Obituary of Johnston CLOW, 1829-1923, Fayette County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Sally J Wildasinn-Ward *************************************************************************** Mr. Johnston Clow (This is a copy from a newspaper article on the death of Mr. Johnston Clow, April 17, 1923 at Altamont, Illinois.) Uncle Johnston Clow Johnston Clow was born in Holmes County, Ohio on March 15, 1829 and departed this life at the home of his children Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Clow (Tilman Clow) on Monday morning (5 o’clock) April 16th. (mistake, died April 17th as per notation on the newspaper clipping) at the ripe age of ninety four years, one month and one day. Mr. Clow came to Illinois with his parents Edward and Hannah Smith Clow in 1839. The family settled NW of where Altamont now stands, at Post Oak, where the father bought a half section of land. The trip to Illinois was made in four wagons or prairie schooners, and required a months time. Mr. Clow stayed with his parents until he was twenty four, when on September 8, 1853, he was married to Miss Margaret Buzzard, a younger sister of the late Ayers Buzzard. Mr. and Mrs. Clow moved to the home farm in Fayette County, Northwest of Altamont, three years after they were married. Here they resided until 1890, at which time they became residences of this city. To this happy union, nine children were born, of which four sons survive, namely, Freeman Clow of Cisco; T.C. Clow of Altamont; C.B. Clow (aka: George L. Kane Clow) of Champaign: D.H. Clow of Cerro Gordo; The following proceeded the father in death: Mrs. Mary Blakely, Miss Freelove Clow, Sherman E. Clow, Early J. Clow, Mrs. Oliver Mouser. Mr. Clow made his first trip to St. Louis in 1844, and he drove there frequently until the close of the war (Civil War). It took a week for the trip, which was made by covered wagon. In 1863 Mr. Clow crossed the Mississippi River on the ice with his team. The day following Mr. Lincoln’s election to the presidency, in 1860, Mr. and Mrs. Clow took eggs and chickens to market and bought their first cook stove. Mr. and Mrs. Clow were earnest members of Crum’s chapel, having had an active part in its organization and having done much to ward the erection of the church edifice. Mr. Clow served as an official for many years. (Other members were mentioned.) The church was dedicated by Rev. Green of Vandalia in 1872. Rev. Joseph Crum was the pastor in charge, serving Pleasant Grove Circuit, and the church was named in his honor. It has been a leavening influence and at present is recognized as one of the best country churches in this section of this state. Hospitality reigned supreme in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clow. They were a devoted, happy couple and it was always a pleasure to visit with them. The writer was privileged to be a next door neighbor to these grand old people for over a year, and they were good neighbors in the fullest meaning of the term. Mrs. Clow passed away on November 22, 1913. During the last year, Mr. Clow made his home with his children Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Clow and he was cared for in a loving manner. Funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon from the First M.E. Church and Crum’s Chapel, the sermons having been given by Rev. L.A. Nagill and Rev. P.O. Anderson. The services at the cemetery were in charge of the Masons, with M.H. Custer and Fred Naumer in Charge. (The above was taken from the Tillman and Sarah Catherine (Blakely) Clow family records as taken from the Bible printed by The Bowen, Merril Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana. Published in 1882. Retyped by Sally J. Wildasinn-Ward, (g-g-grand-daughter of Johnston and Margaret (Buzzard) Clow.) ***************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproducd in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ***************************************************************** Contributed by: Sally J. Wildasinn-Ward