Date of Newspaper: October 1991
Submitter: Marcia Cox

W. Dean Cox

 Walter Dean Cox, 59, Virginia, died at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 1991 at his residence. He was born March 25, 1932 in Cass County, the son of Ralph and Esther Marguerite Williams Cox. He married Kathryn Jockisch on October 7, 1951 at the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Virginia.
   Surviving are his wife; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Jan) Hagloch, Virginia, Mrs. Fred (Anita) Hoagland, Jacksonville, Mrs. John (Chris) Dixon, Virginia; seven grandchildren; four brothers, Thomas R. Cox, Virginia, Ralph Cox, Virginia and Charles Cox, Eugene, Oregon; three sisters Bernice Purkey, Virginia, Margaret Chilton, Virginia, Mrs. William E. (Hazel) Hish, Chandlerville; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marjorie Cox and Lucille Bierhaus.
   Mr. Cox was a member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Virginia Lions Club. He was employed as a residential care worker at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired from 1964 until his retirement in 1990.
   Funeral services were held Sunday October 13 at the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Albert Smith officiating. Organist was June Smith. Randy Smith played the guitar and sang 'I'll Fly Away' and 'This World is Not My Home.' Ushers were Harry Long and Martin Davidsmeier. Pallbearers were Bill Cox, Tom Purkey, Virgil Cox, David Cox, Ed Bierhaus and Paul Jockisch. Burial was in Walnut Ridge Cemetery. Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
   Memorials are suggested to Cass County Home Health Care.

Name: Margaret Pauline CROWELL
Newspaper: Chandlerville Times
Date of Newspaper: May 9, 1952
Submitter: Barbara J. (Kerwin) Oleson

Mrs. Margaret Crowell Funeral Held Monday

    Mrs. Margaret Pauline Crowell, daughter of James and Powell Pasley, was born June 21, 1864 in Morgan county and departed this life at the Florey Nursing Home in Beardstown, May 2, 1952 at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 11 days.
    She was united in marriage to Ralph Arthur Crowell in 1882 and to this union 8 children were born, namely John of Kenny, Louie and Sam of Beardstown, George of this city, Addie Daniel of Ashland and Jessie Trainor of Pekin.  Two daughters preceded her in death.  Besides the above she leaves to mourn her passing 27 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild, besides a number of nieces and nephews.
    When only a young girl she united with the local Christian church.  She was of a cheery and pleasant disposition which always made for her a host of friends.  She will be greatly missed.
    Funeral services were held at the Lintner funeral home Monday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Gilbert Zink pastor of the Christian church officiating.  Grandsons were pallbearers and granddaughters were in charge of the floral offerings.
    Interment in the Chanldlerville cemetery.

Name: Moses CROWELL
Newspaper:
Date of Newspaper: 1927
Submitter: Barbara J. (Kerwin) Oleson

OBITUARY OF MOSES CROWELL

Name: Ralph CROWELL
Newspaper: Chandlerville Times
Date of Newspaper: 1925
Submitter: Barbara J. (Kerwin) Oleson

FUNERAL OF RALPH CROWELL HELD SUNDAY AFTERNOON.

    Ralph Arthur Crowell was born Aug. 2, 1856 near Saidora, Ill., and departed this life at the St. John's hospital in Springfield, Ill., March 6, 1925, at the age of 68 years, 7 months, and 4 days.  He was united in marriage to Margaret Pasley in 1882 and to this union were born eight children:  John of Kenny, Ill., Mary of Havana, Louie and George of near Chandlerville, Sam of Virginia, Addie and Jessie of near Ashland, one daughter, Maria having preceded him in death.
    Those left to mourn his departure besides his faithful friends, a brother Moses Crowell of Chandlerville, and a sister Syntha and eighteen grandchildren. A brother, Henry, preceded him in death two months ago.
    He united with the Christian church several years ago at Chandlerville.  He was a kind husband, a loving father and a good neighbor.  He leaves a host of friends who will miss him.  He was patient, bearing his sufferings without complaint.  He was of a jovial disposition to the end.
    Funeral services were held at the Christian church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. Ted Wilson, officiating.  Special music was furnished by Miss Gertrude Zeller, Ora Shankland, Mrs. Ora Shankland and A.L. Lintner.  Interment in the Chandlerville cemetery.

Name: Arthur "Art" Zorn CRUMRIN
Newspaper: Journal-Courier Newspaper, Jacksonville, IL
Date of Newspaper: October 31, 2002
Submitter: Marcia Cox

Arthur "Art" Zorn Crumrin 1908-2002
    Arthur "Art" Zorn Crumrin, 93, of Chandlerville and formerly of rural Beardstown, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 29, 2002, at Culbertson
Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
    He was born Nov. 26, 1908 in West Union, the son of Harry Otto and Emma Elnora Zorn Crumrin. He married Edna Wilhelmina Johanna Carls
Sept. 5, 1942, and she preceded him in death.
    He is survived by one great-nephew, Matthew Vaughn of Chandlerville, three great-great nieces, Kelsey Vaughn, Kyla Vaughn and Kallie Vaughn, all of Chandlerville. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Harriet Emely Crumrin and Louise Vaughn; and one nephew, Roland (surviving wife, Bobette Vaughn of Chandlerville).
    Mr. Crumrin was a graduate of Chandlerville High School and attended Brown's Business School of Springfield. He worked as an accountant for 40 years at Cass County Service Co. He has been an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Beardstown. He was a former member of Cass County Historical and Genealogical Society, Cass County Farm Bureau, and National Rifle Association.
    Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Goodwin Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Name: High CRUSSIE, KRUSE
Newspaper: Virginia Gazette
Date of Newspaper: Friday, July 27, 1877
Submitter: Vicki Lang

On the same day (Tuesday, July 17) in the evening an accident occurred about 3 1/2 miles west of town on Indian Creek, that cast a gloom of
sorrow over the whole neighborhood. While hauling in grain at Mr. Crussies after loaded up, Mr. High Crussie thought to climb up on the
loaded wagon, he caught hold of a stake in the front part of the wagon which gave way and broke, and he fell on one of the horses which caused the animal to take fright and run throwing Mr. Crussie under the wagon, one wheel passed over his breast and one over his bowels, he lived about 15 min utes after the accident. The funeral was on Thursday conducted at the German M. E. Church west of Arenzville 2 miles. Mr. Crusie was well known and a much respected citizen.

Note: Even though the newspaper spelled his name Crussie, his tombstone and his letter of intent for naturalization has his name as Hie A.
Kruse. His wife Wibkie spelled it KRUSS. They were from Hanover and had the following children: Adolph (married Lena Vortman), Anna (married August Hansmeier), Henry (married Elizabeth Bojoun), Cathrine "Katie" (m. John Lea Dyer), Fredricka "Rickie" (m. Clem Dahman), and Phillip.

Hie and Wibkie were my great great grandparents, John Lea Dyer and Katie Kruse Dyer were my great grandparents.

Vicki Lang
P O Box 133
Muskogee, OK 74401