• Home
• Contact Us
• Mailing List
• Look Ups
• What's New
• Site Map

• Places & Geography
  • DeWitt County Today
  • Maps of DeWitt County
  • Communities of DeWitt County
  • County Postal Addresses
  • DeWitt County Churches
  • Cemeteries
  • Neighboring Counties
• Online Records
  • 1840 DeWitt Co. Transcribed Census
  • 1850 DeWitt Co. Census Index
  • 1850 DeWitt Co. Census Images
  • 1860 DeWitt Co. Census Image Index
  • 1860 DeWitt Co. Census Images
  • 1860 DeWitt Co. Transcribed Census
  • 1860 Transcribed Census Index
  • 1870 DeWitt Co. Census Index
  • 1880 DeWitt Co. Census Index (Surname)
  • 1880 DeWitt Co. Census Index (Township)
  • 1900 DeWitt Co. Census Index & Images 
  • 1900 DeWitt Co. Transcribed Census
  • 1910 DeWitt Co. Census Index & Images
  • 1920 DeWitt Co. Census Index & Images
  • Land Records
  • Wills, Deeds, Probate
  • Index to Death Records (1878-1917)
• Obituary Index
  • Obituaries Index
  • Surnames A - C
  • Surnames D - F
  • Surnames G - I
  • Surnames J - L
  • Surnames M - N
  • Surnames O - R
  • Surnames S - T
  • Surnames U - Z
• Biography & History
  • 1882 History of DeWitt County, Illinois
  • 1891 Portrait and Biographical Album
  • 1901 Biographical Record of DeWitt County Index
  • 1910 History of DeWitt County, Illinois
  • Miscellaneous Biographies
  • History of Weldon Springs
• Newspaper Abstracts
  • Newspaper Extract Index
  • Headlines and Scandals
  • Engagement, Wedding, & Anniversary Announcements
  • DeWitt County Divorces
• Military
  • Military Links
  • 1883 Federal Pensioner’s Roll
• Miscellaneous
  • DeWitt Co. Cemetery Location Information & Photos
  • Photographs
  • The Clintonia Yearbook – 1921
  • Scrapbook Pages
  • Interment Index

Obituaries - B

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U-V | W | X-Z

Obituaries were submitted by Judy Simpson unless otherwise noted.

Cuma (FISHER) BAILEY 

May 11, 1900
Clinton Register

Cuma Telitha FISHER, daughter of James and Cynthia FISHER, was born in Shelbyville Sept. 16, 1880. In 1881 her mother died and in 1885 her father was called, leaving her in care of her grandmother, Mrs. Nancy FISHER, where she made her home until Feb. 14, 1899, when she was united in marriage to Ezra BAILEY, with whom she happily lived in Clinton until April 22, 1900, when she was called to go at the young age of 19 years, 7 months and 6 days. She leaves besides her husband and 3-month-old babe, two sisters, Mrs. J. J. BOWMAN, of Lowry, La., and Mrs. Cyrus BARR, of Shelbyville, Ill.; her grandmother and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. Services were held at the residence by Rev. GILLILAND after which the remains were taken to her old home in Shelbyville where her funeral was preached by her pastor of childhood, Rev. CROW, and laid to rest in the Cutler cemetery.

Note: Strangely, she was listed as Cuma Page instead of Cuma Fisher in the marriage index.

From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BAILEY, EYRA   PAGE, CUMA   02/14/1899    SHELBY
[Eyra should be Ezra]

John Enis BAILEY 

February 20, 1914
Clinton Register

JOHN E. BAILEY CALLED HOME.
An Aged and Respected Citizen Dies at Advanced Age—
Ill Since Last December.

John E. BAILEY, a well known resident of Clinton, died at his home on West Johnson street at 6:30 Sunday morning, his death coming from a complication of diseases, the result of his advanced years.

Mr. Bailey was first confined to his home on December 17, after being at his work as a carpenter in the yard of E. Kent & Co., and gradually grew worse until the end came as above stated in spite of his advanced years. Mr. Bailey has continued at his work, and none but his relatives knew that he had passed so many milestones.

On account of the feeble condition of Mrs. Bailey, the funeral services were held from the late home at 3:30 Monday afternoon, Rev. Arthur McDavitt of St. Paul’s Universalist church officiating. Interment was in Woodlawn.

John Enis Bailey was born in Harveryburg [Harveysburg], Ohio, June 30, 1830, and was the son of William and Sidney Bailey. He was united in marriage in the town of his birth to Mary Fox in 1857. They came to Illinois in 1860 and settled in DeWitt county southwest of Clinton. He also farmed in Harp and Tunbridge townships, and with the exception of three years in Logan county, he had been a continuous resident of this county since 1860. In 1890, he came from Tunbridge township to Clinton, where, until his illness prevented, he followed carpentering.

Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were the parents of ten children, four of whom, with the wife, survive: W. J. BAILEY, of Kittson county, Minn., who has been here since December 18; Thomas E., of Alden, Iowa; Mrs. Frank PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Robert ARMSTRONG, west of Clinton. Others surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Amy CARR and Nancy VALENTINE, both of Ohio; twenty-seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

The son, Warren Bailey, and wife, will look after the aged mother, who is in a precarious condition. They will live at the home and see that Mrs. Bailey wants for nothing during her lifetime.

Mrs. John Enis BAILEY 

April 17, 1914
Clinton Register

A GOOD MOTHER IS CALLED.
Four Deaths in the Bailey Family Within the Past Year—
Another Member Sick.

Mary A. BAILEY, widow of the late John E. BAILEY, died yesterday morning at her home on West Johnson St., from tuberculosis. Mrs. Bailey had been ill all winter. Her husband died in February. The deceased was a woman of well known Christian principles and was beloved by all. She was the daughter of the late William and Mary FIX* and was born Oct. 23, 1837, near Harveysburg, Ohio. She was united in marriage to J. Enis Bailey in 1857, and they came to Illinois in 1860, and settled in DeWitt county, southwest of Clinton. For a time they resided in Harp and Tunbridge townships, where her husband followed farming. In 1890 they came to Clinton.

The deceased was the mother of ten children, three of whom survive. They are W. J. BAILEY, of Kittson county, Minnesota, who has been here since December 18; Mrs. Frank PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Robert ARMSTRONG, west of Clinton. The funeral service was held at the late home, 621 West Johnson street, this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Arthur W. McDavitt, pastor of the Universalist church, officiating. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

This is the fourth death in the Bailey family within a year. Thomas Alden, a son, who died in Iowa, was the first, followed last March by another son, William, who died in the Warner hospital; the death of the father followed, and now the mother has been called. A granddaughter, Mrs. Geo. SPENCER, is critically ill at her home near Ospur.

Note: Her husband's obituary says that her maiden name was FOX.

William B. BAILEY 

April 18, 1913
Clinton Register

BAILEY DIES FROM INJURIES.
Taken to Warner Hospital After Being Struck by a Train March 20.

William BAILEY, who lost his right arm and was otherwise badly injured by being struck by a train about three weeks ago, died at the hospital at 2:30 last Friday afternoon. Until two or three days before his death it was thought by his friends that he would recover, but the physicians and nurses had no such hopes. In fact he lived longer than they expected.

The body was moved to Oakman’s undertaking rooms, where, after being prepared for burial, it was taken to the home of the parents, J. E. BAILEY and wife, on West Johnson street.

Wm. B. Bailey was born in Harp township September 4, 1863. He came with his parents to Clinton about 16 years ago, and had since followed the trade of carpentering, being a good workman. Deceased had many friends and no enemies that he knew of. Besides his parents he leaves the following brothers and sisters: Warren BAILEY, residing near Hallock, Minn.; Thomas, of Melbourne, Kansas; Mrs. Elizabeth PRIDE, of Denton, Texas; and Mrs. Rosa ARMSTRONG, residing six miles west of Clinton.

Funeral services were held from the home at 2:30 Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. H. Laing of the Universalist church. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.

Charley Herman BAKER 

1931
Paper Unknown

Clinton—Charley Herman BAKER, 68, died at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in John Warner Hospital. He had been ill for several months, but had been in the hospital only a week.

The body was taken to the Pullen and Boos Funeral Chapel where services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. The Rev. Caper ALLEN, Baptist minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Mr. Baker was born Jan. 5, 1863, in DeWitt County, a son of James S. and Ruth Jane BAKER. He is survived by one son, Lloyd G., Riley, Kans.; one sister, Mrs. Nellie MURPHY, Clinton, with whom he made his home; and two brothers, William, Peoria; and Albert, Las Vegas, N. M.

Submitted by Trish Couture

George Murl BAKER 

March 24, 1899
Paper Unknown

George Murl, son of Mr. and Mrs. William BAKER, born February 26, 1899, died March 24, 1899. Funeral: home of parents, 7 miles southwest of Farmer City, March 26.

Submitted by Unknown

Jacob BAKER 

March 25, 1910
Clinton Register

Jacob BAKER, well known retired farmer of Waynesville died Tuesday morning at 3 o'clock, after a short illness at his home. Deceased was a son of Isaac and Mary BAKER, both deceased. He was born Feb. 15, 1851 at Scotcourt, Ohio where he grew to young manhood. He with his parents came and settled near Waynesville on the farm. In June, 1873, he was married to Miss Harriett M. BUCK of Clinton, who survives him. He was baptized and united with the Christian church April, 1882, but later became a follower of the Church of God. He was one of a family of thirteen children eight of whom proceeded him in death, those remaining are Isaac of Missouri, Andrew of Iowa, Mrs. Mary HAWKINS of Bloomington, Mrs. Lettie BOLIN of Maroa, Mrs. Lucy BROOMHALL of Waynesville, Ohio, there are no children surviving him. The funeral was held Wednesday from the late residence in Waynesville at 3 o'clock. Rev. George HENDERSON of Decatur conducted the services. Interment in the Evergreen cemetery at Waynesville.

Submitted by Trish Couture

Lucinda (JOHNSON) BAKER 

March 14, 1890
Clinton Public

Died, Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 P.M., at her home near Fair View, Mrs. Lucinda F. BAKER, wife of James BAKER, aged 35 years, 11 months and 12 days. Lucinda F. JOHNSON was born in McLean county March 20, 1854, and was the youngest child, except one, of a large family. She was united in marriage at Heyworth on March 6, 1873, to Isaac BAKER, and on the morning of her 17th wedding anniversary we performed the last sad rites for the dead. She leaves a family consisting of a husband and five children, two daughters and two sons, to mourn the loss of an affectionate wife and mother. The fourth child of this family died in infancy, and now rests at Shiloh, but the remains will be brought here and laid beside its mother. The funeral ceremony was conducted at Fair View on Thursday, the 6th inst., by Rev. J. O. KIRKPATRICK, pastor of the M. E. Church at Heyworth. Rev. Kirkpatrick delivered an able and interesting sermon to a large and attentive audience, after which the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at this place. She united with the M. E. Church on February 18, last, and died in the full enjoyment of the Christian's hope. In this dark hour, as they stand by the grave of the departed, and hear the cold clods of earth falling upon the coffin lid of her so dear to us in life, in this hour of trial may the bereaved family be brought to realize that she who has “gone before,” is at last free from the cares and conflicts, the disappointment and griefs that fall to the lot of all. Wife and mother, farewell, thy years were few, but thy virtues were many; they are recorded, not in these fading lines, but in the “book of life” and in the hearts of thy afflicted friends. —C. A. S.

Margaret (JONES) BAKER 

March 26, 1920
Farmer City Journal

Mrs. Henry BAKER died at her home in Weldon Thursday morning. Death came as the result of an illness that had lasted more than two years, decline having been rapid for the past few weeks. Funeral services were conducted Saturday at 9:30 a.m., from the M. P. church, Rev. O W. LOUGH, officiating. Burial took place at Greenleaf Cemetery, Farmer City.

Margaret JONES was born at Knoxville, Tenn, April 22, 1842. She was married to her first husband, James J. JONES, July 2, 1866. To this union nine children were born, all living: Mrs. Sarah HALL and Mrs. Millie NEWBERRY of Farmer City; Mrs. Polly WOLF and Robert JONES of Weldon. Mrs. Minnie POLLARD and George JONES of Holder; Mrs. Rosa NEWBERRY of Benton City, Mo., and Mrs. George JACKSON of Castleton Kansas.

She was married to Henry BAKER September 25, 1907. He died August 7,1912. She resided in Weldon for the past fourteen years, being a member of the M. P. Church.

Submitted by Trish Couture

James BALF 

May 25, 1888
Clinton Public

Another Suicide.

James BALF was an Irishman who lived near Weedman. He was fifty-two years old and was the father of eleven children, some of whom had arrived at their majority. Balf was an industrious man and provided well for his family. Of late he had been despondent at times, when he would devote much of his time to reading. Mrs. WEEDMAN had built a new tenant house for Balf’s family to occupy, and this week they moved into it. Last Wednesday night, after eleven o'clock, Balf returned to his home, he having been over to Weedman station all evening on business. When he went into the house he told his wife that he had taken a dose of rat poison, and Mrs. Balf at once administered to him milk and strong coffee as an antidote. One of the boys went to Farmer City for a doctor, and when he arrived he found that the poison had done its work and there was no hope of saving his life. Before daylight yesterday morning Balf died. Coroner MORROW went up and held an inquest. None of the family could account for the suicide, as Balf had been a sober and industrious man and was fond of his home and family.

William N. BALL 

September 28, 1906
Clinton Register

ANOTHER OLD SOLDIER AT REST.
Had Been Sick Several Weeks at His Home in Clinton—
In Clinton Quarter of a Century.

William BALL one of Clinton's well known citizens died about 10 o'clock Sunday night at his home on North Monroe street, aged nearly 60. He had been confined to his bed about a month and his disease was given as cancer of the liver.

William N. Ball was born near Thornton, Ind., April 26, 1847. He remained with his parents until 1863 when he enlisted and went to the front. In January, 1864, he was taken prisoner in Tennessee. He was kept in prison several months until his health was broken when he was exchanged and returned home. He came to Illinois about 35 years ago, and for 25 years Clinton had been his home. For many years he was employed in the Wheeler livery stable, part of the time as manager, and few men had a wider acquaintance. Almost every farmer within twenty miles of Clinton knew Billy Ball, and were always glad to meet him.

Deceased is survived by his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret SMITH, and five of the six children born to them, all living in Clinton. They are Mrs. J. A. PHARES, Mrs. J. J. MILAN, Harry, E. B. and J. A. BALL. His brothers are John, of Heyworth; David, of Colfax, Ind.; Robt., of Foosland; and Joseph, of Hutchinson, Kans.; and his sister, Mrs. Charles CAYTON, of LeRoy. A few months ago they visited him and a reunion was held.

Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday at 3:30, conducted by Rev. Gilliland, the old soldiers attending in a body. Burial in Woodlawn.

A. H. C. BARBER 

March 11, 1904
Clinton Register

AT THREE SCORE AND TEN.
Resident of Clinton Nearly Half a Century is Called to His Final Rest—
Funeral Monday.

Death has again taken one of Clinton's oldest and best known citizens. Feb. 25, A. H. C. BARBER fell and injured himself, but it was thought a broken rib was the most serious injury. It was thought he was doing well until one week ago today when his condition was considered serious, and he told some of his friends he would not recover. About 7:30 o'clock Saturday morning he passed away, aged 71 years, 5 months and 15 days.

Deceased was born in Portsmouth, O., 1832, where he lived until about 20 years old when he went to Iowa, where he remained about three years, engaging in business at Muscatine. In 1856 he came to Clinton and it had since been his home, and he almost continuously followed his trade—that of brickmason, being one of the most successful men in his work in the county. In recent years his age had prevented taking larger contracts, but he had continued to contract work.

Five years after coming to Clinton he was married to Miss Darthula LEEDS. Nine children were born to them and two preceded him in death. His wife and the following children, and a brother in Ohio, survive him: John, Decatur; Mrs. Fannie WALLER, Chicago; Mrs. Maud ROSS; Fred; Archie; Ada; and Gilbert, of Clinton.

Mr. Barber was active and earnest in whatever work he engaged in or cause he espoused. He was outspoken in his convictions and was honored for his uprightness and unswerving honesty of purpose. After becoming a Prohibitionist he was one of the most untiring supporters of that party in the county, always being ready to give time and money to the cause. In this he was no more prominent than as a member of the Masonic order, of which he had been a member since a young man. He transferred his membership from Muscatine, Ia., to Clinton in 1858, becoming a member of DeWitt lodge, No. 84, in October of that year and remained a member the rest of his life. His Masonic record after coming to Clinton is given as follows: "Senior Warden in 1863 and Worshipful Master in 1863; received the degrees of Capitluar Masonry at the institution of Goodbrake chapter, No. 59, in May, 1860; was high priest in 1864, and served eight terms in that office; admitted to the rights and honors of a Royal Master, passed, the Circle and was greeted as a Select Master, Aug. 29, 1878; was the first Thrice Illustrious Master of Clinton Council, No. 74, R & S Masters, and served the council four terms in that office; was the first W. P. of Grace chapter, No. 13, O. E. S., Macoy chapter, and was also the first W. P. Of Myrtle chapter, No. 131, under charter from Grand Chapter of Illinois; was anointed into the order of High Priesthood while attending the Grad R. A. Chapter at Springfield, Ill., in 1868, and was made a member of the Masonic Veteran association of Illinois at the Grand R. A. chapter in Chicago in 1889; was the author of the Order Alabama which degree has been conferred all over the country and was its Supreme Chancellor."

Funeral services were held Monday, at 2 o'clock, at the home on West Washington street, conducted by Rev. C. E. VARNEY. Interment in Woodlawn.

Clara Anna BARBER 

August 12, 1881
Clinton Register

Died, in this city of cholera infantum, on the morning of the 8th inst., Clara Anna, youngest daughter of A. H. C. and D. J. BARBER, aged one year and nine months. The child was taken ill on Sunday evening and died Monday morning about two o'clock. Cincinnati and Portsmith, O., papers please copy.

Fanny (HALDEMAN) BARBER 

September 24, 1863
Clinton Public & Transcript

DIED.—At the residence of her father, Mr. J. S. HALDEMAN, near Winchester, Scott County, Ill., Thursday, Sept. 17th, Fanny, wife of A. H. C. BARBER, of this town.

David BARCLAY, Jr. 

March 4, 1892
Clinton Public

DAVID BARCLAY.

In this city, on last Saturday morning, after being confined to his home for weeks, David BARCLAY departed this life in his thirty-eighth year. He was a descendant from a long line of Scotch ancestry but was born in Ireland on the 9th of December, 1854, where his parents were temporarily sojourning. At an early age David lost his mother. When he was but seven years old his parents came to this country, and his father bought land in Texas township, where David grew to manhood. For four years he taught in country schools, and for two years he was the deputy in the county clerk's office under Gus LISENBY. For three years he represented Texas township in the board of supervisors of this county and for two years he was chairman of that body. David was a great reader and was well accomplished not only in political history but also in general history. The work of the farm was too hard for him, so he concluded to read law, and to that end he put in a couple of years with Messrs. MOORE & WARNER. On the 16th of June, 1888, he was admitted to the bar, and a few months later he formed a partnership with William GAMBREL which continued till Mr. Barclay's death. On the 31st of December, 1889, he was united in marriage to Mary, daughter of the late Benjamin MILLER, and two daughters blessed their home. David's father died June 28, 1891.

When the present fire department of Clinton was organized David Barclay became an active member serving first as treasurer and later as captain of the hook and ladder truck. Last April he was elected as an alderman for the Third Ward, and on account of his careful business habits was at once selected as chairman of the finance committee.

The funeral services in the Presbyterian Church last Monday afternoon were attended by the Masonic fraternity of Maroa, of which Mr. Barclay was a member. The fire department also turned out partly uniformed. The services in the church were conducted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER. The floral offerings were very fine and attested the esteem in which the deceased was held. One of the floral pieces represented a bell, the offering of the fire department. This was suspended in front of the altar in the church and directly over the casket.

The members of the bar, of which Mr. Barclay was an honored member, attended in a body. The bar also passed suitable resolutions.

Within a few months death has taken two prominent young men who were raised in Texas township. Filbert C. KELLEY and David Barclay were warm friends from their boyhood and in their death only a few months intervened.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

David BARCLAY, Sr. 

July 3, 1891
Clinton Public

Death of David Barclay, Sen.

Having passed beyond the allotted threescore years and ten, David BARCLAY, Sen., passed from this earth last Sunday [June 28]. He was born in Scotland on the 13th of May, 1820, so that at his death he was seventy-one years, one month and fifteen days old. Mr. Barclay came from an illustrious line of Scotchmen, dating back to the year 1110. He was first married in his native country to the mother of the younger David, who is a member of the law firm of BARCLAY & GAMBEL. Young David's mother died, and the elder Barclay again married, and the fruit of this union was a daughter, Margaret, who is now the wife of Travis REDMOND, a farmer in Texas township. The elder David Barclay began life on a farm in Scotland, and when he was twenty-six years old he went to Ireland and became the land steward of Lord Clermont. Along about the year 1860 a prominent Scotchman came to this country on a visit and on his return to his native country he wrote a book in the interest of the Illinois Central railroad company, with the title of the “Prairie Farmer,” setting forth the great inducements offered in this country to young men. Mr. Barclay bought this book and read it and this lead him to emigrate from the old country in the year 1861. He came direct to Springfield, and from there to Decatur in search of the rich fortune offered to the purchasers of Illinois Central land. He bought eighty acres in Texas township and began farming, and from time to time he increased his purchases till at his death he was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres. He was a thorough farmer and had practical ideas of the value of land and money, hence he prospered. Three years ago he retired from the farm and came to Clinton and built a pleasant home for himself and his aged wife.

The old gentleman never became a citizen of the United States, although he was a great admirer of the system of government. He loved his native Scotland and thought it sacrilege to forswear allegiance to the land of his birth. When the Illinois legislature passed the alien land law the old gentleman, on account of his holdings of real estate, took out his first papers for citizenship.

He was a pleasant old gentleman, a great reader of books and of current history, and was a spirited conversationalist. He was a very stout man, and three months ago he was taken down with fatty degeneration of the heart, which ended in his death last Sunday. When he was a young man he joined the Masonic order in Scotland and was master of his lodge. He never united with the order in this country. Yet the Masonic order turned out last Tuesday and escorted to the grave their ancient brother. His remains were laid in the Texas Cemetery.

Mary (GROGAN) BARCLAY 

January 8, 1904
Clinton Register

DEATH OF AN AGED LADY.
Found Dead in Bed at Her Home in Clinton—
Would not Allow Anyone to Stay With Her.

Mrs. Mary BARCLAY was found dead in bed at her home on West Main street about 6 o'clock Monday evening. She had lived alone several years. Last week she complained of not feeling well, but refused to allow some of the family of Daniel LEO, who live near, to stay with her. Saturday her son-in-law, Trav REDMAN, of Maroa, visited her and insisted on someone staying with her, but she would not consent. He told Mr. Leo to insist on his daughter being with her at nights, but she still refused Sunday night. Early next morning, when Mrs. Leo went to the house, she was found to be dead. As the body was not cold, it was thought she had been dead about two hours.

Deceased was born in Ireland and was 72 years old. She was married to David BARCLAY in 1860, being his second wife, and they arrived in America in February, 1861, locating in Texas township, about nine miles south of Clinton. Mr. Barclay had one son, David, by his first marriage, and three children were born after his second marriage. Two of them died young and Margaret became the wife of Trav REDMAN and they lived on a part of her father's land until about five years ago when she died. Her father and brother, the latter an attorney in Clinton, are also dead, so that Mrs. Barclay was left without relatives in this country, except the five children of Mr. Redman and the two daughters of David Barclay, Jr. By her husband's will she was given the use of the residence in Clinton and one dollar an acre yearly from the 440 acres in Texas township during her life, the land all going to the grandchildren, so that she had nothing at her death except the contents of the home and some money, said to be from $300 to $500. Her will, made a few years ago, left money to the Catholic church of Clinton, of which she was a faithful member, and the household goods to the family of Daniel Leo, who had been very kind to her. The family moved to Clinton about fifteen years ago, before the death of her husband, and occupied the residence which had since been her home.

Funeral services were held in St. John's church conducted by Father M. A. DOOLING. Interment was in Texas cemetery, where the husband and two children are buried.

Note: From the biography of David Barclay, Jr.: In 1860 Mr. Barclay became the husband of Miss Mary Grogan, a native of Scotland and a daughter of Patrick Grogan.

J. S. BARGER 

January 12, 1877
Clinton Public

Elder J. S. BARGER, who died in Bloomington last week, was at one time the owner of Col. Snell's home farm and lived here for many years.

Charles Edward BARNES 

April 22, 1887
Clinton Public

Death of a Prominent Young Farmer.

Charles Edward BARNES, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. S. BARNES, was born January 14, 1854, at the old homestead, seven miles southwest of Farmer City. Her he grew to manhood, and was known as an upright young man of good business ability and more than ordinary public spirit. On March 17, 1880, he married Susie F. ELLIS, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John ELLIS. Of this union two children were born, one of whom still survives. The mother died in the spring of 1884; the father, C. E. Barnes, died last Monday, leaving the little boy, Ralph, an orphan. The grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, will take him. Ed Barnes was the fourth of the family to die of consumption. He has not been strong for several years. He spent the summer of 1885 with his brother-in-law in western Kansas, hoping there to improve his health. He came home in the fall as was thought to die, but he went to Florida soon after and spent the winter. He returned home a year ago apparently in good health. Last fall he talked of going south, but his health becoming worse, he decided to remain at home. He knew that his days were numbered and that the remainder of his time on earth must be passed as an invalid. He gradually grew worse and for a month past the end has been daily expected both by himself and his friends. His suffering was intense, being aggravated by a disease of the throat. He was hopeful of the future and anxious to die. He was kind and generous as a friend and a good neighbor. Peace to his ashes.

--------------------

April 22, 1887
Clinton Public

Ed BARNES, son of William BARNES of DeWitt, died on Monday last of consumption. Mr. Barnes lost his wife with the same disease some two years since. He was aged something over thirty years. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and the remains were buried in the Barnes Cemetery.

Alexander L. BARNETT 

April 30, 1886
Clinton Public

Death of One of the Early Pioneers.
ALEXANDER L. BARNETT Joins the Silent Majority.

The history of the BARNETT family is an important part of the early history of DeWitt county. They came from Kentucky, and made their first home in what is now called Barnett township—being named in honor of the family. The Barnetts were of Scotch-Irish stock, and settled in Virginia in the beginning of the eighteenth century. The grandfather of Alexander L. BARNETT was born in Virginia in 1754, and during the revolutionary war served as regimental surgeon in the Virginia continentals. Dr. BARNETT was an ardent admirer of the teachings of Thomas Jefferson, and he resolved that his children should not dwell on a soil tainted with slavery. He did not get to this land of freedom himself, but in his will he provided that his sons and their families should carry out his wishes. Two of Dr. Barnett's sons died without issue, and his surviving son, John, was entrusted the carrying out of the Doctor's wishes. The Barnett family had removed from Virginia to Bourbon county, Ky., at the close of the revolutionary war, where they bought seven hundred and ten acres of land. In the Doctor's will it was provided that three hundred and twenty acres of the land should be sold and invested in free soil for the benefit of his descendants, and the remainder of the land was willed to John BARNETT, the father of Alexander L., and his sister's descendants in fee simple. John Barnett was a soldier in the war of 1812. In 1830 he came to Illinois and bought land in this county. Robert F. BARNETT, the oldest son of John, came to this county in 1832 and settled on lands previously entered by his father. Alexander L., the third son, came from Kentucky in 1831, and located in Clintonia township, on the farm which he owned till the time of his death. John Barnett, the father of the DeWitt county Barnetts, removed to this county years after his sons came here, and spent the remaining days of his life on free soil, carrying out the wishes of the old revolutionary hero, Dr. Alexander Barnett. So intensely opposed were the elder Barnetts to the institution of slavery that they made no effort to bring slaves to this State, although under the existing laws at that time they could have done so.

Alexander L. BARNETT, who died at the home of his son in this city this morning, at half-past three o'clock, was born in Bourbon county, Ky., on the 15th of October, 1810, so that at the time of his death he was seventy-five years, six months and fifteen days old. His death thins out the number of the early settlers of DeWitt county. There is probably not more than two or three now living in the county who were here when Alexander L. Barnett came. The only name of the early settlers we can now recall is that of Judge John J. McGRAW, who for two or three months past has been confined to his home by sickness.

In early life Alexander L. Barnett acquired a fair education, and in his younger days studied the art of surveying. In 1839, seven years after he came to this county, he was elected the first surveyor of the county, which office he held continually for nearly twenty-one years. Although he was the owner of nearly four hundred acres of land, within four miles of this city, he did not give much attention to farming, his professional duties requiring almost his entire time. Even after he went out of office he did the greater part of the surveying in all parts of the county, as the old settlers thought no one as capable as Mr. Barnett. In 1879 he was again elected county surveyor, and held the office till the time of his death. Indeed it might be said that he died in the harness, for when he was taken sick one week ago yesterday he was engaged in surveying near Kenney.

Politically, Alexander L. Barnett was a Democrat till the time of the organization of the Greenback party a few years ago. His first Presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren, and he kept faithfully in the ranks till Peter Cooper's candidacy. He never belonged to any church or secret society.

Alexander L. Barnett was a man of vigorous mind and marked characteristics of character. He was positive in his views and would not swerve from what he considered right. He was not dogmatic, and conceded to others the same rights he demanded for himself—the right to exercise his own judgment in religion, politics, and on all public questions. In his dealings with the world he was fair and honorable, but unfortunately for his own pocket he was not exacting in his demands when it came to his own private business. His friendship could always be relied upon, and he was just as tenacious in his dislikes. An open opponent he respected, but he had the utmost contempt for that class of people who go through the world with a "knife up their sleeves." His home was always open for the entertainment of friend or stranger. In his younger days Mr. Barnett was a great hunter, like all of the early settlers, and the habit clung to him through his life. With his dog and gun he enjoyed the hours he could spare from his business. He said that where Clinton now stands he often enjoyed the chase for deer and other game.

A week ago yesterday he was taken sick while engaged in surveying near Kenney. He was brought to Clinton Saturday and taken to his son's (W. B.'s) house. His disease developed into typhoid-pneumonia, and during the greater portion of his sickness he was delirious. His death was not unexpected. The funeral services will take place from the old homestead, three and one-half miles west of Clinton, on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock.

For fifty years he had lived in the old homestead. There all of his children were born. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom with his aged wife survive him. The four sons living are William B., James R., John A., and Alexander. Mrs. Casandra McDONALD and Mrs. Juliet MORROW are his daughters. He had twenty-one grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Frank BARNETT 

August 17, 1883
Clinton Public

Verily, verily, Death is no respecter of persons, and often are we poor, blind, mortals called upon to question the dealings of providence. Again has the grim monster been in our midst and has taken our dear friend, Frank BARNETT, on August 11, after an illness of a few days. He calmly fell asleep, trusting in Jesus. Many will miss him. His heart and hand were ever open to the call of distress. No man possessed a kinder heart, more social disposition, or greater hospitality. Never failed a friend. Frank was born in Bourbon Co., Kentucky, and came to this state in his infancy, and during his life since then he has lived in this county. The funeral services took place at Old Union, Bro. T. T. HOLTON, of Lincoln, officiating, on Sunday, August 12, at 11 o'clock. A large number of relatives and friends were present.

Mrs. George A. BARNETT 

March 9, 1906
Clinton Register

GOOD WOMAN CALLED TO REST.
Barnett Township Mourns the Death of One of its Best Women—
Sick Only Five Days.

Death is sad at any time but doubly so when it enters the happy home and takes away a companion who is in the prime of life and the strength of womanhood. Only a few days before her sudden death Mrs. Geo. A. BARNETT was strong in health and happy in the thought that she had many years due her in accordance with the recorded days for each pilgrim on the way from life to death. But alas! how uncertain are the years to be counted to each one. Having a cold she continued about her work until Sunday Feb. 24th when she became much worse and a doctor called. Pneumonia had developed and she rapidly grew worse until Friday afternoon about 3 o’clock when her voice was stilled forever. With little warning a kind husband and loving daughter had taken from them a devoted wife and mother.

Sarah Josephine KIRBY was born near Green Valley Church in Barnett Township, DeWitt County, July 24th, 1859, being 46 years, 7 months and 9 days of age at the time of her death which occurred March 2 at her home on the old Barnett homestead near Hallsville.

She was the daughter of Benjamin S. and Lucinda (WILLIAMS) KIRBY. When she was three years old her mother died leaving her and a baby brother John W., who died in Kansas three years ago. Her father is still living in McPherson County, Kan., but on account of his advanced age and feeble health he was unable to be at her funeral.

After the death of her mother she was cared for by her grandmother, Mrs. Phoebe KIRBY in whose home she lived until her marriage to Geo. A. BARNETT Feb. 20th 1878, whose home she was spared to bless as wife and companion for twenty-eight years. Of this union three children were born, Lulu, wife of Arthur C. HALL, principal of the Heyworth public schools; Edna, who died at the age of seven and an infant daughter who died at birth. Mrs. Barnett was a member of the Church of Christ at Old Union and after the church was organized at Hallsville she placed her membership there. Her home was always open to her friends, who will long hold in loving remembrance her cheerful words and happy smile of greeting. Her every word and act was expressive of the happiness she felt in trying to make them enjoy themselves in her pleasant home.

Funeral services were held in the Christian Church in Hallsville Sunday at 1 o’clock conducted by Rev. T. E. Holton, pastor of the Hallsville church. There was a very large attendance, about two hundred going from Clinton on a special train. She was a member of the Rathbone Sisters and Royal neighbors; her husband is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows, and there were a large number present from these lodges. Many beautiful floral offerings attested the high esteem in which she was held.

The pall-bearers were Lacy L. KIRBY, Henry I. BARNETT, Fred BARNETT, Jno. W. BARNETT, Joseph WINEGARDNER and Jno. WINEGARDNER. The first four were her nephews by whom she was dearly loved and the last two, good and kind friends whom she had known from childhood. The remains were brought to Clinton by train and laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

James BARNETT 

March 22, 1889
Clinton Public

Death of James Barnett.

Nearly sixty years ago the advance guard of the Barnett family came from Kentucky and located in this county. They settled in what is now Barnett township, and in honor of the family that name was given to the township. There was [sic] four brothers of them and with their father they all finally settled in this county. In 1831 one of the brothers made his first entry of land. James BARNETT was the last member of the family, and he died last Tuesday, in his seventieth year. James Barnett was born in Kentucky on the 8th of November, 1819, and with his wife and one daughter, Sarah, came to this county early in the forties. His life was spent on the section of land which he first entered when he came to Barnett township. He was the father of five children, three of whom survive him. Mr. Barnett was a conscientious and honorable man, and was one of the best citizens in the county. In the later years of his life he united with the Christian Church and became an active and zealous member. At his death he was the owner of 340 acres of valuable land, a large amount of personal property, and in addition he left his family an insurance policy of $3000 on his life.

James Richard BARNETT 

January 27, 1905
Clinton Register

KILLED AT STREET CROSSING.
Well Known Citizen of Clinton Caught On a Dangerous Crossing and Dies From Injuries.

Monday afternoon, about 2:30, Richard BARNETT was crossing the tracks on the Macon street crossing and received injuries that resulted in his death that evening about 6 o'clock at the Clinton infirmary to where he was taken soon after being hurt. The crossing is a dangerous one, as there are about a dozen tracks, most of them used for switching. Mr. Barnett was going east carrying a sack of coal and was caught by a train when nearly across the tracks. He was a little deaf and he doubt did not hear the train.

James R. Barnett was a son of Alexander BARNETT, one of the county's pioneers, and was born west of Clinton Nov. 17, 1836, and lived 68 years, 2 months and 6 days. He was married to Miss Barbara EWING Dec. 7, 1862, who died Nov. 11, 1865. He lived on a farm until about fifteen years ago; since then he had lived in Clinton, and had clerked in several stores.

He is survived by two daughters and one son. They are Mrs. Ellis HARVEY, of Boody, Ill.; Mrs. BRANNON, Weldon; and Edwin, of Clinton; also by one brother, Alexander BARNETT, Clinton; and two sisters, Mrs. Cassander McDONALD, west of Clinton; and Mrs. Julia MORROW, of Clinton.

Funeral was held at the house of Edwin Barnett, East Main street, Wednesday at 1 o'clock, conducted by Rev. GILLILAND. Burial in Woodlawn.

John BARNETT 

January 15, 1901
Clinton Register

DIED FROM WOUNDS.
John Barnett's Death Resulted From Being Accidentally Shot by His Nephew, Clive McDonald.

John BARNETT, who died at the home of his sister, Mrs. McDONALD, three miles west of Clinton the night of Jan. 17 as a result of being accidentally shot in the leg by Clive McDONALD, was well known, having lived in the county all his life. While out hunting he was walking ahead of his nephew when his shot gun was accidentally discharged, the load hitting Barnett in the leg below the knee, and blood poison caused his death. Deceased was born Nov. 10, 1845, and was 55 years old. Alex and Dick BARNETT of Clinton, are brothers of deceased. Funeral services were held Saturday.

Mrs. John A. BARNETT 

July 20, 1906
Clinton Register

DEATH OF MRS. BARNETT.

Mrs. Barnett, widow of John A. BARNETT, who died about four years ago, died Wednesday night at her home near Hallsville, aged 61 years. She had been sick several weeks. She was a daughter of E. W. FRUIT, of Kenney, and is survived by four children. She was a member of the Hallsville Christian church. Funeral services will be held at the Hallsville church this afternoon. She was married to John A. BARNETT Sept. 24, 1868, and of the ten children born to them the following are living: Otho; Mrs. Nannie BARTLEY; Mrs. Etha BOWLES, of Lincoln; Miss Alberta; John; Charley; Fred and Arthur.

Mrs. Julia BARNETT 

January 24, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH AT DE LAND.

Mrs. Julia BARNETT, mother of W. D. BARNETT, of Clinton, died Monday evening at her home in Deland, aged 92 years. She was born in Kentucky. She came to Illinois when about 30 years old and for awhile lived in this city. She is survived by two children, Mrs. KESTER, with whom she had lived several years, and W. D. Barnett. Funeral services were held Wednesday, and burial was in the Deland cemetery.

Note: Her daughter's married name might have been KESLER.

Mrs. Robert F. BARNETT 

June 30, 1899
Clinton Public

AN OLD SNOWBIRD CALLED.
Mrs. Margaret Barnett, for Sixty-Seven Years a Resident of This County.

Mrs. Margaret BARNETT, who died Wednesday at the home of her son, Nathan M. BARNETT, was one of the earliest settlers of DeWitt county, settling here when the country was a broad and almost uninhabitable prairie, when quite a young woman. Her maiden name was Margaret MILLS, and she was born in Virginia in 1810, being the daughter of Nathan and Catharine MILLS. When deceased had reached the age of 11 years her parents moved to Kentucky and settled in Bourbon county. It was here that deceased was united in marriage to Robert F. BARNETT. Her father, Nathan Mills, came to Illinois and entered 160 acres of land in DeWitt county, but on returning to Kentucky was taken ill and died. His wife and a large family of children, however, came here in August of that year. Previous to this time, and before the winter of the deep snow, deceased, with her husband and one child, came to Illinois and settled on a farm about one mile southeast of Hallsville, where she had since resided and reared a large family of children, seven of whom are still living [only six are listed], four being dead. Those surviving are Nathan M. BARNETT, L. T. BARNETT, of near Hallsville, R. F. BARNETT, living in Oklahoma, A. M. BARNETT, at Lewiston, Ill., C. B. BARNETT, living in DeWitt county, and Mrs. C. M. BATES, of Chautauqua, Kansas. Her husband, Hon. R. F. BARNETT, was one of the best known men in Central Illinois, and was twice elected to the legislature on the Democratic ticket. His death occurred in Clinton during the war. Two of her sons have been prominent before the public, one, Nathan M. Barnett, was at one time candidate for governor on the Populist ticket, and L. T. Barnett served the county one term as sheriff.

Deceased was a devout member of the Christian church, and at an early day joined Old Union church, and afterwards continued her membership with that denomination at Waynesville. The last illness of deceased was caused by an accident which occurred about one month ago at the home of her son, N. M. Barnett, where she was visiting. On arising one morning she suffered a stroke of paralysis, and falling, struck her head against a dresser, cutting a frightful gash in the back of her head. As the result of her fall, deceased took to her bed, from which she never arose. She lay in a comatose condition for one week, at the end of which time consciousness left her, and for the next three weeks, and until her death, none of the family were able to obtain the slightest recognition.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church in Hallsville at 2 o'clock on Thursday, conducted by Rev. T. T. HOLTON, of Lincoln. Remains were laid to rest in Old Union cemetery.

Mrs. Rebecca BARNETT 

January 20, 1882
Clinton Public

Mrs. Rebecca BARNETT, wife of Alvin BARNETT, died at Taylorville last Sunday, aged seventy-five years. Mrs. Barnett will be remembered by all of the old residents as the landlady of the old Barnett House, which place she filled for over twenty-four years. In the olden time the Barnett House was one of the most popular hotels in Central Illinois, and a quarter of a century ago all the noted men of the State who had occasion to visit Clinton made this hotel their home.

Scott BARNETT 

January 2, 1903
Clinton Register

Scott BARNETT, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex BARNETT, of this city, died in the Feeble Minded institute in Lincoln Monday evening, aged 20 years. The remains were brought to Clinton and taken to the home on West Main street, where short Christian Science services were held at 2:30 Wednesday. Interment in Woodlawn.

Submitted by Unknown

William B. BARNETT 

September 16, 1898
Clinton Register

CAMLY MEETS DEATH.
William B. Barnett, One of This County’s Most Honored Citizens Passes Away.

When the sad news was reported about the streets Wednesday forenoon, that W. B. BARNETT could live but a short time, it brought forth one general regret. At 3:15 in the afternoon the final summons came, and the spirit of William B. Barnett took its flight to He who gave it.

Probably no person had a larger acquaintance in the county than Mr. Barnett, he having been born and spent his entire life in this county. He was born about three miles west of this city on what is known as the old Barnett homestead. He entered into the sewing machine business in this city in 1872 and continued in the same up to the time of his death. His long experience in this business made him an expert and he was perfectly familiar with every sewing machine upon the market.

The world is better off that such a man as W. B. Barnett had spent 63 years here. He was conscientious and honest in all his dealings, and was not a man possessed of so much greed as is daily seen in many of our people, he believing in “live and let live” idea. He owned a fine farm west of this city, part of which was the old homestead. He took great delight in driving out to this old home once or twice each week. He was well educated, and few men were better posted upon the leading topics of the day than was Mr. Barnett. Politically he was a staunch Democrat, and could defend his party in an able and intelligent manner.

About a year ago he fell from a scaffold in the northwest part of the city while he was superintending some repair work and received severe internal injuries from which he never thoroughly recovered, he having been under the doctor’s care much of the time since. About two months ago he had a severe spell of sickness from which he had been able to be about for some days. On the third of September he, in company with his wife, went to Chicago and remained until Monday. Last Friday he was taken suddenly with vomiting and continued to grow worse very rapidly until death came. The cause of his death is given as pneumonia.

W. B. Barnett was born 3½ miles west of this city, August 21, 1835, being at the time of his death less than one month over 63 years old. He and Mrs. Sarah E. DUNCAN were joined in marriage August 26, 1855. By this union one child was born, Wm. A. Barnett, who resides in this city and is 40 years of age. He has three brothers living, Alexander, Richard, and John, and two sisters, Mrs. Thomas MORROW, and Mrs. Cassie McDONALD, all living in this city. Father of the deceased, A. L. BARNETT, moved to this county in 1832, and located on a farm three and a half miles west of Clinton, where the entire Barnett family was born and raised.

Mr. Barnett was an active member of the Christian church, he having professed religion during a revival in the old Union church which stood near Hallville, over 25 years ago, during which time he had lived an exemplary life. He was elected clerk of the Christian church of this city one year ago, and still held the office at the time of his death. For a number of years after his marriage he lived on the old homestead, and managed the affairs for his father. In 1872 he moved to this city and engaged in the sewing machine business. At this time he had the exclusive agency for the Wheeler & Wilson machine. After they had lived here 8 years Mrs. Barnett became dissatisfied and moved back to the farm, yet Mr. Barnett continued in the machine business. In 1882 the family again came to Clinton where they continued to reside.

The funeral will take place this afternoon from the Christian church at 2 o’clock, conducted by Rev. E. A. Gilliland the pastor, after which the remains will be laid to rest in Woodlawn to await the dawn of the resurrection morning.

Mrs. F. M. BARR & son 

August 3, 1888
Clinton Register

The death last Monday of Mrs. F. M. BARR ended the earthly career of a good Christian woman, a true and tender wife, a fond and kind mother. As she and her son, about 14 years old, were going to Atlanta in the afternoon to get some things to furnish their new house, which is almost ready to move into, they were struck and instantly killed by a train while they were crossing the railroad about one mile and a half this side of Atlanta. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Crook at Mt. Zion church on Wednesday and the remains were taken to Waynesville for burial followed by the longest procession of the kind ever known in this part of the county.

Note: Cemetery records list her as Josephine Barr and her son as Arthur Barr.

Hamilton BARR 

October 16, 1903
Clinton Register

Hamilton BARR was born Dec. 13, 1826, two miles west of Waynesville, on what was then section 36, Atlanta township, Logan county, and he had the distinction of being the first white child born in that township. His death occurred about a mile away from the place of his birth. He was aged 76 years, 9 months and 20 days. His parents were John and Comfort (MARVEL) BARR, natives of South Carolina and Delaware, respectively. By a coincidence they were both born the same day—April 4, 1799. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hoosier state, which they left in the spring of 1825, traveling with an ox cart to Sangamon county, Illinois. After residing fifteen miles north of Springfield for about twelve months, the parents of our subject took possession of the farm upon which Hamilton was born. It was a tract of 160 acres which Mr. Barr entered and improved and to which he subsequently added 320 acres in Barnett township, DeWitt county. The parental family consisted of eight children: Lavina, who died in childhood; Nancy, now Mrs. BOTKIN, of Texas; Hamilton; Prettyman, who died in California; John, in Oklahoma; Hiram, who died while young; Mrs. Elizabeth MICHAELS and Comfort, wife of Joeseph GARRETT, of Waynesville.

Hamilton Barr studied in the primitive school house, whose homemade furniture and few text books afforded a decided contrast to the modern equipment of school and scholars. He was an inmate of his father's house until his marriage to Miss Sidonia MICHAELS Feb. 28, 1850. She was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, Feb. 8, 1831, and was a daughter of Adam and Jane (OCHART) MICHAELS, natives of the Kingdom of Saxony. She emigrated with her parents to America in 1837. They landed at New York City and went inland to Ohio, where they resided until 1847, when they came to the locality of Waynesville, Illinois.

After his marriage, Mr. Barr continued farming and stock raising, and being a good financier he became owner of about 1,800 acres of our richest soil west and southwest of Waynesville. Unfortunately, he lost the bulk of his fortune a few years back in the grain business. However, he continued to farm with undaunted energy. Mr. Barr was a most industrious man, moral, upright and honest. While not a church member, he was never known to utter an oath and was a firm believer in Christianity. He was a life-long Democrat and commanded the highest respect of all who knew him. He and his estimable wife, who survives him, were the parents of eleven children. John A., Thomas and Sidonia died in childhood. The eight surviving are Sarah, the wife of James ADAIR, of Waynesville; Albert, in Kansas; Amelia, wife of Michael SCHUH, of Greenfield, Ia.; Emma, wife of J. C. WILSON; Mary, wife of David ORGAN; William, Edward and Nancy, all of Waynesville. —Waynesville Correspondent.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Hamilton BARR 

January 3, 1913
Clinton Register

DIED ON FIRST DAY OF YEAR.
Hamilton Barr, of Harp Township, Committed Suicide Wednesday Morning.

Coroner MOORE was called to Harp township Wednesday to investigate the cause of death of Hamilton BARR, who was found dead in his chair in his little house adjoining that of his daughter, Mrs. Stan ILLER. Mr. Barr had preferred to live alone ever since the death of his wife, which occurred in 1908. He refused to be a burden to his relatives, and insisted on doing chores for his board.

Last Saturday Mr. Barr went to Farmer City with his son-in-law, and while there he purchased strychnine, taking enough to end his life Wednesday morning. A granddaughter went to the cottage Wednesday morning to call him to breakfast and found him in his chair— lifeless. Dr. DAVIS of Farmer City was summoned but found that life had been extinct for some time. A bottle containing strychnine, also a spoon from which the dead man had taken the deadly poison, was found in his room. Coroner Moore found on the dead man's person the following articles: one pipe, one tin box containing tobacco, one two-bladed knife, one leather pocketbook containing $15 in currency and 55 cents in change. His passbook showed that he had deposited $40 in the John Warner bank in this city April 3, 1912, and that he had drawn it out September 28 of the same year.

Deceased left seven children, six daughters and one son. He was born in McLean county, near LeRoy, and was united in marriage to Mary TONEA*, December 28, 1871. He had lived in DeWitt and McLean counties all his life with the exception of two years spent in Texas, one year in Nebraska and one year in Alabama. His wife died in Harp township about four years ago and was buried in the Willmore cemetery there, in which cemetery deceased was interred Thursday.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BARR, HAMILTON   TOVARA, MARY    12/28/1871   MC LEAN

Catherine BARRY 

December 14, 1900
Paper Unknown

Catherine BARRY died at home south of Farmer City, on Thursday, December 13, 1900, at 2:00 a.m., aged 72 years, 2 months, Funeral: Scared Heart Church, December 15th. Burial: Champaign.

Submitted by Unknown

John BARTON 

December 3, 1886
Clinton Public

John BARTON, the oldest son of the celebrated BARTON family who made things lively among the farmers around Wapella township a few years ago, died in the penitentiary at Joliet on last Monday, and on Wednesday morning his body was brought to Wapella for burial. It will be remembered that John was sent to Joliet from Quincy for a term of fourteen years for horse stealing. His father was sent up for a year at the same time for being connected with the same robbery. John Barton was about thirty years old when he died, and nearly one-half of his life was spent in prison. He was the leader of a desperate gang of thieves, one of the sharpest of the lot being his sister Lizzie, who is now married and living a reputable life in Missouri.

Submitted by Unknown

Francis M. BATES 

May 11, 1900
Clinton Register

HEARD LAST ROLL CALL.
Suffering of Frank M. Bates Ended in a St. Louis Hospital—
Brought to Clinton for Burial.

About two months ago F. M. BATES, who had been sick nearly two years, was taken to a St. Louis hospital, where he died Sunday from the effects of paralysis.

Francis M. Bates was born in Madison county, O., over 58 years ago. He came to Clinton when a young man, and was married to Eliza MORSE in 1868. Milt BATES, of Clinton, and Mrs. Jessie WARNOCK, now living in the South, are the surviving children of this union. Several years ago Mrs. Bates died, and he was married about four years ago to Mrs. SHARP, of Lincoln, who survives him. His sisters, Mrs. Cyrus JONES, Mrs. Lydia WALDREN and Mrs. Ansel HULL, live in this city.

Deceased was an old soldier, serving from the early part of the war until the battle of Shiloh when he received a wound that made his discharge necessary. He was a member of the Clinton Post and his comrades paid the last honor by attending his funeral in Clinton Tuesday afternoon in a body. Rev. MacArthur conducted the services. Interment was in Woodlawn.

Mrs. Francis M. BATES 

November 5, 1874
Clinton Public

In this city, on Tuesday, November 3, 1874, after a lingering illness of nearly ten weeks, Mrs. Adeliza BATES, wife of F. M. BATES.

Zenas BATES 

August 14, 1885
Clinton Public

Zenas BATES died at Alton, Ill., on Sunday, August 9, 1885, after a long and wasting illness. Mr. Bates was born in Madison county, Ohio, October 8, 1832. He was married to Phoebe BATES October 8, 1857. Seven children were the fruit of this marriage. Three of his children died before him. He leaves a widow and four children to mourn for him. Funeral services were held at Mrs. CUPPY's dwelling on Tuesday, conducted by Elder D. MacARTHUR. A large and supportive audience were in attendance. After the services the G. A. R. took charge of the remains, Mr. Bates having served for six months during the late war, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery with the impressive ritual of the G. A. R.

Mrs. Daniel BAYLESS 

April 1, 1887
Clinton Public

Died, Sunday, March 27, at 5 a.m., at her home near Rock Creek, Aunt Melinda BAYLESS, aged 72 years. She had been in very poor health for some time, but was suddenly taken worse, and at dawn the following day she quietly passed away. Aunt Melinda was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and in 1831 was married to Daniel BAYLESS. Of a large family of fifteen children three have already passed away. At the funeral services on Tuesday appropriate remarks were made by Isaac C. BAKER, after which the remains were laid to rest in Rock Creek cemetery. The funeral sermon will be preached at the Rock Creek Christian Church on the second Sunday in April, at 11 a.m., by Rev. DAVIS, of Latham. For more than forty years Aunt Melinda was a member of the Baptist Church, and was loved and respected by all. A word of consolation to the bereaved ones may be expressed in the three words, "Meet her there."

George B. BAYLESS 

January 3, 1902
Clinton Register

Geo. B. BAYLESS, son of Mr. and Mrs. O. P. BAYLESS, died at their home near Waynesville, aged 26 years, of typhoid fever. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers and three sisters. They are Warren BAYLESS, of Kansas; Henry BAYLESS, Mrs. Nate HUFF, Mrs. Ed WIGGS and Miss Emma BAYLESS, who live near Waynesville.

Margaret (RILEY) BAYLESS 

July 20, 1906
Clinton Register

DIED IN CHICAGO.
Remains of Former Waynesville Woman Brought to Her Old Home For Burial a Week Ago.

The remains of Mrs. F. M. BAYLESS were brought here from Chicago Thursday morning, July 5. On Wednesday, July 4, in company with her son and daughter, [she] went to White City to spend the day. While there she was stricken with paralysis and died the following morning. Mrs. Bayless was a woman highly respected by all our people, to whom she was so well known.

Mrs. Margaret Ann Bayless, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin RILEY, was born at Atlanta, Ill., on July 31, 1851, being 54 years, 11 months and 4 days old at the time of her death. When she was quite young the family moved into the Rock Creek neighborhood, where she spent the greater part of her life. There at the early age of fourteen she became a member of the Christian church, and has lived a beautiful Christian life until its close.

On February 9, 1870, she was married to Francis Marion BAYLESS. To this union four children were born— Mrs. Anna B. HANUS and Walter S. BAYLESS, both of Chicago; Benjamin F. and James A. BAYLESS. The two latter preceded her to the grave. With the exception of the last fourteen years, which have been spent in Chicago, the deceased has lived near Waynesville. She leaves a devoted husband, the above named children, two sisters, Mrs. Mary SHAFFER, of near Waynesville, and Mrs. Ruth HOWARD, of Atlanta, and many friends to mourn her sudden death.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church Saturday afternoon, in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. F. SMITH, assisted by Rev. JOHNSON, of the Presbyterian church. —Waynesville Record

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BAYLESS, FRANCIS M.   RILEY, MARGARETT A.    (NOT RETURNED)   02/04/1871   DE WITT

Lillia BEABOUT 

July 6, 1894
Clinton Public

Died, on Wednesday morning, Miss Lillia BEABOUT, of consumption. Her remains were interred in the Heyworth cemetery on Thursday.

Note: aka Bebout

Henry Harrison BEAL 

December 10, 1909
Clinton Register

Another of the county's most respected citizens has passed to his reward. After weeks of suffering he has joined loved ones on the other shore. Henry BEAL had been confined to his bed over four months, and perhaps no one was ever more ready and willing to meet his Master. Early in his sickness he realized that he would not recover, and was anxious that his suffering end ere the coming of another day, but the call did not come until about two o'clock Tuesday morning. He had suffered over two years with tuberculosis and for several weeks before he was confined to his bed there had been a rapid failure of his strength.

Henry Harrison Beal was born on October 7, 1841, near Hamburg, Germany. Early in 1853 his parents came to America. As the family was in close financial circumstances he soon had to begin making his way for himself, and prospered. In 1858 he was converted under the preaching of "Watte" Bowles and united with the Christian church in Clinton and for over fifty years was faithful in the cause of his Master. He was an elder in the church several years. He was a Modern Woodman and a member of the G. A. R. camp of Clinton.

October 15, 1859 he was married to Mrs. Brown BACK, who died in Clinton, in 1905. Two sons were born to them, Lewis H. and Frank E., both of whom live in the state of Washington, the latter in Tacoma and the former about sixty miles from that city.

In 1863 he enlisted in Co. F of the 107th Ill. Inf., and served about fourteen months, being discharged on account of poor health. After his return home he lived on a farm in Texas township until about twenty years ago when he sold the land to Henry QUERFELD.

He then bought a small farm half a mile south of Clinton where he lived until a few years ago when he sold the land to Edwin WELD and bought property in Clinton, where he lived until the death of his wife. A few months later he went to Tacoma and lived with his son, Frank, until July, 1907, when he returned to Clinton, and has since lived with his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Emma BEAL, and was at her home during his last illness.

Funeral services were held yesterday at the Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. Albert Schwartz, pastor of the Christian church, assisted by Rev. Laing. The G. A. R. and the W. R. C. conducted the services of the orders after Rev. Schwartz paid a tribute to the Christian character of deceased, who he believed had surely lived in God and died in God. He thought him one of the noblest Christian men he had ever known.

The pall bearers were Edward ALLYN, Jacob MAY, E. SYLVESTER, John PORTER, T. D. BRYANT and Thos. MILLIGAN. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Note: From The Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAL, HENRY   BACK, MARGRET MRS.    10/16/1859   DE WITT

John BEAL 

August 31, 1877
Clinton Public

John Beal Took a Dose and He is Not.

The news spread rapidly on Tuesday morning that John BEAL, an old German farmer who lived about three miles southwest of this city, had committed suicide the evening before. Monday morning the deceased was in town attending to some business, and while here was the subject of several “duns,” which made him feel despondent. Before leaving for home he went into Sackett’s drug store and drank a glass of soda water and bought five cents worth of arsenic, telling the clerk he wanted the poison to kill rats. On his way home he stopped in at Mr. Joe MILLER’s house and had some conversation about a mattock and log-chain which some member of his family had taken from Miller. He also told Mr. Miller where he would find the articles, and urged him to go then and get them as by the next day he (Beal) would not be living to show him where they were. The old man than went toward his home and meeting Berry SPENCER asked him to go to his house and feed his hogs, as he was feeling unwell. This was about four o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Beal, according to his own account, took the poison just after he reached home. Before doing so he tore to pieces a will he had made some months ago, in which he had devised his land and all his personal effects to his son John. The will had been in the hands of FULLER & GRAHAM till that morning, when Mr. Beal got it, saying that he intended to make some changes in it.

Mr. Miller came to town after Mr. Beal was at his house, and meeting Henry BEAL told him that some one ought to look after his father as he believed he intended to kill himself. Henry was on his way to camp meeting, but after some conversation with his cousin, J. W. GERMER, who drove up while Miller was telling the story, Henry concluded to turn around and go to his father's house. When he arrived there he found the old man alone and very sick. Henry immediately called Berry Spencer and dispatched him to town for a doctor. While Berry was gone, Mr. Beal told his son that he had taken arsenic and that he wanted to kill himself. He complained bitterly of the ill treatment he had received at the hands of some of his ungrateful children, and said that he could not stand it any longer. He had sacrificed everything and had worked hard for them all his life, and now at his age to be abused and knocked about was more than he could stand. The old man had been alone since Saturday night and he felt depressed in spirits. The sight of his eldest son, Henry, made the old man regret that he had taken the poison, and he seemed anxious to recover. When the doctor came all was done that could be under the circumstances. Mr. Beal lived about eleven hours after taking the fatal dose, when about three o'clock he breathed his last.

John Beal came to this county about twenty-four years ago. Twenty years ago he bought fifty acres in Texas township, and there he lived and died. Some five months ago his wife was burned to death by the explosion of a coal-oil lamp in her bedroom just as she was retiring for the night. Since that time the old man has been very despondent at times, and when he had difficulty with some of the younger members of his family, which unfortunately was very often, he several times threatened to end his life and his misery. Sometime last January, before the death of Mrs. Beal, he made a will bequeathing all his property to his son John, the second youngest of his family. John had not proven himself worthy of the old man's kindness, and on last Monday he destroyed the will. The torn paper was found in a corner of the room after his death. Mr. Beal was sixty-four years of age, and was worth somewhere about $2500. He was heavily in debt because of sickness in the last four or five years of his life. He was buried on Tuesday afternoon in the Hill graveyard.

Coroner HALL held an inquest on the remains on Tuesday morning, and after a careful examination of all the facts in the case the jury returned a verdict that [the] deceased came to his death by poison administered by himself.

Mrs. John BEAL 

March 23, 1877
Clinton Public

DEATH IN THE LAMP.

It is but four or five weeks ago that THE PUBLIC contained an account of the burning to death of a girl near Danville, Ill., by the explosion of a coal-oil lamp. The explosion was caused by the girl blowing down the lamp chimney to put out the light. And here let us say that this dangerous manner of putting out coal-oil lamps is practiced by nineteen out of every twenty persons. We have a terrible accident to record that happened near this city, last Saturday night. Mrs. BEAL, who lived about three miles south of Clinton in Texas township, sat reading with her son till between nine and ten o'clock, when she prepared to retire. Standing on the bureau in her bedroom was a large glass lamp, and as she was ready to retire, Mrs. Beal blew down the chimney to put out the light. The sudden puff blew the flame down the burner into the oil, and the result was the lamp exploded. The oil scattered over Mrs. Beal’s night clothing and in a second she was one sheet of flame. Her son, who was in an adjoining room, heard the shrieks of his mother and went to her assistance. He threw a blanket over her head and body to smother the flames, but before he succeeded in putting the fire out, the unfortunate woman was so badly burned that death followed. Mrs. Beal ran outside the house, where the air only fanned the flames to intenser [sic] heat. The presumption is that the deceased must have inhaled the flames while she was enveloped in the blanket, for her face and mouth were badly burned. The unfortunate woman lived till about noon on Sunday, when death relieved her of her pain and suffering. Her body was taken to Marion on Monday evening for interment. The deceased was forty-eight years of age, and was Mr. Beal’s second wife.

At the time of the accident Mr. BEAL was lying in bed almost helpless on account of sickness. In his feeble efforts to save his wife, he had his hands and arms burned. At one time there seemed to be a danger that the house would catch fire, but this calamity was averted by the promptness of Mrs. Beal’s son.

In one corner of a drawer in the bureau on which the lamp stood there was a goose egg. Some of the burning oil ran into the drawer and covered the egg, and when the flames were extinguished the egg was found to be thoroughly cooked.

We hope that this unfortunate accident will be a warning to those who are in the habit of blowing down lamp chimneys to put out the light.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAL, JOHN   PARKER, JANE MRS.    12/05/1871   DE WITT

Mrs. Frederick BEAMER

November 26, 1886
Clinton Public

Mrs. Hattie BEAMER died in this city last Wednesday, and on Thursday afternoon she was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BEAMER, FREDERICK   ROBINSON, HARRIET    04/29/1874   DE WITT

Cellia (MUTTER) BEAN

January 10, 1908
Clinton Register

DEATH IN HARP TOWNSHIP.

Mrs. Cellia L. BEAN for many years a resident of Harp township, died after an illness of two weeks. Cellia L. MUTTER was born in Russell county, Virginia, April 22, 1845; moved to Missouri in 1858; thence to Illinois in 1862; married to James H. BEAN, October 3, 1865, who preceded her in death, August 29, 1880. To this union were born ten children, five of whom died in infancy. On son, McHenry, died July 26, 1902. Those left to mourn their loss are Mrs. C. A. NALLY, of North Carolina; J. L. BEAN, of Dewitt; and Mrs. C. W. REICHELDERFER, near Kenney; also ten grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church in DeWitt by Rev. Murray of Lincoln. Songs by the M. E. choir. The pallbearers were L. F. Bowker, Robert Godden, L. R. Agee, W. M. Gale, Fred Henson, and S. R. Turnipseed. Interment in Dewitt cemetery.

J. Allison BEAN

February 9, 1865
Clinton Public

J. Allison BEAN, Co. I 39th Ill. Vet. Vol. Infantry, killed in action Oct. 27th, 1864, near Richmond Va., aged 23 years, 2 months and 18 days. In the death of this gallant soldier we [have lost] a companion, the Regiment a brave and daring soldier, our country a staunch and unflinching Patriot and his parents a noble son, of whom they may well feel proud. In 1861 he was one among the first to rally to the call of our country; he enlisted in the 39th Ill., and with it went to the field, participated in the many engagements, and shared the dangers of that Regiment, up to the time of his death. He was always at his post in the hour of danger; when the battle raged the hottest, in the thickest of the fight, there was he; he knew no fear, but was brave, sometimes almost to rashness.

He had passed through the many bloody scenes of this summer's campaign without a scar, but while on the skirmish line on the 27th of October, a rebel bullet pierced his breast; he fell mortally wounded, and lived but a short time. Another hero fallen, another home made desolate. In the pride of his manhood, and the vigor of his youth, he has fallen; but it is in good cause, and on the gory field of battle, covered with glory, who would wish to die a nobler death?

He has left us; still he is with us; his memory will ever be most fondly cherished by his bereaved companions in arms as a very dear friend and a brave and heroic soldier, among the noble, the noblest, among the brave, the bravest, and among heroes, the most heroic. Our grief at his untimely end is tempered by the recollections that he met his fate where the true soldier wishes to die, if die he must, on the battle field.

To his bereaved parents and relatives we tender our most heartfelt sympathy. God has seen proper to take him from us; we can only bow to his Supreme Power, and say Thy Will be done. —W. R. M., 39th Reg't Ill. Vol.

McHenry BEAN

August 1, 1902
Clinton Register

YOUNG MAN SUICIDES.

Saturday evening about 6:30 McHenry BEAN, son of Celia BEAN, shot himself with a 22-caliber rifle at his home about two miles east of Birkbeck. He was working for John TUGGLE on the farm and had been there on Saturday. He went to his mother's before noon and nothing unusual was noticed in his actions. His brother, James BEAN, asked him to go to DeWitt with him, but he refused, saying he was going hunting. During the afternoon he took the rifle and left the house three times, the last time soon after 6 o'clock. Soon after he left, a shot was heard. The family heard the shot and found him unconscious about 100 yards from the house. The bullet entered his head. Coroner JONES was notified about 7 o'clock and went to the Bean home, arriving there about two hours before the young man died, as he lived until about 11 o'clock. The following jury was selected and the inquest held: Chas. CARDIFF, L. R. AGEE, A. J. DAVIS, G. W. DAVENPORT, Robert SAMUELS, and T. F. BERRY.

The evidence showed that the young man was found lying in a pasture with the rifle at his side. Also that the fact that he had the smallpox last spring which left his face badly pitted seemed to discourage him, and he, at times, was melancholy and seemed to think his friends did not like him as much as they did. He left a note which expressed this feeling and that there was nothing in life for him. He requested that his relatives should not grieve over his death and stated where he desired to be buried.

Deceased was born near DeWitt, a son of James and Celia BEAN, and was 23 years, 8 months and 12 days old. His father died when he was one year old. He was regarded as one of the best young men in his neighborhood and his untimely death brought sorrow to all who knew him. He was unmarried and lived with his mother when not working for others. While Sheriff SHUE lived on the farm, he worked three years for him, and Mr. Shue speaks highly of him, as do all others who knew him. His mother, two sisters, Mrs. NALLY, of Harp township, and Mrs. D. REICHELDERFER, near Kenney, and two brothers, James and Newton, both near DeWitt, survive him.

Funeral services were held at the residence Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. R. THRASHER. Burial in the Griffith cemetery.

Note: For full article, see news item dated Aug. 1 1902.

William BEAN

July 7, 1899
Clinton Public

FARMER CITY CITIZEN DEAD.
William Bean, Aged 61 Years, Passed Away Suddenly.

William BEAN, a respected citizen of Farmer City, died Wednesday after an illness of but three weeks, aged 61 years. For 27 years he conducted a drug business, but for the past ten had been retired. Deceased was born in Lawrence, Kansas, March 24, 1830, and came to Illinois in 1860. He was a prominent member of the Modern Woodmen and Knights of Pythias, and the latter lodge will have charge of the funeral, which will be held Friday at 2 p.m.

Charles BEATTY

January 18, 1866
Clinton Public

Soldier's Funeral.—The funeral of Charles BEATTY, formerly a member of the 107th Ill. Regiment, took place in this town on Friday last. A squad of the "boys in blue" attended him to his last resting place.

Mrs. Henry G. BEATTY

November 3, 1899
Clinton Register

BURNED TO DEATH.
Wife of One of Clinton's Merchants Meets an Awful Death.
Found Dead by the Young Lady Who Was in Her Employ—
Inquest being Held.

Soon after dinner today the young lady in the employ of Mrs. H. G. BEATTY went to make a short call, being gone about an hour. When she returned about 2 o'clock she found Mrs. Beatty burned to death. When found, she was in a chair, the clothing burned from her body. No one knows how her clothing caught fire, and perhaps it will never be known. The young lady knows nothing more than stated above. She is the wife of one of Clinton's business men and had lived in Clinton about ten years, the family moving here from Kenney. She was about 60 years old.

As we go to press an inquest is being held, but it is not probable that it will develop more than is given above. The husband is prostrated and a feeling of profound sorrow is felt by all.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

--------------------

November 10, 1899
Clinton Public

Horribly Burned to Death.
In a Moment of Melancholy, Mrs. H. G. Beatty Dies a Terrible Death.

Mrs. H. G. BEATTY was frightfully burned to death between 3 and 4 o'clock Friday afternoon. The exact manner in which she met death will probably never be learned, as the entire family was away from home at the time. Miss Cora ARNOLD, the young lady employed there, left the house about three o'clock on a short errand to a neighbor. Mrs. Beatty was there in the house and said she was going to lie down and sleep. Miss Arnold was absent about twenty minutes and on returning found the front door locked. According to the statement of Miss Arnold, all the doors were locked and she gained entrance to the house by a rear door, which appeared to have a chair against it. Upon entering she found the house almost filled with smoke, and went immediately to the kitchen, thinking something was on fire. A further investigation by Miss Arnold disclosed the charred body of Mrs. Beatty lying near a chair in the sitting room.

The young lady was terribly frightened and immediately ran to Mr. Beatty's store, which is but a short distance from the residence, and notified the unfortunate husband and two sons who were working there. When they reached the house they found Mrs. Beatty dead, the fire having burned every stitch of clothing from the body, and a few flickering flames were yet blazing in the hair. The coroner was notified and a jury was impaneled to inquire into the cause of her death.

For several years Mrs. Beatty has been afflicted with melancholy and it is supposed that during a temporary abstraction, caused her own death. She was afflicted with temporary derangements for a short period each year for some time, but it was thought by the family and physician that she was improving. She seemed in better health lately than for some time.

A chair in which she was supposed to have been sitting before she fell to the floor was badly burned, and as there was no fire in the room in which she was found, it is thought she set fire to her clothing while sitting in the chair.

Before leaving the house, Miss Arnold said she had fixed the fire, and there was no occasion for her to go near the stove, which was in the room adjoining. An empty coal oil lamp was afterwards found on the floor in front of the stove, and two burned matches were laying on the hearth.

Deceased was a helpful wife, an indulgent mother, and kind neighbor. She was a devout Christian and leaves many friends to mourn her death. The family has the sympathy of this community in their deep affliction.

The coroner's jury on investigating the cause of her death returned the following verdict: "We, the jury, sworn to inquire into the death of Mrs. H. G. Beatty, do find that she came to her death by burning by her own hand. Signed, Philip WOLF, W. H. OGLEVEE, Grant CARDIFF, H. S. MAGILL, J. H. MORSE, J. S. DAVIS."

The funeral of the late Mrs. H. G. Beatty was held Sunday at the Methodist church, which was crowded to the doors by sympathizing friends. The Woman's Relief Corps, I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. formed in a body at the residence and escorted the remains to the church. The relatives and orders filled the entire center section of seats. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful. Rev. J. B. HORNEY preached a touching and eloquent funeral sermon, taking for his text Ecclesiastes 4:2, "Wherefore, I praised the dead which are already dead, more than the living which are yet alive." After the sermon the W. R. G. performed its beautiful and impressive ceremony over the casket. The remains were escorted to Woodlawn cemetery, where, after a short prayer, they were confined to the last resting place. The pall-bearers were: W. H. McFARLAND, A. L. WARNER, Philip WOLF, John POLLOCK, John FULLER, and George GEER.

During the course of his sermon, Rev. Mr. Horney read the following memoir:

Salemna Susanah STOCKING was born in Tripola, Wis., Jan. 10, 1848; died in her home at Clinton, Ill., Nov. 3, 1899. She was united in marriage to Henry G. Beatty on March 27, 1867. To them were born one daughter and four sons, all living and all present at the funeral but Roy, who is in the state of Mississippi. For some time past Mrs. Beatty had been afflicted with spells of melancholy, which in recent weeks had been more frequent and of a more serious nature. It was during one of these spells that the sad and tragic end of life came.

Sister Beatty was converted and joined the Methodist church in 1871. During the years that have since passed she has been a conscientious worker for the Maser. Her life was a living testimony in behalf of the Christian religion, and when health would permit was ready always to help in the work of building up the Redeemer's kingdom.

She was a painstaking, conscientious wife and a mother whose life was wrapped up in her children. Their desires were hers, the least wish being gratified if it were in her power to do so. An obliging neighbor, a beautiful Christian, a devoted mother, a faithful wife. She will be missed, for her place will be vacant.

Beside the members of her immediate family, which consists of her husband, Henry G. Beatty, and daughter, Mrs. Nellie ARMSTRONG of Decatur, and four sons, Ernest, Turner, Roy and Hobart, she leaves a brother, Hon. H. M. STOCKING of St. Paul, and a sister, Mrs. George HUNTINGTON of Eau Claire, Wis., a stepmother, Mrs. James T. STOCKING, and a half-sister, Mrs. Belle DEITRICH, both of Navasota, Tex. The friends have the deep sympathy of the entire community in this sad hour of bereavement.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

Isaac B. BEATTY

April 9, 1886
Clinton Register

Another Soldier Gone.

Isaac B. BEATTY died at his home in this city last Saturday, aged 39 years. The funeral services were held at the residence Sunday at 3 o’clock P.M., conducted by Rev. Dimmitt. During the war he served four months in the 145th infantry of Illinois. About twelve years ago he moved to Joplin, Mo., where he lived eight years. From there he moved to Leadville, Colorado, engaging in mining. He returned to Clinton in poor health and gradually became worse. He was a member of the G. A. R.; and his second marriage occurred last Feb.

Isaac B. BEATTY

June 3, 1887
Clinton Public

ISAAC B. BEATTY.

Died on Wednesday morning, of cancer of the stomach. For more than a year past he had been in failing health, and finally he was compelled to give up business. He was born near Xenia, Ohio, on the 10th of December, 1817, and at his death was in the seventieth year of life. When but ten years old he was converted at a camp meeting, and during his life he was a consistent and devout Christian. On August 29, 1838, he was married in Ohio to Elizabeth CROWL, and to them five sons and one daughter were born. Three of the sons are dead. His wife died in 1849. In February, 1852, he came to Clinton, and with the exception of about five years that he lived in Normal for the purpose of educating his children, he has made this city his home for more than thirty-five years. In 1853, he was again married to Mrs. Phebe L. MAHAN, a daughter of Mr. George HILL, and to them two sons and one daughter were born, who still survive him. Father Beatty had five sons who served their country in the army during the war of the rebellion. During the greater part of his life in Clinton he was engaged in the saddlery business, and ranked as one of the oldest business men in the town, and as a mark of respect to his memory all of the stores in town were closed on Thursday afternoon during the hour of the funeral ceremony. He was a man of generous impulses and gave liberally of his means to his children and to the church. Such men do not leave large fortunes behind them, but it is gratifying to know that he leaves his wife in comfortable circumstances with enough to provide for her during life.

Phebe L. (HILL) BEATTY

December 22, 1917
Clinton Daily Public

MRS. PHEBE BEATTY HAS PASSED AWAY.
Died This Morning in Home on South Center Street—
Was 93 Years of Age.

Mrs. Phebe L. BEATTY, 93 years of age, passed away at the family home, on South Center street at 6 o’clock this morning. Mrs. Beatty was born in Fayette county, Oct. 16, 1824. She was the daughter of Geo. L. and Louisa V. HILL. In 1847 she was united in marriage to John D. MAHON. To this union three children were born, all dying in infancy.

In 1853, she was married to Isaac B. Beatty. There were three children born: Geo. H. BEATTY, Taylorville; Mary F. COULTAS and T. O. BEATTY, of Clinton, and the following step children: J. C. BEATTY, Decatur; H. G. BEATTY, Clinton; and Julia A. ADAMS, Watseka; and one brother, R. P. HILL, Clinton. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mrs. Beatty was united with the Baptist church when a young girl. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 3 p.m., from the late residence. Rev. Wells will officiate.

Mrs. Thomas BEATTY

January 26, 1920
Clinton Daily Public

Mrs. Thos. Beatty passed Away Today.

After more than a year's illness of complication of diseases the death of Mrs. Thomas O. BEATTY occurred at 7:10 o'clock this morning the family home, 715 North Monroe Street. Mrs. Beatty had been in very good health up until about a year and a half ago when she began to fail. In August last year she was taken to Bloomington where an operation was performed in the hope that she would be better. She never gained any strength after the operation and from then on her condition gradually failed. She was a most patient sufferer through all her sickness and was never once heard to complain. Frances Arabella CONKLIN was the daughter of James and Sarah CONKLIN and was born in Wellington, Kansas, May 21, 1860. In infancy her parents moved to Illinois settling in DeWitt county. Her father died shortly after moving here and her mother was remarried to Louis B. WILLIAMS, who was well known in Clinton. Her marriage to Thomas O. BEATTY occurred in Clinton, May 18, 1881, and with the exception of two years spent in Arkansas they made their home in Clinton. To Mr. and Mrs. Beatty were born three children, as follows: Mrs. Walter B. SCHMITH, of this city; Mrs. Walter D. CREWS, of Portsmouth, Va., and a son who died in infancy. Besides the husband and two children there are surviving one sister, Mrs. Vina FULLER of Clinton, a step-sister, Mrs. S. E. BURKHART, of Chicago. One sister, Mrs. M. E. CUNNINGHAM, died about 30 years ago. Three grandchildren survive: Uba Frances and Louise Winifred SCHMITH, children of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. SCHMITH, and Paul Beatty CREWS, son of Mrs. W.D. CREWS. Deceased was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Clinton and always attended the services when her health permitted. She was not a member of any social circles of the city but always took an active part in church affairs.

Submitted by Laura Denton

Timothy BEEBE

August 28, 1903
Clinton Register

Dead Near Hallsville.

Tim BEEBE, who had been an inmate at the DeWitt county poor farm about 25 years, escaped early Monday morning. Search was at once made for him, but he was not found until next morning when his body was found in a field about two miles east of Hallsville where he had died. He had been at the farm so long that he was known to hundreds in the county. His mind was affected and when first taken to the farm a ball was chained to his leg to prevent him from leaving, but of late years this was not necessary as he seldom left. Supt. Foster is not to blame for his death. He was about 75 years old, and recently his health had been failing. The coroner’s inquest verdict was that his death was due to general debility and prostration. He was buried in the poor farm burying ground.

Andrew Jackson BELL

December 11, 1891
Clinton Public

Andrew Jackson BELL died at his home in Peoria and was buried last Wednesday. He was stricken down with apoplexy while talking to a meeting of a few friends. He was the nephew of Mrs. W. H. McFARLAND, of this city, and the family went to Peoria and attended the funeral. In 1866 Mr. Bell lived in Clinton and in partnership with T. J. SHARP published the Clinton Union. The partnership only lasted for a year, when Mr. Bell retired from the business and left Clinton. He served in the war in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry. In the year 1888 he was the Democratic candidate in Illinois for the office of Lieutenant-Governor, after which he started a daily paper in Peoria.

Eli BELL

August 10, 1877
Clinton Public

Death of Eli Bell.

In last week's PUBLIC we gave full particulars of an unfortunate affray in Creek township, in which Eli BELL was fatally wounded by W. W. DAVENPORT. Mr. Bell lived till Wednesday of this week when death finally came to his relief. The murdered man was unconscious from within fifteen minutes after receiving the fatal wound till the moment of his death. The only witness of the unfortunate affray was Grant BELL, aged eleven years, the oldest child of Mr. Bell. Davenport claims in justification of his act that Bell had assaulted him with a club and that in self-defense he struck Bell with the Scythe. Grant Bell testified at the examination yesterday before Justice RICHEY that he did not see his father strike Davenport, though he had a club raised to strike at the time Davenport cut him with the scythe. Davenport's evidence yesterday is not quite in keeping with the story he told immediately after the cutting. Drs. GARDINER and WRIGHT, the attending physicians, both testified yesterday that Bell’s death was caused by the wound. Beyond these points there was no direct evidence bearing on the case beyond hearsay. The examination occupied several hours, and at a late hour last night, Justice Richey felt that the facts in the case warranted him in holding Davenport in $5,000 bonds for his appearance at the circuit court. The bond was immediately furnished. The examination drew a large audience from Creek township.

Eli Bell had lived but a few months in Creek, having moved to there from Maroa. He lived on a forty-acre farm, rented from Mr. H. DAVENPORT. During the summer he cultivated his land, and when not so engaged filled in his time by doing jobs of carpenter work. It was on account of a balance of $2 owed to him by Davenport for work done on a barn which caused the fatal quarrel. Bell was a peaceably disposed man and was held in high esteem by his neighbors. He served during the last war as a member of the 120th Ohio Infantry, and with his regiment was on the fated gunboat in 1863 which blew up while steaming up Red River. Bell was one of the few survivors of that noted event. After the war he came to this State from Ashtabula, Ohio. At the time of his death, he was nearly thirty-nine years of age. He leaves a wife and five children in straightened circumstances.

Henry BELL

October 29, 1863
Clinton Public & Transcript

DIED.—In this town, on Tuesday Oct. 27th, after an illness of three weeks, Henry BELL, aged 44 years. He was escorted to the grave on Wednesday by the Masonic Fraternity and a large number of friends and acquaintances, where the solemn funeral ceremonies of the corpse were held. Rev. P. WOOD, of the M. E. Church, preached the funeral Sermon.

James BELL

November 1, 1907
Clinton Register

DEATH CLAIMED GOOD CITIZEN.
One of Clinton's Oldest and Best Known Men Dies After a Brief Illness at His Home.

Perhaps no death in recent years was more unexpected than was that of James BELL. Few knew of his illness until Monday when it became known he could not get well. He had been troubled with a severe cold, and pneumonia resulted, causing death at two o'clock Monday night.

Deceased was born in Emmettsburg, Md., Sept. 5, 1833, and when 20 years old was married to Miss Susan PEDDICORD in that city. In 1856 they came to Clinton, which had since been their home. Except a few of the fifty years he had lived in Clinton he had been engaged in the manufacture of brick, and most of the bricks used in and near Clinton were made at his kiln. For several years O. L. KIRK was his partner in the business, but of recent years he had conducted the business alone.

The life of James Bell had been a busy one. He was not content doing nothing. His brick manufactory had been the center of his efforts, and he was always interested in giving to his patrons the best grade of brick. He always superintended the work and no one knew better how to make them best. His death is a loss to Clinton.

He is survived by his wife and 4 of the children born to them. They are Mrs. M. B. MARCH and Grant BELL of Clinton, Mrs. S. H. STEWART of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Opal SCOTT of Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the home yesterday at two o'clock, conducted by Fr. J. W. Cummings, pastor of the Catholic church. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Joseph BELL

February 11, 1887
Clinton Public

Mr. Joseph BELL died at his home, four miles southwest of Waynesville, Sunday, February 6th, at 9 a.m., aged 80 years. An aged wife and a number of children are left to mourn his death. In Mr. Bell's death we lose one of our oldest citizens, he having lived in this vicinity for over forty years. He was highly respected by all who knew him. The funeral took place at Mt. Zion on Wednesday, and the remains were deposited in the Atlanta cemetery.

Nettie (PERCY) BELL

June 3, 1887
Clinton Public

MRS. NETTIE BELL.

Died at her home in this city, May 29th, after a lingering illness, which was borne with Christian resignation. She was the daughter of the late Sylvanus PERCY. She was born in Clinton, August 20th, 1859, graduated in the high school of this city in 1879, and in 1879 she joined the Christian church. She leaves one little girl, a husband and an aged widowed mother to mourn for one who was respected by all who knew her. Funeral services on May 30, Rev. D. MacARTHUR, officiating.

Rebecca (EWING) BELL

January 30, 1891
Clinton Public

Death of Mrs. Henry Bell.

At the advanced age of eighty years Mrs. Henry BELL departed this life last Wednesday morning. Her maiden name was Rebecca EWING, and she was born in Piqua, Ohio, on the 12th of December, 1810. Fifty-six years ago she was married in Piqua, Ohio, to Mr. Henry BELL. Four daughters were born to them, Mrs. Philip WOLF, Mrs. Sallie DICKEY, Mrs. G. W. GERE, and Miss Mattie BELL. Mrs. Bell united with the Methodist Church when she was twenty years old, and during her long life she was a devoted Christian. Her husband moved from Ohio to Clinton in 1853, and was engaged in business till 1861, when he sold out and his family moved out to the farm in Wilson township which they have occupied till now. Mrs. Bell was sick for two weeks with lung fever. Her age prevented her from rallying from the effect of the disease. The funeral sermon will be preached at the home farm in Wilson township this morning by Rev. J. C. RUCKER, and the remains will be brought to Woodlawn Cemetery for interment. This is the first death in the Bell family.

Rowland H. BELL

July 1, 1904
Clinton Register

AN OLD SETTLER'S DEATH.
Had Lived in DeWitt County Nearly Fifty Years and Was an Honored Citizen.

Sunday morning about 6 o'clock R. H. BELL died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John McINTYRE, in Clinton, aged nearly 55 years, after an illness of several months.

Rowland H. Bell was born in Ohio, Oct. 6, 1849. His parents, Geo. BELL and wife, moved to Illinois when he was six years old, and he had since lived in DeWitt county. His father died almost forty years ago. He was married to Miss Mary WALTERS in 1878 [1874], who died, and he was married to Mrs. Alice RULE in 1863 [1892]. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. John McIntyre, and a son, Henry, 7 years old, who lives with Mrs. Geo. Aughinbaugh. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. G. W. AUGHINBAUGH and Mrs. C. R. GIDEON, and [a brother?] Jay BELL, of Clinton. He was a member of the M. E. church. Funeral services Tuesday at 4 o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. A. SMITH, of Champaign, assisted by Rev. CANADY. Burial in Woodlawn.

Note: There is obviously a problem with dates in this obituary.
From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BELL, R. H.   WALTERS, MARY   04/12/1874    DE WITT
BELL, ROWLAND H.   RULE, MARTHA A. (MRS)   12/24/1892   RICHLAND

Susannah (PEDDICORD) BELL

December 31, 1909
Clinton Register

Mrs. Susanna Bell.

Early yesterday morning Mrs. Susanna BELL died at her home on South East street, where she had lived about forty years, aged 74. She had been sick over a year, and her death was not unexpected. Her maiden name was Susanna Regina PEDDICORD and she was born near Emmittsburg, Md., Feb. 2, 1835 and was married in that state to James W. BELL. Two years later they came to Illinois. They lived in Bloomington till 1858 which had since been her home. Her husband died October 29, 1907. Of the seven children four are living. They are Grant BELL and Mrs. Morris MARCH, of Clinton; Mrs. S. H. STEWART, of Chicago; and Mrs. H. V. SCOTT, of Davenport, Ia. She had been a consistent member of the Catholic church most of her life. Funeral services will be held in St. John's church at 10 o'clock Sunday morning conducted by Father Dollard. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.

Amanda (SMALLWOOD) BENNETT

August 24, 1906
Clinton Register

CHRISTIAN MOTHER IS CALLED.
One of Creek Township Pioneer Women Died at a Ripe Age—
Was Schoolmate of Gov. Oglesby.

Another of the good old mothers has been called to a home where there are no sorrows. Ripe in years, rich in good deeds, and loved by all who knew her, she fell asleep on the day of the month she was born.

Amanda A. SMALLWOOD was born in Champaign county, O., Feb. 17, 1818, and died Aug. 17, 1906, at the home of her son-in-law, Jas. R. HESKETT, near Lane, aged 88 years and six months. When she was seven years old her parents came to Illinois, settling on the land that is now covered by the city of Decatur. They then moved to this county and located in Creek township, near the site of the old Coulter mill, and later on the farm where sixty-five years of her life was passed and where she died.

In 1843 she was married to W. J. Bennett, who died many years ago. A few years ago she went to Kansas to live with Mr. Heskett, but she longed for the old homestead, and at her request he moved back to DeWitt county, his former home, having bought the old home that was so dear to her. She desired to pass her last days there and Mr. Heskett made it possible for her to do so. He has been all that her own son could have been to her, doing all in his power to make pleasant her closing years.

She was a schoolmate of Gov. Oglesby and knew Lincoln well, as he often stayed at her father's home. She was a faithful Christian, always doing all she could for His cause. Her life was filled with noble purposes and good deeds, and Heaven is made richer by her death.

She was the last of her father's family to pass away, her brothers and sisters having been Asberry, Gideon, Samuel and Joseph SMALLWOOD, Mrs. Susan DAVIS and Mrs. Walter ROBEN. She is survived by the following children: Geo. S. [BENNETT], of Oklahoma; Mrs. Ida GARDNER, Wichita, Kan.; W. L. BENNETT, Bell Plaine, Kan.; Mrs. Clara REDMAN, Decatur; P. A. BENNETT and Mrs. Mary HESKETT, Lane. Mrs. Jane TWIST died at Mead, Kan., in 1890, and two died in infancy. Funeral services were held Sunday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Patterson, of Danville. Burial was in the Lisenby cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENNETT, WILLIAM J.   SMALLWOOD, AMANDA    12/27/1842   DE WITT

Catherine (WRIGHT) BENNETT

May 24, 1912
Clinton Register

MRS. BENNETT DIED MONDAY.

After an illness of seven months of cirrhosis of the liver, Mrs. Catherine BENNETT died at her home on North Monroe street at 3:20 Monday morning. For the past two months she had been confined to her bed.

Deceased was born in Madison Co., Ohio, August 6, 1845, being the daughter of Benjamin and Martha WRIGHT. She was married three times, her last husband, Perminius BENNETT, surviving. Following her first marriage she came with her husband to DeWitt, in 1878, and for a time they resided near Weldon, but soon returned to Ohio. Later they again came to Illinois, and the family had since made their home near Lane, until last fall when they came to Clinton where it was thought with better opportunities for medical treatment and proper care Mrs. Bennett might regain her health. She was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church.

Besides the husband she leaves two children, Mrs. C. A. SIMPSON, of Clinton, and Mrs. Winnie SHIELDS, who lived with her mother. There are also surviving two sisters and a brother: Mrs. Jemima DECKER, of Pueblo, Colo.; Mrs. Sarah LOSEE, of Peoria; and Abram WRIGHT, at the soldiers' home at Quincy, Ill. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday from the home, Rev. J. F. Rosborough officiating. Interment in the Lane Cemetery.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENNETT, PERMMIONS   WRIGHT, MARY C. EDWARDS    04/28/1897   DE WITT

Emma (SAVAGE) BENNETT

February 11, 1887
Clinton Public

Mrs. Emma BENNETT, wife of P. A. BENNETT, died at her home in the village of Lane last Tuesday. She was in her thirty-second year. Mrs. Bennett had lived in Creek township from girlhood. She was a very amiable woman, and was beloved by a large circle of friends.

Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
BENETT, PARMENIS A.   SAVAGE, NANCY E.    11/18/1869   DE WITT

Henry BENNETT

February 28, 1902
Clinton Register

ANOTHER OLD RESIDENT TAKEN.
One of Creek Townships Oldest Citizens Dies After an Illness of Three Years—
Funeral Yesterday.

Henry BENNETT died Tuesday night about 10 o’clock at his home in Creek township, aged 68 years, 4 months and 5 days. He had been in poor health three years, but had been confined to his bed only a few weeks.

Henry Bennett was born in Ashland county, O. [see correction below] , Sept. 21, 1833. When he was 17 years old his parents, John and Barbara BENNETT, moved to this county, settling in Creek township. In 1855 he was married to Miss Elizabeth CROSS, who was the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth CROSS, and was born in Harp township. Ten children were born to them of whom the following and their mother survive: Solomon, of Creek township; Mrs. A. M. HUGHES, of Clinton; Tillman, of Creek township; Mrs. Perry BRAKE; Lucinda A., Henry H., Lydia Ann, Alverda M. and George W.

Mr. Bennett was an active and useful citizen, and by his industry, economy and good management was the owner of about 600 acres of fine land, besides much other property. He was a member of the United Brethren church and faithful in the cause of his Master. Politically he was a Democrat and had held township offices, being supervisor, collector and trustee. He was a good citizen, a loving husband and a kind father. He was one of the true, noble men who made the world better for having lived in it. Funeral services were held at the home yesterday conducted by Rev. R. Thrasher. Burial in Rose Cemetery.

--------------------

March 7, 1902
Clinton Register

As there were two or three errors in names and dates in the account of the death of Henry S. BENNETT as published last week, the following furnished by relatives is given:

Henry Bennett was born in Richland county, O., Sept. 21, 1833, where he resided until the age of 17 years, when he came with his parents to DeWitt county, Ill. April 5, 1855, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth CROSS, daughter of Solomon CROSS of Creek township. Mr. Bennett united with the United Brethren church when near the age of 44 years and has since been a devoted Christian. He was aged 68 years, 5 months and 4 days. He was one of the leading farmers in Creek township, and by unceasing work, economy and good management had accumulated property valued at $60,000 to $70,000. His life was worthy of example, as he was honest and upright, kind to his family, true to his friends and faithful to his Master.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett were parents of thirteen children of whom nine are living. They are John Solomon, of Creek township; Mrs. A. M. HUGHES, of Clinton; Tillman M., of Creek township; Mrs. Bently CONN, of Macon county; Mrs. Perry BRAKE, Henry II, Mrs. Lewis GRADY, Mrs. Herbert McCAMMON and George W., all of Creek township. Those deceased are Amanda E., wife of Wm. FARRAN; William A.; Gideon P.; and Lucinda.

Isaac C. BENNETT

March 15, 1889
Clinton Public

I. C. BENNETT died at the home of his son-in-law, Thomas C. HENSON, on Monday last, in his sixty-ninth year. His home for the past few years was in Lincoln, Ill., where he was engaged in manufacturing patent bed springs. Eleven weeks ago he came to Clinton to visit his daughter and her family and almost from the day of his arrival he was confined to his bed by sickness. Mr. Bennett was born in Kentucky on the 4th of June, 1821, and in the year 1840 he came to this county and followed farming during the greater portion of the time till about ten years ago when he went into the business of making a patent bed spring, at which he was reasonably successful. He was a member of the Christian Church of this city and took an active part in the erection of the building in the early days. His wife died eight years ago, but six children survive him.

Note: His full name was Isaac C. Bennett. His first name was found in the census.

Minnie BENNETT

February 15, 1895
Clinton Public

A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES.
A Maroa Girl is Ruined in Waynesville.
And Death from Abortion is the Result.

Minnie BENNETT, aged about twenty years, ended her young life last Sunday evening, at her home in Maroa, in a sad manner. While visiting in Waynesville occasionally last year she made the acquaintance of a young man living in that town which finally led to her ruin. Her condition began to alarm her and means were used to hide her shame. She was in Waynesville the first part of last week, where violent means were used, after which she was taken across the country to her home on a bitter cold day. The result was that when she got to her home in Maroa she was dangerously ill and a physician was called to attend her. She grew worse from hour to hour when the doctor told her that he had no possible hopes of her recovery. The girl's grandmother, with whom she was living, tried to learn the true history, and besought her grandchild to tell her the whole truth. The girl resisted all appeals and said that the secret would die with her. She was conscious that death would end her sufferings in a few hours more.

A relative of the deceased girl went to Decatur on Monday in order to institute criminal proceedings against the young man who was the author of her ruin, but as the crime was committed in DeWitt County, also the supposed abortion, the matter was referred to State's Attorney FULLER of this county. Mr. Fuller took Dr. WILCOX with him to Maroa on Tuesday morning, when a post-mortem examination was held, conducted by Dr. Wilcox. Sufficient indications were present to show that violent means had been use