Obituary of John Van Matre, Stephenson County, Illinois Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives Copyright 2000 Don Hopke The following obituary was printed in the Freeport State Journal paper, March 5, 1917.   JOHN VAN MATRE, OF ORANGEVILLE DIES Aged Citizen Passes Away Saturday Afternoon, Funeral Tuesday Orangeville, Ill., March 5th -- The death of John J. Van Matre, an aged and respected citizen of Orangeville occurred at 12:45pm Saturday.  Mr. Van Matre has been in failing health for the past five years and eternal rest came as a final outcome of the cline. John Van Matre was born January 17, 1835 in Highland Country, Ohio. He left Ohio with parents at the age of 6 years, settling in Oneco township, this county.  In 1857 he was married to Miss Nancy Umphrey of Highland County Ohio, whom he survived. Mr. Van Matre spent almost his entire life, from the age of five, on the farm and was one of Oneco's most prosperous farmers.  Eleven years ago he removed to Orangeville where he made his home with his daughter. Mr. Van Matre was troubled with cataracts which finally deprived him of his sight three years ago.  At an early age, he became a member of the Christian Church of Mt. Pleasant, and has followed that undivided faith to the end. Mr. Van Matre was conserv ive and quiet personage and in his death Orangeville is deprived of a very highly esteemed and respected citizen. He is survived by three of his four sons and his two daughters.  They are Mrs. R.L. Hopke at Oneco, Miss Christie Van Matre, Orangeville, James and William Van Matre of Martintown, Wisconsin.  Hiram of Delevan, Wisconsin. One sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hide f Monroe Wisconsin also survives him. Aside from the immediate relatives, his death is mourned by twenty-three grandchildren besides a host of friends and distant relatives. The service will be conducted at the home in Orangeville Tuesday at one o'clock, after which burial will take place at Mt. Pleasant.  Rev. Mr. Robert of Amity church will officiate. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Don Hopke