Obituary of Harley H HEYL, Tazewell County, Illinois

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Copyright 1999    Jamie Ayres


Obits: Harley H. Heyl, Tazewell Co., Illinois


Services Held for Harley H. Heyl,
Noted Pony Breeder and Showman
     Death ended the 50 year career of Harley H. Heyl, internationaly famous pony breeder and exhibitor, who died suddenly at 11:45 a.m., Sunday following a heart attack at his home at 721 W. Jefferson St. He was 60 years of age.
     Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at the Habecker Funeral Home by the Rev. Arthur McLaughlin, Mr. Heyl'' cousin and pastor of the Union Congregational Church in Peoria. Interment followed at the Glen Dale Cemetery.
     He was born in Washington on Oct. 6, 1897, the son of George A. and Sara Blulmenshine Heyl.
     His father had founded the now world famous Heyl Pony Farm. Early in his life Harley developed a love for the ponies and horses, and through his abilities and initiative became one of the outstanding horseman in the country. His achievements in the breeding, training and showing of championship Hackney and Shetland pony stock are well known throughout the horse world.
     Mr. Heyl was an active member of the American Hackney Society and the American Shetland Pony Club of which he was president for several years and a member of the board of directors for many years.
     He and his sister, Miss Iona Heyl, had operated the pony farm since the death of their father in 1932.
     Mr. Heyl was married to Susan Belsly in Washington Dec. 23, 1925.
     Surviving are his wife and mother; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Lampe of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Mrs. Lorna Roth, and Mrs. Ellen Porter of Washington; three sisters, Miss Iona B. Heyl of Washington, Mrs. Florence Strubhar of Peoria and Mrs. Mildred Easterwood of Anson, Tex.; and one brother Wellington, of Washington.
     Five grandchildren also survive.
     Pallbearers at the funeral were Lyle Hartman, Chris, John, Lester and Clarence Blumenshine and Louis Warner.