Obituaries - K
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.
Jack KALIPS
June 6, 1890
Clinton Public
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.
Jack Kalips, an Illinois Central
Conductor, Killed Himself with a Revolver.
The early part of last week Jack KALIPS, who was a freight conductor on the Illinois Central, was promoted to be yardmaster at Decatur, and he moved his family from Clinton to that city. The work did not suit him, and on last Tuesday he telegraphed to Fred REED, train master of the southern division, to go down at once to Decatur and relieve him. It seems that in the morning the Wabash men made it unpleasant for Jack by switching in a lot of cars on his tracks that should not have been put there, and Jack, being high spirited, had some trouble with the men. When he went home at noon he ate dinner and then lay down for awhile to rest, after which he got up to go back to his work. Before leaving home he took out his revolver and was putting it in order, probably with the intention of taking it to the freight yard in case of any more hostility with the Wabash men. One of his little boys was with him while he was fixing the revolver. Mrs. KALIPS was in the house attending to her work when she heard the report of a revolver. Going to the front door she found her husband sitting back on a chair with a gaping wound in his forehead. Her shrieks alarmed the neighborhood, and medical aid was at once summoned. Jack lived about three hours after receiving the fatal wound.
Jack Kalips was twenty-six years old on the day he was killed. He had been in the employ of the Illinois Central for a number of years, beginning as a brakeman on a freight train and in due time being promoted to a conductorship. He leaves a wife and two sons, the oldest of the boys being four years of age. He lived in Clinton for a number of years, and only moved from here the early part of last week. He was a member of the Odd Fellows at Macon, Ill., where his body was taken on Wednesday for burial.
Arthur C. KARR
March 17, 1899
Clinton Public
Arthur C. KARR died at the home of his son, P. A. KARR, at the McLean County Farm on Monday eve at 5:15. He had been in feeble health for about a year but was taken seriously ill only two weeks ago. He went from his home in Wapella on a visit to his son about three months ago and never felt really able to return home. Death resulted from gastric trouble complicated with valvular insufficiency, "heart" failure.
He was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, Dec. 30, 1827. When a small boy, he moved with his parents to Hamilton Co., Ind. On Dec. 26, 1849, he was married to Miss Sarah Jane QUINN, who survives him. In 1855 they moved to near Des Moines, Iowa, where they resided until 1864, when they came to Illinois and settled at Wapella, where they have since resided. Nine children were born to them, one of whom, Robert, died in infancy. The others are as follows: Philip A., supt. McLean Co. Farm; John W., living in Kansas; Mary E. and Emma E., at home; Henry H., of Seattle, Wash.; William C., of Chicago; Samuel W., of Waynesville; and Mrs. Grace GOSSETT, of Wapella. He also leaves a brother, John W., living in Western Nebraska.
In early life Mr. Karr was a farmer but in 1862 he began working at the trade of wagon maker which he followed until his health failed about ten years ago. He was a member of the Christian church which he united with in 1867, and had been a Mason since 1849. Two years ago he went back to Hamilton Co., Ind., the old home place of his boyhood days. He was a worthy, upright and conscientious man.
His remains were taken home on Tuesday afternoon and the funeral was conducted by Eld. Ingraham on Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. at his late home. He was buried in Wapella and Long Point cemetery near the Christian church by the side of his son.
Barton S. KARR
October 7, 1910
Clinton Register
DIED IN KANSAS.
News came Oct. 2 that B. S. KARR, who was born and reared in Long Point and lived at Wapella several years, and moved twenty-five years ago to Kansas, died on Sunday morning at his home in Peabody, Kas. The funeral was held in that city Tuesday at 2 o'clock p.m. He has been a member of the Christian church since he was 15 years old. At the time of his death he was serving in the office as one of the elders of the church in that city. He was married to Alice, a daughter of the late Elija W. and Mary J. SWEARINGEN October 14, 1873. To this union were born three children, two dying in infancy. He had been ailing for four or five months with kidney trouble. He leaves a wife, one son, Ernest, of Enterprise, Kas., and one brother, A. D. KARR.
Note: From the 1880 census and his cemetery record, his full name was Barton S. Karr.
James W. KARR
February 4, 1910
Clinton Register
CLINTON MAN DIES IN A FEW HOURS.
Was Among the Oldest
Residents of the County and was a Prominent Contractor.
Saturday James W. KARR worked in his home all day preparing for papering. While he had not been feeling well as usual for sometime, he did not feel any worse after his day's work until about 10:30 that night. He awoke at that time and was almost unable to talk. He told his wife he was very sick, and that there seemed a weight on his breast. She telephoned for a doctor and when he arrived he realized there was little hope for his recovery. He remained two hours, and left with a promise to return at 9 o'clock next morning. He awoke at 5 o'clock and being so strongly impressed that he should not delay going to see Mr. Karr at once, he went soon as he could. He was then sure there was no hope, and the end came about 5 o'clock that evening.
James W. Karr was born in Harrison county, Ohio, Nov. 4, 1836, and lived 73 years. His parents, John W. and Mary KARR, resided in Ohio until 1840 when they came to Illinois, locating in Wapella township near Sugar Grove, where he lived most of his life. His first marriage was to Jane SWEARINGEN. Three children were born to them. His wife died in 1871 and in 1872 he was married to Rebecca SWEARINGEN. To them were born five children. He moved to Nebraska in 1886 and returned in 1899, making his home in Wapella for a year when he moved to Clinton, which has since been his home.
He was a carpenter and contractor and during his residence in Clinton had built several houses. He was a member of the Christian church at Wapella when the church was organized and was deacon and elder.
Besides his wife, Mr. Karr is survived by two sons, Thomas, of Oklahoma, and Harry, at home; three daughters, Mary ELLIS, of Clyde, Mo.; Leona HUNNECKE, of Clinton, Iowa; and Mrs. A. K. SPRAGUE, of near Clinton. He also leaves one brother, W. S. KARR, of Wapella, and three sisters, Mrs. William ALLISON, of Rantoul; Mrs. Martin TEACH, of Fisher; and Mrs. P. A. KARR of Hendryx.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday morning at the home, 507 West South street, conducted by Rev. Albert Schwartz. The pall bearers were C. W. SHORT, W. T. TURNER, A. SUMMERS and J. R. BELL, of Wapella; E. B. MITCHELL and B. C. SPRAGUE of Clinton. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
John E. KARR
September 29, 1899
Clinton Register
John E. KARR died at 4 o'clock Tuesday morning and the remains shipped to Wapella and buried Wednesday at 2 o'clock at the Long Point Christian cemetery. Charles, his son, accompanied the remains here. He was born on the farm lying one mile north of the county line known as the Dr. McFarland place. He was the son of James and Louisa KARR, who died several years ago. He was one of seven children, leaving his wife, who is in very poor health, also a babe very sick and six children, 3 brothers and two sisters. He was 46 years old. Mr. Karr moved from here to Mississippi in 1896 and remained there until 1898, selling his farm of 160 acres at a good profit. At the time of his death he was residing in Carbondale, Ill. While moving in July he was thrown from his wagon and his leg was broken and two ribs crushed; he was getting around on crutches when he was stricken with typhoid fever and was sick about two months, which resulted in his death.
Mr. Karr served several terms as school director and fulfilled his office to the letter; also constable, justice of the peace and city marshal and served his office well. He has many friends here who were pained to learn of his death. Politically he was a Democrat. Rev. A. J. Robertson officiated at the grave with scripture lesson and prayer and offered condolence and sympathy to the bereaved ones left behind.
Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
Rebecca (SWEARINGEN) KARR
July 15, 1910
Clinton Register
Death of Mrs. J. W. Karr.
Mrs. J. W. KARR died Sunday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. K. SPRAGUE, three miles west of Clinton. She had been ill for the past year and was confined to her bed during the last six weeks of her life. Death was caused by a complication of diseases and old age.
Mrs. Karr was born in the Long Point neighborhood near Wapella October 8, 1844, and was a daughter of Elijah and Mary J. SWEARINGEN. In 1872 she was united in marriage to J. W. KARR who died last Jan. She is survived by the following children: Mrs. A. K. Sprague, with whom she was making her home, Harry of Clinton, and Mrs. Leona HUNECKE of Clinton, Iowa. Four brothers and three sisters also survive: W. A. SWEARINGEN and J. L. SWEARINGEN of Chicago; and E. F. SWEARINGEN of Canton; Mrs. B. S. KARR, of Peabody, Kansas; Mrs. R. S. ROLOFSON, of Maryville, Mo.; and Mrs. A. D. METZ of Wapella.
Mrs. Karr united with the Long Point church when she was a girl 16 years old and had always retained her membership there. The funeral was held at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, the services being conducted by Rev. E. A. Gilliland of Lincoln, in the Christian church in this city. The burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Thomas KARR
May 5, 1911
Clinton Register
Thomas Karr Killed.
W. F. Swearingen received a message Monday that Thomas KARR had been killed in Oklahoma by falling from a window of a house on which he had been working. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James W. KARR. The remains were shipped to Clinton and the body was interred in Sugar Grove cemetery by the side of his mother.
A copy of the Lawton, Oklahoma, Constitution, sent to this office by a Register reader, gives a full account of the accident. It states that Karr had been ill for two weeks at his room in the Illinois hotel, and he apparently, while delirious, had walked out of the second story window, falling to the concrete walk beneath. Physicians were shortly on the spot, but Karr was dead. He was a member of the Lawton Carpenters' union and was respected by all with whom he came in contact in that city. The union looked after caring for the body.
Deceased was the son of J. W. Karr, deceased. The family formerly lived at Wapella. He leaves one sister, Mrs. May ELLIS, of Guilford, Mo. A half brother, Harry, a carpenter, of Clinton, and two half sisters, Mrs. Lena UNECK, of Clinton, Iowa, and Mrs. Nell SPRAGUE, west of Clinton.
Thomas KEATING
November 25, 1887
Death of Thomas Keating
Last Sunday Thomas KEATING, of Wapella, departed this life. His death was not unexpected, nor was he unprepared for it, for he had been an invalid for several months. Thomas Keating was born in the County of Limerick, Ireland, in the year 1821. He lived in his native land till he had reached man's estate, and then he came to this country and lived in McLean county for a number of years. He then came to this county and bought a piece of land, and later bought the farm on which he had lived for the past sixteen years. In his early life Mr. Keathing did not accumulate much of this world's goods, but for the last eighteen or twenty years, the balance was always in his favor.
A few words of his history may benefit others. During the first years Mr. Keating lived in this county, he was fond of a social glass, and being convivial in his nature, he spent his earnings freely. One day he came into Wapella with his brother with a lot of hogs which he sold. Before he was ready to go home his money was all gone. This set him to thinking of the folly of his ways. For months he had worked hard to raise the corn that he had fed to the hogs, and then in the end the proceeds had nearly all gone into the till of the saloon-keeper. That day he made up his mind that another dollar of his money should never go to keep a saloon-keeper in idleness and luxury while his own family needed what he was foolishly spending. Both John and Thomas Keating faithfully kept their vows, and from that day on there were no more prosperous farmers in DeWitt county than the two brothers.
At the time of his death, Thomas Keating owned one of the finest farms in the county, and everything around him betokened happiness and comfort. No kinder husband and father was there in Wapella township. He was a generous friend and a kind neighbor, and his pocket-book always promptly responded to every worthy call for benevolence. Another noble trait of his character was he would never stand by and hear anybody abused or slandered. His motto was: "If you have nothing good to say of a person for God's sake say nothing at all." His heart was warm for his native land although he was intensely American in his views. He loved the land of his adoption. The Catholic Church loses a liberal supporter and his neighbors a kind, warm-hearted friend. His life and his example were a benediction and worthy of being emulated.
Mrs. Thomas KEATING
December 3, 1909
Clinton Register
Mrs. Thomas KEATING died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Margaret SOMERVILLE, northwest of Wapella. Deceased was born in County Clare, Ireland, 76 years ago and came to America fifty-five years ago, the most of which time she has resided in that [this] vicinity. She is survived by six children: Thomas KEATING, Kansas City, Mo.; Mrs. James TIERNEY, of Clinton; Mrs. Thomas RYAN, Wilson township; Mrs. Hannah NORTON, Butler, Mo.; Mrs. Nora HANLEY, Cass county, Mo.; and Mrs. Margaret SOMERVILLE, Wapella. Mrs. Keating was married in Ireland and on coming to America she and her husband settled in McLean county. In 1868 they moved to Harp township, where on Nov. 20, 1887, Mr. Keating died. For the last three years Mrs. Keating had been making her home with Mrs. Somerville. The funeral was held Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's church in Wapella, conducted by Father Monahan. The interment was in the Catholic cemetery north of Wapella.
Ruth Leona KEEFER
August 13, 1902
Paper Unknown
Ruth Leona KEEFER daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William KEEFER died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O. WARNER in Farmer City, August 13, 1902, 11:00 a.m., aged 1 year, 9 months, 28 days. Funeral: home of Mr. and Mrs. O. WARNER, August 15th. Burial: City Cemetery.
Lydia (BAKER) KEENE
August 3, 1906
Paper Unknown
DIED AT WAYNESVILLE
Mrs. Lydia KEENE died at 1 o'clock Saturday, aged 29 years, 9 months and 9 days. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel BAKER. Her father dying when she was six months old, she was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob BAKER. Oct. 19, 1892, she was united in marriage to John A. SOVERNS, and to them were born two children, Iva and Daisy. Three years after their marriage, death entered their home and took the father and two little ones from her. In 1897 she was married to B.C. KEENE. To this union were born four children, three of whom survive, one dying in infancy. Services were held at the Fairview Christian church at 3:30 Monday.
James J. KEGARICE
April 25, 1884
Clinton Public
Answered the Last Roll Call.
James J. KEGARICE enlisted in the war for the Union in the Forty-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served over two years, when he was discharged on account of injuries received while working on a fortification. The exertion of raising heavy timbers caused some internal injury which unfitted him for duty. He was sent to a military hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained for about five months. Not regaining strength so that he could return to duty, he was discharged and came home to Clinton. After somewhat regaining his health he got a position as freight conductor on the Illinois Central road, and when the G. C. & S. road was being built he left the Central and took a position as conductor of a construction train. Later he was a freight conductor on the G. C. & S. road. Then he joined the construction gang on the Havana and Champaign road (now the Wabash) and worked there till the road was completed. For the past seven or eight years he was in the insurance business, working through the State of Missouri.
All these years he suffered more or less from the injuries received while in the army, and about six years ago he noticed a swelling on his breast near the region of his heart. This grew larger gradually, and as it increased in size his health began to fail. Eight or ten years ago Mr. Kegarice was a robust-looking man and probably weighed over two hundred and twenty-five pounds. For the past few years he was almost a skeleton, barely having vitality enough left to keep him breathing. He had counseled with the most skillful surgeons in St. Louis, and they told him there was no relief. An operation performed on the growing protrusion would surely be fatal. A few months ago he came home to die. He knew his doom and manfully bore up under it. He had made application for a pension, but could not get his claim through owing to a defect in the chain of testimony. When the editor of THE PUBLIC was in Washington last February he stated to Captain Rowell Mr. Kegarice's condition, and also told the Captain that if any benefits came from a pension to Mr. Kegarice it would have to be granted soon. The next morning, after having the conversation, Captain Rowell went to Gen. Dudley, Commissioner of Pensions, and made such a forcible statement of the case that the pension was at once allowed. In less than three weeks Mr. Kegarice received over $1000 back pension and a future award of $8 per month.
Four weeks ago Mr. Kegarice went to Ohio to visit his mother, whom he had not seen for twenty years. He also visited other friends, and this week was stopping with a cousin in Indiana, intending to come home from there and arrive here yesterday. On Wednesday afternoon Mrs. Kegarice received a dispatch from the cousin in Indiana announcing the death of Mr. Kegarice. No particulars were given. That evening Mr. R. H. PHARES and Mr. F. C. DAVIDSON started to bring the body. It will probably arrive (unreadable word) morning. (First part unreadable.) …funeral services will be arranged today, and it is more than likely that the ceremonies will be conducted by the Grand Army of the Republic. The funeral services will take place on Sunday afternoon, at the late residence of the deceased.
Charles Raymond KELLER
Date Unknown
Paper Unknown
Father of Wapella Man Died Thursday
(Obituary Extract)
Name: Charles Raymond KELLER of Xenia; father of Billie
Joe KELLER of Wapella
Age: 70
Born: Clay County
Died: at 12:30
a.m. Thursday in Clay County Hospital, Flora
Parents: William and Bessie (SAPP)
KELLER
Survivors: wife, one son, a daughter, his mother, two brothers, two
sisters, and seven grandchildren
Funeral at John T. FRANK Funeral Home, Flora
Submitted by Debbie Champion
W. A. KELLER
September 8, 1899
Clinton Register
W. A. KELLER, father of Mrs. Asa WHITE, of Clinton, died at his home near Farmer City, Sept. 2, aged 56 years. His wife and two daughters survive him, the other being Mrs. Harry FARMER, of Farmer City.
Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
Capt. Alexander KELLY
February 5, 1892
Clinton Public
Yesterday afternoon, February 4, Captain Alexander KELLY, at the age of seventy-nine years, four months and twenty-eight days, departed this life at his home on East Washington street. Captain Kelly was one of the old settlers of DeWitt County, having lived here over sixty-two years. He was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, being born September 6, 1812. When he was but fifteen years old he came to Illinois and for about three years worked on a farm near Springfield. The cheap land in this county was an inducement for a party of young men to come from Sangamon County and locate here, and in 1830 Captain Kelly bought the farm in Creek township on which he lived till a few years ago, and there he married Miss Lucinda ANDERSON and raised a family of eight children, four girls and four boys. Six of the family are still living. John KELLY, the oldest son, died in the army, and Harrison KELLY died in this city a few years ago. When the war broke out Captain Kelly was fired with patriotism to protect the flag of his country and he enlisted in Co. K, forty-first Illinois, raised in this county and went into the service as captain. He remained with his regiment till broken health compelled him to resign. A number of years ago he sold his farm and came to Clinton to live with his daughters. The funeral services will be at his home tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER.
Cornelius KELLY
November 9, 1888
Clinton Public
Sad Ending to a Useful Life.
Clinton was shocked last Saturday morning with the intelligence that Cornelius KELLY, a prominent and wealthy farmer of Texas township, had committed suicide. It was a surprise to every body, for not even the members of his own household had noticed anything out of the usual course in his daily life.
Mr. Kelly owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, in Texas township, on which was one of the best residences in the township. Recently he bought another farm of one hundred and twenty acres, for which he paid $70 an acre, and to this new farm he gave a great deal of time and attention. The probabilities are that he overworked himself, and added to this his health had been poor since last spring. He was a man who dreaded the thought of being in debt, and although the amount he owed on his new purchase was a mere bagatelle to a man of his wealth, yet all things combined made him despondent. Last Friday it rained so that his hands could not go to work in the cornfield, and one of them went to Decatur and wanted Mr. Kelly to go with him. This he would not do as he had no special business to call him to that city, and when the man left the barn Mr. Kelly was laying on the hay complaining of feeling tired. When the noon hour came he did not go to the house to his dinner, but his family thought nothing of his absence as he was in the habit of leaving home in the morning to work on his farm and often would not return till late in the evening. At the evening meal Mr. Kelly was still absent, and then his wife and daughter came to the conclusion that he had gone to Decatur and would not return till the midnight train. Not coming home then, his family began to feel uneasy, and the next morning, by daylight, they sent the hired man over to Mr. Gilbert KELLY's farm to have him go over to the house. A search was then made for Mr. Kelly, and his son finally found his body in the hay loft suspended by a rope to one of the timbers in the roof. In order to strangle himself Mr. Kelly had to bend his knees to clear his feet from the hay in the mow as the distance between the rafter and the barn floor was not more than five feet. The probabilities are that he committed the fatal act shortly after the hired man had left the barn on Friday morning, for he was not seen again alive.
Mr. Kelly was born in Preble county, Ohio, on the 3d day of January, 1829, and at the time of his death he was fifty-nine years, nine months and twenty-nine days old. He was married in Butler county, Ohio, to Letta B. COX on the 13th of November, 1850, and in the month of March, 1857, he came to DeWitt county and for one year lived in Tunbridge township. A year later he bought a farm in Texas township, where he spent his life. He was the father of five children, three boys and two girls. One of the boys died. His oldest son, G. C. Kelly, is chairman of the board of supervisors of this county, to which position he has been unanimously selected for three consecutive terms. Cornelius Kelly was a man of prominence in his neighborhood, which was attested last Sunday by the large number who followed his body to its final resting place in the Maroa Cemetery.
Gilbert C. KELLY
October 16, 1891
Clinton Public
Death of the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
After a long struggle with that most deceptive of all diseases, Gilbert C. KELLY quietly passed from time to eternity yesterday afternoon, in the thirty-ninth year of his age. Eight years ago he was stricken down with preliminary symptoms of consumption, and soon the disease showed that it had a confirmed grip on him. The climate of Alabama, Texas and Colorado was tried in vain, for while he might have temporary relief it was only that coming from a change of scene. In the prime of his young manhood death calls him hence.
Gilbert C. Kelly was born in Texas township on the 24th of June, 1853, and died on the farm where he was born. When eighteen years old he began teaching school, which occupation he followed during the winter, and in the summer months he assisted his father on the farm. Desiring the better to qualify himself for school work and also for farm life he began a course of instruction in 1874 at the Illinois University in Champaign. In 1884 he was united in marriage with Carrie H., daughter of Mr. Edwin WELD. In 1886, he was elected to represent his township in the board of supervisors, and before the close of his first term he was elected chairman to fill the unexpired term of Smith FULLER, who had been elected county treasurer. Every year since that time Mr. Kelly was elected chairman of the board. He was a Democrat in politics, but in the discharge of his official duties he was free from partisanship. He recognized his Republican colleagues and always gave them a fair share of chairmanships on the important committees. As a presiding officer he was courteous, and was always prompt in dispatching business so that no unnecessary cost would arise from long sessions.
Mr. Kelly was a prominent man in the councils of his party, and had it not been for his health he would have been called to fill more lucrative offices. He was proud of his position as chairman of the board of supervisors, and he honored the office by his manly bearing and public spirit. A new court-house has lost one of its strongest advocates in the death of Chairman Kelly. The funeral services will be held in the Presbyterian Church, tomorrow morning, at eleven o'clock, after which his remains will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Nora KELLY
August 9, 1889
Clinton Public
Miss Nora KELLY, sister of the Hon. G. C. KELLY, chairman of the board of supervisors of this county, died at the residence of her mother in this city last Tuesday morning. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church, conducted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER, on Wednesday morning, after which the remains were taken for burial to the Maroa cemetery. Miss Kelly was born in Texas township in the year 1865, and at the time of her death she was in her twenty-fourth year. Her disease was consumption, but till the time of her father's death there was no symptoms of it and she was the picture of perfect health. Her great grief following the sad death of her father completely broke down her nervous system and from that time till her death her decline was rapid. Mrs. KELLY moved to Clinton about three months ago with her two daughters and bought property in Lawndale.
Thomas KELLY
February 24, 1893
Clinton Public
There came to DeWitt County in the year 1869 and settled on a farm near Weldon, Thomas KELLY. He was a native of Sumner County, Tennessee, and was born on the 16th of November, 1818. In 1842 he was united in marriage to Susan F. GREGORY, and seven children were born to them. They came to Illinois in 1854 and first settled in Mason County, living there fifteen years before moving to Weldon.
Mr. Kelly died last Friday, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and on Saturday he was buried in the Weldon Cemetery, Rev. Duncan McARTHUR officiating. Mr. Kelly was an earnest Christian man and made his home and the world better for his living in it.
W. H. Harrison KELLY
February 9, 1883
Clinton Public
W. H. H. KELLY died at the home of his father in this city on last Saturday morning, and on Sunday afternoon his body was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, the Masonic fraternity taking charge of the funeral ceremonies. Harrison Kelly had lived in this county from boyhood, and his life was spent on a farm. During the winters for many years he taught country schools, and was quite successful as a teacher. About three years ago his health failed and his disease finally developed into consumption. About a year ago he went to California in the hope that a change to that milder climate would be beneficial, but he gradually grew weaker, and a few weeks ago he came home to die. He was but a young man, having reached only the age of thirty-eight. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn in sadness that a loving husband and father was so early called to the unknown world.
William S. KELLY
November 28, 1884
Clinton Public
DIED BY HIS OWN HAND.
William S. Kelly Wandered Off to a Strange
Town in Missouri to End His Life.
On Monday morning Mr. John G. DAVIS, Chancellor Commander of Plantagenet Lodge, No. 25, Knights of Pythias, in this city, received a dispatch from Carrolton, Missouri, signed by Mr. J. W. POLAND, Chancellor Commander of the lodge in that town, announcing that Wm. S. KELLY had committed suicide in that town some time during the previous night. After consulting with the brothers of the deceased, Mr. Davis sent a dispatch requesting the Knights of Pythias of Carrolton to forward the body here for interment. This was done and the body arrived in Clinton by express on Tuesday morning. Nothing is known of the causes that led Mr. Kelly to commit the rash act. He was a stranger in Carrolton and had only arrived there on Sunday. When he left Clinton he went to Wellington, Kansas, with the view of finding a location in which to engage in business. Arriving at Carrolton on Sunday morning he stopped at the Planter's House, and not feeling well toward evening he sent for a physician, who prescribed for him. The doctor says that he found him in an exceedingly nervous condition. Kelly went out to a drug store to get the prescription filled, and to the druggist, who is a Knight of Pythias, Kelly made himself known as a member of the order. The prescription was given to Kelly and lighting a cigar he left the drug store. It was supposed that he went direct from the drug store to a retired part of the town, where he shot himself, for nobody in Carrolton again saw him alive. A colored man going to his work early on Monday morning discovered the dead body of Kelly. By his side was a pistol. With this he had fired a shot into his right temple, which must have produced instant death. In Kelly's pockets were several receipts for dues from Plantagenet Lodge of this city, a number of certificates of deposit from John Warner & Co., a valuable gold watch, $225.75 in money, a baggage check from the Wabash road, and a number of letters from a lady friend living in Wellington, Kansas. The lady formerly lived in Clinton. The receipt for dues from Plantagenet Lodge identifying Kelly as a member of the order, the Knights of Carrolton took charge of the body immediately after the inquest and prepared it for transmission to Clinton. On the arrival of the body here on Tuesday morning it was met by a deputation of the members of his lodge and escorted to the home of Mr. Thomas Kelly.
Poor Will Kelly! No one dreamed that such would be his fate. Eight or ten years ago he came to this city to work in Mr. J. S. WILSON's bakery. He was an expert workman and earned for himself a good reputation. A few years ago he bought out O. W. STRONG's bakery and went into business for himself. Afterward his two brothers, Wesley and Thomas, went into partnership with him. The firm flourished and made money. Will Kelly was afflicted with inflammatory rheumatism, and to obtain relief from that terrible disease he had made frequent trips to Hot Springs. While there he was always free from pain. Finally he decided to sell out his interest in the firm of Kelly Bros. and make his home permanent at Hot Springs. During the early part of the fall he came back to Clinton and remained a few weeks, and then he started off to go back to the Springs. His brothers heard nothing from him from that time till the sad tidings of his death reached Mr. Davis last Monday morning.
Will had stood the racks and tortures of pain as long as he was able to bear them, and then quietly went to a strange town, where he was unknown, and ended the struggle. His funeral was from his brother's home last Wednesday afternoon. The ceremonies were conducted by Plantagenet Lodge, of which he had been an active member for several years.
Phidelia E. (OWENS) KEMP
May 25, 1888
Clinton Register
Sudden Death in Texas Township.
The wife of James KEMP died very suddenly Saturday night. About 11 o'clock she began to have a feeling of suffocation, and informed her husband that she believed she was going to die. Mr. Kemp's hired man started for a physician at once, but before the doctor arrived, about midnight, Mrs. KEMP died, no one being present at the time except her mother, husband and children. There seems to be a diversity of opinion as to the cause of her death, one physician claims it was heart trouble, and another the bursting of a blood vessel. The death is one of the saddest ever known in this vicinity, and cast a gloom of sorrow over the entire neighborhood. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon, an early burial being necessary. The interment was at the cemetery three miles northeast of Kenney. Those who attended the funeral can never forget the scene. An aged mother weeping for her daughter, taken almost without warning. A husband in profound sorrow for his companion, so lately in usual good health, and the three small children that were without a mother, a child's best friend, brought tears to the stoutest hearts and a deep solemnity over the faces of the many friends present. Deceased was about 40 years old.
Note: From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
KEMP, JAMES M. OWENS, PHIDELIA E.
01/28/1875 DE WITT
Note: She and her husband are buried in the Baptist Cemetery.
Susan (BOWLES) KENNEY
October 12, 1906
Clinton Register
DEATH OF FORMER KENNEY LADY.
She and Her Husband Once Owned the
Land on Which the Town Has Been Built.
Mrs. Susan KENNEY died Oct. 4 in Creston, Iowa, at the home of her daughter, aged nearly 70. Her maiden name was Susan BOWLES and she was born in DeWitt County in April, 1837. She was married to John KENNEY March 19, 1857. They located on a farm which has become a part of Kenney; they lived there when the town was laid out, and the town was given their name. Mr. Kenney died many years ago. Of their eight children, five are living, as follows: Mrs. J. A. MEADOWS, Creston, Iowa; Mrs. James KEMP, Kenney; Mrs. H. A. MORRIS, Hebron, Neb.; James KENNEY, Mt. Ayers, Iowa; Joseph, of Kenney. She had long been a member of the Christian church. Funeral was held Sunday afternoon in Kenney conducted by Rev. T. t. HOLTON, of Bloomington. Burial was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery west of Kenney.
Emmett KENT
April 4, 1890
Clinton Public
Thirty-one years ago last Monday (March 31, 1859) at four o'clock in the afternoon, Emmett KENT and his wife were united in marriage in the city of Chicago. On the anniversary day, and one hour later in the afternoon, death entered the household for the first time and broke the family circle by removing the beloved husband and father. Emmett Kent was born in Dorset, Vermont, on the 8th of November, 1835, so that at the time of his death he was in his fifty-fifth year. His parents moved from Vermont to Chicago early in the forties and in that city he was reared and educated. Through his own energies he fitted himself for a business life by taking a course in a commercial college, and when he was yet but a lad he and Richard R. CRANG served as clerks in the same mercantile house in Chicago. Soon after arriving at his majority he was promoted to a responsible position by a large lumber firm in Chicago, and when the firm wanted a man to take charge of their business in Clinton they selected Emmett Kent. On the last day of March, 1859, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth CLAPPERTON, and within a few days afterward he and his young wife came to Clinton. When he arrived here he rented a house on East Main street, which stood on the lot now owned by Mr. JONES, of the Illinois Central shops, and here they began house-keeping in a humble way. His entire wealth in cash was $100, and while managing the lumber business for the firm who sent him here he invested his $100 in corn. This was his first venture in the grain business. In the course of time he bought out the firm he was working for, and for about twenty-five years he was one of the most successful grain and lumber men in Central Illinois. The almost daily advance in the price of grain during the war would have made him a wealthy man, but Emmett Kent had one of those generous natures that never lets its possessor become rich in money, but the use of his means in benefactions to those less fortunate enriched his soul. In his case it might be truly said that, "it is more blessed to give than to receive."
In 1864 he bought the four acres on Jackson avenue and built a home of his own, and in 1875 he moved the old house back and built a handsome addition to it. This is the property now owned by Mr. W. R. CARLE and occupied by Mr. A. J. LATIMER. In this home his children were born and raised, and there his family lived till about one year ago, when he disposed of it.
Less than half a dozen who were prominent in business affairs when Mr. Kent came to Clinton in 1859 are now residents here. A large majority of them rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, while here and there in other cities and States may now and then be found one of the number. A generation of active men and women of the Clinton of those days have passed away, and new faces and new interests have taken their places. Were we to call the roll of the dead even for the last twenty years what a small army would rise up in the memories of the readers of THE PUBLIC. None occupied a more prominent place in the history of Clinton than did Emmett Kent; for the death of none were more words of sympathy expressed. He did well his part, whether in his office, as a member of the city council, or, the most important in his sight, in the councils of his church. Emmett Kent was a thorough Christian, and his religion was part of his every day life. It was not reserved for the Sabbath, but he took into his business and into his dealings with his fellow-man. No kindlier soul ever walked the streets of Clinton, and his sympathetic heart and his pocket-book were ever open to the lightening of others’ burdens. He gave freely of the bounty that had been showered upon him in his business career.
Five years ago the new Presbyterian Church was built. The building committee was Emmett KENT, William BISHOP, S. F. LEWIS, Daniel CRANG, and A. H. MAGILL. All five were then active in the business affairs of life; today they are all sleeping in Woodlawn Cemetery. In the building of the church, Mr. Kent was one of the most liberal givers. Besides devoting a large portion of his time, with the members of the committee, he gave $2000 to the building fund, and that year his contribution to his church was not less than $2500 for all purposes. When the Methodist Church was built he was a liberal contributor, and in 1874 when Dr. ADAMS undertook the task of raising the $14,000 that was still remaining due on the church he found in Mr. Kent a warm friend for a good-sized check. At one time Mr. Kent was in independent circumstances, but the constant drain for benevolent purposes seriously impaired his bank account. In his own person he practiced the most rigid economy, that he might have the more to give away. While his life was a blessing to others, in death he leaves his family a name that will be ever honored in Clinton.
For the past four or five years Mr. Kent failed in health. The active man of business had to succumb to bodily ailments, yet even down to the last few weeks he directed the management of his affairs. For a month or more he was conscious that his end was approaching. He suffered much from bodily pain, but his mind was clear and active till within a few hours of his death. At five o'clock last Monday afternoon death relieved him from his bodily sufferings. The first knowledge that Clinton had of his death was the tolling of the bells of the Presbyterian church and public school. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday afternoon, at four o'clock, and the large church could not contain all who desired to pay the last tribute of respect to one who had lived such an active and useful life in the city. The floral offerings of the sympathetic friends were many and of handsome designs. With these flowers the platform and desk of the church were decorated during the funeral ceremony. The Rev. W. A. HUNTER conducted the services and preached an excellent and appropriate sermon, but at the request of the family no mention was made of Mr. Kent at any time during the services. What a theme the life of Emmett Kent would have furnished the pastor, but the family had no desire for any public parade of the virtues of their beloved dead. Between five and six o'clock, as the sun was sinking down in the west, the remains of Emmett Kent were laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. No death in Clinton has caused more sorrow, and no funeral procession had more sympathetic mourners. “When a good man dies the people mourn.”
Mr. Kent leaves a wife and five children. His oldest son Fred has been managing the business for the past eighteen months. Two of his daughters are married, and the oldest daughter, is a teacher in our public schools, and the youngest child, Paul, lives with their mother. Mr. Kent had a paid-up policy for $2000 which was made for Mrs. Kent’s benefit. The home is in her name, and she will also have a share of the profits from the grain and lumber business, which will be continued by her son Fred.
Greeley KEOUGH
July 22, 1881
Clinton Register
Killed by a train.
(See news article)
Mrs. James KEOUGH
July 22, 1881
Clinton Register
(See news article)
Susan KINCAID
March 7, 1890
Clinton Public
Susan KINCAID, a well known character in Clinton for the past thirty years or more, was buried yesterday forenoon, she having died the day before. Poor Susan's life was a stormy one, without one gleam of sunshine. She was born in Scott county, Illinois, more than sixty years ago. At the death of her father, who was a well-to-do farmer, her brothers turned her out to shift for herself and gave her none of the estate. From her childhood she was full of vagaries, being what is called a simpleton. Susan came to Bloomington and lived there for a time and about thirty years ago made her home in Clinton. Everybody knew Susan and her peculiarities, but she was fortunate in having the sympathy and care of a few families who tried to make the rough journey of life as smooth as possible for her. She owned a house and lot which she left by will to one of her brothers. In her last hours her protectors for years ministered to her and smoothed her path to the unknown world. What a chapter her life history would make. The Angel of Death was her best friend.
Dr. Joel E. KING
June 6, 1890
Clinton Public
In Fairfield, Iowa, on last Sunday evening, in the seventy-seventh year of his age, Dr. Joel E. KING was mustered out. Nearly fifty years ago Dr. King was a practicing physician in this county and lived near where Kenney is located. Later he moved to this city and was the owner of a large part of Lawndale. For years he was in the mercantile business with John P. MITCHELL, their store being an old frame building that stood on the lot where Mrs. Harrison's millinery store is now. When the war broke out, although Dr. King was then near fifty years old, he enlisted in Co. E, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, as a private soldier, but was detailed to hospital duty after the regiment went into service. The hardships of camp life were too severe for the old doctor so he resigned and came home. Two of his sons enlisted in the same company with him. After the war the family moved to Iowa. The old doctor expected to be at the regimental reunion of the Twentieth in Bloomington on next Friday, but he has answered his last roll call.
Mary (TRENT) KING
February 11, 1925
The News Gazette (Champaign, IL)
Fisher, Feb. 10 -Mrs. Mary M. KING, 75, widow of William KING, died at 10 o'clock Monday morning at her home here. Death was due to complications of diseases. Mrs. King, formerly Miss Mary TRENT, was born in Maysville, Ky., Jan. 16, 1850, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Woodrow TRENT. She married Silas HICKMAN in 1865 and to them were born three children, William, who died in 1914: Mrs. Frank HILL, of Fisher, and E. L. HICKMAN, of Havana. She married William King in 1880. Mr. King died in 1915.
Besides her children, Mrs. King leaves 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and a brother, George L. TRENT of Wapella. Mrs. King moved from Wapella eight years ago to make her home in Fisher. Funeral services will be from the home at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning, Rev. Burt Bradbury in charge of the services, and burial will be in Long Point funeral grove near Wapella. Pallbearers will be grandsons of the deceased. Mrs. King was a member of the Long Point Christian church, near Wapella.
Note: The name Woodrow should be Woodson.
Submitted by Unknown
William KING
January 8, 1915
Clinton Register
DEATH OF WAPELLA FARMER.
Life of William
King Goes Out With the Dawning of The New Year.
Friday morning at 5:15 at his home two miles west of Wapella, Wm. KING, a prominent citizen of that neighborhood passed from life to the beyond. Death was caused by heart trouble superinduced by dropsy with which he had been a sufferer for some time. Mr. King was ill with the fatal trouble but one week.
Deceased had been a resident of the Wapella neighborhood for the past thirty years and had spent the greater part of his life in DeWitt county, having lived in the vicinity of Clinton for a number of years before moving to his last neighborhood. He was born in Ohio in 1842 and came to this county with his parents while he was yet a child. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army and served with the 45th Ill. Vol. Inft. At the close of the war he took up farming which had since been his vocation. In 1880 he was married in Clinton to Miss Mary HICKMAN, one child being born to the couple, Mrs. Laura MIENEL, of Chicago. Besides the widow and daughter he is survived by two brothers, Jonathan of Nebraska and George of Kinrose, Mich. Funeral services were held from the Wapella Christian church Sunday morning. Burial in the Wapella cemetery.
Note: His wife's maiden name was Mary Trent. Hickman was the name from her first marriage.
Submitted by Unknown
Jane (CUNDIFF) KINGORE
August 14, 1911
Clinton Register
Death of Mrs. Richard Kingore.
Was a Resident of Clinton Over Half Century Ago-
Two of Her Sisters Still Living in This City.
The following is from a Pontiac [Illinois] paper of last week.
Mrs. Richard KINGORE died Monday afternoon, August 7, 1911 at St, James Hospital in Pontiac, IL., death due to cancer of the stomach. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon, August 9th., at 2 p.m. at the family residence in Pontiac. Rev. J. H. RYAN, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. Interment will be in South Side Cemetery, Pontiac.
Jane CUNDIFF was born near Fort Finley, Hancock County, Ohio, February 21, 1841. She remained in that state until ten years of age, when in 1851 her parents, Thornton and Elano CUNDIFF, removed to Illinois, locating near Clinton on a farm. There Miss CUNDIFF grew to young womanhood, obtaining her education from the common schools of that period.
On October 13, 1864 she was united in marriage to Richard KINGORE and the year following removed with him to this city, which has since been her home. A year after moving to this city, they erected their home at the corner of South Main street and West Henry street, which has since been her home.
Mrs. KINGORE was a woman greatly beloved by all who knew her, and especially her neighbors, being a woman devoted to her home and her family. She was a woman of a kind and loving nature and an exemplary Christian. She united with the Methodist Episcopal church of this city years ago and remained true to the teachings of her church throughout her life.
She leaves by her death, Frank, of this city; Mrs. Loula HILL, of Springfield; and Fred, of Chicago; a son Charles having died in infancy. Besides these she leaves four sisters: Mrs. Alcinda CACKLEY, of Clinton; Mrs. Sarah NORTH, of Clinton; Mrs. Mary KIRK, of Kankakee; and Mrs. Amanda RAINIER, of Auburn, Indiana.
Mr. KINGORE died on January 10, 1911, since which time Mrs. KINGORE's wish that she might join him had often been expressed. She was rational up to the last and recognized all the members of her family who were with her during her last hours.
Mrs. Julia KIOUS
April 24, 1891
Clinton Public
On Monday of last week Mrs. Julia KIOUS, aged seventy years, died in this city. Age and hard work had enfeebled the old lady so that she could not withstand disease. She was the mother of eight children, five of whom survive her. Two of her daughters live in this city—Mrs. John SMITH and Miss Alice KIOUS. The family came to Clinton thirteen years ago from Christian county. Mrs. Kious was a member of the Methodist Church.
Alison M. KIRBY
January 10, 1935
Paper Unknown
Alison M. KIRBY, age 77, a native of Tunbridge township died Thursday, Jan. 10, 1935 at his home in Decatur. He had been in failing health for 2 years. Mr. Kirby was born on a farm 2 miles west of Kenney and grew to manhood there. He was twice married, his first wife being Alice ELLIS. They resided at Wapella for several years where Mr. Kirby was engaged in the coal business. From Wapella Mr. and Mrs. Kirby moved to Chicago where he was employed as a coal salesman. Mrs. Kirby died there in 1908. After her death Mr. Kirby left Chicago and engaged in a similar business in Decatur. In Decatur he met and married Mrs. Anna SANFORD Jan. 21, 1912. They have continued to make Decatur their home ever since.
Mr. Kirby is survived by his wife and stepchildren, Mrs. James HARRISON of Chicago, Mrs. Fren KEARNE of Mt. Vernon, NY, Mrs. Leona ROACH of El Paso, Texas, Melain ELLIS of Montana, Mrs. Stella GANDY of Decatur, and Harold SANFORD of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Funeral Services were conducted from Riverside M. E. Church in Decatur at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Kenney.
Alison KIRBY, born 1858, was the son of James A. KIRBY and Clara (TROWBRIDGE) KIRBY.
Submitted by Earliene Kaelin
James A. KIRBY
October 15, 1909
Clinton Register
AND OLD RESIDENT DIES.
James A. KIRBY died suddenly at his home near Kenney yesterday morning about 8 o'clock, aged 87, being sick less than two hours. He was born in Ohio and came to Illinois in 1853, locating east of Kenney, and later moved to Tunbridge, where there was a small store, and was appointed postmaster, being the first postmaster in Tunbridge township, and the mail was taken from there by carrier on horseback. About three years later he moved west of Kenney, where he bought land. After the death of his wife, he went to live with his son, Frank, near Kenney. The other children who survive him are Mrs. WATSON, of Rolla, Mo.; A. M. KIRBY, of Chicago; and Mrs. CANTRELL. Politically he had always been a Democrat and had held the most important offices of the township, and served the people faithfully. The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at the church in Kenney. Burial in the cemetery west of Kenney.
Phoebe (GRAHAM) KIRBY
January 11, 1889
Clinton Register
Mrs. Phoebe KIRBY died at her home near Hallsville last Friday, at the advanced age of 75 years. Grandma Kirby, as she was commonly called, was born Jan. 10, 1814. She was the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive her and were in attendance at the funeral with but one exception. She was a sister to Samuel Graham of Waynesville. She leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. The funeral was conducted by Elder Henry, who preached a very touching sermon from Job xiv:14, "If a man dies shall he live again." The remains were laid to rest in McClimons cemetery.
William KIRBY
Friday, September 8, 1899
Clinton Register
Wm. KIRBY, the man who cut his throat at his home in Farmer City three weeks ago, died Saturday. He was about 60 years old. His wife and two children survive him.
(See news article)
Submitted by Sheryl Byrd
KIRK (infant)
November 29, 1877
Clinton Public
Died.—Infant daughter of O. L. KIRK and Lucretia KIRK, November 19, 1877.
Samuel KIRK
April 22, 1910
Clinton Register
Death of Samuel Kirk.
Word was received here today that Samuel KIRK died Thursday at his home in St. Louis. A telegram was received here Thursday by his brother James KIRK, stating that he had fallen down stairs and was so seriously injured that it was feared he could not recover. Mr. and Mrs. James Kirk left immediately for St. Louis. While the full particulars of his death have not been received here, it is thought the direct cause of his death was paralysis. He had previously suffered two attacks of paralysis, the first one being about two years ago, since which time he had not been in good health.
Samuel Kirk was born in Bellefountain [Bellefontaine], Ohio, in 1852, being the oldest son of O. L. and Sarah KIRK. While a young child the family moved to Illinois and settled at Clinton. December 22, 1875, Samuel Kirk was united in marriage to Miss Bertha RAZEY, and to the union were born five children, three of whom survive, Mrs. Minnie RASMUSSEN, Mrs. Bertie IRVIN and Oscar Leonard KIRK, all residing in St. Louis. He also leaves surviving, his wife, one brother James Kirk of this city, and six half brothers and two half sisters. They are, Allie KIRK, George KIRK and Will KIRK residing in Chicago, Harry KIRK of Arkansas, Frank KIRK of St. Louis, Leon KIRK, Mrs. A. M. HATFIELD and Mrs. Jane DALE of Clinton.
Deceased was a contractor and builder in St. Louis where he had resided for the past twenty-two years. The remains will be brought to Clinton Saturday afternoon, and funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon. The services will be in charge of DeWitt Lodge No. 84 A. F. & A. M., of which deceased was a member.
Dr. Thaddeus KIRK
January 10, 1890
Clinton Public
At his home in St. James, Minn., Dr. Thaddeus KIRK departed this life on Saturday, January 4, in the thirty-third year of his age. On last Friday his parents received a telegram from St. James announcing the sickness of their boy and his precarious condition, and Mr. Kirk would have started at once had he been able to leave his sick bed. It was decided to wait for another dispatch and if the news was not more favorable his mother and one of his brothers would leave on the morning train. Early the next morning came the expected telegram, but it brought the sad news that Thaddeus was dead. That night two of his brothers left for Minnesota and on Wednesday they returned with their precious dead.
Dr. Thaddeus Kirk was born in Clinton on the 18th of November, 1857. From childhood he was industrious and assisted his father in the brick making and building business, and when he was but fifteen years of age he almost did a man's work when his father had the contract for building the Magill House and Union Block. In his younger days he was crippled by disease in one of his limbs, and as he grew to manhood he gave all his spare hours to study and improving his mind for the medical profession. He began his preparatory studies with Dr. D. W. EDMISTON and then spent two years in Rush Medical College, from which he graduated with honors. He found friends who were anxious and willing to assist him with money in preparing for his profession, and the first money he earned after locating at St. James was promptly paid to his benefactors in repayment of the loan. After he graduated, Dr. Kirk located in St. James, Minn., where he soon secured the appointment of local surgeon for the Northwestern railway company, which had large shops in the town, it being the end of one of the divisions. He was fortunate in the management of cases that came under his care, and it was not long before he had a large and lucrative practice. Three years ago on the fourth of last November he was united in marriage to Miss Anna CLINTON, of Milwaukee, Wis., who is now left to mourn the death of her young husband. Dr. Kirk was a bright young man and gave promise of great usefulness in his profession.
The funeral services were held in the M. E. Church in this city yesterday morning, and were conducted by Dr. REED, assisted by Rev. W. A. HUNTER. Dr. Kirk was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and the order in this city took charge of the ceremonies. At the grave, after the ritualistic services, Mr. Ellis I. DAY, Master of the Lodge, paid the following eloquent tribute to the memory of the deceased. Both had been classmates in school and had grown up as companions from childhood.
Note: The obituary is followed by a very long sermon, available upon request.
Mrs. Sarah KIRKLEY
November 19, 1909
Clinton Register
Wednesday morning Mrs. Sarah KIRKLEY, an old resident of Clinton, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. ROSE, on West Jefferson street, of pneumonia, aged 85. She had been in failing health sometime, but had been seriously ill only a few days. Deceased was born in Madison Co., Ohio, Sept. 11, 1824, where she lived about 43 years. February 24, 1842, she was married to James M. KIRKLEY, and they came to Illinois in 1867, locating in Clinton where he was engaged in business, but died seven years after coming here. He was one of the stockholders when the John Warner bank was organized. Of the four children born to them two are living, Mrs. L. K. ROSE, of Clinton, and Cyrus KIRKLEY, of Toledo, Ohio. She was a member of the Universalist church. Funeral services were held yesterday at the home at 2:30, conducted by Rev. Laing, assisted by Rev. Fulton. Burial in Woodlawn cemetery.
John KISTLER
March 8, 1901
Clinton Register
ANOTHER FATHER CALLED.
John Kistler Dies After
An Illness of Two Weeks— First Taken Sick With Measles.
February 19, John KISTLER was taken sick with measles. As a result of a cold, pneumonia developed in a few days and he was unconscious several days before death came about 4 o'clock Wednesday morning. Deceased was born near Peru, Ind., June 4, 1856, and lived 44 years, 9 months and 2 days, but had lived in this county most of his life. He was married to Miss Sarah MALONE, Dec. 4, 1881. Seven children were born to them, all of whom with their mother survive. The oldest child is a daughter aged 18. For many years he lived on C. H. Moore's farm about four miles southeast of Clinton. He was industrious and had accumulated considerable property. At one time he owned four or five small properties in Clinton which he traded for land in Iowa. He still owned a home in Clinton, but when he moved to Clinton one week before he was taken sick, could not get possession and moved into another house. Deceased was an active member of the United Brethren church, and gave considerable time to assisting in conducting meetings. Funeral services at the home yesterday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. A. Z. Gharrett, of Decatur. Interment in Woodlawn.
Sarah (MALONE) KISTLER
March 29, 1901
Clinton Register
DEATH OF MRS. KISTLER.
Seven Children Have Their Father and Mother
Taken From Them Within One Month.
Less than a month ago John KISTLER died from the effects of measles. Soon after his death Mrs. Kistler was taken sick with measles and died Monday afternoon at her home in the northeast part of the city, aged 36 years, 4 months and 12 days. The maiden name of deceased was Sarah MALONE, daughter of Wm. MALONE, living southwest of Clinton. She was married to John Kistler in 1881. Seven children survive them, the oldest a young lady. Until about two months ago the family lived three miles southwest of Clinton. She was a member of the U. B. church. Funeral services were held at the home on East Webster street Wednesday at 2 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Gharrett. Burial was in Woodlawn.
Emily (NILES) KNADLER
August 9, 1895
Clinton Public
Mrs. Emily KNADLER, nee NILES, was born near Geneva, N. Y., April 9, 1824. In 1846 she was married to G. W. KNADLER, a carpenter, and in 1850 they moved to Clinton. Four children blessed this union, three of whom survive their parents—Mrs. Jeannette EDMISTON, of Clinton; Mrs. Sarah STELL, of Gainsesville, Fla.; and LaFayette KNADLER, of Oklahoma, L. T.
In 1883, Mr. Knadler and family moved to Florida, where the climate, fruit, etc., captivated them so that they became residents of the country, building a home and planting a grove of oranges. The yellow fever of 1888 alarmed them and they returned North, where Mrs. Knadler remained until the death of her husband in 1892. After his death, deceased and daughter Sarah returned South, where Mrs. Knadler hoped to regain her broken constitution. Five months ago with her physician she returned to Chicago, where a specialist declared she had cancer and it would prove fatal. She returned to Clinton, and among her old friends passed her last hours on earth. She was a woman of superior business ability, demonstrating by thirty years of contact with the commercial world her executive strength of character. She conducted a successful millinery business in Clinton, and was also general agent for years of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. She was always kind to the weak, proving in many cases a pillow [sic] of strength to the timid and faltering. The poor never appealed to her in vain, her generosity being a strong tenet of her Methodist faith. She leaves behind her many memories that will long be cherished by her host of friends. Remains were buried in Woodlawn cemetery Monday afternoon, Rev. W. J. TULL officiating at the funeral services at her late home on Monroe street.
America (CLEARWATER) KNIGHT
January 1928
Paper Unknown
America Clearwater Knight.
Mrs. A. Knight, One Of Oldest Citizens,
Dies.
Born in a Log Cabin at the Intersection of Main Street and Clinton
Avenue.
Lived 87 Years.
Funeral Services here Held At
Methodist Church Monday Morning.
America CLEARWATER, daughter of Nathan and Mary CLEARWATER, was born August 8, 1840 in a log cabin located at the intersection of Main Street and Clinton Avenue in this city and used by her parents as a hotel. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank BARTHOLOMEW on Saturday, January 14, 1928, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years, five months and four days, after an illness of almost a year. About a year ago she with her daughter went to Oklahoma City, Okla., and for several weeks enjoyed a visit with her son, Nathan. When returning home she was taken ill and from that time was kept almost constantly to the home of her daughter.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church Monday morning by the Rev. J. E. Evans and burial was made in the city cemetery beside her first husband. During the service hour, "Going Down the Valley," "Asleep in Jesus," and "Some Day We Will Understand" were sung. The Pall bearers were grandsons and great grandsons of the deceased and were as follows: J. SHUMAKER and two sons, Melvin and Albert, of Bloomington; Ira BEAMAN, of Villa Grove; Albert HOHMAN of this city; and Dewey CONRAD of Rockford.
On October 5, 1855 she was united in marriage to Hardy H. SHUMAKER and to this union were born nine children, four of whom preceded their mother to the grave. The surviving children are Nathan SHUMAKER, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mrs. Frank BARTHOLOMEW, of Farmer City, Ill., Mrs. Oscar CONRAD, of Rockford, Ill., Andrew H. SHUMAKER, of Villa Grove, Ill., and Harry L. SHUMAKER, of Seattle, Wash. Mr. Shumaker died on Feb. 22, 1874. He had served in the Civil War and there contracted a severe cold finally terminating in pneumonia from which he died. He left six children for the mother to provide for. She continued her residence in this city until her removal to Bloomington for a period of six years and removing from that city to Farmer City and thence to Monticello. While residing at the last address she was united in marriage to Moses H. KNIGHT on December 25, 1888. Soon after this marriage she returned to Farmer City and purchased the old home place on Clinton Avenue in which she continued to reside until her recent sickness. Her second husband passed away on August 26, 1911.
At the age of thirteen years she was converted and joined the Methodist Church at what was then the old Camp Ground and which afterwards became Camp Ground Cemetery, during the ministry of Rev. Sam Martin. After the removal of the M. E. Church to its present site she became an attendant at the M. P. Church on account of its nearness to her home. She was ever a believer in her God and during her sickness often referred to Him as her helper.
On December 30, 1885 her father passed away and the mother followed her husband two years later on December 25, 1887. There were eleven children in the family of her parents and she was the last one to be called to the Eternal Home. Besides the five children she is survived by twenty grand children, twenty-seven great grand children and two great-great grand children. The first death to occur in this community was a brother, William Smith CLEARWATER, son of Nathan and Mary Clearwater, which took place on November 13, 1834. He was the first person buried in the city cemetery.
She was only human after all. So much greater the honor due to her precious memory, that being only human, she should pass through all the trials that have beset her pathway and yet wear the crown of victory at the end. Shall we say too much when we say that Aunt Merica, as she was known by many, who was stricken and was tottering beneath the weight of years, was blessed when without pain or suffering, her gentle spirit was wafted to the Paradise of God.
Relatives and friends from a distance who attended the funeral were: Miss Stella Shumaker, Champaign; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. William Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Frank Griffith, all of Monticello: Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Conrad and son, Dewey, and grandson, of Rockford; John Shumaker and family, of Bloomington; Mrs. Sherman Griffith and daughter of Peoria; Mrs. Geo. Purdy, of Elmhurst; Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Shumaker and Mr. and Mrs. Ira Beamon, of Villa Grove.
Submitted by Mary (Meliza) Berg
Arrod KNIGHT
July 21, 1911
Paper Unknown
Arrod Knight.
Friday afternoon at 4:40 o'clock the protracted illness of Arrod KNIGHT came to a close and he peacefully passed away at his home on the western edge of the city, aged 73 years and 10 months. Mr. Knight was for many years precarious in health and frail of strength and on several occasions in that time he drew very near to the land of shadows. His final illness, which terminated in death, began last autumn, and during the long, dreary winter and then through the days of awakening spring and into the bright summer time he lingered in suffering and without promise of relief or recovery. But through all he was most patient and uncomplaining, sparing his family and friends from troubling on his account and being sustained by the promises of Him whom he had loved and served nearly all his life.
The funeral was held in the Methodist Episcopal church on Monday forenoon, Rev. Geo. E. Scrimger conducting it and being assisted by Revs. H. A. Howard, J. L. McKay, C. W. Conover and R. E. Stevenson. The members of Lemon post G.A.R. and Lemon W.R.C. attended in a body, the former society conducting their ritualistic service at the grave, in the City cemetery. The pall-bearers were D. H. Heller, J. B. Nowlin, F. M. Martin and J. W. Beckwith, members of Lemon post, and John Kirby and Mac Tinder of Monticello, two comrades of Mr. Knight in the Second Illinois cavalry. Two other Monticello members of the Second cavalry were in attendance at the funeral and Mr. Martin was also in that regiment and Mr. Knight's company. The choir was composed of Mrs. A. G. Albright and Messrs. G. M. Callison, T. E. McConkey, and Roscoe Ewbank.
Deceased was born in Holmes county, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1837, his parents being Michael and Martha (HOAGLAND) KNIGHT. He came to Illinois in 1851 and located near Farmer City, and this was his home thereafter with the exception of a few years spent in Kansas. He was married to Elnora DANNER on Oct. 2, 1866, and to this union were born five children—Mrs. F. H. MELIZA, of Farmer City; William P., of FAIRBANKS, Alaska; Fred A., of Winnebago, Minn.; Mrs. Daisy E. PURDY, of Almoosa, Col.; and Philip R., living at home.
Mr. Knight was a volunteer in the Second Illinois cavalry and served four years of the civil war. He was converted under the preaching of Rev. William E. Johnson and united with the M. E. church at the age of 18 years. He was an especially devoted and faithful member of that society, and on the organization of the Busy Men's Bible class of the M. E. Sunday school he became a member. He was very regular and prompt at the meetings of the class and continued as long as his strength permitted, his last journey away from home in life being to a meeting of this class.
Submitted by Mary (Meliza) Berg
--------------------July 21, 1911
Clinton Register
Arod Knight is Dead.
Arod KNIGHT died Friday evening after an illness of several weeks of dropsy. He was 74 years old and had resided in Farmer City practically all his life. He is survived by his wife and five children: William, of Lawton, Alaska; Fred, of Nebraska; Rolla, at home; Mrs. Frank MELIZA, of Farmer City; and Mrs. George PURDY, of Colorado. He was a member of the G. A. R. and of the M. E. church.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
Esther (JOHNSON) KNIGHT
April 3, 1908
Farmer City Journal
Mrs. Esther Knight.
Aged and Well Beloved Resident Is at Rest.
Tuesday night shortly before 8 o'clock death claimed Mrs. Esther KNIGHT, who had been ill and failing for seven weeks with heart trouble and the infirmities of age died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. H. MITTAN. Deceased was past 80 years of age, and the greater part of that long life was spent in this immediate vicinity. She was the sixth of seven children and the last survivor of her family. Her life history contains several facts which are unusual, even unique. Though she was married at the early age of 16 years, she had already taught school three terms. Her large family was reared during the times when household conveniences were few, yet she found time from her spinning and weaving and other now unknown duties to set her children's feet firmly in the narrow way, read her Bible through once each year and lay up a store of blessed assurance which was a source of strength and comfort during her latter years, especially during her long, wearisome and at times painful illness.
Esther, daughter of Matthew and Margaret JOHNSON, was born Nov. 2, 1827, in Monmouth County, N. J., and came with the family to this vicinity in 1846. The parents and the following brothers and sisters have preceded her to the other shore: Samuel JOHNSON, Charlotte STANSBURY, Lydia WALTON, Mary JONES, Peter and Gilbert JOHNSON.
On June 27, 1843, she was married to William DANNER and they resided on land adjoining the city on the west, Mr. Danner being the village squire. Five children were born to them, four dying in early childhood. The first born and only survivor of that little family is Mrs. Elnora D. KNIGHT. After Mr. Danner's death in 1851 Mrs. Danner married Robert R. KNIGHT on Nov. 18, 1856, and they lived on a farm two miles southwest of town. Their children are Mrs. Lon PHILIPY and E. Claude KNIGHT, of Wabash, Ind.; Mrs. MITTAN, Mrs. H. M. GILLESPIE, of Normal; R. Frank KNIGHT, of Wichita, Kan., and Mrs. Thomas B. CHUBB, of Sioux City, Iowa. A daughter, Lydia Bell, died at 4 years of age. Mr. Knight passed away Jan. 9, 1892, and soon after that event Mrs. Knight gave up trying to operate the farm and made her home among her children, nine years being spent with Mrs. Gillespie, then a number of months with Mrs. Philipy, and last October she came to Mrs. Mittan's. Another surviving relative is Mrs. Dora O. HERRICK, of this city, a step-daughter.
Mrs. Knight was converted and made choice of a church home in childhood. A full and conscientious following of her profession very early developed a life which was not only a blessing in her family circle but exerted its influence abroad among friends and acquaintances. The funeral will be conducted by Rev. W. F. Stevenson on Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the late home and burial will take place in the City cemetery. Friends are invited to attend, but are asked to omit flowers.
Submitted by Mary (Meliza) Berg
Robert R. KNIGHT
January 15, 1892
Clinton Public
Robert R. KNIGHT, aged sixty-four years, died on his farm, near Farmer City, on last Saturday. Mr. Knight was an old citizen of Santa Anna township, and in 1859 he represented that township in the board of supervisors.
James KNOTT
September 7, 1906
Clinton Register
MAROA MAN DEAD.
James KNOTT died Friday evening at his home in Maroa, aged 80. He was well known in the southern part of DeWitt county. He was born in England in 1826. His mother died when he was but an infant and his father when he was but 8 years old. At the age of nine years he began work in a cotton factory, where he remained until he came to America in 1857. For a time he worked on a farm where the town of Rowell now stands. In 1858 he was married to Hannah WOODCOCK and they moved to a farm near Kenney. Later they moved to a farm west of Maroa where they lived until 1895 when they went to Maroa. In Oct. 1898 his wife died. For a number of years he has been blind. He is survived by five children Mrs. W. H. STONEBRAKER, Mrs. J. M. RAMMELL, Misses Mary and Alice, of Maroa, and John, of Clinton.
Andrew J. KREPPS
March 18, 1910
Farmer City Journal
SOLDIER MUSTERS OUT—
"TAPS" IS SOUNDED FOR A. J.
KREPPS, ONE OF CITY'S OLDEST RESIDENTS.
Tuesday morning at 4:05 o'clock death claimed A. J. KREPPS, who had been lying in an unconscious and failing condition for nearly three weeks, the result of a fall on the ice early in January, when his head was severely wounded. "Uncle Jack," as he was familiarly called by his friends, was one of the old residents of the county, having come here in 1859. He was also one of the oldest people in this city, being nearly 82 years of age. Besides all that, he was one of the oldest of that body of old men, which this community, and every patriotic community, delights in honoring—the veterans of 1861-1865.
The funeral was conducted in the M. E. church on Thursday afternoon by Rev. G. E. SCRIMGER, assisted by Rev. J.L. McKAY, and burial took place in Maple Grove cemetery. The active pall-bearers were chosen from the Sons of Veterans camp and the honorary pall-bearers from among Uncle Jack's comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Andrew Jackson KREPPS was born in Washington county, Pa., May 28, 1828, and was the son of Solomon G. and Emaline KREPPS. He spent his youth in Washington and Fayette counties and his education was gained in the same country school house that was attended by that noted statesman James G. BLAINE, the two being good comrades. Mr. KREPPS learned carpentering in his youth and followed it to a certain extent in after years. Several of the older houses in this city and vicinity were built by him. While not yet of age Uncle Jack went from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county Indiana, where he finished his schooling in Crawfordsville. From Indiana he came to this county in 1859, living first in DeWitt township. He came to Santa Anna township on 1867 and bought eighty acres of land five miles southwest of Farmer City, where he made his home until 18 years ago, when he moved into the city.
Mr. KREPPS took part in the Civil War and while in the army displayed excellent soldierly qualities. He enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Seventh Illinois, of which the late Tom SNELL of Clinton was a colonel for awhile. His regiment was assigned to the army of the Cumberland and bore a part in many gallant battles. It fought at Huff's Ferry, at Spring Hill, engaged with enemy at Loundoun and served all through the Atlanta campaign, followed Hood over the south for some time and later fought the battle of Nashville. Mr. KREPPS was in the army until the close of the war, serving faithfully for three years. He escaped capture, was never wounded and was nearly always ready to report for duty.
Mr. KREPPS was married Nov. 1, 1855 to Miss Mary E(lizabeth) HURLEY, whose parents, Timothy and Hannah HURLEY, were pioneers of this community. The children born to them who survive their father are Charles E., Mrs. Josie GARDNER (Francis Josephine KREPPS), Mrs. Olive CONOVER (Mary Olive KREPPS), Elmer L., all residing in this city. Mrs. KREPPS died in 1895, and on Apr. 19, 1896, Mr. KREPPS was united in marriage with Sarah LATIMER, who survives him. Deceased was noted for his unswerving integrity and his strong adherence to truthfulness and honesty. He took an active interest and part in politics and was on several occasions elected to township office by the Republicans.
Submitted by Benjamin West
--------------------March 18, 1910
Clinton Register
Death in Farmer City.
Andrew Jackson KREPPS died at his home in Farmer City Tuesday. He had been in good health until a couple of months ago, when he fell on the ice and fractured his skull. Mr. Krepps was 81 years old and is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. W. P. GARDNER, E. L. KREPPS and C. L. KREPPS, all resided in Farmer City. The funeral was held in the M. E. church Thursday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. George E. Scrimger, assisted by Rev. J. L. McKay, and in charge of Lemon Post, G. A. R. Burial in Maple Grove cemetery.
Submitted by Judy Simpson
Mrs. Andrew J. KREPPS
August 2, 1895
Clinton Public
Mrs. A. J. KREPPS, nee HURLEY, died at her home in Farmer City, Sunday afternoon, aged fifty-eight years. A husband and two sons and two daughters grown to maturity survive her. She was a prominent character of that place, loved for her gentleness of spirit and....(the rest is cut off).
L. F. KYLE
November 26, 1909
Clinton Register
Died in Bloomington.
L. F. KYLE, for fourteen years yardmaster for the Illinois Central Railroad Co. in Clinton and Decatur, died at his home in Bloomington on Monday morning at 5 o'clock of tuberculosis.
Mr. Kyle was one of the best known and most popular railroad men during his residence here. He left Decatur two years ago and went to Bloomington where he became a yardmaster for the Illinois Central Railroad Co. He held that position until six months ago, when ill health compelled him to resign. He then was appointed oil inspector for the city of Bloomington. He was about 43 years of age. He leaves a widow, and a brother, Harry, living in Centralia.