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Obituaries - M

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Obituaries were submitted by Judy Simpson unless otherwise noted.

Rev. Duncan MacARTHUR 

February 15, 1901
Clinton Register

LIFE'S JOURNEY ENDED.
Another of Clinton's Well-Known Citizens a Victim of Carbuncle—
Had Been Sick Several Weeks.

Tuesday morning about 9 o'clock Rev. D. MacARTHUR died at his home on East Main street, aged 69 years. About two months ago he became afflicted with a carbuncle on his neck, and for sometime it was thought he would not recover. He was unconscious four or five days before death ended his suffering.

Duncan MacArthur was born in Scotland Aug. 15, 1831. He came to America when a young man and had been a resident of Clinton many years, coming here to accept the pastorate of the Baptist church. When he retired from active ministerial work, he decided to make Clinton his permanent home. He engaged in the insurance business and for several years had been township clerk. For two or three years his health had been failing and when the affliction came that caused his death his system was not strong enough to prevent fatal results.

Mrs. MacARTHUR, three daughters and two sons, all grown, survive him. One son lives in Chicago, one daughter at Dixon, and the others have remained with their parents.

Funeral services were held yesterday at 2:30 in the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. CANADY, the Masonic order having charge of the remains. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Oliver W. MACY 

January 16, 1914
Clinton Register

O. W. MACY FOUND DEAD IN GALLERY.
HIS HOME WAS IN NORMAL.
Had Been Dead About Five Hours—
No One Had Seen Him the Day of His Death.

Oliver W. MACY was found dead in his photograph gallery on Warner Court soon after 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon by O. L. Beck, a young man who lives near Latham, Ill. Mr. Beck, another young man and two young ladies came to Clinton on the train from Springfield that arrives here at one o'clock. An hour later they went to the Macy gallery, and Mr. Beck entered first. He saw no one and walked toward the rear of the reception room, thinking someone was in the rear room. When the open door leading to the work room was reached, he saw a man lying on the floor in the room. He at once went to Warner's bank and told what he had seen. John Warner at once telephoned Dr. G. S. Edmonson and they, with M. J. Hallihan of Birkbeck, hurried to the gallery. Dr. Edmonson said he had probably been dead four or five hours.

Coroner Moore was notified and arrived in a few minutes. Until his arrival the body, which was lying on the right side, had not been moved. It was evident he had been retouching a negative and had fallen to the right off the chair, which is higher than an ordinary chair. The legs and arms were stiffened and the flesh on the cheek had become flattened. When the face was seen there was an unnatural look. On the floor was blood that came from the nose or mouth. In the pockets were found a watch, three knives, 55 cents, a return ticket to Bloomington, a few papers and other small articles.

So far as learned, no one had seen Mr. Macy in his gallery that day. His home was in Normal, and he usually returned home at night, sometimes staying in Clinton at the home of his son-in-law, Attorney Grover C. HOFF. He came to Clinton Monday on the 8:32 interurban and had since been here. S. T. Jones, who is in the room below the gallery, heard someone in it during the morning Wednesday, which he thinks was about 9 o'clock or later, but saw no one, but he did not look in the work room. He telephoned Mr. Hoff at noon to learn whether Mr. Macy was in Clinton. As he found the gallery open and no one there he thought someone else had opened it. Mr. Hoff had not seen him that day, but told Mr. Hinckley he was perhaps out for a short time and would soon return. If others went there before Mr. Beck, they had seen no one and left, thinking nothing strange about it.

Coroner Moore held an inquest in the county court room at 3 o'clock, the following being the jury: W. H. Turnipseed, foreman; B. F. Wasson, Melvin Ledden, J. A. Fruit, William Field, G. W. Hughes. The witnesses were O. L. Beck, Grover C. Hoff, M. J. Hallihan and Dr. G. S. Edmonson. The verdict was that death was caused by organic heart disease.

Deceased had been afflicted with heart trouble and stomach trouble and had frequently become unconscious for a time. He bought the gallery in Clinton several years ago and conducted it until about three years ago when his health compelled him to retire from business, his nephew Roy TINKER conducting the gallery until a few months ago, when he left Clinton, and Mr. Macy took charge of it again. He and his son Robert also conducted a gallery in Bloomington.

Deceased was born on a farm near Dayton, Ohio, July 15, 1850, and when four years old moved with his parents to Marshall county, Iowa, and then to Iowa county. He began the photographer's trade when a young man, and this has occupied his time during his life. He was married the first time in 1876, his wife dying in 1883. He was married June 25, 1885, to Miss Lillian WENGERT, who survives him.

Although not a member of any church, he had led a Christian life and was a firm believer in all church work. The family has been in Normal for the past ten years, coming here from Vinton, Iowa.

Besides the widow, he is survived by five daughters: Mrs. Grover HOFF, Clinton; Miss Lucile, of Hooppole, Ill.; and Frayda and Cecil, at home; Mrs. Eva HATHAWAY, Junction City, Kan., the latter being a daughter of his first wife; four sons, Cecil, Roland, William and Robert, the latter being a son of his first wife; sisters: Mrs. Sadie TINKER, Belleplaine, Ia., Mrs. Mary YOCUM, San Jose, Calif., and Mrs. Emaline DORMAN, Boulder, Colo.; and brothers, Ira, of Norfolk, Neb., and Horace of North Dakota.

Funeral services were held at the home in Normal today at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Frank Brown, and the body was taken to Vinton, Iowa, where relatives are buried, for interment.

Note: His wife died in 1950.
From the Illinois Statewide Death Index, 1916-1950:
MACY, LILLIAN WENGERT   F/W   Y-86    0029670   1950-07-11   MCLEAN

Angeline (DOWNEY) MADDEN 

August 3, 1906
Clinton Register

DEATH CAME SUDDENLY.
Clinton Woman Passed Away After Only a Short Illness—
Lived in Clinton Over Half Century.

Friday morning Mrs. Angeline MADDEN was well as usual, but a short time before dinner became suddenly ill. She lay down and in a few minutes, before a Doctor could arrive, was dead.

Angeline DOWNEY was born in Augusta county, Va., Dec. 20, 1822, and lived 83 years, four months, and 23 days. Her parents moved to Ohio when she was 14 years old and later to Danville, Ill. July 3, 1848 she was married to Dr. Z. H. MADDEN and three years later they moved to Clinton, which had since been her home. Of the seven children born to them, only Mrs. J. W. McPHERSON is living, and it was with the family of her son-in-law she had lived several years, in the same house occupied before Mr. MADDEN's death about 20 years ago. Mrs. MADDEN had been a member of the M. E. Church nearly sixty years.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday at 3:00 o'clock, conducted by Rev. N. M. RIGG. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Note: Mrs. J. W. McPherson's maiden name was Laura C. Madden.

Jacob MADDOX 

February 14, 1879
Clinton Public

Jacob MADDOX took his own life.

(See news article)

Joseph T. MADDOX 

September 5, 1930
Decatur Evening Herald

(Obituary Extract)
Name: Joseph T. MADDOX
Age: 80
Died: Thursday
Funeral: Saturday at 3 o'clock at 402 West Jefferson street (home); graveside at Woodlawn Cemetery by Rev. Logan Snyder of the Presbyterian Church.
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery
Survivors: Wife, children; Bess, Maude, and Elmer MADDOX

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Alfred H. MAGILL 

April 15, 1887
Clinton Public

ONE MORE ADDED TO THE LIST.
Alfred H. Magill Takes His Own Life.

Clinton has this week added one more to its number of suicides. In the past fourteen years no less than sixteen persons have taken their own lives. Tuesday afternoon the whole community was shocked at the news that Alfred H. MAGILL's lifeless body was found hanging in his barn. Here was a young man who was rich in lands and bank account, endowed with fine intellectual ability, a graduate of a university, respected by everybody, the idol of his mother's home, who had taken his own life. There was no cause for it save that the young man's mind had suddenly lost its balance, and in a fit of mental despondency he took with his own hand the life that if he were in his right mind he would have valiantly battled for.

Nearly three months ago Alfred Magill's mother detected in the manner of her son that there was something affecting his mind. She watched his actions as only a loving mother can, and when the dreadful suspicion became a reality to her she took into her confidence two of her most intimate friends. One of these friends with whom Allie had been in close business relations had his suspicions aroused even before Mrs. Magill had spoken to him of it, and it was decided that a close watch should be kept on Allie's actions in the hope of discovering what form his hallucinations might take shape. The outside world could see no change in Allie, for he attended to his business with the same promptness and exactness that had always characterized his transactions. Indeed after his mother's suspicions were first aroused, Allie became a partner with Mr. AMSDEN in the dry goods house formerly owned by the Magill Bros., and took an active interest in business affairs. Even while all things on the outside seemed to be progressing smoothly, the anxious mother's watchful care could detect a continual change for the worse in her son's mental condition. Finally Mrs. Magill, on the advice of her two trusted friends, decided to take her son to Hot Springs, hoping that a change of scene and a course of treatment might restore his bodily vigor and thus renew his mental powers. Allie had no idea that the trip to the Springs was for his benefit, for he thought that his mother, who had been in poor health, was going on her own account. When they arrived at the Springs, Mrs. Magill quietly consulted an eminent physician of that town, telling him of her fears as to her son's mental condition. The doctor soon made the acquaintance of Allie, and after thoroughly investigating his case, he told Mrs. Magill that her son's mind was really in a worse condition than she really had any idea.

They remained at the Springs nearly five weeks, and when Mrs. Magill saw that there was no change for the better, she decided to return home. They arrived in Clinton by the midnight train last Friday night. It was rumored around town after they left for the Springs that something was evidently wrong with Allie's mind, on account of some things that developed in one or two business matters, but this was attributed to Allie's nervousness and over-anxiety on his mother's account. But when he was around town last Saturday and Monday, greeting his friends and acquaintances with his old-time cheerfulness, all suspicions as to his sanity were quieted and set at rest.

On Monday afternoon he became very restless and nervous in his actions, and he did not want to be alone even for a moment. All Monday night his mother watched him closely, and early on Tuesday morning she urged him to go out to visit one of his farms in the country in the hope that a horseback ride and the bright sunshine might revive his drooping spirits. Taking advantage of his absence, Mrs. Magill consulted Major WARNER as to what was best to be done in Allie's case, and it was decided to try and get his consent to go to a private asylum, and if that failed, to take him before the county judge and a jury and have him adjudged insane, and then send him to an asylum.

While his mother and Major Warner were planning in his interest, Allie was out at the farm on which Frank TAYLOR lives. He seemed to take but little interest in anything he saw, and while Taylor was pumping water for the stock, Allie wandered off alone to an old barn and entered it. While Taylor did not dream that anything was wrong with his young landlord, yet his strange actions made him feel uneasy and he started toward the barn, but before he got there, Allie came out. Allie then came back to town and after putting his horse in Wheeler's livery barn, he came up to his store to meet two gentlemen who had come from the southern part of the state to negotiate for the purchase of the dry goods stock of Amsden & Co., Allie being the company. He talked with the men a while and about noon left them to go home, promising to see them again after dinner to close the trade. When he got to his home he met his cousin Nellie at the door, and he told her he was going upstairs to change his suit of clothes for a lighter one, as the day was warm. This was the last seen of him alive.

While in his room he wrote an exact copy of the note which was found in the barn and left it upon his table. He then quietly left the house and went to the barn, where he hanged himself by a halter strap to a beam over one of the stalls. He evidently went at it with all the deliberation that a sane man would prepare for anything; he took off his coat and his shirt collar and cuffs and laid them carefully aside, and placing in the crack between two boards in the stall a tax receipt on the back of which he had written in a firm, clear hand the words: "No one is to blame for this but myself," to which he signed his name, he slipped the halter around his neck and took the fatal leap that landed his immortal soul in eternity.

His mother became anxious that he did not come to dinner and sent Nellie Magill over to the bank to see Harry and make enquiries about him. Harry telephone to Wheeler barn to know if he had returned from the country, and on being answered in the affirmative this increased their anxiety. Harry MAGILL then searched everywhere around town for the missing Allie. Finally about a quarter past two o'clock some impulse took Harry down to the barn and there the horrid sight was before him of his cousin suspended from the ceiling. In a moment Harry cut down the body in the hope of finding that life was not extinct, but he was too late, for poor Allie was then rigid and cold in death. It was evident from this that he must have committed the fatal act between twelve and one o'clock. In a few minutes nearly everybody that was on the public square was hurrying toward Mrs. Magill's house, as the news spread rapidly of the terrible tragedy that had been enacted.

Who can picture the grief of the stricken mother when the sad news was told her? For the second time within three years and five months she had been called to mourn on account of a suicide in her family. On the 12th of November, 1883, her husband had committed suicide. At almost the same hour of the day, and on the same day of the month, her son took his own life.

Alfred H. Magill was born in Clinton on the 24th day of September, 1859, which made him at the time of his death twenty-seven years, six months and eighteen days old. He was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel MAGILL. He graduated from the Clinton high school in the class of 1875, and soon after went to Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., where he took the full collegiate course and graduated as one of the honor men of his class. When he came home he was for a short time engaged with his father in the Magill Bros. store, and from there he went to John Warner & Co.'s banking house, where he remained till after the death of his father. The entire management of the final settlement of the estate of the Magill Bros. was placed in his hands, and he worked faithfully and industriously in closing up the affairs of an extensive business that had been in operation for more than a quarter of a century. He had everything nearly completed for a final settlement with the heirs and a division of the property left by the old firm. In his own right, Allie Magill was worth nearly $100,000, which was mainly invested in lands in this county and in Iowa, and a considerable portion of it was in money and valuable stocks and securities. Part of his Iowa land is unproductive, but is constantly increasing in value. His income from his investments was not less than $5000 a year, a goodly portion of which he spent each year in improving his DeWitt county farms. He was a generous landlord to his tenants, and made every needed improvement to make them comfortable. He was a cultivated gentleman and was kind and pleasant to everybody. No young man in Clinton ever had a brighter prospect, for he had all the wealth necessary to gratify every taste. In his life he was pure and above reproach. The sad death of his father more than three years ago was a blight to his young life, and there is no doubt that but that the memory of it was the final cause of his mind giving away. He reverenced his father and mother.

In 1879, Allie Magill joined the Knights of Pythias, and later he became a member of the Masonic fraternity. In the Knights he was advanced to the highest office in the gift of his lodge, and at his death he was the lodge's representative in the grand lodge. When the uniformed rank was organized in this city, he was one among the first to connect himself with Metzger Division, and in this rank he held office. In the Masonic fraternity his father had been treasurer for more than a quarter of a century, and when his father died, Allie was elected to fill his place. Both orders turned out yesterday afternoon to pay the last sad rites to an honored and worthy member. Metzger Division turned out in full force, in their handsome uniforms, as did the members of the Plantagenet lodge. The Masons also turned out in large numbers, members of lodges in adjoining towns uniting with them. At the grave both orders performed their funeral rites, and all that was mortal of Alfred H. Magill was buried in the grave to await the final resurrection.

Frederick H. MAGILL 

March 20, 1929
The Decatur Herald

FRED MAGILL, ILL SEVERAL MONTHS, DIES IN CLINTON.

Clinton, March 20— Fred H. MAGILL who has been ill for several months in the home of his mother, Mrs. E. L. MAGILL, 104 South East street, died at 7:45 o'clock Monday night.

Mr. Magill was born in Clinton, Feb. 23, 1869, the son of Robert and Louisa MAGILL. He was married to Miss Pet GANDY, March 28, 1888. Mrs. Magill died several years ago. Mr. Magill is survived, in addition to his mother, by a daughter, Mrs. Peter YARBOROUGH (Marguerite Magill), and a sister, Mrs. Nellie (Magill) Pond, all of this city.

Mrs. Frederick H. MAGILL 

May 31, 1907
Clinton Register

SUICIDE OF A CLINTON WOMAN.
Mrs. Fred Magill Found Dead This Morning at Her Home by Her Husband.

Last night about11 o'clock Mr. and Mrs. Fred Magill retired for the night. This morning when he awoke she was not in bed with him. He thought she had gone down stairs, but when he went down stairs she was not there. He asked his daughter about her, but she had not seen her. He then went to another bedroom and found her dead with a bottle of chloroform near her. This was soon after 6 o'clock.

Coroner Jones was notified at once and held an inquest. The jury was composed of F. K. Lemon, Foreman; John Warner, F. C. Davidson, Dr. F. H. Blome, Ed Freudenstein, and W. F. Gorman. Among the witnesses were Dr. Myers and Blome, who testified that deceased was afflicted with rheumatism and heart trouble and was subject to severe headache, and that she had been taking treatment. The verdict of the jury was that she had become despondent on account of her ailments and committed suicide.

Pet Gandy was born in Ohio, Oct. 5, 1869, and came to Clinton where he father, Alex Gandy, was in business, when she was about 18 years old. March 28, 1889, she was married to Fred H. Magill, and had since resided in Clinton. Their only child, Marguerite, is 17 years old and lived with her parents.

During her residence in Clinton she made hundreds of friends who were shocked to learn of her sad death. She was pleasant and kind to all. The many friends of the family deeply sympathize with the husband and daughter in their great bereavement.

The time for the funeral has not been decided upon, but it will be Sunday, probably in the afternoon.

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

June 7, 1907
Clinton Register

FUNERAL OF MRS. MAGILL.

The funeral of Mrs. F. H. MAGILL was held Sunday at the home at 3:30, conducted by Rev. S. C. Black, a large number being present. A quartette composed of W. F. GORMAN, H. F. HARRISON, C. W. DANKS and Peter LUNDH sang "Sometime We'll Understand" and other favorite songs of deceased. Miss Mamie TULL played a selection on the piano.

The Rathbone Sisters, of which deceased was an honored member and had served as the highest officer in the Clinton Temple, attended in a body, as did the Clinton band of which Mr. Magill is a member. Numerous floral offerings were evidences of the esteem of friends.

At the cemetery the Rathbone Sisters performed the burial services of the order. The pall bearers were Frank LEMON, G. B. MARVEL, Ed FREUDENSTEIN, J. G. ROYCE, R. CRANG and R. HARTSOCK. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

(See news articles)

Harry MAGILL 

March 8, 1901
The Clinton Register

Ex-Mayor Magill Called from Earth.

At the home of his mother on North Madison street Sunday morning at 5 o'clock, the lifelight of Harry MAGILL went out. He had been a sufferer for several months and his death was not unexpected. He was never of robust health, but had not been confined to his bed until last summer. Being in failing health he, in company with Chas. CLINE, went to Colorado, his physician believing he would be benefited there. Soon after arriving at Colorado Springs, he was confined to his bed, and remained in the hospital several weeks. At first it was thought he would never be able to return to Clinton, but he improved and returned the last of October. He was on the streets only a few times after his return. He gradually grew worse.

Henry Alfred Magill was born in Clinton April 20, 1864, and this has been his home. He was the only son of Henry and Fannie MAGILL, his father dying several years ago. His mother and two sisters, Mrs. Hattie AMSDEN of Clinton; and Mrs. J. D. MOORE, of Decatur, survive him. He attended school until 16 years old when he became clerk in the dry goods house of Magill Bros. in which his father was interested. In 1883 he accepted a position in WARNER & Cols. bank, in which his father was also interested. On account of poor health he was compelled to quit office work in 1893, and had since not been actively engaged in any business. In 1890 he was elected mayor of Clinton and was re-elected, three times, serving eight years. The only other office he ever aspired to was member of the legislature for which he was a candidate one year ago, but failed to secure the nomination.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias order at Clinton, of the Elks at Bloomington and an honorary member of the Clinton fire department.

Funeral services were held Monday at the home at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. C. BLACK. The pallbearers were W. B. HICKMAN, W. M. CARTER, C. M. WARNER, C. W. LEMON, J. Q. LEWIS, E. L. FREUDENSTEIN. Interment in Woodlawn.

Submitted by Bob Halsey

Henry MAGILL 

February 9, 1883
Clinton Public

Death of Henry Magill.

Yesterday afternoon the remains of Henry MAGILL were laid with its kindred dust in Woodlawn Cemetery. For more than thirty years Henry Magill was one of the moving active figures in the business life of this city, and that he was successful the wealth he accumulated is the best proof. In the prime of life, just when he was ready to enjoy the fruits of a life of toil, he was stricken down by that dreadful disease, consumption, from which there is no escape after once it seizes its victim. For nearly three years past Mr. Magill had been an invalid. Change of climate was tried, but without permanent effect. For several months before his death he was confined to his home, and while he felt conscious that the battle of life was nearly ended, yet neither he nor his friends expected that the end would come so suddenly. In fact he was preparing to make another trip to Texas, and was only waiting for the weather to moderate that he might start on his journey. On Monday morning about four o'clock his physician was hastily summoned to his bedside and within a few minutes after Dr. GOODBRAKE reached the house, Mr. Magill said, “Doctor, I believe I am dying.” These were his last words, and from that moment he gradually sank till his eyes were closed in death. He passed away as gently as though falling asleep. On Thursday afternoon the funeral ceremonies were held at his late residence, which were attended by all classes of citizens. Rich and poor alike united in paying the last tribute of respect to one who had been an important factor in the life and prosperity of this city.

Hugh MAGILL, the father of the Magill family, emigrated from the North of Ireland about the year 1816, and settled in Vermont where he began life on a farm. There, a part of the family of seven children were born, four boys and three girls. Henry Magill was born in Middlebury, Vt. In 1841, the Magill family moved to Malone, New York, where the elder Magill became the owner of a large cotton mill and also kept a store stocked with general merchandise. In this store Henry took his first lessons in business, having entered the store as clerk when he was not more than fourteen years of age. William and Samuel, the older brothers, helped their father in the management of the mill. The elder Magill prospered in his business, which had grown to such proportions that he refused an offer of $80,000 cash for his mill property. One day the accumulations of years were swept away by fire, and the elder Magill was left poorer than he was the day he landed in Malone. The mill was insured, but the insurance companies swindled the unfortunate owner out of the money.

In 1851 Mr. Hugh Magill came west and settled in Michigan City, Ind., where he was later followed by his family. He received a contract for grading and tiling the roadbed of the Michigan Central road from Michigan City to Chicago, in which he was joined by his sons. Finishing this work the elder Magill and his son William came to Bloomington in February, 1853, and took a contract for the building of the Chicago and Alton road from Bloomington to Lexington, under the firm name of Emery, Magill & Co., and afterward they built about sixteen miles of the Illinois Central road, from Bloomington to the north of Hudson. The four brothers were partners in the firm. Samuel and Henry managed the large store the firm owned in Bloomington, while William and Robert assisted their father in the railroad contract. In 1854 the family moved to Clinton, bringing with them the stock of goods from the Bloomington store. In 1855 they sold out the store to Mr. EMERY, and then bought out Phares & Shores. This was the first beginning of the firm of Magill & Co., William, Samuel and Henry uniting their fortunes under one head. From that time down to the present the brothers have always been connected together in business. In 1855 the firm of Magill, Denton & Co. had a contract for building a part of the Dubuque and Sioux City road, and in 1858 Mason, Magill, Denton & Co. built a large portion of the Minneapolis and St. Paul road. In all their contracts the firm prospered, and in this way they laid the foundation for the ample fortunes of the Magill Brothers. This ended their railroad contracts for that period.

In 1858 the firm of Magill & Co. began business as dealers in stock in connection with their merchandising. Each of the brothers had his allotted task, and each managed it successfully. William and Robert managed the farms and the purchase of stock, while Samuel and Henry took charge of the business in the city. Every dollar made and every acre of land purchased went into one common fund, and thus by keeping their capital united they were enabled to work more successfully. Henry Magill was blessed with rare tact and judgment, and as a financial manager he had but few superiors. Much of the success of the firm of Magill & Co. his brothers generously attribute to his ability. Down to this time the brothers owned but little land, preferring to use their small capital in enterprises that would make quicker returns, but they fortunately could see that it was but a question of time, and that not in the distant future, when farms in DeWitt county would be valuable. They bought new farms when opportunity offered, and held on faithfully to their purchases. They have seen some of them more than double in value in their hands, and now they own several thousand acres of the finest lands in the county. Their policy was to bring every farm up to the highest state of cultivation and put on it substantial improvements. In 1870 the firm of Magill & Co. graded, tied and ironed the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield railroad from Clinton to Gilman. Henry Magill did much toward securing the benefits of this road to Clinton, and was one among the number who raised the money which secured the location of the machine shops here.

On the death of Robert MAGILL in 1874, his share of the property was withdrawn for the use of his widow and children, and the three remaining brothers organized under the firm name of Magill Bros. This firm has also an equal interest in the banking house of John Warner and Co. It would seem that everything the Magills touched turned to gold. When they came west in 1851 they were poor. In about thirty years they have accumulated great wealth, sufficient to make their families independent for life. To the enterprise of the Magill Bros. Clinton is indebted for a hotel building that is second to none in Central Illinois. They gave liberally to enterprises that would benefit Clinton, and were among the most liberal donors toward building the M. E. Church, although none of their families were connected with that denomination.

A history of Henry Magill would be impossible without connecting it with that of his brothers. Rarely have brothers worked together so harmoniously to build each other up. Henry was the controlling mind in all of their united enterprises, and his judgment was safe and reliable. He had no aspiration for office and could rarely be induced to take part in public affairs. The only office he ever would accept was that of school director, and then only because he was persuaded that he could be of some help in the education of the youth of the city. Henry Magill was honest and upright in all of his dealings. He was a true friend to those in whom he could repose confidence, but he was quick in detecting a fraud. Quiet and simple in his manners of life, he was the same to his neighbors in the days of his prosperity as when he first came to the city. From his youth to the end he was one of Fortune’s favorites. He was a thorough Clinton man, for here he made all he had.

Twenty-four years ago, on the 10th of this month, he was united to Miss Malissa F. BOWREN, of Winchester, Kentucky. As the result of this union three children were born, all of whom with their mother live to mourn the loss of an affectionate father and husband. At the time of his death Henry Magill was fifty years, seven months and sixteen days old. In his death Clinton loses a citizen who lived and worked for its prosperity.

Mrs. Henry MAGILL 

March 27, 1908
Clinton Register

ANOTHER MOTHER IS CALLED HOME.
Well-known Clinton Woman Suddenly Called After a Brief Illness; Nearly Seventy Years Old.

Mrs. Fanny MAGILL, one of Clinton's best known women, died about five o'clock Saturday morning at her home on North Monroe street, aged 69. She was taken sick less than a week before and pneumonia soon developed.

Melissa F. BOWREN was born in Clark, Kentucky, November 30, 1838. She lived there until her marriage to Henry MAGILL February 10, 1859. She then came to Clinton, which had since been her home. Her husband died in February, 1883, and she had continued to occupy the homestead. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and was most liberal in her gifts to the church when money was needed.

Her only son was the late Harry MAGILL, mayor of Clinton several years. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Harriet AMSDEN, who lived with her mother, and Mrs. Gertrude MOORE, of Decatur.

Funeral services were held at the residence Monday at 2:30, conducted by Rev. S. C. Black and Rev. Penhallegon, of Decatur. Burial was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Henry Alfred MAGILL 

March 8, 1901
Clinton Register

At the home of his mother on North Madison street Sunday morning at 5 o'clock, as day was dawning, the life-light of Harry MAGILL went out. He had been a sufferer for several months and his death was not unexpected. He was never of robust health, but had not been confined to his bed until last summer. Being in failing health he, in company with Charles Cline, went to Colorado, his physician believing he would be benefited there. Soon after arriving at Colorado Springs, he was confined to his bed, and remained in the hospital several weeks. At first it was thought he would never be able to return to Clinton, but he improved and returned the last of October. He was on the streets only a few times after his return. He gradually grew worse. The best medical skill could do nothing to prevent the progress of the disease.

Henry Alfred Magill was born in Clinton April 20, 1864, and this has been his home. He was the only son of Henry and Fannie MAGILL, his father dying several years ago. His mother and two sisters, Mrs. Hattie AMSDEN, of Clinton, and Mrs. J. D. MOORE, of Decatur, survive him. He attended school until 16 years old when he became clerk in the dry goods house of Magill Bros. in which his father was interested. In 1883 he accepted a position in Warner & Co's. bank, in which his father was also interested. On account of poor health he was compelled to quit office work in 1893, and had since not been actively engaged in any business. In 1890 he was elected mayor of Clinton and was reelected three times, serving eight years. He gave much time to the duties of the office and was much interested in the progress of the city. Perhaps no city official ever gave so much time to the interest of the city.

Politically he was a Republican and always active in the interests of his party. Being one of the most social of men, he had many friends, even in other parties, who were ever ready to give him support. Perhaps no other Republican in the county would spend more time and money for the party than Harry Magill, yet mayor was the only office he ever held. The only other office he ever aspired to was member of the legislature for which he was a candidate one year ago, but failed to secure the nomination. The action of some at that time for whom he had done valiant political work, no doubt caused him much regret. Their ingratitude stung keenly and he seemed to lose his usual interest in politics. There was perhaps no local politician who had a more extensive acquaintance with men of state and national political prominence, and he often did much to secure recognition for friends. While an ardent Republican, he was not so blinded by prejudice that he thought all the good measures and good men were in his party. When it would not conflict with his duty to his party, he would gladly assist those of other political faith to positions. Few, if any, in DeWitt county had as many warm personal and political friends, and perhaps no one was equally as much entitled to them. He may have had faults, but who has not? Yet, whatever were his faults, it was never charged he was ungrateful and unrelenting.

He was a member of the Knights of Pythias order at Clinton, of the Elks at Bloomington and an honorary member of the Clinton fire department.

Funeral services were held Monday at the home at 3 o'clock, conducted by Rev. S. C. BLACK. Dr. KEPPLER, of Decatur, an intimate friend of deceased, sang a solo, "There is a Land Mine Eye Hath Seen." The city council and fire department attended in honor of the services of deceased. The pall bearers were W. B. HICKMAN, W. M. CARTER, C. M. WARNER, C. W. LEMON, J. Q. LEWIS, E. L. FREUDENSTEIN. Interment in Woodlawn.

Hugh MAGILL 

October 20, 1864
Clinton Public

DIED.—At Manchester, Iowa, Sunday Oct. 19th, Mr. Hugh MAGILL, aged 64 years. His remains were brought to Clinton and interred in Woodlawn cemetery, the funeral starting from the residence of his son, Samuel MAGILL.

Hugh Samuel MAGILL

September 13, 1907
Clinton Register

WELL KNOWN CLINTON MAN DEAD.
Was Born in This County and It Had Always Been His Home—
Once County Treasurer.

Hugh MAGILL died about 9:30 Wednesday morning at his home on North Quincy street. He had been in poor health several years, and two years ago spent the winter at San Antonio, Texas. He returned improved but was never much better. He had been able to be about the streets most of the time, but realized he could never be well again. About two weeks ago he was about the streets but was suddenly taken worse, and he felt that the end was near.

Hugh and Eliza MAGILL, grandparents of deceased, came to the United States from Ireland in 1826 [should be 1816] and settled in Vermont, where Wm., father of the deceased, was born Sept. 8, 1823. His parents moved to New York, then to Michigan in 1851 and to Bloomington, Ill., in 1853, where the father engaged in railroad building, taking contract for building the Chicago & Alton from Bloomington to Lexington, and later the Illinois Central from Bloomington to Hudson, 16 miles. The father was assisted by four sons, Samuel, William, Henry and Robert, who opened a store in Bloomington. They moved to Clinton in 1859, where a store was established, and for many years was the leading store in the county. Three of them conducted the store and William settled on a farm in Harp township, where deceased, Hugh Samuel Magill, was bornNov. 18, 1861. In 1870 his parents moved to a farm one mile east of Clinton where the father died Sept. 19, 1883. On August 30, 1884, he was married to Miss Anna CARROLL. He clerked in Magill Bros. store, and from December 1885 to October 1886 he and his brother William conducted the Metropolitan livery stable, but most of the time was engaged in farming.

Though always much interested in the success of the Republican party, he was never a candidate for office until 1890, when he was elected county treasurer, only one other being elected on his ticket at that time. In his canvas before and after the nomination he proved himself one of the best political workers in the county; no candidate ever made a more thorough and determined canvas for the nomination and election, defeating one of the most substantial farmers in the county. At that time he was personally acquainted with almost every man in the county, and perhaps no one had more friends. For several years poor health prevented him from being as active in politics as in former years, though for two years previous to last fall he was chairman of the county central committee.

He is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mary MAGILL, and four children, Hugh, Carroll, Norine and Don; also by three sisters and a brother, as follows: Mrs. Jas. BELKNAP, Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. J. J. PENTONY; William H., of Manchester, Iowa; and Mrs. Mary I. PHARES, of Clinton.

Robert MAGILL 

January 15, 1874
Clinton Public

Robert MAGILL died at his residence in this city this afternoon. Mr. Magill spent a year in Colorado with the hope that his failing health would be restored, but finally returned without any apparent benefit. Since his return Mr. Magill was confined to his house. His days on earth were numbered, and the dread messenger Death came not unexpected. The deceased was one of the most active business men in the county, and almost up to the very hour in which he started for Colorado he devoted his time unsparingly to work. The funeral will take place on Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Robert MAGILL 

July 7, 1864
Clinton Public

DIED.— In Clinton, June 27th, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Clara, consort of Robt. MAGILL, aged 29 years.

Samuel MAGILL 

November 16, 1883
Clinton Public

THE LAST OF THE MAGILL BROS.

The Sad Ending of the Life of Samuel Magill.
In a fit of Melancholy He Took a Dose of Strychnine and Died in the Presence of His Family.

Sudden death comes with a terrible blow to the surviving members of the family, even when it results from natural causes, but how much heavier is the affliction when it comes by accident, violence, or by suicide. No one who saw Samuel MAGILL on the streets on Monday morning would dream for a moment that before two o'clock of the same day he would be a corpse and that by his own hand. Thirty-two years ago the Magill Brothers, four in number, came west with their aged father to renew the battle of life. At their old home in Malone, New York, the father had lost the labor of a lifetime in a few hours. He had been engaged in the woolen mill business, and one night a fire swept away his entire property, leaving nothing but the smoke- blackened walls of the building. The property was insured, but through the rascality of the insurance companies the elder Magill was swindled out of the money which would have helped him to resume business. It was in this woolen mill and in the mercantile business which the father owned that the four brothers took their first lessons in the active duties of life. William and Samuel were the two oldest of the boys, and on them their father depended for the management of the woolen mill, while Henry and Robert took charge of the store and attended to that department. The brothers were born and raised on a farm among the hills of Vermont, and the early struggles of their lives had disciplined them for the successful business career they attained in the future. One great secret of the success of the Magill Bros. was their perfect confidence in each other in every undertaking of their lives. In their long and eventful history in this city no one has ever heard one of the brothers find fault with the actions of the other. They fully believed in each other's integrity and judgment in all matters pertaining to business, and because of this brotherly confidence and love they kept their accumulations in one common fund. Each of the brothers had specific duties to perform. William and Robert managed the farms and all the interests in that connection, while Samuel attended to the mercantile business and Henry was the financial head of all. Each one became master of the details of his own special department, while all acted in unity in every undertaking. From the building of a railroad to the management of a farm or a country store the Magill Brothers were perfectly at home.

It was this adaptability to the business of the hour that made them successful. When the Magills, father and sons, came to Clinton in 1854, they had just concluded successful contracts in building parts of the Chicago and Alton railroad, and also sixteen miles of the Illinois Central from Bloomington to Hudson. Prior to this they had built a section of the Michigan Central road, from Michigan City, Ind., to Chicago. Though young in experience in such vast enterprises they were financially successful. Then they began their business career in this city. In 1855, the four brothers, under the firm name of Magill & Co., opened a general store. The same year they were partners in a contract for building a part of the Dubuque and Sioux City railroad in Iowa, in which their brother-in-law, Nick DENTON, was also interested. Completing this work they then took a contract for the building of a portion of the Minneapolis and St. Paul road. In every undertaking the brothers were successful.

Till the death of Robert, the youngest, in 1874, the brothers held all of their property in the partnership. In this way they could collectively control such an amount of capital and united business energy as to give them superior advantages in their various enterprises. With their farming, mercantile and stock business, they were also partners in the banking house of John Warner & Co. On the death of Robert, his share of the estate was drawn out by his widow and heirs, but still William, Samuel and Henry continued as a firm under the name of Magill Bros. During the past ten years their wealth has increased rapidly, their landed interests nearly doubling in value. Prudent and careful in their business habits they carried the same traits into their personal lives. While saving and cautious in their transactions they were liberal in their gifts to any enterprise that would advance the interests of Clinton. To the Magill Bros. the city of Clinton is indebted for the fine hotel which bears their name. They knew when they were building it that it would never pay even a fair rate of interest on the investment, yet a hotel was needed and they shouldered the burden. Whenever there was a call for money for any public purpose, the building of a church or for a celebration, the name of the Magill Bros. could always be found heading the list. Giving did not impoverish them.

On the 5th of February of this year, Henry Magill, then the youngest surviving brother, passed away from the active ____ of this life. For nearly three years before his death Henry had been an invalid. Although for the greater part of the time he was unable to give personal attention to business, yet he could advise and counsel with his brothers so that his retirement was hardly noticeable. His death was a great shock to William and Samuel, and was a cloud to their future lives.

Shortly after Henry's death William's health entirely failed. William was probably the most active one of the family, for on him devolved the care of all the landed interests of the brothers and the management of the stock business. In sunshine and storm he was always on his horse galloping here and there to see that everything was running smoothly. Under him were all the tenants, and it is said that a kinder or more considerate landlord never owned an acre in DeWitt county. To the tenant who tried to do his best William Magill was a friend and helper, but the shirk had to keep out of his way. It can be said of him that he never oppressed a man or a tenant who was even half way inclined to be fair in his business relations. On the 19th of September William Magill, after a long and painful sickness, laid aside his earthly cares and responsibilities and passed to the world beyond.

The death of his two brothers within the short space of seven months was too great a strain upon Samuel Magill. All through the sickness of both Henry and William, Samuel was unwearied in his attentions. Day and night found him by their bedside. Entirely forgetful of his own physical condition, which had not been the best for years past, he gave himself wholly to his afflicted brothers. The death of Henry and the sickness of William devolved upon him greater responsibilities than he was able to bear, and during the past summer it was feared by his family and friends that he could not much longer bear up under the mental pressure. The death of William and the increasing cares incident to the winding up of a partnership business of thirty years standing and the division of an estate worth nearly eight hundred thousand dollars was more than his poor shattered physical system could stand. Anxious to make the best settlement possible for the families of Henry and William, he not only devoted his days to his ledger and day book, but even at night his mind was actively at work. No wonder that his brain reeled under the load. At the earnest solicitation of his wife and son he went with Col. Pash WARNER on a trip to Washington, attending with the Colonel the annual reunion of the Army of the Tennessee, which was held in Cleveland. While away from the presence of his business he seemed to cheer up and show some signs of improvement; but all the benefits were lost on his return home, for he plunged more intently into the affairs of the estate in order to get everything into good shape. Probably some unseen power was driving him on to the completion of his task before his own life would come to an end. In all his business he was methodical, and whenever he placed an important paper away in his desk he would call either his son's or his nephew's attention to it, saying to them that if anything should happen they would know where to find it. Was he then contemplating the end which came last Monday?

For some time past, in fact since the death of his brother William, Samuel Magill has been very despondent and low-spirited. His former cheerfulness had all vanished, and he would pass even his most intimate friends on the street with barely a word or a nod of recognition. This was so different from his old friendly way that it attracted attention. Even at his home he exhibited the same despondent spirit, which alarmed his family. They consulted the family physician about his case, and he recommended that the only medicine for a mind diseased was a change of scene and travel. Mrs. Magill tried to persuade her husband to go with her on a visit to friends, but he was so determined to straighten out the business of the firm that he would not even listen to the suggestion. There was no necessity for this anxiety as the estate is worth in the neighborhood of eight hundred thousand dollars, and all in first-class real estate and other investments. Had Mr. Magill's mind been in its natural condition the business would not have given him more than a passing thought. There is no question whatever but that the death of William, less than two months ago, following so soon after Henry's death, unsettled his mind, for even while on his late trip to Washington he seemed fretful if he was left alone for even a moment. Colonel Warner and Dr. Goodbrake both noticed it, but they thought it only the vagaries of a sick man's fancy. Probably he was even then premeditating the terrible act of last Monday. Usually he was communicative when with his family or friends but since his return from Washington he preserved a remarkable reserve. Every effort was made in his home to cheer him up, his most intimate friends— those who had known him since his advent to Clinton—advised him to banish business from his mind and give himself up to the duty of recuperating his health.

On Monday morning he was about town as usual, but scarcely gave heed to anybody. About half-past eleven o'clock he went to his home. He had an apple and a glass of water sent to him in the sitting room, and then requested to be left alone. It was then that he committed the tragic act. It is supposed that he put the strychnine in the apple in order to make it easier to take and then drank some of the water. The paper which contained the fatal dose he carefully destroyed, for no trace of it was found. A few minutes afterward Mrs. Magill entered the room and was going to remove the glass of water, but he told her to leave it as he might want to take another drink. He then requested to be left alone. Hardly had Mrs. Magill gone out of the room when he called her back. He complained of feeling chilly. Mrs. Magill suggested to him to lie down on the bed, and she assisted him in partly undressing. Complaining still of the cold, more covering was put over him, and then he again requested to be left alone. Mrs. Magill went from the room, hoping that sleep might quiet her husband's nerves. By this time the strychnine had begun its terrible work and he was seized with a slight spasm. In his agony of pain he called for his wife, and when she entered the room she said to him that she could not have him suffer longer in this way, and that as soon as possible they would go from home to see if a change would not help him. Taking his wife by the hand he looked up into her face and said: "Eleanor, if I get over this I will go, but I have taken strychnine!" The heart-stricken wife could not believe the words she had heard, but as Mr. Magill was suddenly taken with severe spasms, help was called for and messengers sent in search of Dr. Goodbrake. Before the arrival of the doctor, Mr. Magill was dead. Inside of half an hour from the time he took the strychnine the tired soul had laid down its burden and was at rest.

The funeral services were held at the family residence on Wednesday afternoon, at two o'clock, the Masonic fraternity, of which Mr. Magill had long been an honored and active member, taking charge of the ceremonies. All the business houses in the city were closed from half-past one o'clock till four.

Samuel Magill was born in Middlebury, Vermont, on the 14th of July, 1826. His parents were of Irish birth. The family consisted of four brothers and two sisters, Mrs. CARPENTER and Mrs. DENTON, of Manchester, Iowa, are the only two surviving members of the family. The Magill family were remarkable for their love and affection to each other. In life the four brothers were united in everything from the time they were boys together at the old homestead in Vermont. The death of Henry, William and Samuel, following in almost rapid succession, less than nine months intervening from first to last, illustrates that "United in life, in death they are not divided." Samuel Magill was married in Malone, New York, to Miss Eleanor SEELEY in 1855, and one child, Alfred H. MAGILL, was the result of their union. Allie was born in Clinton and here he has grown to manhood. Mr. Magill was active in advancing the interests of the city, and at times during his long residence here served as a member of the council. He was a member of the Masonic order, and served his lodge in the capacity of treasurer more than twenty consecutive years. Till a few weeks ago, he was manager of one of the largest mercantile houses in the city, and devoted his life to business. When he had arrived at that time when he could sit down and enjoy the fruits of a life of industry and application to business, the mental strain of the past was too much for him to withstand. Samuel Magill was yet in the prime of life, his age being but a little more than fifty-seven years.

Note: Four years after this tragedy Samuel's son, Alfred, also committed suicide.

William MAGILL 

September 21, 1883
Clinton Public

Death of William Magill.

After months of pain and suffering, William MAGILL died on Wednesday morning. His death was not unexpected to his physician and his friends, and it was a wonder to them that he lived so long, considering his condition. Mr. Magill was the oldest member of the Magill family and was a member of the firm of Magill Bros. Since the death of Henry Magill, which was a few months ago, William Magill began to decline in health, and for a greater part of the time he was confined to his home. At the time of Henry Magill’s death, THE PUBLIC gave a history of the brothers, therefore it will be unnecessary to repeat it now, for the history of one is the history of all the members of the family. Of the four boys who began business in Clinton over a quarter of a century ago only one remains. William Magill was sixty years and eleven days old when he died. He leaves a family of two boys and three girls to mourn with their widowed mother over their great loss. The funeral services take place this afternoon at two o'clock.

Mrs. William H. MAGILL 

January 9, 1885
Clinton Public

Mrs. Ollie MAGILL, the wife of Mr. William H. MAGILL, died at the home of her parents in Manchester, Iowa, on the Tuesday before Christmas. Mr. and Mrs. Magill were married in Manchester about four years ago and came to Clinton to live. Till about three or four months before Mrs. Magill left the city, she seemed to be in excellent health, but suddenly she was afflicted with quick consumption, the result of a cold, and from that time till her death she rapidly failed. Last fall, she returned to Manchester in the hope that a change of scene, and in the society of her relatives, she might rally and recover. But death was inevitable. She leaves a young child and a devoted husband to mourn her early death. Mrs. Magill was a lovable woman, and her death has cast a gloom in the hearts of many in Clinton.

William MALONE 

April 12, 1916
Paper Unknown

Death of William Malone
Died at the Home of His Daughter, Mrs. Nettie Hillard, at 6 o'clock Yesterday Morning

The death of William MALONE occurred at the home of his daughter, Nettie HILLARD, two and one-half miles southwest of the city, yesterday morning at 6 o'clock. Death was due to the infirmities of old age. Deceased was 86 years of age. He was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, on February 7, 1830, the son of Baltus and Hannah MALONE. He came to Illinois with his parents at the time of the Big Snow in 1831, and after a short residence here, the family moved back to Kentucky, when deceased was 16 years of age he return to Illinois and had been a resident of this vicinity since that time.

In 1855, he was married to Louisa Jane MALONE. To this union, ten children were born, one dying in infancy. Lewis, Luellen, Lucy, Sarah, James and Amy are deceased. Those surviving are: Mrs. Nettie Hillard, Harve, and Thomas, thirteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren. One brother, Peter MALONE, residing in Tunbridge township, also survives.

The funeral will be held from the late home, and two and one half miles southeast of the city, at 2 o'clock, this afternoon. Interment will be made in the Hill Cemetery south of the city.

Submitted by Unknown

Charles MALTBY 

February 2, 1900
Clinton Register

LINCOLN'S PARTNER DEAD.
He Once Lived in Waynesville in This County.—They were Close Friends.

Charles MALTBY, who formerly lived in Waynesville, died at his home in California. He was brought into prominence by his intimate association with Abraham Lincoln, when the two were young men together. Messrs. Maltby and Lincoln were partners in the grocery business at Old Salem, that historic spot in Menard county where Lincoln spent his early manhood days. In 1849 Mr. Maltby removed to California and when Lincoln was elected president, one of his first official acts was to appoint his former partner to an important position in the Indian agencies. From that time until the first Cleveland administration Mr. Maltby was connected in various capacities with the Indian agencies and the internal revenue department in California. Since his removal he had retired from active business pursuits.

Mr. Maltby spent a portion of his time in Santa Barbara and the remainder in San Francisco. His wife died several years ago. He is survived by one son, Charles MALTBY, and by one brother, Harris MALTBY, of Lincoln, formerly a justice of the peace at that place. He was 89 years old.

Mark MANLOVE 

May 2, 1884
Clinton Public

Shot by Accident.

Mr. John MANLOVE, of Nixon township, received a telegram from Abilene, Texas, on last Monday morning, conveying the sad intelligence that his son Mark had been killed by accident, on last Saturday morning. Mark MANLOVE was a young man well known in Nixon township. On account of ill health he removed to Texas about three years ago and took charge of a large sheep ranch which his father owned near Abilene. Last year he gave up the sheep business and settled on a farm of his own near the same place. The dispatch does not give any particulars of his death further than to state that he was shot by accident. The body left Abilene on Monday evening, in charge of a friend, and is expected to arrive in Weldon to-day. Mark Manlove was a young man of exemplary habits, and the sad news of his untimely death will bring sorrow to many hearts.

Henry MANN 

March 20, 1891
Clinton Public

A Veteran of the Black Hawk War.

Everybody who has lived in Clinton for the past thirty years or more knew Henry MANN. He was a native of Buffalo, New York, and was born on the 22d of November, 1804. He died at his home in this city on last Sunday, March 15th, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. He was married over fifty-two years ago and was the father of thirteen children. His aged wife survives him. He enlisted for the Black Hawk War in Galena, under Major STEVENSON, and served till his company was mustered out. His company was part of the regiment commanded by Abraham LINCOLN, of which Philip CLARK was a member.

Henry Mann was of mixed blood, being part Indian and part negro, and physically was probably one of the strongest men in DeWitt County when he first came here; and indeed in his later years but few men could handle as heavy a load as he was able to lift. In the early days of this county during court week the lawyers and people from the country who attended court used to vie with each other in the evenings, in jumping long distances. Mr. Lincoln could beat any man till Henry Mann came upon the green one afternoon and left Mr. Lincoln so far behind that Uncle Henry was declared to be the champion.

In his younger days Henry Mann was an exhorter, first in the Methodist Church, and later in the Baptist Church, and it is said of him that he was a powerful exhorter. He had a thorough knowledge of the bible and could quote from any chapter in it. In his later years he would surprise people by his aptness in quotation. He was a man of fair education.

Uncle Henry was popular with everybody, and the old man will be much missed at the homes where he was always relied upon to help, especially during house cleaning season.

Mrs. Henry MANN 

January 25, 1895
Clinton Public

Seventy-nine years ago this month Nancy MANN was born in Baron County, Kentucky, and there she spent her girlhood days. She came to Illinois and lived in Springfield, where she was united in marriage to Henry MANN. She was the mother of sixteen children, of whom only three daughters survive. Mrs. Mann was the oldest colored woman in DeWitt County. The first years of her married life were spent in Springfield. Then she moved to Bloomington. In 1863 she came to Clinton, and here the remaining years of her life were spent. She was an energetic woman and had the faculty of accumulating property and holding on to it, so that for the last twenty years she was in independent circumstances, and at her death she left quite a bit of property to be divided among her children. Mrs. Mann was born on the 5th of January, 1816, and died at her home in this city last Sunday morning. The funeral services were held in the Baptist Church on Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. D. MacARTHUR, assisted by Rev. James TAYLOR, and was largely attended by both white and colored citizens. A number of Mrs. Mann's old friends came from Springfield and Bloomington to pay the last rites to her memory.

Lincoln MANN 

June 11, 1886
Clinton Public

SHOT HIMSELF INTO ETERNITY.
Lincoln Mann Ends His Life With a Revolver.

Everybody in and around Clinton knew Linc MANN. He was a colored boy who was born in this city in the fall of 1864. From his youth up he was cursed with an unfortunate appetite for strong drink, and even when he was a lad it was no uncommon thing to see him under its influence. As Linc grew older he grew worse. Occasionally the kindly remonstrances of those who wanted to befriend him would lead him into a better course for a time. Probably no one ever worked harder to effect a reformation in Linc than did Mr. Ellis I. DAY, but the boy's appetite was too strong for him long to yield to the influence of those who wanted to be his friend. Some months ago in one of his unfortunate drinking bouts, Linc took a dose of morphine which nearly proved fatal, and it is said that once or twice before he tried to end his life.

Last Tuesday night Linc determined to make his death certain. In the evening he called upon his grandmother, Mrs. Henry MANN, who had always been kind and affectionate to her wayward grandson, and bade her good-bye. About half past eight o'clock he went out into the back yard of his mother's house (Mrs. Alex JACKSON) and with a revolver fired a ball into his right temple. Probably his hand was unsteady, for the ball glanced upward and did not produce instantaneous death. He lived for about an hour afterward. On Wednesday morning the coroner held an inquest, which resulted in a verdict that the deceased had come to his death by his own hand. Linc was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs. Freeman MANSFIELD 

April 30, 1886
Clinton Public

Mrs. Martha MANSFIELD, wife of Freeman MANSFIELD, and daughter of Andrew RICHARDS, of DeLand, died on Saturday, April 24, 1886, at Weldon from puerperal fever. She was aged 30 years, 5 months and 14 days. Seven years ago she professed faith in Christ, and united with the M. P. Church. She had made the request years ago that "If Uncle Archie McCONKEY survived her, he should officiate at her funeral." So, on Sunday, at10 o'clock a.m., the venerable pioneer of the Gospel leaning on his canes, addressed a large and sympathetic audience at the M. E. Church, Weldon, after which her remains were laid to rest by the new-made grave of her child buried two weeks ago. Mrs. Mansfield left no children; only her husband surviving her, together with a large group of relatives and friends. We extend the condolences of the "Circle" to the husband and friends.

John MARIS 

August 19, 1887
Clinton Public

Death of a Former Landlord of the Magill House.

John MARIS, who for three years was landlord of the MAGILL House in this city, died at the home of his son-in-law, Ed. P. WEAVER, in Danville, last Sunday morning. His age was fifty-nine years, eight months and ten days, and he leaves a wife and one daughter, Mrs. WEAVER. Mr. Maris had been in poor health for six months, caused from what some believe to have been stomach trouble, while others thought it was because he could not get food to reach his stomach. It has been five months since he has been able to eat a meal of victuals, and has subsisted all that time on milk and beef tea. He had become very thin in flesh. Last Saturday while at the Tremont House in Danville he was taken with hemorrhage. He was taken home in a carriage, and from that time until death relieved him of his sufferings he had six additional hemorrhages. He was conscious and hopeful to the last. Mr. Maris moved to Danville about a year ago from LaFayette, Ind., to which city he went after he sold the Magill House. He was an old traveling man, having been on the road for eighteen years. It is not long ago that he was in Clinton and at that time he was complaining of poor health.

Mrs. Jacob MARKER 

January 9, 1914
Clinton Register

HEYWORTH WOMAN DEAD.

After retiring for the night, Mrs. Marian L. MARKER, of Heyworth, experienced a hemorrhage Tuesday evening, which caused her death at 10:15 o'clock. She had been in poor health all fall, but of late had improved somewhat. She was born in Pennsylvania June 4, 1837, and had made her home in Heyworth for many years. She was the widow of Jacob MARKER, who was a well known resident of Heyworth for many years. She was a member of the Methodist church and esteemed by all who knew her. Three children survive, Mrs. J. A. VANVALEY, who made her home with Mrs. Marker, and Mrs. J. P. SHELTON, also of Heyworth, and Prof. Geo. MARKER, of Kent, Ohio. One sister, Mrs. M. MARKER, also survives.

MARSH (child) 

September 23, 1887
Clinton Public

A child of J. T. MARSH, age one year, was buried on Sunday. Rev. J. Lemon, of DeLand, officiated at the funeral.

James MARSH 

March 20, 1891
Clinton Public

James MARSH was born in the month of February, 1849, and departed this life March 11, 1891. He was born and reared in DeWitt county until nine years ago, when he with his father moved to Franklin county, Kansas, where he met death. He was married to Jennie POWERS September 4, 1875. To them four children were born, of which three survive him. He was a member of Amon Lodge, No. 261, of DeWitt.

John MARSH 

January 29, 1892
Clinton Public

Away back in the early days of DeWitt County John MARSH came from Ohio and bought a farm in DeWitt Township when land was worth only about the present cost of conveying it when one has to pay for an abstract and then fee a lawyer to find out whether or not the title is good. Under his faithful attendance and hard work the farm became one of the best in the township. There he raised a large family, all of whom have prospered in life. About eighteen years ago his wife died and this made the old gentleman discontented and unhappy. Then he became interested in the new-fangled political parties of those days that were going to turn the world upside down and pay off all the farm mortgages, compel the railroads to haul freight for next to nothing, and make money so plenty that all a man would have to do would be to go out to a tree and shake down a shower of greenbacks as one would a lot of fruit. Uncle John became restless in Illinois, sold out his fine farm for less than one-half its value today, and off to Kansas he went. He did not find his haven of rest there, and often he expressed the wish that he was settled as he once was in DeWitt County and no power on earth would draw him away. But he was too proud to come home. His investments in Kansas were successful and Uncle John was prosperous. He married again and began life anew as it were. He was conscientious and honorable in his political beliefs as he was in a business transaction. He was the soul of loyalty to his friends, and a better neighbor never lived on the prairies of Illinois. Uncle John died in Kansas, and last week his body was brought home to DeWitt for burial beside the wife of his youth and the mother of his children.

Mrs. Susan MARSH 

April 6, 1883
The Clinton Register

Died, in Louisburg, Miami county, Kansas, on the 13th day of March, Mrs. Susan MARSH, wife of David MARSH, and mother of John MARSH, an old and respected citizen of this county, now in Kansas. She was also mother-in-law of John ANDREWS, an old citizen and a man who has been one of the leading men of Rutledge township ever since it was organized and a resident of this county over forty-three years. Mrs. Marsh was in her ninetieth year, was always healthy and continued active up to her last illness, visiting her friends in Kansas and making the trip alone and unassisted. Being a lady of excellent judgment and cheerful disposition, she was always welcome with her many friends whenever she made them a visit. Her loss will be deeply felt by her many friends, but as she had nearly reached her four score years and ten we could not expect to keep her long. —J. W. Nichols.

Mary MARSHALL 

January 9, 1899
Clinton Public

Miss Mary MARSHALL died at the home of her sister, Mrs. Adam WALLER, on Monday, January 9, 1899, at 10:00 a.m., aged 41 years, 3 months, 20 days. Funeral: M.E. Church January 11th. Burial: City Cemetery.

Frank MARTIN 

December 5, 1890
Clinton Public

Killed by the Cars in This City.

A few minutes after ten o'clock on Tuesday morning a fatal accident occurred at the Central station in this city, which resulted in the death of Frank MARTIN, a young man from Minonk who was a comparative stranger in this city. As the Champaign train was pulling into the station from the north end of the yard young Martin jumped on the platform of the last car before it reached the Springfield crossing. On the Springfield track, west of the station, there were standing a number of coal cars which came up close to the track on the main line. At the moment when the Champaign train was pulling south, the engine on the Springfield track backed up to couple the coal cars onto the train, and the jar drove the coal train against the Champaign train, catching the hind end of the passenger coach and striking Martin, who was standing on the step of the platform with his back to the coal train. Martin was badly bruised on the back between his shoulders, a gash was cut on his head, and his neck was broken. He lived but a few minutes though he was unconscious from the moment he was struck by the coal car. The Champaign coach was damaged on the side and two or three of the windows were broken. The passengers in the coach got a bad scare but were not injured.

Young Martin was picked up at once but he was beyond relief in this world. Coroner JONES was notified and an inquest was held. The jury censured the crew of the freight train for allowing the cars to stand so near the track of the main line.

Martin had no business on the train. He was loitering about the yard to pass away time, and when the Champaign train was moving down to the station he jumped on the step and held on to the railing by his hands, leaning backward.

Frank Martin lived in Minonk, where his father keeps a hardware store. He came down here to visit the family of Mr. RAMSEY, who recently moved to this city from Minonk. Frank was figuring on getting a job on the Central road. He was about twenty years old, and it is said that he was engaged to Mr. Ramsey's daughter, who was the attraction that brought him to Clinton. He was a young man of good address and was well educated. His body was sent to Minonk on the afternoon train. Mr. Ramsey accompanying it.

John Franklin MARTIN 

February 17, 1888
Clinton Public

It was with surprise and sorrow the people heard on last Saturday morning that Frank MARTIN was dead. The news was a surprise, for he had been sick but a few days, and no one dreamed that it would terminate in death. Frank Martin was not a man of robust constitution, and when typhoid-pneumonia took hold of him it made short work. He was a Virginian by birth, and was born on the 6th of September, 1830. At the time of his death he was in his fifty-eighth year. When he was ten years of age his parents moved from Virginia to Missouri, and in St. Louis, on the 5th of January, 1859, he was married to Mrs. Susan C. CAMPBELL, the daughter of Eld. HINDALL and the widow John CAMPBELL, of this city. Immediately after his marriage he moved to Clinton, and here was his home till his death. Frank Martin was engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years, and while he was industrious and careful in the management of his affairs he was not successful. His wife died September 18th, 1863, leaving one son. On the 11th of February, 1867, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie MITCHELL, daughter of Peyton MITCHELL, who carried on the merchant tailoring business here till along about 1874, when he moved away. The result of this union was seven children. For the past ten years Frank Martin was employed as clerk in Mr. John KILLOUGH’s hardware store. His salary was not more than sufficient to support his large family, therefore he was unable to lay up anything for the future. Frank was a kind and affectionate father and a good citizen.

Mrs. Martha MARTIN 

January 13, 1899
Clinton Public

Funeral of Mrs. Martha Martin.

The remains of Mrs. Martha MARTIN, of Decatur, were brought here last Monday and buried in Woodlawn cemetery. Rev. J. B. HORNEY conducted the burial service. Until a few years ago Mrs. Martin resided in Clinton, but has lately made her home with a daughter in Decatur. She leaves four children, Byron MARTIN, Terra Haute; Wm. MARTIN, of Mt. Pulaski; Mrs. John CLARK, of Newton; and Mrs. E. FREEMONT, of Decatur.

Mary M. MARTIN 

September 22, 1899
Clinton Register

Mary M. MARTIN, aged 9 months, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. MARTIN, three miles west of Clinton, died Wednesday. Funeral services today at 1 o'clock at the residence, conducted by Rev. D. MacArthur.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

Porter MARTIN 

September 30, 1892
Clinton Public

Porter MARTIN was a brave and gallant soldier during the war, but his end was not what his early life promised. He was a native of DeWitt County and was reared on a farm. When the war came Porter Martin was one among the first to respond to the call of his country, and one day early in 1861 he enlisted in this town in the first company raised, which afterward became the famous Co. E, Twentieth Illinois Infantry. On the march, on the skirmish line, or in the heat of battle Porter Martin was always a brave solider, never shirking duty and always to be found where the bullets flew the thickest. He was ready for fun or duty, according to the exigencies of the hour. It was almost as natural for a soldier to play cards as it was for him to eat his daily rations of sow belly and hardtack, and Porter became quite an expert. He would never play to win the money of his own comrades, but was always ready to accommodate the other boys with a game. During the three years or more he was in the army he sent home more than three thousand dollars to his uncle, John J. McGRAW, to keep for him. Had Porter used this judiciously in buying land after his discharge from the service, he might have been a different man in after life. He married and had four children, but he lived a shiftless life. His money vanished and his life was spent doing odd jobs and drinking. Poor Porter! His was a troublous life.

He was in Clinton on Wednesday of last week and drank too much whisky. That night, between nine and ten o'clock, he fell down a flight of stairs, and when he was picked up it was thought that he was dead. He was unconscious for a time, but finally rallied. He went home next morning to his distressed wife and children, and on Monday he was dead, the result of his fall down the stairs. What an ending to a life that might have been better.

A few of his old comrades that belonged to Co. E went to Lane and acted as pall bearers at the funeral.

Susan (CAMPBELL) MARTIN 

September 24, 1863
Clinton Public

DIED.—In this town on the 18th, Susan C., wife of John F. MARTIN, and daughter of Rev. William and Nancy HINDALL, in the 31st year of her age. Mrs. Martin was converted to the Christian religion in January 1843, in the 11th year of her age. "But," says her father, "like many of her youth at that age she evinced some want of uniformity in life. But in the year 1850 when her mind had more fully developed, she took higher grounds in the Christian faith, and sought, and obtained, a deeper work of grace and at times for hours seemed to be insensible to surrounding objects, such being the overwhelming sense of the Divine presence and grace."

During her last illness which terminated her short career, and which continued nearly four weeks, she was the subject of great sufferings. At the first stage of this visitation of Divine providence, she expressed herself as being firmly fixed on Christ the Rock of believers, but not in the enjoyment of so much comfort in believing as she desired. But during the last week of her sufferings she enjoyed the fullest manifestations of the power and presence of her Savior, and continued to praise Him with her latest rational breath, for redeeming grace and dying love.

Note: According to her husband's obituary, she was the daughter of John Campbell and the step-daughter of Rev. Hindall.

MARVEL, Eva (GAMBREL) 

August 18, 1899

A YOUNG MOTHER DIES
Mrs. Chas. Marvel to be Buried on Friday at 2 p.m.

A telephone message from Waynesville states that the wife of Chas. MARVEL died at her home, about three miles south of Waynesville, on Thursday of consumption, aged 26 years. Funeral services to be held at the late home of deceased on Friday at 2 p.m. Deceased was a twin daughter of W. GAMBREL, and dearly beloved by a large circle of friends. One son, six years old, and a bereaved husband survive her.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MARVEL, Eva (GAMBREL)

Friday, August 18, 1899
Clinton Register
Clinton, Illinois

Mrs. MARVEL, wife of C. W. MARVEL, one of the prominent young farmers of Barnett township, died yesterday of consumption; aged about 27 years. Funeral services will be held at the residence this afternoon.

MARVEL, Eva (GAMBREL)

Friday, August 25, 1899
Clinton Register
Clinton, Illinois

MRS. CHAS. W. MARVEL.

Mrs. Eva MARVEL was buried Friday at Waynesville, funeral services being conducted by Rev. J. E. Artz, of Carrollton, formerly of Waynesville. Deceased was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. GAMBREL, near Waynesville, and was born July 4, 1871. Sept. 3, 1890, she was married to Chas. W. MARVEL, who with one child, aged 7 years, survive her. She was a faithful christian and admired by all her friends. Previous to two years ago when consumption caused failing health, she had enjoyed good health. Hundreds of friends were grieved to know that such a woman should be taken from loved ones so early in life.

Submitted by Sheryl Byrd

MARVEL, Jane (ROBERTS) 

(See ROBERTS)

MARVEL, J. K. 

October 10, 1890

The death of Mr. J. K. MARVEL occurred at his home Saturday evening, October 4th. His death was caused by blood poison, which came from the effects of a rat bite. The funeral was held at the M. E. Church Tuesday, October 7th, at 10 o'clock a.m. Rev. H. C. ADAMS, a former pastor of this place, but now of Philo, conducted the services, after which the remains were interred in the Cumberland cemetery. Mr. Prettyman MARVEL, a brother, and Mrs. Mary ALBUN, a daughter of the deceased came from Kansas to attend the funeral. Three daughters and one son reside here. There is one son in Nebraska and one in California, who were unable to be here. The chosen pall bearers were John BAKER, George ROBB, Martin GOODRICH, John HAINES, Walker ATCHISON and J. P. STRANGE.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MARVEL, Sarah (BARR) 

June 19, 1908
Clinton Register

Mrs. Braxton MARVEL died Friday night at her home in Waynesville. Sarah E. BARR was the youngest child of Thomas and Elsie BARR and was born on what is known as the Charles Brittin farm, near Waynesville, October 22, 1850. She was married to Braxton Marvel March 18, 1869. Besides her husband she is survived by five children: Mrs. Elsie Dora EVANS, Waynesville; Mrs. Edna Pearl REINMILLER, Atlanta; Edith M., Ethel and Everett T., all of Waynesville; three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth SILVERS, Webster City, Iowa; Mrs. Rebecca GARRETT, Giltner, Nebraska; Mrs. Emeline MARVEL, Waynesville; and three brothers, Jackson BARR, Webster City, Iowa; William BARR, Manhattan, Kansas; and F. M. BARR, Atlanta. When a child Mrs. Marvel united with the Mount Zion church in 1861. About 1873 she transferred her membership to Tabor M. E. church, where she remained until the church was disbanded in 1904, when she became a member of the Waynesville M. E. church. Funeral services were held Sunday from the residence. Interment in Evergreen cemetery.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MARVEL, Wiley 

July 6, 1906
Clinton Register

PROMINENT FARMER GONE TO REST.
One of County's Best Known Men Dies suddenly at His Home in Waynesville— Funeral Held Yesterday.

In the early afternoon of his industrious life; before the fall of shadows noted the threshold of old age; in the midst of a circle of sons and grandchildren, who loved and honored him, the shock of death came to Wiley MARVEL, of Waynesville, July 2. Aside from thinness of flesh he had no serious premonitions of any malady. He was active in business and went about his regular duties until a few hours before his death. He was seized with paralysis of the organs of the throat which soon rendered voice or even swallowing impossible. Paralysis may attack any branch of nerves radiating from the brain centers, but scarcely these organs. He was left practically conscious and doubtless suffered much, but mercifully not long.

Mr. Marvel, belonging to one of the oldest families in Dewitt county and being related to several of the oldest families of Waynesville and vicinity was one of the widely known citizens of the county. In the spheres of farmer, stock raiser, trader and speculator, he was eminently successful, being one of the noble examples of a self-made man in every particular. He was born near Waynesville 67 years ago. When facilities for education were limited and his means were slender, he began the battle of life on the ground of his childhood, never leaving these scenes and only moving household goods twice during the time. Endowed with pluck, energy and good health he fought a most successful battle, dying amid the harvest of his efforts. Surrounded with abundance of the world's goods, his life is a splendid example of what duty, industry and courage brings to the man that practices them.

On August 25, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. WILLIAMS, who like him was born and reared near Waynesville, and who died a member of the Christian church at Waynesville, Sept. 10, 1894.

He was a most public-spirited man, feeling great zeal in all enterprises of the community. Denied the advantages of a good education, he was determined that his and his neighbors' children should have such advantages. He was very largely instrumental in the establishing of the Waynesville academy which has done so much for DeWitt and other counties in providing full courses of instruction. While a firm believer in religion he allowed his large charities and donations to speak more for his sincerity than membership in the church. His affiliations were with the Christian church people from the alter of which his remains were carried to their last rest.

Through the liberality and untiring work of Mr. Marvel and J. P. STRANGE in the work of soliciting, the erection of the Christian church was made possible. From out the portals of this church have gone two young men who have been signally successful in calling men and women to the folds of the church. Rev. S. E. FISHER, of Fisher, Ill., and Rev. J. A. BARNETT, of Pekin, Ill., whose very successful work at Hallsville last winter is well remembered. Thus his influence for good and the saving of souls, like the pebble cast in the ocean, will go on widening and deepening as long as time shall last. The church at Waynesville now has a pastor who will devote his entire time to the work, and the congregation is large and growing, made so largely by Mr. Marvel's aid.

Mr. Marvel was a man of most tenacious convictions. He loved a friend when one was so proven and felt keenly chagrined at any evidence of ingratitude. No neighbor could be more generous and hundreds will remember and miss the favors that sprang from his kindness of heart. He was jovial with his friends and at the same time intensely sincere in his convictions, never swerving an inch from what he thought was right. In politics he was a life-long Democrat and was ever ready with his counsels and aid for the advance of its principles.

Wiley Marvel was the son of Prettyman and Rebecca MARVEL, who settled in Waynesville in 1825 and passed away in early days. Of the original family there are left three sisters and two brothers, of these is Mrs. Nancy TEAL, who was the first white child born in DeWitt county; Mrs. Mary GAMBREL and Mrs. Rebecca LOHRS. The brothers, Geo. and Prettyman, live in Nebraska. Mrs. Marvel died in 1894. The sons and daughters living are Mrs. Ida M., wife of Dr. STARKEY; Mrs. Addie O. SWAN; and Otis C., all of Waynesville; Geo. B., attorney of Clinton; Dr. Luther M. MARVEL, Deland; Mrs. Cora H. BLACK, of Waynesville; Dr. W. J. MARVEL, Chicago; Chas. W., Waynesville; and Mrs. Verne B. STEVENS, Chicago.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church at Waynesville on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock in charge of the pastor, Rev. J. F. Smith, assisted by Rev. Roush of the Methodist church and Rev. Johnson, of the Presbyterian church. Most appropriately the pastor chose for his text, Luke 7:5, For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue, saying, "Death comes an unbidden guest to every board, and at his spectral bidding some loved one goes forth to his mysterious home.

Faith, hope and time may teach resignation unto hearts made desolate by his coming, but they can never fill the vacancy therein, when the one we loved is gone.

In his death the children have lost a kind father, the church a warm friend and the community one of the most public-spirited citizens."

The pall bearers were J. P. Strange, Sam Martin, Braxton Marvel, George Smith, William Booth, Geo. Trigg, E. L. Huffman, and J. F. Dix. Miss Edith Marvel presided at the organ and Misses Rose Milburn and Mary Smith and Messers. J. E. Bell and Mathew Cornell composed the quartet that furnished the music. A large concourse of those who knew and loved Mr. Marvel in life gathered to pay the last tribute on earth, many being unable to gain admission to the church. The interment was made at the Union cemetery west of Waynesville.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MARVEL, Wiley 

August 3, 1883

Died, on the morning of the 27th, Uncle Wiley MARVEL, aged 78 years. The deceased was an old resident of Barnett township, having lived here since 1852. He always lived an exemplary Christian life, having been the mainstay of the Mt. Tabor Church ever since it was built. The funeral sermon preached at Mt. Tabor Church by Rev. Ellis, on Saturday, at 11 o'clock a.m., after which his remains were taken to the Waynesville cemetery and interred there in the presence of many friends.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MARVEL, Wiley

August 3, 1883

Wiley MARVEL was born in Green county, Georgia, April 4, 1806, and died at his home in DeWitt county, Illinois, July 27, 1883. At the age of three years his parents emigrated to the (then) Territory of Indiana, and settled in what is now Gibson county. Here he grew to manhood, and at the age of fifteen years was converted to Christ, at Shiloh camp ground, on the old Patoka circuit. He readily made up his mind and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for sixty-two years was a faithful and trustworthy member. He served the church in an official capacity for more than fifty years as trustee, steward and leader. His voice all along these years was heard in the quarterly conference; his counsel was heeded and often sought. He was always ready to serve the church in whatever capacity he was called. He was not only always ready with his presence, counsel and money, dividing his living with the preacher, and giving liberally and cheerfully for building churches and parsonages, and the various benevolences of the church. He was not the man to turn away the suffering and needy at any time. Many a poor man has found a good friend in Bro. Marvel. He removed to DeWitt county, Ills., and settled on the present homestead in March, 1853. In January, 1881, he had a severe attack of lung fever, from which he never fully recovered. For nearly two weeks he has been suffering terribly, at times so intensely that persons would leave the room rather than witness his agonies. But the savior came to his rescue and sustained him to the end. He would not murmur nor complain, but bore it all with marked Christian patience and fortitude, giving glory to God and His holy name.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MASON, (Child) 

January 9, 1885

Mr. R. G. MASON’s three-year-old boy died last night of diphtheria. Mr. and Mrs. Mason came from Missouri to spend the holidays with “the old folks at home.” Their pleasure has been marred by this sad affliction.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MASON, John 

March 27, 1885
Death of John Mason.

For more than twenty-eight years, John MASON was a citizen of Clintonia township, having come to this county from Pennsylvania in the year 1857. In the early part of his life he worked as a farm hand, and out of the small pittance of fifty cents a day, which he earned, he saved about $1800, with which amount he determined to begin life for himself in the then thinly populated State of Illinois. Mr. Mason was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., in the year 1807. In 1844 he was married to Miss Mary J. SMITH, of Wheeling, Va., and in 1857 he came to DeWitt county and bought an eighty-acre farm from Elias HALL. With this as a beginning he labored hard and industriously till he had added another hundred acres to his original purchase. This farm is now one of the most valuable in the county. In addition to this farm, Mr. Mason bought two hundred and seventy acres near Hannibal, Missouri. But few farmers in DeWitt county have been more successful than was John Mason. He was the soul of honor in all of his business transactions and had a horror of the thought of being in debt. He bought nothing for which he could not pay the cash down. Eighteen years ago Mr. Mason united with the Presbyterian Church in this city, and his life was a recommendation of the religion he professed.

Last July Mr. Mason was afflicted with a disease of the eyes, and from that time till his death he failed rapidly. The doctor pronounced his disease to be septicemia. He had lived beyond the threescore and ten years allotted to man, being in his eighty-seventh year when he died. Mr. Mason had been growing weaker and weaker during the past few weeks, and last Sunday he died. He was not confined to his bed, and only two days before he died he was able to go about his farm.

He leaves a wife and two sons. Robert and Wilson MASON are engaged in business in Missouri. The funeral services were held at Mr. Mason’s late residence on Tuesday afternoon, which were conducted by the Rev. W. A. HUNTER, pastor of the Presbyterian Church. From earth to Heaven has gone an old resident, a true friend, a kind neighbor, a humble Christian, a faithful father and a loving husband.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MASON, Mary (JUDY) 

March 10, 1882

Mrs. Wilson MASON, daughter-in-law of Mr. John MASON, of Clintonia township, died at her home in Iroquois county on last Friday night. During the Christmas holidays Mrs. Mason came to Clinton and while here caught a cold. Hemorrhage of the lungs ensued, and she never had a well day afterward. She was married about three years ago to Wilson Mason.

From the Illinois Statewide Marriage Index:
MASON, WILSON S.   JUDY, MARY JANE   02/06/1879     IROQUOIS

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MATLOCK, Ella 

Thursday, December 19, 1929
Farmer City Journal

Mrs. Ella Matlock Dies At Her Home Tuesday

Death again called one of this communities pioneers and Mrs. Ella Matlock left her earthly home to take her place in the Great Beyond. She passed away at her home in LeRoy, which she had occupied only a short time having moved there from the Prairie Chapel neighborhood after her husband's death two months ago. Death came at 4:15 a. m. Tuesday and ended a life at 62 years, 7 moths and 16 days.

Mrs. Matlock was born near Swisher May 1, 1867. On August 30, 1883 she married George P Matlock with whom she lived happily in Prairie Chapel neighborhood until his death on October 7 this year. She has never well [sic] since his death.

She was a member of the Prairie Chapel church and was active in the life of the community. She will be missed greatly by her many friends in this vicinity. She leaves to mourn her loss one son and three daughters, Bert Matlock, Mrs. Ben Hendren of till [sic] vicinity and Mrs. Jessie Adreon of Aurora. She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. this afternoon from the LeRoy M.E. Church. Rev. Blumline of Argenta will have charge assisted by Rev. Mummaw of Prairie Chapel Church. Burial will take place in the Gilmore cemetery near LeRoy.

Submitted by Rich J Jolley

MATLOCK, George P. 

Thursday, October 10, 1929
Farmer City Journal

George P. Matlock Dies Suddenly Monday Morning

The community of Prairie Chapel was shocked Monday morning when it was learned that death had claimed one of its most respected farmers.

George P. Matlock was born, on the farm which has always been his home, June 18, 1865. He passed from this life into the Great Beyond about 8 o'clock Monday morning, October 7, 1929, having acquired the age of. 64 years, 2 months and, 20 days. His life ceased on the homestead where it began six miles west of Farmer City.

Mr. Matlock had been in poor health for several months but seemed to feel as well as usual Monday morning. He was out in the barn lot with two friends when he complained of' dizziness. He was helped to the house where he dropped dead. Death was caused by heart trouble.

He was married in 1883 to Mrs. Ella Walker who with one son and three daughters survive and mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and-farmer. The children are: Bert Matlock, Mrs. Ora Milton and Mrs. Ben

Henderson, all of near LeRoy; and Mrs. Jessie Adreon of Aurora. Fifteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter also survive. Mr. Matlock also leaves one brother and two sisters, William Matlock of Wichita, Kan., Mrs. James Martin of Lexington and Mrs. Levy Beck of Bloomington.

All of Mr. Matlock's life has been spent in Prairie Chapel community and he has been a part of it in its advancement.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. O. M. Gallion, assisted by the Rev, Ida M. Hottell, at the Prairie Chapel Church Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial took place in the Gilmore cemetery near LeRoy.

Submitted by Rich J Jolley

MATLOCK, James 

Friday, August 24,1900

OBITUARIES

Death Claims Some of the Former Residents of Lexington

James Matlock was born Sept. 4, 1859, in DeWitt county, six miles south of Leroy. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Matlock, and remained at home and worked on his father's farm until he was nineteen years of age: he then went to work on a farm for himself, but from childhood he was afflicted with rheumatism and it grew on him so in 1890 he gave up work and began traveling for his health and sought every relief procurable. He spent 1891 and '92 at Hot Springs, Ark., but failed to receive any benefit and in '94 went to Hunter Springs, Ind., and then spent the following winter in Chicago. Since that time he has been at the home of his sister, Mrs. James Martin, south of Lexington, until June 4, 1900, and there everything that loving hands could to allay his suffering was done, and he then went to the Osteopathic Institute at Kirksville, Mo., as a last relief. He was thought to be improving but a change came over him and he passed, away Wednesday, August 15. He was man of upright character and very industrious and honest in his dealings and his nature was one to attract and hold friendship.

He leaves besides an aged mother, three brothers and four sisters, a. father and two sisters having passed before.

The funeral was held at his old home South of Leroy last Friday and was conducted by Rev. Clark of the M. E. church. The remains were interred in the Rucker Chapel cemetery.

Submitted by Rich J Jolley

MATHEWS, Artist 

April 3, 1891

Green Valley—Our community is in deep mourning at this writing on account of the death of Artist W. MATHEWS, on Sunday evening, March 29, as friends and relatives were watching over the sick bed, and the south wind was singing a mournful requiem through the trees, and of our friend and loved one took his departure to the realms of light and joy. This being our regular preaching day at G. V. Church, as the congregation was singing the song,

   “I have dreamed sweet dreams of a better
home, of a better home than this,
   Where there is no sorrow and no strife,
where all is perfect peace.
   Singing with the angels, there, there,
over there,
   Singing with the angels in that sweet
home so fair,”

this being the song that he sang Saturday before he died, a messenger came announcing the death of our friend. The deceased was a member of the G. V. M. E. Church, of the Epworth League of Green Valley, also First Vice-President of the same. He was also a member of the Y. P. C. E. S. of Hallsville, assistant superintendent of our Sunday-school. Rev. ARTZ conducted the funeral service at the G. V. Church Tuesday morning, March 31st, at 10 o'clock, using for the subject of his discourse, John 13:7, “What I do thou knowest not now but thou shall know hereafter.” The singing was by the Epworth League of the G. V. and Y. P. C. E. S. of Hallsville.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MATHEWS, Henry 

June 29, 1888

Henry MATHEWS, aged seventy years, one of the old residents of Barnett township, died very suddenly last Tuesday morning, about one o'clock. On Monday he attended to the duties of his farm, and when he retired for the night he was in his usual good health. After being in bed a short time he complained of feeling cold, and his wife gave him some simple remedies and put more covering on the bed. Along after midnight he awoke his wife and told her he was going to die, and after talking with her a few minutes he suddenly ceased to breathe. Mrs. MATHEWS went to her nearest neighbors for assistance, but by the time they reached the house her husband was chilling in death. Mr. Mathews was a native of Champaign county, Ohio, and in 1856 he came to this county and bought a farm near Waynesville. A few years later he moved to Barnett township. By hard work and patient industry he became the owner of a large tract of land, part of which he divided among his three sons.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MATHEWS, Iva 

February 8, 1895

Charles H. MATHEWS' baby girl Iva, aged fourteen months and three days, died of pneumonia last Tuesday. The funeral service was conducted on Wednesday afternoon by Rev. D. MacARTHUR.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MATHEWS, Rebecca (DENISON) 

January 1, 1904
Clinton Register

A GOOD MOTHER CALLED.
She Had Been in Poor Health Several Years.
Funeral in the Methodist Church Saturday.

Mrs. Rebecca MATHEWS, wife of William MATHEWS, died at 1 o'clock yesterday at her home, corner of North Jackson avenue and East Webster street, aged 57 years, 10 months and 8 days. She had been in poor health several years, but was not confined to her bed until last September. About six weeks ago she was very low but began to improve and it was thought she would recover. Two weeks ago she began to grow worse again.

Rebecca DENISON was born in Perry county, O., Feb. 23, 1846. Her parents, Artist and Margaret DENSION, came to Illinois, settling in Barnett township, DeWitt county. She was married to William MATHEWS, January 18, 1871. Three children were born to them, two of whom, Mrs. Ed J. ARMSTRONG, of Barnett township, and Elmer, aged 16, with the husband are living. She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Hannah MATHEWS, Mrs. Ann WEITZHIMER, of this county; a half sister, Mrs. Mary BODGE, of Superior, Neb., and a brother, John DENISON, of Clinton; Mike DENISON, a half brother, in California.

The family lived in Barnett township until Sept. 1902, when they moved to Clinton. A new home was completed last fall, but on account of Mrs. Mathews illness, it was never occupied by the family, being sold to John BAKER.

Funeral services will be held in the Methodist church at 2 o'clock tomorrow, conducted by Rev. CANADY. Burial in West Woodlawn cemetery.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MATTHEWS, Alice (JONES) 

March 28, 1884

Mrs. Alice M. MATTHEWS, wife of Solomon D. MATTHEWS, Midland City, Ill., departed this life Friday, March 7, 1884. Mrs. M. was born July 19, 1854, being in her 31st year at the time of her death. She was a daughter of James S. and Nancy JONES, who for many years lived on the farm adjoining Midland City, where her mother yet resides. She was a sister of our esteemed postmaster, John M. JONES. She was married to Mr. S. D. Matthews Dec. 8, 1874, and resided in Sangamon county until about eighteen months ago, when they moved to our town. In 1868 she professed religion and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Since that time she has lived a Christian life and was a devoted member of the church at the time of her death. She leaves a husband and five small children to mourn her loss, the youngest child being but one day old. The family, with the mother, brothers and sisters of the deceased, has the sympathy of the entire community. The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Long at the C. P. Church. The sermon was delivered from the text, "Be ye also ready". The remains were buried at Old Union.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MAWHINNEY, Lillie (PHARES) 

September 8, 1893

Last Saturday at one o'clock the funeral of Lillie Maude McWHINNEY [sic], nee PHARES, took place at the M. E. Church. She was sick but two days and it was not thought she was so seriously ill. The funeral was very largely attended as the deceased was well known and liked. She was born November 10, 1870, and died September 1, 1893, aged twenty-two years, ten months, and eighteen days. She was married to Samuel McWHINNEY on September 24, 1891. During the previous winter she professed religion and united with the M. E. Church. She was a kind and affectionate wife and an earnest and consistent Christian. Thus the rude destroyer has broken into another home and taken away its joy and happiness.

Note: Her married name was MAWHINNEY, not McWHINNEY.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MAWHINNEY, Mrs. William 

January 13, 1899

Mrs. Wm. MAWHINNEY, an old and respected citizen of this county, died at her home in Long Point on Tuesday of cancer of the face which she has had for several years. Aged about 75 years. Interment at the Crum cemetery.

Note: Her husband's obituary is listed under MEWHINNEY.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MAXWELL, Mrs. Fred J. 

February 26, 1892

Death of Mrs. F. J. Maxwell

Death invaded the home of our old friend, Captain Fred. J. MAXWELL, in Bloomington, and took from him and his daughter Kathleen a beloved wife and mother. Death came with barely a moment’s warning, for on Wednesday evening Mrs. MAXWELL was stricken down with severe neuralgic pains, and before nine o'clock that night her life went out. Mrs. Maxwell and Mrs. Richard BUTLER were friends in their girlhood days, and all through life this friendship became closer and dearer. Mrs. Maxwell was one of God’s noblest women, for in every good work she could always find a call to duty. Away back in the beginning of the war she was united in marriage to Fred. Maxwell, who was then a captain in a New York cavalry regiment. Her first days of married life were devoted to work in the hospitals caring for the sick and wounded. And so it has been through all her life; she has been an angel of mercy to suffering ones. The bereaved husband and daughter will have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their affliction. Captain Maxwell is a prominent member of the order of Knights of Pythias, and till a few months ago was colonel of the Fourth Regiment.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MAXWELL, John 

January 9, 1891

Mr. John MAXWELL, an old citizen of this county, died at his son’s residence on Tuesday and was buried at Rock Creek on Wednesday. Mr. Maxwell was near his eighty-fifth year. He as J. P. for a good many years in Waynesville township and was known and respected by all who knew him. In September, 1838, he settled near Rock Creek, when DeWitt and McLean were one county.

Submitted by Judy Simpson

MAXWELL, John

January 16, 1891

One of the Early Pioneers

It is proper that the death of John MAXWELL should have more mention than the short notices in our papers about him. Next to Garrison WRIGHT he could tell more, and helped to make more, of the early history of McLean, Tazewell and DeWitt counties than any man now living within the three counties. Our acquaintance with him commenced in September, 1841, but we think he lived in McLean county at the time of the deep snow. Before DeWitt county was formed, in 1838, Macon county extended to the north line of township number twenty north, and McLean county extended south to the south line of township number twenty-one. The dividing line ran about a mile south of Waynesville through the village of Wapella, and on east, leaving Farmer City, then Mt. Pleasant, in McLean county. Waynesville, as we remember, is an older town than Bloomington, and there were many persons who had lived in three counties—Tazewell, McLean and DeWitt—and yet had not changed their residence. Chicago was once in Tazewell county, and history says that there were a few men in an early day who rode on horseback from Chicago to Mackinaw town, the county seat of Tazewell county, to procure their marriage license—a six days’ trip with the best of traveling, but if the streams were high it would occasionally take two, and even three, weeks. In fact, there is extant a few copies of Gazetteer that describes Chicago as “a small village on Lake Michigan in Pike county.”

DeWitt county as first made by the legislature in 1837-38, embraced all the territory enclosed by a line running as follows: Commencing on the range line between ranges one and two west, and on the line between Tazewell and McLean counties, four miles north of the south-west corner of McLean county, and running thence east on the section lines between twelve and thirteen for forty-two miles to the east line of township twenty-one north, range six east; thence south sixteen miles to the south-east corner of township number nineteen north, in range six east; (the county line crossed the Sangamon twice); thence west on the line between townships eighteen and nineteen thirty-six miles to the west line of township nineteen north, range one east of the 3d P. M.; thence north twelve miles to the south line of township twenty-one; thence west six miles to the west line of township twenty-one, in range one west; thence north on the west line of said township four miles to the place of beginning. This was a fair county in size, and embraced besides the towns now in the county, what are now the villages of Atlanta, Mansfield, White Heath, Centerville, Lodge and DeLand. It included almost half of Piatt county. The south line ran within less than two miles of Monticello, with Marion as the county seat, and it was not far from the geographical center of the county.

At the first election John HUGHES, John MAXWELL and James VANDEVENTER were elected county commissioners. Hughes lived south of the Sangamon river; Maxwell on the farm on which he died; and Vandeventer on his farm in the town of Rutledge. All the settlements were then in or near the timber. No one then expected to live to see the big prairies of Illinois settled and improved. In fact, not more than thirty years before that time travelers, supposed to be learned men, were seriously debating the subject whether anything could be raised on the Illinois prairies, and the weight of authority was in the negative. John Maxwell was one of the county commissioners for several years, serving in all, I think, three or four terms, and the old