Henderson County Illinois Obituaries Submitted by: Peggy Carey Special To The Hawk-Eye Gazette. (Burlington, Iowa) Oquawka, Ill. March 26, 1935 SWANSON S. ESSEX PASSES AWAY AT OQUAWKA HOME Special To The Hawk-Eye Gazette. Oquawka, Ill. March 26.-- SWANSON S. ESSEX, 77, retired carpenter and, contractor, died at 5:30 o'clock this morning at his home. He suffered a stroke in 1932 from which he partially recovered, his last illness dating back to November, 1934. Born at Oquawka Oct. 3, 1857, the son of CAMPBELL and EMZY ESSEX , he had been a resident of this community all his life and was president of The Western Loan and Building association of Oquawka for 25 years. He also served on the school and village boards for a number of years, taking an active part in community affairs. He was married to MARGARET HESS on Sept. 21, 1876, who with six children survive, one dying in infancy and FRED in June, 1923. Surviving sons are CLYDE of Monmouth and CLIFFORD of Oquawka. Daughters are Mrs. EVA LORENZ of CHicago, Mrs EFFIE NOBLE of Oquawka, Mrs. EMMA MOREY of Stronghurst, and Mrs. VERNA LOUCK of Keithsburg . He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildlren. Funeral services will be held from the home Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with Rev. Charles Holmes of Rozetta in charge. Burial will be in Oquawka cemetery. . OBITUARY for ISAAC ESSEX Submitted by: Peggy Carey Note: 1874, Abstracts of the Oquawka Spectator as edited by Va.Ross The primary work for this column was done by Ruth Hutchinson who diligently read microfilm for 15 years. I am using her notes to bring you genealogically interesting material from this highly regarded paper. Col. John B. Patterson, the editor, was a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln and the Phelps Bros.,he was well-known throughout the newspaper world of his day. An Old Settler Has Been Called Home. Mr. Isaac Essex died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Peckham , in Keithsburg on 21 Dec. 1873. He was born in Chester Co., Maryland on the 17 Sep. 1786, emigrated to Virginia in 1795, thence to Ross Co., Ohio, and from there to Indiana and in 1836 he came to Ill. and stopped at Rock Island. In 1838 he came to this country, where he has resided ever since. He had been a member of the ME Church since 1792, and was always a consistent Christian, and has gone home at a ripe old age to reap his reward. His remains were brought down on the train Monday and his funeral attended from the ME church, Rev. U.Z. Gilmur , officiating. He leaves 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Note: My research has revealed there has never been a Chester Co, "MD"! To date I have not been able to prove his parents. In the line re:1838, that's the word that was used "country" instead of county! From the Oquawka Spectator ESSEX, ELLEN , November 17, 1881 DIED---In Oquawka precinct, Nov. 10th, 1881 of membranous croup, Ellen*, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs Joseph Essex, aged 4 years, 5 months and 5 days. *My research found that the name Ellen; is incorrect. The following also appeared in the newspaper on November 24, 1881. ESSEX, HATTIE DELL --In Oquawka precinct, Nov 10th, 1881, of membranous croup, , second daughter of Mr and Mrs Joseph Essex , aged 4 years, 5 months, and 5 days. "Go to they peaceful rest; For thee we need not weep, Since thou art new among the blest. No more by [ ] [and] sorrow pressed. Thine eye [ble] gently close. Oquawka Spectator 4 May 1882 FRANCIS CAMPBELL ESSEX. --In this place, April 22, 1882 of valvular derangement of the heart and comsumption, aged 66 years, 4 month, 3 days. Deceased was a native of Chillicothe, Ohio. He came to this state forty years ago and engaged in farming. Six years afterward he removed to Oquawka and resumed his trade--carpentering. The old settlers have always regarded Campbell as a peace loving and honost man. His family realize that a kind husband and indulgant father has been called from them. The community say a good citizen has gone from our midst. In the last weeks, dropsy having super--d on the old troubles of body, he sufffered much. Died Oct 22, 1854 Mary Olive dau of WM. R. JANE VAN PELT, 14m 1 (?)dys. Oquawka Spectator 1854 THOMAS WEAVERLING ; Boy Drowned: We are sorry to have to record the death of a fine little boy, THOMAS WEAVERLING; a residence of this place, by drowning last Thursday. He had gone into the river in company with several other little boys, none of whom could swim, and while wading around in the shallow water, THOMAS stepped over the reef of a bar, into deep water, and was drowned. The alarm was given and a number of our citizens rushed to the river, and commenced searching for the body, but their efforts proved unavailing, until at last JOSPEH ESSEX , whilst diving, brought him ashore. He had been in the water so long, however, that life was entirely extinct. It is believed this was Joseph D.Essex. Oquawka Spectator 26 June 1868 JANE WATSON,FOUL PLAY! On the night of Thursday, April 16, 1874, JANE WATSON, aged 18 years and 5 months, disappeared from the residence of Judge RICHEY , where she had been raised from a child of 6 or 7 years.... Oquawka Spectator 14 May 1874 Died: Mrs. EVA BROWN a native of Vermont. Oquawka Spectator 18 DEC 1876 Oquawka Spectator August 27, 1885 ESSEX, NELLIE GRACE DIED-----Tuesday, August 25th, , daughter of Mr and Mrs Jos. Essex , aged 2 years, 18 days. The sorrowing parents have the sympathy of the entire community. *Hattie Dell and Nellie Grace were both daughters of Joseph E. Essex. Oquawka Spectator, April 24, 1895 AN AWFUL ACCIDENT Joseph Essex's Little Girl Fatally Burned. The town was shocked Saturday afternoon by one of the saddest accidents that every happened here. Mrs. JOSEPH ESSEX was in attendance at the funeral service of Mrs. PENCE and went to the cemetery afterward. Her younger children were home. One of them, MAUD , a little over 9 years old, tried to melt some lead in a spoon at the kitchen stove. In reaching down to get it from the stove her sleeve caught fire. She became frightened and ran out of doors. The wind fanned her light cotton clothing into a blaze, and frantic with the pain and fright the child ran around the house several times so swiftly that her older sister could not catch her. As soon as possible this sister and a neighbor, Mr. YERGER, who ran to help, stripped off the remains of the burning clothes. A doctor was called immediately, but medical help was of little avail. The child was fatally burned. Her little body was scorched all over excepting one place between her shoulders, and merciful death came to her relief on Sunday evening. Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday afternoon by Rev. BURTON CLIFFORD of the Baptist church, who spoke comborting words. A large number of sympathizing friends were in attendance. DEATH---SMALL POX --We believe that no new cases have occured. Mrs. DAVID WATSON died on Saturday last, and a little child at the Pioneer House yesterday. Mrs. Watson was Lydia P. Brown . Mrs. T.C. ESSEX* --At the asylum in Jacksonville, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 1892, Mrs. T.C. ESSEX* in her 75th year. She was born June 16, 1828, near Somerset, OH, but removed from there with her parents to Henderson county, Ill., in 1833, where she has since resided. At the age of fourteen years she was married to T.C.ESSEX* and to them were born six children, five of whom are still living. The husband died in 1881. Mrs. ESSEX united with the Methodist church at an early age and was a true and faithful member. Funeral services were conducted at the home of her son, S.S. ESSEX , on Friday forenoon by Rev. H. Hanson. *This should read F.C. not T.C. as she was the wife of Francis Campbell Essex . She was Sarah Emzy Smith who died of ;Epileptic Insanity according to her death record. Oquawka Spectator 30 Jan 1907 Mrs. Wm. Bailey BAILEY, Mrs. Wm. Baile y died at her home a few miles east of Oquawka, Ill., Thursday, Jan.24,1907, aged 56 years, 7 months, 18 days. She had long suffered from heart trouble and the end came gently. Margaret Mahala Essex was born in Oquawka July 6, 1850 and all of her life was spent here and in this vicinity, and the unusally large attendance at the funeral service, despite the cold, testified to the many friends she had here. She was united in marriage to William Bailey on December 14, 1872, and six children were born to them, all of whom, with the husband and father, survive-- Mrs. Harvey McFarland of Nanton, Alberta, Mrs. Eli Baldwin, Mrs. Alex. Thomas, John, Charles, Mildred and Walter all of this place. She also leaves one sister, Mrs. E.A. Lloyd of Keithsburg and three brothers, Joseph and S.S. Essex of this place and Wm . of Monmouth. The funeral service was held at the Baptist church Saturday afternoon conducted by Rev. J.C. Craine. A large circle of friends and neighbors extend sympathy to the bereaved family. Mrs. Bailey was a good wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a sympathetic friend. Mr. John Earl Peterson (Believe this was in the Burlington (IA) Hawkeye newspaper Oct 1964) Submitted by: Peggy Carey OQUAWKA MAN DIES AT HIS HOME Mr. John Earl Peterson , 81, Oquawka, IL died at his home on Tuesday morning, after an illiness of about two weeks. Mr Peterson had undergone surgery at Monmouth Hospital last Thursday. He was born in Oquawka Township on June 12, 1883, the son of Peter O. and Emma Peterson , and had spent most of his life in Oquawka. He was married to Ida Lou Essex Nov. 14, 1911. Mr. Peterson was owner of the button factory in Oquawka, until his retirement a number of years ago. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was of the Methodist faith. Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Mrs. George (Ellen) Dryden of Sabula, Ia; a son Kenneth Peterson, at home; and the following grandchildren: Mary Ellen Highstrom, Linda Dryden, and George P. Dryden, children of Mr. and Mrs. George Dryden of Sabula, Ia; and John K. Peterson son of Kenneth Peterson, of Monmouth, Ill; two sisters, Miss Edna Peterson and Mrs. Agnes Clark, both of Monmouth, Ill; two brothers, Wilfred Peterson of Monmouth, Ill, and George Peterson of Peoria , Ill. Funeral services will be hald at Turnbull's Funeral Home in Monmouth on Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m., the Rev. John W. Collins of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery. Joseph Hess This was taken from the 1901 Oquawka Spectator. Submitted by: Peggy Carey HESS. Joseph Hess was born in Meredosia, Morgan Co, Ill, December 4, 1826, and died in Oquawka, Ill, his residence since 1842, on Monday Aug. 12th, 1901, aged 74 years 8 months and 8 days. He leaves to mourn his loss, Ellen Hess, his widow, William Hess, Anna E. Cheek, Sabina C. Scott, Margaret E. Essex, Mary L. Morris, Emeline C. Paten, Malinda C. Morris, Joseph F. Hess and Andrew Hess , his children. He also leaves 29 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, besides a brother and sister, Andrew Hess and Rachael Daniels . Mr. Hess was esteemed by all who knew him for his honesty and uprightness of character. Funeral services were held from the M.E. church Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 13, conducted by Rev. T.C. Moots . The remains were laid to rest in the Oquawka cemetery. The family wishes to thank the community for sympathy and kindly aid extended. Margaret E. Essex is the wife of Swanson S. Essex . Solomon Busch Essex From the Oquawka Spectator 3 Dec 1903 ESSEX.--Solomon Busch Essex died at Media on Thursday of last week, Nov. 19th, after a brief illiness. Mr. Essex was an old resident of this county and for many years of Biggsville. He was a miller by occupation and was connected with the old Biggsville mills in its early days and as late as '87 or '88. He was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1822, and was in his 82nd year at the time of his death. He came to Illinois in 1838, and in 1851 was married to Miss Delilah Wax , who died in'87 and was buried in Biggsville cemetery. They were the parents of three daughters and two sons. The daughters survive, but the sons died years ago.--Clipper. Mrs. Sol. Essex From Oquawka Spectator 10 Nov 1887 Biggsville Items Mrs. Sol. Essex (Mrs. Sol. Essex was Delilah Wax .)died tuesday morning after a long illness. She was confined to her bed for fifteen weeks, though she had been an invalid for years. Her age was 50 years and 18 days. The funeral was held at the house Wednesday at 10 o'clock and was attended by a large audience. Oquawka Spectator JOSEPH ESSEX .At his home near the South Henderson U.P. church, Thursday, March 7, 1895, JOSEPH ESSEX. He was about 77 years of age and had been a resident of the county for many years. Rev. Andrew Renwick of Monmouth conducted the funeral service at the church on Saturday. A widow and two children survive. *This is Joseph D. Essex husband of Julia Ann (Bailey) Curtis-Essex. Mrs. MARY A. CHAPIN of Keithsburg died at the home of her son in Keithsburg, March 21. She was in her 85th year and was a resident of Oquawka in early days. SAMUEL PURSELL SHORT was born in Henderson county, Ill., April 17th, 1841. At the age of 20 years, he enlisted as a volunteer in Company B, 59th Illinois, and served through the entire war. March 13th, 1864, he was united in marriage to HARRIET E. CURTIS and to this union five children were born-- Gertie L. WRAY of Washington D.C., Adell BLACKBURN of Council Bluffs, Walter C. SHORT of Mitchellville, Iowa, Myra H. NELSON of Fort Terry, N.Y., and Pearl EWING , who preceded his father four years and a half. Thirty-seven years ago he experienced religion and at the time of his death was a member of the Baptist church at Oquawka, Ill. He was also a member of the G.A.R. Post. He died Thursday afternoon, May 9th 1907. He leaves a wife, four children, five sisters and one brother to mourn the loss of a kind and devoted husband, father and brother. Funeral services were conducted Sabbath afternoon at the Oquawka Baptist church by Rev. C.L. Flanders and interment was in the Biggsville cemetery. * Harriet E. Curtis was daughter of Julia Ann (Bailey) Curtis-Essex. From the Oquawka Spectator newspaper. Monmouth Daily Review 14 Feb 1920 W.F. ESSEX DIED ABOUT NOON TODAY Influenza followed by pneumonia caused another death in the city this morning when W.F.ESSEX, for a number of years a well-known painter and paper hanger of the city, passed away at 11 o'clock at his home, 201 South G Street, after a short illness. Although he had beeen a suffer for some time with kidney trouble his death was hastened by the complication of influenza and pneumonia. Deceased was born April 12, 1863 in Oquawka, and had lived in this vicinity his entire life. He came to Monmouth a number of years ago and followed the occupation of painter and paperhanger. He was married twenty-seven years ago to Miss EFFIE FINDLEY and is survived by his wife and two sons, Everett of Rock Island and Arthur , at home. A brother, S.S.ESSEX of Oquawka also survives. No arrangements have been made for the furneral services as yet. *WILLIAM FRANCIS was the son of FRANCIS CAMPBELL ESSEX. William had married ALICE SELLS in 1889 at Monmouth. She passed away early in this marriage. Wilbur Essex, 57, Dies At Hospital After Long Illness The Burlington Hawk-Eye Gazette Jan 1932 WILBUR E. ESSEX , 57, of 706 South Central avenue, died at Mercy hospital at 8:15 last night after a long illness. Mr.ESSEX was employed by the Biklen-Winzer Grocery company for 12 years. He had not been working for the past 18 months because of ill health. He was born at Oquawka, Ill., Aug. 22, 1874, and had lived in Burlington for 14 years. He was a member of Moose lodge. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. J.L. JOHANSEN of Burlington, with whom he made his home; Mrs. J.W. KOLLMAN and Mrs. C.E. TAYLOR both of Peoria, Ill.; two brothers, JOSEPH ESSEX of the Burlington police department and CLARENCE of Reno, Nev.; two sisters, Mrs. IDA PETERSON of Oquawka, Ill., and Mrs. ALICE MUMMA of Urbana, Ill., and two grandchildren. The body was taken to Prugh's chapel where funeral services will be held at a time to be announced later. Burial will be at Oquawka, Ill. (A second obituary at a later date indicates services will be held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock with burial at Oquawka.) The Hawk Eye Dec 8, 1982 HAROLD P. ESSEX OQUAWKA, Ill .-- HAROLD P. ESSEX, 82, Oquawka, died at home at 6:50 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. He was born Oct. 16, 1900, in Oquawka to CLYDE and FLORA PERSHIN ESSEX . He married HAZEL CATTERSON Sept. 18, 1933, at Springfield; she died in 1959. He married MARTHA PIGGMAN in June 1960 at Detroit, Mich; she died in 1975. Reared and educated in Oquawka, he lived for 35 years in Detroit, where he was a member of Local 337 of the carpenters union. Surviving; a niece, CAROL FRANCE , Oquawka, and a nephew, DUANE FRYREAR , Angoon, Alaska. Committal: 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oquawka Cemetery, the Rev. Richard Lewis of Oquawka United Methodist Church. The body is at the Turnbull Funeral Home, Monmouth, where memorials to the Oquawka Senior Citizens may be left. C. ALLEN ESSEX , Monmouth Review Atlas 26 Feb 1988, 67 of Oquawka died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1988 at 8:35 p.m. at the Community Memorial Hospital. He was born June 2, 1920 in Oquawka, the son of CLIFFORD S. ESSEX and NANNIE L. (HIGHTOWER) ESSEX. He was reared and educated in Oquawka. He married ELIZABETH "Sis" CURTIS, June 7, 1947 in Gladstone. He was employed in the maintenance field by the State of Illinois and later at the Iowa Army Ammunitations Plant in Burlington and most recently at Wilson Foods. He was of the Methodist faith. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was a veteran of Worl War II. Surviving are his wife, ELIZABETH "Sis" ESSEX of Oquawka, one daughter, JACKIE WISKIRCHEN , Oquawka; two grandchildren; two brothers, JIMMIE and BILLIE ESSEX of Oquawka and one sister, MARIBETH ESSEX of Oquawka; one aunt and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Turnbull Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oquawka Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday and Saturday until the time of service. The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday. A memorial is being established. ELIZABETH ESSEX ELIZABETH M. Sis ESSEX of Oquawka, Ill., died at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 1996 at Community Memorial Hospital in Monmouth, Ill. Born May 26, 1927, in Gladstone, Ill., she was the daughter of WALDO and HELEN PERHBRIDGE CURTIS. She married ALLEN ESSEX on June 7, 1947, Oquawka. He died Feb. 24, 1988. Mrs Essex was raised in the home of VIRGIL and CATHERINE RANSDELL and attended Gladstone schools. She worked in the Henderson County Clerk's office in Oquawka and as a lab technecian at Burlington Hospital, Monmouth Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital 30 years, retired in 1987. She was a member of the Society of American Medical Technologists and Sleepy Eye Pottery Club. She enjoyed collecting antiques. Survivors include one daughter, JACKIE WISKIRCHEN , Oquawka, Ill., two grandchildren; one sister, EMMA JEAN SEVERSON of Cedar Rapids; one brother, BOYD CURTIS of Galesburg, Ill.; one great-aunt and one cousin. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be today at Turnbull Funeral Home Oquawka, Ill., where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The funeral for Mrs.ESSEX will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Turnbull Funeral Home, with the Rev. John T. Irwin officiating. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Mrs. FLORA ESSEX OQUAWKA,Ill. -- The Burlington (IA) Hawk-Eye 26 Sep 1974 Mrs. FLORA M. ESSEX , 94, for many years office manager for the Oquawka light and water departments, died at 1:55 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the La Moine Christian nursing home in Roseville. She was born April 26, 1880, in Rooks county, Kan., to WILLIAM G. and LAURA BELL KIDD PERSHIN . She married CLYDE ESSEX in 1897. Mrs.ESSEX, who spent most of her life in this area, was acative in the Oquawka United Methodist church and Rebecca and Tri-State lodges. Surviving: Children HAROLD ESSEX and Mrs. MARGARET FRYREAR, Oquawka, and EDITH M. SANDY, GENEVA ; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral: 2 p.m. Saturday, Oquawka United Methodist church, Revs. Claire Noblitt and James Oliver; Oquawka cemetery. The body is at Turnbull funeral home, Monmouth. Memeorials have been established to the church and to La Moine Christian nursing home The Oquawka Spectator 14 Sep 1879 WILLIAM T. CUNNINGHAM born 1851 28y 7m 7d, died 14 Sep 1879 near Biggsville, born NY. 1883 Murder & Suicide: Mrs. BAILEY, 45yr and 6yr old dau. Wife of Commercial Traveler. 29 Oct 1890 Dr. W.S.BAILEY died, 42y 11m 5d. Dec 1894 Death of GEORGE NOBLE 6 Dec 1894 16y born 29 Nov 1835(?) in Indiana. Came to Illinois 1853. Mrs. ALLIE NOBLE, holton, KS (related?). 18 Mar 1896 Is an obituary for Grandmother WATSON, 102years. 8 May 1901 Obituary for LAURA BELL (KIDD) PERSHIN wife of WM. PERSHIN. Daugher:Mrs FLORA ESSEX. 3 JULY 1901 FRANK DUNHAM of Burlington, Chief Clerk of Rock Island & St. Louis division of the Railway Mail Service, died at his home Sunday from sunstroke. 2 May 1906 Obituary: A long article regarding LOUISA LANGDON. 6 Mar 1907 Obituary: MARY A. EDWARDS widow of GEORGE died yesterday morning, aged 70yrs. Son ELMER, daughter ANNA; two brothers JOHN AD BELL. The Rock Island Argus, Nov.25, 1933 CAPTAIN WATSON, VETERAN, AGE 99, DIES AT OQUAWKA (special to the Argus) Oquawka, Ill., Nov. 25.--Captain HENRY WATSON, 99 years old, Civil war veteran and the oldest resident of Henderson county, died at noon yesterday in the home of his daughter, Mrs. JAMES CARNES , following a brief illiness. Captain WATSON's health was good and his mind keep for one of his age. Last July he celebrated his 99th birthday and at that time expressed the wish that he could live to be 100 years old. Friends of Captain WATSON always took a great joy in visiting him, as he always had interesting stories to tell of the earlier days and the many changes which have taken place in his long span of years. He knew the history of all the old landmarks in and around Oquawka and helped saw the lumber for the old covered bridge at Jack's mill, near Oquawka. Captain WATSON was born July 18, 1834, at Troy, N.Y., coming to Oquawka wih his parents when a lad of 10 years. He had since resided here. He and his wife, who died 29 years ago, lived in the house now owned and occupied by T.B.WILSON, where their five children were born, two of whom survive. ONE OF FIRST TO ENLIST. When the Civil war began he was one of the first to enlist, serving in Company F. 16th Illinois infantry, and when his captain was killed, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He was wounded in the last battle of the war. He was the proud possessor of the flag which he carried through the war in his knapsack, being the flag which the wives of the men of his company living in this county made and sent to them, placing it in Mr. WATSON's care. He was an ardent Republican and never cast a vote any other place than Oquawka, his first vote for president being cast for Fremont. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. DAISY CARNES, with whom he lived in the Bald Bluff neighborhood, and Mrs. SALOME McLAIN of Winner, S.D. who visited her father the past summer. Mrs. C.J.EADS of Oquawka is a niece and he was a great-uncle of Mrs. JOHN PETERSON , also of Oquawka, and of the children of Mrs. EADS and husband, WEBSTER of Oquawka, JOHN of Galesburg and Mrs. FLOYD MURRAY of Burlington. Funeral services will probably be held Sunday afternoon in the Lugg funeral home in Monmouth at 2 o'clock, but definite arrangements have not been completed, pending word from relatives from distance. Burial will be in the Oquawka cemetery. This copied as printed! The Oquawka Spectator Oct 12, 1903 Mrs. HENRY WATSON died Tuesday morning, Oct. 13, 1903, of apoplexy, aged nearly 69 years. The entire community was shocked yesterday morning by the sudden and wholly unexpected death of Mrs. WATSON. Her health has been poor for some years but Monday she visited her sister and felt much better than usual. Sabbath day she was at Sabbath school and taught her class and seed considerably stronger than she had been. Tuesday morning she got up and was preparing breakfast but suddenly called to her husband, who was in the kitchen with her, "I believe I am going to die," and would haaaave fallen if he had not caught her. Only for a moment after that was she conscious and about an hour afterward the tired heart was at rest forever. NANCY JAN KING was born near Milton, Trible Co., KY, Dec. 22, 1834. Her father moved to Henderson county when she was four years old and she has lived in the county since that time and in Oquawka since 1851. She was married to HENRY WATSON , Aug 19, 1854, and for nearly half a century these two have walked through life together. No one can miss her as he will. Five children were born to them, all living except one son, ROBERT. One sister survives, Mrss.ELLA McFARLAND , the last of her father's family of twelve children. Mrs. WATSON was a member of the Rebekahs-one of the oldest members here-a member of the Relief corps and of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. None of these societies divided her interest or work for her church. For forty-nine years she has been a member of the Oquawka Methodist churach. There is just one expression about her on every one's lips-"she was a good woman." She testified at praayer meeting Thursday night of her purpose in life to be a Christian and the people who have lived and work with heer for many years know well the truth of it. She was a kind-hearted woman, ready to help all she could, and who can count the homes she has entered at times of sickness and death? The last few days of her life she gave to securing some needed repairs for the church. She will be greatly missed but her heavenly Father spared her long illiness or great pain, and while earthly friends sorrow she rejoices in the place prepared for her in her Father's ouse of many mansions. Funeral services will be conducted from the M.E. church to-marrow at 2 p.m. by Rev. C. Fitz Henry. CHESTER CHAPMAN has been very will with pneumonia at the residence of his wife's parents a few miles east of town, and passed away yesterday morning. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 this afternoon in the Baptist church, by Rev. E.C. Anderson . CHESTER CHAPMAN was born at Magnolia, Putnam county, Ill. April 25, 1870, died Jan 10, 1899. He was united in marriage to Miss EMMA BAILEY , Oct 9, 1897. The young widow with Mr. Chapman's parents and three sisters, survive him. He was a quiet, industrious young man and had made his home about here for a number of years. Oquawka Spectator 11 Jan 1899 AGGIS (Alice) SELLS ESSEX At the home of her mother in Oquawka, May 26th, 1891, AGGIS SELLS ESSEX, wife of WM. ESSEX aged 23 years, 11 months. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. Hanson on Tuesday afternoon, 26th. The deceased leaves a husband and a child four months old. The wife of William Essex is proved to be ALICE SELLS. The above an apparent printers error. Oquawka Spectator 27 May 1891 MILDRED E. ESSEX PIERCE , 79, of 3220 Forest Av., died Tuesday at Scioto Memorial Hospital. A native of Gladstone, Ill., and member of Valley United Methodist Church, she was a charter member of Portsmouth General Hospital Auxiliary, formed in 1949, and past president , treasurer and trustee. She also was named the first board member emeritus by the trustees. Preceded in death by her husband, WALTER E. PIERCE , in 1975, she is survived by a son RICHARD of Perrysburg, a daughter, WANDA FOSTER of Vinton, VA.; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Portsmouth (OH) Times June 25, 1980 WALTER EDWARD PIERCE , 80, of 3220 Forrest Ave., are to be conducted by Rev. McClellan Nicholson at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Daehler Funeral aHome. PIERCE, a native of Iowa, died Saturday at Scioto Memorial Hospital. An Army veteran of World War I, PIERCE was a former Norfolk and Western Railway employe, a 32nd degree Mason, and member of the Shawnee Saddle Club, American Association of Retired Persons and Valley United Methodist Church. He was a member and past president of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employes. Surviving are his wife, MILDRED ESSEX PIERCE, a son, RICHARD PIERCE of Toledo; a daughter, Mrs. DAVID FOSTER of Roanoke, VA; a brother, ORIN PIERCE of Wever, Iowa; seven grandchildren and a great grandchild. Interment is to be in Memorial Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 tonight, and from 2 to 4 and 7 to Tuesday. The Heart Fund and the Cobalt Unit of Scioto Memorial Hospiwal are the family's favorite charities. Portsmouth (OH) Times Sep. 1, 1975 The above appeared to have printing errors! Mrs. ALICE MUMMA OQUAWKA, Ill.--Mrs.ALICE MUMMA died Aug 25 at a hospital in Champaign, Ill. Last rites were held Aug. 28 at Urbana, Ill. ALICE ESSEX , daughter of JOSEPH and ELLEN WATSON ESSEX was born at Oquawka on March 7, 1879. She was graduated from the Oquawka high school and from Western Illinois State Teachers college, Macomb, Ill., and was married to JAMES MUMMA in 1904. Mrs. MUMMA is survived by three sons and a daughter; MAX D. MUMMA , Davenport, Ia; PAUL H. MUMMA , Sidney, Ill; FLOYD MUMMA , Decatur, Ill., and Mrs. HELEN FREEMAN , of Calumet City, Ill. Also surviving are a brother and sister: CLARENCE F. ESSEX, Riverside, CAlif, and Mrs. IDA PETERSON, Oquawka six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Two brothers and three sisters died previously. Alice died in August of 1953. I don't have the name of the newspaper. This obituary appeared in the Champagine/Urbana area and I don't have the name of this newspaper. ALICE MARIE MUMMA, 73, a resident of the community for 25 years, died about 12:25 a.m. (Aug. 26, 1953) at the Laymon Convalescent hom. She lived at 206 Nort Race street, Urbana. The body was taken to the Renner funeral home. Funeral services were tentatively set for Friday. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemeter. Mrs. MUMMA was born March 3, 1880, in Oquawka, daughter of JOSEPH and ELLEN ESSEX . She was a member of the First Baptist church of Urbana. Surviving are four children, MAX D. MUMMA, Davenport, Ia., PAUL H ., Sidney, FLOYD W ., Decatur, and Mrs. HELEN FREEMAN , Calumet City, and one sister, Mrs. IDA PETERSON , Oquawka; and six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Dated 26 Aug 1953 Funeral services for JOSEPH ESSEX , retired policeman who died suddenly Monday at the home of his daughter, MRS. WALTER PIERCE , in Portsmouth, OH, will be held at the Unterkircher Funeral home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Aspen Grove cemetery. The body will arrive in Burlington Wednesday afternoon. Mr. ESSEX was born June 22, 1882. He was appointed a patrolman Oct. 1, 1926, and retired because of ill health May 10, 1938. This is JOSEPH RAYMOND ESSEX son of JOSEPH E. and SARAH ELLEN WATSON ESSEX. MRS. JOE ESSEX PASSES AWAY Wife of Police Officer Succumbed to Apoplexy Yesterday Afternoon. Mrs. MARY ESSEX, 49, wife of JOSEPH R. ESSEX , Burlington police officer, passed away at her home, 1417 Gnahn street, late yesterday afternoon following a stroke of apoplexy. MARY KNUTSTROM was born in Gladstone, Ill., on July 28, 1880, and was married to JOSEPH RAYMOND ESSEX at Oquawka, Ill., on June 28, 1900, the family moving here 22 years ago. She was a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. WALTER PIERCE of Portsmouth, Ohio, and Mrs. W.R. RIEKE of Havelock, Neb; one brother, CHARLES KNUTSTROM of Powell, Wyo., and two sisters, Mrs. WILL KNUTSTROM and Mrs. BERTHA SEBRING , both of Gladstone, Ill. The body has been taken to the Burnett-Wallen funeral home and funeral arrangements will be announced later. From the Burlington Hawk-Eye SARAH E. ESSEX PASSES AWAY Mother of Joe and Wilbur Essex of Burlington Died This Morning. Mrs. SARAH ELLEN ESSEX of Oquawka, mother of JOSEPH and WILBUR ESSEX of Burlington, passed away at her home there this morning at 4:15 after an illnes of ten days. Mrs. ESSEX was the daughter of DAVID and LYDIA BROWN WATSON , and was born May 15, 1852 in Oquawka where she has lived all her life. On March 1, 1875 she married JOSEPH ESSEX who died May 12, 1914. Nine children were born to them, five of whom survive. Surving are three sons, WILBUR and JOSEPH of Burlington, and CLARENCE of Salt Lake City, Utah, and two daughters Mrs. JOHN E. PETERSON of Oquawka and Mrs. ALICE MUMMA of USrbana, Ill. and 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. The funeral will be held from her home in Oquawka Wednesday afternoon, January 14, at 2 o'clock with interment in Oquawka cemetery. Burlington Hawk-Eye OBITUARY. ANDREW M. WATSON of Danville. Danville, Ia., April 9.- -ANDREW M. WATSON, who died in Danville, Ia., April 6 last, was born in Salem, Washington county, New York, November 5, 1826. He came to Danville in 1866, having prior to this time lived in Burlington, and was a well respected citien. He was member of the Twenty-fifth regiment, Iowa volunteers, in the civil war and served hs country well. His wife preceded him to the better world more than two years ago and his last months were spent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. M. E. WILCOX , where kindly hands ministered to him in his decline of life. His funeral was conducted by Rev. W.H. Bickers, from the Congregational church, to Jagger cemetery, where he in peace awaits the coming of the King. Peace to his ashes. Burlington (IA) DAily Hawkeye 10 April 1924 Andrew was son of Samuel & Hannah Watson of NY and brother to David R. & Henry I. Watson of Oquawka. (yes, the obit had those mispelled words) DANVILLE. Daville, Ia., Nov. 3--Mrs. ANDREW WATSON passed away at her home last evening after an illness of several weeks. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon. Burlington (IA) Daily Hawkeye 4 Nov 1911 Mrs. Watson was Mary E. Gordon whose father was born in Germany and mother born MD. Andrew & Mary had no children. JIMMIE LEE ESSEX , 68, of Oquawka, Ill, died at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan 5, 1997, at St Mary's Medical Center Galesburg, Ill. Born June 11, 1928, in Oquawka, he was the son of CLIFFORD S . and NANNIE LEE HIGHTOWER ESSEX . On March 11, 1950, he married MELVA McVEY in Gladstone, Ill. Mr. Essex began work as a carpenter with his father. He later was a welder for J.I. Case Co. in Burlington for more than 20 years. He attended Oquawka schools through high school. He was a member of Oquawka United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was a peacetime Army veteran. Survivors include his wife; one daughter, WANDA J. COOK of Oquawka; one son DAVID R. ESSEX of Oquawka; six granddaughters; one sister, MARIBETH ESSEX of Oquawka; one brother BILLY F. ESSEX of Oquawka; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka. The funeral for Mr. Essex will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Turnbull Funeral Home, with the Rev. Suzanne Geer of Oquawka United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Oquawka United Methodist Church. The Burlington Hawk-Eye Gazette Jan 6, 1997 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. 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