Michele Bonham
jmbonham@attbi.com
Printed in the Toulon, Stark County, Illinois, Friday, February 6, 1903 newspaper
Capt. Alex. Murchison
Dr. A. C. Murchison was called to Kewanee the first of the week by the death of his father. The Star-Courier says: "Capt. Alex Murchison, one of the best known and most highly respected residents of this community, quietly passed away Tuesday morning at 5:00 o'clock at his home on Division street, after an illness dating back two months. At times it seemed that he would win in the struggle with disease and strong hopes for his recovery were entertained within the last few weeks. Last Friday, however, a change for the worse was manifested and gradually his condition grew more serious until death came.
"Capt. Murchison served with distinction as an officer in the Civil war, and leaves an honorable record for brave service in the cause of freedom and the Union, and in the path of peace he also won an enviable reputation through the sterling qualities which go to make a good citizen. His residence in Illinois dated from September 12, 1849, when he located in Stark County, where he lived until 1866, and for many years he was actively identified with farming interests.
"A native of Scotland, Mr. Murchison was born in Rosshire, July 7, 1831, and therefore had he lived until next July would have been 72 years old. He had but limited school advantages and could be called a safe-made man. In 1849 he emigrated to the new world with his father and the other members of the family, taking passage on a sailing vessel at Glasgow. Nine weeks afterward they dropped anchor in the harbor of Quebec. The family proceeded up the St. Lawrence River and through the Great Lakes to Chicago, by canal to Peru and by team to Elmira.
"Captain Murchison first worked by the month, herding sheep, which occupation he followed for two years. During the following three years he worked as a farm hand at Elmira and then purchased a team and commenced breaking prairie, devoting his energies to the pursuit for nearly four years. He next purchased and operated a threshing machine and reaper. In 1852 he bought 200 acres of land in Stark and Henry counties. This place was sold three years later.
"On March 4, 1860, he helped to organize a military company which he drilled, and when the Civil war broke out in 1861, at the call of troops, he entered the service in Company B., 33rd U. S. Infantry. Mr. Murchison was commissioned second lieutenant, but the following October was promoted to first lieutenant and was made captain of this company soon after, with which rank he served until mustered out when his term of enlistment expired.
"As part of the army of the Cumberland, the regiment participated in the battle of Stone River, the Tullahoma campaign, and then drove General Braggs command across the Tennessee River after some hard fighting. On September 16, 1863, they took part in an all-day engagement at Dug's Gap, where two of Capt, Murchison's men were killed and one wounded. They were in the battle of Chickamauga on Sunday, and Mr. Murchison was rendered unconscious by being hit by a piece of a shell, but the following day resumed command of his company.
"He had command of his regiment in an engagement in front of Dalton, in February, 1864, at which time he lost two of his own company. He was at the battle of Resaca, Ga., and was under almost constant fire for nearly a month during the Atlantic campaign. His command was ordered back upon reaching Marietta, and he received an honorable discharge at Chicago, July 9, 1864.
"Returning to his home he resumed farming, having previously purchased 160 acres of land in Stark County, and later bought 80 acres adjoining, in Henry County. This he fenced, broke and improved and erected thereon one of the best country residence in the community, together with good, substantial outbuildings. In connection with the cultivation of his land, he engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs and in his business affaires met with excellent cusses. Having acquired a comfortable competence, he retired from active labor in 1897, and renting his farm, moved to Wethersfield, where he made his home until the time of his death.
"Capt. Murchison was married in Stark County, July 3, 1866, to Miss Margaret Weede, daughter of Rev. M. C. Weed, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the pioneer preachers of Stark County. To this union three children were born, all of whom, together with the bereaved wife, remain to mourn his death. The children are A. Clarence, engaged in the practice of dentistry at Toulon; Lorena K., wife of W. C. Palmer, of this city, and Miss Frances, also of Kewanee.
"Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856, Capt. Murchison was affiliated with the Republican Party and was a staunch advocate of its principles. He served as a delegate to the county, congressional and state conventions, and for thirty years was a member of the Republican central committee of his township, serving as chairman most of the time. For some years he was a member of the school board and also filled the office of supervision and township trusts.
"He was a prominent member and past commander of the Grand Army Post of this city and stood deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness, his duties were performed with the greatest care and his business interests were so managed as to win for him the confidence of the public and the prosperity which always attends honorable effort."
The funeral services were held yesterday afternoon, the G. A. R. being in charge, Rev. W. J. Drew, formerly pastor of the Elmira U. P. church, preached the sermon. The burial was in the Kewanee cemetery.
Printed in the Elmira Centennial and Scottish Pioneers 1838-1938
ALEXANDER MURCHISON, JR.
Alexander Murchison, Sr., who died in 1873 near Elmira, Illinois and Ann, his wife, who died in 1869, also near Elmira, came to America from New Kelso, Rosshire, Loch Carron, Scotland in 1847. They sailed from Glasgow, were nine weeks in crossing, and landed in Quebec. They went up the St Lawrence, through the great Lakes to Chicago, by canal to Peru and by team to Elmira. Three children were born to them: Alexander, Jr., Jane (later Mrs. John McRae), and Donald.
Alexander Murchison, Jr. was born at New Kelso, Rosshire, Loch Carron, Scotland, July 7 1831. His sixteenth birthday occurred while he was crossing the ocean. He died at Kewanee, Illinois, February 3, 1903.
After reaching Elmira, he herded sheep for two years around Elmira and Lawn Ridge, then worked at farm work for three years, then he purchased a team and breaking plow and broke prairie for four years. Most of the land between Kewanee and Elmira in those years was in tall prairie grass. Later he bought land in Stark County and farmed.
In 1859 he helped organize and drill a military company (later Co. B., 19th Illinois Infantry). When the call to the front came in 1861, he was plowing when Jane called him to the house to receive the telegram. He left his plow in the furrow and went to notify the men and as the Captain was in Vermont, he took them to Chicago. He entered the war as 2nd Lieut., but was soon promoted to Captain. He was discharged July 9,1864.
The Company saw some of the hardest service of the war. It was at Stone River, the Tullahoma Campaign, drove Gen. Bragg's command across the Tennessee, Dug's Gap, Chickamaugua (where he was slightly wounded), Dalton, Resaca, Ga., under fire a month in the Atlanta Campaign, etc. So few of the company were left at the end of their enlistment that they were mustered out in Chicago in 1864.
He returned to Elmira and bought a farm in Stark and Henry Counties. On July 3, 1866, he married Margaret N. Weede, daughter of Rev. N. C. Weede, pastor of the Elmira United Presbyterian Church. They had three children: Clarence, deceased, Lorena Murchison Palmer, and Frances.
Mrs. Alexander Murchison, Jr., died at Colorado Springs, Colorado, January 26, 1926.
Bradford Republican 1904 From-The Henry Times
L.Z. Woodward. died at the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs.Chester Woodward about 8A.M. on Wednesday April 27th, after a lingering illness of over a year. L.Z. Woodward was born in Stark Co. near Bradford, July 23,1881 and was about 23 yrs. of age. Several years ago while the boys of the school were practicing at football, young Woodward was thrown down and received an injury in his side that at one time it was feared would result in death but by skilful treatment and good nursing he after lying several weeks recovered though he was a long time getting well, if he ever fully recovered. Upon his restoration to health he went west and secured work in a railroad station in Iowa. But his health failed him about a year ago, he came home to "rest up, all summer he was making plans for the future but was gradually failing all the time though not confined to his bed till the last few days. Funeral services were held at the house, Thursday. He leaves father, mother, 3 half brothers and 2 sisters to morn his death.
Funeral services for James A. Goodley, who died at 11 Sunday morning following an illness of several months,were held from the home east of Cambridge Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. M.A.Beger officated and the singers were Mrs. G.E.Anderson and Mrs. W.E.Eaton. Pallbearers were John Douglas, Mark Scott, John Grier, Emil Anderson, Frank Rocine and Guy Stewart. Burial was in Rosedale Cemetery. The following obituary was read at the services. James A. Goodley, son of Mr and Mrs. Anger Goodley, was born in Cambridge Twp. Jan 26, 1859, and died Dec 1, 1929 at eleven A.M. aged 70 years, months, and 5 days. He was united in marriage in Geneseo, Dec 11, 1883 to Miss Mary Kane who preceded him in death in 1912. He was educated in the schools of Cambridge township and was a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge. Mr Goodley is survived by a son Glenn Goodley of Galva, 2 daughters Mrs. Charles Anderson of Cambridge at whose home he passed away and Mrs. Earl Mundy of Galva, also one brother John Goodley of Cambridge. There are eight grandchildren. He has been ill for quite some time and death came to him as a release from his suffering.
Bradford Republican Wed July11,1928
The many old friends of Mrs. James Deisher, for years a resident of Bradford, will be pained to learn of her death, which occurred at Aurora, where she has been the past several years living with her children.
Elizabeth Woodward Deisher was born near Bradford, Nov 13,1849 and passed away June 28,1928, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Whitley in Aurora. Mrs Deisher had been sick only a short time. She suffered a stroke of paraysis. She was married about 56 years ago in Bradford to James Deisher who preceded her in death 18 years ago. To this union 8 children were born. One who passed away in infancy, and Claude who died in Bradford several years ago. Those surviving are Mrs. Willis Forbes, Mrs. Frank Whitley, Mrs. Fred Schenk and Clyde of Aurora, Howard of Peoria, and Richard of Bradford.
The funeral was held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Whitley, Sat July 1, and burial was made in Spring Lake Cemetery, at Aurora. Mrs and Mrs Howard Deisher and son Robert of Peoria, Mr and Mrs R.R. Deisher and son Edwin, of Bradford, Mrs Carl Friday and Mrs George Heinniger of Henry, and Mr and Mrs Clem Deisher of Lombarville, drove to Aurora and attened the funeral.
Resident of Lombardville Passes Away Thrusday.
Mrs. Louise Stevens who made her home with her daughter Mrs. Walter(Lola) Woodward at Lombardville passed away thursday at the St. Francis hospital in Kewanee, where she had been a patient 3 weeks. Mrs Stevens, was the daughter of Joseph and Emelie(DeHamila) Curtis and was born in chicago on Aug 26, 1875. She was married to Rollin Stevens who preceded her in death. One daughter also preceded her in death. She leaves her daughter Mrs. Woodward and 3 grandsons. A short funeral services were held at the Osceola Grove Cemetery at 10:00 o'clock Saturday Morning in charge is Rev. Alfred E. Cole pastor of the Methodist church, and burial was made in the cemetery there. Died Aug 16, 1945.
Probably from the Hancock County Journal-Pilot
RUTH HUEY
Nov. 23, 1909 - Nov. 3, 1988
Ruth Reu Huey, 78, of Bradford, formerly of Carthage, died Thursday,
Nov. 3, 1988, in a Kewanee Hospital.
She was born Nov. 23, 1909, in Basco, daughter of T.J. and Gertrude
Thompson Reu. She married G. Russell Huey in Sarasota, Fla., in August
1943.
She was a graduate of Carthage College and did extended work at the
University of Wisconsin and the University of Iowa. She was a teacher
of Spanish and English and taught at schools in Elvaston, Augusta,
Carthage, Kewanee and Bradford.
Survivors include her husband; a sister, Mrs. Gordon (Vivian) Knoblich
of Galva; a brother, Melvin T. Reu of Carthage; a niece; and three
nephews.
Services were held Saturday in Bradford with burial in Moss Ridge
Cemetery in Carthage.
Probably from the Hancock County Journal-Pilot
G. RUSSELL HUEY
George Russell Huey, 72, formerly of Bradford died Sunday, Oct 1, 1989,
at Hancock County Nursing Home in Carthage where he had resided for the
past 8 months.
Born Dec. 20, 1916 in Joetta [Hancock County, IL] to Calvin and Bertha
Siepel Huey, he married Ruth E. Reu on Aug. 29, 1943, in Sarasota, Fla.
She died Nov. 3, 1988. He also was preceded in death by his parents and
one sister.
Survivors include one sister-in-law, Mrs. Gordon Knoblich of Galva; one
brother-in-law, Melvin Reu of Carthage; one niece, Mrs. Glenn (Marie)
Motsinger of Sterling; three nephews, Bruce Knoblich of Temecula,
Calif., Randy Reu of Ingleside, and Rex Reu of Bloomington; also one
aunt in Iowa and several cousins in the Carthage area.
He graduated from Colchester High School in 1933 and attended Western
Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb for three years, after which
he taught at a one room country school north of Mendon for two years.
He then went to Augusta where he was Principal of the grade school from
1938 to 1941.
He entered the Army at the start of World War II and served five years
in the Quartermaster Corps, primarily in the China-Burma-India Theater,
attaining the rank of Captain. Upon discharge from active duty, he
remained in the Army Reserves for 30 years, retiring at the rank of full
Colonel in 1976.
In 1946, Mr. Huey went to Bradford to teach and at the same time
completed work on B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Education at Western Illinois
University. He was Principal and Coach at the Bradford Elementary
School from 1946 to 1970 when he became Superintendent of Bradford
Community Unit School District, serving in that capacity until
retirement in 1975, a total of twenty-nine years with the Bradford
Schools.
He was a member of Leet Memorial Methodist Church in Bradford, the
American Legion, Bradford Masonic Lodge, Bradford Lions Club and
Quad-City [County] Counseling Center in Princeton, retiring from there
in 1982.
Services were held Wednesday, Oct. 4 at Lamporte Funeral Home in
Carthage. The Rev. Francis George Guither officiated. Burial was in
the Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage.
Memorials may be made to Hancock County Nursing Home in Carthage or to
Leet Memorial Methodist Church in Bradford.
Lombardville Oct 22,1899
Clem Deishers cousin Frank Woodward died at his home in Iowa, last week with typhoid fever and word has been sent to Clem that Frank's brother is lying very sick in Henry, not expected to live. He was attending school there. Frank Woodward lived in Moulton, Iowa.
Bradford Republican Wed Nov 11,1908
James Deisher was born near Coatstown, Pennsylvania, July 5,1820. When a boy his parents removed to Waterloo, New York where he lived until 1894 when he and his wife came to Bradford. In 1843 he was married to Nancy Smith of Waterloo. 2 sons and 1 daughter were born to them. Jordan W.and James and Mrs. Eugene French who departed this life in 1879 in Allen Michigan. He was the last of 10 children of his father family and the last of the family. Burial was in the Bradford Cemetery.
Bradford Republican Wed Feb 21,1923
William Hampton Sturm
William Hampton Sturm a respected of Munston township for many years, passed away Saturday, Fed3, 1923 following an illness of about a week duration. Mr Sturm death is mourned by many friends who sympathize with the family. He was an excellant and worthy citizen, honorable and upright, a successful man and by cardful managemant and industry brought together a comfortable estate. his first farming operation were in Annawan, 120 acres. He sold this in 1903 and bought 120 acres Munson township to which 6 years later he added 144 acres. The sons Ross and Loren are operating this farm. He was born in Peoria County, Feb 18,1850 and at the time of his death, lacked but a few days of being 73 years old. He was the oldest son of Wm and Mary Ann Sturm. On March 9,1881 he was married to Sarah Arlett Woodward at Toulon The wife is a daughter of Daniel and Mary A. Woodward. To this union were born 7 children, of whom 2 preceeded the father in death. Mrs Jessie Schnowski, and a infant son. Those surviving to morn with the wife are Loren N, Ross R, Loyde E, Mrs.Glenn Miller, and Miss Iva M Sturm and 6 grandcchildren. He is survived by 5 brothers, and 2 sisters. Walter W. Sturm, Brayton Sturm of Castleton, James of Tampico, Albert of Buda, Loren of Kewanee, Mrs Kate Kegebein of Chicago and Mrs Nora Rogers. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Depeu at Leberty Church, in Cornwall Tuesday at 2 p.m. The interment in Liberty Cemetery.
Orville Murray 69 Wed Jan 13,1937
Following an extended illness with heart trouble which confined him to his bed for 2 weeks previsous to his death, Orville Murray 69, will known Elmira township farmer passed away, Wed morning at his home 8 miles west of Bradford. Altho he had been in poor health, for a longer period he had been seriously ill for only about 2 weeks.
Funeral services were held at 2 o'clock friday afternoon at the latters home. Interment was in Elmira Cemetery.
Orville Murray was a son of George and Luzetta Woodward Murray and was born in Elmira township Sept 16,1867. Being aged 69 yrs, 3 mon, and 20 days. His father George Murray was a native of Roxburghshire Scottland and came to the U.S.A. with his parents in 1853. Through out his life Mr. Murray was engaged in farming and was recognized as one of the leading farmers of Elmira township.He was united in marrage Dec 25,1889 to Maria Turnbull at Elmira and to this union were born 4 children -2 daughters and 2 sons. As follows. Mrs. James M Armstrong, Mrs J.L.W.Fuller, Oliver Murray, Herbert Murray all of that community. Besides his widow and chikdren Mr Murray is survived by the following brothers and sisters. Mrs John Turnbull, Elmira, John Murray of Ogden Utah, Mrs Eveline Reed of Tekona, Nebraska, Nina J. Murray of Toulon Marvin Murray of Garden City, Kansas. Two brothers and 1 sister preceded him in death, Smith Murray dying at Cody Wyoming Mrs David Turnbull at Elmira and George Murray who died in infancy.
Chester Wentworth Woodward
Chester Wentworth Woodward was born near Bradford in Stark County Dec 12,1839, died Dec1,1914 of apolexy, at his death the oldest living person born in Stark Co. For half a century of his life he lived in the vicinity of Bradford working in the coal mines in the winter and at carpentery during the summer. When a young man he married and by this marrage has three living children William of Bradford, Charles and roy, of Davenport, Ia. The first wife dying in middle life he was again married in June 1879, the second wife being Mary M andrews. From this marrage there are 2 daughters living Mrs. Carl Friday and Mrs George Heininger, both of this city(Henry) 3 children form each marriage having preceeded the father to the other side. Over 20 years ago the deceased and family removed from Bradford to this city(Henry) where for years he has been well known as a skillful mechanic and empartial judge in the police courts. The deceased was a man of many admirable traits of character, good hearted to those in trouble and dispised false pretenses. The funeral services will be held today (Thursday) from the home of his daughter Mrs.Carl Friday at 3 o'clock ;p.m. conducted by Rev R.W.Martin. The casket bearer will be among those who knew him best, A.R.Jouce, B.F.Ransom Dennis Hartley, Eli Wright John Kraus, C.A.Frommel, The internment in Henry Cemetery will be conducted by A.B.Smith mortician.
Bertha Matthews Cooke
source unknown
Miss Bertha Matthews was born at Abergavenny, Monmonthshire (Wales) England on the12th of March, 1815. The Mother church of England received her as an infant in holy baptism and later administered the gift of confirmation. She was educated at Bristol and afterwards lived with her sister at London where she met and was married to Dr. William Henry Cooke, the physician to whom she was united for nearly fifty years in happy wedlock.
In the year 1850 Dr. and Mrs. Cooke with a little family of four, came to America to make it their permanent home. Settling at Kickapoo, Peoria county , Illinois, the doctor engaged in the practice of his profession , and for twenty years Mrs. Cooke 's bright and smiling face cheered the many friends who loved to visit their home and the household was enriched by one more daughter , and two more sons.
In 1870 Mrs. Cooke moved with her husband and three youngest children to near Wyoming, Illinois and soon to the restful shady homestead where their remaining days were spent. In October 1890, Dr. Cooke passed to paradise and now nearly ten years later his faithful helpmate is with him again.
As Abraham died at a good old age as an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people , so Mrs. Cooke lived for eighty and five years in the sure faith of her God and with her husband and children in the full communion of the church - a blessing to children and grandchildren, who loved to minister to here declining years and a brightening influence to the many whose privilege it have been to come into contact with her motherly gentleness. The players of these on earth will be mingled with her's , her husband's , and all the faithful ones, in paradise, to the one Great Head of the whole catholic church, while her life bears strong witness to the binding all tighter in the one communion with the mystical body of our Lord.
After a prolonged illness, Mrs. Dr. Cooke closed her eyes in death at 12 noon on last Friday, May 18, 1900 at the age of 85 years 2 months and 6 days. Of her seven sons and daughters five are living. One son died in the army during the rebellion and one daughter (Mrs. Moss) died in Kansas. Funeral services were conducted at her request before death by Rev. William Francis May of Kewanee whom she had known from boyhood at the Episopal church on Monday 21st inst. at half-past ten. The internment was in Wyoming cemetery.
Henry S. Sturm
Henry S. Sturm 82 a resedent of Osceola Grove, passed away Thursday morning at 1:45 a.m. at the St. Francis hospital, Kewanee. He was born in Strak Co. Oct 1,1867 and lived in this community all his life. He last worked as a coal operator and miner.
On Dec 7, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Eva May Bassett, in Peoria.
He was proceded in death by his parents, Allen and Mary Woodward Sturm. Surviving are his wife and 4 sons. Jesse, Dewey, Glen, and Francis all of Osceola Grove, and a brother Clarence.
Funeral services were held at the Osceola Grove Community house at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Rev.D.J.Unruh officiated. Funeral arangement were in charge of the Boucher Funeral Home, Wyoming. Pallbearersm were John Mercer, Orville Shaw, Lloyd Sable, Joseph Williams, William Williams, and George Beaman.
Daniel Woodward
Toulon Stark Co Newspaper
Thursday Feb12,1885
The funeral service of Daniel Woodward ws held at the Grove school house
Friday Jan 23, Rev. Ingram officiating.
Mary A. Woodward
Toulon Stark Co. News.Died of heart disease, March 14, Mary A. Woodward, wife of Daniel Woodward, deceased. It has been but about 6 weeks since her husband died of the disease. Mrs W. was sitting in a chair apparently well and told her son to bring her a drink and before her request could be granted was a lifeless corpse.
Claude Deisher
Claude Deisher son of James and Elizabeth Deisher, was born near Bradford on feb 21,1872 and died at his home here on Thursday July 5, aged 51 years 4 month and 15 days. His entire life has been spent in this community. On June 1, 1895 he was married to Miss Kattie Murray of Indiana. The wife and mother passed to her reward Jan15,1909, of that union 4 children survive. They are Carl Deisher of Aurora, Calvin at home, Mrs Olive Bernice Wright of Milo and Mrs. Ruth Hazel Geith of Aurora. He was again married on Nov.15,1916 to Miss Ada Cade of this place. 2 children were born to them. James Francis, and Loren Clyde. Besides the above children he leaves his wife his wife his aged mother 4 brothers, Clarence of Lombarville, Clyde of Aurora, Howard of Peoria and Richard at home and 3 sister, Mrs.Nan Whitley, Mrs Hazel Swank and Mrs. Edna Forbes, of Aurora. Funeral held Sat. at M.E.Church, Pastor Rev A.H.Smith Burial in Bradford Cemetery.
Muriel Gilfillan
Mrs. Muriel Gilfillan funeral was held at 2:30 P.M. Monday at the Dunlap Funeral Home. Rev. J. Arnold Olsen pastor.The bearers were Arlie Tucker, Edward Dunbar, Leo Finnegan, Frank Wright, Leo Rosenbaumm, Ennest Barker, Interment, Bradford Cemetery. Mrs. Gilfillan born in Bradford May 25,1894, daughter of Jay and Hattie Seeley Pettegrew. She is survivied by her husband Bert H. Gilfillan of Streator, and the following nephews, nieces, Myrtle Hedges, Hattie Aber of Buda Howard and Marvin Pettegrew, Billie Gilfillan of Mt Vernon. Preceded in death by parents and a brother Harry.
Wed March 8, 1939 Bradford Republican
Mary Woodward Zillion
Mrs Mary Zillion of Peoria, daughter of Mrs. Esther Woodward of this place(Bradford)passed away at St. Frances Hospital in Peoria Saturday morning after a short illness Mrs. Zillion was well known here, where she was born. Her residence, has been in Peoria, however for a number of years. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Boland Mortuary in Peoria, and burial will be in the Parkview Cemetery. Besides her mother she leaves 2 brothers, Walter Woodward of this place(Bradford) and Edward Woodward of Moline.