DeWitt County Obituaries
Q - S


Names In Alpha Order

OBITUARY OF WILLOUGHBY H. RANDOLPH -- 1899

The following article appeared in the 24 November 1899 issue of the Clinton Register.

GONE TO HIS REWARD.  Another One of the DeWitt County Snow Birds Passes Away.-Lived a Useful Life.

Willoughby H. Randolph, a well known pioneer, died at his home in Kenney on Saturday Nov. 18.  There 
has passed from our midst one of the remnant of the sturdy "Snow Birds," who helped to redeem the 
fertile prairies of Illinois from the Indian
aboregines (sic).

He was born Aug. 1, 1820, in Lee county, Va., where he spent his childhood, receiving the rudiments 
of a common school education, and enjoying many happy hours at his birthplace, a peaceful bend on 
Powell's river, with the Cumberland mountains on the north bidding defiance to the blasts of winter.

In September 1830 his father and brothers, Brooks and James, moved to Illinois with their families, 
his father entering from the U. S. government the farm now owned by John H. Randolph in Tunbridge 
township and Aetna township, Logan county.  There young Willoughby lived until Sept. 11, 1845, when 
he was united in marriage to Louisa, daughter of James and Margaret Houchen Barr, who survives him.  
Of this union were born eight children, James M., Margaret M., who married J. T. Cooley and now 
deceased; Nancy Jane, died in infancy, Wm.  M., now at Spalding, Ill.; Mary E., now Mrs. R. B.
Forrest, ElReno, Ok.; Louisa, now Mrs. S. Myers, Logan county; Emma J., now Mrs. J. H. Hildreth, of 
Storm Lake, Ia., and Ida Love, died at the age of 17.  Early in 1845 he took from the government 40 
acres in section 13, Aetna township, Logan county, which he increased to 800; the home farm having 
never passed out of the family and now owned by the oldest son, James M. Randolph.  In 1892 he moved 
to Kenney.  He was the son of William and Matilda (Kenon) Randolph, son of Willoughby (Thomton) 
Randolph, of Norfolk county, Va.  Of the thirteen children of his parents only one is now living, John
H. Randolph, who left only a few days ago for Florida to spend the winter.

In 1835 at a Baptist meeting held at Old Newcastle, near Atlanta, deceased was converted, and during 
the long years up to his death, lived a perfect Christian life.  A plain, unassuming man, quiet and 
even tempered, with no known enemies, his life is one of the few whose influence remains with the living.

Politically he was always a Democrat, casting his first vote at Springfield in 1840 for Martin VanBuren.  
In his late years he delighted to instill in the minds of his descendants a pride of family descent 
from the Randolphs of Virginia, among the descendants of which family are among many other prominent men, 
Edmund Randolph, attorney general and secretary of state, under Washington; John Randolph, of Roanoke; 
Peyton Randolph, president First Continental congress, Chief justice John Marshall, Thomas Jefferson, 
president U. S., General Rob't E. Lee, Carter H. Harrison, sr. and jr., of Chicago.

Funeral services were held at the Christian church in Kenney on Tuesday, conducted by Rev.  MacArthur, 
of Clinton, for many years a friend of the deceased, dating from Rev.  MacArthur's ministry in the 
neighborhood.  The remains were interred in the Randolph cemetery, a burial ground beautifully favored 
by nature, situated in a forest of grand oaks, a few paces from his ancestral home.

OBITUARY OF MRS. POLLY RAZE- -- 1879

The following article appeared in the 3 January 1879 issue of The Clinton Public.

Death of Mrs. Nathan Razey.

Mrs. RAZEY, wife of Nathan RAZEY, died in this city Saturday morning, December 28, 1878, and  was buried in
Woodlawn Cemetery on the following day.    A large congregation gathered in the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. W.
W. FARIS officiating . . . .

Polly JONES, the oldest daughter of John JONES and Ada SMITH, his wife, as born in Steuben county, Mo., May 6,
1806.  She was the second of twelve children.  She was married to James ABBOTT, November 13, 1825.  With him
she removed in 1840, to Perry, Pike county, Illinois, where the family remained until his death.  Upon his death the
care of the family of seven children fell upon her.      How well her task was discharged may be inferred when we learn
that, save one who died in early infancy, all her eight children now grown to maturity, of whom six are yet living and
fill respectable stations in life.

From 1856 until November 7, 1867, [Mrs.] ABBOTT had her home in Wapella, in this county.  She then became the
wife of Mr. Nathan RAZEY.

She preferred he Universalist faith, and many years ago became a member of that church, and remained a member.

Some five years age Mrs. RAZEY as prostrated by illness, and became an invalid.   A few days since, the third attack
of her malady supervened, and she quietly passed away, at the rise age of 72 years.


OBITUARY OF DARDANELLES F. ROBBINS -- 1896

The following article appeared in the 25 December 1896 issue of The Clinton Public.

Death of an Old Resident.

Daniel ROBBINS, familiarly known as Judge RDBBINS, at one time postmaster of Clinton, emigrated from Campbell 
county, Kentucky, in 1835, and settled in Marion, now DeWitt.  His eldest son, Dardanelles Freland, was born on 
September 21, 1822, in Kentucky.  When he came to DeWitt county, he was 13 years old.  He helped to haul the logs to
build the first house in Marion the same fall they arrived here.  He bought  the property about 1851 and lived 
in the cabin. He sold it and bought  it again about 1860, and lived in it until six years ago, when
it was  torn down. Mr. ROBBINS owned the property and lived there 36 years,  until his death.

On April 13, 1841, D. F. ROBBINS and Elizabeth HUTCHISON were united  in marriage, each of them being 18 years 
old. There were nine children born unto them, all living and present at the funeral of their
father: C. L. ROBBINS, of Clinton; Mrs. Mary HARROLD and M. M. ROBBINS, of DeWitt; Mrs. Maud CASS, of Sutherland,
Iowa; Mrs. Lou REYNOLDS and Mrs. Emma BUSHELL, of Chicago; Mrs. Mattie LEFEBER, of Superior, Neb.;
Mrs. Della OINEAL and Mrs. Ella NAGELEY, of Chicago.  The deceased has three sisters living--Mrs.  Ann PHARES of 
Ludlow, Ill., and Mrs. Rebecca WISE of DeWitt were present; Mrs. Amanda Carry MESERBY, of Ft.  Dodge,
Ia., was unable to attend.  One brother, F. K. ROBBINS, of Wellington, Kan., was unable to come; Mrs. RAWLINGS, 
of Clinton, his stepmother, was also unable to attend.

In his early years he was a very active business man, trading and speculating in stocks and lands.  In the fall of 
1860 his health failed. He was an invalid.  About ten years ago he fell on a piece of ice and broke his leg and hip.  
Ever since that time his limb had been short and he walked on crutches.  As he was troubled with serious heart fail-
ure his sudden death was not unexpected.  Sunday before his death he was out in the yard on his crutches and talked 
about business.  On Monday morning, December 14th, about 5 o'clock, Mrs. ROBBINS got up, fixed the fire and thought 
he had lain long enough.  She called him.  No answer.  She shook him.  No answer.  She turned him on his back, and still
no answer.  She took him up in her arms, as she often did before.  In despair, she found he was dead.  Her screams 
brought assistance.  She called Dr. BISHOP.  The doctor thought he had been dead about an hour.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev.  Mr. FORBIS, of Lincoln, Ill., in the Cumberland Presbyterian church at DeWitt. 
Interment in DeWitt cemetery.  Deceased helped to dig the first grave in that cemetery.  At his death he was 74 years, 
2 months and 23 days of age.  He leaves a loving wife, nine children and many friends to mourn his death.


OBITUARY OF WALTER ROBEN -- 1901

The article below appeared in the 7 June 1901 issue of The Clinton Register.

ANOTHER PIONEER CALLED.  Death of One of Creek Township's Oldest Citizens.  Was the Friend of 
Abraham Lincoln and Richard J. Oglesby and Other Noted Men.

. . .Walter Roben, of Creek township . . . passed . . . at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning.  He was 
born at South Rygate, Caladonia county, Vermont, a little over 82 years ago, on Sept. 26th, 
1818, where he grew up, secured a common school education and feeling the desire with thousands
of others to come out to the great Virgin West, emigrated to Macon county in the latter part of
the thirties.  At Decatur, then a small place, he met and married Miss Elizabeth H. Smallwood,
whom he survived several years.  To this union two daughters were born, Mrs. Mary Conn, of 
Riverdale, Kan., who is the widowed head of a grown up family; and Mrs. G. B. Armstrong, with 
whom and her husband he has lived and ended his days on the old Creek township farm two and a 
half miles west of Lane.  He came to this farm when the sweeping prairies with scarce an object
to restrict the view spread out on the one side, and the unkempt thickets and forests of Salt 
creek stretched away fenceless in the other direction.  He loved his scarce neighbors and
reveled in lofty communion with wild nature.  He was a student and taught school for a number 
of terms, holding the second school ever taught in Creek township.  He was a great reader of 
religious and phifosophic works; and was liberal in his religious views having made quite a 
study of Thomas Paine's works, and leaned very strongly to the Universalist faith.  He was in
constant demand for a number of years holding township offices until a younger generation 
relieved him of these charges and gave him what he always seemed to covet--a private life
among his books at his country home . . . .

. . In his early life he knew Lincoln well, having been thrown in his company both in Macon and
DeWitt counties. A life-long friendship existed between him and Ex-Gov. Oglesby.  Except asthma
which attacked him late in life he was favored with health and strength until quite recently 
when he became affected with vertigo and was accustomed to fall with these dizzy spells when he
was at work, which he reluctantly ceased.  A fall Tuesday caused the fracture of his hip, which
produced a shock too great for his enfeebled frame and in a few hours the faithful life slightly
hurried, went out to meet the sunlight on the banks where stand the beautiful green trees.

Rev. T. A. Canady of this city, preached the funeral at the old home today, and a large 
procession accompanied the remains to the pretty shades of old Rose cemetery at Lane.

The pallbearers were C. Hoff, I. C. Thurber, C. E. Moody, W. R. Doak, James Roberts, Carl 
Spainhour.

OBITUARY OF REUBEN SACKETT -- 1904

The following article appeared in the 19 February 1904 issue of The Clinton Register.

GONE TO HIS REWARD.  Another of Clinton’s Oldest Citizens Is at Rest an the Other Shore
--Sick Several Weeks.

Another of the aged pilgrims of the highway that leads from life to death has fallen by the 
wayside.  After a journey of nearly four scare years Reuben SACKETT heard the silent voice 
and his soul was at rest. He was sick last fall and had been confined to his home most of the 
time since, and for some time it was realized there was little hope for his recovery.  The end 
came about 10 o'clock Saturday, his family being at his bedside.

Reuben SACKETT was barn in Butler county, Oh., Nov. 29, 1825,.  In 1828 his parents came to 
Illinois and lived near Springfield for five years when they moved to Dixon where they lived 
until 1847.  In 1849 Mr. SACKETT then 24 years old, went to California to hunt gold.  In 1853 
he returned to Illinois and lived at Galena a few years.  While there he was married to Miss 
Elizabeth RENNICK, Nov. 19, 1857, who survives him. They lived on a farm near Galena about 
three years before coming to Clinton in 1861, which had since been their home.  Of the nine 
children born to them three are living.  They are Mrs. FREDERICKSON, of Champaign; Mrs. E. L. 
DAY and Mrs. W. A. GOLZE, of Clinton.  His life in Clinton until a few years ago, when he sold 
his interest in the furniture business, was one of activity.  First in the blacksmith business 
which he sold George AUGHINBAUGH, then a partner with Henry RENNICK in a grocery.  He next 
engaged in the furniture business with F. H. BOGAR.  John CARROLL succeeded Mr. BOGAR and 
A. L. LEMEN succeeded Mr. CARROLL, who died a few years ago.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. church on Monday, conducted by Rev.  CANADY, assisted 
by Rev. Jas. SHAW, of Bloomington . . . .   Burial in Woodlawn.

OBITUARY OF KENNETH SCHOBY -- 1901

The following article appeared in the 22 November 1901 issue of The Clinton Register.

CALLED TO FINAL REST. One of Texas Township's Best Citizens Dies from Cancer After Several 
Months Affliction.

Kenneth Schoby . . . died at his home in Texas township Thursday evening, Nov. 14, aged 68 
years, 2 months and 27 days.  In March 1900, a cancer developed on his lip which was 
successfully removed by Mrs. Cain.  Last spring another cancer developed on the lower part of
the left side of his face.  It was so near the jugular vein it was thought best to not try to 
remove it.  Since then he gradually became worse, and it was known for several weeks that 
death would soon result.

Kenneth Schoby was born in Clark county, O., Aug. 17, 1833. Feb. 5, 1852, he was married to 
Maria M. Bowyer who survives him.  To them eight children were born, two of whom died in 
infancy.  Those living are Mrs. M. G. Cadwallader, of Kenney; Edward, Frank and Mrs. Uriah
James, Rowell; Jackson, of Eagle Grove, Ia.; and John, of Kenney.

In 1856 the family came to Illinois, settling in Mason county, where they lived until 1870,
when they moved to Texas township, this county, which had since been the home.  He was the 
youngest of a family of ten children and the last to die.  He had been married nearly fifty
years; the fifth of next February would have been the golden anniversary of his marriage.  In
1861 he united with the Christian church in Mason City

Funeral services were held in the Texas church Saturday at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. E. A.
Gilliland.  Interment in Texas cemetery.


OBITUARY OF GEORGE SCOTT --  1889

The following OBITUARY APPEARED IN THE 12 July 1889 issue of The Clinton Public.

Death of a Former Resident of DeWitt County.

On last Friday THE PUBLIC briefly referred to the death of George Scott, who
was formerly a resident of Creek township but of late years was a citizen of Norfolk,
Virginia.  On the 23d of May last Mr. Scott left his family and home for a trip to Europe.
He was then in the best of health and looked forward to an enjoyable trip.  On the
arrival of the steamer at Queenstown Mr. Scott was prostrated by sickness, but he
managed to hold out till he reached Dublin, where he was taken to a hospital for
treatment.  Seven years ago last [February] Mr. Scott was badly injured by the cars at
Lane station, and his sickness at Queenstown developed trouble from his old wounds,
and on the 15th of June the surgeons in the hospital performed an operation that gave
him some relief.  His sickness destroyed all desire to continue his journey, and on the
29th of June he went to Liverpool to return home, and there he died.  The American
consul at Liverpool sent a cablegram to Mr. Scott's family at Norfolk announcing the
death.  No further particulars were received at that time.  The family sent an order for
the return of his remains to Norfolk.  It was a sad death; far from home and family.

Mr. Scott was born in Newark, New Jersey, on the 27th of March, 1839, which
made him fifty years and three months old at the time of his death.  The first nine years
of his life was spent in and around New York city, when his parents moved to
Cincinnati, where Mr. Scott learned the trade of stove molding.  When he was about
seventeen years old his parents moved to Morgan county, in this State, where be worked
on a farm till the breaking out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in an infantry regiment.
At the battle of Shiloh he was severely wounded, and after serving fifteen months in the
army he was discharged with a record of total disability on account of wounds.
Returning to Morgan county he again resumed work on the farm, and on the 2 th of July,
1863, he was married to Phebe Jane Taylor.  Nine children were the result of this union,
four sons and five daughters.  In October, 1868, he moved his family to DeWitt county
and bought the George Smallwood farm in Creek township, of which he was the owner
for fourteen years.

George Scott was a careful, prudent farmer, and every year he added a little to
his stock of wealth.  Although Mr. Scott was a radical Republican and lived in a
stronghold of Democracy the sensible men of Creek township admired his worth as a
citizen and for several years he held local office, and one year filled the office of
supervisor of that township.  In 1882 he sold his farm and moved to Norfolk, Virginia,
where he engaged in the dairy business, and later in the hardware business with his son-
in-law, in all of which he was very successful.  He made large profits in several real
estate transactions, arid just at the time when lie was getting ready to live and take life
easy tattoo sounded and his light went out.  He leaves his family comfortably provided
for.  He was a member of the G. A. R. Post and of the Masonic fraternity in Norfolk.


OBITUARY OF GEORGE D. SMALLWOOD -- 1886

The following obituary appeared in the 16 April 1886 issue of The Clinton Public.

Death of a Veteran of the Black Hawk War.

George D. Smallwood, one of the early settlers of DeWitt county, died at his home near this 
city yesterday morning, aged seventy-six years.  For several months Mr. Smallwood had been an 
invalid and confined to his home.

George D. Smallwood was among the pioneer settlers of this county.  He was born in Ross county, 
Ohio, on the 31st of March, 1810.  His parents were natives of Virginia, and their ancestors 
were of Irish extraction.  The Smallwood family came to Illinois in 1825 and settled near 
Decatur.  There were fifteen children in the famil7y, George D. being the second oldest.  In 
1830 George D. Smallwood settled on Salt Creek, in this county, and built a cabin, near which, 
four years later, his father built a mill which has since been known as Smallwood's mill.  
George D. had a fair common school education, and studied civil engineering, which business he 
gave considerable attention to in the early days.  In 1839 he was nominated by the Whigs as a 
candidate for county surveyor, but was defeated by Alexander A. Barnett.  This was the only
time he was ever before any convention as a candidate for office.

During the winter of 1831-32 the Black Hawk War broke out, and on the 16th of April Governor 
Reynolds issued a call for troops.  Among the number who responded from this county was George 
D. Smallwood.  Among his comrades in the same company were Walter Bowles, George Coppenbarger, 
Asher Simpson, Elisha Butler, John Henderson, James Ennis, John Clifton, John Williams, C. 
Cooper, Samuel Troxel, Thomas Davenport, William Adams, William Hooper, Joseph Clifton, and 
J. G. Wright. They served an the Rock River, and were in Major Stillman's command.  The DeWitt 
county men served the full term for which they were enlisted and were then mustered out.

In March, 1839, Mr. Smallwood was married to Mary Ann Brown, daughter of Henry Brown, who was 
one of the early settlers of Texas township.  By this union there was one child, who died in 
infancy.  His wife died in 1867, since which time he has made his home with relatives.  For 
about fifteen years he was engaged in milling, but the greater part of his life was spent 
upon a farm . . . .


OBITUARY OF M. B. SPICER - 1903

The following article appeared in the 1 May 1903 issue of The Clinton Register.

ANOTHER GOOD CITIZEN DEAD.

One of Tunbridge Township's Most Honored Men Crosses the River of Death-Burial in Woodlawn
The first of last week M. B. Spicer was stricken with paralysis at his home two and a half
miles east of Kenney.  From that time there was little hope that he would recover.  He slowly 
grew worse and the end came at 8:30 Sunday night, surrounded by his family and near friends, 
having been unconscious two days.  He was 82 years, 9 months and 14 days old.

Minos Baker Spicer was born July 12,1820, in Clark county, Ind., to where his parents moved 
from Delaware.  They moved from Indiana to Logan county, Ill., in 1833, settling two miles 
southeast of Springfield.  Feb. 13, 1851, he was married to Miss Mary Jane Miller, who with 
one daughter, Mrs. W. A. Mills, of Chicago, and three sons, John, Joseph and Benjamin, living 
in Tunbridge township, survive him.  In 1854 the fancily came to DeWitt county and lived near 
Kenney until 1874, when Mr. Spicer moved to Clinton where he lived about twelve years before 
returning to his farm east of Kenney.

Mr. Spicer was one of the few men who had no enemies.  No one was heard to say aught against
 "Uncle Bake" as he was familiarly known.  He was one of those even-tempered, good natured men 
who make everyone feel at home when in their company.  His home was always open to his friends, 
and they were ever glad to enjoy his good nature and hospitality.  There are few men so 
generally admired.

By industry, economy and good management he years ago became well-to-do and the declining years 
of his life were spent in peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of the success of his early life.  
He owned about 800 acres of land in Tunbridge township, and his estate is worth about $75,000.  
He had been an honored member of the Masonic order many years, his membership being with DeWitt 
lodge No. 84 until Henderson lodge was organized in Kenney, when he became a member of that lodge.  
Politically he was always a Democrat, and while always much interested in his party's success, 
never cared for official honor.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday at 10 o'clock, conducted by Rev.  E. A. Gilliland.
Henderson lodge had charge of the remains and conducting the rites of the order at the grave.  
Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery near Clinton. 


OBITUARY OF JOSEPH SPRAGUE -- 1889

The following article appeared in the 24 May 1889 issue of The Clinton Public.

Joseph Sprague, a resident of Barnett township for thirty-four years, died last Sunday, 
having suffered years of pain and affliction from a cancer near the right eye.  Eleven
months ago he went to Chicago for treatment and the surgeon found it necessary to remove 
his right eye .... Mr. Sprague was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, in the year 1820, and at his 
death he was sixty-nine years of age.  He was married in the year 1844, and was the father 
of ten children, six of whom, with his wife, survive him.  He came to Illinois in 1855 and 
settled in Barnett township ....

OBITUARY OF CHARLOTTE STAMATS -- 1892

The following article appeared in the 8 January 1892 issue of The Clinton Public.

THE HOME OF SORROW.

Mrs. Charlotte STAMATS, wife of Hiram L. STAMATS, died at her home in this city on Wednesday 
afternoon, after years of suffering from paralysis.  She was born in Hartford, Ohio, on the 
17th of February, 1827, and twenty-three years later she was married at her father's homestead
in Hartford to Mr. Hiram L. STAMATS.  Two boys and an aged husband are how left to mourn for 
the friend of all friends--the wife and mother.  In 1856 the family came to Illinois and 
settled in Texas, Township, four miles south of Clinton. A few years later Mr. STAMATS bought
a farm in Creek Township, and there they lived for twenty-six years, when they gave up the 
hard work of the farm and ten years ago came to Clinton to enjoy the rest and comfort that a 
life on the farm had made possible.  Nine years ago Mrs. STAMATS had a stroke of paralysis, 
which was followed by others, but six years ago the fatal one came and from that she never 
fully recovered   . . . .  An invalid son was the greatest care of Mrs. STAMATS' life . . . .
This afternoon the Rev.  W. A. HUNTER will conduct the funeral services in the Presbyterian
Church, after which her body will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.  Had she lived till next 
February Mrs. STAMATS would have been sixty-five years of age.

OBITUARY OF SAMUEL STEWART --  1899

The following article appeared in the 1 September 1899 issue of the Clinton Register.

ANSWERED LAST ROLL CALL.  An Old Soldier and Old Resident of DeWitt
County Taken Suddenly From Home and Family.

Samuel Stewart died suddenly Saturday night about 9 o'clock at his home on East
Washington street, aged 65 years.  He had been having chills several days, but his
condition had not been alarming until a short time before his death.

Deceased was born near Bellfontaine, OH., May 8, 1834 where he lived until 1855 when
he came to this county on horseback, where he remained near Kenney until 1861, when
he enlisted in company C, 41st Ill.  Reg., and served three years in the service of his
country.  In 1864 he returned to this county and was married to Miss Margaret Henry. 
Seven children were born to them, all of whom with their mother survive him.  They are
Mrs. Mary Harp, Frank, Clara, Rebecca, Jose, Jennie and Cora.  They all lived with their
parents, except Mrs. Harp, whose home is Waddy, Ky.  Deceased lived near Kenney until
about fifteen years ago, when he moved to Kenney, and to Clinton about eight years ago
which had since been his home.  In 1880 he united with the Christian church at Old
Union and had since lived a faithful Christian.  He was a member of the G.A.R. Post of
this city, and about fifty of his comrades, also the W.R.C., attended the funeral.

Funeral services were held in the Christian church Tuesday at 2 o'clock, conducted by
Rev.  Geo.  F. Hall, of Decatur, who preached an able sermon, one that gave food for
thought.  There was an abundance of floral offerings, among them being the following:
Harp, from the ladies employed in the Steam laundry where two daughters of the
deceased are employed; anchor, proprietors of Steam laundry and Ben Harris, an
employee; city employees, star and crescent, deceased having worked regularly for the
city; C. E. , of Christian church, lyre; G.A.R., wreath; fancily of deceased, red roses; pink
carnations, Mrs. Henry Blome; Jessie Brown, pink and white carnations; Main Line lodge
fireman of Illinois Central, bouquet, the son being a member of that lodge.  The pall
bearers were G. W. Parker, F. M. Phares, Jack Adams, Reuben Poff, Ham Hunt and Matt
Cline, who were members of the same company as deceased.  A very large number
attended the services, both rooms of the church being filled.  Interment was in
Woodlawn.

Obituary - S. W. Summers Died Suddenly

Comparatively few of our citizens knew that S. W. Summers had been ill when they
received word of his sudden death on Friday.  He passed away at his home to the west of
the city park about 5:00 o'clock that evening after two days' illness.  Death was due to
heart trouble.

Funeral services were hold Sunday at 2:30 P. m-9 at the Church of Christ of which
society he was a member for many years.  The pastor, Rev. G. J. Wright, was in charges
interment being in the family lot in Evergreen cemetery.
                
Mr. Summers was 81 years of age at last birthday, having been born in Gibson county,
Ill., on October 180 1850.  He had been a resident of Wright county for nearly 50 years,
having moved here from DeWitt county, Ill in 1882.  He farmed for two years, after
which he moved to Clarion and worked for several years in the lumber yard of J.
Fairbanks.  During the administration of President Cleveland Mr. Summers was honored
by the appointment of postmaster at Clarion, a position which he held until 1908.  When
the Farmers' Elevator Co. was organized Mr. Summers was chosen manager.  He had
lived a retired life for the past several years.
Mr. Summers was married to Rosa Hall in 1876.  To this union were born two daughters,
Mrs. Mertie Bell and Mrs. Dell Smith, both residents of this locality.  Mrs. Summers
preceded her husband in death a few years ago.
Mr. Summers possessed a strong character and a genial personality.  He was a kind
husband and an indulgent father.
                                     from a Clarion, Wright County,
                                     Iowa, newspaper



Obituary - Mrs. Samuel W. Summers

After fourteen months of patient suffering Mrs. S. W. Summers answered the summons
of death and went to be with her Redeemer on March 9, 1925, being at the time of her
death aged 70 years, 1 month and 16 days.

Rosa Hall was the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Hall and was born January 21,
1855, at Hallsville, Ill.  She was united in marriage to Samuel W. Summers June 1, 1876. 
To this union were born two daughters
Dave Bell and Mrs. Earl Smith of Clarion.  These with the husband three brothers and
one sister, remain to mourn her loss.

While yet a girl she confessed her faith in Christ and became a member of the Church of
Christ.  When the church was organized at Clarion Mrs.
Summers became a charter member and gave of her best thought and prayers for its
progress.  Mr. and Mrs. Summers came to make their home in and near Clarion some
forty-three years ago and few people have formed more friends.
         
Funeral services were held at the Church of Christ Thursday afternoon, conducted by
Rev.  T. T. Holton of Bloomfield, Ill., assisted by her pastor Rev.  H. L. Lewis.  In
performing this last service Rev.  Holton re-called the fact that he took the confession of
Mrs. Summers when a girl and later officiated at her marriage to Mr. Summers. 
Interment was in Evergreen cemetery.

                                                          from a Clarion, Wright County,
                                                          Iowa, newspaper

OBITUARY OF RICHARD W. SWEENEY -- 1893

The following obituary appeared in the 15 September 1893 issue of The Clinton Register.

QUIT THE SHORES OF TIME.  Richard W. Sweeney "Wraps the Drapery of His Couch Around Him and 
Lies Down to Pleasant Dreams."

At his pleasant home two miles southwest of Clinton Saturday night about 11 o'clock Richard 
W. SWEENEY, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, passed from life surrounded by his family 
. . . .  He lived 64 years, 4 months and 6 days . . . .

Funeral services were held at the late residence at 3:30 o'clock Monday, conducted by Rev.  
L. B. PICKERILL assisted by Rev.  W. A. HUNTER. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery . . . .

Richard W. SWEENEY was born in Maine May 3, 1829, his parents dying when he was very young.  
His earlier life was spent in Massachusetts. In the spring of 1863 he went to Canada where 
he remained awhile.  Up to 1865 he was employed on railroad lines in United States and Canada,
among them the Illinois Central.  In 1865 he located in this county and since followed farming.
He first came to DeWitt county in 1853 and entered 220 acres of land in Creek township which he 
solid and bought 80 acres where he passed the remainder of his life.  To this land he 
subsequently added 120 acres joining.  November 9, 1855 he was married to Miss Sarah C. MILLS, 
who survives him.  One son and three daughters were born to them.  The former, Augustus, died 
Jan. 3, 1883; the daughters, Mrs. E. M. KELLY, of this city, Mrs. Laura GAMBREL, widow of the 
late W. P. GAMBREL, and Miss Katie are living . . . .

OBITUARY OF ISAAC SWISHER - 1890

The following obituary appeared in the 27 June 1890 issue of The Clinton Public.

Death of an Old Citizen.

Isaac Swisher, one of the early pioneers of Harp township, died last Monday,
and on Tuesday his remains were interred in DeWitt Cemetery.  He was born in Clark
county, Ohio, on the 31st of January, 1812, and was in his seventy-ninth year.  In 1834
he was married to Miss Kitty Foley, and in the same year he left Ohio and came to
Vermilion county, Illinois, where he lived about one year.  In the fall of 1835 he moved
to
Old Town, McLean county, and in 1836 he located a farm in Harp township, on which
he spent the remainder of his days.  He was the father of eight children, four sons and
four daughters.  One of his daughters is Mrs. J. W. Richards, who lives near Weldon;
another is Mrs. Austin Wightman, living near Old Town timber; a third daughter is the
wife of C. W. McCord, who lives at Storm Lake, Iowa.  The two sons, C. F. and J. W.,
are living in Harp township.

When Isaac Swisher and his family came to this county, fifty-four years ago, they
had to endure all the hardships of pioneer life.  He brought thirty sheep with him from
Vermilion county, which were so tempting to the wolves that within a short time the last
of the [stock] disappeared.  During the sudden freeze in the winter of 1836 the chickens
in trying to escape the storm froze fast in their tracks.  Food was scarce and they could
not obtain an ear of corn out of which to make meal.  They had a little buckwheat and
this they ground in a coffee mill, the distance to a mill being too great in the severe
weather from which they were suffering.  For a long time they were accustomed to pound
the grain in a hollowed log, out of which they made their bread.  The old man lived to
see DeWitt county the garden spot of the State, and for at least a quarter of a century he
enjoyed all of the comforts to be obtained from a well-tilled farm.  Those old pioneers
could teach the later generations a lesson in patience and thrift.
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