Newspaper abstracts from The Effingham Democrat, Effingham, IL 1876 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Trudy McKean, ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net *********************************************************************** The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, January 6, 1876 Crystal Wedding. One of the most elegant and pleasant social events of the holidays was the celebration of the chrystal wedding of Rev. G. A. Pollock and his estimable lady, which occurred at their residence on Friday evening, the 24th inst. The high appreciation in which Mr. and Mrs. Pollock are held in this community was evinced by the large number of ladies and gentlemen who attended, and contributed presents on the occasion. (A lengthy article follows which also lists all of the gifts received.) The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, January 13, 1876 Obituary. Died - at J.R. Funk's, four miles east of Watson, in Effingham county, Illinois, Jan. 4, 1876, Mrs. Elizabeth R. Funk, nee Reed, aged 70 years 1 month and 7 days. She was born in Sevear county, Tenn., Nov. 28, 1805. She was married to John F. Funk in Rone county, same State, in 1822. Ten years later they moved to this county where she lost her husband in 1850, and where she continued to live with four surviving children till death called her from the church militant to the church triumphant. Sister Funk was an accepted member of the M.E. church for the last 33 years. She was ever ready to give a reason for the Christian religion that she professed. The writer well remembers meeting her off at John Sprinkle's house, and how her conversation was always scriptural. Her brother, M.B. Reed of Mason tells me that as long as she was able to speak the praise of God, she proclaimed the faith of her salvation in Jesus Christ. On the 5th inst. Her funeral was preached at Loy Chapel by Rev. G. W. Cullom. Text: "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord." Rev. 14c 13v. Married. Portney-Jackson. At the residence of the bridge's father, Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 11, 1875 (sic) by Justice Harrah, Miss Sarah L. Fortney to Mr. Wm. S. Jackson, both of this city. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, January 20, 1876 Resolutions on the Death of Miss Dunn. The following resolutions on the death of Miss Dunn (a teacher in the public school in Mason) were passed at the last session of the Mason township teachers institute. Elliotstown Chip Bucket. There has been considerable sickness and death in our vicinity. Among the latter may be noticed the death of Walter Field, Andrew Cassell and the wife of Jacob Trees. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, February 10, 1876 Died. D. A. Brown, formerly a resident of Effingham, and brother of Mrs. W. P. Surrells, of this city, died of consumption at his residence at Higginsville, Mo., on Saturday morning, 5th inst. Deceased was born in Pinkneyville, Perry county, Ill., May 1855. He joined Company "A" 26th Regiment Illinois Volunteers Infantry in the war of the rebellion, in 1861. While there contracted consumption and as discharged in 1863. He made a profession of religion and united with the Baptist church of Watson, Ill., in 1865. About four years since he moved to Missouri where he was overtaken by the hand of death. He leaves a wife and four children, besides aged parents, brothers, sisters and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. Tribute of Respect. Whereas It has pleased the Grand Master of the Universe to remove our esteemed brother, Edward E. Skiff, from his labor on earth, and called him to the refreshments of his joys of the celestial world, therefore Resolved, That we, as Masons, sincerely deplore the loss of so good a man and Mason. That the community has lost a valuable citizen; Western Star Lodge No. 240 Champaign, Ill., and the fraternity in general a most excellent member; the family a loving faithful husband and indulgent father. That we extend our sympathies to the bereaved family, commending them to that One who is a father to the fatherless and the widow's friend. That these resolutions be published in the Effingham and Champaign papers, and a copy under the seal of the lodge be sent to the family, and that the jewels of the lodge be draped in mourning for thirty days. Owen Scott, J.H. I. Lacy, J.W. Eiller. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, February 24, 1876 Daniel Needham one of the pioneer settlers of this county, but for the last year or two a citizen of Sigel, died very suddenly at that town last Wednesday. He was 93 years old, and only an hour before his death was indulging in a game of pigeon-hole with a friend. Thus, one by one, the old land-marks pass away. Attempted Suicide. John Kaendle, pastry cook at the Effingham Hotel, attempted suicide last Thursday, at about 9 o'clock in the forenoon, by shooting himself, the ball entering about one inch below the right nipple. Kaendle, a Bavarian by birth, was a young man of rather steady and industrious habits, giving good satisfaction to his employer, Mr. Partridge, in whose services he has been for over a year, but of a very excitable temperament, and upon the most trifling provocation would threaten to kill himself... Up to this writing (Wednesday afternoon) the would be suicide is still alive, and under the skillful treatment of his physicians, and the tender care of the sisters of mercy, it is thought, he may recover. Family difficulties, and possibly a woman, are supposed to be at the bottom of the trouble. Tribute of Respect. As the Lord has seen fit to remove from our midst Brother Presly M. Martin, a true friend and faithful brother; one who taught by example faith, hope and charity, the greatest being charity... Died. At the residence of Wm. Gillmore, in Wes township, of typhoid-pneumonia, Sunday, February 20, 1876, our brother, William S. Coleman, Jr., aged 22 years and 6 months. Brother Will was born in Lima, Ohio, August 19, 1853. At the age of 12years he went to live with Mr. Gillmore, in whose employ he has been up to the day of his death. He was married to Miss Nannie E. Tirey, of Jackson township, Dec. 22, 1876, consequently he had been married scare two months when death called him from her. To her we would say, grieve not, dear sister, that he is taken from you to soon, for it was the will of our Father in heaven. Frank Coleman. Married, after a moderate batchelorhood, A. G. Larne, to the widow of the late P. H. Humes, all of this village. The ceremony was performed at Indianapolis, Ind. It becomes my painful duty to chronicle the death of Dr. P. M. Martin, which occurred at his residence in the village of Watson, on the evening of the 16th inst. The Doctor was born in Wetzel county, West Virginia, on the 24th day of August, 1819. He was married to Eliza M. King on the 8th of May, 1845, and came with his family to Illinois and settled in Loy Prairie, this township, in 1861, where they resided until Feb. 6th, 1874, when they removed to this village. (Article continues but no factual information is contained in the balance.) Mason Memorandums. Little Allie, daughter of D.O. and Mary E. Stetson, of this place, departed this life on the 19th inst., after a protracted illness of several weeks. She was first taken with brain fever, after which she took the whooping cough, which was the immediate cause of her death. Rev. I.A. Smith preached a funeral discourse at the residence of the bereaved on Sunday the 20th inst., after which the lifeless remains of the loved one were escorted to the cemetery near town by a large number of our citizens for internment. Mr. and Mrs. Stetson have the sympathy of a large number of friends in their bereavement. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, March 2, 1876 I report the very quiet wedding of Mr. Judge Bryant to Miss Susan Bruner, on the evening of the 25th inst. No bells. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, March 9, 1876 Little Clara, daughter of Dr. H. and Mrs. Eversman, of this city, died of diphtheria, this (Wednesday) morning, 2 o'clock. None but hearts parental can fully realize the distress of the strangulation of their little ones - to them incomparably dearer than all earthly treasures-by those cruel monsters-croup and diphtheria. The afflicted parents have the heart-felt condolence of the entire community in this their sore bereavement. Letters from Watson township. It has become very common to notice the first "advent of a little stranger at the house of Mr. so and so," but we report the late advent of two little strangers into the home of Charles C. Smith, one a girl and the other a boy. The wife of James McKellan died on Friday night, and the eldest son of Thomas Smith on Saturday night. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, March 16, 1876 Sleep my Baby. Clara Everman died March 8, 1876, aged about two years. (A poem follows). Died on the 9th inst., at the residence of Mr. Geo. Sutton, near Watson, Chas. Eckerson, of typhoid pneumonia. He came to this township some 18 months ago from New York, and as it appears, has no relatives nearer than that State. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, March 23, 1876 Died, Wednesday night, March 15, 1876, of consumption, Frank Skiff, aged about 22 years. Obituary. Died, at her resident 1-1/2 miles north of Mason, Effingham county, Ills., on the 26th of February, 1876, Mrs. Lavina M. B. Reed (nee Slover), aged 60 years, 1 month and 26 days. Deceased was born in Gibson Co., Inc., Dec. 30, 1815. When 4 years old she moved with her father to Coles county, Ills., and after five years residence there, they moved to the spot where the city of Effingham now stands, which was then Mr. Slover's farm. Here she was married to M. B. Reed, on the 31st of December 1837. In 1846 she moved with her husband to Cleveland, Tenn., and in the fall of 1851 they moved back to Illinois, locating in Edwards county. In '52 they moved back to Effingham county, settling on a farm four miles northeast of Watson. Here they resided fifteen years, when they removed to the place near Mason where she died. Mrs. Reed was the daughter of Isaac and Mary Slover-who were among the earliest settlers of this county. She leaves, beside her sorrowing husband and six children, three sisters and two brothers to mourn her loss. She was for 33 years an exemplary member of the M. E. church, and lived and died a sincere and devoted Christian, offering in her very last moments a most fervent prayer in behalf of the spiritual welfare of her children. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, April 6, 1876 Mrs. T. H. Dobbs died rather suddenly at her residence in this city last Wednesday night, after an illness of but a few days. Deceased was in every respect a very excellent lady, and her demise, in the prime of life, is a sore bereavement to her three small children and surviving husband. Her funeral took place Friday noon, at the M.E. church, as was large attended by people of all denominations. The principle events of the week at Watson are large of a melancholy nature. The "grim monster" still lingers about our quiet village, and on the 30th ult., summoned Mr. Wm. Thompson, one of our pioneer citizens, in the 71st year of his age. He leaves a wife and a large circle of children and grandchildren in this neighborhood. Mr. Peter Beach, another aged citizen, near Watson, died about a week since. The wife of Mr. T. L. McDonald, of this village, departed this life on the 31st ult., leaving her husband and two small children to mourn her early demise. Her funeral took place on Sunday last at 10:30 o'clock from the Christian chapel, funeral sermon by Elder Roberts, of Mattoon, Ills. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, April 13, 1876 Died, on the morning of the 8th inst., Dr. J.W. Scott of this village. The Doctor was comparatively a stranger at Watson, having located here only about a month since. Like the late Dr. Martin, he seemed to have been the victim of lung disease before he came to our town, the insidious progress of which was accelerated by excessive exertion and exposure during the late extraordinary sickly season. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, May 4, 1876 I am rather late in reporting the advent of a little stranger at the home of Gen. John P. McDonald, and also the marriage of Mr. Redding to Miss Martha Thompson, all of Watson. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, May 25, 1876 Richard Partridge, a brother of our fellow-townman, Jos. Partridge, was one of the lost by the recent steamer explosion on the Ohio river, near Shawnocktown, this state. Charles Landers, aged 16 years, a son of the watchman of the bridge over Muddy river, on the Vandalia road, being left, by his father, in charge of the bridge, went to sleep on the track and was run over and instantly killed by a freight train, about o o'clock on last Thursday night. We sincerely regret to hear of a fatal and very distressing accident to a 14-year-old son of Rev. Mr. Eller, of Watson, who while playing with a colt last Monday, received a kick from the animal on the head from the effects of which he died. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, June 1, 1876 Died, in this city, Thursday evening, May 25, 1876 little Anna Sophia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Gravenhorst, of croup, aged three years and four months. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, June 22, 1876 In Memoriam-Lucas Grange A shocking accident. A young man named John Wald, a student at St. Joseph's College, at Teutopolis, and the son of wealthy and respectable parents residing in Cleveland, Ohio, was run over on the Vandalia road by the west-going 10 o'clock freight last Thursday night, and instantly killed, his head being almost completely severed from his body. (A lengthy article follows.) The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, June 29, 1876 It may be a matter of surprise to many to learn of the death of Miss Lizzie A. Sears daughter of the Rev. Hiram Sears, formerly of this city, and sister of Mrs. E.N. Rinehart. She departed this life Thursday, the 22d inst., at Carbondale, Ill., and was buried at Vandalia, Saturday the 24th. The loss of the young lady, so well accomplished, and in the twenty-first year of her age, is keenly felt by her relatives and friends. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, July 6, 1876 In Memoriam. Hiram Cooksey The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, July 13, 1876 In Memoriam. Died, at her residence, four miles southeast of Effingham, on the morning of the 8th of July, 1876, Mrs. Mahala, wife of John H. Loy, in the fifty-sixty year of her age. Mrs. Loy was born in Gibson county, Ind., on the 21st day of February, 1820, and on the 9th of March, 1843, was married to John H. Loy, since which time she has resided in Watson township, in this county. She was the mother of eleven and the grandmother of five children, fourteen of whom are now living. During her lingering illness of eighty-six days, she bore her suffering with the greatest patience. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a devoted Christian during the last thirty year of her life...The funeral was preached on Sunday, July 9th, at her late residence by Rev. D. Williamson. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, July 20, 1876 Mother Bourland, of this city, aged 82 years, a very exemplary and estimable old lady, died Tuesday evening at the residence of her son, C. W. Bourland. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, August 3, 1876 Zadock Fulton vs. Margaret Fulton - Bill for Divorce Marinda Clark vs. George M. Clark - Bill for Divorce John Fournaux vs. Janet Fournaux - Bill for Divorce Barny Custer and Angeline Feldhake, both of this city, committed matrimony last Tuesday morning. The knot was tied at the Catholic church by Rev. Pa. Clementinus, O.S.F. A grand shiveree in the evening formed the finale of the performance. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, August 14, 1876 Marinda Clark vs. George M. Clark - Bill for Divorce The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, September 14, 1876 The death rate of the week embraces the following: Mrs. Catharine Ketteler, of this city. She died Saturday evening of congestion. Mrs. Thom. Bell, of this city. She died Sunday morning, about 8 o'clock, also of congestion. Mr. Paul Morrell, of Summit Township. He was found dead in his bed last Wednesday evening, and is also supposed to have died of congestion. A ten year old son of Thos. Rhodes of this city, who also died of congestion, last Friday. An infant daughter of W. T. Pape, who died last Monday of cholera infantem. A year old son of Mr. Wm. Field, of this city, died last Thursday. An infant daughter of Thos. D. Bourland, of this city, died last week. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, September 21, 1876 Another of our girls gone-Miss Kate Wortman, at the hands of John Loar. They departed for Iowa the evening of their marriage, hardly any one knowing of the event. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, October 5, 1876 Death of Huram Maxfield. After long and painful suffering, Huram Maxfield died at the residence of Capt. Dobbs, in this city, last Monday, Oct. 2d, and was buried in the city cemetery on Tuesday following. In the demise of Mr. Maxfield the community has lost an honest and upright man, and a good, kind and charitable neighbor. He was aged 68 years. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, October 19, 1876 Died.-At the residence of G. W. Cambridge, near Effingham, Ill., Oct. 10th, after an illness of 30 hours, Chas. August Stroke, aged 43 years 5 months and 20 days. Indianapolis and Colorado papers please copy. Sudden Death-A son of Gerhard Osthoff, a well known German farmer residing about a mile south of Effingham, was found dead in his father's barn last Friday afternoon. Deceased was apparently in perfect health only a few minutes before he was found dead by his mother, and the cause of his death seems to be wholly unknown. He was aged seventeen years. Died-Oct. 9, 1876, at the residence of Mr. Rachel McCann, four miles south of Effingham, Mrs. Ellen A. Goodwin. She was the daughter of the Hon. H. H. McCann, late of this county, and was born Nov. 5, 1838. She was a member of the M.E. church and a firm believer in the power of Christ to save. Her disease was consumption of a lingering and painful character, causing many weary months of dreadful suffering, yet she was wonderfully sustained by faith in God...Her funeral was preached by Rev. D. Williamson at Loy chapel the 11th last...Her husband, Mr. Wm. Goodwin, and her mother and brothers have the sympathy of the entire community. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, November 9, 1876 Died-In Moccasin township, on Oct. 14th, Thomas W. Tipsord, aged 23 years. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, November 16, 1876 Mr. Jos. Thies and Miss Minnie Kreke were united in the holy bonds of matrimony last Tuesday. The ceremony was performed at the Teutopolis church, by the Rev. Father Gerhard. The many friends here of Mrs. D. P. Barr will be pained to learn of her death in Texas a few days ago. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, November 23, 1876 Death has finally relieved Mrs. H. G. Habing from her long and painful suffering. She died in the early part of last week at the homestead of her deceased parents, and was buried in the Teutopolis cemetery. John M. Lecrone and Miss Sallie Spitler were united by the matrimonial tie yesterday. We'll notice the occasion next week. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, November 30, 1876 Died. At Effingham, Ill., Friday, November 24th, 1876, L.W. Thompson, aged 66 years and about four months. Mr. Thompson was a native of Virginia, being born at Farrowville, July 28, 1810, in which place he was reared and lived until the fall of 1832. His early educational advantages were limited, but being a close student and having a desire for knowledge he became what is usually denominated a "self-education man." He was quite proficient in his knowledge of the English language and mathematics, especially surveying, which he carried into practical use. The books of his library show the use of a mind in search for truth. They were full of marks either of approval or disapproval. He read, thought and commented. The early part of manhood was spent in teaching and he continued his occupation for some years after his marriage. He was married in 1853 to Miss Catharine S. Whiting. She proved a helpmate indeed. When his thoughts turned westward she sat by his side as they journeyed along in an open buggy, over mountain and through the wilderness (as it was then), cheering the heart of her companion in their long and tiresome journey. In all the trials and privations of western life, at that early day, he found in his devoted Christian wife (who preceded him to the heavenly home just a year) a loving. Cheerful companion, a safe and wise counselor, and a faithful, pious mother of his children. At Romney, Indiana, most of their children (eight in number, four now having passed into the spirit world,) were born, and there too, his Christian life began. He united with the Baptist church before the division into Old Side and missionary. For many years he was an active working Christian, taking an interest in everything in church and state. During this period he was a great convertionalist; often lectured upon various topics and addressed public gatherings. He afterwards moved to Jasper county, Indiana, where he entered a large body of land and engaged in agriculture. In the fall of 1863 he came to Effingham, where his children had located, and settled down into a quiet and retired life, almost abandoning society, excepting of his own children. In his latter years he had no connection with any church or organization- not hat he abandoned his faith, that he grew skeptical, that he loved his bible less or his trust was less, but because he found no organization embodying the principles which he himself had adopted. The illness was of short duration. Though a man of great muscular power and with strength almost unabated, yet he readily yielded to disease, and quickly came to the end of his earthly career. His closing hours were calm, composed and peaceful; full of hope and longing for his release. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, December 7, 1876 Nicholas Nosbish, the veteran brickmaker living in the eastern part of the city, died last Friday morning of typhoid pneumonia. He leaves a wife and several small children. Mr. W. H. Murry, of whom we spoke several weeks ago as being a hopeless invalid, died on Wednesday last. His illness was long and severe. Mr. Chas Reynolds and Miss Jerusha Dobbins were united in marriage on Sunday last. Esquire Mesnard tied the knot. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, December 14, 1876 The wife of Supervisor Mesnard, of Jackson township, departed this life the 4th inst. She was a very estimable lady and is mourned by a large circle of friends. The Effingham Democrat, Thursday, December 21, 1876 Deaths. The death harvest in our midst the past week has been more than usually prolific. Mrs. Elizabeth Flach, after long protracted suffering, died of consumption, at her residence in Teutopolis, last Saturday. She was aged about fifty years, and leaves a husband and three children to mourn her loss. Anthony Vabling, a young unmarried man of St. Francis township, died of consumption last Sunday. Bernhard Kelsch, a residence of this city, afflicted with consumption for nearly a year, some three weeks ago repaired to one of the St. Louis hospitals for more skillful medical treatment and nursing than he believed to be available in Effingham, where he died of his disease last Monday. His corpse arrived in the city Tuesday night, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery this morning. Mrs. Henrietta Miller, residing with Mr. G. Noller, aged 64 years, died Sunday morning. Deceased leaves no surviving relatives in this city. She was buried Monday morning in the Lutheran cemetery. Another one of the boys of Effingham has concluded to take unto himself a wife. This time it is Charles Kellim, who was married on the 13th inst. To Miss Kate Sibley. Two sermons were preached at Watson on Sunday last, Elder Mathis preached the funeral of the late Robt. Thompson; Rev. Mr. Witzel, of the M.E. church, conducted the funeral services of Mrs. Laforge, who died on the 15th inst.